A GENERALL HISTORIE OF THE NETHERLANDS: With the genealogie and memorable acts of the Earls of Holland, Zeeland, and west-Friseland, from Thierry of Aquitaine the first Earle, successiuely vnto Philip the third King of Spaine: Continued vnto this present yeare of our Lord 1608, out of the best authors that haue written of that subiect: By ED. GRIMESTON.
LONDON, Printed by A. Islip, and G. Eld. Anno Dom. 1608.
TO THE RIGHT NOBLE, AND MOST WORTHY OF ALL HONOVRS, AND ALL TITLES,
ROBERT Earle of Salisburie, Lord High Treasurer of England, &c. THOMAS Earle of Suffolke, Lord Chamberlaine to his Maiest [...]e.
MY most Honoured Lords, The same forme of Inscription wherewith once, and first, I haue sacred your Altars, I make it a Religion now to alter, since there is nothing required in an Act of Pietie, aboue Constancie; and with that studie I come now, to offer my second deuotions. Your Honours indulgent acceptance of my trauels, in the French Storie, hath lent prosperous windes to this my course in that of the Netherlands; wherein I haue chiefely followed Iohn Francis Petit, an Authour yet liuing, and residing in our London. What I haue added out of others (who respect the same Center) for the more perfection, let it be your LL. prerogatiue, and theirs, that are experienced to pronounce: I, that know, too much boasting a mans owne paynes, may spend prodigally, both of his merit and modestie, am willingly silent. The reason of my vndertaking this worke, is the same with the former, for that of Fraunce, want of being imployed in more fruitfull seruices: In which I would [Page] rather it should bee vnderstood my Fortunes fault, than mine, where the world must see, how contented I am to labour in the hard and rough quarries. But your Honours, when you please, may redeeme mee, not to a course of more ease (I affect it not) but of more vse. To which, since I haue vowed my selfe your LL. already, I will not now iterate the vow, as if I thought not my selfe then beleeued; but with honest perseuerance of my dutie, expect your fauour. And for your Honours, since nothing can be added to things perfect, and at their height, my next wish is, That Heauen will ratifie them, and make what he hath giuen to you, most particular and lasting.
Iohn Francis Petit to the courteous Reader.
POlibius a Greeke writer (courteous reader) saith, that such as thinke a priuat historie sufficient for the knowledge of the generall, doe no lesse (in his opinion) erre from the truth, than he which seeing the members of a goodly creature diuided, doth thereby iudge of his perfection: but if you take these distinct and diuided parts, and make it a perfect creature, giuing it life and forme, and then shew it him againe, without doubt he will confesse his own errour, and say he was like vnto them that dream. True it is, we may haue an apprehension of the whole by the parts, but it is impossible to haue any certein knowledge. For my part, I do herein concurre with Polibius: and say moreouer, that he which thinkes to vnderstand perfectly the moderne storie of any countrie or state, without knowledge of the auncient, drawne from the spring, manners, and gestes of their auncestors, whose actions he pretends to write, is like vnto him, that saies hee knowes a man, for that he hath seene him, or heard him speake, and yet cannot say of whence he is, what his parents were, nor from whence he is descended: euen so, whosoeuer reads the historie of any nation, without knowledge of their beginning, can neuer be fully satisfied, seeing he hath not laid a true foundation vpon antiquitie; for by the comparison and resemblance of auncient deeds with the moderne, and conferring one with another, it is impossible but they should find out the truth, and reap a singular content and profit by the historie. So it fals out with me, who, for my owne delight, and to auoid idlenesse, hauing (in the heat of our warres, and other domesticke imployments) vndertaken to write the historie of these prouinces, I did thinke I could not be well satisfied with the knowledge of la [...]e accidents which haue happened since my time, for these sixtie years (whereof I haue learned something from my deceased parents, and haue beene my selfe an eie witnesse, for these fourtie yeares; and as the Poet saith, ‘Quaeque ipsa miserrima vidi, & quorum pars magna fui:’
if I had not endeauoured to recouer what I could of the antiquitie of the said prouinces, both out of their owne ancient chronicles, and from their neighbours. If I haue herein vsed a ha [...]sh style, it is no wonder▪ hauing not therein laboured to please the French, whose eares are something delicate; but remembring the manlinesse of the nation to whom I write, I haue left this womanish nicenesse, seeking only those things which are proper and profitable for the storie. And in these latter times, I haue beene forced in many things to follow the rough style of them of Arthois, Henaut, and of the court at Brussels, in many declarations which I haue beene forced to insert, although they differ much from the manner of French writers. Who so writes a historie should not (labouring to adorne his style) alwaies striue to mooue mens affections: neither is it fit to pursue with a continued style the miseries of the time, by inuectiues or otherwise, the which is more proper for tragicall Poets; but he must make a true relation of mens words and actions: for a historie and a tragedie haue contrarie ends. In a tragedie (if the truth be not apparant) wee must striue to mooue the auditors, to hope, feare, care, anger, ioy, and such like passions, by coniectures: but in historie, wee must endeauour by all meanes to relate sincerely whatsoeuer we will write of men, and of their actions; for coniectures may serue the one, to entertaine and abuse the audience; and truth the other, for the readers instruction and profit. I must confesse it is a commendable thing in an honest man, to [Page] affect his friends and his countrey, and to hate their enemies; but he that vndertakes to write a historie, must moderate those passions with discretion, sometimes commending his enemies when their deeds deserue it, and blaming his friends and neighbours when their faults doe merit it, least he be reproached with Paulus Iouius, of whom it is written:
Beleeue me, as the bodie of any creature (when the eies are out) is vnprofitable, euen so, if truth wants in a historie, the discourse is fruitlesse: and therefore, when occasion is offered, they must not forbeare to blame their friends, nor to commend their enemies, neither yet thinke it light or dishonest to praise them (vpon good occasion) whom in some places they haue iustly blamed; for it is not credible, that they of whom we write haue alwaies done well, nor continually erred; wee must therefore in our censures iudge grauely and vprightly of mens actions, seeing that truth is the life and soule of a historie, without the which (how goodly a glosse soeuer it carries) it is but a fable. To comprehend then the moderne with the auncient they shall find here (not that I will put antiquitie out of question, beeing impossible) for the better vnderstanding of the historie of these prouinces, a particular deduction, wherein we intreat of all things (as farre as we could recouer) that haue past in the said prouinces, whereby they shall receiue a great contentment, comparing the auncient with the moderne times. I haue begunne with the first institution of the earles of Holland, by king Charles the bald, where wee will set downe orderly the genealogie and acts of the said earles, since Thierry or Theodoric of Aquitaine, the first earle, instituted in the yeare 863, vnto Iohn of Henaut; the race of which Thierry hauing successiuely continued from father to sonne, for the space of 563 yeares, ending with Iohn of Holland, the twentieth earle, sonne to that Floris, who was slaine by Gerard van Velsen: to which Iohn of Holland, dying without issue, succeeded the said Iohn earle of Henaut his cousin, sonne to Alix, sister to William king of Romans, great aunt to the said Iohn of Holland, who died in the yeare, 1300.
And from the said Iohn of Henaut vnto cont William of Bauaria, the fift of that name, surnamed the franticke, sonne to the emperour Lewis of Bauaria, and to Marguerite of Henaut, sister to William the fourth, who died without children; which house of Henaut ending in the said Marguerite, it fell to that of Bauaria, and had but foure heads; all which together, ruled the said countries of Holland, Zeeland, and Henant, but fiftie and one yeares. In which familie of Bauaria (comprehending the said William the franticke, and the countesse Iacoba or Iaquelyne who died also without children) there were fiue heads, which gouerned in all 82 yeares, vnto Philip (called the good) duke of Burgoignie, cousin to the said Iaquelyne; whose gouernment, with duke Charles the warlike his sonne, and that of Marie daughter to Charles, wife to Maximilian archduke of Austria, continued but fortie fiue yeares. After which, that of the said Maximilian then emperour (as father and guardian to Philip of Austria his sonne) of the said Philip hauing maried Iane Queene of Castile, of Charles the fift emperour, and of Philip king of Spaine last deceased, vnto the yeare 1582, when as Philip (for the causes specified in this historie) was declared by the generall Estates of the vnited prouinces, to be fallen from the soueraigntie and gouernment of the said earledomes and countries of the vnion, are ninetie three yeares: and since the said yeare 1582, vnto this yeare 1608 (Arthois, Henaut, and other prouinces, beeing voluntarily fallen from the generall vnion) the said prouinces of Holland, Zeeland, and others, haue gouerned vnder the authoritie of the said generall Estates and the priuat gouernments (hauing vnited vnto them Gueldres, Zutphen, Vtrecht, &c.) of William of Nassau prince of Orange, &c. and of prince Maurice his sonne. All which worke, we haue proportionably diuided into sixteene bookes, and continued it vnto these times, as you may see by the course of the historie; from out of which (besides the contentment thereof) the reader may gather good instructions, as well for matter of religion and gouernment, as for exploits of warre, and most necessarie for all sorts of men to know at this present time, especially for such men as are imployed in the managing [Page] of any of these three estates: For seeing that men do iudge of al things, either by rules and precepts which are taught in schooles, or by examples and presidents, which hystories do furnish, precepts without examples making no deepe impression, nor mouing the affections, it shall be alwayes good, yea and verie necessarie, to confer (in the managing of affaires) the examples of things past with the present time, that we may learne by others, what wee are to do, or not to do, to imbrace or auoid in the whole course of our liues. For as the poet saith,
For this consideration a hystorie was called by the antients, The testimonie of time, the light of truth, and the mistresse and myrrour of mans life; for that in the person of another, shee giues instructions to all those that will vuderstand how to gouerne themselues well. They are well worthy of commendation, which haue endeuoured to register the memorable acts of time, and to impart them to posteritie. And although that this age hath much restrained the libertie of writing, which did shine in the antient Chroniclers, Froisart, Monstrelet, Comines, &c. yet will I neuer abandon my selfe to flatterie, nor feare (two plagues in a hystorie, and torments to the mind) but will make my discourse free and true. I must confesse, that in some actions which are to be blamed, I giue my censure, as in like maner I spare not to commend those actions, whereas vertue, religion, and valour, do shine: but in matters which are indifferent, I suspend my iudgement, rather than to ingage my selfe among so many difficulties, for there must needs be a confusion; whereas passion rules. Truth is my North star (and yet it may be, that some now liuing, and posteritie hereafter, will not giue credit to some things which we write, the which in another age (better I hope than ours) will be held too cruell, barbarous and inhumane; the which notwithstanding were most true, yea more execrable and abhominable than we haue described them: desiring rather to moderat with modestie, than to aggrauat any thing. In the progresse of this hystorie, I do not follow the Dutch Chronicle, the difference of the stile, and the maner of writing French in matter of hystorie (disagreeing much from the Dutch) will not allow it: besides, there are so many idle and ridiculous things in it, more like the Romant of the Rose, or the Legend of Lyes, than a true hystorie, as I haue purposely omitted them, and as I heare they are rased out of the last impression of the antient Dutch Chronicle. And whereas they shall find the deeds of so many braue old warriours, earls of Holland, with other noblemen, and knights, so barely related, in regard of those at this day, and as the modern French writers describe them; they must not accuse our diligence, who haue searcht for them as curiously as we could; but the negligence & ignorance of antient writers, who haue shewed themselues idle, and too too carelesse: or else the iniurie of the time which hath supprest them; or it may be the wars, which haue wasted and consumed them. And for that in these later times, since the emperor Charles the 5 there haue beene so many writers of diuers religions, euerie one writing according to his passion, or according to the affection which hee bare to them of his religion, I haue endeuored to hold a meane. I will not say, but such as are most passionat, may sometimes discouer what religion I hold most pure (for I neither can nor ought to denie it before men, no more than before God) yet hath it not (in matter of truth) made me to incline more to one part than to another, to publish or suppresse the vertues and vices, the honour and disgrace of one or other. And for that the ground of our ciuill wars is written too partially (or rather inuectiuely) by some; as by Surius the Chartrous monke, by Ersingerus, vander Haec, Iansonius Documensus, & others, built vpon a meer accusation of rebellion and disobedience to the king of Spaine, and his edicts, touching matters of religion, and the Inquisition; as those words of rebellion and disobedience comprehend much in them, and haue a large interpretation. But the better to informe posteritie, who (it may be) will not be so partiall, as to interpret all things past, to rebellion and disobedience, as these partiall men haue done. I haue bin very large in the description of the originall and first spring, together with the causes and motiues of our troubles, and of the wars which haue followed against the Spaniards, and their adherents, by the insertion of many declarations, which I haue thought very necessarie for this subiect, for the explaining thereof. I haue also of purpose extended my selfe (to serue for an instruction and direction to posteritie) in the description of the most remarkable sieges of towns of either part, as of Harlem, Leyden, Alcmar, Hulst, and Bomel, by the Spaniards; of Middlebourg, Gheertruydenbergh, Steenwic, Groningue, and others, by the Estates: in which sieges [Page] haue b [...]ene seene the dexteritie, diligence, industrie, directions, errours, and omissions of the commanders of either armie. I would also intreat the courteous Reader, not to stumble, nor take exception at the tearmes of Roman Catholikes and Protestants, which I vse, speaking of the one or the other: Persuading my selfe, that the Catholikes wil not except against this epithete Roman: as also they of the Religion (who pretend it to be reformed) will not reiect the name o [...] Protestants, seeing they not onely pretend it to be reformed, but protest and maintaine with all vehemencie, that it is so, be they of the confession of Ausbourg, or others, howsoeuer they will call them, be they Luthe [...]ans, Caluinists, or Zuinglians, as well of Germanie, France, England, the Netherlands, as of other places, disagreeing from the Romish Religion: all which indifferently, for the aboue named reason, we call Protestants. As for that which concernes the war, armies, exploits, enterprises, surprises stratag [...]ms, incounters, embasies, sieges of towns, battailes, victories, and routs (although I haue seene and learned something, as well in France as in these parts) I leaue the censure of the stile and phrase (which I haue vsed to describe them) to commanders, colonels, captaines, and other souldiers, who haply know them better, and haue a better militarie methode to write them, than my selfe, who I hope will courteously supply my defects.
THE TRANSLATOR TO THE READER.
COurteous Reader, it is now almost two yeares since I published to your view the Inuentorie of the French Historie: I must confesse, it had beene more safe to haue made that worke the period of my labours, and not to haue vndergone a new taske of greater difficulty. But by the intreaty of some (whom I much respect) and mine owne desire to giue my countrie-men some more contentment, and to acquaint them (that haue not read it in the French) with the whole historie of the Netherland warres, as wel as with the estate of France, I haue thus venturously once againe put forth from a safe port, into an ocean of dangers, and vndertaken the translation of this historie of the Netherlands. Whereunto I was the more incouraged, by the gratious reception of my noble patrons, and the kind testimonies of approbation of many courteous and well minded gentlemen, who haue bin content to wincke at my weakenesse and defects in that worke, and to allowe of mine indeauours: yet will I not arrogate any thing that was praise worthie in that storie vnto my selfe, nor attribute the worthinesse of those authors to mine owne merit, who could both grace themselues in writing French, and me in teaching them to speake English. I doubt not but some will thinke it a great indiscretion to meddle with this subiect, whereas the soueraigntie and prerogatiue of a mightie monarch in those vnited prouinces is called in question. I confesse it were so, if it were originally done by me; but beeing written in the French, Italian, Latine, and Dutch, I thought I might without any imputation impart it to our owne nation, which hath had so great a share in those warr [...]s. I assure my selfe it will be diuersly censured, as men stand affected to the cause; some (I doubt not) will read it, to be satisfied of the true causes and proceedings of this long and bloodie warre; some I presume, will curiously search out but for matter of exception, and not instruction; and I feare some will be so transported with passion, and out of charitie, as whereas before they would haue exchanged a friendly good morrow with me, they will now shunne my company, and take me for a capitall enemie to their cause. But good God, how are they abused in their conceptions? I would intreat those men to remember, that I neither take vpon me to be an aduocate to plead the cause, nor a champion, to defend it by armes; but am onely a bare translator, who am tied to my teacher, and cannot exceed the limits prescribed me by mine author. There is nothing of mine owne in this worke; neither haue I added nor kept backe anything that was materiall for the subiect: and I may lawfully protest, that I haue beene free from passion, without aggrauation or detraction, hauing vsed all the moderation I could in the relating of any thing, where there might appeare either spleene or affection. As for the truth of the historie, and the integritie of mine author, I must referre you to Iohn Francis Petit, who must plead for himselfe: and therefore I haue planted his owne preface or apologie in the front of this booke; where you may both see his reasons for the course of the historie, beginning with the earles of Holland and Zeeland, and read his protestations for his sinceritie, in the faithfull relating of all things that haue passed during the warres. If this may not suffice for his iustification, he himselfe is yet liuing here in London, and ready to satisfie any doubt that may arise. I must aduertise the reader, that to make this historie more perfect, and to continue it vnto these times, I haue beene forced to vse some other helpes, and especially of Emanuel Demetrius, who hath beene very carefull and industrious to congest all things which concerne this subiect; for the effecting whereof, hee hath had very good and great intelligence. I haue also beene beholding to monsieur Hottoman, a french gentleman, who at my late beeing in [Page] France, did furnish me with sundrie excellent discourses, concerning this hystorie: And I haue had some obseruations in written hand, by the meanes of that worthy knight, sir Peter Manwood, the which were gathered by sir Roger Williams, when he first bore armes vnder Iulian Romero, a Spaniard in the great Commanders time: all which I haue presumed to insert, knowing they wil be a grace and beautie to the storie, and a benefit to the reader: And therefore I hope I shall bee excused, if I haue borrowed a little of the laws of translation, seeing it belongs vnto the subiect, and is but a supply of that which my author wanted. My designe was, to make it a particular Hystorie of the Netherlands, wherein I haue not willingly inserted any thing, which doth not directly concerne the prince or the prouinces. If you shall find any thing related here, which you haue formerly read in the French Inuentorie, as the donation of the Netherlands to the Infanta, the death of the king of Spaine, the combat of Briaute, &c. I pray you consider, that they do chiefly belong vnto this subiect, and were drawne out of this originall.
But leauing the subiect and the author, I must be a sutor vnto you for my selfe and the Printers: my first suit shall be, That in reading of this historie, you will not expect the succinct stile of Iohn de Seres, nor the fluent discourses of Peter Mathew, but (being written by a soldier, and, as he himself confesseth, in harsh vnpolished Wallon French) you will accept thereof in this course English habit, beeing bare, and without ornaments of Rhetorick; my chiefest care and studie hauing alwayes beene, to inrich it with good matter, for their better instruction which are desirous to learne. I must confesse my stile is harsh and plaine, for so is my authors: Besides, I haue beene forced to vse the helpe of a harsh translator, for some things, out of the Dutch tongue, the which (being surprised with the shortnesse of time) I haue been constrained to insert, being not so exactly reformed as I could haue wisht. Which defects of mine, with all others committed at the presse (the which must needs be many in so great a volume) I must intreat you to supply with your iudicious reading, & to censure fauorably. I must also craue your patience for a misprision in the Titles: for being my selfe at court, and absent from the presse, the Printer hath continued the earl of Leicesters name in the Title, long after his death; and hath forgotten to set prince Maurice his picture in his due place: the which is but an offence to the eye, but no alteration in the subiect. My last suit vnto you is, in respect of the verses vnder euerie picture, I must confesse, they were out of my element, neither was I willing to trouble my selfe therewith, being opprest with the shortnesse of time, and the greatnesse of this worke: I referred them to the Printers care, who (being no good poets themselues) haue employed one, which hath scarce made good rime of many of them. Our ioynt suit is, That if the rime please you not, you would be satisfied with the reason: or at the least (being not pertinent to the matter) passe them ouer as blanks. And so, wishing you as much content in the reading, as I haue had care to giue you contentment in the writing, I rest,
A CHRONOLOGIE OF THE A B Earles of Holland and Zeeland, their number, descent, and genealogie; together with their gouernours, regents, and rulers of their common weales.
First, of the beginning of the inhabitants, the situations, greatnesse, and auntient manners of those prouinces.
THe Batauiens or Hollanders had their first beginning from the Hermodures, The first beginning of the Batauiens. C a people which dwelt in auncient time beyond the great forrest Hercinie, threescore daies iourney beyond Hongarie, neere vnto the Scithyans, and in that countrie from whence are first issued the Catthes; Cerusiens, and Ligiens; against whom the Hermodures (afterwards Batauiens) had great quarrels, by reason whereof, they were chased out of their auntient habitation: so as in the end leauing the Catthes, they cast themselues vpon the confines of the Gaules countrey, which they found vnhabited, occupying this island of the Rhine, with the riuers, woods and marishes; the which hath before it the riuer of Meuse, behind it the Ocean sea, and on all other sides the riuer of Rhine.
The chiefe cause why these Hermodures Batauiens were chased from their first countrey and habitation, was, that in the countrey where they did first vse to inhabit there was a riuer D which is at this day called Sala (not that Sala which is in Saxonie) with the water whereof they did make salt, as they doe at this day in the Bay, and in the pits of Lunebourg: and for that there was not any one of all the neighbours but would willingly haue appropriated vnto himselfe the vse and sole possession of these salt pits, the Batauiens and Catthes had great warres against them, with whom they could neuer agree; by reason whereof, and to liue more in quiet (seeing they could not be in peace) they retired themselues from thence, and came to inhabit in the countrey of the Catthes, the which hath since changed his name, and is now called Hessen, whereof a part at this day retaines the name of Catsenell bogen; which is an earledome in Germanie, the which the house of Nassau doth challenge, but the Land: graue of Hessen doth enioy it. Afterwards Battus or Batton, and his brother Zelandus (according E vnto some, others calling him Mattion, whereupon the Zeelanders are called Mattiaques) sonnes to the king of Catthes, beeing fallen into the hatred of their mother in law, who (by their fathers sufferance) did them all the disgraces she could, yea sought to poison or murther them; to auoid these ambushes, they left their fathers countrie, and came downe vnto this island within the Rhine, the which prince Battus called Battauia, of his owne name the which is Holland. His brother Zelandus or Mattion, past on with his traine, and retired himselfe into the extremities of the islands of the Rhine, the which in like manner he called Zeeland, of his owne name, or else of his other name, the Mattique land, the which is the county of Zeeland: in which quarter he continued his triffique to seeth and make salt, as they doe yet vse at this day in all the islands of Zeeland: In one of the which islands, since called Walchren, he caused F a castle to be built (then called Bourg) in remembrance of king Metellus his father, the which The foundation of Middlebourg. he called Metell [...]burgum, which is the famous towne of Middlebourg in Zeeland, and the chief of the countie.
[Page] Wee find that there were two other Battons, one a Germane, & the other of Dalmatia. The A first was duke of the Brusses, now Prusians in the lower Hongarie: and the other was called Batton Desidtate, who mooued the people of Dalmatia to rebell against the Romans, seeing them too much opprest with tributes and exactions; making such sharp warre against them, as Tiberius the emperour asked him on a time, why he had caused the people to take armes? to whom he answered boldly, that the Romanes were the cause thereof, for that in stead of sending them shepheards with good dogs to preserue them, they had sent thē wolues which deuoured them.
As for Batton the Hollander, although he did inhabite the countrie which lies betwixt the riuers of Rhine, Wahal, Lecke, and Issel, yet (as it commonly fals out in all barbarous nations) we cannot rightly describe his successors, no more than of Mattion or Zelandus his brother. B Being probable that whatsoeuer was left in writing hath bin defaced, burnt, or otherwise lost by the inuasions of the Danes or Normans, and for that the inhabitants of those countries haue beene often chased from their dwellings.
Prince Battus hauing settled his abode in Batauia, he began to build a town, which in succession of time was growne great and mightie; the which by his name he called Batauodurum, The foundatiō of Wyckterduyrstede. at this present Wyckterduyrstede, three leagues from Vtrecht, and of that dioces. Since in the time of Hungerus the 11 bishop of Vtrecht, it was quite destroyed by the Danes and Normans. It is at this day but a small towne, whereas in auncieut times it was wont to bee 3 miles in circuit, and to haue sixe and thirtie parish churches: there is a goodly castle, whereas the bishops of Vtrecht were wont to keepe their court. The riuer of Rhine was wont to C passe through the towne of Wycke, and from thence tooke her course by the townes of Vtrecht, The Rhine. Woerden, Bodegraue, and Leyden, vnto Rhinbourg and Catwycke, whereas it enters into the British ocean: but eight hundred yeares since (as it sometimes happens) a strong north-west wind, draue the riuer backward; so as the countries of Holland, Vtrecht, and a good part of Gueldres (especially the Betuve) were subiect to inundation. The inhabitants of these countries did agree together to giue it a more oblique or crooked course, turning it from Wycke, and causing it to enter into the Lecke (beeing then but a small riuer, but by the flowing in of the Rhine, it is now growne great and spatious, as it is at this day) bounding it in on euery side with great bankes or rampars, which they call dikes, vnto the towne of Schoonhouen in Holland, entring a little farther off, at Crempen, into the old riuer of Meuse, two D leagues beneath Dordrecht falling (beyond the island of Bryel) into the same British sea: so as the gulph of the Rhine, which was wont to be at Catwyck, remaining drie at euery lowe water, is in tract of time stopt vp, by the sands and downes cast vp by the violent sea winds; so as thereby they of Leyden, to their great losse and preiudice, haue no more any passage to the sea.
The riuer of Wahal, the first point of the Rhine (which seperates it selfe at the fort of G [...] uensweerd) The Wahal. hath from that place, the townes of Nymeghen, Tyel, Bomel, and many goodly castles, vnto Louvesteyn, whereas it ioynes with the Meuse, passing by the townes of Gorrichom and Vandrichom, one opposite vnto another; which two riuers fortifie themselues at Gorrichom, with the riuer of Linghen, which comes out of the Betuve, washing, as it passeth, E the small townes of Aspren, Henkelom, and Leederdam, and a little lower swallowing vp the riuer of Meruve, extending it selfe, and making in a manner a sea of fresh water, which enuironeth the towne of Dordrecht, and makes it an island: before the which, on the north side, The Meruve. growing straiter, it takes the onely name of the Meuse, passing before Rotterdam, Delfshauen, Schiedam, Vlaerdinghen, and Bryel, all good townes, hauing goodly and rich hauens, entring that way into the great ocean. All which quarter, vnto the townes of Gonde & Delf, with the Sturmers & Maeslanders, is called south Holland. There begins another part of Holland, which generally are called Catthes, whereas the Rhine (as wee haue said) was wont to haue his right course, and to enter into the sea at Catwyck; in the which are seated the townes of Woerden, and Oudwater, the Rhinelanders, and their chiefe towne Leyden, of the which F the lords of Wassenare and Catwyck were wont to be viconts, and at this present, the earle of Ligny, who carries the title at this day.
In this island of the Rhine, after the Hollanders, Batauiens, and Catwyckers, are the Kennemers, Cananifates, taking their beginning from the torrent of Kennemer (which they call [Page] Kennemers beek) neere vnto Grauen-Mey, and extends along to Harlem, which is the chiefe A towne, being faire, great, and spacious, Beuerwick & Alcmar, towards the islands of Texel and Wyringhen, and so forward into the Fly Maers-diep, Heerf-diep, Schelling, and Amelandt, the which is also a pretie island.
After the Kennemers are the North Hollanders, or West-Frisons, beginning on the North side, at Amsterdam, whereas in old time was the great towne of Veronna, the ruines whereof are yet to be seene, and neere vnto it is Alcmar, a faire and pleasant towne, then the Merchant Tornes of Horne, Enchuysen, Medenblick, Eedam, Monikendam, and Purmerende; all lying vpon the sea, with a great number of good boroughs and villages. In which quarter the men are great, mightie, strong; and hardy; as the Spaniards haue sufficiently tried, in the wars of the first troubles of the Netherlands, where they haue bin often beaten, and could neuer get any B footing, as they haue often done in other places.
All that we haue spoken in generall of Batauia, or Holland being well examined, wee shall How Holland is diuided. find fiue nations; that is, the Batauiens, lying beneath and aboue Gorrichom: the Wilthes, vnder Dordrecht, with South-Holland: the Catwyckers, and Rhinelanders, vnder Leyden: the Kennemers, or Cananifates, vnder Harlem: and the West-Frisons, with the Waterlanders, which they call North-Hollanders: The which notwithstanding are all of one name, and are generally called Hollanders: and all these peeces and portions ioyned together in one bodie of an estate, make the countrey of Holland.
Seeing we haue discoursed somewhat of Holland, it shall not be impertinent to speake somewhat Definition & properties of the riuer of Rhine. of the Rhine also, which doth imbrace Holland, as it were betwixt her two armes. Wee C find that the riuer of Rhine hath beene so called by the German word Rein, which signifies pure and nete; not for the purenesse and cleerenesse of her water, but as some will say, for the puritie of the nuptiall bed, whereof the Heathens haue made her iudge: For such was their superstition, as if they doubted a child was not lawfully borne, they did vse to lay it vpon a targuet, and suffered it to driue downe the streame; if it were adulterous, it sunk, if lawfull, it did float. The which Iulian writing to Maximus the philosopher, describeth thus. Rhenus Germanus The Rhine in old time the judge of Bastards. iniurius non est, qui nothos infantes subsidere mergi (que) aquis patitur, veluti illiciti thori iustus ar [...] ter: quos verò legitimo conceptos semine cognouerit, fluctuantes [...]ndis offert, pauidae (que) matrirestituit, reddens illi sospitem prolem, ceu indubitatum casti atque integri connubij testimonium: the which Galen, Naziansene, N [...]nius, and the poet Claudian do witnesse. D
And although that the antients before Iulius Caesars time, haue knowne but one gulph of the Rhine, which is that which was wont to be at Catwyck; yet after that, Germani [...]us (going to fight against the Frisons) caused the chanell to bee digged as farre as Doesbourg in Gueldres, the which did fal into the riuer of Issel: there is yet another, which runnes neer vnto Campen, into the Zuydersee, beginning his course at Issel-cort, betwixt the which and the gulph, are the the townes of Doesbourg, Zutphen, Deuenter, Hattem, Campen, and many goodly castles: for before they had cut off her course at Wickter-duyrsted, she had two gulphs, the one which ran directly to Catwick, the other by one of her branches, called the riuer of Wahal, the which ioynes with the Meuse at Louestein, & so mingled together fals into the Meruve before Dordrecht, as we haue said, and runs into the Brittish sea, neere vnto Bryele. And the third of this E second branch, named Issel, fals into the Zuydersee at Campen.
Some learned men make a question, whether Holland (for that it is enuironed by the three A question, whether Holland be of Germany or of the Gaules▪ gulphes of the Rhine, a German riuer) be a member of Germanie, or of Gaule Belgike. Among others, Raymond Marlian puts the Hollanders in the number of the Belg [...]ke nations, yea hee will haue Batauodurum, which is Wyckter-duyrsted, to be of Gaule Belgike. Doctor Adrian le Ieune, of Horne, vsing the testimonie of the antients, of the limits of Rhine, doth appropriat it vnto Germanie, according vnto the authoritie of Plinie, who doth expresly number the Batauiens among the Vbiens, Gurgemiens, and other islands of the Rhine, all people of Germanie. plutarch in Otho's life, sayth, That the Batauiens, among all the Germanes, are the most excellent in horsemanship, and doth attribute the island F which they inhabit vnto Germanie, beeing compassed in by the riuer of Rhine, comprehending that which is betwixt the riuers of Wahal and Leck, and then betwixt Leck and the riuer of Issel: the other banke whereof, is neither Holland nor Gueldre, but Ouerissel, [Page] beginning at the towne of Deuenter. Cornelius Tacitus, in the twentieth booke of his hystory, A saith, Bataui dum trans Rhenum agebant, pars Catthorum, seditione pulsi, extrema Gallicae orae vacua Cornelius Tacitus his opinion. cultoribus, simul (que) insulam Rher Rheni inter vada sitam, occupauere. Wherby he frees that doubt, when he sayes, That the Batauiens did occupie the frontiers of Gaule Belgike, being watered by the Rhine, and vnpeopled: He meanes the frontiers of Germanie towards Belgia; for he addes, the Rhine (which is a riuer of Germanie) comprehending this island in her circuit. He saith moreouer, That the Catthes which came out of Germanie, haue enioyed this island, not by the right of armes, but by a long and quiet possession. If Tacitus then, in his booke of the manners of the Germans, puts the Mattiaques, which be the Zeelanders in the number of the Germans, how much more then should the Hollanders bee reputed of the appurtenances of the Rhine, and by consequence of Germanie: Of which controuersie, that floud must needs bee B iudge, according to the words of Vibius Sequester, in his booke of flouds and riuers, where he saith, Rhenus Belgas à Germanis seperat. Tacitus doth auerre the same, placing the Wahal, which is the other branch of the Rhine, towards the South, vpon the limits of the Belgike coast: whereby we may see, that the frontiers of Belgia doe not extend any further than the Rhine: The which the author Panegerike to Maximion Augustus doth also teach, in these words, Rhenum videtur ipsa sic natura duxisse, vt eo limite Roman a prouinciae ab imanitate Barbarorum vindicarentur. Saint Ambrose saith also in one place, Rhenus memorandi Romani Imperij murus S. Ambrose his opinion. aduer sum feras gentes. Plinie saith also, That the soundest part of Batauia hath beene cut off from Germanie, by Drusus armie (called, according vnto Tacitus, Cysrhenane, that is to say, beyond the Rhine) namely the Veluve, and all the diocesse of Vtrecht. Hereupon there may C be some scruple made of the words of Claudius Ciuilis, a great captaine of the Batauiens, issued from the bloud royall, speaking to Alpinus Montanus, being come to persuade him to forbeare to make warre against the Romans, when he said vnto him in these words; En ego praesectus vnius cohortis, & Cananifates Bataui (que) exigua Gallorum portio, vanailla castrorum spacia excidimus. Whereby, at the first sight, some one would say, that the Batauiens and Cananifates, were a small portion of the Gaules: But you must vnderstand, that Montanus being knowne to Ciuilis to bee a man apt to all innouations, being a Gaule, who might assist him much in his designes, to draw him to his partie, knowing him to bee a man of great authoritie among the Gaules, hee vsed this kind of speech; as if hee would say, If I, who am chiefe of a colonie with the Batauiens and Cananifates (who in respect of the Gaules are but a handfull of men) D haue defeated the Romans campe, what would become of them, if the Gaules, hauing shook off their yoke, would ioyne themselues and their forces with ours, and that wee ioyntly fall vpon them? Besides, wee may say, that hee cals the Batauiens a part of the Gaules, that hee might the more easily persuade the Gaules to reuolt; and, as being all of one nation, to moue them the sooner to take armes with them against the Romans, than if they were strangers: neither doth it auayle to say (to make the Hollanders meerely Gaules) that the emperour Charles the bald, king of France, had erected that countrey into a countie, and giuen it to Thierry, sonne to the duke of Acquitaine, seeing that the sayd Charles was also emperor of Germany: And it is also most certaine, that the emperour Lewis his sonne, gaue vnto the sayd cont Thierry the carledome of Zeeland: neither can it bee read, that the earles of Holland E and Zeeland, did euer homage for their countries, vnto the French king. Wherefore we will rather hold the opinion of doctor Arian le Ieune of Horne.
As there are two chiefe and principall meanes to lead a man to honour, and to make Two principal means to win honour. him famous; that is to say, eloquence, and prowesse, or experience in warres: reaping by the first the ornaments of peace, and by the second, auoyding the daungers which grow by warre. By the first point the Hollanders haue neuer gotten any glorie, being heauie and dull among men of spirit: wherefore they must attaine vnto this degree of honour (the gift of the tongue fayling them) and purchase it by the force of their armes, ioyned to their wisedome and loyaltie: for which cause they were admitted into the fraternitie of the Roman empire: and by the same meanes hauing made themselues to bee redoubted and F feared, they purchased vnto themselues the renowne of inuincible vertue, by the which they The vertue of the old Hollanders. haue sought the way to honor. For proof wherof the Romans in old time did so much honor the Batauiens, as they not only receiued them for cōpanions (as they haue done other nations) [Page] but for their brethren and friends: the which they did witnesse by marble tables set vp in their A honour. Tacitus in his book of the maners of the Germans, saith, Omnium harūgentium praecipui Bataui, insulant Rheni amnis colunt, Catthorum quondam populus & seditione domesticain eas sedes Tacitus testimonie of the Batauiens. transgressus, in quibus pars Romani imperij fierent. Manet honos & antiquae societatis insigne: nam nec tributis contunduntur, nec publicanus atterit; exempti oneribus & collationibus, tantum (que) in vsu praeliorum sepositi, velut tela ac arma bellis reseruantur.
Iulius Caesar was the first that did employ the Batauien horsemen, whom for their valour and great force, he thought to be fit for the warres, whereof he raised some bands, as he sayth in the 7 booke of his French warres. Labor antibus iam suis Germanorum circiter quadring entos submittit, quos ab initto secum habere instituer at, horū impetum Galli sustinere non potuerunt, at (que) in fugam coniecti, multis amissis se ad agmen receperunt. Behold how Caesar cals the Batauiens Germans. B But to the end there be no abuse in this word Germanos (seeing the Saxons haue ben alwaies enemies to the Romane emperour, vntil that Charlemaine did subdue them) this should not be referred to the Batauiens only, but to the Frisons, Esterlings, and other people lying vpon the sea coast, as far as the riuer of Elbe, whom to auoid the confusion of the diuersity of names, Caesar did generally name Almanes; for wee must not doubt but in these Germane horsemen of the Romanes, there were some of Cleues and Gueldres also (the which were called Sicambres) confining also vpon the Rhin. As for the Frisons there is no difficulty, but they were so, being ordinarily taken for Batauiens, as well as the Batauiens for Frisons, by reason of their proximitie and neighbourhood; and that all of them in that time did not acknowledge any one but the empire: for Strabo saith, That the Northerne people, and those which inhabit the Strabo. C coasts of that sea, are more warlike and stronger in horse, than any other that did serue the Romanes: the which is confirmed by Dion Niceus, when hee saith, That Augustus Caesar had a Dion Niceus. choise band of horsmen (which were called Batauiens) the which he employed against Marc Anthony, wherof he made squadrons apart, whom he did allow in signe of honor, and for their merits, to carie riding rods in their hands, after the maner of captaines. Orosus in his sixt booke doth witnes that with the help of these Batauien horsmē (which by a general term he cals Germans) he subdued the Gauls, which were cōspired against the Romans. Plutarch in Othoes life, Plutarch, saith, That Varus Alphenus captain of the Batauiens (the which were these excellent Germane horsemen) brought them to serue this emperour. And by the lawes and military orders of the emperor Adrian, the old and new Batauien horsmen were put in the rank of the ensigns Palatins, D appointed for the guard of Caesars person, as also the Mattique Zeelanders, both old and new, were reputed among the Palatin ayds. Tacitus reports, that Domitius Corbulo led the light horsemen of Batauia into Capadocia against the Persians. Suetonius in the life of Sergius Galba saith, that the Germans (by which word he wold generally cal the Batauiens, Cananifates, Frisabones, Suetonius. Mattiaques, and others of their confines) were appointed as archers to guard the first emperours; whereof there is an old epitaph found. Hilarius Neronis Caesaris corporis custos, natione Friso, vixit annos trigintatres.
Tranquillus describes how well the emperor Galba intreated the Batauien armie which was sent into Alexandria by Nero, to pacify some trobles, shewing therby howmuch he did esteem them, and how curious he was of their health. Germanicus Caesar committed the rereward of E his army vnto the Batauiens in that troublesome warre which he had against the Cherusques; in the which Carioualde a Batauien captaine made his valour apparent aboue all the rest, dying after his horse had been killed vnder him, hauing his body couered with arrowes.
Tacitus in his 17 booke writes, That Vitellius, hauing caused Claudius Ciuilis to be put in prison (being one of the Batauien captaines) for some mutinie, suffered him to depart free, fearing, that if he should haue punished him, this nation wold haue risen against him, being then The braue exploits of the Batauiens. eight cohorts or bands. He saith also that the Batauiens with their squadrons, had alwaies the point in those battailes which the Romanes had against the English men and Tongres, to the end that by their example the rest of the army might be encouraged to fight well: and that the Batauiens drew their enemies to fight by skirmishes: yea, neere vnto Plaisance, when as F at the winning of a litle Island, the sword players (who were held to be desperat men) being in a galley, aduanced with rowing, the Batauiens casting themselues into the water, swimming through got thither before them, fighting both against the violence of the streame and the enemies altogether, whom they put to rout, before the sword-players could arriue.
[Page] The Batauiens were excellent swimmers, making no difficultie, either armed or vnarmed, A to swim thorough the swiftest streames: whereupon Tacitus saith, Batauorum auxiliariorum The Batauiens good swimmers. ope, Iulius Agricola, tentatam antea (sedinfoelicitèr) Monam Britanniae insulam in deditione accepit: quando non classe aut nauibus insulam ingressi, sed patrio nandi vsu, quo se paritèr & equos & arma regunt, difficultatem omnem superauere, depositis in littore sarcinis, quum obstupefacti hostes mentem oculos (que) in classem naues (que) intenderent.
Dion Niceus saith, in another place, That the Batauiens horsemen, which serued the emperor Adrian against the Hongarians, were armed with all peeces, and that hauing past the riuer of Istra, they did so terrifie them, as they were forced to submit themselues, & to acknowledge the emperour. Tacitus saith moreouer, That the Romans being put once to rout, Claudius Ciuilis being knowne (for that he was blind of one eye) being assailed of all sides with their arrowes, B leauing his horse, he cast himselfe into the Rhine, and so swam ouer from his enemies. And the Batauiens did so relie vpon their art of swimming, as they were sometimes deceiued. For whereas Drusus making war against the Cherusques, had at a low water past the strait of the riuer of Ems (at this present called the Dullard) the Batauiens making the rereward, swimming ouer during the ebbe, could not retire in time, but that many of them were carried away with the violence of the streame, and drowned. Some will say, That the Batauiens made themselues fearefull, by reason of the brightnesse of their armes (as in truth it is a commendable thing in a souldier) whereas contrariwise, by reason of the waters which they did vsually passe armed, they were more rustie than any others, not caring to keepe them cleane, desiring rather to be valiant indeed, than to make a shew with the brightnesse of their armes. C
The Roman writers, as Tacitus, Orosius, Suetonius, and others, write, That among all the nations of Germanie, the Batauiens (by the which was meant the Hollanders and Frisons) haue alwayes beene the most strong and able men, the most valiant, couragious, and apt to armes; more vigilant, actiue, laborious, and moderat in all their actions, than any other of their souldiers: whereof the emperors, Otho, Galba, and Vitellius, had made triall, and had well obserued, when as they had them in their armies. They say also, That the emperour Caligula, and Claudius (who built the castle of Britt [...]n, neere vnto Catwick vpon the sea (for there are two Catwicks) to serue as a lanterne for such as did saile from the riuer of Rhine into England) had most commonly the Batauiens neere vnto his person, as the archers of his guard: Which emperors would not assaile England, without the Batauiens, for that Iulius Caesar had bin infortunat D in that enterprise, hauing lost in a maner all his horsemen, many of his footmen, and a great number of his ships. And whensoeuer there grew any mutinies or factions against the Roman emperors or princes, they were assured that he was victor, and preuailed, which had the Batauiens & Frisons on his side: as Vitellius did, when he made war against Otho, for when Varus Alphenus, cōmander of the Batauiens (of that place which at this day they cal Alphen in Holland) went to succour him with his Hollanders he defeated Otho, and put his armie to rout. And in succession of time, the Batauiens were so practised in armes, so famous, and in such credit, as they persuaded themselues, that they had power to create a Roman emperour, or to displace him. Once the Batauien horsemen did vaunt, That they had done more at the last battail, than any other nation, that did serue the Romans, hauing ouerthrowne foureteene legions, and taken E the chiefest part of Italy from Nero, vaunting, That all the fortune of the battail had bin in their hands, and consisted in their forces: as if they would say, That hereafter whosoeuer were on their side, should be sure to preuaile. These proud presumptuous speeches were troublesome to heare, and hard to disgest for the captaines and souldiers of other nations, which were in the campe. Whereupon Flaccus Valens, generall of all the Roman armie, resolued to [...]perat the Batauiens (beeing such bold speakers) from the rest, to auoyd all iealousie and tumult: The which they of the armie hearing, the legions began to mutine, and to bee discontented; for that they would take from them, the ayd and support of their valiant men (meaning the Batauiens) whom they could in no sort want, seeing that whensoeuer there were any matter of danger to bee put in execution, they were still the first F that presented themselues (whereof there were three hundred of them on horsebacke, verie heauily armed, whereof fortie or fiftie with their horses barded, and all their armes did swim thorough any riuers) who hauing won so mady goodly victories, by their industrie, dexteritie, and valour, now (sayd the other Roman souldiers) being so neere the enemies, there were [Page] no reason disioyne them, and to withdraw them from their companie: wherefore, if their generall A did loue the safetie of the Roman empire, he should not seperat that generous and valiant nation from the bodie of their armie. By which speeches we may well conceiue, that the Batauiens haue alwayes beene great defenders of the Roman empire: For which consideration, and for their fidelities, they haue alwayes beene free and exempt from all tributes and taxations The Batauiens exempt from tributes. of the Romans, being onely receiued to serue them in the warres with their persons, armes, and horses, at the charge of the emperours, or the Roman commonweale. So as this prouince of Batauia, and the rest adioyning, did serue the Romans as a storehouse for men of warre, in all occurrents, when they had need; finding them both readie and resolute (as wee may see at this day of the Switsers) when as there was any cause to leuie men, and that the Romans demanded succours from all places vnder their obedience. Writing to the Gaules, Germans, B English, and others, they did signifie what pay they should receiue monethly: but writing vnto the Batauiens and Frisons, they made no mention of pay, for that, comming to the armie, they gaue them what they demanded.
That the Batauiens, by reason of their fierce count [...]nance, strange maner of habits, and arms, were terrible, not onely vnto strange nations, but also vnto the Romans themselues, it appears by these verses of Martial, in the time of the emperor Domitian.
This was spoken by the image of a Hollander, made of potters earth, the which a citizen of Rome had caused to be set before his house, whereat the children in the street did make a iest, and yet their fathers were afraid to looke on them. He did paint him red, for that the Batauiens as well as the Germans, were delighted in that colour; the poets (among others, Silius Italicus) giuing them the epithite of Auricomes, that is to say, golden locks. And if by nature they had not their haire somewhat red or flaxen (the which Plinie, in his 2 booke and 78 chapter, saith, doth happen by reason of the temperature of the ayre, and that their children, both sonnes and daughters, do vsually goe, euen vnto this day, bare headed) they made them red, or yellow, of D purpose, with lye▪ which the Mattiaque Zeelanders were accustomed also to vse, with certaine little pills, which they dissolued in vineger; the which the Romans called pilas Mattiacas, and the lye, spumam Batauam, as the said Martial sayes in his Epigrams.
And by reason of the fierie force which is in the ashes, whereof the lye is made, they gaue it an epithete of Caustique, that is to say, burning, by these verses.
The which the Romans did so imitat, after the example of the Batauiens, as the emperor Antonius was not ashamed to put on a periwig ofred haire, to imitat the colour of the Germans, according to the saying of Herodian, as in like maner Domitian did, as Martial writes. Tacitus writes, That the Germans and Batauiens had blew eies, and shining or flaming haire, as I [...]al doth witnesse.
And withall, they did bind vp their haire in trusses like hornes. Vitellius being generall of the [Page] armie to the emperor Nero in Germanie, the Batauiens and Cananifates being in Gaul, being A sent for to go to Rome, their great captaine Ciuilis writ vnto them, and countermanded them. And as in marching they came neere vnto the troups of Flaccus Ordeonius (one of the commanders of the Roman armie) they gaue them to vnderstand, That for certaine reasons they were resolued not to serue the Romans any more, or else they would haue double pay, demanding a supply of horsemen, the which they said were much diminished in subduing the Bourguignons and Auuergnacs; and aboue that, the honourable reward which Vitellius had promised them, else they would neuer go any more to Rome, nor serue the Romans: the which they spake at the instigation of their captaine Ciuilis, that they might haue some occasion to returne home, hauing serued aboue twentie yeares continually, without seeing of their houses and families. Ordeonius refusing to giue them leaue, would haue them to serue still. But the B Batauiens not respecting his command, retired themselues to their captaine Ciuilis, to do as he should command them: the which Ordeonius seeing, he writ vnto Herenius Gallus, gouernour of Bonne, lying vpon the Rhine, in the countrey of the Vbiens (which now is the diocesse of Cologne, being within four leagues of it) that he should cut off the Batauiens passage, and that he would charge them behind, so as not any one of them should returne into his country. The Batauiens, Catthes, Cananifates, & their associats, had alredie sent an embassage vnto Bonne, with letters of this substance.
To captaine Herenius Gallus health: We Batauiens, and our companions, require you to The Batauiens letter to the gouernor of Bonne. giue vs free passage to returne into our countrey: we haue no war nor hatred against the Romans, for whose seruice we haue so often shed our bloud, and exposed our liues: wherefore C ‘now that we are wearie of the wars, and of carrying of armes, we desire to go and see our deere countrey, and hereafter to liue in rest, if no man hinder vs; in which case wee must make our way by force.’
Those of Bonne hauing a desire to charge them, and to stop their passage, Herenius their gouernor, The Batauiens get a great victory. sent forth a legion of three thousand men, with a great number of peasants of the countrey of Treues, trained vp in armes. Those like men greedie of spoile, sallied out by all the ports of the towne, to affront the Batauiens, being verie few in number, in regard of them that came to assaile them (the Batauiens shewing their antient courage and valour, ioyning so closely together, as they could not force them in any part) but the Batauiens, without feare, and with a wonderfull resolution, charged this great multitude of Bonne, with their small troupe, whom D they defeated and put to rout, chasing this legion euen into their ports, the Batauiens pursuing them still; of whom they slew so great a number, as the towne ditches neere vnto the port, were filled, one falling vpon another, the prease was so great in flying to get into the town. Hauing gotten this victorie, they past on their way, without doing harme to any one, leauing Cologne on the one side; hauing excused this defeat before Bonne, for that they seeking peace & friendship with all men, had demanded passage, the which being denied them, they were forced to help themselues as wel as they could, and to make their passage by the sword. This happened about 70 yeres after the birth of Christ: wherof we haue made mention, to make known the vertue, valour, and chiualry, which the Batauiens, Hollanders, and Frisons, haue heretofore shewed in the Romans seruice aboue all the nations of the world: which antient Hollanders, E in respect of their valor & vertue, seeme to be reuiued in those of our time, whereof they haue made good proofe in the furious wars which they haue maintained for the space of 40 yeares, both by sea & by land, against all the power of the king of Spain, their ancestors not knowing what it was to fight by sea: wherin at this day they exceed al others. According to the testimonie of some antient writers, the Batauien men and women were attired almost alike: they did The Batauiens habits. vse to weare a cassock, and a cloke vpon it, made fast with a great button of gold or siluer, the cassock being close to the bodie, & a thin paire of breeches, being plaine downe vnto the knee, so as vnder the cloke you might see the proportion of all the members of their bodies. Those which did inhabit along the sea coast, were couered with the skins of wild beasts, wherewith the country at that time (being full of woods) did abound: but the women wore linnen kerchiefs, The womens habits. F partie coloured checker wise, white and purple: they had no hanging sleeues like the men: their habits were cut away behind to the shoulders, & before to the breast, shewing their bare brests, & yet they were exceeding modest, & very chast in mariage, euerie one contenting himselfe with his wife. The maydens (the which is wonderfull aboue all other nations) The Virgins estate. [Page] did not marie if they were not pure virgins; and if any one were corrupted, how rich, faire, A or yong soeuer shee were, no man would marie with her: when as they did marie, they tooke their husbands to be one bodie, one soule, one life, and did not thinke him otherwise, in their meere simplicitie. They were not accustomed to say, where is my husband? but where is my The manner of their marying. loyall. The day of their mariage, the husband was wont to offer a yoke of oxen to plowe withall, a horse bridled and sadled, a target and a sword for the warres; with which gifts the mariage was confirmed in presence of the father, mother, kinsfolkes, and friends. The bridd did learne thereby, that shee must beare and endure with her husband whatsoeuer happened, and that shee came vnto him to be an aid and companion in all trauels, voyages, and dangers, and to liue and die with him, if need were in warre; yea in battell. The mothers did nurse their babes with their owne breasts, beeing a great reproach vnto them to put them B forth to nurse, if necessitie did not constraine them. They did not marie their children vntill they came to ripe age, to the end their children might be strong and lustie. The yong men might not poule their heads, nor shaue their beards, vntill they had slaine some one of their enemies, or taken his armes forcibly from him, to the end that they might know that their naturall reward consisted in the defence of their countrie, and in the honour of their ancestours. Their feeding was simple and plaine, without any spice, sauces, or other delicacie: their ordinarie diet was fruit, cheese, butter, egges, milke, creame, and some pulses, wherewith they did onely satisfie their hunger, and quench their thirst. Their drinke was made of barlie or oates boyled in faire water, like heere or ale; the peasants were content (as they are at this day) with whey: but those that did liue neere vnto the sea were wont to haue wine. It was no The Batauien [...] great drinkers C disgrace among them to drinke a whole day and a night together: when as they went vnto the tauerne, they carried their armes with them, as if it were to doe some exploit of warre.
They were accustomed to assemble once a moneth to hold a councell touching the affairs of the countrie, where euery one might speake his mind freely; whereof the prince or gouernour, with the nobilitie and wise men gaue resolution, not by authoritie or soueraigne command, but onely by persuading the people with good and liuely reasons: if the action or resolution did please, they would presently lift their swords aboue their heads, flourishing and slashing one against another: if it did not please them, their exclamations and murmurings did witnesse their disauow. In this assembly euery one might make his complaint, and call his aduerse partie, to haue it concluded there, were it to life or death, or otherwise ciuilly or D criminally. They were very warie and discreet in matter of punishments and fines: but such as were traitors and renigados were hanged vpon trees, without any sentence or mercie. In their battels for their countrey and libertie, they would haue their neerest kinsmen, wiues, and Their manner of fighting for their libertie and countrie, children spectators, to bee witnesses of their valours, for that they held them to bee their best witnesses; from whom they receiued most honour. After the battell they did runne vnto their mothers and wiues, to shew their wounds, & to suck out the blood with their mouthes, reioycing that their children and husbands had fought so valiantly. The wiues would stand by their husbands during the battell, exhorting and incouraging them to fight well for their libertie and countrey: so as many times they did winne goodly battels, which otherwise it may be they had lost, if the women had not animated them with words. And for this cause The estimation of the women in Holland. E the women were in old time so much esteemed in Holland (and at this day they retaine some markes of respect, drawne from the old custome) for as much as by the treaties and accords which they made with any neighbour townes or common weales, they were wont to comprehend them in their bonds of assurance; namely, the noble women, and the virgins ready to marie: neither did they reiect nor contemne the councels, aduice, and resolutions of women, especially of notable widowes.
The sumptuousnes & wealth of the countries of Hollād, Zeelād, Friselād, Vtrecht, Oueryssel, The commodities and traffique of these countries. & Groningue, all which in old time were reputed Batauiens or Mattiaques, witnes sufficiently their pleasant situation, and the great commodities which doe daily arise by their commerce and traffique, which makes them so to prosper. First, there are in them many little hilles F and valleis, full of pasture, many forrests and vnder woods, full of deere and other game: they are not much giuen to rob nor steale, wheras the passenger or marchant may at al times trauel safely without any danger, and with smal charge, be it by the riuers or channels which are very ordinarie, in shippes, barks, or boats, either sayling, or drawne by horses or men: else they [Page] may trauell in summer by wagon, and in winter in sleds on the yce, from one towne vnto another. A There are also many flowing streames, according vnto the tides, many spatious riuers, standing lakes, and little seas, (as they call them) all which haue store of fish in them, The riuers and fishing. as salmons, trouts, eeles, and other sorts; the which they powder vp in barrels, and send into forraine countreys. These prouinces haue goodly, great, strong, and well peopled townes, well walled, flanckt and fortified to endure great sieges, many borough townes (whereof the Hage where the court of Holland is resident, excels) villages, castles and forts. The people are very neat and cleanely in their apparell, bee it woollen cloth, linnen, or silke, the which is now more frequent there than euer: there is not any petty clarke of aband, but he weares veluet, satten, taffata, and silke stockings (but all at the poore souldiers charge.) The houses within are decked and trimmed with all sorts of moueables, so as you shall not see them more neatly drestvp, nor better accommodated in any countrey of the world. They are also very B curious to haue their meat and drinke very neat and cleanly, and all implements belonging thereunto. There may you recouer all things that mans heart can desire, at a reasonable rate brought thither from sundry countreyes, both neere and farre off in great abundance; for that there wants neither gold nor siluer, which causeth all things to come from all parts. True it is, that some countreys haue mynes of gold, siluer, tinne, copper, yron, and other mettals, but the charge of refining is so great, as they yeeld small profit. The prouinces haue three mynes The prouinces haue there mynes richer than any other. Herrings and other fish. Horses and other cattell. Butter and cheese. of another sort, and of greater reuenue, the which exceeds all other traffique and commerce: out of the which there riseth such a great gaine, as it is not to be valued. The first is the exceeding gaine, they make of herrings, and of all sorts of fish drie and salt, which they send into C all parts of the world. Secondly, they make a wonderfull reuenue of their pastures, their horse rases, their oxen, kine, and sheepe, the which are sold twice a yeare at certaine faires with great profite. Thirdly, they make an infinit quantitie of butter, cheese and other white meats, the which is transported vnto the east and west Indies, and to the new discouered Ilands. They haue also great traffique of wood, (although they themselues haue none growing) of deale boards, firre trees, and oake for shipping, and to make piles and foundations for houses; and for other vses. I omit to speake of silkes, serges, linnen cloth, pitch, tarre, rosen, and all other forts of marchandize; and will remember but the least commoditie, which are conie-skinnes, which they take in their downes and warrens, and are eaten there, amounting yerely to aboue 12000 gulderns, and yet the skins doe not cost aboue a farthing a peece: what then should the bodies which are eaten there come vnto? There is little fire wood in all the countrey, but D they make their fires of turffes which are of three sorts. The first which are hardest and best, making a good solide cole is drawn from the bottome of ditches, in certain parts of the countrey, Their firing. the which is nothing but mudde, they cast them vpon the land, and hauing cut them in equall proportions, they let them drie, treading vpon them with bords, vntill they bee very firme; then cutting them foure square, they lay them vpon hie heaps like a pyramides, packt in such sort as the sunne may pierce from the top to the bottom, and the wind through them on all sides, which makes them to drie, and then they lay them in garrets, and barnes which lie open to the winde and sunne; after which they are caried by boats through all Holland, Zeeland, and into Brabant. They haue another kind of turffe, which they digge out of the earth E in some places, seuen or eight foot deepe, in some lesse, the which being cut square or long, they dry vpon heapes as the rest, with little labour. A third kind of turffe is drawne from the superficies of the earth in the heat of summer, out of quagmiers and moorish places, and dried with the heat of the sunne, the which they cut long, thicke, and large: the two last sorts are in a manner alike in goodnesse, but not like vnto the first. They make another kind of turffe of their cattels dung, mixt with straw, or reeds, which they drie and cut like the first.
The nuptiall chastity was in old time so strictly obserued there, as if a woman were found in adultery, they did not put her to death (as at this day, how great soeuer the crime bee, they Nuptiall chastity of the ancient Hollanders and Frisons. put not any woman to death in some parts of Friseland, but keepe them in perpetuall prison) but (in signe of ignominie and reproche) they did cut of the tresses of their haire, which the F women carie at this day vnder their kerchiefes on their foreheads, and the virgins bare in great rowles. To entertaine this nuptiall chastitie in olde time the priests were forced to marie, least they should defile anothers bed, they thinking it impossible that any one could liue chastly without a wife.
[Page] Hauing described Batauia, according to Petit, and set dowee the maners and customes of A the antient Batauiens, let vs speake something of the scituation of Holland, and of the present estate thereof, as Emanuel Demetrius hath set it downe in his Hystorie.
Holland is little, for that in length from Marsdiepe to the Meuse, it is but eighteene Dutch The description Holland, of as now it is. Emanuel Demetrius. miles, but if you should reckon from Heusden to the lands end, called Texel, there is not any prouince in the Netherlands so long; and it is so narrow, as wheresoeuer you be, you may go to the confines in halfe a day. A third part of it is water, for that within the land it hath fiue great waters, or seas, as Harlem sea, Scheermeer, Bemster, the Waert, and Purmeer, being all ful of fish. This little countrey (being most part medow ground) is preserued by many great ditches, dammes, sluces, and water mils, besides the downes and sands on the shore, which haue beene cast vp by the waues of the sea. The cost and charges to make and entertaine these ditches, B sluces, and mills, is thought to be more than the ground it selfe is worth: for in some places the land lyeth much lower than the sea: yet notwithstanding, although it be well defenced from the sea, yet would the countrey be ouerflowne with the raine water which falleth, for that (as we haue sayd) in many places it lyeth lower than the sea; and therefore it can haue no passage away, if it were not by chargeable water-mills, the which by motion of the wind carrieth Costly water mils. the water forcibly vp, and casteth it through diuers sluces into the sea. These sluces are made in the ditches, and haue double doores, which, when the sea ebs, do open of themselues, and when it begins to flow, then they shut againe, either by the sea water, or of themselues: the charge whereof is so great, as being set downe, no man would beleeue, that such a countrey could be able to maintaine so great wars. C
This prouince of Holland hath aboue 30 walled townes, and 400 villages in it, full of people, Their maner of liuing. all liuing by sea faring, fishing, trade of merchandise, seething of salt, making of ships, ditches, nets, and all necessaries for sea faring and fishing; besides building, which is great and costly, & cutting of turffes, whereby many thousand get their liuing. They haue the sweetest medowes, and fruitfullest cattell in the world, all kinds of wildfoule, and great store of conies, hares, and deere. They haue not corne ynough growing to suffice the fourth part of the inhabitants. The superfluitie of their store they send into all other countries. The butter and The reuenews of butter and cheese. cheese onely which they send abroad, besides their owne store, amounteth yerely to aboue an hundred thousand pounds sterling. The women (being many in regard of the men, who are much cousumed by the wars, and at sea) are so industrious, as by their spinning and weauing D of Holland cloth, and making of nets, they are spoken of throughout all the world: and besides, the women are so politike, diligent, and carefull; as they can buy and sell, keepe accounts, The commendation of the women of Holland. traffique and trauell from place to place, as well as their husbands, in their absence, without any touch of lightnesse or dishonestie. The like of them are not to be found in any countrey, being for the most part big, tall, faire, and well proportioned, and so actiue, as they are more respected than women in other countries, whereas iealousie, lightnesse, and pride, raigneth, more than simple honestie.
The Rhine runneth through Holland and Zeeland, the which diuideth it selfe into two The riuers of Holland and Zeeland. great armes, the Wahal and Leck, which run into the sea, and the riuers of Meuse and Scheld, which come out of France: all which riuers these prouinces can shut vp and open when they E please, with their great number of ships, which brings them great profit, by the transportation vp and downe of all sorts of wares and merchandise, by the said riuers.
In time of warre they bring in great reuenewes for conuoy and licence money, so as those Their aboundance of shipping: prouinces haue almost as many ships and barkes, great and small, as there are houses; by the traffique whereof they make their townes as it were sellers, packhouses, warehouses, spice chambers, and staples for al kinds of wares, which they transport in Summer towards the East, and in Winter to the West.
The great number of their ships, and sea faring men, may partly be gest by this, that in the yeare 1587 there were aboue 600 Holland and Zeeland ships arrested in the Sont, by the king of Denmarke, besides others which went on the Vly for Norway, and others that sayled into F England, Scotland, France, Portugall, Spaine, Italy, Turkie, the Indies, and other countries and islands. And in the yeare 1588, when as the Spanish fleet came, it appeared true by information, that within fourteene dayes they were able to set out an hundred good ships of warre, to lie in the English chanell: and that in Holland, Zeeland, and Friseland, there were found to be [Page] 27 hundred great ships, from two hundred to eight hundred tuns burthen a peece, which An incredible number of ships in Holland, Zeeland, and Friseland. A without doubt may seeme an incredible number; beside the great number of Buisses, dogboats and crabbers, so called in their countrie, the which goe out to the common fishing into the ocean, vnder Norwaie, England, Scotland, and Ireland, and neuer put into any hauen vntill they returne from whence they went; and afterwards the fish and herrings are transported in other shippes into diuers places, yea into those countries vnder which they fished it. And although the ships which trade in marchandise, and the number of fishermen which set forth together, bee exceeding great, yet the countrey remaineth still full of ships and sailers, which saile within the land in small meers or seas, streames and riuers, with smacks, caruels, hoyes, waterships, cromsters, plats, and such like boates, the which are many thousands, all getting their liuings by the water; and yet the towns are continually built and beautified with goodly B houses, and warre maintained against the mightiest enemie in Christendome, and most of their townes kept and defended by their own inhabitants, without any great store of forraine garrisons.
It is well knowne, that euery yeare (although there be no timber growing in the countrey) The great number of ships that are yearly made. there are aboue a thousand ships great and small built, fit to saile into the ocean; the which one with another, some more, some lesse, cost betwixt a hundred and two hundred pounds a peece: all which valued, with those that are alreadie made, would breed wonder and admiration in any man, and persuade him, that this little countrey may well be able to withstand so potent an enemie; and that Spaine may well assure himselfe, neuer to bring this countrey vnder his subiection againe, beeing able to aid themselues against any power entring by land, C by letting in the water, as they did about Leyden: and in the greatest extremitie they haue such multitudes of ships, as they may shippe away the greatest part of their people, cattle, and goods, and defend themselues in certaine islands against their enemies forces, burning their houses and townes, or letting them stand emptie, and so vnprofitable to the enemie, in that they should not be able to defend the same against the sea.
You haue now vnderstood, the beginning, description, and situation of the countrey of Holland, and of the inhabitants, Batauiens, Wilthes, Cathwyckers, Kennemers, Frisons, and Waterlanders; of their valour, vertues, and manners, commodities, and traffique, which they vsed in old time, and of the estate of the prouince at this day: let vs now discourse of Zeelan [...], which is also a countie apart, and yet it hath beene euer vnder the earles of Holland. D
As for the definition or [...]tymologie of this word, it is very manifest, seeing that this earledome consists of many islands, whereof those of Walchren, Schouen, and Suytbeuelandt, are Descri [...]tion of Zeeland. the chiefe among the rest, and the richest; wherefore they are rightly called Zeelands, that is to say, countries of the sea: to giue it the name of Zeeland, who they say was brother to Batton, in my opinion is not allowable, beeing doubtfull whether there were any such Zeeland, if it were not he which gaue name to that quarter of Oueryssel, which is called Saland, from whence are issued the old Saliens, and the towne of Oldenzeel; and from the which some (but without any ground) say that the Salique law of the French was deriued; which opinion is ridiculous. Besides, these three principall islands aboue named, there are foure more, as E Tolen, Northbeuelandt, Woolfaertsdyke, and Philipsland, which lie betwixt Holland, Flanders, and Brabant.
Speaking in generall of the countie of Zeeland, wee say, that it lies vpon that part of the ocean which is to the west and south-west, and behind, it lies open to the north-west. This countrie hath certaine gulphes of the sea▪ as if they were channels; and namely that of Flackee which diuides Zeeland from Holland: to the south is the left arme of the riuer of Escaut, called the Hondt, which parts this countrie from Flanders: and eastward is the right arme of the same riuer of Escaut, the which retaines her name still, and parts Zeeland from Brabant: towards the west is the British ocean, which lookes towards England.
Some writers haue held opinion, that these islands are part of those which Caesar saith were F made by the Rhine, when it fell into the ocean; others say, that when as this countrie was firme land, the riuer of Escau [...] (which doth diuide it from Flanders and Brabant) went besides the said islands, and cast it selfe (as Caesar doth testifie) into the Meuse, where at this day that part of the Escaut enters into the Meruve: Cornellis Batten saith, that hee hath seene manuscripts [Page] of great antiquitie, which affirme, that about the first yeare of our saluation, and sometime A after, Zeeland was nothing but a number of small Islands, one separated from another by little chanels, in the which there were no dwellers. Iohn Reygersberg, who hath written a little chronicle of Zeeland, & other authors, shew that some of these Islands, at the least those that are nerest together, were in old time vnited, & made a firm body of a prouince (as it is likely) with Zeeland some times [...]oyned to Flander. Flanders, but they were seperated by the furie and violence of the sea, which made a new way or passage, in the yeere of Christ 938. Some haue sayd that there was but a little bridge of wood, yea, a planke to passe from Walchren into Flanders.
That the Zeelanders be those which were called Mattiaques, Tacitus doth witnesse by these words, in his booke of the maners of the Germanes: Est in e [...]dem obsequio Mattiacorum gens Batauis similis, nisi quod terrae suae solo [...]c coelo acriùs animantur: (and in truth the ayre is much B sharper in Zeeland, than in Holland) although that Lewis Guichardin in his Belgicke description, seemes to maintaine, that the Mattiaques are not Zeelanders, but that they were a certain people in the countrey of Hessen made noble, for that they had hot fountaines which they vsed for bathes. Wee haue already confest▪ that the Batauiens and Mattiaques are descended from the Catthes in Hessen; but Guichardin deceiues himselfe, interpreting these words, Mattiacas pilas, to agree with hot bathes; for (as we haue sayd before) these Mattiaque pilles or balls, were vsed to make the Zeelanders haire red, as Spuma Bataua, which was a lye made of ashes by the Hollanders. It were an absurd thing to say, that the Mattiaques, neighbours vnto the Batauiens, should dwell so farre off, as in Hessen; vnlesse that Guichardin did suppose that the Mattiaques did remaine still among the Catthes, when as Battus and his brother Mattion, C left the countrey to come and dwell in Holland and Zeeland. But we haue spoken sufficiently both of the one, and the other, at the comming downe of the Batauiens.
For the better vnderstanding of the continent of the countrey of Zeeland, it shall be needfull Many islands in Zeeland. to describe all these islands particularly one after another, for that most of them haue bin transported by the tempest and inundation of the sea, from one place vnto another, and haue changed their beds, sometimes one increasing, and another diminishing, one was swallowed vp, and another layed bare by the water; as it happened in the yere 1598, that they haue recouered all the island of Noortbeuelandt (in the which there were two townes, Cats and Cortgeen, and seuen or eight villages) the which was drowned in the yeare 1515, and hath remayned vnder water, vntill the sayd yere 1598, but now they haue made vp the banks, and it D is fertile ground: but within these three yeeres it suffered much in Aprill, by a great tempest hauing their bankes broken, and much cattell drowned.
Wee will therefore discourse of those which hold firme, and are for the most part discouered, wherof we find, that there are seuen diuided by an arme of the riuer of Escaut, nere vnto Seuen chiefe islands in Zeeland, and their townes. her gulfe, where it enters into the sea, and are diuided into 2 branches, that is, the 3 which are Schouen, Duyuelandt, and Tolen, the which looking towards the East, are called the East islands; and the other foure, with another arme which in old time was firme land, and ioyned vnto the others and the island of Walchren, for that they looke towards the west, are called the Westerne islands, the which are Walchren, Suytbeuelandt, Noortbeuelandt, and Volfersdyke. In all these islands there are eight good townes, whereof sixe haue their deputies E at the Estates for the countie of Zeeland. Middlebourg, Flessingue, and Campuere in Walchren, with Arnmuyden (which was wont to bee of the iurisdiction of Middlebourg) when it was walled; but it hath no voice in the assembly of the Estates. Then in the island of Schouen, Ziricxee, and Brouwershauen, the which hath no voice. In Zuytbeuelandt, which is the greatest and most fertile of all the islands, the towne of Tergoes. The townes of Tolen and Saint Martins-dyke (the which hath no voice) in the island of Tertolen. There are small islands belonging meerely to Zeeland, as Duyuelandt ioyning to Schouen, Stauenisse, Meggerschil, and Philips-landt ioyning to Tertolen, & Byerulyet, which were wont to be of the iurisdiction of Flanders. Since these last troubles in the Netherlands, a good part of the island of Zuytbeuelandt hath bin drowned, in the which there was a part of the towne of Romerswael, F which was sometimes of good traffique, being scituated vpon the riuer of Escaut: of 17 villages which were drowned, they haue recouered some part, and there is hope, that if there were peace in those countreys, within short time they would recouer all; as they might do in Flanders, where there is so much land drowned and lost about Hulst, Axel, and Sluce.
[Page] All theso islands aboue named towards the sea, are defended and preserued by the downs, A which are hilles of sand which the wind and tydes cast vp, the which doe increase and growe greater daily; so as if they did not preuent it, in planting certaine little reeds sharpe at the end, which staies the flying of the sand, all the countrie should bee couered therewith. Towards the south, and other places, where there are no downes, they are defended with good dykes and bankes, which they of the countrey by their industrie and diligence make so high and thicke, as the sea cannot hurt them, nor passe ouer them, at any tempest, or spring tyde.
These bankes (which we may rightly call rampars against the assaults of the sea) are made How they make their d [...]kes or banks of fat earth, or flagges, mingled with timber and great stones; on the outside they are couered with great wispes of strawe made fast in the fat earth; so as a man would say, those dikes or B banks are matted (like vnto the chambers and studies in Paris) which makes them exceeding strong: besides, the sea doth not beat directly vpon them, but as it were sliding along by them.
The charge to make these dikes is very great, for that euery rod of twelue foot, doth commonly cost sixe pounds starling, which for euery mile is eight thousand and foure hundred pounds; so as the outward dikes of Zeeland, beeing fourtie miles in compasse, amount to fiftie sixe thousand pounds starling, besides the yearely charges for the maintaining thereof: for the which they take so good order, and with such proportion, as the proprietaries which owe the land or pasture adioyning to those bankes, are charged and taxed for the entertaining thereof, which money must be speedily leuied. For the preseruation of which bankes, there are officers C appointed, which haue their iurisdictions seperated from others; whereof, the chiefe, or bailife, is called Dikegraue, who hath his assistants, a register, and sergeants, to determine of cō trouersies which fall out betwixt partie and partie; or to force them to pay the money wherewith they are charged for the reparations, after they haue visited them, the which they doe twise or thrice a yeare. The same Dikegraue and his iurats, haue like iurisdiction ouer all the ditches and streets, where they receiue the amerciaments, if there be any fault committed, and see them repaired and amended.
The countrie of Zeeland is very fat and fertile for all kind of tillage, more than for pasture, Zeeland fitter for tillage thā fo [...] pasture. the which is nothing so ordinarie there, as in Holland and Friseland: aboue all, it yeelds good corne, especially the island of Zuytbeuelandt, where there is very faire white wheat. They D haue also in the island of Schouen, and in some others, great store of garences, a kind of grain fit for dyers, the which they send into all parts of Europe. They goe much to sea for to fish for herring and cod, especially the townes of [...]lessingue, Campvere, Ziricxee, and Brouwershauen, who doe euery yeare send forth a great number of Buisses. They haue also great store of fruit trees of all sorts which beare very good fruit, as apples, peares, cherries, and others in great aboundance. They haue a certain kind of turffe there, which they digge two or three spade deepe out of the ground, they call it darie or darinck; the which the poore people only vse, and may not be burnt in townes, for that it hath a more stinking piercing smoake, than those which are made of cowe dongue, which the countrey people in Holland doe commonly vse. E
It is prohibited to cut out this darinck within a certaine distance of the dikes or banks, lest that the countrie should in the end turne into ditches and quagmires, but in certaine places, whereas the ground is higher than in others, where it is necessarie to be taken; for that thorough the acrimonie and sharpnes of the mould, it kils any good thing that growes vpon the superfic [...]es of the earth, and the trees which are planted there, when as the root comes to that soyle, prosper not: but being taken away, and by that means the ground made lower, the soyle prooues good for pasture, tillage, or planting.
At the conuocation of the [...]states of this earledome, in times past there was but one which did represent the whole nobilitie of the countrie, which is at this present the marquesse of la Vere and Flessingue, the inheritance of prince Maurice of Nassau, gouernor of the said countie, F with Holland, Gueldres, Vtrecht, & Oueryssel, lieutenant general, & admiral of the vnited prouinces. There was also but one onely prelate, which did appeare in the said Estates, for the colledges, chapters, abbeys, cloisters, and generally for all the clergie of the earledome, which was the abbot of S. Martins in the town of Middlebourg, a goodly rich abbey; in the which [Page] at this present is the court of Zeeland, and prince Maurice his lodging when he comes there. A The third member of the said Estates (which at this day is the chiefest of all) is comprehended in the commonalties of the townes of Middlebourg, Flessingue, la Vere, Ziricxee, Tergoes, and Tertolen, which are the principall, the rest hauing no voice.
For the gouernment of iustice, and the reuenues of this countie, there are two soueraigne The chiefe for iustice in all Zeeland. officers, who are as it were lieutenants to the earle, called rent-masters; that is to say, receiuers, who haue proportionably great authoritie and preheminence: one of the which is to reside (as hee doth) in the towne of Middlebourg, and is rent-master of the chiefe part of the west quarter, which they call Bewersterscheldt. The other hath his abode in Ziricxee, and hath charge of the east part, which is called Beoosterscheldt. These two in their seuerall iurisdictions, receiue the rights, fees, and reuenues of all the earldome: they are honoured with B the title of the princes counsellers; and all orders, sentences, and decrees are directed to them, to see them published and obserued.
They haue also authoritie in all the villages and places of their iurisdictions, to apprehend or cause to be apprehended (for the execution whereof, they haue their lieutenants and sergeants) all delinquents and malefactors, whom they are to represent in the two chiefe towns of the islands of Walchren and Schouen, that is Middlebourg and Ziricxee, and there to demaund iustice; bee they to be punished or absolued.
The chiefe trade of the inhabitants of this countrie, bordring vpon the sea, is nauigation Their course of liuing. and fishing both farre and neere, sayling and traffiquing at this day to the islands, to the east and west Indies, and to all parts of the world. Those which dwell within the land, giue themselues C to tillage, and to feed catte [...]. Moreouer, they boile and refine salt, the which they doe wonderfully augment, boyling it with sea water. The salt which comes from Spaine they doe increase fiue and fourtie in a hundred, that of Portugal about thirtie fiue, and that of Brouage or other parts of France, fiue and twentie for a hundred.
In all the towns of the island of Walchren, especially at Middlebourg and Flessingue, they doe daily build goodly great ships, which goe to the Indies and to all parts of the world, for that they are very commodiously seated for nauigation: and these townes of Walchren (especially Middlebourg) since the warres began, haue much increased, both in people, wealth, and trade of marchandise, for that their traffique is farre greater since that Antuerpe fell into the Spaniards hands; so as they haue beene forced to make their towne greater, and to beutifie D and fortifie it with new hauens, bulwarkes, and ports, with other great and extraordinarie buildings. Flessingue likewise is much bettered both in wealth and buildings, being also amplified, fortified, and beutified with a faire towne house, and a new church. Camphere and Arnemuyden doe also prosper well; and the rest of the townes in the other island, as Ziricxee, Tergoes, and Tertolen, haue likewise recouered a great part of their forepassed losses.
Hauing described the earledomes of Holland and Zeeland, their beginning, situation, and Henaut ioyned to Holland & Zeeland. manners, we will hereafter set downe the number of their princes, who had but the titles of earles; whereunto in continuance of time, by right of succession, according to the alliances of mariage was added the earldome of Henaut, or at the least the counties of Holland and Zeeland were vnited to the earldome of Henaut, the race of Thierry of Aquitaine the first earle of E Henaut, failing in Iohn sonne to cont Floris the ninth, to whom Iohn d'Auesnes earle of Henaut his cousin succeeded; which three seigniories of Henaut, Holland, & Zeeland, although they haue no other title but of earle, are richer, better peopled, and more mightie, either of them apart, than many dukedomes, principalities, or marquesates, in Germanie, France, and Italie: for there is no common weale, how mightie soeuer (no not Venice it selfe) that can put so many ships to sea, and entertaine them continually, either for warre or trade of marchandise, aduenturing themselues in long voyages, as the Hollanders and Zeelanders doe at this daie; which makes them so mightie, as all the forces of the king of Spaine, nor of all the princes of the house of Austria, could not for these fourtie yeares greatly hurt them, nor restraine their command at sea. F
To enter therefore into this subiect, we will first shew how that Holland and Zeeland, in ancient time being much and often tormented by the daily incursions of the Gothes, Danes, Normans, Saxons, Sicambres (which were they of Gueldres and Cleues) and other their neighbours, (beeing freed some thousand yeares since from the subiection of the Romane [Page] empire) did gouerne themselues in forme of an Aristocraticall common weale, by the nobilitie, A and the most apparent men among the people (among the which, the viconts of Leyden, and the lords of Wassenare were the most eminent in credit and authoritie in Holland, and the lords of Borselle in Zeeland; which two families are at this present extinct) vntill that the emperours Charles the bald, king of France, and Lewis king of Germanie (desirous to prouide for the spoile and ruine of these two prouinces) gaue them a prince and lord, which was Thierry of Aquitaine.
A HISTORIE OF THE NETHERLANDS, OR SEVENTEENE PROVINCES.
Containing the Discents, Genealogies, and memorable acts of the Earles and Princes of the said Prouinces, from THIERRY of Aquitaine, the first Earle of Holland and Zeeland, successiuely to PHILIP the third of that name, king of Spaine, and last Earle of Holland, Zeeland, Friseland, &c.
HOlland erected into an Earledome, and who was the first Earle. The Viount of Leiden and the [...]. of Wassenare oppose themsel [...]es against Thierry of Aquitaine the first earle of Holland. The earledome of Zeeland giuen also to Thierry. The Normans and Danes make great spoiles in Holland. ¶ Thierry 2, earle of Holland and Zeeland, succeeds his father: he makes warre and ranquisheth the Frisons ¶Arnulph or Arnould sonne to Thierry the second, the third earle of Holland & Zeland, this earle was vanquished and slaine by the Frisons. ¶Thierry the third, the fourth earle of Holland, and sonne to Arnulph. The Bishop of Virecht riseth against him, he defeats the Bishop and tak [...]s him prisoner. The death and [...]pitaph of the three Thierries. ¶ Thierry the fourth, the [...]ft earle of Holland: he s [...]e the bishop of Collogns brother at a tourney. The Germans to reuenge it come into Holland, take Dordrecht, the which he recouers, and being victor [...] slaine from a window with an arrow. ¶Floris the first, the sixt Farle, brother to Thierry the 4. The bishop, of [...]ollogne and Liege inuades Holland [...]he defeats them twise, and being a conqueror hee is slainely the earle of Cuycke, who was also slaine there. ¶Gertrude of Saxonie his Widow, Gouernesse to young Cont Thierry the fift, hir sonne, being yet a child. Shee marries againe with Robert the Frison▪ sonne to the earle of Flanders. They are chased out of Holland by Godf [...]ey the Crookebacke, duke of Lorraine, called in by William bishop of Vtrecht. ¶Godfrey is the ninth Earle of Holland, accounting Gertrude and Robert for two heads: he vanquished the Frisons, built the towne of Delf, and was slaine in▪ Antuerpe, easing of himselfe. ¶Robert the Frison being earle of [...]landers, restores Cont Thierry to Holland and Zeeland, who vanquished the bishop of Vtrecht and tooke him prisoner. Hee made war against the Frisons who would be free vnder the Empire, and defeats them: his death. ¶Floris the Fat, the sonn [...] of Thierry the fift, the eleuenth earle of Holland; &c. he makes war against the Frisons, subdues them and dies, hauing reigned 30 yeares. ¶Thierry the sixt, of that name, the twelfth Earle, he makes war against the Frisons, with whome Floris the Blacke his brother ioins: these bretheren being afterwards reconciled, the earle of Cuycke kils Floris: Thierry reuengeth his death and besiegeth Vtrecht The Frisons defeated by him in Holland, and then he dies, hauing raigned fortie yeares. ¶Floris the third, the 13 earle, sonne to Thierry the sixt. Warre against the Frisons. War betwixt the earles of Holland and Flanders for the island of Walchren. The prow [...]sse of the Hollanders at the siege of Damiette, in which voiage the Earle died. ¶Thierry the seuenth, the 14 earle, succeeded his father: he was in quarell with William of Holland his brother, who ioined with the Frisons, but they were afterwards reconciled. Dying, he left one only daughter. ¶Ada, daughter to Thierry the seuenth, the 15 commaunding in Holland: she gouerned but one yeare, and died without children. During hir life she was still in war against the earle of Eastfriseland hir vncle, who succeeded hir, and was ¶William the first of that name, the sixteenth earle of Holland: the crown of Scotland fell vnto him by his mother, but he neglected it. Dying he had ruled 19 years in Holland, and 26 in Friseland. ¶Floris the fourth succceded William his father, the seuenteenth Earle. Strange war with the bishop of Vtrecht. He is slaine at a tourney at Clermont. ¶William the second succeeded Floris his father, being yet a child vnder the guard of his vncle the B [...]shop of Vtrecht. He was crowned king of Romans. He went against the Frisons where he was slaine. ¶Floris the fift, the nineteenth Earle, hee had great war against the Frisons, whom he vanquished, and brought backe his fathers bones: hee was sl [...]ne by Gerard van Velsen knight. ¶Iohn the first of that name succeeded his father Floris, the 20 Earle of Holland. Being returned out of England where hee had married the kings daughter, he reuenged his fathers death. He died without children, and in him failed the race of Earles descended from Thierry of Aquitaine.
THE yeare of our Redemption 863, Charles the Bald, king of How Holland was erected to an Earledome, and who was the first Earle. France, being in Brabant in the Prouince of Campeigne, at a towne called Bladell, he called a generall assemblie of his Princes and Barons, to consult of the best means to repell the Normans and Danes, who made daylie incursions into Germanie, Friseland, Holland, Zeland, and into the realme of France. Thither came many Princes and great Noblemen, both Spirituall and Temporall, from all parts: whether in like sort the Pope (being then at Mentz vpon the Rhin) sent his Legats. Among other Princes and Noblemen there present, came Cont Haghen of little Troy (which at this present is the towne of Zanthen Zanthen in Cleueland called little Troy. vpon the Rhin, betwixt the towns of Nuys and Cleefe) bringing with him his sister Mathild, [Page 2] wife of Sigebert duke of Aquitaine, with hir two sonnes; the eldest was called Walger, whom A king Charles did then make Earle of Teysterbaudt, the which did at that instant and long after containe and comprehend the townes of Tyel, Bommell, Arkell, Heusden, Altem, Vianen, Culembourg, Buren, Leederdam, Aspren, and Henckelom, with a great circuit of countrey, vnto the riuer of Meuse. The youngest was Thierry, who as yet had no siegneorie nor commaund, but was a valiant and hardie knight, who with his father Sigibert▪ had done many valiant exploits both in Prouence and Aquitaine, against the S [...]rasins, who made many incursions into those countries: so as for his valour and prowess [...] hee was much esteemed in Court, and well fauoured of king Charles.
THIERRY of Aquitaine, the first Earle of Holland. B
[Page 3] At this assemblie of Bladell, the earle Haghen (his vncle) besought the king to remember A Thierry his nephew, and to aduaunce and inuest him in some part of the countrie which the Normans and Danes had lately spoiled and destroied, knowing him (as that was well known to all men) to be valiant, strong, able to endure trauell, wise, temperat, and discreet to keepe that which should be giuen him in charge: besides, hee was honourably descended, issued from the bloud of France, by the antient Troians. King Charles hearing so many good testimonies of this young knight, at the request of the Popes Legats, and the instance of the Holland and [...]elād giuen to T [...]erry of Aquitaine. Earle Haghen his vncle, gaue vnto Thierry of Aquitaine all the countrie of Holland, with a part of East-Frizeland, from Dockum to the riuer of Lanuers (as the Chronicles of Holland doe maintaine, which the Frizelanders seemed to dislike and impugne, saying that Charles, who was then but king of France, and not Emperor, could not dispose nor giue away Frizeland, B the which maintained it selfe vnder the Romane Empire) to defend and protect them by his valour from the inuasions and spoiles of the Danes and Normans: who euen at that time held and enioied the towne of Vtrecht, the Bishop and all his Prebends (to auoid their furie) being fled to the town of Deuenter in the countrie of Oueryssel, the which was subiect both to the Temporall and Spirituall jurisdiction of the said Bishop of Vtrecht.
This assemblie at Bladell being ended, king Charles went with this knight Thierry into Holland, to put him in possission of the countrie by force of armes: the vicount of Leyden, and the lord of Wassenare his cousin (these two houses being since vnited in that of the vicounts) gathered together what forces they could, to make head against king Charles, and to hinder Thierry in the possession of that which was giuen him, refusing absolutely to receiue Thierry Opponents to Thierry. C for their lord and earle, desiring rather to ioine with them of Friseland, and to remain subiects to the empire. The king and Cont Thierry marched against them and gaue them battaile, Hollanders & Friselanders defeated and subdued. whe [...]in there was great effusion of blood of either side, and those two noblemen of Leyden and Wassenare were both slaine. After this defeate all the people of the countrie submitted themselues to the kings obedience, & (as he commanded them) did acknowledge Thierry for their [...]ege lord and earle of Holland. The king and cont Thierry marching on, forced them of Friseland to the like obedience, and to acknowledge Thierry for their lord, taking an oath of fealtie to remaine for euer vnder the obedience of the earles of Holland. This done, Charles returned into France, leauing the new earle Thierry in full possession of these prouinces of Holland and Friseland, where he liued for a time in peace. D
Some yeares after, the Friselanders impatient of a new lord commanding ouer their magistrats and rulers, seeing earle Thierry remaining alone in Holland liuing in peace and rest, they The Hollanders and Friselanders rebell. tooke counsell with the Hollanders, how they might with their common forces expell him out of their countries. The earle hauing discouered this conspiracie, and fully informed of all their practise, he went speedily into Fraunce to king Charles, complaining of the rebellion of his subiects of Holland and Friseland. The king did write vnto the Pope, asking his aduise in this action (for at that time the Hollanders and Friselanders were good Christians, yet free:) the Pope hauing read the kings demaund, he tooke the same letters, the which he did cut into long lab [...]ls, and then hee cut off the tops of them. At night walking in his garden with the kings embassadors, with his knife he cut off the tops of the highest plants, & of some smaller. E The next day the embassadors requiring an answer of the kings letters; the Pope sayd vnto them, Report only vnto the king what you haue seene me doe vnto his letters and vnto the The pope doth couertly aduise the king to subdue the Hollanders. plants. Wherof the embassadors hauing made relation vnto the king, he presently conceiued what the Pope meant,
Hauing therfore leuied a goodly armie, he returned into Holland with Thierry to see who durst presume to oppose himselfe: where being arriued, euery man shrunke; but the king hauing intelligence who had bene the authors of this conspiracie, tending to a generall reuolt, without making any great bruit in the beginning, seeing there was no rising nor taking arms, Those of Holland and Friseland punished. he sent to seise vpon some of the chiefe & greatest personages among them, as also of some of the common sort of Holland & Friseland, whom he knew to be guiltie of this practise, whose F heads he caused to be cut off the next day in the presence of the people: the rest terrified with this example and seeing the king & earle had respected the greater no more than the lesse, nor spared the lesse more than the greater, they cast themselues at the kings feet, & at the earls their prince & lord, crieng for pardon & mercie: who receiued thē into grace, vpon a new promise The rest reconciled. [Page 4] and oth taken to continue for euer faithfull and obedient to cont Thierry. Thus was Thierry A inuested the second time and put in possession of the countie of Holland and Friseland, the which was confirmed vnto him by the kings letters pattents, as followeth.
In the name of the holy Trinitie. Charles by the grace of God king of France, As it is well befitting Letters of donation of the countie of Holland. our roiall greatnesse, to honour and aduance our welbeloued and faithfull seruants, we giue all men to vnderstand both present & to come, that our welbeloued and faithfull the earle Haghen of Zanthen, hath presented himselfe before vs, and humbly intreated vs to aduaunce our welbeloued and faithfull knight Thierry, to the siegneorie of Egmont, and the appurtenances depending thereon, with all the countrie which is from Suydherders-haye vnto the Fortrappe and Kumen. Whereunto being fauourably enclined, we haue giuen, and do giue by these presents vnto our said faithful knight Thierry all the countrie aboue mentioned, with the vassals and homages therein contained, or that may be hereafter, B with all the woods, marishes, waters, riuers, pastures, and all that depends of them. Inioining all men to obey him, and not to giue him any let or hinderance, but to suffer him and his successors for euer freely to enioy, vse, and possesse the same, by this title of donation which we haue made vnto him, as of all his other goods, lands, and siegneories of inheritance. And for that our pleasure is that these present Letters pattents shall remaine firme and stable for euer, We haue sealed them with our roiall accustomed scale. Giuen at Bladell in the yeare of our Lord 863, the 17 of the Kalends of Iune, on S. Vits day. The Archbishop Rutger high Chancellor hath seene and allowed it.
By the tenour of these letters it is manifest that the earledome of Holland was not giuen to Thierry by king Charles the Bald at the Popes request, as some write, to maintaine the Christian faith, which S. Willeuord bishop of Vtrecht had planted there; but at the especiall instance C and suit of Haghen earle of Zanthen vncle to cont Thierry, to defend and preserue it from the inuasions of the Danes, Normans, & other enemies. We must vnderstand that Suydherdershaye is now Hillegums Meerbeeck; the Fortrappe was neere vnto Casant in Flanders; and the Kumen is a streame of water betwixt Al [...]mar and the old cloister of the Carmes, where West-Friseland begins, the which they call North-Holland. Cont Thierry being by vertue of these letters of Donation, inuested and confirmed as well by force as by loue, in the quiet possession of the countie of Holland, his aunt ladie Emme wife to Lewis king of Germanie, brother to king Charles the Bald, caused the forrest of Waelsdael to be giuen him by hir husband, W [...]lsdael, or the countie of Z [...]land giuen to Thierry. the which at this present is the countie of Zeeland, and at that time consisted of many islands, diuided by riuers. Of which donation mention is made in these letters following. D
In the name of the holy Trinitie Amen. Lewis by the grace of God king of Germanie, to all those 868 to whome these present letters shall come, greeting, We giue them to vnderstand, that our deere and welbeloued spouse and companion, hath intreated vs to giue vnto our deere and faithfull nephew Cont Letters of donation of Zeeland. Thierry of Holland, sonne to hir sister, the forrest of Waelsdael, ioining vnto his earledome, with all the fields and land that was vsually laboured and fed, together with the waters & riuers as well within as without, woods, heath, and forrest, and all that depends thereon. Being fauourably enclined to the suit and request of our said Spouse, and being desirous to gratifie hir therein, We haue giuen and doe giue by these presents, vnto the said earle Thierry our nephew, the said forrest of Waelsdael, with all the appurtenances depending thereon: to possesse, hold, and quietly enioy, for him and his heires, or for any other to whome he would sell or ingage them; for euer, without any contradiction. And for that E our will and pleasure is, that this donation shall remaine firme and stable for euer, Wee haue sealed it with our roiall seale. Giuen in the yeare of our Lord at Engelshem, 868, the 13 of Aprill. Gezo vicechancellor in the absence of the archbishop Othelrie, high chancellor, hath seene, allowed, and subsigned it.
Hereby we may vnderstand that from Tournay, and higher, vnto Vtrecht, all that did lie betwixt the two branches of the riuer of Rhine, which Ptolomie calles Naualia, for that the ships must of necessitie passe there and pay tribute: the which since hath bene called Traiectum (that is to say, a Trauers, of traijciendo) was nothing but a thicke and fearefull forrest, which they called The forrest without mercie. By these Letters we may also see, that Holland The forrest without mer [...]e. and Zeeland were the furthest limits and frontiers of Germanie (the which did extend vnto F the British sea) towards Brabant and Flanders: the one beeing held of the Empire, and the other of the crowne of Fraunce; and that of forrests, woods, and desarts, they are by succession of time become good and fertile countries, and both erected into Earledomes by the donators themselues.
[Page 5] Thierry of Aquitaine being then by the bountie of the kings of France and Germanie become A earle of Holland and Zeeland, and lord of Friseland (although the Friselanders will not absolutly confesse it, by reason whereof they had great wars against the earles of Holland, of whom they [...]ue three or foure in battaile) was issued from a most noble and antient race, that is, from the old kings of France, descended from the Troians, that is to say, from the first race of the kings of Franconia, issued from Marcomir, Pharamond, and others their successors, kings of France, whose discent may thus bee reckoned: for this Priam come from Troy (being so called by the name of his great grandfather, king of Phrygia and of Troy) was the first king of Franconia, who had to sonne Marcomir, that first came into France: he had Pharamond, Pharamond had Clodion, Clodion had Merouë, Merouë had Childeric, Childeric had Clouis the first The Genealogie of Thierry. Cristian king, Clouis had Childebert, Childebert had Clotaire the first, Clotaire had Cherebert, Cherebert B had Chilperic, Chilperic had Clotaire the second, Clotaire had Dagobert the first, Dagobert had Clouis the second, Clouis had Clotaire the third, Clotaire had Childeric the third, Childeric had Theodoric or Thierry, Theodoric had besides Clouis the third king of France, another sonne called Chilperic or Childebert, this Childebert had Diedericke duke of Aquitaine, Diedericke had Lothaire, Lothaire had Didier, Didier had Engelrim who died a martyr, Engelrim had Sigisbert, Sigisbert had of his wife Mathild sister to Cont Haghen of Zanthen and lady Emme queene of Germanie, two sonnes, that is to say Walger earle of Teisterbaudt, and Thierry of Aquitaine earle of Holland and Zeeland lord of Friseland.
This Cont Thierry carried the armes of his ancestors: and for that king Pepin would not haue any but himselfe and those of his blood carrie the armes of France, hee therefore gaue C vnto Diederic or Thierry duke of Aquitaine, other different armes, which some say were those of Hector of Troy, that is A Lion rampant Gueules in a field Or, armed and lampassed Azure. And The blason or armes of Cont Thierry. for that the sayd Cont Thierry drew his originall in the right masculine line from the said Diederic duke of Aquitaine, he might by right carrie the same armes. Hee was also honourably married to Genna or Ienna daughter to Pepin the Bald, king of Italie, sonne to the emperour His wife. Charlemagne, who died before his father, to whom king Charles the Bald was vncle by the fathers side, and she his neece, daughter to his brother, a very wise and vertuous princesse.
This Thierry did valiantly suppresse and vanquish the Danes, who at that time did possesse the towne of Vtrecht, the Wiltes and the Slaues; who seeing they could no more set footing in Holland, through the valiant resistance which they found in Cont Thierry, they made an D incursion into Zeeland vpon the coast of Arnmuyden. Lewis king of Germanie hauing intelligence of the great spoile which the Danes made in Zeeland, sent Lupold thither (a braue Franconian knight, the sonne of Vrancke duke of Suawbe, & grandchild to that Lupold which was driuen out of his countrie by Nicephorus emperour of Greece) to succour Cont Thierry his nephew, who iointly together made good proofe of their valour and forces against the Danes, in many a gallant incounter. Of this first Lupold are descended those of the last house of Borssele in Zeland: for he had to wife Elizabeth daughter to the great Maroth king of Hungarie, by whome he had three sonnes, that is to say, Lupold who was earle of high Hungarie, and Frederike duke of Austria, from whome are descended those of Walchi, which is the noblest house in Austria: the third was Vrancke, father to the second Lupold, whome king Lewis E made Lieutenant generall of his armie in Zeeland; from whence hauing expelled the Danes, The beginning of the house of Borssele. he married an heire of the first house of Borssele, and was the founder of the town of Borssele, at this time drowned.
After this victorie Cont Thierry liued in peace and rest, studieng to beautifie his countries, and to furnish them with good lawes: so as hauing reigned fortie yeares, he died very old, to whome his sonne succeeded. F
THIERRY THE SECOND OF THAT name, peaceable Earle of Holland and Zeeland, and Lord of Friseland.
[Page 7] THierry the second of that name, by the decease of Cont Thierry of A Aquitaine his father, was Earle of Holland and Zeeland, and lord of Friseland. But the Friselanders at the first would not acknowledge him for their lord, but rebelled against him and would liue free, vnder the liberties which the Emperour Charlemagne had graunted them. This Cont Thierry had to wife Hildegard daughter to Lewis the stuttering king of France, and sister to king Charles the Simple: by whome hee had Egbert his eldest sonne, a deuout man, who was Archbishop of Treues, and Arnulph or Arnoult, who succeeded him in the said Counties, and one daughter called Alix or Erlinde.
Cont Thierry seeing the wilfulnesse and obstinacie of his subiects of Friseland, leuyed a strong and mightie armie of the best souldiors he could recouer, as well in his own territories B as of his friends and allies; with the which he entered into the countrie of Friseland and began to forrage, spoile, burne, and destroy it. The Frisons knowing themselues vnable at this The Frison [...] subdued. time to resist so mightie an armie, making of necessitie vertue, and yeelding to the time and force, they submitted themselues to the Earles mercie, who receiued them into grace. And then without any losse of his men, being laden with spoile, he returned into Holland. But the yeare following they reuolted againe, and came with great troups into West-Friseland (the They rebell againe. which obeied the Earle, and therefore it was called North-Holland) besieging the towne of Alcmar; the which they did with such speed, as the Earle could not haue his armie readie in Ruine Alcmar and burne the Abbie of Egmont. time to hinder them, before they had forced the towne, and slaine all that they found within C it, burning it, and rasing it to the ground, carrieng away with them the best of their wealth, many prisoners, and all their cattell. Then marching on, they came into the countrie of Kennemers, spoyling burning and killing all that made any resistance. From thence they marched as farre as Egmont, where they burnt the Abbie: and descending lower, committing dayly a thousand insolencies, they came to besiege the towne and castle of Leiden, thinking to carrie it at their first approch, as they had done Alcmar; but the vicount of Leiden, a valiant knight, with the helpe of the inhabitants made head against them, sending to Cont Thierry that hee should come speedily to succour them, else they should not possibly hold out long. The Earle who had no need of any persuasions to hasten his resolution, hearing in what danger those of Leiden were, flies thither with his armie, being assisted by the lord of Borssell and other great D personages, appointing the Frisons a day and place for battaile, to attend him in open field. But the Frisons refusing a limitted day, desired to fight presently, assuring themselues of the victorie, relying vpon their multitudes of men. The Earle hauing vnited all his forces together, although the Frisons had double his number yet hee issued out of Leiden, and went to charge them. At the first incounter the battaile was very furious and doubtfull, the Hollanders fighting for their liues, wiues, children, houses and goods; and the Frisons for honor and victorie. In the end, the Frisons not able any longer to endure the furious charges of the Hollanders, seeing so many of their men slain, and their brethren, kinsfolks and friends lieng dead before them, they began to faint and to flie away for their owne safeties, in the which slight there was so great a slaughter made of the Frisons, as very few returned to their owne houses: A great defeat of the Frisons. E for they were slaine euery where as they fled, and there was no pittie had of them, by reason of the great spoiles which they had committed in all the countrey where they had past. This battaile was fought vpon the same place where as since the abbie of Rhinsburg neere vnto Leiden was built. Thus the Earle subdued the Frisons, with great effusion of blood, forcing them to yeeld vnto the yoke, and to submit themselues vnder his obedience: in such sort as he Their punishment. constrained them to make their doores and the entries into their houses so low, as they must bend their backs and stoupe very much, in signe of humilitie, before they could enter. Then they tooke a new oath of fealtie, as to their liege lord and Soueraigne, with all such honor and respect as the case required. The yeare following the Earle caused a Temple to be built in the place where the defeat had bene giuen, the which he dedicated vnto S. Laurence, where since F the ladie Petronelle Countesse of Holland did erect a conuent of religious virgins, of the order of S. Benet.
Cont Thierry hauing bene thus reuenged of the Frisons, he caused the Abbie of Egmont to be reedified at leisure: his father did at the first build it of wood, but hee caused it all to bee [Page 8] made of masons worke: and in steed of Religious women, he placed monks of the same Order, A translating the nuns vnto a place called Bennenbroeck, in the village of Hemsteed, neere vnto the towne of Harlem, commaunding they should not receiue any n [...]w into their societie, to the end that when they were all dead, the goods, possessions and renenues of their foundation should returne vnto the monkes of the abbie of Egmont, whereof Monebaldus was the first abbot. This earle Thierry the second hauing raigned a long time peaceably after his subduing of the Frisons, left the counties of Holland and Zeeland more flourishing than euer, so as being fourskore and eight yeres old, after that he had raigned about fiftie years, he gaue vp his soule to God, leauing two sonnes, Egbert the eldest, and Arnold who succeeded his father, for some reasons that I will presently specifie. B
ARNVLPH OR ARNOLD, THIRD A Earle of Holland and Zeeland, and Lord of Friseland. B
ARNOLD after the death of Cont Thierry his father, the second of that name, succeeded in the countries of Holland and Zeeland, as also in the siegneorie of Friseland. He had to wife the ladie Lutgard, daughter to Theophanes emperour of Greece, of whom he had one sonne, called as his grandfather, Thierry the third of that name, who succeeded him. This Cont Arnold had an elder brother, called Egbert, who hauing ben sent in Egbert eldest sonne to Cont Thierty the second, becomes a monke. ambassage by his father to the archbishop of Treues, toucht with zeale to religion and mooued with deuotion, hee professed himselfe a monke of the order of S. Benet: and sending backe vnto his father the dispatches of his embassage, by the noblemen that C did accompanie him, he remained in the cloister. Afterwards by the decease of the said archbishop of Treues, he was chosen archbishop, where he gouerned some yeares: and hauing repaired the churches which the Danes had ruined and prophaned, he died, and was interred in the church which he had built and dedicated to S. Andrew.
Cont Arnold obtained of the emperour Otho the third, to hold the earledomes of Holland Holland, Zeeland, and Friseland made subiect to the Empire. and Zeeland with the siegneorie of Friseland in fee of the Empire, and no more of the crown of France. In his time there appeared a very fearefull comet, & there were great eclipses both of sunne and moone red as blood, with horrible earthquakes: there fell a fire from heauen as big as a great tower, the which burnt long; then followed so great and violent a plague, as the liuing died in burying of the dead. This earle had all the time of his reigne continuall warre Horrible Prodigies. D with the Frisons, refusing to submit themselues vnder his obedience: the fift yere of his reign he leuied a great armie of his subiects in Holland, to subdue the Frisons and force them to obedience, as he had done the first yeare of his reigne. The two armies approching one vnto the other in open field, neere vnto Winckell, a furious battaile was fought, wherein the Hollanders The Hollanders defeated by the Frisons, and their earle slaine, hauing the worst, cont Arnold with a great number of the chiefe of his nobilitie were slaine, in the yeare 993, the day after S. Lambert, which was the eighteenth of October; hauing gouerned Holland and Zeeland fiue yeares after the decease of his father: he is interred in the abbie of Egmont by his father and grandfather, leauing his eldest sonne Thierry the third for his successor in the said earledomes. Hee had also another sonne called Ziffrid (the 993 Frisons call him Sicco) who being fallen in disgrace with his father, to auoid his displeasure, E went voluntarily into exile into the countrie of Friseland, where he was courteously receiued by Gosso Ludingama then Potestat or gouernour of the Frisons, with whose daughter he fell in loue, and married hir without the priuitie of the earle his brother: of whome hee had two sonnes, the eldest he called Thierry by his grandfathers name, and Simon. Afterward Ziffrid being reconciled to his father, was made his lieutenant in the quarter of Kennemerland, and The beginning of the house of Breederoed, had for his part a portion of land measured with the great yard (the word of Breede-roede signifieng a Great Yard) so as euer since the siegneorie of the said Ziffrid hath retained the name of Brederode vnto this day.
His father did also giue him the castell of Theylingen, the which Ziffrid did giue and bequeath And of the familie of Theylingen. vnto Simon his yoongest sonne: from whome discended the familie of Theylingen, at F this present quite extinct by the death of two brethren which remained, the which were both slaine in battaile by the Frisons, with Cont William of Hainalt the fourth of that name, their prince, as wee shall hereafter see, and how that also by the like accident of war we haue seene die (without leauing any issue) foure braue knights of the house of Brederode, being yet in the [Page 10] flower of their youth, not any one remaining of that house at this day, but three bretheren; A the eldst Walrauen lord of BREDERODE, baron of Vianen and of Ameyden: Florent the second brother lately deceased, left one sonne, lord of Cloetinghen, heire apparent of the whole house; and Maximilian the youngest, who liues in Brabant. There are many of the same house bearing the same surname, and armes, (but broken) gentlemen come of bastards. The Epitaph of this earle Arnold preserued with many others in the ruines of the said abbie of Egmont (whereas most of the earles of Holland haue bene interred) hauing bene recouered by me, although it be but grossely composed (as also the rest that follow) yet could I not omit them, for that they shewed their antiquitie, the which is not wholy to be reiected. Such was the Epitaph of the said earle and the ladie Lutgard his wife.
This Countesse Lutgarda wife to Cont Arnold, and daughter to Theophanes Emperour of D Constantinople and of Greece, died in the month of May, but I find not in what yeare. She lies by hir husband in the abbie that was of Egmont.
THIERRY THE THIRD OF THAT name, sonne to Cont ARNOLD, was fourth Earle of Holland, Zeeland, and Lord of Friseland.
[Page 12] THIERRY the third of that name, after the death of Cont Arnold his father, A was in number the fourth Earle of Holland and Zeeland, and lord of Friseland. Being come vnto the Principalitie, he demaunded homage of the Frisons; the which being denied him, dissembling the discontent and the desire of reuenge he had for his fathers death, he then surceased to make any further question, attending some fitter opportunitie. He tooke to wife in his fathers life time Withild, daughter to the emperour Otho the second, duke of Saxe, whome he His wife and children. had of his second wife, daughter to the Marquis of Austria. Of which Withild, Cont Thierry had two sonnes, the eldest was called as his father, and the fourth of that name, earle of Holland: the second was Floris, earle of East-Friseland, who after the death of his brother without children, succeeded in the said counties of Holland, Zeeland, and siegneorie of Friseland. B After the death of Anfrid the 18 bishop of Vtrecht, issued from the race of Charlemagne, Adelbold descended from Manson a nobleman of the countrie of Friseland, was chosen Bishop, for his great knowledge as well in Diuinitie as in other liberall arts: hee had bene Councellor to the emperour Henry the second, he was the first bishop that began to aduance himselfe, and to The first warlike bishop of Vtrecht. make war against the Hollanders. For when as Thierry the third, earle of Holland, had liued some time in rest and peace; and that Walbold deane of the Cathedrall church of Vtrecht was made bishop of Liege, who before had bene chiefe chancellor to Adelbold, dissuading him stil from all attempts of warre: this Walbold being thus retired to his bishoprike, Adelbold desirous of alterations, would needs without any colour make warre against the Earle and the Hollanders. The causes and motiues of this war were, That Adelbold had animated the Frisons and C fortified them to rise & rebell against Cont Thierry their naturall lord: moreouer, this bishop had aduaunced a gentleman called Didier Bruno to bee earle of Bodegrauen and of Suvamerdam, The Earle of Bodegrauen. who did greatly wrong and oppresse the Hollanders his neighbours: wherupon Cont Thierry went with his troups to assaile him, and hauing defeated him in battaile, hee expelled him by force out of his siegneorie.
The bishop bearing it impatiently to see his vassall thus expelled, leuied an armie, with an intent to restore him by force: so the 9 of Iune in the yeare 1018 the bishop hauing brought his men to field betwixt Bodegraue & Suvamerdam, the earle Thierry went to charge them, being accompanied by his brother Ziffrid lieutenant of Kennemerland, by Iohn lord of Arkel, the siegneor Iohn of Persin, the vicount of Leyden, and many other braue knights and gentlemen. D But this incounter proued vnfortunat for the bishop, wherin he was defeated and put to The bishop of Vtrecht defeated in battaile by the Hollanders. rout. There died on his side among the most remarkable, Wyger, Aduoe, that is to say, Aduocat generall of the diocesse of Vtrecht, Wickin and Gadezo earles, Lazo, Alger, and Zuveer (that is to say Asuerus) knights, with a great number of squires and gentlemen, besides the men at armes and common souldiors, which were very many.
The bishop Adelbold was much perplexed for this defeat, yet he fainted not, but gathering together his dispersed troupes, would make a second proofe and hazard another battaile, the which was more preiudiciall and fatall vnto him than the first: for not only his armie was defeated, but himselfe was taken prisoner, hauing lost among the men of marke, Volckert a priest Defeated the second time a [...] taken prisoner. and chanon, Bertold a deacon, Iohn and Godfrey earles, Hiddo, Halmeric, Wabtelin, Hubert, and Hildebold knights Zidfrid and Heyman barons, with a great number of braue souldiors. Cont E Thierry after these two victories, his men being laden with spoile and good prisoners, returned into Holland, leading his bishop with him, whome he entreated very courteously, seeking to comfort him and to moderat his passions in this his aduersitie, being much troubled for his ouerthrow and imprisonment.
One day among the rest, Cont Thierry asked of him by way of familiar discourse, What had mooued him so to malice the Hollanders, and to make war against them, seeing that neyth [...]r Familiar talke betwixt the earle & bishop they nor he himselfe had euer wronged him or don him iniurie? The bishop answered, Sir, I confesse that I neuer receiued any wrong from your selfe nor your subiects, neither yet from any of your predecessors; but that which moued me to attempt war against you, and to F oppresse and molest your subiects, was only for that I was giuen to vnderstand that the countrie of Holland did antiently hold of my bishoprike of Vtrecht: for proofe whereof, we read in Hystories, that Vtrecht was in old time the chiefe and capitall towne of Holland, and that at this day it is so held; and therefore in my opinion Holland in former times did belong to [Page 13] my predecessors: for this cause I did moue and incite the Frisons to rebell, that by the help of A their forces and succours, I might expell you out of your countrey, and ioyne it vnto my seigniorie. But seeing I haue taken a wrong course, and am taken in the snare which I prepared for you, I will foretell you by way of prophesie, That there shall neuer bee any p [...]rtect loue and friendship, betwixt them of Vtrecht and the Hollanders: and that in future ages they shall much vexe one another, by warre, robberies, oppression, and spoiles; sometimes one being victor, sometimes the other. Whereunto Cont Thierry answered: Gods wil be done in al things, both in my countries and elswhere, according to his good pleasure: yet I would haue my lord bishop vnderstand, that the princes of Holland do little esteeme the towne of Vtrecht: but I grieue for the poore commons, who endure much through the spoyles and insolencies of men of warre: Yet if you will promise me vnder your hand and seale, neuer to stirre vp nor The Earles kind offer to the bishop. B incourage my Frisons to rebell, I will suffer you to depart free, and will giue you leaue to doe what you can; for that I do not much apprehend what you and yours can doe vnto me. To whom the bishop said: Although I do it vnwillingly, yet necessitie will force mee vnto it. Whereupon the Earle replied, If my lord bishop will not accept nor effect that which I haue propounded, he may remaine here with me, and I will take order for his charges, and for all other things necessarie: yet my lord must vnderstand, that neither he nor any of his predecessors had euer any right of proprietie or temporal iurisdiction vpon Holland, nor on the dependances thereof, in any sort whatsoeuer. Neither shall it bee found in any writings and euidences, That the bishops of Vtrecht were euer intitled Earles of Holland: seeing that Charles the Bald, king of France, and afterwards Emperour, hauing succeeded by the death of his father C Lewis the Gentle (sonne to Charlemaigne) in the countries of Holland and Zeeland, as wel as in the realme of France, and other countries of his inheritance, after that hee had defeated the Normanes, gaue them to my great grandfather, Cont Thierry the first, sonne to Sigehert Duke of Aquitaine. And for the better assurance and confirmation of the said grant, at the instance of Pope Iohn the 9. he himselfe in person, put the said Count Thierry in full possession of the said Earledomes, and subiected them vnto him by force of armes; instituting him, as his royall letters patents make mention, the first Earle, to protect and defend them against the incursions of the Danes, and by good and mild courses, to draw this rough and vnciuile people to his deuotion; as he hath done. The like I may affirme and proue by good testimonies, that Friseland is of the iurisdiction of Holland, for that Lewis king of Germanie, brother to Charles D the Bald, gaue all that countrie to the said Cont Thierry, vnto the riuer of Lanuvers, and beyond it, bending towards the East. Charles the Great, king of France and Emperour, gaue it vnto Godefroy king of Denmarke, in dowery with his wife, vpon condition, That he should be baptised, who afterwards was slaine. And therefore if Godefroy hath made any cession or gift vnto the bishop of Vtrecht, I am well pleased therewith, and will not pretend any interest to that which lyes beyond the said riuer of Lanuvers. My lord must also vnderstand the great ingratitude of them of Vtrecht, for the benefits which they receiued of my great grandfather: for he and his brother Walger Earle of Teysterbaudt, remaining at Anezaet, neere vnto Tyl, made so long warre against the Danes, which did then possesse the towne of Vtrecht, as they forced them to abandon the place, and restored the bishop Rabod (who as an exiled prelat kept E at Deuenter) to his episcopall seat. These be the thanks we receiue now from them of Vtrecht, who require me euill for good. I therefore conclude with the truth, That neither my lord bishop, nor any of his predecessors, had euer any right, interest, nor title of temporall iurisdiction in the countries of Holland, nor of Friseland, for as much as is contained within the riuer of Lanuvers: vnlesse your lordship can shew & produce some sale, transport, or donation, which my predecessors haue made vnto the bishop of Vtrecht, as they had the power and meanes to do, the which doth appeare by the letters granted by Emperors & kings their benefactors. Bishop Adelbold hauing wel & duly considered of all Cont Thierries reasons, confessed his error, The bishop yeelds to the Earles reasons and that being ill aduised, he had first attempted warre against him: and that in all the lands and seigniories of the said Earle he had no other iurisdiction but spirituall, in that which concernes F the administration and gouernment of the church onely: as it had beene giuen from Emperours and kings, to Willebrord the first bishop, as farre as it may extend vnto this day. It is true, said the Earle, and we acknowledge you for our spirituall father, commaunder in diuine things, and which concerne the saluation of our soules. And we do also confesse, that by reason [Page 14] of your bishopricke, you haue much land, and many rents, tithes, possessions, and other reuenues, G which haue beene giuen by my auncestors, vnto the church of Vtrecht, for the honor of God, and the entertainment of divine service, the which I would be verie loath any way to impeach or hinder: As I also would intreat your lordship, & your subiects, to vse the like moderation towards me and my vassals: and so he ended his discourse.
After these two goodly victories, which Cont Thierry had gotten against Adelbold bishop of Vtrecht, he resolued to reuenge the death of his father in Friseland; for the effecting wherof, he was assisted by the Emperour Henry the 2, who sent Godefroy with the great beard, duke The Emperour sends succours to the [...]arle to subdue them o [...] Friseland. of Lorraine, vnto him, with goodly succors of souldiers. The Earle hauing also leuied a goodly armie of his owne subiects, leading the bishop prisoner with him, entred into the countrey of Friseland; where going to affront the Frisons armie, a sodaine terrour and feare seized vpon H the Hollanders, without any apparant cause, which made them sodainly to disband & flie, as if they had been chased and followed at the heeles by their enemies, so as it was not possible to stay them to fight, euery one seeking his owne safetie. The Frisons seeing this vnexpected rout, pursued them at their ease; in which pursute the Duke of Lorraine was taken, and The Duke of Lorraine prisoner to the Frisons, and the bishop escaped the bishop escaped from the Hollanders, retyring himselfe vnto the Frisons, incensing them more and more against Cont Thierry: who hauing made his retreat to Harlem, he speedily gathered together his scattered armie, with the which he marched directly to Heyligerlee, where he met the Frisons, with the bishop, who came boldly and resolutely to charge him, hauing forced the Duke of Lorraine to accompanie them to the battaile, the which was fierce and very The Frisons defeated, the duke of Lorraine escapes. bloudie, whereas the Earle had the victorie, with great slaughter of the Frisons: the Duke I being freed from their hands, and ioyned with the Earle (after that the bishop beeing wounded, had saued himselfe with great danger of his life) they both together with their vnited The bishop being wounded [...]ues himselfe. troups, fell vpon the country of Friseland, putting all to fire & sword, & destroying the whole countrey, vnpeopling it of men and cattell, taking and carrying away all they could find. And thus the Earle reduced all the countrey of Friseland vnder his obedience, the which he gaue to his yonger sonne Floris, and forced the inhabitants which remained, to acknowledge him for their lord and to take an othe of fealtie, holding the said seigniorie notwithstanding in fee of the Earle his father, who returned victorious into Holland. Floris remained in Friseland, the which he gouerned with power and authoritie all his lifetime. Friseland given to Cont Flor [...].
Cont Thierry finding himselfe at rest from all his wars, & hauing subdued all his enemies, K he went accompanied with the lord of Arckel, his faithfull subiect, and a great traine of gentlemen, The Earl goes [...]rimage to Ierusalem. to Ierusalem, where the said lord of Arckel died of sicknesse, and was honorably interred there by Cont Thierry: who being returned into Holland, after that hee had finished his pilgrimage, liued some yeares intrest and quietnesse, with his wife and children: then hauing ended the course of his life, he died in the yere 1039. hauing raigned 46 yeares, and was buried in the church of the Abbey of Egmont, by his fathers. The lady Withilde his widow, The Earles death, Anno 1039. returned into her countrey of Saxony, where she died foure yeares after.
In the said Abbey of Egmont, there was found preserued from ruine, the Epitaph of these three Earles, Thierry the 1. 2 and 3. Earles of Holland and Zeeland, Lords of Friseland; of the lady Gena, wife to the first, and of the lady Hildegarde, wife to the second, as we haue extracted L and inserted them here, for the reuerence of antiquitie.
In the said Abbey is also found, the Epitaph of Sicco, or Ziffrid of Holland, first lord of Brederode, sonne to Arnould, & brother to Thierry the 3. Earles of Holland, as followeth.
THIERRY THE FOVRTH OF THAT name, and fift Earle of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friseland.
[Page 16] THIERRY the 4. of that name, after the decease of Thierry the 3. his father, G was the fift Earle of Holland and Zeeland, and Lord of Friseland. Hee was neuer married, and therefore he left not any children to succeed him. On a time a torney being appointed in the citie of Liege, whither came many Princes and Noble men; Cont Thierry went thither in like sort, accompanied with many Noble men and Barons, his vassals. As the Princes & Noble men were at the torney, it happened by an vnfortunat blow, that the Earle slew the brother of the bishops of Cologne and Liege: so as the noble men of Germanie sought to reuenge the death of this yong knight. Thierry vnable to make his partie good, retired secretly with all his traine out of the citie. The Germains aduertised of his retreat, pursued him, and hauing ouertaken the last of his traine, they slew some, among the which were two knights. Cont Thierry hauing recouered Holland without danger, went to Dordrecht, and caused all H the ships of Cologne and Liege to be burnt; tooke all the Germaine marchants prisoners, and put them to great ransoms, to reuenge the death of his two knights, and of his other seruants. The bishops of Liege and Cologne bearing this indignitie impatiently, sent an armie vnder The bishops of Liege and Cologne, assail the Earle, and take Dordrecht. the command of the Marques of Brandebourg their cosin; who comming downe the Rhine, entred into Holland, and by treason, (some say by a popular tumult) surprised the towne of Dordrecht.
Cont Thierry being somewhat amazed at this losse, was aduised by the seignior Gerard of Putten, to make an aduenture to enter the towne by night with his men; the which succeeded happily. Sounding his trumpets, and with a fearefull crie, at mid-night, he began to spoile The Earle recouers the towne, and expels the Germaines. all the Germaines he could incounter: so as after some resistance, the Germaines were forced I to leaue the towne, and to flie, or to saue themselues in holes, vntill the furie of the fight were past: in the which there died aboue 400. Germaine gentlemen.
The next day in the morning, the Earle being wearie of the nights fight, beeing disarmed, and desirous to refresh himselfe, walked vp and downe, and passing by a narrow streete, was shot in the thigh with a poysoned dart, by one of the enemies which lay hidden in a garret; so as euer since vnto this day that street is called Graue street, that is to say, the Earles streete: of The Earle slaine. which wound he died two dayes after, which was the 15. of May 1048, hauing gouerned his Countries nine yeares. He was interred with his father in the Abbey of Egmont During the life of this Earle, was built the first Fort in the Island of Schauven at Ziricxee: and the Island of Walchren in Zeeland was conquered by Baldwin of l' Isle de Buc, Earle of Flanders, assisted K by Robert his youngest sonne. Then began the shippes of the East Countries to frequent the seas of the Netherlanders, and not before.
FLORIS THE FIRST OF THAT name, the sixt Earle of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friseland.
[Page 18] FLORIS the first of that name, was before Earle of West Friseland, who G after the death of Cont Thierry the fourth his brother, was the sixt Earle of Holland and Zeeland. He had to wife the lady Gertrude, daughter to Heyman Duke of Saxonie, sonne to the Emperour Henry the second; of Cont Floris his wife & childrē whom he had foure sonnes: Thierry his successor in the said Earledoms, Albert, Floris, and Peter, which were Chanons at Liege; and one daughter; called Mathilde, or Mahault, who was married to Philip the first of that name, king of France.
The bishops of Cologne and Liege, who had not yet forgotten the death of their brother, slaine at a turney, by Cont Thierry the fourth, the burning of their ships, the ransoming of their marchants, and the defeat of their men, at the enterprise of Dordrecht; to bee reuenged The bishops of Cologne & Liege, assaile the [...]le of Holland. of Cont Floris, brother to Thierry, made a league with the Marques of Brandebourg, the H Cont Albert of Loos, or of Louvaine, Wichard Aduocat generall of Gueldres, and Herman Earle of Cuicke, who gathering what forces they could together, resolued to set vpon Cont Floris & the Hollanders. The Earle hauing intelligence of their designe, sent for all his knights, gentlemen, and vassals, commanding them to bring what troups they could, either of his subiects, or strangers: the which they did, making a g [...]odly armie to oppose against his enemies, and went to lodge in the towne of Dordrecht: causing (during his abode there) many ditches The Earle attends them at Do [...]drecht. to be made in South-Holland, and pit-falls couered with straw and grasse, which could not be discouered. He had also sent for succors out of Friseland, from whence there were sent him a troupe of the most valiant souldiers, that were in all the countrey. I
The Earle attending his enemies in his towne of Dordrecht, the Germans marching in the countrey, thinking to besiege him there, being entred into South-Holland, there lost a great 1058. number of their men, which were smothered and drowned in these ditches, thus couered and hidden, the which they could not discerne in the night, neither knew they which way to march, for thinking to auoid one danger, they fell into another by heaps, so as verie many were slaine. And withall, the Earle (who knew all the passages of the countrey) pursuing them, made them to fall into these ditches; which they could not auoid, vnlesse they would bee subiect to the enemies sword, who attended them on euerie side. There was a furious battaile, where the Earle was victor, in the which there were fortie thousand men slain, and twentie six A bloudie battaile won by the [...]rle. The bishop of Liege slaine. thousand drowned and smothered in those ditches, and all this great armie of Germanes was K put to rout, euery one sauing himselfe as he could by the medowes. In which defeat was slaine the bishop of Liege; the Earle of Henault, the Earle of Loos, and the Aduocat generall of Gueldres, were prisoners, euerie one paying two thousand markes of fine siluer, for his ransome, besides a great number of other knights and gentlemen, that were prisoners. Cont Floris got this victorie on S. Adolphs day, in the yeare 1058.
Foure yeares after, in the yeare 1062, the bishop of Cologne, the Marques of Brandebourg Cont Herman of Cuicke, and other noble men, their allies, leuied a new army, of the which the 1062. Marques was General. These noblemen being entred into Holland, their men began to spoile The bishop of Cologne leuies another ar [...]e. and burne the countrey. Cont Floris, who was neuer daunted for a small losse, like a valiant and hardie knight, went to incounter them with his armie, and charged them furiously: the L fight was fierce, euerie one shewing his valour: the Germanes fought for honour and spoyle, and the Hollanders for their liues and goods. In the end, the Hollanders hauing broken the Germans ranks, & disordred them, they put them to flight, and the Earle remained victor. The The Germans defeated again. Hollanders laden with spoyle, and a great number of prisoners, returned to their houses. This battaile was on S. Martins day in Summer.
After this victorie, Cont Floris marching with his armie, & making his retreat, resting himselfe vnder an elme, in the village of Hemert, betwixt the riuers of Meuse and Wasal, Cont Herman of Cuick (who before had fled) rallying his men together, came and charged the Earle and his troups, whom he surprised vnawares and in disorder, being disarmed to refresh themselues, so as hauing no leasure to arme themselues againe they were defeated, and Cont Floris M with two thousand six hundred of his men. Those of Dordrecht, which had the rere, made hast to succour them, but it was too late for the Earle: yet they did quite defeat the Earle of Cuicke & his troups, wheras the Earle was also slaine. Cont Floris had after his brothers death raigned 14 yeres in Holland, & in Friseland 21 yeares. He was interred at Egmont.
[Page 19] The Epitaphs of these two Earles, brethren, Thierry the fourth, and Floris the first, are found A in the Church of the Abbey of Egmont, as followeth:
GERTRVDE, WIDOW TO CONT FLORIS, Mother and Guardian to young Cont Thierry, sonne to Floris.
ROBERT CALLED THE FRISON, Aduocat Generall to young Cont THIERRY, second husband to the Countesse Gertrude.
[Page 22] AFter the death of Cont Floris the first of that name, and the sixt Earle of G Holland and Zeeland, and Lord of Friseland successiuely, being slaine in battaile neere vnto Heusden (as we haue formerly related) the lady Gertrude his widow, daughter to Heyman duke of Saxonie, gouerned these foure Countries in the name of Thierry her eldest sonne, being in his nonage. Afterwards, in the yeare 1063. (with the consent of all the Nobilitie and the Estates of the Countrey) shee married againe with Robert 1063 the Frison, a wise and valiant knight, sonne to Baldwin of Lisle de Bucke, earle of Flanders: who The lady Gertrude [...]es again with the Earle of Fland [...]s. by the valour of this Robert his sonne, ouerthrew the Emperour Henry the fourth in battaile: and for his vertues, was by the Estates of Holland and Zeeland made guardian of yong Cont Thierry, sonne of the Earle Floris, and of the said Lady Gertrude; who in this second marriage H had three sons by Robert, that is, Robert the yong (who went with Godefroy of Bouillon to the conquest of the holy Land, and after the decease of his father was Earle of Flanders: then The children of Robert and [...] Lady Gertrude. Philip, who was father to William of Ixre: and the third was Baldwin, bishop of Teroanne. She had also three daughters by him: the eldest was called Alix or Alice, married to Canutus, king of Denmarke and of Norwey, by whom she had Charles, which was Earle of Flanders: the second Gertrude, who was Countesse of Louaine, and afterwards married to a Landtgraue of Elsatia, mother to Thierry of Elsatia, who was also in his time Earle of Flanders.
This Robert the Frison was not so called, as if he had beene borne in Friseland: but (as the Chronicle of Holland sayes) for that he was strong, big, and couragious, as a Frison borne (in Why Cont Robert was [...] the Frison. such esteeme and reputation of valour those of Friseland haue alwaies beene, as when they I would speake of a strong man, or commend him for his force, they said, Strong as a Frison) the Chronicles of Flanders say, that hee was so called, for that hee subdued the Frisons: imitating the ancient Romanes, who called Scipio the Africane, and others by the names of the Provinces which they had conquered and subdued. This Robert was a valiant and a vertuous Prince, and who had liberalitie in singular recommendation, the which mooued the Nobles of Holl [...]nd & Zeeland to chuse him for their gouernor, during the minoritie of their prince Thierry; wherein he carried himselfe both wisely and valiantly for the space of eight yeares.
Hauing at his cōming to the gouernment subdued them of Friseland, hearing of the death of Baldwin de Mons his brother, Earle of Flanders, he demanded to be admitted to the Earledome grounding his pretencions vpon a certaine diuision, the which he said, Baldwin de Lisle K his father had made among his children, at Audenarde: by the which he had decreed, that the said Robert the Frison should succeed in the said County to Robert de Mons, notwithstanding any lawful heires that he should leaue. But he found so great opposition, made by the Countesse Richild, widow to Baldwin de Mons, and by her two sonnes, being fauored by the Nobles and Commons of the Countrey, as for a time hee did forbeare to attempt any thing. Afterwards the said Richild behaued her selfe so insupportably in her gouernment, as shee became R [...]ert ouerc [...]mes the French, and re [...]aines Earle [...] Flanders. odious to all the Flemings, so as they sent secretly to call in Robert the Frison, who came and ouerthrew the king of France in a great battaile: so as there was an accord made betwixt the said Robert, and the Countesse Richild, and her sonne Baldwin, who remained satisfied with the Countie of Henault; so as Robert remained peaceable Earle of Holland: where hauing [...]bert goes in [...]mage to Ierusalem. His death. L setled a good order for his affaires, he was desirous to go in pilgrimage to the holy Sepulchre, and to Mount Synai, from whence being returned into Flanders, he died in the yeare 1077. at Wyendael, and was interred in the Cannons Church of Cassell, the which he had founded. 1077
GODFREY THE CROOKED, DVKE of Lorraine, the ninth in number of the Earles of Holland, the which he vsurped for a time.
[Page 24] THe quarrell of them of Vtrecht against Holland (as Bishop Adelbold, prisoner G to Cont Thierry the third, had prophecied vnto him) not able to be reconciled; William sonne to Widikind, prince of Gelderland, the 21. bishop of Vtrecht, mindfull of the taking of his father, in a battaile which the bishops of Cologne and Leege, together with other Germane princes, had against Cont Floris, father to the Infant Thierry Earle of Holland, thrust on by ambition, and an insatiable desire to augment his estate (although it were but too great for the maintenance of a Church-man, and one that made profession of sanctitie) went to the Emperor Henry the fourth, to whom he made great complaints, and suggested falsely, that Thierry of Aquitaine, the first Earle of Holland, and his successors, The bishop of Vtrechts false suggest one to the Emperour against the Earl of Hollād had violently taken away from Odibaldus, the twelfth bishop of Vtrecht, and his successors H afterwards from Adelbold, and forcibly usurped the Earledome of Holland; which the Emperour Henry the second, Conrade the second, and Henry the third, had confirmed to the bishops of Vtrecht: And by these abusiue and slanderous suggestions, he did secretly obtayne letters of a reiterated donation from the said Henry the fourth, vnder his seale.
This reuerent bishop seeing that he should neuer finde a better oportunitie to seize vpon Holland, than during the minoritie of Cont Thierry the fifth, hauing called all his friends to his succour, and among other, Godfrey the Crooked, Duke of Lorrain (the which at that time was called Lothier) of Brabantand of Ardennes, made a mightie Armie vnder the command Godfrey duke of Lorraine, inuades Holland in the bishops name. of the said Godfrey, with the which he went to inuade Holland in the yeare 1071. in the countrey of Rhynland, neere vnto the Towne of Leyden. The Earle Robert the Frison gouernour I of Holland, and father in law to young Cont Thierry, hauing gathered together what men hee could, went to encounter these two inuading princes, where there was a battaile fought, and the charge was furious on both sides: but in the end, Robert thus suddenly surprised, being otherwise employed about his affaires of Flanders, and not able to leuie sufficient forces to encounter his enemies, who were twice as strong the losse fell vpon the Hollanders, The bishop a conquerour, & Robert retires himselfe. and the bishop remained victor Robert taking his wife and children speedily with him, saues himselfe in Flanders in the Towne of Gand, as the Chronicles of Holland say, but those of Flanders write, that he fled into Saxonie to his wiues father, from whence hee was called backe by the Flemings against the Countesse Richild, as wee haue before noted, speaking of the said Robert. K
After this victorie, bishop William caused Godfrey the Crooke-backe to take possession of all the Townes of Holland, and to hold the whole Earledome in fee and homage of his Duke Godfrey poss [...]eth Holland. Bishopricke of Vtrecht; the which he possessed and gouerned fiue whole yeares after that donation, during the absence of Robert, who was busied in Flanders. This Prelate of Vtrecht caused all the frontier Townes to be manned with good garrisons: among the rest he built a strong Castle at Isselmonde, vpon the riuer of Maeuse, betwixt Dordrecht and Rotterdam, the which he fortified with a good garrison. Duke Godfrey for a perpetuall memorie to posteritie, caused a new Towne to be built, betwixt the villages of Auverschyer and Foundation of the Towne of Delft. Risuvicke, the which is at this present the goodly Towne of Delft, and without it a Castle, where he made his residence during his gouernment. L
This Duke seeing all things succeed so happily, and that nothing did crosse his desseignes, he resolued to make warre against the Frisons, making a roade into the countrey, and bringing a great bootie, with many prisoners into the Towne of Alcmar. The East-Frisons, Godfry makes warre in Friseland. neighbours to them that were thus spoyled, came downe like men halfe madde with a mightie Armie, and besieged Godfrey in the said Towne of Alcmar, for the space of nine weekes. Seeing himselfe thus besieged, hee called the bishop of Vtrecht to his succour, who posted thither with all his forces, and compelled them to raise the siege: he gaue battaile to the Frisons, whom he defeated, and put to rout, where there were slaine aboue eight thousand vpon the place, besides prisoners: the rest were all scattered and put to flight. So Duke Godfrey, The Frisons defeated with the help of the bishop of Vtrecht. with the helpe of the said bishop, got possession of both Friselands, East and West, the M which he also enioyed foure yeares together, vpon condition, that he should hold them likewise in fee of the said bishop, and of his Bishopricke of Vtrecht.
Afterwards, in the yeare 1075. Duke Godfrey being in Andwerpe (some Authors say in Friseland) easing his bodie in a low chamber which was ouer the ditch of his lodging, hee [Page 25] was discouered by one called Ghisbrecht, seruant to young Cont Thierry, who thrust him in A at the fundament with a jaueline. Godfrey being thus wounded, desirous to returne into his Countrey of Lorraine, he caused himselfe to bee transported into the Towne of Maestrecht, whereas he died in the moneth of March, leauing no children of his body, nor any other The death of Godfrey the Crooke-back, without heirs. heire, but one onely sister, wife to Eustace, Earle of Blois, by whom she had three sons; Godfrey of Bouillon, Baldwin and Eustace. After which Godfrey the Crooke-backe, his nephew Godfrey of Bouillon, succeeded in the Dutchies of Lorraine and Brabant, although at that time Godfrey of Bouillon succeeds Godfrey the Crookebacke. the Dukes of Lorraine did not write themselues Dukes of Brabant. But since in the yere 1251. Henry the third of that name, Duke of Lorrain, began to intitle himselfe Duke of Lothier and of Brabant: the which the Dukes of Brabant (although they haue no pretension vnto Lorraine) haue continued vnto this day. This Duke Godfrey of Bouillon, with many great Princes B of Christendome, among others, Hugh the great, brother to the King of France: Robert, brother Godfrey of Bouillon Generall to the Holyland. to the Duke of Normandie: Robert the young, sonne to our Robert the Frison, before mentioned, Earle of Flanders: Raymond, Earle of S. Gilles: Steuen, Earle of Blois: Brunamond or Baymond, Prince of Appulia: Eustace and Baldwin, brothers to Duke Godfrey of Bouillon: Anselme of Ribemont, and some Noblemen of the house of Borsele in Zeeland. Among the Gentlemen of Friseland, were Tiepko Fortman, Iarich Ludingama, Epo Hardtman, Igo Galama, Fredericke Botnia, Eelcko and Sicco Liaucama, cousins, and Obbo Hermana, with 300000. which were marked with the signe of the Crosse, and therefore this voyage was called, the Croisadoe: in which expedition they recouered the holy Land, and the said Godfrey of Bouillon He is crowned King of Ierusalem. was crowned King of Ierusalem, to whom succeeded his brother Baldwin.
THIERRY THE FIFTH OF THAT name, Earle of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friseland.
[Page 27] THIERRY the fifth of that name, sonne to Cont Floris, the first of that A name, Earle of Holland, Zeeland, and Lord of Friseland. After the death 1077 of Godfrey the Crooke-backe, Duke of Lorraine, who (as wee haue said) by the instigation, support, and fauour of William of Geldre, bishop of Vtrecht, had dispossessed him, being yet in his minoritie, of all his countrey of Holland and Friseland; he leuied a mighty Armie, with the helpe of Cont Thierry prepares to recouer Holland Robert the Frison, his father in law, and his other kinsfolkes and friends, to recouer his Countrey and auncient Inheritance.
At the same time (which was in the yeare 1077.) died the said William, bishop of Vtrecht, hauing gouerned his bishopricke in bloudie warres (in the which he was often victor) for the space of two and twentie yeares, carrying himselfe more like a Captaine than a Pastor: to B whom succeeded Conrard, issued from the Dukes of Suaube, who was installed in the sayd bishopricke, the better to defend the Conquest of Holland and Zeeland, which his predecessour William had made. This Conrard tooke great delight in the Castle of Isselmond, whether the Earles Thierry and Robert the Frison marched with their Armie, knowing his vsuall residence Conrard besieged in his castle at Isselmond. to be there. The bishop Conrard hearing that they came to besiege him, and seeing his said Castle inuested, sent to his subiects of his bishoprick of Vtrecht to come to succour him, and to free him from this siege. Whereupon great numbers of souldiers came to him from all parts: so as there was a furious battaile fought, betwixt the bishops Traiectins, and the Hollanders and Flemings of Cont Thierry and Cont Robert, the which was long in suspence, to whether part the victorie would encline: but in the end the bishops men were broken and The bishops men defeated by Cont Thierry. C put to flight, of whom there was a great slaughter made, beeing pursued vnto their shippes, where many were drowned in the prease, striuing to get in. There died many Nobles of the bishops side, among others, Garlar Earle of Zutphen, Lambert Prouost Cathedrall of Deuenter, Volckmar Priest of S. Boniface, Chisbrecht and Warembault, knights. And of Cont Thierries side, Iohn of Arckel, Euerard of Bockhorst, with many other Gentlemen and braue souldiers.
The bishop hauing lost this battaile, and seeing his men quite defeated, and without any meanes to rallie them againe together, sought to fortifie himselfe in the dungeon of the Castle of Isselmond, rampiering vp the base Court: But Cont Thierry by the aduice of his Hollanders, hauing woon the said base Court, forced the bishop to yeeld both himselfe and The bishop forced to yield himselfe prisoner, and to restore Holland. D the place to his mercie, and in the end for his liberty to restore vnto him all his country of Holland: which done, the Earle sent him home honourably to Vtrecht.
After this triumphant victorie, and before that hee dismissed his Armie, Cont Thierry hauing recouered his inheritance, entred into Holland, from the which he had beene long expelled, and was there receiued with great ioy and pompe, and acknowledged for their Prince, Earle, and naturall Lord: But the Frisons, who had so often rebelled, were restic, and refused the homage which they ought him, seeking to remaine free Imperialists: although that Egbert, competitor to the Emperour Henry the fourth, hauing subdued them from the Flie to the riuer of Lanuvers, had made them his vassales, and giuen them to the bishop of Vtrecht; and the said Egbert being vanquished and slaine in a mill by the said Emperours E men, all the Countrey of Friseland was giuen to bishop William of Geldre, and annexed vnto his bishopricke by the said Emperour Henry. The Frisons therefore seeing the sayd Conrard vanquished, would not acknowledge the one nor the other, but onely the The Frisons will neyther acknowledge the bishop, nor the Earle of Holland. Emperour and the Empire, relying vpon their auncient priuiledges. Thierry seeing their obstinacie, attended the oportunitie of a sharpe and violent Winter, with some hard frostes, which made the foule wayes, waters, marishes, and quagge mires firme and hard as stone. Then he marched with all his forces to assayle them; the Frisons attended him vpon the yee, where a furious battaile was fought: But in the end, the Frisons (not able any longer to endure the force of the Hollanders and Flemings) were put to rout, and aboue fortie thousand slaine vpon the place. Yet the Frisons fainted not for this defeat: but hauing The Frisons defeated by Cont Thierry. F gathered together their dispersed troupes, and beeing succoured with fresh and great supplies, they present themselues to a second battaile. The Earle being well accompanied, after that hee had encouraged his men, went to charge them: The encounter was great and fierce, eyther partie contending for the victorie; the Hollanders fighting for [Page 28] honour and spoile, and the Frisons for their liberties, liues, and goods; yet they were charged G so furiously by the Hollanders, as, not able any longer to endure the shocke, they began by A second battail [...], and the Frisons defeated. little and little to recoyle and giue backe, and in the end fled, so as the slaughter was very great: for the Earle was much incensed against them, commaunding all to be slaine, so as there died aboue six thousand in this second battaile: And marching into the Countrey, he tooke men, women, and children prisoners, that were vnder the age of twelue yeares; putting all that could be taken in the furie, to the sword, that exceeded this age, beeing resolued to ruine and vnpeople the whole Countrey. Then he went to besiege the Towne of Staueren, and the inhabitants were forced to compound, to haue their liues and goods saued, paying thirteene Staueren besieged, & yeelded to the earl hundred Crownes of gold for a ransome, and leading with him fortie of the inhabitants of the Towne for hostages, causing all strange souldiers that were found in it, to be stripped and H spoyled.
Thus Cont Thierry recouered all the Countrey of Friseland, and returned a Conquerour into his Countrey of Zeeland: where, soone after he maried Withild, daughter to Fredericke, Cont Thierries wife. Duke of Saxonie, by whom he had one sonne called Floris, who was Earle after his death, and one daughter named Mathild, the which was maried to the Duke of Orleans. The said Cont Thierry confirmed by letters of State, the donations made by the Earles his predecessours, to the Abbey of Egmont.
Conrard bishop of Vtrecht, being (as we haue said) freed from prison, hauing yeelded vp vnto Cont Thierry his Earledome of Holland, was not well satisfied, that the said Thierry had conquered Friseland, the which hee maintained did belong vnto him; but with such informations I as bishop William of Geldre his predecessor, had made vnto the Emperour Henry the The bishop of Vtrecht obtaines a graunt of Friseland from the Emperour by a false totle. fourth, he obtained by letters patents, bearing date the Ides of Februarie in the yeare 1088. a graunt of the said Countrey of Friseland: in the which are specially named the quarters of Oostergoe and Westergoe, vnto the riuer of Lanuvers, the which the said bishop Conrard did afterwards giue in the yere 1092. to Adolph of Fornenburch, to hold them in fee of his bishopricke of Vtrecht. This knight Adolph had to wife Anne, daughter to the Lord of Ameland, by the which he had no children.
In the same yere Cont Thierry being fallen sicke, died the fifteenth of the Calends of Iuly, The death of Cont Thierry. after that, the Lady Gertrude of Saxonie his mother, from the decease of Cont Floris her husband, father to Thierry, had gouerned the Countries of Holland, Zeeland, and Friseland, two K yeares, Robert the Frison, his father in law, eight yeares, Godfrey the Crooked, duke of Lorrain, foure, William bishop of Vtrecht one yeare, and he himselfe fifteene, making in all thirty yeres, from the death of the said Cont Floris his father. He was interred in the Abbey of Egmont, by whom also doth lye the Countesse Withild his wife.
In his time there were many braue knights in Holland, besides his brethren, and among others, William Lord of Brederode, Gerard Lord of Theilinghen, Baldwin Lord of Heusden, Fox The chiefe nobilitie of Holland in those times. Lord of Arckell, Dodo Lord of Leederdam, the Seigneurs of Lerke, of Putten, of Poleuanen, of Streuen, of Altena, Vernard of Buchorst, Iohn of Persin, Aleuvin of Wassenare, the Vicont of Leyden, Scha [...]aloth and Trusing his brethren, Dodo of Riswicke, the Seignior Ysbrant Gruytwater, with many other Gentlemen of marke. L
The Epitaph of this Cont Thierry the fifth, was found in the Abbey of Egmont, after this manner:
FLORIS, SVRNAMED THE FAT, THE second of that name, and eleuenth Earle of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friseland.
[Page 30] FLORIS the second of that name, and eleuenth Earle of Holland and G Zeeland, Lord of Friseland, sonne to Cont Thierry the fifth, was commonly called the Fat, or the Grosse, an actiue man, well membred, and of a tall stature, a politicke Prince, enclining to peace, and liberall in giuing, readie to pleasure euery man, and to hurt no man: He had to wife Petronelle or Parnel, daughter to Didier Duke of Saxonie, sister to the Emperour Lothaire, of whom he had three sonnes, Thierry the sixt, his Cont Floris wife. successour, the twelfth Earle of Holland, Floris the Blacke Prince of Kenemerlandt, and Symon; with one daughter named Hadewicke, which was Countesse of Geldre, a very beautifull Lady. Hee was much giuen to fauour Church-men, by reason whereof, he gaue great reuenues to the Abbey of Egmont. H
In the yeare 1119. Cont Floris had a quarrell with a knight of Friseland, called Galonges of Galama, by reason of hunting in the forest of Creyl, whether the Earle lying at Ten [...]kelhuysen 1119 (now called Tuchuysen) or at Medernblyck, went vsually for his recreation. On a certaine time among the rest, hee tooke from Galamas seruants three of his Grey-hounds, and two Hares, which they had taken; whereof the said Galama (according to the threats of the countrey) sware to take a bloudie reuenge. The Earle making no account of his threats, comming A quarrell betwixt the earle and a knight of Friseland. after his accustomed manner to hunt in this Wood, Galama met him, beeing accompanied with a good troupe of his friends and partisans: At their first encounter hee audaciously demaunded of the Earle reparation of the wrong hee had done him, in taking away his dogges and venison, or els he would take it with his owne hands, vsing withall many proud and hautie I speeches. The Earle meaning to blame him for his presumptious rashnesse: Galama passing from wordes to blowes, thrust at the Earle with his rapier, thinking to haue passed it through his bodie: but he slipping a little on the one side, the Earle was hurt in the arme, and was rescued by his Gentlemen, of whom, Galama ouerthrew two, before they parted. The Earle thirsted after reuenge, but to auoid effusion of bloud, and the ruine of their subiects, this quarrell was compromitted to Godfrey Duke of Brabant, who dying soone after, it was left in suspence vntill the yeare 1165. that the Emperour Fredericke Barbarousse reconciled The Emperor compounds this quarell. these two houses of Holland and Galama: by the which accord it was said, that Ioub Galama and his heires should hunt freely in the Forrest of Creyl, and enioy a moytie therof for them and their heires for euer. K
At the same time, Staueren, the chiefe towne of all Friseland, rich and abounding in all wealth, the which had beene the onely Staple for all Marchandise, whether ships came from all parts, whose inhabitants through ease knew not what to doe, nor desire; shewing themselues in all things excessiue and licentious, not onely in their apparell, but also in the furniture of their houses, gilding the seats before their lodgings: so as they were commonly called, The debauched children of Staueren. As it is in the common course of this world, when as The declining of the towne of Staueren in Friseland. things are at the highest, or that men are at the height of their prosperitie, to decline and fall againe: euen so it happened to this towne of Staueren, by a wonderfull or rather miraculous accident, proceeding from the prouidence of God, enemie to all pride and contempt; which was in this manner: There was in the said towne a widow, who knew no end of L her wealth, the which made her proud and insolent: Shee did fraight out a shippe for Danswicke, giuing the Master charge to returne her in exchange of her marchandise, the rarest stuffe hee could find. The Master of the shippe finding no better commoditie than good The pride of a widow of Friseland. Wheat, fraighted his shippe therewith, with the which he returned to Staueren: the which did so discontent this foolish and glorious widow, as shee said vnto the Master, That if he had laden the said Corne on the starre-boord side, he should cast it into the Sea on the lar [...]boord, the which was done, and all the Wheat powred into the Sea. But note the wonders of Gods iust iudgement, the whole towne, yea all the Prouince did smart for one womans errour: for presently, in the same place where as the mariners had cast the Corne into the Sea, there grew a great barre of sand, wherewith the Hauen was so stopped, as no great shippe could enter: M and at this day the smallest vessels that will anker there, must bee very carefull, least they strike against this flat or sand: the which since hath beene called Vrawe-landt, that is to say, the Womans Sand: Whereby the Towne (loosing their Staple and traffique of marchandise by little and little) came to decline: and by the intestine warres which haue since happened [Page 31] in Friseland, the inhabitants, by reason of their wealth and pride, being growne intollerable to A the Nobilitie, who in sumptuousnesse could not endure to be braued by them, the said town is now become one of the poorest of the Prouince, although it be at this day, one that hath the greatest priuiledges among all the Hans townes.
Cont Floris hauing liued long in peace (as he was a man of a quiet spirit) the Frisons began The Frisens rebell. to rebell againe, and being iealous of their libertie, would no longer obey his lieutenants, and officers of iustice, nor receiue any commandements from them. The Earle being much moued at this contempt, went with an armie to reduce them vnto reason. Beeing entred into the countrey, some yong gentlemen of his armie, being lodged in a village, called Schoerle, went with some few souldiers, to discouer their enemies. The Frisons lying in ambush, brake forth, and hauing compassed them in on euerie side, they slew many: the most apparant of them B were Simon of Anuers, William of Voorhout, Baldwin of Harlem, Floris Roesschen, Gerard Drossart, Allard of Egmont, Bruyn of Castrichom, Euert of Noortwick, Gerard of Monstre, all Gentlemen of Holland defeared in Friseland. knights; the which were drawne from among the dead, and buried in the Abbey of Egmont.
After this vnfortunate skirmish, Cont Floris hauing fortified his armie, hee went himselfe in person against the Frisons, whom hee did wonderfully destroy, to reuenge the death of his The Frisons subdued. knights, his souldiers killing all they could incounter, both men and women. The Frisons seeing their owne miserie, submitted themselues to his mercie, and promised vnder their hands and seales, neuer to rebell against him, nor his successors, the which they held not long. Being thus reduced vnto reason, the Earle returned into Holland, where hee liued the remainder of his dayes in peace. C
In the yeare 1131, the regular Monks of Middelbourg in Zeeland, were for their disordred 1131 life, expelled their Couent, by Gombault bishop of Vtrecht, who placed other Monks there, that came from Antuerpe (which was to change a pour-blind man, for one that had no sight) the said town of Middelbourg being then but a village, with a castle, which they cald Burcht: but by little and little they began to wall it in, by reason of the ordinarie incursions which the Flemings made into the isle of Walchren, And the other islands began to erect seigniories, among the which, that of the family of Borssele, as the most antient of all, was the most aduanced, and rich in lands.
In the yeare 1133, Prince Floris, Earle of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friseland, hauing The death of Cont Floris. gouerned his countries in peace (except the troubles of Friseland) for the space of 31 yeares, died D the sixt of the Nones of March, leauing three sons and one daughter, as we haue said. This Prince exceeded all his predecessors in wealth, state, and liberalitie: aboue all, hee was a great giuer of almes, of a quiet disposition, and very considerat, before he entred into any warre. For (said he) that Prince which loueth his subiects, will not rashly vndertake a warre, if hee bee not forced. He is buried in the Abbey of Egmont, by his fathers, whose Epitaph was found, as followeth.
THIERRY THE SIXT OF THAT name, and twelfth Earle of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friseland.
[Page 33] THIERRY the sixt of that name, son to Floris the second, was twelfth Earle A of Holland and Zeeland, and Lord of Friseland, who tooke to wife the ladie Sophia, daughter to Otho Palatin of Rhin, of whom he had foure sons; Floris the 3. that succeeded him, Otto Earl of Benthem, Baldwin bishop of Vtrecht, The wife and children of Cont Thierry 6 and Peregrin Vicont of Montfort: with three daughters, Sophia, that was abbesse of Fontenelle, Hedewic, that was a religious woman there and Petronelle, who was a faire and louely lady, but I know not to whom she was maried. He had also one bastard, called Robert of Holland.
We haue formerly said, That in the yeare 1086, the Emperour Henry the 4. vpon sleight suggestions, had giuen the counties of Oostergoe and Westergoe, in Friseland, to Conrard bishop of Vtrecht, which Marques Egbers had giuen to the bishopricke of Vtrecht, to hold them of B the empire, during the time that he was competitor with the Emperour Henry: but Lothaire, Friseland giuen by the emperor Lothaire, to the Earle of Holland. vncle by the mothers side to this cont Thierry the 6, reuoked this donation, as soon as he came to the empire after Henry, as purchased vnlawfully & by stealth, restoring those two quarters of Oostergoc & Westergoe, with the seuen Forests (in the which three parts consists al Friseland) vnto Cont Thierry his nephew, annexing them to the estate of the Earles of Holland. Who so desires to know the limits of these three iurisdictions, of Oostergoe, Westergoc, and the seuen Forests, let him read our particular description of Holland, Zeeland, Vtrecht, Friseland, Oueryssell, and Gronningue, which are sixe Prouinces of the vnited Estates of the Netherlands, gouerned by Prince Maurice of Nssaau, and Cont William of Nassau his cosin.
In the yeare 1132, the Frisons rebelled againe against Cont Thierry; whom hee suffered in The Frisons rebell against the Earle of Holland. C the beginning, but the Winter following, during the sharpest frosts, when as the ice did serue as a bridge, to passe ouer all riuers and maris [...]es, where with that countrey doth abound, the Earle went with an armie to reduce them vnto reason. The Frisons beeing nothing amazed, went to incounter him with all their forces, & had in one day two battailes against the Hollanders, Two battails in one day, in the which the Frisons were defeated. in both which they were defeated, with such losse of their men, as the number of the dead could not be knowne. After this victorie the Earle returned triumphing into his country of Holland, and his men laden with spoile and prisoners.
The said Cont Thierry (as we haue said) had one brother, called Floris the black, a bold man Hatred betwixt Cont Thierry and Floru his brother. and proud, who, whether that he enuied the estate and prosperitie of his brother, or for some other priuat and domesticke quarrell, the which is easily kindled among great men, through D iealousie, or otherwise, falling into difference one with another, he retired himself out of Holland, to the Frisons, who complained of the excessiue impositions and charges, that they were forced to beare: to whom Floris was verie welcome, hearing of the hatred that was betwixt his brother and him, making him their General; with whom he entred into Holland, ruining Floris retires to the Frisons, & makes warre against his brother. all the Castles, and places of strength, in the earledome, euen vnto Harlem hee spoiled the towne of Alcmar, and all the villages round about; the which they did daily, and at night they returned laden with spoile into Friseland, being not aboue fiue or six leagues distance. And the said Floris had yet done worse vnto his brother and the Hollanders, if the Emperour Lothaire, The Emperor reconciles the two brethren. their vncle (hauing intelligence of the quarrell of these two brethren, his sisters sonnes) had not reconciled them together, as they were soone after. E
The emperor had a great desire to be reuenged of the Frisons, who had rebelled against cont Thierry, by reason of the donation, which hee had made vnto him of the countries of Oostergoe, Westergoe, & the seuen Forests: but hauing great wars in Germany & Italy, he could not pursue his intent, & therfore this grant did not greatly aduance him nor his successors. Besides Andrew bishop of Vtrecht, brother to the Earle of Cuick, found himselfe grieued: saying, That those iurisdictions belonged vnto him, by the gift of former Emperors whereupon hee A new quarrel against the bishop of Vtrecht, for Friseland. went to Conrard, competitor to Lothaire in the empire, who dis [...]lled that which Lothaire had giuen to Thierry; and confirmed that which the Emperors their predecessors had graunted to former bishops. And withall, bishop Herbert, successor to Andrew, after the death of the Emperor Lothaire (to whom Conrard was forced to giue place) obtained of the said Conrard F (being confirmed in the empire, after the death of Lothaire) a new [...]tification of the said grant. But as all those which had been made, were but in paper, or p [...]ment, either partie wanting force to take possession therof; the Frisons maintaining themselues in their auntient freedoms and liberties, by force of armes: which liberties had been giuen them by auntient Emperours, [Page 34] and namely by Charlemaigne, and which they had purchased with the deere price of their liues G and bloud: Neither had the Earles of Holland, nor bishop of Vtrecht, any great authoritie nor commaund, in the said iurisdictions of Friseland; except the bishop of Vtrecht, who for a time did quietly enioy the towne and countrie of Gronninghen, by the like grant from Emperors.
The quarrell of the two brethren, Cont Thierry, and Floris the Blacke, beeing pacified, and A greatquarrel betwixt Floris of Holland, & two Earles, brethren. they reconciled, the said Floris had another with the Earles Gouard of Arlisberg, & Herman of Cuick, brethren. These two Earls had one niece, the daughter of Arnoult van I [...]ochem, a knight, and of Alice their sister: who after the decease of her father and mother, liued with Cont Herman of Cuick, her vncle. Some of the friends & seruants of this yong gentlewoman, to whom the valour and merits of Floris were well knowne, did greatly wish and desire a marriage betwixt them two: but these two Earles would by no meanes yeeld thereunto, deuising all the trauerses and crosses they could. Those of Vtrecht, as well for feare of the Emperor Lothaire, H his vncle, as for the loue of the Earle of Holland, his brother, receiued the lord Floris into their towne, giuing him free egresse and regresse, when he pleased, with all his traine. Hee beeing much moued and discontented, that the Earles of Arlisberg and Cuick, with Andrew bishop of Vtrecht, all three brethren, had refused him this gentlewoman their niece, resolued to be reuenged of the said bishop, and to do him all the iniurie he could, for that hee hated him most: whereupon entring with an armie into his diocesse of Vtrecht, hee burnt the towne of Lermeude. Cont Herman knowing well, that by open force he could not auoid him, by reason of the great aid and support that he had from the Emperour, his vncle, and from the Earle his brother; he laid an ambush to surprise and take him prisoner. One morning, attending Floris I comming out of the towne, with ten or twelue gentlemen to hunt, issuing out of his ambush Floris of Holland, [...]reacherously slaine by the EArle of Cuick. he went to charge him: Floris meaning to saue himselfe, turned his horse head, and fled towards the towne, with such hast, as both he and his horse were ouerthrowne. Cont Herman pursuing him, and ouertaking him, slew him, before he could recouer himselfe. The Emperor hearing of his nephews death, called Cont Herman by proclamation of the empire and for his contumacie, and not appearing, depriued him of his seigniorie, and degraded him of all armes and honour, for so soule a murther. On the other side; the Earle of Holland entred with a great A reuenge for this murther. armie into the Earle of Cuicks countrey, burning al the castles, and chasing Cont Herman and Andrew bishop of Vtrecht, his brother, out of their te [...]ories. Notwithstanding after the death of the Emperour Lothaire, by the intercession of some noblemen, Herman was reconciled to the Earle, doing him homage, and taking an othe of fealtie: and the bishop was likewise K restored to his bishopricke. Among those which had pur [...]d Floris, when he was slaine, there [...]lerman & the bishop his brother, reconciled to the Earl of Holland. was a knight, called Herolt of Barne: he being on a time chased by Cont Thierryes men, leaped with his horse into the Meuse, and so escaped, swimming ouer to the other banke. At that time Cont Otto of Benthem, sonne to Otto Palatin of Rhin, brother to Sophia Contesse of Holland, brother in law to Cont Thierry, vpon an old quarrell entred into the country of Tuvent, and vpon the bishop of Vtrechts territories who presently leuied some small troups of horse The Earle of Benthem defeated, & prisoner. and foot, vnder the command of Hugh Butterman, lord of Buttersloot, Botslandt, and Spicke, who went to incounter the Earle of Benthem in the open field, defeated him, and tooke him prisoner: in which incounter, the Earle Otto of Biel was slaine, with many gentlemen. Cont L Thierry hearing of this defeat, & of the taking of his brother in law, went to besiege the towne of Vtrecht. Bishop Herebert, successor to Andrew, finding himselfe vnable to resist, and to preserue the towne from ruine, sought to releeue himselfe by spirituall armes: and going out of The bishops policie, to auoid the ruine of the towne. the towne with all his Clergie, crosses, and banners, as if it had beene to a generall Procession, carrying a booke in his hand, went to excommunicat him. Cont Thierry and his Hollanders seeing them come a farre off, thinking it had been a sally made by the besieged, fell to armes. Approching neere vnto them, the Earle seeing the bishop and his clergie thus attired in their Ecclesiasticall ornaments, goes from his horse, and bare headed goes to craue for mercie of the bishop, that he might not excommunicat him, as he had determined: The bishop taking him vp with a kisse of peace, they were reconciled together, and Cont Otto Palatin of Rhin set at libertie; M who in regard thereof, promised to hold his Earledome of Benthem, of the bishop of Vtrecht, and his successors, in fee to do him homage. A while after, the said Cont Otto was The Earle of [...]hem slain. slaine by Cont Herman van Staelwyck, to whom there succeeded in the earldome of Benthem, Otto of Holland, his nephew, sonne to Cont Thierry the 6, and to the lady Sophia, for that [Page 35] Floris their eldest sonne, who was to inherit and succeed in the countie of Holland, Zeeland, A and Friseland, &c.
In the yeare 1155 the Frisons vpon Drent made a road into Holland, with an armie, where The Frisons inuade Hollād they did spoile and sack the towne of Zande. The nobilitie and inhabitants of the towne of Harlem, with the countrey-men of Exdorp, fell vpon them, and slew 900 vpon the place, recouering their booties, and taking many prisoners, with the which they returned victors to the towne of Harlem.
Cont Thierry, after that he had gouerned his countries of Holland, Zeeland, and Friseland Th [...] death of Cont Th [...]rry 6 40 yeares, died in the yeare 1163. He had much warre against the Frisons, the Vltraiectins, or them of Vtrecht, and his other neighbours. The principall and most memorable noblemen of his time, being his vassals, were Floris the Blacke (who was slaine, as we haue said) and Simon, The nobilitie of Holland, aad his other vassals. B his two brethren, sonnes to Cont Floris the Fat: then his eldest sonne Floris 3, who succeeded him: after him Otto Earle of Benthem, Baldwin bishop of Vtrecht, Thierry, and Peregrin lieutenant of Holland; all foure his sonnes, and Robert his bastard: then William lord of Brederode, and Floris his son: Gerard lord of Telnigen, Hugh lord of Leck, William seignior of Heusden, Iohn lord of Arckell, Folpert seignior of Lederdam, Didier lord of Altena, of Putten, and of Strenen, Hugh seignior of Bottersloot, brother to the lord of Arckel, Gerard seignior of Aspren, sonne to the lord of Lederdam, Floris seignior of Voerne, Thierry his sonne, Adelwyn Vicont of Leyden, Didier of Persin, Baldwin of Harlem: these were held in the ranke of barons. Then Ieams Vanden, Vuode, Gerard of Poelgeest, Albert Bauiard, Ghisbrecht Porckyn, Iohn of Croonenburch, Floris of Woert, Ogier of Reyswick, all Knights. After those Berthoul Spysdrager, C Berthould aduocat of Egmont (who was the first of the house of Egmont, the which was since erected to an earledome) with Dodo, Allard, Didier, Berthoult, and Wermbold, his sonnes; Godefrey of Harnesbergh, Herbert of Liethen, Thierry of Schoten, Ludolph of Adrichone, Vastardt of Reynigem by Leyden, Ysbrandt the Frison, and Berthould his brother: Hugh of Arckersloot, Bruyn of Castrichom, Hugh of Monster, Didier of Ween, Iohn Heereman, Hellnick van Doornick, Philip of Bloot, William of Voorhout, Henry of Heylygerlee, Gerebrandt of Alcmar; al squiers: and many other braue gentlemen.
And this was the Epitaph of the said Cont Thierry, as wee found it in the Abbey of Egmont.
There was also the Epitaph of his sonne Peregrin, who was his Lieutenant in the gouernement of Holland, written in this manner. E
FLORIS THE THIRD OF THAT name, the thirteenth Earle of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friseland.
[Page 37] FLORIS the 3 of that name, eldest sonne to Cont Thierry the 6, after the A death of his father, was the 12 Earle of Holland and Zeeland, and Lord of Friseland. He had to wife the lady Ada, daughter to the king of Scotland, Cont Floris wife and children. by whom he had many children: first, Thierry, who succeeded him in the said Earledomes; William Earle of Friseland, Floris Cathedral Prouost of Vtrecht, Robert President of Kenemerlandt: & foure daughters, Marguerite Contesse of Cleues, Beatrix, Elizabeth, and Alix. This Floris had great troubles in his time, whereof we wil discourse succinctly.
In the yeare 1163, Cont Floris hauing succoured Godefrey of Rhemen, bishop of Vtrecht, 1163 against the Earle of Cleues, and the Baron of Batenbourgh, being besieged in the towne of Gronninghen (whereunto he pretended an interest) the which the Emperor Frederic did pacifie: B for a requitall of all his courtesie, the said bishop reuiued the question for the Earledoms of Oostergoe and Westergoe in Friseland, whereof we haue formerly made mention, grown betwixt the bishops of Vtrecht, and the Earls of Holland; this Godefrey (like vnto the rest of his predecessors) building vpon the graunts vnduly purchased and obtained from Emperors. But as the Earles of Holland had the more antient grants, and had beene longest seised therof, Cont Floris was then fully resolued to dispossesse the bishop thereof, once for all; seeing that hauing so lately, and so willingly succoured him, and freed him from his enemies, he now prouoked him to armes, by his vnkind vsage. The bishop intreated the Emperour Frederic, to succour him, and to maintaine him in the rights which his predecessors had graunted to the bishops of Vtrecht: the emperour went himselfe in person, and reconciled them; so as they C should iointly by a common consent, appoint one Lieutenant, or Iudge of the countrey, who should take an othe, to maintaine the rights of these two lords equally, either of them for his moitie: for the receiuing of which portions, they should go once a yeare, either of them, beeing accompanied with thirtie knights or gentlemen, and no more: and that the said Earle should vse his best meanes, to recouer the castle of Benthem: the which done, he should hold in fee of the said bishop, who should haue a chamber, a kitchin, and a chappel, reserued for him therein, with free egresse and regresse, when it pleased him. Which accord was put in writing by the Emperours command. But these treaties and accords, were of small continuance, the Frisons standing alwayes vpon their freedoms and imperiall liberties.
In the yeare 1166, the West Frisons knowing that Cont Floris had other lets, came with D great numbers of men, and past the riuer of Ockeuoort, neere vnto Alcmar, meaning to spoyle 1166 that quarter of Kennemerlandt; they tooke Alcmar by force, where they slew foure bourgesses, and burnt the whole towne, except the church, which they laboured to preserue from fire. Cont Floris forbare to take reuenge, vntill the yeare 1168, in the dead of Winter; at what time he led his armie into Scoerle, where being camped, some of his knights and gentlemen (notwithstanding the defence of their Prince) would go to the warre: and being come as farre as Schagen, they spoiled and burnt it, carrying away a great spoile. The Frisons lying in ambush, Hollanders slaine by the Frisons. and expecting their returne, charge them, and spoile them in a manner all, rescuing the bootie. Among the which there was slaine Simon of Antuerpe, William of Voorhout, Baldwin of Harlem, Gerard Spisdraeger, Floris Ruysch, Allard of Egmont, Bruyn of Castrichom, Gerard of Monstre, E the yonger, and Euerard of Nortwick, all knights, who were buried at Egmont.
The yeare following 1169, the Frisons returned againe to Alcmar; but the Earls garrisons, with the countrey-men of Kennemerlandt, pursued them by water and by land, and slew The West Frisons halfe vanquished. some thirtie of them, & the rest retired, for that the Earle sent his Flemish forces against them. Soone after the Earle marched himselfe in person with an armie: hee burned Winckell and Nieuvoort, and subiected vnder his obedience, the islands of Texel, Wyernighe, and Flie, the inhabitants whereof he did ransome at foure thousand markes of siluer: and then he returned a conqueror into his countrey of Holland.
About the same time that the Frisons were reduced vnto reason, Cont Floris demaunded A controuersie betwixt the Earls of Holland and Flanders, for the [...]sle of Walchren. the isle of Walchren in Zeeland, of Philip Earle of Flanders, the which his predecessors had detained F some yeares vniustly, and without any lawfull title: Philip answered, That hee would defend and keepe that by force, which his fathers had left him, and whatsoeuer he held comming from them. Cont Floris called to his succour, the Earles of Cleues, Geldre, and Bergh, who came to assist him in this quarrell, with ten thousand men, the which being ioyned vnto [Page 38] his armie, they entred the countrey of Alost in Flanders, which they spoiled: and from thence G went to besiege the towne of Armentiers, the which they did assault with such furie, as the besieged were at the last gaspe, sending vnto their prince, That if he came not presently to succour them, they should be forced to yeeld vp the place. Cont Philip being assisted by Mathew earle of Bologne, his brother, leuied an armie of Piccards, Artesiens, Hannuiers, & Flemings, with the which he went to charge the Earle of Hollands campe, where there was a verie sharp and hard incounter: but in the end these three earles were defeated, & their armie put to rout. Cont Floris much grieued at this defeat, fought still, and would not yeeld, vntill that he found himselfe wounded almost to the death. The earle of Flanders hauing taken him prisoner, receiued him with all courtesie and humanitie, as his cosin germaine and neerest kinsman: and causing his wounds to be drest, he led him with him into Flanders. The newes of this defeat H being divulged in all places, the archbishop of Cologne, and the bishop of Liege, came into Flanders, to reconcile these two great princes: so as remaining good friends for euer, it was An accord betwixt these two princes. concluded, That Cont Philip should enioy to him and to his heires, for euer, the land of Waes (which is one of the best quarters of Flanders, the which the Earles of Holland had▪ formerly held) and that Cont Floris, besides his libertie, should be restored to his island of Walchren: and moreouer, he should send vnto Cont Philip, a thousand men expert in making of ditches, to stop the hole which had beene made neere vnto Dam or the Sluce, whereby the countrey was drowned round about at euerie high sea, the which the Flemings could by no meanes fil vp, neither with wood, nor any other matter, for that all sunke as in a gulfe without any bottome: whereby in succession of time, Bruges and all that iurisdiction, had been in daunger to I haue bin lost by inundation, and to become all sea, if it were not speedily repaired. Cont Floris hauing taken possession of the isle of Walchren, returned into Holland, from whence hee sent the best workmen he could find in all his countries, into Flanders, to make dikes and causeies, and to stop the hole neere vnto this Dam, or Sluce, and to recouer the drowned land. These diggers being come to the place, they found at the entrie of this bottomlesse hole a Sea-dog, the which for six dayes together, did nothing but crie out and howle very fearefully. They not knowing what it might signifie, hauing consulted of this accident, they resolued to cast this dogge into the hole. There was a mad-headed Hollander among the rest, who going into the bottome of the dike, tooke the dogge by the taile, and cast him into the middest of the gulfe; then speedily they cast earth and torfe into it, so as they found a bottome, and by little K and little filled it vp. And for that many workemen came to the repairing of this dike, who for that they would not be far from their worke, coucht in Cabines, which seemed to be a pretie towne, Cont Philip gaue vnto all these Hollanders, Zeelanders, and others, that would inhabit there, as much land as they could recouer from Dam to Ardenbourg, for them and their successors, for euer, with many other immunities and freedoms: By reason whereof many planted themselues there, and in succession of time, made a good towne there, the which by reason of this dog, which they had cast into the hole, they named Hondtsdam, that is to say, a Dogs Sluce; Dam in Flemish signifying a Sluce, and Hondt a dog [...] and therefore at this day, the said towne (the which is simply called Dam) carrieth a dog in their a [...]es and blason.
About the same time, the emperour Frederic, Philip king of Fraunce, Richard king of England, The Christians besiege Damiette. L with many dukes, earles, and Christian princes, went to besiege Damiette in Soria, that they might haue a port at sea, and a safe harbor for the Christians ships but at the entrie of the hauen there were two great towers, the which hauing great chaines of yron drawne acrosse, stopt the entrie, so as no ship might enter. William sonne to Cont Floris of Holland, concluded with his Hollanders of the towne of Harlem, to arme the forepart of his ship, with a long and strong saw of steele, made of purpose, expecting the first strong gale of wind that should blow into the hauen: the which they effected vpon the first occasion, so as through the violence of the wind, the force of the ship, and the cutting of this saw, they brake the chains in peeces; and gaue entrie to all the whole fleet of the Christians, into the hauen of the citie of Damiette, by The prowes of the earle of Ho [...]lands son. which only meanes it was taken. The emperor Frederic knowing, that through the Valour and M wisdome of yong Cont William and his Hollanders, he had conquered this citie, which was almost inuincible, he made William knight, honoured him, with his royall bountie, and receiued him with the other princes, vnder the imperiall standard. And for a testimonie of the vertue of those burgesses of Harlem, betwixt the foure stars which they carried in their ensigne, [Page 39] being the armes of the towne, he added a sword, and the Patriarke of Ierusalem, a crosse aboue A it, for that they had fought so valiantly for the faith, in Palestina, at the taking of this citie: Which armes the towne of Harlem carries vnto this day; the which before was a withered tree of a russettish colour, in a field argent, as is to be seene in a portrait lately cut in copper, of their enterprise and successe.
In the time of this Cont Floris, they began to fish for herrings at the mouth of the riuer of The first fishing for Herring. Meuse, and in the Brittish sea, along the coast of Holland, Zeeland, and Friseland: the first fishing, was about the island of Bryele, where as they did fish with small barkes, called Sabards. Those of Zirixee were the first that did fish, and packt them vp in barrels. Those of Bierulyet, a small island vpon the coast of Flanders, the better to preserue them being salted, inuented the meanes to gill them, and to pull out the garbage, or els they would soone corrupt. B
In the yere 1190, the emperor Frederic being in Nicea, a citie of Bythynia, hauing extreame 1190 heat, he went into a riuer to bath him, but the violence of the streame carried him away, & he was drowned in the presence of all his people, who could not helpe him. About which time Death of the Emperor Frederic, and of the Earle of Holland. Floris the third, Earle of Holland, fell sicke in the armie, died in this voyage, and was interred by the emperor Frederic, hauing gouerned his prouinces seuen and twentie yeares. Ada his his wife did suruiue him eighteene yeares, and died in the yere 1208, being interred in the abbey of Middlebourg in Zeeland. William their sonne hauing accompanied his father (as wee haue said) at his returne, passing through Germanie, he maried the daughter of Frederic duke of Suabe, whom he enioyed not long.
THIERRY THE SEVENTH OF THAT name, foureteenth Earle of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friseland.
[Page 41] THIERRY the seuenth of that name, and fourteenth Earle of Holland, A after the decease of Cont Floris his father, in Palestina, succeeded in all The wife and children of Cont Tbierry. his earledomes. He had to wife Aleyd [...], Alix or Adella, daughter to Didier earle of Cleue, by whom he had notany sonnes, but two daughters, excreding faire: whereof the first, called Adella, was maried to Henry of Gueldre, and died without children, ther Ada, whom the mother, after the decease of her father, against the liking and consent of all t [...]e noblemen of Holland, maried to Cont Lewis of Loos, who was but of meane calling, shee being Contesse of Holland.
This Cont Thierry hauing after the decease of his father gouerned his countries quietly, for the space of fiue yeares, the lord William of Holland being returned from Palestina (where hee B had buried Cont Floris their father) vpon some false reports entred into contention with him. By reason whereof, William retired himselfe into Friseland, to the Dreuthers: with whom being entred into league, he made many roads into Holland. On the other side, Baldwin earle of Flanders entred with an armie into the isle of Walchren, which lay neere vnto him. Cont Thierry seeing himselfe assaulted on two sides, leuied all the men he could, and diuided them into two armies: the one he took with himself, and the other he left to the Contesse Adella, his wife, to lead against William his brother, and to suppresse the Frisons. Cont Thierry imbarked Cont Thierry chaseth the Flemings. with his armie, and landed in Zeeland, from whence, after a great battaile, he chased the Flemings. His wife with her troups went from Egmont towards Alcmar, to fight with the Frisons. The lord William of Holland came to incounter her with his men, and presented himself C in battaile: but as they of Winckel and Nieudorp, hauing retired themselues on the one side, refusing to fight against their princesse, being corrupted with mony, the Kennemers did chase the Frisons vnto a certain strait, which was a marish ground, ful of reeds: William seeing his Frisons wauer, and readie to Breake, incouraged them so wi [...]words, and behaued himselfe so valiantly in his owne person, as hauing long defended themselues, in the end hee carried them backe into their owne countrey, with small losse. The Frisons seeing his indeuors, and how faithfully William of Holland had assisted them, they trusted him more than before, making him their head, their podestate, and their captaine generall. Cont Thierry hauing succesfully ended the wars in Zeeland, returned with his armie into Holland, into the quarter of Kennemerlandt, to make more violent war against the Frisons, and his brother William. But to the D end these two brethren should not pollute themselues any more, with the bloud of their subiects by their ciuile wars, Baldwin bishop of Vtrecht, Didier cathedrall prouost of the said bishopricke, and Otto earle of Benthem, vncles to these two brethren, laboured all they could to reconcile them: by whom it was concluded, That Thierry, as the elder brother, should remain Earle of Holland and Zeeland, and that William should hold of his brother in fee, the countrey of East and West Friseland, on either side the riuer of Flie, vnto that of Lanuvers: and moreover, should receiue for an annuall pension out of the custome of Ghoervlyet, the summe of eighteen hundred liures. The Frisons vnderstand not how, nor by what title, this diuision of Friseland was made, wherof there is not any mention made in their Annals: yet some writers confesse, that they yeelded hereunto in fauour of William of Holland: but they deny, that it was vpon condition to hold it in fee of Cont Thierry, and to do him homage, or to any other E prince: seeing there was neuer any thing more odious vnto them, than to bee subiect to any other superioritie, than the empire: according to their antient liberties & freedoms, by priuiledges The Frisons will acknowledge no other soueraigne, but the empire. giuen them by antient emperors, whereof they haue alwayes been very iealous, and strict obseruers, euen vnto the death. This peace made betwixt the two brethren, William returned into Friseland, where he was honourably receiued, and from that time during his life, acknowledged for their prince, where he built a castle, called Osterzee, in the which hee made his ordinarie aboad and residence.
After the death of Baldwin of Holland, bishop of Vtrecht, vncle to Cont Thierry, being readie to proceed to the election of a new bishop, Thierry Earle of Holland, & Otto earle of Gueldre, F came both armed into the citie of Vtrecht, which was the cause of great iealousie and discord, betwixt the chanoims and chapter, for that some did chuse Didier cathedrall prouost of Vtrecht, brother vnto Baldwin the last bishop, and vncle to the Earle of Holland: others had chosen Arnould of Isenbourgh, prouost collegiall of Deuenter, who was supported by the [Page 42] earle of Gueldre, and by all those of the countrey of Ouerissel, The emperor placed Didier of G Holland there, by prouision (vntill it were iudicially determined by the Roman sea) [...]o administer the goods of the said bishoprick, as he did, but that the earle of Gueldre h [...]ndred him from the recei [...] of any thing in the prouince of Ouerissell: By [...]eason whereof Cont Thierry entred the Veluve with an armie, destroying and burning wheresoeuer hee came so at the carried Warres bewixt the Earles of Holland and Geldres. away a great spoile. Cont Otto did also l [...]nic what men he could following. Con [...] Thierry as far as Heymens bergh, to rescue the prey; wherethere was a sharp incounter: but the Gueldrois seeing his men slip away, he saued himselfe through the swiftnesse of his horse Cont Thierry pursuing them that fled, tooke many prisoners, among the which were some gentlemen. William earl of East-Friseland, hearing of the victory which his brother had gotten, [...]ame to him to the castle of Horst, to congratulate with him, for this his happy successe. Cont Thierry H remembring the quarrels past, and the loue his brother had borne vnto the earle of Gueldre, A new quarrell betwixt the two Bretheren of Holland. imagining that he came now to attempt something against him, he commanded an officer of his, called Henry Craen, to seise vpon his brother, and commit him to prison, the which was done. But soone after, William hauing broken prison, he retired himself secretly to the earle of Gueldre, to be supported by him against the earle of Holland, his brother, where he remained some time. Otto earle of Gueldre knowing him to be verie valiant, hauing seen good proof thereof in Palestina, against the Sarracens, considering also the goodly portion which he had in Friseland, gaue him his daughter Alix in mariage; by whom he had one sonne, named Floris (who was afterwards Earle of Holland) Otto, William, and two daughters, Ada who was abbesse of Rhinsburgh (the which was an abbey of noble women) and Ryckwyf, who was a religious I woman in the same cloister. After the mariage of William and Alix, celebrated in the towne of Staueren, Otto of Gueldre returned into his countrey, and William was honourably receiued with his wife, and acknowledged throughout all the countrey of Friseland for their lord. Soone after, and the same yeare, the Earles of Holland and Gueldre were reconciled together, The Earles of Holland and Geldre reconciled. vpon condition, That Adella, eldest daughter to Cont Thierry, should marie with Henry, sonne to Cont Otto; but he liued not long, and died without children.
In the yere 1198, Didier of Holland, & Arnould of Isenburgh, both elect bishops of Vtrecht, pleading their cause at Rome, the pope adiudged the said bishoprick, through the fauour of 1198 some courtiers in Rome, and the aduantage of his election, to Arnould, where he was consectated the 30 bishop of Vtrecht. But as he died soone after, and was buried at Rome, pope Innocent K the 3, gaue the said bishoprick to Didier of Holland, who had been his competitor, & was in like sort consecrated at Rome. At his returne to take possession of his bishoprick, he fell sick at Padoua in Italy, where he died, and was there buried: To whom succeeded Didier vander Are, collegiall prouost of Nydrecht vpon Meuse, being in commission in the realme of Sicile; who after the death of these two bishops, was sent for to come and take possession of the said bishoprick, the which at his first entrance, he found very much charged with debts: so as by the aduice of his barons, nobles, townes, and chapters, he went into. Friseland, to demand some aid or gratuitie, to free himselfe of debt. William earle of East-Friseland, would not suffer his subiects to be charged with any imposition, or extraordinarie subsidie: for the preuenting Trouble in Frizeland. whereof, he went to Staueren, whither the bishop was come vnto the abbey, of whom he laid hold at the end of masse, thinking to carrie him away to his castle of Osterzee: but the monks, L with the help of some Frisons, fearing if they should suffer it, the bishop would excommunicat them, tooke him away from him by force. Afterwards Thierry Earle of Holland, and Otto earle The Earles of Holland and Geldre fall vpon the bishop. of Gueldre, father in law to Cont William of East Friseland (beeing reconciled to his brother, and freed him from any bad conceit of him) banded themselues iointly against the bishop. The earle of Gueldre, seised vpon all the countrey of Ouerissel for his part, chased away all the bishops officers, and puta garrison of Gueldres into the towne of Deuenter. The Earle of Holland spoiled the whole countrey, on this side the riuer of Yssel, and besieged the bishop in his city of Vtrecht: during the which time, the earl of Gueldre going with a safeconduct towards the emperor Otto the 4. (competitor to the emperor Philip) hee was staied by the way, by the M duke of Brabants people. The Earle of Holland hearing of these newes, raised his siege from before Vtrecht, marching with his troups towards Boisleduke, where he entred by force, and there tooke prisoners, the lords William of Paruis; and Henry of Cuyck, brethren to the duke of Brabant. The Earle thinking to retire with his prisoners into Holland, the duke being assisted [Page 43] by the Archbishop of Cologne, the bishop of Liege, the Duke of Lembourg, and the Earle of A Flanders, pursued him with all speed to rescue his two brethren. Cont Thierry finding himselfe ouercharged at a passage, after that he had long defended himselfe, being vriable to resist so great forces, was in the end taken: and so the Duke of Brabant had the two Earls of Geldre and Holland his prisoners. The bishop of Vtrecht seeing these two prouinces without Lords to defend them, entred the countrey of Holland with all the forces he could gather together, The bishop reuengeth himselfe of the Earle of Holland. as well of his owne, as from his allies, from whence hee carried a great spoyle: the Nobilitie and Commons of Holland pursued after to rescue it, and defeated some knights and souldiers of Vtrecht in the rereward, burning in their returne some villages of his iurisdiction. The next day the bishop entred into the Veluve, the which he spoyled, tooke the towne of Zutphen, & went to Deuenter, which yeelded vnto him, so as he recouered great store of treasure. Soone B after a peace was made betwixt the Earle of Holland and the Duke of Brabant, whereby the Earle paid vnto the Duke two thousand markes of siluer for his ransome: and so did the Earle An accord betwixt the two Earls, the duke of Brabant, & the bishop. of Geldre, both which were afterwards reconciled with the bishop of Vtrecht, whereby all quarrels were ended.
In the yeare 1203, Thierry Earle of Holland fell sick at Dordrecht, lamenting much the absence of his brother William, Earle of East-Friseland (although there had still remained some 1203 small seeds of hatred) to recommend his daughter Ada vnto him (being yet to marry) and her Cont Thierry sicke. countries of Holland and Zeeland. Alix wife to the said Cont Thierry, euen before the death of her husband, and during his sicknes, without the councell or aduice of any one, of her own proper motion, desirous to marry her daughter, had contracted her secretly to Lewis Earle of C Loos, to the end, the Countrey during her widow-hood, might be gouerned at her pleasure: so desirous was this woman of rule, thinking, that Lewis being farre inferiour in quality to her daughter, would not dare to oppose himselfe against her, not caring in the meane time if her daughter were well or ill maried. In the meane time Cont Thierry died, hauing gouerned his The death of Cont Thierry. countries thirteene whole yeares in continuall warres. In his time there flourished in Holland Didier bishop of Vtrecht, Otto Earle of Benthem, and Peregrin, Lieutenant of the Countie of The Nobilitie of his time. Holland, al three his vncles, brethren to Cont Floris, who was father to Cont Thierry, and Robert also his bastard vncle; then William Earle of East-Friseland, Floris Prouost of Vtrecht, and Robert Earle of Kennemerlandt his brethren, Henry of Geldre, husband to Adella, the eldest daughter to Cont Thierry, William Lord of Brederode, Hugues Lord of Teylingen, and William D his sonne Seignior of Leck, Robert of Heusden and Altena, issued from the Earles of Holland, with a great number of knights & squires. This Epitaph of the said Cont Thierry, the seuenth of that name, was found in the Abbey of Egmont.
And vpon his Tombe were grauen these foure verses:
ADA, CONTESSE OF HOLLAND and Zeeland, the fifteenth in the gouernment of the said Earledomes.
[Page 45] ADA, daughter to Cont Thierry the seuenth, succeeded her father, and was A the fifteenth, commaunding in Holland and Zeeland as Contesse, but she gouerned these Countries but one yere, and died without children. During the sicknesse of Cont Thierry the father, Lewis Earle of Loos (to whom Ada had beene promised in mariage by the mother) was in the castle of Altena, where hee attended newes of the fathers death. The Contesse Adella presently after the decease of her husband, sent to Lewis to come to Dordrecht with al speed, the which she did, and there he gaue him her daughter in The Contesse of Holland maried. mariage, and in steed of a funerall pompe, there were feasts and nuptiall banquets, deferring the obsequies till after the mariage: which being consummated, and all the feasts ended, the body of Cont Thierry was with small pompe and ceremonie caried and interred in the abbey B of Egmont.
William Earle of East-Friseland hauing intelligence of the death of his brother, came vnto Zipe with an intent to assist and mour [...] [...]e funerall, yet would he not passe on before he had demaunded a safe conduct from the Contesse, and those of her Councell: the which was denied him, yet he stayed in that place vntill the funerals were ended: which done, he returned into Friseland. His kinsfolkes and good friends in Holland, as Floris Prouost Cathedrall of Vtrecht his brother, Otto Earle of Benthem, and his sonne Ieams, Chastelain of Leyden, Philip of Wassenare, William of Theylinghen, Iohn of Ryswicke, Gualter of Egmont, and Albert Bauiart, knights, and other gentlemen well affected vnto him, shewed themselues discontented, that they should be gouerned by a woman and a poore Earle, to whom they held themselues C nothing inferior: they therefore made a league among themselues, not to endure the gouernment of her nor her husband. This done, they secretly sent a man of marke on their behalfes into Friseland to Cont William, giuing him to understand of their resolution and alliance; Cont William sent for to vndertake the gouernment of Holland and that without all feare he should come and ioyne with them at the abbey of Egmont, where they would attend him. Cont William departed out of Friseland as couertly as he could, but for want of a good wind to carry him into Holland (or it may be, the better to informe and assure himselfe of their intentions) he put to land in Zeeland at Zirixee in the Island of Schouven: where he was receiued and imbraced by them of the countrey, and by the Lords of Borsele, of Croningen, and others, who acknowledged him for their prince and Earle of Zeeland. In the meane time, Gualter of Egmont, and Albert Bauiart, accompanied D with the Kennemers, entred the towne of Harlem, and tooke armes against the Earle of Loos & the lady Adella widow, do wager to Cont Thierry, whom they forced, with M. Ghysbrecht of Amstell, to flie by night, and to retire themselues to Vtrecht. The young Contesse Ada remained there a while; but in the end she retired also, beeing accompanied by Roger Vander Meer, Otto van venzen, and many other knights and gentlemen of the Earle of Loos his traine: comming all amazed to the towne of Leyden, there to maintain themselues against their enemies, as in a place of refuge and safetie, the Kennemers being in armes, with Gualter of Egmont their Commaunder, pursued the young Contesse and those of her traine euen into the said towne, where also was Philip of Wassenarewho; with his Rhynlanders (ouer whom hee was captaine) besieged the Bourg so straitly, as the besieged were constrained to yeeld for E want of victuals. Cont William, who was then in Zeeland, hearing that the Earle of Loos and the Contesse Dowager had saued themselues in Vtrecht, and that the yong Contesse Ada was Cont William comes into Holland. staied in Leyden, he came speedily into Holland, the which by the assistance of his friends he tooke wholly vnto himselfe, disposing of their goods that had beene opposite unto his will: then he caused the young Contesse his niece to be conducted with an honourable traine and He puts the yong Contesse in guard, and becomes master of the countrey. good intreatie into the Isle of Texel, vnder his iurisdiction of Friseland. The Earle of Loos being thus chased away, meditating of the meanes to be reuenged, hee inuited to his succour the bishop of Liege his brother, Iohn duke of Lembourg, and the Earle of Flanders his kinsmen, relying much vpon the bishop of Vtrecht, whom hee woon with 2000. marks of siluer, and a promise, that (if he remained victor and in quiet possession) hee would hold the Earledome F of Holland in fee of the bishopricke of Vtrecht; the bishop of Liege being his caution for the performance thereof.
Cont William hauing notice of the forces which the Earle of Loos prepared to recouer Holland, he appointed Gualter of Egmont and Albert Bauiart to be chiefe of the Kennemers, [Page 46] and Philip of Wassenare, and the Seignior of Theylinghen to commaund the Rhynlanders, G and he himself went into Zeeland, all which he reduced to his deuotion. The Lords of Wassenare Cont William conquereth Zeeland. and Theylinghen prouided carefully for all things, causing two block-houses or forts to be made, the one within the towne of Leyden (the defence whereof was committed to Floris of Holland, Prouost Cathedrall of Vtrecht) and the other at Zuvamerdam, which Cont Otto of Benthem had in charge. The Lords of [...]gmont and Bauiart came with their ships to Amstel, where they cut through the ditch, and drowned all the country of Amsterlandt: the Kennemers boording the Amsterlanders barks, drew out all the spoyle, and then fired them.
The bishop of Vtrecht on the other side to bee reuenged, went himselfe into Holland, and passing by Mydrecht, he chased the earle of Benthem out of his fort of Zuvamerdam, & burnt many villages in Holland: the which hauing succeeded happily, marching on, he commanded H his souldiers to take out of euery village the best hostages, & so went to besiege Leyden, wheras the Prouost Floris was, whom he forced with small losse, for that they within protested, that they would not defend it against the said bishop: the Prouost was taken prisoner, & led to the castle of Horst. The next day the bishop entred into Leyden, whether the earle of Loos came also, with such men as hee had brought out of South-Holland (which is the countrey about Dordrecht) they of Leyden did him homage, and did acknowledge him for earle of Holland in the right of the contesse Ada his wife. Among the chiefe of the nobility of North-Holland there ioined with him the Lord Iohn of Persin, Iohn and Isbrand of Harlem, Arnold and Henry of Ryswick, and Vuouter van Rymen. These sent vnto the Earle of Loos to come boldly vpon their faith to Harlem, whether he went, & reduced all the villages therabouts vnder his obedience. I The Kennemers fearing this storme would fall vpon them, went to armes to defend thē selues, and to stop the Earle of Loos his passage, no [...]withstanding any faith giuen them by the said Noblemen, who holding the Earls party, knowing the forces of these Kennemers, desired rather to win them by mild and gentle meanes, than by arms: wherein they wrought so effectually, as in the end they were reconciled to the earle of Loos, paying vnto him and to the bishop The Kennemer [...] pacified. 500 pounds great, for the damages which they had done in cutting the ditch, & burning in Amsterlandt: and so euery one returned to his owne home. This done, the bishop & earle feared not any other enemies, but taking their way towards Egmont, in passing, they burnt the village of S. Agathe, the which at this present is the town of Beuerswike & the castle of Brederode. And thus they reduced all Holland, before diuided into South and North; South-Holland K holding for the earle of Loos, and North-Holland or West-Friseland for Cont William: but this sudden change continued not long.
Soone after the earle of Namur entred the Isle of Walchren in Zeeland, pretending to subiect it vnder the earle of Flanders, but seeing his attempts to proue vnfortunat, he returned as he came. Hugh of Voorn was then in Zeeland, who reduced all those Islands vnder the earle of Loos, and chased away Cont William, who with great difficultie retired himselfe, for hauing lien long hidden, in the end he saued himselfe in a small boat, causing himselfe to be couered with fishers nets. The earle of Loos had made the said Hugh Van Voorn gouernor with great authoritie and power: who caried himselfe so insupportably in all his actions, that in the end the Zeelanders would no more endure, nor obey him, but against the will of the earle of Loos L put him from his place, sending to Cont William of Holland, and entreating him to returne The Zeelanders call back Cont William vnto them, who willingly imbraced this occasion, giuing notice thereof first to Gualter of Egmont, Albert Bauiart, William van Theylinghen, and Philip of Wassenare, intreating them to come vnto him with all the forces they could leuie, in the towne of Leyden, and that they should do no act of hostility against the earle of Loos, vntill that he himselfe were present: and then he went into Zeeland. The earle of Loos hearing of the Zeelanders reuolt, and that the Kennemers were in armes to fight with him, hee entred with all his forces into the towne of Leyden, to make head against them, for that they made all the hast they could to seize thereon, marching without order, or any warlike discipline. Hauing preuented them in the sayd towne, he attended them, and then went to charge them, so as they were much disordered: M Some being in their shippes (thinking to ioyne with the formost) found the waies cut off by the Earles men: & as they would haue past at Catwick by a bridge ouer the Rhyn, marching close together, the bridge brake, & a great number were drowned, Philip of Wassenare, Gualter of Egmont and Albert Bauiart escaped, but VVilliam of They linghen was taken prisoner. [Page 47] The Earle of Loos hauing had this good successe, went & camped with all his army at Voorschoten, A to keepe his men together, for that he doubted much the comming of Cont William, lest hee should surprise him. In the meane time Cont William arriued with his forces of Zeeland: being come into Holland, he planted his campe in the ditch of Ryswicke: from thence he went to lodge neere the Wood of la Haye, meaning to giue the Earle of Loos battaile the next day: who knowing him to be so neere, and that he had a desire to fight, he sent Iohn duke of Lembourg speedily vnto him, to intreat him to enter into some accord with him; but cont William would giue no eare vnto it, finding himselfe (by the death of the Contesse Ada) the true and onely heire of Holland and Zeeland. The said duke hauing made his report, tooke vp his tents and pauilions, being loath to attend the danger of a doubtfull battaile. The Earle of Loos much amazed, seeing himselfe abandoned by the duke, who was his chiefe support, forsaking B his camp and all his cariages, he fled with all speed to Vtrecht; yeelding vnto the bishop for his entertainment in that he had assisted him, all the Hollanders that he had takē prisoners. The disorder and confusion was so great in the flight of the Earle of Loos his men, as the women chased them with their distaues, and in flying, did massacre them with staues: Many cast away their armes for lightnesse, that they might saue themselues by the ditches that were full of water, whereas many were drowned, and a great number taken prisoners: All th [...] Earle of Loos pauilions, tents, mooueables, plate, iewels, and munition, was taken & diuided among the Hollanders. And thus the Earle of Loos was chased out of Holland, and neuer returned more. The South-Hollanders of Dordrecht hauing no more cause of reuolt, through the death of the Contesse Ada, Cont William remained absolute Prince of Holland, Zeeland, C and Friseland.
WILLIAM THE FIRST OF THAT name, the sixteenth Earle of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friseland.
[Page 49] WILLIAM the sixteenth Earle of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friseland A hauing (as we haue said) in the time of the Contesse Ada expelled the earle of Loos, remained in quiet possession of the said prouinces. He had by his wife Alix, daughter to the earle of Gueldre, Floris who succeeded him in Cōt Williams children. the said Earledomes, Otto bishop of Vtrecht, and William who was lieutenant of Holland (the which was father to the lady Alix, married to Didier lord of Brederode) and two daughters, whereof the one was Abbesse at Rhynsbourg, and the other at Delft. This Cont William did homage to the Emperor Frederic the second, for his Counties of Holland, Zeeland, and Friseland. Afterwards, vpon a priuate quarell he went and besieged the castle of Aspren, & hauing taken it, he rased it to the ground. The castle of Aspren rased. Cont Gerard vander Are, brother to Didier bishop of Vtrecht, in reuenge therof went and besieged B the town of Dordrecht, into the which he cast wild fire, which burnt almost halfe of it. Soone after Cont William and the bishop were reconciled together, and they made an accord, by the which Cont William should pay vnto the bishop a thousand pounds, and restore vnto Henry of Craen all that he had taken from him, for that (as wee haue said before) he had once put him in prison by the cōmandement of Cont Thierry his master, brother to the said Cont William. Item, that all the Earles subiects being in the bishoprick of Vtrecht, should from that time forth be vassales to the bishop as well as all his vassales, remaining in Holland. Item, that Cont William with a hundred knights, attired onely in linnen cloth, and bare-footed, should present themselues before the Cathedrall church of Vtrecht, and being there, the Earle should aske him forgiuenesse, for that he had before laid hands vpon him, and taken him prisoner (although C he were rescued) in the Abbey of Staueren. All which articles the Earle did accomplish, fearing his excommunication, and from that time the Earle and the bishop continued good friends. Behold the simplicitie of Princes, and the pride of prelats in those daies, brauing all the world with their thundering threats. At that time died Henry king of Scotland, vncle by the mothers side to cont William of Holland, leauing no children. There was a great nobleman in Scotland, who with the helpe of the king of England got possession of the realm. The Earle of Holland pretending a title to the Crowne, as the neerest kinsman, son to the deceased kings sister, imployed all his friends for the obtaining thereof: and to bring it to effect, being imbarked with a goodly armie, he landed in Scotland, where at the first he tooke many townes and castles. In the meane time Lewis earle of Loos knowing Cont William to be absent, and that he D could not easily come out of Scotland, although he had wholly conquered it, leuied men secretly, to make a new conquest of the Earldome of Holland: but Cont VVilliam being aduertised thereof, desiring rather safely to enioy his owne inheritance, which he had gotten with much paine, than to striue to make a doubtfull conquest in a strange countrey, and farre off, he returned speedily into Holland. The earle of Loos hearing of his returne, proceeded no further, for he feared him much, hauing made so good triall of him, who afterwards gouerned his countries peaceably, during the remainder of his dayes.
In the yeare 1218, the lady Alix, wife to Cont VVilliam, died, hauing left the children aboue 1218 named, and was buried in the church of the Abbey of Rhynsbourg. Afterwards the said earle The Contesse of Holland dies. maried with Mary, daughter to Edmond of Lancaster, son to Henry the third, king of England, E by whom he had no children. About that time the inhabitants of Ziricxee in the Island of Shouven in Zeeland, began to build great shippes for marchandise, to traffique throughout al seas, as well North as South, and to make their towne famous (as it was for a time) by reason of their nauigation, hauing fit and conuenient hauens and rodes, the which haue since beene much stopped with barres of sand, so as of late the inhabitants of that towne haue made a new hauen, going directly to the sea before Noortbeuelandt. The Earles of Zeeland (who were also Earles of Holland) had a palace in the towne of Ziricxee, the ruines whereof are to be seene at this day. It is the second towne of Zeeland.
We haue in the life of Cont Thier [...] the seuenth, and of his daughter Ada, rela [...]ed briefely the deeds of this Cont VVilliam, the first of that name. F
FLORIS THE FOVRTH OF THAT name, the seuenteenth Earle of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friseland.
[Page 51] FLORIS the fourth of that name, by the death of Cont William, was the A seuenteenth Earle of Holland and Zeeland, his brother Otto was made Earle of Friseland in his fathers life, and William the youngest was hereditarie gouernour of Kennemerlandt: this William had one daughter called Alix, the which was married to Didier lord of Brederode, who had by His wife and children. her Alfart, father to William of Brederode, who was General of the Horse to the king of the Romans, the eighteenth Earle of Holland. Cont Floris had to wife Mathilda, daughter to Henry duke of Lothier and Brabant, by whom he had the said king William his successor, and Floris, who was gouernour of Holland, then Alix which was Contesse of Henault, and Marguerite wife to Herman earle of Henneberg, who had that great number of children, whereof we shall speake by and by. B
In the time of this Earle Floris, there was neere vnto the towne of Arckel a little castle, vpon The beginning of the towne of Gorrichom in Holland. the place of Wolfard, belonging to Iohn lord of Arckel, about the which there liued some poore fishermen, at which place the riuer of Meruve began to ebbe and flow, for that the riuers of Meuse and Wahal (the which, before the towne of Tyel in Gelderland, was very narrow, and could not enter into that of Linge) fell into it. These poore fishermen called themselues Gorreckens, whereof the towne of Gorrekom (now Gorrichom) tooke the name. This lord of Arckel caused all the houses of the place of Wolfard to be pulled downe, and to bee built againe neere vnto this little castle, in the forme of a small towne: then with stone and other materials of the church of Wolfard, he caused the parish church of Gorrichom to bee built. The said lord of Arckel did afterwards cause this new towne to bee enuironed with C rampiers, wals, and some towers, and there he built a strong castle, which he called the Burcht (that is to say, Castle, or Palace) of Arckel, for that the lords of Arckel, who were rich and mightie, and allied to the Earles of Holland, did vsually make their residence, and kept their court there.
Cont Floris was a Prince which tooke great delight in iousts and tourneys, as well within Cont Floris a louer of iousts and tourneys. as without his owne countries, from whence hee vsually returned with hononr and praise, through the knightly prowesse he shewed in his person. The Contesse of Clermont had a great desire to see this Earle of Holland, of whom she had heard so much good spoken: once, among the rest she intreated her husband to keepe open court, and to appoint a tourney for all commers, Princes, Barons, Lords and Knights, causing it to be proclaymed in the courts D of all the Princes of France, Germanie, and other places. Cont Floris hauing notice thereof would not faile to make one; and taking with him the earle of Cleues for his companion in armes, they went well accompanied with a rich and goodly equipage. Cont Floris was in this tourney made captaine of the Germane Knights, and the earle of Neele captaine of the French Knights. The kings at armes hauing caused all the Knights on either part to enter within the lists, and placed them in [...]heir ranks, they fell to the tourny, euery one doing his best deuoyr, where there was many a launce broken, and many a braue blow giuen. Cont Floris carrying himselfe most valiantly of all others, the Contesse of Clermont being at a window neere vnto her husband, hearing them crie often for ioy, Holland, Holland, Holland, she intreated her husband to shew her which of all those knights was that Earle of Holland: The earle of E Clermont taking hold of his wiues words, said vnto her: I see well, that from the abundance of the heart the mouth speakes, and that the Earle of Holland makes loue vnto thee: Behold thy friend; it is he which caries that Scutchion of gold, with a Lyon gules, whom with a burning loue thou hast aspired to see; but (by the liuing God) thou shalt see him dead before night. The Contesse knowing her husbands trecherous mind, thought to aduertise him secretly thereof; but the earle of Clermont preuented her: for although he were old, yet he armed himselfe, and went suddenly to horse, thrusting himselfe into the middest of the tourney, where hauing called the earle of Neele and his French knights vnto him, they compassed in Cont Floris of all sides, charging him in good earnest. Cont Floris (who at the first doubted not this treason) defended himselfe as couragiously as he could, and repulsed them that had F forced him out of the tourney, yet notwithstanding any resistance that he could make, hee was there slaine. The earle of Cleues hearing that his cousin had bin thus trecherously murthered, Cont Floris slaine. rushed furiously with all his Germane knights into the middest of the French troupe, whereas he ouerthrew the earle of Clermont, and slew him, and made the earle of Neele to The earle of Clermōt slain. [Page 52] flie, forcing the rest to leaue the tourney. Thus this feast of pleasure was turned into a mortall G combate, and their ioy into teares. The Contesse seeing this vnfortunate euent, like a desperat woman, would haue cast her selfe headlong out of a tower, but being restrained, she fell into a grieuous sicknesse, whereof shee died soone after. The earle of Cleues, and other Noblemen which had accompanied them, caried back the dead body of Cont Floris into Holland, where he was interred in the abbey of Rhy [...]sbourg, after that he had gouerned his countries honorably and vertuously twelue yeares. He was esteemed in his time the most valiant and worthy prince of all Germanie: he left one sonne but six yeres old, called VVilliam, whom Otto bishop of Vtrecht his vncle tooke into his guard and protection, gouerning the countries of Holland, The bishop of Vtrecht guardian to the yong Earle of Holland. Zeeland and Friseland wisely and faithfully, during the minoritie of his nephew, reducing them of Drent and Couoerden vnto reason. The Lady Mathilde, widow to Cont Floris, continued H a widow all her life long, and was founder of an Abbey [...]t Losdunen, of religious women, of the order of Cisteaux, whereas she died, being threescore and seuen yeares old, and is there buried.
We haue formerly said, that this Cont Floris had among his other children, one daughter called Mathilde (some say Marguerite) married to Cont Herman of Henneberg; VVilliam king of the Romanes and Earle of Holland was her brother, Otto bishop of Vtrecht her vncle by the father, & Henry duke of Brabant her vncle by the mothers side, Alix Contesse of Henault her aunt Otto earle of Geldres, and Henry bishop of Liege, her cousins. To describe the monstrous child-birth or deliuerie of this Lady, you must vnderstand, that on a time this Contesse of Henneberg did see a poore widow woman begging her bread for Gods sake, hauing in eyther A wonderfull del [...] of 365 children. I ar [...]a child both which she had had at one birth: This poore woman crauing her almes, the Contesse reiected her with reprochfull words: whereupon this poore woman, hauing her heart full of discontent, for her bitter speeches, lifted vp her eyes to heauen, and said: O great and mightie God, I beseech thee for a testimonie of mine innocencie, that it will please thee to send vnto this Lady as many children as there be daies in the yeare. A while after this Contesse was big with child by her husband; and for her lying in, she went into Holland to see the Earle of Holland her nephew, lodging in the Abbey of religious women of Losdunen: whereas she grew so exceeding great, as the like was neuer seene. Her time being come, the friday before Palme-sunday, in the yeare 1276. she was deliuered of three hundred sixtie and fiue children, halfe sonnes and halfe daughters the odde one being found a Hermaphrodite, K all complete and well fashioned with their little members: the which were layed in two basins and baptized by Guidon, Suffragan to the bishop of Vtrecht, who named the sonnes Iohn and the daughters Elizabeth. As soone as they had been baptized, they died all, and their mother with them. The two basins are yet to be seene in the said church of Losdunen, with their Epitaph both in Latine and Dutch: the Latine was as followeth:
Margareta Comitis Henneberg ae vxor & Florentij Comitis Hollandiae & Zeelandiae filia; cuius mater fuit Mathilda, filia Henrici Du [...]s Brabantiae, fratrem quo (que) habuit Allemaniae regem. Haec praefata An Epltaph of the Contesse of Henneberg, mother to so many children domina Margareta, Anno salutis 1276. ipso die Parasceue▪ hora nonae [...]nte meridiem, peperit infantes viuos promiscui sexus numero trecentos sexaginta q [...]inque: qui past quam per venerabilem L Dom. Guidonem, Suffragan. Episcopi Traiectensis, praesentibus nonnull [...]s. proceribus & magnatibus in peluibus duabus ex aere, baptismum percepissent, & masculis Iohannes, foemellis vero Elizabeth nomina imposita fuissent, simul omnes cum matre vno eodem (que) die fatis concesserunt, in hoc Lodunensi temploiacent. Quod quidem accidit ob pauperculam quandam foeminam, quae ex vno partu gemellos in vlnis gestabat pueros: quam rem admirans ipsa Comitissa dicebat, id per vni [...]m virum fieri non posse, ipsam (que) contumeliose reiecit: vnde haec paupercula animo turhata & perculsa, prolium tantum numerum ac multitudinem ex vno part [...] ei imprecabatur, quod veltotius anni dies numerentur. Quod quidem praeter naturae cursum, obstupenda quadam rationeita factum est, si [...] in hac tabula in perpetuam rei memoriam, ex vetustis, tum manuscriptis, quam typis excusis Chronicis, breuiter positū & narratum est. Deus ille ter maximus hac de re suspiciendus, honorandus, & laudibus extollendus in M sempiterna saecula. Amen.
And vnderneath it were these two verses:
[Page 53] At that time there were in Holland and Zeeland fiue hundred knights, whereof those that The chiefe Nobilitie of Holland. A follow, were the chiefe: Otto brother to Cont Floris, William Lieutenant of Holland, their brother, Didier Lord of Brederode, Baylife of Holland, Albert his sonne, who was afterwards Lord of Brederode, William Lord of Theylingen and of Leck (These two houses are descended from the auncient Earles of Holland) then Iohn Lord of Heusden, Iohn de Veen his son, Iohn Lord of Arckel, Herbert Lord of Botersloot, Hugh his son, the Lord of Altena, the Lord of Lederdam, the Lord of Aspren, the Lord of Putten and of Streymen, Henry Lord of Vorn, Ieams Vicont of Leyden, Didier Lord of Wassenare, Ghysbrecht Lord of Amstel, Henry Lord of Woerden, William & Didier of Theylingen, brethren, Symon of Harlem, Isbrand of Harlem, Nicholas Persin, Gualter of Egmond, Gerard of Egmond his sonne, Wouter of Egmond, Gualter of Egmond, Arnould of Egmond, and Nicholas of Egmond, all brethren VVilliam of Heeckhuysen, B Korstant of Raphorst, Ieams van [...]uoud, Hugh of Craelingen, Didier of Gode, Roger Bockel, Hugh of Ackersloot, all renowned knights, Goeselin of Ryswicke, Albert Vuitten Haghe, Didier van Velson, Paule of Brigdam, Bouven or Bauldwin van Ziburch, Floris van VVoert, and many other Squires.
WILLIAM, THE SECOND OF THAT name, eighteenth Earle of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friseland, and afterwards king of Romans.
[Page 55] WILLIAM the second of that name, after the decease of Cont Floris his A father, was the 18 Earle of Holland, Zeeland, &c. being only six yeres old when his father died; he was therefore vnder the guard and keeping of his vncle Otto, bishop of Vtrecht. He was borne in the Chamber of Holland, for at that time the towne of Leyden was so called. Being come to mans age, hee maried Eliza, or Elizabeth, daughter to the duke of Brunswike, The wife and children of Cont William by whom he had one sonne, named Floris the 5, who was the 19 Earle of Holland, &c. He loued armes and vertue more, than to gather riches.
The popes, who had beene alwayes in gratefull to emperours and kings, their benefactors, hauing degraded Frederic the 2, and Conrard his son, from the empire, and made Henry Landtgraue of Turinge to be chosen, who died soone after: the princes electors seeing the popes How Cont William was chosen king of Romans. B hatred against Frederic the emperor increased daily, and that there would neuer bee an end: they gaue the gouernment of the empire, in the yeare 1247, to William Earle of Holland, &c. who at the instance of Henry 2, duke of Brabant, by the recommendation of his father in law, Otto duke of Brunswike, and by the promotion of pope Innocent, was chosen king of Romans; for that there was no prince in Germanie, that, for feare of the emperor Frederic, and Conrard his son, durst accept of the empire. Being chosen, he was solemnly receiued, and crowned at Aix-la-chapelle, the 1. day of Nouēber: hauing first forced the said town (the which vntil that day, had alwayes held Frederics part) to yeeld vnto him, and to administer vnto him the first imperiall crowne: and after the death of the emperour Frederic, he was by the same pope Innocent proclaimed emperour in the citie of Lion, foure yeres after his election. The said Cont William, king of Romans, after that hee had beene crowned at Aix, by Conrard bishop of Cologne, C being then but 20 yeares old, he went to Liege, whereas he graunted vnto Otto earle of Gueldres, brother to the said bishop of Liege, the imperiall towne and castle of Nymeghen, with all the rights, reuenues, and iurisdictions belonging and depending thereon, to hold it in fee for euer of the empire, paying therefore one and twentie thousand markes of pure siluer: vpon condition, That it should be alwayes lawfull for the emperor, or king of Romans, to redeeme it again, paying the said sum of 21000 marks of siluer: and that if afterwards they would ingage it againe, the earles of Gueldres should bee alwaies preferred, and haue the choice to take or leaue it: The which was afterwards confirmed by the successours of the said king William. D
From Liege king William would go to visit all his chasteleines, or castles, along the riuer of Rhin, the which were all open vnto him, with offer of seruice, except Keyser Weert, where the captaine denied him the entrie: the king besieged it, and held his campe before it aboue a yeare; in the end, victuals and other prouision failing, he sued for mercie. The king hauing receiued the captaine into grace, seeing his generositie and valour, after hee had taken [...]n othe of fealtie, he gaue him in mariage Catherine his cosin, daughter to Alsard of Brederode, and for her dowrie the chasteleine of Keyser Weert, with the towne and castle, for him and castle for euer, to hold of the empire. This done, he marched towards Holland, passing by the towne of Vtrecht, where, at the request of the bishop Otto his vncle, he ratified the priuiledges, giuen by The king comes to Vtrecht, and ratifies their priuiledges. former emperors to the said town and bishopricke of Vtrecht; yea he augmented them much, and gaue them letters patents. Being returned into his countrey of Holland, and making some E stay there, he built the palace of the Earles of Holland, in the village of la Haye, commonly called the Hague, whereas it is at this day, the great hall whereof is built of Irish wood, which is of such a propertie, as there are neuer any copwebs, or spiders, to be seene. There hee also built the chappell of the court. Then he did transport the prouinciall counsell, which was woont to be at Grauesande, to the said palace of la Haye, where it yet remaines; and there are held the generall estates of the vnited prouinces, where as prince Maurice their gouernor, generall, and admirall, makes his ordinarie residence, when hee is not in the armie, or otherwise imployed. He also caused the castle of Heemskerke to bee built, whereas he made one Gerard of Heemskerke chastelaine, giuing him charge to keepe the Frisons in awe and subiection, F and neuer to suffer them in rest, vntill they had acknowledged him their prince, in the qualitie of Earle of Holland simply: and for the effecting thereof, hee put a good number of souldiers in garrison in the said castle, for the paiment whereof hee assigned three hundred pounds by the yeare. He made him also bailife of kennemerlandt, to make vse at need of the [Page 56] inhabitants of that quarter, whom he should haue alwayes at commaundement, if they were G rebellious. Otto bishop of Vtrecht, made his complaint to king William, of the wrong which the Earle of Ghoer did him, keeping from him some part of his iurisdiction. The king being in the citie of Vtrecht, caused the earle to be adiorned to appear personally before him, to purge himselfe, or maintaine his right. But this earle contemning this adiournement, went another way at his pleasure. The king displeased at his contempt, went to assaile him, toke him prisoner, and spoyled all his countrey, and taking from him the title of an earle, he deliuered him into the bishops hands, and reduced him to the estate of a meane and simple gentleman.
In the yeare 1253, Marguerite countesse of Flanders, pretending a quarrell to the countrey of Walchren (as many earles had done before in vaine) as depending of the countie of Flanders, 1253 H sent the earles of Guise and Beaumont, with her two sonnes, Iohn, and Guy of Dampierre, The contesse of Flanders pretends to conquer the isle of Walchren by arms into Fraunce, Bourgoigne, Picardie, and Brabant, to leuie men for pay, with the which she might conquer the isle of Walchren. And asking the aduice of her chiefe noble men and barons, vpon this businesse, she was first aduised to write to William king of Romans, and Earle of Holland, sommoning him to doe that, whereunto she said he was bound; which was, to yeeld vnto her, or at the least to hold the fees of Zeeland of her by homage. The king answered her modestly, That it was not fit the lord should bee subiect to his vassall: meaning, that this countesse held her seigniories and counties of Henault, Alost, and the land of Waas, of the empire. She who was a proud woman, and of a turbulent spirit, tooke this answere verie disdainfully, sending for all her commanders and captaines to come vnto I her to Waterduynen vpon the sea, there to make an armie. King William, who knew nothing of this practise, was in Antuerpe, at an assembly with the countesses counsell, touching their controuersies, from the which assembly hee could not free himselfe so soone as hee desired: yet in the meane time hee did write vnto Floris his brother, That hee was well aduertised of the countesses intentions, & that she intended to inuade the isle of Walchren: and therefore hee should with all speed gather together what men hee could, and goe presently into Walchren, whither he would come with all his troups; that they two ioyntly together, might make head, and abate her pride. The duke of Brabant being sorie for this quarrell, laboured to reconcile them, so as hee stayed the countesses departure, for the space of three dayes. To whom those of her counsell, that were at the assembly in Antuerpe, did write, That shee K should hast to effect what she designed, thinking to stay the king with deuises and delayes, vntill the enterprise were finished. She therefore sent Guy her sonne presently, into the isle of Walchren, with a hundred and fiftie thousand men: charging him expresly, not to returne into Flanders, vntill hee had reduced the whole island vnder his obedience; the which hee promised his mother to doe, or to die in the attempt: with which resolution he departed with his armie, the which hee led as well by land as by water (for the isle of Walchren was, at that time so neere vnto Flanders, as they had but a small passage to make by water) and came to Westcapell, where hee expected no resistance. But Floris the kings brother, being arriued there with his troups of Holland and Zeeland before him, had put himselfe into ambush vntill that Guy was landed with part of his armie: who taking his oportunitie, L shewed himselfe in good order of battaile, and after that hee had receiued the order of knighthood, went couragiously to charge the Flemings. The combate was fierce, and continued long: for as fast as they landed, they were slaine; and the more hast they made to succor them that were first on land, the greater was the slaughter. There was so much Flemish bloud A great deseat of the Flemings. spilt, as the Hollanders marched vp to the ancles. This battaile happened on Saint Martines day in Summer.
The king of Romanes being in Antuerpe, aduertised by post that the countesses armie was at sea, to passe into the isle of Walchren, departed presently, caused his horse to be imbarked, and landing in the island, came euen as the Flemings fled, and were put to rout, whereof some recouered their ships before they were discouered. Cont Guy, and other noble men M Flemings, made long resistance against the Hollanders, but in the end they were defeated and taken prisoners. Guy was wounded, of the which he could neuer be cured. There were slaine aboue fiftie thousand men vpon the place, and few lesse drowned, besides a great number of prisoners, whom they chased before them like a troupe of sheepe, who seeing the king, cryed [Page 57] vnto him for mercie. The king thinking of the [...] which God had shewed him by this A goodly victorie, gaue them their liues, and suffered them to returne free without ransorne, after that the souldiers and peasants of Zeeland had stript them naked: and in this maner they sent them into Flanders; except the commanders, and chiefe of the armie. The king led Cont Guy, and Iohn his brother, with him into Holland, with the earles of Guise and Beaumont, and a great number of knights and gentlemen, whom hee caused to bee safely kept in the castle of Waternighe. The common souldiers which were sent backe all naked, beeing in the territories of Flanders, gathered greene grasse, pease leaues, and other greene things, to couer their priuie parts, vntill they came in place where they might find better, and that some tooke pitie of them.
The contesse being much troubled for the imprisonment of her two sonnes, of so many barons The contesse goes [...]o succours into France. B and knights; of the chiefe of her nobilitie, and of so many braue souldiers; studied of nothing, but of the meanes of reuenge: she went vnto the ladie Blanche, mother to S. Lewis king of France, and to Charles duke of Aniou, his brother, whome she solicited to come to succour her with an armie, and to write vnto king William, That his intent was to reuenge the ou [...]rage she had receiued of him: and that he had a desire to fight with him, if hee would attend him onely three dayes vpon the plaines of Ashen: in regard whereof, shee promised the countie of Henault vnto the said duke of Aniou, whereof she would disinherit Iohn d' Auesnes, her eldest sonne, and all the children which he had had of the ladie Alix sister to king William; to the end this countie of Henault might neuer fall (as it did soone after) into the house of Holland; or Holland, Zeeland, and Friseland, into that of Henault: vpon these goodly promies; the The duke of Aiou comes to succour the contesse. duke of Aniou entred Henault with a goodly armie, whereas the contesse Marguerite made C him to take possession of the towne of Valenciennes, and of other townes and castles, as earle of the countrey, meaning to haue the pay of his hire, before he had done his seruice, or had merited any reward; vaunting with great vanitie and ouerweening, that if he could incounter that king of the water (for so he called the Earle of Holland, being king of Romans) vpon the land in an open field, he would handle him in such sort, and so free Flanders from him, as the memorie thereof should remaine for euer. Afterwards the duke went to visit the king S. Lewis his brother, being returned from prison, out of Siria; giuing him to vnderstand of all that he had treated with the contesse Marguerite of Flanders, and that by prouision he was in possession of the countie of Henault, requiring his ayd and fauour therein. I haue not yet vnderstood The wise answer of the king S. Lewis to the duke his brother. D (answered the king) that William king of Romanes hath attempted any thing against vs, and therefore we will not attempt any thing against him, so long as hee shall containe himselfe within those tearmes and limits, and that he shall do nothing that may bee preiudiciall to our subiects: neither will I vndertake a quarrell for the pleasure of a proud passionate woman, transported with the desire of reuenge against him. The duke hauing receiued this answere, from the king his brother, returned to the contesse Marguerite, and acquainted her therewith, perswading her with pertinent and forcible reasons, not to make a new attempt against king William, but to content her selfe with her first losses. Shee persisting in the haughtinesse of het courage, with a resolution and eloquent words, would needs perswade him, That if hee lay camped seuen yeares vpon the playnes of Ashen, king William would neuer shew himselfe: E For (said shee) I protest before God, that Iohn d' Auesnes my sonne, nor any of his children, or of the bloud of Holland (from whence this irrepairable losse hath come vnto mee) shall euer inherit the earledome of Henault: whereupon shee disinherited the said Iohn d' Auesnes her sonne, to the end, that those which were issued from the house of Holland, should neuer inherit any thing that was hers.
The lady Alix, sister to king William, and wife to Iohn d' Auesnes, beeing discontented with her mother in lawes courses, went to Aix, to the king her brother, to impart vnto him her griefes and to let him vnderstand, that the contesse pretended to depriue her husband, and all his children, of their inheritance, to aduance the duke of Aniou, beeing a stranger, to whom shee had alreadie transported his inheritance of Henault, to frustrate the house of Holland F thereof in time to come. King William hearing the complaints and reasons of his sister, was soone resolued to succour and assist her; writing vnto the said duke of Aniou, that hee should leaue the countie of Henault, whereunto he had no right, the which hee would take in good part: Whereunto the duke answered proudly, That neither for loue, nor any feare [Page 58] of him, he would forsake it: and if he had so much courage, as to attend him on the plaines of G Asshen, there hee would fight with him; and reuenge the wrong hee had done vnto the Flemings. The said duke laboured in the meane time, to seize vpon all the townes of Henault, and to haue them at his deuotion. The towne of Aath onely made resistance, the which he besieged, for that it held the partie of Iohn d' Auesnes. King William writ againe vnto the duke, That if he were so valiant as he vaunted himselfe to bee, he would goe and attend him three whole dayes vpon the playnes of Asshen, as hee desired. The duke returned him an answere, That hee would not fayle him: whereof he aduertised the contesse Marguerite, who assured him confidently, that the king would neuer come to fight with him at land; and therefore hee should not feare any thing, but goe and campe boldly two or three dayes there. The duke smiling, answered her, That hee would doe so, sending word vnto the king, H That if he came to Asshen, he should find him there. The king seeing him thus braue, hauing drawne his armie together, promising vnto his nobles an honourable reward, and to his souldiers good pay, he marched through the countrey of Brabant, and neuer rested day nor night, vntill he came to the playnes of Asshen, where he camped, attending there three daies more, for the duke of Aniou, than had beene limited.
The duke was all this time in campe before the towne of Aath, who hearing that the king The duke of Aniou retires. was come thither, raysed his siege sodainly, and retires himselfe into Valenciennes, to auoyd the furie of the Hollanders, whom he had so much braued and threatened before. The king followed him, and went to besiege him in the said towne: but the duke slipping secretly out at a posterne gate, passed ouer the riuer of Escault, and retired into Fraunce. The inhabitants I of Valenciennes (seeing the duke thus retired, had abandoned them at need) could take no better course, than to yeeld to the kings mercie, vpon good conditions, who receiued them, causing them to sweare vnto Iohn d' Auesnes their lord. During the treatie of their accord, newes came vnto the king, That the Queene his wife was brought in bed of a sonne, The birth of Cont Floris 5. whereof he was wonderfully ioyfull, the which was Earle of Holland after him, called Floris the fifth.
The chronicles of Flanders report this great defeat of the Flemings, in the isle of Walchren otherwise, as also the calling in of duke Charles of Aniou, by the contesse Marguerite; where it is said, That king William had giuen the islands of Zeeland, to Cont Iohn of Auesnes, his brother in law, to the which the said contesse pretended a right, sending an army to conquer it: the K which the said Flemish chronicles confesse, was defeated; and that in reuenge thereof, she had called in the duke of Aniou, and depriued her said sonne of Auesnes of the countie of Henault. But vnder correction of the chronicles of Flanders, there is no apparance, that king William, Earle of Holland and Zeeland (the which are two goodly earledomes, neighbours, and necessarie one vnto the other, as well for nauigation, as commerce) would so dismember his estate, to gratifie his sister, wife to the said Auesnes. And if he had had any disposition to dismember it from Holland, it had beene more reasonable to giue it to his brother Floris, to hold it in fee of his countie of Holland, as his portion, than to giue it in dowrie to his sister: And therefore we will hold the opinion of the chronicle of Holland, more true in that point, than that of Flanders. L
The contesse Marguerite seeing that the duke of Aniou fled before king William, and that The contesse labours to be reconciled. all her men were defeated and disbanded, shee was much perplext, and knew not how to resolue: in the end she found no better course, than to imploy many princes, and great noble men, yea S. Lewis king of France, to reconcile her to the king of Romanes fauour, vpon such conditions as she could with reason beare. Although the said king William had beene too much wronged and incensed by her, as well by contempt and iniuries, as otherwise, yet presuming that his courage would neuer oppose it selfe against a silly weake woman, nor seeke reuenge of her; vsing his clemencie, he receiued her into grace, vpon certaine conditions specified: namely, That she should absolutely quit her countie of Henault, the countrey of Alost, and the foure chasteleines of the countrey of Waes, whereof she should giue full possession to M Cont Iohn d' Auesnes, her eldest sonne, and passe it by authentike letters vnder her great seale: the which was done. And so the said Iohn d' Auesnes, and Baldwin his brother, were reconciled to the contesse Marguerite of Flanders, their mother: the which beeing well finished and ended, king William returned into Holland.
[Page 59] Pope Innocent hearing of the death of Conrard, king of Germanie, sonne to the emperour A Frederic, and that William Earle of Holland had beene long before chosen king of Romans; he sent for him by letters to come to Rome, to receiue the Crowne, the ornaments, and all the markes of the Empire. King William hauing no trust in many princes of Germany and Italy, The pope sends for the king of Romans, to come to Rome. through whose territories he must passe, went disguised in a pilgrims weed, being accompanied with twelue of his most trustie and confident seruants, and so past into Italy, finding the Pope at Genoa or Genes, by whom he was honorably receiued. And as he came in a strange and disguised habit, onely to conferre with the Pope, he returned in the same maner through Lombardie and Germanie: where hauing beene well receiued in some places whereas hee made himselfe knowne, and there treated of the affaires of the empire; he was aduertised, That the West-Frisons were reuolted, and according to their antient maner inuaded the frontiers B of Holland, from whence they daily carried away great spoyles, hauing no man to make head against them, he being so far off at that instant. The said king being readie to returne into Italy, with forces, and a royall traine, to be crowned at Rome, hee thought it more expedient to preserue his owne inheritance, and to settle peace and quietnesse in his countries, and among his subiects, than to goe farre off to purchase a title of honour, without profit: he therefore left off this voyage of Italy, and led his armie to Vtrecht; where being with the prelats and noble men at a banquet, there was some traitor, which hit him on the head with a stone, wherewith The king being in Vtrecht is traitorously wounded with a stone. he was sore wounded, and yet no man could perceiue whence the blow came: the which did much perplexe and trouble the prelats, for that they had inuited him to this feast. The king hauing the stone in his hand, said: See what an affront and despight, those of Vtrecht do C me, seeking to beat me downe with stones, hauing neuer deserued ill at their hands; but haue euer assisted them, and subdued their enemies at mine owne charge; but by the liuing God, this affront shall not passe vnpunished, if I liue but one yeare in health: and with those words he departed from thence, and went to horse, not without great reason, being much mooued, and threatening the whole citie, which he resolued to ruine quite. The magistrats and best bourgesses of Vtrecht, were verie sad for this wicked and vnfortunat accident: and hauing obtained a passeport to send vnto him, they dispatcht their bourgmasters to the court at la Haye, to see if they could any way pacifie his choller and displeasure against them. The king answered them in few words, That he had sworne, the which he would neuer call backe again, but would vtterly destroy the towne, if they deliuered not into his hands, him that had cast the D stone. With this answre they returned, and hauing assembled their counsell, they made diligent search for him that had giuen the blow. This remained thus in suspence, for the king made hast to go into Friseland, whereof the citie of Vtrecht had great cause to thanke God: for at his returne (if he had liued any time) it was to bee feared, he would haue made a pitifull spoyle, and the Traiectins, or those of Vtrecht, should haue endured much, if he had returned victor out of Friseland.
The king being gone with his armie into West-Friseland, at his entrance he subdued some of the first, that would haue opposed themselues, and stopt his passage: causing a castle to bee built neere Alcmar, the which he called Tornenburg, which is to say, the castle of Wrath. And marching on in the moneth of Februarie, he went to Alcmar, from whence passing vpon the E ice at Vrouen, he made all the hast he could, to surprise his rebels sodainely: But it succeeded not so happily for him, as for his armie: for as the lord of Brederode, who led one of the battalions, had incountred and vanquished the Drechters, the king mounted vpon a mightie courser, leading the other battalion, seeking the shortest way to Hoochtwonde, which he meant to burne, marched before all alone, vpon the ice, far from his troups, as if hee had beene vpon the firme land: it happened that the ice brake, and his horse sunke in, and was almost drowned, hauing no man neere him, to helpe him in time. The Frisons, who lay in ambush in the reeds The king miserably slaine, being sunke into the ice. and oziers, seeing a horsman thus mired, ran thither, and beat him downe with clubs & staues, not knowing that it was the king: but when they had seene his target, they imagined it should be some great noble man. There were in that quarter some Hollanders, that were fugitiues, F and banished for crimes, who came also running thither, and knew the armes and blason of their king, which was an Eagle sables, and a Lion rampant gules, in a field partie par pale or: saying vnto the Frisons that were there present, That they had done very ill, to haue thus murthered the king, their lord and naturall prince. When as they vnderstood that it was king William, [Page 60] Earle of Holland, there was not any one, man nor woman, yong nor old, that was not verie G heauie and sorrowfull: then hauing consulted together vpon this accident, they resolued to They burie him secretly in a countrey house. burie him secretly in a house in the said village of Hoochtwonde, to the end, that in time the memorie and the reuenge thereof might be forgotten. It was a strange thing, that neuer a man, neither on foot nor horsebacke, of the whole armie came thither to succour him, and that the Hollanders did not pursue their first victorie, although they knew their king to bee dead: For without doubt, they had that day conquered all that quarter, by the defeat of these West-Frisons, if they had proceeded: but they were so stroken and amazed, for the death of the king their prince, as they lost al iudgement and courage, so as the commanders retired with their armie into Holland. Behold how king William died miserably, after that he had gouerned his inheritance of Holland and Zeeland one and twentie yeres, and the empire seuen. His bodie being H found in this village of Hoochtwonde, was carried and interred in the abbey of Middlebourg, The kings body found, and interred at Middlebourg in Zeeland. in the isle of Walchren, in the yere 1255: then was accomplished the prophesie, which said, That one William king of Romans, shouldbe slaine by the Frisons. The same day there died in a battaile, which they fought in their retreat, all the inhabitants of Dordrecht, except three hundred, and their standard was taken; and most part of those of Delft, after they had slaine many of these Frisons. The lady Elizabeth his wife died in the yeare 1265, and lyes buried by her husband. This king of Romanes, Earle of Holland and Zeeland, gaue vnto the said towne of Middlebourg, their principall priuiledges: and among others, hee graunted that in all the Beweterscheldt, none should haue high iustice, and iudge of life and death, but the said towne; and that all the criminall causes of the countrey, should bee decided there, and that offenders I should be kept in the Earles prisons there, causing this towne to be repaired and fortified.
FLORIS THE FIFTH OF THAT name, the nineteenth Earle of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friseland.
[Page 62] AFter the lamentable death of William king of Romans, Earle of Holland G and Zeeland, his son Floris being but six monethes old, succeeded him, and was the to Earle. Floris his vncle, brother to the king, gouernour of Holland, was his tutor who discharged it faithfully for the space of four yeares. It was he which made lawes and customs in Zeeland, the which they obserue at this day. Floris being one day at a tourney in the citie of Antuerpe, was very sore hurt, wherof he died, and was buried by the king his brother, in the abbey of Middlebourg, in the yeare 1258. Then Henry duke of Brabant, sonne to this infants great vncle, tooke vpon him the guardianship, the which he did administer for a time; till in the end, through the dissolutions, exactions, and concussions of his officers, he was chased out of Holland. He being displaced, the barons, lords, nobles, with the H estates of this countie, did with one consent chuse Otto earle of Gueldre, to vndertake the gouernment: against whom those of Holland did chuse the lady Alix contesse of Henault, aunt Factions for the gouernement of the Earles person and of the countrey. to yong Cont Floris, to be his gouernesse, and viceregent: Which partialitie was afterwards the cause of a great battaile at Voerwoetzee, whereas many were slaine on either part: but the Hollandser won the battaile, and the earl of Gueldres remained sole gouernour and guardian to the yong Earle.
In the yeare 1268 there were strange apparitions seene in the aire; as armed men fighting, and other strange and prodigious things, after which there followed great calamities: for the commons of Holland did rise against the nobles; and Cont Floris being yet very yong, those Great trouble an Holland. of Kennemerlandt did rise and bandie themselues against the nobles of the countrey, destroying I and pulling downe their castles, houses in the country, and places of pleasure: the knights and gentlemen were forced for their better safetie, to retire themselues into the towne of Harlem, to be freed from this rable of rascals, who had resolued to expell all the nobilitie of the countrey of Vtrecht, to rase their castles and houses, and to make all the countrey common. The Frisons and Waterlanders did ioyne with them, so as all together made a huge bodie of an army, with the which they fel vpon the quarter of Amsterlandt. Ghysbrecht seignior of Amstel, seeing that he could not make head against so great a multitude of mad-men, resolued to ioyne with them, promising them all fidelitie and assistance. Hauing therefore made choyce of him for their leader, he with his people ioyned with this mutinous troupe. Beeing made their captaine generall, he thought to reuenge himselfe of all his enemies about Vtrecht, and to ruine K them, beating downe their castles and houses. For his first exploit, he went to besiege the castle of Vredelandt, the which had been expresly built by the bishop of Vtrecht, against him and the seignior of Woerden, his cosin: but he found it so well fortified with a good garrison, and of all other things necessarie for defence, as he was glad to leaue it. And finding that this troupe did eat and wast all his territorie of Amsterlandt, he persuaded them in a faire night, to make an enterprise vpon the town of Vtrecht, the which they resolued: and meaning to make a present proofe thereof, before that it was day, they had inuested the said citie round about. The bourgesses, and those of the guard of Vtrecht, knew not what it might be, thinking they had beene Scythians, or Tartarians, or some other strange nation, that came to assaile them: being in armes vpon their walles, and in their towers, they demaunded what they were, and what they required: Whereupon one of these Kennemers, a man well spoken, said vnto them: L You bourgesses and inhabitants of Vtrecht, our good friends, know that the franke Kennemers salute you, and send you word, that you chase away all the noblemen and gentlemen, which oppresse and ouercharge the people; and that you diuide their goods and riches among the poore in common. He had no sooner ended this speech, but presently there grew a tumult among the people of the towne, incouraging one another with the persuasions of this Kennemer: and so taking armes, they chased away all the nobles, and men of knowledge and authoritie in the citie, or that were of the counsell, and did administer iustice, with fortie gentlemen of name. Then they created a new magistrat, aldermen, and ancients, one out of euerie companie or trade, to gouerne the commonweale. Hauing chased away the mightiest, they M made a league with the Kennemers, to whom in like sort ioyned those of Amersfort and Emmelandt.
Iohn of Nassau, bishop of Vtrecht, did on the other side allie himselfe with Otto earle of Gueldres, and they two together hauing made a good armie, came to Zyest, to restore the nobles, [Page 63] and the magistrats that were chased away. The Kennemers hauing notice of their comming, A put their men in battaile, meaning to fight with them. The earle of Gueldres, an old knight, and well experienced in armes, would not with so few men expose himselfe to the hazard of a doubtfull battaile, against so great a multitude of desperat men, that were halfe mad; retiring a little backe towards the Veluve, to gather together more forces, and then to charge them. Ghysbrecht lord of Amstel, seeing himselfe a great commander, and captain of this great confused troupe, did beat downe the castles of Ghysbrecht of Abconde, of William of Risenburch, and of Hebert of Vyanen, his enemies: which done, hee spake vnto the Kennemers in this manner; Companions and valiant souldiers, you haue seene, how that this yeare we haue reduced all the countrey of Vtrecht vnder our obedience, chased away the nobles, and burnt their castles, ruined their forts, and spoiled them of their goods & possessions: the next yere we B must go and assaile the earl of Gueldres, who is banded against vs, we must spoile his country, and chase him away in like sort: but as Autumne drawes neere, it shall be necessary for euerie one to retire himselfe to his own home, to gather in his haruest, and to prouide for that which shall be needfull for euery mans family in particular. Vpon this persuasion the Kennemers being assembled all together, retired into Kennemerlandt: and passing neere vnto Harlem, they besieged it, and did hasten al they could to batter and shake it with their rammes, and other engins. The inhabitants and gentlemen thereabouts (which were retired into the same town) defended themselues valiantly with arrows, slings, & stones. Iohn of Persin, a braue knight, made a fally by night, and fell vpon a number of carts, laden with victuals and munition, then passing into Kennemerlandt, he burnt some of their chiefe villages. The Kennemers seeing fire in C their country, raised their siege from before Harlem, and made hast to returne to their houses. Those of the towne seeing them march away, issued forth, and charging them in the [...]ere, defeated a great number, and brought backe a good bootie, the which these mutines had spoiled here and there. The bishop of Vtrecht, and the earle of Gueldres hearing of the retreat of the Kennemers, went to besiege the towne of Vtrecht: but foure daies after, seeing they could not take it without losse, and that they daily lost many of their best men, they did rise from thence, and went to besiege Amersfort, for that they had ioyned themselues vnto the Kennemers: in the end they yeelded by composition vnto the earle of Gueldres, who (for certaine iniurious speeches they had vsed against him, during the siege) ruined a part of it: then he retired into his countrey, and the bishop to his towne of Deuenter, in the countrey of Ouerissel. D About two yeares after Asuerus of Bosichom, a knight, came with all the banished men before the towne of Vtrecht, and hauing secretly made a scaladoe, entred it. At the first hee was hotly incountred; but in the end Asuerus became master, chased away the magistrat, and many of the bourgesses of the towne, and restored the bourgmasters and aldermen, which had beene displaced. Soone after all the banished men returned, and there was great fighting betwixt the inhabitants one against another, and much bloud spilt. During these hurly burlies, Nicholas de Cats, a knight of Zeeland (hauing the yong Cont Floris then in his guard and keeping) brake the gates of the said towne with axes and hammers, and entred it with fiue hundred horse: then sitting in the seat of iustice in the middest of the towne, hee banished a thousand and fortie of the bourgesses, and restored all things to a good estate, and E made the towne in quiet.
Floris Earle of Holland, being seuenteen yeares old, leuied a good armie, to make war vpon Cont Floris takes armes against the Frisons. the West Frisons, & to reduce them vnder his obedience, & to bring away his fathers bones, who had been slain there, to bury them in Zeeland. The Frisons hearing of his approach went to armes, and came to incounter him at Verone, vpon the Gheest, neere vnto Alomar, where there was a battail, in the which there died [...]00 Hollanders, among the which were some men of marke. The Hollanders hauing receiued this first disgrace, retired themselues to Heyligerlee, where they camped in the open field, & receiued a new supply of men. The Frisons grown proud with their first victorie, went to charge them: but the Hollanders, who attended them, had now their reuenge, for they put the Frisons to flight, and slew aboue 800 vpon the place. F Afterwards Cont Floris hauing caused the strong castle of Widenesse to bee built against the Frisons he marched with his armie into Friseland, to fight with them, and to subiect them to their duties and obedience: a battaile was fought, and he defeated them in a village, called The Frisons defened. Schellinckhout: then passing to Hoochtwonde, there was another battaile, in the which hee [Page 64] was also victorious; there were 600 Frisons slaine, and many other taken prisoners, among the G which there was an old man, which shewed Cont Floris the place where king William his father was buried, the which he caused to be opened, and his bones to be taken vp, causing them to be put in a hearse, and to be transported to Middlebourg in Zeeland, whereas he built a roiall tombe, worthy of his greatnesse.
In the yeare 1285, there was such a tempest of wind and storms, as many dikes and causeies in Friseland, Holland and Zeeland, were broken and carried away, so as much of the [...]untrey was ouerflowne, and many men, and much cattell drowned. Didier lord of Brederode, called the Gentle, had charge from Cont Floris, to go with an armie both by sea and land, to make warre against the Frisons; the which he did: and for that (by reason of these inundations) those of the champian countrey of Friseland, could not succour one another, hee entred into H diuers parts of the country, the which he dispeopled, leading them all away prisoners, without striking stroke; and by this meanes reduced Friseland vnder the Earles obedience. The waters of this inundation being fallen away, and the causeyes repaired, the Earle caused foure Foure e [...]es [...]lt by the Earle to subdue the Frisons. strong castles to bee built in Friseland; that of Medemblyck, of Enigemburch, Middelburch, and Nieuburch, to restraine the Frisons, and keepe them in their obedience. The Frisons seeing themselues thus subdued, and that of necessitie they must yeeld vnto the yoke, came vnto him, those of the bailywike of Hoochtwonde, of Nieudorp, Winckel, Bersingenshorn, Costinauroe, Vrolen, Kuytdorp, Brock, Zuydsterwoude, Noortsterwoude, Oudherspel, Waermenhuysen, Nyeulandt, Duringhersorn, Emgebroerk, Oeterleeck, Veenhuysin, and Medemblyck: All which aboue named hauing made their peace with Cont Floris, tooke I their othe of fealtie, and did him homage, as well for himselfe, as his successors for euer, yeelding, that in their countrey hee might diuide the wayes at his owne good pleasure: for the performance whereof, they graunted him the tenth of all kind of graine. In recompence whereof the Earle granted them many priuiledges, such as those of Vrolen and Oudtorp had obtained from king William his father. This reconciliation and accord, was made vpon Saint Agnes eue, in the yeare 1288. The Earle being still iealous of the loyaltie of the West-Frisons; notwithstanding all their othes and homages, not trusting them but vpon good assurance, caused the castle of Medemblyck to bee finished, and to that end camped with his armie at Meloorde, vntill it was ended. He caused also the fortneere to Ve [...]a, vpon the Gheest, on the frontiers of Friseland, to bee new built againe, to the end they might passe fr [...]ly from K Alcmar whither they would. And he built the fort of Middlebourg along the dike, to keepe them from breaking it in that place: the castle of Tornenburch (which the king his father had built there) was heere vnto it: The which he did, to the end they should not easily besiege neither the one nor the other, for that they were within two or three bowes shoot one of another. He also built the castle of Nyendoern, which since the Frisons ruined. Cont Floris hauing bridled the West-Frisons, went to Staueren: those of that quarter, knowing how he had subdued them of West-Friseland, by the meanes of so many castles, being loath Friseland wholy subdued. to make triall of the like rigour, submitted themselues willingly vnto him, with an othe of obedience, as to their lord and prince, as well to himselfe, as to his successors hereafter, Earles of Holland; who seeing their readinesse and willingnesse, gaue them many thankes, and granted L them freedomes and immunities, which were too long to repeat. Hauing thus pacified all, and settled a good order in Friseland, hee parted from Staueren, beeing followed by the best and chiefe noble men of that countrey, vnto Albrechts-bergh, soliciting the confirmation of their priuiledges, the which were dispatched in due forme vnder his seale, in the yeare of our Lord God 1292.
Cont Floris hauing made al Friseland quiet, Guy of Dompierre, earl of Flanders, entred again with an armie into Zeeland, pretending to conquer the isle of Walchren: Cont Floris posted presently thither with all his forces, to chase him away, or to giue him battaile. Ioh [...] dukel of Brabant, desirous to preuent this mischiefe, came into Zeeland, by whose good [...] peace was concluded betwixt these two princes of Flanders and Holland, vpon condition, The Earles of Flanders and Holland reconciled. M That Cont Floris should take to wife the lady Beatrix, daughter to Cont Guy, by meanes of which mariage they continued good friends, and euery one retired to his owne home. Cont Floris had by this lady his wife many children; Iohn, Thierry, Floris, William, Otto, William and Floris, Beatrix, Mathilda, Elizabeth, and Marguerite, the which died all young, except Iohn the [Page 65] eldest, who succeeded his father in the counties of Holland and Zeeland, &c. Hee had also A two bastard sonnes, Witten the chiefe lord of Hamstede in Zeeland, and William, both of them braue knights. He caused many goodly buildings to be made, as the castle of Vogelsanck in the wood of Harlem, where hee often held his court, by reason of hunting and hawking, and other pleasures of iusts and tourneyes: hee did also greatly inlarge his court at la Haye.
The bishop of the clergie of Vtrecht, complained to Cont Floris, of the wrongs the lords The Earle makes war against the lord of Amstel and Woerden. of Amstel and Woerden (being cosin germains) did vnto them, demanding his helpe against them: The Earle went and besieged the castle of Vredelandt, planting his rammes and other engines of batterie, whither he sent the seignior Costin of Renesse knight, with a supply of soldiers out of Zeeland. The lord of Amstel hauing knowledge of his comming, sallied foorth, B and went to incounter them neere vnto Loen: but hee was repulst and defeated by the said seignior of Renesse, whereas the lord of Amstel was taken prisoner, with a great number of his subiects. Arnould of Amstel, who remained in the castle, hearing of his brothers imprisonment, fearing the Earles power, yeelded himselfe and the place vnto his mercie, who hauing receiued it, caused it to be manned with a strong garrison. And for that Herman of Woerden had assisted the lord of Amstel, against the bishop, the Earle went likewise against him, to spoile all his lands. Herman knowing well that he was vnable to resist so powerfull a prince, hauing fortified his castle of Montfort, and manned it with a good garrison, and all things else requisit for a long siege, leauing a good captaine therein, whom he trusted, absented himselfe out of the countrey. The Earle vnwilling to desist, notwithstanding his absence, besieged the castle a whole yeare together, giuing many assaults, so as in the end he forced it, causing all their heads C that he found within it, to be cut off, two onely reserued: then hauing manned the place with souldiers, and made hot warre for a time against the said Herman, in the end there was a peace concluded betwixt them, by the which these two noblemen of Amstel and Woerden, did sweare fealtie and obedience vnto the Earle of Holland, and the bishop of Vtrecht, vpon paine of confiscation of all their goods, and neuer to rise nor rebell against him, restoring to the bishop of Vtrehct his castles: by meanes whereof all quarrels were ended. The Earle hauing pardoned what was past, held them for his most familiar counsellors, which prooued hurtfull vnto him, as we shall presently shew.
In the yeare 1290, Cont Floris, and Thierry of Cleues met at la Haye in Holland, there to recreate themselues together, Cont Floris keeping open court: during which time the earle 1290 D of Cleues did resigne and absolutely yeeld vp vnto the Earle of Holland, his cosin, the soueraignties and homages of the townes and castles of Heusden, Vandrichom, and Altena, quitting and discharging all his vassals; and freed men of their othe of fealtie, which they ought vnto him mediatly, or immediatly: and that afterwards they should hold and depend of the countie of Holland, in the like manner as they were woont to hold of the earledome of Cleues. So Iohn of Heusden receiued of Floris Earle of Holland, by right of reliefe, his fees and seigniories of Heusden, Altena, and Vandrichom, which from that time were of the iurisdiction of the countie of Holland, and so continue vnto this day. Cont Floris seeing himself at rest, hauing thus augmented his seigniories and reuenues, he prepared a goodly fleet of ships, and accompanied with a great number of barons, knights, and gentlemen, went into England, to E king Edward the first of that name, to demand aduice and succours to get the possession of the Cont Floris his voiage into England, and why. realme of Scotland, which was fallen vnto him by the decease of his great great grandmother Ada, daughter to the king of Scotland (who died without heires male) wife to Floris the third of that name, and thirteenth Earle of Holland, which Cont William the first, by the death of Henry king of Scotland, his vncle by the mothers side, did not prosecute, by reason of the rebellion of some noblemen of his countrey, which hindred him, besides the Frisons were reuolted, and the earle of Loos (during his absence) thought to reconquer Holland, as wee haue said before. Cont Floris being then with king Edward (who dissuaded him from this war of Scotland, for the great difficulties he should find there) they concluded an alliance together, F which was, That Iohn sonne to Cont Floris (being then but young) shall marie Elizabeth the A mariage betwixt Cont Floris eldest son, and the king of Englands daughter kings daughter: by which mariage they should remaine for euer good friends and allies, as since England hath alwayes beene, and is at this present well affected to Holland and Zeeland, and to the other vnited prouinces of the Netherlands.
[Page 66] Guy of Dompierre, earle of Flanders, repining at this friendship and alliance betwixt the G king of England, and Earle of Holland, leuied an arm [...] in the countrey of Catsand, to inuade The earle of Flanders pretends to assaile Zeeland. the isle of Walchren, during the absence of Cont Floris: but Didier lord of Brederode, and Iohn of Renesse knights, the one in Holland, the other in Zeeland, made hast to leuie men, to oppose against him. Cont Floris hauing hewes therof, imbarked without any delay, and came to land at Flessingue. Cont Guy staying too long vpon his passage, the seignior of Renesse by commandement from Cont Floris, past into Flanders, burnt the towne of Scluce, and spoiled the whole countrey about. This done, the lords of Brederode and Renesse, enter ioyntly with their troups into the isle of Catsand, which they destroyed also. The Flemings (who were not faire from them) being about 4000 men, thought to compasse in the Hollanders but the seignior of Renesse, who had but 300 Zeelanders, choyce men, and he a braue and hardie knight, H went first to charge them, and put them to rout, so as there were a great number slaine and drowned besides prisoners, and the bootie which he carried into Holland, returning a victor to the Earle his Prince. This happened on Simon and Iudes day, in the yeare 1296. The Flemings being retired after this defeat, Cont Floris fortified his countrey of Zeeland with good garrisons, against their inuasions and spoyles, then hee returned into Holland to his court at la Haye. One day among the rest he bethought himselfe, that in the great wars which hee had had against the Frisons Flemings, and others, he had lost a good number of his knights, and of his best noblemen; besides many were dead of the plague, the which had beene very violent in his countries, so as (to his great griefe) he was then very destitute: whereupon he resolued to send for, one day in Christmas, to his court at la Haye, fortie of the chiefest and most substantiall I of all his subiects, that were not noble, the which had good meanes, and great reuenues, to entertaine the traine and estate of a knight. With these fortie good men, specially chosen, he held open court, made them knights, and gaue them armes and blasons. In this sort did he honour his good and vertuous subiects, who by their wealth might well maintaine their estate in the seruice of their prince. Withall he did repeople his countrey with nobles, and did beautifie his traine and court: for the more noblemen a prince hath, the more is hee honoured and feared. True it is, that in the beginning the antient nobilitie did scorne and hate these new knights (it may be for that they had not so great meanes) but in succession of time, their sonnes, grand-children, and great grand children, were taken for good gentlemen.
The chief knights and gentlemen issued from antient nobiline and knighthood, in the time The chiefe nobilitie. K of this Earle Floris, were these that follow: Iohn of Holland his sonne, Herman earle of Heneberg, husband to Marguerite his aunt, who had so many children; Didier the Gentle, lord of Brederode, William lord of Theylinghen, Iohn lord of Heusden, Iohn lord of Heesben, Arnoult lord of Escluse, brother to the lord of Heusden, Iohn lord of Arckel, Hugh Butterman lord of Buttersloot, Iohn lord of Heucklom, Otto seignior of Aspren and of Abkoy, Peregrin seignior of Lederdam his brother, Ieams lord of Wassenare, Didier of Theylinghen, Nicholas Persin seignior of Waterlandt, Simon of Harlem, Ghysbrecht lord of Amstel, Arnould of Amstel, his brother, Herman of Woerden, Iohn of Leck, lord of Polnen, Hugh of Vianen, Ghysbrecht of Yselsteyn, Wolfard lord of Vere, Iohn of Renesse, Witten, bastard to Cont Floris, the first lord of Hamstede, and William his brother, Nicholas lord of Putten and of Stryen, William of Egmond, L Gerard of Egmond, his sonne, Baldwin of Nueldwick, Ieams Vander Vuoude, Arnould of Heemskerke, Henry of Heemskerke, his brother, Didier vander Goude, Gerard van Velson, Gerard of Heemskerke, Didier of Raephorst, Gerard of Raephorst, his brother, Hugh of Craelinghen, Werembault Witten Hage, Albert his sonne, Gerard of Harlem, Iohn Dortoghe and Floris of Duynen, all knights. And in Zeeland the chiefe noblemen, were the lords of Borssele, of Brigdam, of Zandtwick, of la Vere, of Cats, of Cortgoen, of Mourmont, of Renesse, and of Ornyninghe, all which carried the Earles order, which was a coller of gold, interlaced with cockle shels, and the image of S. Iames hanging at it.
There was in the Earls court a valiant knight (put in the rank of these nobles) named Gerard van Velson, whom the Earle held a whole yeare in prison, after that he had caused his brothers A historie of the death of Cont Floris the 5. M head to be cut off, through the false reports, and pernitious counsell of some that hated them. The Earle being afterwards better informed of the truth, and of their innocencie, hauing set Gerard at libertie, he sought by all meanes to repaire the wrongs that had beene done him, and to honour and aduance him among all the rest: and to make him the more affectionat to his [Page 67] seruice (the Earle thinking therein to doe him honour and sauour) would haue giuen him A his minion in mariage, the which was a faire gentlewoman. But Gerard disdaining her like a generous man, would none of her. The Earle insisting still to haue him m [...]ie her, in the end Gerard, angrie at his importunities, answered him plainly, That he was not so abiect not base minded (vsing a common Dutch phrase) as to put his feet in his old shooes, which is as much to say, as to marie his leauings, or strumpet. The Earle displeased at this answer, said vnto him; And truly thou shalt haue my leauings. Gerard, who regarded not the Ea [...]ls words, goes from court, and a while after maries the daughter of Herman, seignior of Woerden, neece to Ghysbrecht of Amstel. Cont Floris hearing afterwards that Gerard was maried, and that hee came no more to court, by the persuasion of his minion he sent for him: being come, he sent him in commission out of the countrey, for some businesse of importance, wherin Gerard held himselfe B much honoured: during his absence the Earle went with a small traine to the castle of Croonenbruch (where as Gerard made his ordinarie residence) as if he would refresh himself there. The ladie, Gerards wife, receiued him honorably, and courteously, as her lord & prince. The Earle making shew, that he had some priuat matter to treat with her in secret, hee willed her to lead him into some priuat chamber, where there might not bee any present, but they two that he might the more freely deliuer what he had to say vnto her. The good lady doubting no harme led him into her owne bed chamber. The Earle hauing made the doore fast, forced her to his will, and then presently departed. She being exceeding sorrowfull for this violence, which had beene offered vnto her by her owne prince, who aboue all things should haue maintained the honour of ladies, especially of his vassals of her qualitie, shee cast off her C rich attire, and pretious ornaments, and put on the plainest and simplest mourning weed shee could. Gerard being returned from his commission, and hauing made his report vnto the Earle, tooke his leaue, and returned to his house; where comming, he found his wife all desolate and hauing vnderstood the occasion, he did comfort her, seeming to the world, as if hee knew nothing, and commaunded his wife to go vnto the house of the seignior of Woerden, her father, and to let him vnderstand the whole fact: the which she did, crauing pardon for that which had happened forcibly vnto her, vnder a colour of hospitalitie. Gerard of Velson demanded of the seignior of Woerden, his father in law, how he should best gouerne himselfe in this fowle fact, and withall sware by his knighthood, neuer to suffer it to passe vnreuenged: after which time he neuer came to court, but did meditate day and night vpon reuenge. On the D other side Herman of Woerden could not forget the wrong and dishonour which had beene done vnto his daughter, for the which he became a mortall enemie vnto the Earle. These two knights being thus discontented with the Earle, drew vnto their partie Ghysbrecht of Amstel, their kinsman, to conspire against the Earle: And by the counsell of the said seignior of Amstel and Woerden, Gerard did secretly call vnto the towne of Cambraye, the bishop of Duras for the king of England, the earle of Cuyck, in the name of the duke of Brabant, & two counsellors for the earl of Flanders: before all which being assembled, Gerard made his complaints of the base treacherie of Cont Floris, with an aggrauation of the fowlenesse of the fact, proceeding from a heart full of bitternesse, despight, and choller, desirous of reuenge: where it was concluded among them, to attempt all meanes to seise vpon the Earls person, and to send him E into England, to the king, who should retaine him, and make him end his dayes in prison; and in the meane time should send Iohn of Holland, sonne to Cont Floris, his sonne in law, husband to his daughter Elizabeth (who kept then in England) to take possession of the earldoms of Holland and Zeeland, by the ciuile death of his father, the which he had worthily deserued, for an expiation of so fowle and villainous a fact.
In the same yeare 1296. Cont Floris being ignorant of this conspiracy and resolution, taken against him at Cambraie, by the deputies of the king of England, the duke of Brabant, the earl of Flanders, and the lords of Amstel & Woerden, at the instance and suit of Gerard van Velson, went to Vtrecht, to end a certain difference, growne betwixt the lord of Zuylen, and some of his counsellors, wherof the said seignior of Amstel and Woerden were. The Earl going to the F church with his knights and houshold seruants, there came a woman, which deliuered him a little note, the which he caused his secretarie to read, containing these 4 verses of the Psalme.
My lord (said she) remember it well, and marke this prophecie of Dauid. The earle contemning this aduertisement, went to make good cheare with the noblemen & prelats of Vtrecht: after dinner being laid downe to rest a little, thinking to spend the remainder of the day in sport and pleasure, the lord of Amstel went to wake him, inuiting him to ride abroad with his hawkes, saying, that they had found a goodly flight of Herons and other wild-fowle (but they were such fowle as no hawke could take, and were lodged there to take the Earle himself) who louing hawking exceedingly, went to horse with a Merlyn on his fist, being very slenderly accompanied of his followers: riding about halfe a mile out of Vtrecht, he was led into the middest of the ambush of these conspirators, when as suddenly the Seigniors of Woerden, of Amstel, H of Velsen, of Beuscop, of Crayenhorst, of Theylingen and Van Zanthen, with many horsmen, who knew nothing of this enterprise, issuing forth of their ambush, enuironed the Earle on all sides. Gerard van Velsen (who held himselfe much wronged) was the first that offered to lay hold vpon him: but like a couragious Prince (casting away his Merlyn which he caried) he laid hold on his sword, to defend himselfe, desiring rather to die than to yeeld: but not able to make resistance, he was taken, meaning to carry him secretly that night to the castle of Muyden, and from thence send him into England by the riuer of Flye.
The bruit of this prize was suddenly dispersed ouer all, the which moued the harts of many: The Kennemers and Waterlanders, with the West-Frisons, tooke armes presently in their barkes and shaloupes to deliuer their lord: but the conspirators being aduertised of their comming, I departed suddenly, leading the Earle through marishes and vnknowne places. Those of Naerden, who first went in search of him, encountred them full in the teeth: they being much perplexed, knowing that the Kennemers pursued them, were doubtful what way to take. The Earles horse, whereon he was mounted and bound, was little and weake, so as not being able to leape like vnto the rest, he fell into a ditch; where they laboured to get him forth, but could not, hauing no leisure, by reason of the pursute of them that followed. Gerard van Velsen full of furie and rage, seeking nothing but reuenge, seeing that they must of necessitie abandon their prey, not able to carry him any further (his other companions being already fled) & not knowing how to vanquish his courage; rather than to leaue him without reuenge of the wrong which he had done him, he played the part of a desperate man, giuing him one and twentie The violent death of Cont Floris the fifth K wounds with his sword, most of the which were mortall: then mounting vpon a good horse, he saued himselfe in his castle of Croonenbruch. In the meane time the Kennemers arriue, who find their Earle halfe dead in this ditch, speechlesse, drawing only his breath. There were some of these conspirators seruants taken, whom in the Earles presence they cut in pieces, and hauing drawne him forth of the ditch, they carried him vpon the Mount of Muyden, whereas he breathed out his last gaspe, after that hee had gouerned Holland, Zeeland, and Friseland, as well by himselfe as by his tutors, two and fortie yeres. He was a generous prince, of a goodly stature and louely countenance, gracious and eloquent in his speech, a good musitian, stately and liberall: To conclude, he had all that might be desired in a prince, except this vice of incontinencie, and the villanous adulterie, which he committed with violence, L which was the cause of this sudden death. His body was carried by boat to Alcmar, where his bowels were buried in the church, and his body being imbalmed, was layed in the Quier, vntill that Cont Iohn his sonne were returned out of England. Cont Floris had two grey-hounds, the which had alwaies followed him, going in and comming out of the castle The wonderfull loue of [...]. grey hounds of Muyden, and which were found lying by him in the ditch where he was slaine: carrying him into the boat, they followed, and leaped into it, and would neuer eat nor drinke, although it were offered them; yea, they would haue starued themselues, if they had not beene drawne away from the Earles dead bodie. Amongst those that had assisted at this murther, many fled out of the Countrey, and among the rest, the Seignior of Woerden went vp and downe like a vagabond, and died poorely and miserably in a strange countrey. The M lord of Amstell, who was a good old man, and had suffered himselfe to be suborned by the Seignior of Woerden and Velsen, after that all his goods had bin confiscated, was entertained The end of the conspirators by his friends in a far countrey. All Holland, Zeeland, Friseland, and the neighbour countries were troubled for this fact, the which was taken so grieuously, as the Hollanders, to begin the [Page 69] reuenge by him that had bin the author of this conspiracie, and actor of the murther, went to A besiege the castle of Croonenbruch; they within were quiet, as if the Seignior of Velson had not bin there, and yet he was. The news of this murther was written to all Cont Floris friends and allies, but especially to Iohn d'Auesnes, earle of Henault, and to Cont Iohn his sonne, who came before the castle of Croonenbruch, whereas they planted their engins of batterie. The The reuenge of Cont Floris death. earle of Cuycke hearing that the Seignior of Velson was straitly besieged in his castle (as the said earle had bin present at the resolution of the taking of Cont Floris, in the name of the duke of Brabant) did write vnto the earle of Cleues, being at that siege, intreating him to be a means that the besieged might depart at the least with their liues saued, the which he promised him to do: whereupon he sent for his men about him, that he might at need preserue them, as he might well haue done. But the Hollanders hauing some notice therof, were much discontented, B and aduertised the lord of Loef, brother to the earle of Cleues, thereof, who came himselfe to tell him, that if he meant to saue the life of the besieged, it was certain the Hollanders would fall vpon them, besides the scandale and reproch wherewith they should be taxed for euer; and therefore he aduised him to let the Hollanders and Zeelanders alone, and if he were otherwise resolued, he with his men would retire, being loth to incurre dishonour and the danger of his life. The earle seeing how ill it was taken, and that he should auaile little, caused the castle to be attempted both by scaladoe, and otherwise; the which he did force and take by assault, and all the prisoners that remained aliue, were taken, and put into safe keeping. In [...]e meane time it was bruited abroad, that the earle of Cleues meant to saue the Seignior of Velson & his companions that were prisoners. Whereupon the Kennemers running to armes, cried out, That if C there were any one that would carry away the murtherers of their prince, or saue their liues, that they themselues should first die by their hands: wherupon the earle was forced to deliuer them the prisoners. Those of Dordrecht had Hugh of Baerlandt, the Kennemers had William of They lingen, and two others: those of Harlem had William van Zaenden: those of Delft had Arnold van Bienschop: the earle of Cleues had Gerard of Craenhorst, & foure others: al which were beheaded and laid vpon wheeles: those of Leyden had Gerard van Velson, the author of this conspiracie, and the murtherer of Cont Floris, whom they tormented more than any other: Too cruell a reuenge for they put him starke naked into a pipe full of sharpe nailes, and so was rolled vp and downe throughout all the streets of Leyden; then after all these torments, they cut off his head and laid him vpon a wheele: all his kinred vnto the ninth degree that could be taken, were put D to death, and set vpon wheeles: many being only suspected that they were ready to serue their lords and masters, and not knowing the cause, were banished for euer out of Holland; wherof some meaning to retire thēselues into Denmarke, mistaking their course, were driuen beyond the straight of Weygat, and not knowing whether they went, coasting along Tartary, they entred into the riuer of Oby, from whence they came into Persia, and by the kings consent did inhabit a marish part of the countrey, after the maner of Holland, where they haue continued in their auncient language, manner of life and labour, vnto this day. As in like sort we may say that within these 70 yeres, the Hollanders that fled for religion, haue throgh the grace of Christierne the third king of Denmarke, planted themselues in a little Island right against Coppenhaghen, called Amack, the which they do labour & dresse after the manner of Holland: so as this little Island (which is not aboue two French leagues in circuit) is called the garden of E Coppenhaghen, in the which the chiefe market of the towne is called Amacker-markt. And thus much for them. The Hollanders did rase the castle of Croonenbruch to the ground: from thence they went to doe as much to that of Muyden: but finding the place abandoned, and no man in it, all being fled, they gaue it in guard to Didier of Harlem, who took it into his charge on the countries behalfe, and is at this day a good Chasteleine. After which time, the Nobilitie, Townes, and Commons of Holland, made an agreement iointly together, confirming it by a solemne oath, whereof publike letters were drawne, neuer to receiue into grace those of the houses of Amstel, Woerden, and Welsen, nor any of their kinred nor allies, whom they sought to root out by all meanes, or to chase them out of the country, by which meanes F there were many persons banished and vagabonds: so as there remained not any one of these families in Holland: and if any were left, they durst not shew themselues, but kept in holes, or led a rusticke countrey life: neither after that day durst any man carry the armes of any of those three houses.
[Page 70] The Emperour Rodulphus, the first of that name, had in the yeare 1290 giuen East-Friseland G vnto the riuer of Lanuvers, vnto the earle of Gueldres, to hold it in fee of the Empire: but by reason of the ferocitie of the Frisons, and their heat and resolution to maintain their auncient liberties, graunted them by the Emperor Charlemaigne and other precedent Emperors; knowing also, that the Earle of Holland pretended an interest thereunto, hee durst not aduenture to take possession thereof by force. Besides, Cont Floris hauing (as we haue said before) subdued West-Friseland, and taken the town of Staueren, did much annoy the East-Frisons (and withall the bishops of Vtrecht would neuer quit their part) who to free themselues from so many lords, sent their embassadors to the king of Denmarke, desiring him, that hee would take them The Frisons send to the king of Denmarke to be their protector and their countrey into his protection. The king being loth to let slip this goodly occasion, receiued them, and sent one of his noblemen to gouerne the countrey in his name, and to be his H lieutenant: and to the end he should be the more respected, and haue the greater authority, he gaue him his sister in mariage. A while after he came himselfe into Friseland, making many lawes and ordinances, and imposing a certaine tribute which was reasonably tollerable. This done, he returned into Denmarke: but before six moneths were expired, this lieutenant began to oppresse them, and to vse them tyrannously, contrary to their accord: the which did so incense the Frisons against him, as they slue him, sending his wifebacke, being with child to the king her brother in the yeare 1295, who was soone after brought in bed of a sonne, who reuenged his fathers death, as we shall see hereafter.
IOHN THE FIRST OF THAT name, the twentieth Earle of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friseland.
[Page 72] COnt Floris the fifth being thus murthered, as we haue said by Gerard van G Velsen, Iohn of Holland his only sonne succeeded him, and was the twentieth Earle: He being absent in England with the king his father in law, Didier earle of Cleues tooke vpon him the gouernment of the quarter of North-Holland. On the other side, Guy brother to the earle of Henault, Treasurer Cathedrall of the bishopricke of Liege, came and tooke vpon him the gouernment of South-Holland, & made his residence at Gheertruyden-bergh. The gouernment of Holland diuided during the absence of Cont Iohn. By the diuisions and factions of these two noblemen, there happened great troubles in Holland, the subiects being diuided, during the absence of their prince. Cont Iohn of Henault and Guy his brother were sonnes to the deceased cont Iohn d' Auesnes, and the lady Alix sister to William king of Romanes, and Earle of Holland, who was father vnto the last H Cont Floris, and so were cousin germanes to Cont Iohn of Holland, his neerest kinsmen, and more apparent heires than the earle of Cleues: and therfore Guy maintained, that the gouernment was due to him, rather than to the earle of Cleues; but Cont Iohns return from England ended all these quarrels.
William Bertold, subrogated in the place of Iohn Zirich (chosen bishop of Toul in Lorraine) to the bishopricke of Vtrecht, hauing an actiue and stirring spirit, reuiued the ancient quarrels of them of Vtrecht against the Hollanders, & went to besiege the castle of Muyden, the which he maintained to be part of his reuenues; the which in the end he forced, and constrained Didier of Harlem to yeeld it vp to haue their liues saued, he remaining his prisoner. The bishop puffed vp with this happie successe, went into West-Friseland, after that hee had caused his I pardons to be preached, for all such as would carry armes against the Hollanders. The Frisons according to their auncient manner of doing, being still readie to reiect the yoke of the Earles of Holland, by the persuasion and encouragement of this bishop besieged the castle of Widenesse, which they battered, and gaue many assaults: so as in the end, Baldwin of Naeldwyke, for want of victuals and munition of warre was forced to yeeld it vp by composition, to depart with bag and baggage, and to returne freely into Holland; which done, they rased it: the like they did also to the castle of Euigenburch: then passing on, they besieged the castle of Medemblycke, hauing burnt the base towne. Floris of Egmont, and other gentlemen that were within it, defended themselues valiantly, making many braue sallies and skirmishes vpon their enemies: they were so long besieged in this manner, as for want of victuals they were K forced to eat their horses. Cont Iohn of Henault hauing newes thereof, and that the Frisons, with the said bishop of Vtrecht, did what they pleased, without any or very small resistance, tooke vpon him (during the absence of his cousin) the gouernment of Holland, and with an Armie of Hannuyers, Hollanders and Zeelanders, went into Friseland, where he defeated the Frisons, raised the siege from before Medemblycke, and relieued it with all things necessarie. The Seignior Iohn of Arckel, and Nicholas of Putten knights of Holland, tooke the towne of Enchuysen, whence they caried away a great spoile, and in their retreat burnt it.
During the diuisions and partialities betwixt the earle of Cleues and Guy of Henault, the which increased more and more in Holland, the lords Didier of Brederode, Floris Regal Abbot of Egmond, Henry Vicont of Leyden, and William of Egmond, accompanied with some L gentlemen of marke, imbarked to goe and fetch their prince Cont Iohn out of England, and for a strange and new thing they led with them Claes van Keyten; where they were graciously receiued by king Edward, who hauing rigged forth a goodly Fleet of shippes, sent away the Earle his son in law with his daughter Elizabeth, recommending vnto the lord of Brederode the gouernment of the said Earle his prince, being then very young. Being at sea, the wind turned contrary, so as they were forced to land in Zeeland, whereas Wolfart of Borssele, lord of la Vere, reiecting and contemning the Noblemen of Holland, did cunningly seize vpon the guard and gouernment of the young Earle, chasing from him all the Nobilitie of Holland, to whom the king of England had so much recommended him. The Earle being one day at Romerswael, by the persuasion of the said lord of Vere, sent the lord of Brederode (who was M a plaine dealing man, and nothing malicious) to Ziricxee, to treat of some affaires; and in the meane time the said lord of Vere caused the Earle to imbarke, and so led him to his castle of Zandenburch, neere to his towne of la Vere; where being, he put all the Noblemen and gentlemen of Holland from the Earles person.
[Page 73] Iohn Earle of Henault hearing, that Cont Iohn of Holland his cousin was returned out of A England, departed from Harlem, and came to la Haye, where hee resigned the gouernment of Holland into his hands, causing him to be receiued and acknowledged the twentieth Earl of Holland and Zeeland, and then he returned into Henault.
In the yeare 1297 Cont Iohn of Holland leuied a mightie armie, with the which he went into Friseland, to reduce them to their obedience by force, and first he came to Alcmar. The Frisons were also in armes, and ready to encounter him. The two armies being well ordered, eyther of them in two battailons, they charged one another resolutely: the fight was sharpe and furious, but in the end the Frisons were put to rout, and there were slaine about foure The Frisons defeared. thousand vpon the place, the rest sauing themselues here and there through the marishes and ditches. Among the Hollanders there died Iohn lord of Arckel, a braue knight, Iohn of [...], B and two other gentlemen. This battaile was fought the sixt of the Calends of Aprill in the plaine of Verona, neere vnto Alcmar. Cont Iohn for the first fruits of this happy successe, returning into Holland after this goodly victorie, he tooke vp the body of Cont Floris his father, the which did lye in the Quier of the church at Alcmar, the which with a stately funerall pompe he caused to be interred in the abbey of Rhynsbourg by the lady Beatrix of Flanders his wife mother to the said Cont Iohn.
The bishop of Vtrecht hearing of this great defeat, went into East-Friseland, whereas hee caused pardons to be preached againe against the Hollanders. The Frisons promised all possible assistance vnto the bishop, and with a great number of shippes came to the towne of Monickendam in Waterlandt. The inhabitants of Harlem and the Waterlanders being gathered The Frisons ioyned to the bishop of Vtrecht, are defeated. C together in armes, went against the Frisons at their landing, whom they charged with such furie, as they presently put them to rout, flying towards their shippes in great disorder, whom the Hollanders pursued, and slew in great numbers: many were drowned and smothered in the marishes. The bishop abandoning his great and stately shippe, saued himselfe in a small boat, and with shame and losse landed in the countrey of Oueryssel. The Earle of Holland considering that this bishop of Vtrecht had taken armes twice against him, and that he was in the vpper part of his diocesse (which is the countrey of Oueryssel) to leuie a third Armie, he sent to Ghisbrecht of Iselstein, to haue him open his castle of Iselstein freely and of his owne accord, into the which he would put a garrison, to bridle the bishop on that side. But Ghisbrecht being liege man and vassale to the bishop, and made his lieutenant on that part of D his iurisdiction, knowing well, that in so doing he should make warre against his lord, he refused the Earle of his demaund. The Earle seeing himselfe contemned, laied ambushes, and took him prisoner, and then he went to besiege his castle. The lady Bartract, wife to Ghisbrecht, defended it valiantly with her men almost a whole yeare, but in the end for want of victuals and munitions, shee was forced to yeeld it, vpon condition, that halfe her men should haue their liues saued, and that the Earle should dispose of the other moitie at his pleasure, the which (vpon whom the chance fell) were all beheaded. Cont Iohn hauing taken this place of Iselstein, gaue it with all the iurisdiction and dependances vnto Wolphard Seignior of la Vere, to hold of him as Earle of Holland in fee, and doing him homage, that by this meanes he might alwayes keepe the bishop in awe on that part. E
In the yeare 1299, the West-Frisons noting the prosperitie and happie successe of this yong Earle against the bishop of Vtrecht (who was their firebrand) and that he knew well how to defend himselfe, and to maintaine his subiects, they began to thinke of their affaires, and made suite that he would receiue them into grace, offering to make reparation for their faults. The Earle desiring rather to winne them by mildnesse and loue, than by armes, went to Alcmar, whither he sent for the chiefe of the countrey, who sware fealtie and obedience vnto him, whereof an instrument was drawne vnder their hands and seales.
Wee the Consuls, Bourgmasters, Sherifes, and Commons of West-Friseland, make The te [...]or of the letters of reparation & submission made by the Frisons. knowne to whom it shall appertaine, That for the offences committed by vs against the high and mightie prince Iohn Earle of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friseland, our liege Lord and F Soueraigne, as well in the battaile giuen at Vrouen, as for that wee haue ruined his castles, and committed other offences vnto this day: For reparation whereof, wee promise to submit our selues to the iudgement and arbitrement of the high and mightie prince Iohn Earle of Henault, both for corporall and pecuniarie punishments, seruitude, duties, and obedience [Page 74] in all sorts: The which we Frisons doe promise for our selues and our successours to G effect and accomplish in euery point, without any contradiction whatsoeuer. In witnesse whereof, those of Hoochtwouder-ambacht, Nien werdorper-ambacht, Drechtigher-ambacht, and Gheestman-ambacht haue sealed these present letters with their publicke. Seales in the yeare 1299, with the hands of some of the Bayliffes, Bourgmasters and Officers set thereunto.
A while after the Earle of Holland hauing some affaires to treat of with the duke of Brabant, went to Romerswael in Zeeland, and the duke to Berghen vpon Soom, being distant about two leagues one from another. Iohn de Renesse a wise and discret knight was sent from the Earle vnto the duke. At his returne, as hee was going to make report of his embassage vnto the Earle, and to giue an account of his actions; the Earle was maliciously aduised by H some that were enemies to the said Renesse, to looke vnto himselfe, for that (as they made him beleeue) it had beene resolued betwixt the duke and the said Renesse, That if he went into Brabant, they would retaine him prisoner, and that Renesse had conspired to deliuer him vnto the Brabancons. The Earle being retired from thence to the castle of Lodycke, sent for his garrisons of Holland to set vpon Renesse, who seeing himselfe thus wrongfully standered, and that the course of iustice was denied him, vnlesse he would yeeld himselfe prisoner, being loth to be at the mercie of his enemies, he retired himselfe to his castle of Mourmont, the which he did man with a good garrison, and victuall. The Earle sent for him to come to la Vere, to iustifie himselfe: but being denied a safe-conduct, he durst not appeare, and therefore he was banished for contumacie out of the Countries of Holland and Zeeland, I and the castle of Mourmont was besieged, battered, and in the end taken and rased to the Mourmont taken and rased. ground.
There happened afterwards another garboile in South-Holland, which was, that Allant bayliffe of Dordrecht, meaning to make some secret informations of some crimes committed Troubles at Dordrecht. in the towne, he required the Sherifes to assist, and to sit with him in iudgement. Whereunto it was answered him, That it was against the lawes and priuiledges of the towne, if in any thing great or small, they should appeare in iustice without their Escoutette, yet without preiudice to their authoritie and rights, that in fauour of iustice they would assist, not as Iudges, but as Commissaries and Informers. The information being begun, Cont Iohn arriued with Wolphard of la Vere, who demaunded the names of the offendors, to doe iustice as hee K should thinke good. The bourgesses answered, that by their priuiledges, all offences committed in the towne, should be also punished there. The Earle discontented at this answere, departed suddenly to la Haye. The magistrats of Dordrecht hearing of his discontent, sent some of the chiefe of the towne vnto him, with offer to yeeld him a reason of the answer they had made him: whereupon the Earle appointed them a day in the towne of Delft: where being assembled, the lord of la Vere speaking for the Earle, made a discourse of what was past: The Sherifes of Dordrecht answered, That it had bin decreed with the baylife, that any thing which happened within the towne, should be ended by the Sherifes and the Escoutette, & by no other Iudges. Whereupon the baylife said, That they had lyed, and that if there were any one that would maintaine it, he would fight with him. At these words one of the magistrats of A foolish answere of the magistrat of Dord [...]echr. L Delft stept vp and said, That it was not fit to expose the rights and priuiledges of any town to the hazard of a single combat, thereby to make them fruitlesse, and of no force. Whereunto the lord of la Vere replied: You my masters of Delft, trouble not your selues with my lord the Earles affaires, he knowes best what he is to do: and without any other conclusion euery one retired discontented. Soone after the Earle proscribed the towne of Dordrecht (which is as much as to declare them guiltie of high treason) & as Witten of Hamstede, bastard of Holland, was in the castle of Putten, and Nicholas de Cats at Ablasserdam, Allant baylife of Dordrecht went to Slydrecht with many men, and built a fort vpon the ditch, that nothing might passe. They of Dordrecht made choice of foure men among them, that were valiant, wise, and temperat, whom they made their captaines, to whom they committed all the charge and conduct M of this apparent warre: writing to all the townes of Holland and Zeeland, & intreating them not to make too much hast to oppresse them, seeing that the like might one day happen vnto them, through the great libertie of some, who (abusing the youth and bountie of their prince) did attribute vnto themselues the whole gouernment.
[Page 75] Whilest that Wolphard of la Vere, a violent and seuere man, would haue surcharged the A Hollanders with some new imposition and extraordinarie customes, disposing moreouer of all things at his pleasure, he became odious [...]o many. Once among the rest, the Earle being at [...] Haye [...] as also the lord of la Vere was, there happened a tumult betwixt the said lord [...]f la Ver [...], and so [...] noblemen and gentlemen of Holland, running vp and down the strcets and [...]; Where is our enemie? How long shall we suffer our selues to be braued and ill [...]ted by him? Let vs goe and spoyle him, and let vs see what all those practises which he [...]ath made [...]oppresse vs, will auaile him, L [...] Vere hearing this rumour, kept himselfe close, and the [...] morning by the breake of day departed from la Haye with Cont Iohn, & went to S [...]dam, there to imbarkt, and to passe by the riuer of Meuse into Zeeland: but the Hollanders pe [...] it, pursued him and forced him to returne, the respect of the Princes presence rest [...]g them [...] offering him any further violence: then they led their Earle and the said [...] [...] Delft, o [...] here fearing that they would [...] [...]ther him, he fled into a high house, built of free stone, at the corner of a st [...]ect called Choorstroet▪ before the which there presently gathered together a multitude of people, crying confusedly, that they should deliuer Wolphard, els they would burne the house, and all that were within it. They that were within the house with him, fearing their liues, tooke Wolphard (who was not armed) and cast him out from the highest windowes into the street, where he was presently murthered and cut in pieces, the which afterwards bred great quarrels betwixt the Nobilitie of Holland and Zeeland.
At the same time the bayliffe Allant hauing feare of them of Dordrecht, had fled into the C castle of Crayensteyn, and hauing lost the lord of la Vere (who was his chiefe support) the commons of the towne went to besiege them, seeing no meanes to escape them, he went willingly to yeeld himselfe into his enemies hands, who after they had reuiled him, they put him into a barke, and caried him to Dordrecht: but he had no sooner set foot on land, but hee was murthered by the people, and his brother with him.
In the yeare 1300 Cont Iohn of Holland being at Harlem, fell sicke, whereof hee died the The death of the Earle of Holland. fourth of the Calends of Nouember, after that he had gouerned his Countries of Holland, Zeeland, and West-Friseland about foure yeares. He was the first of all the Earles of Holland that died without children, and had not receiued the order of Knighthood: in whom failed the line of Earles, issued from the masculine line of the dukes of Acquitaine, the which from D Thierry the first Earle had continued 437 yeares. He was interred in the abbey of Rhinsburg, and by his death those Countries fell to the Earles of Henault, issued by the mothers side from the Earles of Holland. The Lady Elizabeth his widow was caried backe into England, and afterwards married to the Earle of Oxford. After the death of Cont Iohn, Ghisbrecht of Amstel returned into Holland, and did againe possesse the village of Amsterdam, which he began to fortifie, and to build many bridges and towers about the wals: those of Harlem and the Waterlanders went thither with an army, chased away Ghisbrecht, set fire on the town, burnt all the bridges and towers of wood, and then ruined the rest.
We haue said before, that when as the lord of Brederode and the noblemen of Holland went to fetch Cont Iohn out of England, they led with them the gyant Klaes van Knyten, as a E strange and monstrous thing. You must vnderstand, that this gyant was borne in a village called Who the gyant Claes van Knyten was. Sparenwonde, neere to Harlem: his father and mother were of an ordinarie stature, yet no man might bee compared vnto him, for the tallest men of all Holland might stand vnder his arme, and not touch him (and yet there are commonly seene euen at this day very tal men in that countrey) he would couer foure ordinary soles of shooes with his foot. He tertified little children to behold him, and yet there was not any roughnes nor malice in him, but was gentle and mild as a lambe: for if he had beene fierce and cruell, answerable to his greatnesse and proportion, he might haue chased a whole armie before him.
In those daies there sprung vp in the country of Friseland the factions of Schyerlingers and Vetcoopers, the which frō a small beginning, vnworthy to be written (the which notwithstanding The beginning of two wicked factions in Friseland. F we haue related in our description of the vnited prouinces of the low countries) was the cause of great effusion of bloud, destruction of the country, ruine of good families & murthers among all sorts in generall. As in like sort the partialities of Hooks and Cabillaux in Holland, [Page 76] and those of Guelphes and Gibilins in Italie: the diuersitie of coloured hoods in Flanders, G and other like factions in France, were the causes of great miseries in those times: also according vnto some opinions it seemes, that all these factions began almost at one instant: that of the Schyerlingers and Vetcoopers hauing continued in Friseland, vntill that the Emperour Maximilian the first sent Albert duke of Saxonie thither to suppresse them (for that the Commissioners which he had formerly sent to pacifie and reconcile them, had preuailed nothing) making him his lieutenant and gouernour hereditarie, yet with small profit, for he was slaine there; and his two sonnes the dukes, Henry and George (as we shall shew hereafter) did not auaile much, so as they left all: so great louers haue the Frisons alwayes beene of their franchises and liberties. But vnder the gouernment of the said princes of Saxonie, these factions ceased to oppose themselues with their ioint forces against the rule of strangers, as they had done H often before, when any stranger came to assaile them: and hauing chased them away, they returned to their first spleene and hatred: but the Saxons brought them to so great pouerty, and their quarrell continued so long, as they forgat their factions.
IOHN EARLE OF HENAVLT, THE second of that name, one and twentieth Earle of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of West-Friseland.
THE SECOND BOOKE. G
IOhn Earle of Henault, sonne to Iohn of Auesnes, and the Ladie Alix sister to king William Earle of Holland, was the second of that name, and one and twentieth Earle of Holland. Warre betwixt them of Vtrecht and their Bishop. Iohn de Renesse prouokes the Earle of Flanders against the Earle of Holland, which was the cause of great warres. ¶ William called the Good, the third of that name, the two and twentieth Earle of Holland. Guy of Holland his brother, bishop of Vtrecht, had great warres against the Frisons. Cont William subdued the East-Frisons. Iustice done vpon a baylife of South-Holland, for a cow, whom the Earle caused to be executed, lying on his death bed. ¶ William the fourth, sonne to the good Earle William, the three and twentieth Earle of Holland: He makes warre against the Russians, them I of Vtrecht, and the Frisons, by whom he was slain in battaile, leauing no children. ¶ Marguerite wife to the Emperour Lewis of Bauiere, daughter to the good Earle William, the foure and twentieth Commander in Holland and Zeeland, where she appointed duke William of Bauiere, her eldest sonne, Gouernor in her absence. He had warre against them of Vtrecht. The faction of the Cabillaux rise in Vtrecht, which bandie duke William against his mother, after the death of the Emperor Lewis, whereof followed two cruell battailes: in the first the Empresse was victor, in the second duke William, & after much bloud spilt, they agreed, ¶ William remaining the fiue and twentieth Earle of Holland. Vtrecht had warre against their bishop, and the bishop against the Earle of Holland, who was distract of his wits, and the gouernment put into the hands of duke Albert of Bauiere, his brother, notwithstanding the factions which grew betwixt the Hoocks and the Cabillaux. William, called the Franticke, being dead, ¶ Albert of Bauiere was the six and twentith Earle of Holland. Delft rebelled against the Earle: he besieged it, and forceth them to obedience. The bishop of Vtrecht in warre against the Earle of Holland. Anne of K Poelgeest, minion to Cont Albert, murthered in the night, which bred a great quarell betwixt the Earle of Ostrenant and Cont Albert his father. An affront done to the Earle of Ostreuant at the French kings table, which caused warre against the Frisons, who were often subdued, and rebelled as often, Warre betwixt the Earle of Holland and the Lord of Arckel. The historie of a sea-woman taken in Holland. ¶ William the sixt of that name, the seuen and twentieth Earle of Holland, succeeded his father Albert, he had great warres against the bishop of Vtrecht and the Lord of Arckel. The Liegeois make warre against their bishop, brother to the Earle of Holland: the Earle goes to succor him, and defeats the Liegeois. Warre betwixt the Earle of Holland and the duke of Gueldres. Cont William leauing one only heire, ¶ Iacoba or Iaquelina, the eight and twentieth commanding in Holland &c. she maried first with the Daulphin of France, sonne to Charles the sixt, who died at one and twentie yeares of age, without children: then she maried with Iohn duke of Brabant. Iohn of Bauiere, bishop of Vtrecht, troubles her estate, to make himselfe Earle. The Lady Iaqueline seperated from the duke her husband, by reason of neerenesse of bloud: she espouseth the duke of Glocester, who after leaues her. She had great warres and troubles L against the duke of Brabant, against her vncle, and against the duke of Bourgoigne: shee marries Franc of Borsele secretly: the duke Philip of Bourgoigne puts him in prison, and for his libertie, she resignes all her Countries vnto the duke.
IOHN Earle of Holland, sonne to Cont Floris the fifth, being dead without heires, the Earledomes of Holland and Zeeland, with the Seigniorie of Friseland, came by succession to Iohn Earle of Henault, sonne to Cont Iohn of Auesnes, and the Lady Alix, sister to William king of Romans, and Earle of Holland, and so sonne to Cont Iohns great aunt. Iohn of Henault was the one and twentieth Earle of Holland, for which he quartered his M Armes, the Lyon sables of Henault, and the Lyon gules of Holland in fields or. This Earle had foure brethren, Botzard bishop of Metz, Iohn bishop of Cambray, Guy chanon of Cambray, and Floris, who was prince of Morienne. At his comming to The Earle of Henaults brethren. this succession of Holland and Zeeland, he gaue vnto his brother Guy the Seigniories of Amsterdam [Page 79] and Woerden, to hold them in fee of the countie of Holland, with all their rights and dependances, the homage and right of heronie only excepted, the which he reserued for himselfe: A which seigniories he should inioy but during his life, or vntill he were aduanced to a bishoprick, or to some ecclesiasticall dignitie equiualent to a bishoprick; & that then they should returne to the reuenues of the Earle of Holland, wherof Guy past a couenant in writing, to the Earle his brother. This Guy gaue vnto Amsterdam, many freedoms, rights, liberties, statutes & ordinances, for the gouernment of the town, and administration of iustice. Afterwards he was bishop of Vtrecht, and after his death these two seigniories returned to the Earle of Holland, Iohns wife and children. as we shall shew hereafter. This Earle Iohn of Henault, had to wife Philip, daughter to the earle of Luxenbourg by whom he had his eldest son, called Iohn without mercy, earle of Ostreuant, who was slaine at the battaile of Groeninghen, neere vnto Courtray, William, who was Earle B after him, called the Good, Iohn of Beaumont, earle of Blois, Henry, chanon of Cambray, Marguerite contesse of Arthois, Adella contesse of Clermont, Marie contesse of Bourbonois, and Mathilda lady of Neele.
In the yeare 1301 Cont Iohn of Henault, leuied great forces, with the which hee came into 1301 The Earle seekes to ruine Iohn de Renesse. Zeeland, with an intent to reduce the seignior Iohn de Renesse vnto reason, by armes, who being banished his countrey, went to the emperour Albert for succour; shewing that the earledomes of Holland and Zeeland, by the decease of the last Earle Iohn of Holland without hei [...]s, should returne vnto the empire: whereupon the said emperor did write to all the countries of Holland, Zeeland, and West-Friseland, what right he pretended vnto them, and that his intention was, to annexe them vnto the empire, as Charles the Bald, emperour of Romanes, had C giuen them in fee and homage vnto Thierry of Acquitaine, the first Earle of Holland. So the emperour came downe the same yeare as far as Nymegen, to receiue possession thereof, being accompanied by the archbishops, and princes electors, of Mentz, Treues, and Cologne, and with many other princes and barons of Germany. Cont Iohn of Henault prepared a goodly armie for to incounter him, and to stop his passage and entrie into his countries, planting his campe at Bonswaerd, vpon the mouth of the riuer of Wahal, searching a foord to passe vnto the other side, to charge the emperours armie: who hauing caused the Earles forces to be viewed, and hearing that he was resolued to charge him, hee then thought that Iohn de Renesse had abused him, he therefore retired his armie vnto Cranenbourg, with an intent to depart the next day, and to returne into Austria. But the bishop of Cologne (iealous of the emperors honour) D laboured to treat a peace with Cont Iohn, the which was concluded, vpon condition, That the Earle shall take an othe, and do homage vnto the emperour, and should hold his earldomes of Holland, Zeeland, and West-Friseland, of the empire, he and his successors for euer. This done, they returned good friends euery one to his home. Some Zeelanders being come downe with Iohn de Renesse to the emperours seruice, came too late, and leauing their ships at Heusden, went into Brabant: Cont Iohn followed them at the heeles, and burnt all their ships: which done, he banished the seignior of Renesse, and confisked all his goods, the which hee gaue vnto some gentlemen, that had serued him faithfully in that voyage: yet would not the said Renesse with his small troupe, forbeare to make war against the Hollanders, entring vpon the lands of Berghen vpon Soom, whereas the lord of Berghen went to fight with him, and E defeated 500 of his men at one incounter, who being escaped with the rest, fled into the castle of Puydroyen. Cont Iohn was then in the towne of Dordrecht, sending his eldest sonne, Iohn without mercy, earle of Ostreuant, to besiege him in this castle: Renesse hauing intelligence of his comming, and being well acquainted with his crueltie, fearing least he should be intreated like vnto them of the castle of Berendorp, where he put al that he found within it to the sword, without any respect or mercie (for the which he was since called Iohn without mercy) hee resolued with his men to retire himselfe into Flanders, and to abandon the place. Being come into Flanders, he made a league with the Flemings, against the Hollanders & Zeelanders, and with a smal armie of their souldiers, entred into the island of Zuytbeuelandt, presuming to surprise the towne and castle Ter-Goes. Those of Romerswael tooke armes against him, and hauing F charged them with all their forces, slew about 800 of those Flemings vpon the place, and the rest were put to flight, among the which the seignior of Renesse escaped, with great difficultie.
The same yeare William Bertold, bishop of Vtrecht a busie man, seeking to bring in many The bishop of Vtrecht taken prisoner by his owne people. innouations vpon his subiects, was taken prisoner by M. Asuerus of Montfort, Hubert of Vianen, [Page 80] Iohn of Linschoten, and Iohn of Lichtenbourg, Bourgmasters of the towne, and was detained G about a yeare in the house of the said Lichtenbourg within Vtrecht: in the end, by the helpe of some of his partisans he escaped out of prison: yet could he neuer reenter into the towne, but remained banished, retiring himselfe vnto his friends in Oueryssel, where hee was honourably receiued, as their ghostly father and temporall prince. A while after he went to Rome to resigne his bishopricke into the Popes hands, that he might spend the remainder of his dayes in peace and rest: But the Pope refusing to accept thereof, commanded the bishop of Munster to assist his brother and companion, to restore him to his bishopr [...] and town of Vtrecht by force, and to subdue his rebellious subiects.
Hereupon at his returne from Rome he leuied men in the countrey of Oueryssel (being the vpper part of the dioces of Vtrecht) to seeke to recouer his towne. Some noblemen and The bishop goes to armes. H gentlemen of Holland, among other, Henry Vicont of Leyden, Didier of Wassenare, Philip of Montfort, Symon of Benthem, Floris of Dunen, and Ieams vanden Vouden, all knights, enemies to the bishop, and friends to Ieams of Lichtenbourg, with a good number of souldiers, being called by the citizens of Vtrecht, and with the consent of the Earle of Holland their prince, went to succor the said Lichtenbourg, & to chase away the bishop. Being come into a goodly champion countrey, neere vnto Hooch-woord, the bishop was twice as strong in men as they, and went to charge them first, he defeated some countreymen that were out of their campe, and fought valiantly against the Hollanders. During the fight, Asuerus of Montfort arriued with some troupes, to succour these noblemen of Holland, and then the skirmish was more violent then before. The bishop being well mounted, passed and repassed through I the Hollanders army three times, without any harme: for that no man durst touch him, knowing him to be their spirituall father: but thinking to charge through againe, hee was beaten The bishop slaine in battaile, being ouer-bold. from his horse, and slaine by some souldiers that knew him not. This happened in the yeare 1301. on S. Martins day in Summer. In this defeat there were a great number slain, especially of the bishops men, whose body was taken vp by the knights of the Hospitall of Saint Iohn, 1301 and buried afterwards in the Cathedrall church of Vtrecht, after he had gouerned his bishopricke in continuall troubles, fiue yeares onely: and this was his Epitaph:
Bishop William hauing bin thus slaine, Iohn of Henault Earle of Holland, came to Vtrecht, and required the Chapter to chuse Guy of Henault his brother, being treasurer of the church at Liege, and chanon at Cambray, who was chosen by one part of the said Chapter, and Rodolphus or Ralfe their Cathedrall prouost by the other: notwithstanding, Guy of Henault with the assistance of his brother, the Earle got possession of the towne, and of the lower diocesse of Vtrecht, and Rodulphus retired into the countrey of Ouerissel, and so Guy remained peaceable bishop. This done, Cont Iohn returned into his countrey of Henault, leauing his sonne Iohn L without mercie, earle of Ostreuant, goueruor of Zeeland, by reason of the wars against the Flemings, and William his second son, lieutenant in Holland, and West-Friseland, hauing resolued to lay aside all cares, and to spend the remainder of his dayes in rest, in his naturall countrey of Henault. Afterward the said Iohn without mercy, being in the seruice of Philip the faire, king of France, was with many princes and noblemen, slaine at the great battaile which the Flemings won against the French, in the yeare 1302, at Groeninghen, neere vnto Courtray in Flanders: Iohn without mercy slame. so his brother William was earle of Ostreuant, with the consont of Cont Iohn of Henault, his father. 1302
In the yere 1303, Iohn earle of Namur, and his brother, being come to succor the Flemings, hauing ioyned with some troups, with the forces of Iohn of Renesse, did run ouer all the frontiers 1303 M of Flanders, spoyling and burning all that had held the French partie in the late warres: from thence they entred into Holland and Zeeland, where they did much mischiefe: but the Hollanders and Zeelanders hauing taken armes, chased them away, and went into Flanders, to reuenge the death of the earle of Ostreuant, eldest sonne to their prince.
[Page 81] In the yeare 1304, Guy sonne to the earle of Flanders, growne insolent by reason of his former A victories, and through the persuasion of Iohn de Renesse, leuied a new armie, which he led 1304 The Earle of Flanders pretends to land in Walchren. into the countrey of Catsandt, attending a prosperous wind there, to saile into the isle of Walchren. William earle of Ostreuant, son to the Earle of Holland and Henault, by the commandement of his father, leuied also a goodly armie of Hannuyers, Hollanders, Zeelanders, & Frisons, with the which he landed sodainly in Catsandt, and defeated the Flemings. Guy hauing leuied new forces entred into Zeeland: Cont William of Ostreuant went to incounter him, but through treason and secret intelligences, which the seignior of Renesse had there, hee was twice put to rout, once before Arnemuyden, and the other neere vnto la Vere, sauing himself at Ziricxee, in the isle of Schowen, there to gather together new forces. Guy pursued him, and in passing tooke the towne of Middlebourg; from thence he went to besiege Ziricxee. Cont B William being within it, went forth secretly in the night, by one of the gates, and made a braue sallie vpon the Flemings, so as there were 1500 slain, drowned, and prisoners. Afterwards they made a truce for a moneth, vpon condition, That they should not fortifie the said town otherwise than it was; during the which, Cont William went into Holland, to leuie new supplies. The truce being ended, those of Ziricxee recouered the towne of Middlebourg by force, and chased away the Flemings, returning with honour and triumph vnto their towne, although it were besieged. Hauing aduertised Cont William thereof, he returned vnto them, and in passing, defeated the troups which Iohn of [...]enesse had in those parts, and chased them quite out of Zeeland. During this warre, and siege of Ziricxee, Cont William was made knight, and eight and fortie gentlemen with him. Wee may well say, that in those times they made not knights C so lightly as they do at this day, for that they must haue first deserued it, seeing that the sons of earles themselues (as the last Earle Iohn of Holland) were neuer knighted.
After that the said Cont William returned into Holland, where with the help of Guy bishop of Vtrecht his vncle, he raised a goodly armie of Hannuyers, Hollanders, Zeelanders, & of other countries vnder their obedience, to incounter the Flemings, that were entred into the isle of Duyuelandt: where being landed, some yong gentlemen, being disimbarked first, went to skirmish with the banished men of Zeeland, that were there. The Hollanders and Traiectins, seeing that it was late, pitched their tents and pauilions vpon the causey, but the Frisons began to spoile the inhabitants of Duyuelandt, from whence they brought good bootie into their quarter. The Flemings and Duyuelanders pursued them, and at one instant assailed the Hollanders D and Traiectins in their tents, whom they surprised sodainly, awaking them with lowd and fearefull cries, and great blowes. The alarum being giuen, they armed as fast as they could, to repulse the Flemings, and to chase them out of their campe: but the night being exceeding darke, and not able to distinguish one from another, they slew their friends as wel as their enemies: and so in this confusion, there died many braue men, who in the day time would haue giuen good testimonies of their valour and prowesse. So as the Hollanders armie was during The Hollanders armie defeated. the obscuritie and darkenesse of the night, so disordered, as the greatest part thereof was defeated, and many of their best men died there: among the rest William of Horne, prouost cathedrall of Vtrecht, Nicholas of Persin, Didier of Harlem, Didier of Zuylen, Asuerus of Benewaert, all braue knights, with many citisens and vassals of the countrie of Vtrecht: but the greatest E losse was, that Guy of Henault their bishop, was taken prisoner, with many braue knights, all which were sent into Flanders, vnder good guard. Cont VVilliam of Ostreuant fled into a ship, and with great difficultie came to Ziricxee. This vnfortunat defeat happened about mid-lent, in the yeare 1304.
After this victorie, Guy of Flanders fortified his armie, and returned to besiege Ziricxee, on The earl [...] of Flanders wins a good part of Holland. Palme Sunday vntill the Wednesday after Easter: but seeing he preuailed nothing, he raised his campe, passed the riuer of Meuse with Iohn de Renesse, and conquers all North-Holland, vnto Harlem: he tooke some burgesses of Delft and Leyden prisoners, the which hee carried to the towne of Goude, and made M. Nicholas de Cats Chasteleine or Gouernour of Shoonhouen. On the other side, Iohn duke of Brabant (who was imbarked in this quarrell with the F Flemings) woon the towne of Gertruydenberg, with all South-Holland, except the town of Dordrecht, which he besieged tenne daies, gaue many assaults vnto it, and cast in fire; the inhabitants behaued themselues valiantly, both in repulsing his attempts, and in quenching the fire; making a braue sally with Nicholas of Putten, their leader, vpon the Brabancons, whom [Page 82] they chased with their duke out of their quarters, pursuing them at the heeles, and spoyling G many good villages, euen to Boisleduc, into the which in despight of the duke, they cast fire, and burnt a good part of the towne, and so returned laden with spoiles vnto Gertruydenberg, hauing first chased away the Brabancons, then they came backe to their owne towne of Dordrecht. This done, they got a new supply of men, and vnder the commaund of the said Seignior of Putten, did fight with Guy of Flanders neere vnto Isselmond, whereas there were slain aboue two thousand Flemings, so as Guy saued himselfe with great difficultie.
During the time that Guy of Henault, bishop of Vtrecht, was prisoner in Flanders, there were two contrarie factions in the town, the which had beene enemies one to another a long time: but hearing that their prince and bishop was taken prisoner, they reconciled themselues each to other, both parties swearing faithfully to preserue and maintain the citie in good estate, H so long as their lord should remaine prisoner: but one of the parties did not long keepe their othe, for soone after Gerard of Brucken a knight was slain, standing before his doore, the murtherers going on, seised vpon the persons of Ieams of Lichtenbourg, & of the seignior of Weruher, Great alteration in Vtrecht. whom they shut vp in the castle of Vreeseburch, and soone after brought them to S. Katherins place, at mid-night, and there put them to death; which was the cause afterwards of great murthers, calamities, and miseries, in the said towne of Vtrecht. Guy of Flanders hearing of these alterations in Vtrecht, entred with his forces, displaceth the magistrats by his own authoritie, and chuseth others in their places; persuading the chapter to depose their bishop Guy, who was in prison, and to receiue in his place VVilliam of Iuilliers: the which haply hee had obtained, if VVitten, bastard of Holland, lord of Hamstede, had not come speedily from Ziricxee I to Stanfort, neere Harlem. This lord of Hamstede being entred into Harlem, with a small troupe of souldiers, displayed his banner with the armes of Holland, whereat the Kennemers, Waterlanders, and Frisons, both East and West, reioyced much, praysing God, that they had yet one captaine descended from the right line and stocke of Holland. Hee then seeing all this people well resolued to follow him, goes out of the towne in arms, to fight with the Flemings. Comming to the village of Hillegom, they had before them the gouernor of Flanders, with The lord of Hamstede defeats the Flemings. his armie, the which they quite defeated. The Frisons stript them that were slain, and laid them on a heape one vpon another, and so left them like vnto a mount of ioy, for a marke or remembrance vnto the Flemings, when they should haue any desire to returne, how they had beene intreated there; which place is at this day remarkable, by the name of Outdt-manne-pat. The K newes of this defeat were presently spred ouer all Holland. There was in the towne of Delft a valiant gentleman, named Ockenburch, who hearing of this victorie, tooke a banner with the armes of Holland in his hand, and went crying through the streets, Holland, Holland, &c. At which crie all the commons did rise in armes, chasing the Flemings out of their towne, and spoyled a good number of them: this done, the Delfois went to Leyden, where they did the like, and with them of Leyden went to la Goude, which they surprised, chased away the Flemings, and rescued their bourgesses that were prisoners there. In the meane time the lord of Hamstede arriued with his troups, who chased away the rest of the Flemings, that were about Leyden, who thinking to saue themselues in Delft, were poorely receiued, and miserably cut in peeces; so as in one street there were [...] Fleming found dead vpon the pauement: L which street is at this day called Flemings street: some to saue their liues, cast themselues from the top of the wall into the towne ditches, where they were drowned. And thus the lord of Hamstede recouered all Holland in a short time, to his great honor, and an irrecouerable losse The lord of Hamstede chaseth [...]he Flemings out of Holland. to the Flemings, from whom both he and his souldiers tooke a great and rich spoile. At the same time Nicholas de Cats, who as we haue said, had beene appointed by Guy of Flanders, gouernor of Schoonhouen, came from the castle to see and heare what was done or said in the towne: but the inhabitants laid presently hold vpon him, & sent him to the lord of Hamstede, intreating him to come vnto them, the which he did presently, with some troups, and besieged the castle, the which in the end he forced to yeeld, and the Flemings were in like sort chased from thence. M
Guy of Flanders being aduertised of the good successe of the lord of Hamstede, and of the losse of his men in so many places, aised a great & mightie armie, with the which he marched towards Vtrecht, and from thence came the third time to besiege the towne of Ziricxee, the which he straitly begirt with many trenches, blockhouses, & mounts, and battered it with his [Page 83] rammes, crossebowes, and other engines, the which did cast stones of an exceeding greatnesse. A It happened that during this siege, the Flemings cast one great stone into the towne, in the which place there was a mechanike man, the which was verie expert in casting of stones, who said, Giue me this stonie messenger, I will send it from whence it came: and hauing banded his engin, deliuered it so cunningly, as it fell vpon the engin that had first sent it, brake it all in peeces, and crusht the hand of the enginer that gouerned it. Guy of Flanders resolued to carry the towne by assault, commanding his souldiers to bring as much straw, reeds, and bauins, as they could carrie on their backs, to fill vp the ditch: which being done, hee caused his men to approach neere the walls; but the besieged presented themselues couragiously, repulsing them as well with handie blowes, as with stones. The yongest and most able defended the assault at the breach; the elder were in the towers, casting stones incessantly, and shooting arrowes as B thicke as haile; the women and maids brought them stones by heaps, that they might not faile in their defence, for want of offenciue armes. If the enemie did cast fire vpon any house, they ran speedily to quench it. To conclude, this furious assault was so manfully defended, and the enemies so valiantly repulst, as Guy was forced to leaue the assault, with losse of his men, very many being hurt, who of a long time were not able to fight: and finding that by this assault he had preuailed nothing; he caused an high caualier or mount, to be made on the North side, from the which they might discouer and see any thing that was done in the towne, & whereby the Flemings did much annoy the besieged: through the fauour whereof Guy gaue another assault, which continued from morning vntill night, where the Flemings were so valiantly repulst, as hauing lost almost 2000 men, they were forced to retire. The inhabitants finding C that they were retired, went downe into their ditches, and carried away the straw, reeds, and wood they found there; with the which straw they fed their cattell, as long as the siege continued. There was a smith within the towne, who found the means to set fire on this high caualier, that was made of wood: the Flemings running to quench this fire, were charged so thicke by the besieged, with stones and arrowes, as there was no meanes to saue it; and the flame therof mounted vp so high, as it was seen at Schiedam in Holland, wherby some did coniecture, that the towne of Ziricxee had been taken and fired. During this siege William earle of Ostreuant prepared an armie of Hollanders and Frisons, to raise the Flemings from thence. He had before written to Philip the Faire, king of France, and craued succours from him against the Flemings, the which he granted, sending him 350 ships rigged at Calais, with men and al other D equipage for war; the which being conducted by the admirall of France, arriued on S. Lawrence day, and ioyned with Cont Williams ships, beeing resolued to goe and fight with the Flemings, and to dislodge them from Ziricxee.
The Flemings (to trouble these two armies at sea, being ioined together) filled a great hulke full of fagots, mixt with pitch, rozine, salt-peter, brimstone, and oyle, the which hauing set on fire, they let it float with the tide, that it might fall among the French and Hollanders, that by the meanes of this vnquenchable fire, it might burne them, or at the least disorder & disperse them: but the wind turning contrarie, it was carried by the tide into the middest of the Flemish ships. The French and Hollanders seeing this, went to charge them, and this furious combat continued both at sea and at land, a whole day and a night, with such obstinacie & violence, E as they heard the fearefull cries of men fighting, wounded, drowning, and dying, three leagues off. In the end the Flemings were so wearied and tyred, as of themselues they fled, and the Hollanders pursued them with al violence, killing and casting ouer boord as many as they could incounter. Guy of Flanders was taken there, and sent by the admiral into France, to keep Guy of Dompierre, earle of Flanders, and his other brethren, that were prisoners, companie. There died in this battaile, of them that were slaine and drowned, a hundred thousand Flemings, A great defeat of the Flemings. besides the prisoners. The earle of Ostreuant sent eleuen hundred of their ships, and ninetie verie rich tents and pauilions into Holland. Then, after an absolute and assured victory he entred into Ziricxee, where hauing intelligence, that there were yet six thousand Flemings remaining in the downes, he sent the inhabitants of the town, which had not been at the great F battaile, to incounter them: but the Flemings seeing them approach, lifting vp their hands, made a signe that they would yeeld, and not fight, neither had they had ships to carrie them out of this island: so they were all taken prisoners, and carried to Ziricxee, with the which they recouered all the Hollanders, which the Flemings had taken in Holland during the wars, and [Page 84] by this exchange they were sent backe into Flanders. They were wont to make an annuall▪ G commemoration in the towne of Ziricxee, of this notable and famous victorie against the Flemings. Those of Ziricxee, for that they had carried themselues so valiantly during the siege, obtained goodly priuiledges from their prince. The verie day of this victorie, there appeared in heauen a great crosse of a purple color, which they held as a presage of the said victorie. The Hollanders hauing thus freed Ziricxee, and woon this goodly and famous victorie against the Flemings, by the which they did free all Holland & Zeeland; being returned into their countrey, they made hast to go and besiege Iohn de Renesse, within the towne of Vtrecht, whom The Hollanders besiege Iohn de Renesse in Vtrecht. they prouoked all they could, burning certaine mills in the suburbs, thinking that Renesse would make some sally forth vpon them: but hee fearing in the end to bee betrayed, went secretly out of the towne, to passe the riuer of Lecke; and fearing to bee pursued, hauing for his H shorter way put himselfe and his traine into a little boat, the weight of their armes, and the great number of them that were in it, made it to sinke, and so they were all drowned. This seignior The death of Iohn de Renesse. of Renesse being valiant of his person, wise & iudicious, did much harme vnto his prince, for that he had refused him a passeport, with the which he might haue gone and iustified himselfe of the accusations that were falsly suggested against him, he which Cont Iohn of Holland, by the instigation of his enemies refused him: wherein hee was verie ill advised, for the which both himselfe his successors, and all their countries haue smarted. It is a question which hath euen at this day beene debated, Whether an absolute prince, without diminution of his greatnesse and honour, may giue a safe-conduct to his vassal, to come vnto him, to iustifie himselfe, which otherwise he durst not do, by reason of the malice of his enemies. In my opinion I he may, how meane of qualitie soeuer the vassall be: for by that safe-conduct, and secret conference of the vassall with his prince, great affaires may sometimes be discouered, which may be the cause of great good, or the preuention of great mischiefe: for those that possesse the eares of princes, and that make the greatest shew of their faith and loyaltie, are not alwayes the most faithfull. And therein the prince ought not by the persuasion of some priuat persons, enuying (it may be) and malicing him that demands the safe-conduct, against whom it may bee they themselues haue suggested something, vse seueritie and rigour: for hereby he shall assure himselfe of the partie accused, by mildnesse and gentlenesse; and not as king Lewis the 11 of France, and Charles duke of Bourgoigne, did vnto the earle of S. Pol, nor the emperour Sigismond to Iohn Hus, and Ierosme of Prague, whose safe-conducts were but to intrap them: neither K can they be held other than fraudulent and deceitful, impugning and blemishing the honour and greatnesse of a prince: yea a prince ought not to make difficultie to heare any subiect, were he a poore handicrafts man, in priuat, or any one that were guiltie of any crime, although it were to sue for grace: for by that meanes oftentimes great secrets are discouered. As for example (I will omit the safe-conduct which ought to be of greater consideration) if the duke Charles of Bourgoigne, would haue heard Cyffron a gentleman of Prouence, who was condemned to be hanged, being priuy to the earle Campobachios treacherous practises, and not caused him to be sodainly executed, at the instance of this traitor, hee might haue preuented his owne death, and the ruine of his estate, which the said Campobachio had plotted with the duke of Lorraine, to the great content of Lewis the 11. And it is friuolous to say, that in L such cases, prisoners condemned make such suits to prolong their liues: for no aduertisements in matter of war, how small soeuer (from whence they may draw great coniectures, and from coniectures come vnto the proofe) are to be reiected. And therefore wee may not wonder, if things succeed not well with that prince, that relies too much on the passions of his counsellors, whom he should alwayes suspect to be enemies, or to malice and hate him, to whom they dissuade him to giue audience: and the prince ought herein (being well assured of his person) vse his owne wisedome. But let vs returne to our hystorie.
To pacifie these great quarrels, betwixt Philip the Faire, king of France, Iohn of Henault, earl of Holland, Guy bishop of Vtrecht, and Guy of Dompierre, earle of Flanders, and his three sonnes; the duke of Bourgoigne, and some other princes, were intercessors and mediators on M either side; so as in the end an accord was made betwixt them: by the which it was concluded, That Guy bishop of Vtrecht shold be set at libertie, & shold be restored to the possession of his bishoprick, the which was done. That the earle of Flanders, with his threesons, some princes and noblemen, with fortie Flemish gentlemen, should be set at libertie, by the king, the which [Page 85] returned ioyfully into Flanders, euerie one to his owne home. But the earle after his inlargement, A grew so sicke, as he died, the 20 of March 1305, and was buried at Scluce, neere vnto the 1305 Death of the earle of Flanders. contesse Marguerite, his mother. Some chronicles of Flanders say, that he died at Campeigne in France, being yet a prisoner.
Iohn of Henault, Earlé of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of West-Friseland, hauing aduertisement of the victorie which God had giuen vnto VVilliam earle of Ostreuant, his sonne, was verie ioyfull, and soone after, the second day of the ides of September 1305, departed this world The death of the Earle of Holland. in peace and rest, after that he had gouerned Henault 30 yeares, and Holland and Zeeland &c. 5 yeares, and was interred at Valenciennes. The lady Philip of Luxembourg, his wife, died soone after, and was buried by her husband. At the time of the death of the said Cont Iohn there were many noblemen, barons, knights, and squiers, that were renowned in the countries B of Holland and Zeeland: amongst the which, the most famous were Guy of Henault, lord of The chiefe nobilitie. Amstel and of Woerden, afterwards bishop of Vtrecht, brother to the said Cont Iohn, Iohn without mercie, earle of Ostreuant, who was slaine before the death of his father, at the battaile of Courtray, William who succeeded him in the said earldome of Ostreuant, his second son, afterwards Earle of Henault, Holland, Zeeland, &c. Iohn of Beaumont, earle of Blois and of Soissons, all three brethren, sonnes to the said Cont Iohn of Henault, Didier the Gentle, lord of Brederode, William and Thierry his brethren, Didier lord of Theylinghen, Iohn of Heusden, Iohn lord of Arckel, Hugh Butterman lord of Buttersloot, Albert lord of Voorne, Nicholas lord of Putten and of Stryen, Iohn lord of Leck and Polanen, Iohn lord of Hencklom, Otto lord of of Aspren and Abkoy, Ghysbrecht of Yselsteyn, Henry vicont of Leyden, Didier lord of Wassenare, C Henry lord of Vianen, Nicholas of Persin, Didier of Harlem, Witten bastard of Holland, lord of Hamstede in Zeeland, Nicholas of Cats, Peregrin lord of Lederdam and of Haestrecht, William of Egmond, Iohn lord of Elshaut Iohn seignior of Drongelon, Didier seignior of Lyenburch, Ieams vander Wuoude, Gerard of Heemskerke, Gerard of Polgeest, seignior of Almade, Simon of Benthem, Wolwin of Sasse, Adam [...] Escosse, Baldwin of Naeldwick, Floris van Duynen, Floris van Tol, all knights: Among the squiers William of Harlem, William of Assendelf, Iohn van Zil, Nicholas of Adrichom, Wouter of Wyck, were the most markable, with an infinit number of gentlemen of name and armes.
The yeare before the death of Cont Iohn of Henault, there were so great tempests, and such tides on a S. Katherines day, as many banks and dikes were broken, and carried away, in Zeeland; D and the isle of Walchren was so ouerflowne, as the countrey men were out of all hope to recouer their banks: and if William Earle of Ostreuant (who made his vsuall residence in Zeeland) and the lord of Borssele, had not preuented it at their owne charge, this island had beene lost.
WILLIAM THE THIRD OF THAT name, the two and twentieth Earle of Holland, Zeeland, and Henault, Lord of Friseland.
[Page 87] WILLIAM the third of that name, before Earle of Ostreuant, after the decease A of Cont Iohn of Henault, his father, succeeded, and was the 22 Earle of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friseland, vnited to his county of Henault, for his mildnesse, gentlenesse, equitie, and good life, hee was called The good Earle William. Hee was generally beloued of all knights, princes, & noblemen, and greatly honoured of all men: for his valour he was surnamed, The Master of Knights, & Lord of Princes. He had to wife Ioane the daughter of Charls of Valois, brother to Philip the Faire, king of France, by whom he The wife and children of Cont William had Iohn his eldest son, who died yong, VVilliam earle of Ostreuant, who was his successor, and Lewis, who died also yong; Marguerite wife to Lewis duke of Bauiere, & emperour, who after the decease of her brother VVilliam, was contesse of Henault, Holland & Zeeland, and ladie of B Friseland; Ioane who was maried to the earle of Iuilliers, & another Ioane, who was queene of England, and the fourth Elizabeth. At his comming to these earldoms and seigniories, he kept open court, whither came 20 earles, 100 barons, 1000 knights, and an infinit number of gentlemen, ladies, and gentlewomen, comming from all parts. This feast continued eight daies in all kind of sports and pastimes: afterwards the princes of Germany did chuse him vicar of the empire. He was much renowned throughout al Germanie, in respect of two strong castles which he did win neer vnto Cologne, that is Bruile & Wolmestein. He was founder of the chanory of Middlebourg in Zeeland, & walled in the town, & fortified it. This Cont VVilliam had one brother, as we haue said, called Iohn of Beaumont, who maried the daughter of the earl of Blois and of Soissons, and who by the death of his father in law, was in the right of his wife earle of C Blois and of Soissons; by which lady he had Iohn which succeeded him, father to the earls Iohn and Guy of Blois. This earle Iohn of Beaumont, obtained of the Earle of Holland, his brother, the towne of la Goude & Schoonhouen, with all rights, duties, and appurtenances, the which he repaired, and fortified the castles, to make them his residence.
In the yeare 1311, Guy of Henault, bishop of Vtrecht, vncle to Cont William the Good, intending to make a fort at Schellinkwerff, to bridle the Frisons; for the effecting whereof hee 1311 sought some firme foundation, but being sent for to assist the counsell of Vienna, he was interrupted in this worke. Being at this counsell, pope Clement the fift, at the request of Philip the Faire, king of France, would haue made him cardinall, but he refused it, desiring rather to liue quietly in his bishopricke of Vtrecht, than to be a courtier at Rome. After this counsell the D king led him with him into France, where he assigned him fiue hundred liuers of rent, to entertaine him in his friendship and good alliance. Being with the king at Pontoise, he did mediat an accord, and reconciliation, betwixt the Earles of Flanders and Holland, the which succeeded well, and these two princes were by the kings authoritie made good friends. Whilest that bishop Guy was in France, it was bruted abroad, that he was dead: and therefore the Frisons of Schellinkwerff, hauing taken armes, for that the said bishop had pretended to build a fort vpon their limits, they went to besiege his castle of Vollenhouen, in the country of Oueryssel, and did presse it all they could, with diuers kinds of batteries. The besieged (who wanted neither men nor munition) defended themselues valiantly with arrowes and slings, so as they chased the Frisons out of their suburbs; who made a high tower of wood, of three stages, E the which they manned with their best souldiers, that from the top of it they might cast and shoot more easily into the fort, approaching it within fiue foot of the wal. This great tower was couered on the outside with raw hides, and by that meanes armed against the fire: and below couered with an inclosure, against their rammes, crossebowes, and other engins of batterie: with this they laboured to beat downe the chiefe tower of the castle, and to keepe the besieged from the walls, thinking by that meanes to come easily to the scalado. Herman prouost collegiall of Deuenter, hearing in what danger his brother the chastelaine of Vollenhouen was, went speedily into France, to aduertise the bishop, into what necessitie the besieged were brought by the Frisons.
The bishop hauing taken his leaue of the king, made no delay, vntill hee were returned F into Holland, where hauing gathered together some troups, hee barked to passe into Friseland. The besieged of Vollenhouen, seeing from their highest tower, this fleet of ships at sea, knew well that they were succours, which came to free them from this siege, so as growing more couragious, they filled a barrell full of flaxe, mixt with lard, pitch, oyle, [Page 88] rosin, brimston, & saltpeter, al together, the which being kindled, they cast into the tower, vpon G that part that was neerest vnto the wall, which was the middle stage; the wind driuing it inward, did kindle it more and more, and dispersed the flames in such sort, as the fire did first burne the higher stage, then going downeward, it consumed all this great building, with fiftie Frisons in it, the fire preuenting them: and such as thought to saue themselues in leaping out of it, brake their armes and legs. The captaine of the castle, who slept not in the meane time, sallied forth, and fell vpon the Frisons camp, the which he put to rout, euery man sauing himselfe as he could: in the pursute he slew fiue hundred, and then returned to his fort. This done the Hollanders armie began to approach, ioyning to that of the bishops. Floris prouost cathedrall of Vtrecht, Iohn of Arckel, first counsellor to the bishop, Didier lord of Brederode, and Nicholas Putten, barons, and of the chiefe of the Earl of Hollands counsell, hauing prepared their H tents and pauilions, they resolued to land the next day in Friseland, and to giue battaile vnto the Frisons: but the night following there happened so violent a tempest, and such stormes of wind and raine, as their pauilions were carried away, and their souldiers wonderfully tormented and tired with the fowle weather. The next day, the tempest beeing ceased, and the skie growne cleere, about noone these noblemen, seeing that the wayes being full of water; were not passable, and that Winter approaching; they could not march far into the countrey, and much lesse do any worthy exploit, they raised their campe, imbarkt againe, and returned euery man to his home. But they had no sooner weighed anker, but the people of Friseland sent vnto them, to demaund peace, offering to repaire the faults that had beene committed by them in this warre, and presenting hostages for assurance of their reparation. The bishop seeing that I they submitted themselues vnto his mercie, sent backe the said hostages free, after that he had made an accord with them, the which was set downe in writing.
In the yeare 1316 there was so great a famine in Holland, that the poore people died for hunger, as they went in the streets; and going to seeke hearbs and roots in the woods & fields, 1316 An extreame famine in Holland. they remained statke dead in the wayes: they were growne so weake and feeble, as they were not able to stand vpon their legges: little children were found dead sucking of their mothers breasts; neither could there be a greater pitie, if the mothers had not deuoured their children. During this famine, there was a woman in the towne of Leyden, who being greatly prest with hunger, desired her owne sister, to lend her some bread, who answered her, That she had none in her house; the other insisting that she had▪ and intreating her to lend her some: If I haue any K (said she) I am content, that God shall turne it to a stone. She hauing made this execration, lying vnto God and to her sister, going soone after to her cupboord, to reach some bread, she found that by a iust iudgement of God, all was turned into stone. It is not long since that one of these stones was to be seene in S. Peters church, in the said town of Leyden. After the death of Guy bishop of Vtrecht, who died sodainly, not without suspition of poison, Cont William the Good vnited the seigniories of Amstel and Woerden, to the reuenues of Holland, where he placed bailifes, and other officers, for the gouernement of Iustice: Saying, That what the Amstel & W [...] ▪ erden vnited to Holland. bishop had inioyed, was onely by tolleration for his life, in recompence of his patrimoniall portion: and that the said seigniories were fallen before to the earledome of Holland, for the fellonies and contempt of Ghysbrecht of Amstel, and Herman of Woerden, hauing not satisfied L and performed the reparation agreed vpon▪ for the murther of Cont Floris.
In the yeare 1323, Charles the Faire, king of France, maried the daughter of the emperor Henry the seuenth, inuiting many princes, both in France, and other neighbour countries, to the 1323 solemnitie of his mariage: whither also Cont William of Holland went, with the lady Ioane of Valois, his wife, and many barons, knights, gentlemen, ladies and gentlewomen, of Henault, Holland, Zeeland, and West-Friseland. The feast was stately, and honoured with many plaies, tilts, tourneyes, and all kind of sports: but in all that, there was nothing found more admirable, nor more pleasing to the sight▪ than a giantesse, which the contesse of Holland had brought with her, borne in Zeeland, the which was so great and mightie, as the tallest men seemed but children in respect of her: and so strong of her bodie and members, as shee did lift vp in either M hand a barrell full of Hamboro beere, as lightly as if they had beene emptie casks. She herself would carrie a burthen whither you would haue her, which eight men could not carrie: and that which was most admirable in her, was that her father and mother were of a small stature, and but slender, in respect of her exceeding greatnesse.
[Page 89] In the yeare 1327 the emperour Lewis of Bauiere, being at Rome to be crowned, he sent for A the good Cont William of Holland, as vicar of the empire, to bee there, and to assist at his coronation: 1327 whereupon the Earle presented himselfe, with the earls of Gueldres, Cleues, Iuilliers, and Monts, and eight hundred choice knights, making hast to passe the alpes into Lombardy, to aid the emperour against the Guelphes, who opposed themselues against him. These noble men being vpon the way, the good Earle resolued to go himselfe in person to pope Iohn, who lay then at Auignon, and to labour (if it were possible) to reconcile the emperour vnto him: but the pope hearing of his comming, caused all the bridges vpon the riuer of Rhosne to bee broken, to hinder his passage, commanding him vpon paine of an eternall curse, to returne into his countrey, and not to go with Lewis to Rome, nor into Italie. So the Earle diuerted of his way, and of the good will he bare vnto the emperour, returned through France, where he staied B sometime with the king, and made a strict league with him, against the Flemings, who stirred vp new troubles against the king.
In the yeare 1328 Charles the Faire, king of France, entred into Flanders with an armie: the good Cont William was there also with his troups, and did lodge, ioyning vnto the king, neere 1328 vnto the mount of Cassell; the said Earle hoping well (as it was his vsuall custome) to mediat a good peace, betwixt the king and the earle of Flanders. But the Flemings being within the towne, and vpon the said mount, came downe, thinking to surprise the king sodainly. The Earl William perceiuing it, went to incounter them, charging them with such furie, that falling from a skirmish to a battaile, both armies ioyning, the Earle was ouerthrowne from his horse, and in danger of his life, or to be taken prisoner, had he not beene succoured by the earle of Ostreuant, The Earle ouerthrowne from his horse C his sonne, by Didier of Brederode, Iohn of Arckel, the vicont of Leyden, the lord of Wassenare, Iohn of Beaumont, Walter his sonne, Arnould of Cruyninghen, Iohn of Polanen, Iohn of Hamstede, and Iohn of Duyuenworde, all braue knights, by whose valour and prowesse Cont William was remounted againe, and the Flemings quite defeated. There died in this battaile about eight thousand men, the which happened the 14 of August 1328. Before this battaile the earle of Ostreuant receiued the order of knighthood, whereof he afterwards made a good and glorious proofe. Cont William his father, knowing him to be a wise and valiant knight (the better to make triall of his armes) sent him with an honourable companie of knights of Holland, Henault, Zeeland, and Friseland, into the countrey of Prussia, to make warres against the Russians, and other Infidels, with the Teuton knights, where hee carried himselfe so valiantly, D that he was feared as the lightning.
In the yeare 1332, Henry chastelaine, or gouernor of Hagensteyn, did often passe the riuer of Lecke, taking all he could find, and robbing and spoiling the countrey of Vtrecht. Iohn of Diest, 1332 bishop of Vtrecht, intreated the good Cont William, to assist him to take reuenge of him, for that of himselfe he had not forces sufficient to constrain him to make reparation of the wrongs which his men had done in his countries. The Earle sent Kusen, bailife of Rhinlandt thither, who with a troupe of Waterlanders, and of Amsterdam, ioyned with the bishops men, and hauing past the riuer of Leck together, they fell vpon the lands of the said Hagensteyn, spoyling and burning the houses of his subiects, and of his other companions of his thefts and robberies, of whom being reuenged, they returned home laden with spoile. E
In the yeare 1336, there was a countrey man in South-Holland, who had an exceeding faire and good cow, with the which he maintained his wife and children (as there are some found 1336 A historie of a bailife of South Holland, for a cow in that countrey, which giue twentie pottles of milke and more, in one day) the bailife of that quarter desiring this cow, would gladly haue bought it of the good man: but as it was all his substance and meanes to liue by, he would neuer be drawne to sell it. The bailife seeing himselfe refused, caused the cow to be taken out of the pasture, and another to be put in the place▪ the which was nothing comparable vnto it. Wherewith the countrey man beeing discontented, and seeing that hee could not haue his owne, by the aduice of his friends, hee went to complaine to the good Cont William, of this violence, being then at Valenciennes, grieuously sicke. The Earle hauing heard him, tooke pity of him, and presently caused letters to bee written F to the escoutette of Dordrecht, That all other affaires set aside, hee should come presently vnto him, and bring with him his cosin▪ the bailife of South-Holland. This escoutette hauing viewed the letters, demanded of the bailife, if he had offended the Earle in any thing; the other answered no, and that he knew not any thing, if it were not for a cow which hee had exchanged [Page 90] with a countrey man. But making no account thereof, they went together to Valenciennes. G The escoutette presented himselfe first before the Earle, to know the cause of his sending for him. The Earle hauing receiued him courteously, asked where the bailife his cosin was; who answered, That he was also come: whereupon the Earle commaunded him to enter: being entred, the Earle asked him, If he were bailife of South-Holland. Hee answered with great humilitie, So long as it shal please you my lord. The Earle asked him how al things did in Holland, and if iustice were duly administred: Very well (said the bailife) and all things are in quiet. If all things go well, and are in quiet (said the Earl) how comes it, that thou bailife, and judge of thy quarter, hast vsed force and violence against a poore countrey man, that is my subiect, taking away his cow out of his pasture in despight of him: then calling for the poore man, he asked him, if he knew him, and what he could say for his cow. The bailife answered, H That he had giuen him another. Yea, said the Earle, but if it were not so good as his, doest thou thinke to haue satisfied him therewith? no, no, not so, I will take the cause in hand, and be the judge. The bailife and the countrey man, referred themselues willingly, to what it should please the Earle to decree. Wherupon the Earl appointed the escoutette of Dordrecht, that as soone as he should returne to his house, hee should presently without delay, pay vnto the countrey man a hundred crownes of good gold, to be leuied vpon the bailifes goods, and that he should neuer after molest the countrey man, neither in word nor deed. This sentence thus pronounced, both parties were satisfied; which done, the Earl said vnto the bailife, Thou hast now agreed with the poore man, but not yet with me: then he commanded the escoutette to retire himselfe, and to fulfill what he had inioyned him, but the bailife should remain by I him, to make reparation of his fault: and hauing sent for a ghostly father, and the executioner, he condemned the bailife to loose his head, to serue for an example to others: then being confest, A memorable example of iustice. the Earle caused him to come before his bed, and he himselfe drawing out the sword, gaue it to the executioner, who cut off the bailifes head in the Earles presence, beeing thus sicke in bed; who hauing called the escoutette, said vnto him, Take your cosin with you, and beware of such facts, least the like happen vnto you. The escoutette returning to Dordrecht, carried backe the bailife in two parts, and paid the countrey man his hundred crownes.
Soone after this good Earle William, worne with yeres, and with sicknesse, called for the earl of Ostreuant, his eldest sonne, to whom he gaue many godly and fatherly admonitions; first of the loue and feare of God, then of the administring iustice equally to all men, to entertaine K his subiects in peace and rest, not to surcharge his people with extraordinarie impositions and taxes, to reuerence church men. and not to be offenciue vnto them; with many other goodly exhortations to liue well. Hauing ended his speech, he gaue vp the ghost, the 9 of Iune 1337, The death of good Cont William. after that he had gouerned the prouinces of Henault, Holland, Zeeland, and Friseland, 32 yeares. He was a very vertuous prince, victorious in war, a good man at armes, well spoken, iudicious, a great louer of peace, gratious to all men, and well beloued in all courts of princes. He was interred with great pompe, in his towne of Valenciennes. After his death, the contesse his widow went and liued among the religious women at Fontenelles, where she died fiue yeares after her husband.
We haue before made mention, how that the Frisons slew the gouernor whom the king of L Denmarke had giuen them, whose wife was deliuered six monethes after of a sonne, the which was bred vp in the court of the king his vncle. This sonne being growne great, and desirous to be reuenged of the Frisons, hauing no meanes nor power of himselfe, he intreated the king to giue him only one ship well appointed, to see if by policie he could exploit any thing against the Frisons: with this ship he entred into the riuer of Ems, where he vnderstood, that the judges and officers of the countrey of Friseland, were assembled about Groningue, he resolued therefore to cast anker there, thinking that if hee stayed any time, they would come and demaund what hee was, and what hee did, the which fell out accordingly: for the officers seeing this goodly ship in the road, went to see it, and to heare somenewes: comming neere, they demanded (according to their custom) of whence the ship was, what commodities he carried, & M whither he was bound. This yong man shewing himselfe vpon the hatches, saluted them honourably, and answered them modestly, That hee had no great marchandise in his ship, that hee was a rich marchants sonne, and that hee was desirous to see hauens and port townes, and especially the countrey of Friseland, requesting them to come aboord, and tast his wine, [Page 91] and he would do the like on land with them. They doubting nothing, went aboord: the yong A man receiued them courteously, presenting them a banquet, whereas they dranke so well, as most of them were drunke, and fell asleepe. He finding so fit an oportunitie, weighed anker, & sayled directly towards Denmarke with these drunkards, who hauing disgested their wine, found that they were cousened. This young gentleman comming into Denmarke, presented them vnto the king, who blamed their disloyaltie much, hauing murthered his lieutenant: they excusing themselues, that it was not done by them, nor in their time, besought the king to saue their liues. The king answered, although I haue good reason to put you all to death, yet I will giue you all your liues, if you can settle me in Friseland as I was before: The which they promised. In the end, the Frisons by the persuasion of one of these Iudges that was sent vnto them, were content to acknowledge the king of Denmarke for their lord, and to receiue B a lieutenant in his name, with whom the Iudges and Officers were sent home. The gouernor hauing receiued the homages of fealtie of the Frisons, caried himselfe modestly ynough for a good time, but in the end seeking to bring in the Danish lawes, and to entreat them extraordinarily beyond their priuiledges, they reuolted againe, as the Dutch Chronicle sayth, Vel odio seruitutis, vel amore libertatis, and expelled their gouernor out of their countrey.
In the life of good Cont William, the chief noblemen in Holland and Zeeland were William The chiefe nobilitie in Holland and Zeeland. earle of Ostreuant, eldest sonne to good Cont William, Iohn of Beaumont earle of Blois his brother, Henry and Didier of Brederode, brethren, Symon and Didier of They lingen, brethren also, Iohn lord of Heusden, Iohn lord of Drongelen his vncle, Iohn lord of Arckel, Didier Seignior of Valkenburch, Monioye brother to the wife of the lord of Brederode, lady of Voorne, Nicholas C lord of Putten and Streyen, Philip vicont of Leyden, lord of Wassenare, Iohn Seignior of Leck and Polanen, Iohn Seignior of Henckelom, Otto Seignior of Aspren, Iohn Seignior of Egmont, Walter his son, Ghisbrecht Seignior of Iselstein, Henry Seignior of Vianen, Iohn of Persin, Seignior of Waterlandt, Guy of Holland Seignior of Hamstede, Arnold Seignior of Cruyningen, William Seignior of Naeldwick, Floris of Spyck, Ieams vanden Voude, Floris Merwen, Didier and Herman Zwieten, brethren, Gerard of Hemskerke, Gerard of Raphorst, Gerard of Polgeest, Floris vanden Tol, Ogier van Spanghen, VVilliam Kuser baylife of Rhinlandt, Didier of Sassenhem, Daniel of Matenesse, and Didier his brother, Mathieu vanderburcht, VVilliam Osthorne, Adam van Schotlandt, Didier of Assendelf, Nicholas Oom, and Floris of Adrichom, all knights: Frederic of Seuenter, VVilliam of Assendelf, Gerard Schoten, Ieams of Bakenesse, and Floris of Bockhorst, all D squires, and many other gentlemen.
Among the chiefe families of Friseland were these of Laminga, Helbada, Roopta Ockinga, Eysinga, The chiefe families of Friseland in those daies. Decama, Tyebinga, Martena, Beyma, Offinga-huysen, Aylewa, Hiddama, Hittinga, Botnia, Roorda, Hottinga, Mamiga, Herema, Hannia, Wiarda, Hanniama, Oustema, Ripperda, Ioppama, Simada, Gerbranda, Grattinga, Reynalda, Wybalda, Gronstins, Douwa, Harweysma, Calama, Hiddama, Ieppama. Their Podestat or Gouernour at that time, which made head against the Normanes and Danes, was Regnerus Hayo à Camminga.
WILLIAM THE FOVRTH OF THAT name, the three and twentieth Earle of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friseland, and Earle of Henault.
[Page 93] WILLIAM Earle of Ostreuant and of Henault, after the death of the good A Cont William his father, was the three and twentieth Earle of Holland and Zeeland, and Lord of Friseland. Hee had to wife in his fathers life, The wife of this Cont William. the lady Ioane, eldest daughter to the duke of Lothier, Brabant, and Lembourg, by whom he had not any children. He was a hardie and warlike man, much giuen to armes, making his high chiualrie famous at his first comming to these Earledomes and Seigniories. This Earle hearing that the Spaniards had great wanes against the Saracens and Moores in the Realme of Grenado, caused a great number of shippes to bee rigged in the yeare 1338. and went into Spaine, where hauing made an alliance with the king, they went with their vnited 1338 B forces to assayle the Moores, and to besiege the towne of Grenado, the which they battered, and in the end tooke by assault, putting all to the sword that would not be baptised, and embrace the faith of Iesus Christ: then passing farther into the countrey, they spoiled and burnt all they encountred. From thence Cont William hauing taken leaue of the king of Spaine (of whom he receiued by way of courtesie many rich presents) bent his course towards Ierusalem; where, hauing visited the holy Sepulchre of our Lord, hee returned into his countrey.
Afterwards, he went with the Emperour Lewis of Bauiere, his brother in law, beeing accompanied with the Earles of Gueldres, of Zutphen, of Cleues, of Iuilliers, of Blois his brother, of Monts, of Marcke, and of many other Princes and Barons, with a goodly Armie, C to succour Edward the third, king of England, his other brother in law, and to make warre against the king of Fraunce, the which the said Edward pretended to belong vnto him: but both Armies being readie, and prepared to fight, an agreement was made betwixt the two kings, by the mediation of some, and euery one retired to his owne home.
In the yeare 1342 Cont William held open Court at la Haye in Holland, whither he inuited 1342 all Princes, Noblemen, Barons, Knights, Ladies and Gentlewomen that would come. The feast being spent in many goodly exercises of Chiualrie, in Iousts, Tourneys, and other sports: which done and ended, the Earle went with a goodly trayne of his Nobilitie, to a Tourney that was proclaymed in the towne of Beauuois, in Beauuoisin, whereas hee purchased D great honour aboue all other knights. Returning from thence into his countries, he prepared to go into Prussia, to make warre with the Teuton knights against the Infidels Russians: where he behaued himselfe so valiantly, as there was no speech but of his prowesse and valour: And after that he had runne ouer all Lithuania, Liuonia, and the frontiers of the Russians, hee returned into Holland, his men beeing laden with the wealth and spoyles of these Barbarians. Passing by Cologne, being followed by foure hundred horse, hee kept open Court there for all the princes of Germanie, by whome hee was also very honourably entertained; yea, they would haue chosen him Emperour, notwithstanding, that Lewis duke of Bauiere, his brother in law, was possessed thereof (but it was by reason of the thundering excommunications of Pope Clement) the which hee flatly refused, saying, That hee was not capable of such a charge, neyther would hee doe that wrong vnto E Lewis.
In the yeare 1345 Cont William prepared a mightie Armie to subdue the East-Frisons. 1345 Whilest that they made this preparation for warre, there past some bitter speeches betwixt them of Holland and Vtrecht, for the which the Earle defied them. They seeing themselues thus defied, a [...]ed and went to field, daring to attend the Earle in battaile, where he defeated them twice: the last was at Marendyck, betwixt Vtrecht and Montfort, where there died many of the Traiectins, the rest fled confusedly into their towne of Vtrecht. The Earle being victor and master of the field, went presently with a hundred and fiftie thousand men to besiege the towne of Vtrecht, with an intent to ruine and destroy it. There were in his armie F the duke of Lembourg, thirteene Earles, two and fiftie Barons, two thousand eight hundred knights, and much Nobilitie of the countrey of Vtrecht it selfe, who beeing discontented with the bishop and temporall prince, had taken armes against him: among others, [Page 94] Asuerus of Aibconde, and Ghisbrecht his sonne, Arnold Seignior of Iselstein, Iohn Vicont of G Montfort, Henry Seignior of Vianen, Ghisbrecht Seignior of Starkenburch, Arnold Seignior of Woluen, and Frederic of Hamme. The Earle began to inuest the towne on S. Odolphes day, and did batter it continually with great furie six weekes together: but seeing that such Vtrecht besieged by the Hollanders. a towne with such strong and high wals, was not easily woon by assault, meaning one night to sound the depth of the towne ditch, hee was shot with an arrow in the muscle of the thombe, and was carried backe into his Tent, whereof notwithstanding hee was soone cured.
Robert of Arckel, Gouernour of the Towne, Countrey, and Diocesse of Vtrecht, in the absence of the bishop his brother, beeing out of the countrey for the causes before mentioned, writ vnto the said bishop, in what sort hee was besieged by the Earle of Holland in the H towne of Vtrecht, and the necessitie hee was in, praying him to make hast to succour him. Hereupon the bishop posteth thither, and by the assistance and persuasion of Iohn of Beaumont, earle of Blois, vncle to Cont William, he obtained a peace, by the which it was said: That fiue hundred of the chiefe bourgesses of Vtrecht should come bare headed and bare Those of Vtrecht reconciled to the Earl [...]. footed before the Earle of Hollands Tent, and crie him mercie for the iniuries and infamous speeches which they had vsed against him and against his honour: and when it should please him to call them of Vtrecht to his seruice, they should bee bound to send him fiue hundred souldiers at their owne charge: That there should bee a breach made in the wall of twentie foot, by the which he should enter into the towne as a Conquerour; and that he should haue one street in the said towne at his commaundement; the which is at this day called I the Hollanders street: first, a truce was concluded vntill Saint Martins: during which time, the aboue recited conditions of peace were set downe: but they were not effected; for that Cont William, during the said truce, went to make warre in East-Friseland; where, being entred without order, and not knowing the passages of the countrey, Iohn of Henault sonne to the Earle of Blois, came to the Cloyster of Saint Odolphe, where hee planted his campe in a faire plaine, called Zuytbeuer, on the sea side: a part of his Hollanders not staying vntill the rest of the armie were landed▪ went to skirmish with the Frisons, chasing part of them into Staueren, and the rest into Saint Odolphes; where, going to set vpon them in their trenches, the Frisons defended themselues so couragiously, that many of the Hollanders lost their liues there. Cont William knowing nothing of this skirmish, landed on K the North side of the Cloyster, and aduauncing with fiue hundred men, burnt the first village he found, and at the first charge he gaue against the Frisons, with his owne hand hee slew a gentleman that was a captaine, who had valiantly defended himselfe vnto the death, and would neuer yeeld to bee a prisoner. The other bands of Frisons seeing this captaine dead, and the villages burne, fell like mad men with great furie vpon this small troupe of Hollanders, whom they defeated: and there Cont VVilliam was slame vnknowne, before Cont William slaine, and leaues no lawfull heires. the rest of the armie could aduaunce; who marching in disorder, were likewise charged. The Frisons encouraged the more by the defeat of the first fiue hundred Hollanders, and of the Earle their Generall, did fight with such great furie and courage, as they did put the Armie to rout, with such confusion, that many were slaine before they could recouer L their shippes, and there were as many drowned through hast, as that saued themselues. This vnfortunate encounter happened in the yeare 1346, vpon the foure and twentieth of 1346 September, in the same place whereas the Earles of Holland were vsually accustomed to hold their seat of Iustice, when they came into East-Friseland. It was the eight yeare of the raigne of the said Earle. Renauld the blacke, earle of Gueldres, had foretold his death, as hee held him at the Font to bee christened, by vttering these words: This child shall bee one day slaine by the Frisons. There were slaine in this defeat of the Hollanders about eighteene thousand men, and almost as many drowned, with some fiue hundred knights, the most apparent whereof were these: The Lords of Horne, Lygny, Walcourt, Manin, Antoin the Seignior of la Vere, Floris of Borssele, the Seigniors of Cruningen, Romerswael, M Hamstede, Merwede, all Barons: Gerard with the great beard, VVilliam of Naeldwyck, Symon and Didier of Meylingen, Guido of Aspren, Iohn Regnier, William of Montfort, Didier of Sandtfort, Herman of Zwieten, Floris of Merwe, Oger of Spangen, Gerard Euer, Alfert of Bergerhorst, [Page 95] Nicholas Oom, William of Drongen, Didier of Valewort, and Gerard Florinuille, all choice A knights, with a great number of other Nobles, Knights, and Gentlemen. Tenne daies after this defeat, Martin Commaunder of the knights of Saint Iohn in Harlem, went into Friseland, and sought for the Earles bodie: the which beeing knowne by some markes, hee caused it with eight other dead bodies of Noblemen, to be brought to the cloyster of Fleurchamp, neere vnto Boswaert. The Contesse Ioan of Brabant his widow went to her father, and was maried to Wenselin duke of Luxembourg, second sonne to Iohn king of Bohemia, of whom we haue formerly spoken.
Cont William the fourth left one bastard called Daniel vanden Poel, the which hee had of a Gentlewoman called Alix vander Merwe of Ghertruydenbergh, leauing no other lawfull child that might succeed him, the Empresse his sister remaining his sole heire. B
MARGVERITE EMPRESSE, THE 24. commaunding in Holland, Zeeland, and Friseland, Contesse of Henault.
MARGVERITE EMPRESSE, THE A 24. commanding in Holland, Zeeland, and Friseland, Countesse of Henault.
LEVVIS of Bauaria Emperor of Romains, hearing of the death of Cont William of Holland, slaine in warre by the Frisons, whose eldest sister he had marryed, and had left no children, caused the Princes of the Empire to assemble, to whom he declared, that the Earledomes of Holland and Zeeland, and the siegneorie of Friseland, for want B of heires lawfully begotten of the said William, were falne vnto the Empire. Wherevpon the Emperor interposing his authoritie, (for that the Empresse his wife pretended an interest, as sole heire to her Brother, saying, that those fees were as well Feminine as Masculine, as it did appeare by The Earledomes of Holland, and Zeeland, ad [...]dged to the Empresle, sister to cont William. the succession which Iohn Earle of Henault had after the death [...] Iohn Earle of Holland, sonne to Cont Floris the 5.) adiudged the said Earledomes an [...] siegneories to the Lady Marguerite his wife. This being done, the same yeare 1346. the said Empresse being well accompanied with Princes, Earles, Barons, Knights, Ladies, and Gentlewomen, went downe by the Rhine into Holland, where she was honourably receiued in all places C with great pompe; and acknowledged Lady and Princesse of the said Countries of Holland, Zeeland, and Friseland. Hauing receiued their homages and fealties, she did greatlie increase their liberties and freedomes, and made a truce for two yeares with the Bishop She takes possessió of those countries. of Vtrecht. She did make forfeit all the goods which the Frisons might haue in her Countries of Holland, Zeeland, and West-Friseland (whereof the Earles had beene long in quiet possession) aswell Ecclesiasticall as Temporall; the which she sould to diuers persons, without any future hope of recouerie or restitution, by reason of the death of Cont William her Brother. Among other Cleargie goods, there was solde the Village and siegneorie Confiscation of [...]cclesiasticall good [...]. of Marcke, belonging to the Abbay of Marien-garde, of the order of Premonstrez, scituated in Friseland, which the Abbot and Couent had bought of Nicholas of Pers [...] D Lord of Waterlandt.
This Empresse Marguerite had by the Emperor Lewis of Bauraia her husband, one sonne called William which was the eldest; Albert the second, and Lewis the yongest, called The empero [...] children by the empresse [...]. the Romaine, for that he was borne at Rome, during the time of her husbands coronation: which three sonnes were all intituled Dukes of Bauaria; not that they were proprietaries in possession, but for that they were issued from the right stocke of a Duke of Bauaria: for the Emperor Lewis was but second sonne to Lewis Duke of Bauaria, Palatin ofRhine. The Duchie of Bauaria hath alwaies had that priuiledge, that all those which were descended of the bloud of Dukes, might also intitle themselues Dukes, although they had not a foote of land. The which is at this day vsed in all the families of the Princes E of Germanic, yea among Earles and Barons. This William the Emperors eldest sonne, was at the beginning made Earle of Oesteruant; and Albert was siegneor of Nubingen. William of B [...]uaria the empresse son gouernor of Holland. The said Lady Empresse hauing taken possession of all these Countrie [...], before her returne into Germanie to the Emperor her husband; she appointed the said Cont William her Sonne and successor in the said Countries, Regent of Holland, Zeeland and Friseland, vpon condition that he should pay vnto her yeerely ten thousand French Crownes, or for want of payment, that she might resume and take vnto her againe all the profit of the said siegneories as before, of which resignation letters Pattent; were drawne, and promises made in the presence of many Princes and Prelates. Yet a while after through ill councell the Earle would not hold nor performe any thing, touching the pension, carrying I himselfe like an absolute Prince, as we will presently shew.
The Bishop of Vtrecht, after the death of Robert of Arckel, his Brother and Lieutenant The bishop of Vtrecht goes to liue priuatly in France. temporall being siaine in Battaile neere vnto Liege, finding himselfe greatly indebted, to spare and to pay his debts, he retired himselfe to Tours in France, meaning to liue [Page 98] there as a man vnknowne with a small traine, during the truce which hee had with the A Empresse, Countesse of Holland, leauing in this diocesse sixe Noblemen or Knights to gouerne, during his absence. In the yeare 1348. the Bishoppe finding the truce to bee well neere ended, returned into his countries, and found his debts rather increased then diminished through the ill husbandrie of the sayd sixe Gouernors. Eight dayes after the expiration of the truce, on Saint Marguerites day, the Bishop went out of Vtrecht with a great number of his Bourgesses in armes, and camped in the open The bishop of Vtrecht goes to field. plaine neere vnto the great Village of Emenesse. The Hollanders being not farre of, went to fight with them, so as this skirmish turned into a battaile, in the which those of Vtrecht had the better, the Hollanders were put to route, and many of the inhabitants of Emenesse He defeate [...] the Hollande [...]s. slaine vpon the place. Melis of Muyden commander of the Hollanders troupe, B was taken prisoner and put to a great ransome. Those of the said Village of Emenesse (which hath not lesse then a good French league in length) were forced to leaue their new title which they had giuen themselues, calling themselues East-Hollanders, to resume their ancient name of Emenesse, and to subiect themselues vnder the obedience of the Bishop, and of the Diocesse of Vtrecht, as they be yet at this day. The Empresse resume [...] againe the gouernment of Holland.
After the death of the Emperor Lewis of Bauaria, the Empresse Marguerite his widdow came into Holland, to Dordrecht, whither shee sent for Duke William her sonne: who being come, resigned vnto the said Lady his Mother, the gouernment and possession of her Counties of Holland, Zeeland and Friseland, the which before she had deliuered into his hands for an annuall pension of ten thousand Crownes, of the which he had not The Earle her sonne retires into Holland. C to that day paid any thing. This reintegration made, William retired into Henault, his mother remaining sole Lady & regent of her countries, the which she gouerned but loosely.
In the yeare 1349. the Bishop of Vtrecht gathered together a great number of soldiers, 1349. The bishop of Vtrecht makes warre in Holland. with the which he entred into Holland, and besieged the towne of Oude-water, the which he tooke by force, burnt a part of it, and carried away many prisoners, besides other spoile: at which siege there dyed of the Bishops men, Iohn of Rysenburch, two brothers of Lichtenburch, Ieames, Ihon and Euerard of Dryel, three brethren all Knights, with many Gentlemen and good Bourgesses of Vtrecht. The Hollanders mooued with the losse of this towne, leuied an Armie to enter into the Bishops countrie. Hee on the other side gathered together all the soldiers and Bourgesses hee could, with the which hee went and D camped before Schoonhouen, where there was a furious charge and a hard incounter: but in the end the Hollanders were put to route; the Bishops men remaining maisters The Hollanders de [...]eated A truce betwixt t [...]e Hollanders and Vtrecht. of the field. There were prisoners among others Ghysbrecht of Langerack. Herpert of Lyesuelt and Conrade of Oosterwyke knights, with many squiers & soldiers, who were put to ransome, the which yeelded a good sum of money vnto the Bishop. Soone after by the meanes of some Noblemen, a truce was made vnto Saint Martin in the yeare 1350. 1350.
In that yeare there sprong vp two most dangerous factions in the countrie of Holland, whereby they were long afflicted with great miseries and calamities, almost to their totall [...] in Holland of Cabill [...]ux and Hoe [...]ks. ruine. Those of the one party were called Cabillaux or Merlus, the which is a deuouring fish in the Sea: by which terme they meant, that those of this partie should swallow vp E their aduersaries. Those of the other faction termed themselues Hoecks, with the which they catch fish; as if they would say. If you thinke to swallow vs vp we will first take you with a hooke. The chiefe of the Cabillautin faction were Iohn Lord of Arckel, father to the Bishop of Vtrecht; Iohn Lord of Egmond, Gerard Seigneor of Hemskerke, with many other Noblemen and Knights of the Hoecketins partie. Didier Lord of Brederode, Philip Vicont of Leyden Lord of Wassenarie, Iohn Lord of Leck and of Polarien, Ieames Lord of Binckhorst, and many other both Knights and Gentlemen. It was a cursed plague which Sathan had powred into the hearts of the Hollanders: the which brought forth nothing but hatred, quarels, rancor, hostillities, rapines, violence, detraction, false reports, deadly foods, ruine, and desolation ouer all the country. In which two factions, the chiefe F Noblemen and Barons were ingaged, seeking nothing but to ruine and destroy one an other. For as our Lord IESVS CHRIST saith. Euery Realme diuided in it selfe shall be desolate. And Salust in his Historie of the Iugurthin warre: Small things increase by concord, but by discord great things come to ruine. Cicero in his Booke of Friendship saith; What [Page 99] house is so strongly builded, what Citie so surely seated, the which by hatred and discord may not A perish? As we may see by the destruction of Rome at diuers times: of Bologne, of Genoa, and of many others, the which haue beene ruined by diuision, from the which God by his grace preserue all estates and common-weales that flourish at this day.
The factions increasing more and more in Holland, and the consuming fire of this intestine discord kindling more dayly, not onely in the hearts of Noblemen, but also in the commons, was the cause of great murthers, spoiles, robberies & burnings of either side. These heart-burnings increasing, the Cabillautins sent their deputies to duke William The fruites [...] factions, to stir the sonn [...] against the mother. of Bauaria Earle of Osteruant, the Empresse eldest sonne, being then resident in Henault; intreating him to come into Holland, to vnder-take the gouernment of the country; hauing decreed among them, no longer to indure the Mothers rule. At the B first he refused it; but they did so importune him, as in the end he came secretly to the towne of Gorrichom. Those of Delf hearing of his comming, went vnto him, and carried him by force into their towne, making him their head and Captaine generall, with whom, or by his commandement they issued often forth, spoiling the Villages and country houses belonging to the Hoeketins. In the end the Townes of North-Holland, the Kennemers, and the West-Frisons, receiued him for their Lord and Prince, doing the homage and taking the othe due vnto the Earles of Holland, in despight of the Cont Willia [...] receiued in Holland. Empresse their naturall Princesse his Mother. The Hoeketins seeing themselues thus ill intreated by the Cabillautins, had their recourse & refuge vnto the Empresse, whose party they held, and began to furnish their townes, Castels, and Forts, with men, victualls C & munition of warre. On the other side the Cabillautins went to befiege their places, and to batter and beat downe their Castles, whereof they did ruine seuenteene in lesse then a yeare. The Empresse writte vnto her Sonne, that she wondred at his presumption, that he would intermedle with her authoritie and command, seeming to bee very much incensed against the townes of Holland. The Earle answered, that the country did belong vnto him by right of donation, which she had made vnto him. And refusing to giue ouer his course begun, the Empresse with the succours which the Queene of England her sister had sent her, made a goodly armie, with the which she imbarked, and went and landed at La Vere in Zeeland. Earle William landed with his troupes in the same Iland, whereas both armies of the Mother and the Sonne being entred into A battaile betwixt the mother and the sonne. D fight one against an other, the combate was furious and bloudie, great numbers being slaine and drowned on either side. In the end God gaue the victory to the Mother, so as the Sonne escaped with great difficulty, and fled into Holland. This battaile was in the yeare 1351. 1351.
William of Bauaria being safely returned into Holland, made hast to leuie new forces, and to raise a greater armie then the first: the which consisted of Hollanders, Kennemers The sonne raiseth a [...] armie. and Frisons, with the succours of many Lords and Knights; of Iohn Lord of Arckel, Iohn Lord of Calenbourg, Iohn Lord of Egmont, the Lady Mathilda van Voorne, widow to the Lord of Walckenbourg; Gerard of Heemskerke, Gerard of Harler, and many other Knights, Gentlemen, and good soldiers, which came vnto him out of the E countries of Cleues, Geldres and Germanie, with the which armie hee gaue a day, and appointed a place vnto his mother, to haue his reuenge in open battaile betwixt Bryele and Grauesand. The Empresse had her armie composed of good soldiers, English, Henniuers, Zelanders & Walcharins, & accompanied with a great number of Barons, The sonne d [...] fines his moth [...] to battaile. Knights and Gentlemen. She like a couragious and noble minded Princesse, making no doubt of a second victory, marched against her sonne, and caused her men to begin the charge. The two armies at the first incounter, charged one another with such animositie and furie, as there was nothing to be seene but glaiues, broken lances, a thicke A second battaile. shower of Arrowes in the ayre, breaking of harnesse, cutting in sunder of targets, and bucklers, and heads, armes and legges falling to the ground; there was nothing to bee F heard but the cryes, with the lamentable and fearefull groanes of men wounded and dying, the bloud ranne ouer the field like a violent streame: to conclude, there was such murther and spoile on either part, with such obstinacie and continuall furie, as they could hardly iudge of the issue of the battaile, vntill that the Empresse troopes opprest [Page 100] and tired with the great numbers of the Hollanders armie, to saue themselues ranne into The mother defeated. A ditches and riuers, where they were drowned, so as all the Empresse armie was put to route, and shee fled in a small Barke into England. The Generall of the English troupes was slaine, and lyes buried in the Church of Losdanen, where as his tombels yet to be seene in blacke Marble. Costin of Renesse, Floris of Hamstede, and many other Noblemen, Knights, and Gentlemen were also slaine there, with an infinite number of good soldiers. There was in this battaile (which was in the same yeare 1351) so much bloud spilt, as for three dayes after, the old riuer of Meuse at a full sea was all redde in 1351. that place. Finally after that so many valiant men had lost their liues there, and whereas the Lord Didier of Brederode, and many Knights on the Empresse part were taken prisoners: there was an accord made betwixt the mother and the sonne. By the which it was B agreed that the Empresse should hold the Countie of Henault during her life, and An accord betwixt the mother and the sonne. Duke William should haue the quiet possession of Holland, Zeeland and Friseland. After this battaile the Empresse liued yet fiue yeares, and dyed at Valenciennes in her countrie of Henault, where she was interred.
Notwithstanding this accord made betwixt the Mother and the Sonne (yea after her death, when as Duke William was sole and absolute Lord of the Counties of Henault, Holland, Zeeland, and Friseland) the factions of the Cabillaux and the Hoecks were The factions cease not. not mortified, but did continue their hatred aboue a hundred and fiftie yeares after, vntill that time of Maximillian the first, as we shall shew in its place.
WILLIAM OF BAVARIA, THE 5. OF that name, the 25▪ Earle of Holland, and Zeeland, Lord of Friseland, and Earle of Henault, called the madde.
[Page 102] AFter this cruell and bloudie battaile fought vpon the bankes of A the old riuer of Meuse, as we haue said, William Duke of Bauaria Palatin of Rhine, Earle of Holland and Zeeland, and Lord of Friseland (according to the accord whereof we haue made mention) was absolute Prince of the said Prouinces: Then after the decease of the Empresse his Mother, did also inherite the county of Henault. Hee had to wife the Lady Mathilda daughter to Cont Williams wife had no [...]. Henry Duke of Lancaster in England, by whom hee had not any children.
In the yeare 1355. this Earle by the bad aduise of some of his councell, thrust on by 135 [...]. The Earle de▪ fies the bishop of Vtrecht. B their priuate passions, sent about S. Martins time in winter, to defie the Bishop of Vtrecht, being seconded by many Noblemen, Knights and Gentlemen of the country of Vtrecht it selfe, who ioyning with the Earle for some discontent, did also defie him: among the which were Arnold of Yselstein, Iohn of Culenbourg, Ghysbrecht of Vianen, Iohn of Culenbourg, sonne to Iohn lord of Woudenbourg, Iohn of Haerlaer: Iohn seigneor of Langerack, Ghysbrecht of Nyeuwenrood Knights, then the siegneors Iohn of Blomstein, Zouthin Vanden Rhin, Hubert van Schoonhouē, Zuveer vā Nesse, Gerard van Vlyet & the siegniors of Sleydon, and of Dyckelen strangers, came to succor the Earle, which 2. strangers being entred into the territories of Vtrecht, thinking to go to Oudwater, being vnskilfull in the passages and wayes, they approched too neere the towne C of Montfort, which was of the Bishops party and well affected vnto him, as their soueraigne Lord, and depending on him. The Bourgesses of Montfort hauing discouered them (although that Assuerus Vicont of the said towne was not there, being then at Two strange knights [...]aken p [...]oners. Vtrecht) went out in Armes, and fell vpon these two Knights and their traine, whom they defeated and tooke prisoners. Cont William hauing a goodly armie readie, accompanied with a good number of Princes, great Noblemen, Barons and Knights of Holland, Zeeland, Friseland and Henault, entred with ensignes displaied into the territories of Vtrecht to forrage and destroy it. Approching neere vnto the Towne of The Ea [...]le enters the country o [...] Vtrecht with [...]n armie. Wiickter-duyrstede, he went and lodged ioyning to the village of Motten, where hee camped eight dayes, to see if the Bishop (who was a souldier) would come forth to D giue him battaile, during which time his men spoiled all the villages about. The Bishop would willingly haue hazarded a battaile, if the inhabitants would haue gone forth and followed him to the field. But the Lords of Yselstein, Culenbourg and Vianen, were so well beloued, and had such good correspondencie with the chiefe of the towne, as they would not take armes against Cont William. And withall, those of the great Bourg of Emenesse, were againe reuolted from the Bishop, and ioyned to the Hollanders, causing [...] f [...]om the bishop. themselues to be written among the members of Holland. During the Earles stay in this village of Motten, Iohn of Egmond marched with a troupe of Hollanders towards Bunschoten, those of the towne sallyed forth vpon them, comming to skirmish with them, but they were so well entertained, as they had no better leisure then to E seeke for their towne gates, leauing some seuentie men behind them. This done the Earle returned with his armie laden with good booty. The Bishop much greeued and discontented to see his country ruined euen vnder his nose, sought all the meanes hee The bishop take [...] W [...]p by assault and then Muyden. could to be reuenged of the Hollanders: And the yeare following 1356. hauing leuied a small armie, went and campt before the Towne of Wesep, the which hee battered in such sort, as hauing made a great breach, the fourth day of the siege hee tooke it by assault, the inhabitants leaping ouer the walles into the ditches to saue themselues: then he tooke the towne and castell of Muyden, a quarter of a league from Wesep, and then returned to Vtrecht halfe reuenged, carrying with him great spoiles and many good prisoners. The same yeare Assuerus Vicont of Montfort (then Marshall of the campe The [...] of Mont [...]ort [...] from the bishop. F to the Bishop) by the meanes of Arnold of Yselstein, treated an accord with the Earle of Holland: and reuolting from the Bishop to gratifie the said Earle, hee freed out of prison the siegneors of Sleyden and of Dyckelen, with their squires and all their traine, sending them free vnto the earle, the which the bishop tooke very impatiently, for that [Page 103] he maintained the said prisoners to be his, the said Vicont being his marshall, whereof A vntill that time he had neuer giuen him any accompt.
A while after Ghysbrecht of Nyenroode, a Knight and a braue Captaine, by the commandement of the Earle of Holland, gathered together a good troope of men, both of foote and horse-back, of the countrie it selfe, (to take reuenge for Wesep and Muyden) hauing drawn them to Naerden, he marched directl to the towne of Zoest, the which he spoiled and burnt: Otto of Lare then Marshall to the Bishop, went forth with all his forces to Emelandt, meaning to fight with Ghysbrecht and his Hollanders. These two Captaines hauing ioyned in fight together, the siegneor of Nyenroode, was wounded A comb [...]te betwixt two commander [...]. almost to the death, and carried speedily out of the presse. Those of the towne of Amersfort, who were with the Marshall Otto, were so roughly charged by the Hollanders, B as they began to wauer, and there the said Marshall was slaine with 36. Amersfordins, in the end the Hollanders remained Maisters of the field: then hauing put the siegneor of Nyenroode (being wounded) in a safe place, they retired by the marshes & Fens, and entred safe into Naerden. The bishop marching to succour his Marshall with fresh men, arriued too late.
In the yeare 1357. Cont William reioycing at the victory which his men had gotten against them of Amersfort, entred himselfe in person with his armie into the country 1357. Cont Willi [...] himselfe enters into the country of Vtrecht. of Vtrecht, he camped at Hooghewoert, destroying all that was there-abouts, sending Iohn of Egmond with some troupes, to besiege the Castell of Stephen of Nyeuelt, the which he battered for the space of sixe weekes with great and mighty Engins, wherewith C he brake downe the walles: and although the said siegneor of Nyeuelt were well prouided and furnished of all things, yet he yeelded vp the place by composition to the Earles mercy. The Hollanders hauing it in their power, set fire of it, and ruined it to the ground, hauing receiued no such command from the Earle their Prince.
After all these petty warres and spoiling one of another, in the end by the mediation of some good Noblemen, there was a peace concluded betwixt the Earle and the bishop A finall accord betwixt the Earle and bishop. of Vtrecht, by the which it was ordered, that either of them should returne to his owne home, laying aside armes. That those of the Bourg of Emenesse should returne (as they had been accustomed) vnder the Bishops obedience. That the Lord of Vianen with the assistance of the towne of Vtrecht, should build againe his Castell of Ghoreel. D That all prisoners on eyther part should bee set free without ransome: and especially that the seuen Gunterlins banished out of the towne of Vtrecht, should re-enter freely, that was Henry Vanden-Rhine Prouost of the collegiate church of Saint Ihon in Vtrecht: Pelerin his brother, Iohn of Woerden: Ghysbrecht Gunter Hoogue-land; Gerard and Didier Bolle brethren: Iohn Witten sonne to Rodolphe, and Peter Kanmaker, all which had beene to succor the Lord of Vianen at the siege of Ghoreel, with many others. After this Iohn of Arckel bishop of Vtrecht liued two yeares in rest, without any warres, the which he had not done during all the time that he had gouerned his bishoprick.
In the yeare 1358. on Saint Georges day, Edward the third King of England kept a 1358. sollemne feast and open Court for all commers, Princes, Barons, Knights, Ladies and E Gentlewomen, whether William of Bauaria Earle of Holland was also inuited, both by the King and the Queene his Ante, of whom he was honourably receiued with great shewes of loue. At his returne from this voyage into Holland, this poore Prince (I know not by what vnknowne accident) was distempered of his sences and vnderstanding, so as (being very big and strong of all his members) he slue Gerard of Wateringhen The Ea [...]le of Holland becomes mad. a Knight with one blow with his fist, so as they were forced to shut him vp, and to set good garde vpon him, where he was ke [...]t for the space of nineteene yeares, vntill he dyed. Hauing before his distemperature gouerned his countries of Holland, Zeeland and Friseland seauen yeares, and Henault two. Foure yeares after him dyed also the Lady Mathilda his wife, who lyes interred in the Abbay of Rhynsbourg by Leyden. F
ALBERT OF BAVARIA 26. EARLE of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friseland, and Palatin of Henault.
[Page 105] DVke William of Bauaria, Earle of Holland, Zeeland and Henault, A Lord of Friseland, being as we haue said distracted of his sences, & put into safe keeping: the faction of the Hoecks & Cabillaux reuiued: for the Cabillautins would haue the lady Mathilda wife to the Diuision betwixt the two factions for the gouernement. said Cont William to be gouernesse of the said Countries; but for that the said lady had no children, the Hoeketins did choose Albert of Bauaria, Palatin of Rhine, siegneor of Nubingen, brother to the said Cont William. The Nobles of the Contie of Henault, consented for their parts to this election, and sent a notable Ambassage vnto him into Bauaria, Albert duke of Bauaria called by the Hoeketins. beseeching him that hee would take vpon him in his brothers place (who was distempered in his braine) the gouernment of the said countries. Albert vnderstanding the iust B request of the Estates by their Ambassador, went well accompanied with many Barons, He is receiued for gouernor. Knights and Gentlemen, going downe by the riuer of Rhine into Holland, where he was honorably receiued of both parties, as well Cabellaux as Hoekes, and acknowledged as Tutor to the Earle his brother, and gouernor of his countries and siegneories. Then it was agreed that he should pay yeerely vnto the Countesse Mathilda his sister in lawe, the summe of twelue thousand French crownes, and no more: by meanes of which accord Hee agrees with his sister in lavve. both parties were content, and continued good friends, but not long.
This Prince Albert of Bauaria, had receiued the order of Knight-hood before, making warre in the country of Granado against the Moores and Sarazens. At the first hee was married vnto Marguerit daughter to the Duke of Briga in Polonia, by whom hee had C three sonnes and foure daughters: the eldest was called William Earle of Osteruant, who Alberts wiues and children. was borne in the yeare 1365. the second named Albert siegnior of Nubingen who dyed yong: the third was Iohn chosen bishop of Liege, borne in the yeare 1374. The eldest daughter Katherine was first married to Edward Duke of Gelders, and Earle of Zutphen: after whose decease being yet a virgin, she married with Duke William of Iuilliers and of Geldres, but she had not any children. The other daughter named Ioane, had to husband Venceslaus King of Romaines, and of Bohemia, sonne to the Emperor Charles the 4. who also had not any children; Marguerite the 3. daughter, married with Iohn Duke of Bourgongne, By this Marguerite, the earldome of Holland, Zeeland and Henault, came to the house of Bourgongne. Earle of Flanders and Arthois, sonne to Duke Phillip the hardie, by whom shee had Phillip Duke of Bourgongne, called the good (and afterwards Duke of Brabant, Lembourg D and Luxembourg, Earle of Flanders, Arthois, Henault, Bourgongne, Holland, Zeeland and Namur, Lord of Friseland) and foure daughters: the first Iolente Countesse of Poitiers: the second Anne Countesse of Bedford: the third Agnes Duchesse of Bourbon, and the fourth Ioane, wife to Duke Albert of Austria, by whom shee had one sonne called Albert, who married the daughter of Sigismond King of Hongarie, who afterwards was Emperor of the Romaines: after whose decease this Duke Albert did inherit all these realmes in the right of his wife, and was afterwards chosen Emperor, but he raigned not long, for hee died in the flower of his age: his wife was brought in bed soone after his death of a sonne named Lancelot, who dyed at two and twenty yeares of age, leauing no children. This Albert had one cousin germaine, sonne to his fathers brother, named Frederick, E who afterwards was also Emperor, the third of that name; and had to wife the daughter of the King of Portugall, by whom hee had Maximilian Archduke of Austria, who was also Emperor, the first of that name, who had to wife Mary, the daughter and sole heire of Charles the Warlick, Duke of Bourgongne, who was slaine before Nancie, by whom he had one sonne named Philip, and a daughter named Marguerite▪ Philip married with Ioane daughter to Ferdinand King of Arragon, and to Elizabeth Queene of Castille. Marguerite was married to Iohn Prince of Castille and of Arragon, who dyed yong, and after married againe to the Duke of Sauoy. Philip had by the said Lady Ioane his wife two sonnes, Charles the [...]ift, and Ferdinand, both Emperors; and foure daughters, Elenor, Ioane, Mary and Elizabeth. The Emperor Charles the sift had one onely sonne, F Philip king of Spaine, Lord of the Low-countries, father to King Phillip the third, now raigning. Behold in briefe the genealogie of the Kings of Spaine, and of foure or fiue Emperors issued from the houses of Holland, Bourgongne and Austria. As for the second wife of Duke Albert of Bauaria Earle of Holland, of whom wee now intreate, wee will [Page 106] speake of her hereafter. The said Cont Albert displaced Iohn of Blauwestein from the A Baylewike of Kermerlandt, inuesting Renald the eldest sonne to the Lord of Brederode in his place: the which those of the faction of the Cabillautins tooke in very ill part, and The Cabillautins seeke to kill the yong lord of Brederode. laide ambushes neere vnto the village of Castrichom to kill him when hee should passe that way. One day this yong Nobleman doubting no harme, riding towards Castrichom, he incountred them that lay in ambush for him, but hauing discouered them a good way of, he saued himselfe by flight; they pursued him, and slew three of his seruants. Those of the village of Castrichom seeing it, went to armes to defend their new Bayliffe, so as they were forced to retire. Some of them saued themselues in the Castell of Walter of Hemskerke, the rest fled to Delf, where they were receiued, for that the said towne was of the Cabillautins faction. B
Cont Albert hearing of these newes, did presently leuie some troupes, and marched towards Kermerlandt, where he besieged the Castell of Hemskerke, for that Walter who The castell of Hemskerke besieged for Cont Albert. was Lord thereof, had receiued those way-layers; at which siege he left for chiefe commander the Lord of Polauen, who was afterwards also Lord of Asprene, and from thence he went into Zeeland, for some affaires of importance. The siegneor of Hemskerke a valiant and resolute Knight, hauing furnished his castell with all things necessary to maintaine a siege, was resolued to defend himselfe, wherein he carried himselfe valiantly for a long time: but the Lord of Polauen, besieged it so straightly, and battered it so furiously for the space of eleuen weekes, that he was forced to yeeld his Castell, himselfe, and all his men prisoners vnto the Earle, to attend how he would dispose of him, for reparation C of his fault; yet some yeares after he was receiued againe into fauour, and his castell restored vnto him. But when he died, for that he left no children, this castell of Hemskerke was vnited to the reuenues of the Earledome of Holland, yet some of his kinsmen haue since inioyed it in proprietie, with the downes, warrens, and other rights.
Those of Delfe, friends to Walter of Hemskerke and the besieged, seeing into what extremitie they were reduced, did rise against Cont Albert (to whom they had sworne fealtie) The Delfoi; reuolt. and leuied men vnder the command of Iohn Nyen [...]de. Iohn siegneor of Keruene bastard of Arckil knights, with Henry of Woerden and Gerard Wys Squiers, and a number of bourgesses, went out of the towne to besiege the castell of Polauen and Binkhorst, the which they tooke and fiered. This done, they went to the Hage and brake open the prisons, and drew out all the prisoners of the castell of Hemskerke, whom they led with them D into their towne; all this was done whilest that the Earle was busied in Zeeland: who hauing newes of this rebellion, made hast to returne into Holland, with an intent to punish them: he came to the Hage, whether he sent for all his Nobilitie and men at armes, with all the inhabitants of Townes that he could gather together; besides the succors he had from some neighbour Princes, who offered him men for pay: with all those forces hee went to besiege Delfe; he held his siege before it ten weekes and two daies, causing it to Cont Albert besiegeth Delf. bee battered and assaulted in diuers places. The siegneors of Nyenroede, of Keruene, Van Woerden and Wys, maintained themselues valiantly a long time. But this resistance did auaile them little, for the Earle caused foure great Engins of batterie to bee approached, with the which he did continually beat the walles of the towne, the which did so E amaze and perplex the inhabitants, as on Whitson eue they began to speake of an accord, in time, rather then being forced to make a composition which might be dishonest and The inhabitants speake of a composition. preiudiciall. The Captaines hearing that the inhabitants began to speake of a treatie, being assembled in the old church, they let them vnderstand, that they held it the best course to trie their fortunes, and the next night to attempt som-thing vpon the enemies campe, The captaines oppose. whereby happily they might put them in disorder, the which succeeding well they should be freed; if otherwise, they should haue meanes to make a faire retreat, and then parle of a composition. The inhabitants being loth to hazard any thing, answered; that they had no assurance of victory, and if they were vanquished, they were in danger to bee at the F mercy of a victorious Prince, who was much incensed against them; the which they would not attend. Wherevpon the Captaines said vnto them; God councell you better: but read first this writing which you haue giuen vs, which shewes, that when you would treate without our liking or consents, that eight dayes before, it should be lawfull for vs [Page 107] to depart with our men, to prouide for our safeties. The inhabitants not able to contradict A them, the said siegneors of Nyenroede and of Keruene, with their men, went out The captaines retire in the night. The towne of Delf yeelded. of the towne secretly in the night: then by the intercession of Walrauen of Born knight, those of Delfe yeelded, to haue their liues and goods saued, vpon certaine conditions. First that they should aske mercy of the Earle for their offence, and for a time should pay him 40000. French crownes; and for an honourable reparation should demantell the greatest part of the towne walls. In this accord the souldiers and strangers which remained were not comprehended. Herevpon Cont Albert entred into Delfe, whereas he presently caused the gates to be taken off, and the walles to be beaten downe. Henry of Woerden one of the Captaines, had saued himselfe vpon the tower of the church, but he was drawne from thence, and had his head cut off. As for the Siegneors of Nyenroede B and Keruene, who were gone forth with their soldiers before the treatie, they retired themselues into the Castell of Heusden, where they were besieged a whole yeare, but by the mediation of Otto Lord of Arckel, they were taken to mercy, and reconciled to the Earle, vpon condition that they should yeeld him the place, and that within two yeares they should go to Ierusalem to visit the holy Sepulcher. Vpon these conditions these two braue Knights were receiued into fauour by Cont Albert, and so the warres ceased. A while after they not onely went to Ierusalem, but euen vnto Saint Katherins Mount, which they call Synay.
Edward Duke of Geldres, hauing put his brother Renould in prison, chased away those that had held and followed his brothers party: ruining their Castels and countrie C houses. The Gentlemen Geldrois of that partie, seeing themselues chased away and so ill intreated, had their recourse vnto Albert of Bauaria Earle of Holland, who tooke them into his protection, and entertained them in his traine. Duke Edward being discontented The duke of Gelders defies the Earle of Holland. that he supported them, sent to defie him; appointing a day and the place of battaile vpon Heymansberch. Albert seeing himselfe defied without any iust occasion, sent for all his Barons, Knights, Gentlemen, Captaines and Soldiers, and with Enseignes displaied, went and planted his campe vpon the mount of Heymansberch, there to attend the Duke of Geldres, as he had sent him word. The Hollanders seeing that he came not, went and made a road into his country, burning many villages, from whence they brought all the cattell and other bootie, and so returned to their Princes armie, D who went back with them into Holland. A while after a peace was made betwixt them, The warre ended by marriage. by which treatie Duke Edward should marry Katherine Cont Alberts eldest daughter, being come to a competent age, the which happened in the yeare 1362.
In the yeare 1365. Cont Albert went with a noble and stately traine into France, to 1365. King Charles the Wise, where he had an honorable reception made him in Paris, and hauing finished the businesse for the which hee went, hee returned to Valenciennes in his countrie of Henault. In the yeare 1367. the said Earle vpon some false reports and 1367. The Baron of Enghien beheaded in Henault, which caused great troubles. bad perswasions, had caused the Baron of Enghien in Henault to bee put in prison, (which baronie doth at this day belong vnto the Dukes of Vendosine) and his head to be cut off: for that he had beene informed that this baron had many engins in his Castell, E and other instruments, as ladders of ropes, & other prouision to surprise places, the which he would haue vsed against certaine castels in the country of Henault. There happened great troubles in that countrie through the death of this Noble man: for he had six bre [...]hren, all valiant Gentlemen, who to reuenge this ignominious death of their innocent brother, did ouer-runne and spoile the champian countrie. Cont Albert leuied men, and went to besiege the said towne of Enghien. During which siege hee created many knights: among the which were Didier of Lecke, and Bartholomew of Raphorst, Hollanders. In the end this warre was pacified by the meanes of Lewis de Male Earle of Flanders. These sixe brethren were reconciled vnto the Earle, and they did pardon him their brothers death: for expiation whereof he founded the Chanoinry F of the Chappell, at the Court at the Hage, in the yeare 1368.
In the yeare 1373. the towne of Vtrecht caused a riuer or channell to be cut or dig'd, 1373. from their gate vnto the riuer of Lecke, which is a long French league, and at the end thereof two great Sluses to hold the water, at a village which is called at this day [Page 108] Nyeuvaert, (that is to say, new riuer) and vpon the bankes of Lecke they caused a great A tower of free-stone to be built, with defences and barricadoes in forme of a castell, to desend and preserue the said sluses, against any that should come and attempt to breake them, which tower or castell they called Ghildenburch, (that is to say, the castell of the The castell of Ghildenburch [...] to def [...]d the sluses. Brother-hood,) for that the sworne companies of the said towne of Vtrecht, had built it at their owne charge, and had the garde thereof by turnes. Ghysbrecht lord of Vianen was nothing well contented therewith, fearing that in succession of time, by meanes of this fort and the sluses, they would attempt some-thing against his towne and iurisdiction of Vianen, which is opposite vnto Nyeuvaert, and therefore he went vnto Duke Albert Earle of Holland, and gaue him to vnderstand, that this fort of Ghildenburch had beene built to the preiudice of the Hollanders, and the rather, for that it The lord of Vianen and those of Dordre [...]ht discontented for the sluses. B was seated and built vpon the territorie and bayliwicke of Vreeswick, in the iurisdiction of Holland, and not of Vtrecht. On the other side, they of Dordrecht, iudging that these sluses and fort were made to their disaduantage, to hinder their nauigation (which had great priuiledges) they ioyned with the lord of Vianen, and concluded to breake these sluses, and to ruine the fort, as we will presently shew. The same yeare Cont [...]ert spoiles the Fr [...]sons. William of Naeldwicke marshall of Holland, by the commandement of Cont Albert, went into Friseland with a great number of ships, and landed on Saint Lawrence day in the Iland of Snellinck, the which hee spoiled and burnt, carrying away a great bootie and many prisoners, by reason of their rebellion, and then returned into Holland.
In the yeare 1374. the deputies of Vtrecht came to Cont Albert to the Hage, for the 1374. C paiment of a certaine summe of money, and the redemption of the castell of Vredelant, but the Earle found great difficultie in their coines of gold and siluer: wherevpon these deputies returned much discontented, and made their report vnto the three estates of the country of Vtrecht; who resolued to haue their reuenge, and going to armes, they They of Vtrecht [...] Woerden [...]n v [...]e. marched forth of their towne, and went to besiege Woerden, thinking to carry it at the first, but finding great resistance, and not able to take it; they burnt the suburbes, and some barricadoes there-abouts, carrying away some poore prisoners, and from thence they went to besiege the castell of Croonenburch. The besieged despairing of all meanes to defend it, gaue it ouer by composition, the which they presently razed to the ground. This done, they went to Wesep, Muyden, Wtermeer and Loosdrecht, D where they tooke some bourgesses, whom they ransomed. Approching neere vnto the castell of Vredelandt, Asuerus of Gaesbeke with the Hollanders of his garrison, went to skirmish with them as they past that way, to spoile Bodegraue, Ameyden, Lexmonde and Iaersuelt, which they ransomed.
Cont Albert hearing these newes, leuied men with all speed, to make warre against them, and being accompanied by Iohn Earle of Blois his cousin, Adolph Earle of Cleues Cont Albert [...] the [...] Ghyldenburch. and a great number of barons and knights, Hollanders, Henyuers, Zelanders, Geldrois and Cleuois, he went vp the riuer of Leck, and besieged the castell of Ghyldenburch, where he planted two great and mighty engins of battery, the one vpon the East, and the other vpon the South. The besieged were furnished of all things necessary for defence, E and with great stones made the engin of the South-side vnprofitable. Eight daies after that the armie was lodged before it, Ghysbrecht of Vianen, Henry of Ameyden, and Ghysbrecht of Nieuenroode knights, with certaine troopes, presented themselues before the castell, to see if they could draw out the besieged to skirmish. The captaines of the castell, namely Peter Doel and Arnold Preaux, seeing a good occasion offred, opened their gates, and lodged themselues in certaine houses neere adioyning, from whence they did assaile the Hollanders: the skirmish continued a good space, but in the end the lord of Nyenroede, the lord of Naeldwycke marshall of Holland; William of Cheervlyet, a certaine knight of Henault, and eight and twenty soldiers were taken prisoners, and lead into the Castell. Cont Albert to hasten the siege, caused two engins F more to be made; one of the side of Vianen vpon the banke of Leck, and the other at the soote of the dike, so as by that meanes hee wone the base court of the castell: the which the besieged seeing, and by the perswasion of the said siegneor of Nyenroede, fearing to be forced, they yeelded by composition to haue their liues and goods saued, [Page 109] the first day of Iune 1374. with a safe conduit to retire into the towne of Vtrecht, carrying Ghyld [...]burch yeelded by composition. A with them nine dead bodies, whom they would haue buried in the church-yarde within the towne. The Earle hauing this castell in his power, gaue it to the lord of Vianen to keepe, and then returned into Holland. The Traiectins troubled for the yeelding vp of this place, came on Saint Timothies eue in the night, with a great number of men, to attempt it by scalado, and with their shotte, spending a whole day and a night, whereof in the end they set fire, which they within being not able to quench, (being The for [...] taken againe by them of Vtrecht. but three and twenty soldiers, and most of them wounded, and two dead,) they were forced to yeeld it.
Fifteene daies after, Cont Albert aduancing vp the riuer of Leck, went againe to besiege it, with an intent to raze it. Those of Vtrecht fore-seeing his comming, did furnish B and victuall it for a long time, manning it with good captaines and soldiars: that is, the siegnior of Schoonhawen, William Leets, and Goswin of Wandric. The Earle seeing Cont Albert makes sharpe warres against the Traiectins. that through the good order that was in it, hee should profit little, retired from thence, and went to besiege the castell of Wlenhorst, the which hee forced: then hee marched before Hollenstein, the which yeelded by composition, to haue their goods and liues saued: from thence he drew towards Heermalen, the which he burnt. In the end after all these petty warres, a peace was concluded betwixt the Hollanders and Traiectins, by the which they of Vtrecht should pay vnto the Earle 4000. crownes An accord betwixt the Hollanders and Vtrecht. for his charges in the warre. And as for the siegneurie of Vreeswike, it was said, That if the bishop and seauen of the chiefe of the towne of Vtrecht did affirme by oth, that C it did rightly belong vnto the church of Saint Martins in Vtrecht, that then the Earle nor any of his successors should for euer pretend any interest therevnto. As the bishop and the seauen personages did lift vp their hands to take the said othe, Cont Albert not suffring them to sweare, but contenting himselfe with their bare affirmation, deliuered them vp the siegneurie of Vreeswik, and made them letters vnder his seale, and so all quarrels were ended.
In the yeare 1377. Duke William of Bauaria the madde Earle of Holland, dyed at 1377. The death of Cont Willi [...] the madde. Que sn [...]y in Henault; his body was carried and interred at Valenciennes: he left not any children. His funerals being finished, the lords, barons, knights, and all the nobilitie, with the townes of Holland, Zeeland, Henault, and Friseland, receiued Duke Albert D of Bauaria absolutely, who before had been but Tutor vnto the said William his brother, Cont Albert receiued for Earle of Holland. and did acknowledge him for their Lord and Soueraigne Prince, and so was the 26. Earle of Holland, &c.
In the yeare 1386. about Shrouetide dyed the lady Marguerite of Briga, wife to Cont Albert of Bauaria, and was buried in the chappell of the court at the Hage, at the 1386. great altar towards the North. After her death the Earle continued fiue yeares vnmarried, entertaining a Gentlewoman called Anne of Poelgheest, for his mignion, of whom shall bee hereafter spoken, who being dead, the Earle married with Marguerite the daughter of Adolph Earle of Cleues, by whom he had no children.
In the yeare 1389. died Arnold of Horne bishop of Liege, his body was transported 1389. Iohn of Bauaria, sonne to Cont Albert made bishop of Liege. E to Horne, and buried with his fathers. After whose death the Chapter did choose Thierry of the Marke, who refused it; and therefore Iohn of Bauaria, sonne to Cont Albert of Holland, being but sixteene yeares old, and at that time Chanoine of Cambray, was chosen in his place, and in the yeare 1390. he was conducted to Liege by his father, and William Earle of Osteruant his elder brother, with many Princes and Noblemen, accompanied with about 1200. horse, where he was honourably receiued by the Deane and Chapter.
In the yeare 1392. on Saint Maurice eue, Anne of Poelgeest, daughter to the siegnior 1392. The murther of Cont Alberts concubine and of his Steward. Iohn of Poelgeest a squire, mignion to Cont Albert, was slaine at the Hage. William Kuyser Steward to the Earle (seeking to defend and preserue her,) was also slaine with F her by the same murtherers, who fled presently after out of the countrie. Of which murther there did rise great scandall and trouble in Holland, for the siegneor Conrard Kuyser father to the said William, made great instance and pursuite vnto the Earle, demanding iustice of thē that had murthered his sonne, or caused him to be murthered or [Page 110] slaine trecherously, in the night, with an intended purpose, without striking stroake, in A the open Court, and doing his Prince seruice. Of which murther he did blame (as the Noblemen [...] for th [...] [...]ther. chiefe the lord Philip Vicont of Leyden, Didier lord of Aspren & his sonne. Two yong ge [...]lemē brethren of Leck. Henry Vicont of Montfort, Iohn sieignior of Heemsted, Iohn of Vlyet, Philip of Pola [...]en, the siegneor of Duyuenwoord, the siegnior of Warmount and many other Noblemen and Gentlemen, to the number of 54. The Earle sitting in iustice with them of his priuie councell, granted a personall adiournment against all the said lord [...]; and for not appearing they should bee banished out of the county of Holland. And for their contumacie, not daring appeare, they were condemned to haue forfeited body and good, and for this occasion they retired to Cont William of Osteruant, Th [...] [...] [...]men [...] the [...] of [...]. eldest sonne to Cont Albert, who loued them, and held them in great esteeme, B which made him to seeke all the meanes to purge them of these murthers, and to reconcile them to hi [...] father, who would by no meanes giue eare vnto it. The son [...]e (discontented at this repulse hearing also that his father would seaze vpon him (departed from the Hage, being accompanied by all the said noblemen, and came to the castell of Altena in South-Holland, which castell Cont Albert had before of the lord of Horne, and had giuen it vnto the Earle of Osteruant his sonne. The other noblemen which remained at the Hage with the Earle, insteed of moderating things, and pacifying his wrath, did incense him more and more, by bad reports and false sug [...]estions, animating the father all they could against the sonne, among the which, one of the principall was, Iohn of Arckell lieutena [...]t and treasurer generall of Holland. The Earle being resolute C to chase his sonne, with these other noblemen (that were already banished) out of his countries [...]ied a great number of men in Holland Zeeland, and Friseland, of all qualities, and of his ordinary ga [...]sons: with the which he sent the siegnior Conrad Kuyser, to ruine all the caste's and country-houses of the banished noblemen, Conrad thrust on with a re [...]enging spirit, did willingly vndertake this charge, and first of all hee destroyed The mu [...]her reuenged. Heemstede, Warmont and Paddenpoel by Leyden; all belonging to the sayd vicont of [...]e den, (who afterward, was called Nonnenpoel.) The Earle marched with the rest of his forces vp the riuer of Merwede, and arriued on Saint Peters day the same yeare 1 [...]93 at Gortichom, where he was honourably receiued by the lord [...]co of Arckel: the next day he passed by Wandichom, and so went to Altena, the which he [...] Co [...] [...]bert [...] Alte [...]. D did inuest round about, and besieged it very straightly. The Earle of Osteruant his sonne, vnderstanding of his comming, was retired, but before his departure, hee had well furnished the place of all things necessary for a siege, as well for defence, as to offend; with the which he hoped the said lords with their people might well defend the place. The Earle did all he could to batter it, breake downe, and ouer-throw the towers and walls, doing great harme, and annoying the besieged very much. During this siege Th [...] Earle his sonne [...]. Iohn of Bauaria, chosen bishop of Liege, sonne to the Earle, with those of his councell, and some noblemen, and councellors of the country of Henault, came to the campe before Altena where the said bishop did mediate an accord betwixt his father and his The bishop of L [...]ge [...] t [...]e fa [...]her and the sonne. brother, comprehending the noblemen that were besieged; by the which it was said, E that the said besieged should yeeld vp the place, and haue their liues and goods saued, with liberty to go freely to the towne of Boisleduc to the Earle, who attended them there. Cont Albert hauing this castell, caused it to bee ruined all, but the two great towers: and Cont William giuing place to his fathers indignation, retired himselfe into The Earle of [...] re [...]s into [...]. France to king Charles the sixt: where being in the yeare 1395. set at the kings table with many Princes and Barons, there came a Herald or King at Armes, who cutte the cloath before him, sa [...]ing, that it did not belong to any one, (how great a prince soeuer) to sit at the Kings table, if he had not armes and a scutchion. The Earle answered An affront done to the [...] of Oste [...]t the Kings [...]. that he had them as well as any other. Then there was an old Herauld by which said; pardon me sir, for Cont William your great vncle, was not onely vanquished by F the Frisons, but lyes yet (without any reuenge taken) buried among his enemies. The Earle being ashamed thereat, from that time forward did nothing but dreame by what me [...]es he might repaire this disgrace, and so retiring out of France much troubled, he came into Henault. And for that he durst not shew himselfe boldly before his father, [Page 111] he writ secretly vnto him of the affront that had beene done him in France, beseeching A him most humbly that he would be pleased to aduise, how he might reuenge himselfe and all his race of such a disgrace. Cont Albert hearing these newes, said; This dishonor shall neuer be more reproched to me, nor to my children: for I will (if it please God) go my selfe in person the next yeare into Friseland, and demand the body of Cont William The sonne & all the noblemen reconciled to Cont Albert. mine vncle, bring back his armes, and reuenge his death. Soone after the sonne was reconciled to the father, and all the Noblemen that were with him, who went all together to the court of Holland at the Hage.
The yeare following 1396. Cont Albert hauing resolued to make warre against the 1396. Frisons, leuied a mighty army, as well out of his owne prouinces, as out of France, England, and Germanie, in the which there were many Princes, Earles, and Barons, and a B goodly troope of choise men at armes. The cheife of his hereditary prouinces were William Earle of Osteruant, his eldest sonne, Iohn bishop of Liege his yongest sonne, and Albert The chiefe of the Earles ar [...]e. lord of Nubingen his middle sonne: the chiefe of the French troupes were the Earle of Saint Pol, the Earle of Namur, and the Admirall of France: of the English, the lord Scales, and of the Germaines the Earle of Solms. The Noblemen of Holland, Zeeland, and West-friseland, were Guy Earle of Blois, Iohn Lord of Arckell, lieutenant of Holland, Iohn of Brederode, Philip vicont of Leyden, Lord of Wassenare, the siegniors of Aspren, Seuenberghe, Drongelon, Henckelom, Leydenburch and Waerdenburch, with many other Knights and Gentlemen. Their Rendez-vous was at the Hage, where all these nobles attending the preparation of the army, spent the time in iousts, torneys, and other goodly C exercises of warre, to adresse themselues in armes, and to harden themselues to labour.
On Sonday after the feast of the Ascention, Cont Albert arriued with all his forces at Cont Albert enters into Friseland with a mightie armie. Enchuysen, where 3000. ships, and 4000. barkes did attend him to passe into Friseland, where there is but foure or fiue leagues to crosse. In this voyage the Earle made many knights, among others Floris of Alcmada, and Gerard of Voort, Hollanders. Hee had 180000. men well armed, with the which he entred by Cuindert into Friseland. The Frisons of Stellingwerf hearing him to approache, gathered together all the men they could out of their owne villages, and from their neighbours, and with a valiant resolution went to incounter him, the day that Saint Iohn Baptist was beheaded. The Earle charged them, the incounter was furious, and the combate cruell and bloudy, when they came to ioyne: D There was many a man ouerthrowne, many heads, armes, eares, and legges cut off, targets A crue [...] ba [...] taile. head-peeces broken, with the waight of battle-axes; with hideous and fearefull cryes of men wounded and dying. In the end the Frisons not able to withstand so great a multitude, were broken and put to flight, some heere, some there, so many men, so many waies, The Frisons defeated. who thinking to saue themselues by the marishes and quagmiers, many were smothered and drowned there. Others flying by the ordinary high-wayes, were pursued and taken, whereof there were foureteene hundred prisoners.
After this first victory Cont Albert sent Peter Beets sonne to Didier Beets a Knight with them of Amsterdam, of West-frisland, of Kennemer and Waterlandt, vp the riuer of Lanwere, to assaile the Frisons on that side, and giue them another battaile: The which E being discouered by them, they planted themselues in such great numbers vpon the sea shore, to hinder the Hollanders landing, as no man durst offer to go to land: but they lay still at anchor to keepe the Frisons from putting to sea. In the meane time the Earle marched with the body of his armie towards Staueren, and from thence through Gheesterlandt, to Saint Odolphus cloister, to aduise which way he might best assaile and subdue the Frisons; who (notwithstanding that they lamented their first losses) gathered together new troopes, being resolued to hazard a second battaile against the Hollanders. The Earle A second battaile, and the Frisons defeated. seeing his enimy ready to fight, hauing put his armie in good order, went first to the charge, and there was a second battaile giuen which the Frisons lost. The Earle remaining maister of the field, caused his tents and Pauilions to be pitcht, and staied there ten daies, F to see if the enemy would come to seeke him. During which time not any one presented himselfe, euery man redoubting his power. During this abode, there were certaine Englishmen (notwithstanding the Earles expresse defence) which would goe and discouer and skirmish with the enemy. Being two leagues from the campe, they set fire on certaine [Page 112] villages, and laded themselues with booty, thinking to returne to their quarter: the Frisons A lying close in their ambushes, seeing them approach, discouered themselues of all A braue skirmish betwixt the [...]nglish & the Frisons. sides. The English men being not much amazed, put themselues in good order, retiring gently, fighting with their arrowes and slings: but the multitude of Frisons was so great (for that their numbers increased continually) as the English began to defend themselues, casting themselues into a neere fort, which they made good against the Frisons, The English besieged by the Frisons. who held them there besieged all the rest of the day and the night following. The Earle vnderstanding the danger in which the Englishmen were, intreated the townes of Holland to goe thether, and to vngage them: some of them answered, That if their Prince went with them, and marched before, they would follow him. The Earle hearing this answer, said to them of Delse. Goe you and vngage them. At this commandement the Delphois B made him a modest answer. My Lord although you haue heretofore destroyed vs, yet for the A braue answer of the Delph [...] to Cont Albert loue of you we will willingly goc and succour them, or dye all in the enterprise: beseeching you to remember this seruice, when any good occasion is offered. Herevpon they marched directly towards the Frisons. The English seeing that succors came vnto them, issued out of their fort, and came to charge them on the one side, and those of Delfe on the other with such furie, as in a short time there were 400. Frisons slaine vpon the place, the rest flying away, fearing least the whole armie should come vpon them. After this route, the Delfois The English degaged by the Delphois. and English entered farther into the countrie, spoiling and burning all they incountred, and killing all that came against them. The Earle seeing these fiers, was assured of the victory, for the which he greatly commended them of Delfe. Then he caused a mightie C Block-house in forme of a citadell to be built in the towne of Staueren, the which he did furnish with all kinde of munition and instruments for warre, and hauing manned it with a good garrison and prouision of victuals, he diuided his armie into diuers parts, to set vpon the remainder of the Frisons in diuers places, and by that meanes to subdue The Frisons subd [...]ed. them, [...]s he did soone after, forcing them to sue for mercy, to submit themselues vnder his obedience, and to acknowledge him for their soueraigne Lord.
After that the Frisons had promised and sworne to entertaine the articles and conditions that the Earle should impose vpon them, and that they had made him authenticall letters thereof. The Earle sent one of his chiefe Knights, with many Nobles and Gentlemen to the abbay of Fleurchamps (since called Oudeclooster) to bring away the body The body of cont William fetch [...] out of Friseland, and buried at Valenciennes. D of Cont William, some-times Earle of Holland, Zeeland and Henault, Lord of Friseland, the which they brought with his armes and blason. This done hee retired into Holland, from whence hee sent the said body to Valenciennes in Henault, where it lyes with his ancestors.
Soone after in the yeare 1398. the Frisons hauing broken the peace and accord made 1398. [...] Frisons rebell againe. betwixt them and the Earle of Holland; hauing rebelled againe, and chased the garrison of Hollanders out of Staueren, and out of all places thereabouts: Cont Albert leuied an armie, with the which he went to Horne and to Enchuysen, being resolued to returne into Friseland, and there to stay vntill he had wholy subdued them. But hee was aduised not to goe himselfe in person, but rather to giue the charge of his armie to Cont William E of Osteruant his sonne, making him his Lieutenant and General, with Iohn of Arckel, Iohn of Brederode, Arnold of Egmond, with many other Barons for his Captaines, followed The Earle sends his sonne against the Frisons. by many Knights and Gentlemen of Holland. Cont William being entered into Friseland past by Geesterland with his troopes, and as they approached to Hindeloopen, the Frisons aduanced to charge them, and the Hollanders receiued them so valiantly, as at the first incounter they slue 300. vpon the place, the rest seeing their companions so ill intreated, turned their backes and fled. After this happy incounter, the Hollanders ouer-running the country, spoiled and burnt many villages and gentlemens houses: then they went and camped before Staueren, the which they besieged so by land and by water, as nothing Staueren besieged and yeelded to the Earle of Osteruant. could goe in nor passe out, and they did batter it in such sort, as in the end they were forced F to yeeld to the Earles mercie, deliuering vnto him the chiefe men of the towne for Hostages and assurance of their treatie. This towne being thus yeelded, all the Frisons both in townes and country, fearing their ruine, came to Staueren to the Earle to sue for mercy, offring to make reparations for what was past. The Earle asking the opinion of [Page 113] his Noblemen, made a peace with them, vpon condition to acknowledge the Earle of The Frisons subdued. A Holland for their Prince and naturall Lord: and that euery house of the country of Friseland should pay yeerely vnto the Earle of Holland for euer, six solz Tournois, nor to bee Seuen pence fa [...]thing o [...] thereabo [...]s English money. redeemed for euer for reparation of their rebellion. The which was sworne and confirmed by letters. This done, he appointed Bayliffes and other officers in his fathers name, and his successors Earles of Holland, to administer iustice vnto them for euer. Then hee returned a conqueror into Holland. But it was meere folly to thinke that this treatie could continue long: so impatient are the Frisons of all seruitude, or to be commanded by any other then their owne nation; it was therefore soone broken: for the yeare following 1399. they returned to their accustomed rebellion, refusing to entertaine the said A new reuolt of the Frisons. accord, (for they still found some pretended cause of exception) chasing away the officers B which had beene established by the Earle of Osteruant: fortified the village of Mol [...] kenhuyse (now called Molckweer) where they made some barricadoes and block-houses against them of Staueren, who for their parts would entertaine their accord. Some other Frisons besieged the towne of Dockum, to chase away the Hollanders.
Cont Albert of Holland hearing of this reiterated rebellion, leuied men from all parts, both out of his owne countries, and from his neighbours and strangers to make an army; of the which he made the Earle of Osteruant his sonne, generall, being accompanied with these lords, Iohn of Bauaria bishop of Liege his second sonne: Iohn lord of Arckel: Arnold of Egmond, lord of Yselstein. Philip vicont of Leyden: Walrauen lord of Brederode, and many other Noblemen, Barons and Knights, with the which and his whole armie hee C arriued at Amsterdam the first day of May the same yeare, where they did imbarke and went to land at the towne of Staueren, in the which towne and there-abouts he lay camped sixe weekes together. The Frisons (knowing that this mighty armie was so neere The Frisons submit themselues againe. them) were much troubled, and sent to the Earle of Osteruant to sue for mercy, promising vnto him in his fathers name, all obedience, fealtie and homage. The Earle with his Noblemen past a water which they called Opt-wat, and from thence with the shippes and barkes which they had at Staueren, they came the same night to Sesbyrum, and to Bolswaert, where they lodged that night and refresht themselues. There fell out a quarrell betwixt Floris of Alcmade, and Gerard Boel of Heemskerke, both Knights. Floris hurt A priuate quarrell betwixt two Knights of Holland. Gerard in the fore-head with his dagger, in the presence of all the Princes and Noblemen: D yet to auoyde a greater inconuenience, by the commandement of the two Princes brethren, they were forced to agree, and to drinke one vnto another the same night: for that at the same instant there came a knight of Friseland called Gerard of Cammega, who did secretly aduertise the Earle of Osteruant, that the Frisons were resolued to come the same night and charge the Hollanders sodenly in their quarter, as it happened about an houre before the breake of day. The Frisons comming with fearefull and terrible cryes to charge them; Cont William and Iohn of Bauaria had before put their men in good order of battaile, and marched brauely to incounter them. Day being come, both armies A battaile wherein the Frisons were defeated. charge, and in the beginning the combate was very fierce, but in the end the Frisons were quite defeated, with great losse of their men, the rest saued themselues as well as E they could.
After this victory, the Earle raised his campe, and came the same day with all his armie to Dockingen, the which hee did furnish with victuals, munition for warre, and a good The Earle of Esteruant proceeds against the Frisons, many s [...] for mercy. garrison, against the Frisons there-abouts. Two dayes after hee went with his troupes to Lanen, where he lodged fiue weekes, to see what the Frisons would doe. During which aboad, many of them came vnto him and sued for mercy: who after they had taken the othe of fealty and obedience, he receiued them into grace; causing all the villages that would not doe the like, to bee spoiled and burnt, whereby his soldiers got great spoile. Then came they of Groninghen, who did promise to him and sweare in the name of the Earle of Holland his father, fealtie and homage, acknowledging him for their soueraigne The Groeningeois acknowledge him for prince F Lord. But they kept not long their faith nor promise: for soone after with the other Frisons they set vpon the Hollanders, euen whilest that Cont William was yet in Friseland, and laide ambushes to surprise him, vsing all the meanes they could to breake and ruine his armie. About that time a great number of Frisons being in field, in a certaine [Page 114] place, where there was but a little water to crosse betwixt their campe and the Earles, A they laboured to fill it vp in the night with fagots, bauins, hay, straw and turfe, that The Frisons thinke to surprise the earle but in vaine. they might passe through it, and so assaile the Hollanders campe: but this worke being discouered, the English with some Frisons of the Earles part, went and charged them in another place, which disapointed their worke, so as they could not passe. There was among the English a Captaine called Panthere, which did wonders, putting the enemies to slight, with the losse of ten of his men onely. This done, Cont William of Osteruant, made Floris of Alcmada (one of his chiefe Captaines) his lieutenant in Friseland, and Gerard of Egmond siegnior of Wateringhe, brother to the Lord of Egmond, Gouernor of Staueren, and then he returned a conqueror into Holland.
In the yeare 1400. the Frisons seeing the Earle of Osteruant retired with all his 1400. The Frisons rebell againe. B armie out of their countrie, and that by his fathers commandement hee was gone into Henault; notwithstanding all their accords and othes; they rebelled the third time. And as part of their countrie and the towne of Staueren were maintained vnder the garde of the said siegneors of Alcmada and Egmond, hauing at that time a garrison of Hollanders in the said towne: The Frisons being armed and in field, went to besiege them. Albert Earle of Holland, father to Cont William, wondring at this ordinarie rebellion They besiege the towne of Staueren. of the Frisons (enemies to all soueraigne command) leuied a new armie of choise men, giuing the charge and command thereof to Arnold of Egmond Lord of Yselstein, and to Walrauen Lord of Brederode, whom he sent into Friseland, to free the towne of Staueren from siege, assoone as these Noblemen had past the seas with their C troupes, the Frisons fled, and vanished away like smoake; euery one sauing himselfe as They flie at the comming of the Earles armie. he could. The siege being thus raised, the Hollanders returned into their country, except the Lord of Brederode who staied in Friseland with his horsemen. Soone after the garrison of Hollanders that was in Staueren, would make an enterprise in the night vpon the fort which the Frisons held at Molckweer neere vnto their towne, but they could not effect it, for that the Lord of Brederode was sore hurt there and taken The Lord of Brederode hurt and priso [...]r. prisoner, whereof being halfe cured, and hauing no great garde about him, hee found meanes to escape without danger.
In the yeare 1401. Cont Albert would haue Iohn of Arckel (who had beene his lieutenant 1401. and treasurer generall of Holland) to giue an account as well of the gouernement D which he had delt in, as of the treasure which he had managed. The Lord of Arckel (a proud man, and relying vpon his forces) refused to do it. Whereat Cont Albert being much displeased, referred the matter to the Earle of Osteruant his sonne: who A great contention betwixt Cont Alo [...] & the lord of Arckel presently caused all the lands and siegneuries of the said Lord of Arckel to be forfeited, as Haestrecht, Vlyest, Stolwyk, and many other villages, causing him to be adiourned to appeare in person, and for contumacie to banish him the countrie of Holland. The which did so much transport the Lord of Arckell, as hee durst presume to send a Cartell of defiance vnto Cont Albert, the which hee receiued at the castell of Nyenbourg He defies Cont Albert. neere vnto Alcmar. And soone after the said lord of Arckel entred sodenly with an armie into Holland, thinking to surprise the towne of Oude-water, but his enterprise E was discouered in time by the Bourgesses. Hauing failed of this, he went to besiege the castell of Ghissenburch, the which he forced and spoiled. Then hee came to Werckendam into the which he shot fire, and burnt it, passing on he went to Ablasserdam, where he burnt some poore mens houses. Hauing done all this, hee sent another Cartel of defiance to the Earle of Osteruant, the which was presented vnto him in the He desies the Earle of Osteruant. presence of Philip the Hardy Duke of Bourgongne. The Earle receiued this Cartell with a cheerefull countenance, made the messenger or Herald good cheere, and gaue him some crownes, commanding him expresly to say vnto his maister; That it was in his power to defie him, but it would be one day in his power to pardon him, or not. Soone after the Earle went to his father at the Hage. The yeare following the Lord of Arckel past F the riuer of Leck with his troupes, and entred into Krimpen-waert, the which he spoiled and burnt, carrying away a great booty. But thinking to enter with all this pillage into his towne of Gorrichom: those of Dordrecht and Schoonhouen being aduertised, went to armes, as also all the villages of that quarter, came to Nyeuport to rescue [Page 115] the prey. Those of Arckel hauing no other passage, were charged by the Hollanders, A who making a stand there were 24. peasants ouerthrowne at the first, and Gerard of Lyesuelt The Lord of Arckel braues the Hollanders. Knight, Water Simons, Adrian Wittens, Gerard Mobbout, Hugh l' Imager, Bourgeses of Dordrecht, Bourchard and Iohn Robrechts, Bourgesses of Schoonhouen, seauen riche countrimen of Leckerkercke, and fiue of Scheruelandt, were taken prisoners, who notwithstanding any resistance were carried into Gorrichom.
Seuen or eight daies after, those of Rotterdam and Schyedam tooke armes, and went into the Lord of Arckels country, spoiling and burning all where they past, and so returned The Hollanders take [...]r reuenge. home laden with spoile. Afterwards the Earle of Osteruant put in armes the cittizens of Harlem with the Kennemers, those of Leyden and the Rhynlanders; those of Amsterdam with the Waterlanders and Goylanders, the which hee sent vnder the B command of Henry of Wassenare Vicont of Leyden, into the territory of Arckel, commanding him to spoile and burne it. These troopes spoilng the countrie thus, came before the towne of Hagenstein, the which they did batter and assaile, but they could no other thing, but ruine the suburbes, and a Mill ioyning vnto the towne, and then returned with their prey through the iurisdiction of the Lord of Vianen. The Lord of Arckel madde with rage to see his country so destroyed, to haue his reuenge, The Lord of Arckel burns Nyeuport in Holland. went to besiege the towne of Nyeuport on the opposite banke to Schoonhouen, the which he tooke by force, and burnt to the ground.
After that the Earle of Osteruant had in many places spoiled the lands and seigniories of the Lord of Arckel, the Earle of Holland to make a finall end, resolued to goe The Earle of Osteruent besiegeth Gorrichom. C and besiege the towne of Gorrichom, the ordinarie residence of the Lord of Arckel, and from whence he so much braued the Hollanders. And in the yeare 1403. he leuied an armie out of his countries of Holland, Henault, Zeeland, Friseland, England, and many other nations, from whence he drew a great number of soldiers. Adolph Duke of Cleues; the Bishop and those of Vtrecht, did also defie the lord of Arckel; who seeing so many enemies ready to assaile him, hee called to his succors the Earle of Vernenburch, and the Earle of Dalhem, the siegniors of Steenwoerde, of Rheyda and of Hoemoel, brethren to the Earle of Catzenellebogen, the seigniors of Vrericke, of Berghen, and of Dyckelen, the seigniors of Cryekenbeeck, of Boetselaer, of Ranst, and his brethren of Ysendoorn, of Zeelen, and his brethren, of Schonhauwen, of Lyenden, of Vayrick, D of Nyenstein, Bastard of the house of Arckel, of Soelen, of Auesart, of Myllinck, and of Vueren, all Knights, and many other Gentlemen of the countries of Iuilliers and Geldres.
Cont Albert pursuing his first resolution, caused his armie to marche into the country of Arckel, and to besiege the towne of Gorrichom, where he tooke his quarter vpon Cont Albert comes in person to the siege of Gorrichom. the north dike, betwixt the village of Arckel and the towne. Adolph Duke of Cleues, with Walrauen of Brederode, and those of the townes of Holland, and some English, camped on the East side of the towne and Castell. Those of Vtrecht planted themselues towards the North, in a place called Tuistschild: The Hannyuers and South-Hollanders lay lodged vpon the South: the Zelanders and Frisons had their quarter E vpon the West, dispersed here and there. The campe being thus diuided, the Engins of battery were planted against the Castell, the which was battered in such sort, as the greatest tower was beaten downe, and the besieged were much annoyed with arrowes, which came as thicke as haile into the towne: many houses were beaten downe with the violence of their engins of battery, shooting confusedly to breed a terror among the inhabitants. The Noblemen, Gentlemen, and soldiers, defended themselues valiantly at all assaults, repulsing their enemies, and doing their best indeauours to repaire their walles, and fortifie themselues within. One night among the rest the siegniors of Reyda and Hoemet, with some Gentlemen and choise soldiers, made a sallie vpon the Zelanders and Frisons, whom they charged so sodenly and so furiously, as they disordred A braue sally of the besieged vpon the Zelanders & Frisons. F them, and troubled all their quarter, at which charge there was taken of the Zelanders and Hannyuers, Floris of Borssele, Floris of Aubeau, Nicholas Reytwyinck of Romerswael, the siegniors of Lodyke, of Bauduin, and Floris of Borssele brethren, William of Reynts, Philip of Eueringhen, and Iohn bastard of Borssele, with ninety soldiers, and [Page 116] William of Romerswael was sore wounded, whereof he dyed soone after, and was buried A in the church of Gorrichom. Soone after, some Captaines, Gentlemen and soldiers, made another sally vpon the Duke of Cleues quarter, where there was a furious fight, and many died on either side: yet they of the towne carried away with them Walrauen of Brederod, and Gilles Schenck Knights: Steuen of Berenbrooke, Iacob Schicker, Peter Potter, Hugh Post, and many other Gentlemen and soldiers.
An other time there issued forth William of Ysendorne, and Arnold of Schoonhauven Knights: Ihon Hopper, Thomas Westerdale, Iohn Croextough, Dauid Carmerdin, and Thomas Herfort Captaines, with many Gentlemen & soldiers, who on Saints Iohns day, fell vpon the Hannyuers quarter; but they were brauely receiued and with-stood, so as they were forced to retire, and were pursued into their Ports. During this siege the Earle of Osteruant B sent some troopes into the iurisdiction of Schoonreuoert, the which the more to vexe the Lord of Arckel, he caused to be burnt, & carried away many peasants prisoners. This siege hauing continued three moneths, Iohn of Bauaria bishop of Liege, sonne to An accorde made betwixt the Earle of Holland and the Lord of Arckel. the Earle of Holland, Arnold of Leydenburch, and Haeke of Outheusden Knights, came to the Earles campe, the which did mediate an accorde betwixt him and the Lord of Arckell; by the which it was said, that Albert Earle of Holland, and Cont William of Osteruant his sonne, should enter into the towne, and the Lord of Arckel should kneele downe before them and aske them forgiuenesse: besides that the Banner of Holland should be planted a whole day vpon the castell of Gorrichom, which conditions being fulfilled, the campe did rise, and euery man went to his owne home. C
At that time there was a great tempest at Sea, with exceeding high tides, the which A seawoman found in Holland. did drowne many villages in Friseland and Holland; by which tempest there came a Seawoman swimming in the Zuyderzee betwixt the townes of Campen and Edam, the which passing by the Putmerie entred into the straight of a broken Dike in the Purmermer, where she remained a long time, and could not finde the hoale by which she entred, for that the breach had beene stopt after that the tempest had seased. Some countrywomen and their seruants, who with Barkes of Edam, did dayly passe the Pourmery to milke their Kine in the next pastures, did often see this woman swimming vpon the water, whereof at the first they were much afraid: but in the end being accustomed to see it often, they viewed it neerer: and at last they resolued to take it if they could. Hauing discouered D it; they rowed towards it, and drew it out of the water by force, carrying it in one of their Barkes vnto the towne of Edam. When she had been well washed and cleansed from the sea Mosse which was growne about her, she was like vnto another woman, she was apparrelled, and began to accustome her selfe to ordinary meates like vnto any other, yet she sought still meanes to escape & to get into the water, but she was straightly garded. They came from farre to see her. Those of Harlem made great sute to them of Edam to haue this woman, by reason of the strangenesse therof. In the end they obteined her, where she did learne to spin, and liued many yeares (some say fifteene) and for the reuerence which she bare vnto the signe of the Crosse, wherevnto she had beene accustomed, she was buried in the church-yarde. Many persons worthy of credit haue iustisied in E their writings, that they had seene her in the said towne of Harlem. For the rarenesse whereof, & for that the Chronicle of Holland doth also make mention thereof, we would not here omit it. About this time through these tempests & swellings of the sea, the entries of the riuers of Tessel & the Flie were inlarged, the which before were but small chanels, so as since the nauigation hath growne easie betwixt the Iland of Tessel and Wyernighe, and the townes of Medenblike and Euchuysen, and so by the Zuyderzee to saile into the North sea, as they do at this day.
In the yeare 1404. on S. Paules day in winter, the most famous Prince Albert duke of Bauaria 1404. Duke Albert of Bauaria Earle of Holland dyes. Earle of Holland, Henault & Zeland, and Lord of Friseland died, after that hee had gouerned the said countries 46. yeares, that is 19. as Tutor to his brother Cont William F that was mad, and 27. yeares as his heire, Prince & Lord of the said conntries. He was interred at the Hage in Holland, by the lady Marguerit his first wife, on the side of the great Altar, vnder one tombe. Besides his lawfull children he had two bastards, Andrew which was borne at Papendrecht, and William siegneor of Schagen a Knight. From whom are issued the late Lords of Schagen.
WILLIAM THE 6. OF THAT NAME, the 27 Earle of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friseland, and Earle of Henault.
[Page 118] WILLIAM of Bauaria, Earle of Osteruant, after the decease of A Duke Albert of Bauaria his father, was the 27. Earle of Holland, &c. Being but yong, he tooke to wife the daughter of Charles the fift King of France, who made him Knight before Dam in Flanders, this wife dyed young. Afterwards he married the daughter of Iohn, sonne to Philip the hardie, Duke of Bourgongne, Earle of Cont Williams wiues & children. Flanders and Arthois, by whom he had one onely daughter named Iaqueline, (whom the Dutch call Iacoba [...]) who was borne in the yeare 1401. on Saint Iames his day. This Prince was warlicke and much feared, of a tall stature, a goodly personage, wise, discreete in warre, victorious, a great iusticer, and B a giuer of almes.
In the yeare 1404. Iohn of Bauaria bishop of Liege, brother to William Earle of Holland, &c. being chased out of the towne of Liege, for that he would not be a Priest: 1404. The towne of Liege [...]ned for their Bishops pleasure imployed the succours of Iohn Duke of Bourgongne, who had married his sister, against the Liegeois, which Duke came in person, and burnt the Cittie of Liege, with the Churches and Monasteries, and slew Priests, men, women and children, to the number of 36000. soules, according to the Chronicles of Germanie.
In the yeare 1405. William of Y sendorn leuied men in the Lord of Arckels name, 1405. The Lord of Arckel breaks the pe [...]ce. with a part whereof (being disguised in the habit of marchants,) he went on a Shrouetwesday to the towne of Wandrichom, where making a shewto aske leaue of the Tollgatherer C to passe with their ship and goods, they seazed vpon a gate, and slew the maister of the Toll. This done, they spoiled the towne, burnt it, and returned into Gorrichom His mē spoile Wandrichom. (being distant but a quarter of a league) with a good number of prisoners of the best of the towne. The Earle of Holland being displeased that the Lord of Arckel had thus broken the peace, which had beene concluded a little before at the instance of the Bishop of Liege his brother, thought to be reuenged. He first renewed his league with the bishop of Vtrecht; then he leuied an armie of Hollanders, Zeelanders, Hannyuers, Frisons and Traiectins, with the which hee went and besieged the townes and Castels of Gaspren, Hagenstein, and Euerstein, being one distant from another about a quarter of a league, whereof that of Euerstein is now falne into the riuer of Leck. On the other The Earle make [...] [...]rre [...]nst the lord of Arckel D side the Lord of Arckel manned the towne of Gaspren and the Castell of Hagenstein with good garrisons, putting into them Iohn vander Hoenne, Allard Pufflyet, Lucas of Botselaer, William of Lyenden, Iohn of Arckel siegnior of Soelen, and Iohn bastard of Arckel. In the Castell of Euerstein were the siegneors of Bronkhuysten and Hoochstraeten, William Banst, and Henry of Nyenstein bastard brother to the said Lord of Arckel, with a good garrison of soldiers. Cont William made three Bulwarkes or Blockhouses, the one aboue the Castell of Euerstein, towards the riuer of Leck, the which he caused to bee compassed in with a Palissadoe, so as no victuals could passe that way: and the other two were built on either side of the towne of Gaspren and Hagenstein, causing a The Earle [...]esiegeth Hagenstein. deepe and large trenche to be made from the one vnto the other, to keepe them off the E towne from succoring of the Castell, and to hinder them of the Castle from salleying forth. These two Bulwarkes or fortes, being finished and furnished with good Commanders and soldiers, and with all sorts of munition of warre, and prouision of victuals, the Earle returned into Holland. A while after, the Earle and bishop of Vtrecht concluded together, to force this towne and castle: for the effecting whereof, the Earle went and camped there in person, and hauing planted three great engins of battery, he did strangely teare and ruine the towne and castell of Hagenstein. The bishop with his The Bishop ioynes with the Earle and besiegeth Euerstein. men besieged the castell of Euerstein, the which hee annoyed with wonderfull great stones, that were shot continually from his huge Crosbowes. The Earle had enuironed the towne with Bauins and Reeds mingled close together, so as no man could passe F ouer nor vnder it. And as the winter was very sharpe, and the ditches frozen and very thick with Ice; the Earle knowing that there was no great store of victuals in the towne, prepared to passe ouer the Ice, and to attempt it by scaladoe, the which was An assault giuen to Hagenstein. done, and the assault well defended. But Iohn of Arckel, siegneor of Soelen, nephew [Page 119] to the Lord of Arckel, being slaine with an arrow, they of the towne fearing some A greater inconuenience, yeelded it vp by composition to the Earle of Holland, who fiered The towne yeelded and burnt to ashes. both towne and Castell, and would not depart vntill the last house was consumed to ashes, which they of Euerstein seeing, who in like sort were straightly besieged (their victuals beginning to faile them, so as they were forced to eate their horses) they did yeeld the same day to the Bishops mercy, who in like sort caused it to be ruined to the Euerstein ruinated. ground: the which (as they say) are now in the riuer of Leck.
The Earle hauing done these exploits against the Lord of Arckel, returned to the Hage, his men being laden with the spoiles of these Townes & Castels. Then there was a truce concluded betwixt the Earle and the bishop of the one part, and William of Arckel of the other, by the which Iohn Lord of Arckel his father, was excluded. As A truce betwixt the lord of Arckels sonne and the Earle of Holland. B this warre betwixt the Earle of Holland and the Lord of Arckel could not be appeased; the richest and most apparent persons of the country of Arckel, who were dayly impouerished, could not forbeare to murmure against their Lord; and the rather for that it was commonly reported among them, that the Earle had sworne neuer to pardon their Lord. William of Arckel his sonne was much troubled, to see his father oppose himselfe so obstinately against so mighty a Prince, perswading him often with liuely reasons to reconcile himselfe with such great and mighty enemies, such as the Earle, the bishop of Vtrecht, and the Lord of Vianen were. This yong Nobleman, seeing that he preuailed nothing, and that he could not mollifie his fathers hart, had pitty of his subiects, who were so pittifully ruined without cause, through the obstinate C wilfulnesse of their Lord; he parted discontented from his Father, and came to Gorrichom, where he laboured to draw the chiefe and richest of the towne to be at his deuotion, and to sweare faith and loyaltie vnto him: among other Iohn Gerrits Prouost of The yong lord of Arckel will make his peace with the Earle. the towne, Conrard, Iohn, Arnold and Gerard of Haerlaer, foure breth [...]en, Ambrose Wouters and Iohn van Donck, issued from a bastard of Arckel, being ioyned and vnited to their yong lord, they concluded together, to treate a peace with the Earle, and to exclude the [...]d of Arckel his father, seeing hee would so obstinately seeke his owne and his subiects ruine, without cause.
At the same time the lord of Arckel was gone to Renald Duke of Iuilliers & Geldres The yong lord of Arckel makes himselfe master of Gorrichom. his wiue [...] brother: during his absence, the yong lord of Arckel his sonne, by the aduice D of the aboue named Gentlemen, deposed all the Magistrates, Councellors, and Officers of the towne of Gorrichom, which his father had made, establishing a new Baylisse and Iudge, in the place of the old: the like he did at Lederdam, and in the castell. The Lord of Arckel (who knew nothing of all these practises) returning out of the country of Iuilliers, thinking to enter into Gorrichom, found the gates shutt against him, refusing to giue him entrance, the like was done vnto him at the castell, From thence he [...]ent to Lederdam, where he had the same entertainement. Being in The Lord of Arckel shut out of the towne and [...] stell of Gorrichom and Lederdam. this perplexi [...]ie the Lord of Arckel returned presently the same way he came into the country of Gelders, without eating or drinking. But soone after he did write secretly vnto his sonne by men of good iudgement, of his councell, who could handle this yong E Nobleman in such sort, as without taking any aduice and councell of the aboue named, and of the chiefe of the towne, he went to Boisleduc, to reconcile himselfe vnto his father. Whe [...]evpon those chiefe men being discontented that he had made an accorde The sonne reconciled to the father. without their priuity or aduice, and that he would leaue them ingaged: at his returne from Boisleduc, thinking to re-enter into Gorrichom, the gates were shut against him. This yong Nobleman, finding himselfe debarred from entring into the towne, turned The yong Lord of Arckel excluded ou [...] of Gorrichom. head, and went to the Duke of Iuilliers his Vncle. Being gone, those seauen men sent certaine deputies of qualitie vnto the Earle of Holland, to require his ayde and protection against the Lord of Arckel, in regarde whereof they offred him all duty of homage and [...]ealty. The Earle being glad to winne such a towne and country without F striki [...]g stroake, and therewithall subdue his enemie with little labour, hee came about Whitsontide to Wandrichom, where hee was receiued and feasted in the Castell, and acknowledged for lord of Arckel, confirming and ratifying the [...]r priuiledges as well olde as newe. From thence hee went to Gorrichom, and into the Castell, and into [Page 120] Leederdam, where he was likewise receiued for Lord of Arckel, and generally inuested A in all the countrie.
The Lord of Aspren hearing that the Earle was at Gorrichom, came to meete him neere vnto Leederdam, doing him all honor and reuerence: and seeing Conrard, Iohn, The Lord of Aspren acknowledgeth the Earle of Holland. Arnold, and Gerard van Haerlaer bretheren, Ambrose Woutsersen & Iohn Van Donck, whom the Earle had newly made Knights, with their collers of gold, wondring much, he said: My Lord, beware of these new Knights, for what they haue done this day vnto their Lord, they may doe to morrow vnto you. The Earle smiling made much of him, raysing him vp vnder the arme, he lead him to his lodging, where hauing feasted him, he returned into Holland. The Lord of Arckel and his sonne, deuised by what meanes they might recouer their inheritance. The Earle to preserue it, sent Philip van Dorp a Knight, with 500. B men to garde Gorrichom. The yong Lord of Arckel hauing with the helpe of his friends gathered some men together, came in the end of haruest, and attempted to passe the walles of Gorrichom neere vnto a Tower called the Tower Robert, (by scalado,) The yong Lord of Arckel t [...]s Gor [...]hom by scaladoe. which hauing effected, those of the garde hearing that it was their yong Lord, leauing the rampart, fled heere and there. This yong Nobleman passing on, brake open the gate on the East side, and drew in his men with their colours flying, making great and fearfull cries. The Burgesses that were affected vnto him, turned presently on his side, and in this enterprise there was not any man hurt, but Henry Vander-streat, that was slaine at the first entrance. The next day Didier le Coc (que) neere kinsman to Ambrose Woutersen, had his head cut off. The rest that were opposite to the Lord of Arckel, leaping ouer C the walles, escaped. This yong Nobleman went presently to besiege the Castell of He [...]geth the [...]ell of Arckell. Arckel, where the besieged expecting succors from the Earle of Holland, defended themselues valiantly.
The Earle hearing of these surprises, leuied men in all hast, and went to besiege Gorrichom; chasing the young Lord first from his siege, and forcing him to retire into The Earle of Holland besiegeth Gorrichom. Gorrichom. The Earle being fully resolued to force this towne, called all the Gentlemen of his Prouinces and Seigneuries, and required them of Vtrecht to assist him: On the other side Renold Duke of Iuilliers and Geldres, a man of a turbulent spirit, demanded The duke of Gelders desies the Earle. nothing more then some occasion to quarrell with the Earle, whom he sent to defie by a Herald with open letters, as he had presumed before to defie the French King: D where the bishop of Liege brother to the Earle of Holland, imployed his credit happily to make his peace with the said King, who else had ruined him. This Duke then came with an armie, and camped not farre from the towne of Gorrichom. The inhabitants went forth in the night, & drew the victuals and munition which he had brought them into the towne. The Earle hearing of the Dukes comming, raised his siege, and went and planted himselfe before the Chappell of Dalem vpon the dike, right against the Geldrois, to offer them battaile, the which was deferred for that night, in the which The duke re [...] into his country. the Geldrois did rise, and retired himselfe into his country. The Earle seeing him gone, went to continue his siege before Gorrichom, and after that hee had well furnished the castell of Arckel and the places there-abouts, he returned into his country. E
A while after the Lord of Arckel and his sonne did transport vnto Duke Renold of Gelders, all the right and interest which they had to the towne of Gorrichom, vpon The father and sonne of Arckel transport their siegnorie to the duke of Gelders. condition that it should neuer be dismembred from the Dutchie of Geldres: for that the yong Lord of Arckel was by his mother the onely and sole heire apparent of the Dukedomes of Iuilliers and Geldres, and of the county of Zutphen: for that Duke Renold brother to his Mother, had not any children: and so the siegniorie of Gorrichom was vnited to the Duchie of Geldres, which was the cause of great and continuall wars betwixt the Hollanders and the Geldrois, forraging, spoiling, and burning one another. During the which the Hollanders did ore runne at one time as farre as Brakel, Beets, Thieler-waert, Bomunelerwaert, and other places there-abouts. The Geldrois to haue F their reuenge, came vnto Heckhuysen. Iohn of Croenenburch gouernor of Heusden, knowing them to be there, went with such men as he could get together, to incounter them, and did charge the Geldrois, although they were three for one, and at the first with great shouting, and fearefull cries, (the fogge and mist being so thick as they could [...] strange [...]oute. [Page 121] not possibly discerne them) hee strooke such a feare and amazement into them, as they A fled, and with such speed, as they thought all the Hollanders had beene at their heeles. The Gouernor pursued them farre, and brought home more prisoners Geldrois, then himselfe had lead soldiers to the field. This route of the Geldrois, was strange and accidentall, for many that thought to saue themselues through the riuer, were drownd there: Among the rest there was one thing worthy of laughter: which was, that seauen Geldrois, An Act worthy of laughter. transported with feare, knowing not which way to flie in this thick fogge, came in the end to the same village of Heeckhuysen, which before they had burnt, where they did hide themselues in a Hogstie: at night the Sowe which had beene wandring abroad all day, returning to her lodging, thrust and gronted at the doore to enter: These hardie soldiars, thinking it had beene their enemies that pursued them, began to crie out, wee B yeeld, we yeeld, kill vs not, but take vs prisoners; some countrymen, lamenting their precedent losses, hearing the cries, ranne thether, and tooke them prisoners.
The yeare following in Lent, the Earle of Holland caused a Forte to bee made at Dalhem, beyond Louestein, on the other bancke of the riuer of Wahal, the which he manned 1408 witha good garrison: yet before it was fully finished, the Duke of Geldres came with an Armie, meaning to build one in the same place, but seeing that that of the Hollanders was in defence, he battered it and sought to sorce it: The Hollanders defended it valiantly, and notwithstanding all his attempts, finished their Fort: during this time Iohn of Bauaria Bishop of Liege came into Hollande, and did mediate a Truce betwixt the Truce betwixt the Earle of Holland and the duke of Gelders. Great warre of the Liegeois against their bishop. Earle of Hollande his brother, and the Duke of Gelders for three yeeres, the which C con [...]inued vnto the yeere 1411.
The Liegeois (as we haue begun to shewe before) hauing chased away Iohn of Bauaria their Bishop, did choose Henry of Parwis, for Gouernour of their Countrey, and for their Prince and Bishop, Henry of Parwis his sonne, expelling al the Chanoins, Curates and Priests, that would not acknowledge this newe Prelate. Iohn of Bauaria was then in Maestricht, whereas the Liegeois with their Gouernor and new elected Bishop went to besiege him, meaning to take him if they could. The Earle of Holland hearing of these newes, went speedily to seeke succors of the Duke of Bourgongne, his father in law, against the Liegeois. These two mightie Princes made an Armie out of their Countreys of Flaunders, Arthois, Henault, Holland, Zeland, Friseland D and Vtrecht, with many strangers that came for pay, with the which they marched directly towards the country of Leige, to vngage the said bishop Iohn out of Maestricht. The Earle of Holland, the Duke of Bourgongne, the Duke of Brabant his Brother, the Earle of Namur, and some other Noble-men and Barrons, sent to desie the Lord of Parwis, and the elect Bishop his sonne, which done, they entred into the Countrie of Liege. There was a generall Proclamation made, that all men that were able to beare Armes, were they Noble or ignoble, Clergie or Lay-men, Maisters or seruants, should vpon paine of death arme, to giue battaile to these Princes, vppon a Sonday, the 23 of September. With this multitude (not to be numbred) the Lorde of Parwis went to field, to goe and encounter his enemies. Comming neere vnto E the Village of Othey, they discouered the Coulors and Standards of the Princes; who had the night before camped along the riuer Iecoure, to march towardes Maestricht, not thinking that the Liegeois had raysed their Campe. The Princes seeing their enemies in front, disposed all their armie in three Battalions. In the foreward marched the Earle of Holland: The battaile was led by the Duke of Burgongne: and the Earle of Namures commanded the Reereward. The Liegeois made but one body of their whole armie. The two armies being thus in front one of another, ready to ioyne, the A battell betwixt the Liegeois and the princes allyed to the bishop. lord of Parwis marking the earle of Holland by his armes in the head of the foreward, said vnto his men: Doe you see the mount of Gold, if we can ouerthrow it, the poorest amongst vs shall be clad in cloth of gold: but I feare we shall not. The Liegeois hearing this speech, F asked him; If he who had brought them thether were afraid? No (answered he) I will march first, he that loues me, let him follow me. For this day we must either vanquish, or dye.
When thy approached, the arrowes and stones flue thicker in the ayre, then haile; but it continued not long, before they came to handy blowes and to ioyne with their [Page 122] pikes, halberts, axes, masses, swords and courtelasses: the battaile was exceeding furious. A The Liegeois mayntained it valliantly at the first charge, making a great sla [...]ghter of the Hollanders. The Earle of Namur aduancing with his reerward, charged the enemie in flancke, and opened them, and yet they held together so close, as many were smothered. The Liegeois being thus opened vpon the flanckes, and charged in front and of euery side, were pittifully intreated, and a great butcherie made of them. There Henry of Parwis and the new elected Bishop his sonne were slaine, with aboue A great defeat of the Liegeois. A reuenge vpon the mot [...]s of this warre. 40000. men, and a great number of prisoners. Among the which those lay-men which had beene the motiues to expell their Bishop, Iohn of Bauaria, were executed by the sword, and the Clergie men were put in sacks and cast into the riuer of Meuse. On the Earle of Hollands side, their dyed a very ancient Knight, called William Vander Poel, B Bastard to Cont William, brother to the Empresse Marguerit who was slain by the Frisons. The Bishop Iohn of Bauaria was then at Maestricht, and had the same night news of this victorie, whereof being exceeding ioyfull, he came the next day to his brother and the other Princes, and thanked them.
Those of Tongres were also in armes; but they came to too late, and were defeated, and a great number slaine: The Bishop and the Earle of Holland his brother, sent some Captaines into the Citie of Liege, who in reuenge of the iniurie done vnto the Bishop, put to death many of the Chanoins, Priests and other Officers, which the elect Bishop had placed, the which were cast from the top of the bridge. Those from whom any Prebends and Benifices had beene taken, for that they had held Iohn of Bauarias C part, were restored to their dignities and offices: many notable Burgesses were executed. All their ancient Priuiledges, Rights, Freedomes and Statutes were burnt. Their Banners, Enseignes and Standardes were first ignominiously torne in peeces, and then burnt, and beside the Liegeois were taxed at 200. thousand crownes of the sun for a fine, by means whereof (and acknowledging their old Bishop) the wars ceased in the countrey of Liege.
In the yeare 1409. after this great victorie, the Earle of Holland, went to the French kings Court, and did mediate a peace for Iohn Duke of Burgongne, his father 1409. The Earle of Holland reconciles the Duke of Bourgondie with the French king. in law with the King, by reason of the homicide committed vpon the person of Lewis Duke of Orleans, the kings brother: and so a peace was concluded betwixt D them, whereat all France reioyced and commended the Earle of Holland for so good a worke.
In the yeare 1410. the Truce betweene the Earle of Holland and the Duke of Gelders, being expired, the Earle sent some ships of warre into the Zuyderzee, to keepe 1410. The duke of Geldres and the Earle of Holland return [...] to war. them of Herderwyk and Elburch from going to sea. The Earle had also drawne into his league the towne of Amersfort in the countrie o [...] Vtrecht, to which towne hee gaue many good Priuiledges and Immunities, for that it was alwayes open vnto him, and at his command; and did serue him as a place of armes, to enter by it into the Veluwe, and the countrie of Gelders: On the other side, the Lord Iohn of Arckel Captain of the Duke of Gelders horse, by the Dukes command seazed vpon the castle of Hofeslaeken, E & neere vnto it caused a Fort to be built against them of Amersfort, the which he manned with a good Garrison to defend the said Castell. One day among the rest, Hubert of Culenbourgh, Iohn of Vianen, and Arnold of Eienburch, knights and captaines of the Hollanders, issued forth with their men out of the towne of Amersfort, to goe and skirmish with them of the towne and castle of Hoefslaeken. But the garrison of the one and the other knowing of their comming, abandoned both places. These Captaines finding them emptie and forsaken razed them: from thence they went to Nyekerke, the which they spoyled and fired, and so returned with their spoile into Amersfort.
In the yeare, 1412. there was a peace made betwixt these two Princes, William of F Bauaria Earle of Holland, and Renold Duke of Gelders. By the which it was said: That 1412. A peace betwixt these two Princes. the Duke should yeeld vnto the Earle the towne of Gorrichom, with all the appurtenances that depended thereon and that he should cause the yong Lord of Arckel, his cousin to doe the like. Moreouer it Was agreed, that the Earle should pay vnto the Duke for the charges hee had [Page 123] beene at in the said Towne, 100000. Crownes, and that the Duke should resigne vnto the said The Articles of peace. A yong Lord of Arckel, the Seignorie of Bron, the castle of Oyen, and seuen villages depending thereon, with fiue thousand Florins of the Rhine of yeerely pension, assigned him vppon the towll or custome of Loebeck: the which was thus concluded, in the Towne of Wyck-terduyr-sted: which done, William of Arckell transported vnto the Earle of Holland, for himselfe and his heires for euer, the towne of Gorrichom, with all the countrie and Seigneorie of Arckell. And by that meanes the said Towne and countrie, hath remained Gorrichom anexed to Holland. The duke of Gelders and the Earle of Holland meet. An aduertisement giuen vnto the Earle. annexed vnto the Conty of Holland vnto this day.
These two Princes beeing by the meanes of this peace become good friendes, the Duke of Gelders accompained with his chiefe Nobilitie, went to visite the Earle of Holland, who receyued him courteously and with great state, staying there B some time and disporting themselues together in all sorts of mirth, feasts & pastimes. During this time there came [...]one vnto the Earle, that was a secret seruaunt vnto the Duke, aduising him (in all dutie) to beware of his secret enemies, which he had in his countrey, and of his owne Vassals, who sought to attempt not only against his State, but also against his person. The which did somewhat trouble and perplex the Earle, not knowing who wisht him so much euill.
The Duke being returned into his countrie, Cont William of Holland had a like desire to goe and visit him: the whiche he did, being well accompanied. The Duke knowing of his comming, went to meete him as farre as the Velue, and receiued him with inestimable courtesies and welcomes, entertaining one another with great signes of C loue: his enteruiew continued eight dayes. These Princes being once among the rest, feasting and drinking together, the Duke of Gelders hauing his head full of wine, he said vnto the Earle. Deare Cousin, it falls out now happily for you that we are so well reconciled The Dukes speeches confirme the former aduertisment. and good friends together. Why? (said the Earle) For, said he, if it were not so, you had bin now my prisoner. The other answered: I cannot beleeue it. Without doubt, Cousin, said he of Gelders, it had bin so, and wonder not at it, for you haue some of your chiefe vassalls had bin actors in it. These speeches being past, the Earle casting vp his head, they ended the banquet merrily. The Earle (being returned into Holland) was still pensiue, and wondred The Earle grovves iealous of them of Egmond. much who those might bee, that would, or durst attempt any such thing against him, being their Prince. And as he called to minde, that in these last warres, Iohn of D Egmond had not serued him, neither with his person, nor with his subiects, hauing refused to be enemie to the Duke of Gelders, and that in fiue yeares space he had not come to the Court, but vpon good warrants: the which the other Noblemen and knights had neuer demanded, hee beganne to suspect and to haue a bad conceite of him, and of the Lord of Yselsteyn his brother: yet at that time he made no shew therof, concealing it in his brest, vntill he had made some tryall thereof, without attempting any thing rashly against them, that it might not bee saide, hee had done them wrong.
In the yeare 1414. the Frisons reuolted againe from the Earle of Holland, leauied 1414. The Frisons reuoult. some men couertly, and came secretly by night and surprised the Towne of Staueren, E those that were in gard performing their duties ill, where they tooke many Hollanders, whom they put to ransome: which Towne had beene 13. yeares vnder the quiet command of the Earle of Holland. This reuolt made the Frisons so odious vnto Cont William as hee resolued to suppresse them in such sort, as they should neuer haue more meanes to rise against him, nor against any others. But as at that time there fell out affaires of greater importance, he deferred the making of warre against them vntill a better opportunitie and season.
In the yeare 1415. On Saint Katherines day, as Iohn Lord of Arckel returned from the funerall of Anthonie of Burgongne, Duke of Brabant, passing by Arpenburgge he 1415. The old lord of Arkel taken prisoner. was surprised in a certaine Ambuscado, which Didier vander Merwen, Lord of Seuenbergen, F and Philip of Leck [...] had layd for him, leading him into Holland, couered with a white cloake, of the Order of the Dutch Knights, to disguise him the better. Cont William was very glad of this prize, & came to the Hage, whether they said Lord was brought vnto him: who sent him prisoner from thence to the Castle of la Goude, [Page 124] who afterwards was brought to Seuenberghe with a straight gard, where he was ten A yeares a prisoner. Those of Brussels hearing that the said Lord of Arckell, (who was their Bourgeois) had been e [...] taken vp on the iurisdiction of Brabant, would with the help of other townes of the countrie (from whence they drew some men) go and take him away by force, out of his prison at Seuenberghe: but Duke Iohn of Burgongne their Prince would not suffer it, nor enter into quarrell with the Earle of Holland, his sonne in law for that Lords sake: during the time that the said Lord of Arckel was a prisoner, he was sometimes carryed before Cont William and his Councell, before The Lord of Arckel discouers who they were that practised against the Earle of Holland. The kinssolke of the Lord of Egmond offer to iustifie themselues. whom hee did protest it to bee true; and declared by what meanes and by whom the Earle should haue beene deliuered prisoner, vnto Duke William of Geldres. The B which the Earle dissembled for some reasons, keeping it secret in his breast, vntill it was time to discouer it. As it was a common brute who should deliuer him during the time that the Earle and Duke were in warre, one against another: the kinsfolke and friendes of the Lordes of Egmond and Yselstein, hearing that this imputation was laid vpon them, & vpon all their house, would for the preseruation of their honors, purge them from so foule an infamie, as a thing that toucht them neere, both in body and goods. Iohn Lord of Egmond complained that therein they did him great wrong, knowing himselfe innocent of that wherewith hee was generally taxed. Yet he protested to be alwayes readie to iustifie himselfe, before the Earle of Holland, his Prince, so as he might haue accesse vnto him vnder safe conduit. The Earle being returned C from a voiage which he had made into England with the Emperor Sigismonde, to mediate a peace betwixt the Kings of France and England: the kinsmen of the The Lord of Egmond adiourned to appeare in person. said Lord of Egmond, intreat him that he would grante the said safe conduit, that hee might purge himselfe of those crimes in his presence, and before his Councell. The which the Earle would haue him do, and therefore commanded that he should be adiourned to appeare in person within fortie fiue dayes, to iustifie himselfe of such matters as should bee layed against him. The Lord of Egmond, being thrice lawfully For not appearing he is banished, and his goods forfeited. adiourned, and appearing not, was vppon the third default for his contumacie, condemned by the Earles councell, to bee attainted and conuicted of treason, for the crimes and attempts obiected against him, and to forfeite body and goods. D According to which sentence all his goodes, landes, and Seigniories were seazed on, to the vse and profite of the Earle, and of the Countie of Holland, an attachment granted for his person, and in case they could not finde him, to be then banished for euer, out of the countries and iurisdictions of the Earledomes.
This Lord of Egmond seeing himselfe thus intreated, retyred vnto his brother William of Egmond into his towne or castle of Yselstein, with some souldiers which he had at his deuotion. Soone after the Earle sent some Deputies of his Councell to Iselsteyn sommoned, and summon the said towne and castle, to yeeld vnto his obedience: the which being refused, he presently caused a small armie to be leuied, whereof he sent the one halfe before Yselstein, and with the rest he went ouer towards Schonhouen, from whence E he went to ioyne with the other part, that hee might besiege the castle on the other side: but the Lords, Iames of Gaesbeck, Hubert of Culemburch, and Iohn of Vianen, neerely allyed vnto the house of Egmond, fearing that they would be the cause of the Yeelded by them of Egmond. ruine of their house, did labor for their reconciliation with the Earle, the which they obtained vpon condition: that the said Lordes of Egmond should depart with their goods out of Yselstein, and out of the Counties of Holland and Zeeland, whether they might neither goe, nor come without the Earles expresse leaue; which towne and castle of Yselstein they did yeeld vnto him absolutely with the Seigneorie, appurtenances and dependances. In consideration whereof, the Earle should pay yearely vnto F the said William of Egmond, sixe hundred Crownes of the Sunne, and to the Lady Yoland their mother 800. crownes more yearly, the paiments to remaine to their heirs for euer, of the which authenticall letters were drawne. And so Cont William was disposest of the said towne, castle and Seigneorie of Yselstein. But since it was restored Iselsteyn restored since to them of Egmond. to the said house of Egmond, of the which Maximillian of Egmond Earle of Buren, was the last Lorde of that name, whose daughter and sole heire, William of Nassau [Page 125] Prince of Orange tooke to his first wife, by whom he had Charles Philip of Nassau, now A Prince of Orange, Earle of Buren, Cont of Iselstein, Saint Anneland, Saint Martins Dyck, &c. and the Lady Anne of Nassau his sister, Contesse dowager of Hohenloo, To whom it doth novv belong. sister by the fathers side to Prince Maurice of Nassau, at this day Gouernour, Generall and Admirall of the vnited Prouinces of the Netherlands.
Cont William of Holland, considering that being two and fitie yeares old, hauing The Earle causeth the Lady Iaqueline, to be acknovvled [...]ed for hi [...] onely heire in his life time. no heire but one onely daughter, called Iacoba or Iaqueline, married to the Dolphin, sonne to Charles the sixth, King of France: assembled the Estates, Gouernours, Bayliffes and Officers of all his Prouinces, landes and Seigneoris, of whom hee required a promise & othe, that in case he should die without heires male, that they should not acknowledge any other, but the saide Lady Iaqueline for their Princesse and soueraigne B ladie, whom they should defend & maintaine in this qualitie against all. The which the Barons, Nobles, Knights, and all the Estates in generall of his Countries did promise and sweare, whereof an [...]nsturment was drawne in writing, with the seales of some of 1417 the chiefe Noble-men and Townes, in the yeare, 1417.
The Dolphin of France, husband to the lady Iaqueline of Bauaria, was sent for by the The Dolphin of France, husband to the Lady Iaqueline po [...] soned and dies. King his father, to come to Paris; the Earle of Holland his father in law, conuoyed him into Henault, where he should attend the kings men to conduct him to the Court. But before he went he was poisoned, and dyed soone after. Some hold that it was in putting on a shirt of Male, which had been giuen him. He was 20. yeares old, and Iaquiline his wife 19. when he dyed the fourth of April. 1417. his bodie was carryed to Paris.
Soone after the last day of May in the said yeare 1417. died William of Bauaria, Earle Death of William the 6. Earle of Holland. C of Holland, Zeland, Henault, and Lord of Friseland, of a sore he had in his leg, which came with the biting of a mad dogge, the which being opened by his chirurgeon, did so impaire, as it was the cause of his death. The said Ladie Iaquiline, widow to the Dolphin of France, succeeded him in al his siegniories. Her father recommending her before his death to his most faithfull seruants; requiring them to marry her againe to Iohn Duke of Brabant. He was interred at Valenciennes in Henault, after he had gouerned his countries the space of 13. yeares. The lady Marguerite of Bourgongne his wife, daughter to duke Iohn of Bourgongne liued long after him, and was interred at Quesnoy in Henault. This Cont VVilliam was a seuere man against his rebels and enemies, and very courteous, D affable and kinde vnto his friends; a iust and bountifull Prince. He had two bastard brethren, Albert, and VVilliam of Bauaria, the which was Lorde of Schagen. This William was twise at Ierusalem to see the holy Sepulcher, and once at Mount Synay, or Saint Catherines Mount, in which voiages he was knighted, and at his returne made Chastelain or Gouernor of Medemblyck: Afterwards the good Duke Philip of Burgongne, become Earle of Holland, gaue him in West Friseland the seigneories of Schagen, The first particular Lord of Schagen. Bersinghorne and Harynckhuysen, which William caused a goodly castle to bee built in the said village of Schagen, and made a great circuit of the countrie to be dicked in, and recouered from the sea neere vnto Sype and the village S. Martin, calling it Nyelant. he had to wife Alix the daughter of Iohn of Hodenpil, by whom he had (besides daughters) three sonnes: Albert Seignior of Schagen, a knight; Iohn Escoutette of Harlem, E and William. He was a very famous and renowned knight all his life time, for his vertues and valiant deeds, he dyed old in the yeere 1473. His eldest sonne Albert of Schagen, had to wife Adrian, daughter to the Lord of Nyenrode and Velson, by whome hee had one onely daughter named Iasine, who was first married to VValter of Egmond Lord of Soetermeer, and afterward to Iosse of Borssele.
Count VVilliam, had also three Bastards, two sonnes and one daughter, Lewis and Cont Williams bastards. Euerard knights, and Beatrix van Vlyet. Euerard was the first seigneor of Hoochtwoud in West Friseland, where he caused a goodly house in forme of a castle to be built: and had to wife the daughter of Flores van Kyesweck: by whom he had Anthonie, seignior F of Hoochtwoud. This Anthonie had to wife Sophia, the daughter of Iohn seigneor of Polgeest, who bare him fiue sonnes, Baldwyn seignior of Hoochtwoud, a knight, William, Gerard, Cornellis, and Euerard, who was a Monke in the Abbie of Egmond, and one daughter named Iudeth, who was a Nun in the couent of Poel by Leyden. This Baldwyn [Page 126] sold the said seigniorie of Hoochtwood (for that hee had no children) to Iohn the first A Earle of Egmond. B [...]atrix the bastard daughter of count William, was first marryed to Philip van [...] a knight, by whom she had no children: afterwards she married againe to Iohn of Woerden, siegnior of Vlyet, by whom shee had Ger [...]ard of Vlyet Esquire.
At that time their flourished among the chie [...]e of the Nobilitie of Holland and Zeeland, [...] N [...] [...] of [...] [...]nd [...] [...]n [...]. Willi [...]m lord of Arckell, Wallerand Lord of [...]ederode, Earle of Genap: William of Brederode, Iames lord of Gaesbeck, Abcoude, Wy [...]k, Putten and Streuen. Philip vicont of Leyden, lord of Wassenare, Iohn and Henry [...]is sonnes. Iohn of Egmond, and William of Yselstein his brother. Philip of Leck. W [...]lsart of l [...] Vere, Henry of Vianen & Ameiden, Floris of Borssele lord of Seuenbergh, Zuylen and S. Martins dyc [...], Fa [...]er to Fran [...] B of Borssele the last husband of Iaqueline countesse of Holland, Iames of Borss [...]le lord of Brigdam and D [...]yuelandt, Costin of Hemestede and [...] of Hemestede, Iohn of Cruninghen, Iohn of Renesse, Hubert of Culenburch, Didier of Merwe; Iohn of La [...]geraeck, Didier lord of Henckelom, Iohn vicont of Montfort, Arnold of Lyenburch, Henry of Naeldwyck, and his two sonnes, Wiliam and Albert squires: Didier of Leck, Iohn of Hodenpil, William bastard of Holland, first siegnior of Schagen and his brother Adrian, both sons to count Albert of Bauaria: [...]rard bastard to count William, the first lord of Hoochtwoode, and Lewis a knight his brother: Iohn of Treslon, bastard to Guy Earle of Blois, C Iohn of Vianen, siegni [...]r of Noordeloos. Iohn of Woud [...], lord of Warmo [...]t and Alemada, Iames of Woude his sons, Daniel of Poele, Cl [...]wer gouernor of S. Ghertru [...]denbergh [...] of Poelgee [...]t, and his brother Gerrard, Bartholomew of Raphorst, Iohn of Hemisted, siegnior of Be [...]thusen, Iohn of Vlyet: Philip of Dorp, Iohn, Henry and Ghysbreecht of Croenenburch brethren. Flores of Al [...]mada, Gerard of Woert, Gerard of Zyl Giles of Cralingen, Gerrard of Lyesuelt. Floris of Abeele: Gerard, Conrad, Iohn and Arnold brethren of Haerla [...]r, Frederik of Seuenter; Berthold of Assendolse, Did [...]er of Beets. all knights. Then Iohn of Egmond, siegnior of So [...]termeer, an other Iohn of Egmond, siegnior of Wateringh, Albert of Egmond of Maremsteyn▪ [...]ugh of Al [...]mada, Herpert of Forest, Didier of Assendelf, Symon of Burcht, Floris of Adricom. Gerard vuytten Hage. D Gerard Potter, Baldwin of Wietten, Floris of Tol. Herpert of Bossche, William Egger, first lord and founder of the town of Pourmereinde, Iohn his sonne. Floris of Kye [...]oeck, Iohn vander Myer, Arnold Spyerinck, Nicholas of Waterlandt, William Nagle, with many other squiers and gentlemen, which were to long to number: and most of all these noble Famylies are at this day extinct.
IAQVELINE OF BAVARIA, THE 28▪ Gouernesse in Holland, Zeeland and Friseland, and Contesse of Henault.
[Page 128] THE Lady Iaqueline (or Iacoba as the Hollanders terme her) the A daughter and onely heire of VVilliam of Bauaria, Earle of Holland &c. succeded after the death of her father in all his Earldoms and seigniories. She was then widow (as we haue said) to the Dolphin of France, being 17. yeeres old, keeping with her mother, the Lady Marguerite daughter to Iohn duke of Bourgongne, father to Philip. Her fathers obsequies and funerall pompe being ended, she was conducted throughout all the townes of Henault, whereof she tooke possession and receiued the homages of her subiects and vassals. By reason of her widowhood and her youth shee had much trouble in the gouernment of her The factions reuiue againe in Holland. B Contries, especially of Holland: for that the two factions reuiued againe, the Hoeckins holding the Countesses partie: and the Cabillautins a contrarie one: by reason whereof, all the time of her gouernment shee was much disquieted.
As soone as the Ear [...]e her father was dead, all the banished men, and those whom in his life time he had oppressed, reioyced: amongst others, Iohn Lord of Egmond, and William Those of Egmond returne into Hol [...]nd. The Lord of [...] recouers his towne. Lord of Iselstein brethren: who consulted how they might recouer their Landes which the Earle had forfeited. The Lord of Iselstein with some troupes hauing intellegence in his towne, found the meanes to haue a port opened, and entred secretly in the night, without any discouerie or opposition, yet he could not at that time get the Castle. The Lady Iaqueline being then with her mother in Henault, during her absence, C some Noblemen affectionate to her seruice, preuailed so with the succors of them of Vtrecht and of Amerssord, as they came and besieged the saide Towne of Iselstein: At which siege there commanded Walrauen of Brederode, and Iohn Vicont of Montfort. And the Castl [...] into w [...]ch the bre [...]hren put themselues. Befo [...]e they could be ready for the siege, the two brethren of Egmond found meaens to get the castle, into the which they shut themselues. Those of Vtrecht did much affect this siege, knowing that Herman of Lochorst, and Iohn vanden Spiegel, were also within it, and therefore they built certen Bastillions, Caualiers, and other places for battery, foure dayes after that the Campe was planted there, almost all the townes of Hollande came with their coullors flying, to conquer it. Iohn of Bauaria bishop of Leige, vncle to the Countesse Iaqueline, came thither also with good troupes; so as the Towne was besieged D on all sides. These brethren of Egmond seeing so mightie an armie before them, consulted of their affaires: so as by the meanes and intercession of Iohn of Heemskerk, there was an agreement made with them, by the which it was said, that the said Lords of Egmond, and the banished of Vtrecht should depart out of the towne and castle of Iselstein with bag and baggage, the which they should deliuer into the handes of the Lieutenant and deputies of the Countesse of Holland; and that all the inhabitantes of The towne and c [...]tle of [...] yeelded to t [...]e Countesse. the towne aboue thirteene yeares old, should take the oath of fealtie, and submit themselues vnder her obedience; which being done the armie entred into the towne. Soone after the lady Iaqueline came out of Henault into Holland, who hearing of this victorie obtained vnder her authoritie, and in her name, thanked her friends, who had been carefull E of her good. Those of Vtrecht desired that the towne might bee giuen unto them to dispose thereof at their pleasure: which being too lightly granted (not thinking they would vse it in that sort) they demanteled the Ports, towers, and walles, and ruined the Those of Vtrecht [...] Iselstein. castle vnto the ground: the which did much displease the Nobilitie of Holland. And for that those of Vtrecht thought it was two neere a neighbour vnto them, the same yeare they had leaue to burne the whole towne, except the Church and Monasteries. This ruin of Iselstein happened during the Consulate of Wolpert of Amerongen, and Didier of Houdam, Bourgmasters of Vtrecht. Which towne remained thus desolate and ruined without walles, vnto the time of Charles the warlike Duke of Burgongne, Earle of Holland &c. Of whom Frederik of Iselstein, afterwards Earle of Buren obtained leaue F to repaire it, and to build a new castle.
In the said yeere 1417. the Contesse Iaqueline was in like sort receiued, and tooke The Contesse Iaqueline rece [...]ed in Holland, &c. possession of her inheritance of Holland, Zeland, and Frise-land, as she had been before in Henault. To fulfill the will of Cont William her father, hauing desired, before his [Page 129] death, that she should mary again with Iohn duke of Brabant, although he were her cosin A germaine. The said duke hauing intelligence of the death of Cont William, went to Gaunt to Duke Iohn of Bourgongne his vncle; to whom he vsed some speech of this marriage. Wherevpon there was a meeting appointed at Byervlyet, whether came the said Duke Iohn, Philip Earle of Charolois, sonne to Duke Iohn of Bourgongne, and many other great Noblemen and Barons; The Lady Iaqueline came also with the Lady Marguerite of Bourgongne her mother, Aunt to Duke Iohn of Brabant, and Anthonie father to Iohn duke of Brabant was brother to Marguerite, who was mother to Iaqueline. A marriage concluded betwixt the Contesse of Holland and the duke of Brabant, the 1. of August; 1417. Iohn of Bauaria bishop of Liege, vncle by the fathers side to the said Lady, all accompained with great traines of Noblemen. There it was determined, that the Will of Cont William the father, should be fulfilled; whereupon a marriage was concluded betwixt the Duke of Brabant, and the Countesse of Holland, and there they were made B sure; if the Court of Rome would consent thereunto: wherof their were mutuall promises, the first day of August the same yeere 1417. and there were letters drawn, with a penaltie to be paid by any of the parties that should repent, or oppose with other conditions: among the which Iohn of Bauaria, bishop of Liege should inioy all that which Cont Albert his father, and Cont William his brother, together with the Ladie Iaqueline his Neece, had giuen and confirmed vnto him: in consideration whereof they Bishop did consent vnto the marriage: and therevpon the Assembly at Byervlyet was dissolued. Presently there was a notable Embassage, sent in the name of the Duke of Brabant, and the Countesse of Holland his spowse, to the Councell of Constance, to obtaine a dispensation for their marriage, notwithstanding the proximitie of blood, C the which was denyed them: for that the Emperour Sigismond, and this bishop of The bishop desirous to spoile his Neece. Liege crossed it all they could: for this bishop had such a conceite, and so great a desire to be Earle of Holland, as the same yeere, in September, he went out of Liege (and neuer after returned more) came to Dordrecht in Holland, and sent his deputies to the said councell, with an ample Procuration to resigne into the Popes handes his bishopricke of Liege, the which he had gouerned 27. yeers, and also to hinder the dispensation of the marriage: whereof the Duke of Brabant was secretly aduertised by some friends which he had in the said councell of Constance.
This Iohn of Bauaria hauing left his bishopricke of Leige, and being at Dordrecht, writ to all the townes of Holland that they should receiue him, and acknowledge him Iohn of Bauaria seekes to make himselfe Barle of Holland. D for Gouernor, and Tutor of the Contesse, his Neece, being a widow, who could not be dispenced withall by the Councell, for her marriage; shewing, that hee did onely seeke the aduancement and greatnesse of his Neece, with the preseruation of her Estate. But God knowes, that he had a contrarie intent to dispossesse her. And to that end, he caused an assembly to be held at Schonhouen, where he made this proposition; but it was denied him by the said Ladie his Neece: who notwithstanding offered to confirme vnto him what had beene concluded at the foresaid treatie of marriage. Iohn of Bauaria seeing himselfe thus refused, returned to Dordrecht much discontented: where hee made a league with the Cabillautin faction, of the which those of Egmond werethe cheef; and was acknowledged in the said town of Dordrecht, for Tutor and E Gouernour of Holland and Zeeland. Vpon which support he sent to somon the sayde Ladie, to submit her selfe vnder his charge: else he would denounce warre against her. He had drawen vnto his faction William of Arckell, Iohn of Egmond, William of Yselstein; by whose fauour and assistance he thought to doe wonders, promising them also to restore them to their lands that were forfeited to Cont William, father to the Contesse. Afterwards Iohn of Egmond found means to surprize the Towne of Gorrichom, Egmond surpriseth Gorrichom in the name of Iohn of Arckel his cousin. The Lorde of Brederode, and other Barons which held the Contesses partie, seeing the towne thus surprized, retyred themselues presently into the castle, which Cont William had caused to be built. William of Arckell ariued soone after, being accompanied with many Knights and Gentlemen, F where he was restored to his siegniorie; but the castle held good againg him. Iohn of Bauaria went secretly to Gorrichom, conferred with the said noblemen, & then returned to Dordrecht. The Contesse being aduertised hereof, drew what forces she could together, out of all her countreys: and with the assistance of them of Vtrecht and of [Page 130] Amersfort, accompanied by her mother, sayled vp the riuer of Merwe, and went before Contesse Iaqueline besiegeth Gorrichom. A Gorrichom. The chief of her armie were Walrauen of Brederode, then Lieutenant to the said Ladie in Holland, Zeeland and Friseland. Where the said Princesses being arriued, they were welcommed into the castle, and their armie camped round about. The night following their men went to the Sapp, and made a breach betwixt the castle and the towne, the which was so great as they might enter with their armie in battell. The Lord of Arckel seeing this breach, put his men suddenly in order, beeing about 4000. The Lord of Brederode hauing disposed of his troupes, aduanced to enter; but the Lord of Arckel had suddenly cast vp a trench betwixt the Towne and the Castle, so as they could not passe, nor easily approach. Notwithstanding they of Vtrecht and Amersfort B hauing lept ouer the ditch, marched brauely in battell into the towne. The Lord of Arckel hauing his troupes very resolute, went boldly to incounter them: the charge was furious and very bloody, the one striuing to conquer, the other to defende. Gorrichom taken againe. But in the end, the Lord of Arckels men beginning to faint, hauing no hope of any supplies, and seeing the Contesses forces to increase hourely, they turned their backes and fled: there was the lord of Arckel slaine, and with him the Earle of Osburch, the siegnior The lord of Arckle with many others [...]ne. of Pettersen. Henry, bastard of Arckell, Allard of Buren, Splinter the bastard of Nyenrood, Otto of Gelechom, Otto of Ghemmen, William of Appeldorn, & about a 1000. other gentlemen, Bourgeses and souldiers. Amongst the prisoners were William Earle of Vernenburch, the Earle of Hulberch, Henry of Hoemoet, the baron of Batenburch, Didier of C Lyenden. Arnold of Ordange and Raes his brother, Didier of Heumen. The siegnior of Orflot, Arnold of Egmond sieignior of Marestein, Otto of Buren, Iohn of Heteren, Iohn of Oyen. Arnold of Craenhem, and Arnold of Haerlaer, all Knights. Those of Vtrecht had the Lord Iohn of Egmond, and aboue a 1000. prisoners of all sorts.
Of the Contesse Iaquelines side, their died Walrauen Lord of Brederode, her lieutenant, The Lord of Brederode slaine. through the negligence of his seruants, the which was a great losse for that Princesse, which caused her to mourne: This battell was giuen in the towne of Gorrichom, the first of December. The lord of Brederode left two sonnes, Renold lord of Brederode, and Ghysbrecht cathedrall Deane, and afterwards elect bishop of Vtrecht, of whom wee shall speake heareafter. Pope Martin by his bulles of the 22. of Nouember, of his owne D authoritie notwithstanding the refusall of the councell of Constance, dispenced with the marriage of Iohn Duke of Brabant, with the Lady Iaqueline, Contesse of Holland, without The Pope dispenceth with the marriage of the Duke of Brab [...]nt, with the lady Iaqueline. The Pope reuoketh his dispensation. [...]ny respect to the proximitie of blood: sending the Bull secretly to the Duke by his Ambassadors. The which being come to the knowledge of Iohn of Bauaria her vncle, he made his complaint to the Emperor Sigismonde: who taking it ill, sent to the Pope, letting him vnderstand what quarrels and Factions might growe thereby among Christian Princes: the which did mooue the Pope to reuooke this dispensation, of which reuocation Iohn of Bauaria, sent an authenticall Coppie to the Duke of Brabant, thinking to terrifie him therewith, that hee should not proceed any further in this marriage. But the Duke seeming not to know anything, the 13. of Ianuarie, 1418. 1418. sent cont Engelbert of Nassau, Lord of Leck and Breda, with Henry lord of Berghe E vpon Soome, to the Lady Iaqueline, being then at the Hage in Holland, with his Bull.
The 8. of March following, the Duke accompained with many Earles, barons, knights, and Nobles his friends and vassals, came to the saide lady Countesse at the Hage, to aduise of their marriage. The bishop of Tournay, with other Noble men, Ambassadors to Duke Iohn of Bourgongne were there present, with the chiefe of the councell to the Countesse, the Duke of Brabant, and the Deputies of the Townes of Holland, Zeeland, Henault and Frezeland: where they did view and examine the Bull of dispensation, and the coppy of the reuocation, the which not being found authenticall, all well considered, they concluded to proceed in the consumation of the marriage, according to the F ordinances of the church: and so were accordingly married, the fourth of Aprill, by The marriage consumated be [...]wixt the duke of Brabant, and the Contesse of Holland. the Deane of the chappell at the Hage, in the presence of the old Lady her mother, of Philip vicont of Leyden, lord of Waesenare, Henry of Leck, and many ladies and gentlewomen, among others, the lady of Saint Martins Dyke, the lady of Ameyden, the lady of Steenbergen and others. The Duke of Brabant was 16. yeeres old, and the contesse [Page 131] Iaqueline about 18. when as they were married, by the which their patrimoniall inheritances A were greatly fortified one by another.
A while after, Pope Martin did write vnto the duke giuing him to vnderstand, that the The Pope confirmes his dispensation againe. reuocation which he had made of the dispensation, came through feare of the Emperor, and the importunitie of Iohn of Bauaria, and for no other cause & that without any scruple of conscience, they might liue freely in that state of mariage. The which the Patriarke of Constantinople and the Cardinall of Ostia, confirmed by their Bulles. And so Iohn Duke of Brabant was receyued and acknowledged in the countries of Holland, Zeeland, Henault, Friseland &c. for their prince, as husband to the said lady their princesse: except in the Towne of Dordretcht, and the Iland of Bryele. As also the said Contesse Iaqueline was receiued with great honor in the Townes of the Dutchie of Brabant. And for that B Iohn of Bauaria through the trecherie of them of Dordrecht, would not onely attribute vnto himselfe the gouernment of Holland, but did also take vpon him the title of Earl and procured great troubles to the Contesse his Neece, the Histories of Holland, haue put him in the number (but without rancke) of their Earles, the which we follow; and will describe his gouernment as succin̄tly as wee can, and the disasters of the said Contesse vnto the death.
IHON OF BAVARIA, CARRYING himselfe as Gouernor, then Earle of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friseland.
[Page 133] IHON OF BAVARIA hauing gouerned his Bishopricke A of Leige 27. years, for whose sake (as we haue sayd before) so much blood had beene spilt, and so many good men lost their liues; hauing resigned his Bishopricke into the Popes hands, notwithstanding that he was a Deacon, obtained a dispenspation to mary; taking to wife the lady Elizabeth, widow to Anthonie duke of Brabant, father to duke Iohn, and Iohn of Bauaria gets a dispensation fr [...] the Pope to marry. Duchesse of Luxembourgh his Gossip, hauing beene Godfather to a sonne of hers. He carryed himselfe at the first, as Tutor to the contesse Iaqueline his neece, and then Gouernor of Holland, &c. Then he obtained of the Emperor Sigismond, B his wiues vncle, the Earldomes of Holland, Zeeland and Henault, & the lordship of Frizeland, in fealtie and homage, as fallen vnto the Emperor by the death of cont William his brother, for want of heires male, excluding the contesse Iaqueline his neece. He obtaines the [...] of Holland, &c of the Emperor. The which the Emperor being at Constance, did intimate vnto the Duke of Brabant his vassall, with a prohibition not to challenge any thing to himselfe in the saide countries. According to the which Iohn of Bauaria did presse the chiefe townes of the saide Prouinces, to receiue him for their Lord and Prince. The townes of Holland and Zeland, made him answere; that they had acknowledged, and did acknowledge the said Ladie The answer of the Prouinces to Iohn of Bauaria. for their princesse, as the only daughter & sole heire to cont VVilliam the 6. their deceased prince: and that the said Iohn her vncle had also acknowledged her for such, and taken C vp certaine fees and signiories of her, so as they could nor ought not to leaue her. Moreouer they said, that the said Prouinces had fallen twise before to the female kinde, whereof they had imperiall letters; and therefore they intreated him to desist. Those of Henault sent him their answere, and among other pointes, they laied open this more pertinently then the other Prouinces: maintaining absolutely, that the countrey of Henault did no way hold of the Empire, in the which the daughters had often succeeded. Iohn of Bauaria takes vpon him the title of Earle of Holland, &c. Yet Iohn of Bauaria, tooke vpon him the title of Earle of Henault, Holland and Zeland, and lord of Frizland: and was so acknowledged at Dordrecht, and at Bryele, notwithstanding the promise they had made vnder their oaths and seales, with the other townes of Holland vnto Cont VVilliam, father to the contesse Iaqueline; whereupon Iohn of D Bauaria was proclaimed enemie to Holland and Zeland. He therfore gathers together all the men he could, of what conditio soeuer, with the which he made war in Holland. He makes war in Holland. Those of Dordrecht and of Bryele, doing all the harme they could vnto their neighbors that held the Princesse part.
The duke of Brabant seeing this reuolt; defied Iohn of Bauaria, and came with his wife The Duke of Brabant def [...] Iohn of Bavaria. into Holland, where with his Brabansons he went to besiege the Towne of Dordrecht, lodging his Hollanders vppon the dyke of Papendrecht. But this siege was vnfortunate. Iohn of Bauaria being then in Dordrecht, & very glad of their deliuery, seazed soone after on the towne of Roterdam, whether he went & caused himself to be acknowledged Earle of Holland; staying there some time, he sought to be master of Delfe and of Goude. E Whereof the countesse being aduertised, she fortified them, & the towne of Schyedam with good Garrisons. In the meane time Iohn of Bauaria, ceased not day and night to molest the Hollanders, and to hinder their Nauigation to the sea, by the Riuer of A treatie [...]etwixt the duke of Brabant, & Iohn of Bauaria. Meuse. And for that during this warre many places and castles were dayly ruined, the countrey made waste, and the mischiefe increasing dayly, there was an assembly appointed in the towne of Wandrechom, whether came for chiefe mediators betwixt both parties. Philip Earle of Charolois, sonne to Iohn duke of Burgongne, Lewis of Luxembourg, Bishop of Teroagne, and Peter of Luxenbourg his brother: during which treatie, a truce was made; there also came Iohn duke of Brabant, and the lady Iaqueline his wife, with the lady Marguerite Douager, her mother. Iohn of Bauaria sent his F Commissioners, in the company of a Baron of Bauaria, Gerrard of Boel lord of Hemskerke, and some others. There was an accord made, by the which it was said, that Iohn of Bauaria should remaine lord of Dordrecht with the appurtenances, of the towne of Gorrichom, the country of Arkel, of Lederdam, Schoonwert, of Bryele, of the contrie The articles of the treatie. [Page 134] of Voern, of the towne of Roterdam, and the siegniorie of Waerden, and inioy A them for him and his heires for euer; the which hee should hold by fee and homage of the duke of Brabant, in the right of the lady Iaqueline Contesse of Holland, his wife. And moreouer he should pay vnto him within a yeare a hundred thousand English Nobles: remaining Lieutenant of Holland, Zeeland and Frizeland, for the space of three yeares, with authoritie to dispose of halfe the officers and magistrates, and the Contesse his Neece of the other halfe. These conditions were confirmed reciprocally vnder their seales, the 19. of Iuly, in the yeare 1419.
Those of Vtrecht and Amersfort were also reconciled, and all acts of hostilitie laied 1419. aside, both in Holland, Zeeland, and the Diocesse of Vtrecht: yet in all these treaties of peace, Iohn of Egmond, nor his brother of Yselstein were comprehended nor spoken of. B About the end of the said yeare 1419. there sprung vp newe warres in Holland, and the D [...]ocesse of Vtrecht, by reason of great robberies and spoiles committed by Iohn lord of Egmond; who tooke all he could finde vpon the riuer of Leck, comming out of Brabant or Flanders, sinking their ships, and taking their men prisoners. Those of Vtrecht write vnto Iohn of Bauaria, intreating him to doe them reason & iustice of the wrongs which ths said lord of Egmond had done them; but he regarded them not. They considering therefore in what estate their affaires were, and that they must expect no good from Iohn of Bauaria, sent vnto Iohn duke of Brabant and the Contesse his wife, to acquaint them with the wrongs which had been done, notwithstanding the league which was betwixt Holland and Vtrecht. The duke made no account of it, and the Contesse (being C desirous to assist and helpe them) had no meanes: they therefore adrest themselues to New wa [...]re be [...]wixt them o [...] Vtrecht and Holland. Frederic of Blankenhein, their Prince and Bishop, and to the Townes of the hye diocesse, which is the country of Oueryssel. They seeing there would neuer bee any end of these spoiles and thefts, which the Hollanders of the Cabillautin faction (holding the part of Iohn of Bauaria) did commit vpon their friends of Vtrecht and Amersfort; they held it their best course to make open warre, and to that ende, they allyed themselues to these Lords; William of Brederode, Philip vicont of Leyden, the vicont of Montfort, Iohn of The Cabill [...] and Ho [...]ckins [...]ke [...]rmes againe. Heemstede, & with all the rest of the Hoackins faction that were chased out of Holland, against the lords of Egmond, and Gerrard Boel, lord of Hemskerke, cheife counsellors to Iohn of Bauaria, and against all their Allyes. D
The yeare following Iohn of Bauaria and his faction, did ruine many of their aduersaries 1420. Sund [...]y ex ploits o [...] war. castels, in the quarter of Woerden, Suylen, Houthorst and Nessen. On the other side, the lorde of Broderode, the vicont and the siegnior of Hemsted, ioyned to them of Leyden did also burne some of the Cabillautins castels, as Zuyck, Raphorst, Rhinburch, & others: running as far as the Hage, but they only spoiled it, sparing the fire in respect of the Princes court & palace, & the honor of the earls that had built it. In the same yeare, Iohn of Bauaria tooke the castle of Poelgeest, situated in the village of Coekerke by assault, causing all their heads to be cut off that were within it, from thence hee The [...]king of [...]s castels by [...]n of Baua [...]a. went to the castle of Does, the which was yeelded vnto him: then he besieged the castle of Waert in the village of Leyrdorp, the which hee battered and tooke by force, killing E most of the besieged, & then razed it to the ground: he in like sort wonne that of Zyl by Leyden, whereas there dyed many men, and then hee ruined it. Hauing taken all these castles, and gathered together greater troupes, hee went and besieged the towne of Leyden, the space of nine weekes, so as in the ende he forced them to yeeld vpon composition, Leyden besieged and yeelded vpon composition. by the which it was agreed: that all soldiers, strangers (and namely they of Vtretch,) should depart with bagge and baggage; and that Iohn of Bauaria should be receyued into the towne, without the oppression of any man. The which being thus concluded, the vicont Philip and the inhabitants did onely acknowledge him, as Gouernor of Holland. The souldiers of Vtrecht thinking to retire safely vnto their towne, the lord of Egmond The accord [...] by the [...]d of [...]gmond. lay in wait for them at a passage, and pursued them vnto their gates. On the other side, F Iohn of Bauaria (against the said Accord) forced the vicont of Leyden to resigne, and yeeld vp his viconty vnto him, and not to retaine any thing for himselfe, nor his successors, but the castle, the Toll and the Gruytte: whereas before a vicont of Leyden had a great command and prerogatiue in the Towne, as the placing of a Bayliffe, foure [Page 135] Bourghemasters, and seeuen Sherifs. Henry the viconts eldest sonne held at this siege The vicont forced to resigne his vico [...]ty of Leyden, to o [...] of Bauaria A the part of Iohn of Bauaria against his father, who also made session of the said Viconty. This towne being thus yeelded to Iohn of Bauaria, they went with them of Dordrecht, to besiege the Towne and castle of Gheertruydenbergh: whereof Didier vander Merwen was Chastelaine or Gouernor; whom in the ende hee forced to yeeld, to haue their liues and goods saued.
That yeare 1420. Iohn Duke of Brabant came from Antwerp into Zeeland, at the request of Iohn of Bauaria, and landed at saint Martensdyk, whereat the pursuite of the 1420. The Duke of Brab [...]nt comes into zeeland without the priuitie of the Contesse Iaqueline. siegnior of Aschen, they assembled (without the priuitie of the Contesse Iaqueline) in the house of Floris of Borssele, where the duke of Brabant did ratifie and confirme, vnto Iohn of Bauaria, the gouernment of Holland, Zeeland and Frizeland, for seuen yeares B longer: and moreouer did yeeld vp vnto him the towne of Antwerp, and Marquisat of Herentael. The duke of Brabant being returned to Antwerp, by the aduice of Euerard Tserclaes his steward, discharged and put away all the Contesse Iaquelines ladyes of honor and maydes, and quite altred and changed her estate and traine; giuing her the contesse of Moeurs, the lady of Weesmael, Asschen, and others to attend on her. The which did wonderfully displease the lady Marguerite of Burgongne, Douager of Holland, Contesse Iaqueline goes from the duke of Brabant her husband. mother to the Countesse, who departed presently with her daughter towards Brusselles, and comming to the court to the Duke and his councell, shee sought to perswade him to dissolue this new estate or traine. The which not able to obtaine, shee departed discontented, and went to her Inne, called the Looking glasse. The Contesse her daughter C followed her weeping, with one only Page; the which did breed admiration and pittie in all that beheld her. The next day the mother and the daughter retyred themselues into Henault, where they liued at Quesnoy le Conte.
Whilest these things were acting, the barons, nobles and townes of Brabant held The Earle of S. Pol sent [...] into Brabant. an assembly in the towne of Louuaine, where it was decreed to displace Euerard of Tserclaes, steward to the Duke, and the siegneor of Asschen; whereunto the Duke opposed firmely, for that they were his two mignons and chiefe councellors. Whereupon the Estates of Brabant sent to Paris to Philip Earle of S. Pol, brother to duke Iohn, intreating him to come into Brabant to gouerne the countrey, and to rule his fathers inheritance, complayning that Duke Iohn suffered himselfe to bee ruled and gouerned by a D companie of flatterers and pick-thanks, who sought nothing els but to set diuision betwixt the Nobles and townes of the countries, and their Lorde and Prince. Although the Earle were loth to vndertake this charge: yet at the intreatance of the king himself, he went into Brabant, where hauing saluted the duke his brother at Brusselles, hee went to Louaine: there hee vnderstood the causes of the complaints made by the state, and the reasons of either partie: which being heard, he went to Quesnoy, from whence hee brought the Contesse Iaqueline, and her mother to Louvaine. Then hee appointed an other assembly of the States, on the 29. of September, at Vilvoord: whereas the sayde An assembly of the states of Brabant. Earle being present, with the two Ladyes Princesses, mother and daughter, and all the Deputies of the Estates of Brabant, they attended the Duke onely, who counterfeited E himselfe to be sicke: hauing expected him there some space, hearing that he went from Towne to towne to auoid this Assembly: the States by the aduice of the Ambassadors of the King of France and duke of Bourgongne, resolued to create the Earle of S. Poll Reuward of Brabant; which election was made the first of October. Th [...] Earle of S. Pol made Reuward of Brabant.
Duke Iohn of Brabant hauing beene perswaded by William lord of Bergen vppon Soome, his chiefe councellor, and Euerard of Tferclaes to make Iohn of Bauaria, gouernor of Holland and Frizeland, hauing also beene the cause of the changing of the Contesse Iaqueline his wiues traine. The Bastards of Holland beeing incenced, for this cause slue the lord of Bergen, in the Duke his masters chamber. On the other side, the The Lord of Berghen slain in the Dukes chamber. Duke hearing that Cont Philip his brother, had the title of Reuwart of Brabant, and had F displased and changed the magistrates of Brusselles, came before the towne, accompanied with the Earle of Moeurs, and the Earle of Heynsbergh, nad Iohn his sonne, the lord of B [...]ren, Prouost of Aiz, and about 300. horse; besides his ordinarie traine. The Duke attended at the Port, the Bourgeoises hearing thereof held a councell; where it [Page 136] was agreed; that the Duke should enter with his ordinarie traine of 120, horse, and no A more. Seuen of the Bourgesses went vnto him, who hauing opened the Port, the first entred, and the rest thrust forward in a prease, the Duke entring with the last into the towne. The Reuward went with him to the court: the next day the Duke came vnto the Towne-house, and let the councell vnderstan [...] that his comming thither was to to entreat some good accord, with his brother and the Barons. But the Reuward was gone to Louvaine, to the Assembly of the Nobles. The Duke fearing that hee should returne with him into Brusselles, and seaze vppon his person; demaunded of the magistrates, that if it should so happen, whe [...]her they would open him the gate or not? They to assure him said; that if hee had any doubt thereof, they would deliuer vp the Keyes of the gates into his handes, wherewith he remained satisfied. But the inhabitants B were not in quiet, to see those strange soldiers bragging in Tauernes, with their swords in their hands, that they should be all rich before they went out of Brabant: so as the night following they assembled in Armes vppon the market place; being aduertised of some dissein of the Earle of Heynsberg and others, who should seaze vpon the Market place, that night, at the sound of a bell, and then of the whole towne: some soldiers were also found armed vppon their beddes. The inhabitants therefore sent in all haste for the Reuward, who came posting from Louvaine with all the Nobilitie, and Deputies of townes. Entring into Brusselles he thanked the Bourgesses, for that they had so constantly preserued the towne: and day being come, hee went to the Court to the Duke, where hee caused most of his houshold seruants to be apprehended, dismissing C others that were not prisoners: and soone after hee suffered them to depart that were come into the towne with the gentlemen strangers: but the masters, as the Earles of Moeure and Heynsbergh, with other gentlemen, to the number of 150. were deteyned prisoners. The lord Reuward seazed vppon all the horse and armes of the Earle of Many of the duke o [...] [...] seruants apprehended. Heynsberg and others, and disposed of them to whom he pleased.
The Emperor Sigismond writ for these Noblemen that were prisoners, to the states of Brabant, for their libe [...]ties, threatning them with a proscription of the Empire. The like letters were written by the Princes Electors to the Reuward: to whom he made no The Emperor an [...] [...]ce Elector write into B [...]abant so the prisoners. The prisoners set a libertie. other answer, but that hee had caused them to be iustly stayed, according to the custome of the Countrey, as they themselues had required: and therefore their cause remained D doubtfull; vntill they had wonne the fauour of Gerrard vand Zype, chiefe counsellor and most familiar with the Reuward: who by the perswasion of the saide Vande Zype, freed them out of prison, vpon certaine conditions. All things being thus past, and the troubles ended, the Earle of S. Pol, Lord Reuward, resigned vp his office of Reuward (which Wh [...]t the office of Reuw [...]rd [...]s. is a dignitie, which the States of Brabant haue power, according to their Priuiledges, to giue vnto whom they please, to reduce their Dukes vnto reason, when they stray from their duties) into the hands of duke Iohn his brother, who was by the said Estates, confirmed in the gouernment of his Countrie. Before that the Earle of S. Pol went out of Brabant, there were beheaded Euerard of Tserclaes, knight, Steward to the duke, Adolph of Coudenbergh, William of Pipenpois, and some 14. of the cheife of Many beheaded at Brussels. E Brusselles, who had beene the cause, or at the least had wincked, at the dessigned treason and trouble of Brusseles: and there were 600. Crowns promised to him, that should bring in the signior of Asschen aliue or dead, for that hee had beene the motiue of the unkindnesse and quarrell betwixt the Duke and his wife. Then the Earle of S. Pol retyred into France: the Contesse and her mother remaining still at Quesnoy, discontented still with duke Iohn: for some of the said Ladyes councell, found not the Bull of her marriage lawfull, hauing not been allowed, but held it to bee fraudulent and of no force. By reason whereof, in the yeere 1423. she went into England, from whence she sent to The Contesse Iaqueline causeth the D [...]ke of Brabant her husband to be cited to Rome. cyte duke Iohn to the court of Rome, to heare his marriage declared voyde according to the Canons. Pope Martin referred this businesse to two Cardinals, to determine F thereof; who assigned a day for the Duke to appeare before them, and he appointed certaine Proctors at Rome to defend his cause. The Countesse Iaqueline, hearing that the Processe would be teedious and long, without attending a definitiue sentence, allyed her selfe by a promise of mariage to the Duke of Glocester, vncle to King Henry the [Page 137] sixth of England then raigning, vppon condition, that the marriage with the Duke A Iohn being declared vnlawfull, shee should obtaine a dispensation from the Pope to marry againe.
Soone after the duke of Glocester, came with the Contesse Iaqueline, his betrothed The Contesse Iaqueline made [...]re to the duke of Gloce [...]r. He come [...] with an Army into Henault. Spouse, vnto Calais, with a great Army marching toward Henault; and therefore hee diuided his Armie into three battailions. The Lady Marguerite of Bourgongne, mother to the Countesse requested the Nobilitie of Henault to accompany her, and to goe and meet them: and so by assistance and fauour of the lord of Haures, Lieutenant to Duke Iohn, they entred into Henault. The duke of Brabant demanded succors from the duke of Bourgongne, and Iohn of Bauaria, who promised him all assistance. The Duke of Bourgongne sent him the lords of Croy, Lisle-dam, and Mailly, with good troupes of souldiers. B
In the yeare 1423. Iohn van Vlyet, had his head cut off at the Hage in Holland, being accused by some of the Cabillautin faction, that he had poisoned Iohn of Bauaria, 1423. Iohn van Vlyer beheadded at the Hage. (whereof he had been sick and recouered) for the which hee was quartered, and his quarters hung at the entrance of foure of the chiefe townes in Holland. Iohn of Bauaria hauing receiued letters from the duke of Brabant demanding succors, sent him word, that if his health would giue him leaue, hee would come vnto him with good Troupes within three weekes. But hauing his armie readie to march, he fell suddenly sick (it may be the poison had not been well purged) and dyed at the Hage on Twelffe Iohn of Bauaria gouernor of Holland dies. day, and was buryed there in the Iacobins Cloister. Hee being dead, all the Noblemen that had been of his faction, called in Iohn duke of Brabant, and receiued him for C their prince; notwithstanding that Iaqueline their Contesse was married againe to the duke of Glocester; who hearing how hee had beene receiued, held a counsell with her The Duke of Brabant acknowledge [...] Earle of Holland in the right of his wife. friends, by what meanes she might seaze vpon some townes and castles in Holland: and to that end, she sent Floris of Kifhoeck with men, to surprize the town of Schoonhouen, the which he effected happily, through the assistance of some townes-men, wel affected to the said Lady: but he could not recouer the castle, without a siege of sixe weekes, at the end whereof he forced them to yeeld, to haue their goods & liues saued: onely Albert Beyllinck, one of the captaines was reserued to be at the Contesse discretion: who notwithstanding had leaue giuen him to goe and visit his friends, hauing past his word and oth to returne to prison within a month, the which hauing performed Captaine Albert Beyllinc [...] bu [...]ied aliue. D according to his promise, he was in the night buried aliue, vnder one of the platformes of the castle.
In the yeare 1425. the siegnior of Gaesbeck, appointed Gouernor in Holland for the duke of Brabant, banished all those which had, or did hold the partie of the Contesse 1425. Schoonhouen besieged. Iaqueline, and went and besieged the towne of Schoonhouen, for the space of 24. weekes, battering it furiously with his great artillerie (for then Rames and crossebowes were no more in vse, gonpoulder being newly inuented by a Monke) there were in the towne, fiue Knights and twenty Squires, who defended themselues valliantly, making many sallies forth, vpon their neighbour townes that were enemie, bringing E great spoiles into their Towne, although it were besieged: the which did much grieue the Townes & Noblemen of Holland, seeing that in so long a time they had aduanced nothing at this siege: but by the mediation of the Duke of Cleues, and the Earle of Meurs, a truce was made for sixe weekes. During this siege at Schoonhouen, there A Truce made at Schoonhouen was a certaine Bull published in Vtrecht, Liege, Cambrey, Holland, Zeeland, Frizland and Henault, by the which Pope Martin the fift, did seperate from their marriage, Iohn duke of Brabant, and Iaqueline Contesse of Holland, &c. The which notwithstanding the Pope did afterwards disauowe, and sent Euerard of Eindouen to the duke; excusing himselfe, and promising that he should haue a speedie ende of this businesse. The duke of Brabant bebesiegeth the Contesse his wife in Mons▪ Heerevppon the duke went to besiege Mons in Henault, whereas the saide Lady was: F during this siege the duke of Bourgongne (who did wonderfully affect and gape after the countries of Henault, Holland, Zeeland, &c.) preuailed so much as the Duke went to Douay; whether the Contesse (fearing to bee taken by force) sent some of her counsellors: where it was resolued; That the said Lady should continue in one of the [Page 138] Duke of Bourgongnes townes, vutill the sute were fully ended, betwixt her and the A Duke; or that one of them should die. That Duke Iohn should be restored to the Country of Henault, the gouernment whereof should bee sequestred, vntill a definitiue sentence. That A treatie made by the duke of Bourgongne to atteme vnto the Countesses countrey. throughout all the Countrey, there should bee abolution of crymes, commited by reason of the troubles: and all confiscations disanulled. That for the maintenance of Iustice in the Countrey of Henault, there should be foure Iudges appointed; whereof two were to bee chosen by the Duke of Brabant, and two by the Duke of Bourgondie: and that they should assigne for the said Ladie Contesse, a competent prouision for her maintenance, according to her estate, vppon the reuenues of Henault, Holland, Zeeland and Freezland. That the sayd Duke Philip should bee Aduoe or Gouernour of Holland, Zeeland and Freezland: as neerest of the blood, and at that time next heyre to the said Lady. B
This accord beeing thus concluded at Douay, Duke Iohn came to Valenciennes, The Contesse laq [...]e is deliuered into the Duke of Hourgongnes hands. and three daies after returned to his campe before Mons: the which he prest so long, as the Contesse came and yeelded her selfe into the hands of the Deputies of the duke of Burgongne, who went thither to receiue her: being in the Brabansons Campe, shee desired to speake with Cont Engelbert of Nassau, and Henry of Leek, whom she intreated (with teares in her eyes) to worke so with the duke of Brabant, that she might be committed to some town or castle in Brabant, where it should please him, and not to deliuer her intothe power of the Barguignon whom she feared more then the duke her husband: The Contesse of Holland led against her will vnto Gant. but it was denyed her, & she was conducted vnto Gant, there to remaine according to the Treatie. The duke of Brabant caused all the goods, yea the Dourie of the C lady Marguerite of Bourgongne, mother to the Contesse, to bee seazed on, for that she maintained her daughters partie. Whilest that the Lady Iaqueline was thus garded in the towne of Gant, with a very small estate, there were some Noblemen of Holland (her enemies) which aduised the duke of Bourgongne to send her to the Castle of Lille in Flanders, and their to keep her during her life. She hauing some intelligence thereof, sent presently to aduertise her most secret and trustie friends in Holland: who were taking counsell together how they might deliuer their Princesse, out of the duke of Bourgongnes power: There were two Gentlemen, Arnold Spyerinck, and one of the The Contesse it freed out of the duke of Burgongnes hands. house of Aelburch, who offered to hazard their liues to set her free. These two came to Gant, and hauing their horses ready in a certaine place, carrying a mans apparell D with them, they came vnto the said Lady, who hauing speedily changed her habit, went away with them thus disguised, not discouered by any of her gard, and tooke horse, trauailing all night, vntill they came to Wandrichom, and from thence to Vianen. The lord of Vianen receiued her ioyfully: apparelled her in his wiues cloathes, and so went together to Schoonhoven, where as all the Towne reioyced at her comming.
The next day shee went to Goude, then to Vadewater, where shee was generally welcomed, much made of, and acknowledged for their Lady and Contesse of Holland: The Contesse comes into Holland. being accompanined in all places by the lord of Vianen, and the vicont of Montfort. Those of Vtrecht came to visit her, and made a League with her. After that time there were great and tedious warres throughout all Holland: for the Nobles, and E Townes of the Cabillautin faction, seeing the happy successe of their Princesse, to whom they were professed enemies, gathering together in great troupes, they drew towards La Goude, to stop the passage of them of that Towne, from entring further into Holland, whereas a little before they had receiued the Duke of Bourgongne, for their Aduoe or Gouernor: as the duke of Brabant had in like sort beene receiued in Henault: although that their naturall Lady and Princesse were within the Contrey, to whom they had shewed fealtie, as I haue formerly shewed. These partisans of the Cabillautin faction, marching in field with their Ensignes displayed, beeing come as farre as Alphen, those of Goude went foorth with all their forces to encounter them The battel of Alphen whereas the Coneesse was victor. in the village it self, whereas they fought valiantly; but in the end the Partisans fled towards F Leyden, whether they were hotly pursued, and many taken prisoners, and the Banners of Leyden, Harlem, and Amsterdam taken and carryed to Goude, the inhabitants returning like Conquerers, laden with spoiles.
The Duke of Glocester hauing newes that the Countesse Iaqueline, his betrothed, [Page 139] was in Holland, and had some Townes there at her deuotion, hee sent the Lord Fitzwater, The English and Zeelanders defeated, by the Duke of Bourgongne, at Brouwersh [...]. Anno 1424. The Cardinals sentenc [...] touching the duke of Brabants marriage with the Contesse of Holland. A with good English troupes to goe vnto her, who landed at Brouwer shauen in Zeeland, with whom there ioyned certaine Noblemen of Zeeland; whom the duke of Bourgongne defeated in bataile.
The 27. of Ianuary in the yeeare 1426. the Cardinalls of Venice and Vrsine: Iudges delegated in the cause betwixt the Duke of Brabant, and the Lady Iaqueline, Contesse of Holland his wife: hauing had the aduice of other Cardinalls therein, pronounced their sentence; by the which they declared, that the said Lady had wrongfully seperated her se fe from the Duke her husband: and although that she ought to bee ioyn [...]d againe to the said duke: yet for some speciall reasons moouing them, they did ordayne she should be safely kept, vntill the definitiue sentence, and at her owne charge, with Amedee, B duke of Sauoy, allyed vnto her and the duke her husband in the third degree; and by affinitie in the second. The duke of Glocester hearing of this sentence, retyred himselfe; and hauing abandoned the said ladie, he married another in England. Duke Iohn The Duke of Glocester abandons the Contesse Iaqueline. of Brabant hauing these newes, was much quieted in conscience, & the said lady much discontented: for that she would not by any meanes come into the hands of the duke of Sauoy, but would rather haue gone to the duke of Brabant, but he would none of her, saying, that he must obey the sentence: & so she remained at Schonhouen & at Goude. And yet notwithstanding the duke of Bourgongne held still the gouernment of Holland, Zeeland & Friseland. This duke of Bourgongne seeing his affaires successefull, to the end he The Duke of Bourgongnes ambitious desugne. might one day attain to that whervnto he did aspire (which was to swallow vp the countrey C of the said Lady, who was his cousin Germane) resolued to make violent war against her, and to sub due all them that were opposite vnto him. And for that the Lorde of Seuenberghe did then hold with the Contesse, he went soone after the defeate of the Scuenberghe besieged. English at Brouwershauen, to besiege him in his towne, both by Sea and Land, in the the depth of winter, where he lay fourteen weekes; at the end whereof, the friendes of the said lord did mediate a smale truce, the which being expired, the duke besieged it so straightly, as no thing could enter in, nor get out. The inhabitants of the Towne, considering on the one side, the great charges and oppressions which they were forced to beare during the siege; and on the other side, the goodly offers that were made vnto their Lord: and that through his wilfulnesse, the ende of so many miseries which they D endured, would be but their vtter ruine: for the auoyding wherof, they resolued (as they And yeelded vp in despight of the Lord. did) to yeeld vp the towne to the duke of Bourgongue, in despight of him, who tooke possession thereof, and in the ende, the Lord of Seuenberghe, was forced to yeeld him also his castle, with all his land and Siegniorie, liuing himselfe in exile, as a Vagabonde, where he dyed for want.
The 4. of April in the saide yeare 1426. the Contesse Iaqueline, gathered together some troupes out of the countrey of Vtrecht, and from the townes of Goude, Schoonhouen 1426. Harlem besieged by the contesse. and Ondewater, and went by water to Hemestede neere vnto Harlem; besieging the said Towne. The lord of Brederode came thither to assist her with the Kennemers & them of Alomar. The magistrates of Harlem had had a little before some intelligence E of this siege, and therefore they sent for the Lord of Gaesbeeke, Lieutenant of Holland for the Duke of Bourgongne, and Rouland of Vtkerk to come to succour them. The suburbs of the towne were burnt, and all the wood about it cut downe. They did often shoot fire into the towne, but it was still quenched: many assaults were giuen and they were valiently repulst. The duke leauied men in all his territories, to succor the besieged: whereof hee made the siegneors of Litelltenveld and Vtkerke commanders, hauing many braue captaines, the which he sent into Holland. Being come to Leyden, they resolued the next day to assayle the Countesse: and first of all they sent a spye, clothed like a Lepar, carrying in his wallet a white loafe, in the which there was a letter sealed to carry into the towne, when he should finde his best oppertunity. F This Spie being come to Hamstede, begging in the Campe, was suspected, and apprehended, examined, searcht and the letter found. By the which they did write, that they were come neere vnto Alphen, and that the next day they would stop the Sluse of Goude, to cut off the Contesses returne with her Armie into the said town of Goude, [Page 140] the which they thought to effect easily, and hauing performed it, they would goe and A succour them.
The Contesse hauing heard this letter read, caused the bearer to be hanged vpon a Tree: and the night following raised her campe, and imbarked her armie, the which came at the breake of day to Alphen, she being there in person. The Seignior of Vtkerke A second battaile at Alphé where the Contesse is victorious. finding her to bee so neere, had no other leisure but to incourage his men to fight well, where there was a furious charge, and it continued long. In the end the seignior of Vtkerke (seeing the desaster falling vpon his side, and so many men ouerthrowne,) retired himselfe out of the prease, the Contesse remaining victoresse: in which battaile all the Picards were slaine, 500. other soldiers, and 80. Bourgeses of Leyden. After the victorie, the Contesse created these Knights, Iohn of Waessenare, B second sonne to Philip who was Vicont of Leyden: Henry of Croenenburch, Euerard The Contesse makes knights of Hoochtwoude, bastard to Cont William of Bauaria, father to the Countesse. Iohn of Langerack, seignior of Aspren. Didier vander-Merwen, Gerard of Poelgeest, seignior of Homade, and Arnold of Gant a Geldrois.
After this defeat, the Kennemers vnder the Contesse Iaquelins authoritie, made William Nagel Captaine of the Kennemers. William Nagel their Captaine, and went to destroy the castell of Hemskerke, to be reuenged, for that they of Harlem had before ruined the castels of Brederode, Heemstede and Assendolph. At the same time they also destroyed the castels of Heiligersberge, Cralingen and Spangen in Schicland. This done, the Kennemers went into Waterlandt, where they tooke the townes of Monikendam, Pumerende, and Edam: C from thence they drew towards Medemblyk and Enchuysen, then to Horne, out of the which the inhabitants issued forth in armes to skirmish with them: but at the first incounter their Bayliffe was slaine with many riche Bourgesses, and the rest were beaten backe euen into their ports: so as there were many prisoners, and among them foure of the chiefe of the towne. Captaine William Nagel causing his men to approache, and to aduise how to force them: those of the towne put all their women and maides in order of battaile, with their white kerchers, and white smockes vpon their garments, to make them seeme a troope of men all in white armor: the which succeeded happily for them: for the Kennemers seeing them a farre off, thought no otherwise, but that they had beene the Bourgesses armed, which attended to fight D with them, wherevpon they returned. In the meane time the Hornois sent to craue succours from the Duke of Bourgongne; Captaine Nagell knowing afterwards that they had beene deceiued by these womanish soldiers, approched with his troopes neerer vnto the walles, carrying those foure principall prisoners with him, and telling them of the towne, that if they would not open their gates, hee would cut off their heads before their faces: yet they refused to do any thing, hoping and expecting succours which the Duke had promised them: who soone after sent Lisle-dam vnto them with forces; who being entred into the towne, caused the North-gate to bee set open, by the which hee made a sallie vpon Captaine Nagell and his men, who endured very Captaine Na gel by the Kennemers defeated. much: for the troopes of Amsterdam were arriued at the same instant. The skirmish E continued long, and was very furious: Captaine Nagel was slaine with a great number of Kennemers: those that were swift in flying, were pursued to the village of Wongom, where as there were many slaine. The Seignior of Lisle-dam had two wounds in this skirmish, the which were very dangerous, so as hee remained a long time in the Surgions hands at Horne, whether the Duke came soone after in person, and was honorablie receiued, aswell there, as in all the other townes of Waterland.
In the yeare 1427. on Easter Tewsday dyed Iohn Duke of Brabant, sonne to Anthonie 1427. The death of Iohn Duke of Brabant. of Bourgongne, Cousin Germanie to Duke Philip, and husband to the Lady Iaqueline Countesse of Holland. He was interred by his father. And for that he died without issue, all his lands and Seigneuries went to Philip Eatle of S. Pol, his brother. This Duke F Iohn, being married so yong (as we haue said) by the lewd Councell and priuate ambition of some of his Councellors) was entertained in perpetuall iealousie of his wife, and in trouble without rest: besides they of Bourgongne which did gape after Holland, Zeeland, and Friseland, were the chiefe motiues thereof. After the death of the Duke [Page 141] of Brabant, the Hollanders holding the party of the Contesse Iaqueline, raised a good A armie, being resolued to recouer all the countrie of Holland for her; of the which the Lord of Brederode was made Generall, who imbarked with his troopes, sayling towards Wyeringhen and Texel. Those of Amsterdam, Horne, Enchuysen, and other A s [...]a battaile fought neere to Wyeringhen. sea townes, hauing gathered together a great number of ships, followed them at sea. The Lord of Brederode seeing them come a farre of, landed with his armie in the said Iland of Weyringhen, the which he reduced for a time vnder the Contesses obedience. And being there, the enemies drew towards them, either to shut them in, or to draw them to fight at sea. The Lord of Brederode seeing that they had no desire to land, commanded his men to imbarke againe, and to be ready to fight presently. It was then alowe water, so as the great ships could not be well gouerned to fight, and the said Lord had a B greater number of boates fit for the combate, the which notwithstanding (to his great disaduantage and losse) he did not ioyne together in one body, a great part remaining still, to see how the first would behaue themselues, and then to second them at need, or The Lord of Brederode defeat [...]d and taken prisone [...] be more ready to flie. The charge was with extreame rowing on either side, and the combate was furious and fearfull, in the which the Lord of Brederode had the worst: and a great number were slaine and drowned. The which those of the reere-ward seeing, hauing stood still during the fight, they began to be amazed, and to flie, but they could not escape, for they were speedily followed, so as they had their shares in the losse aswell as the first. The which had not happened if all their forces had beene ioyned together. The slaughter was great, but there were more cast ouer-bord, besides the C prisoners, among the which the Lord of Brederode was one: all which were carried to Enchuysen, whether all the ships after the victory retired, and then held a Councell what they should doe with the prisoners; of the which they did behead 80. some would haue done as much to the Lord of Brederode, but by reason of his Nobility, (being descended from the Earles of Holland) hee had no harme. After the which there was not for a long time, any ciuill warres in Holland.
The 4. of May, at the instance and sute of some noble and wise-men, Duke Philip of An accord betwixt Duke Philip and the Contesse Iaqueline. Bourgongne, and the Contesse Iaqueline mette together, and did agree, that the Duke should be acknowledged for Gouernor and next heire to the said Lady, in the succession of Henault, Holland, Zeeland and Friseland. This done, the Duke appointed Franc of D Borsselle for his Lieutenant, being sonne vnto Floris Lord of Borsselle, of Zuylen, and of Saint Martins-dike; and the same yeare the Duke condemned them of Al [...]mar, the Kennemers and the Lord of Brederode in certaine pecuniarie fines, for that they had taken armes against him.
In the yeare 1429. Duke Philip of Bourgongne bought of Thierry Earle of Namur (with the ayde and helpe of the Towne of Gand) the said Contie of Namur: In the 1429. Philip of Bourgonge buyes the County of Namur. which the said Thierry did inuest him in his life time, and dyed soone after, leauing no children. Since the said Earldome hath continued in the houses of Bourgongne and Austria vnto this day, making one of the seuenteene Prouinces of the Netherlands. Of which Earldome the Duke made Iohn of Croy gouernour. E
In the yeare 1430. the fourth of August, Philip Duke of Brabant and Luxembourg, Earle of Saint Pol, (after that he had gouerned the sayd Duchies three yeares) died in 1430. Philip Duke of Brabant dyes. the Castell of Louvain. There was great contention for the succession, betwixt the Lady Marguerite of Bourgongne, dowager of Holland, widdow of Cont William of Bauaria, and mother to the Contesse Iaqueline, on the one part, (being Ante to the said deceased Duke, and sister to Duke Anthonie his father,) and Philip Duke of Bourgongne his cousin germaine on the other part: the which was in the end decided to the benefit of the said Duke Philip. The deputies of the States of Brabant and Lembourg, with the Ambassadors of duke Philip, treated together of the rights, immunities, freedoms, Philip of Bourgongne makes his entrie as duke of Brabant. priuileges, customes, statutes and ordinances of the said countries; which they required F to haue confirmed and sworne by the Duke, of the which they sent him a forme in writing to Macklyn. The which being granted, the 5. day of October was appointed for him to take possession, and to make his entrie into the towne of Louvain, as duke of Brabant and Lembourg, the which was done: and the third day after the funeralls of [Page 142] the deceased duke Philip were solemnized, whose body was interred by duke Anthony A his father, his mother, and duke Iohn his brother. Lewis of Luxembourg, sonne to Peter Earle of Couversan, and Lord of Engien in Henault, did inherit the Earldom of S. Pol.
Foure yea [...]es passed in peace and concord, betwixt the Lady Iaqueline Contesse of The Lady Iaqueline Cont [...] of Holland [...] th [...] four [...]h ti [...]e. Holland, and duke Philip of B [...]urgongne; among the rest, there was a condition that she might not marry againe, without his liking and consent, if she would remaine Ladie of all her countries, of the which notwithstanding, the duke should be Gouernor. It happened in the yeare 1432. that the Lady Marguerite of Bourgongne her mother, sent her by some Gentlemen, goodly and riche Iewels, and some horses. The Contesse Iaqueline finding her selfe bare of money; hauing no meanes to honour her Mothers seruants, with presents or any gra [...]uitie; being destitute of money through the last B warre to preserue her honour, she sent secretly to the Vicont of Montfort (hauing beene made Lieutenant of Holland, by her before) intreating him to assist her with a certaine summe of money, to preserue her reputation with those gentlemen, whom her mother had sent vnto her; and to make them some honest presents, according to their quallities. The Vicont excused him selfe, saying, that he had spent all his meanes The Contesse denyed mony by her seruants. in her seruice, during the warres. The said Lady being much perplext and troubled, sent vnto an other, by whom she was denyed in like sort: for the which shee was so greeued, as weeping she retired her selfe into her chamber, complaining of the ingratitude of her frie [...]ds and seruants, and of the dishonor which shee feared to purchase if she suffered her mothers seruants to returne emptie handed. Where-vpon C one of her houshould seruants, called William of Bye, seeing his Mistresse so desolate, being carefull of her honour, and pittying her, said vnto her; Madam if it please you, I will go to [...]ranc of Borsselle, Lieutenant of Zeeland, and acquaint him with your present necessitie, I hope he will doe you some good. The said Lady (being full of teares) answered him. How? he is one of our enemies, and neuer receiued any good nor fauour from vs: I feare he will refuse vs, and then my disgrace will bee greater then before. Notwithstanding if it please you Madam, said William, I will trie him by some meanes. I feare, said the Contesse, wee shall not preuaile; yet goe, and let him vnderstand how the case stands, and tell him that I will acknowledge it in time and place, and will satisfie him soone. William went into Zeeland, and performed that which he had in charge. Where-vpon the Lord of Brossele Reasós which moued the Con [...]esse Iaqueline to lou [...] [...]ranc of Borsselle. D answered him; Tell my Lady, that not at this time onely, but during my life, she may dispose of me and all my meanes at her pleasure: and hauing deliuered him the money which he demanded, William re [...]urned to his Mistresse, who was wonderfully glad. From that day after she euer held the Lord of Borsselle in great esteeme: yea she did so affect him, as shee desired to haue him to her husband, the which was afterwards secretly performed in her chamber, in the presence of her seruants. [...]he mar [...]yes him secretly.
The yeare following this secret marriage was diuulged and spred ouer all Holland, and the newes came vnto duke Philip of Bourgongne, being then at the warres in France with the King of England, who left that businesse, and recommended his armie to his Captaines, and went into Holland: (seeming not to know any thing, and E yet much discontented in minde, fearing that by this marriage he should be excluded from the Prouinces of Holland, Henault, Zeeland, and Friseland,) and came to the Hage in Iuly; where af [...]er many conferences and treaties of diuers things, he caused The Lord of Borsselle app [...]ended by the Duke of Bourgongne. the Lord of Borsselle to bee apprehended, in the presence of the Contesse Iaqueline his wife, and to be presently imbarked and conuayed to Ruppelmonde in Flanders. The Contesse (following the Duke where-so-euer he went) did presse him to haue her hu [...]band againe, the which hee refused, vnlesse shee would resigne all her countries. Some say, that during the imprisonment of the lord of Borsselle, they gaue him a refrigeratiue drinke; others haue spoken of a more violent course to hinder the acte of generation. In the end, by the meanes of Frederic Earle of Maeurs, hee was set at libertie, The Contesse resignes a [...]l he [...] Co [...]ntries to the Duk [...] for her husbands liberty. F vpon condition that the Contesse should resigne and transport vnto the sayd Duke her cousin, all her countries of Henault, Holland, Zeeland, and Friseland; and so she should marry the said lord of Borsselle sollemnly, and enioy him quietly for her husband: prouided alwaies, that if they had any children, all the said Prouinces should [Page 143] returne vnto them. Moreouer that the Duke should giue vnto the lord of Borsselle, A for him and his for euer, the Earledom of Osteruant, and to the said lady, the siegneorie of Voorne, with the Bryel, the Iland of Zuy [...]beuelant, and the country of Tertolen: with all the customes of Holland and Zeeland. By this accord this marriage The Duke of Bou [...]gongne takes possession of Holland &c. was confirmed, and the siegnior of Borsselle made Earle of Osteruant. Soone after the Duke with the Contesse and her husband, went into the countreys of Holland, Henault, Zeeland and Friseland, whereof shee gaue him reall possession, in the chiefe townes thereof: then the Duke held his Order of the golden Fleece (whereof hee was founder) at the Hage, and among others hee made the Earle of Osteruant one of his Knights.
In the yeare 1436. on S. Denis Eue, dyed this Princesse the Lady Iaqueline, in the castle B of Theilinghen, for griefe to see herselfe thus spoiled of her estate, through the ambition 1436. The death of the Con [...]esse Iaque [...]ine. of the Duke of Burgongne, (and it may be, for that she found not her husband as he had been before his imprisonment) after that she had beene Lady and true heire of the Earldomes of Holland, Zeeland, Henault and Friseland, in great troubles and continuall vexations, for the space of 19. yeare, She dyed at the age of 36. yeares, and lyes at the Hage, in the Chappell of the Court of Holland.
The most renowned in Holland & Zeeland, in the time of the Contesse Iaqueline, were Nobl [...]men in the time of the Contesse Iaqueline. these noblemen that follow. Franc of Borsselle, Earle of Osteruant husband to the Contesse: Hugh of Lanoy, lord of Xaintes, Lieutenant of Holland, Zeeland and Freezland, both Knights of the golden Fleece. Reynold lord of Brederode, of Vianen and Ameyden C Baronies, Ghysbrecht of Brederode Prouost, Cathedrall, and afterwardes elect bishop of Vtrect: William of Brederode their vncle who was lieutenant to the Contesse Iaqueline in Holland, Iames of Gaesbeeke, lord of Abcoud, Wyk, Putten and Streyen, Iohn lord of Egmond, William of Egmond his Brother lord of Iselstein, Who were restored by Iohn of Bauaria, and afterwardes confirmed by Philip duke of Bourgongne, Henry lord of Wassenare (who without the resignation which he made vnto Iohn of Bauaria was vicont of Leyden) & Iohn of Wassenare siegneor of Woorburch his brother; Henry of Borsselle, lord of la Vere, Arnold lord of Seuenberghe, & of Hemsted in Zeelād, Iohn lord of Cruyninghen; Henry vicont of Montfort: Adrian of Borsselle, lord of Brigdam; Iames of Borsselle his brother; William lord of Naeldwyk & of Wateringhen, Albert D of Naeldwick his brother; Phillip of Cortgeen, Rutger lord of Boeaslaer & of Aspren, Didier lord of Henckelom; Lewis of Treslon; William of Holland, bastard son to duke Albert; to whom duke Philip gaue in Friseland; the villages Schagen; Baninghen & Harinchuysen; and was the first sieigneor of Schagen; Euerard of Holland, bastard to Cont William, father to the Contesse Iaqueline, first lord of Hoochtwoode, and his brother Lewis, Iohn of Vianen siegneor of Noordeloos; Didier vander Merwin; Gerrard of Poelgeest; siegneor of Homede, gouernor of Schoonhouen; Gerrard of Poelgeest his cousin; Giles of Cralinghen. Gerrard van Zyl, Berthould of Assendelph, almost all Knights: Iohn vander Leck. Williā of Egmond siegneor of Soetermeer, Otto of Egmond lord of Merensteyn, Gerrard of Hemsted, & Benthuseyn; Iohn of Hodenpyl, Williā of Langerack; Iames vanden Woode, E Siegnior of Warment and Alcmada, Adrien of Raphorst, Gerrard van Vlyet, Wouter of Mattenesse. Herpert van Foreest, Ghysbrecht van Swieten, Iohn van Swieten, Baliefe of Leyden, Gerrard witten-Hage, Frederick of Seuenter, and Floris of Kishoek, whereof some were Knights, the rest Squiers, and many Gentlemen, which were too long to specifie here; all valiant soldiers, whereof many died in the seruice of their Prince, as we shall see in the course of this Historie. Among the chiefe families and nobles of Friseland were Otto of Broek, Aurick and Emden, Sicco Syaerda, Wybrandt Hermana, Sicco The chiefe Nobility of Friseland. Liaucama, Peter Campstra, Aelko Campstra bretheren, sonnes to Tako, Douwe Tyessama, Ie [...] mer op Adeleen, Sybrandt Tyaerda, Wybet Walta, Pibo Eelcxima, Wopke, In die Stedde, Gerrit and Tyaert Iongama. Herman Dowwema, with an infinite number of other Gentlemen, F whom in their language they call Houelinghen, which is as much to say, as Courtiers.
PHILIP the first of that name, called the good Duke of Bourgongne, (accompting Ihon of Bauaria Vncle to the Contesse Iaqueline) was the 30. Earle of Holland, &c. the which he wrested [...] the said Lady in her life time: he takes reuenge of the Ganthois for abandoning him before Calais: he was in great danger in Bruge [...], who in the end were reconciled. Warre betwixt the Hollanders, Zelanders, and the Esterlings. The factions of Sceringers and Uetcoopers in Friseland. Those of the Hoecks and Cabillaux reuiued in Holland: warre betwixt the Duke and the Ganthois. Hee disgraceth the two brothers of Brederode wrongfully, to aduance Dauid his bastard to the Bishopricke of Utrecht. Lewis Daulphin of France comes to the Duke for refuge, who afterwards conducts him into France to bee crowned King. A quarrell betwixt Arnold Duke of Geldres and Adolph his sonne, who deales impiously with his father. The Lord of Croy and Launoy hated of the Earle of Charolois. Iohn of Koesteyn hauing vndertaken to poison the Earle of Charolois, is conuicted and executed. A diuision betwixt the Duke and the Earle of Charolois his sonne, by reason of them of Croy, but in the end reconciled. King Lewis the 11. dissembles with the Duke of Bourgongne: he sends Ambassadors to him which accuse the Earle of Charolois, who answers them brauely. A new dislike betwixt the Duke and the Earle for them of Croy. Ciuill warre in France, called the warre of the Common-weale. The French King and the Liegeois in league against the Duke of Bourgongne. The Earle of Charolois goes with an armie against the Liegeois: a peace is made. Dissembling, betwixt the French King and the Earle. Those of Santroin and Dynant in the countrey of Liege breake the peace. Dynant besieged by the Duke of Bourgongne, taken and punished. A second peace made betwixt the Duke and the Liegeois. The Earle of Charolois marries the lady Marguerite sister to the King of England: the death of Duke Philip. The arte of Printing inuented at Harlem in Holland, and stol [...]e away to Mentz.
PHILIP the first of that name, the 30. Earle of Holland and Zeeland, 1437. and Lord of Friseland: sonne to Iohn Duke of Bourgongne, slaine at Montereau faut-yonne, was at the first Gouernor of those Prouinces (as we haue said) then by the death of the Lady Iaqueline, Countesse of the said Prouinces, he was right heire and lawfull successor, both by Duke Philip right heire to Holland, zeeland and Friseland. father and mother. And so was Duke of Bourgongne, Brabant and Lembourg; Earle of Flanders, Artois, Bourgongne, Henault, Holland, Zeeland and Namur; Marquis of the holy Empire, and Lord of Friseland, Salins and Macklyn. He did afterwards purchase (hauing conquered it by armes in the name of the widow of the deceased duke) the duchie of Luxembourg, & other siegneories, so as he was the mightiest Prince of all his Predecessors in the said countries: Hee had to his first wife Michelle, daugh [...]er to Charles the sixth, king of France, who dyed without children, in the yeere 1422. and lyes buried at Gant. Then he married Bonne, or Olande, daughter to the Earle of Eu, by a dispensation from the Pope, for that shee had beene His wiues and children. formerly married to Philip Earle of Neuers his Vncle, the which was a wonderfull faire lady, and dyed also without children. For his last wife he had Isabell, daughter to Iohn King of Portugall, Aunt to the lady Elenor, who was wife to the Emperour Fredericke the third. This Isabell was brought by sea into Flanders, and landed at Scluse, in the yeare 1430. by whom he had three sonnes; the eldest at Brussels in the yeare 1431. called Anthonie: who liued not long. Then in the yeare 1433. an other sonne called Iosse, who died also very yong. The yeere following 1434, she was brought in bedde, at Digeon in Bourgongne, on S. Martins Eue, of her third sonne, called Charles Martin, for that hee was borne the said day. There was in this Princesse (as some say) some thing worthy of obseruation, which was, that when she tooke her leaue of her father, to goe into Flanders to the Duke her spouse, the father hauing giuen her his blessing, said unto her, that she should haue three sons, whereof two (which she should not nurse her selfe) should be short liued, as it happened to the two first; and therefore shee her [Page 146] selfe gaue sucke vnto the last sonne Charles: who after that hee was baptized, was made A Knight of the golden Fleece, and his father gaue vnto him, the Earledome of Charlois, the siegneories of Bethune in Artois, Chasteau-Bellam in Bourgongne, and Arkell in Holland. This Duke had some bastards; among others Dauid bishop of Teroan [...] Duke Philips [...]ards. and afterwards of Vtretch, who did much mischiefe to them of Brederode. Cornellis who died in his youth, being slaine at the defeat of the Gantois, before Ripelmond. Anthonie Earle of Steenbergh. Baldwin a Knight, Philip his Admirall at sea, and Iohn. Then Anne, wife to Adrian of Borssele, signior of Brigdam, who was afterwardes married to Adolfe of Cleues, Lord of Rauestein, brother to the duke of Cleues.
In the yeare 1438. the Esterlins enuying the sprosperitie of the Nauigations of the 1438. Warre betwixt the Esterlins & the Hollanders, & zelanders. Hollanders, and Zeelanders, trafficking in all places at sea, as well as themselues; sought B to take and spoile them; the which bred a great warre at sea betwixt them: In the which the Hollanders, (with the consent of their Duke) grew so strong in shipping, as after they had recouered more then their losses, they chased the Easterlins out of the sea, vntill an agreement was made betwixt them. In signe whereof they did beare (as they doe at this day) a little be some at the toppe of their maine mast, to shew they had once clensed the Sea from these Esterlins: whereof they were a long time maisters.
In the yeere 1444. the faction of Schyeringers and Vetcoopers, being somewhat 1444. The factions reuiued in Holland. pacified in Friseland: new troubles grew in Holland by the factions of the Hoocks and Cabillaux, vpon this occasion, especially in the townes of Harlem, and Amsterdam, but chiefely at Leyden; in the which the Magistrates had granted a Subsidie vnto C the duke, which was so great and burthensome, as it was not possible to furnish it, without oppression to the Commons. The Magistrates were for the most part of the faction of the Hoeckins, yet the better part of the Cabillautin faction had consented to the raising of this extraordinarie imposition. The people being thus ouer charged, ioyned with the Cabillautin faction, which was the cause of great mischiefe: for on a Saint Peters day, there was a great insurrection in the Towne of Amsterdam: the A tumult at Amsterdam by the factions. Hoeckins chasing away all the Cabillautins, and their adherents, who made their retreat vnto Harlem, being of their faction. The Duke keeping his court at Brusselles, hearing of this disorder, sent the Lady Isabell his wife, with some of his counsell to redresse it, and to pacifie their quarrels. Herevpon the like tumult happened in Harlem, D by reason of these heauy impositions, the two factions arming one against another, and comming to handie stroakes, so that some were hurt, and others slaine. The Duchesse The Dutchesse comes into Holland, to pacifie the troubles. was presently aduertised thereof, and sent a gentleman of her Houshold, with Gerard van Zyl thither; who beeing arriued, commanded the people in the Princes name, to lay aside their armes, the which was done, but yet the troubles seased not: for they were much incensed against the lord of Lalain, Gouernor of Holland, to whom they did impute the cause of these Impositions; so as if they could haue once gotten him, they would without all doubt haue murthered him, The Duchesse went to Harlem, whereas the next day after her arriuall, the Cabillautines chased away all the Hoeckins, so as she was greatly troubled to preserue them from spoile: causing all the E Cabillautins to returne into the Towne, which had been before expelled. Shee commanded them of Amsterdam, and the partisans of the Hoeckin faction, that were expelled Harlem, to carry themselues discretly, and to keepe well their towne.
In the end leauing the affaires of Holland in this confusion, and not able to pacifie them, she returned to Brusselles, where hauing informed the Duke her husband, of the She returnes without any effect The Duke sends for the heads of both factions. estate of the countrie, he sent for all the Lordes, Knights and Deputies of the townes of Holland, of both factions, to come before him at Brusselles, vppon great penalties: and with them the Lorde of Lalain. The duke hauing heard both parties, he dismissed the Lorde of Lalain, from his place of Lieutenant, instituting in his place, a worthy and wise man of Flanders; called Gosswin of Wilde. And to the ende hee should not F more carry his Predecessors title, the which seemed odious to all the Nobilitie; hee would haue him called President of Holland, Zeeland, and west Freezland. If William Institution of the [...] President in Holland. of Lalain did carry himselfe ill in his place of Lieutenant, this Goswin behaued himselfe much worse; for he afterwards lost his head, for his wicked life.
[Page 147] At this time there happened a great tumult in the towne of Leyden: so as they fell A tumult at Leyden. A to armes: the Cabillautins charged the Hoeckins in such sort, as they were forced to recoyle vnto Saint Pancratts Church, whereas many of the Hoeckin faction were slaine, wounded, and taken Prisoners, to the number of sixe score, whereof three of the chiefe that were the motiues of this trouble lost their heads: and there had beene more executed, if the Earle of Osteruant had not saued them: the rest were put to great fines.
The Duke hearing what had past at Leyden, resouled to goe into Holland, to pacifie The Duke comes into Holland. these troubles and reconcile his subiects. Whether hee came accompanied with Iohn Earle of Nassau, Lord of Breda, and many Barons and knights. Whether likewise came Iohn of Hensberg, bishop of Liege, at the request of Ghysbrecht of Brederode, Pro [...]ost Cathedrall of Vtrech his cousin, to reconcile the Hoeckins with their Prince. The He reconciles the two factions. B Duke sent the Earle of Nasau before him to Harlem, to let them vnderstand the cause of his comming, and his intention. This Ghysbrecht of Brederode was there also. And being of the Hoeckin faction, the Earle of Nassau and the bishop of Liege made his peace with the duke to the great discontent of his enemies the Cabillautins. From thence the duke went to Amsterdam, where he restored all them that had bin banished & expelled: renewed the [...]aw of Sheriffs, appointing two Bourgomasters of either faction, and the Sheriffs, equally commanding them to lay aside all factions and partialties, and to liue brotherlike together in all loue & amitie, imposing great punishments vpon them, that should breake his commandements in that regard, and for the authors of any troubles; how meane so euer they were. This done, after that hee had reduced C all to a good order, he departed out of Holland and returned into Brabant.
The duke hauing the yeere before besieged Calais, pretending it to be of the lymits War betwixt the Duke of Bourgongne and the Ganthois. of Flanders, as part of the county of Guynes, which came vnto him by Session from Charles the 7. King of France, was abandoned by the Flemmings at this siege. He remembring the affront which they had done him (hauing punished them of Bruges before) he resolued in the yeare 1452. to doe as much to the Ganthois, to begin and to 1452. satisfie himselfe of the great losse and charge hee had beene at, by reason of the raising of this siege: he layd a new imposition vpon all the Countrie of Flanders, of sixe Pattars The cause of this warre [...] vpon euery sack of Salt, comming from France, Spaine, or else-where. Wherevnto the Ganthois would by no meanes yeeld. The Duke seeing their obstinacie and wilfulnesse, D caused them to be taken and ransomed throughout all his other countries as his sworne enemies. The Ganthois did the like vnto the Dukes men, or to such as did any way affect his party. Herevpon they went to armes: the Ganthois drew many townes into their faction, and forced some; marching in field with their colours flying, in forme of an armie. The Duke had also his armie in field, of the which the Earle of Estampes was generall, who made sharpe warres against the Ganthois, in the which they were some-times beaten, and did some-times beate the Dukes troopes. In the end after a great ruine of townes, and destruction of the country of Flanders, the Ganthois hauing receiued a great defeate by the succours which the Hollanders sent vnto the duke E and afterwards an other, where there were slaine 6000. of them vpon the place, which was the 23. of Iuly 1453. They sent their deputies the 26. of the said moneth vnto the 1453. The Ganthois submit themselues vnto the Duke, and are re [...]onciled. Duke, to aske him forgiuenesse in the name of all the people, and the 30. following, by the prayers and intercessions of some Noblemen, both cleargie and secular, they were reconciled vnto the duke vpon certaine conditions, who receiued them into grace: the warre hauing continued fiue yeares. The conditions of this reconciliation (by the which the greatnesse of the Ganthois was much impaired, and the duke assured for the remainder of his life from their mutinies, and all the warres which the Ganthois had had at that time) are written at large in the Chronicle of Flanders. At that time Adrian of Borsselle, Lord of Brigdam, Duyuelant, Galmeade, Somersdyk and Zuyburch, F married Anne the bastard daughter of duke Philip of Bourgongne, by whom hee had one sonne called Cornellis, who dyed yong, and two daughters, Agnes and Anne. The Lord of Brigdam was then great Chamberlaine to Duke Philip, and afterwards to duke Charles his sonne. [Page 148] The 4. of March 1455. died Rodoph of Diephont bishop of Vtrecht, hauing gouernd his 1455. The death of the Bishop of Vtrecht. A Bishoprick about 23. yeares. After whose death duke Philip sent Cont Ihon of Nassau, to the Chapter of Vtrecht, intreating them to choose his bastard sonne the bishop of Teroane. Arnold Duke of Geldres came in person to sue for Stephen of Bauaria Chanoine of Cologne. The Chapter without any respect of the intreatie of two mighty Princes, nor Great competitors for the bishoprick. of these two competitors, chose Ghysbrecht of Brederod their Prouost Cathedral, a wise and a vertuous man. This election was made ioyntly by them all, except Gerard vanden Massche, & Iohn of Wittenhurst Chanoins, who gaue their voice to Stephen of Bauaria: yet seeing all the rest were of one minde, they yeelded and consented to their election.
This election did not much please them of the Cabillautin faction in Holland, for Sugiestions by the [...]oeckin faction against the bishop of Vtrecht. that those of Brederode were of the Hoekins, seeking all meanes to hinder it, and B sending some of the chiefe among them to Brussels to the Duke of Bourgongne, giuing him to vnderstand, that if this election were of force, and that Ghysbrecht of Brederode remained absolute bishop, he was in danger to loose his Earldome of Holland, if he did not preuent it by his wisedome. For that (said they) Renowld Lord of Brederode his brother, would (with his ayde) attempt to conquer it, vnder a coulour that he vaunts himselfe to be issued from the ancient and first Earles of Holland, hauing already purchased many friends in the diocesse of Vtrecht, and in East Friseland, by whose fauour he might easily seaze vpon the countrie.
The Duke giuing eare to these false reports, beleeued them; although that the lord of Brederode was well knowne to be a milde and quiet man, who would neuer haue The duke bel [...] [...] [...] ports against them of Brederode. entertained such a thought, hauing made it sufficiently knowne vnto his Prince with C what loyaltie hee had serued him in his last warre against the Ganthois. Vpon these aduertisements, the Duke sent the Bishop of Arras to the Pope, to presse him to haue the prouision of this Bishoprike of Vtrecht, for Dauid his bastard, for whom Alphonso King of Arr [...]gon did also solicite. Ghysbrecht the elect bishop, had also sent his Ambassadors to desire confirmation thereof, whom the Pope held in suspence, yet receiuing his The duke of Bourgongne meanes to make his bastard sonne bishop of Vtrecht by force annuat or first fruits, which was 4000. ducats, but hee made them no other dispatch. Whilest that these Ambassadors were at Rome, the Duke and the Earle of Charolois his sonne came into Holland, being resolued to install Dauid bastard of Bourgongne in the bishoprick of Vtrecht, by force: being at the Hage the Duke kept open court, & did solemnize the order of the Golden Fleece, of the which hee created 26. Knights, himselfe D making the 27. The Lord of Brederode meant to come vnto this feast, but hauing some other lets, he went not, the which was happy for him, for his enemies had laid two ambushes in seuerall places to kill him: but his stay disapointed them. Another time being come vnexpected to the Dukes court at the Hage, his aduersaries laide three ambuscadoes more for him with 500. men: but hee departed sodenly, and so well accompanied, as they durst not attempt any thing, returning safe to Vtrecht to his brother that was chosen bishop.
Those of Vtrecht hearing that the Duke ment to bring his base Sonne into the Bishoprik by force: sent him word that their preuiledges and ecclesiasticall orders, did E not admit a bastard to that dignity. The Duke (to auoide and make frustrate that obiection) obtained a dispensation from the Pope, for his bastardise, making him legitimate. Those of Vtrecht being discontented, fortified themselues with men and with all things necessary to resist any attempt: Notwithstanding (in despight of them and Dauid the duke of Bourgongnes bastard made bishop of Vtrecht. those of the house of Brederode, hauing obtained from the Pope prouision of the sayd Bishoprick for Dauid his bastard) hee forced Gysbrecht that was chosen Bishop to compound with him, and to yeeld vp his bishoprik to Dauid: Vpon condition that he should remaine Prouost Cathedrall, and Prouost of Oudt Minster in Vtrecht, and Prouost of Donas in Bruges, and that yearely during his life hee should haue an Annuall pension of 4200. florins of gold, out of the bishoprike of Vtrecht: and for the charges hee had F beene at by reason of his election 50000. Lyons of gold. For the performance of all which conditions, the duke of Cleues stood bound in the name of the duke of Burgongne, who by reason of this accord, entred with his base sonne Dauid into the towne of Vtrecht, and put him in possession. But those of Deuenter and other townes of the contry of Oueryssel, which is the high diocesse of Vtrecht, opposed themselues, and would not [Page 149] acknowledge Dauid for their prince & pastor, vntil the duke besieging Deuenter, forced A them thervnto. Whilest that the Duke held the said towne of Deuenter besieged, Lewis Daulphin of France fell in disgrace with King Charles the 7. his Father, beeing much perplexed, and doubtfull for a time whether he should retier himselfe to the King of Levvis Daulphin of France comes to Brusseles to the Duke of Bourgongne. England or not. But hee thought it best to goe vnto his couzin Duke Philippe of Bourgongne, taking his waie towards Brusselles with a small trayne, which made the duke yeelde to a composition sodenly with them of Deuenter that hee might go and receiue him. This Prince was so honorably entertained, feasted and treated, as hee remained fiue yeares in the Dukes Court, vntill the death of the King his Father: hauing an estate and traine appointed him, as if he had beene the Dukes owne Sonne.
In the yeare 1460. died the sayed French King Charles the seauenth called the Gentle. The Duke of Bourgongne being aduertised thereof, assembled all his Barrons and 1460. Death of king Charles of France. B cheife Nobility to conduct Lewis Daulphine of France, and to see him take possession, as the eldest Sonne of the deceased King, of the Realme and Crowne of France. The King being crowned by the helpe of the Duke of Bourgongne, being desirous to shewe himselfe thankefull for so great a seruice, hauing as it were led him by the hand vnto the Crowne, gaue him great thankes, and to recompence him in some sort, he gaue vnto Levvis King of France falles in dislike vvith the Duke of Bourgongne. the Earle of Charolois his Sonne certaine townes and castells in France, with a yearly pension. The King would haue make an exchange with the Duke of some townes, but they could not agree, so as many yeares after, the King discouered a spleene and dislike which hee had conceiued against the Duke, and that before hee had confirmed the C donation made vnto the Earle of Charolois of the sayd townes and castells.
The Earle of Charolois besides his seigneuries of Bethune, Chasteau-Bellain, Archel, Putten, Streyen, and the Country of Goyelandt, receiued in the yeare. 1461. by 1461. Certaine signtories come to the Earle of Charolois. Adrian of Borselle his Atorney in that behalfe, the possession of the moeity of the Seigneury towne and castell of Aspren, by reason of a certaine murther committed by one William van Buren, vpon Rutger of Boetselaer lord of the other moeity. And in the yeare 1462. the sayd Earle was receiued lord of the towne of Henkelom, being but a 1462. quarter of a league from Aspren, by the forfeiture of Iohn of Henkelom and Otto his Sonne, who in the ende did resigne it vnto him by agreement. And so this signeury of Henkelom returned to that of Arckel, from whence it issued at the first. At that D time there fell out great troubles in the Duke of Bourgongnes Court, for the causes which followe. Iohn lord of Croy had in his youth bred vp a poore boye in his house, named Iohn of Koestein, whome hee aduanced to be first an assistant and then a groome What Iohn of Koesteine vvas. of the Dukes chamber, who carried himselfe so loyally and vertuously, as the duke esteemed him very much, giuing him great meanes, and hauing made him knight, hee was his taster for his drinke. By which aduancements both in goods and honours, hee grewe so proude and arrogant, as hee beganne to contemne others, yea Barons, so gracious hee was in the Duke his Maisters fauour, as hee seemed to bee the onely man to mannage his most important affaiers. At the same season Iohn of Croy and Iohn of Lanoy Gouernor of Holland, conceiued a secret hatred against the Earle of Charolois E the dukes Sonne their Prince, for that hee had obtained of his Father the countrie of Arckel, the which the Duke had giuen a little before vnto the sayd lord of Lanoy: and the gouernment of Namur and Boulenois to the lord of Croy: who had inioyed it manie yeares: for which guifts the Earle had growne in hatred of these two Noblemen: who notwithstanding did wholie gouerne and possesse the dukes person, who by their means shewed his Son the Earle of Charolois no good coūtenance. The Earle finding it left the duke his Fathers Court and retired himselfe into Holland, hoping that this dislike would passe and die. Some of the cheife Noblemen of Brabant and Flanders came vnto him, and furnished him with all that hee had neede of. These two Noblemen of Croy and Lanoy, full of spight, to see his traine so great, Croy lanoy & Koestein conspire against the Earle of Charolois. F and the cheife Noblemen runne after him: consulted (for the better maintenance of them selues) how they might supplant and ruine the Earle: the which they did impart vnto Iohn of Koestein, who fearing likewise to bee disgraced and put from his Offices, after the dukes death, (beeing also wholie bound vnto the lord of Croy, for [Page 150] his aduancement) gaue [...]are willingly vnto them: and tooke the charge vpon him, A corrupting a poore younger brother a Bourguignon, with the promise of a great sum of money, and sending him into Piedmont to buy poison, descouring vnto him to They seeke to poison him. what ende it was. This gentleman called Iohn d'Iuy hauing performed his voiage, and brought this poyson to Koestein, demanded that which he had promised him: the which he not onely refused to pay him, but also abused him with iniurious words [...]Iuy discontented at this answere, complained to an other gentleman of Bourgongne, called Arguenbant, and discouered vnto him the whole secret. This Arguenbant (being wonderfully amazed) aduised Iuy to goe speedily and discouer the whole truth of this matter vnto the Earle of Charolois, saying, that if he went not hee himselfe would goe and accuse him. Iohn of Iuy without any farther stay, went vnto the Earle, and casting The practise discouered vnto the earle. B himselfe on his knees before him, he beseeched him humbly to pardon him the offence which he would reueale vnto him, and then layed open the whole truth of the matter. The Earle being much amazed thereat, went presently to the Duke his Father, to descouer vnto him all that hee had heard of this villanous practise; crauing iustice of the Author thereof, naming Iohn of Koestein. The duke hauing promised to do him iustice, the Earle went vnto his lodging, commanding Iohn of Iuy to goe vnto Rupelmond, and to attend him there as he did.
The next day morning, Iohn of Koestein beeing a hunting in the Parke at Brusselles, the duke called him, commanding him to go with the lords of Aussy and Creueceur to Ruppelmond, to make answere to a gentleman that did greatly taxe his honour. Koestein C answered him proudly, after his accustomed manner: that hee feared no man liuing, whervpon he pulled on his bootes, and went to horse-backe with fiue seruants: and so went to the lord of Aussy, whome hee found on horse-backe, with the lord of Creuecaeur, with fifteene or sixteene Archers of the Dukes garde. Being come to Ruppelmond, soone after arriued Anthony bastard of Bourgongne, the Bishoppe of Tournay, with the lords of Croy and Goulx. The Earle of Charolois came also, and caused Koestein to bee put into a Tower, of the which hee him-selfe kept the keyes, so as no man Koestein committed to prison. might speake vnto him but in his presence. These foure Noblemen made the processe of the sayd Koestein, after that hee had beene confronted with Iohn of Iuy, declaring him guilty, and condemning him to loose his head, and his bodie to bee cut in foure He is condemned to loose his head. D quarters. Beeing brought to the place of execution, which was vpon one of the highest Towers of the castell, hee disired to speake with the Earle of Charolois, who went vnto him, and heard him long in secret, which made them presume that hee accused some one (namely the sayd lords of Croy and Lanoy) the which the Earle dissembled. Hee intreated that his bodie might not bee quartered, the which beeing graunted him, hee lost his head. This done Iohn of Iuy was called, of whome the Earle demaunded, if Koestein had kept his promise with him, and payed him Iohn of Iuy [...]hat accused Koestein beheaded also. the somme as hee agreede vpon, whether hee would then haue reuealed the fact: the poore foole answered no, and therefore hee presently caused his head to bee cut off. E
About that time Lewis the leauenth King of France, made a proclamation throughout the Earldomes of Flanders and Arthois, that none should presume to inrowle him-selfe in the seruice of Edward King of England, nor any way assist him. He would also haue raised an impost vpon the sault in Bourgongne, the which had neuer beene practised before. But the duke would not admit of the one nor the other: for hee was a Causes of dislike betwixt the king of France and the duke of Bourgongne. friend and had made a truce with the King of England. Wherevpon hee sent the lord of Chimay to the French King, to shewe him the causes why hee could not allowe of such innouations in his countries, and to intreate him to forbeare. But the sayd lord was long at Court before hee could haue audience. Seeing one daie that they fed him still with delaies: hee attended so long before the Kings chamber, as in F the ende hee came forth. When the King had seene him: hee asked him what manner of man the duke of Bourgongne was: Is hee of an other mettell then the rest of the Princesse of my Realme? yea my Leege (answered Chimay) beeing a bold man and of great courage) the Duke of Bourgongne my Maister, is of an other stuffe [Page 151] then the Princes of France, or of all the Countries about: for hee hath kept you, nourished The answer of the Lord of Chymay to the French King. A and supported you against the will and liking of the King your father, and all others, whom it did displease, the which no other Prince would nor durst doe. At these words the King held his peace, and returned into his chamber. Afterwards the sayd Lord of Chymay returned, making his report vnto the Duke.
The French King being resolued to pay vnto the duke of Bourgongne 450000. crownes, and redeeme the townes which were ingaged vnto him in Picardie, on this side the riuer of Some, by the treatie of Arras, he gathered together great store of treasure from all parts of his kingdome: for there was no Abbay, Chanonlerie, nor riche Marchant that was esteemed to haue money throughout all France, but did eyther giue or lend him. And hauing recouered the sayd summe, hee sent it to B Abbeuille to the Duke of Bourgongne, from whence the Duke caused it to bee brought to Hesdin, where hee then kept his court. Soone after in the yeare 1463. the king came thether in person, the Duke went to meete him, and receiued him with 1463. The Fre [...]ch King comes to [...] to the Duk [...] of Bourgongne. great honour and state, and lodged him in his owne lodging in the Castell, where hee promised to accomplish all that remained of the Treatie of Arras: but hee fayled afterwards in some points. During his aboad at Hesdin, the duke sent diuers messengers to the Earle of Charolois his sonne, being then in Holland, to come and doe his dutie vnto the king. But hee refused to come, saying: That so long as Ihon of Bourgongne Earle of Estampes, and the Lords of Croy and Lanoy, should be about the King, hee would not come, holding them for his mortall enemies, (for these Noblemen C had left the Dukes Court, and retired them to the kings seruice) for hee knew well they were of his secret councell, charging them with the practise of Ihon of Koesteyn, and to haue councelled the Duke his father to accept of the money for the redeeming of the aboue named townes. The Duke was wonderfully discontented The Earle of Charolois [...] to come to the King which discontents his [...]. at his sonnes refusall, and would not for a long time after see him. The King parting from Hesdin, the Duke intreated him to confirme those seruants (which hee had placed in the redeemed Townes) in their offices: Hee granted it, but hee performed little: changing all the Gouernours, Captaines, Prouosts and Magistrates thereof, appointing and committing in their places, such as hee thought were not greatly affected vnto the duke, as the Lords of Lanoy, Croy D and Estampes.
The discontentment betwixt the Duke and the Earle of Charolois his sonne, continued The duke of Bourgongne and his sonne reconciled. so long, vntill the States of the Netherlands (to whom the Earle had made his complaints, especially of the lord of Croy) had reconciled them together: according to whose aduice, the Earle accompanied with many Noblemen, Knights, Gentlemen, and the chiefe Deputies of the sayd States, came to Bruges, where the Duke was. All the chiefe Noblemen of the Court, and the Magistrates of the Towne went to meete him: conducting him to the Duke his fathers lodging, where hee lighted, and went The Earle comes to his fath [...]r [...] speech vnto the Duke his father. vp vnto his chamber, as soone as hee saw him, hee kneeled downe three times, and at the third time he sayd; My most honored Lord and Father, I haue vnderstood that you E are offended against me for three things (declaring the same three points, which hee had made knowne vnto the deputies of the States) whereof he excused himselfe: Notwithstanding (said he) if I haue in any other thing moued you to anger, I most humbly cry you mercy. As for all your excuses (answered the Duke) I know the trueth, speake no more of The Duke of Bourgo [...]gne reconciled to his sonne. them: but seeing you are come to aske forgiuenesse, be you a good sonne, and I will bee a good father to you: then hee tooke him by the hand, raised him vp, and pardoned him all. This done, the Deputies tooke their leaue of the Father and the Sonne, being glad to haue performed so good a worke. The same day that this reconciliation was made, the Lord of Croy parted early in the morning from Bruges, and retired to Tournay to the French King, who was there then. F
In the moneth of Iune 1464. the French King came to Amiens, and from thence 1464. to Saint Pol: where hee found the Duke of Bourgongne. The Earle of S. Pol feasted them with great state, then they went together to Hesdin, whereas the king required him to yeeld vnto him the gouernment of Lille, Douay and Orchies, satisfying him the [Page 152] sum of two hundred thousand Liuers, and paying him 10000. Liuers of yearly pension, A for which summes of money hee said the sayd Gouernment had beene ingaged by a Which is 20000. pound starling. King of France long since to an Earle of Flanders. Wherevnto the duke answered; that when his Grand-father duke Philip called the Hardie, sonne to Iohn King of France, tooke to wife the Lady Marguerite, daughter and onely heire to Lewis of Male Earle of Certaine demands made by the French King vnto the duke of Bourgongne. Flanders, the said Chastelenies were giuen to him and his heires males for euer by the King: and in case he had not any, then to returne vnto the Crowne, for the sayd summe and yearely rent. The King made certaine other demands vnto the duke, but he would not hearken vnto them, for that they were vnreasonable. The duke for his part made three requests vnto the King: the first was, that he would receiue the Earle of Charolois The Dukes requests vnto the King. his sonne into his grace and fauour, for that he heard the King had beene displeased B with him. The second was that he would not force the Gentlemen his subiects and resident in his countries, holding any fees of land of his Maiestie, to take any other othe then Gentlemen were accustomed to take: for that the King would haue forced some to sweare, to serue him indifferently against all men. The third was to accomplish all that remained to be accomplished of the treatie of Arras, the which he had promised and sworne, when as he redeemed the townes that were ingaged. To which requests the King lent a deafe eare, and parted the next day from Hesdin.
During the Kings stay at Hesdin, the bastard of Rubempre had charge to enter into The bastard of Rubempre sent into Holland to surprise the Earle of Charolois. Crotoye, with a great ship called the Balleuier, and forty choise soldiers with him, to goe into Holland, whereas the Earle of Charolois then remained, who comming C into a Port of Holland, the bastard went to the Hage (whereas the Earle was) as secretly as he could: but being drinking at a Tauerne hee was knowne, and discouered vnto the Earle, who caused him and his companions to bee apprehended and put in Rubempre & his companions apprehended. prison: Soone after his companions were deliuered, and the bastard remained still in prison, with one other. They had sent to seaze vpon the Ship, but hearing of the Captaines apprehension, it put to Sea, and returned to Crottoy. The common fame was then, that the French King had giuen charge by letters written and signed with his owne hand to this Bastard of Rubempre, to take the Earle of Charolois aliue or dead. After which done, being ready with a great armie neere vnto Hesdin (which they sayd was prepared for England) to set vppon the Duke of Bourgongne, D (who doubted nothing,) whom hee would haue taken prisoner, and ledde with him, as hee did the Duke of Sauoye his brother in lawe, then to marry the Earle The Kings intention touching Rubempres acte. of Charolois daughter at his pleasure, (being then but eight yeares old) and to haue deuided the Dukes countries, the Duchie of Brabant to the Earle of Neuers, and his other Prouinces to whom he had pleased. But GOD disposed otherwise.
As soone as the bastard was taken, and had confessed the matter vnto the Earle of Saint Pol, who kept then in Holland: the Earle of Charolois sent letters presently to the Duke his father, being yet at Hesdin whether the King had appointed him to come: and that hee should attend him there. But at the same instant the Duke receiued letters about dinner time from his sonne, acquainting him with the bastards E attempt, and aduertising him that hee was not safe at Hesdin: Where-vpon hee The duke of Bourgongne re [...]res in hast from Hesdin. went presently after dinner to horse-back, and retired with a small traine to Saint Pol to his bed, whether euery man followed presently, leauing Adolph of Cleues his cousin, and the Lord of Crequi, to guard the towne, inioyning them notwithstanding, that if the King would come, to open him the Towne and Castle. As soone as the King was aduertised that the Duke was gone so sodenly from Hesdin, hee went to Rouan: and the Duke of Bourbon came to Lille, to see the Duke of Bourgongne his Vncle, and from thence to Gaunt, to the Earle of Charolois his Cousin.
The fourth of Nouember the same yeare 1464. the Earle of Charolois came F to Lille, with about a hundred Knights and Gentlemen, and some sixe hundreth 1464. The [...]rench king sends Ambassadors to the duke of Bourgongne. horse in his traine. All the people were very ioyfull at his comming: being alighted from his horse, hee went to doe his dutie to his father. The next day there came into the same towne of Lille the Earle of Eu, Moruillier Chancellor of [Page 153] France, and the Archbishop of Narbone, Ambassadors from the king: the next day A they had a publike audience, in the presence of the Duke and Earle his sonne: insisting vppon three pointes; The first was, that they demanded the Bastard of Rubempre, The French kings demands. who was detained prisoner in Holland. The second was, that reparation were made vnto the King, for the imputations which had beene layed vppon him since the imprisonment of the said Bastard. The third, that the Duke should send vnto the King, one of the Earle of Charolois houshold, called Oliuer de la March, a knight of Bourgongne, who had first published those scandals to the Kings dishonour: the which a Preacher had afterwardes preached in the Towne of Bruges, requiring also to haue the said Preacher sent, to doe iustice of them according to their merites: Alledging for the Kings excuse, that the said Bastard of Rubempre, had beene sent into Holland to take B the Vice-chancellor of Brittaine in his returne from England; and therefore hee sayd that the Earle of Charolois had greatly offended the King too, hauing hindred the Bastards charge, in causing him to bee taken. The Duke hauing giuen an attentiue eare vnto his speech, and suffered him to speake what hee would: hee himselfe answered to euery point. Afterwardes the Chancellor beganne againe, laying foule and dishonest charges vppon Francis Duke of Brittaine, whereunto the Earle intreated his father to giue him leaue to answere. But the Duke sayde vnto him, I haue answered for thee as much (in mine opinion) as a father ought to doe for his sonne, yet if thou hast so great desire, thinke of it against to morrow.
The next day the Ambassadors were called againe before the Duke, and there The Earle of Charolois answere. C in the presence of the whole Assembly, the Earle of Charolois answered from point to point to that wherewith hee or the Duke of Brittanie his friend had beene charged: the which hee did couldly, without any shewe of passion or chollor, and that so eloquently, as all men did admire him.
In the ende the father was very humble and wise in his conclusion, beseeching the King that hee would not lightly beleeue any thing against him nor his sonne, but to continue them still in his good grace and fauour. After which, wine and some confections beeing brought, the Ambassadors tooke their leaue both of father and sonne.
When as the Earle of Eu and the Chancellour had taken their leaues of the D Earle of Charolois, (who was a good way off from his father) hee sayde vnto the Archbishop of Narborne, who was the last: Recommend mee most humbly vnto the Kings good fauour, and tell him that hee hath disgraced mee heere by his Chauncellor, The Earle of Charolois sends a message vnto the King. The Duke of Bourgongne falles sicke. but before that the yeare passe hee will repent it: The Archbishoppe did not fayle to doe this message, the which bred great hatred betwixt the King and the Earle.
Soone after the Duke fell grieuously sicke at Brusselles, so as they did in a manner despaire of his health: the Earle of Charolois was then with him, who seeing that the Lord of Croy and his adherents, had in a manner the whole gouernment of his fathers contries, holding the best and strongest places: knowing that aboue fifteene dayes before E the said Lord of Croy, was retyred to the French King: he caused in his name all the Townes, castles and forts in the countries of Luxemburg, Lembourg, Namur, Henault, Bollenois, and other places to bee seazed on: placing newe Captaines in them. The Duke being recouered made his sonne Gouernour of all his countryes, The Earle seeing himselfe in this authoritie, called the chiefe Noblemen to court: among others, The Earle of Charolois made Gouernor of his fathers contries. Hi [...] speech vnto his friends. the Earle of Saint Pol, Anthonie and Baldwine his bastard brethren, braue Kinghts, and the most of the Duke his fathers counsell; to whom hee sayde: My maisters and friends, I cannot nor will not conceale from you any longer my heartes discontent: but will presently deliuer vnto you that which I haue kept long secret. I would haue you know, that the Lord of Croy, with his kinsmen and Allyes are (and so I repute them for) my greatest and most mortall F enemies: Then he made knowne the causes vnto them, the which hee sent in writing to all the good Townes of his fathers countries. Hauing spoken thus vnto his friendes, hee gaue notice vnto the Siegneor of Quivarin (who was chiefe Chamberlayne to the Duke his father) by two, or three Knights, that hee should [Page 154] retier himselfe from the Duke his fathers seruice, and that he should be packing with as A little brute as he could, without aduertising of his Father, least he should be disquieted. The signior of Quieurain was much perplexed at these newes, beeing loath to leaue so good a house, whereas all his kindred had growne great and rich; but hee feared to offend the Earle; Hee therefore without taking aduice of any one, went the next daie in the morning to the Duke, and falling downe vpon his knees before him, thanked him most humbly for the good and honour hee had receiued from his greatnesse: beseeching him to take his poore seruice in good part, crauing leaue to depart; seeing that the Earle his Sonne had sent him worde that hee would kill him if he retyred not. The Duke hearing him speake in this sorte, was exceeding wroth, and hauing commanded him to stay, he tooke a boarspeere in his hand and went out of his chamber full B of rage, saying to them that were about him: that he would goe see if his Sonne, would kill his seruants. Those that were present seeing him in that estate, caused the gates to A new quarrel betwixt the Duke of Bourgongne and his Sonne. bee shut and the Porter to bee hidden, so as the Duke could not get forth: whilest they sought for the keies, the duchesse of Bourbon his Sister and many ladies of his house came, with Anthonie of Bourgongne his bastard, who vsed such milde perswasions as they did some what pacifie his rage, and he returned into his chamber. During this trouble the Signior of Quieurain got out of the Court, and departed with one with him as secretly as he could.
The Earle knowing that his Father was much displeased with him, was euery day in counsell, as well with his owne, as with the Dukes cheife Councellors, seeking all meanes to pacifie him, euery man imploying himselfe all he could in that good seruice. C In the ende it was thought good that the Earle should write vnto all the good townes The Earle of Charolois writs to all the Townes. of his Fathers Countries, what his heart thought, and the reasons which mooued him, to discharge them of Croy from the seruice of his house, which letter should be red publikely in all places, that euerie man might be aduertised thereof. The like letters were sent vnto all the cheife of the Nobilitie, the tenor whereof is to bee red at large in my great chronicle the which I omit here for breuities sake, they were dated the two and twenty of March 1464. The same month of March the Signior of Roubais 1446. with good troupes, went by the Earles commande, to seaze vpon the towne and castell of Lanoy, thinking to finde the lord of the place there: beeing Nephew to the D lord of Croy, who was then Gouernor of Lille and baylife of Amiens: but they neyther found him, nor his wife nor children there: for beeing aduertised of Roubais The towne & castell of Lanoy taken taken. comming, hee had retyred himselfe with all his gold, siluer and richest mouables, into the towne of Tournay, two leagues from thence, then held by the French. The Earle gaue the sayd towne and castell of Lanoy to Iames of Luxembourg, brother to the Earle of Saint Pol, withall the prouision that was found within it, the which was verie great, both in poudred flesh, meale and other prouisions and munition of warre.
At that time Charles duke of Berry, brother to Lewis the leauenth the French King, being about eighteene yeares olde, whome the King kept in his Court simplier and E in meaner estate, then hee had beene in the time of their Father Charles the seauenth; one day he made shew to goe a hunting with ten men onelie, and fled for refuge to the Duke of Brittaine, the discours of all the troubles which followed after in France, being called the warre of the common-weale, is written at large in the Inuentorie of the Historie of France, to the which I will referre the Reader, for that it doth not properly belong vnto our subiect. The Earle of Charolois writ letters to them of Arras, Letters from the Earle of Charolois to them of Arras. sending them word that he was aduertised that the lord of Croy and his friends, did leauy men, to lead them out of the duke his Fathers countries: & that the Earle of Neuers was gone with the lord of Croy to molest the sayd countries, the which he ment to preuent; and therefore hee commanded them to make publicke proclamations F in all their iurisdictions, that none should presume to serue his couzin of Neuers, nor them of Croy, without the duke his Fathers leaue, vpon paine of confiscation of bodie and goods.
The twelfth day of Aprill 1465. which was the day of our Redeemers passion, a 1465. [Page 155] great diuine preached at Busselles in the chappell of the Court, in the presence of the A duke and of a great and noble assembly. In his sermon hee discoursed at large, what clemency and mercy was, that he might mooue the duke to remit the discontent hee had against his Sonne by reason of the lord of Chimay, the which vntill that daie hee would not do. The sermon being ended many knights of the golden Fleece, went vnto the Duke, and beseeched him humblie, that according to the Preachers exhortation, The Earle of Charolois reconciled to his father. he would pardon his sonne the offence which hee had committed. The next day about noone the Earle went to present himselfe before his Father, vpon his knee, saying. My most redoubted lord and father, I beseech you for the honour of the passion of our Lord Iesus Christ that it would please you to pardon mee that which I haue misdone, for what I haue done hath beene to preserue you and my selfe also from death: and for the preseruation B of all your Countries and subiects, as I will giue you to vnderstand at large hereafter. And hauing spoken other wordes, wisely and humbly, to the great satisfaction of all the hearers: The duke holding him by the elbow, and looking still in his face, sayd vnto him. Charles my Sonne, all that euer you haue misdone vnto this day, I pardon, bee a good Sonne vnto mee, and I wilbe a good father vnto thee. In speaking of which words the teares stood in the dukes eyes, the which mooued the hearts of all the company, so as some could not forbeare weeping.
This reconciliation made betwixt the Father and the Sonne, and the feast of Easter past, in the yeare 1465. the duke sent for the three estates of all his Prouinces to come to Brusselles, to whome hee shewed letters written from the duke of Berry brother to C the French King, to him, making knowne the great desire he had to succor him, being resolued to leauie a greater army then hee had euer done: of the which hee would make the Earle his Sonne generall, and therefore it was needefull that all his subiects should aide him with some extraordinary subsedy, the which was granted: euery Prouince The duke of Bourgongne leauies an army to succor the duke of Berry. according to their estate. In the meane time the army was preparing, in the which were Lewis Earle of Saint Pol, and his three Sonnes, Iames his brother: the lord of Rauestein Nephew to the duke. Anthonie and Baldwyn of Bourgongne, the dukes bastards, and almost all the Barones, Knights, Squiers and Gentlemen of his countries, vnto the number of 14000. fighting men, that is to say 1400. Launces 8000. Archers, and the rest Harguebuziers, pikes and corselets. Those of high Bourgongne D were not of this troupe, who made an armie apart to ioyne with the Earle of Charolois The Earle of Charolois forces. in his march, being 600. launces, and about 6000. foote, whereof the Prince of Orange, the Marshall of Bourgongne, the lords of Argeuil, Charny and Toulongeon were the chiefe.
The 15. of May the Earle of Charolois hauing his army readie, beginning to march with his Artillerie, towardes Quesnoy the Conte in Henalt. It was necessary hee should take his leaue of the duke his Father, beeing at Brusselles. At his parting, the The dukes speech to his Sonne at his parting. duke sayd vnto him. My Sonne goe: doe your best endeauor, die rather then flie, if you bee in danger, you shall not bee forsaken, though I imploy a hundred thousand men. The Earle entring into Piccardie many townes opened their gates, others hee forced calling E himselfe still the duke of Berries lieutenant, promising in the sayd dukes name to abolish all exactions and impositions wherewith the people were wonderfully opprest, wherevpon it was called the warre of the common-weale: after followed the battaile of Montleherry betwixt Lewis the French King, and the Earle of Charolois, where they ranne away on both sides, yet in the ende the Earle kept the field: after the which the Princes of the league beeing ioyned togither, they marhed with their armie before Paris, where at last a Peace was concluded betwixt the King and the Princes, all which you may reade at large in the French Historie. A little before the battaile of Montleherry, the French King had made a league with the Liegeois, ancient The French King makes a league with them of Liege. The Liegeois in armes against the duke of Bourgongne. and mortall enemies to the house of Bougongne, who were so presumptuous and F rash as to defie the duke of Bourgongne and his Sonne the Earle of Charolois: then marching out of their citty of Liege they went to spoile the dukes countrie, whereas they burnt some villages, then they went to beseege the towne of Kembourg. The duke aduertised of this brauadoe of the Liegeois, raysed all the forces hee could, and [Page 156] with the Duke of Cleues and other his friendes, resolued to goe fight with them in A person. But the Liegeois vnderstanding that hee was at Namur, with a greater Armie then that which his sonne had led into France, seeing that the King had fayled to send them such troupes of horses as hee had promised, they raised their siege from Lembourg, and returned to their Towne of Leige.
The 25. of September the same yeare, their dyed at Brusselles, the countesse of The death of the Contesse of Charolois. Charolois, daughter to the Duke of Bourbon, a virtuous and very religious Lady, leauing one onely daughter called Marie: she fell into such distemperature and alteration, when she heard the newes, that her husband had beene defeated at Montleherry, (for so it was reported in the beginning) as shee fell sicke, and languished some two Moneths, vntill shee dyed, for the which there was great heauinesse and mourning at B the court.
The 3. day of October, the siegnior of Roubay assisted by Fromelles and Arguembaut a Gentleman of Bourgongne, surprized the castle of Peronne by Scaladoe, whereas Peronne surprized for the Duke of Bourgongne. they found the Earle of Neuers, the Siegneor of Sailly and some others in bed. He presently wone the Towne, which was opened vnto him, and so it was subiected vnder the Duke of Bourgongnes obedience. The Earle of Neuers was carryed prisoner to the castle of Bethune, and Arguembaut remayned Gouernor of Peronne, for that hee had beene Author of this enterprise.
During these broyles in France, the Liegeois were madde, and especially those of Dynant, trusting in the strength of their Towne (vanting that they had endured seauenteen C sieges, and had neuer been conquered) and in their wealth; still robbing and spoyling their neighbours, especially the subiects of the duke of Bourgongne, whose Image The insolencie of them of Dynant. they made, to the which (in despight of him and of his sonne) they did a thousand villanies before the gates of Bouvines in the countie of Namur, belonging vnto the Duke, with the foulest reproch that any man could vtter, yea or thinke, against the sayde Princes and their wiues that were dead. These outragious iniuries came to the knowledge of the duke and his sonne, the which did so incense them, as the Earle swore hee would be reuenged, as it fell out afterwardes. The Earle of Charolois, beeing still at Constans before Paris, receiued seuerall letters from the Duke his father, commanding D him to send him fiue or sixe thousand men, to ioyne with his armie which hee had against the Liegeois, and that his intention was to fight with them in person: which The Earle prepa [...]res an armie against the Liegeois. made the Earle to haste out of France, to bee reuenged of the indignities of them of Dynant. And notwithstanding that after the conclusion of the peace in France, many of his men were retyred: yet hee speedily gathered together about Maziere, a greate [...] armie then hee had in France; for the good townes of the Dukes countrie, sent their sworne Bands of crossebow-men and Archers: whether also went many Knights and Gentlemen of Picardie, and of the countries that were restored by the peace: and of those that had serued the King against the Earle.
The Liegeois aduertised of the Treatie of peace, thought they had beene comprehended The Liegeois sue for peace. E in it, but hearing the contrarie; and that the Earle approched with a great ar mie, the Duke being at Brusselles, offring to make great reparations, and intreating to be reconciled to him and to the Earle his sonne. In the ende they obtained a truce for 15. dayes, to aduise vpon the said reparations, and the conditions of the reconcilyation. In the meane time the Earle went before S. Truden, a Towne of the countrie of Liege, the which was yeelded as soone as he came before it. The 15. dayes of truce being expired; they were diuers times prolonged vnto the 12. of Ianuary, in the yeere 1465. The Earle seeing the delayes of the Liegeois, and that they performed nothing which 1465. they promised, he caused his armie to march, and writ to the Duke his father, intreating him to send him such forces as he had; being resolued without any further delay, to fight with the Liegeois. The Duke sent the Lorde of Saueuse vnto him, with his Troupes, commanding him not to fight vntill hee himselfe were there in person. F But being some dayes after ready to goe, although he were but weake of his last sicknesse: the Earle writ vnto him; that those of Liege were come vnto him, bringing the A peace concluded with the Liegeois. Treatie of peace, such as he had set downe, sealed, with the great Seale of the cittie of [Page 157] Liege, and that the Liegeois craued pardon: which treatie hee had accepted with th [...] A good liking of his Lord and father. The which the Duke vnderstanding, hee remayned still at Brussels.
The treatie was seen by the Earle and accepted, vpon amendable & profitable reparations, the which being performed, the Earle did pardon them. The profitable reparatiō they should make, was to pay vnto the Duke 600. thousand florins of the Rhine, in 6. years; by equall portions. And that the Earle when he should be Duke of Brabant, and all other Dukes after him, should be Mombours, that is to say, Gardiens, and Captaines of all the Countrie of Liege, & haue 2000. florins of the Rhine yeerly pension. And that the Liegeois might not after that time attempt nor begin any thing of Importance, either of warre or peace, without the leaue and liking of the said Curator. There were many other conditions in the said Treatie, which for beuities sake I omit, and the rather, for that the Liegeois soone brake B it, and would not performe any thing. The treatie being thus concluded, the Earle caused the peace to bee proclaimed in his Campe, and made a revewe of his armie, in the presence of the Ambassadors of Liege: he went from squadron to squadron to thanke his Capatines, excusing himselfe for the small pay they had receiued, and promising The Liegeois offer an affront to the Earles men. better satisfaction; and so he departed from them, and went to the towne of Saintron; whereas the Liegeois did an affront to his men, vnto their cost; so as if the Eale had not arriued in time the towne had been spoiled, and many inhabitants slaine.
Soone after the Earle went to Brusselles, where he was ioyfully receiued by the duke his father; hauing stayed there some dayes, hee went te visite his townes of Picardie. Passing by Bethune, the Earle of Neuers came vnto him, and asked him forgiuenesse The Earle of Neuers reconciles himselfe to the Earle of Charolois. C for the wrong he had done him; who pardoned him all, and they liued for a time good friends. The Earle of Charolois went from Bethune to Peronne, where he was aduertised that the French King had leuied a mightie Armie, and yet by his letters hee still entertained the Earle with kinde wordes, and all shewes of loue: yet hee gaue no great credit vnto them, doubting still the Kings inconstancie: and therefore hee made himselfe strong, and stood vppon his gard; knowing that the King did deale with the English by the Bastard of Bourbon, the which hee sought to preuent by Anthonie of Bourgongne, his bastard brother.
In the yeare 1466. Those of Dynant (being wearie of the peace which they and 1466. The Dynandois [...] the peace. the Liegeois had bought dearely of the Duke of Bourgongne and his sonne, the Earle D of Charolois:) began to make roads into Henault and Namur, firing villages, forcing Churches, and doing all the mischiefe they could. The Duke went thither in person with the Earle his son. The Dinandois scorning them and their armie, offered them many indignities. Whereat the Princes, father and sonne, being iustly insenced, besieged Dinant besieged. them straightly; made great Bridges ouer the Meuse, neere vnto Bouines, battered it furiously, and resolued to giue a generall assault. The besieged seeing their towers and walles beaten downe, sent eight of their principall men to sue for mercie, but they preuailed not: for the next day the Towne was taken by assault, and all that were found armed, put to the sword. The Duke caused 800. prisoners to bee drowned before Bouines. E The towne being taken, the Earle caused the gates and walles to be beaten downe, then he sired the towne, and razed it to the ground. The same day that Dynant was taken, Dinant taken and razed. the Liegeois came in great troupes to succor it, Duke Philip (for that hee was very old) retyred himselfe: but the Earle marched towards him with his Armie. Then came the Deputies vnto him, beseeching him to take pittie of that people. The souldiers of Leige in a brauerie, would not avowe the words of their Ambassadors: yet after two or three messages, it was agreed that they should pay a certaine sum of money presently, The Liegeoi [...] reconcile themselues againe to the Earle of Charol [...]is. promising for an assurance of the saide accord, to deliuer 300. Hostages, named in a Rowle by the bishop of Liege, by 8. of the clocke the next day: but it was Noone before the Hostages came: the Earle & his counsell, disputed whether they should charge F them as they retyred confusedly in disorder: some sayd I, others no. The conclusion was, that they should send a Trumpet vnto them, who going, met with the Hostages, so as all that difficultie was ended, wherevppon they sent the Deputies presently to Liege, to confirme this peace. The skum of the people, (apt to speake ill) reported vnto [Page 158] them that they durst not fight, vsing other insolent speaches. The accord beeing A made and signed, the Earle returned into Flanders.
In the yeare 1467. the Duke of Bourgongne beeing in his castle of Scluse in Flanders, 1467. sent for all the Noblemen and Barrons of his Countries▪ inuiting many of his kinsfolke, friends and Allyes, where as they treated of diuers matters, the Duke labouring to reconcile them, and to make them good friends before his death. At the same time, the marriage of the Earle of Charolois with the Lady Marguerite, sister to Edward the The Earle of Charolois marries Marguerite sister to the King of England. fourth, King of England, was concluded; and Anthonie Bastard of Bourgongne deputed with 400. gentlemen to fetch her: who conducted her to Scluse to the Earle her husband, and from thence to Bruges to the Duke of Bourgongne, who receiued her very louingly, as well for his sonnes sake, as for the King of Englands her brother. B
Soone after, the Duke being aged and weake, fell into a newe disease, wherevnto in his latter daies he was much inclined. The Noblemen that were about him hoping that he should recouer as he had formerly done, did not presently aduertise the earle his son, being then resident at Gaunt, but the third day following seeing that he declyned more and more, and that the Phisitions dispaired of his recouerie, they aduertised the Earle of the Estate of his sicknes, desiring him to come speedily to Bruges. The Earle came in post, where being arriued, he found his father labouring for life, who within a short The death of duke Philip of Bourgongne. time gaue vp the ghost, the fifth of Iune 1467. being 73. years old, after that he had gouerned the contries of Holland, Zeeland, Friseland and Henault, as well with the title C of Earle and Lord, as Gouernor about fortie yeares.
Hee was a valiant Prince and of great courage, feared generally of his enemies: he was of a tall stature, and of a good representation, sweet in his speech, and yet subiect Duke Philips qualities. to choller, high minded, and not willing to be braued of any how great soeuer, as hee did often shew to King Charles the 7. and Lewis the 11. of France: he was very curious to entertaine peace with his subiects, whom hee loued, and sought their quiet: so in his time all his countries flourished in wealth and aboundance▪ Hee was a wiseman, discreet, charitable and a great Almes-giuer, by reason whereof hee was called the good; but full of reuenge and very ambitious: desiring to make himself great by what means so-euer, as appeared by so many fals bounds which he played to the contesse of Holland, his cosin. He exceeded all his Predecessors, Dukes of Bourgongne in riches, Seigneories▪ greatnes of state and pompe: so as in his time there was no Christian Prince, that D for his qualitie might be compared vnto him. He tooke pleasure to breed vp and nourish sundry strange and wilde beasts. He had a Gyant and many Turks among his houshold seruants, which he had caused to be baptized.
The Duke being dead, the Earle of Charolois, his onely sonne and sole heire, called for the Seales, the which he presently brake. This done, after that he had giuen order for the dead body vntill his returne: he tooke poste and went to Lille, where he sealed vp the chamber and the cofers of his fathers treasure; appointing gardes that none might touch them: then he returned presently to Bruges, where hee perfourmed the funeralles E of his father with great pompe and state: his heart was buried in the Church of Arras, and his body was layed in a coffin of leade, and left in the Church, vntill that it should be transported from thence to Ierusalem, and interred neere to the holy Sepulchre: hauing giuen great giftes to the Couent of Fryars of the said Sepulcher. The Lady Isabel his wife dyed the 17. of December in the yeare 1471. in the towne of Aire, and was interred in the cloyster of Nunnes at Gouvay by Bethune: afterwards her bodie and the duke her husbands, were carried to the Chartreux by Digeon in Bourgongne, where as they lie vnder a stately tombe of brasse guilt, richly & curiously wrought. About that time, the art of Printing was inuented, wherof those of Harlem in Holland, Printing first [...]uented. challenge the first honor: yet afterwards it was brought to perfection at Mentz, by one F that had been seruant to Laurence Ianson of Harlem, the first inuentor: and ranne from him to Mentz with his tooles; they write his name was Iohn Faustus, as they of Harlem do constantly affirme.
CHARLES Duke of Bourgongne, in the life of his father the good Duke Philip, was called Earle of Charolois, the 31. Earle of Holland, &c. At his first entrie into Gant, the Inhabitants maintayned against him, but he brought them vnder. The Liegeois breake the peace, and entred into warre against the Duke; he defeats them in Battaile, wherevpon the Towne of Liege yeelded. The Duke of Bourgongne makes a peace with the French king, who comes to the Duke to Peronne: hee was in feare there least the Duke should haue detained him. The Liegeois arme a newe against the Duke of Bourgongne: he forceth King Lewis to go with him to the fiege of their Towne, the which he ruines, practises to ruine the house of Brederode. The Duke makes war against the Frisons. He entertaines many Princes with the hope of marrying with his daughter. The french king & the Duke of Bourgongne, seek to deceiue one another. The Constable of S. Poll growes odious to thē both, & they resolut to ruine him. He seeks to reconcile the duke of Gelders & his son, & besiegeth Neuse. The motiue of the war against the Swisses. A truce for nine years betwixt the Duke and the French king: they sweare the Constables death, who in the end is beheaded at Paris. The duke makes war against the Swisses: he is defeated by them, first at Granson, then at Morat; wherewith the Swisses were inriched: the Duke besiegeth Nancy, where he was slaine in battaile, by the treason of the Earle of Campobachio, an Italian. Marie of Bourgongne his only daughter succeeds him and was the 32. commanding in Holland, &c: The French Long seazeth vpon the townes of Piccardie and Arthois, with an intent to ruine her: this Princesse being in the Ganthois power, suffers much, putting her cheefest seruants and Councellors to death: the Flemings defeated, and the yong Duke of Gellers slaine. A marriage betwixt Maximilian of Austria, the Emperor Fredericks sonne, and the Lady Marie of Bourgongne.
CHARLES of Bourgongne, called the Warlike, for that hee had been so great a Warrior; succeeded vnto Duke Philip of Bourgongne his father, in all his Estates, & Siegneories; & was Duke of Bourgongne, Brabant, Lembourg, and Luxembourg, Earle of Flanders, Arthois, Henault, Bourgongne, Holland, Zeeland and Namur, Marquis of the Duke Charles pourchaseth the County of Ferrette. holy Empire, and Lord of Friseland, Salins and Macklyn. His father hauing left him great treasures of Gold and Siluer, hee bought (or as some write had in morgage) of Sigismond Arch-duke of Austria, the Earledome of Ferret, in the Countrie of Elsatia, neere vnto Basill in Swisserland, vpon the Rhin, somewhat neere to the Dutchie of Bourgongne, and too farre from Sigismond to defend it from the incursions of neighbour Princes. Hee was 33. yeare olde when hee succeeded all these His wiues. goodly Estates. Katherine the daughter of King Charles the 7. of France, was first promised him to wife, but she dyed yong, before she was married. Afterwards hee married Elizabeth daughter to the Duke of Burbon, his cousin, by whome hee had one daughter and onely heire, called Marie. This Dutches Elizabeth being dead, he marryed Marguerite daughter to Richard Duke of Yorke, and sister to Edward the fourth, King of England, by whom hee had not any children. His father gaue him in his youth to maintaine his estate the Earldome of Charolois (which is in the Contie of Bourgongne, otherwise called Franch Contie) with the Siegniors of Bethune, Arckel and Bellain. In his fathers life time he wanne from the Sea, a great circuit of countrie, opposite to Rotterdam, causing a Village to be built there, the which hee called (with the whole countrie) by his name Charolois, and so it continues vnto this day. Hee had begunne a great fort in the towne of Gorrichom, vppon the Riuer of Wahal, but it remained during his life imperfit.
This Duke Charles, Earle of Holland, Zeeland, &c. His fathers funeralles beeing Duke Charles takes posse [...] on of his coun tries. finished, hauing setled his estate, and the affaires of his house; went in person to take possession of all his Countries and Siegneories. Frist at Gaunt, to bee inuested [Page 161] in the Earledome of Flanders. The Regents and chiefe of the towne went to meete A him, receiuing him with great honor and state, acknowledging him for their Prince and naturall Lord & Earle of Flanders. Entring into the towne, he was followed by about 800. banished men, whom he tooke into his protection, and remitted their banishment. Hauing receiued the possession of the towne, the next day the people did mutine both against him and the Magistrate; pressing to haue a certaine imposition The Ganthois mutine against their Duke. vpon the corne freed, and to haue their priuiledges restored, which the Duke his father had taken from them, with other demands: comming armed vnto the market place with their Enseignes, crying out that they would not part from thence, vntill the Duke had granted what they demanded. Duke Charles seeing this, and knowing with what people he had to deale, after he had spoken vnto them, seeing they departed not, B he strooke saile, and yeelded to all that they demanded, dissembling his conceptions, vntill hee was freed from them. This trouble thus pacified, the Duke parted from The Duke yeelds to the Ganthois, Gaunt, and went to take possession of his other Prouinces: then he came to Brusselles, whether the deputies of the mutinous Ganthois came vnto him, crauing pardon for the excesse committed by them against his greatnesse, carrying him backe the letters which they had forced from him, and offring to make any reparation he should please. The Duke pardoned the offence, and would aduise of the reparation. The deputies The Ganthois submit themselues vnto the Duke. departed with this prouisionall pardon. Two yeares after, the duke did intimate vnto them, that for a reparation of their offence, the Ganthois should teare in peeces all the Enseignes, Banners, and Standards of their companies and trades, the which was put in execution in the towne of Brusselles, whether they were brought. And as for their C Immunities and freedomes, hauing perused and examined them according vnto reason, some were abrogated, others confirmed, and some moderated, granting them some new, according to his good pleasure.
A while after, those of Macklyn rebelled against their Gouernor and Magistrates, whom they chased out of the Towne. The duke went thether, with a resolution to ruine A tumult at Macklyn. the towne, if the Nobilitie and best Bourgeses had not sued for mercy, and obteyned it; vpon condition that they should deliuer vp all their priuiledges into his hands: repaire the house of Iohn Muse Knight, which they had ruined, and restore that which they had taken: and more-ouer to pay him for a fine thirtie thousand Lions of gold, D whereby the duke was pacified. The Liegeois brake the peace, not-with-standing the 300. Hostages deliuered to the duke of Bourgongne the last yeare, taking a small towne called Ligny, and chasing away all the inhabitants; after they had vtterly spoyled The Liegeois breake the peace. it. In the meane time Lewis the eleuenth the French King, laboured all he could by goodly offers and promises, to drawe the duke of Bourgongne from the allyance of Francis duke of Brittaine, and in that respect he would abandon the Liegeois that were newly reuolted: the which duke Charles refused. The King insisting still vpon the same demand, sent the Earle of Saint Pol Constable of France, and the Cardinall of Balue his Ambassadors vnto him. To whom the duke made short dispatch; telling them plainly that hee would not doe any thing: and in the presence of the sayd Ambassadors E went to horse-back, to goe and make warre against the Liegeois: marching The Duke goes with an armie against the Liegeois. directly with his armie before Saintron. A little before they were in councell to determine what should bee done with the 300. hostages, whether they should put them to death or not. Some among others gaue their opinions, that they should dye. But the lord of Humbercourt, giuing a more modest, milde, and wise censure, to preserue the dukes honor and reputation, and for some other respects, said, that the best course was to send them back; and at their departure to let them vnderstand what grace the duke had done them, hauing their liues in his power: & that they should labour to draw the The Duke sends back the 300, hostages. people to a good peace: and in case the Liegeois would not yeeld vnto it, yet at the least (acknowledging the grace which he had done them) they should promise neuer to carrie F armes against the duke, nor against their bishop his cousin, who was in his company. This aduise of the lord of Humbercourt was followed, and the hostages did promise at their deliuery. To whom it was said, that if euer any one of them was prisoner in the warre, that without any mercy he should loose his head. And so they departed ioyfully [Page 162] to haue made so faire an escape. The duke being camped before Saintron ready to A batter it, in the which there were 300. souldiars Liegeois, and one Knight their captaine. Those of the towne of Liege, to the number of 30000. men good and bad, fiue The Liege ois came to raise the [...]eege at Saintron hundred horse, and great store of Artillery, aduanced to raise the seege: and about two of the clocke in the morning came vnto a village that was strong of it selfe, and partly inclosed with marish groundes, called Bretan. The campe was aduertised thereof, hauing a generall alarme giuen them. The duke knowing them to be so nere him, put his army in battaile, and after that hee had disposed of them that should gard the campe, hee placed 1200. men on eyther side of the village of Bretan, and hee himselfe stood right against them with about eight hundred. The lord of Rauestein leading the A battaile betvvixt the duke and the L [...] geois. vant-gard, with some men at armes and Archers, and certaine peeces of Artillery, marched B vnto the foote of their trenches. But he was so valiantly repulst, as hee lost about 500. men, and his Artillery; al the vant-gard wauering, as if it had beene halfe defeated. But the duke aduancing with his battaile, led by the lord of Creueceur, hee had soone put the Liegeois to rout, and defeated them, whereas their died some 9000. men, and if night had not approched as many more had beene slaine, for the flight was confused, The Liegeois defeated. being pursued by the dukes horse, but the darkenesse of the night saued them.
The duke beeing a conqueror, returned the same night vnto his campe, before Saintron, with his whole army, two daies after this battaile, the Liegeois babling was well cowled: for the beseeged, imagining that the defeat had beene much greater then it Saintron yeelded. was, yeedled the towne, leauing their armes, they deliuered ten men at the dukes pleasure, C such as hee would choose, whose heads he caused to bee cut of, among the which there were sixe which had beene of the Hostages. This towne being yeelded hee went to beseege Tongres (an ancient towne sometimes the chiefe of the Realme of Tongres, which comprehended the Country of Liege, Lembourg Valkenbourg &c.) the which at the first made shew of resistance: yet being not very strong, the beseeged without any battery, made the like composition to them of Saintron, and gaue ten men, who had Tongres yeelded. also their heads cut off, among the which there were fiue Hostages. From thence the duke marched with his army before Liege, the which did much trouble the inhabytants, some desyring to hold good, and to defend the Citty, saying that they had men ynough, especially a hardie knight, called Rasse de Lattre, others seeing their countrie D destroyed and burnt, demanded a peace at what rate soeuer: The duke approching neere the towne, there was an Ouerture of peace, by the sollicitation of the Hostages. Who acknowledging the fauour that had beene done then, were mediators of this businesse. Finally they perswaded them of the towne to yeeld: and brought three hundred of the chiefe of the Cittie, in their shirtes, with their heads, legges and feete bare, who brought the keyes of their towne and Cittie of Liege vnto the duke, yeelding Liege yeelds vnto the duke. themselues to his mercy, except from fire and spoile. At the which there was present the lord of Mony Ambassador for the French King, and Iohn Preuost his Secretary, who were come to make the like demaund and charge vnto the duke, as the Constable had done a little before. But they preuailed no more then he had done. E
The day of the reduction, the duke thinking to make his entry, sent first the lord of Humbercourt, for that he had good acquaintance there: but the entry was forbidden him that day, the mutiners opposing all they could against the peace. The lord of Humbercourt remained in an Abbay in the suburbes, where he wrought so pollitikely, as The Liegeois in doubt to deliuer the town. early the next day, many Hostages came vnto him intreating him to come vnto the Pallace, wheras the people were assembled, and that he would there sweare two points, whereof they were in doubt, which was that they should bee free from fire and spoile, and that presently after, they would deliuer him the portes. Hee presently aduertised the duke thereof: from whome hauing receiued commandement so to doe: hee went and sware for their better assurance, which done the Liegeois commanded their F men to come away that were at the gates, suffring the lord of Humbercourt to place the dukes gards there, and to plant foure Enseignes vpon the foure gates. And so the duke The duke enters into Liege [...]ke a conqueror. was Maister of the sayd towne and Citty of Liege, into the which hee entred the day following, in great triumph: causing twenty fadomes of the wall to bee beaten downe [Page 163] in his presence, and the ditch to bee filled vp against the breach. There entred with A him two thousand men at armes, in complete armes, they and their horses, and two thousand Archers, the rest remayning at the campe. Hee went first to Saint Laurence Church. He stayed some daies in the cittie, during the which he caused sixe score to be executed, of those which had beene. Hostages, and with them the messenger of the towne whom he hated extreamely (it may bee for his bad tongue) he made some newe lawes and customes and charged them with great summes of money, the which he sayd were due vnto him for the breach of the peace. Hee carried away all their Artillery and armes, and raized all the Towers of the towne walles. Then hee returned into his countries whereas he was receiued with great triumph, especially in the towne of The duke returnes into his countries. Gand, who with some other townes had begunne to rebell. But now they receiued B him like a victorious Prince. Here by we may see how much a victory doth import, not onely with enemies but also with neighbours and friends, and how dangerous a thing it is to bee vanquished. For if the duke had beene beaten in the countrie of Liege, the Ganthois had continued in their rebellion, with the other Flemings: which they did now forbeare seeing him returne a conqueror. A Prince ought therefore to be very carefull to hazard a battaile, if he bee not forced therevnto: and before hee attempt it, hee must propound all doubts and dangers that may happen, for that those that doe balance and peize the benifit or losse that may rise thereby, doe most commonly prosper better then those that rashly and with a vaine presumption, runne on headlong to fight, as it hath happened thrice to this duke Charles, as wee C shall shew hereafter. But all the good councells, and all the best indeauors in the world, are of no force when God hath a worke to do, whereof we must not to curiously serch into the first causes and motiues.
The duke beeing at Gand the French King sent many Ambassadors vnto him to perswade him to abandon the duke of Brittayne: and he on the other side sent vnto the King to excuse himselfe, saying plainely, that hee could not doe it. This refusall did much displease the King, but especially the victory which hee had had against the Liegeois his allies (whome notwithstanding hee had least ingaged). In the end Sommer being come, the King burning with desire to ruine the duke of Brittaine, caused his armie to enter into his countrie. The duke of Bourgongne hauing intelligence D thereof, writ vnto the King, intreating him to forbeare seeing that the dukes of Normandie and Brittayne were comprehended in the treatie of peace. But receiuyng no pleasing answere from the King, hee caused his armie to march towardes Peronne. The Cardinall Balue came thether to him, but stayed not long, hauing made some ouerture of a treatie, (the King tending to no other ende but to diuide him from the other Princes) telling him that the dukes of Normandie and Brittaine, would accord Duke Charles marcheth with an army to succor the duke of Brittaine. with the King without him. Duke Charles made him a short answere, which was, that he was not come to field to make warre against this King, but to succor his Allies. Presently after the Cardinalls departure, there came a Herald called Brittayne, to the duke, bringing letters from the dukes of Normandie and Brittayne, conteyning that E they had made an accorde with the King, renouncing all other allyance, namely his. The duke of Bourgongne was much amazed at these newes, seeing that hee was come armed to field only to succor them; he was in some doubt that they had bin coū terfit letters, but this suspition was soone taken away by other letters which did confirme it: Messengers posted frō the king to the duke & from the duke to the King: in the end the King gaue vnto the duke 120000. crownes, whereof the moity should be presently paied, before hee raised his campe, for his charges in leauyng of that army. The duke sent a groome of his chamber that was very familiar with him vnto the King, King Levvis the leauenth desires to speake with Charles duke of Bourgongne. whose name was Frobisser. The king trusting his secrets very much vnto this man, told him that hee desired much to speake with the duke, hoping to winne him: considering F the bad offices which these two dukes had played him, and the great summe of money which hee had now giuen him. To whome the King sent the Cardinall of Balue to perswade him therevnto, who found the duke at Peronne, but hee made no great shewe to desire it: for that it seemed the Liegeois would [Page 164] rebell againe, by the perswasions of the Kings Ambassadors which hee had sent vnto A them: who notwithstanding answered, that they durst not, seeing the duke had vanquished them the last yeare, and beaten downe their walles. And if they should The French Ambassadors perswade the Liegeois to rebell. haue any such desire the accord made betwixt the King and the duke, would distast them. Yet notwithstanding all these difficulties the King resolued to come to Peronne, hauing receiued a safe conduit from the dukes hand.
In the meane time the duke desirous to settle things in good order in the countrie of Liege, sent their bishoppe his couzin (for whome all these broyles had happened) with the lord of Humbercourt his Lieutenant in that countrie, with souldiars. The King comming to Peronne brought no gard, relying in the safegard which the duke An en [...]eruewe at Peronne be twixt the king and duke. had giuen him: commanding the lord of Cordes captaine of the dukes gardes to B march before him, onely to conduct him. The King approching neere vnto Peronne, the duke went forth to meete him, conducted him into the towne, and lodged him in the Receyuors house, which was a sayre lodging, for that his was to little for them both. Before this Enterueiwe or any speech thereof, the Duke had sent for the army of Bourgongne, (being then full of Noblemen) with the which came the lord of Bresse, the Earle of [...]omont and the bishop of Geneua three brethren, of the house of Sauoy, with some Germaines, bordring vpon Bourgongne and Sauoy, of the country of Ferrette, whome the King loued not greatly, and among others the sayd lord of Bresse, (whome the King had detained prisoner) with whome there was also the signior of Lac, whome the King had also kept prisoner. C
These foure Noblemen entred into the towne wearing redde Bourgongne crosses, thinking to come time ynough to go and meete the King: but they came a little to late. They went all to salute the duke: the lord of Bresse speaking for the rest, beseeched him to take them into his protection, notwithstanding the Kings comming, as it had beene assured them in Bourgongne, promising him to bee faithfull, and to serue him against all men. The duke granted their request by worde onely, and thanked them. The Marshall of Bourgongne of the house Neufchastell, who hated the King no lesse then the other Noblemen, (by reason of the towne of Espinal in Lorraine which the King had sometimes giuen vnto him, and afterwardes taken it away to giue it to the duke of Calabria) was lodged abroad in the countrie, as it had beene appointed by the duke. D The King beeing aduertised of the comming of these Noblemen, and of the crosses of The King iealous of some Noblemen of Bourgongne. Bourgongne which they carried, grewe amazed and fearefull, (you may see what the remorse of a guilty conscience may do in a man (how mightie soeuer) that hath wronged an other) and sent to intreat the duke to lodge him in the castell: saying that all those that were then arriued, were his enemies: The duke was very glad, and caused the lodging which hee demanded to bee prepared, assuring him vpon his word. The dukes army was come about Peronne, almost as soone as the King; the which the duke could not countermande, beeing alreadie come into Champagne, when they treated of this enteruiew. Yet these Princes treated, as louingly of their affaires as might be. Hauing spent three or foure daies in this treaty, there came great newes from Liege. E
The King comming to Peronne had forgotten those two Ambassadors which he had The Liegeois rebel againe. sent to Liege to stirre them vp against the duke wherein they wrought so well, as the Liegeois hauing gathered togither a great number of souldiars, went and surprized Tongree, in the which they tooke their bishoppe and the lord of Humbercourt, although they had a 1000. men to gard them, whereof some were slaine, others sauing themselues by flight left all they had there. The lord of Humbercourt yeelded himselfe The cruelty of them of Liege. to a knght called William of Wilde, who promised to saue his life, but he could not do it, for presently after hee was slaine. The people ioyfull to haue their Prince prysoner, and some Chanoins whom they hated, put fiue of them to death, and among the rest one named Robert, very familiar with their bishoppe, whome they did cut into F many morcells, casting them one at an others head, in derision, in the presence of their Prelate, (you may imagin in what feare he was of this mad inraged multitude) marching to field they slue sixteene, as well Chanoins as others, that were faithfull seruants to the bishoppe.
[Page 165] These newes were soone brought vnto the duke, by some that had seene the lord [...] [...]uke transpo [...]ted w [...]th the newes of Liege. A of Humbercourt and the Chanoins slaine, saying also that they knewe no other wise but that the bishoppe was dead: and that they had seene the French Kings Ambassadors, naming them by their names. The duke giuing credit to their wordes, fell into a great rage, and crying out that the King was come thether to deceiue him, wherevpon he presently commanded the gates of the towne and castell to be shut.
The King seeing himselfe coopt vp in this little castell and many Archers at the port, was not without feare: and that which did more terrifie him, hee was lodged Lewis the II. in great feare and perplexity. neere vnto a great Tower whereas the Earle of Vermandois had caused one of his Predecessors Kings of France to die. The duke hauing thus caused the gates to bee shut, complained among his familiars, among the which was Philip of Commines lord of B Argenton, Charles of Voisin a groome of his chamber and others: without whose comfort, and the counsell which they gaue him, it was likely hee would haue played some bad part with the King, or at the least haue lodged him in that great Tower. These newes were presently dispersed throughout the whole towne, and castell, so as in the ende they came vnto the Kings eares, who then was in greater perplexitie then euer, for hee saw no meanes to escape from thence: the castell gates were thus shut and garded three daies togither, during the which the duke neuer came vnto the King. The first day there was nothing but terror and amazement in the towne, the second the duke was somewhat pacified, and the third daie he held a councell most part of the daie and night. The King caused some to bee delt withall, who hee thought C might assist him, neyther did hee fayle to promise largely: for hee feared those foure Noblemen which had serued him, and whome hee had ill intreated, beeing come with the army of Bourgongne.
Most of the dukes councell were of opinion, that hee must keepe the sauety which he had giuen vnto the King inuiolable: others maintayned flatly that they must detaine him prysoner, without any ceremonie. Others aduised him to send speedely for the duke his brother, and to make a benificiall Peace for the Princes of France. The King caused an offer to bee made that he would giue Hostage, the duke of Bourbon, The French King os [...]ers Hostages to haue h [...]s l [...]berty. the Cardinall his brother, the Constable and diuers others, to the ende that after the peace concluded hee might go to Compiegne, and that hee would cause the D Liegeois to make reparation of the wronges which they had done; if not, that hee would declare himselfe against them. This night which was the third the duke neuer vnclothed himselfe, but onelie layed himselfe downe twise or thrise, then rise againe and walked vp and downe his chamber, as hee was accustomed to do being in choller. In the morning hee seemed more transported then euer: vsing threates, as if hee had beene readie to execute some great desseigne. Yet hee came againe to himselfe and grewe more calme, saying, that if the King would sweare the peace, and goe with him into the countrie of Liege, to aide him and the bishoppe his couzin The Dukes resolutions. to bee reuenged of the wronges and affrontes which the Liegeois had done E them, hee would rest satisfied. And so parted presently from them and went to the Kings chamber, to say as much vnto him. The King had some friend, (who they say was the lord of Argenton) that gaue him present intelligence of the dukes resolution, assuring him that if hee did yeeld vnto those two points hee should haue no harme: else hee should runne into the greatest danger might happen vnto him. When as the duke came into the Kings presence, his voyce trembled, hee was so mooued and full of discontent. Hee made an humble reuerence, but his carriage and his speech were lowder and harsh: demanding of the King if he would hold the treaty of peace, which had beene written and concluded and if hee would sweare it. Who answered I, (for there was nothing altered of the treatie of Conflans, in regard of the Duke of Bourgongne). Then the Duke asked him if hee would F not goe along with him to Liege, for the causes aboue mentioned; alledging the proximity of bloud that was betwixt them two and the bishoppe of Liege who was of the house of Bourbon. Wherevnto the King answered that when the peace was sworne (which hee sayd hee desired) hee was content to goe with him [Page 166] and to carry as many men and as fewe as he pleased. This answere did much please the [...] Lewis [...] duke [...] A Duke: and the Treatie of peace was presently brought, the which was solemnly sworn; then the bels did ring, and all the Towne reioyced.
This peace thus made, the next day the King and the Duke parted from Peronne, towards Cambray, and so into the countrie of Liege. It was then entring into Winter, and a very bad season: yet the Duke burning with a desire of reuenge, hauing called a counsell, made his armie to aduance, and commanded the Marshall of Bourgongne, to goe and lodge in the cittie of Liege with all his Troupes, and if they refused him the entrie, that he should force them if hee could. The people went out armed to The dukes A [...] [...]. incounter him, but they were soone defeated, their Bishop during the combate escaped, and retyred to the Dukes campe. B
There was within the town a Legat from the Pope, to pacifie the troubles and to examine the controuersie, betwixt the Bishop & the people, who stood yet vpon tearms of excommunication. This Legat in stead of pacifying them, (hoping thereby to make himselfe bishop) prouoked them to armes, and to commit stranger follyes. But seeing this siege approch, and the apparent danger into the which he was like to fall, thinking to flie away, was taken with 25. of his men well mounted. The Duke being aduertised The [...]opes Legat taken p [...]soner. thereof, willed them that had taken him prisoner, to make their profit of him, as of a simple marchant, without making any shewe that the Duke knew it. But when as they which garded him were growne into some question, for his spoile and ransome, and that they came to him to be iudge betwixt them, being at dinner he sent for him, doing C him great honour, and causing them to restore all that they had taken from him.
The Dukes Foreward marched directly towardes the cittie, thinking to enter: but thrust on by couetousnesse they desired the spoile rather, then to accept of the composition that was offered them: thinking it needlesse to attend either King or Duke, who were 8. leagues behind them. They aduanced so fast, as they arriued confusedly at night in one of the suburbs ioyning to the Port, which was somewhat repayred. Iohn of Vilet, a knight, and some other Captaines of the towne seeing their disorder, issued foorth by their ruined walles and other places vppon them, killing about 800. men at armes, and had done them much more harme, if the Bourgongnons had not had foure peeces D of Artillerie, making three or foure vollees into the streat, by the which the Liegeois came forth to skirmish. Vyllette was slaine there, and three other of their Captaines. The Duke hearing of this disorder, which was made greater vnto him then it had been: posted thether with a part of his armie, forbidding them to say any thing vnto the King, and approching neere the Towne, he went to lodge in another of the suburbes, The King followed and lodged neere the Duke, which put him in some iealousie, either The Duke of Brou [...]ne [...] sus [...]ous o [...] the king before Le [...]ge. that he would enter into the cittie, or else that he would flie away before it were taken: or being lodged so neere him, he would doe him some wrong. For the preuenting of all mischiefe, he layed 300. men in a [...]great Barne that was betwixt both houses. Those of the Towne gaue them some Alarmes, but they were nothing: till in the ende, seeing E how straightly they were besieged, they resolued to make a desperate aduenture once for all: which was the 600. Franchimontois, led by the Host himselfe of the Dukes lodging, should issue forth and come vppon the backe side of the Dukes lodging: about ten of the clocke at night they charged his quarter, slew some Skouts and Sentinells [...] o [...] the L [...]egeois. with their net, and went directly to them that were in the gard at the King and Dukes lodgings, who neuer were in greater danger: yet the resistance was so great, that the Host of the Dukes lodging, and other leaders of these Franchimonts were slaine; and those of the towne which issued forth to succour them, beaten beacke into their Ports. The King and the Duke hauing escaped this danger not fore-seene, held Councell the next day, what was to be done touching the assault whereon they had resolued. The which did much trouble the King, fearing that if the Duke should faile to take it, all the F mischiefe should fall vpon him, and he should be detained prisoner. On the other side, the Duke was iealous of the King, fearing that he should depart & make warre against him in some other place. Whereby we may discouer the miserable estate of Princes, who can neuer be sufficiently assured one of another. These two Princes had made afinall [Page 167] peace not 15▪ dayes before, yet they could not trust one another. A
The duke hauing resolued to giue a generall assault the next day, the King propounded many great doubts and discreet considerations, very pleasing to the Dukes counsell, for euery one feared this assault, for the great multitude of people that was within the oittie, and for their great courage. All which difficulties they reported to the Duke, from the Kings mouth. The which hee tooke in ill part; saying, that the King did it to saue them: but he would not faile to giue an assault in the morning, as he had resolued, foding the King word: That if it pleased him to goe to Namur, vntill the Towne were taken, he was contented: but for his part he would not goe from thence vntil hee had seene the and of it. The King answered, That hee would not goe to Namur, but would be present the next day with the rest: for without doubt, where there was honour to be gotten, hee would not B [...] taxed of Cowardice. Euery man rested himselfe a little being armed: day being come, and drawing neere to eight of the clocke,, the Duke caused a Canon and 2. Serpentins to be discharged, to aduertise them of the Vantgard, who were quartered on the other side farre from him: they heard the warning, and prepared themselues for the assault. The Dukes trumpets began to sound, and the Coullors approched the wall. The King was in the street well accompanied. When they came to ioyne they found no resistance, and there were but 2. or 3. men in gard: euery man being gone to his home, not thinking they would giue an Assault on the Sunday: they found in euery house the cloath layed, Liege taken. and the table couered. There was as little resistance whereas the Fore-warde charged, who entred first. All the people being retyred beyond the bridge of the Riuer of Meuse, C towards the Forrest of Ardenne, and other places where they thought to be safe. In all there dyed not aboue 2. hundred men, euery man hiding himselfe in Churches or houses,. The King marched softly (for he saw well there was no resistance) the whole armie▪ entred into the towne on 2. sides: being in all 40000. men. The Duke being farre aduanced into the Cittie, turned sodainly to meete the King, whom hee conducted to the Pallace, & then presently retyred and went to the great Cathedrall Church of saint Lambert, where his souldiers would haue entred by force to spoile it, vnder a colour to take prisoners. And although he had set some Gentlemen of his houshold to gard it, The Duke saues the great church from spoile. yet could they not be maisters, but they offered to force the 2. doores. The Duke seeing this out-rage, slew one of his houshold seruantes with his owne hands, the which D kept the sayd Church from spoile: yet they drew foorth certaine Burgesses that were fled into it with their goods. The most part of the other Churches were spoiled, in seeking for the Townes: men that were fled into them. The towne being thus taken about Noone, the Duke went to the Pallace to the King (who had dyned) shewing great signes of ioy for this prize, and commending highly the dukes great courage and resolution, thinking that those words would bee reported vnto him. After dyner the King and Duke were seen very ioyfully together: and if the King commended his valour, behinde his backe, hee extolled him more to his face, wherewith the Duke was much pleased. The King being very desirous to retyer himselfe spake vnto the Duke, saying, that there was no more to be done, and if he had any vse of him that he should not spare E him: but he had a desire to goe to Paris to cause the accord betwixt them to bee published in the Court of Parliament. The duke consented (but somewhat vnwillingly) vpon condition that the treati [...] of peace betwixt them, should be read and ratified againe The king d [...] parts from Liege. by the King, the which he did: wherevppon the King tooke his leaue of the Duke, and he conducted him halfe a League.
The King being gone, the Duke commanded the towne to be burnt, reseruing only the Churches and the Chanoins houses, in the which there were 4000. of the Countrie of Luxembourg imployed. He caused a great number of poore prisoners to be cast into the Riuer of Meuse, this done, they went to ruine the Countrey of Franchimont, (whence are drawne the brauest souldiers of all the Countrie of Liege) and was F no sooner out of the Cittie but it was fired all along the Riuer. Hee lodged that The gre [...]t miserie of th [...] Liegeois. day 4. Leagues from thence, where they might heare the cryes and lamentations of poore people, as if they had beene within the Cittie. The desolation contynued the next day, vntill it was quite burnt, except the Churches and some 300. houses of [Page 168] Chanoins and Priests, which was the cause it was so soone re-edified, for the people returned A with the Priestes and other Church-men. The country of Franchimont being spoyled and burnt, hunger forced the Dukes troupes to retier, who went to Namur, and from thence into Brabant, where he was receiued as a victorious Prince. Those of the towne of Aix la Chapelle (within eight leagues of the cittie of Liege) had during Aix la Chapelle submit themselues to the duke of Bourgongne. these warres giuen some aide and assistance vnto the Liegeois, the duke meaning to bee reuenged, threatned them. But the Regents of the towne went to him to Maestricht, to aske him forgiuenesse, offring him all seruice in time to come, and promising to pay him 80000. florins of the Rhine in three years, and so the duke was pacified.
In the yeare 1469. at the sute of the bishoppe and Chanoins, the duke consented to the restauration of the towne of Liege: whereas hee placed for Gouernor Guy of Brymeux, 1469. Liege re-edified. B lord of Humbercourt kinsman to him whome the Liegeois had slaine at Tongres: and the signior of Wit-hem for his Lieutenant. The duke hauing stayed some time in Brabant, came into Zeeland, and from thence he went to the Hage in Holland, Great Princes come to h [...] duke of Bourgongne. whether many great Princes and Ambassadors came to visit him. Among others Sygismonde duke of Austria Brother to the Emperour Frederic. The Prince of Trebisonde in Greece, the Palatin of Rhine; the Marquis of Ferrara. The duke of Cleues and the lord of Rauestein his brother: the duke of Somerset an Englishman and many other great Noblemen Barons and Knights. The bishoppe of Liege, Vtrecht, Tournay, Pouille and Salerne the dukes confessor. The Popes Ambassador, which was his Nephew his Sisters Sonne, accompanied with the duke of Mantoua: one from the Venetians C and an other from the Archbishoppe of Cologne. Duke Charles accompanied with all these Princes, writ vnto Adolph Prince of Geldres (who kept his owne father in pryson) intreating him that all excuses set aside, hee would come and honour that Noble company with his presence, hoping to perswade him to deliuer his father out of pryson. But this Prince doubting the worst: excused himselfe vpon his Nobility and Adolph Prince of Geldres refuseth to come to the Hage. townes, intreating the duke not to take it in ill part, if hee came not, for certaine speciall causes.
At that time there fell great contention betwixt the duke of Bourgongne and them of Vtrecht; the duke demanding of them the country of Goyland and all the goods, A controuersie betwixt the duke of Bourgongne and them of Vtrecht. lands and signeuries belonging vnto the deceased Iames of Gaesbeke, the which quarrell D was not of a long time ended. Hee had also some controuersie with the Ilandes of Amelande in Frise-land, refusing to pay the tribute which they did owe vnto the Earles of Holland, vnto whome the duke did send Gerard Ensem, a famous man borne at Enchuysen: who was well receiued by the States of the countrie, sending vnto the duke the Abbots of Lidlum, Stauerea and Florencampe, with some of their Nobles and deputies of townes to the Hage and there accorded with him. The which was done and the troubles ended by the wisedome of these deputies, who were mediators betwixt the duke and the commons of Friseland. In those times the lord of Brederode, and Ghysbrecht his brother Prouost Cathedrall of Vtrecht, were in great credit with The lord of Brederode in great credit with the Bishop of Vtrecht. the bishoppe, and gouerned the whole citty: so as by their meanes the bishoppe did E what hee would with them of Vtrecht, renewing the Magistrate of the towne, contrarie to their preuiledges: the which hauing renewed, hee sent for them all into his chamber, in the presence of the two brethren of Brederode and of Reynier his councellors, and sayd vnto them: that his intent was, that if happely in the administration of their charges vnder his obedience, there happened any difficulties, they should haue recourse vnto those two lords of Brederode, and that without any opposition they should do what they commanded, which they promised to do.
In the yeare 1470. those whome the two brethren of Brederode and their Allies, 1470. The brethren of Brederode falsly accused. had of a long time banished out of Vtrecht, seeking to be reuenged, and to bee restored to the towne, made manie false reportes vnto the duke of Bourgongne, and the Bishop F of Vtrecht against them, the which were lightly beleeued, especially in that which concerned the person of the sayd Bishoppe: whom they had giuen to vnderstand, that the sayd lord of Brederode and his partisans, had conspired to expell him, and to restore the Prouost Cathedrall his brother, who had beene formerly chosen. But [Page 169] although these two bretheren were exceedingly well beloued in the towne of Vtrecht A and throughout the whole countrie, yet this practise, was mannaged so secretly, as they could not discouer any thing, vntill the mischiefe fell vpon them. In the meanetime the Lord of Brederode beeing sent by the superintendentes of the towne and countrie of Vtrecht to treate of some businesse with their Bishoppe, beeing come to the towne of Wyke to the Bishoppes Pallace, not doubting anie thing, hee was apprehended as a prisoner, with fiue of his base Sonnes, that is Walrad Drossort of Hagenstein, Renold Baylife of Vosholl, Henry, Hans and Iohn the younger. This done The Lord of Brederode & his brother taken prisoner by the bishop. the Bishoppe went to Vtrecht, and seized the same day of Ghysbercht his brother whome hee carried likewise to Wyke: releasing foure of his bastards and retayning onely Walrad. B
The enemies of these Lordes of Brederode, gaue it out generally that they were Traitors, and that if the Bishop had not committed them to prison, within three daies they had expelled him his Bishopricke; the which they spake, the more to incense the Bishoppe and the duke of Bourgongne against them. But they were held to bee their Practises to ruine the house of Breberode. owne practises, to haue some collour to ruine this house of Brederode, by these slanderous and false reportes. For what collour or likelehood was there, that these two brethren (who knewe they had priuate enemies within the countrie) would haue attemped any thing against the duke of Bourgongne, (for what toucht the Bishoppe toucht him) whome they knewe to bee mightie: who had euen newly forced the French King, and ruined the Liegeois: who were ten times as powerfull, as all those C of the house of Brederode, and their Allies: without doubt there was no reason to beleeue it. They must then picke some quarrell against them to ruine them.
Informations were sought for in all places at the Bishoppes charge, to ruine them. The Bishoppe did also cast into prison Iohn of Amerongen Baylife of Vtrecht. Hee would also willingly haue layed hold of the Vicont of Montfort, but hee retired himselfe. Walrad bastard to the Lord of Brederode was tortured, hauing it giuen him The bastard of Brederode put to the torture. foure times most cruelly: but hee would neuer confesse any thing of that which they demaunded, persisting still in the negatiue. They did also put Iohn of Amerongen to the racke vpon the like interrogatories, who confessed some-thing with the torments: whose confession was sent to the duke of Bourgongne, who grewe D into such great anger and choller, as hee would not any more heare nor see the Ladie The Baylife of Vtrecht tortured. Yolante wife to the lord of Brederode, who by the intercession of the Ladie Isabella of Portugall, the dukes mother, and some Noblemen, was a sutor vnto him, that it would please him to take some knowledge of her husbands cause, and that (beeing a Noble knight of the Golden fleece) his processe might bee adiudged and ended by other knights and his Noble Peeres, and according to the Articles of the sayd order, the which was denied her: whereby it appeeres that they beganne betimes to infringe them, and made waie for the Spaniards, who haue broken them since.
Walrad bastard of Brederode hauing beene so cruelly tortured, yet confessed nothing, The Bastard of Brederode escapesout of to prison. E nine weekes after his imprisonment hee found meanes to escape. The which did so vexe the Bishop and his councell, as without any respect to the ranke or age of the sayd lord of Brederode, they condemned him to haue the extraordinarie Racke, to force that from his owne mouth, which his bastard would not confesse, and which the Baylife of Vtrecht through the violence of the torture had but partly confest. Foure men of account went vnto the prison to the affore sayd Lord of Brederode, whereof the one was Marshall to the Duke, who had certaine Articles written, the which he read vnto him, saying, That Walrad his Bastard and Iohn of Amerongen had confessed them, and vpon this confession suffred death by the sworde, and that hee must confesse them in like sort, and in so doing hee should haue grace. The F Lord of Brederode answered resolutlie, That hee could not saie any thing to those Articles: and that if Walrad and Amerongen had confessed them, they should haue beene confronted with him before their death. These foure Commissionars, (Iudges The lord of Berderode put to the racks. pickt out to seeke the ruine of this poore Noble Gentleman) not content with this [Page 170] answere caused him to be layed vpon the Rack, stretching him in such sort thrise togither, A as at euerie time they were forced to take him of, thinking hee had beene dead: beeing some-what reuiued, hee sayd vnto them. You may cause mee to die in this marterdome, but you can neuer force mee to say any thing but the truth. The duke of Bourgongne hearing what had beene done vnto him (for the knights of the order made great complaintes vnto him) hauing seene his confessions and denialls: hee appointed that his processe should bee vewed and examined by the knights of the order, and hee himselfe heard verbally in his defences: there were therefore sent He is sent for to the duke to be tryed by his Peeres. Iohn of Berghes knight and Iohn Halewyn conseller, to bring him to the duke. These two came to Wyke for the lord of Brederode and the Baylife Amerongen: before they were deliuered, the bishop would haue the lord of Brederode put againe to B the Rack, in the presence of Noblemen: and that before hee was laied vpon it, hee should take a sollemne oth, to answere the truth to that which should bee demanded him, wherevpon a Notarie and certaine witnesses were called: this proceeding continued He is tortured before hee goes. two whole daies; hee was once stript and layed vpon the banke: but seeing they could drawe nothing from him without greater torments, nor from Amerongen, they suffred them to goe with the sayd Comissioners, who led them to Berghen vpon Some to the duke, but they found him not there, being gone to the seege of Amiens, so as they conducted them to Ruppelmond in Flanders, wheras they were detained almost a whole yeare.
At the dukes returne the processe beeing referred to the iudgements of the knights C of the golden fleece, to heare the sayd lord in his iustifications, his Accusers were cited, to bring proofe of their accusations: seeing that by tortures hee did not confesse any of those crimes, wherewith hee was charged. But none of his Accusers appeering, the duke sitting in his seate of iustice, with the knights of the order, among the which were Engelbert Earle of Nassau Barron of Breda, the lordes of Crequy, Lalain and The lord of Brederode freed by his Pe [...]res. others, to the number of twelue Barrons, the sayd lord of Brederode was adiudged free and absolued of all crimes imposed vpon him, and was restored to all his Estates, goods and honours, to the great content of all these Noblemen and knights, who complained much of the great wrong that had beene done him: and he was honorably receiued of all men. Hee liued not aboue two yeares after, hee died in the yeare 1473. D and was interred at Vianen: let vs heereby consider of what force enuie is, which spareth neither great not small.
Two yeares after Iohn of Amerongen was found innocent of the crimes that were obiected against him, notwithstanding his confession vpon the Racke, and in like sort Am [...]ongen Baylife of Vt recht [...]eed. absolued, inlarged and restored to his Office of Baylife, to the great content of the Bourgeses of Vtrecht. As for Ghysbrecht Prouost Cathedrall, brother to the lord of Brederode, before hee could recouer his liberty, hee was forced to resigne his Prouostship to an other, and to sweare neuer to keepe his residence in Vtrecht: the which hauing performed, hee was set at liberty in the yeare 1470. and went to liue Ghysbrecht Prouost of Vtrecht deliuered. at Breda, where hee died a yeare after, and was buried at the Chartreux by Geertruydenbergh. E Duke Charles not satisfied with the annuall contribution or tribute, which the Frisons payed him according to the last appointment, writ vnto them that they should send their deputies to the towne of Enchuysen the seauenth of Aprill 1470. to heare what should bee propounded vnto them on his behalfe. They sent their Deputies. But the duke beeing troubled with the warres of France, came not in person, but A meeting a [...] Enchuysen with the [...]. sent Philip of Wassenare lord of Woerburch and others his commissioners. There were many things ambiguously and doubtfully propounded and debated, and so many cauillations found out to intrappe the Frisons, as it did much displease the Noblemen of Friseland, who retyred themselues, and would not treate in that fashion, desiryng to goe plainely and roundly to worke. Yet the Clergie and Deputies of townes F remayned, who willing to haue a finall ende, desired to knowe what the dukes demaunde was. It was sayd vnto them that hee demaunded a siluer pennie of his coyne vpon euerie chimney, for all the countrie of Friseland in generalll. The Deputies demanding of what valour this penie should bee, for that they had no [Page 171] charge from the Estates to yeelde to aboue three Liards or a soulz at the most: the The Frisons meane to defend themselues aga [...] their [...]. A which the dukes commissionars would haue referred to the dukes discretion. The Frisons in like sort demanded a day of aduise, to make report thereof vnto the Estates. The report made, they would no waies yeeld vnto it, but concluded that if the duke would force them, they would defend themselues, and hinder his entrie into the coūtry. The duke at his returne into France, came into Holland, & hauing heard by his Deputies the intention of the Frisons, hee resolued to force them to his will by armes; and therevpon caused a great fleete of shippes to be prepared, to imbarke his men at Duke Charl [...]s resolues to force the Frisons. armes, and to land in Friseland. But it fell out happely for the Frisons, that Edward the forth, King of England, being expelled his realme, came into Zeeland, to the duke his brother in lawe, to demande succors of him against the Earle of Warwike who had B chased him out of his Kingdome. The which the duke promised, sending this fleete (appointed for the ruine of the Frisons) to succor the sayd King Edward, the which carried him backe into England. Afterwardes the duke had so great warres against the French, Suisses and Lorrains (in the which in the end hee was slaine,) as the Frisons remayned in peace without any further disturbance.
In the yeare 1470. Lewis the leauenth the French King, had a great desire to bee reuenged 1470. of the brauary which the duke of Bourgongne had done him at Peronne, practising vnder hand to haue the townes vpon the Riuer of Some reuolt: the which being hard to effect by secret practise, hee must attempt it by open warre, true it is that hee had iust cause to apprehend the dukes affronts at Peronne, who had forced him to make Warre begun betwixt [...] wis of [...]ance an [...] [...]he duke o [...] [...]gongne. C a peace, and to go against the Liegeois that were before his friends: yet hee beganne it some what fearefully, although he had a great desire to it. The Earle of Saint Pol Constable of France and the duke of Guiennes people, desired warre rather then peace betwixt these two Princes: for two considerations, the first was for feare to loose their Estates: the other was, they perswaded the King, that if hee had not some forraine warre, he should haue ciuill dissention at home: The Constable offred the towne of Saint Quentin, pretending that hee had great intelligences in Flanders and Brabant, where hee would cause many townes to rebell. The duke of Guienne offred for his part to serue the King with fiue hundred men at armes. The King meaning to beginne this warre with solemnity, called a Parliament at Tours, whereas many Iudges D assisted: there it was concluded according to the Kings intention, that the duke should bee adiourned to appeere in the open Parliament at Paris. The King assuring himselfe that hee would answere proudly, or that hee would doe some-thing contrarie to the authority of the court, hee should therefore haue more iust cause to make warre Th [...] duke of Bourgongne adiourned to appeere at Pa [...]s. against him. An Vssher of the Parliament went to Gand, to adiorne him (being vnder the souerainty of the crowne of France) which he did at his comming from the masse: whereat he was much amazed and discontented: hauing caused the Vsher to be put in prison, yet soone after he suffred him to depart without any further harme.
The duke being aduertised that the King came to assaile him, leauied a great number E of men giuing them halfe a pay, to haue them ready at all houres, mustring them euery month, and yet neuer imploying them. But growing weary of this charge, hee cassierd them, casting away all feare, and went into Holland to spend some-time, leauing no garrison in the fronter townes. Being there, hee was aduertized by the duke of Bourbon, that shortly the King would make warre against him both in Bourgongne, and in Piccardie, where as he had great intelligences, whereat beeing amazed, he went presently to Hesdin: whereas hee beganne to enter into [...]elousie of the practises they had in his townes, yet hee was something long before hee could arme. And at the same instant Baldwyn of Bourgongne his bastard brother, and some of his houshould seruants, leauing him, went to serue the French King, this did amaze him more, fearing it had beene of some greater consequence, for at that time the Constable put Saint Quentin The townes of Picardy reuolt from the duke. F into the Kings hands. Amiens yeelded (by his owne fault, for that hee would not enter into it being sent for from Dourlans) from Dourlans he retired to Arras, fearing the like inconueniences.
These two chiefe townes of Amiens and Saint Quentin beeing yeelded: there [Page 172] was an other practise: the Constable laboring to make a marriage betwixt the duke A of Guienne and the duke of Bourgongnes daughter, saying that otherwise hee was not likely to haue any ende of the warres. The duke receiuing this answere knewe well that the Constable did not loue him, and that hee was the chiefe Instrument of this warre, wherevpon the duke grewe to hate him in such sort, as hee neuer left, vntill hee had ruined and brought him to his ende.
Fifteene daies after the yeelding vp of Amiens, the duke of Bourgongne went to field neere vnto Arras, and notwithstanding any resistance, hauing past the riuer of Some at Pygneur, where hee did beate the Kings Archers, hee went and lodged about Amiens, where hee made three campes, saying, that hee would see if the King would The duke of Bourgongne comes before Amiens. come and fight with him, and in the ende hee approched so neere to it, as his Cannon B shot at randon into the towne and ouer it: where hee lay in campe about sixe weekes. In the meane time the duke writ sixe lines vnto the King, humbling himselfe verie much, and complayning that for the appetite of an other hee had assayled him: beeleeuing that if his Maiestie had beene dulie informed of all things, that hee would not haue attempted it. The King hauing read these lynes was very ioyfull, for that hee did not credit his intelligences much, and besides all long attempts, were tedious and troublesome vnto him. Hauing sent an answere vnto the duke, there was a small truce, but in the ende there was one concluded for a whole yeare. Whereat the Constable seemed discontented. The which beeing confirmed, both armies A [...]ruce betwixt the King and the duke. were dismist; the King retyring into Touraine: the Earle of Guienne into his C country, and the duke of Bourgongne into his also: where hee assembled the States, who granted him the some of 120000. crownes, the which increased aboue 500000. and did greatly augment the number of his warlike men at armes. The duke of Guienne did still presse the marriage of his daughter, who ledde him with great hope, as hee did all others that demanded her: as the duke of Calabria: the Archduke The duke of Bourgongne entertaines many Princes with the hope of his daughter. Maximilian of Austria, Sonne to the Emperour Frederick and others. But during the treatie of this great and Noble marriage with the duke of Guienne, there was still some new enterprise made by him against the King his brother, to blinde the duke of Bourgongnes eyes.
During all those dissimulations betwixt the King, the duke of Guienne, the Constable and the duke of Bourgongne, intermixt with some petty warres betwixt the French D and the Bourgongnons. Charles duke of Guienne brother to the French King, died, the which brake the peace betwixt the King and the duke of Bourgongne, hauing beene They fall againe to armes. sworne, by the meanes of Peter Dariole Chancellor of France, and the lord of Cràan: but the King hearing of the death of his brother, refused to sweare it. Wherevpon the duke to recouer these two principall townes of Amiens & S. Quintin, entered with an army into Piccardie, and tooke Nesle, Roye and Montdidier: then he marched with his army into Normandie, thinking to take Beauvois iu Beauvoisin, against the which hee did all The duke of Bourgongne takes Nesle, Roye and Montdidier. he could to force it, but preuailed not: from thence hee came to Eu and Saint Vallery, E both which were yeelded vnto him, setting fire of all the quarter, euen vnto the gates of Deepe. Hee tooke Neufchastell, which hee caused to bee burnt and all the countrie of Caux, at the least the greatest part, euen vnto Rouen, before the which hee went himselfe in person.
It was an vsuall custome betwixt the King and the duke of Bourgongne, euer when as winter approched, to make a truce for sixe monethes: according to which custome they made one, which the Chancellor of Bourgongne, with his Adiuncts did negotiate A truce betwixt the king and the duke of Bourgongne. and treate. During which treaty they did murmor on both sides against the Earle of Saint Poll, the King and the chiefe of his councell grewe in hatred of him, and the duke of Bourgongne much more: for hee had beene the cause of the taking of Amiens F and S. Quintin during the time of peace, and did thinke him to be the fire-brande of all the diuision and warre betwixt the King and him. For in the time of truce hee entertayned him with the best wordes that might bee: but when the warres The Constable [...]owes odious to both parties. beganne hee was his capitall enemie. Moreouer hee would in a manner haue forced him to marry his daughter to the duke of Guienne.
[Page 173] He had yet an other cause of spleene against him, for whilst the duke was before Amiens, A the Constable made a roade into Henalt and burnt the castell of Seure, belonging vnto Baldwyn of Lanoy Knight of the order of the golden fleece: for it was not then the manner to vse burning on either side, which made the duke to set fire on some parts of Picardy and Normandie. They diuised therefore some meane to be rid of the Constable of Saint Poll. On the Kings behalfe there was an ouerture made by some that adrest themselues to some seruing the duke, that were the Constables enemies, and who hated him no lesse then their Maister, euery one exclayming on him as the Author of the warres. Then they beganne to make a collection of all that hee had sayd against these two Princes: they examined his actions, descouered his practises and sought his ruine. All that yeare during the truce, was spent in practises against the Constable, for the which there was a meeting appointed at Bouines in the country of Namur: B whether came for the King the lord of Courton Gouernor of Lymosin, and Iohn Hoberge The assembly at Bouines against the Constable. afterwardes Bishoppe of Eureux, and for the duke of Bourgongne came the chancellor of Bourgongne and the lord of Humbercourt, the last hated him mortally, for a lie which the Constable had giuen him in a conference of State betwixt the King and the dukes men, the which did afterwards cost him his head.
This assembly of Bouines was in the yeare 1474. In the which it was concluded by both their deputies, that the Constable for certaine reasons set downe in writing, was 1474. guilty of high treason against both these Princes: and all that should serue or assist him. Moreouer the King should giue vnto the duke the towne of S. Quentin withall his treasure and mouables that should be found in the Realme of France, with all the lands C and Seigneuries which he had held of the duke. Among others Ham and Bohain strong places and well appointed. And at a certaine day prefixed the King and the duke should haue their armies ready, to goe and beseege the Constable in Ham. But hee flattered the King in such sort, as all that was disapointed, for afterwards there was an entervewe betwixt the King and him, the Constable comming armed, conferring togither at a bar, where he was reconciled to the King and to the Earle of Dompmartin, making his excuse The King and the Constable talke togither. that hee came armed for the hatred and feare of him, from thence the Constable went to lodge at Noion, and the next day at Saint Quentin, well reconciled as hee sayd and thought. The King hearing what the world sayd of this his conference with the Constable, he excused himselfe for his folly and basenesse, to haue treated with his subiect D and seruant, accompanied with 400. men at armes, all his owne subiects and entertained at his charge, hauing a barre betwixt them. From that time the Kings hatred increased daylie against the Constable. Herein the Kings basenesse is excused, for if hee had not done it, the duke of Bourgongne would easily haue receiued him yeelding vp Saint Quentin. We haue said before that Prince Adolph of Geldres deteined his father Duke Arnold in prison in the yeare 1464. which was the cause of great warres. The Duke of Bourgongne did often seeke to reconcile them, but he could not: in the end The duke of Bourgongne seekes [...]o reconcile the duke of Geldres and his sonne. the Pope and the Emperor dealt in it, commanding the Duke of Bourgongne to drawe Duke Arnold out of prison: the which hee did vpon a sommons made to Prince Adoph, E the which he durst not refuze, seeing so many Potentates to deale in the cause, and fearing the dukes forces: so the duke of Geldres was brought to Dourlans to the duke of Bourgongne, at such time as the French King was about Amiens. Prince Adolph his Sonne appeered also vpon the same adiournement. Once among the rest, being called into the dukes chamber, thinking to reconcile them in a great assembly of his councellors, where they pleaded their cause: the good old duke presented his gage of battaile vnto his Sonne. The duke of Bourgongne (for the alliance, which Prince Adolph had The old' duke of Geldres offers the combat to his Sonne. made in his house, and through the recōmendations of the deceased duke Philip his Father) desired much to reconcile them, yet he fauored the yong Prince most, offring vnto him the title of gouernor of Bourgongne, and the country of Gelders withall the F reuenues, except the towne of Graue scituated in Brabant, the which should remaine to the father with the title of duke, & the Sonne should be called M [...]bour, Gardien or Regent of the country. The lord of Argenton in his memorials writs, that hee was commanded by the duke of Bourgongne to deliuer this message vnto Prince Adolph who [Page 174] answered, That hee had rather haue cast his Father headlong into a well, and himselfe after, The cruell & foolish answer of the duke of Geldres. A then make such an agreement. That his Father had beene duke forty foure yeares, and that it was now time hee were in his turne, but hee would willingly yeelde him 3000. florins a yeare vpon condition that hee should neuer come into the Countrie of Geldres, with manie more wicked, and impious speeches. The Duke of Bourgongne hearing the villanous speeches of this young Prince, was very much mooued, and would force him to make an ende with his Father. But as the duke (after the taking of Amiens) parted to goe to Hesdin, this Prince attyred himselfe like a Frenchman, and escaped away with one man in his company to goe into his country; passing a bridge neere vnto Namur, where there was a certaine Toll to bee payed, hee payed a Florin for his passage. But a Priest knowing him, discouered him to the Tol-gatherer, who stayed him, and caused Prince Adolph of Geldres prisoner. B him to be ledde to Namur, from thence he was carried to Gand, where hee remayned prysoner vntill the death of the duke of Bourgongne, duke Arnold his Father was verie ioyfull of his imprysonment: who to reuenge the iniury and outrage that Duke Arnold resign [...] his duchy of Gel dres to the duke of Bourgongne. had beene done him, resigned his Duchie of Geldres to the duke of Bourgongne, who kept his sonne prysoner: who tooke possession thereof, notwithstanding the great resistance he found there, and inioyed it vntill his death.
The duke of Bourgongne after the Inuestiture of this Duchie of Geldres, returned into his country, hauing his heart swollen with pride, to haue inlarged his territories and increased his reuenues, with this goodly Prouince. He beganne to haue some taste in these matters of Germany; for that the Emperor Frederic was a quiet still man, who C suffred much to auoide charge, and who of himselfe without the Princes of Germany had no great power. Hauing a desire to take something from the Germaines hee prolonged the truce with the French. For the effecting whereof, there fell out happily for him a quarrell betwixt two Noblemen, competitors for the bishoprick of Cologne, Two Competitors for the bishoprick of Cologne. the one was brother to the Landtgraue of Hessen, the other kinsman to the Palatin of Rhine. The duke of Bourgongne would hold the Palatins partie, and vndertooke to put him into possession by force, hoping to get some share. And in the same yeare 1474. hee went to beseege Nuys fiue leagues from Cologne, and of that Diocesse; a strong Towne, in the which the Landtgraue of Hessen himselfe was, and many of his Kinsmen and friends, to the number of 1800. horse. The duke had neuer such Nuys bes [...]eged by the duke of Bourgongne. D goodly troupes of Caualerie, and among the rest 1000. Italian launces which the Earle of Campobachio a Neapolitan, led, who afterwardes betrayed him, and was the cause of his death. Those of Cologne did their best endeauors to succor the towne. The Emperor and the Princes of Germany assembled about this businesse, and resolued to rayse an armie. The French King had sent to sollicit them vnder hand. The Princes sent an Ambassador vnto him, intreating him that (as soone as the Emperor should goe to field,) he would straight gather him with 20000 men, the which hee promised vnder the commande of the lords of Craen and Salezard.
This Germaine armie was great: for all the Princes both spirituall and temporall, An army of Germaines to [...] Nuys. with the Bishoppes and Townes had sent their forces. The Emperour was seauen E monethes in raysing of this army, with the which hee went and campt within halfe a league of the duke of Bourgongne, beyond that of Collogne, which was on the other side of the riuer of Rhine, towardes Duisseldorp, to cut of the Dukes vittells. The Emperour beeing planted before Nuys, hee presently sent to the French King, to requier him to keepe his promise, and to send the 20000. men. But the King fearing the English would inuade France, laboured to make a peace with the duke of Bourgongne brother in lawe to the King of England, or at the least to prolong the truce. The King of England on the other side, did what he could to drawe the duke from Nuys, and presse him to keepe his word, and to make warre against the French King. But the duke excused himselfe vpon his honour, which hee sayd should bee interessed, if hee should rise. F There was an Apostolike legate with the Emperour, who went euery day from one Mediators for a peace at Nuys. campe vnto an other to mediate a peace. The King of Denmarke came also himself in person and lodged at Greuenbrooke in the country of Iuilliers, who labored what hee could. But the duke would giue no eare to any, contynuing still obstinate at this [Page 175] siege, doing what he could to take it. The Duke being thus obstinate, there was warre A attempted against him in two or three places. One was by the duke of Lorraine, who had sent to defie him at the siege of Nuse, and did him much spoile in the Dutchie of Luxembourg: but by the other side, duke Sigismond of Austria, with the helpe of the Diuers make warre against the duke of Bourgongne. Swissee and those of Strausbourg, tooke the contie of Ferret, & made warre in Bourgongne, tooke Blaumont and besieged the castle of Hericourt belonging to the Marshall of Bourgongne, of the house of Neufchastel. The Bourgongnons went to succour it, but they were defeated, and the Swisses returned into their countrie laden with spoyles.
In the beginning of the year 1475. the Duke holding yet his siege before Nuise, the truce ended betwixt him and the French King, the which the King would willingly The French king makes war in Picardie. haue prolonged, but seeing it could not be, he made open warre in Picardie, tooke B the towne of Roye, Montdidier, & Corbie, the which after that he had spoiled, he caused to be burnt, as he did many other places betwixt Abbeuille & Arras. Those of the garrison of Arras made a Sallie vppon the French, but they were repulst euen into their ports; there were many slaine, and of their chiefe men taken prisoners, as Iames of S. Pol, Brother to the Constable of France; the siegnior of Contay, heire to the old Lord of Contay, the Lorde of Carenchy and other Gentlemen.
The French King had intreated the Emperour to make a mutuall promise, not to make a peace with the Duke of Bourgongne, one without another, councelling him to seaze vppon all his landes, which held of the Empire: as Brabant, Gelders, Lembourg, Luxembourg, and that he would seaze vpon those that are held of the Crowne C of France: as Flanders, Arthois, Bourgongne and others. Wherevppon the Emperor A wise an swere of the Emperor. answered wisely to his Ambassadors: telling a Tale of two companions which soulde the Beares skinne to their Hoste, before the beast was taken; as if he would say, come as you haue promised, wee will take the man, and then diuide his goods. The Constable was much grieued for the taking of Iames of S. Pol his brother: but this mischance came not alone; for at the same instant the Earle of Roussy his sonne, Gouernour of Great mischances fallen to the Constable. Bourgongne for the Duke was taken: and there withall dyed the Constables wife, a vertuous lady and sister to the Queen of France, who had been a great support to him. After these three mischances he was neuer assured, liuing in contynuall feare, & swimming D betwixt two streames, to entertaine himself equally in the King and Dukes fauor, which these Princes could easily discouer.
The Duke hauing contynued his siege a whole yeare before Nuise. 2. things prest him extreamely to rise: the first was the warre, which the French King made against him in Picardie; the second was the goodly and great army the King of England made The reason [...] why the duke of Bourgongne did raise his siege from before Nuise. at his request, hauing alwayes perswaded him to come into France, and could neuer induce him vnto it vntill that time: and now the King of England and his Nobles were much discontented, for that the Duke stayed so long before Nuise, and came not to ioyne with them, vsing threates vnto them, considering their great expenses and the approaching winter. The Duke of Bourgongne held it for a great glory, that this great E armie of the Emperour, and the Princes of Germanie, (which was the greatest that had been seene in the memorie of man, or long before) could not raise him from this siege. The Legat past dayly from one Campe to another, vntill in the ende he made a A peace betwixt the Emperor and the Duke of Bourgongne. peace betwixt the Emperor & the Duke of Bourgongne: the Towne of Nuise was deliuered into the Legats hands, to dispose thereof as the Court of Rome should decree: the which had yeelded to his mercie through famine, if hee had continued but tenne dayes longer, but he was forced by the threatnings of the English, to make composion, and to raise his Campe.
In the meane time the Constable of France was much perplexed, thinking of the wrong he had done to the Duke of Bourgongne, touching S. Quintin, and hee was out F of hope of the King, who prest him to come vnto him, which he would not do, vnlesse the King would sweare vppon the crosse of S. Loup of Angiers for his safetie, which he refused to doe: which draue him into dispaire. At this time the King of England past at Calais with his armie, and the Duke of Bourgongne raised his siege from before [Page 176] Nuys, and went to the English with a smale companie, sending his Armie to refresh A it selfe, and to bee reuenged of the Duke of Lorraine, in the countrey of Barrois. what happened during the abode of the English armie in France, vnto the conclusion of the peace of Piqueny, and their returne into England, I leaue to the Historie of France, who relates it at large, for it concernes not our subiect.
After the English beeing repast the Seas; the French King retyred to Vervins, vppon the fronters of Henault. The Duke of Bourgongnes Chancellor and other his Ambassadors were at armes in Henault. The King desired now to haue peace with the Duke; and vppon some difficulties that were propounded, would himselfe treat personally with the said Ambassadors: in the ende a peace was concluded for nine yeeres. But the Ambassadors beseeched the King, that it might not A peace betwixt the French king and the Duke of Bourgongne. B bee so soone proclaimed, to saue the Dukes oath: and that it might not seeme that he had accepted the same Truce which the King of England had made. This Truce beeing made, the conclusions of Bouvines betwixt the French King and the Duke of Bourgongne against the Constable were reuiued: where it was resolued, that hee that could first lay holde on him, should execute him within eight dayes, or deliuer him to his companion. Those which followed the Constable, fearing these practises, forsoke him. The Constable being well aduertised that all his dissignes and practises had beene discouered, and that his enemies had beene negotiators in the Truce, hee Resolutions against the Constable. begunne to bee much amazed, sending to the Duke of Bourgongne, to beseech him to send him his letters of safegard, to goe and conferre with him of some matters of C importance, which touched him very neere, whereat the Duke making some difficultie, in the ende he sent them.
This man who was wont to be great in credite and authoritie, did then study which might be his best course to flie and saue himself: holding many consultations with his friendes vpon this point: in the ende, hee resolued to goe to the Duke of Bourgongne, and went to Mons in Henault with some twenty horse, whereas the siegnior of Aymeries The Constable flyes into Henault. (his deare friend) was great Baliffe, and stayed there, attending newes from the Duke, who was then in warre against the duke of Lorraine, for the causes before mentioned. The King aduertised that the Constable was gone into Henault, seazed vpon Saint Quintin, to preuent all reconciliation with the Duke: who hearing of these D newes, sent to the Siegnior of Aymeries to appoint a good gard in Mons, that hee might not goe foorth,, and that commandement might bee giuen him, not to depart out of his Inne, the which was done. Then the King sent the Lord of Bouchages, and other Ambassadors to the Duke, to presse him to deliuer the Constable, or to performe The Constable deliuered to the Kings men, and beheaded. the contens of his letter and promises; the which he delayed vntill he might see an end of the siege of Nancy, yet fearing least the King should hinder him in his enterprise of Lorraine, hee writ vnto his Chancellor, and to the Lord of Humbercourt (both mortall enemies to the Constable) that they should goe vnto Peronne, and at a certaine day, deliuerer the Constable, to such as should bee sent by the King: commanding the Siegnior of Aymeries to deliuer him to them. The Constable (according to E the commandement giuen by the Duke of Bourgongne) was deliuered at the gate of Peronne, to the Bastard of Burbon Admirall of France, and to the Lord of S. Pierre, who carryed him to Paris, where hee lost his head. This deliuerie was held dishonourable in a great Prince, that had giuen him his safe conduit, but hee soone after reaped the fruites of his treacherie, in the same place where he had falsefied his word to ruine him: God sending him an enemie that was yong, weake, and of small experience, with a seruant of his own in whom he trusted most, who became a traytor: besides being growne suspitious of his subiects and good seruants, which were all preparatiues of a ruinous change; yet he neuer fainted.
The Duke of Bourgongne leauing Lorraine, being angry, went to bee reuenged of The Duke of Bourgongne goes against the Swisses. F the Swisses, for that they had headed Duke Sigismond of Austria to recouer the Earldome of Ferrette: executed the siegnior of Hagenbach (otherwise called Arquembault) in the Towne of Basill: taken much land from the Earle of Romont, and the Towne of Granson from the Lorde of Chasteau-Guyon. The Swisses hearing [Page 177] that he came to assaile them, sent twise vnto them to make great offers of submission, A the which he reiected, and being resolutely determined to ruine them, went to besiege Granson, the which hauing battred furiously, they yeelded simply to his mercie, whom he put all to death. The Swisses (being in armes, but in no great numbers, for they made haste to succor this place) marching in field, they were aduertised that the towne was yeelded, and that all their men had beene slaine.
The Duke contrarie to the opinion of his counsell at warre, resolued to goe and meete them at the entrie of the mountaines, beeing in a place of great aduantage for him. He sent a 100. Archars to gard a certaine passage of these mountaines, and he himself aduancing, incountred the Swisses, the greatest part of his army being in the plaine. The first ranke of his Troupes, meaning to retyre and ioyne with the body of his Armie, The Duke defeated at Granson. B the foot-men which followed, thinking they had recoyled, began to flie. In the ende the Swisses marched still on, came to the Bourguignons Campe, where they made no resistance, but all fled. The Swisses tooke their campe, the artillerie and all the Dukes Tents and Pauilions, with other infinit wealth; for they saued nothing but their persons: the Duke hauing lost all his great Iewels and plate, but there were fewe prisoners taken, for that both he & his whole armie fled. This was the first disgrace which the Duke of Bourgongne euer had: for in his other interprises he alwayes reaped honor and profit. This happened through his owne wilfulnesse, contemning the aduice of his Counsell. Such as the day before temporized with him, and seemed to bee his friendes, became sodainely his open enemies. And all this quarrell grew for a poore cart-loade C of sheep-skinnes, which the Earle of Romont tooke from a Swisse, passing through his countrie. Without doubt, if God had not depriued the Duke of Bourgongne of sense, he would not for so small a matter, haue runne into so great a danger, against so poore a nation: whereas there was neither honor, nor profit to be gotten. One of their Ambassadors Swisserland a very poore Contrie in those times. making sute vnto the Duke to diuert him from this warre, sayde vnto him: That there was nothing to he gotten from them, their countrey being most poore and barren: that he should haue no good prisoners there; and that hee did thinke the bits of his horses and the spurres of his armie were of more value, then all the goods of the Inhabitants of the Countrey, or the ransome of them all in generall (if they were prisoners) could amount vnto.
After this defeat, the Duke was carefull to gather together his scattered Armie, so D as in 3. weekes he recouered a great number of those that had been dispersed, the day of battaile: remayning at that time in Losanne in Sauoy, where hee fell sicke, for griefe of his disgrace and losse. Hauing recouered his armie (and growing obstinate as before) he went and planted his campe before Morat (a small towne neere vnto Berne, belonging vnto the Earle of Romont.) The Cantons of Swisses with the forces of Germanie, went and lodged neere vnto him, being come to fight with him, or to raise the siege. They were 11000. pikes, 10000. halberts, and 10000. harguebuziers, and 4000. horse: the Duke of Lorraine was there also with some small troupes, comming before the battell, and both armies were in field, ready to ioyne: the Cantons being wearie The Duke of Bourgongne defeated at Morat. with lying three dayes so neere the Duke idlely, for that hee kept himselfe in a place E of strength. But in the end a battaile was giuen, and the Duke againe defeated, and put to flight, he sauing himselfe by swimming on horse-backe through the Lake; the which is as broad as the Riuer before Antwerp. But it fell not out with him heere, as at the battell of Granson, whereas hee lost but seuen men at Armes: the reason was, for that the Swisses had then no horsemen: but in the defeat neere vnto Morat the 4000. horse which the Confederates had brought, pursued the Dukes men farre, and slue many, besides those that were drowned in the Lake. In the yeere 1564. I passed by the place where the said battell was giuen, where I did see a Chappell, crosse barred with square timber, full of dead mens bones, that were slaine at this battell, the heades and other bones laid orderly in ranks: & ouer the doores of the said Chappel, was this Epitaph. F Caroli illustrissimi Burgundionum Ducis Exercitus Moratum obsidens ab Heluetiis fusus, An Epitaphe of the duke of Bourgongnes Armie. hic sui monumentum reliquit: Anno Domini, 1476. Before this Chappell there was a Ditch great and spacious, vppon the Lakes side, (which had at the least, a hundreth foote in circomference) where as by the report of those which be neere 1467. [Page 178] dwellers had beeene buried all those that had beene drowned in the Lake, that number A whereof they made so great as I dare not write it, some Authours writ, that there dyed in all on both sides, eighteeene thousand, but very fewe on the Victors part. This second ouer-throwe and disgrace, thrust the Duke of Bourgongne almost into dispaire, thinking that all his friendes and Allyes would abandon him, by the experience which he had of his first defeate at Granson, but three weekes before.
The Duke hauing lost these two famous battels, in the yeare 1476. in lesse then 3. weekes, he retyred himselfe into Bourgongne, to a place of pleasure, called Riuiere, where hee remained aboue sixe weekes, hauing a desire to raise a new armie: yet hee went slowly to worke, and continued there in a maner sollitarie. During which aboad, many places were recouered from him in Lorraine, as Vandemont, Espinal and others, B euery one being now ready to set vppon him, as it is vsuall in aduersitie, for Cowardes to seeme most hardie. At these newes the Duke of Lorraine leauied men, gathering together some troupes of the Commons, and went and camped before Nancy. Most of N [...] [...] by [...] o [...] Lo [...]e. the small townes thereabouts yeelded vnto him: yet the Duke of Bourgongne helde Pont a Mouson still, which is within foure leagues of it. In the end, though the duke of Lorraines armie before Nancy were very weake, yet through the imporunitie of the soldiers that were within the Towne, the siegnior of Bieures, a braue Knight, of the house of Croy, was forced to yeeld it, vpon composition to depart with bag and baggage. Two dayes after the yeelding vp of the Towne, the duke of Bourgongne came well accompanied, hauing receiued new Supplyes from Luxembourg and his other C contries of the Neitherlands. He had some small skirmishes with the Lorraine, but nothing memorable.
The Duke of Bourgongne went againe to besiege Nancy, whereas he grew obstinate Nancy besieged by the duke of Bourg [...]ne. againe, as in all his former enterprises: during this miserable and wretched siege, (for so might it well be called, both for himselfe, his daughter and his subiects) many of his owne men began to practise against him, his enemies being increased of euery side, and his friends growne cold: & among others, Nicholas of Campobachio, borne in the realme of Naples, and banished (for that he had beene of the Angeuin faction) one of his chiefe Captaines, who had great command and credit in the Armie: this Earle (from the duke his maisters first siege before Nancy) had had intelligence with the duke of Lorraine, a neere kinsman, and next heire to the house of Aniou, after the D death of king Rene, his granfather by the mother, promising to worke so at the siege, The E [...]le of [...] [...]yes [...] [...]ster. as there should want victuals, and other necessary prouisions in the Duke of Bourgongnes campe: which hee might well effect, considering the credite hee had in the Dukes Armie. The discourses of all whose practises and treasons, I omit for breuities sake, being written at large in the French Inuentorie.
The duke of Lorraine hauing treated with the Cantons, for men to fight with the duke of Bourgongne before Nancy, all the Townes were inclined to assist him; but there wanted nothing but money. The French King did comfort him by his Ambassadors E which he se [...]t to the Swisses, and did furnish him with 40000. Frankes to pay the Germaines. So as the duke of Lorraine with the fauor of his friends and the kings money, leiuied great troupes of Germanes, both of foote and horse, for besides those 4000 Pounds ste [...]ling. which hee payed, the townes did furnish him, some at their owne charge, besides hee had a great number of voluntarie french Gentlemen: with all which Troupes he made a goodly Armie, and went to lodge at Saint Nicholas of Orenuille, neere vnto Nancy, where they camped some fewe dayes.
The 5. of Ianuarie 1477. the Duke of Lorraine dislodged with his armie, to goe 1477. and fight with the Duke of Bourgongne. The same day the Earle of Campobachio, F came and met them to finish his interprize, and ioyned with the Duke of Lorraines Armie, hauing about a 150. men at armes with him: beeing much discontented, that he coulde doe no worse vnto his maister. Those of Nancy were well aduertised of the practises of Campobachio, the which did incourage them much: besides there was one that past through the ditches and entred into the Towne, who assured them of speedie succours, without the which they were readie to yeelde▪ and without [Page 179] the practises and treasons of Campobachio, it could not haue helde out A so long.
The Duke of Bourgongne beeing aduertised that the Duke of Lorraine, the Germaines and the Swisses marched, helde a small Counsell, although it were not his custome, but to doe all things of his owne head. Many aduised him to retyre to Pont at Mouson, not farre from thence, and that hee should lodge his Troupes in such places as hee held about Nancy: saying that as soone as the Germaines had victualled Good counce [...]l giuen to the Duke, but not follovved. this Towne they would retyre, and the Duke of Lorraines money would bee spent (who should not bee able in a long time to gather so many men againe together) neither could their victualling be so great, but they would want before that halfe the winter were spent: and in the meane time, the Duke of Bourgongne should raise B newe forces, hauing no want of money (for at that time hee had not tenne thousand men, and hee had in his Castle of Luxembourg, 45000. Crownes to leuie men in the Countrey there abouts. This counsell was good, but God blinded his vnderstanding, for hee would neither beleeue, nor follow this wise counsell, nor vnderstand what enemies hee had about him; but chose the worser partie, resoluing to trie the aduenture, notwithstanding any aduertisment they gaue him, of the great number of Germaines, and of the Kings armie, that was not farre off: resoluing to giue battaile with those men which hee had, halfe amazed,
The Earle of Campobachio beeing come to the Duke of Lorraine, the Swisses and Germaines sent him word, that hee should retyre; and that they would not C haue any Traytors in their companie: hee therefore retyred to a Village, called Conde, where hee stopt all the passages with cartes and other impedimentes, hoping that the Duke beeing defeated, and flying; there would some fall to his share, as there did many. The Germaines marched in good order, hauing good store of french horse, whom the King had suffered to goe to those warres: many lay in Ambush neere vnto the place where the battaile should bee fought, to see if the Duke were defeated, or to get some good prisoners or other bootie. You may see into what a wretched estate the Duke had thrust himselfe, in neglecting of good counsell.
The two Armies comming to ioyne, the Duke of Bourgongnes armie (which The battaile of Nancy where the Duke of Bourgongne was defeated and slaine. had beene lately twise defeated) beeing fewe in number and ill appointed, was presently D put to rout and flight; many saued themselues, the rest were slaine or prisoners, among the which the Duke himselfe was slaine in the field, being ouerthrowne by a great troupe of Lanciers, and not able to bee relieued of his followers for that they were prisoners. Hee had three woundes, the one on the head, the other in the thigh, and the third in the fundement. The Bourguignons would not belieue that he was slaine, but that hee was fled into Germanie, and that hee had vowed to doe seuen yeares penance. There were some among the Bourguinons which sold Iewels, horses and other things to be paid when hee should returne: and at Burchselles in the Diocesse of Spierre in Germanie, a poore man begging, they thought him to bee the Duke, who did penance: euery man desired to see him, and hee receiued good almes. E Naucler writes that he had seene the said man.
The French King was well aduertised of the defeate, whereof they did hourely expect some newes. The Lorde of Lude (who lay without Plessis, where the King then was) heard the first newes by the Poste, which the Lorde of Craon and others had sent, but no man did assure the Dukes death: but onely the defeate before Nancy, and that he was fled. The King at the first was sole transported with ioy at these newes, as hee knew not how to containe himselfe; yet hee did thinke that if hee were taken by the Germaines, they would compound with him for some great summe of money, which hee would easily pay them. On the other side hee was in great care, if the Duke were defeated & escaped, whether he should seaze on the Duchie of Bourgongne, F or not: being so easie to take, seeing that all his best men and his chiefe Commanders were almost dead in these three battailes, wherevpon it was resolued that although the Duke were in health, yet hee would send his Armie into Bourgongne: and seaze vppon the Countrey in this amazement; which beeing done, hee should [Page 180] aduertise the duke that he did it with an intent to preserue it, that the Germaines might not destroy it: for that the said Dutchie did hold of the Souerainty of the crowne of France, the which he would not haue falne into the hands of the Germains, & that what soeuer he should take, he would yeeld vnto him againe, which few men would beleeue.
Duke Charles had beene a Noble and valiant Prince, well bred vp in his youth, and The disposition of the duke of Bourgongne. instructed in the tongues and liberal Arts, yea in Astronomy and Musick, a man wel spoken and of a good grace, exceeding chaste, but very high minded, who would not indure any iniury of his equall, nor of any greater Prince then himselfe, exceeding cholerike froward and willfull: he left one only daughter and heyre.
MARY DVTCHESSE OF BOVRGONgne, A Countesse 32. ruling in Holland and Zeeland, Duchesse of Brabant, Lembourg, Luxembourg and Geldres, Countesse of Flanders, Arthois, Henault, Namur, and of Zutphen, Lady of Sallins and Macklin, Marquis of the holy Empire.
MARY the daughter and onelie heire to Charles duke of Bourgongne, (called the Warlike) succeeded vnto her father in all his countries, B lands and Seigneuries, shee was eighteene yeares olde, when her Father was slaine before Nancy, and remained vnder the care and charge of the duke of Cleues and the Lord of Rauestein his brother.
After that Lewis the leauenth, the French King had certaine newes of the dukes death, hee sent the bastard of Bourbon, Admirall of France, and Philip of The French King seizeth of the townes of Piccardy and Arthois. Comines lord of Argenton, into Piccardie, with commission to receiue all those that would submit themselues vnder his obedience. These two Noblemen went to Abeuille, which was one of the townes giuen to duke Philip (called the good) at the peace of Arras, by King Charles the seauenth, the which for want of heires Mas [...]e should returno C to the crowne of France. At their arriuall, they found that the Inhabitants were in treaty with the lord of Torcy, to whome (after that they were freed of foure hundred lances that were there in garrison) they opened the gates. From thence the Admirall and the lord of Argenton went to Dourlans, from thence they sent to sommon Arras the Metropolitaine towne of Arthois, and the ancient patrimony of the Earles of Flanders, in the which (time out of minde) the daughters did succed as well as the Sonnes. The lords of Rauestein and Cordes being in Arras went to speake with them in the Abbey of Saint Eloy, two leagues from thence, and with them Iohn de la Vacquery first President of the Court of Parliament at Paris. These Noblemen entring into conference, the Frenchmen demanded to haue the cittie opened for the King, and to bee D receiued in his name, being that the King pretended it to be his by right of confiscation, with all the country of Arthois, and if they did refuse it, they were in danger to bee forced, considering that their Prince was dead, and their chiefe commanders slaine in these three battailes whereby all the countrie was vnfurnished of defence. The Bourguignons answered by Vacquerie that the countrie of Arthois, belonged to the Ladie Mary of Bourgongne, daughter to their deceased Prince, who was lawfully descended from the Ladie Marguerite of Flanders, her great great Grandmother, who was Countesse of Flanders and Arthois &c. the which was married to Philip the Hardie duke of Bourgongne, sonne to King Iohn of France, and brother to King Charles the fift: Beseeching the King to entertaine the truce, which continued yet betwixt him and E their deceased Prince. The conference of these Noblemen was not long, for the French expected no other answere. The Low-countries were much amazed, and not without cause, for in eight daies they could not gather togither fiftie men at armes, & as for other martiall men there were but 1500, in the countries of Henault and Namur that were escaped from the defeat of Nancy.
The French King marched with his army towards Picardy, ioyful by the death of the duke of Bourgongne,) to see himselfe victorious ouer all his enemies, wherof the duke was the mightiest, who with his father duke Philippe had beene in warre with him and King Charles the seauenth his Father for the space of 32. yeares, hauing all his landes and Seigneuries ioyning vpon France, and his subiects disposed and accustomed to F warre: and therefore the dukes death was a greater content vnto him, then the death of the duke of Guienne his Brother, the Constable of Saint Poll; of Rene King of Sicile, of duke Iohn and Nicholas of Calabria, of the Earles of Prouence and Mary their Cousins, and of the Earle of Armaignac, who had beene slaine at Estore, of all which the [Page 182] King had inioyed their goods and possessions, both moouables and immoouables, A presupposing now that during his life he should neuer finde any opposition in his kingdome. And although hee were thus freed from all feare, yet God would not suffer him to take the right course, to vnite these great seigneuries to his crowne, the which hee should haue done, by some treatie of marriage, or drawne them vnto him by loue and friendship which he might haue easily done, seeing the great desolation into the which those Prouinces were brought, whereby he should haue freed them from great warres, miseries and calamities, where into they haue since fallen, and should haue fortified his Real [...]e, and inriched both countries by the means of so long and durable a peace. The chiefe meanes to attaine vnto it was to marrie his Sonne (who was afterwardes King B of France called Charles the eight) to the Ladie Marie Princesse of Bourgongne, daughter and onelie heire to the deceased duke, although he were then but fifteene yeares olde, and shee eighteene. But when hee did see the father dead, all his thoughts and cogitations were only to spoile this Orphan Princesse of her fathers inheritance: wherin God did not blesse his actions nor his designes, the which were for the most part ouerthrowne by the marriage which the sayd Princesse made with Maximilian Archduke of Austria, Sonne to the Emperor Frederic, as you shall presently heare.
The King beeing entred in Piccardie with his army, the townes of Peronne, Ham, Lew [...] [...]. enters into Picardy with an a [...]my. and Bohain were yeelded vnto him. Hee sent his Barber, called Oliuer le Dain vnto Gand, and Robinet of Audensort vnto Saint O [...]er, where they had friends, to put C men into them. The good successe which hee had in the beginning in Piccardie, made him to hope that all would yeeld vnto him, and he was aduised by some (wherevnto he was of his owne disposition inclined) to ruine the house of Bourgongne, and to diuide the Prouinces to many: euen naming those to whome he ment to giue the Earldomes of Henault and Namur, and the Dutchies of Lembourg and Luxembourg, lying vpon the frontiers. As for the other great Prouinces of Brabant, Holland, Zeeland and Friseland, he would make vse of them to winne some Princes of Germanie, which should be his friends, and helpe him to execute his desseignes.
Oliuer the Kings Barbar, who termed himselfe Earle of Meulan (a little towne nere vnto Paris, whereof hee was captaine) carried letters of credit to the Princesse of The [...] comm [...]on by t [...]e [...]ing to [...]. Bourgongne, and had commission to conferre with her secretly, and to perswade her D to put her selfe into the Kings hands: but this was not his chiefe charge, but to mutine the people, whome hee knewe to bee sufficiently inclyned therevnto, by reason of their Preuiledges which duke Philippe and Charles had taken from them. Hauing remayned at Gand some time, hee was sent for to deliuer his charge: hee went and deliuered his letters of credit to the Princesse, beeing set betwixt the duke of Cleues and the Bishoppe of Liege, and accompanied by a great number of Noblemen. Shee read his letter, and Maister Oliuer was commaunded to deliuer his charge openly, who answered, that hee had no commission but to speake priuatly vnto the Princesse. They sayd vnto him, that it was not the custome especially to so young a Princesse: yet hee persisted in his first speech, and they answered him, that hee should bee E forced [...]o deliuer, wherevpon hee grewe fearefull: making some excuse, and so departed without deliuering of his charge.
Some of this councell skorned him by reason of his olde age: and for the speeches hee vsed, especially the Bourgesses of Gand, who knew him to well, beeing borne in a nere Village, and did him some affronts and disgraces, threatning to cast him into [...]he [...] out of Gand. the Riuer, the which they would haue done, if hee had not speedily fled. At his departure from Gand hee went to Tournay, beeing then a Neuter towne, but much affected to the French. Hee knewe the sayd towne to bee neere to both countries, and fit to annoy either partie, so as they might drawe in any souldiars, (the which the [...] would not haue yeelded vnto, hauing neuer shewed themselues F Partisans, but Neuters to both the Noble Princes) but Maister Oliuer sent secretly for the Lord of Mour (whose Sonne was Baylife of the afforesayd Towne, but was not resident there) [...] he should come at a certaine time appointed, and bring with him his company of men at armes, which were at Saint Quintins and some other [Page 183] souldiers out of those parts, who failed not to come at the prefixed houre to the towne Tournay brought vnder the Kings obedience. A gate, where he found maister Oliuer with fortie men, who partly by loue, and partly by force, caused the Barre to be opened, and so gaue entrance to the men at armes; wherewith the people were some-what content, but the Magistrate nothing at all; of the which hee sent seauen or eight prisoners to Paris; where they remained during the Kings life. Thus was Tournay put into the Kings hands by the dexteritie of his Barber; wherein a wiser or a greater personage then himselfe might haue failed.
The King being at Peronne, there came vnto him from the Princesse, certaine Ambassadors, which were of the principall men about her: wherof the chiefe were William Ambassadors from the Princesse of Bourgongne to the King. Hugonet her Chancellor, the Lord of Humbercourt, the Lord of Gruythuyse Gouernor of Holland, and the Lord of Vere of Zeland, and many Prelates and Deputies of B Townes. The King before their audience, laboured all he could to winne them, as well in generall, as in particular; from whom hee receiued nothing but humble and reuerend words, as from men that were in feare: yet such as had their lands lying whereas they thought the King could not annoy them, would in no sort binde themselues vnto him, but in making the marriage of the Doulphin his sonne with their Princesse. The Chancellor, and the Lord of Humbercourt (who had beene bred and brought vp in great authoritie with the deceased Duke) desiring to continue so still, hauing their lands lying in the Kings dominions, that is to say, the Chancellor in Bourgongne, and the Lord of Humbercourt in Picardie and Arthois, gaue eare vnto the King and his offers, and did in a manner consent to serue him in making of this marriage, and to retire C themselues wholy vnder his obedience, the marriage being accomplished. And although that this were the best and most honorable course for the King, yet was it not pleasing vnto him, but hee would haue all, eyther by loue or force, to impouerish this Princesse. But in these great actions, God disposeth of the hearts of Kings and Princes, to take those wayes by the which hee will afterwards worke. For without all question, The King regards not the marriage of the Daulphin with the Princesse of Bourgongne. if the King had taken this course (which hee himselfe had sought and desired before the death of the Duke of Bourgongne) the warres and ruines which haue beene since, and continue euen vnto this day in the Netherlands, had not happened, and the said Prouinces had beene successiuely vnder the Crowne of France, and had neuer felt the furies of Spaine: but wee were not worthy to receiue so great a benefit from the D hand of God, the which this perpetuall peace would haue brought by the vniting of these two great estates into one body; who happily would haue prescribed a law to all their neighbours. And it seemes God had so appointed it, that the one might serue as a bridle and a restraint vnto the other; hee did also fore-see the dissolution of the one and the other, such as wee haue seene it, whom hee would chastise by such meanes in their due season.
The King had good intelligence with the Lord of Cordes Gouernor of Arras, whose name was Philip of Creuecaeur, brother to the Lord of Creuecaeur, who had all his liuing in Picardie, lying along the riuer of Some. The King required the Ambassadors, that they should cause the Cittie of Arras to bee opened vnto him: for at that E time there were walles and ditches betwixt the Towne and the Cittie, and a gate shutting against the sayd Cittie, and now it is contrary, for the Cittie shuttes against the Towne. After many admonitions and propositions made vnto the Ambassadors, what were the best course, and that they should more easily attaine vnto a peace in shewing this obedience to the King, they consented, especially the Chancellor, and the Lord of Humbercourt; and gaue their letters of consent (the which afterwards cost both their liues,) to deliuer the Cittie of Arras vnto the King, with a discharge Arras yeelded to the King by consent. to the Lordes. The which hee did willingly, retiring out of the towne, and drawing forth his men at armes. Then holding himselfe discharged of the Princesses seruice by this consent, hee tooke an othe vnto the King, and became his seruant, for that F his name, his armes, and his lands, were beyond the riuer of Some, neere vnto Beauuois in Beauuoisin. Hee was made Gouernour of Picardie for the King, Seneshall of Pontheiure, Captaine of Crotoy, Gouernour in parcicular of Peronne, [Page 184] Roye and Montdider, and captaine of Bologne and Hesdin, as he had held them in the A time of Duke Charles of Bourgongne. After that the King had disposed of the Cittie of Arras, he went from thence to besiege Hesdein, whether hee led the Lord of Cordes, who was Captaine and Gouernor, whom the besieged hearing to speake, making some Hesdin yeelded [...]o the King and Bologne. shew as if they would preserue it for their Princesse, in the end they yeelded the place. From thence the King went before Boulogne, the which did the like, after that they had made some shew of defence for the space of fiue dayes. Whilest the King staied before Bologne, those of the Towne of Arras found that they had beene deceiued, being shut vpon euery side, and a great number of soldiers and Artillerie about them: they did therefore what they could to furnish their towne with men at Armes: and to that end did write vnto their neighbour townes, as to Bethune, Douay and Lille. There were in B Douay some few horsemen, among others the siegnior of Vergy, who had escaped from the battaile of Nancie, the which horsemen resolued to goe and succour the towne of Arras, gathering together about 300. horse, and fiue or 600. foote. Those of Douay (who were at that time somewhat proud, as they bee at this day) prest them whether they would or not, to depart at noone day, the which succeeded vnhappily for them. For as betwixt Arras and Douay, (being but foure leagues,) it is an open champion Countrie, if they had staied vntill night, they might easily haue effected their desseigne. But marching in the open day, the French-men that were in the Cittie went and incountred The succors going to Arras defeated. them in the way, charged and quite defeated them, most of them were slaine, the rest were taken prisoners, among the which was the Lord of Vergy. The King came C the next day into the Cittie, being very glad of this defeat: hee caused many footemen that were prisoners to bee put to death, to terrifie those few soldiers that remained in those quarters. He caused the Lord of Vergy to be a long time straightly kept in prison, vntill in the end (by the perswasion of his Mother,) he tooke an othe to the King, who caused all his goods to bee restored him, giuing him more-ouer 1000. pounds a yeare rent and goodly offices. Such as escaped from this defeate being very few) saued themselues in Arras: whether the King caused his Artillerie to approach, and battred it, the Bourgesses seeing themselues vnfurnished of soldiers, and their walles beaten downe, and their ditches filled vp by the furie of the Canon, yeelded vpon composition, the Arras yeelds by composition, the which is [...] kept. which was not well obserued and kept: for the Lord of Lude put many good Citizens D and other men of qualitie to death, to haue their goods: and besides the Cittie was taxed at 60000. Crownes to the King. During this siege of Arras, the Princesse of Bourgongne was in Gaunt, detained by the inhabitants, to her great preiudice, and the Kings profit. For the Ganthois hearing of the death of the Duke her father, their Lord and Prince, it seemed vnto them as if they had esca [...]ed out of some prison, attributing vnto themselues all the authoritie, not onely of the towne, but of the whole Countie of Flanders. They tooke all them of the lawe prisoners, to the number of sixe and twentie, whereof they put most of them to death: vpon a coullor that the day before they had caused a man to bee beheaded, who (although hee had well deserued death) the Magistrate (as they sayd) could not put to death: seeing their power and authoritie E ceased by the death of the Prince which had created them. They did also put to death many good men, who had beene seruants and friends to the Duke: although that some of them had before time diswaded the Duke, meaning to destroy a great part of the towne for their rebellion. They forced their Princesse to restore and confirme their ancient priuiledges, which they had forfaited, the which had beene taken from them by Duke Philip and Charles: which priuiledge (to speake truely and properly,) serued them to no other end, but to make occasion to picke quarrels with their Princes.
The King thinking that all things had beene to his minde, assured himselfe, that hee should see them more succesfull then they proued, knowing the factious disposition F of the Ganthois, who would not faile to attempt some newe thing against their Princesse, and sti [...]re vp some sedition in her Estate, knowing how they had alwaies carryed themselues to their Princes and Lordes, whilest that the King was before [Page 185] Arras: there came certaine Ambassadors vnto him from the thre Estates of the sayd [...] se [...]t [...] the States to [...] King. A Princesses countries, who were then assembled in the cittie of Gand: for whome the Ganthois did not much care, doing all things after their owne mindes, and ouer-ruling their Princesse, whome they detained: among these Ambassadors there were also some deputies of the towne of Gand.
The King heard them, among other speeches, they sayd: that what they had propounded to his Maiesty touching a peace, did proceed from the motion and will of their Princesse: who in all things was resolued to gouerne herselfe by the aduice and councell of her States: desyring his Maiestie to desist from making of warre as well in Bourgongne as in Arthois: and that it would please him to choose a daie for a friendly treatie, and that in the meane time there might bee assurance of armes. The B King tooke hold onelie of that which they had sayd. That their Princesse would not doe any thing without the councell and aduise of the three Estates of there countries, and answered them, that they were ill informed, for hee was well assured that shee would gouerne her affayres by priuate persons, who desired not any peace: and that they should bee disauowed. Whereat the Ambassadors were much perplexed, and like indiscreete men answered sodenly: that they were verie well assured of what they sayd, and that they could shewe their instruction if neede were. Wherevnto some replied, that if it pleased the King, hee could shewe them letters written by such a hand as they would beleeue it: the which did import, that the Princesse would not gouerne her affaires but by foure speciall persons: they answered, that they were assured to C the contrary. Then the King shewed them a writing which the chanceller of Bourgongne and the Lord of Humbercourt had the time before brought vnto Peronne, whereof part was written by the Princesse, and part by the Duchesse Douager of Bourgongne, widow to duke Charles deceased, and Sister to King Edward of England then raigning: and part of it by the hand of the lord of Rauestein, brother to the duke of Cleues neere kinsman to the sayd Princesse. So this letter was written by three sundrie handes, although it went in the Princesses name onelie: the which had beene done expresly, to haue the more credit. It was a letter of credit for the Chancellor and the lord of Humbercourt. And moreouer the Princesse did declare, that her intention was, that all her affaires should bee gouerned by foure persons. The D sayd Ladie Douager, her mother in lawe, the Lord of Rauestein, and the sayd Chancelor and lord of Humbercourt: beseeching the King that whatsoeuer hee should please to haue managed with her, might be by their hands, and that he would be pleased to direct himselfe vnto them and not to confer with any other,
When the Ambassadors had seene this letter, they were wonderfully troubled and The king incenseth the Ambassadors against the Princesse. perplexed, being incensed more & more by such as treated with them for the King. In the end the same letter was giuen them, and they had no other dispatch of importance. Wherevpon they returned directly to Gand, wheras they foūd their Princesse, accompanied with the bishoppe of Liege and the duke of Cleues. There was also William of la Marke a valiant & goodly Knight, but cruel & il conditioned: whom the bishop had taken E into fauour, although hee had alwayes beene enemie to him, and to the House of Bourgongne, holding the partie of the Liegeois, to whom the Princesse had giuen 150000. Florins of the Rhin, in fauour of the Bishop, to reconcile him. But soone after he banded against her, and against the Bishop his prince, hauing attempted by force and the fauour of the French King, to make his sonne Bishop of Liege. Afterwardes William of la Marke. he defeated the said Bishop in battaile, slue him with his owne hand, and caused him to be cast into the Riuer, where hee remained three dayes. The Duke of Cleues was neerest vnto the Princesse, hoping to make a marriage betwixt his sonne and her, which seemed very fit and conuenient for many respects: but his humors were not pleasing to her, nor her seruants, and muchlesse to her Ladyes; for he had bin bred vp in that house: F and it may be the ordinary sight of him, and the long knowledge they had had of him did him that harme.
The Ambassadors from the States of the Netherlands, being returned out of France to Gaunt, a Counsell was held, and the Princesse set in her seat, with these Noblemen [Page 186] about her, to heare their report. They began to charge her touching the letter aboue A mentioned: wherewith being suddenly mooued and in choller, She answered; That it was not so: thinking assuredly the said letter had not beene seene. Then presently the Pensioner, or Orator of Gaunt (who made the speech) drew the sayd letter out of his A disgrace done vnto the Princesse by the Ganthois. bosome▪ before all the world) and gaue it her: wherein hee played the part of a simple and vnciuill man, to doe this publike disgrace vnto his Princesse, in the presence of the Dutchesse Dowager, the Lord of Rauesteyn, the Chancellour, and the Lord of Humbercourt. They had before had some speech with the Duke of Cleues touching the marriage of his sonne, which bred an alteration in them all, and they beganne to enter into great diuision. The Duke of Cleues had beene alwayes in hope vntill that time, that the Lord of Humbercourt had fauoured this marriage. But seeing this B letter he found himselfe deceiued, and became his enemie. The Bishop of Liege loued him not, nor William of la Marke, for those things which had past in the cittie of Liege, whereof the Lord of Humbercourt had beene Gouernor. The Earle of S. Pol, sonne to the Constable of France (of whom wee haue spoken sufficiently before) hated the Chancellour, and Humbercourt to the death, for that they deliuered his father at Peronne into the Kings seruants hands. Those of Gaunt hated them, not for any offence they had done them, but only enuying their great authoritie and credite.
Finally, the night following, after that this letter had beene showne in the morning, The Chancellor and Humbercourt prisoners. the Chancellor Hugonet and the lord of Humbercourt were committed to prison, by the Ganthois, notwithstanding that they were sufficiently aduertised thereof before, C yet could they not (with all their wisedome) auoyde their owne miseries, as many others did, who retyred themselues in time out of the Town. They might well presume that their enemies aboue mentioned, would helpe them forward. There was taken with them William of Clugny, bishop of Teroane (who dyed afterwardes bishop of Poitiers) all three were put together in prison. Those of Gaunt obserued a certaine forme of proceeding against them, (the which they had not accustomed to doe in their reuenges) and appointed some of their magistrates to examine them, giuing them an assistant, of the house of La Marke, a mortall enemie to the Lorde of Humbercourt. In the beginning they examined them; Why they had caused the Lord of Cordes to deliuer vp the cittie of Arras vnto the King? but they stucke but little vppon that point, although Commissiooners appo [...]nted for their triall. they could not haue conuinced them of any other: their passions were not busied D about the notable losse of such a Cittie, neither did they care [...]o see their Princesse grow weake, nor were the capable to comprehend and iudge, how preiudiciall the losse of that Towne might bee hereafter. The Commissioners or Iudges of the Ganthois, stood onely vpon two points: the one was, vpon certaine gifts and presents, Obiections against the Chancellor and Humbercourt. which they obiected, they had receiued, and especially for a sute which the Cittie of Gaunt had lately gotten by their se [...]tence, and pronounced by the Chancellor, against a priuat person: wherein they accused him; To haue sold iustice, and to haue taken a bribe of them to haue their right. Whereunto the accused answered; That in that they had obtained their sute, it was according to equitie and iustice, that they had iudged it: and as for E the money which they had receiued, they demaunded it not, but tooke it when it was offered. The second matter wherewith the Commissioners did charge them, was; That during the time they were in seruice with Duke Charles their Maister (and in his absence his Lieutenants) they had done many things against the Priuiledges and Statutes of their Towne: and that any man that attempted any thing against their Priuiledges, must loose his life. Herevnto the accused answered; That therein there was no matter to charge them withall, being neither Bourgesses of the Towne, nor any way subiect vnto it, and therefore they could not breake their Priuiledges. That if Duke Charles, or his father had taken any from them, it was by a composition made betwixt them, after many warres and rebellions: but those F that had been left them, had been well obserued. Notwithstanding all the excuses and iustifications of these famous and worthy men, vnto those two crimes obiected, after they had tormented them cruelly, without all order of Lawe, the Magistrates of The Chancellor and Humber [...]ourt condem [...]ed to die. Gaunt condemned them to die. They hearing this cruell sentence, were much amazed, and not without cause, seeing themselues in their handes, whereas reason had no [Page 187] place: notwithstanding for that the soueraigntie of Flanders depended on the crowne A of France, they did appeale to the Parliament at Paris, hoping at the least that it might giue some delay to the execution of the sentence; and in the meane time, their friends might help to saue their liues. There Processe continued but sixe dayes, and notwithstanding the sayd appellation, being condemned, they gaue them but three houres libertie, to consider of their affaires, and to dispose themselues to death.
This short time being expired, they led them to the Market-place, vpon a Scaffold, The Princesse comes to the place of execu [...]ion; and [...]ues for them. to execute them by the sword. The Princesse hearing of this condemnation, went to the Towne-house, to sue and intreate for these two Noble-men, but it preuailed not: from thence she went into the Market-place, whereas all the people beeing in armes, shee saw these two Noble-men that were condemned, vpon the Scaffold: shee was in B a mourning weed, and a plaine kerchief on her head, which should haue mooued them to pittie: Being there shee beseeched the people, with teares in her eyes, and her haire hanging about her eares, to take pitty of her two seruants, and deliuer them vnto her. Some of the people would haue had her will fulfilled, and that they should not die: others would haue the contrary, and began to bend their Pikes one against another, and were ready for murther: but those that would haue them dye, were the greatest number: who cryed out vnto the Officers that were vppon the Scaffold, that they The Chancellor and Humbercourt executed. should dispatch them, wherevppon they lost their heades: and this poore Princesse returned desolate to her house.
After that the Ganthois had done this execution, they did sequester from their C Princesse, the Dutchesse Dowager of Bourgongne, her mother in law, and the Lorde of Ravensteyn her kinsman, for that they had set their hands to the Letter, which the Chancellor and Humbercourt had carryed to the King, & was the cause of their death and did seaze absolutely of the authoritie and gouernment of this poore Princesse: Shee might well bee termed poore, not onely for the losse of many good Townes, The Princesse restrained of her libertie by the Ganthois. which the King had taken from her by force; but to see her selfe in the power and subiection of ancient Rebels, and very persecutors of her house: and that which was the greatest miserie of all, was to see her selfe so depriued of her liberty, & sequestred from her most familiar friendes.
They of Gaunt, hauing forcibly seazed vpon the gouernment of State, and of their D Princesse person: put two Noble-men to death, chased whom they pleased out of their Towne, and spoyled all the ancient seruantes of the House of Bourgongne of their goods. Now they began to studie of alteration: first they drew the yong Duke of Gelders out of prison (who had beene taken neere vnto Namur, and then sent to Gaunt) and made him head of an Armie, which they raised among themselues and their neighbours of Bruges, Ypre, and other places, and sent it before Tournay, where hee onely burnt the Suburbes without any profit. There was within the Towne foure hundred men at Armes, who sallied foorth, and charged these Flemmings in the Reere, as they made their retreate: who presently fled with disorder. The yong duke of Geldres (who was a valiant Prince,) made head against them that pursued, E that his people might haue the better meanes to retier: but beeing ill seconded, hee The Duke of Gelders slaine. was slaine, with a good number of his people. The Princesse of Bourgongne and those that loued her were glad of this defeat, and of the death of the Prince of Geldres: for it was sayd that the Ganthois intended to force her to marry with him, else shee would neuer haue done it with her owne good liking, for his great disloyaltie and cruelty against his father.
In the meane time there was a speech of diuers marriages for the Princesse of Bourgongne, all men concluding generally that shee must haue a husband to defend all the rest of her Seigneories: or els that shee should marrie the Daulphin of France, that shee might enioye all in peace. Some did much affect that Royall F marriage, especially shee her selfe, before that her letters carried by the Chancellor and Humbercourt had beene discouered. Others tooke exception at the Daulphins young and tender age, and the marriage of him promised wi [...]h the daughter of England.
[Page 188] There were others that laboured for the prince of Cleues: Others for Maximillian, A Arch-duke of Austria, the onely sonne to the Emperour Frederick.
This Princesse had conceiued an extreame hatred against the French King, for the discouerie of her letters, for shee imagined that hee had beene the cause (in giuing The Princesse hates the [...]rench king. them to the Ambassadors of Gaunt) of the death of these two good men, and of the disgrace she receiued, when as they produced them before so great a multitude: and that it had giuen the Ganthois such libertie, as they had presumed to chase away her old seruants, and to seperate her mother in law and the lord of Rauestein from her, and had strucke such a feare into her Ladyes and Gentlewomen, that neither shee nor they durst receiue nor open a letter, without shewing it to them, nor yet talke together in priuate. See what a libertie, a rascall multitude will take, when as they haue B vsurped any authoritie ouer their Prince. Then also she began to estrange her selfe to the bishop of Liege, (being of the house of Bourbon) who labored the marriage of the Dolphin, whereof she would heare no more spoken: wherefore euery man held his peace from that time, and the bishop retyred himselfe into his Countrey of Liege.
They had before held a counsell about that matter, whereas the Lady of Halwin, the first lady of honor to the Princesse was present, who hearing speake of the Dolphin, said; That they had need of a man and not of a child; that her Mistresse was a woman able to beare children, whereof the countrie had most need. All were of this opinon. Some would blame the said Lady for speaking so freely: others commended her, saying C That she spake but of marriage, and of that the Countrey had most need. The question was now, to find out this man? If the French King would haue beene content, shee should haue married with the Earle of Angoulesme, it may be she would haue consented, she had so great a desire to be allyed to the house of France. The Duke of Cleues laboured for his sonne, but she had no disposition to it.
The Emperor sent his Ambassadors to Gaunt, to the Princesse, to entreat a marriage, The Emperor sends to the [...] of Bourgongne to [...] a [...]. who being first arryued at Bruxelles, they were requested to stay there a while, and they should be sent for: the which the Duke of Cieues did, hauing no delight in their comming, and practising to make them returne discontented. But the Ambassadors, (who had good intelligence in the Princesse court, especially with the Dutches Dowager of Bourgongne, her mother in law) past on: for she did aduise them to come D forward notwithstanding any letter to the contrarie, She did also aduertise them what they should doe at their comming to Gaunt, and that the Princesse with many of her friends and Counsell, were disposed to their intention. The Ambassadours followed her aduice, and came directly to Gaunt, notwithstanding any message that was sent them; whereat the Duke of Cleues was much discontented: for he was not yet priuy to the Princesse will and disposition.
It was resolued on in Counsell that they should haue audience, and the Princesse was put in mind to say (after that they had deliuered their charge) That they were very welcome, and that she would consider of their propositions, and that at that present shee would Audience giuen to the Em [...]erors Ambassadors. E say no more vnto them, but that they should haue an answere giuen them. The Ambassadors being entred into the place of audience, whereas the Princesse was set in the midst of her Counsell, presented their letters when they were appointed; and deliuered their charge: which was; That whereas a marriage had been concluded and agreed vpon, beewixt the Emperor and the Duke of Bourgongne her father, with her owne priuitie and consent as did appeare by Letters written with her owne hand, which they did produce: with a Diamond, [...]hich they said; h [...]d beene sent, and giuen in signe of marriage: desiring earnestly in the behalfe of of the Emperor their Maister, and the Arch-duke his sonne; That it would please the Princesse to accomplish this marriage, which was conformable both to her father F [...] and h [...]r owne: Sommoning her moreouer; to declare openly, if shee had written the s [...]id Letter or no, and if she had any desire to performe her promise. Wherevnto without demanding futher counsell, she answered; That she had written the said Letters, by the [...] of the Duke her Lord and father, and had sent the Diamond, avowing all. Wherevppon the Ambassadors did thanke her most humbly, and returned ioyfully to their lodgings. The Duke of Cleues was discontented with this answere; which was [Page 189] contrary to that which had beene decreed in Counsell, telling the Princesse, that A shee had spoken very ill (but this Counsell knew not what this Commission was, nor what the Ambassadours speech would bee) wherevnto shee answered; That shee could not otherwise doe: that it was a thing promised and past, the which shee could not recall, nor gaine-say. Which answere being heard, and knowing well that the greatest part were of the Princesse minde, the Duke of Cleues held his peace, and resolued to giue ouer his pursute for his sonne, and to returne into his owne Countrie: and the Ambassadours well satisfied to the Emperour and the Arch duke their Maisters, to make their report to hasten their yong Prince to come. Who soone after their returne came to Cologne, whereas some of the Noble-men and Barons, (seruantes to the Princesse;) went to meet him, and was by them conducted vnto Gaunt, hauing eight hundred horse in his traine.
THE good parts of the Arch-duke Maximilian: the knowledge of Tongs reuiued: the Arch-dukes marriage with the Princesse of Bourgongne: the order of the Golden Fleece giuen to the Arch-duke. The birth of Prince Philip of Austria: the Geldrois reuolts from the house of Bourgongne: the battell of Guinegate, whereas the Arch-duke is Victor. Tourney yeelded to the Arch-duke: Truce betwixt the French King and the Arch-duke: warre betwixt the Geldrois and Hollanders. New tumults in Holland by the two Factions, which the Arch-duke doth pacifie. Dordrecht surpized by the yong Lord of Egmond. Many townes in Gelders yeelded to the Arch-duke. The factions reuiued in Freezland. Warre betwixt the Hollanders and them of Vtrecht: the death of the Arch-dutchesse: the Flemmings take vppon them the gouernment of the Countrie, and fall to their old mutinies. Pettie warres in Freezland: the Lady Marguerite carried into France after the peace, to bee married to the Dolphin. New troubles at Vtrecht, and the Bishop prisoner afterwards restored by the Arch-duke. Engelbert Earle of Nassau, made gouernour of the Neitherlands, by the Arch-duke Maximilian and Philip his sonne. The Arch-duke creat [...]d King of Romans: the Factions reuiued and great troubles in Freezland: the Ganthois and Brugeois mutinue againe, and keepe the King of Romaines prisoner: to whose succour the Emperour Frederick his father came: against whom, and against the Frisons he made Albert Duke of Saxonie his generall: a priuate warre in Holland: a peace betwixt the Flemmings and the Arch-duke: diuers Factions armed in Freezland. Duke Albert seekes a quarrell against them both: a peace betwixt the Arch-duke Philip of Austria and Charles the 8. the French King: the Arch-duke takes possession of the Neitherlands: war betwixt the Duke of Gelders & the Arch-duke: the Estates of Freezland held at Sn [...]cke, whereof followed great wars: Duke Albert obtaines of the Emperour the hereditarie gouernment of Freezland: the continuance of the warre in Freezland: Duke Albert slaine before Groningen: the Arch-duke inherits the Realmes of Spaine by his wife: Duke George of Saxonie after the death of Albert, his father, conti [...]ues the warre in Freezland: the Duke of Gelders reconciled to the King of Castile: the death of the said King: warre renewed betwixt the Geldrois and the Bourguignons.
MAXIMILIAN Arch-duke of Austria, sonne to the Emperour Frederick, was borne the 12. of March 1459. from his infancie vntill he came to be fourteene or fifteene yeares old, he was of a heauie disposition, and slow in speech, for he grew some-what big before he could pronounce his words; but being come to age hee recompenced that defect by wisedome and readinesse of speech, especially in the Latin tongue: Nature and the bountie of God did adorne and inrich him with so many vertues, for the good of the Empire, as by the iudgement of euery man, he did exceed all His disposition and vertues. the Christian Princes of his time, in vigour, viuacitie and quicknesse of spirit; in domestick, publike, polliticke and militarie vertues: in zeale to religion, in bountie worthy of such a Prince, and of an invincible courage as well in prosperitie as in aduersitie.
Hee was about 20. years old when hee married his first wife Marie, Dutchesse of Bourgongne, Countesse of Holland, Zeeland, &c. By whom hee had the first yeare of His wife and children. their marriage one sonne, named Philip (who was father to Charles the fift) the second yeare he had one daughter, named Marquerite, the which in her infancie was betrothed to Charles Dolphin of France, sonne to King Lewis the 11. The third yeare he had a sonne named Francis, so named by Francis Duke of Brittaine. The fourth yere he dyed as we will shew in the deduction of this Historie.
This vertuous Prince marrying this Princesse of Bourgongne, was withall wedded to great warres, which we will discribe heare, for that which shall concerne the Neitherlands, as succinctly as wee can, referring those of Italy and Germanie, to Paulus Iouius, Francis Guichardin, and others that haue written of that subiect.
The French King had no care but how he should deuoure all the siegneories of this [Page 192] Princesse, but hearing of her marriage (whereon hee thought least) he did somewhat A moderate the least of his greedie couetousnesse. He had already (notwithstanding the Truce made with the Duke, father to the said Lady) wrested away violently all the Townes of Picardie, on this side the Riuer of Some, the countrie of Arthois with Tournay and Tournesis; practising all hee could the Towne of Gaunt, and the Flemmings, beeing easie to mooue, and which since gaue many crosses to the Arch-duke Maximilian: It was therefore needfull for this Prince to craue the succours and means of his father, and his friends in Germanie, for the Neitherlandes were much vnpeopled, both of their Nobilitie, and of their best Commanders in warre, and of common souldiers, which had beene lost in those three defeates, and those fewe which had remained in Picardie (as the Lord of Cordes and others of the countrey of Arthois) had B imbraced the French Kings partie: some for that their liuings lay in those Countries; and others being drawne away by gifts, and goodly promises.
The Arch duke hauing visited all the Prouinces of the Dutchesse his wife, where The Arch-duke makes a generall Assembly at Bruges. he was well intertained, and hauing receiued the oathes and hostages, returned to Bruges; where hee called an Assembly of all the Princes, Earles, Barons, Knights and chiefe Gentlemen of the said Countries, with the generall Estates, to resolue of the best meanes and course that was to be taken, to resist the attempts of the French king, who did dayly seaze vppon some piece of his estate. But for that hee was not yet Knighted, his desire was (before hee vndertooke any warre against the French) to receiue C the order of Knight-hood of the golden Fleece, with the solemnities and Ceremonies accustomed, as the good Duke Philip (his wiues grand-father) had instituted The Arch-duke made Knight of the golden Fl [...]e. it. Hauing therefore receiued the choller from Adolph of Cleues, Lorde of Rauesteyn; he held a generall Chapter of the said Order, which hee renewed and added some other Knights. Among the which were William of Egmond, brother to Arnold Duke of Gelders, father to Prince Adolph. The feastes and tryumphs of this Ceremonie being ended, the Arch-duke began to leuie men of all sides to expell the French out of his Territories, who had already taken many places in Henault. But hearing of this preparation for warre, and of so great a leuie of men, they left all and abandoned the countrey: whether the Arch-duke went in person, & in a short time reduced all the countrie vnder his obedience and subiection, after some light skirmishes and D incounters which hee had often against the French, in the which for the most part hee was victor.
The 22. of Iune in the yeare 1478. was borne in the cittie of Bruges, Philip of Austria, first child to the Arch-duke and the Lady Marie of Bourgongne, which brought 1478. Philip of Austria bo [...]ne. great ioy to all the Neitherlands, giuing thanks vnto GOD that had giuen them a Prince, who in time to come might gouerne them in peace, and defend them against the French, their naturall enemies.
Wee haue formerly sayd that Duke Arnold of Gelders, had sold the Dutchie to Duke Charles of Bourgongne, by reason of the great wrong which Prince Adolph, his sonne had done him by his imprisonment: wherof Duke Charles had taken possession in E the life time of Duke Arnold. But after the death of Duke Charles, & of Prince Adolph (who was slaine as we haue said before Tournay) the Geldrois did reuolt, especially the Townes of Numeghen and Zutphen, with their dependances. The children of Prince Adolph were at that time bred vp in the Court of Bourgongne: wherevpon the The Geldrois reuolt from the house of Bourgongne. Geldrois sent for the Lady Katherine of Gelders, sister to prince Adolph, to come and gouerne the countrie, the which she did, which was the cause of great warre betwixt the house of Bourgongne and the Geldrois. The Arch-duke Maximilian hauing reconquered the Countrie of Henault, he marched with his troupes towards the Contrie The Arch-duke marched into Gelderland. of Gelders, hee came to Ruremond, where hee was receiued, and at Venlo also, and in all the quarters there abouts: then he returned into Flanders, & went to Gaunt, F to set things in order. In the Meane time Duke Frederick of Brunswick (whom the reuolted Geldrois had chosen for their Gouernor) fell sicke, and so retyred into his countrie. Then the Geldrois tooke Henrie of Swartsenbourg, Bishop of Munster for their new Gouernour, who tooke vpon him the charge, and came well acompanied.
About the end of the same yeare, 1478. the Arch-duke went from Brusselles with [Page 193] all his Nobility of Brabant and Flanders, leading with him a goodly army and marched A into the Contry of Arthois, being resolued to recouer the townes and places which the French King had taken from the Dutchesse his wife. He went and camped at Pont a vendin, which is a small towne betwixt Lille and Arras, The King was far of beseeging the towne of Lens in Arthois. These two armies were there for a time fronting one an other, during the which there were diuers messages past on either side, so as in the end a truce was made, and they retyred euery one to his home.
The truce being expired in August. 1479. the Earle of Romont, Gouernor of 1479. Cambray and Bohain surprized. Arthois, surprized Cambray and Bohain, a little towne three leagues from thence. The Earle of Saint Pol, brother in lawe to the saide Earle of Romont, hauing married his sister was made Gouernor of Flanders for the Archduke, although he were much B tormented with the gout, yet he was a wise and valiant knight. The Archduke accompanied by the Earle of Romont and Saint Pol, by Cont Engelbert of Nassau, Philip of Cleues sonne to the Lord of Rauesteyn, the Lords of Fiennes, Beueren, Lalain and other Noblemen of the Netherlands, being followed by a goodly army went and camped neere vnto Teroanne, being resolued to beseege it. The French, namely the Lord of Cordes coming out of Picardy with 1800. pikes, and 14000. Archers, thought to fight with the Archdukes army, and to charge them in their campe, But the Archduke being aduertised thereof in time, hauing left some troupes of soote with 800. horse vnder the commande of Philip of Cleues, to guard the campe the vittelers and the baggage, he went himselfe in person, to meet them in the open field. The C Earle of Romont Marshall of the army hauing ordred the Battalyons with the pikes in The battaile of Esguinegate. the forward: and the Earle of Nassau commanded the reerward. The French men coming downe from the mont of Esguinegate charged the forward of the Bourguignons, the Earle of Romont with his Flemings stood firme and maintained the fight valiantly against the French archers. In the meane time the garrison of Teroanne, meaning to charge the reerward, fell vpon the campe, where they grew amazed, and made so small resistance, as they did what they would, so as the horsemen that were there ingard, hauing beene defeated and put to rout, were pursued euen into the suburbes of the towne of Aire. The French whome the Earle of Romont had in front (noting them that fled being greedy of spoile) left their places and fell vpon the baggage. The Arch-duke D seeing that the French had forsaken their rankes of them-selues, to runne after Pillage, he went and charged them so furiously, as he put the Archers to rout, so as The Arch-duke vvines the victory. there were about 5000. slaine vpon the place, and a great number of prisoners, he remayning maister of the field, with a memorable victory which GOD gaue him on the seauenth of August. 1491.
After the Battaile the Arch-duke returned victorious into the towne of Aire, and the Earle of Romont with part of his troupes went to beseege the castell of Malonoy, neere to the Abbaie of Han, belonging to the house of Croy, in the which there was The Castell of Malonoy taken and the Captaine vvith 50. soldiars hanged. a French garison, from whence he brought Captaine Cadet a gentleman Gascon prisoner, to the Arch-duke, who for his presumption and brauery caused him with 50. of E his souldiers to be hanged. The French King much displeased for this fact, in reuenge there of caused 50. men to bee chosen out of those which the garrison of Tournay had taken in the Arch-dukes campe, and commanded his prouost generall to goe and hang them, giuing him for his garde a thousand horse, and sixe thousand foote which was in the very place whereas Captaine Cadet had beene hanged ten, before the gates of Arras ten, at the Port of Douay ten, before Saint Omers ten, and at Tournay taken by the Arch-duke. the gates of Lille the last ten. After this victory of Esguinegate, the Arch-duke led his army before Tournay, the which he beseeged so straightly, as in the end necessity forced them to yeeld vpon composition, with a condition that if they did euer rebell any more against him, they should forfait al the rents and fees that they had in Flanders F and for reparation of the death of Duke Adolph of Geldres they should build vp a Chappell in perpetuall memory thereof. The French King seeing the happy successe of the Arch-duke Maximilian, and that he had a sonne borne, sent a notable Ambassage vnto him with rich presents, betwixt whome there was a truce made for a time. At [Page 194] that time there reuiued in Holland the factions of Hoecks and Cabillaux, for that one A Martin of Velaere Baylife of the towne of Horne the which was of the Hoeckin The factions reuiue in Holland. faction and hee a Cabillautin hauing beene expelled the towne without any hope of returne, resigned his Office to the young Lord of Egmond, promising to giue entrance to him and all the Cabillautin faction into the Towne, they laide two plots to surprise it but both failed: where-vpon the towne of Horne allyed it selfe with Enchuysen, Eedam, Monick, Endam-Metemblick, & other villages there abouts. These factions were the cause of great troubles at that time in Harlem Rotterdam, Leyden and else where; one party chasing an other out of these townes. The Cabillautines surprised Oud-water, seased vpon the court at the Hage, from whence they chased away the seruants, and spoyled the moueables, plate and Iewels of the Lord of La Vere Gouernor B of Holland, who had his reuenge in chasing away the Cabillautines, against whom the Hoekins committed great insolencies.
A while after the Gouernor went to Rotterdam, to remaine there for his better safety, but few of the Councell went with him, for the most of the towne were of the Cabellautin faction: when the Noble men of that faction which had fled from the Hage, heard that the Gouernor was retired with his followers, they returned, forced the Hoekins lodgings, and brake downe all they found, as they had done to them before. And they were not content there-with, vntill they had drawne the Arch-duke into their quarrells, who to please them, put the Lord of La Vere from his gouerment of The Lord of Vere put from his gouerment of Holland. Holland, for whome the Cabillautins laid ambushes to kill him at his returne to La-Vere C in Zeland, whereof hee was aduertised at Gorrichom whether the Archduke was come to setle the affaiers of Gelders, and to subdue Ghysbrecht Pyecht Lord of halfe the towne of Aspren, against Wessel of Boerslaer Lord of another moeity and of an other Castell; this holding of Holland and the other of Gelders, which Castel the Archdukes men tooke by assault, the siegeior Pyecke being fled before. The Archduke hauing The Castell of Pyecke taken by assault. during his aboad at Gorrichom, setled the estate of Gelders, he went to Dordrecht carying with him all of the Cabillautin faction that had been expelled that towne to restore them againe to their houses. But the magistrats and Superintendents of the same towne did giue the Archduke such reasons as they entred not for that time; whether came the Prince of Orange, Cont Engelbert of Nassau, Wolfart of Lauere, Iohn Vicont D of Momfort, Walrauen Lord of Brederode and many other gentlemen of the Hoeckin faction, where hauing treated awhile of busines the Archduke went to Rotterdam, accompanied with many of Rotterdam and la Goud, as it were for his conuoie, where ther was much trouble betwixt the noblemen of both factions, the which notwithstanding was pacified without any effusion of bloud; so as in the end, to auoid all factions and partialities, the Archduke made one Gouernor of Holland, that was a neutrall A new Gouernor to Holland and not borne in the contry, which was Simon of Lalain, Lord of Montigny Sainctes and Knight of the order of the golden fleece, appointing new councelors in the Prouinciall councell. This done hee went to Leyden, leading with him many of the Hoeckin faction, that had beene expelled the towne but they could not all E enter, by reason of the violent opposition of the contrary party; And therefore such as remayned without, entred an action of the restitution before the prouinciall councell, against the magistrate of Leyden, who opposed himselfe against them.
In the same yeare 1480. the Archduke hauing beene sick some time at the Hage, and recouered his health, hauing taken the aduice of his priuie Councell, to make 1480. the nauigation of the riuer of Rhine free; hee sent Iohn of Cleues with Iohn of Egmond, and all his Caualerie to beseege the towne of Wageningen in the Duchie of Gelders; the garrison wherof stopt the passage of the Rhine into Holland, which towne Wageningen taken. in the end they forced to yeeld vpon composition to haue their liues and goods saued. Soone after the Geldrois surprised Venlo, and did incite the townes of Nimeghen and F Zutphen to reuolt against the Archduke whome they would not acknowledge but by force. After that the Archduke had staied long in Holland and labored in vaine to suppresse the factions of the Cabillaux and Hoecks he returned into Brabant and Flanders [...]o leuie an army, with the which he would make hed against the French, which did [Page 195] greatly molest his countrie of Luxembourg whether hee went; being in the chiefe A Cittie, and hearing that there was a practise against his person, by some that were susspected to haue had an intent to deliuer him vnto the French without any longer stay, he retired into Flanders, leauing his armie in the countrie of Luxembourg, to stop the course and spoiles of the French.
The Lord of Lalain Gouernour of Holland, &c. to discharge his dutie, began with the new Councell to moderate and pacifie the factions. For the effecting whereof, he The new Gouernor of [...]olland [...] [...]o [...] went first to Horne, being accompanied by Nicholas van Adrichom Abbot of Egmont, whether he led all those of the Cabillautin faction that had beene expelled the towne, except Martin of Velaere, the Bayliffe who had resigned his place to the young Lord B of Egmont. All these banished men being re-entred into the Towne, did promise and sweare neuer to pretend to any Magistracy, nor to any place of gouernment within the Towne, wherevpon they were admitted and receiued into fauour with the rest. The Gouernor did the like in the towne of Goude: but he could not preuaile so much with them of Dordrecht nor Leyden, where-vpon he returned to the Hage. At the same time they of Amersfort, chased all them of the Cabillautin faction out of their towne. Those of the Hoekin faction of the towne of Leyden, hauing obteined of the Prouinciall councell, a sentence of re-establishment in the said towne, notwithstanding the which, they could not be admitted to enter: wherevpon these banished men resolued ioyntly together to surprize the Towne of Leyden, with some of their Partisans, being C in all 135. hauing taken for their leaders and Captaines Reyer van Bronkhuysen a Geldrois, and Henry van Nyeuelt a Hollander: who found the meanes in the hardest time of winter, when the ditches were all frozen, to surprize the Towne by scaladoe, and tooke the chiefe of the Cabillautins prisoners, namely the Magistrate of the towne, in whose place they appointed sixe men, who during the troubles should haue the gouernment of the towne, to administer Iustice, with some Captaines and Centeniers for the gard thereof. The other townes of Holland, as Harlem, Delfe, and Amsterdam, hearing that the Hoekin faction (the which two yeares before had beene expelled the towne of Leyden) had now seazed thereon, and that the Magistrate and the chiefe of the Cabillautin faction were prisoners, they sent [...]some of the chiefe men D among them to complaine vnto the Archduke their Prince; that a Captaine of the Geldrois, with many soldiers of Geldres, Vtrecht, and other strangers, with the banished men of Leyden had traiterously surprised the said towne, hauing resolued to doe the like vnto all the townes of Holland: being to be feared that in the end the Geldrois would cease vpon all Holland, if he did not preuent it. The Archduke hearing these news, sent the lord of Lalain Gouernor of the Country thether, with what men he could speedely gather together, to expell the said Bronckhuysen and all his adherents, out of the sayd Towne of Leyden, ioyning for an assistant Iohn van Ranst Marckgraue or Gouernour Leyden surprised by the Hoeckins. of Antwerp, with his companie. The aboue named Townes sent also some troupes vnder the command of Philip Bastard of Brabant, all which were lodged in Rotterdam, fearing the affronts of them of Dordrecht and Goude, of the Hoeckin faction. E Before that the Gouernour went to besiege Leyden, hee sent conditions vnto them, which they found not tollerable, and therefore they sent vnto the Prince to make Leyden besie [...]d by the Gouernor. their complaint of the Magistrate that was prisoner. Notwithstanding all this, the Archduke commanded the Gouernour to besiege them, so as in the end, after many skirmishes, and taking of Castels on either side: the Leydois by the intercession of them of Dordrecht, Goude and Schoonhouen, were reconciled.
At the same time the young Lord of Egmont, remaining as Chastelaine or captaine in the Towne of Gorrichom, accompanied with some banished men of the Cabillautin faction, meaning to bee reuenged of an iniurie which the Bayliffe of Dordrecht had Dordrecht surprized by the yong lord of Egmont. done him, found meanes to surprise the sayd Towne. In which surprize the Bourgmaister F and the Bayliffes Lieutenant were slaine, and about two hundred Bourgesses of the Hoeckin faction prisoners, among the which was the Escoutette or Bayliffe. This victory gaue courage and comfort to the Cabillautin faction, and daunted the Hoeckins and Geldrois, who afterwards were not so busie, hauing also lost the [Page 196] Towne of Leederdam, which the Archduke gaue to Gasper of Culenbourg, in recompence A of his losses by his imprisonment in France, the which hee sold afterwardes to the Lord of Egmont.
During the time that the yong Prince of Gelders, sonne to Adolph, was brought vp in the house of Bourgongne, (as much to say as a prisoner)▪ the Duke of Cleues seazed vppon many townes in Gelders, for which cause the Geldrois made sharpe warre against the Cleuois and Brabansons, & growing dayly more obstinate, they did [...]strange and with-draw themselues wholy from the house of Bourgongne: whervpon the Archduke resouled to make warre against them. Those of Numeghen, Thyel, and Bomel (hauing some intelligence thereof) went to him to Boisledu [...], where they submitted [...] townes [...] B themselues vnto him, and acknowledged him for their Prince. Wherevpon he went to Numeghen, whither many Deputies of other townes came vnto him to doe the like. This done he went to Ruremont to bridle Venlo: but the Inhabitants did little regard it▪ being resolued to defend themselues. Whilest that the Archduke carryed himselfe in this sort in the Countrie of Gelders: Dauid of Bourgongne bishop of Vtrecht, being expelled the towne by the vicont of Montfort, made an enterprise with his Partisans [...] vpon the said towne: the which succeeding not happily, the Archduke hauing disposed of his affaires in Gelders, came to Wyck-ter-duyrsted to him, where they had much conference: from thence the Archduke returned into Brabant, the Dutchesse his wife being ready to be brought in bed, & was deliuered of a sonne, whom the Duke of C Brittanie christened, and named him Francis, by his owne name, but he liued not long.
If in Holland the factions of the Cabillaux and the Hoecks tormented one another, in Friseland the partialities of Vetcoopers and Scyringers did no lesse, the Countrey being so diuided there, as not onely the Nobilitie and townes made warre one against another with all violence: but also the villages, pesants & other priuate persons, which had any power or meanes: yea the Abbeis, Cloisters and Monestaries, as well with their Prouost Monkes as with their lay Fryers; whereof there followed great ruines, desolations and burning of villages, castels, and other possessions, as well Ecclesiasticall as Secular. All this time there was sharpe warre betwixt the Hollanders that succored the Bishop of Vtrecht, and them of the towne of Vtrecht and Amersfort: of whom Iohn vicont of Montfort and Reyer van Brouckheuysen were the chiefe, and D the Lorde of Lalaine for the Hollanders: who once among the rest, were well [...] bi [...]op and the Towne of Vtrecht. beaten by them of Vtrecht, neere vnto the fort of Waert, which the Hollanders did besiege, lost their artillerie, and left the banners of their chiefe townes behinde them: the Lord of Lalain saued himselfe being much amazed in Schoonhouen: and those of Vtrecht returned victors with many prisoners into their Towne, who hauing afterwardes surprized the Towne of Naerden in Holland, but seeing they could not keepe it, they spoyled it, and so left it. The Lord of Lalain sent the Markgraue of Antwerp thither, and little Salezard a Knight of Gasconie (whom the French King had dispoyled of his meanes, which made him to come and serue the Archduke, with a good troupe of braue souldiers Gascons) to lie in Garrison there, with a E good number of horse and foote, who continually made roades euen to the euery gates of Vtrecht, and one day among the rest, went and charged the great Bourg of Emenesse, (which is a french league long) wher there were some of Vtrecht & Amersfort in Garrison: the which (notwithstanding any resistance) they forced, & slue all that could not flie, and saue themselues through the Marishes and Quagmires: and after they had spoiled it and laden themselues with the bootie, they set fire of it, and burnt it to the ground.
This warre betwixt the Diocesse of Vtrecht and the Hollanders, increasing and growing more violent by sundry wrongs, they did one vnto another: the Traiectins hauing no Protector, sent their Ambassadors to Iohn Duke of Cleues, beseeching Thos [...] of [...] the Duke of [...] to help [...] F him that he would bee their Protector, and to send them his brother Englebert of Cleues, to be his Lieutenant, and Generall there. The which the Duke accepted, and sent his brother, where hee was well receiued and lodged in the Bishoppes Pallace: whom the Taiectins did acknowledge for their Protector, making an oath of fealtie [Page 197] vnto him, as is accustomed in the like cases. Afterwards the Hollanders defeated the A Traiectins and slue 1000. vpon the place, pursuing them euen into their Ports, and if they had followed them close, and had not beene too busie in spoyling of the dead, they might haue entred pel mel with them, and wonne the Cittie.
In the yeare 1482. in Lent, the Lady Mary of Bourgongne, Archdutchesse of Austria, 1482. Death of the Lady Mary of Bourgongne, Contesse of Holland. Countesse of Holland, and Zeeland, Lady of Frisland, &c. wife to the Archduke Maximilian, being a hunting, mounted vpon an ambling Gelding, fell (some write for the feare which her horse had of a wilde Boare, which ranne betwixt his legges) wherwith she was so bruzed in her body, as the 27. of Marche she dyed, to the great griefe of her husband, who loued her entirely: she was buried with a funerall pompe worthy of her greatnesse, in the Quier of Saint Donas Church at Bruges, after that shee had B beene married foure yeares and a halfe, leauing one Sonne named Philip about three yeares old, and one Daughter but two yeares old, who by the treatie of peace was made sure to King Charles the eight, sonne to Lewis the 11. the French King. But this marriage being broken, she was married to the onely sonne of Dom Fernando of Arragon, and of Isabella King and Queene of Castille, called also Dom Fernando, by whom she had one sonne, who dyed within the yeare with the father: afterwards shee married with Philebert the 8. Duke of Sauoy, who died after he had been seauen yeares married. The said Lady Mary of Bourgongne being dead, the Archduke her husband tooke vpon him the title of Tutor to her children, that with this quallitie he might preserue, maintaine; The Archduke calles himselfe Tutor. and defend them against the French King, Lewis the eleuenth, who had done so C much harme and wrong vnto their Mother after the death of Duke Charles her father. This qualitie of Tutor did not greatly please many of the Netherlanders, especially the Flemings. Those of Gaunt, Bruges, Fran [...] and Ypre, (which make the foure members of Flanders,) appointed by their priuate authoritie certaine commissioners, to gouerne the countrie of Flanders ioyntly with the Archduke, vntill it were otherwise ordered. By reason whereof the States were assembled in the cittie of Gaunt, where it was concluded that they should not receiue the said Gouernor, but for a certaine time limitted, vpon certaine conditions, and with an othe to keepe them: refusing to admit any particular Gouernours or Captaines, if they were not chosen A new order set downe by the Flemings touching the gouernment. and placed by the Archduke and their commissioners ioyntly, for that (said they) D the Archduke was yet young, and that such as were about him did gouerne him at their pleasures, and did with him what they pleased: also the money that was leuied of the people was ill gouerned: that Iustice was not duely executed: and that many oppressions, extorsions, and violences, were committed in the countrie with all impunitie. This new order set downe by the Flemmings, did much displease the Archduke, who went to Bruges and to Ypre, but they would no more acknowledge him for their Prince, nor allowe of the Magistrates and Officers that were made by him. The Ganthois did banish Robert of Halewin great Bayliffe of Bruges, out of Flanders for fiftie yeares, and put many Gentlemen of good account from their places and Offices, so as in those times the Nobilitie was very much opprest i [...] E Flanders.
The Lord of Cordes Gouernour of Teroane for the French King, made ordinarie courses then into Flanders, and spoyling the countrie. For the preuenting whereof, these Comissioners appointed for the gouernement, gaue commission to Charles of Sauoy, and the Lords of Beuere and Merwede, to goe with some good troupes of men which the Ganthois did furnish. And at the same time the Bastard of Hennin had an incounter neere vnto Bethune against the French, whom hee put to route, and slue many of them. At the same time there were many shippes of warre put to Affronts do [...] vnto the French. Sea, both Flemings, Hollanders, Zelanders and Frisons, which came along the coast, so as the French durst not boldly put to Sea. The Seignior of Chanteraine going F out of Saint Omer with his company to seeke some aduenture, mette a conuoy neere vnto Teroane, which carryed the Souldiers pay thether, the which hee defeated and carried the siluer and the spoile into Saint Omer. Whilest that matters were thus handled in Flanders, and vpon the frontires of Picardie and Arthois, the Archduke [Page 198] was in Holland, where hee was acknowledged by the States of the Countrie, for The Archduke acknowledged in Holland, zeeland and [...]seland for Gardien. A Gardien to his sonne Philip of Austria, Duke of Bourgongne, being then but foure yeares olde; the like was done in Zeeland and West-friseland. But the Flemmings naturally inclined to innouations and mutinies, especially the Ganthois, did greatly crosse him.
The Factions of Schyeringers and Vetcoopers in Frizeland, were then as violent as euer (as those of the Hoecks and Cabillaux in Holland) the which were no sooner pacified and reconciled in one part of Friseland, but they kindled againe in another, and continued so long in that estate, before they were quite supprest that the countrie was made a prey to Strangers, and quite ruined, as we shall hereafter shew.
In the yeare 1482. the Duke of Cleues made a leuie of aboue 10000. men, horse B and foote, the which he sent into the Diocesse of Vtretcht, to make warre against the Hollanders. The Traiectins and Cleuois ioyned together, making a great body of The Traiectins besiege Iselstein. an armie, presumed they might conquer all Holland, and went to campe before Iselstein. On the other side the Lord of Lalain, Gouernor of Holland, with many Noblemen went to field, with all the forces he could get, and camped iust by them, being resolued to charge them in their Trenches, and to raize the siege. Heerevpon the Cleuois mutining against the Traiectins fearing they should be surpized during their diuision, wherevppon they dislodged from thence, leauing a part of their Artillerie and carriages behinde them, which those of Iselsteyn tooke and carryed into their towne. The Hollanders not content with this, did runne ouer the Countrie of Vtrecht, and C passing by Intfaes, they tooke the Castell of Wronesteyn, and a great Tower which they ruined. From thence they besieged tooke and raized the two Fortes of Vae [...]t, vpon the riuer of Lecke, and brake the Scluses, by the which they passe from Vtrecht into that riuer, which done, winter approaching they retyred: the Traiectins making no shew to hinder them.
In Iune the same yeare, there arriued in Flanders a Herald from Lewis the 11. the French King, bringing a safe-conduit for 60. of the Neitherlanders, which should go & treat with him of a peace, the which were chosen by the 2. Estates, Secular & Clergie. This Treatie had bin begun in Nouember, the yeare before in the Cittie of Arras. Of the Archdukes Deputies were the States of Brabant, of Arthois, of Henault, and the D foure members of Flanders, with the Kings Commissioners, who at this time was very sicke, seeking remedie both by phisicke, offrings, and pilgrimages, so fearefull was A peace concluded betvv [...]t the French, and the Bourguignons. he of death. In the end a peace was concluded betwixt these Deputies, whereof a treatie was made, containing a hundred & one Articles. Among others: That the Dolphin of France should marry with the Lady Marguerite of Austria, daughter to the sayde Arch-duke Maximilian, and the deceased Lady Marie of Bourgongne, beeing about foure years old. With many other Articles, which for breuities sake we omit. The Deputies of the Neitherlands went to confirme them at Tours where the King was, who receyued them courteously, ratified the peace, and confirmed the marriage of his sonne: and after that hee had honoured them with rich presents, hee thanked them and gaue E them leaue to returne to their Prince. During the time of this Treatie at Arras, Philip of Creuecaeur, Lord of Cordes slept not, but went to besiege the towne of Aire in Aire y [...]led to the French. Arthois, betwixt Bethune and S. Omer; the which made some shew of resistance, but it was soone yeelded, or (to speake truely) sold, for the Captaine had 3000. crownes. The Inhabitants that would not stay, to the number of 500. retyred themselues to Bethune and S. Omer; being ill affected to the French.
A peace beeing concluded betwixt the Archduke and the French King, and the marriage agreed vppon betwixt the Dolphin his sonne and the Lady Marguerite the Archdukes daughter, about Easter in 1483. The Earle of Beauieu (afterwards Duke 1483. The Lady Marguerite of Austria deli [...]ed to the [...]. of Bourbon, the Kings sonne in lawe, came into Arthois to receiue her, where shee F was deliuered vnto him, who led her to Paris, and from thence to Amboise to the King. There was great ioy of her comming, as a pledge and faithfull confirmation of the peace: the which had beene proclaimed before in Holland, Zeeland and Friseland, to the great contentment of the people, who by that meanes recouered [Page 199] their trafficke of marchandise in France. And although that this peace and marriage A had beene concluded for that good and quiet of both nations, yet some gaue bad impressions thereof to the Archduke, who seemed not much to regard it: saying that he had neuer giuen his consent to it: and therefore many that had delt in it were suspected, and not fauoured in Court: and some Captaines of the Netherlands practised to surprize some places in Arthois and Picardie vpon the French, whereby they might haue occasion to breake the peace.
The Archduke had in those times for the pleasure of Dauid of Bourgongne Bishop of Vtrecht, great warre against the Traiectins and Cleuois; hee besieged Vtrecht, Vtrecht taken by the Archduke. battred it, and in the end (after some assaults) forced them to yeeld by composition, vpon condition (among others) that they should beate downe a part of their wall, B and fill vp their ditche, by the which the Archduke might enter with his armie into the Towne, after that the souldiers of the garrison were retired. The which was performed, and the Archduke entred in good order and triumphe, the 6. of September, pardoning the Inhabitants, and remitting both their liues and goods, the which hee did also to the Vicont of Montfort. Those of Amersfort hearing of the yeelding of Vtrecht, sent their Deputies to the Archduke, vnto whom they were reconciled, and to their Bishop, whom they conducted with a good conuoy to his Towne of Vtrecht, being glad to bee restored. The Archduke appointed the Lord of Iselsteyn Gouernor there for him, with 1000. men in garrison, at the charges of the Coun [...]e of Holland. The Hollanders were resolued to keepe it, to serue them as a frontier The Hollanders put a garrison in Vtrecht. C and Bulwarke on that side, fortifying Saint Katherins Port towards Holland, and placing some men there in garrison. The 1 [...]. of October, the Archduke, hauing ordred all things in those quarters of Holland and Vtrecht, returned into Brabant: for that the Bishop of Cambray, the Prince of Orange, and the Lord of Croye were come thether to aduertise him of the death of King Lewis the 11. who died the 13. of August the same yeare 1483. and of what was presently to be done. 1483.
At the reception of the Princesse of Austria in the Court of France, the King desired that Prince Philip of Austria might be put in possession of the Estates and Seigneuries that were fallen vnto him by the death of the Dutchesse his Mother. Where-vpon those of Gaunt, Bruges, Franc, and Ipre, required the Archduke to come into Flanders, D to satisfie the Kings will touching these inheritances: but being then at Antwerp ready to goe and besiege Vtrecht, he referred it to his returne. This siege continued long, the Flemings boyling, (as they be in all their first motions very violent, yea without discretion) tooke their young Prince, being then but fiue yeares old and two moneths, and put him in possession of the sayd Countie, and of all the townes in the Prouince; appointing for Tutors and Gardiens, the Earle of Romont, Adolph of Cleues The Flemings put Philip of Austria in possession of the Earldome Lord of Rauesteyn. Ioos of la Vere Lord of Groouelt, and Philip of Bourgongne Lord of Beueron. Ioos Lord of Lalain hauing beene slaine at the siege of Vtrecht, the Hollanders intreated the Archduke to giue them a Gouernour, who according to their last priuiledges, was borne in the Countrie. According to the which Iohn of Egmont E was appointed the Princes Lieutenant in Holland, Zeeland, and West-Friseland: who in the moneth of May following marryed Magdeline of Wardenburch, daughter to the Earle of Wardenburch a Germaine.
The Flemings hauing according to the will of the French King, put young Prince Philip of Austria in possession of his inheritance, without attending the Archduke his Father, and hauing appointed him those foure Tutors to gouerne both him and his The Archduke depriued of the gouernment of his Sonne and of Flanders. Country, during his minoritie, did greatly discontent the Archduke there-with; who seeing himselfe depriued of his onely Sonne, and of the gouernment of Flanders, held diuerse Councels with his most familiars, to know how hee might bring them vnto reason: where-vnto the Earle of Nassau, and the Lord of Goesbeeke F perswaded him most, with such as had beene expelled and banished out of Gaunt and Bruges. And withall there fell out a quarrell betwixt the Flemings, (especially them of Bruges) and the Townes of Antwerp and Berghen vppon Soom, by reason of their Fayres and Markets, the Brugeois complaining that their [Page 200] towne lost their trade, by their meanes, wherevpon the Flemings built a fort vpon A quarrell betwixt the Bu [...]geois and them of Antwerp. A Flanders side at Cloppesdike, vpon the riuer of Escault, the which they did man with a good garrison and Artillerie, to keepe the shippes of Holland, Zeeland and the Eastcountries from passing vp to Antwerp, and by that meanes to hinder the traffike of the sayd towne, spoyling oftentimes vnder this collour, good Marchants, and doing them great outrages. Those of Antwerp on the other side did furnish forth some fewe Shippes of warre, to bee a conuoie for merchants going vp and downe the Riuer, and to defend them from the pilferies of the Flemings, the which did the more incense The outrag [...] of the Brugeois. the Archduke against the Brugeois: wherevpon hee makes an enterprise to surprise them, the which beeing discouered, the Brugeois stood so vpon their gard, as for that time hee could not effect any thing, and many Bourgeses of the sayd towne were B committed to prison, beeing suspected to haue had intelligence with the Archduke whereof eight were beheaded and quartered, terming them traitors: the which did incense the Archduke the more against them. In the same yeare after Easter, there came out of France Anthony of Bourgongne Earle of Steenberghen, bastard to the good Duke Philip of Bourgongne, a wise and an ancient knight, gouernor to Charles the 8. the French King, sent by the King and his councell, to deuise of the meanes to reconcile all controuersies betwixt the Archduke and the Flemings, but their spleenes were so great on either side, as hee preuailed nothing, either partie remayning obstinate in his opinions. A while after the Archduke seized of the towne of Deudermonde by surqrise; and then beganne sharpe warres betwixt the Archduke and the Flemings, C to the ruine of the countries of Flanders and Brabant. The Margraue of Antwerp entred with good troupes into the land of Waes (which is the fattest quarter of all Flanders) where he committed great spoiles and burnt the countrie. The Flemings did no lesse in Brabant, euen vnto the gates of Brusselles, whereas the Archduke then was. The lord of Rauestein did cunningly seize vpon Audenarde for the Archduke. A captaine of Boisleduc called Martin Swart, (a Shomaker by his trade, whome the Archduke for his prowes had made a knight) entred with his company into Deudermond Audenarde and Nienhouen surprised for the Archduke. Flanders, surprised the towne of Nienhouen, spoiled the French garrison that was in it, ransomed the towne, and they left it. They of Antwerp beseeged, battred and forced the fort of Cloppersdyke, nere vnto Saffringhen vpon the riuer of Escault, the D which they raized.
Anthony of Bourgongne Earle of Seuenberghen contynuing still to mediate an accord betwixt the Archduke and the Flemings, vsed such good meanes with them of Bruges, as they were content to humble themselues vnto the Archduke, with whome hee reconciled them in such sort, as the 21. of Iulie hee entred the towne, beeing accompanied by the Earle of Nassau, and the greatest part of his armie: where hee punnished some mutinous rebells, and renewed the lawe, the Magistrate and the Officers Bruges reconciled to the Archduke and Gand. of the towne at his pleasure. The Ganthois hearing what the Brugeois had done, were by the intercession of the Earle of Steenbergeen reconciled in like sort, whether the Archduke went about fifteene daies after, with goodly troupes of horse and foote, E for his safety, knowing with what kinde of people hee had to deale. The sayd Earle of Steenberghen came to meete him, bringing with him his Sonne, the young Prince Philip, whome hee had not seene of a long time, and was then very ioyfull to behold him. The Archduke entring into the towne, pardoned all that was past: yet at night some vnquiet mutiners stirred vp some of the Bourgeses against their Prince, so as the Archduke had beene in danger of his person, if his men had not speedily gone to armes, A new tumult in Gand. and chased away these rascalls, whereof manie were committed to prison and executed: Then had hee occasion to take from them their preuiledges and freedomes, the which hee cancelled and disanuilled, and tooke Prince Philip his Sonne, and carried him to Macklyn, to his grand-mother in lawe, the Douager of Bourgongne. Soone after F there came to reconcile themselues vnto him Adolph of Cleues lord of Rauestein, the Earle of Romont, the lord of Vere and the lord of Baueren, who soone after married with the daughter of the sayd lord of Vere. About that time the Emperor Frederic came to Cologne, where hee staied eight daies, the Archduke Maximilian his Sonne [Page 201] went to him to Aix, who had not seene him of a long time, and from thence they went The Emperor Frederic comes to Cologne. togither about Lent to Cologne. All difficulties and quarrells pacified betwixt duke Iohn of Cleues and the Diocesse of Cologne in the which the Emperor had inuested Herman Landtgraue of Hessen, togither with the Duchie of Westphalen and the countie of Arensbourg. The Emperor, the Archduke his Sonne, and all the Princes that were with them parted on Saint Agathes day from Cologne, towardes Francfort to choose a King of the Romans, where the 16. of February by a common consent of all Maximilian made King of the Romains. the Princes Electors, Maximilian of Austria was chosen and proclaimed King of Romains. And the Thursday after Easter following, they returned all to Aix, where he was crowned in our Ladies Church with all the accustomed Ceremonies: where as the sayd King did knight many Princes and Noblemen, among the which were Philippe of Bauaria Palatin of Rhine, Arnold duke of Saxony both Princes Electors, the duke New knghits made by the King of the Romains. Gaspar of Bauaria: William duke of Iuliers, William Lantgraue of Hessen. Albert, Marquis of Baden, William Lord of Egmont and many others to the number of 200. The feast of his coronation beeing ended, the Princes retired euery one to his home: the Emperor into Austria and the King of Romains into Brabant. Before that the Archduke went vnto the Emperor his Father, hee made Engelbert Earle of Nassau Gouernor of all the Netherlands in his absence, by vertue of a commission giuen him at Boisleduc in that yeare 1485. whome wee will place for the first Gouernor made by 1485. the Prince.
ENGELBERT EARLE OF NASSAV, the first Gouernor, Lieutenant and Captaine generall for the Prince, in the Lowe Countries.
[Page 203] IN the yeare 1491. Engelbert Earle of Nassau was by Maximilian the A first King of Romains going into Hungary, made Gouernor of the County of Flanders, and the Baylewiks of Lille, Douay, Orchies and Saint Omer. And afterwards in the yeare 1501. the Archduke Philip going into Spaine, he was appointed by him gouernor generall of the Netherlands. All this while the factions of Vetcoopers and Schieringers, raged in Friseland, one against an other. In the which the Monks and relligious men delt, with their thundring excomunications, among others Aggo Albert of Heenlon did excomunicat Iga Galama and his brethren, which was the cause of great mischiefe and ruine. For the sayd brethren of the faction of Vetcoopers, drewe The [...] in [...] deale [...] factions. vnto their succors Iohn of Egmont gouernor of Holland, who sent them strange soldiars, B with the which and some Gentlemen Frisons their Partisans, they went and besieged the Abbey of Heenlon, which the Monkes had fortified: the which brought distruction to the sayd Abbey and to many Villages there abouts. These factions brought great miseries and calamities vnto Friseland, for the Vetcoopers allied themselues to the towne of Groninghen, and the Schyeringers called the duke of Saxony into their country, which caused the totall ruine of both parties as we will relate succinctly hereafter, during the gouernment of Albert and George dukes of Saxony. Soone after that Maximilian King of Romains was returned out of Germaine into the Netherlands, the Ganthois and Brugeois did mutine againe: And therefore the King had leauied 20000. horse and foote for his gard, the which being lodged and disperced in the the countrie, C did much mischiefe to the poore countriemen, who seemed to bee worse intreated by The Ganthois and Brugeois mutine againe. them, then by their enemies: being all high Bourguignons or Hanniuers, besides the country was daily surcharged with new impositions, more then they could beare: al by the perswasion (sayd they) of Peter Lanchals knight, his treasorer, Baylife of Bruges, whome the Ganthois and Brugeois would not obey, wherevpon the King came in February, withall his nobility into the towne of Bruges, leauing the horsemen of his gard without: reseruing some which he held by him with some Landtsknets: he made certaine demands vnto the Magistrate which they would not accept. Hee being displeased at this refusall, by the aduice of the sayd Lanchals, marched in armes withall his traine vnto the market place. The sworne bands not knowing what this might pretend, doubted D some treasons and therefore a great number of the Bourgeses went to armes, to appose themselues against the King and his followers, so as they could not aduance. Some Noblemen of his councell perswaded him to retire to his Pallace the which hee did: and in this sort was kept vnder good gard by the inhabitans: who tooke some Noblemen and gentlemen of his houshold prisoners, yea they kept the King so straightly in his Pallace, as he could neither write nor receiue any letters without their priuitie and consent. Peter Lanchals seeing this disorder, beeing well acquainted with the disposition of this people, went and hid himselfe. The companies which did hate him to the death, sought him in all places, but not finding him, they promised a great summe of money to him that should discouer him. In the meane time they put manie E of those prisoners to death, terming them Traitors and rebells to the cittie. Afterwardes The Siegnio Lanchals beheaded. they made a third proclamation, by the which it was sayd, That if any one had concealed him till that time, in bringing him forth, they should bee pardoned, if not, all those that had so long kept and concealed him in their houses, should themselues and all their family bee hanged before their dores, the which did so terrefie them, as hee was discouered, and presently led vnto a scaffold that was made readie, whereas after they had tormented them strangely in the presence of all the people, they caused his head to be cut off.
The King of Romains beeing thus restrained like a very prisoner in the towne of Bruges: some townes of Flanders, as Alost, Deudermonde, Oudenarde, Hulst & others, F insteed of liking, and approuing the folly of the Ganthois & Brugeois did them contrariwise much mischiefe, by spoyling and burning euen vnto their very Ports, making them to taste of the wrong they did vnto their Princesse father; holding him so treacherously and presumptuosly prisoner. The which imprisonment was no sooner come [Page 204] to the knowledge of the Emperour Frederic the Kings father, but hee made his moue A to the Princes of the Empire, complaining of the presumption and treacherie of the Ganthois and Brugeois: requiring them that (all affaires and excuses set aside, (euery one would come with his forces according to his estate, to the Rendezuous that hee should assigne them: and so with their vntited forces marche towards Flanders, and deliuer the King his sonne. Many Princes, Earles, and Barons, came about mid-May: others sent their Lieutenants with forces; and so did the Imperiall townes. The Pope was also intreated to interpose his authoritie: wherein Herman of Hessen, Archbishop The Emperor g [...]es with an army [...]gainst [...] Flemings. of Cologne, was imployed: to perswade them of Gaunt, Bruges and Ypre, by threats, and ecclesiasticall censures, to set at libertie the King, his Officers, and houshold seruants, within a certaine time limited: or that otherwise hee would proceed against B them by way of excommunication. These Flemings not so much for feare of the Popes thundring, as of the storme which approched by the Emperor, set the King at libertie, suffring him to goe where he pleased, yea they made meanes vnto him to pardon them, and that hee would bee reconciled vnto the foure members of Flanders. Wherevnto the King did not refuse to giue eare. The which did much discontent the great Councell of Macklyn, and the Prouinces of Holland and Zeeland, who by the Emperors comming, (whom they did expect) would gladly haue seene these mutinous Flemings punished. Notwithstanding some deputies of Brabant and Zeeland, assisted by Adolph of Cleues Lord of Rauesteyn, came to Bruges, to the States of Flanders. The Flemings accorded with the King of the Romains. Whereas matters were so handled, as it was concluded, that the King should bee C contented for certaine thousands of Crownes, to renounce the gouernment of Flanders; where there should bee appointed certaine Curators, vntill the Prince Philip were come to age. But the States of Brabant, Holland, Zeeland and West-Frisland, would not haue nor acknowledge in their Prouinces any other Curator or head, then the King of Romaines, father to their Prince: wherein they had reason. There were also in this conference many points agreed vpon, which seemed to be profitable for the country, the King and their Prince, according to the which the King was deliuered, but not his seruants. Yet hee pardoned them all, and tooke a solemne oath to entertaine this accord, for assurance whereof he left Philip of Cleues, sonne to the Lord of Rauesteyn in hostage. In the meane time (the which was cause of great warre and miseries D which followed) the Archbishop of Cologne proceeding to the execution of his The [...]mings are [...]. Commission (the Flemings hauing not inlarged the King by the day limitted) pronounced the sentence of excommunication against the townes of Gaunt, Bruges and Ypre, the which made them odious to all the world, calling them excommunicated and damned persons, no man being willing to conuerse, nor to haue to doe with them. Yet afterwards by the intercession of the French king, soueraigne Lord of Flanders (held immediatly of the Crowne of France) they so purged themselues to the Pope, as he absolued them from the Archbishops cursse.
Whilest that matters were thus handled in Flanders, the Emperor Frederic aduanuanced still with his armie, and that of the Princes and Imperiall Townes; vntill hee E came to Macklin, whereas Maximilian King of the Romaines his sonne, went to meete him, and to receiue him, being accompanied with the Princes, Barons, Noblemen, Knights, and chiefe Captaines of his traine, whom hauing thanked for the great paines they had taken to come and succour him, comming before the Emperor his father, he cast himselfe vpon his knees, beseeching him most humbly to pardon them, as hee had The Emperor [...]kes the a [...]ord made with the [...] mings. done them of Bruges: if it were but in respect of the oath which he had made, and the faith which hee had giuen them; wherevnto the Emperor would by no meanes yeeld: some Prelates perswading the King, that his oath did not binde him, to people that were excommunicated. The Ganthois knowing that the Emperour came in Armes against them, intreated Philip of Rauestein to be their generall, as it had beene agreed F at the treatie of Bruges, the which he accepted. There were with him in the Citty of Gaunt the Earle of Vendosine, and many Noblemen & Captaines come out of France to succour them. (You may see how the French Kings councell, not-with-standing the peace, sought all meanes to annoy the King of the Romaines, and the estate of Prince [Page 205] Philip his sonne.) The Lord of Rauesteyn being in field with his Ganthois, surprised A by pollicie the Towne of Scluse in Flanders, which is the onely Sea Port, by the which the Brugeois haue accesse into the Brittish Seas. The Emperor and the Noblemen of Germanie, marched with their Armie, vntill they came about Gant and Bruges, spoiling the champian country onely, without any other memorable exployt. They incountred some-times with the Flemings, but they neuer came vnto a battaile, neither did they take any Townes one from another. The Germaines thought once to surprise Dam (where there is a stay of the Sea-water betwixt Scluse and Bruges) but their enterprise succeeding not, they were repulst with great losse, among others, a brother of the Marquis of Brandenbourgs was slaine.
The 21. of May thinking to do as much at Gaunt, many of their men being entred, B marching in the street that was before them, thinking that they had wonne the towne, the Ganthois hauing suffered as many to enter as they thought good, and might easily maister, they cut downe the Port-cullis of the gate, where they were taken likewise in a trappe, and were all slaine or drowned. In the end the Emperor seeing that he should with great difficultie preuaile ouer these mightie Townes of Gant, Bruges and Ypre; his horsmen hauing ruined all the countrie of Flanders, and eaten all that was to bee found, so as there was nothing left: hauing done no memorable act worthy the writing, and the hard time of winter approching: the Germaines louing their Stoues too well, after that they had furnished the Townes of Alost, Oudenard, Deudermonde, Hulst, and other Townes with good garrisons, the Emperor retired into Germanie, C leauing with the Archduke Maximilian his sonne, king of Romaines, Albert Duke of Saxonie, Landtgraue of Misnia: whom he made Gouernor of the Netherlands, to make warre as well against the Flemings, as the Frisons, as we will briefly shew.
ALBERT DVKE OF SAXONY, LAND [...] graue of Misnia, second Gouernor, Lieutenant and Generall for the Prince in his Netherlands.
[Page 207] AFter the Emperors retreat, the Flemings by vertue of their treatie A of Bruges, drew vnto their party against Duke Albert, the The Flemings al [...]e th [...]m selus with the Brabansones against the Duke of Saxony. townes of Brusselles, Lovuaine, Tillemont and other small towns of Brabant, who had their shares in this warre as also they of Arthois, Henanult and Namur did, by meanes of the French, who were allyed to the Flemings. All this faction was but a ruine and a generall distruction of al the Netherlands, one towne making warre against another: some towne was taken one day for one party, and recouered againe the next by the other. During this warre the Flemings made themselues strong at sea, imploying many banished men of Hollande and other (that might not drinke of all waters) with the which they did B much harme vnto the Hollanders, espetially to them of Leyden. With which Flemings Francis Brederod, brother to the Lord of Brederod did ioyne, with certen banished men of Rotterdam and of some other townes. This Gentleman was made one of their Captaines at sea, to make warre against the Hollanders, who were his owne Countrymen, so as being imbarked in Flanders, he landed at Delfshauen, and so marched to Rotterdam, the which he surprised, (passing ouer to the ditch vpon the Ice) without striking stroake, which towne was at that time full of marchandise, the which they could not then ship, by reason of the great abondance, of Ice which floats in winter in that riuer vnto the sea. The flemings not being contented to set the fire of dessention, by their rebellion in their own contry, but they presently kindled it in Brabant and Holland sedusing E the goodsubiects of both contries, to ioyne with them in their villanies. The King of the Romaines comes into Hollands.
In the yeare 1489. the King of Romains came into Holland, where he went throughout all the townes, to shew them that by reason of the alterations in Flanders, they should bee carefull to stand vpon their gards; intreating them to continue in their accustomed loyalty, to the Prince his Sonne and to him, and toreceiue no strang forces: doing this, being in the towne of Harlem, their were other townes in Holland, which came to complaine of the Harlemois, which had beene the cause of great troubles, if the King had not wisely preuented it. Yet not with standing there was some warre by reason of the surprise of Rotterdam the which did much anoy their neighbors, hauing drawne the vicont of Montfort to their party, who also made violent warres for his Rotterdam yeelded to the King of Romaines. C part: vntil that in the end the 22. of Iune the seignior Francis of Brederode, Superintendant in the towne of Rotterdam, began to treat with the Squier of the King of Romaines, as in the end an Agreement was made by the which a Proclamation was made at the towne house, that whosoeuer would depart the towne with the seignior of Brederode, they might freely doe it without any let, and in like sort all that would remaine might do it boldly without feare or serch. According to which agrement Francis of Brederode and the other Captaines with their soldiars, departed the towne, and the Squier entred with his men, but all this did not pacific the troubles in Holland, nor with the Vicont of Montfort.
In Nouember following Albert Duke of Saxony ariued in Holland, he came first to D Leyden, and from thence to la Goud, to aduise of the meanes to treat an accord with them and with the Vicont of Montfort. For the effecting whereof there was an assembly of the states in the saide towne of Leyden: But by reason of the Dukes sodaine departure, who went towards Brabant for matters of greater importance, which neere concerned him it remayned for a time in suspence, In the meane time the Vicont being at Worden continued his spoyles vpon the Hollanders. This cruell deuouring [...]arre of the flemings against the King of Romains, being thus strangely inflamed to the ruine and desolation of all the neighbour countries, in the end both parties A peace concluded betwixt the King of Romaines and the Flemings. yeelded to a peace submitting themselues to the arbitrement of the French King, (who should be sonne in law to the King of Romains) and to his councell: who (after manie conferencee and deliberations) gaue an arbitracie sentence, which was very benificiall F to the King of Romaines, and preiudiciall to the Flemings, concluding to an accord and reconciliation, in the which Philip of Cloues was not comprehended, who kept at that time in the Castell of Scluse, but afterwards hee was receiued into grace. This [Page 208] peace was proclaymed throughout all the Netherlands, to the incredible ioy of all the A people, being tired with the fore-passed miseries. After-wards by reason of the abatement of coines, (which during the warre had bin exceding heigh, in respect of that they had bin before) there was a mutiny in the Towne of Bruges, for the suppressing wherof, The Brugeois [...] againe Engelbert of Nassau was sent, who (as wel for this cause, as for that they kept their Prince prisoner) did so pinch the towne, as they continued poore a long time after, and the Brugeois were constraind by the allowance of the King of Romaines, to build vnto the said earle of Nassau, that goodly house which the Princes of Orange, haue at this day in the towne of Bruges. Duke Albert of Saxony being returned out of Brabant into Holland, after the assembly of the estates held at Leyden, seeing that the Vicont of Montfort did not forbeare to do all the Iniuries he could vnto the Hollanders, it was resolued by the B said duke, and by the townes of Holland to go & [...]besiege him, appointing the Rendeuous Montfort be [...] by the Duke of Saxony. for their army betwixt Worden and Montfort. And about the end of May in the yeare 1490. the said Duke, accompanied with Iohn of Egmond Gouernor of Holland, and of many other noblemen, went & planted his campe before the towne and castel of Montfort 1490. the which he did batter furioufly, and ouerthrew the ports, towers, & walls, giuing many assaults the which were well defended, the besieged making many braue sallies, in which, and during the siege there died many of either side. So as in the end the Earle of Nassau & of Chimay arriuing in Holland preuailed so by their good meanes & perswations, with the Duke of Saxony, to auoid a greater effusion of blood as there was an accord made betwixt the Duke & the Hollanders of the one part, & the Vicont of Montfort C on the other, by the which the Vicont should restore to the Hollanders the towne An accord betwixt the duke o [...] Saxony and [...] Vicont of Montfort. and castle of Woerden, departing with his family & all that was in it, in regard whereof the Duke should raise his campe from before Montfort the which was performed of either side. Then the Vicont tooke an oth of fealty to the King of Romains and to Prince Philip his sonne in the hands of duke Albert: so the said Nobleman was reconciled, and all the riuers, waies & passages made free, as before this last war. Francis of Brederode, hauing left the towne of Rotterdam, to the King of Romanes Squire; retired to S [...]luse, to Philip of Cleues, to whom there ioyned many banished men of Holland and other places: the signior of Naeldwyk hauing paied his ransom to the Squier, was there also: whilest that the campe lay before Montfort, these two Noblemen of Brederode & Naeldw [...]ke, D (hauing 1800. men) imbarked at Scluse, and landed in the Iland of Walchren, where hauing made a great spoile they went towards Dordrecht, burnt certein mills at Suyndreckt, and one mill ioyning to the towne, and then thy returned to the Iland and towne of Goedereed, with an intention to spoile it. The Lord of Egmont Gouernor of Holland hauing news thereof at the campe at Monfort, parted secretly, with many gentlemen and came to Dordrecht, from whence he sent for men out of Zeland, and from Bergeen vpon Som, with the which he did imbarke and pursued them of Scluse, hauing found them, he charged them resolutly; the fight was furious; at the first incounter the seignor of Brederode finding himselfe not strong inough to resist long, began to retire and presently went to land. The lord of Egmont pursuing him, there was a new fight, in E the which Brederode was very sore wounded, & being taken prisoner, was carried vnto the ship and so conducted to Dordrecht, where he died soone after. The seignor of Naeldwick, seeing that all was lost, fled with his men towards Ziricxze frō whence he went safely to Scluse. At the same time the Bourgeses of Bruges did rise againe against their Superiors by reason of the base prises of mony, which they said were out of reason, and [...] [...]umult [...]. had not bin so agreed vpon by the States of the country. Besids in the payments which they made in France, Spaine, Portingall and England, coynes were at a higher rate then in the lowe contries: So as they feared that the trafficke of their towne would faile. On the other side, as they of Scluse did much harme, by their courses and roads, the duke of Saxony put a good garrison into the towne of Dam, who did no lesse in Flanders. In the F meane time Gaunt, Y [...]re and other townes were quiet, and did not much care for the coynes: and had rated them at their owne pleasure, euer a third part higher then in other prouinces, wheras the abatement of coines was strictly obserued: the which was the cause of great contention among all the Inhabitantes of the saied Countrie: [Page 209] wherein the Artisan and the Merchant suffred much: as in deede euery one complayned A and not without cause, for the time was neuer so miserable as then. There was not a p [...]nnie to bee earned, no mony to bee taken vp: euerie man keeping that which hee had in his cofer, vpon hope that it would rise: and the best marchandise of returne which marchant strangers made in Antwerp and Berghen vpon Soom, was mony, not caring to exchange or to buie any other commodities for theirs, seeing there was so great gaine vpon the peeces of gold and siluer: yet the Earle of Nassau wrought so with the [...] and the duke of Saxony, as that matter was pacified, and the coynes rated as at Gand, Ypre and other townes of Flanders, and after the same value as it went in the neigbour Prouinces of the Netherlands. But those of Scluse did not cease to robbe and spoile at sea, so as none could passe from the East countries B into Spaine, nor goe into the East-countries without verie great daunger, which caused a great and generall dearth throughout all the Netherlands, especially of come.
At that time the French King made warre in Arthois, pretending that it had beene giuen him in marriage with the Ladie Marguerite, sister to Philip of Austria and daughter The French King makes warre in Arthois: to the King of Romains. In the meane time pettie Salezart surprized the towne of Teroane, the which he kept a while for the Bourguignons partie. But as the Earle of Nassau and some other Noblemen went to beseege Bethune, the lord of Cordes, incountring them with all the forces of Piccardie, gaue them battaile, in the village of Hinges, and had the victorie, whereas the Earle of Nassau and Charles of Egmont E duke of Geldres were taken: the Earle redeemed himselfe soone, and payed his The battile of Hinges. ransome: but the duke was kept long as a prisoner with the French King. At this defeate the French recouered Teroane, the which they held since vnto the yeare 1554. the which the Emperor Charles the fift tooke by assault, and caused it bee razed, as it is to this day, the soyle remayning to the French. All this time Holland was much afficted by the extreame dearth, especially of corne: through the want of money, by newe impositions and burthens, and aboue all, through the robberies and spoiles done both at sea and land by them of S [...]e, hauing surprized the Ilandes of Tessell and Wyering, where they made their retreates robbing and spoyling the shippes comming out of Ostland. There was a great tumult twise in the towne of Alcmar, C by the countrie-men, for the sayd impositions: the which they were forced to surcease for a time. There was a great assembly in the towne of Horne (the which the sayd peasants had seized vpon for their assurance) of all the Villages and Boroughs of the countries of Kennemerlandt, North-holland and Waterland, in the which they resolued ioyntly, rather to die all, euen to the last man, then to pay such exactions, seeing that the misery of the time would not beare it.
On the other side the Ganthois (hauing receiued some small affront from the King The Ganthois reuolt. of Romains people) reuolted againe, and ioyned with them of Scluse. The first of Iulie they surprized the towne of Hulst, although there were a garrison. Then beganne all things to decline & go to ruine in Flanders. Many Ganthois that were well affected to Hulst surprized by the Ganthois. D the King of Romains, abandoned the towne betimes, of their owne free-will: manie were expelled and banished. The Flemings robbing and spoyling at sea, continued still and increased daylie: the nauigation into the west parts beeing in a manner defended, at the least not without daunger. The which increased the dearth in Holland, Zeeland and Barbant, so as the common people did liue a vetie poore and languishing life. The Ganthois did not hold this towne of Hulst long: for the Earle of Nassau sent pettie Salezart his Lieutenant thether with his troupes, the which hee recouered by force, in the which many of the towne were slaine, among other captaine Wittenhorst, who hauing left the seruice of the King of Romains in Holland, retyred himselfe to S [...]luse, from whence hee did afterwardes much mischiefe vnto the Hollanders. The F Seignior of Naeldwyke being in the sayd towne of Hulst, notwithstanding any watch they layd for him both by sea and land, escaped in a disguised habit, and returned to Scluse, where bee beganne to make more violent warre against the Hollanders then euer. The captaines of West Flanders which held the King of Romains party, went to [Page 210] beseege the towne of Dixmuyden (which the Ganthois had taken a little before) the Dixmuyden taken from the Ganthois. A which for want succors was forced to yeeld, to haue their liues & goods saued. Charles of Egmont duke of Gelders, sonne to Prince Adolph (who as we haue said, was slaine before Tourney, in seruice of the Ganthois) was yet prisoner at the French Kings court, going and comming vppon his faith, euer since that he was taken neere vnto Bethune, by the Lord of Cordes, with the Earle of Nassau: some of his friendes, (among the which was the Earle of Moeurs, and other Noble-men Geldrois) did worke his deliuerie for money, and conducted him with a goodly troupe of souldiers, French and Germans through the countrey of Leige, into his Dutchy of Gelders, where hee was welcome to all men, and acknowledged for their Duke and Earle of Zutphen. Charles duke of Gelders deliuered out of prison. 1492. B
The 30. of May 1492. the furie of the Pesants in Holland reuiued againe of those whom they called Kasenbroots-volck, that is to say, men of bread and cheese: as if one would say, poore men that sought for meate to eate, who went in great troupes before the towne of Harlem, where by the helpe of poore handy-crafts men they entred and spoiled all the rich men, beating and breaking downe doores, windowes, cofers and cubberts; tearing in peices papers, bonds and instruments, pulling of the seales, and carrying away what was fittest for them, and doing other villanies, which did nothing The furie of the Pesants at Harlem. auayle them, yet could not be appeased. And not content heere-with, thinking to doe as much to Leyden, they aduanced euen to the gates, but they were chased away by the Canon, so as euery one was glad to get him to his home. C
During these alterations, the Duke of Saxonie, sent men into Holland to subdue these Pesants. Those of Harlem, who were not guiltie of these troubles smarted notwithstanding for it, by reason of the spoyles which the souldiers committed in those parts, euen at their gates. Soone after the Duke came in person into Holland, vnto whom the Magistrate sent to excuse himselfe of all that had past, fearing they should bee accused as if they had beene culpable: and in the meane time the troupes did the The Duke of Saxony comes into Holland. worst they could. Duke Abert of Saxony comming to Harlem, the Clergie & the magistrate went to meet him in forme of a procession, & presented the keies of the town vnto him, but the most mutinous fled away: being entred, he caused a gibbet & a scaffold to be set vp, to punish such as remayned: many good Bourgesses, which during the troubles had absented themselues, were called for. And although that the Magistrate D and the chiefe of the Towne were not guilty of the breaking downe of the gate, and that those that were guiltie were fled, yet for that they had giuen a pasport to such as would depart, (he must needs finde some coulor, as strange Gouernors do commonly to intrapt them) the towne was taxed at 17000. of S. Andrewes florins, so as the Inhabitants were forced to bring their Plate and Iewels to the Towne-house, to furnish the summe, for that there was not so much coyned money in all the towne, it had been so exhauste by the warres and troubles past.
This Duke did also punish the Kennemers by fines and reparations: and not yet satisfied He punished Harlem and Alcmar. with them of Harlem, hee commanded their Banner to bee brought vnto his lodging, and the Charter of their Priuiledge, the which hee declared to be forfeited: E causing a fort to be built to keepe them in awe. Those of the towne of Alcmar sent their deputies vnto him to craue pardon: they were receiued bringing their Banner, the which in like sort hee adiudged forfeited, and that they might neuer cary any more, for that they had serued in the last interprise vpon Leyden, condemning them to pay 6600. Florins for a fine. The Duke hauing punished these two townes, and reduced the Countrie to his will; hee created new Magistrates in Harlem, for that they had forfeited their Priuiledges. The eight of Iune hee went from thence, carrying away all their artillerie, both great and small; for hee would not enter into the towne, before that all had beene brought into the Market-place before the Towne-house, and that the Bourgesses had brought in all their armes: but presently after his departure they F fetcht them againe. From thence he went downe into Zeeland, & surpized Zericzee, where hee lodged all his armie meaning to fleece them as hee had done the rest [...] for that during all these Flemmish warres, they had borne more affection to them, then to their Prince: A proud people, and trafficking dayly with them of Slcuse. There [Page 211] he also built a Block-house in forme of a Cittadell, and taxed them at 3600. Florins of A Germanie, wherewith hee pardoned them, which being done, pres [...]ng to haue some good and assured intelligences vpon the towne of Gaunt, hee marched thether withall his army to surprise it: but beeing discouered, the Ganthois let goe their Scluses, and drowned the whole countrie, where hee should passe, so as hee could not approach any neerer, but was forced to retire. Those that were suspected to be assistants to the duke in this enterprise were taken and executed. Among others Coppen Gheel (otherwise called Holl) one of their chiefe captaines, who had in a manner alone gouerned the whole towne, of whome it is at this daie spoken for a common prouerb, when as any one presumes ouer much. Thou shalt bee like Coppen Holl, that is to say, thou shalt loose thy head. B
From thence the duke went before Scluse, the which hee beseeged straightly both by sea and land, during which seege there arriued many shippes in the Low-countries The duke beseeged Scluse. laden with corne, the which did abate the prices of all things, especially of bread, the sommer season beeing verie faire and temperate promising a plentifull and rich haruest, the like was neuer seene in the memorie of man. It seemed that with the season which had beene a long time troublesome, men would also growe more moderate and Gand submits to the duke. gentle, for in the moneth of Iuly, those of Gaunt sent their Deputies to Hulst, to duke Albert to be receiued into fauour, repairyng their faults past with a great sum of money which they promised and paied: by meanes whereof all was pardoned, and their fore-passed rebellions forgotten. In the meane time the duke did furiously batter the E towne and castell of Scluse, the besieged made many braue Sallies vpon his campe, bringing still away some prisoners: the Artillery of the castell was not idle, shooting through the shippes that did besiege them at sea, and through the Tentes and pauilions that were at land, both partes remayning in this sort a long time. In the end the 10. of October an accord was made betwixt the duke and Philippe of Cleues Lord of Rauestein. By the which it was sayd, that the soldiars that were in the great and little Castell of Scluse, should depart, that the towne and little Castell should bee open to his men. But the lord of Rauestein should remaine with his familie aboue in the great Castell, the which hee should keepe during his life, for the seruice of Prince Philip Archduke of Austria. C
The King of Romains visiting the townes of Holland one after an other, beeing at Harlem, the fiue chiefe townes of the countrie, that is to say, Dordrecht, Leyden, Delf; Amsterdam and Goude, came with their complaints vnto him, for that the Harlemois during all the warres against the Flemings would neuer assist them, nor contribute any thing to the charges. But they so excused themselues, as hee remained satisfied, so as for a good summe of money which they did furnish, hee gaue them an Acte of exemption of his hand, for that which the other townes complained of them, who beeing discontented with this graunt, bare it patiently vntill that duke [...] Albert came to Harlem, where they renewed their former complaints, but for that the duke had made an accord with them and with the towne of Alcmar, they preuailed nothing D at that time. Yet for that they would not desist to molest the sayd towne of Harlem, seeking to wrest from them the summe of three score and ten thousand Florins. In the end this towne and the other fiue, submitted themselues to the arbitrement of certaine worthy men, promising vpon certaine pennalties, to performe what they should decree and set downe, which Arbitrators for all the pretensions of the demanders, did taxe the towne of Harlem at 20000. florines▪ to bee payd in three yeares, at three equall paiements. Wherevnto they yeelded although it were verie hard for all them to beare: and to great bitternesse in the rest to haue prest them so farre, besides all their former losses by their intestine and ciuill warres, and the tumults of the Kennemers. But this summe did little profit the rest. For the duke of Saxony did suck them in such sort, as Hollande did neuer F suffer the like in the time of any of their Earles. Wherein hee tooke delight, to The duke ruins the factions in Holland and zeeland. teach them not to bee so cruell and, bitter one against an other, nor to entertaine factions and partialities amongst them-selues, as they had donne manie yeares [Page 212] vnder the titles of Hoecks & Cabillaux, the which it was impossible to roote out, but A by reducing both Factions to extremitie. The like hee did vnder the authoritie of the King of Romaines in Freezland, to the Schieringers & Vetcoopers, factions that were as pernitious as those of Holland. The which after that they had wasted one an other, burnt, beaten downe, ruined and spoyled houses and Castells, yea whole Townes they were in the end ouerthrowne by the same Duke of Saxonie, and his successours for many yeares. But the said Duke made no great profit of all the gold and siluer hee had extorted generally from the Neitherlands, neither did hee purchase any lands or siegneories therewith for his children, but wasted it wholy in those warres against the Frisons and Groningeois, and in the end lost his owne life and his sonne Henryes, so as B George his yongest sonne, was forced to abandon all, as wee shall shew in the following course of this Historie.
In the meane time there was great heart-burning in Freezeland, betwixt the Nobles The Duke of Saxonie seeks an occasion to oppresse the F [...]sons. of both factions. Duke Albert to seeke some occasion of quarrell against them, (after he had ended the troubles of the Netherlanders and Kennemers) writ vnto them, commanding them to send him a certaine some of money, by way of loane, exaction, imposition, or how they pleased to call it. Wherevppon the Frisons, hauing conferred together what were best to be done, and how to answere their Duke: they writ vnto him resolutely; That he had no right nor authoritie ouer them, to make any such demand, the which they were in no sort willing to grant him: and if any had otherwise informed C him they had abused him: Offering, that if it pleased him to come or to send his Deputies to Staueren or to Workom, that they should finde them to conferre with them. And if it were found that the Emperor or the Earles of Holland, had euer had any such right and power as he pretended, that they would submit themselues, and do that which belonged to good subiects and vassals.
About the end of Iaunary in the yeare 1493. the Germaine troupes of Duke Albert, 1493. The Dukes troupes spoile Gelders. which was called Dye groote gaerde, (that is to say, the great rodde, or the great whippe.) entred into the countrie of Gelders, spoyling and destroying all where they past, specially at the Abbie of Marie-wert; then after they had burnt many villages, in the end of February they came before Vtrecht, lodging in the suburbes committing a D 1000. insolencies, and keeping the gates so straightly besieged, as nothing could get in, nor out. The Lord of Iselstein had drawne them together to be reuenged of them of Vtrecht, who had taken from him the Fort of S. Katherins gate (whereof hee was Captaine) and first executed, then quartered some of his men. The Traiectins seeing the great spoiles these Germaine souldiers made about this towne, and fearing some greater inconuenience (by the fauour of some friendes) they made an Accord for a good summe of money, with the Lord of Iselstein: vpon condition; That they should take downe the quarters and heades from the gates, of those that bad beene executed, and burie them in the Church-yarde. Wherevppon the horses retyred.
The Emperour Frederick the third, dyed at Vienna in Austria, the 3. of August, for The Emperor Frederic dies. that (as they said) he had eaten too many Melons, after that he had raigned 44. years, E being 73. years old, he was buried in S. Steuens Church in the said Towne. To whom his sonne Maximilian King of the Romanes, Archduke of Austria, succeeded in the Empire: who was borne the 12. of March 1459. He had beene crowned King of the Romaines the sixt of Februarie 1486. by the consent of all the Princes Electors. About that time, and before the death of the Emperor Frederick, the Schyeringers and Vetcoopers in Friseland tormented one another dayly, the Groningeois being ioyned The Emperor sends to pacifie the troubles of Friseland. to the Schyeringers, holding the towne of Leeuwarden, and all the Countrey of Ostergoe, which was the cause of great effusion of blood. So as Duke Albert seeing some occasion of quarrel against the Frisons, aduertised the Emperor Frederick, who being loath to attempt any thing rashly, sent Otto van Langen, one of his Counsell, to F informe himselfe of all the estate of Friseland, and to pacifie the troubles and intestine warres if it might be. The said Commissioner being come into Swoll in the countrey of Ouerysel, sent for them of Groninghen and of Snecke to come vnto him, being then in warre one with another. But after that hee had heard all their grieuanc [...] [Page 213] and could not reconcile them, he returned backe to the Emperor. Afterwards the siegnior A Douwe Curate of Itens, being returned from the Emperors court, brought letters of Committimus to Herman Arch-bishop of Cologue, and to Henry bishop of Munster, to take information of the attemps of them of Groninghen, who De facto, (for so the Text said) had without the Emperours knowledge seazed vppon, and reduced vnder their obedience many townes and baylewicks (which they call Grittemes) in the countrey of Freezland, to the preiudice and contempt of the imperiall Maiestie, and of the whole Empire. with other Letters of Inhibition to the Groningeois, not to attempt any thing further: but repaire all new attempts and innouations, restoring the sayde townes and bayle-wicks, vnto their first estate, notwithstanding any voluntary consent: vppon paine of proscription by the Empire, and confiscation of all their goods; priuiledges and freedomes. The said Letter dated the 5. of Iuly. 1493. At Lins in Austria, B where intimated by an Vsher of the Imperiall chamber, to the Superintendents of the towne of Groninghen: who to purge themselues, and to procure a reuocation of the last Letters, sent their letters to the Emperour: but by reason of his death, they could not obtaine any thing: besides the Sneckois and others of the Schyringers factions, had their Agents in Court, who crost them all they could.
A while after the Emperor Maximilian the first of that name, sent the same Commissioner van Langen into Freezland, to reconcile them: who being come to the towne of Sneck, sent to the States of Oster-goe, Wester-goe, & to the seuen forrests, which are the three members of Freezland, giuing them an Assignation, to come by the first of C Ianuary 1494. to the said town of Sneck, to heare the causes of his comming, & to vnderstand The Groningeois sent to the Emperor. The same Commissioner sent into Friseland by the Emperor Maximilian. the tenor of his Commission; and that the 18. of the said moneth, hee went to Groninghen, to acquaint them with the Emperors pleasure, for the better execution whereof according to his Commission, he made a truce betwixt the Groningeois and the Frisons vnto the first day of May following, hoping in that time to finde some meanes to reconcile both parties: but hee found the Groningeois too wilfull and obstinate, and therefore he returned into Friseland.
The States beeing assembled in the Emperours name, by the Commissioner Otto 1494. An Assembly of the States of Friseland. van Langen, the Prelates, Nobles, Townes and commonalties of Wester-goe, Oster-goe, and the seuen Forrests, that were not allyed to the Groningeois came thether. There in the presence of them all, the said Commissioner hauing showed his Commission, D and declared his charge by mouth. Which was; To ratifie and confirme their ancient Priuiledges in paying the arrerages of the annuall tribute due vnto the Empire. He did also counsell them, in the Emperors name, (according to their Priuiledges and ancient customes) To choose some one of their owne Nation, some worthy man indued with good parts, and well affected to the good of his Countrey, to bee their Potestate (as they had beene in olde time gouerned) who might bee carefull and vigilant to preserue their Liberties and Freedomes. Else the Emperour (without doubt) would himselfe make choise of one of these Noblemen. Of Albert Duke of Saxony, of Philip Lorde of Rauesteyn, or of the Earle of Emden. Wherefore he aduised them to follow his counsell, and; That they should doe well to choose one that were not partiall: amiable, courteous and tractable, well acquainted with the E humors and disposition of men, and the estate of the Countrey. The States hauing heard this proposition, after some priuate conference among themselues, iudging that if they did it not, the Emperour might appoint one by his authoritie, the which would derogate much from their Priuiledges: they resolued therein to follow the Emperors will, and the aduice of his Commissioner. Hauing therefore appointed certaine Prelates and a Notarie, to set downe their suffrages and voyces in the election, they went to choose one of the chiefe of their Nobilitie: in the end by the pluralitie of voyces, the office of Potestate was layd vpon Iuwde Roma van Baret, a Gentleman both vertuous and honourable, that was nothing partiall, nor factious, quiet and gentle, hauing marryed A new Potestate chosen in Friseland. the sister of Iuwe Hero; and Iarich Hottinga, who were the chiefe of the faction of F Schyeringers. So as Deka [...]a was pleasing to all the assembly of States. The which did also wonderfully content the said Commissioner. Then the sayd States during the Assembly, made choise of 24. men to be Iudges and Assistants to the said Potestate, wherall [Page 214] together, three or foure times in the yeare should treat of affaires concerning the A good of their Common-weale. This new Potestate did present the Commissioner for a remembrance of his loue with two new peices of gold, the one of Harald Camego: in the yeare 794. and the other of Wibo Reynalda of the yeare 812. the which had bin in their time Potestates of Friseland. The siegneor Iuw Hottinga did also giue him two that were forged at Franyker, in the yeare 1419. by Sycko Syaera, which the Commissioner receiued thankfully, promising to giue them vnto the Emperour, the which he knew would be pleasing vnto him. This Election of a Potestate thus made in the Towne of Snecke, where did not assist the Siegneors Iuw Iongama of Bolswaert. Tyerck-walta, those of Calama of Roarda, of Herema, nor their alleyes: the Commissioner B thought it fit to make the like Assembly in the town of Bolswaert, that he might (by their approbation of the said Election) settle the whole Countrey in concord, loue and quiet, appointing them the fourteenth day following for that Assembly. At what time the Commissioner parted from Snecke, with the Nobles and Prelats that had bin at the first Assembly, and went toward Bolswaert, entring into the Towne, the children and Boyes in the street began to cry and sing: Heer Otto van Langen, is vohyer gevanghen, morgen sal [...]y hangen. That is to say; Otto of Langen is now a prisoner, and to morrow will be hanged. The Commissioner heard them and vnderstood them well, but dissembling it, he past on for that hee would not discontent any, hoping to doe some great good. Being come to the Franciscans, in the presence of I [...]w Iangama, Tyarck-wal and An Assembly at Bolswaert. C other Gentlemen: the Commissioner made the like proposition vnto them, that he had done at Sneck, requesting them that they would approue and confirme the election of the said Potestate; or if they refused it, the Emperour would prouide in an other fashion. Whereupon Iuw Iangama answering in the name of all his Partisans sayd; That neither he nor any of his would heare speake of such a Potestate, vntill that the They refuse to allow of the new Potestate. whole Countrey of Friseland were vnited into one body. And as for him that had bin chosen at Sneck, that they would neuer consent vnto it, for that he was allyed to the Family of Hottinga, which had beenalwayes enemie vnto them: & therfore they would not haue any one that was allyed to that Family to be aduanced to any command, or to be in greater credit then themselues. Whereunto Iuw Hero and Iarich Hottinga brethren, hearing that for their causes their brother in law was reiected. Iuw speaking for the rest of his brethren, saide; D That he see well that Iuw Iongama with his friends and Allyes, did little regard the good of their Countrie, nor the preseruation of their Priuiledges & Freedoms, but rather through ambition, their owne priuate profits, & to the suppression of their rights and ancient Statutes. Which words drew them on to proude & bitter termes: The common people of the partie of Iongama and Walta, (being stronger then the rest) would haue taken Armes against the Nobles of the other partie; wherevppon some great inconuenience would haue growne, if the Commissioner had not cunningly pacified them [...] intreating them to retyre for that time euery man to his lodging, to consider better thereof at leisure: sommoning them to come thither the next day at two of the clocke in the afternoone, and whosoeuer did faile to forfeit a quart of wine; the which pleased all the E company, and so by that meanes they departed. The which the Commissioner did very discretly to draw himselfe and the Nobles that were come with him out of danger, into the which they were fallen by this confused multitude of base people. That night he went with Peter Camstra and the Hottingas to lodge in the castle of Iongama, and the next day (early in the morning) they returned to Snecke, being assured that he should doe no good at Bolswaert, and that it was dangerous to stay there, it might bee with effusion of blood, the which he sought to auoyd, for he see in the rest nothing but hatred and spleen.
The next day Iuw Iongama, Tyarck-walta, the Galamas and their Partisans, came at the appointed hower to the Fryers, where finding neither the Commissioner, nor the other F Nobles, they were almost mad with spight, not knowing how to take it, exclaming against the Hottingas and their Allyes. And so this Convocation proued [...]lesse. The reason why Iongama the Galamas and their Partisans had shewed themselues so obstinate, was; for that they relyed much vppon the Groningeois, who through their too [Page 215] great pride and presumption made no accompt neither of the Commissioner, nor of A any commandement from the Imperiall chamber, no not of the Emperour himselfe. Otto of Langen (the Emperors Commissioner) seeing that by their factions and bitter partialities, and by the instigation of the Groningeois hee should profit nothing, departed from Sneck and went to Deuenter, whither hee sent againe for the parties, and them of Groninghen to come vnto him the 4. of February; but beeing there, they were so incensed one against another with such bitternesse, as they departed without doing any thing: and the said Commissioner tooke his way towardes the Emperour. Afterwards that which he had fore-told them came to passe: That if they would not consent to the election of a Potestate, within a short time other strangers would come, and force them vnto obedience. The which happened, for they themselues digged a pi [...], into the B which they fell. There were yet other Commissioners sent by the Emperour to them of Groningen, with Letters of Inhibition not to attempt any more, but to restore Friseland to her first rights and Priuiledges: but nothing auayled, for the partialities and Factions, as well of them that were allyed to the Groningeois as of the Schyeringers and Vetcoopers continued as violently as before, so as there followed at di [...]ers times, yea in one Family of the Iongamas, diuers factions and great effusion of blood. Those of Harinxima and Galama did no lesse one vnto another. The Townes, Abbaies and Monasteries did the like, calling in forces and in so great numbers to their succours, as they could not be freed of them, vntill they had payed them the last farthing, to the great oppression of the people. The which was no sooner dismist C and gone out of the Countrey, but Duke Albert of Saxony entertained them, and came into Friseland to make them to lay aside their factions, being forced therevnto by pouertie. And these were the fruits of their wilfull obstinacie.
PHILIP OF AVSTRIA THE 2. OF that name, the 34. Earle of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friseland: Duke of Bourgongne, &c Earle of Flanders, &c. Marquis of the holy Empire.
[Page 217] PHILIP the second of that name, Earle of Holland and Zeeland, Lord A of Friseland, the onely sonne of the Archduke Maximilian of Austria (afterwards Emperour) and of Mary Dutchesse of Bourgongne, daughter to Duke Charles the warlike, was borne in Bruges the 20. day of Iune in the yeare 1470. hee was foure yeere old when his mother dyed. Sence whose death the Archduke, king of Romaines, his father, in qualitie of Regent, Tutor or Curator, gouerned his wiues Inheritance with great troubles and vexation, by reason of the great factions and partialities, which raigned then both in Holland and Flanders vnto the yeare 1494. that 1494. the King of Romanes by the death of the Emperour Frederick his father, was crowned B Emperor: Prince Philip his sonne being then 16. yeares old, was intituled, Archduke Philip of Austrias titles. of Austria, Duke of Bourgongne, Lothier, Brabant, Styria, Carinthia, Lembourg, Luxembourg and Gelders; Earle of Habsbourg, Flanders, Arthois, Bourgongne, Ferrette, and Kiburch; Palatin of Henault, Holland, Zeeland, Namur and Zuphen. Marquis of the Holy Empire and of Bourgau: Landtgraue of Elsaten, Lord of Windismark, Portenau, Salines and Macklyn.
The 16. of March, the same yeare, the Emperor Maximilian marryed in the towne of Inspruch, the Lady Blanch Maria, daughter to Galeas Duke of Milan, and sister to Maxim [...]lians second marriage. Duke Iohn Galeas Maria. This marriage discontented some Princes of the Empire, and many of the Emperors friends, for that she was not of so noble a House as they desired, C for of the Viscontes side (who then gouerned at Milan) there was little Nobilitie, and of the Sforces side lesse. A while after he brought his wife into the Low-countries, being accompaned by many Princes of Germanie. The Archduke Philip his sonne, The Archduke Philip put in possession of the Netherland [...]. and the Lady Marguerite his sister (who had beene sent backe out of France, after the marriage of King Charles the 8. (to whom shee was promised) with the Dutchesse of Brittaine) went to meet them with the chiefe Nobilitie of the Neitherlands, at Maestricht, from thence they came to Louvain, whereas the Archduke was with great Ceremonies and pompe put into possession of the Dutchie of Brabant, and soone after in Antwerp of the Marquisate of the holy Empire. The 12. of December in the Towne of S. Gheertrudenbergh of the Earledome of Holland; and soone after at Romerswael of the Countie of Zeeland. From thence hee went into [...]landers, Arthois D and Henault, where he receiued the like: whither the Deputies of euery Prouince came who did him homage, and tooke an oath of fealtie.
In the same moneth of December, Charles Duke of Gelders returned out of Lorraine, whither he was retyred for feare of the Emperor Maximilan, who then held almost all the Dutchy of Gelders: who by the intercession of the Empresse and his other good friends, was suffered to remaine in Brabant, and to dispute the right which hee pretended to the said dutchie, before the 4. Electors of the Rhine, which were, the Cont Palatin, Vicarie of the Empire, and the Archbishops of Mentz, Cologne and Treues, whereuppon a day was assigned in the Towne of Maestricht, where a sentence was giuen by the said Princes: That Charles & his Predecessors from Duke Renold, in the yeare E 1423. were fallen from the Dutchie: for that the sayd Duke Renold dying without heires A sentence giuen by 4. Electors, against Char [...]es duke of Geld [...] male, the race of the Dukes of Gelder dyed with him. Besides that in fiftie yeeres his grandfather Arnold and his father Adolph had neglected to take vp the sayd Dutchie of the Empire and to doe their homage, and therefore being now returned againe to the Empire, he could no more pretende any interest vnto it, and that from hence-forth he should call himselfe Charles of Egmont, and not of Gelders. Notwithstanding this sentence, Charles remained in Gelders, and called himselfe Duke; all the Townes acknowledging him so, and loued him better then the Emperor, or the Archduke his sonne, who might pretend some interest vnto it, by the transport which Duke Arnold had made (excluding prince Adolph F his sonne father to this Charles) to the Duke of Bourgongne, (as wee haue sayde before.) To which Charles the Geldrois enclined the more willingly, for that they demanded a Prince of the blood of their old Dukes, expelling the Emperors men out of their Limits: wherevppon the Germanes and Prince Philips forces went to besiege [Page 218] Ruremond, but they redeemed themselues from this siege: from thence they went before A Nymeghen, the which was well assaulted, and better defended by a good Garrison [...] by the Archduke [...]. both of horse and foote, that was within it, the which did great spoile vnto the enemies campe, by many braue sallyes, so as in the end seeing they could preuaile nothing: being forced, they raised their campe, leauing part of their Attilerie, which they could not draw away in time. Soone after the Emperor returned into Germanie, to an imperiall dyet, which should be held at Wormes: leauing in the meane time in the Countrey of Gelders, the troupes of Duke Albert of Saxony, (the which were called the great scourge) robbing, burning and spoyling euery where as they went: hauing seazed vpon Niekerke, which they fortified, seruing them as a retreate for their thefts and spoiles. Charles Duke of Gelders went and besieged them, and shot fire into B it, which burnt all their munition and vittails, so as after they had endured 3. assaults, they yeelded the place to haue their goods and liues saued, the which the Duke caused to be raized.
Whilest that the factions of the Scheringers and Vet-coopers in Friseland (after the reiection of their new chosen Potestate, according to the Emperors Commission) were in their greatest heat and furie: Goslic Iongama cousin to Iuw Iongama, and Hero The f [...]ctions o [...] F [...]seland de [...]d suc [...] of the Du [...]e of Saxony. Hottinga were in the Towne of Harlem in Holland with duke Albert of Saxony, to demand succours, who gaue them good hope, when hee should see how the quarrell betwixt the Towne of Mastricht, and the Lord of Aremberg would be decided, keeping them with him sometime, and entertaining them with such shewes of loue and kindnesse C as they promised him, that hauing Commission from the Emperour they would preuaile so with their friends and partizans, as hee should be receiued for Potestate or Gouernour of all Friseland, the which hee aspired vnto: so as the third of October the said Goslic Iongama and Hero Hottinga returned into Friseland, with 8. hundred souldiers with which duke Albert had furnished them, whereof Collonell Nythrad Fokx was chiefe commander: who notwithstanding all the opposition of the Groningeois, of them of Leiu-warden and of Bolswaert, and of all other Gentlemen and partisans Vetcoopers, they landed, and came to charge them with such furie (although the other were thrice as many in number) as they made them recoyle, leaue their Artillerie, and retyre for their safetie to Lieu-warden. Therevppon Goslic Iongama, Hero D Hottinga, with these forraigne forces and some gentlemen Schyeringers, went the 4. of October (by the breake of day) to assayle the towne of Bols [...]aert. At the first the I [...]habitants did valiantly resist them, but in the end they were forced, and the Towne taken, with the losse of twelue Bourgesses onely, and of many prisoners, among the which the chiefe were Iuw Iongama, Thyark Walta, and Sybrand Roorda, the chiefe of the Vetcoopers faction. Iongama made offer vnto the souldiers that had taken him of 600. A crue [...]l murther of a ki [...]sman. Florins of gold to saue hislife, the which thinking to doe, they hid him in a poore mans house: but Goslic his cousin hauing discouered him, went thither, drew him forth, and slew him. He offered 200. florins of gold to the same souldiers, to haue Tyarck walta, but they seeing how he had murdered the other, deceiuing them of the ransome which they expected, they refused him, which done, the towne was abandoned to the spoyle. E The Schyeringers tryumphing ouer the Veetcoopers their enmies, hauing recouered many places, desired to be discharged from the troupes of Golonell Foc [...]s. For the effecting whereof, they charged the quarter of Wester-goe, with a certaine imposition, the which some payd willingly, others by constraint. They borrowed also the chalices and siluer vessell of the towne of Bolswaert, & of the Churches in villages thereabouts so as monie being found & the souldiers paid, Collonel Focks retyred with his men out of the countrey, leading with him Tyack Walta, and Sybrand Ro [...]rda prisoners, chiefe of the faction of the Vetcoopers. In the year 1497. the Lord of Iselsteyn, in the name of 1497. the Archduke Philip Earle of Holland, was gone to make a roade into the Countrey of Gelders, about Tyel, where hee spoyled and burnt some Villages. The Geldrois F went to Armes, especially the inhabitants of Nymeghen: where there was a great incounter, in the which by reason of the Ambushes which the said Lord had layed, there died many of either part, but most of those of Numeghen. In Autumne following [Page 219] the Geldrois (to haue their reuenge) surprised the Towne and castle of Leederdam in A the countrie of Arckell, two leagues from Gorrichom, from whence they greatly auoyed them that held the Hollanders part. Albert Duke of Saxony posted thither, to suppresse them, putting good Garrisons into the townes of Henkelon and Aspren (the which with Leederdam make a Triangle, not aboue a quarter of a league one from the the other) and so coopt them vp, as of the one side they could neither go in nor out: so as in the end being reduced to extremitie, they were forced to yeeld vp vnto the Duke, to haue their liues and goods saued. A while afterward the Geldrois ouer-runne all the Countrey of Boisleduke from whence they brought great spoile, and many prisoners. Duke Albert meaning to doe as much in Gelders, cast a floating bridge ouer the Riuer of Meuze, whereas ten horse might passe in Front, and so they had their B reuenge of the Geldrois. Hee tooke the Towne of Baten-bourch by Scalado, the Inhabitants seeing themselues so surprized fled into the castle, the which he besieged. Baten-burch surpri [...]d by Duke Albert. Those within it defending themselues valiantly, were in the end forced to yeelde, after that their walles had been beaten downe, the which the Duke caused to be repayred, and placed a garrison there, wherewith he might anoy the Geldrois. Presently after there was a truce made betwixt the Arch-duke Philip, and the duke of Gelders.
Duke Albert of Saxony beeing at that time at Al [...]mar in Holland, sent his Commissioners The Duke of Saxony made here ditarie gouernot of F [...]iseland. to Franicker in Friseland, to let the Frisons vnderstand that the Emperour Maximilian had giuen him the Gouernment hereditarie of all Friseland. The States of the countrie being assembled, hauing heard the charge of these Commissioners, and C the tenor of the Imperiall Letters Pattents of the sayd prouision, would in no sort giue eare vnto it, nor receiue any Lord nor Prince, against their ancient liberties and freedomes. This report made vnto the Duke, he threatens to enter into their Countrey with an armie, as Collonell Nythard Focks had done in his behalfe, the yeere before, being accompanied by Goslick Iongama, and Hero Hottinga, who had put the said hereditarie gouernment into his head: presuming to put him into peaceable possession thereof. For the effecting whereof they secretly laboured their friends, and the towns in Wester-goe, to make them yeeld vnto it: thinking it sufficient to cause him to be receiued in that quarter, whereof being assured, the doubted not of Oster-goe, and much lesse of the seuen Forests. But seeing that in priuate they profited little, they durst not D moue it in publike: wherefore this acceptance remained for a time in suspence, the Duke sending no Troupes in his name, but did wonderfully afflict the Countrey vnderhand. He in the meane time made shew as if he knew not any thing, till in the end they were glad to seeke for succours from him, the which was the thing hee expected, as we shall presently shew.
But before we proceed, we will first relate for what cause the Emperor did aduance Duke Albert to the hereditarie gouernment of Friseland. You must vnderstand that Duke Albert was sonne to the Emperor Fredericks sister, who was father to Maximilian, and so cousin Germaine to the said Emperor Maximilian, not that he was Duke of Saxony (for he was a yonger brother to Duke Arnold, Prince Elector and true duke E of Saxonie) and for that he was knowne to be a great captaine, and well experienced both in warlike and politicke affayres. The Emperour Maximilian (when he was yet but King of Romaines, and Gardien to his sonne the Arch-duke Philip) made him his Lieutenant in the gouernment generall of the Neitherlands: where hee did many exployts of warre, with his Germaines that he had sent for out of his countrie of Misnia and other places By reason whereof there was so great summes of money due to him, his Collonels and Captaines for their entertainments, as for the assurance thereof, there were diuers castels put into his hand [...], as Vilvoerden in Brabant, Scluse in Flanders, Woerden and H [...]lem in Holland, Louvesteyn in the countrey of Arckell, Medemblick Many [...] ingaged to the Duke of Saxony for his ent [...] taynment. in west Friseland, & Ziriczee in Zeeland. The ingaging of all these castels, F (by the which Duke Albert might keepe all these Prouinces subiect and in awe) did in the end trouble the States of the Neitherlands, who consulted how they might tetire them out of his hands finding none more expedient nor lesse chargeable then to transport vnto him the hereditarie gouernment of Friseland, wherein they were much assisted [Page 220] by the comming of Otto van Langen out of Friseland, during the time that they A treated with the duke, who giuing an account of his Commission, made knowne the great partialities, quarrels, factions, and ciuill warres that were generally ouer all the countrey of Friseland, from whence sprung great murthers, robbing, spoyling, burning, with the ruine & ouerthrow of towns, castels & countrie-houses, the which it was not possible to moderate nor pacifie, without vsing of some seuere meanes, proceeding from a high & soueraigne hand, so bitterly they were incensed one against another. And although said he, that he had aduised them to choose (according to their ancient Imperiall priuiledges and customes) a Potestate that might gouerne them in peace: yet could they not agree, but fell to contention and quarrell, so as hee thought it fittest to come away without bidding them farewell, to auoyd the danger of his person, and of B such as were in his companie, which affected the good and quiet of their Countrie. And therefore the Emperor with the Counsell of the Princes Electors, and the aduice of the States of the Neitherlands, to force the Frisons vnto Peace & concord, seeing that no mediators could preuaile, was perswaded to giue them a Potestate or Gouernor, the which he would haue hereditarie; & held of the Empire; which the Frison fearing least by their diuisions, they should (in giuing themselues to some other neighbour Prince, as to the King of Denmarke, or to the duke of Holsteyn) with-draw themselues from the obedience and soueraigntie of the Empire, appointing duke Albert for their hereditarie Gouernor, in consideration whereof hee restored all the castles and other places of the Netherlands which had been giuen him in pawne, except the C castle of Medemblyke which he desired might be left him, to serue for a Rendezuous and easie passage to sayle into Friseland when he pleased. By vertue of this donation, duke Albert required to be receiued of the Frisons, for their Gouernor, or Potestate hereditarie, writing diuers letters vnto them, to draw them to consent therevnto by mildnesse, before that he would vse any force; to auoyd effusion of blood, and their greater ruine, making many faire promises to bee a good Prince vnto them. But they The Frisons refuse Duke Albert for their gouernor. would by no meanes giue eare vnto it, alwayes relying vppon their Priuiledges and Freedomes, the which had been giuen vnto them by the ancient Romaine Emperors; and confirmed by Charlemaine and other Predecessors to the Emperor Maximilian, the which they might not breake; and therefore neither he, nor the Princes Electors, D nor the Imperiall chamber, had any right to make such a donation, from the which they did appeale as voyd and vniust.
Duke Albert hauing vnderstood by the relation of the Commissioner van Langen, what the factions of the Schyringers and Vetcoopers in Friseland were, and with The Duke will make vse of the [...]ctions [...] [...]iseland. what violence and furie they did massacre and ruine one another: and those of the faction of the Schyeringers had giuen him an honorable reception, hee resolued to make vse of these partialities, and to shew more loue to the Schyeringers (whom hee had knowne better by the meanes of Goslick Iongama and Hero Hottinga, who came vnto him to Harlem, and who had perswaded him much vnto it) then vnto the Vetcoopers, and therefore he began to shew them the least countenance hee could possibly. E Sometimes when he came to thinke of the obstynacie of the Frisons, whereas so many Earles of Holland seeking to subdue them, had lost their liues: and how that many other great Princes, such as the King of Denmarke and others, which would haue vanquished them, and had subdued them for a time, had beene chased away with shame and losse, hee did halfe repent him that hee had euer thought of it. Wherevppon Edsard Earle of Emden came to comfort and incourage him, promising all fauour and succour to reduce them that were obstinate. The which fell out happily for Edsard to settle his new estate of the Earledome of East-Friselande, where Vlrick his father had been the first Earle, by vsurpation ouer many noble men and priuate gentlemen of the sayd Countrie. On Saint Martins day, the Groningeois with those of Oster-goe and Wester-goe, held an Assembly of State at Donrip, whereas a truce was F made vntil the 11. of Aprill. 1498. by the which they did swear to succor one another with all their powers to repulse the rule & command of strangers, as wel of the duke of Saxony, as of any other, that should seek to enter into their countrie by force of armes.
[Page 221] Notwithstanding the truce aboue mentioned betwixt the Frisons and Gro [...]eois, A after that the troupe of Landisknechts (whome they termed the great scuorge) had beene defeated by the duke of Geldres and the Bishoppe of Vtrecht, there was yet remayning some 1500. such souldiars about Harderwyck, without any lord or maister yet they were countenanced and supported by the duke of Saxony, who would gladly haue had them in Friseland. Some captaines pensioners to the duke, set on vnder [...]and by him (to the end it should not seeme that hee would imploye these men without occasion) did treat with Thyark Walta and other Vetcoopers bannished from Woorckum, and fled into the towne of Suolle, offring to restore and settle them without any charge in Bolswaert, contenting, themselues onelie with the hazard of the pillage. This pleased Thyarck, who without any delaie came with these troupes into B Friseland ouer the Ice: Euery man thinking they had beene Thyarcks followers, vntill that it appeared otherwise. But good God, what spoiles, what burning, what ruines The Vetcoopers dravve strange [...] [...]to Friseland. of houses and Castells, how many Gentlemen taken prisoners, what ransoming, what exactions oppressions and violences, did these strange souldiars commit, not in one quarter onelie, but ouer a Friseland? and yet in the meane time nothing could mollefie the hearts of the factions, to reconcile themselues togither. If at any time they made some small truce or agreement, sodenly the ouer-weening pride of the one seeking to oppresse the other brake it, before they had seene or tasted the fruies thereof. In the ende Bocko Harincxima, Hero Hottinga, Iuw-decama, Edo Iongama, Epo [...]elua Syurdt Beyma, with manie other Gentlemen and the townes of Sneck, Franyker, C with the Baylewiks holding the partie of the Schyringers, seeing that the spoyles, which these strange souldiars, (which Thyarck Walta had brought in) had no ende in the quarter of Wester gooe, & that their neighbours of Oster-gooe & the seauen forests, did in no sort ayde them; they did certainely beleeue that all this was procured by Walta, and that they were his men: in which opinion they Groningeois did confirme them the more saying, that they had no feare that Walta would doe them any harme. After many conferences togither, as well in the townes of Franiker and Sneck as else where, to aduise what were most expedient and proffitable for them, in the ende they resolued, to send and intreat duke Albert to bee their Protector and defender: by whose meanes and power, they might once bee deliuered from these theeues and robbers. D And that vnder his protection the countrie of Wester-gooe might from thence forth liue in quiet and rest. This was the marke whereat the duke aymed: that hauing weakned one party, and so reduced it to his deuotion that hee might dispose of them at his pleasure: the other faction might with lesse difficultie be brought to reason, as he did. This resolution taken, those of Wester-gooe, sent the chiefe of their Nobility, to the duke of Saxony, being then at Medemblick, to offer him the countrie and their obedience They c [...]l [...] duke of Saxony into F [...]sland. and to acknowledge him for their hereditary Lord, vpon the conditions that were set downe in the contract which had past betwixt him and them. The duke to take possession of that which was offred him, and which he had so much affected, sent the siegnior Willebrord of Schooneburch a knight, his councellor and treasorer generall, E with an ample commission to treat with them; ioyning with him the Collonel Nythard Focx & Bernard Mets with their Regiments, to chase away those troupes which Thyarck Walta had brought in: with whome the sayd councellor and Collonel delt in such sort (for they were the duke their Maisters men) as they drewe them out of Bolsweart: And after that the dukes commissionars had taken possession in his name of all the quarter of Wester-gooe, all these troupes went togither into Oster-gooe, & seized vpon the towne of Dockom, robbing and spoyling all the country.
The Groningeois felt of it likewise, who seeing that they meant to set vpon them, agreed in good time with the commissionars▪ It would be tedious to describe the war, miseries and desolation which happened in this country of Friseland, which wee leaue F to our great Chronicle. For the duke hauing halfe done in Friseland, would besiege the towne of Groningen, for the which hee came with duke Henry his Sonne to Harlinghen, The duke makes an excessiue demand. and demanded the forth man ouer all the countre of Friseland, or the twelfth penny of all their goods and reuenues: in consideration whereof they should be free [Page 222] from seruing him in the warre. This demand was afterwards the cause why the whole A countrey reuolted from him. The same day that the Duke arriued at Harlengen, Collonell Focks went with 350. men to meet with Edsard Earle of Emden, beeing in the Towne of Dam in the countrie of Groningen, & to receiue the said town of the Earle [...]nell [...] by the [...]. in duke Alberts name. The Groningeois, knowing well of what importance it was for them, and whereunto the duke pretended, which was to cut off the passage of the sea behinde them; they sent a thousand men, and taking him at an aduantage defeated him, where he was slaine, for that he refused to yeeld: his body was carryed into Groninghe and buried in the Franciscans Church. The Bishop of Vtrecht laboured to make an accord betwixt the duke and the Groningeois, but nothing succeeded; whervpppon the duke and Cont Edsard went to Emden and from thence hee returned into his Countrie of Misnia, leauing duke Henry his sonne in Friseland for his Lieutenant, B who held his court at Franicker, and there seated the Parliament of Friseland.
In the yeare 1500. Duke Henry Lieuetenant to his father in Friseland, seeking to exact too much vpon the Frisons, made them to rise in armes against him, & to besiege him in Franicker Duke Albert his father came posting out of Germanie, to the Earle of The Duke ty [...]s ouer the Frisons. Emden with a new armie to vngage his sonne, and from thence hee went into Friseland, where he made such a pittifull spoile, as all both noble and base, rich and poore, Priestes, Monkes, Nunnes and Nou [...]ces fled out of the Countrie, none remaining but the poore pesants of the seuen Forrests, who would see what the end might bee of all there miseries. Duke Henry would gladly they had ruined all Friseland, not being satisfied C with the reuenge his father had taken. But the father with a better consideration (being of a deeper iudgement then his sonne) would not consent vnto it. But writ his letters freely vnto all the Villages; That the Pesants should returne freely euery man The fruites of their [...]. to his house, and that for a certaine summe of money (which they should contribute euery one according to his habilitie) he would receiue them againe into fauour. Wherevppon they returned, redeeming themselues of the Duke; some Village at a 100. 200. 300. 400. 500. florins according to their wealth. Then commandement was giuen to bring all their Armes into the Cittadell of Lewarden, and aboue all for a reparation, they should come bare-headed and bare-footed, without girdles, to sue for pardon vppon their knees, and to promise all future obedience to him and his heires. This was in regard of the countrey-men and pesants; as for the Nobilitie, gentrie and Church-men, D they were forced to purchase letters of grace and pardon at a deere rate. Behold what miseries their factions caused, hauing nourished them so long among them, with so great obstinacie and rancour as some would rather haue lost their countrie, libertie, freedomes and Priuiledges, goods, [...]insfolkes and friends, then to giue eare to any reconciliation, calling in a strange Prince, rough and austere, with two sonnes of the same humour: burning themselues to scald another. For without doubt if they had liued vnited vnder one Potestate, as they had been wont in old time, and as the Emperours Commissioner Otto van Langen had well aduised them, and that if they had chosen him, the Emperor would neuer haue beene moued to remedie their ciuill wars by a soueraigne authoritie. And there would not haue been any Prince so presumptuous E that would haue dared to trouble their quiet, much lesse to haue arrogated any right of superioritie or command ouer them. But this strange Prince being called in by themselues, hauing one partie which was the moitie of the countrie at his deuotion, and many of the other partie shaken: it was easie for him to humble them, as Duke Albert of Saxony did, remaining by that meanes Lord of Friseland.
The Duke fore-seeing that if hee did not in like sort subiect the towne of Groningen and the countrie there abouts, he should neuer inioy Friseland quietly: hee went the last of Iuly 1500. to besiege it, he planted his Campe in Auwert, Seewert, and of the side of the Port of Bottoringhe, hee battered it furiously, as well the walles and Ramparts with his Cannon, as the houses in ruine with his great morters. The in habitants F had a good garrison of souldiers, who made many braue sallies vpon his campe. One day as he himselfe was taking a marke with a Cannon, a shot of artillerie came from the towne, who although he were not toucht with the bollet; yet was hee sore [Page 223] woūded with the splinters of the carriage & the gabions, & was carried to his lodging. A In the meane season by reason of his wounds, at the intercession of the Bishop of Vtrecht (whome they of Groningen had intreated) and of the Earle of Emden, after that he had besieged it six weekes; the plague also beeing very whot in his campe, and hauing yet preuailed little, he made a suspension of armes, and raised his campe, and then caused him selfe to be transported to Emden, where he died the twelfth of September: He dies at Emden. hauing before his retreat from Groningen left Cont Hughe van Lynsenack, to bee his Lieutenant ouer all Friseland, during his absence and his Sonnes, giuing charge to Willebrord of Schoonenburch, to enter into Friseland with 2500 men, and to punnish the rebels which remained, reducing them vnder his obedience: who marched with his troupes vnto the seauen Forests and to Schellingwerff, who neuer vnto that time wold acknowledge duke Albert for their Lord, he camped in Oldebercoop, sending for B them of Schellingwerf to come vnto him, who being loath to be ruined by their owne obstinacie, sent their deputies to reconcile them vnto the duke, and to acknowledge him for their Lord: wherevpon they were receiued, in paying three florins of gold vpon euery house for a reparation. Duke Henry of Saxony sent his Fathers bodie into his country of Misnia, and he himselfe went to Brusselles to his couzin the Archduke Philip, Duke Henry leaues Friseland to his yonger brother. neuer returning more into Friseland: for that (as they sayd) being besieged in Franicker, hee had vowed vnto God, that if hee might get safely out, he would neuer returne. So afterwards he resigned all his right to duke George his yonger brother. C
GEORGE DVKE OF SAXONY GOuernor of the Netherlands, for the Archduke Phillip of Austria Prince and Lord of the said Countrie.
[Page 225] GEORGE duke of Saxony sonne to duke Albert hauing by the death A of his Father, and the resignation of duke Henry his elder brother, obtained the gouernment of the country of Friseland & Groningen, by the title of donation which the Emperor had made vnto duke Albert: had also since after the decease of the Archduke Philip of Austria, King of Castille by his wife, the gouernment of the Netherlands for a time, in the absence of the Emperor Maximilian, busied in the warres of Italie. He was great grand-father to Prince Mary of Nassau by the mothers side.
About that time the banished men of Friseland, which could obtaine no pardon from the dukes of Saxony father and sonne: hearing that about Harderwyke in Geldres, there were certaine troupes of soldiars, that were not entertained by any: some B gentlemen Frisons that were fled out of their country, went vnto them to drawe them vnto their seruice, the which (for money and faire promises) marched with them towards Friseland. But as they opprest the poore countrymen to much, where they past; they began to rise vpon them, so as this troupe vanished and came to nothing.
Afterwards all these banished men, with one common consent, sent their deputies to Antwerp, to the Archduke Philip and to duke Henry of Saxony: for the Nobles there The Frisons complaine to the Archduke Philip. went Edo Iongama, Edo Gerbranda, Douwe Galama, Tyark Walta, Iuw Roorda, Ian Roorda, Rienick Campstra, Ritsk Iuckama, Sasker Heringa, Wattie Harinxma, Douwe Hiddama, and Agge Lankama of Mackom, for the clergy, Hermā Pastor of Foswaert, Albert Pastor of Styens, Gello Pastor of Vollega, & some others of their Clergy. These deputies being in the presence C of the Archduke Philip, and of duke Henry, deploring the miserable estate of their coūtry, made a long speech of the causes & motiues of the alteration which had happened, wherof insued the siege of Franicker, which had not bin, but through the excessiue and insupportable exactions and taxes, which were daily laied vpon them, without intermission, wherewith the country was not onelie exhausted of money, but made poore miserable and desolate: and all through the horse-leeches of gouernors and officers which the duke had placed there: the which thrust them into such dispaire, as the miseries and calamities which followed, tooke their spring and beginning from thence. They therefore beseeched him, that it would please duke Henry of Saxony, in regard of a certaine summe of money (although by reason of the extorsions past it would bee D heauy and burthensome) such as should bee agreed vpon, from that time forward to relinquish and giue ouer the siegnorie of the country of Friseland, the which had been alwaies wont to remaine free: or else to resigne it to the Archduke Philip his couzin, their neerest neighbour, either by sale, transport, or otherwise: to whome they would promise and sweare all fealty, gouerning them according to their ancient preuiledges, and preseruing them from all wrongs and oppressions of all other fortaine Princes, or enemies that would inuade them: as duke Albert had promised and sworne vnto them at his reception, the which his Lieutenants and officers had broken in sundry sorts, whereof all their miseries haue growne. Answere was made to this petition, that they would send some of them of qualitie and Iudgement: two of the quarter of Oster-gooe; two of An answere to the Frisons. E Wester-gooe, and two of the seauen Forests; the which should goe into the sayd quarters, to vnderstand from the Inhabitants, whome they would more willingly obey, the Archduke Philip or the Duke of Saxony: and by what meanes for the greater good of the country, the might be treated of and accorded. According to the which, there were on the Suppliants behalfe, deputed Edo Iongama, and Syurd Wybes for the quarter of Oster-gooe: Aggo Lanckam [...] and Baldwin Lattiens for Wester-gooe: Syres Hyl [...]ko and Vlbe Igles for the Seauen Forests. These sixe being arriued at Cuinder, sent vnto Cont Hughe of Linsenach, the duke of Saxonies lieutenant, to craue a Pasport at his handes, the which hee sent them, but in such obscure and doubtfull tearmes, as they durst not trust vnto it. For in truth this resignation of the siegneury of Friseland vnto the F Archduke Philip, which was then in question, did nothing please the said Lieutenant, the councell, nor the Nobles of Friseland that were partisans, to the Saxons: wherevpon they sent them this defectiue pasport, meaning to intrappe them. For contrariwise, insteed of giuing eare to this resignation, they forced all the countrie of [Page 226] Frieseland, from Staueren vnto the riuer of Lauwers, to sweare vnto the dukes Henry A and George of Saxony Brethren, sonnes to the deceased duke Albert, exacting vpon all the townes and villages of the country, a yeares contribution of aduance, except the Clergy whome they did free for that time. Moreouer they raised certaine newe Impostes vpon the Wine, Beere, and Cloth: Whereof they made an estate, the which they sent vnto these two dukes Brethren: that seeing the great reuenues, and the profit which did ariue yearely vnto them from those countries, they should bee the lesse inclined to resigne them. But it was not the profit of these Princes that did so much rule them, as their o [...]ne priuate interest, without any respect to the publike good.
We haue sayd before that Ferdinand Prince or Infant of Castille the onelio sonne of the King Don Fernand of Arragon and of Queene Isabella, had married the Ladie B Marguerite of Austria and sister to the Archduke Philip: which Prince died within a yeare after his marriage, leauing his wife with child, who was deliuered of a sonne, the which liued not long after: so as there was none neerer to succeed in the realmes of Castille, Arragon, Naples, Sicile and others, then the Lady Isabella, eldest daughter to the King Don Fernando, who was married to Don Emanuel King of Portugal, and then the Lady Iane wife to the Archduke Philip: the Lady Isabella Queene of Portugal died, leauing one only son, named Michel, who liued not long. Al which being dead: that is to say, the Prince Don Ferdinand, and his son, that was borne after his death, the Queene of Portugal & Prince Michel her son, there remained only to succeed in the said Realmes, the Lady Iane Archduchesse of Austria, duchesse of Bourgongne, mother to Charles & C Ferdinand Emperors in their times. Wherfore the Archduke and his wife were aduised and councelled by the Bishop of Besanson, to go into Spaine, before that the King Don Ferdinando of Arragon, and Queene Isabella of Castille, father and mother The [...]chduke [...] an [...] his w [...]e go [...] into Sp [...]ne. to the sayd Ladie Iane Archduchesse should die, to prepare themselues to the sucession of the sayd Realmes: and to take their way through France. And the rather for that Lewis the twelfth the French King, & the duke of Bourbon Vncle to the Archduke had a great desire to see him. Comming into France with a stately traine of Princes and Noblemen, as well Germains as Netherlanders, they were honorably receiued in all townes by the Kings commandement, with power to pardon prisoners for They are ho [...] [...] enter [...] by the French King crimes. The King and Queene attended them at Blois, being accompanied by the Princes of the bloud, dukes, Earles, Barons, Cardinalls, Archbishops and Bishops, where D they staied six daies, then hauing taken their leaues, they went on in their vo [...]age, vntill they arriued in Spaine, where they were welcome to the King and Queene, who were ioyfull to see their daughter, and then their onely heire. The Archduke hauing staied sometime in Spaine, tooke his leaue of the King and Queene, to goe vnto the Emperor his father in Germany, and there take possession of his estates and siegneuries, for The Archduke [...] into Germany. which cause the Emperor had sent for him. He returned as he went by France (leauing his wife in Spaine) where there fell out a quarrell in Court betwixt the French and the Spaniards, in the which the duke of Nemours was slaine, whereof the Archduke purged himselfe vnto the King: yet hee was so terrified, as hee fell into so violent E a feuer, as for a time they doubted of his health: yet through the care of the King and the duke of Bourbon, with the helpe of good Phisitions he was soone recouered, and so departed, taking his way towards Germanie, where the Princes attended him vpon the Rhine, who receiued him very honorably.
All this time the warre continued betwixt the duke of Saxony, by the conduct of Cont Hugh of Lynsenach, and the Groningeois, by many prises and reprises of either side, as of dam, of Delfziel and other places: The exiled Frisons were reconciled to the duke of Saxony, who chose rather to receiue them into grace, then to enter into contention with the Archduke his couzin. In the yeare 1503. died that vertuous Princesse, the Ladie Maguerite of Yorke, duchesse Douager of Bourgongne, who was 1503. D [...]h [...]o the D [...]e Dou [...]ger of Bourgongne. buried at the Franciscan friars in Macklyn: shee was wonderfully lamented of the F poore, for her great almes deedes, and of all good and vertuous men: for she was a wise and vertuous Princesse, and had pacefied many quarrells, shee was sister to Edward the forth King of England.
[Page 227] The yeare 1502. and 1503. were spent without any warre in the Neitherlands, at the A least that was memorable, by reason of the peace which was betwixt the said countries and the French, of the truce betwixt Gronninghen and the Duke of Saxony, and that the Frisons (without seeking any quarrels after their accustomed manner) had worke enough to repaire their Sea walles and bankes which the last violent tempests had broken and carried away.
In the same yeare 1503, the Lady Marguerite of Austria, sister to the Arch-duke Marguerite of Austria marred to the Duke of Sauoy. Philip, widow to prince Don Fernando of Castile, married againe to Philibert the 8. duke of Sauoy; a valiant & vertuous Prince, full of such manly beautie, as he was called Philibert the faire; he was also amiable and courteous to all men: he succeeded to his father Philip in the said Dutchie, and Principalitie of Piedmont in the yeare 1495. After that he had done many things worthy of memorie, he dyed, leauing no issue of his body: B & therefore Charles his brother succeeded him. The Lady Marguerite his widow, in testymonie of the loue she bore him (although shee were yong) would neuer marrie againe, but continued the rest of her life a widow, & was afterwards Gouernesse of the Low-countreys, for Prince Charles, sonne to the Arch-duke Philip of Austria, King of Castile, in the right of his wife, and her Nephew.
In the moneth of May 1504. the Lady Iane of Castile, Arch-dutchesse of Austria, 1504. The warre reuiued betwixt the Archduke Philip and the duke of Gelders. returned out of Spaine, and came to the Arch-duke her husband, who receiued her with great ioy. Then the Archduke according vnto that which hee had promised the Emperor his father, being in Germanie, prepared to make hot warres against the C duke of Gelders, to whom he sent a Herald to sommon him to yeeld him vp his Duthchie of Gelders, and Countie of Zutphen, else he did defie him and all his subiects and allyes, and denounced warre against them, with fire and sword. He made also a Proclamation throughout all his Prouinces, inhibitting all men to carrie any victuals or munition of warre into the countries of Gelders, Zutphen and Ouerissell, and he sent some shippes of warre into Zuyderzee, vnder the command of an Admirall who should gard those seas, that nothing might enter into the Riuer of Yssell, of Ee, and other channels; nor into the Hauens of Harderwyck and Elburch: then he sent all his armie to Boisle-duke, where hee was intreated by his Noble-men, and the Commanders of the armie, not to goe himselfe to field in person; and therefore hee gaue charge to the Lord of Vergy, a Bourguignon, to Cornellis of Berghen, lord of Seuenberghen, D and to Floris of Iselsteyn, to march with the whole armie into the countrey of Gelders, where at the first they besieged the castle of Hameiden, the which they tooke, from thence they went before Midele, where the Bastard of Gelders was, the which after batterie and an assault giuen, was yeelded by accord; hee himselfe remaining The exploi [...] of both armies. prisoner and was sent into Brabant. Then they tooke the castell of Trecele, and spoiled the Champion contrie; but winter approching they retyred againe to Bosleduke. The Geldrois (on the other side) lay not idle, making many roades into Barbant and into other neere places, belonging to the enemie, from whence they also carryed great spoile. In the same month duke George of Saxony, made his first entrie into the countrey of Frise-land, hee arriued first at Harlingen, from thence hee came to Franiker to the castle of Syardama, where he caused all the States of Friseland to bee E assembled, to whom there were certaine Articles propounded on the Dukes behalfe, Duke George of Saxony co [...]s into Friseland. the which he would haue entertained and kept by them. One among the rest was; That all Noble-men or Gentlemen that had held any Siegneories or other fees, should come and take them vp of him, as of their Soueraigne and absolute Prince. Whereunto the States would by no meanes yeeld, seeming vnto them neither iust nor reasonable, to subiect themselues vnto a thing whereof God and nature had made them in all ages free, to make themselues slaues, and to subiect them and their children for euer. The duke beeing fully instructed of the reasons of their deniall, fearing some greater inconuenience, F gaue ouer that point, vpon condition, that they should pay him yearely the 21. penny He makes a composition with the Frisons. of all their goods, rentes, and reuenues, inioying all the surplusage quietly without any further demaundes, and neuer to impose any further charges heerafter vppon them. The which was granted by a generall consent of all the Nobles and townes.
[Page 228] This Accord thus made and agreed vpon, hee also called together all the Clergie A of the sayd Contrie to the towne of Franiker, to whome hee made the like demande of the 21. penn [...]e. But as there was great disputing about it, the assembly brake vp, and would not yeelde to any thing. Yet the. 7. of Iuly they were sent for againe, wher after m [...]ch co [...]ention, in the end they yeelded, vpon condition, that it should bee paied by Chapt [...]rs and Prebends where-vnto the goods which they held in propriety or by [...], should not be bound. Euer since that Duke Albert tooke first possession of the [...] of Friseland, vnto the yeare. 1505. the contry had bin allwayes gouerned [...] D [...] of [...]. by Licutenants vnder the authority of the Dukes of Saxony: but this yeare Duke George▪ c [...]itted six worthy men, both in wealth, wisdome and experience, to the gouernment of affaiers: three Germains, William Tru [...]xes and Syurdt Lutsing, Knights, with B h [...] Chancellor doctor of the lawes, the three other were Frisons, Bucho Pastor of Wyrdom, He [...]el Martu [...] and Francis Minnama▪ ouer whome Tru [...]xes was superintendent; to whom the duke hauing giuen their comissions & instructions how they should gouerne thēselues, after that he had setled the court or Parlament of Frieseland at Leeuwarden, and built the Chance [...]y before the Cittadel, the which he did furnish (as he did al other forts of the contry with good garisons, and sufficientmunition, he parted out of Friseland, and went to Emden where before that he returned into his country of Misnia, he made Edsard Earle of East Friseland, his Lieutenant and captaine General of his armie, when hee should begin warre against them of Groningen, which done hee retired. At that time the warre was very violent betwxt the Bourguignons and Geldrois wasting C and spoiling one an other both by Sea and Land, at which time the Emperour Maximilian sent the Earle of Anholt with a 1000. foote and 500. horse to succor the Archduke Phillip his sonne against the Geldrois. who went to lodge in a cl [...]ister of regular monks, neere vnto Bomell, the which hee fortified, from whence he did much anoy the Geldrois within the circuit of Tyel and Bomel by spoiles and ransomes, and among others he ruined the great village of Dryell. On the other side Robert of Aremberghe being in garrison at Naerden, as Gouernor of the contry of Goylandt, did no lesse vpon the Velawe and contry there abouts. To conclude all this warre was nothing but the ruine of the Contry-man and of some priuate Gentlemen.
In the yeare 1505. the truce betwixt the Duke of Saxony and the Groningeois expired and not being able to agree, the warre reuiued. The Regents (for so we will call, 1505. D those sixe men which duke George had lef [...] for the Gouernment of the Contry of Fresland, did presently put 400. men into the fort of Au [...]ert: The Duke sent them also for a supply the seignior Vit van [...] with some troopes, who did also lodge in Auwert. And then the Earle of Emden in the Dukes absence, tooke vpon him the charge of Gene [...]all of all the army, and of the campe which he planted before Groningen, willing the Regents to send him 600. men well armed, wherein he was presently obeyed. He caused a fo [...]t to be built vpon the territor [...] o [...] Ouerissell, to keepe all succors from entring into Groningen on that side, whereof the townes of the said Contrie of Ouerissel, which are of the D [...]ocese of Vtrecht, complained vnto their Bishop, for otherwise they would willingl [...] haue succored them: but the Bishop pacified them, and touching E the succo [...]s, he diuided the Townes, some desiring it, others not; so as in the meane time the fort was finished, the which was called W [...]ert d [...]n bras, wherby the Groningeois were frustrate of the succors which they expected from them of Oueryssell. The Emperour Maximili [...] being then in the contry of Gelders, the towne of Groningen and the Townes of Ouerissel, sent their deputies vnto him, to make their complaints of the duke of Saxony, and of the Regents which hee had commited for the gouerment of Frisland, whervpon there was a day appointed in the towne of Hatem in Gelders whether came the sa [...]d d [...]puties on the one part, and the Ear [...]e of Emden with some of the [...] of [...]. [...] on the other part. Euery one deliuered his reasons, which were well heard. B [...]t the [...]mperour fauoring the d [...]ke more then the rest, the Groningeois and those of F [...] preuayled nothing. In the same yeare died the Lady Isabella Queene of Castil [...]e [...] [...] to the King Don Fernando of Arragon, mother to the Lady Iane, Arch-du [...]hesse of Austria, wife to the Archduke Phillip remayning their onely daughter: so as [Page 229] now she was their onely heire, and succeeded in the realmes of Castille, Leon, Granado. A &c. Whereof she and her husband were crowned King and Queene in Brusselles, whither the Crowne was sent them out of Spaine.
Cont Englebert of Nassau had alwayes disswaded the Archduke from making of warre against the duke of Gelders▪ for being a wise Noble-man, and knowing whereon he grounded his right, hee did fore-see what the issue would bee after his death. Some of the Archdukes counsell (newly King of Castile) perswaded him, that before hee went into▪ Spaine with his wife to take possession of her Kingdomes, he should conquer all the Dutchie of Gelders, and the Countie of Zutphen: where-vppon hauing [...] b [...] sieged by the Archduke. made a great preparation, he went and besieged Bommel, the which hee battered for a time, then hauing but two Forts to keepe them in, hee marched with his armie B towards Arnhem, the chiefe Towne and Chancerie of the Dutchie; the which hauing besieged long, and battered vntill it could endure no more, in the end it was yeelded, paying to the souldiers to redeeme the assaults, 8000. Florins. That of Harderwyck (which is a sea Towne belonging to the duke of Gelders) yeelded in the like [...] tak [...]n in [...]. maner: then the Towne and castle of Hattem vppon the Riuer of Yssell, (where as the Earle of Suffolke, an English-man was taken.) Then the Townes of Elburch, Doesburch, Dotecom, Grolle, Tyell, Bommel, Lochem, and other small townes yeelded. There was also many Gentle-men Geldrois, which tooke the Bourguinons partie, (for so the Archdukes men were called) Among others the siegnior of Bronckhorst, Wisch, Scheeren berghe, Otto Scenck of Wachtendonck, a braue knight, who did much anoy the Geldrois, with some others who went to serue the Archduke. The C duke of Gelders affaires were then reduced to that estate, as if the Bourguignons had then pursued their victory, they had wholy conquered all the duke of Gelders country.
During the Earle of Emdens siege before Groninghen, there grewe some diuision betwixt him and the Germaine Collonels, and other chiefe Officers of the duke of Diuision in the Duke of [...] campe before [...] Saxonies, wherewith the Earle was so discontented as without speaking of any word, hee retyred to Dam, the which his men held 3. leagues from Groninghen: which the Germaines did little regard, assuring themselues of the taking of Groninghen, which was then brought to extremitie, and could not long hold out, hauing beene besieged almost a whole yeare, so as they not onely had neede of victuals, but of all other prouisions, and munitions for warre. Wherevpon the Groningeois, both gentlemen and D Bourgesses assembled vppon the place, before the Counsell house to aduise of that which should be most expedient for them to doe, for the auoyding of the totall ruine of their Towne, and that they might not bee [...]orced to yeelde vnto the mercie of the Germaines. In the ende it was resolued, to call Vytt van Draecksdor [...], one of the chiefe commanders of the duke of Saxonyes armie, next vnto the Farle of Emden, and to capitulate alone with him of their redition, hoping that in offering him that honour, (seeing that hee had the chiefe command ouer the Saxons and Germaines) they should haue the better composition. But as this was thus decre [...]d, and that they were ready to send their deputies to him to Auwert; Behold there came into the towne a Bourgeois and his wife (whilest the inhabitants were yet together) so villanosly E entreated and dissigured, as all men had horrour to behold them; for beeing prisoners, and hauing no meanes to pay the ra [...]some which they demanded, Collonell Vytt caused their noses and eares to be cut off, sending them back thus dissigured to the Towne, who by their [...]ryes and lamentations did moue all the cittizens to pittie, and furie against Vytt, and all the Germaines, resoluing to set fire on the Towne, and consume it to ashes, rather then to veeld to such tyrants: and so they entertained themselues in their pouertie for a while. But hearing afterwards of the dislike that was betwixt the Earle of Emden & Collonel Vytt, the [...] writ secretly vnto the Earle, to know his minde; If he would not receiue them vnd [...]r his hereditary protection, as wel for him as for The Gr [...] geois treate with the [...] of [...]mden. his successors. These Letters did wonderfully please the Earle, who sent the Messenger F backe with an answere as pleasing to them of the Towne: which was; That they should send their Deputies with full power and ample commission to treat with him. The which they did, vppon condition, that hee should leaue them in the same estate, and vnder [Page 230] the same Priuiledges that he should find them at his entrie. The which the Earle promised, A so as he might build a Cittadell there as great as hee pleased. The deputies of the Groningeois returned to the Towne, hauing made their report of that which they had treated, and concluded with the Earle of East-Friseland. The Magistrate and The E [...] of [...] [...]de Pr [...] of [...]. Counsell did presently remit the Impositions and Customes which they had taken before, that they might liue vnder the Earle in the like libertie. According to this Accord, the first of May the Earle entred into Groninghen with 2000. men, leauing a sufficient garrison in Dam, approching neere the high Bridge they went to meet him; the Priests and Moncks going in procession with their Crosses and Banners, receiuing him with great tryumph and state, and hauing brought him to the State-house, they tooke the oth and did him homage, acknowledging him for their Lord, Deliuerer and B Protector. A strange alteration and sodaine change; the Groningeois neuer had a greater enemie then this Earle, yet suddenly they except of him for their Protector and defender: he whom a little before they so much blamed, cursed and detested, (as the man whom they held to be the onely cause of all their miseries) they now receiue him for their Prince; yea, the little children reioyced that they were not fallen into the Saxons hands, nor maister Vytts, singing in the streets; Heer vyt is Groningen quyt. Maister Vytt hath lost Groningen. Behold the fruits of this Collonels cruelty. But it is no new thing in the Germaines, no more then in the Spaniards to vse the like barbarous The Earle of Emden Builds acittadel at Groninghen. inhumanitie, if they doe but thinke that they haue vanquished their enemies. Soone after that the Earle was entred into the towne, he built a Cittadell on the South-side at C Heere-Port, well slanked with great Bulwarks, deepe ditches, and goodly gates, both within and without the Towne.
These newes of the yeelding vp of Groningen into the Earle of West-Freezlands hand, beeing come into Misnia to duke Georges eares, he went vnto the Earle to know in whose name he had receiued the Towne of Groningen into his protection: wherevnto he presently answered: That what hee had done, was in the name of the Empire, by reason of the controuersie that was betwixt the Duke of Saxony, and the high Diocesse of Vtrecht (which is the countrey of Oueryssel) for the iurisdiction of Groningen, which being decided, he would yeeld it to whom it should appertaine. And although the Dukes deputies knew the contrarie, yet they tooke these excuses for payment, fearing to incense him more, and that he should draw in the other troupes, the which being ioyned vnto D his, and with the helpe of the Frisons, hee might easily chase the Saxons out of all Friseland, and quite disposses the duke. The which had beene easie for him to doe, if he had then attempted it. Afterwards the Duke sent his Marshall into Friseland with a great summe of money to the Germaines Campe, lying yet about Groningen, to pay them, and to thanke them. The Collonells, Captaines and Gentle-men before their departure (hauing serued long there) would gladly haue seene the Towne, but the Earle would not suffer them. This Marshall and the Dukes counsell (to keep the Earle still in breath, and at the dukes deuotion) gaue him the title of Leiutenant and Generall in the dukes name, of the Towne and Countie of Groningen, with an honourable The Earle of Emden receiues entertainment from the duke of Saxony. E yeerely entertainment, taken out of the dukes cofers, with a promise, that when hee should be discharged thereof, to pay him 30000. florins of gold at one intire payment, with many other things which they granted vnto him. The Earle accepted of all by prouision, and made his profit thereof; knowing very well whereto they tended, the which notwithstanding he dissembled, seeming alwayes to bee at his seruice: and in this sort the state of Groningen was maintained vnto the yeare 1512. being doubtfull whither the Earle held it for himselfe, or for the duke of Saxony: vntill that some gentlemen Frisons, who he disauowed, were for his sake beheaded in the Towne of Leeuwarden. Yet notwithstanding the Frisons and Groningeois liued in peace, vnto the yeere 1514.
In the meane time the six Regents Saxons, during the hard frosts of winter, did still F put garrisons into their Townes, fearing the Earles surprises, houlding still the two Forts which they had in the countrey of Groningen: that is Winsom and Werdenbrasse: the which they had continually well manned with good soldiars at the duke of [Page 231] Saxonies deuotion. The duke had a conceit, that during his absence, the sixe Regents A which he had appointed to gouerne Frisland, had but negligētly executed their charge, or otherwise through enuie and ielousie one of another, had neglected their duties, & that the gouernment of one alone with the counsell was more lawfull, more befitting, and of greater authoritie: where-vpon the Marshall of Saxonie, assembled the States of Friseland, in the Towne of Leuwarden, the 6. of Iuly, where the said 6. Regents were discharged, and in their place was instituted Count Henry of Stalburch, a wise The Earle of St [...]lburche made the Dukes Lieutenant in F [...]eland. and discreet noble man, and one that feared God, to be the Dukes Lieutenant generall throughout all Freezland. Which being done, the Marshall and the Earle went to Dam, whither they sent for the Commonalties of the countrey of Groninghen in the Dukes name, to take the othe of fealtie as his Vassals, but not any one appeared; desiring rather to acknowledge the Earle of East-Friseland, who the same yeare caused B money to be coyned in the towne of Groningen, with this Inscription Edsardus Comes & Senator Groningensis. In the yeares 1506. 1507. and 1508. there was no memorable thing done in Friseland that doth merit the writing.
After that the towne of Arnhem and other places of the Dutchie of Gelders and countie of Zutphen, were thus reduced (as we haue said) vnder the obedience of the Archduke, King of Castile: hee stayed some-time without the said towne of Arnhem in the castle of Roossendael. Thither came the bishop of Vtrecht, the vicont of Montfort, and many other Noble-men, who laboured so vnto the King to reconcile the The Duke of G [...]ldres reconcil [...]d to the King of Castille. duke of Gelders as in the end he was sent for to come vnto him, being accompanied C with some Noble-men. Comming before the King, hee kneeled downe: but the King tooke him vp presently with great courtesie, and so they went together into the castle, where as they remained some time. And as the King and many of his Princes and Noble-men were very desirous to goe into Spaine, it was concluded betwixt the King and the duke; That either of them should hold what they had in the Dutchie and countie of Zutphen: and that the Duke should accompanie the King in this voyage: but afterwards the duke excused himselfe with a good and auailable reasons.
The King hauing recouered money, made his preparations with his wife to goe by sea (whereof William of Croy Lord of Cheurees had the charge: and before their The King and Queene of Cast [...] g [...]e into Spaine. departure was made Gouernour of all the Neitherlands in the Kings absence) and recommended his sonnes Charles and Ferdinand, to the Ladie Marguerite his sister, D Douwager of Sauoy. The French King hearing that they tooke their way by Sea, and would not passe through France, he sent Philip of Cleues, Earle of Neuers and the bishop of Paris vnto them in Ambassage: requiring first; That the marriage which had beene concluded betwixt Prince Charles their sonne, and the Lady Claude of France, An [...] frō the [...]nch kin [...] to the King of Ca [...]ille. the Kings daughter, should bee diasnulled and made voyde, for that the Princes of the blood, and the Parliament did not thinke it conuenient. And for the second point; That the King of Castile should not attempt any thing vpon the Soueraigne iurisdiction of Flanders in ciuill causes, and in Arthois touching Appellations, both in Ciuill and Cryminall causes. The which was wholy granted. These Ambassadours dispatcht away, King Philip and Queene Iane of Castile his wife, accompanied with a E goodly traine of Princes, Noble-men, Princesses and great Ladyes parted in the ende of the yeare 1505. from Antwerp, and came into Zee-land, where waying anchor at Arnmuyden, the day after tweft day 1506▪ they went to Sea with a rich and mightie Fleet of shippes: but they had not beene long at Sea before that there did 1506. rise a great tempest of winde, snowe, and such mists, as being long before they knew The King & Queene of Castill in [...] at Sea go [...] into [...]aine. what course they went, they were hourely in great danger to perrish in the Sea. Euery man wondered that in the depth of winter, they would commit themselues to the danger and perrill of the Sea, GOD letting them for to vnderstand that the greatest Kings and Princes, are subiect vnto these dangers, as well as the poorest, F Marryners: but he preserued them, and they put to land at Weymouth in the West part of England, all the rest of the fleet was so dispersed, as they knew not what was become of them, whereof some shippes were cast away. Henrie the seauenth King of They put to land in England. England, hearing of their being in the Harbour, sent some of his Princes to receiue [Page 232] them in his name, and to intreat them to come on land and refresh themselues: whether A he himselfe went and entertained them very louingly, shewing them all the delights hee could, and giuing them many goodly presents, to make them forget their troubles past at sea. At one time King Henry intreated King Philip, that he would deliuer him the Earle of Suffolk, who (as we haue sayd,) was taken with the bastard of Geldres in the Castell of Hattem. King Philip after great importunity, vpon promise that King Henry should not touch his life, consented that the Earle of Suffolke should be brought into England: the which did much discontent many good men. He was kept in the Castell of Namur, from whence hee was brought and deliuered to the King of England, who caused him to be lodged in the Tower of London. Af [...]er that King Philip and the Queene his wife had stayed for a faire season, from their landing which was in Ianuary, vnto the 24. of March, they put to sea, and hauing a prosperous winde, B they arriued soone after at the Groyne, from whence they went to visit the r [...]licks of Saint Iames in Compostella, going from thence towards Castille, where they were royally receiued by all the Princes and Noblemen of Spaine. The King of Castille had The duke of Gelders begins wa [...]re. no sooner left the Netherlands, but the Geldrois went to horsbacke against the treaty made at Roosendael, falling vpon those townes and places, which by the sayd treaty remained to the King of Castille, among the rest, vpon Groll and Waganengen, the which they tooke: running from them into Holland and Brabant. The lord of Cheures, hauing leauied an army, went and besieged the sayd towne of Wagenengen, but it was furnished with such good men, which made continuall sallies vpon his campe, C as in the end, seeing that he preuailed nothing, he retired his army.
In August the same yeare 1506. there appered a Comete which did rise at the A Comete. North-east, and did set in the North-west, drawing the taile (which was great and large in forme of a rod) towards the West, the which was seene eighteene daies togither. In the same moneth there was a poore woman in Holland, betwixt the villages of Beuerwic and Vyc vpon the sea, great with child and readie to bee deliuered. Fifteene daies before her lying downe the fruite that was in her won be, [...]as heard almost continually to cry and lament. The which many worthy men, for a greater approbation of the A childe in Holland crying in the mothers be [...]y. truth went daylie to heare it, and since haue certified it. Whereof some learned men in Philosophy and the Mathematiks haue diuersly written, inferring that the crying of this child with the Comete did pronosticate the death of the [...]ing of Castille P [...]ince D of the Netherlands, and the great miseries which haue since happened in Holland and other of the sayd Prouinces. The King and Queene of Castille, beeing arriued in Spaine, went from one Realme vnto an other and from o [...]e cittie vnto an other, to take possession, according to the Preuiledges and customes of places. Although that the King Don Fernando of Arragon father to the Q [...]eene offred to King Philip 500000. ducates a yeare, to remaine in the lowe countries, and not to come into Spaine, yet hee and his wife would goe, and themselues in person end the controuersie that was (by reason of the succession of the deceased Queene Isabella) betwixt them and the King Don Ferdinando their father. The which they did, and Philip in the right of his wife, was Philip King o [...] C [...]stille dies sodenly. acknowledged King of Castille, Leon, Grenado &c. But he enioyed it not long, for the E 27 of September in the same yeare 1506. he died sodenly in the citty of Bourgos, not without suspition of poison, being but 28. yeares old. He desired before his death that his heart might be carried and buried at Ierusalem, ioyning to that of the d [...]ke of Bourgongnes his great grandfather, the which was done. His bowells were carried to Bruges in Flanders, and his body was interred in a Couent of Chartreux Monks called Ames [...]ur, vpon a mountaine, without the citty of Bourgos. The Lady Iane his widoe was with child of a daughter, whereof she was afterwards deliuered. The newes of the death of this Prince, caused great mourning and heauines throughout all the Netherlands, fearing other troubles and reuolts, by reason of the warre betwixt the duke of Geldres and them. Those which at that time pretended to knowe the affaires of F State, sayd, that the marriage which the Archduke Philip made with the Lady Iane of Castille, was vnhappie for the Netherlands, not for the miseries which the Spaniards haue of late yeares brought in, and which the countries haue suffred (for they [Page 233] could not fore-see these things so long before) but for the great charges wherwith they A were burthened to enter into those realmes of Spaine, with a rich and stately pompe; the which he did by the councell of his wife, to impouerish the said countries. [...]or besides that which he solde, alienated and surcharged, yea ingaged his reuenues: this ladie carried with her all the goodly Iewels, riche Tapistrie, massie plate both of golde and siluer, that great and famous Flower de Lys of Diamants, one of the nailes wherewith our Lord IESVS CHRIST ( [...]eredere fas [...]est) was nailed vnto the crosse, and the great Besome of Flanders. To conclude, she left not any thing, causing all to be packt vp, all which was in those dayes esteemed at nine Millions of gold. After the death of The Earle of N [...]u brings some [...]vvels out of Spains [...]ing Philip, all the Noblemen of the Netherlands were sent out of Spaine, neither were they very welcome there: so as the greatest part of these riche moueables, plate and B Iewels, was stolne and lost, onely some little which Iohn Earle of Nassau Lord of Breda, recouered with great diligence and care, and brought them with him into the Lowe-countries.
In the yeare 1507. the Dutchesse of Burbon Ante to the Duke of Gelders by the 1507. mothers side, sent (as it was reported) certaine troupes of Frenchmen vnto her Nephew, The Duke of Gelders [...] into Brabant. the which being come to Ruremonde, the Duke lead them (being ioyned wi [...]h his owne forces) to Tournhoult in Brabant, to spoile it: then hee went before Dyest, pretending to surprise it; but Cont Iohn of Nassau made such resistance as he got nothing but blower. From thence the Duke went to Tillemont, which he tooke by assault, where he lost a Germaine Earle, the which (hauing spoyled and taken many good prisoners) C he abandoned, carrying all the bootie to Ruremonde, and putting his men into Garrisons. The Frenchmen passing by the countrie of Liege, to returne into France with their prey, being in the Forrest of Ardennes, lodge [...] about Saint Hubert, and making good cheere vpon the poore country men, and (as they say) sleeping after the French fashion, some Namurois, Houilliers and Bocquillons, to the number of 600. men, vnder Iohn Despontin their Captaine, came early in a morning to wake them; they first slew their Sentinels and corps de garde, then entred into their quarter and surprized them in bed, whereof there were many slaine: who thought (but too late) to take armes; there were many prisoners, especially of Gentlemen; to conclude, all were defeated, and happy was he that loosing his horse, armes, and baggage, could sane himselfe D on foote in the Forrest. So as these Namurois by this hard enterprise, wone much honor, and a riche spoile both of horses, armes, gold, siluer, plate, silkes and veluets, which the French had gotten in Brabant, cas [...]ng vp all at once which they had gotten in the diuers towns which they had spoiled: Soone after the Geldrois burnt that goodly great village of Bodegraue, betwixt the townes of Woerden and Leyden in Holland. Iohn of Egmont Gouernour of Holland, to be reuenged of the Geldrois, we [...] at the Hollanders charge and of them of Boisleduc, to besiege the strong pla [...]e and Castell of Puydroyen, whereas then the Seignior of Seewint Marshall of Gelders did much harme vnto the Marchants, to whom the sayd Marshall was a capitall enemie. But the Duke of Gelders came himselfe in person, forcing the Lord of Egmont to dislodge. After the death of the King of Castile, the Emperour Maximilian tooke vpon him E the gouernment of the Netherlands, as gardien to Charles and Ferdinand his Grandchildren: and by the meanes of the French King, and the King of Arragon, a peace was concluded at Cambray, betwixt the Emperour in qualitie of gardien, and the Duke of Gelders, the which was of no long continuance: the warre kindling againe soone after, by some occasions offred by the Lord of [...]selsteyn.
THe birth of the Emperor Charles the fifth: warre betwixt the Esterlings, Danes, and Hollanders. The Duke of Geldres makes warre against the Bishop of Vtrecht and the Hollanders. The state of Friseland A quarrell betwixt the Duke of Saxony and the Earle of Emden for the siegmory of Groningen. Henry Duke of Brunswyke slaine there. The Groningeois giue themselues to the Duke of Geldres. Prince Charles of Austria takes possession of the Netherlands. George duke of Saxony resignes his interest of Friseland to Prince Charles: Hee holds the feast of the golden s [...]ce at Brusselles. Philip Bastard of Bougongne Bishop of Vtrecht: Ma [...]ten van Rossen, Gouernor in Friseland, Prince Charles crowned King of Spaine: the death of the Emperor Maximilian. Charles the [...]ift chosen Emperor: the Lady Marguerite Duchesse of [...] Gouernesse of the Netherlands. Troubles in Spaine the King being absent: warre in Friseland: warre betwixt the French and the Bourguignons: the Peasants warre in Germany: the Groningeois re [...]ing the Duke of Geldres giue themsselues to the Emperor: the second bloudy Ed [...] made by the Emperor a [...]st the Protestants of the Netherlands. A tumult at Vtrecht, who call in the Geldrois against their Bishop. VVilliam van Enke [...]oort 59. Bishop of Vtrecht: the Coronation of the Emperor Charles by the Pope. An Imp [...]iall diet at Ausbourg, whereas the Protestant Princes present a confession of their faith: A wonderfull deuo [...] rin [...] Inundation in the Netherlands: Mary of Austria Queene Douager of Hongarie succeeds in the gouernment of the Netherlands after the death of the Ladie Marguerite her Aun [...]: warre betwixt them of Lub [...]c and Holland: An Imperiall dyet held at Ratisbone concerning religion. A pea [...] betwixt the Emperor and the Duke of Geldres: warre betwixt the French and the Bourguignons. The townes of Geldres mutine against their duke: the Emperor comes out of Spaine through France, to punish the Ganthois: warre betwixt the Emperor and the French King. A peace concluded.
CHARLES the second of that name, the 35. Earle of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friseland, eldest sonne to the Archduke Philip of Austria, and of Lady Iane Queene of Castile, was borne at Gand in Flanders the 24 of February 1500. After the death of his Father, he Charles his Inheritance. did inherit ouer and aboue the counties of Holland, Zeeland & West-frisland, the Dutchies of Bourgongne, Brabant, Styria, Carinthia, Carniola, Lembourg, Luxembourg and Geldres. The counties of Flanders, Arthois, Henault, Bourgongne, Ferrete, Kyburg, Namur and Zutphen, the Landtgraueship of Elsaten, the Marquisate of Burgau, and of the holy Empire, the Principalitie of Suaue, and the Seigneuries of Windismark, Portenau, Salins and Macklin. Afterwards hee conquered the Dutchie of Milan, and did incorporate the country of Friseland, Vtrecht, Oueryssel, Groningen, Cambray and Cambresis, all holding of the Empire. The Emperour Maximilian hauing (as we haue sayd) taken vpon him the gardianship of his Nephews and Neeces, retiring out of the Netherlands to goe into Germanie about the affaires of the Empire, hee appointed his daughter, the Lady Marguerite 1508. Douager of Sauoy, Aunt to the Princes Charles and Ferdinand, Regent of the low-countries, The duchesse of Sauoy gouerne [...]e of the Netherlands. in the name of the Prince her Nephewe, who meaning to come out of Flanders into Zeeland, she imbarked at Nyeuwerhauen, right against Flesingue: Philip of Bourgongne, lord of Somersdike, Admiral, & Adolphe of Bourgongne lord of Beueren, with the Noblemen and deputies of the states of Zeland, went with a good number of flie-boates, shaloups, & other light boates to receiue her at the sayd place of Nyeuwerhauen. Whilest that the sayd Noblemen were gone to land to entertaine the sayd Princesse, the ships of war lying before the hauen shoting off their great Ordinance in signe of honour, it happened that fire fell into the poulder of the Admirall, so as many were slaine, drowned and wounded: but there were not any of these Noblemen in her, al being gone to land in their long boates to salute the Gouernesse. At that time died the vertuous Lady Anne bastard of Bourgongne, Lady of Rauestein (of whom we haue formerly spoken) after that shee had recouered and walled in many Islands that were The death of A [...] [...] Bourgong [...]. drowned in Zeeland. To whose goods succeeded Baldwyn and Philip of Bourgongne, her brethren, except the Island of Duyueland, the which returned to them of the house of Borssele, from whence it first came.
William of Egmont Lord of Iselstein, with the consent and cōmission of the Emperour [Page 237] Maximillan and of his councell, went to take and ransome some Inhabitants about A Bommel, for that they said they were of the Iurisdiction of Geldres, and contrarywise the said Lord of Iselstein would haue them of his Princes Iurisdiction, where-vpon the Duke of Geldres tooke occasion to reuiue the warres. Saying that the Bourguignons had first of al broken the peace, where-vpon the Geldrois lay in waite for the marchants of the Netherlands at their returne from Francfort Mart, whome they spoiled and carried away prisoners to the towne of Gelder, setting them at great ransomes, besides their losses which they had taken from them.
In the same yeare 1508. Raoul Prince of Anhault, of the noble and ancient house of Ascag [...]e, cheefe of Maximilian the Emperors Armie in the Netherlands [...]nt againe to beseege the castell of Puydroyen in the month of March, from whence the duke of Geldres had forced Iohn of Egmont to raise his seege, who hauing battred B it and giuen diuers assaults (in the which the marshall Seewint was slaine) in the end it was yeelded to his mercie, which was, that the beseeged should depart euery one with a white wand, retaining twelue to dispose of at his pleasure, whom he caused to be presently hanged before the port: then he caused both castell and fort to be ruied and razed, Puydroien tatak [...] and raz [...]d. In the meane time the duke of Geldres thought to surprise the towne of Harderwick which the Bourguignons held yet, but he failed, from thence the Prince of Anhalt went to beseege the towne of Wesep and the Castell of Muyden both together, being but a quarter of a League one from an other. The French king sent an ambassador to the Princes campe who did mediate the yeelding vp of the said two places by some good C accord to the said Prince in the Emperors name, after that the Geldrois had first been chased from the Block-house of Amsterdam, and the Lord of Aymeries with his walons defeated vpon the mont of Muyden, where the Lord of Iselstein was slaine.
In the yeare, 1509. there died in the citty of Cologne Cont Henry of Stolburch 1509. Gouernor for the Duke of Saxony in the contry of Freeseland; he was much lamented The gouernor of Fre [...]eland dies. of the Frisons for his mild gouernment being a good Iusticer, an vpright man, & fearing God, after whose death, Duke Georges Mareshall came into Friseland bringing with him Euerwin earle of Benthem, with the dukes Comission to be gouernor of the said contry. In the yeare 1510. there fell out great warre betwixt the King of Denmarke and the townes of the East contries as Lubeck, Wismare. Rostwicke and others: Theyof Lubeck did write into Holland, Zeeland and Freeseland for-bidding them to sayle into Denmarke, D but they would not forbeare: for that the greatest profit of those contries consists in nauigation, where-vpon the Lubeckers tooke some of their ships at two seuerall times: their second losse was by the default of the Danes, who did not succor them as they ought. The yeare following the Esterlings came with some of those ships which they had taken into Zeland and Flanders wher the Hollanders arrested them and called them into the Admiraltie court, where they had restitution granted them. But the Hollanders had their reuenge afterwards after an other manner, as you shal heare. The duke of Gelders not able to liue at rest caused 2000. men to come out of Denmarke, The Duke of Gelders makes warre against them of Ouery [...]sel. the which did land at Geelmuyden, with an intent to doe some exployt vpon the towne of Campen, and other places in the contry of Oueryssel, but his enterprise E being descouered, the Collonell of his troupes was taken by the Campenois with 40. of his men, wherof foure of the chiefe wel knowne in the contry, lost their heades wherwith the duke being much incensed, marched with this troup and the rest of his soldiars towards Deuenter, thinking to doe them some affr [...]nt. But the Bourgeses and some 600. schollers hindred him, from thence hee went and tooke certen smale townes as War betwixt the Duke of Gelders and the Bishop of Vtrecht. Goer Dyepenheus and Oldenseel: the which Frederic of Baden bishop of Vtrecht (of whose iurisdict [...]n they are) recouered soone after, and in reueng thereof spoyled the dukes country about the Velawe vnder the conduct of the Lord of Iselstein Generall of his army, taking many forts and castells from him in the conty of Zutphen, and after F they had done the worst they could one vnto an other, in the end they must come to a composition. During this petty war betwixt the bishop & the duke, the Traiectins had not giuē any succors vnto their Bishop, to recouer those places which the Geldrois had taken from him in the contry of Ouerissel: but had a secret enterprise vpon the towne of Iselstein, the Lord whereof was in their Bishoppes seruice, the which not succeding, [Page 238] the said Lord of Iselsteyn (meaning to be reuenged) went with some troupes to spoile A round about their towne burning some houses in their suburbes and taking certaine Bourgeses, the which he put to ransome. Notwithstanding the Traiectins growing resolute against the said towne, hauing allied themselues with the Duke of Geldres, went [...] [...]n. to beseege it. The Lord of it with the helpe of his cousin the Gouernor of Holland, and of many other Noblemen and Knights, caused them to rise from thence after they had camped before it almost three monthes: forcing them to saue themselues in the towne of Iselstein, so as in the end after all their fighting they made an agreement. During this [...] [...]f [...] time the Geldrois recouered the towne of Bommel, which was held by the Bourguig [...]on Phillip van Zemeren did also yeeld vnto the duke the castell of Hattem and Greb [...], then he tooke the towne of Vandrichom. The remaynder of this yeare and the next following, by reason of the truce and peace of either part, past without any memorable B thing done in the Netherlands, that merits to be written. In the yeare 1512. 1512. the warre betwixt the duke of Gelders, the Hollanders, and those of Boisleduc began againe. The Earle of Serberen Collonel in the dukes seruice, on Candlemas day early in the morning, tooke the sort of Tuylle. Those of Boisleduc meaning to spoile the Iland of Bommel were woore beaten by the saide Earle, and by captaine Michel van Pomeren, wher they tooke many prisoners. They would haue had their reuenge, going to beseege Bommell but they were forced to rise, & leaue it. The Lord of I selstein entred into Gelders and tooke the fort of Roodentoren, where he slue all he found within it, and then razed the place. The like he did to Persicke and Hoeman: ten daies after the towne of C Tyel was taken againe by the Geldrois who burnt the Bourg of Bodegraue the second time: they went with 1200. men before Amsterdam, wher they burnt many ships; from thence they retired one halfe of them to Bilt by Vtrecht, and the other moitie to the Chartreux without the town. The Lord of Wassenare hauing gathered together some 4000. men went on Christmas euen at night to skirmish with the Geldrois that were lodged in the Chartreux, whome he chased from thence and lodged there himselfe: Those that were chased away, hauing ioyned with their companions that were at Bilt returned on Christmas day early in the morning, to charge the said Lord of wassenare and his men in the Cloister, the which they forced, and tooke the Lord Wassenare and many of his men prisoners.
In the yeare 1513. the Geldrois went and burnt certen houses before Schoonehouen 1513. D the which captaine Iohn van Delfe seeking to hinder, he was wel beaten, frō thence they entred into the circuit of Dordrecht, Alblas and Alblasserdam, from whence they carried a great booty and many prisoners. Duke George of Saxony (finding wel that the Earle A [...] [...] th [...] [...] [...]or [...] of Emden kept the towne & contry of Groninghen, although in the begining he tooke vpon him but the title of his Leiutenant); sought all means he could to haue the Earle relinquish that Seigneurie, and to deliuer it into his hands, but the Earle (who found it pleasing as well as the Duke) would not harken to it, whereof the Duke complained to the En [...]erour, who deputed the Bishop of Cologne and the Duke of Cleues to reconcile them: but seeing they could not preuaile, they remitted the busines againe to the will of his Imperiall Maiestie, and of his councell, who sent a commandement to the E Earle of Emden, that vpon paine of incurring the indignation of the Empire he should leaue the possession of the said towne & contry, & deliuer it into the hands of his cousen duke George by the 17. day of Ianuary in the yeare 1514. The Earle receiued many other charges and threats from the Emperiall chamber and there were diuers conferences betwixt the deputies of these two Noblemen; But they could neuer agree so as there were great likelehood [...]s of warre. The which notwithstanding the Saxons feared much knowing what friends the Earle had in Freesland, among the gentlemen of the Ve [...]coopers saction, of the which he was, whome they had incensed, by the death of the two gentlem [...]n of their party, whom the yeare before they had executed at Leeuwarden. The [...]7. day of Ianuary 1514. being come & past the Earle of East Frislande hauing not [...] D [...] of [...]. F obaied the Emperors commandement, the troupes which the duke of Saxonies Lieutenant had in Frieseland marched towards East Friseland, duke George came in person to Leuwarden, where he wintred, the dukes Erick and Henry of Brunswick bretheren, [Page 239] came to succor the Saxon with 1200. horse and 3000. foote, the which came also into A East Friseland, and tooke the castell of Wredeburch, thether came also 5000. Landtsknechts, which they called the black troupe, which the duke sent by the seauen Forests into Reiderlandt, the which ioyned with the troupes of Brunswick. Then the duke of Saxony went to inuest Groninghen with a mighty Army. The Saxons had a little before taken the fort of Deelszyel. The Earle of Emden going out of Groninghen passed the riuer of Eems, and chased the Saxons out of Fermsam & Otterdom, and then he recouered Deelfziel. The Saxons campe which was at Essens, hearing what the Earle had done at Deelszyel and in other places, durst not attend him, retyring to the forts of Weedenbras and Auwert. The Groningeois notwithstanding the siege, made many gallant sallies, and attempted their enemies forts. The duke of Saxony assembled the B states of Friseland demanding an aide or imposition of seauen solz of the Florine in rent, The duke of Saxony mak [...]s an vnreasonable d [...]mand of th [...] F [...]ons. of him only that was the owner of the land, which demand the Nobility found very vnreasonable, for that the winter before they had camped before Auwert at their owne charge, and therfore nothing was concluded. In the meane time the duke of Brunswick was spoyling of East Friseland, (which is the country of Emden) where hee tooke the castel of Knysohousen, belonging to a gentleman of the country: from thence he went to Merhuysen, the which he assaulted foure times with great losse of his men. The Earle of Emden came & succored it, and defeated 600. of the dukes men, yet being to weake, hee was forced to retire. He being gone, the duke besieged this castel afresh, so as in the end he forced it, killing al that he found armed, being not aboue 80. men. Then hee went to C Styckhuisen, which he also won. On the other side 3000. Saxons marched to Delfziel, which the captaine left vpon their approch, & the fort was presently raized, they won Hoogherkerke also. During these losses, the Earle was not idle, hee had his ships at sea, which tooke vpon the Norderwat three ships belonging to the duke, laden with poulder, boullets and a great some of money, which serued him well. Vpon the demande which the duke of Saxony had made to the Frisons, of 7. solz only vpon the Florine in rent, the Nobles being againe assembled in Friseland, did grant vnto him in lieue therof, to serue him two months at their owne charge, with 500. men, vpon condition to be discharged of the twenteth peny, the which he accepted, wherevpō the duke approched with his campe neerer vnto Groninghen, to Selwerd, his men and the Groningeois being euery day at blowes, not without losse of either side, but most of the Saxons: who D were often surprized in their Corps de Garde. Duke Henry of Brunswick was then before the sort of Dam, called Oordt: the Earles men were on the other side of the riuer of Eems, in a smal fort which plaied vpon the dukes men when they went to the assault, Henry duke of B [...] sl [...]ne at an assault. so as at the last which they gaue, the duke of Brunswicke being there in person, a Gonners boy but 15. or. 16. yeares old, discharged a culuerine, with the which hee tooke away halfe the dukes head, where-vpon Duke Erike his brother raised his Campe, and retired to Auwert. Duke Henries sonne, called also Henry, tooke vp his fathers bodie, the which hee kept vntill that his mother came to fetch it, and that this death was reuenged. During these attempts, the Earle of Emden went to the duke of Geldres to Zutphen, to craue succors of him: from whome he carried 400. horse and 300 foote, E with the which hee entred into Groninghen. The 14. of Iuly, the duchesses of Saxony and Brunswicke came vnto the campe: the duchesse of Brunswicke would gladly haue retired her sonne, and carried backe her husbands body, but the sonne would not depart, vntill hee had reuenged his fathers death, wherefore duke George of Saxony hauing well fortified Selwert, Auwert, Winsom and Weerdenbras, with the rest of his campe about Groninghen, hee went the two and twenty of the sayd moneth with the dukes of Brunswick before Dam which was then held by the Earle of Emdens garrisons, the which after they had battered, in the end they sorced it with a furious Dam taken by assault. and continuall assault, killing all they met, except Churchmen, women and children: the which the duke of Brunswicke (to satisfie his reuenge) would also haue had F massakred, if the duke of Saxony had not staied him.
Notwithstanding the crueltie was exceeding great, and there was much bloud spilt, euen with in the churches, and vpon the Altars. Wherewith the duke of Brunswicks [Page 240] Vncle and Nephew, thinking themselues well reuenged, retired into their country, and A the Duke of Saxonie to his campe before Groningen, the which hee did besiege more straightly then before: whereof the inhabitants began to grow weary, so as in the end they resolued to receiue and acknowledge him for their Prince: and to that end they sent the Pastor Will [...], and some others to treate with him in the towne of Leeuwarden, vpon certaine Articles which they propounded, among others, to beate downe and raze the Cittadell which the Earle of Emden had built. The Duke accepted of these conditions, and making good cheere vnto the Pastor and to his companions, hee sent them back to their lodging, saying, that the next day he: would dispatch them. But the next day the Pastor going to receiue his answer, hee found the Duke of an other minde, and that his Counce [...]l had disswaded him from this accord, vnlesse the Cittadell might remaine B entire and whole: wherevpon they returned without any conclusion. The Groningeois seeing that they could not long continue in that manner; had some conference with the Earle of Emden, shewing him their poore estate. He (who knew it as well as themselues,) was content they should seeke for succors of some other Prince, & giue themselues vnto him, aduising them to choose the Duke of Geldres vnto whom they The Groning [...]ois [...] to th [...] Duke of G [...]ldres. sent; offring themselues vpon the same conditions, which they had presented vnto the Duke of Saxony, and to take vpon him their protection and gouernment: wherevnto he yeelded presently; being glad to inlarge his estate by that meanes: and therevpon he sent them 4000. men for a supply, vnder the command of his Marshall William van Ogen and Werner Spi [...]ghel. Euerwin Earle of Benthem would gladly haue charged these C [...] Geldrois with his black troope [...] but his soldiers knowing what they were, would not fight against [...]hem. So as they past without any danger vnder the wall, and vnto the gates of Groningen, whereas they made a stand; vntill that their commander had been in the Towne, a [...]d taken directions what was to be done. At their arriuall the Earle of Emden discharged the Groningeois of their othe of fealtie which they had made vnto him, when as they receiued him for their Lord, thanking them for the loue and honor they had shewed vnto him vntill that day, promising at all times to acknowledge it, as their good neighbour and allie: and therevpon the said Marshall of Geldres was receiued & acknowledg [...]d in the name of the Duke his Prince. The Earle of Emden retiring the next day, deliuered the Cittadell into the Magistrates hands, the which the Bourgesses hauing in their power, did presently beat downe to the ground. The lord of Oven D witho [...]t any other exploit, retired with his men towards Geldres, promising the Groningeois to come and raise the siege before Saint Nicholas day. In his retreat the Duke of Saxony with the Frisons, and this black troope fell vpon the Geldrois reer; but not without losse of either side. This done the Frisons returned home, and the Duke to his campe before Groningen. The Duke of Saxony growing bare of money, had not so many voluntary soldiers as he was accustomed, (for money only workes with the Germaine [...] The duke of [...] plexed for [...] of money. and there was no meanes to get any Frisons, for they were too much wasted and consumed: neither would they contribute any thing, wherevpon he was forced to borrow much mony of Abbeys, yea of priuate persons, whom he knew to haue mony. E He also made a demand to the States, who required a day to aduise, and in the meanetime the Geldrois returned with great forces into Frisland, and made themselues maisters of the seauen Forests, Gheester-land, Staueren, Sloten, [...], Bolswea [...]t, Winbridseradeel, The Geld [...]ois enter [...] with an army. and Oonseradel: So as the dukes demand was made frustrate: and afterwards the Frisons paide him no impositions whatsoeuer, beginning to leane to the Geld [...]ois party, who promised them liberty and freedoms which wo [...]ds the Frisons do willingly giue eare vnto. Notwithstanding the Saxons did still hold D [...]m, Leeuwarden, Dockom, Franicker & Harlingen, wherby they did for a long time torment the Frisons.
Without doubt Frisland was at that time wonderfully tormented, with the Geldrois on the one side, and the black troope on the other: by the taking of townes, burning of villages and mills, ruining of castels, murthers, thefts and robberies of either side. If the [...] o [...] [...]. F soldiers entred into any to vne, either by surprise or otherwise, they would not depart before they were paid; which all lay vpon the inhabitants: and when they were paide in one place, they went vnto another to doe the like. The Sea was not free from [Page 241] theeues and robbers which hindred the trade and comerce of marchandise and nauigation A so as nothing could come into the contry which caused a great derth. If there were any prouision of vittells in townes, they kept that for themselues, not suffring any to goe forth, so as the poore of the villages died for honger: for if they had a bit to eate the soldiers pulled it from them.
In the yeare 1515. Prince Charles of Austria, hauing taken possession of his contries of 1515. Brabant, Flanders, Arthois, Henault, Namur, Lembourg, Luxembourg. &c. falne vnto Prince Charles of Austria takes possession of the Netherlands. him by the death of King Phillip his father: he arriued at Midelbourg in Zeeland, & from thence went to Ziricxee, in which 2. townes he tooke possession of the country of Zeeland, where he was honorably entertained by the noblemen of the contry, from thence he went into Holland, where hee did likewise inherit the same County and west Friseland. The 16. of Ianuary in the yeare 1515. died Don Fernando king of Arragon, who was B in the right of Isabella his wise King of Castille, Leon, Granado. &c. in whome fayled the race of the Kings of Arragon desended from the Berengers Earles of Barcellona which The Death of the King of Arragon. race raigned in Spaine 470. yeares & in Sicile, 230. He had for his heyre Prince Charles of Austria, sonne to the Lady Iane of Arragon and Castill, his daughter and only heire: Duke George of Saxony seeing that it was impossible for him to maintaine himselfe any longer in Freeseland, where he had wasted so much of his owne and of other mens; and that the end was worse thē the beginning, hauing this word ordinary in his mouth, that he called the contry of Friseland, in steed of Fryeslandt, Freslandt that is to say, a deuouring contry: for that it had deuoured most of his meanes but he did not confesse that he C was neuer satified, and that they had no sooner granted him one Imposition or subsidy, but he exacted an other, and that the bad gouernment of his officers, gaue them still occasions to reuolt: the which doth fall out ordinarily, where as strangers command. He resolued to resigne ouer the interest which he had to some mightier Prince, who by his forces should haue means to reduce them to his obedience; for he did well foresee that the duke of Gelders in like sort would not long hold it. He therfore resolued to resigne the said contry vnto Charles of Austria Prince of Spaine: and this resignation was concluded Duke George of Saxony resignes Freeseland, to Prince Charles. in maner as followeth. That Prince Charles should pay presently vnto the Duke of Saxony, 70000. Florins: fifty thousand in ready mony, and 20000. in cloth for his soldiars: and besides that the summe of 30000. Florins at three paiements in consideration whereof the duke should paie his soldiars and retier them all out of the contry of D Friseland. The which duke Henry his eldest brother should also ratefie, and renounce all the right which he might pretend to the said contry of Freeseland, for the assurance of which resignation, to be made by the said duke Henry, the contries of Misnia and Turingen should stand bound. And in this maner the rule of the Saxons ended in Freeseland. This resignation made and concluded, the Burguignons (that is to say the subiects of Prince Charles) made a truce for fower monthes with the Geldrois: the Saxons notwithstanding houlding the townes & fortresses, vntil they were deliuered into the Princes power. For the performance wherof Floris of Iselsteyn arriued the 3. of Iune, 1515. The Lord of Iselsteyn takes possession of Freeseland for prince Charles. with the Duke of Saxons commissioners in the towne of Harlingen, whereas the fort was deliuered him, and he receiued it in his Princes name, taking an oth of the Bourgeses. E The like was done at Leeuwarden the cheefe towne and Parliament of the country) touching the Cittadell. But they made some difficulty both there and in other places concerning the oth. But the Lord of Iselsteyn keeping them in awe with this Blacke troupe which was yet in the country, staying for paie in the end they yeelded vnto it: and the said Prince was proclaimed in the towne of Leeuwarden, with great sollemnity and acclamations of the people, and acknowledged Lord of Freesland, the Lord of Iselsteyn accepting it, and causing peeces of Gold and siluer to be cast about, coyned with Prince Charles his name. In whose name he made some Gentlemen Frisons Knights, promising to suffer them to inioy all their Preuiledges such as they had had in the times of the dukes of Saxony. This was the forth time that the Frisons in lesse F then twentie yeares did change their Lord and Prince. The Lord of Iselsteyn hauing paied the 70000. Florins in siluer and cloth to the soldiars of the blacke troupe thanked them, and then they were presently entertained by the French King, by [Page 242] one of his Collonels, who led them out of Friseland, the which by this means was happily A discharged, This done the Lord of Iselstein beeing in the Castell of Leeuwarden he sent for Bernard B [...]chodita, Hessel Martua, Doctor Kempo Martua, Goslic Iongama, Tyard Bourinania, T [...]llinck Botin [...], Reinick Camminga, Reinick Campstra and Gerold Herama. To T [...]e gouern [...]nt of [...] committed [...]. whom in Prince Charles his name hee did commit the gouernment of Iustice, for the which they tooke an oth. He did also write vnto the Earle of Emdén, being at Dockom, that he should leaue the sayd towne, and retier with all his men out of the country of Friseland, wherevnto he obeyed, fearing the power of this Prince more then the dukes of Saxony. The country of Friseland, beeing deliuered into the hands of the Lord of Iselstein, all the Artillery, which belonged to the duke of Saxony, remained one whole yeare in the castells and forts, the which was deliuered by Inuentary, with a condition B to deliuer them, or to paye the value of them within the yeare. The Saxons did also yeeld vp the castell of Medemblyck in West-Friseland: then all the dukes officers went out of Friseland, the which remained for a while in some rest, by reason of the truce which was betwixt Prince Charles and the duke of Geldres, which was prolonged for three yeares, but twise broken by the Geldrois. In the beginning of the yeare 1516. Prince Charles being in Holland, Ambassadors came vnto him from Francis the first the French King, to wit, the duke of Vendosme and the bishop of Paris, well accompanied, to congratulate his comming to the crowne of the realmes of Spaine: and to so many goodly estates which hee did inherit by the death of his Grandfather Don Ferdinando of [...] [...] Ch [...]les. Arragon. The Prince being at the Hage, there was speech of a marriage betwixt Prince C Ferdinand of Austria, brother to Prince Charles, with the sister of Lewis King of Hungary, wherein there was great diuersity of opinions. There was also concluded by the aduice of the Emperor Maximilian, the mariage of Christerne the 2. King of Denmarke, & Lady Isabella, sister to the Princesse of Austria. For which effect the Bishop of Dronten was sent Ambassador for the King of Denmarke into Holland, with a great conuoy of ships, beeing accompanied with the chiefe Nobility of the Realme, to receiue the sayd Princesse in their name, according to the treaty of marriage, and to conduct her to the King her spouse. And to attend on her, there were appointed on the behalfe of Prince Charles, the Lady of Chymay with a goodly traine of ladies and gentlewomen: and for their conuoy at sea, Philip of Bourgongne Admirall of the Netherlands, the Lords of Faleze, Cortgeene & Chasteau, and other noblemen and gentlemen, with a great number D of ships o [...] Holland and Zeland. This Princesse with all her fleet had great tempests and a dangerous passage. Prince Charles desirous to imitate the ancient custome of his Predecessors dukes of Bourgongne in the conuocation of a generall chapter of the order of the golden fleece, wherewith the greatest Kings and Princes of Christendome are commonly honored, (if they be obseruers of the relligious ceremonies thereof) and the most worthy and valiant noblemen, as wel vassals of the house of Bourgongne as others. And to hold a sollemne feast of the order in the same manner that the good duke Philip of Bourgongne his great great grandfather had instituted it, continued by his other Predecessors vnto his time. Hee began to hold this feast the 26. of October in his E Pallace at Brusselles, continuing three daies togither in diuers habits: Frederic of Baden The bishop of Vtrecht [...] his [...]. bishop of Vtrecht finding himselfe sick, and very weake of al his members so as hee could no more gouerne his estate, nor defend his subiects from the Inuasions of their enemies the Geldrois and others, after that hee had gouerned his bishoprike about 20. years. He was perswaded to resigne it, (as wel by the motion of the Emperor Maximilion, as of Prince Charles his councell) to some one of the house of Bourgongne, pretending in time to make the temporall Iurisdiction of Vtrecht to fall into the house of Austria, as it did. The which hee did vnto Phillippe of Bourgongne, bastard Sonne to the good duke Philippe of Bourgongne, and brother vnto Dauid, who had beene Bishoppe of Vtrecht before Frederic of Baden. Hee was now growne so olde beeing Admirall at the sea, as hee left it to bee admitted in the sayd Bishoprike, whereof F hee tooke possession and made his entrie in the yeare 1516. where hee was honourablie receiued as well by the Clergie as the temporaltie of the sayd Towne and Countrie of Vtrecht. Hee was much respected of them and beloued for his [Page 243] peaceable gouerment, he like vnto his brother Dauid, very curious to adorne the Temles A and to repaire the Castells.
The truce being broken by the Geldrois, the spoyles of the Bourguignons were not lesse in those times in the countrie of Geldros, then those of the Geldrois in Freezland, 1527. doing what mischiefe they could. But soone after the Geldrois found themselues The Duke of Gelde [...]s besieged in [...]. so oppressed in their owne countrie, euen the towne of Arnhem the Metropolitaine of the Dutchie. In th [...] [...]hich the Duke was straightly besieged, and so tormented by the Bourguignons, as they could not long haue subsisted, if the French King had not beene a mediator and procured them a [...]ce, the which was granted for six monthes, but it A truc [...] concluded. lasted no [...] long for when as they [...] to proclaime it in such places as the Duke held in Freezland, the Captaines Geldrois, did not onely reiect it but committed strange B outrage [...] [...] the Captaine of the cas [...]l of Rhee [...]stick caused him that had brought this treat [...] to be put into a [...], and [...]st [...]to the water. Arkelens chiefe of the men of war Outrages done by the Geldrois to breake the truce. in the towne of S [...]ke, cast the [...]essenger in prison that came vnto him, and would haue intreated him in this same manner, if his father had not beene a dweller in Sneeke, and if the inhabitants [...]d not s [...]ed fo [...] him, Goldsteyn captaine of the towne of Dockom forced the messenger to eat and swallow downe the writing of the accord of this truce, th [...] which contained aboue six sheets of paper, the which the said Captaines did, for that they would not yeeld to any peace no [...] truce. The Geldrois hauing absolutly refused the truce; imploied all their best meanes, to draw the Frisons to the obedience of the Duke of Geldres. And therevpon Arkelens the Dukes Lieutenant caused the deputies C of the townes of Freezland to be assembled the tenth of Nouember. 1517. producing a certaine letter written by his master letting them vnderstand that it was neuer The Duke writes vnto the Frisons. his intention to abandon the country of Freezland, nor the good inhabitans thereof; neither at the instant would he lea [...]e them, but rather hazard body and goods to mantaine and preserue them; and that whatsoeuer concerning them had beene giuen out, and affirmed by the Bourguignons was a meere lie to distract his good subiects by such false practises; and that so long as they should remaine faithfull vnto him, they should find him well affected vnto them. The Cittizens, answered that so the [...]e would, and desired to liue his most faithfull subiects euen vnto the last breath. The Lieutenant was exceeding glad of this answere; and that he had perswaded them therevnto: for that he did greatly doubt, that the commons would ioyne with the Bourguignon partie. D The Geldrois hauing twise broken the truce, oppressing and molesting the subiects of Prince Charles, both by sea and land, without any respect; who durst not reuenge themselues in Freezeland. Those that held the Princes partie, were forced to send for deputies to Vtrecht, to an assemblie that was held there, Doctor Kempo Martua, and Thyart Bo [...]ma made knights and councelors to Prince Charles, to show vnto the ambassadors Deputies of the [...]risons of the Bourgongne partie [...]ent [...]o Vtrecht. and deputies of princes, the rebellion and obstinacie of the Geldrois persidious br [...]akers of the truce. Intreating that noble assemblie, to take some course in that behalfe that the Geldrois might obey, or else that order might be taken, such as they should thinke fittest for their better securitie. In the meane time Arkelens went into Geldres to the Duke his maister where hauing staied sometime, he was dismissed from E his charge; & Martin van Rosse [...] Seignior of Puydroyen being substituted in his place. They came both together into Freezeland, being arriued there, Rosse [...] called an assemblie in the towne of Sneeke, of the states which held the duke of Geldres partie; to appeare there the second of August, where among other poynts he propounded, that the imposts of wine, beere▪ & such other like things shold be takē away, as they were already in those townes which h [...]ld the Bourguignon party: for that the comodities which did pay a custome to the Geldrois, were transported into the townes of the Bourguignon faction, to be freed, to the great preiudice of the duke and the townes vnder his Demands of the Duke of Gelders to the Frisons. obedience. That the said imposts being taken away, they should finde some meanes, to F entertaine their troopes, and to defray other charges of the countrie. Vppon which proposition after long consultation, it was resolued that the imposts should bee taken away, and that they should agree to giue him a yearely summe of money, towards the maintenance of his house and state. There were also certaine articles propounded by [Page 244] the saide states, which they required to haue confirmed by the Duke; the which Arkelens A carried with him, promising to make a good report, and to do his best indaeuour to procure the Duke to ratefie them.
There was a certaine Pirate at sea called Grand-Pierre or great Peter, with the Duke A notable [...]. of Geldres commission who made as great spoiles at sea as the Geldrois did at land, for there were not any ships which past him, from North or South, Esterlins or others, but they were all good prize. But aboue all, he did seeke to ruine the Hollanders; for as many as he tooke he threw them ouer-boord with out pittie or mercy. The 28 of September, after many great spoiles which this Grand-Pierre had done at sea, being 25. ships strong; in the which he had 1200. men, giuing it out that he went to Harderwycke to the duke, he directed his course towards Horne, hauing landed his men couertly B for want of good guard hee surprised the towne by Scaladoe, hauing spoiled it, and his men laden with pillage, hee retired presently to his shipps. At his returne, hee Ho [...]ne surprised by a Pitat and spoiled. met with a ship of Enchuysen, the which he borded himselfe, and cast the maister and his seruant ouer into the sea, for that they were Hollanders. After the death of Don Fernando of Arragon King of Spaine, Prince Charles of Austria, Duke of Bourgongne &c. Earle of Holland, Zeeland &c. receiued letters from Pope Leo the 10. and the Emperour Maximillian his grand-father. With others written vnto Cardinall Pimero, and the Councell of Spaine; by the which they required them to receiue and inuest Prince Charles in the realmes of Castille, Leon, Arragon &c. These letters being red in Spaine, some would haue apposed; and among others Don Piedro Giron eldest sonne Prince Charles sent for to receiue the Crowne of Castile, Ar [...]agon. &c. C to the Earle of Vrenate; who by descent and genealogy pretended to showe that he was the nearest (after Queene Iane, who was ben [...]med of her members) to the crowne of the saide realmes; thinking this occasion to be happely falne out for him, by the death of Don Fernando father to Iane. Cardinall Pimero seeing this beginning of an alteration (which might haue turned into a ciuill warre) by the aduice of the deceased Kings Councell, sent presently for Prince Charles: who was then in the Netherlands; to come with all speed and receiue the possession of the saide realmes. These letters being come to the Court at Brusselles it was decreed, that before his departure out of the saide country he should make choyce of some one to gouerne those countries in his absence. For the which the Emperour Maximillian his Grandfather, was appointed as Curator, but for that he was for the most part absent out of those Countries, D and at that time busied in Germanie and in the warres of Italie, he appointed the Lady Marguerit his daughter widdow douager to the duke of Sauoye, aunt to Prince Charles to be Regent and Gouernesse of the Netherlands, as she had bene in the yeare 1508. The Lord of Cheures his gouernor, remaining neare his person. The which being thus appointed and all his equipage ready, the Prince accompanied with the knights of the order and the states of the Netherlands, with many Princes, Ba rons Knights and Prince Charles goes into Spaine. gentlemen, parted from Brabant and arriued in Iune, 1517. at Middelbourg in Zeeland, where he staied till the twelfe of August, and then with a prosperous winde he had a short and happy passage, comming to the coaste of Spaine about the towne of Tassone in the countrie of Asturia. The country-men of the quarter seeing so great an armie E at sea, feared they had bene the French or some other pirats and enemies: so as hauing hidden their wiues and children in the mountaines, they presented themselues in armes, vpon the sea-shoare. Prince Charles reioiced to see them, & hauing commanded to put forth their standards, ensignes, banderolls and flags with his armes, he caused Prince Charles arriues in Spaine. them to cry Spaine Spaine, where-at casting downe their armes, they fell vpon their knees, receiuing him with great ioy: being landed in Spaine, he marched by land from one towne to an other, where he was honourably receiued by the chiefe nobillity of the realme, hauing attended his comming at Valiodolit; where he made his entry with a royall and stately pompe.
The Prince hauing staied there about sixe monthes, in February, 1518. They F beganne his coronation in Saint Pauls Church. To this solemnitie came many great 1518 Princes strangers: the Ambassadors of Kings, Princes, and Christian Potentates; The Coronation of the King of Spa [...]ne. the c [...]iefe officers of the crowne of Castile, the Princes, Dukes, Earles, Barons, and the [Page 245] greatest of all Spaine were there, euery man in his ranke and degree. The chiefe Noblemen A of the Netherlands had followed the Prince to shew themselues at this coronation: among others those of the house of Melun, of Croy, Lalain, Egmont, Bossu, Berghen, Lygnel, Horne, Lanoy, and many other Barons and Knights, euery one richly attired, in emulation of the Noblemen of Spaine, both in their owne apparell, and in their liueries, and the furniture of their horses: Wherein they did not onely equall the Spaniards, but exceeded them.
On the 7. of February Prince Charles was crowned with the solemnities and ceremonies accustomed at the coronation of the Kings of Castile. This done, the King and the Queene his Mother, sitting in their Throne, Don Garcia did read the othe with a lowde voyce (the which was great and sollemne) the which the Prelates, Princes, B and Gouernours of Prouinces and Townes, were accustomed to take to his Predecessors Kings of Castile. Wherefore all those that were bound to that othe drew neere and presented themselues, euery one swearing vpon the holy Euangelist, and then they kist the Kings hand. The first was Prince Ferdinand the Kings Brother, then the Lady Elenor his sister, and after came the Prelates, as Archbishops, Bishops, and other Cleargie men. This othe being taken, Don Garcia did read with a lowd voyce, the homage of a loyall vassall, the which the Princes and Noblemen were to doe: The first of the which also was Prince Ferdinand and his Sister, who did their homage, in the hands of William of Croy, Lord of Cheures, Gouernour to the King: either of them putting their hands ioyned into the sayd Lords hands, who receiued them in the Kings C name. This homage done, the King caused Prince Ferdinand to sit downe by him, in a seate appointed for that purpose, where sitting bare-headed, hee receiued (in the King his Brothers name) the homages of all the Princes and Noblemen of the realme, who after they had deliuered their hands into Prince Ferdinands, kissed the Kings hands: This ceremonie being ended, Te deum was song, and the Trumpets and clarions sounded. Then the King retired to his Pallace, being alwayes accompanied by the Princes and Noblemen on foote, none being on horse-back but Prince Ferdinand, and the Ambassadors to the Emperour, Pope, Kings of France, England, and of Portugall, and of the Seigneurie of Venice. The remainder of the dayes of this feast were spent in Tylt, Tourney, Dancing and other sports, and so the feast ended D with all ioy and content. From that time the Kings affaires began to prosper more and more, all his subiects of his Realmes of Spaine comming to yeeld him obedience and fealtie.
Wee haue before made mention of that Blacke troupe, which (the Duke of Saxonie hauing payed) were sent out of Friseland, and that a French Collonel had entertained them; but hauing neither money nor meanes to imploy them, they continued eating and spoyling in the high diocesse of Vtrecht, about Deuenter; from thence they went into the countrie of Geldres, from whence the Duke caused them to dislodge, where-vpon they thrust themselues into the country of Cleues. These gallants with-out care or feare of any man, continued there so long, vntill that the Dukes of Cleues and Geldres, the Bishop of Cologne, and the Earle of Nassau, (hauing E gathered together three thousand horse, and some good troopes of foote) went to The blacke troope defeated. seeke them. They had made some accord with the Earle of Nassau; but the Wallons hauing defeated 1200. at one charge, the commons seeing this, fell vpon the great troope, being yet in their trenches, who were so amazed, as abandoning armes and all, euery man sought how to saue himselfe, and so these insolent soldiars which had done so much mischiefe, were defeated and dispersed: a great number of them were slaine by the peasants, and afterwards many of them were taken and executed by the hand of Iustice: especially all those that were knowne to haue beene at the sacke of the towne of Aspren; the bloud of Innocents crying vp to heauen for vengeance against those execrable murtherers. F
The Emperour Maximilian beeing discharged of the Gardienship of Prince Charles his grand-child; hee tooke his leaue of him and of the Noblemen of the Netherlands, taking his way towards Germanie, where after that hee had disposed of [Page 258] his affaires, returning from an Imperiall diet at Ausbourg, hee fell sicke a [...] Inspruck A of a [...]ux, which grewe by weakenesse, from whence for his ease hee was transported to the towne of Velse, whereas his infirmitie did so increase daily, as the Phisitions despaired [...]f his helth.
There hee made his last will and testament: by the which among other things hee did expresly forbid them to imbalme his bodie, but they should find out a coffin of oake, in the which hee would bee buried, saying, that therein they should finde all things necessary for a dead bodie, which was a course canuase sheete, wherein his bodie should bee sowed: ordayning that they should fill his eares, eyes and mouth full of lime, and so put his bodie into this coffin of oake, and cause it to bee interred. Aboue three yeares before his death hee had alwaies carried this coffin about with The Empero [...]s will for the b [...]rying of his body. him, wheresoeuer he went, lockt vp in an other cofer of iron, whereof hee himselfe had B the keye, the which hee would euery night haue carefully carryed into his chamber: which made many to coniecture that there was some great treasure in it. His sicknesse increasing, hee disposed himselfe to die, remitting himselfe vnder the Standard of fayth, with a full confidence in the merits and satisfaction made by the bloud and passion of IESVS CHRIST our Lord: and recommending his soule vnto GOD, he gaue vp the Ghost, the twelfth of February 1519. beeing fifty nine yeares old, one month and one day, hauing beene Emperor 32. yeares and a leauen monethes. Then beeing layed in this coffin, according to this decree, he was carryed to Nyeustadt, and The death of the Emperor Maximilian. burried by his mother the Ladie Elenor daughter of Portugall. Hee was a Prince indued C with singular vertues: hee spent one part of his life priuately among learned 1519. men: with whome hee discoursed familiarly of diuinitie; of all partes of Philosophy, but especially of Phisick, of the Mathematikes and of the Histories of all ages: quickning his wit daylie with the reading and meditation of these things: so as by his example; his exhortations, and the recompences which hee promised, the knowledge His course & life. of histories in Germany was reuiued, beeing then buried in Barbarisme, and ignorant of the pinciples of true and sollide learning, so as before him there was not any Prince, that either priuatly or publickely did inrich Germanie with more excellent guiftes then hee did. Hee was a great louer of Phisicke. And for that hee was very curious in the serch of Antiquities, hee caused Cuspinian, Nauclerus, Conrade Putinger and Iames Manlius to write generall histories from the beg [...]nning of D the world. He did incite certaine others, as Ladislas, Suntheius and Stabius to serch out and write without flatterie or corruption, the auncient familes of Germanie, the Nobilitie whereof hee knewe in olde time to haue beene verie great, wherein hee spent great summes of money. The other Noble Princes of Germany mooued by the example of this Emperour, beganne to shew themselues in the like zeale and affection to the knowledge of histories and learning. And then they beganne to erect many vniuersities.
After the death of this Emperor, they found that the Assemblie of the seauen Princes Electors of Germanie did auaile much for the quiet of all Europe for matters inclyning to some great alteration, the dignity of the Empire and the forme of publike gouernment was maintayned by the wisedome, constancy, vnion and fidelity of the E sayd Princes Electors. Albert of Brandebourg Archbishoppe of Mentz, Prince Elector, and Chancellor of the Empire throughout all Germanie, hauing newes of An assembly at Fr [...]cfort for [...] choosing of a newe Emperor. this death, gaue notice thereof (according to his charge) to the Princes Electors, and called them all to Francfort vpon the riuer of Mayn, to proceed vnto the election of a new Emperour: whether they came all, Videlicet. Albert himselfe, Herman Earle of Weda, Archbishoppe of Cologne, Richard Archbishoppe of Treues. Ladislas of Sterneberg Ambassador to Lewis King of Bohemia, Lewis Count Palatin of Rhine, Frederic duke of Saxony and Ioachin Marquis of Brandebourg.
The seauenteene day of Iune in the same yeare 1519. they assembled all in Saint Bartlemewes F Church at Francfort, where after the accustomed ceremonies, the Princes in their habits of Electors, approched to the Altar, where in the presence of a great multitude, they did sollemnly sweare, faithfully to obserue all the Articles [Page 259] of the election contained in the golden Bull of Charles the fourth, the which to that A effect was publickly read before them all: from thence the Princes Electors alone entred into the Vestry of the said Temple, where they had beene accustomed for a long time to make the like elections. The Archbishop of Mentz opened the cause of their assembly, and after some preface of honor and prayers done vnto God, to direct the whole assembly of the Electors: wherein he gaue a testimony of his wisedome, piety, fidelitie, and sincere affection to the publicke good and quiet: the chiefe point of his discourse was to exhort them to vnion, and to auoyde all occasions of ciuill warre in the Empire. Alledging to that purpose what had happened in the times of other Emperors, namely of Lewis the gentle, Henry the first, the Ottons, Henry the fourth, Conrard of Suabe, Lothaire of Saxony, and others: where by the discord of Electors infinite miseries haue fallen vpon the Empire. Hee added more-ouer, that this discord had B caused trouble and schisme in religion. That at this present the threatning of the Turke, who conspired against the liberty and religion of Christians, especially of Germanie: and the threates of some Princes, who sought occasions to sowe troubles, and to deuide the Germaines, should admonish the Electors to remember their oth, wherby they were chiefely bound to preuent all sedition.
After many other speeches to the same purpose, the Electors hauing had some short conference together, they commended the Elector of Mentz for his zeale and affection A commendable thing in the Electors. to the publicke state, protesting that they would therein indeuour to follow his aduice, and to be of one minde and consent if it were possible. This was spoken in the name and behalfe of them all, by the Marquis of Brandebourg, to whom his companions C gaue the charge, in respect of his eloquence: for then the Princes were so vnited, as without any emulation, they did willingly yeeld one vnto another, and were carefull not to blemish the graces which their companions might haue, respecting therein the publick good. To conclude, according to the custome of the ancient Germaines, they resolued to ioyne loue and plainesse together: and without doubt they were so nobly affected, as they would neuer shew their passions, in any of their consultations which concerned the publick good; nor conceiue in their hearts any bad conceit against their brethren, especially in affaires of consequence: the Electors deferred their resolution Ambassadors from Prince Charles to the Electors. vntill the next day. In the meane time the Ambassadors of Prince Charles Archduke of Austria, Duke of Bourgongne, Earle of Holland, &c. and King of Castile, &c. arriued D at Ments. They intreated the Electors to remember Charles in their election; adding some-thing of his vertues: they did also put them in minde, that the Emperour Maximilian had recommended his grand-childe vnto them, the which hee would not haue done, being so good & so wise a Prince, if he had not knowne it to be for the good of the Empire.
In the meane time the Ambassadors of Francis the first the French King were at Coblents on Conflans, from whence they did sollicite for their Maister, who Ambassadors from the French King. had some Electors fauourable to his party: the which as some Histories say, had giuen King Francis incouragement to affect it. These Ambassadors did extoll their Princes vertues all they could, pretending many reasons why hee should be chosen before any E other. The Princes Electors hauing receiued letters from the Ambassadors of France and Spaine, made answer in few words: That they were exceeding glad of the good affection The electors answer to the Ambassadors. which both Kings carryed vnto the Empire: But as for the election, they did hope that GOD would giue them the grace, to carry themselues faithfully, and as they were bound by othe, and by the lawes and ordinances of their Predecessors When they came to consult touching the election: the Archbishop of Mentz, hauing conferred priuately with Fredericke Duke of Saxony, (who was in great credit and authority among them all) The Elector of Mentz his speech. began his Oration, vtterly reiecting the French King, for the aduancement of King Charles, describing and setting downe his good disposition, his great meanes, the benefit which the Empire might hope for and expect, and with-all his beginning, F being issued and descended out of Germanie, holding him as a naturall Germaine, where they must finde and choose themselues an Emperour, and not among strangers: concluding in the end in fauour of Charles. [Page 248] After that hee had ended his speech, hee perswaded, the other Electors to deliuer A their opinions, who after they had conferred some-what togither, they intreated Richard The Elector of Treues speech. Archbishoppe of Treuer, Prince Elector, to speake, for he was much esteemed for his iudgement and experience in affaires of State: who contrarie to the opinion of him of Mentz, maintained, that the King of Spaine was no more to bee admitted, then he of France: in whose honour hee spake verie highly: saying that the same reason, that hee of Mentz had obiected against him, were lyable also against the King of Spaine: and therefore hee concluded that the French King for the ripenesse of his age, for his valour and experience in warre (Germanie hauing great neede of such a Captaine against the Turke) should bee preferred before the King of Spaine beeing young and without experience. And if the lawe did forbid them to choose a Frenchman, that it was of the same force against a Spaniard. Or els if B neither the one nor the other were to bee admitted, then they should aduise among all the Princes of the Empire, to choose one that had not liued any where but in Germanie, that was a Germaine by birth, in his manners, minde and language, deliuering manie reasons, why and howe that might bee donne, against the allegations of him of Mentz vppon that point, Saying that the meanes were easie to finde, by the which an Emperour chosen out of their owne Nation might maintaine his authoritie and that of the Empire, both at home and a broade and so hee ended his speech.
Frederic duke of Saxony spake next: who hauing shewed that the French King was excluded by the lawe, and that Charles was a Germaine Prince, hauing liued in Germany and spake the language; hee concluded that the common-weale had neede The Elector of Saxonies speech. C of a mightie Prince, and that he knewe not any comparable to Charles. Therefore it was most conuenient to choose him Emperour, but with certaine lawes and conditions; so as Germany might remaine at libertie, and that they might anoyde those dangers which the two Archbships sayd were to be feared. After that the rest had approued his speech the Archbishoppe of Treues sayd, I fore-see the destinie of Germanie, & an alteration at hand, yet seeing it pleaseth you, I must yeeld vnto your willes. And for that it was then late they retired themselues,
Pope Leo the tenth was much troubled, and in a worde, feared the election of one of these two Princes, for both were alike suspect vnto him. To the ende that hee might preuent both of them, hee labored to haue a third man chosen. Wherein hee D sought to imbarke the French King, putting him in dispaire euer to attaine vnto it himselfe. But hee feared also this third, seeing no man so apparent and likelie, as Frederic duke of Saxony, a fauorer of Martin Luther, who was his mortall enemie: yet all these deuises and practises turned to smoke: and so did all the solicitings, guiftes, Charles King of Spaine chosen Emperor. presents and promises, made by the French King: the election of Charles remayning firme and constant.
The next day after the sayd election: the Princes Electors beeing assembled, they beganne to treat of the conditions they should giue and prescribe vnto Charles, the which was debated some daies togither; and in the ende all beeing concluded, they E sent the lawes and conditions in writing to Charles his Ambassadors remayning at Mentz. After they had receiued them, they put in writing the voices of euery Elector, according to the custome with his hand and seale. The day before the sayd Election, they had presented the Empire to Frederic duke of Saxony, but hee refuzed it, with a Noble resolution; excusing himselfe vpon his age, hauing (as wee haue sayd) alreadie giuen his voice vnto Charles. This done the Noblemen were called, and admitted in, then the Bishop of Mentz going vp into the pulpit in Saint Bartlemewes Church, declared that Charles the fift of that name, Archduke of Austria, duke of Bourgongue &c. Earle of Flanders, Holland, Zeeland &c. and King of Spaine, was chosen King of Romains, in the place of the Emperor Maximilian deceased. Then the Ambassadors which were come within a league, were sent for. Beeing come, F a councell was held for the gouernment of the common-weale: and the charge was giuen vnto Prince Casimir to leauie men, and to put them in garrison, for feare of some Innouation. The Electors did write vnto Prince Charles and sent an [Page 249] Ambassage vnto him, to certifie him of all that had beene done; the chiefe of which Ambassage was the Pallatin Frederic, who arriued in Spaine in the end of Nouember A with Letters; intreating him to accept of the Empire, which they offred him; and that hee would make hast to come into Germanie. King Charles hauing setled his affaires Charles King of Spaine comes into England. in Spaine, hee gathered together a great fleete of ships and gallyes, and taking leaue of his Princes and Citties, hee imbarked and landed in England, where hee was ioyfully entertained with great state, by King Henry the eight, and by the Queene his Aunte, and by the French Queene (married to the Duke of Suffolke) the Kings sister; who had beene promised to him in marriage, she gaue him a very kinde and louely welcome. Hee was very honourably intreated there for some dayes; then being imbarked againe with a prosperous winde, he past soone ouer to Flessinghe, and from thence into Brabant, where he was ioyfully receiued by all his subiects. The Princes Electors hearing B that hee was arriued in Brabant, they sent other Ambassadors vnto him, to haue him prepare to receiue the Crowne of the Empire, with the accustomed ceremonies.
MARGVERITE OF AVSTRIA, PRINcesse widow of Castille, Dowager of Sauoy, Aunte to the Emperour Charles the 5. Gouernesse of the Netherlands.
[Page 251] THe Lady Marguerite of Austria, daughter to the Emperour Maximilian, A and to the Lady Mary of Bourgongne, was first married to the Prince Don Fernando of Arragon, the onely sonne of Don Fernando King of Arragon, and of Isabella Queene of Castile, which Prince died soone after, leauing no children. Afterwards the said Lady was married againe to the Duke of Sauoy, with whom she liued not long before he dyed. Returning into the Netherlands after the death of her brother Philip King of Castile, in the yeare 1508. she was by prouision admitted by the Emperor her father, during his absence in Germanie, and the warres in Italy, to the gouernment of the Netherlands, with George Duke of Saxony. So as this yeare 1520. King Charles her B Nephew went into Germanie to receiue the Crowne of the Empire, leauing the said Lady his Aunte Gouernesse in his absence.
The Emperor elect parted from Brussells with a great and honorable traine, & came 1520. the 20. of October to Cologne, where the Princes Electors did attend him, and from The Emperors entry into Aix. thence they came to Aix la Chapelle: At his entry into the towne, the Knights of the order of the Golden-fleece marched first, euery one in his ranck, according to his antiquitie in the said order. After followed the Princes Electors: first the King of Bohemias Ambassador, the Archibishop of Ments, either of them with 700. horse: The Archbishops of Cologne and Treues, either of them with 600. horse; the Cont Pallatin of Rhine, the Duke of Saxony, and the Marquis of Brandebourg, euery one of them with C 600. horse. There were besides other great Princes which followed to do him honour and homage for their Seigniories: being accompanied with many Nobles and great traines. As the Duke of Iulliers, George Duke of Saxony, the Marquis of Baden, the Dukes Henry and Erick of Brunswick, brethren, euery one of them with 600. horse: the Bishop of Leege, the Duke of Lunebourg, father to the Duchesse of Geldre, the Earle of Emden, and his sonne the Lord of East-Friseland, the young Prince of Cleues, who was alwaies with the Emperor, the Earle of Saint Pol, and many others with a stately traine. Then the Ambassadors of the Kings of England, Poland, Hongarie, and Denmarke, of the Venetians, the Dukes of Sauoy, of the Knights of Rhodes, and of the great Maister of Prussia. The Lady Marguerit his Aunte was in the traine with a goodly company of Princesses, Countesses, Ladies and Gentlewomen, euery one with her attendance D in goodly equipage. There were in all full 15000. horse, as well barded as archers, and those of the Emperors house-hold, Spaniards, Wallons, Germaines and other nations; marching quite through ths Cittie, and going out at another Porte, to lodge abroad, for there was scarce roome in the Citty to lodge the Maisters. The Emperor approching neere the Porte, the Chanoins, and the foure orders of begging Friars went to meete him, conducting him to the great Church, which they call Charlemagnes Chappell, where in two dayes hee was annointed, sacred and crowned with the first Imperiall Crowne, the which was of Yron, with all the ancient ceremonies and solemnities accustomed; the which are particularly described in my great Chronicle. Hee remained fiue dayes in the citty of Aix, after his coronation, sending backe many Noblemen E Netherlanders, to prouide for the frontiers. Then hee returned to Cologne, and from thence to Maestricke.
About that time certaine ships (which they called Busses) being fishing for Hearing, were taken at sea by the commandement of the King of Denmarke, and carried to Coppenhagen. Ships of Holland taken by the Danes. Adolph of Bourgongne Lord of Beueren, high Admirall to the Emperour, sent certaine deputies in his Maiesties name vnto the King. In this prise of ships there was one of La Vere in Zeeland, the which being seazed on by the Danes, a storme comming, the Marriners of Zeeland became maisters of them, whom they kept close vnder hatches, vntill they had brought them to la Vere; where they were kept prisoners, vntill that the deputies had obtained a discharge for their ships from the King of Denmarke: F which done, the Admirall attired the Danes that were brought to la Vere, all new, and sent them home into Denmarke with good vsage. After that the Emperor was parted from Spaine to come into Germany to receiue the Imperial crowne, there [Page 252] fell out great troubles, for that Don Piedro Giron and others, did rise in armes, by reason A of their freedomes and liberties, complaining of the seuere gouernment of the Lord of Cheures, whom the Emperour had left in Spaine, as if hee would giue all the offices of the Kingdome to the Netherlanders, and other strangers, excluding the naturall Spaniards. So beeing in great numbers both of horse and soote, they marched directly towards Valliodolit, where without striking stroake or any opposition, they carried away Queene Iane the Emperors Mother, and all the Councell prisoners to Tordesillas, distant but eight leagues from thence. The which Cardinall Adrian (borne at Vtrecht, who had sometimes beene the Emperors Scholemaster) seeing, hauing beene appointed gouernor with the Admirall of Castille, did leauy men also, to make head against them, hauing first sommoned them by deputies, to submit them B selues, and returne to their accustomed obedience, with promises of the Emperors speedy returne. To whome they made a bould and a presumptuos answere: that they did their duties to marry their Queene, widdow to King Philip [...] & mother to the Emperor, to the duke of Calabria, sonne to King Frederic expelled from Naples, to make him King of Castille. But being obstinate, and not willing to yeeld to any reason, they were surprized in Tordesillas, and the Queene deliuered out of their hands: so as some were punished with death, others banished.
When as Martin van Rossein Lord of Puydroien had discharged for a time the Office of gouernor of Friseland for the duke of Geldre, finding that the priuate gouernors, captaines, and other Officers, sought more their owne priuate prosit, then the seruice C of their Prince, or the good of the common-weale, and not able to endure it, hee parted from Sneck and returned into Geldres, acquainting the duke with the causes for The Earle of Maeurs sent gouernor into Frisland. the which he would giue ouer his place. Wherevpon their was a new gouernor sent into Friseland in his place, which was Christopher Earle of Maeurs, a man of great respect and authority. In the meane time the prolongation of the truce for a yeare beganne to weare away, wherevpon it was continued againe for two yeares more. During the which the Geldrois did not forbeare to rob and steale both by sea and land: the which the poore soules of the Bourguignon were faine to beare, beeing forced to obserue the Articles of the contract, so as in suffring they had nothing left them but that goodly vertue patience.
About the time of the Emperors coronation the Geldrois did carry themselues so D insolently, as without respect of truce or any thing else, they tooke the towne of Nicuport by Schoonhouen taken. Nicuport, right against Schoonhouen in Holland, the which they did spoile and burne. The Bourguignons vanquished with impatience, pursued them, so as they tooke some prisoners, and among the rest some gentlemen of good houses, who were executed and layed vpon wheeles, as theeues and robbers. The Frisons of the Bourguignon party hearing that the Emperor should hold an Imperiall diet at Wormes in Germany, sent The Frisons send to the Imperiall diet. their deputies thether, Kempo Martua a knight of the councell of Friseland, and Sybrand Roorda, to beseech his Imperiall Maiesty and the Princes of the Empire, that they might be once freed and deliuered from the oppressions, and outrages, which the Geldrois did them. To which petition they had a fauorable answere, the Emperor excussing himselfe for that he had no sooner prouided for it: with promise to redresse it speedily. E Afterwards William of Rogendorf the Emperors Lieutenant in Friseland, was called away and discharged from his gouernment, & in his place was appointed George Schenck Baron of Tautenburch, who before had beene Drossart of Vollenhof, who came the 24. day of March to Leuwarden with ample commission. The sayd Lord of Rogendorf was made generall of the armie which Philip of Bourgongne Bishoppe of Vtrecht, sent to passe the Zuyderzee, and entred into Cuyndert, where hauing stayed some-time and made warre against the Geldrois, Frisons, they went on and came to Lemmer: whether the Earle of Maeurs the duke of Geldres lieutenant had afore sent some men, to stoppe his passage, if happily Rogendorf should offer it. Yet notwithstanding F any resistance, hee past there, chased the Geldrois, spoiled and ransomed Lemmer, and all the Sea-coast towardes the East. Rogendorf hauing thus past his troupes into Friseland, hee left Nicholas Wilderstroff to commaunde in his place, and [Page 253] went to the Court at Brusselles. All this was done to vanquish and tire the Frison A Geldrois, and to drawe them to the Emperours obedience. The Emperor thrust on by Pope Leo to suppresse the doctrine of Martin Luther, published in the same yeare 1521. his first bloudy Edict against them of the Protestants relligion, whome then by 1521. a generall terme they called Lutherans, which continued in the Netherlands vnto the The first Edict against them of the religion. yeare 1566. since which time vnto this day they haue called them Gueux, as in France Huguenots, as wee shall hereafter see, but the Spaniards yet call them by the name of Lutherans.
All this time the warre continued in Friseland, betwixt the Bourguignons vnder the command of the Baron of Tautenburche, in the name of the Emperour, hauing ioyned with the Bishop of Vtrechts forces vnder Nicholas of Wilderstorffe, against the The miserable estate of Friseland. B Geldrois and Frison Geldrois; vnder the command of the Earle of Maeurs, of Collonell Martin van Rossen, and Captaine Grand Pierre for the Duke of Geldres, vnto the yeare 1526. During the which there were many townes and castels taken and recouered againe on eyther side; diuers incounters, skirmishes, and sieges raised; where-with the whole country was miserably afflicted and ruined, for if the poore country-men of eyther side would keepe any thing, they must of necessitie carrie it into the townes, from whence they might not retire it, when they would. Some writers speake diuersly of the causes and motiues of the warre betwixt the Emperour and the French King. But all concurre that the election of Charles, reuiued the old quarrels and bred new. The French King had alwayes an eye to the realme of Naples, hauing treated with Pope Leo for the recouerie thereof. Hee desired also to restore the King of Nauarre C to his kingdome; seeing that the Emperour made no accoumpt to leaue it. On the other side the Emperor was not well pleased to pay the 100000. crownes pension to the French king, according to the accord made with the Lord of Cheures his Gouernour, ratified by the Emperour Maximilian his grand-father, for the rights pretended by the French king vpon Naples; Hee did also beare the losse of the Duchie of Bourgongne impatiently, seazed vpon by king Lewis the eleuenth, after the death of Duke Charles his great Grand-father by the Mother side, slaine before Nancy: There wanted no quarrell also, touching the Duchie of Milan. As they were about to seeke occasions to assaile one another, there was one offered, small in shew at the beginning, but it was the fire-brand to kindle this flame; the which afterwards did D thrust the greatest part of Europe into combustion, and made these two Princes, their successors and subiects so to afflict one another, as all the miseries that might be imagined haue followed: and this was the occasion.
There was a sute betwixt the Lord of Aymerie and the Prince of Chimay of the The first cause of the warre. house of Croy, for a Towne in the forrest of Ardennes, called Hierges; and a sentence giuen in fauour of Chimay, by the Peers of the Dutchie of Bouillon; who doe iudge soueraignely without any appeale from their sentences: yet the Lord of Aimery (who had great credit with the Emperor Charles, and the chiefe in Court) preuailed so, as he obtained letters from the Chancerie of Brabant, to call in the heyres of the Prince of Chimay, to appeare at a certaine day, and to heare the reasons of Aimery if need E were, and to see the sentence giuen in their fauour disanulled. They seeing the wrong that was offered them, repaired to Robert of Marcke Duke of Bouillon, as to their Lord and Protector, that he might defend the liberties and priuiledges of his Duchie, being withall Tutor vnto Chimays children, hauing married their Aunte. Wherevpon the Duke did what he could possible to maintaine his rights: but seeing that they meant to depriue him, he addressed himselfe to the French king, with whom he found meanes to make his peace (being before in some disgrace with him) putting into his hands, both his person and his places, crauing fauour and support, that he might haue Iustice of the wrong done vnto his soueraigntie. Hauing thus prouided for his affaires, hee sent to defie the Emperor (the which was a great presumption for him, and he bought The Duke of Bouillon desies the Emperor. F it full deerely) at the diet at Wormes, and soone after the Lord of Florenges his eldest sonne leuied 3000. foote and 500. horse in France, against the kings Proclamation: and went to besiege Vireton, a small towne in the country of Luxembourg. [Page 254] Heerevpon the King of England hauing perswaded the French King, not to enter into A quarrell for so small a subiect as that of Bouillon with the Emperour, matters were past ouer, and the Duke of Bouillon dismissed his Armie. But in the meane time the Emperour raised one, whereof the Earle of Nassau had the command, with the The Emperors [...] inuades the duke of Bou [...] lons country. which he tooke Longues, Meusancourt, Fleuranges, Sanchy and Bouillon: wherevpon the Duke finding himselfe too weake, obtained a truce of the Emperor, for sixe weekes onely.
The French King considering that the granting of this truce, was a secret declaration of warre against him (for that if the Emperor had had no other desseigne but against the Duke of Bouillon, there had beene no need of any truce, hauing meanes to ruine him within sixe weekes) hee began in like sort to raise an Armie; solliciting The French king [...] [...]. the King of England to ioyne with him. The Emperour on the other side, hauing this B ouerture, began to looke to himselfe, and both Armies went to field, attempting nothing yet one against the other: for the King of England hauing offered to be an arbitrator of their quarrells, a parle was appointed at Calais, whether the Commissioners of both parties came. But for that they did not yeeld vnto the Emperor the restitution of the Duchie of Bourgongue, and the abolition of the homage of Flanders and Arthois which hold of the Crowne of France, there was nothing concluded. In the meane time the Lord of Liques a Wallon, made an enterprise vpon the Abbay of Saint Amant in Tournesis belonging to the Cardinall of Bourbon, and vpon a small Towne called Mortaigne not farre from thence, of the county of Holland. This C Gentleman pretended these places to belong vnto him, and made himselfe Maister thereof. At the same instant the Lord of Fiennes Gouernor of Flanders, did besiege Tournay; of all which exploits the Emperour excused himselfe, saying, that they were Tournay besieged by the Emperors men priuate quarrels. But the King seeing that the Imperiall Armie (vnder colour that the truce with the Duke of Bouillon grew to an end) approched neere Mouson, hee sent some troupes thether, and so the warre began betwixt these two great Princes, both in Champaigne, Picardie, and else-where; all which I will forbeare to write of in this worke, both for that they do not properly concerne this subiect, as also being set downe at large in the Historie of France. George Schenck Gouernor of Friseland, with the Lords of Wastenare and Castre, hauing taken the fort of Warckom, and Mackom; the Townes of Dockom and Bolswaert, with some other forts holding the Sloten besieged by the Bou [...]gnons D Geldrois party: they went to besiege the Towne of Sloten, the which they did batter furiously, and the besieged defended themselues as couragiously; so as in a sally which they made in the night, the Lord of Wassenare was shot in the arme, and the Gouernor Schenck in the bottome of his belly, yet they remoued not out of the Campe. Those of the Towne, seeing there was no hope of succours, were forced to yeeld. The Earle of Maeurs being at Steenwyke, and hearing that the Bourguignons had taken Sloten, retired from thence vnder coulour that he went into Geldres (as he sayd) to the Duke, to seeke for succours. From Sloten the Gouernor Schenck went to besiege Lemmer yeelded. Lemmer, those within it dispairing of succours, yeelded it also, and the Castell was presently razed. Doctor Hubert Chancellor for the Duke of Gelders in Friseland, and Wyard of Bolswaert captaine of a ship, who had bin shut vp in Sloten, hauing their E liberties vpon the yeelding vp of the place, thinking to goe to Steenwike, which was contrary to the capitulation, they were pursued and taken; and for that they had broken the accord, Captaine Wyard lost his head in the towne of Leewaerden, the Chancellor for that hee was a Priest, was sent to the Lady Marguerite Gouernesse, who lodged him in perpetuall prison at Rippelmonde, where he dyed.
This being thus performed by the Lords of Schenck, Wassenare & Castre, they went to besiege Steenwyck, which they tooke without any resistance: the soldiers that were there in garrison for the Duke of Geldres; hauing abandoned it, as soone as the Earle [...]wicke taken without any resistance. of Maeurs was departed; not daring to attend the Bourguignons, whom they did see F winne all where they came. This towne thus wone, the gouernor with the aduice of the said Noblemen, caused a fort to be built there. Afterwards the lord of Wassenare died in the towne of Leewarden of the wound which he had receiued before Sloten, for the [Page 235] which the Frisons did mourne greatly. He was buried with a great funerall pompe, after A the maner of a martiall man, and greatly lamented of all men, carried into Holland, and buried in the Cloister of Preaching Friars at the Hage, by his ancestors. There remaines little to write of this warre of Friseland; for through the valour and diligence of the said Noblemen, all the country was in quiet, and reduced vnder the Emperors obedience, from Gheerskersbrugge vnto Staueren, hauing all taken the othe; and the Gouernor dismissed his soldiers with thankes: yet for that the Geldrois did yet hold the towne and country of Groningen, which were neuer quiet, nor satisfied with any reason: we will relate here-after what they did, and how Groningen was yeelded vnto the Emperor. This yeare the Geldrois entred with a small troope into Holland, euen vnto the ports of Leyden, spoiling all the villages thereabouts, euen the Hage it selfe, whereas the court remaines; and from thence they past into South-Holland, into the 1523. B iurisdiction of Dordrecht, where they did not much lesse, returning brauely from whence they came, without any losse or aduenture. The Emperor Charles hearing the bad newes of the alteration that was in Spaine, against the Gouernors which hee had left there; after that he had consulted with the Princes Electors, and taken his leaue of The emperors second voyage into Spaine. them, and of the Noblemen Netherlanders, hauing disposed of his affaires there, hee parted towards the Iland of Walchren, being accompanied with a great number of Noblemen, Knights of the Order, and others: where finding a prosperous wind, he set saile, and toucht first in England; where hee concluded an alliance with Henry the 8. King of England, to marry with Mary his Daughter (being then but seauen yeares old) when she should come to age; but it succeeded not, as we shall see: from thence C he set faile towards Spaine, where he arriued in few dayes without any aduenture: only one great ship of the fleete was burnt by chance, with the men, and many horses that were in it. After the Emperors departure out of the Netherlands, hee returned not in eight yeares, being much troubled to keepe those realmes in peace, vntill hee had left them an heire Male his successor to the crowne, Philip the second, father to Philip the third now raigning.
The Emperor being parted for Spaine, there fell out great troubles in Germany, the Pesants rising against the Nobility, abused with grosse errors: who being assembled The peasants warre in Germanie. in great numbers, did spoile many Abbayes, Cloisters, and religious houses: stealing all they could lay hand of, and committing a thousand outrages and insolencies, without D any subiect or reason, but onely stirred vp and seduced by certaine false Preachers, who said they had a reuelation from God, that they should roote out that tyranous Nobility, and enioy their full liberty. But God would not long suffer the brauery of these villaines: for the Cont Palatin the Archbishop of Mentz, & some other bishops, made a great leuie of horse and foote, and charged these poore miserable abused Peasants, whom they defeated and put to rout. Their leader being taken, was publikely executed, and the poore wretches that could escape from the battaile, returned euery one home to his house. The same yeare the Geldrois entred into the Mairie or iurisdiction of Boisleduke, whom they forced by their spoiling and burning, to pay a contribution 1524. vnto the duke of Geldres. They of Boisleduke were not in the meane time idle: The Geldrois begin warre against the Emperor. E but soone after entred into the Iland of Bomel, and by their exploits reduced it vnder the Emperors obedience, wasting and spoiling that quarter, as much as the Geldrois had done their Mairie. Then the Geldrois did labour to enter into Stellingwerff, in the country of Friseland, to waste it. But the Gouernor Shenck, although he had but newly dismissed his troopes, taking some number of Pesants, who were presently in armes, he cut off their passage, and forced them to retire without any exploite doing. After that the Geldrois had thus played the gallants in the Mairie of Boisleduke, and they on the other side for their reuenge in the Iland of Bomell, there was a truce made betwixt the Emperor Earle of Holland, and Charles of Egmont Duke of Gelders: vpon condition that the money promised for contribution vnto the Duke, should be payd in the F towne of Arnhem: and that which was promised vnto the Emperor by the Geldrois, should be paid vnto a receiuer appointed for that purpose at the Hage in Holland.
In the yeare 1526. Collonell Martin van Rossein, made warre for the duke of Geldres 1526. [Page 256] in Rydderlandt against the Earle of Emden, and began to fortifie Iemmingen: the A country-men seeking to hinder it, and running without order, contrary to their Earle [...] will and pleasure, were defeated; then with 4000. men hee besieged the Towne of Gryet, the which at the end of three weekes the Drossart yeelded vp vnto him without any force: for the which hee was afterwards prisoner at Emden, and had not escaped without the losse of his life, but by the meanes of his good friends. The Duke of Geldres affaires standing vpon these termes, the sayd Collonell did write vnto them of Groningen, to send him some supplies of men and munition, the better to maintaine himselfe. But the Gronningeois nor their neighbours would by any meanes yeeld to it: saying, That the Earle of Emden was their very good friend, and had not deserued any such vsage. So as for want of succors from the Groningeois, the Geldro is were forced to make an accord with the East-Frisons; by the which the Duke of Geldres did B restore the towne of Gryet to the Earle of Emden.
The Duke of Geldres did not easily forget the succours which the Groningeois had The duke of Gelders seeks to be reuenged of the Groningeois. refused him; but sought some occasion to bee reuenged. About Aprill, in the yeare 1526. hee sent one of his Captaines called Meynard van Ham, a lame man, towards Dam, with some soldiars, commanding the peasants there-abouts, to come and to helpe to fortifie it. The Duke had drawne these souldiers out of the country of Holsteyn, to the end it might seeme, that it was not his action; but the Duke of Holsteyns. Wherevpon the Groningeois made a Proclamation; forbidding the peasants vpon paine of fiering their villages and houses, not to aide nor worke at this fortification in C any sort whatsoeuer. Wherevpon the third of May, Meynard van Ham caused all the The suburbes of Groningen burnt, suburbes of the towne of Groningen to bee burnt: whereof the Inhabitants neuer drempt: there was great slaughter done, and many men made poore: there were 30. ships also burnt, the fire whereof flew ouer the Rampart, and burnt fiue houses in the Towne. Some dayes after hee returned, and burnt in like sort the suburbes of the ports Ebbing and Boteringe, who hauing committed all the outrage they could, they retired to Dam. The Groningeois not knowing what to doe to this troope of souldiers, nor well whose they were; writ vnto the Duke of Geldres, that there were enemies entred into their countrie, the which did pittifully spoile and burne them: wherefore they desired to know if it were done with his priuitie and consent, as some did boldly say, the which not-with-standing (they sayd) they could not beleeue. To which letters D they had no good answer: wherevpon there was a day of meeting appointed in the towne of Essen, whither the Duke of the Groningeois sent their Deputies to reconcile their differences: the which could not be done, for that the Duke would build a Cittadell within their Towne, and the Dam might be fortified: where-vnto they would by no meanes yeeld. Herevpon the Consuls of the Towne and of the countrie (which they call Ommelandes) writte vnto the Lady Marguerite, Dutchesse Dowager of Sauoy, Aunte to the Emperour, and Gouernesse of the Netherlands; shewing vnto her the great wrong and violence that was done vnto them by the Duke of Geldres men; offering to submit themselues to the Emperours obedience, The Groningeois giue themselues vnto the Em [...]or. and to pay vnto him such yearely tribute as they were accustomed to pay vnto the E Duke of Geldres; if it should please her greatnesse in the Emperours name, to vndertake their protection and defence against the sayd Duke and all other enemies: the which the said lady did accept with an honorable acknowledgment, promising to free them very speedily: the deputies hauing receiued good entertainment in all places, returned home ioyfully. The Dutchesse would not loose this goodly occasion, but taking hold therof, did presently leuie men, the which she sent into Frisland with an expresse charge to Schenck Baron of Tautenbourg, gouernor of the coūtry, to vse all care in that action: marching presently to Groningen, and there to receiue an othe of the Bourgesies, and swearing likewise vnto them in the Emperors name. Schenck according to his Collonel Schenck re [...] Groninghen for the Emperor. F charge marched towards Groningen, where he receiued the said towne in the Emperors name, in S. Walburges church the 7. of Iune, whereof he tooke possession, & receiued their homages. This done Schenke made hast to besiege Delfzeel, which the Geldrois held and had halfe fortified. The Duke of Holsteyn (with whom the Duke of Gelders [Page 257] had made a league) sent two thousand foote to succour it, and to raise the siege. A But Schenck hauing prouided for the gard of his campe, the Inhabitants of Groningen The Duke of Holsteynes troupes defeated. & some peasants; went to incounter the troupes in Westerwollingerlandt, whome the third day following, on Saint Iames day, he quite defeated, George van Manster, Drossart of Wedden was taken, and many gentlemen with him. The Drossart was carried to Leewarden, and the rest of the prisoners to Groninghen.
The Geldrois that were in Dam seeing Delfzyel yeelded, and the succors which they expected from the Duke of Holsteyn defeated; began to parle, demaunding a safe retreat; the which was granted them by the Gouernor Schenck; vppon condition that Dam yeelded by the Geldrois. they should depart with white wands in their hands, and deliuer their Captaines Meinard van Hem and Bernard van Hackfort, the which they did willingly, and departed B the fifth of September according to the composition, the Gouernor causing the fort which they had made at Dam to be presently laied euen with the ground. This done, the Castell of Wedden was besieged, the which was also yeelded vnto Schenck, Wedden yeelded. vpon condition to haue their liues and goods saued; the besieged being out of all hope of succors, from thence he returned to Groninghen, to see his wife and Ladie Iane of Egmont, who attended him there: hauing sent his troupes in the meane time to besiege the Towne and Castell of Coeuoerden and Kinckhost whether he himselfe went Coeuoerden yeelded. after some daies, hauing lyen about two monethes before Coeuoerden, the Drossart Selbach yeelded it, vpon condition to depart with their Armes and baggage, where hauing placed a good garrison; the said Gouernor Schenck hearing that there were some C Geldrois in troupe neere vnto Deuenter, he caused his men to marche that waie, tooke the towne of Diepenhem the twenty nine of Nouember, and the next daie the Castell of Kinckhost neere vnto Meppel, the which was also yeelded vnto him, whereas Captaine Magreheyn was taken prisoner. The Duke of Gelders seeing that all things succeeded all for him in Freezeland, and that the towne and countrie of Groninghen, A peace betwixt the house of Bourgongue and the Duke of Gelders. the Drent and Dwent were in the Emperors hands, he began to growe weary of his toile and charge, knowing well that the more he made warre, the more he lost. He resolued therefore (and wisely for himselfe) to make an hereditary accord with the house of Bourgongne, the which was done, and proclaimed in Groninghen, before the Statehouse the 17. of December in the yeare 1326. to the great content of the whole countrie, D being tyred in the forepassed warres: so as by that meanes there was throughout all the country of Freezeland and Groninghen a most desired peace, the which had not continued so long for 200 yeares before, which was from that time vnto the yeare 1568. that the Duke of Alua entred into those countries. In the same yeare was published by the Emperor, the second bloudy Edict against the Protestants of the reformed The second bloudie Edict against the Protestants, religion, which they called Lutherans, by vertue whereof many were burnt or otherwise executed in the Netherlands.
In the yeare 1527. there fell out a great tumult in the Towne of Vtrecht, the inhabitants & men of trade hauing taken armes: would needs know the reason why they A great Tumult in Vtrecht had banished some, & wherefore they had forbiddē handicrafts men to vse their trades, E within the circuit of any Abbay, (whereof there are many in that towne) whereby the poore commons lost their profit, who hauing no meanes to set vp any shoppe, who had beene wont to labour and get their liuings there, moreouer the Magistrates and Councell had promised to furnish their Bishop with a great some of money, to be payed at two payments, where-vppon they did ouer charge the commons with impositions who required that all the inhabitants of the towne in generall, as well Gentlemen, Clergie men, as others, should contribute euery man according to his portion: requiring also that the Clergie might paie their parts of the assises and customes as well as they, the which remained long in suspence, vntill that the Bishop tooke the matter in hand, granting great priueledges vnto the Bourgesses, confirming F them by his authenticall letters vnder his seale. But the Colledge would not contribute anything, which made the Bourgesses to mutine againe and to rise against the Clergie, being incouraged and prickt forward by some turbulent spirits, that were ill affected to the publike quiet; the which moued the Bishop to reuoake, and disanull [Page 258] the priuiledges which he had giuen them, and then to retire to his Castell of Wyck, A whereas hee made his ordinary aboad. Afterwards offering to returne into the towne; some seditious men denied him the entry; others sent to the Duke of Geldres to come and succour them, and to be their Protector, offering to open the gates vnto him. The Duke (who was a stirring Prince, and desirous of innouations) came with all speed They of Vtrecht call the duke of Ge [...] dres to bee their protector. with a good number of horse and foote: where hauing taken some order for his safety and for theirs that had called him; hee left the Earle of Maeurs there for his Lieutenant, with a good number of men: and then all the Bishops Cleargie, and those that held his party, were chased out of the Towne, and most of their goods spoiled. Those that remained newters, and medled with neither party, liued quietly in their houses. The Bishop seeing this, built a Fort at Vaert vpon the banke of the riuer of Leck, right against the towne of Vianen, the which hee did man with a good garrison, as also the B Castell of Abcoude; cutting off all approches to the Towne, and all their victuals, keeping them so straightly in, as the people fell into great misery and pouerty: for within they were exceedingly opprest by the Duke of Geldres soldiers; and without their victuals were cut off from them. The which hauing made knowne vnto the duke, he came with certaine horse and foote, and victualed the towne a little, but the common people tasted least thereof.
The Geldrois being thus in Vtrecht would not liue idlely, but went in the night and Harderwyck taken by the Geldrois. surprized the Towne of Harderwyck held by the Hollanders, the which the Duke thinking to keepe (for it was belonging vnto the Duchie of Geldres) he manned with a good garrison, from whence they made ordinary roades into Holland, both by sea & C land, being a sea towne vpon the Zuyderzee. Once among the rest these Geldrois of Vtrecht, with some Bourgesses & inhabitants of the towne (hauing gathered together a great number of Barkes and Boates) entred with them into Holland, running as farre as the Hage, whereas the Court and prouinciall councell remained: one halfe of the soldiers kept the barkes, whilest that the other went to their exploit. Comming to the Hage with Burguignon crosses, the inhabitants at the first doubted no harme, thinking they had beene the Emperors men which came to gard the place, but being in the midest of the Bourg, and vpon the market place, striking vp their drums they began to crie The Hage spoiled by the Geldrois. Geldre, Geldre, where with the inhabitants were so amazed, as (fearing no enemy) euery man fought to saue himselfe: the soldiers spoiling them all, carried their booty vnto D their boates, and besides they did ransome it from fire, with the paiment of many thousands of Florins, and so they returned to Vtrecht without any let or incounter.
The Duke of Geldres did also take Rhenen, belonging to the bishop of Vtrecht: and there caused a Castle to be built: he did in like sort seaze vpon the castle of Horst, into the which hee put good garrisons, thinking to make them his owne hereditarily. He did also much harme to the countries of Oueryssel, with the forts which he caused to be built by the townes of Campen, Deuenter, and Swolle, whom the soldiers did afflict daily with their spoiles and burning; So as in the end these townes with the consent of their Bishop, demanded succours from the Emperor, who accepted them, E vpon condition, that the Bishop should yeeld and transport vnto him all the temporall iurisdiction of his country and diocesse of Vtrecht, giuing him some yeerely pension during his life: wherevpon George Schenck Baron of Tautenbourg, came into the quarter of Oueryssell, and besieged the towne of Hasselt, whereas the Earle of Emden was also in the Emperours seruice, who did so batter this towne with this Canon, as there was scarce a house left whole. The besieged hauing long held out, and done their parts in the defence thereof, seeing that the Duke sent them no succours, they yeelded it vp, to haue their liues and goods saued. The Duke had promised to free them from this siege, and went and shewed himselfe before Hasselt; but hearing that it was yeelded, he retyred himselfe: from thence the Earle of Buren and the Baron Schenck went and camped before the towne & castell of Hattem, in the country of Gelders, Hattem in Gelders yeelded. F the which they had by composition, suffring them to depart with bagge and baggage. Then the towne of Harderwyck was also yeelded vpon the same conditions, onely the horsemen left their horses. They tooke also the towne of Rhenen againe, [Page 259] which the Geldrois had abandoned, flying away, and therefore they did no harme vnto A the towne.
This done, they seized vpon many places, castells and forts, to the number of one Many townes and castells yeelded to the Emperor. and twenty. Among others of the fort of Koeborch, whereas all were put to the sword, the castell of Hulckensteyn, the Block-house which was vpon the blacke water neere vnto Hasselt, and the castell of Amerongen betwixt Vtrecht and Rhenen, the castell of Ham neere to Vtrecht, the castell of Droern, with diuers other castells. The townes of Hasselt, Rhenen, Hattem, Eleburch and Harderwyke, the duke of Geldres hunting house, Leuendale and Altena and others were burnt: the castell of Deyn neere to Amersfort and Puy droyen were burnt and ruined, of the which Martin van Rossen was Lord. This done the Emperors army stayed a while in the Veluwe, and from thence went to besiege the towne of Tyel; whether the duke of Geldres had B sent 700. men, who with-stood many assaults, and defended themselues very valiantly, so as they were forced to raise their campe, and to leaue the place, for that there fell so much raine, as the Canons did sinke aboue their carriages. At that time two companies belonging to the Bishoppe of Vtrecht, entred into the countrie of Geldre, into the Veluwe, to go to the Picoree. The Geldrois hauing layed an ambushe for them, went to skirmish with them, then making a shewe to flie, the Traiectins followed them into the Ambuscadoe, where as the Geldrois discouering them they charged them of all sides, and defeated them, taking all prisoners and disarming them. Then the captaine of the Geldrois sayd vnto his souldiars. Companions remember Koeborch, where our men were all murthered or hanged, which they hearing, fell vpon C these poore prisoners and killed them all in cold bloud.
In the same yeare 1528. in September, some Collonels brought two thousand Spanish 1528. souldiars out of Spaine, who through contrary windes and great tempests were 2000. soldiar [...] come out of Spaine. almost sixe monethes at sea: hauing refresht themselues a while, they were sent for a supplie to the Emperors men which made warre in Geldres. At the same time the duke of Geldres gathered togither certaine men at Ruremonde, Venloo, and the Villages there abouts; making fiue companies, of the which Henry van Wyssche was Collonell, sending them into the Mairie of Boisleduke to wast it. T [...]yerry Barron of Batenbourg was then in Boisleduke, Lieutenant to the Earle of Buren, who hearing that the Geldrois were so neere him, gathered togither some foote men out of D the neere garrisons, and hauing armed all the countrie-men, went to charge the Geldrois, whome hee defeated, beeing all in a manner slaine or taken prisoners: so as there returned fewe to their houses, for they were pursued euen to the bankes of the riuer of Meuze, where many were drowned. Those of Boisleduke tooke many harguebuzes a crock, many ladders and hardels to passe ouer the ditch, leuers of iron, which they call goates-feete, and cords to binde the poore, peasants, and to carry them away prisoners. They had also great store of victualls and munition, meaning to make some stay there for the doing of some exploite: but the chance turned. These newes being come to Ruremonde, there was great lamenting, poore women for their husbands, and children for their fathers. E
At the same time that the Emperours army did rise from before Tyel, the Barron Schenck hauing surprised the towne of Zutphen: some Geldrois that were there in armes to repulse him, were slaine. The souldiars that were within Tyel, during the siege, had beene before in the castell of Hattem when it was yeelded by composition, and had sworne not to carry armes for one month against the Emperor: these soldiars came to Megen and made a fort within the towne: whilest that the garrison was Megen taken and abandoned againe by the Geld [...]ois. gone forth to conuoy certaine wagons laden with wine, which the Geldrois had appointed to goe to Os and Nieulant: those of Boisleduke sent the Earle of Burens troupe, with a hundred horse, to cut them off, and withal to dislodge them from Megen; F but without any stay, they abandoned the place, flying away with their booty, & the prisoners they had taken there abouts. The same yeare in May was burnt the goodly village of Scherpenisse in the Island of Tolen in the territory of Saint Martins dyke in Zeeland.
[Page 260] In the same yeare those of Franc and Bruges set out some ships of warre against the A French, among the which there were some of Zeeland. Being at sea there was a ship of Scluse in Flanders, which had her maine mast carried ouer-bord with a cannon shot, before Deepe. The Diepois seeing this, went out of their hauen, and pursued this shippe thinking to take it: but the Admirall of the Flemings behaued himselfe so valiantly, as he preserued his owne ship, and sunke the chiefe of the French ships, which they sayd was the Admirall of Deepe, where there perished many gentlemen and Bourgeses of Deepe: the other Frenchmen seeing this, left the Flemings in peace who returned victors to Scluse. Whilst that the Emperors men were thus busied in the country of Geldres, some Burgeses of Vtrecht assembled secretly togither, to prouide for the good of the poore commons, who they did see so opprest by the Geldrois soldiars that were there in garrison, as it was not possible to endure them any longer. These B good Burgeses imbracing the oportunity of the Earle of Maeurs absence, who was Lieutenant to the duke of Geldres and Collonel of those soldiars, who was gone to fetch money: they consulted by what meanes they might drawe in the Bishops men, who was the naturall Lord of that towne. Some of them went to Amersfort to conferre with the Bishoppe, who was much amazed and exceeding glad: and for that hee would loose no occasion he gaue them William Turc with his company, and part of the garrison of Vaert: beeing in all foure enseignes the which all togither made a stand vpon the Black water, vntill they had newes of the Intelligences which they had within The Geldrois of Vtrecht defeated. the towne of Vtrecht: most of the garrison beeing then runne for the pillage into the quarter of Goyland, where they tooke great spoyles. At their returne, the Bishops C men hauing cut off their passage, incountred them and defeated them, and tooke their bootie from them, with many prisoners. In this manner the Bishoppes men staying vntill the next daie, kept all from passing, to giue them aduertisement in the towne.
The next morning at the opening of the porte a woman went forth with a basket on her arme, who gaue notice vnto the Bishoppes men, that the soldiars of the towne had most of them left the gard, and were gone to sleepe, and therefore when as Saint Iames his clock did strike, they might approach boldly, and that they should finde all things prepared to giue them entrie vnto the towne. So the second of Iulie in the yeare 1528. the Bishops men came to the port, which they found wide open, so as D many entred. The watch which stood in sentinell vpon the port, perceyuing this, Vtrecht surprized by the Bishops men. let downe the Portcullies: but presently fiue or sixe men of Vaert with Axes and Hatchets, cut in sunder the beames; so as the soldiars entred with the Horsemen, and marched into the towne without any Incounter or let, vntill they came to the Friars: where some Geldrois soldiars beeing gathered togither, thought to repulse them: but it was in vaine, for the Bishoppes men were to strong for them, who slue foure and twenty of those Geldrois, and tooke three hundred and fifty prisoners. The Earle of Maeurs (who was returned the day before) was taken prisoner, with some others, who by the treaty of peace, were afterwardes set free. The soldiars which E had the gard of the gates fled, and so did some Burgeses partisans to the Geldrois. The banished men of the towne, which had alwaies held the Bishops partie, returned with him: before the conclusion of the peace, there were twelue chiefe men of the Executions at Vtrecht. town executed by Iustice, and two Chanoins put into a sack & cast into the riuer. The Bishop had put more to death, if the Earle of Hochstraten, who came that day from Vianen, had not preuented the mischiefe. The soldiars spoyled al the houses of the Geldrois partisans, breaking open dores and windoes, and taking vp the flowers and planchers of houses, to see if there were no money hidden, where they found much, doing moreouer great outrages vnto the Burgeses. Notwithstanding the towne of Vtrecht was thus happely deliuered from the oppressions and extorsions of the Geldrois soldiars. For if they had continued there longer; it was to be feared that the towne had F beene besieged, and that it had beene forced to endure more to the ruine of their goodly houses and the losse of their goods.
The town of Vtrecht being by this means come into the Emperors hāds (according to [Page 261] the accord made the Bishoppe for the temporall Iurisdiction of the said Countrie) A there was a Nobleman sent from the Court at Brussells to do iustice vpon the rebels and to pacefie all partialities and mutynies: and the better to keepe them in obedience and awe, theie bulit a Cittadell by Saint Katherines port, which was called Veredenbourg, that is to say the Castell of peace, the which from that time continued vnto the yeare. 1577. that many Cittadells and Castells in diuers parts of the Netherlands were ruined, as wee shall heareafter shew. The Emperors armie beeing returned from Tyes: there was a meeting appointed in the Towne of Gorrichom, betwixt the Duke of Gelders and the Bishop of Vtrecht, whether came commissioners on the Emperors behalfe and for the Duke of Gelders: for the Emperor came the Earles of Buren and Hochstraten, the Bishop of Palermo Chancelor, and the Audiencier or Secretarie: B for the Duke of Gelders came Henry Kiespennick, Rolland Kerckelandt and Veressen, who A peace betwixt the duke of Gelders the Bishop and the Emperor. after much debate, in the end concluded a good peace, betwixt the Duke of Gelders on the one part, and the Bishop of Vtrecht on the other, and the Emperor being ioyned to the said Bishop: and also for his owne particular, touching the temporall Iurisdiction of Vtrecht, which accord conteyned many articles, the which wee omitte to auoyd tediousnes. By the which the Earle of Maeurs and Doctor Wynant were deliuered without ransome, beeing taken prisoners at Vtrecht and a time lymited for the banished men of Vtrecht and Swoll to returne home to their houses, for the confirmation of which accord and peace, there went to Brusselles the Earles of Buren and Hochstraten, and the Baron Schencke for the Emperor and the Bishop of Vtrecht: and for the Duke of Gelders, Iohn van rossem Lord of Brouchuysen, Doctor Erckelens C and others, who finding not the Lady Marguerite Douager of Sauoy, the Emperors sister and gouernesse of the Netherlands at Brusselles, theie went vnto her to Macklyn: whereas the said Ladies Councell in the Emperors name, and the Dukes Councell in their maisters name did sweare the said peace in Sainte Peeters Churche. The Queene vsed the Dukes Comissioners very honourably, giuing to euerie one of them a faire Cup full of golden Carolus, who returning by Antwerp, went to make report vnto their Prince, whereof hee was exceeding ioyfull. A while after the Duke sent Martin van Rossem Lord of Puydroyen to the French King, to aduertise him of the peace hee had made with the Emperour, where-with the King was well pleased. D
In the yeare 1529. Henry of Bauaria Bishop of Vtrecht, discontented with the 1529 warres, and seeing himselfe thus depriued of the temporall Iurisdiction of the said Bishopricke, which the Emperor had gotten into his possession, resigned his Bishoppricke in Iuly, into the hands of Pope Clement the 7. going to gouerne the Bishopricke of Wormes, after they had beene at Vtrecht fiue yeares, to which Bishopricke there was aduanced an ancient man called William van Engueuoort, borne in Brabant, Cardinall and Bishop of Tortona in Spaine, who being at Rome, tooke posession of the said Bishopricke of Vtrecht, by his Atorney: leauing Iohn Vtenengen his vicegerent to gouerne The Emperor comes unto Italie. it, whether hee neuer went, but died foure yeares after in Rome in the yeare 1533. A Peace beeing concluded betwixt the Emperour and the French King in E the yeare 1529. the Emperour arriued with a great fleete at Genoa where hee had newes of the Peace concluded at Cambray, the which did amaze all the Princes of Italie, fearing they should bee now abandoned by the French: whose entrie into Bologne, I haue thought good to describe, for the statelynesse thereof, although it doth not concerne our subiect.
The Emperour Charles the fifth went towards Bologna la grassa, whereas Pope His stately entry into Bolognala grasta Clement was then resident; beeing neare the Cittie, fiue and twenty Cardinalls went to meete his Maiestie, comming neere him, they all lighted to doe their duties vnto him; then they tooke their moyles againe, conducting him into the Cittie, hauing of either side of him the Cardinalls of Ancona and Farneze, entring into the Cittie, F there marched first 300. light horse in a liuerie; after came ten great Canons with their pioners, carrying euery one a Lawrell branche, then the Captaines well mounted, Don Anthonio de Leua followed with some field pieces, being carried in a Carosse trimmed [Page 262] with tawney veluet, hauing with him foureteene enseignes of Germaine foote: after A the which marched two Noblemen in complete armes and their horses barded, before whome were carried two Standards of cloth of gold with an Eagle in the midest, and betwixt those two was an other Standard of watchet satten with a red crosse, which the Pope had sent vnto the Emperor. The Earle of Rieux Lord Steward of his house was next, accompanied with three hundred men at armes, all in cassakes of one liuerie, yealow, red and blew: then the Grandos and Noblemen of Spaine with foure hundred horses barded. After them fiue and twenty pages of honour belonging to the Emperor, all in cloth of gold, mounted vpon Genets of Spaine, richly furnished, then sixe hundred halbardiers all apparelled in yealow, in the middest of whome marched the Emperor vnder a canopy of cloth of gold, beeing mounted vpon a Hungarien horse with a rich caparison, hauing the bit and his stirrops of massie B gold, being armed vnder his coate of armes with cloath of gold, his Marshall went before him carrying a naked sword in his hand: about his horse went fiue and twentie Bollonian gentlemen on foote, all in white satten dublets cut vpon cloath of gold, and breeches of chrimson veluet. The Earle of Nassau came after also with foure score men at armes, and a great traine of Nobility: then others attired in diuers liueries to the number of two thousand horse, and behinde, six companies of Spanish shot, all in yealow.
The Emperor beeing entred into that cittie, they brought him a crosse of gold, the which he kist. The Pope was carried out of his Pallace vnto Saint Petronelles Church, C where hee did sit downe in his pontificall seate, with his Cardinalls about him. The Emperor approching neere the staires, lighted from his horse, withall his Noblemen, who marched vnder his canopie, vntill hee see where the Pope was sitting, The Emperor Charles kisseth the Popes feete. who made three curtesies vnto the Emperour, and hee kneeling downe kist the Popes feete, and then rysing hee kist his hand and his face: then all the Noblemen followed and kist the Popes feete: which done, he rose out of his chaire, and kist the Emperor three times of the cheeke: saying. I cry you mercie, and yeeld my selfe vnto you, it was not my desire that you should kisse my feete, but to obserue the accustomed ceremonies at the coronation of Emperors.
The two and twenty of February in the yeare 1530. the Emperor hauing staied almost three monthes in Bolognia, all things beeing prepared and made ready, after many D ceremonies, hee was anointed and crowned King of Lombardy, the Pope setting a 1530. crowne vpon his head, which they call the crowne of steele. The two and twenty day The Emperors coronation by the Pope. of the same month, the Pope beeing in the Church, the Emperor was conducted thether, with great pompe and state. First marched the pages and gentlemen of his household and of his chamber: Earles, Marquises, Dukes and Princes, euery one in his degree; then the Officers of his house. The Kings at armes and Heralds of the Emperor of France, England and Sauoy. Then the Stewards of his house with their staues. The Marquis of Montferrat followed, sumptously apparelled, carrying the scepter. The duke of Vrbin carried the sword in a sheath of pure gold, inritched with pretious stones. The Count Palatin carried the Globe, and the Duke of Sauoy carried the Imperiall crowne. E
The Emperour marched after, carrying vpon his head the crowne of Lombardie, beeing followed by all the Ambassadors of Kings and Princes: After whome came the Councellors and Secretaries of State. Before that the Emperor entred into the Church, hee was receiued and led into a Chappell by the Deane and Chanoins of Saint Peeters Church at Rome, beeing come expresly thether: where the Emperor tooke the accustomed oth in the handes of a Cardinall. Then after many other ceremonies, and change of Ornements, after that hee had beene anoynted, hee was led before the Pope sitting in his pontificall seat, doing a great obeysance vnto him, wherevpon the Pope came downe in his coape, and went towards the Alter F to celebrate the masse. Then was the Emperor set in a stately throne: and all the markes which these Princes carried, were set vpon the Altar, vntill the Epistle of the masse was sung.
[Page 263] Then the Emperor was brought before the Pope, where hee kneeled downe. The Pope drawing forth the Imperiall sword, sayd vnto him, Accipe gladrum &c. The deacon A which did helpe to say masse, hauing taken it out of the Emperors hands, put it into the scabberd and deliuered it vnto the Pope, who hunge it at the Emperors side: who rising vp, drew it forth three times and set the point vnto the ground and then put it vp againe. Then the Pope deliuered into the Emperours hands the scepter and the globe, vsing at eyther time many wordes and ceremonies. In the end hee set the Imperiall crowne vpon his head, giuing him the true titles of an Emperour. The Emperor hauing beene thus adorned withall the Imperiall markes, hee deliuered vnto these Princes the crowne, the scepter and the globe, with the Imperiall roabe, and in his cassacke and bare headded, hee went to offer at the Popes feete, as many peeces of gold and siluer, as he was yeares old. All beeing ended, he was attired with his B Imperiall Ornaments, and carryed backe to his throne. And then the Pope and the Emperor returned both on hors backe vnder one canopie to the Pallace.
The Emperor Charles beeing thus crowned, hauing setled the affaires of Italie, parted An Imperiall diet at Ausbourg. two and twenty daies after his coronation, to goe to an Imperiall diet appointed at Ausbourg, the first of May, whether came the Prince Electors and many other Princes of the Empire, Earles, Barons, Bishoppes and Prelates. Where the Emperor arriued with the King of Hungary his brother, and the Cardinall Campege on the Popes behalfe the thirteenth of Iune. And as it seemed that this diet was principally held for matters of relligion, after that Cardinall Campege had made his oration, and the Ambassadors of Austria layed open their greuances; the Prince Elector of Saxony, C George of Brandenbourg, the duke of Lunebourg and the Landgraue of Hessen, as well in their owne names, as of other Earles, Noblemen and Imperiall townes, besought the Emperor to heare the confession of their doctrine, but hee on the other side, commaunded them to deliuer it vp in writing: and they still prest to haue audience, The protestant Princes desire to haue their confession heard. the which beeing denied them, they still insisted, for that it toucht their honors, liues and goods, yea the helth of their soules wherein it may bee they had otherwise informed him then was true. Wherevpon the Emperour commaunded them to come the next daie to his lodging: but hee would needes haue the writing deliuered, the which was donne the next day both in Lattin and Dutch, offring to expound it, if there were any thing either to obscurely, or too breefly set downe, D and if the matter could not bee decided, they refuzed not a councell. The Empeperour gaue the Duke of Saxonies confession to the other Noble Princes, to iudge thereof, who deliuered them into the handes of their Doctors, whereof Faber and Eckius were the chiefe, who writ against, and confuted the sayd confession.
Vpon this confession of their faith, there were diuers disputations, betwixt the doctors of the Protestant Princes, and many townes which did adhere vnto them, Conferences betwixt the Protestants and Papists. and the Popish deuines. The Emperor in many things would interpose his authority and absolute power, wherevnto the Protestant Princes did oppose. Many conferences were held betwixt the doctors of both relligions, the which did not passe E without some bitternesse, in the which the Princes themselues were actors: so as the Protestants could not obtaine any thing. Therefore their Ambassadors (seeing that they could not preuaile in any thing, but what pleased their Aduersaries,) did write vnto the States of the Empire, wherein they did breefly lay open what had beene done, intreating them that in the end of the decree, they should not adde the names of their Princes with the rest, (for they had made a kinde of decree as if all had consented therevnto) And for that they had gotten nothing, by their solliciting for peace, they declared that they could not possibly contribute any thing to the warres against the Turke: Moreouer for that it is sayd by the decree, that those onelie should haue place in the Parliament and Chamber of the Empire, which had allowed and [...]signed it, they intreated that this Article might be reformed or els they would not [...]ntribute any thing to the charges of the sayd Chamber. Hauing made this protestation, euery one retired to his owne home.
[Page 264] In the sayd yeare 1530. the first of Nouember, there was so great a Tempest at sea, [...] de [...] [...] ▪ [...]. A with a North-west winde, and the tide was so high at Noone-day, as the water ouer- [...]lowed the bankes in many places, although it were not the time of full sea by two houres, with which tempest and spring-tide, there were ouer-flowne and drowned in Holland, Zeeland, Friseland, Brabant and Flanders (as some haue obserued and left in writing) foure hundred and foure Parishes, yet Holland and Zeeland, were most damnefied. In the Island of Zuy-beuelandt, the quarter on the East-side was all drowned, within eighteene villages. The Towne of Romerswaell, the castell of Lodycke and the Scluse of Cre [...]ke was all carried away. The quarter of the West-side, which is diuided with a dike that runnes crosse the Island, where the towne is scytuated, with many goodly villages, was likewise drowned, and a peece of the towne gate was carried away with the violence of the water. The B Island of Noorbeuelandt did suffer verie much, first neere vnto Loo, right against Wissen-kerke: the daie following the sayd tempest, the Scluse of Bomvlyet, betwixt Emelisse and the towne Cortgeen, was also carried away, so as in lesse then three daies, all the countrie was vnder the water. The towne of Cortgeen, Cats, Emelisse and other villages were wone from the sea, and they were in hope to recouer them the sommer following, but they could not, vntill the yeare 1597. that Count Philippe of Hohenlo, husband to the Ladie Marguerite of Nassau, recouered them and walled them, in the name of his wife. The Island of [...]houwe was also peerst through in diuers places. The wall was broken in three or foure places about Bordendam, C Burch and Hamstede, so as the whole countrie was couered with waters for eighteene daies togither, but the Inhabitants of Ziricxe caused the breaches to bee repayred with great labour and cost. The Island of Duyuelandt was also ouer-flowne in diuers places, so as the whole country, and causies thereof (which in their vulgar tongue they call Poldres) were all ouer-flowne, except the quarter of [...]heeren-Islandt. In the Island of Annelandt there was the like wrack by inundation: the which notwithstanding was soone recouered. The Ile of Tolen did also feele of it, whereas the bankes were wonderfully broken, but soone repaired againe. In the countrie of Borsseles which was defended on the side of Zuydbeuelandt had six parishes drowned, the which remained all winter subiect to the ebbing and flowing of the sea. The Island of Philippelandt was in the like case. In the countrie of the newe and olde Tonge, D there were certaine Poldres or Causeis ouer-flowne, but they were soone recouered againe.
By reason of these tempests and vnreasonable tides, there was so great a desolation throughout all the countrie of Zeeland, and else where, as it can hardly bee described: for there was an incredible number of al sorts of cattell, as Horses, Oxen, Kyne, Sheepe, Swine and other beastes swalloed vp in the sea: manie faire country houses, and farmes with their barnes full of corne, were ouerthrowne and carried away with the violence of the water. But that which was most lamentable, manie men women and children were drowned, and could by no meanes be releeued. Many rich men keeping good houses, and possessing great lands, were vtterly ruined by these inundations; and who before were accustomed to be serued, were now forced to go and serue, and to labour E for others; some were faine to begge their bread: a pittiful thing to behold. Those that could saue themselues from the furie of the waters, being come into the neighbor quarters of Zeeland died languishing with greefe, and others with want and miserie. Many villages in the Island of Zuydbeuelandt remaine vnto this day in the botome of the sea: and of all the East quarter there remaines nothing but the towne of Romerswael, the which through the mallice of these last ciuill warres, is now very disolate, whereas it was wont to bee a good and a rich towne. The six villages which were drowned in the country of Borssele, (which was wont to bee one of the most ancient, F the most famous and the greatest Islandes of Zeeland, ioyning to that of Zuydbeuelandt) were Monster, Saint Catherine, Ostkerke, Westkerke, Walfardorp and Deuy [...], whereas the Lords of Borssele did vsually make their residence. These villages, were the Sommer following recouered: but two yeares after 1532. they were againe [Page 265] drowned, and so remained vnto the yeare 1597. that Nortbeueland was recouered, of A this memorable and lamentable Inundation, happened in the yeare 1530. these two Latin verses were made, shewing the date of the yeare and the day.
The 27. of Nouember the same yeare the Ladie Marguerite of Austria, Douager of The death of Lady Marguerite of Austria. Sauoy, Aunt to the Emperor, Gouernesse of the Netherland, died at Macklyn: she desired to be intretred at Bruges, by the Ladie Marie Dutchesse of Bourgongne, Countesse of Holland, Zeeland &c. her mother. In December the same yeare 1530. the Emperour parted out of Germany with King Ferdinand his brother, and the Princes B both Electors and others, and many great Noblemen both Clergy and Temporal, and arriued at Cologne the fift of Ianuary 1531. where the sixt of that month Ferdinand 1531. his brother was chosen King of the Romaines, by all the Princes Electors, except him Ferdinand the [...]mperors brothe [...] made King of Romaines. of Saxony. After the election, the Emperor and his brother, accompained with all these Princes and Noblemen, entred into Aix la Chapelle, the tenth of the sayd month, where hee was the next day crowned with all the sollemnities required for a King of Romains. This done Ferdinand returned with the Princes into Germany, and the Emperor came to Brusselles the 24. of the moneth, where soone after he went to see the Lady Mary, Queene Douager of Hungary, his sister, whom he made Gouernesse in his name of all the Netherlands, by the death of the Lady Marguerite their Aunt. C
MARY OF AVSTRIA, QVEENE DOWager of Hongary, sister to the Emperor Charles the 5. Gouernesse of the Netherlands.
[Page 267] Mary of Austria, second daughter to the Arch-duke Phillip and the Lady A Iane King and Queene of Castile, sister to the Emperors Charles the 5. and Ferdinand the 1. was married to Lewis King of Hongarie, who was slaine in battell by the great Turke Solliman, and remained a widdow. By the death of the Lady Marguerite, Dowager of Sauoy, she was by the Emperour Charles the fifth her brother, appointed-Gouernesse of all the Netherlands. During the Emperours aboad at Brusselles, the inhabitants of The beginning of the chanell which goes from Brusselles to Antwerp. the Towne obtained of his Maiestie, a confirmation of the grant which they had obtained long before of the Lady Mary Duchesse of Bourgongne, and of the Emperour Maximillian her husband, for the making of a [...] riuer or chanell betwixt Brussells and Antwerp, in the which after that time they began to labour, vntil it was fully ended, and that ships came vnto it in the yeare 1560. The Anabaptists which began in those B times to raigne in Germanie, crept in like sort into the Low-countries, namely in Holland to Amsterdam where the Proctor general of the Hag [...], caused nine to be apprehended Anabaptists in Holland. at one time, whereby a sentence giuen by the Emperour they lost their heads. All this yeare 1531. that the Emperour staied in the Netherlands, there past nothing that was memorable; onely the 3. of December hee renued the order of the golden Fleece, in the Cittie of Tournay, then hee made his preparations to returne into Germanie, to an Imperiall Dyet which should bee held at Ratisbone, to conclude the controuersies in relligion, and the Turkish warres. The Count Palatin came to Brussells to fetch him, with whome hee parted the 17. of Ianuary 1532. This yeare was published in Holland, Zeeland, and other Prouinces of the Netherlands, the The [...] blou [...]y Edict against the Protestants. C third bloudy Edict against them of the reformed relligion, and more rigorous then any of the former.
The Hollanders hauing by the Emperors commandement deliuered certaine ships vnto Christierne the 2. King of Denmarke, beeing exiled, to carry him backe into his Kingdome with the which hee past into Norway: those of Lubeck and their Allies beeing much incensed thereat, rigged forth many shippes of warre, which they War betwixt them of Lubeck and Hollanders. sent to Sea: causing them to keepe the Sounde in such sort, as no Hollanders shippes could passe, which was the cause of great pouertie and want among their marriners, and such as get their liuing by the nauigation of the Sea. Corne grew exceeding deere there, and had beene deerer if those of Breme had not sent in a great quantity of D wheat and rye to Amsterdam during the Sommer time. The Hollanders complained to the Queene of Hongary, who did write to the Lubekers, desiring a day of meeting might bee appointed betwixt her and them, touching their controuersies: where-vppon they resolued on either side to assemble at Hamberough, whether the Deputies of Amsterdam came, and one of the Priuie Councell. But those of Lubeck came not, sending onely some Deputies, excusing them-selues that they could not come to the same Assembly, without the presence of Frederic Duke of Holsteyn their Lord (beeing then newly chosen King of Denmarke) or of his Commissioners, who had written vnto them that hee desired the said Assembly might bee held the next yeare at Coppenhagen, whither hee would come him-selfe in person, E to treat with the Emperour, and seeke all meanes of peace. Although the Deputies of the Netherlanders, were not well satisfied, yet for that they could not helpe it, they were content to remitte the Assembly vnto the time required, returning as well into Holland as Brussels to make their report.
Soone after the returne of the Deputies, some shippes of warre of Lubeck came running along the Coast of Zeeland, where they tooke a shippe of Edam laden with salt, comming from Lisborne beelonging to them of Amsterdam. Wherevppon the Court (at the sute of the Hollanders) caused all the ships, goods, marchandise, and generally what-soeuer did belong to them of Lubeck and Hambrough, to bee staied and arrested, in recompence of this ship that was taken by them. The 10. of Iune I Ioos Ameson Vander-Burch, & Gerard Mullart van Campen, with Cornell [...] Bennick of Amsterdam parted out of Holland to this assembly at Copenhagen. The King of Denmarke and Prince Christierne his sonne (who afterwards was King, called Christierne the 3.) [Page 268] receiued these Deputies honourably. Those of Lubeck propounded many complaints A in the open Assembly against them of Holland, blaming them with many Articles. Yet the King and all the Townes of the East countries layed the fault vppon the Lubekers And so a Peace was concluded betwixt Frederic King of Denmarke and his sonne, [...] ma [...]e [...] [...] ror [...] Hollande [...] with▪ the King of Denm [...]. with the Townes of the Easterlins of the one partie, and the Emperor with the Hollande [...]s of the other, where-vnto the Lubeckers were forced to consent with the other Townes, and to set their signe and seale to the treatie of Peace: so as all shippes and goods that had beene stayed on either side, were discharged, the Sounde remaining open and free. The newes of this peace did greatly reioyce them of Amsterdam, and did bring downe the price of pitche, rozen tarre, corne, and of all other comodities that came out of the East Countries by the Sounde. B
In the beginning of Ianuary 1532. the Emperour beeing as wee haue said, parted out of the Netherlands, and came with his Brother King Ferdinand to Ratisbone to hold a Dyet, whither came all the Princes, except the Duke of Saxony, and the A Dyet at Ratisbone touching relligio [...]. Landtgraue of Hessen. The Emperour beeing come to Ments the first of February, the Arch-bishoppe of that place and the Count Palatin did sollicit him againe for peace, and hauing warrant from him to deale in it, they did admonish and aduise the Princes of Saxony and Hessen to harken to it. So as after many letters sent on either side; in the end they mette in the beginning of Aprill at Schuynfort. There a proposition was made to liue in peace vntill a Councell were called, and some points were propounded by the Emperours commandment, touching the which Articles propounded to the P [...]otestants. C there was some debate on the behalfe of the seauen Princes, and the twenty foure Pr [...]testant Townes, yet notwith-standing there followed an Accord, the [...] whereof followes.
‘As well those that haue presented the confession of their Doctrine at Ausbourg, and the defence thereof: as those which shall hereafter ioyne vnto that relligion, A forme of the conditions of peace in Germany. shall conteyne them-selues within these limit [...]s without any Innouation vntill a Councell, [...]ee called. They shall not conuerse with those that teach the Sacraments of the Lords supper, and of Baptisme, other-wise [...]hen is se [...]te downe in their declaration at Ausbourg. Touching that whic [...] concearnes matters of Doctrine, they shall not suborne nor defend any one of a strange [...]urisdiction, vnder coullor of relligion. D But if the law allowes any to go at their pleasure, after they haue giuen notice thereof vnto their Lords, they may then go where they like or are admitted. They shall not send their Preachers out of their Count [...]ies to teach, if the Magistrate doth not require it, or suffer it, when th [...]re shal [...] bee any Assembly there: if hee denies, then may they preach in the houses, [...]f they bee called to an imperiall Dyet, or if they send their men against the Turke, they shall allwaies haue their Preachers, and the administration of the Supper, according to the commandment of CHRIST. They shall auoyd iniuries; and the Ministers o [...] the Church shall according to their duties, reprehend errors and vice modestly, and teach the truth. They of their relligion shall not bee excluded from the Imperiall Chamber. The Ecclesiasticall Iurisdiction E shall remaine as it is at this present, and it shall not bee lawfull for the Bishop to call any one into question for matters of relligion. All sentences giuen touching relligion, Iurisdiction, ceremonies and holy things, (which are not yet put in execution) shall remaine in suspence, vntill a Councell. Those shall enioy the goods of the Church which shallbee resident vppon the place, to whome properly such goods belong. That nothing bee taken away violently from any man. That the yearely reuenues bee carried to those places where they were wont to bee, vntill the Councell doe ot [...]er-wise determine, in polliticke matters euery one to do his duty, and to bee caref [...]ll of the common-weale carrying them-selues faithfully together, and louing one an other mutually.’ F
According to these Articles, the Protestants for their parts beeing seauen Princes 1532 and twenty foure Townes offered obedience to the Emperor, and promised him A [...] betw [...]xt the Emperor and the [...]. succors against the Turke. The Noblemen that had bene mediators, concluded this treatie of peace the 23. of Iune. 1532. & the Emperor ratified it the 2. of August, and [Page 269] by a publicke Edict did authorise it, commanding the Imperiall Chamber and all other A Iudges to obey it. And for that they had daiely newes of the Turks approaching, it was decreed that all the States of the Empire, should giue succors, not contributing of mony, but sending men. And so the Assembly ended the 27. of Iuly, euery one going to prepare A new Hauen at Middlebou [...]g. for the warre. The same yeare the 8. of Aprill was begun the new hauen of Middelbourg in Zeeland, in the Iland of Walcren, passing in a straight line from the towne vnto the banke of the Iland, where it falls into the sea, the which was finished in two years, a very commodious and profitable worke, seeing that before their hauen was neere vnto the salt marshes of Armuyden, hauing a crooked course vnto the towne, and therfore very discomodious.
George of Egmont the 60. Bishop of Vtrecht, sonne to Iohn the first Earle of Egmont succeeded William van Enkeuoort, who (as we haue said) died at Rome. He was before B Seignor of Hoochwoud and Ertswoude and Abot of Saint Amand in Tournesis: But he had no authority in the Seigneury of Vtrecht, but ouer the spirituall Iurisdiction: the Emperor hauing before (when as Philip of Bourgonge was Bishop) seased vpon the reuenewes and [...]emporall iurisdiction, vnder collour, that the Bishops were not powerfull inough to defend it against the Duke of Gelders and other ennemies: and also by reason of their ordinary mutinies, tumults and ciuil wars, against the Bishops, yet notwithstanding George of Egmont did gouerne the sayd Bishopricke with great magnificence, the space of 25. years.
The 3. of May in the yeare 1536. about three of the clocke in the after-noone, there fell a great and fearefull fier at Delfe in Holland, so as in a short time the whole towne 1536. C was in a manner consumed; there were burnt 9300. houses, the two parish Churches, and many goodly Cloisters and monasteri [...]s: so as there remained not aboue 300. houses. There was no means to quench it, for that most of the Cloisters and houses were couered with reeds, and besides there had no raigne fallen of a long time, so as there was a great drought: and withall the wind was great, which draue the fier from one place to an other. There were many burnt, especially women lying in child-bed, and great riches, plate and Iewelles consumed with the fyre. In the moneth of August the Two French ships cun [...]ngly taken by them of Dordrecht. same yeare, the warres being kindled againe betwixt the Emperor and the French King, two shippes of warre Frenchmen, ranne along the coast of Holland, who with their long boats went some-times to land, to surprize some of the Country-men, if D they could in their beds: but they kept so good gard as the French-men could not doe any thing. These two shippes lay houering vp and downe th [...]e a long time, making many attempts, but all in vaine. Those of Dordrecht hearing talke of them, some marriners consulted together how they might intrappe them, where-vpon fifty tall fellowes put them-selues into a Hoye (which is a kind of shippe they vse to carrie marchandise and passengers) hauing filled certaine sacks with strawe, and laied them vpon their hatches, as if they had beene wooll, they all lying hidden vnder the decke; onely the mariner and his boy walked aboue: and so passing out of the old Meuse, they went to seeke these two shippes. Those beneth were redy with their Armes, vpon the first signe that the marriner should giue them. The hatches, were so ordred, that as soone E as they were toucht, they would fall downe. The marriner hauing discouered these two shippes approached a little towards them, and then he made shew to flye from them.
The French seeing it pursued him with full sayles, and comming neere cryed vnto him to strike sayle, and that he should come aboord: then he drew neerer, intreating them to suffer him to depart, and that he was a poore man, who sought onely to get his liuing, and that if they tooke away his boat he must go beg his bread. Then the French cryed out the more to haue him approach & come a boord, or else the would sinke him. Being come close vnto them & the French entred, beginning to handle those sackes, he F cryed out and gaue a watch-word to them vnder the hatches, who commingvp sodenly with their swords drawne fell vpon these pirats whom they surprised and slue all that were entred. Those that were in the other shippe seeing this disorder, fled as fast as they could and went to land. Soe the Hollanders of Dordrecht had these two shippes, [Page 270] good cheape, the which they carryed vnto their Towne, not without ioy and admiration A of so hardie an enterprise. Charles Duke of Geldres was much discontented, to see himselfe so depriued of the towne of Groningen, the which was yeelded vnto the Emperor, as wee haue said. Being desirous to haue his reuenge, hee studied how he [...] The duke of G [...]dres ente [...] prise vpon Amers [...]ort. might surprise some Towne. He had a certaine enterprise vpon the towne of Amersfort, the which some traytors within it should deliuer vnto him the 13. day of September the same yeare. But a woman hauing discouered the treason of the Bourgmaster of the towne, the enterprise failed, and he returned as he came. The traytors were quartered, and their heads set vpon the gates of the towne. The second day of Nouember, there was a meeting appointed in the towne of Graue, betwixt the Deputies for the Em [...]or and the Duke of Geldres, touching the difference that was betwixt B them by rea [...] of the towne of Groningen and the Ommelandts. After long conference betwixt the Deputies, in the end they concluded the tenth of December a good and friendly peace, betwixt the Emperour and his subiects of the one part, and the Duke of Geldres and his subiects of the other part, whereof a Treatie was drawne in writing, conteining 16. Articles, proclaimed at Brussels the twentith of December.
In Aprill 1537. the French King entred with a mightie Armie, in the which were three Kings; himselfe, Iames King of Scotland the fift of that name, and the Hesdin taken by the french. King of Nauarre, into the Country of Arthois, where hee besieged Hesdin a frontier towne, the which hee wonne, the Inhabitants beeing retired with all their chiefe C moueables into the Castell, the which held good for a time: but through the Kings goodly offers and great threats, they forced the Captaines to yeeld the place. The Earle of Buren on the other side besieged the towne of Saint Pol in Arthois, belonging S [...]int Pol taken by the Imperial [...]. to the house of Longueuille, manned with a good garrison of French. Sending to sommon it, the Gouernor in despight of the Emperour, caused the Trumpet to bee hanged that did this message, where-with the Earle with all the Commanders of the Emperors Armie were much incensed: after that they had battered the towne with great furie, and made a sufficient breache, the Earle at dinner time, when as the Gouernor and Captaines were at meate, caused a furious assault to bee giuen, and in the end forced the towne, killing and massacring all that they mette in the heate of their furie, not sparing any, yea the bloud was mingled with the wine vpon the D Tables: the Bourguignons were in the towne, before the French Captaines would beleeue it: the towne being wonne, some Bourgesses fled into the Castell, the which after that the furie was past, they yeelded, to haue their liues saued. The taking of this towne was re-markeable, for the great effusion of bloud, especially of the French Nobilitie; a iust reward for their brauing presumption: It was taken the thirteenth of Iune 1537.
The Duke of Geldres not content with the peace which hee had made with the Emperor, practised meanes to surprize the Towne of Enchuysen in Holland, thereby The duke of Geldres ent [...]ise vpon [...]uchuysen. to make himselfe maister of the Zuyderzee, to which end hee furnished out fiue ships E at Harderwyke, in the which hee imbarked 700. men, as secreatly as hee could in the night, himselfe conuoying them euen vnto the Bridge. These fiue shipps arriued the next day before Enchuysen by three of the clocke in the morning, the soldiers lying hidden vnder hatches: two of them entred into the Hauen, where (by reason of the peace they had with the Geldrois) they had not shutte the barre, so as ships might enter in by night. But as GOD would haue it, it was then a lowe water, so as their ships could not floate. And as the day appeared fearing to bee discouered, after that they had attended foure houres for a high water, they retired without any effect, the two and twentith of Iune 1537.
The Duke seeing his enterprise miscarried, feared least the Hollanders should complaine 1537. F vnto Queene Mary, the Gouernesse; hee therefore excused himselfe vnto them [...] duke ex [...] [...] this [...]rise. of Amsterdam: how that his Nephew the Cardinall of Bourbon, desiring to see him once before hee dyed, had requested him to send these shippes for his garde: [Page 271] but they had beene forced by the tide to enter into the hauen of Enchuysen: intreating A them of Amsterdam to giue a safe conduct to his Nephew by the Zuyderzee, for fifteene daies.
They of Amsterdam hauing red this letter, did wonder at the dukes subtill and sodaine inuention, for they had certaine intelligence that hee himselfe had beene in person within Harderwick, and had kept the towne gates shut two daies togither, to the end that no man should go forth, to aduertise them of Enchuysen, and other sea townes of his comming: that he had struck vp the drum to call soldiars togither and had made a proclamation, that all such as had sworne to the King of France, should imbarke presently, and do whatsoeuer their captaines should command them, vpon paine of death. Although they of Amsterdam were well aduertised of all this by some of their Burgeses that were shut vp at that time in Harderwyck, yet they would make no mention B thereof, but answered him onely. That they had no authoritie to grant any pasport [...] to the Emperours enemies, to come into his country; but hee must seeke it from Queene Marie, Gouernesse for the Emperour. The Earle of Buren, after the winnyng of Saint Poll, tooke Monstruiel, and then hee went and besieged Teroane, a towne scituated in the midest of the countrie of Arthois, two leagues and a halfe from Ayre, and as much from Saint Omer. During which siege the Marshall of Annebaut came with an armie to raise his campe, or to victuall the towne. The Earle of Buren being aduertised thereof, hee sent the Earle of Roeux, the Lord of Brederode and other Noblemen, with troupes of horse and foote, to cut off their passage, the which they could not do, being to farre aduanced, euen iust to the towne, but attending them in their returne, C they charged them in such sort, as they were all defeated.
The Marshall of Annebaut chiefe of this army, the Lord of Chastillon, the Lord of Sercis sonne, George Capusman captaine of the Albanois and about 1500. horse were prisoners The French defeated at the battaile of Saguelet [...]. besides those that were slaine vpon the place. This incounter was called the battaile of Saguelets, for that euery one of the French horse-men carried a bagge of poulder. But presently after a truce was concluded for sixe monethes betwixt the Emperour and the French King, so as Teroane was freed from siege. Although that the yeare before 1536. there had beene a firme peace concluded betwixt the Emperor and the duke of Geldres, yet the duke practised all the meanes hee could to surprise sometownes in Holland: as hee had failed first at Enchuysen, then at Gorrichom D and lastly at Dordrecht. And seeing all these deseignes to proue frutelesse; hee deuised how hee might in his life time resigne all his Seigneuries to the French King. The which not able to do without the generall consent of all the townes and country of Geldres, hee commanded them to come all to Arnhem in October, to heare that which hee should propound vnto them. The deputies of all the townes being assembled, he declared vnto them, that being now growne old, his desire was to prouide them now in his life time of a good Prince, rich and mighty, that had meanes to defend them against all men, and therefore to that end hee would institute the French King in his place, intreating them to consent therevnto, and to accept him for their Prince and Lord, and that in his hands they would take the oth of fealty, and do homage vnto the E King. The deputies hearing this, answered, that they had once taken an oth of fealtie vnto him, and therefore they would hould him for their Prince and Lord, so long as he liued, neither would they giue their faith vnto any other, during his life. But as the duke insisted still with great importunitie, and that it seemed hee would forc [...] them, for that hee had castells in all the townes: the deputies desired to haue fiueteene daies respight to consider and resolue thereon, the which hee granted them. The deputies beeing all assembled to consult in what sort they might best gouerne themselues in this businesse; And considering then the estate and scituation of their country, lying in the midest of the Emperors territories, they resolued not to giue thē selues The town [...] ▪ of Geldres mutine against th [...] d [...]ke and [...] their caste [...]. vnto the French King. The townes of the Duchy of Geldres and county F of Zutphen, hauing thus resolued, as the Duke had his garrisons in the castells of some townes by the which he might bring in the French at his pleasure.
Those of Nemegen, Zutphen, Ruremonde and Venlo, foure of the chiefe townes, [Page 272] resolued by practises or force to seaze vpon their Castles, the which they did presently A ruine, so as the Duke could no more enter at his pleasure. The Duke seeing this, made a leauie of 4000. men to terrifie them. These Towens did also furnish themselues with soldiars, Bourguignons and Cleuois, euery one of them 300. men, and Nymegen ouer and aboue entertained 300. horse. The Dukes men were diuided to goe to Nymegen and Zutphen, hoping to recouer by some Intelligence within the Townes, but they were so well entertayned by the Inhabitants and soldiars, as they were forced to retire with shame. The Duke much discontented that hee could not preuaile ouer these Townes sent his horsmen into the quarter of the Veluwe, to ruine the peasants and to spoile the country. What doth a Prince get in ruining his owne subiects, through wilfullnes, to make him selfe poore? he sent his Deputies to the aboue named townes, to know the reasons why they ruined his Castells: who answered that B they did acknowledge him for their Prince and Lord, and that they desired no other so long as hee liued. And for the Castells which they had beaten downe: that it had not beene for any other reason, but that they feared they should haue bene forced to receiue in the French by them; and to take an oth to the French King, the which they were not resolued to do. But during his life they would not acknowledge any other, and that hee being dead, they would receiue him for their Lord that had most right. This remayned a while in suspence: not long after hee sent his Comissioners againe to these Townes, to command them to pay him his reuenues, and that they send their Deputies with them of the Townes to Arnhem, where hee was resolued to hold an Assembly of his States: they answered, that they were not resolued to C paie him any thing vntill that hee discharged his horsmen, and sent them out of the Country.
These Townes hauing beene long thus in bad tearmes with their Prince and that sometimes their soldiars fell vppon the Dukes men, who ouerunne the Veluwe, ill intreating the poore countrymen, in the end by the meanes of some Noblemen an Accord was made, about the end of December, betwixt the Duke and the Townes: after the which the Country of Gelders and the Country of Zutphen were at rest vntill the Dukes death. About the end of this yeare, the Lady Issabella Empresse, The Empresse brought in bed o [...] 2. son. was deliuered of a second sonne in Spaine called Iohn, whereof there was great ioy in the Netherlands, hoping to haue a particular Prince, but hee died in Aprill following. 1538 D The second of Iuly in the yeare 1538. Charles of Egmont Duke of Gelders died beeing 71. yeares old, hauing gouerned and molested his Country for the space of The death of the Duke of Gelders. thirty six yeares. Hee was the cause (through his violence) that the Prouince of Friseland, the Diocesse of Vtrecht, the Towne of Groninghen, and the Ommelands came vnder the Emperors obedience; the which he might easily haue preserued for himselfe, if he had not continuallie ouercharged the people with new exactions, by the which he lost the hearts of men. This prince was of a turbulent spirit, and a great louer of Innouations. Being dead, William duke of Cleues came into Gelders, where he was honoubly receiued, and sollemnly put in possession of the said Duchie, and of the Country of E Zutphen: The 13. of September in the same yeare 1538. Henry Earle of Nassau father The death of the E [...]rle of N [...]u. to William prince of Orange, died in his Castell of Breda, eight daies after hee had feasted the Queene of Hongarie, Gouernesse of the Netherlands, with great Pompe. 1539 In February 1539. died Iohn Duke of Cleues, to wome William his sonne succeeded, The death of th [...] Duke of [...]ues. who was Duke of Cleues, Iulliers and Bergh, Earle of La Marck and Rauensbourg, Lord of Rauensteyn &c. and hei [...]e to the Ducthy of Gelders, by the death of Duke Charles of Egmont.
The 17. of August the Ganthois began to mutine, the companies of trades and [...] of the [...]ois. occupations assembled togither in their seuerall halles, and then they went to armes, seeking to extort many things from the great Bayliffe, and from the Magistrate of the Towne. They committed many of the Court of Flanders to prison, and among F others one Lieuin Pin, whome vppon their owne motion and authoritie, they caused to be publikely beheaded. The 25. of September the Bayliffe, Bourgmaister & the Secretary of the towne of Maestricht, in a great popular tumult were all three massackred.
[Page 273] The 24. of October died Floris of Egmont the first Earle of Buren, in his castell of Buren: Maximilian his sonne Lord of Iselstein, succeeded him, whose daughter and A onely heire, William of Nassau Prince of Orange tooke to his first wife: of which marriage are issued Philip of Nassau, at this day Prince of Orange and the Lady Mary of Nassau, widow to Count Philip of Hohenlo. The thirty of the sayd month the Earle of Roeux, entred into Gant, hauing giuen them to vnderstand in the Emperors name, that they should hold their lawes, rights and accustomed preuiledges. And the tenth The Emperor passe [...]h through France to com [...] to Gant. of December the Emperour trusting to the French Kings word and safe-conduit, parted from Spaine to come by land into the Netherlands, through France. The Prince Daulphin and the duke of Orleans the Kings sonnes, were to receiue him at the foote of the Pyrenee Mountaines: who conducted him to Paris. Hee was receiued with great State in all townes where he passed, with acclamations and great shewes of [...]oye, B hoping that his comming should bee a confirmation of a perpetuall peace. Approching neere vnto Paris, the King went to meete him, beeing accompanied with all his Princes and Noblemen, and 1500. gentlemen, all richly appointed. The Marchants did him all the honour they could, comming to the Lovure his reception was great and stately by the King and Queene, the Emperors sister. Hauing taken his leaue of the King and Queene, hee was conducted by the Daulphin and many Princes and Noblemen, to Valenciences the first towne in Henalt, whereas the Lady Mary Queene of Hungary went to receiue him, from whence they went to Brusselles, where hee arriued the nineteene of February 1540. C
In the beginning of the sayd moneth of [...]ebruary died that valiant captaine George 1540. Schenck Baron of Tautenbourg, knight of the order of the golden fleece, Gouernor of The death of George Schenck. the countries of Friseland and Groningen, in whose place, succeeded to the same Gouernment, Maximilian of Egmont, Earle of Buren Lord of Iselsteyn. The second day of Aprill died in the citty of Gant Anthony of Lalain Earl [...] of Hoochstraten, after that hee had beene eighteene yeares Gouernor of Holland, Zeeland &c. to whome succeeded Rene of Chalons Prince of Orange, Earle of Nassau and Lord of Breda. The The death of the 1. Earle of Hoochstrat [...]. Emperour beeing arriued at Brusselles, hearing the many complaints that were made vnto him of the rebellion of the Ganthois, hee parted from Busselles with foure thousand men towardes Gant, comming neere the towne, the Magistrates went to meete him, and brought him into the towne with great honour. During his aboad, hauing D beene dulie informed of all matters, hee caused many Bourgeses to be apprehended: and among others the great deane (who was a carpenter by his trade:) the chiefe motiue of this rebellion. Their Processe being made & finished nine of the chiefe were beheaded, and the Burgeses were forbidden to carry any kniues, vnlesse the pointes The Emperor do [...]h punish the rebellion of the Ganthois. of them were broken, and then to keepe the towne in better order then it had beene, the Emperour caused a great and strong Cittadell to be built, in the place whereas the Abbaie of Saint Bauon was wont to stand: into the which hee put a good gouernor, and a sufficient garrison, to hold them in subiection, that they might neuer rebell any more. Moreouer the towne payed 50000. florins vnto the Emperour, besides their Annuall duties. All the preuiledges which they had enioyed for so many E yeares, which had beene the cause of their often and many mutinies and rebellions, were taken from them, fifty of the chiefe of the towne, attired all in mourning weedes; cast themselues at the Emperours feete, and other fifty in their shirts with halters about their necks, crying for mercy, with their hands lift vp, with other indignities that were done them, as you may reade at large in the Chronicle of Flanders.
On Saint Mathews day, Ferdinand King of Romaines arriued at Brusselles with a smal traine, whereof the Emperor being aduertised the same night, he tooke post with foure horse only, whereof the Earle of Buren was one, and the Lord of Conde an other, it was very darke before they arriued at Brusselles, whereas hee was welcome to his The 4. bloudy Edict against the Protestants. brother King Ferdinand, and to his sister the Queene of Hungary. This same yeare was F published by the Emperor, the 4. bloudy Edict, against them of the religion in the Netherlands, the which confirming the 3. precedent, was the subiect of al those that haue since bin granted, both by himself, & King Philip his son, beeing called the great Edict [Page 274] of the yeare [...]540. the which is yet daylie obiected against them of the relligion inthe A lowe countries. Whilest that the Emperour made some aboade in the Netherlands, being much troubled to suppresse the Ganthois. Hee consulted also what was to bee done against the Protestants of Germanie: the Popes Legat incensed him against A d [...] [...]t Hag [...]u. them all he could, vpbraiding them with all the opprobrious termes that might be, terming them worse then Turkes, and proclayming warre against them, charging them with heresie and rebellion. The Emperour following his accustomed course, without aduertising of the Legat, appointed a diet at Haguenau; where King Ferdinand was president for the Emperor, and as King of Romains: where after some conferences, The conclusi [...]n of Hag▪ uenau it was sayd, that matters were in that estate, as they could not determine any thing: especially through the absence of the Elector of Saxony, and the Landtgraue of Hessen, and therefore they must referre the businesse vnto an other daie, when as the Ambassadours B and Diuines of eyther side should meete in equall numbers, to conferre togither vpon the Articles of the confession of the Protestants faith: prouided notwithstanding that the Edict of Ausbourg should stand in force, and that it should bee lawfull for the Pope to send his deputies thether if he pleased.
The diet was referred to Wormes, and in the meane time the Emperor writ his letters, confirming the former conclusion, promising an Imperiall diet, whereas hee An Imperiall d [...]t [...]t Wormes. would be himselfe in person, whither that should bee brought that should bee treated at Wormes. Hee sent his Ambassador Granuelle to Wormes, with his sonne Anthony Perrenot Bishop of Arras, and some Spanish diuines. Granuelle in the Emperors name exorted them that were there present to studie for peace and vnion. The next daie C Campege, the Popes Ambassador made his speech, to this effect, that the Pope would for his part do all that was possible, excepting relligion. But nothing was done in this assemblie, for that matters inclyned in fauor of the Protestants, who desired nothing more then to enter into conference, hauing brought many learned men to that end: among others Melancton, Bucer and Caluin. After many remises for a countenance onely, there were some publicke disputations betwixt Melancton and Eckius, touching originall sinne. But the third daie Granuelle and the other Ambassadors receiued letters from the Emperor, by the which hee referred the businesse vnto the diet at Ratisbone, commanding the Protestants to be there also, and Granuelle to returne vnto him. In the beginning of February 1541. the Emperor leauing the Netherlands, D came to Mets in Lorraine and so passing by Spire came to Ratisbone. He was receiued An Imperiall diet at Ra [...]sbone. at Nuremberg with great state: In March many Princes & the states of Germany, came to Ratisbone, where he attended them: who on the day of the assembly begun the 25. of Aprill, propounded many excuses why matters had beene so long delaied, yet prefering the quiet of Germany, before all other things, yea before his owne health, hee was come thether to intreat them to aduise of some good agreement: and to the end that euery one might know how much he desired peace, his opinion was, if they found no better expedient, that there should be some learned and quiet minded Germains chosen out to conferre friendly togither of all differences, and report as well to the Emperor, E as to the States, how they might come to some agreemēt. Wherevpon there were diuers conferences betwixt three Doctors of the Protestants, and three of the Romish relligion, but they agreed in fewe things, the Romanists offring still to refer their controuersies to the Popes decision, the which the Protestants did, mightily impugne. The Emperor hauing heard all their opinions, discoursed in order, concluded: that, seeing their differences could not be there determined, and that there were other important affaires▪ hauing also staied long there, hee referred all to a councell, whereof the Popes Legat had giuen him hope, and that hee himselfe would in person sollicit it vnto the Pope: promising also to returne into Germany. If that the Pope did not aduance any thing, to prouide himselfe for the pacification thereof. William duke of F Cleues, of Iuilliers &c. vpon the word of Ferdinand King of Romaines, went vnto the Emperour, to see if they might agree touching the duchie of Geldres, but hee could neuer obtaine a confirmation from the Emperour. As for his proximitie and neerenesse to the succession, there was no doubt of it. But the Emperour [Page 275] pretended the Inuestiture which his Grandfather the Emperour Maximillian had A made vnto him, to hold it in fee of the Empire: and the purchase which the Duke of Bourgongne his great Grandfather had made of Duke Arnhold: and lastly the acco [...]d made betwixt him and Charles of Egmont, the last Duke of Gelders. With which allegations and pretensions the Duke of Cleues could not be satisfied, maintayning all these sales, seazures, and accords to be voyd and of no force, for that they could not be made to preiudice the next heire apparent with out his consent. The French King hearing of the Du [...]e of Cleues discontentment, resolued to make an alliance with him, that by his meanes and others, hee might make warre in the Netherlands: The Duke of Cleues allies [...]m selfe to [...]he French King. and there-vpon offered not onely to take him and his countries into his protection, but also to giue him all assistance and ayd to inlarge his limits: with a good annuall B pension: and moreouer to giue him his Neece, the King of Nauarres daughter, wi [...]h all her fathers succession: vppon thse offers and promises, whylst that the Emperour was parted out of the Netherlands, to go to the Diet at Ratisbone, the Duke of Cleues went into France to confirme this alliance with the King, where hee was honorably entertained, and after all their Treaties he espoused the Princesse of Nauarre at Villers-Coste-Rez, she was then but twelue yeares old. Within few daies after the The Duke of Cleues [...] th [...] King [...] Na [...]es daughter. Duke returned into his country, leauing his spouse in France, for that the mother would keepe her, vntill she were ripe of age. Martin van Rossem Marshall of Gelder [...], had then some troupes of foote, the which hee said belonged vnto the French King, wherewith hauing passed the Rhind, and ioyned with the French troupes of the Duke C of Longueuille, they entred togither into Brabant, still spoyling and wasting the country, vntill they came before Antwerp. Whereof Rene of Chalons Prince of Orange The French [...] [...]nto Bra [...]. being aduertised, he gathered to gether some men, and sent word to them of the towne, that at a certaine houre assigned, they should issue for [...]h in armes, with all the forces they could make; to the end whilst that he sh [...]uld charge the Geldrois on the one side, they might set vppon them on the other. But the messenger that was sent was taken by Rossems men, for as they of the Towne wanted this aduertsment, the Geldrois knowing the Princes desseine who approched, and hee seeing them in armes, thought they had beene the Cittizens of Antwerp, and went into the midst of them; who hauing compassed them in, defeated them quite, where there died aboue 1000. men. The Prince of Orange defeated. D The Prince being well mounted did happely saue him-selfe by flight in Antwerp: the which hapned on Saint Iames day in the yeare 1542. After the defeat of the Princes 1542 men in this manner, the Geldrois remained still about Antwerp, for that there were some of their faction that should yeeld it vp vnto them, firing it in diuers places, and breaking or filing a so [...]der the chaines of the wells, to the end they might not draw any water to quench it. But as God would haue it, those that were about the [...]iling of the chaines, were taken in their worke, and discouered all the actors and factors of this Treason, who were executed.
Martin van Rossem seeing this enterprise discouered, burning some of the subburbs, milles, and houses of pleasure in Antwerp, marched towards Louvaine M [...]in van Rossem repul [...] by [...]e [...] of [...]. E thinking to take it vppon his first approche for that it is a great vast Towne, and ill peopled, where hee ariued the second of August spoyling and burning all [...]here hee past. Beeing before the Towne, hee summoned it to yeeld vnto the King of France, and that as his Lieutenant they should suffer him to lodge three daies there with all his Armie, and paie him 70000. Crownes. They of the Towne were much perplexed: for the Mayor nor the Magistrate knew not what to answer. In the end the Mayor with some Deputies went vnto him to treat. They had forbidden the inhabitants to shoote from the walles. Yet some Schollers with some Bourgesses, and some women, going vp to the walles and Towers thereabouts, seeing their F enemies to lie soe open, shotte into the midst of their troops, whilst hat the Mayor was in parle with Martin van Rossem, who was forced to flye speedily into the Towne the which other-wise hee was resolued to ha [...]e yeelded, had not the Schollers and some Bourgesses opposed them-selues, tiring his camp with their sallies and skirmishes; so as they forced Martin to retier towards Waueren, and from thence into [Page 276] Luxembourg, where he besieged the towne of Yuois, the which yeelded vnto him vpon A composition to haue their liues and goods saued. After that time they began to fortifie the towne of Antwerp, the which before had beene easie to take with few men. The Duke of Longueuille, and Martin van Rossem hauing taken Yuois, the French king commanded them to enter into his country, to helpe to chase away the Spaniards, the Yuois taken by the Geldrois. which they did after they had taken Danuilliers, Virreton and Luxembourg, the chiefe towne of the Country, and so forcing themselues a passage, they ioyned with the Armie of the Duke of Orleans the Kings sonne, who being retired with his army, the Emperors men recouered all those places againe, except Yuois.
The 7. of August there was a great tumult at Brussels betwixt the Wallons and Spanish soldiers, who put themselues in armes, either of them striuing to get the market A tumult at Brussels. place: but the Lord of Molenbais and others, made them retire towards the Port B of Louvaine, and then Frederick Bastard of Meleun, maister of the Ordinance, caused two Culuerins to be brought, the which he discharged against the Spaniards, shooting ouer them of purpose, onely to feare them, and to haue them retire, as they did. This yeare those of Middelbourg in Zeeland had a great sute against them of Ziricxee, touching the lading of Salt, whether ships of those two townes should lade first: wherein those of Ziricxee did yeeld; by reason whereof they would no more come to Arnemuyden, nor to Middelbourg to lade any Salt; but made the Brittons ships and others laden with Salt, to come before La Vere, and to anchor neere vnto Northbeuelandt, where it was sold, and there they went to lade, which course continued almost C a yeare. They of Middelbourg seeing this, and that they themselues were most interressed, agreed with them of Ziricxee, that they might lade as they had done at Armuyden or Middelbourg.
Whilest that Martin van Rossem lead the Duke of Cleues armie into France: the Prince of Orange, the Earle of Bossu, and the Earle of Buren Gouernor of Friseland, The Emperors armic enters into Iuilliers entred with 20000. foote, and 4000. horse, into the country of Iuilliers, whereof they made themselues maisters in a short time, finding no resistance, for that all the Dukes forces were out of the country. Winter being come, this armie was dismissed; the which was no sooner gone out of the country of Iuilliers, but Martin van Rossem returned with his troopes, and recouered all in a short time which the others had taken; except the towne of Heynsbergh, which he went to besiege, hauing put good garrisons D in all the other places. The Prince of Orange being aduertised of the Cleuois returne, and that they were at the siege of this towne, leuied good troopes of men, and came and charged their campe behinde, whereof he defeated a part, the 22. of Iune. After this route, Rossem hauing gathered together what was left, and what soldiers he could otherwise raise, with a good number of peasants, made a new armie, with the which he went to besiege the towne of Amersfort in the Diocesse of Vtrecht: the inhabitants Amersfort yeelded to Martin van Rollem. were much amazed to see themselues so sodenly inuested of all sides: and vpon the goodly words and faire promises which Rossem made vnto them to maintaine them free from all impositions, paying him onely seauen thousand Florins, they yeelded the towne. But as soone as he was assured thereof, he would not bee satisfied with 7000. Florins, but would haue the inhabitants bring in all their gold and siluer, E plate and iewels, yea the rings and girdles of their wiues, to whom his soldiers did great out-rages. Soone after the Prince of Orange came to Vtrecht, with good troopes both of horse and foote, the which Rossem vnderstanding, hee dislodged speedily from Amersfort, carrying the richest Bourgesses of the towne with him into the country of Geldres, the which hee did afterwards ransome, leauing onely three companies of foote for the gard of the said towne.
The 14. of Marche 1543. there was a battaile betwixt the Cleuois and the Imperialists, 1543. in the which the Cleuois had the victory, winning the Artillery with all the carriages The Cleuois [...] the [...]. & baggage of the Emperors campe, the which they carried into Ruremond, yet F the Cleuois lost many of their horsemen. This done, they went and besieged the towne of Heynsberg: and in Aprill following, the Geldrois & Cleuois together, entred into Lébourg, where they did spoile & burne all they could, carrying away many prisoners. [Page 281] The same yeare the first day of May. Maximilian of Bourgongne, Marquis of la Vere The Hollanders zeelanders make war at sea aginst the Freuch. A Admirall of the Nether-lands for the Emperour sent out six shippes of warre well appointed to make warre against the French, going forth to sea they met with three other good shippes of Zeeland, which Ierosime Sandaline, receuer of Beuestershelt at Middelbourg had caused to beearmed, the which ioined with the other six: who together entred into the riuer of Bourdeaux, where they spoyled all the fleet, and burnt the shippes going from thence into Normandy, seuenteene only reserued being laden with wine and would the which they brought to la Vere in Zeeland, some of those Captaines landed with their Mariners and spoyled some villages in France, carrying away the Bells and other booty to shew that they had anoyed their ennemies by land as well as by sea. B
The 23. of May, the Emperor hauing beene absent three yeares, arriued at Genoa. They had for a time accoumpted him dead in this last voiage of Affrike; therefore all his affaiers in the Netherlands succeded ill, by reason of the warre with the French, The Emperor arriues at Geuoa. Cleuois and Geldrois his contries lamenting him much; the which did greatly reioice, hearing that he was safe and arriued at Genoa. Hee was a good space before he could come into the Netherlands by reason of an Imperiall Diet which was held at Spier touching the Turkish affaiers. In August following he came to Nuys of the diocese of Cologne with goodly troupes af horse, which he brought into the Netherlands. At the same time the French King thinking to ioyne with the Duke of Cleues forces entred into Henault, where he tooke Landercie, fortefied it, and put in a good garrison: then hearing of the Emperors returned, and that it was two Late to ioyne with the C Cleuois, he retired into France, after that he had spoiled and wasted a great part of the Country of Henault. The Queene of Hungary did then all shee could to fortefie Brusselles, knowing that the King was in Henault.
The 27. of Iuly, the Earle of Bossu hauing giuen the States to vnderstand in the Emperors name, of the great toile and charge his maiesty had been at, to come and succor those Contries in this warre of the French Cleuois and Geldrois. The said Sates made Presents giuen to the Emperor by the Netherlanders apresent vnto him of 15000. slorins of gold. The other Prouinces presented him in like sort, euery one according to their power and abilities. The Emperour returning out of Germay brought with him his Spaniards and Italiens, to imploy them in the warres of the Netherlands. Bein at Bonne he made agnerall muster of his army, in the D which were 14000. Germaines, 4000. Italiens, whereof Camillo Collonna and Anthoine Doria were clolonells, 4000. Spaniards, hauing for Collonels Don Aluaro de The Emperors Armie. Sandes, and Don Louis Perez de Vergas, 4000. Germaine horses and Bourguignons, and 600. light horses Italiens and Albanois: besides this armie the Prince of Orange arriued with 12000. foote, and 2000, Lances; The Generall of this Army was Don Fernand of Gonsague, the Marshall of the Campe Stephano Collonna the Marquis of Marignan Maister of the Ordynance, and Francisco la Este generall of the light horse, with this goodly army, being 34000. foote, and 6000. horse the Emperor went and planted himselfe before Duren, sometimes an Imperiall towne scituated in the midest Duren beseeged by the Emperor. of the Country of Iuilliers, and sence vsurped by the Dukes, one of the strongest places E in all that quarter, being well furuished with men and all things necessary to maintaine a seege; in the which Captaine Flatien was Gouernor for the Duke, besids the inhabitants were for the most part trained vp in armes and well affected to the Duke of Cleues their Prince. The 22, of August he sent a trompet to sommon it; and they answered in skorne (the which afterwards cost them full deere) that they had no e feare of him whome the Cods in the sea had dcuoured: for it was generally bruted, that after the defeat of Algier, the Emperor putting to sea to returne into Italy, had beene drowned: which opinion had taken such an impression in the hearts of the people of Cleues, as they would not beleeue them, that not onely said they had seene him but that had spoken with him: The Duke of Cleues was of the same opinion, the which F a bused it. The Emperor hearing this answer, fortefied his Campe, and they within the Towne resolued to defend it: but through the Emperors great attempts, all this defence auayled little. Hee had made a breach, and presently gaue order for an Assault; [Page 278] but the Spaniards and Italians, who had the poynt, where repulst and many slaine and A remaining in the ditches. The Gouernour Flatten was slaine with the ruines of a tower that was battered downe by the Emperors Canon: at whose death the Inhabitants were much amazed. Another sufficient breach being made, the Emperor caused Duren taken by a [...]ult. a resolute Assault to be giuen and well seconded, incouraging his men himselfe in person, so as in the end the towne was takē by force, the soldiers putting all the incountred to the sword. There died at this assault of the Emperors side six hundred men. The towne being taken, a house was set on fire (no man knew whether it were accidentall, or done on purpose.) the which burnt almost the whole towne. The Emperor seeing it, said, that it was well imployed: wishing that it might so happen to all those that should rebell against him; the which he said to terrifie the rest, who seeing B this goodly president before their eyes, came one after an other to bring their keyes vnto the Emperor: so as in a short time and without any great effusion of bloud, he had made himselfe maister of those two goodly Prouinces, Cleues and Iuilliers. The Duke was not farre from the Emperors Campe with his armie, beeing much troubled with these losses; who beeing loth to hazard all, he resolued to make his peace with the Emperor by the meanes and mediation of his good friends.
For the effecting whereof, he went accompanied with the Duke of Brunswyk and the Elector of Cologne, and cast himselfe at the Emperors feet: deliuering into his The Duke of [...] himsel [...]e v [...]o the Emp [...]ror. hands all the townes and fortresses of the Duchie of Geldres & Conty of Zutphen, confessing that he had held them wrongfully, and crauing pardon for all. The Emperor C to shew his mildnes and clemency, considering also what persons did sue and mediate for him, pardoned him gratiously, restoring all that he had taken from him in his contries of Iuilliers and Cleues, which restitution was made in December following the same yeare; vpon conditiō that remaining in the Emperors seruice, he should renoūce the league he had made with the french King, and the mariage which he had contracted with the Daughter of the King of Nauarre, and not yet consumated; beeing broken, he caused him to marrie his Neece, the Daughter of Ferdinand King of Romains. Afterwards he remained a good seruant to the Emperor, although his mother did not much loue him for this marriage but died afterwards of griefe.
The Emperors affayres succeeding well in this warre of Cleues, beeing loath to D loose any time, he caused his armie to march, beeing ioyned to the Dukes: (whereof Martin van Rossem was commander, whom the Emperor had in like sort receued into grace) towards the fronters of France, to recouer that which the Duke of Orleans had wonne in Luxembourg and Arthois and namely Landercye, which the Seignor of la Lande the Kings Lieutenant, had wonderfully fortefied and manned with a good garison and all other things requisite for such a place: which garrison did greatly afflict the contries of Arthois and Henalt who besought the Emperor to goe thither.
According to which resolution, he marced with his armie through the countrie of Landr [...]cy besieged. Cambresis, into Vermandois. Don Fernando of Gonzague Generall of the said armie, propounded to beseege Guise first, which is not farre from Landrecy, and planted his E Campe at Marolles neers vnto it: where the french came to visit him with a gallant skirmish in the which Peter Strossy (a banished man of Florence) was taken of the french party, and of the Emperors side Don Francisco d'Este Generall of the light horse, his horse beeing slaine vnder him: hearing that the Earle of Roeux was already planted before Landrecy, with some Netherlanders, and foure thousand Spaniards, that were newly ariued, vnder the command of Don Pedro de Toledo, with two thousand Germains: the Emperor (who was ill disposed at Quesnoy le Conte in Henalt) commanded Gonzague to go and ioine with the rest before Landrecy, where beeing ariued, he seperated his Campe from the Netherlanders, and the English, hauing euery one his Campe a part. These three Campes began euery one to batter the towne: but Gonzague F seeing he aduanced little, thought to famish it, and in the meane time sought to ruine it. la Lande the gouernor made many sallies, now vpon one Campe, then on another, still taking some thing. The french King came with all his power and vitualed the towne: then winter being neere, the Emperor raised the seege and dismissed his armie.
[Page 279] Landrecy being thus victualled, the Emperor came to Cambray, where he put some bands of Ordynance in garrison, for that he doubted this towne was to much affected A to the French, wherof he had obserued some tokens in former warres. The Inhabitants desiro us to make proofe of their loyaltie to the Emperor, excused themselues, laying A Cittadell built at Cambray. all the blame vpon their Bishop, whom the Emperour did pardon: then hee caused a strong and mighty Cittadell to bee built to the end the cittie might no more bandy against him, nor stand as Neuter, as they would doe, (the citty holding of the Empire) but that as vnto Charles of Austria, Earle of Arthois and Henalt his successors and not as Emperor, it should be sub iect vnto him and the Burgeses forced to hold his party. Wherein hee himselfe did impugne and breake the preuiledges of that cittie, giuen by former Emperors, the constitutions of the Empire, and his owne oth. B
The last day of September Rene of Chalons Prince of Orange, after that the soldiars were fled out of the towne of Amersfort, tooke possession of the sayd towne in the Emperors name, and then of all the townes of the Duchy of Geldres, whereby there was peace and quietnesse in all those quarters of Iuilliers, Cleues and Geldres. The second of Ianuary. 1544. the Emperor parted from Brussels to go to an Imperiall diet 1544. at Spyre, which shold be held the 22. of February following, during the which the Admirall of Egmont, sonne to the Earle of Egmont, married with Sabina of Bauaria Palatine, at which marriage the Emperor assisted in person. About that time was proclaymed throughout all the Netherlands the fift rigorous and bloudy Edict, which they called Lutherien, against them of the religion. The warres grew hot betwixt the French King and the Emperour, who entred into Champaigne with a great army and C tooke diuers townes, King Francis had leauied a goodly army to incounter him, and A peace b [...] twixt, the Emperor and French King. was ready to giue him battaile, yet by the mediation of some good men, louers of peace, and to auoide the effusion of so much Christian bloud, a peace was concluded betwixt these two great Princes, and the Emperor retired from Soissons to Brusselles. The Emperor beeing returned to Brusselles, the second of October the peace was proclaimed. And the 22. of the same month arriued in the same towne the lady Elenor the French Kings wife, and the Emperors sister, accompanied▪ with the duke of Orleans, Queene Elenor of France comes to the Emperor her: brother. who entring into the towne, marched betwixt the two Princes of Hungary, sonnes to King Ferdinand, being followed by the Prince of Piedmont, the duke of Camerino and many Princes and Noblemen. There was nothing omitted that might giue delight D and contentment to the Queene and to Madame d' Estampes the Kings Mistres. The Emperor sitting downe at the table, tooke Madame d' Estampes on his right hand, and the French Queene his sister on the left, beeing followed by the Queene of Hungarie, and so of the rest: thirteene daies were spent in feastes, bankets, maskes, turneys, and all other sports: during the Queenes aboade there, who tooke her leaue of the Emperor, and departed from Brusselles with the duke of Orleans the third of Nouember. Then began things in Germany to incline to warre. The Pope was exceeding glad of the peace concluded betwixt the Emperor, and the French King: and renewed the assignation of a councell to the 15. of March 1545. Herman Archbishop of Cologne, according to that which had beene decreed at the Imperiall Diet at Ratisbone, E meaning to reforme his diocese according to the word of God, hauing sent for Bucer and other ministers to that end, his Clergie banded against him, and appealed to the Pope and the Emperor. The Pope did excomunicate him, and a while after he was depriued of his Archbishoprike, and all other dignities.
THE Emperor returnes into Germany and treates of religion, Herman Archbishoppe of Collogn [...] seekes to reforme his diotese: the Pope and Emperor oppose themselues. The Protestants assemble at Francfort. The Emperor giues them good words whilest that hee prepar [...] to armes. A conference of Diuines at Ratisbone. The Emperor and Pope make a league against the Protestants, who arme also, and make a league, printing their Iustifications and go to field: the Emperor banisheth the duke of Saxony and the Landtgraue of Hessen, who defie him: the Emperor in danger at Inghelstade, whereas the Earle of Buren ioynes with him: the Protestantes army disbandes: Duke Maurice troubles the Duke of Saxonies state: the Duke of Wirtemberg and the Imperiall townes reconciled to the Emperor, who sends to succor Maurice. A battaile betwixt the Emperor and the duke of Saxony, whereas the Duke is taken prisoner. Sute to the Emperor for the Landtgraue of Hessen, who comes to make his peace, & is detayned prisoner. Magdebourg a Protest [...]nt towne holds onely against the Emperor: Maurice made Elector: Prince Philip the Emperors sonne comes out of Spaine into the Netherlands. A bloudy Edict against the Protestants: the Emperor affects the Empire for Prince Philip his Sonne: which breeds a quarrell betwixt the Emperor, and his brother Ferdinand King of Hungary: the Protestants refuze to come to the councell of Trent. The constancie of them of Magdebourg, who are freed from siege: the Landtgraues restraint is preiudiciall to the Emperors affaires in Germany: Duke Maurice, takes armes against the Emperor: the French King comming with a great army to succor Maurice, takes Metz, [...]houl and Verduen, Martin van Rossem makes warre in France: the Emperor flies hastely from Inspruch through the mountaines. An ass [...]mbly at Passau to treat a peace. Albert of Brandebourg makes warre a part: the Emperors fruitlesse siege before Metz: the taking and razing of the towne of Teroane. A battaile betwixt duke Maurice and Albert of Brandebourg: the siege and taking of Hesdin: the battaile of Talma. Philip King of Spaine marries Marie Queene of England: the French besiegeth Renty, the Emperor releeues it in person. An Imperiall Diet at Ausbourg. A defeate of the Arreer-ban of the French: the Emperor resignes his countries to his sonne: the resolution of the Imperiall Dyet at Ausbourg. The Emperor resignes the Empire to his brother Ferdinand. His departure out of the Netherlands with his two Sisters.
THE 3. of Aprill the Emperor parted out of the Netherlands to go to an Imperiall Diet which was to be 1545. held at Wormes, where he arriued the 16. of May. A Diet held at Wormes. Being there, he writ to the King of Poland to incense him against the Protestants. The Pope was wonderfully desirous to haue warre attempted against them, and notwitstanding the councell which hee had published, hee promised the Emperor 12000. foote and fiue hundred men at armes for that warre. In Ianuary 1546. the Protestants assembled at Francfort, where as they consulted what was to bee done 1546. touching the coūcel of Trent, to continue the league The Protestants assemble at Francfort. for the charges of the warre against Henry of Brunswick, a great persecutor of the Protestants. Not to abandon the Archbishop of Cologne. To sollicit the Emperor to giue [Page 281] peace, vnto relligion: and to rule the Imperiall chamber. In this assembly the Ambassadors A of Herman, Elector of Collogne made their complaints of the wrongs his Clergy did him, and of the commandements and Citations sent from the Emperour and Pope. In the meane time Frederic Count Pallatin, Prince Elector appointed Ministers and Preachers of the Gospell throughout all his countrie, suffring them to receiue the Sacrament of the Lords Supper in both kindes, and in the vulgar tongue, and that Preests might marry.
The Emperor beeing arriued at Wormes the sixteene of May, his councellors treated The Emperor arriues at Wormes. with the Protestants, touching the generall councell and other things, laboring to perswade them to yeeld to that which should be resolued on at Trent, and to come thether to propound their causes of recusation, to the which regard should bee had: whervnto they replied as before, so as after a long consultation, the affaires were referred B to Ianuary in the yeare 1546. And in the meane time the Emperour seeing that the Protestants were not willing to contribute to the warre against the Turke, if he did not grant their demaunds touching a free councell and the reformation of the Parliament of the Empire, he sent Gerard Veltwycke a learned man, and who spake many languages, to the Turke, to make a truce, desyring rather to make warre, against Christians, his owne subiects then against the Turke.
Some daies after it was bruted, that the Emperor made secret preparation to warre, and they could not coniecture that it was against any other then the Protestants, for hee was at peace with the French King, and was assured to haue a truce with the Turke. Wherevpon the Landtgraue of Hessen did write vnto Granuelle to preuent C it. But Granuelle did what hee could to lull him a sleepe. And in the meane time there were flatterers which informed the Emperour that the Protestants had conspired against him at Francfort: so as matters began then to growe more bitter, and in the The Emperor seekes to abuse the Protestants whilst that he prepares to armes. meane time they sought to blinde the Protestants vntill the Emperour had his armie ready, to worke what hee pretended. Then began the councell of Trent, where the Pope did preside by his legats, the Emperor hauing vowed to make the decrees thereof to be receiued by the point of the sword. Whereof the Landtgraue tould the Emperor openly in the towne of Spier, and he sought to excuse himselfe, saying that hee demaunded nothing more then the quiet of Germany. In December during the diet of Ratisbone, D the conference which had beene appointed betwixt the diuine of both religions, was begunne. Where there were learned men and of great authority of eyther A conference of diuin [...]s at Ratisbone. side, for the Emperour were sent Peeter Maluenda a Spaniard, Euerard Billic a Carmelite, Iohn Hofmeister an Augustin Friar and Iohn Cocleus all foure diuines. George Loxan Gaspar Caltental, George Islinger, Bartlemew Latome Auditors, for the Protestants came Bueer, Brencius, George Maior, Erard Schnepf, diuins. Volrad Earle of Walder, Balthazar Gutling, Laurence Zoch a lawier and George Woltmer Auditors: Maurice Bishop of Eister and Frederic of Furstenberch, were aboue them all. There they disputed vpon the Articles of the confession of Ausbourg: The Emperour would haue all kept secret, and the Protestants would haue the contrary. So as after some conference, not able to agree; E the assembly was dissolued: the which serued to no other end but to abuse the Protestants with a shew of that which was not intended. The same yeare was published by the Emperor the sixt bloudie Edict against them of the religion in the Netherlands. At that time Adrian of Croy, Earle of Roeux, Maximilian of Bourgongne, Admirall of the sea, and Cornellis Schepper Seignior of Eyken, were appointed by Queene Mary, Gouernesse of the Netherlands, in the Emperors name, to build a fort or castell in the The castell of Ramekens built. Iland of Walchren: and then was that mighty fort of Blau hoek made, which now they call the castell of Rameken in Zeebourg, the which was finished in March 1547.
During the conference at Ratisbone, it was generally spoken, that the Emperour, F King Ferdinand his brother, and the Pope, made great preparations for warre: for at the same instant he sent the Cardinall of Trent in post to the Pope, with instructions to leauy men: and two daies after hee deliuered money to his Collonels and captaines. He had before sent to Maximilian Earle of Buren, to leauy all the horse and foote hee could in the Netherlands. Hee commanded Albert and Iohn of Brandenbourg, and [Page 282] Wolfgang maister of the Germaine order, to inroule all the soldiars they could, A for allthough that these two were Protestants, and Iohn of the same league; yet vppon the Emperours false pretexts, that they tooke not armes for relligion, but to punnish the rebellion of some, that put them-selues into his seruice. The Cardinall A [...] betw [...]t the Emperor and the Po [...]e ag [...]st relligion. of Trent, beeing sent to the Pope, made a league betwixt them vppon certaine conditions, binding them respectiuely for the managing of this warre. After this the Pope writte vnto the Swisses, iustifying the Emperor, and accusing the Protestants, against whome hee required their assistance. The Ambassadours of the Protestants being at this Assembly at Ratisbone, moued with this newes, as carefull of the quiet of Germany, they intreated the other States of the Empire, to bee ioynt sutors with them vnto the Emperour, not to attempt any warre, the which B was not done, for those of Ments and Treues would not yeeld vnto it. The Landtgraue who was carefull to discouer what was done, sent letters often to Ratisbone, by the which he did aduertise the said Ambassadours, of all that hee had vnderstood and what aduertisment he had receiued from diuers places: beeing of oppinion that they should retaine certaine men at armes, which they had leauied for feare of the warre, and that they should raise more. But his companions relyed vppon the Emperours demand, who made a shew of all mildnes and desier of peace; assuring themselues that they should haue no warres for that yeare. Notwithstanding for that the common brute was not in vaine seeing that the dromes sounded both in Germany and Italie, and the Spanish troops began to approche, the Protestant Princes began C also to thinke of their affaiers, and went first to field with some troopes; intreating the Swisses not to giue passage to any strange soldiars through their Country: which happening that they would suffer their voluntary soldiars to come vnto their pay.
‘The Duke of Saxony and the Landtgraue writ vnto the Emperour, to iustifie their, The Duke of Saxony and Landtgraue write vnto the Emperor. innocency against all slanders: adding in the end of their letter these words. All the world knowes that lastly at Spyer, you were agreed with vs two, & fiue yeares before at Ratisbone: so as there is no reason to accuse vs of rebellion or any trespasse whatsoeuer: you may not forget the oth which you made vnto the Empire, when as you were chosen at Francfort; and how that you must proceed Iudicially and according D to the lawes, when as any one is accused of the crymes where-with wee are now charged. To conclude if you bee resolued to pursue vs by armes, and not to giue Audience to our Iustifications, wee will recommend all vnto GOD: and when wee shall bee informed of the matters where-with wee are charged, wee hope to make such an Answer as all the world shall know we are wronged.’
There-vppon the Emperour made a long declaration of his intention to the peace and quiet of Germany, but that hee was forced to vse his prerogatiue and authoritie, against such as should oppose them-selues. Hee did also write vnto many The Emperor writes to the Protestant townes. Townes of the Protestant league, namely to Strausbourg, Nurembourg, Ausbourg and Vlme; where after that hee had blamed and disgraced the Protestants, hee E concluded in these words. ‘Therefore I may no longer indure this; and if I would, I were no more to bee excused. To the end therefore that my dignity, the publicke peace, and right may bee maintained, and that the Empire and euery one of you may bee freed from danger, I haue resolued to punnish the perturbers of the common weale, and to restore Germany to her first Beauty and libertie. Whereof I thought to aduertise you, that you might not giue credit to them who it may bee, will report otherwise of our enterprise: for I may relligiously protest vnto you, that I haue no other Disseine then this. Hoping that you will not faile mee herein, to the end that their presumption may be bridled, and you recouer your ancient libertie: if you do it, you may be assured of my grace and fauour, as I will make knowne vnto you, F if you send your Deputies vnto me to that end. &c. He writ to the Duke of Wirtenberg,’ a letter of the like tenor; and at the same instant the seignior of Granuelle & Naues, his chiefe councellors called the Ambassadors of the townes that were at the Diet at Ratisbone, & conferred with them, giuing them to vnderstand that this war was not [Page 283] prepared against the townes but (as it had beene before said) with many other sweete The answer of th [...]m of Strausbourg to the Emperors letter. A words. Those of Strausbourg answered amply to the said leters, shewing that the Pope and his people had imbarked the Emperor in this warre; beseeching him not to come to that extremity: but to make knowne, in Iustice, the wrongs which they pretended had beene done him, and to shew himselfe a father and protector of the country. But all these perswasions preuayled nothing; the irons were too whot. And withall Duke Maurice (an enemy to the Prince Elector of Saxony) had beene long in secret conference with the Emperor, who would not faile to serue him against the said Elector and the other Protestants, for the profit and aduancement which he expected, and which the Emperor had promised him if hee held his part: although that hee knew well that Maurice was of the Protestants relligion, as well as Albert and Iohn of Brandebourg. The Protestant townes and the Dukes of Wirtemberg, being aduertised by Granuell B and Naues of the Emperors intention, did presently aduertise the Duke of Saxony and the Landtgraue of Hessen, (cheefe of the Protestants Vnion) of the Emperors desseins The Duke of Wittemberg and the towne army. offring them al succors and fidelity, leuying presently, all the men they could, so as they were first in armes. The Prince Elector Palatin, demanded priuatly of the Emperor the cause of this warre, and against whome he intended it: Granuelle answered him in the Emperors name in the same substance as hee had done the Ambassadors of the townes. In the meane time the Prince of Saxony and the Landtgraue being assured of the Emperors resolution to make warre against them, and the preparations that were made, did spedely leuie men, and sent vnto their companions to doe the like, and not to suffer them-selues to be diuided by the cunning councells of some men: And after they were C assembled to consult of their afaiers, they caused a booke to be Printed wherein they shewed by many reasons that the motiue of this warre was relligion, and that all the A booke of the Protestants Iustifications. Emperors other pretexts to punish some rebells, was but to diuide the confederats, and so to ruine them one after an other to settle the Popes doctrine. They also published an other Booke against Iohn of Brandenbourg who being of their League and confession had taken armes against them. And although the Emperor thought to surprise them, yet they vsed such dilligence, and found so many resolute men to carrie Armes in this warre, as the 16. of Iuly in the yeare 1546. the Landtgraue went to field with his army, and presently after began open warre betwixt them and the Emperor. D
The 20. of Iuly the Emperor published his leters pattents, in the which after that he had made a long complaint against Iohn Frederic Prince Elector of Saxony and Phillip Landtgraue of Hessen, hee banisht them as periured, reb [...]les, seditious, guilty of high The Emperor banisheth the Duke of Saxony [...]d the Landtgraue. treason both against GOD and man and perturbers of the publike quiet, meaning to punish them according to their deserts that hee might after-wards prouide for the affaiers of State and doe that which should belong vnto his duty, for bidding all men to succor them or to ioyne with them, vpon paine of forfeiture both of body and goods: dissoluing all Leagues and compositions, and absoluing the Nobility and subiects from the faith and oth which they ought vnto these Princes: to whom he gaue the publicke assurance if they did obey: adding that such as did refuse should be punished like vnto E them. But the Protestants did shew that the Emperor had no quarrell to them but for their relligion: wherein hauing sought all meanes of accord, they were excusable, if to mainetaine the liberties of their consciences and the quiet of Germany, they defended themselues: being there-vnto aduised by the resolution both of Lawyers and Diuines. In the meane time the Protestants army aduanced and tooke the strong fort of Ereberce [...] and [...] taken by the Protestants scituated vpon a mountaine, which stopt the passage from Trent for Italy to Enepont, and withall the towne of Fiesse belonging to the Bishop of Ausbourg, and passing on, they tooke Dilline and Donavert. The Emperor was then at Ratisbone, ill prepared to make head against them: Soe as if their affaiers had beene gouerned by one only commander, the Emperor had beene in great danger. The 7. of August in the F towne of Macklin (which is one of the 17. Prouinces of the Netherlands whereas the Great councel or Parlament of the said countries did remaine) lightning fel among the gonpouder, which was in great quantity in a tower of the wal at the port which they cal Ma [...]klin burn [...] by lightning. [Page 284] Necbecspoel, the which at first ouerthrew both the Tower and the gate; then it tooke hold of the buildings both within and without the Towne, and aboue 500. paces A round about, so as it ruined and defeated the whole Towne; the trees were pulled vp by the roots & burnt: the water in the towne ditches was drawne out, and the fishes cast farre out into the fields. There were about 150. burnt & slaine in this accident with the ruine of houses, besides those that were grieuously hurt and recouered, and such as died of their wounds, which were very many. Many came two, three, and foure daies after out of Caues, where they saued them-selues, others were smothered or dyed for honger. A great number of Cattell with the stables, was also consumed by this fier. The wall where the Tower stood was shaken aboue 200. paces long. The domage that was done by the fier could not be repaired in a long time.
Then grew the warres hotte in Germany betwixt the Protestants and the Emperour. B To whome the Prince of Saxony, the Landtgraue of Hessen, and their companions, sent letters the XI. of August, by the which according to the vse and lawes of armes; they gaue him to vnderstand their resolutions, and after they had informed him of The Protestant Princes defie the Emperor. his duty, and how hee was bound to them and the Empire by his othe; and that it was for relligions cause that hee made this warre against them: they concluded with these ‘words. Matters standing in this sort, and seeing weare allied, to the end that it may be lawfull for vs to perseuer in this relligion (though some would surmize other causes of discontentment against vs) wee haue beene forced to put our selues in defence, the which wee may lawfully doe, both by the lawes of GOD and nature. And although that through thy pernicious desseines we are not in any sort bound vnto thee: and C therfore was needles to let thee vnderstand our will, yet for the better assurance we renownce the faith and duty we owe thee; not to diminishe the honour and good of the Empire, but rather to preserue and maintaine it. Wee doe therefore protest this publickly, and according to the sollemne custome, being resolued to repell this warre attempted by thee and by thine Allyes’
This letter was sent by a young Gentleman and a trumpet according to the custome, to the Emperours campe neere vnto Land shupt; but hee was so farre from receiuing it, as hee commanded them vppon paine of their heads to returne them backe againe to their people. Hee said moreouer that if hereafter any one came vnto him from The Emperor r [...]useth to receiue a letter. them, in steed of a chaine of gold, hee would present him a halter: then hee gaue them the proclamation of their banishment, charging them expresly to deliuer it vnto their D Lords: whereof hee likewise sent a coppy vnto Duke Maurice of Saxony, cousin to Iohn Frederick Prince Elector, perswading him to seaze vpon his country, before that an other layed hold of it. To the accusations and criminations contained in the said proclamation of banishment, the Protestant Princes published an ample answer in print, the contents whereof was that the intention of the Pope and Emperour was to roote out all them of the relligion, the which hee had declared vnto the French Kings Ambassadour (from whose mouth all was knowne) and vanquish Germany, as hee had long before disseigned &c. But from words and writings they fell to blowes. The two armies beeing neere one vnto the other, the Landtgraue was of an opinion to charge The two arm [...] neere one to an other. E the Emperors campe before the arriuall of the Earle of Buren with his supplies; who brought with him 4000. horse & 10000. choyce men out of the Netherlands; but the destinies of these Princes would not suffer them to follow this good Councell: for the Emperor was nothing so strong as the Protestants; who seeing them so neere vnto him, and hauing endured a whole day the thundring of their cannon, shewed a gallant resolution, if they had come to assaile him: soone after the Earle of Buren arriued so The [...]aile of [...] enjoynes with th [...] Emperor. as the Emperour hauing all his forces together, those of the Protestants began by little and little to disband: and in the meane time Duke Maurice (according to the Emperors aduise) molested the Prince Elector of Saxony in his Country. Where-vppon the Protestants armie being deuided, the Prince Elector went with his troopes against [...]. F Maurice, and recouered all that he had taken from him.
The Emperour seeing the Protestants army thus dispearsed vppon no occasion, and that the Landtgraue was retyred to his owne home, he writte letters full of [Page 285] threates to the duke of Wirtembourg, who sent to sue for pardon by his Ambassadors, A and so in a manner, did all the Protestant townes, whome he did ransom for money and many peeces of Artillery. The warre beeing thus inflamed betwixt the two Noble couzins of Saxony, and the Emperor hearing in what estate duke Maurice was, hee sent Albert of Brandebourg vnto him with some troupes, who was taken at Rochlick and brought vnto the Prince Elector, and soone after the towne was also taken. Ferdinand the Emperors brother, King of Hungary & Bohemia, by the Lady Anne A bert of [...] Brandebourg taken prisoner by the Prince Elector. his wife, would haue forced the Bohemians to serue against the Prince Elector of Saxony, the which they refuzed to do, by reason of the old leagues betwixt the Saxons and Bohemians, and seeking to force them they rise in armes against him. The Protestants had sent their Ambassadors to the French King and to the King of England, to shewe the equitie of their cause: and that they had taken armes against the Emperor, B for the defence of their liues, goods, religion and the liberty of Germany, who hauing had audience of the French King, past into England whereas they found King Henry the eight verie sicke, so as hee died in the end of Ianuarie 1547. The French King had sent by these Ambassadors two hundred thousand crownes in lone to the Protestant Princes, to ayde them in this warre. And as the King of England died whilest the Ambassadors were there: so at their returne into France, they found King Francis extreamely sick, who died at Rambouillet. It was a happy chance for the Emperour (among many other good fortunes) that two so great and mighty Princes, which had the meanes, and (as manie thought) a desire to crosse the Emperor in his enterprises and high disseignes, died both in a manner at one time. C
In the same yeare 1547. Adolph of Bourgongne Seignior of Chappelle and Wackene, 1547. Ierosme Sandelin Seignior of Herentont, Receiuor of Bewesterscheldt in Zeeland, Countr [...]s recouered from the sea in zeeland. and some priuate gentlemen, did recouer and wall in about Sheerenskerke and Heinkensandt in the country of Zuydbeuelandt (otherwise called the Ile of Ter-Goes) the old inclosure or Polder, (which is a land wonne from the sea) the which before the Inundation was vsually called Zeeshuys, so as it remayned a long time vnprofitable: but since that it was recouered they call it Cray, at this present a most fertill country, whereby those that haue thus defended it from the Sea with their bankes haue made great profit. The Emperor hauing an intent to ruine Iohn Frederick Prince Elector, past the riuer of Elbe with all speed, to fight with him on the other D side, which done, the Prince hauing not all his armie in one bodie, as the Emperor had, was there forced to make head against him, and to giue him battaile, in the which the duke beeing verie greatly wounded in the cheeke, was ledde by the duke of Alua (Lieutenant of the armie) to the Emperor. The duke Ernest of Brunswyck was taken with him. The Emperor and King Ferdinand vsed the Prince Elector very roughlie in wordes, giuing sentence of death against him, the which hee bare verie patiently but the Emperour durst not proceede to the execution thereof: yet hee propounded heauie and rigorous conditions vnto him: taking from him the greatest part of his Seigneuries, the which hee gaue to Maurice his couzine, with the dignity of the Electorship. E
As for the Landtgraue of Hessen, vpon the assurances which the duke Maurice and The Landtgraue submits himselfe vnto the Emperor. the Marquis Albert of Brandenbourg his sonnes in lawe gaue him: he presented himselfe vpon his knees vnto the Emperor, crauing pardon for all that was past, wherevnto answere was made him in obscure tearmes, which did not shew an absolute pardon. Yet this Nobleman (thinking that all went well with him) thanked the Emperor, and for that he suffred him to kneele too long, he rose of himself. He was led to supper with the duke of Alua, when after supper thinking to retire with the two Noblemen his sons in lawe, he was stayed prisoner, the which ministred great matter of discontent, who (not-with-standing all the Protestation which duke Maurice and Brandebourg could make) was detained and put into the gard of Spaniardes. The two Noblemen 1548. F charged the Emperour with his promise that hee would not keepe him in pryson, The Lan [...] graue put in prison contrary to promise. his aunswere was that hee had promised not to keepe him there in perpetuall pryson, wherevpon the Duke of Alua sayd vnto them, that if in steede of foureteene [Page 286] daies the Emperor, should restraine him 14. yeares he should not breake his word: So A the Landtgraue remained a prisoner being carried from place to place, alwayes garded by the Spaniards of whom he receued a thousand indignities, and he was not freed but by constraint, no more then the Duke of Saxony, which was the cause that the Emperor was chased out of Germany, as we shall here-after shew.
The 23. of December in the said yeare 1548. died that valiant Captaine Maximilian of Egmont Earle of Buren, (after that he had arriued so happely to serue the Emperor The death of the Earle of Buren. in his warre of Germany) of an extraordinary death, for being fower daies before his death abandoned by all his Phisitions, who had foretold him the day of his death, hauing called all his houshold seruants, and made them goodly exhortations, giuing to euery one some thing by his testament, he died speaking, and appareled in his chaier. Maximilian of Austria, eldest sonne to Ferdinand hauing married the Lady Mary, eldest B daughter to the Emperor; Prince Phillip 21. years old, being sent for by his father, began Prince phillip comes out of Spaine into the Netherlands. his iorney to come into the Netherlands, leauing his cosin and Brother in law Maximilian to be Gouernor of Spaine in his absence, and hauing set saile the 25. of Nouember with a goodly fleet of shippes and Galleis commanded by Andrew Doria, he landed at Genoa accompanied with many Princes of Spaine, among others by the Duke of Alua and the Cardinall of Trent: from thence hee came to Milan and passing by Mantoua and Trent hee came to Ausbourg and Spyer, so crossing the Country of Luxembourg, hee arriued at the Emperor his fathers court at Bruslelles, Duke Maurice went to He arriued the 1. of Aprill, 1549. at Brusselles. meet him intreating him to moue the Emperor for the Landtgraue of Hessen his Father in law, who was Prisoner, the which he did. It were tedious to make particular C relation of his stately entery into Brusselles: whereas the Lady Elenor the French Queene and the Lady Mary Queene of Hongary his Aunts receiued him, and conducted him to the Emperor his father.
The fourth of Iuly the Emperor with his two sisters and the Prince his sonne, went to Louuaine, the most ancient and cheefe towne of the Duchy of Brabant to put his sonne (according to the ancient customes and preuiledges of that towne) in possession The Prince takes possession of the Duchie of Brabant. of the saide Duchy: and to take the oth required in that case: the which he did in the Emperors hands, as the like was done afterwards in the towne of Brusselles. The thirteene of the saide moneth it was done in Gand for the Country of Flanders: then in the citty of Arras for the Earledome of Arthois: and after that at Mons for the Conty D of Henault; from thence they went to Bins in the same country, whereas the Queene of Hongary did vsualy keepe her Court: where were great feasts, maskes, torneys and other sports, the which continued from the third of August 1549. Vntill September and then hee departed to goe to Antwerp, to take possession of the [...]owne, and of the Marquisate of the Holie Empire: whereas there wanted no pompe at his reception.
The last of May, 1550. the Emperor parted from Bruselles with the Prince his sonne, The Emperor returnes into Germanyto [...]ke the Empier for his Sonne. to returne into Germany, to an Imperiall Diet which should be held at Ausbourg, leading the duke of Saxony prisoner with him, & leauing the Landtgraue in prison at Macklin. The cheefe intent of his going was to labour to make his son Emperor after him as E you shall heare. The 29. of Aprill this yeare, there was a most rigorous Edict published by the Emperor throughout al the Netherlands in the Dutch and French toungs, tending to bring in the Inquisition of Spaine and other extraordinary matters. After the A bloody Edict against them of the relligion. publicatiō of this Edict many were much amazed, especially the marchants of Germany & England which did traficke ordinarily in those Prouinces especially at Antwerp, whose resolution was, that either they must moderate the said Edict, or else they would seeke some other abode: and many to auoyd the danger, had resolued to shut vp their shoppes, and to departe. The Senat of Antwerp, and especialy the Bourgeses, seeing the losse and preiudice that would come vnto them, were in great perplexity. And therefore when the Inquisitors were ariued, they opposed them-selues with all their They murmu [...] at Antwerp against it. F power, and going to the Queene of Hongary their Gouernesse, they layed open vnto her the losse and preiudice that not onely they, but the whole countrie should receiue, if it were put in practise, for the tenor of the Inquisition, conteined an ample power [Page 287] ouer all Iudges and Magistrates what-soeuer. Where-vppon she caused the execution A thereof to be surceased in the said Towne, the which was done in consideration of forraine nations, which were strong and mighty there. The Queene went vppon this occasion to the Emperor her Brother into Germany, to moue him to moderate this Edict, that otherwise Andtwerp (which was a Towne of the greatest trade in the world and most frequented) would loose her trafficke and credit. Besides there would bee a generall sedition, if this Edict were put in execution. The Emperor in the end yeelded, but with great difficulty: and changing that which concerned marchants strangers, hee razed out the word Inquisition, so odious to all men, commanding that the rest should be obserued and entertained. In the meane time the Emperor did much afflict them of Magdebourg, by reason of their relligion, causing Duke B Maurice of Saxony to besiege them. And for that the Princes of the Empire sought to make their peace, he prescribed them such hard conditions, as they would by Magdebourg valiantly defended. no meanes yeeld vnto them: but maintained this siege valiantly, euen vnto the end being forced by a composition to suffer them in peace.
The Arch-duke Maximillian of Austria sonne to King Ferdinand, and sonne in law to the Emperour, being chosen in his absence King of Bohemia, came at that time out of Spaine to Ausbourg, being called by his father; who had then a great A controuersie betwixt the two bretheren for the Empire. controuersie with the Emperor touching the succession of the Empire: for the deciding whereof, they said the Emperor had caused his sister the Queene of Hongary to come, for the Emperor knowing that the vniting of Germany was necessary for the C augmentation of his estate, desired to settle his sonne (who after him should rule and command ouer so great and diuers nations and countries) vppon so mighty and firme a support. Ferdinand who tended to the same end, was resolued not to suffer himselfe to bee frustrate of this goodly expectation, as well for him-selfe as for his children. Prince Maximillian who was of a good disposition, well seene in diuers languages, but especially indued with a singular grace in his behauiour, was very pleasing vnto the people. The Princes and States on the other side, considered well, that this great aduancement of the King of Spaine would not bee very profitable for them; and although they shewed them-selues somewhat inclyning vnto the Emperor, yet all was but for feare, obseruing well his actions past, and the end wherevnto hee had alwaies tended, vnder a coullor of the Romish relligion which hee would so amplie D maintaine: finally after that hee should haue wonne and supplanted (by the meanes of the Ciuill warre which hee nourished and entertained there) all the Princes and States of the one and the other relligion (the which hee had continnued more and more by his sonne) hee would make him-selfe and his successors absolute Monarcks; and all Germany slaues to his house. These considerations made the Princes and Why the Princes of the Empire preferred Ferdinand before Prince Phillip. States to incline more touching the succession of the Empire to Ferdinand and to his sonne Maximillian, who had their portions and all their successions in Germany; then to the Emperor or to the Prince his sonne. And the rather for that they had obserued part of the humors of this Prince, beeing borne, nourished and brought vp in Spaine, and wholy possest by the Spaniards, and by the Bishoppe of Arras, sonne to Granuelle; E whose carriage (beeing a high Bourguignon) did nothing please the Germaines. Beesides this Prince beeing ill instructed, vnderstood no language but his naturall Spanish. What was concluded wee shall hereafter see.
The Towne of Magdebourg freed from siege by a friendly composition with Duke Maurice hee beeing now receiued into the Towne, spake it openly, that it should cost him his life, or hee would set the Landtgraue his father in law at liberty. Hee had before sent his Ambassadors with the King of Denmarke and many Princes of Germany to the Emperor, for his deliuerance, beeing resolued vppon his deniall to attempt it by force, hee hauing already entred into some treaty with the French King. The seauenth F of Iuly William of Nassau Prince of Orange married the daughter and onely heire of Maximillian of Egmont Earle of Buren, the onely heire of the house of Launoy: the 1551 marriage (which was the first which the said Prince had of foure) was celebrated in The Prince of Orange first marriage. the Castell of Buren, by whome hee had Phillip of Nassau, now Prince of Orange [Page 277] and the Lady Mary widow to Philip Earle of Hohenlo, brother and sister by fathers A side to Count Maurice of Nassau, commanding at this day in Holland Zeeland &c.
This yeare the Emperor set a taxe of fiue florins throughout all the country of Liege, as a fee of the Empire vpon euery thousand florins value of Inheritance, to helpe to defray the charges of the last warres of Germany. The Liegeois would haue opposed themselues and fallen to mutiny, but hauing sent their deputies to the Emperor, in the end they yeelded vpon certaine conditions. The Emperor at the same time did chase all the ministers out of Ausbourg, Iohn Frederic duke of Saxony, (although hee were a The Ministers chased away by the [...]mpe ror. prisoner) did not forbeare to comfort them, and to assist them with money. Some of them retired into Suisserland, and some else where. The newes of this banishment of Ministers amazed many, for euery man feared that what had beene done there, would be also practised in other places, as it was afterwards, but for a short time in respect of B Germany.
At such time as all were in these alterations, the French King (hearing that duke Maurice attempted warre against the Emperor) fell vpon 22. ships of Zeeland, bound for Spaine, being worth aboue 200000. florins, the which hee tooke and spoiled and then carried them into his hauens: wherevpon the 17. day of September in the same yeare 1551. the French Ambassador was sent away from Brusselles as an enemie, with all the French Nobility which had remained with the Lady Elenor, Queene Dowager of France, and warre was proclaimed the 21. of that month betwixt these two great Princes, both by land and sea. Many wondred how the King durst [...]eaue the friendship of the Emperor, beeing then in so great prosperity, neither did the Emperor (as some C sayd) expect it. In Ianuary 1552. the generall States of the Netherlands assembled in the towne of Bruges in Flanders, whereas the Queene of Hungary Gouernesse of the 1552. sayd countries, made a demand in the Emperors name, of an extraordinary aide or An assembly of the states of o [...] the Nel [...]nds. subuention of three Millions of gold: wherevnto the Flemings would in no sort yeeld, by reason of their small traffick: but they offred to entertaine so many men at armes, as should fall to their shares: wherewith the sayd Lady was not well satisfied. Afterwards the sayd estats assembled at Brusselles, where vpon certaine conditions they did grant 400000 florins.
Duke Maurice and the Marquis of Brandenbourg, sonnes in lawe to the Landtgraue of Hessen, sent their Ambassadors to the Emperor, accompanied with the letters of D the King of Denmarke, of Ferdinand King of Romaines, of Albert duke of Bauaria; Many Princes [...] for the Landt graues liberty. of the brethren of Lunebourg: of the Elector Frederic Palatin, of Wolfgang duke of Deux Ponts, of Iohn Marquis of Brandenbourg, of Ernest Marquis of Baden, of the dukes of Merklenbourg and of Christopher duke of Wirtemberg, to sue for the Landtgraues deliuery: But it seemed the Emperour respected all these Princes little, referring the answere of their request to the comming of duke Maurice; who hee sayd should come to treate with him: William eldest sonne to the Landtgraue did importune him, and Maurice more, both he and the Marquis of Brandenbourg putting him in minde of their bond and promise, speaking somewhat bigge vnto him. In the meane time the horsemen that had lyen about Magdebourg and within it, wintred in Thuringen E and the neighbour country, where they did much harme, especially to the Clergy, and aboue all to the Archbishop of Mentz. Wherevpon hee and the other two of Collogne and Treues complayned to the Emperor, being resolued to forsake the councell. To whome hee gaue good words intreating them to stay: whether the duke of Wirtemberg, those of Strausbourg and other Protestants had sent their Ambassadors, and the duke Maurice did also send his: the which did much reioyce the sayd Archbishops, beleeuing that they had no more any cause to doubt of him. The chiefe differences of the Protestants Ambassadors, were vpon the safe conduit of their diuines, the which they were forced to alter three times, and vpon the other points which duke Maurice had propounded. These Ambassadors hauing receiued F their safe conduits in such forme as they could obtaine them, sent them to their Princes and Magistrates.
Soone after many began to murmur that the councel should be prolonged, and that [Page 289] Maurice beeing in league with the French, made his preparations to warre against the A Emperor. This report increased daylie; and they sent messengers from Trent to the Emperor to know his pleasure: Afterwards an other came from the Emperor, but they vsed therein great discretion, to keep matters secret, least they should discontent the Councell: vntill that the first of Aprill Duke Maurice and his companions, besieged the Towne of Ausbourg, the which three daies after was yeelded vnto him: Which was the cause of the dissipation of the Councell. Maurice writte letters (the Ausbourg vvon by Du [...] Maurice. which were afterwards printed) to the States of the Empire, setting downe many liuely reasons, which moued him to make warre against the Emperor, for the preseruation of his relligion and the liberty of Germany, and withall for the deliuery of the Landtgraue his father in law. Hee did greatly taxe the Emperor, seeking to bring Germany into seruitude, vnder his Monarchy, as hee had already oppressed B it by diuers exactions and suppressions of their priuilidges. Albert Marquis of Brandenbourg, published a writing almost of the same substance, complayning that the libertie of Germany was opprest, euen by them that were bound to defend and inlarge it &c. The French King did also publish letters, by the which hee shewed that hee had no other end but the libertie of Germany, and of all Christendome; complayning of the wrongs which the Emperor did and had done to him and to his friends, in whose succors he had resolued to imploy all his forces in that warre, yea euen his owne person, without any respect to his owne priuate Interest, how great soeuer it might bee; But onely that Germany might bee restored, and Iohn Frederic Duke of Saxony, and the Landtgraue of Hessen deliuered &c. C
These letters of the Princes and of the French King dispersed throughout Germany, gaue cause of hope to some, and to others of feare and care, William the Landtgraues sonne, hauing put his men to field, went and ioyned with Duke Maurice: Albert of Brandenbourg did also ioyne with them, with his horse and foote. In all places where they past they brought the Townes vnder their subiection, taking the Inhabitants into their safegard and protection, yet forcing them to furnish both mony and Artillery. The Princes did also send to them of high Germany, and especially to Nuremberg, that they should not faile to bee at Ausbourg, in the end of Aprill, and did also presse them of Vlme to enter into league with them. Whilst these things were doing in Germany, the French King marched with a goodly army, and tooke D Toule and Verdun Imperiall Townes vppon the Frontiers of France: Then marching into Lorraine, vnder coullor of demanding passage, hee tooke Metz, a Towne of The French takes Metz. Toule and V [...]rdun. the Empire also; He thought to haue done as much to Strasbourg, a faire, great, rich and mighty Towne, but the Senat excused them-selues, and kept him from entring, furnishing some munition of corne, and oats for the Kings armie; Leauying fiue thousand men for the guard of the Towne, if happely they should offer to force them. The confederate princes came to Vlme, which refused to bee of their vnion; Beeing arriued there, they houered about the Towne: And for that the Inhabitants were so insolent to shoote at them, they demanded for reparation of this outrage Duke Mauric [...] confe [...]rs with King Ferdinand touching a Peace. three hundred thousand Crownes; The which beeing refused, they spoiled them E all they could. From thence Duke Maurice went to Lints in Austria, to vnderstand from King Ferdinand the conditions of peace: For that Ferdinand desired greatly to pacefie things with the Emperors consent. After that hee had conferred with him, hee returned to the armie and the next day they marched towards the Alpes. Heerevppon the Iudges of the Imperiall Chamber fledde from Spyer: For it was against them that both the French King and the Princes were incensed, laying vppon them all the blame and cause o [...] these troubles.
In the meane time the Queene of Hongary the Emperors sister, made an Assembly at Aix la Chappelle, vpon the Confines of the Duchie of Iuilliers, to make a League with them; The Prince of Cleues and Iuilliers excused himselfe by his Ambassadors: F Adolph Bishop of Cologne came, and so did George of Austria Bishop of Liege. The French King being come to Weissenbourg, after that hee had left the territory of Strasbourg seeing that there was not any thing to bee gotten, the Ambassadors [Page 290] of the Prince Elector Palatin, of the Archbishops of Mentz and Treues, and of the A the dukes of Cleues and wirtemberg, which were assembled at Wormes, for the good of the Common-weale, went vnto the King, intreating him that hee would not wast and spoile the champion country, but take pittie of the poore commons and incline his heart to peace. Duke Maurice for his part did also write vnto the King, in the which was conteined what had beene treated at Lints with King Ferdinand, requiring the King (whome Maurice would haue comprehended in the treaty of peace) to declare with what conditions he would compound with the Emperour. The King found by these letters that they were weary of him in Germany, (and to say the truth, the Princes would not willingly haue seene him aduance) so as two daies after he retired with The French King retiers into Germany. his army againe into Lorraine & so into France. ‘But before his departure he answered the ambassadors, saying that hee had obtained that for which hee came into Germany B with his army; seeing that the Princes Prisoners should bee deliuered, which was the chiefe cause of the warre, and therefore he had wonne honor ynough. That if it euer chanced that Germany had neede of him, that hee would spare neither his labour, purse nor person: that hearing nowe that his enemies had assayled him within his Realme, hee would returne. As for that which they writ of the Emperor, and of a peace, he referred himselfe to them &c. with some other complements.’
The King was no sooner gone out of France towardes Germany, but presently the Emperors armie of the Netherlandes, whereof Martin van Rossen was Commander, entred and burnt the frontiers of Champagne, and tooke Astenay a towne seated C neere to the riuer of Meuze, of the Iurisdiction of Lorraine, whereon the French had but lately seized. Some say it was one of the causes that made the King retire with his army: the second was for that hee did not allowe of Duke Maurice his proceeding touching the peace: and the third was for that hee had beene deceiued of his expectation vpon the towne of Strasbourg, the which hee would willingly haue had as good cheape, as hee had gotten Metz, Toul and Verdun, but Strasbourg was too great a morcell, the which if hee had swalloed, the Germaines might at leysure haue repented that euer they had called him.
Beeing retired out of Germanie, hee beganne to march the two and twenty of May, so as hauing past the Riuer of Mosella, hee entred into Luxembourg where hee wasted, The French King in Luxembourg. D spoyled and burnt all, imitating (as hee sayd) Martin van Rossen, and recouered the towne of Astenay, the which hee found without garrison, the Borguignons and Rossen being retired vpon the first bruit of the Kings approch. Then he went with his armie before Danuilliers, the which was yeelded vnto him, and then Yuois, the strongest place of the country, Peeter Ernest Earle of Mansfieldt Gouernor of the countrie Count Mansfield prisoner. was in it, with the floure of all the the youth of Luxembourg, who were all taken by the French, and the towne spoyled through a mutiny among the soldiars, against the Kings will, as they sayd.
Duke Maurice after his returne from the treatie at Lints, to the Army of the confederate Princes, he beeing gone, King Ferdinand went presently to Inspruch to the Emperor his Brother, to let him vnderstand what had beene treated betwixt them. E And that at Maurice his returne to the army hee marched with his companions towards the Alpes: who being thrust on by du Fresne the French Kings Ambassador, they were resolued to charge those soldiars which the Emperor caused to be leuied in that quarter. The 18. of May approching to Fiesse, (which is a smal towne at the entry of the Alpes) they sent some troupes to discouer euen vnto the straights which the Emperors men held, whereof they tooke some prisoners, from whom they learned the estate of that quarter. The next day they aduanced with their foote, and onely two hundred men at armes, and tooke the way to Fiesse, nere vnto Rutte they came vnto the straight The Princes vvinne the straights of the Alpes. of the Mountaines, which some eight hundred of the Emperors men held with two F field peeces, whom they assayled, won the passage, and chased the enemies, who flying away, strooke a feare into them that were nere vnto Rutte. The Princes followed them at the heeles, and so charged the rest, as they defeated them, where there were about a 1000. slaine and drowned. The next day they marched towards the fort of Ereberg, [Page 291] where they happily tooke the fort vnder the Castell, and were maisters of the entries A of the passage, and tooke the great Canon which was ready mounted. This done, they crept vp the mountaine the which was very steepe euen vnto the Castell (although they played continually vpon them with their small shotte.) There were within it thirteene companies of foote, whereof nine captaines were taken, and three Germaines with one Italian escaped: there were about 3000. prisoners, and the Princes lost few of their men.
The 22. of May, two regiments were sent to Inspruck by the Alpes, which is but two dayes iourney from thence: all their Caualerie remained with one regiment about Fiesse and Rutte, to garde the passage; Maurice and the confederate Princes followed the next day, and ioyned with their foote neere vnto Zirle, which is but two B leagues from Inspruck. The Emperor hearing newes that Eruberg was taken, departed hastily in the night (and with great confusion) from Inspruck, with his brother The Emperor flies from Inspruch in hast. Ferdinand, who was arriued a little before to mediate a peace, and bending on the left hand by the mountaines, which lead to Trent, hee retired to Villac, a towne of Carniola, vpon the riuer of Draue. Hee had a little before set Iohn Frederick Duke of Saxonie at libertie, whome hee had kept fiue whole yeares languishing in prison, and carried him a long time vp and downe with him, as in triumphe; whom he freed, The duke of Saxony set at liberty. for feare his enemies should challenge it as a glory vnto them. The which the prisosoner did also desire, to the end that Maurice might not vaunt that hee had beene the cause of his liberty. Beeing at libertie, hee did yet accompany the Emperour wheresoeuer he went. C
Maurice being arriued at Inspruck, all the baggage that was found belonging to the Emperor, the Spaniards, or the Cardinall of Ausbourg, was spoiled, but they toucht nothing that belonged to King Ferdinand, or to the Inhabitants: and for that there remained but three dayes for the future treatie of the peace, as it had beene concluded at Lints, Duke Maurice went from them to Passau: but the Princes his confederates returned from whence they came, and came the twentie eight of May to Fiesse. The Duke being come to the assignation at Passau, to treate a peace the first of Iune, that which had beene begun at Lints was repeated, and all propounded and expounded more at large by Maurice. There were as mediators, King Ferdinand, Albert Duke of Bauaria, and the Bishops of Strasbourg and Eistede, with the Ambassadors D of the Dukes of Cleues and Wirtemberg. Those for the Emperour came Duke Maurice his complaint also. Before them all, Maurice made a long discourse and great complaints of matters that had past in the Emperours name, and of the bad gouernement of the common-weale: and among other things, that forraine souldiers had vaunted, that they had vanquished and subdued Germanie; the which they did assure themselues to ioyne vnto the Emperours inheritance (as it was his principall desseine) in building of cittadels in all the chiefe townes. That the Imperiall chamber was all gouerned, from the which they of the religion were excluded, and many other points which hee propounded, and required to be redrest: and that they should restore the Empire to her ancient dignitie; and that Strangers might not bee suffered to scorne or contemne E them.
The Princes and Noblemen that were mediators, hauing conferred together, thought that his demands contained nothing but what was iust: yet to preserue the Emperors honour, and that he might bee the sooner perswaded, they were of opinion that many things which concerned the reformation of the State, might be reserued to an Imperiall dyet. During these conferences of peace, the other confederate Princes marched still on, especially the Marquis Albert of Brandenbourg, who made warre apart, the which hee sayd was in the French Kings name, against the Princes, Bishops, Albert of Brandenbourg makes war [...] apart. and townes that were not of their league, spoyling and burning all that hee could not ransome at his pleasure, especially the towne of Nuremberg, where hauing F burnt about a hundred Villages of that iurisdiction, and some three-score faire farmes, with the Towne and Castell of Lichtenau, hee went and besieged Nuremberg, Nuremberg compoun [...] vvith him. threatning it with extreame ruine: so as by the meanes of other Princes that [Page 292] were intercessors for them, hee forced them to redeeme this siege, and to buy their A peace, paying him a hundred thousand crownes, with sixe double Canons mounted, with all their furniture and prouision; and that they should fauour the confederate Princes, like to them of Ausbourg. From thence hee went before Vlme, where hee preuailed nothing, after that hee had wasted and spoiled the Country there-abouts. He entred also into the territories of Mentz and Treues, where he did all the harme he could. In the meane time Duke Maurice being returned to his confederates to Mergentheim, declared vnto them what had beene done touching the peace: and that king Ferdinand was gone in all hast to the Emperor, and that hee thought he would soone send some councellors with a finall answer. But least in this doubtfull and vncertaine estate of their affaires, some inconuenience might happen vnto them, if they remained idle, they resolued to goe to Francfort, where there were 17. Euseignes of foote, and B 1000. horse in garrison for the Emperor, vnder the command of Conrard van Hand [...] steyn, the which might be very preiudiciall for the country of Hessen that lay neere it: Francfort besieged by the Princes. wherevpon they went and camped before the towne the 17. of Iuly. During this siege George Duke of Mechelbourg, in league with Maurice (who had first made warre at Magdebourg) was slaine with a Canon. At the beginning when as they brought the siege before Francfort, the confederate Princes demanded of the prince Palatin a great number of Artillerie, the which hee refused once or twise, but seeing there was no meanes to auoyde it, and that they threatned to bring the whole armie, they gaue them eight of their biggest Canon, with all their furniture.
The Marquis Albert (who had ioyned with his confederates vpon the way) as they The bishops, Prelats and P [...]ests, [...]he before Albert. C arriued before Francfort, left them at the siege, and marched towards the Rhine, whereas hee subiected Wormes and Spyer vnder his command, inioyning them to supply him both with money and Artillery. In all places where he came the Churchmen were fled, or had changed their habites to disguise them-selues; and as hee approched neere vnto Franconia, the Bishops and Prelates all fledde away. Hauing gotten these Townes, hee writte vnto the Senate of Strasbourg, commanding them that their Towne should bee alwayes open for him and his companions, and should receiue a garrison for them, when need required, whereof they excused themselues, beeing of the religion, and in league with the Princes. Albert beeing aduertised that Duke Maurice inclined vnto a peace, left a garrison at Spyer, and returned vnto D Francfort with his troupes: Hee beeing come, hee hastened the siege, and planted his Campe on the other side of the riuer of Meyn in a place that was some-what high, where hee might play with his Canon at his pleasure. Hee tooke the treatie of peace in very ill part, and spake wonderfull ill of Maurice, refusing to bee comprehended therein.
The 15. of Iuly King Ferdinand sent to the Campe of the confederate Princes, beeing before Francfort, Henry Vicont of Meissen, and Chancellor of Bohemia, who arriued after Duke Maurice the 24. of the said moneth. After they had contended a little, the Chancellor terrifying him with Duke Iohn Frederick, whom the Emperour had set at libertie, and shewed vnto the Landtgraues sonne the condition of his Father, E and the danger of all his prouince; in the end hee perswaded them vno peace, the which was concluded at Passau vppon certaine conditions. The chiefe Princes that A p [...]ace concluded betwixt the Emperor & the Princes. were present, and the Ambassadors of them that were absent, signed this treatie, the originall whereof was dispatcht at Passau, which the Emperor himselfe signed. A peace beeing concluded, the French Ambassador retired. The King disliked of this composition; but hearing that the Landtgraue was in great danger if it were not concluded, hee yeelded, and sent backe the hostages and pledges (which the Protestant Princes had giuen him,) safe and sound into Germany.
The 13. of August Duke Maurice and the Landtgraues sonne parted from Francfort and tooke contrary wayes; the Landtgraues sonne toward Hessen, and Maurice led his F armie to Donauvert, downe the riuer of Danowe, sending it into Hongary against the Turkes which came to assaile it, but the regiment of Ryffenberg past the riuer of Meyn, and ioyned with Albert of Brandebourg, which did much trouble the princes, fearing [Page 293] least the Emperor should take some occasion thereby, not to release the Landtgraue. A The Marquis Albert went still in his course after the conclusion of a peace, wherein he would not bee comprehended making warre apart, especially against the Bishoppe of Ments, Treues and Spyer, forcing the Inhabitants of these townes to sweare vnto him; and to furnish him with money. Throughout all their territories hee burnt Castells, Cloysters, and Temples, yea euen within the Townes. About the end of Iuly the Emperor came from Villac to Inspruch, and eight daies after, hee past by Bauaria, hauing with him some troopes of Germaines, Bohemians, Italians, and Spaniards, the which ariued at Genoa in the beginning of the said moneth, vnder the command of the Duke of Alua. The Arch-bishoppe of Ments after that he had runne The Emp [...]or comes to Ausbourg vp and downe Suaube for some daies, being a fugitiue out of his countrie, hearing newes of the Emperor (who arriued at Ausbourg the twentith of August) hee went B vnto him.
Phillip Landtgraue of Hessen beeing freed from prison, according to the Accord, and retiring home to his house, passing by Maestricht vppon the riuer of Meuze, hee was againe stayed by the Queene of Hongaries commandment, being there, and was againe giuen in guard to the Spaniards euen vnto them that had beene his keepers The Landtgraue deliuered and sta [...]ed againe. fiue yeares together. The cause was (which had troubled confederate Princes as wee haue said) for that Ryffenberch who had beene entertained by the Landtgraues sonne, had gon with all his men vnto Marquis Albert; whereby the Queene maintained that the peace was broken and that shee could not deliuer him, vntill shee vnderstood the Emperours pleasure. The same day that the Emperour parted from Ausbourg hee C dismissed Iohn Frederic Duke of Saxony, with louing words, promising to remaine The Duke of Saxony t [...]kes his [...] of of the Emperor. alwaies his friend. (after that hee had insulted ouer him; hee depriued him of his Electorall dignity, and dispossest him of a good part of his Countrie) who parted the next day and retyred into his Country. The fourth of September the Landtgraue was absolutly discharged, and within six daies after came vnto his house.
The Emperor hauing past the Countrie of Wirtenberg, marched towards Strausbourg, before the which he caused his army to passe ouer the riuer of Rhine; and hee The Emperor [...] [...]o Strasbou [...]g. him-selfe with a small traine entred into the Towne, the which hee had neuer seene, where hee was honourably and louingly receiued by the Senat. In the euening hee tooke the way of haguenau, and lay that night in the next village. Where as the army D made an infinite spoile in few daies: whereof the Senat made their complaints vnto the Duke of Alua Lieutenant of the army, but it auaild them nothing. In the meane time the French fortified Metz and Nancy, vnder the commāde of the Duke of Guise drawing in all the corne and forrage of the Country: Iohn Marquis of Brandebourg, Alphonso Duke of Holsteyn, brother to the King of Denmarke, and Philibert Prince of Piedmont were in the Emperors armie. Those that were banished out of Germany Shee was daughter to Christierne King of Denmarke. by the Emperor refused the conditions of peace and remained in France. The Duchesse of Lorraine the Emperors Neece, beeing chased out of Lorraine by the French King, conferred with her vncle neere vnto Strasbourg, and then retired into the Netherlands. E
The Emperor parting from Haguenau came to Metz, where hee planted his siege, the two twenty day of October. Many Councellors of the law and Bourgeses departed 1552 with leaue of the French, whereof some retired into Lorraine, and others to Strasbourg. Metz besieged. The twenty eight of August those of the Towne of Brussels, and of the seauen villages neerest about it, made a muster in armes without the Towne, on a goodly great plaine, vppon the way by Elsene vnder six Captaines of three diuers quarters, from thence they marched in Battel vnto the Towne, entring by the port of Couwenbourg, with thirteene field peeces in the midst of them, with their Gunners and Pioners: passing before the Court, they were viewed by the Queene of Hongary Gouernesse of the Netherlands, beeing aboue seauen thousand choise men (for if F they had mustred all that could haue borne armes vnder sixty and eighteene they should haue found aboue twenty thousand) it was a kinde of a petty Camp, the which the Queene had caused to bee made to see what men shee might gather together [Page 294] to defend the towne of Brussels, if happily (the which she feared) the French should A enter through Henault into Brabant. Albert of Brandebourg was then vpon the frontires of Lorraine with fiftye companies of foote, and great troopes of horse, neere vnto Mussipont. And for that hee had some difference with the French King, Albert of Brandebourg reconciled to the Emperor. touching the entertainement for his seruice, both for that which was past, and that which was to come, hee was by the meanes of some reconciled to the Emperor, who forgaue him all his faults, forbidding any to call him into question, for the warres past. The which being vnderstood by the French, the Earle of Aumale brother to the Duke of Guise, (whom the King had sent into Lorraine with great troupes of horse,) hauing by secret practises debauched and with-drawne the regiment of Ryf [...]enberg, and thinking to beate Albert, was himselfe beaten, wounded, and taken prisoner, B the which happened the fourth of Nouember. After this victorie the Marquis Albert came to the Emperors campe before Metz, with Aumale his prisoner, and camped vpon Mosella, then hauing caused his prisoner to bee drest, hee sent him into Germany to be well garded.
The Emperor came from Thionuille to his campe before Metz t [...]e twenty of Nouember, then they battered the towne furiously with forty Canons, the report whereof A furio [...] bat [...]y at M [...]. was heard eighteene leagues off. The besieged made many gallant sallies, especially vpon Albert of Brandenbourgs Campe, whome they hated most: and once among the rest, when as the Earles of Egmont, Aremberg, and other Noblemen of the Netherlands were at supper with him, in the which Lichtenberg his Lieutenant was C very sore wounded. The Princes and greatest Noblemen carried earth to repaire M [...] valiantly d [...]nded. their breaches, so as the besiegers were no lesse amazed to see their diligence a [...]d labour, then their valour. The Winter was very sharpe and full of Snowe: and although the Emperor had a goodly Armie, yet hee neuer gaue any assault, but busied himselfe onely about vndermining of the towne, wherein hee preuailed little, both by reason of the bad and vnseasonable wether which did hinder them, as also for that the besieged were aduertised thereof, and did countermine. The Towne was valiantly defended by choise Captaines, Princes, and others of great houses, and all vnder the command of the Duke of Guise.
The Emperor seeing his armie ouer-toyled, and to disband and diminish dayly, through hunger, colde, nakednesse, and want of all things: some Italians retiring into D the Towne to the Duke of Guise, being prest by necessitie, about the end of December The Emperor [...] his siege fro [...] M [...]. hee retired his Canon, resoluing to make an honourable retreate, wherein he [...] imployed Cont Egmont to discouer and assure the wayes: and the first of Ianuary the Emperor came to Thionuille▪ leauing all the charge to dispose of the retreate of 1553. the Armie, vnto the Duke of Alua his Lieutenant▪ the which he performed with great dishonor and shame, for so great a Captaine as hee would seeme to bee. Making the sayd retreate with the Earle of Aremberg; their reere-ward was charged by the Vidame of Chartres; who defeated a Cornet of light horse, burnt a good quantitie of poulder, and tooke more prisoners then hee desired, so weake and languishing were E the poore souldiers, as they could not make any defence. Then was it generally spoken, that the Duke of Alua had beene the cause, why the Emperor had not taken Metz, for that hee would neuer hazard his Spaniards to giue a generall assault, notwithstanding that there were a sufficient breach made; whereat they could not haue lost so many men, as there dyed afterwards through colde, plague, and pouertie: for which cause the Emperour was forced with shame to raise his Campe, hauing lost so many men, spent so much money, and blemished so much his reputation and credit.
The Emperor hauing stayed some time at Thionuille, arriued the sixt of February at Brussells. Many would not beleeue that hee was yet liuing; wherefore hee was F wonderfully welcome, and very honourably and gratiously receiued, especially by The Emperor [...] to B [...]ssels. his two Sisters, the Queenes of France and Hongary. The people in generall were wonderfull ioyfull of his comming, euerie one desiring to see him often, for that [Page 295] they could scarce beleeue that he was yet lyuing, hee was growne so pale and leane with continuall sicknesse. There was a subsedie graunted him by the States A of sixe hundred thousand florins, during his aboade in the sayd towne there fell out a great tumult betwixt the Spaniards and the Watermen, in the which there were two Spaniards slaine: two daies after they beganne againe, where there was a maker A [...]umult at Brusselles against the Spaniards. of Tapistrie slaine. Wherevpon the Officer of the towne tooke foure Spaniardes prisoners. The Magistrates complained vnto Prince Phillip the Emperors sonne of the disorder of the Spaniards, falling ten or twelue vpon one man to kill him, the Prince gaue them leaue to apprehend them and to doe Iustice. And whereas one of the chiefe Authors was fled into Saint Nicholas Church, they went and apprehended him in the Quier neere to the great Altar. The Spaniards did runne thether in armes, meaning to rescue him▪ among the which there were some of their commanders B that would haue insulted ouer the Iustice: but the Seignior of Molembais arriued with his halbardiers, who made them retire, for otherwise it had gone hard, with them. If they had not supprest their Insolencie in this manner, no Burgeses of Brusselles nor any one borne in the countrie, durst to haue walked in the streetes, if they had not beene the stronger, and there had beene continually great fighting with them: but the Spaniards doe so much feare la Horca, that is the gallowes, as this commandement restrained them.
In the [...]end of the Spring, the Lord of Bignicourt, of the house of Montmorency, by the Emperors commandement did inuest Teroane, lying in the midest of Arthois: Teroan take [...] and razed. for the defence whereof the French King sent the Lords of Esse and Montmorency, C with their companies of men at armes and many other Noblemen, and Gentlemen. Adrien of Croy Earle of Roeux lord Steward of the Emperours house, was generall of the army, the towne was furiously battered and they endured 3. charges at an assault, where there was great losse on eyther side, but of the French there were diuers of account slaine. In the end by sappe they ouerthrew a Bulwarke, which filled vp the ditch: which the Lord of Montmorency and the rest of the captaines seeing, demanded to capitulate. But whilest they parled with Count Bossu, who succeeded the Earle of Roeux, beeing dead during the siege, the Germaines and Bourguignons gaue a furious assault on an other side, and carried it by force, killing all they incountred. Onely the Spaniardes (who loue money) saued the liues of many Gentlemen to haue their ransomes. D The most cruell and pittilesse were the Germaines and Landtfknechts reuenge; that during the siege they had set a sheepe to feede vpon the rampart, who as his kinde is, fell a bleating, Met, Met, putting the Emperours men in minde of Metz; where they had lost so many. The Lord of Montmorency being wounded was taken prisoner, with the Lords of Attigny, Loches, Varennes, Fauernon, Montenay, la Barre and many others, who beeing put in a safe place, the towne was all fiered and blowne vp with powlder: so as in the end it was quite raized and ouerthrowne, nothing remayning but one suburbe of the Iurisdiction of Arthois, the circuit of the ground where the towne stood belonging to the Bishoppe of Bologne, the which hee farmes out for pasture. E
Albert Marquis of Brandenbourg continued warre still against the Bishops, hauing Duke Maurice defies Albert of Brandebourg. spoyled the lands of Henry duke of Brunswick, hee went into the territory of Minde. Duke Maurice fearing that he would march into the country of Hessen to assayle Franconia againe, he went from Northuse to Emb [...] to be before him, and hauing gathered togither his troupes, he sent to defie him by a gentleman, wherof followed a most gr [...] uous and bloudie battaile. Both armies beeing neere vnto Saxony, the ninth of Iuly, Albert hauing past the riuer of Wexen, they ioyned Battaile with all their forces, and great fury and choller of eyther side: there was a bloudie fight which continued many houres, in the which duke Maurice who was the stronger in horse, had the victorie but it cost him his life, for hee was shot through the bodie, whereof F hee died two daies after. Albert saued himselfe in Honobrie, there were about foure thousand men slaine vpon the place, most of them horsemen, with a great [Page 296] number of prisoners, Henry of Brunswick lost two Sonnes Charles and Phillip, Duke A Maurice was not then much aboue 32. yeares old. He died without any sonnes, leauing two onely daughters. Duke Augustus his brother succeeded him in all his estates and electorall dignity.
The Prince of Piedmont Generall of the Emperors army in the place of the Earle of Roeux went after the ruine of Teroane to beseege Hesdin, whether the French King had sent a good number of his cheefe commanders: as the duke of Bouillon Gouernor Hesdin taken by the Emperor and [...]. of Normandy and Mareshall of France, Duke Horatio Farneze, the Earle of Villars, the marquis of Nesle, the Viscontes of Turene and Martigues, the Lord of Reoux and many other Gentlemen and Captaines which had beene beseeged within Mets, and, two thousand soldiars horse and foote. The towne was furiously battered and B in the end taken by assault, where all the said French Noblemen were taken prisoners except Duke Horatio, who was carried away with a Cannon, and some gentlemen about him. The towne was raized like to Teroane: The French King assembling his Army about Amiens and Picqueny, the nineteene of August some Noblemen of the Netherlands, among others were the Prince of Espynoy, the Duke of Arschot, the Earle of Egmont, the Earle of Bossu and others made a roade into Picardy to discouer The Incoun ter of [...], [...] the Prince of Espynoy was slaine. the Kings campe, without anyfootemen, but only their bands of ordinance, aduancing vntill they came before Amiens, vnto the forward of the French, who hauing intelligence of their comming, layd an Ambuscado of foote, and charged them with their horse, who making their retreat, still fighting for the space C of a League, the Prince of Espynoy was slaine and the Duke of Arscot taken prisoner, and the rest put to flight, with the losse of about sixe hundred men and aboue three hundred prisoners. This defeat was called the Incounter of Talma, The Prince The Duke of Arschot a prisoner [...] [...]h. of Espynoy was carried to Bethune and intered in the Gloister of the Anonciadoe, founded by the house of Melun of the which he was. The Duke of Arschot being prisoner in the Castell of Bois de Vincennes, escaped with the helpe of a poore Preest, and a couerer of slate, by the vent or socket of a priuy, without paying any ransome.
The Magistrate of Brusselles made a stately banket to the Emperor and the two Queene [...] of France and Hongary his two Sisters, whether were inuited Cardinal Poole an English man, and the Cardinall of Bourgos a Spaniard, the Prince of Piedmont, and D many other Princes; marching to the state house where the Banket was prepared, there fell great contention for the precedence and place of honor betwixt the Ambassadors of England and Portugall, either of them striuing for the place, the which grew almost to a tumult, which Queene Mary the Gouernesse espying, being come into the great Market shee commanded them both to retyer, and soe neither of them was at the banket.
In the Spring the French King made three Armies against the Emperor, the first in Vermandois vnder the Prince of la Roch sur yone. The second towards Crecy led 1554. by the Constable, and the third was commanded by the Duke of Neuers. The first E Army entred into Arthois, spoyling and burning without all mercy. The Duke of Th [...] French ar [...]es against the Emperor. Neuers army entred the Ardennes, tooke the Castel of Orchimont, by composition & burnt a great number of Villages, and forced the garrison of the Castell of Fontaines to yeeld vpon composition: then he entred into the Country of Liege, hauing opened and assured the passage of the riuer of Meuze, by the taking of strong places and forts along the riuer of either side. The Constables army beseeged Mariembourg, the which was yeelded and he fortefied it with the Towne of Rocroy: comming out of the Ardennes those of Dinant, were somoned to declare if they wold not perseuer in neutrality: whervnto they made a proud answer, shooting at the Duke of Neuers herald and trompet who tooke the Castell of Agimont and the towne of Bouuines by force, F where almost all the Inhabitants were slaine or executed, for that they would defend a pal [...]rie weake place against a royall armie. Dynant after some resistance yeelded; the Inhabitants had their lyues saued, the towne was not burnt like vnto Bouuines▪ but wholy spoyled: there was a cruell Combate of the French against the Germaines, [Page 297] who would haue rauished certaine women and maides taken in a Church, the A which the King did pacefie; The Castells was yeelded some fewe dayes after by composition.
During these executions in the Countries of Liege, Namur and Henault; the Prince of Roch-Sur-Yone, defeated two companies of Bourguignion horse in Defe [...] of som [...] Bourguignons by the French. Arthois, and sent the Cornets vnto the King, who hearing that the Prince of P [...]edmont gathered together his army, with a resolution to fight if the French did aduance; Hee past the riuer of Sambre, beeing followed by the Duke of Neuers, and entring into the Country of Henault, hee spoiled, wasted and burnt all where he came, some troops ranne to the ports of Niuelle, which is the first Towne of Brabant, where they sette them on fire, and burnt all the villages round about, carrying B away great spoiles. The army marched afterwards to Bins a Towne in Henault, leauing behinde it nothing but fier, smoake, ashes and miserie in the Country. The French beeing camped beefore Bins, kindled greater fiers then before, burning all the Castells and houses of pleasure in the Country. The stately house of Mariemont belonging to the Queene of Hongary was not forgotten. Bins beeing assailed the two and twentith of Iuly, was yeelded to the Kings mercy the which The Kings reuenge [...]or the [...] [...] cardy. hee caused to bee burnt in reuenge of the ruine of Folambray, and of the Townes and villages of Picardie, which the Emperors army burnt. They also fired Ba [...]ais and the Castell of Roeux. The army parting from thence, went and lay betwixt Mons in Henault, Landrecy, Auesmes, Quesnoy, and Valenciennes and Cambray: The Prince of Piedmont did all hee could to haue his reuenge of so great a C losse; But hee could not effect any thing, the French King beeing so strong and so well ledde: Who in the end went and planted their Campe before the Castell of Renty▪ in the midst of Arthois; The which hee batterd furiously day and night without cease, hauing discharged eight thousand Canon shot.
Those within it (whereof the Seignior of Brias was Gouernor) answered them with the like; The King hauing battred downe almost all the Towers, caused them to bee summoned to yeeld, but they made no answer but with their shotte. The Emperor had sent to them to bee of good courage; and to hold out but three daies longer, Renty besieged by the French King. within the which time hee would come in person to releeue them and to raise the siege: Wherein hee failed not, for comming with his army which was very faire D and great, hee camped within a quarter of a League of the French, to see if hee might draw them to fight: But they kept them-selues quiet, and fortified more within their trenches: The two armies lying thus neere together, and prouoking one an other by diuers skirmishes, the French knowing that a gentle retreat, would be more safe for them, before the passage were stopt, they departed secretly in the night, without sound of any Trumpet or Drumme, leauing their chiefest Artillery behinde them.
The Emperour hearing of their flight pursued them with his Light horsmen, and charged their reer-ward, beating them euen vnto the gates of Monstreuill; whereas Renty releeued by the Emperor. they saued them-selues. Then the Emperour entred into Renty and thanked the E Gouernor, Captaines and soldiars that had so valiantly defended the place: for hee saw well in what danger they had beene through the furious battery of the ennemy. There were siue companies in the place; the Emperor made the fiue Captaines Kinghts, giuing vnto the soldiars (as hee had promised them) three monethes pay extraordinary, and all they that were banished, or charged with murthers or other crymes, had their pardons. The Emperor hauing the yeare before razed the Towne and Castell of Hesdin, hauing obserued a place fitte to bee fortified a League from thence, more towards France; hee resolued to build a new fort and a Towne there, and for that he would not be hindred in the xecution of this enterprise he entertained his armie, the the which in Nouember burnt all the country about Amiens, so as all the burthen of F the warre fell vppon the poore Country-men. After that hee retayned but two regiments, dismissing the rest of his Armie, and so he parted from Arras to come to [Page 298] Brusselles. And in the end of October hee caused King Philip his Sonne to bee put A in possession of the duchie of Milan by deputies, the accustomed ceremonies therein obserued.
This yeare in August was a furious fight at sea, betwixt two and twenty Merchants ships of Holland, Zeeland and Westfriseland, which came out of Spaine, laden with A furious fight at s [...]a betwixt the Fr [...]nch, Hollanders and [...] [...]landers. sundry sorts of Merchandise, and nineteene French ships of warre and sixe carauells, appointed with Artillery, souldiars and marriners for the purpose, which attended for them, and seeing them come vpon the coast of England, neere Douer, they began to assaile them, and the others to defend themselues. The French who were better manned, made hast to boord them, to auoide the furie of the Hollanders Ordinance: and in the ende they grapeled, fifteene French shippes to fifteene others, thinking to vanquish them by force and the numbers of their men; but those Hollanders B shippes that were free, shot continually at the French. There was a fearefull fight, for though the Dutch had fewer men, yet their shippes were greater and higher, and they knewe better howe to handle their Ordinance. The fight continued so long, that the French growing weary, demaunded a truce, but the noyse, cryes, and thunder of the O [...]dinance and small shot, was so great as they could not bee heard, and therefore they aduised for their surest remedie, (thinking that the Hollanders would let them goe) to set fire of their owne sayles, but the euent was not so as they looked for or expected. But as these shippes could not so easilie vngraple themselues, and the winde dryuing the fire from the sayles to the ships, they fell all on fire, so as they were forced to leaue the fight to quench the fire. But some were fiered C in such sort, as there was no meanes to saue them, the men casting them selues into the sea to auoyde the flames, without respect to what shippes they went, were they friendes or enemies, seeking onelie to saue themselues in the first shippe they could get into, which proued a strange victory vnto the French; for there were so manie Frenchmen got into the Hollanders shippes before they perceiued it, as after some small fight, they mastred them and tooke both men and shippes. The end of this furious battaile (which had lasted sixe houres) was, there were sixe French shippes, burnt, and one sunke; and of the Hollanders and others sixe were burnt and fiue were taken by the French, with manie prisoners. The number of the dead was different, for the French lost aboue a thousand men and the others about three D thousand men.
The seauenth of May Anthony Perronet Bishop of Arras was sent by the the Emperor to Graueling to conferre about a treatie of peace with the French King. They 1555 met on both sides in a great plaine betwixt Ardres, Calais and Graueling, vnder pauilions, An assembly to treateat of a p [...]ace. where there was a great circuit compassed in with cloath, in the which they assembled. The deputies had about it, euery one his quarter apart, and the English Cardinall assisted as mediator or vmpier betwixt them. The demandes of either side were so excessiue, as they could not agree; and so the assemblie proued fruitelesse. The ninth of the same month newes came to the Emperor of the death of the Lady Iane, Queene of Castille, his mother, at whose funeralls (which should bee made E at Brusselles) King Philip would bee present, and therefore they were deferred vntill The death of the Emperors mother. his comming. On Whitsonday died that great captaine Martin van Rossen Seignior of Puydroyen, who in his life time had serued many maisters: the duke Charles of Geldres, William duke of Cleues, the French King and the Emperor. The fifteene of Iuly the French passing the fronters, came to victuall, Mariembourg, without any cartes, but with horses laden onelie: and at their returne thinking to surprize all the souldiars that were in the new fort, whereof William of Nassau Prince of Orange was Generall, beeing discouered, there was a very hot skirmish, the which continued from noone vntill night, wherein there died many on eyther side. F
A while after the Seignior of Aussimont Gouernor of Bapaulmes (the terror of the French) hearing that some garrisons of Picardie, ioyned with fifteene hundred horse of the Arrierban of France which they call the companies of the Nobles, and foure hundred foote, did roade vp and downe the countrie of Arthois, hauing spoyled [Page 299] the suburbes of Lilliers and the burrow of Saint Venant, he went and charged them in A their returne, being Laden with spoyles and hauing defeated them in an instant, made them abandon their pray, la Iaille their leader was hurt and a boue fiue hundred taken prisoners with him, some escaped, and the rest were slaine vpon the place where of the Arthesiens made a Iest saying. That the Bourguognons tooke the Nobles of France without waying them; where-vpon it was called the Incounter of the Nobles. The eight of September King Phillip came after his marriage with Queene Mary, out of England to Brusselles, accompanied with Emanuell Philibert Duke of Sauoy and fower or fiue English Noblemen, Knights of the garter, and the sixteen of the said moneth the funeralles of the Emperors Mother were celebrated with great pompe and state. In October there was order giuen by the Emperor and Gouernesse, vpon the complaint of the Bourgéses of Brusselles, to the Alcaide Captain of the Court; to the steuard B of the houshould, to the Amptman and to the Magistrate of Brusselles to deuise some meanes to discharge the great and excessiue debts which the Spaniards, as well Courtiars as soldiars did owe throughout all the towne of Brusselles, as well to Inkeepers as to Marchants, to the end their might bee no tumult at their retreat seeing that the Bourgeses stood in some feare that they would goe away without paying them, whereby some should bee much impourished, and others vtterly ruined, and therefore they must preuent an imminent danger before it falles. About the end of October, the Emperor sent his letters to the States and townes of the Netherlands, to assemble The Emperor makes an Assembly of the stats to resigne the Netherlands. in the towne of Brusselles and there to heare matters that should bee propounded vnto them in his behalfe: to which end there came into the saide towne, many gentlemen, C Prelats, deputies and orators of townes to be at the assembly which should bee the twenty fiue of Nouember. At what time there came to court Maximilian King of Bohemia, Sonne to King Ferdinand, and William Duke of Cleues his brother in law: to whome the Emperor before his departure gaue three goodly horses out of his Quiry.
The two and twenty of Nouember in the after noone the Emperor had sent for The Emperor leaues the collor of his order to his sonne. all the Knights of the Order of the goulden fleece, to come to Court, in whose presence, ‘hauing King Phillip his Sonne by him hee pulled the Coller of the said order of the fleece from his owne necke, and put it about the King his Sonnes, saying. See my Sonne I doe now make you head and soueraigne of the Noble order of the golden D fleece: keepe it and maintaine it in the like dignity and honor that I, my father and all my Prodecessors haue kept and maintained it. GOD giue you the grace withall happinesse and increase, the which hee spake with teares in his eyes. Then turning to all the Knights of the order, hee said; Princepe hijo. Prince my Sonne, doe you see all The Emperors exhorta [...]ion to his sonne. these Noblemen here present. These are the cheefe and most faithfull seruants that I haue had, which haue beene the proppe and support of mine Empire, and by them haue I vanquished and ouergone so many perrilles and dangers, for which respect I haue alwaies loued them entierly, If you doe the like I assuer my selfe they will carry you the like affection and obedience, and will neuer abandon you at any need. But if you intreat them otherwise, they wil be the cause of the losse and ruine of your estate E wherefore loue and honor them.’ This was done in the great Hall of the Pallace at Brusselles which was furnished and hanged with ancient Tapistrie of the house of Bourgongne, conteyning the Institution of the order of the golden fleece, made in silke, gold and siluer, the which the Netherlands had in former times giuen vnto the Duke of Bourgongne. At the end of the Hall was a rich royall throne, with a low chaier with a backe and a cuission of cloth of gold where the Emperor was set and a skreene behind him before the fire. The 25. of that month, being the day of the Assignation, all the deputies of the states and townes of the Netherlands came to Court An exception of them of Louuaine vpon thier preuiledges. euery one armed withful power & authority as they had bin commanded to appeere, except they of the towne of Louuaine, who answered that they were not bound to go F to any place, to receiue and giue possession to a Duke of Brabant, but that according to their ancient preuiledges, (which they had held aboue 500. yeares,) the future duke must first come to the towne of Louuaine and there take his oth, then be receued there [Page 310] which priuiledge they would mainteine should bee entertained and kept. Notwithstanding A after many perswasions they appeared with the rest vpon protestation, and preseruation of their rights. The States, that is to say, the Dukes, Princes, Earles, Barons, Nobles, Prelates, and Deputies of Townes, being assembled in the said great A so [...]lemne act of th [...] Em perors resignation. hall of the Pallace; the Queene caused all Spaniards, as well Officers as others, of what qualitie soeuer, to depart, so as there remained not any one, but those that had to doe, and were called to this sollemne Acte. The Emperor leaning vpon the prince of Oranges shoulder, king Philip going on the side of him, all the Princes of the order marching before him. Being set downe in his seat, King Philip did sit on his right hand, foure or fiue foote behinde him, and Queene Mary the Gouernesse on the left hand: then did the Princes, Noblemen, Prelates, and other deputies of States sit downe, euery one B according to his degree. First they of Brabant, & so all the rest, euery one in his ranke. This done, the first vsher of his Maiesties councell, called all the States one by one in order, whom hee demanded if they had sufficient procurations, where-vnto was answered by the councellors or [...]rators of euery one with a lowd voice, and a great reuerence, that I. Where-vpon Philibert of Brussels, Orator to the Emperor, made a long An Oration to the states in th [...] Emperors name. oration in the French tongue, in the name of his Imperiall Maiesty, as followeth.
‘My Maisters, besides that the Emperor our Soueraigne Lord and gracious Prince, hath by his letters sent for you this day, whereby you may partly gesse, to what end this assembly doth tend: yet his Imperiall maiesty hath cōmanded me to say vnto you; That hauing had the charge and gouernment of these countries many yeares, the which fell C vnto him by inheritance in his tender age: since which time he hath constantly perseuered to maintaine the publick quiet as much as he could possibly. Towards whom he hath made many painfull and dangerous voyages, abandoning his other countries and realmes. And as well absent as present, hath alwaies endeuored and beene carefull to haue you gouerned in all good order and iustice, entertainment of your rights and priuiledges, and all other things wher-vnto a good and louing prince is bound, according vnto the fatherly affection which he hath alwaies shewed you, the which he did inherit with the p [...]trimonie of his predecessors, following therein the path which they had made him, in the loue and affection which you haue alwaies borne him, the which hee hath made manifest by so many toiles and labours, to ente [...]taine you still in your duties, D that he hath not spared the hazard of his owne person; the which hee holds well imploid, hauing done it for such faithfull, dutifull, a [...]d obedient subiects, as hee knoweth you to be; wherein he would desire to continue the remainder of his life, if he could possibly any longer beare the toiles and troubles which he hath past. And although his heart and will be still good, yet age and the weaknesse of his person, (broken with forepassed toiles) exceeds and maisters his good desires. By reason whereof; & considering the estate wherevnto you see his person now reduced, hee is resolued to abandon this burthen, and seeking some rest, to commit another in his place that may continue as he hath begone. And as it is now twelue yeares past, that his realmes of Spaine haue not seene him, and that they haue greatly desired his comming; whom he could not as yet E so much gratifie as to visit them; that now hee desired to settle his affaires, and to prouide for his health, the which begins greatly to decay by reason of this cold climate, the ayre of Spaine being much more agreeable and healthfull for him: and therefore hee is resolued (with the helpe of GOD) to passe this next Winter into these countries, as well as he may. And to substitute his deere sonne his onely heire, and your Lord and lawfull Prince: for that in truth it would trouble him much, that after his retreate & in his absence (by reason of the tediousnesse of the way, and length of time spent in occurrents, to receiue aduises and commandements from Spaine) these countries for want of preuoyance, should fall into some bad inconuenience. One thing there is that comforts him in this his departure from you: That hee leaues you vnder F the gouernment of the King our Lord here present, his onely sonne and naturall heire, whom you haue accepted, and also giuen your oth, who is of ripe yeares, and allied the second time vnto the Queene of England (the which is an alliance very profitable for these countries) besides that hee hath long had the gouernment of many realmes and [Page 311] prouinces: wherefore he is the more capable of this charge, with the good helpe, counsell, A and support of you my masters, his faithfull vassals and subiects, who may supply the place of his imperiall Maiestie, giuing thankes vnto God, who hath giuen him meanes so to prouide, and to preuent the inconueniences, which might otherwise haue happened to one that had beene young of yeares, and not capable of so great a gouernment; knowing the king not onely sufficient, but also endued with a desire and affection to maintaine you, and to employ himselfe for the good of these countries, whom hee hath resolued to inuest in all his prouinces and realmes, one after another, as he hath, not long since, begun, that by little and little he may inure himselfe to bea [...]e this burthen; the which he shall doe more easily; than if at one instant so great a cha [...]ge should fall vpon him, before that he had beene acquainted with it. According to this d [...]rmination, his imperiall Maiestie trusting, that for these reasons you B will like thereof, and that for the loue of him, you will willingly accept in his place the King, our Lord and Prince; his Maiestie doth now with ioy giue ouer these countries, resigning them generally into the hands of the king his sonne: leauing vnto him from this day forward the full and absolute possession thereof, as hereafter by his death should lawfully fall vnto him by succession, to administer, rule, and gouerne, as his owne proper and patrimoniall inheritance; entreating you [...]arnestly to receiue him willingly and cheerefully. And according thereunto, he doth quit, free, and absolue you of your oath of fealtie and homage, which heretofore you haue made vnto his imperiall Maiestie, that you may take the same vnto the king at the reception of your estates and offices, holding him hereafter for your prince and soueraigne lord. His imperiall Maiestie doth also entreat you most louingly to take in good part C the loue and affection, which by the effects he hath shewed you, hauing omitted no trauell nor care, belonging to his dutie, with the good aduice and assistance of those that haue beene seruiceable vnto him, and namely of my lady the queene his sister, who hath employed all her studie and paines therein, and vnder-gone many a long and painfull iourney, being sorry that he could not assist them as he desired; confessing, that hee hath had good and loyall subiects, who for their parts haue giuen him all faithfull assistance, and dutifull obedience. His imperiall Maiestie doth also thanke you for the succours which you haue giuen him in all his great and weightie affaires, as with your good counsels and meanes, hauing supplyed him at sundry times with many and great summes of money: the which with those of his other Prouinces and Realmes (which haue beene very great) you know haue beene employed D for the good and preseruation of these countries: being exceeding sorry, that after so great toyle, trauell, and charge, hee hath not the meanes to free you from this warre: neyther are you ignorant of his endeauors therein, wherewith the queene his sister hath acquainted you in the last assembly, and what hath past at the ouertures of peace, and vpon what tearmes the French were resolued: notwithstanding, he hopeth, that God (who is a iust and righteous Iudge) will one day giue him meanes to bring them vnto reason: And that the king our prince will seeke all meanes to defend and maintaine you: hoping, that you will al [...]o ay de him, as you haue euer done his imperiall Maiestie vnto this day: seeing that all tendeth to your preseruation, to repell the danger, and to repaire the mischiefe which warre may breed. His imperiall Maiestie entreateth you, that you will shew your selues somewhat E bountifull in your owne affaires and need: as for him, he will giue him meanes to entertaine him honestly in his estate, and to be able to arme against his enemies, how great and mightie soeuer they be: by whom (through want of succour and helpe) you may fall into great disasters, the which by your good assistance may be auoided, hee helping you therein all that he can. Moreouer, his Maiestie cannot otherwise doe, but before his departure, for your owne good and honour, admonish and recommend the holy seruice of God vnto you, vnder the obedience and reuerence due to our Mother, the holy Church; and to keepe and entertaine inuiolably the Edicts thereupon made by his imperiall Maiestie: it is the point which he doth commaund and especially recommend vnto the king, that hee may haue an especiall regard and care thereon: whereunto bee you also the more enclined, by F the example of others that haue made the way: to the end, that doing your best endeauours towards him, he may striue to doe you good, and deliuer you from the oppression of your enemies. That you also beare all honor and reuerence vnto Iustice, that for want thereof [Page 312] humane societie and the common profit be not lost; but that thereby you may liue in peace G and concord, with a carefull regard, that the countries be no otherwise seperated nor diuided, than the members from the body, euery one helping and succouring one another, according to his office and function: by which vnion, not only the enemie shall be kept from annoying you, but you shall liue together ioyfully in rest & tranquilitie; experience hauing taught how well these countries could defend themselues vnto this day against all them that would offer them violence. Finally, he recommends vnto you the honor, respect, reuerence and obedience which you owe vnto the king our soueraigne prince, and so to carry your selues towards him as you haue done hitherto to his imperiall Maiestie, his affection to you being as sincere as can be desired, giuing him occasion to continue so still, and that he may bee a mild and gentle prince to you, seeing that in viewing his life past, we may iudge of his inclination; to whom H God giue his grace, and fortifie him, for the encrease of his estate, and your defence and preseruation.’
This speech being ended, the Emperor began to speake, as if he would confirme that which the Orator of Brussels had said: whereupon the king rose, & stood neere his father (who spake French) the better to vnderstand what he would verbally declare.
The Emperor then said, That he had forty yeares since in the same place been emancipated The emperors [...]ch vnto the St [...]tes. by the Emperour Maximilian his grandfather, and put in possession of those countries: ‘since which time, he had run through many fortunes, and endured great trauell, as well in Spaine, to embrace the affaires of queene Iane his mother, and the gouernment of her kingdomes, as of other Estates: and as the said Emperor Maximilian died soone after, foreseeing the dissention I that might ensue, if the Empire should fall into some rigorous strangers hand, desiting the quiet and prosperitie of those countries, he procured the imperiall dignitie, whereunto by the grace of God he attained. He shewed also how many troublesome, long, painefull, and dangerous voiages he had made, in passing and repassing the sea, as well into Spaine as into Italy, to the great perill of his person; and namely in the voyages of Barbarie, to Tunis and Alger. He shewed also into what danger he had willingly thrust himselfe, passing through Fraunce, to preuent the inconueniences and troubles that were like to grow in the Netherlands; the which he had alwayes in singular recommendation. And as they had alwayes beene to him, and he had found them his good subiects, seruants, and faithfull vassals: so he entreated them to be the like vnto his sonne, into whose hands (considering his age and weakenesse) hee resigned K all those countries. In speaking those words, hee shewed such passion, as that sighes’ interrupted his speech, the teares trickling downe his cheekes, the which were accompanied with the like by some others: ‘then hauing a little taken breath, hee tooke his spectacles, and looking vpon a little remembrance which hee had in his hand, hee said: That his sight and memorie were not so good as they had beene, and that he felt himselfe to decline and to grow weake hourely, vnable to endure the trauell that was requisite for the preseruation of the countrey, and of them all; the which did moue him chiefely to returne into Spaine, and not to prolong his life; the which he referred into the hands of God. In the end, he entreated them to continue in the Christian Religion, as they had done vntill then, and likewise to obserue Iustice, remaining friends, and vnited together: Whereunto God the Father, the L Sonne and the holy Ghost giue you his grace.’
These words of the Emperor did moue the hearts of many noblemen, which loued him; who seeing him in this anguish of mind, tooke pitie of him, that being so mighty a Monarch, hee could not shew the sincere affection which hee bare vnto his subiects, but by effusion of teares. After these words, king Philip went to his seat, and sat him downe. Then stood vp doctor Mars, an eloquent Orator of the towne of Antuerpe, chosen to that end by the deputies of the States; who hauing made a great reuerence to the Emperor, King, and both Queenes, he made answer in the name of them all to the speech which the Counsellor of Brussels had made in the Emperors name, and to that which his imperiall Maiestie had deliuered with his owne mouth, saying as followeth: M
Most mightie Emperour, we know that your imperiall Maiesty hath so many yeares ruled The answer of t [...] [...]s of the Netherlands to the Emperor. and gouerned this Estate carefully and religiously, with the great and infinite toyles which your imperiall Maiesty hath endured in many accidents, as well in the countries & realmes of ‘[Page 313] your obedience, as others, as by your Orator and your owne discourse hath beene related: A and how great, weightie, and vrgent affaires your Maiestie hath had in what place soeuer, yet the loue and fatherly affection which you haue alwaies borne to these your countries of inheritance, and to the subiects thereof, hath beene such, as you haue neuer failed to giue them succours and comfort in time and season: the which duly and exactly considered, we find, that your Maiesty is wel and wisely aduised, as proceeding from a good zeale and affection to that you haue now propounded. Wherefore the nobles, prelates, and deputies of the towne here present, representing all the States in generall of these Netherlands (although it bee a sword which wounds them vnto the heart, to heare of your Maiesties departure, yet desiring to conforme themselues in all things to your good will and pleasure) doe first humbly and heartely thanke your imperiall Maiestie for the great honour, bounty, succours, and defence, which by B the approued rule and gouernment of your imperiall Maiestie they haue heretofore felt and tasted, euery one being ready by the vertue and full power giuen him by his commission, to consent irreuocably and with all obedience to the said cession, transport, or resignation made by your imperiall Maiestie, in such forme and manner as by right is requisite, of all these Netherlands, to the behoofe and profit of my lord the king here present, whom from henceforth we doe aduow and acknowledge as our naturall prince and lord, the lawfull sonne and onely heire of your imperiall Maiestie, being ready to renew the oth which heretofore in the yeare 1549 we made vnto him, with all other necessarie duties vsuall in the like case, giuing immortall thankes vnto God for this great fauour which he hath done vnto your imperiall Maiestie and to vs, to haue giuen you such a sonne, the sole and only heire of so many kingdomes and prouinces, whilest you are yet in good health; whom wee receiue generally and cheerefully, C acknowledging him for our prince and soueraigne lord of all these countries, giuing and submitting all our persons and goods vnder his royall protection, and fatherly care; promising to obey him in all equitie, and to bee seruiceable vnto him for euer: praying the Almightie God to maintaine him with all prosperity a long and a happy life, in the possession of so many kingdomes and seigniories; and to graunt vnto his imperiall Maiesty his holy, long, and perdurable blessings, and after this life eternall rest: The which God the Father, the Sonne, and the holy Ghost graunt you. Amen.’
The next day about nine of the clocke in the morning, the deputies of the dutchie of Brabant King Philip takes the oath as duke of Brabant. were sent for, to come to Court: whereas king Philip before them of Antuerpe, Brussels and Boisleduc, together with the small townes and botoughes, hauing the priuiledge of D towns, made and renewed the oath which he had taken at his ioyfull entrie the eight of Iuly, in the yeare 1549, To keepe them, maintaine them, and preserue them in their ancient rights, priuiledges, and customes, without breaking them, or suffering them to be broken in any sort or manner. Whereupon the deputies of the three chiefe townes of the said dutchie of Brabant, that is to say, Antuerpe, Brussels, and Boisleduc (seeing that Louaine would not appeare as we haue said but by protestation) did also take the oath of fealtie and homage vnto him, acknowledging him for their lord and duke of Brabant, with the solemnities and ceremonies vsuall in the like case, wishing him much happinesse, encrease of his estates, and long life. E
About that time ended the imperiall Diet held at Ausbourg, whereas king Ferdinand did A resolution of the imperiall Diet held at Ausbourg. preside in the Emperours name: in the which after long strife and debate, there was concluded, That neither the Emperour, king Ferdinand, nor the other princes and states should doe wrong to any of the Empire in what sort soeuer, by reason of the confession of Ausbourg; that from thence forwards they should not force by edicts or other meanes, the allies of this confession to abandon their religion, but should suffer them to enioy it freely, with their goods, tributes, rights, and possessions, with many other priuiledges graunted in fauour of the religion. Some moneths after, there were bruites giuen out of enterprises and practises made by the Pope and his adherents against the allies of the confession of Ausbourg. It was thought that the Pope was wonderfully discontented with this decree made at Ausbourg, by the which they did leaue the religion in peace and libertie, and that he did sollicite the Emperour F to disanull it. Moreouer, vnder colour of going to the baths at Aix, the Archbishops and Electors of Ments, Treues and Cologne met together, the which was not without some cause, but it proued nothing; and the Cardinall of Ausbourg published a writing, to excuse the emperour [Page 314] and himselfe also, as if he had beene the conductor and manager of such practises: so G Germanie began to breath after so many stormes, and the Emperor hauing (as we haue said) giuen ouer the affaires of the Netherlands, & of his realmes, to leaue them to the charge of his sonne king Philip, resigned also the Roman Empire into the Electors hands, by an embassage, hauing held it seuen and thirtie yeares.
The sixteenth of Ianuary 1556 were celebrated in Brussels the funerals of the king of Portugals brother; and the next day king Philip, accompanied w [...]th a great number of the nobilitie, 1556 departed from Brussels to goe to Antuerpe, to hold the feast and Chapter of the golden Fleece, whereof his father had lately made him chiefe.
King Philip following the counsell of his father, and sollicited by Mary queene of England his wife, enclined vnto peace: for the effecting whereof, after many iourneyes, a truce was A truce betwixt the French & the Bourguignons of small continuance. made the fifteenth of February for fiue yeres. The earle of Lalain went to Blois to see the king H sweare it, and the Admirall of Chastillon came to Brussels to the Emperour and king Philip to the same effect: but it could not last long; for both the one and the other had sought nothing but cauilling, as it appeared presently, the most cunning thinking to deceiue his companion [...] whereupon the French (who are more stirring) began first, for that the Admirall of Fraunce thought by subtiltie to surprise Downy by Arthois: the which succeeding not, the warre continued as before, vntill that a peace was concluded by the mariage of king Philip and the duke of Sauoy, as we shall see hereafter.
After that the Emperour had resigned all his Netherlands vnto king Philip his sonne, and that he had setled a good order, and disposed of all his affaires in the Netherlands, being desirous to free himselfe from all temporall cares, and to spend the remainder of his dayes in rest I and quietnesse, applying himselfe wholly to the seruice of God, he resolued to retire himselfe with his two sisters, the lady Elenor, queene of Fraunce, and the lady Mary, queene of Hungarie, into Spaine: but before his departure he would also dispose of the affaires and state of the Empire, the which he would yeeld and resigne vnto his brother Ferdinand king of Romanes: whereupon he writ his letters to the princes Electors, and to the States of the Empire, as followeth:
‘Charles by the grace of God Emperour of Romanes, alwaies Augustus, king of Castile &c. The Emperors letter to the princes [...]lectors. To all Princes Electors of the holy Empire, Princes as well Ecclesiasticall as temporall, Prelates, Earles, Barons, Knights, Nobles, Captaines, Prouosts, Iudges, Iustices, Bourgmasters, K Bourgesses, Comminalties, and other subiects of the Empire, of what estate, qualitie, or condition soeuer they be, to whom these letters shall come, health and peace: Most famous and most reuerent, our well beloued cosins, most noble, worthy, reuerent, and faithfull friends: being moued by many pregnant and iust reasons, especially finding our selues surcharged with the heauie burthen of old age, and with continuall infirmities, the which haue by little and little disabled vs, and depriued vs of all strength requisite for the managing of affaires: hauing long since resolued to resigne all our realmes of Spaine, to the famous prince our sonne, king of England: hauing taken leaue of our court here, wee are readie to imbarke, attending onely the first prosperous wind, that it shall please God to send: By reason whereof, seeing that through my absence and departure, the rule and gouernement of the holy empire, doth L of right belong vnto our deere and well beloued brother, Ferdinand king of Romanes, of Hungarie, and Bohemia, as our lawfull successour in the said qualitie of king of Romanes, the which gouernement he hath often many yeares since diligently deserued in our absence, supporting the burthen with a brotherly loue and charitie, and discharging himselfe of this charge: To the end therefore, that the Christian commonweale, especially of the holy empire, during out absence, should not fall into some daungerous inconuenience; and that the king of Romanes, our brother, may manage the affaires with greater authoritie, wee haue aduised and resolued, that hee in qualitie of king of Romanes, hath absolute and irreuocable power, to treat, negotiat, and commaund, in all things that hee shall find requisit and necessarie, for the greatnesse, prosperitie, and increase of the empire, as absolutely, as wee our M selues, being emperour of Romanes may doe. True it is, that we were resolued to assist in person, at the imperiall diet at Ratisbone, there with your aduice to haue conducted the affairs of the empire, to some desired end, and to haue resigned the gouernment of the said empire, into the hands of the king of Romans, to haue substituted him in our place, & to haue recōmended [Page 315] vnto you the honour, respect and obedience, which in this qualitie you should be bound vnto A him: but our indisposition, apparent to all men, could not endure so long and tedious a iourney by land; and the rather, for that wee thought it conuenient to haue respect vnto the season of the yeare, fir for our voyage. Wherefore seeing that we haue not appeared at this imperiall Diet, as we would willingly, yet being come vnto the effects of our desires and resolutions, wee haue thought good by these presents to acquaint you and all others with our conceptions: enioyning and expressely commaunding you hereby, of our absolute power and imperiall authoritie, that you shew vnto your king of Romanes, vpon paine of our indignation, all loyaltie and obedience, honouring and respecting him in all his commaundements, decrees and actions, without any contradiction, with all dutie, as you would doe vnto vs, if wee were there in person: for such is our pleasure and last will. Giuen at Zuytbourg in Zeeland, B vnder our seale the seuenth of September 1556. and of our Empire the 36.’
This done, the fleet being ready in Zeeland, he tooke his leaue of king Philip his sonne, and giuing him his last blessing, hee imbraced him and bad him farewell, as hee did all the princes The Em [...]erors departure out of the Netherlands. and noblemen: then he imbarked with the two queenes his sisters, and sayled towards Spain, where they arriued in a short time, hauing a prosperous wind. Hauing rested some dayes in the citie of Valladolit, he made choice for his retreat of a Monasterie of S. Ierosme the Hermit, situated in Estremadura, not farre from Placence, an vnfrequented place, and fit to meditate on heauenly things, being retired from all wordly cogitations: whither he caused himselfe to be conducted, to passe the rest of his daies there, which were not aboue two yeares, spending his time in holy and godly workes, and giuing himselfe wholly to a contemplatiue life. And C for that he would bee the better able to spend his time in prayers and the seruice of God, hee would haue his sisters liue from him at Valladolit, that they might not trouble him: he reserued but 100000 crownes a yeare to himselfe, whereof he imployed only 4000 for his diet and entertainment, the rest he appointed to marry yong maids, to relieue widowes and orphanes, and for other workes of charitie, as befits a good and Christian prince.
THE EIGHT BOOKE.
THe birth of Philip, the second of that name; king of Spaine. Pope Paul the fourth seeks occasions to make war against him, who sends the duke of Alua for his generall. King Philip giues the order of the Golden Fleece at Brussels. A great famine in the Netherlands in the yere 1536, & 1537. S. Quintines besieged by the Bourguignons: the French, thinking to releeue it, are defeated. The [...]onstable of France, and many noble men, are prisoners, and in the end the towne is taken by assault. Ham and [...]hastelet yeelded. Calais besieged by the French, and yeelded by the English to the duke of Guise, with Guines, [...]hich was taken by assault, and the castle of Hames abandoned. Theonuille yeelded to the French: Aaclon taken and burnt by them, with the townes of Winox-Berghe, and Dunkerke. The same French men, vnder the marshall [...] Termes, are defeated in battaile neere vnto Grauelingue. The death of the emperour Charles the fifth, to when his brother Ferdinand king of Romanes, and Hungarie succeeded. About the same time died the queens Dowaers of France, and of Hungarie, the emperours sisters, with Marie queene of England, to whom her sister Eliza [...]eth succeeded. A peace betwixt France and Spaine, by mariages. The king of Spaines mariage turned into teres, by the death of Henry the second, the French king. ¶ Marguerite of Austria, best [...]d to the emperour Charles the fifth, duchesse of Parma, succeeds the duke of Sauoy in the gouernment of the Netherlands. The kig of Spaines last departure out of the said countries. The death of George of Egmont, bishop of Vtrecht, to who [...] succeeded Frederic Schenck of Taulenburch, who was the last bishop. A subtill bringing in of the Spanish In [...]isition into the Netherlands, by the creation of new bishops. An abstract of the life of cardinall Granuellet. A diuision betwixt the chiefe noblemen of the countrey. The earle of Egmont sent into Spaine, touching the trobles that were like to grow, and what answer he brought. Letters from the Gouernesse to the counsellors of the pouinces, touching the edicts and the Inquisition. The prince of Oranges answere to the Gouernesse. The first be [...]inning, proceeding, and effects of the Inquisition. An enterview of the noblemen of the countrey. A discourse [...]ewing the meanes to redresse the troubles. An assembly of the nobilitie, at the mariage of the prince of Parmain Brussels, and afterwards at Saint Truden, to preuent the troubles: their compromise and confederation. A petition made by them of Brabant, to the king of Spaine, to preuent the troubles. A petition made by the nobilit [...], against the bloudie edicts, and the Inquisition. The Duchesse answere thereunto: and all her practises to circum [...]nt them, and disioine them, as she did. The first defeat of the Protestants in the Netherlands. Tournay made s [...]biect by practise. Valenciennes besieged, battered, and yeelded. The defeat of Austruel. The negotiation of the lord of Brederode, in Amsterdam, who retires into Germanie, and so dothe the prince of Orange. The death of the Marques of Berghen, in Spaine. An apologie made by the Protestants of the Netherlands, touching the cause and beginning of the troubles.
PHILIP of Austria, the thirtie sixth Earle of Holland and Zeeland, the second of that name, Lord of Vtrecht, Friseland, Ouerissell, and Groningen; 1556 the onely sonne of Charles the fifth, Emperor of Romanes, and of the lady Isabella, daughter to king Dom Emanuel of Portugall. He was borne the 21 day of May, in the yere 1527, at Valiodolit in Spain, where King Philips age. he was nourished and bred vp, for the space of twentie two yeares; vntil that in the yeare 1549, the emperour, his father, sent for him, to come into the Netherlands, to haue made him aswel his successor in the empire (if it had been possible) as of all his other kingdoms and Belgicke prouinces, whereof the emperour (as we haue said in the former booke) disrobed himselfe, and put him in full possession thereof, in his life-time.
The emperour beeing retired into Spaine, to a solitarie and a contemplatiue life: king [Page 318] Philip his sonne began to order and settle the gouernment of the Netherlands, making E [...] nuel King Philips proceeding after the emperors departure G Philibert, duke of Sauoy, lieutenant-generall of his armie. And hauing sent thoma [...] ques of Pesquaire before, to take possession of the realme of Naples, in his naine, hee [...] [...]oice of Dom Fernando Aluares of Toledo, duke of Alua, to be his viccroy there. And fo [...]ch a [...] at that time the war against the French began to grow more violent, he commanded the duk [...] [...]o depart presently out of the Netherlands, and to go into Italie, giuing him charge to stay so [...]e time at Milan, and to dispose of matters concerning the warre. In the which the du [...] of Al [...], as generall for the Spanyard, and Francis of Lorraine duke of Guise, for the French king, w [...] small honor and reputation. This war of Italie was attempted by king Philip, against the pop [...], in whose succour Henry the 2, the French king, sent the duke of Guise with an armie: whi [...] war, for that it doth not concerne our hystorie of the Netherlands, we will omit and refer t [...] H curious reader, to them that treat of that subiect.
This Summer, in the yeare 1556, king Philip, pretending many goodly reasons and colour, King Philip makes an excessiue demād of the Netherlanders. but the chiefest, was to free and satisfie those debts, wherewith the emperour had left hi [...] charged, made an excessiue demaund, for the first aid and subuention which he required fro [...] his subiects of the Netherlands: but he could not obtaine a moitie of that which he prete [...] ded, neither would that be granted without a conuocation of the generall estates of the 17 B [...] gicke prouinces; the which was wonderfully ill taken by the Spanish counsell, and by th [...] that inriched themselues with the treasure, to the peoples ruine: so as some noblemen, and g [...] uernors of prouinces and townes, were not only in disgrace with the king and his counsel, b [...]t were also iudged guiltie of high treason, and the noblemen which had in any sort contra [...] cted I this demand, were marked vnto death, vpon the first opportunitie that should be offered, for that they would not instantly yeeld vnto the first demaund, without any conuocati [...]n of the states. Notwithstanding that which was granted him (being called the Nouenal [...]yde) amounted in all to fortie millions of florins of Brabant money. But this conuocation of the generall states, was both to the king and his counsell (as it hath been euer since) most olious: as we shall see by the beginning of the trobles which happened in the said Netherlands wherof grew the wars, the which haue continued since the yeare 1566 vnto this day.
On S. Andrewes day the same yeare, king Philip held the feast and chapter of the orde of the golden Fleece, in the towne of Brussels, where as these knights following were newly ceated; William of Nassau, prince of Orange, Philip of Montmorency, earle of Horne, the earle of Lalaine, K the earle Amorall of Egmont, the duke of Arschot, the lord of Molembais, the [...]ord of Glaison and the lord of Barlamont. The 22 of December, the lady Marguerite of Aus [...]ia, duchesse of Parma, bastard sister to king Philip, came to the court to Brussels, with her son [...]lexander Farnese a goodly yong prince, and of great expectation, of whom wee shall haue suficient matter to speake hereafter: the king went forth of the towne to receiue her.
This Winter was wonderfully sharpe and rigorous, as well by reason of the extreame cold A great famin in the Netherlands. weather, as through famine, which ensued, whereof died in the towne of Brussels (I omit other great townes) by the report of the masters of hospitals, aboue 19000 poore creatures, of [...] sorts, men, women, and children, which repaired thither from all places, for the great charitie [...] [...]alms which the king and noblemen in court gaue. There was a drought continued from Iuly 1556, L vnto the same moneth the yeare following: in which yere, not only corne, and all sorts of pulce was exceeding deere, but all other things that were to be eaten, for that the vehement cold of the Winter past, had spoiled all, so as the poore soules knew not wherewithall to fill their bellies; and when they had gotten any store of almes, through the deuotion of well disposed people, they burst themselues with eating, or the meat being stronger than their weake stomac would beare, made them die.
EMANVEL PHILIBERT DVKE OF SAuoy, Prince of Piemont, Gouernor and Lieutenant generall of the Netherlands, for King PHILIP.
[Page 320] KIng Philip hauing after the emperours retreat out of the Netherlands, appointed G the duke of Sauoy, his cosin, to be gouernour and his lieutenant The king co [...]es out of [...]ngland to [...]is. generall of the said countries, he returned the ninth of December, the same yeare 1556, from England to Brussels: The English hauing before taken a fort neere vnto Boulogne vpon the sea, & put all the French men they found in it to the sword, they found in it about fiftie cart loads of corne, the which they did imbarke, and brought to Middlebourg in Zeeland.
The queene of England, and cardinall Poole, by much means, and long solicitation, brought the matter of controuersie betweene the kings of France and Spain, to such effect, that she got them to agree to a truce and abstinence of warre, both by water and by land, for the space of H fiue yeares, that in the meane time they might draw to a good and continuall peace: and the better to procure the same, certaine mariages were propounded. And vpon the last of Ianuary 1556, the said truce on the king of Spaines behalfe, was at Brussels sworne vnto monsieur Chastilion, admirall of France, and at Blois on the French kings behalfe, vnto the earle of Lalaine. This truce was made wholy against the kings mind, but well knowne to the counsellor Simon Renart, and to the earle of Lalaine, whereby great hatred and enmitie ensued, and was after chiefe cause of the controuersies and troubles, that ensued in the Low countries. This yeare, in the moneth of August, there happened a great conflict betweene diuers Holland and A fight at sea betweene the Hollanders & the Frenchmē. French ships, betweene Douer and Calis: the Hollanders being twentie two marchants ships that came out of Spaine, and amongst them had appointed one ship to be their admiral (as the I manner is amongst ships of warre) promising and swearing, not to forsake one the other, but valiantly to fight and defend themselues: the French men intending to take them, had assembled nineteene ships of warre, and six or seuen pinnaces, and meeting them before Calis, they set vpon them, and in the end boorded them; making their ships fast one vnto the other, with hookes and other meanes: the Hollanders, as much as they could, kept close together, and defended themselues valiantly, and lay so close and thicke together, that they might fight almost as well as if they had beene on land: the Hollanders ships were higher and stronger than the French ships; but the French ships were both better appointed, and manned for the war: at the last, when they had fought six hours, beginning at nine of the clocke in the morning, and continuing till three of the clocke in the afternoone, one of the ships was set on fire, which by K reason of the wind, that began to rise, was so spread abroad, that the fire tooke in most of the ships, before they could part asunder, which made them to cease the fight, euery man seeking to saue his life, in the ships that were not on fire, many of them leaping into the sea, and swimming to the next ship they came at, whether it were friend or foe, were by that meanes taken prisoners; whereby the French men perceiuing themselues to be stronger in some of the Hollanders ships, than the Hollanders themselues were, tooke fiue of them, and brought them into Deepe. In this fight the Hollanders had sixe ships burnt, and the French men sixe, and one sunke in the sea. It was thought, that the French men lost many thousand men, their admirall being one; and the Hollanders about 300 men. This fight was esteemed an honourable action for the Hollanders, because they were but marchants ships, and the French men, ships of war, L and better manned.
While they were busied in the Netherlands, touching the ratifying and establishing of a truce, there began a new warre in Italy, by meanes of pope Paul the fourth, the first inuenter of the Iesuiticall sect. This Paul was one of the familie and house of Caraffa in Naples, that alwayes held with the French men, in their Nepolitane warres, and for that cause were most of them banished out of Naples, and serued vnder the French men. This Iesuiticall cardinall Caraffa being pope, began to fauour and aduance his owne family and kindred, thereby seeking meanes to be reuenged on the noblemen and cardinals, which in Italy (being their enemies) were such as fauoured the emperour, and the house of Burgondie, as also vpon the houses and families of Columna, Romanes, and others, charging them to be conspirators against him; and M for that cause persecuted them to the vttermost of his power, whereby they were compelled to seeke aid of the viceroy of Naples, the duke of Alua, the duke of Florence, and others, who the willinglier granted thereunto, because the pope refused to inuest the king with the crown of Naples, which he holdeth as tributarie to the sea of Rome, and seemed to threaten to excommunicat [Page 321] and curse both the emperour and the king of Spaine: for which cause the duke A of Alua came to aid the house of Columna, and sore anoied the pope, taking many places from him, whereby he was constrained to craue aid of France, which alwayes held and maintained the sea of Rome: For which cause, in the end of the yeare 1556, the duke of Guise was sent into Italy, with eighteene or twentie thousand horse and foot men, which did the pope no great pleasure, for that the duke of Alua, hauing besieged Rome, and the king of Spaine hauing woon the battaile at S. Quintines (which the pope had heard of) the French men were sent for, to returne againe into France; by which meanes a deuout peace was made, the duke of Alua first seeking it, and went into Rome, to kisse the popes foot, and by that meanes got the great priorship of Spaine, for his bastard sonne, Don Ferdinando de Toledo. The war in this sort begun in Italy (notwithstanding the truce made betweene both parties not long before) the B French men and the Spanyards sought to intrap one the other vpon the borders of the Netherlands; and to that end, vpon Twelfe eue, the admirall of France (then gouernor of Picardy) thought secretly to haue taken the towne of Doway, thinking to deceiue the townes-men, when they were busie drinking vnto their kings; but he failed of his purpose: after that hee tooke Leus in Artois, which he pilled and spoiled.
The same yeare, in the moneth of March, the king of Spaine went into England, to his Mary queen of England [...]roclaimeth open war against France. wife, queene Mary, to haue some aid from her, who vpon the seuenth of Iune, by sound of trumpet, openly proclaimed warre against France, both by water and by land; and by a booke put in print, charged the king of France to haue conspired against her with the duke of Northumberland, sir Thomas W [...]at, Dudley, Ashton, and other English nobles, in regard that hee supported C and prouoked them against her; as he had done the like to retaine rouers, and false coiners of her money, wholy against the promise by him made vnto her embassadors: as also that not long before, he had sent Thomas Stafford, one of her rebellious subiects, to take the castle of Scarborow, and had secretly conspired against the towne and countrey lying about Calis: and for that he made warre vpon the Netherlands, which the kings of England were by contract, long since made, alwayes bound to aid and assist: and that hee had little esteemed of her intercession of peace, and desired no friendly nor good neighbourhood: and for those causes she thought it conuenient, to declare and hold him for her open enemie; which she caused to be signified vnto him by a herault, he being then at Reims, in Campaigne: which herault, being rewarded by the king of France, was presently returned backe againe, with this answere, D saying, That seeing his lady and princesse would now become his vtter enemie, whereas hee had alwayes beene her friend, he hoped, by Gods helpe, that hee should find meanes ynough against a woman, and to get the better hand of her, as his progenitors had alwayes done the like against their enemies. The warre in this sort being proclaimed, the queene of England raised an armie of sixe or eight thousand horse and foot-men, and some pioners, which were al apparelled in blew cassocks, vnder the conduction of the earle of Pembrooke, with the lord Clinton, and the lord Mountague, and three lord Dudleyes, sonnes of the duke of Northumberland, and many others, which went to Calis, and from thence marched to S. Quintines, and there ioyned with the king of Spaines armie, and holpe him to assault and win the said town, where the lord Henry Dudley was slaine in the assault. E
The king of Spaine being in England, vpon the sixt of Iuly, Emanuel Philibert, duke of Sauoy, began to raise an armie, by aid of the prince of Orange, the duke of Arschot, the earle of Egmont, the earle of Megen, the earle of Mansfelt, the earle of Barlemont, and others, with whom were ioyned the Dutch horse and foot, and with that armie marched towards Guise, making shew to besiege the same, and incamped themselues not farre from it; but their number daily increasing, the duke of Sauoy sodainly approached, and inclosed the towne of Saint Quintines with his light horse-men: Within the towne there was a company of horse-men, S. Quintains besieged by king Philip. led by monsieur Tiligny, and captaine Brudit, as then gouernor of the towne; and not long after in the night time, Iasper Coligny, earle of Chastilion, admirall of France, got into the towne. The siege being strongly placed round about the same, the ordnance was planted, and diuers F mines and sconces made about it. The meane time Henry king of France sent an armie of men vnder the leading of the constable of France, and the duke de Montmorancy, to put more men and victuals into the towne; which they thought to do by meanes of a marsh or poole of water, lying upon the one side of the towne: and to that end the constable came with his armie, [Page 322] and lodging not far from the duke of Sauoyes campe, shot out of his armie into the Spanish G armie, and to the duke of Sauoyes tent, whereby he was forced to dislodge, and to go into the earle of Egmonts quarter. With the constable of France there was diuers noblemen, as the duke de Nemours, the prince of Conde, the marshal of S. Andrewes, the duke de Montpensier, the earle of Ville [...]s, the earle of Sancere, the baron of Daudelot, and the Riengraue, with diuers other great personages, vsing all the means they could to send more aid into the town, through the said water, vnder the leading of monsieur Daudelot, the admirals brother; but his boats were badly ordered, for that by the weight of ouer many souldiers that were in them, which disorderly leapt into the same, they could not fleet aboue the water, whereby many of them stuck fast in the ground, and by that meanes they could not get all their men that were shipped, into the towne, onely monsier Daudelot, with foure or fiue hundred, got in, vpon H S. Lawrence day in the morning, being the tenth of August: vpon which day the counsell of the duke of Sauoyes campe, assembled in the earle of Egmonts tent, to determine what they were best to do; and thinking (as it was true) that the Frenchmen had put certaine souldiers by night into the towne, and that they would come backe againe, they resolued, by the counsell and courage of the earle of Egmont, to set vpon them with their light horse-men; and to second them, they appointed the Dutch launciers, and some companies of foot-men. The French men for their parts, thinking themselues reasonably well defended by the marsh ground, and meaning not to stay long there, tooke no great regard to stop the passage: but perceiuing the Bourguignons to make thither, the duke de Nemours [...]od forward with certaine horse-men, thinking to stop their passage: but when he came to it he perceiued the same to be I ouer strongly guarded by the enemie, and 2000 horse already past ouer, which he durst not assaile, as knowing the king his masters meaning, which was, onely to releeue the towne, and not to hazard a battaile: and for that cause turned backe againe, and ioyned with the prince of Conde, that stood ready in order of battaile with the light horse-men, hard by a mil, who both together b [...]haued themselues so-well, that they got to the constables armie without hurt, who as then was beginning to march away: but the Bourguignons followed them so fast, that at the last they ouertooke th [...]m about three miles from S. Quintines, & set vpon them with eight great troups of horse-men; and first by the earle of Egmont, with the light horse, Henricke and The battaile of [...]. Quintines Ericke, dukes of Brunswicke, each with 1000 horse, and after them followed the earle of Horne with 1000 barbe horse, to releeue them, if need were, accompanied wi [...]h the duke of Holst, & K the earle of Mansfield; which so furiously assailed and charged the French men, that in short time they had ouerthrowne their vaward, constraining the rest to breake their order of battail, and to flie away as fast as they could. The constable himselfe was strucken off his horse, sore The names of the noblemen of France, th [...]t were s [...]e & taken prisoners wounded, and taken prisoner, with two of his sonnes, Iohn duke of Aniou (brother to the duke of Vandosme and the prince of Conde) the vicont of Tou [...]aine, the son of la Roche du maine, and many other great lords slaine. Besides the constable, there were taken prisoners, the duke de Montpensier, the marshall of S. Andrewes, the duke de Longueuille, Lodwick prince of Mantua, the lord of Vasse, the lord of Corten, the lord de la Roche du main, the Riengraue, colonel of the duchesse, all knights of the order; the earle of Rochefocault, the lord of Abigni, the lord of Rochefort, Brian de la chapelle, Biron de S. Heran, and diuers others: the duke de Neuers, the prince L of Conde, the earle of Sancere, the lord of Burdillion, and diuers other fled: and as the French men themselues write, there was of them slaine to the number of ten thousand foot, and three thousand horse-men, and yet they were not halfe so many, for there was not aboue 3000, or thereabout, found dead in the field. All their cornets, ensignes, and ordnance were taken, and with great triumph carried & presented vnto king Philip, not long after, when hee came to the campe before S. Quintines, with great pompe, accompanied with diuers English lords, where likewise the prisoners were shewed vnto him. Amongst the Burguignons there was not many slaine, onely some few of name amongst the which one was Lodwick van Brederode, that was smothered in his armor, one of Ernest duke of Brunswicks brethren, two earls of Spiegelbergh, and the earle of Waldeck. M
They within the towne of S. Quintines heard not of that ouerthrow, till it was two dayes after, and yet were not discouraged therewith, but brauely defended themselues, by the incoragement of the admirall, and monsieur Daudelot, his brother, that shewed themselues to bee two braue and well experienced souldiers, and got in about two hundreth men more into the [Page 323] towne, after the battaile, so that they were in all aboue eight hundred horse and foot-men. The A 21 of August the towne was first battered (for vntill then they had done nothing but made trenches and mines) and continued their batterie seuen dayes together. The 27 of August, hauing made eleuen breaches in the walls (which they within the towne were to defend, commaundement being giuen, not to speake or make motion of any yeelding, hoping that the first assault being withstood, they should not readily be assaulted againe) the Bourguignons gaue an assault in foure places together: the first was made by captaine Caziers, a Spanyard, with Lazarus Zwendies souldiers; the second by captaine Nauasse, with his Spaniards, and the earle of Megen, with his Walons; the third by captaine Iulian Romero, with three companies of Spaniards, and two thousand Englishmen; the fourth by Carondo, with the Bourguignons: and by that meanes the towne being so furiously assayled, was presently entred S. Quintine won the admiral of France with monsieur Daudelot, his brother, taken prisoners. B and taken, and that very easily on the one side, by means of a tower, wherein they entred secretly, where the admirall himselfe going to defend it, found the breach forsaken by his souldiers, and meeting with the enemie, was presently taken prisoner, hauing but three men and a page with him. While in the rest of the breaches they made great resistance, the admirall was led along the breach, and conueyed out of the towne through a mine, where he found Alonzo du Cazierres and the duke of Sauoy, that caused the Spanyard that had taken him prisoner, to lead him into his tent, and from thence hee was sent to▪ Antuerpe, where hee lay sixe weekes after sicke of a feuer; and being healed, (to comfort himselfe in his heauinesse) hee began to read the Bible, whereby euer after he was inclined to the reformed religion. After that he was sent vnto Scluys, and there paying fiftie thousand crownes ransome, hee was set at libertie C againe. Monsieur Daudelot his brother, was likewise taken prisoner, but by night crept vnder a tent, and so escaping away got to Han. With him likewise were taken the lord of Iarnacke, the lord of Saint Remi, the lord of Humes, the lord de la Garde, and many others. And after that the towne was ransackt, and great part of it burnt, from thence the king sent the earle of Arenbergh, with three regiments of Dutch men, to besiege Chastelet, which was soone yeelded vnto him, by the lord of Solignar: who afterward being in Paris, was for the same committed prisoner; who made answere for his owne excuse, That hee had but three hundred men therein, whereof the one halfe was either dead, or sore wounded, by the batterie of the canon, that brake the stones of the walls in such sort, about the souldiers eares, that they had no meanes to defend themselues, and that the place was too little to hide the souldiers in. D These two places the king caused to be newly fortified, and vnderstanding that the Frenchmen began to assemble new forces and to enter againe into the field, he resolued to march no further into France, but to besiege Han, which after sixteene or twentie hundred canon shot, was also vpon the twelfth of September deliuered vp vnto him, which hee likewise fortified. The meane time also he tooke and burnt Noyon, Chandy, and other places. In Winter time the king returned vnto Brussels againe, and there discharged the greatest part of his armie, from whence also the Englishmen departed into England. At that time Don Ferdinando Gonsaga, an Italian, died in Brussels, being come with the king out of the campe, an old experienced souldier, and esteemed to be the best souldier in the king of Spaines armie, and one that had done great seruice for the emperor Charles. In the earldome of Burgondie, the lord of Poleville had assembled eight or nine thousand men in the king of Spaines behalfe, to inuade the territories E of Bresse, and therewith besieged Bourg in Bres [...]e: but finding it to be better prouided and fortified, than he supposed it had been, and hearing that the king of France had sent for his French souldiers out of Italy, which were marching against him, wherof 2000 harquebusiers, conducted by the Vidasme de Chartres, were alreadie entred into the countrey, hee was forced disorderly to breake vp his siege. The king of France in the meane time, after the losse of S. Quintines, and other places, caused another armie of men to be raised in Campeigne, by the duke de Neuers and to ioine with them had sent for the duke of Guise with his souldiers, out of Italy, with charge to take order for all things there, in the best maner that he could. Whereupon pope Paul (doubting some further matter) began to hearken to an agreement, and to that F end sent his legat to the duke of Alua, with whom a peace was concluded, vpon condition, Peace made with the pope. That the duke of Alua in the kings behalfe, should do that homage and submission, that a deuout son is bound to do vnto his holy father thereby to obtain grace & pardon from him, and so doing the pope should receiue him into his fauour againe, and in regard thereof, the king [Page 324] should deliuer the pope all the towns he had taken from him, and the pope for his part should G recall his curse, and receiue all the rest of the princes and noble men, that he had aided to make war against him, into fauor, Anthony Columne, and Ascanius de le Cornia, only excepted.
The French army being newly gathered together vnder the duke of Guise, determined to enterprise something against Calis, which was once before sought to haue beene done by the admirall monsieur Chastillion, and then againe attempted by the marshall Strossy: and to that end, vpon the first of Ianuarie, the duke of Guise came before it, and presently woon the fort Calis taken by [...] French mē of Newlandbridge, a fort that stood in the way betweene Calis and Bullen, and lay in a marsh ground: and likewise another fort, called Risebanke; and being master of those two forts (the towne hauing but few souldiers within it, which by means of the taking of the two forts aforesaid, was narrowly beset, both by water and by land) vpon the fourth of Ianuarie they battered H the water gate with a peece of ordnance, and the castle with 33 canons so furiously, that the shot was heard to Antuerpe, being thirtie three Dutch miles from thence: whereby they made a great breach, and a fit place to giue an assault; and at a low water gaue a fierce assault, whereby they draue the English men out of the castle, that fled into the towne, where fir Anthony Ager captaine of the castle, was slaine: but the English men returning againe (when the floud came, and that they within the castle could not be aided by them that were without, and for that there were but a few French men within the castle) set valiantly vpon the castle again, thinking to driue the French men out: but by the lord of Daudelot, the duke of Aumale, and the marques Dalboeuf, they were expulsed: after that they sought by placing two or three great peeces of ordnance vpon the bridge of the castle, and by vndermining to win the castle I againe: but many of them were burnt and blowne vp, and being driuen from thence, the gate was strongly fortified against them. At last the lord Wentworth, gouernor of the towne, with others of the principall commanders, perceiuing what danger the towne was in, and that the castle was already woon, and they very weake, being not aboue 300 fighting men, and hauing want of many things, and wholy without any hope of reliefe, by meanes of a great storme that as then was at sea, the wind being North-east, whereby no man could come out of England, whereby it seemed as if heauen and earth were against them, and held with the French men; they thought good to parlie, and the rather for that they durst not receiue any of the king of Spaines souldiers out of Flanders into the towne (although such an offer was made) for that they were in suspition, that king Philip by that meanes would make himselfe master thereof: K and for that cause the kings aduice (who at his last going out of England, passing along by it, perceiued the weakenesse thereof) sent into England, was not beleeued by the counsell there, but rather was the cause of more suspition. Cardinall Poole, and two or three bishops more, of the priuie counsell, being then in great authoritie in England (little knowing the scituation of the place) making the queene and the rest of her counsell beleeue that the king of Spaines reputation, the common opinion of the strength of the place, and of the prouision therein, together with the short passage out of England thither to serue the same, specially in regard that they were masters of the sea, would keepe the French men well ynough from thence, as it after plainely appeared at the lord Wentworthes arraignment, who being released of his imprisonment in France, brauely cleared himself by law, which E. Demetrius. I my selfe heard, shewing what L aduertisements he had sent ouer from time to time, concerning the weakenesse of the place, the want of men, and the enemies secret enterprises: which aduice the aforesaid cardinal & the bishops (who then were the chief of the queenes counsell) had little regarded; making answer, They would keepe the towne with their white slaues, and that i [...] hee were afraid, hee might come home into England ageine; with such like answers: and so the towne of Calis for want of foresight was soone woon, and by composition made by them within (when wanting succours they could no otherwise chuse) vpon the eight day of Ianuarie, deliuered vnto the French men, vpon condition of sauing their liues, and no hu [...] to bee done vnto them, to carrie their money and goods out of the towne, at the discretion of the vanquishers, the inhabitants to leaue the towne and good where they would; whereof fiftie such as they liked should M remaine prisoners. The souldiers should depart for England, without spoyling, hiding, or burning the houses, victuals, munition, or canon shot, but should leaue it all behind them; which was likewise done. From thence the French men went to Guynes, wherein lay as gouernour 1558 my lord Gray, an old souldier, with twelue or fourteene hundred English men, Walons, [Page 325] and Spaniards, and Montdragon a valiant captaine sent thither by king Philip, where they A planted fiue and thirtie canon shot, wherwith in short time they had giuen ten thousand shot, Guynes woon by the French men. whereby they so battered the bulwarkes, and other places, that they were easie to bee assaulted, which vpon the twentieth of Ianuarie, with great slaughter of men on both sides, was done; at which time there was slaine at the least foure or fiue hundred men: whereby the bulwarkes being woon, the lord Gray, with the rest of the souldiers, got into the castle, where they began to parlie, and agreed, That the souldiers should depart with bag and baggage, leauing their ensignes, victuals, munition, and ordnance behind them, and the lord Gray, with the rest of the captaines, and gentlemen, to remaine prisoners; which beeing performed, the French men (finding the place to bee vnprofitable for them) rased the castle: at which time also the strong castle of Hans was forsaken by the English men. And by that meanes the English B men in few dayes lost that little which rested in their powers, of their forefathers conquests, and all that they as then held in firme land of Fraunce, and for the space of two hundred and eleuen yeares before, had peaceably enioyed: the lord of Termes beeing made gouernour thereof, by the French men, that affirme to haue found therein two or three hundred great peeces, besides the victuals, munition for the warres, and the ransome that they had of those that were prisoners. At the first newes thereof brought into England, there was great preparation of men and ships made, for to releeue it, but by meanes of the great tempest at sea, they could not get ouer, before they heard of the losse thereof, which grieued queene Mary much at the heart, that it was after a great part of the cause of her death, which happened vpon the 17 of Nouember after. C
The French men also at the same time by force took the castle of Herbimont in Ardennes: Mary queen of Scots maried to the Dolphin of France. And vpon the foure and twentieth of Aprill the Dolphin of France married Mary Steward, queene of Scotland, the onely daughter of Iames the fifth, king of Scotland: at which time the duchesse of Lorraine first began to motion a peace between both the kings. This duchesse of Lorraine was the daughter of Christian king of Denmarke, and of one of the emperour Charles sisters.
This yeare died duke Maximilian of Burgonie, baron of Beueren, of le Vere, lieutenant of Holland, Zeeland, Friseland, and Vtrecht, after whom succeeded William van Nassau, prince of Orange. This yeare in Summer, the king of France tooke vp foure or fiue thousand horse, and foureteene thousand foot-men, vnder the conduct of the duke of Lunenbourgh, the D colonell of the horse-men being Grombacke, Risebergh, and one of the Lantgraue of Hessens brethren, the foot-men being commaunded by the earle of Rocquedolf, Reycrogh, and others; who being mustered in Lorraine, ioyned with the dukes of Guise and Neuers, with their French men, and so besieged Theonuille, otherwise called Diettenhold in Lutsenbergh, lying vpon the riuer of Moselle, wherein Peter Quarebbe (a gentleman of Louen) was gouernour, with about eighteene hundred men: and vpon the fift of Iune began to batter it with 35 pecces of canons, the earle of Horne seeking by all the meanes hee could to get into it with a hundred men, but they were repulst. The mean time the French men continued their shooting and mining, vntill they saw conuenient time to giue an assault: whereby they within being much weakened, and hauing no assurance of releefe to be sent them, were forced to enter Theonuille woon by the French men. E into a parlie, and vpon the two and twentieth of Iune, deliuered vp the towne, vpon condition, That the souldiers should depart with their rapiers and poniards, the horse-men with their armes, and the townes men with as much of their goods as they could carrie. At this siege there were many French men slaine, and amongst other great commanders the marshal Pidue Strossy, that was shot in his brest with a musket, as hee stood speaking with the duke of Guise, that leaned with his hand vpon his shoulder. And so the strong town of Theonuille was lost, which most men ascribed to the small authoritie that the gouernour bare ouer the souldiers, as being but a meane gentleman of Brabant.
While this was done in Lutsenburgh, the marshall de Termes gouernor of Calis, had assembled certaine souldiers out of diuers garrisons, and elswhere, to the number of 8000 foot, and F 1500 horse-men, with certaine ordnance, and therewith marching into Flanders, passed ouer the riuer of Ha, where a number of countrey-men were slaine, that thought to haue intercepted his passage, & so went along by Graueling & Borborgh, and from thence to Duynkerke, a towne lying vpon the sea, where he planted his ordnance vpon the downes, and so battered [Page 326] the same: and while the burgesses were in parly about deliuering ouer of the towne, hauing Duynk [...]rke wo [...]n by the [...]nch men. G no garrison within it, they were by the French men assailed, and the towne woon, who hauing ransackt the same, at the last burnt it; which done, they went to Berghen S. Winox, which they also ransackt & burnt, and all the countrey as far as Newport. King Philip being in Bruss [...]ls, and hearing of the spoile that the French men made in Flanders, and in Lutsenburgh, assembled his souldiers from al parts, and sent the duke of Sauoy generall of his armie, into the earldome of Namure, there to resist the duke of Guise, and into Flanders the earle of Egmont, with full power to take order for the safetie of the countrey, before more forces could ioyne with the lord of Termes. With which charge the earle of Egmont drew al the garrisons out of the places thereabouts, and with him had the lord of Bingincourt, marshal of the field: and hauing other forces sent vnto him out of the duke of Sauoyes campe, hee had in all eight or ten H thousand foot, & aboue 2000 hors-men, besides many country men, that fled from the places where they dwelt, & with this army marched towards the enemie, who fearing his comming, was already marching away, and lay incamped in a strong place, about halfe a mile from Graueling, where the earle of Egmont found him. The lord of Termes perceiuing himselfe to bee too weak, d [...]termined to march out of Flanders towards Calis; which he did the next day, passing along by the sea side, when it was low water, willing his men to set fire on Duynkerk, and so to depart. And in that sort passed he the small riuer of Ha, beneath the towne of Graueling, which the earle of Egmont, the barons of Bingincourt, the marques de Renti, the earle of Reux, the barons of Moerbeke, Monichousen, Fontaines, Mewerkeet, & others, perceiuing, determined to intercept him, and first to set vpon his carriage, that they should not any more I seeke to enter into Flanders (cleane contrary to the prouerb, which is, That a man should make a golden bridge to an enemy that is going away) and to that end passed ouer the riuer of Ha, somewhat aboue Graueling, without any ordnance. Monsier de Termes perceiuing that they meant to set vpon him, ordained his battaile in as good order, and with as much aduantage as he could, which was in this sort: on the South side, where the sandy downes lay, he placed his wagons, baggage, and pillage; on the North side he had the sea, and at his back the riuer of Ha, whereby they could not assaile him on no part but before, and there he placed eight great culuerins, and three falcons, his horse-men standing between them and him, and on each side of them certaine numbers of Gascoin harquebusiers; behind them he planted the pikes, both of French and Dutch men. The earle of Egmont on his side against them, set fiue troups of horsmen, K whereof three companies were light horse, which were to giue the onset, the troupes on the right side being led by the earl of Pontenels, & those on the left hand by Don Henrico Henriques, and he himself in the middle; the fourth troup were the Dutch swart Ruyters, and the fi [...]th the Netherlanders, each vnder their owne leaders: after them followed the foot-men, The battaileo [...] Graueling in Flanders. being Netherlanders, high Dutche, and Spaniards, led by their colonels, Bingincourt, Manichuysen, Don Lewis de Carauagial, and others: and in this order the earle of Egmont, vpon the thirteenth of Iuly, brauely set vpon the French men, first incouraging his souldiers, to make them the willinger to fight.
The Frenchmen that stood resolutely ready to defend themselues, receiued them with great courage, and at the first onset discharged their ordnance, therewith doing verie great hurt L amongst them; and at that time the earle of Egmonts horse was slaine vnder him, and yet notwithstanding hee set most couragiously vpon them, and for that the place was broad and euen, vpon the sand, brauely fought hand to hand, man to man, horse to horse, and wing against wing, which for a long time before had not beene seene: in which fight the Bourguygnons had an vnexpected furtherance, by meanes of certaine ships of England, that lay at sea, and kept along the coast before the townes of Douer and Graueling, to free the same, as also to hinder the French men from carrying the bootie that they had gotten from the towne of Duynkerke (when they ransackt it) by water, which were most small ships, beeing led by the viceadmirall master Malin, who perceiuing the said battaile from out the sea, went with his smallest ships as neere the strand as hee could, and shot many bullets M at the French men, but because they were farre from the land, they could doe them no great hurt, and so by that meanes oftentimes failed, and sometimes by chance shot amongst the Bourguygnons; but that neuerthelesse as much discouraged the French men, as it incouraged the Bourguygnons. The meane time the earle of Egmont had sent certaine [Page 327] troupes of Dutch ruyters sidewayes, which went closely by the downes, and entred on the A South side of the French horse-men, assailing them valiantly; whereby at the last the French horse-men (beeing for the most part gentlemen, and well mounted) perceiuing the danger they were in, began to giue backe, which caused the Bourguignons to set the more boldly vpon them, and thereby put the French men to flight, first the horse-men, and then the footmen, to the great honour and commendation of the Bourguignons, specially of the light horse-men, and most of the earle of Egmont, who at that time shewed himselfe both to bee wise and circumspect, and also stout and valiant. The like did the rest of the commaunders, as Burgincourt, the marques de Renti, the earle of Reux, Don Henrico Henricques, the earle of Pontenels, the baron de Fontains, Don Lewis de Caravag [...]al, with his Spaniards, and Manich [...]ysen with the Dutch men. The French men much blamed the marshall de Termes, because B hee marched not away the night before, but it appeared, that hee had charge to stay at Duynkerke, there to strengthen himselfe, and to stay for more aid; as also for that hee stood vpon his aduantage, and was well prepared to make resistance, being scarce three Dutch miles from Calis, with a number of good souldiers, whereby hee was of opinion that no man could hinder his intent. It was thought that there were about fifteene hundred men slaine in the field, besides those that were drowned, and such as were slaine in the flight by the pesants: many were taken prisoners, as the marshall de Termes, gouernour of Calis, beeing fore hurt, the barons of Senerpont, Annibault, Villebon Morvilliers, Chaulis, and others. The ordnance, ensignes, and the bootie was all taken. Of the Bourguignons there was about three or foure hundred men slaine, and amongst the rest, the baron de Pelu. This victorie greatly C increased the honour of king Philip, and the Bourguignons, shewing by experience, that they were too good for the French men in the field. And at that time Duynkerke and Winoxbergh were both taken againe from the French men. About this time Mary queene of England sent a great nauy of ships of warre to sea, conducted by the lord Clinton, admirall of England, and by reason of the contracts made betweene England and the Netherlands, as also for that the queene of England at that time held a regiment of Dutch men in the Netherlands, in her pay, vnder the conduct of an English gentleman, called sir William Pickerin: they of the Netherlands sent twentie or twentie two great ships of warre, well appointed and furnished of all things, whereof the admirall was monsieur van Wackene, and Capelle (viceadmirall to the earle of Horne) and with him the lord of Cruningen, and other Netherlanders, with many D souldiers to ioyne with them: which two fleets sailed together vnto the coast of Britaigne, and vpon the nineteenth of Iuly at Conquet, landed their men, burning and wasting the countrey all about, and did them great hurt: but monsieur de Kersimont hauing assembled certaine gentlemen, and others thereabouts, set vpon foure companies of Netherlanders, that were entred too farre within the countrey, thinking to be seconded by the English men (that were gone into their ships, vpon the newes of the French mens comming) and slew and tooke many of them prisoners, whereupon they returned home againe with their ships, without any further enterprise, or that any man could certainely learne what their pretence was.
In the moneth of August both the kings of Spaine and France assembled their powers, notwithstanding that the prince of Orange secretly parlyed with the constable of Fraunce, and the marshall of Saint Andrewes (as then prisoners) concerning a peace. And vpon the one E and twentieth of August, king Philip went vnto his armie, as then being about Dorlens, being thirtie thousand foot, and foureteene thousand horse-men, amongst the which were many high Dutch, vnder the conduct of Ericke and Ernest dukes of Brunswicke, the duke of Holst, the earles of Wartstenborgh, Mansfield, Rennenbergh, and others: and besides Emanuel Philibert duke of Sauoy, lieutenant generall for the king, there was the duke of Parma and Plaisance, the duke of Seminara, the prince of Sulmona, the duke of Arry, the earles of Palicastro, Bagin, and Landi, and the lord Ascanio de Cornia: and of Spanish noble men, there was the dukes of Alua, Arcos, Francauilla, and Vilhermosa, the marques of Balanga, and Aquillar, the earles of Fonsalida and Melito: of Netherlanders, there was William van Nassaue, prince F of Orange, Lanioral earle of Egmont, the duke of Arschot, the marques of Bergen, and Renti, the earles of Horne, Arenbergh, Bossu, Megen, Ligni, Teux, and Hooghstrate, the barons of Montigni, Barlaymont, Glayon, and others. The king of France also had assembled a mightie armie about Pierrepont, most consisting of Dutch men, Swissers, and some Italians; [Page 328] the Dutch men alone were 8000 horse-men: to the which armie Henry king of France, vpon G the eight of August, came thither in person, accompanied with the king of Nauarre, the duke de Montpensier, the duke of Guise, (the kings lieutenant generall) the duke of Lorraine, Neuers, Nemours, Aumale, and Boullion, all French men. The strangers were Hans William, duke of Saxon, second sonne to Hans Frederick the elector, the duke of Lunenbourgh, one of the Lantgraue of Hessens sonnes, the princes of Ferrara and Salerne, the duke of Somnia, and diuers other marquesses, earles, and barons, which would bee ouer long to rehearse: and with this armie marched to Amyens, and there past ouer the riuer of Some, and incamped themselues not farre from the Burguignons, that lay strongly incamped along by the riuer of Authie, where many skirmishes were giuen betweene both those armies: but the French men still remembring the two ouerthrowes that they had receiued not long before, lay strongly intrenched, H and durst not venter to the hazard of a battaile: for that the great power of those two kings, on both sides, that were there in person, made them both lye still and to haue regard of their owne safeties; and considering the great hurt that they might do each vnto the other, if they had entred into battail: and that on the other side, their greatest powers consisted most of strange nations, it made both the kings the rather to hearken vnto a peace: and to that end by both their consents there was a place appointed for to meet in, which was the abbey of Corcampe, not farre from thence. And to intreat of the said peace, in October there appeared for the king of Spaine, the duke of Alua, the prince of Orange, Rigomes de Silua, Anthony Perrenot bishop of Arras, and doctor Vigilius Swichem president: and for the king of Fraunce, the cardinall of Lorraine, Annade Montmorancy constable of France, Iaques de Albon marshall I of Saint Andrewes (that paying ransome, were both released of their imprisonment) Iohn de Moruilliers bishop of Orleans, and Claude de Aubespine secretarie, and with those deputies, as allied on both sides, there sat the duchesse of Lorraine, with her sonne the young duke: the meane time, vpon hope of a peace, both the kings began to lessen their armies, and to seperate them one from the other, and in the moneth of Nouember discharged diuers of their men. And while the deputies were in treatie, and had almost agreed vpon a mariage betweene the king of Fraunce his eldest daughter, and Don Charles prince of Spaine, and betweene the king of France his sister, and the duke of Sauoy, and thought verily to fall to an agreement, nothing wanting, but to content the queene of England, who by her embassadours much pressed them to haue Calis restored vnto her againe, without the which king Philip also K would hearken to no peace. It happened, that queene Mary, the kings wife, died without issue, vpon the seuenteenth of Nouember, in the yeare 1558, after that shee had raigned fiue Mary queen of England died. yeares and odde monethes, whereby the said peace was prolonged off, for the space of two moneths after.
This yeare, vpon the first of Februarie, queene Elenor Dowager of France and Portugal, died in Spaine. And vpon the 18 of October after, died Mary queene of Hongary, that had been The death of queen [...]enor and queen Mary, sist [...]rs to [...]he emperour Charles the 5. regent in the Netherlands, and one that greatly esteemed of that countrey, who vnwillingly departed from thence, but yet would not seeme to displease the emperour her brother, that was in great care least she would haue taken too much vpon her in the Netherlands, which might dislike the king his son, wherunto such as were chiefe rulers vnder the king of Spaine, L were great soliciters, least they should be troubled with any contradicters.
The emperour Charles the fifth likewise died the same yeare, vpon the 21 of September, being S. Mathews day, in the couent of S. Iust, of a hot burning feuer, in the eight and fiftieth yere The death of the emperour Charles the 5. of his age, after he had been thirtie six yeres emperour, and fortie yeares king of Spaine. Some write, that when hee lay in his death bed (by meanes of some admonition giuen him by the archbishop of Toledo, or by that which he before had heard in Germany) he acknowledged, that hee hoped for his saluation, onely by the death and passion of our Sauiour Iesus Christ, and by no other meanes, according to the opinion of the reformed Church. This emperour Charles was a man of middle stature, well proportioned of bodie and limmes, faire faced, high foreheaded, friendly of countenance, somewhat browne eyed, high nosed, his mouth somewhat M gaping, which he tooke from the Bourguignon princes and kings of France, and a faire beard, his haire browne, both a good horse and foot-man, familiar & friendly, speaking many languages, in his youth sound of body, of complexion sanguine, which beeing mixed with melancholy bloud, made him wise and politique, but withall very suspitious and griple; [Page 329] and in his aged daies salt flegmaticke humors falling into his pores, caused him to be mild, that A so tempered his bloud and choler within him, that he could master and ouercome his wrath and hastinesse. He was in truth a religious, deuout, mightie, wise, temperate, stout, and high minded prince, of great experience, and fortunate, but somewhat selfe-willed. Before his death he obtained the full power and gouernment of the dukedome of Guelderland, the carldome of Zutphen, the baronies of Vtrecht and Oueryssel, the baronie of Groning, the towne of Cambricke, and the earledome of Linghen, all in the Netherlands: he had the earledome of Flanders, and other prouinces, that as yet were in a manner contributaries to the crowne of Fraunce, but freed from the same for euer, by contract: the kingdome of Tunes, the countries of America, Naples, Sicilia, and Myllan, which hee woon, and assured vnto himselfe: his souldiers woon Rome: he tooke prisoners Pope Clement the seuenth, the king of France, B the king of Nauarre, and the elector of Saxon; the duke of Cleue, the Lantgraue of Hessen and others submitted themselues vnto him. In his latter daies fortune was not so fauourable vnto him, by reason of his obstinacie, bad counsell, and hard resolution. Keeping the Lantgraue prisoner, he was by Maurice, elector of Saxon, and other princes (that had made a contract with the king of France) compelled not onely to set the Landtgraue free, but also to lose the fruits of his victorie in Germanie, as many hystories sufficiently declare the same, He left issue by lady Isabell of Portugall, king Philip his onely sonne: daughters, Mary married to the Emperour Maximilian, and Ioanna princesse of Portugall, with more naturall children, or bastards, as Don Iohn de Austria, and Marguerite dutchesse of Parma. And so king Philip in one yeare lost his father, his wife, and his two aunts. In December after he celebrated their funerals C in Brussels: but aboue all the rest, he made a most triumphant funerall for the Emperour his father, with a victorious ship, armes, standards, and banners of all his honours, which was most triumphantly borne throughout the streets.
In the same yeare and about that time there died two kings in Denmarke, as Christian then king, and Christierne, that had laine two and twentie yeares prisoner, because of the tyrannie that he had shewed vnto his subiects, being neuerthelesse a mightie king of three kingdomes, as Denmarke, Swethland, and Norway; but he fell into such hatred of his people, that they forsooke him, and chose another king, and in Anno 1532, when with a great armie, and by the aid of the Emperor Charles, he thought to win Denmarke againe, he was by them ouerthrown and taken prisoner: which was a wonderfull worke and punishment of God shewed vpon D him for his vnmercifulnesse and tyrannie, and an excellent example for princes in our time. Not long before he died, he was friendly visited by king Christian, where they forgaue each other from their hearts. This Christiern married Isabella, sister to the Emperour Charles the fifth, by whom he had issue a sonne, that died in the Netherlands at the same time that his father was taken prisoner; and two daughters, the one Palsgraueni, the other called Christiana, that was dutchesse of Lorraine, and in Anno 1558 was a mediator of the peace betweene Fraunce and Spaine, whose sonne being duke of Lorraine, maried Claude, second daughter to the king of France, vpon the last of Ianuarie 1559.
As I said before, the death of the queen of England prolonged the treatie of peace between the kings of Fraunce and Spaine, but in Februarie after the Commissioners on both sides assembled Treatie of peace between France and Spaine. E againe in the castle of Cambryse, where also there came the queene of Englands embassadours, as the bishop of Ely, the lord Howard baron of Effingham, Doctor Wotton, and the Deane of Canterburie: and for the duke of Sauoy two deputies, and with all those the aforesaid dutchesse, as mediator, with her sonne: and after some delayes, at last they proceeded so farre, that there seemed nothing resting to be done, but onely that the Englishmen desired to haue Callis restored againe vnto the queene; wherein king Philip sought to haue her satisfied and contented, or els he would accept of no peace, because that during his warres, and by his meanes it had beene lost: but the Frenchmen boldly alleadging, that queene Elizabeth was not lawfull queene of England, but the Scottish queene (as being right heire thereunto by discent from the grandmother, king Henry the eights eldest sister) that as then had maried the F Dolphin of Fraunce, they said and affirmed, that she had nothing to do therewith. Whereby the queen of England began to suspect, that the peace which as then was entreating of, might be made, only to compell her to hold and obserue the Catholicke Romish Religion, which as then she began to alter and change within her kingdomes, to the dishonour of king Philip, [Page 330] and therefore thought it best for her to make an assured peace with France: wherein on both G sides, one Guido Caualcanti, a gentleman of Florence, was specially employed; by whose meanes, vpon the second of Aprill 1559, an agreement was made in the castle of Cambresis: and after much debating of the cause, it was agreed, That Calis should be vnwalled, and so deliuered ouer vnto the queene; but in the end they concluded, That Calis and the Earledome of Oyen should continue eight yeres in the French kings hands, and then should be restored to the queene againe, without any defacing, with all things that belonged therunto, only with sixteene brasse pieces of diuers greatnesse, and for assurance thereof, the French king should giue six or seuen sufficient marchants for sureties of the same, which should be bound in the summe of fiue hundred thousand crownes; and vntill such time (that the peace might not be delayed) as those marchants should be committed prisoners in Bruges, there should be H fiue French gentlemen put into the queenes hands for hostages, which euery fiue months she might change: but for that this contract concerned many matters touching Scotland, the queene of Scots then taking on her the title and armes of England and Ireland, for the which, after that, there grew some contention, part of the said hostages got away, and others by new contracts were set at liberty, and discharged, and so the Frenchmen still held Calis. The queen of England thus contented & satisfied, the peace betweene the two kings of France & Spaine was concluded at Cambresis vpon the third of Aprill 1559, and proclaimed in Brussels vpon the fifth of April after. The old controuersies that had continued for the space of fiue & twentie yeares, were on both sides wholly excluded out of the same: as the soueraignty that France pretended to haue ouer Flanders, Artois, Rissel, Doway, Dornick, the kingdome of Naples, I and the dutchie of Millan, &c. and the king of Spaines pretence ouer Burgundie, Prouence, the townes vpon the riuer of Some, and the earledome of Bolonois. The principall articles of the said peace being as followeth: for the rest I refer the Reader to diuers hystories, wherethey may see them at large, this seruing onely for a memoriall.
First, That a good peace should be holden betweene the said kings, their children and subiects, Articles of the peace made at Cambresis. and that the one might traffique and trauell freely and peaceably in the others countries and kingdomes: all customes of reprisals should be abolished, all priuiledges confirmed, and either of them restored vnto his owne againe.
That all the old treaties and contracts of peace should be renewed, and confirmed, as farre as that treatie did allow and permit. K
That both the kings should with all earnest zeale hold and maintaine the holy Catholicke Romish church and religion, and be a meanes that the generall counsell might be holden.
That the King of Spain should deliuer S. Quintins, Han, and Chastelet to the French king, and the king of France should deliuer him Theonuille, Marienbourgh, Iuois, Damuilliers, and Montmedi, & such as they had taken one from the other, without breaking the fortifications, and each of them might take his owne Ordinance and munition out of the same againe.
That Terrowane should be restored againe without wals as it was, and Iuois on the other side should be defaced, and should not be fortified againe, nor any fort made within a thousand paces thereof.
Hesdin and his territories, as old patrimonie belonging to the king of Spaine, should be his, L and not claimed by France in any wise. Many questions touching the borders of Burgonie, Artois, &c. were put to deciding of certaine Commissioners on both sides, with other such like doubts.
The king of Spaine should haue the earledome of Charlorys restored to him againe.
Whatsoeuer both the kings possessed and held in Montferrat, should be restored againe to the duke of Mantua: Bouillon should be yeelded to the bishop of Luyck, the Island of Corsica to the Genouois, and Valencia in the dukedome of Millan, to the king of Spaine.
And as it was first propounded, that a marriage of the eldest daughter, lady Elizabeth of France, should be made with Charles prince of Spaine, to the end that further friendship and vnitie might be had, it was agreed, That the king of Spaine himselfe should marry her (who as M then was a widower) and to haue with her 400000 crownes, and she to haue a dowry of 50000 crownes yearely, and that if he died before her, there should be a third part of the 400000 crownes paid backe againe.
That the duke of Sauoy should marry with lady Marguerite the king of France his sister, and [Page 331] with her should haue 300000 crownes, besides the dutchy of Berry, wherof she should receiue A the inheritance during her life.
That the king of Fraunce should restore all the lands that hee then withheld from the said duke of Sauoy, except the towne of Thierin, Pignoral, Chyras, Ouer, and the new towne of Asti, which he should hold in his hands for the space of three yeares, vntill order should be taken about the right that he pretended to haue therein.
That the duke of Sauoy should remaine as neuter on both sides. That the king of Spaine should keepe Asti and Vercelles in his hands, vntill the king of France did deliuer the 5 towns of Piemont aforesaid vnto the duke. He that first should make deliuery, should chuse four persons out of the others for sureties, and should keepe them till the rest be performed.
That each king should comprehend his friends in that treatie of peace, as the princes, potentates, B and countries adiacent.
That the Dolphin of France, and Don Charles prince of Spaine, and the states of France and the Netherlands should confirme that peac [...]; onely the king of Spaine would not consent to comprehend the Earles of East-Friseland in that peace, whether it were for any cause of actions that he pretended against them, or for the reformed religion.
That all the goods of the vassals of either king should be restored vnto them againe, and amongst the rest, to William prince of Orange, to whom should be freely deliuered his principalitie of Orange, according to the contract made in Anno 1551, and also his lands in Dauphinois, as Derpiere, Tresluys, Monbrison, Curby, Parriewe, Nouois, Cay, Sauxcy, Vayrume, Beaurepair, and Auxonne, and that hee should haue law for his pretence and title to the C earledome of Escampes, Tonnere, and Chaury, with the foure baronies &c. also the duke of Ar [...]chot, the earle of Egmont, and others, as you may read at large.
That the bailiwike of Hesden should remaine to king Philip, and the earldome of S. Paul to the lady of Tonteuille, du [...]ches of Longeuille, excepting the right of both the kings, the soueraignty remaining to the king of Spaine: touching the restitutions aforesaid, the K. of France offered to be the first, chusing for sureties, the duke of Alua, the duke of Arcos, the prince of Orange, and the earle of Egmont, which presently rid into France.
This peace was concluded as aforesaid in April, 1559, & subscribed by the Commissioners aforesaid, as the duke of Alua, the prince of Orange, the prince of Melito, Antony Perrenot, and president Vigilius: and on the other side, the Cardinal of Lorrain, the Constable Montmorency, D the marshall of S. Andrewes, Moruilliers, and Aubespina secretarie to the king. In this peace the French king deliuered vp vnto the king of Spaine and the duke of Sauoy, 198 townes, castles, and forts, that were held with garrison: whereupon Monsieur Mouluc, marshall of France, writeth, That it was the most shamefull peace that France could euer haue made. It is to be noted that this lady Isabella, eldest daughter to the king of France, was vpon the 19 of Iuly in an 1551 con [...]racted in mariage to Edward the sixt, king of England, as then dead, vpon condition, that when she was 12 yeres of age, within a month after she should be conueied into England, there to be openly & solemnly maried to the king vpon forfeiture on both sides of 50000 crownes, with 200000 crownes to her mariage, and that if she out-liued him, to haue a dowry of 6666 l. 13 s. 4 d. yearely, as long as she liued, and that if king Edward out-liued her, he should keep her E mariage money as his owne. This peace made many men to reioyce, and all the countries throughout made great triumphs for the same, specially in Antuerpe; where, from the 9 to the 18 day of Aprill they made fires throughout the towne, shooting off their Ordinance, casting fire bals, playing, and making diuers sh [...]wes in euery place of the same: the high tower of our lady church was hanged with 300 lanternes, burning with candles from the bottome to the top: all the strangers resident therein, as Florentines, Genouois, Lucans, Dutchmen, Easterlings, Spaniards, and Englishmen, made diuers triumphant arches, images, castles, & other sorts of firing and fire-workes: wine was let run in the streets, whole oxen rosted, hogges killed by men blinded; great mastes set vpright that were greased, and costly prizes set thereon, for them to take that could fetch them downe: and prizes for women, that could run fastest; and euery F one for the best and the fairest.
For the accomplishing of this contract of peace, the king of Spaine gaue the duke of Alua and others full power to fulfill the ceremonies of the contract of matrimonie in Paris, for him and in his name with the lady Isabella, and at the same time the duke of Sauoy rid thither with a great traine to marry with the kings sister, which was done with great triumphs, where there [Page 332] was a great running at tilt appointed to be holden in Paris, wherin the king himselfe, the duke G of Guise, the prince of Serrare, and the duke de Nemours were chalengers against all commers. The king in the first and second daies ran brauely; and the third day, the queene fearing hee would ouer-labor and heat himselfe too much, or hauing a secret conceit of some misfortune that might happen vnto him, desired him to refrain from running that day; but he would not: and the third day, when he had run two houres, and was about to giue ouer, he would needs shew that he was not wearie, and calling Monsieur Lorges, earle of Montgomery, then captaine of his guard, that was esteemed to be one of the best runners at tilt in France, willed him to breake one launce more with him; who excused himselfe by the wearinesse of his horse, and other things: but the king would not be denied; and so as they were running one against the other, it fortuned, that Montgomery breaking his launce vpon the kings breast, the splinters H thereof slew into the kings visor of his helmet (which was forgotten to be close shut) and by reason that the visor gaue vp, one of the splinters strucke the king in the right eye, and wounded him deadly, and when he began to stagger, he was vpholden, and taken downe from his He [...]ry king of France sl [...]ine a [...] a running at [...]. horse sore bleeding, with great crying of all the court, and many of the people; and being vnarmed, and his wound visited by diuers expert surgeons (whereof one was Andreas Vesalius, sent thither by king Philip) it was found to be mortall, and altogether deadly; and yet by the great experience and policie of the said surgeons, he liued ten daies after, and died vpon the tenth of August 1554, at the age of fortie yeres, and in the twelfth yere of his raigne, at his death complaining of his owne lightnes, and also amongst other things, that he had been ouer-rigorous against those of the reformed religion: but the Cardinall of Lorraine told him, that it was the I diuell that troubled his mind so much, willing him to striue and resist against him. He was a wise prince, and a right souldier, couetous of honour, and high minded. The earle of Montgomery after the deed done, fell downe vpon his knees before him, acknowledging that hee had well deserued to die; but the king would not in any wise that it should bee imputed vnto him, but freely forgaue him, as hauing compelled him thereunto: but he presently departed from the court, keeping himselfe solitarily, as a man desolat & comfortlesse: but being counselled to read the holy Scriptures for his consolation (as the Frenchmen write) in the end it was the meanes to cause him to alter his religion, and being before that a Romish Catholick, and one that earnestly persecuted the reformed religion, after that became a great protector & defendor thereof in Fraunce: and at the last being besieged in a small towne of Normandy, called K Damsron, he was taken prisoner, & from thence caried to Paris, and there openly beheaded: whose death was imputed vnto the queene & her children, to be a point of cruelty & reuenge. King Henry left issue foure sonnes and three daughters; Isabella the eldest was then espoused to the king of Spaine, the second was dutchesse of Lorraine, and the third queene of Nauarre: Francis the eldest sonne was maried to the queene of Scotland, and succeeded his father; after him Charles, after him Henry, that was also king of Poland, Francis the fourth son in Ann. 1582 was made duke of Brabant, all which died without issue.
In K. Henry the seconds time two great sinnes raigned much in France, as Atheisme & Nigromancie, which was much imputed to the Italians, that were attendants vpon Q. Katherine de Medices, and thought to be they that brought it in; wherein many French poets and rymers L were great helpers, which many wise and learned men ascribe to be the cause of the deserued punishment that fell vpon the country of France. Those of the reformed religion in Fraunce write, that strange death of the king to be iustly sent vnto him, and a great fauour of God towards them as thereby shewing his church his great power, and a deliuery from a great persecution, which the duke of Alua (being there at that time) sought to put in practise by the said kings aid, according to the first article of the last peace concluded, tending to the destruction of all those of the reformed religion throughout the world: which it seemeth that the king sought to begin, with the lords of his parliament, & among the rest committed Anna du bourg prisoner, that openly spake vnto the king in the parliament house to be fauourable to those of the reformed religion: for which cause the K. being fore moued, threatned him, that he would M himself see him burnt: which God by the wound in his eie would not suffer him to do: but the said duhourg was afterward burnt, notwithstāding the kings death. This yere in August, Pope Paule the fourth of the familie of Caraffa, that was the cause of breaking the peace, and had made war against the king of Spaine, and the first founder of the Iesuits, died in Rome, at such The death of Pope Paule the fourth. time as with all his kinred and sect he had vndertaken and concluded to make a great persecution [Page 333] (vnder pretence of religion) against all good persons. His death gaue many men cause to A reioice, especially the inhabitants of Rome, in regard of the innumerable warres, taxations, & burthens that he & his practised & procured: so that the people of Rome arming themselues, ran vnto the Inquisition house, where they wounded the chiefe Inquisitor, the rest flying away to saue their liues: which done, they burnt the house, and released the prisoners, & would haue burnt the cloyster of Minerua, because they were addicted vnto the Inquisitors, if by meanes of Marcus Antoniu [...] Columna and Iulius Caesarino it had not beene preuented: who by many faire words dissuaded them from it: whereby also the Popes nephewes and kindreds houses were likewise spared. The Popes image standing in the Capitoll, they beat downe, and drawing it through the streets, cast it into the riuer of Tyber, and commandement giuen in the name of the counsell and people of Rome, vpon paine of great punishment, that all the Popes and his familie of Caraffes, images, armes, shields, and titles, should be broken downe in B euery place of Rome, as deadly enemies vnto mankind, whose memorie deserued not to bee kept in the world. Pope Pius the fourth, his successor, although hee had promised Cardinall Caraffa, and the duke of Paliano his cousin and their familie, to forgiue all offences fore-past, and assured them thereof by his hand writing, yet neuerthelesse he caused them all to be committed to prison, and put some of them to death.
MARGVERITE OF AVSTRIA, DVTches of Parma, bastard daughter to the Emperor Charles the fifth, Gouernesse of the Netherlands for king Philip.
[Page 335] MARGVERITE of Austria, bastard daughter to the Emperour Charles the fifth, was first married to Alexander Medicis, the first duke of Florence, A who was slaine by his owne cousin: then she married againe to Octauio Farnese, duke of Parma and Placence. Anthonie Perrenot, Cardinall of Granuelle (before bishop of Arras) caused her to be preferred to the gouernment of the Netherlands, before all the princes of Austria, sonnes to the Emperour Ferdinand, and the dutchesse of Lorraine, neece to the Emperour Charles, daughter to Christierne the second king of Denmarke, and to the lady Isabella, sister to these two Emperours, and so cousin germane to king Philip: The which the said Cardinall, a great counsellor and mignion, had laboured, to the end, that this lady Marguerite comming out of Italie, new and vnacquainted with the affaires and state of the Netherlands, The lady Marguerite aduanced to the gouernment by the Cardinals meanes. B might be wholly directed and gouerned by his counsell, and he by consequence haue the whole managing of the said countries: the which he obtained, as you may see by the progresse of our Hystorie: The which caused a great iealousie against him, and by his practise bred a diuision betwixt the noblemen, the knights of the Order, and other of the counsell of state of the said countries, who diuided themselues into partialities and factions one against the other, the one to supplant, and the other to maintaine the credit and authoritie of this Cardinall.
King Philip hauing now made peace with the king of France, determined to go into Spain, there to aid the Inquisition, being certified, that certaine noblemen there were great fauorers of the reformed Religion, and also from thence the better to further the generall counsell: C which two causes had chiefely moued him to hearken vnto a peace. And therefore he caused all the states of the Netherlands to bee summoned to appeare in Gaunt, there to declare his mind vnto them, and to take his leaue, much recommending his sister vnto them, and vnder her (according to the auncient custome) he appointed a counsell of estate, for matters of great importance; as making of peace, or beginning of warre, intelligences with forraine princes and countries, and the defence of the Netherlands: and a priuie counsell for making of laws, giuing of pardons, ministring of iustice, and other publicke causes: and a third counsell for the Treasurie, and the gouernment of the kings demaines, and all receits of moneyes and incomes of reuenewes, belonging thereunto; those three seuerall counsels hauing seuerall assemblies, so that one had not to doe with the other: they of the counsell of estate were, Anthonie Perrenot, bishop of Arras (who not long after was made Cardinall of Granuelle, William D van Nassau, prince of Orange, Lamorale Degmont, prince of Gauare, and earle of Egmont, Philip de Staden baron of Glayon, Charles baron de Barlamont, chiefe of the Treasurie, and doctor Vigilius president of the priuie counsell. After that Philip de Montmorency, earle of Horne, admirall, and Charles de Croye duke of Arschot were ioyned with them. He appointed further, That the knights of the order of the golden fleece being called thereunto by the lady regent, should also be admitted to sit with them, and those also of the priuie counsell and of the treasurie. He likewise gaue them secret instruction, whereby they had authority to sit in counsell, make enquiries, and heare causes, but should not resolue vpon any thing without the aduice of the Cardinall, the prince of Orange, the earle of Egmont, the baron of Barlamont, and the E president Vigilius. The priuie counsell consisted of twelue more or lesse doctors of the lawes, and each counsell had their secretarie. He ordained a gouernour in euery prouince, that were knights of the order of the golden fleece: as in Brabant, the regent had the chiefe charge, as generall gouernor, being resident there: the prince of Orange was gouernour of Holland, Zeeland and Vtrecht, and after that also of the earledome of Burgundie: the earle of Egmont was gouernor of Flanders and Artois: Iohn de Ligni ca [...]le of Arenbergh was gouernor of Friseland, Ouerissel, Groning, and Lingen: Charles de Bunen earle of Megen, was gouernor of Guelderland and Zutphen: Peter Darust earle of Mansfield, was gouernour of Lutsenburg: Iohn marques of Berghen, was gouernour of Henault, Valencia, and the castle of Camericke. The baron de Barlamont was gouernor of Namure: Iohn de Montmorency lord of Currieres, was gouernor F of Rissel, Doway, and Orchiers: and Florence de Montmorency, brother to the earle of Horne, was gouernor of Dornicke and Tournesis. These were all the principall lords of the Netherlands, and had authority ouer the souldiers and execution of iustice. He also appointed the ordering and gouernment of the bands of ordinarie horsemen vnto those lords, that were [Page 336] three thousand horse wel mounted, and esteemed to be the best & brauest horsemen in Christendome, G and were entertained and held in pay both in time of peace and warre: the colonels were, the prince of Orange, the duke of Arschot, the earle of Egmont, the marques of Berghen, the earle of Horne, the earle of Mansfield, the earle of Megen, the earle of Rieulx, the earle of Bossu, the earle of Hooghestrate, the baron de Brederode, the baron de Montigni, and the baron de Barlamont, each colonel hauing his lieutenant & his treasurer. And at the same time the king held the order of the golden fleece in Gaunt, where amongst others he inuested certaine lords of the Netherlands therewith, as the baron of Assicourt, the lord Florents of Montigny, the marques of Renti, and the earle of Hooghestrate, of the house of Lalain.
The states of the land hauing behaued themselues so well towards their prince, wherby he had attained to so honourable a peace, and the gentlemen in his seruice hauing ventured both H their liues and goods, the commons likewise willingly paying their nine yeares contribution, deliuered an earnest petition vnto the king, to desire his Maiesty, to send the Spanish & other A petition m [...]de by the states to king Philip, to send the Spaniards out of the Netherlands. forraine souldiers out of the Netherlands; ouer the which souldiers, the prince of Orange, the earle of Egmont, and the Earle of Horne were colonels. Which their request he would gladly haue denied them, but for that they earnestly alledged all their priuiledges, and shewed him the copy thereof, and what he had promised and sworne, and to the contrary must haue beene forced to protest against him, he was content to grant, that they should depart out of the countrey within three months after; but it fell not out in halfe a yere at the least, when he had great need of them about the losse of the Island of Zerby in Barbary. The cause why the states were so earnest to haue the Spaniards out of the countrey, was, for that many courtiers (wholly depending I vpon the king) in great credit with him, and as then staying in the Netherlands, had made it knowne abroad, that they were much moued, and hoped for a reuenge, for that in the last of the nine yeares schating, they were denied the receiuing and distribution of the mony, and that the states themselues receiued it, and paid it vnto their owne countrimen by their seruants, whereby the said courtiers nailes were pared; which they openly interpreted to bee a kind of disobedience: as if they would prescribe lawes vnto the prince, and not trust him with the managing of the common mony. With them diuers that sought gouernment and authoritie ioined themselues, both strangers, and others, that sought to further and aduance the opinion of the king and the duke of Alua, and also the Spanish Inquisition, and the Spaniards: which was, that it was not possible to driue the Lutherans or heretickes out of the Netherlands, K nor out of Spaine, but they must first find means to obtaine absolute and ful obedience, authoritie, and commaund for the king, whereby they might then plant the Spanish Inquisition therein; without the which two points, they were to account the Netherlands as lost countries: which was to be brought to passe by strange garrisons: which things being known and perceiued by the best experienced men amongst the states, caused them so earnestly to desire the departure of the Spaniards out of the Netherlands.
This pretence of these counsellors and the Spanish hatred was at the same time sufficiently made knowne vnto the greatest personages of the Netherlands; and that it was resolued, that the authors of the petition (touching the departure and withdrawing of the Spaniards) should be well punished: and namely, a Spanish counsellor (that bare a good affection vnto the nobilitie L and gentlemen of the Netherlands) came to the prince of Orange, the earle of Egmont and others, playing at Chesse, and giuing them warning, asked them if they had so much time to play, and made no more account touching the request made then vnto the king, with such like words: which they (earnest at their play) esteemed to be spoken in ieast: but when they had made an end of their play, the prince of Orange said to the earle of Egmont (as he was a very politicke prince) that those words vttered by that counsellor, were not spoken in va [...]e, and therefore desired the earle of Egmont (as being very familiar with the said counsellor) to speake more at large with him about the same; which he did: who made him answere, That they were to looke vnto themselues, and esteeme them to be forewarned by a friend, namely, that it was determined by the king and his counsell, That all those that signed to the petition, M to haue the Spaniards withdrawne out of the Netherlands, or once consented thereunto, should be punished for the same at conuenienter time: whereof (as a friend) he gaue them warning. And so when all things were ordained and made readie for the kings iourney, hee tooke his leaue of the states at Gaunt, aboue all things recommending vnto them the maintenance [Page 337] of the Catholicke religion, and punishment of heretickes, and went to Zeeland, where A there was a great fleet of ships ready to saile with him, exceeding well prouided of all things, and amongst the rest great store of capons and hennes, to the number of 15000 at the least; whereby you may esteeme what the rest of the prouision might be: and vpon the 26 of August 1559 he set saile and departed from Vlishing with 20 Spanish and Biscayne shippes, 30 King Philip [...] from Vlish [...]g into Spaine. hulkes, and 40 other shippes, and with a good wind in few daies landed at Lacedo in Biscaye, where presently the wind changed.
The counsell of Spaine thought his returne into those countries to be very necessary, in regard that the Lutherans began greatly to encrease within the land: for the which cause, presently vpon his arriuall in Spaine, he caused great and rigorous execution to be done, not only vpon men, but also vpon women, and with great and solemne pompe and ceremonies burnt B diuers of them, and punished others with seuerall kinds of torments: and in the moneth of September, when he came to Valedolit, in October after (being personally present with all his court) he caused 28 gentlemen of great houses (and some of the best in Spaine) to bee burnt before him; and after that great persecution ensued.
This yeare in Ianuary, Isabella the French kings daughter was brought to the frontiers of France by the king of Nauarre and the Cardinall of Bourbon in great magnificence; where she was receiued at Rouceaulx by the Cardinal of Burgos and the duke of Infantasgo, and by them conueyed into Castilia to the king, and vpon the 31 of Ianuarie, with great pompe and solemnitie, she was maried vnto him; where it is said, that during the feast it cost the king two thousand duckets euery day: and not long after, prince Charles (the kings onely sonne) was openly proclaimed and declared to be heire apparent vnto all the kingdomes and dominions, C then in his fathers possession, and oath of fidelitie made vnto him for the same. This yeare likewise the new riuer made from Antuerpe to Brussels was fully finished, which aboue thirtie yeares before had beene begun by them of Brussels, digging through many small hilles, fields, and wayes: for which purpose, they had bought all the grounds where the said riuer should passe thorow; vpon the which they made foure faire great sluces to keepe out the vpper water, and digged it so deepe, that great ships might passe along within the same. Amman van Brussels, duke of Lockeghem (a great furtherer of this worthy worke) was for the same much commended, and praised of all the people.
This yeare vpon the sixteenth of October king Philip erected an Vniuersitie in Doway, and D endowed it with great reuenewes, wherein the Iesuites haue certaine colledges; which they of Louen much disliked and in the time of the Emperor Charles, in Anno 1530 hindered and staied the erecting therof: but at this time (without the knowledge of Louen or of the townsmen of Doway it selfe, by the procurement of Cardinall Granuelle, president Vigilius, and the counsellor Nigri) it was by the king strongly granted, and confirmed by Pope Paul the fourth. The reasons the king had to moue him thereunto, were, That youth might there (to the furtherance of the Catholicke religion) be instructed and brought vp in learning, and there likewise learne the French tongue, without going to the Vniuersities of France, which were suspected and reported to be spotted and full of the Geneuan sect. The townes of Brabant murmured much against it; and generally all the Brabanders: the prince of Orange saying, That no Popish Seminaries ought to be erected in any of the frontier townes, as Florentius vander E Haer writeth. The first rector thereof was Master Walrant Hangovaert, chancelor, prouost of S. Annes. The king about the same time also caused the great Bible, called Complutensis, to be The Bible called Complutensis, printed in Antuerpe at the costs and charges of K. Philip. printed by the famous Printer Christopher Plantine, to the printing whereof hee gaue thirtie thousand duckets; and for that cause it was called the kings Bible: wherof the learned doctor Arias Montanus had the charge to see it done; who much enriched the same by many annotations in the margent: a worthie, great, and an honourable worke, and a worthy action of so great a prince, beeing a Bible in foure languages, and mother (as it were) of all other Bibles.
For that our intent is to declare and set down the originall of the troubles that happened in A briefe declaration of the priuiledges of Brabant F the Netherlands, it is very requisit to vnderstand, That the Netherlands (although they be all vnder one princes command) haue had seueral contracts with their princes, the one more, the other lesse, which in many places are found in print, whereunto, for breuities sake, we refer the curious reader: they of Brabant, with the coūtries ouer the Wase, as Limburch, Valkenburgh, [Page 338] and Dalem (amongst many other ioyfull entries, additions, charters, and golden buls) haue G these speciall priuiledges graunted vnto them.
First, That the duke of Brabant shall be vnto them a good and faithfull lord, and shall not vse any force nor violence against them, neither permit nor suffer the same to bee done vnto them by any meanes whatsoeuer.
That he shall not deale nor cause them to bee dealt withall, contrarie to the auncient customes, but shall vse them according to the customes and priuiledges of their townes and territories; where the partie accused may by his counsell openly and freely plead and speake for himselfe.
That the inhabitants of the said countrey shall not be subiect to any other Spirituall Iurisdiction, than that of the two bishops of Cambricke and Luyck, who, each man seuerally in his quarter, may take knowledge, and enquire onely of three seuerall things, as of contracts of H mariage, and other ceremonies thereunto belonging, of Testaments and Wils, and of mortuaries or dead mens goods, &c.
That they may not raise nor augment the spirituall state, without consent of the nobilitie and the townes, and may not alter nor change the state of the land.
That he may not ordaine nor appoint any officers in the countrey, but such as are naturally borne Braband [...]rs, and such as are lawfully borne, and not bastards, vnlesse it be in some small offices of little worth.
That those officers must sweare to be true and faithfull to the duke and the land.
That he must not vndertake nor make no warre, nor banding, nor cause the same to be done I against any man, without the counsell, will and consent of the townes and the countrey, and may not bring nor keepe any forrain soldiers in the land, without the consent of the states.
That he may not assemble the states of the countrey out of their owne territories, neyther are they bound to determine any thing out of the same: and that they may assemble together at all times when they will.
That he may not cause any man to be committed to prison, without information first had from the magistrate of the place, and no prisoner may be caried out of the countrey.
That he may stampe no money, but by the counsell, will, and consent of the states, and such like things.
That he may not giue nor graunt any pardon for killing of a man, before the parties grieued K be agreed withall. That he may not pardon any traitors to the land, nor any of their assistants, nor any that haue done any thing against the priuiledges and ioyfull entries of the land, without the consent of the states of the same.
And that if he doth or causeth any thing to bee done, contrary to the said priuiledges or charters, that then the vassals and subiects of the same are and shalbe discharged of all othes of saith and fidelitie, and from all dutie and obedience, vnlesse he make satisfaction and amends therein, and do recall and leaue off such abuse, and that they do accept of him and his gouernment againe: as you may read at large in the said printed booke of priuiledges.
Many such like priuiledges and charters the other prouinces do chalenge and claime to be giuen and granted them by contract made with Maximilian king of Romanes, vpon the 16 of L May in Anno 1488, as it appeareth in the 24 article of the same, and other accords and agreements in like cases made between the said prouinces: so that the chiefe lords and heires of the same may not do what they will, but must gouerne themselues according to the said charters, which they in euery place (before they be accepted and acknowledged for their lords) must sweare to keepe, obserue, and maintaine: so that the accepting and acknowledging of them by the subiects, and their othes, makes them princes, whereunto their birth preferreth them, and the minting of mony which they make in their names, and cast forth in the streets confirmeth them therein. Whereby it appeareth, that the Lords of the Netherlands are conditional by contracts, and like vnto a father and his children, and to a man and his wife: for betweene a man and his wife there are certain ceremonies vsed when they ioine together, and so is it with M a prince that is conditionall, which sweareth to hold & obserue certain ceremonies, laws, and conditions, for the good and welfare of the country and the common people, whereof he as a man ouer his wife is the head; and although there be no holier, faster, nor surer coniunction amongst men than mariage is, yet it is both by God and mans law to be dispenced withall.
[Page 339] By these freedomes and priuiledges, most part of the prouinces in the Netherlands haue bin ruled and gouerned for the space of fiue hundred yeares together, and there is not almost A any Nation in Europe to be found, that hath ruled so long and continually in one forme and manner of gouernment, vnlesse it be the Commonwealth of Venice: and the freedome of the gouernment of the Netherlands, is the cause and meanes of the authoritie of the States; and consequently of their prosperitie. And for that they haue not subiected themselues vnder the commaund, power and authoritie of any absolute king, therefore they acknowledge no other superior ouer them, than dukes, earles, and barons, with limitted and prescribed power, euery prouince after his owne priuiledges and conditions. For that they which in times past did valiantly serue, maintain, and vphold the said prouinces, and stoutly and couragiously defended them in their warres, did most commonly deserue and win the ciuill and politick gouernment B thereof; and to honor them for the same, obtained the names and titles of dukes, earles, and barons, &c. In regard whereof they haue had no greater nor absoluter authoritie ouer the subiects and inhabitants of the same, than such as at their entries and coronations were specified, declared, and set downe.
But as many heads or rulers cannot defend and preserue that which belongeth vnto them, so well as one alone, that hath good, well deuised, and politicke meanes; therefore necessitie compelled them to chuse and appoint amongst them a certaine small number of fit persons, to whom they gaue the commission, charge, and care to vphold and maintaine their priuiledges, and they in that behalfe were called by the names of the States, and by that means the people were diuided into three parts or members of the Commonwealth, as Spiritualtie, Nobilitie, and citizens or townesmen: and those protectors of their said priuiledges were called (being so C diuided) the second or third estates of the lands: as in Brabant, the foureteene Abbots represent the Spirituall state; the eighteene barons and the gentlemen of their houses represent the state of the Nobilitie; and the deputies of the foure head townes of Brabant, with their appendances, make the third estate, representing the whole commons of the Dutchie. The like doe they of Lutzenburgh, Henault, Artois, Namure, and Zeeland: Flanders representeth her estates by the foure members of the said Countie: Guelderland consisteth in barons, gentlemen, and townes: in Vtrecht the States are represented by the fiue Capitals, the gentlemen & townes: in Holland, Oueryssel, &c. the States consist of the ancient nobilitie and the townes: and in Friseland in another sort. So that these prouinces at all times, when they haue had no D lord, or such lords or princes as were incapable of gouernmēt, or els such as were vnder yeres, or not receiued and installed in their gouernment, were ruled and gouerned by the States aforesaid; whereby their gouernment may well be called Aristocratique, or paucorum potentia; wherein notwithstanding the superior lords and princes gouerning wel and wisely according to their priuiledges, may vse great authoritie, and do whatsoeuer they will, so it be well done: but doing the contrary, they are to be ordered by the States, and the States by the commons, that are diuided into handicrafts, guilds, and fellowships, which are ruled by their masters and wardens, whereby some men call it a mixed or composed gouernment.
The Netherlanders get their liuings most part by handiworks, marchandises, and seafaring, and that vprightlier and trulier than any other Nation, being compared together (as all Nations generally and vsually report of them) being a people much addicted to labor and getting E of riches, and therefore greatly desirous of peace, and haters of warre, patiently bearing any wrong or iniurie, and meeke in crosses and aduersities, but very iealous of their freedoms, and stubborne, hauing bin oftentimes deceiued: they are subtile, politicke and industrious in all things whereunto they apply their minds, hauing no prowd nor great conceit of themselues, as other Nations haue, and by that meanes are diligent, ready, and fit to learne any things of others, that may benefit them: which maketh them (hauing learned an occupation) to be great and willing trauellers, to see and visit other countries, to learne all kind of trades, and to speake diuers kinds of languages, hauing many both great and indifferent learned men in all arts and sciences within their countries, as also diuers godly, zealous, and religious persons, as many F things doe and will manifest the same. By these meanes aforesaid, they are become a rich, populous, and mightie people, to withstand so long and continuall a warre, and yet possesse but a small circuit of land, which notwithstanding is as full of great and mightie townes, as any land or countrey within Europe.
[Page 340] For the meaner sort of gentlemen, there are not many in the same: for that in regard that G the countrey is not great, therefore much land is inherited therein by such as haue beene rich bourgers and citizens of townes, and by the Spiritualtie, which the great zeale of the seruice of God hath caused: so that in diuers prouinces there hath beene order taken, that the Spiritualtie may not buy any lands or inheritances. And this hath beene the cause, that in some prouinces the number of the meaner sort of gentlemen is much diminished: and yet there is a great many of good gentlemen of auncient houses in euery prouince, which possesse great, indifferent, and smaller liuings, as many as in any other countrey whatsoeuer, yet more in one prouince than in another.
And for that there are no great number of meane gentlemen in the said prouinces, their lords or princes (tyrannously addicted) could not well brooke their subiects, but were forced to deale ciuilely. And it hath many times happened and fallen out, that the lords and H princes, by ouer-much prodigalitie, falling into great debt, sold, pawned, and made away all their lands, iurisdictions, and demaines, which by their rich subiects haue been bought, redeemed, and freed againe (wherein chiefely the common sort of people and the townes haue had the greatest hand) which done, they freely gaue them againe to their sayd lords and princes, vpon certaine conditions and contracts, which are called priuiledges and chatters, The lib [...]ralitie of th [...] Netherlād [...]s to their lords and princes. and were the causes to procure great and speciall friendship betweene the sayd princes and their subiects: but their successors forgetting those former fauours and forepassed good deeds, were by those conditions, charters, or priuiledges put in mind thereof, by the old or chiefe magistrates, states, counsellors, and officers, who, euery man entering into their offices, I did likewise sweare to obserue and maintaine the said priuiledges; and when they would not hearken vnto them by want of means and aid of any great number of meane gentlemen, their high minds, instabilitie, or tyrannies were cut off, shortened, and bridled, and yet notwithstanding did many times enter into armes, wherby also the tumultuous, disordered and vnbrideled manners and behauiors of the common people haue beene cooled and abated: so that by meanes of the priuiledges aforesaid, the said gouernment hath hitherto beene well maintayned, or equally ballanced, and may rightly be called a mixed or composed gouernment, participating with Monarchia, Aristocratia, and Democratia, contenting themselues with meane princes, as Dukes, Earles, and Barons, not absolute, but bound vnto their subiects by contract. K
These great authorities and priuiledges of the prouinces and states, did commonly much dislike the great and mightiest princes ruling ouer them; and amongst the rest, duke Philip the Good, and his sonne duke Charles the Valorous, which sought and intended to haue cut off and bridled the same: but to effect it, the goodnesse of the one, and the great troubles and businesse of the other, hindered their intents: whereunto there wanted no flatterers nor prouokers, which told and made them belieue, that they were not bound to any such priuiledges, and that their predecessors could not so strictly bind their successours, and especially to that, which they pretended to shew might be hurtfull vnto the subiects themselues. But to the contrary, there is a custome vsed in the said Netherlands, That they neuer acknowledge nor will install any of their superior lords and princes, before he personally sweareth, to hold and maintaine L all their said priuiledges: and vpon that condition they accept him, and swear to be true, faithfull, and obedient vnto him, and so receiue him into their townes and prouinces with great ioy and triumph. But how Maximilian of Austria sped in his high minded enterprises concerning this matter (vnder couerture and pretence of the protectorship of his son Philip) we haue alreadie shewed.
The like discontentment did the Emperor Charles euidently shew in Anno 1539, touching The emperour Charls thoght to haue reduced the Netherlands all into one kingdome. them of Gaunt, determining to cut off their priuiledges, which at that time fell not out as hee desired, by meanes of certaine persons that withstood him; for the which he punished many of them grieuously: and for that cause comming through France out of Spaine, hee intended to reduce all the prouinces in the Netherlands vnder one kingdome (which is called an absolute M authoritie) that is, euery prouince which now hath seuerall and speciall priuiledges and authorities, to bring them all vnder the gouernment of one kingdome, law, measure, and authoritie. But the Emperor being hindered herein by other busines and affaires that then fell out (as warres and such like troubles) he was constrained to leaue that vnto the discretion [Page 341] of his sonne king Philip, which he intending to do by the greedy and couetous desires of his A counsell (which vnderstood not the manners and customes of the Netherlands) to that end first concluded a peace with the king of France, and yet meant to keepe the Spanish souldiers, and other garrisons in the Netherlands, notwithstanding the peace agreed vpon throughout all their dominions: which garrisons the said Netherlands (by power and authoritie of their said priuiledges) not long after caused to retire and depart from thence. Secondly vnder pretence of furthering the Catholike religion, the Spaniards, and others the kings counsellors, being angry & offended, that they (by force of the said priuiledges of the Netherlands) could not obtaine any offices in those countries, thought it conuenient not to slacke any time to put the same in practise, and to make religion a cloake thereof, although by that which wee shall hereafter shew, manifest, and declare, it is easie and sufficiently to bee knowne and perceiued, Vnder pretence of religion othermeans were sought to take the priuiledges of the Netherlands from them. B that they by breaking of the priuiledges, sought not nor intēded any other things, than only to procure full power & absolute authoritie vnto themselues, and no religion, which they commonly set aside, when they perceiued it to be any hinderance vnto their pretended authoritie, whereby they (by raising a taxe of the tenth peny vpon euery mans goods and lands whatsoeuer, within the said Netherlands) thought to haue gathered such a treasure and great summe of money (far surpassing the yearely value that cometh out of Peru) that they would therwith haue inriched the king and all his subiects: as it shall appeare by the kings sentence, bearing date in anno 1576, whereby he declared all their freedomes and priuiledges, to be forfeited and lost, troubling and molesting the people thereby, to moue them to make certaine rebellions, and to rise vp in armes, and so to haue iust cause to dislike them, and by that meanes to enterprise that which he intended to do. C
The emperour Charles in anno 1521 (not respecting these priuiledges and freedoms of the Netherlands, and without the consent of the states of the said countries) at such time as Martin Luther first began to preach and teach against the pope and his doctrine, did for the aduancement of the Romish Catholike religion, and thereby to root vp and extirpe the said Luthers doctrine out of the Netherlands, sent forth most rigorous and cruell proclamations and commandements, generally against all sects and kinds of Religion, which were almost yearely renewed, and to the end, that not only the states of the land (that were not summoned nor called to the making thereof) but also the common people, should not dislike nor think amisse thereof, the said proclamations were grounded vpon pretence of punishing the wicked practises & D actions of sectaries and hereticks (without any difference) as against men liuing without rule, order, or law: as also not acknowledging the magistrat, whose authority by their false learning they sought to annihilat, & imbase, in containing in their doctrine al heresies of times past, and such like reasons, as in the said proclamations may at large be seene: so that they were in force and authoritie, before euer the states did once confirm them, and the rather, for that they were greatly furthered, by the pope and the spiritualtie, as tending to the obedience of the mother church of Rome, and generally at the first there was no complaint made but of particular meane persons.
By force of these proclamations, no man might haue, buy, giue, beare, read, communicate, nor dispute of the doctrine, writings, or books, made by Martin Luther, Wicklife, Swinglius, Melancthon, and such like, in any language whatsoeuer; nor yet confer nor dispute with any man, E touching the holy scriptures, nor to read them before others, vnlesse they were diuines, or doctors, or such as were thereunto lawfully permitted. No man might secretly receiue into his house, lodge, feed, victuall, apparell, nor furnish with money, any suspected persons, but must presently bring them forth, vpon paine of forfeiture of life and goods: The men to bee beheaded, and the women to be buried quicke within the ground, if they recanted their opinions, and denied the same: but if they would not, but remained firme and constant in their religion, then they were condemned to be burnt, and made incapable to dispose their goods, either by gift, testament, or any otherwise.
By force, power, and authoritie of these proclamations, there were in Charles the emperors F time, aboue fiftie thousand people put to death, by seuerall torments, as beheaded, drowned, hanged, buried quicke, and burnt, as some men write: and at the first many were executed for small matters, as for that they had simply eaten flesh, vpon daies forbidden, as also that they had had, and read books, accounted heretical, although in their consciences they condemned and [Page 342] disallowed of the said doctrine: and priests and monks which (to auoid fornication) had maried G wiues, and many for that they had beene in companie with some of the Anabaptists of Munster, and yet knew them not to be such; and such like faults (so accounted by them) as by diuers books thereof made and printed, you may at large perceiue. Besides this persecution (yet not much auailing, because the knowledge and inquirie thereof rested in the temporall judges) the emperor thought good, that the Inquisition, after the maner of Spaine, should be appointed to be kept and obserued in the Netherlands which was first brought into Spain, to be executed against the Moors, Saracens, & Iewes of Granada, ofter they were subdued by the Spaniards; without the which Inquisition they perceiued, that many men (specially such as could behaue themselues warily and closely) could not for religion be once touched nor hurt concerning body and goods, without witnesses produced against them, to haue offended against H the proclamation, nor yet (contrary to the rights and customes of the land) might be put to torture, to make them confesse any thing against themselues: and therefore in the end it was deuised, that the spiritualtie should haue the charge thereof, and to haue power to examine men touching their faith, and what they knew of other men, thereby thinking to procure an absolute power vnto the emperor, and to exalt the authoritie of the spiritualtie.
This maner of proceeding seemed ouer rigorous and cruell vnto the Netherlands, & cleane contrarie to the priuiledges, rights, and freedoms of the same, who in that point ought not to haue been subiect to any spirituall iurisdiction: and the rather, because the number of the said Lutherans, Protestants, or reformed religious persons (as then so termed) were much augmented and increased in the Netherlands, because their neighbors held and accounted them, and I such as they were, to be Christians, and who so persecuted them, they accounted & esteemed to be their persecutors and enemies; with which their neighbors & countries bordering vpon them, they did daily traffique and conuerse: whereby it happened, that when the emperour Charls the 5, in anno 1550, would haue brought the Inquisition into the Netherlands. The said prouinces, and aboue all Brabant, and specially the towne of Antuerpe, were against it, esteeming it to be the only way to driue all forrein merchants from thence: and by meanes thereof they got Mary queen of Hungarie, the regent (in loue & fauor of the Netherlands) to ride personally (to the assembly of the princes of Germany at Ausburg) vnto the emperour her brother, The Inqu [...]tion n [...]t suffered to proceed in the Netherlāds▪ oy means of Mary queen of Hungarie. shewing him by word of mouth the estate & maner of the land, and there obtained a kind of moderation of the proclamation for religion, and that the Inquisition should not proceed. K Which great and good worke of the said good queen, was taken in such euil part of the Inquisitors of Spaine, that they wrot out of Spaine to accuse her for an heretick vnto the emperour her brother: whereas therby she held the said countries in such good order and wel-liking of their prince, that they denied him no maner of taxes, nor other impositions whatsoeuer in his need, as also after vnto king Philip his son, to whom (although a certaine forme of Inquisition was in his time vsed in Flanders) they contributed towards his warres in France (although the said wars proceeded not vpon any occasion concerning the Netherlands) many millions of gulderns, in the space of 9 yeares. We haue before made mention in diuers places of the numbers of them that made profession of the reformed religion, the which increased daily both in Germany & the Netherlands, notwithstanding the kings rigorous edicts, made by the persuasion L of the clergy, who sought by al means possible to suppresse & ruine them: for the effecting whereof, in the end, they found no better expedient, among all they could inuent, but for the putting of the said edicts in execution, according to their forme, and with al rigor, they should appoint & make choice of certaine Inquisitors of the faith, who should haue a carefull regard, Inquisitors of the Faith made that not any one should read or keep in his house, any booke mentioned in the edict, containing a catalogue of all the forbidden books; and that no man should dispute of the Romish religion, to contradict it in any sort. For the execution whereof they began to appoint throughout all the Netherlands, such like Inquisitors, with ample commission & absolute authority in that respect; notwithstanding the promises which the king of Spaine had made, no to charge his subiects with any such a burthen & intollerable yoke. The promise being vnderstood by M the Inquisitors & other clergie men, they persuaded the king, that his authoritie was contemned, & that there was no other means to preserue & maintain it, but in establishing the ful execution of the Inquisition. But as they had wel seen, and experience had taught them, that notwithstanding all their practises, for aboue 40 yeares, yet they could neuer put it in execution: [Page 343] they resolued therefore so to disguise this businesse, as they would not doubt to bring it to the A same effect, but vnder another colour & pretext, the which should be mannaged so cunningly, as the people shold be ingaged & snared in the Inquisition, before they should discouer it, seeing they could not attaine vnto it openly: the which came vnto the knowledge of the lords of the countrey, notwithstanding all their secret practises. This was the deuise. Doctor Francis Sonnius, a diuine of Louuaine, at the instance of cardinal Granuelle and his ministers of the Inquisition, was sent to pope Paul the 4, to giue him to vnderstand, that the Netherlands were within these few yeres greatly augmented & inriched in people and wealth: and that the diocesses of bishopricks, had such large limits & ample iurisdictions, as it was not possible for the bishops, being so few, to haue a fit care of their flock, with other such like informations: for the which the pope, as supreme pastor, should be intreated to prouide; after that he had represented B vnto him the map & description of al the said countries, with a roll of the qualities, welth, and bounds of all the clergy, besides the diuersitie of tongs which were intermixt with them. Wherfore Sonnius being at Rome, furnished with instructions and directions from cardinall Granuelle, he intreated that it would please his holinesse, to cut off that which did exceed in great & antient bishopricks, and to diuide it among new, the which he should erect in diuers places of the said countries, whereas there had neuer been any, fitting euery one to the naturall language of the countrey: and to supply the want of entertainment of the new bishops, hee should appropriat & incorporat vnto their bishopricks, not the least, but the richest & most sufficient abbies, priories, prouostships, & other good benefices. The pope consented easily, the 19 of March 1559, and granted this request of the Inquisitors & priuat clergy men of the Netherlands, C without calling or hearing of the antient bishops, which were foure, Cambray, Arras, Tournay, and Vtrecht; so as besides these foure, there were 14 new created, & among them three archbishops, of whom all the rest should depend, and be no more subiect vnto them, to whom in old time they were wont to resort. So for the three seats of the three new archbishops were appointed Macklyn, Cambray, & Vtrecht. Macklyn a good & a goodly towne, scituated in the midst of the duchy of Brabant, and as it were in the center of the 17 Belgicke prouinces, which was wont to be of the diocesse of Liege, should be the Metropolitane of all, wherof the archbishop should be called the Primat of Belgia. Cambray also a faire & a strong town, seated betwixt the frontiers, Picardie, Arthois, and Henault, depending before vpon the archbishoprick of Rheims in Champaign. Vtrecht lies betwixt Holland, the country of Geldres & Ouerissel, D was wont to be vnder the archbishop of Cologne. Of new bishopricks in Brabant, were made Antuerpe and Boisleduke, which were wont to resort to Liege and to Cambray respectiuely. In Flanders Gand and Bruges, of the bishopricke of Tournay, and Ypre (although Ypre had beene erected before, being issued from that of Teroane, rased in France.) In Arthois, besides Arras an antient bishoprick, the towne of S. Omer, issued also from that of Teroane, with that of Bologne vpon the sea, which is in France: of which onely bishoprick of Teroane, were erected these 3, of S. Omer, Bologne, & Ypre, besides the town of Namur, for that quarter & the countie of Namur, the which in former time depended vpon Liege. In Holland Harlem, in Zeeland Middelburg, before of the dioces of Vtrecht. In Friseland Leeuwaerden. For the Groningois and countrey of Wedde, the towne of Groningen, before also vnder Vtrecht. E In Geldres, Ruremonde, belonging vnto Liege. And in Ouerissel Deuenter, the which was wont both for the temporal & spiritual iurisdiction, to belong vnto the princes & bishops of Vtrecht. Vnder which three archbishopricks, that is to say, vnder Macklyn, should be submitted, the bishopricks of Antuerp, Boisleduke, Ruremonde, Gand, Bruges, and Ypre. Vnder that of Cambray, Arras, S. Omer, Tournay, and Namur. And vnder Vtrecht, Deuenter, Harlem, Leeuwaerden, Middelbourg, & Groningen. The cardinall of Granuelle took the archbishoprick of Macklyn for his share; wherunto was incorporat the abbey of Affleghem, the best in Brabant, the which was wont to be worth to his priuat prelat 50000 florins of yearely rent. Vigilius Aita of Zuychem, president of the counsell of state, being a widower, retained for his part the bishoprick of Gand, with the prouostship of S. Bauon. The chancellor Nigry, a high F Burguignon (who could not speake three words of the country language) had Antuerp, with the abby of S. Bernard. Doctor Sonnius had Boisleduke, with the abbey of Tongrelo. Martinu [...] Rithonius had Ypre, with the abbey of S. Martin. Claude of Americort, before abbot of S. Bertin had S Omer, with the prouostship of Watenes. Petrus Druthius, had Bruges, with the prouostship of S. Donas. Anthony Hanet, a Iacobin of Arras, had Namur, with the tithes and Monasteries [Page 344] of the same countie. Nicholas van N [...]eulands, or Noua terra, had Harlem, with the abbey of G Egmont. Nicholas of Castro, had Middelbourg, with the abbey of S. Peter in Zeeland. Cunnerus Petr [...] had Leeuwaerden, with the abby of Ma [...]iengaerden & Lidden. Iames Ruiff had Groningen, with Golswaert. Guliel [...]us Damasi Lin [...]anus had Ruremonde, with the regulers. Frie [...] Giles vander Bergh, a Franciscan, had Deuenter, with the Prouostship of S. Lievin. Behold how all these new bishopricks were distributed, and enriched with the best spirituall liuings of the countrey; the collation & presentation whereof, should belong vnto the king of Spaine, & the confirmation vnto the pope. It was also decreed▪ that there should be nine prebendaries, three for learned diuines, three for doctors of the ciuile law, and three for the canon, vpon condition, that they should do their duties, and yeeld all assistance to the bishops, in the execution of the Inquisition. H
Before we passe any farther, for that we haue much to speake of cardinall Granuelle, whom Th [...] li [...] of card [...]l [...] many haue held to be the author, aduancer, and nourisher of the troubles of the Netherlands, you must vnderstand, that he was called Anthony Perrenot, his grandfather (for farther it is not knowne) was a smith at Noze [...]oy, a towne in Bourgoigne, whose name is supp [...]est, for that it His [...]randfather. was of so base a stile. His father was Nicholas Perrenot (who first tooke vpon him the name of Granuelle, of a seigniorie which he had bought) hauing beene first a simple clearke, and afterwards H [...]s father. a subtill & [...] atturney, following the court of parliament at Dole, who for his quick wit, by the recommendation of the chancellor of Bourgoigne, was aduanced to be secretarie to the ladie Marguerite dowager of Sauoy, aunt to the emperor Charls thes, whereas he carried himselfe so well, as after the death of the said chancellor, he came to serue the emperour, not I only in qualitie of a secretarie, but as a chiefe councellor; and so by little & little he grew into such credit▪ as in regard of him al the rest were not esteemed, as it may be wel seen in the raigne of the said emperor: so as he had good meanes to gather together great treasure, the which he left vnto his children, but the greatest part, with his credit, came vnto the cardinall, whom he had bred vp from his youth at schoole, in many sciences, wherein with his naturall wit he did so profit, as the father finding him capable of great affairs, presented him to the emperor: but in steed of prouing a wise and vertuous man, ill applying his knowledge, he grew, through the corruption of his nature, cunning, craftie, peruerse & counterfeit, hauing a foxes spirit, and the courage of a lion. This man, as he was ambitious beyond all measure, seeking onely his owne greatnesse with a disordinat & tyranous appetite, hunting after honor and wealth, although it K were to the great preiudice of his masters & their subiects, yet could he cloke it with an hypocriticall shew & care of the commonweale, of his masters seruice, and the preseruation of the Romish religion. By the first he got into his hands the absolute managing of the kings affaires and of his countries, yea euen of those that were most secret, & of greatest importance, possessing the kings person wholy, applying himselfe so vnto his humors, as the king held nothing wel said or done, if it came not out of the cardinalsshop. As he vsed great art to inth [...]onise himselfe in the only managing of all affaires of importance, so did he vse no lesse subtil [...]ie to maintaine [...]is [...] to h [...]ue th [...] king [...] of [...]s cou [...]sel. himselfe in this absolute credit; for he had so managed the kings affaires, and with such dexteritie, as he had alwayes great need of him, for the direction therof, the which he continued or surceased, aduanced or recoyled, as he thought good. And moreouer, he had a free power L (by counterfeit deuises) to disguise matters at his pleasure. Such is the common rule of such treacherous ministers, be they in war or peace, to draw their princes to that necessitie, as they must alwayes stand in need of them, to the end they may be imployed, whereby they shal reap more credit and profit. He practised by the meanes of some of the chiefe of the Spanish counsell, whom he had corrupted by presents, to haue the king call the duchesse of Parma, his base sister, to the gouernment of the Netherlands, for that being a woman, a stranger & vnacquainted with those affaires, he might rule more absolutely: wherein he shewed his subtile wit, procuring the king to limit the duchesses power, when she came into the Netherlands, That she should grant no pardon, office, estate, benefice, nor any thing else, nor make any dispatch nor resolution in matters of state iustice, nor religion but with the cardinals aduice and counsell, which shee should M wholy follow: Hauing giuen the king secretly to vnderstand, that yet she had not knowledge of affaires, and therefore she might be often abused and erre And. so he held the duchesse of Parma subiect to his will, who durst not but gratifie him in any thing that hee pl [...]ased, so as shee would not meddle nor take knowledge of the quarrell the noblemen had against him a little before his departure. And he had so won her by his policies, as she not only made wonderfull [Page 345] great esteeme of him, but did also aduertise the king by her letters, of his deep knowledge, wisdome, dexteritie, diligence, & loyaltie, in all that did concerne the gouernment of those countries A & seigniories. To auoid enuie in court, which might grow by his excessiue credit, being a man but of a base stock, his vse was, to aduance to the chiefe places of importance and credit How he preuented the enuy of the cou [...] in court, those only that were his creatures, and assured vnto him by long experience, to frustrat them that he desired not. And such as he aduanced, he knew to bee tractable, or rather simple and grosse witted: for they that were cunning, how wise and graue soeuer, must not attend any thing, fearing least they should discouer his policie. Being preferred, he drew them wholy by these meanes to be at his deuotion, and to bind them more strictly, he made them (as some said) to take an othe to be faithful and secret vnto him. Thus hee fashioned them to his owne mould, some for hope of gaine, others through ambition to be great, or for feare to displease B him. Among all others Vigilius Aita was the chiefe, whom he had aduanced to bee keeper of the seales (though they were at his disposition) so as al matters were resolued on & determined by them two. The gaine & spoiles of miserable suters, was diuided equally betwixt them, according to the register, which their carefull broker Morillon kept. The cardinall sent all matters to Vigilius, and he did nothing but what it pleased him to command, were it to answere petitions, to write vnto the king, or to moue the gouernesse, and therefore hee had made him president of the priuie counsell, that hee might haue him alwayes readie and obedient vnto him in that charge. Besides this league with Vigilius, he had intelligence with some of the chief of the treasure, of the chamber of accounts, of the great counsell at Macklyn, and of all other prouinces, yea with some magistrats of townes, to the end hee might leaue nothing out of his power. C Yet was he not sufficiently assured, if he did not draw some of the noblemen & knights of the order, to his partie, to oppose them against the prince of Orange, and the earls of Egmont and Horne. The first was Barlamont, a counsellor of state, as himselfe, and besides chief of the treasure; who being by nature couetous & ambitious, had many children, whom hee desired also to aduance, wherein the cardinall might crosse him: so as the earle of Aremberg, his brother in law, consented with him, but yet so, as he would not loose the friendship of the other noble men of the contrarie faction. The duke of Arschot followed them in this ranke, & the marques of Renty, his brother, did accompany him. Hee had many prelats at his deuotion, Francis Richardot, bishop of Arras, was his creature, and all the new bishops which he had lately forged, but aboue all, the archbishop of Cambray. But omitting a long discourse of the subtilties and The cardinal [...] priuat life. D practises of this cardinall, to make himselfe and his creatures great, and to maintain himself, per fas vel nefas, without any respect, neither of his princes seruice, the commonweal, iustice, good order, no nor yet of religion, the which serued him as a cloke with a double lining, when as in heart he was a very Atheist. We will come to his priuat life, and consider in particular how dissolute, lasciuious, and detestable it hath been, euen to his old age, we shall find nothing but villanie, filthinesse, infamie, and the most polluted, stinking, & abhominable vices, that euer were written of any o [...]her. His luxury, adulteries, insupportable pride, with his other goodly vertues His adultery & luxury. and like perfections of bodie and mind, made him to be chased out of Milan, Rome, and Naples, and yet it did nothing impaire his credit in the court of Spaine; so as whilest he laboured to torment the Netherlands by his letters & instructions, he purchased (to his great dishonor, E and vnrecouerable losse to the king his master) this goodly prouerbe:
His life was so dissolute and so publick, as his house was a sinke of all filthinesse and villany. And as he was a great enemy to them that beat down images, it seemed he had some cause; for he made so great account of them, as in all parts of his house (vnder colour that hee was a great louer of the art of Statuary, or making of images, and of rare & antike peeces) there were to be F seen many images & pictures, aswell cast as carued & printed, the most lasciuious and vnchast that euer were seen, both of men & women naked. Besides in his cabinet, or studie, vnder the figures of Venus, Pallas, Iuno, Ceres, &c. he had drawne naked, and to the life, the best qualified ladies, gentlewomen, and good bourgesses, which he had abused. Of the sumptuousnes of his [Page 346] lodging, his delicat meats and his prouocations to luxurie, there is nothing spoken, for that G they were not knowne to euery one that haunted his house. Moreouer, in shewing himselfe His inchantments and witchcr [...]t. curious of the works of nature, and of the Mathematikes, he did honestly cloke his coniuring, wherein he was his crafts master, with the which hee mingled witchcraft, sorcerie, and poysoning, the which he could vse cunningly, hauing giuen a dram of his drugs, by his masters commandement, vnto that good prince Maximiltan the 2, when as hee was but king of Romans, as the said cardinall confest vnto his friends, but he durst not publish it, fearing the crueltie of his master. And afterwards he posted from Naples to Rome, to poison that young nobleman of great hope, Charles the prince of Cleues, onely for that hee made a little difficultie to kisse the popes pantofle. And this reuerent robber (I would say pillar) of the church, shewed himselfe so zealous of the word of God, as ordinarily he made a iest of it; as when hee H would proue that poore men should eat grosse meats, and the rich, as himselfe, delicat & beasts with small feet, he proued it, saying that verse of the Magnificat: Esurientes impleuit bouis, & diuites His contempt of the word of God. dimisit in aues, peruerting the words of bonis and inanes.
Behold what our cardinall of Granuelle was, what his life, and by what maner of man the Netherlands haue been gouerned, the nobilitie disgraced, the subiects pilled and ruined, and the troubles raised, by whom the king suffered himselfe to be abused and misled, to the spoyle of his subiects, and the desolation of his countries. Such an one was he, who called himself the prop and supporter of the Romish church. I protest here, that what I haue said, is not to teare his bones out of his graue, nor in malice of his prosperitie and greatnesse, and much lesse to detract from him or his race, whose remainder I would wish they might hereafter grow in all I vertue and better carriage, than the said cardinall; but onely to let the world know, in whose hands these good people haue planted the health both of bodie and soule, and that by his example they should take heed of the like, who by the like meanes would haply aspire to the same end that he did. But let vs returne to the course of our hystorie.
These creations of new bishops, and incorporations of the best benefices, ministred matter of murmure and discontent to many of all qualities; as an innouation brought in without the consent of the states and townes, euery one speaking according to his passions, yet truly. And although they did their best endeauours to install them in their bishoprickes, and to mortifie this feare and opinion of the people: yet could they neuer satisfie their minds, nor yet the Estates, Gouernours, Magistrates, and Officers of townes and prouinces in generall: who were K the more incensed, for that they saw them that were named, to be Inquisitors, or Diuines of Louuaine, and the rest, vnfit to preach the word of God (although they made a brag, that this point was the chiefe cause of this change) but accustomed to affaires of state, and the gouernment of Princes, Countries, and Commonweales; as Granuelle, Vigilius and Nigry: so as they had reason to doubt that they would circumuent them, and couertly intrap them with the inquisition of Spaine: And that which did the more encrease this feare and apprehension; in court they had no good audience giuen them, and small hope of redresse for any griefes or complaints that they could make: but contrariwise they did perceiue that they meant to proceed, vsing all the practises they could.
Hereupon the earle of Horne, admirall of the Netherlands, thinking to do the king a gratefull L seruice, writ vnto him the nineteenth of December 1561, aduertising him, That the states of Brabant were resolued to send certain deputies vnto him, in the name of their abbots, who would by no meanes consent, that their abbeyes should be incorporate to these new bishoprickes, besides other complaints, which the states of other prouinces did for that time passe ouer with silence: That both the French and Germanes maintained, that it was not in the Popes power to take from them, or cut off their spirituall iurisdictions; especially when it is done without the consent of the archbishop of Rheims and Cologne: That besides the Germans did alledge, That although the emperour had consented thereunto, yet might it not bee done without the liking and approbation of the princes electors, and the states of the empire. The French said also, That although the archbishop of Rheims (who was then the cardinall M of Lorraine, a great supporter of the Inquisition) had giuen his consent, yet must they also haue a grant from the French king, as patron, protecter, and defender of the realme, and of the rights and priuiledges of the French church. That the reasons which they produced made the people to murmure, seeing they attempted these things without the consent of the Germane [Page 347] and French nations, in the middest wherof the Netherlands did lie, who should not be A able of themselues to make head against one of them. Behold the substance of the earle of Hornes aduertisement to the king, with diuers others that were sent from other places, to preuent it in time. Notwithstanding all which aduertisements and reasons, sent vnto the king and his counsell of Spaine, many of these new bishops were installed, and put in reall possession of the churches, appointed to them, not demanding the consent of the townes: but they promised the people wonders, to the end they should suffer them. In this manner (besides the bishop of Ypre) were installed and put in possession, the bishops of Bruges and Namur, of S. Omer, of Harlem, of Middelbourg, finally the archbishop of Macklyn, and, a long time after the rest, hee of Boisleduke, all with great danger of some reuolt and sedition of the inhabitants of townes, making publike demonstration, that they would not endure, that contrarie to their antient B freedomes and priuiledges, they should be opprest by such insupportable innouations of bishops, Inquisition, and ecclesiasticall iurisdiction. They would haue done the like in other townes, but they durst not attempt it, fearing these speaches of the people, who withall vsed some threats, to kill them the first day they should make their entries. Mens hearts being alreadie distracted and withdrawne from the clergy and their doctrine, were vpon this cause much more incensed, as well in townes, as generally ouer all; so as it was then to be feared, least the commons should wreake their spleene vpon the priests.
During this perplexitie of the people, for the innouation of new bishops (which made the The clergie at debate for the new bishops. clergie odious to all men) the prelats themselues, and other church-men, did not agree: for the antient archbishops & bishops, whose iurisdictions and preheminences they did restraine and C cut off (whereof the most part are depending of the empire, and princes thereof, as Cologne, Liege, Vtrecht, and Cambray) with the chapters & parishes, which they erected into cathedral churches, as also those of the abbies & other prebendarie dignities, made great cōplaints: some grieuing that they tooke away the limits of the empire, others, that they sought to bring in a new and neuer heard of subiection, and to alter or take from them their antient foundations, possessions, and exemptions, without any cause or colour at al, but for the profit of some priuat men, who sought nothing but to inrich themselues. Among which discontentments of the clergie, the three chiefe abbies of Brabant, Tongrelo, S. Bernard, & Affleghem (whose abbots were lately deceased) did most repine: for notwithstanding all the pursute they made in court, they could not be admitted to chuse new abbots, according to the antient customs & priuiledges D of the said abbies. And vpon their petition, which they did exhibit in Spain vnto the king himselfe, by their deputies (who had reserued such matters vnto himself, according to the practise of our cardinall) being sent back vnto the court of the Netherlands, answere was made them, by an apostile of the 27 of Februarie 1562, That they should be satisfied, that they had prouided them good prelats, & that they should thank God, that they did honour their prelat with the title of a bishop. And this was all they could obtaine at that time.
The magistrat of Antuerpe was in the meane time in great perplexitie, by reason of the cessation of traffique, & other inconueniences which they feared, doubting also that the reception of a bishop, would bring in with it the Inquisition of Spain. On the one side they were importuned by the commons to maintaine them in their priuiledges, liberties, & rights: and on E the other side they were prest by the court, to vse their best means to instal the bishop, without any inconuenience, as the rest had bin admitted in other townes. To satisfie both the one and the other, they gaue the court of Brussels to vnderstand at large, by writing, the dangers & inconueniences that were to be feared by this new episcopal election, in a town of so great traffique, so greatly peopled, and frequented by diuers forein nations, for that they feared chiefly, that the Inquisition was hidden vnder it, wherewith they had promised them they should neuer be troubled nor molested. To the which answer was made by an apostile, the 23 of Ianuary 1562, that they meant not to bring in the Inquisition, nor to preiudice them in any thing, but rather to fauor them: notwithstanding they would send their request into Spaine, to the king; whereunto answer was made by the king, conformable to the said apostile of the court F at Brussels. But the magistrat finding that the merchants and burgesses were so troubled, as it seemed the apparent ruine of the towne was at hand, by some tumult and popular sedition; they addressed themselues againe to the Gouernesse, who sent them as before, vnto the king. Whereupon they sent the seignior Godfrey Sterck Ampiman of the towne, and the seigniors [Page 348] of V [...]ssel and Wezebeeck, into Spaine (vnder pretext of some other affaires, least their passage G should be prohibited) deputies for them vnto the king, doing their best indeuors in the meane time to contain the merchants, bourgesses & common people in their duties. Being arriued in Spaine, & hauing deliuered their charge by mouth vnto the K. himself, and presented their instructions Deputies sent from Antu [...]rpe to the king of Sp [...]ne, touching the bishops by writing, the same answer was made vnto them, that before, as well by mouth, as afterwards by writing. Wherupon the said deputies shewed vnto the K. that the people murmured, that by the popes buls the Inquisition lay hidden vnder this episcopall introduction, and that they could not otherwise persuade the marchants, both naturall borne, and strangers, whereon vndoubtedly depended the totall ruine of this rich & florishing town; with many other reasons to that purpose: beseeching his Maiestie to giue them leaue to stay so long in his court, vntill they might vnderstand their minds, to see if there were any meanes to satisfie his Maiesties intention, and to maintaine the towne in her estate, the which was granted them: H Whereupon they informed the magistrat & counsell of Antuerp: who hauing seen what their deputies did write vnto them, did charge them with new instructions, according to the which they shewed again the inconuenience, which by this introduction of a bishop, might happen in the said towne, alledging some meanes, whereby it seemed they might satisfie the K. intention, & not put this innouation in effect. And for the last remedy, they besought his Ma [...]that it would please him to make one bishop for all Brabant, holding his residence at Louuaine, who shold haue no more iurisdiction in Antuerp, than their diocesan the bishop of Cambray had had: the which request the deputies did also exhibit in writing: But hearing that, as in the former, they should be sent back vnto the Netherlands, to be ordered: according to their instruction I they besought his Maiestie, that in that case it would please him to take the aduice of the knights of the order, of the counsellors and states of Brabant, with other prouinces. But notwithstanding any instance they could make in 5 moneths, they could haue no other answere. In the meane time the Amptman, hauing bin some time sick, & recouered againe, after that he had receiued a verball assurance from the K. own mouth, That the town of Antuerpe should not be charged with the Inquisition, he departed with his Maiesties leaue, & returned to Antuerpe. The like was said long after vnto the two other deputies, & in the end they were dismissed the 2 of August 1563, with an apostile, That his Maiestie, for good respects, would for a time surcease his matter of Antuerp, as in truth it was, vntil the yeare 1564. In the meane time these great alterations and discontentments increased howerly in the Netherlands, as well against K the cruel persecutions of them of the religion, as against the bishops & the Inquisition; so as nothing could be expected, but extrcame desolation & pitifull massacres, if they were not preuented in time. This businesse was propounded in the counsel of state at Brussels, whereas the gouernors of prouinces, & the knights of the order, laid open plainly vnto the duchesse of Parma, Gouernesse, & president of the counsel, al the difficulties & dangers that might ensue: which they hauing well considered of, they found that all these inconueniences did partly grow, for that the king was not duly informed of the estate of affairs, & that they in whom he did most rely (that is to say the cardinall Granuelle) would haue all things passe according to their own priuat passions, yeelding nothing to the counsel of others. It was therfore decreed in the said counsell, by the Gouernesse & noblemen, that one of the knights of the order should L go vnto the king, & informe him amply of the state, and all the occurrents of the country. According The lord of Mon [...] sent [...]to Spain. to which resolution, the baron of Montigny, went into Spain, in August 1562, where hauing exposed his charge vnto the king, & had diuers conferences with his Maiestie, touching these affaires, some moneths after he returned, ful of hope, good words, and promises. But matters continued still in these innouations, contrary to the aduice of the chiefe lords, who were also much discontented; so as in the end the prince of Orange, with the earls of Eg [...]ont 1563 and Horne, w [...]t vnto the king, the 11 of March 1563; That the chiefe cause of all the mischief Letters of compl [...]int vnt [...] [...] [...]g, ag [...] the cardinall. was, for the excessiue credit, & too great authoritie, which the cardinall Granuelle did arrogat vnto himselfe in the managing of the affairs of the Netherlands, the which should neuer be to his Maiesties content, & as he desired, so long as the cardinal should haue to do in it, for that he M was therby growne odious to all the world; intreating his Ma. to preuent it speedily, else they did not see any other thing, but an entire ruine & desolation of the countrey. And to the end his Ma. by the suggestion or report of any other, should not think that what they had said, was for ambition, or their own priuat interest, they besought him to dismisse them from the assembly [Page 349] of the counsel of state, if his Ma. thought it good, holding it neither fit nor conuenient for his Ma. seruice, nor for their reputations, to continue any longer there so discontented as they A were, with the said cardinall. And in the end they intreated, that their aduertisment might bee taken in good part by his Ma. and that he would beleeue, that what they did, was for a true zeale they had to his seruice, and for the discharge of their duties.
Wherunto the king answered them the 6 of Iune; That he was well assured, that what they The kings answer. did aduertise him by their letters, proceeded from a good zeale and affection which they bare vnto his seruice, whereof hee had long since made good triall: but it was not his custome to change his seruants without good reason, seeing that by their letters they did not set down any particular occasions, &c. Wherunto the noblemen replied the 29 of Iune; That their intention was not to frame any action before his Ma. against the cardinall, but they did hope that the The noblemens reply. B simple aduertisement which they gaue him, without any forme of charge or accusation, shold be a sufficient inducement to moue him to meditate of some honorable & good meanes of satisfaction to the iust complaints of his good subiects; imploying the cardinall in other affairs, whereas, according to his vocation and profession, he might serue more profitably. They said they had no intent to charge the cardinal, but rather to discharge him, yea of a burthen, which was not only extraordinarie and vnfit for him, but which could not long remaine in his hands without feare of trouble and great inconueniences. And if in their former letters they had not specified any occasions, it was not for want of matter, nor pregnant reasons, but for that they held it not fit, to fall into more bitternesse against him: yet if it pleased his maiestie to be better informed, they should find matter ynough, and too much, whereon his faithfull subiects did C ground their complaints. And their desire was, that his Maiestie would enquire more amply of others that were not suspect, whereby his Maiesty might comprehend, that it was not without good and iust cause, that the commons did greeue, and if there were no other occasion, but the generall murmuring of the countrey against him, it was a sufficient testimonie, that his presence & great authoritie was too dangerous, and therefore not to be imploied. Which considered, & seeing the smal seruice which they could do in the counsel of state, with the wrongs disgraces, and affronts, which they endured; they besought his Maiesty to excuse them, if they came no more there, vntill some other course were taken, that should bee held most fit for his seruice, and the good of the commonweal: in the mean time they would not faile to discharge their duties faithfully in their gouernments, or in any thing that it should please the Gouernesse to command, or should haue need of their aduice out of the said counsell of state, &c. D
Notwithstanding al these admonitions, nothing followed: and as the practises of the clergy did grow more & more odious, so the number of the Protestants increased daily, notwithstanding al their persecutions, the which in the end were so abhorred of al the world, as they might easily perceiue, that this feare of bishops and Inquisition, nor the rigor of their edicts, was no longer to be endured. And then brake out openly the diuision betwixt the nobles (which had lyen long smothered) hauing the chiefe gouernment of the affaires of the countrey: for that they which would gouerne all alone (wherof the cardinall was chiefe) could not endure that the princes & knights of the order, being with them in the counsell of state, should propound any mildnesse or moderation of affairs, to the kings content, and the preseruation of the commonweale, E without these rigors & innouations, which made them to absent themselues from the counsell of state. And withal the cardinal did continually bite and iniure these noblemen, calling some fools, others Lutherans, with other reproches: in reuenge wherof, some attired their seruants in fools coats, and caps with coxcombs, others with quiuers of arrowes, importing some league, carrying their hats turned vp in despight of the cardinall, and of his faction. The cardinall informed the king of all this, and made his profit therof. This dissention among the nobles, made the perplexitie of the commons greater, who began to bee much discontented, seeing that they did not imbrace this businesse resolutely as they ought. The Gouernesse priuie to this diuision, sent her secretary Armenteros vnto the king; at whose returne the cardinal (being called away) went into Spaine; where being resident, if he euer did bad office in the F Netherlands, against the noblemen, and generally against the whole commonweale, hee did The cardinal called back into Spaine. now much worse, interpreting all things to the worst construction. In the meane time the persecutions ceased not throughout all the countrey, against them of the religion, but were more violent than euer, not without great danger to the magistrats & officers of iustice, during the [Page 350] time they did their publike executions; at which times the people did commonly mutine, casting G stones against the sergeants & executioners: as it happened at that time, at the execu [...]ion The p [...]ution o [...] [...] [...]ster. of C. Fabr [...], a minister in Antuerpe, hauing bin in former times a Carmelite, he was betraied by a certain woman, who made a shew to beare a great zeale vnto religion; hauing [...]dured long imprisonment, & many miseries, in the end he was condemned to be burnt aliue. And as the Marcgraue, with the bailife his lieutenant, hauing brought him to the place, went to execute him: the people hauing first song Psalms, fell to casting of stones against the executioner, and his seruant: neither was the Marcgraue nor his lieutenant free from touch, notwithstanding any helpe they called for of the burgesses & the sworne companies, who would not stir; so as the poore patient being bound, and fire beginning to be set to, the Marcgraue and his lieutenant, not daring to stay any longer, fled into the state-house, and so did the executioner, who yet by the lieutenants commandement, before he leapt from the scaffold to saue himself, stroke H Fabri on the head with a hammer, and beat out his braines, and stabd him in the backe with a dagger: so as the people running to preserue him from the fire, found him dead, and there the dead bodie lay in the mire vntill 4 of the clock in the afternoone, that the Marcgraue with his gua [...]d, hauing put him into a tumbrell, seeing the great multitude of people which followed him, he caused a great stone to be tied about the dead bodies neck, and to be cast into the riuer of Escaut. Afterwards, some being rescued out of their hands by force, for a time they durst not execute any one publikely, but in the prisons, either by the sword, halter, water, or other torments, til after the comming of the duke of Alua; then the persecutions began to be done publikely, and greater than euer. The Winter after Christmas grew extreame cold, and the [...]rosts I continued most bitter vntil mid March 1564, during the which they past with horse and carts 1564 laden, from Antuerpe vnto Flanders side, vpon the riuer of Escaut; vpon the which they did set vp shops, tents, & pauilions, in the which they sold meat and drink; yea there were hogs singed vpon the y [...]e. The riuers of Rhin, Meuse, Wahal, Leck, and others, were past ouer euerie where, both with horse and cart, yea vpon the sea, from the islands of Tolen and of Goes, vnto the said riuer of Antuerpe. About the same season there grew some question & mistaking betwixt the queen of England▪ and the duchesse of Parma, Gouernesse of the Netherlands, from the yere 1563, by reason wherof the commerce was interrupted, and the traffique did cease for Difference betwixt England and the Netherlands. one whole yere, to the great preiudice of the poor people, the which did more increase the alterations & discontentments of the commons, being sufficiently moued by the precedent occasions. K And that which incensed them the more against the clergy, was that they did seeke to make them obserue the definitions of the counsell of Trent, by the which was confirmed not only the ecclesiastical censures, and the episcopal iurisdiction, but also the Inquisition & persecutions; and many other points & articles allowed, which they knew plainly to be brought in abusiuely, into the Christian church, the which did directly contradict the liberties and freedoms o [...] the countrey. And although at that instant the matter was no fu [...]ther prest, yet these definitions & articles were found so odious, as they made many to forsake the Romish religion as soone as the counsel was published. And although in this publication the king had yeelded vnto certaine exceptions and reseruations, yet in many places they were not added, when it was published, at the least they were not well vnderstood. Neither could they wo [...]ke so with L the people, but there remained still some apprehension and feare. This yeare they did all they could to persuade them of Groningen, Leeuwaerden, Deuenter, & Ruremonde, to like of and receiue their new bishops; but they would by no meanes yeeld thereunto: but contrariwise this hot pu [...]sute seeming suspect vnto them, did incense them so much the more, considering that those which had beene receiued in other townes, were in quarrell with their chapters, churches, monasteries, and other goods, whereof they would haue full possession, the others opposing themselues, would not be depriued of their owne, nor of their liberties and accustomed rights.
The prelats of Brabant, and namely the 3 chiefe abbies aboue mentioned, appointed to incorporation, & being destitute of abbots, seeing that by no suit nor soliciting, neither in Spain, M nor the Netherlands with the gouernesse, they could free themselues from this feare of incorporation, nor attaine to the election of new prelats, they aduised to see if they might not obtaine that for money, which they could not redresse by their good right and priuiledge. Wherupon they made certaine offers of an annual pension wherwith they would furnish the [Page 351] king, to the profit of the new bishops; so as not only the said three abbies but the rest that were afterwards void, were furnished with new prelats, & freed from incorporation, vpon promise A to procure them a [...] from the pope. The states of Brabant by many petitions, made great instance, to obtaine the like cass [...]tion, touching their new bishops, vnto the yeare 1566, but they could not preuaile. This deniall increased their discont [...]nt, and setled diue [...]s imaginations in the heads of men; murmuring, that for money they could obtain the cassation of the incorporation of abbies: but as for them, it was visible and plai [...], that notwithstanding so many good reasons, priuiledges & promises from the king, they had resolued to torment them by this Inquisition, for that by no pursute they could not be freed from the feare of these new bishops (which were so many Inquisitors) so as the people continued their bitternesse more and more against the clergie and fell from their doctrine to the reformed religion. And the more they did tyranize & persecute them, the more constant they were in their religion, & the more B they increased. And withall the famine which followed the hard frosts of Winter, the which had killed all the graine throughout the countrey, did increase the peoples perplexities, and brought their minds (otherwise much altered) almost to dispaire: so as so many bad accidents con [...]ng together, seemed to breed some strange and extraordinary alteration.
And at that time some theeues hauing spoiled the abbey of Ouwerghem, a league from The abbey of Ouwerg [...]m [...]obd. Brussels, seeing they could not get the abbesse nor her nunnes, who had saued themselues in a strong dortoir, newly made: after they had let go the wine and beere in the cau [...]s, and burnt all the ornaments & books of the church, they set fire on the cloister; and hearing the bell ring out to cal in the countrey, they retired laden with the b [...]st goods they could ca [...] away. The brute was, that these theeues were set on by some, who would lay the blame vpon them of the C religion: but it was the one or the other, either pouertie and want which forced them, or an inconsiderat zeale, or meere hatred against the clergie, which moued them to do it. Hereupon the gouernors of prouinces and the knights of the order, continuing in their good affection to the kings seruice, and the preseruation of their country, hearing the p [...]rplexities of all in generall (likely to turne to some popular tumult, & the effusion of bloud, if it were not speedily preuented by some good means, for the which they did often beseech the gouernesse) they found that all these alterations & murmurings, sprong from these three points: from the cruelties of edicts & rigorous persecutions, the new introduction of bishops, & the feare of the Inquisition of Spaine. Wherefore euen the Gouernesse her self thought it expedient, that one of the chi [...]f D among them, should go to the king, to informe him plainly of all these inconueniences, & apparent dangers, with some other occurrents hapned in the state, and in the treasure: And that if his Maiesties meaning was to redresse them, that it was most necessarie to proceed by mildnesse, & to yeeld some little to the humors of his subiects, so much altered. The ea [...]l of Egmont The earle of Egmont sent into Spaine. had this legation, wherin he discharged himselfe honestly, & was sent backe with good hope and promises, that his Maiestie, conformable to his instructions, would send dispatches after him. At his returne euerie man reioyced at so good an answer, expecting with great deuotion, that by the first pa [...]ket that came from Spaine, the countrey should be quieted & assured: but there came not any thing, all were but promises & holy water of the court; and this hope was the occasion of a miserable dispaire. How could any good come, seeing the cardinall, a mortall enemie to the said earl of Egmont, to the prince of Orange, the earls of Horne & Hochstraten, E to the lord of Brederode, & other chiefe noblemen of the said countries, and the prosperitie therof, was now in greater credit with the king, than euer before, being in the said countries, disguising the affaires peruerting & persuading the king & his counsell, in such sort as he pleased? 1565 But contrarie to that good reformation which they hoped for & expected, in December The kings letters, other than were expected. 1565, the duchesse Gouernesse, receiued letters from the king, concerning his Maiesties pleasure, and what he would haue obserued in the Netherlands, touching religion: the copie of which letters she sent to all the counsellors of prouinces, to disperse them in their subalternall iurisdictions, containing in summe these three points.
First touching the edicts, both old & new, made by his imperiall Maiesty, or by the king, for F matter of religion, that it was not fit to alter any thing, but to haue them executed. And that he Execution of the edicts. found that by the loosenesse of some judges this mischief was increased: therfore if there were any judge, that for fear of tumult durst not put thē in execution, that they shold aduertise him, to the end he might prouide others that were more coragious; & that in executing the edicts, it [Page 352] was to be hoped, that all dangers should be sooner preuented, than by any other meanes. Secondly, G touching the Inquisition, his Maiesty did charge, that the Inquisitors should be fauored Introduction of the Inquisition. in the exercise of their charge, for the good of religion, being his intention, that the Inquisition should be put in practise by the Inquisitors, as it had been vsed, & belonged vnto them by the lawes of God and man. Thirdly, in regard of the counsell of Trent, seeing there remained nothing, but to put it in effect by the bishops; that the Gouernesse should giue them all assistance To put t [...]e cou [...]ll of Tre [...]t in pra [...]e. and aid, for the effecting thereof, as it was fit, and the good of the countrey required, and that she should giue the like charge vnto the noblemen that were about her, to imploy themselues therein, as his Maiestie did hope. This was another song than that which was promised, and that they expected with so great deuotion.
The Gouernesse did accompanie the kings letters (out of the which these three articles are drawne) with her owne, directed to the gouernors and consuls of prouinces, as followeth. H
Marguerite by the grace of God, duchesse of Parma and Placence, &c. Regent and Gouernesse, The Gouernesse s [...]ters to the [...]. &c. Most decre and well beloued, although that from the beginning of the rule of the king my lord ouer these countries, as well by the renewing and publication of edicts, made by the deceased emperor Charls, my lord of famous memory, touching religion, ratified and confirmed by his roiall Maiestie, as by those which haue been since enacted by him, yea at his last departure out of these countries, for his realmes of Spaine; you might alwayes see his Maiesties good zeale and holy affection, to the preseruation of our antient true faith, and Catholike Religion, and to the rooting out of all sects and heresies, in these his countries. Yet as it hath pleased his Maiestie, for some certaine occasions, to put vs in mind of his holy intention, by his last letters, we haue by his expresse charge thought it good, to represent vnto you what he hath I written vnto vs: The which is in effect, That his Maiestie desiring nothing more than the preseruation of the said Religion, and the peace, vnion, and concord of his subiects in these parts, and to defend them from the inconueniences which we haue seen fall in many parts of Christendome, by the change of the said Religion; his Maiesties pleasure is, that the edicts and ordinances made by the deceased emperor and himselfe, should bee wholy obserued: As also his Maiesties intention is, to haue all well and duley obserued, that is decreed by the holy counsell of Trent, and the prouinciall Synods, yea euen for the reformation of the clergy, without any contrauention, that punishing heresies, maners may be also reformed. He commands also, that they giue all fauour and assistance to the Inquisitors of the faith, in the execution K of their offices; and that the Inquisition be done by the said Inquisitors, as it hath beene vsed, and as it belongeth vnto them, both by diuine and humane lawes. And according to his Maiesties letters, and to obey him in so holy & fauourable a thing, we would not faile to write vnto you, to intreat, require, and in his Maiesties name to command you expresly, to gouerne your selues herein, according to his Maiesties decree, not contradicting it in any point or article, and that you giue the like charge vnto your officers, and to them of the law in the chiefe townes of your gouernments, that they may gouerne themselues accordingly, without dissembling or partialitie, vpon penalties contained in the same edicts. And the better to attend it, you shal commit & depute a counselor of your colledge (who notwithstanding may be changed euery halfe yere, that one alone may not be alwaies in charge) who shal do no other thing L but haue regard vnto the said countrey, vpon the obseruing of the decrees of the holy counsell, and to giue you aduertisement of what were needfull to be done, according to his Maiesties intention. And to the end we may alwaies know the estate of the said Religion, we desire and command you, that euery three moneths you write the successe thereof particularly vnto vs, hauing your recourse vnto vs in all matters of difficultie, or to those of his Maiesties priuie counsell, to make report vnto vs; whereas wee will also appoint some counsellor, to haue a particular care, and to keepe correspondencie with you, and him that shall bee deputed by you. And to the end you may vnderstand his Maiesties pleasure therein, we haue ioyned hereunto the points of his Maiesties letters, & other writings concerning that matter, that you may gouerne your selues accordingly, &c. From Brussels the 18 of December 1565. Signed Margareta: M and vnderneath Ouerlope.
The prince of Orange hauing receiued the like letters, to gouerne himselfe accordingly in the towns and places of his gouernment of Holland, Zeeland, and Vtrecht, thought that this resolution which the king had taken, to proceed with all rigor, would cause great troubles; and [Page 353] the rather, for that all men should find themselues deceiued in their great expectation of a better A change, which the earle of Egmont brought at his returne from Spaine, (whom they had fed onely with wind and words) thought it good to send his aduice vnto the Dutchesse Gouernesse, by letters written from Breda the foure and twentieth of Ianuarie 1565, as followeth.
Madame, I haue receiued the letters which it hath pleased your Hignesse to write vnto me The prince of Oranges letter to the dutches. and to the Consuls of my gouernment: whereby I vnderstand his Maiesties pleasure vpon three chiefe points; enioyning me expressely, to cause them to bee executed throughout all the places of my gouernment. And although (Madame) they haue not demaunded mine aduice in a matter of so great weight and consequence, yet as a faithfull seruant and vassale to his Maiestie (moued with zeale and desire to discharge my dutie, whereunto I am bound by B reason of my office and oath) I could not forbeare to speake mine opinion freely therein; desiring rather to be disliked for mine aduertisements, than for my silence and negligence (if the countrey should fall into any disaster) be blamed to haue beene a disloyall, negligent, & carelesse gouernour. And first touching the obseruation of the counsell, although in the beginning they did murmure & were vnquiet, yet seeing that since they did adde some reseruations and restrictions, I did hope, that for this point there would grow no great difficultie. As for the reformation of Priests, and other Ecclesiasticall orders, as they be no matters of my vocation, I referre my selfe to them that haue the charge, and (if need be) I will therein satisfie his Maiesties will and commaundement.
Touching the second point, containing, That Gouernours, Consuls, and other Officers C should with all their power assist the Inquisitors, and maintaine them in the authoritie which belongeth to them by diuine and humane lawes, the which they haue alwaies vsed vnto this day; your Highnesse may remember, That the complaints, oppositions, and difficulties which haue growne throughout all the countrey for the reception of new bishops, haue proceeded onely from feare, that vnder this cloake they sought to bring in some kind of Inquisition, the execution whereof was not onely abhorred, but also the name therof was most odious. Your Highnesse is not ignorant, and it is well knowne to most of the subiects and inhabitants of these prouinces, That the Emperour and Queene Marie haue often and diuers times assured the said countries, as wel by mouth as writing, That the Inquisition should neuer be brought in, but that they should be maintained and gouerned as they had beene in former times; yea, D that his Maiestie himselfe had often assured them, to free them from such bad suspitions and feares. Without doubt (Madame) these promises and assurances haue kept the subiects and inhabitants from any new change: and that many of good calling and abilitie haue spent their estates, without seeking any other places, whereas they might haue liued in libertie, without feare of the Inquisition; whereby the peace, vnion and traffique hath beene entertained, and the contribution of mony, requisit for the maintenance of the warres, paied: whereas otherwise, the countrey being destitute of such inhabitants, and of their means, should be in danger to be a prey to the first that would assaile it.
In regard of the third point, that the kings absolute resolution is, That the Edicts made as well by the Emperour as his Maiestie, should be duly executed in all points, with all rigour, Touching the execution of edicts. E without any moderation: Madame, this point seemeth very hard to digest; for that there are many and diuers Edicts, which haue beene heretofore moderated and restrained, and not alwaies literally obserued, and with rigour; yea, when as the publicke calamitie was not so vrgent as at this present; nor when as our people by the sollicitation and practises of our neighbours were not so much giuen to innouations: and not to giue them cause with more rigour and vehemencie, and to resume the termes of the Inquisition, and to seeke to execute them with all bitternesse. I cannot (Madame) comprehend the mysterie, but that his Maiesty shall get no other benefit, but trouble himselfe, disquiet his country, and lose the hearts of his good subiects; giuing euery one cause to thinke and feare, that his Maiestie meanes to take another course than he hath alwaies promised and made shew of; and put his countrey in danger to F fall into his neighbours hands; as well through the great multitude of them that will retyre themselues, as for the small assurance will be left for them that shall remaine, and all without any helpe or aduancement to religion. I will omit many other inconueniences for breuities sake, knowing well, that both his Maiestie and your Highnesse haue beene heretofore sufficiently [Page 354] informed. Withall, in my opinion (vnder your correction) the time is not now fit to G moue mens minds, which are but too much altered and distempered, through famine and the drought of the season: and in my conceit, it were better that matters were left in suspence vntill his Maiesties comming (who wee heare maketh his preparatiues to come into these parts) which were to bee wished, that hee would make hast, that by his presence matters might be so ordered, as should be thought fittest for the seruice of God and his Maiesty, and for the quiet and prosperitie of these his countries and subiects: for, any trouble growing, the remedie would be more speedie by his presence than otherwise.
Notwithstanding if his Maiestie and your Highnes be so resolued, to haue the said points and articles presently executed (the which I see cannot be put in practise, without putting the The prince excuse [...]h himself f [...]ō this ch [...]rge countrey into a greater feare of a totall ruine, whereunto his Maiestie, beeing here present, might take better regard) I had rather (if they will not surcease this worke till then, but will H proceed in the said Inquisition and execution) that his Maiestie should commit some other in my place, that could better comprehend the inclinations of the people, and were more capable than my selfe, to keepe them in obedience and awe; rather than it should come into the mouthes of men (whereby I and mine might bee hereafter blamed) that in the countries of my gouernment, and during my charge, there had happened any troubles or sinister accident. Desi [...]ing his Maiestie and your Highnesse to rest assured, that what I say, is not for that I am vnwilling to obey your commaundements, or to liue otherwise than a good Christian, as my fore-passed actions can well witnesse, & I hope his Maiestie hath found by experience, hauing neuer spared neither bodie nor goods for his seruice, wherein I desire to continue, I whilest I haue life to breath. Besides, if the affaires of the countrey succeede not well, I were in danger (besides the bond I owe vnto his Maiestie and his countries) to expose not onely all that I haue in the world, but also my person, wife, and children, which nature it selfe commaunds vs to preserue. It may therefore please your Highnesse (according to your accustomed wisedome) to consider hereof, and to interprete it in the best part, as proceeding from one who speakes with a syncere affection, which he beares to his Maiesties seruice, and to preuent all inconueniences, whereof I call God to witnesse &c. From Breda the foure and twentieth of Ianuarie 1565.
Vpon the receit of these letters and others written afterwards by the prince of Orange, the The Gouernesse sends for the prince of Orange to come to Brussels. said Gouernesse writ backe vnto him, requesting him very earnestly to come to Brussels, with K the other noblemen and gouernours, there to consult and determine what should be thought most sit and necessarie to preuent all inconueniences, aduance his Maiestics seruice, the quiet and tranquilitie of the countrey, and the assurance of the inhabitants. The other Gouernours and Consuls of prouinces hauing receiued the first letters from the Gouernesse, with an extract of the three chiefe points of the kings letter, they sent the copie thereof presently vnto the townes of their prouinces, with expresse commaundement, to gouerne themselues according to the same. The sending of these letters made it to be generally bruited, that the king had expressely commaunded, That the Edict should be obserued with all rigor, and that the Inquisition, together with the counsell of Trent, should be published and executed. This rumor did thrust the people into strange alterations, greater than before. The marchant was L amazed, especially the stranger, that was resident in Antuerpe, meditating nothing but of his retreat.
And as these alterations did encrease dayly, there was found the three and twentieth of December, at night, a certaine writing set vp in three or foure streets of Antuerpe, contayning a complaint and exhortation (in the name of the bourgesses to the magistrates) against the Inquisition, wherein consisted their ruine; alleadging, that in doing so they should offer them violence, and goe against their priuiledges, and the kings promises, made vnto that towne, as well in the Netherlands, as in Spaine: requiring the magistrates to defend them, and to cite the king (according to the priuiledges of the countrey) to the imperiall chamber, to haue those violences disannulled there: pretending, that Antuerpe (a town of Brabant) was M comprehended vnder the fift circle of the holy empire, and contributarie to the charges therof and therefore ought to enioy the priuiledges of the empire; protesting, that if by the introduction of the said Inquisition any trouble did happen, that it could not be held for any rebellion, &c.
[Page 355] The magistrate of Antuerpe hauing recouered one of these writings, considering the The magistrat of Antuerpe sendeth to the Gouernesse. apparent tumult by the continuation of this bruite, sent one of their Colledge with all speed A vnto the Gouernesse, as well to shew her a copie of this writing, as to let her vnderstand, what they feared. He being accompanied with two deputies of the towne, who before had beene sent to Court, hauing had audience in the counsell of state, in the presence of the Gouernesse, and declared his charge, answere was made vnto him, That those which had made such reports, deserued to be punished: and that neyther his Maiesties intention, nor her Highnesses was, to bring any Inquisition into Antuerpe. Notwithstanding, soone after in the same counsell, an ouerture was made vnto them in the Gouernesse name, of the kings letters come from Spaine, and there were propounded vnto them the said three points, with commanndement to gouerne themselues in Antuerpe according to the same. Whereat the B said deputies being much amazed, answered, That they had no commission to accept any such commaundement and charge: but if it were giuen them in writing, they would informe their magistrate: The which was done; and although vpon the said rescriptions (after a generall assembly of the Bourgesses and Companies of occupations) the magistrate sought to colour these propositions with diuers glosses, and counterfeit interpretations, to pacifie the common people: yet could hee not possibly free them from this preiudiciall feare and perplexitie: the which encreased; for that they saw them begin to visit the quarters of the towne, and to informe if there were any suspected of the contrary religion, which seemed to them a fore-runner or preamble to the Inquisition: the name whereof was so hatefull to all men (of what Religion soeuer) as they could not endure to heare speake of it. C
About that time a peace beeing concluded and made in Fraunce, after the battaile of Dreux, the Queene mother led the king and the duke of Aniou, her sonnes, vnto the frontiers of Spaine, whither came the Queene of Spaine their sister. The king conducted her to Bayon, where they stayed long. During their abode there, the duke of Alua, with diuers others of the Counsell of Spaine, had very secret consultation and conference with the Counsell of Fraunce. Their conclusion was, to root out them of the reformed Religion, as well in Fraunce, as in the Netherlands; and that they must begin with the heads, A bloudie resolution. following the apothegme of the Spanish duke; the which he put in practise soone after vpon the heads of the earles of Egmont, and Horne, and diuers others also at Brussels: D That it was but a follie to busie themselues for Frogges, they must first fish for the great Salmons.
Those of the Netherlands (during so many cauillations, wherewith they sought to bring them asleepe, thinking to persuade them, That the Edicts should be moderated, that the Inquisition of Spaine should not bee planted there, and that nothing should bee altered touching the bishops) were more vehemently (yet more couertly) persecuted than euer: for the king of Spaine caused wonderfull executions to bee done vpon them, that could bee knowne to be of the Religion, putting them to death in prison by sundry torments. Yet those of the Religion did not forbeare (by a common consent) to present a confession of their faith vnto the king of Spaine, and to publish it to the world: with a complaint vnto the king and to the magistrates of the said countries; containing among other points: That it was a E hard and an vniust thing, to iudge and condemne men before they were heard, being impossible to vnderstand any mans right, to whom they denied audience: beseeching his Maiesty and the magistrates for this cause to heare them, and in so doing, to receiue their confession: which being well examined, would shew, that they were condemned wrongfully by an extraordinarie forme of iustice; with many other speeches to the like purpose, the which I omit for breuitie sake.
But notwithstanding any endeauours, they were in so lamentable an estate, as any man of a meane capacitie and sence might very easily conceiue, that the peoples mindes being thus wonderfully perplexed and strangely altered, could not bee long contained, F nor continue in that sort; but were very likely in short time, to breake out into some popular tumult against these foure poynts, so much descryed: As the Inquisition of Spaine, the rigorous Edicts, the institution of new bishops, and the entertainment of the [Page 356] counsell of Trent: and that for that cause the commerce and accustomed traffique decayed G dayly.
It happened, that almost all the chiefe noblemen of the Netherlands met together both at Breda and Hochstrate, to entertaine some noblemen strangers; among the which were the prince of Orange, the marquesse of Berghen, the earles of Egmont, Horne, and Hochstrate, the lord of Brederode, and others, that were well affected to the good of their countrey: who lamenting the miserable estate thereof, which had beene so flourishing, considering the [...]mall care was vsed to order things in time, and to apply conuenient remedies: after they had debated all things well, and found that the eminent perill proceeded from nothing, but from those cruell and horrible persecutions, from the new erection of bishops, from the Inquisition, and from the counsell: seeing they would giue no eare to that which the townes and they had so often and so zealously propounded, and that they would not H applie themselues in any sort to the humors of the inhabitants, but proceeded still with all rigour; in the end, they concluded and promised one another to embrace this businesse with affection, and to assist and ayd one another with their counsell, meanes, and persons, as much as in them lay, to the aduauncement of the kings seruice, the preseruation of the countrey, and tranquilitie of the people. Whereupon Francis Baudwin (who had beene banished from Arras for the Religion) was sent for out of Fraunce by the prince of Orange, to heare the difficulties that were there presented: who after the reuocation of his banishment by the chamber of Arthois, at the instance of the Archbishop of Cambray he went to the prince, to Brussels; where, hauing conferred with him and the other noblemen, I hee drew a discourse, in forme of an aduice, concerning the apparent troubles for matters of Religion; the which was sent to the king of Spaine, and deliuered to his owne hands, wherein is set downe the true meanes to preuent all troubles, and to root out sects and heresies. Which discourse although it be somewhat prolixe, yet to make them the more inexcusable before God and men, which stopped their eares at so good & holesome aduertisements, I haue thought good to insert it in this place.
As all wee which liue vnder one King, are bound to seeke the preseruation of the publicke A d [...]scourse of F [...]s Baudwins, teaching the meanes to [...]uent the trou [...]s. good and quiet, and the entertainement of the kings greatnesse and prosperitie, who is the head of the bodie, whereof we are members; I haue thought, that I was not to be taxed of arrogancie, if (according to that small talent which I haue receiued from the Lord) I endeuour K to discourse briefely of the meanes that might be held in these times, in the which there is such great diuersitie of opinions, to preuent all troubles and tumults that may rise, as wee haue learned by the example of our neighbours; and withall satisfie (as much as is possible) the will and pleasure of the king our lord, whom by Gods commaundement wee are bound to obey and serue to the vttermost of our powers. Seeing then, that as well here, as in Fraunce, England, Scotland, and Germanie (although there be some small difference) a great part of the people are mooued by the exhortation and doctrine of those, which they call Gospellers (for that, as they say, they make profession to receiue nothing, but what is expressely contained in the doctrine of the Gospell, and of the Bible) reiecting the auncient and accustomed manner of seruing God, as to goe to Masse, to confesse, to receiue L the Sacrament, fast for certaine dayes, goe on pilgrimage, and other like exercises, to ioyne themselues to a new doctrine and Religion, which they call Reformed: the question is, how (according to the kings will and pleasure) the people may bee maintayned in the auncient faith, without seeking any innouation: And if happily the meanes seeme somewhat difficult, or rather impossible, how wee may preuent and shun many inconueniences, which may arise or grow by the diuersitie that is among the inhabitants of the countrey,
First, wee must consider, That when any one speaketh of a Religion, or Law, it is Definition of this word Re [...]on. to be vnderstood, that hee speaketh of the faith and apprehension which men haue conceiued and imprinted in their hearts and minds, touching God and his seruice, and also M touching the doctrine of their saluation: or else they comprehend not by this word Religion but the exercise and outward profession, by the which wee shewe outwardly what wee beleeue inwardly, or (at the least) what wee should beleeue in our hearts. [Page 357] As for the first, it is most certaine, That they which follow the new religion, haue a constant persuasion and impression in their hearts, that what they doe and beleeue, is conformable to A the word and commaundement of God; and that they must aboue all things obey their creator, and rather endure death, and all the torments in the world, than willingly to go against his word and commaundement. Seeing then this Maxime is grauen in the hearts of men, it is more than reason, that God our Creator prescribe vs what law hee please, and wee are bound to obey him, without any contradiction or exception whatsoeuer. Which Maxime it is not possible to root out of their hearts, neither were there any reason to attempt it. There must some other meanes then be sought to diuert them from their faith. Many haue thought it best to proceed by force and terror, by fire, flames, and all sorts of torments, to the end, that those which haue not yet embraced this faith, might by this meanes be terrified to remaine in B their auncient manner of doing: but doubtlesse they are much abused, as reason and dayly experience doth teach: For how is it possible to force and commaund the conscience and The minds of men cannot be commanded by force. mind by corporall violence? How can any one persuade mee, that that man hath a bad saith, whom I see die constantly and ioyfully, although I know not the ground of the one, nor the other? Euen as it is impossible for all the Monarchs of the world, to keepe the fire from exercising his heat, when it encounters an obiect fit to burne: in like sort, it is as impossible for all men (how mightie soeuer) to restraine and hinder the spirit of man from discoursing and iudging as he pleaseth, and not to apply himselfe to that which he findeth best agreeing to his naturall impression: the experience whereof is dayly seene. For what hath it auayled to haue put to death so many poore soules for the faith? Whereto haue serued C the fires, gibbets, scaffolds, tortures, and torments which they haue vsed in Fraunce, in England, yea, and in these countries? Without doubt, neyther the power nor authoritie of men, nor the sharpenesse of all the torments in the world, auayle any thing in this point.
The kings of Egypt were mightie, but they could neuer commaund the consciences of the children of Israel. The Romane Emperours held all the world almost in subiection, who neyther spared fire, nor flames, crosses, nor gibbets, cords, nor tortures, nor any kind of torments that could be deuised and inuented, to root out the Christian faith, and to terrifie their subiects, to diuert them, and to retaine them in their auncient beliefe and Pagan Religion: and yet they preuayled nothing in their desseignes; but contrariwise, did much D hinder their entents: So as the Christians were wont to vse a common prouerbe amongst them: That the bloud of Martyrs was the seede of their Churches. And indeed, Iulian the Apostate Emperour, a malicious and subtile man (seeing, that to root out the Christian Religion, all his predecessours had aduanced nothing, but contrariwise, that it was much augmented by the meanes of the persecutions; and that those which died for their faith, tooke it as a glorie and honour) from that time forward he would no more persecute them, neyther by fire nor sword, nor by any corporall violence, although they hated him deadly; but sought by gentlenesse and persuasions to draw them from their faith; and forbearing all outward force, he sought by all policie to hinder their encrease; wherein he preuailed much more: for that some through couetousnesse, others through ambition, suffered themselues Couetousnes and ambition doe more than torments. E to be persuaded to that, whereunto they could not be forced by any violence or threats. I will not compare here this new kind of doctrine (which is now in question) with the Pagan Religion. (for it is not my intention to interpose my censure) but I will onely conclude, That in that which consisteth in the persuasion of the heart, corporall violence preuailes no more than the vapour or wind that blowes, to hinder the heat of the fire, as dayly experience hath taught vs.
The meanes then to diuert them from their opinions, is, to persuade them, that their faith and beleefe is not conformable to the word of God: To effect the which, there is no other meanes, than to giue them free audience, to the end, that they may propound their reasons They must giue audience to them of the religion. and motiues with all libertie, and that they be confuted of errour and heresie by the word of F God: if they remaine obstinate, yet when this disputation and instruction shall be done in the eye of the world, those that are weake shall by this meanes bee persuaded, not to follow their errours. For as for the obstinate, euen as instruction would auayle them little or nothing, so much lesse would fire or death turne them from their resolued opinions. [Page 358] But on the other side, those which behold others to die with such constancie, take a delight to G seeke their opinions; and they which by this means come to fall into the like inconuenience, should be wholly preserued, when they should heare them vanquished by the word of God, and by reasons which they cannot contradict. If then prelates and bishops trust in the bountie of their cause (as with all reason they ought) there is not in the world a better means to attaine vnto the kings intention, and to preuent the multiplying of sects, than to confeire together publickly, that all the world may know, that the others do falsely brag, that they haue the word of God on their side. For it is most certaine, that when truth is compared with falshood, she must of necessitie shew her beautie, and obtaine the victorie, discouering to the eye of all men what is false and counterfeit. And by this meanes a great good shall rise: for that they which know not now what to follow, in so great a diuersitie of opinions, may settle a firme H iudgement of the truth, after that they haue heard the grounds of either side: so as in conference all confusion and disorder, all noise and rayling be laid aside: As wee haue seene in the disputations and conferences which S. Paule hath made, as well with the Iewes, as against the Pagans: then presently those which sought the truth, knew that he had reason, and that the other were in [...]rror. So in the counsell of Nicene, the Arrians were admitted to propound their reasons and grounds with all libertie, and being conuicted by the word of God of error and heresie, were forced for a time to desist from their enterprise: but presently after when they persecuted them, they had suddenly many disciples; some mooued by pitie, others by their false persuasions, the which was the cause of great mischiefes and inconueniences in the Church: yea, in our times we haue seene in all places where the Anabaptists haue beene persecuted, I they haue encreased infinitly: and contrariwise, where they haue been heard in publicke conference and disputation, and conuicted of errour and heresie by the word of God, they haue had no more credit in the world. And therefore Mahumet hath so carefully forbidden, Mahumet forbids to dispute of his religion. that they should neuer dispute vpon the points of religion brought in by him, knowing well, that the truth being once confronted against his lies, his doctrine of necessitie must goe to smoake.
It is a true marke and badge of truth, that it desires to be knowne, made manifest, and debated, being like vnto the Palme-tree, the more it is deprest and charged, the higher and straiter it growes. For this reason the auncients did appoint to hold free and generall counsels euery yeare; although by the corruption of time many abuses haue beene brought in, by the ambition K and couetousnesse of those that should giue their voices. So it is, that the hereticks and sectaries feare nothing in the world more, than to be made manifest, be it by a free and general counsell, or in any other place, wheras matters may be freely debated on either side: the which we see at this day apparently in the Anabaptists, who flie all disputations more than death. If then such as desire to root out this new religion which multiplies so fast, are assured of the bountie and truth of their cause, and of the falshood of their aduersaries, there is no fitter meanes than to come publickly to field and to giue their aduersaries free audience and leaue to dispute: without doubt if they maintaine heresies, there shall need neither fire nor gibbets to hinder the course of their doctrine, for that the more manifest it is, the more it will decay. L
It will be to no purpose to say, That they haue beene often heard and confuted: for admit They of the reli [...]on neuer heard with patience. it were so, yet a great multitude of people, which are enclined thereunto, deserue so much paine, as to bee instructed in hearing and examining their reasons. But when you haue sayd all they were neuer heard with patience: For when as Luther began to preach this doctrine in Germanie, it was presently condemned by the Pope, and persecuted by all the kings and princes of Christendome. He was once called to be heard, but it was to see if he would recant, or maintaine his writings and his doctrine, and he on the other side protested nothing more than the desire which he had to be better taught and instructed by the holy Scripture. The like proceeding was held against Iohn Hus at the counsell of Constance, who was neuer heard in his owne defence: but as soone as he was arriued there, they laid before him certaine Articles M drawne by some aduersarie of his out of his bookes, asking him if hee would maintaine those articles which were reproued and condemned by the holy church, and therupon they gaue sentence, that he was an hereticke and damned, the which the world sees to be against all right and reason. To say that those were condemned by other counsels before, is nothing to [Page 359] the purpose. For if it be so (as they say) it will bee the more easie to ouerthrow them now, A for that the Auncients haue neuer condemned any doctrine, but that which they held contrarie to the word of God, the which they haue alledged to that effect, I say, to confute errors and heresies: so as now the way shall be traced, and they shall need onely to quote the same The holy Scripture as powerful now as euer to confute heresies. Scriptures, to confute these, for that the word of God remaineth eternally, and the Scripture hath now as much force and vertue to confute heresies, as euer. But to condemne them by the very name and authoritie of some counsell, without alledging the Scriptures and reasons of the said counsell, were out of reason: for they submit themselues to proue, that the counsels (by the which their doctrine hath beene condemned) were but petie counsels, assembled, and allowed by the tyrannie of some, who alone haue decreed what they pleased against the authoritie of the Scriptures, without hearing or admitting their aduerse parties. And doubtlesse, B in the auncient primitiue Church, there were many bishops, which haue reiected some Counsels rei [...] cted by some bishops. counsels as suspect and not lawfull, nor grounded vpon the authoritie of the word of God, but rather vpon the authoritie of men, as we read of Maximus bishop of Ierusalem, and of S. Hillarie bishop of Poitiers, yea and of S. Athanasius, Chrysostome, and Photinus. So as it is not without reason, if many ages after them there haue beene counsels suspected to these men. But as for the most auncient, and receiued on eyther side, they are content to allow of them, so farre forth as they proue their sayings by the word of God. There resteth then nothing, but that their reasons may be heard, that the truth may be knowne, and their errors and heresies auoided, seeing there is no other meanes to procure a publicke peace, and to draw all the subiects to one Religion: That if their aduersaries (as if there were no controuersie C in this point) challenge the name of the Church, and without hearing their reasons examined by the Scripture, will, that all which they shall ordaine, or decree, shall bee infallibly kept as an Ordinance of the Church, and so of God, as they haue done in the last Counsell of Trent, where the Pope was head, and the aduerse partie not called, but to bee condemned and iudged, according to the Ordinances of the Church (that is to say, of the Pope and Prelates) or els to recant, and then to bee receiued into fauour; without doubt, there will neuer be any meanes to draw them from their beleefe, seeing that this Maxime will alwayes remaine grauen in their hearts: That they must in all things follow the word of The word of God must determine of controuersies. God, the which alone hath authoritie to iudge all controuersies, and to define which is the true and the false Church. Which Maxime can neuer be wrested away by the authoritie of any man, much D lesse that the Pope and Prelates haue any such credit, not by fire nor sword: so as if their aduersaries would not giue them free audience (as it is said) but vse violence, they should but impaire their owne cause, and make theirs better and more fauourable, whom they seeke to root out.
Seeing then it is a point resolued among all men of iudgement, that touching the faith If it were fit to hinder the exercise of Religion. and inward beleefe, no corporall violence can commaund, and that men must be confuted of errour in their consciences, wee must examine the second point which wee haue propounded: which is, whether it were not possible to hinder the outward exercise of their Religion, forbidding them to assemble, preach, teach, nor to make any outward profession of that which they beleeue in heart. And first, in case it were feasible, whether it were fit and conuenient E to doe it: No Religion whatsoeuer can subsist, if it hath not some exercises and exteriour ceremonies, by the which it may be entertained: whereupon the Emperour Gracian was wont to say: That it was necessarie the people should be maintained in some outward discipline of some Religion, whatsoeuer it were, good or bad. For as man by nature is enclined to reiect the yoke of God, it is necessarie he should be kept in awe and discipline, else he will be like vnto an vntamed horse, reiecting the feare of God and man. Being then impossible to root out the faith which they haue in their hearts, it were not conuenient (although it were possible) to hinder their exteriour discipline and exercises, by the which the people are maintained in their Religion, and in the feare of God, and of the magistrate: vnlesse (whereas in their assemblies they are taught to be good men, and to feare God and honour F the king and his officers) they will make them wicked Atheists, libertines, and seditious perturbers of all good order & policie; as we see plainly by daily experience: for we see a number which haue cast off the yoke of the Romish church, mocking at the masse & priests; yet fearing [Page 360] to loose their goods or honours, refusing to apply themselues to discipline and exercise of G any other Religion, haue become very Atheists, without faith or law: yet there are no small numbers of villanous libertines, which make Sects of themselues, teaching, that we must not serue God outwardly with any exteriour forme or discipline, but onely in Spirit: and vnder this pretext they giue themselues to all villanie and abhomination, to murthers, rapes, incests, and adulteries: holding, that the outward things serue to no end, so as the heart bee cleane, as they persuade themselues: yea, some haue beene so audacious, as to haue vaunted Abuse in the Church the cause of great [...]. themselues to be Christ himselfe; others, the Spirit of God; others, Charitie. To conclude, they are prophane people, and contemners of God and the magistrate, maintaining, That there ought not to bee any sword or superioritie vsed among men, but that the Spirit should gouerne and guide the heart of man, as it pleaseth. The which groweth through no other occasion, but that seeing the great abuses which haue raigned and doe still raigne in the H Church, and not being suffered on the other side to ioyne themselues to any discipline and exercise of Religion, they are growne to that passe, as to thinke, that dissimulation is not bad, so as the heart be good; and so mocking at Religion (whereof they make a shew) they must needs fall into wicked Atheisme. And there are none in the world more seditious, and greater disturbers of all good order, than these people; as hath beene seene in the Anabaptists of Munster, and their like: for the rooting out of which, there were no better meanes (who so would duly consider all things without passion) than to suffer them, yea, to commaund them expressely, That all they which made profession of the Religion (which they call Reformed) should assemble in view of all the world, and keepe good discipline, fit for the obedience I which they owe vnto God and the magistrate, correcting vices and excesse. For although there were no other good; yet by this meanes they should get thus much (which is of great importance, for the preseruation of the publicke quiet) That whereas wee dayly see spring vp new and abhominable sects, full of sedition and mutinies, yea, and of horrible blasphemies against the Maiestie of God, when as there should be but two publicke kinds of profession in the view of all the world, either of them performing the obedience which they owe vnto God and the king, when as any new one should spring vp, it should be easie to suppresse it by the word of God. But for as much as this seemeth strange to some, to giue heretickes leaue to sowe their heresies, let vs see if it be possible to preuent their assemblies: and doubtlesse, if we looke vnto experience (the perfect mistresse of all things) we shall find it is as K possible to hinder it, as it is impossible to keepe them from beleeuing of that which they think fit and agreeing with the word of God. Haue we not (I pray you) seene the great power of the most victorious Emperour Charles the fifth, of famous memory, who made all the world to tremble? Haue we not seene his incredible diligence to suppresse this Religion? Haue we not seene the rigorous Edicts which he made? And wherto tended it? but to hinder the preaching of this new Religion, and that they which made profession thereof, should forbeare their assemblies; for he knew well their hearts could not be forced: and yet he preuayled nothing, notwithstanding all his prohibitions. It may be they assembled in some strange countrey, where they had greater libertie: no, no: but contrariwise, all the princes in Christendome, together with the Pope, were resolued to root them out, and to giue them no place of retreat, L but all was in vaine. How doe we then thinke, that the kings power (the which out of doubt is not greater than the Emperors) can hinder it; seeing that now France, England, Germany, Scotland and all the countries about are open vnto them, to retire themselues, and to vse the libertie that is here denied them, whereas they haue so many princes and kings on their side, whereas the number is multiplied by infinite thousands? Without doubt, they that gaue his Maiesty this counsell, shew plainely, that either they want iudgement, or els they seeke to settle their owne greatnesse, to the preiudice of the king, and the ruine of the countrey. Let them examine all the hystories of the world, and they shall find, That when any new Religion hath beene grounded vpon the inward persuasion of the word of God, that all the striuing in the world could neuer hinder, but the exterior discipline thereof would haue it course. The Romane M Emperors could neuer force the Iewes to receiue their statutes into their Temples, nor The christians in old tim [...]s assembled in the deserts. hinder the Christians from their assemblies; who desired rather to liue like sauage beasts, in caues and rockes, than to abandon the exercise of their Religion. I will not examine, if their [Page 361] quarrell be like vnto this: so it is, that they are as well persuaded in their hearts, that they follow A the word of God, and that they are commaunded to assemble and preach, as they were: which persuasion can neuer bee wrested from them by any violence: For they say among themselues, That if they should be allowed to beleeue what they would, so as they would forbeare to teach and assemble, were as much, as if they should suffer a man to liue, so as he would take no refection and nourishment: for they maintaine, that Faith is entertained by the preaching of the word, euen as the life of the body is by the nourishment of meat. But admit it were possible to forbid their assemblies; they must proceed either by rigour and force, or by gentlenesse and persuasions: that is, they must either corrupt them, or els force them to doe against the testimonie of their consciences, and falsifie their faith which they owe vnto God. It is most certaine, that the constant and vertuous will rather chuse a thousand deaths, than to B doe any thing against their consciences, so as with them there were nothing to bee gotten. As for the rest, who for feare or hope would denie their faith; first they should grieuously offend the diuine Maiestie, and damne their owne soules by this false-hood and dissimulation, for that they should sinne doubly: first, to haue embraced the error, and afterwards more to haue falsified the faith and testimonie of their conscience, and to haue dealt doubly, whereas God requireth synceritie and plainenesse: so as they that should force them thereunto, should be the cause of their more grieuous damnation. They then which counsell the king to force or corrupt his subiects, to the end they should dissemble and make shew of any other Religion, than that which they beleeue in their hearts, are the cause of the disloyaltie He that is disloy [...]ll vnto God, wilbe also vnto the king. which they commit against God and the king. For without doubt, he that shall carrie himselfe C disloyally vnto God, eyther for feare or hope, it is to be presumed, that by the same passions he will carry himselfe as disloyally vnto the king, when as time and occasion shall be offered. Constantius, father to Constantine the great, although he were a Pagan, yet hee called Fuse [...]ius in the life of Constantine Emperor. Christians into his Court, and admitted them to fauour, whom hee did see ready to abandon goods and honours, yea their owne liues, rather than to be disloyall vnto the God whome they did worship: yea, hee held them worthie of his friendship, and did impart vnto them his most important affaires. And in truth the king hath no subiects more faithfull than those which obey him for conscience, that is to say, because God hath so commaunded it. They which falsifie their conscience to please the king, or for any other priuate respect, shew, that they doe not obey the king for conscience onely, but for some other particular affection. D And if they make no difficultie to falsifie their consciences in the seruice of God, without doubt it is to bee feared, that when any passion or affection should moue them, eyther the feare of death, or the losse of goods and credite, or some such like things, they would make no greater difficultie to falsifie their faith which they owe vnto the king. So as they which giue this counsell vnto the king, shew their ignorance; for that they seeke to root out them, which in simplicitie and synceritie of heart, yeeld obedience vnto God and the king. And as for those which proceed disloyally, and against their consciences, they are not onely content to suffer them, but also to aduaunce them vnto honours; as wee haue seene by some examples of those, who (hauing before made profession of this Religion) haue afterwards, without being condemned of errour, onely to aspire to honour and credit, turned their coats. To conclude, although it were a thing possible to force or corrupt the E Protestants, to abandon their Religion, and to doe against their consciences, yet were it not expedient for the good of the Commonweale. But as I haue said, it is not possible to hinder them, vnlesse they will ruine them, and put them to death: The which were hard to compasse: for in the place of one they should put to death, tenne others would rise; and those which die so constantly, rather than renounce their faith, are held for good men by the common people, who haue more regard to the constancie, than to the cause which they maintaine; whereupon they haue a desire to examine the cause, and come to fall into the same opinions: so as this must needs cause them to multiplie and encrease. Wherefore they that aduise the king to vse this meanes, are much abused: for besides that they F frustrate his Maiesties intention, they thrust the countrey into great desolation, and a most apparent danger of a ruine.
It is plainely to bee seene, That the Arts, Occupations, and Trades, by meanes whereof [Page 362] this countrey was wont to flourish aboue the rest, doe now decay, and are transported G to their neighbours, the auncient enemies of the house of Bourgoigne and Austria. It is almost incredible, what preiudice the persecutions haue brought within these fortie yeares, to the making of cloth, sayes, and tapistrie: which trades being (as it were) proper and peculiar to the Netherlands, they haue chased away by this meanes to the French, English, and other Nations. I forbeare to speake of an infinite number of other good and profitable Trades, which are retyred into forraine countries, to enioy the libertie of their consciences. For in generall, the traffique of Marchandise hath bin wonderfully interessed (as A good consideration touching the [...] of the Netherlands. many good men can witnesse) in Antuerpe, Lille, Tournay, Valenciennes, and other such townes. And this hath beene one of the chiefe occasions, why of late yeares the English haue beene persuaded to leaue Antuerpe to goe to Embden, that is to say, from the flower H of all marchant townes, full of infinite commodities, to a petie towne, obscure, and of no commoditie: yea, they are growne so prowd, by reason of this Drap [...]ie (the spoyles of his Maiesties Netherlands) as they seeme to haue no care to compound, thinking that wee haue more need of them, than they of vs. The French in like sort brag, that they are clothed with our spoyles, by reason of the marchants that are fled for Religion: so as that which did serue them as a bridle, to bring them the sooner vnto reason in time of warre, will now make them more proud and vntractable. Besides, it is well knowne, that within the countrey there are many sufficient marchants, which vpon this occasion refuse to contribute in time of necessitie, fearing that this question of Religion will be a subiect vnto their enemies, to make them confiscable. I
But aboue all it is to be considered, That the profession of armes and warre, which hath beene flourishing in these parts, hath and will bee greatly interessed, if it bee not otherwise preuented. I will not speake of many gentlemen, good and faithfull souldiers, which might doe good seruice to his Maiestie, which are now retyred quietly to their houses, fearing for this onely occasion to employ themselues in any action whatsoeuer. Neyther will I say, that many others, who desired to doe the king good seruice (euen of those which knew the seats and situations of countries) are forced to leaue their natiue soyle, and to retyre to their enemies, preferring the libertie of their consciences before all thinges in the world. Without doubt there must a care be had: for if any warre should happen eyther against the French, the English, or any other neighbour countrey, we know not whom to trust. And K without doubt, the enemies will not forget to make their profit vpon this occasion, by all manner of practises, to the great preiudice of his Maiestie, and all his countrey. And it is to be feared, that among so many men, there will be some, which (vnder colour to seeke their libertie) will be persuaded to attempt some innouations. The desire to liue and serue God in libertie of conscience, is of so great force, as it maketh men forget all other affections and passions, how vehement soeuer: for it not onely maketh the subiect neglect the dutie which he oweth to his naturall king and prince, but it doth euen estrange and withdraw the hearts of fathers and mothers from their children; yea, it maketh them forget themselues: so as they make no difficultie to expose their bodies to the burning flames, and to all sorts of torments, and to abandon wife and children, leauing them nothing but pouertie and infamie, L rather than to loose this good, in regard whereof, there is nothing in this world that they esteeme. So as it is no wonder which some report for a truth, That many among the Gascoines and Prouensals (during the persecutions in Fraunce, for matter of Religion) haue treated to yeeld themselues tributarie to the Turke, hoping by that meanes they would suffer them to liue in libertie, which they valued aboue all things. And it may be they had put it in execution (to the great preiudice of all Christendome) if one onely respect had not restrayned them: which was, that they held it too grieuous, to giue their first borne children to the great Turke, to be bred vp in Mahomets Religion: for this affection is incredible, and exceedeth all others. The which beeing well considered (with the great diuersitie of humours and conditions of men, it were no strange thing, if in so great a multitude of them M that are persecuted for their conscience, some should bee found more suddaine, or more reuengefull and impatient than the rest, who would make no difficultie to attempt such exploits; yea, if it were but to reuenge the grieuous wrongs and iniuries that were done [Page 363] for that cause vnto their kinsfolkes and friends: Wherein it is greatly to be considered, That No sorts maintaine kings so much as the loue of their subiects. A there are no forts nor castles that maintaine kings in their greatnesse, so much as the faithfull loue of their subiects: So contrariwise, the king doth but prouoke their hatred against his Maiestie, yea, of them who otherwise are good and well gouerned men, and liue without reproch.
If the Inquisitors and their adherents feare not the Huguenots, for that (as they say) they haue not the wit to reuenge themselues, who maintaine that they must doe good for euill; yet they may well haue heard the common prouerbe, That patience too much vrged, in the end turneth to furie: And if they be not void of all sence, they must thinke, that all the kinsfolkes, friends, and allies of them that they persecute, are not all of one mind and equall patience, that they can so easily passe ouer the wrong which they thinke they haue receyued: B so as although there were no danger that they should attempt any thing against his Maiestie, or his estates; yet will they carry an irreconcileable hatred against his officers: whereby there will grow bad intelligence among the kings subiects, which is a matter (as euery man knowes) of very great importance, as we may well see by the troubles of Fraunce, the The cause of the troubles in France. which partly tooke their beginning from such occasions. And it is most manifest, that if king Henry, or his father king Francis, had in their times graunted free exercise of Religion, restraining them with good lawes and ordinances; without doubt they had left their realme much more happie and flourishing, and had preuented so many calamities, which haue ensued. I know there are some which say, that the like is not to bee feared here, considering the small number there is, and therefore it were no reason, that for a handfull of men, and of C the baser sort, they should bring in any innouation. But they that vse such speeches, discouer their grosseignorance, or their insupportable malice. If there bee any question to giue assistance to the Inquisitors, to install the new bishops, or to send garrisons into any townes, then they can say, That if they vse not extreame rigour, and great diligence, it will not bee possible to maintaine the auncient Religion; importuning the Court with their continuall complaints, how wonderfully the heretickes doe multiplie. But if there be any question to find some mild and fit course, to settle the countries quiet, without any great effusion of bloud, then they say, there are so few Huguenots, and of so base qualitie, as nothing ought to be altered for them. So as any man may easily see, that their entent is to maintaine themselues onely in their greatnesse, were it with the totall ruine of his Maiesties Countries. D And they that doe earnestly affect the kings greatnesse, and the preseruation of his Subiects, must reiect them as partiall, and suspect; and make diligent information and search of the number, qualitie, and sufficiencie of them that desire to bee the kings faithfull subiects, so as they may satisfie and enioy their consciences: and without doubt, they shall finde a greater number than is generally beleeued. Let them looke to the multitude of those that Great numbers haue forsaken the Netherlands for Religion. are retyred into England, where they haue their publicke assemblies in infinite numbers: then let them turne to those that are gone into Fraunce, in as great numbers: from thence let them muster vp them that are at Francfort, Strausbourg, Heidelberg, Franckendal, Cologne, Aix, Dousbourg, Embden, Geneua, Hambourg, Breme, and other townes of the East countries: without doubt (in my opinion) they shall find an hundred thousand. And as for those that remaine yet in the countrey, it is most manifest there are many more. There E haue beene sometimes seene at an assembly or preaching at Tournay, foure or fiue thousand persons. The like hath beene knowne at Valenciennes, besides those that haue remained secretly in their houses: else the garrisons had beene needlesse, which haue beene sent thither, if the multitude had not beene so great. It is thought, that Lille hath not many lesse: who so will looke into the petie townes and neighbour villages, shall vndoubtedly find an infinite number. Come into West-Flanders, the numbers are wonderfull great, notwithstanding any search or pursute, which the Deane of Renay hath made. Haue we not seene at Messines (as I remember) seuen or eight hundred countreymen force the prison, and deliuer a prisoner, and they could neuer discouer who they were? I leaue Eand, Bruges, F and Ypre, in which notwithstanding are good numbers. What multitudes meet together at Antuerpe, is apparent, and at Brussels, where the Court remayneth: yet can they not by any meanes keepe them from assembling themselues together in good numbers. What shall I speake of the Countries of Holland, Zeeland, Gueldres, and Friseland, [Page 364] where it seemeth they haue greater libertie? and in truth the officers dare make no more G searches nor executions, by reason of the great numbers. Haue we not seene at Vtrecht (an [...]piscopall towne, and sull of [...]ich chanons) one called Thys, or Steuen, preach this doctrine publick [...]ly for the space of a whole yeare, in the view of the whole world, in despight of all such as did oppose themselues; and notwithstanding all their pursute, yet could they neuer apprehend him, for that all the people did accompanie him both going in and comming out of the chur [...]h: so as sometimes h [...] was carried vpon their shoulders, and lodged sometimes in one house, sometimes in another? Whereby we may see, that the number is not so small, as some maintaine; yea, they complaine, that they cannot furnish them with ministers and preachers ynough. Without doubt, if they were gathered together in one place, as well those which are [...]tired, as they which remaine, there would be found at the least two or three hundred thousand. If they will haue respect to them that are of the same opinion, and yet H dissemble, attending some change or fitter oportunitie, I doe certainely beleeue, that all ioyned together, would equall the number of the rest. So as they which maintaine, that the number is so small, and that for them they should not alter nor change any thing, shew, that they haue no sence nor iudgement, or else that they would raigne alone in the world.
Whereas they say, That they be all people of base condition: The contrary hath beene Th [...]t those of the [...] are [...] [...]ll of base cond [...]on seene in Germanie, France, England, Scotland, and Denmarke; whereas not only the common people, but also princes and kings haue embraced this Religion: and doubtlesse, if they might discouer themselues without danger of life and goods, they should also find here a great number of gentlemen, and others of good sort, that would declare themselues to be of their I partie. But although the number were not so great, yea, if there were but very few, yet it were be [...]itting the clemencie of a king, to haue regard vnto the health of the meanest of his subiects. The emperou [...] Traian was wont to say, That he had rather saue one citizen and subiect, than defeat a whole armie of his enemies: a speech worthy of a Monarch and Emperor. Such then as thinke they should not spare to ruine (as much as in them lies) the bodies and soules of the kings poore subiects, shew themselues ignorant, what Christianitie, humanitie, or the clemencie of a king requires; the very name whereof makes his fame more glorious, than all the trophies and victories that he could obtaine of his enemies.
But some will say, That these men are wicked and prophane, and that they corrupt the rest. Whereunto I answere, That the point of Religion onely excepted (whereon it is not my K intent here to iudge) you shall find, that they are otherwise, good men, fearing God, yeelding obedience to the king and magist [...]ate, and doing wrong to no man: although there bee some that couer themselues with their name, and are not so▪ the which happeneth, for that they are not suffered to haue the ex [...]rcise of their Religion, as they would: and as for the point of their Religion, let it be what they please: but so it is, they are not all persecuted so much, for that they follow heresie and errour, but for that they are constant and faithfull in that which they thinke conformable to the word of God: for they suffer them to beleeue what they please (which indeed they cannot hinder) so as they will be disloyall, and hypocrites. And seeing they submit themselues to be instructed by the word of God, there is no reason to esteeme them so wicked. L
Moreouer, we must in despight of our selues confesse, That the greatest and best wits, and the most learned men, maintaine their partie. I will not disgrace the others. But if we will Most o [...] the [...] and best w [...]ts [...]re of the [...]. lay aside all sauour and affection, we shall sind, that the most excellent wits haue beene and are of their profession; yea, the restauration of arts and sciences (the which were buried in darkenesse) is come from them: The knowledge of the Tongues, especially of the Greeke and Hebr [...]w▪ hath beene beautified more by them than by any others. To conclude, their aduersaries themselues are forced to confesse, that there are singular men among them in all sorts of sciences: besides that, the life of many of them is irreprehensible. If then there were not so great a number, as there is, yet they should haue a respect, not to ruine, and chase away those whom God hath endued with such excellent graces, and depriue the M king and his countries of so great a good, in chasing away, or murthering them, which might haue serued eyther for counsell, learning, or some other way: seeing it is ordin [...]ly found, that they desire to yeeld all obedience and dutie vnto the king, and to serue him with bodie and goods, so as they would leaue them the exercise of their Religion free. [Page 365] To conclude then, if it pleased his Maiestie to graunt this libertie, he should not onely preuent A troubles and inconueniences, which haue happened in France, and elswhere, through this occasion: but also it should be a meanes, by the which his subiects should be induced eu [...]ry one to imploy himselfe in his vocation, to the seruice of his Maiestie, and the aduancement of the In the end they shall be forced to grant liber [...]e of religion. commonweale: seeing that in the end they shall be forced to come vnto it, were it after his decease, as in other countries where the like accidents haue happened.
It remaines now to consider the inconueniences that may arise, the which I find to be two principal. The first, that if the exercise of their religion were allowed them, they might multiply Obiections against [...]ee excr [...]se of [...]ligion. in such sort, as the antient religion would decay and come to nothing, the which the king would not endure by any meanes. The other is, That they hold commonly, that in one countrey there cannot be two diuers religions, without great trouble and disorder. As for the B first, they must vnderstand, that all religions are grounded, either vpon the authoritie of God, Answer to the first obiection. or the authoritie of men: for a religion may be grounded vpon the authoritie of men, when hauing regard vnto that which our auncestors haue done and followed, or to that which our king commands, or to that which some great personage doth inioyne vs; we ground our religion vpon those respects, without any other firme reason, or feeling in our hearts, that we do well or ill: as the Turkes, Pagans, and idolaters haue alwayes done, yea and the greatest part of the world do at this day, changing their religion and maner of seruing God, in what sort, and as often as it shall please the king, or those to whom they deferre this credit. But for that those religions proceed not from a religious heart, fearing God, but rather from the respect and reuerence of men, it is easie to hinder the course, and to plant in other by humane meanes, C as by armes and violence. So as it was no difficult thing for the Romanes, to bring their gods and religions into Greece, and other countries of their conquests, the which were grounded but vpon the authoritie of their princes and kings. But if the religion hath his foundation vpon the authority and word of God, or vpon the testimonie of their consciences, be it with reason, or therwise, force and outward violence cannot preuaile, as we haue shewed: and there is no meanes to hinder the course and progresse thereof, but in shewing that the foundation is il laid. If then the king will maintaine the old religion, and stop the course of the new, it is necessarie that he giue them libertie to be heard, to the end that they may be confuted: and that all the world knowing wherein the abuse doth consist, may flie their acquaintance. If it be heresie which they sow, you cannot but stop the course, in suffering them to publish their doctrine, so D as their errours may be laid open vnto the people, by the truth of the word of God: else, the more you seeke to suppresse it, the more it will encrease. But contrariwise, if haply their doctrine be conformable to the word of God, it is not to bee presumed, that his Maiestie would oppresse it, wherefore that inconuenience alledged, is of no consequence.
The second point seemes to be of great moment: for they say commonly, That to entertaine the publike quiet, we must haue but one Law, one Faith, and one King; a thing without doubt which were greatly to be desired, for that it should bring vs to that golden age. But seeing that religion and faith is a meere gift of God, ingrauen in the heart of man, ouer the which none can command but God onely, it were a great indiscretion to thinke it possible to reduce all the inhabitants of one countrey to one faith, by force and corporall violence. It is true, that E they say, That as in a family, the father ought to foresee, that all those of his house worship but one onely God, and be of one religion: so the king should prouide, that in his realme there should be but one faith and one law, the which were wonderfully good and healthfull: but it is not possible to attaine vnto it, if it bee not among those people whose religion is grounded vpon the kings simple authoritie, the which is no true religion, but a meere hypocrisie & counterfeiting, whereunto they haply may be drawne, that haue no feare of God. As it was seene among the Romanes, who receiued as many new gods as their emperors commanded them. But this shall neuer take place among them which haue any inward feeling grounded vpon any reason, be it vpon the word of God, or of their owne conscience: in which case you are so farre from reducing a whole nation to one religion, as you shall hardly reclaime one familie. F The which was manifest among the Iewes, where there were three famous sects, more contrarie one vnto another, than those of the new religion, vnto them that maintaine themselues vnder the antient obedience of the pope. But, which is much more, from the beginning of the world vnto this day, it was neuer seene, that all were of one law, and one faith, no not according [Page 366] to the exterior exercise: for before the comming of Christ, the kings of Aegypt, Persia, G and Babilon, were forced to leaue the Iewes in their country, and to allow them the free exercise of their religion, the which they held to be abhominable. And after his comming, the Romane emperours haue also suffered it, as Antonius Pius and Marc Anto [...]ne, not that they were of an accord with them (for they had the name of a christian in horror) but for that they found they were not seditious, nor disturbers of the publike quiet: and so of many other emperours who haue suffered them, and forbidden that no iniurie should be done them, although they were of a meere contrarie opinion. True it is, that some one may say, That all these examples serue but to aduance the Christian Faith, which the king intends to maintaine, in rooting out the new religion: yet it is most manifest, that it is no new thing to endure two religions in one countrey; yea and that all wise kings and princes haue so done according to the necessitie of It is no new [...]. H the time: for although the religion of those emperours were bad, yet they held it good & holy, as the king holds his; and it was the religion which they had receiued from their ancestors aboue three thousand yeares past. But wee find also that Christian emperours haue endured false religions, as it appeares by the examples of Theodotius, Honorius, and Arcadius, who gaue temples to the Arrians, and No [...]atians, sometimes within, sometimes without the citie, as the necessitie of the time and place required. In the Ecclesiasticall hystorie, it is reported for a remarkable thing, that Valentinianus the emperour was Orthodoxe, and a good Christian, yet he suffered the Arrians, though he fauoured them not so much as the others. Valens his collegue, or companion in the empire, was an Arrian, and would by no meanes suffer the Christians in his gouernment, but did persecute them in all sorts: whereby wee may easily gather, that in all I well gouerned commonweales, to auoid seditions and tumults, it is sometimes necessarie to grant temples vnto hereticks, not to the intent they should disperse their heresies more, but that the people hearing the truth confronted with falshood, might (without mutines or tumults) apply themselues quietly vnto the true and right religion. But our Lord and Sauiour saith, That he came to bring warre and not peace into the world, so as in one house there shall bee dissention betwixt the father and the sonne, the brother and the brother, &c. How can we then maintaine the religion of Iesus Christ, if they will reduce all the world to one faith and one law, seeing that for the ordering thereof, he doth not command the faithfull to kill the rest? but contrariwise he saith, That the Apostles and faithfull, should bee betrayed, excommunicated, and put to death for their faith and religion: and therefore hee will haue them win the field K through patience, and the vertue of his word. So as I cannot wonder sufficiently at the impudencie of these men, who making a shew to be well read in all antient hystories, dare maintain that there were neuer two diuers religions in one commonweale: For what will they answer to the diuersitie alreadie alledged, betwixt the Pharises, Saduces, and Ess [...]es; without doubt they shall neuer find, that by reason of these sects there was any great difficultie in the gouernment; nor that Iesus Christ, or his Apostles, did euer command to burne them for their law. What shall we say of the diuersitie of religions that were among the Heathen, wherof one did not know anothers gods, no not the names: and some also maintained publikely, That God did not care for humane things; and yet wee find not that the gouernment of the Romans was troubled for this cause? But who doth not see at this day vnder the great Turke, a L great diuersitie of religions; so as among the Christians alone, there are fifteene or twentie sects and sundry religions, besides the Iewes, Persians, and Mahumetists, all subiects to his empi [...]e, the which are more contrarie one vnto another, for matter of religion, than water is contrarie to fire? Without doubt, if these diuersities were the true cause of seditions and tumults, it were not possible that the Turkes power should grow so great.
It is then a great ignorance, to thinke that subiects cannot bee maintained in quiet, when they are of diuers religions; for who so will looke neerely to the spring and beginning of tumults and seditions, hee shall find, that they proceed not so much from the diuersitie of religions, [...] [...]row [...] [...] the diuersitie o [...] [...]ons [...] p [...]ons as through priuat passions, as couetousnesse, ambition, reuenge, hatred, and such like; from the which [...]all quarr [...]ls may grow, and when the magistrat preuents it not in time, then by M little and little they inflame, and are cause of tumults, and publike seditions. Witnesse the troubles and seditions in Italy, betwixt the Guelphes and Gibellins, the which continued foure hundred yeares, and was the cause of infinit murthers, rapes, warre, and al sorts of violence, and yet there was no difference in the religion, but all did grow, for that the magistrat did feed the [Page 367] priuat passions of their subiects, in steed of suppressing them by iustice. And as for controuersies A touching religion, it is not two hundred yeares since that the controuersies betwixt the Franciscans and the Iacobins, for the conception of the virgine Marie, had caused great troubles throughout all Christendome; not that the controuersie was of any great importance, but through the negligence of the magistrats, who nourished these factions, and became partisans. Seeing then it appeareth, that whereas good order hath beene setled, people of diuers sects and religions haue beene quietly gouerned, without any sedition or tumult: and contrariwise whereas no order was, not onely diuersitie of religion, but euen smal quarrels haue bred horrible seditions and tumults; any man of iudgement may gather thereby, that seditions and tumults take not their increase from the importance of the quarrell, whereon they are grounded, but rather through the want of good order, for that the magistrats neglect to punish B them that entertaine them; or else themselues maintaine one partie, the which is confirmed by many antient and moderne examples. And who so will examine strictly the last troubles of France, shall find, that the greatest part haue happened, for that some mightie men, or gouernors themselues, hauing no regard to the publike good, nor to the ordinances of the states, haue at their owne pleasures plaid the kings, and insulted of their owne authorities ouer them of the religion. I thinke no man is so ignorant, but knowes, that the murther committed at Vassy, by the duke of Guise, against the lawes of the king and state, hath beene the true and onely cause of the ciuile warres which followed▪ to the ruine of the whole realme: for whilest the kings proceeded by their authoritie there was no newes of any sedition, how greeuous soeuer the persecutions were: But when as gouernors of their own authorities, offered violence C to them of the religion, presently all these tumults grew, the which may serue vs for a good example, whereby wee may learne to auoid the like inconueniences, and take some good course for the benefit of the king, and the good of all his good subiects, which seeke onely to obey him.
It is then easie to resolue, that good order would be setled, if libertie should bee graunted to them of the religion to assemble, and exercise their discipline, restraining and bridling them Note this counsell. with such lawes as shall be thought good: And that the kings magistrats and officers be carefull to execute his Maiesties intention, foreseeing aboue all things, that the people vsurpe not the authoritie of the sword, vnder colour of the factions of great men. So as aboue all things there must be a preuention, that all violence be forbidden of either side, and that those which proceed by any other vnlawfull meanes, as by taxing and slandering, shall bee well punished, D which doubtlesse will be a most assured meanes, and the subiects shall liue in good vnitie and concord together, and will carrie a perfect obedience vnto his Maiestie. And in the meane time truth will lay open falshood in such sort, as the king shall not need to feare that heresies shall multiply by this meanes, to root out the truth: but contrariwise, wee shall see truth flourish, and al heresies and false sects decay, Gods glorie shalbe generally celebrated, and the kings greatnesse and prosperitie increase. The which God grant vs by his holy grace, to whom be all honour and glorie, for euer and euer, and euer, Amen.
Such was the discourse of M. Francis Baudwin, wherein he toucht the true point, concerning the remedie of the troubles, the which the king and his counsell might since haue known E to be true, if they would haue confest it freely: or whether that the point of religion, and the great zeal which his counsellors did counterfeit, were the matters which toucht them neerest, as they made great shew of: or else couetousnesse and ambition, euerie one aiming at his priuat greatnesse, to the preiudice of the king and his countries: and if the king, who was then giuen to his pleasures, and without any knowledge of state (the which hee hath since learned to his owne cost) referring all wholy to his cardinall and counsell, had not beene so easie to suffer himselfe to be persuaded to the contrarie.
Whilest that both great and small in the Netherlands were thus distempered, for feare of the troubles which were at hand, by reason of the new bishops, Inquisition, bloudy edicts, and An assembly of the nobles at the mariage of the prince of Parma. counsell of Trent; Alexander Farnese, prince of Parma, sonne to duke Octauio, and the duchesse F gouernesse of the Netherlands, maried the Infanta of Portugal in the towne of Brussels, whither most of the nobles and best qualified gentlemen of the countrey came, to honor the feast: during the which there were diuers conferences among them, all concurring in this opinion, That they held it an inestimable losse, and a miserable case, that a countrey so abounding in [Page 368] people, and so flourishing in riches, should for the aboue-named causes come to ruine and de▪ G solation; and that so many faithfull and loyall subiects should kill and murther one another so grosly, for that they would not yeeld a little to their inclinations, nor discharge them any thing of the violence that was offered them, seeing that the peoples requests were so reasonable. Wherein (seeing that they which had the gouernment in hand, were abused or hindered by some bad spirits, to preuent the apparent mischiefe) they thought themselues bound, as wel in regard of their duties and othe, as of the ranke which they held, to imbrace this matter effectually, and to aduance it all they could. But they would first trie if by the generall complaints of the people, together with their praiers and intercessions, they might obtaine any thing Wherin many of them did imploy themselues, the more earnestly, for that they had of a long time The noblemen assemble at S. Trudon, touching the troubles. been affected to the religion, and therefore hated the edicts and all other cruell innouations. H The noblemen which were (as we haue said) assembled at Hochstrate, were dealt withall, but they would not hearken to it, but reuealed it to the duchesse, for that some feared the euent: yet notwithstanding the noblemen and gentlemen assembled at S. Trudon in greater numbers, resoluing to make a petition in the peoples name; they concluded of the order, and the day when they should meet at Brussels, to make the said petition vnto the gouernesse and the chiefe of the countrey, as well by mouth as by writing.
And to the end that through the persuasions of some seditious instruments, the matter might not be so disguised, as their assembly and good intention should be taken in ill part, and otherwise interpreted than was sincerely intended, they thought it conuenient for their assurance, to make a confederation or league together by the which they did promise to succour one another, I and not to forsake it for any cause, but what should bee done vnto the least of them for that occasion, should be taken as done to them all in generall, and to euerie one in particular: and that they should iointly defend themselues with all their powers; whereof they made a compromise signed by euery one of them, the tenor whereof followeth.
Whereas wee haue beene lately duly informed, and it is most true, that certaine peruerse A compromise of the nobles of the Netherlands. creatures, cunning and malitious, making a counterfeit shew of great zeale, which they haue to the maintenance and increase of the religion, and Catholike faith, and of the vnion of the people; but indeuouring onely to satisfie their instiable couetousnesse, ambition, and insupportable pride, haue by their [...]gred words, and false suggestions, so persuaded the king our lord (notwithstanding any petitions to the contrarie, that haue beene made vnto him) that K contrarie to the othe which his Maiestie hath made vnto God, and to his faithfull subiects of the Netherlands, he would forcibly b [...]ing in and plant that pernitious Inquisition; the which is not onely vnreasonable, and contrarie to all diuine and humane lawes, but also exceeding all the rigours and cruelties that euer were put in practise by the most cruell tyrants, Infidels, and Heathens. The which also cannot but redound to the great dishonour of the name of God, and the losse, desolation, and totall ruine of the said Netherlands; for that it doth subiect all authoritie and iurisdiction vnder the power of the Inquisitors, making all men perpetuall and miserable slaues exposing all good men to continuall and apparent danger, both of bodie and goods, by their searches and visitations: so as if a priest, a Spaniard of some wicked instrument, meanes to do a mischiefe to any man, by meanes of the Inquisition he may accuse him, cause L him to be apprehended, yea & put to death, be it iustly or vniustly, and confiscat all his goods, were he the vprightest man in the world, without hearing of his cause, reasons, and lawfull defence. Wherefore we that haue subsigned, hauing duely weighed and considered all these things, haue and do thinke it our dueties, according vnto reason, to preuent the said apparent and intollerable inconueniences, and by all good meanes to prouide for the safeties of our goods and persons, that we be not made a prey vnto them, who vnder colour of religion or Inquisition, would inrich themselues with the losse of our goods and liues. Whereupon we haue resolued to make, and do make, a good, firme, and holy league and confederation, binding our selues and promising one vnto another, by a solemne othe, to hinder with all our power, that the Inquisition be not brought in in any publike sort whatsoeuer, either openly or secretly, vnder M the name of Inquisition, Visitation, Edicts, Commandements, or any other pretexts whatsoeuer, but to abolish and root it out, as much as in vs lyeth; as the spring and fountaine of all disorder and iniustice Protesting notwithstanding before God and men, in the faith of a good conscience, that wee haue no intent to attempt any thing that may turne to the dishonour of [Page 369] God, or the diminution of the kings greatnesse, or his estates: but contrariwise, that our intention A is to maintaine the king and his estate, and to preserue all good order, resisting as much as we are able, all seditions, popular tumults and reuolts. Which confederation and league, wee haue promised and sworne, and do now promise and sweare, to entertaine it holily and inviolably. We call the almightie God for a witnesse of our soules and consciences, that neither in deed nor word, directly nor indirectly, we shall not willingly go against it. And to [...]atifie the said league, and to make it firme and stable for euer, we promise all assistance of bodie & goods one vnto another, as brothers and faithfull companions, holding ioyntly together, that none of vs brethren & confederats, be not sought after, tormented, nor persecuted in bodie nor goods, in any sort whatsoeuer, for any respect growing from the said Inquisition, or in any sort grounded vpon the edicts, tending thereunto, or by reason of this our league. And in case that B any molestation or persecution happen to any of our said brethren, confederats and allies, in any sort whatsoeuer, we promise and sweare vnto God, to assist in that case, in al places with bodie and goods, not sparing any thing, without any delay or exception whatsoeuer, euen as if it were our owne proper persons: meaning and specifying expresly, that it shall not auaile to exempt and absolue vs from our league and duties, although the persecutors would couer the persecutions and molestations with any other colour & pretext, as if they should intend only to punish rebellion, or any such pretext whatsoeuer, so as it may appeare vnto vs, that the occasion growes from the aboue named causes; for as much as wee maintaine, that in such cases there can be no crime of rebellion pretended, seeing it growes from a holy zeale, and commendable desire, to maintaine the glorie of God, the maiestie of the king, and a publike quiet, C with an assurance of our bodies and goods, and the defence of our families, wiues, and children, to whom God and nature doth bind vs. Our meaning notwithstanding is, and wee promise one vnto another, that euery one of vs in the like exploits, shall refer himselfe to the common aduice of all his brethren and allies, or to some of them, which shall bee committed and deputed to that end, to the end, that this holy vnion may bee alwayes well and holily entertained, and that what shall be done by a common consent, may be firme and vailable.
In witnesse and assurance of our said league and confederation, we inuocate the holy name of the liuing God, Creator of heauen and earth, and of all that is in them, as Iudge and searcher of our hearts, consciences, and thoughts, who knoweth that such is our desire and resolution, beseeching him humbly, that he will giue vs the grace of his holy spirit, to the end that all D our enterprises may haue a good and happie succcesse, to the honour of his most holy name, and the quiet publike tranquilitie, and health of our soules. Amen.
This assembly and confederation of the nobles, could not bee made so secretly, but it was Diuers opinions of the confederation of the Netherlands. discouered: and as no man in court could learne what their designe & intent was, but the confederats themselues, so it bred a great feare and alteration in the gouernesse, and those of her counsell: and as it commonly fals out in the like occurrents, many reports, and diuers aduertisements were sent touching the same. The more the brute of this league increased, the more their conceits and diuersitie of opinions augmented; some tending to good, some to bad: some said that all the countrey was reuolted: some that there was an assembly of many thousands of men, which came armed towards the court: some gaue it out, that they had secret intelligences E in certaine townes, of the which they would first seise: others reported, that they would change the gouernment at their pleasures: some said, that they would chase away the Romish religion, and plant the reformed: some others that were more mutinous, said, that it was to driue away all the clergie men: others approching somewhat neerer, and hauing a more true feeling and apprehension, said, that it was to abolish the Inquisition and the edicts. To conclude, euery man spake according to his humor, and as he was affected. But all agreed in this, that the said nobles should meet in great numbers armed, whether it were at Brussels, or elsewhere, and then their designe should be made manifest.
All these brutes brought a terrible feare and perplexity to the court, especially to them who were partly the cause, that these persecutions, executions, and Inquisition (from whence euerie F man iudged the occasion of this assembly to be taken) had beene so eagerly followed, and that they would not receiue any complaints or admonitions to the contrarie, by them of Brabant and Flanders, exhibited as well to the gouernesse, as to their magistrats and consuls, who through diuersitie and obscuritie of answers, and apostiles, did but dissemble, to pacifie the [Page 370] people. And in the meane time by prouision, and according to the kings letters to the duchesle, G and from her to the consuls (as we haue before said) there were certaine men deputed throughout all the prouinces, which should haue a care euerie one in his quarter, ouer all the inhabitants, whether they went to masse or no, and if they did their accustomed duties in the Romish Church: which deputies were bound to make their report at the court at Brussels, euerie three monethes. Yea the Inquisitors had full commission to execute their designes, proiected long before, conformable to the instruction which was giuen them the eleuenth of May 1565: by the which, according to the verie words thereof, ample and full commission is giuen them, to make Inquisitions, proceedings, corrections, and punishments, degradations, The verie words of the Inquisitors commission. deliuerances to the secular power, to vse imprisonments, and apprehension of men, making of processes without any ordinarie forme of iustice; chusing only some one of the kings counsel, who should be bound to giue sentence as they should require, according to the forme [...] [...]nd tenor H of the Apostolike letters, written touching that, without any attendance or requisition of the ordinarie, judge, or diocesan of the place, and that against those that are suspected of heresie, or that shall read forbidden bookes, or shall make assemblies, dispute or talke of the holy Scriptures. Item, to call before them, as often as they please, all his Maiesties subiects, of what authoritie, power, state, qualitie, or condition soeuer, be they presidents, counsellors, bourgmasters, aldermen, or other officers, to sweare them by othe, against all those they shall name, vpon paine to be punished as suspect and fauourers of heresies. In respect whereof all gouernours, magistrats, and officers, were inioyned to giue all aid, assistance, and fauour vnto the said Inquisitors, in the execution of their charge, whensoeuer they should berequired, vpon the same I paines, &c. Besides many other things, directly repugnant to all right, and the antient priuiledges and customes of the countrey.
Moreouer, the most apparent, as wel among the nobles, as marchants and artisans, and especially the richest, were alreadie inrolled in these Inquisitors bookes, to proceed against them, as against men, subiect to confiscation, both of body & goods at the least in case of repentance to great pecuniarie fines. Thereupon was heard of all sides the brags and threats of Inquisitors, The vaunts and threats of priests and preachers, incenseth the people priests, and monks, daring to des [...]ribe, yea to name in their sermons, the most apparent. Whereof not onely the people of Antuerpe, which heard it, and the magistrats, which had been daily informed, bare witnesse, but also the townes of Lille, Tournay, Valenciennes, and others of the countries of Flanders, Brabant, Holland, and Arthois, whereas these threats haue beene K publikely heard, from the mouthes of the priests and preachers. Besides it was generally spoken, of a leuie of [...]orse and foot made by duke Erick of Brunswick, to plant the Inquisition (as it was giuen out) by force in the Netherlands, as they had before designed, yet could not effect it: and that all this did tend to put it in execution, that is, to make a conquest of these Netherlands, and by that meanes hauing abolished the priuiledges, to conuert them to a realme, as I haue said. This leuie of men was confirmed by the entertaining of captaines, to whom duke Erick had giuen in prest. This did so amaze the people, that many merchants, yea of the most apparent, had alreadie packt vp all, to free themselues from such violence and oppression, by a voluntarie exile: many were alreadie retired, and the trades were transported from all parts, namely from Flanders, Tournay, Valenciennes, and other neighbor places, in such great L troups, as it was not onely apparent to the eye, and they felt it in the decay of their imposts and customes, but also it did plainly appeare, that many good borough townes and villages, were almost left desolat: so as there was no good man, that seeing this calamitie and decay of the countrey, which had been so flourishing, but was wonderfully grieued: yea there were some officers and magistrats of great qualitie, who, considering of the one side the rigor of the commandement, by the which it was expresly said, That if any one of them should refuse to his dutie, and assist the Inquisitors in the execution of their charges, that they should be discharged, and others put in their places; and on the other side, laying before their eyes the furie of an incensed multitude, the which being moued by such extremities, doe oftentimes fall into such rages, as they neither spare officers nor magistrats, or els it may be, not able in conscience to become M prouosts and executioners to the Inquisition, in a cause so ill grounded, spake openly of leauing off their charges, and to resigne them into the kings hands, in case he continued in this resolution, rather than to pursue the said executions with such rigour.
On the other side the French, neighbours to these countries, who had long affected this [Page 371] estate, as if the better part had proceeded from them, were loth to let slip this occasion, seeking by all meanes to sound the hearts of the inhabitants of the countrey, giuing them to vnderstand A by men suborned, how insupportable this seruitude should bee vnto them, by the which they should take from them their priuiledges, immunities, and liberties, and bring in other lawes, ordinances, and customes, after the Spanish manner: that the Spaniards would come and seize vpon their lands, houses, wiues, and children, yea of all that was theirs, and subiect the king of Spaines owne person vnto their Inquisition. They did not forget to describe vnto them the great desolation which would bee in the countrey, by reason of the retreat of the chiefe marchants, who would carrie away with them the workemen, artisans and their arts. And (as it is true, that traffique is the nursing mother of these countries) that being retired, the workemen must needs retire, or dye for hunger: besides the subiection of consciences, B whereunto they would bring them; comparing with all these discommodities and feruitudes, the wealth, goodly commodities, and aboue all the libertie of other realmes and neighbour countries, as Fraunce is (the priuiledges of the French church beeing such, as they doe not acknowledge the Pope for their superiour, but as they please themselues) England, Scotland, Denmarke, the greatest part of Germanie, with Bohemia: And therefore it were an vnworthie thing, that these good countries of the Netherlands, lying in the middest of such neighbours, so free, should be made slaues, vnder the yoke of a strange and farre-fet barbarous nation. Whereunto did also serue diuers and sundrie brutes spred abroad here and there, as in the neighbour countries of Germanie, Gueldres, Oueryssell, Friseland, yea in Prouinces of the Netherlands confederats with the empire. Holland and Zeeland, where they said, that they were confederats with the empire, and therfore should enioy the priuiledges of the pacification, made and past in Germanie at Passau, C and not endure the yoke of the Inquisition of Spaine, repugnant to all antient lawes, customs, and priuiledges.
In Brabant and Flanders they obiected an accord made by the deceased emperour Charles the fifth, with the princes electors of the empire, making one circle, the which in the Germane tongue they call Creyts, by it selfe, contributable as much as two princes electros. Wherupon, and to shew that it was true, they pretended that they of Flanders had giuen a gratuitie vnto his imperiall Maiestie, as an acknowledgement of the good which they pretended to haue receiued by the meanes of the said accord; the which his Maiestie had taken in good part: and that thereby hee was bound to the obseruation of the said treatie. Moreouer for the D Brabansons, they did alledge their contract of Ioyous entrie, the which they said was mutuall and reciprocall, and could not be broken by the one, but presently the other were freed and discharged from their othe.
Whereunto they added, that the duchie of Brabant was fallen to the king of Spaines predecessors, by right of election, the which depended vpon conditions sworne of either side: all which conditions they said, were broken, if they brought the Inquisition of Spaine into that countrey. Those of Brabant did also produce six principall articles among others of their Six chiefe articles in the priuiledges of Brabant. priuiledges, whereof the first was:
1 That the duke of Brabant might not augment the state of the clergie, more than it had beene in old time, and so placed by the dukes, vnlesse the two other estates of the nobilitie and commons should consent thereunto. E
2 That the duke might not pursue ciuilely or criminally, any of his naturall subiects, or strangers dwelling there, but by the ordinarie course of the iustice of the countrey, whereas the accused may defend and iustifie himselfe by his counsell.
3 That the duke may not raise any tribute or other imposition, nor any innouation, without the consent of the states of the countrey.
4 That the duke may not place any strangers or forreiners in any offices of Brabant, except in certaine petie exceptions, namely in his court, where hee may haue two strangers of his counsell, so as they bee of the same language; as also one that is not borne in Brabant, hauing for a time enioyed some free seigniorie there, may bee president in the said F Court.
5 When as the duke would assemble his estates, were it to demaund money, ayd subsidies, or any other thing of his subiects, that those of Brabant, nor the other estates of the countrey [Page 372] should not bee bound to goe out of the limits of the countrey, nor to conclude any thing G out of it.
6 If it should happen that the duke would restraine and infringe their priuiledges, were it by force, or otherwise; in that case his subiects of Brabant, hauing made a solemne protestation before, should bee freed and discharged of their othe and homage, and as free men may prouide for themselues as they shall thinke most conuenient.
Which priuiledges most part of the townes and prouinces did maintaine them to bee in like sort giuen vnto them, by accord made with Maximilian king of Romanes, in the yeare 1488, the 16 of May, according to the 14 article of the said treatie, and other accords made with the said prouinces.
Besides all these allegations and propositions, in the end they durst say openly, that by the feodall lawes, the lord looseth the right of his fee, by the same occasion of felonie, that the H vassall forfeits his fee vnto his lord; inferring thereby, that by reason of the Inquisition, the which did attempt manifestly against the lands and goods of the kings vassals, they might iustly forget their duetie of fealtie. All which brutes, with many others, the which were spred abroad here and there, as well by writing as by mouth, with many pasquils set vp in diuers places, as well in Antuerpe, as in Brussels, and the libels printed, that were dispersed abroad, did wonderfully mooue the people (beeing alreadie much altered) as it happens commonly, when as the heart of man is in feare or anguish, it is easily distempered, and mooued vpon all occasions that are offered, conformable to that which it affects. The noblemen considering this, especially they which had their houses and residence in the countrey, fearing I least the people, thus mooued, falling into dispaire, would set vpon them as well as vpon the rest, would make hast to preuent the mischiefes that were readie to fall. And first they would trie if the emperours intercession would any thing auaile them, to mollifie the king of Spaines heart. Whereupon they sent their deputies to an Imperiall diet, that should be held Deputies of the nobles with a petition at an imperiall Diet. at Ausbourg, with a petition vnto the emperour Maximilian, in the name of the inhabitants of the Netherlands, hauing left the Romish religion, and desiring to adde hereunto the reformed: in the which was discoursed at large, of the Inquisition of Spaine, and of the publication and obseruation required of the counsell of Trent, which sought to pull from them their priuiledges, freedomes, and the liberties of their consciences. They therefore besought his Imperiall Maiestie, and the princes of the empire, to admonish the king, to forbeare the shedding K of any more innocent bloud, and of men fearing God, least the wrath of God should fall vpon him, and vpon the house of Bourgoigne.
Matters standing in this estate, the Gouernesse and her counsell thought it fit and expedient to send for all the noblemen that were absent to court, as well gouernours of Prouinces, The gouernors [...]nd knights of the order sent for to court. as knights of the order, and in the meane time to charge them to write vnto the noblemen of their quarters and iurisdictions, not to deale any further in their confederation, but to giue it ouer; finally that they should endeuour, that the said nobles and their assembly might bee dispersed, vpon hope that matters might bee pacified. They did also write vnto the said noblemen, to the place whereas they thought they were assembled, and to the heads of them, That if they had any matter of grieuance or complaint, they should send it in writiting by L their deputies in a small number. The Gouernesse in the meane time causing her guards to bee doubled, and the court to bee fortified, shee also writ vnto the king the twentieth of May, The Gouernesse writes to the king all the [...]res of the Netherlands. aduertising him of all that had past, of the murmure and discontentment of the people, of the apparent danger, if they did not relinquish the Inquisition, and moderate the rigour of the edicts, of the confederation and compromise of the nobles, whereof shee sent a copie, and generally of the complaints of the foure chiefe townes of Brabant, vpon the breach of their priuiledges, &c. The said lady did also cause the three estates of Brabant to bee called together, to whom shee declared, That shee had beene well aduertised and informed, that there was a certaine conspiracie plotted, and an enterprise made vpon the countrey, the which might cause great inconueniences, and therefore they must bee stopt and preuented by any M meanes; intreating them to doe their dueties, and to informe her what they could learne more particularly thereof, as in like sort shee would aduertise them of her knowledge. And The Gouern [...] p [...]th th [...] [...]es o [...] [...]bant. whereas shee had vnderstood, that the pretexts which they tooke, was against the Inquisition, [Page 373] shee had the day before commanded the counsell of Brabant, to answere a petition presented A by foure chiefe townes: assuring them, that it was neuer his Maiesties intention nor hers, to charge the countrey of Brabant with the said Inquisition: for the which the states did humbly thanke her. Afterwards shee caused the deputie of the towne of Antuerpe to bee called apart, aduertising them that some strangers beeing of the conspiracie, were lodged in the I [...]nes of their towne, desiring to know what it was, and what order they held for the preseruation thereof, for that shee had beene aduertised, that some bourgesses and merchants, did adhere vnto the conspiratours. Whereupon the said deputies answered, That there was good order, and good watch, and a good guard day and night at the ports, and euerie part of the towne; that the ships were searched before they were suffered to enter into the hauen, and that the Inne-keepers did euerie night bring the names of B them they lodged, but they had not heard of any strangers: notwithstanding they would write more amply vnto her of the whole. Whereupon the Duchesse said vnto them, That they had good reason to stand vpon their guard, for their honours, goods, and liues depended thereon: they might also assure the people, that they should haue no Inquisition, and therefore to admonish them that they should conteine themselues in peace and quietnesse. The like aduertisements and admonitions she gaue vnto them of Brussels, and almost in the same substance, as she had propounded it to the states of Brabant▪ touching the conspiracy and enterprises. The six and twentieth of March she writ vnto all the gouernors and particular officers of all the prouinces, admonishing them to stand vpon their guards, and to preuent all inconueniences. C
The gouernours, knights of the ord [...]r, and other noblemen, beeing assembled at Brussels A proiect to moderat the edicts. vpon the Duchesse commaundement, with the kings counsell of state, it was propounded how they might moderate the rigour of the edicts, and the punishment of the offenders, so as they might still maintaine the auntient religion▪ and pacifie the troubles which began to arise▪ thereupon they concluded to write vnto the king▪ and to vnderstand his good pleasure. But as soone as the people vnderstood, that they would take no other course, but by moderation and changing of the accustomed rigour, this made them to enter into greater suspition than before; and the more, for that they sought to keepe that secret which they had resolued in the sayd counsell, touching the moderation, thinking they should haue small ease or reliefe thereby. And if before they had cast about pasquils, now they D set vp protestations against the magistrats, taxing them that they did winke and dissemble with the Gouernesse: the which was not done in the countrey of Brabant alone, but also in Flanders, vpon foure seuerall petitions, which they presented as well to the kings Maiestie in Spaine, as to the Gouernesse and to the counsell of state: to the which they answered doubtfully, to hold them in suspence, and lull them asleepe. And for that the said petitions of Flanders and Brabant were substanciall and full of pregnant reasons, to mooue the king to veeld vnto their humble supplications, I haue thought it good to insert one (to the which that of Flanders was conformable) sent by them of Brabant into Spain, the which was as followeth.
Sir, although that all your obedient subiects, as well of your towne of Antuerpe, as of the rest of the duchie of Brabant, bee not ignorant of your Maiesties good affection to A petition sent by them of Brabant to the king of Spaine. E the preseruation of your countrey, and good of your subiects, which are there resident, being continued as it were by hereditarie succession, from your Maiesties most noble auncestours; yet notwithstanding for as much as wee feele, and haue for many yeares felt, that there are many about you, which do not with so good an intention as it were to be desired, seeke the aduan [...]ement of the countries and prouinces that are subiect to your Maiestie, but beeing oftentimes thrust on, some by enuie, others by priuat hatred, abuse your mildnesse and accustomed clemencie, to the great preiudice thereof, informing you of many accusations, which should rather bee troden vnder foot, than presented vnto your Maiestie. It is a thing not onely commendable and conuenient, but also profitable, and more than necessarie, F to discouer in some sort, and lay open the slanders that haue beene layd vpon your most obedient subiects: to the end that hereafter the countrey of Brabant, and all the Netherlands, yeelding all duetie of loyaltie and obedience vnto your Maiestie, may bee eased [Page 374] and releeued, according to that which shall bee held expedient for the seruice of God, G the preseruation of your dignitie, and the tranquilitie of your faithfull subiects. And although it bee not our intent to prescribe you a law, for the gouerning of the things which are committed vnto you by the grace of God, yet we doubt not but your Maiestie is sufficiently instructed what the duetie of the members are, shewing where their pain and griefe doth most presse and trouble them, that they may bee releeued. As also it hath pleased you to grant this grace vnto your faithfull subiects of the duchie of Brabant, promising them by expresse priuiledges, to heare their petitions and complaints, and to prouide for them according vnto reason. Wherefore relying as well vpon your clemencie, as vpon the promise which it hath pleased your Maiestie heretofore to make, wee hope that it shall not be troublesome vnto you, if wee first lay open the spring of these accusations, with all the effects that would follow, if it should not please your Maiestie to preuent this mischiefe presently, H so as it may not enter into the countries of your subiection: then after, to shew the manner how to entertaine this good of peace and quietnesse among your subiects, the profit whereof shall come vnto your cofers, and the honour vnto your Maiestie. For the saying of Demades is alwayes true, That it is more easie to gouerne the helme of a ship, when shee is whole and vnder saile, than to gather the peeces together, when it is broken through the violence of the waues, or against some dangerous rocke. Whereof we must all haue a care to the greatnesse and dignitie of your Maiestie, the quiet of all your subiects, and the priuat profit of euerie towne and citie that is vnder your commaund. It doth not seeme fit nor reasonable, that your faithfull subiects, who are readie to imploy body and goods, yea and their verie liues for I your Maiesties seruice, as much and more than euer they did heretofore, should receiue wrong by the suggestion of any one, who vnder some colourable pretext, practise that which will be an irrepairable losse to you and to your obedient subiects. For we find, that all the speeches which are held against your countries, in your Maiesties presence, proceed to two principall parties; whereof the one seemes to be wholy supported by the hatred and enuy which is inueterat, to the ruine and vtter desolation of the countrey, were it not that God prouides for it by his bountie, and you gouerne it by your wisdome: the other puts forth still an infinit number of heresies, the which serues many for a cloake to incense you more and more, and had done it long since, without the wisedome and moderation wherewith God hath endued you in such matters, to their great good and comfort, who desire K nothing more, than to enioy a good and a happie peace, vnder your Maiesties gouernment and commaund. And this is our comfort, the which makes vs to hope for better in the middest of al our cares and crosses, into the which we haue often fallen, for the maintenance of your dignitie, and of the difficulties wherein we are at this present, through the enuy and malice of some. And as for accusations, they are not so receiued of your Maiestie, but th [...]re is still a place reserued by your clemencie, for the defence of the innocents: for that which is spoken through hatred or enuie, chargeth the whole countrey, that is, an infinit number of people, which protest to liue vnder your obedience, so long as God shall giue them the grace: but in accusations the danger must bee priuat, liable against them which make sects apart, and sow heresies and false doctrines, to the end that in iudgements, the L faults that shall bee found, may bee punished without enuie, and that enuie may bee layd aside, if there bee no offence found. True it is, that if these things were spoken nakedly and simply, w [...]thout any proofe or demonstration, it were a leane defence, and vnworthie to bee presented to your Maiestie: but if this enuie bee seene with the eye, and felt with the hand, wee hope by the helpe of the almightie God, that your Maiestie will find want of iudgement in many of them, which seeke all the meanes they can to effect their bad affections, vnder your Maiesties authoritie: for without doubt, there shall no enuie bee found in the world, if it appeare not in this action, where vnder a colour of a priuat mischiefe, they would ruine all, and reduce a populous countrey, to a wast and solitarie desart. M
If a finger of the hand be interessed and festred, must wee therefore cut off all the arme, and cast it to the dogges? or if the foot bee greeued, must wee therefore abandon the whole bodie, and giue it in prey to Lyons and sauage beasts? And it hath beene [Page 375] one of the goodly and graue counsels, which of late dayes hath been giuen to your Maiestie, to hold Brabant for an enemie countrey, and a land of conquest, onely in regard of the priuiledges They would h [...]ue Brabant [...]or an enemy by reason of their priuiledges. A which it hath pleased your Maiestie to grant them. If there had beene question of any crimes, of any rebellion and disobedience, of any practise of treason, as well against God as your Maiestie, or of any villanie whatsoeuer, it had beene much more tollerable. But that which they brought in question, was the entertainment of your gifts, of your promises, of your greatnesse, your othe, your honour, and your good fame, the which shall bee the more glorious, by the inuiolable maintaining of your word and promise, the which they seeke to blemish, labouring to dissolue that which you haue once confirmed by a solemne othe.
What counsell then is this, can it proceed from pietie, seeing they would haue your Maiesties indignation fall generally vpon all, good and bad, without distinction? Can it proceed B from any good zeale and affection to your Maiesties greatnesse and dignitie, seeing it tends to the ruine and destruction of your faithfull subiects, whose riches are your treasure, whose quiet is your glorie, and their prosperitie the happie increase of your Maiesties, greatnesse? But rather their bad disposition is shewed, in that those which serue God and your Maiestie faithfully, are contained in one list with the wicked, by the opinion of such people, and made subiect to the same condemnation. Wherein wee acknowledge our selues so much the more bound to you, when as sinister censures beeing propounded, by some indirect meanes, and tending couertly to our ruine, they haue beene repelled by your Maiesties discretion and loue towards vs, so as they haue sodainely vanished away, to the great ioy and content of your subiects. The which giues vs more future hope, to expect al good things from C your ordinances and commandements, and still to attend greater testimonies of your clemencie, to the end that we for our parts may endeuor to do you acceptable seruice, and worthy of your high and soueraigne Maiestie.
In the meane time, although that through your wisedome these mists haue beene dispersed for a time, yet is it not rooted out of the hearts of some, which persuade (at the least endeuour secretly to persuade) the same, all they can, as if they made mines vnder the earth, to compasse that which at the first they had incountred and maintained with all vehemencie: for whereas before they talked of exposing the countrey in prey, now they will finish the same worke begun, vnder colour of a remedie against sects, which rise in some of your Maiesties countries: so making the number sometimes double, and deuising other meanes to depriue D vs of all accesse vnto you, and to hinder the peace, by the which we haue yeelded you all dutifull obedience, as well in fighting against your enemies, as in seeking the aduancement of your glorie.
They charge your countrey with infinit wickednesse, to plant hatred in your heart, which is alreadie grauen in theirs: to the end (if it were possible) that your edicts might bee cords to tye them that offer you all seruice, and your magistrats and officers, the inhumane executione [...]s of their passions: not that wee will condemne of so damnable a mind, all those that make any bad report vnto your Maiestie of the Netherlauds, for wee know many of them thinke by this meanes to root out the sects that grow, for the zeale they beare to the Romish Church. And others in like sort thinke, that two religions can neuer bee entertained together, E contrarie to the testimonie of so many examples, which haue beene, and are at this day apparent to our eyes, although wee know in trueth, that there is but one onely seruice of God: but whatsoeuer it bee, they abuse themselues much in this: for first they thinke without any further search, that for one heresie there an hundred, and that mens minds are wholy inclined thereunto: moreouer, that the princes, noble men, and magistrats of the countrey, winke at them, and care not to preuent these growing errours: and hauing done this disgrace vnto your Maiesties well affected subiects, they giue you to vnderstand, that it is impossible to preuent heresies, but by rigorous courses, by murthers and cruell persecutions. Whereat many, euen of your Romish Church, are amazed, alledging the antient examples of the doctours of the Church, especially of Saint Augustine against the Pelagians, Donatists, and F Circoncilians, who held townes and countries in their power by force, whereas now they haue not the hundred part of that power and authoritie.
And whereas they thinke, that the Inquisition is the true and only means to root out heresies [Page 376] and errours, they consider not on the other side, that it is the way to impouerish your subiects, G to vnfurnish your countries of inhabitants, and euen to depriue you of an infinit treasure, growing from the traffique of strangers: for it is common in the mouth of all men, that whereas the Inquisition sets footing, the marchant flies away. The which wee speake the more freely, to the end your maiestie may vnderstand what inconuenience would grow by such a decree, if our enemies and such as hate vs had preuailed so much with you, as to plant and settle such an Inquisition in these countries, as wee doubt not but they haue imployed all their meanes, and doe still make many practises to that end. It is not our intents to call the Inquisition in question, whether it be receiuable, or no, or to dispute of the newnesse or vse thereof: but onely to [...] you vnderstand, what is fit for your glorie, the preseruation of our countrey, and the increase of your power and greatnesse. For as these things bee annexed H and coupled together inseperably, in like sort we may easily shew, that this Inquisition (whereof they talke so openly) is repugnant to all these things, and cannot stand but in ouerthrowing them dispersing and diuiding those things, whereof vnitie is more than necessarie in all your Netherlands: the which is notorious to all men (without seeking of farre fet proofes and argum [...]nts) as well by the nature of this inquisition (which they demaund to haue established) as by the inclination of the inhabitants of the countrey; to whom mildnesse and gentlenesse is much more agreeable and pleasing, than any force or constraint: for that it is often seene, the said Inquisition, without conuicting, or shewing any reasons of abuse, condemnes men of heresie, be it right or wrong (as we haue seene examples not long since.) They compare it to an ignorant physitian, who seeing any rupture or fluxe in a mans bodie, will not I touch the part that is greeued, but will busie himselfe about that which feeles no paine, plastering it, and binding it vp, as if it were not well; and sometimes strayning the parts that are interessed and displaced with all force and violence: As also the greatest part of the Inquisitors busie themselues onely about that which is sound and perfect in doctrine, seeking e [...]our where is none, vsing their authoritie and power to force mens consciences, where by liuely reasons and good proofes, they should argue and confute all that did contradict them.
Moreouer as the people find this manner of proceeding verie strange, and that in a manner there is not any one but hath compassion of them which are executed for the confession of their faith; this hath hitherto bred such a hatred against the Inquisitors, as all men thinke that they are come to trouble the quiet of the countrey, and to hinder men from following of K their priuat affaires, for the maintenance of their estates, and by the same meanes the increase of your Maiesties greatnesse. But for that it is not our intention to dispute of these points, nor to interpose our censures against that which it shall please your Maiestie to resolue, in a matter of so great importance; we onely beseech your Maiestic, and implore your succour and mercie, that you would not suffer your whole countrey to decay and goe to ruine, for a matter which is either false for the most part, or more curable by gentle and mild meanes, and much more easie to beare, to the content of your subiects, the enriching of your countrey, and the increase of your glorie. Remember, if it please you, how your Maiesties most noble predecessors haue long since, yea two hundred yeares agoe, promised and sworne solemnely to the inhabitants of the countrey of Brabant (as in like sort your Maiestie hath done) to maintaine L and preserue them, yea and to cause them to be maintained in their antient priuiledges, customes, and rights, the which they haue had, and haue at this present, which they could not infringe. May it please you also, to set before your eyes the present estate of the countrey, and then you may the better comprehend the miserable ruines which will remaine, planting such an Inquisition there, by the retiring of merchant strangers, & the impouerishing of your subiects, wherof a good part should be also constrained to keep company with strange nations in this flight.
And such is the estate of your countrey, that although there be fertil places, rich and abounding, some in corne, others in cattell and pasture, yet all is not sufficient to entertaine the rest of the countrey, three monethes in the yeare, as wel through the greatnesse of the country, which M is poore and barren of it selfe, as for the multitude of people that inhabit it: the which is euident by the duchie of Brabant; in which countrey, besides the seuen chiefe townes (as they call them) which are mightie and greatly peopled, we find moreouer so great a multitude of [Page 377] people in all places, as it is impossible to number and comprehend them. In the meane time, A for that all that doe reside there, find not their liuing readie in the place where they are borne, but they must get it, and seeke it elsewhere; we see by experience, how God hath prouided for them of the said countrey, making them strong by nature, enduring trauaile, laborious, and industrious in all sorts of workes: so as employing themselues therein with all paine and diligence, they recompence by their hands the defect of their countrey: so as by their ordinarie labour the marchant stranger is drawne thither, wherewith your subiects entertaine themselues, and a great profit commeth vnto your Maiestie. It is most certaine, That if the Inquisition were planted in the dutchie of Brabant, especially in your towne of Antuerpe, it would be cause of the retreat of the marchants, to the great losse of your reuenues, and the ruine of your poore subiects. The which was manifest in the time of the Emperour Charles B the fifth, your father of famous memorie, when as the deceased Queene Marie, dowager of Hungarie, his sister, at that time Gouernesse of these countries, gaue his imperiall Maiesty to vnderstand of the perplexitie and eminent danger of the towne of Antuerpe (and by consequence of the Netherlands) that he might preuent all mischiefes and inconueniences, and preserue it from a totall ruine and destruction: notwithstanding the persuasions of some, who sought to bring in the pragmaticke Sanction; partly for that they were ill affected to the said towne, and partly through want of iudgement and consideration. And since, when as they sought vnder your Maiesties name and authoritie to establish a new bishopricke in the towne of Antuerpe, the marchants fearing the said Inquisition, were resolued not to attend the end of this noueltie, but to make their retreat as soone as this new bishop should be receiued C into the towne; whereof some had so layed their plots, as they were readie to dislodge, offering their houses and lands to sell, abating the prices both in selling and letting. And now also making the same pursute of this fraudulent practise, which was begun long since, they would induce you to doe that which must needs bring desolation to your subiects, and a great losse, as well to your selfe, as to your Maiesties successors.
Wherefore it should not seeme strange nor troublesome vnto you, if now your obedient subiects addresse themselues vnto your Maiestie, to let you vnderstand the estate and condition of their cause, and to diuert you from hearing of them, who seeke no other thing but the hurt and preiudice of your Maiestie and your subiects; the which is sooner preuented in the beginning, than when the thing is aduanced: for our parts we desire it, hoping there will be D no lesse in you, than it hath pleased you to shew in times past, especially at your last departure to goe into Spaine: for it will be too late to seeke a remedie for so great a wound, when as we are fallen into such inconueniences, and as it were beaten downe with so violent a storme; when as the marchants shall seeke elsewhere free exercise for their negotiation and traffique, as they may doe in Fraunce, England, and the East countries, whereas they should haue no feare of the Inquisition: of which losse the bourgesses of your towne of Antuerpe, and all the inhabitants of the dutchie of Brabant had good experience, in the yeare 1550, when as the publication of the said Inquisition was stayed; who by the onely brute thereof, and the marchants apprehension, receiued so great a losse, as it could not bee repaired in a yeare or two after. And who are they (my Liege) that receiue this losse? be they not those that haue E serued you in your most important affaires? be they not those which haue employed themselues freely for the maintenance of your dignitie? which haue exposed their bodies against the enemie, that yours might be in safetie? When did they not promise, and giue willingly and chearefully all that was held needfull? When did they refuse to doe that which was commaunded them? If you will examine neerely the hystories of times past, and consider the present, you shall find that they haue not onely imployed their estates for your glorie; but that there is at this present a treasure readie prepared for your seruice, especially in your towne of Antuerpe. Of what value and estimation thinke you this is, hauing so many rich and wealthie bourgesses, so many faithfull seruants, and profitable for your Crowne, whose traffique bringeth great benefit and aduantage vnto you: whose patience, vertue, and frugalitie F is so great, as we may see a great care and industrie in your publick affaires, and an incomparable diligence in their priuat businesse. Wherefore as we can coniecture, and dare assure your Maiestie, that as for them, who (with great paine) haue sought to reuenge the wrongs done vnto you, and constantly vndergone all dangers for your seruice, they expect nothing [Page 378] from you, but that you will haue this opinion, that the safetie and preseruation of all their G rights, liberties, goods and whatsoeuer else consisteth in that the Inquisition (which such men pretend) may not be allowed. For against whom is the Inquisition brought in, but against them that hold not the faith and Religion of the Romish Church? Who are they? They be Germanes, Easterlings, English, Scottish, French, and infinit other Nations, wherewith your Netherlands are (as it were) circled and enuironed. These Nations then must bee chased out of your territories, and the marchants must retire into their naturall countries, hauing abandoned them that haue great need of their commerce, that is to say, your poore subiects, vnfurnished of all things, without the helpe of other Nations. They doe therefore present themselues vnto you, and implore your faith and mercie, requiring assurance and constancie in your promises. They sigh after your good, which consisteth in the continuance of their traffique. They long for the honour which was done them by your ancestors, enioying their H rights, freedomes, and priuiledges: They sue instantly, that their hands may not be tied, and their meanes of liuing taken from them: They desire, that hereafter they may let you vnderstand their loue by the effects, and that they may do you some acceptable seruice, as they haue done heretofore. This is that which they demaund, as they haue done heretofore both by writing and mouth vnto your Maiestie, that there should bee no cause giuen vnto the marchants and forraine nations, to retire themselues out of your towne and countrey, for so many miseries which were like to fall, if it should take effect, to the great preiudice of your Maiesties reuenues, and of your successors, the desolation of the countrey, and the totall ruine and confusion of your most humble subiects. The which is not spoken in vaine; neither would wee I lay it open vnto your Maiestie, if we were not acquainted with the weightines of the busines, and the apparent danger, vnder an vncertaine hope that is propounded vnto you.
Your Maiestie knoweth well, that your towne of Antuerpe consists only in the commerce of forraine nations, and that by their retreat they shall decline from their flourishing estate, and by the losse of those great reuenues, which they receiue daily, it cannot long subsist, by reason of an infinit number of debts wherwith they are now charged, being engaged heretofore for many great seruices, which the towne and the inhabitants thereof haue done vnto your maiestie and your predecessors, and in like sort in the fortification thereof, after that it had bin besieged by Martin van Rossem. For all which things they beseech your Maiestie to prouide in such sort as the marchant strangers be not forced to retire themselues from the place, which K hath been so long vnto them as a safe port to vse their trade and marchandise, whereof would follow an infinite number of miseries, the least of which would cause an irreparable losse vnto the towne; and not onely vnto the whole bodie of the towne, but to euery one in particular. For although the greatnesse and riches of the said towne hath now the fame throughout all Europe, as the flower of all marchant townes; yet the marchants hauing made triall in other places, may find as great profit elsewhere for their free commerce: whereof proofe was made by the imposition of the hundreth penny, when as many marchants & handicrafts men retired themselues to Hambourg in the East countries. But the frequenting of the said towne is more than necessary for all your poore subiects, as well those that are resident there, as in the rest of the dutchie of Brabant and neighbour countries: for it is Antuerpe that yeeldeth them profit; it is Antuerpe that furnisheth them with worke; it is Antuerpe that doth in a manner L feed them, and relieueth them in their necessities, for that it is the storehouse of the country, as they were wont to say of Sicily; it is your Maiesties treasure, pouring foorth infinite riches, which they present vnto you (if need shall require) for the maintenance of your authority, and all by the meanes of strangers, without whom all things would go miserably to ruine. For the negotiation and nauigation (which is the chiefe support of these countries) would come to nothing; the handicrafts which make this countrey so famous, would be scorned, and of no esteeme, vnlesse that strangers might haue free entercourse of traffique. But what strangers would consent to this Inquisition? Who would subiect themselues vnto it; abandoning the libertie that was borne with them, the which they loue and esteeme more than all the worldly M treasure? Who would against their conscience and doctrine (which they haue receiued in their countries) yeeld vnto the Romish church? yet some aduise and persuade you, seeing the stranger will not liue vnder the Inquisition, to expell them your countries; that is to say, that your treasure be taken from you, and the liues from your poore subiects. Seeing then it is [Page 379] most apparent to your Maiestie, that these two cannot concurre together, to haue the Inquisition A and strangers in one place; how dare they then deliuer these things in your Maiesties presence, regarding neither the estate of the countrey, your dignitie, nor the willing obedience of your subiects, iudging of things according to their owne passions? How can these things enter into their conceptions, but they must presently apprehend the danger, which they would be loth to see? For although they brag of their bountie and zeale, yet the end will alwaies discouer what it is. But for that your wisedome doth duly weigh and consider all things, wee hope that your Maiestie will iudge more fauourably of your subiects, than they doe by their wicked discourses, which are void of all humanitie. We know, that some among them will say (as they haue done) that strangers shall not be subiect to the Inquisition, but onely your naturall subiects, so as they be tied to certaine conditions: the which B might bee easily done, and your subiects might as easily thereby escape the Inquisitors hands, hiding themselues, and colouring their goods by the names of strangers. But it is not your subiects entent, who desire alwaies to liue your subiects, as they haue done now so many yeres: for the which you haue often thanked the princes, noblemen, and officers which are there by your authoritie, as well at your departure, as by letters since your absence.
If then they shall giue your Maiestie to vnderstand, that they are readie to doe you all dutie and seruice, both with their liues and goods, and yet that they haue no entent to be subiect to Inquisitors, who would vse all rigour, crueltie, tyrannie, and inhumanitie ouer them and their families; we doubt not (if your accustomed mildnesse and clemencie doth not abuse vs) but you will yeeld that grace and fauour vnto your subiects, in regard of their continuall C seruices, for the preseruation of your greatnesse and dignitie. But in the meane time it would seeme strange at the first, that which they say, that they would not doe that which you command expressely; and in truth it were very likely: whereby some would seeke to incense you against vs, and iustly, in regard of the peoples fault.
But if the prince (regarding onely his owne assurance, and the keeping of his countries) draweth an enemie into them, who is a disturber of the publicke quiet, hindering the course of traffique, his subiects profit, and the aduancement of his owne glorie; this people should haue some reason, if it were made knowne vnto the prince. The which was apparent in a matter of much lesse moment, when as Antipater at that time lord of Athens, which in former times had beene so famous and renowned, had put Menillius (a mild and tractable man) in D garrison in the fort of the citie, which they called Munichie; yet he called him from thence againe, at the request of the Athenians, and the admonitions of Phocion. But these are no Menilles, no quiet spirits, entertaining peace, but seeking warre in the middest of peace, shedding of bloud where there is no wound, opposing themselues by their troubles to the common quiet, pouring forth their rage vpon a number of poore men, vnworthie oftentimes of such torments. This is not the complaint of one of your subiects alone, but of all in generall, to the end, that if the prayers and supplications of one be not able to confute the slaunders, disperse the hatred, and diuert your Maiesties heart from so great a mischiefe, and make you tast this great and excellent good which we attend of you: yet let the cries and common consent of all in generall make you apprehend this pretended mischiefe; for the which we hope your Maiestie will prouide, when it shall be made knowne vnto you. E
Besides, when as al your well affected subiects come vnto your Maiesty for so great a good, which they desire should be entertained in the countries of your obedience, & the mischiefe which they seeke to preuent, with your aid and succours; it is not their authoritie which they bring, it is not their will they would haue serue for a law, it is not their owne pleasures which they respect and follow: but it is your Maiesties authoritie, your will and pleasure, whereon they relie, and the which you haue once promised them by a contract and an accord, which they haue made with your Maiestie, the which you sealed by a solemne oath, the firmenesse whereof is well knowne vnto vs. For otherwise, if you should haue any such conceit if they should seeke to make you apprehend it, and to put it in execution; where were then your Maiesties F honour and grauitie? Where were the assurance of your subiects, when as for certaine vaine and idle considerations (yea preiudiciall to your subiects) these things are propounded against vs and our quiet, the which we haue long enioyed vnder your commaund and your predecessors? What is become of the honour of those great and mightie Emperours, Maximilian, [Page 380] king Philip, and Charles the fifth, and the dukes which haue gone before them in these G gouernments; if your honour bee confirmed by so contrary an act? They contracted with our fathers, as your Maiestie hath done: they did also take a solemne oath; they gouerned their subiects in peace, as you haue done hetherto: and they maintained the rights and priuiledges of the country inuiolably, according to their promises. These are the two points we expect from you, and we beleeue, that you also desire it, and will shew it by experience with the h [...]lpe of God: if not, either the dishonour of your auncestors shall be published by your honour (if it may be in such an act) or els your dishonour (which God forbid) shall be laid open by the [...] honour, which shall continue, by reason of the integritie and equitie of their gouernment. But if any one would now say, that this honor (wherofwe speake) doth contradict the good, profit, and aduancement of your dignitie: it seemeth that he will vse no other Armes, but a dagger of lead (as they say) which turneth againe on it selfe. For what man of iudgement H doth preferre his wealth before his honour, for the which so many vertuous men haue so willingly spent their blouds, and abandoned their liues? Moreouer, is it not the true point of honour, when one is adorned with truth, constancie, and perseuerance; the least of which vertues exceedeth all the treasure and possessions in the world? But let vs allow them that priuiledge which couetous and wretched men do hold, That temporall goods ought to be pref [...]d before honour, and that there is no dishonour, but should be vndergone to get wealth. What haue they gotten by this thrift? let them shew how your Maiesties reuenues shall continue firme, putting their goodly designes in practise; the which we maintaine shall bee taken from you, seeking to force your subiects to follow this good counsell. But (say they) the faithful I subiects will remaine: yea, if they may haue the liberty & commodities before mentioned. Heretickes shalbe chased away: that were much, and more than the auncient emperors could euer doe. But I pray you what heretickes? the Gospellers and Anabaptists. The modestie of the first hath been so well knowne in so many places, and their patience so well tryed in your countries, as we are amazed. The furie and rage of the others hath been manifest in some places but here it is vnknowne to vs, God be thanked. If you thinke to chase them away, it may haue some shew in the beginning, as if one would say, the fire is quēched, when it is couered. But the true meanes is, to root opinions out of their hearts, as they did in old time; and not to haue their bodies miserably tortured and torne in pieces. By that meanes (say they) the countrey shall be in peace. It is certaine it shall be in peace, when it shall remaine solitarie and desart; K the which must needs follow this excellent counsell, which they so impudently present vnto your Maiestie. It is true that they say, there shall be a peace, but they should add the rest: That the Inquisition (which they seeke to bring in vnder your name) will bee the ouerthrow of the Inquisition: For either it will cease when they shall see the townes vnpeopled, and the countrey desert; or els they must abolish it, when they shall seeke to repeople the country, and restore the traffique: the which can hardly or neuer be effected. But there appeares a foule error in these mens reasons, when they say, that your power is much blemished, in that which your subiects demaund, that they may enioy their rights and priuiledges, without any preiudice to your Maiestie. For we see, that the king of Sparta hauing created the Ephores, and subiected himselfe willingly to that they should decree, answered his repining wife (who said he L had done wrong vnto his children) That the realme which he should leaue to his successors, should be of lesse shew, and more lasting. Euen so it fareth with your Maiestie, if your subiects may hold their accord firme with you, as they haue alwaies done with your predecessors: And the power which is giuen you, is much more firme and durable, when according to the promise contained expressely in the first article of your ioyous entry, the estates of the country doe second you, to haue a care of the profite thereof; all with the consent and liking of your faithfull subiects. Wherefore now if the prosperity of your subiects, the good of your townes and cities the encrease of your lands and seigniories, and the honour and greatnesse of your Maiestie haue any power with you (whereof we are assured) weigh a little the importance of this action, and consider what the end will be of so miserable a thing; set before your eies this M noble and flourishing country, which shalbe ruined vpon an occasion vnworthy to be presented vnto you, and much lesse to find any setled place in your heart; strangers retiring & forsaking the place, the subiects seeking means elsewhere to entertain thēselues & their families, the towns impouerished & made naked of these goodly ornamēts, especially Antuerp (the flower [Page 381] of marchant townes, the ornament of the Netherlands, and of your crowne, a readie treasure A in peace and warre) falling from her dignitie, the houses ruined and deformed in steed of her present beautie. What a hearts greefe, what a confusion, what a discomfort will these things bring vnto you? Heare then the cries of your subiects, who call instantly vnto you for pitie and compassion. Heare then the countrey, w [...]h seemeth to present it selfe vnto your Maiestie, and to speake these words vnto you with a generall consent.
I haue serued your predecessors long; I haue employed all my meanes for the preseruation of your dignitie; I haue giuen my selfe into your hands, and you haue receiued me with your mutuall and reciprocall promises: I demaund nothing as due by contract or promise; I demaund no requitall for that which I haue employed and spared for your Maiestie; I am silent of those things, I will renounce my right, least I should bee accused to haue vsed any B reproch, that might be ignominious vnto you; I onely craue, that you will not disrobe me of mine ornaments and yours, chase not away strange Nations, oppresse not your subiects, whom I haue nourished in my bosome; estrange not your selfe from me, to the end that my riches be not withdrawne from you. Looke vnto the treasure which is readie for you, to supply all future necessities, that your enemies be not enriched with my wealth, of the which you shall be depriued by the flight of strange Nations; maintaine the good of your subiects, for my good is yours. The which if you seeme to desire and affect, for the entertayning of the dignitie which is common to you and mee, I hope so to discharge my dutie, as your Maiesties authoritie (such as it hath beene in your predecessors) shall bee continued for euer, and encreased by my best endeauours, to your great content, and the common ioy of C your good and faithfull subiects, who shall bee the more bound to pray vnto God for your Maiesties happie aduancement.
This was the contents of their petition of Brabant; the which if the king had seene and read, as he ought, without doubt he would haue changed his opinion, if not wholly, yet in [...] part. But the Cardinall of Granuelle, and those of his faction, who possessed the king, meant not so much good to the countrey, nor to their master, as to suffer him to consider of these reasons, set downe as well in this petition, as in the discourse of Francis Baudwin, and many other admonitions, wherewith the court was continually importuned: But it preuayled as much, as to crie vnto the deafe, or to sow vpon the sand, or in the waues of the sea, during their greatest violence, the which, in stead of bringing vs to a safe Port, sought to D drowne vs. Finally, there was not any one that would once looke on it, or reade it: it was sufficient to know whence they came, and to what end they tended, and more they might not speake. So as they of Brabant could obtaine no other answere to all their petitions, as well in Spaine as in the Netherlands, but the Apostile before mentioned, giuen by the Gouernesse commaundement vnto one of their requests, on the foure and twentieth of May, by the counsell of Brabant, vnto the foure chiefe townes, assuring them, That the king had neuer any intention to charge his countrey of Brabant with the Inquisition: which was but an euasion for that time, to abuse the people.
Those of Flaunders, in the meane time, were nothing more graciously entreated: for the foure members seeing plainely, how the whole countrey was vnpeopled, the traffiques, E handycrafts, and trades to cease in the chiefe townes and boroughes, as at Gand, Bruges, Ypre, Courtray, Armentiers, Poperinghe, Roullez, Hondtschooten, and other places, whereas clothing was wont to bee in great request; artisans retyring themselues by great troupes out of the countrey; sent their deputies to Court, in the yeare 1564, with declarations by mouth, and petitions in writing, challenging their priuiledges, and demaunding what they of Brabant had done: Whereupon answere was made vnto them the fourth of October, by a doubtfull answere, nothing tending to that which they demaunded: An ambiguous and rigoróus apostile to the petition of them of Flanders. but contrariwise, charge was giuen to M. Peter Titelman, deane of Renay, Inquisitor generall of Flaunders, who (as a Salus spirans minarum) ranne from towne to towne, with foure Sergeants and other Officers, together with the Atturney generall, or F his substitute (persecuting, imprisoning, and offering violence to all those that hee suspected to be of the Religion) to carrie himselfe discreetly in the execution of his charge; and to the said suppliants, magistrates of townes, to giue him all assistance, aide and fauour in the execution of his charge, & the K. Edicts, according to his Ma. intention, and the good & quiet [Page 382] of the countrey: in doing so (said the Gouernesse) there was hope, that the inconueniences G represented vnto her by the Suppliants, should be preuented by that meanes. By this aunswere, those of Flanders vnderstood sufficiently the intention of the Court, and therfore durst not at that time presse it any further. In the meane time M. Inquisitor triumphed through all the villages of Flanders, seeking to augment his iurisdiction and power. And so did the new bishops which had beene admitted. So as in the moneth of May 1566, hee of Bruges practising dayly some innouation, hauing forbidden to burie certaine marchants strangers, presumed to offer to prescribe a law vnto the magistrate, touching the entertainment of Religion, and of the counsell of Trent, sending them a certaine rule, by the which they should gouern themselues; the which concerned meerely the policie of the towne. Whereunto the magistrate making some difficultie (for that thereby the temporall iurisdiction must depend vpon the Spirituall, and the bourgesses must be answerable to the bishops court) refusing to yeeld H vnto it, the said bishop and Inquisitor made complaints against them to the counsell of Flanders, as refusing that rule and forme which they had propounded them; wherein, to speake truly, the magistrate had been but the beadle, officer, and executioner of the wils and passions of the said bishop and Inquisitor.
Whereupon the foure members of the countie of Flanders, together with the magistrate A second petition made by them of Flanders against the Inquisition of Bruges, sent their deputies to court, to complaine of the attempts of the Clergie: and the rather, for that they did see their neighbours of Brabant were not yet charged: requiring, to be maintained in their auncient rights and priuiledges: that the Inquisition (which did directly contradict them) might bee disannulled, in regard of lay men; and that the Clergie I might not deale with the temporall iurisdiction, wherein they had neuer any thing to do [...]: also that they might bee no more tyed than other prouinces to entertaine the Edicts and Inquisition. But to foure of these petitions exhibited by the Flemings, there was neuer any prouision, no not in the least point which they demaunded: but that after long pursute, and a petition made by the Noblemen, the counsell of Flanders was restrained, vpon the pretensions of the bishop and Inquisitor, who was also enioyned to surcease his persecutions. For vpon so many delaies giuen by the court vnto the petitions and complaints of diuers prouinces of the Netherlands, the people were generally moued: And considering, that all the answeres and hopes they gaue, were but to abuse them, the nobles resolued speedily to preuent the mischiefes which were readie to breake forth, after they had had the aduice of some learned K Diuines and Lawyers, for the drawing of their petition; the which they presented vnto the Gouernesse, as well in their names, as of all the people. For the presenting whereof, there met in the towne of Brussels, the first, second, third, and fourth day of April, many gentlemen accompanying Cont Lodouic of Nassau, [...]d the Lord of Brederode; all without armes, and very modestly, attending the Earles vanden Bergh, and of Culenbourg, who were not yet come. The fourth day they demaunded audience. The next day they marched in goodly order, fiue in a ranke, towards the court, being about foure hundred noblemen and gentlemen, going out of Culenbourg place: whereof the last (as it were) shutting vp the company, were the said earle of Nassau and the lord of Brederode; where they found the Gouernesse, the counsell of state, the knights of the Order, and the gouernours of prouinces, which attended L them. When as the Dutchesse did see them comming from aboue, in such good order, and so many in number, she was somewhat troubled. The lord of Barlamont (who had before been of aduice, not to suffer them to enter into the towne, or if they entred, to draw souldiers secretly into the Court, to murther them, when they should come to present their petition) to assure the said lady, said: That they were but a rabble of Gueux, or beggers.
Vpon which speech, and for that Barlamont and his adherents did at that time accuse them of rebellion, they resolued to shew, that their intentions tended to the contrarie, and to beare The beginning of the Gueux, by the which the protestants in the Netherlands were called a marke or badge among them, to let the world know, that they pretended to liue and die in the kings seruice, taking the subiect of their deuice vpon a wallet and a dish, fit for beggers, and on the one side of the medailes (were they of gold or siluer) was grauen the kings picture, M with this inscription; Faithfull to God and the king, euen to beare the wallet: inferring thereby, and by their symbole of a dish and a wallet, that they were better seruants vnto the king than Barlamont, or his adherents: and retaining this epithite of Gueux, and their embleme, they gaue the world to vnderstand, That they did not refuse to be Gueux, or beggers, [Page 383] yea, if need were, to carry a wallet, that is to say, to suffer the losse of all their goods and possessions A (as they protested in their petition) to doe the king faithfull seruice, preseruing the quiet and prosperitie of their countrey. The lord of Brederode tooke vpon him the charge to deliuer it; who aduancing for them all, presented it with great humilitie vnto the duchesse gouernesse, with a breefe speech, as followeth.
Madame, the gentlemen assembled here in this town, and others of the like quality, of a competent number (who for certain respects are not here present) haue resolued (for the K. seruice The lord of Brederode his speech, presenting the petition. and the publike good of his Netherlands) to present this petition vnto your highnes: whereupon you may giue such order as you shall thinke fit and conuenient, beseeching your highnesse ‘to take it in good part. Moreouer (Madame) we are aduertised, that we haue bin charged before your highnes, the lords of the counsell, & others, that this our deliberation was chiefly taken in hand to moue tumults, seditions, and reuolts; and that which is much more abhominable, B that we haue a desire to change our prince, hauing practised leagues & conspiracies with forraine princes and captaines, both French, Germans, and others; the which neuer entred into our thoughts, and is contrary to our loyaltie, and to that which your highnesse shall find by this petition: beseeching your highnesse to name and discouer vnto vs those that haue so vniustly blamed so noble and honourable a company. Moreouer (Madame) the noblemen here present haue vnderstood, that there are some of them particularly charged & accused, to haue bin actors, and to haue sought to put in execution that wicked enterprise, as well with Frenchmen, as other strangers, wherewith we find our selues much grieued. Wherefore we beseech your highnes to do vs so much fauor, as to name the accusers, and them that are accused, to the end that the wrong and wickednes being discouered, your highnes may do speedy and exemplarie C iustice; and that to preuent the inconueniences and scandales which may grow, being well assured, that your highnes will neuer suffer so noble and honorable a company, to remain charged with such infamous & wicked acts. Whereunto the duchesse answered, that she knew’ nothing of all that he had said touching those accusations, neither had she euer had such an opinion of any one of them, whom she assured her selfe to be the K. faithful seruants: and as for their petition, she would looke into it, and impart it to the counsell, the tenor whereof was:
‘Madame, it is well knowne, how highly renowned the loyaltie of the Netherlanders vnto The petition of the nobles against the Inquisition, &c. their lords and naturall princes hath been and is yet throughout all Christendome: wherein the nobilitie hath alwaies held the first ranke, hauing neuer spared body nor goods for the preseruation and encrease of their greatnesse: wherein we his Maiesties most humble vassals desiring D to continue so still, are ready to employ both body and goods to do him humble seruice: and seeing in what termes the affaires stand at this present, we had rather incurre some dislike, than to conceale that from your highnes, which might proue preiudiciall to his Maiesty, and withall trouble the quiet and happinesse of his countries, hoping that the effects will shew in time, that among all the seruices which we haue or may do vnto his maiesty, this is to be reputed the greatest & most seasonable: so as we assure our selues, that his maiesty cannot but take it in good part▪ Although (Madam) we doubt not, but that whatsoeuer his maiesty hath heretofore decreed of new, touching the Inquisition, and the strict obseruation of his Edicts, for matter of religion, hath some ground and iust title, and that to continue all that which the emperor E Charles of famous memory had with a good intention decreed: Yet seeing that the diuersitie of times bringeth withall diuersitie of remedies, and that within few yeares the said edicts (notwithstanding that they haue bin executed with all rigor) haue yet giuen occasion of many grieuous inconueniences; Without doubt his maiesties last resolution, by the which he not only forbids to moderat any thing of the said edicts, but commands expresly, that the Inquisition should be obserued, and the edicts executed with all rigour, giues vs iust occasion to feare, that not only the said inconueniences wil encrease, but also in the end may follow a mutinie & generall sedition, tending to the miserable ruin of the whole country, according to the apparent shews of the peoples alteration, which are to be seen in euery place: wherfore knowing the greatnesse of the danger that doth threaten vs, we did hitherto hope, that either by the F noblemen, or the states of the country, your highnes should be duly informed to preuent it, in taking away the cause of the euill: but seeing they haue not done any thing (for some causes vnknowne to vs) and that in the mean time the mischiefe encreaseth daily, so as the danger of a sedition is euen at hand, wee haue thought it our duties, according to our oath of fealtie, [Page 384] together with the zeale which we beare vnto his Maiesty and the countrey, to attend no longer, A but rather to offer our selues to performe this necessary dutie. And we do it the more willingly, for that we haue reason to hope, that his Maiestie will take our aduertisement in good part, seeing this action doth concerne vs neerer than any other, being exposed to those calamities, which do commonly grow from such accidents, hauing for the most part our houses and goods in the countrey lying open as a prey to all the world: considering also, that by the rigorous obseruation of the said Edicts (as his Maiestie hath expressely commaunded) there is not any man among vs, no, not in all the countrey (of what estate and condition soeuer) but shall be found culpable of confiscation of body and goods, and subiect to the slanders of any enuious man; who to haue part of the confiscation, would accuse him vnder colour of the edicts, hauing no refuge left him, but onely the dissembling of the officer, vpon whose mercie B his life & goods must wholly depend. In consideration whereof, we haue so much the more cause humbly to beseech your Highnesse (as we doe by this present petition) to take some good order for it: and in regard of the importance of the cause, to make a speedie dispatch vnto his Maiestie, by some one fit for that employment, aduertising and humbly beseeching him in our behalfes, that it will please him to prouide as well for the present, as for the time to come. And for that it can neuer be done, in leauing the said Edicts in their vigour and force, (seeing that thereon dependeth the spring of the said inconueniences) that it will please him to encline to the abolishing thereof: the which he shall not onely find very necessarie, to diuert the totall ruine and losse of these his countries, but also conformable to reason and iustice. And to the end he may not haue any occasion to thinke, that we (which haue no other C pretence, but to doe him most humble seruice) would attempt to bridle him, or to prescribe him a law at our pleasure (as wee doubt not but our aduersaries will construe it to our disaduantage) it may please his Maiestie to make some lawes by the aduice and consent of all the generall estates assembled, to prouide accordingly, by other more fit and conuenient meanes, without such apparent danger. We also beseech your Highnesse, that (vntill his Maiestie may be informed of our iust request, and dispose according to his good and iust pleasure) you will preuent these dangers by a generall surceasing, as well of the Inquisition, as of all manner of executions, vntill that his Maiestie hath otherwise decreed; protesting, that we haue (as much as in vs lyeth) discharged our selues of our duties by this present aduertisement, wherof we now discharge our selues before God and men; declaring, that if any inconuenience, disorder, D sedition, reuolt, or effusion of bloud should hereafter happen for want of a speedie and conuenient remedy, we are not to be taxed to haue concealed so apparent a mischiefe. Wherin we take God, the king, your highnesse, the lords of his counsell, and our consciences to witnesse, that we haue therein proceeded as good and faithfull seruants and loyall vassales to the king, not exceeding the limits of our dutie: wherfore we do the more earnestly beseech your highnesse to preuent it, least some greater mischiefe happen.’
This was the petition presented by the nobilitie; the which was both pregnant, iust, and conscionable: the which the king should haue acknowledged, as proceeding from his faithfull and loyall seruants, and grounded vpon right, iustice, and good policie. Yet by the sinister The petition of the nobles interpreted to rebellion. interpretation which was made by the Cardinall and his adherents, it was imputed to rebellion, E and a raising of innouations. So as it became a Troiane horse; from whence, those that were enemies to the king and the publicke good, haue drawne so many calamities and miseries. For if the duchesse and the kings counsell would in any sort haue foreseene it, so many miseries had not ensued, and the fire which was kindled, had not in a manner consumed the whole countrey: whereof wee must onely blame the insatiable crueltie of some counsellors, who were not satisfied with the rigour of the Edicts, but they must second the Cardinals ambition, whom they see in danger by this petition to receiue a great disgrace, & they themselues to fall from their credit and authority; and it may be worse, when as all their practises had bin discouered by a conuocation of the generall estates, which they demaunded. This was the anuile whereon were forged all the miseries which ensued, for that they did not satisfie the demaunds F of the nobilitie, as was fit and expedient: whereas contrariwise, the said counsellors tooke occasion to pursue and persecute those that had signed this petition, as guiltie of high treason: and this terror was greater than the former. To which petition, the next day after the presentation, the Gouernesse made answere as followeth.
[Page 385] ‘Her highnesse vnderstanding what is demanded by the contents of this petition, is resolued to send vnto his Maiesty, to represent it vnto him, and to do all good offices, to make his Maiesty The Gouernesse answere to the petition of the nobles. A yeeld to the demaunds of the petitioners, who must hope for all things worthie of their demands, according to his Maiesties accustomed bounty and clemencie. The Gouernesse hauing before the comming of the said petition (by the aduice of the gouernours of prouinces, knights of the order, and counsellors of state) labored to make a moderation of the edicts, touching Religion, and to present it vnto his Maiesty, the which her highnesse hopes shal be to all mens content. And for that her highnesse authority (as the petitioners may well conceiue) is not so absolute, as to surcease the Inquisition and the Edicts (as they demand) and that it is not conuenient to leaue the country without a law concerning Religion, she hopes that they will rest satisfied with that she sends vnto his Ma. to that end: and that in the mean time attending B his answer, her highnes will giue order, that as well the Inquisitors (whereas any haue been) as other officers respectiuely shal proceed modestly and discreetly in their charges, so as there shal be no cause to complaine. Her highnesse expecting also, that the petitioners for their parts will gouerne themselues accordingly: and it is to be hoped, that by her highnesse good endeuours his Ma. will be pleased to discharge those countries of the Inquisition wheras now it is, and as it may be vnderstood by his answer to the chiefe towns of Brabant, that they shal not be charged. And her highnes will the more willingly employ her selfe to do all good offices with his Maiesty to that effect, for that she is assured the petitioners haue no intētion to alter any thing concerning the ancient religion obserued in these countries, but to maintaine it with all their powers. Made by her highnesse at Brussels the 6 of April 1566, signed Margareta.’ C
Who so doth well consider of this apostile or answer, may easily gather the profit that shold follow, and what fruits the nobles might expect: for this delay to aduertise the king, was only The Gouernesse policie. to win time, and so to be better instructed of the most expedient meanes to auoid this danger. Vpon this, on the 8 of April the gentlemen desired another time of audience, where they thā ked the Regent for her gracious fauor, wishing that her answer had bin somewhat cleerer and larger, saying, that it grieued them, that she had not the authority to disannul the proclamatiō, desiring her notwithstanding to forbid the officers to proceed any further therein; and as they were content to submit themselues in all things to that which his Maiesty should ordaine and appoint to be done cōcerning religion, th [...]y hoped likewise so to behaue themselues, that nothing but good report should be giuen of them, protesting once again to haue done their duties, D if there should after ensue any further trouble, for want of better order to be taken therein, beseeching her to take it in good part: and for that their aduersaries sought to put their request in print, they desired that the K. printer might do it in such sort as it was deliuered, without falsifying the same. After counsell taken, the Regent made answer, That she hoped to take such order with the Inquisitors, that no disorder nor scandale should therby ensue; and that if any should so fall out, it should rather proceed from them than others, willing them to be carefull, that no scandale should rise amongst them, withall praying them, not to proceed any further, to draw any more company vnto them. Wherunto the gentlemen replied, That they thanked her for her gracious answere, but they should be better pleased, if she would vouchsafe to declare, in presence of all the lords there assembled, that she took their assembly in good part, and E all to be done for the seruice of his Maiesty, assuring her, that they would behaue themselues in all things peaceably and quietly. Whereunto the Regent answered, That she beleeued no lesse. But for that she made no further speech to shew her entent, the gentlemen once againe craued, That she would openly declare, what she thought of their proceedings: Whereunto she made answere in few words, That for that time she could not tell what she might say therunto. And with that it being perceiued at the gentlemens departure, that they seemed to be discontented, diuers of the counsell, and others, as Monsieur Dassonuille, entreated the Regent, that she (for more quietnes) would send the gentlemen away with better satisfaction. Whereupon to giue some content vnto the gentlemen (fearing, that an absolute denyall, or the long expectance of avoyage into Spaine, should alter them, by some new iealousies) the eight day F of the same moneth a promise was made vnto them by the knights of the Order, touching some points of the said petition, whereof an act was made as followeth:
The noblemen here present, promise vpon their faith, and the oath of their Order, to the deputies of this noble and honourable companie, hauing sufficient authoritie to receiue the [Page 386] promises of the said noblemen, That from this day forward the magistrates and Inquisitors A shall not proceed for matter of Religion, by apprehension of bodies, confiscation of goods, nor banishments, for that which is past, or to come, vnlesse that by some seditious act, or foule scandale, tending to trouble the Commonweale, any be found culpable. In which case, you (my Masters) shall take knowledge, as is fit: and that by way of prouision, vntill that his Maiesti [...] (by the aduice and consent of the general estates assembled) shal otherwise decree. Made at Brussels the eight of April 1566. And the more to delude the said gentlemen, the ninth of the said moneth she writ her letters to some chiefe gouernours and counsellors of prouinces, conformable to the answere giuen vnto the petition, the tenour whereof was:
‘Cousin, most deere and welbeloued, whereas many gentlemen of these parts of the countrey haue presented a petition vnto vs, to abolish the Inquisition and the Edicts of the king my The [...] the [...]. lord, touching matters of Religion, and to make a new Edict with the consent of the generall B estates: whereunto we haue made them answere by an apostile, That we will send and represent vnto his Maiesty the contents of their request, and do all good offices therein; hauing already somewhat moderated the Edicts: and for that our authority doth not extend so far, as to surcease the Inquisition & the said Edicts, as they require, & that it is not fit to leaue the countrey without a law, that attending his Maiesties answer, we would giue order, that the Inquisitors should proceed discreetly and modestly in their charges. Desiring to effect the said apostile, we thought good to aduise you by these presents, and to commaund you to write & giue charge in his Maiesties behalf, to al officers of your gouernment, that in the execution of their charges for matter of Religion, they should proceed with all modesty and discretion, yet not suffering any innouation or change in the ancient Catholicke Religion, which is now obserued C in these parts, nor any scandalous or seditious act. And in case any such matter should happen, to aduertise vs thereof, that all informations being viewed by vs and his Ma. counsell, we may giue such order as we shall thinke fit: whereof we will them not to faile, least some inconuenience should arise, &c. Written at Brussels the ninth of April 1566, signed Margareta, and beneath Ouerloepe.’
By these letters, wheras she vseth these words: That for matters of Religion they should proceed with all modesty, discretion & wisdome. She confessed, that the Inquisitors and their officers had before vsed too great cruelty, indiscretion and brutishnesse: and that for the present, in steed of rosting & burning them, they should be contented to cut off their heads & hang them, as they D did soone after: and that (as they said) in doing thē grace, if the parties condemned did not abiure & renounce their religion. In the meane time the gentlemen were like Tantalus, fed with vaine hopes, for they persuaded themselues, that the libertie of their consciences hung ouer their lips, and that they were ready to tast of it; and yet the more they thought to embrace it, the further off it was from them.
The regent and her counsell determined to fend certaine lords into Spaine, to certifie the king of their proceedings, and to desire and beseech him, to grant some fauourable protection and order vnto the Netherlands, who she knew would be much moued at the assembling and proceedings of the gentlemen of the countries, which was written and sent vnto him in the worst manner, as expecting a worse euent. To which end (many promises and persuasions E being made vnto them) the marquesse of Bergen, and the baron of Montigny were moued to take that charge vpon them, being two wise and politike lords, both knights of the order of the Golden Fleece; by whose wisedoms and discretions, all men were in good hope, that the kings wrath would be pacified which notwithstanding fell out cleane contrarie, to the great and hard fortune of both those noble personages, for that in time it cost them both their liues: and to that end they went into Spaine, with full instruction, as also with a draught of a moderation of the proclamation for religion. This moderation which as then was framed, contained thus much. That all fauourers of religion, harbourers of heretikes, scandalous persons, and such like, shold in steed of burning be punished with hanging: but if they recanted their opinions, they The contents of the moderation of the procl [...]tion for Religion. should but lose their heads, and the common people should be banished. F
This moderation (so called by the common people) the court and the counsell sought to haue ratified by the states of the land (vpon whom the common people so much called) and to that end first sent for the smallest prouinces, as Artois, Henault, and Namure, &c. and none but they, who being so called, were sent with full commission, to do whatsoeuer shold be requisit, [Page 387] without further instruction from their masters, townes, or counsels, and withal were charged to keepe it secret from the common people. When those prouinces had giuen their consents A (as it was reported) the like was propounded vnto them of Brabant and Flanders: but they of Holland, Zeeland, Friseland, Guelderland, &c. were not summoned, because they had many and greater priuiledges. But this manner of proceeding, to get the said moderation, consented vnto by the states, without knowledge of the common people, was at the last by certain libels and verses made knowne and published amongst them: whereupon great tumults and suspitions began to arise, because the generall states might not be suffered to assemble together according to their old and auncient customes. This suspition more and more encreased, for that many men that had fled out of the land for their Religion, being returned againe, were committed to prison, and that in Oudenard one Hans Tuiscaen, a tapistry weauer, was put to death B for Religion in Iuly after.
At which time the baron of Montigni went alone into Spaine, because the marquesse of Berghen had hurt one of his legges, but not long after followed him; who beeing come into Spaine in the month of Iune, were oftentimes heard both by the king and his counsel, who as then lay at Segobia, his counsell being Don Aluares de Toledo, duke Dalua, &c. Don Gomes de Figuera, Don Anthonio de Toledo, great master of the Order of S. Iohn, Don Mauriques de Lara, high steward of the kings house, Ruygomes de Silua prince of Euoli, and earle of Melito, Lois de Quixada, chiefe esquire of the princes body; all men of great authoritie, wisdome, and experience in Spaine: but no more Netherlanders than Monsieur Tisnack, president of the counsell of estate in the Netherlands, the counsellor Hopperius, keeper of the kings seale, and Secretarie C Corteuille.
Before the king and this his counsell the embassadors of the Netherlands oftentimes shewed, That the alterations in the said countries happened onely vpon the kings letters, touching The commission of the embassadors of the Netherlands declared vnto the king. the planting of the Inquisition, executing of the proclamation for Religion, and such like, and that there was no other nor better meanes to remedie the same, than vtterly to abolish the Inquisition, and to consent vnto a moderation of the proclamation, as they desired, and to grant a generall pardon, without contradiction, if the gentlemen confederates would bee content therewith, for that they desired, that all might be done by the consent, counsell, and aduice of the generall states: yet they said, in behalfe of the lords of the Order of the golden Fleece, and others of the principalest of the nobilitie, that they had all resolued and agreed together, That D if it pleased the king to graunt vnto these three poiuts, to do their endeuors to pacifie the state of the Netherlands (then so troubled and disordered) and to be a meanes to plant peace and vnitie amongst them, by secret practises of good men (whereof there were yet a great number within the land, and well addicted vnto them) and so to compell the bad by force to liue in peace and subiection. Which they were charged to desire at his Maiesties hands, and had fully determined to put the same in practise, so they might haue the kings good will and consent thereunto (vnlesse it pleased his Maiesty to make great hast to come into the Netherlands) and yet not without conuenient and fit oportunitie. Much being argued and disputed hereupon, both the embassadors said plainly and flatly (as the Spaniards reported, and after inserted the same in the processe made against the said lords) that the noblemen and gentlemen of the Netherlands E had no intent, meaning, nor purpose to rise vp in arms, if it pleased the king to grant vnto the points of their embassage propounded, but were fully determined euery man to keepe at home in his owne house: making further complaint, That they were scorned and despised of the Spaniards, which presumed, that they ought to haue the commaund and rule ouer the lords and knights of the Netherlands (as they haue in Millaine, Naples, and Sicilia) which the Netherlanders could not endure, with many such like speeches, as they report. While they proceeded in this manner, and that the counsell in Spaine were busied about this matter, the Regents letters were brought from Brussels into Spaine, to certifie of the peoples assemblies and gatherings together in many places of the countrey, and of their open preachings, which were done about Dornick, Rissel, S. Omers, and Ypre, and that certaine French F preachers were among them, and that the like was done in Antuerpe: For which cause shee desired the king to send a good and a short resolution, and to consent vnto the three points before alledged, for that she, nor the lords of the Order of the golden Fleece, neither yet her counsell, could find no other meanes to preuent the apparent troubles.
[Page 390] and the rather (as she said) for that the secretarie gaue it out, That it was by their consent and commandement, which they should preuent and make known by the effects, that their intentions A had beene and was good, [...]lse the world might thinke that thei [...] petition (which they said was presented for the preseruation of the countrey) had beene the onely cause of these preachings: and if any one among them had incited the people thereunto, hee had exceeded the bounds of their compromise and petition.
Whereupon the nobles answered by writing punctually to euery article, in the forme that followeth.
‘Madame, We cannot giue your highnesse sufficient thanks for the good offers which were An answer of the [...]obles to the du [...]sse excuse. propounded vnto vs at Duffel, the 18 of this moneth, by the prince of Orange, and the earle of Egmont, on your highnesse behalfe, who left it vs in writing as followeth, the which seems to B containe nine articles, whereof the first is:’
‘That your highnesse hath sent the marquesse of Bergen, and the baron of Montigny vnto the king, 1 to acquaint his Maiestie with our petition: For the which, Madame, wee most humbly thanke your highnesse, and we hope that those noble men being so sufficient, will doe all good offices with his Maiestie, whereby hee may vnderstand our iust intentions to be conformable to our petition.’
‘Secondly, We are put in mind of the promise which we made, to die in his Maiesties seruice, and [...] 2 your highnesse feet: Wherein Madame, we desire to continue alwayes, neither had we euer any other will.’
‘For the third, That we know, that since our petition there hath beene no innouation, touching the 3 C Inquisition and edicts, according to our dema [...]nd, and that therein your highnesse hath satisfied [...]. We beleeue that your highnesse hath altered nothing since our petition; but the magistrats haue not duely obeyed your highnesse letters, but haue continued still in the apprehension and imprisonment of people, by vertue of the Inquisition and edicts. That which we persuade our selues, is directly contrarie to your highnesse intention and command.’
‘Fourthly, That a [...] good and loyall subiects, according to our promises, we should restraine and suppresse 4 the insolencie of sectaries. As for our promises, Madame, wee hold, that we haue wholly satisfied them both in generall and particular; yea wee haue done our best endeuours to containe the people in all modestie, and to hinder the preaching, from whom wee cannot take away the persuasions which they haue conceiued vpon the stay of his Maiesties resolution: for D that it was said vnto vs, That within two monethes after the presenting of our petition to your highnesse, we should haue a direct answer. And also the manner of assembling the prouincial states, which haue beene held in some places, contrarie to the vsuall custome: and the threats which are vsed daily both against vs and the people, namely by the church men; all which reasons haue drawne the people together to their publike preachings, the which they haue continued vnto this day, as they themselues haue told vs plainly. And wee desire your highnesse should know, that had not beene the presentation of our petition, and the good offices which we haue done both before and since, they had not so long conteined themselues, being prest by their conscences, as they say.’
‘Fiftly, That matters tend to a popular sedition, and that strangers are dealers in it, and those which 5 E are our ant [...]ent enemies. To that, Madame, we answere, that whensoeuer any strangers shall bee dealers in it, we will be the first that shall goe to horsebacke to hinder them: but that we or any others ought not to oppose our selues against the kings vassals and subiects, wee find it not for his Maiesties seruice; but contrariwise, the ruine and ouerthrow of al the Netherlands, for that they submit themselues to the resolution of the generall estates, as shall be related more amply hereafter.’
‘The sixth article, That the sectaries giue it out, That it is by our consent and commandement, so 6 as it may well [...]e iudged, that our petition, which wee say wee had presented for the preseruation of the countrey, is the onely cause of their publike preaching. We answer, Madame, that neither in general, nor yet in particular, euer any one of vs, did incite, mooue, or persuade the people to make the F said preachings; but contrariwise, haue endeuoured to hinder them by all meanes, by reason of the troubles and disorders, which we did feare might grow: but seeing that wee could not persuade nor diuert the people, we haue suffered them to do as they thought good; and so farre as it may touch vs, or any of vs, we offer to purge our innocencies, by sufficient proofes. [Page 391] But that there are some of our company, which do allow of them, for that they are of the same A religion, we denie not: notwithstanding wee know that their religion doth not hinder their deuotion to his Maiesties seruice, as they haue assured both in generall and particular.’
‘As for the seuenth point, That we ought in duetie to hinder them, and make knowne our good intention by the effects, and that it tends to a good end, and that our petition was presented for the kings 7 seruice, and the good of the countrey. We say, Madame, that herein wee haue done our vttermost endeuours: but seeing that the people would in no sort yeeld vnto our persuasions, for the reasons aboue mentioned, we beseech your highnesse, that it may please you to find out some good meanes, wherein we wil willingly imploy our selues.’
‘The eight, That we should not distrust the king who hath neuer vsed any tyrannie towards his subiects, but all gentlenesse and fauour. We answer, Madame, that we haue no distrust of the king, 8 knowing him to be so mild and iust a prince, as if he were here present (which wee do greatly B desire) to heare both parties, we assure ourselues he would soone settle a good order.’
‘The ninth and last, That your highnesse doth not doubt but his Maiestie will forget all things, and [...]hat your highnesse hath often written fauourably to his Maiestie. We say, Madame, that as for his 9 Maiesties forgetting, wee doe not thinke that we haue done any thing contrarie to his seruice, [...]or giuen any occasion for our parts, why he should forget any thing: But contrariwise it wil [...]e found, that the aduertisement which we haue giuen, by the presentation of our petition, [...]ath alreadie taken effect if not all, yet at the least in part: wherefore the said aduertisement [...]ught to be taken as a most acceptable seruice done vnto his Maiestie. And for that your [...]ighnesse hath written so fauourably and so timely vnto his Maiestie, we most humbly thanke C [...]ou: yet, Madame, you wil pardon vs if we speak freely, and discouer the secrets of our hearts [...]nto you: It doth seeme vnto our company, that your highnesse doth hold vs in great iealou [...]e, by the open demonstration which you haue made vnto vs, vntill that we were giuen to vn [...]erstand the contrarie, by the lords at Duffel, on your highnesse behalfe: By which precedent [...]istrust, wee haue purchased many enemies, and some of them haue spoken with such spleen, The earle of Megen and others. [...]s they haue dared to vse speeches publikely against vs, tending to sedition: saying, That they [...]ere ready to breake our heads, if they were commaunded. And moreouer, bruting it out [...]mong the people (to make vs odious) That the king comming into these parts, hee would in [...]at vs as rebels and seditious persons, with many other wrongs, which were too long to re [...]ate in particular: the which we haue for a time past ouer with silence, without making com [...]aints D or demonstration thereof, although we had iust occasion. But the long delaves, and the [...]cret practises which wee haue and doe daily discouer, haue reduced vs to those extremities, [...]r the apparent dangers which we see may happen thereby vnto vs, as wee haue beene forced [...] seeke the meanes to make friends in other countries, to aid and assist vs, in case they should [...]ke to proceed against vs and the kings subiects & vassals by force, and not to any other end: [...]hich meanes are most necessarie for vs, by reason of the distrust which your highnesse hath [...]ad of vs, as it is said. Wherefore we beseech you, that you will not take this assurance but in [...]pod part, for that it tends but to a good and iust end, which is, the assurance of our persons [...]ad goods. And as our intent was neuer to any other effect, but to the kings seruice, and the [...]eseruation of the countrey, we desire that order may be taken by other meanes lesse dange [...]us: E and we find no other meanes for our safetie and quiet, but humbly to beseech your [...]ghnesse, to giue vs assurance, and to command all the noblemen and knights of the order in [...]se parts to doe the like, that nothing may be attempted against vs, nor any other of the kings [...]ssals and subiects, directly or indirectly, by force, or any other meanes whatsoeuer, touching [...]r petition & compromise. And for that the prince of Orange, and the earles of Egmont and [...], haue beene best acquainted with our affaires, since the presenting of our petition, with [...]om we must yet treat of many things which may auaile vs; we beseech your highnesse to [...]mmaund them, that they wil hereafter assist vs with their counsel, and take vs into their pro [...]tion: And that your highnesse charge vnto them may bee of such authoritie, as they may [...]olutely prouide and giue order, for all that shall concerne the guard and preseruation of the F [...]untrey, both within and without, being the only meanes whereby we may assure our selues [...]d the kings vassals and subiects: Knowing them to be such worthy and vertuous noblemen [...] they would mannage all to the seruice of his Maiestie, and the quiet of the country: neither [...]ould they promise any thing, but what they would keepe. And knowing well that your [Page 392] highnesse cannot do it but by prouision, we beseech you that at the same instant, you will bee A pleased to dispatch a post vnto the king, that his Maiestie would bee pleased to giue the like commaundement vnto the said lords, with the like authoritie, that by their meanes wee may imploy our selues the more freely in his Maiesties seruice, vntill that by the consent and resolution of the generall estates, his Maiestie shall haue otherwise decreed. Moreouer, Madame, and lastly, we cannot conceale from your highnesse, that being assembled at S. Trudon, there was a petition presented vnto vs, on the behalfe of a great part of the people here adioyned, who haue offered to lay downe armes, and to submit themselues to that which should be decreed and commaunded by the generall estates, so as your highnesse will commaund vs to giue them such assurance and promise to ioyne with them, and not to suffer any violence to bee offered vnto them, attending the resolution of the generall estates. Desiring that your B highnesse will disperse some of vs that deliuered the petition, into the townes and prouinces, to containe them in all modestie, to whom they will deliuer their armes: else, Madame, they haue giuen vs to vnderstand (for the feare which they haue that some violence should be offered them) that they shall be constrained to haue recourse to others for their support, which makes vs to feare that they would bring the French our antient enemies into the countrey.’
‘We haue thought good to aduertise your highnesse freely of these things, to the end you may dispose thereof according to the necessitie of the time, and as you shall find it most conuenient for the good of the country; protesting, Madame, that we haue discharged our selu [...] in all these things. And if hereafter any other inconueniences happen, that wee are absolutely discharged by this our present aduertisement. Moreouer, Madame, we offer our selues again [...] C his Maiesties faithfull seruants, to imploy our selues in all things, when we shall be commaunded, and withall to die for your highnesse seruice.’
If this answer pleased the Gouernesse, I leaue it to them to iudge, who know the feares and The duchesse perplexed for the answer of the nobles. doubts wherein she was; so as from that time, secretly and vnder hand, she leuied men of al sides, vnder the commands of the earles of Megen and Arembergh, and the lords of Beauuoit Noircarmes, and others. Which feare she made more apparent, when as hearing that then were certaine souldiers about Villevoorde, she packt vp her baggage to flie from Brussels, and to retire towards Mons in Henault, the which she had done, if the prince of Orange had n [...] assured her, and vowed and sworne vnto her, with other noblemen, that they would rath [...] loose their liues, than the least displeasure in the world should be done vnto her. D
The nobles and gentlemen confederats, stood also vpon their guards, hauing for their ass [...] rance both within and without the countrey, souldiers inrolled, to haue them ready vpon the first occasion: but the Gouernesse (who wanted no intelligence, to keep them stil in breath v [...] till she were ready, to the end they should not proceed any further in that which she feared [...] much) framed many doubts vpon their answers, wherof she said she would be better satis [...] sending the earle of Egmont to them to that end, who hauing deliuered his charge, was req [...] red to carrie their solution vnto her, of the said ambiguities, and to satisfie her of that wh [...] she said she could not well comprehend.
In the meane time Antuerpe was in combustion, through the earle of Megens arriu [...], who it was well knowne had charge from the Duchesse to leuy men, as hee had done, and E they were not farre off in Campeigne, with whome the earle of Arembergh should ioye with other troupes, and both together fall vpon Antuerpe, and punish the people that wee mutined: By reason whereof the magistrate fearing a generall tumult of the people, w [...]o tooke armes (and whereas the lord of Brederode, one of the chiefe confederats was the [...] the towne) sent Iames vander Heyde bourgmaster, Thierry vander Werue, Nicholas R [...]kox, [...] dermen, and the orator Wesenbe [...]k, to court, to acquaint the duchesse with the apparent da [...] ger, that was within the towne, by the long stay of the earle of Megen, of the one side, and [...]e Two factions in Antuerpe. lord of Brederode on the other; and that one of them beginning to stirre, the other would t [...]e the contrarie part, which whould bee cause of a great disaster and effusion of bloud on eit [...] side within the towne. Wherefore they desired her highnesse to commaund the lords of M [...] gen F and Brederode to depart the towne, and that the earle of Arembergh with his tro [...] should also retire. The Bourgmaster and the Aldermen were intreated by the peo [...] to excuse themselues of this troublesome ambassage, and not to abandon the towne [...] this dangerous time, so many calamities being feared on all sides. Wherefore the orator [...] [Page 393] was sent alone, with good instructions for his discharge: who being arriued at Brussels, A and hauing deliuered his letters of credit, with his charge vnto the duchesse, shee tooke this aduertisement in ill part, asking him somewhat bitterly, If that which hee had spoken were his charge: Who answered that yea, and that he had an act for it, the which he forthwith offered [...] vnto her: she kept it, saying, That she would peruse it with the noblemen there present, and decree what should be most conuenient for the kings seruice; adding withall, That the magistrat might command the lord of Brederode to retire, seeing he had nothing to doe there. The magistrat sent a new charge the next day, by letters vnto their deputies, to make greater instance vnto the duchesse. But notwithstanding any suit they could make, as well for her highnesse comming vnto the towne (the which they did earnestly desire) or for the finding of some man of authoritie, to keepe all things in good order, they could neuer obtaine any B thing, vntill the fifteenth of Iuly, after that the magistrat had sent againe to aduertise the Gouernesse, that al the masters of the quarters, and aboue three hundred marchants of good qualitie, were come vnto them, to haue some one of authoritie (seeing that her highnesse would not come) naming the prince of Orange, who (as a neighbour well affected and pleasing to the inhabitants, and moreouer vicont of the towne, and therefore bound to it, and the sworne bourgesses to him) would doe all good offices, and that his comming would giue great contentment to euerie man. Whereupon in the end the duchesse gaue the charge thereof to the said prince, who was requested by the magistrat to come speedily with his traine onely, and without any armes, the which was verie necessarie: and so hee did, after that the earle of Megen and the lord of Brederode were retired by the Gouernesse commaundement. C
At the same season there was a petition made by them of the reformed religion, of the said towne, in French and Dutch, and directed vnto the masters of the quarters, for to present it on their behalfes (as it was) vnto the magistrat and superintendents of the towne, the summe whereof was:
‘That some dayes past they had expected and hoped for a good answer to their former petition, A petition made by the reformed churches, to the magistrat of Antuerpe. by the which they desired to haue some publike place granted them for the free exercise of their religion: and yet notwithstanding they had vnderstood, that the magistrat blamed their assemblies, as heretical, seditious, and preiudicial to the towne, so as it seemed they would hinder their holy congregations by armes, which made them in like sort to goe thither armed: the which they did not to any other end, but to defend themselues, their wiues and children, D not against the magistrats, but against the practises of their aduersaries: beeing content, that if any one thrusting himselfe into their assemblies, did commit any seditious or scandalous act, that they should be punished to the example of others. Also a place being granted, it was no more to be feared that the marchants would retire: but contrariwise, the concourse would be greater. That the reason which had mooued them to make their preachings publike, was the great number of auditors, so as it was not possible to contain them any longer in a secret place; and the rather, for that their aduersaries had alwaies reproached them, That they durst not deliuer their doctrine publikely, the which (they maintained) gaue no occasion of sedition, but rather hindered it; offering to lay downe armes as soone as any place was appointed them: or else that vnder the magistrats protection, and without feare to be opprest, they might assemble for the exercise of their religion, grounded vpon the doctrine of the Prophets and Apostles: E intreating them to consider of this businesse, without passion, according to equitie and right, to the aduancement of the townes good, graunting them a fit and conuenient place, to that end, offering to signe this petition by as many men as they should thinke good to appoint.’
On the other side the magistrat of Antuerpe seeing how they of the reformed religion increased daily, and the auditors of Romish Catholikes decreased visibly, considering also that the people murmured, by reason that they had deposed two curats of the parish of Kyel by the towne, preaching to the great content of the people, one being chased away, and the other imprisoned: It was therefore resolued by the said magistrat, that it was their best course to allow F them some ecclesiasticall preacher, that was pleasing vnto them, to draw them from strange preachers, to whom they were wholly inclined. Whereupon they called home the curat that had beene chased away, charging him to preach as he had done before in his parish, but with modestie: who beeing held to be of the confession of Ausbourg, the multitude increased [Page 394] wonderfully, yea more than of those of the reformed religion; who hauing a greater A respect to the generall tranquilitie and quiet, went not to their preachings armed, with such libertie, knowing that it was against the will of the magistrat, and that in the beginning their ministers were forbidden.
The prince of Orange according to the charge which he had from the duchesse, at the suit of the burgesses of Antuerpe, beeing come into the towne, he conferred presently with the magistrat, The prince of Orange seekes to order things [...] Antuerpe. from whom he vnderstood the pitiful estate of the towne, and perused certaine articles which they had drawne for the ordering thereof, and to maintaine it in the kings obedience, and its antient beautie and prosperitie, where he promised them al fauour and assistance. Then hauing called together the other members of the bodie of the towne, as the old aldermen, the masters of the quarters, the deanes of trades, the sworne companies, the nations of merchants, the clergie, and some priuat persons (after that he had heard them) hee found, that the distrust B which was among them, was one of the principall causes which put the towne into that combustion: Dist ust the cause of troubles in Antuerpe. for the magistrat did put no trust in the bourgesses, and much lesse in them of thereligion. On the other side, the inhabitants in generall (of what doctrine soeuer) distrusted the court (fearing the garrison which they wold giue them) and much more their magistrat, who seemed to incline thereunto, all whose actions were suspected. Then they of the religion feared and distrusted, not onely the court and magistrat, but also all the members of the towne, and which is more, they were in iealousie one of another, they of the confession of Ausbourg of the one side, and those of the reformed religion of the other. Hee found also, that those of the religion were in wonderfull great numbers, and armed, who according to the weake gouernment C that was in the towne, might haue made themselues masters thereof, if they had listed, or if their designes had beene other than good. The which made him to thinke, that for the seruice of the king, and the safetie of the towne, it was necessary to take from them these distrusts, as much as might be, and that they should worke by all good meanes, so as they of the religion should carrie no more armes to their preachings.
And as the prince gaue the magistrat to vnderstand, that it were too great a toyle for him, and for them, to go for the smallest occurrents, sometimes to one, sometimes to another; as to the members, the nations of merchants, the consistories, yea to some priuat persons, to confer with them: It were therefore requisit to haue some man of qualitie appointed, that were acquainted with affaires, & sworne vnto the towne. Whereupon the magistrat named Wesenbee [...] D their orator vnto him, whom he accepted. To begin then to settle an order in Antuerpe, and to suppresse all growing troubles, the prince caused it to be deliuered to them of the religion, to their ministers and consistories, That it was not seemely nor fit, that their sermons should be held and maintained by armes, vsing many reasons to that purpose, and therefore they should lay downe armes. Whereupon they answered, That they were readie to lay them downe, hauing the princes word, the promise of their magistrat, and the assurance of the court, that no force nor violence should be offered them in their preachings. On the other side to assure the towne from all inconueniences, and from any sodaine inuasion, the prince thought it good, that with the consent of the members of the towne, there should bee some twelue hundred men chosen out of the bourgesses, which should be armed, entertained, and placed vnder captaines, The prince requires a leuie of 1200 men in Antuerpe. E like men of warre: the which the magistrat did also find requisit. And to take all distrust from the commons, which might hinder their consent, the prince caused the great counsell, and all the members of the towne to assemble, to consult with them, what course were fittest to be taken for euerie mans securitie: At which assembly he laid open vnto them the chief cause of the merchants feare and retreat, and of the richest of the towne, whereof some were alreadie retired, and others had packt vp all to be gone; the which proceeded, for that in their opinions the towne was not sufficiently guarded and assured against all oppressions and sodaine inuasions, as in truth it seemed not to bee, with many other allegations, which were exhibited in writing. And comming to touch the point of the leuie and inrolment of twelue hundred men, drawne out of the bourgesses, and of the surceasing of the preaching and assemblies F of them of the religion, seeing that as wel the members as magistrat, and the prince himselfe, had found the mildest way to be the most expedient; it was said, that they should inquire of them of the religion, with what assurance they might persuade them to surcease their preaching, vntill that his Maiestie with the aduice of the generall estates, should otherwise prouide. [Page 395] Whereupon there was a day of aduice and deliberation demanded by the commons, and a A copie giuen of the writing that was exhibited.
Whereunto they answered, That the leuie of those souldiers was not fit in a towne of such The answer of the great counsell and the members of Antuerpe, to the princes proposition. traffique, but that they were readie to subiect themselues, to those duties which such souldiers or bourgesses inrolled should obserue; so as they should haue the like seruice from them, and with lesse trouble and charge. And as for the preachings, they would do their best endeuours to diuert euery one and that the mildest way seemed the most safe vnto them, so as in their opinions a generall pardon for them that had been at these preachings, should be verie necessarie. But aboue all they did insist, that as the assembly of the generall estates was the true remedie, they should presse to haue them presently called, to apply a generall remedie to a generall sore: and that in the meane time the said prince would aduise of some gentle meanes, fit for B the present, which they required to be communicated vnto them. And as euery member gaue his answer and his meanes in writing, whereof the copies were sent to court, the offer was accepted of by prouision, which they made, to subiect themselues to the guard of the town. And as for the preaching, that they would make report thereof vnto the court: intreating them in the meane time to diuert and retire them as much as was possible. As for the conuocation of the generall estates, they caused it to be required by their deputies, but that point was referred to the kings resolution.
And as during these actions they had so wel laboured with them of the religion, as they began to forbeare the carrying of armes, and that it was to be hoped that soon it would be wholly left; it happened that the Drossard of Brabant (which is as much as a Prouost Marshall) hauing C some horse and foot, and a commission (as the brute was) to fall vpon their assembly, to apprehend the ministers, antients, and deacons, and by that meanes to disperse the preaching, passing the 19 of Iuly at night along the ditches and before the towne gate, he was discouered and knowne: the which put all the commons presently into suspition, that hee came expresly into those quarters, with other people which he had in the village of Mercxhem (where his dwelling was, not far from Antuerpe) to fall the next day vpon their assemblies, which were made without the towne. Wherefore the people being moued more than before, tooke their armes againe, resoluing to resist the Drossards attempts by force. The prince of Orange fearing this disaster, sent presently to court, requiring, that before the next day morning (which was Sonday) commandement might be giuen to the Drossard, not to attempt any thing, but to D retire himselfe from thence, seeing that one of these two points was to be feared; ither they of the religion would make themselues so strong, and so well armed, as they should haue no occasion to feare the Drossard, who should get nothing but blowes; or if they found not themselues strong ynough, it was to bee feared that they would seize vpon some place within the towne, to keepe their preachings, without being in danger of him: wherein there was such diligence vsed, as the same night the gouernesse writ vnto the Drossard, commanding him to retire, which letters were deliuered him early on the Sonday morning, wherewith the people were somewhat pacified: but from that time the preachings were more carefully guarded, and with greater strength than before, the which they continued, for that the Drossard was many times seene on the Saterday about Antuerpe. E
About that time came certaine aduertisements, that duke Erick of Brunswick continued stil Another occasion of trouble in Antuerpe. to leuie men by the kings commandement, and that about Linghen there were some readie to enter into the countrey, the which bred new alterations. And wheras moreouer vpon the pursutes made in court by the deputies of Brabant, the Gouernesse had the 23 of August giuen a resolution vpon certaine points, the commons receiued contentment by the one part, and discontentment by the other: for whether it were that shee had pardoned some repenting Anabaptist, except his abiuration and accomplishment of penance (at the suit of some of the town made vnto the prince and the magistrat, who were intercessors for him vnto the said lady) this did somewhat content the people, as also for that the said lady was content to pardon by proclamation, all those that had beene at their preachings and assemblies: but to the conuocation F of the generall estates, which was required, she made no other answer, but that they must attend his Maiesties answer, to whom she said she had written: and for that she had refused to inlarge one of the reformed religion, which was apprehended in his house, against the priuiledges, notwithstanding that in other places, some of the like had beene set at libertie: the people [Page 396] tooke it ill, and were greatly moued, seeing that all the merchants, & they of the religion in It seemes the duchesse de [...] to [...]at the people for small matters. A generall, yea the prince himselfe and the magistrat, to auoid some greater scandall, had bee [...] intercessors for him to the Gouernesse, yet would she neuer yeeld to his deliuerie, vntill that afterwards he was freed in despight of her, by a mutinie, all which serued as prouocations to incense the people more, considering how the said lady contemned the earnest requests of those that were suters for the prisoner.
We haue said before, that the nobles confederat intreated the earle of Egmont, who sent vnto them from the Gouernesse, to carrie her their answer, vpon the ambiguities which shee desired to be explained, the which they promised to doe. The said answere and explanation was as followeth.
‘Madame, the earle of Egmont hath giuen vs to vnderstand, That your highnesse desired to B be satisfied of some points set downe in certaine articles presented by vs vnto your highnesse, An explanation o [...] [...]o bl [...] answer to the duchesse. the which in our opinions are plaine ynough, and that the rest will be but tedious: yet Madame, to satisfie your commaundement, wee haue thought good to make this declaration which followes, to the end that our iust intentions may be thereby the better vnderstood, and that hereafter they may haue no cause to interpret them sinisterly.’
‘And to answer first vnto the third article of our answer, Whereas your highnesse requires that we should set downe in particular in what townes the prisoners bee, and the occasio [...] wherefore, and that your highnesse pretends that it is not come to your knowledge. Wee say, Madame, that in Tournay, Lille, Mons, Aire, Bethune, Ath, Bruges, Gand, and other pla [...] there haue beene many prisoners apprehended for religion, by vertue of the edicts, as will appeare C vnto your highnesse by the informations, which you may call for. As for the 4, 5, and 6 articles, that we should make apparent how wee haue discharged our dueties, conteining the people, and hindering the preaching. Wee say, that your highnesse may send into euerie prouince, to the consistories and ministers of the religion, to vnderstand our endeuours, both in generall and in particular, and your highnesse shall find that all will bee conformable to that which wee haue giuen you to vnderstand. As for the point of the fourth article, where there is a question of the manner that hath beene held at the assembly of the prouincial states, in some parts, against the ordinarie custome. Wee answere, That it doth not concerne vs any thing to prooue it, for that they bee the peoples allegations, who say that they haue been accustomed to assemble the states of Flanders before them of Arthois: and that in the proceeding D of most of the other estates, they haue sent for some that were not accustomed to be there, and others, who were woont and ought to assist, were not sent for; or at the least they sent the letters so late, as the states were assembled before they receiued them. And they haue told vs moreouer, that the deputies of townes could haue no respite giuen them to send backe, to make their relation, as they had beene accustomed, but were constrained to a [...] swer presently, r [...]fusing to giue them a copie of the moderation of the edicts, nor time to aduise according vnto custome: saying, that such was your highnesse commaundement. That letters had beene sent to the priuat gouernours of townes to win the deputies thereof, and the gentlemen of their iurisdiction, to haue them at their deuotion. Of all which your highnesse could not bee ignorant, the which wee would not insert in our answere, to auoid tediousnesse.’ E
‘And touching the article of our greeuances, wheras we say, that we haue heard threats, and discouered secret practises: we say, Madame, that presently after the deliuerie of our petition, we haue found plainly, that many noblemen, yea & knights of the order, haue distracted & seperated themselues from vs flying our companie, as if wee were guiltie of rebellion and high treason, treating many affaires secretly among themselues, the which they were not accustomed to do: yea they haue aduertised some of their kinsfolks and friends not to ioyne with vs, and that they should haue respect vnto their honours, laying before them the dangers would fall vpon vs, if the king should come into these parts, obiecting the like vnto them which had alreadie signed our compromise, promising to procure them a pardon from his Maiestie, if F they would seperat themselues from vs.’
‘And as they are noblemen which assist and giue their voyces in counsell, it is to bee presumed, that according to the impression which they haue of vs, they informe his Maiestie, and giue such aduice as must needs bee to our preiudice and ruine. Diuers posts are also come at [Page 397] sundry times from Spaine, without bringing any resolution from his Maiestie, concerning vs, A being expresly forbidden not to carrie any priuat letters: beside the aduertisements which we haue had from France, that his Maiestie desired passage for a certaine number of Spanish souldiers, and demanded from the king, the queene mother, and the counsell, the like succours as he had giuen them during their ciuile warres. We are also aduertised, that the duke of Sauoy hath promised aid vnto his Maiestie to come into these parts with forces, and to that end hee went to the emperor to an imperiall diet, to acquaint him with the designes which he had vpon these Netherlands. And we haue intelligence, that the clergie hath furnished an extraordinarie sum of 500000 florins, the which we haue alwaies presumed to be against vs, as some among themselues haue vaunted. Also, that neuer any of the noblemen nor knights of the order would assure vs vnto this day, that neither the king nor your highnesse would proceed against vs by fact. All which reasons, with many other coniectures, haue reduced vs to this extremitie, B as to assure our selues, as it is said in our first writing, and that to our great griefe. And to the end your highnesse shall not thinke, whereas we say, that we haue made friends in a certaine countrey, that we meane the French, assuring your highnesse, that it is no where else but in this countrey and in Germany.’
‘Whereas your highnesse desires to know what people we meane, whereas we make mention of the kings subiects and vassals: We answer, Madame, that they be the inhabitants of these parts, allowing and consenting to our petition and compromise.’
‘And for the last, Madame, which concernes our assurance, according vnto that which is The noblemen insist vpon their assurance. contained in our writing, we find no meanes to giue contentment & assurance to all those of C our compromise, but by the assurance which your highnesse (if it please you) shall giue vs, together with all the noblemen and knights of the order, and namely the three noblemen (of The prince of Orange, and the earles of Egmont and Horne. whom we haue made mentiō) to the end they may be mediators betwixt the king, your highnesse, and vs; we intend not notwithstanding, that the charge which we desire should be giuen them, shold in any sort diminish your highnesse authoritie, but that al which they shal do, may be by your commandement. We doubt not but some gouerners of prouinces may take it ill, for that we demand, that from henceforth no leuies of souldiers should be made, neither within nor without the countrey, but vnder the charge and conduct of the said three noblemen: and that the said three noblemen (after that your highnesse hath appointed them what numbers of men they shall leuie, for the guard of the country) may diuide the charges to such captaines, D as they shall thinke fit for his Maiesties seruice. Which discontent of the prouinciall gouernors, we would willingly excuse, but we hope that this assurance is lesse dangerous, than that which we haue formerly taken, and that they will willingly beare a little discontent, rather than to leaue vs in those termes we are.’
‘And to the end your highnesse may vnderstand this more particularly, our meaning is not to bind your highnesse, nor all these noblemen, any further by the promises which shall bee made vnto vs, but by prouision, and vntill that his Maiestie hath allowed or refused it. Prouided alwayes, that your highnesse and these noblemen shall promise vs, that in case his Maiestie shall refuse it, we shall continue still vnder their protection, for the space of three weekes, from the day that we shall be aduertised of his Maiesties refusall. And that during the said three E weekes, your highnesse and all the noblemen shall remaine tied according to the former bond, to the end that during the said time, we may seeke for some other remedie, such as we shal find necessarie for our safeties.’
‘As for the assurance which your highnesse demands of our companie, wee assure and promise you, that from henceforth we wil neuer treat any thing, without the counsell and aduise of the said three noblemen. And touching the forces which we haue without the country, we offer to imploy them for his Ma. seruice, and the good of the country, whensoeuer we shall be commanded, remitting and submitting our selues to all that it shal please his Ma. to command vs, by the aduice and consent of the generall estates. Most humbly beseeching your highnesse, to take this our declaration in good part, and to giue vs a good and short answer.’ F
You may see into what termes the affairs of the confederat noblemen and gentlemen were brought, by the faintnesse of some, and the falling away of others: whereas in the beginning, and at the presenting of their petition they thought to carrie it cleere, so much they presumed of their forces, and thought themselues to bee so strictly vnited in league [Page 398] together, as nothing should breake or dissolue them. Now by the tedious practises and dissimulations of the Gouernesse, which bred a coldnesse in some, they are forced to prouide for A their safeties, as if they were guiltie of some crime, whereas they had so often protested it to be their duties. The Gouernesse and those of her counsell laught within themselues, and their The [...]. hearts leapt for ioy, to see the confederats thus altered: and although she had long before (from the moneth of May) receiued letters from the king (as we shall presently see) quite contrarie to that which she said vnto them, and caused the said prince and earle of Egmont to deliuer (to whom nothing was imparted of these letters) that they might take the more tast thereof, and be the better assured, fearing to marre all if shee had beene too hastie, or that her practises had beene discouered (wherein she was more politike than the counsell of Spaine) shee left them in suspence of their last petition, vntill she had discouered whereto all the mischief tended, and B that the apostume of the people (which she said was supported by the nobilitie) came to break and to shew the effects. After that shee had sent for the said gentlemen the 20 of August, to make the promise which shee required of them, according to the contents of their petition, holding her selfe then a conqueresse, and to haue preuailed ouer that which before she had so much doubted yet shewing them still a good countenance, she gaue them letters of assurance, whereof we will hereafter speak, and she writ her letters to all the townes and prouinces of the Netherlands, as followeth.
‘Most deare and well beloued, As we do visibly see the apparent and instant ruine and generall desolation of our antient Catholike religion, and of the common estate of these countries, The Goue [...] n [...]se [...]s to the townes of the Netherlands. if it be not speedily preuented by fit & conuenient means: and the greater, more apparent, and C neerer that the danger is, the greater care and diligence should you vse, to answer before God, the king o [...] lord, and all the world, of your duties, fidelities, and executions of your charges and othes. Wherefore we require you, and in his Maiesties name expresly command you, that presently you confer with the principall and chiefe men of the towne, of honor & respect, the best affected to the preseruation & maintenance of the antient Catholike religion, seruice and obedience to his Maiestie, and the quiet and prosperitie of the country, and aduise together of all sit meanes and remedies, by the which the said perils and dangers may be preuented and auoided, and that aboue all, your towne, your persons, your wiues, children, and goods, may be assured, and preserued from all sedition, oppression, and spoile, as well within as without, keeping good guard in all places day & night, diuiding your men into squadrons and quarters, as D in such dangerous times you are accustomed to do for your preseruation, and as the necessitie and importance of the case shal require: so as the commonweale may not incur any inconuenience nor danger, doing your best deuoirs to retire and diuert the people from their preachings, and vnlawfull assemblies, be it by mild and amiable exhortations, or by force and constraint, shewing them the danger wherinto they run, incensing thereby the king their naturall prince, and their lords & superiors, magistrats and gouernors, besides the plagues and punishments which God doth commonly send in those places where there is change of religion, whereof doth follow the desolation and ruine of the commonweale & state. Assuring moreouer, fortifying and comforting the commons as much as you can, vntil his Ma. comming, who hath promised to be here shortly in person, to settle an order in all things, and to defend & preserue E all his good subiects, & countrey. And to the end this may be the better effected and accomplished you shall confer in like sort with your gouernour, and the prouinciall counsell, entertaining good & mutuall correspondencie with them in that respect: so as in all cases his Marshal retaine the supreme authoritie, & command the forces. And in case you should haue need of our succors & assistance, or of the said gouernor, you are presently to aduertise vs and the gouernor, with a declaration of what you shall stand in need of, to assist and succour you: or to aduance & put in execution the means which you haue thought fit, & that with as much speed as may be: whereof we wholly trust in you, who for the faith you owe vnto his Ma. and the preseruation of the countrey, would not faile in any thing that shal be thought requisit for the aduancement of Gods glory, his Ma. seruice, and the preseruation of his countries, &c.’ F
In this sort the duchesse entertained both the one and the other: the nobles by a promise of their assurance and the towns to confirme them in their duties, for their discharge vnto the king, although it were difficult, yea impossible to satisfie both parties equally. For on the one side she was priuy to his Ma. intent, touching the noblemen, & on the other side she could not [Page 399] keepe the people in awe, by the magistrats and gouernors of prouinces, vnlesse shee cut off the A the right arme from the nobles: as also she could not frustrat and disappoint the intention of the noblemen, but she must presently quench the heat & fury of the commons who in the beginning depended onely vpon the hope of good that should come vnto them, by the presentation of the noblemens petition, whereon they did ground all assurance of their consciences, and libertie of their religion.
Whilest that all this past betwixt the noblemen and the duchesse, the prince of Orange was Troubles in Antuerpe. much troubled in Antuerpe, to conteine the people, who were greatly moued, for many reasons, according vnto the complaints which they made daily, the which were satisfied but by halues, and (as they said) for a fashions sake. Among others the 10 day of August, there was a great tumult, for that one Peter Rythou, a diuine and pastor of the parish of S. Peter at Louuaine, B came in a disguised habit, to reprehend the minister which preached at Kyel, ioyning to the towne of Antuerpe, comming out of the pulpit: and as the minister or preacher answered him, That they should go into some neere house, out of the presse of the people, to confer together. This doctor persisting in his loud clamors, with such allegations as came in his head, a great number came running thither; and seeing that their minister by many arguments and texts out of the holy Scripture, had made the doctor mute, the people gaue such a shout and crie, as he was forced to retire: some incensed against him, pursuing and would haue massacred him, if certaine burgesses had not preserued him with the hazard of their liues, drawing him into a house, where they hid him in a seller; the common people remaining before, the said house, and offering to draw him out by force. The brute hereof being come vnto the towne, C moued the rest of the people, and this had turned to a bad consequence, if the prince had not sent the officer of iustice thither in time, who apprehended the doctor, and put him in prison, the which pacified the people: but he was soone after sent out of the towne by the riuer. And for that the prince was forced vpon vrgent causes to be sometimes absent out of the towne, as well to goe to court, as to Duffel, to the confederat noblemen, on the behalfe of the Gouernesse. The masters of the quarters, and deanes of trades of the towne of Antuerpe, intreated the prince, that he would be a sutor vnto the Gouernesse, that during his absence shee would substitute the earle of Hochstraten, fearing least for want of a commander those that were mutinous might attempt something which would bee preiudiciall to the good of the towne, and publike assurance. Moreouer, they required him to take a lieutenant to assist him to beare the D toyle of the gouernement, seeing that the bourgmasters and other officers were sufficiently charged, recommending the seigniour of Straelen vnto him, a gentleman that was verie pleasing vnto them of the towne. Whereof the prince aduertised the Gouernesse, but she delaied to grant it.
In the meane time the prince did insist all he could, to the end that they of the religion should forbeare carrying of armes to the preaching, at the least within the towne, going and returning: sending to the ministers and consistories to that end, who promised to gouerne themselues accordingly, so as they might be assured, that neither the Drossard, nor any other, should offer them outrage: the which was promised them, and notice giuen to the Drossard, in his house. But this hope and assurance which they expected, continued not long, turning E into distrust, and so great bitternesse, as they were much troubled to pacifie it: yea it proceeded so farre, as they of the religion tooke an occasion (grounded vpon foure occurrents, happening at one instant) to hold their preachings from that time forward within the towne of Antuerp. The first occurrent was, That the masters of quarters receiued letters of aduertisement from Foure reasons why they kept their preaching in Antuerp Brussels, of the thirteenth of August, of a certaine resolution concluded betwixt the Gouernesse and the deputies of the towne, being in court, to massacre all those that they should find at the preaching. The second, That the Drossard (of whom they were alwayes in feare) caused about that time certaine wagons laden with armes, to passe through the towne to goe to his house, one of the which beeing stayed by the people, and released by the magistrat, who fauoured the Drossard, did much distemper the commons. Thirdly, for that they were F aduertised, That the Drossard was neere vnto the town with 1000 horse, lodged here & there, and a good number of foot in the neighbor monasteries, attending but the ringing of a bell, to fall vpon the assembly, and to murther them: during which exploit the lawyers should keepe the towne gates shut, that no man might enter in, so as not any one should escape. [Page 400] The fourth reason was, That they were aduertised by one of their assembly, whom his companion A persuaded to inroll himselfe to bee readie against them of the religion, when as the great bell should found, and would haue led him to the Arcenall of the towne, to chuse what armes he could best vse: saying, That the same day there had beene fourescore inrolled in that quarter.
These foure points bred a terrible alteration, and put the towne in danger: and although the greatest trouble were pacified, yet they of the religion resolued to haue their preaching in the towne. The prince of Orange being desirous to hinder them, sent the orator Wesenbeek vnto the ministers, and two gentlemen of his houshold to the chiefe merchants of the religion, to aduise them to forbeare this presumption, or else he would seeke to hinder them by all meanes, yea if it were by force; and that they should attend the regents resolution, the which B she should giue to the confederats petition. Although the princes gentlemen vsed al the means they could to persuade them, yet they of the religion persisted in their resolution: notwithstanding the same night late, they sent certaine merchants vnto the prince, with a writing, containing a iustification of their resolution, which they said they had taken to auoid greater mischiefs, considering the foure occurrents, the doubts and fears, and other occasions, which caused Iust [...]tion of the commons sent vnto the prince, touching the preaching. the people to murmure, promising to make them forbeare carrying of armes at their assemblies, as they had been often prest by him: beseeching the prince, that hee would not take it in ill part protesting in all things else to be obedient vnto him, and to keepe good guard, that for their parts no insolencie should be committed: and if hee were not pleased to accept of their excuses and iustifications, they had rather (though to their great griefe) to haue his ill wil, than C to incurre the indignation of the people, who feared that many things were practised by the magistrat of the towne without his priuitie. The prince not satisfied with these excuses, & the deputies of the merchants persisting in their resolution, offering notwithstanding to doe their best to diuert the said preachings, he sent vnto the magistrat to put all the sworne companies in armes the next day, by fiue of the clocke in the morning, with an intent to hinder the beginning of their assemblies by policie. But in the morning the deputies returned vnto the prince, declaring vnto him, That for his onely respect they had forborne their preaching within the towne, yet by reason of their doubts & feare of danger, and the time of Winter drawing on, it should not be possible to conteine themselues long, if they were not assured that no outrage should be done them abroad: whereof the prince aduertised the court by his letters of the 15 D of August. The earle of Egmont in the meane time, was for his part much troubled in his gouernment of Flanders, to containe the people, who began to be much moued, and the more, for that they heard of no answers to the confederats petition, whereby they thought that the nobilitie had abandoned them, and that they had bin won by the regent. And wheras in stead of moderation of the edicts, which had been so often promised, they found that they were daily augmented (but vnder another pretext) and vnderstanding that the gouernesse & the court, tooke the petition, and the actions of the nobles in ill part, the people were generally much altered, and the Protestants of the religion went to armes, fearing (as they said) to be opprest, and that the officers would disturbe their assemblies: for there was no meanes now to make them leaue their preaching, and the exercise of their religion, being thus armed and well fortified to E defend their ministers, and their wiues and children, being at the sermon, and to resist all violence. In the end it happened, that some of the bafer sort, meaning to shew an inconsiderat zeal vnto their religion, and that they were deadly enemies to al that did impugne it, aduanced and incouraged one another to beat downe images and crosses, set vp in the high waies: then they went to out chappels, and so to churches and monasteries in the countrey, and in the end to townes, the beginning of all which was in the quarter of Ypre in Flanders: so as the insolencie of this base people, and of some women and children, exceeding all temper & modestie, brake The breaking of images beg [...]n i [...] Flanders and beat downe all Images, crucifixes, altars, tables (how rare and exquisit soeuer) ornaments, and generally all that was displeasing vnto their eyes, and that seemed to bee contrarie to the profession of their religion: The which was so sodainly executed in all places, as well in Brabant, F Flanders, Holland, Zeeland, and other prouinces, as if it had been a thunder clap, or a flash of lightning, which had past ouer all at one instant, so as there was no prouince in all the Netherlands, which did not feele of it, no not the townes, but such as were kept by force, or such as (to auoid this storme) had prouided in time, hiding away their images, and other pretious [Page 401] things. Wherein there was one thing admirable, that it could neuer be knowne who was the A first author, or that had bragged of it, no, not any one that approued it, being of any authoritie An admirable thing in the breaking of Images. among the people, no, not the ministers, who contrariwise did blame those actions committed by boies and girles, amongst the which there were some theeues, who sought for bootie; yet notwithstanding a part of it was restored to the magistrates of those places where it happened.
It were too tedious to describe here the particularities of the beating downe of Images in euery towne and prouince of the Netherlands: wee will speake onely of that which happened at Antuerpe, being the chiefe and most renowned, whereby wee may iudge of all the rest.
Ordinarily on the eighteenth of August falleth out a feast or solemne procession in that Breaking of Images in Antuerpe. B towne, in the which they carry a great Image, richly adorned with cloth of gold, and other prec [...]us ornaments, representing the virgine Marie; wherewith were charged one after one, in their turnes, some of the magistrats, the deanes of the occupations, and the chiefe of the sworne companies of the towne, with great ceremonies, as well in lifting, carrying, as setting it in the place. On the eue of this feast, the prince of Orange, gouernour of the towne, was sent for (all excuses set aside) to come to court, for matters of great importance, and especially to conclude with the confederats: yet at the great instance of the magistrate he stayed all the day of the feast, the most dangerous day (according to the time and the disposition of the state of the towne) of all the yeare; partly by reason of the publicke ceremonies which were vsed both before and after dinner, and for the multitude of people of all humours, that came C thither; as also for the drunkennesse and dissolutenes which were ordinarie at that feast. The procession being ended, the Image was carried to her place, and the next day the prince went to Brussels.
The same day certaine young fellowes standing at the Quier dore, asked, if the maid (meaning the Image of the virgine Marie) was afraid, because she went so soone into the Quier againe, and such like speeches. On the other side, certaine youths playing in the great church, about the pulpit, their heads being full of proclamations, would needs counterfeit the preachers, and to that end a great knaue got vp into the pulpit, and there began to vtter many vaine and friuolous speeches. The rest of his companions mocking him, some threw things at him; others would haue pulled him downe: but he spurned and kicked at them with his feet, and in D the end they began to play the cats, and to scratch and fight one with the other: for a young sayler got vp into the pulpit on the other side, and forcibly thrust the counterfeit knaue down the steps: wherewith, some that stood to gape vpon them, and diuers men that were in companie, busied themselues with the matter, so that there had like to haue beene a great fray: in the end the sayler being somewhat hurt, got out of the church, which was full of people, all ready to goe together by the eares, and being found without, was taken, and caried before the magistrate, to whom he shewed the matter as it fell out; whereupon the officers got the people to goe out of the church, and so shut vp the dores. The next day, being Tuesday, the twentith of August, about euening, a companie of youths and some men being assembled together in the church, according to their manner walked in the church, staying till they went to euening E prayer; where they began to mocke and ieast at the Image of the virgine Marie: whereat an old woman that sate before the Quier dore to sell candles, and to receiue almes, being offended, cast dust, ashes, and other filth in the youths faces, and their eyes; whereupon they began to quarrell: for which cause the Marckgraue with his sergeants and halberdie [...]s came thither, and willed them to depart out of the church; which some of them did: the rest sayd, they would stay and heare euening prayer: whereupon the Marckgraue bad his officers tell them; that there should be no euening prayer said there that night: which made some of them vnwilling to goe, and to say one to the other, that they themselues would sing euensong: and at the last some in one place, some in another, began to sing, others played and rouled stones and bowles in the church; and with that noise there came more and more people together. The F Marckgraue perceiuing, that he could not get the people out, nor make them be quiet, shut all the dores of the church, except one, and so in great feare went away: by which meanes the companie began to be the bolder, and it beginning to be late, the clocke striking sixe, they agreed to throw downe the Image of the virgine Marie, and presently began to breake open [Page 402] the quier, crying viue le Gueux: which being once begun, they ran together with such furie, A and with so many hands, that before midnight all the quier and chappell dores were broken open the altars pulled downe, and all the Images broken in pieces, there being in the church at that time at the least seuentie altars, all most richly and sumptuously adorned and beautified with great store of costly pictures and tables, whereof the like were not elsewhere to be found.
The Images in this sort being cast downe and broken in the great church, a great multitude of the youths, and some men, with whores and knaues, al mingled together, ran throughout the towne, to other churches, to do the like, as to the Franciscan friers, S Clares, S. Ieames, S. Andrewes, S. Georges, S. Michaels, the Peter pots, the Borcht, the Fakens, the White sisters, the Blacke sisters, the third Order, the Nunnes, the Bogarden, the preaching Friers, and to all the B churches and chappels in the towne, and had cast downe and broken all their Images & other ornaments whatsoeuer, before it was morning, burning and lighting vp all the candles that they found within the same, wherewith they lighted themselues: which was a great and wonderfull piece of worke, considering all the circumstances thereof, for that they could neuer know who were the doers thereof, no man was euer heard to brag or boast thereof, no quarrel nor strife was amongst them, nor any man hurt: which was a great wonder aboue all the rest, considering, that it was done in the night time, and so many stones, wood, and other stuffe broken and rent in pieces.
Meane time the magistrates and the townes-men stood abashed and amazed, all night in their armes, as if they had beene bewitched, and knew not what they were best to doe, euery C man hauing seuerall conceits, thoughts, feares, and suspitions in his head. The Romish catholickes thought, that it was done by them of the reformed Religion, and that they ioining with such companions, might be too strong for them, and therefore were in feare to be assailed and set vpon. The reformed church thinking that the doing therof would be imputed vnto them, thought it their best way to looke vnto themselues, that they might not bee surprised on the sudden. And while on both sides the one thus feared the other, they were both in one common doubt and opinion, That the Image-breakers hauing begun to ransacke the churches, would not so content themselues, but would fall vpon the rich marchants and townes-mens houses, and search for the Idols in their purses and their chests, vnder pretence of breaking downe of Images, or els worke some other vilanie or treason. D
Thus the magistrates and the townes-men being in great perplexitie, stood with heauie hearts and hands, and yet in armes, and in good order, one counselling and admonishing the other to a vnitie, and to be carefull, that no murther nor bloud shedding might ensue, wherin they all agreed (as the Spaniards say) being carefuller and readier to defend their owne liues and goods, than the holy Romish reliques and seruice of God: and although in the said breaking of Images, and ransacking of the churches, many things of great worth were stollen and secretly conueyed away, neuerthelesse great store of iewels, siluer workes, and other things were brought into the towne-house, and other places: and some handycrafts and guilds did likewise intreat the people to giue them diuers faire, costly, and cunning pictures in regard and loue of the great art and workmanships therein shewed, which they tooke and bare away with E them.
In the morning as soone as the gates of the towne were opened, a great part of the Image-breakers got out and went to S. Bernards, a cloyster about a mile and a halfe from Antuerp, and from thence to all the villages round about the town, with great boldnes and fiercenes pulling downe and breaking all their Images: the rest that remained within the towne, ceased not all that day, and two daies after to run about the towne into euery church, breaking downe and spoiling all the relicks whatsoeuer they found standing whole therein, no man daring once so much as say or do any thing vnto them. But at the last, when they began to breake downe a faire crucifix that stood in the great church ouer the great quier dore, it falling vpon the armes of the knights of the order of the goldē fleece, which were painted round about ouer thé seats F in the quier, being the armes of all those that were then liuing, when the said feast was holden in Antuerpe in Anno 1555, the magistrats and the townes men began to be moued therat, and being somewhat better encouraged, repulsed those that sought to haue done the like, taking ten or twelue of them prisoners, & three that were found doing the deed, vpon the eighteenth [Page 403] of August were hanged in the market place, and three others banished out of the towne, the A rest punished in other sort. Presently thereupon the magistrate vsed all the diligence he could, to keepe those of the reformed Religion frō preaching in the churches, which they had alreadie begun, to admonish and withdraw the people from spoyling and robbing the church, and to mooue and incite them to peace, submissiuenesse, and obedience: but at the last they left off in regard of the honour and reuerence of the magistrates, who (vpon paine of hanging) commaunded, That all the things that had beene taken out of the churches, should within foure and twentie houres after be brought vnto the Wiekemasters, and that no man should meddle with breaking downe of any more Images: which they likewise caused to bee certified vnto them of the reformed Religion, by their pentionary M. Iacob Wesenbeek, who for that cause vpon the 24 of August tooke occasion both by writing and by word of mouth to shew the magistrate B Iacob vander Heyden, bourgmaster, that they in truth would and might protest before God, that the breaking down of the Images was done without their knowledge and consents, and that they allowed not of the manner of doing the same, if it were not done by order and authority of the magistrate (although the great idolatrie vsed in that towne had well deserued no lesse) and that they blamed and detested the theeuerie, ransacking, and other insolencies vsed therein; and that their preachers in their sermons should admonish the people to restore the stolne things into the magistrats hands: That they of the reformed Religion were ready to be obedient vnto the magistrat in all things, touching the resisting and with-holding of all insolencies and forcible actions: That they acknowledged the lords and magistrats of the towne to be their lawfull magistrats, appointed by God to rule and gouerne them, and that therefore C they were bound to be obedient vnto them, according to the word of God, & so consequently bound, and would willingly pay al assesses, imposts, taxes, and other burthens, as duty required. And to that end they said, that the preachers & rulers of their churches were ready to take their oaths of faith and obedience vnto them, in al causes, next after God and his word, for the conseruation, welfare, and furtherance of the inhabitants of the towne, that therby the people might be maintained in peace and vnitie, desiring, that vnder the name and authoritie of the magistrats they might be suffered to preach in some conuenient churches, and to vse the exercise of their Religion, excusing themselues, that they vntill some order were taken therein, did vse some churches for their aduantage. Lastly, That they pretended not to compell any man by force vnto their Religion, being well content to liue in peace, and to thanke God for the D meanes they had to serue him, according to their consciences, crauing, that it might be ordained, that no man should molest, iniure, nor disquiet one the other for Religion.
By meanes of this declaration, request, & admonition, in the end the matter was so brought to passe, that they of the reformed Religion were suffered to preach in the new towne by authority of the magistrats, to hinder them from preaching in the holied churches: but the preacher of Kiel (which preached after the confession of Ausbourg) was suffered to preach in S. Georges church, as being the chiefe church of the Kiel, therby to auoid many inconueniences, and to set strife and contention betweene them of the reformed Religion.
While this was done in the towne of Antuerpe, the like breaking of Images was done in other Throwing downe and breaking of Images in other places of the Netherlands. places. In Mechelen certaine of the people began to doe it in the Friers church, and other E cloysters, but it was soone stayed.
In Lier the people going about to doe it, the magistrates of the towne (to shun the same, and to hinder the ransacking of the churches) commaunded all the Images and other things to be pulled downe, and the church to be emptied of such trash: which done, they shewed it vnto the deputies of the Image breakers. The like was done in many other places of Brabant. At Hertoghenbosch, Breda, and Berghen vp Zoome, they indured the like destruction of Images, and other things, that they in Antuerp did. The same did they in Gaunt, Ypre, Oudenard, and many other towns in Flanders: as also at Valentia, Dornick, and other towns in Waesland, and at Vtrecht, Amsterdam, Leyden, Delft, the Hage, Briel, and other places in Holland. At Middleburg, Campuere, Vlishing, and other places in Zeeland, at Groning, Leenwerden, and F other towns in Friseland, at Campen, Deuenter, Swol, and Ouerissel, at Arnhem, Ruremond, Nimmeghen, Veulo, Harderwike, and other places in Guelderland, and all abouts in the small townes and villages without number. At Middleburg, notwithstanding that both the magistrates and the shot of the towne stood two daies together (but all in vaine) to stay the furie of [Page 404] the people, when all the Images and altars were pulled downe, they were not content therewith, A but made meanes both vnto the bishop and the magistrates (beeing assembled in great multitudes) that such as were imprisoned for religion, should be deliuered out of prison, and giuen vnto them: for which cause (to shun the danger of great tumults and sheding of bloud) they were compelled to set one and twenty persons freely out of prison, otherwise they wold haue broken downe the prison, and besides all that, they were forced to suffer them to preach within the church. At Delft they were not content that the magistrat had pulled down al the Images, but they would proceed further, and went and brake down all the altars, notwithstanding the great watch holden by the townes-men, & tooke the friers cloister for them to preach in. In the Hage a goldsmith went vnto the counsell and the magistrats, requesting thē to haue leaue to pull downe the Images, who being asked, where his commission was, he strucke his B hand vpon his brest, and told them that it was there: The magistrats thereat beeing abashed, desired M. Hippolitus Persin, president of Vtrecht (being as then with them) to giue them his aduice: and finding that the request was not well to be refused nor denied (the trouble being so great in euery place) they appointed certaine serieants of the towne to goe with the sayd goldsmith, to keepe the church dores, that no tumult should arise, and the Images should bee taken down without any hurt or trouble. They compelled likewise all such as had any Images in their houses, either to deliuer them vnto them, or els to breake them. At Dorcht, Tergone, Harlem, and Rotterdam, the Images were preserued and kept from breaking by means of the magistrats, as also in other townes, when at the last they saw and perceiued, that theeues, vagabonds, souldiers, ruffians, whores, and knaues were mixed with the actors therein, and in the C end the greatest doers, and not many of them of the reformed Religion, although at the first they were very zealous and earnest therein. But those rascals emboldened themselues vpon those of the religion, who rather wondered at the action (as being a wonderful work of God) than praised or commended, and in the end did themselues let and hinder the breaking down of the Images both by force, and with their sermons.
The newes of this breaking downe and destroying of Images comming to the eares of the Regent and the counsell in Brussels, strucke a great feare and doubt in their hearts, so that both The Regent in great feare. the court and all the towne were vp in armes, to keepe them from doing the like within that place. This notwithstanding, the Regent would goe to Bergen Henegowe, fearing to bee in danger of her person, and to that end desired the gouernors of the prouinces, and the knights D of the order of the golden fleece, to conuey her thither: who sought by all the meanes they could to dissuade her from it, alledging many great and weightie reasons to the contrary. But when word was brought her by the president Vigilius, That the townes-men had seized vpon all the gates therof, and would not suffer her to goe out, she was content to stay there that day, vpon promise made vnto her by the lords, that they would helpe to get her out of the towne, if need were, or els die for it. Thereupon she willed Peter Ernest, earle of Mansfield, to take the charge of the gouernment of the towne vpon him, who the next day summoned all the townes-men, to assemble together into the towne-house, and going thither, took with him the prince of Orange, the earles of Egmont, Horne, and Hoochstrate, which shewed them, That the Regent stayed there in the towne vpon their words and promises, vpon condition, That E they should be carefull, that no preaching nor breaking downe of Images should bee done within the towne; which they likewise desired them to be carefull of, and to be obedient vnto the earle of Mansfield, as gouernor appointed ouer them, and to aid and assist him in al things whatsoeuer, Whereunto they of Brussels made answere, That they would liue and die with the lords, and not suffer any preaching nor breaking of Images within the towne, and likewise to be obedient vnto the earle of Mansfield. Which made the Regent somewhat quieter, vntil euening, that news was brought her, That the same night the Images shold be broken down, the barons of Arenbergh and Barlamont slaine, and her selfe taken prisoner. Whereupon the lords had worke ynough to doe to dissuade her from that opinion, alledging, That they of Brussels had not the power to doe it, as long as so many noblemen and gentlemen were in the The Regen [...] being in [...]eare, accuseth the lords vnto the king. F towne. This feare caused the Regent to write vnto the king, saying, That she was betrayed by the prince of Orange, the earles of Egmont, Hoochstrate, and that his Maiesty should eyther come thither, or els send an army of Spaniards into the Netherlands. The like also was written by the lords of Barlamont, Norcarmes, and the president Vigilius.
[Page 405] The next day the Regent perceiuing the great troubles and apparent generall reuolting and A ouerthrow of the Netherlands, at the last, by aduice of the gouernours of the prouinces, the knights of the order of the golden fleece, the counsell of estate, and the priuie counsell, was resolued, as touching the preaching after the reformed manner, to be content partly to permit it in such places, where it had bin at other times, giuing the lords that by her commandement were appointed to deale with the gentlemen about the same, this commission ensuing:
That they should hold and obserue the points contained in the letters of protection, and for that she perceiued the great and imminent necessitie then raigning, she was content, that the said lords should enter into an accord with the confederated gentlemen, and certifie them, that the common people laying downe their armes, in such places where as the preaching was then presently exercised, and keeping themselues from giuing any cause of scandale, or disordered B actions, there should no wrong nor iniurie be done vnto them, nor to any others that should for that purpose trauell to and from them, vntill such time as his Maiesty, with the aduice of the counsell of estate should take other order therein, vpon condition, that they should not in any wise hinder the proceedings of the Catholicke religion, but should suffer the Catholickes freely to enioy their churches in manner as they had them before. Giuen in Brussels the thirteenth of August 1566: with this charge, to deale and conferre with the confederated gentlemen, she sent the prince of Orange, the earle of Egmont, the earle of Horne, the baron de Hachecourt, and the counsellor Dassonuille: which met and consulted with the deputies of the gentlemen, being Lodowicke earle of Nassau, Eustace de frenes, baron D'esquerdes, Charles de Reuel, baron Dandreguyes, Bernard de Merode, baron de Rumen, Charles vander C Noot, baron de Risoire, George de Montig [...]t, baron de Noyles, Martin de Serlues baron de Sterbeeke, Philip van Marbays, baron de Lounerual, Iohn de Montigni, baron de Villers, Charles de Lieuin, baron de Famars, Frauncis de Haeslen, Iohn le Sauage, baron de Descouberque. These after long conference, at the last drew vnto a conclusion, agreement, and accord in his Ma. behalfe: which, for that it is of so great importance and consequence, and that all the troubles and warres that after ensued, had their foundation from the same, I thought good to set downe the true copie, both of the proclamation and act, made in manner of a securitie or protection.
‘Marguerite by the grace of God, Duchesse of Parma and Plaisance, Regent and Gouernesse Letters of assurance from the gouernesse to the nobles. for the king my lord in these his countries, to all to whom these presents shall come, D greeting: Whereas many gentlemen of these countries haue presented in Aprill last a petition; to the end, that it would please his Maiestie to take away and abolish the Inquisition, and both the old and new Edicts, which they said were too rigorous, and therefore might not be put in execution: and to make others in their places, by the aduice and consent of the generall estates of the countrey; requiring, that the said petition might be sent by vs vnto his Maiestie, to prouide accordingly. Whereupon wee held many great consultations with the gouernours of prouinces, knights of the Order, and counsellors of State to his Maiestie. And after that wee had represented all with our aduice vnto the king, for that wee thought it good, that by reason the said gentlemen might haue some doubt or scruple, that his Maiestie would not take in good part the said petition, together with the compromise E which they had thereupon made together, nor that which followed after; and that such doubt might be the cause of greater mischiefe and trouble in the countrey, wee by the same aduice haue also entreated, That his Maiestie would be pleased to giue them letters of assurance, that hereafter nothing shall bee imputed vnto them vpon that occasion; whereupon his Maiestie had aduertised vs of his good will and pleasure. According vnto In the moneth of M [...]y before the nobles had demanded any assurance. the which, we desiring the good, quiet, and tranquilitie of the said countries, and to make the gentlemen petitioners more willing to yeeld all obedience and seruice vnto his Maiestie, according vnto that whereunto they are bound both by nature and oath, and as they haue alwayes offered themselues: wee haue, at their request, and according to the power and authoritie giuen vs by his Maiestie, and as Regent and Gouernesse generall of the said F countries, and by the aduice of the knights of the Order, gouernours and counsellors of State, being with vs, giuen for their assurance, this writing signed with our hand, in forme as followeth.’
[Page 406] ‘Her highnesse hath caused the gentlemen petitioners to returne the twentieth of August, A for answer of their petition, during the which time she hath happily receiued letters from his Maiesty, whereby she shall haue the better meanes to giue them a certaine and absolute answere. And first she lets them know, that his Maiesty hauing regard to her highnes informations (seeing that they which are at this day altered for Religion, or otherwise, offer to submit themselues vnto that which shall be decreed by his Maiesty, with the aduice of the generall estates, for the good of Religion, and the quiet and tranquilitie thereof) with the aduice of the lords, knights of the Order, and counsellors of state, is content, that the Inquisition (whereof they haue complained) shall cease. Secondly, his Maiesty hath consented, That there shall be a new Edict made, but it was not fully resolued, if it should be done by the generall Estates, or otherwise: yet her highnesse hopes, that by the first she shall haue a resolution, according vnto B that which his Maiesty hath written vnto her: wherein she will alwaies do her best endeuour, that his Maiesty may graunt it, as she hath already done by sundry letters. And in regard of assurances, whereof they make mention in their last petition, that her highnes was well aduised to giue it them, so farre forth as lay in her: as presently she can assure them, seeing his Ma. hath consented, giuing her full authoritie to do it in what forme and manner shee shall thinke fit. Wherefore she lets them vnderstand, That his Maiesty desiring to free them of all suspition, who might thinke, that he were ill informed of them, and to take away all distrust, which was the cause of these troubles, meaning to shew his accustomed clemencie, abhorring nothing more than bitternes, is content, that her highnes (for the auoiding of al diffidence and distrust) shall giue them such letters of assurance, as she shall thinke fit and requisite, for their greater securitie, C and for that which is past, so as they carry themselues like good and faithfull vassals & subiects to his Maiesty, hoping they will not faile in the duties which they owe him. The which her highnes is presently ready to effect. And as they haue full satisfaction in this point, her highnesse will not refuse the offer which they haue often made, to employ themselues in the seruice of his Maiesty and her highnesse, for the peace & quiet of the countrey, as they are bound by nature and their allegeance, according to the which, her meaning is, they should giue their Faith. First, That they shall not do nor procure directly nor indirectly any thing against his Maiesty, his estates, nor subiects, but shall employ themselues to doe all things that good and loyall vassales and subiects owe vnto their soueraigne lord and naturall prince: and in doing so, shall with all their meanes seeke to preuent these present troubles, seditions, and tumults, D and restraine the mutinous multitude: and that all spoyling and ruining of Temples, Churches, Cloysters, and Monasteries may cease: yea, they shall helpe to punish them which haue committed these sacriledges, outrages, and abhominations. That no wrong nor violence may be offered to any spirituall persons, officers of Iustice, gentlemen, or other his Maiesties subiects and vassales. That they shall do their best endeuours, that the multitude which is now armed (whereby so many mischiefes haue beene committed, and daily may be more) may lay aside armes. They shall do all good offices, to hinder that the preaching be not vsed, but in such places where it hath beene accustomed, and that without carrying of armes, or committing any scandale or publicke disorder. Moreouer, they shall giue all aid and assistance (as they are bound by their oath and allegeance vnto his Maiesty) to repell all strangers, enemies, and rebels E to him and the countrey. Finally, they shall employ all the credit they haue without the countrey, in his Maiesties seruice, and the good of the country, whensoeuer they shal be commaunded: submitting themselues to all that it shall please his Maiesty to commaund them, by the aduice and consent of the generall Estates. Made at Brussels the 23 of August 1566. We make it knowne, That all these things considered, and according to his Maiesties liking and good pleasure, and the authoritie which he hath giuen vs; wee in his name, and by vertue of his commaund, haue promised and doe promise by these presents, That by reason of the said compromise and petition, and for that which hath followed vnto this present, there shall not be any thing imputed vnto them by his Maiesty, nor vs, in regard of the oath which the sayd gentlemen haue taken, as well for themselues, as their other confederates, conformable to the F articles aboue mentioned, and for the which they shall giue their bond: requiring and in his Maiesties name commaunding all gouernors, knights of the order, chiefe president and counsellors of state, and all other Iusticers and officers whom it shall concerne, to entertain this present [Page 407] assurance, and to cause it to bee entertained inuiolably for euer, suffering the gentlemen A and confederates to vse and enioy for euer, without doing or giuing, or suffering to bee done or giuen to them, now, nor hereafter, directly, or indirectly, any trouble, molestation or let to the contrarie; nor attempt any thing against the said suppliants, for the aboue rehearsed occasions, in any sort or manner whatsoeuer. For such is his Maiesties pleasure, and ours. In witnesse whereof we haue signed these presents, and set to our seale. Giuen at Brussels the 25 of August, Signed Margareta.’
The gentlemen confederats holding them assured by these letters, gaue reciprocally an act in writing to the Gouernesse, of their promise, whereof mention is made in the letters of assurance, signed by the deputies, as followeth:
‘We Lewis earle of Nassau, Eustace of Fiennes, lord of Desquerdes, Charles of Reuel, lord An act of the promise of the contederats giuen vnto the Gouernesse of Andrignies, Bernard of Merode, lord of Rumen, Charles vander Noote, Seignior of Risoir, B George of Montigni, Seignior of Noyelles, Martin of Tserclaes, Seignior of Tylly, Philip vander Mere, Seignior of Sterbeke, Philip of Marbais, Seignior of Louuerual, Iohn of Montigni, Seignior of Villers, Charles of Lieuin, Seignior of Famas, Francis van Haeften, Iohn the sauage, Seignior of Escaubeque, and Iohn of Casenbroot, Seignior of Bacquerseel, as wel in their own names, as deputies for the other noblemen and gentlemen confederats, hauing presented a petition vnto his Maiesty in Aprill last past, touching the Inquisition and Edicts for matter of heresie: Whereas we haue this day receiued from the high and excellent princesse, the duchesse of Parma and Plaisance, Regent and Gouernesse for the king in these countries, certaine letters patents, hauing authoritie from the king, our soueraigne lord and naturall prince, C in the manner and forme that followeth: The letters of assurance aboue mentioned being inserted at length, with their bonds and promises, this was the conclusion.’
‘Be it knowne, that according to the said letters of assurance, we haue promised and doe promise, vpon our solemne faith, and the words of gentlemen, true and faithfull vassales and subiects to his Maiestie, that we will obserue, fulfill, and keepe all and singular the points and articles aboue mentioned, as well for our selues, as in the name of all the others, for whom we are deputies, and haue power, commission, and authoritie, promising to cause them to bee entertained, obserued, and kept by our said confederates. And therefore wee doe hold our confederation and compromise to be disannulled, void, and of no force, so long as the said security promised by her Highnesse in his Maiesties name, shall hold. In witnesse whereof wee haue D signed these presents. Made at Brussels the 25 of August 1566.’
This promise was made by the said noblemen deputies, to the prince of Orange, the earles of Egmont and Horne, to the Seignior of Hachecourt, and to Christopher of Assonuille, counsellor of State, being committees to that end by the Gouernesse: whereof the said lady aduertised all gouernours and counsellors of prouinces and townes, commaunding them, that in consideration of the said assurance and promise to the nobles, they should do their best endeuours to restraine the people, and suppresse all disorders, vntill the kings comming, which she said would be shortly. And in truth these letters did somewhat pacifie the people, and made them here and there to lay downe armes.
In the meane time the prince of Conde, the admirall, and other noblemen, protestants of E France, sent one secretly with letters of credit to the lord of Brederode and the confederates: assuring them, that if they entred into any accord with the duches of Parma, they would bee deceiued, offering to succour them, if need required, within one moneth after they should demaund it, with foure thousand gentlemen which should come into the Netherlands at their owne charge. But the confederates being too much terrified, and the assurance being then in question, whereunto they would trust; this offer of the French Protestants was not accepted.
Let vs now leaue the confederates in rest with their letters of assurance; and the better to explane the matter, let vs see what the kings letters contained, the which were receiued by the duchesse the three and twentieth of August, whereof mention is made in the said assurance, the which had reference vnto those which shee had receiued in May before; the F which she kept so secret, as shee thought, that the three noblemen of Orange, Egmont, and Horne, knew not any thing, for that she held them to be of that partie; or else to fauour the confederates, notwithstanding any good shew they made: whereof I haue set down a briefe extract as followeth.
[Page 408] First, that it was not fit to alter any thing touching the Edicts, but that they should be duly An extract of the kings l [...]tter to the duches after the peti- A executed. As for that which concerned the Inquisition, his Maiesties pleasure was, that it should stand in force, and that her highnesse should fauor and assist the Inquisitors in the execution of their charge, for that it concerned the good and maintenance of religion: ordaining ‘moreouer, That the counsell of Trent (which had beene already published) should be put in execution. And as for that which concerned the bishops, that the said lady should giue them all direction and possible assistance, that it might be effected, as was fit: concluding, that what he had written was for the good of Religion, and of the Netherlands, the which else would goe to ruine: And that shee should giue charge vnto the noblemen that did assist her to doe the like; whereby they should discharge their duties which they owe to God, his Maiesty, the generall good of the Netherlands, and to themselues in particular.’ B
This charge from the king vnto the duchesse, is nothing else, but what he had written in December 1565, and after the presenting of the confederats petition, by his letters written in May following: In all which letters there is not any mention made of the petition, exhibited by the confederat gentlemen, nor of his intention to redresse those alterations by any milde or moderat course, as the duchesse had so often promised. Whereby it appeared, that they did not acquaint the king truly with the estate and affaires of the Netherlands: and that the counsell of Spaine (being too violent) not considering the season, the estate of the countrey, nor in what tearmes the Romish Religion then stood (being without doubt greatly shaken) sought onely by this latter charge vnto the Gouernesse, to ruine the nobilitie & the commons of the Netherlands. But she proceeded more modestly and discreetly, than the said counsell C of Spaine. For if in steed of giuing of the said letters of assurance vnto the nobles confederat, (which came onely from her owne inuention) shee would vpon the receit of this last commission and charge (wherewith she was much perplexed) haue put it presently in execution, with all rigour and violence, as she was expressely commaunded and recommaunded: without doubt she had ruined her selfe, and all the kings estate in the Netherlands, through the furie of the people; who being set in a rage with the pulling down of Images, were still armed, and by the dispaire which the nobles might haue conceiued, hauing no assurance from the king, who happily might haue accepted of the succors which the prince of Conde and other Protestants of France had offered them. But she, who knew better the estate of affaires (as hauing them still before her eyes, producing dayly new effects) than the counsell of Spaine D did, suppressing for a time these letters and commission, she would not breake the ele with her knee, as they say, but turning her coat as the wind did blow, shee strucke sayle (so as her delayes and shifts from the day of the presentation of the petition, with her goodly practises, had withdrawne many of the confederats) hoping, that by little and little they would grow more cold, considering the impression they had put into their heads of the kings indignation: and that vpon the said assurance (as they had promised) they would temper the violence of the people, who were greatly mooued and incensed, whilest that she prouided for things, embracing the best occasions to produce the said letters and charge, when as shee should see the commons disarmed, and the gentlemen assured and retired to their houses, attending the comming of the duke of Alua. If this came from the dexteritie and industrie of the duchesse, E or of her counsell, I referre it to the censure of others, but they were too subtile for the confederats, who could not discouer them.
On the other side, if the Gouernesse would haue enclined willingly to some tollerable moderation and good order, touching that which the gentlemen demaunded in their petition, and not to haue fed them with so many delayes, excusing her selfe absolutely, that shee had no credit nor authoritie to dispence with the Edicts and Inquisition, shee had quenched the fire which lay smothering in the ashes, the which had not flamed out, being vncouered, as we haue seene; and euery one had beene contented to liue (with the libertie of his conscience) quiet in his house, seeing themselues free from feare of search by the Inquisitors, touching their faith and beleefe. But contrariwise, many haue beleeued, that both the duchesse F and the counsell of Spaine, meaning to ruine and root out the nobilitie of the Netherlands (as it hath beene alwayes the practise of the Spaniards) and to bring the people into perpetuall slauerie, according vnto the twelue articles, drawne by the Inquisition of Spaine (the which were found among the writings of Ieams van Hessel, Atturney generall of [Page 409] Flanders) sought all occasions how to effect it. Besides, the retreat of the Spaniards, required by the noblemen, and the refusing of money, without a conuocation of the generall Estates, A were reputed by the Spaniards for a hainous crime. But now (in their opinions) a fit oportunity was offered, by the presentation of the said petition, which they made the groundworke of all their designes. Yet in the beginning (if they did not dissemble) it was allowed and commended, as well by the Gouernesse, as by the chiefe noblemen and knights of the Order, as a good and faithfull seruice done vnto the king; promising them (in respect thereof) to doe all good offices vnto his Maiestie, to effect the contents thereof; thanking them for the good aduice and counsell they had giuen to his Maiestie, vntill that the impostume of the Spanish hatred against the said countries comming to breake, such as did hate them, and others of the like qualitie, thrust on by ambition, and their owne priuate profit, seeking to fish B in a troubled water, and some of the cardinall of Granuelles creatures (who was a capitall enemie to the princes and the chiefe noblemen of the countrey) began to detract openly the authors and presenters thereof, and to accuse them of seditious rebellion to all kings, princes, potentates, and forraine nations: who being then filled with those reports, had no other conceit, but that all the nobilitie, or the greatest part, with the whole people, were reuolted from their prince. Moreouer, the cardinall being in Spaine, did aggrauate the matter all hee could, making the said petition to be the motiue and efficient cause of popular tumults, of publicke preaching, of the taking of armes, of the beating downe of Images, and other disorders: so as the eight and twentieth day of Februarie 1568, a criminall sentence was pronounced against the said Netherlands, by the office of the Inquisition, and ratified by the king, as wee C shall hereafter see.
And although that after this assurance giuen by the Gouernesse, and the promises made by the confederats, it seemed that all troubles should cease: yet notwithstanding, although the duchesse sought by all meanes to hinder the preaching without the townes, yet the people hauing gotten this libertie since the breaking downe of Images, leauing the fields, did appropriate vnto themselues certaine churches within the townes: so as they were forced (with the Gouernesse consent) to suffer them to build new Temples in Antuerpe for their exercise, with some rules and ordinances ouer all, to auoid scandales and disorders: after that those of the Consistories of the Religion, and the Ministers, Iohn Taffin, Herman Modet, and George Siluain, for the French & Dutch churches, had made their excuses by writing vnto the magistrat D of Antuerpe, in manner as followeth:
‘My masters, we protest in truth, as before God, that what hath beene done touching the A iustification of the Prote stant ministers at Antuerpe. beating downe of Images, was without our priuitie or consent. As for the spoyles, robberies, drunkennesse, and other dissolutenesse and insolencies, we both blame them, and detest them. Wherfore the Ministers of the Word shall exhort (as they haue already done) their auditors in their sermons to abstaine, and to deliuer into your hands what hath bin stolne away. Those of our Church are ready to yeeld you all obedience, and to oppose themselues vnder your command, against all violences, thefts, and other insolencies. We will acknowledge you to be established by the lord in the office of magistrat, and therfore we are bound to obey you, not only for feare of punishment, but also for conscience sake: and by consequence we ought and will E faithfully pay all taxes, imposts, customes, subsidies, tithes, and other duties, ordinarie and extraordinarie, that shall be imposed vpon vs. We confesse, that such as shall refuse, shall deale fraudulently, offend God, and are to be punished by you. For the better assurance whereof, the Ministers of the Word, and others committed for the gouernment of the church, are ready, if need be, to take an oath, to be faithful and obedient vnto you in all things (except against God and his Word) for the good and profit of the towne and of the inhabitants: beseeching you, that vnder your authoritie and protection we may be suffred to assemble in some Temples fit and capable for the exercise of our Religion; and not to take it in ill part, if wee make vse of some, according to the present necessitie, vntill you haue otherwise prouided. In the meane time, we pretend not to force any one in his conscience, nor constraine him to our Religion; F contenting our selues, and praysing God, that wee haue meanes to serue him, according vnto ours; hoping that you will prouide so, as both the one and the other may haue cause of content, giuing charge, that they shall not doe any iniurie or outrage one vnto another for matter of Religion.’
[Page 410] Vpon which request, there was a certaine accord made in Antuerpe, betwixt the one and A the other Religion, whom the magistrat tooke equally into his protection the second of September, the said accord containing seuenteene articles. Signed by the prince of Orange, and vnderneath Ex mandato Dominorum, Polites. The like in a manner were made in Vtrecht and Amsterdam, then at Gaunt, Tournay, and other places, to entertaine the inhabitants in concord and loue one with another, and to assure the townes from all eminent danger, vntill the king had otherwise prouided, by the aduice of the generall estates: the which was done by the particular gouernours and magistrates of townes, as well in Brabant, Flanders, Holland, Zeeland, Vtrecht, Friseland, Gueldres, as other prouinces of the Netherlands: whereby the reformed Religion did wonderfully encrease, and the Protestants had for a time some cause of content, seeing themselues freed from that odious Inquisition, from the new bishops, B bloudie Edicts, persecutions, and obseruation of the counsell of Trent, enioying the libertie of their consciences, and the preaching of their doctrine. The confederate gentlemen holding themselues well assured by the letters which the Gouernesse had giuen them; after that they had written vnto the Consistories to carry themselues modestly in their assemblies, they retyred euery one to his owne house. And soone after there followed an Edict, by the which (to giue the people the better satisfaction) the Inquisition and the Edicts against them of the Religion, were surceased, by the authoritie of the court, commaunding notwithstanding to punish both in body and goods the breakers of Images, causers of tumults, robbers, and disturbers of the publicke quiet, vpon paine of the losse of their priuiledges, for such as should not doe their duties: forbidding expressely the carrying of armes to the preaching. C
Yet the people did not altogether forbeare carrying of armes, but in many places did assemble like men of warre: for which cause, the Seignior of Backerzeel, a chiefe counsellour to the earle of Egmont (who had beene one of the deputies for the nobilitie, and had signed the compromise) issuing out of the Audenarde with some bourgesses and pesants, fell vpon a troupe of these armed men, neere vnto Gramont, whom he surprised suddenly, not fearing any such encounter, defeated them, and put them to rout, whereof hee slew twelue, and tooke one and twentie prisoners, the which were afterwards hanged.
This was the first exploit that was done by armes against them of the Religion: and afterwards they began by little and little, by vertue of letters and secret commaundements from the Gouernesse, to pursue them in diuers places: whereof some seeing this change, and that D the consederate gentlemen had thus abandoned them; and withall, that the earle of Egmont (notwithstanding his permission to preach within his gouernment of Flanders) was the first that did persecute them, began to retyre out of the countrey, some here, some there, and they had at the first retyred in greater numbers, if the duchesse had not giuen them a new assurance that his Maiestie (comming into those parts) would heare their complaints, and entreat them as a good and mercifull prince: assuring them, that he had no entent to vse rigor against his subiects, with the which and many other goodly reasons shee sought to persuade them. And in the meane time she sent secret instructions to th [...] gouernors and particular magistrats, to punish such as were culpable: whereby those that were not the most rigorous, nor forward in the execution of her secret instructions, found, that al the duchesses persuasions did not tend so much to grace, in retaining them that would retire, as to punishment. Wherupon the magistrat E of Alcmat in West Friseland, writ vnto the Gouernesse, in what perplexitie they were in Those of Alcmar complain of th [...] secret instructions by these latter letters, written in secret, directly contradicting the letters of assurance, and the kings bountie, whereof she made so great brags, desiring to haue a more ample resolution therupon. Wherunto she answered, that notwithstanding any obiections made by them of West-Friseland (which are the townes of Alcmar Horne. Enchuysen, and Medenblyc) they should gouern themselues according vnto the instructions sent to the officers & particular magistrats.
This passing in this sort in the Netherlands, and the contract aforesaid being sent into Spain to the king, he was not a little grieued and offended thereat, being as then at Segobia, sick of an The kings resolution in Spaine. ague. This matter being brought before his counsel, was by them much & long debated: many F of them taking it in the worst sence: but at the last they all generally agreed, that the Netherlands had great need of his Maiesties presence therin, and for that cause began to consult vpon the best way for his trauell and voyage thither; and that in the meane time the Regents letters should be answered, in such manner, that the king should seeme to say nothing touching [Page 411] the Regents dealing with the confederated gentlemen, and the sectaries, nor once speake A thereof, that he might not thereby make any shew, to like or dislike thereof, least it should be occasion of new vprore or suspition. And touching the assembly of the States generall, that might not by any meanes be tollerated (as it had beene oftentimes before determined) without burthening the kings conscience. Lastly, That the Regent should be once againe put in mind to entertain and pay the dutch princes and pentionaries to the king, and that his commaundements might be fully kept and obserued.
According to this resolution, in the moneth of October, the king writ two sorts of letters, the one to be shewed to the counsell and the lords, and the other to be kept secret: in the first he wrote, That for that the Queene his wife was then brought in bed of her first child, being a daughter, borne vpon S Clares day, and for that cause named Isabella Clara Eugenia, he was as then going from Segobia to Madril, to make preparation for his voyage into the Netherlands, B and that he was not persuaded, that the troubles in the Netherlands could be pacified, by assembling of the generall States, especially in his absence, with other such like doubts. He wrote likewise vnto the Emperour Maximilian, much complaining of the troubles in the Netherlands. Whereunto the Emperour, as a wise, experienced, and politicke prince, returned The emperour Maximilians answere to a letter sent him by the king of Spaine. him an answere in the moneth of September, satisfying him in euery point of his letter particularly, desiring to hold and maintaine all loue and friendship with him, as brethren are bound to doe, one vnto the other; amongst other things saying and by many reasons and arguments proouing, that hee, after due, ripe, and good deliberation and aduice taken, considering the ground and depth of the same, found it to be a matter of exceeding great consequence C weight, and trouble; principally, because the matter of the Catholicke Religion was become so hatefull and odious vnto many of the Germane princes, allies, and of affinitie with the noblemen and gentlemen of the Netherlands, which might easily bee procured and induced to mount vpon their horses, and to aid them; whereby the Netherlands should not only endure and suffer great hurt, hinderance, charges and burthens, but also no small doubt might be made, how the same would be well holden and kept: and therfore he said, he thoght it the best meanes and wherein least danger consisted, to end and pacifie the controuersie, if it were possible by good and peaceable meanes, and not by force and rigor. Which to effect, his Maiesty offered, so the king would be content to be a mediator betweene him and his subiects, with many such reasons more. He wrote likewise to that end vnto the Regent the duchesse of D Parma, and therewi [...]h sent her certain letters, to be giuen to the lords of the Netherlands, as to the prince of Orange the earle of Egmont, the earle of Horne, the earle of Mansfield, & others, but referred the deliuering of them to the discretion of the Regent, and the kings pleasure: which the king did after forbid her to deliuer vnto them.
About this time many of the noblemen in the Netherlands wrot their seuerall letters vnto the king, as the earls of Egmont, Mansfield, Meghen, and Arenbergh, the baron of Barlamont, Noircarmes, and Rassinghem, the Burghgraue of Gaunt, the Vniuersitie of Louen, and diuers others, euery man according to his affairs, shewing in generall and particular what had passed, especially in euery one of their seuerall gouernments. Whereunto the king made them answer in most friendly wise, thanking them for their good seruice in his behalfe, and willing them to E continue in the same, commending them seuerally for their particular seruice, with many and good speeches, and wrot a very friendly letter vnto the president Vigilius with his owne hand, thanking him for his great paines and good endeuor done in his seruice, and desiring him (not respecting his age, feeblenesse, and indisposition of body) to continue therein till his comming thither. And for that about this time the prince of Orange & the earle of Egmont made complaint vnto the king and certaine lords in Spaine that were their friends, that some complained of them behind their backs, and had a bad and sinister conceit and opinion of them, against all truth, as time and oportunitie should well declare, with such like speeches, they were answered by the third hand of certaine counsellors of Spaine, that the best meanes for them (to cease all bad speech [...]s and conceits) was to shew and proue the contrary by their actions, conforming F themselues in all things to the good will of his Maiesty, which was alwaies cleare, allowable, & answerable, and from the which there was no bad consequence to be feared; for that the [...]ightest and truest point of the duty of a vassale or subiect, is that knowing the resolute intent and purpose of his prince, to endeuour himselfe by all means to effect, fulfill, and execute the same [Page 412] with all celeritie and promptnesse, although hee had some particular feeling to the contrarie: A for that a particular member (as all vassals are vnto their lords) ought not to thinke or esteeme himselfe wiser than his soueraigne prince, to whom onely belonged the gouernment and generall commaund, and not to the particular vassale. They wrote them likewise, that in Spaine the common opinion was, That if they (namely the prince of Orange, and the earle of Egmont) or any of them both, would haue behaued themselues stoutly and couragiously, the troubles in the Netherlands had not proceeded to such an issue: which notwithstanding, if from thence forward they would doe their endeauours, to doe good and vpright seruice for the State, without dissimulation, as dutie bound them, they might thereby reforme all causes, or at the least maintain them in esse, vntill the comming of the king into the Netherlands; with diuers such instructions. B
The Gouernesse by her manifest demonstrations of mildnesse, and by so many goodly assurances, which she promised, did not onely labour to retaine the people and marchants from retyring out of the countrey, but also the nobilitie; who, notwithstanding any assurance shee could giue them, were not without distrust: but aboue al (hauing disappointed the league and compromise of the gentlemen, which made her hardie, and yet dissembling) shee studied to entertaine by all kinds of fauour and courtesie, the prince of Orange, with the earles of Egmont, Horne, and Hochstraten. The king hauing sent her word, that she should be very carefull, not to giue them any cause of iealousie or distrust, but to assure them of his loue, both to all his subiects in generall, and to them in particular, to take from them all desire, to retyre out of the countrey. The king himselfe did write vnto the prince of Orange, to testifie C the loue which hee bare him, and the good liking hee had of his seruices, as followeth.
‘I haue receiued your letters of the seuen and twentieth of May with great affection, and The kings letter to the prince of Orange. since of the foureteenth of Iune: and by that which I haue written vnto my sister, you may conceiue not onely what small occasion you haue to thinke that which you writ in your letters of the seuen and twentieth of May, but also the contrarie. It is certaine, that you should be much deceiued to thinke, that I had not great confidence in you. And admit, that any one should seeke to doe bad offices, yet am I not so light and credulous, as to beleeue them, hauing had so great experience of your loyaltie and seruices: whereby you may therein satisfie your selfe, and relye vpon the letters which I haue heretofore written vnto you in that behalfe, and D to your owne deseruings; but in no sort to that which some (it may be enemies to my seruice and your good) haue giuen you to vnderstand. Touching the leaue which you demaund to giue ouer your charge and gouernments, I am displeased, that your priuate affaires stand in those termes you say; and the estate of the countrey being as it is, I cannot but let you vnderstand that it is no reason, that such persons as you are (in whom I relye and trust) should abandon it, especially when I my selfe am so farre off: Nay, it were reason, that such as are retyred to their houses, should run to helpe in this necessitie, and employ themselues to that whereunto they are bound, as you haue presently done, going into Antuerpe; whereof I haue receiued great content, and am well assured, that you will doe all things there that shall be most befitting my seruice, and the quiet and tranquilitie of the towne and countrey, and for the preuenting E of disorders; whereof I trust in you, and commaund you expresly, knowing that you will not shew yourselfe otherwise, than you haue done all your life. And to the end you may see how freely I treat with you, I will not forbeare to let you vnderstand, that they speake much here, for that your brother hath beene an actor in those actions: and for that I cannot but dislike thereof, I charge and commaund you, that you see how it may bee preuented, that he proceed no further, as (if you thinke it so good) that you retyre him for a time from you. From the Wood of Segouia the first of August 1566, Signed Philip.’
This letter would haue lulled a very sufficient man asleepe, if the prince of Orange had not receiued aduertisements of a contrarie tenor, yea, euen from Spaine; and if there had not F come vnto his hands the copies of two letters, written by Francisco d'Allana, embassadour for the king of Spaine, at the French court, to the duchesse of Parma: which we haue thought good to insert, shewing how the said lady should entertaine all these noblemen: the first was of this tenor.
[Page 413] Madame, Although I haue written vnto you at large fifteene dayes since, and by the post Francis [...]d All [...]as [...] letters to [...] duchesse of Parma. which came from Spaine, yet hauing receiued a packet two dayes since out of Spaine, I would A not but presently aduertise your highnesse, and send you the copies of two letters which were ‘written vnto me, whereby you may see many particularities, which in my opinion will giue you contentment: and to vnderstand the good order which his Maiestie hath taken, and the great preparations which he daily makes, as wel to resist the Turkish armie, if it should attempt any thing vpon that coast, as to reduce his subiects to Gods obedience and his. Your highnesse shall also vnderstand, how much they are satisfied with your manner of proceeding since the stirres which haue happened in those parts where you are: and aboue all they haue commended the last point of intelligences, and places of strength, whereby his Maiestie doth now pretend to effect his To turn the Netherlands into a royaltie. designes, with little paine and resistance, contrarie to the doubt which B he had in the beginning, so as strangers dealt no more in it; and also by the wisedome and dexteritie, wherewith your highnesse hath begun to manage this action. Whereunto I can assure you Madam, his Maiestie doth attribute the preseruation of his Netherlands, next vnder God, who by his grace, from this mischiefe which hath happened, will cause his Maiesty to reape so great a benefit, as to see them reduced wholly to his obedience, and to that estate and gouernment, whereunto his predecestors could neuer attaine, and the which hee hath so long designed and desired, and withall to haue the meanes (the which no good seruant will counsell his Thinke of this both French & English. Maiestie to let slip) to subdue one by another, whom he pleased, and that might hereafter oppose themselues to the good of his affaires in those countries. And for that, Madame, the point which seemes to me of greatest importance in this action, is to assure more and more the disguised The nobles abouemētioned C seruants whom you know: your highnesse I hope will not take it ill, if I do againe aduertise you to temporize with them, and to force your selfe as much as you can to assure them as wel by others suborned, of the great good opinion and satisfaction which his Maiestie hath of their actions, and of the loue he beareth them: that hee beleeueth and saith, that they haue done him so notable a seruice, as he thinks himselfe bound vnto them, that the Netherlands are yet vnder his obedience: and that without their presence and wisedomes, they had either beene a prey to strangers, or bathed with the bloud of his owne subiects. For although, Madame, they be cunning and counterfeit, as we know, yet the time & occasions do require, that for his Maiesties seruice they should vse these artificiall speeches. And I beleeue that your highnesse shall find by experience, that they will serue something to entertaine them, at the D least to containe them; as we haue alreadie found, not onely by them, but also by those The marqui of Bergh, & [...] baron of Mon tigny. two which are gone to his Maiesty, with whom they haue carried themselues so cunningly, giuing them such entertainment, as they do not sweare but by the faith which they owe vnto their master: and besides they haue made such practises in their families, as they cannot do nor say any thing, but it is presently aduertised. In the meane time they are resolued to make them keepe good residence by his Maiestie, and not suffer them to depart, no more than the seignior of Ibermont, who thought to returne presently. But I must tell you, Madame, that the greatest mischiefe I know for the present in this businesse, is, that those which haue the greatest power and credit with his Maiestie, and namely the duke and the prince agree well vpon the O'Alua and Rigomes: punishment, but not about the meanes: for the one presseth his Maiesties passage all hee can, E and the other seekes to hinder it, propounding new meanes. For my part I did alwayes hold, That the masters presence did import much, and that aboue all, diligence and celeritie was necessarie: and that in vnexpected diseases, they must applie speédie remedies, yea violent: in which opinion, they send me word, that his Maiestie is now firme and constant. And the day of his arriuall at Madrill, after his recouerie, he sware in the presence of those noblemen, That he knew that what had beene done in his Netherlands, not onely concerned his repuoation, but also the seruice of God: and that he did so much apprehend it, as hee would rather hazard therest of his estates, than not to punish such a rebellion exemplarily, and in the view of all Christendome. And to that end, euen in the same place, his Maiestie resolued to part out of Spaine, as soone as possible hee could, and to lead with him the prince his sonne, and the queene, who notwithstanding they F thinke shall passe into Fraunce, leauing his sister gouernesse of the countrey, and his two nephewes the emperours sonnes with her, although that the emperour doth insist much to haue his eldest sonne. That some dayes before, the duke shal passe to refresh the garrisons of Italie, and shall draw forth all the old souldiers and captaines, to place others that goe with him out [Page 414] of Spaine. That his Maiestie arriuing soone after in Italie, he would treat with some princes A and potentats, conferre with the pope, and afterwards with the emperour, if it were possible to vnite their counsels and forces together, from whom hee hath demaunded two regiments. Which done, hauing giuen order for his designe, his Maiestie is resolued to stay in the French countrey, and afterwards to discend into the Netherlands, with such forces as shall bee needfull, according to the carriage of his subiects. Madame, I may not omit to aduertise you, that the cont Palatin, the Landtgraue of Hessen, and other princes Lutherans, haue sent two embassadors to this court, the one called Iunius, the other Dauid, to demand certain money which the said princes did lend during the troubles of this realme, to the chiefe of the Protestants faction; and withall to recommend them which hold their goodly religion vnto the French king: But in truth it is (as farre as I can discouer) to make some practises with the said Huguenots, B and to giue new meanes to enterprise against the estate and countrey of his Catholike Maiestie. And for that I haue vnderstood for certaine, and from good place, that some of the king and queenes counsell, yea of the greatest and most antient (although they terme themselues Catholikes) were of opinion to make vse of this legation, to make a league with the said princes, and to fortifie themselues with their friendship; I was for some dayes troubled to find meanes to preuent it: but the cardinall Of Lorraine being happily arriued in the towne (who in truth hath done a world of good offices, and would do more if he had the meanes) I haue conferred long with him of the importance of this businesse, and of the consequence thereof, for the ruine of the Catholike religion in this realme; making him to vnderstand, that it did not onely concerne the interest of the king my master, but also his owne; giuing him thereby meanes C to quarrell with Iunius, for that he was a subiect, and borne in the Netherlands: so as the next day he went to a house of the queenes, called Moncheaux, whereas the court then was, whereas he wrought in such sort, as presently after the king and queene sent a letter to the prouost of their houshold, to commit the said embassadours of the Lutherans to prison, seizing vpon their letters, papers, and instructions: the which had beene executed, but that during the contestation there arriued one of the couns [...]ll, who was of opinion, that they should surcease the execution, vntill they had a new commandemen [...]: So as although they haue since sought to repaire this errour, yet the said embassadours hold themselues to haue receiued such an escorne, and their masters so great an iniurie, as I see all the practise is thereby broken, and not to bee repaired: besides they find themselues newly agreeued, for that they haue had but cold D reception and entertainment at their audience in court, and were not greatly pleasing to the king, queene, nor counsell, and that after their audience they did mocke at them; which must needs tu [...]e to the great good of his Maiesties affaires, and make them bare of friends and alliances. The lady (you know who) I thinke is one of the most cunning dissemblers The queene mother. in the world, the more I negotiat here, the more constantly I beleeue what I haue often written vnto your highnesse, that there is neither trust, assurance, friendship, nor resolution in her. And so hee ends his letter with a discourse of the queene mother, and of matters of Fraunce,’ the which I omit for breuitie sake, for that they concerne not our subiect. It was written at Paris the 18 of August 1566.
And by a second letter hee writes vnto the Gouernesse, as followeth. E
Madame, The aduertisement which your highnesse hath giuen mee touching the affaires Another letter from the [...] to the regent. [...] ▪ Egmo [...]t, and [...]. of the Netherlands, confirmes mee in the opinion which I alwayes had, That this tumult could not bee without the intelligence and support of some great men, and namely of those three which carrie so good a shew: for as your highnesse hath carefully and with great discretion weighed all things, so you must beleeue, that from those three all the mischiefe ‘comes. I haue not failed to aduertise his Maiestie of all things, touching this action: and [...] assured, that as your highnesse hath recommended it vnto his Maiestie, hee will not forget to intreat them as they deserue, and according vnto your recommendation: and they may be assured that they shall bee the first, whom his Maiestie will vndertake, not to grace them (for they haue not deserued it) but to punish them as their rebellion doth merit: yet your F highnesse must in no sort disfauour them, nor make any shew of discontentment, least it impaire the affaires: but to keepe them still in hope to bee held by his Maiestie for his faithfull seruants, and that will auaile much: for suffering themselues to bee so persuaded, they will bee the sooner circumuented: but when the time shall come, they shall talke to them in another [Page 415] manner. And your highnesse must rest assured, that if you haue a desire to make them receiue A the paiment which they haue merited, his Maiestie will haue no lesse affection to doe therein what shall be held necessarie.’
‘Also, Madame, whereas you desire to be aduertised, in what assurance wee are of the succours of France, I am forced to say, that they make vs many promises, but I feare they wil serue vs but to little purpose, and in the end all will bee but words, they hauing neither will nor meanes to succour vs, as they promise. Besides the Huguenots here are strong and looke big: I will not omit any thing that is possible to be done, whereof I will aduertise your highnesse, vpon all occasions. But aboue all, I beseech you gouerne your selfe with great dexteritie in the behalfe of those three that I haue named. From Paris the nine and twentieth of August 1566.’ B
These letters shew sufficiently in what sort they would entertaine these noblemen, namely, the prince of Orange, and the earles of Egmont and Horne, seeing that they held themselues assured in Spaine of the marquesse of Berghes, and the baron of Montignie, and that in their opinions (after they had dispatched these) they would easily preuaile ouer the earles of Hoochstraten, Culenbourg, and Berghen, the lord of Brederode, and other of the chiefe nobles of the confederats, vsing as their instruments therein other noblemen, as the earles of Megen, Ba [...]lamont, and his fiue or sixe sonnes, Noircarmes, Bea [...]oir, and others, whom they had at their deuotion, hating and enuying the other three noblemen, and all the confederats.
The resolution then beeing taken in the counsell of Spaine, that there was no meanes more C expedient to pacifie the troubles of the Netherlands, than to reduce the people and all the nobilitie, to their antient (yea to an entire and absolute) obedience, by force of armes; the question was to chuse a commaunder for this action, which was weightie and of so great importance. Some were of opinion, That if those of the countrey did see prince Charles the kings sonne, and their naturall prince, they would presently yeeld him all obedience. But those that bare an inueterat hatred vnto the countrey, as the cardinall of Granuelle and his like, excused him of so heauie a burthen, by reason of his youth: then the duke of Medina-Celi was named, but the Duke of Alua was preferred before him (notwithstanding the priuiledges of the countrey, which admit no strange gouernour, but one that is borne in the countrey) as an antient captaine, of good experience, and fortunat in warre, to whom this charge was D giuen. Whereat prince Charles beeing much discontented, could not containe himselfe, but burst forth in some words of dislike against the duke; whereby hee discouered the loue hee bare vnto these countries, being his inheritance, and the feare hee had that the duke would oppresse them too much: saying vnto him, Beware that thou doest not oppresse my people, least The prince of Spaines speech to the duke of Alua. I bee reuenged. To whom the duke answered, I thanke God I haue a [...]aster for the remainder of my life, and am not to be commanded by you.
These noblemen▪ the prince of Orange, the earles of Egmont, Horne, Hoochstrate, and Lodowike of Nassau, hauing seene these letters, and well considered of those which the baron of Montigny had written out of Spaine to the earle of Horne, his brother, containing the kings discontentment, touching the troubles happened in the Netherlands, aduertising them E to doe their best endeuour to redresse it, to the end that the king beeing in time pacified, hee should haue no occasion to come into the countrey, or to remedie it by armes. All which aduertisements hauing put the noblemen in great perplexitie and doubt, they assembled the third of October in the towne of Deuremonde, to resolue▪ what should bee most fit and conuenient for their assurance and preseruation: wherein they were of diuers opinions, some saying, That they should not feare that the king would be so rigorous; some were of opinion, to retire out of the country, and to giue place to the kings furie, if he came into the countrey with a [...] armie: others said, That if they would remaine well vnited together, that there was meanes to resist his forces, wherein they should neither want friends nor strength. The earle of Egmont (who had more credit than any with the souldiers of the countrey) said, That they The earle of Egmōts speech F should endeuour by all good dueties and offices to pacifie his Maiestie, and not be so much amazed at Francis d'Allanas letters, that they ought not to oppose themselues to any thing that it should please the king to command, the which hee said, he did not find tollerable in conscience, [Page 416] but that they ought to acquaint him with all affaires, that being better informed, hee A may prouide for them: That euerie one should doe his best endeuour to appease the troubles and to pacific the people, as well as the nobilitie, to the end his Maiestie might know them that haue best discharged themselues in his seruice. And whereas some were of opinion to retire rather out of the countrey; that hee could not doe it, hauing no meanes to liue in a strange countrey, with his wife, children, and family, in his estate and qualitie, from his lands and liuing, being needfull for him to depend wholy vpon the kings fauor, without the which he could not do any thing. This resolution of the earle of Egmont (wherunto the earl of Horn did partly conforme himselfe) did so amaze the other noblemen, as after they had been fiue or six houres together in conference, they retired without any other conclusion, but that euerie one should stand vpon his guard, holding from that time forward the earle of Egmont for suspect; B who went from thence to Brussels; where hee complained to the duchesse of Francis d Allanas letters, the which she denied constantly, vntil that being vanquished by his own hand, she said, That they must not take it, nor interpret it in that sence they did.
The earle of Horne soone after the conference at Deuremonde, went likewise to Brusels, where (for that he vnderstood that all his actions were ill taken) hee gaue an account of all his dealings in Tournay and Tournesis, vnto the Gouernesse, the which hee left in her hands in writing: And for that he found that they distrusted him, he retired from Brussels, and went to his castle of Waert, from whence he writ vnto the king, dated the twentieth of Nouember, all the estate of his actions, iustifying himselfe of many things wherewith they charged him to his Maiestie, setting downe the reason why hee had absented himselfe from court, and retired C to his house. Hee writ also to the baron of Montigny, his brother, being in Spaine, complaining among other things, That they had called his loyaltie in question, and that they did interpret all his good seruices for ill deseruings: saying, That he held his brother happie to be in Spaine, farre from so great troubles, discontentments and disgraces. But soone after these two poore brethren were paid with one kind of coine, as we shall see by the kings letters of the three and twentieth of August, sent vnto the duchesse. The confederat gentlemen might easily conceiue whereto tended the great preparation for warre in Spaine, and the threats which the king vsed against them. Wherefore euerie one was of opinion to prouide for his safetie, and those that were of the religion, and trusted least to the duchesse letters of assurance, resolued to seise vpon some townes and forts, and to defend themselues, and to liue out of feare: D wherin some shewed their valour and vertue: for being in armes with such men as they could gather together, they surprised some townes in diuers parts. On the other side the duchesse hauing dissolued the vnion and compromise of the nobles, holding her selfe halfe a conqueresse, The duchesse armes, and forbids all exercise of the religion. did also arme, making a diligent search, and punishing all those that had assisted at the breaking downe of images, forbidding the preaching absolutely, and all exercise as well publike as secret of the religion; commaunding generally that the edicts concerning it, and the Inquisition, should be put in execution, according vnto the kings letters, the which shee durst not attempt before, fearing to spoyle all, vntill that the noblemen were seperated from their confederation, and retired to their houses, being pacified by her letters of assurance.
Among other towns of the Netherlands, which had taken vnto them the free exercise of the E religion, that of Valenciennes of Henault (a strong and a renowned town, as wel for her greatnesse and beauty, as for the traffique of merchandise, being serued by two goodly riuers, wherof the Escaut is chiefly nauigable, the which doth serue many good townes euen vnto Antuerpe, where as it runnes into the sea) was one of the first and most zealous to religion. The duchesse to hinder the said exercise, and to haue his Maiesties pleasure put in execution, touching the Inquisition and the edicts, sent the seignior of Noircarmes thither, being lieutenant to the marquesse of Berghes, who was gouernor and great bailife of Henault, with fiue companies of foot, and foure of horse, to bee there in garrison: Where hee arriued the two and twentieth of December, the same yeare 1566. The Valenciennois knowing the strength and state of their towne, being able to defend and maintaine themselues without garrison, excused F themselues. The Gouernesse moued with this refusall, sent the duke of Arschot, & the earl of Egmont, to let them vnderstand, that for his Maiesties seruice they should not refuse to keep their gates open at all seasons, vpon any commaundement they should receiue from him. [Page 417] But they knowing that this garrison was onely to suppresse them, excused themselues, offering A a good summe of money for his Maiesties profit, to bee freed from the souldiers they would haue brought in, alledging certaine priuiledges and exemption of garrisons of the said towne. The report of this refusall made by the noblemen vnto the duchesse, she commanded Noircarmes to besiege the towne, with those troups of horse and foot which shee had gathered together long before.
For the effecting of which charge Noircarmes approached with his forces, spoyles the countrey round about, and brings them those discommodities, which are incident to warre: Hee takes the Borough and the Abbey of S. Amand, betwixt Valenciennes and Tournay, whereof the Protestants were seised, and there shewed how hee would vse them whom hee afterwards besieged. The towne beeing of all parts inuested, hee prest it all he could, and kept B them in that were accustomed to sally forth. The besieged prepared for their defence what they could, and to withstand the attempts of Noircarmes, they sent to intreat the other neighbour Valenciennes besieged. townes, not to faile them at their need, and namely the gentlemen, vnder whose assurance they had taken armes. But the nobilitie fainting in their extremitie, some of the people assemble to aid them, especially they of West-Flanders goe to field, but wanting commaunders, they marched not like souldiers, busying themselues in spoyling of churches, and running after priests; they had not marched farre, but they were discouered by the seigniour of Rassinghem, gouernour of Lille, Douay, and Orchies, who sent some horse with a troupe of harguebusiers, drawne out of the neighbour garrisons, who easily brake them, being all foot, and charged them in an open champion: Some thought to saue themselues in the C village church of Waterloos, the which was set on fire, and all of them burnt or smothered. Those of Tournay hearing of this enterprise of the West-Flemings, were gone to field to succour 1567 them, that beeing ioyned together, they might by that meanes put themselues into Valenciennes. But Rassinghem, who had all night aduertised the commons (the which were inrolled for such accidents) and the garrisons of the countrey, hee had by six of the clocke in the morning, neere two thousand men of the said commons, and three hundred harguebusiers, and a hundred horse together, who notwithstanding were not troubled to hazard any thing in the combat: for Noircarmes was in front with ten ensignes of foot, and six hundred horse, who charged them in such sort, as a third part remained vpon the place. The nimblest foot-men were the happiest, for they saued themselues in Tournay: whereas afterwards D by meanes of the castle, he caused nine companies to enter in garrison, and after that hee had taken a number of the chiefest burgesses, and some ministers, he made the towne obedient vnto the king.
Noircarmes seeing that their neighbours miserie did not mooue the Valenciennois, hee drew out of Douay, Arras, Tournay, and other places, all the canon hee could, the which hee planted before the said towne of Valenciennes, and in a short space made such a breach, as the poore besieged, seeing themselues without commaunders, and without souldiers, but some light French foot, beeing abandoned by the nobilitie, and without all hope of any helpe or succours, together with the threatning letters which the Duchesse had againe sent Valenciennes yeelded. vnto them, hauing endured three monethes siege, vpon many goodly promises, they yeelded E vnto Noircarmes the fourth of March (against the opinion of the French and some others) by composition, the which was not kept: For as soone as Noircarmes was entred into Noircarmes breaks his faith with them of Valenciennes. the towne with his troupes (as he was a cruell man, and exceeding couetous) he kept the gates of the towne shut for some dayes, that hee might with more ease see the French souldiers hanged, with the ministers, and the richest Protestant merchants, confisking their goods: among which the two Michels Herlin, father and sonne, were of the chiefe; reading whose iudgement, as the clause of confiscation of their goods was the conclusion, the father answered, This is the sauce: and so those two notable persons, and of the richest of the towne lost their head, whose goods, especially their gold, siluer, plate, iewels, and the richest mouables Noircarmes did appropriat vnto himselfe. F
The taking of this towne did much amaze the other places, for Cambresis was abandoned, Mastricht yeelded, and in a manner all the other towns receiued the kings garrisons. Anthony of Bomberghen, who had seised vpon Boisleduke, & detained prisoners there the seigniors of Merode & Petersheim, with M. I. Schyff, chācellor of Brabant, being sent by the duches thither [Page 418] to settle things in good order, after that he had caused his souldiers to be paid, he retired, hearing A that the earle of Megen came to besiege him. The towne of Hasselt in the countrie of Liege hauing beene surprised by the Protestants, who had chased away the Romish religion, being besieged by the bishop, yeelded by composition, vpon condition, to pay the charges of the siege, to repaire that which had been taken out of the churches and monasteries, and from thenceforth to entertaine the Romish religion, receiuing such garrison as the bishop should place there.
The seignior of Thoulouse with some other gentlemen Protestants, by the intelligence of Peter Ha [...]k, bailif of Middlebourg in Zeeland, had an enterprise vpon the island of Walchren, being imbarked at Antuerpe: but the ma [...]hants ship of Antuerpe hauing seen them imbark, departed before them, and arriued first in Zeeland, giuing aduertisement of the said enterprise, B the which by this meanes failed: and withall the prince had forbidden them of Zeeland before, to receiue any garrison; of which defence wee shall haue cause to speake hereafter.
In the meane time the people seeing the hot pursuits of the clergie to increase daily, to their great losse and preiudice, and that the Gouernesse (seeing that shee had woon the game by the disiunction of the nobles) made no account of their sighes and complaints, they resolued to The people of the N [...]therlands compl [...]ine vn [...]o the king of Spaine appeale to the king, sending him a supplication full of teares, to mooue him to take pitie of his people, who demaunded nothing but to bee maintained in the libertie of their consciences. And to make it knowne vnto his Maiesty, how much they desired to aduance his affaires, they offer him three millions of florins, so as it would please him to entertaine the transaction in his full force. And withall they imployed certaine princes of Germany to bee suiters in their fauour. C But this offer and demaund being imparted to the counsell of Spaine, was held for a presumptuous ostentation of their riches, and bred iealousie in many, that by this ouerture they would seeke to win the hearts, and draw in the forces of strangers, to come to succour them. Yet the people left not to trie other meanes, as well with the Gouernesse (whom they found rough and inexorable) as with the confederat noblemen, who being summoned (as being in the like sort interessed, and pa [...]takers of the like perill and danger, of the doubtfull issue which this tragedie seemed to promise) to keepe their faith, othe, and promise, so often reiterated vnto them, that they should not be molested for their consciences, but should haue [...] exercise of their religion, with preaching: they protested to impute all the fault vnto them, and the occasion of the miseries that might fal vpon the Netherlands. The 2 princes of Orange and D Gauere, or Egmont, being, as before is said, of seuerall opinions, the other lords also did likewise participat with the one or the other: and as they diuided themselues, so did the confedera [...] gentlemen, so that a third pa [...]t of them held not with the confederats: but those that were of the reformed religion, sought all the meanes they could to confirme and vphold that confederacie, and t [...] procure some great lords to resolue to hold with them, to preserue and maintaine the countries in their freedomes, and to keepe all strangers out of the same, hauing most regard and respect to the prince of Orange, in regard of his wisedome and experience, as also because of his power, friends and allies in Germanie, who they knew should bee seconded by the earle of Hoochstrate, and many others. But the prince in his great discretion, marking and considering the kings great power and force, whom he knew both of his owne nature, and by the E prouocation of his Spanish counsell, to beare a grudge vnto the countrey, not onely for the religion, but also for their priuiledges: thereunto adding that the zeale of the common people, that were addicted to the reformed religion, at the first would be great, but not certaine, to make a full account or reckoning thereof: and lastly, seeing that within the Netherlands hee should haue the aforesaid earl of Egmont, with the principallest and most part of the old souldiers, noblemen, and implacable spiritualtie, enemies against him, would by no meanes bee induced nor persuaded to attempt any thing. For which cause the baron of Brederode, and others of the principallest confederats, determined to seeke all the meanes they could, before they would enter into any extremities; and for that cause wrot a letter vnto the regent, to craue leaue to be admitted to come vnto the court, to shew her what wrong was vnto them, contrarie F to the securitie by her giuen vnto them: but the regent returned them an answere, saying, That they should not come within Brussels, for that their comming thither vpon the fifth of Aprill last past, had caused all the trobles and businesse in the land: And hauing certain soldiers within Brussels, she gaue them charge, not to suffer any of the confederated gentlemen to [Page 419] come within the towne. For which cause the baron of Brederode wrot another letter out of A ‘Antuerpe, vnto the regent, bearing date the 8 of Februarie: saying, That not their petition, but the Inquisition, and new deuises, that men sought to bring into the country, together with the long delay made to answer their request, were the true and onely causes of the [...]roubles in the countrey: and that she might know that his intent and meaning was no other, than onely to propound some meanes of peace and vnitie, and for that she would not suffer him to come at the court, he sent her two requests from the confederated gentlemen: wherein they shewed▪ The confederated gentlemens requ [...]sts. how that in August before, the countrey being full of troubles, and the people in euerie place readie to rise vp in armes, by meanes of the good resolution then taken, all was pacified, wherein they well and truely acqui [...]ed themselues. And although it fell not out so well in some places, it was the fault of those that were not well addicted vnto the seruice of his Maiestie; B and that when as an assured amendment and reformation was in euerie place expected, attending the good [...]esolution of the king, with the aduice of the states generall, sodainely against all hope and expectation, letters were sent out by her, to forbid the preaching and exercise of the reformed religion, who for that cause as then blamed them (as appeared by a petition sent vnto her, and thereunto annexed) besides that they perceiued by the letters aforesaid, as also by other her proceedings, that shee sought by fo [...]ce to forbid the preaching vnto the people, imprisoning and vsing other kind of rigour vnto the preachers, contrarie to the agreement, and without order taken by the king, with the aduice of the generall states. Besides, that they saw the bad entertainment that had beene, and as yet was giuen vnto the confederated gentlemen, together with the distrust that men had in them, without cause or reason. C That the lords were counselled and aduised not to bee conuersant with them, willing them to keepe out of his Ma [...] towns, without any cause, pursuing and following after to take them, as if they were enemies to the king and their natiue country, which they had not by any means deserued. They perceiued likewise the taking vp of souldiers, both within and without the lands, which gaue them al cause to thinke, that the same were to be imploied against them and those of the religion, to whom shee had giuen contrarie securitie, vntill his Maiestie, with aduice of the generall states should take further order ther [...] in. For which cause they (perceiuing the generall ouerthrow and destruction of the Netherlands to be prepared, and at hand, and power and force to be daily more and more vsed against them, contrarie to all promises and assurances) thought good to mooue her once againe (as they had done before) to doe them the fauour, D to shew them, if it were her pleasure, that the contract made with them should be obserued and kept, and to suffer the preaching and the exercises thereon depending to bee done, as they in her and the lords names had shewed and declared vnto the people: and whether shee meant not to hold and obserue the securitie by her granted vnto the said confederated gentlemen: but to the contrarie, that the good fauour that shee bare vnto them, and the common people might the better be seene and perceiued, they desired her to vouch safe them the fauor, to discharge all her souldiers, and recall her commissions, not long since sent forth into the Netherlands: which doing, they would assure her, that the countrey should liue in peace and quietnesse, and they themselues be readie to venture liues & goods, in the seruice of his Maiestie and her: the which if it were not presently done, it was to be feared that much greater hurt E and inconueniences would ensue, with great bloud-shedding amongst the common people, who vpon her and her word now reposed their securitie: And therefore they thought good to shew her so much to discharge their duties, wherein they stand bounden vnto his Maiestie and their natiue countrey: desiring her to giue them a good, short, and resolute answer.’
The request sent by those of the reformed religion, vnto the gentlemen, which they sent with theirs vnto the regent, held in effect a great complaint of the miserable persecution and wrongs done vnto them in euerie place, contrarie to the promises and securities made vnto them: wherin also they said, That the said gentlemen had sought to beg [...]ile and deceiue them, vnlesse they could shew them, that they had such expresse charge and commission from the regent, and the lords of the order of the Golden Fleece, and if that no promise would bee holden F with them, they desired that it might be plainly told them, that euery man might know to gouerne himselfe, thereby to shun the persecution.
‘Whereunto the regent answered with a more proud and haughtie stile, than shee had formerly The Gouernesse answer. done: That she could not conceiue what noblemen, nor what people they were, that [Page 420] had presented this petition, for that many noblemen confederats held themselues satisfied, as well for that they had caused the Inquisition and the edicts to cease, as by reason of the assurance A which was promised them: and that for this cause they did present themselues daily, to doe such seruice as it should please his Maiestie. But she could not sufficiently wonder, how they could haue any conceit, that she would euer suffer the exercise of the religion, considering that contrariwise she had sufficiently declared how much she was offended, for that after the conclusion of the treatie, some noblemen had assured the people of these exercises, contrarie to her will and meaning: seeing that the promise which the noblemen made to take away all armes, troubles, and scandals, did inferre withall, that the exercise of their religion should cease, whereunto she had not consented. Moreouer, they well remember with what griefe of mind she had suffered the preaching in accustomed places, without armes or scandall; they B may thereby easily know the small affection which she had to allow them any other exercise. As for libertie, she had onely granted it so farre forth as the petition of the fifth of May should not be imputed vnto them, but not touching religion, although against her owne conscience they had wrested so much from her: and therefore had iust cause to be offended that they did attribute it vnto her, and that his Maiestie was iustly incensed, notwithstanding that the people had vsurped al exercise, & that by the new magistrat they ouer-ruled his officers, the which his Maiestie was resolued to reuenge.’
‘And for answer to that which they said, That she had not kept that which she had accorded, she said, That all that was grounded vpon a false and too large interpretation of her words, and that rightly many magistrats had neuer allowed it: but that she had not gone against her promise C in any thing, if after it was giuen, they had apprehended some for their offences, as the breakers of images, and robbers of churches, the which happened since the accord, yea by some gentlemen confederats. That they had caused the preaching to be vsed in towns, wheras it had been before in the field. Besides, they had seized vpon churches, monasteries, noblemens houses, &c. chased away the religious, threatned the clergie, and preached in vnaccustomed places. The people animated by them, had seized vpon some townes and royall places, carried away the artilerie & munition, chased away the kings officers, kept the field in martiall maner, threatning all the Catholikes, yea comprehending her highnesse. So as by letters surprised, which their souldiers had written to them of Valenciennes, it might bee sufficiently gathered, whereto all these tumults tended; that is (if God had not otherwise prouided) to haue depriued D the king of all his countries. And in that they intreat to haue all the souldiers discharged, they seeke thereby to take the sword from him to whom God hath giuen it. Finally, she aduiseth them (if they be so much deuoted to the kings seruice as they say) that they should hereafter shew themselues more conformable to his Maiesties will and pleasure, and to satisfie the people touching the sufferance of religion, the which brought but a contempt of his Maiestie and of iustice: and that they should carrie themselues in such sort, as they might turne away his Maiesties wrath and indignation, that it might not bee forced to exceed the limits of his bountie and clemencie. Also, that they should forbeare such threats as they seeme to vse in their petition; wherein if they persist, she leaues them to thinke what a dishonor and infamie it will be to them for euer, aduising them to retire euery man to his owne home, and not to trouble themselues with the affairs of the country, but to carry themselues in such sort, as his E Maiestie might receiue contentment: aduertising them, that if they did otherwise, shee would prouide as she should thinke fit and conuenient for the publike quiet, without any need of a more ample answer to the said petition, vntill she may know which be the noblemen and the people which desire it whereof the lord of Brederode hath taken the charge.’
To this answer of the duchesse there was a certaine replie divulged, by the which, among others, A reply and distrust of the Protestants. the nobles laid all the blame of that whereof the duchesse accused them by her answere, vpon the secret instructions which she had sent vnto the priuat magistrats, touching the obseruation of the kings intention: whilest on the other side, shee caused the assurance giuen vnto the nobles, and the Protestants, to be published: who notwithstanding knew well by the said F answer, that the gouernesse (who was now armed) would no longer dissemble, but proceed by force of armes to the execution of that which she had for a long time kept secret in her bosome. Besides, they found that many of the nobilitie disbanded, and that many, for their greater assurance, sought to mannage their affairs apart, wherof they were aduertised from al parts: [Page 421] Among others, that cont vander Berghen had written vnto president Vigilius, letters full of excuses, A with protestations to remaine a loyal and faithfull seruant vnto the king: as also the seignior of Estambruges, brother to the earle of Lygni had done the like, and that many others sought to make friends in court, to returne into fauour.
As these complaints of the nobles answers, replies, cares, and distrusts, continued among them, they sought to prouide for their affaires as well as they could, especially the Catholikes, who made themselues to be feared by the forces they had leuied, and by the kings authoritie. The earle of Egmont running throughout all the townes of Flanders, laboured to make the preaching to cease. The earle of Megen being at the request of the Catholikes, and by the gouernesse command, entred into Vtrecht with his regiment of foot, the next day hee fortified the garrison of the castle with three hundred men. And to stop the courses of them of Vianen, B belonging to the lord of Brederode, he built a fort vpon the riuer, in a village called Vaert, right opposite against it: then he went to Nymeghen, Harderwic, and Elburch, where he supprest the preaching, caused the churches to be repaired, and the armes to be brought into the statehouse, and in the end he chased away all the Protestants. The earle of Arembergh did the like in the countries of Friseland, Ouerissel, and Groninghen, as well by surprises of townes and places, as persuasions, and diuers accords, past betwixt him the consuls and townes. But the prince of Orange beeing in his gouernments of Holland and Zeeland, going from towne to towne, sought to pacifie the troubles by gentle meanes, to the content of the estates of the said countries (yet appointing the exercise of the religion to be without the townes) especially in those of Holland, who for a thankfull gratuitie for the paines which hee had taken to pacifie C their trobles, offered him a present of 55000 florins, which hee honestly refused, least it should haue been some blemish to his reputation, to haue suffered himselfe to haue beene corrupted by them with money in his gouernment.
In the meane time the Gouernesse was counselled to propound a new othe to al gouernors A new othe propounded by the duchesse. of prouinces, knights of the order, counsellors of state, and other noblemen; by the which among other things they did promise & swear, to remain faithful & obedient seruants vnto the king, and with all their power and meanes to maintaine, defend, and preserue the Catholike, Apostolike, and Romish religion, and to root out, and helpe to root out, all new doctrine and religion: to punish and chastise all breakers of images, and robbers of churches. Which othe was taken before the duchesse, by the duke of Arschot, the earles of Egmont, Mansfield, Megen, D the lords of Barlamont, Noircarmes, and many others. But the prince of Orange, and the earle of Hoochstraten refused to take that othe, saying, That the othe of their order, and of their gouernment was sufficient, finding themselues much grieued, that the duchesse should doubt of their loyalties. The like was required of the lord of Brederode, who made the like refusall to the secretarie Torre, who was sent expresly vnto him, to persuade him by many reasons: Whereunto he answered modestly, That the Gouernesse had no cause to doubt of his faith and loialtie, and that he was content to go vnto her highnesse, to demaund the causes of her distrust, and to iustifie himselfe of all matters wherewith hee might bee charged. This new othe was not offered for any other cause, but to discouer who would refuse it, who thereby should be taken for fauorers and supporters of the Protestants. And also to curbe them, that either for E loue, force, or dissimulation had taken it, and thereby to put a conceit in them, that they were held for good Catholikes, and the kings faithfull seruants. The earle of Horne was at that time retired to his castle of Waert, being resolued to return no more to court, vnlesse the king commanded him expresly, and therefore he was not required to take this new othe.
The duchesse being thus assured by this new othe, and hauing all the towns of the Netherlands The duchesse plais her part. reduced by their gouernors vnder the kings obedience, and the publike preaching abolished, except in Antuerpe, then she vnmasked her selfe, and began to play her part openly. All that could be taken and conuicted to haue carried armes, broken images, and spoiled churches were hanged. Those that were absent were adiorned to appeare within a short time, if not they were declared rebels and their goods forfeited: the which made an infinit number retire into F forrein countries, and especially into England: those that were most couragious kept the fields in great troups. The seignior of Thoulouse hauing failed in his enterprise of the island of Walchren, retiring into the riuer of Antuerpe, he went and lodged halfe a league from the towne, in the village of Austreweel, whither men came to him from all parts, who made no gentler [Page 422] war to the priests and monks, than the Papists did to their companions. The prince of Orange A was then returned to Antuerpe, with the earle of Hoochstraten (who during the princes absence in Holland and Zeeland, had done his best endeuour to conteine the people of Antuerp:) these two noblemen sent a gentleman to the seigniour of Thoulouse and his troups, to will them to retire from thence: the which they did, passing into Flanders, but the next day they returned to the same place: whereupon hee had a second charge to retire, and the seigniour of Thoulouse answered, That hee was ready to obey, yet he remoued not, yea his people grew the more insolent, seeing themselues fortified by two ships ful of souldiers, which arriued that night from base Flanders, and that howerly their numbers increased. The magistrat [...] of the towne seeing this, came vnto the prince, where they conferred together, with the earle of Hoochstraten, how they might make these troups dislodge, being of opinion to send B their sworn [...] companies, with such souldiers as they had in the towne, to fight with them: but the prince and the [...] o [...] Hoochstraten did not like thereof, fearing that in seeking to prouide for their affai [...]es without, they should fall into some greater inconuenience within, as it was to be doubted, that those troups were not come thither so boldly, but they had some adherents and good intelligence in the towne. Whereupon the magistrats aduertised the Gouernesse, who with all speed sent Philip of Launoy, lord of Beauvoir, with foure hundred men of her guards accompanied with la Motte-par-Dieu, who had two companies of the earle of Egmonts regiment, besides foure hundred men drawne out of the garrisons, and Hans of Graue, prouost marshall of Brabant, with fiue hundred horse, to surprise them before they were stronger; who finding them scattered and out of order, defeated them soone: many cast themselues into the C riuer of Eschaut, but they were slaine with the shot: many were burnt in barnes, whereinto they retired. To conclude, there died about fifteene hundred men, few escaped, such as were The Protestants defeated at Austerweel. taken, were afterwards hanged, or otherwise executed. The seigniour of Thoulouse their leader, was slaine there, and they tooke one which carried a list of such as should assist at certaine enterprises, whereby they discouered some practises.
The magistrat of Antuerpe hearing that the Duchesse troupes marched against them of Auste [...], re [...]ring least their bourgesses should sallie forth, and receiue some harme, they caused [...]e bridges at the port of Austerweel, and at the red gate, to bee broken; which gates they kept shut, placing the three companies which they had raised for the guard of the towne, along the rampars of that quarter, doubling the watch, and hauing lanternes and lampes light D all night in the streets. The news of this assembly at Austerweel, and that there was an intent to cha [...]ge them, was no sooner come to the knowledge of the inhabitants of Antuerpe, but they presently went to armes the fourteenth of March, marching towards the gate, to issue forth, and to succour their friends: but the prince of Orange, and the earle of Hoochstraten, told them, That it was impossible to succour them, and not bee defeated as soone as they were sallied forth, they beeing vnable to withstand the prouost of Brabants horsemen, and A tumult in Antuerpe. therefore they intreated them not to stirre. But this people beeing halfe madde, intending to go, brake downe the red gate, threatning the prince and the earle, if they suffered them not to goe, calling them traytors, yea there was a Clothworker so rash, as to offer his harguebuse to the princes breast: so as these two noblemen in this tumult, were in great danger of their liues, E yet disgesting all these indignities, they retained them so long, as this first furie beeing past, it was agreed, That onely fiue hundred of them should issue forth, with protestation that it was granted vnto them by force: but they seeing that they would not suffer them to goe foorth in greater numbers, returned, and continued in armes till noone, hauing seised vpon the Meeres bridge, and the Tanners street: then the three companies of the towne came vnto the market place. The people had alreadie drawne certaine peeces of artillerie out of the arcenall (which they call Eerhof) the which they brought vnto the Meer, and planted them vpon all the approches, to withstand all force that should come against them: The prince fearing some great inconuenience, caused euerie one to retire to his house, and commaunded the artillerie should be carried back to the accustomed place, so as by his good reasons and persuasions the F people were somewhat pacified. But the next day being the 15 of March, the reformed Protestants finding that the Protestants of the confession of Ausbourg were ioyned with the Catholike Romanes, with whom the Spanish, Italian, and Portugall merchants had also taken armes, some hauing seized vpon the horse market, other on S. Michaels place, the said reformed [Page 423] did also assemble together in armes: and to make the Catholikes and the strange nations A retire, there was a brute giuen out, That those of the confession were ioyned with them: Whereupon one of the bourgmasters caused the contrarie to bee published, and that this tumult was not for any question of religion, but that some licentious and disordered people among the reformed, sought onely to rob and spoyle the houses of the Catholikes, Confessionaries, and Nations: which was the cause that (either seeking to preserue themselues) the tumult was greater than euer, beeing inflamed, and readie to charge one another, the which continued two dayes, so as it was greatly to be feared that it would not haue past without effusion of bloud, and that the houses would bee in the end spoyled by them that were victors, if they were suffered to come to blowes, so as the citie was full of feare, crying out and teares of women and children; so neere the danger was: yet by the prouidence of the prince, the earl of B Hoochstraten, and the magistrat, all in the end was pacified, by good exhortations giuen to either partie, who agreed together vpon articles concluded betwixt them, for the gouernment of the towne, and the assurance & preseruation of all the burgesses, inhabitants, and merchants of what religion soeuer. The next day being Sunday, either partie gaue thanks vnto God in their sermons, for that he had preserued them from shedding one anothers bloud.
The 17 of the moneth the magistrat hauing giuen thanks vnto the principal merchants, and The magistrat excuseth himselfe to the Gouernesse. to the nations, to euerie one in particular, for their good endeuours, he sent deputies to the gouernesse, to informe her of all that had past, beseeching her to interpret in good part the accord which had been made and concluded among them the which they said they had found expedient, not to diminish any thing of the kings authoritie, but for the preseruation of the C towne and the inhabitants thereof, as well spirituall as temporall, making withall many excuses, touching some articles of the said accord, which the Gouernesse disliked, as to haue placed the artillerie vpon the rampars, answering thereunto, That what they had done, was to retire it out of the peoples hands. Item, touching the leuying of horse-men, and preparation of ships, they said they would not do any thing without her highnesse consent. And for that they did not receiue any garrison without the consent of all the members of the towne: that they of the reformed religion had required it, for that they held the gouernors (that is the prince of Orange, the earle of Hoochstraten, and the magistrat) for suspect, and that they feared they would put in a garrison to sacke and spoyle them, as they had done their brethren at Austerweel, and as it had happened in the towne of Tournay. Finally they said that they had beene D forced to passe this accord, yeelding to necessitie and the time, for the preseruation of the said towne.
This tumult in Antuerpe heartened and much incouraged the regent and the Catholikes, together with the victorie gotten at Austerweel, and to the contrarie brake and disannulled all the proceedings and pretences of the confederated gentlemen, and the Gueux, who perceiuing themselues to be void of meanes to become masters of Antuerpe, and consequently of diuers other townes, marking the strength of the Catholikes within Antuerpe, and therby gessing their strength in other places, the most part and the chiefest of them resolued, as also the consistories to yeeld vnto the time and Gods secret iudgement. At that time the lord of Brederode was in the towne of Amsterdam in Holland, wherewith the magistrat beeing discontented, and ill assured (for that the chiefe of the reformed religion were continually with him, E and many came to him daily disguised) he aduertised the gouernesse, who writ presently to secretary Torre) being then at Vtrecht with the earle of Megen, whose men he had caused to be furnished with victuals and munition, by the duchesse commandement, as also he had furnished duke Erick of Brunswick with certaine ships of war, to come into the Netherlands) commanding the said Torre to charge them in the behalfe of his Maiestie, and her highnesse, to cause the said lord of Brederode to depart out of their towne, the which was in trouble by his presence: and in case they were not strong ynough to effect it, that his Maiestie and her highnesse would assist them with forces & means. And for that this businesse might not admit of any delay, that by prouision they should imploy the person and soldiers of the earle of Megen. F That the secretarie should go vnto the lord of Brederode, and admonish him by such persuasions as he should thinke fit, that within foure and twenty howres he depart the said towne, and leaue it in quiet, without giuing his Ma. and her highnesse any further cause of discontentment. And in case hee will not obey, to protest against him of all the miseries that may befall [Page 424] the said towne, and to remaine therein, obseruing all that shal passe carefully, and especially the A actions of the lord of Brederode, whereof he should howerly aduertise her highnesse.
According to which commission, the secretarie being come to Amsterdam, and hauing acquainted the magistrat with his charge, answer was made him, That they would in all things obey his Maiestie and her highnesse, but that they found great difficultie in her highnesse letters, whereas she made mention of the earle of Megen, for that he doubted not but the lord of Brederode would call for a copie before he would resolue to retire, the which would incense him the more. They must also impar it first vnto the assēbly of their great coūsell (which they call Vroetschap) consisting of 36 persons, whereof some were Protestants, who might make report therof vnto their brethren, yea vnto the lord of Brederode. Whereupon, after much consultation, it was resolued to impart it vnto the counsell, and presently to go vnto the said lord. B The which was done, and about eleuen of the clocke some of the chiefe of the magistrats went vnto him, intreating persuading, and aduising him to depart the towne, for such was his Maiesties and her highnesse pleasure. Whereunto he answered instantly, That hee desired to see the copie of the said letters, to consider thereon: the which beeing flatly denied him, saying, That they could not giue it him, without her highnesse expresse commandement; he answered, That neither would he depart the towne without seeing it. The next day the secretarie Torre, being accompanied by two aldermen, went vnto the lord of Brederode: beeing entred The secretarie Torre goes to the lord of Brederode. The lord of Brederode complaines of the duchesse. into the chamber, whereas he was accompanied with seuen or eight gentlemen, among others were William of Blois, called Treston, and Roseberg his Drossard of Vianen: after the complements were done, la Torre being well aduanced in his speech, the lord of Brederode interrupted C him, and began to complaine of the duchesse, for that shee had refused to heare his iustifications in iustice, vpon the sinister impressions which her highnesse had of him: moreouer, that the said lady had commaunded to ruine the bulwarkes and fortifications which hee had begun to his great charge in his towne of Vianen, to expose it in prey to all commers: she had also caused his said towne to be besieged, and the duke of Brunswick had spoyled some of his villages: to conclude, he said, That Torre had no need to vse any long speech, beeing sufficient to shew him his commission: the which Torre hauing refused, saying, That he had no such charge, the lord of Brederode said vnto him, after some other speeches touching his credit, That he was not so honest a man as he made himselfe, to bee so lightly beleeued without seeing of his commission. Which words did so moue la Torre, as after that he had maintained D his honesty, seeing the said lord to continue firme, he entreated him, exhorted, and in the end commaunded him, That to obey his Maiestie and her highnesse, he should depart the towne within foure and twentie houres, and vpon his refusall, he protested against him, of all the miseries that might thereby happen vnto the towne; requiring an act thereof from the aldermen that were his assistants. Wherupon the lord of Brederode protested in like sort, that he was not bound to beleeue him, if he did not shew his commission and letters of credit; requiring also an act, and repeating often, that he was seruant to her highnes, and humble subiect to his Maiesty, and that he was ready to go to horsebacke, to helpe to punish the rebels: complaining of the great wrong which the duchesse did him, refusing to heare him in his iustifications: so as after many speeches and protestations on either side, Torre retired. E
The chiefe among the Protestants could not disgest this commaundement giuen to the lord of Brederode, and feared that la Torres charge was to expell him by force; so as they kept a guard of aboue a hundred men before his lodging, hauing most of the bourgesses at his deuotion; and besides, many arriued out of Friseland and from Vtrecht, attired like marchants, mariners and pesants: so as the magistrat feared, that the Protestants would grow so strong, as they would become masters of the towne. Whereupon they sent vnto the duchesse, to entreat her to send some man of countenance and authoritie, who might moderate matters: for that they found it not conuenient to attempt any thing by force. La Torre was in no lesse perplexitie, and durst scarce shew himselfe, fearing to incense the Protestants, and to giue them occasion of some tumult: but set spies to obserue what men haunted the said lord, whereof he did F informe the duchesse. And as the bourgomaster and the Recorder Sandeli [...] went and came often to the Secretarie Torre, the Protestants entred into iealousie, that they practised some matter against them: by reason whereof, some gentlemen Frisons belonging to the said lord and the Seignior of Treslon, went with the consent of their lord, the seuenteenth of March to [Page 425] la Torre his chamber, where they seized vpon all his papers; among the which they found his A instructions, his verball or memoriall of what he had done and treated in Amsterdam, many letters of credit signed by the duchesse, without superscription, to direct them to such persons as la Torre should thinke fit; and among others, the letter which the duchesse had written vnto him, whereas she made mention of the earle of Megen, to force the said lord to retire. All which papers were brought vnto the lord of Brederode, and presently spread abroad among the people. La Torre was for some daies stayed in his lodging; and there had happened some great alteration, if some of the chiefe bourgesses, that were Protestants, had not promised to go vnto the magistrat to preuent it; the which they did: requiring, that the accord made betwixt them the eighteenth of Ianuarie, by the prince of Orange, might bee entertained in all points: That by their aduice two captaines and two lieutenants might be ouer and aboue appointed B in the towne, with foure hundred men, all bourgesses, who with the other captaines should take an oath to preserue and defend the towne and the inhabitants against all men. And as there was no man in the towne of authority, that had experience in matters of warre, but the lord of Brederode, who was borne in the countrey, and vassale to the king, being then within the towne, might be appointed commaunder and colonell of all the men of warre, for the preseruation of the towne, the citizens, and his Ma▪ seruice: and all by prouision, vntil that some one committed by the magistrate and them, had bin allowed & confirmed by the prince of Orange, gouernor of the county of Holland: and that the magistrat in the maner of an oath shold promise, not to attempt any thing directly nor indirectly, openly nor couertly, by themselues, nor by any other, against that which is aboue required, without the aduice of three of C the brethren of the said towne.
The magistrat was much troubled at this request, knowing well, that the duches would neuer suffer, that the lord of Brederode should haue any authority within the towne: wherfore they knew not what to determine vpon these demands. In the end they themselues drew fiue articles: the first was, That two on the magistrats behalfe, two in the name of the Protestants, What the magistrat of Amsterdam granted to the Protestants. and two for the sworne companies should go at the towns charge, vnto the prince of Orange, to haue his aduice touching that which was required. Secondly, That at the same instant there should be at euery port a barre or trauers made with a new locke, whereof one of the nine deputies of the companies being in guard, should haue the keyes, the which at noone & at night should be brought vnto the town cofer, whereas the keies of the town gates are kept, to which D cofer should a new locke be also put, whereof the said deputy should haue the key. Thirdly, That they should suffer (vntill it were otherwise decreed by the prince) that there shold be two ships of war with men & munition at the towne charge, set, the one vpon the riuer of Amstel, and the other vpon the Ye, the souldiers whereof should bee appointed by the said deputies. Fourthly, That the said nine deputies shold chuse out of their bourgesses 100 men, ouer whom they should appoint a captaine, who should sweare to be faithful to the bourgomasters and to the towne. Fifthly, That the said bourgomasters shold presently cassiere Baldwin Reyersz, lieutenant to captain William Pouwelsz, in whose place they shold appoint another, that were pleasing to the commons, at the discretion of the captaine, the bourgomasters, and the said nine deputies. E
The deputies of the bourgomasters of the Protestants, and of the sworne companies, went vnto the prince of Orange, who answered them by an apostile on the 26 of March, that for the quiet of the town of Amsterdam, he thought it good, that the accord made the 18 of Ianuary should be entertained: and as the duchesse consent was very requisit therein, that the deputies should do well (for their greater securitie) to sue for her highnes agreation: That he also found it good, that the said 400 mē were leuied, as it was required: That he would send one expresly vnto the lord of Brederode, to let him vnderstand his will: That promises and othes should be reciprocally made, as it was required, to auoid all distrust: That in like sort he found it conuenient, that the lockes and keies should be made, and gouerned as the magistrat had set downe: That he found it not vnfitting, that the ships of warre should be so placed and entertained, if it F may be found expedient by a common consent. And finally, That the lieutenant Baldwin should be displaced, and another chosen at the discretion of the bourgomasters, captaine, and deputies.
This answere of the prince touching the affaires of Amsterdam, was receiued by both parties [Page 426] for a law, and confirmed reciprocally by oath: according to the which, a new captain, two A lieutenants, and 400 men were leuied for the seruice of the towne. And as they of Amsterdam vnderstood, that the Protestants were euery where pursued with all rigour, and that they had generally taken the preaching from them: those of the said towne being assembled, to consult what were fittest to be done in this great perplexitie, they concluded, That for no feare they would not giue ouer their preaching, but they would perseuere so long, as by his Maiesties publike Edict it were not forbidden; sending some among them to Antuerpe, to confer with the Protestants of the said towne, and to aduise how they should gouerne themselues in these affaires. Those of Antuerpe considering also of these persecutions, and fearing that this storme would in the end fall vpon their heads, they presented a petition vnto the Gouernesse the [...] A petition si ō them of Ant [...]erpe to the Gou [...]e. of the month, tending to a conuocation of the generall estates, to remedy the troubles. And in B case the estates could not be called, that her highnes would giue order, to the end that the publike ‘preaching (which they said was the only cause of the troubles) might cease, granting a generall pardon for all that which was past, and wherewith his Ma. found himselfe grieued, except murthers, robberies, thefts, & spoiles, seeing they could not punish the other without the totall ruine and desolation of the towne and of the countrey it selfe. To preuent the which, and to bring them that are gone astray into the right way, and to the true religion, that it wold please his Maiesty to vse his accustomed clemencie & naturall bountie. Which pardon might be speedily granted by her highnes, with his Maiesties good liking; and if she cannot grant it, that it would please her to giue them respite for three or foure moneths, during the which they might retire out of the countrey with their goods, wiues, children and families: and that they C might sell and alienate their lands and possessions; or else in retaining them, to haue libenie to gouerne them by another: which freedome from this day forward might bee graunted to all them that would retire themselues: That no man remaining in the said towne and countrey, hauing left the preaching, and abandoned the exercise of his religion, shold be hereafter troubled or molested in his person or goods, by reason of his conscience & religion. For assurance whereof her highnes should promise in his Maiesties name, That the said towne, nor the inhabitants thereof should not be charged with any garrison of soldiers, neither within it, nor without and about it; and that vntill his Ma. (by the aduice of the generall estates) shall dispose of matters concerning religion, how euery one should gouern himselfe; or that within 3 months he may retyre out of the countrey with his familie and goods, or retaine them vnder the gouernment D of another: and hereof to graunt out letters patents in his Maiesties name.’
To which petition the Gouernesse answered, That she had receiued letters from the king, The ducasse answer. by the which she was expressely forbidden to enter into any capitulation or treatie with any townes of the countrey, although it were with his Ma. good liking, yet she would consider of their petition. But aboue all (to preuent his Ma. indignation) it was necessary that they should receiue the garrison which she would send them, to shew their obedience therby vnto his maiesty. Whereupon the deputies made a more ample declaration the [...] of April, with many allegations, for the iustification of the said towne, but chiefly to excuse the receiuing of a garrison propounded by her, for fear of a greater inconuenience. Yet the duchesse persisted by another long apostile, sauoring of nothing but extream rigor, shadowed with many shifts, which were E easily discouered. Those of the magistracie of the said towne, called the ministers of both the Protestant religions (viz. of the reformed, & of the confession of Ausbourg) before them, whō they gaue to vnderstand, That for the preseruation of the towne, and not to incurre the K. indignation, and to preuent all other inconueniences, it was necessary to surcease the preaching, and the exercise of their religion, vntill that by his Maiesty, with the aduice of his counsell, and the states of the countrey, it should be otherwise decreed: and therfore that the said ministers should retire out of the towne, giuing them a good pasport. Wherein they were so fully persuaded, as well by good reasons as by threats, as in the end they declared, that they were readie to obey, giuing them a good and an assured safe conduct to retire out of the town & country: according to the which, some of the ministers departed the same day, and others the next: and F notwithstanding any declarations or excuses which they of Antuerpe could make, to auoid a garrison, yet in the end they were forced to yeeld: so as the 26 of April the earle of Mansfield entred with 16 companies of foot; the duchesse followed him two daies after with 500 horse, and presently the churches & monasteries were repaired in a short time, and the new temples [Page 427] which the Protestants had caused to be built, razed by their owne consent, & their magistrats, A al exercise of their religion frō that time ceasing. Then were the Protestants generally throughout all the Netherlands pursued with all rigor, apprehended and executed, as well for breaking downe of Images, and carying of armes, as for being of the Consistorie, or bearing any other charge in the reformed church. The duchesse beginning her selfe to make worke for the duke of Alua, when he should arriue: or that she might haue cause to say, That by her rigorous proceeding and punishments she had setled the affaires, and ended al the troubles before his comming, as she had done in part, and without the dukes comming might haue brought to perfection, if at the least she had forborne the cruelty which the duke vsed to great persons. At the same time some princes of Germany sent their embassadours to the duchesse of Parma, to be intercessors for the Protestants of the confession of Ausbourg, & for their ministers, that they B might inioy the exercise of their religion in the towne of Antuerp: to whom she made a short answer, That she could do nothing therein without the consent of the king of Spaine.
The bourgomasters and superintendents of Amsterdam hearing, that the preaching ceased throughout all Brabant & Flanders, the 17 of April gaue them of the reformed religion to vnderstand, That it was likewise expedient to surcease all preaching and exercise of their religion in the said towne, vntill the king had otherwise decreed, to auoid his Ma. indignation, & other inconueniences that might happen vnto the said town. The Protestants contradicted the magistrats for a while, alledging their former agreements: but in the end they must of force obey, and receiued the garrison which the Seignior of Noircarmes brought them. The prince of Orange seeing the retreat of the ministers out of Antuerpe, hauing tried the inconstancie of the C earle of Egmont, and of some of the nobles, and of the people, being willing to yeeld vnto the iniurie of the time, and the miserable estate of the country, parted from Antuerpe the 11 of April, accompanied with a great troupe of gentlemen, and went to his town of Breda, where hauing setled an order for his priuat affaires, he retired into his county of Nassau, aduising the cō federat noblemen to do the like, for their better safety, or else to prepare thēselues in good earnest to resist the preparations that were made in Spain against the Netherlands, hauing aduertised the earle of Egmont, being at Willebrouck (who was come to meet him, and to take his lesue of him) Seeing he would not resolue with him and others to stop the entry of the duke of Alua into The prince of Orāges speech to the earle of Egmont, bidding him farwell. the Netherlands, (who was now in Italy) as it had bin propounded in their assembly at Deuremonde, that he shold be the bridge wheron the Spaniards would first march, to plant their tyrānie in these parts: D the Regent hauing sent yong earle Mansfield (as aforesaid) with 1500 Walons to Antuerpe, who in a morning betimes entred therein, like enemies, with their pieces charged, bullets in their mouths, and matches burning, as though they suspected some resistance, and within two daies after the regent her selfe followed, & entred the town with 500 horse, furthering the Romish religion both by counsell and action, & appointing orders touching the church gouernment, and honored the procession in the towne with her own person and the lords of the order of the golden fleece. Soone after her entry she caused diuers to be executed, because of the sedition: shee renued the old proclamation, caused the children to be baptized againe, and at the last commanded the reformed churches to be broken downe, which were very faire buildings: she caused all the townesmens armes to be registred, & aninuentorie kept of the same. E
The lord of Brederode being in the towne of Amsterdam, was also aduertised by the prince to stand vpon his guard, and to looke to his affaires. Wherupon he also resolued to depart, and to leaue the said towne and his places. The Protestants would gladly haue retained him for their head and commander, with the troupes which he had in his town of Vianen, and therabouts, but he would not trust to it, seeing that the prince himselfe did not trust, but had aduertised him. Wherfore the superintendents of the towne hauing furnished him with ships, victuals & mony in loane, he retired the 27 of April about midnight, being accompanied by many gentlemen and other confederats. He went towards Embden, and from thence into the country of Cont Ioos of Schouwenburch, whereas the 15 of February the yeare following 1568 he died in the castle of Haremburch, of the iurisdiction of Reockelinghuysen, and lieth buried at F Gemme. He and his predecessors haue alwaies bin of great reputation, as well for their nobilitie (being issued from the most noble earles of Holland and Zeeland) as for their great possessions and alliances. His father was Reinold, lord of Brederode, of Vianen, Almeyden, &c. knight of the order of the golden Fleece, and one of the brauest men at armes in his time. [Page 428] And as for him, enioying the same possessions, hee was captaine of one of the kings bands A of Ordnance, a man of a tall stature and a cheerefull countenance, somewhat reddish, with curled haire, valiant as might be, suddaine, cholericke, and resolute in that which he designed, yet liberall and courteous. In his youth he carried for his deuice, Peut estre. And after his retreat out of the countrey, he would vsually say, Lord preserue my soule and mine honour. He had to wife the lady Emilia, contesse of Nieuwenar, who a yeare after his death married againe with the Palatine Frederic, prince elector.
His souldiers, which were at Vianen, and the forts thereabouts, went forth with their colours flying the eight and twentieth of Aprill, before day, passing by Amsterdam; where they spoyled and ruined the cloyster of the Chartrons Monkes: then taking their way along the dike of Sparendam, they went to Egmont, where they spoyled the abbey; and passing B through West-Friseland, they imbarked at Medenblyck. The earle of Meghen pursuing them with his Regiment, and approching neere to Amsterdam, terrified the bourgesses, especially the Protestants, who feared least the Catholickes should suffer them to enter; wherefore they were all night in armes: and their feare encreased the more, for that they heard that the lord of Noircarmes aduanced thitherwards with other troupes and artillerie. Meghen not able to ouertake Brederodes men, retyred towards Vtrecht, spoyling the countreymen, vnder colour that they had lodged them as they passed.
There were yet remayning in the towne of Vianen three companies, vnder the Seignior of Vchtenbroec, Nyuelt, and Renesse: on the six and twentieth of Aprill they went forth to skirmish with them of the fort of Vaert; but they were well encountred, and some of them C were taken prisoners; among others, the Seignior of Renesse; who was carried to the castle of Vredenburch in Vtrecht, where afterwards hee was beheaded. Duke Erick of Brunswicke was about Vianen, wasting and spoyling the countrey; wherewith the garrison Vianen abandoned. and bourgesses were so terrified, as vpon the third of May they did abandon it, and fled some here, some there: The duke entred it vpon the fifth of the moneth, his souldiers committing all the insolencies that might be: he caused the gates to be taken downe, and left the place open.
Some gentlemen thinking to retyre by sea out of Holland, to goe to Embden, were by the disloyaltie of their marriner (beeing cast vpon a banke of sand betwixt Harlingen and Staueren) betrayed and deliuered to captaine Muyert of Cont Arenberghs regiment, who caried D them prisoners to the castle of Harlingen; among the which were two brethren, Thierry and Ghisbrecht, barons of Batenbourch, Siurd of Beyma, and Hartman Galama, gentlemen of Friseland, the which were afterwards sent to Brussels by the duchesse commandement.
The 28 of May the Gouernesse seeing her affaires so successefull in the townes of Antuerpe and Amsterdam, caused a most rigorous proclamation to be made, the which chased many Protestants out of the countrey; and the 13 of Iune following she caused an instruction to be made for all the prouinciall courts, containing, how they should proceed against the Protestants. She did also write vnto all the townes, how the magistrats should gouern themselues, to restraine the people from retiring out of the country; and did also make an Edict to that end.
As the persecutions began now to grow more violent against the Protestants, and that there E was no more hope of mercie in the king nor duchesse, and that their only refuge was a retreat and exile out of the countrey. To the end that after ages might not iudge lightly of all that had passed, nor of the beginning of these troubles (whereof so many miseries haue followed) the said Protestants caused a little booke to be printed, in forme of an apologie, to iustifie both the nobility and the people. And whereas their aduersaries had grounded all their accusations of Rebellion & high Treason, vpon the deliuerie of the noblemens petition, the publike preaching, An apologie made by the Protestants. the carrying of armes, and vpon the breaking of Images, they did answere pertinently to euery point, as well by liuely reasons as examples, both out of the holy Scriptures, and prophane hystories, both ancient and moderne. Whereby they concluded, that the nobilitie cannot be iustly taxed for their behauiour and proceeding in the presenting of the F said petition, nor yet the people charged for their assemblies, publicke preaching, bearing of armes, and beating and pulling downe of Images, of any sedition, tumult, mutinie, or rebellion, as their calumniators would then haue vniustly accused them: and that vpon the said accusations, the Inquisition and Counsell of Spaine had concluded [Page 429] so tyrannously and barbarously against them, and by their aduice was so iudged by the king himselfe. A
By these meanes the Regent got the masterie ouer the Netherlands: so that in all the seuenteene Prouinces there was no resistance made against her; and the gentlemen, truly called Gueux (that is, beggers) were with diuers other men of good qualitie and reputation (that had meanes to liue in good sort within their owne countries) forced to be beggers and strangers in forraine nations, being many thousands in number, and yet (during their absence) they neuer left off their manner of Netherlands apparell: which they vsed there, in hope one day to returne home againe. They that stayed in the Netherlands, were imprisoned, hanged, and put to death; others liued in miserable and continuall feare and sorrow; and most of them driuen to pouertie, as in the hystorie ensuing shall be declared. Such are the iudgements of God, and yet iust, good and true. B
THE NINTH BOOKE.
THe duke of Alua arriues in the Netherlands. He creates a Counsell of the troubles, to whom hee giueth absolute power, reducing the Netherlands into a pitifull estate. Hee assureth himselfe of Gand. Cont Horne abused by Cont Egmont, are both prisoners. He buildeth vp the castle of Antuerpe, where he setteth vp his proud statue. The duke of Alua proceedeth by commission to apprehend the prince of Orange, whereunto the prince answeres. Articles set downe by the Inquisition of Spaine to ruine the Netherlands, and confirmed by the king. An enterprise to surprise the duke of Alua. The prince of Oranges first apologie against the dukes citation. Cont Lodowic the princes brother enters with an armie into Friseland. The prince of Oranges petition to the Emperour. Cont Arembergh slaine, and the Spaniards defeated in Friseland by Cont Lodowic. The sonnes of Batenbourg and others executed at Brussels, and soone after the earles of Egmont and Horne. Cont Lodowic besiegeth Groningen, is defeated, and saues himselfe. The prince of Oranges armie to come into the Netherlands. The duke of Alua meaning to hinder him, encampes by Maestricht. The princes armie is dispersed, without doing any thing. The duke of Aluaes generall pardon. He brags to haue conquered the Netherlands, and prints a booke of it. The collection of the tenth peny, where Brussels opposeth, and in the meane time the Isle of Briel is surprised, whence grew the second troubles in the Netherlands. Mons in Henault surprised by Cont Lodowic. The prince of Oranges second armie. Cruell warres betwixt the Protestants of Holland and Zeeland, and the Spaniards. Genlis defeated, comming to succour Mons. The prince and the duke of Alua front one another with their armies, neere vnto Mons, and do nothing. The prince hauing dismissed his armie, comes into Holland, being called by the States of the country. Mons yeelded to the duke of Alua. He makes cruell warres throughout all the Netherlands. He sackes Macklyn, Zutphen, Naerden, and other townes. He besiegeth Harlem, which in the end yeeldeth to the mercie of the barbarous Spaniard. The Zeelanders make sharpe warre at sea against the Spaniard. Middlebourg besieged. The baron of Batenbourg defeated and slaine. The duke besiegeth Alcmar: The Spaniard forced to leaue the siege with shame. Ramekin besieged and yeelded to the prince of Orange. Gertruydenberg surprised by the prince. The duke of Alua seeketh to be reuenged of the West-Frisons. His armie at sea is defeated. Cont Bossu his Admirall taken prisoner. The duke seeking to vanquish by temporising, besiegeth Leyden. The prince comes into Zeeland. Cruell warre against the Spaniard. The duke seeing his vnfortunate successe, laboureth to be called home, and retyreth with Dom Frederic his sonne.
THe king of Spaine fearing least the Protestants Religion in the Netherlands should encrease too much, imagining, that the duchesse of Parma, his bastard sister, gouernesse of the said coūtries, was not rigorous inough to persecute them (although by her dissembling and cunning practises they were in a manner all subdued) and so the Inquisition of Spaine, yea, the Romish Religion should not only proue contemptible, but also come to ruine, as in Germanie, England, Scotland, and elsewhere: for the preuenting whereof, and that the reformed Religion should take no deeper footing (meaning to proceed by fire and sword, according to the proiect which was laied at the enterview of Bayon, hauing no respect to the priuiledges of the countrey, so solemnely sworne by him at his ioyous entrie, which admit no strange gouernour, of which oath he had procured a dispensation from the Pope) he sent for Gouernour of those countries, Dom Ferdinando Aluares of The duke of Alua sent Gouernour into the Netherlands. Toledo, duke of Alua, knight of the Order, a Spaniard, and a mortall enemie to the nobilitie of those countries, whereof he made him his lieutenant, gouernour, and captaine generall; [Page 432] giuing him for marshall of his armie, Chiapin Vitelli, a gentleman of Rome, and Gabriel Serbellon, A was master of his artillerie.
For this cause, as if it had beene for some holy warre, by means of the Inquisition, and spiritualtie of Spaine, a great summe of money was giuen vnto the king: and presently letters were dispatched and sent vnto the gouernours of Naples, Sicilia, Sardinia, and Millaine, to commaund them to send their old garrisons of souldiers into Lumbardie, that they might be ready to march with the duke of Alua into the Netherlands: which duke (accompanied with diuers noblemen and gentlemen of Spaine, and o [...]her Spanish souldiers, as also with his two sonnes, Dom Frederico, and Dom Ferdinando de Toledo) tooke shipping at Barcelona, and with his gallies arriued at Genua vpon the 17 of May, where he fell sicke of a tertian feauer, and a plurisie. From thence he went to Alexandria de la Paillia, where Dom Gabriel della Cneua, duke B of Alburquerke, gouernor of Millain, met him, and there he tooke order, that all the souldiers should ass [...]mble together in Piemont, at a place called S. Ambrose, lying in the Alpes between Germanie, France, and Italy, which is called the Rethees. The number of souldiers that were mustered there to goe into the Netherlands, were first the regiment of Naples, or the third part of all the garrisons there, being 19 companies of Spaniards, in all 3230 men, their colonel being Alonzo de Vlloa; the regiment of Sicilia, being 10 companies, in all 1520 men, conducted by Iulian Romero, an old souldier, well knowne in the Low countries, as also in England; the regiment of Lumbardie, of 10 companies, in all 2200 men, their colonell Dom Zauzio de Londogue; the regiment of Sardinia, being 10 companies, whereof foure were new souldiers, by them called Bisoignos, which came out of Spaine with the duke, were 1728 men, their C colonel being Dom Gonsale de Braccamonte: their number all together making 8678 men, besides their boyes, which were many, as also diuers voluntarie souldiers. The duke tooke order, that euery companie of souldiers should haue 15 musketiers, all Spaniards, which as then were more vsed than euer they had beene before. Their horsemen were fiue companies of light horse, all Spaniards, each 100 apeece, three companies of Italians, and two of Albanois, a kind of people dwelling in Naples, which came out of Albania in Grecia, driuen from thence by the Turke, and as yet speake the Greekish Tongue. With these there were two companies of Spanish petronels on horsebacke, altogether 12 companies, making 1200 horse. This muster was taken the second of Iune 1567, and to these, being in Burgundie, there ioyned foure companies more, which made 400 horse. D
This muster thus made at S. Ambrose vpon the third of Iune, were diuided into three battailes, that they might be the better prouided of victuals, order being taken, that where the auantguard lodged and departed in the morning, there the maine battaile should lodge at night, & that being gone from thence, the rereward came thither: after them followed a great number of wiues, whor [...]s and boyes being by good order diuided into seuerall parts, as into the gentlewomen and captaines whores, the rich whores, and the souldiers poore wiues and whores, with good and conuenient discipline amongst them, for the which the duke was much commended.
While the kings army marched along, the king of Fraunce assembled a great number of souldiers in France, and 6000 Switzers, to withstand the danger that might fall out. The like E did the Switzers and those of Geneua, standing vpon their guards. The chiefe commaunder of the army vnder the duke of Alua, was Chiapin Vitelli, marquesse de Cetone, the master of the Ordnance Gabriel Serbellon, the enginour to deuise castles and forts, captaine Pachiotto, and others. The duke being in Sauoy, stayed there vntill the beginning of Iuly, by meanes of letters sent by the Regent, the duchesse of Parma, out of the Netherlands, vnto the king, being as then sorry, that shee had made so great complaint of the nobilitie and people thereof, and for that cause wrote vnto the king, to certifie him, that all was done and pacified in the Netherlands, the off [...]ndors partly punished, partly imprisoned, and the rest driuen away, and banished out of the countrey, and most of the townes planted with garrisons, and that it was to be feared, that the customes and manners of the Spaniards in F the Netherlands, would cause new vprores, for that vpon her promise vnto them, that they should not come into the Netherlands, the inhabitants (both noblemen, gentlemen, and commons) had behaued themselues so well, that all was brought to good effect.
[Page 433] These and the like persuasions were by her vsed, to cause the king, to call the duke of Alua A backe againe, and it was verely thought by many men, that without doubt, vnlesse the Regent had made such promises vnto the lords, gentlemen, and townes, the matter should not haue beene so well ended as it was; and that there was meanes ynough to bee vsed, to impeach and hinder the entrance of the Spaniards into the Netherlands, euery man thinking and persuading himselfe, that the king would not suffer another to reape the honour and reward of his sisters great labours and dangers, and that her highnesse should not suffer so great an impeachment and imbasing of her honour and authoritie. But the king would not hearken thereunto, but for that cause the duke once againe receiued commission, to proceed and goe forward, thereby confirmining the opinion, which till then men would not be persuaded vnto, that the occasion giuen by the Netherlands should bee layed hold B on, that so the said countries might be in a manner newly woon and conquered, and in that sort holden and gouerned after the kings pleasure, when it appeared, that they were not content with the punishment alreadie past, and that which as then was yet to be done in the said Netherlands.
Thus the duke passed forward, and marched within seuen myles of Geneua, which was likewise in feare to be assayled by him: but for that they were so well prouided of souldiers, and had the Switzers to friend, he let them alone. From thence he passed through Burgundie and Lorraine, and entred into Lutzenbourg, where the earles of Lodron, Ouerstein, and Schouwenbourg met him with their regiments of Dutch souldiers of footmen, and some horsemen. There likewise came vnto him twelue thousand Ruyters, that had long beene C in a readinesse, whereof he tooke some. Being at Lutzenbourg, the Regent, the duchesse of Parma, sent vnto him the barons of Barlamont and Noircarmes, to see his charge, commission, and letters patents, which he partly shewed: and there the earle of Egmont and some other noblemen, to shew their dutifulnesse, went forth to receiue him, and to bid him welcome. The duke seeing the earle come, sayd vnto them that were about him, so loud as euery man might heare him: Behold that great Lutheran: The which the earle himselfe might very well vnderstand, but hee dissembled it, and presented him with two goodly horses of great price, whereof the duke made no great esteeme, entertaining the earle and the rest but coldly, carrying a sad countenance, and more than a royall grauitie: Which should haue made the noblemen, especially the earle of Egmont, to bethinke themselues, D if hee had not beene blinded with the kings goodly promises, and the duchesses entertainement; when as neyther remorse of his conscience, nor the good aduertisements which were giuen him dayly (especially that of the prince of Orange, when he tooke his leaue of him) nor some sinister presages which happened before, and haue since beene exactly noted, among others, by a fall which he had vnder his horse, which brused his shoulder, before the Mynt at Antuerpe (which grew through two great mastiues (the which they interpreted to be the duke of Alua and his sonne) which playing together, came betwixt his horses legges, and made him fall, could euer make him ballance the measure of that which was seruice and merit, with the counterpoise of that which the Spaniards held not onely for a disseruice or demerite, but also for a great crime, yea, for high Treason. And although E that since his abandoning of the other princes and noblemen, at their last assembly in Deuremonde, he had seene himselfe disdainefully looked on, by his enemies of the Spanish faction, the which slaundered the proceedings of the noblemen; nor that he had not had any good countenance of the duchesse and her minions, of whom he had wont to be so much feared, honoured, and respected, and that hee knew well, that his authoritie and credit was decayed since the retreat of the prince of Orange and his brethren, of the earle of Hoochstraten, the lord of Brederode, and so many others. And that if after the taking of Valenciennes (at which siege he had neyther credite nor commaund) hee had well considered of his affaires, there had beene yet time ynough to preuent the miserie which threatened him, if hee had reuiued the vnion, and called backe the noblemen F (which the duchesse, the president Vigilius, and the cardinall Granuelle feared exceedingly, for that Egmont's forsaking of them had beene the onely cause of their victorie and triumph ouer the nobles and the people) that with their common forces they might haue repulsed the duke of Alua at his first entry: the which had bin easie to effect, for that they should [Page 434] haue beene seconded from all parts; besides, Egmont was generall of all the foot in the Netherlands, A gouernour of Flanders and Arthois, hauing more credit with the souldiers than all the rest, neyther could they haue wanted succours from Germanie, or the Protestants of Fraunce. Yet whether the fatall destinies (which I know to bee no other but the prouidence of God) did thrust him on by a blind and brutish stupiditie to his owne perdition, and the totall [...]uine and desolation of his house; or that God (the punisher of our offences) being iustly incensed against these prouinces, for their disordered libertie, being giuen to all vices, voluptuousnesse, and wickednesse, after that they had once begun to tast the fruits of peace, which he had giuen them, after such long and bloudie warres against the French; or that Egmont had not yeelded the onely honour vnto God of those two goodly victories of S. Quintines and Grauelingues, hauing often braued it more than was fit, to the contempt and disgrace of them that lost them, not acknowledging, that it was God B onely that gaue him power to win those victories, and that men are but his instruments: they could neuer persuade him to thinke otherwise of his affaires, eyther by a retreat (as the prince and others had done) or by opposing himselfe, and redressing the vnion, to encounter and repulse the duke. Neither could he euer discouer any thing, vntill that he was taken in the toyle, as we will presently shew.
The duke of Alua being arriued at Brussels the eight and twentieth of August, was honourably receiued of the Regent, which informed him of all thinges at large, and shewed him by what meanes and how (according vnto her opinion) hee should pacifie the countrey, and bring the prince of Orange, and other noblemen and gentlemen that were sted, C to become well deuoted, willing, and readie to doe the king seruice: and that (if there were but a meane vsed therein, there should be no cause to feare, but that all things would bee peaceably and quietly ended. But the duke (supposing and presuming, that the most part of the troubles in the Netherlands were procured and continued by the sayd Regents lenitie and slackenesse) thought to rule the matter in other sort, and at that time shewed his commission vnto the Regent and the States (but not altogether) for his was greater, and extended further than that of the Regents, as hauing authoritie to place and displace all gouernours of prouinces and townes, and all other officers, beeing made captaine generall of the kings forts, holds, and souldiers, hauing full power and authoritie ouer the counsels of estate, and the Treasurers. He caused as much of his commission as hee D thought good, to be put in print, that euery man might know it, and yet he had a further and more absolute commission, to giue iudgement and take order in all causes of crimes and rebellion, to punish and pardon all offences, and to recompence and reward men for their good seruices; as it appeared by a particular instruction made and giuen vnto him by the king himselfe, bearing date in Madril the last of Ianuarie 1566. Which when the Regent saw, and perceiued that the duke tooke all authoritie vpon himselfe, and that he made shew to take an other course suffering her to keepe the court, but without traine, and that hee lodged in the house of Culenburgh, and had all the company following him, she thought that she had nothing to do there, and for that cause sent vnto the king, to craue leaue to depart from thence, that she might go into Italie to the duke of Parma her husband. E
The duke being in the gouernment, he caused all his souldiers to lodge round about him in the neerest townes; as the regiment of Naples in Brussels, all Spaniards; the regiment of The begin [...] [...] the [...] of Alua's [...] [...]ment [...] [...]nous. the earle of Lodron in Antuerpe, discharging many of the Wallons, whom he mistrusted. He tooke the keyes of the gates from the townes-men, whereof they of Gand, by a request presented vnto him by the earle of Egmont, made complaint, which put the duke in a great rage, and said, That he would doe what he thought best to be done for the kings seruice, and not otherwise. And presently as soone as he saw himselfe established in the gouernment, in steed of moderating the proclamation, and other things requested and sought by the lords and gentlemen of the Netherlands, he ratified, confirmed, and ordained the old proclamation and the Inquisition to be [...]d and executed in the same, and in steed of assembling the generall states, The [...] or [...] of the [...]bles. F hee appointed [...] of twelue men, that had full power to deale in all things, that in any sort touched o [...] concerned the aforesaid troubles, and to take order therein, which was called the bloudy counsell▪ and in French the counsell of troubles. This counsel consisted of Netherlanders, mixed with strāgers, as the barons de Barlamont, & Noircarmes, the presidēts of Flāders [Page 435] and Artois, but the chiefe and principallest of them were the Licentiat Iohn Vergas, doctor A Bois del Rio, the Fiscale of Burgundy, Iohn de la Porta aduocat Fiscale, the counsellor Iacob Hessel, the counsellor Belin Brese, aduocate Fiscale of Mechlin, and du Bois, attourney generall, wherof the duke himselfe was president, but in his absence Vergas sat as president in his place: of whom it is reported, That for rauishing an orphane child committed to his custody, he was banished out of Spaine; a man aboue all others most sterne and cruell, seeking nothing but riches and bloud: But the Spaniards said, That the cankered wounds of the Netherlands had need of so sharpe a knife (as Vergas was) to cut away their dead flesh. The secretaries were Vlierden, la Torre, Prae [...]s and Mesdagh. The first two or three moneths the duke and the lords assembled and sat in counsell euery forenoone and afternoone, all being directed by the duke himselfe, whose meaning was, that the opinion of the counsell should be but consultiue, as B counsell giuers, and not absolute, as giuing iudgement in any cause and so intended to haue all things depend vpon him alone, and they to stand to the iudgement that hee should giue. For which cause, the said counsell, for that many of them could not endure the crueltie therin propounded, sought meanes to be discharged thereof: others being ashamed, stayed at home: whereby the said counsell, being twelue, was oftentimes but fiue, foure, and sometimes but three persons, as it appeareth by diuers iudgements and sentences of life and death, giuen out by them, and particularly by that of Anthonie van Stralen, which was signed onely by the aforesayd president Vergas, doctor Boys del [...]io, and Secretarie de la Torre.
And by this counsell, and by the duke himselfe, all power and authoritie was taken from The tyrannie of the duke of Alua and his bloudy coūsell C the prouinciall counsels of the land, and the inhabitants robbed and dispoyled of all their ordinances, iurisdictions, appeales, and resorts, cleane contrarie to the priuiledges of the land, with an expresse prohibition sent forth vnto all iudges and officers, not to take any knowledge of any thing touching the last vprores, yea, and the counsels themselues, both high and low, were forced to stand to the iudgement of the said counsell, which had commaund ouerall noble and vnnoble, spirituall and temporall: so that the dukes will was an absolute law, without suffering or allowing any appeale, reformation, or reuiewing of their sentence, once giuen and pronounced by the duke, hauing full and soueraigne authoritie from the king, not tied nor limitted to any instructions, but inuested with liberty, fully and freely to giue sentence in any thing, without deniall or gainesaying. This counsell likewise sought to haue all the customes, D old priuiledges, and laws of the Netherlands brought to be perused by them that they might reforme and amend them, according to their wils and pleasures: but perceiuing the matter to be of so great consequence, they durst not deale therewith. Besides that, they sought to haue all the charters that belonged vnto his Maiesty and the lords of the Netherlands, giuen to euery particular prouince: which had beene done, but that certaine old counsellors tooke courage vpon them, and aduentured to shew the duke the danger and great hinderance that thereby was to be expected, and might fall out; for that the secrets both of the king and the Netherlands should so be opened and made knowne, whereby great inconuenience might arise betweene the neighbour potentates, and others, if they should bee broken or altered. And to conclude, they left nothing vntouched, but brought it all to their arbitrement and E perusing (being most strangers, borne out of the Netherlands) all tending to this end▪ That at the last they might haue meanes to dominiere ouer all mens riches and treasures, to make the king rich, seeking to cause the Netherlands to yeeld him more yerely reuenue than his Indies; in the end proceeding to that point, besides all the confiscations, to demand taxes and tallages, not only for a time, but to continue for euer, as the hundreth and the twentieth penny of all moueable and immoueable goods, and the tenth penny of all marchandize bought and sold, as hereafter when time serues it shalbe shewed.
By meanes of this bloudie counsell, the authoritie of the counsell of estate was likewise wholly diminished and put downe, which had scarce a place permitted them in the court All authoritie taken from the generall states by the bloudy coūsell to assemble together: but sometimes the sayd counsell of estate were sent for into the F dukes chamber, vnto whom He communicated as much as hee thought good and conuenient to shew them, without any forme of holding a counsell, after their auncient manner. But after that, when the duke de Medinace [...] came into the Netherlands, they began againe to assemble in their accustomed chamber, and to consult together: So that [Page 436] during this new manner of counsell, the ordinances of the counsell of estate were not once A vsed, but commaundement giuen, That all men should hold and account the duke to bee absolute ruler, and all men dispenced withall, not to hold nor obserue any ordinance no [...] instruction made by any others, than by him, and that all should be referred to his discretion: which caused a great disliking in the people towards the king, and hatred vnto the duke.
Hauing layed this foundation, he began to imprison all sorts of people, by reason of the troubles past, much more than the Gouernesse had done, causing them to be executed with all sorts of torments and punishments, according to the tenour of the Edicts. The which many seeing, being terrified with such cruelties, they retyred out of the countrey, chusing a voluntarie exile: the which hee caused to bee called by proclamation, and if they did not B appeare to answere to their accusations, and to iustifie themselues, hee did generally confiscate all their goods; although at his first comming he caused it to be bruited abroad, That the king would send a generall pardon for all that had passed during the troubles, to the preiudice of his Maiestie and the Romish Religion: but that was but a bait to stay them, that had a mind to retyre.
The counsell of the troubles being once established, it was not long idle, but began to proceed presently by apprehensions, executions, confiscations, and banishment of persons, The pitifull estate of the Netherlands. the which were neuer conuicted, no not accused, nor once suspected for the troubles or Religion: he caused the children to be rebaptized, which had beene baptized at the preaching, and remarried them at the Romish church, which had beene ioyned together by the Ministers, C but not without abiuration, and great penalties, both corporall and pecuniarie. Such as vpon this vaine hope of pardon and generall abolition, returned to their houses, were apprehended and executed by fire, by water, by gibbets, by ditches, by the sword, & by diuers other kinds of deaths and torments. To conclude, there was nothing to be seene throughout all the Netherlands but gibbets, wheeles, stakes, and pitifull spectacles, accompanied with the teares and lamentations of poore widowes and orphanes; who being depriued of their fathers and husbands, after the confiscation of all their goods, were chased away at all aduentures, the widowes in despaire, the sonnes to keepe in the woods, and to rob, and the daughters to become strumpets, and to lead a miserable life.
This counsell of the troubles made a proclamation in the kings name, That all that pretended D any right or interest to the goods of such as had beene executed or banished, should come in and demaund them within halfe a yeare, by petition or libell conuentionall, or else to loose the benefit of their right, forbidding all debtors to pay any thing either to prisoners, to such as were absent and fled, or to their widowes and children, vpon paine to pay it twice: And that all should be answerable to the said counsell, whereof no Iudges of the countrey might take knowledge in that respect: the sayd counsell hauing their Commissioners and Receiuers in euery quarter of the countrey, to keepe a Register of the goods that were confiscated and seized by their decrees, and to receiue them, hauing also erected a chamber of confiscations. At that time there was borne in Brabant a child with two heads, foure armes, foure legs but with one onely belly and one nauell. E
The duke of Alua for his greater assurance, in the beginning of September, tooke away the keyes from the magistrate of the towne of Gand, putting the towne in guard to Colonel Alphonso, a Spaniard. The Gantois complayned to the earle of Egmont, gouernour The duke assu [...]es himselfe of Gand. of Flaunders, who acquainted the duke therewith, and hee made him no other answere, but what had beene done, was for his Maiesties seruice.
The generall Estates of the Netherlands being assembled the foureteenth of September, in the towne of Brussels, at the earle of Culenbourgs place (where the yeare before the banquet of the confederate noblemen was made, at the deliuerie of their petition) to see the dukes authoritie and commission, he sent for the earles of Egmont and Home to come to court, to conferre with them of some matters concerning his Maiesties seruice, F for the making of some newe forts which hee had designed, for the preseruation of the countrey. The earle of Horne went not willingly; but vpon that, that the earle of Egmont had sent him word, That he should not feare to come, assuring him, that he should haue no worse vsage than himselfe, he went.
[Page 437] These two noblemen being come to court the nineteenth of the moneth, they caused them to retire into a chamber apart, saying that the duke would come speake with them; whither Don The earls of Egmont and Horne prisoners. A Frederic of Toledo, and many Spaniards entred armed, and they were commaunded to deliuer their swords, and to yeeld themselues prisoners in the kings name: and notwithstanding all their protestations, that they were not bound to yeeld them vnto any one but to the king himselfe, yet they were taken from them, and they giuen in guard to captaine Iulian Romero. Afterwards the duke sent them both prisoners with a guard of three thousand horse and foot, to the castle of Gand. Cont Charles of Mansfield was then also in court, when as these two noblemen were committed prisoners, but his father sent to aduise him to retire, fearing least the like should happen vnto him, for that hee had been one of them that had signed the petition of the noblemen. B
At the verie same time Anthony of Stralen, bourgmaster of Antuerpe, was taken prisoner by the earle of Lodron, who presently caused all his goods to be seised, inuentaried and sealed vp. The like was done to Iohn of Casenbroot, seigniour of Backerseel, chiefe counsellor to the earle of Egmont, by the prouost of Spelle, and put in prison at the port of Couwenbergh at Brussels, but his secretarie found meanes to saue him.
The duke of Alua commaunded the earle of Egmont, beeing prisoner, to write vnto him that was his lieutenant, and gouernour of the castle of Gand, That vpon the sight of the letter he should go forth with his garrison and mortpaies, and suffer captaine Salnias to enter with his Spaniards, the which was done. So many imprisonments of great and small (the brute whereof did flie sodainly ouer all the Netherlands) executions and cruelties, made many (although C they were not guiltie of any crime) to reti [...]e into England, Germany, the East countries, and other places, where they thought good, abandoning their houses and countrey, to liue with the libertie of their consciences▪ free from the feare of tyrans. As after all these exploits and imprisonments the duke of Alua was vpon the way going from Brussels to Antuerpe, passing by Mackin, fire fell into the tower where the gun powder lay, the which did very much harme, both within and without the towne; for the violence thereof was so great, as Louvaine beeing foure leagues off, did all shake, and yet the duke was nothing mooued thereat.
The 24 of December he laid the first foundation of the proudest citadell in Europe, in the towne of Antuerpe, on the side of the suburbe called Kyel, along the riuer, which was the designe The castle of Antuerp built. and inuention of his enginour Pachiotto a Sauoyard, compassed in with fiue mightie bulwarkes, D and euerie one defended by a caualier or mount, to the which he gaue names drawne from himselfe and his familie: for the first was called the Dukes bulwarke, the second Toledo, the third Ferdinando, the fourth Toledano, and the fifth by his enginours name Pachiotto: wherein he entertained two thousand workemen, as well masons as ditchers, vntill it was finished, with the counterscarps and parapets, all being laid with free stone and bricke: For the building of which citadell the duke obtained of the great counsell of Antuerpe the summe of foure hundred thousand Florins, and more, the which was raysed vpon a certaine imposition of the hundreth peny, of the two twentieths, and of two tenthes, of all possessions and immouable goods within the territorie and iurisdiction of the towne of Antuerpe. This citadell being finished, the duke of Alua caused to be set vp in the middest of the place of arms, his image E cast into brasse, treading with his foot vpon certaine men, as representing the nobles and states The duke of Aluaes proud image. of the countrey, verie curiously wrought by one Iames Iongelinck an excellent Statuarie: at the foot whereof was grauen Ferdinando Aluares de Toledo, Albae Duci, Philippi secundi Hispan. Regis apud Belgas praefecto, quod extincta seditione, rebellibus pulsis, Religione procurata, Iustitia culta, Prouincias pace firmauit, Regis optimi fidelissimo Ministro positum. And lower was grauen, Iongelingi opus ex are captiuo. For that this image had beene cast of the mettall of certaine artilerie which had beene woon from his enemies.
This proud peece of worke was not set vp vntill the yeare 1571: and afterwards as too prophane) it was taken downe by the great commaunder of Castile, Gouernour of the said countries F after the duke of Alua as we shall set downe more at large hereafter.
After the duke of Alua had so well setled his affaires, as he thought there was no enemie to be feared within the countrey, and therefore had no need of so great forces, hee sent by the commandement of the king his master, to succour them of the house of Guise in Fraunce, [Page 438] against the princes and Protestants of the realme, the earle of Arembergh with twelue hundred A launces, and two thousand foot, among the which there were many gentlemen which had signed the petition of the nobles in the yeare 1566, that went at their owne charge.
The duke of Alua thinking that he had now surmounted all difficulties, beeing not content with the fleece of such as were retired out of the countrey, but he would haue the skin withal, yea and all the flesh: he caused Iulian Romero to seize vpon the earle of Buren, eldest sonne to the prince of Orange, being at schoole in the Vniuersitie of Louvaine, against the priuiledges of the du [...] hie of Brabant, and of the said Vniuersitie, notwithstanding the protestations of the rector, and of doctor E [...]bert Leom a lawyer, schoole-master to the said earle, who was carried from thence into Spaine, and there kept p [...]soner vnto the yere 1595, that the king sent him into the Netherlands, with cardinall Albert of Austria. B
After that this yong earle had beene thus carried away, the duke of Alua required by the Atturney generall of the great counsell, that the prince of Orange, and cont Lodwic his brother the earles of Hoochstraten, Vander Berge, Culembourch, the lord of Brederode, and others▪ should be called to answere personally to such things as should be propounded on his Maiesties behalfe, touching the troubles, by vertue of a commission granted in that respect, touching the prince of Orange, whereof the copie followes.
‘Philip by the grace of God king of Castile, &c. To our first vsher or sergeant at armes hereupon required, greeting. Wee haue beene giuen to vnderstand by our louing and faithfull 1568 A commission to apprehend the prince of Orange. counsellour and atturney generall, how that [...]illiam of Nassau prince of Orange, who had receiued from the deceas [...]d emperour Charles the fifth, our lord and father, of famous memorie, C and from vs at our comming to these estates, many honours and fauours, as to haue been chosen a brother of our order, named and appointed a counsellor of our counsell of state, and aduanced to many goodly estates, gouernments, and offices, that is to say, to the gouernments of Bourgoigne, Holland, Zeeland, and Vtrecht, together with an ordinarie companie of our men at armes, besides many other notable rewards; whereby hee might see the great confidence and estimation we haue alwayes had of him. Yet the said prince, hauing had small regard vnto his honour, and to the othe of fidelitie and loyaltie which hee hath sworne vnto vs, as to his Soueraigne Prince; and by reason of the said estates and offices, hath made himselfe the head, author, aduancer, fauourer, and receiuer of rebels, conspirators, seditious practisers, and disturbers of the publike good and quiet: As also pr [...]sently after our departure from these countries D towards our realmes of Spaine, his designe with some others, was to vsurpe the whole administration and gouernment of these countries; and to that end had many pernitious practises, hauing forgotten himselfe so much, as to take armes against vs, and to exclude vs out of those countries, from the which hee had not desisted, but for want of meanes: doing all offices vnder hand with our subiects, to diuert them from the affection and fealtie which they haue alwaies shewed to vs and our predecessours: yea which is much more detestable and abhominable, vnder the colour and cloake of religion, and by false persuasions, that our intention was (the which was neuer) to bring in the Inquisition of Spaine into those our countries: so as by his seductions and false impressions, many of our said subiects, haue risen & rebelled against vs. And namely, that the said prince had fi [...]st sedu [...]ed, corrupted, and incited a great part E of the nobilitie, so as they haue made leagues and conspiracies, and sworne by the same to defend and fortifie themselues against vs, and our ordinances, the which haue beene alwaies kept and obserued in the said countrey: the assemblies being made to that end in his owne house, as well at Breda, as in this our towne of Brussels. And that since hee had receiued the said rebels into his protection and safeguard, with promise of all assistance, who also haue gone arm [...]d to field against vs in diuers places. And that the said prince had counselled and assisted the lord of Brederode, chiefe of the said rebels, to fortifie the towne of Vianen against vs, hauing suffered him to inroll souldiers in our towne of Antuerpe, in the view of all the world, against our expresse lawes, then newly made and published▪ imbarking them for the towne of Vianen, with all munition of warre: furnishing also the said Brederode with some peeces of F ordnance. Besides the said prince had forbidden any of our townes and forts to receiue any gar [...]ison in our name; and among others in our countrey of Zeeland whither he had sent men exp [...]esly to surprise it, and thereby to stop vp our passage by sea. And the said prince being sent vnto our towne of Antuerpe, to pacifie the troubles and popular tumults, had of his [Page 439] owne priuat authoritie, and beyond the charge giuen him in that towne, suffered and allowed the free exercise of al sects indifferently, giuing them leaue to build many temples and consistories A for the sectaries, whereof haue followed the dangers and inconueniences that euerie man-knowes. Suffering leuies, taxations, and collections of money to be made, which should be afterwards imployed in the entertainment of the said souldiers. Doing moreouer many other acts, which our said Atturney will declare more at large in time and place, all tending to his designe, thereby to vsurpe vpon our said countries: the which is not tollerable, but deserues punishment and exemplarie iustice, requiring that it would please vs to grant him a commission for the apprehending and taking of the said prince of Orange. All which things considered (at the request of our said counsellor and atturney generall) wee giue you commission and authoritie, that with such aid and assistance as you shall thinke fit, you shall take B and apprehend the bodie of the said prince of Orange, in what part soeuer you shall find him in these our countries, and shall bring and conduct him vnder a good guard, to our towne of Brussels, to bee iustified before our well beloued cousin the Duke of Alua, Knight of our order, Gouernour and Captaine generall for vs in these our countries, &c. appointed by vs especially to that end, and to receiue such punishment for the said crimes and conspiracies, as shall be thought fit and conuenient. And if you cannot apprehend him, you may adiourne him. Giuen at Brussels the 18 of Ianuarie 1568.’
This commission was proclaimed by a sergeant and six trompets, and the relation of the adiournement was set vp in the court at Brussels: whereunto the prince of Orange, after that hee had beene aduertised, answered the atturney generall by his letters, as followeth. C
‘Master Atturney, I haue receiued the copie of an adiournement the which you haue caused The prince of Oranges answer to the commission. to be executed by a publike proclamation, finding my selfe grieued with the accusations contained therein, as a noble man of my qualitie ought to doe, desiring nothing so much (as I hope I shall make it appeare) than to haue meanes to contest and answere for my selfe: hauing no intent to leaue an impression in the hearts of the ignorant, that I haue not discharged mine honour, and the duetie which I owe vnto the king, and that I haue acquited my selfe ill and vndutifully of those charges, estates, and offices, wherewith it hath pleased his Maiestie heretofore to grace mee▪ but rather I hope by the discourse and relation of my defences, to shew, that the good, long, and loyall seruices, expence and losses which I haue incurred by reason thereof, shall much exceed my bonds and rewards: Hauing therefore cause to desire D no lesse, that they should enter into this calculation, than hee that attends a reliefe in his affaires, by the conclusion and end of his account. But as that which wee desire most is oftentimes the last put in execution (proceeding duely and orderly as it is fit:) For as the Physian or Surgeon doth not seeke to heale and close vs a wound, before he hath searched the bottome, and disposed the humor: neither doth the Architect build a house, before he hath laid a good foundation. I am by the qualitie of your adiournement forced to deferre the allegation and explication of my said defences, vntill that your accusation may bee made before a competent judge, and not suspect, and in whom there may bee hope that there shall bee such regard had to that which shall bee propounded, as shall bee fit: and that they will proceed to absolution, or condemnation, according to the [...]xigence and merit of the cause: And in the meane time I must comfort my selfe with the examples (whereof the hystories are full) of E such as hauing with the hazard of their liues, & expence of their goods, preserued and amplified the estates, countries, and reuenewes of thei [...] princes and lords, haue not onely beene infamously adiourned, and proclaimed, but in stead of reward, haue receiued corporall and exemplarie punishment, haue beene chased away, banished, slaine and executed, seeing the fruits and recompences of their seruice attributed to them that least deserued it. I find it no lesse strange in our times, seeing that the most innocent may not onely be brought into suspi [...]on, but also made odious and abhominable, causing him by some suborned people to bee reputed and accused for an heretike: For this point beeing gained, hee shall not onely find himselfe frustrat of all his good deeds, seruices, and merits, but beeing depriued of all good presumptions, hee shall remaine suspected and accusable of rebellion and sedition, and in generall F of all kinds of crimes and offences, that are comprehended vnder the title of high treason.’
[Page 440] ‘And the pretended accusation of heresie being at this time odious, and in a maner necessarie A for the punishing therof (without incurring the indignation and diuersion of the hearts which we will keepe in obedience) to couer it with the cloake of the said crimes of treason, whereof the accused pretends in vaine to purge and discharge himselfe before him to whom hee sees himselfe to be suspect of heresie: for those being not the finall causes for the which he is pursued, taken, arrested, and accused, although he make good proofe of his innocencie, yet can hee not hope to be absolued, and set free, but either he must vnder the colour of the said crimes be condemned, or els his innocencie beeing too apparent, hee must by their delayes and tedious proceeding, attend a perpetuall and miserable detention. The which might suffice to excuse my not appearing before the Duke of Alua, Gouernour and Captaine generall of the Nelands; were it not that for many reasons, your suing for a commission to apprehend and adiourne, B were not void in law, and such a one as I am not bound to obey: for besides that your sergeant hath made no signification, summation, or insinuation of his exploit to mee, who after aduertisement giuen to the Duchesse of Parma, then regent, by reason of my vrgent affaires, was retired into this my countie of Nassau, as also I had signified vnto his Maiesty long since, that it was my intention so to doe, and not to flie or hide my head, as your commission conteines: The times of delay, and the dayes of appearance are so short, as it is impossible to bee aduertised of the publication made at Brussels, and to appeare there within that time, and much lesse in some more remote parts, whither the duke of Alua might in the meane time transport himselfe: for euerie terme and delay hauing his effect, it is manifest what respect shall bee had to euerie one of them, and not to all three delayes ioyned together. And to C prefixe so many termes of fifteene dayes, in such a distance as is betwixt this and Brussels, is no other thing, but to make proclamations, adiornments, and citations, the which it is impossible to obey: and heaping the said delayes, and taking the three for one, it will appeare that in a case of so great importance, and against one of my qualitie, they pretend to proceed by one citation onely, against all order of iustice: Seeing that in the like case, according vnto law, they proceed summarily, obseruing the accustomed order, which is, after three distinct citatious obtained, at the least aft [...]r ten dayes respite to either of them, they cite him peremptorily; and that the judge beeing duely informed of the places, whereas the absent (whom they will adiourne) remaines, giue delayes according to the distance of the places: the which not beeing done by your adiournement, it must necessarily follow that it D is void and of no force. The which nullitie is comprehended in all iudiciall acts, vnduely and incompetently done: and the rather, for that your pretended citation & adiornment can haue no place in effect; as being made vnto him that is without the kings territories and iurisdiction, in the limits of the empire, and beeing a member and a state of the empire, from whom by right you should require them that are retired thither, not beeing sufferable to call them out by a citation made without the empire, by a pretended publication: the which hath beene heretofore so regarded, as for this reason chiefly, the sentence giuen by the emperour Henry against Robert king of Sicilie, was declared void, and of no force, together that the said emperour was accompanied with a mightie armie, suspected vnto king Robert, as at this present the duke of Alua is with a Spanish armie, carrying vs the affection, which euerie man knowes. The which may suffice to discouer the nullitie of your citation and adiournement, E seeing that the Duke, a more incompetent judge in my triall, than the said emperour was in regard of Robert king of Sicilie; for as much as the Knights of the Order, according to the acts and constitutions of the said Order, cannot bee adiourned, but before the chiefe of the Knights of the Order and their brethren, for any fact (how fowle soeuer) that they shall commit: Neither can they proceed to the apprehension, seizure, nor detention of the said Knights of the Order, before it bee first decreed by the aduice of his companions and brethren: and in that case they must be presently put into the guard of the colledge and companie of the said Order, and not rigorously intreated, as they haue done our cousins and brethren, the earles of Egmont and Horne, whome they haue imprisoned: F the which doth also confirme the nullitie of your impetration, yea euen the rigorous clause of corporall apprehension there inserted. For man being by nature mooued to preserue himselfe, there were no colour to make vs appeare among men, and before judges that bee [Page 441] suspect, and not to bee allowed, yea and to a more strict and rigorous prison, than wee are tyed A vnto, or that is fit by law, by the which the prison serues onely to keepe the prisoner safe, and not to debarre and sequester him from all conuersation, conference, counsell and aduice, without the which it is impossible that a cause of such importance can bee well and duely mannaged and defended: which notwithstanding wee heare is vsed to our said cousins and brethren, whom wee see led out of the duchie of Brabant, notwithstanding the expresse conuentions, lawes, and contracts, vnder the which the said countrey is bound to obey his Maiestie. And the like hath happened to our sonne, the earle of Buren, without any respect to his young yeares, and his knowne innocencie; the which serue vs for an aduertisement, that the Duke of Alua meanes not to subiect himselfe to any contracts, bonds, lawes, priuiledges and customes, and therefore it should bee impossible to obtaine a bolition from him, although B wee did sufficiently prooue our innocencie by the like allegations. By reason whereof, and that as well by law, as by the conuention mentioned by the Ioyous entrie, conteining the lawes vnder the which the duchie of Brabant owes obedience. wee which haue had our dwelling in the said duchie, are grounded to suspend all obedience which wee owe vnto the king, vntill that his Maiestie (beeing better informed) shall repaire that which hath beene done and attempted, contrarie to the said Ioyous entrie. Wee haue thought it therefore good to aduertise you by these presents, that for the reasons aboue mentioned, we hold your adiournement to bee void and of no force, protesting expresly of the said nullitie, and against all that shall bee done and decreed by vertue thereof, considering the apparent incompetencie of the Duke of Alua, to whom the commission of this cause, in qualitie of Gouernour and Captaine generall of the Netherlands, is directed: meaning in regard of him, and C as farre as need shall require, that this shall serue vs for an excuse and recusation; for that we find by experience, that from him (for the causes aboue mentioned) wee may not hope to obtaine that right which our cause may merit: offering to present our selues before the Emperour, the Electors, Princes, States, and others of the empire, or any other competent judges, that are not suspect, and that will iudge truely of our merits, without partialitie or affection. Protesting againe of nullitie, of all that by the said Duke of Alua, a judge (as wee haue said) incompetent, suspect and recused, or those that shall bee deputed by him, may bee done, said, ordained, iudged, or decreed, to our preiudice. And this seruing to no other effect, but to insinuat vnto you the said declarations, offers and protestations, that you and others may take D such knowledge thereof as is fitting, &c. At Dilembourg the 3 of March 1568. Signed, William of Nassau.’
This answere made by the prince to the atturney generall, was accompanied with a letter to the Duke of Alua, the tenor whereof was as followeth.
‘My Lord, As my actions may well testifie, that since my youth I haue desired nothing more, than to imploy my selfe in the seruice of the emperour of famous memorie, and since of the king my master, I did hope that his Maiestie beeing aduertised by mee (as also the Duchesse of Parma then Gouernesse was) that I was come into this my countie of Nassau, for certaine vrgent affaires of mine, respecting my faith and loyaltie, would haue done mee the fauour to commaund mee wherein I might haue done him seruice, as I had alwayes offered by my letters: or at the least, that I should haue vnderstood from you, what his Maiesties E pleasure had beene, that laying aside all my priuat affaires, I should presently repaire into these parts, as you haue aduertised his Maiesties intention to all other noblemen, states, and townes.’
‘And as I haue beene alwayes expecting his Maiesties commaundements, I haue beene aduertised, That they began to proceed against mee, by seizure of my seigniories, lands and goods, and which is worse, by proclamation in the name of the Atturney generall, full of false and insupportable slanders; and afterwards by the apprehension of my sonne, whom I had left at Louvaine, that hee might bee hereafter the better able to serue the king and commonweale, wherat I was much amazed, and it seemed strange to me, that they should proceed F in that sort against one of my qualitie, forgetting so soone the great and notable seruices as wel of my predecessors as mine owne, and namely in these last troubles: wherefore hauing reasons and iustifications sufficient to prooue mine innocencie, and the wrong that hath beene done me in this behalfe (the which I reserue for a fit time and place) I haue thought it good to answere [Page 442] in hast to the said Atturney generall, and before the expiration of the hastie time limited me, to shew him the nullitie and other reasons I haue against his adiournement, to the end the A world may not thinke, that I feele my selfe guiltie, or that I intend not to pursue my right, as I shall find it grounded vpon reason: which I thought good to insinuat vnto your lordship, sending you a copie of the letter which I haue written vnto the said Atturney, to the end that through ignorance there may be no further proceeding against me or mine, than may be iustisiable by law, &c. Signed, Your brother of the order William of Nassau.’
During all the duke of Aluaes proceedings, and according to the twelue articles concluded in the yeare 1556 by the inquisition of Spaine; the said Inquisition pronounced in forme of aduice generally against all the Netherlands, the sixteenth of Februarie 1568, and confirmed by the king the six and twentieth following: which articles we haue thought good to insert B in this place.
The most sacred office of the Inquisition, so often attempted in the Netherlands by his maiestie, and hindered vntill this time, shall be instituted and aduanced by this manner, which is most expedient.
1 They must persuade the emperour, being gone astray, and wickedly confederated with Articles concluded by the Inquisition of Spaine agai [...]st the Netherlands. heretikes, that he resigne his kingdomes vnto his sonne, with the whole administration of the Netherlands.
2 That the emperour with his two sisters, hauing giuen ouer al affairs, leauing the Netherlands, shall retire into Spaine to vs, beeing assured that they shall neuer returne more to doe any harme. C
3 These being dispatcht, we must also draw the king to vs, and keepe him for euer, that hee part not, and not suffer any Flemings to haue accesse or conference with him.
4 That the king write vnto and command the clergie of the Netherlands, that with the Inquisition they should accept of 15 new bishops, the which should be free from all secular iurisdiction, yea in cases of treason.
5 The subiects of the Netherlands through their malice and way wardnesse, will reuolt, and moue seditions and tumults pleasing to all, but to our companie.
6 The princes and noblemen, heads and authors of these factions, with the subiects, must be taken away, and the others reduced vnto reason.
7 They shall hire at our charge theeues and spoylers of churches and images, whose offences D shall be by all the world imputed to the rebels, by some subtile meanes, and so we shal vanquish them.
8 That all commerce, negotiation, liberties, and priuiledges, shall bee rooted out, and that all bee reduced to extreame pouertie, whereby the realme shall be permanent for vs.
9 No man of all those countries (except he be of our faction) shall be held worthie to liue, and finally all to be rooted out, and all goods, possessions, arts and trades, and all order to be taken away, vntill there may be a new realme and a new people.
10 In this action the wise and valiant Duke of Alua shall be imployed in person, whereas any other, were he of the bloud royal, or a prince, should be of no esteeme: so as being suspect, yea in the smallest matters, they must be dispatcht. E
11 No contracts, rights, promises, donations, othes, priuiledges, and solemne assertions of the Netherlands shall bee of any force for the inhabitants, as beeing guiltie of high treason.
12 But aboue all, they must be carefull, that in such graue matters, of so great importance, they proceed not sodainly, and with violence, but moderatly and with good order: to the end that the princes, nobles, and subiects, may mutine, and that one may persecute another, so as the executioner may fall into the snare, for there is not in Christendome a more foolish and indiscreet nation, nor that is more easily abused, than is the Flemish, God punishing their infidelitie by this meanes.
These articles were sent out of Spane in Latine to Iames Hessel, Atturney generall of Flanders, F and afterward councellor of the troubles, and found (written by his hand, and translated into French) among his papers in Gand, when hee was taken prisoner, and afterwards hanged without the towne in the yeare 1578. And as for the sentence of the said Inquisition, this it was.
[Page 443] ‘The office of the most holy and most sacred Inquisition, required by the presence of his royall Maiestie, to resolue vpon the most abhominable defection, Apostasie, and heresie, committed The sentence of the Inquisition of Spaine against the Netherlands. A by his Maiesties subiects of the Netherlands, hauing viewed and diligently examined his Maiesties information thereupon, hauing also seene the letters, muniments, and documents, autenticall and worthy of credit, added to the said information, by the officers of the holy Inquisition sent into the Netherlands, They say and resolue so far as their Theologicall profession and conscience can aduise them: That all and euery subiect of the Netherlands and the whole bodie thereof (except such as are especially noted in the information) as well in respect of those that are publike and manifest Apostats, hetetikes, and fallen from God and our holy church, and the commandement of the Catholike king▪ and their obedience, as of such as counterfeiting themselues to be Catholikes, haue not done their dueties, whereunto, and to God and to his Maiestie, for the respect of the Catholike religion, and the othe taken by them, B they are bound, to resist with al their force and might, the publike and apparent Apostats, heretikes, and seditious persons, and to hinder their wicked and damnable factions, the which in the beginning of the troubles and tumults, had beene easily done, without any great difficultie: but contrariwise haue forborne from that godly and holy resistance, and therfore deserue to be reputed and esteemed fauourers and adherents to those publike and manifest Apostats, heretikes and seditious. Such also as among the nobilitie, and in the subiects names▪ presenting petitions and admonitions against the most holy Inquisition, haue cunningly inflamed & incensed the heretikes, Apostats, and seditious, and therfore al guiltie of high treason in the highest degree. So said and resolued in the citie of Madril, the 16 of Februarie 1568.’ C
‘His royall Maiestie hauing seene the information made by his commandement, vpon the The kings con firmation of the sentence execrable crime of Apostasies, heresies, and seditions committed by his subiects of the Netherlands: Hauing also seene the muniments and documents autenticall and worthy of credit, added to the said information, by the officers of the holy Inquisition sent into the Netherlands: Hauing also seene the holy aduice and resolution of the most holy & sacred Inquisition here, with the pregnant reasons inserted thereunto, administring, and doing right and iustice in this behalfe, vsing his royall and absolute power, saies and decrees: That all and euerie subiect of the said Netherlands, and the whole bodie thereof (those onely excepted, which are noted in the said informations, whose names we will send in time to be kept in the records of our Netherlands) as well for their publike and manifest Apostasies, heresies & defections from God, D and our mother the holy church, and his Catholike commandement & the obedience thereof: As also for such as counterfeit themselues Catholikes, haue not done their duties wherunto notwithstanding, and to God and his Maiestie, for the respect of the Catholike religion, and the othe which they haue taken, they are bound, to resist the publike & manifest Apostats, heretikes, and seditious persons, with all their power and force, and to hinder their wickednesse, the which in the beginning of the troubles and tumults, had been easie to do, without any difficultie: but contrariwise haue abstained from this holy resistance, yea haue reioyced thereat, and therefore are rightly to be reputed fauourers, and procurers of the said manifest Apostats, heretikes, and seditious. Such also as vnder the name of the nobility and the subiects hauing presented petitions and admonitions against the most holy Inquisition, haue inflamed E and incensed the parts of the Apostats, heretikes, and seditious, vnder colour of pietie, haue committed the crime of high treason, condemning them all without respect of sexe or age, to the paines and punishments appointed by the law for such offendors. His Maiestie willing and commaunding (who pretends by this seuere sentence to giue example, and to terrifie posteritie to come) that the punishments of this sentence shall bee duely executed, and take full effect, without respect of grace or fauour, in such order and maner notwithstanding, as shalbe prescribed to our Registers of the Netherlands. So iudged in the citie of Madrill, the 26 of Februarie 1568.’
Behold in truth a most cruell and rigorous sentence. We read of an emperor that wished al the people of Rome to haue but one head, the which hee might cut off at one blow. What F doth the king of Spain lesse by this sentence? The greatest persecutors of the Primitiue church haue sometimes giuen such sentences against the Christians, yet they would neuer put them in execution, but seeing their constancie, patience, and perseuerance in their faith, they did in the end surcease the persecutions, some did moderat them, others did quite forbid them, although [Page 444] they had no feeling of their religion, nor knowledge of our Lord and Sauiour Iesus A Christ. But the king of Spaine who knowes Iesus Christ, is a Christian, and termes himselfe Catholike king, by this sentence doth not only persecute, but seekes to ruine all his subiects as well Catholikes as other good and true Christians, for the profession of their faith: wherefore we may not wonder at the duke of Aluaes cruel gouernment, but we may think it strange that he hath not done more, considering the charge he had, as appeareth by this sentence.
These cruell proceedings caused daily more and more feare and terror in the people, & forced many to flie out of the country, and diuers wild headed fellowes forsaking all their goods, and some their wiues and children, went and kept in the woods in West-Friseland and other places, and there set vpon priests and monks, which they got by night, and hauing taken them tooke all they had from them, and cutting off their ears and noses, let them go: for which cause B they were called wild Gueux, who being increased to a great number, the duke of Alua was forced to send certaine souldiers out against them, but to no great purpose, as not finding many of them, which made him send out proclamations against them, commanding the country villages to watch and guard their priests and pastors, and to be carefull to defend them, as also to restore them that which they had lost, or that might bee stolne from them, to the vttermost peny, by estimation and award of the judges and magistrats: and further to answere and warrant the liues and goods of their pastors, notwithstanding any priuiledges whatsoeuer. There was likewise a proclamation made against those that fled out of the Netherlands, That such as fled should be taken and brought backe againe, and all those that were so determined, or that made any preparation thereunto, and their goods to be arrested at the custom houses, places of C passages, and frontiers of the land, vpon pain to those that did it not, to be holden as suspect persons, and fauorers of the crimes imputed vnto them that fled, and for the same to be punished with confiscation of the ships, scutes, wagons, and carts, of all those that carried and conueyed the said fugitiue persons goods, as also that no man should harbor, lodge, furnish with money, any fugitiue or banished persons, nor write letters, nor receiue any to and from them, and such like orders. At that time the counsell of the troubles (for that the duke of Alua could not take A sentence for the rasing of Culembourgs place in Brussels. the earle of Culembourg) gaue a sentence against the house of the said earle, ioining to that of the earle of Egmont, behind the sand hill in the towne of Brussels, condemning it to be pulled downe and rased to the ground, and neuer to be built againe, with an inscription grauen in a square stone of marble set vpon a piller in the middest of the place, written in foure languages, D and this was the Latin. Regnante Philippo 2. Cathol. Haspan. Rege in his suis inferioribus Germania regionibus, gubernance vero Ferdinando Aluares de Toledo Albae duce, &c. Florentij de Palant quondam domum solo aequari sancitum est, o [...] execrandam memoriam repe [...]tae in ea coniurationis aduersus religionem ecclesiae Catho. Rom. Regiam Maiestatem, & ipsas regiones, Anno salute 1568, 5 Calend. Iunij.
Meane time the regent the duchesse of Parma, had wrought such meanes, that shee had obtained The regent duc [...]sse of [...] out of the Neth [...]nds. leaue of the king to depart out of the Netherlands, and for her good seruice was by the king rewarded with gifts, as a great summe of money, and a yerely pention during her life and for that cause preparing her selfe to trauell vnto her husband into Italy, did by writing take her leaue of the states and the whole Netherlands; in her letters, shewing how shee was receiued E and installed into the gouernment of the Netherlands, in the presence of the generall states assembled in the towne of Gand in anno 1559, and for that cause she said shee could haue beene content to haue yeelded vp the same in the like assembly of the general states, as the gouernor [...] and regents before her had done: but for that the king had expresly forbidden the assembly of the generall states, during that troublesome time, vnlesse he himself were personally presen [...], that could not be done according to her desire: whereby she was constrained to do it by writing, praying them to take in good part, and judge the best of her labour, industrie, care and diligence vsed in the said gouernment, much complaining of the trobles and vprores happened in the two last yeares of her gouernement, yet by Gods grace, and by the aid and assistance of a great number of the good subiects of the Netherlands, before the end of April she said she F had brought all the towns & prouinces once again to a ful obedience vnto the king, and in the beginning of May garrisons were put into euery place, so that there rested nothing to be done but onely to punish the offendors and to take order therein, as it should please the kings Maiestie, whereby she hoped that in short time the Netherlands would be reduced to their former [Page 445] happy and flourishing estate, which she with all her heart desired: once againe praying them to take her proceedings in good part, withall wishing and counselling them, to keepe and obserue A the Romish Catholike religion, and obedience vnto the king. After that, vpon the 30 of December she departed out of Brussels, and trauelled towards Italie, accompanied by diuers of the nobilitie of the Netherlands, the duke of Alua himselfe conducting her some part of the way.
About this time there was a certaine enterprise taken in hand by the fugitiue gentlemen, against the person of the duke of Alua, at such time as he in Lent meant to go in deuotion from An enterprise to take [...]he duke of Alua Brussels to the cloyster of Groenendale, in Somen wood: the principall doers thereof beeing the lord of Rysoire, and his brother the lord of Carloo, of the house of Noot, and others (this lord of Carloo kept in the said cloister, in habit of a monke, for feare of the duke, as hee said) they had gotten readie sixe or seuen hundred horse-men, most part of them keeping in the B house of Dohan not far from thence; within and about Brussels they had about 500 foot men, whereof a souldier, that sometime had serued the lord of Likes, told the said lord, who presently gaue the duke intelligence thereof, at such time as he was fully purposed to goe to performe his deuotion, which the duke would scarce beleeue, and for that cause was hardly to bee persuaded not to goe: but the souldier naming his captaine to bee one of the earle of Egmonts horse-men, the said captaine was presently apprehended and committed to prison, and being sharply examined, would not disclose any thing touching the said conspiracie, and for that cause was with varietie of rigorous and bloudy inuention cruelly tortured, and put to death: and so the said enterprise went not forward, and yet no more men troubled nor molested for C the same.
In the meane time as the prince of Oranges processe was handled before the duke of Alua by incapable commissioners, without any lawfull forme of proceeding, by the instruction and deduction of which processe, the princes iustifications did not appeare. To the end that posteritie might know by what reasons he could iustifie and purge himselfe from the false and slanderous accusations of the duke of Alua, vnder the name of the Atturney generall (who was then but a simple man, and a drunkard, called Iohn du Bois, a peasants sonne) and also to shew the grounds of the alterations, which haue happened in the Netherlands, the said prince set forth a discourse for an aduertisement to all the world of his innocencie, and of the wrong which the duke of Alua did him: which discourse was intitled, A Iustification of the Prince of D Orange, against his slanderers: the which for that it was published in print, I forbeare to relate here.
The earle of Hoochstraten being cited in like maner by the atturney generall, and accused almost of the like crimes that the prince of Orange was, answered thereunto after that he was retired, first by letters vnto the duke of Alua, and then by an answer vnto the atturney general, and in the end by an ample discourse of his actions in the seruice of the king and countrey, to serue him for a iustification: where among other things to confirme his declinatorie exceptions, set downe in his answer, he produceth foure articles, drawne out of the laws and ordinances of the good duke Philip, the first instituter and soueraign of the order of the golden Fleece. Where he sets downe in what cases a knight cannot be depriued of his order, and why hee E may leaue it without forfeiting. And that the head and soueraigne onely of the said order, together with the knights ioyntly, and no others, can take knowledge of the crimes wherewith any of their fellow knights are charged. The said earle of Hoochstraten, as borne in the countrey of Brabant, did also produce fiue articles drawne out of the antient priuiledges, called the Production of fiue [...]cles of the priuiledges of Brabant Ioyous entrie of the Prince to the Duchie of Brabant, concluded in old time by a perpetuall contract betwixt the duke and the three estates of the said country, and solemnly sworne by them for an inuiolable law.
‘First, that wee shall be to them, that is, to all our vassals and subiects of our countrey of Brabant, hereafter specified, good and vpright iusticers, and loyall lords, and not suffer any force Art. 1. or violence whatsoeuer to bee done vnto them: nor intreat them, nor suffer them to bee intreated F otherwise than by lawfull sentences and proceedings: yea we shal inioyne that all our prelats, hospitals, barons, nobl [...]s, and the good subiects of our townes and liberties, as well within the countrey of Brabant, as beyond the Meuse, shal proceed in all things to obtain sentence and iustice, according to the law of those places where it doth appertaine: and that the judges in our said countries, shall be bound to determine of causes without any delay, that [Page 446] shall grow through their fault or negligence, onely the judges may prorogue the day of pleading A once and no more.’
‘Item, that we shall neuer bind our selues as duke of Brabant and Limbourg, for causes touching Art. 3. the iurisdiction and seigniories of the said countries, to make warre with any one, or to make or cause to be made against any one, reprisals or seizures, but with the aduice, will, and consent of our townes and countrie of Brabant: and that we shall not suffer any other causes, nor shall not seale any, whereby our countries, limits, and towns, nor any of the said countries, or their rights, liberties, and priuiledges, may be violated or diminished, or our countries and subiects damnified in any sort.’
‘By the which seuen (the chancellor and the counsellors of the counsel of Brabant) or others Art. 5. presently added vnto them, or that by succession of time it shall please vs to adde vnto them: B we our gouernor or gouernesse general, shal make knowne and determine all causes of the said countries concerning iustice, and all that shal depend thereon, be it by prouision, ordinarie iustice, statutes, proclamations, edicts, ordinances, commandements, or otherwise: that is, by the aduice of our gouernor and counsell of Brabant aboue mentioned, without any hinderance or molestation that may be done vnto the inhabitants, or that they shall bee subiect vnto the ordinances of any other, but of vs, our gouernor or gouernesse generall.’
‘Item, Whosoeuer shall be taken in our said countries of Brabant, and beyond the Meuse, Art, 17. we shall not our selues lead, nor suffer them to be led prisoners out of our said countries.’
‘Item, That hereafter the officers, by themselues or by their sergeant, shall not in our townes, Art. 10. of the second additiō liberties, and villages of our countrey of Brabant, draw any one out of his house, nor take him C there, or make any search for any cause whatsoeuer, no further than the customes, priuiledges, and vse of the place, where it shall happen, or shall bee needfull, and also that shall bee lawfull will allow, except our townes of Louvaine, Antuerpe, and Boisleduke, where their ample priuiledges and customes are to be obserued.’
The said earle of Hoochstraten did also produce an extract of three articles drawne out of the Ioyous entrie of king Philip in the yeare 1549.
‘Hauing heard, read, seene, and vnderstood, all the Ioious entry of our lord and father, with the letters of adiunctions and additions thereof, together with other adiunctions, letters and The articles of king Ph [...]oious entry. concessions of our great grandfather, touching the last article thereof, with the alterations and moderations thereof; and what is added thereunto, according to the contents of the act, and D all faithfully translated into the Spanish tongue, desiring (according to the loue which our Art. 1. lord and father bare to all the countrey of Brabant, and to the inhabitants, vassals and good subiects thereof) to entertaine and obserue their rights, priuiledges and liberties, customes, vses, and also prescriptions, in respect of the many great and faithfull seruices and fauours, done to the duke and duchesse of Brabant, our predecessors, and many others to our lord and father the emperour, as good subiects are bound to do vnto their naturall lord, and as wee trust they will hereafter do to vs: We haue in this our reception and inuestiture vnto the seigniory of the said countrey, giuen and granted in the towne of Louvaine, with the priuitie and consent of our said lord and father, and of our certaine knowledge and meere motion, doe giue, grant, and consent vnto the priuiledges, articles, cautions, and assurances of law which follow.’ E
‘Item, We confirme and ratifie to all our prelats, hospitals, cloysters, barons, knights, Art. 57 townes, and liberties, and to all other our good subiects of our countrey of Brabant, and beyond the Meuse, all their rights, liberties priuiledges, charters, customes, vses and prescriptions, as well those which haue beene giuen, granted, and sealed vnto them by our predecessours dukes and duchesses, as also those which they haue enioyed, kept, and prescribed. Yea that which was granted to the three estates by duke Philip our great grandfather, at the time of his entrie. In like sort two other letters of our said great grandfather, the one in the yeare 1451, the 20 of Septemb. and the other in the yere 1457, the 18 of Nouemb. And moreouer the two additions of our lord & father the emperor, the one giuen at Gand the 12 of April 1515, and the other at Brussels the 26 of the same moneth & yere. Promising them all in generall, and euerie F one in particular, for vs our heires and successors, to obserue and keepe them inuiolably foreue [...], without breaking them in any sort whatsoeuer.’
‘Item, We do promise them for vs, our heirs and successors, that we shall not alledge nor pretend, Art. 5 [...]. no [...] cause to be alledged, that we are not bound to entertaine the said liberties, rights, priuiledges, charters, customs, vses & prescriptions, the which we haue heretofore confirmed and [Page 447] ratified, vnder colour that we haue not giuen and granted them, or promised them by some A especiall article. The which we will shall be no let, molestation, or preiudice vnto them.’
‘And for that we wil and desire that all the points, articles, gifts, and promises, confirmations and ratifications, aboue mentioned, may remaine firme and stable, without any breach, wee haue faithfully promised, and haue sworne vpon the holy Euangile, personally for vs, our heirs and successors, to hold them to all in generall, that is, to the prelats, monasteries, hospitals, barons, knights, townes, and liberties, and to al our good subiects of the said countries of Brabant and beyond the Meuse, and to their successors firm and stable after the decease of our lord and father, and neuer to do, nor suffer to be done, any thing contrarie whatsoeuer. And in case that we, our heirs and successors, should or would do any thing to the contrary, by our selues or by any other, in all or in part, in any sort whatsoeuer; in that case we consent and grant to our B said prelats, barons, knights, townes and liberties, & to all our other subiects, that to vs, our heirs and successors, they shall yeeld no seruice, duetie, nor obedience, in any matter whatsoeuer, wherein we should haue need, and would require them, vntil the fault be repaired, and that we haue fully desisted: For the effecting whereof, wee will, command, and declare, that all officers that shall be made contrarie to this our Ioyous entry shalbe presently displaced: and moreouer that all that shalbe hereafter attempted contrarie to that which is aboue said, shall bee of no force. And all without fraud. In witnesse and perpetuall confirmation wherof, we Emperor and Prince haue caused our seals to be set to these presents. Giuen in our towne of Louvain the 5 of Iuly in the yere 1549. Of the empire of vs Charls the 30, and of the realms of Castile & others 34. Signed, Charls and Philip, and vnderneath, By the audiencier and chiefe Secretarie, Verreyken.’ C
The earle of Hoochstraten produced all those articles of the order of the Golden Fleece, & of the Ioyous entry, and priuiledges of Brabant, to iustifie his declinatory exceptions, against the citation and vnlawfull proceeding of the atturney generall, and to shew what wrong the duke of Alua did vnto the honour and reputation of the king his master, and to his owne (as knight of the said order, hauing sworne the articles) to suffer and to command the atturney generall, to vse such kind of proceeding, as well to his person and the prince of Orange, as to the earls of Egmont & Horne, prisoners, and carried directly against the said priuiledges out of the countrey of Brabant, to the castle of Gand in Flanders. At that time certain Italian merchants The duke of Aluaes money staid in Germany. sent towards the Netherlands from Francfort ma [...]t certaine balles of silke, in the which there was a hundred & fiftie thousand crownes in money, appointed for the duke of Alua. This was D discouered to Frederic prince elector, Palatin of Rhin, who staied them, vnder colour that the customs vpon the riuer were not duly paid: the merchandise was restored, but the money kept whereof complaints came vnto the emperour, yet hee was glad to agree with the said prince Palatine.
The prince of Orange and the earle of Hoochstraten, hauing (as we haue said) published their iustifications, the which were neither publikely answered by the said atturney generall, nor yet produced in their processe, but they proceeded against them and their goods by contempt, hauing no other meanes of defence, but to go and submit them vnto the mercie of the duke of Alua: the said prince vnderstanding also in what manner his sonne had beene taken from the Vniuersitie of Louvaine, and transported into Spaine, contrarie to the priuiledges, E and notwithstanding the protestations of the said Vniuersitie: He aduised what was best to be done for the recouerie of his goods and sonne: And by the aduice of his kinsmen in Germany, he would seek the mildest way, if haply by the intercession of the emperor and princes electors, he might obtaine any thing. Hee therefore presented a petition to his imperial Maiestie, by the which hee laid open at large the wrong that was done him by the duke of Alua, in his extraordinarie maner of proceeding, against the statutes of the order of the Golden Fleece, the priuiledges of the country, and by indirect waies, contrarie to all equitie and true course of iustice, as wel in his hehalfe, as of the earle of Buren his sonne. He besought his Maiestie, that he would be an intercessor for him to the king of Spaine, that at the least he might be heard in his defences & iustifications, according to the said statutes & priuiledges, and not to suffer his processe F to be so made, by men so il qualified and insufficient, as was the said atturney general and his adiuncts. Or els, that the king would grant that his processe might be made by judges that were not suspect, princes of the empire, and other noblemen and commissioners in Germany.
The emperor, who would gladly haue seene affairs managed after another sort, writ verie [Page 448] honourably to the king and the duke of Alua, and so did the princes electors in like manner: A but neither intreaties nor admonitions could preuaile, the duke alwayes insisting, that hee should come and purge himselfe in person. The prince seeing there was no other meanes, and that it was his head they sought for, beeing loth to expose it so good cheape, to the will of the duke of Alua, and of his new erected counsel: and seeing that he must needs hazard it, hauing taken the aduice of his kinsfolkes, he was resolued to hazard it with more honour, repelling force with force, and opposing himselfe couragiously against the dukes attempts. Hauing therefore demaunded succours from all his friends, both in Germanie, the Netherlands, and in France, shewing them the force and violence that was done him; hee commaunded cont Lodowic his brother to leuie men in all parts, and to frame a goodly body of an armie, and so to enter ioyntly together into the Netherlands, for to recouer that by force which was B wrongfully detained from them: so as in May men came vnto them, as well out of France, as of those that were fled out of the Netherlands, in great numbers (besides the bodie of the armie which was leuied in Germany) the which cont Lodowic led into Friseland, carrying in their ensignes this deuice, Recuper are aut mori.
The lord of Villers of the house of Longueuille, brought him 3000 French foot, which the Protestants of France sent to his succours, who went to make an attempt vpon the towne of Ruremonde in Gelderland, scituated vpon the riuer of Meuse, thinking to surprise it, and to take it without any resistance. But finding them within vpon their guards, they fired the ports, thinking to haue it by force: but they defended themselues so well, as the lord of Villers (fearing that if hee staid longer, he might be compassed in behind) was forced to leaue it, retiring C towards Dalem. The duke of Alua hearing that the priuce was in armes, and that his forces increased daily, sent the earle of Lodron, and the colonel Sancho d'Auila, with a small armie, to keep the lord of Villers from attempting any thing vpon that quarter of the riuer of Meuse, and to keepe him from ioyning with the rest of the princes troups: who meeting him betwixt Dalem and Erckelens with his troups, they charged and defeated him. Villers and the seignior The lord of Villers defeated of Dhuy were taken prisoners, a great number of their men were slaine, and the rest were put to rout, the 25 of Aprill. The furie of the victors was so great, as without any respect they flew the gouernour of Heynsberg and his lieutenant, being come to Dalem, to summon these French troups to retire out of the limits of the duke of Iuilliers his prince. The prince of Oranges intention was to assaile the duke of Alua in diuers parts at one instant, and to make him so D much worke, as he should not know which way to turne him.
The seigniour of Coqueuille a Norman gentleman of the religion, being vpon the frontiers of Arthois, with the captains Vaillant, and S. Amand, and some 600 foot and 200 horse, most part of them being come out of England, hauing fled out of the Netherlands, and others that Coqueuille defeated at S. Valery. they had gathered together, and were ioyned at S. Valery, at the mouth of the riuer of Some: the duke of Alua writ vnto the French king, That the prince of Condes men sought to trouble him in his gouernment of the Netherlands. Whom the prince disauowing, the king sent the marshall Cosse, who besieged S. Valerie, and tooke it by assault. Coqueuille was taken with some others but the most part slaine, such as could saue themselues, were taken by the prouost marshall, sent into the Netherlands, and executed by diuers punishments. Coqueuille lost his E head at Dourlans.
Valentin de par Dieu, seigniour of la Motte, sergeant maior of the regiment of the earle of Roeux, pursued the Protestants with all violence in base Flanders, and tooke the seigniour of Hanescampe, a gentleman of Bethune in Arthois, who was afterwards excuted by the sword in Brussels. In the meane time cont Lodowic, accompanied with cont Adolph of Nassau, his brother, with cont loos of Schouwenburch and others, being in Friseland in the countrey of Groningen, tooke the fort of Dam neere to Delfziel, and the great castle of Wedde, with many other places, which gaue a good incouragement to the princes armie. The duke of Alua (after a peace concluded in Fraunce) had called home the earle of Aremberg with the bands of ordnance, which hee had sent to succour the king against the Protestants: beeing retired, F hee sent two captaines speedily into France, to entertaine the German horse-men, which were dismist vpon the treatie of peace: and for the fortifying of the frontiers he sent the seignior of Hierges eldest son to the lord of Barlamont (who as then was not created earle) to leuie 2000 Wallons.
[Page 449] The duke of Alua hauing gathered all the forces he could together, to make head against A the prince of Oranges armie, which was in Friseland, vnder the commaund of Cont Lodowicke, sent Cont Arembergh, who being come into the countrey of Groningen, was aduised not to charge the Protestants, vntill that the earle of Meghen were arriued with his troupes, that hauing ioyned their forces, they might charge them together: Some Spanish captaines being impatient and discontent with this delay, began to murmure against him and to braue him, yea, to taxe him of cowardise, calling him Lutheran; for that they found themselues (so said they, not knowing the passages of the countrey) strong ynough, and the more vehement they were, for that they vnderstood Cont Lodowicke was retyred: but it was to haue more ground to put his armie in battaile; and that to goe and charge him in his campe, they must march close and in a long ranke, by reason of the marishes that were on eyther side. B Whereupon Arembergh answered them, That seeing they had a desire to fight, hee would make them see their enemies, and let them know that hee was a faithfull seruant to the king, and no Lutheran, the which he would maintaine vnto the last drop of his bloud. Cont Lodowicke had caused a squadron of a thousand harquebusiers to aduance, with the which the Spaniards went brauely to skirmish; but the approching night parted them, Cont Lodowicke retyring a little further backe. The Spaniards thinking that he sled, made hast to follow him: but the earle turning head, charged Arembergh [...] squadron, and then all their troups, Cont Arembergh defeated and slaine. whereof he defeated tenne companies of Spaniards, and fiue of Germanes. Arembergh hauing defended himselfe valiantly a long time, was in the end beaten from his horse, crying out, that they should saue his life, but he was not vnderstood, being shot through the bodie, C whereof hee died presently: the remainder of his troupes were put to rout: Such as could saue themselues from the battaile, retyred to Heylegerlee, thinking to defend it, but they were presently assayled, where at the first approch, Cont Adolph of Nassau, brother to Cont Lodowicke and the prince of Orange, was slaine. The Germanes that could escape, saued themselues in Groninghe. The duke of Alua lost in this defeat a thousand six hundred men, six pieces of artillerie, with the munition, and a great summe of mony, appointed for the payment of this armie, the which he esteemed a greater losse than the death of the earle of Arembergh.
This defeat happened on the foure and twentieth of May 1568, betwixt the abbey of Heylegerlee and the village of Wynschote, in the countrey of Groningen. The earle of Arembergh, D of the house of Barbanson, gouernour of Friseland and Oueryssel, knight of the Order of the golden Fleece, a braue knight, was interred in the church of the same abbey; and Cont Adolph of Nassau, a young nobleman of great hope, in the chappell of the castle of Wedde.
The losse of this battaile did wonderfully incense the duke of Alua, whereof hee would reuenge himselfe vpon many gentlemen that were prisoners in the warre, and other noblemen. And to draw more into his power, he made a proclamation vpon the twentieth of May in the towne of Brussels, against all those that were retyred out of the countrey by reason of the troubles, commaunding them to appeare at a certaine day prefixed, vpon paine of confiscation of bodie and goods: few returned, and they sped ill: but the greatest part remayned E behind, hoping for a day that should bring them home with greater assurance. The duke seeing the small number of them that were returned, vpon whom he vngorged his rage, the first of Iune hee caused the heads of eighteene gentlemen and captaines to be cut off vpon the sand hill at Brussels; and among others, Ghisbrecht and Thierry, barons of Batenbourg, young men, brethren, when as neither the emperors letters, nor the intercession of some princes of Germany, nor the great expences of the lady of Batenbourg their mother, to redeeme them from death, could not preuaile any thing.
Whilest they executed such as died constantly in their Religion, the drummes sounded Executions done by the duke of Alua. continually, to the end they might not heare what they said: but if any of the Romish Religion died, they were silent. The next day, being the second of the moneth, he also put to F death the Seigniors of Villers and Dhuy, prisoners, taken at the defeat of Dalem, with Quentin Benoit, baylife of Engien, and Cornellis of Mee minister. Afterwards he caused to be executed in the castle of Viluoarden, the Seigniors Anthonie van Stralen, bourgomaster of Antuerpe, and Iohn of Casenbroot, Seignior of Backerzeel, after that they had tortured [Page 450] him almost in pieces, to vnderstand the secrets of the earle of Egmont, whose chiefe counsellor A he was, with the receiuer of Macklin and some others.
Then he caused the criminall processe, begun by Iohn du Bois, atturney generall against the earles of Egmont and Horne, to be ended: whom he caused to be brought in waggons from Gand to Brussels vnder a sure guard of three thousand Spaniards, where they were lodged that night in the Bakers hall, vpon the market place, and the next day their sentence of death was pronounced vnto them: whereof that of the earle of Egmonts, was thus in substance: The duke of Aluaes excellencie, marquesse of Coria, gouernour, lieutenant and captaine generall for his Maiesty &c. hauing seene the informations and pursutes of the atturney generall, the testimonies, depositions, and letters missiue exhibited by the said atturney against the admirall earle of Egmont, the confessions, denegations, allegations and documents, seruing B for his iustification, the said atturney charging him with periurie, mutinie, and disobedience to his Maiesty, and to be linked to the confederats, and an associat (so said the text) to the cursed prince of Orange and others of the states and nobilitie of the Netherlands conspired together: considering also the faults and bad behauiour of the said earle of Egmont in his gouernment of Flanders, for the maintenance of the faith and catholicke Religion, against the heretickes, rebels, mutinies and seditions. After good deliberation, hauing therein the aduice of the counsellors of state and prince, and viewed the conclusions of the said atturney generall, his excelleneie hath said and declared, that the said earle of Egmont is guiltie of high [...]eason; for his disobedience and rebellion against his prince: by reason whereof, hee hath deserued to be punished exemplarily, for the which he doth condemne him to be executed by the C sword, and his head to be set vpon a pole, so long as it shall please his excellencie, and that no man presume to take it from thence, vpon paine of confiscation of body and goods: declaring moreouer all his goods, moueable and immoueable lands, seigniories, rights, priuiledges, and actions forfeited to the king. This sentence was decreed the fift of Iune 1 [...]68, signed, Duke of Alua.
The sentence against the earle of Horne was almost of the same substance, onely certaine points excepted. And the two sentences were sent vnto the two earles to prison by the Secretarie Misdach, at one of the clocke after midnight, being both of them in their beds.
The earle of Egmont would neuer haue beleeued they would haue giuen so cruell a sentence against him: for hearing it read, he said: Behold a very rigorous sentence. I doe not thinke D that in all my life I haue so offended his Maiestie, to deserue this vsage, yet I will take it patiently, and pray vnto God, that my death may be an expiation of all my sinnes: and that therby my deere wife and children may incurre no blame nor confiscation: for my seruices deserue so much fauour: seeing it so pleaseth God and the king, I will take my death patiently. Afterwards he writ a letter vnto the king, the which he deliuered to doctor Rythonen bishop of Ypre, entreating him to send it vnto his Maiesty, the which he promised: the contents whereof were as followeth.
‘My liege, I haue heard the sentence which it pleased your Maiesty to giue against me, pronounced: The earle of Egmonts letter [...]o the king of Spaine. although I haue neuer pretended nor thought to doe any thing that was against your Maiesties seruice and the catholicke religion. But I take all that it shall please God to send me, in good part. And if (during these troubles of the Netherlands) I haue any way erred, E or tollerated the errors of other men, it happened by my loyaltie to the honour of God and your Maiestie as the time required. Wherefore I beseech your Maiestie to pardon me, if I haue offended in any thing, and to take pitie of my poore wife, children and seruants, recommending my selfe for the rest to the mercy of God. From Brussels the 5 of Iune 1568, signed, Being ready to die, the admirall of Egmont.’
The earle of Horne hearing his sentence, cried out vpon the earle of Egmont, saying: O my cousin, you are the cause of all this mischiefe: but there is no remedie but patience. At the first he would not confesse himselfe to the said bishop of Ypre, saying that he had confessed himselfe vnto God long since: but the bishop importuned him so much, as in the end hee did it for a fashion. F
The earle of Egmont being assured to die (whereof at the first he could not persuade himselfe) and had written vnto the king, he desired them not to suffer him to languish long in the distresse and apprehension of death. So the fifth of Iune, on Whitson eue, he was led by Iulian Romero, master of the campe, and captaine Salinas with nineteene ensignes of foot, he hauing [Page 451] the bishop of Ypre on the one side of him, went willingly (without being held) vnto the A market place at Brussels, where there was a scaffold couered with blacke cloth, and two cushions of blacke veluet, the companies were in battaile vpon the market place, and about the scaffold, their drummes sounding continually. Beneath the scaffold was the prouost of the court with a red staffe in his hand, hauing the executioner of iustice by him. The earle went vp alone with the bishop vnto the scaffold, where (after that he had conferred a little with the bishop) he kneeled downe, and said his prayers; then rising vp againe, he himselfe put off his night gowne, and then kneeling downe againe, he couered his owne face with a night kerchiefe which he had, and ioyning his hands together, attended the stroke, the which was suddenly giuen him by the executioner (who they said had beene sometimes his footman) yet he neuer touched neither the bodies nor the apparell of these two noblemen, nor once shewed B himselfe vpon the scaffold, vntill they deliuered him the sword, wherewith hauing giuen the blow, he presently retired himselfe, and deliuered it backe againe: the head being strucke off, was laied with the body vnder a blacke cloth, and the bloud was also couered with blacke, that the earle of Horne might not perceiue it; who was presently brought, as the earle of Egmont had beene: passing through the street, he saluted and bid euery one farewell, mouing all the world to pitie and teares. Being mounted vpon the scaffold, he demaunded if the earle The death of the earle [...] of Egmont and Horne. were executed (for that from the day that they were committed, they did neuer see one another) and when they answered him yea, he said alowd in Spanish: Esemplo os este Senores, para che cada vno aprende como deue seruir y contentar a sus maiores: y os ruego mucho che tomeys de chado en nuestras muertes: y nos pardoneys, si algo con nuestra passada vita, os hemos escandaliza dos, C pues somos mortales y caducos, y nos adiudeys con vuestras Oraciones: and so he presently disposed himselfe to death, and was soone executed. Their heads were set vp opposite one to another vpon two poles, tied to the side of the scaffold, where they continued vntill three of [...]he clocke in the afternoone; a pitifull and fearefull spectacle: and therein the earle of Egmonts words were verified, when as he sent for the earle of Horne to come to court, assuring him, that hee should haue no worse vsage than hee himselfe. The bodies hauing the heads sowed to them againe, were put into hearses, and embalmed: that of Egmont was caried to S. Clares church, and that of Horne to S. Guydules, and afterwards interred in the town of Wert, and Egmonts in his borough of Sottingham. The earle of Egmonts seruants set his armes in mourning manner (according to the custome) ouer the porch of his house, but the duke of Alua caused D them to be taken downe.
The emperour Maximilian the second, before the death of these noblemen sent a gentleman to the contesse of Egmont, to comfort her, and to assure her, that her husband shold haue no harme, for that he would entreat for him. But the duke being aduertised thereof made hast of his execution, and the same night that the gentleman arriued, sent to insinuate the sentence vnto them, and the next day caused them to be executed.
The death of these noblemen did perplexe many, being the more terrified, euery one iudging, that their bloud which was shed, would not be stanched by their death, but that it threatened greater calamities vnto the countrey: So as some pricked by their owne consciences; others distrusting their innocencie, fearing through the frauds and treasons of their enemies E to fall into the hands of the counsell of troubles, and to bee forced through tortures and torments to confesse that which they had neuer done nor thought, fled out of the country, abandoning their goods, wiues and children; and many more had retyred, had not the hope been of a generall pardon. Many wondered, how in so dangerous a time (hauing now warres in hand, the euent whereof was doubtfull and vncertaine) he should so precipitate the death of these two noblemen, for the which there are two reasons pretended; the first was, for that by the affront which he had receiued in Friseland, his souldiers began to wauer, not so much for the losse, as for that it seemed a sinister presage of the future, by so bad a beginning: for which consideration, he would himselfe goe in person to the army, to assure it, and to containe his men in their duties: the which he could not doe, vnlesse he gathered all his troupes together F in one body: if he had done it in the life time of these noblemen, he feared a sedition of the people, who would haue deliuered them by force, and made them their heads to be reuenged of him, knowing well how hatefull that both he and all his Spaniards were growne, by [Page 452] reason of their tyrannie: of which feare he would free himselfe, before he would frame the A body of an army. The second reason (they say) was, to be reuenged of the death of his Spaniards, defeated at Winschote, whereas most of the prisoners were hanged.
It shall not be amisse in this place to declare the deaths of the baron de Montigni, brother to the earle of Horne, and of the marquesse of Berghen, both knights of the order of the golden Fleece; which two lords were thought to be the fittest and wisest persons in the Netherlands, to bee sent into Spaine, there to certifie the king particularly touching the state of the countrey; and for that cause were sent by the Regent, the duchesse of Parma, and the Netherlands, as embassadours vnto the king, as it hath already beene declared: who being in Spaine, and hauing informed the king of all things at large, were well receiued and entertayned of him. But after that, when newes was brought into Spaine of the breaking downe of the Images, B and other troubles in the Low countries, the king much mooued thereat, and being incited and stirred vp by the enemies of the Netherlands, such as were wholly vnexperienced in the affaires, qualities, and natures of the countrey and the people, tooke another course than the said lords thought well of, which by their enemies was well perceiued. Hereupon the marquesse of Berghen fell sicke, and desired the king to haue licence to depart, and to returne againe into the Netherlands; which the king with faire words refused him: but at the last, when he became sicker, and like to die, he had leaue to depart when it was too late; and being at the point of death he sent for Rigomes, prince of Eboli, his old friend, and one that was very great with the king, to whom he made complaint, That his good and faithfull seruice was not onely little or nought esteemed, but that it was suspected, protesting that he had C not done, neither sought to do any thing, other than that he thought and esteemed to be most for the furtherance and aduancement of the kings seruice, not doubting, but that in time his good counsell and aduice would be found to be true; and with that hee desired God to haue mercie on his soule, as truly as he thought and vttered that from the bottome of his heart: desiring him in friendly wise to tell the same vnto the king by word of mouth, and so died vpon The death of the marquesse o [...] Berghen in Spaine. the 22 of May 1567. But this his confession was of no weight, to represse nor withdraw his enemies, more than a yeare after, to summon, charge, and condemne him by the duke of Alua and his bloudy counsels meanes, to be a traitor, and all his goods confiscated to the king.
The lord de Montmorency, baron de Leuzi and Montigni, gouernour of Turwin and Tournay, knight of the order of the golden Fleece, and brother to the earle of Horne, a wise, D politicke and well experienced nobleman, hauing lost his fellow embassador in Spaine, desired leaue of the king to returne vnto his gouernment of Turwin: but the king (as it was then reported throughout Spaine, that hee would in person goe into the Netherlands) told him hee should go with him: but when the kings mind was altered, and his voyage stayed, and that he saw the duke of Alua was appointed to go into the Netherlands, the baron de Montigni perceiued, that the king began to be estranged from him: for which cause he spake vnto him, and complaining, told him, that he wel saw and perceiued that his Ma. shewed not the accustomed fauor and grace towards him that he vsed to do, which he thought to proceed of some kind of iealousie by his grace vniustly cōceiued against him, beseeching his Ma. if there were any such bad opinion or suspition in his mind against him, that it would please him to tell it him, praying E him to commit him to prison and that so he might cleare himselfe by law. Wherunto the king gaue him a good and a friendly answer, but yet subtilly and craftily, saying, that it was far both from him and his nature, to haue a bad opinion of one that had bin so good and trustie a seruitor both to his father and him; and that the cause why he denied him his pasport, was, for that he would haue him to goe with himselfe into the Netherlands, or els to vse his counsell, with many such like words: but in the meane time order was taken in all places, that no man should let nor sell him nor his seruants any horses; which was discouered and perceiued, when as before, he and the marques of Berghen rode vpon a time to confession, to our lady of Guadalupo, when as there were forty horses sent after them, which secretly attended and watched them. After that when newes came into Spaine of the imprisonment of the earles of Egmont F and Horne his brother, the baron de Selles, lieutenant of the kings guard of Netherland archers, was commaunded to enter his house, and to commit him prisoner, with a Netherland gentleman, called Nesse, being the kings chamberlain, and both caried to the castle of Segobia, [Page 453] where the baron de Montigni was put into a small high tower, with one of his seruants called A Arthur de Munter, a Luycknaer, and eight souldiers appointed to guard him, which vsed him most shamefully: being thus committed to prison, he desired diuers times, that he might haue law and iustice, as belonged vnto a lord of his qualitie: vpon which his request, receiuing no answere nor resolution, he sought meanes to breake and escape out of prison, whereunto he had woon a Spaniard (one of his guard) to consent, and some of his owne seruants, as his Secretarie Anthony vander Becque, and another gentleman of Pruseland, called Iohn Hanowe, his steward Iohn le Moyne, and his cooke, that baked his bread after the Netherland manner: those he wrote vnto by letters sent them by meanes of the said Spaniard of his guard, and they answered his letters againe, which they baked in his bread, and so conueyed them vnto him: meane time he got files, wherewith he filed certaine yron barres, and in a cofer had ladders B sent him, that shut and folded one within the other: besides that, hee had post horses made ready for him, and all other things necessarie and fit for such a purpose, to ride away, all beeing well and politickely deuised and foreseene: but when it came to the point, and that the horses stood ready, the steward. Iohn le Moine neglecting his time to deliuer the last bread, being ouer busie and earnest to take his leaue or last farewell of his whore; whereby the bread that had the letter in it, was not deliuered as it should be, but came to the hands of the captaine of his guard, which brake or cut it vp, and found the letter in it, whereby the whole enterprise was discouered: for which cause all his seruants were committed to prison, and condemned to die, and to that end had their confessors often sent vnto them, expecting nothing but death. But many men tooke compassion on them; so that the Spaniard of the C guard onely was hanged, and the cooke condemned to haue two hundred blowes with a broad thicke peece of leather; which was done with wonderfull compassion of the standers by that cried out and said, That they as seruants had done nothing but that which was comm [...]ndable, seeking their lord and masters deliuerie, that had long sought and desired to haue law and iustice; whereby they were not put to death, but the foure seruants were committed prisoners into a castle call [...]d Valasco; where they continued, and liued a long time in great miserie, till in Nouember 1567, at which time it happened, that the princes of Portugall, the kings sister, and mother to Dom Sebastian, king of Portugall passing by the prison, the said prisoners making a great noise both with their chaines and cries, she asked what they were, and was certified, that they were Flemings, imprisoned onely, because they sought to haue gotten D their lord and master out of prison, that had long sought for iustice, but could not obtaine it. Whereupon she promised, for the lord of Montignies sake, and the innocencie of their small offence, earnestly to solicite for their deliuerance vnto the king, which she obtained, for the which they most heartily thanked God and the princes. The baron de Montigni vnderstanding thereof, vsed such meanes by secret friends, that hee got a certaine summe of money, and gaue it them, for to beare their charges into the Netherlands, giuing them letters to his wife the lady Montigni (daughter and sister to the prince of Espinoy and Dauitourgh, of the house of Melun) that she should allow them euery one according to his place, a certaine yearely pention out of his lands during their liues, in recompence of their seruice and troubles endured for his sake. They being so discharged, and come into the Netherlands, E seeking to obtaine their said reward, and to that end making meanes vnto the baron de Noircarmes, to bee an intercessour for them, not onely to the lady Montigni, but also to the duke of Alua, that had forbidden her to giue them any thing, at the last got nothing, but were vpon paine of hanging banished out of Brussels.
After that, the duke of Alua caused the said lord de Montignies processe of life and goods to be made, as he had done against the other lords, wholly without his knowledge, appointing a counsellor to answere for him, that neuer spake with the said lord de Montigni, nor yet could get any instruction or information out of Spaine from him, he himselfe not once vnderstanding thereof. And when Annavan Austria, the emperour Maximilians daughter, passed through the Netherlands to goe into Spaine, to marry with the king, the Contesse of F Horne mother vnto the said lord de Montigni, and his wife, with diuers others, kneeling downe before her, desired her to be a meanes vnto the king, that his processe might be made, and he deliuered out of prison: which the said espoused queene promised in most friendly manner, that it should be the first request that she would make vnto the king her husband. [Page 454] Which the duke of Alua vnderstanding, presently sent letters into Spaine, and procured the A meanes, that the said baron de Montigni was remooued from Segobia, vnto the castle of Simancas, and before the queene got out of the ship, to set foot on land, he was poysoned by a young page, that put poyson into certaine broth wherewith he serued him (which page was expressely charged to doe it, vpon paine of death, as he after confessed vnto his secret friends) by meanes of the which broth, he fell into a burning feauer, whereof hee died in the beginning of October in Anno 1570, his sentence being by the said duke of Alua first published The baron de Montigni poysoned in Spain in the Netherlands in March after in Anno 1571, and all his goods confiscate. He left issue by his wife, whom he had newly married, before his departure in Spaine, but one daughter, that died very young. After his death his wife maried the lord of Floyon, of the house of Barlamont, and after earle of Barlamont; who after her death maried with the onely daughter and B heire of the earle of Lalaine. These lords manner of life and Religion could not escape the Spanish furie, although they were most earnest and good catholickes: the marquesse of Berghen being so earnest therein, that he commaunded all catholicke offices to be performed within his gouernment, and caused the children of those of the reformed Religion to be baptised againe; neither yet could the intercession of the emperour, the princes of Germany and others preuaile any thing therein.
Touching the liues, actions, and seruices of these lords, done for the king and the benefite of the Netherlands, many men in other countries round about were of opinion, that they only were the principallest instruments, both by counsell and action, of the kings good and prosperous proceedings, victories, and greatnesse, and that his affaires (through his father the emperours C crosses in Germanie, and his weakenesse of bodie, being at an ebbe) were by theirs and other Netherlanders means so much furthered and aduanced, that thereby they brought Fraunce to graunt to so good and an honourable peace in his behalfe. But it was their euill fortunes, that they were too well beloued and fauoured of the common people, and by their vpright and good seruices, together with other Netherlanders, had gotten ouer-great credite and report in euery place: whereby they had not onely mooued and enticed the people to yeeld great tributes, taxes, tallages and honours vnto the king, but also procured great seruices to be done for him in other countries, as in Germany &c. And when the king with his counsell in Spaine had fully resolued to bring the Netherlands vnder full obedience and subiection, by the Inquisition, and other strange deuices brought into it and other countries, D whether it were of zeale vnto the Romish catholicke Religion, or that he ouer-much desired his owne profite and greatnesse, hee sought and expected from those lords, that they should and would vse and put in practise their authoritie and power aforesaid among the common people, as they had done before, wherein they did not acquite themselues so well, as the vnexperienced counsellors in Spaine concerning the affaires of the Netherlands, desired and expected they should haue done; which the said lords esteemed to bee cleane contrarie vnto the kings seruice, and the profit of the Netherlands: as also thinking it to bee a thing vnreasonable for them to withstand, and contrary their owne friends, kindred, countrey, lawes, and priuiledges, knowing better than they of Spaine wherein the profit and commoditie of the Netherlands, and consequently, the aduancement of the kings honour and seruice chiefely E consisted; esteeming it vnpossible, to hold and maintaine a people (that had alwaies liued in freedome) in peace and quietnesse, by such odious kind of rigour, as the proclamations and the Inquisition brought in and inflicted vpon them. For which cause, they seeing the proceedings of their neighbour countries, sought to procure and induce the king to a necessarie kind of altering, or moderating of his pretended course, by diuers and seuerall meanes, for the maintenance and preseruation of the catholicke Romish Religion, which otherwise stood in great danger to be ouerthrowne: which disliked and much displeased the king and his counsell, and was the matter of Treason (as the Spaniards supposed) for the which they must die: others, measuring their actions by another way, esteemed and iudged them both by God and mans law to haue iustly deserued to die; for that in so good [...] cause, wherein so much consisted F the honour of God, Religion, the countries welfare, and the kings profit, they were not more vigilant, carefull, prouident, and earnest, than they had beene, but through feare, and suspition of the kings carelesnesse, beeing badly informed by the enemies of the countrey, suffered themselues to be easily carried away, and to let such cases of importance, as the abolishing [Page 455] of the proclamations for the assembling of the States, and such like priuiledges graunted in A times past, to be taken away from the Netherlands by prouiso, whereby, they made the other lords and gentlemen become faint hearted, and partly holpe and assisted to persecute them, contrarie to their owne promises, wils and consciences; seeing and knowing wherein the honour of God, the Religion, the countries welfare, and the profite of the king most consisted, better than any other counsellors about him did, as time it selfe hath sufficiently made manifest, and declared. Some others argued to the contrarie, excusing them, That they thereby hoped to pacifie the kings wrath, when he should see and perceiue the obedience of his subiects, and the weightinesse of the cause, together with the daungers therein consisting, and so might be mooued to a softer and more conuenient remedie. Wherein also they were much deceiued: which the prince of Orange, and others, had sufficiently foretold B them, as that they would bee the bridge and onely instrument, vpon the which, and wherewith the Spaniards would enter into the Netherlands, counselling and aduising them rather to kepe all strangers out of the land, vntill the king, by aduice of the generall States, should be better counselled. Generally, euery man esteemed, that the king could reape no good nor profit by the rigor and crueltie that he had vsed against those earles, and other noblemen and gentlemen, but be a meanes to breed much hatred, euill will, and desperation among the people towards him, which since hath cost many mens liues, and consumed a great masse of treasure. These were the common and generall opinions of all well experienced persons in matters concerning estate (in other princes countries and courts) touching their deaths. C
Cont Lodowic of Nassau hauing gotten the victorie against Cont Arembergh and the Spaniards, diuided his armie into two, with the which he went to besiege Groningen, a great Cōt Lodowic besiegeth Groningen. and mightie towne in the countrey of Friseland, not without great admiration of all men, how hee durst with so few men and so little munition, attempt such a towne, whereas the earle of Meghen was with eighteene ensignes of Germanes, and a thousand Spaniards, and Curio Martinengue with three hundred horsemen. The besieged made many braue sallies, and among others, one on the two and twentieth of Iune, in the which the earle of Nassau lost aboue two hundred men, seeking to hinder them from building of a fort betwixt two riuers. In the meane time Chiapin Vitelli, marshal of the campe to the duke of Alua, gathered together what men he could, with the which he aduanced, whilest that the duke prepared to rayse the D siege. Chiapin camped on the one side of the towne, not farre from Cont Lodowics Protestants, who sent to offer him battaile, but he excused himselfe.
The duke of Alua sent to entreat the emperour in the king his masters name, that he would commaund the earle of Nassau to leaue the siege of Groningen, and to annoy the Netherlands no more, vpon paine to incurre the indignation of his imperiall Maiestie, and the proscription of the empire: the which the emperour did graunt him; commaunding the earle expressely to forbeare, and to retyre out of the territories of the king of Spaine: the earle answered the herauld, That he could not doe it, before he had aduertised the prince of Orange his brother, and other noblemen, their confederates; and being certified of their resolutions, he would answere his imperiall Maiestie. Which summation beeing heard, and notwithstanding E his answere, many Seigniors of Germanie being terrified with this commaundement, returned with their troupes into Germanie. Yet the earle continued his siege, vntill the comming of the duke of Alua; who passing by Boisleduke with seuenteene companies of foot, and some peeces of artillerie, which he had drawne out of Macklyn, he approched to Groningen the foureteenth of Iuly, where hee went to counter-campe. Before his comming, the earle of Meghen hauing sallied foorth, receiued a shot, whereof hee dyed soone after.
The earle of Nassau knowing him so neere him, and finding himselfe too weake to make head against him, raysed his campe, and retyred into the countrey of Embden, in the The siege of Groningen raised. countie of East-Friseland, breaking the bridges, and spoyling the countrey where hee passed, F to take all commoditie and meanes from the enemie to pursue him, yet not without often skirmishing.
The duke of Alua put duke Erick of Brunswicke with all his Reistres in garrison into the [Page 456] towne: for that beeing a marish countrey, the horsemen could doe him but small seruice, A following the earle with his footmen, who by his spies vnderstood he was encamped at Iemminghen, The duke of Alua pursues Cōt Lodowic. a very commodious place, hauing on the one side the riuer of Ems and the towne of Embden at his backe, from whence he might draw all things necessarie for the entertainment of his armie, being resolued to keepe himselfe there, vntill that his brother, the prince of Orange, had entred with the body of his armie into some other part of the Netherlands, which would cause the duke of Alua to retyre out of Friseland, to goe against him, for to stoppe his entrie. But the duke hauing recouered the castle of Wede, made a bridge at Reyden vpon Ems, and sent Sancho d' Auila to view the earles campe, and to draw him foorth to skirmish; then followed Iulian Romero with eight hundred muskettiers, to make him quit his lodging, Sancho de Lodogno with a thousand Spanish shot, Caesar Gonsague B and Curio Martinengue with two companies of horsemen: And for the arereguard, fifteene companies of Wallons, vnder George of Lalaine, baron of Ville, brother vnto the earle of Hoochstraten (who was with Cont Lodowic) and sixe ensignes of Germanes: after the which followed Alonzo d' Vlloa, and Gonsalue of Bracamont, with sixe hundred launces; the which could not march but one at once, by reason of the streightnesse of the way, hauing water on eyther side. Cont Lodowic would willingly haue cut a dike, to haue drowned his enemies, before they should haue come vnto his trenches, hauing himselfe, with the earle of Schouwenberch, and other commaunders, taken shouels and pickaxes in their hands to worke. But his Germanes (who were about seuen thousand men) seeing the Spaniards march resolutely towards them, began (after their accustomed manner) to cry for C Gelt, and demaunded their pay, saying, that the money was come vnto the campe. The earle (who would gladly haue fought) sought to persuade them, saying, That hee had no leysure to count it, but that the enemie beeing so neere, they must fight, promising them their pay as soone as the enemie were repulsed and vanquished: But neyther his persuasions, nor those of the earle of Schouwenberch, preuayled any thing, to dispose them vnto battaile. The Spaniards (who had begun the skirmish by tenne of the clocke in the morning, and entertayned it vntill two in the afternoone) hauing discouered the Germanes countenances, came resolutely vnto their trenches, the which they forced with small losse, and put them to rout, whereof many were slaine vpon the place for their payment, receiuing a worthie reward for their trecherie vnto the earle: a great number of the souldiors D saued themselues, as well by swimming, as in their small barkes. Cont Lodowic and many gentlemen, and others, saued themselues also in little skiffes, after that they had made resistance euen to the extremitie. The earle of Hoochstraten was two dayes before retyred Cont Lodowic saues himself. from the campe, to goe vnto the prince. And the earle of Schouwenberch, seeing vpon the first approch of the enemie, that the Landtsknechts demaunded siluer, and would not bee contented with promises, but refused to fight, dislodged betimes, with most of the horsemen.
The duke of Alua after this victorie, writ to Iohn, bishop of Munster, the eight and twentieth of Iuly, complayning greatly of Cont Lodowic of Nassau, who (he said) would yeeld to no reason, breaking the commaundements of the emperour and the empire, hauing sopyled E all the countie of Embden; yea, he accused the earle of East Friseland and lord of Embden, that he had assisted him with victuals and munition, whereby he did shew, that hee was a friend to Cont Lodowic, and an enemie vnto the king of Spaine: and the rather, for that during this battaile, they had made certaine shot of great Ordnance from the towne vpon the kings troupes. Yet these letters were of small effect, the bishop not daring to stirre, fearing the prince of Orange, who was in Germanie, prouiding of an armie, appointing his Rendes-vous in the countrey of Treues, neere vnto the abbey of Romersdorffe; whereas staying a moneth, he made a generall muster. His chiefe Colonels and Reytmasters were, Frederic Rollenheim, marshall of Hessen (very famous for the seruice which he had done the Protestāts in France) Diederich of Schouwenberch, Cont Albert of Nassau, the earl Richard of Barby F colonels: among the Reytmasters, Otto of Malsburg, Herman Rydesal, Adam Welsen, & others, with seuen thousand Reyters. The colonels of the foot were, Nicholas of Hadtstate, a gentlemā of ancient nobility, and a man of great experience in warre, Feyt Schoomer and Balthazar Woolfe [Page 457] with foure and fortie ensignes of Landtsknechts. Of the French were the lords of Genlis, A Moruilliers, the barons of Renty, Mouy, Antricourt, Esternay, Fongieres, la Personne and others commaunding twelue cornets of horse, and two thousand harquebusiers. The Netherlanders and Wallons were commaunded by the baron of Batenbourg and the Seigniors of Waroux, Baxtell, Risoir, Carlo, Marbais, Louverval, d'Ohain, and many others: among the which was the Seignior of Launoy earle of March (a mad head) hauing sworne neuer to cut his haire nor beard, nor to cut his nailes, vntill he were reuenged for the death of the earle of Egmont his cousin; with whom Cont Lodowic also ioyned, with those troupes hee could saue at the rout at Iemminghen. Some captaines carried in their colours this deuice, Pro Lege, Rege & Grege; others carried Pelicans; others, Roses painted vpon their morrions; which is the auncient marke of the English, giuing to vnderstand, that the Queene of England would be fauourable vnto them. The prince had also tenne peeces of artillerie, foure canons of batterie, B and sixe culuerins.
With this armie the prince marched, in the beginning of September, towards the countrey of Luxembourg, to S. Vyt, a towne of his owne patrimonie. The duke of Alua hearing of his descent, went and encamped by Maestricht, at Vise, vpon the Meuse, with the regiments The duke of Alua campes by Maestricht. of the earles of Lodron and Ouersteyn, fortie ensignes of Spaniards, fortie of Wallons and foure thousand horse, Spaniards, Italians, Germanes, and the bands of Ordnance of the Low countries, with great store of artillerie. The prince marching in field, tooke Aremberch, and the strong castle of Carpen, betwixt Cologne and Duyren, then Hormsteyn belonging to the king of Spaine, putting all to the sword that made resistance: as also the duke C of Alua for his part spared not any. So the prince went along the riuer of Meuse, towards Stockem, where, notwithstanding the vigilancie of the duke of Alua (who had caused galthropes to be cast into the riuer at many foords) hee passed with his armie, to offer battaile vnto the duke: approching neere vnto Maestricht the seuenth of October, his men had a little before taken eighteene boats vpon the Rhyn, laden with silkes, cloth, and other marchandize, going towards Francfort. The Liegeois would willingly haue stopped his passage, if they could; but he passed where as they did not expect him: so as the fifteenth of the month he defeated some of the dukes troupes; who to incommodate the prince, had broken all the milles, and stopped his victuals all he could. The prince (to ioyne with the French troupes of the lord of Genlis, and the rest) passed a little riuer called la Gheer, the which diuideth D the countrey of Liege from Brabant, leauing Tillemont vpon the right hand, to seeke all occasions to giue battaile vnto the duke; who being loath to hazard any thing, kept himselfe close in his trenches before Maestricht: yet the duke sent his sonne Dom Frederic with foure thousand harquebusiers, Wallons, and Spaniards, with some horsemen, to cut off his passage, as if he meant to fight with him. But it passed in skirmishes, with small losse on eyther side, Dom Frederic skirmisheth with the prince. whereas the Seignior of Louerual was taken prisoner, whom the duke caused to bee afterwards beheaded at Brussels. The prince might easily haue defeated this small troupe of Dom Frederics; but beeing ready to fight, the Landtsknechts (as before) demaunding siluer, would not hearken vnto it. So as the prince being frustrate of his expectation, hauing presented battaile once againe vnto the duke, who would not accept it, seeing that he sought E onely to dissolue his armie for want of victuals and other commodities; passing with his troupes through Brabant into Henault, he was followed by the duke of Alua, who euery night retrenched himselfe, beeing loath to hazard any thing, following him from lodging to lodging, vntill he was entred into Fraunce; yet the prince beeing neere to Quesnoy le Comte, hauing encountred some of the dukes troupes, which were too farre aduanced, he defeated tenne companies of Landtsknechts, eight of Spaniards, and three companies of light horsemen, where there were many gentlemen slaine; and amongst those of account or marke, the marquesse of Omares sonne, Dom Ioan of Cales, Dom Ruffin Henriques, and others. Being come to the castle of Cambresis, his Germanes burned and spoyled all that they left behind them. And there the duke of Alua left pursuing them. Being entred into F Fraunce, the marshall of Cosse (at the request of the duke of Alua) coasted him with two thousand harquebusiers and two hundred horse: but he could not annoy him: there the prince, Cont Lodowic, and the French nobilitie went to counsell what they should doe; [Page 458] whether to passe further into the Realme (being amazed at so great forces) or to returne towards A Germanie, to ioyne with the armie of Wolfgang, duke of Deux Ponts, the which he prepared to succour the Protestants of Fraunce: which second aduice was followed: so marching through Campaigne and Lorraine, approching neere Strausbourg, the prince sent to make his excuse to the French king. But before the message was done vnto his Maiestie, the king sent the lord Gaspar Schomberg, to let him vnderstand, that he wondered much, how the said prince (without any quarrell or cause) should enter so into his Realme with an armie: but if he demaunded passage, onely to returne into Germanie, it should not be denyed him▪ so as he committed no act of hostilitie. Whereunto the prince answered from Soissons the fourth of December, as he had before sent his intention vnto his Maiesty, That although he had many reasons mouing him thereunto, yet he was not so indiscreet to addresse B his armes against so mightie a king. And therefore he protested, that he was ready to doe his Maiestie that honour, respect, and seruice that was fit. But for that the aduancement of the true Religion is a point which aboue all doth moue the hearts of men: the which he vnderstandeth they meane to [...]oot out in Fraunce; although his Maiestie had giuen him to vnderstand, that h [...] intention was not to force any one in his conscience: but that the Protestants were [...]ll affected to him, and that he held them for his enemies. But if hee found, that the said Protestants did seeke any other thing than the aduancement of the true Religion, the libertie of their consciences, and the suretie of their persons and goods: That neyther he nor his armie would be friends vnto them, but mortall enemies: But hearing, that the Protestants sought no other thing, but the honour of God, the assurance of their liues, and the C seruice of God and his Maiestie, he desired his Maiestie not to take it in ill part, if he were affected vnto them: and that if he desired, that his Maiesties publicke Edicts, made touching Religion, were entertayned and kept; the which proceeded from a Christian zeale which he bare to his Maiesty and his subiects, the which hee desired to see preserued from extreame ruine and desolation.
The king hearing this answere, offered him a good summe of money for the payment of his armie, whereof he had great need: and by the same meanes caused Schomberg (who was well knowne among the colonels and Rytmasters) to sound the minds of his souldiers, wherof some through pouertie were weary of the warres, and others were content to enter into the kings seruice. The prince, his brother, and the French nobilitie had propounded to march D further into Fraunce: whereupon there grew a great difficultie, the troupes refusing to march any further▪ but would returne into Germanie, and bee payed there, saying, that their leuie was not made to goe into Fraunce, but into the Netherlands against the duke of Alua. So as hauing no money ready, no persuasions nor entreaties could serue to make them aduance, vntill that the money which the French king had offered was come. But the king vnderstanding of this diuision in the princes armie, would not send it. Wherefore they were forced to conduct the armie through Lorraine, neere vnto Strausbourg, where it was dispersed with small payment, but what the prince could make, selling his artillerie and equipage.
And thus this warre of the prince of Orange against the duke of Alua passed without any fruit, with the losse of many good men and of qualitie, which died in this voyage: among the E which, the earle of Hoochstraten hauing hurt himselfe in the legge with his own pistoll, died: The death of the earle of Hoochstraten. besides many gentlemen who hauing drunke together in a banquet of wine that was poysoned, as it was thought, dyed soone one after another, few escaping. The prince and Cont Lodowic hauing retained about twelue hundred horse of seruice, ioyned with the duke of Deux Ponts, with whom they entred into Fraunce. And hauing exploited nothing in the Netherlands, the duke of Alua (bragging that he had chased him away) stayed with all his armie at Cambresis, where he diuided his troupes into the frontier garrisons, cassiering a part which he held not necessarie, most of them Germanes, except the Regiment of the earle of Lodron, who was put into Valenciennes, and three hundred Spaniards into Breda; the rest after that the frontiers were well fortified, were sent into Holland. Which done, the duke returned F to Brussels, where he caused Te Deum to be sung, and an Oration was made in his prayse by the deane of the church, the which was commended by all the auditors. From thence the duke retired to the pallace to take his ease.
[Page 459] The prince of Orange, with his brethren, Lodowic and Henry, earles of Nassau, retayning tenne or twelue hundred horse in their pay, stayed and ioyned themselues with the duke of A Swayeburg that gathered an armie in the behalfe of the prince of Conde, and those of the religion, with whom in Anno 1569 they went into Fraunce.
The duke of Alua hauing with small losse had the victorie ouer his enemies in all places, and caused them to forsake the countrey, vpon the twentieth of December came to Brussels with his sonne, and placed his souldiers in diuers garrisons; as his Spaniards vnder Alonzo de V [...]oa in Mastrich, Hertogenbush, and Graue; the regiment of Iulian Romero in Brussels and Mechelen; the regiment of Dom Zantio de Londogno in Vtrecht and Bommel; the regiment of Billi or Robles in Groninge; the regiment of colonel Mondragon in Deuenter; the regiment of high Dutches vnder the earle of Lodron in Valenciennes and Antuerpe, discharging B certaine Dutch horsemen, and some regiments of Wallons. And at Brussels he assembled the generall states after a certaine manner; where he demaunded a reasonable summe of money for the king, towards the great charges hee had beene at for the defence of the land, the Christian faith, and the Catholicke Romish Religion: which they most willingly graunted vnto, and withall gaue vnto the duke himselfe a present of one hundred and twenty thousand duckets, for the good seruice that the Netherlands had receiued at his hands; which at first he refused, but after tooke it, and from that time forth was in good hope of a peaceable gouernment, intending to begin to effect his charge; which was▪ to reduce and bring the countrey vnder one absolute gouernment: to which end hee brought in the new bishops, and established the Inquisition in euery place (for the which there was so much contention The duke of Alua bringeth in the new bishops and the Inquisition. C before in the countrey, and from whence all the troubles first had their originall) and proceeded with his bloudie counsell to persecute and execute all those that in any wise were found, or knowne to be consenting vnto, or partakers of the forepassed tumults, or that had any bad opinion of the Romish Church: and to that end vpon the two and twentieth of Ianuarie 1569 1569 he sent forth a proclamation, That no man should aid or assist the fugitiue people in any sort whatsoeuer, and that no woman might depart out of the countrey to follow her husband, nor that any man might visite those that were fled or banished for the troubles aforesaid, and further caused many to be executed in euery place of the Netherlands: Some he caused to be hanged and beheaded; others to bee burnt: which once againe caused great numbers of the people to flye out of the countrey, hauing lost all hope of liuing quietly in D their owne countries to get their liuings, and with their households and families sought to liue in other places: whereby they caried diuers kinds of handycrafts, that were only knowne and vsed in the Netherlands, into other countries: as for example, the Flemings went by so great numbers into England, lying next vnto them, that they there restored and peopled many townes not well inhabited, and partly decayed, as Norwich, Sandwich, Colchester, Maydston, Hampton, and others; where, by the gracious fauour of the Queene they were permitted to vse the exercise of their Religion in the Dutch and French languages, and there got their liuings by making of Bayes, Sayes, changeable Stuffes, Moccadoes, Fustian, Grograine, and all other Stuffes wherein any wooll is vsed, and brought the trade thereof into England: so that those kinds of Stuffes are now onely made there; and much of the stuffe E that serueth for the making thereof, brought out of the Netherlands thither; which wares the Englishmen themselues haue since learned to make: and also about two hundred yeares passed, by meanes of great inundations in Flaunders, and the Netherlands, the people being forced to leaue the countrey, and to flye into England, brought the trade of making Cloth into England, which as then was a new and a strange thing with them, they at that time getting their liuings by pasturing of sheepe, tylling of the land, and following the warres: but before that time, Flaunders and the Netherlands onely serued all the world with cloth, as it appeareth by the priuate contracts made betweene England and the Netherlands. And as the Flemings brought the making of Bayes, Sayes, &c. into England; and greatly peopled the said countrey; so did the Hollanders, Zeelanders, Brabanders, and others, bring their cunning of F fishing and other trades into England, as also into Germany, and other countries, where they haue built townes, and made them very populous and ful of great trades, as need and pouerty constrained this industrious people to seek for their liuings, as it is in many coūtries to be seen. [Page 460] The number of the people that fled out of the Netherlands at that time, was not lesse than an A hundred thousand households; which in strange countries, wheresoeuer they became, vsed still their language, and manner of apparell, as hoping once againe to returne into their natiue countries.
Whilest the prince of Orange was in Germanie, there grew some question betwixt the Queene of England and the duke of Alua: the duke complayning, That the Queene had The duke of Alua p [...]kes a qu [...]rell against the Queene of England. arrested a certaine shippe, and stayed in her hands a great summe of money belonging to the king of Spaine his master, with whom (he said) she should entertaine all brotherly loue, and not commit such acts of hostilitie. Whereunto the Queene answered, That shee was well informed by some gentlemen of Genoa, that the said mon [...]y belonged vnto certaine priuate marchants; and as she had then need for her priuate seruice, she would retaine it, paying reasonable interest for a time. Whereupon the duke stayed the persons, shippes, and B goods of all the English marchants in the Netherlands. Whereat the Queene complayned by a publicke proclamation, maintaining, that the duke proceeded against her and her subiects, against equitie an [...] iustice. The duke the better to discouer the Englishmens goods, and to arrest them, appointed one William Parker, and Doctor Storie his substitute, an auncient man, and an Inquisitor in England, in the time of Queene Mary, to search the shippes, and to arrest all that he found belonging to the English. This doctor going one day to search the shippe of Cornellis van Eyck, a mariner of Berghen vpon Soom, whilest that he was busie searching vnder the hatches, the master hoysed sayles, and went directly for England, where he deliuered this busie doctor, who as traytor to his Queene and countrey was hanged and C quartered.
The Queene hearing of the arrest and stay of her subiects, as well in the Netherlands as in Spaine, graunted the like arrest and letters of reprisall against the subiects and marchants of the Netherlands and Spaine, to take them, their ships and goods wheresoeuer they could; whereby the English were well satisfied for their losses: whereof great complaints were made at the court at Brussels.
The duke of Alua meaning to repaire the fault which he had committed, sent Christopher d'Assonuille, a counsellor of State, into England, to the Queene, to reconcile this difference. But her Maiestie being discontented, seeing that he brought no letters of credit from the king of Spaine, would not heare him, nor acknowledge him as an embassadour, seeing D that he came but from the duke of Alua, sending him to treat with her counsell: the which d'Assonuille refused to doe, for that he had no such commission, and so depa [...]ted without audience: yet the Queene sent him word, That although she found her selfe greatly interessed, yet she would not begin the warre, except the duke of Alua began first. Shee did also write the like into Spaine, complayning of the duke of Aluaes presumption: who afterwards sent Chiapin Vitell [...], marquesse of Cetone, with the counsellor Frincket, and the Secretarie Torre, to demaund the money that was stayed, and to free all arrests on either side. After them were sent the Seigniors, Francis of Halewin, the Seignior of Swegem, and Tho [...]as Fiesco, a marchant of Genoa: but they preuailed no more than the rest. Whereupon the duke of Alua caused all the marchants cloth which he had arrested, to be sold: So as the E traffique betwixt England and the Netherlands ceased; and the English marchants transported their cloth to Hambourg, whereas they held their Staple.
The duke of Alua fearing least the Queene should attempt something vpon Zeeland, sent Chiapin Vitelli, and Gabriel Serbello [...] his enginour, to fortifie such places as lay most open vpon the sea; for that hee had vnderstood, that the English had taken a Flemish shippe vpon the coast of Zeeland: wherefore he made himselfe strong in men and shipping, to resist all those that would hinder his designes, fearing least the English should take him vnprouided.
The same yeare (in May) Pope Pius the fifth sent vnto the duke of Alua a sword and an hatte, which hee had blessed with great solemnities. They were brought and deliuered F vnto him by his Nuncio, with great ceremonies, as to the true defendor of the Romish Church; wherea [...] all the Spaniards made great feasts of ioy, and publicke Tourneyes in Brussels.
[Page 461] The emperor Maximilia [...] being daily importuned by the noblemen & gentlemen that were A fled out of the Netherlands, to be an intercessor for them to the K. of Spain, & to auoid greater effusion of bloud, which was verie apparent by a long and continual war: being also intreated therunto by many princes of the empire▪ that were louers of peace, he sent Charles his brother into Spaine, with ample instructions to the king, to persuade him to pardon his exi [...]d subiects, and to giue them peace and quietnesse in his countries: but all preuailed not: the king answered him by writing, and that was all the fruit of his legation.
The duke of Alua knowing that the prince of Orange and cont Lodowic his brother were ioyned with some troups of horse vnto the duke of Deux Ponts, marching to succor the Protestants 1569 in France, he also sent in the name of the king his master, Peter Ernest earle of Mansfield, with 25 companies of foot, Spaniards and Wallons, and 2000 horse of the bands of ordnance B of the Netherlands, to succour the French king, who ioyned with his armie vnder the duke of Aniou.
The duke of Alua hauing made the prince of Oranges great armie vnprofitable, as we haue A description of the duke of Aluae [...] image. said, and by that meanes made the Netherlands reasonably quiet vnder his gouernment, hee began to build many citadels, as at Valenciennes, Groningen, Graue, Vtrecht, Flessingue, and aboue all hee finished that of Antuerpe: in the which for an eternal memorie of his prowesse he caused to be set vp a stately, sumptuous and proud trophie, in signe of victorie, cast in brasse, representing his person, all armed, but bare headed, the right arme stretched out vnarmed, holding in the left, being armed, the troncheon of a great commander, treading vnder his feet▪ a body with two heads, and six arms, one of them holding a paper, the second a toarch, the third C a broken hammer, the fou [...]th a mace with pointed nailes, the fifth a purse, & the sixt a hatchet; betwixt his legs was a maske or false visage: behind this monstrous bodie was seene a fowld, 1570 from out of the which came serpents: at the eares of one of these heads hung little dishes and gourds, such as beggers carrie about. All this worke being fifteene foot high, was set with a plate of brasse on a great square stone of marble, answerable to the greatnesse and proportion of the figure. On the front before were grauen these letters, F. A. A. T. A. D. P. H. 2. H. A. B. P. Q. E. S. R. R▪ I. C. P. P. F. R. O M. F. P. The signification whereof in Latine you may read before, in the yeare 1567, whereas mention is made of the building of the citadell of Antuerpe: The sence of it in English is▪ To Ferdinando Aluares of Toledo, Gouernour of Belgia for Philip the second king of Spaine, for that the sedition being pacified, the rebels chased away, religion restored, iustice D maintained, hauing setled the Prouinces in peace, as a most faithfull seruant to the King. On the right side of this square stone was grauen the breake of day, alluding to his name Alba, at the comming whereof all the enemies of the night hide themselues, and men begin their worke, the which was signified by the shepheards, leading forth their sheepe to feed: the superscription was, [...], that is to say, The break of day chaseth away euill. On the left hand was an altar with the fire of sacrifice kindled, and there was written Deo Patrum nostrorum, as if hee would say, To the God of our Fathers, to whom we sacrifice for the deliuerie of the country, and victorie ouer our enemies. This figure was interpreted after diuers manners, some said these two heads were the earles of Egmont and Horne, others, the prince of Orange and cont Lodowic his brother. But Aries Montanus had alluded this bodie beaten downe to the Netherlands, E which was gouerned by the three estates, whereof the duke had subdued two, leauing the clergie in his full power: the two heads represented the nobilitie and the people: of the six armes three were applied to the nobles, holding the paper, which was the petition presented to the duchesse, the toarch the counsell, and the mace their force: the other three agreed with the people, holding the hammer and the hatchet (instruments wherewith they had beaten downe the images) and the purse the support of money which the people furnished▪ the maske is vnderstood of himselfe. Others may interpret it after their owne fancies.
The earle of Lodron being in garrison at Valenciennes with his regiment of Landtsknechts, The earle of Lodron taken prisoner by hi [...] own souldiers. the most part Grisons, and of the countrey of Tyrolle, was kept prisoner by his souldiers mutining for their pay, whom he pacified with good words and solemne othes, in receiuing the sacrament F of the altar, that nothing should be imputed vnto them. Hauing found meanes to pay them, he required a new othe of them: some of the captaines would not yeeld to it, saying, That there was no trust in an Italian, but they should rather carrie him with them into their countrey, and there breake their colours: such as were of this opinion [...]tired, the rest suffered [Page 462] themselues to be persuaded, alledging their▪ pay, which did bind them to serue the king. They A were drawne out of Valenciennes with good words to Bourgerhout ne [...]re vnto Antuerpe, there to be mustered: but they were presently enuironed by the Spanish horsemen, who slew a good number of them, & kept many prisoners, who were afterwards executed by the sword, and hanged both within and without Antuerp. Such as could escape this furie fled into Germany, and so into their owne countrey, who were afterwards reuenged for this treache [...]ie vpon the lands and subiects of the earle of Lodron, beeing neere neighbours to the Grisons countrey.
We haue formerly spoken of the prouost Spelle, named Iohn Cronelt, which was one of the cruellest instruments that the duke of Alua could haue imployed: this tyrant was conuicted of many concussions, and to haue put many innocents to death vnder counterfeit names, and B to haue released some for great summes of money; and also to haue taken money of the kinsfolkes of some, and yet afterwards to haue put them to death, [...]estoring nothing of that which he had receiued: for which crimes the duke of Alua caused him to be hanged at Brussels, with two of his instruments: so as that which he had done wrongfully to many, was done rightfully to him, & according vnto iustice. He had without any [...]espect or discretion put many thousands The great crueltie of the duke o [...] Alua. to death, as also the duke of Alua had sometimes vanted, that he had caused aboue 18000 by good account to passe through the hands of his executioners, the which he t [...]rmed by the name of Iustice.
At that time the duke was at rest, fearing no enemie, imagining that hee had subdued and expelled all, hee therefore now dreamed of new meanes to oppresse to Netherlands, A general pardon by t [...]e duke o [...] Alu [...], wi [...]h [...]any restrictions. C and to draw home and get into his clawes those that were fled into the neighbor countries, as into France, England, Germanie, the East countries, and elsewhere: hee cals them home by a generall pardon, published in Iuly: but they were not so foolish nor simple to trust vnto it, only some artisans and poore creatures did hazard themselues, for whom (beeing so few in number and the purchase so small) the duke would not violat his faith, but left them in peace, gouerning themselues according to his pardon. And withall the said pardon was so restrained, as it was not in a manner but for the innocents: for such as had in any sort offend [...]d during the troubles, were not comprehended. As after the defeats of the Protestants in the Netherlands at Waterloo, Austerweel, Valenciennes, and S. Valerie, many which had then escaped, had not the means to get out of the country, fearing least they shold be incountred in the way vpō D their retreat by the Prouosts marshals, who pursued them, and had charge to put as many to death as they could take, that had carried armes against the king his lieutenants and officers: they put themselues in troups into the woods and forrests, as at Nieppes in Flanders, Richbourg, Olhain, and Verdres in Arthois, Mourmal, and others in Henault, and carrying themselues vnder the name of the prince of Orange, they made warre apart against the priests and officers of iustice, who they said were their enemies, killing, spoyling, and ransoming them, without doing any wrong to farmers or countreymen, who in the night fu [...]nished them with victuals. One day they tooke the prouost marshall of Arthois, named Dentelin Gondeble [...], their great persecuter, whom they did miserably spoyle, with all his men, in a farme belonging to one Israel of Escluse, a banished man. They tooke foure and twentie horse, which they E carried in the night (hauing in the day time their retreat into the woods) to sell in France. Of all the prouosts men, there escaped none but the hangman, verie sore wounded, and left for dead vpon the dunghill. They called these men Boskets, or Bosquillons, for that they kept in the woods and forrests. They kept a certaine discipline among them, not to hurt any marchants▪ or other passengers, if they were not of the iustice, whom they put to death, or church men, whom they drew into the woods and ransomed, deteining them there vntill the money were come. If they found that there were any theeues in the said woods, which vnder their names did rob the passengers, they pursued them, and hauing taken them, they deliuered them to the Prouosts men, at the entrie of the wood, not suffering them to approach within harguebuse shot, neither durst the others come any neerer. Their armes we [...]e a [...]arguebuse F hanged at their backes in a scarfe, a hanger at their girdles, and a halfe pike on the [...] shoulders, with the which they leaped ouer ditches, were they twentie foot broad▪ men actiue and resolute in great numbers. When as the prouost could take a [...]y of them, he burnt them, or r [...] sted them with a small fire.
[Page 463] On the other side those that were fled out of the realme, as into England, Germanie, the A East countries, and to Rochell, went to sea vnder the princes name (and it may bee vnder his commission) making warre against all ships of the Netherlands that came or went into Spain, whom they did take and spoile, making their retreats to sell their goods at Rochel (whereas the Protestant princes of France did the like) Emden, and in England: whereof the chief were Iohn of Berghes a knight, seignior of Olhain, who for a time carried the title of the prince of Oranges viceadmirall, William of Fiennes, lord of Lumbres, Barthol Entes a gentleman Frison, a bastard of Brederode, and one of the house of Egmont, a Hollander, Embise a Fleming, sonne to the bourgmaster of Gand, and one Iohn Bro [...]k of Amsterdam, with some others, who hauing good ships, got many rich booties: to whom in the end ioined the seignior of [...]umay, earle of la Ma [...]ke. The king of Spaine complained of them to the queene of England, who to please him, commanded them to retire out of her ports: So as to haue a place of retreat, and a safe B harbour, there followed as we shall shew the taking of the towne and island of Bryele in Holland, which made worke for the duke of Alua.
The first of August, whilest that the emperour and the estates of the empire were at an imperiall diet at Spier, the emperour sent his daughter Anne to the king of Spaine, accompanied with the archdukes Albert & Wencesla [...], her two brethren, being yet verie yong, the great commander of Prusia, and the bishop of Munster, who did accompanie them vnto Brussels, wheras she arriued the 22 of the moneth, and from thence went to Middelburg in Zeeland, where The king of Spaine maries his neece the emperours daughter. she imbarked with her two brethren the 25 of September, and the 24 of Nouember following was married to the king of Spaine at Segouia in Arragon: But some did mislike that the king C of Spaine should marie his owne neece; by whom at nine monethes end hee had a sonne called Charles Laurent, for that hee was borne on that day which was dedicated to the memorie of the Saint.
This yeare there happened great flouds in the Netherlands, about the time of a new Moon Great flouds in the Netherlands. with spring tides: for that vpon all Saints day the water flowed so high in Antuerpe, about 9 of the clock in the euening, that it flowed a foot higher than it did in the floud in anno 1530, when there was 70 parishes drowned, and two foot higher than it was in anno 1552, and would as it seemed haue risen higher, if it had not broken into the new towne and other places, wherby it filled all the sellers and vaults, both within and without the towne, and euerie emptie place, where an innumerable number of men and cattell were drowned, Austerweel, Kiel, and Hoboken D lay vnder water, laden ships, and a hulke of 300 tunnes were borne vp to the English key. This floud did vnspeakable hurt within the towne of Antuerpe, the damage receiued by merchandise that was as then wet, being esteemed to be more than 100000 gulderns in value. The hu [...]t that was done in the houses, sluces, keyes, and towne walls, was likewise esteemed to be aboue a hundred thousand gulderns. This high water was the meanes that two houses were burnt not far from the Easterlings house, but the benefit of the great water [...]oone quenched them: This fire happened by meanes that a maid going with a lanterne in her hand, to open a sheep coat, thereby to saue 150 sheep from drowning; the water ouercomming the maid, drowned her, and her lanterne driuing amongst the straw, set it and the houses on fire. In Zeeland the same floud did great hurt in many places, as at Rommerswale, Berghen, Saftinghen, E where many were drowned, where they were constrained to send out ships to fetch men, and to giue them meat which sat vpon high trees and ditches. The island of Walchren held out well▪ but the salt keeles were all borne away. South Beuerland endured more hurt. In Holland whole villages were almost borne away, as at Katwicke and other places: but in Friseland most of all. This high floud is notably described in high Dutch verse, by one Iohn Fruytiers, wherin is set downe all the hurt done in euerie seuerall prouince, certifying the number of the people that were drowned that time to be four hundred thousand at the least, besides an innumerable number of cattell. The Spaniards said that it was a iust iudgement sent vpon that countrey by the holy Saints, thereby to reuenge themselues, for breaking downe their Images: but the Netherlanders iudged otherwise thereof, esteeming the Saints not to bee desirous of reuenge. F You must vnderstand that the Netherlands lye vpon the Spanish seas, and are much subiect to high flouds, happening commonly in Winter, at a full and new Moon, with Northwest winds, which in many ages happened therein, as our hystories make mention, whereof I will rehearse some of the greatest.
[Page 464] In the yeare of our Lord 850 the riuer of Rhin that was woont to haue his recourse by Catwicke, A and so ran into the sea, beneath the Flie, brake out by Dort, and so past forward: which high floud was the greatest that our hystories make any mention of, although there are no great particularities thereof to be seene.
Anno 1176 in Holland almost all men and beasts that saued not themselues vpon high places, were drowned.
Anno 1230 in the time of the emperour Otto the 4, the most part of Friseland was vnder water, and it is said that there was 100000 men drowned.
Anno 1374 in the moneth of October, there was great hurt done in Flanders by a high floud.
Anno 1400 there happened a great floud, called the Fresh floud. B
Anno 1420 there was 16 villages drowned by Dort, and many men and cattell: somesay they were 72 villages.
Anno 1508 happened the high floud, called S. Galens floud, when they tooke Cods and Whitings before Groning.
Anno 1509 there was a great floud called Cosmus and Damians floud, which brake through many ditches, and drowned a great number of people.
Anno 1530 happened the Michaelmas high floud.
Anno 1552 there was a great floud called S. Pontians floud.
And this last in anno 1570, called all Saints floud, which was in 6 or 7 prouinces, as far as to Denmarke. C
The electors, princes, noblemen, and townes of the confession of Ausbourg in Germanie, hauing presented a petition vnto the emperour at the diet at Spier, tending to the quiet of Christendome, and the reformation of some abuses, it was not imputed vnto them to rebellion, factions and innouations, as that of the noblemen and gentlemen, and the Netherlands, was in the yeare 1566, by the king of Spaine: but contrariwise the emperour knowing well that what they required tended to the good and quiet of Germanie, and their neighbours, not only accepted it in good part, but also tooke such order as was most needful, specially for those of Cologne (who had driuen out all them of the confession) although they did verie vnwillingly obey. As for the Netherlands, as he feared much the practises of the Spaniards (which had long before sought occasions to get some footing in some corner of Germany, and especially D in the diocesse of Cologne) hee could settle no other order, but to write to the king of Spaine, and the duke of Alua, his lieutenant, to cease their persecutions. But the duke made no account of it, continuing his course as before, so as after he had put an infinit number to death, of all qualities and sexes, and that he had in his conceit subdued al the Netherlands (of which conquest Alonso d'Vlloa hath written the hystorie, to the honor of the duke, as the greatest conqueror in the world) holding himselfe after the retreat of the prince of Oranges armie, to be a conqueror finding himselfe now quiet without any enemies, that had experience in war, hauing a conceit that he had restored the countrey to their former peace, he began to study how he might at the peoples charge entertaine a great number of souldiers, both Spaniards, Italians and Germans: To which end there were sundry impositions, exactions, and extraordinarie The duke of Alua inuents now impositions. E taxes inuented; among others the tenth and the twentieth part of all marchandise, generally throughout the Netherlands for euer: meaning therein to imitat princes or tyrants, who by force and violence haue gotten estates, realmes, and seigniories, who after their conquests, impose vpon the vanquished nations some tribute, impost, or some extraordinarie custome, in signe of their victories: So the duke of Alua in witnesse of his conquest (for it was his vsuall speech that the Netherlands did not belong any more vnto the king by title of inheritance, but as hauing conquered it by his armes) of the successe of which imposition we wil hereafter speake.
In the beginning of this yeare 1571, there was erected in the Netherlands, by the commandement 1571 of the duke of Alua (who had propounded to settle a new order both in the iustice A new stile in criminall causes erected by the duke. F and the gouernment after his owne inuention) a manner of proceeding in criminall causes, which was extraordinarie, the which he would haue obserued for a law and perpetuall edict, notwithstanding all vses, statutes, customes, priuiledges, and ordinances to the contrarie: with a new forme of othe for all judges and other chiefe officers of the kings gift,
[Page 465] About that time Herman of Ruytter, a valiant and an aduenturous man belonging to the A prince of Orange, & borne in Boisleduke, found meanes with a few men to surprise the strong castle of Louvestein, right against Wadrichom, in the corner of an island which makes the seperation of the riuers of Wahal and Meuse, ioyning vnto Gorricom; the which hee resolued to hold for the prince, expecting succours which the earle vanden Berghe had promised to bring him, The duke of Alua caused him to be summoned to yeeld, which he would not do, so as the castle was besieged, battered, and taken by assault: he being retired into a hall, defended himselfe long with a two handed sword, but the number of his enemies increasing, in the end he was ouerthrowne, & valiantly slaine, euery man wondering at his great resolution and valour. His head was caried to Boisleduke, and in contempt set vpon a gibet to vexe & greeue his kinsfolks and friends: seuenteen of his men were taken, and afterwards hanged, except two which were broken vpon the wheele. B
The duke hauing in anno 1568 ouercome and driuen the prince of Orange, and the earle The 10, 20, & 100 peny demanded by the duke of Alua. Lodowicke his brother, out of the Netherlands, and hauing need to pay his souldiers, and to keepe a great garrison, besides the yearely pentions in Germany, hee thought it conuenient, to reape the fruits of his victories, and to imploy all his wits, power, and authoritie to get and gather money, and that by a continuall taxe, perceiuing that by reason of the great number of fugitiue and banished persons, together with the hatred conceiued against him within the land, that he was to expect diuers troubles and vproares, and for that cause hee determined to send for the generall states of the Netherlands to Brussels, and to mooue them to consent to giue the king the hundreth penie of all their mouable and immouable goods, and besides that C the tenth peny of all their mouable goods that should be bought and sold, with the twentieth peny of their immouable goods: without nominating any time how long those taxes and exactions should continue.
Whereunto the generall states and the officers of the treasorie, vnder them made answere, The states answere. and shewed what troubles rose in anno 1556, vpon the raising of the hundreth penie, for that the common people would not consent that it should be known what money euery man had in his chest, and how much they were worth. Touching the tenth and twentieth penie (in Spaine called Alcoual) they shewed him what difficultie would thereby arise, not only for the newnesse therof, but for the burthen that would thereby fall vpon the people, as also the trouble that would ensue about the collection thereof, in regard of the great deceit that would bee D vsed by the buyers and sellers, to the great costs and charges of the collectors and officers therunto appointed: and that the same would bee a great hurt and hinderance vnto the Netherlands (getting their liuings most part by trade of merchandise) for that thereby all kind of handiworkes would be very deere, and by that meanes must of force bee sold deerer in other forreine countries: and that therefore the inhabitants would leaue the Netherlands, and seeke worke in other countries, and so all handicrafts and occupations would cease and bee left off: shewing by examples how euerie thing would thereby be made deerer, as namely that many things, before they could be brought to full perfection, should thereby pay the tenth peny in the verie material substance thereof, at the least 5, 6, or seuen times, as clothes, saies, mockadoes, tapistries, and such like wares: as first in buying of the wooll, then the yarne, then the weauing, E the dying, and lastly selling and buying, and so forth, as there should bee occasion to vse diuers kinds of stuffe, and the same to be oftentimes sold, and brought to the market: and that the foreine merchants bringing their wares into the Netherlands, would sell them the deerer, who for that cause would much complaine, and some confederated princes and potentates would alledge the said inhauncing of the prices of wares, to bee contrarie to the contracts and intercourses made with them, pretending to bee free to deale and traffique in the Netherlands, as they were accustomed to be paying their antient customes and charges.
Whereunto the duke alledged, That it was a small matter for the seller to pay the king the The dukes replie. tenth penie, as long as he kept nine for himselfe: and that if that summe did amount to a great yearely value, the townes and the prouinces might therby receiue all their debts and dammages, F and be vnburdened of all interests paid for money, transportations, poundages, heard monies, and such like burthens: as also that it would be a means to vnburthen the kings rents and reuenues, for that without due and conuenient contributions the king should not haue the meanes to pay his souldiers, nor yet to defend the countrey. Hee said, that hee had heard the [Page 466] emperour Charles often complaine of the vnwillingnesse of the Netherlands to contribute any A thing towards his charges: and that the prince diminished his authoritie, when as he, to obtaine their consents to certaine taxes for money to be leuied, was oftentimes constrained to consent vnto diuers vnfit liberties and priuiledges. Alledging further, That hee had new castles and forts to make, and that the kings demeans were spent and consumed: That it was necessarie and requisit that a continuall contribution or taxe should bee raised, that thereby the states might not alwaies be troubled, and that so the countrey people in the villages might bee eased, the spiritualtie and gentlemen not much burthened, onely the merchant and the handicrafts man: promising to ease them of diuers other heauie burthens, as the imposts vpon foure kinds of victuals, as corne, flesh, wine, and beere, and that hee thought the said taxe of the tenth penie, to be the least burthen vnto them, and that in his town of Alua, in Spaine, where he had B the like taxe, he receiued 40 or 50 thousand duckets yerely rent.
Whereunto the states, by the president Vigilius Swichemus, made answer, That therein each countries condition, prosperitie, and nature was to be considered, saying, that the wealth of The states duplication to the duke of Alt [...]aes reply. Spaine consisted not in trade of merchandise, and handicrafts, but in the fruitfulnesse and pasturage of the land: that the Netherlands were lesse, and narrower, and were maintained by t [...]affique, trade of merchandise, and handicrafts: that Spaine had no neighbours but the hills and the sea, whereas the Netherlands had neighbours round about them, that would draw the traffique and handiworkes into their countries, if they were charged with any great imposts, or heauie impositions: and for that cause Philip duke of Burgondie (the first originall of the prosperitie of the Netherlands) did wisely foresee, that all merchants should bee priuiledged, C and haue many liberties in the country, and that the customes and charges should not be raised verie high, and that victuals, as much as possible might be, shold be good cheape, which was easily to be seene and perceiued by the contracts of intercourses, and trades of merchandises, made by him, with the Englishmen, and other his neighbours, and the priuiledges by him giuen vnto forreine merchants, whereby they were intised and prouoked to trade and traffique in those countries: whereas to the contrarie new taxes and impositions would driue away the merchant stranger, and compell the inhabitants of the Netherlands to seeke to inhabit in other countries. As touching the building of new castles and forts, they said, That might be done with lesse cost, and charges, when there was more store of money: and that there was not so great need to build new, as to repaire, and fortifie the old, in the frontier townes. As touching D the yearely or continuall taxe, whereof he spake, they said, it was a common custome in the Netherlands, that they were woont to graunt taxes vnto their princes, when any need required, and as the subiects were of abilitie: and that it was not necessarie to milke them so bare in the time of peace, that when occasions of warre fell out, they should not bee able to beare it out. Touching the easing of the countrey people in the villages, they made answere, That it was nor requisit to [...]ase them so much, that the burthen should bee laid onely vpon the merchants and the townes, saying, that they must not rob Saint Peter to pay Saint Paul. And that whereas he collected so much yerely by the alcoual, or tenth penie, in his town of Alua (which neuerthelesse seemed strange vnto them) they could doe no lesse than wish him good fortune and prosperitie therewith. E
Whereunto the duke said, That his intent was to haue the said taxes to be raised, before he came into the countrey, being at Theonuille, where hee made the barons of Barlamont and Noircarmes acquainted therewith; and that therefore they must of force grant vnto him therin, and seeke by all meanes to get the states to consent thereunto.
Whereupon the states assembling at Brussels, and other places, and the same being moued vnto euerie particular prouince, they made no great matter to grant to giue the hundreth peny, but desired that they might not be burthened with the tenth peny, alledging the danger and trouble that might thereby ensue. But the duke not content with that answer, but giuing them leaue to depart, willed them to bring him a more better and resolute answer, and that without any conditions, limitations and moderations. But the prouinces hauing by their deputies F declared the dukes request, still found more difficultie. Whereupon the duke wrot vnto the gouernors of the prouinces, to will them to seeke the meanes to procure the grant of his demand promising to vse such moderation therein, that it should take all difficulties away, as long as it was in his power: and that if any hurt or hinderance (touching trade of merchandise) [Page 467] did in any wise happen, hee would withdraw the said taxe againe: some prouinces hee A threatned, That if they would not consent thereunto, hee would then vse kingly authoritie, with all extremitie, for that his Maiesties meaning was to haue the same granted without exception: therewith letting them know, that they had not done their duties in their offices as they ought to haue done, concerning the last troubles, and that their said fault was to bee redeemed and quit, by the giuing of the tenth penie. To others of the states, as those of Henault, Arthois, and Namure, whom hee could not charge with any such thing, hee caused the lords of Barlamont and Noircarmes to speake friendly vnto them, That they should make no difficultie therein, and to shew them, that hee did not so much desire to haue the said taxe of the tenth penie to bee leuied, as to see the obedient minds and forwardnesse of the Netherlands, and to maintaine the kings Maiesties honor: and to that end hee had sent certaine persons vnto Louvaine, who by earnest request and intercession of many men (shewing B the great fidelitie and constantnesse of the towne, and the vniuersities decay) were recalled.
By these and such like practises, there was halfe a consent wrung out of some of the states (such as they were) for that the duke said, That hee would moderat all the particular difficulties, Conditions how the states did consent vn to the 10 peny. commaunding that euerie man should send their opinion and consent in writing, which they did, shewing many reasons, that the raysing of the tenth penie would be the ouerthrow of all traffique, and finally the destruction and ouerthrow of the Netherlands: declaring neuerthelesse, that they consented thereunto, in regard that it was alledged, That the king himselfe would expresly haue it so; and vpon promise made vnto them (confidently alledging C it) that the duke would so moderat the matter, that the common cause concerning trade, traffique, and handie working, should not thereby receiue any wrong.
Generally the prouinces would by no meanes consent thereunto, offering in steed thereof to contribute other great summes of money vnto the king. They of Brabant likewise were not all of one mind: but the duke vpon his promise tooke it for a consent. They of Henault, Arthois, and Namure, had giuen their consent, but with condition not to be burthened therewith, but consented onely to induce the others thereunto, as they did after openly declar [...]. Thereupon the duke commaunded the hundreth penie to be gathered, while an order should be taken how the tenth penie might be collected: and perceiuing the difficulty therin, thought it conuenient to stay it for a while, til the disordred kind and forme of consent were somewhat D forgotten, and the magistrats in all places altered and changed: and for that cause said, That in steed of the tenth and twentieth penie, he would be content with the summe of two millions yearely to be paid for the space of six yeares, according to the old taxe: and for that he had well hoped by collection of the tenth penie to haue had the meanes to haue laid vp a great summe of money, against time of need, hee desired that one hundreth penie might bee giuen therewithall, which amounted vnto foure millions of gulderns: but when hee could get no full consent thereunto, hee would not accept of the two millions yearely taxe to bee paid, but for the space of two yeares onely to make the people the willinger to pay the tenth penie, for that it was troublesome vnto them to pay it after the old taxe: whereby it was well perceiued, that at the end of two yeares he meant to raise the tenth penie, whereby hee knew hee should E receiue great thankes and commendations of the king, and great honor in Spaine, hauing raysed the kings demeanes and incomes in the Netherlands to such a rate: to which end all those two yeares he sought all the meanes he could to bring the manner of collection after the old taxe into disliking: for that thereby the people knew what they paid vnto the king, and therfore deuised what meanes he could to increase the difficultie and dislike of the said taxe, both by words and actions: and while for certaine yeares he was inuenting and deuising to bring in and raise the taxe of the tenth penie, from anno 1569 hee had begun to practise with them of Vtrecht, to get them to consent to the giuing of the tenth and twentieth penie: but they excused themselues, desiring him to haue consideration of them, and to remember that it was not yet aboue 40 yeares from anno 1528, since they had granted by contract to yeeld subiection F vnto the emperor, as also that their country was verie small, & that a man might passe through the broadest part thereof in an houres space, and that the one halfe thereof was but a barren island, and that as much thereof as was fruitful, was maintained and preserued by ditches, mils [Page 468] and Sluces, and such like costly industrious workes: and that they in the forepassed troubles A were forced to raise a hundred thousand gulderns for the preseruation and defence of their countrey, and such like excuses, neuerthelesse they were content to graunt him a taxe of 112 thousand gulderns, to be discharged and vnburthened of the paiment of the tenth penie.
The prelats and the fiue churches in Vtrecht, showed likewise, That their spirituall goods belong to the churches, were priuiledged, and that they could not fall (without expresse consent of the pope) Sub commercium laicorum, for that in the bull, quae legitur in coena Domini, all those are excommunicated that did consent to giue any thing out of the spirituall goods towards the lay mens taxes, and they likewise that receiued any such taxe or collection, without expresse consent, as aforesaid: alledging many such like priuiledges more, and that therefore they could by no meanes consent to his Maiesties request of the tenth and twentieth penie, B Salua conscientia & iuramento.
This answer much moued and offended the duke, specially because the spiritualtie alledged Bullam de caena Domini, which he vnderstood to extend onely against the oppressors of the catholikes, and the church of Rome, and not against the defenders and protectors thereof, wherof he accounted himselfe to be one: withall chafing against the Printer that had last printed the said bull, as also against the priuie counsell, for granting licence to do it, and namely against secretarie la Torre, for signing it, for which cause he kept him prisoner in his house, and discharged him of his office, for the space of a yeare after.
And further to compell them of Vtrecht, to grant to his desire, vpon the one and twentieth of August 1569, he sent the whole regiment of Lombardie, being tenne companies to lye in C garrison in the towne, and caused them to bee lodged as well in the spirituall as temporall mens houses, thereby much burthening and incombering the townes men, compelling them to giue thē seruice mony (as they call it) for two thousand & foure hundred men (which they said their regiment contained) euerie man a gulderne a weeke, which amounted vnto foure and twentie hundred gulderns the weeke, and notwithstanding all this, compelled them to prouide them all their necessaries: and perceiuing that he could not thereby compell them of Vtrecht with that great charge, to content vnto the said taxe, vpon the fifteenth of December hee caused the kings atturney generall to summon the whole bodie of the towne to appeare before him and his bloudic counsell, vpon the nine and twentieth of December then next after ensuing: where they appearing, hee charged them with high treason, and for that cause D said they had forfeited all their priuiledges, charters and freedoms, and that they had deserued to be punished in such sort as he in his discretion should thinke good.
Whereupon ensued many answers, replies, duplications, and writings, betweene them of Vtrecht and the kings atturney generall, with great partakings on the dukes behalfe, whereby their writings could hardly be read or heard: and for that cause vpon the fourteenth of Iuly in anno 1570, hee caused sentence to bee giuen out against the states of the countrey of Vtrecht, as namely against the fiue Metropolitane Colledges of the towne, representing the first member of that state, and against the gentlemen as well within as without Vtrecht, representing the second member: and for the third member the townes of Vtrecht, Amersfort, Wicke, and Rheuen: charging them to haue contracted and agreed with the confederated gentlemen and their adherents, winked at the abuses of the image breakers, and suffered the E heretikes to preach in their hallowed churches, and forbidden the monks; and that therefore both the spiritualtie and temporaltie had committed high treason: for which cause the said fiue churches were depriued from the aforesaid prioritie: and that from thence forward they should haue no place nor voyce, nor once bee called to appeare amongst the generall states: that the gentlemen likewise should no more bee the second member of their state: and touching the bodie of the towne of Vtrecht, hee d [...]ed them to haue forfeited all their priuiledges, &c. as also the rents and reuenewes of the said towne, and the guilds thereof, declaring them to be confiscated to the kings vse, depriuing them likewise of their voyce in the assembly of the states, together with the aforesaid townes of Amersfort, Wicke and Rheuen, whom he F likewise depriued of their part of voice, with the same towne of Vtrecht, vntill such time that his Maiestie should take other order therein, &c.
The states of Vtrecht vpon the nine and twentieth of Iuly, appealed against this cruel sentence [Page 469] of the duke vnto the kings Maiestie, complaining of great wrong offered vnto them, A sending their deputies (not without great danger of their liues) into Spaine, whereat the duke was much mooued, notwithstanding hee charged the magistrats to continue still in the administration of iustice, and all other officers in their offices, by prouiso, vntill hee should otherwise ordaine.
The matter standing at this point, they of Vtrecht made friends vnto the duke, offering to giue one hundred and eightie thousand gulderns for a taxe, and other presents to himselfe: but all in vain, and therefore their suit in Spain, not only to be discharged of their Spanish garrison, but also of their said sentence, was driuen off from day to day. In the yeare 1571, vpon feare of some inuasion to bee made in the land by the prince of Oranges ships of warre, they were for a time discharged of their Spanish souldiers, hauing endured the burthen thereof for B the space of twentie monethes together: but not long after they were sent thither againe, when the water Gueux were gone from the sea coast, and so left the sea coast without garrison, as namely the towne of Bryele, which had beene better to haue beene kept by those Spaniards.
The said garrison being entred againe into Vtrecht, began to vse all extremities and rigours as they did before, not sparing Iohn Taetson of Amerougen, the bourgmaster, entring into his house with their rapiers drawne, and compelled the towne to lend them eight hundred dollers (the grant of the lending thereof beeing by the duke himselfe refused them to bee lent by the bourgers) notwithstanding all humble complaints. The duke not content with this, hee caused the president of the court of Vtrecht, to demaund and to deliuer vnto him all the originall C charters, priuiledges, and statutes, &c. of the said towne and territories, which they of the towne refused to doe, writing verie humbly vpon the eighteenth of Ianuarie 1572 vnto the duke, withall alledging their appeale vnto the king, with diuers other lawfull excuses: but it beeing all in vaine, and the Spanish colonell beeing charged with his garrison to assist the president, to execute the dukes commaundement by force, and threatning to commit all the magistrats to prison, they were constrained with all conuenient and lawfull protestations to deliuer vp all their charters, priuiledges, and statutes, &c. into the hands of the president of the court aforesaid, which carried them into the castle of Wedenbourg, where they were kept, vntill by commaundement from the king himselfe, they were deliuered vnto the towne againe, in the time of Dom Loys de Requisens, the next Gouernour that succeed the duke of D Alua in the countries of the Netherlands: & yet though their priuiledges were so deliuered againe, the Spanish garrison still remained therein, the sea townes lying still without souldiers, vntill such time as that six weekes after, vpon the first of Aprill the towne of Bryele was taken by the prince of Oranges ships of war, whereby those souldiers were to be sent thither, as hereafter you shall heare.
These affaires passing in this sort, and the two yeares drawing to an end, vpon the last The duke com mandeth the 10 peny to be taxed all the land through. of Iuly the duke of Alua caused the taxes of the tenth and twentieth penie to bee openly published, with a certaine moderation, sufficient, as hee thought, to cease all the complaints aforesaid; declaring thereby, that the merchant bringing in any wares and merchandises from other countries, should bee free thereof at his first buying, and that hee might E carrie the same freely out againe, not hauing altered the propertie, and passing it alone without any other wares or merchandise amongst it: and that all wares that were to bee worne, should pay but once: that the corne which was vpon the ground, and fruits within the land, as also the beasts feeding vpon the ground, that they should bee free from the first [...]le, for the increasing of buildings in the land, and that onely to make a proofe and triall whereof.
This publication with the moderation would by no meanes content the Netherlands, but esteemed and held it for a point of most extreame tyrannie, whereby means was sought to bereaue the countrey of all their wealth, and so the people being impouerished, to driue them out of the land, in regard that the benefit and commoditie of the land consisted in trade of F merchandise, that is, to deale in all kind of wares, to worke, buy, and make them, and againe to carrie them out and bring them into the countrey, whereby the common people, both by water and by land, both poore and rich, liue and earne their bread: whereof to giue the tenth [Page 470] penie, it would amount vnto an vnspeakable summe of money, to the vtter ouerthrow of the A Netherlands, the inhabitants thereof beeing people that bestow their money vpon houshold stuffe, apparell, linen, and iewels, and aboue all other nations loue to beautifie and adorne their houses with diuers kinds of pictures and other ornaments: which vnprofitable things are esteemed to surpasse the value of the necessarie houshold stuffe of other nations. The generall vnwillingnesse of the land being shewed vnto the duke, and that they thought that the taxe of two millions of gulderns by the yeare, should serue in steed of the tenth penie: hee said, That he was much blamed in Spaine, that he had not gotten the consent of the tenth penie, without so long solicitation of the states, and that that kind of taxe pleased the king best, and that therefore hee would haue it, either willingly or vnwillingly: whereunto no dissuasion whatsoeuer vsed vnto him by his counsell, principally by Vigilius, Schets, and others (to their great commendation) would serue, alledging that the states had not giuen absolute consent thereunto, B and that thereby he would lose his second hundreth penie, which amounted vnto foure millions of gulderns. The duke in great rage made answer, That they spake not well or truely therein, to say that the states had not consented thereunto, oftentimes swearing, That hee would haue the said taxe of the tenth penie paid, although all the Netherlands should thereby bee lost, fall out what would, or else it should cost him his life: saying that such counsellors, as heartened the land in such things, ought to bee accounted rebels, with many such like cruell and threatning words: saying, That it concerned his Maiesties honour and reputation, and that it was an ill example to suffer the subiects so to mocke with their prince, and to goe from their promises, and that hee would by his bloudie counsell, punish such breach of C promise, as rebellion, and lay their heads at their feet, with all such as vpheld and maintained the same: and that generally (specially to the states of Flanders) great fauour had been shewed vnto all the states, hauing all deserued no lesse rigour at the kings hands, than the earles of Egmont and the prince of Orange had, and that in recompence and redemption thereof, the king was content to accept the said taxe of the tenth penie: but hee might haue gotten a great deale more for the king by confiscations, if hee would haue vsed that meanes, as hee might well haue done, than by the tenth penie, caring not for the pretended priuiledges of the particular prouinces and townes, specially the Ioyous entrie of Brabant, which hee said they (as well as those of Vtrecht) had forfeited and lost. Whereupon some made him answer, That the declaration and sentence of depriuation or forfeiture, must first bee published, and that D the attempting thereof would bee dangerous. He made answer, That hee would rather suffer himselfe to bee cut and hewed in peeces, than to endure that the countrey should not hold their promise, and that the Sunne and Moone should first loose their light, before hee would faile of the tenth penie.
The states perceiuing the dukes resolution and intent, at the last thought it requisit, in the beginning of the yeare 1572, each prouince to send one into Spaine in their behalfes vnto the king, which he neuerthelesse commanded to come backe again, threatning them with death; but yet they got through into Spaine: but before any resolution was taken therein, there happened an alteration in the Netherlands, by the taking of the Bryele, Flessingue, and other places, as hereafter shall bee shewed: without the which alteration, the messengers in Spaine E had surely beene in great danger of their liues.
The duke notwithstanding in the meane time sought to raise the tenth penie in some particular townes, appointing his officers to receiue the same, and first in Brussels, where he thought best to begin: but they of Brussels shut vp all their shops, and would sell nothing, that they might not bee compelled to pay the tenth penie. The Bakers nor Brewers wo [...] neither bake nor brew, whereby there grew a great confusion and desperation amongst t [...] people, which to preuent the duke intended to deale by force, resoluing in March 1572 to hang seuenteene of the chiefe townes men in Brussels, that were against him (whose names The duke seeketh by force to constraine them of Brussels to pay the 10 penie. hee had al eadie written in a scroll) in the night time before their doores, or else hee would make them graunt to sell their wares, and to pay him thereafter: the which to effect, hee F had giuen charge vnto the executioners to bee readie with ladders and cords to execute them the next night, after the newes came into Brussels, that the earle Vander Marke had taken the towne of Bryele, which losse of the said towne of Bryle, made him see, that hee [Page 471] had done better to haue put garrisons into the hauen townes, and to haue dealt in milder sort A with the people, rather than to haue sought to haue his owne wil so much, and to taxe the land The case that the 10 peny was not taxed. at his pleasure; whereas the Netherlands offered such great summes, as that the state of the land could hardly raise. Thus by meanes of the taking of the Bryele, the raysing of the tenth and twentieth penie was stayed, although it hath since beene sought and required. They of Amsterdam, because they would not absolutely consent to his demaund of the tenth penie, were fined to pay the summe of fiue and twentie thousand gulderns, towards the buylding of the castle at Flessingue: but they excused themselues, by their great losse endured by the great flouds, and the mending and making of their ditches, and aboue all, that they dayly indured so great losse by the water Gueux, that tooke their fleets comming from the East and West Indies. B
As I said before, a great number of banished and fugitiue persons of the Netherlands, hauing prepared ships, kept at sea, and were conducted by certaine gentlemen and others, who most by pouertie were driuen to seeke some recompence of their losses and hinderance by force and extremities: After that, other ioyned with them, hauing a further intent to do something tending to the deliuerance and good of their natiue countrey. This number daily increasing, and doing great hurt vnto their enemies round about Holland, as in the Vlie, Texel, and the Ems, harbouring most commonly vnder England, in the downes and at Douer, and thereabouts, amongst the which the prince of Orange, as admirall by force of his letters of Mart, had his officers that receiued the tenth penie of their prizes. The duke of Alua made meanes to the queene of England to intreat her not to suffer them to harbor there: alledging C that she ought not, according to the contracts made betweene England and the Netherlands, to suffer the kings rebels to haue so open passage to and from her hauens. The queene, although shee had cause ynough to dislike of the duke, in March 1572, made proclamation, That they should all depart out of her hauens, forbidding her subiects to sell them any victuals, neuerthelesse with this condition, That her English rebels should bee driuen out of the king of Spaines dominions: Whereby they were constrained to depart, and to enterprise something in the countries of the Netherlands, whereunto they knew themselues not to bee strong ynough.
This necessitie compelled them to vse order and discipli [...] amongst them, and to that end they all put themselues vnder the commaund of William earle Vander Marke, free heire to Lumey, D lord of Serrain, Borset, and Minderleyt, and heire of Franchimont, &c. eldest sonne of Iohn lord of Lumey, and of Marguerite youngest daughter of Iohn lord of Wassenare. This earle Vander Marke made himselfe admirall, and his lieutenant Bartel Entes van Meutheda, viceadmirall, hauing with him captaine William de Bloys, called Threlon, the lord of Sweten, Lancelot van Brederode, Iacob Cabilleaw, one of Egmont, Iaques Schooneual, Antonis Wenthoue, Antonis van Rhine, William de Graue van Egmont, Iaques Metens, Nicholas Ruythauer, captaine Eloy, Iock and Iohn Abels, Marinus Brandt, Roybol, Iaques Hennebert, Iohn Clauson, Spiegel, Iohn Simonson, Merten Merous, Walter Franson, captaine Ielande, and diuers others: All these together hauing about fortie ships, most flie-boats, in the moneth of March put out of England, and tooke a great ship of Antuerpe laden with Spanish wares, and another E ship of Biskaie. Their meaning was to saile to North-Holland, although their enterprise there was as then not fully readie, but determined in the meane time to spoyle certaine ships of war belonging to the duke, that lay at Amsterdam and Enchuysen, but the wind beeing against them, they put into the Bryel, the island being called Voorn, and the town Bryel, there to take certaine ships lying in the Meuse, readie to sayle to Spaine: but they perceiuing them to enter the Meuse, hoysed sayle, and went vp to Rotterdam, whereby the earle Vander Marke failed of his enterprise, and for that the wind fell contrarie, whereby they could not get out of the Meuse, they stayed there not without feare, and there began first to consult, to take some place or other for their owne securitie, whereupon Threlon counselled them to take the Bryele. F
The ships entring into the Meuse, put them of the Bryele & Meuseland sluce in great feare, not knowing what ships they were, & for that cause sent out one Iohn Peterson Coppenstock, who perceiuing them to be Gueux, asked for captaine Threlon, for that his father had alwayes [Page 472] beene bailife of the Bryele, and being brought vnto him, the earle perceiued him to bee a fit A man to carrie their message into the town: and to that end gaue him captaine Theolns signet, with commission in the name of the earle Vander Marke, to summon them to yeeld vp the towne, for the prince of Orange, as the kings lieutenant, who was comming into the Netherlands with a great power, to free the same from the tyrannie of the duke of Alua, and from the tenth penie. The signet was sent into the towne, for the bourgmasters securitie, which desired the same vntill the earle Vander Marke came forth. This Coppenstocke was let into the towne, which as then was shut, and being questioned withall, did his message so well, that the townes-men were much abashed, hauing a weake towne; and without garrison, whereby the the richest, and the best of them, yea and the greatest part fled out of the towne, before they gaue him any answer. Vntill that time there had two companies of Spaniards lyen in garrison B within the towne, which not long before were sent to Vtrecht, amongst others to plague and punish them of Vtrecht, for that they had obtained grace in Spaine, to haue their spiritualtie restored againe to their place and voyce amongst the states, and to force them to pay the tenth and twentieth penie. They of the towne of Bryele beeing (wanting counsell and aduice) fled out of the same without any resolution, and therewith the Gueux in all hast The towne of Bryele taken. went on land, diuiding themselues into two parts, Threlon going with one companie to the South gate, and Roybol to the North gate: where with fagots, pitch, and straw, they thought to fire the gate; but taking a mast and running forcibly against it, broke it open, and so vpon Palme Sunday in the euening, being the first day of Aprill, anno 1572, they entred into the towne, without bloud shedding, the earle Vander Marke with many Walons entring C therein: the next day they ransacked the churches, brake downe the images, and draue out the priests and the monkes: and for that they perceiued the towne not to be verie strong, to hold it against the enemie, they thought to haue left it, if it had not beene by the persuasion of Threlon, and Iaques Cabilleaw, and others, that counselled the earle to stay there, for the good scituation of the hauen: and for that cause promised each other to keepe and defend the same to the vttermost, and so wrot vnto the prince of Orange for more ayd: and taking some of the ordnance out of their ships, fortified the towne therewith.
These news being brought vnto Brussels, made the towns men glad, for that they were then vpon the point to bee forced to pay the tenth penie, and from thence forth to continue the same, or els part of their townes men should haue beene hanged vp before their doores. D The duke of Alua seemed to make small account of the taking of the said towne, neuerthelesse hee sent to Vtrecht to the earle of Bossu, to will him with all his force to driue the Gueux from thence, which was no small ioy to them of Vtrecht, for that the Spaniards had conspired some mischiefe against them of Vtrecht, which they meant to haue executed vpon Maundy Thursday, vpon which day the Spaniards vse to whip themselues, and vnder colour thereof thought to haue wrought their villanie vpon the inhabitants of the said towne of Vtrecht.
Maximilian earle of Bossu beng gouernor of Holland, hauing before receiued intelligence that the earle Vander Marke was at sea, went to the Hage, and from thence had sent for two The earle of Bossu d [...]uen from the Bryel companies of Spaniards, vnder the leading of Don Ferdinando de Toledo; and vpon the newes and commission sent vnto him by the duke of Alua, hee marched with ten companies of Spaniards E to Meuseland, Sluce, and Schiedam, from whence with ships and boats they went ouer to Heeuliet, and Swartwale, and being got into the island wherein the Bryele stood, marched towards the towne, where the Gueux lay without the towne, and shot fiercely against them: at the last one Rochus Meussen, the towne carpenter, leapt into the water, and with great speed opened the new Sluce, whereby presently there entred so much water into the land, that no man could goe in the island, but onely vpon the ditch, vpon the which the Spaniards went along vnto the South gate, where they found so much shot placed against them, that they began to be both out of hope and courage.
Meane time it being Easter eue, Threlon and Roybol went with certaine souldiers to assaile F the ships and boats wherein the Spaniards came ouer, whereof some they sunke, others they burnt, and let some driue away: which the Spaniards perceiuing, as also that the water stil began to rise higher within the island, they were in feare to be all drowned, for which cause euerie [Page 473] man fled disorderly away, seeking to saue themselues, some swimming, others running through the water, and some hanging vpon the scutes, and so got ouer Beuerland in the durt A and myre, whereby many of them were drowned and smothered in the water. The earle vander Marke durst not send many of his men out, being too weake. In this sort the Spaniards came before Dorcht, all wet, durtie, and wearie, where they of the towne (in friendly manner) refused to let them in: for which cause, the earle of Bossu went with them to Rotterdam, hauing left sixteene of his men behind him in the Island, and two captaines, which the Gueux hanged vp at a myle. The Graue vander Marke sought meanes to strengthen himselfe in the Island, causing the countrey people therein to be mustered, swearing and protesting to stand one by the other, and prepared shippes and boates to make warre vpon the water. B
The prince of Orange disliked much of the taking of the Briel, fearing, that his other enterprises (as then not readie to be effected) would be discouered, and that thereby the duke of Alua might bee too soone awaked: but in regard of the good scituation of the place, hee sought all the meanes that hee could possibly to ayde and helpe the earle from all places.
The ninth of Aprill the duke fearing the like accident in the Isle of Walchren in Zeeland, that had happened at the Bryel, especially at Flessingue, and for the better execution of the citadell, which he had designed vpon the sea side, whereof the foundations were layed, and The duke of Alua seekes to assure himselfe of Flessingue. to hinder the nauigation of strangers, hee resolued to send a garrison: but doubting they would not willingly receiue any, especially Spaniards, fearing some mutinie, the six and twentieth of March the sent Scipio Campi, an Italian, to enter into the towne vnder colour of friendship, C and to seize and assure himselfe thereon, hauing an intention to cause the magistrates and the deputies (for the collection of the tenth penny) to be executed, for that they had also refused to put it in practise. Scipio beeing entred the towne the eight and twentieth day, caused the commons to assemble, to whom he declared, that he had greatly recommended the towne to the duke of Alua, so as he had graunted them in his Maiesties name a good summe of money to be employed in the fortification of the towne, and that for his part he was desirous and ready to employ himselfe therein, and to assist them: for the which the bourgesses gaue him great thankes. Some dayes after he did impart his intention and charge to some of the towne, his adherents: and as he had put this good impression into the peoples minds, the third and fourth of Aprill following he made fiue breaches in the wall at one time, vnder D colour that he would fortifie it, as he had giuen it out. He stopped a sluce, and made a proclamation in the towne, That if any one would vndertake the workes which he had designed, they should come vnto the towne-house at the day and houre appointed: and presently he caused a bridge to be made ouer the ditch, right against one of these breaches, hee caused the keyes of the towne gates to be counterfeited, and the artillerie to be secretly cloyed. The fifth of the said moneth, being Easter eue, hee set double guards in euery place, aduertising the inhabitants not to stirre, if they heard any noyse in the night. And as seuenteene ships departed from Berghen vpon Soome, laden with Spaniards, thought to enter that night into Flessingue, without any let, the calmenesse of the weather, and a Northwest winde hindered them, so as they were constrayned to deferre the enterprise vnto the next day, which E was Easter.
In the meane time, the quarter masters of these Spanish companies being landed at Arnemuyden, came to Flessingue, where they called the magistrates together, and importuned them with threats, to make lodgings for the Spaniards. The magistrates and these harbengers beeing busie in the towne-house about it, the people began to troupe together in the streets, much troubled, for that they heard they would lodge the Spaniards: they entred into the towne-house, and began to crie out confusedly, That they would haue no Spaniards, and that they would rather die than receiue them, encouraging one another to armes. The bourgomasters seeing it, sought to stay them, and to appease this mutinie: but one of them saying vnaduisedly vnto the multitude, If wee would receiue the Spaniards, can you hinder vs [...] At F which words, the people (incensed more than before) ran vnto the towne wals, to seize vpon the artillerie, and finding it cloyed, they discouered, that they were sold and betrayed: Those [Page 474] that were the authors, seeing the bourgesses thus moued, slipped quietly out of the town, and A were neuer seene afterwards, during this trouble.
The bourgesses hauing freed their artillerie, seeing the Spaniards aduance to enter into the hauen, they demaunded powder; the which being refused them, they forced the Magasin of munition, where it was, from whence they drew as much powder and bullets as they pleased, wherewith they charged the artillerie, crying out, That they would not suffer the Spaniards to enter, so long as there was a man of them aliue, making some shot through this fleet of shippes. Whereat the Spaniards being much perplexed, strucke sayle, so as they durst not approach any neerer, being within an arrow shoot of the head of the hauen, and not able to retyre, by reason of the tyde and the wind, that was contrarie; one among them leaping into the sea, came swimming to land: beeing come into the towne, hee entreated the inhabitants, B with his hands ioyned together, not to shoot any more, and that they would not fayle to retyre at the full sea: the which, through the pitie of some, considering, that at that time they knew no place, whether to retyre, was graunted them, vpon condition, That if at the first full sea they did not depart from thence, they would sinke them with their Canon.
In the meane time, the baylife of the towne seeing the people thus mooued, ranne speedily to Middlebourg, to informe the Seignior of Wacken, Vice-admirall for the king of Spaine, of all that had passed: and in the meane time, many of the magistrates which had fauoured the Spaniards, retyred secretly out of the towne. After dinner, the Seignior of Wacken being come, and hauing demaunded of the people, If all that which they did were wel done; C one among them answered him resolutely, That he himselfe was the cause thereof: which amazed him so, as he retyred to the towne-house, to some of the aldermen that were yet remayning: then afterwards he went and spake againe vnto the people, but somewhat more modestly, entreating them, that at the least they would suffer a hundred Spanish souldiors to enter; which they refused: Then he demaunded them, if they had rather haue Wallons: wherunto answere was made him, That neyther the one nor the other. Being full sea at three of the clocke in the afternoone, the Spaniards were commaunded to retyre, and two peeces of Ordnance were discharged, which made them presently to depart. The burgesses being much incensed against the Seignior of Wacken, would haue slayed him, accusing him to bee the cause of all the mischiefe, and that returning to the duke of Alua, he would bee their mortall D enemie, yet he found meanes to escape, and to retyre to Middlebourg.
The duke of Alua hearing how matters went at Flessingue, and that it was lost for him, setting a good face on it, said, Pitsi linge no es nada: for which cause, the Protestants of Zeeland carried afterwards in their colours, No es nada; others carried nine pieces of money, shewing, that they made warre to preserue the tenth.
These shippes, laden with Spaniards, being retyred from Flessingue, arriued in the Island of Zuydbeuelandt, thinking to enter into the town of Ter-Goes, but they would not receiue The Spaniards being refused at Ter Goes, surprise Berghen. them; so as the thirteenth of Aprill they arriued before Berghen vpon Soom, where the entrie was in like sort denied them: but the sixteenth following they surprised it by night, and entreated the inhabitants, by reason of this refusall, as you may imagine, and as they accustomed E to doe vnto such as obey not their wils. The ninth of the said moneth, three Spanish captaines seeing the colours flying vpon the rampars of Flessingue, thinking to find their Spanish troupes there, which were retyred, notwithstanding the aduice of the master of the shippe, entred into the towne, where they were presently taken and put in prison. The eleuenth of the said moneth some countreymen brought two Spanish souldiers into the towne, which were deliuered vnto them, to doe their pleasures with them: these pesants led them out of the towne, to the place where they had begun to build the citadell, and there they massacred them, and buried them in the place. The furie of the bourgesses, mariners, and pesants, was then so great in Zeeland against the Spaniards, as few escaped that fell into their hands. F
Those of Flessingue went vnto the village of Coukerke, to require them to ioyne with them; but at the first they refused them, giuing too much credite to Streyen, to the baylife, and to the bishop of Middlebourg; yet the thirteenth of the moneth, being returned againe [Page 475] with a good number of pesants, they agreed, and so did Westcappel, Soeteland, Dombourg, Eastcappel, and others: those of la Vere and Arnemuyden did also ioyne: and the twentieth A day of Aprill the Flessinguers and their allies Protestants of Zeeland, went to besiege the towne of Middlebourg, they beat downe the port of Dam towards Arnemuyden with their Canon, and the same day with captain Threlons men woon the castle of Ter Hooghen. And as there came souldiers vnto them dayly from England, and other places; so the seuen and twentieth of the moneth there arriued seuen shippes laden with souldiers on the prince of Oranges behalfe, from the Breyle, and the same day the Spaniards came neere vnto the Polder, Arnemuyden taken by the Spaniards. which is before Arnemuyden (the which is a piece of drowned land recouered from the sea) where they landed, and the next day woon the towne of Arnemuyden, which was yet compassed in with wals and rampiers. The Protestants of Flessingue and la Vere to be reuenged B of this losse, caused two Spaniards to be hanged, and the next day captaine Pachieco, who (they fayd) was cousin to the duke of Alua. This Pachieco had done much mischiefe to the towne of Deuenter: he offered a great summe of money to haue his life saued, being very loath to dye, especially to be hanged, the which he would gladly haue had exchanged with the sword for a good round summe: but the inhabitants and mariners were so incensed, as they had rather see him hanged, than to haue his money in their purses. The same day captaine Worst of Flessingue, with seuen shippes, defeated thirtie of the Spanish partie, among the which there were seuen shippes of warre, whereof some were taken, and some burned; as for the men, some were slaine, the rest drowned, and few escaped. All this warre was managed by the Protestants of Zeeland, vnder the authoritie of the prince of Orange, from C whom they receiued succours from all parts, as well from France and England, as other parts: whereof part entred the fourth of May into la Vere; which the Spaniards sayled to surprise sixe dayes after: but beeing discouered, they were disappointed, and Rowland and William Iansz (who meant to betray and deliuer the towne) were taken and executed; by reason whereof supplies were sent vnto them, as also vnto Flessingue. The sixteenth of the said moneth, the chaloupes or pinnaces of la Vere chased and caused seuen Spanish shippes to returne to Ter-Goes, whereof one being cast vpon a banke of sand (the men being fled to land) was burned. The nineteenth of the sayd moneth sixe Boyers (which is a kind of shippes) of Middlebourg shewed themselues vpon the Hont, thinking to goe foorth: but captaine Philip Grenu; alone with his pinnace, made them returne into their hauen. The same day the magistrate was renewed, vnder the authoritie of the prince of Orange, as Gouernour D of Holland and Zeeland, in the towne of Flessingue. The one and twentieth of the moneth threescore harquebusiers going out of Flessingue, hauing burned the Sas (which is a Scluse, by the which the channell comming from Gand, runneth into the sea) returned by Byer-Vlyet. The two and twentieth of the said moneth seuen shippes of warre of Flessingue sayled towards the Lemre, which is betwixt the Islands of Zuytbeuelande and Schouwen, to succour captaine Worst against some Spaniards and shippes of Middlebourg: departing from Flessingue, they passed by a streight of the sea, called Iocker Frans-ghat: Those of the castle of Rameken (otherwise called Zeebourg) where there were some Spaniards, made fiue or sixe shot at them, but to no purpose: Beeing the same night ioyned with captaine E Worst, they had a furious fight with the shippes of Middlebourg: in which fight, Bastien of Langhe, admirall of la Vere, being in fight with foure of the enemies shippes, fell aground with his shippe, wheras the Spaniards boorded him; but one of his men seeing that they were all lost, set fire on the powder, and blew both Spaniards and Zeelanders into the aire; which made this victorie fatall and mournefull vnto the Spaniards.
The foure and twentith of May Cont Lodowic of Nassau, brother to the prince of Orange, hauing made a new partie with the Protestants of Fraunce, to enter into the Netherlands, Mons in Henault surprised by Cont Lodowic. and to surprise the towne of Mons in Henault; the enterprise was made in this sort. The two and twentieth of May, at night, there came into the towne twelue aduenturers, attyred like marchants; being at supper, they informed themselues of their host, at what a clocke in F the morning the towne gates did vsually open: the host answered them, that at foure of the clocke; but if they would depart sooner, giuing a piece of siluer to the porter, hee would open them the gate. These companions [...]ose before day, went to horsebacke, and comming [Page 476] to the gate, they promised the porter a piece of money to open the gate; the which he did: A being open, they slew the porter, and pulled the keyes from him. Cont Lodowi [...], who was attending at the port, entred with fortie horses onely, with the which he planted himselfe at the corners of the chiefe streets in the towne, and if any one did open a dore or a window, they shot at them with their pistols, crying out as loud as they could, Liberti [...], Libertie is giuen you by the prince of Orange, to free you from the tenth penny, and from all the duke of Al [...] exactions. These cries continued some three quarters of an houre, making as great a noyse in the towne, as i [...] they had beene a thousand men. The earle hauing long expected his troupes, seeing that none aduaunced, he went out of the towne, to see where they stayed so long, and where his horsemen were, the which had strayed in the wood, whome the earle guided vnto the towne, to the number of fiue hundred horse, hauing euery one a harquebusier B behind him: the which being entred, seized presently vpon the State-house, putting themselues in battaile vpon the market place, and making themselues masters of the inhabitants, who eyther through amazement, or through fauour which some bare vnto the earle, were quiet, without taking armes: so as with small toyle, and without any effusion of bloud, but of the poore porter, this mightie and strong towne was woon, by the dexteritie and courage of Cont Lodowic.
At the same time Valenciennes was also surprised, but soone after it was recouered againe by the duke of Alua. For hauing sent Dom Iohn de Mendoza with some horsemen [...] the castle (in the which there were Spaniards) being vnfurnished of victuals and powder, he that had made this surprise in Cont Lodowics name, fearing to be besieged, and to be forced C for want of munition to yeeld vp the place, with little honour, he made choice rather to abandon it, and to [...]etire himself, without attending the enemie, who did not hope to enter so good cheape, nor without a siege.
The duke of Alua knowing well of what importance the towne of Flessingue was▪ as being the entrance into the sea and the riuer of Escaut, where their victuals came from all parts to feed the Isle of Walchren, and that it was easie to fortifie it, he sent Sancho d' Auila with men, artillerie and munition to besiege it, and by the same meanes to prouide for the townes of Middlebourg and Ter-Goes. The Protestants did no lesse for their parts, doing their vttermost S [...]ncho d' A [...] [...]nt to be [...] [...]. endeuors to fortifie the places which they held, but aboue all, Flessingue; where, after they had chased away captaine Threlon and his men, by reason of their insolencies, they receiued some D 6 [...]0 souldiers, English, Wallons and Flemings, come from London, and about 140 French, which came from Diepe to their succours.
The prince of Orange on the other side hauing an intent to second Cont Lodowic his brother, being in Mons in Henault, leuied what men he could both in Germ [...]ny, England, Scotland and France. The duke of Alua to frustrate his designes, sent for duke Erick o [...] Brunswick, and other commanders and colonels of horse and foot, Germanes, to ioine with his army, and to attend the prince, if he aduanced to enter into the countrey.
These troupes of strangers being entred into Flessingue, the inhabitants began to take courage, and to make great designes: they issued forth of their towne to goe and burne the ports of Middlebourg: they shot off their Ordnance at randon through the towne, and prepared E to force it. They within resisted them valiantly▪ so as the Flessingu [...]s being aduertised of Do [...] Sancho d' Auila's army, comming to succour Middlebourg (who being forced through tempest to lan [...], seized vpon the castle of Rameken) they retyred home. Yet after they had consulted in what manner they might most annoy the enemie, where they should haue meanes to defray the charges of the warre, and to entertaine their souldiers, and to supply all other necessities: they resolued to goe to field, to attempt some places, and to arme a good number of shippes, to keepe Middlebourg not onely from victuals and munition of warre, but also to cut off the passage for the succours which the king of Spaine might send them by sea: so as in a short time they had [...]igged out a hundred and fiftie sayle, and put to field some three thousand men Yet could they not doe it so speedily, but the duke of Alua had furnished Middlebourg F by Sancho d' Auila. After this resolution, the fourth of Iune, tenne shippes of Zeeland, sayling towards Antuerpe, being come to Boom. Creeke, tooke there thirtie boates of diuers places, some going to Antuerpe, others returning.
[Page 477] The garrison of Middlebourg meaning to be reuenged for their losses vpon them of Flessingue, A layed an ambush for them at the castle of West-Soubourg, distant but halfe a league from Flessingue, where there were two hundred Wallons in garrison; the Spaniards being lodged couertly in the houses of the village, neere vnto the castle, attending day light, that some might issue forth to surprise it. Those of the castle knowing them to be so neere, sallied forth vpon them; but they were sharpely repulsed, and forced to retyre to their fort: The Spaniards had brought some Ordnance with them, wherewith they made some shot against the castle. The Flessinguers sent them a supply of three hundred men: but they were so receiued, as without the helpe of an English captaine, and a hundred and fiftie souldiors, captaine Barnard had beene in danger to haue miscarried; and although it was well fought on eyther side, yet the Flessinguers finding themselues too weake to vanquish such great Spanish forces hauing Canon, they retyred to their towne with the losse of twentie men. The B Wallons of the castle hauing seene these skirmishes, and that their men could not succour them, going forth at a backe gate, abandoned the place to the enemies, and retyred to Flessingue, where they excused themselues, for the want of powder. Afterwards, the Zeelanders meaning to goe to field (as they had resolued) and to succour Cont Lodowic, thinking themselues strong ynough to fight with all the Spaniards, entred into Flaunders, and marched directly to Oudenbourg, E [...]kloo, and Ardenbourg, three great boroughes, where they found some of the chiefe bourgesses of Bruges, who were sent to declare vnto captaine Saras (gouernour of Fl [...]ssingue, and chiefe of those troupes) the good affection which they of Bruges bare vnto the prince of Orange, and the desire they had to be of their allies. After that hee had heard them▪ they were sent backe to confirme the rest of the bourgesses in this deuotion, C and that causing the gate to be opened in the night, and entring, hee (with his troupes) would follow them; but they preuailed nothing: for the duke of Alua had too many friends there, among the marchant strangers of Spaine and Genoa, which make their ordinarie abode there. They also made a tryall vpon the towne of Gand, but it was in vaine: so as Sar [...] seeing it impossible to get to Cont Lodowic, without putting himselfe in danger to haue all pass [...]ges stopped, and to be compassed in on all sides, without any meanes to retyre, changed his resolution, and retyred to Flessingue the same way hee came, thinking to doe better vpon the towne of Ter-Goes; where he framed to himselfe assured designes, by the intelligences which he presumed to haue: but it was all in vaine, beeing no more fortunate there than elsewhere; which made him to be suspected of cowardise or treason: so as at his D returne to Flessingue, they refused him the entrie into the towne. Yet a while after the Zeelanders hoping to find some of their partie in Ter-Goes, sent the same captaine Saras ag [...]ine. Comming vnto the Island of Zuytbeuelandt, he found at his lan [...]ing place a sort manned with two hundred souldiers; the which hee tooke by force with his Englishmen: such as could saue themselues, fled vnto the towne, and gaue warning▪ that the Zeelanders had entred the Island: Saras pursuing them, aduanced with his troupes towards the towne, the which he summoned to yeeld, and to haue their liues and goods saued: but his hardie demaund had a bardie deniall: for those of the towne entertained them so courteously with Canon and Musket shot, as some being hurt, they retyred a little backe: yet afterwards hee E caused them to aduance againe euen vnto the ditch, to see if there were not any of their partie that would shew themselues, whereby hee might get some aduantage. But seeing that no man made any shew, he retyred a league off▪ and there encamped, thinking that the town was not to be woon, without greater force, and some artillerie, whereof he was then vnprouided. This retreat of Saras (as despairing to winne it) gaue courage vnto the Spaniards, who made a sally foorth to charge them in the [...]eward, as he made his retreat; but they marched in such good order, as they could not annoy them. Saras hearing of the comming of the Spaniards from An [...]rpe and Berghen vp [...]n▪ Soo [...], raysed his campe, and returned into the Isle of Walchr [...] ▪ But the Flessinguers accusing him of cowardise and of treason in all his enterprises of Bruges, Gand, and Ter-Goes (where they presumed to haue many F friends) would not receiue him nor any one of his men into the towne▪ but sent them to the village of So [...]land; where they intrenched themselues sleightly, to defend them from all surprises of the enemie.
[Page 478] The Spaniards of Middlebourg, Ter-Goes, and other places thereabouts, came in the A morning by the breake of day, and charged them with such furie in this fort, halfe finished, as at the first they ouerthrew fiftie, and forced into the middest of the place: The English and Wallons fighting notwithstanding like lyons, made them recoyle, and chased them out of their trenches. The Spaniards (madde with disdaine, to see themselues thus repulsed) resuming new courage, and animating one another, returned to the charge, the which was much more suddaine and furious than the first. On the other side, the Protestants seeing, that to flye would bee both dangerous and dishonourable, preferring an honourable death, fought like desperate men: The Spaniards did striue the more, vpon hope of victory; and the others desired rather to die in the bed of honour, than to flie or yeeld: so as the incounter was furious on eyther side, vntill that the Wallons discharging a field peece among the thickest B of the Spaniards, made some to flye in pieces, and the rest to recoyle, who thought it no reason to runne headlong against the canon; and that it was against all warlike discipline to fight against a desperate enemie. The Wallons and French, especially those of Diepe▪ seeing this, grew more couragious than before, and pursued them in their retreat, being followed by the English and Zeelanders▪ who altogether charged their enemies with such furie, as they made them all flye on a heape, whereof they slew a part, and had many prisoners. There was a squadron of those that fled, got into a barne, where they were all roasted. In this charge there dyed some hundred and fiftie Spaniards. Of the French Protestants, besides the souldiors, captaine la Riuiere was slaine there; for whose losse they were so incensed, as they caused all the prisoners to be hanged: the which made foule warres, and caused the Spaniards to hang C all the Protestants they could take. After this victorie, Saras returned to Flessingue, where the entry was againe denied him; yet after that he had wandered vp and downe fifteene daies, at the request of the French captaines he was receiued.
Soone after, there were new preparations made to go againe into the Island of Suytbeuelandt, The Protestants of Zeeland besiege Ter-Goes. and to besiege Ter-Goes, situated in the middest of a fertile countrey, which yeelded many good commodities of victuals to the towne of Antuerpe. It had a strong wall, and deepe ditches, but no counterscarpe nor parapet vpon the rampier. They sent nine double Canons thither, which were drawne out of Flessingue. The Protestants armie lodged at the first in the suburbes of the towne, whereas there were but two companies, one of Spaniards, and another of Flemings in garrison. The Canon was planted in two batteries; the one at D the port, the other within the land: that at the port had soone made a breach of fiftie foote wide, where the French and the English vndertooke to giue an assault about midnight with a camisado and scalado: The first assaylants were sharpely repulsed; besides, the ladders which Saras had giuen them, were too short: so as this assault was very preiudicial vnto them, being forced to leaue it with shame and losse.
About that time, the fiue and twentieth of August, all the souldiors within Flessingue (except the companies of captaine Barnard, Eloy, Morcant, and some few others) imbarked with them of the garrison of la Vere, with a great number of boats, hauing a designe vpon the towne of Antuerpe, where they had intelligence with some bourgesses: the which was done vnder the commaund and authoritie of the prince of Orange: but as they were vpon the E way about Doel, they were aduised, by letters from Antuerpe, to stay some three or foure dayes, by reason of some difficulties, and to attend vntill they had other aduertisement: wherupon they returned the next day to Byezelingen, in the land of Ter-Goes, so as this designe prooued fruitlesse: for the which some of the said bourgesses were accused, conuicted, and executed.
The eight and twentieth of August captaine Claes Claesz with his ship, and Broubier with his flie-boat, went out of Flessingue, and going along the Westerne coast, they met with foure pinnaces come out of Scluse to seeke their aduentures vpon the Zeelanders and their allies: two of which were chased backe into their hole, called the Swyn: the third was abandoned by the Spaniards▪ who leaped into the sea, wherof some were saued, and the rest drowned: but before F they abandoned it, they left a match light, which set fire on the pouder, as they were carying it to Flessingue, so as foure men were burnt: the fourth was taken fighting, and all the prisoners brought to Flessingue, whereas instantly there were tenne hanged.
[Page 479] The duke of Alua fearing least the towne of Ter-Goes would be lost (by reason of the small garrison that was within it) by a long siege of the Zeelanders, he sent Sancho d'Auila, A gouernour of the citadell of Antuerpe, to succour it with three thousand men, causing part of them to be imbarked in good shippes of warre, which might force through them of Zeeland, who were at sea to stop the passage to Ter-Goes: and to prepare them worke of another side, he himselfe went by land with the rest, and two field-peeces; whereof the one was myred, by reason of the great raine that fell: Those that were imbarked, were defeated by the Zeelanders shippes, and not one could passe that way. Yet d'Auila fainted not; but hauing enquired of the best experienced mariners, if there might be no way to passe ouer at a low water; being told him, that there was good meanes, yet he would not trust them, before he had sent some of his people with them to sound the passage; who hauing made their report, B that it was easie to doe, but with great diligence and trauell, for that there was about two leagues of passage, and some chanels in the way that were good and deepe at a low water. D'Auila being glad to haue found this way, would make a triall with all his troupe accompanied by colonel Mondragon his assistant; who marching first on foot, led them both Spaniards, Wallons, and Germanes, two thousand paces, or thereabouts, into the drowned land, not knowing whither they went: the which they passed in fiue houres, and arriued safely (though with great toyle) in the Island of Zuytbeuelandt, where they made them to rest, before they would haue them fight with their enemie, being aboue foure leagues from them. And although that these souldiers were so wet and tyred, as they could not march farre, and that the Protestants (besieging Ter-Goes) were fiue thousand men, and might C easily haue defeated them, by reason of the great aduantages they had ouer them, had they beene all fresh and lustie: yet there fell so great an amazement amongst them in their campe, as to their great shame and confusion they raysed the siege, and fled, retyring vnto their shippes, as if the enemies had beene at their heeles, when as they did scarce see them. Bartel Entens, lieutenant to the earle of Marche, was one of the ring-leaders in this flight: who arriued the two and twentieth of October with his men, and the French, before la Vere, and the English before Flessingue. They had left some English and French in the suburbes for the rereward, that they might the more easily imbarke the artillerie. But the feare and apprehension was so great among them, as they abandoned all, and fled in such disorder to their shippes, as many seeking to enter in the prease, were drowned, and the artillerie abandoned and lost. Captaine Saras, vnfortunate in all his exploits, was againe taxed with treason; D so as to iustifie himselfe, he went to the prince of Orange (who had made him gouernour of Flessingue) to whome hee made a declaration of his innocencie, desiring him to giue him leaue to call any man by proclamation vnto the combate, that should say, that he were other than a faithfull and a loyall gentleman, hauing in all things discharged himselfe of his dutie and allegeance. Whereupon some of his friends aduised him to haue patience, and that time would iustifie him sufficiently, if that his actions were syncere and iust.
Bartel Entens being returned with his men into the Isle of Walchren, made an enterprise vpon Arnemuyden, thinking to surprise it, but he fayled; for that one of his souldiers hauing E shot off his peece indiscreetly, and without cause, caused an alarum; for the which he was hanged: then burning some countrey houses about the towne, they ran towards Westhouen, a castle belonging vnto the bishop of Middlebourg, the which they tooke, and burned the next day.
The king of Spaine hearing, that the too sharpe and rigorous gouernment of the duke of Alua had beene the cause of all the troubles in the Netherlands, whereof hee had dayly The duke of Medina Coeli sent to gouern the Netherlands. many complaints, and that through his negligence the Zeelanders and others had taken armes, meant to call him home, and to send the duke of Medina Coeli in his place: a nobleman of a milder disposition, to gouerne the said countries of the Netherlands after the duke of Alua. And to that end, there was a good fleet of shippes of warre appointed, F with two thousand Spaniards, with whom there ioyned fiue and twentie other marchants shippes, Spaniards, Portugeses, and Italians, laden with wooll, spice, and other good marchandise.
[Page 480] With all this fleet the duke of Medina sayled happily, vntill hee came vnto the coast of Flaunders. But the eleuenth of Iune newes being come to Flessingue, That there were forty A shippes gone towards Ostend, euery man posted to arme and put forth his shippe, to set vpon them. Captaine Worst, with other captaines, went foorth to find them, with twelue shippes and hoyes; but before they could come, sixe and twentie carauels of this fleet had cast themselues into the Swyn of Scluse, whereas the duke of Medina saued himselfe with twelue more in a shippe-boat. The Zeelanders burned three which were runne a ground; and two others being taken, were carried to Flessingue, laden with marchandise. The Spaniards that were found in these fiue, were cast ouer-boord, and about threescore caried prisoners to Flessingue: from whence the twelfth day of the same moneth went foorth eight other shippes, well manned with souldiers, mariners and bourgesses, gaping after nothing but bootie, encouraged with the good successe of the day before, and to second those B twelue shippes that went forth with captaine Worst, to fight with those twelue great shippes, laden with Spanish souldiers, the which for their greatnesse could not enter into Scluse: but these great carackes seeing them come, kept so close together, as the Zeelanders could not annoy them; so as they returned without any effect, being hindered by a Westerly winde, which was contrarie vnto them. Yet the same day they rigged forth certaine great shippes, to visit them the next day, if happily the wind would serue; but the tempest encreasing, they could not doe any thing, and so for spight they hung vp eleuen Spaniards, which they had taken prisoners. The next day they discouered many sayles at sea, comming from the West, yet could they not suddenly discerne what they were, and therefore at Flessingue they held their artillerie readie, and their rampars well manned. The twelue great Spanish C carackes were forced by a Southwest wind to ioyne with all these sayles that were discouered. The first shippe of this fle [...] was of Antuerpe, at whom they of Flessingue shot, which made them to strike sayle, as likewise all the fleet did. But the twelue carackes, laden with Spaniards, which followed them (although they shot much at them) passed on, still coasting Fl [...]unders, vntill that all twelue came vnder the lee of the castle of Rameken; but all the rest of the fleet of Lisbonne (which were one and twentie sayles) were all taken, except three, which weyghed anchor in time, and aduentured by the Hont towards Antuerpe.
The Zeelanders had a wonderfull rich bootie in all these shippes, besides that which D they had before of the duke of Medinas: for besides the spices, wooll, wines, and other marchandise, they had in one of them, in gold and siluer coyned, and to coyne, two hundred thousand duckets: so as if all this bootie had bin well gouerned, and applied to the good of the common cause, it had beene sufficient to make warre a whole yeare against the king of Spaine. But leauing Zeeland a little, wee will shew what passed in the meane time in Holland and other prouinces of the Netherlands.
I thinke it conuenie [...]t to shew how the towne of Enchuysen obtained her freedome▪ which I will in briefe declare, that the Reader may thereby conceiue how other townes likewise proceeded in their actions: for that the taking of the Briel, Flessingue, and Enchuysen were the onely foundation and first originall of the recouering of the freedome of the Netherlands, E and shaking off the Spanish yoke.
Enchuysen is a good towne, belonging vnto North Holland, or West-Friseland, and lying vpon the South sea: a towne well peopled, and well stored with shippes, but in times Enchuysen reuol [...]th. past but little esteemed, inhabited by rich sea-faring men, and fishers; which beeing strongly situated (together with the great store of sea-faring men, and shippes belonging vnto the same) was the foundation, backe, and ground of the assuring of the neighbour townes about it; as Briel in South-Holland, and Flessingue in Zeeland were vnto those about them.
The towne of Briel being taken by the earle Vander Merke in Aprill 1572, whereupon ensued the reuolt of Flessingue, with other townes; the duke of Alua hauing before commaunded F them of Holland and West-Friseland, to send an armie of shippes of warre to keepe the sea, did at that time will them in all hast to send them forth against those of the Briel, thereby to recouer the passage of the Meuse out of their hands; and while they of [Page 481] Amsterdam, Enchuysen, and other places were busied about the same, diuers souldiers were likewise sent thither, not onely for the shippes, but also vnder pretence thereof secretly to put a A garrison into Enchuysen, as being a towne, by reason of the situation, of great importance for the keeping of the Southerne sea.
This pretence was partly perceiued by the vnaduised words of one captaine Schuylenburgh, by him spoken in anger vnto a bourger of Enchuysen, that asked him some money that he ought him, threatening him and the rest of the townes-men with further inconueniences, than they as yet had felt: which being made knowne amongst the bourgers, they promised and [...]ore each vnto other, not to suffer any souldiers to enter into the towne. After that, it happened, as the shippes of warre were almost readie, one captaine Quickel came vnto the gate of Enchuysen, with certaine souldiers, desiring to enter in; which hee B was suffered to doe onely with one of his gentlemen, so they would leaue their armes in the court of guard; which souldiers esteeming for an indignitie and despight, they could not refraine to tell them of it: which made the bourgers to conceiue a greater suspition; the same encreasing more by meanes of certaine fugitiue bourgers, that were newly returned home againe, vtter enemies to the Spaniards. The foure bourgomasters which were then in office, being Cornclis Peterson, Iohn Reynarson, Volckar Harrickson, and William Iohnson, sought and agreed all together, vnder pretence of a muster, to bring the sayd captaine Quickel his souldiers into the towne: but the townes-men assembling together, to withstand the same, an old bourger, called Reymer Stontingh, told the old bourgomaster Walter Symonson, That it was best for them to muster the souldiers without the towne, and C let them take shipping without, so to put the bourgers out of all suspition. Whereunto the old bourgomaster made answere and sayd, Hold thy tongue thou beast, seekest thou to make an vprore amongst the townes-men? Thou wert well serued, if thou wert hanged, that others might take example by thee; with other such like chollericke speeches. And when the rest of the townes-men (that commended their fellow bourgers speech) thought to make answere thereunto, he snapped them shortly vp, and commaunded them all to bee silent, saying, That the gouernment of the towne was committed vnto their charge: so that no man durst speake one word more, onely a bourger of good account called Cornelis Peterson Re [...]tlutz, one well esteemed of amongst all the townes-men, and that after serued in many offices of the towne, answered him, saying, If the towne bee committed vnto your charge, then rule it as you ought to doe; but if you seeke to charge D vs with a garrison, the bourgers will not like of it, they hauing beene without trade or traffique these fiue yeares, and therefore now they had no need to be charged with souldiers. Whereupon the bourgomaster spake in flouting manner, and asked him, how he would haue it, and whether that they must aske him, what were best to bee done. Whereunto Cornelis Peterson spake boldly, saying▪ We desire to haue no souldiers enter into the towne, though it cost me this blacke head of mine: and of whome should you aske the question, but of vs, that are inhabitants of the towne? Or haue not we to doe therewith? you alone cannot maintaine vs. But when the bourgomaster saw more of them to assemble together, hee sayd vnto them; Bee of good cheere, there shall no souldiers come in here: E wherewith the bourgers were content, and better pleased, thinking, hee had meant as hee sayd.
The next day the lord of Boshuysen, admirall of Holland, came vnto the towne with his officers and his halberdiers, attending on him, who by his authoritie, together with the bourgomasters, caused captaine Quickel with his colours and companie to come vnto the towne; but the bourgers running vnto the gates, made them retyre: by which meanes their purpose fayling, part of the said souldiers got their pasports, fayning, not to be willing to serue in the shippes, saying, That they were taken vp and appointed onely to lye in garrison in the towne. By this fained kind of discharging, they thought to get into the towne without armes, and by meanes of Claus Rem, host of the Paradice, where captaine F Quickel aforesaid then lay, they thought to get their armes to bee brought secretly into the towne vnder some womens long huyckes; and hauing partly effected the same, and gotten part of them in, the captaine caused a drumme to be sounded (to put the bourgers [Page 482] in feare, as if all his souldiers had beene entered) to will them all to assemble at his lodging: A Whereupon some of them gathering together, the bourgers, especially the fishermen, that as then were newly come from fishing, ranne in heapes together vnto the Inne, and forcibly draue captaine Quickel, with his souldiers, out of the towne, and yet no man hurt on both sides. The sayd captaine Quickel beeing out, the bourgers went vnto the house of Fredericke Simonson, hard by the towne house, where the admirall Boshuyse [...] lay, to speake with him; but the host swearing that hee was not there, they would not leaue vntill they had found him, and for that he had deceiued them before, they put him into the towne-house, and there kept him, with certaine bourgers to watch him, and thereupon went and fetcht the Ordnance that lay at the hauen, and out of two shippes of warre, and brought them into the towne, giuing order, and causing the Passage Hoye of Amsterdam B (that came thither laden with powder and shot) to bee safely kept, and sufficiently guarded.
The next day, being the third of May, the bourgers beeing somewhat better encouraged, went in great heapes vnto the towne-house, where the bourgomasters sought to persuade the chiefest of them to bee quiet, saying, That all that while there had nothing beene done, but that which might bee easily answered before the king, and imputed vnto some light young fellowes and strangers in the towne, and such like reasons. But Ioh [...] Frederickeson and Cornelis Peterson aforesaid standing by, Correlis bad the bourgomasters not to make the matter any fayrer than it was, saying, That the bringing in of the souldiers was nothing else but villanie, whereby they sought to bring many bourgers (especially C those that loued and fauoured the prince of Orange, their right Gouernour, and such as were of the true Religion) vnto their ends, and that therefore it were better (seeing how things fell out) to ioyne with the rest, and to bring the shippes of warre into the hauen, and to plant the Ordnance vpon their wals, and so to defend themselues against their enemies. But the bourgomasters would by no meanes heare thereof: and as one Diericke Iohnson, a brewer, came thither, the sayd Cornelis spake in this manner: There is a man, which you banished out of the towne without any cause, and without law or [...]ight seized vpon all his goods, who, with diuers others, were compelled to abandon and forsake the countrey: Therefore (sayd he) it were time for vs to lose and vnburthen our selues from the Aluanish tyrannie, and the exaction of the tenth penny, and to receiue the prince of D Orange, that seeketh nothing else, but the welfare and freedome of the Netherlands. Whereunto Vol [...]kar Harrickson, and another bourgomaster making answere, sayd, That they would (for a great summe of money) that it were come vnto that pas [...]e, that the prince of Orange were in the gouernment, and they discharged of their offices. Whereunto Cornelis sayd, That they were in no danger, nor had any cause to feare, that any innocent bloud should bee spilt, for that God had taken care both for them and his Religion, and that therefore they were to expect and attend nothing but friendly vsage and good dealing, behauing themselues in good sort, and truly and faithfully aiding and assisting one the other.
Certaine dayes after, Paulus vander Loo, Drossart of Muyden, came thither, with a carauel E laden full of souldiers, which he thought to conuey secretly into the towne, and lay with it vpon the ditch by the brewers house. Whereof the bourgers vnderstanding, amongst the rest, one Peter Buyskens met the Drossart comming to the gate, and roughly asked him, What he made there, and whither he would goe with his souldiers. The Drossart abashed at his rough speech, knew not what to say: whereupon they bad him to bee gone from thence, or else (they sayd) they would make him shorter by the two legges. Meane time, the bourgomaster William Iohnson came thither, to fetch the Drossart into the towne; whom Diericke Iohnson, brewer, asked, Whither those souldiers should goe, saying that they perceiued all their doings to be nothing but villanie, and that they must bee forced to cause the bourgers to rise; whereby great trouble began to ensue: the bourgomaster made answere, F That he knew not thereof, perceiuing, that some of the bourgers alreadie began to goe vnto the shippe, and to fall vpon the souldiers, and that one Cornelis Iohnson, brewer, placed a peece of Ordnance, and hauing a match readie lighted in his hand, was [Page 483] about to shoot at the shippe; but Harman Entison, the towne carpenter, by good fortune stayed A him; whereupon the Drossart went backe againe with his souldiers. With that, the bourgomasters and the other officers of the towne being abashed, vnderstanding likewise, that Peter Luytkison Buyskens had commission from the prince of Orange, bearing date in Dillenbourg the twentieth of April 1572, to assure the towne of Enchuysen with the ships of warre, against the duke of Alua, the which vpon the successe of the Briel and Flessingue had caused him and others to be so bold, as to come into the towne, and that the bourgers were there with imboldened, they sought to make a deceitfull and fained agreement; wherunto the bourgers all with one voice consented; which was, That the shippes lying in the streame should be let passe, but that all the shippes and goods that were within the towne, shold be kept there, which were the ships of warre, with munition, powder, and shot: That the watch in the towne should B be increased: That they should let no souldiers nor Gueux on either side enter into the town, but should themselues keepe the towne for the king: to which end they chose foure captains amongst themselues, to commaund the bourgers, whose names were, Siewaert Iohnson, Crommendike, old Fredericke Simonson, Peter Hendrickson, and Fredericke Peterson, alias Maekschoon; chusing twelue bourgers to sit in counsell with the magistrats, and so as they thought the matter was ended. This notwithstanding, the bourgomasters secretly sought to assure the towne for the duke of Alua, and for that cause deuised▪ that certain bourgers that were affected to the Spaniards, and the [...]arle of Bossu their gouernour, should make request vnto them, to haue licence for the space of three dayes to shippe, lade, and carry all their goods out of the town whither they would: which being granted them, they subtilly got all the co [...]e into their hands, C and caried it away, together with their best mooueables and household stuffe; which being gone, and but s [...]all store left, they discouraged the bourgers, telling them, that there was no corne, nor other prouision in the towne, and had not strengthened the watch (being but sixtie men) as they said they would. Vpon this, much suspition rose amongst the bourgers, & to that end they assembled vpon the South hauen, in Dierick Brewers wood yard, where they determined to send Corne is Peterson, and yong Fredericke Simonson, to the bourgomasters in the towne-house, to certifie them, That the bourgers were discontented, and found fault, that the watch was not strengthened as it should be, with other complaints. The bourgomasters made answere, That they were then in hand with the captaines, about prouiding certaine shot, and that they should stay till the next morning, and they would fulfill their D minds: but answere being made, That the danger was great, and that therefore they would haue the watch made stronger that night; the bourgomasters thereupon, after many delayes, were content. But the bourgers, mooued with the long detraction of their answere, suspecting the admirall Boshuysens bad counsell, who as then was kept in the towne-house, went all together thither, and seemed to be much out of quiet. Whereupon Cornelis Peterson thinking to doe for the best, and seeking to appease them, they cryed out, and were angry with him, saying, That he dissembled as well as the rest: wherewith he presently excused himselfe, willing them to kill him, whensoeuer they found him with that fault. After that, one Peter Potbacker cryed out, and sayd, That they would haue the admirall Boshuysen out of the towne-house, and put him into a straighter prison; which was done (disorderly E ynough) for that one of his seruants was hurt; the bourgomasters praying the people to be quie [...], that no bloud might be shed: and so they drew him, and one Iohn Vesterman, that spake in his behalfe, because hee was an old man, to another place, and kept him prisoner in the Keet-gate, where they willed him to write vnto the captaines of the shippes of warre that lay before the Veen, that they should bring the shippes, and lay them in the roade before the towne, and put themselues into the hands of the bourgers of Enchuysen: but they not agreeing amongst themselues, whether it should bee done in the name of the admirall, or in the bourgers name, they sent particular letters, whereby there grew diuision among the fleet, which as then began to be stronger. And for that cause, the ships of Amsterdam sayled home againe, and they of Enchuysen came the next day, and lay F in the roade before the towne. After that, the bourgomasters got the admirall Boshuysen and Vesterman to be set at libertie, and with good store of shot to be conueyed to Amsterdam. [Page 484] Thereupon the bourgers and the bourgomasters tooke order together, That the shippes of warre should bee brought into the hauen, and the Ordnance placed vpon the walls, and to A that end that the gates should be kept shut, that the townes-men might bee kept together, till it were done. But Fredericke Simonson, the elder, one of the captaines of the towne, hauing the commaund of the watch that night, did nothing all that night, but labour with the bourgers, to persuade them to desist from their pretence, telling them, That they were to expect no better issue, than they of Valenciennes and Berghen in Henault had: That they should haue no free passage (through any tolle) neyther at Amsterdam, nor in any other place: and that the troubles that had happened in the towne, were to be imputed vnto the admirall Boshuysen, that sought to haue brought captaine Quickel, with his companie, forcibly into the towne, hauing to that end caused their armes to bee secretly brought in, and that Boshuysens shippes had taken two of their bourgers Dogh-boates; for which cause B they had driuen the souldiers out of the towne, excusing euery thing in the best manner, and that the same should not be layed vnto their charges, neither yet be accounted for treason: which to assure them, he offered to giue himselfe, his wife and his children in pawne; in such sort, that he (many being persuaded) was so bold vpon the fifteenth of May in the morning, contrarie to the determination aforesaid, to open both the gates and the boome, and to let the fishermen goe out. Whereupon Cornelis Peterson spake boldly vnto him, and asked him, why the boomes were open, contrarie to the order taken touching the same, and that the bringing in of the shippes, and the placing of the Ordnance on the wals was stayed. The captaine seeking peaceably to excuse the matter, and to bring him to consent and agree to his persuasions, sayed, That it was his office appointed him by the towne: And with that, C proceeding to more words, Cornelis Peterson sayd, That he had nothing to doe with their offices, and that all was in vaine, and that the shippes must bee brought into the hauen, and the Ordnance layed vpon the wals: and certaine bourgers being assembled at North Spuye, they both went thither, each to persuade them as he thought best, Cornelis Peterson earnestly alleadging against the captaines arguments, That both his speeches and promises were nothing else but meere deceits, to persuade and bring them once againe vnder the duke of Aluaes tyrannie: from thence they two went to the West end of the fishers dike by another assembly of bourgers, each shewing his reasons, as aforesaid. But when captaine Fredericke Simonson perceiued some of the fauourers of the reformed Religion to be there, he moderated D his speech, saying, That all they knew well, and he protested before God, that he bate a good affection vnto the prince, and that they should be secret enemies vnto the duke of Alua, and seeke by messengers to know and vnderstand, when the prince would enter into the field; and being once assured thereof, that then they should discouer themselues, and not be so hastie to bring the shippes of warre into the hauen, but let Valenciennes, Berghen, and others, be an example and warning vnto them, and remember how badly their proceedings fell out; shewing how well they might yet excuse and discharge themselues before the king and his counsell, profering to giue his bodie, life, wife, and children to pawne, That if they would but follow his counsell, they should not be molested or troubled in any wife. E
Captaine Fredericke hauing drawne a great number of the bourgers to hearken vnto him, hee tooke them all to witnesse, That Cornelis Peterson was a stubborne, mistrustfull, and suspitious man. Whereupon Cornelis Peterson sayd, That he could not beleeue him, for that he sought to breake the order and agreement that was made the day before, as also that he had sworne, that Boshuysen was not lodged in his house, and yet hee was found therein; as also, that the proceedings of those of Amsterdam was yet fresh in euery mans remembrance, how that the bourgomasters in Anno 1567 dealt doubly with their bourgers, telling them, That if the baron de Brederode went from thence with his souldiers, they would take no more in to them: but they (contrarie to their former promises) tooke the earle of Meghen his souldiers into the towne. Captaine Fredericke made answere F vnto him, That the cases were not alike: for that the bourgers in Enchuysen had foure men in the secret counsell, whereby the bourgomasters could not doe so much as write a letter, but the counsell knew what it was; and that it was not so in Amsterdam. [Page 485] Whereunto Cornelis Peterson said, That there were foure men (such as they were) whereof he A was one, which were not to be trusted: and after such like contradictions vsed one against the other, they departed without any resolution. Both parts in this sort seeking to increase the number of their adherents, and the captaines of the ships of war desiring their resolution, and willingly would haue entred into the towne, they were commaunded by the bourgmasters and the captaines, to go to their ships, and to looke well to them, according to their othes, which they had made vnto the king; which they presently did. After that, the bourgmasters sent for some of the best bourgers in the towne, desiring them to consent, that the ships of war might be sent forth, and that so they should not be in danger of the kings armie: and hauing by that meanes procured the best of the bourgers to consent with them, declaring further by writing, that they would keepe the towne for the king and the prince, that so they might haue the full consent of the whole towne; Cornelis Peterson spake out, and said, That it was all villanie B and deceit, and that they meant not to keepe the towne for the prince of Orange, but for the prince of Spaine, and that therefore such deceiuers were not to be trusted, but that to the contrarie the ships were to be brought in, and the ordnance placed vpon the walls. Wherewith the bourgmaster Iohn Reynarson spake, and said, Good brethren, striue not against the kings armie, it will be hardly laid vnto our charges, let them therefore go, and that is the best way for vs. The most of the bourgers therewith giuing consent, that they should goe, and the sooner the better, Cornelis Peterson and his adherents said, That it were best to let them lye, vntill the ships of warre of Amsterdam were come downe; and therewith the assembly departed: But to get the consent of the bourgers, the bourgmasters caused the great, or the common counsel of the bourgers to be assembled, and sent vnto them some of their secret counsell, and others C whom they best trusted, with whom they dealt in such wise, that it was agreed by the most voyces, that the ships of warre should go forth. Whereupon the ships went out, and certaine barrels of powder, and sailed towards Amsterdam: but as they put out, one of the flie-boats fell on ground, which by reason of the wind could not be holpen: whereupon the earle Vander Markes ships making towards it (the captaine and the men hauing forsaken it) fell vpon it, and hauing ransacked it of all that was in it, burnt it. The bourgmasters hearing thereof, thought good to set out another fli-boat in place of that was lost, not making any words nor shew to do it, till about noone time, when least people were in the streets: which for that it was contrarie to their agreement, and they seeking to bring it through the draw bridge, certaine bourgers D imboldened themselues, when they were about it, to let the bridge fall between the two masts, whereby the flie-boat could neither go in nor out, and so lay still certaine dayes. The bourgmasters and the magistrats laboured likewise to raise a companie of men out of the bourgers within the towne, thereby to hold better vnitie and peace amongst them, appointing one master Henricke to be their captaine; but the bourgers not content with him, sent Peter Ruyskens, and Diericke Brower, to tel them that they liked not of him. Answer was giuen them, That they would please them, and that they desired nothing else but peace; and that if they would nominat foure men, they would chuse one of them. Whereupon the bourgers assembling, chose foure men, but they liked not the bourgmasters: whereupon one Bart Luytgeson was appointed captaine of that companie, and therewith they tooke their othes. Meane time Peter Buyskens, and Diericke Brower sought by al meanes to persuade the bourgmasters, that the prince of E Orange would shortly enter into the field to aid them, shewing letters new come out of Dillinborgh, which Isebrandt Iacobson, and Richart Claeson had brought, but they would not beleeue it, but deuised all the meanes they could, to go forward with their proceedings, to aid the duke of Alua: and hauing gotten a companie of souldiers vnder their command, determined to send the flie-boat that lay vnder the bridge for a man of warre, amongst the rest of the ships that were gone to Amsterdam, and to that end the bourgmasters and the counsell, with the companie of souldiers, about noone time went to the bridge, where they found no man but Cornelis Brewer, with Iacob and Iohn his two brethren, who presently got more companie, and standing vpon the promise made vnto them, stept vpon the bridge, Cornelis hauing a two handed F sword vpon his shoulder, and his brethren either of them a peece: the bourgmaster Peter Cornelison stepping forward, asked who was there, that would let them from drawing the flyboat forth from vnder the bridge: whereunto Cornelis Brewer made answere, and said, That [Page 486] will wee, or else will die for it. The bourgmaster therewith abasht, and withall many people A assembling together, one of the souldiers filled his peece, to shoot at Cornelis Brewer and his brethren, which one of the bourgers, called Arent Erickson, perceiuing, cried out and said, If thou shootest at any of the bourgers, I will th [...]ust my poniard in thy ribs: wherewith hee and the bourgmasters left off their pretence, returning backe againe with the companie of souldiers to the town-houle, where they presently caused the harguebusiers to assemble at the town-house with their armes: the said harguebusiers (appointed in euerie town of the Netherlands out of the best and fittest bourgers, with speciall othe to defend the towne) beeing come vnto the towne house, asked wherefore the bourgmasters had so sodainly sent for them. Answere was made them, That they would haue them to helpe either to driue the Gueux and villaines out of the towne, or else kil them. Whereupon great dissention rose amongst the shot, so that B many of them sought to go peaceably home againe. With that the bourgmasters caused two great peeces that lay before the town house (although the gunners had left them) to be made readie, and placed them against the street where they thought the bourgers would come vp: & one William Besterman striking off the locks, laid powder vpon the touch-holes, as if they had beene readie to shoot them off. Wherewith a bourger of good account, called Iacob Florison, that dwelt not farre from the towne-house, then sitting vpon the seat before his doore, with his wife, seeing that preparation and forwardnesse, thought vpon some meanes how to preuent the danger of bloud shedding, and standing vp, determining to venture his life, said to his wife Sou (that is Susanna) Williams daughter adue, wee must now part, and presently went to the North Spuy, where he met with Gerrardt Iohnson Swaels, a canonier, that asked him what C were best to be done, saying, they would all venture life and limme with him, so he would take the commaund vpon him. Iacob said, Well then, take the planks that lye there, and place them in maner of a sco [...]ce breast high, in the broad street, before thy mothers house, and then fetch the two brass [...] peeces that lie vpon the hauen, and place them before the planks, but shoot not before they of the towne-house come, or till I come againe from the Spuy. Wherewith hee going to the Spuy, found great store of fishermen there, that heartened one the other to goe forcibly to the towne-house, and to constraine them to lay downe their arms before they were stronger, crying out and saying, Seeing they seeke to bring vs to our ends, let vs goe and spoyle them first: but when Iacob Florison spake vnto them in friendly manner, and said, Good brethren, be patient a while, vntill they come to fight with vs, and then will wee shew that wee are D men, that they may haue no cause to charge vs withall: wherewith they were somewhat quiet: notwithstanding a politike bourger, called Harco Meyusche (that after was a captaine in the battaile against Boshuysen, and lost his life in that war, for his countries cause) said, That it was the best way to set vpon them, least they should come too short and too late: wherewith they were certified, that the harguebusiers in the towne-house were at controuersie, and many of of them vnwilling to fight against their fellow bourgers, and so to bring the towne into perpetuall slauerie, and that therefore many of them were gone home againe, and that onely some that fauored the Spaniards staied there. This being thus pacified, & the one holding the others sword in the scaberd, the bourgers sent Peter Buyskens, with some others to the burgmasters to moue them to send the brasse peeces that stood before the towne-house vnto the walls, and to a [...]d and assist the towne, to defend it selfe against the enemie. But the bourgmasters made answer, E That they knew what they had to do, and that they would thinke vpon the matter, and put to their hands to helpe to strengthen iustice, thereby to punish [...]ebels, and such as would not be ruled: and being asked what rebels they meant (which they partly named) they began to fall to contention, and sought to haue an answer of that they required, touching the carrying away of the ordnance. They had a resolute answer, That they must haue patience, vntill their committees William Iohnson, and Iacob Peterson Samsoen shold be returned from Amsterdam, whom they looked for that euening, and that then they would say more vnto them, else not. Those committees that were sent to the earle of Bossu to Amsterdam, being returned, the bourgers sent their mess [...]ngers once againe vnto the towne-house, to haue answer vpon their F last request. To whom answer was made by the bourgmasters, saying, Now Dierick Iohnson, Iacob Erickson, and Peter Buyskens, it will not bee, and we are not yet readie to carrie the ordnance vnto the walls, for our committees are come from Amsterdam, and bring vs word, That [Page 487] the earle of Bossu is desirous to know who are his friends, or his foes, and will haue vs all expresly A sweare, That wee will accept and acknowledge the duke of Alua for Gouernor, & the earle of Bossu for his Lieutenant; and that whosoeuer refuseth to doe so, may freely depart out of the town, if th [...] be any such among you: and without making longer delay with you, that is the marke whereat we shoot, with many such like words. Whereupon the committees for the bourgers, seeing their resolution, gaue them thankes for speaking so plainely vnto them, for that thereby they said, they might know who were their friends or their foes: and hauing consulted together with the principallest of them, gaue a resolute answer, That the bourgers desired not to sweare vnto the duke of Alua as their gouernor, nor yet to the earle of Bossu as his lieutenant, neither yet intended to leaue the towne, for that some of them had beene forced to keepe fiue yeares together out of the towne in forreine countries, in regard of the tyrannie, wherein they said they could by no meanes blame the bourgers: and that if their B aduerse parties would goe out of the towne, they might be gone; the good bourgers had once gone alreadie, but now they said they should not get them aliue out of the towne, and that so they might assure themselues. That done, the bourgmasters desired that with one accord they would all agree, to discharge them of their othes that they had made vnto the towne, for that they said they must accomplish the earle of Bos [...]ues commission, either by fair or foule means. Which the bourgers were content to doe, each acquitting other of their othes, made on both sides, agreeing that euery man should do his best, and so departed each from other, each making their report. Therewith the bourgers being assembled, resolued to take order how they would proceed, to free and deliuer themselues from tyrannie, and to restore the towne to her C former freedome: to which end they determined to constraine the towne by force. Wherevnto Peter Buyskens that had commission from their old gouernour the prince of Orange, and one Hans Cloterman gaue them counsell, and said, That if they would not bee sodainely ouerrun and spoyled, they must not long stand vpon resoluing what they meant to doe. And hauing in that sort consulted together till noone time, they all agreed, and so euerie man went home to dinner, promising one the other to hold together, and to proceed therein in the name of God: the bourgmasters being likewise deuising and consulting what order to take, to proceed in their affaires.
About noone Dterick Iohnson Brewer, caused the towne drummer to sound his drumme round about the towne, and to will all those that loued the king of Spaine and the prince of D Orange, to assemble together with their armes, vpon the South and North Spuy: Which the bourgmasters vnderstanding, sent for the harguebusiers of the towne, and all their adherents, to come with their armes vnto the towne-house, whereas the aforesaid towne drumme had made that crie onely for them, as he was commaunded; some of the towne-house beeing of a good hope, seeing they heard the king of Spaine named: and so either partie made themselues strong to see which of them should bee masters of the towne. The bourgers had appointed Peter Buyskens for one of their commaunders, to bee with his companie at the North Spuy, and Iacob Erickson at the south Spuy, by the gate, to take in the South tower, and Diericke Brower to goe to the blew gate, where there lay two peeces of ordnance, which hee tooke, and there made a barricado, which hee draue before him, and therewith went with his E troupe vnto the towne-house, and comming to the Morians head, the towne captaines Cromendike, Peter Hendrickson, and master Ma [...]kschon met them, persuading them to agree friendly together, as friends and citizens ought to doe: but the bourgers that went forwards towards the towne house giuing the captaines no answere, a number of the best and motherliest women in the towne assembled together, and stopt the street, thinking to stay them from bloud shedding (as the women thereabouts of nature and antient custome are verie manly, in regard that the men are often out at sea to fish, and otherwise) and began to crie out, and to fall vpon the mens necks, and to intreat them not to proceed any further, but peaceably to goe home againe to their houses, and liue friendly one with the other, with many such words. But Diericke Brower mistrusting such a matter, spake ruffely, and said, Away F and be gone quickly, and stay within your houses, whosoeuer wee find in the streets shal bear away the blowes. Wherewith the women stepping backe▪ the bourgers went forward, and one Iohn Frerickson Flutske, and Iacob the sonne of Diericke Brower, with some others stept [Page 488] out before the ordnance and the barricado, and went towards the towne-house, and there finding a great companie of harguebusiers standing before it, that meant to resist them, the A said Iohn Frerickson couched his peece to shoot at one of the principallest criers out for the duke of Alua called Albert Reinierson, but shooting off, mist him: which the harguebusiers seeing, and perceiuing that the bourgers meant to proceed to a fight in good earnest, and withall hearing and seeing another companie of bourgers come from the South part of the town and a great number of fishermen from the North end, they were in great feare, and went their wayes, letting the rest doe what they would. The bourgmasters perceiuing themselues to be forsaken of the harguebusiers, and the bourgers comming strongly on, fled into the towne-house, and shut to the doore, to saue themselues from the furie of the people, and hid them in secret places. The bourgers finding the towne-house locked, Diericke Brewer bad them take B a great barre and strike it open: which they presently did, and all the rest of the doores, till they found the bourgmasters, which had for feare hid themselues, as wee haue said, where they tooke them, and committed them prisoners in the Keet gate, placing good watch to keepe them, and presently set the prince of Oranges colours vpon the walls, the English tower, and the blew gate.
Hereupon they wrot vnto the earle of Marche, lieutenant to the prince of Orange, intreating him to take their town into his protection, and that to that end he would send them some souldiers, to repulse the tyrannie of the duke of Alua. Those of the townes of Alcmar, Horne, Edam, and Medemblic, in the said countrey of Friseland, did the like, following the example of them of Enchuysen. On the other side the townes of South-Holland, that lay neerest vnto C the Bryele, opened their gates willingly vnto the prince of Oranges men, yeelding themselues The earle of Marche as lieu tenant to the prince of Orange se [...]seth vpon Holland. vnder his protection and obedience, except Schoonhouen and Amsterdam, which made great resistance: But Schoonhouen was soone besieged by the earle of Marche, who reduced them vnto reason: so as all Holland yeelded vnto the earle, as lieutenant vnto the prince, who had beene long gouernor: onely Amsterdam excepted, the which hee besieged twice, but he preuailed nothing, being too strong of scituation, and too well peopled, not able to win the citizens, who were too much enclined to the Romish religion, and to the king of Spaines deuotion.
Whilest that the earle of Marche plaied his part in Holland, the earle of Sheeren-Berghe, brother in law to the prince, entred into the countie of Zutphen with a good troupe of men, D where hee first tooke the townes of Dotekom, Dousbourg, and after Zutphen, the chiefe towne of all the countie: then in the countrey of Geldres, Harderwic, Elbruch, and Hattem: in the countrey of Ouerissel in the Twente, he seized vpon Goot and Oldezeel: and seeing the resolution & courage of the inhabitants of the countrey, to withstand the dukes tyranny, passing further into the countrey of Ouerissel, he went to besiege Campen, a goodly towne at the mouth of the riuer of Yssel in the Zuyderzee, the which the besieged for want of victuals and other munitions, were forced to yeeld by composition, as soon after Hasselt, Zwolle, & Steenwic did in the same prouince.
In the meane time some gentlemen Frisons of those which had fled with their allies (among the which were cont Iosse of Schouwenburg, and the seignior of Nederwomter) were receiued E into the townes of Sneek, Bolswart, and Franiker: But those of Leuwarden, where the court of Friseland is, holding the king of Spaines partie, sent to Groningen, to Gaspar of Robles, seigniour of Billi, to come and succour them: who being arriued with part of his regiment of Walons, was well entertained into the said towne and castle of Leuwarden, and in Sloten, and Harlingen. The first entrance which the Protestants made into the countrey of Friseland, was at Dockom, with a great number as wel of souldiers as of peasants from whence they chased the garrison of Walons that was there, whereof there remained fiue in the church tower, who had saued themselues there, shooting continually at them that went in the streets: which the Protestants seeing, they set fire on the tower, yet there was but one of the fiue that was burnt, the other foure remained there vnto the sixt of September, when Billi's souldiers F chased away the Protestants, tooke the towne and burnt it, to the great desolation of the poore inhabitants, who had least offended, and who oftentimes, smart for the follies of great men.
[Page 489] Colonell Billi hearing that the souldiers of these Protestant captaines, were for the most A part peasants, and bourgers sonnes, vntrained in armes, who could scarce discharge a harguebuse, made hast to goe to Staueren, where they were besieging the castle, from whence hee chased them, and set fire on the towne, retiring from thence with a great bootie. The Protestants that were in Sneeke, Bolswaert, and Franiker, went to armes, and pursued the Walons to rescue the the bootie: but at the first charge, the captaine being ouerthrowne from his horse with a shot, they fainted, and fled presently. And thus the hastie Frisons had no good successe in their enterprises.
Cont Lodowic hauing surprised Mons in Henault, the duke of Alua at the first would not beleeue it; but when hee was certainely aduertised, he began to storme and rage, hee began to teare his clothes, and to cast his hat to the ground, and tread on it, cursing God and men, B for that hee toyled so much, and aduanced nothing, seeing that townes reuolted daily from his obedience, and that he vnderstood that cont Lodowic did fortifie himselfe within Mons, being resolued not to leaue it but vpon good tearmes: wherefore, setting all other affaires aside, he resolued to besiege him, sending first his sonne Dom Frederic with two thousand Spaniards and Walons, two thousand Landsknechts, and fiue hundred horse of the bands of ordnance, Mons inuested by Dom Frederic. to inuest the towne, whilest that hee himselfe should come in person with all his forces. Dom Frederic at his first approach seized vpon the cloister ioining vnto the town, notwithstanding the manie sallies which they within Mons made vpon him. The towne was not verie wel prouided of victuals, but as it was the time of Haruest, the souldiers both of horse and foot went forth often to skirmish, to reape the corne, and to bring it into the towne, the which they C did easily, cutting onely the eares of corne: in so doing they were oftentimes charged and beaten, and sometimes they did beat their enemies, making a good retreat into the towne, although it were sometimes with losse of their men. This siege continued in such skirmishes vntill the comming of the lord of Genlis out of Fraunce, with about seuen thousand Protestants, both horse and foot, who came to present himselfe, to enter into the said towne of Mons.
Cont Lodowic knowing that these troupes were vpon the way to come and succour him, sent them word that he had no need of them within the towne, where they should cause but a greater dearth of victuals, seeing there was nothing to be gotten thereabouts: hee therefore intreated them to march towards Cambray, and to goe ioyne with the armie of the prince of D Orange, his brother, whom they should fortifie verie much, fearing that before they entred into the towne they would be defeated, if the Spaniards discouered them. The lord of Genlis answered, That hee had charge to goe vnto him, the which he would doe with the first opportunitie, and that hee feared no enemies: who continuing his course, marched forward, not knowing the passages of the countrey, for want of a good guide, as if the enemie had been twentie leagues from him. Being entred into the wood but three leagues from the towne, he sent a hundred horse before to discouer if there were any enemie, and in the meane time hee aduanced still. The baron of Renty with the lord of Iumelles led the foreward, and the lord of Genlis, the Rhingraue, and the seigniour of Ianis the rereward. These auant-courriers hauing reported, that they had discouered some Spanish horse-men neere vnto the wood, Rentie aduanced with his troupe to make head against them, putting himselfe in the front of the E armie: but seeing that all the enemies horse and foot marched directly towards them, hee began to turne head, to ioyne with the bodie of their armie. The lord of Noircarmes, who led the Spanish light horse, seeing this countenance, and that some musketiers were alreadie in skirmish with Rentie in the foreward, hee made hast to second them, charging the French with such furie, as their horse-men seeing their enemies to encrease, not able to endure their force, began to flie. Those of the rereward did no lesse, hauing scarce seene any enemie, yeelding an easie victorie to the Spaniards. Such as fled, thinking they had Genlis and the French Protestants defeated beene free from the slaughter of the enemies, and to bee safe, fell most of them into the peasants hands, people without pitie or mercie, who first stript them, and then did murther F them miserably, whereof they slew aboue twelue hundred. The baron of Rentie defended himselfe long against these rascals, trusting in the bountie of his horse: but in the end (as the passages were all stopt, and hee must needs passe through this swarme of angrie waspes, [Page 490] among the which there were some threedbare gentlemen) he was beaten downe. The Rhingraue A was slain in the battaile. The seignior of Olhain being fallen into the hands of these villains, led by a bare gentleman, who bragd that they wold make a present of him to the duke of Alua, he desired to march on foot, & to be disarmed; which done, he pulled a boare spear from one of them, with the which he so laid vpon them that conducted him, hauing ouerthrown; or foure, as they were forced to kill him, and so he died thus fighting. The seigniors of Genlis and Ianis, with some six hundred men, among the which there were sixtie gentlemen, were taken prisoners; but most of them were after murthered in cold bloud, after that they had stript them naked out of their shirts for feare least they should spoile their clothes, and so they did driue them before like beasts, till that in the end they murthered them without pitie or mercie. The barbarous [...] vsed [...] the French. There were some two or three hundred burnt in a barne, into the which they had thrust them thus naked: from the which, thinking to saue themselues, and to escape the fire, the Spanish B souldiers being without, shot them. There were wels & pits filled vp with French men, whom they had cast in aliue, heaping one vpon another. To conclude, the crueltie that was practised vpon these miserable vanquished men, was exceeding great. The lord of Genlis was carried to the castle of Antuerpe, where one morning he was found dead, without any precedent disease, some thought that he was strangled with one of the curtaines of his field bed. The seignior of Iumelles was carried to the castle of Tournay, from whence hee departed by exchange for a Spaniard.
After this defeat of the French, many thought that cont Lodowic would not hold the town of Mons long with such small troups as he had there in garrison: Whereupon Dom Frederic C the duke of Aluaes sonne, sent a trumpet to summon him to yeeld vpon certaine conditions which he offered him, but the earle would giue no care vnto them, attending succours by the prince of Orange his brother, whom hee knew to bee vpon the way with a mightie armie, to raise the Spaniards from the siege. The duke of Alua hearing that cont Lodowic was resolued to hold the towne, the which could not be taken with those forces which his sonne had, parted with all the forces he could gather together, and went and camped neere vnto the towne, besieging it straitly on all sides, the which Dom Frederic could not doe with those small forces The duke of Alua comes be [...]ore Mons. which he had: and seeing that the French, which were in garrison in the abbey of Crespin, ioyning vnto the towne, did greatly assist the besieged, hee caused it to bee battered with foure peeces, so as at fiftie shot he made a sufficient breach to giue an assault: but the captaine D which commaunded therein, seeing that the place was not to bee held, nor to endure such furious assaults as he must expect, hee retired with about one hundred and fiftie men in saf [...]tie into the towne, whose retreat they could not hinder, but with their canon, the which did them not any harme. The duke lodged some men in it, and then he aduised in what part hee might best plant his artillerie: some held hee should plant it at the port of Barlaimont, in the which the duke found three difficulties which might annoy him in giuing an assault. First, there was a mightie bulwarke ioyning vnto the rampar, which did defend it. Secondly, the deepe water in the ditch, and the new rampar made without the wals of the towne, whereas the besieged might lodge a good number of men, to defend their ditches, although the first rauelin were laid euen with the ground. Thirdly, that this great bulwarke and ramparing might E hinder his men from lodging at the foot of the rampar to come to the sappe: Yet notwithstanding hee intrenched his men vpon the side of the ditch, and let out the wate [...]. Those within were no lesse actiue and diligent to fortifie, and to make all preparations to resist him: they made two great high caualiers or mounts, and a second ditch within the towne, neere vnto the rampar. The duke planted six canons in the suburbs, vpon the edge of the ditch, vpon a little hill, from whence he might shoot plainly into the towne, as hee did vpon the houses and other buildings of shew, to terrifie the bourgesses: The rest of his artillery was planted in two other batteries, playing both vpon the rampar neere vnto the port of Barlaimont, and vpon the rauelin, which did defend it. The tops of the towers of either side were beaten downe with two vollies of shot, but not vnto the ground: then he caused eight double F canons to be planted on the riuer side, with the which hee carried away the parapets of two sides. The other batterie plaid along vpon the rauelin without, so as it was almost downe, but it was rampared vp with such diligence, as the besieged had meanes to hold it, being reso [...] [Page 491] that if an assault were presented, to make it good e [...]en vnto the last man. A
The duke seeing that all his batteries could not so much auaile him as to take the towne by assault, began to batter S. Andrewes tower, the which was so pierced through with the ordnance, as no man d [...]rst any longer abide in it. The besieged were not idle in the meane time, for besides that they sallied daily forth vpon the enemies, they had planted fiue peeces vpon the tower of stone, as well faulcons as culuerins, wherewith they shot through the enemies campe, into their tents and pauillions, and vpon all the approches, which made the passages verie difficult. They were also verie expert in speedie ramparing vp the breaches that were made, with packs of wooll, beds, [...]ckes filled with earth, and other materials: so as with this ramparing they made their walls and rampars as strong as before. The lord of la Noue with an hundred gentlemen, and some harguebusiers kept the first rauelin, to preserue that which B the Spaniards could not beat downe, and within at the foot of an old rampar there were other two hundred harguebusiers. The duke of Alua finding no meanes to draw the ditches drie, but there still remained more water than he wished, hee therefore caused some barkes to bee made of harguebuse proofe, and a bridge vpon emptie pipes tied together with cables, to assaile the rauelin: but all these preparations did not amaze the besieged, who made continuall sallies vpon their enemies, seeking some aduantage vpon them.
Whilest that the duke of Alua and the besieged within Mons maintained themselues in The prince of Orange comes with an armie to succour Mons. this sort, the prince of Orange being in Germanie, was not idle: but hauing leuied a goodly armie, he past the Rhine with it neere vnto Dousbourg in the countrey of Cleeues, and the 4 of August he surprized Ruremonde in the countrey of Geldres; then entring into Brabant, he C came before Louvaine, where he burnt the false port: wherewith the inhabitants were so terrified, as they sent the seigniour of Timpel vnto him, with doctor Elbert [...]eonin, called Longolius▪ who went vnto him to the abbey of the parke, without the towne, where they agreed vpon certaine conditions. From thence he went to Macklin the which was opened vnto Bernard of Merode, lord of Waroux, by the intelligences which hee had within the towne. The prince of Orange caused a certaine protestation to bee printed and published, as well in his owne name, as in his confede [...]ats, giuing a reason of the armes which they had taken the second time, as followeth.
‘Wee William by the grace of God, Prince of Orange, Earle of Nassau, &c. To all Noblemen, The prince of Oranges protestation. Knights, Gentlemen, and others (of what qualitie soeuer) of these Netherlands, which desire the libertie thereof, beeing miserably tyrannized and oppressed by the duke of Alua, the D Spaniards, and others their friends▪ traitors and murtherers of their owne countrey: Wee declare that euery one of vs, for a particular loue and zeale [...]e beares vnto his countrey, and for the glorie of God, which we desire aboue all, haue often sought by all meanes the good and quiet of the countrey, as well by petitions and other mild meanes, as by force of armes, thinking to draw those that were as we are, to do the like, sometimes by sighes and prayers vnto God, hauing patience vntill that it should please him to mollifie the hearts of the said tyrants: but in the end, solicited, inuited, and called generally and particularly, by the inhabitants of the said countrey, by reason of the inhumanities and oppressions, Wee haue in the name of God, (according to our consci [...]nces) taken armes, protesting before God and his angels, and before all men present and to come, that we haue not beene mooued hereunto by any priuat passion, E but with an ardent desire which wee haue to oppose our selues against this more than barbarous and insupportable tyranny, to the proclamations, edicts, taxes, imposts, and charges of the hundreth, thirtieth, twentieth, and tenth penie, imposed by the insatiable couetousn [...]sse of the duke of Alua, against the lawes, liberties, freedomes, and antient priuiledges of the said countrey: which lawes, liberties, freedomes, and antient priuiledges, wee meane (by the grace of God) to restore vnto the said countrey, holding it vnder the obedience of their prince and naturall lord, as we are bound to doe; assuring and maintaining that all princes, noblemen, gentlemen, commonweales or others, of what qualitie soeuer, be they strangers o [...] home bred, that haue beene moued to giue vs aid and assistance in this so iust an enterprise, haue not done it for F any other intent, but for a true pitie and compassion which they haue with vs of the said mise [...]ies and calamities. Wherefore we pray and intreat euerie one, both in generall and particular, to assure themselues that we pretend not to do wrong to any man, nor to attempt vpon the [Page 492] goods, estates, or honour of any, of what qualitie soeuer, were he of the clergie▪ but are read [...] A to aid and assist euerie one freely and willingly, as for his libertie euerie one is bound to succo [...] vs by all due and possible meanes. In the meane time wee will giue order that God and the countrey may be serued, in procuring the preseruation of the people, and the defence of their houses, wiues and children. Praying vnto God that he would fauour and bring to a good end so holy and necessarie an enterprise.’
About this time captaine Blommart surprized the town of Audenarde in Flanders, at which surprise the bailife being retired with some others into the castle, and pu [...]sued, refusing to yeeld, he was shot thorow, and cast out at a window into the riuer: the cloisters, churches, and all the goods of clergie men, were spoyled. The towne of Deuremonde was also surprised by the practises of Arnold van Dorpe. B
The prince parting from Macklin, marched directly towards Mons in Henault, to succou [...] his brother, and to seeke to raise the duke of Aluaes siege. He might haue taken many townes in passing, but he still aduanced, hauing a great care to furnish his armie with victuals: some of those townes which he had taken were forced to assist him with money. Those of Niuelle in Brabant were summoned to furnish him both with money and victuals, but they refused it, hoping that the duke of Alua would defend them, hauing first aduertised him that the prince of Orange marched: but for that hee would not diminish his armie that was before Mons, where he had worke ynough, he could not preserue them as they expected, but they must enter into the dance.
The duke hearing that the prince approached, and that he was neere him, hee resolued not C to stirre, but to keepe himselfe close within his campe, the which he caused to bee intrenched and fortified with all speed, planting his artillerie vpon all the approaches, to hinder the prince that he should not force him, and sent fiue hundred horse to discouer him. The prince hearing by his fore runners, that the Spaniards came to discouer him, hee sent cont Henry his brother with foure companies of carabins, or harguebusiers on horseback, the which incountred these Spaniards, whom they charged, put them to rout, and pursued them euen to the foot of their trenches. This first charge did so amaze the dukes campe, as he was almost readie to flie, thinking that the prince had followed with his whole armie: the which if he had done, without doubt that day had beene the last of the duke of Aluaes warres. The prince was so resolued, but it was too late, causing his armie to march in battaile euen vnto the mills, where hee stood D firme for the space of foure houres, thinking the Spaniard should issue forth: and to prouoke him to fight, he sent him some great shot, but the duke mouing not, answered him sometimes with the like, and yet in the meane time did not discontinue his batterie against the towne, so as at one instant the besiegers and the besieged were battered. The duke sometimes by the fauour of the hedges and bushes, and along the banks and ditches that were drie, sent foorth harguebusiers to skirmish against the princes men, but they were charged so neer, as they were alwayes forced to retire. The prince seeing that he could not draw the duke to battaile, and that it were too great a hazard to offer to force him in his trenches, he went and camped at Carillon, where he found small store of victuals, for that the Spaniard had carried away all. The next day he made a bridge vpon the riuer of Genep, to passe his armie, to aduertise his brother E of his comming▪ and to aduise together what was fittest to be done: but the duke had sent before twel [...]e hundred horse to the other banke where he should passe, so his designe was broken, and of no effect.
Salentine bishop of Cologne came to the duke of Aluaes campe with two thousand horse, and daily men came to him from all parts, so as the duke had in his armie 12000 Spaniards and The bishop of Cologne comes to succour the duke of Alua. Wallons, and aboue sixteene thousand Germans. This bishop would willingly haue charged the prince with a thousand ho [...]se onely, to prouoke him to battaile, but the duke had no desire, saying▪ That he was come thither but to win the towne, and to keepe the prince from succouring it, but not to fight, if he were not forced: & so euery one retired that night into his lodging. The prince seeing that, being so farre from his enemies, hee should profit little, he F went and lodged neere vnto the enemies campe, whereas hee continued some dayes, seeking all opportunities to fight. The two first dayes by reason of the continuall raine, hee did not any thing: then hee tooke counsell of his colonels, to present himselfe in battaile, [Page 493] and to call the duke to fight: the which was well liked of, whereupon he went and planted A himselfe by the mills, where hee attended fiue howers, hoping that they would trie one anothers forces: but this day past onely in small skirmishes, the duke beeing loath to hazardany thing, or to leaue his trenches. The prince being retired sent some of his troups to Niuelle, the which the Spaniard vnderstanding, the night following he gaue a camisado to the princes campe, on the Germanes quarter, where hee slew foure or fiue hundred before they could come to succour them, and so the Spaniards retired with small losse. The day following the prince did rise, and went to Macklin, where he staied three dayes, leauing there at his departure twelue hundred Landtsknechts, and fiue hundred Reisters, besides two thousand and fiue hundred bourgers well armed, the which he held sufficient for the guard of the towne: The rest of his armie he dismissed with thanks: but beeing vnable to pay them, and they discontented, B he was in great feare and danger to be taken by them in a mutinie, and deliuered ouer to the duke of Alua his mortall enemie. Wherefore hauing made choyce of the flower of all his troups, in whom he trusted most, he passed the Rhine, and returned into Holland, whither he was sent for and attended with great deuotion.
WILLIAM OF NASSAV, PRINCE OF Orange, Earle of Nassau, of Vianden, of Catzeneleboghen, Diets, &c. Gouernour of Holland, Zeeland, and Vtrecht.
[Page 495] WILLIAM of Nassau, Prince of Orange (hauing often presented battaile A taile to the Duke of Alua before Mons in Henault, who would not fight) being called by the States of Holland and Zeeland into his old gouernement of the said countries, whereas the king had placed him before his departure for Spaine, and from whence he absented himselfe at the comming of the Duke of Alua into the Netherlands, came at that time into Holland, to assist them with his counsell and meanes to defend themselues against the Spanish tyrannie.
The duke of Alua was much incensed against them of Macklyn, for that hauing refused the Spaniards, they had receiued the prince and his men: but hee dissembled his discontent, B vntill that he had preuailed ouer cout Lodowic, to whom the prince had written before his departure, That he should endure an assault or two, and if afterwards the enemie were obstinat at the siege, he should make his composition with the most honourable conditions that hee could. When these letters came into the towne, the earle was in his bed sicke of a violent feauer: the colonels and captains hearing it read, were out of all hope of succors from the prince, and were content to capitulat with the duke vpon such conditions as were receiuable. To this end the seigniour of la Noue, Seuarpont, and Siracourt were deputed, the which pleased him verie well, thinking he had woon honour ynough, to haue brought such commaunders vnto reason, considering also that it would be a great benefit vnto the king his master, for that so many townes did daily reuolt from him, the which he did hope to reduce vnder his commandement. C So as the capitulation was made the one and twentieth of September: by the which the captaines and gentlemen subiect to the French king, should depart with their armes and baggage, and onely one horse: the souldier with his armes, a bullet in his mouth, and a march light: and that cont Lodowic should be conducted in safetie into the teritories of the empire. In this manner the town of Mons in Henault was deliuered vp to the duke of Alua. He tooke Mons yeelded to the duke of Alua. no reuenge of the bourgers, for that it was not found that any one remaining in the town, had beene confederat with the prince, but they had beene surprised, and were forced to obey him whilest he was there. Many haue wondred why the duke would yeeld to such honourable conditions, knowing they were almost at extremitie, seeing they had procured him so much harme, toyle, and trouble. But they said he was moued thereunto for two considerations, the D first was, for that the prince did then hold the chiefe towne of Holland, Zeeland, and Friseland, and daily more inclined to his partie, whose aduancement and victories hee must preuent in time, before that other townes, tired with the Spanish tyrannie, should do the like. The second reason was, That hee must speedily recouer Macklyn, whereas the prince had left a garrison, the which did import much for the bringing of the war into the countrey of Brabant, if haply the neighbour townes, very much enclined to the prince (whom they then published the Protector of the libertie of the Netherlands) and obeying the Spaniards by constraint, would haue followed this example. And although he knew well what honour hee had gotten to make so mightie an armie retire without any effect, but with losse, yet he did see well, that the prince being yet vndefeated, he might easily recouer the honour elsewhere, which he had left E at Mons. The which being recouered, as we haue said, the duke went to Brussels. And to satisfie his appetite of reuenge vpon them of Macklyn (the princes garrison beeing retired without attending a siege) he sent his souldiers thither the first of October, who by his commandement (notwithstanding that the clergie came out to meet them in Procession, and that the bishop of Ypre, and the chiefe of the inhabitants, who were retired while the prince did hold it, were sutors for them) did spoile it, ransome it, murthered many bourgers, rauished maids and The duke causeth Macklyn to be sacked. wiues, without respect of any qualitie or age, were they capable or not, priests or lay men, committing infinit cruelties there, more than the which could not be done in any enemies towne taken by assault. The bootie that was carried from thence, was sold in Antuerpe and Brussels for a vile price, for that many refused to buy it, for the pitie they had of their neighbours so F hardly affected. The duke caused it to be proclaimed, That it had beene done, for that they had receiued the prince of Orange willingly, furnished him with money, and had shot off their ordnance at the kings men. From Macklyn he went towards Diest, a towne belonging to the [Page 496] prince, the which redeemed it selfe from pillage for eight thousand florins, the like was done A to that of Deuremonde.
The bruit of the taking of Mons in Henault, beeing spred ouer all Flanders and Brabant, the townes were so much amazed, which held for the Protestants in those countries, as the souldiers that were there in garrison, without expecting the enemies comming, began in a maner all to flie, some marching towards Germanie, others towards the sea, to passe into England, and some into the woods and forrests, where they had kept a little before. Those that had surprised Audenarde, with captain Blommart and had continued long there in garrison, tooke their way (not without great difficultie and loste of their companions, hauing the Spaniards still in the tayle of them) toward Ostend where hauing seized vpon ships and mariners, they imbarked for England, with such hast an [...] [...]are, as they left some of their companions on land, who beeing B taken and carried to Bruges, were soone executed most cruelly with diuers torments, by the commandement of the earle of Roeux, gouernour of the towne. Those which imbarked making about foure hundred men, landed some at Douer, others at Sandwiche, where they were gathered together by one Charles Nerin, who was sent thither by them of Flessingue to leuie men, who vpon promise of good entertainment, caused them to imbarke againe, and sent them to Flessingue the nineteenth of October. And as they were some Walons and some Flemings, there were two companies made: the Flemings were giuen to captaine Gunsert, and sent into Holland, the Walons (whereof most part had beene of Blommarts companie) were giuen vnto the seignior of Schoonewal, a gentleman of Flanders, and kept for the guard of Flessingue. Captaine Blommars thinking to saue himselfe better alone, than with his souldiers, C forsooke them to take another way: but being incountred by the enemie, laden with a rich bootie, that was portatiue, the which he had gotten at Audenarde, hee was taken and cut presently in peeces. The duke of Alua seeing himselfe freed from any enemy in the countrey of Brabant and Flanders, and all the townes abandoned by the Protestants, reduced vnder his obedience, he would be reuenged on them that had receiued cont Vander Berghe in the prince of Oranges name. And first he sent Doin Frederic his son, and lieutenant of his armie, to Zutphen, where at his arriuall he was presently receiued by the bourgers without any resistance or Zurphen sacked by the Spaniard. difficultie, the 13 of Nouember. But the Spaniard was no sooner entred, but hee fell to murther, hang, strangle, and drowne a number of the inhabitants, with infinit cruelties vpon wiues and virgines, yea vpon silly infants. This inhumanitie of the duke and his sonne, was presently D cried out of, and caused a great terrour throughout all the Netherlands: but if it were not much profitable vnto him, it was lesse honourable. For although that the earle Vander Bergle in Geldre, Ouerissel and the countie of Zutphen, and the earle of Schouwenburch in Friseland, had abandoned all the townes they seized on, yet the finall issue of this warre did shew by the effect how little he got by his crueltie and barbarousnesse.
Dom Frederic hauing ended this cruell execution at Zutphen, he marched directly to Naerden; in the quarter of Goytland in Holland. The inhabitants made an agreement with him at his arriuall, and hee entred the towne the twentieth of Nouember, whereas neuer Turkes The sacke of Naerden, and th [...] execrable murthers committed therein nor Schythians, nor the most barbarous and inhumane nations in the world, did euer commit more abhominable cruelties, than Dom Frederic did in this towne, the which all future E ages will haue in perpetual horrour and detestation: for after the bourgers had giuen the best vsage they could vnto the souldiers, hee caused a proclamation to bee made by the drumme, That all should assemble together in the chappell of the hospitall, where they should be made acquainted with the lawes, according to the which they should hereafter goueme themselues.
All these poore and miserable inhabitants beeing thus assembled, the Spanish souldiers were commaunded to murther them all, and not spare any one: the which was presently executed, so as in this wretched and desolat towne, the poore men were massacred, the women were rauished, and then afterwards most cruelly murthered, the children had their throats cut, and in some houses some were tied to poasts with cords, then the houses F were fired, and they burnt aliue: so as in the whole towne neither old nor young, man, wife, nor maid were spared, but miserably murthered, and then the towne was quite rased, without pitie or mercie. The which, no man that hath vertue or honour, yea, if hee haue [Page 497] any sparke of humanitie in him, but will haue horrour to heare it spoken of; and future A ages will not beleeue, that such cruelties could euer enter into the thought of any one that would say, that he did participate of the nature of a man, and call himselfe a man, yea, and cary the name of a Christian.
After this horrible and fearefull massacre at Naerden, Dom Frederic beeing not yet glutted with so much innocent bloud, and with such cruelties, caused his armie to march towards Amsterdam, with an intention to surprise the towne of Harlem: But before he would Dom Frederic before Harlem attempt it, and for that he would not draw his men into danger, hee would haue the aduice of the bourgomasters and the counsell of the said towne; who were of opinion, That hee must practise some intelligences, wherein one Diericke of Vriese (sometimes a bourgomaster of the said towne) might doe him great seruice, with some others, that were well affected B vnto the Spaniards: also it was thought good, to write, and to send them word, that there was yet some hope of grace. But it chanced, that one Ieams de Wy, curate of great Beginage, hearing speech of this enterprise, and pretended surprise, aduertised his brother, that he might auoid the dukes furie, and his sonnes, of whom they had seene such goodly examples in their neighbours.
Vpon these letters the great counsell of the towne was assembled the third of December, at seuen of the clocke in the morning, [...]here the said letters were red, and vpon the contents thereof they would heare euery mans opinion, Whether they should goe and present themselues vnto the duke of Alua, or not, seeing the said letters made mention, that there was yet some hope of mercie in them. This proposition being made, Diericke of Vriese, Christopher C van Schagen, and Adrian van Assendelf, the Orator of the towne, went presently out of the towne by the port of Spaerwoude, making their sledge-man beleeue, that they would goe to Sparendam, but they passed on towards Amsterdam to Dom Frederic. Those of the great counsell would also know the mindes of the commons and of the sworne companies, vpon the letters sent by the curate of Beginage, causing them to assemble in the artillerie garden, whither also went captaine Wibout Ripperda, Launcelot of Brederode, Adrian Ianson, baylife of the towne, and the bourgomaster Stuyuer: the bourgers and companies beeing there assembled, captaine Ripperda sayd vnto them, My masters and friendes, behold a letter directed The words of captaine [...] to the [...]ssembly of Harlem. vnto the bourgomaster and counsell of this towne, containing, that there is yet time to obtaine grace of Dom Frederic, to which end Diericke of Vriese is gone vnto him to Amsterdam: D ‘you may well thinke what grace wee can hope for from him, and you know what oath you haue taken to the prince of Orange: For my part I am resolued to keepe mine honour and faith which I haue sworne vnto him, and to hazard the last droppe of my bloud for the preseruation of this towne, and the inhabitants thereof, employing therein both my person and my meanes: are not you all so minded, speake freely and boldly? At these words the companie began to crie out aloud, That they were all content, and they would liue’ and die with him, saying, that they had sufficient testimonies by their neighbours, of his clemencie and mercie, although they were not at that time very wel furnished, to make any great resistance.
Here began to appeare the profite and aduantage which the duke of Alua and his sonne E reaped by their cruelties at Zutphen and at Naerden. The bourgers after they had encouraged one another, they brake off the assembly, beeing resolued to defend themselues euen vnto the vttermost. Which captaine Ripperda and the baylife seeing, they writ vnto the prince of Orange, beeing then at Delft, of the estate of their towne, and sent secretly a messenger vnto colonel Lazarus Muller (who the same day had taken two messengers of Dom Frederics, and caused them to be hanged) entreating him to send some of his companies into the towne. Lazarus had no sooner receiued these newes, but he marched by Waterlandt directly to Harlem with all his regiment, being tenne companies, where he arriued the fourth of December at noone day; of the which, foure companies entred, the rest going towards South-Holland. F
The same day (being the fourth of December) the great church of the towne was opened, the Images and altars beaten downe, and all made readie for the preaching of the Protestants Religion.
[Page 498] The next day, which was the fifth of December, there returned into the towne Christopher A van Schagen, and Adrian van Assendelf, who were the same day sent prisoners to Delf, to bee examined before the prince of Oranges counsell: as also the same day there was one taken, who had caused a poore pesant to carry a letter from Diericke Vriese to the bourgomaster; hee was hanged, after that he had confessed vnder the ladder, that he was persuaded thereunto by Vriese for a dollar.
The seuenth of December the Spaniards came vnto Spaerwoude, to skirmish with them which the Harlemois kept in the fort of Sparendam, but it was to small effect: and the next day the bourgomasters and captaines sent three hundred men to the reliefe of Sparendam, vnder the conduct and commaund of Martin Pruys: and the enemie thinking to returne the same day, they were so welcommed with the canon, as there was no safetie in staying B long.
The eight of December the inhabitants perct a dike, which lyeth betwixt Sparendam and Spaerwoude, to drowne the countrey: but hauing not digged deepe ynough, the Spaniards came to stoppe it the same day, and there made a trench. Then came the Seignior of S. Aldegonde to Harlem, where, by vertue of a commission giuen him from the prince of Orange, and with the aduice of the sworne companies and the chiefe among the people, he renewed the law, displacing the old, and creating new magistrates, that is to say, eight bourgomasters, foure aldermen, and twentie of the counsell. On the tenth day it had frozen so bitterly, as the riuers were all yce, and among others, the Tye and the Spare, on the which they might runne in great troupes. Whereupon Iulian Romero, with the Spaniards, C tooke the oportunitie to assayle the fort of Sparendam both before and behind, vpon the yce: the which succeeded happily for them: for although they lost many men, as well at The fort of Sparendam taken by the Spaniards. the charge, as by the artillerie of the fort, yet they tooke it by assault, the souldiers Protestants sauing themselues as well as they could in Assendelf. The Harlemois hearing that this place was thus violently assaulted by the Spaniards, thinking to succour it, they sent two companies; but before they could approch, newes came, that the enemies were masters of the place. At this taking of the fort, captaine Martin Pruys was slaine, with many souldiers on both sides.
Meane time, Monsieur Aldegonde came to Harlem, in behalfe of the prince of Orange and the States of Holland, who vpon the ninth of December assembled the harquebusiers and D the bourgers of the towne, shewing them the necessitie of the towne, and how that Diericke de Vriese by his dealing sought to bring them vnto a fained agreement, and such like speeches, desiring them, seeing the towne was in that extremitie, to chuse another bourgomaster, or to strengthen their counsell: for which cause (hee sayd) hee came with authoritie from the States and the court of Holland, praying them to chuse amongst them eight men to be their bourgomasters, and foureteene Schepen, whereof the halfe should rule the next yeare ensuing, as they likewise did, and therewith they chose for bourgomasters Claes vander L [...], Iohn Vander Vliet, Gerrard Stuyuers, and Peter Kies, with seuen Schepen more, and ten counsellors, that tooke the charge vpon them, to take order for all necessarie policies concerning the towne. E
Vpon the eleuenth of December the Spanish armie came before Harlem, being fiue and Harlem besieged the 11 of December. thirtie companies of Spaniards, two and twentie companies of Wallons, vnder the barons de Noircarmes, Capres, and Liques, eighteene companies of high Dutches, vnder the earle of Ouersteine, and eight hundred horse, euery day more comming vnto them with Ordnances, and other things thereunto belonging, with the earle of Bossu, that had beene lieutenant gouernour of Holland. While the Spaniards were busie before Harlem, the prince of Orange and the earle Vander Merke sent for all their souldiers, intending to gather an armie betweene Leyden and Harlem, in a village called Hillegom, hauing as then eleuen or twelue companies of souldiers together; who beeing come thither, esteeming the enemie not to be so strong before Harlem, as he was, the earle Vander Merke sent eight horses to discrie F what the enemie did; whereof some being taken by the enemie, they had intelligence of the princes intent; wherewith, vpon the tenth of December, they sent out fiue thousand footmen and sixe hundred horsemen to set vpon them, and that with such speed, that the [Page 499] earle aforesaid, being generall of the princes souldiers, had scarce time to put on his armour, A and to place his sixe companies of Dutchmen, and sixe companies of Netherlanders, and Englishmen, and an hundred and fiftie horse in order of battaile; with the which horsemen and two companies onely he and Bartel Entens very vnaduisedly (without looking about them, whether the rest were come forward) presently made towards the enemie: but his horsemen being too weake, and for that hee could hardly see what number of men his enemies were (for that as then it snowed very fast) they were ouerthrowne before they knew it, and began to flye: after them followed the Breamers or high Dutche, and many others, before they were fully in good order; so that the earle with his guard onely found themselues in a manner all alone in great danger, at the last he got from thence, after he had lost two horses that were slaine vnder him: certaine valiant and stout ensigne-bearers, and amongst the B rest, Iacques Martens van Ghenet, sonne to the President of Flaunders, would haue stayed the souldiers from flying away, and stood still, wrapping themselues in their colours, where they were stabbed. There and in the flight they lost at the least six or seuen hundred men: among the prisoners were Baptista Trier, and Hans Keller, that were hanged by the Spaniards aliue vpon the gallowes by one legge, with their heads downewards: the earle Vander Marke offered two thousand crownes for Baptista Trier his life, with nineteene of their souldiers that he kept prisoners, but all in vaine, for which cause hee presently hanged vp all the nineteene souldiers.
The next day the Spaniards made their approches vnto the towne, and from the twelfth to the seuenteenth they did nothing but intrench; and the besieged to fortifie their rampars: C which done, Dom Frederic planted his Ordnance at the crosse port, the which he battered in the middest, and the wall on eyther side, the which was then but single, without any rampar of earth, discharging foureteene peeces at euery volly, the canons carrying bullets of fortie, and fiue and fortie pound weight, intending to beat downe the port, and to chase the besieged out of a bulwarke there adioyning, the which by the fall and ruine of the port would be vnprofitable vnto them: The which the Spaniards effected, for before noone all the port was beaten downe, and the inhabitants were forced to abandon this bulwarke. Yet the night following, the besieged did rampar vp couragiously that which the Spaniards had beaten downe in the day, with packes of wooll, wood, stone, earth, and other materials mixed withall, such as the time & necessitie could furnish them with; wherein Iohn van Vliet, burgomaster, D with his seruant, shewed themselues wonderfull couragious and actiue, who spared no trauell, nor any thing that might giue heart vnto the inhabitants: so as the same night they did repayre the same bulwarke, where they lodged part of their souldiers and inhabitants; and there the bourgomasters man had his head shot off with a canon, who was presently buried in the same place.
The next day the Spaniards continued their batterie at S. Iohns gate, from the morning vntill night, at the which they made 675. shot: but the besieged were diligent to rampar, making from the said port vnto S. Katherines bridge within the towne, a new rampar, the which they finished happily. On the twentieth day the Spaniards renewed their batterie at this bulwarke, so as about noone they prepared to giue an assault. Then the alarum E bell rung in the towne, at the sound whereof, as well the bourgers as the souldiers, repayred with their armes vnto their quarters, and went to present themselues to the bulwarke, where the breach was. The Spaniards had filled all the ports of the towne without with horse and foot, if the besieged should attempt to flye away, bordering all his trenches with muskettiers, to keepe the besieged from the rampars, when the assault should bee giuen. About one of the clocke, the same day, the Spaniards marched by the Spittle-house, with their colours flying towards the breach, carrying with them all things that were fit to make a bridge ouer the ditch, to come vnto the bulwarke at the crosse gate: being at the breach, readie to mount vnto the assault, the besieged played vpon them in the flanke with their artillerie, charged with chaynes, great nayles, stones, and such stuffe, and besides, the F souldiers that were on eyther side of the sayd breach, poured foorth a shower of musket and harquebuse shot vpon the assaylants, so as they were forced to recoyle and giue ground: But suddenly resuming courage, with other fresh men, they returned to the assault. [Page 500] Whereat the besieged, both inhabitants and souldiers, shewed themselues so valiant and A cheerefull, as the enemie (full of despight and shame) was forced to retyre, and leaue the assault, being followed euen vnto the foot of the breach, from whence the besieged brought store of their armes that were slaine, with other thinges. About the euening there was a Spaniard found among the dead bodies, who was not hurt at all: he was carried into the towne, and put to the racke, where he confessed some particularities of the enemies campe, especially of the lodging of Dom Frederic, and of the noblemen of the armie, and what number of souldiers there were: the next day this poore wretch was hanged. Afterwards the besiegers did nothing for a long time but myne, to blow vp that bulwarke, where they had that shamefull repulse, keeping themselues otherwise quiet in their trenches. And then began they to coyne the first pieces of siluer in the towne, of sixteene and two and thirtie pata [...]s B apeece.
Notwithstanding, the prince of Orange assembled his souldiers together betweene Leyden and Harlem, in a village called Sassen; from whence he sent all necessarie prouision into the towne, as also diuers souldiers, both Wallons, Frenchmen, Englishmen, and Scots, vnder diuers captaines, as Christopher Gunter, Schram van Brunswicke, Dutch captaines, and captaine Ciery, Vehemy, Margotin, Denna, Iasper, Sosey, Paris, Seminade, and Balfort, all French men, Wallons, Scots, and Englishmen, with the Commissaries Serrats, Haultaine, Rose [...]gi, and Bordet, in all fifteene companies, besides foure Dutch companies that were before in the towne, which were all sent in ouer the yce, the water and Harlem meere being as then frosen, and euery day diuers souldiers were sent into the towne with corne, powder, and C other necessaries. Whereby they within being well prouided and furnished of all thinges, valiantly withstood the enemie, and dayly issued out vpon them, so that almost no day passed without skirmishing, hauing fortie or fiftie horsemen, vnder the commaund of Walter Enchuysen, borne in Delft, wherewith they brought in diuers prisoners, by whome they vnderstood the enemies pretences, and how they myned vnder the wals. Amongst all their sallies, the notablest was that which was done vpon the fiue and twentieth of March, when they issued with a thousand men, and fell vpon the Dutch quarter in Harlem wood, driuing the Dutchmen out of their skonces, and killed and drowned fiue or sixe hundred men, and tooke from them eleuen ensignes, seuen peeces of Ordnance, and fiftie oxen, burning fiftie tents, and carrying great booties into the towne. D
Adrian van Assendelf, Orator of Harlem, who had beene with Diericke of Vriese at Amsterdam, to conferre with Dom Frederic, at his returne was taken prisoner, and sent to Delft, vnto the prince of Orange (as we haue said) after that hee had beene examined and conuicted, The [...]corder [...] be [...] at Delft. he was executed for the treasons which hee thought to haue practised against his countrey and the towne, where hee was an officer; his head was set vpon a pole the sixteenth of Ianuarie 1573. 1573
Whilest that the Spaniards were busie to vndermine the towne of Harlem, and that they did not issue much out of their trenches, the besieged receyued refreshings often, both of men, victuals, and powder. And as they of Vtrecht sent vnto the Spanish campe three hundred bullets, and sixe and thirtie barrels of powder, the garrison and bourgers of E Woerden met with it, and defeated them, the most part of them being carried vnto the prince of Orange, who was then at Delft. In the meane time, the besieged of Harlem sallyed oftentimes foorth vpon the enemies campe, and returned still with some aduantage.
The seuenteenth of Ianuarie a troupe of souldiers sallyed out of Harlem by the port of Schaelwic, to fall vpon the Germanes quarter, which were at the castle of Russenburch; where (at their first approch) they chased some of these Germanes out of a water-myll, and so passed on vnto their trenches, which they forced, and slew all that they encountred: among the rest, an ensigne-bearer of Harlem pulled the colours from a Spanish Alphere, and hauing slaine him, carried them into the towne with him. Hauing woo [...] F this castle of Russenburch, and burned the myll, they returned with victorie into the towne, laden with spoyles and other bootie, and carrying away three of the enemies drummes.
[Page 501] This night it was thought good to abandon the bulwarke that was without the rampars, A for that it cost too many mens liues; and in that place the besieged did rampar vp the crosse gate within the towne, the which they made stronger than euer it was before. On the nineteenth day of this moneth, Adrian of Benkenroede, alderman of the towne, went foorth, to goe to Delft, vnto the prince of Orange, to informe him of the estate of the towne, and to bring them backe what was needfull. He had a conuoy of some horsemen, and about sixe hundred harguebusiers, Wallons, English, Scottish, and high Dutch. The Spaniards went to encounter them about Schaelwyc, Harlemmer-Vlyet, and Vyfhuysen, where they had planted themselues to stoppe their passage vnto the towne. Yet notwithstanding, the souldiers and some bourgers of Harlem charged them with such furie, as they put them to rout, after that they had slaine and, drowned aboue two hundred B of them, and yet the enemies were farre more in number: which appeared plainely to be the aid and assistance of God, passing thus without any losse of their men through the middest of their enemies.
The first of Februarie, as the Germanes being in guard at the crosse gate, and at Saint Iohns port, had not kept good watch, the Spaniards seized on the sayd port before the breake of day, the which was in a manner all downe, before that the besieged could discouer it. On the other side, there were others, who (by the bulwarke of the crosse gate) crept through the bushes that were along the rampars, from one port vnto another: there was also a part of the armie in battaile, with their colours flying, and the rest remayned readie in their trenches, from S. Iohns port vnto the crosse gate, to giue a great assault; so C as it seemed they had no doubt, but to take the towne by force at this attempt: notwithstanding, the Spaniards were no sooner readie to begin the assault, but the day appeared, and they were discouered, and fiftie or threescore souldiers of the towne, giuing the alarum as lowd as they could, charged so furiously with them that came speedily to succour them from all parts, as the Spaniards, Wallons and Germanes, which were well aduanced, were soone dislodged, so as not any one durst present himselfe openly, but hee was slaine.
The chiefe place where this assault was giuen, was at the old bulwarke at the crosse gate, whereon the enemies had seized, for that it had beene abandoned by the besieged, and was opposite vnto the new bulwarke, which they of the towne had fortified with D great toyle, the which the Spaniards had myned, that hauing blowne it vp, they might carry it by the multitude of their men: but the townes-men had likewise made a myne vnder the breach, and had there placed certaine barrels of powder, with other stuffe fit and conuenient for that purpose. The Spaniards beeing mounted vpon this breach in great numbers, with their colours flying, thereby to winne the rampar of the towne, suddenly the besieged set fire vnto their myne, the which blew vp all that was vpon it and on the side thereof; men beeing carried away by pieces (a fearefull and terrible sight to see) without heads, others without armes or legges, some burst, and some torne in pieces, with horrible and fearefull cries and howlings. And this myne had no sooner done working, but the besieged issued foorth by the same breach, charging their enemies euen into their E trenches, whereof they made a great slaughter; whilest that on the other side, at Saint Iohns gate, they shot with a demie culuerine, and some yron peeces and harguebuses acrocke, through their squadrons, which stood there in battaile, expecting their turne, when they should goe vnto the assault: but they were enforced to retyre with all speed possible into their quarters, carrying backe with them the chiefest of their men that were slaine. In this assault there dyed (of them that were besieged) one captaine Lambrecht van Wittemberg, not vpon the place, but soone after, beeing carried vnto his lodging.
Whilest that the Spaniards were busied at these assaults both at the crosse port, and at that of S. Iohn, there entred into the towne (by the port of Schaelwyc) three hundred harguebusiers, and seuentie horsemen, comming from the prince of Oranges campe ouer the F yce, bringing an hundred and seuentie sleds, laden with corne and other munition, notwithstanding that they were chased and pursued by some horse and foot of the enemie, very neere vnto the towne.
[Page 502] Dom Frederic was in despaire to win the towne by assault, by reason of the great garrison A within it, and so determined to winne them by hunger: to which end, the duke sent him more souldiers, as diuers Dutchmen, vnder the leading of Puluilier, with Wallons, and some Italians, and a regiment of those of the league, that was made against the Turke: also some Spaniards, vnder Dom Gonsalo de Braccamonte, Rodorigo de Paz, Dom Lopes de Aougna, and Dom Lopes de Figuera, and more horsemen. He likewise sent Henry de Vienne, baron de Cheuieaux, with an hundred Burgonians.
The fourth of Februarie the Spaniards thinking to blow vp a mine which they had made vnder the bulwarke at the crosse gate, the besieged hauing vented it, they themselues set fire to it, the which did consume many pioners and Spanish souldiers, and did small hurt vnto them of the towne. The eight of the same moneth the besieged receiued another refreshing B of an hundred and fiftie sleds, laden with corne and other victuals. And as the same day the Spaniards gaue an alarum at the bulwarke of the crosse gate, vnder the which, the besieged had made a new myne, which they blew vp, with great losse of their enemies, especially Wallons, of the regiment of the Seignior of Capres, since earle of Henin, who were come to giue this false assault.
The Spaniards hauing with the furie of the canon beaten downe the vpper part of Saint Iohns g [...]te, the besieged aduised to fill it with earth, bauins, and other kind of wood and stone, and to make a platforme there, to defend their curtynes. This worke was suddenly finished the ninth of the moneth. On the other side, the Spaniards made a high mount at the bulwarke of the crosse gate, that they might shoot into the towne with more ease, not ceasing C to vndermine the ports and other bulwarkes, and the besieged to countermine them: so as the tenth day they blew vp another myne, the which spoyled many of their enemies. In the end, they of the towne doubting, that the Spaniard (who had pioners and their liues at an easie rate) would neuer cease to vndermine their bulwarkes, ports, and rampars, vntill they had turned vp and ouerthrowne all; so as giuing at one instant a furious assault, they should haue easie entrance into the towne: The magistrats and gouernors thereof thought it therefore good to make a new rampar and ditch within the towne, in forme of a halfe moone, to be by that meanes freed from this feare: The which by a generall consent was presently begun, A halfe moon made w [...]n the towne. and finished with such diligence, as there was neyther bourgomaster nor captaine, rich nor poore, women, maides, nor children, that were slacke, but did striue to bee first at this D worke.
The eighteenth of the moneth entred the first galley into the sea of Harlem, being eightie foot long: and the same day here entred into the towne fiue shippes with victuals, and another with two pieces of brasse Ordnance, comming from Leyden: the next day there arriued also one with tenne yron peeces and some powder and munition.
At the same time, some shippes of Zeeland hauing taken into their long boates a small Z [...]land. number of souldiers, departed in the night from la Vere (of whence they were) and went to burne the admirall of Middlebourg, being furnished with good Ordnance, euen in the middest of their channell, the which they did execute so suddenly, as they within had scarce leysure to saue themselues. Soone after, the saylers of Flessingue being iealous of the honour E which they of la Vere had gotten in burning this Admirall, they went also to burne fiue great Biscaine shippes, neere vnto Arnemuyden, remayning of the duke of Medina Coelis fleet.
These enterprises seemed to be foolish and rash, by reason of the danger that was in the execution; yet since they haue found by experience, how necessarie and profitable they were vnto them, the enemie being thereby so disappointed of shippes of warre and Ordnance, as they could neuer afterwards become masters of the sea: which many thought to be the only meanes whereby the Spaniards might subdue the Protestants of Zeeland and Holland, with the prince of Orange.
At that time the report was so great of an armie which they prepared in Antuerpe for the F victualling of Middlebourg, as they resolued in Zeeland to stoppe vp the riuer of Escaut: for which purpose the cloyster of the Carmes at Flessingue was pulled downe, and many ships laden with the materials, the which was carried iust before Lillo, three leagues from Antuerpe, [Page 503] whereas they were sunke vpon the three and twentieth day: but the current of the A tyde is so violent, as at euery ebbing and flowing of the sea, the said shippes were some broken and torne in pieces, and some carried downe into the sea, so as the passage thereof was left open.
In the same moneth, they of Bommel (whereof Diericke van Haften was gouernour) surprised the towne of Meghen, which they spoyled, and then abandoned. At that time there were many such like enterprises made on eyther side. But let vs returne vnto the siege of Harlem.
Vpon the eighteenth of Februarie, they of Amsterdam with their galley, and fiue or sixe barkes, came by the Zuydersee to Pennincx-Veer (which is the place where the toll is payed from Harlem vnto Amsterdam, a quarter of a league from Harlem) with an entent to pierce B the dike, and to enter that way into the sea of Harlem. Against whom the galley of Harlem (with some other barkes) made great resistance, and hindered them: but they returned againe to finish that which they had begun. They of Harlem came also with their little galley, and with the succour of some horsemen (whom they had passed, vpon a little bridge at the port of Spaerwoude) they chased them from thence, and tooke a shippe (which in the countrey language they call Damlooper) full of Spaniards, all the which were slaine or hanged at Fuycke.
The six and twentieth of the moneth they of Harlem had a great fight at sea against foureteene carauels of Amsterdam. Gerard of Ionghe (captaine of the great galley of Harlem) knowing, that they of Amsterdam were in this sea (as it was not so great, but he might well C discouer any shipping) without attending for the other captaines his companions, desirous to haue this honour alone, hee rowed towards them, and went to charge them: The Amsterdamois seeing him come alone, enuironed him with their carauels, and made themselues masters of his galley: Yet captaine Ionghe, although he were hurt, and one of the mariners leaping into a skiffe, saued themselues. His companions, and (among others) Iacob Anthonisz, captaine of the little galley of Harlem, pursued these carauels, and hauing ouertaken them, they rescued the galley by force, the which they of Amsterdam had held aboue two houres, in the which they found some of the enemies, whome they did presently hang at the maine yard of the gally. Not satisfied with this rescue, they pursued the carauels, wherof they tooke one that was new. full of Wallons and Spaniards, whom they slew in the furie, D except three or foure, which they sent with a captaines head to Harlem. Such skirmishes had the Harlemois often vpon this little sea.
As during this siege, the besieged had receiued at diuers times, and from diuers places, a good quantitie of Ordnance, to serue them at their need, they planted a good part thereof against that great mount, which the Spaniards had made before the bulwarke of the crosse gate, whereof one Iohn Coningham, a Scottishman, had the charge, who in halfe a day ouerthrew this mount, for the which hee woon great honour in the towne. The Spaniards would haue repayred it, and planted some Ordnance thereupon, but Coningham still ruined it.
In the beginning of March, the shippes of Zirickzee and la Vere hauing ioyned with Zeeland. E them of Flessingue (beeing in all an hundred shippes of warre) sayled towards Antuerpe with an intent to fight with the fleet, which was prepared to victuall Middlebourg, which were in all fiftie shippes, three and fortie men of warre, and seuen laden with victuals and munitions.
The twentieth of March the Spanish shippes hauing passed the streight whereas the Flessinguers, with their boates laden with stones, had thought to haue stopped the passage, there passed some great shot on eyther side, the which were easily heard to Flessingue. But the next day the fight was very furious, for that the admirall of Flessingue being runne vpon the sands (through the fault of the pilote) was set vpon by tenne Spanish shippes: yet by the succours which he had from his consorts, especially from captaine Worst, hee defended himselfe F so valiantly, as the enemies were forced to retyre, not without losse of their men. Two dayes after, the Spaniards hauing a wished wind, did what they could to passe, where there was a cruell combate, and an infinite number of canon shot spent on eyther side. But the Spaniards [Page 504] seeing that the Zeelanders were resolued to graple with them, they retyred vnto the A place from whence they departed in the morning. In this fight the vice-admirall of the Spaniards being more aduanced than all the rest, was so battered, and had so many men slaine, as the bloud gushed out of euery side. The Seignior of Ariette, a Biscaine, colonel of a regiment of Wallons, the sargeant maior of the Spanish armie (so vaine and presumptuous, as he had a little before publickly vaunted himselfe in Antuerpe to be Castigador de los veillacos Flamingos Lutheranos) and the captaine of the said vice-admirall were all three slaine, with foure or fiue hundred souldiers and mariners. On the Protestants side was slaine captaine Cloot, a Fleming, and fiue or six souldiers and mariners onely.
The Spaniards lost in this fight so many men, and their greatest shippes (which made the point) were so spoyled, as they were forced to returne to Antuerpe, to repayre them, and B to take in fresh souldiers; where being arriued, they discharged so many that were hurt and sicke, as the hospitals were all full. Before they came to Antuerpe, they caused their smallest vessels to passe at Berghen vpon Soom, thinking that from thence they should haue meanes to slippe into the land of Ter-Goes, then to Arnemuyden, and from thence to Middlebourg, or else it would put the Zeelanders to great charge, who to cut off this passage, should be forced to entertaine an armie in that quarter, which charge not being able to furnish, they should be forced to leaue all: But they were abused therin, for Middlebourg was in too great distresse to be relieued with such slender succours. But we will returne to the Spaniards siege before Harlem.
The seuenteenth of March the Spaniards blew vp a myne which they of Harlem had C made, the which the Germanes had abandoned: and as they thought to come thereby to Holland. the old bulwarke, the French and English captaines neuer rested, vntill that they had recouered it, and chased away the Spaniards, whereat the bourgers reioyced much. The next day the assaylants blew vp one of their owne mynes, but it was without any effect at all.
The fiue and twentieth of the moneth, about nine of the clocke in the morning, there went forth at the port of Zyel some two hundred Wallons, to giue a camisado to the enemy, who was lodged in the wood of Harlem, where they forced the first trenches; but finding themselues not strong ynough to passe on, they were forced to returne vnto the towne, with the losse of two men onely. The magistrates and gouernours, with the aduice of the colonels D and captaines resolued, that they should goe againe the same day to charge that quarter with nine or tenne companies. About foure of the clocke six companies went foorth by the water gate, most part Bourguignons, and by the port of Zyel two hundred Frenchmen, and some Wallons, to begin the skirmish: and in the meane time they caused the galley to goe forth with certaine barkes that went with oares, to charge behind on the side of the sea of Harlem. They were Dutch that were lodged in this quarter, where there was wont to be a goodly wood, the which they had cut quite downe this Winter for firing. Vpon their approch, the Germanes shot off a peece of Ordnance which touched them not: the besieged aduancing still, woon their trenches, who (without making any shew of resistance) fled, wherein they were so pursued, as they could no where saue themselues, vntill they had passed E the water, the which they did with great difficultie, and in small numbers, so as at this charge there dyed about a thousand men, among the which there were of the chiefe, as might be noted by their apparell and iewels which they carried about them, which were brought into the towne. They burned two hundred tents and pauilions of these Dutch, and carried two culuerines and fiue faulcons into the towne, with much powder, and for their chiefe glorie, nine ensignes; the which (to despight the Spaniards) they carried vpon and downe the new rampar with drummes, and planted them vpon the end of the parapet. Moreouer, they carried into the towne thirtie horse, and a great number of Kine, Calues, and Sheepe, great store of apparell, rings, corselets, guilt head-pieces, and of all sorts of armes; so as there was not any souldier but had something for his share. The besieged F had this victorie ouer the Germanes with small losse, for they lost but eight men; among which was one captaine, a Wallon, called D' Adenne, a valiant man, and who had done great seruice to the towne, in the fortifications, whose death was much lamented of all men.
[Page 505] The eight and twentieth of the moneth, two hundred souldiers drawne out of the garrison Zeeland. A of Flessingue, led by captaines of the same towne, went forth in the night to giue a scalado vnto the castle of Ramekins, in the Island of Walchren; but beeing discouered by the centinell, who perceiued the ends of their ladders that were set vp against the wals, they were forced to retyre from thence, without any effect: in their retreat there was a canonier slaine, who had charge of the Ordnance at Flessingue, and two souldiers hurt with stones.
This moneth they of Amsterdam sent (by the hole of the broken dike, ioyning to the Inne, called the Hart, halfe way from Harlem to Amsterdam) three and thirty ships of warre and three galleyes into the sea of Harlem, to hinder the nauigation of the besieged towards Leyden and other places. The Harlemois hauing discouered them, they presently sent foorth their third galley, in the which captaine Buckhorst and captaine Monregnant B commaunded, who went into the little Island of Caege, neere vnto their other galleyes. Those of Amsterdam, to defend their shippes, built a fort at Fuycke, where they lay at anker.
The ninth of Aprill, the prince of Oranges shippes, to the number of a hundred, departed from Caege, sayling towards Fuyck, to charge them of Amsterdam; they of Harlem being aduertised thereof, sent twelue of their shippes, but two of them could not goe forward, but the men were forced to goe to land, and to ioyne with two hundred men that were issued out of the towne by the water gate, who seeing these two shippes abandoned, retyred againe into the towne with the losse of seuen or eight of them. In the meane time C the princes shippes were in skirmish against them of Amsterdam, but hauing a Northerly wind (which was contrarie) they could not come to handy blowes, besides, they durst not approch too neere, for feare of the enemies Canon, the which was in the fort of Fuyck.
The twelfth of that moneth the princes shippes came before the castle of Hemstede, situated vpon the shoare of this sea, at the mouth of the channell that goes to the towne. The besieged thinking that they would land their men there, sent out by the port of Zyel a hundred and fiftie souldiers, by the Watergate fiue hundred, and by that of Schaelwyc two hundred. But these shippes putting not any to land, and they which were issued foorth, beeing hotely charged by the Spaniards, they retyred skirmishing euen vnto their ports. In this D furie many were hurt by their owne men, captaine Stenenbourg was shot in the reines, and captaine Christopher Vader in the foot. The same day seuen or eight presumptuous Spaniards onely, with two ensignes, aduanced to mount into a bulwarke, crying, Victoria, Victoria, The towne is ours, but they were soone dislodged, and one of these ensigne-bearers remayned with his colours for a pawne of their presumption.
At the last, the Spaniards made so many sconces along by the water side, that they of Harlem and the princes shippes could not passe, nor get one vnto the other: they of the towne likewise had made sconces without the towne, that they might come at their ships and them, and therewith also to defend their cattell that pastured in the meadowes, which they held there as long as they had any, vntill the twelfth of Iune: but after that by meanes E of the enemies shippes and sconces, they were hindered from getting any more victuals into the towne. Colonel Sonoy and they of Enchuysen twice sought to cut the Dremer dike, (beeing a ditch that parteth the Suyer sea and the Amstel from the Harlem meere and the waters within the land, and is the onely way, by the which they of Amsterdam get all their prouision by land) thinking through that dike to get into the Harlem meere and the other waters, but they were by them of Amsterdam put backe, and beaten from it, with great losse of their men, and yet had begun to make a sconce. They likewise tooke Oudekerke, thereby to strengthen themselues the better: but the Spaniards came so strongly vpon them, that they ouerthrew certaine of the princes companies: and hauing slaine one captaine Anthonie Oliuer (a braue souldier of Berghen in Henault) at Oudekerke, F and vpon the sixt of Ianuarie throwne his head ouer the walles, into the blocke-house of the towne of Harlem, with a letter tyed vnto it, saying, that it was the head of captaine Philip Coninghe, the souldiers within were in such a rage, that presently they sent for eleuen [Page 506] prisoners, and causing them to bee hanged, with their beards all cut after the Gueux A manner, they cut off their heads, and putting them in a barrell, with a letter, sent them vnto the duke of Alua, for his tenth penny, which (they sayd) they had not yet payed him, and for which cause he had besieged Harlem, and therefore (they said) they had sent him interest for his money, which was the eleuenth head, because he should not complaine of them, and so rouled the barrell into the Spaniards sconce.
The enemie on the other side hauing made a platforme without in their campe, on the seuen and twentieth of May they raysed a paire of gallowes vpon the same, and on it hanged certaine souldiers and bourgers of the towne, some by the neckes, others by the feet, who the day before thought to haue brought certaine powder into the towne: whereat the common souldiers within the towne being mooned, presently set a payre of gallowes vpon B a bulwarke of the towne, in the face of their enemie, and ranne to fetch one M. Lambert, M. Querin, sometimes bourgomaster of the towne, and Vrsel his daughter, being a nunne, such as held with the Spaniards, as also one Adrian van Groeneuen of Harlem, who not long before had beene brought into the towne, being taken in a skirmish by captaine Claes Iorison van Dicke, and fiue souldiers, and a boy, and a priest, which they (against the magistrats will) hanged, the nunne and another woman being drowned, and ranne into the towne to fetch more.
Thus were the prisoners on both sides dayly and continually hanged, and vnmercifully thrust through, and put to death; which consumed many men. Without the towne, amongst the enemie, there were many slaine by assaults, skirmishings, sallies, and blowing C vp of mynes, cold, want, and all manner of sicknesse and diseases, that it was vncredible, and amongst the rest, the baron de Noircarmes, gouernour of Henault, was hurt, the baron de Cressoniere, generall of the Ordnance, and gouernour of Graueling slaine, and diuers other Netherland gentlemen, besides Spaniards, Italians, and others, whereby it proued a very hard and bloudie siege for the enemie.
Dom Bernardin de Mendoso in his hystorie writeth, That all those that were of the counsell of warre, were shot and hurt, and Dom Frederic himselfe, but not sore wounded. Hee sayth, there was slaine about foure thousand men of all nations, whereof eight hundred were Spaniards, and among the rest, Dom Iacques de Caraunial, Lorenzo Perea, Dom Esten de Quessado, Toribro Zimbron, Iohn de Ayala, Dom Marcus de Toledo, Iohn de Vergas, Dom Sancio D de Lodouigna, and others of great account. They within, during the siege, lost not many men, although the Spaniards ceased not still to shoot, blow vp mynes, assault and assayle them, thereby to lessen and diminish their number, hauing caused a great number of mynes to be digged and blowne vp, and they within did the like; they likewise cast great store of fire bals into the towne, wherewith they did no great hurt, but more with great shot, which spoyled many men, they within the towne dayly telling, how often they shot, found, that they had shot aboue ten thousand three hundred and sixtie great bullets against the towne, wherewith they did great hurt vnto the wals, towers, and houses of the same. Vpon the platforme they set vp foure mastes, whereas with cords they drew vp on high a wooden house, open both before and behind, wherein there stood certaine E harguebusiers, to shoot at those that they saw within the towne, or that went in the streetes; but they within the towne shot the cords in pieces, whereby the souldiers and their house both fell downe. After that, they set vp another, and wound that with vices vp vpon the mastes, but it was pierced through with shot, and at the last was blowne downe by the wind: And they of Harlem hauing receiued twelue peeces of Ordnance that were sent them (whereof two were brasse peeces, that were giuen them by the towne of Leyden) they therwith brake and shot fiue of the enemies Ordnance (standing vpon the aforesaid platform) all in pieces.
The same day the Protestants of Zeeland hauing drawne two companies out of Flessingue, Zeeland. and as many from la Vere, with some Flemish souldiers that came from Zirickzee, F making in all fourteene hundred men, planted their siege before the castle of Soubourg, halfe way betwixt Flessingue and Middlebourg, and began to batter it by foure of the clocke in the The siege before Soubourg morning with three peeces of Ordnance, which they had brought from Flessingue, and yet [Page 507] the besieged seemed to be nothing amazed. This batterie was continued but two or three A houres, by reason of the small store of powder that was then in Flessingue, which they would spare against the comming of the fleet of Antuerpe, the which they expected dayly.
The newes being come to Middlebourg, that the sayd castle was besieged, there issued foorth foure hundred souldiers to goe and succour it, against whome were sent three or foure hundred of them that were at the siege. At their encounter there was so furious a skirmish, as they of Middlebourg hauing lost many of their men, were forced to returne vnto their towne. The next day there sallied foorth againe two hundred men out of Middlebourg, not to skirmish with the assaylants, but to giue a signe vnto the besieged, to saue themselues in the best sort that they could, knowing well, that they would soone want victuals. B
The besieged hauing lost all hope of succours, demaunded a cessation of armes on the Tuesday morning vntill six of the clocke at night, the which did much reioyce the besiegers, who (for want of powder not able to make a breach) were resolued to retyre the night following. Six of the clocke being come, without any shew of succours, they were summoned to yeeld, whereunto they agreed, vpon condition, that they might depart with their liues, armes, and baggage safe; the which was graunted vnto them, and so they were conducted vnto Middlebourg. The besiegers put a companie of the garrison of la Vere into the castle. The place being visited, they found that they were not pressed with want Soubourg yeelded by accord, & burnt. of victuals or munition belonging vnto warre: and after they had kept it nine or tenne C dayes, to the end it should be no further charge to them of Flessingue, they set fire o nit, and abandoned it.
The fifteenth day of Aprill the Harlemois sent foorth a galley into their sea of an hundred and eight foot long. And the eighteenth day there entred into the towne fiue captaines, Serraets, Rostowe, Blondel, Dorhem, Maligan, and other commaunders, to the number of fifteene, bringing with them some souldiers and powder.
The next day the princes shippes put two thousand men on land, ioyning to the fiue houses, to awake the Spaniards: but for that they of the towne did not issue forth, they did not any thing. The night following, captaine Ballour with his Scottishmen gaue a camisado to them that were at Russenburch, which they forced, & defeated a great number, carrying away D foure ensignes. The twentieth day the Spaniards came as well by land, as with their galleyes (which came from Fuycke) to take it againe, but they were repulsed with shame and losse.
The foure and twentieth of the moneth, at foure of the clocke in the morning, they discouered Zeeland. from the rampars of Flessingue the fleet of Antuerpe, prepared for the victualling of Middlebourg, the which was presently assayled by the shippes of Zeeland; but they kept so close together, and in such good order, as leauing the Zeelanders scattered and vnder their see, they cast anker betwixt Flessingue and the Ramekins, attending the floud, hauing not yet receiued any losse, the which did amaze the inhabitants of Flessingue, who had such an opinion of the fleet of Zeeland, as the Spaniards could not resist them. Beeing at anker, and the wind E Northerly (which was contrarie to them) they were forced to stay the tide, to goe vp to the castle of Ramekins. But before the tide came, the Spaniards were assayled by some small barks of Zeeland, to whose succour there came some great shippes, so as in the end there were fiue great shippes taken and carried to Flessingue, hauing slaine most of the men that were in A fight at sea. them: another which had run on ground, was burned by her owne men, which saued themselues. This shippe was laden with corne, which the poore men of Flessingue went to fetch in sackes, being not burned to the bottome. That which gaue the beginning to this victorie, was the hardie attempt of a mariner of Zeeland, which vndertooke to cut the cable of a Spanish shippe called the Elephant, whereas the Seignior of Blicqui commaunded with other gentlemen; the which being well executed, the said shippe came among the Zeelanders, where F it was assayled, and after great resistance vanquished. In this combate the Spaniards lost seuen mightie shippes, whereof fiue were carried to Flessingue, with their artillerie (which was very great) laden with victuals, which they thought to carry vnto Middlebourg; one [Page 508] was burned, laden with corne, and another was cast away vpon the sands, neere vnto the A Ramekins. On the Spaniards side was slaine the Seignior of Blicquy, a gentleman of Henault, cut off by the wast with a chayne shot, and with him, some captaines and gentlemen. Charles Grenet (brother vnto the Seignior of Werp, who was in Middlebourg) was carried prisoner to Flessingue; where, at his first entrance, he was in danger to haue beene massacred by the mariners, if the women had not saued his life. There was in this defeat about nine hundred men slaine and drowned on the Spaniards side, and but few taken prisoners.
The rest of the moneth of Aprill was spent at the siege of Harlem in light skirmishes on eyther side, and then there was forged in the towne a certaine peece of siluer, carrying Holland. on the one side the armes of the towne, and on the other, their deuice, Vincit vi [...] B Virtus.
In the beginning of May the Seignior of Roulle, gouernour of la Vere, hauing gathered together a thousand men out of his owne garrison, Flessingue, Zirickzee, and other places, Zeeland. made an enterprise vpon the Island and towne of Tolon, which he thought to carry, relying vpon his friends and intelligence there. But presenting himselfe before the towne, about six of the clocke in the morning, as soone as he was discouered, they saluted him with the canon and small shot, so as captaine Ambroise le Duke, and some of his souldiers beeing wounded, they were enforced to retyre. And although there were no hope of good successe in this enterprise, being thus discouered, yet they continued there so long, as they of the Island and the towne being ioyned together with all their forces, went to charge them C with such furie, as they were put to rout, and defeated; whereof the Flemings were the cause: for by their flight they gaue courage vnto their enemies, and dismayed the Wallons their companions, who (being about three hundred men) defended themselues valiantly in the trenches which they had made; so as in the end being forced, they were all cut in pieces. In this encounter, captaine Schooneuall and his ensigne-bearer were slaine, and almost all his companie, being for the most part of those that had remained almost six yeares in the woods, hauing beene at the surprise of Audenarde, as wee haue sayd before. The Seignior of Roulle was also slaine by his owne men, accusing him, that hee had brought them vnto the slaughter. Captaine Iacob Simonson was taken prisoner, and some few souldiers, who (being put into the Spanish gallies) were drowned, except some few, which D found meanes to saue themselues. At the same time there dyed one captaine T [...]t Worst, admirall of Flessingue, a captaine as free from ambition and couetousnesse, as valiant and hardie, in whose place there was another chosen, very well tryed for his great valour.
The ninth of May (being Whitson eue) the Spaniards did cast a mans head into one of the bulwarkes at Harlem, with a note containing these words, Behold the head of captaine Oliuer. Holland. The besieged had two pigeons drawne out of their doue-houses; the which they carried often vnto the prince of Orange his campe, from whence they let them flye, with little scrowles tied about their thighes, the which came into the towne to their Pigeon houses they were called Flying messengers. E
The shippes of Amsterdam did so keepe the sea of Harlem (being very many) as little could come that way vnto the towne, the which was so straightly besieged, as nothing could come in or goe out, but with extreame perill and danger, if it were not to make some sally, or to skirmish; as they did vpon the sixteenth of the moneth, when they went to charge them that were lodged in the fort by the Wood, whome they chased from thence, and the next day they tooke the fort of Fuyck by assault: then they went as farre as the house of Iohn Pitteman (the which was held by the Spaniards) whereas they slew two centinels, and brought away three cloakes, and the couering of a bed.
The besieged of the towne of Harlem did sometimes blow vp a myne of their rampar, at the foot whereof, the enemies were lodged, which did much annoy them. There F was also an order, That all the earth which they brought vnto the rampar, should be cast into the ditch, the which was in such abundance, as by that meanes they did enlarge their rampar without, aboue two fadomes.
[Page 509] The 17 of the month the fleet for the victualing of Middlebourg, being behind the castle of Zeeland. A Ramekins, and prepared to return to Antuerp, they aduanced a little, and went to anker on the other side of the castle, attending a wind fit for their voiage. The same day there issued forth about three hundred men out of Middlebourg, who came within canon shot of Flessingue, along the dike betwixt Ramekins and the town: being discouered, there sallied forth (as it were by force) a number of souldiers of the companies of Eloy and Bernard: at their incounter the skirmish grew so hot, as they of Middlebourg, hauing many of their souldiers hurt, and some slaine, retired. And it is worthy the noting, that although the skirmish continued four howers verie furious, yet there was not any one of them of Flessingue slaine nor hurt.
The fiue and twentieth of the moneth, the Spaniards hauing recouered the fort of Fuycke, Holland. they sallied forth about fiue hundred men, and came and assaulted the fort of Russenburch, B which was held by them of the towne: at their first approach there were but nine or ten men, the rest being gone vnto the towne, but they returned sodainly at the noyse of the shot, and entred by another way. The charge was furious: for at the first the Spaniards tooke the intrenchment of the counterscarpe, of that side where they approached, euen vnto the bridge, where there was a captaine slaine, or at the least some man of account; and aduancing neerer there was a captaine with seuen Spaniards slaine: The captaines heads were cut off, and sent that night into the towne, and set vpon pikes at the end of a bulwarke, in reuenge of that of captain Oliuer, whereas they remained all the day following: at which skirmish there were some fortie souldiers hurt, the which were put into smal barkes by their companions, and carried to their quarter. And as they made their retreat, it happened that Iohn Schatter, holding a little barrell C of powder, to distribute among the souldiers, by mischance it fell on fire, whereby both he and Serrats, with seuen or eight more, were verie sore burnt: but to recompence this mischance they had a chaine of gold weighing three hundred crowns, from one of the Spanish captains. Al this time of the siege the kine and other cattel fed without the town along the ditches. The Spaniards went in good numbers to fetch them away, and although they had taken seuen or eight, yet were they so hotly pursued by them of the Filth, as they were forced to abandon them, and to flie, paying for their rashnesse by the death of six of them. They returned two dayes after to haue their reuenge, but they had the like entertainement, with the losse of a sergeant and foure souldiers.
The 27 day the Spaniards set vp a gibet, about nine of the clocke at the night, vpon the first D bulwarke which they had taken, where they did hang some bourgers & souldiers, which they had taken two dayes before, some by the necke, and some by the feet. This did wonderfully incense the towne souldiers, who to be reuenged, and in exchange, did in like sort set vp a gibet vpon one of their bulwarkes, opposit to the chiefe quarter of the Spaniards, and there they did hang M. Lambrecht, and M. Quirin (sometimes bourgmasters, and then prisoners for suspition of treason) Adrian Grouentuych, certaine priests, a boy taken in the wood, and with them fiue souldiers; the daughter of the said M. Quirin, and a Wallon woman taken in the wood, were put in a sacke, and cast into the riuer. These twelue were thus executed through the furie of the souldiers, without the authoritie or consent of the magistrats and captaines. Without doubt this was a lamentable warre, whereas commonly they that first begin these executions, are the first that smart for it, and repent it. E
The 27 of May the Spanish fleet began to set saile, and to aduance vnto the end of the sand, which is along the dike of Ramekins, & for that the ships of Flessingue were there at anker, attending to fight with them, the Spaniards had sent men along the said dike, to seize vpon the head of it, and to furnish it with artillerie: the which beeing done, they began to shoot at the Flessinguers with such fury, as they were forced to abandon the place vnto their enemies, who came and ankered there, attending a prosperous wind to finish their voyage: But the same day the small ships of Flessingue coasting them, hauing gotten the wind, went to skirmish with them with the canon, for the space of fiue or six howers so as many of the enemies ships were A sea fight. shot thorough in diuers places, and one hoy laden with salt carried away: the great ship, called F the Virgin of Antuerpe had her maine mast carried away, in the which there died by the canon a great number, as well souldiers and mariners, as bourgers, women, and children, which they had taken in Middlebourg to carrie to Antuerpe: besides the fire fell in the powder, and consumed [Page 510] manie, and the ship had beene quite burnt, if the Spaniards had not brought some peeces A of ordnance right against the place whereas the ship was run on ground, the which forced the Flessinguers to retire, and yet one of their peeces burst at the first shoot that they shot at them.
The next day, the Spaniards seeing their ships greatly spoiled, and many of their men hurt, they retired, from whence they came vnder the castle of Ramekins, and the Zeelanders to the same place, where they had charged their enemies, for that they had quit that head, and retired their artillerie.
The eight and twentieth day of the moneth the Spanish ships, to the number of three score Holland. and three, being vpon the sea of Harlem, did charge the prince of Oranges fleet so furiously, as they defeated them, and tooke one and twentie: for which victorie the Spaniards made bonefiers. The princes ships defeated. B And the same day they set vpon the fort which the townes-men had at the mouth of the sea, from the which they were thrice repulsed: but they within seeing in the end no hope of succours, and hauing no ships to retire in, their powder also beginning to faile them, they yeelded it, vpon condition to haue liues and goods saued.
The thirtieth day the Spaniards blew vp a mine, which carried away three souldiers of the towne, and there was captaine Couchy and captaine Vemy in great danger of their liues: for Vemy was buried in the mine, so as the pioners were faine to dig him out. There was a souldier cast with the earth that was vnder his feet, ouer the rampar into the ditch, hauing no harme, so as notwithstanding all the shot that were made at him, hee mounted vp the rampar againe, and got safely into the towne. C
The first of Iune the Spaniards caused eleuen more to be hanged vpon their bulwarke at Harlem, and the besieged to haue their reuenge, sent forth fortie harguebusiers to seek for Spaniards in the wood, but finding themselues too weak, they returned backe into the town without any exploit. The third day the Spaniards built a little lodge of firre boords, open on the top and behind, hanged in the aire vpon foure masts, being raised vp and let downe, as with a pully, in the which they placed foure musketiers, to shoot into the towne continually, specially at them that should present themselues vpon the rampars: but they had not discharged twice, but the besieged discouering it, cut asunder the ropes whereby this lodge did hang in the aire, with a chaine shot, so as the ropes and a peece of the lodge being carried away, [...]three of the souldiers fell downe with a lamentable crie, beeing in truth an idle inuention to castaway D men. The same day a messenger went forth with pigeons, to send them backe againe with aduertisements.
The third day of the moneth the armie of Antuerpe went and lay vnder the castle of Ramekins, as if they would retire towards Antuerpe, but it was to no other end, but to find means Zeeland. to get into Middlebourg certaine boats laden with corne, which were at Ter-Goes: for hauing shut vp the chanell with their great ships, and fortified themselues with artillery vpon the dike, they sent their small vessels towards Ter-Goes, who easily forced the Zeelanders that were planted there to guard the passage, for that eight or nine of their ships that were best armed, were gone vpon the coast of Flanders, to keepe some English ships laden with marchandise from entring into Scluce. In which attempt the Spaniards vsed such diligence as the same E day they returned from Ter-Goes to Middlebourg, with six boats laden with corne. The same day there was a long and furious skirmish vpon the dike, betwixt the souldiers of Flessingue and them that guarded the artillerie vpon the head of the dike, til that in the end the Spaniards (hauing lost one of their peeces, which brake) were forced to abandon the place, leauing many of their men, with small losse to them of Flessingue, but some hurt.
The fourth of the moneth the Spaniards being returned from their voyage of T [...] [...]oes, presented themselues in great numbers to recouer this head, which the Flessinguers had begun to fortifie, to hinder the entry into the hauen of Middlebourg: but the sort not beeing yet in defence, and seeing that the Spaniards came with artillerie, and a great number of souldiers, they being but few, they did abandon it; and flie, with the losse of one of the bourgers of Flessingue, F who was caried prisoner to Middlebourg. The Spaniards hauing recouered this head, they forced the Zeelanders ships to retire farther into the sea, with their great shot, aduanting their owne a little more.
[Page 511] The sixt of the moneth about noone, the fleet of Antuerpe began to set saile towards Antuerpe, hauing the great ships of Zeeland in front of them, and the lesser behind. At the first A incounter of these two armies, they plaid so furiously with their ordnance on both sides, as the sea seemed to be on fire. The admirall of Zeeland, called the Lion, was ingaged in the middest of the Spanish fleet, without any one to second her (for the rest of their fleet lay in the wind) and yet the Spaniard hauing no intent but to passe and to performe his voiage, made no shew to set vpon the admirall. But thinking to retire to her owne fleet, and so all together to pursue the enemie, she fell fowle vpon a great Biscaine ship, the which being vneasie to boord, and hauing many souldiers in her, made long resistance, so as the admirall of Zeeland, after that shee had vanquished her, could not returne in time to follow the rest of the fleet, the which was notwithstanding pursued all night long, and battered with the canon. This Biscaine ship was B brought to Flessingue, with a hulke and foure hoyes, laden with salt and other marchandise: in the which ships the Spaniards lost about three hundred men, whereof the most part were Spaniards and Italians, besides those that were slaine and hurt in the other ships with the ordnance.
On the ninth day the Flessinguers being aduertised that two other great Biscain ships were yet behind, they sent after them two great ships, and fiue or six smaller barkes of Zeeland: and although the Biscaines, as soone as they had discouered them, sailed towards Antuerpe, yet were they soone ouertaken, and one of them was so battered with the canon, as they were forced to run on ground, and the men to abandon her, in the which they found twentie fiue men slaine, six peeces of brasse ordnance, and some pillage, the which hauing drawne forth, they fired C the ship. The like had happened vnto the admirall of Biscaie, if shee had not beene succored from Antuerpe, yet she was sore battered, and lost many men.
The fleet of Antuerp being retired, they were troubled at Flessingue for the paiment of their souldiers and mariners, who called for money: To whom answer was made, That there was no meanes to recouer money, but in going to fetch salt in the road of Arnemuyden, whither they went with their smaller ships of warre, and many souldiers in them, and setting certaine sayles (which they carried with them) to the hulkes that were laden with salt, they brought nine away to Flessingue. The tenth day at eleuen of the clocke at night died the seignior of Berlant, gouernor and bailife of Flessingue, a man well affected to his countrey, and carefull in his charge, who had great credit among the bourgers and mariners of Flessingue, by reason of D the loue they bare him: it was giuen out that he had been poisoned by a woman, whom hee had lodged in his house.
The twelfth of Iune there was a proclamation made in Flessingue in the prince of Oranges Libertie giuen by the prince to traffique. name, permitting al merchants, French, English, Scottish, Germans, and Esterlings, to traffique freely into Flanders, Brabant, and other places of the Netherlands, and to bring al sorts of merchandise thither, except those that should be excepted by proclamation: prouided alwayes, that they take their passeports at the places mentioned therein, and to pay the ordinarie customes: vpon paine of confiscation of all their shippes and goods to them that should infringe it.
This moneth was spent at the siege of Harlem in blowing vp of mines and other martiall Holland. attempts. The besieged hauing receiued no refreshing of a long time, and fearing they might E bee driuen to some extremities, began to set downe an order for the distribution of their victuals.
On the foureteenth day the Spaniards put themselues in battaile, preparing to giue an assault, and withall blew vp a mine, wherewith fortie of the towne souldiers were slaine, and then they came resolutely to the assault; but seeing the besieged attend them full of courage, they retired sodainly.
The seuenteenth day the seigniours of Serrats and Houtin were sent out of the towne with some troups of harguebusiers to Fuyck, to informe the prince of Orange of the estate of the besieged, carrying many pigeons with them. Being safely arriued, they gaue them notice F thereof by fire: and the next day the prince sent backe one of these pigeons with a letter, by the which hee did aduertise the besieged, that hee was at Leyden, and that the baron of Batembourg, his lieutenant, was betwixt Amsterdam and Vtrecht, to cut off the victuals [Page 512] from the Spanish campe: and as for their succours, he made all the hast that possible he could. A Then was there made a new rampar within the towne from S. Marguerites cloister vnto Saint Great famine [...] Harlem. Iohns gate. The famine began to grow great within the town, for that for want of victuals they began to eat horses, dogs, cats, and such like.
The two and twentieth they sent a pigeon into the towne with letters from the prince, sending them word that he would come speedily to succour them. They had many such messengers, to incourage the besieged, who sometimes made sallies towards the sea, to see if they might haue any refreshing of victuals from the princes ships; but they profited nothing, although at that time there was nothing in the towne but bread of Linseed and Turnups, and the flesh of horses, dogs, cats, and such like.
The Zeelanders knowing by experience how much the head of the dike which is betwixt Zeeland. B Ramekins & Flessingue did import, & what aduantage it gaue vnto the Spaniards when they held it, resolued to fortifie it well, and to keepe it: so as hauing assembled a number of pioners at Flessingue, la Vere, Ziriczee, and diuers other places, they began the 21 of Iune to fortifie it, and for their defence that laboured, they caused two companies to come from the neerest garrisons, with one from Flessingue, which were in guard by turnes. The Spaniard resolued to hinder this fortification, to which end he drew as many souldiers as he could out of Middlebourg and Arnemuyden, causing a part of them to come along the dike with three peeces of artillerie, the other part marching into the country, that they might shoot in flanke at them that should discouer themselues vpon the dike. Marching in this manner they charged them that guarded the trenches at one instant, who seemed nothing amazed at all this shot which flew C like haile stones about their eares, but resisted them so couragiously, as loosing all hope to force their trenches, they fled, as well they that came along the dike, as the others that came through the countrey. At this charge there were ten or twelue Spaniards slaine vpon the place, besides the hurt men whom they carried away, and among others the seignior of Laten, gouernour of The seignior of Laten sl [...]ine Middlebourg, was hurt vpon the dike, with a falcon shot from the Zeelanders ships, which lay at anker right against them, whereof he died soone after. They left also one of their peeces of ordnance, the which was carried by the souldiers into the Zeelanders trenches. The same day the seignior of Boisot arriued at Flessingue, being appointed gouernor there by the prince of Orange, after the death of the seignior of Berlant. And the 14 day did also arriue there the lord of Lorges, son to the earle of Montgomery, with about 200 harguebusiers French, braue D souldiers, and well armed, who parted the next day to go vnto the prince.
About that time doctor Iunius gouernor of la Vere, and the seignior of Boisot gouernor of Flessingue, thought to execute an enterprise, which had bin long secretly practised, vpon Middlebourg, with a master gunner of the same towne, who bragged that he had two or 300 bourgers which fauoured this designe: which was, that the said gouernors should come and lye in ambush with their men in a garden neere vnto the towne, and at the same instant an allarum should be giuen both by sea and land, at Arnemuyden, causing it to be giuen out, that the forces which they had gathered together, were to assail Arnemuyden, to whose succor in such occurrents there vsually went two or three companies of the garrison of Middlebourg, and then the gate next vnto the ambush (which they called the port of Dam) should be opened by the E said gunner and his adherents, hauing first made a signe to them that should bee in the garden. To execut this enterprise there went out of Flessingue about 9 of the clocke at night 1000 or 1200 men, gathered out of all the neighbor garrisons, who went and lodged themselues in the said garden, and were not discouered. And to the end they might the better discouer the signe that shold be giuen them, they set 14 or 15 men in centinel in a burnt house, betwixt the town and the said garden, the which was also done without discouery. About foure of the clocke in the morning the allarum was giuen at Arnemuyden both by sea and land, and presently they heard the drums sound in Middleburg to go & succor them, so as before 6 of the clock 2 companies were gone forth, & the 3 prepared to follow. The centinel that was sent out of this burnt house, to discouer about the port, being wearie with staying so long, seeing two or three men F come foorth, returned to the said house, whereas the others that had remained there, sent two of their companie to the garden, to see if their troupes were yet there; but beeing discouered by them of the town of Middlebourg, they began to cry arme, arme: at which cry [Page 513] the companie that was readie to goe forth ran to the rampar, and the others that were gone A were called backe againe: and so this enterprise was made frustrat. If hee that commanded the centinels (a member of the garrison of la Vere) had well plaid his part, it was likely the enterprise would haue proued very successefull.
The first of Iuly about eleuen of the clocke in the forenoone, captaine Pellican, and Cornellis Holland. Mathew, with either of them a souldier, went out of Harlem by the port Zyel, and came into a place whereas they did white clothes, to conferre with some Spanish captains, and their A conference betwixt them of Harlem and the campe. prouost generall: Who said vnto them, That their colonell desired to speake with the gouernours and commanders that were in the towne; as they did the same day at fiue of the clocke in the euening. Then there came the earle of Ouerstein, with foure of his captaines, and the bourgmaster Iohn van Vlyet, with the captaines Steenbach, Rossigny, and Pellican, who conferred B together about halfe an houre, betwixt the little wood and the watergate, but they could not resolue any thing.
The next day the Spaniard planted all his artillerie against the towne; he shot furiously at the tower of Pin, and at Rauenstein, so as the tower and the wal were beaten downe; they shot violently among the houses, and the tower on S. Katherines bridge was beaten downe: then they brought into the ditch two floating bridges, to goe vnto the assault, but they that brought them were so roughly entertained, as twentie of them were left vpon the place. That day the besieged hung a blacke cloth out at their steeple, to let the prince of Oranges ships vnderstand in what miserie the towne was, the which they did againe two dayes after. The fourth day there returned a pigeon with a letter from the prince, who promised to come and succor them C the night following: Whereupon the souldiers of the towne attending howerly his succors, gaue a camisado, but nothing appeared.
The fifth day the besieged entred againe into conference with the Spaniard, whereas there were six of either side. For Dom Frederic came the earle of Bossu, the earle of Ouerstein, and foure others: for the towne, the bourgmaster Iohn van Vlyet, the captaines Steenbach, Rossigny, Sohay, Pellican, and Cornellis Mathew, but they could not agree, the souldiers refusing to depart without their armes. The same day the princes ships shewed themselues to them of the towne; whereof the besieged being verie ioyfull, went out in great numbers to second them. The Spaniards seeing this, gaue the allarum at the bulwarkes, which made the souldiers returne againe to defend their rampars, from whence they chased the Spaniards; and that day D were made the eight last shot of ten thousand two hundred, which had beene discharged against the town during the siege. The eight day there returned a pigeon with a letter from the prince, promising to come the night following to succour them, that his ships should giue a false allarum at Fuyck, but his whole armie should come on the side of the wood. Hereupon the besieged made a sally with about two thousand men, meaning to fall vpon some of the enemies quarters: but this designe was broken, which made the besieged to faint and to bee out of hope.
The ninth day there came another pigeon, aduertising them that the princes armie had bin The succours of Harlem, and the princes armie defeated. defeated at Mannepat, comming to succour them vnder the command of the baron of Battembourg, lieutenant to the prince: in which defeat the said baron, and the seigniour of Clotingen E and Carloo were slaine. These newes being heard in the towne, some captaines commanded their souldiers to be readie to depart the towne, wherein they would leaue onely the women and children. But this being vnderstood by the women, they assembled all together, making the most pitifull cries and lamentations that could bee heard, the which would haue moued a heart of flint, so as it was not possible to abandon them.
The tenth day the besieged prepared to forsake the towne, so as it was ordained, that seuen companies should make the foreward, and nine the rereward, that in the battaile the bourgesses and sworne companies should march all in armes, and in the middest of them the magistrats, women, and children. But this designe was broken by a letter from the Spaniards that were quartered in the wood, assuring them, that all that remained in the towne should haue F mercie: which the German captaines, and other souldiers, beleeued too lightly. And the same day, in token of the victorie which the Spaniards had gotten of the baron of Battembourg, they planted vpon their bulwarke nine ensignes, which they had taken in this defeat.
[Page 514] The eleuenth day at night fiue companies of Wallons went out of the towne, beeing followed A by the companies of harguebusiers, and some other bourgers: they were in a manner all out, so as there scarce remained any man on the rampar where the breach was, the which happened by an amazement which fell among them: but as there was not any man to set vp the bridges they returned dismaied into the towne, euerie one to his quarter, and to his guard, and if God had not then preserued the towne, the Spaniard had easily carried it, for it was almost mid-night before the souldiers and bourgers were in guard at the rampar.
The twelfth day the two bourgmasters, captaine Steenback Rossigny, and Christopher Vader, A composition to yeeld the Towne vpon vnsure conditions. agreed vpon certaine conditions to yeeld vp the towne to the Spaniard. But this accord did not please Rossigny, who aduertised the other captaines French and Wallons: whereupon they drew vp the bridges of the towne, that the Spaniards might not enter, yet in the end vpon B the good hope was giuen them, they consented. The thirteenth day proclamation was made by the drumme, That all the companies should assemble together in one place, as they did, where they were demaunded, whether they would stay in the towne at the duke of Aluaes mercie, or depart without armes. Whereupon they answered, That they had rather stay at the dukes mercle, than to leaue their armes: the which they said the more willingly, for that they had told the Easterlings and the Scottish men that they were pardoned. And so the soldiers recommending themselues to God, resolued to attend what might happen vnto them. Captaine Bordet, a French man, hearing them speake of yeelding to their mercie, called one of his souldiers, and said vnto him, Souldier, my friend, come hither, thou hast done mee many good seruices, doe me now this last, shooting me thorow the bodie with thy harguebuse: the C souldier refused him, but through intreaties and importunities he did it. And so died Border, not feeling the crueltie of his enemies, and scorning to die by the hand of a hangman. The cause of this Roman-like act was, for that the Spaniards had declared, that there was no mercie for them that had beene besieged at Mons in Henault, where the said captaine Border had beene.
The foureteenth day the companies were sent for to the towne-house, to know if they did The yeelding vp of the town agreed vnto. consent to that accord, by the which the bourgmasters had redeemed the towne from spoile, for two hundred and fortie thousand florins, at two paiments, one hundred thousand within twelue dayes, and the rest at three monethes. Whereunto hauing consented, the deputies went to confirme this agreement, the which being thus concluded, the towne was put into D Dom Fredericks hands: Then commandement was giuen, that at the sound of the great bell all bourgers and souldiers should bring their armes into the state-house, that the townes-men should goe into the cloister of Zyel, the women into the cathedrall church, and the souldiers into the church of Bakemisse, but the Germans and Scottish men should still keepe the guard at the rampar. This done, Philip Martin, sometimes bourgmaster of the said towne (who during the siege had remained with Dom Frederic) went to the cloister of Zyel, to intreat the bourgmasters and the bourgers, to prouide the money that was promised speedily, least that by delayes the towne might bee spoyled.
The same day the Spaniards being entred, commandement was also giuen to the Scots and Germans to bring their armes vnto the towne-house, and from thence were led vnto S. Katherines E cloister, and to S. Vrsula, where they were giuen in guard to certaine Spanish souldiers: This done, Dom Frederic, the earle of Bossu, with some other noblemen, entred into the towne, and presently all the Ensignes of companies (hauing the day before deliuered vp their colours into the Spaniards hands) were put in prison, and afterwards sent with a guard to the castle of Cleef. Whilest that the poore bourgers were thus guarded within the church, the Spaniards spoyled some of their houses.
The fifteenth day of that moneth Dom Frederic caused about three hundred Wallons to The mercie of of the duke of Alu [...] and his son at Harlem. bee hanged and headed: and the same day the duke of Alua came from Amsterdam before the towne of Harlem, where hee made the circuit of the towne, to view it on the out side, and then returned, from whence he came without entring into the towne. F
The next day captaine Riperda and his lieutenant were beheaded, the minister Steembach was hanged, and two hundred and seuen and fortie souldiers were drowned in the Sea of Harlem.
[Page 515] The seuenteenth there were a great number more executed, and the eighteenth day there were three hundred more as well souldiers as bourgers, which lost their heads, with the minister A Simon Simonson.
On the twentieth day the seigniour Lancelot of Brederode, captaine Rossigny, and the receiuor of Bryele, were executed by the sword in the village of Schoten.
The regiment of Lazarus Muller, with the captaines, beeing Germans, were conducted the seuenth day of August out of the towne, whereof a part of them went to serue the duke of Alua: And the eleuenth day following, all the English and Scottish were beheaded. And to fill vp this sea of bloud, all the wounded and sicke were beheaded before the hospitall dcore.
They that lay without in the sconce, as beeing forgotten in the contracts, while they The souldiers in the Fuyck sconce ste [...]ued to death. were executing the rest of them in the towne, and forgetting to giue them meat, were found B starued to death with hunger.
The sixteenth day of August the Dutch souldiers beeing about six hundred strong with their captaines, were led out of the towne with conuoy, but passing by Nienwer church, monsieur Sonoys souldiers, with the ayd of them of Enchuysen, setting vpon their conuoy, ouerthrew them, and so set them at libertie.
Thus were all the souldiers in Harlem, beeing aboue two thousand men, with their captaines, executed and murthered, except some few, that got secretly away, and a Scottish captaine, called Balfour (that vpon promise to doe some exploit against the person of the prince of Orange) was set at libertie, which hee himselfe told vnto the prince, esteeming it a matter C not to be done, being wholly against law or conscience.
After this victorie gotten against Harlem, the duke wrot letters vnto all the townes of Holland, offering pardon and grace. but none of them would giue eare thereunto, namely they of Rotterdam made him answer, saying, That they would bee obedient and dutisul vnto the king of Spaine, but would not acknowledge any other lieutenant vnder him, than the prince of Orange.
See what the taking, ransoming, murthers and massacres committed by the duke of Alua, This siege continued 31 Weekes. and Dom Frederic his sonne, in the towne of Harlem were, for the succouring whereof the prince of Orange had done his best endeuours: I will forbeare to speake who was the cause of it, for my meaning is not to taxe any man: but long resolutions, and slow executions, are D oftentimes the cause of great mischiefes, letting slip all good opportunities that bee offered, which the Spaniards could fitly imbrace, and yet the siege of this towne was longer than the strength of the towne did seeme to require.
The siege of Harlem hauing endured seuen monethes, although the Spaniards had the victorie, yet notwithstanding it much diminished their credit and reputation, beeing found to bee able to bee withstood, and not inuincible, although the duke of Alua called his three regiments of Spaniards that he brought with him, the one Tales quales, the second Inuincibiles, and the third Immortales; and gaue the townes of Holland time to resolue, and prepare to defend themselues: and the rather, for that the duke of Aluaes souldiers at Harlem were at contention and strife amongst themselues, for that the souldiers that stayed without the towne, E would haue their part of the money that the townes men were to pay, as well as they within, beeing eight and twentie monethes behind hand with their pay: for which cause they draue their captaines and commaunders from them, and would come to no agreement before they had money: Which mutinie and contention continued amongst them six weekes, before they were paid and the mutinie ended, whereby they besieged Alcmar too late, Summer being past.
During this siege of Harlem many complaints were made against the lord of Lumay, earl of The earle of Marke accused before the States of Holland, for his cruelty against church-men. Marke, before the prince of Orange and the States of Holland, for many oppressions and cruelties, committed in diuers parts, especially against church men, priests, and monks, whom hee persecuted with all sorts of cruelties, to reuenge (said hee) the death of the earle of Egmont, F his cousin, whereof hee accused the clergie to haue beene the cause: Whose tyrannous and cruell acts were displeasing to all good men, of what religion soeuer: for the which the States committed him to prison, and had not the respect of the prince beene, who [Page 516] sued for his pardon, and promised amendment, hee had beene punished. Yet the earle did A euer after that time hate the prince of Orange, as if he had beene the cause of his imprisonment.
Beeing freed from prison, and dismissed from his charge, he retired himselfe out of Holland, much discontented, yet he had afterwards a regiment of foot in the States pay, at the campe of Gemblours, against Dom Iohn of Austria: but being retired before the battaile of Gemblours, and returned to Liege, he died in the yeare of our Lord 1578. Some said that hee was poysoned.
The duke of Alua finding with what toyle, charge, and losse of men hee had won Harlem, and hearing that some of his troups were in mutinie for twentie eight monethes pay, hauing yet many townes in armes against him, and thinking to begin first with Alcmar, hee B thoght good first to see if he could win them by a proclamation, which he caused to be made and printed at Vtrecht, the six and twentieth of Iuly 1573, offering the kings grace and fauour to all, as a good father to his obedient children, forgetting and forgiuing all that was past, knowing that their offence grew more by the suggestion of others, than of their own natures and dispositions, and that the king had not shewed any rigour to such as had willingly subiected themselues, and not attended his force and power, and yet they continued still obstinat, notwithstanding he sought to gather them together, as the hen doth her chickens vnder her wings, for their owne safeties: Praying them therefore to bethinke themselues, and without any further delay to yeeld themselues into his ministers hands, and not to attend the wrath and furie of his armie: giuing them assurance for the enioying of their liberties and Freedomes. C And contrariwise if they seemed to neglect and contemne his offered mercie and grace, hee would haue them to know and to assure themselues, that they were to accept all kinds of rigour and crueltie that might be inuented by famine, sword, and fire, so as there should be no memorie of them left to posteritie: and that his Maiestie would cause the country to be made desolate, and to be inhabited by strange nations: for that otherwise the king could not rest satisfied, that hee had fulfilled the will of God, nor yet content his owne conscience, if hee should suffer such rebels to liue vnpunished, they knowing him well [...]o bee the most gratious and mildest prince that euer liued, and appointed to bee their soueraigne. Not doubting but that they knew the kings armie, which was great, with all ordnance and munition fit, to bee at their doores, readie to destroy them, and that in the end the king would bee master, &c. This D proclamation was published in all places.
During the siege before Harlem the duke of Alua had procured the earle of Bossu to write The earle of [...] seeketh to [...]ue the princ [...] of Orange betred out of the campe vnto one Huych Ianson, bourgmaster of Delft, persuading him not to let slip so good an occasion of obtaining peace from the king, as to procure some meanes to haue the prince (being there) to be taken, and sent to the duke of Alua; which if he would doe (saying, that he aduised him thereunto vpon meere loue he bare vnto the towne of Delft) hee assured him not onely to purchase their pardon, but also promised vpon his faith and honour, to procure them such freedoms and liberties, as they should desire: and that therfore they should bee resolute and carefull to performe this worthy and meritorious act, whereby they should not onely purchase peace and quietnesse for their towne of Delft, but also for all Holland, E which otherwise would be ruined and made desolat. This letter beeing interrupted by the way, was brought vnto the prince. He also sent letters of the same tenor to them of Amsterdam, and to moue them to receiue a Spanish garrison, but the messenger being taken, was sent vnto the prince.
The duke of Alua hauing taken Harlem, and as he conceiued daunted the Hollanders courage, thinking the prince of Orange and the States to bee vnable to mannage and fortifie any place like vnto it, and it may be, presuming that his crueltie extended vpon that town would terrifie any other garrison, who would not willingly aduenture the hazard of a siege, he resolued with his counsell of warre to attempt Alcmar, as one of their strongest townes; which being taken, the rest or most of the other townes would yeeld. Whereupon he sent Dom Frederic F his sonne with Chiapin Vitelli, campe-master generall, before Alcmar the one and twentieth of August, and with him the baron of Noircarmes, lieutenant to the generall, with Dom Gonsaluo of Braccamonte, Dom Pedro of Velasco, Dom Pedro of Toledo, Stephano de Varro, [Page 519] Iulian Romero, la Motte baron of Goignies, master of the artillerie, Ferdinando of Toledo, colonell A Poluiler, the baron of Liques, then made gouernor of Harlem, the baron of Cheureaux, Monsieur de Capres, Ionian Fronsberg, and the earle of Ouersteen, with some hundred & one and twentie companies, which were esteemed 16000 men. Within the towne were 1300 fighting men, bourgers and inhabitants, besides strangers and peasants: they had a garrison of eight hundred souldiers, Iames Cabilliau was their gouernor, and William van Sonneberg his lieutenant. During the dukes preparation, the prince of Orange and the states of Holland sent fiue or six expert captaines into the towne, especially Smith and Cornellis Scottish men, with some foure hundred souldiers, most of which captains had been in Harlem, and were a great meanes for the preseruing of Alcmar.
They of Alcmar seeing this storme approach, began to fortifie their towne, inlarging it with foure bulwarks, and making a strong sconce vpon the Scheermer, thereby to free their hauen: B but it was too soone abandoned. There was a sconce also made at Heylo, by the church, and at Egmont in the abbey, whereby the greatest and goodliest abbey in Holland was ruined, in the which aboue ten earles and many countesses of Holland had been interred, so as there was not a stone left standing, only two steeples of the church, which at this day serue for a sea mark to ships that passe by.
The towne of Harlem hauing beene thus besieged 31 weeks, during the which the women, maidens, and boyes, did as valiantly as might be, vntill that through want of victuals, and pouertie, they were forced to yeeld (as we haue said) to their enemies, the thirteenth of Iuly, hauing during the siege slaine many a braue captaine of the Spaniards and Wallons. The duke C of Alua meaning to pursue his deere victorie, thinking to surprise the towne of Alcmar, sent two thousand fiue hundred foot, and foure companies of horse: the which at the first strooke such a terror into them of the town, seeing themselues so sodainly inuested, as many bourgers (breaking the locke of the barre which crosseth the channell) went out of the towne in small boats: But the prince of Oranges men being in good time at Egmont, and at Heylo, hauing seized vpon that approach, and made their passage vnto the town, breaking the locks and bolts of the gate, the Spaniards seeing that they had failed of their enterprise, retired. At the beginning the inhabitants were in great perplexitie, whether they should hold good or yeeld: for the Romish Catholikes, and some Protestants, hoping to find grace, as the Spaniards had promised them, would gladly haue brought them secretly into the towne. But the greatest D part of the Protestants did all they could to draw in the princes troupes, the which being entred, skirmished with the Spaniards. So the towne of Alcmar was at this time freed from the surprise of the Spaniards, who retired to Heylo, and from thence returned sodainely to the campe, which was before the towne of Harlem, repairing the breaches, and casting downe the trenches.
Alcmar being thus freed, the counsell of the towne (fearing that the duke of Alua would not be so satisfied) thought good to furnish the towne with corne, and other munition of war, what they could recouer by their owne meanes, or from their neighbours of West-Friseland: Which done, by the order of Charles of Boisot, who commaunded vnder the prince, they began to fortifie the towne: but they had scarce begun the worke, when as the Spaniards returned E the one and twentieth of August. At their first approach they seized vpon the two entries The Sp [...] returne [...] [...] uest A [...]. of the channell, towards the East, to stop the passage as well by water as by land: But the bourgers and some souldiers set fire on one of the mills at these entries, the which they could not do to the second, nor wrest it from the Spaniards: who to stop the passage vnto the town, sunke a ship full of stones at the entry of their hauen. Then the Protestants, who had a fort at Ton vpon the banks of Scheermer, fled and abandoned the place to the Spaniard. The hauen and all accesse by water being taken from the besieged, hauing no free passage to bring in victuals & munition, they resolued to make their way by force, and to chase the Spaniards from some quarter, and especially from the way to Oudt-Dorpe: and issuing forth of the towne with such horsemen as they had, and some foot, they went to charge the enemie, but the Spaniards F being stronger than they, they were repulst, and beaten into their ports, with the losse of a corporall of their horse. But before we proceed any further at this siege, let vs see what passed in Zeeland.
[Page 518] The seignior of Beauvoir chosen admirall by the duke of Alua for Zeeland, made preparation Zeeland. A in Antuerpe, to returne to Middlebourg with many ships: and foreseeing the harme which they receiued by the fort which they of Flessingue had built vpon the head of the dike, he sent to them of Middlebourg, that they should attempt to surprise it, before it were more defensible: the which they thought to haue done the fiue and twentieth day of Iuly at night, hauing gathered together a good number of souldiers from Middlebourg and Arnemuyden, but being discouered in time, they returned as they came.
In the end of Iuly the gouernor of Flessingue and la Vere, hauing gathered together their Ramekins besieged by the Zeelanders. garrisons, and those of Ziriczee, went in the night to campe before the castle of Ramekins, vpon the dike towards Middleburg, where hauing intrenched themselues with incredible speed, they began about foure of the clocke in the morning to play with their canon, as wel from B their ships, as from the dike, where they had planted two peeces of Ordnance. Captaine Eloys companie guarded the trench about the castle, and that of captain Bernard was neere vnto the sluce of Middlebourg, to make head against the Spaniard, if hee offered himselfe to trouble them on that side. And for that the besieged made no shew of amazement, and that they had not powder sufficient in Flessingue to continue their batterie, vntill there were a breach, it was resolued to vndermine it, being persuaded that the bulwarkes that looked towards the dike were built vpon arches: the which was performed with such speed, as within foure dayes they came vnder the bulwarke, wherein the gouernors, captaines, and souldiers, wrought continually with great resolution. And for that they had resolued the fifth day of the siege to set fire to this mine, and withall to giue an assault, they caused ladders to be made readie, and other engines C fit for that purpose: they had also caused two hoyes to approach, vpon the which they had made two castles of musket proofe, in the which they would place harguebusiers to shoot at them that should discouer themselues vpon the rampar, to defend the breach, when as the assault should be giuen.
The besieged seeing the preparations that were made to assaile them, as well by land as by sea, and doubting a mine they began to faint, and to demaund a parley: whereupon they agreed to yeeld vp the place, vpon condition to depart with their liues, armes, and baggage, but they would haue it deferred to the next day. Whereupon as the gouernours were resolued to set fire to the mine the next day, and to giue a generall assault, they prest them to deliuer it vp the same night: in the end it was agreed they should not depart vntill the next day, but for assurance D of that which was promised, twentie souldiers of the besieged should come out of the castle, and lodge in the camp that night, and 20 of the besiegers should enter into the castle.
The next day being the fourth of August, the place was yeelded by six of the clocke in the [...]e castle of [...]. morning, into the which captaine Eloys company was put: where also the gouernors entred to see that performed which was promised to the besieged, who were safely conducted with their armes and baggage neere vnto Middlebourg: Which done they caused all the souldiers to assemble that were in the castle, where a sermon was made, with thanks to God for the happie issue of the enterprise: then the place was visited, whereas they found eighteene brasse peeces, foure barrels of powder, and a great number of bullets and victuals, as flesh, wine, and come, for aboue three monethes for the garrison that was in it. It is a place of great importance, E and the chiefe bulwarke of the isle of Walchren, otherwise called Zeeburch, whereas ships haue a good road.
During this siege, which continued but fiue dayes, the fleet of Antuerpe prepared with all speed, not only to carrie victuals and supplies to Middleburg, but also according to the haughtie designes of the Spaniard, to reconquer all the townes and islands of Zeeland, and to reduce them vnder the duke of Aluaes obedience. This fleet should be conducted by the seigniour of Beauvoir, who was admirall, and by colonell Mondragon with all his regiment, hauing all things fit for the execution of this goodly designe.
This armie consisting of threescore and foure vessels of all sorts, appeared before Flessingue the ninth of the moneth of August, by foure of the clocke in the morning, as if they F would passe to Middlebourg, or draw the Zeelanders to fight, whose armie was of nineteene great ships (of the which that mightie ship of Martin Iansz, beeing of thirteene or foureteene hundred tunne, was admirall of the Zeelanders fleet) and fiftie smaller vessels, [Page 519] the which were neere vnto Flessingue, attending the comming of the said Spanish fleet. A And for that the Zeelanders were resolued not to fight, but neere vnto the fort vpon the dike and the castle of Ramekins, because they would not loose the aduantage which they might haue by the said forts, they attended the comming of the enemie there, with their great ships, hauing sent their lesser to Flanders side, to follow them in the taile, with the aduantage of the wind.
The small ships of the Zeelanders lying houering vpon that coast, the lesser vessels of the The first skirmish of the two fleets. Spaniards went to assaile them, where they did skirmish long and furiously with their great ordnance and small shot, till in the end the Spaniards retired to their fleet.
The next day, being the tenth, the Spaniard presented himselfe againe twice: the first with his small ships onely, and the second time both with great and small: and had not the Flessinguers B receiued a commaundement not to charge, they had neuer parted vntill that one of the armies had beene defeated: but by reason of the said commaundement, when the Spaniards approached too neere, the Zeelanders recoiled.
The eleuenth day the Spaniards shewing themselues more hardie (finding that the Zeelanders would not fight but vnder the fauour of their forts) came and presented themselues before the hauen of Flessingue, and shooting off their ordnance at certaine small ships which lay there, some bullets flew into the towne, and slew a boy in the street of ten or twelue yeres old: then they retired vnto Flanders side before Bresquen, right against Flessingue. This brauadoe of the Spaniard strooke such a terrour into the Flessinguers, as in lesse than three howers, all their walles next to the sea, were bordered with pipes full of earth, to serue as a C parapet for the harguebusiers, the which without that feare would not haue beene done in three weekes.
The twelfth day the Spaniard leauing the coast of Flanders, sayled towards the sea, coasting the walles of Flessingue, making some shot into the towne, from whence they also shot at their ships. Being come to the downes of Zoetelande, they cast anker: the Zeelanders fearing they would land, sent all the men they had in Flessingue thither. But the thirteenth day the fleet went so far into the sea, as they almost lost the sight of it: then they entred into a strait betwixt two bankes of sand, and from thence came into a place called the powder, or the Haek, a league from Campuere, there to vnlade their victuals, and so to haue it carried by carts to Middlebourg. D
Beeing busie at their vnlading, there rose a storme with a Southwest wind, in the which they lost three of their great ships, and one gallie. Another of those ships which they call Bouyers, was driuen by the tempest among the ships of Flessingue, and taken: those that were cast away were not vnladen, of the which nothing could bee saued, but the ordnance.
A while after there was another skirmish betwixt the lesser ships of the Spaniards and Zeelanders, where after many great shot spent, in the end the Spanish viceadmirall was boorded The Spanish viceadmiral taken. and taken: it was in like sort laden with corne, hauing six brasse peeces, and eightie foure men in her, the which were all cut in peeces, and cast ouer boord, except fifteene that were brought to la Vere. E
The eighteenth day of August the Zeelanders that were in garrison at la Vere, went to skirmish with them that kept the trenches which the Spaniards had made right against the Haek, that they might with more safetie discharge their victuals, vpon whom they sallied foorth in such numbers, and with such furie, as they made them recoyle neere vnto their ports: but beeing succoured with some new and fresh supplies of souldiers, which the seigniour of Boisot brought them in person, they charged the Spaniards in such sort, as they forced them to returne presently to their trenches: The which the seigniour of Beauvoir their admirall seeing, hee sent a good number of harguebusiers more to land, with the which the Spaniards taking courage, chased away the Zeelanders neere vnto their towne, in which skirmish they lost eight men, and some others were wounded F and hurt, among the which captaine Eloy lost one of his eyes. But of the Spaniards (by the report of them that came afterwards to serue the Zeelanders there) died about threescore.
[Page 520] On the six and twentieth day the Spaniard hauing left the place, put to sea, as if he would A haue sailed towards Scluce, but sodainly he turned head, hauing both wind and tide fit, and directed his course towards Antuerpe, passing before Flessingue they were pursued by the lesser ships of Zeeland (for the greater beeing vpon the Lemmer could not arriue in time) who charged them so behind, as they forced foure of their smaller ships of warre, and fiue other vessels laden with victuals, to run on ground vpon Flanders side, least they should fall into the Flessinguers hands. Besides there was brought vnto Flessingue a hulke of two hundred tunnes, the which had beene taken by the Spaniard being at sea, laden with many sorts of merchandise. Although the seignior of Beauuoir had not vnladen the third part of the victuall and munition which he had brought yet durst he not make any longer stay at Haek, fearing the tempest in the which he had lost six or seuen ships, besides the great difficultie hee had to conuey B those victuals from that place to Middlebourg.
The besieged of Alcmar in Holland, to find some meanes to recouer their channell, they did endeuor with barkes to set fire on the other house, which they could not do at the mouth Holland. of it: the bourgers with one of their bourgmasters, and some souldiers, went in boats to skirmish with the enemie; another companie was gone by the salt pits, to charge the enemie by land. But the Spaniards hauing sent some of their men by the new port, towards the town (making shew as if they would assaile it on the South side, at a place called the Geest) as soone as the alarme was giuen in the town, the bourgers quitting the skirmish returned to the rampar, and so this enterprise proued fruitlesse.
The next day the Spaniards told the besieged, being vpon the rampar, That they desired C to conferre with them vpon good assurances: The which being imparted to colonell Cabelliau, and the counsell of the towne being assembled, it was resolued among the bourgmasters, captaines, and chiefe of the towne, not to treat in any sort with the Spaniards, no not to heare them speake: the which was deliuered vnto them. From that day the Spaniard seeing himselfe contemned, and that they would not once heare him speake, began then to resolue to warre, and to shoot at the houses in the towne, without doing any great harme to the rampar, the which the besieged did fortifie day and night.
The fiue and twentieth of August the Spaniards made a false alarme towards the port of Harlem, as if they would assayle the towne of that side: And the said day they sent a drummer with captaine Steenbach (as it was thought) to the port of Friseland, demaunding of the D besieged, if they might approach any neerer freely. Being answered them, that yea, they desired to speake with captaine Cabelliau, or with one of the bourgmasters: but whilest that one went to deliuer the message, hee was knowne by a souldier: then they cried vnto him that he should retire, and as hee recoyled a little, they that were in centinell shot at him, calling him traytor, and that he had beene the cause of the losse of the towne of Harlem, the which hee vnderstanding, drew foorth his sword, and threatning them, hee presently went his way.
Three dayes after the Spaniards put themselues in battaile, an howre after mid-night, as if they had meant to haue giuen an assault, the which they did (as it was thought) to see the countenance of the besieged, and how they were resolued to defend themselues: but there E was nothing heard throughout all the towne, but an alarme and shooting of peeces, so as the Spaniards (seeing them come to the rampar nothing amazed) made a gentle retreat. And the same day there died (to the great griefe of all the commons) Iohn Arentsz minister, who being at the extremitie, and hearing that the Spaniard was at the rampar, prayed God with all his familie, to preserue his deere countrey, that it might serue as a refuge for them that make profession of the Gospell.
The night following the Spaniards made a trench before the port of Friseland, to approach their canon neerer, and notwithstanding the continuall shooting of the besieged, yet could they not hinder their worke; so as about noone they sallied out of the towne, and chased them from thence: but the Spaniards hauing doubled their forces, they returned, and F forced the besieged to retire into the towne, who carried backe with them, which they had found vpon the way, a little barrell of powder, some head peeces, swords, and clokes, which they that fled first had left.
[Page 521] The first of September, of many messengers which the besieged had sent out, there was one onely that returned, who brought letters from the Seignior Diederic Sonoy, gouernour A of West-Friseland, and from the States of the countrey, vnto the counsell of the towne of Alcmar, the which did much comfort the besieged.
‘In these letters he did grieue that they were so straightly besieged: The which he had no Letters from the Gouernor Sonoy, which comfort the besieged. sooner vnderstood, but he did his best endeuour to send them a companie of supply: but he could not doe it, by reason of the base retreat of their men, which they had vpon the lake of Schermer, yet he would not fayle to employ his person to succour them, and to helpe to rayse the siege: That he had written to the prince of Orange to that end, doubting not, but their forces (if they would patiently attend succours) would disappoint the attempts of their enemies. And touching that which they had desired, to haue the dike broken B by Medenblycke, hauing imparted it vnto the States of West-Friseland, they had alreadie let goe all the sluces of the sea, and (if necessitie required) he himselfe would bee the first that should pierce the said dike: And touching that which they had written, That they had brought foure and twentie peeces of Ordnance to the enemies campe, that he had heard nothing thereof by his spies, yet hee was not ignorant in what perplexitie the towne was, the which he could not relieue as he desired, yet he would do his best endeuours to send them succours: and this was the substance of his letter.’
Those letters of the States of West-Friseland, assembled in the towne of Horne, contained.
‘That as for the powder which they dayly attended, as soone as they had receyued C it, they would send it vnto them: and in the meane time they would doe their best Letters from the state of West-Friselād to the besieged endeauours to succour them by water and by land, entreating the bourgers to be of good courage, and the rather, for that Cont Lodowic had written vnto Philip vander Aa, to exhort the Hollanders not to faint for the losse of Harlem, but trusting vnto the equitie of their cause, to shew themselues more valiant for the defence of their libertie and the countrey, hoping they should bee soone freed from the tyrannie wherewith they would oppresse them.’
Some that were well affected, gaue it out, that there were letters come to some priuate persons, That duke Christopher, sonne to the Cont Palatine, was vpon the frontiers of Gueldres with two thousand horse and fiue thousand foot, and that Cont Lodowic followed him D with as great forces, the prince of Orange hauing sent a thousand harguebusiers to ioyne with them, and altogether to come and raise the siege; so as by these letters and reports, those of Alcmar (whom the Spaniards held cooped vp in a cage, meaning to starue them) were the twelfth day of the siege somewhat comforted and encouraged by the comming of this vnexpected messenger, notwithstanding the streight guard and so many-centinels set by the Spaniards vpon all the approches, all which hee escaped by the diuine prouidence of God without danger.
The Spaniard in the meane time did not neglect the worke which he had begun, but finished the trench at the Friseland gate, with an intent to bring the canon neerer vnto the towne, or else to vndermine and blow vp a bulwarke: for the hindering whereof, the besieged E made a sally forth, leading some pioners with them, to cast downe the trenches: but they were forced to retyre into the towne without any successe. Whereupon the next day they began to make a halfe moone within the towne against the said port, for the effecting whereof, they beat downe foure houses, that if happily the Spaniard should win this port, they might haue a place of retreat and defence within, where they might not suddenly take the towne. And as there dayly happened new difficulties among the besieged (for the which they could not so easily prouide) it was determined in counsell, to adde two counsellors to the two bourgomasters, to ease them in all occurrents, the which was done the sixteenth day of the moneth.
All this time it seemed the Spaniards sought but to abuse the besieged, sometimes pretending F one thing, sometimes another, contrarie to that which they had designed. For the tenth day of the moneth they laded vpon carts towards Berghen some small pieces of Ordnance, as if they would rise, and the night following, tying many small boats together, they [Page 522] sought with great labour to make a bridge neere vnto the town; but the besieged which were A in guard on that side, shot so furiously at them, as they were forced (after that many had beene wounded) to leaue their worke, and loose their bridge.
On the eleuenth day there were seene (more than was vsuall) a great number of horse and carts, on the which the Spaniards did lade their artillerie, not without difficulty and some losse by reason of the continuall raine, which made that quarter of Friseland so foule and my [...]ie, as carriages could hardly passe.
On the twelfth day they brought neere vnto the red tower, on the East side, a great number of long Firre plankes, with hurdles, and in the night they planted some gabions before the gate of Friseland, to couer their canon, and to no other end: For to thinke that they had an intent to famish it (hauing compassed about the towne) was a folly, hauing neyther all B the channels at commaundement, nor all the gates shut vp, least that they should be surprised by them that came to victuall the towne. So the Spaniard continuing his worke, being resolued to giue an assault, he made another trench vpon Quacquebourg, right against Saint Peters tower, lying betwixt the Friseland gate and the Monkes tower, to disturbe the pioners which brake downe the old wall: for at that place there was a piece of the wall fallen, ioyning vnto the priests tower, whereas the besieged would make a rampar, the which lay open to the enemies shot; so as many which carried earth to this worke, being slaine, and others hurt, the rest were so terrified, as for that day they left the worke vnperfect. But the next day three squadrons surprising the Spaniards in these trenches of S. Peters town, chased them from thence, and wanting tooles to cast it downe and lay it euen, the Spaniards returning with C a greater troupe, forced the besieged to leaue it.
The besieged receiuing no newes from their associate neighbours, and that by reason of their streight siege no spy [...]s could passe to giue them intelligence, it was resolued by the gouernours and captaines, That the night following, which was the fifteenth of the moneth, they would make a sally on the South side vpon their enemies, which were busie about a new trench, and that they should seeke to take some prisoner aliue, as they did, taking a Spaniard, called Iohn Ieronimo; if they had not then busied themselues about the spoyle, they might easily haue carried away as many as were there: so as that which the besieged could not learne from their friends and confederats, they vnderstood from their enemie, for this prisoner told them, That Dom Frederic had receiued commaundement from the duke of D Alua his father, and from the court, to assayle the towne speedily, and that if he could not carry it at the second or third assault, hee should carry backe his armie into Brabant: That Dom Frederic had resolued to assayle them in foure places at one instant, that he might force one of the quarters, where there was least resistance, and yet there was some dispute betwixt him and the lord of Noircarmes touching that point: That the bridges, plankes, hurdles, and all other necessarie instruments were readie for an assault, and that before they would giue an assault, they would batter downe the wall betwixt the gate of Friseland and the redde towne; but vpon Harlem side they would make an assault vpon bridges, and towards the Salt pits with boates: That if he tooke the towne by assault, he would murther all, young and old, men, women, and children, without any respect either of sexe or age. E
Whereupon all went to pray vnto God, with teares in their eyes, That it would please him for his holy names sake, to turne from them that tyrannie and inhumanitie. Moreouer, being demanded, What number of men there might be in the camp, he said, There was about six thousand six hūdred men, althogh after the raising of the siege it was otherwise known: for Dom Frederic, accompanied with the lord of Noircarmes, Iulian Romero, and many other men of account Spaniards and Wallons being lodged in the village of Oudt-dorpe, had in his quarter two and fortie companies of the old bands, to the which were ioyned eight other companies newly come out of Italie. Dom Frederic had a thousand fiue hundred horse for his ordinarie guard, besides other foure hundred horse that were lodged in the same quarter. F Dom Ferdinando of Toledo, cousin to Dom Frederic, was at Huyswaert with eight companies of Spaniards, euery one being of two hundred. In S. Pancrats village were sixe companies of Germaines of Colonel Polwyller, and other fiue of the garrison of Groningen. [Page 523] At Leedyck was the baron of Liques, gouernour of Harlem, with twelue companies of A Wallons, and by him the baron of Cheuereaux, with eight companies of high Bourguignons. In the village of Berghen was the lord of Capres (afterwards made earle of Hennin) with tenne companies of Wallons. At Newport, vpon the South side, there were two bands of Italian and Spanish horsemen, and Iohn Schenks cornet of Reisters, where there were also seuen companies of Spaniards newly come, twelue of Landtsknechts, vnder George Frousberg, and three of the earle of Ouersteyns. So as at the beginning of this siege, there were in Dom Frederics campe one hundred twentie one companies of footmen, which made at the least six and twentie thousand men, out of the which, some were drawne to put into Schellinckwout, and into the shippes, to fight with the Hollanders vpon the water: The bourgers and inhabitants able to carry armes, were found to be thirteene hundred, besides strangers that B were newly come, and countreymen that were fled into the towne, which were not many. There were about eight hundred soldiers in the garrison; for of seuen companies which they had, the gouernour Sonoy before the last siege had drawne forth two, and afterwards one, with two small peeces of Ordnance, the which were sent into Waterlandt, where he said they had great need.
The sixteenth of the moneth there fell neere vnto S. Peters tower a piece of the wall, the which had begun long before to sinke, and now through the burthen of the new rampar, that was layd vpon it, fell quite downe: but the same night the besieged stopped that breach with great diligence: so as that wall which had beene built in old time in steed of a rampar for the defence of the towne, was now but a trouble and toile vnto them to beat it down, and to make C a new rampar in the place thereof.
The same day the Spaniards planted nine Canons against the port of Friseland, and seuen at the red tower: but for that the ground on the North side was more mierie and lower than to the South, both by reason of the rain, and by the opening of the sluces of the sea, the which the gouernor Sonoy had caused to be done, the Spaniards were much incumbred in the planting of their ordnance; yet the night following they raised the ground of their first trench, the which they approched neere vnto the port, hauing an intent to blow vp the bulwarke, the which had beene built vpon the bodies and roots of trees, bauins, and other wood, fit to preuent a myne.
The seuenteenth day the Spaniards shewed themselues in such sort, as if they had beene readie to giue an assault, aduauncing their plankes into the ditch vpon the North and the D South side, putting their men in order in the trenches, thrusting foorth their forlorne hopes: To conclude, it seemed by their countenance, that they meant instantly to giue an assault.
The night following there appeared a prodigious signe in the ayre: for the Moone (which was in her last quarter) began about nine of the clocke at night to shine, against the course of nature, whereas it should not haue appeared before midnight. This prodigie was a good presage vnto the besieged, and gaue them more courage: and so (by the grace of God) it succeeded better than the lamentable estate of the towne could hope or expect for: most of the souldiers of the garrison were yet fresh, and vnaccustomed E to warre, and the bourgers were not so fit for armes, as for marchandise, and to tyll the land.
The eighteenth of the moneth the Spaniards began to batter furiously with twenty peeces of ordnance, so as they made that day two hundred shot, as well in ruine vpon the houses, as at the rampar, where there were six men of the town slaine. The Spaniards hauing beaten down the fronts of the port of Friseland and of the red tower, about three of the clocke in the afternoone they began to giue a furious assault, making their way at the port by the materials, which had fallen and filled vp the ditch, and at the red tower, by a bridge which they had let downe: and to strike the more terror into the bourgers, they prepared to assayle the towne at the port of Harlem, and at the Salt pits, on the one side by a bridge, and on the other side F by barkes, as the Spanish prisoner had formerly discouered. But all these preparations did not amaze the besieged of the towne of Alcmar: for at the first shot of ordnance, as well bourgers as souldiers came resolutely and full of courage vnto the rampar, euery [Page 524] one keeping his place and ranke, not shrinking a foot, but repulsing their enemies as valiantly A as might be. The bourgers and inhabitants did willingly obey the captaines of the souldiers, and not any one did refuse or murmure against that which was commaunded him. The women, maydens and boyes came thither with such hardinesse, as it is not to be spoken, some bringing wild fire, which they cast vpon the assaylants, others boyling water full of lyme, baskets with stones, and such other offensiue matters: so, as since the souldiers besieged haue confessed, that without that ayde, they could neuer haue made it good. In the meane time the Spaniards did all they could to carrie it, who, as soone as they had passed such difficulties as they found at the breach, and passed the rampar, they were so gently welcommed and entertayned with pikes, halberds, two-handed swords, stones, and all other sorts of armes, as in the end they were enforced to recoyle backe. B There was nothing to be heard but the crying and howling of men wounded and dying, and the noyse and clashing of armes: There was nothing to bee seene but fire and flame; here one fell downe, there another tumbled from the toppe of the rampar into the ditch. To conclude, there was nothing else to be seene but fearefull and hideous sights.
The first assaylants hauing done their charge, and beeing repulsed, and wearie of fighting, there came other fresh men in their places, who had no better successe than the first, carrying nothing away but blowes and wounds; and in this sort the Spaniards were twice repulsed: yet they fainted not, but sought to force it, at what price soeuer, comming to the third assault like Lyons: who hauing passed the breach, and woon the rampar, they cryed C out, Victoria, Victoria: Of three Ensigne-bearers which came vp to the rampar with their colours, two were slaine, one of their colours was burned, and the other two were torne in pieces, euery one striuing to haue his part: but it was not knowne what became of the third Ensigne-bearer. In the end the Spaniards beeing not able to hold out or endure the skirmish any longer, they were constrayned to retyre with shame and losse. And so this Friseland port was freed from three fierce and mightie assaults of the enemie.
On the other side, at the red tower, they did no lesse: The assaylants hauing approached vnto the rampar with their bridges, the besieged were much troubled: For before they were to encounter the enemie vpon the rampar, and to repulse them from the breach, D and behind, they were galled with two peeces, which played vpon their backes from the salt pits, yet being nothing troubled with all these difficulties, they continued firme, and repulsed the enemie twice.
In the end, the Spaniards (madde with rage and disdaine) returned the third time to the assault with greater numbers than before, thinking now to carrie it, as it was to be feared, considering the multitude and furie of the assaylants. The besieged notwithstanding, after a long defence (setting the danger before their eyes) made no shew at all, as if they were eyther wearied or tyred: but with the helpe of pitched hoopes fired, burning straw, boyling water, stones, and all other things of resistance, which the wiues, daughters, maid seruants, and boyes did bring, they defended themselues valiantly vntill eight of the clocke at night, E when as the enemies were forced to retyre with shame, which gaue the victorie vnto the besieged.
Touching the Spaniards attempts at the salt pits and at the port of Harlem, that cannot rightly bee called an assault: for those that were slaine at the Salt pits, taught their companions to tarrie in their trenches: and those which on the South side laboured (but in vaine) to conduct the bridge, shewed, that they would not giue the enemy an assault at so deere a rate: for it had beene a great follie for them to offer it, for that the Canon of the towne might commaund as well the bridges as the boats that should offer to come vnto the assault. Notwithstanding, they must attribute the honour vnto God alone, who would not suffer it: for if in these foure quarters (although two of them seemed verie F vneasie) the Spaniard had at one instant time assayled the towne, it had beene much to bee feared (considering the weakenesse of the besieged) that it would haue gone ill with them.
[Page 525] In these furious assaults (which the night brake off) hauing fought almost foure A houres, there died of the besieged foure and twentie souldiers, and thirteene bourgers, besides them that were hurt. On the Spaniards side they did speake of fiue hundred, among the which were eleuen captaines and commaunders: And without doubt, if the powder of the towne had not beene somewhat moist, there had beene many more slaine: for comming to the breach, they discouered themselues, as if they had beene of musket proofe. Among the besieged, Diericke Duyuel of Amsterdam, and Conrade of Steenwike, captaines, whereof the one was at the gate of Friseland, and the other at the red tower, behaued themselues valiantly. Colonel Cabilliau (a man of a mild disposition) although hee were sicke, was at the rampar, to giue some courage vnto the besieged by his presence. B
There was also a Scottishman called Cornellis, who had beene an ensigne in Harlem, hauing escaped the Spaniards hands, and come to Alcmar, did wonders against the enemie: of whom (during these assaults) hee slew aboue twenty with his owne hand, the which did free them from the iealousie which they had before of him. Of two Pontons or bridges, which the Spaniards had thought to bring vnto the red tower, the inhabitants burned one of them the night following.
The same moneth the dukes Iohn Casimire and Christopher his brother, sonnes to prince Frederic, elector Palatine of Rhyne, meeting vpon a heath with certaine carts laden with powder, the which were sent out of Germanie to the duke of Alua. These princes knowing whence they came, and whether they went, causing them to be vnladen, and the barrels C to bee set one vpon another, with a long traine they set fire on them, and blew them vp.
The duke of Alua being aduertised hereof, made his complaint vnto the emperour, who writ vnto the said princes. Whereunto duke Casimire made answere by letters from Heydelberch the twelfth of October, by the which he confessed freely, that he had done it, knowing to what end that powder was intended, that is to say, to the ruine and desolation of the good townes of the Netherlands, as they had done at Harlem; the which the princes of the empire should in no sort suffer, That such a Tyrant as the duke of Alua was, should in that manner destroy the good Netherlands, their neere neighbours, that in the end the king of Spaine hauing suppressed them, and reduced those countries into seruitude, the duke would D then fall vpon Germanie, trouble their quiet, and in the end (knowing the said duke of Alua to be an inueterate enemie to the Germanes) reduce them to the same slauerie that hee had done the Netherlands: for the preuenting and hindering whereof, both hee and all other princes were bound to employ all their forces and meanes. Wherefore they should rather allow and commend that act which they had done in their owne countrey, and vpon their owne lands, than accuse or blame them. And therefore hee entreated his imperiall Maiestie, with many other reasons, not to impute this as a blame vnto him, seeing he had done it for the ease and reliefe of their neighbours, the which in the end would redound vnto the seruice of all Germanie, their common countrey. And this was the substance of duke Casimires answere, of whome the duke of Alua could get no other satisfaction for all his storming. E
The twentieth of September, about nine of the clock in the morning, the Spaniard renued his batterie at Alcmar, with the which he did more annoy the houses than the rampars, the which were presently repaired with earth which the bourgers brought, & that day they made seuen hundred shot: after noone he drew his troupes out of Oudt-Dorpe, to assayle the red tower againe. But as they would haue approched the other bridge which remained, the shot came so thicke from the towne, as the captaines (notwithstanding all their threats and blowes) could not draw the souldiers to the assault, although (as they sayd) they slew aboue fiftie, refusing to goe, for which cause the tower was not assaulted that day. And although Dom Frederic promised much and largely vnto his souldiers, if they did winne F the towne, yet he got nothing at this assault, but great losse of his men, and many hurt. On the other side, those that were appointed to giue the assault at the Friseland port, seeing the losse of their companions that were neere the tower, kept them quiet by the myll.
[Page 526] And in this sort the Spaniard by his wilfulnesse did inure the besieged to manage armes, A whilest that the pesants and the women repayred the rampars. After Sunne-set, is a troupe of horse and foot passed along the ditch, a young man, a gunner, discharged a [...]ne charged with nayles, at them, and made a great spoyle of them, and so the Spaniards retyred euery one to his quarter.
Behold how God shewed himselfe vnto them of Alcmar, who although they had no assistance from their neighbours, yet did he not forsake them in their greatest need: for euen it seemed the heauens and the winds would fight for them; for that the wind did suddenly change, euen as the Spaniards thought to approch their bridge, which made them to recoile backe, and fauoured the besieged, blowing full in their enemies faces from that time the Spaniard seemed as if he would rayse his campe: For the two and twentieth day he dislodged B from the fort which he had ioyning vnto the bulwarke, on the South side, the which he did in the night. The besieged went thither at the breake of day, from whence they brought some small bootie, and brake the bridge which their enemies had made with so great paine and toyle, they layed the fort euen with the ground; and by the retyring of some tents and pauilions which were on the South side, the besieged had some more libertie and scope for to looke abroad. They did also discouer at night, that right against the red tower they did lade certaine barrels of powder, to carry them vnto Oudt-Dorp.
And although at that time the besieged seemed to bee somewhat assured, and did not much care to know their enemies designes, yet it fell out, that the man which was sent to C helpe to ruine them, was he which discouered vnto them the practises and policie of their enemies. For there came a certaine French souldier into the towne, one of those which had remayned prisoner at the taking of Harlem, as it were to yeeld himselfe; who being examined of the causes, why he left the Spaniard to come vnto them, hee confessed freely vnto them, That he had beene sent by their enemies, to obserue their behauiour, and to see how the bourgers and souldiers did agree together, and that he should find some meanes (with the helpe of the Romane Catholickes, to deliuer the towne, and if hee did find any likelyhood to effect it, he should giue them some signe from the rampar, eyther by mouth, or otherwise; if not, he should returne vnto them by a certaine day appointed, and informe them of the state of the towne: but knowing well, that what he had promised them, was to play D the traytor, and that he had done it to saue himselfe from them, hauing beene alwaies carefull of the good of the towne, and the preseruation of the inhabitants, hee said, That they had promised him great matters, if he could effect it, the which neuer entred into his thought to performe.
The gouernours of the towne did easily beleeue it, for that he had so freely and plainely reuealed some of the enemies secrets. The bourgomasters, captains, and chiefe of the swome companies, promised one another, not to impart vnto the common; what the Frenchman had declared vnto them; but only they should giue them to vnderstand, That within fifteene daies the enemie would raise the siege, knowing well, that the Germanes would come to succour them: yet this French souldier was safely kept. E
Among other things which he discouered, he said, That the Spaniard was much discontented, that hauing continued his siege so long before the towne, he could neuer learne by any that came foorth, nor by any letters from the Catholickes, in what estate the besieged were, and what their resolution was, nor whence they did recouer that wherof they had need: which shewed, that some bourgers were wrongfully taxed and suspected (as oftentimes souldiers cannot be silent) to haue beene in the Spaniards campe, or to haue giuen them some aduertisements by letters fastened vnto arrowes. For this cause they sent not foorth any more messengers to their neighbours, fearing they should be taken, and so discouer the secrets of the towne, and the estate wherein it stood.
The fiue and twentieth of the moneth, the Spaniard (whome the besieged had taken the F fifteenth day, at the fort of the red tower) was hanged: the which was chiefely done, that the companions of this French souldier (who were also of those prisoners that were brought from Harlem) who answered for him body for body, that he should returne at the appointed [Page 527] day, should not be in danger for his not returning; and therefore this Spaniard was hanged A in the Frenchmans clothes, to make the Spaniards beleeue (seeing him hang so) that it was the Frenchman himselfe, who being discouered, had beene so trussed vp, whereby his companions, that were prisoners, might bee freed from their conditionall caution. So this poore wretched Spaniard must die to preserue the rest from death, and thus miserably was hee rewarded, for that being the onely prisoner that had bin taken in this warre, he had discouered the secrets of his party: but it was held more conuenient, that one man alone, being a prisoner in the same degree, should suffer, than many of their friends.
The gouernours and magistrates had promised the souldiers of their garrison, That if it pleased God they might preserue their town, they would giue them all new clothes: but they changed their minds, for that there was not cloth sufficient in the towne; and if there had B beene, yet was it not all of one bountie, which might haue bred iealousie, and caused the souldiers to murmure. Therefore to make all things equall, money being also scant, the superiour magistrates caused dallars of tynne to be coyned, of three shillings apiece, with promise, that (the towne being deliuered) they would redeeme them for good siluer at the rate, so as neyther souldiers nor bourgers should not loose any thing: This was decreed the 28 day of the moneth.
The next day (this money being suddenly coyned) it was distributed to euery souldier that had a single pay, six of those dallars, to him that had a double, twelue, and so to officers and captaines accordingly; so as the whole summe amounted to 10000 Florins, but the souldiers were not well satisfied therewith. C
The Spaniards hauing had such bad successe in all their assaults, began to thinke vpon their retreat, and to trusse vp their baggage: for the fiue and twentieth of the moneth of nine peeces which they had planted at the port of Friseland, they saw but three, and of seuen at the red tower, but three also, which had their breeches turned; and the next day those which were remaining at the port, were no more seene; but the culuerins at the myll and the three peeces at the tower were yet remaining.
The Spaniards did nothing all these three dayes but lade their artillerie and munition; for the carying of which away, they must of necessitie repaire the waies betwixt Oudt-Dorp and the towne, being all broken by the inundations of the sea, so as they were forced to cary away a great part in barkes to Egmont. From the first of October to the sixt, the Spaniard did nothing D but trusse vp his baggage, carrying away their artillerie both by carts and in boats, with exceeding great difficultie, by reason of the tempests and continuall raine, so as it seemed in their retreat, that God and heauen was against them.
The seuenth day there came a man, who reported, That vpon the Scheermer, the Protestants ships of Holland had fought with them of Amsterdam, who were retired after that they had lost one of their ships. He said also, That the Waterlanders, which are the towns of Edam, Monikendam, & Puremende, imitating the example of them of Alcmar, were full of courage, resoluing rather to hazard body and goods, than to yeeld to the Spaniards: That he had heard an old souldier of the enemies say, That he had neuer seene such furious assaults, & so continued, as those that were giuen at Alcmar, in the which there died aboue 1400 men, and among E others, two great commanders, the one was buried at Beuerwyc, and the other at Amsterdam, with a stately funerall pompe.
The eight day all the Spanish forces made their retreat in order of battaile, marching from Oudt-Dorp towards Berghen; some of the besieged sallyed forth, and without the consent Alcmar freed from the siege. or knowledge of their superiors (accompanied with some souldiers and mariners of their galleyes and shippes of warre) went to Oudt Dorp, an auncient and well renowned village, which they burned.
And thus passed the siege of Alcmar, after it had continued seuen weeks, wheras the bourgers shewed themselues not onely to haue the courage and hearts of souldiers, but of Lyons: wherof the Prouerb grew; That the duke of Al [...]a during his gouernment had made the marchants F and mariners of Holland souldiers; the neat heards of Spaine Hidalgos that is to say gentlemen; the A Prouerbe. Germane souldiers bribers, the Wallons theeues (who were wont to be good men) gentlewomen & honest virgins strumpets, and whores and bauds ladies and gentlewomen.
[Page 528] At that time the emperour Maximilian (according to his bountie and naturall clemencie) A pitying the afflictions and miseries of these Netherlands, did what he could to persuade the The emperor seeketh the peace of the Netherlands. king of Spaine to giue some rest to so many miseries, entreating him to bee at peace with his subiects. He writ also to the prince of Orange, exhorting him to peace, promising to bee a means for him to recouer his goods that were seized on in the Netherlands & in Bourgoigne (these were practises come from Spaine, to make him abandon them of Holland & Zeeland) or else to cause him to haue recompence for the same of some seigniories in Germanie, or in the countie of Charolois. But the emperour preuailed nothing on either side; the king of Spain (hauing begun to know the humor of the prince) continuing firme in the answer which he had made in the yeare 1569, to the archduke Charles the emperours brother, who was sent into Spaine to the same end, with ample instructions, to seeke to mollifie the kings heart. On B the other side, the prince of Orange answered, That in this warre he did not seek, nor euer had sought his owne priuat interest, but only the peace and quiet of the commonweale, the maintenance of religion, the kings seruice, & to chase out of the Netherlands the Spanish tyrannie, whereunto (he said) he was called, the which he would discharge with his best endeuors: and therefore nothing was done at this time. Yet the emperour, moued with a true and Christian pietie, did not desist, vntill that in the yeare 1575 they entred into conference at Breda, as wee shall hereafter see. But let vs returne to Zeeland.
The Spanish fleet (commanded by the seignior of Beauvoir) being returned to Antuerp, the Zeelanders were aduertised, that the Spaniards intention was to send him backe speedily vnto Zeeland. Middlebourg, wherof colonel Mondragon gaue great suspition, causing the head of the hauen C on the side of Arnemuyden to be fortified. The Protestants of Zeeland began again to assemble their forces at Flessingue, to hinder the said victualling: for the effecting whereof, there arriued in October the seignior of Poyet, a French gentleman, who was sent by the prince of Orange to commaund the forces. And for that the bourgers of the towne were very much tired, and that the Spaniard was readie to descend, he led those troupes to Soeteland, in the which was the regiment of Hellin, of foure companies of Germanes, and one of Wallons: besides, the ordinarie companies of the garrison of Flessingue went thither, & soone after the Scottishmen arriued, and the companie of Grenu from Zirickzee.
The said captaine Poyet, on the last day of August, before his comming to Flessingue, surprised in the prince of Orange his name, at the breake of day, with a wonderfull dexteritie, Geertrnydenberg surprised by the prince. D (after the rising of the guard) the strong towne of Geertruydenberg (belonging vnto the prince by inheritance) where there were six hundred Wallons and Flemings in garrison: the which were for the most part cut in pieces. But captaine Draek, the gouernour, saued himselfe, with nine or tenne souldiers more, by a window, which looked into the towne-ditch, casting himselfe downe, leauing behind him vpon his table, the lendings which the day before he had receiued for his souldiers, to be diuided among the princes souldiers, who had the bootie.
As matters passed thus at land, after the deliuerance of Alcmar, and the taking of Geertruydenberg, the duke of Alua meaning to be reuenged of the West-Frisons (of which number those of Alcmar are) caused a great fleet of thirtie ships to be prepared at Amsterdam, to subdue them, wherof he gaue the charge to Cont Bossu, whose admirall shippe was called the E Inquisition; which earle hauing sayled with his fleet a little in the Zuyderzee; he met with the ships of the West-Frisons, of Enchuysen, of Monykendam, and the Waterlanders. These two armies being met, made a furious fight both with their canon and their small shot: when they came to ioine with the Frisons, it seemed at the first that the victory inclined to the Spaniards; but being succoured by the Waterlanders their neighbours, the chance turned presently: for Cont Bossu was enuironed on all sides, and boorded by the Protestants, casting wild fire from their two castles vpon the Spaniards: so as the earle seeing himselfe abandoned of all his fleet, hauing fought from noon on the eleuenth day all night, vntil the next day at noon, defending himselfe valiantly, after great losse of his men, in the end he was forced to yield. The Spaniards F seeing in what extremitie they were, despairing of all mercie from their victorious enemies, were once resolued to set fire on the powder, to burne themselues with the shippe: but hearing that the earle had capitulated for them, they left their armes, and yeelded. [Page 529] The other Spanish ships seeing their admirall taken, fled as swiftly as they could to Amsterdam: A but that of captaine Westhen was sunke with the Canon. Cont Bossu with his Inquisition, and all the rich bootie that was in it, was carried to Horne.
This battaile at sea was the two and twentieth of October. It seemed that Cont Bossu did vndertake this battaile, more for despight (to the end hee would not bee called cowardly Fleming, as it happened to cont Aremberg in Friseland) than for any hope he had to vanquish the Protestants: for those Spaniards being yet in Amsterdam, had said in disdaine & mockery, that the Enchuysens had no artillerie but of painted wood, the which they felt to their cost in this battaile.
The duke of Alua being in Amsterdam after this defeat, was not quiet in mind, fearing a mutiny of the people, and the rather, for that he had attempted (but failed) to bring in a garrison of B Spaniards, so as he departed with Dom Frederic his son secretly out of the towne, and went to Brussels.
The siege of Alcmar being raised, and the duke of Alua and his sonne seeing themselues out of hope to take any place by force, he resolued to patience, and to vanquish them in making the warres long, presuming, that holding the countrey in their subiection (which the States could not yet hinder) they should weary the townes, & in the meane time they might practise some intelligences, or for want of victuals take some place of import. This proiect was not without good consideration: for the truth was, that Leyden, one of the foure chiefe towns of Holland (after the which they gaped more than any other, the seignior of Noyelle, a gentlemā vpon the riuer of Escaut being then gouernor) was very ill prouided, wherof they wanted no C aduertisements from the towne it selfe: according to the which they did shut it vp so close, making many small forts about it, as there was small likelyhood of any means to succour it, but by the meanes which the prince of Orange vsed soone after for the first time.
When as the duke of Alua aduaunced to besiege Alcmar, he sent Francisco de Baldes, master of the campe, with his Tertio of the league, fiue cornets of horsemen, and some twelue companies of Wallons out of sundrie regiments, commaunding him to march in the bowels of Holland, and relieue his troupes in the rich villages, where he should thinke best, betwixt Leyden, Delft, and the sea coast, as farre as the riuer of Meuse and the towne of Brill, charging him not to attempt any thing without his priuitie and consent, vnlesse it were vpon very sure intelligence with some of the townes. D
Baldes being entred into the rich village of the Haghe, he found it capable to lodge double his troupes all in houses, and most in beds. Hauing lodged there some few dayes, hee caused all the villages to bring him in such necessaries as he pleased: then he aduanced some of his companies to a village called Risricke, in the way towards Leyden from Delft, the which he intrenched and barricadoed, and hee intrenched his first guards at the bridge, in the mid way betwixt the Haghe and Delft, whereas the troupes on both sides had many a hote skirmish, both neere vnto their guards, and sometimes hard at the ports of Delft. Colonel Morgan his regiment, and diuers companies of Frenchmen, were lodged in the villages betwixt Delft and Rotterdam, very safely from the enemie, by reason that both these townes couered them both behind and before, and great ditches on eyther side, which were E not to be passed with troupes, hauing any guards to defend them.
These troupes were alwayes readie to thrust into Delft, Rotterdam, Delfts hauen, or Maeslandt Sluce, where the enemie should first attempt. In Leyden was Monsieur de Lorges, sonne to that braue earle of Montgomerie, with a goodly French regiment, and other companies of Scots, and of the countreymen and bourgers, well armed. In Delft was captaine Chester, with two hundred Englishmen, whom afterwards the prince made colonel of those troupes, by reason of some spleene against colonel Morgan. There were also in it three fayre companies of Frenchmen, besides the bourgers, who were all well armed. In Rotterdam were some companies of Scots, and of the countreymen, besides the bourgers. At Delfts hauen was Monsieur de Maysonfleur, with sundrie bands both of F French, Scottish, and of the countrey. And in Maeslandt Scluce was Monsieur de S. Aldegonde and Terlon, with some twelue hundred, most of them countreymen, with many pesants and bourgers.
[Page 530] The garrisons wrought continually to fortifie these two last mentioned, so as both were A made strong and guardable with reasonable defences, especially Delfts hauen, which was not easily to be woon, hauing necessaries fit for a fort. Monsieur de Poyet, for the better assurance of Leyden, being the neerest place inuested by the enemie, thrust himselfe into it. Baldes had made diuers practises to haue surprised Leyden and Delft by trecherie, but they succeeded not. After which fruitlesse attempts he aduertised the duke of Alua of his affaires, and that no good could be done without an armie, and artillerie: whereupon hee requested more troupes, or leaue to retyre.
The duke of Alua remembring his disgrace at Alcmar, fearing his armie should mutinie, if he should ouer-charge them with trauell, hauing no treasure to content them, hee resolued and determined to retyre vnto Brussels: but before his departure, hee sent Iulian Romero, B master of the campe, into his armie lying in the countrey, neere vnto Vtrecht, commaunding him (if hee could) to cause his regiment of Lombardie to march into Holland, and to ioyne with Baldes. He also commaunded Monsieur de Capres to procure his regiment of Wallons to doe the like, and the regiment of Frousberg, a Germane. All which colonels had charge to procure them to march willingly, and not to force them at all. He also commaunded Mendosa, generall of the Horse, to send six of the best cornets with them.
These regiments and horsemen being well content to enter into Holland, and sworne to obey their colonels in all seruices, the duke of Alua gaue the chiefe commaund vnto Iulian, and next vnto him Baldes, making Verdugo gouernour of Harlem, with his regiment C of Wallons, and one cornet of horse, with three ensignes of Germanes out of Frousberg his regiment. Iulian and his succours beeing arriued, and hauing conferred with Baldes, they resolued and determined to attempt Maeslandt Sluce; whither they marched from the Haghe with sixe peeces of batterie, carrying with them (in waggons) skutes and small boats to make bridges ouer ditches, with all other things necessarie for their enterprise: so as they tooke the great ditch on both sides of the Sluce, hauing mounted their artillerie on both sides of the dike, they dismounted theirs within the towne, which did beat the dike: Then turning their Ordnance towards the riuer of Meuse (which is aboue a league broad in that place) they beat away such vessels as the defendants had ankering before their fort. Monsieur de Terlon being admirall and gouernour of Briel: seeing their successe, D departed out of the fort in a skute (with great hazard) to recouer Bryel, presently the enemies passed with their boats ouer the dike into Meuse, the which did much daunt S. Aldegonde and his garrison. So as hauing no meanes to auoid the danger they were in, nor any hope of succours, the souldiers compounded for their fort, deliuering and yeelding Maesland sluce yeelded. vp vnto the enemie their gouernour S. Aldegonde, with others, with their ensignes and armes.
Thus this fort was lost, partly, by reason, that the States shippes of warre durst not aduenture nor hazard to dismount the enemies artillerie, the which they might haue easily done, if they had shewed their accustomed valour and courage therein: but the especiall reason was; for that they of the fort did not cut the dike on both sides of the fort, E to haue drowned the countrey; which done, the enemie would neuer haue attempted the place.
Whilest that the Spaniards did wander freely in the good villages of Holland, the Zeelanders slept not: for the fiue and twentieth of October captaine Poyet, lieutenant vnto the [...]. prince, departed from Flessingue, with the garrison of the towne, the companie of Grenu, one of high Dutch, and some fortie French, and marching all night along the dike of Ramekin, they went and made a trench within canon shot of Middlebourg, to keepe in the Spaniard, that he should not hinder him from making of a fort at the head of the channell of Middlebourg, which they held to bee fit, to cut off the passage for the victualling; wherein they laboured with such diligence, as this fort was in defence, before their enemies F had discouered it. Poyet left his Frenchmen to guard the sayd trench, with the Wallons of captaine Barnard, Eloy, and Grenu, putting into the fort which the Spaniards had on the side of Arnemuyden, some other Wallons and Flemings.
[Page 531] The same night Mondragon beeing aduertised of the comming of the Zeelanders, sent A twelue harguebusiers to discouer them; who approching to the sayd trench, were chased backe neere vnto the ports of Middlebourg. Mondragon aduertised by them that the Protestants had intrenched themselues there, sent foorth by the breake of day three companies of the brauest men of all his regiment, who like desperate men came to assayle them that guarded this trench, and by reason of a thicke foggie myst, they approched so neere, as they were readie to come to handie blowes: but the Spaniards seeing captaine Failli and some foure or fiue others ouerthrowne, began to faint, and to retyre. Those that were in the trench were resolute, and had promised one another, rather to die in the place than to abandon it, although they were not aboue fourescore men, and that they saw the high Dutch and Flemings which were behind them vpon the head, begin to flie. There was among them thirty Frenchmen, the B rest were Wallons of the abouenamed companies.
At this assault there was hurt captaine Ambrose le Duke, sargeant maior, the Seignior of Ferriere, a French gentleman, with seuen or eight other souldiers, and foure of the Protestants side slaine: and of the Spaniards, two captaines, Failli and Raphael, three lieutenants, three Sargeants, fiue Corporals, tenne or twelue Souldiers, and about fiftie were hurt.
In the meane time they fortified the long head of the channell at Middlebourg, on Ramekins side, euery one iudging, that it might serue much to hinder the victualling of the sayd towne, if the Spaniards did attempt to passe that way: but the season was so rainie and so tempestuous, as the souldiers shewing themselues impatient, as well in their worke, as by reason C of the myre, and the vnseasonablenesse of the weather, it was impossible to finish it: so as after they had sent backe the artillerie which they had brought, the fort was abandoned.
The sixt of Nouember, the armie of Antuerpe began againe to set saile towards Zeeland, and hauing stayed some time in the riuer neere vnto Lillo, the Spaniard caused his small boates to passe by Berghen vpon Soom, to get that way to Arnemuyden: the which they might easily haue done, hauing chased away those that guarded the passage on that side, if the tide had not failed them, so as they were forced to cast anker, and so the Flessinguers which attended them on the other side, had leisure, to come and meet them, the tide seruing them. Then the Spaniards seeing the Zeelanders hast towards them, being resolute to charge them, D they weighed anker, and some for hast cut their cables, sayling directly towards Berghen, where they were cooped vp by the Zeelanders, who pursued them thither.
In this flight the Spaniard lost one of his shippes, the which beeing runne on ground, was taken by them of Zeeland, with two others; who not knowing the Zeelanders, nor what to doe, fell among the middest of the Protestants. The Spaniards being retyred to Berghen, most of the Protestants shippes came about Romerswael, where they besieged about a hundred souldiers which the duke of Alua had sent thither with artillerie, to stop the nauigation betwixt Holland and Zeeland; which souldiers compounded with them the next day, to disloge with their liues and, armes saued.
The next night there was a Sargeant of a band taken, who brought store of powder and E match for those souldiers of Romerswael who retiring from thence, left three brasse peeces of Romerswael yeelded to the Zeelanders. ordnance, and fiue hoyes laden with munition for Middlebourg. And for that the Zeelanders receiued aduertisement, That the duke of Alua would send greater forces thither than before, they were forced to set fire on it.
In the meane time the Spaniard sought all meanes to passe his victuals to Middlebourg, and The prince of Oranges comming into Zeeland. knowing that the ships of Zeeland were in gard before Berghen, the eight of December there passed in the night from Ter Goes two small hoyes carrying 436 sackes of corne; who answering the Zeelanders that were at the passage, That they came from Romerswael, and that they went to Flessingue (of whence they said they were) passed without any difficultie: it could not be knowne whether it were willingly done, or that they did let them thus slippe by simplicitie. F
The thirtieth of December the prince of Orange arriued at Flessingue, where hee was receiued with great ioy of the inhabitants; whose comming gaue vnto them such [Page 532] courage, as suddenly they armed out many small barkes, to keepe guard round about the A Island. Hee had beene the one and twentieth of that moneth at Zirickzee, from whence he went to see the fleet of Zeeland before Berghen, then he came to la Vere, and in the end to Flessingue.
The duke of Alua seeing by the bad successe of the siege of Alcmar, by the taking of Cont Bossu his admirall, by the yeelding vp of Ramekins, the chiefe fort of Zeeland, and the small hope and likelyhood to succour Middlebourg, being much distressed by the Protestants of Zeeland, and by the losse of two or three armies at sea, which he had sent, the one vnder the Seignior of Blicqui, the other vnder the Seignior of Beauvoir, that in the end his affayres would not proue successefull, knowing also, that for his cruelties he was not beloued: hee laboured in Spaine (by the meanes of Cardinall Granuelle) to be called home, and discharged B from his gouernment of the Netherlands, as he was, and departed from Brussels the twelfth of December with his sonne Dom Frederic, of whom they sayd, Egregiam vero landem & spolia The duke of Alua's retreat. ampla refertis, tuque puer que tuus, & memorabile nomen. His Secretarie Armenteros and his chiefe counsellor Iohn de Vergas, president of the counsell of Troubles, followed them, who had not forgotten to enrich themselues with the ruine of the poore inhabitants of the countrey, which the duke left wonderfully estranged for the king his master, and worke prouided for Dom Lewis of Riquesens, commaunder of Castile, his successor in the gouernment, who arriued at Brussels the seuenteenth of Nouember, to be instructed in those affaires by the duke, before he retyred out of the countrey, and the designes which he had proiected, as well for the siege of Leyden, as for the victualling of Middlebourg, and the recouerie of Zeeland. Behold how the Netherlands had successiuely two strange gouernours, against the rights, liberties, C freedomes, and the kings oath, which did not allow any other gouernor or gouernesse, but of his bloud, or borne in the countrey.
Being come to the end of the duke of Alua his gouernement, I thinke it not amisse (to satisfie What the duke of Alua's enemies write of him. the mind of the reader, that may be desirous to know more particularities touching him) to make a briefe rehearsall of the said dukes actions, gouernments, and cruelties, the which are set downe in writing by his aduersaries.
First, they charge him, That hee had counselled the king to vse all extremities in all causes concerning the Netherlands, and was alwaies the head of such as were worst affected vnto those prouinces. D
That he was the onely meanes and nourishing of the disliking and contention betweene Dom Charles prince of Spaine, and Dom Iohn de Austria, and betweene others and him, by his bad reports. And that hauing gotten the charge and gouernment of the Netherlands, that he had procured his instructions and commission to be made according to his owne will and desire, conformable to the auncient hatred that he had conceiued against that countrey; adding thereunto, That he had beene receiued more peaceably and friendly into the Netherlands, than he hoped or desired, which was onely in regard of the honour and duty they owe vnto their naturall prince, and vpon the promise made by the regent, the duchesse of Parma, who would haue seene all things past forgiuen and forgotten, for that euery one had done his best endeuour, to the vttermost of his power, for his Maiesties seruice, and the peace of the land. But the duke being come, hee presently declared, That the priuiledges and E freedomes of the countrey, the institution of the order of the golden Fleece, and the priuiledges of the Vniuersitie of Louaine (which the king had personally sworne to obserue) were all forfeited and lost; thereby to hold and account the land to be as a strange countrey newly woon and conquered by the sword, and therein to rule and raigne according to his will and pleasure.
They say further, That his cruelties were so vnnaturall and vngodly, that neither Nero, Pharaoh, Herode, nor any Heathen tyrant, could euer haue deuised or inuented greater. That he had brought the king into a contempt and great dislike of the Netherlands, although they were his patrimoniall inheritance, contrarie to the admonition and counsell of Aristotle F giuen to Alexander the Great, That to the Grecians he should shew himselfe a father, and as vnto a free Nation; but to the conquered Barbarians and strangers, as a lord and commaunder.
[Page 533] That hee had caused iudgement to bee giuen, and execution to bee done vpon noble men and great personages, by strangers, defamed persons, and men of base condition and A qualitie: and not without great and particular desire of reuenge, beeing such personages without the which the king, nor the emperour his father, should neuer haue attained to so great estate and glorie. And that in Brussels, vnder pretence o [...] hatred of religion, hee had tyed one Anthonie Vtenhowe a gentleman, to a stake with a chaine, compassing him about with a great fire, but not touching him, for the Spaniards to passe the time withall, turning him round about like a poore beast: who was forced to liue in that great paine and extremitie, roasting before the fire, so long, vntill that the halberdiers themselues, hauing compassion of him, thrust him thorow, contrarie to the will and intent both of the duke and Spanish priests. B
That hee had mooued the king to helpe himselfe by foure tyrannicall meanes: First, to disarme the countrey, not suffering the inhabitants to exercise armes, but to imploy strangers in his warres. Secondly, to make and keepe them poore by oppressions, and laying great taxes vpon them. Thirdly, by making of castles and citadels (which some call the dennes and nests of tyrants) to bridle them. And further by feeding and nourishing of diuision among his subiects for religion.
They obiect, That hee had withholden the king for so many yeares (in so great dangers) from comming personally into the countries of the Netherlands, as the emperour his father did, only for the towne of Gand.
That hee had incensed the king so much against the Netherlands as he would not vouchsafe C to heare them, but rather flatterers, their enemies, as it appeared by a packet of letters sent into Spain, where they were kept vnopened nine monethes together, vntill the comming of the cardinall Granuelle into Spaine.
That he had contemned the generall estates of the Netherlands, persecuting, iudging, condemning, and executing the nobilitie and gentlemen thereof, as traytors to their countrey, hauing onely presented an humble petition to the Duchesse of Parma, being Regent, to craue an assembly of the generall estates.
That hee was not content to haue destroyed and brought so many noble men, gentle men, rich and poore people vnto their ends, and to haue banished and driuen so many out of the countrey but had so hardly and badly vsed those that remained in the countrey, as they D were fallen into dispaire, and were pitied and lamented in all kings and princes courts; whereby those that were in the land had beene compelled to ioyne with the banished persons, when as they perceiued that the pardon made by the pope and the king, by his onely meanes and procurement, tended onely to deceit, as beeing full of double interpretations, exceptions, and restrictions, wherein they might not trust, the Netherlands for the most part that are a people that commonly are good, old, and Catholike Christians, beeing esteemed for heretikes, by the new Spanish Mauritane Christians, for which cause many spirituall persons, fearing the rigour and crueltie vsed by punishing and banishing of the people, procured attestations, certificats, and testimonials from their bishops and pastors, to testifie them to be cleer, and not to haue offended; whose names hee caused to bee written, and sent into Spaine, E thereby to bring the Spiritualtie into suspition of heresie, and so to bereaue them of all honour and credit, seeking to bring the Spirituall goods and liuings of the countries of the Netherlands, into the kings hands, after the Spanish manner, thereby to bestow them vpon the Spaniards.
That his crueltie appeared by his ransacking, spoyling, ruining, expelling, destroying, imprisoning, chaining, banishing, and confiscating of mens goods, burning, hanging, beheading, breaking vpon wheeles, hanging men aliue by the feet, and with most horrible and vncredible tormenting, racking, and murthering of so many noble and vnnoble, rich and poore, young and old, widowes and orphanes, men, women, and young maids of all estates and conditions: So as hee bragged sitting at meat, That hee, hauing done the best hee F could to root out all heresies, had caused eighteene thousand men to bee executed and put to death, by the ordinarie minister of iustice, within the space of six yeares that hee gouerned the Netherlands, not accounting those that his souldiers in the warres, by their cruelties, and [Page 534] other tyrannous meanes, had murthered and miserably consumed, and brought vnto their A ends, which without all doubt could not chuse but be an innumerable number: and yet Vergas, the president of his bloudie counsell (that went with him into Spaine) complained, and said, That Nimia misericordia (too much mercie) spoyled the Netherlands. Which his too much mercie was such, that a man could hardly keepe and preserue his owne goods for his and his souldiers couetousnesse, his wife or daughter from their lecherie, and his life from their bloud-thirstinesse: nobilitie, riches, honestie, nor yet any forepassed merit or seruice, could neither helpe nor auaile any man, if hee were once fallen into hatred and dislike of him.
That hee vsed to helpe himselfe to effect his will by suborning of false witnesses, as it appeared at Dornicke, at the death of Martin Hutten, who was the kings officer, executed for B the same.
That without respect of any iurisdictions and ordinarie customes of the country, he tooke all authoritie from the judges, both of criminall and ciuile causes, which in any sort might concerne the confiscations, vsed & executed by his bloudie counsel, whereby neither spirituall nor temporall persons, widowes, nor orphanes, poore hospitals, lazer houses, orphanes houses, nor spirituall hospitals, that had iust and due pentions, and yearely rents, comming, proceeding, and to be yearely paid vnto them, out of the reuenewes of the banished and executed persons goods, could be paid. But he to the contrarie drew it all into his owne hands, without giuing any charge to see the said rents paid out of the confiscated goods and lands once registred: The list whereof he sent vnto the king, amounting as he set it downe, to about, C eight millions of guldernes yearely, that so he might couer his crueltie with the profit thereof and thereby win great commendation in Spaine.
That the vnreasonable and vnspeakable exactions and taxes one following the other (besides the confiscations aforesaid) exacted and laid vpon the poore people, were exceeding great, as the hundreth pen [...]e graunted vnto him for six yeares, which amounted vnto many millions of guldernes; the twentieth penie, and also the tenth penie of all goods, moouable and vnmoouable, yea and of all wares bought and sold he asked, and sought by all the means hee could to execute the same (against the aduice of all the estates and counsels of the countrey) not onely proceeding of the cleere gaines of the things sold, but the tenth and twentieth penie of the capitall and principall value of all things sold: so as they should haue driuen all D trade of merchandise, handicrafts, and dealings (whereby the inhabitants for the most part get their liuings) out of the Netherlands: which exaction hee thought with all rigour and extremitie to haue raised and put in practise, if hee had not beene impeached and hindered from the same by the warres; whereas before that, the countrey gaue him twentie hundred thousand guldernes yearely, besides certaine extraordinarie millions continually paid. To conclude, he cau [...]ed the king and the Netherlands, in six yeares gouernment to spend at the least fiftie two millions of guldernes, which came for the most part out of the Netherlanders purses.
That hee caused the English merchants goods that did traffique in Antuerpe (vpon hatred of religion, and thinking thereby to driue them from thence) amounting to seuen hundred E thousands guldernes to be arrested, vnder pretence of money that should be arrested and withholden from him in England (which neuerthelesse appeared to be none of his) writing to the king of Spaine to do the like, without any consideration that the Netherlanders had more to loose in England, who thereby lost in England twelue hundred thousand gulderns wherewith the most worthy and famous queene of England recompenced her subiects for their losses: but the duke of Alua, neither yet the king of Spaine, would not offer, promise, nor pay the Netherlanders one penie, notwithstanding that afterward in the reckoning made by the merchants on both sides, hee hauing receiued in the merchants names about two hundred thousand guldernes of ouerplus found to be in the English merchants hands, would not giue it vnto those persons that had lost it, as the queene of England did, but rather caused many F men (by reason of stopping of the trade) to become bankerupts, to the generall hurt and preiudice of the whole countrey. Besides all this hee charged and burthened the Netherlands with many vnprofitable and vnnecessarie souldiers, and placed strange garrisons of heretikes [Page 535] and Lutherans in the townes within the heart of the countrey: which hee vsed not against A the enemie, but onely for the ruine of the land, and the extirpation of the Catholike seruice of God, spoyling and defacing of churches, cloysters, and altars, as in the countries of Ouerissel, Guelderland, and Brabant, it well appeared. He suffered his Spaniards to bee most commonly twentie eight monethes without their pay, and likewise the Dutch men, whereby hee impouerished the townes, by paying seruice money vnto them, which they must of force pay, or else agree with him, or his sonne, for a certaine summe of money, if they would bee freed thereof. For want of paying his souldiers hee suffered them without all militarie discipline, to vse all riotous, disordered, and forcible actions, as threatning of the people, striking, robbing, ransacking, forcing of women, and such like actions, and to burne and spoyle diuers faire villages, as Catwicke vpon the sea, Santfort, Alfen, and many others: and ransacking diuers townes, to murther the people, thinking to haue entred forcibly into Vtrecht, and other B townes, and to haue spoyled and ransacked the same. What they did to Dornicke, Valencia, Ypre, Mastricht, Deuenter, Merhelen, Oudenarde, Dermonde, Naerden, and else where, is yet in most fearefull remembrance.
In his time in Brussels there was aboue one hundred and thirtie bourgers murthered, and cruelly brought vnto their ends by the Spaniards. In Gand in a certaine vprore made by the Spaniards, there was sixtie or seuentie bourgers at one time, and after that an innumerable number of men and women slaine and murthered. In Ypre likewise at the execution of a preacher, there was two and twentie bourgers shot thorow and killed, besides those that were hurt. In Dornicke at a certaine vprore betweene them of the castle, and the townes garrison, C two Spaniards being slaine, they cried Spania, Spania, and therewith wilfully killed fifteene bourgers: And there likewise they forcibly entred into the widow Pottiers house, in the day time, and killed her daughter, and her cousin, thinking to haue found great store of money in her house, for the which there was no other execution done vpon the offendors, but onely, they that had done the deed were sent away from thence, and put into another garrison.
In Flessingue was there not a bill found about Pacieco (that was kept prisoner by them) wherein was the names of an innumerable number of men, both gentlemen and others of the chiefest bourgers, which by the dukes commaundement should haue beene murthered in the yeare 1572, in diuers townes, thereby to compell them to yeeld to the tenth penie? What D horrible murthers were done and committed in Naerden and Harlem, contrarie to the faithfull promises made in Dom Fredericks name, is manifestly knowne to euery man, where hee caused all the souldiers (not sparing their young boyes and pages) to bee executed, suffering their dead bodies starke naked to lye a whole day and a night vpon the scaffolds, and in the market place, to the great shame and feare of the women and maids: and some of them that had deliuered the towne vnto him, hee determined to send them into Spaine, to bee gally slaues: and those that lay in the Fuyck by Harlem, hee suffered them to die for hunger, saying, That he promised them their liues, but not to giue them meat. The good bourgers hee compelled to bee pioners before the towne of Alcmar, that so hee might bring them vnto their ends. E
There is no honest nor godly Christian, but abhorreth and is ashamed to doe any iniurie. vnto the bodies of the dead, and the buriall of the dead is thought a fit and an honourable thing amongst the Heathens and Barbarians: but the duke of Alua caused diuers dead bodies (to spight both God and man) after they had beene buried and layne certaine daies in the ground, to bee digged vp againe, and to bee drawne vnder the gallowes, and there to bee hanged or burnt, alledging that they died without receiuing the Sacrament, or being confest: but in trueth it was done onely, that according to his proclamation hee might confiscat their goods.
The state of mariage (the onely foundation of all societie in euerie place and towne, and the bond of loue and peace, the right ground of all good life and conuersation amongst F men, which most consisteth in true and right consent) was by the Duke of Alua broken and disanulled, for that the parties that were maried in the reformed assemblies, were held as heretikes, vnlesse they maried againe, which! many did, by that meanes to [Page 536] bestow the rich women vpon his souldiers for a prize: To conclude, hee did openly breake A and disannull all honest amitie and loue, that one man is bound to shew vnto the other, murthering and executing women that holpe their husbands, and children that comforted their parents in their vttermost and greatest extremities, and such as did but comfort them with a letter: as was to bee seene in the towne of Mastricht, where the father was cruelly put to death, because hee lodged his sonne (that hee had not seene in long time before) one night: and another, because hee gaue a poore widow (whose husband had beene put to death for religion) certaine corne for almes: another, for that hee sent certaine money vnto his friend which was then in England: and confiscated the goods of many honest and rich women, because they had lodged their husbands in their houses, whereby they were compelled to beg their bread. B
Hee likewise prophaned the holy Sacrament of Baptisme, causing the children that had beene openly and publikely baptised, in the name of the Father, the Sonne, and the holy Ghost, to bee Baptised againe, because they had beene Baptised (as hee said) by heretikes, which was against the decrees of Counsels, and all the lawes both of God and man.
To shew his extreame pride and high mind, in the castle of Antuerp hee caused his image to bee made and erected of brasse (like Nabuchadnezer) placing vnder his feet the nobilitie and states of the countries of the Netherlands: and at Antuerpe, in the market place (where hee published a pardon) hee caused a princely throne to bee erected, which is vsed to bee set vp, onely therewith to honour princes and kings, which hee of himselfe caused to be set C vp, and sat therein, to the diminishing of the kings honour, which no lieutenant to the king before him euer durst attempt.
This is that, wherewith the countries of the Netherlands, both of the one and the other religion doe charge him.
The duke being safely arriued in Spaine, was well esteemed and accounted of by the king, but not of the common people, which appeared when as he was committed to prison by Bulloa, his owne prouost in times past, in the Low countries, for the mariage of his sonne Dom Frederic, whereat the people generally reioyced: the cause was, for that his sonne Dom Frederic that lay prisoner in Tordesilias, because hee would not marie one of the queenes maids of honour, was by him counselled and prouoked to get out of prison, and to be maried to D Alua Maria de Toledo, daughter to Dom Garcia de Toledo, who beeing maried, returned into prison againe. After that he was alwayes one of the principall of the kings priuie counsell (with one Dom Iohn Idiaco, a man of his owne humor) and hee made him generall of his armie [...] duke of [...]. in the conquest of Portugall, where nine yeares after hee died vpon the twelfth day of September, in the yeare of our Lord God 1582, and in the seuentie fourth yeare of his age.
Hee was a tall leane man, going verie vpright, with a long leane visage, hollow eyes, [...]. sterne and fower of countenance, hauing a great and a verie proud heart, a man well experienced in subtile courtly policie, endowed with great gifts of nature, good vnderstanding, and great experience. Hee was neither couetous nor liberall, but verie costly, and exceeding E proud and glorious in his house. Hee was generally hated and enuied, and euill spoken of, in regard that hee was sower, sterne, and proud, both to his inferiours and equals, hauing too great a conceit and opinion of himselfe. Hee was not beloued neither of the emperour Charles the fifth, nor of the king of Spaine his master, although hee had serued them both for the space of threescore yeares. Hee was an old and well experienced souldier, not onely surpassing all Spaniards, but one that in his time gaue place therein to no man, and a verie strict obseruer and keeper of militarie discipline, when need required. Hee was a man of great iudgement and vnderstanding to conduct and lead an armie, in regard that for the most part he had vsed defensiue warre. He was couragious and bold ynough of his owne person, when hee aduentured himselfe: but to come to a battayle F (without great aduantage) hee was not much addicted. Hee had serued the emperour Charles, and the king of Spaine his sonne, in their principall warres, as in the countries of Italy, Spaine, Fraunce, Hongarie, Germanie, the Netherlands, and Affrica, complaining [Page 537] that hee had not seene the Turkes camp [...]. Hee neuer got lesse honour and reputation, tha [...] A hee did in the Prouinces of the Netherlands, alwayes behauing himselfe more wisely and discreetly in crosses, than in prosperitie. By reason of his sternnesse, hee could doe much with the king, whom hee procured to bee much sterner than hee was by nature, although the emperour Charles the fifth (his father) often said, That his sonne was the sowrest, sternest prince in the world, and that the Netherlands should find him so, and yet the duke of Alua surpassed him.
This is that which both his friends and foes speake and write of him; although for mine own part, I delight not in discouering so fowle cruelties and imperfections in a publike Gouernour.
THe great Commander by the calling home of the Duke of Alua being entred into the gouernment of the Netherlands, and continuing the Dukes first course; the towne of Middelbourg being reduced to extreme necessity and famine, he sent a fleete by sea to succor it, the which he see defeated before his owne eyes, whereof followed the yeelding of Middelbourg, the which Collonel Mondragon deliuered vp to the Prince of Orange. Cont Lodowic the Princes brother came to succor the Netherlands with an Army; the Spaniards leauing the seege of Leyden go to meet him, they defeat him, and he is slaine with Cont Henry his Brother and Duke Christopher. A mutiny of the Spaniards in Antwerp called Fuora villiacos. The Spaniards after the defeat of Cont Lodouic take their lodging againe before Leyden, which had bene long blockt vp, there are faire wars betwixt the Prince and the Commander, who proclaimes a generall pardon, and seemes to desire a peace. A Petition made there-vpon to the king of Spaine. By the Princes aduise the States resolue to drowne the country to succor Leyden, the which they doe, and in the end the Towne is deliuered by the Prince through the dround Land, after that the Towne had endured much miserie the Spaniards being mutined, take Francisco valdes their Generall prisoner, and faile to surprise Vtrecht. The Commander making a shew to desire peace, resolues to wa [...]re, and Oudwater is beseeged and in the end yeelded with many other townes to the Spaniard. The seege of Bomell, which the Spaniard wins deerly. The seege of Ziricxe. The States consult vpon their presernation, and send to demand succors in England. The death of the great Commander to whome the Councell of state for the King of Spaine succeeds in the Gouernment. The Spaniards mutiny, hauing fayled to surprise Brusselles, they fall vpon Alost, they are proclamed, all the country is in armes against them. The Councell of state is seaz [...]d on by the states of Brabant, who write vnto the other prouinces to ioyne with them to chase the spaniards out of the Country. The death of the Emperor Maximilian, the Sack of Antwerp [...]: The comming of Don Iohn of Austria. All the Prouinces of the Netherlands vnited at the pacification of Gand, after which the Castle is beseeged and yeelded to the states, with many other townes, the Spaniards depart out of the Castell of Antwerp, the which is put into the states hands. Don Iohn is receiued for Gouernor, who seekes occasion to renew the warre against the Prince of Orange he goes to Namur, complaines of the states, they sue vnto him, he discouers himselfe, and they growe Iealous of him. Many Castels razed in the Netherlands, as harbours for Spanish tirants. Don Iohn proclaimed an ennemy to the country. The Arch-duke Mathias (the Emperors Brother) called for Gouernor. The states, and Don Iohn in armes. Iealousie disperceth the cheefe of the states, whereby their armie was defeated by Don Iohn, who recouered manie townes: the states raise a new armie and calin the Duke of Aniou to succor them. Duke Casimire comes also, but to small purpose. Arthois and Henault begin to fall from the generall vnion of the Netherlands: troubles in Arras, the death of Don Iohn of Austria.
DOn Lewis of Requesens being entred into the gouernment of the Netherlands, by the Duke of Aluas retreat, thought to succor Middelbourg, the which endured much pouerty and misery, as well by famine as otherwise; besides a great nomber of Bourgers retiring them-selues by boat were daily taken, and many which came flying to Flessingue and la Vere, onely to haue a mouthfull of bread, where after they had fed them, they sent them backe: who not suffered to enter into Middelbourg, for that they hed fled out of it died in the fields (or at the Towne gates) many soldiars comming to yeeld them-selues through famine were entertayned, for that they had need of them. There were letters of the 10. of Ianuary, 1574. written in cipher by Mondragon surprised; Those of Middelbourg in great extremity. by the which hee did aduertise him that he could not hold out aboue the 15. or 16. of the moneth; there were others intercepted written vpon the backe of a Pasport, the which was red holding it before the fire, by the which he intreated the great Commander to aduertise him speedely, if hee had any hope to succor him. The 14. day of the moneth they of Middelbourg ruined the fort which they had with-out the towne towards Flessingue, for that many soldiars which were put there in gard fled to the Protestants. The 19. of the moneth Hans Cocq a marriner passed with a barke from Antwerp to Middelbourg, bringing letters from Don Lewis, containing hope of succors which made the souldiars beseeged resolue, to attend yet some daies, or else they had bene ready to parle. The next day Cocq returned to Don Lewis, to informe him into what extremity the Townes of Middelbourg and Arnemuyden were brought. And that [Page 540] day a ship comming from Danswic meaning to go to Scluse, hauing the wind contrary A fell for Flessingue, thinking (as the brute was then in England that Middelbourg was yeelded vnto the Prince) to sell his Marchandise there to good proffit. This ship hauing passed the hauen of Flessingue, was called to by the ships of war of the Protestants neere vnto Rameken, to cast anchor, the which he did, else he had entred into Middelbourg, and by that meanes the Beseeged had bene vitteled beyond all hope, for in the said ship there were 14 lasts of wheat, 7. of Rie, halfe a last of herring, with some Beere and other comodities. The 23 of the moneth, the Commander don Lewis sent Instructions to Iulien Don Lewis his [...]. Romero, what hee should do in the Conduct of his army for the vitteling of M [...]ddelbourg, the which fell into the Zeelanders hands. ‘The tenor whereof was as followeth, An Instruction of that which Iulian Romero the Maister of the campe is to doe with the B army which he hath in charge, conducting it from Berghes to succor the Ile of Walchrē: By reason of his sodaine departure, he must follow the order which is giuen him by these presents, which is, to conforme himselfe to the voyage which the Chastelaine Sanchio d' Auila shall make, who parts this day from the port of Antwerp with his Army, and shall goe on without stopping of any tyde, vntill he descouers the Ile of Walchren. And the other army which goes vnder the command of the Maister of the campe must doe the like that both the armies shewing them-selues an one instant to the ennemies, they may the more easely effect that which they desire, and concurre to that end with the saide Chastelaine. That which they pretend cheefely to effect with this army: is, to put all the boats laden with vittells into Middelbourg, that no one may miscary, and in these boats C shalbe diuided the soldiars that goe to supply Mondragons Regiment. And wee beleeue that for the due execution thereof, the saide master of [...]he campe hath already giuen couenient order, appointing a place whether the said boats landed with vittells should goe, in respect of the other ships of the army; and that he hath already named the person that shall haue speciall charge of those barkes laden with vittells, and hath appointed him what to doe, and in what sort he should put them into Middelbourg. It is certenly beleeued, that the enemie hearing of the good order of this army, will not attend them, and that they shall not fight, especially if they see them saile with that care and circumspection that is requisite. But if it hapned otherwise, and that they should oppose their army to ours, to stop the passage of sucours, in that case they must fight, and striue to defeat them, and to open the passage to put in the said succors, which done it shalbe at D their choise to execute that which is to be done after-wards, according to occasion, & the state wherein the two armies shalbe, and it seemes to be the more safe to ioyne with that of Sanchio d' Auila, and to treat together what is to be done, as well for the poursuing of the ennemies army and the whole defeating thereof, as for the attempting of any other enterprise vpon the Ile of Walchren, or in that of Zirecxe, seeing they haue bin aduertised of that which may be done vpon the one and the other, and that all haue good knowledge thereof. The succors being set downe, there is no certaine rule can be giuen, for that which is to be done, for that all doth then depend vpon the estate wherein they shall be found: wherefore it is referred wholy to them to treat and resolue with Sanchio d' Auila, who hath great knowledg and experience in those quarters, GOD giuing E such a victory as the ennemies armie may be defeated, or the chanells abandoned, so as there may be meanes to passe, it shall bee fit to put into Middelbourg all the graine and vittles of Ter-Goes, so as the Inhabitants of Middelbourg may finde meate for their money: whereof the said maister of the campe and Chastelaine may giue the charge vnto Captaine Isidore Pachieco, that hee may shew what diligence hee can therein: And the like shall bee done for the corne that is at Scluse, the which being put by the Gouernor of the place into boats, shall bee also conducted vnto Middelbourg. There shall bee also giuen vnto Romero with this present Instruction, a letter which I writ vnto Collonell Mondragon, that after the saide succors shall bee sent vnto him; F time and oportunity permitting, it shalbe good to conferre with him, and to know what he thinks fittest to attempt or to doe after the said succors: who hauing also many expert marriners in those chanells he may giue them some that they may saile the more safely, the which they shall doe together, or either of them apart. After the saide [Page 541] succors giuen, the which will be presently knowne throughout all the Ilands of Zeland, A it may happen (as we are aduertised from diuerse parts) that some Townes will desire to yeeld to his Maiesties seruice, wherof there was a pattent giuen vnto them to receiue them, and to pardon that was past. Hauing care to that which shall be needfull for these townes that shall so yeeld. When the two armies shall ioyne with the said succors, the said Maister of the Campe and Castelain, shall gouerne the whole armie ioyntly together, holding good correspondencie, as the case shall require, bee it in sailing together, or a part, as they shall thinke it most conuenient. To the end that Sanchio d' Auila may vnderstand what order is giuen vnto the maister of the campe, the like instruction hath bin sent vnto him, to execute for his part that which doth concerne him, as well in sailing with the army which he conducts, omitting not any one point, & discouering himselfe B at the same time vnto the enemies; as in fighting and striuing to defeate them, and the two armies shall ioyntly pursue together, what shall be fit to be attempted, according vnto that which hath bin before declared. Being carefull to aduertise me particularly of all that shall happen, to the end I may prouide for things as shall be most conuenient. Made at Antwerpe the 23. of Ianuary 1574. Signed Don Lewis of Requesens: and vnderneath, Domingo Camillo.’
The 24. of Ianuary parted from Antwerp that great sea-fleet which the commander had prepared from his first arriuall for the victualing of Middelbourg, which he assured himselfe to do in despight of all the forces of Zeland, & of all other Protestants, whom he would see fight with his owne eyes. At the departure of this Armadoe, one of the C chiefe ships belonging vnto Giles Hofman of Antwerp, did run on ground and was lost: in an other ship a peece breaking 30. men were slaine, & the ship lost. The same day two Sea-captaines of Flessingue, men of great experience, lying at anchor before Arnemuyden, went forth to refresh themselues at Flessingue; and comming vpon the [...]ike, for that the winde and tide was against them, they were taken by the garrison of Arnemuyden, one of them hauing first thrust one of the soldiers thorow with his sword that tooke them. During all this time, from the last of October 1573. the towne of Leyden was besieged a far of by the Spaniards, of whom the besieged by their sallies and skirmishes The towne of Leyden besieged. did some times get; for they were not so straightly besieged, but they might issue forth and feed their cattell in the meadowes about the towne: the Spaniard endeuouring onely (seeing that by assault they could not gaine much) to famish them in D time, and to force them to yeeld. The last of December the besieged sent some Barkes into the sea of Harlem, to seeke their fortunes, the which they found, bringing backe some boates laden with victuals, the which was solde in the towne for eight thousand Florins, and some good prisoners which payed two or three thousand Florins a peece. The 20. of Ianuary following they of Leyden made a sally by land vpon the Braue sallies made by the besieged of Leyd [...]n. way to the Hage, along the riuer, where they met with a conuoy of ten Lasts of Beere, 20000. loaues (euery one waighing eight pounds) and a great quantitie of Butter and Cheese, the which came from Amsterdam, and was going to the Hage, where they had likewise some Spanish prisoners: this was a great releefe and refreshing to the besieged, and did greatly disapoint the Spaniards, dispersed betwixt Delf, Rotterdam, Goude and E Vlaerdingen, and the more, for that they of Delf had drowned all the country about: yet soone after the Spaniards retired some-what from the towne, to go to the succor of Mondragon (after the yeelding vp of the towne of Middelbourg) and of Sanchio d' Auila, who were gone to incounter the army which Cont Lodouic of Nassau brother to the Prince of Orange brought to succor the Hollanders: but let vs returne to the fleete of Antwerp. The 27. of Ianuary sixe small Barkes appeared about Ter-Neuse, betwixt the The small Barkes of the Spaniards giue an alarme to the Zelanders Hont & the Dullard, so as the Zelanders thinking that all the fleet would follow, made themselues ready to receiue them. But they retired the same day, & were not seene vntil the next day, appearing only to discouer the countenance of the Protestants, the which F was happy for the Zelanders, & since they haue attributed it to the prouidence of God; for if the whole fleete had then followed, they might easily haue past through the Zelanders, & entred into the chanell of Middelbourg, for that the Zelanders were not yet ready: not for want of time, but through negligence, notwithstanding any admonitions [Page 542] of the Prince, not caring to prepare themselues, vntil they see the enemy, the which they A did hauing discouered those 6. sailes. That day the Spaniards meaning to shoot of their ordināce for the Cōmanders comming to Berghen, who would be a spectator of the defeate of his army, fire fell in the poulder of one of his ships, where there were 60. Spanish soldiars all which were burnt but six. The 29. 14. or 15. saile of the fleete of Antwerp shewed themselues vpon the Honte and aproached within a league of Flessingue. The Protestants of Zeland seeing them come made towards them, and after the spending of some great shot, forced thē to retire, without losse of either side. And the same day about two of the clock in the afternoone, the signior of Boysot Admirall of the Protestants, went with his army to assaile the Spaniards at Romerswael, the cōbate continued about two houers with such fury of their great shot, as it seemed that heauen and earth should B come togither, and smoake. In this conflict the Admirall and Viceadmirall of Antwerp were taken, the Admiral of Berghen, with 7. of their chiefe ships, and one burnt. All the A victory of the Protestants. soldiars and marriners that were found in them, were either slaine or cast into the sea, to the number of 6. or 700. men. The Zeelanders tooke 30. goodly brasse peeces, and many of Iron. The other Spanish fleet presented themselues the same day before Flessingue, but the tide failing them and the winde being contrary, after that they had skirmished a little with the Zeelanders, they retired and cast anchor. Sanchio d' Auila commanded this fleet, & Iulian Romero the other that was defeated before Berghen nere to Romerswael. Al that had any charge in the Protestants Admiral were hurt with the smal shot or with the splinters that were made by the enemies canō: for that the signior of Boyset had forbidden C them to shoote vntil they were very nere: and then hauing discharged al his ordinance he sodenly grapled, where he was in great danger, if he had not bin speedily seconded by a flieboat of Enchuysen, which made the Spaniards to faint, so as the Protestants did soone master the ships whervnto they were grapled, killling and casting ouerboard al that they found armed. The Admiral Boysot was brought the next day to Flessingue being shot with an harguebuze in at the cheek, which past out on the other side, The signior of Boysot hurt. & so lost an eye: captaine Eloys ancient hauing receiued many wounds, died the next day in Flessingue. Captaine Schot with the wodden-leg, lost an arme, so did captaine Valentin. The reason why the Zelanders went first to charge the enemy, was: for that the Admiral had receiued letters from the Prince of Orange, comanding him to send 4. ships of war D out of his fleet, the better to resist thē that came from Antwerp: who considered that he might in no sort gainsay the Princes cōmandment, yet he could not do it without weakning his forces and dangering his army: for the auoyding wherof to satisfie the Prince, he thought it better to assaile the enemy with all his forces vnited, hoping to vanquish them, and then send him those ships, rather then attend to be assailed, their forces being diminished, to which resolution a prosperous wind did much incourage thē. The great Cōmander was vpon the dike of Berghen during al the fight; & insteed of an assured victory The Commander a spectator of his mens ouerthrow. which he promised to himself, he see his men so miserably intreated, that some were brought back to Antwerp without heads, & some without armes and legs. His greatest comfort was to exclame and curse, somtimes blaming one, sometimes an other. To conclude E it was so great a desolation for the Spaniards at the returne of their fleet to Antwerp, that comming nere the wharfe, the captaines for spight shot of the Ordinance among them that came to the waters side to see their returne; with the which Gabriel Cité Attorney general of Arthois had both his thighes carried away, wherof he died soone after. Iulien Romero saued himselfe in a boate, some say by swimming. As for the army Iulien Romero sau [...]s himselfe, and d' Auila flies, with his troupes. which Sanchio d' Auila cōmanded, lying at Anchor before Flessingue, he seeing ten ships come from the victorious fleet of the Protestants (which had fought before Berghen, and ioyne with the other shippes of Zeeland) hee presently wayed Anchor and fled towards Antwerp. They of Middelbourg on the 30. of Ianuary, in the morning, hung a saile out of their steeple, which continued there 2. houres: and the 3. of february captaine F Strenchant went out of the towne, carrying letters of credit to the Cōmander, with instructions to hasten the Spanish fleet, to let him vnderstād how long they could yet hold Captaine Strenchant taken. out, & what hope of succors there were. But that night he was takē, with 4 mariners & a boy, and led to the Prince: seeing themselues cast vpon the sand, and the Zelanders approch, captaine▪ Strenchant tied his letters to a peece of lead, and cast them into the sea: [Page 543] but they that tooke him perceiuing it, staied till the sea was spent, and then found the A packet vpon the sand, which contained that which followeth, besides the letter of credit. ‘The instructiō of Strenchant, to informe the great Commanders excellency of 4 points. Afire shalbe made euery night vpon the tower of Middelbourg, frō 10. of the clock vnto a 11. signifying that Middelbourg & Arnemuyden, hold yet for his Maiesty, the which shal begin on Monday next, & in case they shall desist from doing it, it shall not be then needful to send any army to succor them, but to recouer the Island. The 2. point is the weaknes of the soldiers, whereof there dies euery day aboue 20. and the smal hope the haue, seeing the army returned: saying they had rather be cut in peeces at some exploite then to eate bread made of Linseed, for that they hold themselues assured to die after it, and yet they haue not sufficient of that but for ten or twelue daies. They 3. was, that they B should not faile to come by Sonday, or Monday at the farthest, and in case the army could not come by that time, to make a desperate attempt, and hazard some boats laden with corne. And the forth was, that if the Island were lost for want of succors, to know his excellencies pleasure what they should do with the Marchandise and other goods; for to sinke them that the enemy should haue no proffit thereby, it were also necessary that the men were drowned which were against reason: you must with all speed send by the next army, the coppie of this your instruction, and your selfe write vnto his excelencie, what you haue in charge, in case you cannot goe to him in person, for the hastie departure of the army: to tel him that the boates which are in this passage, are not arriued, & that they stand in great feare of our army, and that they haue brought many dead and C wounded to Flessingue: Moreouer that the Collonel wundred, how they of Flessingue could haue the instruction which his excellency had giuen to Iulien Romero. At the end’ of the said instruction were written the signes that shold be made in the Ile of Ter-goes, as soone as the army and the succors should be out of Antwerp, and as it did aduance or retire. So that the collonell Mondragon, gouernor of Middelbourg and all the Spaniards, promised vnto themselues assured succors and a certaine victory, being ignorant of all that had past. The 5. of February they of Flessingue gaue aduertisment to their ships of war, that were in gard about the Island of Walchren, that collonel Mondragon was resolued to abandon the towne and to saue himselfe, to the end they should keepe good gard, promising two hundred crownes to any one that could take and bring the D said Mondragon prisoner, and a hundred crownes to him that should bring Hans-Cocq. The thirteene of the month captaine Strenchant who had beene taken the third day after that he had bin carried towards Antwerp, to shew him that the Spanish fleete was Strenchant exchanged for [...]uert and M [...]. retired, hee was sent home, in exchange of Euert and Marin, two sea captaines taken by them of Arnemuyden, as we haue said. And the said Strenchant had charge to say to thē of Middelbourg, that the Prince gaue them yet 4. daies respight to determine of their cōpotision 2. daies after the Prince receiued letters frō Mondragon, by the which he declared what captaine Strenchant had deliuered vnto the captaines of his regimēt, by the Princes cōmandment: & that they were resolued to demand a pasport of him, for one that Mondragon wold send to the great Cōmander, touching the yelding vp of the town. E And in the meane time if the Prince would depute any, he would also send to begin the treaty, attending the returne of the messenger, which should be within 4 or 5 daies: wherevnto the Prince answered the next day morning, that what he demanded was not vsual in matters of war, nor fit, but might turne to a Iest: touching the sending of deputies, he might vnderstand his intention by the relatiō of captaine Strenchant, yet for the explanatiō of his minde, he wold send the next day to Rammekins, if he might be aduertised that night that he wold send any of his part, without any longer delay, for that the Prince was prest to depart for some vrgent occasions, which Mondragon should afterwards vnderstand: the same day at night the Prince receiued an answere frō Mondragon, Deputies of either part at Rammeken to mak [...] a composition f [...]r Middelbourg. who demanded a safe conduit for them that he should send, who should vnderstand the F Princes pleasure by his deputies, & the conditions of the accord, & make relation therof to Mondragon: who hauing had his aduice & others therin, should returne to Rammeken, with the deputies of the towne of Middelbourg. On the 17. day the Prince sent him a pasport for 8. or 10. persons, aduertising him that his deputies should be at Rammeken [Page 544] by noone to acquaint them with his intentiō. And to preuent all incōueniences for A that the marriners & others were not aduertised of this treatie, hee would send ten or twelue soldiars to the head of Middelbourg, who should serue as an Escort & safegard for his Deputies. The same daie in the morning a commission was giuen vnto the Seignior of Boisot, Ianuis & van Dorp, Gouernors of Flessingue Lauere, & Ziriczee, & to the Seignior Bonchard, to authorize them in their charges of Deputies, with instructiō of the articles which they should propoūd. And so they parted towards Rammekē before noone, where they met with some sent from the spaniards, & the towne of Middelbourg, where after two daies parle, they concluded vpon the articles which follow. As Christopher of Mondragon Knight, Seignior of Remerchicourt, & Colonel of aregimēt A composition for Middelbourg. ‘of Wallons, being at this presēt within the townes of Middelbourg & Arnemuyden, B had vpon the relatiō which Captaine Strenchant had made vnto him comming out of prison, required by his letters of the 16. of this presēt moneth, of the high & mighty Prince of Orange Earle of Nassau, to send certaine deputies to the castell of Rameken to treat with thē of his partie, touching the yeelding vp of those Townes. Wherevnto his Excellency yeelding, his deputies had propounded a certaine capitulation to them that had beene sent by the said Seignior Mondragon, by meanes whereof their yeelding was acceptable, whereof report being made of either part, and the conditions debated betwixt the Deputies, in the end they haue concluded according to their comissions and authoritie, as followeth. First that the said Seignior of Mondragon, abandoning The conditions. the townes of Middelbourg and Arnemuyden, without any demolition or defacing C of the present fortifications: leauing all the artillery, munition, ships, goods and marchandise that bee there at this present: shall depart with his Regiment of foot, (except those that will remaine and serue his Excellency) out of the Ile of Walchren, with their armes, ensignes, & baggage, iustly belonging to him and his companies, without coulloring other mens goods in any sort whatsoeuer. And who-soeuer shall carry away more the [...] his owne, shallbee punnished at his Excellencies discretion. The said Seignior of Mondragon shall promise vpon his faith, to yeeld himselfe into his Excellencies hands, if within two moneths next insuing, hee shall not cause to be deliuered out of prison, & sent safely into Holland or Zeeland, to some place that is vnder his Excellencies command, Phillip of Marnix Seignior of Mont S. Aldegond, Captaine Iacob D Symonsz: An Italien prisoner at the Hage called Cittadelle, the Lieutenant of Willeken van Augren and Captaine Petani. And if the said Mondragon refuseth to make this promise, then three Captains, as many Lieutenants, [...], Sargents & Corporalls of his Regiment, shall remaine prisoners of war to his Excellency, vntill the aboue-named be fully deliuered. All vittelers and gunners shall in like sort depart, with his comissaries, Manriques, Ioan-Lopez and Iames padilla, with their seruants, bookes & baggage, and so shall all Priests and Monks do, with their ornaments onely. His Excellency shall giue order that departing out of the Iland with their goods, they shallbe imbarked & transported vnto Flanders side with all safety. The said Deputies promising vpon their faith and honor to cause this present treaty to bee ratified and accomplished by the said E Prince & Collonel Mondragon respectiuely in due forme. And for the better assurance and accomplishment thereof, sufficient hostages shallbe giuen of either side. And so it was made and concluded in the castell of Rammeken the 18. day of February. 1574. signed by the Captains de Hen, Gilles de Vilain, Anthony of Grenet, Iunius of Ionghe, Charles of Boisot, Aernt van Dorp, & Francis Bonchard. Then followed: we William by the grace of God Prince of Orange, Earle of Nassau of the one part &c. and I Christopher of Mondragō Knight, Seignior of Remerchicourt, of Luz, Insanille &c. of the other part, hauing seene and red, that which was done, capitulated and concluded with our consents, in the aboue recited treaty, ratifying and confirming it, we haue promised and do promise by these presents, in the word of a Prince and faith of a gentleman, respectiuely, F to follow and accomplish and cause to bee accomplished the contents thereof in all poynts, without any contradiction whatsoeuer. In witnes whereof wee haue signed it with our hands and sealed it with our seales. The 18. of February 1572. William of Nassau. Mondragon. According to this accord, hostages were giuen of either part, and’ [Page 545] on the 22. day Collonell Mondragon and his regiment, leauing the towne to the Prince A of Orange, imbarked, & were carried to Ter-neuse in Flanders, from whence the Princes his hostages were sent back in the same ships: & those of the Spaniards parted the next day; and so this towne, after that it had endured so much pouerty, famine & misery, and suffered so much by the garrison which it had vnder this Spanish gouernor, and before vnder the Scignior of Beauuoir (who intreated them little better for the space of halfe a yeare) notwithstanding all the attempts of the Duke of Alua, & the great cōmander, as we haue seene, was in the end yeelded to the Prince of Orange; into the which he entred to giue God thankes the 23. of February 1574. After which time the Prince suffred the Englishmen to trafficke by the riuer of Escaut vp to Antwerp, the which was interdicted before, by reason of the siege at Middelbourg, and of all this warre at sea. B
In the meane time the rest of the Spaniards were at their ease in Holland, besieging Cont Lodouic comes to succor the Protestan [...]s of the Netherlands. of the towne of Leyden, keeping themselues far off from blowes, & yet they did annoy them much, for that nothing could enter but by stealth & with great danger. The prince of Orange seeking all meanes to make them dislodge from thence, caused Cont Lodouic of Nassau his brother to go to horseback, who had reserued himselfe since the siege of Mons for some occasion. It is true that the succour and armie which hee should bring was generally for the deliuery of Holland and Zeland, and their associates, hauing bin leuied to that end before the siege of Leyden: but now they marched so fitly, (being accompanied by duke Christopher sonne to the Prince elector Palatin, the said Cont Lodouic and Cont Henry his brother) as the Spaniards had a whot alarum, abandoning C Leyden & all that they had held in the country about: for that by the losse of Middlebourg, Arnemuyden and Rammeken, and by the two victories which the Protestants of Zeland had gotten at sea, their affaires had not bin very safe, if this new army of high The Spaniards leaue Leyden. Dutch, had ioyned with that of the Prince of Orange, with whom many came to ioyne by reason of the happy successe in Zeeland, the which they found by experience in the towne of Nymegen. To keepe this Germaine army from entring into the country, the Commander sent Sanchio d'Auila, who came to Maestricht the 4. of March; being there, Sanchio d'Auila views the Protestants armie. he sent to discouer these Noblemens campe, and busied in making a muster and view of their men, & seeing that their forces encreased daily, he would gladly haue giuen them battell, if he had bin strong enough, but he durst not do it, vntill the comming of Collonell D Mondragon with the rest of his regiment, being newly gouernor of Middlebourg. Mondragon ioynes with Auila. These Noblemen hearing that the Spaniards were daily fortified, raised their campe, & went to lodge by Faulquemont. Sanchio d'Auila followed them, which made the Earle to draw most of his army into the towne; and seeing that he should hardly passe the riuer of Meuse there he marched away, making shew as if he would retire with his forces into Germany: d'Auila (doubting that the Earle would seeke some other passage) did also rise (his troopes with those of Mondragon being about fiue thousand) & retired, setting good gards along the riuer of Meuse: and at that time hee was aduertised that they of Nymegen had intelligence with those Noblemen, & that they would yeeld vnto Cont Lodouic, and so get a passage there: for the preuenting whereof d'Auila sent a garrison E presently into the towne; which done, pursuing the Protestants army, who camped at Mockem, a commodious place: d'Auila seeing that he could easily charge them, marcht with all speed towards Graue a towne of Brabant, where hauing made a bridge vpon Boates, he past the Meuse and with all his forces went to charge them. The two armies incountred vpon the heath of Mockem (which they call Mocker Heyde). The Protestants Landtsknechts, when they should fight, began (according to their cursed custome) to cry ghelt, ghelt, & refused to fight: yet these Noblemen seeing them-selues prest by the The defeat & death of Cont Lodouic of Nassau. Spaniards, were forced to make it good; but in the end all their resistance preuailed nothing, but being abandoned by their greatest forces, they were quite defeated, and all there slaine, where there died aboue 2000. of their men, 21. Ensignes, and some guidons F were carried to Brussels: as for the bodies of these Noblemen, they were long ere they could be found, & in the beginning it was not known whether they were aliue or dead. Those that saued themselues in this retreat, tooke the Castell of Carpen by Cologne, which they held some-time for the Prince of Orange. This happened the 14. of Aprill.
[Page 546] The Spaniards hauing gotten this honorable victory at Monckerheyd by vrinnenghen, A presently called for mony, which Sancio D'auilla (if they won that victory) promised to giue thē, but no money being ready, they began to mutine, & draue their captains from them, and rent their ensignes, resoluing alltogether to go to Antwerp, wherof Frederick Perenot, Baron of Champigni, Gouernor of Antwerp, being aduertised, vpon the 19. of April, began to make prouisiō to defend the towne, & hauing there 4. companies of Wallons of his owne regiment, 24. companies of duchmen, in whome there was no great trust to bee reposed, for that they seemed to pretend to haue many moneths pay due vnto them, hee caused the harguebusiers of the towne to bee armed, aduertising the great Commander thereof, beeing then at Brussels, desiring aid for the defence of the towne, if they in the Castell should let the mutinous spaniards enter into B the same, as it was to be presumed, for that they likewise were vnpaid, and seemed to be ouer much addicted to ioyne with them, for which he gaue the Gouernor councell to alter the garrison of the Castell, or else to permit him to fortifie the towne against the Castell, and the hole that still lay open betweene the towne and it, for that Sancio D'auilla the captaine of the Castell seemed to bee ill affected against the towne. At the first the great Commander seemed not to beleeue it, but at the last vppon the 24. of Aprill hee came himselfe to Antwerp, where Champigni gaue him councell to enter and to take the Castell into his owne custody, saying, that both the seruice of the King, & the safety of the towne required it. But the Commāder thought, by meanes of that mutiny to force them of Brabant to yeald to contribution, for that they had seemed to C delay it, finding it a dangerous matter, to in-sconce and fortifie the towne against the Castell, saying, that it became not a gouernor to shew the way how the Castell should bee made vnprofitable, and that hee would take care for that himselfe, and that hee thought the spaniards would haue more respect vnto him, then to mutine in his presence, with such like speeches. Wherevppon he sent Sancio D'auilla to pacifie them with faire words, but he could not be heard, compelling him, as he said to lead them till they came hard by the castell of Antwerp, where they arriued the 26. of Aprill, about eleuen The spaniards come to Antwerp the 26. of Aprill. of the clocke at noone, as Champigni was in the Towne-house, to make a motion in the Commāders behalfe, for 400000. guilders to be lent him. This cōming of the spaniards before the towne being heard, he caused his soldiars to be armed, and to go towards D the castell, to keep the spaniards from entring, aduertising the commander thereof, who asked of some of them of the castell, why they shotte at them? Where-vpon Champigni presently caused his captaines Deuers and stereke to shoot at 30. or 40. Spaniards Champigni would haue beaten the spaniards out of the towne. that were already come to the hole (which as then lay open betweene the towne and the castell) where-with the Gouernor him-selfe came presently thether: and finding that they began to shoot, hee commanded them to abstaine, willing Champigni himself, with all his wallons and duchmen to leaue the place and giue over, thereby to shun an vprore, which by that meanes might happen in the towne. Which Champigni thought very strange, but for that the Gouernor generall commanded him so to do, he might not refuse it. In the meane time some spaniards entred into the ditches, and E breaking downe some of the earthen wall, filled the ditch, and came in at the hole, whereas the walls of the towne were not ioined close vnto the castell, without any respect of the Gouernors presēce, who thereat seemed to be moued, & excusing himselfe, made shewe as if hee were displeased before Chiapini Vitelly: where-vppon Champigni thought it best for him to retire into the new towne, and there to fortifie and in-sconse himselfe, with the sailes of the Kings nauie by Sea that as then lay there, the which hee did. The spaniards beeing entred, put them-selues in battaile, in the playne betweene The spaniards being by the castell, enter Antwerp where they mutine. the towne and the castell, setting watch at euery place that entred into the same; The commanders willing them not to come any neerer then S. Georges Church-yard, if they had any thing to say: but they perceiuing nothing but words, and no deeds to F come from him: they cryed out Dineros y Wallones fuora, that is, money, and out with the wallons, meane time the townse-men were in great feare, to bee all murthered and spoiled of their goods, many Burgers flying out of the same. And for that this was so notable a mutiny, and that many others were made by the spaniards in the Netherlands. [Page 547] I thought it good to set downe this one at large, for an example of al the rest, that men A may see their disordred proceedings.
The mutinous Spaniards, (beeing about 3000. strong) finding they could get no money from the Commander, made no long delay, but presently marching in order of battaile, entred into the towne, as farre as the meer-bridge with great noise of drums, shooting of their peeces, and crying out Dineros, Wallones fuora, fuora Villiacos. That all the towne runge thereof, the Gouernor Mounsire Champigni (to whom they had the greatest quarrell) had gotten into the new towne, and kept in the Easterlings house, caufing part of his houshold stuffe to bee carried thether, yet they toke much thereof from him, breaking downe his house, windoes, dores, and glasse, calling him, Ladron, Villiaco, and towards euening when they began to be hungry, they left the bridge, and went into the market place, and there seazed both of it and of the Towne-house, placing B soldiars to gard them, the rest going ten twelue or twenty in a company togither, entred into the best houses thereabouts, where they thought to finde most store of victuals, no [...] one being placed there, nor yet respecting any person. Where they caused them-selues to bee intreated, with the best victuals that could bee gotten, and all the night long ceased not to make a great noise with drummes, and shooting of their peeces, crying and hallowing like a company of mad diuills, round about the streets. beating open the dores as if they would haue murthred, and ransacked all the towne: which strooke such a horrible terror into the peoples heads, both men and women, that none of them durst take any rest; by reason whereof, many women great with childe, fell in labor and lost their children, & many dyed thereof, for which cause, thenext day in the C morning when the gates were open, many men, women, and chi [...]dren, forsaking all they had, went to of the towne. At euening, the Spaniards hauing cho [...]sen an Electo, whom they lodged in the towne-house, sounding all their drums, they made a proclamation, in the name of Los Signores Soldados, that the Gouernor with his Wallon soldiars, should leaue the towne within twenty fourehoures after, vpon paine to be driuen out by force, and therewith sent a messenger expresly to aduertise the gouernor therof, being in the Easterlings house: but he made answer that he would not do it, but if the Gouernor generall would comand him, he would prepare himselfe there-vnto: & for that cause vpon the 27. of April he sent for all his soldiars, fortifying all the bridges & entries into the new towne, with carts, wagons, and wool-sacks, holding their ships of war with D their peeces charged, ready prepared on the other side, and so sought to defend himselfe being assisted by Hamsted the Vize-admiral, & his sailors, that sought nothing else, with certaine Wallons, but only to fight, being sufficiently assured of the Burgers ayd. In the meane time Chiapini Vitelli, Mondragon and others, went from the one to the other, to pacifie them, but all in vaine, all the Spaniards crying, Wallones fuora, fuora Villiacos, so that at the last the Cōmander to bring them to some better passe, cōmanded Champigni with his Wallons to go out of the towne, which he presently did, & so went to Eeckerē and Wilnerdouck, where-vpon the mutinous Spaniards placed a gard at euery gate, & tooke the keyes from the Magistrats, still making a great noise and crying about the towne, thereby to hasten the Burgers, to gather & bring in money to pay them, who as E thē were assembled in the towne-house about the same. At which time a spanish Iesuite A Iesuite preach [...]ng in the market place they said they would haue money & n [...] preaching. of great estimation amongst them, would haue preached vnto them in the market place, to shew them of their insolent behauiour, & to tell them what a nomber of women they had caused to miscarry being with childe, whereof hee said they were the murtherers. But they asked him if he had any mony: and so with noise of drums, made him hold his peace, & leaue his exhortation. Meane time the richest of the Burgers were sent for to the towne-house, who were rated euery one according to his ability, towards the paiment of the soldiars, which done the Electo was willed to appoint a place for them to muster in, & that the next day they should be paid. The Commāder giuing them to vnderstand F that their insolencies tended to the deminishing of the kings honor & reputatiō, willing them not to make such a noise in the night-time as they had done. Wherevnto they made answer, that in asking of their pay, they did nothing but was right & reason so to do, and that being paid, they would be ready to do any seruice whatso-euer, promising not to make any more such noise by night in the towne as they had done.
[Page 548] The 29, of Aprill, they being al sent for to come vnto the market place, their Electo, A (being a very wise and well spoken man, and yet but a common soldier) founding before the towne house, made an oration vnto them: shewing what burthen and charge they had put the Bourgers vnto, being not content with that, which was set before thē to eate and drinke, saying that they ought to behaue themselues honestly and ciuilly. Wherewith they all cried, that iustice should be done vpon all such disordered persons, and that they should passe through the pikes, shewing themselues, that they should chuse two deputies out of euery company to speake with the Marquis Chiappini vitelli, and to shew their minde vnto him by writing, which they did, saying that they desired to be payd euery penny that was behinde vnpaide vnto them, as well for the dead as for the lyuing. The Marquis Chiappini vitelli offered them ten monthes pay in ready money, & fiue months B in wool, linnen, and silkes, and for the rest, that they should haue the marchants billes of Antwerp, to bee payd at two paiements: which the deputies refused, saying that they would make report thereof vnto the seignores Soldados, for which cause they were once againe assembled in the market place and then the Electo leaning ouer the railes, shewed The [...] sp [...]ch to the mutinous souldiars. them what the Marquis had offered them, wherewith they made a monsterous noyse, crying out and saying, todo, todo, dineros Y non palabras, that is, all, all money and no words. The Electo hauing gotten them to be silent, once againe spake vnto them, and sharpely ‘reprouing them sayd, That they were all rebells vnto the King, and that they had all deserued to die. First for that they had taken Antwerp one of the Kings townes, not as friends, but like enemies, breaking their walles and fortifications. Secondly, for that C they had driuen the gouernor and the garrison out of the towne, that were placed therin by his Maiesty, besides many other rebellious actions, which his Maiesty could not well leaue vnpunnished, all which their insolency notwithstanding, the Magistrates of the towne humbling themselues before them, made them that offer, which they ought willingly to accept, and vpon their knees to giue God thankes for the grace and fauour shewed vnto them, saying further, that if they seemed to bee so obstinate that they would not accept thereof, that they might assure themselues, that being found guiltie of rebellion, as they were, they should be punnished for the same as iustice required: protesting from that time forward for his part not to be their Electo any longer, where vnto they had forcibly compelled him: keeping him pirsoner to that end in the townehouse, D saying that he would not be saued to be the head of their rebellion, nor yet speake in the fauour and behalfe of such mutinous fellowes, and that if they would not discharge him of the place, he praied them presently to shoote him into the body with a bullet, protesting to the death that hee would no more bee their Electo. But all this would not helpe, so that with the great noyse made, they would not suffer him to bee’ heard speake any more crying todo, todo, todo, contynuing still in that manner vntill it was night, and that they were weary with crying, but when night came they began againe to runne vp and downe the streetes, like diuells, knocking and thundering at the gates, dores, and windowes, and pulling all the bel-ropes of the houses in peeces, shooting in at the windowes, causing great feare, and offring as much dispight vnto the E Burgers as they could, still crying, fuora fuora, villiacos, driuing and compelling their companions (that hipocritically seemed not to bee of these disordered company) to do as they did, euery one making shew as if he were compelled thereunto by the strongest part of them, that in time to come, one might not bee accounted to be in greater fault then they other, euery one pretending to be constrained therevnto, against his will, and when the saw any one amongst them whome they suspected to bee vnwilling to doe as they did. They forced them with blowes to call, cry, and speake as they did, and so made it one generall offence.
The 29. of April, the great or cōmon counsel of Antwerp being assembled to take order about the same, the Commander asked the towne 400. thousand guilders, in ready money, F saying that he would furnish the rest, causing all his plate & iewels to bee brought from Brussels, which he offered to lay to pawne for money: and to pacifie the Spaniards, the Burgers were forced to make readie that money, euery man agreeing what he would giue, that so they might bee ridde of such companions, which were [Page 549] esteemed to cost the Bourgers aboue sixe thousand gilders euery day, for they would A drinke nothing but wine, and must haue fresh meate both night and noone, wherein no man went free, neither Bishop, Marquis, Burge-maister, spirituall nor temporall persons, they seeking the greatest houses, and the best cheere. It was thought that if they should be paid the 36. months that was due vnto them, it would haue amounted vnto aboue ten hundreth thousand gilders.
The 30. of Aprill, a drum was sounded to gather the soldiars together: where the Eletto once againe began to speake vnto them, who leaning ouer the railes before the towne-house and taking a letter out of his bosome, (sent vnto him by the soldiars) containing the contents of their demand, with great threatnings: and withall letting him know, that if he spake so much in fauour of the townes-men, and not for them, that they B would cast him headlong out of the window; where-vnto hee made them a modest answer, but how cunningly and pertinently soeuer he spake vnto them, all would not preuaile, they still crying Dineros, todo, that is mony and all. At the last the Captaine of the Castell Sanchio d'auilla leaning out at the towne-house window, praied them to accept the fiue moneths pay, in wooll, linnen and silke, which they had most need of, at such price as it was sold within the towne in euery shop, and the rest in money, wherevnto they began some-what to hearken, but not all of them, and began to perswade one the other to consent therevnto, by reason of other words vsed vnto them by Sanchio d'auilla and their Eletto, and when the Eletto said vnto them, That if they would behaue themselues like Spaniards & good subiects to the King, they ought to accept the offer made C vnto them, asking them if there must be so many words vsed to shew them that it is the Kings pleasure to bestow that liberality vpon them in their needs, that had intertained them so long, and made so much account of them, trusting onely in them, with many such like words. Wherevpon at the last, they cryed all with one consent, that so they would: saying, that they did not accept the same, for that they had need of any wooll, linnen, or silkes, but onely to doe the King a friendship, and to shew their liberality towards him, and yet many of them murmured thereat, and so that was agreed vpon. Presently ther-vpon [...]ather Fregose a Spanish Iesuite, stood vp vpon a chest by the ship, hard by the towne-house, to preach vnto them, shewing them their insolent behauiour, and what shame and infamie they had brought vpon the name of the Spaniards, by D vsing such rigorous dealings; praying and exhorting all to be confessed, and to receiue the Sacrament before they went out of the towne, and to bee content with that which the Burgers gaue them to eate. After that they caused a drum to be sounded, that euery one of them should be bilited by the Friars, and appointed where he should lodge; and by that meanes they were some-what pacified, perceiuing preparation of money to be made, and the pay of wooll, &c. beginning to be paid. But vpon the eight of May, the great Commander gaue them to vnderstand, that the promise made of the paiment in wooll, &c. must be some what moderated till a conuenient time; where-with they were once againe so moued, as they began after their wonted manner, to runne vp and downe the towne, crying, whoping, and hallowing like mad men; causing open proclamation E to be made round about the towne, that all commanders of the warres and other officers, should go out of the towne within two houres after, vpon paine to passe through the Pikes, fearing least they should perswade the common-soldiers to the same, and amongst the rest, they were much offended with Iulian Romero, who with ten or twelue captaines and officers more being lodged by the Burse in the house of Iaques Hoffenagle, they went to fetch out of his house to murther them, with great noyse and cry, shooting at the gate: wherevpon Iulian Romero fearing to bee spoiled by them, fled and hid himselfe in the top of the house, but at the last their furie being some-what past ouer, they let him ride out of the towne without eating, and all the rest with him, their Ensigne-bearers onely staying by them to make vp their accounts, and so they past F that day: but at night againe they began to bee as farre out of quiet, because the soldiers of the Castle likewise sought to mutinie, forcing Sanchio d'Auilla the captaine thereof to leaue it, and to deliuer them the Keyes of the castle, which hee refused to doe, saying, that hee would dye before hee granted therevnto, in regarde that he had [Page 550] sworne to hold and keepe the same vntill he dyed: and amongst them they did choose A an Eletto, and a Sergeant Maior, as they in the towne had done. In the morning, Chiappini Vitelli went to the Castle to take order therein, and being vpon the bridge, hee called their Eletto to speake with him, and hee went in, leauing the Eletto vpon the bridge, where he was sodenly stabbed by an Ensigne bearer called Saluaterra, and his body presently cast into the ditch, the like also was done vnto the Sergeant Maior, by which meanes the rest acknowledging their faults, Chiappini Vitelli came out againe, and so the mutinie in the castell was appeased, for which Saluaterra was forced to flie, vpon whose horse were imbrodered these words Castigador de los Flamingos, that is, the corrector or punisher of the Flemings.
After that vpon the eleuenth of May, when the paiment of the fiue moneths in B cloath, &c. was made: the Commander sent a Printed declaration vnto the Souldiers, to shew them, that he knew not how to deuise to pay them all their due, because they were the meanes of hindering their owne payment, keeping the towne from trafficking and negotiating amongst them-selues, friendly intreating them to content themselues with eight or ten moneths pay, in regarde that hee was to vse much money, to pay the eight thousand horsemen, conducted by Ericke Duke of Brunswicke, that were already to come into the countrey, as also for the two or three regiments of Switzers and other Souldiers comming out of Italy. In some sort threatning them, seeking if hee could to breed a diuision amongst them-selues. But there-with being once againe mooued, they made rather worse and greater noyse all the night long C then they had done before, and got one of their Captaines called Franciso de Bobadille amongst them, whom they vsed in most vile manner, commanding likewise that Saluaterra who had slaine the Eletto of the Castell should bee deliuered vnto them. And at midnight they assembled all in the Market place, hauing first driuen one another out of their lodgings, and there with one common consent, discharged their first Eletto of his place, as suspected by them, and chose an other, who at the last had the bastinado for his labour.
Being day, they made an Altar of Chests before the towne-house, where they had a Maffe song, which done, they all tooke their oathes to bee true and faithfull vnto their Eletto, and that they would not bee satisfied but with their full paye; and to D keepe watche, as also to hinder and with-stand all strife and contention amongst them-selues, which they swore with great ceremonies and solemnities, and caused the same to be written and set vpon the towne-house, with-all setting vp a paire of gallowes, to punish all the euery amongst them: and one being taken, that in the night before had stolne a paire of sheetes, the Eletto after the Masse was done, asked the Souldiers what they would haue done with him? where-vpon they all cried, that he should be hanged vp, and that was their manner of iudgement: but the Eletto made answer, that hee thought the crime to bee too small for him to loose his life for such a thing, saying, that the strappado with a corde was punishment inough; where-with they cryed, that it should bee done. For which Iustice vsed amongst them, the Burgers with E one consent gaue them great thankes, for that during all that time none of them could The towne of Antwerp was forced to pay 400000. gilders to appease that mutiny, and so it was ended. bee accused of theft, the which was strange, and that no such acte was committed in such a great tumult. After this they were pacified with money, and otherwise, and at last contented. The Burgers were constrained (besides the charges they were at in feeding them, all the while they lay in the towne,) to prouide foure hundred thousand guilders, and the commander the rest: at which time, vpon Whitsonday they being all brauely apparrelled in Silkes, Veluet, and Gold-lace, like great Lords, and chiefe commanders, they gotte a generall pardon of the great Commander, for all that had passed, which was assured vnto them at a solemne Masse sayd in the great church, as also with great feast and triumphe made by them in his honour vpon the Meere bridge: F and so was their mutinie appeased without punishment: but the Eletto and his counsell were afterward (when time serued) well found out and seuerely punished for their labours: that done they were commanded to depart the towne, and to go into Holland to besiege Leyden.
[Page 551] They had caused all the ships of warre that were in garde before the towne, to retire, A and sent them before Liloo. The Zeelanders hauing notice thereof, and discouering these ships lying at Anchor on a Whitsonday, set vpon them, tooke fifteene, sunke The Zeelanders takes the ships of warre of Antwerp. fiue, and burnt three: the fifteene were carried in the Commanders sight into Zeland, whilest that the Spaniards plunged in all delights and voluptuousnesse, did dominere in the towne of Antwerpe: in which ships the Zeelanders found a hundred and two peeces of brasse ordinance, besides those of yron: the Commander who was called Hemsted was taken prisoner. After that the Spaniards were retired from Leyden, to go fight with these three Noblemen at Mocken, the towne was not victualed in the meane time, nor furnished with things necessary, as it was fit, notwithstanding the good oportunity and meanes which they had. But God doth some-times wonders worthy of his greatnesse, as he would haue it appeare in the deliuery of this towne, by meanes farre B from the thought of man, being iealous of the trust and confidence which many did put in Cont Lodouic and in his armie, for the preseruation of the country. The Prince had done his endeauor to haue it victualed, and did constantly beleeue that it had beene so The spaniards returne to Leyden. for a long time: as they that had the charge, and vpon whom he relyed, did assure him. But the Spaniards knowing the contrary, returned to their old lodgings, blocking vp the towne neerer then before, in building of other new forts. The which was done vnder the charge and command of Francisco Valdes a Spaniard, with the regiments of the holy league, and of Lombardie, some regiments of Wallons and high Dutch, and 300. horse, being in all about 7000. men, where-with all the fortes about Leyden being furnished, C he put some companies into the Hage, Mazelandt, & other villages about Delf, as if they would also besiege it at the same instant. In the meane time the body of the Spanish armie, was about Bommel, Gorrichom, and Louuesteyn, intending to besiege or batter one of these places, which the Prince did not greatly respect, hauing alwayes meanes to dislodge them from Bommel or Gorrichom, if they would attempt it: the The spaniards about Bomel & Gorrichom. which they did not, seeing them well furnished of all things necessary to attend them, as all good townes of warre ought to bee. The Spaniards holding this summer well spent, to haue with little resistance wonne Vandrichom and Lierdam, the first belonging The taking of Vandrichom & Leerdam. to the Earles of Horne, the which they burnt and destroyed, into the which the Prince had sent fiue companies to keepe them play, being returned from the insolencies which they had committed at Antwerp. For being come thether, matters D succeeded according to the Princes desire, for thether they brought the canon and battered it, vntill they were ready to giue an assault: but the Prince being loth to loose so many men in a Pyes nest, sent them word that they should retire: the which they could not doe for want of Boates, but the Spaniards entered time enough, to cut in peeces about one hundred and fiftie that were appointed to make the retreate. And as they would breath themselues after a great iourney, they rested there a good space, vntill they went to besiege Leerdam, a little towne belonging to the Earle of Buren, the which hauing endured some two hundred canon shotte, yeelded vpon composition. E
After these two petty exploits, the Spaniards thinking they should get little to attempt any good towne of warre, they did forbeare, putting all their hope in the sea The Spaniards bu [...]d forts vpon the riuer of M [...]use. armie, which they attended from Spaine. And they began to build two fortes, one vpon either bancke of the riuer of Meuse, beneath Gorrichom, to stoppe the passage of the riuer, making an accoumpt by one meanes to bridle foure places: Bomell, (about the which they had left some forces) Buren, Gorrichom and Louuestein, if they might cut off the passage of the riuer of Meuse to those places. And in very trueth they made many a shotte with their Ordinance, at the Boates which past and repast too and fro, some-times killing or hurting some one, but yet they did not much hinder the Nauigation. F
The great Commander had then three seuerall desseignes in hand at one instant: Three diuerse desseignes of the Commander. the one to shut vp the riuer of Meuse, the other to winne Leyden by famine, and the third to get West-Frislandt and Water-landt by force. But his men were so [Page 552] courteously entertained, as hee lost not many lesse then two thousand men in that A quarter of West Triselandt, about Assendelf, Wormer, Ryp, Graft, Purmerehde, Vlpendam, and all that watrie and marishe countrey, where as the Peasants made sharpe warres against them with their boates, and certaine aduenturing Souldiers (whom they call Fribooters) who carrying a harguebuze in a scarse, and a long halfe Pike, leaped ouer broad Ditches, cutting off the Spaniards way where-so-euer they turned, beeing not able to escape from them by any meanes, so as besides them that were slaine and drowned, there were two hundred and nintie brought prisoners to Horne.
Some other Spaniards had at the same time a desseine by practise and intelligence A vaine enterprise vpon Delfe. vpon the towne of Delfe (where-as at that time the Seignior of Poyet, the Princes B Lieutenant commanded) the which did not succeed according to their mindes, for that it was too soone discouered (as they said.) But to say the trueth, if they had entred they had beene taken, the which they had done, if the Key of the gate which was appointed to bee opened, could haue beene at the instant found. And so seeing they had not the entrie ready as they expected, they suspected that the practise was discouered, (and yet there was not any shew nor noyse in the towne) and so retired. If this had succeeded, those of Delfe had taken the cheefe commanders of all their forces, especially of the Spaniards. At that time the Commander receiued a generall pardon A generall pardon giuen by the King in the Netherlands. from the King, giuen at Madrill the eight of Marche, the which at his best commoditie hee caused to bee proclaimed in the townes of Brusselles and Antwerpe, C with great ceremonies and state. This pardon was for all them of the Netherlands that had offended, as well for the publicke preaching, as the carrying of armes, breaking of Images, thefts, sacke of Churches, Monasteries, or other offences, against the King or the Romish Church, in what manner soeuer: out of which pardon were excluded the Prince of Orange, and some others whom the King had particularly excepted; restoring all others that were capable of the sayd pardon to their goods, name and credit, of what quality and condition soeuer they were, hauing no need to sue for any other letters of grace, but this generall pardon. And such as would enioye it, before they entred into the possession of their goods, being yet in being and in the Kings power, should bee bound to produce letters of abiuration of their errors, and of D their submission and promise of obedience to the Romish Church. Many durst not trust vnto it, no more then vnto the Duke of Aluaes pardon: yet some trusted vnto it and spedde well, yet many were freed from prison, who if it had bin in the Duke of Aluaes time (according to his rigour) had lost their liues.
In the meane time Leyden was brought to great extremitie, there being no meanes left to releeue them, but by some extraordinary and vnexpected accident: so as the Spaniards did assure themselues of the Towne: yet knowing that the Prince was a man who would not omitte any thing, that might serue for the succour and preseruation of such a Towne, and that hee wanted no inuention, practising the meanes which had beene often vsed in the time of troubles, both in France and the Netherlands, not E onely to circumuent the simple, but euen the most sufficient, vnder a glorious shew of peace (the superficies whereof at the first sight is pleasing) gaue it out, that they The spaniards seeme to desire peace. did wonderfully affect and desire it, and that it was the Kings pleasure. For proofe whereof, and to sound the Prince of Oranges minde, they sent vpon his simple pasport, and with-out hostages, two men that were not very opposite to the Protestants religion: the one was Iohn of Matenesse Seignior of Riuiere, and the Aduocate Treslon, who obteyned this pasport of the Prince, vnder collour to follow some priuate businesse of their owne, as they sayd: but it was most to conferre with some of the States of Holland. They were some time at Rotterdam, where as the Prince was then also, going vp and downe with all liberty, which many did not like of. But the Prince F would haue the world know, that he held not the peoples wills in subiection: who contrariwise was not so voide of iudgement, but hee vnderstood well the consequence thereof, and sayd openly that this warre was their peace, and the peace which was [Page 553] propounded would be a fatall and deadly warre, the which notwithstanding they detested: A desiring only you should haue holy and healthfull conditions, as wel for the soule as the body. The Prince suffred them to speake freely to whome they pleased They that had sent them to entertaine both the Prince and the States in this opinion of peace, meaning to put all their deuises in practise, vnder collour of talking of the exchange of prisoners of either side, and namely of Cont Bossu, they resolued [...]o send vpon good hostages (that is to say of the Signior of Carnesse and of doctor Iunius gouernor of la Vere) the Signior of Saint Aldegonde who they knew to be wel beloued of the Prince, giuing him [...] on Ferdinando Launoy Earle of la Roche a high Bourguignon (Gouernor of Holland in the absence of Cont Bossu that was prisoner at Horne) and the Signior of Champaigne, brother to the Cardinal Granuelle, with certain Instructions to treat of a peace B with the Commanders good liking and consent, which gentlemen making a wonderfull demonstration of the desire they had to see an assured peace, they did sweare vnto him that they which were of the country, would doe their best endeauors to aduance it: thinking (as they said) that there was no better meanes to induce the Prince, then in sending the said Signior of St. Aldegond: who being come to Rotterdam, and this treaty of peace ready to begin, there appeered some difficulties, about the order and Difficulties vpon the order of the treaties of peace. meanes to proceed which had bene propounded, the which was not likt of by the great Commander, vnder collour that the Kings authority should be thereby somewhat blemished, who thought it more fitting that the townes of Holland and Zeeland should first addresse themselues vnto the king by way of petition, to the end that the effect of the accord C that might ensue, might be attributed to the kings bounty, rather thē to any conference. And therfore they did greatly presse the Signior of Saint Aldegond to perswade the States therevnto. Before vpon the conference which Matenesse and Treslon had had with the States at Rotterdam, there was a writing giuen vnto them at their retreat by ‘the States, in forme as followeth. Vpon that which hath bin propounded to the States of Holland and Zeeland, touching the troubles and present warre, and for the quieting thereof by a firme peace, for the good of the country and of his Maiesties subiects, the States protest that they neuer intended to take armes against his maiestie. But that in discharge of the bond and duties of their charge, and to maintaine his reputation and dignity, together with the sworne priuileges, rights, laudable customes, and liberty D of his countries and subiects, haue beene forced to oppose, themselues with armes against the tiranous and violent command of the Duke of Alua and other strangers his adherents: who by vniust exactions and oppressions of his subiects, haue troubled the publike quiet, seeking by all insolent meanes to become maisters of his Maiesties countries, and to reduce them to perpetuall slauery, to the great preiudice of his Maiesties seruice, as it hath beene often heretofore made knowne and protested by the saide Estates. So as they meane not now to capitulate of any pacification with his Maiestie, whom they haue alwaies sought to obey and serue with all humility, as their naturall Lord and Prince, which makes them humbly to beseech him that it would please his Maiesty as a good father, to looke vpon the pouerties and afflictions of his contries with E a louing and tender eye, and thereby draw them to vnion, peace and trafficke, as well to augment his estate as the prosperity of his subiects. The which without doubt can neuer be effected, so long as strangers shal vse their force and tirany: who make a greater benifit by troubles and disorders, then when the country is orderly gouerned, regarding only their owne profit, which hath bin the cause of all these warres. And therfore that it would please his maiesty to cal away those strangers, & afterwards by a free conference with the aduice of the general estates of the country duly assembled, set such an order, as his maiesties subiects may be hereafter assured from all dangers and inconueniences that might happen; And for that the contynuance of this warre (to speake truly) can produce nothing but a depopulation and total ruine of his Maiesties countries, and the F rather for that it is manifest that the inhabitants thereof do giue them selues daiely to the exercise of Armes, forgetting and neglecting their trades and traffick of Marchandise, being an vsuall thing for men to giue them-selues to all the licentiousues which war [Page 554] brings with it. So as by this meanes a dangerous and preiudiciall decay is to bee feared, A of all trafficke, negotiation, marchandise and nauigation, redounding to the ruine of his Maiesties seruice. The sayd Estates doe also beseech, that regard may bee had heerevnto, to the end that as well Holland and Zeeland, as the other neighbour Prouinces might by his Maiesties authoritie, bee discharged of either side from the oppression of these strange souldiars, and that presently by way of prouision all acts of hostilitie may cease. So as the Comerce and conuersation of the inhabitants bread in your Maiesties countries, may be hereafter restored with al security, and the one reconciled with the other. Wherefore the States do trust that the great Commanders excellency, and all other his Maiesties saithfull vassalls, will put to their helping hands, (as they doe intreate them with all reuerence and humility) and doe all the B good offices of loyall and faithfull subiects.’
This answere made by the States did not please them that had sent the signior of Matenesse and Treslon, the which doth well appeere by a letter which the Lord of Cha [...]paigny writ vnto Saint Aldegonde, beeing, yet with the Prince and States, dated the 2 [...]. of Iuly: where hee saith amongst other pointes, speaking of this answere ‘(which hee confesseth to haue receiued) these words following. But that which [...] letters t [...] Sa [...] Aldegu [...]de. they haue brought is farre from the present affaires. For neither the title which they take in this writing can bee vsurped by them, nor the reasons which they giue for their distraction, doe concurre with his Maiesties reputation: notwithstanding that they say, that their intention was to maintaine his greatnesse, the which hath no ground. C And as for the meanes which the propound, they are not accompanied with the respect which I did hope for: For it seemes by their writing, that the townes which are distracted from his Maiesties obedience, carrie themselues towards him, as good and faithfull subiects doe to their Soueraigne Prince. Therefore you must bring other matter &c. These letters beeing imparted to the States, that they might’ not commit any thing that might bee demanded of them with reason, and to shewe that they did seriously demand a good peace, that might bee firme and permanent, they would not shewe themselues vnwilling to propound their greeuances and demandes by petition, directed vnto the King, the which was deliuered to Saint Aldegonde returning to Vtrecht to prison, who deliuered it to the Lord of Champagny, to D present it vnto the great Commander, whereof the tenor was.
To the King.
‘MOst humblie shewing: the Nobles, Knights and townes of Holland and Zeeland. That they haue euer like good and faithfull vassalls and subiects, in all things as well to your Maiestie, as to your Predecessors A petition of [...]e St [...]es of [...]lland & [...]. of famous memorie, yeelded all humble obedience dutie and seruice whensoeuer, for the preseruation of your Maiesties E greatnesse and State, their obedience and humble seruice hath beene required. So as they haue no doubt, but your Maiesties loue towardes them, hath beene thereby greatly augmented, to preserue and maintaine them in their rightes and liberties, with peace and tranquilitie, vnder Iustice and order. And although the Duke of Alua carrying himselfe for Gouernor in your Maiesties place, should haue behaued himselfe accordingly; yet contrariwise vnder the title of his gouernment, hee hath vsed such Iniustice and violence to your Maiesties coun [...]rie and subiects, aswell Ecclesiasticall as Secular, Noble and vnnoble, as the Petitioners for the preseruation of their preuiledges, rightes and auncient lawdable customes and liberties, haue beene, (to their great greefe) fo [...]ced, to oppose themselues, F with an armie, against the proud commande, and violent manner of gouernment of the sayd Duke, and his adherents, that were strangers: seeking to trouble the publike quiet by Innouations, strange exactions, and the generall [Page 555] oppression of your maiesties subiects: Hauing no other designe, but to subiect the sayd A countries & the inhabitants to their appetites and insolencies, to impouerish them, and bring them into seruitude, to the great preiudice of your Maiesties seruice, greatnes & reuenues, whereon your suppliants haue heretofore made complaint & protested openly; as also the States of other countries haue respectiuely done the like diuers times But yet notwithstanding, the Duke of Alua persisting still in his bad resolution: your Maiesties said countries and the inhabitants, haue not onely beene drawne into great alterations, troubles and calamities of warre, but also the neighbour Nations and kingdomes, haue growne to hate and to abhorre this ouerweeni [...]g pride of [...] strangers, enemies of the publike quiet of the sayd Countries, with a d [...]sion a [...]d losse of all traffick, trades, negotiation, and of their prosperity. And as the sayd Petitioners haue neuer sought, nor doe not at this present seeke any thing, but to aduance B and by all meanes possible to procure the generall good of all the country for your Maiesties seruice, as it belongs to loyall subiects, they beseech your Maiesty withall humility, that you would bee pleased, as a kinde father to regard with a pittifull eye, the present estate of the Netherlands, so lamentable and miserable, and to restore them to a vnion, comerce and quietnesse: wherby your Maiesties greatnesse may increase, and the prosperity of the inhabitants growe and florish for your seruice. And as it can by no meanes be effected, so long as strange nations shall exercise their rule and tiranie ouer the sayd countries, for that their profit and aduantage consists chiefely in their trouble and confusion, and not in any good order and pollitike gouernment: they being by nature C (as daily experience doth teach) more giuen to their priuate appetites, then to the generall good of the country, wherevnto they are strangers, which hath beene the motiue of troubles and present warre. That therefore it would please your Maiesty to commande the sayd strangers to retire out of the country, and by the free conference and aduise of the generall Estates lawfully assembled, setle such good order and pollicy, as your Maiesties sayd countries and subiects, may be hereafter maintained in vnion and assured peace: all dangers, inconueniences and troubles being auoided. Considering also that by the long continuance of this present warre (to speake freely) there can no other thing be hoped for, but the spoile and totall ruine of your Maiesties countries and Prouinces. And the rather, for that the inhabitants do giue themselues more and more to armes, forgetting and neglecting their accustomed trades and negotiation: as men D are by nature inclined to all the licentiousnesse and excesse which warre doth commonly bring: that by the long vse of armes, the bitternesse and hatred of your Maiesties subiects increasing more and more one against an other, it is to be feared there will insue a dangerous and preiudiciall decrease and decay of all trafficke, negotiation, marchandise and nauigation; whereby your Maiesties seruice may be greatly interessed. They do also most humbly beseech your Maiesty that you will be pleased to haue regard herevnto with all clemency and fauour; to the end that as well Holland and Zeeland, as all other the neighbour Prouinces, beeing by your Maiesties authority, freed of either side, from the oppression, at the least of strange soldiars, and withall that (by way of prouision) al Acts of hostilitie may cease. So as the Comerce and conuersation of the inhabitants E and those that are borne in your Maiesties countries, may be againe restored withall securitie; and that they being reconciled one vnto an other, may be the better restored to their ancient possessions and residences; wherein your Maiesties suppliants will not for their points, omit any good office and dutie that shall belong to good and faithfull subiects. &c.’
If the writing carried by the signior of Matenesse and Treslon, had not much pleased them that were dealers about the peace, for the Spaniard; this petition liked them much lesse. The which the Lord of Champaigny shewed plainely by his letter This petition more d [...]slikt then the first. of the thirteene of August vnto Doctor Iunius Gouernor of La Vere, at his returne F from hostage, hauing beene in Vtrecht, for the signior of Saint Aldegonde: which Petition Champaigny debates in all points: the which (for the reasons which he specefies) he saies he durst not present, sending it backe to Iunius: which letter the Doctor answered, and for that the answere is succinct, and as were an abridgment [Page 556] of that which was donne by way of discourse, more particularly, I would not omit A it.
‘My Lord, I haue lately receiued a letter from you, dated the thirteene of August, Doctor Iunius letter to [...]. with the petition which Monsier Aldegondé had brought vnto you to Montfort, from the States and townes of Holland and Zeeland: the which I haue not failed to impart presently vnto them, and to deliuer into their hands: whereat they haue beene wonderfully amazed, being not able, to comprehend the reasons contained in your letter to be sufficient to mooue you to reiect and send backe their petition in this manner, which happily might haue serued for a greater good: And therefore seeing themselues intreated in this sort, not as the Kings subiects and vassalls (as they haue alwaies carried themselues, where there hath bin question of his Maiesties honor, state and greatnesse) B but rather as the most insidell Turkes and Iewes, that are in the world, yea as sworne enemies to his Maiesty: they haue there by concluded, that they are not to hope for any more good of them that thus seeke to abuse the kings name to their ruine. And therfore they haue resolued to imploy all their meanes, to prouide hereafter for their safeties, against the barbarous crueltie and tiranie of those which couer their priuate passions, vnder the cloake and name of his royall Maiestie. Protesting that (seeing their petitions can haue no accesse to his Maiesties eares, and that they haue debarred them the meanes, which by the lawes of God and nature are granted euen to the most fellonious traitors, and disloyall rebells that are or euer were in the world) they are forced by such vnreasonable iniustice and tyranie, to seeke such meanes as it shall please God to C put into their hands. Intreating you that you wil be a witnesse to all the world, that they haue presented the sayd petition, and haue thereby discharged their duties, and therefore wheresoeuer it shal be brought in question, that you will excuse and iustifie them. And to the end your LL. may know the causes and grounds of their complaints and greefes, and why they finde themselues so much wronged by the sending backe thereof. I did then thinke it good, by way of discourse, to collect the chiefe points of their complaints vnto your letter, the which I had alreadie sent vnto you; had I not still staied for your man, who should come for mine answere: by whome I would not faile to send it vnto you. Desiryng you to consider well of the reasons and grounds produced by them vpon your letter, the which are ioyned herevnto, hauing no D intent that this my writing (which proceedes from mine owne particular, for the zeale which I haue to the quiet of the countrie, and loue to your Lordship) should in any sort preiudice the sayd Estates and townes, or their said resolution. I will referre my selfe to the sayd discours, the tediousnesse whereof you shall excuse, and impute it to my disability, or to the difficultie of affaires whereof it treates. And so I recommend me humbly &c.’
This discourse whereof mention is made in this letter, being verie tedious, wee haue thought good to omit, and the rather for that wee haue not heard that Champaigny or any other hath replied vnto it. And so these practises of peace vanished to smoake, E for both the Prince and the States did constantly beleeue, that it was onelie to circumuent them, to make them carelesse and to loose time, whilest they made their preparations. Afterwards the Prince of Orange propounded certaine points, vnto the States concerning their affaires. And first that the towne of Leyden was in The Princes aduice to the States. great daunger to bee lost, by a fault of verie great consequence; and that hee did see well that by the losse thereof manie other good townes would bee shaken and in danger: finally that it would cause a great alteration in their affaires, wherefore they should resolue to prouide for it speedely: seeing no other meanes but to cut the dikes, and raise all the Scluses, to drowne the countrie; yet before they did it, they should set before their eyes the ruine of the Champian countrie, and other losses which F would follow, to the end they should not afterwardes reproch it vnto him, if it succeeded ill. But they mooued with charitie and a mutuall bond, which all they townes had one with an other, by oth and contracts, by the which they had sollemnely promised and sworne to succor one an other euen vnto the last gaspe, not sparing any [Page 557] thing, or hauing regard to any publike or priuate commoditie: they made answere A vnto the Prince, that hee should aduise what might bee donne to succor and deliuer the towne of Leyden: and that they would omit nothing for the effecting thereof: saying, that they had rather haue a countrie that were spoiled, then a countrie that A couragious resolution of the States of Holland. were lost, that they would rather see their houses heaped one vpon an other, then the Spaniards should enioye them. And were it not for the succor of Leyden, yet they would doe it, to chase the Spaniard out of the countrie. God knowes how this free and voluntarie offer of the States did mooue the Princes heart, who was wonderfully perplexed, as well to see this towne in danger to bee lost through the negligence of some, (for the which a Prince of the Empire and two of his Bretheren had lost themselues to saue it once: and yet the oportunitie which they had bought with the price of their deerest bloud was to no effect) as for that hee did foresee, that the blame B should bee laied vpon him by them that did not knowe that hee commanded not absolutely. But seeing them so well affected, hee made them resolue to drawe the water into the countrie by the aboue mentioned meanes. The which was speedely executed. So as the Prince hauing made passage for the water, and seeing in what abundance it entred into the countrie in seauen or eight daies, they were all perswaded that this aduice would take good effect: although that euen then many did maintaine that the water would neuer come within a league of the towne of Leyden. But let vs speake somewhat of the Spaniard, howe hee behaued himselfe at the seege of that towne. C
The Spaniards after their returne from their victorie, hauing taken vp their olde lodging at Leyderdorp, whereof three companies went to Zosterwoude, where they intrencht themselues, and a part at Leysdsendam, which is the Scluse of Leyden, where there had beene a fort, which after their departure the Protestants of Holland had neglected to ruine, and to breake the Scluse. Captaine Nicholas Ruyckhauer beeing in garrison at the Hage, heard of the Spaniards returne so late, as hee could hardly retire his men: yet hee entertained the skirmish so long The endeauor of captains Ruyckhauer at the Hage. with the Spaniards, as the inhabitants had meanes for to saue all the best part of their goods. Francisco Valdes Lieutenant of this campe had brought with him a part of the troupes of Vtrecht, the which hee sent before the fort, which the Protestants held at the Scluse of Goude and Alphen: and the other part which came from D Harlem, was led by Noortwic and Walkenbourg, whereas the Protestants had two verie strong Forts, either of them manned with fiue Companies of English, of the which Edward Chester was Collonel. This Regiment endured the first charge of the Spaniards. The Fort at the Scluse of Goude, was first of all most furiously assaulted, and then they were often-times repulst and put back againe by the English, ouer whome Captaine Gainsford, a true souldiar, commanded. But as the Spanish horse had no meanes nor way to enter into Holland but by these Fortes, they did so pre [...] forward with cudgells and swords vpon the foote-men that did assaile it, as the English were forced to quit the place: the which had not beene so soone, if those which were at Alphen (which is but halfe a league off,) had defended themselues E as valiantly as these, who hauing left their fort, thinking to goe and succor them of Some English defeated. Alphen, they found it also wonne and gotten from them, and so both the one and the other were defeated and cut all in peeces, the which hapned the seauenteenth of Maie.
Those of Vtrecht ranne thether and razed these forts and that which was at Leyderdorp. Francis de Valdes, with an other troupe which came to Nortwick, went to a great forte that was vnfinished, which the other fiue companies of English did hold in the village of Valchenbourg, the which they abandoned before they had seene any enemy; although the day before they had required some horse from them of F Leyden, to discouer the enemie, which they had not yet donne. Hauing left this fort, they retired neere vnto Waldnighe, where they did skirmish for a time with the Spaniards: which the Bourgers might-see from their walls, but yet they could not see of either side any one fall nor hurt, although the skirmish were very whot; which [Page 558] made them of the towne to doubt the worst. After this skirmish, the English approched A neerer vnto the towne ditches: betwixt the Bourgers trenches at the bridge of Boschuysen and the towne. Then Collonel Chester entred with some of his men into the towne, and gaue a signe vnto the Bourgers that if it hapned he were forced by the Spaniards that he would make his retreat by the port of the Hage, the which the Bourgers agreed vnto, and that the enemie approchin g, (against whome they should continue the skirmish) they should make them a signe, which was, that when they should take downe the coulors that should be vppon the port, they should open them-selues and retyre on the one side, that their canon from their rampar might passe through the Spanish squadrons: this condition did nothing please the English, as it appeered sone after. The English rewarded for th [...]ir trechery by the Spaniard to whome they had yeelded. For as soone as they were gone out of their trenches, where-into they were retired at B the bridge of Boschuysen, they marched with their coulors flying directly towards the Spaniards, to whome (vppon a certaine othe taken by them) they went and trecherously yeelded, and were receiued with certaine ceremonies: but they did not fore-see that which should befall them. For as soone as they were receiued, they made them put out their matches being constrained by the Spanish Caualary, that was at Woorschote; which some officers and others, as well English as Flemings perceiuing, to the nomber of thirty two, they retired vnder the Counterscharp of the towne, where afterwards they suffred them to enter. The rest were led to Harlem, being stript of their best apparell, some to serue for Pioners, and such as could escape retired into England, not daring to shew them-selues in Holland. C
The Spaniards knowing well that they got little in battering of Leyden, and that the battery which they had made at Harlem against a bare wall, had bene a great charge vnto them, with losse of men, they brought no artillery to batter it, assuring them-selues The Spaniards meane not to batter Leyden. that in the end they should famish it. And in the meane time to make it shorter, they spared nothing that might auaile them, by goodly promises, or practises, to induce the besieged to yeeld; and to acknowledge the King. Wherein they imployed many of these Bourgers and others that were of their partie, who wanted no letters of aduice: to whome they of the towne would neuer make any other answer, but by a letter, in the which there was nothing written but this latin verse.
And seeing that they preuailed nothing with all their letters and perswasions: (the which did animate and incourage the Bourgers the more) they ment to shut them vp more straightly, building forts vppon all the passages, both great and small.
Some Bourgers which by the sodaine siege of this towne had bene excluded, with the Prince of Oranges leaue and the assistance of the Magistrate of Goude, did laid thirty barks with wheat and rye, the which two peasants and a Balyfe of a village, had promised to conduct by a couert way to Copier-ka, the which they peeced, and there they attended them to guide them vnto the towne. These barks furnished with good marriners, hauing euery one two hargubusiers, aduanced to Copier-ka, which they found pierst, but no peasant to guide them: yet they past on, and in steed of taking the left hand, E they past on the right, and so wandred vp and downe vntill the breake of day. And thinking their peasant had betraid them (who tired with toyling, slept not farre from the place) they returned to Goude without any exploit. Those of Leyden aduertised of this enterprise, attended them with great deuotion and sent their aduenturing barks to second them: the which was not without some profit, for being come neere vnto Heymansbrugge, they met with two ships of Conuoy of the Spaniards, which they set vpon, slue all the men, and put into their barks all the munition of warre, victualls, artillerie, silkes, gold and siluer-lace, poulder and a great number of boullets. Of the two A happy incounter vnex pected for them of Leyden. ships, one was burnt and the other sunke. The Spaniards being at Leyderdorp, thought to take these barkes in their returne, and to reskue the bootie; but the besieged putting F themselues in armes (attending their men) gaue so hot an alarme to the Spaniard, as during the skirmish they past without danger, and hindred the Spaniards from ca [...]rying away of some boates, as they pretended. These barkes brought with them one Peter Quaetgelaet, who was taken in the sayd shippes, and as a Traitor executed and [Page 559] quartered, and his quarters set vpon the towne gates. The signior Thierry of Bronckhorst A was in the Princes name appointed as gouernor and superintendant in the towne. He with the Lawiers and the chiefe of the towne, considering that this siege would be long (the enemy hauing an intent to famish them) set an order vpon the victualls Thierry of Bio [...]chhorst Gouernor of L [...]yden. in Iune, to make them last as long as it was possible; and hauing [...]aken a viewe of the corne, there was found but a 100. and ten lasts, and foureteene thousand mouthes in the towne to feede therewith. The first two monthes euery one was stinted at halfe a pound of bread by the day, the which a laborer would haue eaten at his breakfast. The Spaniards finding that the besieged drewe manie commodities and refreshings from their Kitchin gardins without the towne, the which they had sowed A t [...]xe vpon the victualls. in the beginning of the springe, the seauenteene and eighteene of Iuly they built B a fort not farre from Rhynsbourg gate, at the end of the Causey, to cut off their passage to these gardins. The which the signior of Bronckhorst and the councell seeing, they promised an honest recompence to them that should first seize vpon this fort. The which they did the sayd eighteene day with such courage, as they chased away all their enemies with great losse and confusion. The same moneth the Gouernor and councell, did coyne money of paper or cardes, of foureteene, and eight Money coined of paper at Leyden. and twentie stiuers the peece, where there was of the one side grauen. Hac libertatis ergo. And of the other. Nummus obsessoe vrbis Lugdunensis, sub gubernatione illustrissimi Principis Auraici cusus, and of them of foureteene Stiuers. Lugdunum Ba [...]auorum. C
The towne was then besieged more straightly then before, a certaine Spanish captaine called Carion had intrenched himselfe at Waldinge, whereby hee did verie much mischiefe to the besieged, for the auoyding whereof, it was resolued to sallie forth vpon him and his men, in the manner that followeth. That Gerard Vander A sallie made by the besieged. Laen should goe forth with a galley well appointed with Men, Artillerie and Muskers. Iohn van Duyuenworde captaine of the aduenturers or forlorne Hope, some beeing armed with harguebuzes and some with halfe pikes, should sallie forth at the Vlyergate. Adrien Schot with his companie, by the port of Rhynsbourg should seize vpon the way to Poelbrug: the companies of Iohn Vanderdoors, and the signior of Noortvic with Mees Hauicx, should set vpon the fort at the bridge of Boschuysen, D in that quarter which they call the Sandt, and they should haue with them good store of Pioners. This enterprise thus layed, and a reward promised for them that should first enter into the enemies forts, and for euery Spaniards head; a warning beeing giuen by fire, they issued forth of the towne, and did all at one instant assaile the enemie, with very great furie and fearefull cries, especially the signior of Noortuic named Ianus Dousa (a Gentleman of great learning, as his writings doe witnesse) and Mees Havicx with their companies. The Spaniards beeing but threescore 1574. men, defended themselues verie valiantly with their musket-shot. But the besieged (although they were Bourgers) without any feare of their shot, ranne desperately to the foote of the trenches, from whence they cast balles of wild-fire, stones E and such other things vpon the Spaniards vntill that with their halfe pikes they A surious sallie of the Burgers of Leyden. had forced these trenches, where they slue, burnt and buried aliue in the ruines of the fort (which the souldiars ruined and spoiled as much as they could) all the Spaniards that were within it, not taking any one to mercie, although they cried out for mercy.
The signall of fire had giuen the alarme throughout all the Spanish campe. Those of Lammen came to succor Vaddinghen, and so did they of Leyderdorp, Voorschote and Vassenare, which are all villages within a League of the Towne, where the Caualerie laie, who came running in all hast, but they gained nothing but musket-shot, so as they were forced to retyer with shame and some losse of men. And F as it was not the intent of the besieged to hold this fort, but onelie to ruine it, and to shewe that although they had no soldiars in the towne, yet that necessitie, vse and experience, had taught their Burgers to become good soldiars, after that they had labored two houres to ruine the fort as much as they could, seeing the enemies approch with [Page 560] a great supply; they retired with good order into the towne, hauing in these skirmishes A slaine aboue a hundred Spaniards and Italiens, The Bourgers inured themselues so to these skirmishes, as they were at it euery day to saue their cattell (which they fed yet in the pastures without the towne) being six or seauen hundred, so as in the end they were faine to defend them at the sound of the Bell. And it was a strange thing, that as often as the Spaniards came to take them, they neuer carried any more away then one calfe. And the kine were so accustomed vnto it, as seeing the Spaniards come, they ran towards the towne, and stood vpon the counterscarfe of the ditch, as in a place of safety.
Here-vpon whilst that through the pulling vp of the scluses and the breaking of the dikes in diuers places, the water did rise in the country: the Prince fell so extreamly The Prince of Orange ve ry sicke. B sicke, as there was nothing in him but signes of death: the which did much trouble them all, but yet notwith-standing they continued the course of their affaires, and the water did still run on the other side; the Spaniards did greatly presse them of Leyden to yeeld, giuing them to vnder-stand that the Prince was dead: it was also to be feared that bread fayling them, the people would force the Magistrats. Yet they shewed such constancie The great resolution of the besieged of Leyden. and resolution to keepe their faith giuen vnto the States, as they would neuer enter into any parle with the enemie. In the meane time there were many sent from them vnto the Prince and States to hasten the succors, the which was promised, if it pleased God to send them water inough. Here-vpon the Spaniards writte vnto them many letters full of goodly promises and cruell threats, still assuring them that the C Prince was dead. The besieged sent for the foure men, as well to see if the Prince were yet liuing, as to let the States vnder-stand that they could h [...]ld out no longer: yet they would striue to keepe it a moneth (which should fall out on the twenty of September) if they would assure them of their succors: if not that they should dispence and free them of their faith and oth that they might resolue what were fittest for them. The States let their messengers see all their preparatiues; the holes of the dikes that were broken, and the aboundance of water which entred into the country, the which gaue them great satisfaction: & made them resolue, that if they did indeuour to succor them, they would also striue and attend all extremities: The which did so reioyce the Prince, (whose sicknes proceeded onely of griefe and the care he had of them) as it did not a D little help in his recouery. A few daies before, being somewhat amended, he began to appoynt men to prepare the boats and munition, deuising how to dispose of his enterprise, and to prouide soldiars and marriners in such nombers as should be needfull. For the effecting whereof (being well aduertised that the Spanish fleete, which the Spaniards so deuoutly attended came not) knowing that this enterprise by water for the succouring of Leyden, depended much vppon an Admirall, hee caused the Seignior Lewis of Boysot to come out of Zeeland with about forty Captains both for Sea and land, and The Admirall Boysot sent for by the Prince. some 800. marriners, & good store of Artillerie fit for such flat boats, as were fittest for the execution of this desseine. The water in the meane time did so get of the country, as it forced the Spaniards to abandon some of their villages. During the which, the E Prince being at Rotterdam, and beginning to recouer him-selfe, he sent the Collonel la Garde, and the Councellor Wasteel to Delfe, to see how much the water was risen on the side of Delflant; for you must vnder-stand that the three Iurisdictions: which is Separation of three Iurisdictions. that of Rhinlant which is vnder Leyden; of Delflant which is vnder Delf, and of Schyelandt which is vnder Rotterdam, are diuided by a dike called Landt-scheydinghe, that is to say seperation of the country, which makes a triangle, like vnto three lines which part from one center. The water entred into Delflant, by a hole made neere vnto Rotterdam, and by the scluses of Rotterdam and Delfhauen: Entring into Schyelandt by a breach of the dike made in the riuer of Issell, neere vnto Capelle: and in the riuer of Meuz neere vnto Issellmonde: so as it remained onely to know what height it was of F either side, to cut the said Landt-scheydinghe, and to giue it passage into Rhinlandt, the which is a higher country then the other two: Whilst that the Seignior of la Garde & Wasteel went on the side of Delflandt, the Admirall went into Schyelant, where hauing found the water high inough, for that the breach neere vnto Rotterdam had bene made [Page 561] long after that of Issell. Hauing made report vnto the Prince, it was resolued to stay A some few daies, vntill the water were risen higher. The Prince hauing giuen the command of the shipping to the Admirall, and of the men of warre to the Seignior of La Gard, and put into their hands all the charge of the armie and of the enterprise, he commanded them (whilst that all the preparatiues of boats and munition were well disposed to go with some three hundred and fifty shot, and a good number of pioners to cut Landt-scheydinghe on the side of Delflandt, about a certaine place which had beene markt before: for there the water was deepest; the which they did, as they had proiected: comming thether an houre before day, they went to land, beginning to intrenche themselues in two seuerall places, distant foure or fiue harguebuze shot one from an other, the which in truth was too much; but they flanked the approches through the fauor of their ships of warre: and were once resolued to haue drawne them neerer togither, B yet they continued so that they might haue the more space to make many breaches in Landt-scheydinghe, the which being done gaue great contentment to the two Commanders, seeing with what force and aboundance the water entred into Rhinlandt. The Spaniards hauing the Alarme, and seeing them, failed not to go and discouer them within an houre after their arriuall; they of the side of Leydtsendam, went with horse and foote, whereas they got nothing.
Those of Sootermeere came with the Spanish foote onely, who began a skirmish, the which continued long, in the end hauing some supplies, they made a shewe as if they The spaniards come to skirmish. would march directly to the Protestants trenches, as it were to draw them forth, for the which they had no great reason, for the Protestants were fauoured by their boats, who C were not idle with their Ordinance, although they were too much scatred one from an other, for so small a number, being betwixt the Spanish forces which they had of either side of them: for at their trenche at that time there were not aboue six score Frenchmen: yet if the Spaniards (who seemed to be aboue a hundred and fifty) had aduanced a little farther, the Seignior of La Gard (who was there) had resolued to meete them halfe way: the which he held to bee necessary at their first arriuall, as well to keepe his soldyars in heart at the beginning, as to suppresse the Spaniards a little, and with a good and resolute countenance to take from them the desire and hope which they might haue to hinder the Protestants disseine: Besides, if they had made them with their brauery imbarke againe, it would haue bene heard to haue drawne their men forward: and D more-ouer hauing so few men, hee must either hazard them or make a dishonorable retreat. But the Spaniards (who might haue fortified them-selues with what men they pleased, contenting them-selues with the skirmish, the which continued not much lesse then fiue houres) retired hauing lost ten or twelue of their men, besides the hurt. The Protestants retired also, hauing one soldiar and a marriner only hurt, laboring after that time at the breach of the dike.
From that time the Admirall Boysot, made shew (as he hath alwaies done in the like occasions) of a great desire to fight, and to passe on: yet going to councell with the Seignior of La Gard & the Captaines; it was not held expedient to attempt any more with so few men, beeing thought a matter of no small importance, to haue gotten the E possession of Landt-scheydinghe so good cheap; beyond the which all they of the country assured the prince, that there was no dike nor dificulty vnto Leyden: but they were false aduertisments, and therein the Prince was much abused, as it appeared afterwards; but God did so assist them, as trying all that was possible by little & little, without any precipitation, they got vnto the place which they desired, with as littelosse as euer was seene for so great an enterprise: victualling Leyden in view of a royall Army, consisting of so many nations which hold them selues to be valiant; for in truth the Spanish nation as well as the Wallon hath alwaies beene warlike, among other warrelike Nations. F
The Protestants consisting of Netherlanders, French, Wallons, English, Scottish, & Germaines, seeing their entrie reasonable good, were of opinion to aduertise the Prince. Besides they thought it best not to retire from thence but to cause the whole The army aduanceth tosuccor Ley den. army to aduance, & the victuals that were appointed for the towne, to the end that if they [Page 562] found any passage, they might loose no oportunitie. The which the Prince allowed A of: sending vnto them presently foure companies of Wallons for supplies, and the rest of the French companies. This being concluded, they went to descouer a way called the Groenwech, by the which they must past, taking that course, they did see certaine Spaniards walking, but they knewe not whether they were lodged there or not: but they were soone satisfied, for they tooke a peasant who informed them of many things which they desired to vnderstand. The Spaniard did see them and beheld them, which made them suspect that hee would lodge there: but hee did not any thing there, but burne two or three houses in the night. Hauing sent the daie following to discouer if they were there or not: the signior of La Gard went by the breake of day and lodged there, with about foure hundred harguebuziers French, and two hundred B Wallons, who was in no sort hindred by the Spaniard, beeing vpon an other way, a good Musket shot from thence. The Protestants trenches were easie to make, for the way was cut in many places, so as the Spaniard could not come vnto them but by water in small boates. And to assure them the more, the Admirall Boysot caused the ships of warre to come of either side, to flanke the trenches, beeing distant one from an other about a harguebuze shot: beeing there they must passe on, wherein there was no small difficultie: for they knew well that all the Spanish forces were there, and in the villages of Soetermeer and Wilsueen, which they had vpon their flanke, not aboue halfe a league off. They might see them fortefie vpon a bridge, and in houses that were of either side, from whence they might annoye them. The signior of La Gard [...] caused C many shot to bee made at them from their shippes of warre, the which might somewhat trouble them, but not force them to leaue their worke. And for that the Spaniards did imagine that the Protestants ment to passe that way, they caused certaine field peeces to be brought, with the which they shot often, but hurt not any one.
Heerevpon the signior of La Garde went to the Prince to Delf, to informe him of all things, and to deliuer his opinion, which was not without many difficulties, for that they 1574. could not iudge of that which the eye could not see, by reason that the water couered Collonel la Garde informes the Prince. all the chanells, so as they were verie hard to finde. Wherevpon hauing vnderstood his pleasure, hee returned the next day to the armie, carrying with him foure demie cannons in flat bottome boates which did not drawe aboue two foote of water, and some D lesse. At his returne to the Admirall, beeing assembled togither with the captaines, to consult what was to bee donne; they resolued to leaue a good gard in the trenches of Landt-Scheydinghe, and some shippes of warre by them, and with the rest of the army they should make their approches by night to batter them at the breake of day, and withall to assaile them: the which they could not doe so earely, for that they were in combred with a multitude of boates, which they must drawe into these chanells: but about eight of the clocke in the morning they gaue the Spaniards a salue with these foure demie cannons, and some three-score other peeces which they had in their The Protestants charge the Spaniards. boates in diuers other chanells. This batterie continued long, some shooting at the Bridge, others at the houses, which they thought to make them abandon, but the Spaniards E made no shew thereof.
In the meane time the Protestants labored to approch to land, and to force them, but they found that their chanells went not so farre, but ended within harguebuze shot, the which could not bee discouered, for that they had gone but in small boates, and by reason that the Inondation couered all, they could not iudge that there was lesse water at one end then at an other, whereby they were much abused. To remedie the which, they made their pioners to labour, and to open them some passage, but it was not possible, for a day would haue spent before they could haue done it in all places, and in the meane time the Spaniards should haue had leysure so to fortefie themselues, as all the Protestants attempts had beene but vaine, and their time lost, which did import them F most of all. In the end seeing that the day would bee spent and nothing effected; and that in the meane time the Spaniards would haue anoyed them much with their field peeces and their musket shot, (the which notwithstanding they did not, it may bee for want of poulder) the signior of La Garde, retired vnto his trenches, and the Admirall [Page 563] went at large with his boats. This was the seauenteenth of September. A
Without doubt God did wonderfully fauor the Protestants, in that they could not passe for want of water, being very likely that of all that had landed, not any one had A fault is some times profitable. escaped, for that they must haue thrust them-selues among houses which did flanke one an other, being rampared fifteene foote thicke, besides other small trenches which they had before and a good parapet all along the dike, full of harguebuziers which attended them with great deuotion: The which the Protestants could not well discouer by reason of the reedes and oziers. And it is wonderfull there were no more slaine, being within fifty paces of them, but in my opinion I haue told the cause. It is true that this retreat was not without some losse, which hapned by a great mischance: for the Captaines Catteuille & Durant, hauing planted them-selues behind a heape of turffs B with some thirty shotte, from whence they had much annoyed the Spaniards in the morning, meaning to retire and hauing but one little boate, with the which they had past thether, at their returne too many thrusting into the boate, they ouerturned it, so Captaine Catteuille & others drowned. as Catteuille, and Gailleresse Lieutenant to Durant were drowned, with ten or twelue soldiars.
At their returne the Admirall and La Garde hauing intreated Seignior Vander-Aa, to go & make report vnto the Prince of all that which hee had seene, and of their opinions consulting vppon all difficulties, and propounding whether it were expedient to seeke some other passage, and to go & batter the fort of Leydstchen-dam, and assault it, & thereby seeke to enter into Vliet (for it had bene to the like effect as the passage of C the bridge, vnlesse that by this they had entred into the lake of Soetermeer which had beene very auaileable for the boats, and by the other they must alwaies keepe in chanells) the Councellor Wasteele (who slept neither night nor day to aduance this busmes) came to tell the chiefe of the Protestants that being aduertised of an other passage, by some that knew the Country very well, hee would not faile to make search An other passage to succor Leyden. thereof: and that hee had found that by Schyelandt, it should bee easie to enter into Rhinlandt, hauing not so many waies nor dikes as where they were, and that there were passages ynough, where they should not want any water; the which the Seignior of La Garde resolued to view with two or three small boats: But considering afterwards that they must make a great circuit, and that happely it should bee necessary to lodge D there, if they found any thing that was fit & conuenient: they thought it more expediēt that hee and the Admirall should go togither with eight galliots and some fourescore harguebuziers, halfe French and halfe Wallons: Where they found more water then the way which they had gone before, for they past ouer the Landtscheydinghe, and had no need to make any breach. From thence searching the Landtscheydinghe from Scheylandt to Rhynlandt, they were guided vnto Scluses by the which they must passe, from whence the Spaniards had dislodged a day or two before, hauing no conceit that the Protestants would take that course, seeing them lodged on the other side, as if they ment to continue it.
It seemes that in all this action GOD did guide the Protestants: for neither they E nor their guides did know whether there were any enymies in that quarter: and without doubt if any house vppon the Scluse had beene fortified with a guard, they must haue returned without doing any thing. But finding so good an opportunity, they would not loose it, but breaking the Scluse to make a passage, and leauing two boats in guard there, they entred into Rhinlandt In the meane time beeing so neere the village of Soetermeer, it was to bee feared that the Spaniards had some watch in the A passage into Rhinlandt. steeple, which might discouer them, for they did it but by stelth, and a good way from their army: And if the Spaniards had had an Alarme, they might easily haue preuented this disseine, beeing so few men: yea it was to bee feared that they should haue beene shutte vp in these chanells, yet beeing resolued to passe as farre as they F might, finding water ynough, they came vnto a way which is called Seeswaertswech, going from Soetermeer to Benthuysen, distant halfe a league one from an other. The Spaniards were lodged in these two villages, who were ill aduertised of the protestants comming, that before they had any alarme, they were lodged and had intrenchd themselues, [Page 564] setting threescore Pioners to worke, which they had brought with them, to The Protestants intrenched at the passage. A make a breach where neede should require: being very glad to see, the water visibly to rise on the other side; goodly great chanells, and the meadoes all ouerflowne: wherevpon they resolued that the Admirall should remaine there in gard with his galliottes, and if the Spaniard came with great troupes to force their trenches, the harguebuziers which defended the approches of these two villages, should imbarke again as well as they could, but the Protestants made their trenches so strong without any alarum, as two thousand men could not haue forced them.
There remained with the Admirall, Citailelle Lieutenant to the signior of Noyelles, Collonel of the Wallons, captaine Derriere and some others, which lay all in the trenches. And it was also concluded that the signior of La Garde should returne, to cause B all the army to march. The which hee did, after that hee had made a gallant retreate at Cronwech, where as the Spaniards if they had aduanced but with fiftie shot, might haue donne him an affront: for La Garde after that hee had drawne all forth, remained behinde with fiue and twenty harguebuziersl, to free a certaine boate of Delf called the Arke of Noe, the which beeing heauie and vneasie to mannage in these chanells, did verie much trouble them, beeing laden with Artillerie, in the which there was but one onelie Marriner to gouerne and guide it, the charge hauing beene giuen to rascalls, who in the night slipt away, and without the dilligence of captaine Cornellis Classz, Vice Admirall of Flessingue, who came to retire it, it was condemned to bee burnt: this disturbance continued at the least three houres. C Some of the Protestants Gallies were alreadie aduanced towards the Admirall: in the end their retreate beeing well made, they marched with all the rest of the armie, the Victualls, Artillerie and Munition, except some sixe small boates, which were left behinde to garde that great Barke of Delf, and fiftie Germaine souldiars in it. The Spaniards were much amazed at this vnexpected approch, the which gaue them so hot an alarume, as they sodenly quit these villages to the Protestants; that is The Spaniards quit their lodging to the Protestants. to say, Benthuysen the first daie the Protestants arriued there (whether the Admirall sent Ciuitelle with some shot) and the next daie at night Soetermeer. The whole armie beeing come to the Admirall, and hauing good passages to this way, (you must imagine that all the waies of the countrie, are like to little Dikes or Causies, betwixt D the waters, for there are of both sides chanells and deepe ditches,) hee past the same night with twentie boates to the other side in a goodly chanell: and in the morning hee went on before, beeing concluded among them to discouer some houses held by the Spaniards, and to seize of them, or to burne them as they should finde it most conuenient. The signior of La Garde (who remained behinde to imbarke and to passe with those that were appointed) seeing the Admirall so farre aduanced, and the circuits they must make by the chanells, and manie houses about them, hearing no newes of them, was much perplexed: for hee knewe not what hee might incounter in front or in flanke: alledging to some of his followers that hee had beene at the taking of one of the French Kings royall galleies, in the riuer of Charente, which E was much broader then any of these chanells, and that by footemen onelie, without any boate. Calling which to minde hee stoode in doubt, whether they might with reason ingage themselues so farre in these chanells: for they did alwaies thinke, that they should floate through all the countrie as through a sea, and therefore hee thought it verie dangerous: but hee was not informed that neere vnto those houses (which they went to discouer) there was a little Lake, called Noorda, where their Shippes might lie safely. One of the houses aboue mentioned (beeing betwixt this Lake and Soeterwoude) was full of Spaniards, who fortified there, manie shewing themselues a long a trench, and discharging their small shot against the Admirall, who answered them with his great ordinance. There did the Protestants finde againe, F that God did assist them in their enterprise, for the place was so commodious for them, as if they had held Soetermeer, their retreate was assured without any danger, otherwise they had beene ingaged, and in danger to receiue an affront, if the Spaniards had donne their duties. Seeing this Lake of Noorda verie conuenient, [Page 565] they resolued not to leaue it, that the Collonel la Gard and the vice-Admirall should A returne to Segwearswech, to cause all the Army to march and to passe the great Ordinance The Protestants enter into the lake of Noorda. meaning to batter this house, and to take it from the Spaniards, and moreouer to giue order for their passage and to assuer their retreat, for which cause they had concluded to gard the village of Benthuysen, and the trenches which they had first made vpon the way: yet Collonel la Gard hauing beene vpon the place, as well to view it, as to cause Citadelle to march with his Wallons (whereof there ariued three or fower compaines more) And hauing certen aduertisment that the Spaniards had left Soetermeere, he tooke a new resolution with Citadelle, abandoning Benthuysen (although it were reasonablie The Protestants lodge a [...] Soetermeer. well fortefied) for they had no neede of it being sufficient for them to gard Soetermeer: to which place la Gard sent Captaine Cret of the contry of Orange, to commande B there with his companies, one of Wallons, and an other of high Dutch.
One thing had much abused the Spaniards, and taken from them all Iudgement of the Protestants dessein hauing left six boats at their first lodging of Landtschedingh being doubtfull what to conceaue of it. The Protestants went earely in the morning into Noorda with all the rest of their forces, where they found that the Spaniards had the night before abandoned their fort. Being in the lake they must of necessity attende the will of GOD: for it was impossible to passe on without morewater, the which entred dayly by the breaches: Then came the Seignior of Noyelles vnto them with some companies of his Regiment where as they spent some daies without any great exploit. In the meane time the beseeged of Leyden were wonderfully prest both by C famine, and the importunity of their enemies, yea by some of their friends that were in the Spaniards Campe who made them beleeue that they had defeated all the Protestants Those of Leyden distressed & importun [...]d army and the succors which they attended: Franci [...]co valdes did some times write very kindly vnto them, and sometimes roughly, The Earle of Roch who termed himselfe Gouernor of Holland, writ vnto them from Vtrecht by a Trompet, with other letters signed by ten Bourgers of Leyden: wherevnto the beseeged answered and demanded a pasport for their deputies, that they might enter into conference: but all they did was onely to haue the better meanes to send their messengers vnto the Prince. The Commanders of the army had often newes from them, for there were many that intreated to bee sent, but there was not any one that could bee intreated, or D would returne to acquaint them of the Towne of the estate of their apparent succors: yet it was a great contentment to the States, the Prince and the whole army to heare their resolution, hauing vpon the last somons made that braue answer. That as long A braue answer made by the beseeged, of Leyden. as they had one hand to eate and an other to fight they would neuer yeeld. During the seege many vnacquainted with warlike affaires had vsed foolish and in supportable speeches, for they blamed all the world in that they did not proceede in this exployte, the which was impossible. As for the Commanders they were much greeued yet they lost no oportunity, for day and night, they labored to descouer some passage, but all was in vaine where vpon they intreated the Prince that it would please him to come in person, and see their procedings, as well for his owne content, as to stoppe all slanderous E tongs, the which he did. In whose presence they discoursed of al the meanes that might aduance the enterprise. In the end they resolued to go and lodge the night following The Prince comes to visit the army. (being the twenty three, of September) with two hundred harguebuziers vpon a way or dike called Stompischwech, notwithstanding all apparent difficulties: but it was to content some of the country who did wonderfully vrge it. The Prince after he had visited his army, spake vnto the commanders and captaines, exhorting euerie one to do his best endeuor in so comendable and important an enterprise, promising to gratefie and reward euerie man in time and place. Hauing set good order for all things to the end that if the Spaniard made any great resistance in the passage, nothing might be wanting that might hinder the execution, he returned to Delfe, leauing euery man F well resolued. But to returne to our speech of Stompischwech, this enterprise could not be so speedely effected, for that the Protestants had not time to prepare what was needfull: wherevpon they refered it to the day following, making their account to lodge there, if it were possible an hower or two before the breake of daie; for the which [Page 566] they caused many gabions to bee made, that they might bee the sooner in defence, for A they must lodge betwixt two Corps de Garde, not aboue a musket shot one distant [...] Pro [...]s [...] [...]uance [...] succors all [...]y can. from an other. The Admirall would goe himselfe: they put certaine harguebuziers in two Galleots, and the rest in other small boates: there were a hundred French should land vpon the right hand, and a hundred Wallons on the left: and some captaines, to haue a care of the placing of the Gabions, and to set the Pioners to worke: finally all things were so well ordred and disposed as they would not faile in the execution, if it were possible: for all the importance of the Action consisted in making of a passage to Leyden, escaping at vnawares by some places, and making their way by force in others. This last meanes had alwaies seemed (as indeede it was) verie difficult, yea altogither impossible, without sufficient water, that they might fleete B euerie where, and therefore it behooued them to seeke some expedient. For they did see that after that they entred into Noorda, the water had rysen but three or foure inches in eight daies, all which a North-west winde had taken away in eight and fortie houres, and brought the water to the same heigth it was the day of their arriuall: the which did much perplexe them, not that they doubted but in time they The Protest [...]nts in great [...]. should haue water sufficient: but they feared that they of the Towne were reduced to that extremitie, as they should bee forced to yeeld, not able to attend the euent of so vncertaine a thing, which depended vpon the winde, for in truth to attend the increase of waters that might ryse by the tides, were a vaine thing, for that the bosome or circumference of the countrie which receiued the water, was to great and spacious, C to be sodenly filled, and therefore it depended vpon the meere grace and assistance of God, who holds the windes in his hand: and a winde would giue them a greater increase in three daies then the tides in three weekes.
Thus the Protestants discoursed what was with them, and what against them, and did finde that of necessity they must direct their passage betwixt Soeterwoude, the castell of Swyetten and Leyderdorp, as the Spaniards did rightly conceiue, and there attended them: for they must passe betwixt them within a musket shot of both sides. And moreouer there was a way going for Soeterwoude to the castell of Swyetten neere vnto Lyderdorp, along the which the Spaniards kept great gard, as well on the land, as in boats or the chanells which are of either side of the way, which made the passage some D what difficult; for they must dislodge them, and foritfie there, to fauor and couer their Pioners, which were to make a breach there, and the soldiars that were to land them. In the meane time many of the country disputed and maintained, that their best course was to go and win Stompiswech, murmuring that matters were so much delaied: not weighing the difficulties, as if warre were as easie to manage as to diuise. To content these people the Protestants would trie this passage by the Lake of Soetermeer, according to the order that was mentioned: but it was in vaine, for they were al night seeking Stompischwech attempted in vaine. of a passage, euen vnto this way, the which they could not possibly find, for the chanells dceiued them, as those of Cromwech had in like manner donne; and without doubt they had beene well beaten there, the Spaniards hauing manie Corps de Garde very E nere one vnto an other: but for want of chanells they were forced to returne to their first determination.
The beseeged on the other side were wonderfully importuned by their enemies; Don Fernando of Launoy Earle of Roche, promised them all good vsage: and Francisco Valdes on the other side threatned to hang them; if they did not yeelde to his mercie and discretion. But all this did nothing amaze them that were well affected to the cause: although they did see some ill enclyned, which cryed out openly that they must yeelde, three hundred and more of them assembling togither about the Townehouse, A tumult in the t [...]wne ag [...]st [...]he Magi [...]te. crying out of the Magistrates that they would ruine the towne, and that it was a follie to attend any succors, neither could they nor would they any longer F endure that famine; thrust on or rather fauored therein by more then three partes of the Magistrates, which was a wonderfull thing; yet the better part of the Burguers being the stronger, they did still breake and disapoint these factions and monopoles; being resolued to attend all extremities, choosing rather to trust in the mercies of God, [Page 567] then in that of the Spaniards. An other time some of the inhabitants came vnto Peter A Adriansz Bourguemaster, laying before him the miseries which they endured, and the great famine there was, making great complaints accompanied with threats: to whom he answered in few words. You see my Brethren, and fellow Bourguers that I haue made an oth the which I hope by the grace of God to keepe inuiolably. If my death may any way auaile The couragious answer of the Burgeumaster of Ley [...]en. you, for I must once die, neither doe I care whether I die by your hands or by mine enemies (for my case goes right) take my bodie, teare it in peeces and diuide it among you, as farre as it will goe, I am content. The Burguers were so da [...]ted with this answere, as they retired without any more words. The Maiestrates aduertized the Admirall Boysot of their extremity, wherein notwithstanding they sayd they were well resolued to continue: the which did wonderfully satisfie the Commanders of the Protestants army: for seeing B the water, and iudging their estate to be more desperate then they made shewe of, they knew not what to thinke. The messengers were sent back, but seeing themselues discouered vpon the way by a Spanish Sentinell, they were soterefied as they would no more returne: wher-with the Commanders were much troubled, seeing they had no meanes to send them any newes, whereby they should greatly haue comforted them, and made them continue constant in their resolution.
The next day there came two other Messengers, who shewed by their good stomakes and their great feeding, what bad cheere they kept in the towne. These men brought fiue or sixe cople of Pigeons in a cage, with letters confirming the former, intreating them not to loose any occasion, assuring the chiefe of the army still of their C courage and resolution. The which came very happelie, for sodenly one of the Pigeons was dispacht with a little letter, who fayled not to goe vnto his Pigeon house, whereof the Protestants were assured by a signe which they of the towne gaue them, A flying messenger. who (although their succors were within halfe a league of them, and might easily see the towne, yet the Townsemen could not see them, by reason that the trees which grew there abouts, being higher then the masts of their boates, tooke away the knowledge of them) but they vnderstood well by the daily shooting of the great ordinance that they could not be far off. In the meane time, whilest that the Protestants were readie to force a new Chanell with their Pioners, to goe vnto that way betwixt the castell of Swietten and Soeterwoude (for they did assure them that beyond it the water was Vnexpect [...] succors which God sends by the winde. D deeper) and that there was no more difficulty vnto the towne. Behold a great South-west winde which they might truely say came from the grace of God (for it was vpon the extremity of their affaires) with so great a spring tide, as in eight and fortie houres the water was risen aboue halfe a foote. Wherevpon the Commanders of the Protestants army resolued to imbrace this occasion, disposing the order of their battaile, & what course they should obserue in the way, and where they should land to cut the passage, al along the which the Spaniards kept great gard in their boats. It seemed that the Pro [...]estants should finde great difficulty in the enterprise, the enemy being lodged there with greater forces then in any other place: hauing besides foure or fiue great Galleys at Leyderdorpe vpon the Rhine. The Commanders were also aduertised that the Spaniards E had many flat bottomed boats like vnto theirs, but they were wel assured that they wanted marriners & men to row. To conclude, for that they would haue the fauor of the night, the Spaniards seeing them when they should aduance towards them, and that they must passe within musket-shot of their lodging, who (whilest they staied to make this passage,) might indomage them with their great ordinance: notwithstanding all these difficulties, the Protestants were resolued and ready, the first of October at night, and marched about eleauen of the clock in this order.
The Admirall with halfe the boates of warre went vpon the left hand towards Soeterwoude: the Vice-admiral with the other moity tooke the right hand towards the castell of Swietten, being a good musket-shot one from an other, and betwixt both was the F signior of La Garde, with the lesser boats full of soldiars, to land vpon the way, being followed by the Pioners and Gabions: and lastly came the boats laden with Victualls and munition. The Spaniards which were in their boats, seeing them come directly towards them, left them, being aboue forty, as well appointed as the Protestants, but for their [Page 568] ordinance, for there was but one of them that had any. Some of them thought to The Spaniards amazed. A haue set a good countenance of it, but they did not any thing, but onely gaue the alarume.
Collonell La Garde was aduanced a little in a small boate with two owers, to giue order for this landing, to plant the gabions and to set the pioners to worke, for hee did imagine, the Spaniards would not so easily haue left it; being thus aduanced in this little skiffe hee landed first, and at the same instant, Ot [...]ran, Bouchard and other captaines on the left hand: Grenu and La Derriere landed on the right, with the soldiars that were appointed for that enterprise, whereas the Pioners were presently set to worke and the gabions planted. The Spaniards had begunne to plant many trees there and peeces of wood a crosse, to make a palissadoe from one village to an other, but they B had no leysure to finish it, and besides it was thought that the water rysing had much hindred them in their worke: for the Protestants found some places vpon the dike, whereas the water was a foote and a halfe deepe, so they needed not to cut it aboute a A passage opened. foote deeper, for that their boats drew no more water. This was finished in two or three places an houre before day, and yet the Spaniard neuer sallied forth to hinder their worke: neither was the ordinance of the Protestants ships (who lay before their lodging) idle all this time, for they shot all night into the villages through their corpes De Garde, and at all other places, whereas they could discouer either fire or light. The Spaniards plaied sometimes on them, but coldly, with a bastard, and an other smalpeece, and likewise with their small shot. C
The passage being opened, the Admirall who was landed to aduance the worke, imbarked againe, and past of the one side, and the Viceadmirall of the other, according to The Protestants passe the dike. the order aboue mentioned, and the boates with victualls and munition betwixt both. They were not farre past but they wanted water, for the great boates did in a manner touch the ground, so as they must make a vertue of necessity: wherein, doubtlesse the Zeelanders shewed their valour, going most of them into the water to keepe their boates a floate, as if they would haue carried them vpon their shoulders. After they had labored a little to passe, they entred into a faire great chanell called Meerburch, vpon the which there were certaine Spanish boates towards Soeterwoude, the which the soldiars abandoned to saue themselues: but they could not runne so swiftly but some of D them were taken prisoners; wherein their great feare and amazement was easie to bee noted, for they suffred themselues to bee taken by marriners who had no armes, beeing but two or three in euery skiffe, in one of the which the signior of La Garde was, who was much greeued that hee had not brought some douzaine shot with them: for hee might easily haue taken two good big boates full of Spaniards well apparelled, hauing all cloakes, and without any harguebuzes, carrying the countenances of men of commande for the most part, doubting at the first whether they were there to discouer, or to stay at a bridge, neere vnto the which they were, called Papenbrughe, betwixt the fort of Lemmen and Soeterwoude, to stop the passage towards Papenmeer, or whether it were to retire themselues; whereof La Garde was presently satisfied by their apparent E flight, retyring by the way of Voorschote. The way they tooke was al couered with water, so as they were forced to go softly, being in danger of drowning: whereof they presently aduertised the Admirall, and of the disorder wherein they seemed to bee intreating The Spaniards [...]e. him to commande some boates to aduance vnto this bridge, the which hee himselfe did, after that hee had with much paine and difficultie entred into this great chanell of Meerbruch. Beeing at the bridge, hee caused it presently to bee broken to passe the boates into the lake, and to pursue their enem [...]es, the which hee did so fitly, as there were many of them cut off, as well with the ordinance, as the small shot, and by them that leaped into the water after them and slue them with their daggers. The which was chiefely done by them of Flessingue who were so incensed against F the Spaniards, as a marriner hauing opened the bellie of one, pulled out his heart, and hauing set his teeth into it, hee threwe it to the ground; the next day the same heart was brought into Leyden, in the which were seene the impression of the teeth. Others that could saue themselues retyring towards Stomwyckswech, were in [Page 569] no lesse disorder, for that the boats which the Protestants had left vppon the lake of A Noorda, with three companies of foot, pursued them so hotly on that side, as there was neuer seene a greater amazement: Besides they left their artillerie, and cast their armes into the water: many were drowned of them-selues, for that they knew not Many Spaniards perished in this▪ out▪ whether they went, by reason of the Inondation; finding great and deepe ditches in the drowned lands, where they were presently swalloed vp. Two things did help to amaze the Spaniards in Soeterwoude: the one was, that the Protestants comming to Meerbruche, went and fired some houses in the village, with a generall alarme, the other was that the great Ordinance which they had left vnder the charge of Phillip Asseliers Comissary, being vppon Noorda, neuer ceased to play vpon them on that side, the which did strike a great terror into the Spaniards. B
This was the very iudgment of God, to abate their proud presumption, for there was The Spaniards loose aboue 100. boats. neuer seene a more dishonorable & shamefull rout, hauing lost aboue a hundred boats, great and small, wherewith they had made an account to fight with the whole armie of the Prince and States. Those that saued them-selues towards the Voorschote, staied at a fort which they had made at the house of Iacob Claes, vppon the great chanell which goes from Leyden to Delf, called the Vliet in the which they had a Culuerin, and an other peece or two with the which they began to shoot, but did no harme. At the first they might see them of the fort of Lemmen amazed and wauering, and if the Protestants had gone directly thether, it is thought they would haue abandoned it: But it was not possible to effect so many things at an instant. It was also a matter of no small importance, to seeke to force a mighty strong fort well furnished with artillerie C by a narrow chanell, whereas but one boat could enter in front, for there was not any meanes to approche neere vnto it, but by one chanell, for that from the said lake vnto the towne, the country is higher then any part where they had yet past, so as the least of their boats could not float there, wherefore they resolued to rest satisfied with that which God had giuen them at that time, and to giue order that all things might bee ready with the great Ordinance, the which was sent for to batter it at the breake of day, and to trie to force it if the Spaniards would attend an assault. This fort was not much aboue a canon shot from the towne, of the euent whereof we will presently relate. D
In the meane time besides the plague and other diseases which grew through pouerty and famine, there was a diuision in the Towne, which grew by the ill affected Bourgers, who neither could nor would suffer any longer: for in seauen weeks they A diuision in the towne of Leyden. had eate no bread, nor drunke any thing but water. In the richest houses horse-flesh was as delicate as a partridge, doggs and cats roasted was wonderfully pleasing vnto the taste: it were vnpossible to expresse the diuersitie of pottages that were made: some did eate vine leaues with salt, others made diuers sauces with the leaues of leeks, & the roots & stalks of coleworts, min [...]'d cabbage was an ordinary meat. The Gentlewomen The extreme famine in Leyden. did eate their little dogs wherewith they were wont to play. If any beast were kild, the poore boyes were there gaping like vnto hungry doggs, to see if any little morcell would fall, the which they gathred vp and deuoured rawe: the skinnes of dryed E sooles, and bones which had beene gnawne by the dogges, were gathred vp in the streetes and of the dunghills. A woman beeing in childbed had but a quarter of a pound of bisket allowed her by the day: and women with childe were so samished, as the fruits of their wombes were so weakned, as they had no force to come into the world: Some children crying for bread, dyed in their mothers armes: some men scarce able to creepe to the gard, at their returne home, found their wiues and children dead either of famine or pestilence, if ten entred into gard, there returned but six or seauen, and in the end but three, the rest beeing dead in the place▪ To conclude the miserie was so great as it could not possible bee any greater: For there 6000▪ persons dead at Leyden during the siege. F dyed within the Towne during the siege, of pouertie, famine, plague, and other bad and miserable diseases, about the number of six thousand persons men women and children.
Their succors being so neere vnto them, one of the Bourguemaisters beeing vppon [Page 570] the rampar, said vnto thepeople that were about him. Behold my friendes behinde yonder A Fort is now our bread, what thinke you, shall wee leaue it there? Wee will rather go and pull downe this Fort with our nayles, then loose it so. You may imagine what contentment these poore famished forlorne creatures had to see their succors so neere them. But all was not yet done; for the Spaniards were betwixt the towne and their succors, the which was not without some difficultie, seeing the doubtfull euents of warre: and if it hapned that they should not force this fort of Lemmen, all that they had formerly done was in vaine: or else they must haue staied a moneth longer, vntill the waters had bene higher, which the besieged could not indure. Where-vppon the Captaines went to Councel and resolued (seeing there was no other expedient) to lodge one night vpon the way which goes from the said fort of Lemmen to Leyderdorpe, betwixt the which B there is a good quarter of a league distance, presuming that from thence they should let slippe what victuals they would into Leyden with small boats, (leauing the greater at Palpen-meer and Meerbrunche) and that this meanes should bee safe and without danger, neither of reputation, nor of losse, the which had not beene, if they had beene constrained to attempt Lemmen by force, which seemed in shew stronger then it was, What the fort of Lemmen was. holding it to be of canon proofe, & was scituated in a plaine champian where there were no chanells but were stopt, beeing distant a quarter of a league from the towne. The water which goes to Delfe passeth byas-wise neere vnto the one side, on the other side there is a chanell by the which they enter into the Rhine, and on the third quarter that which goes to Soeterwoud, the rest was very easie to intrenche, for there were trees C ynoughe: the rampars of this fort were reasonable large, but not so strong as to resist the canon, it was well fortified with a good palisado, gabions, artillery and men. Therefore to speake according to humaine sence, if the Spaniards had defended it well, the Protestants could not haue past without very great losse, for they must haue come within a harguebuze shot and lesse.
The approche being viewed, the chanells vnstopt, and the Admirall hauing sent the second of October at night, Captaine Grenu, Asseliers and Henry, to see where they The spaniard [...] abandon the fort of Lemmen. might best plant their batterie, it was now time to go: for the spaniards that remained in the fort had no intent to do any better then those of Soeterwoude and others had done: they onely made a little shew to retire their ordinance, the which notwithstanding they D did not, for they did abandon it the same night with the fort, in the which there was a Demie canon, carrying a bullet of twenty four pound waight, and some other peeces, which they had put in a flatte bottomed boat, the which they sunke, or else it sunke of it selfe. And so the Spaniards gaue way vnto the Protestants, leauing them a free passage vnto the towne: The which by this meanes was deliuered from great calamity.
In the morning it was not knowne, neither within the towne nor without, that the Spaniards were retired out of this fort of Lemmen, and as they had heard all the night from the rampar of the towne a great noise before this fort, out of the which a boy had markt many to go forth with their matches light, but none to returne into it, which E made him iudge that the Spaniards might be dislodged: hauing made report thereof, he vnder-tooke for two crownes to go & see what they did, hoping that if he were taken to saue him-selfe, in saying that famine had forst him to come forth. This boy being come to the fort and finding no creature, he made a signe to them of the towne with his hat to approche: at the beginning the besieged doubged least the Spaniards had caused him to do it to intrappe them; but being better satisfied, they sent Captaine Gerrard vander Loen with his aduenturers, who receiued first with great ioy the gallyes which the Admirall had sent before to vnderstand the truth of this retreat, for that hee did not lightly beleeue the first report
In this deliuery, and in euery particular of the enterprise, doubtlesse all must bee attributed The deliuerance of Leyden the 3. of October. F to the meere prouidence of GOD, neither can man challenge any glory therein. For without a miracle all the indeauours of the Protestants had beene as winde. But GOD who is allwaies good, would not giue waie to the cruelties where-with the Spaniards threatned this Towne, withall the insolencies whereof they [Page 571] make profession in the taking of townes (although they bee by composition) without A any respect of humanitie or honesty, whereof wee haue related so many pittifull examples in the pretedent booke. And thereis not any man but will confesse with mee (although I should bee called a hundred times partiall, the which I am not, but onely abhorring all inhumanitie) if it bee not some Atheist or Epicure, who maintaine that all things come by chance, that this deliuery is a worke which belongs onely vnto GOD. For if the Spaniards had battered the towne but with foure canons onely, A testimonie of Gods prouidence. they had carried it, the people being so weakened with famine, as they cou [...]d not endure any longer: besides a part of them were ill affected, and very many of their best men were dead of the plague. And for an other testimonie that it was GOD onely that wrought: the towne was no sooner deliuered, but the winde which was South-west, B and had driuen the water out of the Sea into the countrie, turned to North-east, and did driue it backe againe into the Sea, as if the South-west winde had not blowne those three dayes, but to that effect: wherefore they might well say, that both the windes and the sea had fought for the towne of Leyden. And as for the resolution of the States of Holland to drowne the countrie and to doe that which they and the Prince, together with all the Commanders, Captaines and Soldiers of the armie shewed in this sea-course, together with the constancie and resolution of the besieged to defend themselues, notwithstanding so many miseries which they suffered, and so many promises and threates which were made vnto them, all which in like sort proceeded from a diuine instinct. C
I may not forget here, that the same night the Spaniards abandoned the forte of Lemmen, a peece of the Towne wall fell downe, betwixt the Cowe-gate and the A peece of the towne wall falls. Tower of Bourgongne, about sixe score yeards long, the which with the ruine made a great breache: which aduantage if the Spaniards had had two or three dayes before, when as they thought (vpon the assurance of one Beginne, that there was no garde on that side) to take it by scaladoe: without doubt they had not mist of it, and they would haue held the falling of this wall for as great a miracle, as the besieged haue held their deliuerance. But GOD put so strange a terror and amazement into the Spaniards, as not onely those that were to make head against the Protestants, but also those that were two good leagues off retired, abandoning in foure and twenty houres, aboue twenty fortes, great and small, with good artillerie. GOD hauing by this meanes D wrought two great effects; the deliuerance of a towne of so great importance, and the shamefull and preiudiciall route of the Spaniards, who were thrice stronger then the Protestants: who were not in all, soldiers and Marriners aboue two thousand and fiue hundred men.
The passages being thus freed and open in all places, the Seignior Lewis of Boisot The Admirall ente [...]s Leyden with the army Admirall, entered with the Vant-garde of the armie into the Towne of Leyden about eight of the clocke in the morning. GOD knowes with what ioye they receiued him. The Admirall of Ziricxzee was with the Reer-ward: there was no heart so stonie, but was mooued to see these poore famished creatures, deuoure bread and rawe Herrings which the Admirals men cast them out of their Barkes, as they came E in, as if they should not haue had time enough to fill their bellies: whereof some that eate too greedily and without measure, fell sicke, and some dyed, the meate beeing too strong for their weake stomacks, that were not able to digest it. The Admirall being landed, hee went presently to the Church with his men, the Magistrates, and the Bourgers, to giue GOD thankes for this their fase deliuerie, and for their happy and good successe.
The Prince of Orange being then at Delfe, was the same day (which was the third of October) aduertised of this successe, being at the sermon, which being ended hee The Prince of Orange aduertised of the deliuery of Leyden. sent the letter to the Minister, to read it publikely in the assembly of the French. And F from thence hee went vnto the Church with an infinite number of people, to giue GOD thankes, with incredible ioy and gladnesse, the which they did witnesse by the ringing of their Bells, shooting off their ordinance, and bone-fiers in euery streete. And the Prince was the more filled with ioye, for that about an houre or two before, [Page 572] he had receiued other letters from the Admirall, by the which hee gaue them to vnderstand, A that it was not possible for them to passe farther, the Spaniards being at Lemmen, and that he must attend more water. In all this enterprise the Protestants lost not forty men; but the Spaniards had aboue a thousand slaine and drowned. Francisco Valdes A gall [...]nt enterprise with [...]. commander of the Spanish army, in his retreate from Leyderdorpe, left in his lodging a Plat of the towne of Leyden, the siege, the channels, and the forts which he had about it, and vnderneath was written; Vale Ciuitas, valete Castelli paria, quia relicti estis propter aquam, & non per vim inimicorum, that is to say; Farewell cittie, farewell little castels, whom the wators, and not the enemies force hath made vs to abandon.
The next day being the 4. of October, the Prince came to Leyden, the Admirall hauing sent him foure gallies for his conuoy. Being arriued there, after that he had thanked The Prince comes to Leyden. B both the Bourgers for their fidelitie and constancie, and the commanders and soldiers for their good endeauors: he prouided for all things necessary, and setled a good order for all future accidents, creating new Magistrates, shewing the chiefe of the towne what [...]ischiefe had happened by their negligence and slacknesse, in prouiding for their affaires: hauing beene once deliuered at so deere a rate, and with the liues of The Princes admonition to the Magistrates of Leyden. a Prince of the Empire, and of two of the Princes bretheren, and yet they had no feeling of their owne carelesnesse: and then the loue and fidelity of the States towards them, who had not spared the value of aboue a Million of gold to succor them, doing that which neuer had beene done since the country was dykt: the which he laid before them, that they might be here-after more prouident and wise, and haue the more feeling C of libertie, in regarde of miserable slauery, wherein they might haue fallen, and should neuer haue beene able to redeeme themselues at any rate, if they had fallen into the Spaniards hands. Besides all the victuals that were brought by these succors into Leyden, the Prince and his councell appointed, that through-out all the neighbour townes they should make a generall collection of almes of bread, butter, cheese, larde, A generall co [...]lection of armes to releeue the poore commons of Leyden. pouldred flesh and siluer, to releeue the poore of the towne of Leyden, who had no meanes to buy, and had not earned any thing of a long time: the which was deuided among them, to helpe to comfort them and to strengthen their debilitie [...], where-vnto long famine had reduced them. The which did not onely releeue the poore, and ease the rich, but caused a strict bond of loue and friendship betwixt this towne and the rest.
The 8. of October the Prince went towards Kage (which is a small Iland and a good D village in the middest of the sea of Harlem) which he appointed to be fortified and well garded, as the Key of the sea of Harlem. And the ninth day hee went to the Scluse of Goude, where in like fort hee caused a mighty strong fort to be built. And as through the Princes sicknesse being at Rotterdam, the Spaniards had still beleeued that he was dead, and that the Protestants had made this enterprise vnder his name: when as Iulien Romero sent back the Seignior of Saint Aldegonde (who had continued a yeare in prison) he caused two Spaniards to accompany him, who knew the prince very well, to make a true report vnto him if hee were yet liuing: the prince talked with them, and hauing vsed some speeches, and dispacht their pasport, he sent them away within two E houres after.
Those of Leyden being loth to shew them-selues vnthankfull to the Admirall Boisot, for his care and paines taken for their releefe; they presented him with a goodly chaine The courtesie of them of Leyden to the Admirall Boisot. of gold, and a great Medaile (making mention of their deliuerance) hanging at the said chaine. The like did the States, Nobility, and townes of Holland, hauing inuited him to a banquet, where they presented him with a richer chaine. Ianus Douza Seignior of Noort [...]ic, a gentleman of an ancient house, and at that time Super-intendent of the towne of Leyden, hath written a learned Poem and likewise made a discourse in Lattin prose, of the siege, succours, and victualing of the said towne, & of the Spaniards flight▪ During the siege before Leyden, the great Commander had certaine troupes lodged F about Bomel, Gorcom, and Louestein, to make some attempt: but all places were so Worcum [...] [...]y the Spa [...]rds. well fortified with good garrisons, and Collonell Balfour lying there-abouts' with seauen companies of Scots to crosse their desseignes, by cutting off ditches and other stratagems, so as they could not effect any thing: where-vpon the Spaniards went and [Page 573] battred Worcum, lying right ouer against Gorcum vpon the Meuse in the which there A were fiue companies of souldiars, who in the end receiued commandement, that if the towne were not defensible, they should quit it, as they did but after three assaults sustained, and the losse of 150. men.
Chiapin vitelli likewise with his Companies of high Dutch, & certen Spaniards, and 12. peeeces of Ordinance beseeged Leerdam, a small towne belonging to the Earle of Buren, and batred it there, being within it two companies of soldiars, who after eleuen Leerdam won by the Spaniards. howers battry, (the Tower of the Castell beeing beaten downe) yeelded it vp in the beginning of Iuly, departing with their armes. And not long after the Spaniards had an enterprise vpon the towne of Delft, the which was to be managed by an Ancient, who was a Wallon, thinking by some intelligence with the Townesmen to get into it, but B this Wallon, being faithfull to the towne and seruing in the same, sought by that meanes to intrappe the enemy, hauing to that end made a secret mine by the water gate, with an intent to blow it vp at the entry of the Spaniards, but the drawe-bridge being not very easie to fall downe, and the Spaniards hearing a noyse, and seeing some women at the windoes, they grew iealous, and there-with retired, being in all three thousand horse and foote, at whome those of Delft made certen great shot, but in vaine. Soone after the Spaniards retreat from before Leyden, Francisco valdes Generall at that seege, being The Spaniards mutine and take Francisco valdes prisoner retired to the Hage, cursing still and lamenting his misfortune, fell into such disgrace and contempt with his soldiers, as they presumed to taxe him and to obiect vnto him that he had had intelligence with them of Leyden, reproching him that he had receiued two tonnes of gold not to batter it, the which was notoriously false. These obiections C and crymes, with the want of many monthes pay (which they complained were due vnto them) made them to mutine, and to take him prisoner choosing an Electo among themselues, to gouerne the whole Regiment: they forced him to write vnto the great Commander, that within ten daies he should send their pay, else they would depart from thence and seeke it else where. The ten daies being expired (which was about a moneth after the deliuery of Leyden,) they retired frō Maeslandt-Sluys, Leyschen-dam The Spaniard [...] leaue South Holland. Vordschoten, Valkenburg and other places, in great troupes, both of horse and foote, to the nomber of seauen thousand men, and so they left that quarter of South-Holland, marching towards Harlem and Amsterdam, where they found all the gares shut against them; from thence they marcht towards Vtrecht where they thought to get their pay, D or in spoiling of the towne to pay themselues. Thus was Holland deliuered at this time from the Spanish forces, none remaining in Holland but Wallons. They came the seauenth of December before Vtrecht, which they thought to surprize. The Seignior of Hierges and Floyon (sonnes to the Lord of Barlamont) and Francesco valdes (who The Mutyned Spaniards faile to surprise Vtrecht. had escaped before out of their hands) proclaimed them mutines and Rebells vnto the King, giuing leaue vnto the Bourguers (who needed no great prouocation) to kill them where they could. The Spaniards hauing fayled of their surprize, sought to fier the port of Weert with poulder, straw and pitch: the Bourguers perceiuing it, sallied out vpon them, and slue some fifty. The eighteenth of the moneth passing along the towne ditches with their Electo, called Ioan Bianco, they came on the side of Saint Catherins E gate, a little before day (whereas they went vp to the rampar by scaladoe) and slew some of the townesmen, their Electo hauing sworne to enter or to die in the place. But the Inhabitants running thether in great nombers, resisted them so corragiously, as they made them quit the rampar with great losse, and among others of their Electo: the Bourguers being so eager in the slaughter of them, as those of the castell were forced to shoot at them, to make them cease, where there died aboue a hundred Spaniards. The great Commander finding that since his comming to the gouernment, all that he had deseigned went crossly and against the haire, both by sea and land, after the losse of 1575. Middlebourg and of so many shipps, the disgrace and affront receiued at Leyden, and The great Commander makes a shew to desire peac [...] F the discontentment and mutiny of his troupes: hee thought to try the ford an other way, seeing that by warre he preuailed nothing. He sought means to reuiue the treatie of peace and to bring it againe in question, the which had bin talked of betwixt some priuat persons, as Noir-carmes, Champaigni and others in Iuly before, as wee haue said: [Page 574] And calling to minde the petition presented them by the Nobilitie and townes of A Holland and Zeeland, tending to an accord, hee obtained leaue and authority from the King, to enter into conference in a certaine place appointed to that end, the which was named at Breda, a towne belonging to the Prince of Orange, and then held by the Spaniards. Whether (the great furtherer and louer of peace, the Emperor Maximilian, who neuer ceased, with all carefulnesse to solicite the King therein) sent Gunter Earle of Swartzenburgh, and the Earle of Hohenlo, both brothers in law, to bee mediators The emperor Maximilian, seeketh to make a [...]. therein, who road too and fro betweene both parties, and brought it to such passe, as in the beginning of March, the great Commander, gouernor generall, sent vnto Breda for commissioners the Earle of Roche, of the house of Launoy. The Baron de Rasingen, gouernor of Ryssell, Donway, and Orchie: Arnolt Sasbout, chancellor of Geldre, Charles B Suys President of Holland, who had fled from thence, and doctor Elbertus Leoninus. For the Prince of Orange, knights of the order, Noblemen, Gentlemen, and townes of Holland, The deputies that were sent [...]o make peace Zeeland, and their associates; as Bommell and Bueren (vpon hostages deliuered for them at Dort, as Montdragon, Iulian Romero, Don Michael de Alentaer, Don Guilliaume de Saint Clement, and Don Michael de Couille) there came Arent van Dorp, Charles Boysot gouernor of [...]ushing, Philip de Marnix Saint Aldegonde, William van Zuylen, Van Niuelt Scout of Dort, Iacob van Der-does, Iohn Iunius de Yonghen gouernor of Camphere, Adrian van Der-myte, and Paulus Buys aduocate of Holland.
The second of March 1575. they being all assembled, and as it seemed well inclined to a pea [...]e, they of Holland spake touching their former request presented, requesting the C with-drawing of strangers, and assembling of the generall States, where-vpon it was asked them in the Kings behalfe, who they vnderstood to be strangers, and who they called the generall States? They answered, that all those were strangers that were not borne in the seuenteene Prouinces, and that they vnderstood the generall States to be, such a meeting of the States, as was assembled in the time of the Emperor Charles the fifth, when he resigned the Netherlands vnto his sonne King Philip. After that vpon the 14. of March, the deputies for the King both by word of mouth and writing, shewed and deliuered vnto the deputies of Holland, &c. that they thought it very hard, that the Spanish soldiers, being the Kings subiects as well as they, and which had done him and his predecessors so great seruice in the Netherlands, should be esteemed strangers. Neuer-the-lesse peace being D once agreed vpon, his Maiesties meaning was not to keepe the Spaniards any longer in the Netherlands then neede should require, and that therefore it was not conuenient that his Maiestie should bee constrained there-vnto, for that so it might tend vnto the impairing of his honor, which they all had protested especially to regarde.
Touching the assembling of the generall Estates, that his Maiestie was well content, all things being pacified, being required there-vnto, to be counselled and assisted by his estates, in things belonging vnto and concerning the country, wherein they are vsually Articles of the peace ofred by the King vnto them of Holland and Zeeland. to be conferred with-all, without making them acquainted with such things as belong vnto his soueraignty, and the good pleasure, will, and disposition of his Maiesty, wherein his Maiestie or his gouernor were to vse the counsell and aduise of his counsell appointed E to that end and purpose, as of prouinciall councels, and the lawes of the country, as need required: and for that the assembling of the Estates could not be done without great trouble and vncertainty, asking long time, and not vntill a peace were made, therfore the King offered, (that peace might the better be procured) vnto them of Holland and Zeeland, the restitution of all their priuiledges, lawes, rights, and customes, as they were before the troubles, (if any thing were altered,) as also that all things whatsoeuer had hapned during the troubles, should be forgiuen and forgotten: and that all the sentences of banishments, confiscations of mens goods, and other things, should be voide and dissanulled. That the goods that had beene taken from each other on both sides, should bee restored vnto the owners thereof, in such estate as they then should F bee found to be. That which had beene taken and carried away, should so remaine, although it were yet in the parties hands: that all prisoners both of the one and the other side, should be freely set at liberty, without any ransome, both the Earle of Bossu, and all others, what-so-euer they were: and that those that had paide ransome should [Page 575] haue no restitution, alwaies prouided that the said Prince of Orange, Knights of 1575. A the order, Noblemen, Gentlemen, and townes should deliuer all the said countries, townes, castles, and forts, together with the shippes, and artillery, and al other things whatsoeuer into his Maiesties hands, and that all they that during the warls had ceazed vpon any goods, houses or rents belonging to the Spirituality, or other persons, should peaceably restore them againe vnto the owners, with-out any fraud. That his maiesties intent was, that the Catholike Romish Religion should be generally obserued in all places of his Maiesties dominions, and peaceably and freely permitted, with-out any opposition or contradiction, in such manner as when his Maiestie was instauled and by oath inuested in the Netherlands, and as the States thereof at that time, and long since, protested to liue and die therein, and that all those that B would not liue as they had done hearetofore, in the Catholike Religion, his Maiestie was content for that time onely that they should depart out of the land, and sell all the goods and liuings they had within a certaine time prefixed, and yet during that time should not haue any exercise thereof: for assurance whereof, (although his Maiesties word, with letters of ratification ought to bee sufficient for them) yet if they were not content there-with, hee was pleased that they should set downe and show what further security they would demand in that behalfe, that it might bee considered of.
The twentith of March the deputies for Holland. &c. made answer here-vnto by writing, signed by the Prince of Orange, the Earle of Culenborgh, Otto van Egmont, C and others, being assembled with the deputies of Holland, Zeeland and their The States answer to the King proposition of peace offered to the Netherlands. associates, after the manner of the estates, first persisting in the contents of their first petition touching the with-drawing of all strangers, in regard of their cruell and insolent gouernment, who in regard of their seruice had beene well recompenced, and were become rich, for that the like with-drawing of the Spaniards, and for lesse cause had beene sought by them of Gaunt in the yeare 1559. and accordingly graunted: they denied not but the Spaniards were subiects to the King of Spaine, but not of the duke of Brabant, Earle of Flanders, Holland, &c. nor yet of any of the seauen-teene Prouinces against the which they had shewed them-selues to bee to much vnnaturall, who euen at their first comming into the land, held the Netherlands D to bee heretickes, and rebels, without any exception, as it appered by the spanish bookes, made and put in Print by licence and priuiledg from his Maiestie, as also by letters and instructions sent from the great Commander, and of one Iohn de Sousa written vnto his Maiestie, in the which hee bouldly maintained, that the Netherlands, and all the goods and lands of the inhabitants thereof, were giuen by his Maiesty vnto them: vnder pretence thereof, vsing all kinds of force, [...]iolences, vnnaturall actions shamefull to bee heard or spoken of, as the townes of Wherefore the Spaniards are straingers to the Netherlandes. Gaunt, Doornick, Antwrep, Meechelen, Liere, Hertzhogenbosk, Deuenter, Vtrecht, Rotterdam, and other places (where they lad lodged) could beare witnes, so that as then, the prophesie by their fore-fathers so offten fore-tolde was found to bee true, that E the Netherlands should complaine and repent the time that euer they were alied to Spaine.
Therefore to seeke to suffer such Spaniardes (which all the townes and Vilages in the Netherlands sought to keepe out) to remaine in the land, was nothing else, but the onely way, to cause his Maiesties to loose the hearts and good willes of his subiects, with-out the which no Lord nor Prince can raigne, but with greart greefe and care, taking away the reciprocall and mutuall loues that should bee betweene the Prince and his subiects, which they hoped to be farre from his Maiestie thoughts, as being a thing much against his dignity & reputation, as also contrary to his nature. Touching the seruice that the Spaniards had done vnto his Maiestie, and his fore-fathers for F the defence of the Netherlands, and the honor of his Maiestie, and his said countries▪ it would bee found to haue beene more hurtfull then profitable to the same, and nothing comparable vnto the faithfull seruices don for the aduancement, honor▪ [Page 576] and reputation of his Maiestie by the naturall vassales and subiects of the Netherlands, A who were forced to sustaine the long and burthen-some warres against France, there by to maintaine the Spaniards in Mylan, Naples, and elssewhere, as also that then the Lords, Gentlemen and others of the Netherlands had spent both their liues and goods to get his Maiesties great victories at Saint Quintines, before Graueling and in other places where they had ayded his maiestie: as also the Emperor Charles in many places, as before Argile in Africa, in Italy, and else where out of the Netherlands, and yet would not the Spaniards in the yeare, 1520. indure any command of the Netherlanders in Spaine, although they behaued them-selues with all ciuility, and farre other-wise then the Spaniards haue done in the Netherlands.
That those of Holland and Zeeland, were forced to helpe them-selues against B the Spaniards with strang soldiers, as French-men, English-men, Scottes, and Dutch-men, but yet had not giuen them any authority ouer the country, and yet that amongst them the Dutch-men ought not to bee accounted for strangers: The said Netherlands beinge alwaies accounted Earledomes and prouinces of the Empire not-with-standing, they were well content, and ready to cause the said seuerall nations to depart out of the country, when-soeuer they should haue no cause to vse them any more. And whereas it was said that his Maiestie, would hold the Spaniards in the Netherlands no longer then necessity required, without further compulsion, so would they humbly Intreat his Maiestie to doe the same, willingly seeking all meanes to moue his Maiestie therevnto. C
Thouching the assembling of the Generall estates, which his Maiestie seemed as then to put of, vntill all things weere pacified and ended, and that they would limite and appoint them vnto certaine orders and lawes, they were of opinion that the generall estates, would not assemble and meete together to that end, nor in the quality and forme as the writing sent declared and appointed, as long as the Spaniards bore armes or were in gouernment with-in the Netherlands, for that it apeared there-by, that they sought to bind and restraine the assembly of the estates with their powers and offices to certaine limites, and strict rules, which should extend as wide and as farre as the common causes of the country required, they knowing best what belonged there-vnto, and that therefore they could not other-wise coniecture by D the said writing, but that couertly they sought to lessen and diminish the priueledges, authorities and credits of the said countries and of the estates of the same, and not to vse the same in any other causes, but onely to get them to consent vnto any taxes or subsedies to bee paid by the said Netherlands; and if they refused to compell them there-vnto by force, and to bring them vnder the supple obedience, and absolute command of his Maiestie, according to the aduise and writing of Don Francisco de Alua, that once wrot out of France vnto the Duches of Parma, Regent of the Netherlands, that the noble men of the same must bee destroyed, and the States thereof impouerished, as the Duke of Alua had allready begunne, and as it yet seemed to bee put in-practise, by the meanes and prouocation, of those that were in the gouernment, E fearing that by the assembling of the States, there bad gouernment, ambition, and couetousnes, would bee discouered, and punished, pretending the highnes, soueraignity, and reputation of the King, and yet all depending vpon the wel-fare of the Country. That the other articles might with certaine annotations in the Margent passe wel inough, therby to prouide to a pacification, but touching the restrictions, and conditions thereafter ensewing, as of deliuering ouer the prouinces, townes, and forts of Holland & Zeland, together with the ships, artilery, and other things, it apeared that they sought to circumuent them as it is said to be done in the fable of the wars betweene the Wolues & the Sheepe: after the Sheepe, had deliuered the dogs (that were their protection & defence) vnto the wolues, That the Prince of Orange and the estates F of Holland and Zeeland, were wrongfully holden and accounted for rebells, and open enemies to his maiesty, which they could by no meanes vnderstand, to bee so, for that they had not in the least point once sought to deminish ot detract any thing from his Maiesties highnesse and authority in any sort what so-euer, but rather for [Page 577] his maiesties profit and the preseruation and defence of the land, and the townes there A of, to gether with their houses liues and goods, wiues and children, from the tirany of the Duke of Alua, and his adherents, with great labour and toyle had vsed all the meanes they could, to driue their aduerse party from thence, whereof they had alwaies made declaration, that they neuer ment or intended to beare armes against his maiesty, nor by the same sought to refuse obedience or to alienate them-selues from the same, but with all duty to continew in his maiesties grace and fauour with other Prouinces vnited vnto them, as they did before, hauing beene free from any meaning or intent, to take away the goods of their aduersaries either spirituall or temporall, as in the said conditions were inserted, in such sort, that they could not thereby perceaue any good opinion to bee conceaued of them, and the rather, for that by the other conditions of holding and maintaining the Romish Catholik B religion, or els to depart the land, it appeared that their religion was accounted heresie, and consequently they them-selues to bee heretikes, although no other religion was vsed there amongst them, then onely the catholike and apostolike religion, agreeing with the holy scriptures, wherein they onely trusted and had settled their consciences, onely disalowing and banishing, open and great abuses and disorders vsed in the church, vnpleasing to God, thereby to giue that vnto God that was Gods, and vnto the King, that which belonged vnto him.
And therefore withall reuerence and humility they said, that they could by no meanes be perswaded to accept and allowe of the said articles as they were propounded, caling to minde the example of the Earles of Egmont and Horne, as also of the Baron of C Montigny, and others, with seuerall breakings of securities, promises, and assurances: that also it was not conuenient that so great a nomber as were inclined to the reformed religion should depart out of the land, and forsake their natiue country: and that in truth it was a much more harder condition, that so great a nomber of the Kings Maiesties faithfull subiects, to their great losse, should bee forced to sell away their goods (which they could not doe but to their exceeding great hinderance although they found marchants and buyers great store) and bee compelled to dweld and wander like banished men in other countryes, rather then they would send three or foure thousand Spaniards, (that had made sufficient gaine and prey of the country) home againe: whereas the departure of the subiects out of the Netherlands, D would not onely cause a great depopulation of the country but a decay of all kindes of trades, trafickes, handy-workes, occupations, and sea-faringe, wherein the whole wel-faire of the Netherlands consisted: for that it was [...]anyfestly knowne that the sending away of the people at other times, by meanes of the rigorous proclamations and terrible executions of the same, the industrious handi-crafts, that were in the land were by that meanes caried into other countries, to the vnspeakeable decay, and hinderance of his maiesties rents and reuenewes, and from thence by the condition propounded of selling their goods, (for that time onely) they vnderstood, that the proclamations and the inquisition, touching religion, should againe bee put in practise, which euery man so much abhorred, that those that E should remaine in the country, were likely to fall into a new trouble and dissention, and that at the last, a great peece of his maiesties crowne would bee torne in peeces; desiring with all humility that their declaration and aduise might bee taken in good part, as proceeding from a good deuotion vnto his maiestie, The Kings deputies replication to the States declaration touching peace. and the countries wel-faire, beseeching GOD, that it would please him of his infinite mercy to inspire his maiestie, and the Lords that were comissioners, with other counsell, knowledge, and aduise.
Vpon this declaration, the Kings Deputies vpon the first of Aprill made a replication, in writing, wherein they seemed to blame the said declaration to be too sharpe and bitter against those with whome they ought to liue in peace and amity, F and that the King was content according to their desires, to cause the Spaniards and others to depart out of the land, when all controuersies should bee ended and appeased, so as they of Holland and Zeeland would doe the like, blaming [Page 578] them like-wise that they should account Holland and Zeeland to bee Earledomes A belonging vnto the Empire, excusing the great Commander, and not beleeuing that he would write any such ma [...]ter, as they had charged him with all. Th [...] assembling of he generall estates they agreed vnto, peace being made, being the second point of their request: Touching the deliuering ouer of the townes, places, forts, shippes, and artillery, they wondred to what end they alledged the fable of the wolues and the sheepe, whereas it was not sought or desired, otherwise then with proffer of good and sufficient caution, wherof they not once made any mention, offering, besides the Kings word, (which in reason should be sufficient) to make them al due & conuenient satisfaction that they could demand: as also that the States of the prouince, each one in particular should haue the said declaration and the Kings promises to bee set downe vnder his B great Seales, and (if need were) to be confermed by the Emperors Maiesty and by other Lords and Princes of the blood.
Touching the religion, his Maiesties meaning was not to yeeld in any thing therevnto, but that such as would depart the land should haue six moneths time granted vnto them for their departure, and in the meane time should behaue them-selues modestly, without any scandale: and as for the selling of their lands and goods, to aduance them to the highest rate and most aduantage: and they should haue 8 or 10. yeares time for the sale thereof; so as they suffered them in the meane time to bee vsed and held by Romish Catholikes; that the departure of the people out of the land, was a greefe vnto the King, but seeing they would not conforme them-selues, to liue as other men did, it was their owne and not the Kings fault, and whereas the departure out of C the land was limited vnto them for that time onely, they said it was done for that there was no reason to alter the religion at euery time, and thereby to procure and raise confusion and scandale among the common people; and might likewise tend to a disgrace of Iustice and the Kings prerogatiue. That his Maiestie doubted not, that if the strange preachers, and consistories, with some other priuate persons, who by meanes of the troubles (vnder pretence of complayning for losse of their priueledges) had brought in diuers Inouations, would alter their opinions or were once gon out of the Netherlands, that the common people being better informed in all things, would be contented to liue in peace, and obey his Maiesties will and pleasure, who onely sought to defend and keepe them from all inconueniences, and perticularly from the A monethes time d [...]manded by the States to cons [...]r of the ca [...]e. D inquisition, which his Maiesti pretended not to bring into the Netherlands. Vpon this replication the deputies for the Prince, and the estates of Holland and Zeeland, vpon the fourth of Aprill, desired a monethes libertie to make there report, in regard that they seemed to charge and laie all the burthen vpon certaine perticuler persons and strangers, and that therefore they would fetch lawfull and authenticall testimonialls of their authorities; desiring withall a passport for certaine of their Ambassadors, which they ment to send, with the Earle of Swartzenburgh (who as then was vpon his departure) vnto the Emperor, and that in the meane time the hostages might also returne againe.
The Earle of Swartezenburg likewise vpon the sixt of Aprill wrot vnto the great E Commander to Brussels, saying that hee had commission from the Emperors Maiestie, to bring certaine Ambasadors with him from the estates of Holland and Zeeland, that his Maiestie might bee fully informed of the cause, for the better furtherance of a peace to bee made with the King of Spaine, promising and giuing his word, that the said Ambasadors should not in their said lourney vse any secret or vnlawfull proceedings. The Erale of [...] taking his [...] of the de [...] [...]th [...] of [...] [...]use. ‘The liberty of a monethes time sought by the deputies of the estates, was partlie graunted vnto them, but the Pasport required for the Ambassadors was by the Commander vtterl [...] denied. Vppon the sixt of Aprill, the Earle of Swartzenburgh, tooke his leaue of the deputies on both sides assembled in Breda, shewing them what labour and trouble [...]e had had, both by intercession vnto the great Commander F the Kings gouernor Generall, and with the Prince of Orange, and the estates of Holland and Zeeland, to extinguish and quench the secret hatred, and burning fier of’ enuy, that flamed in their hearts: and that although as then there was little effected, ‘[Page 579] for that the differēce of religion much hindered their proceedings, yet he was not altogither A out of hope, neither wished he, that therefore the matter should be neglected and not goe forward, but rather gaue counsell that both partes should cease from armes & that the truce should be made betweene thē for sixe moneths, and for that the reformed religion was so deeply grounded in the hearts of the one party, that it could not so sodenly be rooted out, he thought it good, that during the time of the truce, they of Holland and Zeeland might freely vse the excercise of their religion, and not to deny the said truce, for religion sake. The condition of the said truce on both sides he referred vnto the discretio as of the parties, desiring them to take his meaning in good part, as fore-seeing the generall ruine, and destruction of the Netherlands, if the cessation and laying aside of armes were not granted, that so their hearts might be vnited togither, B and thereby a peace procured, it being other-wise to be feared, that the Netherlands being diuided, might so fall into the hands of other Princes, the which in regard of the great affectiō, he bare vnto the Kings prosperous & happy proceedings, he would gladly seeke to hinder and preuent, & to that end desired an answer from the Commander within two dayes after, earnestly desiring them not to take his departure in euill part, it being apparant and sufficiently knowne with what labor and cost hee had performed that charge: and that yet (with great greefe) hee had heard, that hee had reaped and gotten the euill will and disliking of diuers great Lords for that cause onely, and was had in suspition, and that therefore he thought it necessary for him to returne backe againe vnto the Emperor, and to discharge him-selfe of his ambassage, not doubting, C but that his Maiestie (if the truce were once agreed vppon,) would vse all the meanes and wayes he could to procure a firme and an assured peace, and that so the Netherlands might bee kept and maintained in obedience vnder the King, wherein he himselfe will neither spare his labour, nor his meanes, for the good of his Maiestie and his subiects of the Netherlands.’
To this oration made by the Earle of Swaertzenbrugh touching his departure, the great Commander made answer vppon the eight of Aprill, giuing him great thankes ‘for his labor and paines, which hee knew the Kings Maiestie would take [...]n good part. But touching the truce he said his Maiestie would not agree therevnto, for certaine reasons, and that hee saw no cause why hee should desist from his disseins, but was D content that there should bee a truce concluded for two monthes, so that in the meane time the excercise of the reformed religion, might cease both in Holland and Zeeland, and they that vsed the same to go into some other place: and that hee thought it not a thing pertinent vnto his office and charge, to grant pasports vnto the Kings rebells, to passe through his country, whereas they had meanes ynough to go otherwaies. In his voyage to the Emperor hee wished him all good successe, giuing him great thankes for his paines taken therein, in the Kings behalfe. The like answer was made him by the Deputies as then in Breda, & so the Earle of Swaertzenburgh, took’ his leaue and departed.
Vppon the last of Maie, the Deputies mette againe at Breda, where-in the behalfe of E the Prince of Orange, and the States of Holland and Zeeland &c. Vppon the last of The Stat [...] declaratio [...] in the second assembly at Breda. ‘Iune there was a wrighting presented by them, wherein they said, that they liked well of the offer made, of holding and obseruing of their priuiledges, for the profit of the Netherlands, but that they could not perceiue how that would or might be in any sort beneficiall for them, when as they by the articles propounded must leaue and for sake’ the country. Moreouer for-that they perceiued (speaking freely) that it was not as yet conuenient for them to forsake their natiue country, as also the reformed religion, they humbly besought his Maiestie, that it would please him with a fauourable countenance to behold and regard the great zeale, and holy intents of his obedient subiects and in the matter of conscience (whereof account is onely to bee made vnto GOD F him-selfe) to with-hold and cease the fier and sword, where-with his subiects, and members of all the Netherlands, vntill that time had beene persecuted, and most grieuously tormented with vnspeakeable vilde cruelties brought vnto their ends and vtter destruction: they for their partes promising in all worldly causes to bee [Page 580] obedient vnto his Maiestie and to serue him as faithfully as euer any of his subiects in A times past had done.
For the securities proferred (said they) many pitifull examples do sufficiently shew how they may be estemed by al the world, especialy, if the townes, castles, shippes, and artilery were deliuered ouer, before the Spaniards and other strangers were gon out of the Netherlands, and that the estates generall should haue taken good order for al inconueniences: therefore to avoyd al difficulties, and so to proceed to the beginning of a good security, they knew no better way, then that according to the contents of there request presented in writing, the strangers should be sent out of the contry, which might the rather be don without cause of suspition, for that the Prince, & States of Holland, & Zeeland had not any manner of dislike nor quarell, with the rest of the other Prouinces, B but held and esteemed them as their good friends, allies, & neighboures, offering to standvnto all reasonable security that there should be no new matter deuised, nor vnlawfull act attempted by them▪ during the time graunted for their departure out of the country, vntil such time as the general estates might assemble to gether, to consult about a good order to be taken in al causes of policy, & good gouernment. Further, (although their offer aforesaid was sufficient) yet would they in the aboundance of their true intents and desires of peace, offer more, that it might appeare both before GOD and the world that they nether desired nor yet sought their owne welfare and ease, no [...] yet pretended any other thing then the welfare and common good of the country. That although those amongst them, that had settled their consciences in the true apostolike C religion, had rather loose both their liues and goods, then they would in any wise deny the same, or once do otherwise then it requireth. They are neuer-the-lesse content, (so his maiestie will desist from denying their request touching their religion) that not onely that, but the point of security, and all other causes, difficulties, and differences, should be determined and ended, by the lawfull assembly of the generall estates of the Netherlands.
And for as much, as that by withdrawing away of all strangers out of the country, all troubles and Insolencies would cease, and all the Prouinces without doubt would be fermly vnited together, they offered to stand vnto all reasonable condition of security, whereby on both sides they might liue in perfect peace, betweene the departing and with-drawing of the strangers out of all the Prouinces, and the assembling of the D generall estates. Where-vnto they desired and praied that they might haue an vn [...]ained, and a Catholike answeare, with an absolute yea, or nay, vnto every perticular point of there request. While this treaty of peace continewed, the Commander generall assembled his counsell of estate, priuy counsell, and tresorers, with certaine of the principale Lords of the state and other councelors of good estates and quality, to heare their opinions touching the peace as then in question, and the answeares made therevnto, by the deputies of the Prince of Orange, and his adherents, who after long conference, gaue there aduice, saying, that the most assured way was to maintaine the Catholike Romish religion, and the Catholike persons in Holland. &c. as also for E the better securing of the Kings inheritances vnto him selfe, for that the Prince had giuen forth that he knew those that had a good will to take the same into their handes, The opinions o [...] the com [...]ers coun [...] [...]d others [...]ng the [...] and mo [...] on o [...] [...]on. saying further, that seeing the point of sending out of strangers was agreed vpon, that it ought to be effected vpon good security, the King hauing naturall Netherland Catholike Souldiars inough, whereof the experience was euidently to be seene, in the time of the regent the Duches of Parma, that had pacefied all the controuersies in the country with the subiects of the same, which as then were well trusted before the comming of the Duke of Alua, and now are in a manner distrusted: when as their loyaltie was once againe tried, in the yeare 1568. when the Prince of Orange entred with an army into the country, and they kept him out, they likewise found it expedient F that the generall estates should bee assembled, where unto they submitted themselues, and likewise esteemed it not to be so hard a matter, to permit and graunt them freedom of conscience, without scandale and exercise thereof, as also to stay and dwell within the Countrie, as other forraine marchants both Dutch-men and [Page 581] Englishmen of contrary Religion did, for that in the meane time, GOD might A so worke in their hearts by good sermons and instructions as they would be conuerted, and that in all places the catholike religion might be erected and giue good examples of honest life and conuersation; vsing many such like arguments, with allegation of diuers old customes and examples, but this would not bee liked of by the counsell in Spaine who had an other desseine, intending an absolute conquest: which not-with-standing it is said that the great commander himselfe, did often complaine of in his death bed, and after that the Spaniards themselues. These articles being in this sort set downe in the name of the King, yet could not the Prince of Orange beleeue that it was the Kings meaning to send the Spaniards out of the Netherlands, and for that cause desired to see the Kings owne hand and seale vnto the same, which was shewed him by the Baron B de Rassinghen, who for security thereof kept the same against the Commanders will, who imagined, that the offers that were made would not haue bin so well accepted, and for that cause would haue it proceed no further, saying, that the King was no marchant or would bee constrained vnto any thing, and that hee liberally offered and presented such conditions, which they should haue accepted of when they had time and place, and so seeking all delaies, hee caused his deputies to make answeare, that hee would send all the proceedings of that peace into Spaine, and attended an answere The Prince of Orang and the States answer to the assembly at Breda. from thence, asking foure moneths time for the same, where-vpon the deputies of Holland. &c. vpon the foureteene of Iuly, for there farwell made a declaration in writing, the contents whereof were to shew how little the Kings deputies were alwaies C afected to deale vprightly, in the contracts of peace, and that therefore they for there discharges, both before GOD and the world, would make it knowne vnto them and euery man, how they for there parts, had alwaies fought and labored to haue an end of the warres: and so breefely declared from the beginning to the ending what had past, from the first request sent vnto the King by meanes of Monsier Champigny vntill there last declaration, which offers they said, without all exceptions to be reasonable▪ as to desire all security to be made, to bee in peace and quietnes during the with-drawing of the Spaniards and other strangers, vntill such time, as that the generall estates being assembled, might end all controuersies, to whome (from that time) they were content to refere all other questions, not only both touching the vse of there religion, D and their departure out of the countrie, but of all others things that concerned them: wondring, that after so many delaies, in steed of giuing a pertinent and sufficient answeare, they deliuered a captious and double answere in writing, seeking thereby to make there plaine and vpright Protestations and alegations to seeme obscure and impertinent, and that being further vrged, first by word of mouth, and after that by writing to show that they had no commission either to accept or refuse their offers, and in a case so cleare, manifest and reasonable, to aske a delay of foure monthes, and yet not-with-standing, from the beginning of the treaty of peace, they had bragged, that they had full power and authority from the King to deale therein: and by that doble and desembling kind of dealing they sought no other then by such offers, vaine hopes, E and profers of peace, to abuse, deceaue and make the estates and common people of the land carelesse of them selues and their preseruation: that so they might the more easely surprise and bring them into perpetuall slauerie; knowing that they of Brabant and Flanders, with the rest of the prouinces (in regard of this treaty, and during the same, as also in hope of a short time of truce) had rather indure all kind of burthens, then once seeme to refuse it: as also, that during these delayes, no open, nor secret enterprises were by them omitted, thereby to ouerthrowe and ruine the country: and that the Prince and the estates and townes afore said, vnderstood and perceaued that their new desired delayes tended to no other end: and that for the reasons afore said, they for there parts by that treaty sought no peace, but rather there F ruine and vtter destruction, and consequently all treaty of peace to be by them vtterly reiected, and that in regard thereof, the Prince and the States and townes of Holland, were Iustly moued and forced, from thence forward to defend themselues, there wiues, and children, together with their natiue country, to Gods honor and glory against all [Page 582] such their vnreasonable & vngodly pretēces, by all meanes they could, declaring & protesting A before God, & all the world, that they in that treaty of peace had sought all the meanes they could, to the end that they, with the Prouinces of the Netherlands round about them, vnder his Maiestie, and to Gods honor & glory, might be vnited againe togither in a happy peace, vnity, quietnes, welfare, and prosperity for euer, and that therefore seeing the same could not bee done, his Excellency, and the estates and townes aforesaid, should therein bee excused before GOD and all the world, and they to the contrary culpable, and the onely cause of not effecting the same, that seeke nothing else, (through the common ruine and slauery of the Netherlands, by suppressing the authority of the generall estates) but to establish and set vp their owne dominion, tiranny, and gouernment, neuerthelesse, when-soeuer they should haue receiued the answer out B of Spaigne, his Excellency and the States and townes aforesaid, hauing intelligence thereof, would bee ready to proceed to a further treaty of peace with their Deputies, if they in the meane time should thinke it good, and that they might perceiue, that they for their parts would deale with more sincerity and vprightnesse then heretofore they had done.
The Hollanders at that time caused certaine counters to bee made of copper, for a memory, and in witnes of that contract: on the one side hauing the garden or parlor of Holland with a Lyon therein, and a sword in his paw, with this inscription, Securius bellum, pace dubia. &c. on the other side a hat signifying libertie; with this inscription, Libertas Aurea, cuius moderatur habenas ratio. This narration being deliuered vppon C the fourteenth of Iuly vnto the cōmissioners for the King in Breda, who vpon the same The Kings Deputies answer to the [...] last [...] at the breaking vp of the treaty of peace. day made answer in writing: saying, that they had seene and perused their declaration, and therein found many high wordes, whereby they and others, wrongfully and without truth accused them that were his Maiesties Commissioners as their forepassed writings, and more then sufficient offers bare witnes, without any fained dissembling, or double dealing, and that their said declaration, seemed to be wholy grounded vpon the respite required, to aduertise his Maiesty as in such cases of importance, (notwithstanding the generall commission) it is meete and vsuall to bee done, declaring, and assuring them, that their meanings were not to auouch nor receiue the said propositions set downe in writing, other-wise then according to their precedent request, for the effecting D of the same, staying the answer of his Maiesty, and that hauing receiued the same, to aduertise them, and so giue further satisfaction to their alegations, as it should bee found meete and conuenient. Protesting before God and the world, that on his Maiesties part there was no want of will, nor any occasion giuen, of breaking off from the said treaty of peace, but to the contrary by the said Prince of Orange, & the Estates and townes of Holland and Zeeland. So that, they fully intended at the first, not to bring that peace (hauing once beefore vnderstood the Kings meaning and intent) to any good end.
Thus was this treaty in Breda ended in Iuly 1575. wherevnto the Spanish Councel, were nothing addicted, whereby each part sought their owne good by seuerall intents, 1575 E which at the last fell out to be some furtherance to them of Holland & their adherents, This treaty of peace, made the Princes cause to be better thought on by all men. in the hearts of many men, although in the warre it was hurtfull ynough vnto them-selues. But for that their request was, that, which generally all the seauenteene prouinces of the Netherlands desired, which was, the sending away of strange soldiars, and to bee vnburthened of their wilfull and insolent gouernment. And moreouer that the gouernment, and the poynt concerning the permission, or abolishing of the reformed religion, was referred to the censure and iudgment of the assemblie of the generall States, which made euery one to thinke well thereof, and caused them to bee fauoured of all men, as seeking the liberty of their natiue country: the Romish catholikes themselues thinking, that they sought ayd and assistance from the reformed religion, but for F meer necessity, seeing that the permission thereof was referred to the generall States which ought to bee the lawfull iudges of that, which is thought to bee profitable and seruiceable for the Netherlands: for which cause euery man sought to further their request, as in the end it appeared, for that the Commander dying, the Spaniards [Page 583] beginning to mutine, and to be at contention amonst themselues, the country of shake A of the Spanish yoke, made the pacification of Gaunt, in a maner conformable to the articles and propositions afore-said, with the Prince of Orange, and the states of Holland and Zeeland and there assotiates, in the yeare 1575. This treaty of peace succeeding not The commander resolues to warie. as the Commander did well hope, he returns againe to his course of war, wherein he resolues to be obstinate. He commanded the Seignior of Hierges to go to field with the Spaniards and Wallons, and to attempt some good exploite in Holland or else where, vnder the vnion of the States; wherevpon Hierges marched directly before the towne and castell of Buren (which is not far from Bomel, belonging at this present to Phillip of Nassau, Prince of Orange) the which the Gouernor yeelded vp with out any shot of The towne & c [...]stell of Buren y [...]elded. great ordynance, or any force offred him. The States would haue puthim to death for B his base couardise, but the Prince desiring to saue his life sent him prisoner to the Castle of Goude, After the taking of Buren, Hierges did also ceaze vpon some Castells in that Leyden in [...] [...]de an [...]. quarter, but of smale importance. At that time there was an vniuersity erected in the towne of Leyden, for Holland and Zeland, by the States of the said two Prouinces, indowing it with goodly preuiledges, where-vnto were called from diuers parts, Professors in all faculties, allowing them good stipends. This towne is faire, neate and spatious, diuided with diuers chanells, in the best ayer of al Holland & seemes most fit for the muses. The 11. of Iune the Prince of Orange did marrie in the the towne of Bryele (one of the Ilands of Holland) the Lady Charlot of Bourbon, daughter to the Duke of Montpensier, The Prince of Orange third marriage. for his third wife, a Princesse indowed with singular piety, by whome hee had six C daughters as we shall hereafter shew. The 18. of Iuly by the breake of day, the Seignior of Hierges came with his army before the towne of Oudewater in Holland, with an intent Ou [...]water be [...]ged. to beseege it: he had marched with great speed all night, to the end his comming might be vnknowne, which bred a great amazement in them when they first discouered him. At the same instant the [...]ort which was at the Scluse of the dike & chanel, which goes to Montfort and to Vtrecht, within harguebuse shot of Oudewater, was abandoned by The fort of the Scluse basely abandoned. the Scottishmen that were in it, the which they neither fiered, nor retired the munition, as they ought to haue done. This fort had beene good [...]o haue busied the Spaniards for some time, and haue hindred their passage; and therefore euere man thought, yea the Spaniards themselues, that it should not be so soone abandoned, seeing that they might haue retired their soldiars at need: And then the alarume was giuen in the towne, and D they began to giue order to fortefie and defend themselues: Some countriemen thereabouts retired them-selues thether with their cattell, and others went forth to draw them out of the neer pastures, and to bring them into the towne. Some Bourguers (ill affected to that party) found meanes to go and yeeld vnto the Spaniards, to giue them intelligence of the whole estate of the towne: yea they were seene to shew them some A gallant [...] made by captaine Morcant. places. Captaine Morcant a Wallon, sallied forth with some of his troupes, to fier certen houses standing vpō the dike on the other side of the riuer of Yssel, towards Goude, neere vnto the port and bridge, the which he executed, wherevpon there grew a skirmish, in the which both he and his soldiars discharged themselues wel, where there were some hurt and slaine of either side. After which time they resolued not to issue forth any E more, for that they had to few men to hazard them lightly. The same day and soone after, there was an other fort abandoned, halfe a league from the towne, at a Scluse vpon the causey which goes to Goude, on the same side, where there was in garrison a captaine Geldrois, called Willeken van Angren, the which was an imputation vnto him, for they held the place tenable, and might haue succored the towne, for that they might haue raised the said Scluse, and cut the dike or causey of either side of the fort, as they did at Goude and Oudewater, to let the water of the Riuer of Yssel runne into the country, and by that meames succor the beseeged with small gallies, as they had of late done at Leyden: but the Spaniard making hast to cast vp a dike against it, hindred the water F that it could not come soone enough from Goude to Oudewater. On the other side he stopt the riuer of Issell in such sort towards Goude (the tides being Low,) as the water at a spring tide could no more come vnto the towne, as it was wont, to disperse it selfe ouer the country by the said Scluses, and now it began to couer it towards Goude. In the [Page 584] towne ditches the water was not aboue a foote deepe: so as the towne was enuironed A and beseeged round from the first day, in such sort as they could put no more soldiars into it as they desired, and as necessity required. They sent messengers to the Prince and States, who might well passe, but had no meanes to returne. They sent others with Pigeons, but neither they nor their Pigeons returned any more: wherefore all this seege they had not any letters nor message from the Prince. In the meane time all the Captaines, Maiestrats, soldiars and common people resolued with one generall consent Resolution of them of Oudwater. to hold good, euen vnto the death, if need were, and to imploy all their meanes and force for the defence of the towne. And although it were in poore estate, weake of all sides, and of great garde, hauing but foure small companies, two of Wallons, of Morcant and St. Mary, one Flemish of Captaine Munter, and one Scottish, whose Captaine was B absent, and could not enter in: all which companies were not aboue three hundred fighting men: the nomber of Bourgers also was smale, for that many were retired feeling the storme approch: the hope of succors was smale, or none at all, yet not-with-standing all these difficulties, they fainted not, nor lost any courage. This towne was of great importance, and might easely, and with smale charge haue bene made very strong, and almost impregnable, yet they had made but two rauelins towards the east, The companies of Saint Mary, Morcant, and the Scottish, were entred but fewe daies before, for that the Spanish campe approched: after much deniall, especally that of Moroant, who remayned fiue howers vpon the dike before he was assured whether hee should enter or not. All townes doe commonly so, refusing to receiue so great a garrison [...] proffit hurts the gene [...]all. C as is needfull, of two mischeefs to auoyd the greater, and so many haue beene and are often lost like vnto this, as afterwards the towne of Countray and others, but when they can no more haue it, then they desire it, but it is to late. Some Captaines had also thought it good in the beginning too take vp the Scluses, to couer the country with water: but some hindred that resolution to spare the haie that was mowen, and the pasture: so the particular profit of some few, ruines a generality, for the which those priuate persones doe afterwards smart most.
Those of Oudewater seeing themselues thus beseeged, both great and smale, wiues and maids, began to fortefie their towne, continuing day and night, euen vnto the end: first they did mure vp with earth their ports, towards Issell; that towards Goude remayning D open, whilest that they brought in earth from a mill-mounte, ioyning to the towne Go [...]d order in the towne. (which might haue couered the enemy) to rampar withal, and hauing brought it all into the towne, they did in like sort dam vp the same port making only a little posterne. Then they rampared in all places, where they thought was greatest need, they beat downe al the tower trees and houses that might hurt or anoy: and prepared al things that might serue for the defence of the towne with great dilligence. And although they knew not well the Spaniards resolution, whether he would batter or famish them: least that the seege should continue too long, they set down an order for the victuals. And to the end the soldiars should not be drunke, they did forbid the bruing of any strong beere, reseruing what there was; and the wine for their greatest necessity; and in like sort they caused E money to bee coyned. In the meane time the Spaniard was not idle: first meaning to batter the towne on the South side, he caused a french to be cast vp, that he might make his approches with lesse danger, from the place of execution where hee planted his Cannon, which came of the one side to the towne ditch, right against the turn-pike at the corner towards the West: and of the other about the middle port towards the East. And for that the beseeged doubted that hee would fall to mine, they presently made two countermines, one vnder the said turn-pike and the other vnder the port. But when they perceiued that they would batter the towne and take it by assault, they filled vp those counter-mines with poulder, to blowe them vp when they should giue an Assault. F
The third of August the Spaniards began to batter with one onely peece (which he had planted the night before) the Church steeple, standing at the foote of the rampare towards the west, the which they continued all the day: the first boullet fell into the Church, waying forty and three pounds, the night following hee added an other to it, [Page 585] and with these two peeces he continued his battery against the said Steeple meaning (as 1575. A it seemed) to fill vp the ditch with the ruine thereof, and to passe ouer it going to the assault; but for that the beseeged were in feare thereof, they vndermined it on the towne side, and vnderpropt it with great beames the which being burnt, it must needs fall of their side, if of necessity it were to be beaten downe: but the Spaniard seing that he aduanced little, he turned his peeces to batter in Flanke.
The sixt Day of the moneth in the morning, the rest of the artillerie being planted the night before, being in all fiue and twenty peeces, The Signior of Hierges Generall of the Army, caused the towne to bee somoned to yeeld vnto him in the name of the Oudwater sommoned to yeeld and refuseth. King of Spaine and of the great Commander his Lieutenant, with promis of good vsage, vsing withall great threats if they did it not speedely: setting before their eyes B the ordinary cruelty of the Spaniards, which he should not be able to preuent although he would. The answer of all the captaines was, that they had receiued no such commission neither would they nor could they deliuer it vp with ther honors & reputations▪ but they were content to send a man to the Prince & States (if it pleased him) to know their aduice and pleasure yet; Captaine Morcants opinion was to say, that the soldiars were not in good termes with the Bourguers, to stay the battery for one day, and in the meane time to arme them-selues the better against an assault. This answer being deliuered to the Seignor of Hierges, who staied neere vnto the ordinance, hee presently caused all to be discharged, and so continued the battery vntill night, with such furie, as the captaines had neuer seene nor heard the like, hauing discharged that day a thousand The beseeged prepare to defend the breach. C foure hundred and fifty shot. In the meane time the Beseeged rampared as fast as they could, and prepared all things fit to defend the breach, as hoopes couered with toe, and pitch or rozen, to cast them burning vpon the assaylants, great cauldrons full of scaulding water neere vnto the breach, burning lime, lead molten; boyling oyle, with all other deuises to anoy them comming to the Assault. They filled also many little sacks full of earth, to couer the beseeged at the rampar when they should come to defend the breach, finally before the port where the greatest battery was, and which they most doubted, they made a little halfe Moone, the which was finished in one night, within the The deligen [...] of the beseeg [...] which they layed planks full of nayles, and a great Morter charged with the heads of cart nayles, and other peeces of iron. The breach which the Spaniards had made in D the day, was rampared vp in the night, not sparing any thing, noe not the hempe and flaxe that was ready drest, whilst that the enemy was busiy to fill vp the ditch to mount vnto the Breach.
The seauenth day of the moneth, as the beseeged thought to haue an assault giuen, hauing preparde the day before to defend it courragiously, they made their praiers, and set all things ready vpon the rampar; the cannon began to play againe, and brake in a manner all, so as they were forced to retier the rest, the which they could not place againe. The battery continued vntill Noone, noe lesse furious then the day before, and then they gaue two or three false assaults. A little after noone, began the great assault, the which continued a good hower, where as the soldiars, Bourguers, wiues, maids E and boyes did their vttermost endeauors to resist them, with those instruments which they had prepared: but the charge was so great, and continued with such nombers, as Oudwater taken by Assault. the cheefe defendants being slaine or hurt, the rest were forced to abandon the Rampar to the victorious enemie. Captaine Saint Mary (who was also Sargent Maior) was slaine there, with the Lieutennant of the Scottish company, captaine Muntre was wounded, whereof he died soone after being prisoner. Captaine Morcant was also hurt and a prisoner, and afterwards deliuered in exchange of an Antient and a Sargeant Spaniards, whome his wife bought, else there had beene no mercy for him, for that a little before he had come and yeelded him-selfe to that party, obiecting vnto him that hee was the cause why the towne would not yeeld by Composition. The Commander did F also write two or three letters to the Gouernor of Viana to put him to death: but the said Spaniards had such good frends as he was deliuered for them. In this assault there were very many Spaniards slaine, hurt, and burnt; the slaugter was great in the towne the Spaniards sparing neither age nor sexe, noe not women great with child, tearing the The cruelty of the Spaniard. [Page 586] infants euen out of their wombes. The Preests and Monks shewed them-selues most A bloudy of all: few men escaped for ransome, some women and children were ransomed; of all the soldiars there escaped not twenty. The towne was spoiled and afterwards quite b [...]rnt, nothing remaning but the Church, one Cloister and some houses: no man knew who fiered it, nor how it came, which was the cause of the sauing of many women and children, for they that spoiled it being for the most part Spaniards and Italiens, which entred first, pardoned some, to helpe to saue the mouables that were in the houses from the fier, and during this fier their fury was some-what pacefied: moreouer the Seignior of Hierges caused a proclamation to be made by the dromme, that no women nor children should receiue any harme. The Minister of the towne was taken, and after they had slaine his son before his eyes, they led him out of the towne, where they hanged B him vpon a gibet. He had bin set at fiue hundred florins ransome, but being knowne, they put him in that manner to death, Chrestine of Queillerie Minister of the Wallon Companies, was not knowne, and hauing remained fiue weeks a prisoner, in the end he was deliuered for three hundred florins ransome. In this sort the poore towne of Oudewater was taken and ruined. After the taking of this towne which was the 7. of August the Seignior of Hierges went the 12. day to inuest the towne of Schoonhouen, whether Schoonhouen [...] by the Spa [...]. the Prince sent the Seignior of La Garde Collonell of the French, a gentleman that was learned, and had beene long practised in the excercise of Armes, of whome we haue spoken in the seege and vitteling of Leyden: who not only in warre but also in matters of State hath done great seruice to the Prince and States, by his wi [...]e and graue C councel, who (although the towne was not to be held, hauing no rampar of any strength, and besides most of the Bourguers ill affected to the Prince after he had endured a battery of 26. cannons, and the Spaniards hauing made a breach of 300. paces, attending the assault a whole day and seeing that the Bourguers would rampare vp nothing in the Schoonhouen y [...]lded by an honest Composition. night, fearing to haue enemies both within and without, the next day the Spaniards being redy to renew their battery) by an honorable commposition hee saued the towne, his men, their armes and Bagage, for hee could not haue defended it long with honor.
Whilest that the Seignior of Hierges with this Spanish army made warre in Holland, the King of Spaines Viceadmirall borne in Middelbourge, perswaded the great D Commander to attempt an enterprise vpon the Iland of Ziricxzee, the which he said was easie to be executed, and thereby hee might subdue with more facility the Ile of Walchren, and so deuide the Zeelanders from them of Holland. His reasons seemed probable, The Spaniards de [...] vpon Ziricxzee. and they came from one, who in sea causes had good experience, and was welacquainted with all the passages of the country, and with that sea, The Commander not-with-standing any difficulties that might contradict the vndertaking of this enterprise, and knowing of what importance the happie successe thereof might be, would haue it put in execution. To this end he gathered together his army and imbarkt them sodenly, going himselfe in person along the Iland of Tolen, neere to the Ile of Schauwe, the which hee would surprize, being deuided onely by a riuer: there were in the Ile of E Tolen many forts vpon the dikes, furnished with good artillery, which kept the Protestants shippes from passing, so as they could not hinder the Spaniards passage, yet the Zeelanders had some forts right against them, so as they shot often one at an other. The 28. of September the Commander caused his men to passe at a lowe water into the Iland of Saint Anne, not-with-out great paine and toyle, whereas they planted their campe in Saint Annes Bourg, along the dike. Sanchio d'Auila who at that time was Admirall in the absence of Cont Bossu (being prisoner at Horne) came thether with his ships, bringing a good troupe of footemen, and so they entred at a low water into the Iland of Duyuelandt on Saint Michales day. The next day hee went with his gallies towards the Iland of Schouen, other-wise called Zirixzee, where they entred also, but with great The Span [...]s [...] [...]nto the [...] Ziricxzee. F toyle, his men being so wet and tired, as they had beene easely defeated, if there had beene such order giuen as was fit. Being past, and hauing taken Brouwershauen, and some other forts of the Iland, and of other small Ilands, without losse of any men, they went to beseege a strong place called Bomened, the which they did batter fower daies [Page 587] togither, and then gaue an assault, but it was so valiantly defended as at that time they 1575▪ A were repulst with losse. The next day they gaue an other assault the which continued 6. houres being 4. or 5. times renewed with fresh men, wheras the Spaniards & Wallons were so brauely repulst as they wold no more returne. But in the end the Germains going to charge, & the beseeged being so tired with fighting as they could no longer stād, they were forced, and al slaine. It is sayd that in al these assaults of Bomende, the Spaniard lost about 1500. men: the besieged being not aboue 300. of the which their were not aboue 3. or 4. saued, who escaped strangely. From thence the Spaniards went to the towne of Ziricxee, the which they did inuest the first day, thinking it would yeeld at their first approch: but being wel furnished of all things necessary, and the Burgers resolued to defend themselues, being in hope of succors, the Spaniard found himselfe deceiued The siege of ziricxee. B of his expectation, so as they were forced to vse more force then they intended. And first to cut of all succors they tooke from them the entry of the hauen, & although the chanel be broad there, yet they shut it vp with a great chaine frō one side to the other, wheras they planted ordinance to defend it. The Protestāts ships made sundry attempts, and did much anoy the Spaniards, yet they could not breake the chaine. About this time there parted a fleet of ships from Spaine, called Zabres, which came & anchored at the Ile-wight, belonging to England, where hauing receiued such refreshings as A fleete from Spaine with new soldiars. they needed, then they came to Dunkerke, where hauing landed their besognes or newe leauied soldiars, & the mony which they brought, they were forced to winter, and the ships to be in the hauen of Dunkerke: during the which, by reason of great tempests, & C ill order in looking to them, they were al spoiled, so as they could serue to no vse for the war. In the meane time Iohn du Bois attorney general in the Netherlands for the king of Spaine, was sent as agent into England by the Commander, to intreat her maiesty to The Commander sends an agent into England. banish all the Kings rebells that were retired thether. The which was at the first refused him, the Queene finding it very strange & vnworthy the Maiesty of a Prince, to chase away the poore exiled Netherlanders, who were fled into her dominions to saue their liues and to auoide the Spanish tirany, practised both against their bodies and consciences. Shewing the mischiefe which had insued, & how much the King his maister had bin preiudized in the like case 3. years before, when at his request she had driuen out of her Ports the Earle of Marck, and them of his company with their ships, who beeing thus D chased away to all aduentures, seeking a place of retreat, they seized vpon the Iland and towne of Briele, so as it had bin better for the King hee had not made any such request: notwithstanding at the instance of the Agent, the Queene gaue cōmandment to all captaines & officers of her Ports and hauens, not to suffer any one to enter, and to cause al those retire, that did carry armes against the King of Spaine. Among the which that might not enter, or that were there already, were particularly named. The Prince of Orange & al those of his house, the Earles of Culenburg, Vandan-bergh and la Marck, the signior of Esquerdes and of Lumbres brethren, Rumen, Carnesse, Noielles, Blioul, Bredam, Boisot, Saint Aldegonde, Mansart, Vanden Dorpe, Vander Aa, Houtain, Vanden Timpel, Iunius and many others, to the number of fifty by name. This was granted by the E Queene, for that by doctor Wilson her agent, she had obtained of the Cōmander, that the Earle of Westmerland & al other English rebells should be in like sort banished out of the low-counties: and that the English ships, 4. at once (the which she had also obtained The States resolue for th [...] preseruatio [...]. from the Prince of Orange) might traffick freely at Antwerp, and in al other places. During this negotiation, the Prince of Orange and the States of Holland and Zeland, finding by that had past at the last cōference at Breda, that there was no assurāce of peace with the King of Spaine, whereby they might enioy the exercise of their relligion, they consulted to what part they should turne, & whom they should seeke vnto, to preserue their liues, wiues, children and goods against the violence of the king of Spaine: wherevpon they propoūded to choose one of 3. great & mighty Monarks, for their Protector F which was the Empire, France or England. As for the Empire, they found great difficulty & least hope there, considering the diuersity of relligion, and the small vnion that was betwixt the Princes of Germany, one distrusting an other, and euery one troubled with care how to maintaine his owne estate in peace, free from the practises; as well of [Page 588] the Spaniards, as of the aduerse party: besides the said Princes would neuer endure, that 1576. A any one of them in particular, should take vpon him aboue the rest, the state & gouernment of the Netherlands, wherby he might exceed the rest in force and means. Moreouer the King of Spaine had many great friends there: first the Emperor his brother in law, then the dukes of Bauiere and other Protestants, besides the bishops: And that before they should incorporate the said Netherlands vnto the Empire, their would be a yeare and a day spent, before the States thereof would agree vpon so important a businesse: the which could not be effected without an Imperial diet, wherin they should wāt no opponents that would contradict it. As for France it was not found counenient, not only by reason of the periuries, massakers & cruelties lately committed there, but for many other inconueniences which would follow it: and that France was now exhaust B and drawne dry of money and meanes by reason of the ciuill warres, the which were not yet fully pacified. And admit the French were wel affected to them, yet could it not be done without great distrust of either part: which would haue bred a continuall war betwixt the vnited Prouinces of Holland, Zeeland and their associates, and the Brabansons, Flemings, Artesiens and them of Henault, who had rather haue warre against the French by reason of their old quarrells, then against the vnited States. As for the English, notwithstāding the difficulties of the tongues, they found not any in their opiniōs more fit to receiue them vnder their protection, not onely by reason of the conformity of religion, but also for the Queenes greatnesse, her neighbourhood, and the nauigation and traffick from one country to another; whereby Spaine should be out of hope to be C commanders at sea: besides the realmes of Denmarke & Sueden, the county of Emden, and the Hans townes of the East countries, did not onely desire it, but also intreated it might take effect, & that they might ioyne with them in a new league. The which would also cause Brabant, Flanders, and other prouinces, to seeke to be comprehended in this league: yea and France it selfe, that they might with their common forces weaken the Spaniards, and reduce him vnto reason: so as by the means of England those countries should be for euer maintained in peace, rest, and prosperity. The estates and the Prince The vnited states send to demand succors from England. hauing duly considered which of these three might be most auaileable for them, seeing that the estate of their affaires required a speedy resolution of the one, before that their enemies should preuaile more ouer them; they concluded that they must seeke to the D Queene of England, wherefore applying themselues vnto the time, and to reason, & to that which their religion required, & their estate had most need of; they sent into England Philip of Marnix signior of S. Aldegunde, Iohn Vander-dorpe signior of Nortwyck, William of Nyuelt, Paul Buys aduocate for the states of Holland Doctor Malson a Lawier with others, with cōmission, to make a league with the Queene: or to submit thēselues vnder her prot [...]tiō: or if necessity so required, to acknowledge her for their Princesse & soueraign Lady, issued from the Earles of Holland & Zeeland, by the Lady Philipot, daughter to William the third of that name, Earle of Henault and Holland, &c. Wherevpon the Queene, waighing of the one side the hatred of the Spaniards, the iealousie of the French, & the great charges she must bee at, if she vnder-tooke their cause, grew cold in satisfying of their E demands. Besides the great Commander had sent the Lord of Champaigny vnto the Queene, who preuailed so with his eloquence', as she resolued rather to entertaine the amity of Spaine, then to accept the offers the states made vnto her, and to seeke some meanes to reconcile both parties, for the quiet of her realme: for the which she intreated the King by a particular discourse & by protestation, that if he would not agree with his Netherlands & giue them peace, that he should not thinke it strange, if for her owne safety she did lay hold vpon Holland and Zeeland, before the French her naturall enemies. In this [...]ort the requests of the vnited states were refused, giuing them leaue notwithstāding to leuie men and munition within her realme for their money, and to transport it: & so p [...]ssed the yeare 1575. the Spaniards remaining before Ziricxzee. At this time the F Commander gre [...] bare of money, so as there began a generall alteration, by reason of the soldiers insolencies being vnpaied; wherevpon hee sought all meanes to taxe euery The Cōman [...] [...] of [...]. towne at his discretion, as hee had done the villages of the champian country, asking 28000. gilders monethly of Antwerp, to pay Colonel Hannibal Vander-Ens regiment, [Page 589] who threatned the towne if they would not pay it. Then was the King of Spaine found A to be indebted to the Spanish, Genoa & other marchants called Foukers, in the summe The King of Spaines b [...]bt. of fouerteene Millions and a halfe of crownes or duckets, besides what he ought vnto his soldiars, which summe did rise so heigh by reason of the intrest money, whereof the Pope being aduertised, he gaue the King a dispensation of all his promises, contracts and morgages, whereby he might lawfully breake and recall the same, where vpon the King vpon the first of September 1575. made a proclamation, and an other the fift of December, 1577. whereby he called in, disanulled, and made voyd his contracts and promises made vnto all his creditors, reducing his debt to a smaser summe. This want of money in the King, and his great debts were not to be wondred at, for at the same time the Netherland warres had cost him aboue forty two millions of duckets, whereof B the most part came out of Spaine, besides all the losse which the Netherlands had susteined by the daily spoyles, and ruine of townes, villages, Castells and houses. This want of money and the Kings falling in debt, in this Gouernors time, bred a contempt The demand of Flanders to the commander. of the Commander, so as in steed of receiuing money, the Prouinces complayned, some demanding restitutiō of their liberties, others to be freed of their garrisons, according to his promise, others demand an accompt as they of Flanders, who had promised 100000 gilders, vpon condition that out of the same they should deduct the losses they had susteyned by the Spaniards, and should haue a due account of all that had beene disbursed to the soldiars for seruice and lodging money, as also that the soldiars should depart out of Flanders, and bee punished for the wrongs and insolencies they had commit C ted, that good marshall discipline should be obserued, that goods confiscated should be restored according to their preuiledges: that the bloudy councell might be put downe, and no other appointed in the place thereof, but that all causes might be decided by the Prouinciall councells. That all preuiledges might be restored, and the taxe of the tenth peny vtterly abolished, for the which all the Prouinces in generall made great instance, where-vpon the Contributions ceased, neither did the commisaries pay or receiue any mony; for which cause the Commander was aduised to assemble the generall States, or their deputies in Brusselles, who being there assembled made a petition, the cheefe auther whereof was Richardot Bishop of Arras, a learned and well spoken man. The cheefe points whereof were, protesting first, that they would not abandon the Catholike Romish D religion, nor their due obedience to his maiesty, intreating that al strangers might The request of the comander. be sent out of the Netherlands, and that the Nobility and naturall borne in the country might be imployed in their places: that marshall discipline might be obserued, and that the contributions of the country might be imployed to the vse that they were granted, that their priuileges might be mantayned and kept: that the King might be duly informed of all things, and that he might haue a councell of Netherlanders by him, to haue a care of all things that concerned those Countries, and that the mutined Spaniards might be punished, and the bands of ordinance new erected. This request being presented vnto the Commander, who was then in Duyueland he was much troubled, crying out D [...]os nos libra de estos estados, and so came presently to Antwerp, where he made knowne the reason why he had assembled the estates, which was to haue mony, and E they presented him a petition, where-vnto he made answere, that he would doe his best endeauor to perswade the king to yeeld to their desiers. Whilest that the Spaniards wer at worke before Ziricxzee the protestants were not idle in Holland, for the 11. of February The fort of Crimpen taken by the Protestants of Holland. 1576. they tooke a great fort called Crimpen, in the gulph of the riuer of Leck, by the which they did warrant all places betwixt Dordrecht and Rotterdam. After the taking of Schoonhouen the Seignior of Hierges went to beseege the towne of Woerden the which he did blocke vp very straightly, for that he could preuaile nothing by battery, by reason of the Inondation, neither could he approch his cannon so nere as to plant it in battery, for there were two peeces drowned which he had planted, being not able F to retire them. During the seege of Ziricxzee which the Spaniard pretended to get by famine, don Lewis of Requesens great Commander of the castile, Gouernor and Lieutenant The death of the great Commander. generall to the King of Spaine in the Netherlands died the 5. of March in Brusselles, of a pestilent feuer, or else of the plague it selfe. After whose death the King not able so [Page 590] soone [...] dispose of another gouernor, which the States required might be a Prince of A the bloud▪ according to the priuiledges and oth of the said king) the gouernment of the 1576. said co [...]tries was put into the hands of the councell of State, which caused some alterations, as we will presently shew▪ Chiappin Vitelli Marquis of Cetona, marshall of the [...]. king of paine, armie, died a little before, being falne out of his coach, from the top of a dike in the land of Ziriczee (otherwise called Schouwen) wherewith he was sore brused being a heauy and a corpulent man: he was put into a barke to be conueied to Antwerp, but he died by the way: he had bin a braue soldier, & of great experience, but a scorner of all religion being accustomed to say; Morto mi, morto mi Caual, which is as much as to say, when I am dead, all the world is dead, which is the prouerbe of an Atheist. The Duke of [...]orence had sent him to serue the King of Spaine, to bee rid of him, for some B hard conceit he had of him. It was said that some by the dukes command had plaid him this trick vpon the dike: vnlesse as some said) the diuell himselfe did it.
The Prince of Orange hearing that Ziriczee was so distressed, as without speedy succours it would be lost, hauing endured a siege of seuen moneths, came into the Ile of Walchren, to aduice of the meanes to succor it. The Zelanders prepared an army by sea to victuall it, but all the passages were so garded by the Spaniards, & the riuer so strictly shut vp as thinking the 13. of Iune to do some great exploit, they did nothing but lost some of their ships, and many of their men, among others Lewis of Boisot their Admirall, whose eldest brother Charles of Boisot gouernor of the Iland of Walchren, had bin slaine before at the passage of the Spaniards into Saint Anne-landt, Philip-landt & The Adm [...]ll [...] slame. C Duyuelandt. After the death of the great Cōmander, the Kings councell of state made Peter Ernest earle of Mās [...]ieldt, gouernor of Luxembourg, general of the Spanish army, whilest that the said councell should manage the affaires of state, vntill the King should other-waies dispose thereof. The King approued all, hoping it would proue succesfull vnto him; for it seemed vnto him that matters should be managed with more modestie then they had bin vnder the Duke of Alua, or the great Commander. In the meane time the towne of Ziriczee not able to hold out any longer, sent their deputies to the councell Ziriczee yeelded to the Kings councell of state. of State at Brussels, who receiued them, and made an agreement with them, whervpon the towne was yeelded to the Kings obedience, the soldiers departing with armes and baggage, but no colours flying, nor drums sounding, nor matches lighted, vntil they D were imbarked, & their two ministers with them, and 13. strangers, the Bourgers paying a hundred thousand Florins for their ransome: And that Adolph of Hemstede, viceadmirall of An [...]werp (taken prisoner two yeares before) should bee deliuered without ransome. It was decreed that Sanchio d' Auila should retire from thence with his Spaniards, in whose place Collonell Mondragon should enter with his regiment of Wallons. This victory of Ziriczee (like vnto that of Harlem and the battaile of Mocken) caused a mutinie among the Spaniards. The soldiars which had continued all the winter before the towne▪ [...]d end [...]red great miseries, seeing themselues in a poore wretched Iland, where there was nothing to be gotten, so as taking an occasion vpon the arrerages of A mutin [...]e am [...]ng the spa [...]ards. their pay, they gathered together about 1500. men, and in despight of their Collonels E and Captain [...], who [...]ought to disswade them by all meanes, leauing the Iland of Schouwen and the towne of Ziriczee, they retired into Brabant, hauing made an enterprise on Brussels, which they thought to spoile, or at the least to hold it for their pay. But the inhabitants hauing some intelligence thereof, went to armes, & kept good gard, so as the Spaniards were forced to retire. The Kings councell of state, seeing the danger that might grow by this mutinie, thought it fit to treat with them, to see if they might pacifie them. The charge was giuen to Cont Peter Ernest of Mansfieldt, who went to parle with them in a village foure leagues from Brussels, but they would do nothing without mon [...] ▪ he told them that there was no money in the Kings cofers, but they should be paid the first that came out of Spaine: these words did incense them more then before, F so as they resolued to seize vpon some strong place, the which they might hold vntill they were paid; and so they came in the end of Iuly to Alost, the which they surprized [...]. without any resistance. Soone after they went & besieged the castell of Lydekerke a strong place in Brabant the which was yeelded them by the Lord of the place although [Page 591] there were some of the Earle of Roeux regiment in it, and a great number of peasants: A but it seemed that the Earle of Roeux fauoured the Spaniards, and so he was suspected. The Duke of Arscot, the Earle of Mansfieldt, with Ieronimo de Roda chiefe of the councell of troubles, (who had succeeded in the place of Iohn de Vergas retired with the Duke of Alua) went thether to pacifie them: but it was well knowne that what Arschot and Mans [...]dt did, was to drawe themselues out of the danger of the furie of the people of Brusselles, who were much mooued, and the sayd Ieronimo de Roda to goe and ioyne with the mutines, as he did in Alost, where he was well welcome, and acknowledged for their head. The States of the Dutchie of Brabant, considering these proceedings, and the excesse of the Spaniards, made their complaints vnto the generall estates of the Netherlands, intreating them to prouide for the auoiding of further inconueniences, but it seemed that in steed of punishing them, the councell of State did B winke at their doings: for although that the States of Brabant had proclaimed them enemies; yet was there not any order taken, as if this declaration had beene but a vaile to blinde them of Brabant, yet they must vnmaske themselues, for the said councell of The mutine [...] proscrib [...]d. State had caused them to be proscribed & giuen leaue to all men to kill them, or otherwise to intreate them in any hostile manner. Then was the time fit to chase away the mutinous Spaniards. In a manner all the townes of Brabant and Flanders, yea of Arthois and Henault tooke armes, euery one beginning to cast his eye vpon this Ieronimo All the contry in arm [...]s to chase away the spaniards. de Roda a Spanish priest, and other councellors and Noblemen Spaniolized. And as they were not very sure of their persons, so could they in no sort trust them: and the rather for that they see the Marquis of Haurec and others newly come from Spaine, were C they that did most hate the Spaniards. Some-what to pacifie this distrust, it was concluded betwixt the states of Brabant and Sanchio d' Auila, that Ieronimo de Roda who went and came from Alost to Brusselles, and other Spanish Caualiers, should retire from Brussels and goe to Antwerpe, and that some other Noblemen of the countrie should goe to Brussels. In the meane time whilest that the States gathered soldiers together, the Collonels did all they could to prouide money to pay their mutined soldiers in Alost, fearing some greater inconuenience: the money being ready, they sought to pacifie them, but they were then bitterly incensed and discontented, partly for that they had bin declared rebels and enemies to the country, & partly for that they vnderstood of the great preparation that was made against him: so as the Collonels were forced D to let them alone. In the meane time they of Brussels tooke foure companies of the ordinary garrison of Wallons for their garde. The councell of Brabant on the other side, being much disquieted and discontented with the oppressions & spoiles which the mutins made in the champian country, and at the wincking of the councell of state, who made no shew to remedie it, with the aduise of some of their Prelats and ecclesiasticall The Kings councell of state seazed on, and why. members, they appointed the siegnior of Heze, gouernor of the towne of Brussels, and the siegnior of Gliues great ba [...]liffe of Brabant, with the assistance of the Bourgesses, to seaze vpon the councell of state, the which was done the 4. of September. The chiefe of them and those that were most Spaniolized, and suspected vnto them of the country, were the Earles of Mansfieldt and Barlamont, Christopher d'Assonuille a councellor, E and the Secretary Berti, and Scharemberg, all which were carried to prison. The duke of The Duke of Arschot made chief [...] of the councell of State. Arschot was chosen cheefe by prouision, vntill the first conuocation of the generall Estates, the which should be held at Berghen vpon Soom, where he should be allowed & confirmed by a generall consent. There were letters written to the other Prouinces and townes, in the behalfe of them of Brabant, to draw them into their societie, with their iustification for the taking of the said Noblemen, and a declaration of the loue & affection they bare vnto their country as followeth.
‘My maisters, it is notorious to all the world, how the Spaniards (borne in pouerty, Letters frō the States of Brabant to the prouinces and townes [...] parti [...]ular. and come out of a poore country) obseruing the riches & wealth of these Netherlands, F haue alwaies sought (which now they shew by effect,) to plant themselues there, to make it their continuall aboade, and to hold the greatest and best offices: but not able to attaine there-vnto (our priuiledges not admitting any stranger to be aduanced to any office) they haue fought by all meanes possible vtterly to ruine it. Hauing therin shewed [Page 592] their pernicious desseigne at the first alteration which happened in these Netherlands 1576. A in the yeare 1566. the which the Duches & the councel did very discreetly pacefy; so as since they haue enioyed some rest, al questions being laid aside. The which by a naturall and inueterate hatred against these countries, they haue made proofe of, when as they sent the duke of Alua into these parts, who well instructed in Machiuells precepts, put many of the chiefe and ancient Nobility to death, building here and there Cittadels, to reduce the people into slauery; besides the excessiue and insupportable impositions and executions, as of the 30. and 10. penny of all merchandise: aduancing the skum of his leud instruments, to offices of greatest honor: entertayning a multitude of traitors and spies among the people to obserue their actions and words [...]and against the liberties, freedomes and preuiledges of the country, hindering & forbidding the connocation B of the generall Estate [...], he suffred his Spaniards to commit all sorts of insolencies and villenies with an vnrestrained liberty, to kill and murther whom they thought good, to force and rauish wi [...]es and virgins, noble and base, and to commit al sorts of cruelties with impunity: not only by their Commanders and captaines, but also by the meanest soldiar among them. Wherby we see that the riches and welth of these countries which was wont to be very great, is now come to nothing, and the glory of our ancestors turned to ignominy and shame. And which is more, it doth not appeere that they will desist from their courses in the least point, vntil that by their thefts, robberies, spoyling, burnings and deuastations, they haue made these countries a wildernes & desart. As of late by their mutiny, vnder collour that they are not paied their entertainment, C they practise all acts of hostility threatning (in case they bee not paied) to ruine many good townes: being to that end retired out of the Island of Ziricxee, and come into the country of Brabant, to shew the hatred where with they are inflamed against vs: hauing a dessigne to ceaze vpon the noble and mighty town of Brussells, (the aboad of the Court) to spoile it: but seeing themselues discouered, & that the good inhabitants of the sayd towne were in armes, and stood vpon their gard, changing their desseigne, they haue fallen vpon Flanders, and in hostile manner haue surprized Alost, threatning to do the like vnto Brussells & to destroy it: wherfore the States of Brabant considering what miseries and calamities all these practises might bring vnto the country, they held them not to be any longer tollerated: and hauing laied them before the councell D of State, they were also of the same opinion and haue thought it necessary to resist such insolencies and violences, declaring the Spaniards to bee as rebells and enemies to the King and States, punishing them according to their merits. Wherevpon the States haue decreed that to maintaine the royall authoritie, and for the defence of the countrie, there should be a leauie made of horse and foote. But whereas it hath beene discouered, that some of the councell of State did secretly and vnder hand fauour the sayd rebells and mutines, yea did incorrage and perswade them to set vpon the towne of Brussells, and to extort and wrest from them a great sum of money, seeking also to hinder the leauy of men of warre as the States had decreed, opposing themselues against it [...]ith all their power, and seeking to disapoint the intentions and meanes of E the States, and by lies and false-hoods to frustrate their good councells, and holesome resolutions, all to the aduancement of these mutines: finally hauing made shewe that their countries good is displeasing vnto them, and that they will in no sort diuert and preuent the mischiefe, seeking rather to defend and maintaine these Spaniards their enemies, vntill that new succors may bee sent them from Spaine. Euery one may hereby easily [...]dge of the equity of the States cause, in that they seeke councell and meanes to defend themselues against the tirany of the Spanish nation, who by their pride, despite and irreconciliable hatred, which they haue long norrished and entertained (as if they had presently conquered al the country by their armes) thinke to dispose thereof at their pleasures, imposing vpon them a perpetuall yoake of seruitude, after F they had spoiled them of their preuiledges and freedomes (which hetherto wee haue preserued and maintained) vnder the cruelties of the inquisition of Spaine. To preuent the which, and to resist them by all meanes possible, the States of Brabant haue thought it sit to seize vpon the persones of such councellors, being secret fauorers & adherents [Page 592] to the enemies of the country, vntill that the King may bee fully informed of the estate 1576. A here, as we hope he shall be shortly, being resolued to aduertise him particularly and of our good intentions and the affection wee beare vnto our country, who will neuer indure any thing that shall bee contrary to the duty of his Maiesties good and faithfull seruants.’
At this time there was a great discontent betwixt the English & the Zelanders, who could not endure to see that the Marchants of the Netherlands vnder the K. of Spaines A discontent b [...]wixt the English and the zelanders. obedience, should trafficke into Spaine in English ships, vnder the name of Englishmens goods, although they did belong to them of Antwerpe, Tournay, Lille, Valencie [...]es and other townes. Of which ships the Zeelanders tooke some, the which by the iudg [...] of the Admiralty were adiuged good prize. The complaints hereof being come B into England, and foure of the Zelanders ships being driuen in by fowle weather neere vnto Plimouth, the English arrested them, and kept the Captaines prisoners. The marriners hauing found meanes to escape, and to returne into Holland, complained of that which had happened to their Captaines and ships: dur [...]g this breache the Zeelanders tooke at diuers times 14. English ships, whereof the English demanded [...]stitution, for the which they sued in the Admiralty court, so as in the end they did agree vpon certain conditions; among others, that all the ships should be restored of either side, & that the English marchants should lend vnto the states of Holland and Zeeland a good sum of money. This accord made, and the English ships restored (those of Zeeland being quite spoiled, hauing bin so long abandoned by their men) the English marchāts hauing what C they desired would not furnish what they had promised by the accord, saying, it had bin extorted by force, and moreouer arrested the persons and goods of ten or twelue of the chiefe merchants of Holland and Zeeland: suing vnto the Queene to haue some ships of war to waf [...] their cloath, wooll and other merchandise ouer to Dunkerke. But the Queene desired to haue all quarrells reconciled and ended, to which end Philip of Villiers, Minister of the French Church was sent by the merchants of the low-countries remayning in England, to the Prince of Orange: whilst that these matters were in question and that the English ships of war made their conuoies vnto Dunkerke, the English tooke fiue or six Zelanders ships, the which they spoiled, keeping the captaines prisoners. These alterations and discontents did much please the Spaniards, who hoped to D make good vse therof: but the Prince sent captaine Barkley an Englishman, with so good instructions, as the Queene was wel satisfied, whose pleasure was that al quarells should be ended, & the ships & prisoners deliuered, to the losse of the English merchants who had bin the motiues. After the seazing of the lords of the councel of State, some noblemen of authority (whereof the Earle of Lalain gouernour of Henault was one of the chiefe) sent in the name of the States of Brabant, to beseech Frantis of Vallois Duke of The duke of Aniou sent fo [...] into the low countries. Aniou & Alanson, the French kings only brother, to imbrace their quarrell against the Spaniards, and to receiue them into his protection. For his better satisfaction he came in post with fifteene or sixteene horse to Mons in Henault, (hauing past by Lens in Henault, where he was knowne by some priuate persons, and saluted by the Lord of Capres, E afterwards Earle of Henin.) Hauing conferred with the Earle of Lalain & some others, he returned sodenly as he came, promising to succor them, as soone as the peace should bee concluded in France. In the meane time the States of Brabant sollicit the other prouinces of the country, and intreat them to ioyne with them, to chase away the strangers, as well Spaniards, Italians, Bourguignons, as any other that were in league A league against the m [...] tines. with the mutines. The countrie of Henault at the perswasion of the Earle of Lalain▪ the Earle of Reneberg and the Baron of Fresin ioyne first, by reason of their proximity and neighbour-hood: Flanders, Arthois, Lille, Douay, Orchies, Tournay, Tournesis & other Prouinces followed them (except Luxembourg & Namur, wherof Mansfeldt & Barlamont, that were prisoners, were gouernors) and they make a league & perpetuall F vnion betwixt them, to aide one an other with all their meanes against the tiranie of strangers. The Earle of Roch gouernor of Arthois (although hee were brother in lawe to Cardinall Granuelle, whether it were to plaie the good fellow, or that hee durst not oppose himselfe against the States) hearing that some Italiens of [Page 594] these mutines were entred into his gouernment▪ hee sent to all the townes to put themselues A in armes against them, and euery one to chase them out of his iurisdiction. Gren [...]t brother to the signior of Werp and my selfe, went out of Bethune with about fifteene hundred men, to incounter them, & to ioyne with them of Arras, Hesdin Aire, Saint Omer and other townes, so as in all we might haue made fiue thousand men. But the onely brute hereof made the Italiens retire towards Cambresis, and from thence into Henaut, from whence the Earle of Lalain did in like sort chase them.
The Kings councell was much troubled and perplexed at this mutiny, the which turned into a generall alteration (which they terme Alborotto) and they feared some greater inconuenience, if the French should chance to deale in it: wherefore they send some speciall persons among them to require the mutined Spaniards, to rest satisfied B with such money as they had in hand, being impossible to furnish any more. But it was labor lost; for on the other-side Don Fernando of Toledo caused those men which he had in Holland to come into Brabant: and so did Don Alonso de Vergas, generall of the horse: who retired themselues with their men into the castell of Antwerp, as into a place of safe retreate. Sanchio d' Auila castellan of the said castell, sent for the Spanish The Castell of Antwerp a retreate for the chiefe of the [...]utines. Merchants that were in the towne, intreating them to furnish (vpon his word and promise to be paied at a certaine daie,) as much v [...]ctualls and munition of warre as hee should demand, the which they did, so as the castell was well supplied of all things to endure a long seege. Iulien Romero did the like in the towne of Liere, and captaine Montis [...]oqua at Mastricht. C
The States on the other side were not negligent to leauy men euery where, doing what they could to keepe the Spanish forces, as well mutiners as others, from ioyning togither, or to haue intelligence one with an other, suffering nothing to passe to those townes and places which they held. There were then betwixt Louvain and Tillemont fiue companies of these mutined Spaniards, Italiens and Bourguignons, lodged in the Village of Wessenaken. The States sent the signior of Glimes to dislodge them from thence, hauing with him the garrisons of Brussells and of Louvaine, with some men at armes, being in all about three thousand men; with whom there ioyned some Burgers of Brussells & some schollers of Louvaine, some to the fight, others to get some spoile, so as it seemed that he that would not go did not loue his country. The Spaniards being D aduertised by their spies, the Generall Alonso de Vergas beeing ioyned with them with his horse, lay in ambush in a little wood neere vnto this village, commanding the foote to goe forth and skirmish with the states-men when they should see them approch, the which th [...]y did and were sharply charged by the states-men, so as the Spaniards retyring in good order, still skyrmishing vnto the ambush, being hotly pursued, the The St [...]tes men def [...]ated at [...] [...]ken by the mut [...]s. horsemen breaking forth charged these foo [...]e-men that pursued (for their bands of Ordinance were not yet aduanced▪ who breaking their rankes were put to rout and all defeated, so as fewe escaped: the which happened in the end of September.
The last of the same month, commandement beeing giuen to all the townes of the Netherlands that were confederated togi [...]her against the mutined Spaniards, to arme, E among others they of Brussells made a muster of their Burguers, from the age of twenty yeares vnto three s [...]ore, wherea [...] they found fifteene thousand men well armed. And knowing that the Spaniards were incensed against them, they began to fortefie their towne, causing both men, women▪ boyes and maides to labour at the rampar. The States were nothing amazed for the route of Wissenaken, but fortefied themselues with all the regiments of Wallons, among the which were that of the signories of Hierges and o [...] Floion his brother, sonnes to Barlamont. And to assure the passage [...] [...]t the [...] of [...] won [...] the [...] ▪ [...] the [...] o [...] [...]. from Macklin to Antwerp, they ceazed vpon the Village of Walhen, where they made a stronge fort sufficient to defend the bridge. Iulien Romero beeing at L [...]ere▪ came with his Spaniards to seaze vpon this bridge, hee gaue an alarme of the F one side and assaulted the fort on the other, the which hee forced, and tooke the Gouernor prisoner, who was a gentleman of Louvaine. A great number of the regiment of [...]oion were defeated, and there died Francis of Nidouchel signior of Ysberghe Lieutenant Collonel with three or foure captaines and Lieutenants, and a great number of [Page 595] was burnt, lost at th [...] time aboue eight hundred men. Presently after the Spanish 1576. A troupes of horse and fo [...]e of don [...] d [...] Vergas, and of don Fernando of Toledo marched towards Maestri [...], to keepe the States from passing any men ouer the riuer The States thinking to assure themselues of Maes [...]cht are preuented by the Spaniards. of Meuse, the which did muc [...] import them: which they could not at the first effect for the Germains that were w [...]thin the towne (being vnited with the Bourgers) had thrust ou [...] the Spaniards and kept [...] prisoner: not-with-standing that Captaine Marti [...]d Ayala [...]d done his b [...]st [...]deuor to get him out of their hands: don Alon [...] comming before the towne of Marst [...]t, a Spanish soldiar came to ad [...]ertise him of the State of the towne, and that vpon one [...] the ports there remained yet some Spaniards who had good meanes to giue them entr [...]ce▪ Don Alonzo hearing this, caused a good number of foote to passe the riuer in boats [...] [...]yne with the rest on the other B side, then hee appointed▪ s [...]me foote and a co [...] of horse to march towards the port of Brusselles, which was held b [...] tho [...] [...]iars that were in the towe [...] vpon the port. The Inhabitants seeing that by their [...] the Spaniard▪ with out might haue entrance into the town tho [...]ght to ba [...] or th [...] [...] the cannon from their rampar. But those in the towne did so pay them, wi [...] [...]ket shot, as they could not anoy them, [...]either durst any one stand by the artillery. In the meane [...]me the Spaniards hauing past the bridge▪ intrencht themselues in two parts of the tow [...]e; whilest that the Germains like cowards and tre [...]hers lay still in a remote place, an [...] did no [...] any thing according to the oth which they had taken to ayde the Bourguers, who after they had made all the resistance they could, seeing themselues not able to hold o [...] in the C end they yeelded to the Spaniards, who spoyled it, committed great massakers, burnt some houses, and in few words vsed their accustomed tirany and cruc [...]ty▪ At the same time as the Seignior of Liques Gouernor of Cambray held the towne and Citt [...]dell The Cittadell of Cambray su [...]prized [...]or the States. for the Spaniards, the States sent the Seignior of Inchy of the house of Ge [...]re, brother to the Baron of Fresin, to seeke some meanes to surprise it, the which he did i [...] [...]he beginning of October, with the helpe of Captaine Anthony of Gouy Lieutenant of the said Cittadell, and of some soldiars at their deuotion, so as a port being wo [...], and th [...] [...] cut in peeces, the Seignior of Liques was taken prisoner, and [...]nchy made him [...]fe Maister of the p [...]ace, and was appointed gouernor thereof by the States, where he continued vnto his death, in the yeare 1583. The confederate States seeing that all the Spaniards D in general were ioyned with the mutins, and dispersed in diuers places of the Netherlands, some at Alost in Flanders, and others at Maestricht beyond the riuer of M [...] se, The States seeke [...]o assu [...] them-se [...]s of Antwerp. they resolued to make them-selues strong in Antwerp, and to di [...]de the Castell from the Towne: for the effecting whereof, they drew the garrisons out of Brusselles, Macklin and Louvain, the which they gaue in charge to Cont Phillip of Egmont (who was after wards slaine in France at the Battaile of Yuery) with his owne regiment, consisting of old and new companies of Wallons, and his companie of men at armes, with whome there ioyned the Seigniors of Heze and Berselle, br [...]theren with their regiments, the Marquis of Haure [...] with 500. light horse with the Seignor of Bieure and some other Commanders with their troupes. All these troupes hauing good correspondency with E Frederic Perrenot Seignior of Champaigny and the Earle of Ouersteine Collonel of the Germains that were in the new towne of Antwerp, arriued late and very couertly before the towne the third of Nouember, remayning there vntill that the Seignior of Champaigny Gouernor of Antwerp, and the Earle of Ouerstein came to speake with them, where they resolued that the next day they should enter, and should haue quarter [...] [...] in [...]o de R [...] [...] o [...] the [...] mu [...]s. appointed them, the which was don by the breake of day. The president [...]eronimo de Roda cheefe of all the Spanish mutins, and others, being in the Cittadell, concluded with Sanchio d' Auila, and others of the councell of Spaine, to send for all their forces with speed and to draw them into the Cittadell: and in the meane time they began to batter the towne furiously in ruine, and the streets which did open vpon the plaine, to keepe the F Cittizens that they should not intrench and forti [...]ie them-selues against the Cittadell▪ They [...] A [...] [...] s [...] ag [...]nst the [...]. But the mist was that day so great, as they could not discerne one an other being neere, so as the Spaniards could not doe any great harm [...] but to the topps of thei [...] houses.
In the meane-time the townes-men make Barricadoes, and retrench [...] all the [Page 596] passages of the plaine, and made them so strong, as it seemed impossible to force them. A Captaine Ortis sallied forth of the cittadell with some Harguebuziers, to discouer their defences, and found the Townesmen so weary of working, as he not onely forced their Barricado, but also cut a corps de garde in peeces: at this time hee might haue wone the towne if he had beene well seconded with men: hauing slaine about fifty men, and burnt a Mill and some houses that might annoy them, he retired into the Castell, from whence the skie being cleare, they shot continually against the Barricadoes, the which notwithstanding did not hinder the worke, some-times carrying away the head of one or the arme or legge of another: yea the women laboured with such courage, as they respected not the great Ordinance, to the mercy whereof they did expose themselues willingly and without feare. B
The twelfth of October the same yeare dyed that vertuous Prince Maximilian, the second of that name Emperor, being very desirous to retaine the conference of peace, The death of the [...]p rout [...]. which had beene begun in the towne of Breda, the which he would gladly haue seene take effect in his life time. He was a wise, prudent and discreet prince, fearing GOD, a great louer of peace and an enemie of discord, free from ambition and desire of greatnesse: hee was well seene in languages, and in the holy Scripture. He could not endure that warre should be made for religion, and was wont to say: That it was a deadly sinne, to seeke to force mens consciences, the which belongs to God onely. Hee was not dissolute in apparrell, liued soberly, and neuer continued aboue an houre at table: if he chanced to be some-what more, it was to discourse of naturall Philosophie, wherein he was much C pleased; he was iudicious and of a great memory, speaking eloquently and sententiously▪ ready to receiue all petitions, and to giue bountifully. Hee was not curious of riche Cabinets for ostentation, nor of stately buildings. Some-times hee tooke delight to plant and graft trees for his recreation. He liued nine and twenty yeares in marriage and great loue with his wife, who was daughter to the Emperor Charles the fift, a Princesse indued with singular vertues, by whom he had sixteene children, whereof six dyed before him; the other ten suruiued him, that is, Rodolphus (at this day Emperor) Ernest, Mathias, Maximilian, Albert, Wenceslas, Elizabeth married to the French King, and Mary to the King of Spaine, the names of the other two are vnknowne to me: hee gouerned the Empire about twelue yeares: and at the same time dyed the famous Prince The death of [...] [...]alatin. D Frederic Elector Palatin of Rhine, so as Germany had an vnspeakable losse by the death of these two Princes.
The fourth of Nouember the mutined Spaniards that were in Alost, vpon the commandement that was giuen them, marched all night, and entred the Castell of Antwerpe: the next day morning to the number of sixteene hundred men, all old trained soldiers. At the same instant did also arriue those of Liere and Mastricht, being glad to be all so fitly come. On the other side, the inhabitants, and Noblemen that were within the towne for the States, were much amazed to heare that they were all so sodenly ioyned together. Thether also came the regiment of Collonel Polwiller a Germaine, hauing beene in garrison at Maestricht and at Diest, being about three thousand E men strong. All these troopes being thus entred into the Castell, Sanchio d'Auila intreated them to refresh and rest themselues a little: but they were so inflamed against the towne, as they would not stay, but passe on in their exployt. Issuing forth at the great port, vpon the plaine, they put themselues into battaile, hauing boyes with them carrying bottles of Strawe and fire-brands, to set fire where they should command The s [...]ke of Antwerpe by the Spaniards. them: and so marching furiously like Lions, at one instant they set vpon the Barricadoes, that were made at the entries of fiue streetes, the which (although they were strong and well manned) they forced, killing all they incountred, putting the Wallons (who were yet but new soldiers, and amazed at their furious charges and cries) to rout, without any great resistance, scarce daring to shew them-selues in the trenches, by reason F of the Canon of the Castell, which shot ouer the Spaniards into the midst of their streetes. The Bourguers seeing themselues forced, and their soldiers to flie away, seeking where to saue them-selues, they retired towards their State-house, where their sworne companies were, who put themselues valiantly in defence, doing much harme [Page 597] vnto the Spaniards; who seeing that they could not force them, nor draw them from The towne-house burnt. A thence, set fier of the house, where many we [...]e consumed; and some hal [...]e burnt, leaping out at the windoes to saue them-selues, were massakred. It was a lamentable thing to see so many good men to die so pittifully▪ in the flames, and that stately building all on fier, the which so long before had cost aboue two hundred thousand ducats, besides a greater losse which this fier caused in the houses there-abouts, vpon the Market place, and behinde the said Towne-house, beeing all full of rich marchandise. The cruelltie of the Spaniards, could not yet bee contained within any bounds: but they pursued the poore Burgers, vnto the new Towne, where there were some of Cont Ouersteins Regiment and others; which made some resistance, but it preuayled not, for the f [...]rie of the victorious Spaniards of the one side, and the amazement among the soldiars and Burg [...]rs, of the other side was so great, as euery one sought to saue himselfe: B The States horse-men leauing their horses leapt ouer the Rampars into the Towne ditches, some past the riuer in boates, others escaped by swimming to the shippes that laie in the midst of the riuer. The Lord of Champaigni, the Marquesse of Haure [...] and the Markgraue, beeing slipt out of the Towne, went vnto the Prince of Oranges shippes neere vnto Austreweele, and caused 'em to transport them into Holland. The Earle of Ouerstein thinking to saue him-selfe on the other side of the riuer, leaping to a boate fell into the water, where by the waight of his armes hee was drowned.
The Seignior of Bieure beeing in a boat to passe the riuer, so many entred into it The Ea [...]le of Ouerstein and the Seignior of Bieure drowned. as not able to beare so waighty a burthen, it sunke, where he (and most of the company) C was drowned, The Spaniards and Germaines beeing absolute maisters of the Towne, they fell to sacke and spoile it for many daies, massakring many thousands of all ages, [...]exes, estate and degrees, as well inhabitants as strangers of diuers countries, who arriued there daily, for their Comerce and trafficke: And burning aboue six hundred faire houses in diuers parts of the Towne: To conclude they committed all kindes of cruellties, Insolencie▪ dissolution and villany: Some hauing vanted that the three first daies of the sacke, they were no men but Incarnate diuells. The Earle of Egmont with The [...]arle of [...] and some other [...] p [...]soners. the Seigniors of Capres and Gogines were taken in Saint Michaells Abbaie. All the Wallon soldiars they could finde out, beeing hidden in sellers, garrets or on the tops of houses, (although it were fiue or six daies after their victorie) were miserably slaine D in cold blood. The Germaines of Cornellis van Einden, did much harme to the new Towne, shewing them-selues no lesse cruell then the Spaniard: yea seeing the Spaniards haue some rich Burgers, and not able to take them away, they [...]ue the poore men, to the end the Spaniards might haue no more benefit by them then their-selues. Among the which there was a rich and famous marchant of Iewells, called Gilles Sm [...]ssart an ancient man, hauing compounded for ten thousand Florins ransome, was run through behinde w [...]th a pike by a Germaine, and so slaine; a cruellty that was more then barbarous. In all this Spanish fury, there died as well of soldiars, as of Inhabitants, aboue The number of them that died in this f [...] ry of either side. eight thousand persons, some haue said ten thousand, that were slaine and drowned in the hauen and chanells. Of the Spaniards were slaine about two hundred, besides them E that were hurt, among the which the chiefe were Don Manuell Cabesa de vacca, Ioan de Robles, Cousin to the Lord of Billy: Domiam De Morables and others were slaine there. Carell Fucher was sore hurt and troden vnder their [...]eete that fledde. Behold how this florishing citty, one of the richest and of the greatest trafficke in Europe (by a iust iudgement and dyuine punishment, for their excesse and dissolutions) receiued the greatest scourge that euer fell vpon towne, whereas many of the richest marchāts were made poore, and the very beggers o [...] the Spaniards were inricht in an instant: but some did not long inioy their great wealth, for there were simple soldiars which lost ten thousand Crownes in a day at dice, vppon the Bursse which was their playing place. Other F not knowing what to do with their treasure, made hilts for rapiers and daggers of pure gold, yea whole Corslets, A goldsmith hauing made one, the Spaniard desirous to haue it varnished, that it might not be discouered to bee of gold, the workman fled A Spaniard deceiued. away with it and came to Flessingue. [Page 598] The riches that was taken there was so great, as some haue affirmed, that there was 1576. A aboue some fortie tunne of golde spoiled in ready money. There was a soldiar which tooke out of a windowe of a house seuentie thousand Florins. Captaine Ortis made choise of a bootie, which no man else dreampt of, which was the prison, where hee set at libertie for great ransomes, all the prisoners that were in it, as well for ciuill and criminall causes, as them of the religion, among the which there was some ministers and many Anabaptists; whereby hee gathered a great treasure. The Cittie of Antwerpe being thus miserably subiected vnder the enemies yoake, the Spaniards fearing that the States (to cut of the passage of the riuer towards Gant,) should build a Forte at Burcht, before the which all the shippes must passe that went to Gant, Tenremonde, Macklin, and Brusselles: made hast to preuent them, and to build one there, which they A rort built at Burcht by the Spaniards. B gaue in gard to Francisco Valdes, with 400. Spaniards.
DON IOHN OF AVSTRIA BAStard sonne to the Emperor Charles the fift Gouernor of the Netherlands for the King of Spaine.
[Page 600] DON Iohn of Austria bastard brother to the King of Spaine, sent to A gouerne the Netherlands, arriued in the towne of Luxembourg in 1576. Nouember 1576. the verie daie that the Spaniards practised their furie in Antwerp, by murthering, burning and spoyling of the Cittie, sparing no age sex nor qualitie. Being there hee writ his letters to the Spaniards in Antwerp, and to the generall Estates assembled at Brussells, seeming in his letters to the States to bee somewhat discontented, for the insolencies that had beene committed in the Netherlands, promising to take due punishment, so as they would shew due obedience vnto the King, and maintaine the Romish Catholike relligion: whereas on the other side if they continued obstinate he was not onely prouided, but resolued as well for warre as peace, according to the instructions B of the Spanish councell.
The councell of Estate merueyled much at the first that hee came not personally to Brussells, but they were much amazed at the contents of his letter, which Don Iohn giues the Sta [...]es cause to suspect him. seemed to threaten them, who thought to haue executed their charge wisely and carefully, shewing himselfe therein not as their Gouernor but as their aduersary: which iealousie of theirs encreased the more for that hee would not come among them, but vpon hostages, desiring also to haue their troupes vnder his priuate commande, or a great part of them for his securitie as if they were his enemies. This seemed very strange vnto the generall Estates and the whole Countrie, and bred ill bloud in them, and the rather, for that they discouered that the mutinous and rebellious C Spaniards, first secretly and after openly, had all fauour and accesse vnto him, and that hee affected the sole gouernment to himselfe, that so hee might punish and controule, reward and honour whom hee pleased, being held strang in Spaine, that the Netherlanders (who were there esteemed as a conquered people, and subiects to the King) should vndertake such great matters as had beene effected, all much derogating to the Kings prerogatiue and honour, and so much the more intollerable, for that in Spaine they were generally suspected, and held for Lutherans and heretiks.
The generall Estates being likewise assembled at Brussells, consisting of the deputies of the spirituallty, the nobilitie, townes and members of the Prouinces, vnder the lawfull subiection of their naturall Lord, after declaration made touching their preuiledges, D customes, lawes, ancient liberties sworne vnto by their Prince himselfe, they found the proceeding of Don Iohn to bee verie strange, and the rather for that they vnderstood out of Spaine, that the oppressions and insolent behauiour of the Spanish souldiars were rather applauded then disallowed, and that in steed of exemplarie punishment, there were more rewards and honours appointed to bee giuen vnto their captaines and Commanders: and they found by certaine letters, that Don Iohn had charge to follow such instructions as Ieronimo Rhoda had left in Antwerp with a Spanish Marchant called Ieronimo Lopez, and that Rhoda had the managing of all the Netherland causes in Spaine.
The effect of Don Iohns instructions were, that hee should vse all the faire meanes E hee could, to winne the hearts of the common people, that by their aide hee might subdue Holland, and to punish the rest according to their desarts, and that in the meane time hee should dissemble: which instructions although they were not knowne at the first, yet were the generall Estates and the Nobilitie presently estranged from him, by meanes of his disorderly proceeding: for which cause they sent vnto the Prince of Orange, beeing an old experienced councellor in affaires of State, and then a member of the Netherlands, to heare his aduice, who in the end of Nouember writ vnto them from Middelbourg, as followeth. F
A letter written by the Prince of Orange 1576 A To the Generall estates of the Netherlands assembled at Brussells the last of Nouember. 1576.
‘MY maisters, you haue before seene by my letters, what in my opinion (vnder your correction) I thought fit to be treated of with Don Iohn of Austria. And although it may seeme vnto you, that what I do so often re-iterate, proceeds from some priuate passion, or to entertaine this B country in alteration. Notwith-standing I may call GOD to witnesse with a good conscience, that my disseigne was neuer other, but to see this Country gouerned as it hath allwaies beene by the generall Estates. Which consists of the [...]lergie, Nobilitie, and the townes & members depending thereon, vnder the lawfull obedience of their naturall Prince. And as since by the length of time, this gouernment hath beene by little and little abolished, yea by some ambitious and couetous persons, (desirous to haue the gouernment in their hands) made so odious to their Princes, as they haue held them which made any motion to assemble the generall Estates, for rebells and guilty of high treason, hauing perswaded them that it was the onely meanes whereby the Kings authority should be blemished and supprest. I did thinke C that you hauing foreseen these sinister practises and vniust pers [...]asiōs, to the great preiudice of the poore Country, you had beene assembled togither ioyntly to resume the steps of your predecessors, & to recouer your lawfull authority, according to your commendable and ancient preuiledges, causing (by that meanes) all Inconueniences, oppressions and tiranies to cease, and planting peace in the Country, as already you haue giuen a good beginning, where without any great difficulty or contradiction you haue restored the prouinces to their ancient peace and tranquilitie: whereby his Maiestie may plainely see (if by bad councell and sinister impressions he be not diswaded) that the humble petitions which haue bene alwaies made vnto him for the assemblie generall of the Estates, was the onely meanes to settle his affaires. But hearing that through your D facilitie and accustomed bounty (too preiudiciall in such occurrents) you begin to giue eare vnto the goodly words & propositions of Don Iohn. I will not conceale the feare I haue of your yeelding to the desseines of the Spaniards our sworne enimies, being most assured that those which haue alwaies laboured to hinder this holy assembly of the generall Estates, will do their best to circumuent you and atteyne to their pretended end: As at this present these couetous and ambitious ministers, who desire an absolute and tirannicall gouernment, onely to inrich them-selues and to oppresse such as they hate & maligne, discouering your intention or doubting of it, haue sought all meanes to auoid it, finding no better expedient then by the sodaine comming of Don Iohn of Austria, that by his presence the said generall Estates might be supprest and made fruitlesse. Hauing E also in the meane time by their cunning practises held matters in such suspence, as many good and important occasions haue beene lost. And to giue you some contentment, they haue councelled the King to command Don Iohn to take some Noblemen & others of the Country to bee of his Councell, who notwith-standing shall serue but as a shadow to his actions, for that all his resolutions should be first concluded with some of his fauorits, as hath beene alwaies vsed, and lately by the Duches of Parma with the Cardinall Armenteros and some other priuate persons. And as you may iudge by his instructions & demands, beeing duly examined, his intent is to imbrace the soueraigne gouernment and to suppresse both you and your authority. I could not for the zeale I F beare, but admonish, pray and earnestly intreat you, carefully to consider what shall bee needfull for the good and safety of this Country, and to set beefore your eyes that what you treat and negotiate now, is not your owne priuate interest; but an infinit number of Noblemen, Burgers and common people, who cannot bee all present haue [Page 602] made choyse and put their liues into your hands, vpon the confidence they haue that 1576. A you will carrie your selues with all integrity for the maintenance of the libertie of your common countrie, and defend them as Gardiens and Protectors thereof, from all the oppression and more then barbarous tyranie which they haue hetherto endured. I beseech you also to consider, that now you must resolue, that you are to answere before God and Men. And therefore that ye will so behaue your selues, as our posterity may haue no cause to lament and complaine of you, hauing brought them into a wretched and seruile condition, the which (besides the hazard of our heads) doth threaten vs all, if it bee not speedely preuented. I doubt not but you my maisters the Prelates, and townes shall haue great perswasions, as well by letters as interposed persons to corrupt and gaine you, to the end you may desist from this your holie and honorable B enterprise. But the more assaults you shall endure, the greater shall your honour be, and our posterity shal be bound vnto your memorie. Wherefore my aduice is (as it hath alwaies beene) that you enter not into any treaty with Don Iohn, vnlesse the Spaniards and other strangers depart out of the countrie, and that you giue him plainely to vnderstand (whereof I hold it necessary that the effect do follow) that your intent is to fortifie your selues, and to prouide all expedient meanes to oppose your selues to the former gouernment. And that you will not in any sort suffer him to haue any of those troupes that are vnder your cōmand, for that were to giue him a knife wherwith to cut your owne throates, and the very meanes to make a disiunction of al the men of war of these countries. The which I beseech you not to interpret to any priuate passion of C mine own, seeing that my aduice concurres wholie with the preuiledges as well of the Ioyous entry Artic. 5. as with them of Cortemberghe. anno. 1226. and 1320. confirmed afterwards by duke Iohn. anno. 1322. & by Venceslaus and the duchesse Ioan his wife. anno. 1372. and 1373. with many others wel knowne vnto you. And as in my iudgement all men ought to be carefull for the preseruation of their preuiledges, if wee will not degenerate from the loue and magnanimity of our ancestors, so in my opinion we ought not (without a perpetual note of infamy and reproch) to stray any thing from the sayd preuiledges in any treaty whatsoeuer. Wherefore to auoide any long parlees and negotiations (which would be our ruine) on the one side you are to send him our greeuances which are but too many, and well knowne to all the world; and on the other D an autenticall coppie of the sayd preuiledges, intreating him to gouerne himselfe according to the charge hee hath receiued from his Maiestie to maintaine the sayd preuiledges, and as hee himselfe hath offred to doe. But if hee refuse it, then to protest that it is not to bee imputed to rebellion, if you seeke to maintaine them with all your powre, euen vnto the last drop of your blouds. And you may bee assured that giuing him thus plainely to vnderstand your resolutions, you shall gaine more and haue an absolute answere the sooner, the which should bee much more gainefull to haue speedely, then by entertayning of long parlees, and neglecting your affaires▪ giue him leysure to fortefie himselfe in making you weake, beeing in suspence. This free manner of speech which I councell you should not seeme strange, seeing E it hath beene vsed at other times, euen at Gant, beeing the onelie cause for the which the King promised to retire his Spaniards: you may also consider that demanding some of your forces (of whome vndoubtedly hee would require an othe) that hee hath no trust in you: and that hauing them, when you shalbe assembled to hold the Estates, hee will prescribe you what lawes hee please, for if any one contradict him hee will punnish him in such sort, as the rest beeing terrefied, not any one shall dare to open his mouth to speake. And moreouer it argues a bad intent, seeing that hee seekes to arme himselfe and to disarme you of your owne forces, for it were much more reasonable that hee should trust in you, who haue alwaies shewed so free and obedient a will, and are so much interessed, then you F in him, hauing alwaies receiued such badde vsage by the Spanish gouernment. Moreouer it is to bee considered, that hee who comes but to bee a Gouernour, seekes to enter by force of armes, and to take the first assurance of the Estate [...]; the which is against the custome of naturall Princes, who without comming [Page 603] with any forces, haue alwaies giuen their oth vnto the estates, before they receiued 1575. A theirs, moreouer you must thinke in what reputation you shal be with all the world, if they see you more prone and redy to giue satisfaction to Don Iohn of Austria, then to haue any feeling of the violence done vnto your country-men in that good towne of Maestricht, and in that some times so mighty and flowrishing towne of Antwerp, (the which is at this day the most desolate of Christe dome) & that by men who wil be esteemed equal subiects in these parts, as wel as those that are naturally borne in the contry, as some haue vnaduisedly put them in that ranke at the treaty of Breda, saying that the King would not haue those good men taken for strangers, but for naturall borne. And what an example shall this bee for other townes or what may they expect falling into the Spaniards hands or vnder the Spanish gouernment? but to feele in time the like crueky. B And if here-to-fore you haue beene taxed, for that in the beginning you opposed not your selues against the building of Cattadells, from whence for the most part haue sprong all our calamities. How much more iust occasion shall the towns haue to blame you for all their miseries, that hauing now the said Cittadells in your hands, you haue not caused them to bee razed, or at the least demanteled towards the townes? The which you ought to does as well to giue them contentment, as to auoyd future danger, which vndoubtedly if it bee not preuented will fall vpon the saide townes as vpon Antwerp, being the cheefe cause of the taking thereof, wherein you may not flatter your selues, thinking it a smalle offence done to the Kings authority and reputation; for he will hold it for so great an iniury (although vniustly) as he will neuer forget it which C no marrought to doubt, hauing seene him make so great a demonstration of wrath and indignation for the presenting of a poore petition [...] And you must make acco [...]mpt that you shall haue the first places at the banket that is prepared for you according to your dignity, not-with-standing all pardons and forgetting of what is past where [...]ith they fill your [...]ares and seeke to abuse you, for Princes neuer forget such things but whē they want meanes to reuenge, dissembling their spleene vntil they haue oportu [...]ity. As we haue seene in all the actions past, the wounds wherof are yet greene, pow [...]ng forth before our eyes the luke-warme bloud of the Earles of Egmont and Ho [...]ne, [...]h so many other gentlemen and good Bourgers, not-with-standing all the good wo [...]ds that were giuen them: I leaue it to the censure of any man of iudgement, what a hea [...]t D greefe it may be vnto a Prince that seekes to command absolutely, to see his com [...]andements without authority, his small power of his subiects exposed to the vew of all [...]he world, and the meanes to giue place to his will and appetit to fayle him; thinke you th [...]t he wil neglect any practise to be reuenged and to attaine to his desiers? doubtlesse no & you must thinke that his continuall cogitations tend to that end: for a soueraine command hath incident vnto it that it cannot endure any contradiction, wherein there shall want no inuentions with the most eloquent speeches that may bee to perswade that which they thinke will helpe to their propounded end, as to promis [...] to retire the Spaniards, the which should hold as little as that which the King made to the Genera [...] estates at his departure out of the Netherlands, to retire them within three monethes E after, and yet he left them there a yeare and a halfe or there abouts, and we are assured they had not departed, if the defeat of Ze [...]by had not happened: whe [...]fore my Maisters I beseech you consider, that you haue wonderfully inde [...]ed a mighty [...], and that there is no meane to be held in this action, but you must attend one of [...] extremities, either to yeeld or valiantly to preserue and defend your selues, by those good meanes which God hath giuen you, and which [...]re easie with the helpe of God, so as there be a good accord, vnion and resolution among you. Or if [...]on Iohn through necessity were forced to yeeld to the sending away the said Spaniards, you must prouide that besides the entertayning of the preuiledges, th [...]se conditions may be annexed. That the estates shall prouide him a councell, as well for affai [...]rs of State as for the treasure. That they F shal haue liberty to assemble twise or thris [...] a yeare, or as often as they shal thinke it fit, to consider if matters bee well and duly administred, and to reforme and order them as they shall thinke it fit. Bnd more-ouer that all Ci [...]tadells shall be razed. That he shall not leuy any men without the consent of the Generall estates, and that all garisons [Page 604] shall bee placed by their aduise and councell.’ 1576. A
‘Thus in my opinion you must treat, for doing otherwise, it is to bee feared that thinking to giue contentment to Don Iohn, and by that meanes settle the country in quiet, you wil deceiue your selues, and fall into greater diuision then before, for you may assure your selues there are many that will neuer giue credit to the Kings words, nor Don Iohns, if they see the authority of the States thus subiected and brought to nothing, in whose Iudgement and wisdom they haue put their trust. My Maisters although I haue written vnto you here-to-fore concerning this subiect, yet finding it a matter of such consequence, and to concerne you so much, I thought it necessary to write vnto you againe & more amply, the which I beseech you to take in good part, as proceeding from one who will expose all hismeanes, yea vnto the last drop of his bloud, for the safety B and quiet of our common contry, and of you my Maisters in particular. As I desier to giue you proofe of my true and sincere affection in this behalfe. And so after my vnfained commendarions▪ I will pray vnto GOD to giue you health, happines and long liues: from Middelbourg, the last of Nouember 1576. signed your most louing friend and Country-man.’
DVring these alterations of the Spaniards and the sacke & massaker of Antwerp, the Brabant and other Prouinces seeke all [...]ance from Holland Zeeland and the Prince of Orang [...]. C States of Brabant and other Prouinces of their association, making one body of the Generall estates of the maine-land (although that in them Luxembourg were not contei [...]ed, wherof Peeter Ernest Earle of Mansfeldt was Gouernor, nor Namur where Barlamont commanded) to cut of the course of the Spanish tirany, which they practized daily and openly in these townes which they held: resolued to make them-selues strong both by sea and land, and to make a good peace and generall v [...]ion with the particular Estates of Holland and Zeeland and their Associats, together with the Prince of Orange Gouernor of the said countries. To which end the Seignior of Haussy brother to the Earle of Bossu (who had beene prisoner at Horne) was sent to Flessingue to D the Prince of Orange; who hauing conferred with the States of the said marine Prouinces, hee wrought so effectually as after diuers voiages, the Deputies of eithe [...] part assembled at Goude, where an accord of pacification was concluded and made, and the assurances giuen in the saied Towne the eight of Nouember the same yeare, whereof we haue thought good to set downe the declaration and articles at length, a [...] followeth.
‘To all those that these prese [...] letters shall see or heare, greeting. As the countries in these parts, hau [...] these last nine or ten yeare fallen into great miseries and cala [...]ities, by ciuil warres, and the proud and rigorous command & gouernment, outrages, robberies, spoiles, and other disorders and Insoleneids of the Spaniards, and their adherents. E And that for the preuenting and ceasing of all further troubles, oppressions and miseries of the said countries, by the meanes of [...] [...]e peace and pacification, there was in the moneth [...]f February in the yeare 1574. assembled in the towne of Breda, commisioners from his Maiesty and from the Prince of Orange, with the States of Holland and Zeeland and their associats, by whome there were propounded diuers meanes greatly seruing for the said pacification; yet the frute that was hoped and expected did not follow: but contrariwise d [...]ing the hope of this consolation, clemency and bounty from his Maiestie, the said Spaniards haue sought daily more and more to oppresse, ruine and to draw the poor [...] s [...]biects into p [...]rpetuall slauery, making many mutines, thretning the Noblemen a [...]d the townes, and seazing in hostile manner F of many places, sacking, spoyling and burning them. So as after they had be [...] proclaimed enemies to his Maiestie, by them, that were appointed to gouerne the said Countries and of the publike quiet; the States of these Pro [...]inces, with the cons [...] of the saide commissioners, haue beene forced to take armes, only to auoid and preue [...] [Page 605] their vt [...]er ruine: And that the inhabitants of all these Netherlands, being vnited in A a firme League and vnion, should ioyntly together chase away the said Spaniards and their Adherents; Destroyers of the said Countries, and restore it againe to the enioying of their ancient rights, priueledges and customes, freedomes and liberties, whence the negotiation, trafficke and prosperity of the Country might insue. Wherefore with the like agreation of the said Noblemen appointed to gouerne the said countries, according to the conference and pacification begun at Breda, this present treatie hath beene made to the honor of GOD, and for his Maiesties seruice, betwixt the Prelates, Noblemen, Townes and members of Brabant, [...]landers, Arthois, Henault, Valenciennes, Lille, Douay and Orchies, Tournay, Tournesis▪ Vtrecht and Macklin, representing the States of the said Countries; and the Prince of Orange, with the States B of Holland, Zeeland and their Associats: by commissioners deputed respectiuely of either side: that is to say, the reuerent Prelats Damp Iean vander Linden, Abot of Saint Geertru [...]de at Lovnaine, Damp Guislani Abot of Saint Peter at Gand, Damp Matheeu Moul [...]rt Abot of Saint Guislain, Elect Bishoppe of Arras. Iohn de Mol Seignior of Ortingen. Francis of Hallewin Seignior of Sweueghen, Gouernor of Oudenard, and commissioner for the renuing of the Lawes of Flanders, Charles of Gaure Seignior of Fresin al knights. Maister Elbert Leonin, Doctor of the Lawes & professor in the vniuersity of Lovuaine: Peter of Bieure Councellor to the King our Lord in his Councell of Flanders, and the Seignior Quentin Du Pere first Alder [...]an of Mons in Henault, with Iohn of Pennants also, Councellor and Maister of Accoumpts to his Maiestie in Brabant, C their Secretary, in the behalfe of the said Estates of Brabant, Flanders, Arthois, Henault, &c. And Phillip of Marnix Seignior of Saint Aldegond, Arnhold Van Dorp Seignior of Tamise, William Van Zuylen, Van Nyuelt Seignior of Heeratsberghe Squiers: Adrian Vander Mylen Doctor of the Lawes, and Councellor to his Excellencie, and in the Prouinciall Councell of Holland. Cornellis of Coinc, a Licent [...] of the Lawes and Councellor to his Excellencie▪ [...]le Buys an Aduocat of Holland: Peter [...] Bayliffe of Flessingue, Anthony Vande Zyck [...]lo a Councellor of Zeeland, and Andrew of Ionghe, Bourgmaister of Middelbourg, in the behalfe of the said Prince, Estates of Holland Zeeland and their Associats, according to their authoritie and commission inserted vnto the end hereof: making and treating betwixt the said parties and countries, D a firme and perpetuall peace, League and vnion, vnder the Articles and conditions which follow.’
‘First, that all offences, iniuries, wrongs and domages, hapned by reason of the troub [...] les, betwixt the Inhabitants of the Prouinces comprehended in this present Treatie, in what place or manner soeuer, shall be pardoned, forgotten, and reputed as not done, so as there shall neuer any mention bee made, nor any one troubled nor molested by reason thereof. And the said states of Brabant, Flanders, Henault, &c. together with the said Prince, and the States of Holland, Zeeland and their Associates, do promise hereafter to entertaine faithfully and without dissimulation, a peace and vnion, and to cause it to bee entertayned firmely and inviolably by the said Countries: And so to E assist one an other at all times, with aduice and councell and therein to imploy both their bodies and their meanes▪ especially to [...]ell and keepe out of these [...] the Spanish soldiars▪ and other strangers and forreners: hauing sought against all right to take away the liues of Noblemen and Gentlemen, and to appropriate vnto them-selues, the riches of the Countrie; and more-ouer to hold the common people in perpetuall seruitude. For the furnishing whereof and of all that shall offer to oppose them-selues, the said Confederates and Allies, promise also to bee ready and willing to yeelde to all necessary and reasonable Impositions and contributions.’
‘Moreouer it is agreed that presently after the retreat of the Spaniards & thei [...] adherents, F when as all things shall be in safety & peace, both parties shall be bound to aduance & procure a Cōuocation & Assembly of the generall Estates▪ in the same manner & forme as it was in the time of the high & mighty Emperor Charles the 5. when as hee made a cession & transport of these Netherlāds into the hands of the King our Lord: [Page 606] to settle an order for the affaires of the country in generall, and in particular as well 1576. A for the exercise of religion in the said countries of Holland, Zeeland, Bomell, and other places associate, as for the restitution of forts, artillery, ships, & other things belonging to his Maiestie, which during the said troubles haue beene taken by them of Holland, Zeeland, or otherwise, as it shall be found fit for the seruice of his Maiestie, and the good and vnion of the country, wherein there may not of any side bee giuen any contradiction, delay or hinderance, no more in regarde of the decrees, declarations and resolutions that shall bee giuen and made there, then in the execution thereof, what-so euer they shall be, wherevnto both parties doth faithfully and wholy submit themselues.’
‘That hereafter the inhabitants and subiects of eyther side, of what countrey, estate, qualitie or condition so euer, may safely and freely, hante, frequent, passe and repasse, B remaine and trafficke as a Marchant or otherwise. Prouided alwayes that it shall not bee tollerable nor lawfull for them of Holland and Zeeland, nor for any other, of what countrie, qualitie, or condition soeuer, to attempt any thing in these parts, out of the Prouinces of Holland, Zeeland, and others their associates, against the quiet and publike peace, and especially against the Catholike and Romish religion, and the exercise thereof: nor to iniurie any one in word nor deed by reason thereof, nor to scandalize them by like actes, vpon paine to bee punished as disturbers of the publicke peace, to the example of all others. And to the end that no man in the meane time shall bee lightly exposed to any apprehension, or subiect to danger, all the Proclamations heretofore made and published for matter of heresie, together with the criminall deerees C made by the Duke of Alua, and the execution thereof, shall surcease and be suspended; vntill it shall bee other-wise decreed by the generall Estates. Prouided alwayes that no scandall happen thereby. That the sayd Prince shall remaine Admirall generall of the Sea, and Lieutenant for his Maiestie of Holland, Zeeland, Bommell and other places associate, to command ouer all, as hee doth at this present, with the same Iudges, Magistrates and Officers, without any change or innouation, without his liking, and consent. And this in regarde of the Townes and places which his Excellencie doth presently hold, vntill it shall bee otherwise decreed, after the retreate of the Spaniards.’
‘But touching the Townes and places comprehended in the Commission which hee D hath from his Maiestie, the which are not at this present vnder his Excellencies obedience and commandement, that point shall remaine in suspence, vntill that the sayd Townes and places being vnited with the other S [...]ates in this vnion and accord, his excellencie shall haue giuen them satisfaction vpon the points. Wherein they shall finde themselues interressed vnder his gouernment, bee it in regard of the exercise of religion, or otherwise, to the end the Prouinees may not bee dismembred: and to auoide all dissention and discord. And in the meane time no Proclamations, commandements, prouisions, nor exploits of Iustice shall haue place in the said countries and townes commanded and gouerned by the sayd Prince, but such as shall bee allowed by his Excellencie, or by the Councell, Magistrates and Officers there resident, without E any preiudice to his Maiesties great councell in time to come. It is also agreed that all prisoners by reason of the troubles past namely the Earle of Bossu, shall be set freely at liberty, without paying any ransome, but onelie the charges of the prison: vnlesse before the date of these presents the sayd ransomes were paied, or argeed vppon.’
‘Moreouer it is concluded that the sayd Prince and āll other Noblemen, Knights and gentlemen, priuate persons and subiects of what estate, quality or condition soeuer, together with their widows, douagers, children and heires of either side, shall be restored to their good name, fame and honor, and may also enter into the possessions of all their Seigneuries, goods, prerogatiues, actions and debts, not beeing sold nor a [...]ienated, F in the same estate as the goods bee at this present. And to that end all defautes, contemptes, arrestes, iudgementes, seazures and executions giuen and made since the beginning of the troubles, in the yeare of our Lord 1566. as well [...]or matter of Relligion as for the carrying of armes, with that which hath followed [Page 607] shalbe reuoked, voide and of no effect. And all proceedings, writings and acts which 1576. A haue beene made to that end, shalbe razed out of the regesters, and it shall not be needfull to obtaine any other instruction or prouision, then this present treatie: notwith-standing any incorporations, rightes, customes, preuiledges, and prescriptions, as well Legall, conuentionall and customorie, as Locale; nor any other exceptions to the contrarie: the which in this case and in all others concerning the sayd troubles, shall cease and haue no place.’
‘It is also vnderstood that the Countesse Palatin, sometimes widow to the Lord of Brederode, shalbe comprehended herein, and enioye the present benifit, for as much as doth concerne Vianen and other goods wherevnto shee or hers may pretend any title or right. In like sort the Earle of Buren shalbe also comprehended, so farre forth B as it doth touch the towne castell and countrie of Buren, to bee enioyed by the said Earle as his owne, after the retreate of the garrison. And all pillers, trophees, inscriptions and other markes which the duke of Alua hath caused to be erected and set vp, to the dishonor and disgrace of the aboue named or of any other, shal be defaced and beaten downe. Touching the fruites of the sayd Seigneuries and goods, the Courts of arrerages, of Dowries, fruites, farmes and rentes, assigned as well vpon his Maiestie as of his countries, and townes, and all others which before the date of these presents shall be expired and due, and yet not paid nor receiued by his Maiesty shewing good cause, euery one may respectiuely enioy and make profit of. It is to be vnderstood that all that is fallen as well of the said inheritances and rents, as of their goods, C sence the feast of Saint Iohn in the yeare 1576. last past, shall remaine to the benifit of those that haue intrest therein, not-with-standing that the receiuor of the confiscations hath receued any thing, whereof in this case restitution shall be made. But if any yeares of the said farmes, rents or other reuenews, were by title of confiscation seazed, and receiued by his Maiesty, euery one shall be for so many yeares freed and acquited of all reall charges assigned vpon his goods, the which by reason of the troubles past hee could not enioy, ratable for the time that he hath beene hindred by the aboue named occasion.’
‘And for Ghattels and moueable goods which haue beene sold, consumed or otherwise alenated of either side, no man shal haue any restitution or recouery. And as for immouable D goods, inheritages, houses & rents which by title of consiscation shall be sould and alienated, the said generall estates shall appoint commissionars in euery Prouince, such as shall not bee of those estates, to take knowledge of all difficulties (if any shall grow) to the end they may giue reasonable satisfaction, as well to the ancient proprietaries, as to the buyers and sellers of the said goods and rents, for their euict on respectiuely. The like shall bee don for the arrerages of rents and personall obligations, and for all other pretensions, complaints and greuances, which the interessed by reason of the said troubles, would hereafter of either side commence, in what sort soeuer. That all Prelats and other Clergy-men, whose Abbaies Dioceses, Foundations, and residences are scituated without Holland and Zeeland, and yet haue goods in the saide E countries, shall returne to the propriety of their goods, as it is aboue said in regard of secular persons. But for that which concernes relligious persons and other Clergy-men which haue made profession in the said Prouinces and other places associated vnto them, or haue prebends there, and yet are retired, or haue not beene resident, for that most part of their goods are alienated, hereafter they shall haue reasonable maintenance giuen them with those that remaine, or else they shall be suffered to enioy their goods, at the choise of the said estates: and all by prouision vntill their pretensions shall bee determined by the generall Estate. More-ouer it is agreed that all donations, and other dispositions Inter viuos, vell causa mortis, made by priuate persones, whereby the true heires by reason of the said troubles, or of relligion, are excluded F and disinherited, from their right and succession, by vertue hereof they shall bee held voyde and of no force. And whereas they of Holland and Zeeland the better to maintaine the warres, haue raysed all coynes of gould and siluer to a heigh valew, the which cannot be allowed in other Prouinces with-out great losse; it is agreed that the deputies’ [Page 608] of the said generall estates, shall as soone as possibly they can, seeke to equall the said 1576. A coines, as neere as may be, for the entertainment of this Vnion, and the common course of traficke of ether side. Moreouer vpon the request made by the said States of Holland and Zeeland, to the end that the generality of all the Netherlands, would take vpon them the charge of all the debts contracted by the said Prince, to make his two expeditions and great Armies: for the which they only of Holland and Zeeland, and the Prouinces and townes which yeelded to his excellence in his last expedition, are bound, as the say: that point is referred and left to the discretion and determination of the generall estates to whome (all things being pacefied) report shall bee made to take such regard as shal be conuenient. In this common accord and pacification, the countries, Seigneuries and townes holding the contrary party, shall not be comprehended nor enioy the benifit B thereof, vntill they be effectually ioyned and vnited to this confederation, which they may doe when they please. The which treaty of pacification, after the report, agreeation and allowance, as wel by the commissioners for the gouernment of the contry, as by the States thereof, together with the Prince, and the States of Holland, Zeeland and their associats, in all the poynts and articles aboue mentioned, and also of all that should be decreed and determined by the generall estates: The said deputies haue by vertue of commissions, promised and sworne, and dos promise & sweare by these presents, to obserue, entertaine, accomplish and inviolably to keepe all respectiuely on eitheir part: and to cause it to be ratefied, sworne, signed and sealed by the Prelats, Nobles, townes and other members of the said Prouinces, and by the said Prince, as well in generall C as in particular within one moneth next ensaing, to the content of euery one: In witnes whereof all the deputies aboue-named signed the treaty in the towne house of Gant the 8. of Nouember, 1576. This pacification together with the commissions of the deputies of both parties, (which we haue not thought fit to insert here, nor that of the secretary) was the 13. of Nouember following, the same yeare, ratified and confirmed by letter pattents from the King of Spaine, signed Ouerlope, as we will hereafter shew,
Besides this aduice the prince procured meanes for the states to leuy certaine soldiers The States prepar [...] their army and send into France and England for ayde. in Germanie, They likewise assembled there army about Wauere in Brabant, vnder the Earle of Lalain, the Vicont of Gaunt, and Monsier la Motte Gouernor of Graueline, before they sent into France, where they were promised all ayde and assistance. D At that same time they sent the Baron d' Aubigny into England to certifie the Queene of the estate of the country and of there extremity, who for that cause sent Maister Smith into Spaine to desire the King to retire all the Spaniardes out of the Netherlands, and in December after, they sent the Lord of Sweueghen againe vnto the Queene to desire her to send them some mony, for that they knew Don Iohns proceeding, & the planting of Spanish garisons to be suspected by her: where hauing audience vpon the 13, of December, he let her vnderstand (according to his charge,) how cruelly the Spaniards there enemies, were incensed against the Netherlands, for that in the yere 1559. the king had bin desired and required by the estates to free them of the Spanish soldiers, which The Lord of Sweueghens o [...]on to the Queene of England. to the great burthen of the same, had for certaine yeares remained there in garrison, for E which cause to be reuenged, they made the world beleeue, that the Netherlands were all heretikes and rebels to God & to the King: where-vnto the troubles hapening in the said countries in the yeare 1565. and 1566. as they thought gaue them iust occasion: and yet although the said troubles according to the time were wel ended & pacefied by the Duches of Parma then Regent, yet would not the enemy cease till [...]e had brought the Duke of Alua into the Netherlands, with a puisant army, who at his first entry, openly bragged that the said country was giuen vnto them as a prey, The said Duke suffering his soldiars to vse all barbarous tirrany, and on the other side vnder pretence of iustice, and to do right vnto euery man, he caused an innumerable number of men (many times both against the Kings and his owne decrees giuen out before) to be executed: Built F castles, & brake al priviledges, wherby no man of any reputation could be assured of his life and liue in good name and fame, if he had any thing to loose; and so supposing that he had grounded his tirany according to his minde, he [...] erected his Image in the Netherlands with most heathen inscriptions, beginning likewise to molest his neigbours [Page 609] and to vse other secret meanes to abuse them, whereof her Maiesty could beare witnes A seeking to charg the Netherlands with troupes, such as before that time in any extremity whatsoeuer had neuer bin vsed, as the hundreth and the tenth penny, whereby, some Prouinces vpon mere extremity had with-drawne them-selues from the absolute subiection of the said Duke; which to reduce againe vnder his authority he prepared certaine fleets of shipes, and vnder pretence thereof, he vnfurnished the townes of their ordinance and armes, and after that sent part thereof secretly into Spaine, and an other part thereof was lost, making account, that a disarmed country was not greatlie to be feared, and to the end that he might pourchase the fauour and loue of the soldiars, (as the tyrants Sylla, Synna, and Marius in Rome did) he suffered them to vse al the tirrany they could deuise against the townes of the Netherlands, as to Mechelen, Naerden, B Harlem, and others; after whome followed, Don Loys de Requesens great Commander of Castille a man of the same humor, who hauing for a while playd the foxe brought likewises all the priuileges of the country in question, whereby the mutinous soldiers, after there victory at Moukerheyde, without any great cause, were suffered in his presence, to force the townes as they did at Antwerp, and compell them to pay them their entertainements: whereas the Barron de Champigni, had good meanes to haue hindred them from the same: by which meanes the said soldiers, tooke occasion, and imboldened them selues to thinke, that it was permitted them with the aide of the neighbours garrisons to ouer-rule ransake and spoyle the townes where they lay in garrison, which had likewise happened in the towne of ould Naerden, where he was gouernor, if God had not C giuen him the grace to preuent it, in such sort, that Spaine it selfe woundred, at the Netherlands great submission and patience, thinking it strange, that after the death of the Commander, the country did not kill and destroy all those mutinous soldiers, when as the light horse-men mutined, as the States had beene well informed out of Spaine▪ which mutinous and insolent dealings were certefied vnto the King himselfe, both in the Commanders time, and sence: and whereas the said Commander, had twice sent to sommon the Knights of the order of the golden fleese, the gouernors of the Prouinces, and the Bishops, and presidents of the Prouinciall councels, with the counsell of estate, and the secretaries, that conuenient order might be taken therein, it was there generally agreed and consented vnto, (to preuent further inconueniences) that they should seeke D to agree and make peace with the Prince of Orange, and the states of Holland and Zeeland; that all the Spanish and other strange soldiers both horse and foot-men should be sent out of the Netherlands, that so the Catholike Kings seruice might the better bee effected. That the Generall estates should be assembled, that all other points of controuersie and contention, happened betweene the Kings seruants, and the aforesaid estates might be ended, alwaies obseruing the old religion, and the lawfull soueraignite of the King: which there resolution being writen, and signed by the parties aforesaid, was sent into Spaine vnto the King: where-vpon the King taking long consultation and aduise, in the meane time more inconueniences happening through the proud and insolent behauiour of the Spaniards, the King made answer, that it was his onely care, to find the E best meanes to preuent all the said disorders, and that as sone as he could; he would send the Marquis of Haurec with order for the same. At the last, the King by his letters written vnto the States, consented and agreed vnto their desires, and willed the same to bee made knowne vnto the perticuler Prouinces, as it was don, according to the aduise of the aforesaid counsell of estate. But the effect, execution and charge thereof, was remitted vnto Don Iohn de Austria, as then nominated by the King to be sent gouernor into the Netherlands, to cause the said country to be better coun [...]d of him, as the King [...] letters specified and contayned. In the meane time, after the winning of Ziricxzee, the Spanish soldiers beginning againe to mutine, tooke in Herentales, and after that Alost, liuing therein at discretion as euery man saw. The Lords of the counsell of estates perceauing F the mischiefe (like a canker) more and more to spred abroad within the Netherlands, thinking it to be necessary to vse a speedy remedy, fearing a generall reuolt of the country, and that of mere necessity and pouerty, quia noscit plebs ieiuna timere, declared the mutinous soldiers in Alost and there adherents to be rebelis, and meaning [Page 610] to punish them according to their deserts, had determined to raise certaine tropes, and 1576. A to that end wrote to assemble the estates in Brussels, there to take councell about the affaires of the land, and to cause the Spaniards and all other strangers to depart out of the Netherlands, and yet not without contenting them of their paines, according to their accounts and reckonings; but they to the contrary made a mock at all reasonable motions, carrying themselues more insolently then before; openly boasting, that they would cut the throats of all their enimies, and wash their hands in their bloud.
So as the estates could doe no lesse, then by authority of the councell of state then ruling to take armes for their defence and securities, as it is permitted both by godly, naturall, and humaine lawes, and so made peace with the Prince of Orange, & the estates of Holland and Zeland, determining after the driuing out of the strangers, to haue a B generall assembly of the estates, to take order for the keeping and maintaining of the catholike religion, & the honor and authority of the kings maiesty their maister, therby to preuent a greater mischiefe, which meere necessity forced them vnto, that they might not suffer the ruine of so goodly Prouinces, before Don Iohn could come thether. saying: that her Maiestie might thereby well vnderstand, what had past in the Netherlands, and what reasons moued the generall estates, by order from the Lords of the councell of estate then gouerning, and representing the person of the King their soueraigne Lord, to haue their refuge and recourse vnto armes. And for that cause desired her Maiesty to consider, if that they were therein to bee blamed, when as they neither sought alteration of religion, nor change of Prince (but onely desired to serue the king) C and sought to deliuer and free themselues from the bloudy practises of the Spanish soldiers, and to maintaine themselues in their ancient lawes, rights, and priuiledges, which his Maiestie had confirmed by oath, as also to bee gouerned by naturall borne persons of the land, as they had beene in times past: all which their so lawfull and reasonable causes, the deputies of the generall estates (knowing her Maiesty to be a princes of great vnderstanding, and wisdome, farre from all ambition, and yet most pittifull) had giuen him in charge to shew vnto her, hoping that she of her gracious fauour, clemencie, and good will, would not forsake nor abandon them, in a matter of so necessary and of so great importance; and that her Maiestie at that present, should binde the Lords of the estates generall most strictly vnto her, if it would please her to assist them D in that their need, by lending them the summe of a hundred thousand pounds starling, for the space of sixe or eight moneths, vpon condition to pay it againe, at the same time: and for ass [...]ance thereof, the said states should giue her their obligations, wherby (with Gods helpe) she might assure and make them able, to compell and force the Spanish souldiers and their adherents, to leaue the country either by faire or by foule meanes, and to be a meanes that no man else vnder pretence of lending them ayde and assistance, should make them-selues maisters of the Netherlands, which she knew to be subiect vnto the lawfull gouernment of the king of Spaine, their naturall prince: as also, that it should not bee conuenient for her Maiestie, to haue any such neighbours, whom she well knew to be no lesse ambitious, nor of lesse proud behauiour then the E Spaniards were, which they neuerthelesse (if shee could not ayde them with some ready money) must bee forced to vse, for that they could haue but small seruice of their soldiers which they had already leuied, if they were not paied, where-vnto as yet they had no meanes, vntill they had taken a generall order therein, wherein they begin to proceede but that before the same could be effected, the enemy might strengthen himselfe, and oppresse them, to the vtter ouer-throw of the Netherlands, and all the estates of the countries bordering vpon. For which cause they desired, that her Maiesty would shew, how highly and deerely she esteemed of the old aliances and contracts made betweene her kingdomes and the Netherlands, by the treaties of intercourses and trafickes of Marchants, so necessary for both countries, which would not bee maintained F if any other Prince should rule ouer the said Netherlands, which if it should so fall out (as God defend them from it,) without doubt, in time, her Maiesty would find her selfe in as great difficulty as the Netherlands desiring her to remember the verse:
[Page 611] These reasons graciously heard by the Queene of England, she presently made answere 1576 A by word of mouth, saying that she was sory, that the King his Maister was so badly councelled, The Queene of England an [...] to the Stat [...] Ambassa [...]. and that shee had twise or thrise sent vnto him, to desire him to consider the nature and condition of the Netherlands, and to remember how obedient the inhabitants thereof had beene to their naturall Princes, which at all times had gouerned them so fortunately, and that it was fitter for him to followe the same course, then to vse the extremity, which is alwaies accompanied with great iniustice, and force, and can not long subsist as being a most certaine and an assured ruine of all common welthes, and that if hee thought it good, that shee should bee a mediator betweene them both, shee would gladly doe her best to end and pacifie all quarrells, with condition that they should obserue such religion, as the King would haue them to follow, to gether with B his soueraine authority and reputation, which she, as a Princesse vnderstood, did of right belong vnto all Princes, and that all Princes were bound, to ayd and assist one the other for the maintenance of their soueraingty, as being a common cause belonging vnto them, where-vnto shee sayd hee made her answere, that he gaue her thankes for her good offer, and that hee hoped to deale so well with his subiects of the Netherlands, that hee should not need to trouble any other Prince therein, and that if it should come to that point, hee would rather trust her therein, then any other of his neighbours, in that sort (as she said) reiecting her Princely offer, with good words: and therefore she said, that the Netherlands might assure them-selues, that shee would not endure, that the Spaniards should rule absolutely amongst them, in regarde C of the daunger that thereby might bee incident vnto her, as also in regarde of the ancient amity, confederations, and trafickes: that her kingdomes had with the said Netherlands, alwaies conditioning, that they should deale faithfully vprightly and plainely with her, maintaining the authority of their King, and the religion as they were wont to doe, in which respect shee would not let them want, nether for mony, nor men.
And when the Lord of Sweuenghen, made further request vnto her for money she made answere that shee would doe it, and that she would shortly resolue vpon the same. After that, entring into some other speeches with him, she seemed to haue some dislike of the Prince of Orange, and of the French-men, saying that shee vnderstood D of his motion therein made vnto them, but shee would by no meanes seeme to like better of the French-men to bee in the Netherlands then of the Spaniards: further speaking of the warres, and of their commanders, leaders, and of their army, she disliked that the commanders were all in manner young men, (and as she thought and had beene informed from thence,) had small experience in the warres, to take such a charge in hand; councelling them to vse the ayde and aduise of Lazarus Zwend [...] (a man of great experience and one well knowne in the Netherlands) and the like old soldiers of that nation. Shee said further it was not long since shee had sent one of her Gentlemen into Spaine, to shew the King plainely that if he would not retire the Spaniards out of the Netherlands, shee would helpe to driue them out. E Where-vnto the Ambassador, according to his commission, answered her at full, and after that, delt with the Queenes principall councellers, as the Lord B [...]rghley Lord high treasor or of England.
The Earle of Lecester, secretary Walsingham, and others, who thought it conuenient to send Captaine Horsley vnto the States, to vnderstand their full intents and meanings, and whether their pretence were to maintaine their old religion, and the authority of their Prince, the driuing out of all forraine soldiers and to bee gouerned by the naturall borne subiects of the land, and to liue according to their ancient right, and priueleges, and being thereof assured, that then the said Captaine Horsley should presently ride vnto Don Iohn of Austria, to desire him, that hee would F graunt to their request, or else flatly and plainely to tell him that her Maiestie would not suffer the Netherlands to bee tyrannized by the Spaniards, as shee had likewise sent word vnto the King of Spaine him-selfe. With this charge and commission, Captaine Horsley went into the Netherlands, and there effected his message: meane▪ [Page 612] time the Barron of Sweuenghen dealt further with the councell of England, which 1576 A told him, that according to the aduise, and intelligence that was brought vnto them, the Netherlands were not to ex [...]ect much good at the Frenchmens hands, saying that they had the coppies of the instructions of Mounsier Boniuet, the French Ambassador in Brussels, and of the duke of Aniou the Kings brother, who as then had secret intelligence with the King his brother, and the King of Spaine, and such like speeches: after further conference and dealing betweene them, the Baron de Sweuenghen procceeded so farre, with the Queene and hir counsell, that she caused the valew of forty thousand Angels, in bullion or vnminted siluer to bee deliuered vnto him, and his Commissioners, Iohn Mattens and Iohn Narrot, in part of payment of a hundred thousand pound starling, and vpon the thirty of December sent a gentleman called Maister Wineybank, B to deliuer the money vnto Secretary Wilson, her Ambassador in Brussels, that he might receaue the states obligations for the same, which was done accordingly, where likewise, the townes of Brussels, Gant, Bruges, Dunkerck, Nieuport, and Middleburg in Zeland gaue there seuerall obligations: It was then also agreed, and concluded, that the states of the Netherlands should make no peace, nor agreement with the King, without they included the Queene of England, and her Kingdomes therein, and that the treaties and entercourses, touching the trade of merchandise should bee maintained and kept; that all Rebells that were gon out of England, should leaue the Netherlands, and that all Englishmen, should bee free at sea, as they were before the ciuill warres. This was that which was done with the Queene of England, in regard that C the States, being compelled by necessity should not seeke vnto any other Prince, nor vnto the King of France, but remaine vnder their owne Prince, vpon hope of getting the Spaniards out of the country, which were suspitious for her to remaine there.
The countries of Brabant and Flanders, hauing by the taking of Antwerp lost the nauigation of the sea, by the Riuer of Escaut; they cut the dikes vpon Flanders side A passage free to the sea without passing before Antwerp. aboue Antwerp neere vnto Burcht, and beneath right against Austreweel, that the water of the riuer and of the sea by the rysing of the tides, might enter into the country which lies betwixt both, beeing a lowe and marish ground, as it did aboundantly: so as they of Brusselles, of Macklin, Tenremonde and other places, without beeing in danger of them of Antwerp, nor of the fort at the head of Flanders, right against the D Towne, had free passage, to saile into Holland, Zeeland and ouer all the sea, to the great hindrance of the towne of Antwerp, for that it brake of their trafficke and nauigation. These breaches were after the departure of the Spaniards stopt vp and the dikes repaired.
Whilest they were busied about the treatie of Pacification, the generall Estates had their armie camped before the castell of Gant, and round about it, as well within the towne as abroade, whereas the Earle of Roeux commanded in chiefe, as Gouernor The castle of Gant besi [...] ged. of Flanders, beeing assisted both with souldiars and munition, which the States of Holland and Zeeland did lend them vpon promise of restitution. In the beginning the castle was but weakely and slackly battered, they also gaue a [...]aladoe, E but their ladders proued verie short: so as vntill the succors from the Prince and from the Hollanders and Zeelanders were arriued, the Earle of Roeux aduanced little. In the ende the Earle of Lalain Generall of all the armie in the absence of the duke of Arschot, and the Marquis of Haurec being come vnto the campe, and the castle beeing battered in breach, and an assault readie to bee giuen, the Spaniards within it (beeing about a hundred and fiftie) demanded to parle. The signior of La Gard▪ Collonel of the Princes French went thether, but at the first they could not agree, vpon the leauing of their armes. In the ende Valentin de Pardien signior of La Motte, gouernor of Graueling, promised to cause them to be payed for their The castle of Gant yeelded. armes, wherevpon they yeelded the place the eleauenth of Nouember, to haue their F liues and goods saued.
The Germaines in the meane time beganne to mutine in Valenciennes, and to make secret practises with the Spaniards that were in the castle, for the preuenting whereof, the generall Estates sent George of Lalain, Earle of Reneberg, Baron of Ville [Page 613] Gouernor of Henault, in the absence of the Earle of Lalain thether, who (although he had but eight companies of Wallons of his Regiment) managed this businesse so discreetly, A as the Germaines went out of the towne by agreement, euery one receiuing but a Doller. The Earle of Reneberg (beeing entred the twelfth of Nouember with his Wallons, with the assistance of the Inhabitants) presently besieged the Castell, the The Castle yeelded. which was kept by a hundred and forty Wallons, whom hee forced to yeeld, and to leaue the place by composition.
The Wallons that were in Frisland, and especially at Groninghen, had some feeling of this pacification of Gant: so as they would declare themselues for the generall Estates vnited, to whom they gaue an oth by the meanes which followeth. The States The state of Groningue at that [...]me. had sent Francis Martini-stella of Brussells into Friseland and the countrie of Groningen, with charge and ample commission to reduce the said countries vnder their obeence, B by all good meanes and perswasions. Gaspar of Robles, Seignior of Billy a Gentleman of Portugall, hauing marryed the Lady of Germigni in Arthois, being gouernor of the sayd countries, knowing that he was come to Groninghen, and doubting of his practises, he caused him to be presently taken prisoner, whom he examined and tortured cruelly vpon the Rack, where-vnto he himselfe put his hand, besides the torturer, to force a confession from his owne mouth, to what end he was come; whereof hauing some conceit, and that the Spaniards intent was to dismember the vnited Prouinces, and the better to hinder the States from reducing them into one body, that they had sent euery one backe to his garrison (after this exploit of Antwerp) to Alost, Liere and Mastricht, meaning to doe no lesse in his gouernement, hee called the Captaines vnto C him which were Fernando Lopez, Campi, Moncheaux, and others, with their chiefe officers, requiring an othe of obedience of them for three moneths, in all things that hee should command them, during the which he promised them to write vnto the King of Spaine, and to know if it were with his Maiesties good liking, that the Prouinces of the Netherlands had vnited them-selues vnto the Prince of Orange: and that as soone as he should be aduertised, hee would not faile to do as the rest: but his intent was in the meane time to make himselfe maister of Groningen, and of all Friseland.
The three and twentith of Nouember hee required the like othe of Captaine Lossi, that hee might haue the more at his deuotion, but hee made some difficultie, saying, That hee would first conferre with his Sergeants and Officers. Billy hearing this answer, D sent for two of the Captaines Sergeants, to whom hauing presented the same othe, they answered; That nine yeares past they had taken an othe vnto the King, the which they would maintaine vntill that his Maiestie had dispenst with them. And as the sayde Gouernour put a Penne into one of the Sergeants hands to signe the sayd othe, hee cast it into the fire, saying, That hee would rather dye, the which the other Sergiant and the Corporalls did also confirme. Billy being discontented at this answer, sayde vnto them: Goe your wayes, I will consider what I haue to doe: the others answered; It must bee then patience perforce. The Sergiants and Corporalls being gone from him, they assembled their companions and other Officers of the companie, euery corporall calling his squadron, giuing them to vnderstand what the gouernour had propounded, E and what they had answered, demanding what was to bee done: wherevpon all answered, that They would rather dye then take a new othe, which they hearing from the company, they went vnto the Officers of Captaine Villers (who had then the garde) to whom they shewed what had past, and what was the resolution of their men, desiring to know their mindes: They answered; That they were content to liue and dye with them: where-vpon they resolued to seaze vppon their Collonell, and to preuent him, assuring them-selues, that for this refusall which they had made, hee would seeke to spoile them, when they should bee seperated after the changing of the garde. And therefore they agreed among them-selues, that not any one Robles Seignior of Billi seeks to spoile them that refuse the [...] should discharge his peece entring into garde, without the expresse commandement F of their Sergeants and Corporalls.
The Gouernour thinking to preuent them, caused the Artillerie to be charged, and planted in a streete, where the soldiers were wont to passe entring into gard, commanding [Page 614] Captaine Fern [...]ndo Lopez to haue his men readie in Armes, and as soone 1577 A as the Artillery had beene discharged against the company of Captaine Lossi; then to charge them.
But one of Villers Sargiants hauing discouered this practise, gaue notice thereof to a Sargiant of Lossis companie, before they went to guard, who tooke an other streete, and came before the Gouernors lodging, beeing their Collonell, wherethey were vsually accustomed to giue a volley of shotte, the which they did not at this time. The Sargiant Maior beeing there present, commanded them to shoote of their peeces, but they answred him againe, they would not vntill they had money giuen them to buy poulder and match. This Sargiant Maior beeing to presumtuous (not considering what time it was) threatned to strike some, where-vpon they began to B cry to Armes and the Sargiant Maior to flie; Captaine Lossi seeing this, striking vppon his brest, cryed out vnto his men, courage, make an end, it is time. Villers companie comming out of guard ioyned with them, incouraging one an other, and saying, that they would liue and die togither, vntill they were assured of their Collonell. Fernando Lopez beeing carefull of that which the Gouernor had giuen him in charge, seeing that the guard past not by the accustomed streete, hearing the noyse, hee went to horse to see what was to bee done, and to pacifie this mutine if it were possible. But thinking to approche he was so entertained with shot, as flying hastily backe he lost his hat, which hee durst not stay to take vp. Being come into the streete of Ebinge where his men were in armes, hee thought to lead them to succor the Gouernor, but comming C to the corner of the streete, whereas they found them of Yolly & Villers in battaile: They cryed vnto thē that they should not shoot, & that they would be of their partie. Fernando Lopez seeing this, saued him-selfe, speedily in a Bakers house: his soldiars tore their Ensigne in peeces, and ioyned with them of Lossi and Villers, giuing their faith one to an other, and promising to die togither, and then they marched to the Gouernors lodging, the drums sounding an Alarme, and making a great noyse. The Gouernor being much perplexed came vnto the gate with his hat in his hand (for it was now time to speake them faire, considering the disseine which hee had had) intreating them to bee quiet, and if it were mony which they demanded, that they should be satisfied within three The Seignior of [...] taken prisoner by his owne men. dayes, with many other goodly words & promises; wherevnto they answered, that they D would finde their owne pay, and in the meane time hee should remaine their prisoner. From thence they went to the Towne-house where was the chiefe corps de Gard; then vnto the lodging of the Seignior of Rhinsbrouck sonne in law to the Gouernor, who they also tooke prisoner, although he spake them faire and excused his father in law, leading him by him.
This done beeing a generall mutinie, they also tooke these Captaines, Lossi, Villers, The Captains are taken prisoners by a generall mutine. Moncheaux, and Campi with their coullors: the Burgers of Groninghen were in great feare of the like disaster as happened at Maistricht and Antwerpe. But seeing the soldiars draw towards the place of Ballance, which is vpon the market place, where there was a Pully to giue the strapadoe, which they pulled downe and burnt, crying God saue E the Prince of Orange, God saue the Sates, the Inhabitants grew more assured. From thence the soldiars went to the Prouost generall, and drew forth Francis Martin-Stella, deputed by the States, whome the Gouernor (as we haue said) detained prisoner, hauing with his owne hands wounded him in prison, being in Irons. Hauing set him at liberty, they brought him to the Comptroulers house, to refresh him selfe a little, then they conducted him to the market place, into the midst of the Assemblie of soldiars, whereas they did all sweare vnto him in the name and as Deputy for the generall The soldiars of [...] sweare vnto the States. Estates, to remaine faithfull vnto them vnto the death. Then they sent him backe, and caused him to bee conducted by some of these souldiars, beeing accompanied by some Deputies of the Towne vnto Brusselles, to informe the States of all, and to F receiue directions for their gouernment. Persently after the taking of the Seignior of Rhinsbrouck, they sent fiftye souldiars to the Gouernour of Zutphens lodging, called Fiasco, but finding him not there, they ranne vnto the conuent of Franciscan Friars, where they heard hee had hidden himselfe, but they sought all places [Page 615] yet could not finde him: for he being disguised in a Fryars weed, hauing his head and 1577 A beard shauen, holding a candle in his hand, sought vp and downe with the rest: vntill that a Germaine Fryar said vnto them: This man is of our Order but not of our Conuent: The Gouernnor of Zutphen taken prisoner. which wordes they vnderstood not till in the end pointing at him with his finger, hee said: Ipsus est, ten [...]te eum. It is hee, lay hold of him: Then was hee apprehended, and in the same Monkish habite ledde to the Market place, in great derision of all the world.
The next day they made proclamation by the sound of the drumme, that if any one had concealed and hidden Captaine Fernando Lopez, the Grand Prouost and the Sargiant Maior, that hee should come and reueale them vppon paine of losse of body and goods, & their houses to be burnt. The Prouost was found in the Curates lodging, hidden in the tonnell of the chimney. The Sargiant Maior was knowne, beeing disguised B in a Priestes habit; and then Fernando Lopez whome the soldiars led crying, Behold the Hangman of Groninghen. They were all three led to the Conuent of Iacobins, to keepe the other Captaines company; Doctor Wendorp was also taken prisoner, not-with-standing all his protestations.
On the Monday following the soldiars of Dain arriued; bringing with them Captaine Sterck and their Ancient prisoners, and they ioyned with them of Groninghen, taking the like oth vnto the States. And the same day Meysken Lieutenant of Groninghen was kept prisoner in his house with a Guard of fifty men. On the tuesday came the garrison of Delfziel with Captaine Bernemi Court, a Gentleman of Bethune, Seignior C of Fouquieres and his Ancient, both which were put in good guard: After that the troubles ceased, vntill they did vnder-stand what the States would determine, vppon the report which Martin Stella was gone to make. So as in the end all matters were well ordred, the States sending the Earle of Renenbergh thether, to gouerne in the place of Collonel Robles: wherein hee discharged him-selfe at this time (for afterwards The Earle of Rheneberghe [...]ouernor [...] the place of Robles. hee turned his coate, as wee shall see) so wisely, as he drew the Towne and all the Country of Freezland to bee at the States deuotion, and the Castell of Groninghen which was then much aduanced, & defencible towards the Towne, by the Earles commandement, at the suite of the Burgers, was wholy ruined and pulled downe.
The States seeing them-selues ingaged in warre of all sides against the Spaniard [...], who were proclaimed enemies to the countrie, fearing some disvnion among them▪ by D the inticing perswasions of such as sought to dismember them; they resolued before that Don Iohn should enter into the Country, to make a generall vnion among themselues, as well of Prelats, Noblemen and Townes, as of others of the seauenteene Prouinces, which was allowed by the Lords of the Councell of State committed by the King, for the gouernment generall of the said countries. Whereof the Originall remaines in the Custody of the States of Brabant: of which Vnion the Tenor followeth.
‘Wee who haue signed these presents: Prelates, men of the Church, Noblemen, A general Vnion of the State. Gentlemen, Magistrates of the King, Townes, Castells and others, making and representing the States of the seauenteene Prouinces, beeing presently assembled in this E Towne of Brusselles, and others beeing vnder the obedience of the most high mightie and famous Prince, King Philip our Soueraigne Lord and naturall Prince, wee giue all men to vnderstand both present and to come, that seeing our common countrie afflicted, by a more then barbarous and tyranous oppression of Spaniards, wee haue beene moued, thrust forward, and forced to vnite and ioyne our selues together, and with armes, councell, men, and money, assist one an other against the said Spaniards and their adherents, beeing declared rebells to his Maiestie and our enemies. And that this Vnion and coniunction hath beene since confirmed by the pacification last made, and all by the authority and consent of the Councell of State, committed by his F Maiestie for the generall gouernment of the said countries. And as the pretended end of this Vnion requires all fidelitie, constancie and mutuall assistance for euer: and that we would not by any misprision haue cause of Iealousie or distrust, and much lesse of any bad affection or disposition in any of vs. But contrarywise to haue the [Page 616] affaires of the said Vnion procured and effected with all sincerity, fidelitie and dillygence 1577. A that may bee, so as not any of the subiects and Inhabitants of the said countries and Prouinces may haue any iust cause to bee displeased or discontented, or to doubt of vs.’
‘For these considerations and reasons, and that nothing may bee treacherously done, to the preiudice and hurt of our common countrie and iust defence, or that omitted by negligence, which shall bee necessary for our iust and lawfull defence, Wee haue by vertue of our power and commission respectiuely, and otherwise for vs and our successors, promised and do promise by the faith of Christians, of honest men and true country-men, to keepe and entertaine inuiolably for euer, the said Vnion and Association, so as not any one of vs may breake or fall from it, by dissimulation, B secret intelligence or in any sort whatsoeuer. And that for the preseruation of our holy, Catholicke and Romish faith, and the accomplishment of the pacification, as also for the expulsion of Spaniards and their Adherents, with all due obdience to his Maiestie for the good and quiet of our countrie, and the maintenance of our priueledges, rights, freedomes, statutes, customes and Ancient vses: For the effecting whereof wee will vse all meanes possible, imploying both money, men, Councell and goods, yea and our liues if it were necessary. And that none of vs may in priuate giue any councell, aduice or consent, nor haue any secret conference with them that are not of this Vnion, nor yet reueale vnto them in any sort, what hath or shall be treated of in Assemblie or resolued, but shall wholy conforme him-selfe according to our generall C and common resolution.’
‘And in case that any Prouince, Estate, Countrie, Towne, Castell or house, were besieged, assaulted, inuaded or opprest in any sort what-soeuer: yea if any of vs or any others, hauing indeuoured him-selfe for his country and the iust defence thereof, against the Spaniards, or for other causes depending thereon, as well in generall as in particular, should bee sought after, imprisoned, ransomed, molested or disquieted in his person and goods, honour and Estates, or otherwise, wee promise to giue him assistance by all the sayd meanes, yea and to procure the libertie of them that shall bee imprisoned, either by force or otherwaies. vppon paine to bee degraded of their Nobilitie, name, Armes and honour, and to bee held periured, disloyall, and enemies to our D countrie, beefore GOD and men, and to incurre the note of Infamie and cowardise for euer.’
‘And for the strengthening of this our holy vnion of association, wee haue signed these presents the tenth of Ianuary, one thousand, fiue hundred, seauentie and seauen. Vnderneath were the signatures of the Deputies of euery Prouince, Prelates, Noblemen, and Commissioners for townes, and vnderneath them was written the agreation of the councell of State, as followeth. The Deputies of the generall Estates heere vnder-written, hauing required them of the Councell of State committed by his Maiestie for the gouernement of the Netherlands, to consent vnto, and allowe, of that which is conteined in the vnion aboue written. The Councell in regarde of the sayde E request, and the reasons therein conteined, haue as much as in them laied, allowe and doe allowe by these presents the sayd vnion, according to that forme and tenor. Made at Brussells in the State-house, in the assemblie of the sayd States, the tenth of Ianuary 1577. And vnderneath was written.’
IN the meane time the Spaniardes beeing by meanes of the towne of Mastricht 1577. A dispersed in diuers places ouer all the countries of Luxembourg, Faulquemont, Dalhem The Spaniards charged and defeated by Collonel Balfour. and other places beyond the riuer of Meuse, were incountred the same moneth neere vnto Iupille, halfe a League from Liege, by Balfour a Scotish Collonel, who charged them so furiously, as many of their souldiars were slaine vpon the place, and the rest of them that scapt were all put to flight. Whilest that the States made warre of all sides against the Spaniards, those of Antwerp, Alost and there aboutes in the Prouinces of Flanders and Brabant, had a desseigne to beseege Brussells, but hearing that Don Iohn of Austria the King of Spaines Bastard brother, was come to Luxembourg to bee Gouernor and Lieuetenant Generall for the Kings Maiestie in the B seauenteene Prouinces, they desisted, and would know how matters should after that time passe.
Don Iohn hauing staied some time in Luxembourg, the Generall Estates sent the Noble Lords of Rassinghem and Villeruall, the Bourgraue of Gaunt, Meetkerke and other deputies to treate with Don Iohn, so as after manie voyages, at the last hee came Treaty betwixt Don Iohn and the States a [...] Ma [...]che in Famine. to Marche in Famine the fifteene of December where they agreed vpon a generall truce and surcesance of armes for fifteene daies, in the meane time hee sent Octauio Gonsaga and his Secretarie Escouedo to Antwerp, Mastricht and Liere, to deale about the sending away of the Spaniards, as hee sayd: and on the twentie and one of December the estates sent their deputies to Namur, thinking that Don Iohn would haue come C thether, that by conference to gither they might roote out all iealousies, but hee came not himselfe, but sent the Lord of Rassinghem for to desire them to grant a longer respite for eight daies, whereby hee might haue a full resolution from the Spaniards in Antwerp and other places: Desiring moreouer to know what securitie and assurance the States would giue him for their obedience vnto the King, after the departure Don Iohns demands of the Estates. of the Spaniards, saying, that it stood not with his honour to disarme himselfe, and to put himselfe into their hands that were armed, and therefore hee desired that the Estates should in like sort resolue to haue their souldiars disarmed, and all strange souldiars amongst them to depart out of the countrie as well the Spaniards as any others. D
Moreouer hee desired to knowe with what securitie the Spaniards should depart, and whether by water or by lande. And for that the matter in controuersie with the Estates of Holland and Zeelande and the Noble Prince of Orange was to bee decided by the generall Assembly of the States, hee desired to knowe when and where that assemblie should bee kept and held, and what pledges and securitie they would apoint for his person. By which demands the estates found that his meaning was not to let the Spaniards depart out of the Prouines and countrie, before the question for Relligion and other controuersies with the Hollanders and Zeelanders were ended: wherevpon they resolued to follow and persist in their demands, that the Spaniards should presently depart out of the Netherlands, and vpon the last day of December for his full satisfaction, they sent vnto him by their deputies E fiue attestations. Two beeing written in parchment signed and sealed by the Bishoppes, Prelats, Abbots, Deanes and Pastors bearing date the seauenteene of December, in the yeare of our Lord 1576.
A third signed and sealed by the Deanes and facultie of diuinitie in Louvaine, of the six and twenty of December 1576. A forth attestation of the doctros and professors of both lawes in the same Vniuersitie, the same daie and yeare, and a fifte from diuers Prelats directed vnto the Pope, conteyning the state of relligion in the Netherlands, dated the eight of Nouember last past, betweene the generall estates of the one part, and the Prince of Orange with the Estates of Holland and Zeeland on the F other part. And further-more to let him vnderstand that in the sayd contract of pacification, there was not any thing that might diminish or any way preiudice the lawfull obedience due vnto the Kings owne Royall Maiestie: they also deliuered him an Attestation from the Lords of the councell of State, appointed by the King to [Page 618] gouerne the Netherlands, bearing date the 20. of December 1576. signed Bartii. The 15 [...]7. A first of Ianuary 1577. the Abot of Saint Gelein, chosen bishop of Arras, the Marquis The [...] of [...] to Don Iohn vpon [...]he 17. of Ianu [...] rie. of Haurec, the Bourgraue of Gant, the Baron of Liedekerke, and Adolph van Meetkerke deputies for the States, offered to meet him at the townes of Lovuen or Mecklen, to determine and conclude vpon that which was agreed vpon at Luxemburg, betweene him, the counsell of Estate for his Maiesty and the deputies of the generall Estates. And for the assurance of his person, besides the security offred by the generall Estates, he should chuse a Commander and a garde of Netherlands such as were in the States seruice, which Commander with his soldiars, should take their othes vnto him, to keepe and defend his person, therewith to content him, and that further they were content, to deliuer him 4. Hostages to be taken out of the Estates or their deputies, that should yeeld themselues B into the bishop of Liege his hands, a Prince that was their Neighbour, vntill the Don Iohns answere there vpon vnto them. peace were full concluded, wherevnto vpon the same day, Don Iohn made answer, that in regard of the great loue hee bare vnto them, and the desire hee had to the welfare and peace of the land hee would chuse the Lord of Hierges for the captaine of his guard, with a regiment of 3000. souldiars, that then were vnder his command, as well for the defence and preseruation of his person, as of the place, which the would chuse to bee one of the two, which they had offered vnto him, and for Hostages hee would haue the Marquis of Haurec, the Burgraue of Gant, Emanuel of Lalain Baron of Montigny and the Abot of Saint Gertrude, which should remaine in the castell of the Bishop of Leige, and there be kept, as he sayd they promised him, and so hee would bee C ready to meete them at Lovuen or at Mechelen, there to bring the matter to a good conclusion.
Wherevnto the States made answere, that al the Prouinces in the Netherlands, had promised and vowed each to other, and signed it with their hands, not to abandon one The states resolute [...]nsw re to Don Iohn. the other, but to make warre, vntill that the Spaniards were gon out of the country, promising neither to change Prince, nor religion, wherevnto they of Holland and Zeeland likewise had signed, still holding their religion, till it were otherwise ordered by the generall estates. As also, that they had not granted him to chuse his Hostages, for that those which he had named they could not spare, but they would nominate others not of the same qualitie, and yet men sufficient inough, and also touching the Lord of Hierges, D they sayd they could not grant him (for diuers reasons) to be commander ouer his guard, but if hee would come, & parle with them, he might if it pleased him meet them at Huy in the Land of Liege, a newter place, and with the like number of men, as they brought, without any armes: and that if for certaine conuenient causes, the Spaniards could not so soone depart out of the Land, they desired him, that hee to shewe his goodwill, would presently cause the castell of Antwerp, and the towne of Lire to be deliuered vnto the States, otherwise they could not abstaine from armes, nor agree to any truce, but to the contrary would doe their vtter-most endeauors by force of armes to take those places: they likewise sent him a coppy of the vnion or agreement made by the States in Brussels, whereof mention is made before. E
This vnion aforesaid made by the States, beeing shewed vnto Don Iohn, hee partlie discouered the politike dealing of the Estates of the land, togither with the readinesse and affection of the countries adioyning to ayde them, in regard of the vprightnesse of their demandes, and that there were many men amongst them, that would not bee mooued nor perswaded by all his faire, goodly, smothe, flattering and dissembling speeches, wherein hee planted a great part of the foundation of his proceedings, according to the generall opinion that the vnexperienced people of Spaine and Italie haue, of the small courage, vnderstanding, simplenesse and bad agreement of the Netherlands, (as the duke of Alua sayd, that hee would smother and drowne the Hollanders in their butter and milke) hee was mooued to yeeld (by the Ambassadors of F the new Emperor Rodolphus to that end purposely sent into the Netherlands, together with the Ambassadors of the duke of Cleaue, and the Bishop of Liege), but most of all by reason that hee perceiued the States to haue many souldiers, and a great army in the fielde at Waure in Brabant, and for that the Spanish souldiers, were in a manner [Page 619] inclosed, and might easily bee brought into want of all necessaries: and on the other [...] 1577 A side, hee being (as then wholy vnprouided and vnfurnished of all meanes to helpe himselfe) mooued to come to an agreement of peace, and for that cause, thought good for a time to desist from his pretence, and to cause the Spaniards to depart out of the countrey, hoping thereby to breake and disanull all the states, vnion, promises, and mutuall contracts, and so in time to settle himselfe in the gouernement, and to winne mens hearts vnto him, and hauing done so, to set them at diuision, and thereby to attaine to his desire, which without doubt, hee might easily haue brought to passe, if hee could haue couered his dissimulation, with more patience and humility, and his yong vnbridled courage, with a kind of staidnes, and fidelity, and his hatred and cruelty with moderation and aduise, but many men that had trauailed, presently perceiued that hee was too great and high minded, to bee ruled by aduise, and to young vnexperienced and B simple, to gouerne of himselfe. And his vaine opinion of himselfe was such and so great, that hee had a conceit in his head, to make himselfe King of England, by deliuering the Queene of Scottes out of prison, and destroying the Queene of England, where-vnto hee had obtained the Popes good liking and furtherance, and to that end dealt secretly with the house of Guise, and the holy league, wherein he was crossed, Don Iohn a [...]pired to be King of [...]ngland and Scotland. for that the States found it not requisite, that the Spaniards should goe out of the countrey by sea, where-vpon it seemed that hee left off his purpose touching England, till a more conuenient time, or else till the Queene were dead: which the King vnderstanding, it being likewise made knowne vnto him by the Pope himselfe, became very iealious, and after that sent nothing but strange and limmitted instructions vnto C him, and when hee sent his Secretary Escouedo into Spaine, for an other commission, and more money, the King by the meanes and councell of his Secretary Anthonio Perez, caused him to bee secretly murthered, being thought to be the onely man that mooued Don Iohn vnto such high aspiring conceits: so as it was verily beleeued, that in the next yeare after, Don Iohn was secretly brought vnto his death; as hereafter wee shall shew following in the Historie.
The reason that mooued the states generally to make peace, was that thereby they might bee rid of the forraine souldiers out of the Netherlands, wherevnto, those that The reason that incited the states to harken to the peace. thought to haue the gouernement of the land much mooued them, alledging, that of force they must cause the Spaniards to leaue the countrie, although the priueledges and D freedomes, were not in all points fully granted vnto, saying, that if they would after make warre againe, they should easily effect it when the Spaniards were once gone, and could want no meanes therein. The Baron of Champigni was likewise the chiefest cause, that promise and contract was made, to punish the Spanish and Dutch soldiers for their insolencies, thereby to make the better account and reckoning with the Dutchesse, which otherwise would still find matter of complaint and discontentment: where-vpon both parties being thus minded, by meanes and solicitation of the Emperors Ambassadors, and other Princes, vpon the twelfth of February, in the yeare of our Lord 1577. they being at Marche in famine, made, concluded, and confirmed this contract, which vpon the seauenteenth of the same moneth was proclaimed and published in Brussells E and Antwerpe, and called by the name of the perpetuall Decree, the contents whereof were as followeth.
PHILLIP by the grace of God, King of Castile, Leon, Arragon, Nauarre, Naples, Sicilia, Maiorque, Sardenia, and of the Islands of India, and the firme land lying The cont [...]ta of the perpetuall decree of peace, made between Don Iohn and the states of the Netherlands. in the Ocean seas, Archeduke of Austria, Duke of Burgondie, Lorraine, Brabant, Limbourgh, Luxenburgh, Gelder, and Myllan, Earle of Hasbourgh, Flanders, Artois, and Burgondie, Palsgraue of Henault, Holland, Zeeland, Namure, and Sutphen: Prince of Swauen, Marquis of the Holy Empire, Baron of Friseland, Salines, Mechelin, of the towne and territories of Vtrecht, Ouerissell, and Groning, and F Dominator in Asia and Affrica: greeting.
‘For that since Iuly last past, to out no small disliking, and great griefe, there hath many times happened great deuision, alteration, and trouble in our Netherlands,’ [Page 620] by reason of the insolent behauiours, of our Spanish and outlandish soldiars (from the A which, hath sprong many inconuenyences, disorders and miseries like-wise to our great dislike, and greefe,) which as yet vntill this day (as euery man knoweth) continew and remaine therein, and for the consolation, comfort, vnity, peace, and quietnes of our said Netherlands, and for the better ruling, and gouernment of the same, haue sent thether, our deare and well-be-loued good brother Don Iohn of Austria, Knight of the most noble and worthy order of the Goulden fleece, who since his beeing there in our said Netherlands, hauing dealt, spoken and conferred, first in our towne of Luxenbourg, with our louing, faithfull, trusty seruants and friends, the right reuerent father in God, Mathias, Lord Abot of Saint Gildin, elected bishoppe of Arras, Charles Phillip of Croy Marquis of Haurec. &c. our Nephew and one of the Gentlemen of our B chamber, Charles de Haunart Barron of liddelkercke burgraue of our towne of Brussels, and Adolfe van Meetkerke, counseler and receiuer of our territory of Vrien, in our Earledome of Flanders, committies and deputies for the generall Estates of our said Netherlands, and since that, in our towne of March, and after that in the towne of Hoyd in the land of Liege by intercession and Mediation in the said towne of Hoyd of the lords hereafter named, and ambassadors messengers, and committies of our right high and worthy well-bee-loued brother Rodulphe, the second of that name, chosen Emperor of Rome, &c. specially appointed, ordained, and sent, by the said Emperors Maiesty to further the said reconcilation, agreement, and accord, namely, our louing and good friend Gerrard van Grueesbeeke Bishoppe of Liege, duke of Bullion, Marquis C of Franchimont, and Earle of Loon. &c. Prince of the holy Empire, Phillip de Alde, Barron van Wieeborgh president, and Andreas Galle Doctor of the lawes, counselor to the said Emperors Maiestie: Warner Lord of Glimmich Drosser of the Land of Iuliers, and Iohn Louerman licentiate in the laws, both counsellors to the high and mighty Prince our wel-be-loued vncle William Duke of Iulliers and Cleues, &c. Prince likewise of the holy Empire, as Messengers for the said Duke; also Ambassadors for the Emperors maiestie to effect that which in the said Dukes absence should bee agreed vpon, with our well beloued and faithfull friends of our counsell of estate, by vs appointed to gouerne the said Netherlands, and to be of our secret counsel there, and the afore said Lord Abbot of Saint Gilden elected Bishoppe of Arras, Bucho Ayta, Arch-deacon D of Ipre, Fredericke Perenot, Barron of Rouse Lord of Champigny gouernor of our towne of Antwerp, Iohn de Saint Omer, Lord of Moreberke, gouernor of our towne and Castell of Arien: Francis van Halewin, Lord of Sweueghen chiefe baley, and Captaine of our towne and Castle of Oudewater Knights, and the afore named Adolph van Meetkerke committies and Deputies of the aforesaid States, and lastly in our towne of Brussels, where to continew, and fully to conclude and agree vpon the said treaty and accord with those of our afore-said councell of estate, and the afore-said States, meete and assembled to gether with the aforesaid Lords ambassadors of the empire, and the substitutes of the said Duke of Iulliers and our louing and trustie seruant Don Octauio Gonsaga, Knight one of our councell, appointed and committed there-vnto, by our aforesaid E good brother, where betweene them, diuers points and articles being propounded tending vnto, and concerning, the aforesaid reconciliation, accord and vnion, and for the full effecting of the same: wee by deliberation, counsell, and aduice, of our aforesayde good brother, Don Iohn of Austria, and of our aforesaid counsell of estate, in conformity, and according to the contents of the treaty propounded betweene vs of the one part, and the aforesaid estates, on the other part, haue for vs & our successors, ordained and decreed ratefied and by these presents ordaine decree and ratifie in manner of a perpetuall edict, neuer to be recalled, the points and articles hereafter following. Frst, that all offences, iniuries, misdeeds, wrongs, generally: all manner of crymes and actions, don, happened and committed, by reason and occasion of F of the afore-said alterations, charges, and troubles, by all, and euery one of the inhabitants, and subiects of our Netherlands, in what place or places and in what manner so euer it was done, as well in generall as in perticuler, shall bee wholy forgiuen and forgotten, as if they had neuer beene done nor committed, in such sorte, that [Page 621] there shall neuer bee any repetition, molestation, trouble, question, nor search made 1577. A here-after, for the same, against any of the said inhabitants and subiects aforesaid.
And for that the Bishoppes, Abbots, Prelates, and Spirituall persons, of our said Netherlands, as also the Diuines and Doctors of the Lawes of our vniuersitie of Lovuaine, by their seuerall attestations, haue witnessed and testified that according to the estate of the affaires of our said Netherlands, (beeing there present) the treatie of Peace, made and agreed vppon in our Towne of Gaunt, bearing date the eight of Nouember last past, betweene the aforesaid Estates of the one part, and our cousin William van Nassau, knight of our order of the golden Fleece, Prince of Orange, and the Estates of our Earldomes of Holland and Zeeland, with their Associats on the other part, contained nothing therein, that might or could bee repugnant to our holy B faith, and the Catholike, Apostolike, Romish religion, but to the contrary was to the furthering of the same, and that also in like sort, our said Councell of Estate, haue testified and auerred, that according to the Estate of the affaires in the Netherlands, (they likewise beeing present) the said treatie of peace, included nothing, that tended to the deminishing of our authority, and the submission and subiection decreed vnto vs by our said Netherlands, and especially for that the aforesaid Lords, Ambassadors, and messengers of the Empire, as also the substitutes of the aforesaid Duke of Cleue, do witnesse and iustifie the aforesaid attestations made by the aforesaid Bishoppes, Abbots, Prelates and other Spirituall persons, and by the said Councell of Estate, to bee iust and true: Wee in regard thereof haue agreed vnto, approued and ratified, and by these presents do agree vnto, approue, and ratifie, the said treaty of peace, C in all, and euery article and point thereof, promising vppon our faith and word of a King, for our parts, and for as much as concerneth vs, to keepe and obserue the same inuiolably for euer: and likewise to cause the same to bee kept and obserued by all and euery one, to whome it shall belong and appertaine vnto; and according to the same, do agree and consent, that the conuocation, and assembling of the generall Estates of our said Netherlands, mentioned in the third Article of the aforesaid contract of peace, shall bee done in such manner, and forme, and to the like effect as the said Article more at large specifieth and declareth.
Item wee agree, ordaine and appoint, that all and euery one of our soldiars, Spaniards, high Duches, Italiens, Burguignons, and other forrein soldiars, both horse-men D and foot-men, beeing at this present time within our foresaid Netherlands, shall and must depart freely, and vnmolested out of the same, and not returne, nor yet bee sent thether againe, hauing no forrein warres, and generally hauing no need thereof, nor any want of them in that place, as the generall Estates of our said Netherlands shall like of and allow.
And touching the determinate time of the departure of our said soldiars, we appoint agree, and consent, that all the Spaniards, Italiens, and Burguignons must and shall depart (within twenty dayes after warning giuen them by out aforesaid good brother) out of our Castell and Towne of Antwerp, and out of other the Townes and Castells and Holds of our said Netherlands which they now hould, and keepe in E their hands, or where so euer they bee, and out of all our aforesaid Netherlands, and namely out of the dukedome of Luxembourge, with in other twenty dayes, or before, if it be possible: wherein our aforesaid good brother, shall imploy him-selfe with all his power, and during the said time of forty daies, all and euery one of our said soldiars, shall and must behaue them-selues, honestly, and peaceably, without any robbing, exacting, ransacking, and spoyling, or in any-wise misusing of our said Netherlands and the subiects of the same, nor any of the neighbour countries and inhabitants thereof.
And touching the time of the departure of the aforesaid high-Duch soldiars, they shall and must depart out of our sayd Netherlands presently after that the Estates F shall haue contented them, as it is further and more at large declared In the 15. article of this our perpetuall edict of peace, which is, after that they shalbe reckoned withall, [Page 622] and all and euery reasonable educations made out of their paies, as it shall be found 1577 A to fall out.
And that all our sayd souldiars, Spaniards, High-duches, Italians, Burguignons, and all others, must and shall, at their departures out of our sayd castles and townes, leaue all the victualls, ordinance, and munition of warre beeing therein behind them, in our sayd castles and townes, which sayd townes and castles with the victualls, ordinance, and [...]unition, wee will, by the aduise of our sayd councell of estate, appoint to bee deliuered into the hands of such persons, as are naturall borne subiects of our sayd Netherlands, and as the preuileges of the sayd Netherlands import, and such as at this time are acceptable vnto them. And touching the oppressions extortions, and forcible compossitions, which by any of our souldiers, whosoeuer they be, haue beene done B in our sayd Netherlands, during the time that they haue beene and continued therein, wee will deale in such sort, touching the same, as right, reason and equity requireth, and when time serueth, as neere as wee can content euery man therein, and shall likewise cause inquiry to bee made, not onely amongst the captaines and commanders, of our sayd souldiars, but also amongst all, and euery one of our sayd souldiers, who in any sort whats [...]euer haue misused and disordered themselues, either in our Netherlands, Much promi sed but no▪ thing performed. or the countries adioying, and will do right and iustice therein, whether it bee in our Netherlands, or in our kingdome of Spaine, or any other place, where wee shall thinke it meet and conuenient.
Wee ordaine, decree, and appoint, that all and euery one of the prisoners, which are C holden in prison by reason of the alterations and troubles in the sayd Netherlands, on both sides, shalbe freely and frankly set at liberty, and released of their imprisonment, without paying any ransome, prouided alwaies that touching the sending againe of our couzin Philip William van Nassau Earle of Buren into our Netherlands, wee will take order [...], that the sayd Earle, shall bee freely sent againe into the sayd Netherlands, as soone, and presently after that the generall Estates shall haue assembled; and the aforesayd Prince of Orange, for his part shall haue truely and effectually performed that, which by them at the sayd assembly shal be ordained and appointed for him to do. Item wee ordaine, decree, and appoint, that the question, contention, and doubt, touching the restablishing and placing of certaine Lords, and Officers, in their gouernments, D and offices, from whence they haue beene discharged and put out, by reason of the alterations, and troubles aforesayd, shal be suspended, and referred, vntill the end of the assembly of the generall Estates, and that then the sayd question, contention, and doubt, shall bee committed vnto the arbitrement and determination of the councell and ordinary iustice of the Netherlands, respectiuely, by them to bee decided and ended according to law. Further wee promise, vpon our faith and word of a peace, to hold and maintayne, and to cause (our sayd good brother, and all other Gouernors: and euery one of them generally and perticularly, which hereafter shall by vs, and our successors bee placed in our sayd Netherlandes,) to hold and maintaine, all and euery one of the old preuiledges, customes, vses, rights and lawes of our sayd Netherlands, E and that wee will not suffer any to serue vnder vs, our aforesayd good brother, nor any other gouernors of our sayd countries, neither for councellors nor otherwise, in the administration of the common gouernment of the sayd Netherlands, but onely such as are naturall borne people and subiects of our sayd Netherlands. And likewise the Estates aforesayd for their parts, do promise vpon their consciences, faithes, and honors, before God and man, to maintaine, vphold, and defend and cause to bee maintained, vpholden and defended: the Holy, Catholike, Apostolike and Romish faith and religion: and the authoritie and obedience due and belonging vnto vs, in all places of our sayd Netherlands wheresoeuer, and not to doe any thing contrarie vnto the same. F
Item the sayd Estates likewise haue promised to leaue, breake of renownce and shall and do promise to leaue, breake of, and renounce, all and euery League and confederations, which they for their protection and defence, haue made heretofore, with any forrein Prince or Potentate, since the alterations and troubles aforesaid.
[Page 623] The sayd estates likewise, and in like manner, haue promised, and by these presents 1577. doe promise, to discharge and send out of our sayd Netherlands, all and euery one of A the forraine Souldiers, which they haue intertained, or caused to bee intertained in their paye, and to hinder, let, and withstand, that from hence-forth, there shall no more forraine Souldiers enter into the same.
Item, whereas the sayd estates, in witnesse of their true intent, as also of the sincere and good affection which they beare vnto vs, and our seruice, haue liberally agreed, and offered vnto vs the summe of sixe hundred thousand pounds, of fortie Flemish groates the pound, they doe by these presents promise, to pay, and deliuer the one halfe thereof in ready money, vnto the hands of the aforesayd Lords Ambassadors, and messengers of the Empire; and the Deputies or Committies of the aforesayd Duke of Iuilliers, B and Cleue, which said halfe part the sayd Ambassadors, Messengers, and Committies, shall pay and deliuer ouer, vnto the hands of our aforesaid good brother, or vnto such as hee shall appoint by the consent of the sayd Lords Ambassadors and Messengers; to cause our sayd Souldiers, Spaniards, Italians, and Bourguignons, and other strange soldiers, to depart out of our Castle and Towne of Antwerpe, and out of all and euery other of our Castles, Townes, and Forts, except the high Dutches aforesaid, vntill such time as they shall be reckond and accounted withall, as in the next article shall be declared. And for the other halfe, the said estates shall make it ouer by billes of exchange to Genoa, there to be paid vnto those, that by our said good brother, shall be appointed to receiue the same, within two moneths after the said Spaniards, Italians C and Burguignons aforesaid, shall be departed out of our towne and castle of Antwerpe.
And further the sayd estates haue promised, to take on them the charge to satisfie and content our high-dutch souldiers of their paies, as much as after account and reckoning made with them (both what they can demand, and what is reasonably to be deducted out of the same,) shall be found to bee due vnto them: wherein wee and our said brother, will aide and assist them, and by our authorities, credits, and countenances procure, those that haue the said accounts, reckonings and registers in their hands, to deliuer the same, as also with the sayd high-dutches, to induce and procure them to bee contented with that, which shall by account be found due vnto them. As likewise, the sayd Lords, Ambassadors, and Messengers of the Empire, and the deputies for the Duke of Iuilliers and Cleaue, haue freely of their owne good willes, promised to procure the D said high Dutches to doe the same, and that they will write vnto the Emperors Maiesty, to desire him to vse his authority in that behalfe with the high Dutches, and vntill the said high Dutches shall be fully satisfied, contented, and paid, they shall liue peaceably and quietly, and in such places, as we by aduise of our councell of estate, shall appoint them to remaine in, for the protection & security both of our persons, & the said estates.
Item, the estates haue promised, and by these presents doe promise, after the departure of the Spaniards, Italians and Burguignons out of our Netherlands, to receiue and accept our sayd good brother (vpon shewing, presenting, and deliuering vnto them, our Letters of Commission, to him to that end giuen, and vpon his accustomed and vsuall oath, in that case taken, with the obseruation of the other solemnities, E which at such times are commonly done,) as Gouernour, Lieutenant, and Captaine generall for vs, in our sayd Netherlands: and that the sayd estates, shall honor and respect him, with all obedience, and submiss [...]nesse, as in that case belongeth and appertaineth: The sayd contract of peace made in Gaunt, notwithstanding still remaining in all things and in euery point in full force and power.
Item, we ordaine and appoint, that our successors, and our aforesayd good brother, and euery one of the Gouernors, that by [...] our successors, shall bee appointed to gouerne our sayd Netherlands, generally and perticularly at their ioyfull entries, as also all and euery one of our presidents, councellors, officers, and Iustices, before their F entring into, and beginning to take the charge of their gouernments, states, offices and charges, shall solemnly sweare to maintaine and obserue, and as much as in them lyeth, to cause to bee obserued and [...] our present ordinance, accorde, and reconciliation. [Page 624] Lastly we are content to allow ratefie and approoue, all and euery condition, assignation 1577. A of rents and pentions, and other obligations and assurances, made and passed by the afforesaid estates, and which as yet they shall make and passe, with all, and euery one, that haue ayded, assisted, or holpen them with any mony, or that shall ayde, assist, or helpe them with mony, to serue them in their need, for the auoyding of the troubles aforesaid, and especially with the high and mighty Princesse, our very louing sister the Queene of England.
And to the end that all and euery one of the aforesaid points, and articles, may bee truely, really, and vprightly, holden, obserued, fullfilled, effected and kept, and that the whole contents of our said contract, may continew, and remaine firme, permanent, and inviolably for euer, we haue caused our seale to bee anexed hereunto, and to bee signed, B by our aforesaid good brother; and the aforesaid estates on the other side haue likewise caused to bee hanged thereunto the seale of the estates of the Duchie of Brabant, for and in the name, and at the desire of all the estates, and haue caused the same to bee vnder written (by especiall and expresse command, of all the estates,) by our louing friend and seruant Cornelis Wellemans, clarke of the afore-said estates of Brabant, and likewise, at the desire and request, both of vs and our good brother, as of the estates the said Lords ambassadors, messengers of the empire, and deputies of the Duke of Iuilliers and Cleues, as intercessors, and mediators, of the said reconciliation, accord, and Vnion, conteyned in our said contract, haue signed the same, and of their good willes and speciall fauors, haue as farre as in them lieth by the said committies, from the C Emperors maiestie, recommended, praysed, aprooued, and ratesied the same by all the meanes they can, and as much as neede requireth; giuen in our towne of March in famine, the 12. of February in the yeare of our lord 1577. and in the yeares of our raigne of Spaigne and Cicilia. &c. the 23. and of Naples the 25. Signed Iohn, and vnderneath by ordinance & commission from his Highnes F [...]le v [...]ssuer, And on the other side was written, giuen in our towne of Brussels, the 17. of February 1577. in the 23. yere of our raigne of Spaine and Cicilia, & of Naples the 25. & vnder that was written, by ordinance from my Lords of the counsell of estate of our souera [...]ge Lord the King, appointed by his Maiesty from hence-forwards to gouerne the Netherlands, and signed D [...]ppe, and vnder that was written, by especiall and expresse command of my Lords the generall D estates of the Netherlands, vnder-written Wellemans, and some what lower Gerrard bishoppe of Liege, Phillippus Semor Barron of Winnenbergh, Andreas Gail, Doctor Wernhertro, Gumioh, and Iohn Lauwerman, and some-what lower was written published in Brussels the 17. of February 1577. in presence of my Lords of the counsell of estate, committed by the King to gouerne the Netherlands, and of the Lord bishoppe and Prince of Luycke, and other Lords Ambassadors and messengers of the Emperors Maiesty and of the Lords the generall estates of the Netherlands aforesaid, by me the secretary of the towne of Brussels; vnder written A [...]rssens.
This accord made by Don Iohn in frome of a perpetuall Edict, was in the end proclaymed at Brusselles the 17. and at Antwerp the 27. of February 1577. to the incredible The Castell or Vtrecht yeelded to the States. E ioy of all the people. Before the publication of the said Edict the generall Estates had by the Seignior of Hierges long be [...]eeged the Spaniards that were in the castell of Vredenburch in the I owne of Vtrecht: who were so prest with want and beaten with the canon as the t [...]d of February, they were forced to yeeld by composition to Cont Bossu, and the said Castell was after-wards razed by [...]he Bourguers as it is at this present. This accord made in forme of a perpetuall Edict, was in the behalfe of A perpetuall [...] to the P [...]nce and States of Holland. the Generall estates, by the Seignior of Will [...] and Maister Paul Buys Aduocate of the Country of Holland accompanying the Ba [...]on of Wynenberg President of the Emperors councell, We [...]r La [...]dt Drossart of the Duchi [...] of Iui [...]ers, and Iohn Lauwerman Councellor to the Du [...] of Cleues, sent to the Prince of Orange and F the States of Holland and Zeeland to [...] their consent there-vn [...]: wherevp [...] after they had well aduised, answer was made in their names to the said Ambassadors and the Seignior of W [...]llerval: that the states of Holland and Zel [...]. &c, together with the Prince [Page 625] could not sufficiently commend the good zeale of the generall Estates, to discharge and 1577. A free the whole countrey in generall from so fatall and deadly a warre, and to restore it The answer of the states of Holland and Zeeland, to the generall estates. to peace and concord: resting assured, that the said states would seeke and labour nothing more, then to free the people from so many calamities which they had suffered and past, to the maintenance of their priuiledges, ancient rights and freedomes: and to redresse and replant a good order and rule, as well in matters of Iustice, as of pollicie, the which haue languished during these miserable warres: and especially to entertaine and put in execution the pacification of Gand. But the sayd Prince and States, hauing well balanced and considered (as it was a matter of great waight and consideration) Touching the free conuocation of the generall estates. of this perpetuall Edict: they finde that the good desire and great zeale which the generall Estates beare vnto it, shall not bee therein satisfied. For first of all it seemes, B that by certaine intricate meanes, the priuiledges of the countrey (which they would so maintaine) are thereby greatly interressed: for that the libertie to call the generall Estates of all the Prouinces vnited, is taken from them, to whom by right and of all antiquitie it doth belong. Besides they will tye the States of the countrey to an oth which was neuer vsed.
The breach of which priuiledges appeareth plainly by the vniust detention of the The Earle of Buren detained still notwithstanding the accord. Earle of Buren: who (as it is notorious to all the world) hauing beene taken and carried away out of the countrey against all right and reason: now that the question is to deliuer all prisoners of either side, they make no shew to haue any intent to set him at libertie. The which notwithstanding (if they will entertaine the priuiledges) they C ought to doe, and not so to violate them for a priuate person, who hath neuer offended: which giues small hope that they shall bee entertained, but shewes plainely that they will soone and easily take occasion to breake them. It also seemes that these Articles of the Edict tend to the breach of the pacification of Gand, in that the agreation of the peace is not so cleerely and plainly therein exprest, as the importance therein requires. But that this agreation depends vpon certaine restrictions and explanations, which remaine yet to bee done, the which in time to come might breed many cauillations, for that they seeme to bee like vnto those that were made in the time of the Dutchesse of Parma, which haue beene the cause of so great effusion of bloud: against the which Don Iohn hi [...] accord [...] suspect to the states of Holland, &c. Articles, the sayd Prince and the States of Holland and Zeeland did protest, and made D an Acte thereof. There were also many points in the sayd perpetuall Edict, whereof the Prince and the States would gladly haue desired some alteration, for the which they were resolued to send vnto the generall Estates. But whilest they were busie to set them downe, hearing that Don Ioan had beene receiued for Gouernor, they declared plainely that this accord pleased them not, and that for their parts they would seeke by all meanes to maintaine the pacification of Gand, and to pursue the Spaniards, that the world might know they demanded but an end of the warres, and the preseruation of their priuiledges. The generall Estates hearing this answer, sent the like declaration vnto them, and that their intent was to chase away all strangers, as well Spaniards, Italians, Bourguignons, as Germaines at the time limmitted by the accord, and not to E suffer it to bee prolonged.
Here-vpon Don Iohn sought for money to pay the Spaniards, that he might send them The Spaniards leaue the Cast [...] of A [...] werp. out of the Netherlands, and first of all out of the Castell of Antwerp, for otherwise according to the contract he could not bee admitted to the gouernment: who hauing receiued their pay, the Duke of Arschot was appointed by the States to receiue the Castle, and to put in a garrison of Wallons after the departure of the Spaniards. The twentie of Marche, the sayd Duke, accompanied by the Emperours Deputies, and by Escouedo Secretarie to Don Iohn, entred into the Castell to receiue it. Sanchio d' A [...]la who was Captaine of the Castell, pined with griefe and anger, who beeing loth to see this change, retired himselfe, giuing charge to Martin del Hayo his Lieutenant, to deliuer F it vp, the which hauing done into the Dukes hands, deliuering him the Keyes in their presence, Escouedo receiued an othe of the Duke in the Kings name, to keepe it faithfully for his Maiesties seruice. This done, and the great gates being set open, the Spaniards went forth, beeing laden with the spoyles of the sacke of Antwerpe, and [Page 626] marched towards Maestricht, where their rendez-vous was, to voide the countrey, and 1577 A in their place there entred certaine companies of Wallons. The prisoners were set free of either side. For the States there was the Earle of Egmont, and the Seigniors of Prisoners deliuered of eyther side. Floion, Capres and Glimes. And of the Spaniards side were released the Collonell Robles Seignior of Billi, Mondragons wife, the Gouernor of Zutphen, Captaine Tollenor and others. The Duke of Arschot Gouernor of the castle, made his sonne the Prince of Cymay his Lieutenant. Although the Castell of Antwerpe were freed from a garrison of Spaniards, Italians, and Bourguignons; yet was not the Cittie well assured: for the Kings mercinary Germaines, companions to the Spaniards in the sacke of the towne, remained with their Collonels Foucker and Fruntsberg in the new Towne, attending their pay, the which Don Iohn seemed to delay for some further intent, the which put B the Bourguers into great perplexitie, beeing hard for them to see it, but harder to suffer it.
The first of May the same yeare after that the King of Spaine had ratified the perpetuall The king of Spaine ratified the perpetuall Edict. Edict, and the Accord made by Don Iohn, by his letters pattents of the 7. of Aprill before, the said Don Iohn came from Louvaine to Brussels, where hee was receiued almost with a royall pompe, by the States of the countrey, the Magistrates of Townes, and by all the people, with acclamations and signes of great ioy: and the fourth of the same moneth he solemnly tooke the oth of Gouernor, Lieutenant, and Captaine Generall for the King of Spaine, vnder the conditions of the Accord and aboue named Edict, the which he did promise and sweare to obserue & keepe inuiolably. Wherevpon C euery one began to cast his eyes vpon him, as if they had already seene a banner of hope planted that the Netherlands (which had beene so long opprest with the insupportable burthen of infinite miseries and calamities, spred vniuersally ouerall, of what qualitie and condition soeuer) should by the clemencie, mildnesse, courtesie, and wisedome of The great hope they had of Don Iohn. the said Don Iohn, be releeued and restored to their ancient estate, accompanied with all happinesse and prosperitie, which hope was publikely testified by all demonstrations of ioy, feasts, and kinde vsage, all men shewing as much respect vnto him as if hee had beene naturall Prince of the countrey: euery one expecting that by his meanes (the Strangers oppressors of the countrey being retired) the gouernments should bee put into their hands that were naturall borne, well affected to the good and publike quiet, D the peace and vnion of the countrey, inuiolably kept; the priuiledges, rights, and liberties restored, and all points of the pacification of Gand obserued and accomplished; to the end that thereby an ouer-ture being made for the assembling of the generall Estates of all the Prouinces, which had beene promised of either part, they might in the end settle a generall and perpetuall good order throughout the whole countrey, with a firme establishment of vnion, and of all good intelligence and correspondencie betwixt the Prouinces, as well in regarde of the maintenance of the Catholick and Romish religion, as of the full and perfect obedience due vnto his Maiestie, and the good and publicke quiet of the said countries.
But the greater this hope, ioy and contentment was to all in generall, the greater was E euery mans care and hearts-greefe, when they see themselues frustrate of this hope and The great conceit they had of Don Iohn not durable. expectation. For after the departure of the Spaniards, insteed of putting to his hand for the accomplishing of the rest of the points which remained of the pacification of Gand, and of his accord to roote out all occasions of iealousie and distrust; they see Don Iohn by little and little fill his Court with strangers, enemies to the countrie and the publike quiet, most part Spaniards and Italians, or so affected and simbolizing with their humors, as besides the apparent wrong which hee did vnto himselfe, and to his faith and promise, by the which hee had bound himselfe not to vse them, hee made his will and intention manifest, which was to reduce the sayd countries (already too much opprest) vnder the yoake of them, whom hee himselfe had made shew and F profession to abhorre. For vnder colour that hee had sent for his traine out of Don Iohn puts from him them of the countrey, and is serued with strangers. Italie, hee caused a good number of Spaniards and Italians to enter into the countrey; by whome hee was euer chieflie serued, recoyling and putting from him as much as hee could, those of the countrey, vnlesse it were some fewe that were [Page 627] Spaniolized, or of the like humor: or such as were altogether suspected to them 1577. A that loued their countrey: hauing aduanced Baptista Taxis to bee Steward of his house, and others of vile and base condition (hauing serued as spyes to the Duke of Alua) to chiefe offices; yea into his councell, although in the beginning hee made shew that hee would onely imploy them of the countrey, and put off strangers: yet by the effects they found the contrary: for in all occurrents of importants, hee onely vsed the councell of the Lord of Gonsague, and of his Secretarie Escouedo, doing nothing Don Iohn admits none to councell but them that are Spaniolized. of importance without their aduise, contrary to the Edict and Accord, Article ten. And when hee made shew to call any of the countrey to councell, hee made choise of such as were of the Spanish faction, or suspected to them that loued their countrey, finding themselues greeued, for that they had beene suspended from their B Offices and gouernments, in the beginning of their last alterations raysed against the Spaniards and their adherents, beeing held to bee the Authors of the comming and re [...]ning the Spaniards in these parts, and of all the miseries and calamities which the countrey had since endured. Also hee neuer put from his councell and companie some priuate persons of meane calling, who through their violent passions had alwayes kindled the fire of ciuill warre in Holland: and who had retired into the Castell of Antwerpe with the Spaniards, holding their part against the States, and hauing Those that are suspect vnto the state are fauoured by Don Iohn. ayded both with their councell and persons, to sacke and burne the Towne. And more-ouer hee hath alwayes imployed and beene serued by them that were suspect vnto the States, for that they held them-selues wronged: as the Earles of Meghen C and of Barlamont, the Seignours of Hierges, of Floion, of Haulte-penne his sonnes, the councellor Assonuille, Taxis and others. Whereby there could no other coniecture bee made, but that hee pretended to entertaine the seedes of hatred and factions among the Noble-men: and in the end when occasion should serue, bandie one against another, and by that meanes bee reuenged of them all, as the effects in the end did shew. If happily at any time hee called the rest, it was but for an outward shew, not to giue them occasion of complaint in the beginning, and the better to couer his desseignes.
After the publication of the perpetuall Edict, Don D Iohn sent his Deputies to Gheertrudenberghe to treate with the Prince of Orange, and the Deputies of Holland and Zeeland; of which conference, and of their speeches of eyther side, I haue set downe a true narration.
THe Duke of Arschot, the Lord of Hierges, Monsieur de Villerual, Grobbendonc (que) Metkerke, and Doctor Elbertus Leoninus, assisted by A [...] at Gheertrudenbergh [...] May 1577. Doctor Gail, Ambassador deputed for his Imperiall Maiestie, being assembled on the one part: and the Prince of Orange, with the siegniors of Saint Aldegonde, Nyuelt, Vander Mylen, Conynck and E Vorsbergen on the other. Monsieur Mertkercken began the speech, and after some demonstration of the sinceritie and faithfull diligence which Don Iohn of Austria had vsed since hee was receiued for Gouernour in performing of the promises made by him, and the good which hee had done vnto the countrie, in causing the Spaniards to retire, and that hee was still ready to pursue and bring to a good end what had beene so well begun, to restore this countrey to her ancient beautie, peace, and happinesse, from the which they were fallen through the gouernment of his Predecessors, and the insolencie of Strangers: Desiring to gouerne after an other manner by the councell and aduise of them of the countrey, as shall be thought F conuenient for their greater good and quiet. Hee sayd more-ouer, that it was reason also, seeing that hee shewed himselfe so willing and desirous to redresse all things, and reduce them to a good vnion and concorde: that there should bee assurance also of the Princes behalfe, and of the countries of Holland and Zeeland, that after they haue [Page 628] finished all things and reduced the country to a better estate, that they for their parts 1577. A should make no difficulty to submit them-selues vnto reason, and to the obedience due vnto his Maiesty, and laying aside all Ielousy and distrust, they will procure with all their power this desired vnion, and will vnite themselues with the other Prouinces in one body vnder one obedience, as it hath beene alwaies here-tofore. And as there are many things whereby it seemes they haue no desire nor intent to come vnto this point, but contrarywise that they will still hold them-selues diuided, and in perpetuall distrust and disunion.
It were necessary before that his heighnesse proceed any further in that which hee hath begun, to remedy these things. And for this effect as the pacification, made at Marche in Famine betwixt his heighnesse and the generall Estates of the country was B afterwards confirmed by the perpetuall edict and then ratefied by his maiesties expresse authority, so in like manner those of Holland and Zeeland should cause it to be proclaymed in their Prouinces and townes, to bee ioyntly accepted of them all, [...] so long as it remaines vn-proclaimed, it seemes that they of Holland and Zeeland would hold themselues diuided from the rest, and not ioyne in this generall vnion which is the true and only meanes of the safety and preseruation of the country. It would be also necessary to cease from fortefying of townes and other places, which they not only continue, but they build vp new, which seemes to contradict the effect of peace, for being no enemies, and hauing no cause to distrust on another, there is no need to fortehe, if they will not nourish Ielousie, and breed supition of hostility. Moreouer C as his highnesse hath vnderstood, that not onely they doe daily cast new artillery and furnish them-selues with all sorts of munition, as if they were still in warre, but also they melt the old peeces againe which carried his Maiesties armes, and that they graue on them other armes, the which is quite contrary to the pacification of Gand, and preiudiciall to the article, which faith that the generall assembly shall take order for the restitution of artillery, munition, forts and shippes vnto his Maiesty: his highnes would desire that this might be prouided for, and that hereafter they would forbeare from any such casting, and that they would also forbeare from making of any league or secret allyances with any forraine Princes or neighbour Prouinces, seeing it cannot but breed great distrust, and nonrish matter of bad intelligence one with D an other, being also against the duty of obedience which the subiects owe vnto their naturall Prince.
And besides his Highnes would wish that according to that which had beene concluded at the pacification of Gand, and that which his Highnes hath also ratefied and promised for his part, they will procure that the generall assembly of the estates may be held as soone as may be, as it is conteyned in the said pacification, and that to that end they will consider of the meanes whereby they may make them assemble and of the time and other circumstances thereto required. The Prince hauing heard this speech, after that he had retired a little into the Anext chamber, with the deputies of the estates of Holland and Zeeland, being returned, hee answered. Thus E hauing heard the points propounded by his Highnes deputies, for that there were many articles of importance, and whereon they must conferre together, hee desired to haue them in writing, that they might answer to euery one in particular, as it was fit. Therevpon Doctor Elbertus Leoninus spake, and said that to auoyd prolixitie of writing, the which did breed but confusion, they thought it necessary not to put any thing in writing, and therefore that by way of conference they would answer to the points propounded, and endeauor to come vnto that defired vnion and concord, propounding also on their parts the points that might seeme to breed any scruple, difficulty or distrust, that by an amiable conference they might vnderstand one an other, and if it were possible procure concord and vnion, which is so F much desired of all sides: where-vpon the Prince answered, that he desired nothing might bee treated of but by writing, for that other-wise they might speake things of either side which might bee sinisterly interpreted, or that might bee denied to haue beene treated of, as wee haue seene (said he) by experience, in that sollemne [Page 629] Treaty of the pacification of Gand, which they labor by all meanes to make fruitlesse 1577. A and vnprofitable, vnder colour that some points which were debated by Mouth, and not so particularly set downe, are wrested to an other sence, as that of gouernments giuen by commission from his Maiestie, the which is a cleare point, and yet they seeke gloses and cauelings, to obscure the will and meaning of the contractors, vppon colour that the name of Vtrecht was not expresly set downe in writing, and whereas he said that writing bred confusion, the which is not made plaine but by writing, & therefore hereafter they would not treat other-wise then by writing.
There-vppon the Doctor replied that they would not make any difficultie therein. But that first by an amiable conference they would giue them to vnderstand the points where-with they held them-selues grieued, to the end that seeking their content, B they should demand that which should bee fit for their safety. The Prince answered: But seeing they kept not that which was so sollemnly promised at Gand, and confirmed by oth by most of the Nobilitie and Townes in particular, and ratified by Don Iohn and his Maiestie: what hope can wee haue that what-soeuer shallbe promised hereafter willbe maintained and kept. Wherein is it, (said the Seignior of Grobbendoncq that you complaine, that the pacification is not intertained? The question was of Breda and of his Sonne, but the first day of the garrison of Breda.
But said the rest, suppose the pacification bee accomplished, for all cannot bee done at one instant: Don Iohn hath begun well, hee must haue time to finish the rest, and matters that are doubtfull must bee debated, that it may bee made apparent where-vnto hee is bound. For touching the point of Vtrecht, it is no wonder if hee C hath not satisfied it, seeing that hee findes not Vtrecht specified in the pacification, and that there lay before him many considerable & disputable reasons, why hee is not bound to do it. Yea (said the Prince,) by this reason you may draw any matter in question, neither is there any matter so cleere but it may bee disputed, the which was amplified by the Seignior of Saint Aldegond, and concluded by his Excellency, that they should first fullfill the articles of the said pacification, and that then the Estates beeing assembled, they would propound of either side the other points seruing for their greater assurance. There-vppon, Doctor Leoninus propounded, that it was to bee considered that the generall Assemblie of the Estates was not without danger; for the great number of them that did assist, and the diuersity of humors, D especially of them that are not allwaies iudicious and discreet: Producing for example the Assemblie of the Estates of France, the which we haue seene to ingender more dissention and cause of warre then there was before. And therefore it were fit to consider if by an amiable conference of the points that are in question, and whereof there remaines yet some scruple of distrust, that we may excuse this generall Assemblie, and auoid the danger that might grow thereby.
Where-vpon his Excellencie answered, that there was a great difference betwixt the Estates of this country & the Estates of France, seeing that the people & the whole body heere were of one will and minde, and not diuided into partiallities and factions of houses, as in France. And seeing that in the pacification of Gand, they had agreed E vppon all points that might bee reconciled, to liue togither in vnity and concord, vntill, they had leysure to prouide for the rest, hauing referred the decision thereof to the Assemblie generall; it was more then reasonable they should first satisfie the Articles of the said pacification, and that the rest should bee referred to the said Estates, where hee meant to propound the points which they demanded. But said the others, whilst that wee attend the Assemblie you may propound wherein you finde your selues grieued or what you demand for your assurance. Wee haue nothing to propound said his Excellency, nor to complaine of, so as they accomplish the Articles of the pacification: for seeing it is concluded at Gand, that wee shall liue one with an other after the manner there specified; vntill the said Assemblie, F wee are content and meane (by the grace of GOD) to hold our selues so, without demanding any further assurance, referring our selues for the rest vnto the said Assembly. [Page 630] But said the Seignior of Grobbendonc (que) what assurance will you giue vnto vs to entertaine 1577. A the pacification? Wee are not bound to giue you any assurance, answered the Prince, for the effect of the pacification carries her assurance with her, feeing that those which were there treating for the generall Estates, and afterwards aduowed by them, haue propounded the articles and points therein contained for a prousionall assurance, vntill the generall Estates should bee assembled, saying, that some should do thus, and others thus, where-vppon they agreed. Wee must therefore content our selues with those meanes, or else necessarily disauow and breake the said pacification. See then if you will aduow it or not, for if you will hold it, wee must for our parts, fulfill the points therein contained, as we are ready, and if there be any thing wanting vnto this present, as we hope not, wee are content to satisfie it. Yea said one of them, you would that B after you haue all the Townes and places of Holland & Zeeland, which are already put into your hands, and after wee haue deliuered you the gouernments of Vtrecht and Amsterdam, we should haue no assurance of you that you would hold the pacification. But answered the Prince, if we do presently accomplish the pacification; what will you more of vs, or what assurance are we bound to giue?
By this meanes said the others, after that you haue all which you demand, and that you haue fortified your selues by this meanes more then euer, you may make warre against vs. Warre? answered the Prince, what feare you? wee are but a handfull of men, but a worme against the King of Spaine, and you are 15. Prouinces against two; what cause haue you to feare? Where-vpon the Seignior of Meetkerke said, we haue seene C what you could do when you were maisters of the Sea, and therefore do not so little esteeme of your selues. To whome Saint Aldegond replied, wee neuer haue nor could make warre against you but defensiue: And if wee make a defensiue warre, we must first be offended. For wee will neuer go to assaile the other Prouinces. I said one of them, we know that a defensiue warre is neuer made but it is withall offensiue, alledging there-vppon the taking of Geertrudenbergh. Vosberghen then answered touching Geertrudenbergh, that it was of his Excellencies gouernment, a member of Holland and belonging to his Excellencie, and that it was not taken by force, but by pollicie and for want of good guard.
Then said the Prince, the pacification of Gand prouides for this: You or your Deputies D haue confest that you were well guarded with the points contained therein, and that you had no need of any other warrant, referring the rest to the Assemblie. Yo [...] must therefore content your selues: For to make warre against you, it is a thing without any ground or colour. If you had not knowne there was nothing to bee feared for you, you had not forgotten to demand assurance. But you haue seene how roundly we haue dealt with you at that time, vnfurnishing our Country to assist you, yea before the peace was concluded, and although we had reason to demand assurances, yet we would not do it, for that wee treat with the Estates without distrust, hauing expresly declared that if wee had beene to treat with the King, or any other in his name, wee would haue beene guarded with other assurances. But on your behalfes there was E no question to giue any assurance, as wee haue no meanes yet to assaile you, so were it not expedient.
At these wordes the Seignior of Grobbendoncq said, to speake the truth, wee haue a good confidence in you that you will not make warre against vs, but wee see on the other side that you seeke to disperce your religion ouer all, and are not contented to maintaine it among your selues, but seeke by all meanes to plant it in our Prouinces: What assurance then shall wee haue when wee haue granted all that you demand, that you will not alter any thing concerning religion against the pacification of Gand? The assurance which wee can giue (said the Prince) is, that wee will really accomplish the pacification, wherein wee haue promised for our parts not to giue any scandall nor F cause any Innouation: And wee meane to keepe that we haue promised. But said the Seignior of Villerual these are but promises, you will haue vs beleeue your words, and you will not beleeue the wordes and promises of Don Iohn, nor ours. Heere is no question of beleeuing or nor beleeuing (answered the Prince) let Don Iohn and [Page 631] you accomplish the treatie of pacification, and then we will beleeue you, but you gaue 1577. A vs occasion of distrust, when as wee see you to seeke euasions not to accomplish the sayd pacifi [...]ation, which you haue promised, vnder collour to propound vnto vs other points for our assurance, the which ought to bee referred to the generall assembly of the Estates, wee haue also sayd Leoninus propounded points wherein you haue not accomplished the pacification. Vander Mylen replied, wee haue therein satisfied you touching the principall, and as for the rest, wee are readie to giue satisfaction: although there bee not any thing wherein wee haue first broken: for that whereof they accused vs, wee haue done it by example, which those of Gant haue giuen vs by a sentence pronounced, so as if there bee any violation it comes from you and not from vs. B
But sayd the signior of Grobbendoncq the chiefe point of the pacification containes that you submit the question touching the exercise of your relligion to the generall Estates, what assurance shall wee haue that when you are satisfied in that which you demand, that you will accomplish this point? what occasion haue wee giuen you sayd the Prince to distrust, seeing that for our partes wee haue fulfilled the pacification. Seeing then wee were once agreed, you should rest satisfied. But do you promise sayd Grobbendoncq to submit your selues vnto all that the generall Estates shall decree, as well in this as in all other points, as you are bound by the pacification. I know not sayd the Prince, for you haue alreadie broken and violated the pacification, hauing made an accord with Don Iohn without our consentes, and C then hauing receiued him for Gouernor. So as sayd Grobbendoncq you would not allowe of the decision of the Estates. I say not so replied the Prince; for it may bee such a one as wee would accept it, and to the contrarie. But wee would there propound and debate our reasons to vnderstand how farre wee were bound to submit our selues, seeing we are not so absolute as we were at the first submission made at Gant. But you shall bee restored sayd Grobbendonc (que) you cannot replied the Prince, for you haue quite broken the pacification.
Then sayd Meetkerke, wee doe nothing; if you will hold the pacification to bee quite broken. It is not wee sayd the Prince that haue broken it, but you, and yet wee refuse not to submit our selues, so as wee may deliuer our reasons, and without preiudice D bee restored. But you haue alreadie condemned vs by the promise which you haue made to Don Iohn to maintaine the Catholike and Romish relligion in all places, and caused all men sweare to maintaine it, so as wee can hope for nothing of the iudgement of the Estates but to bee condemned. You would not then sayd the signior of Grobbendoncq submit and humble your selues to the Estates touching the exercise of relligion? No truely answered the Prince; for to tell you plainely wee see you intend to roote vs out, and wee will not bee rooted out. Ho sayd the Duke of Arschot and the Barron of Hierges, there is no man that hath any such intent or meaning: yes truelie answered the Prince: wee submitted our selues vnto you with a good intent, hoping that you would iudge for the good of the whole countrie; without anie other respect, as was fit, but you yeelding to Don Iohns will E binde your selues to maintaine and cause to bee maintained the Catholike and Romish relligion in all places, and make a league and agreement therevpon, seeking to binde all the world to the like promise, the which cannot bee accomplished but in rooting vs out.
Therevpon Leoninus sayd, what was promised in the vnion of the Estates was neuer to that intent, neither did they euer dreame of it, but they went to gard themselues more safely, and keepe them from disbanding. But sayd the Prince they were leagued togither by vertue of the pacification of Gant, the which doth binde them as strictly as the new vnion. Wherevpon Aldegonde added, that it was an vniust thing, that the treatie of Gant which had beene so sollemnly made, and which they had promised F to haue signed by all the chiefe Noblemen, Magistrates and Officers, was not effected, & a new vnion made by the aduise and authoritie of priuate men, for that the preseruation of the Romish relligion was therein promised, they would haue all the world to [Page 632] signe it and yeeld to it. And that therevpon they must either yeeld themselues suspect 1577 A not be of the Romish relligion, or condemne our cause by a preiudicate sentence. The others sayd, that they neuer had any such intention and that wee should haue an act giuen vs of their meaning. But replied the Prince, for all that, they shall not bee discharged from their oth, and promise, the which when they shalbe called by Don Iohn to the assembly of the generall Estates, they must satisfie, or els remaine periured, notwithstanding their act or declaration. Therevpon doctor Gaill sayd in Latin, that hee which had made the lawe, might also breake it, and therefore the Estates who had made this vnion, might interpret or abolish what they thought good. Aldegonde answered also in Latin, that there was great difference betwixt a lawe and an oth, for hee that hath taken the oth cannot dispence with it, seeing that hee hath made it B vnto God, and takes the sacred name of God for a witnesse and iudge, whereas a lawemaker in a positiue law is himselfe the iudge.
Finally after they had much contended about this point D. Leoninus sayd, that leauing this dispute they must come to some accord, requiring that they would deliuer vp the points, and that they would moderate them, as they had promised to doe. The others answered that they were readie, and deliuered them at that instant: requiring also that they should deliuer their points in writing, as well those which they had now propounded, as those which the signior of Schetz and Leoninus had propounded before, the which was granted, and so they parted. Onely the signior of Grobbendoncq and Leoninus remained still, and had conference touching those matters C with the Prince and the deputies, whome his excelency did seriously admonish, letting them vnderstand that they were bound to maintaine the preuiledges and liberties of the countrie, and yet they sought to bring their countrie into seruitude.
The Proposition of the Duke of Arschot Baron of Hierges, and other Deputies of Don Iohn of Austria, made at Geertrudenbergh, to the Prince of Orange and the Estates of Holland and Zeeland, the two and twenty of D May. 1577.
MY Maisters the Prince of Orange and the Estates of Holland and Zeeland, you haue heard, how that his Highnesse according to his promise, hath caused all the Spanish, Italien and Bourguignon souldiars to depart out of the countrie of this side, and that at the request of the generall Estates his Highnesse hath the fourth of this moneth accepted the gouernment generall of these countries, giuen him in charge by his Maiestie, and hath taken a sollemne oth, such as the Estates haue required, E as well for the obseruing of the pacification as of the preuiledges of the countrie.
That his Maiestie hath ratefied, allowed and confirmed the sayd treatie made by his Highnesse with the Estates, for the which his Maiestie hath giuen GOD thankes, and is well pleased with all them that haue imployed themselues in the making of the sayd pacification and accord. Nothing now remayning but to cause the people to enioye the fruites and effect of the sayd peace, freeing them from their forepassed toyles, miseries and calamities, wherein this poore countrie hath beene plonged by ciuill and intestine warres, in restoring the good and naturall loue, vnion, concord and intelligence which was wont to bee among these subiects and Prouinces, vnder the obedience F and authority of his Maiestie. To which end his Highnesse hath sent the Duke of Arschot, the Baron of Hierges and others, assisted by doctor Adrian Gaill the Emperors Ambassador; to the Prince of Orange and the Estates of Holland and Zeeland, to consider with them of the effect and end of the sayd pacification, and of such reciprocall [Page 633] assurances as shall bee thought necessary. And to declare vnto the sayd Prince, 1577. A that seeing hee hath obtained that which hee so much desired, which is the restitution of his goods and honour with the departure of the Spaniards, whereon hee did ground his taking of armes, that it is more then time to settle the countrie in peace, and to banish all suspition on his behalfe, imploying himselfe sincerely in so good a worke. And if hee bee not satisfied with all this, but doth demand some other thing, let him speake plainely what hee pretends more for his safetie, to the end that full contentment may bee giuen him. For the effecting whereof it is verie requisite, that the perpetuall Edict of the treatie made by the generall Estates with his highnesse, and proclaimed at Brussells the seauenteenth of February, and successiuely in other townes and Prouinces in confirmation of the sayd pacification of Gant, may bee also B proclaymed in Holland, Zeeland and other associat places, whereas hetherto it hath not beene published.
In like sort seeing a peace is made and proclaimed, it is necessary that generally all acts should cease which tend to hostilitie, and may giue any occasion of distrust, as the entertayning of souldiars, the fortification of townes and places, practises and allyances, leagues and confederations, euen with strangers, casting of new Ordinance, the which ought to remaine in the same Estate vntill the resolution of the generall Estates. And for that and other things specefied in the pacification, to giue order for the full accomplishment of a desired peace and the publike tranquillitie, it is fit to aduise speedelie when the sayd generall Estates shall assemble. All which points C the sayd Commissioners for his Highnesse, require the Prince of Orange and the Deputies of Holland and Zeeland, to carry them vnto the Estates of Holland and Zeeland, as they will doe vnto his Highnesse and to the other Estates the points and articles which shalbe giuen them by the sayd Prince and deputies. Hoping, there shalbe a fauorable answere giuen reciprocally of either side, and that all things in the meane time shall remaine in peace and tranquility.
The answere of the Prince of Orange and the Deputies of the Estates of Holland D and Zeeland to the sayd Proposition.
MY Lords, vpon the Proposition which it hath pleased you to make on his Highnesse behalfe, that to take away all iealousie and distrust which seemed to hinder the sinceritie of the peace, wee should propound assurances, which wee thinke conuenient for the effecting thereof. The Prince of Orange and the deputies of the Estates of Holland and Zeeland, haue made answere, that it were a superfluous thing to demande new assurances, seeing that the conditions promised by the pacification were E not yet accomplished, and that to take away distrust, there was no better meanes then to beginne by the fulfilling of the points and articles of the pacification of Gant, the which wee beeing readie for our parts to accomplish, if any remayning▪ desiryng that you would doe the like on your behalfe, and that moreouer it hath pleased you my maisters to require vs to put in writing the points and articles which wee pretend are not yet fulfilled. To satisfie your desire therein, the Prince of Orange and the deputies of the Estat [...]s of Holland and Zeeland, haue thought good to exhibit these articles following.
First that the aduice and answere which the Prince of Orange and the Estates of F Holland and Zeeland haue giuen by writing to all the generall Estates of the Netherlands▪ by the hands of Mounsier de Villerual dated the nineteenth day of February in the yeare of our Lord 1577. containes many Articles, by which it appeeres that the pacification made at Marche in Famine was not conformable to all the Articles [Page 634] of the pacification of Gant, for which cause the sayd Prince & Estates haue not allowed 1577. A of the said pacification, but vpon expresse condition that the generall estates should for their parts passe an act obligatory in due forme, signed by them and the Gouernors of Prouinces, commanders and colonels, conformable to that which is more particularly specified in the said aduice and answer.
Where-vpon they haue by an act giuen and dated the first of March, declared their intention to haue alwaies beene to maintaine effectually the pacification made at Gand, and to seeke to redresse all that they should finde done or attempted to the contrary, or against the preuiledges, rights, liberties and customes of the Netherlands, as well in generall as in particular, and they promised to cause the like resolution to be signed by the Gouernors of Prouinces, commanders and collonels, as being bound B to gouerne them-selues accordingly, which promise and condition hath not beene, effected nor accomplished: for the Germains are not yet gone out of the country, which is contrary to the said pacification of Gand. Item the goods haue not beene neither are yet restored to the Prince of Orange, as well in these parts, as in Bourgongne and Luxembourg. Neither is the Earle of Buren his sonne deliuered, which doth not onely impugne the said pacification, but also the preuiledges and liberties of the country, and the conditions of the said aduice and answer. Item the Prince hath not his gouernment yet restored vnto him, as hee had it by commission from his Maiesty, seeing that neither the country and towne of Vtrecht, nor the townes of Tholen, Heusden and others, are not yet vnited to their ancient gouernments, as they were in former times, where in my Lords of the councell of State haue shewed them-selues C partiall, writing letters to them of Vtrecht, by the which they haue kept them from submitting them-selues vnder their ancient Gouernor, according to the said pacification, and the preuiledges of Vtrecht, although that they of Vtrecht haue often required that they might submit them-selues. Moreouer in steed of augmenting and maintaining the priuileges of the country, as had beene specefied, not onely in the said pacification, but also in the conditions of the said aduice and answer, giuen vnto the generall estates, we see them now deminished, yea broken and violated in diuers sorts: for my Lords the States haue by their Instruction giuen to certaine deputies sent vnto Don Iohn lately (sence the said aduice and answer, where it had beene expresly mentioned) subiected the assembly of the States as wel general as particular, vnto the good pleasure D of Don Iohn, the which should remaine free, according to the ancient rights, preuiledges and liberties of the Countrie, in those Prouinces and places that haue preuiledges.
Item those of the religion are not admitted in any places and townes of other prouinces, to remaine there according to the pacification of Gand as may bee verified by many examples, if they will take informations. And yet not-with-standing all this and that the promises and obligations contained in the said pacification of Gand, and sence, in that which the estates haue promised to the Prince & to the estates of Holland and Zeeland be not accomplished, yet they haue receiued the said Don Iohn for Gouernor and Captaine generall, without the aduise of the said Prince and estates of Holland E and Zeeland, not that the said Prince and States will say they would haue opposed them-selues, but for that it seemes that the vnion brought in by the said pacification hath beene by that meanes neglected. And which is more, they haue accepted of Don Iohn with his traine of Italiens and Spaniards, the which is euen against the Edict of pacification made by Don Iohn at March in famine. Also wee see that contrary to the said pacification of Gand, many strangers, Italiens, Spaniards and others, which haue shewed them-selues partiall and Spaniolized, haue great credit with Don Iohn, as the Seignior Octauio Gonzaga, Fernand Nunno, the Secretary Escouedo, the Seignior of Gaste, who hath beene imployed into England, to breake the Vnion of England and these Countries, with Iohn Baptista Taxis and many others, haunting daily F the court of the said Don Iohn, although they haue done very bad offices against the good of the Countrie, and as the common brute is, Don Iohn hath some secret councell with the aboue named and others of the like humor.
[Page 635] Finally it seemes that by vertue of the clauses contained in the league and vnion 1577. A which my Lords the Estates haue made although peraduenture they had no such intent there bee in effect a new inquisition brought in, yea more greeuous then that in former times, or that which they vse in Spaine, the which informe not against any person of what religion soeuer, vntill that hee bee suspected, or haue giuen some occasion: whereas hee here by this newe forme of league, all men serche after for their consciences and religion, vnder collour of maintaining the vnion, contrarie to the pacification of Gant, and all concor. Wee omit the complaintes of priuate persons touching the restitution of goods and the fraudes and abuses of the Receiuors of confiscations, for that wee will not trouble the Estates with trifles, which may be handled at an other time. B
Made at Geertrudenbergh the foure and twenty of Maie. 1577.
AFter that Don Iohn had bin receiued into Brussells with all his traine vpon a hope grounded vpon his promises, that in time hee would dismisse them, and that after hee had setled an order in his house, hee would not bee serued but by them of the countrie. Notwithstanding, when as hee found that (for so much as his followers were greatly suspected, to the Bourgers of Brussells, and to all the Estates in generall who had often intreated him to discharge them) hee could not well execute that C which hee had long proiected vpon the sayd towne. Hee therefore sought an occasion to goe to Macklin vnder collour to treat with the Germaine Collonels, where hee did freely and without any scruple cause all sorts of Italians, Spaniards and them Don Iohn takes occasion to go to Macklin. that were of the Spanish faction to enter and frequent his Court, and all that had declared themselues enemies to their countrie and fauorers of the mutinies, sedytions, spoilings and outrages of the sayd Spaniards, hauing open conuersation and familiaritie with them, holding councells of the State and affaires of the sayd countries with them, as the effects conformable to the letters written to the Germaines Collonels haue since made manifest: for at that time insteed of treating in the States name of their paiement, and retreat out of the countrie, as hee was bound by the sayd D Accord and Edict, sollemnely sworne by him vpon the Euangill, in the hands of the Bishop of Boisleduke, all the States assisting, and in the presence of the Popes Noncio and the Emperors ambassadors, hee practised with the sayd Germaines to bandie them against the States, and to do that which hee since effected: as it appeeres by his letter written to the Baron of Frundtsbergh and to Charles Foucker their Collonels the 16. of Iuly in these words.
‘Worthie Gentlemen, I thinke you remember well what I treated with you at Macklin, Don Iohns letters to the Germaine Collonels. and the order which I gaue you concerning that which it behoueth you to doe for his Maiesties seruice. And although I assure my selfe that you will not faile therein, but will put it in execution (according vnto the vertue and wisdome you haue E hetherto vsed) what hath beene giuen you in charge for his Maiesties seruice. Notwithstanding the businesse beeing of so great importance, I haue thought good to recharge you by these my letters, and to put you in minde of what wee haue treated, and to require and command you (as I doe in his Maiesties name) that as soone as possible you can, you effect and put in execution what was concluded betwixt vs, for that therein you shall doe that wherevnto you are bound, and which is requisite for the assurance of your persons and your paie, whereof the States pretended to depriue you: wherevnto it is not reasonable that either you or I should consent, seeing that his Maiesties intent nor mine were neuer other, but to haue you honored, paied and fauored. Our Lord keepe you &c.’ F
‘And moreouer for a more ample declaration of the great desire hee had of the execution of his desseignes plotted there, hee added with his owne hand.’
‘You knowe my Maisters what I haue giuen you in charge at Macklin, and that in the execution thereof you shall discharge the dutie and seruice which you owe vnto [Page 636] his Maiesty assuring moreouer by the same meanes your liues and entertainments: A for that the intention of the States being to leaue you yea and to take al from you: I am 1577 bound with the rest to doe that seruice to his Maiesty, seeing it is hee that must paie you, and [...]in his name am to take the charge. And to the priuate Captaines hee did write with his owne hand vnderneth the letter written in high Duch, in these termes. My friends I referre my selfe to that which your Collonels shall deliuer you more at large. Beleeue them, and continue as you ought in his Maiesties seruice which is the King, whome you serue, and who must satisfie and paie you, and the like will I doe vnto you, if GOD permit, as your Generall, friend and fellowe souldiar.’
The same month of Iulie sending Ierome Curiell with letters of credit vnto the Collonels, hee writ also with his owne hand these words in substance. ‘I send Ierome B Curiel againe vnto you, to declare vnto you more particularly what hee hath in charge, and seeing the chance is cast, and cannot bee recalled againe, it is necessarie to proceede, and that which doth most import, is expedition, and great dilligence in the execution of that which hath beene agreed vpon and concluded. Whereby it’ did plainely appeere that insteed of treating with the Germaines for the States, as Don Iohn practiseth from the beginning against the States. hee had promised by the said accord, hee treated and practised against them [...] And insteed of reconciling them one with an other: hee did incense them more, perswading the Collonels that the States would defraude them of their entertainement, and take awaie their liues. And whereas hee was bound to cause them to depart out of all the Townes and places of strength in the countrie, hee tooke C them into his seruice, and made them remaine in Townes to conquer their paie by the sword.
Whilest that hee remained in Macklin hee caused one of the Religion to bee executed by the sword. And whereas it was held strange, and that they murmured thereat. Hee answered (wherein the Bishoppe of Arras did second him) that hee did not therein goe against the pacification of Gant, which was not to bee vnderstood A beginning of [...]ster int [...]rpretation of the pacification of Gant. but for those of the Religion which had beene absent, and not for them which had remained in the countrie, as this did. This was a goodly beginning of the interpretation of the sayd pacification, but there were afterwards some that were D more wrested. Don Iohn hauing on the other side by them of Flanders compounded with the three companies of Collonel Polwill [...]r beeing in Denremonde. And vpon the petition presented by them of Flanders obtained authoritie to giue a pasport to euerie souldiar to retire into Germanie, as appeeres by an Appostille of his owne ‘hand as followeth. His highnesse hauing heard and vnderstood the report of this petition, Don Iohns [...] [...]bling. declares that they maie addresse themselues for the pasports therein required to the generall Estates, whome his highnesse doth authorize to giue them, as hee doth also authorize the signior of Ryhouen to make the priuate pasports. And as for Commissioners for the conduct of the sayd three companies out of the countrie, his highnesse commandes the Audiencier or Secretarie to make pattents concerning the same E vnto such Commissioners as shall be named vnto him. Made at Macklin the 5. of Iuly 1577. signed Iohn, and vnder neath Berty.’
Notwithstanding presently after he writ and commanded those soldiars to continue still in the same towne, obeying their Collonel Polwiller, with whom they were in dissention, and without any correspondencie, as it appeered vnto the Estates by the letters which the sayd soldiars had sent vnto them. Finally insteed of pacefying all troubles, and maintayning the peace and quiet of the countrie, as hee had promised, making the said accord, and had alwaies so pretended: presently after that he had so sollemnly signed and sworne it, hee plotted new enterprises with his Secretarie Escouedo, and in the end put all in combustion, procuring warre, which hee had alwaies affected, F and sought nothing but an oportunitie to put it in execution. And seeing on the one Escouedo incen [...]th Don Iohn. side that for the good and firme vnion of the States among themselues and on the other side for the good reception they had made him, and continued daily withall sincerity & loialty: And that, in regard of two points, whereof in the beginning hee would haue [Page 637] charged the Estates, that is the Catholike and Romish faith, and the obedience due vnto 1577. the King, they carried themselues so faithfully and without any reproch as hee had Don Iohn seekes a quarrell against the States. A no cause nor collour to oppose himselfe against them. Hee resolued to dissemble his bad intent against them for a while, and to conceale his desseignes which had beene plotted at Macklin, thinking hee should not easily preuaile, vnlesse hee did first ruine the Prince of Orange and the States of Holland and Zeeland: or els that hee should finde some occasion thereby, to shew himselfe more openly in case the States made any difficulty to declare warre against him: or els hoping to diuide them, he resolued to seeke all possible meanes to breake the vnion and alliance, which by the pacification of Gant they had with the sayd Prince and States of Holland and Zeeland: as hauing more apparent matter to complaine of that side, in regard of the sayd two Don Iohn seekes to make warre be twixt the States and the Prince of Orange. points, without any obseruation of the order which had beene concluded in the sayd B pacification of Gant, to come to a generall assembly of the States of all the Prouinces, wherevnto all controuersies remayning were referred: but would anticipate and preuent the time, insisting very vehemently, that without any attention of the season and the prefixed order; they should satisfie him in many points, the decision whereof had beene referred by the sayd pacification to the assembly generall: finally at his departure from Brussells to Macklin, he propounded vnto the States to take armes against the said Prince, saying, that if hee were in Italie or in Spaine hee would come expresly into the Netherlands to maintaine the quarrell of them of Amsterdam. The which ministred occasion of great distrust and bitternesse vnto the States, to see him so resolute to take armes, reiecting the reasons that were giuen him of either part, requiring to haue the C cause examined more at large, before hee should dismember them by warre, from whence so many miseries and calamities did grow, for the auoiding whereof the States had so much labored.
At the same time hee writ to the Emperor and to all the Princes Electors of Germany, and he sent also to the Queene of England, to incense them against the sayd Prince, as if he had violated and broken the peace: and all without the priuity of the States or Don Iohn writs into Germany and England against the Prince. summoning the Prince to answere to those actions, or to satisfie that which hee had promised. Hauing moreouer expresly forbidden the ambassador which hee had sent vnto the Queene, not to make any mention vnto her Maiesty, nor intreat her to assist the States with money wherewith they might presently haue discharged the Germains D which was the chiefe point the States had recommended vnto the sayd ambassador. Don Iohn shewing openly in all his actions, the desire hee had to breake the pacification of Gant, in attempting warre against the Prince and them of Holland: the which from the beginning beeing at Luxembourg and at Marche in Famine, hee made shew to affect greatly according to the letters written from Spaine to Rhoda, almost at the verie instant of his arriuall, and the instructions that were giuen him at his departure from Spaine, the which tooke this point for a chiefe foundation, that hee must with The warre of Holland and zeeland the chie [...]e foundation of Do [...] Io [...]n. the ayde of the generall States make warre against the Prince and them of Holland and Zeeland, that (they being ruined) hee might with more facility vanquish all the rest, as it appeeres by the sayd letter. E
But seeing that the States would not enter rashly into warre against Holland and Zeland: but resoluing to hold the pacification, would referre the decision of all controuersies to a lawfull conference, and moreouer to attend a generall conuocation of the States, as it had beene agreed by the pacification of Gant, hee tooke occasion thereby to hold them as disobedient and rebells to the King, treating with the Germanie Collonels as we haue shewed by his letters, of the means how he might be reuenged of the States, practising vnder hand to draw away their forces, and to dispose of them at his pleasure, wherefore finding the towne of Macklin not verie commodious for the effecting thereof, beeing scituated in the midest of the country, hee aduised to retire himselfe Don Iohn seekes to retire into some fronter [...]. into some fronter towne of strength, thinking first to put himselfe into Mons, vnder F a collour to receiue the Queene of Nauarre there, who should passe that way to go to the Bathe of Spa, in the countrie of Liege: the which succeeding not, hee remained quiet for a time making shew that the Queenes voiage was broken off. [Page 638] And as the States during these practises were aduertised that they leuied many soldiars A vpon the frontiers of France, in the Duke of Guises name, and vnder coullor to goe 1577. against the forces which Duke Iohn Casimire should prepare to succor the Prince of Conde and the Protestants of France; Don Iohn being aduertised hereof by letters from the said States, seemed alwaies could and carelesse, saying that hee had not receiued any newes thereof, as appeared by his letters of the twenty of Iuly, written to the States to that pourpose: not-with-standing that they had receiued diuers aduertisements from France that the said Leuy which was made vpon the frontiers, was to enter into the Netherlands, and to helpe to exploit that which time hath sence discouered.
And in the meane time vpon the same petext to goe and meet with the Queene B of Nauarre, hee pretended a iorney to Namur, to seeke some meanes to seaze vpon the castell, and with all vpon the frontier Townes and Forts, the which hee effected: for at the same instant hee packt vp all his baggage, and caused all to bee carried away that hee had in Brussells and Macklin: yea hee made all his prouision of wine to bee sold, whereby it appeared what his intent was. And at the same instant according vnto that which had beene resolued on at Macklin, hee sought by all meanes to assure him-selfe of the towne and castell of Antwerp, as the cheefe towne of the Netherlands, the keye of Brabant and the opening of the Nauigation, whereon the propertie of all the said Countries depends: And therefore hee did so ernestly presse the Germaine collonels by all his letters, to put that speedely in execution which had beene Don Iohn thinking to assure himselfe of Antwerp looseth it. concluded betwixt them at Macklin, vsing in those of the twenty fiue of Iuly these C words. I wonder much that vnto this hower I haue receiued no letters from you nor ‘any aduise of what you haue done in the execution of that which you had in charge. And for that I shall bee much perplexed vntill I heare from you, I pray you aduertise mee presently.’ Hee had prouided that collonell Cornellis van Eynden should enter into the towne of Antwerp with fower companies, and expressly after the Seignior of Hierges, and one of his Bretheren with their, regiments euery one at his time appointed, as appeers by his letter of the twenty six of Iuly, where hee writes thus. Hierges and Floien. ‘One of the two is gon yesterday to assemble his troupes to cause them to march where they are appointed, and the eldest shall part this day and shall come to the place appointed: so as it is fit you should proceed, whereof I pray you, resting assured that D whatsoeuer hath beene promised you shall bee performed. At the foote of the said letter hee did write wich his owne hand I am very well satisfied to vnderstand that they proceed in that which hath beene resolued, and intreat you to aduertise mee what shall passe there: for touching matters here, there shall bee nothing wanting of that which hath beene concluded. And in that of the twenty seauen of the month, hee writ to Collonell Foucker in these termes. The said Earles Brother shall come Floion and Hierges. sodenly when it shall bee time. In that of the thirty hee saith, hold good correspondencie with the second brother, for if need bee I will send you the elder, in the meane time stand carefully vpon your gards, and aduertise me often of your newes. E And in that of the thirty one. Our friend shall soone part, and shall vse all possible dilligence to bee speedely there. As for the castell of Antwerp, Don Iohn’ knowing well that the Prince of Chimay, a young Noble-man, vnacquainted with The Prince of Chimay sent for [...]y Don Thon out of the castell of Antwerp. affaiers was in it, and that hee had commandement as Lieutenant to the Duke of Arschot his father, not to abandon it, he writ vnto him that vpon sight of the letter, hee should come to Macklin, and accompany him to Namur, assuring him-selfe that in the meane time the Seignior of Treslon would discharge his duty for the keeping of the place, and that at his comming to Macklin he would talke with him of that whereof he had written the day before. The Prince of Chimay went, and being come to Don Iohn, he neuer spake word vnto him touching any thing. And demanding his leaue F to returne to the said castell, he answered him, that he had prouided for the safe keeping therof, where as they treated of some matters, whereby his person might bee in some danger: But when all should bee well setled that hee would then aduertise him. In the meane time Don Iohn had laid his plot long before, as it appeared by a letter written [Page 639] with his owne hand to Collonel Foucker of the seauen and twenty of Iuly. ‘By your letter 1577. A which I haue receiued of Monsiure Treslon, I gather that when he writ vnto me, they of the castle had not yet receiued the dispatch which I had giuen you for them at Macklin, whereat I meruaile much, seeing that you knowe I do so much affect it; giue it him presently, if you haue not alreadie done it, and bee carefull to execute that effectually which hath beene treated, without expecting our friend, for hee shall come time inough.’
This pollecy to settle the signior of Treslon in the castle of Antwerp, in the place The signior of Treslon in the castle of Anrwerp for Don Iohn. of the Prince of Chimay, was to the end that hee should hold it at his deuotion against the States, and that by mutuall intelligence hee might bring in the Germaines and other souldiars, and by the same meanes assure himselfe also of the towne. ‘And by his letter of the eight and twenty of Iuly to Collonel Foucker hee writes. This day B after dinner I haue receiued your letter written yesterday, and doe wonderfully reioyce that Mounsier Treslon is so resolute to assist you in all necessities. The which beeing so, I haue great hope, that Champagnies attempts, as you write vnto mee (for the signior of Champagny feared least the troupes of Collonel Cornellis van Eynden which marched already, should enter there) shall not preuaile. Yet you must keepe good’ gard, and bee Vigilant, that at the same time there enter no men on the other side for the Prince of Orange. In the meane time Don Iohn sought by all meanes to winne the Signior of Philomey, Sonne to the Signior of Willerual, who had a companie in the sayd castle, writing vnto him to that end the sixe and twenty of Iulie in these words. ‘Most deere and well beloued, you shall vnderstand by Mounsier de Hierges and by my Don Iohn his letters to the signior of Pnylomey. C letters, which hee shall deliuer you, the conspiracie which hath beene practised against vs: the present estate of the affaires, the confidence wee haue in you, with the present occasion that is offred. The which I hope shall make you shew vnto the King my Lord how much you loue him, and how good and loyall a vassall hee hath of you. In the meanetime beeing necessarie for his Maiesties seruice, that the foure companies of Cornellis van Eynden should enter into the new towne, if perchance the signior of Hierges had not beene with you nor sent vnto you before the sayd entrie (notwithstanding that wee haue written it to Mounsier Treslon) wee would also make it knowne vnto you by these presents, which Charles Foucker shall deliuer vnto you, D to the end you may knowe that it is done by our commandement, as a thing most requisite for his Maiesties seruice. In whose behalfe wee sommon you that according vnto the oth which you haue sworne vnto him, you will constantly serue him with the companie that is vnder your charge, in the garde of that castle, adhering to no other but to him and to vs in his name, as your Gouernor although you bee otherwaies required and prest: incorraging your souldiars to doe their duties, as it befits honest men, and assuring them that they shalbe well intreated and paied to the vttermost &c.’
Vpon these intelligences Don Iohn thought that this desseigne vpon Antwerp (the which as wee haue sayd had beene plotted before at Macklin) could not faile him, and held himselfe verie assured thereof; thinking also to haue the townes and countrie E of Luxembourg at his deuotion, (as indeed hee had) to haue a passage alwaies Don Iohn seekes meane [...] to incense the States. open from Bourgongne and Italie, hee also mannaged his businesse in such sort, as knowing verie well that the States would not satisfie the signior of Hierges desire, touching the Gouernment of Charlemont which the signior of Mericourt would resigne vnto him; to incense the States, seeking some cause of quarrell against them, hee promised it vnto Hierges, and gaue vnto him the gouernment of Charlemont, contrary to the intent of the sayd States, and contrarie to all that which had beene decreed, by the accord of pacification, and the perpetuall Edict.
Thinking that hee had made his proiects so surely as all should succeed to his defire tas well for that hee held himselfe assured (as hee thought) of the towne and castle F of Antwerp, as to haue all the Germaines at his deuotion, beeing foure Regiments, with those of the Lords of Hierges, Megen, Floion and Cerf (which was wont to bee that of Collonel Mario Cordoni) thinking also that the States treasure was all [Page 640] exhausted: for that they had dismist their forces, that were entertained by the priuate A Prouinces. Hauing also learned by letters and by a man that was expresly sent, what 1577 forces they had to expell the sayd Germaines, hee resolued to proceed. And notwithstanding that two daies before hee had sent the signior of Grobbendoncq vnto the States, to let them vnderstand that hee desired to come to Brussells, so as all things might bee well ordred touching certaine Articles, presented on his behalfe, wherein hee had beene formerly satisfied (vnder collour of going a hunting, whereas the chiefe Noblemen followed him beeing before the castle of Namur, and seeming to haue a desire to visit it, and to viewe the countrie about, hee commanded the duke of [...]hn [...] vpon the castle of Namur. Arschot to followe him. Beeing entred into the castle hee sayd, that for the safetie of his owne person and the dukes, together with his traine, hee had thought it fit to put himselfe into that place: entring into it, they found at the port the Earle of Megen B and the signior of Hierges, Floion and Hautepenne bretheren, Sonnes to Barlaimont, with pistolles in their hands: and presently Don Iohn tooke a pistoll, which hee drewe out of the case, and shewing his armes, sayd, that it was the first daie of his gouernment, and then hee presently placed his gards, the which happened the foure and twenty of Iuly.
Being thus seized of the castle, hee assembled the councell, to whom hee made a declaration of the long and the exceeding great patience, which hee had had against so Don Iohn complaines os the States. manie and such intollerable indignities which he had suffred by the States of the countrie, and that hee was resolued not to beare them any longer: but to gouerne, and to be C absolutly obeied, according to the charge which hee had from Spaine: And yet for that hee would not altogither distast the Noblemen of the countrie, which were about his person, thinking that it was not yet time to declare himselfe openly, hee shewed forth two letters, one of the ninteenth, the other of the one and twenty, but without any subscription of signature, by the which they did aduertise him that there was a conspiracie against his person, to seize on him at Brussells or at Macklin, and therefore he should prouide for his owne safetie: alleadging, therevpon, that hee was now in a place where he held himselfe from the bad practises of conspirators, imputing all the occasion of his retreate (long before precended, yea from his first comming vnto these countries, Don Iohn couers his desseignes with an imaginary conspiracy. as the proofes did witnesse) vnto a conspiracie newely found out: seeing D that if there had beene any cause of such suspicion, hee might haue preuented it by exemplarie iustice, beeing Gouernor and Commander of the countrie, and generally obeied.
At the same time, hee sent the Lord of Rassengem with the coppie of these two letters to the States at Brussells, with certaine Articles, the which hee would haue effected before hee returned to Brussells, tending in effect to disarme the Lord of Heze (who had beene made Gouernor of the towne by the States before his comming) and all the Bourgers with all, that hee might by that stratageme the better surprize the towne, as hee had done Namur, and the castle.
And although the States had great cause to distrust all these courses of Don Iohn and to stand vpon their gard, who had so plainely discouered his intention, and in The States shew no discontent but intreated Don Iohn. E so manie sorts broken the treaties of pacification and quietnesse as well of Marche in Famine as of Gant, yet they were so farre from making shewe of any Act of hostilitie, as they sent vnto him the Abbot of Marolles: the Archedeacon of Ypre and the signior of Breuck with great and ample instructions of the fiue and twenty daie of Iulie, by the which the States made a plaine declaration of their sincere intentions and meaning vnto him in all faith and obedience, beseeching him most humbly that hee would bee pleased to lay a side all suspition grounded vpon doubtfull and false reportes, and to preuent all inconueniences and alterations, which this his extraordinarie retreate to the castle of Namur, with the sodaine taking and seizing F vpon Charlemont might caus [...], promising him at his returne and presence in the sayd towne of Brussells, fidelitie and assurance against all men. And to doe exemplarie iustice vpon all them that should bee found culpable and faultie of so wicked a conspiracie. Wherefore they intreated him that as well the accused vs [Page 641] the accusers might bee named vnto them, to make a iudiciall information, and to doe 1577. A iustice accordingly: whereof they gaue them a new charge the next day, with promise to expose their liues and goods, for the safety and seruice of his person: and moreouer that all that bare armes should take an oth to that end: Treating with him notwithstanding with all sinceritie and dilligence, vpon the contentment and the retreate of the Germaines, the which he made shew to desire greatly.
But notwithstanding all this, and that the states had often since besought Don Iohn that they might know them that were accused to be guiltie of this conspiracie, and the names of them that had accused them: insisting still that hee would bee pleased to free himselfe of this distrust of them, and by his returne to Brussells preuent all alterations that were growne by reason of his retreate: promising to bee seuere reuengers of all those that would attempt against him or his. More-ouer they had consented B by letters of the thirty of Iuly, that hee might besides his ordinarie garde of Archers and Halbardiers, haue an other garde of Captaines and Souldiers, to the number of three hundred Harquebuziers on foote, that were borne in the countrey, and pleasing to him and the States, the like whereof had neuer beene granted to any Prince of the bloud or other.
Yet notwithstanding all this, they could not obtaine any thing of him; but insteed Don Iohn begins to discouer himselfe of seeking to dispatch the Germaines out of the countrey, which hee had so often promised and sworne, hee discouered and made open declaration of the intelligence hee had with them, the which hee had vntill then kept secret; neither could hee conteine himselfe to say vnto the Abbot of Marolles, that hee held himselfe assured of the C Towne and Castell of Antwerpe, and that hee wanted neither men nor money, giuing him charge to aduertise the States thereof. Commanding more-ouer the Germaines of Collonell Van Ernden, to marche towards Antwerpe, and to ioyne with them that were there before: Giuing order vnto the Seignior of Treslon (according vnto that which had beene long before concluded) to bring them in, and to ioyne with them: shewing therein all hostilitie, and a resolute intention to oppresse the countrie againe by these strangers, more then it had beene before: So as the Merchants of Antwerpe, as well those of the countrey as strangers, began to prepare to retire themselues, and A great feare and [...]lteration in Antwerpe. to abandon the Towne, and to leaue it in a miserable desolation; yea some were seene to leape out at windowes to saue themselues, casting infinite packes of Marchandise D into boates at all aduentures, fearing they should not in time auoide the furie of these mercenarie Germaines, whose furie and couetousnesse was too well knowne vnto them by experience, to their great hinderance and losse. Notwithstanding the states were not yet inclined to take the course of Armes, hoping that Don Iohn, according to so many promises and othes so solemnly made and swore, would rather remedie these inconueniences by reason and Iustice, then by the violence of Armes: had it not beene that the same day that they made their complaints of this commandement giuen to the Seignior of Treslon, and of the desseigne of the said Cornellis van Eindein, which was the eight and twenty of Iuly, letters were brought vnto them, that Don Iohn and the Secretary Escouedo had in the moneths of Marche and Aprill last past, written vnto the Don Iohn & Escouedo write into Spaine. E King, and to his Councellor and Secretarie Antonio Perez, the which hauing beene intercepted in Gasconie, were sent into Holland to the Prince of Orange, who sent them to the states to consider of their affaires.
‘Among these letters that were intercepted, there were three from Don Iohn, two vnto the King, and one vnto Antonio Perez, all of the seauenth of Aprill. In the first after that hee had much complained of the wante of pay for his Souldiers, and perswaded the King to keepe his credit, not-with-standing a certaine proclamation made vpon the change of money which hee receiued from the Marchants, which was greatly to the preiudice of the said Marchants. He said, that as for that which toucheth the reduction and tranquilitie of these countries, I cannot assure your Maiestie of any F thing certaine, nor that they shall reape the fruite which was expected of the peace which they make: the Prince of Orange continues still to fortifie in Holland & Zeeland with all vehemencie. The Queene of England doth incourage him, and labours what’ [Page 642] shee can that hee should not accept what hath beene capitulated, and to that end offers A him her power. 1577
‘The greatest part of the countrey is at his deuotion, some for loue they beare him, and others for that they haue beene deceiued by these men, and herein almost all the people are conteined. Such as desire to enioy your Maiesties grace and pardon (which is the smallest number) they thinke that in accepting it, they doe all they ought, besides they are so faint harted, as they will make no demonstration worthy the noting. And if they would imploy them-selues, there will bee a great confusion and diuision among them all, as soone as the Spaniards shall bee gone, some to haue mee admitted to the gouernment, and other to hinder it. And for that (as I say) the first will haue small courage, if the other oppose against mee, those will altogether faint, and not any B one will dare to shew himselfe. I am carefull how I may put my selfe into some place of more safetie then this, where I may prouide for all affaires: for beeing free and at libertie, I doubt not but there will bee many which will declare them-selues for your Maiestie, if they deceiue mee not with their words and demonstrations. Behold how I imploy my selfe at this present, omitting no office to winne their good wills, and to let the States vnderstand what is fitte for them. But I see that hetherto it is as much as to preach in the ayre, &c.’
‘In the same letter there was written vnderneath. The Earle of Mansfeldt told mee, that hee hath sent certaine instructions vnto your Maiestie, vpon the which hee doth not yet know if there hath beene taken any resolution: wherein hee thinkes that his C seruices haue not beene respected: your Maiestie knowes what they bee, and that you haue not here any one of his sort. I say, that if it bee iust, it is reason to content him, for that he is most necessary. Wherefore I beseech your Maiestie, seeing you giue reward vnto the bad, that they should not prooue worse, that you would do the like vnto the good, to incourage them to bee better: else the others will glory and bragge that their mallice hath beene auaileable vnto them, and these will bee discouraged, and many will bee prouoked to follow their opinions which preuaile against Iustice and reason. And for that this is a point of great consideration, I desire for your Maiesties seruice, that that bee not denyed to them that meritte, which is giuen to such as deserue exemplarie punishment, and that their reward may bee speedy, seeing it is one of D the parts which makes it seeme great.’
‘After the date, and subscription, there was written by Don Ihon himselfe. I beseech your Maiestie as farre as your seruice doth require, to accomplish this as soone as may bee; seeing this body hath no other remedie, but to cut off that which is putrified, the which must now bee done with that prouision. For the which I doe againe beseech you, for if it faile, nothing can stand firme: and in the meane time wee haue great neede to pray, that God will ayde the present state. In the second letter vnto the King, written the same day, hee saith. By this which I presently write, and by the other your Maiestie may see what hath past and doth passe, and in what estate the affaires bee, that doth assure you, that if this wound may bee cured by patience, it shall bee helpt, if by too much forcing of my condition I fall not sicke, or that the naturall inclination of E man doth not otherwise force mee. But hetherto I see this Phisicke hath wroughe small effect, and I am doubtfull what it will doe! In that which Don Iohn did write vnto the Secretary Antonio Perez, dated the seauenth of Aprill, hee saith. I haue and will sacrifice my selfe for his Maiesties pleasure, whilest that I shall see that i [...] doing it, Extract of a letter written to Antonio Perez it shall not bee directly against his seruice. Wherefore I say, that so long as there shall bee any danger, or that any thing shall require my presence, I will not make any vse of the leaue which I haue demanded, although it bee granted mee. But that b [...]ng done, and after that I haue ended things wherein I may doe any seruice, it is no reason it should bee refused mee. For beeing then to obs [...]e the old gouernment [...] and that F which these people would haue (as of force wee must) a womans or childs steart will (without all comparison) bee more fitte then mine, for they will neuer rest assured of mee. So as I say, that whereas his Maiestie hath pardoned them freely, and [...] hee hath forgotten the offences which they haue done, seeing that hee hath take [...] from [Page 643] them the man of whom they had conceiued such iealousie, and that hee shall send them 1577. A an other of whom they can haue no doubt, for as their offence is exceeding great, they thinke that his Maiesty will not leaue it vnpunished, and do certainely beleeue that I shal be the Instrument. &c.’
In that which Iohn Escouedo Secretary to Don Iohn did write vnto the King of the 27. of March. After that hee had complained of the small credit he had among the marchants by reason of the decree, whereof Don Iohn complaines in like sort; hauing inueighed greatly against the States and Noblemen of the countrie, and against the Prince of Orange and the Hollanders, he sayeth, my Leege, the affaires standing vpon these tearmes, and those here being vnwilling to admit Don Iohn vnto the gouernment vntill that the Spaniards be quite out of the country (who might serue for some remedy) ‘your Maiesty wil consider what paine and care this may & wil breed, & if it had B chanced for the good of your Maiesties seruice to haue had money here for the finall rooting out &c. In that of the 6. of Aprill vnto the King, Escouedo sayd the states haue not performed what they ought, that is, a hundred and fifty thousand crownes, neither do they assist in any thing, although that I haue beene expresly at Brusselles to present it vnto them and to the Councell of state whom it did import to aide me. Wherevpon I made them along discourse, but they loue your Maiesty so coldly, as no reasons can make them to hinder themselues: neither do I see any one man that will shew them the way, wherefore it doth the more import to recouer credit among the marchants, & that your Maiesty be carefull thereof. By the third letter written by Escouedo vnto the King bearing the same date, he sayth. My Leege, I will tell your Maiesty, that I see neither C deeds nor words in any one which giue me hope that these men should be pacified, nor performe that which they haue promised, for all that we can see or heare tends to liberty of conscience, the which your Maiesty may hold for certaine, and that withall it is necessary, to endeauor here by al humaine means, to redresse these your Maiesties affaires with the least preiudice that may be. Your Maiesty will consider what is to bee done, in case they will put this ill in execution, forgetting God and your Maiesty, to become heretiks. There is an other thing which may helpe this, which is their priuate pretensions. Those that were prisoners thinke they haue deserued that which was giuen to others, and herevpon they will grow into factions: if it bee true, as I doe verely beleeue, then the liberty of conscience which they pretend will not bee hurtfull vnto your Maiesty, D for one part of them wil fly vnto your Maiesty, & being so diuided we may the more easily reduce and chastise one by an other; In the conclusion of his letter he sayth. And Escouedo [...] propheti [...]. seeing that I am come so far as to speake it, your Maiesty may beleeue it, and preuent it in time, being assured that this disease will not bee cured by any milde remedies, but by fire and bloud, and therefore you must prouide for it. And in that of the 8. of the same month, he writs vnto the King: for my part I know not what to say more, but that suspition increaseth daily, by the bad proceeding of these men, & your Maiesty may beleeue for certaine, that at the least they will haue liberty of conscience. By that of the ninth wheras he tooke it ill that the duke of Arschot had past out of Brabant into Flanders in the Prince of Oranges ships, being accompanied with the Vicont of Gant and the Lord E of Borselle, he saith. Your Maiesty may consider if these things be done (the Spaniards being not yet out of the country) what wilbe afterwards attempted. If this must be cured by miracle, it is time; if by hands and force, your Maiesty must prouide in time what shalbe needfull, for my part I would not much regard they should hold the places vpon the firme land: the Islands are chiefly to be lookt vnto. And this I hold more difficult thē the action of England. If the one were taken, the other would be also: and for the effecting thereof, reasonable forces will suffice. I speake not this for the aduancement of Don Iohn (for I lay all priuate respects aside) but for that I haue long since sayd that your Maiesty had no other remedy, the time had shewed it & will shew it daily more and more.’ By all which letters, and others to the Empresse, inueighing much against the Netherlands, F Don Iohn and his Secretary Escouedo, sought nothing but to incense the King of These letters intercepted, discouer Don Iohns inte [...] on. Spaine & the Emperor against the sayd countries: by the which Don Iohns intention did manifestly appeere, that all his promises, and the rewards which he had giuen till then [Page 644] were but counterfeit, to abuse the Nobilitie and the people, that hee might surprise A them at vnawares: and that all which they pretended against the Prince of Orange and 1577. them of Holland and Zeeland, were onely practises to diuide them, and so with the forces and meanes of the one party, to set vpon the other, & afterwards to take reuenge of them all together, and to roote them out by fire and sworde. Then began the states The states begin to distrust Don Iohn. to looke more carefully to their affaires, and with great reason to distrust Don Iohn, all whose practises and actions they found conformable to the sayd letters, and to his desseignes long before proiected, and then plainely discouered by the contents thereof: for looking round about them, they see the Germaines, (who had taken from them all hope of their retreate) held the chiefe Townes and Keyes of Brabant, at the deuotion and seruice of Don Iohn, with a manifest declaration of their bad affection to the B States. And on the other side hee himselfe hauing seized on Namur and Charlemont, sought onely by the countrey of Luxembourg, to keepe the way open for such forraine forces as hee should please to bring into the countrey: and that assuring himselfe of the Castell of Antwerpe, hee caused his forces to marche from all parts. So as the states found themselues to bee compassed in, and enuironed round about, and likely to bee soddenly opprest and destroyed. Moreouer, that the losse of the sayd Towne and Castell of Antwerpe, had made them in an instant to loose their credite and meanes to recouer money and munition to make warre.
Wherevpon the States commanded the Lord of Champaigni to goe and lodge with his Regiment vpon the passages, whereas the companies of Cornellis van Einden should-passe, and come to Antwerpe, to ioyne with the Collonels Foucker and Frunsborgh, C and with the Seigniors of Hierges and Floion, who with the assistance of the Seignior of Treslon, commanding in the Castell in the place of the Prince of Chimay, should seaze vpon the Towne and Castell of Antwerpe: and for that Collonell Foucker found some difficulties vpon the comming of Cornellis van Einden, ‘Don Iohn did write Don Iohn w [...]tes to Collonell Foucker. vnto him the last of Iuly, in these termes. I will write vnto the Regiment of Champagni, that they shall dislodge from thence, but God knowes what they will doe: I write vnto the Magistrates, that they shall bee quiet and rest assured, seeing I will not consent that any wrong shall bee done them. And for this reason I am resolued, that the troupes of Cornellis van Einden shall not enter into the Towne, as I did aduertise you D yesterday. Two dayes since I sent meanes to Monsieur Treslon to haue money to releeue his men, whereby hee might preuent the perrill and danger that you present vnto mee.’
In the meane time hee still entertained the States with the hope of peace, pretending that what hee did was onely for his assurance. Hee then began to propound vnto them hard and vnreasonable conditions, and so directly contrary to all the precedent contracts of pacification, as if they had beene already subiected vnto him. Wherefore they resolued to stand vpon their garde, and to preuent the danger that hung ouer their heads. And as during these proceedings the Seignior of Treslon, hauing declared himselfe of the Germaines faction (whome hee should drawe into the Towne) E propounded in the behalfe of Don Iohn, a new oth to the Captaines and Souldiers of the Castell of Antwerpe, directly contrary to that which they had sworne vnto the States: and that the sayd Captaines had beene sufficiently warned by the letters mentioned, which had beene intercepted: the Seignior of Treslon made him-selfe to bee suspected and odious to all the garrison of the Castell, except his owne companie, the which did so amaze and trouble him, as not knowing how to repaire this error, hee writte vnto Don Iohn in these termes.
‘This word shall serue to aduertise your Highnesse, that our Souldiers here are mutined, A letter from the Seignior of Treslon to Don Iohn. and that I expect howerly when they should seaze on mee. It is not in my power to put a man into this place: for making the least shew thereof, it'is most certaine F they will pull mee in peeces, and the Captaines also, whereof I would not faile to aduertise your Highnesse. All this proceeds vpon certaine brutes of some letters, which they hearè were intercepted vpon the lands of Bourdeaux, signed by your Highnesse and Escouedo: and also for that your Highnesse hath commanded them to [Page 645] suffer the foure companies of Van Einden to enter into the Towne, the which doth alter 1577. A them in such sort, as I attend but the houre. I assure my selfe that if they haue the coppies of the said letters, they will force mee to doe what they please. All the Marchants are fled out of the Towne: It is a very pittifull thing to see the disorder that is in it: I haue sent vnto the Magistrate to furnish vs with victuals, for that we are wholy vnprouided. Monsieur Champaignies regiment doth alwaies coast the foure companies of Einden. The Germaines are partly the cause of this alteration, for that seeing they had good correspondencie with mee, they haue giuen it out that they had taken an oth with vs: and that being ioyned with vs, they would make the Townes-men pay the minstrell, with other brauing speeches. My passage is cut off, so as I cannot haue any great correspondencie with them, &c. Written the first of August, and post dated. Your Highnesse B may assure your selfe, that this alteration proceeds not for want of pay: for hearing that the States haue sent twenty thousand Florins to pay all that is due to these companies, it hath caused a greater alteration then the first.’
According to the Seignior of Treslons doubt, the States did so well manage this businesse, as Ponthus of Noyele Seignior of Bours (whose Father had beene some-times Gouernor of Bethune and Hesdin) Captaine of a company in the sayd Castell of Antwerpe, hauing at this time more respect vnto the bonde of his faith once giuen vnto the States, and to the good of his countrey, then to any alluring perswasions and promises of rewa [...]de that were made vnto him, refusing to take the oth propounded by the Seignior of Treslon, hee ioyned with most of the Captaines which held the C same party, putting them selues in Armes against Treslon and his men: there were some Tresl [...]n taken prisoner, and the Cast [...]l yeelded to the States. peeces shotte off, where-with some were hurt. Treslon seeing this, and knowing that hee was too weake, retired into his lodging, where-as the sayd Seignior of Bours went and tooke him by the bosome: and hauing chased away all them of his faction, hee deliuered him with the Castell in the States hands, who sent their Deputies to giue order for all things.
The foure Germaine companies of Foucker and Frunsbergh, hearing the rumor that was in the Castell, put them-selues into armes, and at night came to the place of Meerbrugge, but doubting their strength, they retired about mid-night to the new Towne (which is the strongest part of Antwerpe, by reason of the chanels that do enuiron it) D where they thought to fortifie themselues, yet they continued there idle vntill the next day at noone, that the snips of Holland and Zeeland began to shew themselues, which struck such a terror into the Germaines, as leauing the Towne, they fled away, Foucker to Berghen vpon Zoome, and Frunsberg to Breda. On the other side, the Lord of The Germains put to flight and defeated. Champaigni Gouernor of Antwerpe, went with his Regiment to incounter the companies of Cornellis van Einden, the which hee defeated, and kept them from ioyning with them of Breda. Don Iohn being much troubled with this vnfortunate crosse, writ to Collonell Foucker the eight of August, complaining of this misfortune, yet he reioyced that the Collonell had escaped out of Antwerpe with his life: commanding him to remaine in Berghen vntill hee had seene further order; and after the date of the sayd letter, hee E writ vnto him to goe to Namur, to command all the Germaines by reason of the indisposition of the Baron of Frunsbergh. But Collonell Fouckers men hauing receiued this great disgrace at Antwerpe, did mutinie against him, and the tenth of September following tooke him prisoner, and deliuered him to the States, with the Towne of Berghen.
The States being freed of all feare of the Towne and Castell of Antwerpe, seeing the Germaines thus disperst, they assured them-selues of Liere, two leagues from Liere assumed for the state. Antwerpe: dooing that which any man of spirit and resolution that hath his life, honour, wife, children, goods, and countrey in any recommendation is bound to doe, for the preseruation and libertie thereof, discharging them-selues faithfully in F all things that were committed vnto them for the publicke good of the countrey. for they did see plainely, that this hatred which Don Iohn had conceiued against them, was not newly growne vpon any occasion which they might haue giuen him, [Page 646] but had taken roote from his first arriuall, and reception to the gouernment, as appeareth A by those letters that were intercepted. And that at the same time when it began 1577 to bud out, and to shew the fruites by all effects of hostilitie, GOD by his grace did so fauour the States, as to discouer the first originall by the interception of the sayd letters. Whereby they did finde that there was small hope of any redresse, and lesse reason to suffer them-selues to bee any longer abused, with good words, and faire promises.
Iohn of Bourgongne a Knight, Siegnior of Fromont, being after the death of the Lord of Barlaimont, appointed Gouernor of the countrey of Namur by the States, a The gouernor of Namur, forsakes Don Iohn. Gentleman of great age, wise and vertuous, hauing let Don Iohn vnderstand his error, and that those countries were not to bee so gouerned, nor abused, as hee thought to doe: and seeing that all his reasons and admonitions preuailed not; and fearing on B the other-side, that the states would not yet seeke to preuent it by armes: meaning to aduertise them to bee carefull of their affaires, hee left Don Iohn, and came into Brabant to ioyne with the States. The Duke of Arschot, and the Marquis of Haurec brethren, by whom Don Iohn thought to bee assisted and supported, waying well all his practises and desseignes, and what might in the end happen vnto them, and that no perswasions nor admonitions might preuaile to diuert him, they made some difficultie to enter any more in councell with him. Don Iohn fearing to loose them, and to bee abandoned, set watches ouer them, and held them as it were prisoners: yet not-withstanding his good garde, hauing caused their horses to bee lead out of the Towne of C Namur, they slipt away vnknowne to him, and without their traine. Beeing come to Brussells like good Countrey-men, they consulted with the States of the meanes to preuent the danger, and to cure this new wound, which Don Iohn had made.
Thus were the States forced against their wills to enter into a new warre against Don Iohn: who madde with rage for such vnfortunate successe of all his desseignes, did nothing but practise by what meanes hee might bee reuenged; continuing his accustomed dissembling. And to iustifie his actions, after that hee had made his complaint by letters, which hee had written to the States, hee insisted vpon two points: Don Iohn seekes to iustifie himselfe. which were the maintenance of the Catholicke and Romish religion, and the obedience due vnto the King. Saving that hee pretented no other thing: and that hauing receiued satisfact on therein, hee would aboue all things seeke the good and quiet of D the countrey. And as for his retreate to the Castell of Namur, it was onely for the safetie of his person, against the conspiracie which he maintained was practised against him. But if hee would haue confessed the truth of this retreate, hee must haue sayd it had beene for two reasons: the first was to preuent the danger of beeing stayed prisoner, beeing at Brusselles or Macklyn, and to haue all his desseignes discouered, if Two causes of Don Iohns r [...]treate to Namur. this attempt vpon the Castell of Antwerpe should faile, whereof hee was freed being in the Castell of Namur. The other was to haue alwayes a back-doore open, hauing the countrey of Luxembourg at his deuotion, to drawe as many strangers into the Netherlands, as hee pleased. Hee did also complaine much of the retreate of the Duke E of Arschot and the Marquis of Haurec, who beeing aduertised of this practise of the Castell of Antwerpe, had abandoned him, as wee haue sayd. And although (sayd hee) hee had noted such and the like indignities and affronts which had beene done him, yet hee desired to gouerne himselfe according to his first contract: seeking nothing more then to haue all things well ordered: Hauing to that end intreated the Bishop of Liege to goe to Brussells to conferre with the States: the which hee was ready to performe if hee had not beene countermanded in all hast by them of Liege. In the meane time the States began to take heart, and to gather their forces together, whereof Diuers places yeelded to the states. at that time the Lord of Champaigni had the charge, with the which hee went to besiege the castell of Wouwe beeing held by certaine Germaines of Collonell Fouckers F Regiment. But seeing they could not maintaine it, they yeelded the fourth of August, the like did Steenberghen the ninth of that moneth, and the Towne and Iland of Ter-tolen in Zeeland the nine-teenth.
[Page] The Queene of England hearing that the King of Spaine did conceiue sinisterly of her A proceedings with the Estates of the Netherlands, she sent Maister Wilks into Spaine to giue hi [...] satisfaction, and aduice withall, for the pacefying of the Netherlands, as you may see by this letter.
A declaration sent to the King of Spaine, contayning a iustification of her Maiesties proceedings with the Estates of the Netherlands By Maister Thomas Wilkes.
‘THe Queenes Maiesty being giuen to vnderstand of diuers faulse and very scandalous reports giuen out touching her actions and Sept. 5. 1577. proceedings with the Estates of the Netherlands, tending as it C were to make her the motiue and chiefe supporter of the Ciuill troubles in the sayd countries: and doubting that the inuenters and dispersers of the said faulse sugiestions, seeke by all possible meanes to induce her good brother the King of Spaine to beleeue the said faulse and malicious surmises to be true, seeking thereby to make a breach and interruption of the good amity and league betwixt them. Her Maiesty therefore hauing nothing more in recommendation then her honor, and to be reputed a Prince which desireth to hold good correspondency with all Princes her neighbours (what soeuer hath beene falsely sugiested to the contrary) being able to iustifie her actions before God and the world, as well concerning him as all other Princes D her neighbors: hath thought it very fit and conuenient (hauing a great desire to giue satisfaction to the said King) to make a declaration in writing (such as she will maintaine to be true in the word of a Prince) of her proceedings with the said Estats, to the end that the King being duly informed thereof, all causes of ielosie and suspition (which may any way hinder the good amity that is betwixt them) might be remoued, and the same restored to as great perfection and integrity as hath beene heretofore betwixt any of their progenitors, which declaration, tending to that good end, her maiesty hath also thought meet to accompany it aswell with an aduice vnto the King, what course in her opinion were most fit for him to take for the continuance of the Netherlands vnder his obedience, and the restoring of them to their former peace and tranquility, as E also with her resolution touching the Netherlands in case the saide King shall not yeeld to some good course of pacification according to her Maiesties most sincere and friendly aduice.’
‘And first touching her proceeding with the Estates, shee doubteth not but that if the King shall examine his owne knowledge, and call to mind how often, sence the first breaking out of this ciuill dissention in those countries, her Maiesty hath moued, as well by sondry ministers sent vnto him-selfe, as vnto his vnder gouernors there, fore-warning both him & them of the inconueniences which were then happened, and aduising him to take some speedy course for preuention: He cannot with his honor but confesse, that her Maiesty hath therein discharged the duty of a faithfull friend and good allie: of F which aduice if it might haue pleased him to haue made good vse, those his countries being presently in a most lamentable Estate, had beene preserued from apparent ruine, his subiects had beene free from slaughter, his rich townes continued vnspoyled, and 1 [Page] the gouernment kept from danger of alienation.’ 1577. A
‘And if herein for her Maiesties full iustification, neither these friendly offices, nor the word and faith of a Prince may suffice, yet her owne actions may serue to cleere her in the sight of all the world, and will sufficiently shew, that shee hath euer sought to continue those Countries vnder the King of Spaines obedience, and hath not at any time intended to impatronize herselfe of any part thereof (a matter perhapes which some Princes hauing like aduantages offred by some one part or other of his subiects, would not haue resused (and therefore might thinke her selfe very vnkindly delt withall, in case so rare an example should bee so hardly or rather vnfriendly interpreted: And as her Maiesty hath not left any good office vndone towards the King and his Ministers tending to pacification, B and the preseruation of those countries vnder his obedience, so on the other side shee hath not omitted (by sondry messengers sent both vnto the Prince of Orange and to the Estates) as well to perswade them to cease their ciuill warres, and to take some course of peace and reconciliation among them-selues, as also to continue their ancient obedience vnder the saide King their naturall Lord and Soueraigne, being moued there-vnto vppon secret and very true aduertisments giuen her of great offers made vnto them by some (whome shee forbeareth to name for good respects) to haue with-drawne them from their obedience.’
‘And herein if besides many perswations vsed by messengers sent of purpose to aduise C them to continue their due obedience to the King, her Maiesty had not furnished them in the time of their necessity with a summe of mony, as well to serue them for the speedy execution of the pacification then in hand betweene Don Iohn and them, as to keepe them from casting them-selues desperatly into the hands of any other Prince: it did manyfestly appeere that the pacification had not beene so soone made and they for want thereof should haue beene forced for their defence to haue put some part of those countries into the hands of such as would not haue beene easely remoued, without the expence of many Millions and the losse of many thousand mens liues.’
‘Her Maiesty is the more willing to make mention of the true cause of this suport, for that shee is aduertised, that notwithstanding her true and sincere intent in that D behalfe, other finister interpretations haue beene made of the same, as of some other her proceedings. Among the rest her Maiesty hath thought it fit to answer one calumniation contained in a letter fathered vpon Don Iohn and published in a booke lately set out by the Estates in their iustification; by the which her Maiesty is charged to haue incorraged the Prince of Orange not to hold the pacification, and with-all did for his better incorragement, offer him any assistance she could yeeld (a matter most slanderous and vntrue) for that her Maiesty being giuen to vnderstand by the vicont of Gant, sent vnto her from Don Iohn, how hee found him-selfe greeued with the Prince of Orange, for that (as hee affirmed) the Prince did E not obserue the said pacification: shee did presently dispatch an expresse messenger vnto the saide Prince, both to intimate Don Iohns accusation vnto him, as also to aduise him (and that most effectuall) duly to obserue the said paciflcation, vsing some threats vnto him in case he should seeke to infring ir: In whome shee could find no disposition to any alteration, but that he was most desirous to hold euery point of the said pacification inuiolably, as the onely meanes to end those long ciuill warres.’
‘The like aduice shee did also giue vnto the Estates, receiuing no lesse contentment of the pacification (being ratefied first by Don Iohn, and afterwards by the King) then they to whome the benifit thereof did most properly belong. Her Maiesties F actions and procedings with the Prince and the Estates hauing such as haue beene formerly related, shee doth appeale vnto the King him-selfe (who shee thinketh will looke impartially into the truth of this action) and to all others that shall not bee transported with passion, whether the said proceedings are not to bee [Page] maintayned to bee both iust and honourable, whatsoeuer hath beene falsly and 1577. A malliciously suggested to the contrary. And herein her Maiestie is perswaded that scarse any other Prince (which hath in some sort beene so vnkindely delt withall, and found her aduice giuen both vnto the King and his Gouernors of those countries, so little regarded) or respected would haue delt in such friendly sort as shee hath done.’
‘Notwithstanding all these discouragements, her Maiestie thinking it honourable for her, and meete for the place shee holdeth, being the most ancient Allye, which the Kings Progenitors (as Dukes of Bourgongne) haue, to continue still her former course in giuing friendly aduice vnto the King: cannot but proceed to the second point aboue mentioned, which is, to yeeld her aduice what course in her opinion is to be taken B for the pacefying of these present troubles, and the continuing of his subiects vnder his obedience.’
‘First it is very apparant that the pacefication is broken, and as great hostilitie intended on either side as may be, whereof shee is heartily sorry. The end (if it continue) will either be the ruine and desolation of the countrie, or the losse or allyenation thereof from the Kings obedience. For the preuenting whereof, her Maiestie thinketh that there cannot bee a more expedient remedie, then that it would please him to receiue his subiects into his grace and fauor, that hee would suffer them to inioy their ancient liberties and freedomes; command that the pacifiation might bee duly obserued; and that hee would appoint such a Gouernor of his owne bloud, as might bee pleasing vnto him-selfe and gratefull vnto them, whereby they might willingly C and with content yeeld him all due obedience, continue in their religion according to his pleasure, and do all things sette downe and agreed vppon in the pacification, the which by reason of the great Iealousies betweene Don Iohn and them, can neuer take effect, so long as Don Iohn shall continue Gouernor: For it seemes they haue put on a resolution, that rather then they will indure the rigorous dealings which they expect during his gouernement, they will put them-selues vnder the protection of any other Prince. They charge him with the breach of the pacification, and hee on the other side offers to iustisie him-selfe, and layes the blame of this breach vppon them. Her Maiestie hauing heard the allegations of the Ministers sent hether both from Don Iohn and the Estates, meaneth not to D bee a Iudge betweene them, hauing rather a desire to reconcile them, and to doe them good if shee could, then to discouer the errors and imperfections of either partie.’
‘To reconcile them shee findeth it impossible, and therefore to preuent all further troubles that are otherwise like to insue, the onely remedie will bee to make choyce of some other allyed to him in bloud, to command vnder him in that gouernement. By which temperate course the troubles may soone bee pacefied, the great effusion of blood auoyded, and those Prouinces continued vnder his obedience, which other-wise are like to bee allyenated and distracted from him. If hee shall like this aduice, shee seeth no dispotition in the people to ch [...]nge their E King, bing dutifully minded towards him, hauing no intent (so as they may bee releeued) to innouate any thing, but duly to obserue the late pacefication made at Gaunt.’
‘And whereas for the contentment of the Estates, and the pacefying of these troubles shee wisheth Don Iohns reuocation, so considering how euill affected hee hath shewed him-selfe towards her, as well by letters intercepted, as by other secret practises which were very dangerous to the good and quiet of her Estate, (as the bearer can more amply informe him of diuers particularities in that behalfe) shee cannot (for the good amitie which shee wisheth might continue betweene the King and her Maiestie) but presse the King more earnestly therevnto: expecting no continuance of F any good amitie and neighbourhood, so long as a Minister so ill affected to her should reside there, beeing desirous that such Ministers might be imployed on both sides, as would rather seeke to increase the amitye, then any way to infringe or breake it.’
[Page] ‘This her aduice tending to no other end but to maintaine those countries vnder her obedience, and the continuance of good amitie betweene them, shee hopeth the 577. King will accept as friendly thereof, as it is by her sincerely meant. And in the meane time vntill his mind were knowne in that behalfe, her Maiestie hearing the great forces prepared by Don Iohn, with the assistance of the French already marching towards him, will force her ancient friends the Estates of the Netherlands to one of these two extremities, either to be ouercome by forraine soldiars, and so subiected to forraine seruitude, or else constrained (for the preuenting thereof) to giue them-selues ouer to some other Prince, both which must needs bee preiudiciall and dangerous to the King for the present, perillous to her Maiestie after, and an vtter ruine to those countries.’
‘Her Highnesse therefore for the Kings good, and to preuent her owne danger (vppon B promise and assurance giuen by the said Estates, to yeeld the King all due obedience, and to make no further innouation in matters of religion, but to obserue the pacification of Gand) hath promised for the causes and respects aboue mentioned, to yeeld them a support of money and men, onely to keepe them from further danger of allyenation, or of their ruine.’
‘Which proceedings of hers, if the King shall not bee induced to like of, Whereby her Maiestie shall discouer that his intention is by force of armes to alter and dissolue the ancient forme of gouernement, and by taking away their ancient Lawes and liberties to make it a land of conquest, and to people it with garrisons of men of warre: And that the end and scope of his disseignes should tend to that which is discouered by C Escouedos letters, wherein he writeth that the enterprise of England is of more facilitie then that of the Ilands, wherby her Maiestie shall find the disposition of so bad a neighbour, to her and her royall Estate: then her Maiesties resolution is to imploy all the power shee shall bee able to make, for the defence of her neigbours, and preseruation of her owne Estate.’
‘As on the other side, if hee shall incline to their reasonable demands, in giuing them such a Gouernor as they shall better like of then of Don Iohn, and they notwithstanding shall continue in their disobedience against him, and make other Innouations contrary to their protestations and promises made vnto her; shee will then turne her forces against them, and in assistance of the King, yeelde him the best ayd shee can, to bring D them to reason and conformitie. And in the meane season (vntill shee may be throughly informed hereof) shee hath thought good to auoyd the effusion of Christian bloud, (and for many other good and necessary respects) to deale both with Don Iohn and the Estates for a surceance of armes, which if he shall refuse to yeeld unto, and the Estates shall be willing, for that she doth plainely see that it doth much concerne the Kings honour and the good of his countrie, she will not cease to proceed with the like offers, towards them as shee hath begun, thereby onely to defend them from forraine tyranny to keepe them in the Kings obedience, from allyening them-selues to any other Potentates, and to defend herselfe and her dominions from the dangers which thereby shee seeth manifestly will insue.’
[Page 647] The thirtith of the said moneth as Captaine Mathew Wibisma, had made a leuie of 1577. new souldiers, and more then were necessarie to supply his company with an intent to A seaze vpon some of the Magistrates of Leeuwarden, these new souldiers being lead by Captaine Wibo van Gontom, would commaund ouer the old souldiers that were in the Castle of the said Towne, so as they were in armes one against another. The Bourguers A tumult in Leeuwarden where vpon the c [...]le is yeelded to the states. fearing that vnder coulour of this tumult, they would force the towne and spoile it, came and besieged the Castell, the which was yeelded vnto them the second of September, vpon promise that the towne should pay the garrison. The Cittizens hauing receiued the Castell by this composition, put a garrison into it of the inhabitants vntill the comming of the Earle of Rheneberg, Gouernor of the countrie of Friseland. B
Don Iohn seeing the great forces of the States approch neere vnto Namur, beeing commanded by the Earle of Lalain Generall of the Armie, Robert of Melun Vicont of of Gant Generall of the horse: the signior of Goignies Marshall of the campe; La Motte-par-dieu Maister of the Ordinance and others: and the small numbers hee had with him, making a shewe againe as if hee would treat with the States (whilest that hee sent for all his forces out of Bourgongne and Italie) hee required to haue some Commissioners, sent vnto him to treat with them. Wherevpon there were deputed Mathew Moukart Abbot of Saint Guislain, the signiors of Willerual, Grobbendoncq and others, who after some conferences tending all to delaies, they returned without any fruite. C
The Inhabitantes of Antwerp; beeing still in feare by reason of their castle, so long as the warre was thus wauering, fearing they should bee at sometime againe surprized (terming it a denne of theeues: an Inuention of men full of crueltie: a neast of Tyranie, a receptacle of all filthy villanie, abomination and wickednesse) obtained The castle of Antwerp demanteled. leaue of the States to demantle it towardes the towne. The which the Bourguers beganne the eight and twentie of August, with such spleene, as there was neither great nor small, wiues, children, gentlewomen and Burgers, and all in generall but would pull downe a peece of it, men, women and seruants, going thither with their Enseignes displayed, hauing manie Victuallers vpon the plaine before the castle, so as it seemed a campe. And although the Masons worke were great, stronge, and thicke, yet were they not long in beating it downe on that side. D Soone after, in imitation of that of Antwerp, followed the demanteling of the Many castl [...] ruined in the Netherlands. eastles of Gant, Vtrecht, Valenciennes, Bethune, Lisle, Aire and others: and the Cittie of Arras was laid open towards the towne. The Tournesiens were in like sort verie importunate to haue theirs demantled: but the Seneshal of Henault (who was afterwards Prince of Espinoy) would not yeeld vnto it, saying that if the sayd castle were ruined beeing a towne scituated in the maine land, and that the enemie should come to beseege it, and become maister thereof, they should bee forced to build it againe at their owne cost and charges: the which had so happened, for foure yeares after, the duke of Parma beseeged and tooke it by composition, as wee shall see. E
The states seeing the Landtskneghts of Cont Ouerstein (who was drowned at the Massaker of Antwerp) growne resolute to hold Boislelduke, a faire great towne lying in Brabant: they sent the Earle of Hohenloo, with an armie to beseege it, so as they were forced to yeeld the place by composition the one and twenty day of September. The sayd States had the ninth daie of same month published their Iustifications for their taking of armes against Don Iohn the which was printed at Antwerp by William Siluius the Kings Printer, whereof the title was, Abreefe discours of the iust causes and The states print their iustifications against Dom Iohn. reasons which haue constrained the generall Estates of the Netherlands to prouide for their defence against Don Iohn of Austria. In the end of which iustifications they did adde the letters that were intercepted, beeing written in Spanish and translated F into French, to which Booke I will referre the Reader, that is desirous to know the particularities of their iustifications.
[Page 648] But as the States (who sought nothing more then to free themselues from the Spanish A Tyranie) were to defend themselues against Don Iohns attempts, who prepared 1577. all the meanes hee could to make sharpe and violent warre against them; and had great neede to seeke succors from all parts: first they sent to manie Princes and Potentates of Germanie, to make their excuse, and iustifie the taking of armes The States seek: succors from all parts. to take from them all sinister Impressions, which Don Iohn might giue them by his letters, as hee had done vnto the Empresse. Then they sent vnto the French King; to his mother, and to his brother, who made them manie goodly and large promises. But as they desired to relie and depend chiefely vpon the Queene of England, they sent the Marquis of Haurec vnto her, who was gratiously receiued by her Maiestie the two and twenty of September: with whome hoe treated B and in the end made a contract touching the succors her Maiestie should send vnto the generall Estates, and the league and vnion which should bee from that time betwixt the Realme of England and the Netherlands, the which was set downe in an Autenticall Instrument. And therevpon her Maiestie published (vpon the obiections and reproches which the King of Spaine made vnto her, that shee was a mother, fauorer, and supporter of Rebells) her iustifications of the sayd vnion, and the assistance which shee gaue vnto the generall Estates of the Netherlands, the which was put in print.
Then the States writ vnto the Prince of Orange, beeing in Holland, (who was The Prince of Orange comes to Antwerp. wonderfully greeued and discontented at the Actions and strange carriage of Don C Iohn) intreating him to come and assist them with his person, Councell and meanes. The which the Prince would not refuse, to shewe the dutie wherevnto hee thought him selfe bound to the common cause. Comming vnto Antwerp (where hee had not beene in ten yeares before) on the eighteenth day of September, hee was receiued and entertained with great ioye and contentment of all the people. The Abbots of Villers and Marolles with the Barons of Fresin and Capres were sent thether from the states to wellcome him, and to conduct him to Brussels, whether hee came the three and twenty daie.
The seauenth of October the Landtskneghts of Collonel Fransberg (who after his flight from Antwerp, had led them to Breda) seeing themselues beseeged by the D States armie, and the small meanes they had to maintaine themselues, deliuered vp Breda yeelded and Collonel Frunsberg p [...]oner. the towne of Breda, and their Collonel also into the states hands: as those of Berghen vpon Zoom had done before by Collonel Foucker. Thus these two Germaine Collonels degenerating from the integritie and iust dealing of their Nation, thinking to surprize and deceiue the states, fell into the pit themselues the which they had prepared for others. The Prince of Orange beeing at Brussells, assisting daylie in the Councell of the generall Estates, was at the request of the particular Estates The Prince made Rouard of Brabant. of the Duchie of Brabant, intreated to accept (as beeing one of the chiefe Noblemen and of the greatest powre in all the Duchie) the place of Rouard or Gouernor of Brabant, the which hee did, but not without protestation and some excuses. And so hee was most honorably receiued and acknowledged the two and twenty of E October, with ioyfull aclamations of all the people, bonfiers and many other signes of ioy. At the same time the states gaue the gouernment of the Earledome of Flanders to the duke of Arschot, whether hee went, and was receiued into the towne of Gant with great state, three and twenty companies of Burgers well armed, and gallantly appointed, with their Cornet of volontary horsemen, & three hundred horse more went aboue a league out of the towne to meete him, and conducting him into the towne, where hee was receiued with all the honour they could diuise vpon so short a warning. But three daies after hee had beene receiued and acknowledged for their gouernor, being the eight and twenty of October, falling into a mutiny for the restitution F of their preuiledges, of their owne priuate authority (beeing a people which haue beene alwaies inclined to mutinies, and as Philip of Comines saith, apt to sue for peace, when they can doe no more) went and seized on him in his lodging, and carried [Page 649] him prisoner to the Princes court, (or rather to the Castell) to the great greefe and 1577. A discontent of the Prince of Orange, the councell of State and the generall estates. But the foureteenth of Nouember following, confessing their error, they released him, vpon condition that hee should forgiue and forget all the iniury they had done him, the which he did, promising neuer to seeke any reueng. After they had seazed vpon the duke, they also laid hold on and did imprison the Bishops of Ypre and Bruges, the Barrons of Rasseghem, of Champagny of Mousqueron and his Sonne the Seignior of Sweueghem, and of Eeken, with the Bastard of Ghistelle, great Baylife of Ypre whome they kept long prisoners: but the Seignior of Rasseghem, Mousqueron, Sweueghem and Eeken escaped by practise out of prison: the Bishops escaped also, but for that they could not flie away so fast, they were taken againe, with the Lords of Champaigny B and Ghistelles, (who would not abandon them,) and kept more straightly, where they remayned prisoners vntill the yeelding vp of the said towne vnto the duke of Parma in the yeare 1584. The 1. of Nouember, the Prelats and Nobles of the Ommelands in the country of Groningue, being called vnto the states assigned in the towne of Groninghen, A tumult at Groninghen and some prelats and others takē prisoners. to determine of certaine old controuersies which the saied towne had with the Ommelandts, were seazed on by the Bourguers, of their owne priuate authority, and committed [...]ose prisoners, to the nomber of 24. In whose fauour, to end these quarrells, and to free them from their vniust detention, there were sent in the behalfe of the generall estates, and of the councell of State, the Seignor of Saint Aldegonde, and Doctor Sille Orator of Antwerp, but they could not preuaile any thing with the people: yet some of C them did after-wards escape cunningly out of prison, and the rest were also inlarged in the end.
The eleuenth of Nouember there appered a great comete which continued in a manner all the winter: 3. or 4. Moneths after the which followed the rout of the States Armie at Gemblours. The cheefe Noblemen of the Netherlands, thinking to [...] the Kings heart, in calling in an other Prince of the bloud in the place of Don Iohn, that had not beene bred vp after the Spanish manner, to bee Gouernor generall in his countries, and that might agree better with their humors, they sent the Seignior of Mal [...] tede a gentleman of Flanders vnto the Arch-duke Mathias of Austria sonne to the Emperor Maximilian and Brother to the Emperor Rodolphe, intreating him to come into D the Netherlands to that effect. But the Archduke fearing that the Emperor his brother would neuer yeeld therevnto, least hee should displease the King of Spaine, but rather would seeke to hinder him: he came away secretly, accompanied only by the Seignior of Auwits Lord of Lendorff, his great chamberlaine, the Seignior of Malstede, Ferdinand Zymeran grome of his chamber, and with Christopher van Calierich, and so arriued at Antwerp the twenty one of Nouember. And before that the said Archduke was receiued for Gouernor, on the seauenth of December the generall estates did decl [...]re by a publike Proclamation, Don Iohn and all his adherents to bee enemies to the King and Don Iohn proclaymed enemy to the Netherlands. all his Netherlands.
Don Iohn seeing matters mannaged in this sort was much perplexed, not knowing E where to begin: for although hee did what hee could to fortefie and furnish the castell of Namur, yet was hee not ignorant that his succors must come to him, from farre; seeing the States army to bee great already, and camped not farre from him, not-with-standing carrying still a good countenance with-out any shew of amazement, the better (as hee said) to aduance his affaires, hee went to Luxembourg: from whence hee sent the Marquis of Verembon a heigh Bourguignon to the Emperor, Don Iohn being retired to Luxembourg sends to the Emperor. to acquaint him with the Estate of his affaires and to complaine of the Arch-duke Mathias who against the liking of the King his vncle, had vnited him-selfe to the Estates of the Nertherlands. Intreating him neither to giue, nor to suffer to be giuen vnto the said Archduke, any succors nor fauour, neither from his imperiall Maiesty nor from F Germany, where-vpon some Germaine Princes, sent vnto the Duke of Bauaria, the Arch-duke Ferdinand, and to other Princes and electors of the Empire that they should not suffer any forces to goe out of Germany, to neither party: and that as soone as might bee, they should send Ambassadors in the behalfe of the Emperor [Page 650] and the Empire, to finde some meanes to reconcile them, if it were possible. 1577 A
Don Iohn meaning to fortifie himselfe all hee could, gaue charge to the Earle of Barlaimont (who before the death of his Father was but Barron of Hierges) to [...]euie a regiment of Lorraines; ohe in the Countie of Manderscheyt; one in the Dutchie of Luxembourg, and one of high Bourguignous attending the Spaniards returne, which Don Iohn fortefied with troupes. went out of Antwerpe and other Townes of the Netherlands, with good store of money. Many Noblemen went in like sort to ioyne with him, and among others Charles Earle of Mansfieldt, eldest sonne to Cont Peter Ernest. Gouernor of Luxembourg, who before had commanded in France in the Kings seruice ouer a Regiment of French, the which hee also brought with him: with all these troupes which came vnto him, Don Iohn began to make his armie in the Countie of Luxembourg. B
The Earle of Lalain generall of the States Armie lying about Namur, sent one thousand Hargubuziers, and some few horse, to discouer the sayd Towne. The garrison Bouines taken by the states. sallied out vpon them, where they skirmished for a time. There is a small Towne vpon the riuer of Meuze, called Bouines, halfe a league from Dynant, very commodious to stoppe the victuals and munition going to Namur; and to Don Iohns Campe: The Earle of Lalain found meanes to seaze vpon this Towne, as also vpon the Castell of Despontin, the which hee tooke by force, killing all that hee found armed. This done, passing the riuer to the other banke, hee intrencht himselfe, meaning to cut off the passage to Don Iohn's men.
The States had at that instant three Campes: one did besiege the Towne of Amsterdam C by sea and land, for thau they would not acknowledge the generall Estates, nor the Prince of Orange for their Gouernour: whereas Collonell Herman van Hellins thinking to surprize it for the States, was slaine, and his men chased out of the Towne. They had an other Armie in the countrey of Oueryssel, where-as the Farle of Reneberg commanded, who tooke the Townes of Zwol and Campen: and the third was before Ruremonde and Weert, in the which the Earle of Hohenloo was Generall, but to small effect. Don Iohn seeing no meanes to succour Amsterdam, feared much that Ruremonde should bee forced to yeeld. Wherefore hee commanded the Germaines that came out of Antwerpe, beeing in the countrey of Luxembourg, to Champaignis m [...]n defeated by the Germaines. marche thether with all speede: the which they did as couertly and as speedily as D might bee: and meeting vpon the way some companies of the Regiment of Champaignie (who some-time before had defeated them neere vnto Antwerpe) they put them to route, and returned them their exchange but with more crueltie, for they stript the poore souldiers which they had taken prisoners naked, because they would not bloudie their shirts, and then they murthered them like beasts, in colde bloud: whereof some escaped thus naked, and among others N. of Fiennes Seignior of Vermeille, brother to the Lord of Esquerdes, one of the Captaines of the sayd Regiment; who for that hee was an actiue man, and could runne well and leape ouer large ditches, saued him selfe thus naked: wee did see him returne to Antwerpe with old ragges, in a very pittifull estate. E
These Germaines hauing defeated and ouer-come this troope, thought to enter into Ruremonde; but Collonell Polwiller Gouernor of the Towne, made them answer, that hee had no neede of men to eate and drinke that little which hee had remaining, but hee had more need of victualls and munition. Wherefore hee willed them to returne, and to tell Don Iohn, that hee should rest well assured of the Towne, and that hee should onely seeke to succour it with some victualls, considering that Polwiller re [...]th succors which Don Iohn sends him. this Towne beeing seated vpon the riuer of Meuze, was of too great importance to suffer it to bee lost, the which hindered the trafficke of the Hollanders by water, into the countrey of Liege, and some part of Germanie. Don Iohn had then receiued some Bourguignons and Italians, wherefore hauing heard these newes F from Collonell Polwiller, hee commanded the Earle of Barlaimont and Collonell Mondragon, to goe and victuall Ruremonde with all the speede they could, before it should bee forced to yeeld.
[Page 651] For the effecting whereof they gathered together some 4000. men, both of foote and 1577. horse, and marched directly to the States Campe, the which consisted but of two and Don Iohn sends to succor Ruremonde. A twenty companies of foote, and sixe of horse: Being aduertised in the campe, that the Spanish succours were on foote, and did marche, finding themselues too neere to fight with them (which vndoubtedly they would haue done) not-with-standing that they had seauen Fortes about the Towne, they thought it good to put their Artillerie into the strongest of those places, and to retire them-selues, abandoning the other sixe forts. But considering the enemies forces, and not thinking them-selues well assured, they imbarked and went towards Boisleduc and Geldre; yet not-with-standing all their speed, their retreate was not so sodaine, but they lost some of their reere-ward, two field peeces, and good store of victuals and munition. Thus through the care and dilligence B of Barlaimont and Mondragon, the States Armie was forced to retire, and the Townes of A base retreat of the States campe from Ruremonde, Ruremonde and Weert sufficiently victualed of all things necessary. This being done, after they had a little refresht their souldiers, they retired into the countrey of Luxembourg, from whence they came.
MATHIAS ARCHDVKE OF 1578. Austria Gouernor generall of the Netherlands.
[Page 653] THe 18. day of Ianuary in the yeare, 1578. the Arch duke Mathias 1578. A parted from Liere in Brabant and made his entry into the towne of Brusselles:, where he was receiued in triumph, by all the Noble-men of the country holding the party of the States: And the twenty day The Arch-duke Mathias receiued for Gouernor, hauing takeh the aceustomedioth hee was acknowleded for Gouernor g [...]nerall for the King of Spaine of all the Netherlands; vpon certaine conditions set downe in diuers articles, the which we omit for breuitie sake, and for that they were to smale) effect and the little good and seruice he did in his gouernment, who hauing sworne them at his reception, the Prince of Orange (whom the Arch-duke called his father) was not-with-standing all his excuses chosen for his Lieutenant, not without the Ielousie of the choese Noblemen of the country, and namely B of the Earle of Lalain, who (as Generall of the States army) had promised vnto him-selfe this dignity.
The same moneth arriued the Seignior of Selles Captaine of the King of Spaines gard, Brother to the Lord of Noircarmes, who was sent by the King, to make answer The Seignior of Selles sent by the King vnto the state [...] to the States letters, of the twenty foure of August, and the eight of September by the which they besought him that Don Iohn might be called home, and an other gouernor. sent in his place. He had very ample letters of credit, signed by the King at Madril the twenty of december the which hee did impart vnto the States: wherevnto answer was made, and this answer was carried by him vnto Don Iohn, who made a replie informe of C an act and signed Vassear, the which he sent backe by Selles, and with it a letter which hee did write vnto the States the fifteene of february this yeare 1578. where-vnto the said States made answer by their letters the last of the moneth. But all these conferences, writings, answers and replies of either side, brought forth no fruite, Don Iohn refusing to be tied to the pacification of Gant, which he had sworne, and the King approuing his actions, and meaning to maintaine him in his gouernment. And so Don Iohn made all the preparation hee could for warre, and hauing ordred all things in Luxembourg, hee came to March in Famine, from thence to Hoye in the country of Liege fiue Leagues aboue Namur, from whence he went vnto his castell of Namur. Being at Luxemburg, succors came to him from all parts, as to the Rendezuous, whether arriued Alexander Farneze Prince of Parina, sonne to Duke Octauio and to Marguerite bastard to the D Emperor Charles the fift, in former time Gouernesse of the Netherlands bringing with him the Spaniards and Italiens of Lombardie: whether also was come before Charles Don Iohn frames the body of an army. Earle of Mansfeld with his French troupes: the Germains and Bourguignons were there also: so as in a short time Don Iohn gathered together an army of sixteene thousand foote, and about two thousand horse, Italiens, Spaniards, French, Germaines heigh Bourguignons and Lorrains: seeing him-selfe thus fortefied, hee published in print, the causes and reasons which moued him to take armes against the States: which were, to maintayne in the Netherlands generally the Catholike and Romish Relligion, and the obedience of the King of Spaine, inserting many goodly promises to the Prouinces, townes, nobles, Borroughes, villages and men of warre, E that would bee of his party. The States made an answer also in print vnto this declaration of Don Iohn.
At the same time Pope Gregory the thirteene sent a Bull from Rome of the 8. of Ianuary, by the which he gaue remission of all sinnes for euer, and life eternall vnto all those that after they had beene confest and receiued the Sacrament should goe to warre, in the seruice of Don Iohn, against the Prince of Orange, and them of Holland and Zeeland, Ielousie among the Nobllity sor the Leutenancy of the Arch-duke Mathias. and al others whom he termed Heretiks. But these soldiars would haue bin better pleased with his duckets, then with his pardons. Wee haue saide before how that the Prince of Orange had often refused the Lieutenancy of the Arch-duke Mathias, F and that it had bred a iealousie among the Nobility, the which appeared by the effects: for the next day after that the Prince had taken the oth for this charge, all the Noblemen that were in the campe, began to abandon the army one after an other, being then at Templours in the Countrie of Namur. The Lord of [Page 654] Lumay Earle of Marche (who had a great spleene against the Prince) by reason of his A imprisonment for his insolencies committed against Priests) was the first that went 1577. away, leauing his regiment there. The Earle of Lalain generall of the Armie (who expected to haue the place of Lieutenant) followed him: then the Vicont of Gant (afterwards Marquis of Rouban) would goe to see his wife at Beuvrage neere vnto Valenciennes: the Earles of Bossu and Egmont, and other Noblemen, came to Brussels, to the marriage of the Lord of Bersselle with the Marquesse of Berghen, daughter to the Lord of Merode Valentin de Pardieu Seignior of La Motte, Gouernor of Grauelinghe, and at that time Maister of the Ordinance, fained an excuse to runne to Brussels. To conclude, euery man left the campe one after another, the which wandred vp and downe, from place to place. First they brought it from about Namur to Gemblours, B from thence to Templours, then to Saint Martins, and backe againe to Gemblours, to bring it into Brabant. At that time there were no other Commanders in the whole Armie, but the Siegnior of Goignies Marshall of the Campe, the Baron of Montigni Brother to the Earle of Lalain (afterwards Marquis of Renty) at that time Iealousie makes the Noblemen to abandon the armie. young and vnexperienced in those affaires, the Seigniors of Bailloeul and Heure bretheren, old Knights. And to prooue that this iealousie was the cause of their abandoning the Armie, I can truely say, (for that I did obserue it, beeing then a follower to the Vicont of Gant) that after the Prince of Orange had taken the oth, as Lieutenant generall to the Arch-duke; and that the newes thereof was come vnto the Campe: they held but once any councell of warre, beginning the next day to C slippe away and to disbande one after one, which was the cause of the route of the sayd Armie.
As they tooke occasion to drawe it from Saint Martins and Templours to Gemblours. Don Iohn the better to discouer it, and to see it marche, presented himselfe with his troope vpon a little hill, that he might view it at his pleasure, hauing no thought nor intent to fight with them. But seeing their disorder, and that the fore-ward was aduanced aboue a league before the reere-ward, marching not in an enemies countrey, but as it were to take a re-view or muster: Hee was aduised to charge them, giuing furiously vpon the battaile, whose horse-men brake the foote of their reere-ward, so as of the The defeate of the states Armie neere vnto Gemblours. battaile and the reere-ward there was a quick dispatch, most of the fore-ward sauing D themselues in the towne of Gemblours. The greatest losse fell vpon the regiment of Collonell Balfour a Scottishman, who was hurt there, and yet saued himselfe, and so did the Lord of Montigny, after that he had done as much as possible might bee: the Siegnior of Goignies was taken prisoner, and from that time fell to serue the Spaniard. Those old Knights of Bailloeul and Heure (who in all things dealt plainly) hauing saued them-selues in Gemblours, were soone after made prisoners by the taking of the Towne.
Don Iohn pursuing the course of his victorie, the countrey wauering, as if all had Louuain, Arschot, Tillemon, Diest, Lewe and Sichem yeeld to Don Iohn. beene lost, seized vpon the Towne of Louvain; the Magistrates going forth to meete him, presented him the Keyes; then of Arschot, Tillemont, Diest, Lewe, and the little E Towne of Sichem, where hee intreated the Officers and Magistrates inhumainly. This defeate made him swell with pride, from thence hee sent Cont Charles of Mansfieldt before Bovuines, whereas the Seignior of Estourmel commanded, who hauing endured some Canon shotte, seeing no shew of succours, and the Towne beeing vnfit to bee held, hee yeelded it by composition. And although the losse was not so great in this defeate of Gemblours, as the Spaniards bragged (the States hauing gathered their men together with all the speed that might bee) yet it did drawe away, and coole the courage of many of their partie: and those that in their hearts were affected and bore good will to the Spaniards, began to shew them-selues openly, and to retire to Don Iohn. F
The Duke of Aniou being aduertised of this defeat, sent the Seignior of Fougeres, The Duke of Aniou offers succors to the states. a Gentleman of his Chamber, and one of his Secretaries to the States, to condole with them, and to offer to ayde them both with his person and meanes, which being accepted by them, he sent the Earle of Rochepot, & the Seignior Despruneaux in ambassage [Page 655] to Antwerp, with whom the Earle of Lalain the Barron of Freesin and the signior 1578. A of Lyesneldt a councellor of State, deputed by the generall Estates, assembled in the towne of Saint Guislain, to treat as well of the succors, as of the assurances: the resolution of their treatie was referred to the States assembled in Antwerp, for the daie after this defeate, the Archduke Mathias and the other Noblemen, leauing the towne of Brussells retired to Antwerp: the Prince of Orange remayning there still for some daies with the Earle of Bossu, to prouide for the safetie of the towne and to fortefie the weakest places, the which they did, making a halfe Moone within the towne towards the high part. The towne of Saint Guissain, which is but two leagues from Mons in Henault, being after the defeat of Gemblours readie to fal into Don Iohns power, by the practise of Mathew Moulbart Abbot of the same place, and elect Bishoppe Saint Guislain assured for the states. B of Arras: the signior of Herissart found meanes by pollicy to seize vpon the towne with some soldiars of his traine, then hauing prouided for the safety thereof, the second of Frebruary he deliuered it into the hands of the Earle of Lalain Gouernor of Henault, and so by that meanes the Abbots practise was disapointed.
The towne of Amsterdam hauing still obstinatly defended the Spanish sactions receiuing great promises and incouragements from Don Iohn, the Prince of Orange, as gouernor, and the States of Holland, sought all meanes to force them to yeeld, by stopping vp of their passages, and otherwise, seeing that all their reasonable offers, made vnto them in the beginning of anno 1577. would by no meanes perswade them. The greatest difficulties consisting here in were that they would not suffer, their fellowe Burgers, C that had fled, and were returned home againe to haue the exercise of the Religion nor to burie their dead, but would onelie haue the Catholike and Romish religion vsed in the towne, and their old garrison of six companies of soldiars, and not suffer the fugitiue Burgers to beare any office amongst them, nor the companies of harguebuziers, according to the ancient custome to bee erected for the preseruation and keeping of the towne.
This passing in this sort, the Prince and the States by aduice from the general estates, practising many waies to surprize them, but none taking effect, at the last Collonel Hellingh, and captaine Ruychauer, a Burger of the same town, made a certaine enterprize vpon them of Amsterdam, thinking to take the towne, & to that end vpon the 13. of Nouember D 1577 taking certaine soldiers vnder three Ensignes, hid them closely in diuers shippes, and comming before the towne, forcibly tooke the Harlem port, and from thence marched into the market place, strengthening themselues in diuers places, but Collonel Hellingh (that was speaking with the Burgers, to perswade them to lay downe their armes) being shot, the Burgers with their six companies of soldiers began to take corrage, & taking armes, drew the Hollanders back, and as God would haue it, a barrel of their poulder falling on fire in the gate, the Hollanders were so abasht, as they were beaten out againe with great losse of their men, and amongst them, captaine Ruychauer being taken prisoner, was slaine by one of his old enemies, a man that in the precedent Amsterdam yeeldeth to the states. warres had done much good seruice. But although this enterprize fel out badly E for them, yet the towne of Amsterdam, beeing thereby brought into great feare of surprize, and hauing bin long beseeged, both by water and land, resolued to fal to an agreement with the Estates of Holland, which was made vpon the 8. of February 1578. the principall points of the same being, that those of the reformed religion should haue liberty to preach without the towne, & should haue an vnhalloed place within the town, for the buriall of their dead, that their garrison of sixe companies within the towne should bee discharged, and that they should haue foure, fiue, sixe other companies of soldiars in the same, vnder the captaines of the towne, for the defence of the same, that the olde companies of Harguebuziers, should bee erected againe without any difference, and that the places of those that were dead, should be supplied, as well of the F fugitiue Burgers as others, and diuers other points. But this composition lasted not long, for that they of the Religion, complained of the Catholikes, for not keeping the couenant and agreement, and for not accomplishing the Article of the erecting and guiding of the Harguebuziers, but to the contrary, attempted many [Page 656] secret enterprises, and for that Don Iohn had still many friends within the towne which A daily practised diuers attempts, the Burgers generally fearing a new vprore, and tasting 1578 the benefit of their trade and traficke in the towne which as then beganne to increase, and to liue in vnity and conformitie with the rest of the townes and terretories of Holland: caused the Romish Catholike magistrates, and the Friers to goe out of the towne, and all munkes and Priests: pulling downe the Images in the Churches, permitting nothing but the reformed religion to be vsed therein, which during the warres, was most beneficiall for their towne, and conformable to the manner of the rest of the townes in Holland, although the States of Vtrecht, Harlem, & other reconciled townes maintained the Romish religion long time after, togither with the reformed religion, but for that they found and perceiued many secret enterprises, to be deuised by the spirituality, B they thought it necessary and conuenient (during the warres) wholy to put it down, which caused a great hinderance to Don Iohns affaires, & much furtherance to the states. The Spaniards hauing vnder the command of Charles of Mansfeldt beseeged the towne of Villeuoorde, whereas the signior of Glimes commanded with some companies of Wallons seeing (after he had lien before it but two daies) that he should get nothing but blowes, hee retired, and from thence went to beseege Niuelle in Brabant, where the signior of Villers commanded for the States, with fiue companies of foote, and some few horse: refusing to yeeld at the first summons, hee battred it furiously with eight Cannons, so as hauing made a sufficient breach, the Wallon souldiars (whome they had made beleeue that Don Iohn did not much C trust) to shew their fidelity, desired to go first to the assault: but they were so valiantly repulst, as they were forced to send others: so as from twelue of the clocke vntill night, the beseeged defended themselues valiantly, and endured foure furious assaults, the assailants being forced to leaue it with great losse and in disorder. The Gouernor held it yet two daies without parle, hoping for succors, but the Prince of Orange and the Earle of Bossu sent him word that he should retire himselfe as well as he could, and saue his men, the which he did vpon composition, to depart with bag and baggage, and the soldiars with their swords by their sides, and the Commanders and Captaines on horsbacke Niuelle yeelded to Don Iohn. with their men. Thus was Niuelle yeelded vp to Don Iohn the 15. of February: from thence the armie went before Bins two leagues from Mons, the which yeelded D without any force.
After the taking of Niuelle and Bins, Don Iohn went to the little townes of Soignies, Roeux, Beaumont, Walcourt and Maubenge in the countrie of Henault; some hauing small garrisons, others none at all, as not deseruing to hazard any men in them, all Many small townes in Henault yeelded to Don Iohn. which yeelded to his obedience without any resistance. Then he went to Chimay, the which hauing endured a battery of sixe Cannons, and an assault, yeelded by composition. This done Don Iohn did generally proclaime the commission which hee had from the King of Spaine, touching his gouernment with a generall pardon, declaring that all persons which remained in any towne, castle or fort, that were enemies vnto him, might remaine free in their houses, following their trafficke and trades. And that all such as during these new troubles, had followed the States, and carried armes E against the King, should returne within twentie daies after the Proclamation, and bee restored to all their Offices, Estates, dignities and honors, without any reproch or imputation for that which was past. Granting in like manner to all townes that would reconcile themselues, their preuiledges as they had inioyed them in the time of the Emperor Charles the fift: vpon this pardon many returned, but in the beginning they were but of the baser sort.
In the meane time Collonel Steward returning from Dansyck with his Regiment of Scotishmen, where hee had beene imploied for that towne against the King of Poland, was entertained by the generall Estates. The two and twenty day of March F they of Friseland (for some synister opinion which they had conceiued) tooke prisoners, Ingrames Aclum president of their great Councell, and the Councellors Iulius Councellors displaced in Frisland vpon suspition. de Roma, Peter Fritsmo, Focco Romaerts, Anthony Leuali and others: in whose place were chosen Francis Eysingna, Focco Realda, Iohn Van Staueren and others who were [Page 657] knowne to bee zealous and well affected to their countrie. The first Bishop that euer 1578. A was at Leuwarden called Cuneras Petri, and some others, were sent for vnto the Castle, where they were deteined prisoners, and some priuate men had their houses for prisons. And as many murmured that their Magistrates were not very faithfull vnto their countrie: the Officers of Iustice and others were changed in most part of the A change of Magistrat [...] the Netherlands. Townes in the Netherlands: and among others Iohn of Saint Florise, Seignior of Steenbeke, Gouernour of Bapaumes, was also made Gouernor of Lille, Douay and Orchies, in the place of Maximilian Vilai Siegnior of Rasenghem, who was prisoner at Gant.
The seauenth of Aprill certaine companies of Wallons being in garrison at Masstricht, mutining for their pay, seazed vpon the Seignior of Heze their Collonell; and Gouernor of the Towne, and of all the Captaines, Ancients, and Officers of his Regiment, B conspiring to deliuer the Towne into the Spaniards hands. But Nicholas of Palmier Seignior of Melroy beeing sent thether with their pay, first hee contented and A mutinie at Maestrick pacified and punished. pacified the souldiers, then hee caused them that were restrained of their libertie to bee deliuered, and in the end beeing maister of the conspirators, hee hanged some, and drowned others, & putting in another garrison, he assured the towne for the States.
The two and twentith of the same moneth there was published in Antwerp a new decree touching the entertainment of the Pacification of Gant, to haue it sworne by all the inhabitants and such as were resident in the countries that were vnder the vnion, A decree made by the states to entertaine the pacification of Gant. of what estate, qualitie, or condition soeuer they were, as well spirituall as temporall; holding all them for enemies that should refuse to take the sayd oth. All men C obeyed as well Church-men as others, except the Iesuites, who were therefore wonderfully suspected. The people of Antwerp incensed thereat; rose in armes against them, but through the good order of the Collonels of the Bourgers there was no harme done them: onely it was resolued to conduct them quietly out of the towne, as well for their priuate safetie, as being suspected for the publicke cause, the which was done vpon Whitsonday. The Franciscan Fryars demanded a day to resolue, but in the end seeing the other begging orders, the Prelates, the Cathedrall Church, and all the Clergie obey the sayd commandement and Edict, they resolued to doe the like. Some among them, as the Gardien, and some others of that troope, beeing very obsti [...], and selfe-wild, were in like sort thrust out of the Towne, as men suspect. Whilest D these Friars were thus in suspence, the discontented beeing in Armes, some Souldiers Friars burnt [...]or Sodomie at Gant and Bruges. offered to force them in their couent [...]: but the Seignior of Stralen Bourg maister of the towne arriuing, made them to desist. Wherevpon two indiscreet soldiers bent their Harguebuses against him, with matches in the cockes, but the trouble beeing pacified they were apprehended, and their heads cut off.
About the same time were burnt in Gant, by a sentence giuen by the court of Flanders, foure Friars, one Augustine, and some whipt, beeing conuicted of Sodomie, the like was done at Bruges to three Friars, and two were whipt for the like crimes. They confest that long before an Italian Friar had infected them with this sinne. There was then another Fryer in Bruges, but not altogether so wicked, called Cornellis Adriansen, What Cornellis a Franci [...]an Friar of Bruges was. E borne at Dordrecht in Holland, an ordinary Preacher, a seditious man, and turbulent in his Sermons, preaching with great vehemencie, some-times against the Prince of Orange, some-times against the States, against the Magistrates, against his owne Bishop, yea and against whom hee pleased, without any respect or sha [...]e to name them openly, against whome hee vsed villanous, filthie, and beastly termes, with vnseemely and ridiculous exclamations, as appeareth plainely by a true collection of his workes and Sermons, set forth in publick Print, to make the reader laugh.
This gallant had erected a little order of a particular religion, consisting chiefelie in humilitie and correction, among faire young wiues; and Virgins, poore simple F creatures, to whome hee preached nothing but humilitie, and aboue all recommended innocencie: if they committed the least fault in the dutie of obedience (as he kept them in wonderfull awe) and humility, he tooke delight to whip them with a Foxes tayle, causing them to strip them-selues naked, pleasing himselfe to looke on them in [Page 658] this manner, making them beleeue that Innocencie must be seene naked, and that they A should not be ashamed to discouer themselues. This kind of discipline of this reuerent 1578, friar, was in the end descouered, by two of his deuout women who would not submit them-selues to this friars taile nor strippe themselues in that sort. And by the report which they made, he was publickly found infamous, and was skorned of all the world. Afterwards the descouery of his impostures, and all his doing, the profession of his order and his discipline, were also set forth in print.
This yeare vpon the seauenth of May, there was a great and solemne assembly of the Princes of the Empire holden at Worms in Germany, where-vnto the Archduke Mathias, Saint Aldegonds oration made at the assembly o [...] the Princes of t [...]e Empire holden at Worms in the yeare 1578. and the generall estates sent an honorable ambassage, where the Seignior of Saint Aldegond, made an eloquent oration, before all the Princes of Germanie, and the B estates and deputies of diuers townes wherein he breefly shewed the miserable estate, and condition of the Netherlands, the desleigne and intent of the Spaniards, and what tirany the Duke of Alua, and others, as also Don Iohn had vsed there, and withall what danger the Empire was to expect thereby: touching the Duke of Alua hee shewed perticularly that in a banket made before his departure, hee had boasted (and did glory therein,) that within the time of his gouernment, in the Netherlands (being about sixe yeares) he had caused 18600 men to be put to death by the common minister of Iustice called the hang man, besides an innumerable number, that were consumed and murthered by the vprores, tumults mutinies and cruelty of the soldiars, in many places of the same, not accounting them that were killed in the warres, shewing further that by the C common accounts of the land, it was found, that in fifteene Prouinces of the Netherlands the said Duke of Alua, and his adherents, had spent in making warres against the two Prouinces of Holland and Zeeland, in building of castles, and destroying of the country, aboue thirty sixe milions of guilders, besides the spoyle, by the oppression and insolency of the soldiers in all places where they came, and that they were generally in hope, that the King would not so lightly haue forgotten, that they were the same Netherlands by whose faithfull seruice, ayd, goods, money, and blood, the hard and long continewed warre with France, was with the Kings honor at the last brought to so honorable an end: where-vnto the Netherlands, besides all ordinary, and vsuall taxes, charges, and customes, in nine yeares freely gaue the King the summe of forty D millions of guilders, as also what the Netherlands in generall, and the townes in particuler had endured vnder the great Commander, vnder Rhoda, and Don Iohn of Austria, and by the mutinous Spaniards, proclamed to be both the Kings and the countries enemies, that had twise ransaked and spoyled the townes of Mastrciht and Antwerp, and yet not once punished, he shewed likewise how the Spaniards, ment to make the Netherlands the seate of the warres, and what danger the Empire, and the Prouinces adiacent were thereby to expect: putting them in remembrance, of the enterprises that the duke of Alua and others had, to incorporate and take the townes of the Empire, as Collen, Mounster, Emden, and others, whereby the fire burning in the Netherlands, would soone kindle in Germany. That they sought to conquer the Kingdome of England, vnder pretence E of ayding the imprisoned Queene of Scotland, and thereby to obtaine the dominion of the sea, and there with the rule of the whole world, onely watching time and opportunity.
Hee desired them to remember the Turkes victories, and the ciuill discords of the Christians, and that the Spaniards were as well accustomed to the warres as the Turkes, seeking the same praise and glory by making great conquests, hauing as great, yea greater causes or contrariety of religion then the Turkes to further them, both in the Netherlands and in Germany, generally esteeming the Germanes, as the Turkes esteeme the Christians, whereof they were to bee aduised that the King of Spaine not long since had made a contract of peace and a league with the Turke, and had agreed F what tribute bee should haue: for which cause he desired them, that they would call to mind the ancient frendshippe, and League, bettweene them, hauing trade of marchandise with speech, and name common to them all, and that many Prouinces in the Netherlands long before the Emperor Charles the fifts time were subiect vnto [Page 659] the lawes of the Empire, and that namely by the trans-action made in the yeare of our 1578. A Lord 1548. they were incorporated with the townes and Prouinces of the Empire, at which time the sayd Princes and townes made promise, that they would accept and receiue, all the Prouinces of the Netherlands into their protection and that they should inioye all the priueledges and freedomes of Germanie in as ample manner as they did, that liued in the midst of the Empire, and so vnderstood and accounted themselues to bee bound if neede were to protect and defend them, against all wrongs, iniuries, and powers whatsoeuer, that should seeke to oppresse them, and therefore he intreated, that they would thinke feelingly vpon the miseries of the Netherlands, and that assisting them, they would according to the lawes and ordinances of the Empire, commaund Don Iohn to depart out of the same, and forbidall men to giue him any aide or assistance, B by men, armes, victualls, and munition in any sort whatsoeuer, and also to call home Ericke Duke of Brunswicke, Poluiller and other Dutch Commanders and captaines, vpon paine of the losse of all their goods: euen this was the summe of his oration, which for that it was in Latin, I set it downe in shorter tearmes for beuities sake, against the which there was an appoligie made and put in print at Luxemburg, written by one Cornelis Calidius Christpolitanus.
The Duke of Aniou hauing caused some troupes to march, they entred vpon the frontiers of Henault, which was wonderfully opprest by the Spaniard: Collonel Combelles, with the consent of the whole Estates marched with his men into the A small defeat of the Spaniards by the French. countrie, and lodged in a village called Balemont, from whence the Spaniards thinking C to dislodge him, where well beaten the eighteenth day of May, and forced to retire with losse and shame. Don Iohn after the reduction of Niuelle, sent part of his armie before Philip-Ville (so called by King Philips name, father to the King of Spaine that now is, who caused it to bee built in the yeare of our Lord 1554.) beeing seated vpon the frontiers of France, the which hauing beene very longe beseeged, battred and assaulted, was in the end for want of victualls and munition, forced to yeeld by composition the one and twentie day of Maie: and amongst other Articles it was agreed vpon, that the captaines and companies that would remaine in the Kings seruice, should be well entertained, & haue three monethes paie, the rest might retire freely where they pleased. Of fiue companies that were in the towne, three D remained, and tooke an oth to Don Iohn, the other two returned to serue the States. The signior of Florenne Gouernor of the towne continued there still. This beeing done Don Iohn returned to Namur, diuiding his armie into two, whereof the one part was giuen to the Prince of Parma, to goe in the countrie of Lembourg, and the other to Octauio Gonzague, to march towards Arthois.
The Prince of Parma foure daies after his departure from Philip-ville, marched with his warlike troupes towardes the towne of Lembourg, which hee thought to The Spaniards beseege L [...]mbourg. carrie vpon his first approch. And although the Towne it selfe bee not verie stronge, yet is it defended by a good castle, built vpon a hillocke not to bee scaled, verie hard to bee battred, and almost impregnable. To approch vnto Lembourg, hee E was of necessitie to passenere vnto the castle of Heude, the which was in the like sort seated vpon a rocke, maruelous stronge both by nature and by art, hauing great ditches full of water falling from the heigh Mountaines: so as they might easily defend that place with twenty resolute men.
There was in it in garrison two squadrons of the States souldiars, beeing about the number of some fiftie men, one of the chiefe Officers a Liegois borne, sayd vnto the other that was his companion, that it was needefull before they suffred themselues to bee beseeged, to goe and furnish themselues within the towne of all things necessarie for their prouision, as well for victualls, as for munition of warre. And therefore one of them should goe with a good conuoie, giuing the choise vnto F his companion whether hee would goe or staie, knowing well that the other would rather choose to goe, and that hee that went would take a conuoie of fortie foure souldiars, and the other should remaine and gard the castle with the sixe which should staie behinde.
[Page 660] This other Corporall hauing taken the charge vpon him to goe and fetch munition 1578 A with the conuoy: the Liegeois which remained, hauing two others of his faction, The Castle of Heude trea cher [...]usly deliuered to the Prince of Parma. fell sodainely vpon the other three, and hauing slaine one of them, hee sayd vnto the other two that what hee did was for the Kings seruice: wherevpon they remained quiet, and the castle was deliuered vp to the Prince of Parma, who gaue him a verie good reward.
The Prince hauing this castle at his commandement sent presently to sommon the towne of Lembourg, the which refused to yeeld, for some fewe daies before it had beene victualled by the States. Wherevpon it was battred with nine peeces, and although hee preuailed little, yet a dissention beeing growne in the towne, betwixt the Burgers (who would not hold out, and refuzed to fight) and the souldiars of the garrison, B they did capitulate, with the Prince of Parma, and yeelded the towne and castle vnto him the fifteenth day of Iune: the souldiars retiring to Faulquemont and Dalhem, whether the Prince went and forced them, putting all to the sword that he found armed. The other part of the armie which Don Iohn had sent vnder the command of Octauio Gonzague marcht directly towards Mons, thinking to cut of their victualls, and to reduce it to that extremitie as they should bee forced to yeeld: but hee preuailed Octauio Gonzague preuailes [...] [...]le in Henault. nothing, but onelie ruined the poore champian countrie thereabouts. Those of the towne were day lie in skyrmishe with them, and among others captaine Mornault with his companie of horse, neuer suffred them to bee at rest. The nineteenth of Iune there died in Antwerp that vertuous and long afflicted Princesse, Sabina Palatina widowe C to Cont: Amoral of Egmont, and a little before the signior Lancelot Barliamont, Earle of The death of the Countesse of Egmont. Meghen, in the right of the Ladie Marie of Brimeau his wife, without any children: which Ladie was afterwards married to Philip of Croy Prince of Chymai, Sonne to the duke of Arschot being then but yong.
At the same time a certaine councellor of the great councell at Macklin went vnto Don Iohn, whome hee gaue to vnderstand that hee had many partakers in the sayd towne, who desired nothing more then to see it reduced vnder his obedience: and that if it pleased him to take the paine to come or send thether, they would make him maister thereof without anie difficultie. Don Iohn sent him backe vnto the towne to mannage this businesse, and to drawe others to his deuotion. But this practise beeing D discouered, the States sent to re-enforce the garrison, both with horse and foote. Octauio Gonzague came before the towne of Macklin to execute this enterprise, but hee was entertained with good musket shot. Seeing himselfe discouered, hee sent letters vnto the Magistrates, to perswade them to yeeld to Don Iohn, but in steed of an answere they sent forth certaine shot by a false port, who charged his horse, from a couert place, where they could not bee forced, making them retire with losse of men and horse.
The Duke of Aniou the better to effect his desseigne, and giue the succors which The duke of Aniou comes to succor the states. hee had promised to the States, came in person with his troupes into the countrie of Henault, and arriued at Mons the twelfth daie of Iulie, beeing accompanied with E fewe gentlemen, his traine following after him leauing his armie in field. The Germaines of Polwiller, which before the pacification of Gant, had beene in garrison at Campen and at Deuenter in the countrie of Oueryssel, hauing beene sommoned by the States, and refused to depart, still dissembling, till after the breach of the accord, and the taking of the castle of Namur: made open demonstration that they would keepe the sayd townes for Don Iohn: which the States perceiuing, they sent the Earle of Rheneberg Gouernor of Friseland thether with an armie of a thousand men who first beseeged Campen, scituated vpon the Veluve towardes the Zuyderzee, which hauing refused to yeeld beeing sommoned, hee battred it verie furiously from either side of the Riuer of Yssel, making a sufficient breach for an F assault: and beeing readie to giue it, the Germaines fell to a parle, and yeelded the towne vpon composition the twentith daie of Iulie 1578. The conditions were, that they should depart with their bagge and baggage: that they should not beare armes against the generall Estates in three monethes after. That all prisoners of [Page 661] either side should be set at liberty without ransome, and that they should be safely conducted 1578. A vnto the frontiers of Germany, which was performed: they of the town were forced to agree vnto the vnion, and to sweare obedience vnto the Estates. They put into the towne the companies of Viterarne, Hottinghe and Mulaert, the towne was in no great extremitie to yeeld, for that their breach was well repaired, neither wanted they any prouisions. The soldiars had no need to feare the Burgers, whom they had disarmed, as they had done at Deuenter, but they feared the comming of Casimire, who was comming to aide the Estates, from thence the Earle went to beseege Deuenter fiue leagues from Campen, the which was also yeelded, after foure monthes seege, vpon honest conditions.
The castle of Haurec in the which there was a Spanish garrison, beeing beseeged by the duke of Anious troupes, and battered, yeelded vnto him: the Spaniard came B to raise the seege, but he was sharply repulst, and forced to retire with great losse of his men. And at the same time the duke of Aniou forced the Spaniards to leaue the townes of Soignies Maubenge and Roeux, into the which hee put French garrisons. Whilest that the duke of Anious armie was yet vpon the frontiers to enter into Henault, it happened that one captaine Pont was lodged in the village of Becourt at a rich laborers house called Iohn Millet, who had two faire yong daughters: this captaine fell in loue with the eldest called Mary, being about sixteene yeares old: al the whole household sought to serue and intreat him well, to auoide the insolencies which such people doe vsually shew vnto poore pesants. This captaine being one daie at dinner with the father, mother and daughters, hee demanded of the father his daughter Marie in C marriage. The good man hauing answered that it was not a marriage equall nor sutable for him, (fearing that after hee had abused her, hee would chase her awaie, or An vnworthy and cruel [...]act of captaine Pont and well reuenged. keepe her as his strumpet) refused him flatly. The captaine incensed at this refusall, swearing and cursing, chased the father, the mother and the whole familie out of the house, keeping onelie this poore Virgin, whome hee rauished, and caused three or foure of his souldiars to doe the like. Which done, hee went to the table, and set this poore maiden by him, mocking still at her with verie filthie and dissolute speeches. Shee who spake nothing, studying how shee might bee reuenged with her owne hand, whatsoeuer should become of her, desiring rather to die then to liue anie longer with such reproch and infamie: obserued a Corporall that came D to speake to the captaine in his eare, who turning his head backe to heare him, she tooke a knife and stabbed him therewith vnto the heart, so as he fell downe presently dead, and she thinking, to saue her selfe by flight, was ouertaken by his souldiars, who bound her to a tree, and shot her to death. The father hearing these pittifull newes of his daughter, bruted it abroade and went to make his complaints to all the neighbour villages: so as the alarum bells ringing of all sides, the pesants went to armes and fell vpon the souldiers of Becourt, and vpon all others that laie nere vnto them, whom they slue, yea their pages, laquais, strumpets and dogges, leauing nothing aliue of foure companies that were in that quarter, but their horses; so greedie all these pesants were to reuenge the death and iniurie done this Virgin. Doubtlesse if Lucrece deserued, Mary [...] more worthy of commendation then Lucrece. E great commendations for killing of her selfe after that shee had beene forced by Tarquin; this maide deserues much more, who before her death could take reuenge of her more then barbarous rauisher: Almightie GOD meaning thereby to punish the excesse of these French souldiars, to make others learne more wisdome and temperatenesse.
The Archduke Mathias Gouernor, and the generall Estates hauing raysed a great and mightie armie, vnder the conduct and command of the Earle of Bossu (a braue, valiant and hardie Knight) and the signior of La Noue, (a valiant and worthie French Gentleman) they planted their campenere vnto Remenant in Brabant, a league from F Macklin. Whereas Don Iohn resolued to charge them before they were all come togither, hee beeing verie stronge and hauing new men come out of Italie, could make Don Iohn resolues to charge the states at Remenant. about thirty thousand souldiers, amongst the which were fiue or sixe thousand horse-men, all or the most part, old expert souldiers, and choise men, his Lieutenant Generall [Page 662] was the Prince of Parma, Octauio Gonzaga was generall of the horse men, Peter Ernest A Earle of Mansfield Lord Marshall, the Earle of Barlamont, Maister of the ordinance, 1578. with his Sonne and many other Lords and Gentlemen, as the Earles of Re [...]lx, and Falckenburg, Robles Lord of Billy, the Lord of Ruyrooke, the Lord of Lyques, the Lord of Faulx, the Lord of Marle, the Lord of Rosingnol, the Lord of Gomicourt, the Lord of Warlonzel, the Lord de Monteragon, and other strange Lords, Don Alonso Martines de Lieua, Sonne to Don Sanchio, Vice-roye of Naples who in times past had beene generall of the Gallies of Spaine, this Don Alonso had a company of two hundred stronge, wherein there was ten braue captaines, as Don Diego, and Don Pedro de Mendoza, Don Sanchto de Lieua his brother, and others, his Ensigne being blacke, with a crucifix therin, which was holloed and consecrated at Naples, by the Cardinall Gesnada, and that B daie hee had desired Don Iohn to haue the vantgard of the armie, hoping that it should fall out as well with him that daie as it did at Gemblours. Don Iohn himselfe in his Ensigne, had a crosse, with this poesie, By this signe I ouercame the Turkes, and by the same signe also I will ouercome the Heretikes, and being thus prepared, vpon the last day of Iuly, he came with al his armie to Arschot, with full intent to set vpon the states campe, or with aduantage, to procure them to a battaile.
But the Earle of Bossu, beeing aduertised by his sentinels of horse, that there were The great skirmish by Rymenant. about some a leauen or twelue cornets of horse comming against them, with a great squadron of footemen, which were about 90. or a hundred men, they all gaue charge that the States gards should retire to a place, where hee had set fiue or sixe hundred C Harguebuziers, which at last, by reason of the multitude of their enemies were forced to giue back, by the aide and releefe of certaine Ruiters and light horsemen, and yet without any great hurt, whereby Don Iohns men beeing imboldened, gaue a stronge and mightie charge vpon the States Ruyters, and other horsemen, which valiantly withstood them, and yet in such sort as the enemie had some aduantage, but after that beeing seconded, they turned so brauely backe againe, as they forced Don Iohns men to leaue the heath, and to retire themselues to certaine hedges, but for that the Earle of Bossu, to keepe those hedges, had placed certaine Englishmen (vnder the regiment of Collonel Norris that was come thether but an houre before, and certaine Scots) hard by the Riuer all alonge to his campe, Don Iohn could not breake thorough, D notwithstanding that hee still sent more men thether, to winne the place by force, the great shot likewise that plaied out of the States trenches doing him much harme, as his men came any thing neere, which at that time discharged a hundred and twentie times vpon the enemy, the Lord of Crequis being generall of the ordinance, in steed of Treslon. This skirmish beginning at seauen of the clocke in the morning, continewed vntill euening about fiue or sixe of the clocke, beeing a wonderfull hot daie, so as the English, Scots, and other souldiars were forced to put of their cloathes and to fight in their shirtes, where they behaued them-selues as brauely as possible they might, considering the great number of the enemy, and that they were all old experienced Soldiers that they had to doe withall: Colonell Norris, sonne to the Lord Norris, with the English-men behaued himselfe very valiantly, and had certaine horses E killed vnder him: The like did Captaine Bingham, a man of great experience and policie, although hee was but hardly and badly vsed by his men, beeing then Lieutenant to Captaine Candish, and there lost two bretheren. The like did the Scottes vnder Collonell Stuart, the French and Netherland foote-men shewing also great courage and valour, for that the ground was not very fitte to vse many of the horse-men.
If at that time the Earle of Bossu (which as I haue heard hee hath since repented) had charged the Spaniards in their retreat with all his forces, as he had the meanes and powre, hauing foure times as manie men more as the enemie; without doubt neither Don'Iohn nor anie one of his men had escaped, and this daie had beene F the last for the Spaniards in the lowe countries, at the least for them that were there at that time. This charge and skirmysh was the first daie of August in the yeare of our Lord 1578. [Page 663] Don Iohn hauing committed this error, full of blasphemy and cursings, carrying 1578. A backe his armie hee retyred to Namur: the Earle of Bossu hearing that there were but 300. foote and a 100. Spanish horse in the towne of Arschot, sent Collonel La Garde thether with fiue hundred French shot of the one side: and Collonel Balfour with a thousand Scots on the other. La Garde, arriued first, and forced the Spaniards by a way that was lowe and narrowe, cutting all in peeces that hee incountred, so as the towne was taken and spoiled. The Vicent of Gant chiefe of this enterprize, thinking it not conuenient to keepe it, for that it was nothing stronge, caused it to bee abandoned, and by the aduise of the sayd Collonels retired with his horse and foote to the Campe. This affront was done vnto Don Iohn the tenth of August, within two leagues of his armie. B
At the same time some troubles beeing growne in the towne of Valenciennes, the Archduke and the States sent the signior of Harchies to take information, and to order all things. Beeing entred into the towne the Burgers beganne to bee diuided, some A tumult at Valencienes. held with the signior of Harchies, and others with the Maiestrates. This tumult continued eight daies, the people beeing still in armes, not without great danger of effusion of bloud. In the end Richardot a Councellor of State, was sent thether, who did reconcile them, and pacifie all troubles.
The Duke of Aniou before hee sent such succors to the States as hee had promised had capitulated with the States, first of all: to declare himselfe, an open enemie to Don Iohn and to his adherents: to entertaine for the assistance of the States ten The duke of Anicus capitulation with the States. C thousand foote and two thousand horse, paide at his charge for three monthes, and in case the warre were not ended, before that time were expired, to continue his assistance and succors with the number of three thousand foote and fiue hundred horse: and that hauing serued two monthes with the sayd number, hee should haue three monthes paide him: that hee should haue three townes of retreat, Auesne Quesnoy and Landrecy but they refused) notwithstanding that the Abbot of Marolles was sent to perswade them) that all townes, places and fortes lying beyonde the riuer of Meuse, and not in the association of the States (as Bourgongne and Luxembourg) which should bee taken by his forces alone or ioyntly with the States, should remaine vnder his powre, commande and obedience, during his life, and D after his decease, his heires males begotten in lawfull marriage, should succeed and inherit. That a peace beeing made, the States should acknowledge the benefit next vnder almightie GOD to proceed from him. And that all charges and expences layed out for their succors, should bee paied him againe vntill his departure out of the countrie: and moreouer they should giue him a gratuitie worthy of his greatnesse: That the sayd States should promise and binde themselues, in case that heereafter they would take an other Prince for their soueraigne, to preferre him before any other, vpon such conditions as should bee then propounded. This accord was proclaimed in Antwerp the twentie daie of August. Therevpon the Duke tooke vpon him the title of Defender of the libertie of the Netherlands, against E the Spaniards and their Adherents. Hee declared himselfe enemie to Don Iohn, and The duke of Anious [...]. to all his followers by a printed declaration. But of all the troupes which hee brought, after that hee had taken a viewe of them beeing put in battaile neere vnto Bins, they were not aboue seauen thousand foote and eight or nine hundred horse: most of them Licentious and disordred souldiars, the skum of the ciuill warres of France, and the relikes of the massakers of Paris.
With these forces hee entred into Henault, the which (during his aboad at Mons, with the Earle Lalain his Gossip) who was put from the place of Captaine Generall of the States armie, for that without their priuitie and leaue hee had abandoned the armie in the countrie of Namur when as Don Iohn had that victorie neere vnto Gembblours) F did these small exploits: whereof wee haue formerly made mention: although it had beene more necessarie to ioyne the sayd Dukes troupes, in this best season of the yeare, to the great bodie of the States armie, being then in their prime ingaged at Remenant, by the disorder which was there for want of paie: when as Don [Page 664] Iohn was farre weaker in forces then the States, and might easily haue beene defeated. 1578 A But in steed of dooing it, they turned from him to goe and ioyne with the Duke of The states ar mie vnpr [...]table for want of pay. Anious forces, and to take Genap, Niuelle, and some other paltrie Townes, vnworthy the stay of an armie. This coniunction with the Duke of Aniou lost the States a moneths time: and when they were ready to ioyne all into one body of an Armie, the Duke retired with his Bussia' Amboise to Mons in Henault, by the aduise of his gossip the Earle of Lalain, and then began his Armie to vanish, whereby the best season of the yeare and the best oportunitie was lost: the States became more indebted vnto the Armie, who grew discontented to see them-selues so ill gouerned, their forces both of horse and foote decreased by mortalitie and famine, and in the end the hope which they had of such great forces, as the Prince had neuer the like, went to smoake, and they were to begin againe. Don Iohn fortified himselfe the more, and then began the B falling away of the Wallon soldiers, (called the Male-contents) of the Regiments of The beginning of the male-contents. Montigny, Heze, Egmond and Alennes, of which Male-contents (as wee will here-after shew) Montigny made himselfe chiefe.
After this disbanding as well of the Duke of Anious troopes, as of the male-contents, the States Armie being retired from Remenant, went and camped two leagues from Louvain. The Earle of Bossu generall of the Armie, went forth with two thousand Harguebuziers, and two hundred horse, and approched neere vnto the Towne, the A great skirmish neere vnto Louvain. Spaniards sallyed forth brauely vpon them, where there was a gallant skirmish. The Vicont of Gant Generall of the horse, charged them with his men at Armes, euen vnto C the Towne ditches, whereof some fell in, seeking to flie the fury of the Vicont, and of the Siegnior of Quesnoy his Lieutenant. The Earle of Bossu would gladly haue besieged the sayd Towne, but the want of three or foure thousand Pioners, and of thirtie Three castles taken by the states at one instant. or fortie Canons, necessary to batter so spatious a place, which had two leagues circuite, and furnished with fiue thousand men, made this desseigne seeme vnreasonable. The same day the Armie in passing tooke the Castell of Dyon, la Motte, Helsenne and Sart: La Motte indured a battery, in the which were fifteene or sixteene Soldiers, the rest peasants, and was taken by assault, where-as the Seignior of La Noue Marshall of the Campe, the Vicont and the Collonell Michell Caulier, past through the water in the ditches vp to the waste (the which was no discreete part of the Vicont, D beeing Generall of the horse) with the English, who leapt into the water like Frogges, forst it, and cut all the Souldiers in peeces, pardoning the peasants: this was done in August.
In September following certaine companies of Malcontents of the aboue-named Regiments (among the which was that of Captaine Christien of Mons) being come to lodge in the quarter of Gaure (which is of the Principalitie of them of Egmont) about three leagues from Gant. The Ganthois, aduertised thereof by the greeuous and dayly complaints of the poore pesants, for so many oppressions and insolencies committed by these Wallon soldiars, Malcontents, and doubting also some enterprise vpon their Some compan [...] of m [...] contents surprized at Gaure. towne, (for that the sayd Malcontents had vanted that they would teach the Ganthois to mocke at the masse) sent some of their companies in the night, who went to E dislodge the Wallons in Gaure by the breake of daie, taking them a sleepe in their beddes after the French manner: whereof some were slaine and about fiftie carried almost naked into Gant, and in this miserable and poore estate were put into a Church from whence by a decree of the Court they were deliuered and sent away, hauing had some clothes giuen them by the Wallon Marchants remayning in Gant, who tooke pittie of them seeing them thus naked, but the Ganthois did afterwards paie deerely for this pettie victorie.
The Barron of Montigni and other Collonels Wallons, to bee reuenged for such an affront vpon the Flemings and Ganthois, came early in a morning before the Burrough F of Menin (which then they began to make a towne) within two leagues of Courtray Menin surprized by the Male-contents and two of Lille, hauing intelligence with the Curat, the Baylife, called Nicholas Robert, and some others: who knowing of the Malcontents approch, after the ringing of the morning bell, perswaded them that were in gard to goe to their rest. [Page 665] And as there remayned but few Bourguers at the Ports and the places but newly begun 1578. A to be fortefied, these Malcontents surprised it and tooke it with small resistance of the Bourguers, who vpon the alarme, putting them-selus in defence, were soone ouerthrowne and some drowned in the riuer of Lys. Being Maisters thereof they spoyled it finding great welth therein, for that it did cheefely consist of Bruing and making of cloth, which are two trades to make rich men. There were about eighty Bruers, the Beer was dipersed into the countries of Flanders and Arthois by the riuer of Lys: and it was called Queate of Menin, good and well knowne of Dronkards? At that time the Protestants of the reformed religion in Antwerp, persented a petition to haue publike exercise of their religion, demanding certaine publike temples of the Arch-duke Mathias and the councell of State, with which demand they were much troubled, B but the Petitioners being very many, made such instance and did so importune them; as (hauing had the aduice of the Generall estates) it was found necessary for the publike quiet of the towne, and to preuent all inconueniences, to graunt them the chappell in the Castle, called the temple of the Moabats, by reason of the Spaniards which had built it the Iesuits ch [...]urch; halfe of that of the Franciscans, Iacopins and of Saint Andrew. And so with leaue of the soueraigne magistrate, they began their first publicke Temples granted in diuers place; to the Protestants. preaching the last day of August: some daies after the Protestants of the confession of Ausbourg hauing also demanded temples, obtained the Sheer-mens chappell, the great hall of the Carmelites, and the grange neere vnto Saint Michells. The like was granted in the townes of Brusselles, Macklin, Breda, Berghen vpon Soom, Liere, Bruges C Ypre; in Freeseland and in Geldres, and in other townes and Prouinces: But in Brusselles the Marquis of Berghes, the Signior of Heze his Brother and the Signior of Glimes presented a petition to the contrary, shewing that it was the seat of the Princes court, which makes the towne to flroish, the which by the transport of the court to any other place, would bee impourished and fall to decay: which made the people to fall in hatred of them, and to put them in prison, but by a decree of the States they were soone inlarged.
While the armies were gathering together on both sides, and the State of the Netherlands standing in suspence, the potentates round about desirous to reconcile the Peace propounded to Don Iohn by forren Princes. distracted minds of the Netherlands against their Prince, as also to preuent bad examples D to cease all troubles, and lastly to put out and quench the fire of warre and dissention in the Netherlands, sought to make a peace there. The Emperor greeuing much at the desolation of the Netherlands, had sent the Earle of Swartzenburgh, the King of France Monsire de Bellieure, and the Queene of England, the Lord Cobham, and Sir Francis Walsingham her Principall Secretary, with a great traine, which Ambassadors hauing moued both parts to hearken vnto a peace, the estates propounded certaine conditions, the contents whereof were, that all that they had don since Don Iohns going to Namur, should bee approued, allowed of, and held to bee well don, that Don Iohn should depart out of all the Netherlands within the sayd month of August, and deliuer vp all the townes and forts into the States hands, that the Arch-duke Mathias E should remaine gouernor of the Netherlands, and the pacification of Gaunt should still bee maintained and kept, that the matter of Religion (by reason of the warres so much aduanced should bee referred to the deciding and determination of the generall estates, to bee ordred according to the conueniency of the times and places; that the prisoners on both sides, as also the Earle of Buren, should bee set at liberty, and that in the said contract the Queene of England, the Duke of Aniou, the king of Nauarre, with their adherents, and Duke Casimirus, and all those that had giuen the States any ayd, should bee comprehended. For the effecting whereof the States desired the Ambassadors aforesaid, to seeke by all the meanes they could to bring Don Iohn therevnto, and thereby to keepe his Maiesty in possession of his Netherlands, without F putting him in more vaine hope, and so for euer to estrange him from his subiects; desiring them like-wise to moderate the strictnes of there articles, in any thing they thinke conuenient. The Ambassadors aforesaid, vsed many reasons and perswations on both sides, especially to procure Don Iohn to depart out of the Netherlāds intreating him [Page 666] not to seeke to hazard his good fortune vpon a doubtfull battayle aledging vnto him A the contract made betweene the Duke of Aniou and the States, their power hauing so 1578 great an army, and mony like wise to maintaine the same: saying, that he might depart with honor, when as his departure should be procured, by the Mediation, and intercession of the Emperor, the King of France, and the Queene of England, which dying, they said, hee might assure the Netherlands vnto their naturall Prince, and by that meanes procure the maintenance and furtherance of the Romish Catholiks religion: touching the said articles, the Ambassadors had many conferences and meetings betweene them, the estates and Don Iohn; speaking with Don Iohn him-selfe at Lovuain and there abouts: Don Iohn refuseth to make peace, but desireth to haue a truce. but it was al in vaine for that Don Iohn would haue the states to giue ouer their armes, & to send the Prince of Orange into Holland, and then he said he would harken to a peace, yet telling them plainely that hee would permit no new religion and many things else, B and yet hee made a shew as that in regard of the miseries of the country hee would haue consented to a truce for a time, that so hee might deale further about the conditions of peace propounded, but this was done onely to winne time, and in the meane while to gather more forces, and to make the States weary; but the States, (there affaires not permitting it) would not harken to it, Don Iohn likewise for his part, hauing gotten more soldiars, and being aduertised that the States men wanted, pay at the last he made answeare to the Ambassadors, that the King of Spaine had referred the whole dealing for the peace vnto the States only, to whome full power and authority should bee giuen for the same, (being indeed some-what iealous of France and England) C and to that end hee shewed them lettters; so thanking them for their paines hee tooke his leaue and departed, and by that meanes that treatie of peace proued frutelesse.
The generall estates, thinking verely that they had well secured and assured the The causes that moued the Stats to tolerate them of the religion Catholike Romish Religion by the new publication of the pacification at Gaunt found it to auaile them little, for that they were forced neuer-the-lesse, to satisfie and content the mindes of the peolpe in euery place, thereby to maintaine the warres, and that they had need of such soldiers as they might trust, which they esteemed to be Hollanders and those of the religion, and therefore in euery place they put such as were of the religion into offices within the townes, as knowing them thereby, to bee D bound not onely for the loue and good will they bare vnto their natiue country but also in regard of the religion, to bee faithfull, trusty and true: obseruing that it was not onely the meanes for them to defend their bodies, liues, goods, wiues, and children, but chiefly for the honor of GOD, as they were perswaded, whereby many being of the reformed religion, and aduanced to offices in diuers places of the Netherlands, were forced by all the meanes they could to further the said religion, although some through simple zeale dealt vnaduisedly therein. From these and the like causes it fell out, that they of the reformed religion, imbouldned them-selues to present The Protestants request for a religious peace. a request vnto the Arch duke Mathias, and the generall estates, bearing date the twenty two of Iune, therein shewing, that they desired to liue according to the reformed religion, and that they had separated them-selues from the Romish Church for many E causes as it appeared by diuers bookes put in Print, containing the summe and contents of their faith, which many had sealed with their bloods, and that the more it had beene persecuted, the more it had spred abroad and increased, as it appeared by the tiranie of the Duke of Alua, that had put eight-teene or nine-teene thousand persons to death by the hand of the executioner, after whome followed Don Loys de Requesens, the great Commaunder of Castile who also had driuen an innumerable number of good men out of the Netherlands, and caused all traficke and good handycrafts (wherein the chiefe riches of the land consisted) to be caried into strange and forrene countries, by which meanes the warres began: shewing the Spaniards F practises and desseignes, and their reddinesse and willingnesse, to defend their natiue country, and that yet neuer-the-lesse, they feared, that they should bee once againe put to the slaughter, after that the countrie should haue made vse of them, and by [Page 667] expence and losse of their liues and goods, gotten the victory, which must of necessity 1578. A procure great vnwillingnesse; from whence many difficulties were to bee expected, by nise vsing liberty amonst the Burgers and the townes men, which difficulties and inconueniences, by meanes of the free permission of the reformed Religion, would be let and hindered, where-as to the contrary, the refusing and deniall thereof would bee the originall of all euill intents, and of such enterprises, which neither the Protestants would like of, nor they them-selues bee well pleased withall. They likewise showed, that they were content to put in securitie to them of the Romish religion, that they desired not to roote them out, nor yet to take their goods from them nor to doe any thing that should bee contrary to the duties of good Townes-men, and fellow Burgers, but alwayes to bee ready for the common cause, to defend and maintaine their natiue countrey, whereby all discord beeing layd away, a perfect peace might bee B established.
They likewise hoped, that touching the reformed religion, some order would before that time haue beene taken by the generall estates, which by many hinderances had beene put off, and chiefly by the meanes and practises of the enemy, or else by some that hoped (the enemy being ouercome) once againe to roast the Protestants at a fire: and therefore they desired that no credit might bee giuen vnto such men, as reiected the pacification of Gant, thinking that two religions could not bee maintayned in one kingdome, and that there could bee no securitie giuen to the spirituall persons: saying further; that the enemy had manifestly broken the pacification of Gant, and that for as much as it concerned the land, they might by common consent, C breake, mitigate, expound, and declare the same, for the good of their natiue countrey, thereby to resist and with-stand the secret practises of the enemy, yet they desired that it might not bee broken, but that rather according to the contents thereof, the point concerning the free exercise of their religion, might bee discided by the generall estates. Shewing further by their request, that two religions might well bee indured in one countrey, by examples of the first Christians and their Emperors; and after that in our times, permitted by foure Emperors, and by the Kings of France, Poland, the great Turke, and the King of Morocus, and others, yea and by the Pope himselfe, that permitted the Iewes to haue their Synaguogues. And touching the securitie for spirituall persons, they desired that the States would set downe an order D for the same, and that they were ready according to their abilities to performe it, hoping that there would bee some Noble-men and Princes found, that would giue both their words and bonds for their good behauiors therein.
But for that they got no answer presently here-vnto, (in regard of the waightinesse of the cause) vpon the seauenth of Iuly, being foureteene dayes after, they gaue a second request, wherein they sought to satisfie certaine doubts, as if there were no securitie to bee found from the Protestants if they should graunt their request. And therefore that there should bee no alteration, they propounded and set downe that in euery towne some of the Magistrates might bee appointed to take particuler knowledge of all oppressions and abuses, or certaine good Burgers, men of good name E and same, of [...] both religions, equall in number, to whom should bee committed the inquiry and repayring of iniuries and wrongs offered on eyther side, both by word and deede: and that in euery Towne some of the principall Burgers, on both sides should answere for their parties; with promise that they should not protect not defend the peace breakers, but rather vse all the diligence they could, that they might bee punished.
And besides, that all Preachers Elders, and Deacons, should likewise promise the same, as on the contrary side, the Priests, Deanes, Pastors, Vicars, and Treasurers of the Parishes should doe the like. That they would also faithfully promise and F protest before GOD, not to practise to hurt nor trouble any of the Prelates or Spirituall persons (that make profession or shew of the Romish Catholicke religion) neither in their persons, goods, nor in the vse or exercise of their religion, [Page 668] but as much as in them lyeth to hinder the same. And that if it proceed so farre, that A any such thing should bee pretended, and come vnto their knowledge, that they would 1578. make it knowne vnto the Magistrate, that order might bee taken therein, as cause required. Where-vnto the chiefest persons amongst them, should make promise to performe the same, in such places or townes where the free permision of the sayd religion should bee granted, and in such number as they should thinke good: Once againe promising, (according to the contents of the first request) to intreate some great Lords or Princes, to giue their words for them, requiring the like of them, that made profession of the contrary religion, desiring nothing else but to liue peaceably vnder the protection of their Magistrates, and that the breakers of the common peace might bee punished. B
To pacifie and satisfie the people touching this request, the Arche-duke Mathias, the Prince of Orange, the counsell of Estate, and the generall estates, after long and mature deliberation, deuised a religious peace in Antwerp, for all such townes as would The states resolution touching a religious peace. desire the same, the which did not in any sort contradict the pacification of Gant, so that thereby the prouinces of Brabant, Flanders, Arthois, and Henault were not bound one vnto the other, but remained free & at liberty, amongst them, to do as they should thinke conuenient, and that so likewise they of Holland and Zeeland might not attempt any thing, in the other prouinces against the Catholicke Romish religion: and for that the pacification tended onely to the driuing out of the Spaniards, and other strange garrisons, they thought it a necessary peace, and politicke vnion, for that as C then it was no time to trouble, molest, persecute, kill or murther one the other for religion, while they had so great a warre in hand. Many and seuerall causes, (too long to be [...] rehearsed,) mooued the sayd estates to yeeld there-vnto, as by the sayd religious peace more at large appeareth, and for that cause I haue set it downe verbatim as it was deuised. Euery man apparantly knoweth, that the tyrranous proclamations which had before beene made, touching religion, by the secret counsell, and The preface of the religious peace. practises of strangers, specially of the Spanish nation, with-out hearing the estates of the Netherlands once speake therein, and since that great rage and extremitie hath bin showne for the vpholding of the same, which are the causes of all our present calamities, for that by meanes thereof the priuileges, rights, and lawdable customes of the D countrey, haue in some sort beene broken and troden vnder-foote, and in fine procured a miserable warre, which is vndertaken by the enemies of our natiue countrey, onely to bring vs into vtter ruine and slauerie: and for that there was no other remedie to withstand the same, but to bring all the Prouinces into one vnitie and accorde, thereof proceeded the pacification of Gant, which after many and seuerall deliberations and consultations taken therein, as well by the Bishops and Diuines, as by the counsell of estate and others, from that time forward had beene approoued, confirmed, and by publicke oth sworne vnto, not onely by the estates of all the Netherlands, both spirituall and temporall, in generall and particuler, but also by Don. Iohn of Austria, in the name of the King, making an accord with the estates aforesayd, touchching the pacifying of the warre, and the auoyding of all other inconueniences: and E although wee hoped that in the obseruing of the same no faults would bee committed by the sayd, Don Iohn, whose office specially was, (as beeing appointed to gouerne and rule the sayd Netherlands) to haue holden and maintained the same in peace and tranquillitie: neuer-the-lesse dooing the contrary, hee had broken the sayd pacification in many points: and by diuerse meanes (contrary to his oth) made shewe hee would not bee satisfied there-with, so that the afore-sayd warre is once againe renewed by him, which hath for the preseruation of our naturall libertie and defence, mutually to beare armes together, beeing thereby, and by meanes of the extremities where-into the sayd warre, (as the mother of all disorders and insolencies) hath brought vs, forced to doe and permit diuers things that are preiudiciall to religion, F and the obedience due vnto his Maiestie, which wee otherwise neuer thought nor pretended, and at this present cannot with-stand, as at diuerse times before the [Page 669] begining of this warre, we haue protested both by letters, and Ambassadors sent vnto 1578. A his Maiesty and also vnto the said Don Iohn. and although wee want neither will nor meanes, to procure our defence, not-with-standing for that the diuersity of the prouinces and of mens opinions, hinder the cause, it is to bee douted, that neither our good wills, nor yet our abilities, will preuaile vnlesse we proceed to a more strict and stronger band of amity, indissoluble accord and vnion; especially in the matter of religion, for considering, that not onely by reason of the warre, but also in regard of the ineuitable frequentation, and conseruation of the marchants, and other inhabitants of the countries and Prouinces bordering vpon vs, as of France, England, Germany, and others, hauing the pretended reformed religion amongst them, the same religion hath for some time beene followed and maintained in diuers Prouinces of the Netherlands, so it is B much to be feared that if the liberty and exercise of the same, as well as of the Romish religion bee not permitted, with a friendly accord and religious peace, (taking for example the countries of Germany and France who by that meanes haue ouercome all their troubles and liue in peace and quietnesse, whereas before they could not abide nor endure one the other, vsing all acts of hostility,) that for want thereof, great dangers, blood-sheading, and other inconueniences will ensewe, whereby our common enemy, (being within the countrie) shall haue meanes to worke his will: whereas to the contrary, by a peaceable vnion (being ioyned and vnited together) wee may defend our-selues against all inconueniences; and troubles. C
All which wee hauing well considered, and specially, that the enemy feareth nothing more, then that hee should see vs once vnited in religion, and therefore seeketh (vnder pretence thereof) on all sides to hold and keepe vs in diuision, meaning neither to spare reformed nor Catholike what-so-euer, if hee may preuaile; hauing also considered, that they of the pretended reformed religion haue by diuers petitions instantly desired, that the free exercise thereof, might bee permitted vnto them, with and vnder such restraints and conditions as are conuenient; we for the common peace and quietnes of the country after mature-deliberation therein taken; not onely with the deputies of the generall estates, but also perticularly, hauing therein heard the aduice of the estates of euery Prouince, ordaine, and D by these presents decree the articles ensewing, and that without any preiudice of the vnion of the Prouinces, the which need not to diuide them-selues one from the other by reason of this Edict, especially, for that no man is compelled to alter or change his religion, nor yet to accept the liberty of the contrarie religion, vnlesse hee The articles of the religious peace. thinke it good.
First that all wrongs and Iniuries, happened and done since the pacification of Gant, in regard of the religion, shall bee forgiuen and forgotten as if they had neuer happened, so that for them, no man shall bee called in question nor molested neither by order of lawe nor otherwise, nor any inquiry or serch made touching the same, vpon paine to bee punished as transgressors, and breakers of the peace, and perturbers E of the common welth. And that the same, in regard of the diuersity of religion, may not be maintayned, vpholden a planted, nor suppressed by force of armes, nor any more contention nor question happen about the same, it is ordayned and decreed, that euery one, touching the said two religions, may liue in freedome of conscience, as he will answer before God for the same; in such sort, that they shall not trouble one the other, but that euery man, both spirituall and temporall, shall peaceably and quietly hold and enioy his owne goods, and serue God according to the knowledge wherewith hee hath indowed him, and as hee will answer before GOD at the latter day, which shall continew in this sort, and vntill such time, as that both parts being heard speake for them-selues, by a generall or nationall counsell it F shall bee otherwise ordred and determined.
And to the end, that the afore-said libertie of conscience in religion, may be vsed and obserued with conuenient & tolerable conditions, for the quietnes, and saffety of either part, it is ordained that from henceforth the Catholike and Romish Religion shall bee [Page 670] reestablished and set vp againe, not onely in the townes of Holland and Zeeland, but A in all other townes and places of the Netherlands, wherein it was put downe, there 1578 to be peaceably and freely exercised without any trouble, or molestation giuen or procured vnto those that desire to follow the same, so they be not lessee then a hundred households in euery great towne or vilage, such as haue dwelt and inhabited therein at the least for the space of a whole yeare, and in the small townes and villages, the most part of the inhabitants to bee of a yeares standing. And that also, the afore-said reformed Religion, shall and may hencefore bee freely erercised and vsed in euery towne and place of the Netherlands, whereas it shall bee desired or required by the inhabitants of the same, being in nomber as afore-said. Alwaies prouided, that both they of the one, and the other religion, shall present them-selues before the magistrate, where they shall seeke to haue the excercise of their said religion, who presently shall B appoint them a conuenient place for the same, that is in Holland and Zeeland, for them of the old religion, such Churches and chappels, as shall be found to be fit & conuenient, and for want of them, certaine places where they vsed to stand, where the said Catholikes may cause their chapell or church to bee newly erected, and in other prouinces, for the reformed religion such conuenient places, as the Magistrates shall giue and appoint them, so that they be a good way distant from the Catholike Church, if it be possible, to the end that by reason of the neerenes of the places, there may no question nor strife arise, as it is many times seene to fall out.
In which places, euery one of them, shall and may doe, hold, heare, and celebrate, C their Godly ceremonies, as Preaching, Praying, Singing, Baptizing, Sacraments, Burialles, Mariages, Schooles, and all other things respectiuely belonging to there seuerall religions. And where the aforesaid exercise of the reformed religion is not don openly, no man shall beeonce spoken vnto, nor brought in question for the same in any manner, for any thing that hee shall doe concerning the same within his owne house. Expressely forbidding vpon the paine aforesaid, both they of the one and the other religion, of what estate or quality soeuer they be, not to trouble nor molest one the other by word or deed, in the exercise of their respectiue religion, and the circumstances thereof, neither yet to scandalize or mocke one the other. But that euery man shall abstaine and refraine to come to the place, where other religion then his owne is exercised and D taught, vnlesse he abstaine from comitting any scandale or offence, & gouerneth himselfe according to the rules, and orders of the said Church and temple, whervnto he shall goe vpon paine as aforesaid. That all monkes, religious, and other eclesiasticall persons, shall and may freely, vse all their goods, tithes, and other dewties belonging vnto them, without any molestation or hinderance whatsoeuer. And this, without any preiudice to the Prouinces of Holland and Zeeland, who touching the spirituall goods, shall take such order, as is set downe in the twenty two article of the aforesaid pacifications of Gaunt, vntill it shall bee otherwise prouided by the generall estates; and to auoyd all prouocations to anger and other questions, it is expressly forbidden to make signe, or openly to set forth any flouting, iniurious ballates, songs, rimes, libels or scandalous E writings, neither yet to print or sell them, on either side.
It is likewise forbidden to all preachers, lecturers, and others, of what religion soeuer they be, that are to speake or preach openly, to vse any speech or proposition tending to vprore or sedition [...]. but shall behaue them-selues indifferently and modestly, saying or speaking nothing else, but that only which tendeth to the instruction and edification of their audience, vpon paine aforesaid. Forbidding likewise, (vpon like paine) all soldiers of what religon soeuer they be, to beare any signes, tokens or showes whereby they might moue or stirre each other to strife or contention. That they of the afore-saide resormed religion both in Holland and Zeeland and elsse where should bee bound, to obserue the lawes and customes of the Catholike Church, touching F Marriages allready made, and which there-after should bee made, in respect of the degrees of consanguinity and affinity, and that touching the mariages as now done in the third and fourth degree, they of the said religion shall not bee molested nor troubled for the same, nor the validitie of the said Marriages brought in question [Page 671] or doubt, neither yet denied, nor with-held from the children produced, or to be produced 1578. A of the sayd mariage. Prouided al [...]ayes, that the spirituall affinitie shall not hinder such mariages, and that there shall bee no distinction nor more difference made, touching religion in the receiuing of Schollers, sicke or poore persons, into the Vniuersities, Colledges, Schooles, and Hospitalls, then there is to receiue them into publicke Almes-houses, and other charitable places.
That they of the religion out of Holland and Zeeland, should bee bound to keepe and obserue the festiuall dayes, ordained and kept in the Catholick Romish church, as Sondayes, Fayre dayes, the feasts of the Apostles, of the Anunciation of the Virgin Mary, the Ascention of Christ, Candlemas day, and the Sacrament dayes, and shall neither worke, open their shops, nor buye nor sell vpon the same. That also vpon such dayes, as by the sayd Church it is forbidden to eate flesh, the Butchers houses and B the shambles shall bee shut vp, and euery man shall behaue himselfe according to the ordinances of euery place. And the better to vnite all the inhabitants of the Netherlands, wee declare, that both the one and the other of each religion, shall bee capeable, beeing fitte to bee imployed, to hold, vse, and exercise all manner of offices and states, as well of Iustice as otherwise: neither shall they of the sayd reformed religion, bee forced to take any other oth, nor bound vnto any other duties, then well and truly to exercise their office and function, and to keepe and obserue the ordinances appointed for the same. And for that the administration of Iustice is one of the principalest meanes to keepe and maintaine the subiects in peace and vnitie, and that the same, by C meanes of the diuersitie of religion, and other wayes, is troden vnder-foote in many places, to the great oppression and iniury of the innocent, and others seeking and desiring iustice. Therefore to preuent all slanders (at this day too much raigning) it is commanded and forbidden vpon paine aforesayd, vnto all Iudges, Magistrates, and particuler persons, from hence forth not to apprehend nor lay hold vpon any man, without obseruing three accustomed wayes; that is, in the deed doing, or by order from the Iudge, vpon lawfull information before giuen, or where the party plaintife appeareth, and giueth due information by writing. And that the persons, being by any of the three meanes aforesayd apprehended, shall presently bee deliuered into the D hands of his or their competent Iudge, there to bee iudged and ordered touching his cause or offence, as equitie requireth. And to the end that all bad humors in the common wealth may bee purged and rooted out, euery man is permitted without any perticuler interest to accuse one the other, so it bee done by due information, and before a competent Iudge, that shall be bound within eight dayes after or before, according to the custome of the place, to doc the party accused right and iustice, and therein to proceed with all diligence, either to condemne or discharge him, as he in iustice shall finde it requisite and conuenient.
And yet it shall not bee lawfull, for any man to slander an other, without cause or reason, neither yet to bring his name or fame in question, or to back-bite him vpon E paine aforesaid. And touching the execution both of ciuill and criminall iustice, to giue euery man reasonable contentment, it is ordayned, that from hence-forth all the offices of the Magistrates of the perticuler Townes, Villages, and Lordships of the Netherlands, shall bee executed by men of the best qualitie, and such as are fauourers and louers of their natiue countrey, without distinction of religion. Which Magistrates shall onely deale with the causes of Iustice, policie, or gouernment of the Townes and places where they are appointed in such cases to bee resident. Without any trouble, molestation, let, or impeachment to bee done vnto them by any man whatsoeuer, neither yet shall any seeme to meddle there-with in any sort whatsoeuer. And when as the Magistrates shall be renewed and new chosen, those that are called the eighteene or otherwise, which were put in their places, in greater or smaler number, shall bee wholy left of, with expresse command, not to deale any more therein, F nor to trouble them-selues with the publicke affaires, nor with the fortifications and watches of the townes, vnlesse they shall bee specially appointed and chosen therevnto by the Magistrates aforesaid.
[Page 677] And that touching the same, they shall therein giue no commission nor command 1578. A that is of any importance, but by fore-passed knowledge of the Magistrates of the Townes wherein they remaine, and by their expresse Commission, vpon paine as aforesaid. And that this our Edict may the easilier and the better bee obserued and kept, the Committies and other Deputies, or such as haue power to renew the Magistrates, shall nominate and appoint foure notable and sufficient persons, of good qualities and behauiours, at all times to bee ready, and that without request made by any man, to inquire about the defects and breaches of the aforesayd Edict, which information by them taken and put in writing, beeing signed by three of them, shall presentlie bee deliuered vnto the Magistrate, to take knowledge thereof, and there-vpon to proceed by speedy iu [...]ice and execution of the paines aforesayd, against the breakers B and suppressers of the s [...]me. Alwayes prouided that the offices of the sayd foure persons shall not continue aboue the space of a whole yeare, and that they shall bee likewise renewed and altered with the Magistrates. Giuen in Antwerp the two and twentith of Iuly 1578. As this religious peace was a remedie and medicine for many Townes, so did it likewise serue such as were ill affected and troublesome, to moue and stir [...] vp strife and contention in some Townes and Prouinces, which otherwise likewise were not very well pleased nor contented, as here-after I will show.
In Antwerp, Brussels, Mechelen, Bergen, Breda, Liere, Bruges, Ipre, &c. as also in Friseland, Gelderland, and other Prouinces and Townes, it gaue great contentment, and in those places those of the reformed religion had Churches appointed for them, C euery Towne according to their affections; the one sooner, the other later. In Antwerp, they appointed those of the reformed religion, to preach in the Chappell belonging to the Castle called the Moabite, the Iesuites Church, the Fryers Churches, the Dominican or preaching Fryers, and Saint Andrews Church, and after that also in the great Church of our Lady, and Saint Iames Church, they of the Catholike religion keeping the Quiers and Chappels, and part of the great Church for themselues. The sayd Churches beeing deuided amongst the French-men and the Netherlands, that were of the re [...]igion, Saint Georges Church, and the Nunnes Church, with other places, were appointed for them of the confession of Ausbourge, as making profession of the reformed religion, with the Swinglians & Caluinists, and agreeing in the points D thereof, and with them (as they said) lesse varrying then the Monckes and Friers do, as in the ceremonies of the Church, and in the exposition of the words of Christ, about the ordaining of the Sacrament, both sufficiently tending to the declaration of the true effect of the fruits or end wherevnto it was ordained, for the which all louers of peace and vnitie did not much contend. They had likewise their Churches in Brussels, and many other places more.
In Brussels the Lords of Champigni and Heze, the Marquis of Bergen, the Lord of Fassigen, and the Lord of Glymes, with others, presented a request, to hinder the religious The Gentlemen in Brussels present a request against [...] religious [...]ce. peace in that place, and that the Protestants might not preach there, all [...]dging that it was a principall towne whereas the Princes of the land were commonly resident; E saying, That thereby the sayd Towne might bee in hazard to loose the sayd priuileges, and spake very boldly touching their former seruices; saying, that they had charge from the councell of estate, and the generall estates▪ to resist and with-stand the reformed religion, and that they ought not to suffer any alteration for seauen or eight hundred mens opinions, but being discouered, they did it of their owne authority, the Bourgers opposed themselues against them, whereby they were much hated of the people, and the Lord of Champigni (notwithstanding his former seruices) was with the rest by Golonell Vanden Temple apprehended and committed to prison, and the better Champigni committed to [...]on. to be kept (as being found culpable of the same action, for the which the Lords were committed in Gant) hee was by meanes of some of the Bourgers sent to Gant, to the F other prisoners, the rest beeing released againe in Brussels. At Dorincke, Ryssell, and other Townes and places in the Wallon Prouinces, they began likewise to take order, to receiue and allowe of the religious peace, but by reason of certaine things that fell out, (which shall here-after bee showed) it was as then hindered.
[Page 673] The Duke Iohn Cassimire, hauing at an Imperiall dyet at Wormes, offered vnto the 1578. A Deputies of the generall Estates, to come and succour them with some troupes: Duke Cassimires armie. after that hee had mustred his men in the Countie of Zutphen being seauen thousand foote (whereof there were foure thousand French shot) and sixe thousand horse, remaining some-time in the Campe before Deuenter, the which was all that time besieged, hee came into Brabant, and the sixe and twentith of August ioyned with the states armie: whereas the Archduke Mathias went to receiue and welcome him, with all the militarie duties accustomed at the reception of a generall of an Armie that comes to succour. He had before stayed long with his forces in the Dutchie of Geldres, and had much trouble before hee could make them to passe the riuer of Meuze, for want of money, which the States could not furnish by reason of the Ganthois tumult, and the discontentments of the Wallons, which hindered the contribution of the Prouinces, B to pay the states armie, the which with that of Cassimires, cost monethly eight hundred thousand Florins. In which payment Arthois and Henault were the first, which breaking their promise with the other Prouinces, made default. Those of Flanders did not in like manner furnish any thing, or very little, vnder coulour that they were to defend them-selues against the male-contents: although for their parts they were to pay the third of all the charges of the armie: Arthois and Henault either of them an eight part, from whence nothing came: so as in sixe moneths the other voluntary Prouinces could not furnish aboue foure hundred thousand Florins, the which was farre short of the reckoning. Wherefore this goodly armie must of necessitie bee thus poorely dispersed, as it was, and the States runne more in debt, as well to C Duke Cassimire, as to the Duke of Aniou, and to their owne men. In the meane time the Prelates and Noblemen of Friseland that were kept prisoners at Leeuwarden, as wee haue shewed before, seeing that for no commandement of their Superiors, The Prelates and Nobles prisoners in Friseland escape. as of the Arch-duke Mathias gouernor; of the Prince of Orange his Lieutenant, of the councell of State, nor for any Commissioners that were sent vnto them, their deteiners would set them at libertie, they found meanes to escape all out of prison the seuenteene of September, except three Prelats, and three Gentlemen, who would not hazard them-selues to bee surprised in their flight and for feare to bee brought backe againe in disgrace. D
On the other side, in Arras the chiefe towne of Arthois, certaine young aduocates (whose names I conceale for their credits, some of them being allyed vnto me) vnder coulour to bee reputed good and zealous countrey-men, beeing through fauour of their places, and Captaines of the Bourguers (whereby they were armed) brought in contrary to the accustomed order, on the eeue of all Saints 1577. in the election of Aldermen, adioyning the Magistracie although incompatible with the Captaineship: yet fauoured and applauded by the people, for the good opinion and hope which they had conceiued of them, that they would maintaine the commonweale in the vnion of the generall Estates. Yet some of them hauing beene the motiue Secret practises in Arras. to draw from Antwerp to Arras Captaine Ambrose le Duke, to whome was giuen the place of Sargiant Maior of fiueteene companies of Bourguers within the E Towne, with a Cornet of fiftie horse, and a hundred foote to Captaine Gale his sonne in lawe, leuied for the safetie and preseruation of the Towne: yet soone after these men suffered them-selues to bee corrupted by the flattering of the Lord of Capres, Gouernor in particuler of Arras and of the Citty, and Lieutenant to the Vicont of Gant Gouernor of Arthois during his absence at the Campe, and by the pensions and promises of Prelates. Whereof the Arch-duke beeing well informed, and considering of what importance the disiunction of this Prouince from the generalitie might bee in time (the sayd Towne of Arras and Citty, beeing sufficient to keepe all the other Townes of Arthois in the vnion) if it were not preuented, and if F they did not disappoint the secret practises and dooings of the sayd Prelates, and o [...] Capres, who couertly sought to supplant the Vicont of the generall gouernment, of Arthois. Of which Prelates, and of some others tending to the sayd disiunction▪ Diuers committed to prison in Arra [...]. some were committed to prison by the suspitious Bourguers: Among the which was [Page 674] Damp Iean Sarazin Abbot of Saint Vaast in Arras, the keeper of his graine, the Signior 1578. A of Valhuon his great Bayliffe, Gerard de Vos Signior of Beaupere Lieutenant ciuill in the Towne. Iames de Lattre Aduocate to the Lord of Capres, the Chanoine Merline, the Signior of Warluzel, the Signior of Comtee, and [...]swatines sonne in lawe to the Signior of Naues President of Arthois: the Deputies of the Towne of Saint Omer (beeing then resident in Arras) the Councellor of the Towne, the Register of the States of Arthois, the Proctor Pinchon, and diuers others of qualitie, all suspected to bee ill affected to the generall vnion.
This I say, made the Arch-duke to ordaine (the which hee did afterwards reiterate by expresse charge and commandement to Capres Gouernor and Magistrate of the sayd Towne) to haue a Colledge erected of fifteene of the quietest B and wisest Bourguers of the Towne, which should bee elected and chosen out of their fifteene companies of Bourgers, three to bee named in euery company, and the most capable and sufficient of the three to bee chosen, to haue the priuate charge, and to watche for the publicke good for all inconueniences that might happen, as well by factions and practises, as otherwise in all occurrents. To the which were named maister The names of fifteene Deputies in Arras. Robert Bertoul Signior of Halenges, Maister Nicholas Gosson a great. Lawyer, William Caulier Signior of Belacourt, Maister Peter Bertoul Signior of Bois Bernard. Iames Moullot a Bachelor of the Lawes: Iames Caffart Receiuer to the Vicont of Gant, Robert Vassal, Nicholas Denis, Louis Roche, Iohn Widebien Signior of Iumelle, Iohn Pottier, Morand Campe, Sebastien Chocquet, Vincent Flamen, and Robert Penin a Proctor. C The election of all which fifteene aboue named, was done in the end to the great greefe and discontent of the Lord of Capres and the Magistrates, who could not contradict it, nor delay the election any longer. But they did not cease afterwards to giue vnto the sayd Elect (whome they called the Deputies of the Bourgesie) all the crosses they could, for that they had obteyned a Collegiall chamber in the Statehouse: detracting and slandering them in all sorts, although they did not meddle any thing with the pollitike gouernement, nor vsurpe any of the Magistrates authoritie, nor of the Gouernors (vnderstanding this charge freely, and without any fee) the sayd Gouernor and Magistrates seeking onely to make them odious to the Bourguers, that they might be rid of them vpon the first occasion. D
Not-with-standing these fifteene Deputies, as well in priuate as in open assembly of the Bourguers, labouring continually to maintaine the vnion of the towne, representing the great inconueniences which did hang ouer the countrey of Arthois, if they should bee at any time so miserable, as to disioyne them-selues from their ancient good neighbours and confederate countrey-men, the Flemmings and Brabanders, beeing as it were allyed to Arthois, from whome they had receiued so many benefits, yea that of hospitalitie, with all good vsage and courtesie, when as during the warres against the French, they had beene often-times forced to flye vnto them. The sayd fifteene producing many re-markeable examples of former times to confirme them. E
In the meane time the Signior of Capres, and the young Magistrates, hauing [...]ir first heate of zeale to their countrey cooled, whereby their ambition had mounted to the highest degree, one being become Pensioner to the Abbot of Saint Vaast, & another to the said Gouernor & other kinsmen fauorers and allies to the said William le Vasseur, began to giue eare to them that practised this disvnion. By whose perswasion the chiefe of Arthois made diuerse assemblies in the Bourough of Secli, at Beau [...]ort in the Abbey of Mont Saint Eloy, and in other places, where as some of these young Aldermen assisted, to second them that did so much affect the disiunction of this Prouince, some-times writing to the Townes of Lille, Douay, Mons, and others, to bring them to their bowe. But not-with-standing all the aduertisements which th [...]se fifteene F Deputies gaue in vaine to the Arch-duke and the States, that they might preuent it: for that the Vicont of Gant, Gouernor generall of Arthois, then well affected vnto them, remained in the Armie, beeing Generall of the horse, and therefore was for the most part absent from Arras.
[Page 675] The Signior of Capres his partisans and the magistrats proceeding on still in their dessigns, 1578 A had so aduanced their affaires as they held themselues assured of Bethune, Saint Omer, Aire, Hesdin and other places, nothing remayning more but Arras, where there were so many opponents and so cleere sighted as it was imposible for them to execute their practises, if they did not first supplant and displace these fifteene contradicting deputies; and the Captaines Ambrose, and Gele, for the better effecting whereof they appointed a generall assembly of the States of Arthois on the twelfth of October in the towne of Bethune (against all ancient custome) in the which it was resolued and decreed to free them-selues of the said fifteene, at what rate soeuer, which resolution was soone The States of Arthois [...]eld extraordinarily. after discouered, by the chaines that were newly drawne crosse the street vpon all the passages to the little market place of Arras, none being so simple, but by this innouation B he might foresee some strange apparent tumult. And the fryday following being the seauenteene of the moneth, the Magistrats hauing called all the Bourguers to the towne house, and set the sworne company of Harguebuziers in gard extraordinarily vnder the State house, the which was not lesse strong then the other companies together.
This confirmed euery man in the apprehention which hee had formerly conceiued of some future broyles, and did so alter the mindes of some of the most zealous to the good of their country, who had a promise to bee seconded by captaine Ambrose and his horsemen; as about noone they came with a resolution and forced this gard of the sworne band, without any effusion of bloud, but onely of two or C three that were hurt, and in this heat they mounted vp into the State house, and se [...]zed vpon all the Maigistrates in the councell chamber, whereas a great nomber of the Bourguers were assembled, but made no opposition, so as (without wrong or violence The Magistrats of Arras seaz [...]d on. done to any of them) they were deteyned (except three or foure of the most simple, who at the intreaty of the fifteene deputies were presently let goe) fower daies, vntill the twenty one of the moneth, during which time the most resolute and best affected of these fifteene, in the absence of Iohn Caffart their companion (who was then in Antwerp with the Arch duke and the councell of State, to take direction what was to be done in the like troubles) were Mediators to reconcile the Magistrates with the Bourguers that were thus transported, expecting the comming D of commissoners, which the said Caffart had required to bee sent from the court to Arras. The which being long delayed, the Prouinciall councell of Arthois beholding this confusion with greefe, hauing by promises and faire words wone Captaine Ambrose his cornet and cheefe officers, together with Captaine Gele and his company, they preuayled so by the fauour of some, and by the respect of their authoritie, many Bourguers being in armes (Ambrose and his men remayning spectators) as they with enseigns displaied came vnto the towne house (not without danger of a great slaughter of the cittizens of either part) and set the Magistrats at liberty by force.
The party of those that were well affected to their country, seeing them-selues E abandoned by the horsemen, and Captaine Geles company of foote durst not stirre: the Magistrats were desirous to be reuenged for this iniury: the Gouernor Capres being then absent returned hastily to Arras, and ioyned with them, being glad of this The Magistrat [...] of Arra [...] i [...]larged reueng themselues. alteration; setting vp a gibbet before the towne house: they seazed vpon a notable Bourguer, called Valentin Mordac, whome they committed to the Arcenall of the towne, and there caused him to bee hanged: they depose the fifteene Deputies from their places, they apprehend Allard Crugeot an Aduocate, and Peter Bertoul one of the fifteene, a man of seuentie yeares of age, they make their processe with all diligence, and the three and twentie day at night caused them to be hanged by torch light. And in the meane time the seditious Preachers did Preach and storme in F their pulpitts, that religion went to wracke, that all good order and pollicy, with the lawes and priuiledges of the country went to ruine, that the Pacification of Gant was broken by the Ganthois them-selues: that all accords and confederations betwixt them, the Flemings and other Prouinces were of no force and they freed [Page 676] and discharged from the bond and oth of association, Maister Nicholas Gosson a learned 1578. A Gentleman and a great lawyer, being seauenty two yeres old, from whome the Citty of Arras had (by his learning and sound Iudgement) drawne so many seruices for the publike good, yea in the time of the duke of Alua, was kept prisoner for the respect they had of him and for his great age in the towne house, for that hee had giuen his aduise (being required to speake) that it was not fit in any sort to disioyne themselues from the Flemings, not so much in regard of the oth of the vnion, as for the great profit and commodities they had alwaies drawne from Flanders and Brabant, by reason of their proximity and neighbourhood to Arthois, by which Prouinces they had beene receiued and courteously entertained during the warres against the French, whether sometimes they had beene forced to fly: giuing them therein both sound B and holesome councell, with as many pregnant reasons as hee could possible produce to cut of this monster of disiunction, which was afterwards the cause of so many miseries throughout all the Netherlands, for which councell (if they had followed it) both the towne of Arras and the whole country of Arthois had beene for euer bound vnto him.
But contrary-wise thereby to begin to shew forth this monster, on Sater-day the fiue and twenty of October, the Seignior of Gosson being in his bed, they caused him to rise, and arraigned him, accusing him (for this good councell which hee had giuen them) to be the Author of sedition, tumults and popular mutines, and a troubler of the publike peace, he who was a man so decaied and decrepit as he came not out of C his study, where hee herd all consultations and gaue his aduise, hauing traueled much for the common weale as well by writings (the which are yet extant) as other-wise, and by these accusations, not-with-standing all his obtestations, exclamations, protestations and recusations, they condemned him to loose his head, from whence hee appealed to the councell of Arthois, who confirmed this sentence sodenly, the which was so hastely poursued, as his processe was begon and ended, two appellations determined, and the sentence put in execution, betwixt one and two of the clocke of Sonday morning, and all was dispacht with such celeritie, as there was but seuen The Seignior of Gosson be [...]dded in Arras. howers space from the beginning of the processe to his execution. A very extraordinary thing and of bad example for such a person. D
Afterwards they seazed vpon one Morand Camp one of the fifteene, whome after they had kept languishing sixe monethes in prison, they caused to bee hanged the very day that their disiunction was concluded in the Abbay of Saint Vaast. The rest of the fifteene Deputies reconciled themselues with the Magistrats. Iohn Caffart and one other which could not bee taken, and without doubt had beene executed, were banished and their goods forfeited against the preuiledges of the citty. Many good Bourguers were vsed in the like sort, which had beene noted to be forward in this trouble. And thus was the disiunction of the Prouinces of Arthois, Henault, Lille, Douay and Orchies made; Arthois hauing led the daunce, as wee shall hereafter shew more at large. The Ganthois to suppresse the roads and spoyles of the Malcontents E of Menin, leauied at that time some troupes for their defence, with the which they did sometimes charge these mutined Wallons, saying that Don Iohn hauing beene the first breaker of the Pacification of Gant, and they so much opprest by the Malcontents, they could not doe lesse then to stand vpon their gard, and incounter them that came to assayle them at their owne doeres, without any cause or authority from their Soueraigne. They also called Duke Iohn Casimire to their ayde, whome Iohn d' Inbise chee [...]e Bourgue maister of Gant had set for of his priuate authority, (some would say that hee would gladly haue made him Earle of Flanders, but being a doubtfull Duke Casimire comes to Gant. thing I leaue it in suspence) whether hee went with some Cornets of Reistres vnknowne to the States. But hee profited little for his owne particular, and did lesse F good for the States, but that hee receiued little lesse then a hundred and fifty thousand florins of his pay, from whence hee retyred soone after into Germany, discontented with the States.
[Page 677] The first daie of October, Don Iohn of Austria, bastard brother to the King of Spaine, 1578 A Lieutenant and captaine generall of the Netherlands, died of the plague as some thought in the campe neere vnto Namur, a yong Prince full of high desseignes, proud and presumptuous, after that hee had by his dissembling (which hee could not so conceale but it burst forth) troubled the state of his King and Lord, and the affaires of the The death of Don Iohn of Austria. Netherlands more then euer. But others are of an opinion, that it was conceit and greefe, as it apeared by two of his letters, which were intercepted by Monsieur de Saint Leger, whereof the one was written vnto Iohn Andrea Doria Prince of Melfi, and the other to Don Pedro de Mendoza, Ambassador of Spaine, lying in Geneua, both bearing date in the campe a mile from Namur, the seauenteenth of September, in the yeare of our Lord 1578. wherein hee complained of the long delaies vsed in Spaine, B touching that which should bee determined, about his affaires in the Netherlandes, and with what policie and patiencie hee was to arme himselfe to withstand the same, that he must of force suffer himselfe to bee inclosed by his enemies, which had almost stopped vp all his passages, in such sort, as hee should bee constrained to retire to the place, appointed him for his vttermost refuge, for that hee had no hope to fight, as beeing to weake, vnlesse he should forcibly make a passage through his enemies, and so escape awaie, and that whensouer hee should doe it, the King (who was the onely cause thereof) would be in danger to loose all the country: he complained further, that he had made a new motion vnto the King, that hee would take order what hee should doe, and his Maiesties pleasure should be obeied, and put in execution, but that he feared the remedy C would come to late, for that neither his writing nor his meanes, preuailed not, saying, that both his hands beeing cut off, hee was fully perswaded that their meaning was, hee should likewise stretch out and lay downe his necke, and so desiring them to haue him in remembrance in their daylie praiers, he committed them to God. He that is desirous to know more hereof, may reade the booke of the sayd letters, printed by William Siluius in Antwerp, by which letters, (written not long before he died) it appeeres, what a troubled minde, and how much discontented he was, being yong, high minded and inconstant, yet wanting no iudgement, hee had great aduersaries in the Court of Spaine, as the adherents of the duke of Alua, who sought by his policy and great experience to draw Don Iohns proceedings into dislike. D
From his youth vpwards hee alwaies sought to aspire to a Kingly estate, and to effect great matters, as it likewise apeereth by a Spanish booke, made by Anthonio Perez Secretarie to the King of Spaine touching the death of Iohn Escouedo, Secretary to the aforesayd Don Iohn for the which the sayd Anthonio Perez, (after long imprisonment and persecution, and great vprores touching the same in Arragon, about the priueledges of the country, whereof the King tooke great reuenge) was forced to flie into France, and after that into England, and there staied. In the sayd booke it is shewed that Don Iohns minde was wholy addicted to aspire to high matters, and that the King of Spaine had apointed him a trusty Secretary called Iohn de Soto, who serued him well in the warres in Granado, and in his office of Admirall in the great victory against the E Turkes, but while that Don Iohn was in Italie, the Pope was secretly delt withall, to make him King of Tunis, which the Kings secretary vnderstanding, and the motion beeing afterwards made by the Pope vnto him, the King thanked the Pope, for the great care, he had of his brother, but he denied the request, as being much mooued, and very iealious thereof, for that hee seemed to depend more vpon the Pope, then vpon him, suspecting his Secretary Iohn Soto to bee the cause thereof, and therefore tooke councell and agreed with Anthonio Perez his Secretarie, to deuise the meanes to place Iohn Escouedo to bee Don Iohns Secretarie, promooting Soto to a better place: and gaue Escouedo diuerse and perticular instructions, to pull downe Don Iohns haughty and proude minde, and to bridle the same, and so to amend that which Soto had neglected, F but Don Iohn beeing sent for to bee gouernor in the lowe countries, pretended that as soone he should haue gotten the full charge and commande ouer the souldiars in the sayd countries, and setled the same in peace, that hee would enterpize somewhat [Page 678] with them against England, (as it hath beene partly shewed) and there to put 1578. A the Queene from her crowne, and to marry with the imprisoned Queene of Scots and so to make himselfe King of England, wherevnto hee had obtained lea [...]e, and the name or title thereof from the Pope, with promise of aide, hee had likewise a secret practise and contract in France with the Duke of Guise and the league, which they named the defence of both the Kingdomes of Spaine and France, which the King also vnderstood by his Ambassador Iohn Vargas, Don Iohn not once perceiuing it, although hee caused his pretended enterprize against England to bee certified to the King by the Popes legate.
But that was broken off, for that the Estates in the Netherlands, beeing then in treaty of peace with Don Iohn, would by no meanes consent, that the Spaniards B should goe out of the countrie by sea, whereby hee was preuented of his purpose, and perceiuing that in the Netherlands, by reason of the Estates good policie and foresight, there was no meanes or matter of great honour or dignitie to bee attained vnto, beeing desperately minded he sought secret meanes to bee discharged of the same gouernment, or els to haue so great a powre of men and money from the King as he might by force become maister thereof, or of some other place: whereby it apeared that hee would in a manner compell the King to followe his humor, as it is apparant by the letters aforesayd, and others also from Escouedo, and specially by one bearing date the tenth of February in the yeare of our Lord 1577. Wherein hee wrot that hee was so much out of conceite with himselfe that hee had failed of his enterprise against England, C that with meere discouragement, hee was of the minde to be become an hermite: for that he could not finde in his heart to liue as hee had done to that daie; saying further, that rather then he would liue in that gouernment, (vnlesse it were vntill an other came to take his place) there should no resolution bee so hard and difficult vnto him, that hee would not sooner take in hand, although it should cost him his dearest bloud, insisting so earnestly vpon his discharge that he sayd hee would leaue it, either by faire or foule meanes, and that if hee were not discharged thereof, hee sayd, hee feared hee should fall into the sinne of disobedience, to shunne the sinne of dishonor, saying that hee had rather to goe take an aduenture into France, with sixe thousand foote and two thousand horsemen, then to staie in the gouernment of the Netherlands. D These desperate and doubtfull speeches, mooued the King of Spaine verie much, and gaue him great occasions of distrust, when such things were secretly brought vnto his eares.
Remembring likewise some of the words he vsed before hee went into the Netherlands, saying, that whensoeuer hee was King of England, that then he would be equall with Spaine, especially if hee once got the entry into Saint Andrewes, and the castle, which is the frontire of Biskaie, and a fort vpon the rode called Megro, from whence all Spaine was to bee ouerrunne and vanquished. These and the like dealings with the Pope, and the Duke of Guise, beeing knowne vnto the King and some of his familiers, bred great suspition in the Kings minde the falt thereof beeing layd vpon Escouedo E his Secretary, esteeming him to haue added more therevnto, then his commission was, and therefore, hee beeing sent into Spaine by Don Iohn, the King gaue expresse commandement that hee should bee staied there, and for that Don Iohn wrot so earnestly for money and for his secretary Escouedo, the aforesayd Anthonio Perez the Kings Secretary, had commission, to finde the meanes to kill him, as secretly as hee could, that Don Iohn might haue no suspition thereof, for that the sayd Anthonio Perez was the onelie man, that with the King, knewe all Don Iohns and Escouedoes proceedings, and two or three more, that were but partly made acquainted therewith, which Perez by his aforesaid booke acknowledgeth to haue done by the Kings commandement, vseing therein a certaine souldiar called Gartia Darze, and fiue or sixe others, F who in an euening, as hee was going to his lodging, sodenly inclozed him about, and killed him as if there had bin some priuat quarell betweene him and them.
The death of this Escouedo, brought many iealousies into Don Iohns head, who [Page 679] finding himselfe to bee charged with many limmited instructions, and commandements 1578. A from the King, hee became still more and more distempered, whereby hee knewe not what to resolue, as the aforesayd letters declared, and therefore his suddaine death gaue men cause of great suspition, that it was secretly procured, although that greefe and conceite haue more force in Princes haughtie and proude hearts, then in meaner persons.
Don Iohn beeing dead in the armie, his bodie with great and stately pompe was borne into the Church at Namur, and from thence carried into Spaine, leauing his Lieutenant, Alexander Farneze Prince of Parma, gouernor in his place, that was afterwards inuested with the same by the King himselfe: this death of Don Iohn, fell out verie well for the Netherlands, considering the state wherein they as then were, as I haue alreadie shewed. B
ALexander Farneze Prince of Parma Nephew by bastardise to the King of Spaine, Sonne to his bastard sister, succeeded Don Iohn in the gouernment of the Netherlands: the Ganthois begin to mutine. The Prince of Orange is much troubled to reconcil [...] them: the Duke of Aniou retires into France. The building of the disunion of Arthois and Henault the which is conc [...]uded in the Prince of Parmas campe before Masstricht: Whervpon they make a more stricter vnion at Vt echt, betwtxt the Prouinces which continue in the generality. The King of Spaine hinders the Emperor and some Princes of Germany from treating of an accord, and generall reconciliation, wherevpon an assembly is made at Collogne, where they treat of it but in vaine, those of Holland▪ Zeeland and their Associats thinking it had beene only to circumuent them. Gant falls againe into troubles by the practises of Imbise the Burguemaster, the which the Prince going thether in person doth pacefie by the absence of Imbise. The taking of townes and ouerthrowes at that time of either part: the speech and aduice of the Prince of Orange to the estates of the generall vnion: the state of Friseland and Groninghen. The Duke of Aniou brother to the French King called for Protector, and partly Lord of the countries remayning in the vnion: the Archduke Mathias after thankes giuen him, retiers by reason of his insufficiency: the King of Spaine proscribes the Prince of Orange, & sets his life to sale: to euery point of which proscription the Prince makes answere. The vnfortunate seege of the states of Flanders before Ingllemoustier, defeated, and the signior of La Noue taken prisoner. Macklin and diuers other townes surprized by the States: the Prince of Conde comming from England into the Netherlands is at Gant: the Prince of Parma makes a vaine enterprize vpon the sayd towne, but not without great danger thereof: what past in Friseland at that time: St [...]nwic beseeged by the Spaniard, victual [...]ed and succored by the States. The death of the Earle of Reneberg and what he was: the taking and retaking of townes of either part in Friseland, Flanders and else where: the Prince of Parma hauing long beseeged and blockt vp the Cittte of Cambray, the Duke of Aniou comes in person to su [...]cor it, and victuells it, the Spaniard refusing to fight, whereas hee was receiued and acknowledged for Duke of Cambray and Cambresis, the signior of Inchy remayning Gouernor of the towne and Cittadell in the sayd Dukes name.
ALEXANDER Farneze Prince of Parma, the sonne of Duke Octauio and the Ladie Marguerite bastard to the Emperor Charles the fift being the yeare before come into the Netherlands, succeeded after the death of Don Iohn of Austria in the gouernment of the sayd countries, beeing before his Lieutenant: a Prince much more milde and temperate then the other, to whom the whole armie tooke their oth, and acknowledged for Gouernor in the campe neere vnto Namur. Yet through the death of Don Iohn the Spaniards affaires were somewhat crost and hindred, Bins taken by the Duke of Anicu. for the duke of Aniou imbracing this occasion, went to beseege Bins in Henault, the which hee battred and gaue an assault, and although hee tooke it not at the first, yet in the end hee forced it, the Spaniards beeing to much troubled in their campe for the death of Don Iohn, so as they neither had meanes nor leisure to succor it, and when they would gladly haue done it, it was too late, for it was forced and taken by assault, the French killing all that they found armed, spoyling the towne and Churches, the which happened the seauenth of October.
The same moneth the Ganthois meaning to build a fort in the Village of Lauwe a league from Menin, they sent three hundred Prioners and Pesants, with some of their The Ganthoi [...] defeated. companies, to labour there. The Malcontents hearing that this fort vpon the riuer of Lys should be a bridle vnto them, went & fell vpon these poore laborers and soldiers of Gant, whom they defeated, and cut some of them in peeces, & carried others prisoners to Menin: from thence they went to the village of Warneton, where there is a castle belonging to the Prince of Orange, betwixt Menin and Ypre, two leagues from the one & the other: a place very famous for the good cloth is made there, in the which there were two companies of the garrison of Ypre, whom they charged, and for a longe time found [Page 682] good resistance, but the Flemings not able any longer to endure their force fled some 1578. A to the Castle others where they could, in which charge there died of either side about three hundred men. Those in the castell yeelded the next day, being the seauen-teene, departing without armes: the Bourrough after that it had beene spoyled was most of it b [...]rnt: from whence these Malcontents carried great booty to Menin: and from thence they went to doe the like to the towne and mount of Cassel in Flanders, where there is also a Castle.
Some of the cheefe of the towne of Gant, among others the Seignior of Rihouen great Baylife, moued at all these acts of Hostilitie of the Malcontents, and to bee reuenged of their enemies drew forth of the towne the forth of October Maister Iames Hessel in former times councellor of the councell of troubles in the Duke of Aluas time, Iames Hassel and vis [...]h hanged at Ga [...]t. and the baylife of Englemonere named Visch, whom they caused to be hanged on a tree B aquarter of a leage without the towne, without any forme of Iustice therin obserued: the said Hessel had a long gray beard, the which was cut of, and the said Bay life ware it in his hat for a triumphe, entring in this manner into the towne: the which afterward: (thinking he had done a great peece of seruice, and that it would be an acceptable present) he sent vnto the Prince of Orange, who would haue beene gladder such an insolency had not beene committed, although that Hessel was a great enemy vnto him, hauing assisted the Attorny generall to make the Princes processe. This act was much displeasing to many good men, by reason of their manner of proceeding, although that these two men were wicked, peruerse, cruell and odious to all the world: some iudging that these executions were done vpon spleene, others to be reuenged of the extraordinary executions C that were done in Arras, vpon the Seignior of Gosson, Bertoul, Crugiot, and others.
The Prince of Parma hauing taken vpon him the Gouernment of the country and of the King of Spaines army, past the riuer of Meuse neere vnto Ruremonde withall The Duke of Parm [...] p [...]eth the Meuse. his troupes in the beginning of Nouember, attending the returne of Duke Casimiers Army. In passing, Collonell Mondrágon with his Regiment of Wallons and Spaniards seazed vpon the strong Castle of Carpen in the terrytory of Cologne, after that he had battered it a whole day, he caused Captaine Byel to be hanged at the port, and six and thirty soldiers vpon trees, for that they would not yeeld when they were somoned, The taking of Carpen. but would attend the fury of the canon. Then hauing taken Weert, Helmont, and Faulquemont D he descended to goe to Eyndouen, and in like sort tooke the Castle of Grobbendonc (que) where they slue all that were Netherlanders borne, but they saued the strangers liues, especiall the french, at the intreaty of the Seignior of Serre, a French captaine seruing the Spaniard, who retired them-selues into Herental, where at that time the Seignior of La Noue remayned. The Arch-duke, the Prince of Orang and the States considering that Duke Casimirs going to Gant had caused these bad impressions in the Wallon Prouinces of Arthois Henaut, Lille, &c. as if by the alliances made with the Queene of England, the Duke of Aniou and Duke Casimire (whome it seemed the Flemings had sent for) they would haue dismembred all the Netherlands, and all vnder pretext of religion: they sought all good meanes to purge them that we [...]e The States acti [...]s [...]. E infected with thee errors, and to pacifie the Malcontents, for that some nimble spirits (among the which was Valentine de Pardieu Seignior of la Motte Gouernor of Grauelinges reconciled to Don Iohn before his death, the Seignior of Capres, some prelats and others) interpreted sinisterly as tending to a dismembring, and so they perswaded others that were not yet moued, where-vpon the Arch duke and the States appointed the Prince to goe into Flanders, who arriued at Deudermond the twenty of Nouember, where hee entred to that end in conference with the Bourgue-maister Imbise, Borlut and others, as well Maisters of the companies, as cheefe of the Bourguers, to whome the States had the fourth of Nouember according vnto their F resolution of the twenty of October, sent an act, conteyning in summe, that they did admit the free exercise of the Romish Religion throughout all Flanders: and the enioying of their possessions and reuenewes to all them of the clergie of the savd Religion, vpon condition that for their parts they should liue peacebly and faithfully, [Page 683] without attempting any thing against the State, vpon paine of exemplary and rigorous 1579. A punishment, according to the which the Archduke, Prince and States, would Articles propounded to the Ganthois. labour to draw the other Prouinces to consent and to accept of like liberty of religion: and that they should haue a care that the Nobility were not contemned, nor held in any other esteeme or ranke then was fitting for gentle-men. That no Prouinces were oppressed nor their iurisdictions broken: that good iustice should bee administred to the gentlemen that were prisoners at Gant, as soone as the strangers were retired out of the country: And in the meane time they should send the said prisoners with a good gard into a neuter place, to whome there should bee no violence nor outrage offered. Which Articles if the said Ganthois would accept and entertaine, they should bee receiued vnder the protection and common defence of the Archduke, the Prince and generals estates against any force that should B bee offred them. And they would deale so as the Wallon soldiars and Malcontents should retire out of Flanders, and should ioyne them-selues with the States army. But if the Ganthois refused to do it, they would seeke by all meanes to force and constraine them.
For the better perswading of them of Gant there came vnto them certaine deputies from the magistrats and Collonels of the towne of Antwerp; who laid open before Deputies sent to t [...]e Ganthois. them, the oth sworne by them and the fruits thereof, how requisit and necessary it was to haue it obserued in all points, to chase the enemy out of the country, or at the least to make him retire beeyond the riuer of Meuse. That without the contrybution C of Flanders it was not possible to entertaine the army, the which otherwise would breake and disperse to the ruine and desolation of Brabant, Flanders it selfe and other prouinces. That Brabant being in a manner all deuowred and eaten vp, the army must of necessity come into Flanders, which the Brabansons, should not be able to ayd nor succor, seeing that all their meanes were ingaged to the generality for the fower next moneths; wherein also the Geldrois could not assist them, seeing that for the payment of nine monethes, they had alredy furnished, sixteene thousand florins, being in danger of the enemy frontering vpon them. As for Friseland it was to farre from them, who also for their part, had (besides the said nine monethes) contributed, D twenty three thousand florins. They of Holland and Zeeland through their long precedent warres were quite exhaust and drawne dry, with the great charges wherevnto they were subiect, for the reparation and entertaining of their dikes, so as at the most they could not entertaine aboue twenty fiue or thirty companies forseruise. As for them of Arthois and Henault, that they sought money from others to pay their garrisons, and from whome they should rather feare a reuolt, then any good, wherefore they of Antwerp did intreat the Ganthois, that (to shew them-selues conformable to the intention of the Archduke Prince and States) they would send some notable summe of mony to court, to releeue their country, in this extreame necessity, besides the three or fore hundred thousand which they had furnished in nine months. The tenth of Nouember the Duke of Aniou sent the Seignior of Boniuet to them of Offers made by the duke of Aniou to the Ganthois. E Gant, intreating them to remedy and reconcile their diuisions, for the pacefiing whereof they could not choose a more competent iudge them himselfe, who sought nothing more then to accord them with the Wallons Malecontents as hee had formerly pacefied the troubles in France. And as for the prisoners, that they should put them into his hands, with whome hee would deale, as by the common aduice of all good countrymen, and especially of the Queene of England should bee held iust and right.
The next day the comissioners of the Archduke, Prince and States, did exhibit their commission to them of Gant, and propounded that which they had to saye vnto them, with a deduction of many pregnant reasons, and inconueniences that might The Queene of Englands declaration to the Ganthois. growe, if they did not yeeld vnto the Articles which had beene offred vnto them. The F same day the Queene of Englands Embassador, according to her Maiesties letters of the twelth of October and the sixt of Nouember, gaue them to vnderstand that by their courses and manner of proceeding, they gaue occasion to all the world to thinke, [Page 684] that they sought nothing more then to entertaine a mortall warre, whereof all their A neighbours did so much desire to see an end. That it seemed they would not subiect 1578. themselues to any superiority or higher power, but would make a world by themselues, whereby some might bee easely moued to assist the States to force them to obedience. That they should bee carefull that for the appetit of some quarrells and priuate intrerests, the good and welfaire of the generality were not indangered, to fortefie the enemy, and to weaken their brethren and country-men, and of friends that were strangers to make them enemies. And although it was to bee presumed that Duke Casimir being come to succor the States by the meanes of the Queene of England, had beene secretly called by them to ayde them, yet (said the Ambassador (her Maiesty found it very strange. The which made her thinke, that all this trouble might be easely pacefied, if the Ganthois would conforme them-selues to the councell of the B Prince of Orange and the generall estates in three points: That is in the restitution of Clergie goods that are yet in esse; in the suffring of liberty of religion, and to deliuer into her maiesties hands (or of some other neuter Prince) the prisoners where they should bee kept with as good gard as the Ganthois could desire: wherefore her Maiestie sent them word that if therin they would not bee perswaded and yeeld, they should giue her great cause not onely to bee a stranger vnto them, but also to abandon them quite; wherefore they said Ambassador intreated them, that they would duly consider and resolue theron: Finally he required at their hands (in the Queenes name) a bond for forty fiue thousand pounds sterling, conformable to them of Brusselles, Antwerp, Bruges, Middelbourg, Dordrect, Amsterdam, Dunkerke and Nieuport. The thirteene C of Nouember they of Brusselles sent their deputies also to Gant, to make the same Deputies from Brusselles to Gant. complaints and propositions which they of Antwerp had formerly done, with some other reasons tending to make them leaue of their partialities and factions, producing many goodly examples at home of former times happened in the like occurrents.
Vnto all these propositions and aduises, of the Ambassador of England and the Deputies of Antwerp and Brusselles, the Ganthois answered the eighteene of the moneth. That they found not them-selues in any sort bound vnto the Articles and conditions that were propounded vnto them, vntill that their stipulations and promises had beene first propounded vnto the Archduke, Prince, and Generall estates, and The Ganthois answer to the articles propounder vnto them. by them accepted: That is, that the Ganthois should not bee bound to receiue the D Romish Relligion, or to performe any of the Articles, if first of all the Wallons and Malcontents, did not desist from all acts of hosty lity, and retire out of Flanders. And when the other Prouinces had receued and admitted liberty of religion in effect, withall the other points and Articles, they said they would not sequester nor dismember themselues: but that they would acknowledge the Arch-duke as Gouernor generall, the Prince of Orange his Lieutenant, and the generall estates in all humility as their superiors, and obey them in all Christian and reasonable commandements. And the rather for that they with the other members of Flanders had conceiued a singular inclination and affection, in the administration of mylitary discipline, with a naturall loue to their country, and especially to the profession of the reformed religion, from the E which they protested they would neuer bee drawne, neither for life nor death: and to acknoledge for euer the good and sincere affections which the said Prince carried vnto his country, whereof he had giuen sufficient testymony in the late warres.
This answer of the Ganthois being seene by the States did not greatly please them, which was the cause of the Princes going (as we haue said) to Denremond, and from thence (after many conferences and contradictions) he came the 4. of december to Gant where being arriued hee sent for the deputies of the Magistrats of the towne to heare his propositions and demands, conteyned in sixe Articles. First that they should Articles propounded to the Ganthois by the generall est [...]ts. accept the articles of the act, which they had formerly sent vnto them touching F the accord. Secondly that they should not forsake the union of the generall estats, but should ioyntly ayde to maintaine it. Thirdly that in the affares of the country, and of the Conty of Flanders touching the generality, they should not resolue any thing without the aduice and consent of the 4. members of Flanders. Forthly, seeing that there was [Page 685] no order set for the time togather in the common mony, nor for the prouiding thereof; 1578 A that there should bee a certaine rule set downe, (to take away all suspition) as well for the receit as the distribution of the generall contributions. Fiftly that the affayres concerning the gouernment of the towne and common-weale should bee managed by common voices, without disorder or confusion, according to their preuiledges. Sixtly and lastly that their should bee published a lawe of amnesty, or forgetfullnes, to take away all doubts, and that euery man may bee the more assured and content, to the end that their hearts might be vnited, and mutuall loue entertained.
These articles were approued by most of the Bourguers and Magistrats, who intreated the Prince that hee would perswade the companies of trades, and the members of the towne there-vnto, that no man might make any difficulty; for as for that which B they pretended that two religions could not subsist in one towne, that had beene sufficiently discoursed of, in a petition touching liberty of religion, exhibited by the protestants themselues in the moneths of Iune and Iuly, going before vnto the Archduke, Prince and States, by the which they craue nothing more, but that they might freely exercise their religion, which free exercise being allowed them of Gant, it was reason that therein they should agree with the Romish Catholikes, whereby euery one might serue God according to his conscience, and as he will answer at the day of Iudgment, for the helth of his soule. As for the transporting of the prisoners out of Gant, to Antwerp, or any other place where they pleased, that they should make no further C difficultie, seeing the towne drawes no proffit thereby, but only great charge and trouble to keep them, the which they were not resolued to send into any neuter place, without good caution and fideiussory bonds. To induce the Ganthois therevnto, the Prince alledged vnto them first the duty wherevnto they were bound, the inconueniences The Princes reasons to perswade the Ganthois to Concord. that were like to growe if they were not vnited, the neighbourhood of the Wallons Malcontents, who practised a priuate reconciliation with the Spaniards; the oppressions which the lesser townes of Flanders were forced to suffer to contribute besides their ordinary taxes, to these wallons, so as they of Oudembourg had for a long time paid eighteene hundred florins a day. That the other members of Flanders would not depart from the obedience of the Archduke, the Prince and States: D that the other Poruinces, as Brabant, Holland, and Zeeland, might abandon them in danger of their enemies, who would soone bring them vnder, to their totall ruine. In the end so many goodly perswasions and reasons were made vnto them by the Prince and others well affected to their country, as the sixteene of December they agreed, and the free exercise of the Romish Relligion was established. By reason whereof certaine Churches were restored to the Catholikes for their deuotion and The Romish Religion established in Gant vpon certaine conditions. seruice, and liberty to go in procession within the Churches onely, and to carry the Sacrament in the streets without bells or other ceremonies. The religious men were restored to their Cloisters and couents, but if any would not returne by reason of their consciences, then the Magistrats should appoint them reasonable maintenance. And E that for the greater ease and releefe of their poore, the foure orders of their begging friars should be excluded: some other cloisters and monasteries were made Colledges and scholes for both religions: none of the said religions might molest, disquiet nor scandalize the other in word nor deed. The Protestants might not enter into any Church of the Romish Relligion if they would not behaue and gouerne themselues as the rest: vpon festiuall daies limited, none should doe any worke publikly nor open any shoppe. In regard of opening of the butchery and selling of flesh, therein, they should obserue the auncient Statutes and orders of the towne. The subiects of both relligions should take an oth vnto their superiors, to bee obedient, and to helpe to punish the wicked, especially the breakers of this decree. And according to the same F the Archduke Prince and States, shall hould them vnder their defence and protection. All commanders, collonels, captaines, and officers present & to come, shal swere to entertaine All things reconcil [...]d in Gant. al these points and articles, as also the cheefe of trades and companies with the ministers, those of consistories, clergimen, chapters, colledges and couents, shall also sweare the same. As for the prisoners, not any thing was determined, but that nothing [Page 686] should be attempted against them without good knowledg of the cause. After this accord, A the clergy-men returned euery one into the possession of his goods, dignities, 1578 Monasteries and Churches, but this good vnion continued not long, as we will show.
All things being thus reformed in the towne of Gant, the Arch-duke, Prince and States thought it good to treat and make an agrement with the Malcontents and The Malecontents treated wit [...] but in v [...]e. Wallons that were at Menin, wherein they imployed some noblemen and gentlemen, whome they knew to haue some credit and authority among them, with the best perswations they could deuise to pacifie them, and to draw them to some good accord. But nothing was effected, for those that were the cheefe motiues of their alterasions for the kings seruice (as they said) that is Damp Iohn Sarasin Abbot of Saint Vaast of Arras, the Seignior of Capres, William of Vasseur Seignor of Valhuon B and some others, tending to desiunction, as we haue said, alleding that by this liberty of Religion graunted by the former articles, the pacification of Gant and the vnion which had followed it, were violated, and were directly repugnant vnto them, whereby they began to discouer that these alterations of the Malcontents, sought some other subiect or collour, to disioyne them from the generality, then the payment of their entertainement which they had alwaies made great shew of. The Marquis of Haurec and the councellor Meerkerke were sent vnto them, but nothing preuayled, and this mischeefe so increased, as by little and little the said Abbot and others with the Seignior of la Motte woone sometimes one and sometimes an other. And in the end the Vicont of Gant fearing to loose his gouernment of Arthois, The vicont of Gant and the [...] in [...]ue the States. C (which he knew the Seignior of Capres Gouernor of Arras did affect) ioyned with them: The Earle of Lalain gouernor of Henault, hauing suffered himselfe to bee perswaded, thought also to draw his Brother the Seneshall of Henault vnto them being afterwards Prince of Espinoy.
The Ganthois on the other side imputing all these actions of the Malecontents (where of the Seignior of Montigni Heze, Capres, la Motte and Alennes were the cheefe) to mere ambition, priuate profit, desire of rule, and hatred to the Protestants religion, and for their parts hauing tasted the sweetnes of ecclesiasticall goods which they had formerly seazed on, the which to fall to some agreement with the Malcontents, they had left, seeing the practises of these gettlemen to continue that moued D them to stirre vp the comons againe against the clergy, to breake and beat downe Images more then before, and their insolencie grew so great, as to breake vp tombes and to open the sepulkers of Princes, among others that of the Queene of Denmarke sister to the Emperor Charles the fift to haue the lead she was wrapt in, troubling the rest of the dead, who lay for a time vpon the pauement without sepulkers. Then they began to chase away all Preests, Monks and other Church-men, pretending that they had broken the last accord, in suffring Monkes to preach in their Churchs, whereas none but their Curats and Viccars should haue beene admitted. And in truth a Monke preaching sediciously in Saint Michaels Church was the cause of the first muti [...]e. The like happened in march at Denremond and Oudenard, so as those E Townes sell into a greater Labirinth of troubles then before. The States armie being as wee haue saide, broken and dispersed of it selfe, and Duke Casimiers troupes feeding vpon the poore countrymen all the winter about Tillemont, and Arschot, attending their pay. The Prince of Parma marched into that quarter with his army, and began to treat with them to make them retire, so as in the end they had a pasport to depart out of the Netherlands within fifteene daies; robbing, spoyling and carrying away all they could lay hand on in the villages where they past, hauing no entry giuen them into any towne. Duke Casimire being at Flessinghes at his returne from England, hearing of the retreat of his troupes, followed them with all The retre [...]t of Duke Casi [...] [...] of [...] army. speed, taking no leaue of the Archduke nor of the States, being then assembled at Antwerp: who hearing of the departure of his army, they sent after them intreating F the collonels that they might retaine still in their pay two or three thousand men, horse and foote but being already vpon the way they would not returne, the regiment of Lazarus Muller did also retire.
[Page 687] The Germains that were in Deuenter after that they had made as great resistance as 1578. A they could, vnder the gouernment of the Seignior of Hauercourt a Bourguignon, and had held it from the end of Iuly to the twentith of Nouember, making many skirmishes, so as of 1200. men which they had, they were reduced to fiue hundred, after that the. Towne had beene battred three daies togither by the earle of Rheneberg Gouernor of Deuenter yeelded to the States. Freezland, seeing the assault readie to be giuen, they yeelded vpon composition to haue their liues and goodes saued. The first of December the Earle of Swaertzenbourgh (of whome wee haue made mention before) being Ambassador from the Emperor, presented him-selfe againe vnto the States, by aduise of the Emperor, and of some Princes Electors, vppon the last propositions and treatie of Peace, demanding an answer Cont Swartzenbergh pur [...]ues his legation. thereof, with the which, for the desire he had to pacifie the warres, and to settle the Netherlands in peace, he transported him-selfe to the Prince of Parma, but they could B not agree, so as it proued fruitlesse.
The one and twentith of the Moneth Maximillian of Henin, Earle of Bossu, generall of the Sates Armie, Lord Steward to the Arch-duke Mathias, Councellor of State, being taken with a burning feuer, died in Antwerp, who was much lamented both of the The death of Cont Bossu. Nobilitie, soldiers, and common people. The fiue and twentith day the Duke of Aniou, defender of the libertie of the Netherlands (as he tearmed him-selfe) gaue the States to vnderstād by Monsieur Domartin, the causes which moued him to returne into France, & to leaue those countries. Among other points he alledged the instāce, which the king his brother made, by reason of some tumults which had hapned in France: and that in C the Netherlāds they had giuen the people to vnderstand, that his Presence did hurt the general Peace that was in hand, & that hee sought to seaze vpon the townes of the said The Duke of Anious retreat into France. countrie, wherein he would disproue them, in deliuering vp all thinges after his departure into the States hands. He also made an offer, that where-soeuer he were, he would remaine alwaies well affected vnto them: In the end taking his leaue of them, he wisht them to remember the great charges he had bene at to succor thē: leauing Monsieur D'Espruneaux for his Ambassador Leeger with the States. The States being amazed at this sodaine and vnexpected departure, they sent the Seignior of Fromont, and Doctor Gilles Martini, Secretarie of the towne of Antwerp, to let him vnderstand how much they were greeued: beseeching him so to accomodate his affaires, as he might remaine D in the Netherlands, and acknowledging the benefits and fauors they had receiued from him, they offred all seruice, with a promise of full contentment and satisfaction fit for his greatnesse. After his departure, a good part of his troopes retired to the Malecontents of Menin, especially of his footmen.
In Ianuarie 1579. Salentin Earle of Isenbrug Arch-bishop and Prince Elector of Cologne, leauing his ecclesiasticall dignitie, married with the daughter of the 1579. Earle of Arembergh. The Chapter and the Diocesse could not at the first agree vppon the election of a new Prince, yet in the end Trucses was chosen, but being also married, and seeking to reforme his Diocesse and to retaine the dignitie with his wife, there followed great warres, the Chapter hauing dispossest him: At the last Ernest the E victorious Prince of Bauaria, hauing chased away Trucses, and dispersed his troopes, was acckowledged Arch-bishoppe of Cologne, Bishoppe of Liege, of Frissinghe, Hilessem & other Bishopprickes and great Benifices, and the Popes Legat in the lower Germany. The first of March the Prince of Parma caused his armie to aduance before Antwerp, trusting it may be vpon some intelligences, which he presumed to haue; presenting him-selfe in the quarter of Deurne and Burgerhout, suburbes of the towne. The Burgers hauing drawne the chaines of their streetes, set their rounds of euery side, appointed euery man his quarter, and shewed themselues very resolute and vnited to defend the towne; saluting the Spaniards with their great ordinance, who were in skirmish with certaine companies of English and Scottish, in the trenches of those suburbes and of Berchem, whome they charged vntil night; but in the end they were forced F to retier by the towne canon, after they had lost aboue 500. men and 200. of the States. The Spaniards retired presently towards Louvaine, after that they had burnt some houses and milles of the Iurisdiction of Antwerp: The Captaines and chiefe [Page 688] officers of the States side, that were either flaine or hurt, were brought into the towne: A the dead were buried, and the rest were gratified by the Magistrates for their valour and 1579. good seruice: those of Antwerp complaining of the bad paiment the States made vnto the soldiers, considering the great summes of money which they had furnished to that end for their parts. Wherevpon not long after the English companies, suing for their pay from the generall Estates beeing assembled at Antwerp, seeing they delaid them too much, some forty of them attending the comming forth of the States from the Councell, about noone day, seazed vpon the Abbot of S. Michael, (a rich Abbay in the sayd towne) carrying him in the midst of them through the towne, vnto the hauen, where they imbarkt him in a ship among their men, threatning him, that if they were The English men take the Abbot of S. Michaell. not payd by his meanes, to cast him into the water. But the Prince of Orange and the Collonels of Antwerp, did pacifie them, and vppon promise that they should bee speeddily B paid, they deliuered the Abbot. Wee haue said that before the mutine of the discontented Wallons, which had seazed vpon Menin (although that this seazure and surprize was not done by the sole and onely authoritie of the Lord of Montigni him-selfe, The coullord reasons of the Malecontents. but by a long pretended practise) was at the first colloured for their pay, and not (as they sayd) to alter any thing in the generall Vnion of the States: The which Montigni him-selfe shewed his letters written vnto the Arch-duke, and to the Prince of Orange. Where-vpon the said Noblemen were perswaded to send the Seignior of Bours, Gouernor of Macklin to treat with them, and to reclaime them: He went and propounded certain articles vnto them, yeelding vnto all they could demand. The Malecontents according vnto the articles which were granted vnto them vpon their demands, tooke C a new oth. But the countries of Arthois, Lisle, Douay and Orchies, seeing the Dukes of Aniou and Casimire retired with their forces, and that the Malecontents were yet within Menin; refusing to leaue it (notwith-standing all the promises of the States, and their new oth) began then to make open shew of the desire they had to forsake the Vni on, the which they had kept secret since the moneth of August in the yeare before: when as they of Arthois failed to send their contribution for the entertainment of the army. And first of all, the Prelates of Arthois and Henault did corrupt with readie money the sayd Lord of Montigni, (of all which trafficke La Motte-Pardieu was the broker) for the which he receiued a hundred and fifty thousand florins: and as they of Arthois, thrust on by the Seignior of Capres, and the Abbot of Saint Vaast, and also by them of Douay D (who had bene the first mutines) hauing torne the Arch-dukes letters, and committed the messenger to prison, could not do any thing without them of Lille, whereas the Seignior of Ville [...]val was Gouernor, who seemed some-what suspect vnto thē, or atthe least hard to bee drawne; one of these Prelates sayd that he would giue 40000. florins for his part to be assured of him: Wherevnto a certaine Gentleman of Arthois replied, that he assured him-selfe that for that sūme he would draw him into their faction. And in the meane time the Seignior of Villeruall sent one Charles of Calonne an aduocate of Lille, vnto the Prince of Orange, with letters of the seuenth of August 1578. and goodly protestations that he would continue in the generall Vnion. The Seignior of Bours who had bene (as wee haue said) sent to treat with the Malecontents of Menin, Diuers Knights and Gentlemen c [...]upted w [...]th money by the Spania [...]ds. E suffred him-selfe also to be corrupted, deliuering the towne of Macklin to the Spaniard, as well in hope of a marriage which he afterwards obtained, as for that he had no greater aduancement from the States, nor the pension which hee expected from them of Antwerpe, hauing helpt to reduce the Castell. The Seignior of Mauny, Lieutenant Collonell of the Earle of Egmonts Regiment (being entred into Saint Omer and put the Burgers into a tumult, ready to cut one an others throat, when as some suffred themselues to be ouer-ruled by the perswasions of the Seignior of Rumenghien, newly crea [...] Earle of Roeux) was also corrupted with money. The Seigniors of Heze and Alenes marcht in the same round. True it is, they said that al this money was to pay their Malecontented F soldiers, but since it was well knowne how they were paid. For the making of all these bargaines, the Seignior of La Motte treated long before they could agree with Alonso of Curiell a Spanish pay-maister, as it appeared by their letters which wee haue seene: Finally the capitulation being made in Grauelingh by the King of Spaines [Page 689] Commissaries, made mention of seauen hundred thousand Florins (that is to say to 1579. A buy our faith good cheape) whereof 200000. were payd to the Lord of Montigni, according to the agreement made by La Motte at Mont Saint Eloy. Which accord was set forth by them, and printed at Douay by Iohn Bogard a sworne printer, the same yeare as followeth. Wee Emanuell of Lalain Baron of Montigni, &c. Do acknowledge and declare, that wee haue this day the sixt of Aprill 1579. concluded and agreed with An accord made by the Baron of Montigni. ‘Mounsier De la Motte Gouernor of Grauelingh in his Maiesties name, in the presence and with the reuerent consent of the Bishop of Arras, the Baron of Selles, and Mounsier de Valliuon, as well for our owne person as for that of the Lord of Heze, by vertue of the authoritie which he hath giuen vs, and also for all other Collonels, Captain [...]s, Officers, & Soldiers, as well of foote as horse, which haue obeyed vs in Flanders and other places, for these seauen or eight moneths, being at this present about seauen or eight B thousand foote, and some 400. horse, and certaine Pioners, to serue his Maiestie with that forme of oth which followeth. Wee sweare and promise to maintaine and entertaine the Chatholike, Apostolike and Romish religion, & to performe the obedience due to his Maiestie, and all according to the pacification of Gant, the Vnion which followed and the perpetuall Edict, to which end wee promise to serue his Maiestie faithfully against all men, and to obey his Lieutenant and Captaine generall, whome soeuer he shall appoint, beeing pleasing to the vnited Prouinces, to maintaine them-selues in the aboue named points. To which Prouinces if his Maiestie giue reasonable assurance, and doth not retire the Spaniards, Italiens, Albanois, Bourguignons, and other men of C warre not pleasing vnto the said Prouinces, by the day and time that shall be prefixed, we shall not be then tyed nor bound by vertue of that promise, as also we shall not bee bound to attempt nor vndertake any thing before the retreat of the Spaniards & other strangers out of the countrie: which oth we will cause to be sworne by our troopes, & according to the same we will deliuer into his Maiesties handes the townes of Menin & Castell, and all others which we hold, with their artillerie and munition, to be disposed of as shall bee thought fit for his seruice: And for the paying of what is due vnto the said troopes, and for the making of them more voluntary, orderly, and subiect to Martiall discipline, for the well seruing of his Maiestie. VVee Valentine de Pardieu, Seignior of La Motte, Gouernor of Grauelingh, promise in his Maiesties name, to pay and deliuer D into the hands of the Baron of Montigni, the summe of two hundred and fiue thousand florins, that is forty thousand presently, threescore & fiue thousand by the sixt of Maie next, and the other hundred thousand by the seauenth of Iune following: in regard whereof, wee Lord of Montigny do promise to entertaine our troopes for all the moneths of Aprill and Maie next cumming, and to make a generall muster of the sayd troopes, to enter into seruice and ordinary paie in the beginning of Iune next. And we Seignior of La Motte do promise to cause them to be receiued in his Maiesties name, & to haue a moneths paie deliuered them, by the 15. of that moneth.’
‘In witnesse whereof we haue signed these presents, and set to our seales of armes in the presence of the Vicont of Gant, Monsier de Capres, and of Monsier D'Allennes, the day E and yeare aboue mentioned. This accord was published by the Baron of Montigni in A confirmation of the Baron of Montignie [...] accord. an assemblie of the States of Arthois held at Arras, as followeth.’
‘My Lord the Baron of Montigni, in an open assemblie of the States of Arthois, and deputies of the States of Henault, Lille, Douay, Orchies, held in the Abbaie of Saint Vaast in Arras the 7. of Aprill. 1579. hath shewed the contract & accord made by him with the Seignior of La Motte, the which declared that the oth mentioned therein, tended to no other end but to serue his Maiestie for the maintenance of the pacification of Gant, the Vnion which followed, & the perpetual Edict, especially for the reall retreat of the Spaniards out of al these countries, with sufficient cautions of a durable peace.’
Behold vpon what coullor the disvnion was grounded, and the priuate reconciliation of them of Arthois, Henault, Lille, Douay & Orchies conceiued, the which burst forth F and shewed it selfe the 29. of Maie following, although the first foundation was laid 9. moneths before, as it appeared, by the failing of them of Arthois in their taxation: & by the Estates of Henault the 15. of October 1578. by their instruction sent to the Prince [Page 690] of Espinon their gouernor, and to them of Tournay and Tournesis, of the which we wil A hereafter speake: meaning first to declare the course that was taken to attaine 1579. vnto the heigth of this diuision, wherof those of Lille made the first open demonstration by their resolution which they sent to the generall Estates assembled at Antwerp, the which wee haue thought good to insert, with the States answere to their letters, the tenor whereof was.
‘My Lords, we would not fayle to aduertise you of that which by a generall and ioynt Letters from them of Lille, Douay and Orchies to the generall Estates. consent of the members of state of this Prouince hath beene resolued and decreed in an Assemblie held this daie, as well for the vniuersall good and generall assurance of all these countries, as for the quiet and maintenance of this Prouince in particular, which is to seeke and imbrace the meanes to put the Spanish souldiars and other strangers out of the countrie, being the spring and original of al our miseries. Or at the least once B for al, to take away al difficulties & doubts, if his Maiesties intention be to hold & effect that, which his deputies offer vnto vs in his name, or that those promises be but baites to diuide vs, and to reduce one by an other: the which breeds all these diuisions & distrusts, which at this present do so miserablie dismember the whole country, as the cleering therof may plainely cause a reunion, yea a full and absolute peace. And to this end, (as by our faith and oth we are al bound) we haue aduised and resolued to send deputies on our behalfe to the assembly of the states of Arthois; to the deputies of his Maiesty & the Prince of Parma, to let them vnderstand, that we haue alwaies bin and are yet ready to submit our selues to his Maiesties due obediēce, if it shal please him to cause the pacification C of Gant, the generall vnion and the perpetuall Edict to be really obserued, with good and sufficient assurances: giuing powre to our sayd deputies, if they find matters likely to be effected, to treat further of necessarie assurances. And as those points be the only foundations, for the vniting of these Prouinces, and that wee can pretend nothing more, vnlesse we will greatly offend; we hope that your Lordships wil find it verie conuenient, yea and will aduance it all ye can. And to the end there be no difficulty in the effecting thereof, and that during these treaties no inconueniences may happen, wee hold it fit, and will put to our helping hands to raise a great army, that in case the Spaniards and other strangers shall make refusall to goe out of all these countries, to imploy them more resolutely against them then euer. The which wee most humblie beseech D your Lordships, to take in such part, as the true and sincere affection which we beare to the publike good of all these contries doth merit: the which shall receiue an incredible benifit thereby, either by being freed from their aduersaries (wherevnto they haue alwaies chiefely aspired, and imployed all their meanes for the effecting thereof) or by such an explanation to bee out of all difficulties and diuisions, wherein we meane not in any thing to disioyne our selues, but rather to seeke the generall good, wherevnto wee haue alwaies aspired, as your Lordships may more particularly vnderstand by the act of the sayd resolution herevnto adioyned. And so pray vnto God &c. from Lille the last of March 1579. the subscription was, your most affectionat to please your Lordships the states of the towne and Chasteleine of Lille, Douay and Orchies, and the Clergy and Nobility of the same. Signed Fontaine.’ E
Such was their resolution. The 30. day of March. 1579. in the assemblie of the foure chiefe Iustices of the Chasteleny of Lille, the Aldermen and Councel of the sayd towne of Lille, representing the states of the sayd townes and Casteleines of Lille, Douay and Orchies, with the Prelats, Clergy and Nobility thereof: Deputies of the accounts, Officers of the gouernment of Lille and other preuileged persons: resolue touching the reconciliation with his Maiesty, and the maintenance of the Prouinces strictly vnited, during the treatie and reall effecting thereof. The said States, Prelats, Clergie, Noblemen and preuileged persons, in the presence and with the aduice of Mounsier de Villerual Gouernor of the sayd towne and Chastelenies, and of the Baron of Montigni, considering F that the treatie of the sayd reconciliation begun long since on the behalfe of his Imperiall Maiesty had no successe: and that on the other side his Catholike Maiesty, as well by his Commissioners and deputies sent to the towne of Arras, as by the letters of the Prince of Parma, written vnto the states being in Antwerp the 9. of this ‘[Page 691] moneth, to entertaine and keepe in euery point the pacification of Gant, the vnion, and 1579. A the perpetuall Edict, and to giue sufficient caution and assurance. Hauing also plainely discouered, that many of the other vnited Prouinces will not imbrace the sayd reconciliation without interposing matters of religion. The sayd States, Prelats, Clergie, Nobles and preuiledged persons of Lille, Douay and Orchies, haue resolued to accept of the sayd offer. Alwaies prouided that the obedience demanded by his Catholike Maiesty, be conformable and nothing derogating to the sayd pacification, vnion and perpetual Edict. And as the first and chiefe point of the sayd pacification, vnion and Edict, and the onelie meanes to take away all iealousie and distrust, consists in the retreat of the Spaniards, Bourguignons, Italiens and other strangers men of warre, vnpleasing to the states; the sayd retreat shalbe really effected as soone as may bee, by his Catholike B Maiesty; and the townes and forts held by them in the Netherlands, shalbe deliuered vnto them of the country. During the which there shalbe an army raised of them that are borne in the country, to preuent all inconueniences and to be imployd against the said Spaniards and other strangers in case they will not depart out of the countrie. His highnesse and the deputies of the states assembled at Antwerp, shalbe aduertised of this resolution by letters, to take away al sinister opinions which they may cōceiue of the sincere intention of the sayd States of Lille, Douay and Orchies, tending to the sending away of all Spaniards and strangers, and the restitution of the townes and forts held by them, to them that were borne within the countrie: A most necessarie and profitable thing for all the Prouinces; the which with the fruits of the sayd reconciliation euery one C may enioy if hee please, meaning to comprehend them therein. By meanes whereof the sayd reconciliation may rightly be called generall, and not particular. And for the effecting thereof, the sayd States, Prelats, Clergy, Noblemen and priuiledged persons, of Lille, Douay and Orchies, shall send their deputies vnto the assembly of the states of Arthois, Henault and others, with ample instructions. And to end and determine such difficulties as may rise by the sayd conference, there shalbe a councell of state held in the towne of Lille, whom the sayd deputies shall aduertise from time to time of all difficulties, and demand their councel and resolution. Thus made and concluded in the sayd assemblie the daie and yeare aboue mentioned. I being present. signed Fountaines. Wherevpon the generall Estates answered, as followeth.’ D
‘My maisters wee haue receiued your letters dated the last of March, with an act of the resolution taken by you the daie before, touching the reconciliation with his The States answere to them of Lille. Maiestie. And although wee finde your desire and intention to bee commendable, to seeke and imbrase the meanes to free the countrie of Spaniards and other souldiars strangers, the spring and beginning of all our miseries. Yet we thinke the haste you make to treate in particular, verie dangerous; seeing that by this meanes the progresse of the treatie of a generall peace is staied and hindred, beeing alreadie begunne at our instance and request by his Imperiall Maiestie, and his Ambassador the Earle of Swartzenbourg, beeing greatly to bee feared that if you proceed in this priuate treatie with the enemie, in steede of procuring a good peace, you will E kindle a more cruell warre against the other Prouinces then that at this present against the Spaniards: the which is the enemies onelie intent and drift, knowing well that it is impossible and verie hard for him to compasse his desseignes, if it bee not by the separation and distraction of the Prouinces: wherevnto by his flattering hee will seeke to allure you, not once thinking to performe that which hee promiseth. You remember the goodly letters and promises which the King made (as well in generall as in particular) at the comming of the Duke of Alua, and what crueltie and massacres followed, when as the sayd Duke was once entred into the countrie, and when as hee had no collour to accuse or blame the subiects to haue offended his royall Maiestie, as they doe now pretend: and since wee haue seene in what manner F the Court of Spaine hath proceeded against the Noblemen of these countries, by the letters which the King did write vnto Rhoda: where hee was commanded to entertaine them, and to shew them a good countenance, vntill that hee were come to the end of his affaires: and in like sort commandement was giuen vnto Don Iohn of [Page 692] Austria to doe the like. And it is apparent that he sent not the Spaniards out of these 1579. A countries, before he was assured of the chiefe forts thereof, and of high Germaines and Netherlanders, being yet in seruice, to draw the Spaniards in againe when hee pleased. The offers and goodly promises which the Baron of Selles made, are also fresh in memorie, at his first comming into these countries, that the Catholike King would entertaine the pacisication of Gant, and yet he himselfe returning brought the contrary: that is, that the pacification of Gant was scandalous, and that they should not speake nor make any mention thereof. So as you cannot expect nor hope for any thing of these priuat treaties, but all fraude, circumuention and dangerous enterprises. Although they haue perswaded you that the retreat of the Spaniards and other strangers shalbe really effected with as much speed as may be, for it sufficeth the enemy to seperate you, and to B hold you in suspence in this hope and expectation, that they may in the meane time hinder the common succors of Mastricht, and without their danger consume you, with a great bodie of an armie, which you intend to raise, and to frustrate vs of our contributions. And moreouer by that meanes to encrease the distrust, and to incense the other Prouinces against you: who being of the one side assailed by their enemies, and on the other dra [...]n into iealousie and distrust by the army which you shal entertaine (especially by reason of former letters & threates of them of Arthois and others) shalbe forced for their safeties to enter into other leagues, and to leauie new forces, whereby a dangerous ciuill warre may grow, and the totall ruine of the Prouinces. And this is the end of their practises which propound this particular peace; wee therefore intreat you C that you will haue regard and call to minde the oth and bond which you haue vnto the generalitie, and not to seperate your selues from it. But contrariwise leauing the sayd particular treatie, to assist the generalitie both with councell and money, as you haue so often promised, to shewe vnto the enemie by effect, the good vnion and force of the Prouinces: which is the true and only meanes to draw them vnto reason, and to attaine vnto an assured peace, for they that seeme most difficult, and haue their forces readie to defend themselues, doe alwaies obtaine a better and more assured peace, then they which rashly and by themselues, leauing their allies, enter into particular capitulations, whereby they do neuer reape the fruite which they expected by their seperation, but thinking to purchase their liberty and peace, they fall into seruitude and misery. D Moreouer examples and histories do shew, that Kings and great Potentates, to recouer their countries and authority promise wonders, and performe not any thing, especially to their owne subiects, whom they haue once held rebells. And wee wonder much that the sayd act of the 30. of March is grounded vpon the slacknesse of the Emperors treatie and that the Prince of Parma had written vnto vs by his letters, that hee would entertaine and effect in all points the pacification of Gant, and that many Prouinces would not imbrace the reconciliation, without entermingling matters of Religion: seeing that the stay growes neither from the Emperor, nor from vs, but from those Prouinces which haue entred into priuate treaties, the which the enemie finding more auaylable he hath delaied to treate with the generality, by the meanes of his Emperiall E Maiesty. It is vntrue that the Prince of Parma did euer make offer vnto vs by his letters to effect the pacification of Gant, as you may plainely see by the coppie of those which he sent vs, and our answere therevnto. Moreouer other Prouinces haue beene carefull not to treat anything in particular with the enemie, or to make declaration vnto him that they would not haue the question of Religion handled. So as wee finde you are abused by some wicked spirits, disciples of Escouedo, which seeke to diuide vs, and to stirre vp a warre for Religion, and to chase away and massaker one by an other; as hereto fore hath happened in Germanie, England, France and else-where. Intreating you a [...]aine [...]o weigh and consider all things well, and to continue vnited with vs, to repulse the common enemy, and presently to send your deputies hether, to determine and resolue F of publike affaires by a generall consent, and to send our deputies to Cologne, to make a good and assured generall peace. Wee for our parts doe promise to helpe and assist you in all things that shalbe needfull for your quiet and prosperitie: and entring into a generall treatie, to yeeld vnto all reasonable conditions, as wee haue offred to [Page 693] the Prince of Parma, as you may see more at large by the coppie of our answer. Whervpon 1579. A we pray vnto GOD &c. From Antwerp the eight of Aprill 1579. vnder written your good and affectionate friends, the generall Estates of the Netherlands. signed. A. Blyleuen. The superscription was. To the states of Lille, Douay and Orchies.’ During all these practises of priuate reconciliation of thé of Arthois, Henault, Lille &c. The Prince of Parma holding Mastricht beseeged with a mightie armie, where as the Mastricht beseeged by the Prince of Parma. sayd Prouinces had their deputies, who sollicited all they could, Peter of Melun, Prince of Espinoy, Seneshall of Henault (newly succeeded to the sayd Principality by the death of Charles of Melun his elder brother) gouernor; and the States of Tournay and Tournesis, according to the first practises, which were made in October 1578. and The Prince of Espinoy tempted. the instruction giuen vnto the signior of Charpesteau by the states of Henault, at the same time when as the states of Arthois and they of Arras began their broiles: which B instruction we haue also thought good to insert in this place, before we proceed, as followeth. The signior Iosse of Cāpen squier, signior of Charpesteau, Ostregnis &c. at the [...]e ‘quest and deputation of the states of the country and county of Henault, shall transport Instructions giuen to the signior of Charpesteau. himselfe with all speed vnto the states of the country, towne and Citty of Tournay and Tournesis, and shall present vnto them the humble commendations of the said states of Henault & their letters of credit. According vnto the which he shal giue them to vnderstand, that we ought alwaies to stand vpon our gard, & to foresee al inconueniences that may happen; much more when we see the fire kindled, we must fly to the remedy, to hinder and preuent a greater ruine and combustion. It is most notorious, that although the C Prouinces in these parts, laboring to recouer their liberty, and to free themselues from the Spaniards and their adherents, and from the yoake and seruitude, wherevnto they would subiect them, had treated a pacification with the Prince of Orange, and the states of Holland, Zeland and their associats: by the which it was expresly promised & sworn, not to attempt any thing that might be scandalous against the Catholike, Apostolike and Romish religion, vpon paine to be blamed and punished as troublers of the saith & publike quiet: & thervpon was made and sollemnly sworne a general vnion, contayning the same points: yet it appeeres plainly of all sides, that the sectaries and heretiks carry themselues most insolently, preaching and making publike exercises of their sects and D pestiferous religions, ruining and profaning the holy Sacraments, Cloisters & Abbaies spoyling Churches and Images, and massacring Church-men and good Catholiks, surprizing and doing outrage to monasteries, townes and castles, forcing, rauishing and abusing holy virgins and other chast wiues and maidens, applying to their owne vse, the goods and reuenues of the church, imprisoning & putting to death with great indignity, Bishops, Prelats & honorable persons, that were iust & innocent: subuerting al ancient order of iustice, gouernment, and lawfull Magistrats, bringing to that end both men and ordinance to field, and doing al acts of hostility. And they did not only exceed therein, but haue also attempted against the nobility with such fury, as it appeers painly (and as some of the chiefe of them haue shewed openly) that they are resolued and fully determined to ruine and roote them out, one after an other, and all good Catholiks for euer. E It is certaine they had not beene forward and violent in their pernicious desseignes, if they were not animated and supported by them which haue most sworne, promised, signed and ratefied the said pacification, who at the least for their iustification, should Hee me [...]nes the Duke of Aniou whom the Earle of Lalain had called, or the Prince of Orange, or Duke Casimire iudge [...]ich. seeme to bee displeased therewith, and helpe to suppresse and punish such outrages. Wheras contrariwise we see that he which is come mercinarily, & to the great charge of the country, to serue and succor it against the common enemies thereof, is gone with his forces to succor them, being called (as the brute goes) to be not only their Protector and Defender, but also gouernor or Lord of the country: leauing and abandoning both the campe and the country, in prey to the common enemie, if they had power to do it. The which wee ought to preuent in time, and to seeke all meanes (which is the Office of Christians) by a common course, and in discharge of the vnion so sollemnly sworne F by the Prouinces, to suppresse such insolencies, rashe excesse, and outrages. The which hath not yet beene done: to the great preiudice, interest and decaie of our holie saith, Catholike and Romish Religion, and of all good men, and likely to [Page 694] augment daylie and to continue, to the ruine and rooting out of all Pietie, Nobilitie 1579. A and order of pollicy and iustice, if it be not preuented: fore-seeing therfore that the negligence of many Gouernors, the dissimulation of some, the secret practises of the chiefe, and the small zeale and courage, which they that hold the better partie, carrie to the preseruation of our sayd faith and Religion, and the helth and publike peace, may soone cause a ruine and generall desolution. The sayd states of Henault haue fore-seene, that it is needfull and more then necessarie, that those Prouinces which are least dismembred, and haue maintained themselues till now vnder the pacification of Gant, and the sworne vnion, should imbrace the affaires with more earnestnesse, and resolue of some such remedie as should bee thought most fit and conuenient. Not to attempt anie new thing, or contrarie to the good of the common cause, but vnder an expresse protestation to maintaine and de [...]end themselues according vnto the termes of the sayd B pacification and vnion, against the more then barbarous insolencie (exceeding the Spanish) of the sayd sectaries and of their adherents: and to preuent the rooting out (as they pretend) of our sayd faith and Religion, of the Nobilitie, and generally of all order and state. Beeing a matter greatly to bee considered, that the negligence of the good (if thereby all bee supplanted and rooted out) will purchase vnto them (besides the irreparable losse) a perpetuall infamie, to haue bin so weake and faint hearted, hauing so good a ground and foundation in the cause, as it may rightly be termed pleasing vnto God, helthfull vnto men, and highly to bee commended before all Christian Princes, yea of the Catholike King our Lord. Moreouer they should shew themselues vnworthie of the succors and assistance of my Lord the Duke of Aniou, hauing so willingly C imbraced the defence, cause and quarrell of the Netherlands, against their common enemies, if they should saile to make demonstration, how much they are displeased that a mercenarie (beeing called by the sayd treacherous sectaries) against the publike faith, and the intention of the Prouinces and the generall Estates, should take vpon him their protection, his highnesse beeing called, receiued and proclaymed with the title of Defender of the Belgike L [...]ertie, as euery one knoweth. Wherfore for that we vnderstand that the Prouinces of Holland Zeeland, Flanders, Geldres and others, are entred into league: it is fit after the example of those Heretikes, which thus ioyne togither to doe euill; that in like manner the Catholike Prouinces of Arthois, Lille, Douay, Orchies, Tournay, Tournesis, Valenciennes and Henault should ioyne and vnite themselues D strictly togither, and by a good and mutuall correspondency, seeke to maintaine themselues, defend the faith, and withstand and suppresse all such violence. The which being once vndertaken, and published, there is no doubt but the Catholikes that are driuen away and opprest, yea many Catholike quarters and townes (wherof there are yet many) will declare themselues, and ioyne also, and assist withall their means and powre. And although that this vnion and coniunction, which is not new, nor tending to any other end but to the preseruation & execution of that which was so sollemnly sworne and allowed by the Prouinces, wil be sinisterly interpreted by the fauorers of the sayd seditious Heretiks & periured sectaries, yet it is not fit to suffer things to run to ruine & infamy, nor wilfully to cast away our selues, seeing that the end of this businesse wil be glorious, E and by Gods assistance fruitfull, the ground being so iust and necessary: wherfore seeing that it concernes the honor, glory and seruice of God, the preseruation of our holie faith, and the Catholike Apostolike and Romish religion, togither with the Nobility & al good Catholiks, and their honors, liues, wiues, children & possessions. The said signior of Charpesteau shall do his best endeauor to represent them plainly & effectually vnto the Estates of Tournay and Tournesis: & to worke in such sort as they may yeeld vnto the said coniunction & vnion, as well in generall as in particular, laboring for their parts with the states and other Catholike Prouinces, to ioyne also in the said vnion, assuring them that they shal be therein faithfully seconded by the estates of Henault, who F will not faile, to hold good and mutuall correspondence with them: this busines requiring al dilligence, for that the mischiefe is at the dore, and that they may so long delay it, as it wil be to late, or impossible to preuent it: desiring to haue as soone as may bee, a good end and a fruitful resolution of their intention. Made at Mons in an open assembly’ [Page 695] of the States, the 13. 14. and 15. of October, and signed vnderneath Carlier. 1579. A
Vpon these points conteined in this instruction, being so inuectiue, and iniurious, they of Henault, Arthois, Valenciennes, Lille, Douay and Orchies, grounded their disiunction from the other Prouinces comprehended in the Pacification of Gant, and wrought their reconciliation with the king, laboring to draw the towne of Tournay, and Tournesis into it: but they did not consider that by this instruction they did secreatly pourchase the kings indignation, in that they did so much protest against the retreat of the Spaniards and other Srangers his seruants in whome he most relyed for the preseruation of these countries, the which being retired they spoyled the King of his forces and authority, as if vnder collor of a reconciliation, they would prescribe him a law. And also in that they speake so heighly of the Duke of Aniou, giuing him B the Title of defender of the Belgicke liberty: the which is a hatefull title to a naturall Prince and mutch suspected, when it is giuen to a foraine Prince: Iealousie holding no measure in that case, although for a time they dissemble and wincke at it. The Seignior of Chaerpesteau being come with this instruction to the Prince of Espinoy gouernor; and to the States of Tournay and Tournesis, he found but cold entertainement, and small acceptance of his speeches, notwithstanding that the Bishop of Tournay, called They of Tournay and Tournesis refuse to Enter the reconciliauon. Pentaflour, made great instance, and was very importunate with the States and Prince, who being alwaies vnwilling to giue eare to priuate reconciliation, answered that to attaine vnto a generall one, hee would imploy both body and goods, but he would neuer disioyne him-selfe. That he had taken an oth vnto the Generality, against Don C Iohn and his adherents, the which he would maintaine vnto the death vntill hee, were absolued and despensed thereof of by the said generality: that they knew wel the condition of Kings that hold them-selues wronged by their subiects: that if hee had two heads he would hazard one of them for the Kings seruice, but hee had but one, no more then the Earle of Egmont: Where-vpon the Bishoppe replyed they would seeke to obtaine a generall peace: the Prince asked him how they would thinke of the question of relligion to attaine vnto the said peace: the Bishop then answered, alledging the parable of the husbandman, who suffred the darnell to grow among the good corne vntill the day of haruest: whervpon the Prince asked him againe when that haruest should be, when as the King had subiected all the country vnto his will? noe said the Bishop, but at D the last day of iudgment. If then (said the Prince) you can effect that I will not spare any thing for my part to attaine vnto it: where-vpon the Bishoppe being retired, the Prince adressing his speeches to them that were in the chamber, his familiar friends (although there-were one that was a true Romish Catholike and so died) said, see how these men can apply the holy Scripture when as they thinke to make it serue their owne turnes? Thus the said Prince remayned vnto his death (being exiled in France) and the estats of Tournay and Tournesis, firme and constant, and would not disioyne them-selues, nor forsake the Vnion, vntill that the towne was taken by the Spaniard in the yeare 1581. Notwithstanding they of Arthois Henault. &c. continued the treaty of their reconciliation. Those of Brusselles who had beene alwaies wonderfully Deputies sent from Brussel [...]s to the States of Arthois. E affected to the good of their country, as you may obserue in many points before mentioned, seeking nothing but peace and quietnesse, sent their deputies to Arras, to the estates of Arthois to diuert them (If it were possible) from the disvnion which was intreated, but not yet fully concluded. These deputies were Willian van Hecke tresorer, and Cornellis Artsens secretary of the said towne who were neither welcome nor well entertayned by the Seignior of Capres, Gouernor of the said towne, one of the cheefe Authors of the disunion.
The States knowing well that all these practises of disiunction were managed by the Seignior of La Motte Gouernor of Graueling, they sent the Seignior of La Noue La Noue makes vvarre in Flanders. their Marshall of the campe with sixe hundred horse and two thousand foote into F La Mottes Gouernment about Graueling, in the quarter of west Flandes, the which he wasted, and hauing taken the forts of Lincken and Watenen, which are vpon the riuer going from Saint Omer to Graueling, hee entred into the Valle and iurisdiction of Cassell, tooke the towne and castell, and then reduced all that quarter vnder [Page 696] the States obedience, hauing fortified Cassel, Where he left the Seignior of Waroux A and of Thyanti of the howse of Merod, for Gouernor. They of Holland, Zeland, Geldres, 1579 Zutphen, Vtrecht, Freeseland, Ouerissel, and other their associats, finding in the end of the yeare 1578. by all the former treaties, that the duke of Parma sought onely to diuide the vnited Prouinces, and that the mutine of the Malcontents tended to no other end but to roote out the reformed religion, they resolued to make among them-selues, and with such as would ioyne with them, a stricter vnion and alliance, assembling to that end at Vtrecht, where it was concluded in the beginning of this yeare 1579. The tenor whereof followeth.
As it it notorious since the pacification made at Gant, by the which the Prouinces of the Netherlands were bound to succor one an other with body and goods, to expell B the Spaniards their adherents out of the said countries: The said Spaniards, with Don Iohn and other their Commanders and Captaines hauing sought by all meanes (as they doe at this day) to reduce the said Prouinces as well in generall as in particular vnder their slauery, and as well by armes as by there practises to diuide and dismember them breaking their Vnion made by the said Pacification, to the totall ruine of the said countries, and continuing in their said desseigne, they haue of late by their letters sollicited some townes and quarters of the said Prouinces, hauing sought to make an irruption into the country of Gueldres; wherefore the Inhabitants of the Duchy of Geldres and conty of Zutphen, with them of the conties of Holland Zeland, Vtrecht, Freeseland and the Ommelands, bewixt the riuers of Ems and Lauwers, haue thought it expedient C and necessary, to conioyne and vnite them-selues more strictly together: not to abandon the Vnion made at the pacification of Gant, but the better to confirme it, and to arme them-selues against all inconueniences, whereinto they might fall by the practises, surprises and attempts of their enemies: and to see how they may preserue and defend them-selues in such occurrents: and also to preuent any further diuision of the saied Prouinces, and the members thereof. The said vnion and pacification of Gant remayning still in force. According vnto the which the deputies of the said Prouinces euery one for his part, hauing sufficient authority, haue concluded and set downe the points and articles which follow, prouided alwaies that they meane not in any sort to estrange, nor withdraw themselues from the holy Empire. D
First that the said Prouinces make an alliance, Vnion, confederation together: as by these presents they are allyed, vnited and confederated together for euer, to continue and remaine so in all sorts and manners, as if all were but one onely Prouince, and that they may neuer hereafter disioyne nor seperate them-selues, neither by testament codicill, donation, cession, exchange, sale, treaties of peace, or mariage, nor by any other occasion whatsoeuer; remaining not-with-standing whole and absolute, without any diminution or alteration of the particular preuiledges, rights, freedomes, exemptions, statutes, customes, vses, and all other preheminences, which any of the said Prouinces, townes, members and Inhabitants thereof may haue, wherein they will not onely forbeare to preiudice or giue any hindrance: but will assist the one and the other by all E meanes, yea with body and goods, if neede shall require: To defend and maintayne them against all men that shall seeke to disturbe and molest them, Prouided alwaies that such controuersies, as shall grow betwixt the said Prouinces, Townes and Members of this Vnion, touching their preuiledges, freedomes, exemptions, statuts, ancient customes, vses and other rights shall bee decided by the ordinary course of iustice, or by some amiable and friendly composition, and that no other countries, Prouinces, members or townes (whome those controuersies doe no way concerne) shall in any sort meddle, but by way of entercession, tending to an accord.
That the said Prouinces in confirmation of the said alliances and vnion, shall bee F bound to ayde and succor one another, withall their meanes, bodies and goods, to the spending of their bloud, and hazard of their liues, against all attempts and inuasions which shall be made, vpon what collour soeuer made either by the King of Spaine or any other: or for that by vertue of the Treaty of the pacification of Gant they had ‘[Page 697] taken armes against Don Iohn, for for that they had receiued the Arch-duke Mathias for’ 1579. A Gouernor, or for any thing that dependeth thereon, or for all that hath followed or may follow. And were it vpon coulour to restore the Catholicke and Romish religion, or for the alteration which hath happened since the yeare 1578. in any of the said Prouinces, members and Townes: or else for this present vnion and consederation, or for any such cause: and that in case they would make the said attempts and inuasions, as well in particular vpon any of the sayd Prouinces, as vpon all in generall.
That the said Prouinces should bee in like manner bound to ayde, succor and defend one another against all Princes and Potestats, countries, townes, and fo [...]raine common-weales, bee it in generall or in particular, that would molest, hurt or make warre against them. Alwayes prouided that the assistance which shall be appointed by the generalitie of this vnion, shall be done after knowledge of the cause. And the better B to assure the said Prouinces, members and townes, against all enemies force, that the fronter townes, and those which shall be thought needfull in what Prouince so euer they be, shall by the aduise and order of the generalitie of this vnion, be fortified at the charge of the townes of that Prouince where they bee scituated, being assisted by the generalitie with the one moitie. But if it bee found expedient to build any new fortes, or to demantell any in the sayd Prouinces, that it shall bee done at the charge of the generalitie.
And to supply the expences they must bee at in this case, for the defence of the sayd Prouinces, it hath beene agreed that through-out all the Prouinces there shall be imposed C and farmed out from three moneths to three moneths, to them that will giue most, certaine customes or excises vpon all sorts of wine and beere, vpon the grinding of corne vpon sal [...], and vpon cloth of golde, siluer, and wollen cloath, vpon cattle that shall be killed, vpon all horses or oxen that shall be sold or exchanged, vpon all goods that shall bee subiect to the great ballance, and vpon all other goods which by a generall consent shall bee thought fit, according to the orders and decrees which shall be set downe: and that to the like end they shall employ the reuenews of the King of Spaine, the ordinary charges deducted. The which meanes may bee augmented or diminished, raised or ab [...]ted, according to the exigence of affaires, confirmed onely D to supply the common defence, and that which the generalitie shall be forced to vnder-goe, the which may not bee applyed to any other vse, in any kinde or sorte whatsoeuer.
That the frontier Townes, and all others where need shall require, shall bee at all times bound to receiue such garrisons as the sayd vnited Prouinces shall thinke fit and conuenient, and that by the aduise of the gouernor of the Prouince, where those townes are, that require garrison, the which they may not refuse. And the sayd garrisons shall bee payed by the vnited Prouinces, and the Captaines and Soldiers, besides the generall oth, shall take a particular oth to the Towne or Prouince where they shall bee placed, the which shall bee set downe in the Articles of their entertainment. E Also there shall be such order and discipline obserued among the men of warre, as the Bourgers and inhabit [...]nts of the townes and countrey, as well Clergie as Laye-men, shall not bee ouer-charged, nor opprest, contrary to reason: which garrisons shall bee no more exempt from excise and imposts, then the Bourgers and Inhabitants of those places, where they shall be imposed, so as the generalitie of the sayd Bourgers pay them for their seruice, and giue them lodging, as hath beene done hetherto in Holland. And to the end that in all occurrents, and at all times, they may bee assisted by them of the countrey: the inhabitants of euery of the sayd vnited Prouinces, both in towne and countrey, shall within one moneth after the date of these presents, bee mastered and inrolled from the age of sixeteene yeares to three score, that the number being knowne at the first assembly of the confederates, they may determine for the better assurance and defence of the countrey, as they shall finde it most conuenient. No accorde nor F treatie of truce nor peace to bee made, no warre begun, no imposts raised, nor any contributions imposed concerning the generalitie of this vnion, but by the aduise and common consent of all the sayd Prouinces. And in all other things touching the [Page 698] entertainement of this confederation, and that which depends thereon, they shall 1579. A gouerne them-selues according vnto that which shall bee resolued by the pluralitie of voices of the Prouinces comprehended in this vnion, the which shal bee gathered as they haue hetherto done in the generalitie of the Estates, and that by prouision, vntill it shal be otherwaies decreede by the generall consent of the confederates. But if in the treaties of truce, peace, warre or contributions, the sayd Prouinces cannot agree togither, the sayd differences shalbe referred by prouision vnto the Gouernors and Lieutenants, which are now in the sayd Prouinces, who shall reconcile the parties or decide their controuersies as they shall finde most reasonable. And if the sayd Gouernors and Lieutenantes did not agree togither, they may call any to assist them whome they please, so as they bee not partiall: and the parties contending B shalbe subiect to entertaine and performe whatsoeuer is determined by the sayd Gouernors and Lieutenants.
That none of the sayd Prouinces, Townes or Members, may make any cofederation or alliance, with any Noblemen or neighbour countries without the consent of these vnited Prouinces, and of their confederates. It is notwithstanding agreed that if any Princes or neighbour countries, shall desire to ioyne in League and confederation with these vnited Prouinces, that they shalbe admitted and receiued by the aduise and consent of them all. That touching coynes, in the course and valuation of gold and siluer, all the sayd Prouinces should conforme and gouerne themselues according vnto the Orders which should bee set downe at the first oportunitie, the which the one cannot alter nor change without the other. C
As for the point of Religion, they of Holland and Zeelande may carrie themselues as they please; and in regard of the other Prouinces of this vnion, they may gouerne themselues therein according vnto the Proclamation of the Archduke Mathias Gouernor Generall of the Netherlands, set forth by the aduise of the Councell of State, and the generall Estates touching the libertie of Religion. Or else they may either in generall or in particular, set such order as they should thinke most fit and conuenient, for the peace and quiet of their Prouinces, Townes and particular members, both Ecclesiasticall and Ciuill, euerie one in the preseruation of his goods, rights, and prerogatiues: so as no other Prouince may giue them therein anie hindrance or let, euerie one remayning free in his Religion, and not anie waie D to bee troubled or called in question, according to the pacification of Gant. That all Clergie-men or lyuing in conuents, according vnto the sayd pacification, shall enioye their goods, lying in anie of these Prouinces respectiuely: and if there were anie Clergie-men which during the warres of Hollande and Zeelande against the Spaniards that were vnder the commandement of the sayd Spaniards and haue since retired themselues out of their Conuents or Colleges, and are come into Holland and Zeeland, that they shall cause sufficient maintenance to bee giuen them during their liues, from them of their sayd Cloisters or Conuents, and they shall doe the like vnto them of Holland and Zeeland, that are retired into anie of these vnited Prouinces. E
That in like sort, entertainment shalbe giuen during life, according to the commodities and reuenues of their Cloisters or Conuents, to all persones of these vnited countries, that would depart, or are alreadie departed, bee it for Religion or for any other reasonable cause. Alwaies prouided that such as after the date of these presents, shall goe to liue in these Cloisters and Conuents, and afterwards would depart againe, the shall haue no entertainement giuen them, but they may retire if they please, and retaine that which they brought with them. And that all they that are at this present in the sayd Conuents, or that hereafter would enter, shall remaine free in their Religion, profession and habits, vpon condition that in all other things F they shalbe obedient to their Generalls.
And if it should happen (which Almightie GOD forbid) that there should bee anie question or diuision made betwixt the sayd Prouinces, wherein they could not agree, that the same, so farre as it concernes one Prouince in particular [Page 699] shall be ended and determined by the other prouinces, or by those among them which 1579. A they should name: But if it concernes all the Prouinces in generall it shall bee determined by the gouernors and lieutenatns of the Prouinces, as it is said in the ninth Article, who should be bound to doe iustice vnto the parties, or to reconcile them together within one month, or within a shorter space, if the case so requires, after instance made vnto him by one of the parties. And that which by the other Prouinces or their deputies, or by the Gouernors or lieutenant shall bee decreed and set downe, it shall bee followed and accomplished, cutting of all other remedies at law, either by appeale, releefe, reuision, nullity or any other pretensions whatsoeuer.
That the said Prouinces, townes and members thereof shall bee carefull not to offer any occasion of warre or quarrell to any of their neighbours, Princes, noblemen, B countries, townes or common weales for the preuenting whereof the said vnited Prouinces shall be bound to doe good and speedy iustice, as well to forreners and strangers, as to their owne subiects and Cittizens. And if any one among them should faile therein, the rest of their confederats, shal seeke by all conuenient meanes to haue it done, & that al abuses that might hinder them or stay the course of iustice, may be corrected and reformed, according vnto right and equity, and the ancient preuiledges and customes thereof. None of the Prouinces, townes or members, may impose any imposition, mony for conuoy, nor any other like charge, to the preiudice of the rest, without the generall consent of all, nor surcharge any of his confederats, more then himselfe or his inhabitants. That for the prouiding for all occurrents and difficulties, C that may happen, the said confederats shall be bound vpon somons made vnto them by such as haue authority, to appeere presently in the towne of Vtrecht, at the day appointed, to vnderstand that which by the letters of rescription shall bee declared, if the cause requires not secresie to determine thereon, or by a generall consent or plurality of voyces to resolue and decree, although that some appeere not: in which cause they that appeere may in the meane time proceed to the resolution and determination of that which they shall find conuenient and profitable for the publicke good of these vnited prouinces. And that which hath beene so decreed, shall bee accomplished by them that appered not, if the matter bee not of too great importance and may well be delaid. In which case they shall write vnto them that haue bin absent, D to come at a certaine day limited, or else to loose the effect of their voyces, for that time. And when it is done, it shall remaine firme and inuiolable, although that some of the said Prouinces haue beene absent, yet such as shall haue no means to appeere, it shall be lawfull for them to send to them to send their opinions in writing, the which shall bee regarded in the collection of all the voyces. And to this end all and euery one of the said confederats shall be bound to write vnto them that haue the authority to assemble the said vnited prouinces of all things that may occurre, or that shall seeme vnto them to tend vnto the good or euill of the said Prouinces and confederats, that they may there-vpon call them together. And if there shall bee any obscurity or ambiguitie, whereby there may grow any dispute or question, the interpretation E thereof shall bee long vnto the said confederats: who by a generall consent may explaine them, and decree according vnto reason. And if they agree not therevpon they shall haue recourse vnto the Gouernors and Lieutenants of Prouinces as is said before.
As also if it should bee thought necessary to augment or diminish any thing in the articles of this vnion, confederation and alliance in any of their points, it shall be done by the common consent of all the confederats, and not otherwise. All which points and articles and euery one of them in particular, the said vnited Prouinces haue promised and doe promise by these presents, to accomplish and entertaine, and to cause to be accomplished and entertained, without any opposition or contradiction directly F in any sort. And if any thing shall be done or attempted contrary to the tenor thereof, they doe presently declare it voyd and of none effect. Binding there-vnto their per [...]ons, and of all the inhabitants respectiuely, of the said Prouinces, townes and members, withall their goods. The which in case of contrauention may bee (in all places, [Page 700] and before all Iudges and iurisdictions, where they shalbe found) seized on and arrested 1579 A for the accomplishing of these presents, and that which depends thereon, renouncing to that end all exceptions, graces preuiledges, releefes, and generally all other benifits of law which contrarie to these presents may any way aide and serue them. And especially in the law which sayth that a generall reconciliation is of no force, if a speciall doth not proceed.
And for the greater corroboration, all gouernors and Lieutenants of the sayd Prouinces, which are there at this present, or that may bee hereafter, togither with all Magistrates and chiefe Officers of these Prouinces, townes or members, shalbe bound to sweare and take an oth, to keepe and cause to bee kept, all the points and articles, and euerie one of them in particular, of this vnion and confederation. As also all bodies B and companies of Burgeses, shall take the same oth, in euery of the sayd townes and places of the sayd vnion. Herevpon letters shall bee sent out in forme, by the Gouernors, Lieutenants, members and townes of Prouinces, beeing specially required therevnto. This present vnion was made and signed in the sayd towne of Vtrecht, the 23 of Ianuary. 1579.
The fourth of February following this vnion was signed by them of Gant: the third Many enter into the vnion of V [...]echt. day of May by the Prince of Orange in Antwerp; the eleauenth of Iune by George of Lalain Earle of Rhenebergh Gouernor of Friseland, Oueryssel, Groninghen and the Ommelands. After followed they of Antwerp, Bruges, Breda, and manie others. All this was done whilest that they of Arthois, Henault, Lille, Douay and Orchies labored C their disunion and practised their priuate reconciliation, with the Prince of Parma, beeing then camped before Mastricht, excusing themselues to the other confederates that they could not suffer any alteration in the Romish Religion, but for the rest they would duelie obserue the pacification of Gant. This vnion and confederation of Vtrecht, wrought not such good effects with some as they expected, euery one attending vpon the treatie of peace which was labored by the Emperor, (as wee haue sayd) at Cologne, excusing themselues thereon. Among others Boisleduke one of the chiefe townes of Brabant strong and mightie, which diuides the Duchies of Gueldres, Brabant and the Earldome of Holland, which the states doubting, and hauing some aduertisment thereof (assuring themselues to haue manie partisans) they sought first D by gentle meanes, and then by practises to put in a garrison: which they of Antwerp The signior of Boxtel gouernor of Boisleduc. did also pretend, sending some troupes of their Burgeses to assure themselues thereof. Afterwards Iohn of Horne, Barron of Boxtell was sent thether with commission to gouerne and to assure the towne for the states. But as by the changing of captaines he sought to bring in a new order and gouernment, hee found great oppositions and manie crosses by them of the aduerse partie, especially by one Henry Bloyman Baylife and by others of the olde councell of the towne, tending to their priuat proffit, and adhering to the Abbot of Saint Gheertrude, who was gone in the states behalfe, to the assemblie of the treatie of Cologne, and who passing that way had so perswaded them, as they desired nothing more then the issue of the sayd treatie. The signior E of Boxtel (found so great contradiction, and so mahie aduersaries, as hee thought it best to retire, leauing his Sonne Maximilian of Horne signior of Locren there. True it is, that before that time the libertie of Religion had beene brought in; and a sworne companic of Harguebuziers erected, most of all the which were yong men, who during the Spaniards gouernment were retired out of the towne and had serued the Prince of Orange: these men maintained the liberitie of Religion all they could and sought to reduce the towne vnder the vnion of Vtrecht, but therd grew such a iealousie and hatred betwixt the Protestants and the Harguebuziers of the one part, and the old Magistrates with the Catholike Romaines on the other: as when the sayd companie of Fencers had the gard of the port, the others placed an F other of their faction in countergarde, so as in the end the vnion being proclaimed as it were by force, there followed such a great tumult betwixt both factions, as being come to armes, there were aboue a hundred slaine & hurt of both sides. Soone after the Prince of Parma beeing called by the Catholike Burgers, sent a trumpet to summon [Page 701] the towne for the King of Spaine. Then did the Protestants insist more to receiue 1579. A a garrison of English, Scottish or French, which should come from Brussells, of which three nations they might haue their choise: but for that they were strangers the Inhabitants would haue none, although it seemed, they would willingly haue receiued that of Bryell. Fears seizeth vpon the Protestants of Boisledue.
The next daie after, as their distrust increased, and the feare of the enemie increased more and more, the Protestants were aduised and did resolue to receiue a garrison, so as they would leaue the ports open to suffer them that would depart; as if their chiefe and greatest feare had beene that they would retaine them. Wherevnto this answere was made. That if anie one did feare hee might depart, and goe where hee pleased. Wherevpon a great multitude went sodenly away out of the towne, one B prouoking an other, as it is alwaies the vse and custome in such amazements: which feare did greatlie fortefie the aduerse partie: their retreate was not farre, to Heel, Heusden, Bomel, and diuerse other townes thereabouts of the Hollanders partie. Thus by the pollicie and practises of the one, and by the indiscretion and weakenesse of the other, this towne was abandoned by them of the states faction: and the two companies comming from the Brieyle were not receiued. And as the Spanish faction grew more shamelesse and insolent, they chased away the rest of the Protestants that were yet remayning: but they would not yet imbrace anie partie: but in the end they were perswaded for to reconcile themselues vnto the Noble Prince of Parma, and to receiue the peace of Cologne, so as they should not bee forced to receiue any C garrison, without their owne consents: yet they found a great decaie in their commerce and trafficke.
Those of the townes of Amersfort and Montfort, vnder the iurisdiction of Vtrecht, as they also of Zutphen, refused also to submit themselues to the vnion of Vtrecht, wherefore meaning to force them, they beganne first with them of Amersfort, as neerest vnto Vtrecht, beeing accused to bee of a partie contrarie to the states, to haue refused to pay their partes of the contribution; to haue chased away the States garrison and the Protestants ministers, and to haue had secret intelligence with the enemie. Wherefore the towne was beseeged the seauenth day of March in the yeare of our Lord 1579. and the tenth daie following reduced vnto reason, manned with a garrison, D the Magistrates renued, and the Protestants religion restored as before.
The vnion, and contract made in Vrecht, was signed by the gouernors of the sayd Prouinces, as first by Iohn Earle of Nassaue, gouernor of Gelderland and Sutphen, and then by the commities of the other townes and Prouinces, which was done in Vtrecht vpon the 23. of Ianuary, and vpon the fourth of February the deputies of Gant signed to the same. The third of May it was ratefied in Antwerp by the Prince of Orange, and the leauenth of Iune by George de Lalain Earle of Renebregh, gouernor of Freeseland, Ouerissel, Groning, and the terretories thereof, and also by the townes of Bruges, Ipre, Breda, and others, and by that meanes those countries were called the vnited Prouinces. This vnion made in Vtrecht, produced good fruites amongst the Prouinces and E townes, but not so great as were expected, for that many in hope of the peace to bee made in Colen fell from it, and drew backeward, excusing themselues by the same, as in Vtrecht, where by meanes of the iealousie the one had of the other, vpon the tenth daie of Iune, certaine controuersies, did rise amongst them, whereby great hurt and insolencie was done in certaine Churches, where the Scoute, Burguemastérs, and the Councell of Estates of Vtrecht, desirous to maintaine both the one and the other Religion in peace and vnitie, and to separate the contentious persons one from the other, the better to withstand the common enemies, after diuers communications, and conferences had concerning the same, by consent of fiue Churches, within Vtrecht, in the name of the whole spirituality of the one part, and of the Colonels, F Captaines, and Commanders of the towne, in the name of Burgers, togither with them of the reformed Religion on the other part, and also by the aduise of the Prince of Orange, gouernor of the towne, townes and terretories of Vtrecht, deuised a certaine contract of a Religions peace, beareing date the fifteene of Iune, making mention of the [Page 702] pacification of Gant, the vnion, and 38. articles more, whereby they of the reformed 1579 A religion had foure Churches and more if need were allowed vnto them. The Catholiks keeping the rest of the Churches, and order taken for the buriall of the dead, maintayning of peace, and such like things as you may see in the printed coppie.
In like manner those of Groningen refused. Wherevpon the Earle of Rheneberg Groningen refusing the vnion is forced. Gouernor of Friseland and of the sayd towne, receiued commandment from the states to force them vnto it: for which effect he caused Delfs Ile, Winsum and other places there abouts to be fortefied. The Groningeois seeing themselues beseeged a farre off, would prepare to warre, but finding themselues most commonly beaten, and that the chiefe townes in Friseland were entred into the sayd vnion, they sent their deputies to treat an accord, giuing hostages, the which were led to Campen: and the 18. of Iune B the Earle of Rheneberg raised his campe, and after the composition made he entred into the towne as gouernor, deposed the Magistrates, and created new, and there the liberty of Religion was also brought in. They of Bruges being sommoned to receiue A tumult at Bruges for the vnion. the vnion, the Clergy first oposed themselues, fearing to bee chased away (as they sayd had beene lately done at Vtrecht) to whom there ioyned some chiefe men, and some of trade being stirred vp by the seditious preaching of that reuerent Friar Cornellis (of whō we haue formerly made mention) notwithstanding that the Deanes had consented to the sayd vnion. The Magistrates of Franc whose iurisdiction extends into the country, banded themselues against the Magistrates of the towne, prouoking the Burgers to demande a Collonel of the company of Burgers, that were at their deuotion. Wherevpon C the second of Iune the Romish Catholiks came in great troupes to Burcht before the towne house, and speaking vnto George Verbrakelen signior of Hauteruie Bourguemaster, they required to haue Ierosme of Mol signior of Watermael to bee giuen them for Collonel, a supporter of Friar Cornellis.
The Burguemaster was amazed at this demande, and would willingly haue delaied it vntill the afternoone, or till the next day, that hee had assembled the councell. But they vnderstanding that the Protestants were at their sermon, they would haue him to name the sayd Collonel presently. The Bourguemaster seeing all the gard that was there assembled in armes to bee Catholiks, who would not depart, was forced to yeeld vnto them. This Collonel thus made in hast accepted the charge, and presently cassired the D foure companies of souldiars that were leuied at the towne charge, displaced the eighteene A Collonel made in hast and by force. deputies, which were men of good account, and put others in their places that were Catholiks; he would reforme all, and make them take a new oth, and committing many insolencies, hee sought for the Minister, who was a Wallon, to kill him, and not finding him, he beate his wife and troad her vnder his feete. The Magistrates and Burguemasters seeing this disorder and outrages, and fearing some greater inconuenience would follow, caused their foure companies of souldiars to come, commanding captaine Hans Flyesch to ceaze vpon the East-gate, and captaine Reinen Winckelman of the Bridge which goes to the same Port. Captaine Remy Artrik had charge to seize vpon the East-shambles, and Anthony Outreman of the bridge of Oake in the fullers street, E these three last looking directly vpon the Market-place. One of the quarter-masters or captaines of the Burgers, ioyned with the souldiars that were at the East gate with two hundred men. The Catholiks seeing this, put themselues also in armes, to keepe the soldiars from ioyning. But seeing them to make barricadoes whereas they were in gard, and that captaine Hans Fleysch had turned the Cannon towards the towne, keeping the port open to receiue in succors: they went with the ayde of them of Franckford to beseege the Burcht, they tooke the Magistrate prisoner in their towne-house, and kept the Protestant Burgers from ioyning with the soldiars.
Both parties being thus in armes one against an other, in danger of great effusion of bloud, by the meanes of some that were more temperate, they fell to parle, so as by F night the Magistrate was released, vpon condition that the inhabitants should leaue their barricadoes, the which happened in regard of captaine Winckelman: and then the accustomed gard entred the market-place and the Burcht which the Catholiks would keepe. But they could not send any gard to the East-gate, whether Winckelman was [Page 703] Collonell knowing how the Protestants had fortified themselues, did also seaze vppon 1579. two bridges, with whom many of Franck and of the Nobility did ioyne. In the meane A time eyther party did send for succours abroad: the Catholikes called the Siegnior of The States more quicke to succor Bruges. la Motte, and the malcontents, who approached as nere as Roullez, and the Protestants sent to the States, who were in campe at Tournhout, and vsed more expedition, so as the next day morning eyght companies of Scotishmen of Balfors regiment with an 150. horse were at the East-port and entred the towne, marching directly to the market place and the Burcht, from whence the Catholikes fled. Collonell Nol abandoned also his Barricadoe, and thinking to saue himselfe by a hole through the towne ditch, was taken being in the water vp to the chinne. All they of Franck were taken prisoners except the Siegnior of Breda and Nantius. There were also some of the chiefe mutines prisoners, the which after that the tumult was pacified, and the towne well as B sured, were deliuered, wherin the Burgers did carry themselues more modestly thé they of Arras, in their rash and hasty executions: In the meane time the churches remained shut vp, and the Priests were fled away, since the which time the Catholikes remained, to whome the exercise of their relligion was allowed, so as it were done without any brute or scandale. The Malecontents seeing that they were come an hower to late returned to Menin, burning that goodly Borrugh of Roullez for despight: the which was much to be pitied, being one of the most famous places of Flanders, for the infinit store of fine linnen cloth, that was vsually made there.
They of Brugges, hauing found them of Franck faulty in this and other things, determined C vpon very good reasons to breake the member of Vrie, being one of the foure members of Flanders, and to bring the most part of it vnder the member of Bruges, but Noel Carron Seignior of Schoonewall (who that daie had beene imprisoned by the mutines in the towne house, and in daunger of his life, by reason of certaine letters of credit, sent vnto him by the Prince of Orange, which the mutinous companies, would conster as pleased them) resolued together with D. Nansius, and Mounsier Withs, Schoti, and Capelle (that had not medled with the said vprore) to seeke the liberty of the said Vrie or Franck, and at the last proceeded so farre therein, that they of Bruges granted to their desires, and the rather, for that they saw, that they of D Gant, and of Ipre pretended to draw the best part of the Vrie vnto them, and by that meanes the member of the Vrie or Franck by there diligence, wisdomes, and authorities, was againe restored to the former State. Whilest that these things were in managing, and that the one were laboring to vnite them selues; and the other to disioyne and reconcile them-selues, the Prince of Parma lost no opportunity: for hauing gathered to gether all his forces, hee went to beseege (as wee haue said) the towne of Maestricht beseeged by the Prince of Parma Maestricht, which he sodenly caused to be inuested by his horse men; then his foot-men being ariued he camped of either side of the riuer of Meuse, causing forts to be built vpon all the approches.
The beseeged had within the towne a thousand soldiars, French, Wallons, Scottish and others, and twelue hundred Bourgers well armed. The Prince of Parma's E army approching, some two thousand peasants with there wiues and children fled into the towne for their safeties, as into a place well assured. These poore men did great seruice in ramparing and countermyning, whereas the greatest part of them were slaine. The Seignior of la Noue was sent thether, but to late by reason of the great dilligence and speed the prince of Parma made to inuest it round, so as la Noue turned to Antwerp: Captaine Bastien a Frenchman, who comanded in the towne, did his best endeauor to defend it, affronting the Spanish campe dayly in diuers skirmishes, and annoying them greatly. The Prince of Parma (by the generall consent of all his Commannders) was aduised, to plant his cannon, whereas the towne seemed most weake, and vnfurnished of defence and the ditches narrow, that they might haue the better meanes to go to the Assault. But they that gaue him this F councell, did not consider, that on the same side there was a great and large voyd place within the towne, where they (if they were industrious and tooke paines) might easelie make a new rampar and a double ditch: yet hee did batter [Page 704] it with about fifty peeces of ordinance, cannon, demie cannon and culuering. His first 1579. A breach was made towards Liege, being ready to giue an assault, those that went to discouer the breach, found the ditch to be good and large, filled with powlder and peeces of yron; which the besieged had layed there, to set fire on comming to the assault. Which the Spaniards seeing, they did forbeare, changing their batterie to another quarter, where hee also made a great breach. This done the Prince of Parma hauing taken councell of his Collonels, resolued to assaile the Towne on both sides: The first assault was giuen to the Tierce or Regiment of the holy League (being so called for An assault appointed. that they had beene with Don Iohn of Austria, at the defeat of the Turke, in the Strait of Lepantho) the second was giuen to the Tierce of Lombardie. Before they began to goe to the assault, they shotte eight houres continually at either breach. Collonell Mondragon was on the other side of the Riuer, shooting continually with two field B peeces, vppon them that presented them-selues to defend the second breach. Frst the Italiens of Collonel Fabio Farneze aduanced vnto the first breach: The Spaniards seeing it, being iealous that the honor of the victorie should bee attributed onely to the Italiens, ranne so sodainly to the assault, as they aduanced the others, and came to the toppe of the breach, fighting veryfuriously, whereas they were as couragiously resisted.
Before they went to the assault, they sette fire to a Myne, but it wrought small effect. The combat was so furious on either side, as the one would not yeeld nor giue ground A braue assault well defended. to the other, nei her was there euer place better assailed nor better defēded▪ the assault was but newly begū at the first breach, when as a horse-man came first alone, & then two C others after crying to their men, that the second breach was wone; and in like manner messengers went to the second breach, crying that the first was forced: The which was but an inuention to incourage the assaylants, and discourage the defendants, hearing that their companies had beene forced on the other side. But whether the besieged discouered the practise, or that they were all resolued to die, & that to abandon it and to flye, could not preserue them, they defended them-selues so waliantly as after the losse of many men, the Spaniard was forced to retyer. The greatest slaughter which the besieged made at these two breaches, was by six shippe peeces, and certaine harguebusses a croke, which flanked both the one and the other breach, from a Tower which D the Spaniards could not beate downe; shooting continually, being charged with chambers, A deere Assault without any fuite. so as standing still firme, they neuer altred their marke, but were as sodainly charged as they were discharged. In this assault there died fifteene Captains and fiue Enseignes Sp [...]niards: thirteene Italien Captaines, and about 3000. soldiers; For besides that they within the towne fl [...]e very many, fire fell into certaine barrells of powlder through the indiscretio of some soldiers going to fil their flaskes. There died many also of them within the towne but most part Peasants, whome Mondragons two peeces did wonderfully annoy. The besieged gaue the States to vnderstand how they had carryed them-selues in these two assaults, requiring succors, the which were promised them: for the effecting whereof those of Antwerp did their vttermost indeauors, euery Burger and marchant, contributing a portion to relieue it, and to hasten the succors. E But as in such affaires wee see (insteed of expedition) there is most commonly an iff, a when, or a how: Matters were so protracted and delayed, as after the Burgers They of Antwerp [...]bot to releeue Maestricht. had their mony disburc'd the succors could not be made ready vntill the Towne was out ofhope, and in the end lost: yet it held out very long, and resisted this mighty army beyond mens expectation.
Whilst that the Prince of Parma was thus busied before Maestricht, those of Gant being very desirous to doe some seruice to the publike cause, and to doe an affront vnto those prouinces which laboured for a priuate reconciliation, which might hinder the conclusion: They sent foure companies of Wallons, to make an enterprise F vp [...]on the Towne of Douay, with the intelligence which Captaine Cosne Pesarengis [...] [...]ntois (who had beene sometimes a Lombard in the said Towne) said hee [...] this [...]. had [...] many of the baser sort.
These foure companies (whereof I had the leading and charge) the first being [Page 705] that of the sayd Cosme, the second of captaine Mathew Villers, the third of captaine 1579. A La Croix, and the forth of captaine Alladio, with about thirtie horse, the which captaine Hubert did command, parted from Dynse, a little towne three leagues from Gant, as secretly as they could, and marched daie and night without any rest vntill they came about mid-night before Douay, on that side of the port of Ock, whereas they placed themselues in a great Farme, attending the breake of day, and the opening of the port. There was within the towne fifteene souldiars and a Sargent called Vetspecke, attired like marchants, who on the Thursdaie morning before Easterdaie should seize vpon the port. But beeing open, these souldiars hauing staied too long at break-fast, (to put themselues in heart) two poore women going towardes the town, did aduertise a coūtry-man being at plough, that this farme was ful of Spaniards. B
This honest laborer (to whom the name of a Spaniard was odious) vnharnised one ofhis horses, and ranne to giue aduertisement to the towne: Captaine Villers following him as fast as his horse could runne cryed to him to staie, who still making hast (as captaine Hubert and my selfe aduanced with ten or twelue horse to seize vpon the Barre) hee discharged his pistoll at him: at which noyse they that were in gard at the port shut the Barre, which kept vs from entring: and in the meane time the fifteene souldiars that were within the towne, came vnto the gate, and were readie to seize thereon, but hearing the bell ouer the port giue the alarum, and seeing the Barre shut, they retired backe into the towne, and saued themselues by the other ports, all but the Sargent, who was taken flying to the Rampar, and suffred for all the rest. The enterprise C hauing thus fayled, wee put our selues notwithstanding in battaile, and sommoned the towne to receiue a garrison for the Archduke and the States. It seemed that some of the Burgers would haue yeelded therevnto: but the signior of Hertain made vs no answere but with the Cannon, which forced vs to retire, marching away like soldiars without any losse.
The Malcontents of Menin and Lanon, hearing that the souldiars of the foure members of Flanders were gone so farre vp into the countrie with so small a troupe, ment to attend vs in our returne, and knowing that wee were lodged at Blandin, a league from Tournay, they came with three hundred horse and some eight hundred foote to charge vs. But wee beeing intrencht within the Church-yard, and hauing stopt vp D all the passages with Barricadoes, these Malcontents hauing made diuers attempts from nine of the clocke at night vntill three in the morning, and could not force vs, beeing couered with the wall of the Church-yard, hauing set fire of the Parsonage house, the hospitall, of the lodging of the signior of Courtenbus, and of some other parts of the village, hauing lost aboue a hundred men, they retired, carrying awaie seauen or eight Wagons full of hurt men, fearing least at the breake of daie, those of Tournay (who had all the night heard their charges) should come to succor vs: Daie being come wee past by the suburbes of Tournay with the consent of the Prince of Espinoy, the Malcontents coasting vs on the other side of the riuer of Escaut, neere vnto Audenarde. I had commission from the Magistrats of Gant for the order that E should bee held in Douay, if the enterprise had succeeded. I cannot say whether it were resolutly or rashly done to attempt so great a towne with so small a troupe, but I am sure the Prince of Orange (without whose priuitie this enterprise was made) told mee at our returne, (relating vnto him the whole attempt) that wee were hardiefooles.
The 28. of May on Assention day, the Clergie of Antwerp being growne bould, and presuming vpon the presence of the Archduke Mathias Gouernor generall, and some A tumult in Antwerp at a generall procession. Noblemen that were Catholiks, notwithstanding the perswasion of some to desist, for feare of an inconuenience and to be satisfied in making it in our Ladies great Church, would needs make their procession generall throughout the towne, after their accustomed F manner. But as they thought to passe by the Mill-streete, the Burgers that were in gard, by their captaines commandement, withstood their passage. Wherevpon some Italien Marchants drawing their rapiers, would haue caused the procession to passe by force. The Burgers making head against them, discharged some shot, so as there was a [Page 706] man and a woman slaine, the Priests & the whole procession flying towards the Church, 1579 A in so great a presse as one troad vpon an other: which tumult caused a generall Alarme throughout the Towne, and did much perplexe them that had saued them-selues within the Church.
The Prince of Orange arriued with his Guard, and pacified the multitude, who cryed continually Pape vuit, Paye vuit, that is to say away with the Priestes, away with the Priests. The Arch-duke & his followers who were at the said procession, were in like sort retired into the Church, whome the Prince brought forth, promising that no Priests should come out, vntil it were otherwise decreed, within three houres, which the people limited, vpon promise that in the meane time they should not offer any violence: but afterwards they demanded to haue them all chased out of the Towne: which the The Priests & Monks chased out of Antwerp by the people. B Prince & the Collonells of the Towne refusing so to doe, the people to oke all the Chanoyns, Priests and Monkes to the number of sixe-score, and ledde them to the Hauen, where they shipt them, and carried them two Leagues of from the Towne, suffering euery one to go where he pleased: The Arch-duke, Prince and States tooke this act of the confused multitude in very ill part: Where-vppon and for the new beating downe of Images at Vtrecht and at Macklyn, the Malecontents tooke an aduantage, giuing some Noblemen occasion to ioyne with them, among others the Earle of Egmont and the Baron of Fresin. The fourth of Iune the Earle who as yet did couertly hold the party of the Malecontents and Spaniards, came early in the morning with his Regiment before the Towne of Brusselles, where giuing them to vnderstand that he went to A shamefull enterprise made by the Earle of Egmont. C seeke the enemie, who had certaine disseignes (for in that quarter of Brabant there was no speech of any Malecontents, nor other enemies, but Spaniards) hee drew all his Regiment into the Towne by the high gate, causing them to aduance vnto the market place, and to a place called Kantesteen.
The Burgers were on the sodaine much amazed at these vnexpected troopes, seeing them to seaze vppon the chiefe parts of the Towne; where-vpon they went to Armes, euery one comming out of his house halfe vnready, and ioyned with certaine companies of the Regiment of Oliuer vanden Timpell Seignior of Corbeke, Gouernor of the towne, being there in garrison. VVho being incouraged, and fortified, shut vp the Earle of Egmont and his men, with wagons, carts, tables, formes and other thinges fit D for that purpose, being in the market-place and elsewhere, so as they could not aduance any further into the Towne, hauing Barricadoes made against them. And whereas the saide Earle left some threescore soldiers at the Port, the Seignior Bemberghe Collonell of the Burgers, went to charge them in the flanke on either side of the Rampar, so as they were forced to abandon the sayd Port. In the meane time the Seignior Vanden Timpell fortified the Court with some of his Regiment. The Earle being thus besieged in the midst of the Towne, and taken like a mouse in trap, the Burgers were wonderfully incensed, and ready to fall vppon him and his men: In this Estate hee pleading simplicity, and speaking them fayre, and the Burgers being in armes, they stood one against another two daies and two nights, vntill the Seignior of Lissieldt, Councellor of State, E and other Deputies, being sent from the Arch-duke and the Prince of Orange, did pacifie the Burgers: who in the meane time did great affronts vnto the Earle, shewing him the place whereas his father eleuen yeares before on the same day that hee attempted this enterprise had his head cut off by the Spaniards, whose party hee held; with a thousand other reproches: telling him that if he did but vnpaue a stone or two, he should yet see his fathers bloud: The which did so vexe him, as hee wept for griefe that his enterprise had bene so vnfortunate. By this meanes he was forced, and very willingly to retyer with his men, without any effusion of bloud of either part, yet not without great danger: For all the time hee remained thus coopt vp, they had great difficultie to restraine the Burgers, who were once resolued to sette fire vppon all the houses F about the Market-place, and soe to burne him and all his men, but a better aduice hindred it.
The Prince of Parma hauing receiued so great losses (as we haue said) in his affaults before Maestricht, as wel of men that were slain, as of them that were wounded & made [Page 707] vnfit to fight, and that all his Artillery was not sufficient to batter so great a townes hee 1579. A intreated the Liegeois to lend him twenty peeces, the which they not onely granted The Liegeois helpe the Spaniards at the campe before Maestricht. with all munition requisite, but they also sent him 4000. pioners. Being then resolued not to rise from before it vntil he had taken the towne, he drew all the men he could out of the garrisons that were nere vnto him, with the which he sortefied his campe. And seeing that he preuayled little by mine, battry or assault, hee caused a high Caualier to be made close vnto the towne, whereby hee might discouer all that was done within: without doubt the Prince shewed himselfe in al his preparations and attempts very actiue and diligent: and the rather for that hee did see the States protract the succors The states negligent to succor Mastrient. which they had promised vnto the sayd towne: and the bad order there was among the Commanders in the conduct of this warre by their weake resolutions, rather hindred B by contrarieties, then aduanced as was fitting: which caused the people of Antwerp to murmur greatly, hauing contributed so much to succor them. Notwithstanding all this, the beseeged fainted not: besides they were aduertised that they came to succor them and to raise the campe, with a hundred Ensignes of foote and 3000. horse. There was a little Island in the midest of the riuer of Meuse: the Spaniards beeing of opinion that if they were masters therof, it would auaile them much, wherevpon they went into it and intrencht themselues: but they were so anoied and galled from the towers and walles of the towne as they were forced to retire, and to abandon it.
Moreouer there was a great rauelin ioyning without the rampar, with a large ditch, the which did defend the courtine of the sayd rampar, the Spaniards would gladly C haue seized thereon, that they might go more freely to the assault of the Courtine. It was sorely battred and often assaulted, yet could they not carry it in thirty daies, notwithstanding that the ditch towards the campe was filled vp with bauins and earth. In the end the Spaniards gaue a most furious assault, continuing and fortifying it still An other assault whereas the signior of Hierges was slaine. with fresh men, so as Maugre any resistance, they forced the defendants to retire vnto the rampar, at which assault, the signior of Hierges Earle of Barlaimont Collonel of a regiment of Wallons, a braue knight, was shot with a Harguebuse, whereof hee died soone after.
The States knowing well that the beseeged had neede of many things, thinking to victuall it, they found that all the passages were held by the enemies, and that there was D no accesse vnto the towne by land, so as they resolued to send their supplies by the riuer of Meuse, in the midest whereof the Spaniards had a great shippe of warre, well armed, to stoppe the passage. But the high waters, and the swiftnesse of the streame, forced them to way anchor, and to haue giuen passage to the states shippes, if they had come in time (the which by their delay was neglected) it had beene effected, but in the meane time the Spaniards gaue them other lets. The beseeged made many signes in the night, to let their confederats vnderstand in what extremitie they were. But seeing they fed them but with vaine hopes, and that the states did not greatly affect their succors, they beganne to growe somewhat cold, and to loose part of their first resolution, which they had shewed in so many hard assaults, which they had defended: and finding E that they wanted poulder, and that they had lost many men, and withall that the plague and other diseases did daily consume more, they began to giue eare vnto the enemy, seeming willing to accept of reasonable conditions, wherevnto the Spaniard seemed to incline, so as during these parlees they became more remisse and carelesse, and did not performe their duties at their gards as they had beene wont.
In the meane time the Spaniards hauing beene so often chased from their rampars, did not returne to a new assault, but filling the ditch with earth, they came and lodged close to the wall, so as they might incounter the beseeged with stones, and in this manner they did often skyrmish. But the beseeged relying much vpon their treatie of an accord, which they did hope soone to obtaine, were no more so actiue nor vigilant as F they had wont to bee, wherevpon the Spaniards and Germaines creeping closely by the breach vnto the toppe of the rampar, did note and obserue the countenance of the beseeged, and what was done within the towne, and that all the gard was almost a sleepe with their great toile, whereof they made report vnto the Prince of Parma: the which [Page 708] he vnderstanding, although they were readie to part, yet hee commanded that they 1579. A should goe and assaile them in diuers places as couertly as they could: so as the 29. of An assault giuen to Mastricht during a part and the towne taken with fury. Iuly the Spaniards, Wallons, Italiens and Germaines beeing put in battaile, they aduanced without any brute by the breaches to the toppe of the rampar, and cut the Corps de garde in peeces; so as notwithstanding any resistance they forced the towne and carryed it with a terrible furie, putting all to the sword, they incountred for three houres space, sparing neither men nor women, young nor olde, vntill that the Prince commanded them to cease from killing. Then they began to take the Burgers prisoners and to ransome them, yet this was a deere conquest vnto them, for they lost many men there: few of the states soldiars escaped the sword, but all were slaine. Captaine Captaine Bastien taken prisoner. Bastien who commanded there, was sore hurt and brought prisoner to the Prince of B Parma, who for his valour receiued him courteously.
Swartsenburg of Herld was there slaine, and so Mastricht, after foure monthes siege was won, being one of the resolutest, and valiantest defended townes, (considering the small meanes that it had) of all the former townes that were won by the enemy. Since that time the towne is wholy wasted, and in a manner desolate for that there stayed not aboue 300. Burgers therein, which afterward likewise went away, in whose places many Liegoeis came thether, and is yet a ruinated towne, the inhabitants beeing most soldiers that lie there in garrison, who afterwards burnt vp the emptie houses, for firewood: with this siege, the Prince of Parma's forces were much weakened, so as after that victorie hee could not attempt any thing of importance, and hee himselfe was very C sicke.
The losse of this towne caused many to murmur, and to accuse the states of negligence, for that they had not releeued it in time, as they might well haue, if they had vsed diligence and done their endeauors. During this siege they of Arthois and Henault, Lille, Douay, Orchies, Valenciennes Macklin and some castles of Flanders, hauing their deputies in the campe with the Prince of Parma, obtained their reconciliation, the which was concluded the seauenth day of May, and confirmed by letters pattents the twelfth of September as followeth.
‘Philip by the grace of God, King of Castille, Leon Arragon &c. To all them to A priuat reconciliation of Arthois Henault &c. whom these presents shall come greeting. As after the retreat of our deare and welbeloued D brother Don Iohn of Austria (deceased) vnto the castle of Namur, beeing then Gouernor and captaine generall of our seauenteene Prouinces; there had happened many dislikes and discords betwixt him and the generall Estates of our sayd Prouinces, the which not beeing able to bee pacified, by the conferences that had beene made to that end, had bred (to our great griefe) a great and cruell warre, to the ruine and desolation of a good part of our countrie. Beeing therefore desirous to doe the part of a father and a good Prince hauing since these last troubles alwaies sought the meanes of reconciliation. Finally by our deere and welbeloued Nephew the Prince of Parma and Placentia, Lieutenant, Gouernor and Captaine generall of our Netherlands, with our Prouinces of Arthois, Henault, Lille, Douay, and Orchies, hauing to that E end sent the reuerent father in God, Mathew Moulard, Bishoppe of Arras, Iohn of Noricarmes Knight, Barron of Selles a gentleman of our priuie chamber, and Lieutenant of our gard, and William le Vasfeur, signior of Valhuon, hath offred vnto them in our name, the entertainment of the pacification of Gant, the vnion which followed, and the perpetuall Edict, as also vnto the deputies of our other Prouinces in our towne of Antwerp, by letters of the twelfth day of March last past. Which offers beeing reiected by the deputies of some Prouinces, and otherwise interpreted then was our intention; had by the sayd three Prouinces of Arthois, Henault, Lille, Douay and Orchies (vnderstanding better our sincere intention) beene imbraced: the sayd three Prouinces hauing resolued vpon certaine points and articles, thereby to purchase a good F reconciliation, which points after many conferences held in our Citty of Arras, betwixt the deputies of our sayd Nephew, & the deputies of the sayd 3. Prouinces, the 17. of May last past haue bin concluded: which being presented to our said good Nephew in our campe before Mastricht, to haue his consent and approbation, there was some’ [Page 709] difficulty found in them: where-vpon it was decreed that comissioners should be deputed 1579. A on our behalfe and for the said Prouinces to explaine the said difficulties: and that according to their resolution, the agreation and oth should be allowed which our said Nephew the Prince of Parma tooke the twenty nine of Iune last past. According to the which, there was sent on our behalfe, to our towne of Mons, our deere and faithfull cousine the earle of Mansfeldt, Baron of Heldrune, knight of our order of the golden fleese, of our councell of State, Gouernor & Captaine generall of our duchy of Luxembourg, and marshal of our campe, and our beloued and faithful knights Iohn of Noyelles Seignior of Rossignol of our councel at war; and Adrien of Gomicourt Seignior of the same place a gentleman of our houshold, together with Iohn of Vendiuille, and Anthonie Houst Doctors of the law, councellors and maisters of request in ordinary of our priuie B councell, and George of Wezendorp a Doctor also of the law, and one of our councell in Freesland, who hauing conferred there-vpon with our well-bee-loued and faithfull cousine Robert of Melun Marquis of Rombais, Seneshall of Henault, vicont of Gant. &c. Gouernor and captaine generall of our country and Conty of Arthois, and of our towne and Baylewike of Hesdin: and with our deere and welbeloued the Deputies of the country of Arthois, and with our deere and faithfull cousine Philip Earle of Lalain, Gouernor, captaine Generall and great baylife of our country and conty of Henault, and our deere and wel-be-loued the Deputies of the said country: our most deere and faithfull Maximilian Villian Baron of Rassengien Gouernor and Captaine generall of the townes and Castells of Lille, Douay and Orchies: Adrian Dogines knight, Seignior C of Villerval, and our deere and welbeloued the Deputies of the said townes and Castles, with other associates assembled in our said towne of Mons, haue concluded and resolued vpon the said doubts and difficulties: wee therefore make it knowne that the premises considered by the aduice and councell of our said good nephew the Prince of Parma, and of our councell of State being with him, haue conformable to the said Articles, for vs, our Heires and Successors, ordeyned and decreed, ordeine and decree, in forme of a perpetual edict irreuocable for euer, the points and articles which follow.
First that the treaty of pacification made at Gant, the Vnion, perpetuall Edict, and ratification which followed on our behalfe shall remaine in their full force, and vertue, and shall be really effected in all points. And the better to vnite our said subiects in a D good vnion and concord, for the seruice of GOD, maintenance of the Catholike, Apostolike and Romish Religion, obedience due to vs, and for the quiet, good and tranquility of our said countries: we haue granted, and doe grant a perpetuall forgetfullnes of either side, of all that hath bene said or done, in what sort or manner soeuer, from the first alterations, or by reason thereof; freeing them from all reproch or serch of iudges and other officers, as for matters which had neuer hapned: ordayning that all sentences and decrees made to that end, as well in these countries as where-so euer vnder our iurisdiction, by reason of the troubles past, shall be disanulled and razed out of the regesters, as an absolute discharge of all those hauing followed the one or the other party that doe contract. To which end wee haue defended and doe defend all men indifferently, of what quality or condition soeuer, to reproch one another, by reason of that E is past; yet not comprehending in this abolition or forgetfullnes, the common enemies of vs and the said reconciled Prouinces, being banished or called to answere, for that they had conspired against some townes. Not-with-standing wee haue ratefied and doe ratefie and allow that which in the said reconciled Prouinces hath beene promised and granted by our Brother, and Nephew the Archduke Mathias, the estates and the councell of State, so farre forth as the ordinary authority of our Gouernors and Lieutenants generall in our Netherlands hath hethereto streched. And in regard of prouisions especially reserued vnto our selfe, at the instance, request and intreaty of the said estates, wee haue in like sort confirmed and doe confirme them for this time F only, vnlesse it appeers that such as are aduanced be no Catholikes, and not qualified as is fitting, to excuse the said offices, and that they be not repugnant to the pacification of Gant, Vnion, perpetuall Edict, and the rights, preuiledges and freedomes of the country, as well in generall as in particular, reseruing not-with-standing all prouisions that [Page 710] might be made since the 17. of May last past, the which shalbe held for voide, not comprehending A therein any of our Councellors of state or treasor. Wee will not prosecute 1579 or call in question, nor cause any one to be called in question for the demolition or beating downe of any castles or forts, which castles or forts may not be reedified nor built vp againe in the reconciled Prouinces, without the expresse consent of the Estates of euery Prouince in particular. Item wee doe grant, decree and ordaine, that all our men of warre as well Spaniards, Italians, Albaneses, Bourguignons and other stangers, not pleasing to the States, accepting this present treaty, shall depart out of our sayd Netherlands, and out of the Dutchy of Luxembourg, six-weekes after the publication of this present accord, or sooner if the army before mentioned, may be leuied & on foote; and in case that prouisions necessary for their departure may bee sooner made ready: B but howsoeuer they shall depart within sixe-weekes, for that the sayd Estates haue promised vs to imploy them-selues with our counties withall dilligence and without fraude, for the leuying of the sayd army against the time of the departure of the sayd strangers, who within six-weekes after shall goe out of our county of Bourgondie, and neuer returne more into our sayd Netherlands, nor any others to bee sent thether, vnlesse we be ingaged in some forraine warres, and generally hauing no vrgent necessity the which shalbe well knowne and aprooued by the sayd Estates. And in like sort the the sayd Estates shall cause all French, Scottish or other strangers, ouer whome they haue any command or authority, to depart out of the country.
And the sayd men of warre, Spaniards, Italiens, Germains, Bourguignons and others, C at their departure out of any townes and castles shall leaue all victualls, artillery, and munition there being. And such Ordinance as hath beene drawne out of any forts, they shalbe bound to returne them to the same places, from whence they were taken, with the first oportunitie, and not to transport them out of the country, which townes and castles of the sayd reconciled Prouinces, with all the victualls, artillerie and munition that shalbe in them, wee shall put (that is to say those that are vnder the gouernment of Henault within twenty daies after the publication of these presents, and the rest wheresoeuer they bee seated within twentie daies after) into the hands of them that are borne in the Netherlands, qualefied according to the preuiledges thereof, and pleasing vnto the Estates of the reconciled Prouinces respectiuely. During the which D time of the retreate of the sayd strangers, wee with the sayd reconciled Prouinces shall at our cost and charges raise an armie of them of the countrie pleasing to vs and the sayd Prouinces. Prouided alwaies that the sayd Prouinces shall assist vs by contribution according vnto the twentieth article following, for the maintaynance of the Catholike Aposto like, and Romish Religion, and the obedience due vnto vs, according to the pacification of Gant, vnion, perpetuall Edict, and this present treaty, in all points and articles. We command all Estates and gouernors both generall and particular, Consulls and Magistrates of Luxembourg and Bourgongne to maintaine in full force and vertue, the perpetuall Edict and this present treaty, and to take an oth and giue a sufficient act of all aboue mentioned. As also the Estates shall for their parts doe their duties E reciprocally; for to the end the trafficke and comerce may be free betwixt the sayd countries, as it hath beene in former times with all assurance. All prisoners shall be deliuered of either side presently after the publication of this treaty, so far forth as it shalbe in their powre, without paying of any ransome. And in regard of goods seized on, arrested and detained of either side since the pacification of Gant, as well in our sayd Netherlands, as in Bourgongne and els where; euery one shal presently reenter into all his immouable goods, and as for the mouable, euery one shal be also repossest, if they were not alienated by authority and order of iustice, or by the Magistrats, being forced therevnto by some popular tumult, wherein shalbe comprehended the goods of such prisoners as are detained by them of Gant and their adherents. And as for rents charged vpon the F sayd goods, they shall gouerne themselues according to the 14. 15. and 16. article of the pacification of Gant, beginning at the feast of S. Iohn Baptist. 1579. Wee haue and doe maintaine all new Gouernors of countries townes, places and forts that are reconciled, as before the retreat of our deceased deere Brother Don Iohn at Namur.
[Page 711] As also those shalbe maintained that haue beene aduanced to any Gouernments that 1579. A were voide by death. And as for such Gouernors as haue beene placed by prouision by reason of the imprisonment and detention of some Noblemen. They shalbe continued vntill the release and returne of the sayd prisoners. Alwaies prouided that if the sayd prisoners should chance to die, prouision should bee made according to the eighteenth Article, promising for our part not to displace any one, so as hee hath held the partie of the Estates during these alterations, and maintained the Catholike and Romish Religion, according to the pacification of Gant, the vnion which followed, and the perpetuall Edict, and shall not hereafter do any act that may be preiudiciall to this present treaty of reconciliation.
And for better assurance we haue and do ordaine according to the leauenth article of the perpetuall Edict, that the sayd Estates of the vnited Prouinces and all persones in B any dignitie, Gouernors, Magistrates, Burgeses and Inhabitants of Townes and Bourroes, whereas thereis any garrison, and the souldiars ioyntly with them, and also all the Inhabitants of any townes and villages, whereas thereis not any garrison, withall others that haue any Estates, charges or Offices of warre or otherwise, shall take an oth to maintaine the Catholike Religion, and obedience due to vs, according to the sayd pacification, the vnion which followed, the perpetuall Edict and this present treatie. And not to receiue change or admit any garrison without the priuitie of the gouernor generall of the Prouince, and the aduise of the Estates of euery Prouince, or of their deputies. Alwaies prouided that in case of vrgent necessitie, the sayd Prouinciall Gouernor, C may haue garrisons in forts whereas they haue beene accustomed to bee, hauing taken an oth and being at our seruice in euery Prouince.
Wee promise not to charge nor cause to bee charged the townes nor countrie of the sayd reconciled Prouinces, with any strange souldiars, nor with them of the countrie, vnlesse they shall desire it by reason of warre or some iminent dangers, or that they haue beene vsually accustomed to haue them, in which case the garrisons shall bee of the naturall borne of the countrie, pleasing to the sayd Estates respectiuely. Wee will and ordaine that in all Townes and Borroughs where the Magistrates haue beene renewed, extraordinarilie since the beginning of the troubles, shall bee restored D according to the customes and preuiledges of euery place, obserued in the time of the happie and glorious memorie of the Emperor Charles our Lord and father. And that order bee giuen the sayd Magistrates bee respected and obeied, as is fit, for the auoyding of all new inconueniences.
Wee promise to imploy alwaies in the generall gouernment of our Netherlands a Prince or Princesse of our bloud, hauing the partes and qualities requisite for so great a charge, wherewith our subiects ought in reason to bee satisfied, who shall gouerne with all Iustice and equitie, according to the lawes and customes of the countrie, taking a sollemne oth to maintaine the pacification of Gant, the vnion which followed, the perpetuall Edict, and this present treatie, in all points and Articles, and namely the Catholike, Romish Religion and our due obedience, fore-warning the E sayd Estates as wee haue accustomed of our choise; meaning that our Nephew for sixe moneths (for the great desire which wee haue aboue all things, to procure the peace and quiet of our good subiects) shall doe his best endeauor to aduance and effect the retreat of the strangers and the deliuerie of places, to bee presently receiued in the gouernment generall of our sayd Netherlands, obseruing the accustomed sollemnities. And for the better satisfaction of our sayd Estates and subiects, hee shalbe serued by them that are naturall borne in the countrie, and by as fewe strangers as may be. And the more to gratefie them, we desire that hee shall not entertaine aboue 25. or 30. strangers, who shall not in any sort deale with the affaires of the country. Hauing notwithstanding such a gard, as precedent Gouernors, Princes or Princesses of our bloud haue beene accustomed to haue, of Archers and Halbardiers borne in the countrie, F or Germaines, vnder Commanders of qualitie of the countrie, with which our sayd Nephew, the Estates shall hold good correspondencie from hence-forth, and shall aduertise him of all things that shall passe touching the execution of the sayd treatie, [Page 712] and al that which depends thereon, all commissions, prouisions and Edicts being made A by and in our name onely. At the end of which sixe moneths, if we haue not aduanced 1579. to the said gouernment, either him or some other of thelike quality (to the end that no disorder nor confusion shall happen) it shall bee gouerned by the councell of estate, attending a new provision.
Which councell of estate shall consist of twelue men at our choyse, as well noblemen & gentlemen as lawyers, borne in the contry, as hath bin accustomed: wherof two third parts shall be pleasing to the sayd estates, and such as haue followed their party from the beginning vnto the ending. Of the which fiue shall haue an accustomed commission from vs, and the other three but a simple prouision for three monethes, at the end whereof we may (if wee please) continue them, or chose others of the like quality, to l [...]aue a meanes for the Prouinces to reconcile them-selues. And with the resolution B and aduise of the sounder part of them, (who shall be bound to take the oth aboue mentioned) all dispatches shall be made as in the time of our most honored Lord and father, the Emperor Charles which shall be viewed by one of the said councellors, to preuent all inconueniences. That to all Gouernments which hereafter for sixe yeares to come shall fall voyde in the said prouinces reconcyled, we shall preferre such as are borne in our Netherlands, or strangers, either of them being pleasing vnto the estates of the said Prouinces respectiuely, capable, fit and qualified according to the preuiledges thereof.
And as for our priuie councellors, of the treasor, and other officers of importance, we will aduance such as are borne in the country, or others to the good likeing C of the said estates, who before their reception shall be bound to sweare sollemnly this present accord, and promise by oth in case they shall discouer any thing that is treated to the preiudice thereof, to aduertise the estats of the Prouinces, vpon paine to be held periured and infamous. We haue also ratified and do ratifie all constitu [...]ions of rents, pensions and other obligations, assurances and other impositions, which the said estates by the accord of euery Prouince haue made or past, or shal make or passe, to all those that haue assisted or furnished them with mony to releeue their necessities, and payment of debts contracted by reason of the warres and troubles past, conformable to the eighteene Article of our perpetuall edict. And hereafter they shall not bee taxed nor charged in any other sort nor manner, then they haue beene in the time D and raigne of our deceased Lord and Father Charles the [...]ift, and by the consent of the Estates of euery Prouince respectiuely.
That all priuiledges, vses and customes, as well in generall as in particular, shalbee maintayned, and if any haue beene violated, they shalbee repaired and restored. The sayd reconciled Prouinces shalbe bound to renounce all leagues and confedetions which they may haue made, since the beginning of the changes and alterations. And for that the sayd Estates held themselues bound vnto our deere sister, the Queene of England, and to the Duke of Aniou Brother to the most Noble and Christian King, for the good assistance that they haue receiued from them. Wee will send (two moneths after that our said Nephew the Prince of Parma and Placentia E shall bee entred into the Gouernment generall) persons of quality vnto them to doe all good offices, and the confederation and ancient amitie with our said Sister shall bee continued reciprocally. And to in crease and augment the loue and affection which Princes ought to beare vnto their subiects, and that they may bee the better inclined to the respect and obedience which they owe vnto their naturall Prince; The said estates haue humbly intreted vs to send as soone as time and oportunity will serue one of our Children that may succeed in the Netherlands to be norished and instructed there according vnto their maners, in all piety and vertue. Whereof wee will haue such regard as shall be fit. F
We are content that al prouinces, Chasteleines, townes or priuate persons of our said Netherlands, that would enter into reconciliation with vs, vpon the conditions of this said treaty shall be receiued by vs, and receiue the same benefit with the reconcyled [Page 713] Prouinces, so as they come freely within three moneths after the reall departure of the 1579. sayd Spaniards out of our Netherlands. A
Wee haue consented and agreed, and doe consent and agree, that the sayd Estates may beseech his Holinesse: our most deere and welbeloued good Brother Nephew and Cousin the Emperor: the Archbishops of Cologne and Treues and the Duke of Cleues, as Zealous of the good & quiet of the Christian cōmon-weale, that they wilbe pleased to looke and haue a care that this treatie and accord may bee in all points effected, accomplished and inuiolably obserued. And if in the execution and accomplishment of this pacification there shal grow any difficulty or questiō to be decided after the publication thereof, wee and the Estates of the sayd reconciled Prouinces shall depute respectiuely commissioners to heare reconcile and execute. Alwaies vnderstanding, that by those words Agreeable to the States, put in many articles of this treaty B those that are naturall borne of the country shall not bee excluded, hauing followed either partie contracting. And to the end that of all and euery point and article aboue written, made, concluded and determined in our towne of Arras the seauenteenth of May last past, examined, made plaine and resolued on in our towne of Mons the 11. day of September, may be well and really obserued, fulfilled and executed, and that all that is conteined in the sayd articles, may bee firme, stable, permanent and inuiolable for euer. Wee haue caused, this present treatie to be signed by our deere and faithfull Cousin the Earle of Mansfelt and other deputies aboue-named on the one part; and the Gouernors and deputies of the sayd Prouinces and other associats on the other, promising C to ratifie all in due and accustomed forme, within three moneths after this day. Giuen in our towne of Mons the twelfth of September 1579.
To this reconciliation ranne those of Macklin, which towne the signior of Bours (leauing the partie of the generality) deliuered into the Prince of Parmas hands: but soone after fearing that through his lightnesse he should do as much as he had done with the castle of Antwerp, he was displaced, and the signior of Rossignol his Cousin put in his Many tovvnes enter into this priuat reconciliation. place. The towne of Niuelle in Brabant, the towne and countrie of Allost, the towne and Chasteleny of Bourboure, and manie priuat persons ioyned likewise: The rest of Brabant, Flanders, Geldres, Holland, Zeeland, Vtrecht, Ouerissell and Groninghen, remayning yet firme in the vnion of Vtrecht. Whilest the campe laie before Mastricht, D in the moneths of May, Iune, Iuly and August, there met (at the pursute of the Duke of Terranoua Ambassador for the King of Spaine) in the Citty of Cologne, the Emperors The treaty of Cologne vnprofitable. Ambassadors with the Electors of Treues and Cologne, and some deputies from the Duke of Cleues, as intercessors, to finde some meanes of an accord and peace, betwixt the King of Spaine and the reconciled Prouinces, in whose name appeered the duke of Arschot and some Noblemen with the deputies of euery Prouince, and withall the deputies of the generall Estates which continued in the vnion of Vtrecht. But the conditions of the duke of Terranoua being long debated of either side, were not receiuable by them of the vnion of Vtrecht. E
The King of Spaine (among other points) refusing to allow generally throughout all his countries, of any other Religion, then of the Romish, and they of Holland and Zeeland would by no meanes be depriued of the reformed Religion, wherof they had made free and open profession for some yeares, so as they could not agree, wherevpon the deputies of the generall Estates of the sayd vnion retired without any effect, hauing a stronge impression that they sought onelie to circumuent them by this offer of a peace; who beeing retired, the Noblemen which remayned, (among the which was the duke of Arschot and the deputies of the reconciled Prouinces, with the sayd duke of Terranoua) concluded certaine articles, which they quallefied with the name of a peace. The sum wherof was, the obseruation of the Romish Religion, & obedience to the King. Moreouer that all Officers should be restored to their Estates, to the which the King would in no sort admit them of the reformed Religion. And that those of the reformed F Religion, if they would not submit themselues vnto the Romish profession should depart the country hauing liberty to enioy their goods which they should leaue behinde them, or to sell them, as they should thinke best, which peace was signed by the duke [Page 714] Of Arschot, and the Deputies of Arthois, Henault, the Chasteleine of Lille. &c. Mac A klin and Boisleduc. In the meane time Iohn of Imbise Bourguymaster of Gant, after 1579. their brech of the relligious peace, plaid the mad-man in spoyling of Churches and Monasteries, seazing of their rents and goods, selling their mouables and timber trees, which his fauorits bought at an vnder rate: to conclude he would gouerne all at his The behauiour of Iohn d'Imbise in Gant. pleasure, without the aduise and councell of his Bretheren and companions in the law. He forced Mounsiere de la Noue (for that he could not allow of his actions) to depart out of Gant in the night: and brought into the said towne the twenty eight of Iuly great numbers of foote and horse at his deuotion, and being fortefied and supported by them hee displaced the magestrates, and created new, confirming him-selfe of his owne priuat authority, in the dignity of the first Bourguymaister, vpon whome commonly depends the cheefe mannaging of affayres and the gouernment of the B towne. This done hee causeth his reasons to bee Printed, all which were grounded vpon iealousies and Cauillations. The Prince of Orange being aduertised of all these practises, writ vnto them of Gant that hee would come in person, to take knowledge and to order all things. The which Imbise fearing, knowing where his soare did pinch him, he sought with his partisans to preuent it, where-vpon hee caused to bee printed fower articles of the reasons why it was not fit the Prince should come: yet the Seignior of Ryhuen great Baylife of Gant and his faction, being contrary to Imbise, with the members of the towne, thought it fit the Prince should come, vpon promise that hee shold neither bring nor leaue at his departure any garrison: that they should enioy their preuiledges: that he should leaue the cheefe of the trads in their Offices, and the estate C of religion as he should find it: that he should not call any man in question for what was past, and that hee should signe and seale this promise vnto them. The Prince not respecting all these Articles which they would haue him promise, came to Gant the first of August: Imbise hearing of his comming, pretended some excuse, and retired towards the Sas, where hee was pursued on the Princes behalfe by captaine Monault, but too late: for Imbise hauing caused the bridge to bee drawne vp after him, imbarked for Flessinghe, and from thence went into Germany to Duke Casimir, where hee remained vntill the Ganthois called him home againe, as wee shall hereafter shew. The Prince being at Gant, was much troubled to create any other Magistrate then Imbise, and to repaire the disorders which had happened by his bad gouernment, yet he redrest some D part as well as he could. Peter d' Ahene a Flemish Minister, a great partisans of Imbises, retired also, being in feare of his life, for a certaine Inuectiue which in fauor of Imbise, he had written against the Prince in the Dutch tongue.
The Malcontents had at that time an enterprize vpon Gant, whereof hauing fayled, they marched towards Renay, where there was a garrison of them of Gant, whom they defeated and slue many of them, as they did also at Bosserode, which they burnt and abandoned. After that the Prince had ordred some thing in Gant, he went to Bruges, to The Prince accept the gouernment of Flanders. settle their affaires, the which he did, suffring himselfe to bee perswaded vpon certaine conditions to accept of the gouernment of Flanders, and then he returned to Antwerp. The Prince of Parma some-what to satisfie the contract of reconciliation with them of E Arthois, Henault, Lisle, Macklin &c. sent the Spanish forces out of the countrie, retayning still some Italian horse. But they went not so farre but vpon the first occasion hee called them back againe: yet this their short absence mooued many of the Noblemen in like sort to reconcile them-selues.
The Earle of Rheneberg gouernor of Frisland, hauing by seege, (as we haue sayd) reduced the towne of Groninghen vnder the vnion of Vtrecht, marcht with some troupes and three field peeces towards Couoerden, the which was then but a Bourrough with a castle, giuing charge to captaine Cornput to fortefie it: the which he began with great ditches large and deepe, making fiue Rauelins, but this worke surceased for that time, The first [...] of Couerden. the which was afterwards finished by the Drossart Ens, (vpon the same foundations F which Cornput had laied) for the Kings seruice, The Germaine companies of the sayd Earle of Rheneberg, lodging in the countrie of Oueryssel, feeding vpon the poore country-man at discretion, for want of pay, the Peasants put themselues in armes, and chased [Page 715] away the companies of horse of Dodo Van Laer and Rhynswoud, Bartell Entens went to 1579. A charge these clownes, and rescued the bootie which they had taken from the horse-men: yet hauing fortified them-selues more then before, they in like sort chased away Cont Hohenloos troopes. But the Earle returning with greater forces, defeated them neere vnto the Cloyster of Sion, and cutte some 700 of them in peecees; so as hee forced them to lay downe their Armes, and redeeme them-selues from spoyle.
After the Treaty of Cologne (which some did quallefie with the name of peace) the reconciled Prouinces, with the Malecontents of Menin, supported by them of Macklin, thought to cut of the passages to the towne of Brusselles, and to take away their victualls, thereby to force them to reconcile them-selues with them. And as the Malecontents carryed a conuoy of fifty waggons with all sort of munition to Macklyn, A conuoy of the Malecon tents defeated. B hauing two hundred horse and foure hundred foote, they were incountred about Alost, with fiue hundred horse & about one thousand foote of the States, who defeated them, and brought all the bootie to Brusselles.
The Estates seeing the towne of Macklyn in the Spaniards hands, did forbid all persons by a publike proclamation, to carry any thing thether, vppon paine of forfeyture of body and goods; summoning them of Macklin to returne vnto their Confederation with the generallity, within four daies. This did much trouble the Burgers, and moued them against their Magistrates: Who vppon feare they had of the Estates, required Macklyn summoned by the Estates, will remaine Neuters. a Spanish garri [...]on: The which the Burgers refused, saying that they would hold them-selues neuters, and keepe the towne: Seeing that they found them-selues C able ynough, without receiuing of any garrison: yet in the end they were forced to accept of one. In the meane time Mounsier de la Noue Marshall of the Estates Camp, to free the Riuer which goes from Antwerp to Brusselles, went by commandement from the Prince of Orange, to charge the Germaines who began to make a Fort at Villebrouck, at the mouth of the great Riuer of Eschaut which runnes before Antwerp, who hearing of his approach, left the place, and passing the Riuer at Macklyn, La Noue makes the Germaines leaue Villebrouck. cast them-selues into the towne, La Noue finding of what importance that place might be, caused the fortifications to bee finished with all speed. The Prince of Parma being grieued that this place had beene thus wone, sent some troopes to recouer it; but they came to late, for it was finished: Whereas some companies of his horse-men were D defeated by Captaine Mornaut; but whil'st the victors were busie at the spoile, and pursued not their victorie, the Spaniards being rallyed againe togither, charged them & defeated all Mornaults company, who saued him-selfe, with the losse of 40. of his men slaine vpon the place, and the rest prisoners.
The reconciled Prouinces of Arthois, Henault, &c. Hauing raysed the body of an Armie, as it had beene promised by the Treatie of their reconciliation. The Prince of Parma went to besiege the Bourg and Castell of Mortagne in Henault, where there were certaine companies of the Estates, both English, Scottish, and The taking of Mortagne and S. Amand by the Parmois. Wallons, the which hee tooke by force; whereas Captaine Sohey brother to Collonell Sohey was slaine: From thence hee went to set vppon the Bourg and Abbay of S. E Amand; which he likewise tooke, whereas Collonell Morgan an Englishman was taken prisoner. About that time they of Brusselles and other garrisons thereabouts, did subtilie surprize Niuelles a towne in Brabant, at the opening of the Port: whereat the beginning they made some little resistance, and some were slaine. The Seignior of Glimes great Bayliffe of Wallon-Brabant Gouernor of the towne, was taken there, being Niuelle surprised by the Estates. found hidden in a stable: the towne was partly spoiled, & part ransomed, the Abbesse & religious women were also prisoners and carryed to Brusselles. This enterprise was made by the commandement of Olliuer vanden Timpell Gouernor of Brusselles, who came thether, and after hee had taken order for the garrison, hee left his brother Denis vanden Timpell to command in the place. The Seignior of Glimes had beene F aduertised of this enterprise the night before, but regarded it not. About that time Collonel Martin Schenck of Nydecken a Gentleman of Gelderland, grew to great credit: in his youth hee had beene Page to the Lord of Iselsteyen, and after that hee serued the Prince of Orange with two horses, but after the pacification of Gant [Page 716] hauing taken the house of Blyenbeek, neere to the riuer of Meuse, lying beyond the A Towne of Graue, from his Cousin, pretending an interest therein, and could get no protection 1579 from the Estates, hee fell from them, and hauing stabd an Ensigne-bearer, hee put himselfe into the Prince of Parmas seruice, forcing the whole countrie of Gelderland to pay him contribution, and likewise the riuer. Wherevpon the Estates caused captaine Hogheman to beseege it, but the Prince sent both horse and foote to releeue him, so as they were forced to retire.
As the Malcontents in the beginning of their warre had taken a great rich village in Flanders called Menin lying vpon the riuer of Lice, which by their chiefe commander called Emanuel of Lalain barron of Montigny, was made stronge, (calling it his first conquest) from whence they ouer-ranne all West Flanders, and made them giue contribution, B so they lost it againe in the like manner, for that in Menin there was a brewer called Peter Vercruissen, who was much troubled and molested by the Wallons, for harboring of a preacher in his house, so as at the last they ment to proceed against him, as a cryminal offender by order of law. For which cause he diuised a means to get out of the fort, and early in a morning, beeing appareled like a countrie-man went out, and being to passe by a sentinell, hee tooke his halbert out of his hand, and slue him, with the which also he killed two other sentinells, and by that meanes escaped, from thence hee went to the Bourguemaster of Bruges, called Iaques Broucqsanke, shewing him, by what meanes hee might free the country from their oppressions, which hee esteemed an easie matter to effect and that with very fewe men: which the Bourguemaster imparting C to Colonel Balfour, hauing receiued charge and commission to effect the same, from the Archduke, and the Prince of Orange, the sayd Bourguemaster, and his sonnes, Peter and Ioas, caused a certaine number of ladders to bee secretly made in his garden-house, to serue for that purpose; and al things being readie prepared, vpon the one and twenty of October in the euening, Colonel Baulfour went vnto the Scottish companies that lay in Rousselase, and the next morning about foure of the clocke went with them vnder the walles of Menin, ioyning vpon the stone-way or causie that goeth from thence to Renselase, and with them the sayd Peter Vercruyssen: At the same time also, there came certaine Flemish companies by shippe from Cortrick, which set vpon Menin on that side, and so on both sides they secretly clome vp to the rampar, and D there valiantly killing the sentinels, forced the gard to flie to saue themselues, whereby, (without losse of men, or any great resistance,) they presently got the fort, for that they within knew themselues to bee to weake; for that part of their garrison were gon out, about the like exploit, and therefore they fled and saued themselues by the bridge that past ouer the water to Halewin; but it is not to be wondred at, for that the Wallon garrisons there-abouts, as at Wastene, Werwicke, Comene, and part of those An enterprise by the Malcontents against Cortrike, but tooke no effect. of Menin were all as then (by counsell and procurement of the Lord of Erpe) gon towards Cortrike, beeing led by Monsier d' Allennes, in the like sort, and at the very same time to take and spoile it, the which garrisons beeing before Cortrike, and busied to take the depth of the ditches with their halberds and pikes, the chiefe Baylife of Cortrike E beeing as then in the top of the towers of the castle of Cortrike, to heare the alarum, that should about that time bee giuen to Menin, called vnto the sentinell in the Bulwarke, asking him if hee had not heard any thing, (not knowing that his enemies were so neere,) wherevnto the sentinell made answere and sayd, no, wherewith the Baylife sayd, that the time drewe neere, which words Mounsire d' Allennes hearing, suspected that his enterprise was discouered, and that those wordes were spoken to that end. For which cause hee went to his companie to consult further with them, and presently there-withall hee heard the alarum giuen at Menin, which made him withall speed to returne backe againe to helpe them, and that if Menin should chaunce to bee taken, to set vpon them, and to take it againe, while the souldiers F should bee busied about the spoile, but aproching the fort, and by reason of the darkenesse of the morning) beeing not able to iudge whether the pikes hee saw were launces or not) hee thought their enemies had some horse-men there, so as hee was glad to alter his determination, and with his affrighted souldiars to goe to Werwicke, [Page 717] whereby the Scots and the rest of the soldiers had the better meanes, to take the spoile 1579. A in Menin, and to deuide that, which the Wallons in lo [...]g time had gathered togither, whereby you may iudge if the spoile were small.
Vpon those newes, the Prince of Orange caused certaine English and French companies that lay in Willebrook & other Flemish companies to march thether, conducted by the signior of La Noue, to preserue their victory, who vpon the foureteenth of Nouember came to Werwicke, wherein were two of the aforesaid Wallon companies, that had insconsed themselues in the Church, and two more in the castle, that lay on the other side of the riuer, thereby keeping the bridge free betweene both, those in the Church were inclosed by the French men, and shot at by the souldiars that stood aboue in the houses, and leueled at them through the Church-windowes, they within B shooting likewise at them, and defended them-selues as well as they could, in such sort, as they without tooke counsell what they should doe, and whether they were best to batter the Church with ordinance, for that they within made no signe nor shew of yeelding, hoping to bee relecued by the garrisons there abouts, for that to the same end, there were fiue companies comming out of Halewin, but they of Menin hauing inteligence thereof, gaue a hot and furious charge vpon them of Halewin, putting fire in their Court of guard, whereby they were in such a great agonie and feare, as they were to send for their fiue companies backe againe, and it was aduisedly done. For that Mounsire De la Noue, vnderstanding that the Wallons assembled them-selues togither at Comene, was fully resolued, if they entred into the field, to set vpon C them, with his horse-men, whereof hee gaue notice vnto all the Flemish companies, but perceiuing that they came not forward, (to loose no time) hee scaled the Church with ladders, so as about 4. of the clocke in the afternoone hee tooke it, where the Flemish soldiars were much commended for their valor, especially one that carried a target, who at the taking of the Church, receiued seauenteene bullets vpon the same: at there entry they slue fortie of the Wallons, the rest beeing about 140. were all taken prisoners, one of their captaines was Caroudolet Lieutenant to the Earle of Egmont, the other Croisset, but neither of them both was found amongst the rest. They within the castle expecting no better vsage, in the same euening set it on fire, and fled to Comendé. D
The sixeteenth day of Nouember Mounsire de La Nove, being about three hundred horse and foure hundred French foote-men past ouer the riuer of Leye to seeke some aduenture: and marching towards Halewin, met with foure cornets of horse, the one beeing the duke of Arschots, the other the Earle of Lalains, and the rest newe cornets, which hee presently charged with such fury, as at the first incounter they were wholy broken and disperced, and presently beganne to flie, where they were followed The Malcontents horse-men ouerthrowne by La Noue, whereby they forsooke many places in Flanders. till they came to Marquette: and if it had not beene so late, fewe or none of them had escaped, and yet the greatest part of them were slaine, as it apeared by the horses and the prisoners, which the Scottish captaines Seton and Mornou brought into Menin. Which they of Halewin vnderstanding, without longer staying set E fire on the houses, and presently fled away, the houses burning downe to the ground. The garrison of Becelare, and Wastene, left them places likewise, which forts La Noue presently manned with garrisons, and diuers other places thereaboutes, In which exploit his French souldiars were so furious, as hearing that their paie was come to Menin, they refused to receaue it saying, that it was then no time to receaue monie, but to fight, thereby to shewe their valors, and to doe their dueties.
In the meane time the Prince of Orange seeing how negligent and carelesse the Estates were of their affaires, whilest that the Prince of Parma did domineere and [...]ortefie himself from all parts, and that in the end al would go ill being loth to lay the blame F vpon any particular person, & not knowing where their griefe lay, desirous to prouide for it in time, he would first adresse himselfe by admonitions and exhortations vnto the Estates of Holland and Zeland, being assembled in the towne of Delf, whom he thought [Page 718] his reasons should be of more waight, and haue more credit and respect, to whome hee A discoursed in this manner. 1579.
‘My maisters although I am not ignorant of your good affection to preserue that The Prince of Oranges oration to the states of Holland & Zeeland. souerraigne good which it hath pleased our Lord God to giue vs in this countrie: yet seeing you are now assembled in this towne, I thinke that this good occasion doth admonish and bind vs to confer together to vnder-stand more particularly and more certenly, what meanes wee may find to repulse the attempts and inuasions of our enemies, as well by sea as land: and what orders may bee set downe to attaine vnto so great a good: for it is more then necessary to prouide for it. And there is no doubt but the enemies imploy all their forces and meanes to this end, to see if they B may dant your resolutions, and finding no preparation answerable to oppresse and ruine you, and so attaine to that which they pretend, I make no doubt but the King of Kings that great God, conductor of armies, will finish the worke which hee hath begun pouring out his blessings vpon vs: yet it is necessarie that wee should acknow [...]edg the meanes which he doth giue vs, and by his grace will giue vs hereafter, and that we should vse them to his glory: other-wise our neglect and carelessenes, our ingratitude & rashnes together with a contempt of his graces, cannot but prouoke his iust iudgement against vs and our posterity. As if a man desirous to keepe the water in his cesterne, would suffer his house to burne and not vse it, or referring him-selfe to the prouidence of God for the mayntenance of his life, would not eate the bread which God sends C him to sustaine him-selfe. And the better to vnderstand and prouide for all dangers, it is necessary first of all to knowe what the enemies forces bee, and the end where-vnto they tend, and direct all their desseigns: For my part I cannot conceale from you what I vnder-stand, that we may fore-see and not fall into the confusion of those foolish builders, and warriors whereof IESVS CHRIST makes mention, who wanted meanes to finish their worke. In the meane time my intent is not any waies to terefie you, or make you faint, and abandon the worke begun: but that the consideration of their desseins and meanes should open our eyes, and incline our hearts, to apply the remedy and meanes to preuent it and to maintaine our selues happely. And in truth this preuoyance and disposition may cause two very notable effects and of great consequence: D first it is most certaine that our enemies hearing our firme resolution to defend our selues, and to imploy all the means which GOD hath giuen vs to mainetaine and preserue our liberties together with a fit and conuenient order which shall bee concluded by a wise deliberation: they will bee greatly amazed and discorraged, so as such a resolution will serue for a sharpe counterpoyson to ouerthrowe, at the least to weaken much the force of their fraud, conspiraces and attempts: and discorage them from attempting any thing vpon vs and our country. Secondly such a resolution and coniunction of courrages, with a due order, will giue vs great satisfaction, assurance and resolution in this worke, great increase of desire to imploy our selues, and great facility in the execution of all things requisit and necessary. And which is more it shall E be a meanes to free vs from all remorse of conscience, sorrow before GOD, and reproches before the world, feeling in our selues, and hauing made it knowne, that we haue executed those charges where-vnto GOD hath called vs, for the perseruation of so great a people, relying vpon our wisdoms, vigilance, dilligence and fidelity. The which shall bee also a reputation and honor vnto vs with all men, yea with our posterity, by the relation of Histories, which shall yeeld a testimony of our holy affection, constancy and magnanimitie, to haue consecrated our selues wholy, and imployed our meanes faithfully in a cause so holy, so iust, and of such importance, for the glory of GOD and the helth of men: whereas contrariwise our negligence and faintnes would draw a horrible callamity vppon our posteritie, with blame and reproch F gnawing our consciences all our liues, and blemishing our honors after death: being put in histories in the ranke of those which haue shewed themselues to be more worthy to be slaues and sheepe then gouernors and pastors. To come then to our enemies forces, without flattering of our selues, you know that they vnderstanding of our [Page 719] preparations as well in Germanie and Fraunce, as England and Scotland, haue also for their A parts vsed all diligence to gather forces together, as well in these Netherlands, as in Germany 1579 and Spaine: So as they haue together ninetie Ensignes of Wallons, sixtie of Spaniards, about What sorces the prince of Pa [...]ma then had. fortie of Germans, and some fifteene or twentie of low Dutch. It is also most certaine that they haue made a great leuie of horse in Germanie. There are also many aduertisements from sundrie places, of the preparation which is made in Spaine, for the kings comming into these countries, or at the least of a great armie which shall come from thence. Wee know also, that the hatred to religion, and insatiable desire to tyrannise, and to inrich themselues with the spoyles of these countries, makes them resolute and obstinat to continue the warres, without any touch or apprehension of the ruine of the countrey. Behold briefly and truely what wee may consider of their parts: Let vs now come to our selues. First the iustice and equitie of our cause, and consequently the assistance and protection of that great and mightie God, B should greatly comfort, incourage, and fortifie vs. Moreouer, besides the forces which wee now haue, the readie meanes which are offered to recouer greater, and the which are partly drawne together, are not to bee contemned. God hath also giuen vs the superioritie and commaund of the sea, and hath assigned vs a countrey strong of it selfe, and easie to bee guarded. And besides all this, it is certaine, that as for money and victuals, there is sufficient if it be well imployed: so as if wee will vse the graces which God puts into our hands, wee may (with his blessing) not onely defend that which wee hold, but in a short time chase the enemie out of the whole countrey. For if we will more strictly examine the forces of our enemies, the Wallons for the most part are souldiers newly raised, by reason that the old regiments by their bad intreatie, as also through the sieges of Harlem and Alcmar, three or foure defeats which C they haue had in Zeeland, and the miserie which they endured at Middlebourg, and elsewhere, are dispersed and dead. As for the Spaniards, although they bee many Ensignes, yet for the former reasons they are not verie strong, and the best souldiers are slaine or hurt. Touching the Germans, it may bee their companies are compleat and full, but the most part for the small meanes that is giuen them, although they be in townes, are male content and discouraged, to see that their nation which hath beene heretofore so much respected, is now contemned and reiected, and that the enemie entertaines them rather to make a number, than for any exploit or combat. And as for their leuie of horse, it shall bee a more charge for them, than danger for vs, considering the nature of the countrey. Wee know also what meanes and commoditie of victuals they haue, and how ill affected the people bee towards D them, discouering daily more plainely their tyrannous intentions. And who doth not vnderstand that they seeking to inuade the countrey of the one side, they feare a reuolt on the other.’
‘These things are propounded vnto you my masters, not to lull you asleepe and make you carelesse and negligent, but rather to quicken and encourage you, and to the end you should vnderstand what aduantage wee should haue ouer our enemies, if there were a true resolution in vs to imploy the meanes, which God hath giuen vs, couragiously. And if a good and conuenient order were established in the conduct of these affaires, how should the enemies counsels bee troubled, how should their hearts bee daunted, and their forces weakened, and E those which to their great griefe groane vnder their insupportable oppression, how much should they bee persuaded and incouraged to ioyne with vs? To the end also wee may feele what a reproach it shall bee vnto vs, to contemne such a blessing and fauour of God, letting slip and relecting the meanes which hee puts into our hands, for our preseruation, and the happie accomplishment of the entire deliuerance of our countrey. How can wee answer before God, for the desolation and cruell oppression of the people, whom hee hath recommen ded and committed vnto vs, and who depend vpon vs, if willingly by our negligence (euery one regarding and respecting his owne priuate interest, more than the generall cause) our enemies preuayling in their enterprises, should plant their tyrannies ouer this countrey.’ F
‘To conclude, the estate of our affayres, and the disposition of our enemies is such, as if wee resolue to imploy the meanes which God hath giuen vs, as wee ought, wee haue reason to hope (by the blessing of God) not onely to preserue our selues, but also to aduance our affayres, and to make the enemie to loose all hope to compasse his designes. [Page 720] And contrariwise if we stand vnresolued, we are halfe shaken, and the least thing will ouerthrow A vs, and cast vs into ruine and fearefull desolation. And if wee doe not speedily propound 1579 a course, imploying the meanes which we haue receiued from the Lord, to attaine vnto it: our aduersaries are not so void of vnderstanding, courage, nor force, but it will be verie easie for them that haue no other defence, but a general and confused desire to preserue themselues. Finally considering seriously in what estate wee are, and that you haue warre against mightie enemies, seeking to tread you downe, and to tyrannise ouer you; You must first aduise if you feele in your selues a firme and constant resolution, to preserue your selues, and to aduance as much as possible you may, that incomprehensible good which God hath giuen you, changing that tyranny of bodies, consciences and goods, vnto so happie a libertie which you now enioy. Then, whether you be resolued to imploy those meanes willingly, which the B Lord hath giuen you, to attaine vnto so great a good, and to maintaine it. Thirdly; if you be resolued, to settle a course, to find and furnish the meanes, which may bee such, as there may bee assurance to vse and enioy them, and that there may bee consideration not to charge the poore more than the rich, that God bee not displeased with vs, curse vs, and ouerthrow all our enterprises. And for the fourth point, if you bee resolued to settle such an order for the conduct of affaires; that there neither bee confusion nor delay, in the execution thereof. If all these resolutions concurre ioyntly in you, I beseech you in the name of God to declare it plainely and openly, to the end that all the people relying vpon you and mee, bee not in the end, yea sodainely drawne into extreame calamitie, which would bee a griefe vnto vs, and cause a remorse of conscience before God, and a reproach before men.’ C
‘I should also bee verie sorie, that through my negligence, standing without any assured resolution, all the blame and reproach should fall vpon mee, in recompence of my affection and zeale, to imploy both the life and goods of mee and mine in the seruice of this cause [...] hauing no intent to continue, vnlesse I first vnderstand your wills, and whether the course, meanes, and order, which you shall set downe, shall be sufficient to ground a hope of our preseruation against our enemies. Desiring rather and beeing more reasonable, to giue it quite ouer, and to saue our reputations by some appointment whatsoeuer, and what wee can of our liues and goods, than to see our selues, as it were, melt away in languishing, and fail into the cruell hands of our enemies. But contrariwise if you feele your selues resolued, aduise if it shall not bee more expedient, to depute three or foure among you, to examine, weigh, debate, and treat D of the meanes with mee, and of the order which shall bee necessarie; and then afterwards to bee authorized and put in execution by you and mee, if it bee thought fit and conuenient: For my part I will not dissemble that I desire it greatly, to the end that without any longer dilation, which is dangerous and preiudiciall in our affaires, wee may determine that which shall bee most fit and conuenient to attaine to the end of our desires. Intreating you, for my conclusion, to consider within your selues, that it is against you and your natiue countrey, wherein you dwell, and ouer which God hath made you gouernors, that the enemies bend all their counsels and designes, to the end that you may vnderstand, that it is you that must imbrace the action and the burthen, and not imagine that the propositions, admonitions, and demaunds, which are made vnto you by me, be like vnto the kings, which are made vnto the estates E of the whole countrey, who excuse themselues, and auoid charges as much as they can, and refuse all they can of what is demanded of them. They haue some reason, for it is not so much their fact and benefit, as the kings. But you know that your condition is otherwise. Propound then vnto your selues, that I am absent, consider what resolution you would take, and whether on a proposition made by any of you, the rest of you, any masters the Estates, would grant the least you could, excusing your selues, although all should go into confusion and disorder, not regarding if that which was demaunded were profitable and necessarie for the conduct of the affaires, and the preseruation of you and the countrey: My presence doth not transport your fact and dueties vpon me. True it is, that I am readie for any part to imploy my selfe, yea to expose my life, but remember it is not for my priuat interest, but for the whole F countrey.’
‘And if God hath called mee by your meanes, to serue you, leaue not therefore to embrace the cause, touching the meanes, beeing more yours than mine owne, And if this bee well vnderstood and practised by you, there shall bee no more cause for the Estates to excuse themselues [Page 721] vnto me, but (as if you were all but one head) hauing in charge the preseruation and A gouernment of the countrey, you will ioyntly and sincerely seeke all fit and necessarie meanes 1579 for your defence and aduancement. And so euerie man imploying himselfe faithfully in his charge, I hope that God will blesse vs, to the confusion of our enemies, & the comfort and consolation of vs all.’
The prince of Orange seeing that the treaties of peace at Cologne, whereon they hoped, was vanished to smoke, did wish, that the Estates wold haue embraced their affaires with more zeale and earnestnesse, that through carelesnesse (and to speake the truth they went but lazily to worke) they might not fall into those inconueniences, which through the diligence of the Spaniards were to be feared. By reason wherof, for that in al assēblies of Estates the deputies of euery prouince or town, were bound (as it is said by the treatie of the vnion made at Vtrecht) to aduertise their masters of all propositions, & to attend the answer, during which time manie B good occasions were lost, and before the matter could be fully concluded, the Spaniards had some vent thereof (God knowes by what meanes) so as no good action could be attempted, or if they did attempt any, they had most commonly bad successe. Wherefore hee was desirous The princes aduice for the establish [...] of a counsell of State. they should erect a counsell of Estate, the which might absolutely dispose of all occurrents, without so many sendings and losse of time: and either to fight with the enemie, or to prouide for their defence. And therefore hee thought it fit they should alwayes haue a small flying campe, either to giue some camisadoe to the Spaniards, or to stop their courses: for otherwise with so many reiterated assemblies of the Estates, so many delayes, and losse of time in sending to and fro, such diuersitie and contrarietie of opinions in such a multitude of men of diuers humors and dispositions, hee said (and truely) that it was not possible to C determine any thing that was good, and to execute it with celeritie. Greeuing that their hearts were no more inflamed to their owne safetie and defence, as they were in the beginning, when they had to doe with so cruell and tyrannous an enemie, as the Duke of Alua, and Dom Frederic his sonne, and when they had not the meanes to make head, and to assaile as they had now: For which cause some forreine princes which might haue come to their aide grew cold, and would not haue to doe with so great diuersitie of opinions: and none of those townes which the Spaniard held in his iurisdiction and keeping, sought to ioyne with them.
He said moreouer, That it was not possible to subsist long, without an armie alwayes readie of twelue thousand foot, and foure thousand horse, besides the ordinarie garrisons, with D sufficient artillerie: and that to haue good old souldiers, they must giue the colonels sufficient assurance for their pay. For to thinke to make warre with a multitude of raw souldiers, or with their aduenturers (whom they call Free-boters, that is to say, such as liue vpon the spoile, who seruing without pay, vpon danger of hanging, were neither tied by othe nor honour, seeking nothing but spoile) it were a folly, and would nothing aduance the common cause.
All townes that had any cause of complaint, or to demand succors, came vnto the prince, but he could not relieue them, nor prouide for that which they required: so as there was great need of this counsell of Estate, the which should be erected of men of good qualitie, well acquainted with affaires, couragious, resolute, and faithfull, with an armie of old souldiers, wherby E they might resist the Spaniards, and maintaine the countrey without feare in all safetie: if not, they must looke for a totall ruine of all their affaires.
These admonitions of the prince made in an open assembly of the generall Estates at Antuerpe, were well accepted by them, but not greatly followed, whether it were for that the Estates feared the excessiue charge, or that there was enuy and iealousie among the great men, yet the said counsell of Estate was established.
The peace of Cologne broken off in such sort, as there was not any hope of peace to be expected from thence, vpon the 28 of September past, the prince of Orange, being then in Gant, caused this counsell and aduice to be put forth in print, which he had giuen, vpon certaine articles propounded vnto him by the Estates, concering foure points, which were touching F treatie of peace, contribution, their dealing which they sought to haue with the duke of Aniou, and the gouernment of the land.
Concerning peace, he complained verie much, That he should be charged by certain men, to be the onely cause that it tooke not effect, whereas to the contrarie he had alwayes giuen [Page 722] counsell, and did yet counsell them by all the meanes they could to procure the same, as knowing A well, that otherwise they were to expect farre greater warre and bloudshed than euer they 1579 had: but he perceiued the matter to be brought to that passe, as those of the reformed religion were wholly bent, not to forsake nor flie the country any more, and that there was nothing else sought nor desired by the treatie of peace, than to raise more diuision in the countrey, as by consenting and desiring to continue the pacification of Gant, which before in the treatie with the baron of Selles, they held and esteemed to bee bad and vnlawfull, and that for the same cause they ought to bee rooted out: referring himselfe further therein, to that which had beene answered thereunto by the generall estates. Adding thereunto, That the enemie vnder that pretence of treatie of peace, sought nothing else but the liues and goods of the inhabitants of the Netherlands, when as all the townes and forts should be deliuered ouer into the B hands of such as offered them no other securitie, but the simple and meere othe of those that had so much forgotten their honours, as they had vndertaken to beare armes against their natiue countrey: which othe should by the same persons (that were much harder and worse affected than the Spaniards themselues) soone and verie lightly be dispensed withall, as it appeared by diuers examples in Fraunce, and in the Netherlands in the yeare 1566. Further protesting before God and all princes, potentats, and the whole world, That no man could pretend, protest, or prooue himselfe to haue suffered more losse and hinderance by the warres, than he: and that no man more wished, desired, nor thought it more profitable or necessary, than himselfe, it being sufficiently and manifestly knowne, what lands and inheritances were by the enemy forcibly kept and withholden from him, without any recompence: As also that C the detaining of his sonne the earle of Buren, who against all reason was a prisoner in Spaine, could not chuse but moue his fatherly heart, who without a peace was wholly out of hope euer to see him againe; which he notwithstanding, next to the honour of God, and the welfare of his natiue countrey, most desired, for that he (as other fathers) bore all naturall loue vnto his sonne.
Secondly, That he had as then attained to those yeares, which well deserued rest and quietnesse, after so many labours and troubles by him endured: but for that many men, not onely such as made profession of the reformed religion, but those also that seeke the freedom of their naturall countrey, wholly relied vpon him, he could not hearken nor consent to any peace, but onely to that which tended to the securitie of religion, freedome and priuiledges of the Netherlands, D and such as might be firme and permanent: against the which desired peace, for discharge of his conscience, he certainly affirmed and acknowledged, that the articles propounded at Cologne, were wholly repugnant, tending to the ouerthrow and abolishing of the reformed religion, and the liberties of the Netherlands, as he shewed and declared by many reasons, which were ouerlong as now to be rehearsed, and therein I refer the reader to the printed copie.
Touching the contribution, he referred them therein to that which was done by the assembly at Vtrecht, as it appeared more at large by the answer by him made vnto euery particular article of the same.
Concerning the duke of Aniou, considering the great endeuors and earnest meanes sought E by the Netherlands, to attaine vnto a good peace, and that on the kings behalfe, there had not as yet been any signes nor shewes of any kind of good will or liking thereunto, much lesse vnto the reformed religion, and that there was nothing but all oppression, and the ouerthrow of religion, to be expected at his hands, He said, That if it so fel out, that the prouinces of the Netherlands wold chuse another prince, that there was no prince nor potentat, that could as then be found, whose authoritie or means could effect more good vnto the Netherlands, than that of the queen of England, or of the aforesaid duke of Aniou: for that notwithstanding that the princes of the empire had seuerally and oftentimes beene moued and desired, to take and receiue the Netherlands into their protection, and that the emperors Maiestie likewise, by letters both from the arch duke Mathias, and the generall estates, as also by diuers men of good qualitie F and condition, sent vnto him, had beene most humbly intreated to grant thereunto, yet would neither his Maiestie nor the said princes of the empire, once bee stirred or persuaded, to giue any aid or assistance to the Netherlands, notwithstanding, that the said prouinces are a member of the said empire.
[Page 723] Secondly, that he had many and seuerall times vnderstood, and made triall of the queene of A Englands meaning and intent, not onely touching the defence and protection of the Netherlands, 1579 but also concerning the good affection, and great fauour that shee bore vnto the said duke, hauing written in his behalfe vnto the generall estates: therefore (vnder correction, and for the good of the vnited prouinces and townes of the Netherlands) hee said, That there was no other meanes now remaining, than to haue their refuge vnto the aforesaid duke, and the rather, for that such an honourable worke required a prince that might personally effect the same, vpon condition, that the Netherlands might bee will prouided of souldiers, and sufficient meanes to withstand the Spaniards, with securitie of religion and the priuiledges, and euerie prouince to remaine in their old and antient rights and customes, without any alteration. B
And that if the countrey thought it more conuenient to chuse any other prince, he referred himselfe therein to their iudgements, promising and offering his seruice according to his abilitie, for the defence of the countrey: in the meane time wishing them to consider of the best meanes that might be found, for the withstanding of such an enemie.
Touching the gouernment of the countrey, hee referred that to the discretion of the prouinces, as also concerning that which they should please to ordaine, touching the person of the archduke Mathias: but for himselfe, he said, hee could not let slip certaine manifest imperfections, which vntill that time were not by any meanes to be remedied, for want of obedience, the which had caused great complaints to be made by diuers persons, some for want of vnderstanding, and others of meere hatred and malice. Hee likewise said, That besides that the C disobedience commonly shewed, was and had beene the cause of much euill, the money that was to be imploied in the warres not being brought in, but vsed otherwise than it ought to be, or politikely and deceitfully withholden, was no lesse: and that therefore he for his part had beene vniustly charged and blamed for such disorders, for that without money and aid, he could not effect the thing they desired: and that such as slandred him therin, soughtnothing else but the ruine of the land, and yet were beleeued and credited by many. And although hee perceiued the vnthanfulnesse of them (in whose presence his sonne was taken and carried away, and for whose sake he had lost three brethren, and run himself into great debt, his lands & goods being taken from him) that persuaded him to accept such reasonable conditions as were offered vnto him, during that treatie of peace, and otherwise: yet notwithstanding, for the honour D of God, and to preferre the welfare of this countrey, hee had not esteemed thereof, but rather with great paine and labour (and almost without any) meanes, vpon good credit that hee had amongst the souldiers vntill that time, had hindered the enemie from making any further inuasion into the countrey, although he had not ceased by all policie, subtile deuices, and force, to seeke to inuade the same.
And whereas the vnited prouinces offered him the office of Lieutenant generall of the Netherlands, hee well knowing and considering what crosses he had had therein, gaue them to vnderstand, that for his part, he was content that the same should bee laid vpon some other man, whom it should please the said prouinces to nominat and appoint, promising, according to his power, to doe his best endeuour for the seruice of the countrey, as hee had formerly E done. Neuerthelesse, for that it was their desires to haue him to accept of the said Lieutenant generals place (as hauing wholly deuoted himselfe to the seruice of God, and their natiue countrey of the Netherlands) hee wished and desired the said Prouinces, to giue eare and hearken vnto the causes of the aforesaid disorders, that better order might bee taken therein.
Saying first, That there was no prouince nor towne, that had beene required to receiue garrisons, but as much as in them lay, refused the same, and that hauing receiued any garrison, did not presently make all the friends they could, to bee discharged and vnburthened thereof againe: whereby whole prouinces and townes were lost, as it appeared by Aeth, Alost, Mechelen, and others. F
And whereas at that time all the townes were persuaded to take in garrisons, yet in so small numbers, as they were not able to make any sallies, by that meanes to molest and trouble the enemie, but were forced to stay within their townes, and by that meanes vnexperienced in armes and martiall affaires, so as the enemie did what hee would in the playne [Page 724] countrey euen to the verie gates of the said townes: And for that cause also the small townes A and villages, how neere soeuer they lay to the great townes, were forced either to haue garrisons, 1580 or else must be lost: meane time the poore countrey man was on all sides [...]ansacked and vtterly spoyled.
Secondly he said, That the disorder daily more and more increased, by means that the prouinces (in regard that they were so much wasted and spoyled) were not able to raise and bring in their contribution, wherewith they were taxed.
Which to preuent, he said, There was no fitter nor more conuenient meanes to bee vsed, than to keepe good and strong garrisons within their forts and townes, which might hinder and keepe the enemie from spoyling of the champion countrey, whereby the rest of the countrey might be assured and vnburthened of so many vnnecessarie small garrisons, and the souldiers B better paid, in such sort, that fourteene or fifteene companies well paid, and kept in good discipline, would doe lesse harme, and not commit so great disorders in a towne, as three or foure companies vnpaid did, considering that without pay they were not to bee kept in any good order. And therefore he desired first, that hee might haue full power and authoritie to take order for the garrisons of the frontier townes, as he should thinke good, not onely for the defence and preseruation of the said towns, but also with more conuenient meanes to inuade the enemie.
Desiring also, That they would consider what in times past had been done in Holland and Zeeland, where the townes made no difficultie to receiue garrisons into them, so that they were not onely defended, but did also greatly annoy the enemie. Also desiring (thereby to C auoid and preuent all secret practises, and vnexpected inuasions of the enemy, whereof hee should be secretly informed) that he might passe out and in with any souldiers, through any towne whatsoeuer, without let or contradiction.
Desiring also, That for the auoiding of all delayes in the execution of things, there shold be a counsell of state erected.
He said moreouer, That great difficulties were growne for want of money to maintaine the charges of the warres, and that thereby all good meanes, occasions, and aduantages (to driue and expell the enemie out of the countrey) were vtterly lost, which the enemie himselfe by his intercepted letters confesseth that he should haue beene forced to haue done. As also that the contribution money ordained to be paid, was not gathered: and that if it were gathered, it was D disbursed againe at euerie mans disposition: and therefore he thought it necessarie, that when any contribution should be granted, all particularities that were found faultie in the paiment, or that refused to pay the same, should presently be forced thereunto by order of law. Alwaies prouided, that they shall haue leaue to haue their recourse vnto the generality of their prouinces and townes.
Thus much I thought good to set downe touching these articles, thereby to shew the estate of the countrey at that time: he that desireth to see more, may read the articles themselues.
The prince caused this his counsell and aduice with all speed to be put in print, that euerie prouince and towne might read and consider thereof, to the end, that at the next assembly of the generall estates in Antuerpe, they might be sent with full power and authoritie, for the ful E determination of that which should be found requisit and necessarie to be done, according to the vnion and contract made: yet many things were not then determined of. For which cause, vpon the ninth of Ianuary 1580, the generall estates being assembled in Antuerpe, the prince once again shewed them of the difficulties and troubles that were like to fal vpon the Netherlands, Another declaratiō made vnto the states by the prince of Orange. if speedie remedie were not had, especially for that there was not a counsell of estate appointed, that had authoritie to determine vpon things that concerned the generalitie, for that as then euerie particular prouince and towne did that which they thought fit and conuenient for their owne particular benefit, without respecting what they & the country in general lost, by not aiding & assisting euery particular towne when need required, which proceeded from want of a bodie, or chiefe assembly, wherunto the particular members ought to bee subiect. F Saying, That it was sufficiently knowne vnto them, how often he had desired and sought, that they should entertaine certaine horse and footmen in continuall pay, which if they had done, the countrey of Tourney and West-Friseland should not haue fallen into so great extremitie as they then felt, neither should the towne of Mastricht haue beene lost, but they might haue [Page 725] beene able to set vpon the enemie, or else haue caused him to haue broken vp his siege: For A that to make an army out of the garrisons, he said it was impossible, without a counsel of estate 1580 that had authoritie to dispose therof, for that otherwise euery prouince and towne, would discharge and send away their garrison, hauing no need thereof, and they that had need, would not suffer their garrisons to depart out of their townes, prouinces, or commands: and many other such like disorders, he said, would arise, onely by that means, which by a counsell of estate that had full and absolute authoritie, might be preuented.
By the which and such like disorders he sayd, That diuers good men were discontented, and vnderstanding not the ground of the cause, layed the blame vpon them that were most blamelesse, whereby it fell out, that they were forced to see and behold first one towne, then another, to reuolt, and to be lost, and that those that were most zealous, became faint and B weake hearted: also, that no prince, potentate, nor any strange nation, offered to ioyne themselues with them, neither yet any of the enemy once came to yeeld to them, or take their parts, all making excuses, vpon their bad resolution, so that it was to be wondered at, that the countrey endured no greater losse.
Seeing then, that their bad resolutions were the onely causes of the aforesaid difficulties, and the bad accomplishing of that which was resolued vpon, therfore (he said) it was requisit that the same should be foreseene and amended, before all other things whatsoeuer: for that there were yet many good people in the Netherlands, that would earnestly proceed therein, especially for that as then there was much more disorder found to be amongst the enemy, than was amongst them, as want of money, powder, and all kind of munition, contention, factions, C and dea [...]h of all things amongst the souldiers, wherewith their townes flowed, whereby they might easily reape profit and commodity, if the prouinces (hauing means & strength ynough) would once determine to bring an armie into the field of foure thousand horse, twelue thousand footmen, and twelue hundred pioners, with artillerie and munition fit for the same, besides the garrisons: in which case, it were requisit to shew vnto the colonels, captaines & commaunders, what means they had to pay their souldiers, for that otherwise no good nor honest souldiers would offer their seruice, and bad souldiers (that come more to get meat and drinke, with impouerishing of the land, than of any good will or desire to do them seruice) were not fit for their turnes at such a time: and that if they could not well get any other horsemen, but Dutch, they should be carefull to take order what colonels they should chuse, and that if they D ought them any thing for their fore-passed seruices, that they should see them satisfied.
In the collections of the contributions (he said) there was likewise great disorder, for that euery prouince receiued and vsed their owne mony for their best aduantages, and not for the profit and commoditie of the generalitie: as also, that some collected their common taxes with too much partialitie, whether it were to draw more traffique vnto their townes, or els by reason of negligence or carelesnesse.
That there should great respect bee had touching the oath that was vsually taken of the colonels, captaines, officers, and common souldiers, for that many of them, which were in seruice, were of opinion, that by reason of the oath they had taken vnto the king, they might enterprise and vndertake any thing against the estates. And that therefore (for more securitie) E there was a certaine forme to be vsed, which was, what style should bee obserued in all proclamations, ordinances, decrees, and other acts touching the titles of the soueraigntie. And for that by reason of the reuolting of the most part of the nobilitie and naturall borne gentlemen of the Netherlands vnto the enemie (to his great griefe) they were not sufficiently prouided of men of quality to be commanders, they ought to be very carefull what colonels they should chuse, and that they might be well vsed and payd, thereby to encourage them, to be the willinger to do the country good seruice.
Touching all these points, he said, it was more than requisite to be considered of; and that many things would be repaired and amended, if they would follow his aduice, and chuse certaine persons that should haue the ordering and managing of al causes, with assured and faithfull F promise to be made by them which should be so chosen, to be obedient in all things, that they should not need so often to heare the ordinarie answere and excuse (which hath disappointed and hindered all good counsels and resolutions) which was, that we haue no commission nor charge from our townes or prouinces: not that we should (sayd hee) giue such [Page 726] deputies authoritie to appoint and ordaine new impositions, or power to deale in all causes, A according to their owne wils and pleasures, or such like things, but onely to take order about 1580 the collection of the generall meanes of contributions, publickly agreed vpon, or that should be ordained and appointed, and to dispose them for the most profite and aduantage of the countrey; to cause the souldiers to assemble together, and the same againe (when occasion serued) to send into garrisons, and to take knowledge of all politicke causes, for the seruice and welfare of the Netherlands. And whensoeuer this should be done, he doubted not, but that in short time they should find a good alteration.
The deputies of the estates being assembled together in Antuerpe vpon the thirteenth of Ianuarie, there was another matter propounded vnto them, touching the changing of their soueraigne Consultation made by the deputies of the states assembled in Antuerpe touching the chāge of their soueraigne lord. lord, that they might make report thereof vnto their townes and prouinces, that so B the generall estates might once againe be assembled with full power and absolute authoritie, to resolue thereupon, which was in effect, as hereafter followeth.
For that the present estate of the Netherlands was such, as they could make nothing but a defensiue warre, which was, onely to defend their townes and prouinces, and yet very hardly and with great difficultie, by reason of the bad vnitie and concord which was amongst them, together with the euill order which had beene taken touching the countries causes, both for warre and otherwise, as also the delaying and deferring of matters, wherby all good occasions and oportunities were let slippe and neglected; and although good order were taken in all things, yet they could not (as it is said before) make nothing but a defensiue war, which might well endure long, and yet they must of necessitie loose more than they should win therby, for C that many would be tyred with the warres, thinking, that no townes which were once besieged by the enemie, could be relieued, and therfore would reuolt, and cause more suspition and distrust.
And that further it was to bee considered, That the continuall spoyling of the countrey would weaken and decay their power, and take from them all meanes of money, and other necessaries: and that therefore it was requisite, resolutely and couragiously to resolue vpon making of peace, or else of proceeding with the warres. As for peace, they found that it could not be made, vnlesse they yeelded themselues once againe, by as good meanes as they could, vnder the king of Spaines subiection.
Touching the king of Spaines meaning and intent, they sayd it was well and sufficiently D discouered by the articles of peace, propounded in the towne of Cologne: which articles, they said, could not be receiued nor accepted, without bringing the Netherlands into imminent danger, to be reduced and subiected vnder the Spanish yoke, more than euer it had been before, to the vtter ouerthrow and ruine of an innumerable company of the inhabitants of the land, especially those that made profession of the reformed religion, which would breed great confusion, misery, and destruction to the Netherlands, together with the abolishing of al trade of marchandise; so that there was no other means to be propounded for their security, but only to maintaine warre.
And for that it was impossible (in mans iudgement) to vphold the warre in such sort as it had in times past beene done, therefore it was requisite, that they should resolue vpon some E other proceedings, thereby to shorten the warres, and to rid the countries of the enemie. And for that of themselues they could not find the meanes, they must be forced to seeke it by some other potentate, and (rebus adhuc stantibus) the sooner the better, before they fell into greater danger: for that it was to be doubted, that they in the next Summer (being vnprepared and not readie) either should be ouer-run by the enemy (which they well knew made himselfe strong) or else forsaken by their reuolting friends, wherein their enemy vsed all the meanes and subtill practises he could deuise.
That in all Christendome there was no king, potentate, nor prince, that had offered them more fauour and friendship than the duke of Aniou, brother vnto Henry the third, king of Fraunce, who likewise had the best meanes to annoy and hurt their enemie vpon the borders F of Fraunce, from whom they were to expect most aid and assistance, and who of himselfe would willingliest vndertake the same with lesse feare and prompter resolution.
And therefore they were to determine, whether they should yeeld themselues into the hands of the said duke, vpon such conditions as should be propounded vnto him, or not: [Page 727] the principall causes why they had so long borne armes being these. A
First, for the reasonable and lawfull gouerning of the Netherlands, vnder the command of 1580 naturall borne inhabitants of the same.
Secondly, for the restoring, and perpetuall vpholding of the rights, lawes, statutes, priuiledges, and freedomes of the land.
Thirdly, for the eschewing and auoiding of all vnreasonable persecutions, and for the permission of the exercise of the reformed religion, which was found requisite and necessarie to be suffered, for the common peace and quietnesse of the same. All other causes (in respect thereof) being of much lesse importance: and therefore it was to be considered, whether they could agree better with the king of Spaine, than with the duke of Aniou, touching the same. B
First, it was most certaine, and (without all doubt) plainely and manifestly to be seene, that the will, meanes, and power to bring the Netherlands into subiection, and vnder a strange yoke, were (without comparison) greater in the king than in the duke, for that the king would haue all the lords of the land, commaunders, and other officers (whom he would appoint and ordaine at pleasure) at his deuotion, and vnder his subiection, so that euery one would striue to be the first that should be receiued into his good grace and fauour; not they alone, that of long time had been affected vnto his seruice, and hoped for reward, but also those which had alwayes beene his enemies: for that it had beene seene, that a great number of those which had beene most earnest against the Spaniards, had suffered themselues to be seduced by Monsieur de la Motte, and, vpon hope to be made rich, were reuolted from the other prouinces and C townes, and so were bound and vnited together by oath. Whereby euery man might easily iudge, what was to bee expected from them, and such as they are, if they (besides the passions which had drawne them thereunto) should adde the respect of their duties, whereby they should thinke themselues bound vnto the king.
To the contrary, the duke of Aniou could not in many yeares purchase so great credite with the people, as the king had alreadie obtained, for that the king had many townes in his hands (whereby hee had more meanes to attayne to his desire, than the duke of Aniou, although his will were good) being likewise much mightier, especially, if hee once recouered Portugall into his hands: whereby his power would euery way be too great for the Netherlands, if they sought not another protector, or else tooke better order in their affaires. D
That the kings euill will towards the Netherlands, was manifest, for that hee was greatly mooued and incensed against the same, and therefore (whether it were to maintaine his honor, or to giue the rest of his subiects an example and warning, that they should not hereafter attempt the like, or else of his owne nature & desire of reuenge) he would espie and watch all oportunities, to be reuenged vpon the Netherlands, as addicted thereunto by nature. Which by his former actions and proceedings in the country of Granado, India, and Italie, and especially in the Netherlands, appeareth to bee most true: for that the bloud of the principallest lords (most lamentably brought vnto their ends by sword, torment, and poyson, against all lawes of God and man, and his owne promises) was yet in a manner warme: besides many E gentlemen, and great multitudes of the common people, that with fire and sword, and most cruell torments, ended their liues; with great numbers that were forced to flye out of the countrey, and to liue miserably in other strange countries, with their poore wiues and children; whereby the trade of the land, and diuers kinds of manuall occupations, were carried into forraine countries, and the wealth and welfare of the Netherlands much hindered and impaired.
It was likewise seene, that vnto those, against whom he had the greatest spleene, and was resolued to punish them, hee wrot the most pleasing and gracious letters that could be deuised. And whereas hee made shew, as if he had altered his mind, and seemed to begin another more pleasing and peaceable manner of gouernment, then did hee by his F letters, that were written in cyphers, and with double instructions plainely and euidently shew, that he attended but some more conuenient and fit meanes, to vse his extreame rigour against the Netherlands, as it appeared by his instructions sent to Dom Iohn, and others.
[Page 728] It was likewise found by example, and many histories, That such kings and mightie potentates A as he, neuer, or very sildome, let their countries escape vnpunished, when time and oportunitie 1580 serued, although for a time they seemed to winke thereat. For which cause, king Salomon giueth vs warning, saying, That the kings wrath is a most certaine dore or entry vnto death, as it appeared not long since in Fraunce, whereas neither the peace of two yeres, the deliuering ouer of all the townes, forts, and castles, nor yet the mariage of the kings owne sister, could moue the king to refraine from taking reuenge vpon the admirall, and so great a number of gentlemen, and other persons of diuers estates and qualities, whom he caused to be murthered without compassion.
And in the Netherlands, they themselues had seene, That the emperor Maximilian, grandfather to the deceased emperour Charles the fifth, notwithstanding the peace which had been B made by meanes of the princes of Germanie, who had signed and sealed the same, and Maximilian himselfe had bound it by an oath, yet neuerthelesse hee was so reuenged vpon Bruges, and thereby satisfied his humor, as euery man that heareth therof yet vnto this day, is stricken with feare and terror: and yet Maximiltan was one of the most mild & courteous princes that had liued in many hundred yeares.
What then was to be expected from the king of Spaine, that would not hold nor keep his promise? vnlesse it were to assure the countrey in time to come, and not to fall again into such great costs and charges, as all potentates vse to do, when they feare a reuolt, & especially when as they thinke they haue receiued any disgrace or vndutifull seruice at their hands, as the example of Gant in Anno 1539 well witnessed.
Besides that, it was euidently knowne to euery man, That all the proclamations, promises, C contracts, and oaths &c. that could or might be deuised, might be broken and disannulled by the Popes Bull, as long as it was a certaine decree, That no faith nor promise was to be holden with heretickes, as he accounted them all to be. And that in their gouernment it is holden for a Maxime, or an vndoubted rule, That whatsoeuer the king should promise and graunt vnto his subiects that were reuolted from him, he was not bound nor tyed to obserue nor fulfill the same, for that they were not esteemed nor accounted to be right and lawfull enemies, but rebellious peace-breakers, and (as they call them) traytors, with whome (according vnto the lawes of nature) no man is bound to obserue any promise: as those, who at this day write against vs (beeing both Diuines and Lawyers) sufficiently declare, as Cornelius Calidius D Chrisopolitanus, Iohannes Leuseius Cunerus, bishop of Leeuwerden, and many others.
And if it were so, that the king were content to keepe his faith and promise, yet it is manifest, that the Pope of Rome and the Inquisition of Spaine would not suffer him, but still would put him in feare of conscience, and compell him to root out and vtterly extirpe all heretickes, as it is well knowne that they brought the king of Fraunce thereunto; so that without all doubt, the massacre of Paris was first hatched and inuented both in Spaine and Italie.
Besides all this, it was to be considered, what thing had mooued the king vnto such wrath and bitternesse against the Netherlands: for that if it were meerely of his owne nature and disposition, then there was no hope of any better to be expected, for that there is no suddaine action of man, but that nature can expell it; but if he be naturally giuen to be gracious, peaceable, E mild, and gentle (as some men report him to be) then it might be, that hee was mooued thereunto through zeale of Religion, or by the counsell and prouocation of those that are enemies vnto the Netherlands, as the Pope, and the Inquisition of Spaine. If it were zeale of Religion that moued him thereunto, then the same zeale was not diminished (because hee was persuaded, that Religion was the onely ground and foundation of all the rebellion) but had rather attained vnto the highest degree. Whereby (from thenceforth) it was apparent, what was to be expected from him, for that those that had persuaded and incited him thereunto, were then more exasperated against the Netherlands, and bare more hatred and malice vnto the same than euer they did, esteeming the inhabitants to bee reuolters, rebels, heretickes, F peace-breakers, and mutinous persons. What securitie, what freedome of the countrey and priuiledges, and what libertie of conscience and Religion were there then to bee hoped for of the king? and what the king might do in a countrey, where he yet had so many townes vnder his commaund, and so many adherents and well-willers, the example of [Page 729] Dom Iohn had sufficiently declared, when as hee might easily haue made himselfe master of A the land, if he could haue behaued himselfe somewhat closer and secretlyer for a while: or 1580 that his letters (by great fortune) had not fallen into their hands, or if that, in steed of going to Mechelen, he had gone to the castle of Antuerpe, and had taken it.
Now it was to be examined on the other side, if that those points might bee found in the duke of Aniou, or not.
As for him, he should haue much lesse meanes, he being a stranger, and suspected of the inhabitants, hauing no correspondence in the Netherlands, as also that he had neither towns, forts, nor any of the chiefe noblemen of the land at his commaund, nor would not lightly vndertake any bad enterprise, out of his owne countrey, vnlesse he were better assured.
Touching his power, it was alreadie declared; concerning his will, it was easie to be perceiued, B that it would stand him more vpon, to win the hearts and good wils of the inhabitants of the Netherlands, than to bring them into distrust or hatred against him: and as he should be brought in by the good and well minded, he should alwayes haue cause to bee fauourable vnto them, as hauing no cause of bitternesse or reuenge against the countrey. And touching the Religion, hee was sufficiently accustomed to see the exercise of both the Religions in France, yea, and that in his owne house, hauing diuers of the Religion that were his seruants, and causing the religious peace to be obserued in his owne countrey; so that both in matters of Religion, and in politicke gouernment, all securitie was to be expected at his hands, in regard that good conditions & contracts should be offered vnto him, which by no means could be done with the king of Spaine. C
Touching his nature and disposition, he was reported to be peaceable and courteous, hauing behaued himselfe in very good sort both at the time of the massacre, and in many other troubles, hauing giuen good testimonie, that he was displeased thereat, not without the danger of his life; yet at the last beeing mooued and prouoked, he also bare armes against the Huguenots, which was one of the causes of a peace, which he sought to vphold and maintaine.
But howsoeuer it were, such care and diligence might bee vsed, and hee should haue such conditions prescribed vnto him, as that if he would bee mooued or procured to follow any euill counsell, he should not by any means be able to effect it; and so much the rather, for that he shall continually haue the kings followers and adherents opposite vnto him, which will be D a meanes to make him more desirous to win the peoples hearts, and by that meanes he would also haue an especiall regard vnto those of the Religion in Fraunce, and not seeke to molest them; so that (to speake after the maner of men) there was no better nor conuenienter means in the world than that, to cease the warres in the Netherlands, for that the Spaniards (hauing Fraunce their enemie) would be wholly vnable to proceed with his warres, as hauing their prouision, munition, and money most brought vnto them, by the way of France, as it appeared by their siege of Mastricht, which by reason of their prouision gotten out of Fraunce, was lost. By that meanes likewise he should be barred from bringing of his Spanish and Italian souldiers and his money into the Netherlands, especially if the king of France (either secretly or openly) would declare himselfe to be enemy vnto Spaine. E
On the other side, it were to be hoped, that they of Arthois and Henault would seek to vnite themselues with the estates, when they should see & perceiue, that it would be too chargeable for them to maintaine warre on both sides, or that they could hardly let the states souldiers frō inuading them: by which means they should get great store of forcible contribution from thē, and so require the iniury done vnto those of Flanders. The duke likewise should haue no cause to prefer the Wallons before other prouinces, which vntill that time had most beene vsed, and would be much more, as it euidently appeared, if the Spaniards once got the vpper hand: and further it concerned the estates much, carefully to take heed least the Wallons should procure the said duke to hold on their side. And if any man should maintaine, that the duke would not obserue the pacification of Gant, or that the countrey might therby moue the Q. of England F against them, they said, that it was very vnlikely, that the duke would make any difficultie touching the pacification of Gant, as being made most against the Spaniards. Wherein the examples of the dukes of Burgundie might serue them for instruction, which were likewise brethrē of France, and with whom in times past the Netherlands made no difficultie to treat.
[Page 730] Touching the queene of England, they knew she had rather haue the duke than the king A of Spain to be her neighbor, especially then, whē as he had gotten the kingdome of Portugall, 1580 whose power were to be feared, being the onely lord both of the East and West Indies, and so mightie a prince. Besides, the queene shewed her selfe not to haue any bad opinion of the duke, in regard that she had proceeded so farre as to parle, and did yet parle with him about a mariage to be made betweene them; and although the same tooke no effect, yet the English lords (that were most addicted to the religion) would not be displeased, but rather desire to see some good proceedings in the affaires of the Netherlands. Besides, that it was to be thought, that Spaine would prouide so much worke for Fraunce, as England should not neede to feare Fraunce, especially when as their intent was, to include the queene of England in that contract. B
And whereas some might perchance suspect, That the said duke should haue secret intelligence with the king of Spain, that was not likely: but it was most true, and without doubt, that the king of Spaine would alwayes rather take the Netherlands againe into his owne hands, vpon such conditions as thē were offered vnto him by the estates, thā to stand to such hazard, and after that be forced to receiue his country again at the king of France his brothers hands, with many harder conditions than were then offered vnto him: besides, that all his dealings, letters, and actions shewed the contrary, so that there was no cause why any such suspition should grow in any wise mans head.
Therefore the prouinces were requested once againe to resolue vpon that which they thought best to bee done, that such meanes might be wrought, as the Netherlands might C once againe bee released and vnburthened of their continuall miseries, feares, troubles, and warres.
These reasons and arguments being long debated and consulted vpon both by the townes and the generall estates, at the last they resolued and agreed to accept the duke of Aniou for their soueraigne lord, as hereafter shalbe shewed.
In September past, the captaine (which commaunded for the estates in Bryel) made a bargaine with the captaines male contents of Athois and Henault, to deliuer vp vnto them the towne and Island of Bryel; but it was with an intent to surprise thē: the which they thinking to effect, with some ships of Grauelinge, appointed like vnto them of the Hollanders, they approched neere vnto the Island, but they were charged by them of Holland, and all slaine D or drowned.
The seignior of Alennes (mad for the disgrace hee had receiued at Courtray, which was Courtray surprised by the Seignior of Alennes. redoubled by the losse of Menin) dreamed of nothing but of reuenge: for the effecting whereof, he sent a captaine of Henault, called Ieams Corbetiers, who (attyred like a pesant) went to view the weakest parts of the towne, the which he found to be betwixt the castle and the rampar of the towne. D'Allennes meaning to make a tryall, his enterprise succeeded so happily as for want of a greater garrison, he became master thereof by force. The 28 of Februarie the town was spoiled, and the bourgers put to ransome. A little before, the foure members of Flanders had sent them four companies of Wallons thither, but they excused themselues, saying they had no need of them, which was the cause of their ruine. It happeneth so most commonly, E that to auoid a small discommoditie, they fall into great miserie.
About the same time, Monsieur de la Noue being generall of the Frenchmen, and of all other The earle of [...]ont taken in Nyenouen. souldiers that remained in Flanders, hauing intelligence, that the earle of Egmont, with his wife, mother, and brother Charles, with diuers other gentlemen, were in Ninouen, which is a small towne lying betwixt Alost and Geersbergh, and not very strong, nor very well manned: th [...]y tooke it in the night by scalado on the 28 of March, with small losse on either side. It was taken before the earle heard any alarme, being in bed with his lady; who hearing the noise cō ming vp to his chamber, rose in his shirt, and as the seignior of la Noue entred, hee only asked, if his men had made no resistance: to whom they answered yes; but it was the fortune of the warre: then recommending the honor of his wiues women (who were also in bed) he intreated F they would do them no wrong: which Monsieur de la Noue promised; yet the Frenchmen filled their pockets with their chaines and iewels: which done, they tooke him & the rest prisoners. The earle remained long prisoner in Gant, & afterwards in the castle of Ramekins in Zeeland. The ladies and his brother Charles were soone released againe.
[Page 731] Many troubles and vprores rising in Friseland, and thereabouts, the prince of Orange went A to Dort in Holland, the archduke Mathias going with him to Breda, he entertained him there 1580 very honourably, from whence the archduke went backe againe to Berghen vp Zoome, and so to Antuerpe: the prince going to Campen, to set all things in good order, for that the country pesants in Drenth, and thereabouts, were risen vp in armes against the Estates commanders of their forces, and the rest of Casimires horsemen, where being very strong, they denied their contribution, seeming to leane and to be affected vnto the articles of peace made at Cologne. The earle of Rennenbergh reuenged himselfe likewise vpon the pesants vnder his commaund, and threatened them of Linghen and Oldenzeel, because they would not accept of the religious peace. Bartel Entens plagued them of Berghe, and those of the bishopricke of Munster. Diericke Sonoy, gouernour of North-Holland, also compelled them of Zutphen to receiue in B garrison.
The earle of Rennenbergh a little before began to encline, and to haue some intelligence with the prince of Parma, and for that cause had encouraged the pesants of Drenth and Oueryssell against the souldiers, whereunto he was persuaded by his seruants and his kinred in Henault, with whom he secretly dealt, and was a great seeker vnto the Estates, to procure, that the articles offered at the peace of Cologne vnto the said Estates, might be accepted. And after that, a certaine vprore being made in Groning by the Catholickes (that would force the towne to allow of the said articles, which by those of the Religion was soone pacified) he perceiued thereby, that he might there haue a factious partie; which to procure, he secretly set the hostages of Groning at libertie, being all affected to the Spaniard. About the same time also C there was an vprore in Campen, wherupon likewise he took occasion to procure some of that towne to be of his faction.
Things proceeding in this sort, vpon the one and twentieth of Ianuarie Cornelia de Lalain, his sister, with the baron de Monceau her husband, came to visit him, bringing with her his pardon and reconciliation from the prince of Parma, with certaine money, and many faire promises, as to be created a Marquesse, and that he should haue the Countesse of Meghen for his wife, of whom he was enamoured. But the said earle being doubtfull what to doe, his sister neuer ceased to admonish him, and to persuade him, not to damme his soule, by suppressing the Christian faith, and by beeing a principall leader and captaine of heretickes and rebels, and to suffer himselfe to be ruled by a multitude of weauers and other occupations, whereby he D should lose all his lands in Henault, the loue of the Countesse whom he sought to marry, the fauour of his mother, the good will of the earle his vncle, by whom he had the earledome of Rennenbergh, as also of the king, and such like things. Whereby at the last, by reason of his youth, want of experience, and by means of the Religion wherein he was brought vp, he was moued to turne his coat, and yet not without great trouble and contrarietie in mind, dissembling the same as long as he could.
But the prince of Orange & the Estates of Friseland hauing had many causes to suspect him, The castle of Leewerden taken by the states of Friseland, and broken downe. thought it better to begin with him, than he with them, and for that cause, in the moneth of February, determined to assure themselues of the castle of Leewerden, and secretly caused Bowinga and Ferno with their companies to inclose it behind, and with the bourgers to fall on it E before, placing the priests, monkes, and all the souldiers wiues that lay therin, before them, and so began to insconce themselues, and to fill vp the ditches: but captaine Schaghe (who after the death of Matenesse, was made gouernour of the castle) seeing the slackenesse of the souldiers to make resistance, being terrified, yeelded it vp, with assurance of life and goods, and promise of a yearely pention. But the townesmen entring into the castle sooner than they expected, were not satisfied, vntill they had throwne downe the wals that were next vnto the towne, & ioined the rest of the wals thereof vnto those of the towne. This castle was built in Anno 1499, at the charges of the towne, being thereunto forced and compelled (the towne being besieged) by Willeboort van Schouwenbergh, generall for the duke of Saxonie, so that it had stood about 80 yeares. Whilest that the bourgers were busied about the rasing of the castle, the companies of F souldiers that were without, came into the towne, and fetched all the friers out of their cloysters and so led them orderly in their ranks, euery souldier hauing a frier or a monke to follow him, with pipes and drums out of the towne.
The next day Beninck Camminga, and others, with foure companies, went to Harlingen, and [Page 732] incamped themselues in the towne, as then not walled, and summoned the castle to yeeld vnto A them, but they within denied it, and shot against the towne, and held it, vntill the earle of 1580 Rennenbergh hearing thereof, much abashed, sent Baly his secretarie to Leewerden, with secret instructions and authoritie to deale in that matter as he should thinke good, and as time & Harlingen castle taken by the states of Friseland, and broken down. occasion should serue, thinking all had been well there. Balie being come thither, was presently taken prisoner, and being searched, they found certaine blankes about him that were signed by the earle of Rennenbergh, they of Leewerden compelling him to write in one of those blankes vnto the lieutenant of the Drossart Ozenbrighe (who as then was at Groning) in the earles name, to will him to deliuer the castle of Harlingen into their hands: who suspecting nothing, and knowing not, that he ought to haue bin thrice commanded so to do, vpon the 5 of February yeelded vp the castle, which was likewise demanteled on that side that lay next to B the towne. This castle was first built in anno 1496 by the townesmen of Groning, when they were masters of Friseland, and by the Friselanders the same yere beaten downe againe, vntill that Albert duke of Saxony built it vp againe in anno 1500, so that it had stood seuentie nine yeares.
After that, Sonoy gouernor of North Holland, with certaine deputies, and four companies of souldiers went to Staueren, where they summoned the castle to yield vnto them, which the Drossart Pipenpoy hauing receiued a good warrant and discharge from the prince of Orange, deliuered vnto them, which they presently (without good aduice) demanteled, before they The castle of Staueren takē by the Estates, and broken downe. fortified the towne; which afterward was their own disaduantage, for by that means the earle of Rennenbergh tooke it from them againe. This castle was first built by Albert of Leyden C earle of Holland, in anno 1397, and after that being cast downe in anno 1522, it was again new built by George Schenck, in the emperour Charles the fifth his name, and so had stood 57 yeares.
While this was done, the earle of Rennenbergh being in Groning, was in great perplexity, perceiuing, that he could not performe his promise with the prince of Parma, which was, to yeeld vp all his gouernment into the kings hands, and that at his owne costs and charges. But while he kept this close to himselfe, he made complaint to euery man of the breaking of the religious peace, the rebellion in Friseland, and the great wrong & disgrace that had bin done vnto him, shewing his great seruices done for the Estates, in Mechelen, Valenciennes, Groning, and before Campen, Deuenter, and other places: and that for recompence therof, he had D that great affront and dishonour done vnto him, as if he had bin a traitor, with many such like speeches. Poppo Vlfkins and Iohn Cornput (both well addicted to their country and the Estates, and hauing great familiaritie with him) gaue him counsel to go to Vtrecht to the prince of Orange (whither he had bin sent for) there to make his complaints, and to remooue all suspition conceiued of him, & by that means the lost places should be restored vnto his gouernment againe. And touching the breaking down of the castles, they told him, that he knew long since, that the same rested at the will and pleasure of the Estates, and had then bin done by their appointment, & that therfore he had no cause to complaine thereof, but only of the manner and forme of the action, for that it was done in his gouernment, and without commission frō him. Not long after, as some of his practises were discouered, and that he and his adherents sought E to bereaue Poppo Vlfkins of his life, the said Vlfkins left the town, not without acquainting him with his proceedings, in presence of the deputies of the country, as also of his friends, praying some of them, namely, captaine Cornput, to giue the earle good counsell, and to persuade him to be constant, in regard that he shewed himselfe to be wauering; which the said captain did, praying him to take better order in his gouernment, that the countrey people might not haue cause to turne their hearts from him, and that from thenceforth he would be ruled by the generall Estates, & not follow the secret counsell of Oyenbrugghe, Gruyter, Cottereau, Baly, & such like, that were suspected by the country; and especially, that he should without all delay go to the prince and the deputies of the Estates at Vtrecht, thereby to put himselfe out of all suspition, if he could discharge himselfe thereof, especially when as he might be persuaded, that the F king could not giue him more than he had already, for that no prouince in all the Netherlāds was to be compared to that, whereof he was gouernor; the which, besides so many fair towns, was also enriched with fiue great, and as many small sea ports, whereby it was impossible to be wholly lost or taken from him by the warres, for that if it so fell out, that the country should be [Page 733] ouerrun, yet these townes would be able to maintaine themselues by traffique at sea, whereas A to the contrary, the places that were vnder the kings commaund, must in the end of force be 1580 constrained to yeeld: for that their champian country being spoiled, all their hope & traffique were gone, for want of hauens, to bring in necessary prouision; saying, that the king could giue nothing but bare titles, that were no better than smoke, and deare honors without profit. And that if the Catholicke Religion moued him thereunto, he might well suppose, that he should bring no more to passe by force, and with his owne ouerthrow, than the kings of Spaine and France, by so many fires, executions, and ruine of places had done: and therefore he gaue him counsell to keepe that he had, and so quench the fire that the houses of Lalain had begun to kindle, remembring their deuice, De Lalain sans reproche, and to remain in the vnion with the prince and their associates: and that if he did to the contrary, it was to be feared, that he should find himself ruined, when he least suspected it. The earle all this while hearkened vnto the said B counsell with great patience, oftentimes changing colour, and at the last made answere with griefe, in such sort, that the teares fell from his eyes, and said, that he was desperat, complaining of the obstinacie of the Friselanders, and the disobedience of Bartel Entens, making shew as then, as if he would be constant vnto the Estates, but his sister still heartened him on, whensoeuer he seemed to make cōscience of his oath, wherby he had bound himself vnto the Estates, and yet he dissembled and concealed it as much as he could.
After that, it fell out, that the Estates sent letters and commissions vnto Abel Frankena, Doctor of both the lawes, which was gone to Groning about the Estates affaires: which letters the earle of Renenbergh had caused to bee taken away from the post, as he entred into Groning: in the which letters he foūd the commission, that the Estates had sent for Bartel Entens, C to commaund ouer his regiment, which grieued him much: for which cause he sent for Frankena, and caused him to be kept prisoner in a chamber, although it was told him by diuers, that it was against the lawes of all nations, to shew any such rigor to an embassadour; but not long after Frankena got out at a window, and so escaped away, by which dealing the said earle sufficiently discouered his intent. For which cause, amongst others, captaine Cornput (who was also of the said earles regiment) secretly counselled some of the magistrates and bourgers of Groning (especially the bourger M. Iacob Hillebrand, and others of the reformed Religion) to make themselues masters of the town, before their aduersaries should attempt it, offering to be their leader, and to put the earle in safe keeping: but they made answer, that as yet there was no need to do it, and that they were the strongest party, and would bee carefull ynough thereof, D whereupon he protested, that he had giuen them sufficient warning, and so should be discharged of their imminent ruine, and that if they would not do it, he said he would not hazard his life any longer in that place, and so went out of the towne, from whence Vlfkins not long before was likewise gone. The earle for his part knew so well how to flatter with them of Groning, who by reason of the countrouersie they had with the territories therabouts, were so blinded, as Iacob Hillebrand, bourgomaster, who was chiefe commaunder of the kings chamber in Groning, and the chiefe man in the towne, and he on whom they of the Religion did chiefly relie, the euening before the towne reuolted to the king, supped with him, and told him very plainly of the report that men made of him, saying, That he hoped he had no such bad entent E in him; wherewith the earle wrung him by the hand, and said, What, my good father, whom I trust so well, haue you such an opinion of me? and with such like faire speeches smoothed the matter so well, that the same euening the said bourgomaster being in company with certain of the magistrats and those of the reformed religion, assured them of the earle of Renenberghes good meaning & intent towards them, & yet caused them of the religion to keep good watch in their owne houses, wherby they thought to be sufficiently assured. But the earle of Renenberghs practises being more and more suspected, he began to feare, that the prince of Orange would enter into Groning with his guard, & therfore durst not protract his design any longer, although as then he was not sure of any reliefe: for that not long before he was certified, that certaine souldiers that were comming to Campen, should aid him, who (as they were passing F ouer the Rhin) were by the Drossart of Recklinghuysē & others ouerthrown: for which cause, vpon the 2 of March he assēbled his houshold seruants, & diuers bourgers affected to the Spaniards, & certaine souldiers that he had kept secretly, & in the morning (when by his espials he vnderstood, that the watch held by those of the reformed religiō, were asleep) at 5 of the clock [Page 734] being armed at all points, he rode out of his house, with all his adherents (euery man hauing A a white scarfe vpon his left arme) into the market place, and hauing his sword drawne in his 1580 hand, he sayd, Stand aside, stand aside, good bourgers, this day am I right gouernour of this towne, let vs now accomplish and effect that which is requisite for the kings seruice, and our owne defence, and therwith caused diuers trumpets and drums to be sounded, & a great noise to be made. The aforesaid bourgomaster Hillebrand putting himselfe presently into armes, with some of the reformed Religion, marched thither, saying vnto him, How now sir? is this done as a good gouernour ought to do vnto the people? but one of the earle of Renenberghs boyes shot at him, and slew him presently: whereupon the rest began to flie, whereof some were taken prisoners, and some fled into their houses; but there was no more killed, but only a bourgers sonne of Breame. After that, they ran through the streets, shooting at all that looked B out at the windowes; that done, they went and made search throughout all the towne, and tooke all those prisoners that were not well thought on by the Spanish affected bourgers, being at the least two hundred of the best townes men, wherof some were very hardly vsed, who notwithstanding afterwards by diuers meanes were set at liberty: all the preachers and diuers other good bourgers got secretly away.
The earle hauing in this sort gotten Groning into his hands, presently changed the magistrats, and caused their reconciliation with the king and the prince of Parma to be proclaimed, and the townesmen to sweare, to be true vnto the king, writing vnto the territories therabouts, to moue them to ioyne with him, with commandement, to arme themselues to withstand the mutinous regiment of Bartel Entens, and others. But the ioy and triumph made by the earle C and his adherents, endured not long, for that the same day they found themselues inclosed and besieged, for that captaine Cornput the same morning hauing intelligence thereof, by certaine that fled out of the towne, presently caused Olthofs company of Dam, and the companies of Suyetlaren, of Vliet, Schaghen, and Weda, to march towards Groning, that if peraduēture Groning besieged by the states. those that were affected vnto the Estates within the towne, could find any meanes to relieue themselues, they might be readie to assist them; who got good bootie in the cloyster of Essen, for that Aelkin Ousta (who had maried the earle of Renenberghs aunts daughter) and Asin Entes that lay at Vries, the same euening were come to the cloyster of Essen: and for that Cornput feared least they of Groning should kil their prisoners, he wrot, that if they did so, he would reuenge it vpon their friends and adherents. At the same time the earles letters were intercepted, D wherein he wrot vnto all the great and small townes in Oueryssel, and in the best manner he could shewed them of his enterprise, hoping by his subtile persuasions, and by aid of those that were addicted to the Spaniards, to induce them to ioine with him; but he was preuented, for that vpon the twelfth of March (by meanes of the bourgers which were addicted to the Estates, and by the procurement of Sonoy) they of Campen receiued Hans Pluyms companie into the towne.
The townesmen of Deuenter likewise rose vp in armes, and brake downe the Images and Images brokē and throwne down in Frise land and Oueryssell, the cloysters, in despight of the Spanish faction. The like did they of Swool, as also of Vtrecht and other places round about, a moneth before. They of Friseland, and the territories, and those of Drenth brake down the Images in euery place, and sold their cloyster lands & goods, E and draue some of the priests out of their townes: so as the earle of Renenberghs reuolt procured much harme vnto the Catholickes.
The smaller townes, as Oldenzeel, Steenwicke, Hasselt, and others, still held with the earle of Renenbergh, although they made shew to be for the Estates. But the prince of Orange lying in Campen, sought by all the meanes hee could to keepe those of Oueryssel in obedience, willing Sonoy, with Cornputs and Wynegards companies, to goe to Coeuoorden, to keepe the passage that way, and also by Wedden, that they of Groning might haue no aid. Sonoy forthwith fortified Coeuoorden, wherein he vsed an enginor of Alcmar, and inclosed it with seuen bulwarkes, letting the castle (that was begun by Cornput) lye as he found it, in regard, that the countrey would not endure to haue any more castles: but not long after the malecontents F built it vp.
This worke begun by Sonoy (for want of mony) was afterwards neglected, as also the new fortification, with the fiue bulwarkes, made in the middle of Boertange, whereby the country not long after endured much spoile and great trouble.
[Page 735] At the same time the prince of Orange sent the earle of Hohenlo once more against the A pesants that held with the Spaniards, as also to take the small townes aforesaid, who vpon the 1580 tenth of Aprill tooke the towne of Oldenzeel vpon condition, & from thence went to Linghen, but did little there. Meane time Bartel Entens had besieged Groning with thirteen companies of foot, and two cornets of horsemen, which before were of the earl of Rennenberghs regiment, and euery day insconced himselfe neerer to the towne, making a dam in Reediepe, and certaine bridges ouer the other waters, whereby hee thought in short time to famish them out, where many skirmishes were giuen on both sides. They of Groning hauing raised certaine companies of their townes-men, fortified the suburbes and two myll-hils without the towne, by which meanes euery day they draue their cattell to pasture in the meddowes. But for that there was little done in that siege, which Bartel Entens was told of, and in regard of a certaine controuersie betweene him and those of Duwsum, in the territories of Groning, B the Estates sent the earle of Hohenlo thither, with seuen companies of Christopher van Iselstein his souldiers, and nine companies of the regiment belonging to William Lodowic, earle of Nassau, sonne to Iohn earle of Nassau, as then made a colonel, which disliked Bartel Entens, in regard that he thought to haue had all the honor, thanks, and profit vnto himselfe, but it fell out otherwise: for that vpon the seuen and twentieth of May, being at Rolde with the earles of Hohenlo and Nassau, where he had drunke and made good cheare, he rode with a drunken head vnto the campe before Groning, saying, That he would doe something, that men might speake of him: and when he came thither, and found the captains consulting together about some enterprise to be done, he checked them as if they had been boyes, and bad them follow C him, saying, That he would either enter the Scuytendiep, or the suburbes of the towne: and so without any more stay went thither with the couer of a butter barrell on his arme, in steed of a targuet, in scorne or mockage of his captaines base courages, as he thought: and being followed by diuers of them, and at the same time taking the Loopesconce, where certaine captaines and commaunders were hurt, some of them told him, That it was impossible for them to take the Scuytendiep without ladders, or else by a breach. Whereupon he stood stil behind the loope-holes of the sconce, where one leuelled at him with a fouling piece, and shot him through the head, whereof he died. His body was buried at Midlestam, where he was borne. The death of Bartel Entens, with a briefe description of his life. His father likewise long before was stabbed by one of Wigbols men of Duwsum. He had been a student in Groning, and commonly went apparrelled in white, and there had consumed D most part of his patrimonie amongst women, and by other riotous meanes: and in anno 1571 he went with other freebooters to sea, where he played his part so well, as for his share alone, he had gotten a hundred thousand dollars in his purse: and in anno 1572 he went with the earle vander Marke to take the Bryel, where hee was his lieutenant colonel, and after that went with certaine companies to besiege Ter-Goes in Zeeland, where (for want of experience, and before he saw the enemie) he fled shamefully away, as soone as he heard that Mont-Dragon had passed through the water, to aid them of Ter-Goes. After that, when Harlem was besieged by Dom Frederic, sonne to the duke of Alua, hee and the earle vander Marcke, with two companies of foot and some horsemen marched against the enemie, without any order, forgetting to take the rest of his companies with him, where he was ouerthrowne, but E he put the fault thereof in the prince of Orange and the Estates. For which cause, he hauing brought the said earle vander Marcke to be so insolent, as he began to make no account of any superiors, the Estates committed him to prison in Delft. But the said earle vander Marcke seeking to carry him forcibly out of the towne, he was likewise taken and committed, where they remained prisoners a whole yeare after, and there Bartel Entens spent all the money he had gotten, vnprofitably. After that, being released in anno 1576, hee once againe went to sea, by consent of the Estates, and did a certaine enterprise vpon Oostmahorn, where (in the beginning of May) he made a sconce: but for that his mind was more vpon couetousnesse than any other thing, vpon the eighteenth of Iuly Monsieur Billy draue him from thence. After that the pacification of Gant being made, and that Monsieur Iselstein had committed 2 or 3 F murthers, that regiment of foot, and a company of horse, was giuen vnto him by the prince of Orange, by the intreaty of Vlfkins; which being discharged within 3 months, Bartel Entens ran away with their pay: for which cause he had like to haue bin taken prisoner (with the cōsent of the prince of Orāge) by the Markgraue of Antuerp; but hauing intelligēce therof, he escaped.
[Page 736] Not long after that, he holpe himselfe, by meanes of the controuersie betweene the towne A of Groning and the territories, for which cause (hauing done some things against Groning) 1580 he was by them taken and committed to prison, where he lay a whole yeare, but after that, he was againe entertained into seruice, and so remained (as I said before) vntill his dying day. He was a man much giuen to drinke, women, and playing at tables, setting fifteene hundred gulderns vpon a game with the lord of Koutsbach. He made no account of any Religion, and yet his conscience accused him of his bad life, and especially for the drowning of diuers marchants, which in his time he had throwne ouer-boord, whereof he was wont to tell, that once a dead body swam a great while after his shippe, wheresoeuer it went. At the last, he began to leaue off his great drunkennesse, and to looke more after getting of money, both from the pesants, and euery man else, in such sort, as he left great summes of money behind him, and yet B spent and consumed much vainely. He had made Delf-Ziel inuincible, as he thought, and began to giue commission for men to goe to sea, and had bought the Island of Rottumrooge, and caused great store of stones of the broken cloysters to be carried thither from all places, intending to build a castle there, and thereby to commaund the riuer of Ems, presuming in time to become master of Groning, and the territories therabouts, and with his ships to dominiere ouer the sea, which he could not refraine to boast of. This and much more was reported of him both by his friends and kinred, as also by others that knew him well, which is here set downe only for an example vnto others.
The earle of Rennenbergh and they of Groning were exceeding glad of Bartel Entens death, and yet sorry, because the warre by that meanes should be conducted by wiser colonels; C the earle of Hohenlo being appointed to that charge, but for that he could not wellattend it, Escheda was by prouision made his lieutenant colonel. At the last, they of Groning were driuen out of two sconces, and yet although they heard bad newes, That Mechelen, Willebrooke, & other places were taken from the prince of Parma, and also that the succours promised them by the said prince, & had been gathered about Carpen, were ouerthrown, and that they saw more men and ordnance brought before the towne, and all things deare within the same, yet they would not heare of any composition: for that receiuing letters daily, they were promised by the prince of Parma to be relieued. The territories thereabouts were very importunately desirous to take Groning, to that end raysing great taxes amongst the pesants, and seizing vpon the cloyster goods, which for the bignesse of the countrey are in greater D numbers there, than in any other part of the Netherlands. They of Drenth put themselues in the vnion of Vtrecht, and contributed three thousand gulderns the moneth: and they in Friseland reformed their estate, changing their magistrates in euery place, and sold the lands and goods of religious houses. They likewise built much, about Harlingen, which by Sonoys meanes they begun to fortifie, making a great new hauen thereunto; but they let Staueren, Sloten, Docom, and other places remaine as they were. These three territories notwithstanding could not resolue vpon the fortifying and repayring of the passages of Coeuoorden and Boertange, whereon most of their defence consisted, to keepe the enemie out of the countrey. But what meanes soeuer Sonoy, Corneput, and others vsed, still either the one or the other of the said prouinces drew backward, without any resolution, although they daily heard of E the new preparation made by the prince of Parma, to relieue Groning and the earle of Rennenbergh, as hereafter shalbe shewed.
As soone as the prince of Parma had newes of the earle of Rennenberghs proceedings in Groning, he caused a great troupe of souldiers to be gathered together about Carpen, who hauing lyen long there, and much burthened the countrey, and thought with certaine horsemen to passe by Nuys ouer the Rhin, they were by Philip, lord of Hohensapen, Iselsteen, and Hegeman, with certaine horsemen, set vpon and slaine, and those that escaped, driuen backe againe beyond Nuys, where the gentlemen of Bercke and Marcke likewise stopped their passage. After that, for that they ouer-runne and wasted the territories of Cologne, and would pay nothing for that they tooke, and for that the Elector had giuen them warning F to dislodge from thence, and yet they did it not, he commaunded the pesants to chase them away, so as vpon the sixt of Aprill some of them were slaine about Lins and Eyndouen, with losse of eight of the Electors men, whereof two were gentlemen: the rest withdrew themselues into the earledome of Manderscheyet.
[Page 737] After that, in Iune, the said troups were once againe renewed, and by the diligence and A charges of Bucho Aytha, prouost of S. Baefs, there were fourteene companies of Dutch foot-men 1580 assembled together at Ghenet, and by him named the Friseland regiment: wherof Billy Martin Schencks forces sent to releeue Groning was colonel, and in his absence Martin Schenck, that ioined his horsemen vnto them, as also old captaine Thomas (a Grecian, or Albanoys horseman, much spoken of, for that he had beene at the winning of six battailes) with three other Albanoys launciers, and a cornet of Carabins, being in all about three thousand foot, and six hundred horsemen. All these went ouer the Rhin, with a monethes pay, but without any ordnance, and made great marches towards Linghen.
The states of Friseland willed the earle of Hohenlo to march against Martin Schenck, and to that end assembled their souldiers about Boccholt, and caused some of earle William of Nassaus regiment B to ioyne with the earle of Hohenlo, and left the rest before Groning with their colonel, to whom they sent Sonoy, to aid and counsel him in the siege, little esteeming Schencks forces. The earle of Hohenlo would gladly haue had more foot-men, and to that end wrot vnto the campe before Groning for more: But they of Entens regiment were vnwilling, and those that were sent came too late. And so vpon the sixteenth of Iune he went to Vtsen, and that night to Coeuoorden, with full resolution to set vpon the enemie. But for that they of Swool would take in no garrison, the bourgers that were addicted to the Spaniards, against Schencks comming, had drawne certaine of the peasants of their faction, into the towne, and hauing armed them, certified Schenck thereof: but those of the reformed religion, and such as Vprore in Swool. were addicted to the Estates, being led by captain Vlger and others, presently insconced themselues C against them, taking the market place, S. Michaels church, the Lamper gate, and the red tower, sending likewise for helpe to Campen and Deuenter. And although the messeng [...]rs which they sent were cruelly murthered, and some cut in peeces by the peasants, yet vpon the sixteenth of Iune in the morning, there came some of the garrison of Campen, and about two companies of the bourgers of Deuenter, into Swool: whereupon diuers of those of the Spanish faction were in great feare, and fled, whose houses were presently ransackt. And not long after there was a companie sent thither out of Holland.
The villages and places of Wastenbrook, by reason of their faction and holding against the States, were for the most part burnt downe, whereas they of Ouerissell also burnt the castle of Geelmuyden, which the emperour Charles the fifth had caused the keeper of the castle of D Kuynder to make vpon the entrie or mouth of Swartwater on the South sea.
The enterprise in Swool fayling, Schenck kept still by Herdenbergh, and the earle of Hohenlo departing from Coeuoorden, marched towards him, wholly against some mens opinions, that dissuaded him from fighting, giuing him counsell onely to cut off his passage from hauing any prouision, and so force him to retire, and that it was to be hoped, that for want of victuals, money, and by mutinie, they must of force depart from thence: as also that the aduenturing of a battaile was daungerous for him, in regard that he was too weake of foot-men, and had but a few pikes, so that he was wholly vnprepared for a battaile: But others prouoked him thereunto, especially his horsemen, which caused him in great hast to set forward, in the hot time of the day, and to passe ouer a dry heath, where they could find no water, so that E many of them fainted for want of drinke, and by reason of the great heat; and amongst the rest Iohn van Duyuenuoord, a strong yong gentleman: whereas Schencks souldiers had rested themselues in the shadow three howers together, and eaten well, and had foureteene barrels of beere spare.
But as soone as the earle of Hohenlo came thither, presently without long stay, hee placed his men in order of battaile, hauing with him Sedenesca his owne Ensigne bearer, with his companie that came out of Oldenzeel, and Iselsteen with seuen of his, and sixe of the earle of Nassaus companies, led by lieutenant Kunigam; Wingardens companie, and an hundred men of Cornputs companie he placed on the right hand, which stood Southwestward, and with them the earle of Nassaus companies, and Iselsteen with Sedenesca on the left side, hard by a field F wherein were diuers trees. Captaine Wingarden would willingly haue had the earle to haue taken the village of Herdenbergh, or the field, for their aduantage, and to haue stayed a while to rest themselues; but his counsell would not bee heard. All those foot-men were not full eighteene hundred men. Before those two battailes were placed three cornets of shot, belonging [Page 738] to Eustaes, Rinswouden, and Asin Entens, all well appointed. On the other side stood the A carle of Hohenlo himselfe, with seuen peeces of ordnance, and the horsemen led by Holstein, 1580 Adelsdorf, Rampt, Transwits, Pier, and others, & Huybert van Kemen, with three hundred horse, that had promised the Estates twelue hundred horse, so as they were not aboue foureteen hundred horse. The village of Herdenbergh, which was not farre from them, lay but a mile from Coeuoorden, and foure miles from Swool, vpon the riuer called the Vecht. The battails beeing both placed in order, it was then about noone day, so as Schenck standing towards the Southwest, had the sunne at his backe: and the earle of Hohenlo comming Eastward, the sun in his face, the wind being still and verie calme. When the earle had prayed, the souldiers casting vp their hats, signes being giuen, and the ordnance shot off, the three companies of the earle of Hohenloes Friseland horsemen, rod forth, against two cornets of Schencks Albanoys A battaile between the earl of Hohenlo, & Mar, Schenck. B lanciers, whereof the one was in a manner sodainly ouerthrowne, and the other with great losse wholly scattered, which the Dutch horsemen pursued, and therewith Schencks footmen began to giue backe: so as it seemed as then that the earle of Hohenlo should haue had the victorie, but as the Friseland horsemen began to place themselues in order againe, readie to giue a new charge, and that another company of Schencks lanciers, and some good harguebusiers, set forward towards the earles footmen, who had no hope of any assistance to bee giuen them by their pikes, because they had so few, they gaue back towards the field, wheras some of them yet were, but al the rest fled away like a sodain flash of lightning, through the midst of the trees, and which way they could ouer the moore to Coeuoorden. The horsemen seeing this, were as readie to flie as the footmen, Schencks men following them: Captain Wingarden staid fighting C till he was slaine, and Niuelt the Ensigne bearer, with diuers other commaunders, gentlemen and souldiers. Captaine Niuelt, Renoy, and some lieutenants, with others, were taken prisoners. Pompeius Vlskins thinking to flie away in a wagon, was pulled backe, and slaine. Schenck got all the ordnance, and a little baggage, the greatest part being left at Coeuoorden. The earle of Hohenlo went to Oldenzeel, to secure that: the horsemen and footmen got most to Coeuoorden, which was not aboue an houres march from thence, and brought both footmen and horsemen prisoners with them. Captaine Cornput who was left in Coeuoorden with 50 men, stood at the turnepike, and would not suffer the horsemen to enter, vnlesse they would first sweare to stay there by him, and helpe to keepe the passage: but hauing gotten in they kept not their words, but road out againe at the other turnepike, towards the Drenth: They were D so much amazed, as they regarded not what he said or did. At the last there came some of the captaines and commanders flying thither, who as well as they might caused the horsemen to stay, so as there assembled together about seuen hundred foot, and foure hundred horsemen, Cornput and Stensel of Namslo persuading them to stay all together at Coeuoorden, and there once againe to gather a new head, saying, That they would presently send for the foureteene companies that lay before Groning, but many were of contrarie opinion, because the place was not strong, & that the aduantage of the riuers was then nothing, by reason of the drouth, whereby men might passe cleane ouer them: as also that they had no necessarie prouision, nor any bisket: and for that cause they determined to leaue the place, which they did about midnight, and Cornput also with them, & went most to Oldenzeel, to the earle of Hohenlo. Schenck E durst not go far from the place where he was, esteeming the victorie not to be altogether won, fearing that some ambuscadoes might be laid along the passage, and at Coeuoorden, but being certified of the contrary, the next day he went thither, where he found neither inhabitants nor souldiers. The companies that lay before Groning made fires, and shot off their ordnance, as if the earle of Hohenlo had gotten the victorie, to moue them of Groning to yeeld vp the town, but when as the companies heard that Schenck was in Coeuoorden, they could not be persuaded, neither by the earle of Nassau, nor by Sonoy, to stay any longer there, but presently they set their sconces on fire, and went into diuers places to lye in garrison, as to Doccum and Collum, The siege before Groning abandoned. and some into Steenwick: and the walls of Oxlagh being newly repaired, Sonoy put companies into it. This place lay about halfe an houres march from Nieuzeel towards the sea, vpon F the South side of the Reedeipes, and belonged to Wigholdt van Encosum, lord of Nieuoort, that had his salt kettles there, & was by him in the time of the lord of Billy, made strong against the water Gueux, but in the earle of Renenberghes gouernment it was againe cast downe, as many others likewise were.
[Page 739] This victory thus won, Schenck staied not, but went to Groning, where hee was receiued A with great triumph, and after that the towne had bin besieged three moneths and a halfe, vpon 1580 the 7 of Iuly he and the earle of Renenbergh went to Delfziel, which they presently insconced, and tooke in the mouth of the hauen, where the old castle once stood, for that Bartel Entens had made the fortification inwards, cleane contrarie to all other mens opinions; otherwise the walls were indifferent strong, being high and thick, with 4 bulwarks, but no casamates: the ditch was about 110 foot wide. The souldiers that lay in it, were three cōpanies that had bin of the earle of Renenberghes regiment, whereof many were yet addicted vnto him: which being besieged, the earle of Renenbergh went with the rest of the forces to besiege Oxlagh, before it was prouided of victuals, and other munition: Which to preuent the Estates sent the companies of Rinswouden and Escheda thither: but Rinswouden was incountred by the earl of Renenbergh B vpon a ditch, and his companie being ouerthrowne, he himselfe was taken prisoner, and Escheda retired back againe. Not long after that, Oxlagh was yeelded vnto the earle of Renenbergh, and the 5 companies of souldiers that were therein, went out vpon certaine conditions. From thence he went to Collum, and thought to get Doccum, in regard that it lay open, for that, since Iohn Golstein Drossart of Gueldre, in an. 1523, gaue it vp vnto the lord of Wassenare, and George Schenck, the walls and the castle were broken downe, and laid open, and neuer since fortified, it being neuerthelesse a place of great importance, and a frontier sea towne. Thither the earle of Hohenlo went, and caused it to be insconced, & gathered a great troup of soldiers together, at which time also he caused Oostemahorn, a mile frō Doccum, to be fortified. The Diep right ouer against Collum he defended by the peasants, which done he insconced Doccumsiel. C The earle of Renenberghes troups on the other side, as Ens Drossart of Coeuoorden with two companies of souldiers, and diuers peasants went to Meppel, and made it strong, and repaired the walls of Kinckhoorst, lying hard by the towne, which in ann. 1536, being yeelded vp by Mager Hein, were broken downe: but they of Campen ouerthrew those two companies, and tooke Meppel and Kinckhoorst from them againe.
Meane time they of Delfziel were so hardly besieged, and the hauen so well inclosed, as not any man could passe neither out nor in, and yet the Hollanders sent at least 50 ships of warre, with the admirall Duyuenuoord, into the riuer of Ems, to keepe the enemie from victuals that might be brought them from Embden: and the earle of Hohenlo did all hee could to relieue them, but he was not strong ynough, for that his men were not al assembled together: he wrot D vnto them to stay yet certaine daies longer ere they yeelded it vp, saying, That his men were on the way, but his letters came not to their hands: but for that there were diuers vnwilling soldiers therin, vpon the 29 of Iuly they yeelded it vp without any reason, & that vpō shameful Delfziel yeelded vp to the prince of Parma. conditions, going forth with white wands in their hands, without any armes, leauing the captaine and chiefe commander prisoner, and yet had bin but three weeks besieged, & had good store of butter and cheese. In the meane time the earle of Hohenlo comming from Delfziel, went to Doccum againe, where he left the earle of Renenbergh, and besieged Oxlagh againe, which not long after yeelded vnto him, and Monickerziel also, which the earl of Renenbergh had insconced. About that time, in hope to releeue Delfziel, the States sent Sir Iohn Norris into Friseland, with ten companies of English, and diuers commanders, as captaine Morgan, Cotton, E Bishop, Fitzwilliams, Chatterton, Dale, and others, & one company of horsemen, and Michael Caulier, with six companies of Wallons, vnder Iohn Petin, Grenu, Noir, Iasper, Cressomiere, and a companie of Dutch horsemen, al which cōpanies ioined with the earl of Hohenlo at Noordhorn: There were likewise 4 companies more comming vnto him, but they were met by the earle of Renenberghes horsemen, and ouerthrowne, but two of the companies with their colours were presently againe relieued by the English. With them also ioined Iselstein, and the earle of Nassau, with either of them ten companies, so that the earle of Hohenlo beeing verie strong with those companies, he went towards Groning, and draue the earle of Renenberghs souldiers out of their strong sconce of Ponterbrugge, and so kept the passage of Hornedeip, where Renenbergh lay very strong with his souldiers, and could easily haue let the said passage. F The earle of Hohenlo being past, both parts placed their men in order of battaile, but the earle of Hohenlo hauing placed his battaile very politikely, and inclosed it wel with horse and footmen, and hauing three field peeces, and besides that hauing laid diuers secret ambuscadoes, when he had prayed, and signes of battaile being giuen, the earle of Renenbergh retired [Page 740] close vnder the walls of Groning, there to defend himselfe, perceiuing that the States had A more forces there than they had vpon Herdenbergh heath, leauing good store of baggage 1580 and munition behind him. The next day the earle of Hohenlo went close to the ditches of Groning, where they of the towne discharged their ordnance at him, and there was a hot skirmish, where Sir Iohn Norris behaued himselfe valiantly; and there the enemy lost 70 men. At which time they tooke counsell whether they should besiege Groning againe, but after they had well considered thereof, they found it not conuenient, and so vpon the tenth of August, they went and lay at Zuyet, and North-Laren, and [...]conced the way to Pontenbrugge, where Cornput began to fortifie the great castle of Weerdenbras againe, which was built by Edsard earle of Embden, as generall for George duke of Saxonie, in anno 1505, to stop the passage that no corne might be carried through Drenth to Groning, and after that was throwne B downe againe by Euerwin earle of Benthem, lieutenant to the same duke in anno 1516. The earle of Hohenlo went to Coeuoorden, whereas Iselstein with six companies tooke it: and about euening when it was late, the earles of Hohenlo and Nassau past ouer the towne bridge, to the bulwarks of the castle, from whence William Lodowick, earle of Nassau was hit with a faulcon shot, on the left leg hard by the knee, for which cause they were forced to carrie him in a coach to Swool, where he was cured of that wound. At the same time also was slaine the Ensigne bearer Quaet, beeing that day newly released from imprisonment in Groning, vpon paiment of his ransome.
The next day the earle of Hohenlo sommoned them to yeeld vp the castle of Coeuoorden, and they within, being 150 souldiers, after counsell taken, although they had bestowed Coeoorden taken by the earle of Hohenlo. C two moneths time to fortifie the same, and had ordnance, powder, and prouision ynough, yeelded vp the place, with safetie of liues and goods, being sworne not to beare armes against the Estates in three monethes after. Blomart van Breda, that once led Montdragon through the water to releeue Tergoes, & two commanders more were taken prisoners there. From thence the earle of Hohenlo sent some of his souldiers into diuers garrisons, and went himselfe to besiege Linghen, and there left the English regiment to lye before it, and with the rest of his forces went to Weeden, and for that the castle would not presently yeeld, hee left certaine forces to besiege it, with two peeces of ordnance; and went from thence to Slochteren, hauing great desire to get Delfziel againe, which he sought to effect by all the meanes he could: but the diuiding of his forces, and the taking of too many things in hand at one time, was the meanes to D worke his owne ouerthrow.
The earle of Renenbergh hearing that he was gone to Coeuoorden, marched againe with Oxlagh taken by the earle of Renenbergh, and broken downe. all his forces, and some ordnance, to Oxlagh, which place was wel fortified and furnished with all things necessarie: but the garrison being a company of new souldiers, vpon the first of September, for want of experience yeelded it vp, with safegard of liues and goods; and so issued with their rapiers only, about two weekes after they had been besieged, and but once shot at, contrarie to the opinion of the earle of Hohenlo, and diuers others: which being taken the earl of Renenbergh brake downe the walls thereof, and so in all hast went to Slochteren, where in a morning betimes hee sodainely set vpon the regiments of the earle of Nassau, and Michiel with his light horsemen, where colonell Michiel had like to haue beene taken prisoner, but E by his great diligence the souldiers were brought into order of battaile againe, and so retyred still fighting, till they came to Heilegerlee, and Winschoten, where they found the earle of Hohenlo with the German horse, and so in hast past by Weeden, to get to the Bourentang, where diuers times they bad the enemie battaile: but when as Renenberghes whole forces came together, he was forced to retire, and being pursued by Renenberghes launciers, many of The earle of Hohenloes forces ouerthrowne by Weeden. them were slaine, and the eight companies of footmen, and a cornet of horse, with the ordnance that lay before Weeden were all taken, and great store of their armes lost, and throwne away. Meane time the earl of Renenbergh hauing left the new companies of the Drossart Ens, and Blanckenuoort in the abbey of great Auwart, they did ouer-run all the countrey thereabouts, and went towards Collum, the which cloister they tooke vpon the 8 of September, and F slew at the least 300 of them, besides those that were taken prisoners, but fearing to bee forced and spoiled by their enemie, they abandoned the cloister, with al the prouision therin, because they could not beare it away.
The earle of Reuenbergh went presently to Coeuoorden, which beeing not fortified, vpon [Page 741] the 20 of September, after that they had begun to dig through the water, was yeelded vnto A him, with safetie of liues and goods. From thence he went to Oldenzeel, wherein were the 1580 companies of the lord of Sneeten, and Fisher of Amsterdam, both beeing about two hundred men, Coeuoorden taken againe by the earle [...] Reuenbergh, & after that Oldenzeel. and the horsemen of Elleborn, lieutenant to captaine Goor, their gouernor being the lord of Eck, a yong gentleman of the East countrey. This towne of Oldenzeel is a reasonable pretie towne, lying fiue small miles from Coeuoorden, and six miles from Deuenter, in the Eastland way, it hath no riuer, but a great high stone wal with towers, after the old maner, with a ditch, and without that an earthen wall, and another ditch, whereby it should seeme to be verie strong, and yet it hath no bridge, all the water in the ditches being kept in by dammes, by which means it may wel be let out, and hath no bulwarks at all on Benthen side (from whence it lyeth but two miles and a halfe) it hath on the one side a hall full of bushes, and on the other B side it is verie easie to be besieged. The earle of Renenbergh came sodainly before it, and presently burnt the gates, and gaue a great and furious assault, but with the losse of 300 of his men, and certaine captaines, for which cause they being in a feare, he was forced to leaue the town: but the bourgers being most of the Spanish faction, which for that cause had been much trobled by the garrison, fearing worse, sent after him, and deliuered the towne into his hand, vpon condition, that the garrison with all their prouision and goods, should depart out of the same, and sweare not to beare armes against the king in three moneths after. This was done vpon the 24 day of Septemb. as the Estates were making preparation to releeue it. From thence he went to Swool, which he besieged round about, where he ouerthrew Petin, lieutenant colonell to Michael Caulier, & captain Cressomiere, that thought to haue entred therin, and both were taken C prisoners, but staying for more men that were to come ouer the Rhin, which he feared would be incountred and spoiled, he went to meet them, as hereafter I wil shew, & so went to besiege Steenwick. There was also about this time a double treatie plaid against the male-contents of Arthois & Henault, in the towne of Bouchain in Henault. The seignior Villers, brother to the lord of Hautain, hauing in former time beene gouernor of Nyuelle in Brabant, where (as wee haue said) he had caried himself valiantly, was then gouernor of Bouchain. The male contents, among the which one of their cōmanders was the baron of Selles, brother to the lord of Noircarmes, who treated with a lieutenant of a company of the towne, called Grosbedon, whom he thought he had won at his deuotion, to deliuer the said towne to the king of Spaine: whereof the seignior of Villers being well informed by this lieutenant, suffered him to treat, & to mannage D this businesse, in such sort, as at an appointed houre they should haue a port open, whereby they might enter. This enterprise was in Iune when the dayes were longest. At the appointed day the baron of Selles, with good troups of foot and horse, among the which there were many butchers of Doway, carrying the standerd of S. Meurant their patron, presented themselues at the port, which they found open. The gouernour Villers, to the end the vndertakers might be assured of their enterprise, had the day before sent forth his horsemen as it were by chance: whereof the male-contents being aduertised, were the more assured. In the mean time they of the towne had prepared a banquet, to feast them at their entrie: After they had suffered as many to enter as they thought good, and as their forces would beare, the which they might easily defeat: the which being entred to the number of fiue or six hundred, with the baron E of Selles and these butchers, the portcullis being let down, and they cacht as mise in a trap, they of the garrison began to shew themselues, and to discharge their muskets, and the canon plaid vpon them that remained without, who the horsemen which went forth the day before came and charged behind, and chased them euen vnto their ditches, beeing in hope that their men which were entred should become masters of the town, vpon the report which was made vnto them of the small garrison which remained. Thus both they within and they without were defeated, whereof there was some 150 slaine, and the rest within the towne were taken prisoners, among the which was the baron of Selles, whom the seignior of Villers sent with some other chiefe prisoners to the castle of Cambray, to the end that not keeping them with him, they should haue no desire to besiege him. Afterwards the baron of Selles and the earl of F Egmont were carried to the castle of Ramekins in Zeeland, where the baron died, & yet the Estates had offered to deliuer him, the earle of Egmont and the lord of Champigni, all three together, in exchange for monsieur de la Noue, & some other prisoners of mean quality, which the king refused: wherein the Estates made shew of their loue and affection to strangers that came [Page 742] voluntarily to serue them: and on the other side, the king his ingratitude to such great personages, 1580 A his naturall vassals, being prisoners for his seruice: Whereupon the baron of Selles exclaimed at his death against the king of Spaine, that forreine enemies were more respected by him, and held in greater esteeme, than his naturall subiects, and faithfull seruants.
The earle of Egmont in like sort for despight and hearts griefe, that the king would not exchange him for la Noue, grew distracted of his wits, and during his frenzie, hee so hurt the baron The earle of [...]mont di [...]ed. of Selles his fellow prisoner in the throat, as he died thereof: so as to bring him againe to his right sences, and to comfort him, at the suit of the lady Francis of Egmont, his sister, he was transported into Holland, where he was well intreated, vntill the king should free him from his imprisonment, the which made him recouer his sences, which before were much troubled. In the end he was set free in the yeare 1584, for the said seignior of la Noue, yet vpon B promise (so much they feared him) that during his life hee should not beare armes against the king of Spaine, vnlesse it were by the commandement of the king of Fraunce his master, with some other conditions, vpon paine of an hundred thousand crownes, for the which the duke of Lorraine was his caution and pledge, and the king of Nauarre his counterpledge.
This kind of rigorous proceeding in the exchange of such prisoners, gaue great occasion to the nobilitie of the Netherlands, the kings subiects, to murmure at his ingratitude, and of the esteeme which hee made of them, and of their liues, which they so willingly exposed for his seruice.
The male-contents hauing receiued this affront and losse at Bouchain, to bee reuenged thereof they went in August following to besiege it, and did batter it with such furie, as the Pouchain yeelded by composition. C seignior of Villers hauing no hope of succours, nor meanes (the place beeing verie little) to rampar or intrench himselfe within, either by halfe moones, new rampars, or otherwise (fearing it should be carried by assault, and the Spaniard in like manner doubting to come to it) he yeelded it by composition, to depart onely with their armes. And as the accord had been simply made, without the reseruations necessarie in the like case, the said seigniour of Villers had left a peece of a match secretly burning in a barrel of powder, among diuers others, which continued some houre or two, vntill that he and his men were retired towards Cambray, where being neere, fire tooke this powder, which carried away a part of the rampar, did much harme to the towne, and slue some thirtie souldiers: wherewith the Spaniard beeing iustly incensed, sent to pursue them, and to cut them in peeces if they might ouertake them: but it was too D late, the seigniour of Villers and his troupe beeing safely and without all daunger retired into Cambray.
The Estates knowing their owne forces by sea, and vpon the riuers, and what the Spaniards were at land, they resolued by meanes of their ships of warre to hinder the passage and distribution of victuals, and munition, by the riuers of Rhin and Meuse: Wherefore they sent their ships well appointed and manned, euerie one carrying eight, ten, or twelue great peeces of brasse, besides the lesse, and hauing his pinasse: wherewith they held the same riuers subiect, and cut off the passage, both for men and victuals, that were appointed for the country of Groningue. The which did much trouble the princes of the Rhin, who also manned out certain ships of warre, to chase away those of the States: But for that they would not incense these E princes, nor contest against them, they caused their ships to fall downe in August, the which before were vsually accustomed to mount vp aboue the towne of Cologne, to Bonne, yea further.
Macklin beeing reuolted from the States, and hauing committed many insolencies, this Macklin taken by the St [...]tes. yeare they sent the Englishmen that were in Liere towards Macklyn, with their colonell Sir Iohn Norris, a valiant gentleman, and with these Englishmen (the which would not leaue Liere without their pay) the Estates sent Oliuer vanden Temple, gouernour of Brussels, with his garrison, and that of Viluoord, and Charles of Lieuin, lord of Famars, with his cornet of horse. These troupes came vpon the ninth of Aprill in the morning, before the towne, where the Englishmen giuing an alarme on the one side, in the meane time monsieur de Temples souldiers, F and the rest, climing ouer the Brussels gate, got into the towne, where they fought a good while before they could force open the gates, to let in the horsemen, who being entred, the bourgers, with diuers monks and fryers, being in armes vpon the market place, defended themselues vntill that manie of them were slaine: whereof Peter Wolfe, a mutinous fryer (who [Page 743] had before drawne them from the States) was one, who being well armed fought with a halberd A in his hand. The gouernour Rossignol, and Boeskerke the scout, with certaine Albanoys, 1580 got out at the gates as soone as the towne was taken, where there was about an hundred souldiers, but most bourgers slaine. They began to ransacke the towne, notwithstanding that the bourgers had made a composition with the English (who were the greatest number, beeing eight hundred strong) to giue them certaine monethes pay: but that condition was not performed. And although the generall (for that the sacke had continued certaine dayes) would gladly haue taken some order therein, yet he could by no meanes do it. This towne was so miserably sackt and spoyled, as no towne in all the Netherlands had suffered the like during all the ciuile warres: for that the English men (who had no measure in their doings) spoyled the churches and religious houses, without any pitie and compassion; for the which the rest of the B souldiers were much offended.
After that, the chiefe commanders, as monsieur Timpel, and the lord of Famars (then made gouernour) fell out with colonell Norris, and would gladly after the sacke haue gotten the English men out of the towne, but they being the strongest, had gotten the keyes into their hands, and for a moneths space did what they would putting the bourgers to ransome, and still spoyling their houses, sparing not the bells nor the great dyall, which was many times forbidden to be touched: they tooke likewise the stones that lay vpon the dead, and carried many hundreds of them into England by ship. At the last the Estates hauing great occasion to vse souldiers (for that it was generally thought that for want of those souldiers la Noue had bin ouerthrowne and taken by Inglemunster) they persuaded Sir Iohn Norris to leaue Macklin, C who at that time was fallen into such a quarrel with monsieur Timpel, that (although they were strangers there) hee would not march out first: for which cause they were forced to set some bourgers of Antuerpe, and of the towne, in the market place, and else where, to guard it vntill that at the sound of a bell they both went out at seuerall ports, the which was not without some trouble; which happened by misunderstanding, by reason of the commanders high minds, which was the cause that the Englishmen with much hurt and losse were driuen out of the towne the sixth of May. Monsieur de Famars was left there for gouernor, who sought by all the meanes that hee could to restore the towne of Macklin to his former estate, and to repeople it againe.
Henrie of Bourbon, prince of Conde, hauing with great difficultie retired himselfe out of D France into England, where hee was verie gratiously entertained by the queene, after hee had staid there sometime, meaning to goe into Germanie to leuie men, hee resolued to passe into Flanders, and so into Brabant. He first arriued at Scluce, and from thence hee came to Gant the thirteenth of Iulie, where hee was honourably receiued by them of the towne, who sent fix companies of the regiment of the baron of Mortagne, to meet him, beeing feasted by the magistrats of the towne in their State-house. The Vicent or Bourgraue of Gant (newly created marques of Ronbay by the king, in recompence of his seruice) whether that he had intelligence of the princes comming to the towne, or not, had gathered together about foure regiments of foot, and sixteene cornets of horse, the which hee caused to march presently the same night, thinking to surprise it by a camisadoe, at a rauelin called by the name of Imbise, E not farre from the port of Bruges, the which was onely shut in on the out-side with a pallisadoe, and certaine planks, being laid open in the day time, to carrie the earth out of a new ditch which was made right opposit against it, into the towne: which pallisadoe foure or fiue men might easily haue pulled downe with halters. The marques aduanced so fast with his horsemen, as about two houres after midnight he came before the said rauelin, which at that time was verie ill guarded, for of a whole squadron there were but fiue or six souldiers of captaine Roses companie at the guard: but by reason of the continuall raine all that night, the footmen could not aduance so fast, but the day begun to approach. The seigniour of la Motte lighted from his horse, and going ouer the ditch came to the foot of the rampar, and approaching neere the rauelin, hee tried to pull downe the pallisadoe, and to make passage for F the horse, which should not haue gone aboue the knees in the water.
A poore countrey man beeing without, came to giue an alarme to the towne, but la Motte slew him presently, wherewith beeing discouered, hee was shot with a harguebuse in [Page 744] the arme. Then the alarme growing verie hot, all the six companies of the colonel Mortague, A and the prince of Conde himselfe came with his traine with the first vnto the rampar: from 1580 whence a canon was discharged through a squadron of the marquesses horse ioyning vnto a mill: who seeing that for want of footmen he could not doe any thing, retired. And soone after his footmen arriued so weary and wet, as they could haue no great courage to fight. The marques in his retreat (cursing his misfortune) burnt all where hee past in the territories of Gant.
I wonder at some writers, both Flemish and French, which say, That the marques was entred a good way into the towne: the which is false, for if it had beene so, hee would haue kept vs (for I Iohn Petit. was there at that time) holding that great place which they call Eckerghem, from comming neere the rampar, and his horsemen might haue giuen his footmen leasure ynough to haue entred in like manner. Wee must notwithstanding confesse the truth, that without B this raine the towne had beene in danger to be lost, not without great effusion of bloud. The lieutenant to the said captaine Rose, called Chastelet, for the bad order which was at the guard, was put in prison, and grieuously tortured, yet there was no treason found in him, but verie great negligence.
After the retreat of the marques, the prince of Conde parted the same day to goe vnto Antuerpe, beeing conuoyed by the cornet of the seigniour of Rihouen, and the voluntaries of Gant: but hee was not halfe a league out of the towne, when as there was a false alarme giuen, which made him returne backe vnto the towne, least they should say hee had led away their horsemen: but hearing that it was nothing, hee continued his iourney to Antuerpe, C where hee was honourably receiued by the prince and the counsell of Estate. Hauing rested there some dayes, during the which they made him rich presents, hee tooke his leaue, and continued his way into Germanie, to the faire of Francfort, from whence he returned into France by Switserland.
Monsieur de la Noue being general of the Estates forces in Flanders, had gathered a small armie together, and staying for the Englishmen that came out of Macklyn to ioyne with him, in Inglemunster besieged by la Noue. the moneth of May he besieged Inglemunster, which is a smal castle, which the malecontents had taken, lying vpon a riuer called Mander: where hauing planted his siege, and giuen charge to batter the same, leauing the lord of Marquette to commaund in his place, hee was put in mind of an enterprise to be done against Ryssel, which hee resolued to attempt, and for that D cause marched thither with certaine foot and horsemen: but finding himselfe to be too weake to effect it, for that the burgraue of Gant, called Marques de Richeborgh, or Ronbay, with fifteene cornets of Albanoys horsemen, and certaine footmen, made towards him, hee retyred backe againe to his campe before Inglemunster: and beeing on the other side of the riuer of Leye, he was forced to goe somewhat further downeward, whereas the Mander falleth into the Leye, and that night lodged in a village called Wackene, the burgraue of Gant still following him: and while la Noue passed the Leye at Cortricke, hee tooke a new way to Inglemunster, which la Noue perceiuing, hee made all the hast he could to ioyne with his camp, but by reason that his men were wearie, hee was forced to stay all night at Wackene, which was two miles from Inglemunster, where his campelay: yet fearing least the enemie (hauing E but a little way to march) might charge his campe before hee got thither, hee rod that night with certaine horsemen to his campe, commaunding the lord of Marquette with all speed to breake downe the bridge that went ouer the riuer of Mander, that the enemie should not fall sodainely vpon them: but for all his commaund, they that kept the bridge thought it not requisit to breake it downe, but meant to keepe it strong, contrarie to all marshall discipline, which monsieur de la Noue notwithstanding would haue done.
The burgraue of Gant knowing that the Estates forces lay that night at Wackene, made towards the campe which lay before Inglemunster, with all his troupes, and fell vpon them. La Noue perceiuing that, and hauing sent for his men to come from Wackene with all speed, defended himselfe as well as hee could, although hee had not aboue fiue or six hundred men, F and two or three cornets of horse, which were easily defeated. The Scottish souldiers beeing commaunded to hold play with the enemie as long as they could, and to discharge their peeces one after another, were too hastie, and shot all together: which hauing done, they [Page 745] gaue backe. Certaine French companies, that had not aboue ten or twelue men in a companie A (the rest of their companions beeing at Wackene) kept all together like old souldiers, and 1580 defended themselues in such sort, as they escaped without any hurt, the rest were all slaine and spoyled. La Noue himselfe, thinking it a shame to abandon the artillerie, and beeing yet in good hope that it would bee better when the rest of his men came (which he still attended) Monsieur la Noue taken prisoner before Inglemunster. from Wackene, fought valiantly, and did what was possible for him to doe, vntill that hee was furiously charged, and taken prisoner, hauing sent his sonne Tiligny to hasten his men forwards, by the which meanes hee, with the most part of the horse and footmen escaped. The lord of Marquette was likewise taken, to whom the greatest blame of that ouerthrow was imputed, because he caused not the bridge to be broken downe, as hee was commaunded, but trusted vnto others. Hee lay long after prisoner in Henault, till at the last, after certaine B yeares imprisonment, he brake out of prison.
Monsieur de la Noue being the burgraue of Gants prisoner, prince de Espinoy brother to the margraue, wrot from Dornicke in his behalfe vnto those of Flanders, who vpon the eleuenth of May wrot their letters vnto the burgraue, to intreat him to vse la Noue well, who by his letters from Cortricke the twelfth of May, promised no lesse; and yet notwithstanding hee gaue him vnto the king, at which time the regiments of Hesse, Egmont, and Capres, mutined, and would haue had the earle of Egmont discharged for la Noue: for which action the burgraue was much blamed, as knowing well that hee should not bee set at libertie for any ransome or exchange whatsoeuer, during the wares, besides the want of so braue a souldier, whereof the Estates had great need, and yet hee was allied to the burgraue, who had C beene the cause of seending for him out of Fraunce, to serue the Estates, when hee himselfe held with them: but pride, hatred, and spleene made him doe it; whereof hee made shew vpon some gentlemen that were taken prisoners, amongst the which one was la Noues steward, who beeing brought before him, hee stabbed him with his owne hands, when as all the furie was past, which an Albanoys souldier refused to doe, commaunding his men to doe the like to all the rest.
The ordnance, munition, and eighteene Ensignes (whereof most of the men were as then absent) were all taken, wherewith he rod triumphantly into Cortricke, and with him monsieur la Noue his prisoner, whom hee sent to Berghen in Henault, vnto the prince of Parma. The number that were slaine was not great, so as the Estates had more misse of such a captaine, D than any losse, in regard it was a great hinderance to their proceedings: but they assembled their souldiers againe with all the speed they might, by that meanes to keepe the enemie from a further inuasion after their victorie, who made shew as if they would set vpon the towne of Niuelle.
About this time William van Horne, baron de Hesse, sonne to William lord of Gaesboeeke, of the house of Horne, brother to the earle of Vtkercken, practised in the behalfe of the Estates, and the duke of Aniou (with whom the States were in a maner agreed) to reduce certaine places vnder the Estates commaund, or else to doe them some other seruice. With whom consented also Iong Warrous lord of Thian, gouernour of Cassel, who likewise thought to deliuer Cassel vnto the Estates: but their practises were discouered, and Thian flying escaped E away, but the baron of Hesse was by the said burgraue, and the baron de Montigny taken The lord of Hesse belieaded. prisoner, and not long after, his processe being made, by command from the prince of Parma (who by that meanes knew how to set the noblemen of the Netherlands together by the eares) was beheaded at Quesnoy in Henault, vpon the eight of Nouember, beeing a lustie young gentleman, but wauering and inconstantly minded. The lord of Haussy likewise of the same conspiracie, beeing sommoned to appeare, was forced to flie, and came to his house at Liedekerke by Brussels, which he deliuered into the hands of the Estates: but afterwards by meanes of his wife, being found wauering and inconstant, and much suspected by the Estates, hee was by them committed to prison, yet by meanes of Oliuer vanden Temple, gouernor of Brussels (who had maried the lady of Weerdenborgh, his wiues sister) hee was released F and went into France.
The eight of Iune in the morning, the garrisons of Herentales, Brussels, and Macklyn, with their captaines, and colonell la Garde, with a Spanish captaine called Alonso, secretly and sodainely [Page 746] climed ouer the walls of Diest, vpon the marsh side; and beeing gotten vp slew the A guard at the port of Sichem, where they let in the Spanish captaine (who serued the Estates 1580 faithfully) with the horsemen. Within were two companies of Wallons, that made great resistance, but three companies of Dutch men (among the which one was a companie of the Diest won by the States, with Sichem and Arschot. earle of Lodrons regiment, that had serued at least foureteene yeares in the countrey) which valiantly resisted, and diuers times caused their enemies to retire; but at the last they were most of them slaine, in the same place where they fought, without once retiring a foot, fighting to the last man, which is not often seene. On the Estates sides also there were certaine captaines slaine, and many men hurt. Sichem and Arschot were likewise taken by the Estates: Halen was for saken by the enemie, but perceiuing that the Estates proceeded no further, they returned thither againe. B
The like enterprise the malecontents of Henault (not long before) purposed against Brussels, thinking to take it vpon Saint Iohn Baptists day, being mooued thereunto by a captaine of the bourgers, called Otto de Barker, Iaques le Court, a proctor, who had dealt with the earle of Lalaine, the baron de Montignie, and the bourgraue of Gant, hauing deliuered them the print of one of the keyes of the towne gates, so as they came thither with good troupes of horse and foot: but the foresaid parties hauing made it known vnto the prince of Orange, monsieur Aldegonde, and monsieur Temple the gouernour, they made great preparation for them with shot, secretly placed vpon the high way, and other places, and within the towne there were diuers souldiers, secretly lodged in the houses, not farre from the said gate, monsieur de S. Aldegonde standing readie at the portcullis to let it fall when they should thinke good: but for C that it had rained all night long, and by that meanes the souldiers could not keepe their matches light, and being wearie with so long and tedious a march, hauing made great hast, and some of them being behind, the rest for that cause were verie vnwilling: but when as day began to appeare, whereby they might easily haue beene discouered, many of them came to the port, which (according to promise) they found open, yet durst not enter, but went backe againe, they of Brussels shooting after them with their canon, and from thence went to the enterprise of Gant aforesaid.
About the same time they of Brussels, with diuers horse and footmen hauing victualed Niuelle, Niuelle victualed by the States, but not long after taken by the prince of Parma. as they returned backe againe, met with certaine cornets of Albanoys horsemen (which are a kind of people, that when the Turke won Grecia, being driuen from thence, entred into D the kingdome of Naples, where they won a peece of the countrey, and there inhabited and dwelt, still keeping their owne language) whom they ouerthrew, and brought thirtie of them into the towne of Brussels; and yet the towne of Niuelle was not long after taken by the prince of Parmaes troupes, where the earle of Mansfield vsed very great and barbarous crueltie.
In the moneth of August, the duchesse of Parma and Plaisance, the old regent, mother to the prince of Parma, came into the countries of the Netherlands, being sent thither by the king of Spaine, to accomplish the treatie made with the vnited prouinces: or for that it was thought that her sonne was not sufficient ynough to take so great a charge vpon him, and to gouerne so many young headed noblemen, the mother was thought fitter for the place, as E beeing better acquainted with the affaires of state, and the humours of the nobilitie and the people of the countrey, than her sonne; who departed out of the Netherlands, to the great discontent of the people, who would willingly haue had her staid. Being come to Namur, and there visited by her sonne, there grew some iealousie betweene them touching the gouernement, for that the prince of Parma, hauing left his wildnesse, which he had vsed in the Netherlands, for the which hee had beene much spoken of, being come to more staiednesse, hee had so insinuated himselfe into the peoples fauours, as they held him worthy of the gouernment himselfe, and to rule alone, for that the countrey had more need of a cheefe and a captaine generall, than of a woman: and therefore the Spaniards were of opinion (as knowing well, that nothing is more subiect to hatred than gouernement, and what preiudice might F thereby grow) that the duchesse should returne backe againe, with smooth and good excuses, as shee did in the yeare following: And by that meanes the prince of Parma kept the gouernment of the country alone, with the great good liking of the Wallon prouinces, where [Page 747] he behaued himselfe verie wisely and vnpartially, betweene the Spaniards, Italians, and Netherlanders, A as also amongst other nations, vsing all Italian manners in his dealings, thereby to 1580 procure the good will both of friends and foes, in such sort as hee did the king exceeding great seruice, more than al the rest of the forepassed gouernors, with their Spanish crueltie and pride euer did.
I said before, That the generall Estates had resolued to chuse a new soueraigne prince to gouerne The duke of Aniou receiued for soueraigne lord of the Netherlands. them, and that they found none more fit for them than Francis of Valois, duke of Aniou, Alanzon, &c. the onely brother to the French king: Whereupon the Estates sat in consultation all Summer, and at the last, in Iuly, they concluded with full consent of the prouinces, townes, and members of the vnited prouinces, to yeeld the countrey vnto him vpon certaine conditions. Whereupon the deputies of the prouinces of Brabant, Flanders, Holland, Zeeland, Macklyn, Friseland, and the territories associat, beeing assembled in Antuerpe, vpon B the twelfth of August they deputed and sent their commissioners with full instructions into France, whose names were monsieur S. Aldegonde, the seignior of Dohain, doctor Hessels, Francis seigniour of Lauenborgh, Iaques Tayart, pentioner of Gant, Woel Caron, seignior of Schoonewall, bourgmaster of the Vrie, or Franc of Bruges, and Iasper van Vosberghen, bailife of Campeuere, to treat with the said duke: which they effected vpon the 29 of September. The articles were concluded vpon at Plesis le Towers, the contents whereof (beeing 27 in number) were as followeth.
1 First, That the Estates of the vnited prouinces had chosen & appointed the duke of Aniou Articles between the Netherlands and the duke of Aniou. for their prince and soueraigne lord, with the names, dignities, and titles of Duke, Earle, Marques, &c. and with such soueraigntie as their forepassed princes in former times had, with C prouiso, That all alliances made by the house of Burgondie and the Netherlands; not onely with the empire, but also with the kingdomes of Fraunce, England, Denmarke, and all other alliances, in no sort contrarie to that contract, should continue in their entire and full force, without any alteration.
2 That his lawfull issue, males, should succeed him in the said countrey of the Netherlands, and that if hee happened to haue more than one sonne, the Estates of the Netherlands should bee at their libertie to chuse which of them they would haue to bee their soueraigne lord.
3 That if his heire were vnder yeares, the Estates should appoint him a gouernor, and keep D the administration of the said gouernment in their owne hands, vntill hee should attaine vnto the age of twentie yeares, or that it should be otherwise determined by aduice of the Estates: and that if he and his heires should die, that then it should be lawfull for the Estates to chuse another soueraigne lord.
4 That he should possesse and enioy the demaines and reuenues therof vpon certaine conditions, and without raysing of them, vnlesse it were by consent of the Estates, according to their priuiledges, and that if they were too much ouer-burthened, the Estates should find meanes to appoint a conuenient entertainment for him.
5 That the said duke should hold and maintaine all their old priuiledges and customs, and namely the vnion which was made at Vtrecht, so as it were not preiudiciall to the said E treatie.
6 That he should ratifie and confirme all the decrees made by the arch duke Mathias, and Estates, as well in generall as particular.
7 That the generall Estates should be suffered to assemble once in a yeare at the least, and at all other times when they shall thinke good.
8 That he should be resident in the Netherlands, vnlesse it were vpon some great occasion, and that if hee stayed long out of the countrey, that hee should appoint one of the naturall borne Netherlanders to gouerne in his place, such a one as should bee pleasing to the Estates, and that with their consent.
9 That he should haue a counsell of Netherlanders, such as the prouinces thereof should F appoint, or haue appointed, without aid or assistance of strangers, French men, or others, vnlesse it were one or two, with the consent and liking of the prouinces, to whom alwayes the gouernment should be referred.
10 That the principall officers in the Netherlands, should bee naturall borne subiects, [Page 748] and others of meaner offices, as it should please him, with condition, that the gentlemen A should be Netherlanders. 1580
11 When any officers were to be chosen for the gouernment of the prouinces, and forts, and in the chiefe offices of the Netherlands, the said prouinces should nominat three persons vnto him, whereof he should chuse one.
12 That hee should promise to vphold and maintaine the reformed religion, and the religious peace in the Netherlands, in such sort as it then was holden, or as it should be ordayned and appointed by the States of euerie particular prouince, and namely in the prouinces of Brabant, Guelderland, Flanders, Vtrecht, Macklyn, Friseland, Ouerissel, and the territories of Drenth and Twenth, without any alteration to be made by him.
13 That Holland and Zeeland should remaine as they then were, touching religion and otherwise, alwayes prouided, that touching the money, mint, contribution, and the priuiledges B of the said prouinces and townes, they should subiect themselues vnder the said duke and the generalitie, according to the accord made by aduice of the generall Estates, or else to follow the old customes, rights, and priuiledges.
14 That he should not permit nor suffer any man to bee molested nor troubled for his conscience, vnder pretence and colour of religion, receiuing both the religions vnder his protection.
15 That hee should procure the French king to aid him and his heires with his forces and power, thereby to strengthen him, and the contracted prouinces his subiects, against their enemies, whether it be the king of Spaine or any of his adherents, and that the said king shold C not permit nor suffer any aid or assistance to be giuen out of his kingdome vnto the enemy, but that the Netherlanders should haue free passage in the frontier townes, with fauour and leaue of the gouernors of the same.
16 After that the said duke should be in possession of the Netherlands, hee should worke such meanes, that the said prouinces should be vnited with France, and they to make war together, by common consent, against all those that would inuade any of the said countries: prouided alwayes, that the Netherlands should not bee incorporated with France, but still remaine as they were, with their priuiledges, customes, rights, contracts, and lawes.
17 That for more assurance against the common enemie, and others that should seeke to contradict their said contract, as also for the vpholding and encreasing of the good agreement, D amitie, and concord, that it hath pleased the queene of England, the kings of Denmarke, Portugall, Sweden, Scotland, and Nauarre, the princes of the empire, the Hans townes, and other princes, potentats, and commonwealths, townes, and allies, to hold and make with them, he should seeke meanes (together with the Estates) to enter into a more strict league with them, for the common good of the countrey vpon the articles and conditions that should and might bee agreed vpon with the said seuerall kingdomes and estates, with all securitie.
18 That hee should bind himselfe to make warre, and to maintaine the contrey by such meanes, as hee should haue from the king his brother, and of his owne patrimonie, whereunto the Estates should yearely contribute two millions, and foure hundred thousand guldernes, E out of the which the souldiers of the Netherlands, and their garrisons, in conuenient numbers, should first be paid.
19 Touching the commaunder generall ouer the forces of the Netherlands, the said duke should take order therein, by consent of the Estates, and should appoint a generall ouer the French forces, such as should be well thought on by the Estates.
20 That he should not place any Frenchmen, nor other strangers in garrison in the towns and strong places of the Netherlands, without the consent of the prouinces wherein such places should be, and touching the naturall borne subiects, he should place them by aduice of the aforesaid counsell.
21 But for better and necessarie reliefe of the souldiers, the prouinces should ordaine and F appoint fit and conuenient places for the said souldiers to lie in, in the Winter time.
22 That all forreine souldiers, both French and others, should bee bound to depart out of the countrey, whensoeuer the generall Estates should desire the same of the said duke.
[Page 749] 23 That he should make no alliance with the king of Spaine, either by mariage, or otherwise, A neither yet with any other prince or country not vnited vnto them by contract of amity, 1580 but by aduice, consent, and approbation of the said prouinces, nor yet make any other alliance or contract to the preiudice or hinderance of the Netherlands, or this treatie.
24 Prouided alwaies, That the other disunited prouinces, townes and places, that would subiect themselues vnto him, and ioyne with the contracted Netherlands, should at all times be receiued and accepted into that contract.
25 And touching those that should be compelled therunto by force, the said duke should dispose of them, by consent of the generall Estates, as it should be thought conuenient, whether they were of the disunited prouinces, or others within the said Netherlands.
26 That he and his successors should take the accustomed oath vsuall to be made in euery B prouince, beside the generall oath to be made and taken, for the obseruing and maintaining of the said contract: and that if it so fell out, that he or his successors should faile in the performance of any of the points of the said contract, that then the said Estates should therby be presently discharged of all faith and subiection towards him or them, and should or might chuse any other prince, or dispose of their affaires, as they should thinke good.
27 Lastly, That whereas the archduke Mathias had beene requested to come into the Netherlands, and had acquited and behaued himselfe in good sort, according to his promise; the said duke and the Estates should consult together, by what meanes they should satisfie and content the said archduke.
These articles were in this sort passed and signed on both parts, although with reference, to C be further treated and considered of, thereby to auoid all controuersie and dislike.
At which time there was certaine counters made in memorie thereof, on the one side hauing a Lyon with a collar about the necke, bound to a pillar, whereon stood the Image of a conquerour, which collar a mouse knawed in sunder, with this inscription, Rosis Leonem loris mus liberas, that is, The Lyon being bound, is made free by knawing of the mouse: on the other side stood the Pope and the king of Spaine, who (with promise of a holy peace) sought to put the collar againe about the Lyons necke, with this inscription, Liber reuinciri Leo pernegat, that is, The Lyon being at libertie, will not be bound againe. And at Gant there were counters made, whereon there was a ring shutting with two hands, wherein was written Iehoua, and round about it, pro Christo, Lege & Grege, that is, for Christ, the Law, and the people: on D the other side, Religione & Iusticia reduce, vocato ex Gallia pacata duce Andegariensi, Belgicae libertatis vindice, that is, Religion & Iustice restored, the duke of Aniou being called out of France, for the defendor or reuenger of the freedome of the Netherlands.
The archduke Mathias, brother to the Emperour, gouernour of the Netherlands, finding himselfe to be abandoned by part of the prouinces, as namely the Wallons, who had sent for him out of Germanie, and were now reuolted from him, and perceiuing that the peace of Cologne tooke no effect, as also that no manner of aid nor assistance was procured neither from the emperour, his brethren, kinred, nor friends, nor yet from the princes of Germanie, notwithstanding both his priuat and publick admonitions made vnto his friends of the house of Austria, whereby the generall Estates were compelled to seeke aid elsewhere, he thought it E fit and conuenient to take an honourable farewell, finding, that both his and the Estates admonitions, giuen vnto the Emperor, the king of Spaine, and the whole house of Austria, were all in vaine, although it concerned them very neere. For the same causes being moued to resigne his gouernment, vpon the two and twentieth of Iuly he shewed the Estates by writing, deliuered vnto them by the prince of Espinoy, That it was not vnknowne vnto them, that he hauing beene called thereunto by diuers of the chiefe of the Netherlands, and after that with a generall consent accepted and receiued, and all articles by him promised, well kept and obserued, had behaued himselfe in that miserable estate and troublesome condition, as time and oportunitie serued, without any regard of his owne particular profit, and that with the danger of his life: yet he was grieued, and much moued, that he (by reason of the vnfortunat successe F of the time) could not haue the power and meanes to reduce the Netherlands vnto their pristinate freedome, prosperitie, vnitie and quietnesse, whereunto neyther diligence, care, nor good will was wanting in him: and for that the generall Estates were then assembled to determine vpon the last extremitie, touching the relieuing and releasing of the Netherlands [Page 750] from their miseries, he said he would not prescribe them any law or rule therein, nor yet be against A their profits, but onely aduised them, not rashly to subiect themselues vnder a strange 1580 yoake, and doubtfull change or alteration, forgetting the Romish empire, and other great alliances, but to consider of his noble house of Austria (and his great loue shewed vnto them) The archduke Mathias takes his leaue of the Estates. whereof he was a member, praying them openly to tell him, what they pretended touching him and his house, that he might determine thereon accordingly: saying further vnto them, That their promise (touching the charges of his gouernment) had not beene performed. Lastly, he shewed them his good will and great desire to doe them good, offering them all the seruice he could.
Touching this declaration, the Estates thought it conuenient to giue the said archduke all good contentment, with an honourable reward, as also to pay him that which had beene promised B him for his entertainment, and that he should enioy the reuenues of the bishopricke of Vtrecht. In the articles contracted with the duke of Aniou, they made mention of him, saying, That whereas he had beene called to the gouernement of the countrey, and therein had well and vprightly behaued himselfe, and that the countrey (together with the said duke of Aniou) should take aduice, touching the best meanes; to giue him honorable and reasonable satisfaction: which being long in question, and still deferred, the archduke (by that meanes) stayed there vntill the next yeare.
And for that in the meane time many and great complaints were made touching the disorders amongst the souldiers, the archduke Mathias and the Estates set down certain new orders Orders made by the Estates for martiall discipline and other things. concerning better gouernment to be obserued in martiall discipline. C
In Antuerpe they made new orders touching the watch of the towne, it beeing deuided into eight colonies and regiments, each colonie hauing vnder it tenne companies, besides six companies of the Guild or brotherhood of the towne, being in all 86 companies: no man was freed from that watch, but the magistrats and other officers, and the marchants of other nations, as Easterlings, Englishmen, and Portugals, according to their priuiledges; all other nations were forced to contribute to that watch, at the discretion of the colonels, as also the old men that were aboue threescore yeares of age. There were likewise diuers articles (which were very necessarie to be vsed in that watch) published to be obserued, vpon paine of great punishments. They also built vp diuers guard houses, where the ordinarie guard vsed to contitinue night and day, which are called corps de guard, and in euery corner of the streetes they D made certain small centinell houses for the rounds, wherein euery night, and when they preached in the church, tenne of the neighbours vsed to watch, whereby the bourgers became expert in martiall discipline, and at euery tumult and alarme were presently readie in armes▪ euery man knowing his owne quarter. They likewise entertained diuers old experienced souldiers, which vsed to traine them, and to practise them in their armes, being as well prouided of all manner of armes, as any towne in Europe whatsoeuer. Vpon euery great corps de guard stood written, Excludere facilius, quam expellere: which is, It is easier to shut out the enemie, than to driue him out. Vpon the market place, Saepius laesa patientia, that is, Our patience hath beene often wronged. Vpon the meere bridge, Agere aut pati, that is, Either it must bee preuented, or suffered: and vpon the Oeuer, Si in bello securitas, that is, If there be security in E warre, then it consisteth in watching or resistance. And in euery street (where need required) there hung great heauie chaines, which could easily be crossed ouerthwart the streets, whereof certaine in euery companie had charge; which chaines were so great, strong, and so many, that they were esteemed to be worth aboue a hundred thousand gulderns. They likewise fortified the towne dayly, and made their ditches deeper and broader, and the wals thicker, planting trees all along the same, and made diuers turne pikes, appointing officers for euerie one of them. They likewise made orders about fires, how euery man should behaue himselfe, when any fire happened within the towne, as also touching the plague, and such like things; the which many other townes in Christendome (since that time) haue followed. F
And touching their seafaring, for that it is one of the principallest and profitablest commodities of the countrey, they made an order, That no shippes should goe to sea, vnlesse they were well prouided, armed, and manned, euery one according to their burthen, thereby to be freed from all danger of pyrats, and that euery prouince and towne should haue their ships of [Page 751] warre ready; whereby they haue much encreased their shipping and seafaring, which the Englishmen, A Frenchmen, and Easterlings had almost taken from them, during their warres: so 1580 that then againe they sayled out of Holland, Zeeland, and Antuerpe, into Spaine and Portugall, and there traffiqued freely, vsing secret and discreet dealing, so that as then it seemed, as if there had beene no warre betweene Spaine and them, but onely with the Spaniards that were in the Netherlands, being for the most part well vsed and entertained by the inhabitants of Spaine and Portugall, and at that time also certaine Spanish shippes (such as durst) came into Zeeland, & were welcome vnto them, hauing free libertie to saile both out & in, but they durst not long continue, for feare of sea rouers, and other shippes of warre. The cause why the Netherlanders were so much made of, and welcommed into Spaine, was, for that Spaine consisteth much of trade of marchandise, as well as the Netherlands, thereby to vent their B wares, fruits, and other commodities, hauing need of the Netherland handyworks, and other marchandises, therby to maintaine their seafaring and trade into the Indies, whereby the king bringeth his gold and siluer from thence, and much encreaseth his customes, the gentlemen and common people in Spaine hauing most of their liuings thereby; for that much of their reuenewes consisteth in wine, oyle, fruit, wools, and such like commodities. But afterward in the banishment or prescription made against the prince of Orange, wherein was mentioned, That all the said prouinces ayders or adherents, their goods and debts whatsoeuer should bee forfeit, in what place soeuer they should be found, they feared that some stricter course would be taken for the search of such things in Spaine, but nothing was as then done therein; the Estates of the Netherlands giuing warning therof vnto the marchants and sailers, wherby from C thenceforth they did traffique more discreetly, dealing vnder other mens names.
They of Zeeland at that time (in remembrance of their great care and watchfulnesse to be had) caused certaine counters to be made, on the one side hauing their armes, which is a lyon rising out of the waues of the sea, with this inscription, Vos terra, at ego excubo Ponto 1580, that is, Watch, or take you care for the land, for I keepe watch vpon the sea: On the other side stood a man, planting of young trees, and behind him hung his hat vpon a launce, signifying freedome, with this inscription, Si non nobis, saltem posteris, If they serue not for vs, yet they shall serue for our posteritie.
The marchants of the Netherlands (for the furtherance of their trade of marchandise, which as then they vsed in England) according to the contracts and intercourses made in D times past betweene the said countries, perceiuing, that by reason of the troublesome times and warres, they could haue but small aid or reliefe out of the Netherlands, or from their magistrates, erected a fellowship amongst themselues in England, thereby to maintaine their priuiledges (according to the contracts) in all princes courts, whereof they obtained licence from the chiefe magistrates in the Netherlands, bearing date the ninth of Iune 1580, which was after confirmed vnto them by the duke of Brabant and Aniou, and after that, in ampler sort by the king, vnder the gouernment of the duke of Parma: by vertue of which graunt, they chose gouernours and assistants amongst them, for maintenance whereof, they gathered certaine small contributions amongst themselues; but that was soone left off by the losse of the towne of Antuerpe, which was taken by the prince of Parma, whereby the marchants were E scattered into diuers places; by which meanes the officers in England respected the Netherland marchants no more than the strangest nation that came into England, without any consideration of the reciprocall contracts and intercourses, or that their marchants in the Netherlands still enioyed all their priuiledges, conditionally graunted vnto them, that they should vse the Netherlands in like sort, according to the priuiledges giuen them by diuers seuerall townes.
They of Steenwicke obseruing the earle of Reneberghs proceedings, after that he had gotten Groning wholly at his deuotion, hauing a care of their preseruation, they sent for some of the States men, the better to defend themselues: so as the 21 of Iuly captaine Herman Olthof entred with his company, who vsed all diligence to repaire the wals and rampars, and to prouide F for all things necessary to maintaine a siege.
This yere in October, the prince of Orange had an enterprise vpon the town of Maestricht, which he thought to surprise by scalado, but his men being come vnto the towne ditch, they were discouered, and so returned as they came without any effect.
[Page 752] The fiue and twentieth of the same moneth, the prince of Espinoy (gouernour of Tournay) A caused the towne of Conde in Henault to be surprised by the Seignior of Estrayelles, 1580 his lieutenant: but when hee had taken it, hauing no meanes to furnish it with all thinges necessarie for a siege, knowing that the malecontents were not farre off, he presently abandoned Conde surprised. it.
About this time the lord of Anholt, and Martin Schenck, that held the castle of Blyenbeeke, tooke a ship laden full of silkes, and other costly wares, that was comming downe the Rhine, and held it as good prize, which they diuided amongst the soldiers, and yet most of the goods belonged to Italians.
The earle of Renenbergh being master of the field in Friseland (as I said before) and hauing besieged Swool, intending to take it, as he lay before it, he thought good to send for his B new regiment of souldiers, which was comming vnto him ouer the Rhin, especially for that he was in doubt, that hee should not so soone get Swool (although he had secret intelligence therein) in regard that the towne is strong, and situated in such sort, as it might easily bee relieued: as also hearing that the earle of Hohenlo had againe renewed his forces in the field, and that he lay about Deuenter, and that all the frontier townes were well furnished with garrisons and other necessaries, for which cause he raysed his siege. The regiment that was comming ouer the Rhin to the earle of Renenbergh, he called it the Guelder regiment, for that it consisted of Gueldrians, Vtrechts, Oueryssellers, and others, their colonel being Iohn Streuf van Emmericke: the captaines were Iacob van Brouckhorst and Batenburgh, sonne to Anholt, with two companies, and Balthasar van Rossum, Boeck [...]holt, Ties [...]inghen, Wurtselman, C Redenueldt, with two other companies, that were very strong: and for that Anholt serued amongst those companies, and had reuolted from those of Guelderland, captain Hegeman issuing out of Nimmeghen tooke the towne of Anholt for the Estates, which he sacked, notwithstanding that it belonged to the empire.
The earle of Renenbergh beeing fortified by this new regiment, thought easily to haue taken Deutichum, being neyther strong, nor well prouided of garrison: but finding more resistance there, than he expected, as also for that the Englishment of Doesburgh and Michels regiment did much annoy him, he left it, and put a garrison into Grolle, and so vpon the eighteenth of October went before Steenwicke, a weake town, and wherin there was but one companie of souldiers, being altogether vnprouided of necessaries (which town concerned D him much) thereby to free the Drenth, and so to haue free passage into Friseland and Vollenhoue.
This siege of Steenwicke I will particularly set downe, yet as briefely as I can, because it was a notable attempt, and is very profitable for them to read, that are accustomed to follow the warres.
To besiege Steenwicke, the earle of Renenbergh had eight and twentie companies of souldiers, whereof foureteene companies were of the Friseland regiment, whose lieutenant Steenwick besieged by the earle of Renenbergh. colonel (called Hans Mon) was slaine in a skirmish, in whose place succeeded Iohn Baptista Taxis; nine companies of the new Guelders regiment, for that the lord of Anholt stayed with two companies at Anholt and Bredeford; and fiue companies more of the earls owne E new regiment, those eight and twentie companies being at the least sixe thousand strong, for that the companies in those quarters are commonly aboue two hundred men, the horsemen were about foureteene cornets, most part lanciers.
In Steenwicke lay captaine Olthof with his companie, captaine Cornput hauing charge to goe thither with his companie: but some of Steenwicke being of the Spanish faction (notwithstanding this charge from their friends and allies) would not suffer him to enter: for which cause he entred by force, being let in by Olthof his companie: but before he went in, he caused his souldiers to sweare (after certaine speeches vsed vnto them, and the better to effect the Estates businesse) That none of them should once speake a word of yeelding vp the towne, or deale in any sort with the enemie, before that hee himselfe first spake or F mentioned thereof, vpon paine presently to bee stabbed by him which stood next vnto him: Which oath beeing taken, they went into the towne the day before it was besieged: and for that the earle of Hohenlo had raysed certaine high Dutch companies with long pykes, seruing well for an armie, the Estates sent two of those companies, ledde [Page 753] by Plaet and Stupers lieutenant, called Iohn van Berenbroeke, scout of Guelders, into Steenwicke, A they being fresh, wild, and disordered souldiers: the garrison being glad, that they had 1580 a piece of seruice whereby they might get some credit, issued out on both sides of the towne, and burned downe many houses that lay too neere it, and got good store of powder and munition by ship into the same.
The garrison was about six hundred men strong, besides the bourgers, that were about three hundred, amongst the which, fiftie were such as might well be trusted: they had no gouernor in the towne, nor almost any ordnance, neither any horsemen, onely twelue or fourteene horses belonging to the captaines and commaunders, whereof they had greatest want, to assayle the enemie, as it appeared by the seruice they did. The gouernours place was supplied by all the captaines together, the bourgomaster being ioyned with them, who made diuers orders, B both concerning their wants of ordnance and of powder (which they appointed to be made of Salt-peeter and brimstone) as also for all kinds of fireworkes, and diuers instruments, both offensiue and defensiue; that they should not be too lauish of their powder, that the souldiers should be content with their lendings, without burthening the townes-men. They likewise tooke order about corne and victuals, as also touching fire, which to auoid and preuent, they caused all their hay, straw, turfe, and all other things subiect to the fire, to be layed in the open ayre, and brake downe all the houses couered with thatch, that stood neere vnto the wals: and aboue all other things, decreed to make as few sallies as they possibly could, not onely for the losse they should thereby receiue, and make the souldiers vnwilling, but also to spare powder, and to keepe the enemy from hauing any intelligence of the estate of the towne: which ordinances C were not so well obserued as they ought, for want of a gouernour.
As soone as the earle of Renenbergh had intrenched himselfe before the towne, and had made bridges of boats ouer the riuer of Aa, they of the towne were desirous to send presently to the Estates for to be relieued; which captaine Cornput would not consent vnto, saying, That they should write onely touching the estate of the towne, and the enemies campe, without speaking of any reliefe, and that especially for two causes, the one, that the Estates might conceiue no bad opinion of their valour, the other, that the bourgers & souldiers should haue no doubt of themselues, and their security. This notwithstanding, vpon the three & twentieth of October they wrot a letter, which they sent in the night time to Campen, by a bourger called Mathias Kys, wherein they charged the Estates with slacknesse, and wrote expresly, That it D was impossible for them to hold the towne aboue eight daies. This letter was signed by captaine Olthof, Plaet, and Coen Dierickson, a bourger, and an old souldier, but yet selfe-willed and vntractable; the bourgomaster likewise set his hand to the letter, & at the last they got captaine Berenbrocke to signe it likewise, but Cornput would by no meanes do it, saying, That it was not onely a dishonorable thing, but worthy punishment, to bewray vnto the Estates their so small experience & iudgement, seeing that as then they had not any need of reliefe; and that princes and lords built and made forts, & put garrisons therein, to defend them frō their enemies, & to keepe thē from doing any further hurt in the country, and not to yeeld, & giue thē ouer at the first summons, but to giue them time with all conueniencie to assemble their forces, & so with better meanes & ground of reason to worke their deliuerie; saying, that their improuident and E rash writing might giue the Estates cause to seeke to relieue them with some smal forces, wherby they might faile of that which they so much desired, for that in so short a time it was impossible to prouide a sufficient force, wherwith to relieue them. To this letter the Estates made answer with very comfortable words & speeches: but not long after captaine Cornput wrote the contrary vnto the Estates, saying, That as yet they had no need, and that they were sufficiently prouided of all things for 6 moneths, and yet that they should prepare to relieue them with all conuenient speed, in regard of the impatience of the bourgers & souldiers, more than for any other cause. For which letter the said captaine Cornput was much hated of many of the bourgers, but at the last he got Berenbrocke & diuers others to concurre and hold with him.
About this time, two of the Estates companies of Iohn van Escheda and Roeloef van Linghen, F lying in the Kuyndert, vpon the three and twentieth of October the earl of Renenbergh sent Aert van Gemmen, Snater, and others out of his campe, to charge them by night, by whome (after some small resistance) they were forced, and the fort taken, in regard that it was not very strong. There Escheda was taken prisoner, and his ensigne torne [Page 754] in pieces, but Rodolph van Laughen escaped with some others, but his ensigne was taken, and A most of the souldiers slaine in their beds, and some taken prisoners, after the which they sacked 1580 the village, and so left it. The ensigne they brought with them to the campe, and there drew it at a horse taile round about Steenwicke, with great triumph, and musicke playing before it.
The earle of Renenberghs souldiers that lay before the towne, in despight that they within the towne had burned a myll which stood without, determined by night to burne the palisado before the Gasthouse gate, and for that cause they made many musket shot at the centinell of the towne, to force him to retyre, and so (with straw and a barrell full of Tarre & brimstone, which they placed there) they set it on fire, and so left it, without any hurt vnto thēselues, onely one man was slaine: which they within the towne perceiuing, and knowing it to bee B some hinderance vnto them, one of Cornputs souldiers offering himselfe, was let downe from the wall, who carrying a leather bucket in his mouth, swum ouer the ditch, and then taking water vp with the same, went easily to the fire, and pulling away the barrell of tarre, quenched the fire by often casting water vpon it. Which the enemie perceiuing, shot at him as thicke as A resolute exploit of a souldier. haile, and yet (not without great wonder) none of them hit him, and although the fire burned very bright, neuerthelesse he went easily to the place, calling them villains & theeues, and said, I am Arent van Groeningen, a brewers sonne: and so hauing performed his work, he swam ouer againe, and when he had gotten vp on the wals, he was rewarded by captaine Cornput with a handfull of dollars.
The same euening there came a high Dutch souldier to the palisado before the wall gate, C where hee called and cryed out with despightfull words against the Estates and the earle of Hohenlo, therewith vsing many prowd words and blasphemies against God: but one of the souldiers creeping in the darke to the place where hee heard the noyse, leuelled at him with his peece, and shot him full into the mouth, and cut that member in two, wherewith hee had blasphemed, which by all men was esteemed to bee a iust punishment of God, layed vpon him for the same. His dead bodie (which his companions would verie gladly haue drawne away) was borne into the towne, and so it was seene where hee had beene shot.
The seuen and twentieth of October, the earle of Renenbergh himselfe came into the campe, with charge from the prince of Parma, not to leaue the siege, before he had taken the D towne, and the next day summoned them in the kings name to yeeld it vp, with safetie of life and goods, and to carry all they had away with safe conuoy; but he had a sufficient and respectiue answere giuen him: whereupon he caused fiue peeces of ordnance to be planted before the towne. The bourgers in the meane time laboured hard, to make the wals and the rampars thicker, fearing the Ordnance: but captaine Cornput shewed them by many reasons, that they might assure themselues better, and with lesse labour, if they would first make a secret way without the ditches, vpon the counterscarpe, whereby the ditches would be so much the wider, and all sallies and retreats thereby much furthered; as also the breaking of the yee, if it should chance to freeze, and all assaults made by the enemie, might thereby bee hindered, with diuers other aduantages: which way being made vp, they might easily make bulwarkes E or rauelins in conuenient places, before the wals, and out of the ditches, first breast high, and then to fill them with earth out of the ditches, and so make them thicker and higher: which worke (he said) the enemie could not hinder with his Ordnance, and that they should not forget (in making the bulwarkes) to place in the shoulders or sides thereof certain casamates, which are low loope-holes, from whence they might free the dammes, whereon the gates stood, from filling vp, and from vndermining or digging vnder: which counsell hee continually gaue vnto them: but the bourgers (seduced by one Coen Dierickeson, vpon whom they much depended) would not hearken therunto, but got captaine Plaet with his souldiers to ioyne with them.
In the meane time they of Friseland sent foure companies of foot, and some horsemen into The exploit of the earle of Renenberghs men. F Seuenwolden, to keepe the passage, and to stop the earle of Renenberghes souldiers from running into the countrey, to force them to contribution; against them, the earle sent Iouw Botma, and the companie of the towne of Bolsweert. Which they hearing of, left the place, leauing onely Ferno and Steyn van Malsens companies (with certaine horsemen) to keepe the [Page 755] place, who defended themselues as well as they could, but they were forced, whereas Iohn van A Fer [...] and his youngest brother were slaine. From thence the earles souldiers went to Sloeten, 1580 which was but slenderly fortified, for which cause the two companies that were in it, left it, but they were pursued as farre as Balck, where one of their captaines (called Martena) was taken prisoner: Peter Andreas Greitman van Volega, with his company, lying in the Lemmer, which neuerthelesse was insconced, left it, and went to Enchuysen. The earle of Renenberghes forces beeing increased, went from thence to Staueren, and made the castle vp againe (which they of Friseland, without any forecast, threw downe, before they had fortified the towne) and built a sconce at Macklin, running euery day before Harlinghen, Franycker, and Bolswort, and forcing the pesants to pay contribution: and although they were of opinion, to let the water ouerflow the champian countrey of Friseland, it was not as then to bee done, B both because the weather was too drie, as also for that the wind serued not. This is all which was done in October: now I will shew what they did in the campe. In the beginning of Nouember there issued fiftie men out of the Gasthouse gate, and set vpon a guard, which lay in a hollow place by the loop-sconce, and killed one and twenty of their men, and brought three prisoners into the towne. They without intrenched themselues night and day, and beganne to make a high mount, not farre from the Gasthouse gate, whereon they placed seuen sconcebaskets, wherewith they of the towne beeing in some scare, filled vp the gate with earth, notwithstanding that captaine Cornput spake against it, saying, That the gate so filled vp with earth, beeing battered, would fall downe, and so the enemie might the easilier climbe vp, and haue means to myne, and that the loope holes of the gates, were good defences for the town, C which they ought not to take away, saying, that it belonged to the enemie so to doe, and that they ought not to cut off their owne armes for that the loope-holes in a towne serued as well for their defence, as mens armes serue to defend their bodies; and that to assure and defend the gates well, there was no better meanes than to make the secret wayes, and the high counterscarpes which he spoke of before; or if that they would not doe so, then (for their better securitie) they might make a high mount within the towne between each two gates, in forme of a sharp pointed bulwarke, with conuenient loope holes, the which they might doe, without any danger, which mount would not onely serue to defend such breaches as might bee made, but also to defend themselues from the shot, wherby the enemie should haue no means to shoot with field peeces for their defence; which mounts beeing fully made (if need were, D that the enemie should come to digge vnder the water, and to vndermine the wall) might bee ioyned together by a wall of earth, made along from the one vnto the other, and so would it be a new wall or fortification within the towne. But those reasons could not sinke into the bourgers heads, the captaines were willing thereunto, and began the mounts; but the bourgers (to spare their houses) were vnwilling, and so the worke went slenderly forward: captaine Cornput with the other captaines (to make the souldiers willing to worke) agreed, that billes should be giuen them, to pay them sixe pence a day for their worke, after the towne should be releeued, but the bourgomaster opposed himselfe: yet at last, beeing compelled by necessity, and finding that the counterscarpes could not be missed, in regard that it was hard frozen, and that they must be forced to breake the yce, vpon the seauenteenth day of Nouember they began E in all hast to make the counterscarpes. At which time once againe the impatienter sort within the towne wrot vnto the Estates for some reliefe, but Cornput and Berenbroek wrot to the contrarie, and willed them not to be too hastie, but to worke wisely and securely: Cornput also sent them his cyphers, and also a meanes how to speake one vnto another with lanthorns and firepans, and by day with broad clothes.
The Estates to make some shew of relieuing the towne, sent captaine Stuper with his companie to Swart Sluys, and sixe companies of Hegemens regiment, to lie in a cloyster by Vollenhoue called S. Iohns campe, which vpon the seauenteenth of Nouember were set vpon by the earle of Renenberghes forces, where, for that the cloyster hath no ditches (although they defended themselues valiantly) they were slaine, taken prisoners, and put to flight, where three F captains, Iohn van Vianen, Gedeon van Roderen, and Hans Wichmans were taken prisoners, wherby Stuper was forced to leaue Swart Sluys. These were the fruits of the impatient letters written and sent out of the towne.
[Page 756] The eighteenth of Nouember, the earle of Renenbergh began to batter the Ga [...]house A gate with the powder that they had taken from Hegemans souldiers, and shot downe all the 1580 toppes or defences of the wals, and after that, the houses beeing discouered, they shot [...] bullets with wild fire into the towne, which presently set the houses on fire, and the sooner, for that many of the houses were thatched, and diuers of them full of strawe, haie, and turfe, whereby the fire was growne great, before they perceiued it: they imagining, that the fire had beene made by treason within the towne: but at the last, when they perceiued from whence it came, the souldiers ranne all in armes vnto the walls, the bourgers in the Steenwicke [...]red with shot meane time doing their best to quench the fire, and to saue their goods; but by reason that the wind was great, there was at the least threescore and tenne houses burned, and certaine barnes with hay, strawe, ri [...], and barley, and (to say the truth) a twelfth part of the towne. B The fire was so great (by reason of a strong Easterly wind, which then blewe) as it [...] the flame quite ouer the walls, whereby the souldiers were forced to leaue a third part of the walls vndefended, euen in the very same place where the yce in the ditches was not broken: but although the enemie stood round about the towne, ready to giue an assault, yet because of the fire and flame, they durst not venture, thinking that they within would flie out of the flame vpon them, as Foxes doe, when men put fire in their holes: but the souldiers stood like Lyons. Doubtlesse it was a fearefull thing to see, and yet a great mercie of God, that the exhortations of the captaines gaue the souldiers such courage, and the bourgers [...]o much comfort; as also that it chaunced by day, for if it had beene in the night time, it had beene impossible, but the enemie would haue taken the towne, as eight and fiftie yeares C before it happened in the moneth of December, in Anno 1522, when as they of Guelderland (after the old manner) shot fire into it by night, and by that meanes tooke and sacked it.
This was the second time that hath been heard of, that such fire was shot with burning bullets into a towne, for that it was done by Stephanus Battor, king of Poleland, against Dan [...]ke, but in another manner it hath beene oftentimes done.
After this fire, the earle of Renenbergh sent two trumpets, to summon the towne to yeeld, offering them all the grace and fauour he could: but captaine Plaet answered boldly, whereby at that time he did especiall good seruice to the towne; for which cause the bourgers began to murmure, and yet at the last got Plaet to agree with them, and thought to haue had a D generall assembly, and to consult vpon the yeelding of the towne: which Cornput refused, saying, That hee would not agree to deliuer vp a towne which was not theirs (for that a young maid which beginneth to parle, is halfe gotten with child) and that hee would not yeeld neither for life nor death: Berenbroeke and Lazarus Austria (Olthof his lieutenant) said the like: so as after many words and much dispute it was agreed, with hands and promises thereunto made and giuen, That they would not yeeld vp the towne, as long as there was any victuals within it to be had. But the next day (beeing the 20 of Nouember) the bourgers fell into a mutinie, and assembled together vpon the market place, and with them diuers of the souldiers: which captaine Cornput hearing of, hee caused a great number of the souldiers to arme themselues, and he himselfe beeing armed vnder his clothes, went with Berenbroeke E and them into the market place, and spake to the bourgers (who were encouraging one another to yeeld vp the towne) saying, Get you home to your houses, you villaines, and stand not prating and telling of lies here, to discourage our souldiers, who know what they haue to doe, and are wiser than you thinke they are: and when some of them went away, and abutcher standing still, said, What shall bee done then, when wee haue nothing more to eat? captaine Cornput answered, That time is not yet come, and when it doth, then wil we first eat such a knaue as thou and thy fellowes are, before wee will yeeld. With which words and many more, they were all driuen home againe, and all good order and discipline obserued by such as were of good gouernment.
They without shotte diuers times more fire into the towne, but they within the towne tooke an order for the same, that in euery street and house, both night and day, the bourgers F kept watch, and so did the women and children, and when they saw where a bullet did light (which the hole and the smoake shewed) they drew the same with yron hookes out of the [Page 757] way, and then hauing woollen gloues (which they first wet in the water) they tooke vp A the bullet with their hands, and (without danger) cast it into the street, where it could 1580 doe no hurt.
In these and many other actions, the moneth of Nouember was spent: meane time the wauering and mutinous minds of some of them within continued still; for that captaine Plaet was wholly of their faction, whereas Cornput and Berenbroeke opposed themselues, whom they sought to bring in hatred with the townes men, who for that cause were compelled to set their hands to the letters which they did write vnto the Estates, to bee relieued, and were likewise forced to graunt, That a stampe, with the armes of the towne (which is an anker) should be set vpon their money, which should be a token, that the same was raysed halfe as high againe as it was. The captaines would willingly haue had new money mynted as it went in Hasselt (the better to content the souldiers) but the magistrate was against it, B notwithstanding that thereby all things were raysed in their prices, and became deerer, and they which bought any thing for vnstamped money, had it much better cheape than others, wherby the bourgers themselues were forced to pay much money for the souldiers lendings, and for their worke.
In the beginning of December it began to raine, and want of money made the souldiers in the earle of Renenberghs campe to bee wearie of camping, whereby they within the towne made many valiant sallies vpon the enemie, which proued very successefull, and for that cause they opened the gates againe, which they had mured and rampared vp, and captaine Plaet, and others, that were against the making of any loope-holes vpon the counterscarpes, C were the meanes to procure the making of them vp againe.
In the meane time the prince of Orange and the Estates tooke counsell how they might relieue Steenwicke, although they saw their forces to be small, and they very vnwilling, for want of pay, for that the prouinces, and especially Guelderland and Oueryssell (whome neuerthelesse it most concerned) did not then shew themselues as they ought to haue done: for which cause, some were of opinion, That it was in vaine to spend money or men about the relieuing of so weake a place. Others were of the contrarie mind, and said, That it was requisite The Estates resolution fo [...] Steenwicke. to be relieued, as being a key of Friseland, Vollenhoue, and Drenth, which with the marishes held the countrey round about inclosed, and that the enemie hauing gotten it, might thereby cut off Friseland from the other prouinces, and trouble the seas, hauing alreadie D gotten Swart Sluys, Vollenhoue, Blockziel, Kuinder, Lemmer, Staueren, Hindelopen, Worcum, Mocum, Reediep, and Delfziel, all coast townes, and most hauens. For which cause it was determined to rayse a strong armie, and to gather money for the same, to relieue the towne: and to that end Sir Iohn Norris (an Englishman) was appointed generall thereof, who comming with his forces to Swart Sluys, set vpon a new raysed companie of the enemies (their captaine beeing Otto van Saut) and killed the most part of them, and vpon the fifteenth of December set fire on their fort. From thence he went to Meppel, with twentie three companies of footmen, which were not aboue eighteene hundred men, and a few horse, leauing but three companies in Swart Sluys: for which cause, the earle of Renenbergh sent eleuen companies of foot, and six cornets of horsemen thither, to passe ouer the yce, and so to E take it: but they within defending themselues valiantly, Sir Iohn Norris had time ynough to come to relieue them, who draue the enemie from thence, so as many of them were slain, and diuers drowned on the yce, and amongst the rest, Arent van Gemeghen, a selfe-willed captaine. There Sir Iohn Norris got two of the enemies ensignes, and armes for fiue hundred men▪ one of the ensignes he sent into Steenwicke, with about fortie souldiers, that carried about 7 [...]0 pounds of gunne-powder in leather bagges vpon their shoulders. In a certaine skirmish made by them of the towne, captaine Plaet being slaine, Berenbroeke was made captaine in his place, by commaundement from the Estates, but chiefely by recommendation from captaine Cornput, Michael Hage beeing made lieutenant of Stuper his companie in his roome, and with those commissions there was sixteene hundred gulderns in gold sent to F pay the souldiers. And after that, vpon the last of December, Sir Iohn Norris fell vpon the enemies campe behind through the marishes: whereupon they of the towne also issued foorth valiantly, and caused the enemie to flye, breaking some of his ordnance in pieces with hammers.
[Page 758] During this siege, in December, the earle of Renenbergh had certaine enterprises vpon A other places, as against Hattum, whereas by meanes of Lodowicke van Monthort, the Drossart, 1580 he caused fortie souldiers that went out of the castle of Blyenbeek, belonging vnto Schenck, which were conducted by Sergeant Foncheco and the Drossarts sonne, to get into the castle of Hattum by night: meane time the Drossart himselfe made the Estates souldiers (beeing but fortie in number) all drunke, and shut them vp in a chamber, whilest they of Blyenbeeke entred. With those souldiers the Drossart the same night came downe and tooke captain Haen, that was but a traueller through the towne, and two other gentlemen out of their beds, and carried them prisoners into the castle. Which the bourgers vnderstanding, and some of the souldiers that kept watch in the towne, they supposed, that their enemie within the castle had b [...]ene stronger than he was. They of Swool being aduertised thereof, sent captaine Iacob B van Mechelen thither with certain souldiers, at which time also they of Deuenter and Elborgh sent aid, and so they began to batter the castle of Hattum with six peeces from the towne, and presently made a breach therein (although the wall were foure and twentie foot thick) so that vpon the eighteenth of December they were forced to yeeld vpon composition, by entreatie of captaine Hegeman, which was, that the souldiers should depart with their liues, and the Drossart and his sonne should remaine prisoners, who afterwards had his processe made by the Estates of Guelderland, and so both he and his sonne were b [...]headed & quartered, because they had sworne to be true vnto the Estates.
The third of Ianuarie, Sonoy (by commission from the Estates) came out of North-Holland to Blockziel, with shippes of warre, and diuers souldiers, and all kind of prouision fit C to make a sconce, where in a short time he made a strong sconce, which after serued the Estates to good purpose, beeing but a myle from Steenwicke, from whence hee could make signes to them within Steenwicke, which reuiued their courages, as being very impatient. And when as Sir Iohn Norris wished them to send him a man of some experience in the warres, to speake with him about the relieuing of the towne, they sent Coen Dierickeson vnto him, with an instruction, where (amongst other things) it was set downe, that hee should set vpon the enemie, or that if he would not attempt it rashly, he should secretly send them a thousand men into the towne, and they would set vpon the enemie themselues: against the which Cornput and Berenbroeke opposed, saying, That the diuiding of an armie (which was neither great nor strong of men) was not likely to doe any good, or to relieue them, the enemie D being so neere; whereof they also aduertised the Estates, and how that they were forced to signe to such an instruction. The like contention and discord was dayly in the towne, oftentimes writing, to haue leaue to yeeld vp the towne, if they were not relieued in short time, saying, That they had not victuals within the towne for aboue sixe dayes.
The like tumults and vprore was amongst them in the enemies campe, who were kept night and day in continuall alarmes, in exceeding cold weather, and with want of money, for the which they often called: so that at the last the earle of Renenbergh was forced to absent himselfe for a while, vntill he had gotten some money for them, wherewith he contented his souldiers, with many faire promises. The like contention hee had with Schencks E horsemen, that once before had left the campe: so that on both sides they were in great extremities.
Vpon the nineteenth of Ianuary the earle of Renenbergh sent a trumpet with a letter, signed by Martin Schenck and Iohn Struef, wherein they vsed all manner of persuasions, to moue the towne to yeeld; but they had an answere to the contrary by word of mouth. Euery day they did what they could to annoy one another, and vpon Shroue-tuesday they without the towne hauing often asked them within, if they had almost eaten vp all their horses, they within mounted souldiers vpon all the horses they could get (being about threescore) with launces, and when as they had therewith braued vpon the wals, they went secretly out of one of the gates, and gaue an alarme vnto the campe, and so went in againe at another port, F crying vnto them, and saying, That they had gotten in a new cornet of horse; so as they shewed themselues to haue resolutions, and no want of any thing. The like ieast was vsed by the earle of Renenbergh (whereby captaine Cornput had like to haue lost his life) for that he wrot him a letter, the contents whereof were these.
[Page 759] Honourable and worthy gentleman, for that by reason of the present frost, you can doe no A good in the trenches, nor cannot passe the time away by drawing your ring vp and downe vpon 1581 your finger, because you haue beene forced to lay the same to pawne, to pay the souldiers, and besides that, haue not wherewith to set your teeth on worke, or to cleanse your maw, and yet should haue something to busie your selfe withall, therewith to passe away the [...]; therfore we send you the letter here inclosed, to please your humour, dated in the kings campe before Steenwicke the fifteenth of Ianuary. In the letter there was a booke printed in French, made by Assonuille, or some other, whereof the title was▪ The prince of Orange his letters interpreted, which he sent to the duke of Alanson, with many annotations in the margent, which the prince in his Apologie maketh answere vnto. By this letter, certain of captain Cornput his enemies in the towne, thought, that the enemie had sent some reasonable conditions B of yeelding vp the towne vnto him▪ and that he for that cause would no [...] let them see them, and therefore were desirous to haue them, and so made a tumult against him, which was hardly pacified. To this letter captaine Cornput made as good an answere, and also sent some Annotations vpon the marginall notes of the printed counterfeit. Letters.
Besides this, to passe away the time, captaine Thomas (an Albanois captaine) sent to Sir Iohn Norris, to challenge him to fight hand to hand with him, either with launce, pike, sword, A challenge sent to Sir Iohn Norris, answered by captain Williams. or curtleax: whereunto captaine Williams, his lieutenant colonel, made answer, that he would fight with him at all the said weapons: which vpon certaine conditions was vndertaken: and hauing giuen sureties on both sides, and both the armies standing in order of battaile, they two C (in presence of them all) met together, and after certaine blowes giuen both with launce and curtleax, without any harme to either party, according to the agreement, they drunk one vnto another, and so departed.
The seuenteenth of Ianuarie, vpon the importunacie of them of the towne vnto Sir Iohn Norris (as also by the dayly intercession of Coen Dierickson, that was with him at Griethorn, saying, That for want of victuals they within the towne could not hold out foure dayes) hee determined to doe some enterprise vpon Steenwicker Woldt, being in all (with his English regiment, the regiment of the earle of Nassau, and that of Michiel Caulier, and some companies of Hegeman and Stuper) not aboue two thousand men: which he certified vnto those of the towne, who with the halfe of their men issued foorth when it was darke, whereby D they missed each other, and so did themselues hurt: and Sir Iohn Norris (for his part) did nothing, for that he came into a field full of trees, the which was inclosed with a ditch, not farre from the towne. Which the earle of Renenbergh perceiuing, brought certaine field-peeces thither, and first hauing made his prayer, he gaue a terrible assault against the same, but he was valiantly repulsed, so that he thought it best for him (that euening) to returne backe againe vnto his campe, thinking to find him there the next day: but Sir Iohn Norris perceiuing in what danger he was, in regard that hee had neyther victuals no [...] horsemen, and that he might (perchance) haue beene ouerthrowne, if the enemie had inclosed him, was much mooued against Coen Dierickson, that had made him beleeue, that the towne was in so great necessitie, and therefore thought good to goe vnto Blockziel, E to Sonoy his fortifications; where he vnderstood by certaine persons, that the towne was sufficiently prouided (with all things necessarie) for a while: for which cause hee determined to stay for the Friseland ayd, which he likewise certified vnto the towne. The earle of Renenbergh once againe summoned the towne to yeeld, writing them a comfortable letter, which captaine Cornput answered with many annotations, and caused it to be sent him againe; which letter was openly read before the campe, in great despight to the earle of Renenbergh. After that, vpon the foure and twentieth of Ianuarie, the earle of Renenbergh vnderstanding, that Sir Iohn Norris with all his forces lay in the cloyster, called S. Iohns campe, he went thither with a great force, where he besieged him round about, and battering the place, thought to take it, before he should haue ayd out of Friseland: F Sir Iohn Norris presently had great need of victuals, whereby hee was constrayned and enforced to eat his horses, although Sonoy sent him some victuals from Blockziel, whereas two of his companies ouerthrew two of the enemies, which were of the like number.
[Page 760] Wighbolt van Eusum, lord of Nyenvenoort, hauing made a contract with the Estates, to leuie A souldiers at his owne costs and charges, the which he should entertaine by contribution, 1581 enforced vpon the enemie, the Estates wrot vnto him, to helpe to relieue Steenwicke, who to that end came with six companies of his owne, and six Friseland companies, vnder the conduct of Adrian Meningh (lieutenant colonel to Merode) to Blockziel, with waggons and victuals, being in all fifteene hundred men: which the earle of Renenbergh vnderstanding, hee went secretly away in the night time. At his departure from the cloyster, he left the wounded, dead men, and his prisoners, and great store of victuals behind him, hauing besieged the cloister three daies, and burned the village of Griethorn. After that, there grew a great mutinie amongst his souldiers, which within certaine daies was pacified with some money, each souldier hauing receiued 21 styuers.
The last of Ianuarie Sir Iohn Norris came to Oldermarckt, a myle from Steenwicke, with B all his troupes: for which cause the earle of Renenbergh made diuers other sconces, and left his lodging in Steenwicker Woldt: they of the towne (for that their gates were battered, and annoyed with sconces) resolued at the last to make a new gate, betweene the wall and Ostergate, on the North side, which they called Cornputs gate, because hee had alwaies giuen them counsell to make it there, that they might receiue their victuals therein from Sir Iohn Norris.
The fourth of Februarie three Wood-cockes (others say Partridges) came flying into the market place of Steenwicke, and were there taken by the souldiers, and eaten. Which being An A [...]gure at Steenwicke. told to captaine Cornput, he said presently: God sent the vnbelieuing Israelites such kind of C meat, and he for certaine will relieue this towne; but for that there are three, so it shall not happen vntill three weekes be ended, because we will not beleeue him. This prophecie of Cornput (which the common bourgers made more question of than the rest) was taken in euill part, as if that he would prescribe so long a time for their deliuerance: which hee seemed to haue spoken, onely to lessen the great longing and desire that the bourgers had thereunto, neuerthelesse it appeareth, that God spake by his mouth, although he knew it not himselfe; for it was true, for that euen the same day three weekes after, the towne was sufficiently victualled by Sir Iohn Norris.
The same day Sir Iohn Norris, the earle of Nassau, Merode, Nienort, Michiel Caulier, Iselstein, Hegeman, and Stuper, with sixe and fortie companies of footmen, being about three thousand D fiue hundred men strong, and six cornets of horse went to Steenwicker Woldt, and encamped himselfe in the East end, in a conuenient place, called Heddinbergh, where there stood many small trees, which serued for trenching or sconces; but in the North end, where it was open, he made a defence of wagons: they of the towne might discouer his ensignes, and know them, being but 2400 paces from thence, and nothing betweene them but plaine fields, medowes, heaths, and marishes, in the middle wherof there stood a new sconce made there by Renenberghs souldiers vpon the 31 of Ianuarie.
To resist them, the earle of Renenberghs souldiers put themselues in order of battaile, and at the last (after they had stood so vntill the next day after noone) they went with their ordnance to assaile Sir Iohn Norris campe behind, not thinking to find the Wagon sconce, & gaue E a furious assault, where captaine Hendrike Suater (their leader) was slaine, they of the towne in the meane time issuing out into the enemies campe, did them great hurt, and got good store of bootie.
The sixt or seuenth of February there was a search made in euery house within the town, to know what prouision of victuals they had, and they found corne and other victuals sufficient to serue them two moneths, as well amongst the rich as the poore, who thought they should not haue bin so narrowly searched, as the rich men, each man being allowed 6 pound of bread a weeke: for which cause captaine Cornput shewed the forestallers therof in what danger they had brought both the countrey and the towne, for that the souldiers fearing want of victuals, were like to haue fallen into a mutinie, and bin discouraged, and thereby made the enemie to F thinke that they were in great necessity, and gaue them more courage: as also that the Estates (through their impatient writing for reliefe) had bin almost compelled to aduenture a battail, which (as it appeared) would haue fallen out badly for them: but notwithstanding al this, they of the towne were still very impatient, and wrot importunately for reliefe.
[Page 761] Euerie day they skirmished, and the earle of Renenbergh stil made more sconces between A Sir Iohn Norris campe and the towne, which they first began vnder the defence of certain wagons 1581 laden with dung, which they placed there by night, and so made their trenches behind them: All the heapes of turfe the earle of Renenbergh caused to be burnt, that the way might be discouered, yet for all their great light, they could not intercept one letter or messenger that came out of the towne, the which was verie strange. At the last captaine Cornput caused certaine Bullets shot with letters in them. bullets to be made, of two pound weight apeece, thereby to preuent the danger of their messengers: which bullets were shot into Sir Iohn Norris campe. These bullets had two holes, the one to thrust in the letter, the other to put in the fire worke, for that by the smoke thereof they might the better be found.
Vpon the fourteenth of Februarie, Sir Iohn Norris sent them of the towne word, that they should make three bridges ouer the riuer of Aa, and he would giue the aduenture to releeue B them, appointing his men to place wagons along on both sides, and so to conuey the victuals into the towne, wherein captaine Cornput vsed great diligence, to cause certaine sconces to bee made without the towne, and it seemed as though hee would haue had sconces made cleane through from the towne, to Sir Iohn Norris campe: but all he desired was not done, notwithstanding they within made sconces without the towne, in the West part, with great toyle, hewing the hard frozen earth with hatchets and pickaxes, & made a bridge ouer the Aa, and so lay in the field without the towne; but after signes giuen on both sides▪ touching the beginning of the enterprise, Sir Iohn Norris in seeking to effect it, found great difficultie, which was, that the wagons could not passe ouer the hard knobs of [...]osen earth, which lay in the marshes; C neither could they effect it without great noyse, and therefore for that time he staied, but they of the towne finished their worke, and hindered the enemy from making their sconces against them, taking his dung wagons from him, they kept the field night and day.
The seuenteenth of Februarie the great frost began to thaw, which did much comfort them of the towne, who were in good hope they should not now haue so much cause to feare their enemies horsemen.
The 18 of Februarie Sir Iohn Norris began to make a trench of a thousand paces without his camp, along by the old Aa, which was done with great labour & toile, for want of pioners, and necessarie prouision. This trench was battered and assailed by the earle of Renenberghes souldiers, but to no end. D
The twentieth of February, a bourger and foure souldiers about noone time, went out of the towne, and past betweene the enemies centinels and the trenches, yet were not hurt, although Steenwick victualed by Sir Iohn Norris. they were shot at, and pursued from all places round about them; whereby Sir Iohn Norris souldiers were shewed the way how they should releeue the towne: and vpon the one and twentieth of Februarie Sir Iohn Norris by the same way sent certaine souldiers with those fiue persons, laden with an hundred and fiftie cheeses, three hundred and fifty loaues of bread, with powder and match bound together: who hauing thrown it or laid it all vpon the bridge, went presently backe againe: for the preuenting whereof, the earle of Renenberghes men came thither, but it was too late. The diligence and resolution of these fiue men, was rewarded by the captaines with certaine peeces of gold. E
The next night Sir Iohn Norris made another trench of two hundred seuentie two paces long, which drew somewhat neerer the towne, whereby his trenches and the towne trenches were but eight hundred ninetie six paces one from the other, the earle of Renenberghes sconceslying betweene them, distant from the towne seuen hundred seuentie six paces, the enemie seeking to draw their ordnance through certaine places of the Aa, where it might stand better and do more seruice, but it sunke, so as they could hardly get it out againe. And the same night they made another defence of dung wagons, ouer against the new bridge, thinking to make a new sconce, which they of the towne sought by all the meanes they could to hinder them from effecting it.
They of the towne going on with their trenches, vpon the two and twentieth of Februarie F there happened a skirmish on all sides, for that Sir Iohn Norris began to skirmish in diuers places, prouoking the enemie to issue forth, whereupon they placed themselues in order of battaile. In the meane time they within the towne, passing ouer the new bridge, carried away all the enemies dung wagons into the towne, wherewith the skirmish grew hot on all sides, the [Page 762] ordnance thundering on both parts. They of the towne also fell vpon the enemie in diuers A places, and yet were many times driuen backe by the enemies horsemen, but by means of their 1581 trenches they alwayes got safely, and with aduantage in againe, in regard that it thawed so fast, that the horsmen could not passe alouer the way. This continued for a while with great furie, whereby it seemed they would fall to a generall battaile. The enemies began to bee wearie, and to bee hungry, which began about noone time, and so they drew backward, especially the footmen, who after their old maner, in a thousand diuers names cryed out for money, so that the horsemen could make no longer resistance, but withdrew themselues after the losse of many of them.
Three howers after noone, when they had scarce rested themselues, they of the towne perceiuing Sir Iohn Norris souldiers to issue out of their trenches, came out with diuers hurdles, B and drawing them along the bridge, laid them vpon the morish slipperie way, being neerer to Sir Iohn Norris trenches than the towne: whereby men might perceiue the diligence of those that were in extremitie, and such as were willing to helpe themselues: Which done, diuers of Sir Iohn Norris horsemen, and a great number of peasants horses came foreward, all laden with corne, meale and powder, wherewith they went vnto the bridge, and casting it downe vpon straw that lay there, ran to fetch more. Many footmen also brought bread and cheeses. While this was doing, the sconces that lay in the way were assailed by captaine Cornput and certaine souldiers, in the which they threw great store of straw, and burning pitched ropes, shooting brauely into them, with two companies of souldiers that fought like Lyons: but they of the next sconces shot lustily at them, yet the townes-men gaue it not ouer, hauing gotten the ordnance, C wherewith they shot at the bridge, which they began to draw towards the towne: but the earle of Renenberghes horsemen being sent thither, forced them to retire againe into the towne, hauing slaine and wounded many men within the said sconces, whereof the next day they found seuenteene dead. In the meane time it began to be darke, and euery man withdrew himselfe.
The earle of Renenbergh being moued at this furious assayling of his sconces, and for that it began to thaw verie fast, finding his men also vnwilling to lie any longer, and the town twice Steenwick releeued, and the siege broken vp victualed before his face, he determined to raise his siege, causing his ordnance and other prouision to be secretly gathered together in the night time, abandoning all his sconces: hee assembled his men in West-Wicke, which neither they within the town, nor Sir Iohn Norris did D once discouer, by reason of the darke night, hauing also no thought of his retreat: and so vpon the three and twentieth of Februarie hee left the towne of Steenwicke, and went to a place called Onnen, marching in order of battaile all that day. In the morning Sir Iohn Norris comming to the towne, went after him, but yet found it not conuenient to charge him.
They within the towne entred into the enemies forsaken campe, where they found many beasts, flesh, wine, and beere: and the foure and twentieth of Februarie all the victuals that Sir Iohn Norris had brought with him, was carried into the towne: And by that meanes the towne was deliuered from the siege, vpon the last day of the three weekes, as captaine Cornput had foretold it, after they had beene besieged foure moneths; and then was all the hidden corne and other victuals brought forth, the bourgers complaining of their great impatience, E and yet the money they laid out, was repaied them againe by the Estates, and meanes made vnto places round about, in charitie to releeue them; and besides that they were acquited of all burthens with the generalitie. But they enioyed their goods not long, for the which they were in so great feare and care, for that the most part of them within one yeare after died of the plague, which happened in the towne, by reason of the stinke of bloud, and of the dead bodies that lay vnburied in diuers place: and the goods that they left, fell afterwards into the hands of their enemies: So that this distrust in God (without cause) was not left vnpunished, as it had beene shewed them out of the holy Scriptures.
The souldiers that had so long defended Steenwicke, thought they should haue had some reward giuen by the Estates; but captaine Cornput and Olthof, after long attendance, could F hardly get their pay, yet the other two companies of Dutch men vnder Stuper and Berenbroeke, to whom there was not much due, were well paid. But it was to be supposed, that want of money was the cause of it. Captaine Cornput, with the rest of the valiant captains, bourgers, and souldiers, got great honour, prayse, and glorie, amongst all wise men, in regard of their [Page 763] industrie, constancie, resolution, diligence, carefulnesse, labour, and dangers, considering with A what people they had to doe, as also what small meanes they had, beeing simple people, that 1581 wanted a gouernour, ordnance, and horsemen. During this siege Sonoy with a few souldiers, had besieged both the houses of Vollenhove, wherein the earle of Renenbergh had garrison, which were soone yeelded vnto him.
The Englishmen, Wallons, and Iselsteins souldiers, were sent vnto the Kuynder, and there besieged the church, which within few dayes vpon composition; was yeelded vnto them. The companies of the Friseland regiment, vnder the lord of Merode, went before Lemmer and Sloten, which being battered, yeelded vp, and after that, the Englishmen and Wallons were diuided into seuerall garrisons.
The lord of Nienoort went presently into the territories thereabouts, wheras they of Groning B had besieged his sconce at Winsum, which heat his comming thither releeued: by the which sconce at Winsum, and those at Winsumerziel, Warsum, Warsumerziel, and other places, he held a great part of the countrey vnder contribution. The earle of Renenberghes souldiers were then come into the territories of Steenwick, and lay at Midlesum, where the lord of Nienoort thought to hem them in, but they beat him from thence, and shut two companies conducted by Renoy and Vercken into a church, who were forced to yeeld, vpon safegard of life and goods, because their captaines were absent.
Oyenbrugh, whose reuolt was ascribed vnto the earle of Renenbergh, at a skirmish before Loppersum, was shot in the leg, whereof he died in Groning. The earle of Renenbergh himselfe, with a companie of souldiers, went into Zeeland, and tooke the house of Boxburgh, fortified C Goore and other places, and tooke great store of bootie with him.
Hauing related what was done in the campe before Steenwicke, and in other places thereabouts, I will now returne and shew what was done in the later part of the yeare 1580.
The king of Spaine hauing setled it in his imagination, that the prince of Orange was the The king of Spaines res [...]lution to h [...] the pr [...] of Oran [...] [...] ther [...]. onely man that crost his designes in the Netherlands, and that he could not reduce Holland, Zeeland, and their associats vnder his obedience (for as the secretarie Escouedo had written vnto him, he must first begin with the islands) hee thought, that so long as the said prince should liue, he should neuer see an end of those troubles. Wherefore seeing he could not attaine vnto it by armes in the time of the duke of Alua, and of Dom Louys de Requesens, nor by the policie and practises of Dom Iohn, whereas the townes of Holland and Zeeland in generall, were D not at the said princes deuotion, nor allied with mightie neighbors, as the prouinces of Gueldres, Vtrecht, Friseland, and Ouerissel, he resolued at what price soeuer, and whatsoeuer shold chance vnto him, to practise the meanes to attaine vnto his pretended end, and to haue the said prince of Orange dispatched, by what way soeuer: yet something to colour and excuse the fact and the execution thereof, he would vse a kind of forme of proceeding, as depending vpon the order of iustice, vsing first a proscription or banishment decreed against the said prince, whom afterwards he leaues as a prey, abandoning him to all the world. Of which proscription we haue thought good for breuities sake, to set downe the substance and chiefe points, being proclaimed by the prince of Parma in two seuerall languages, vpon the nineteenth day of Iune. E
Philip by the grace of God, King of Castile, Duke of Bourgoigne, Brabant &c. Hee The edict of the prince of Oranges proscription. sheweth first, how gratiously and fauourably the late deceased emperour Charles the fifth, of famous memorie, his lord and father, had dealt with William van Nassau to procure him the ‘succession of Rene of Chalons, prince of Orange, his cousin: and although hee were a stranger, had aduanced and furthered him in all he could: as also the king himselfe, hauing made him knight of the order of the golden Fleece, and gouernour of Holland, Zeeland, Vtrecht, and Bourgoigne, colonell of a regiment of horsemen, and a counsellor of Estate: declaring further all other the fauours that had beene done him: And to the contrarie how vnthankfull hee had beene, in moouing and procuring the confederat gentlemen to present a petition vnto him, bringing in of the reformed religion, with the exercise of the same, and the casting F downe of images, rooting out the Catholike Romish religion, and chasing away the clergie. And lastly, bearing open armes against his soueraigne lord: and that hee had resisted and withstood all treaties of peace, and had broken the pacification of Gant, and the perpetuall’ [Page 764] edict, carrying himselfe in most tyrannous manner, ill intreating all the chiefe nobilitie A of the countrey, that hee might rule and dominier more absolutely among a furious and tumultuous 1581 ‘multitude, the good being chased away. And for that all this confusion and miserie, which his subiects, he said, suffered, are found to proceed from the counsel, persuasion, and instigation of that wicked hypocrite, by his turbulent spirit, who put all his felicitie in the trouble of his subiects: For which causes being (as he said) iust, reasonable, and according vnto iustice, vsing in that regard the authoritie which he had ouer him, by vertue of the othes of fealtie and obedience, which hee had often made vnto him, for all his peruerse and wicked acts, beeing the sole author, head and contriuer of those troubles, and the chiefe disturber of all his Estates; he declared him a rebell, heretike, hypocrite, like to Cain and Iudas, hauing his conscience obdurat, a villaine, head of the Netherland tumults, a plague to Christendome, and an enemie to all mankind: And as such a one did proscribe and banish him for euer B out of his said countries, and out of all his other estates, realmes, and seigniories: forbidding all his subiects, of what estate, qualitie, or condition soeuer, to liue or conuerse, talke or conferre with him, openly or secretly, nor to receiue nor lodge him in their houses, nor yet to releeue him with meat, drinke, fire, or any other necessaries: Giuing all his goods, lands, life, and liuing, to them could take it. And that it might bee the better effected, and brought to passe, and thereby to release and deliuer the poore people from his tyrannie, desiring to reward and recompence all good actions, and to punish and chastise the bad, and such as are offendors and transgressors, hee promised vpon the word of king, and as the minister of Almightie God, That if any one would bee of so generos a resolution, and C so zealously affected to his seruice, and the publike good, as to put in practise and execution the foresaid edict and decree, and to free him from such a plague, deliuering him the said William of Nassau, prince of Orange, either aliue, or dead, or else to bereaue him of his life, that hee would giue vnto him or to his heires, either in money, land, or annuall rent, twentie fiue thousand crownes of gold, and therewithall forgiue him all crimes and offences whatsoeuer hee shall haue formerly committed and done: yea if hee were no gentleman, to make him a gentleman for his valour: Promising reward and aduancement to all them that should assist him in the execution thereof, according to their estates, degrees, and qualities.’
‘Hee likewise declared all those that were his associats and adherents, to bee banished persons, D and their honours, liues, and goods, confiscated, if they did not abandon and forsake him within one moneth after the publication of the said proscription: and their goods, wheresoeuer they should bee found, either in Spaine, or elsewhere, marchandise, debts, actions, or inheritance, to be good prize to them that could take them, &c.’
This banishment and proscription the prince of Parma commaunded to bee published throughout all the townes of the king of Spaines obedience, by his letters written to the gouernors and the Prouinciall counsels.
This ignominious proscription which the king of Spaine made against the person of The prince of Oranges Apologie to the proscription. William of Nassau, prince of Orange, did not much aduance his affaires, as wee may see by the progresse of the hystorie. Many men of great qualitie, that were Neuters, and good E Catholikes, did wonder much to see the prince of Parma cause it to bee published and printed, seeing that he could not passe without an answere, which would touch both the king of Spaine and him to the quicke: For as soone as the prince of Orange had seene a coppie thereof, hee made an Apologie, the which hee caused to bee printed in diuers seuerall languages, and did dedicat and present it to the generall Estates of the countries of the Netherlands, assembled in the towne of Delft, vpon the thirteenth day of December, to whom he submitted his authoritie, life and goods, and made them judges of his seruice and answere, whereof I will make a briefe recitall.
Touching the point of ingratitude, wherewith hee doth charge him, for his aduancement His answer for the point of ingratitude. to the succession of his cousin Rene of Chalon, prince of Orange, hee said, That F therein hee was not bound neither to the emperour, nor to the king of Spaine, for that hee was his fathers brothers sonne, and that hee might giue him his lands in Bourgoigne, and the principalitie of Orange, by his last will and testament, according to the [Page 765] priuiledges of Burgoigne, called the French countie, whereas they may freely giue their lands A by testament to whom they please, and yet the said king Philip detained them from him, wherin 1581 he had beene wronged to the value of two millions of gulderns.
He also complained of the sentence giuen against him for the seigniory of Chasteaubellin, the arrerages whereof amounted to 3 hundred and fiftie thousand gulderns. And touching the principalitie of Orange, he said, That no man had any thing to say thereunto, for that hee held it of no prince whatsoeuer, but was his owne freely, without any superiour soueraigne: and that in regard of that principalitie hee had no need of any princes friendship and fauour, but of the king of France.
Then he shewed what seruices his predecessors of the house of Nassau had done to the The seruices done by the house of Nassau to the house of Austria. house of Austria. First, cont Engelbert his great vncle, with the baron of Roemont, wonne the B battel of Guynegast, for the emperour Maximilian, with many other great and notable seruices.
Then followed his vncle Henrie of Nassau, who in a manner had planted the imperiall diadem vpon the emperour Charles his head, he beeing absent in Spaine, and the princes electors making often motion to send for the king of France, to make him emperour; wherein hee was such an iustrument, as Charles inioyed that dignitie: whereof there could no tokens of thankfulnes be shewed on Spaines behalfe, as other kings and princes had done, and were yet to bee seene by some peeces of ordnance which the king of Hongarie had giuen to his ancestors, as a testimonie of their valour and seruice against the Turke, the which were forcibly taken out of their house in Breda, by the duke of Alua.
After him followed prince Rene, who restored the losse which the emperour Chales the fift C had sustained by the ouerthrowe of an armie, and recouered him the duchie of Gueldres, and in the end died at his feet in his seruice.
Saying moreouer, that prince Philibert of Chalon, had alone in a maner gotten him the duchy of Milan, and the kingdom of Naples, and with the duke of Bourbon assured him Rome, keeping the pope prisoner.
And whereas he proclaimed him to be a villaine, and a traitour, he desired him to tell what villaines, and who they were, at whose commaundement the cardinall Granuelle should haue poisoned the emperour Maximilian the second: and that he knew what the said emperor had said vnto him, and how that he after that time had so much respected the king and the Spaniards, D as he durst not after that make profession of the reformed religiō, which he notwithstanding held to be the best.
Touching the gouernments, honours, and titles, which had beene giuen him by the emperour and the king, he said, they had beene exceeding chargeable vnto him, hauing spent aboue an hundred and fiftie thousand florins, without any recompence; and that beeing generall of the armie, he receiued but three hundred gulderns the moneth, which was not sufficient for them that pitched his tents.
Touching the order of the Golden Fleece, he faith, That he had beene chosen by the chapter Touching the order of the golden fleece. of the said order, & that he was most beholding to the brothers of that order for the same. Saying moreouer, That the king himselfe was fallen from that dignitie, in that he had broken the oath which he had taken, by the death of the earles of Egmont and Horne, the marquesse E of Berghes, and baron of Montigny, all knights, whose proces ought not to haue been iudged but by the knights of the same order, as had beene seene in Philip duke of Burgoignes time, by Iohn lord of Luxembourg.
And for that he was of the counsel of state, he said, That he had often refused it, but that the Of the co [...]sel of state. cardinall of Granuelle and others, had laboured to haue him called, onely to assist them with his authoritie with the people.
And whereas his mariage with the ladie Charlotte of Bourbon was obiected vnto him as Touching his mariage. dishonourable, in respect of her profession: he answeres, That the duke of Montpenser her father F (a prince who was an earnest Romish Catholike) was very wel pleased therewith; and in like manner all the princes allied to his second wife, had giuen their consents: neither had he concluded the said mariage rashly, nor without good premeditation, the which (although she were an abbesse) was held lawfull, by the opinions and iudgements of learned diuines and lawyers, and therefore no iust cause why the king of Spaine should take any exception a- [...]
[Page 768] cepted. He complained of the reuolting of the male-content Wallons, who had taken vpon A them to make warre against their vnited friends, contrarie to their oths, & at such a time, when 1581 the forreine souldiers and the enemie should haue beene driuen out of the countrey, and the The inconstancie of the commanders of the Male-contents. towne of Mastricht releeued. He likewise complained of the reuolted noblemen and gentlemen, who being descended of noble houses and antient families, should discouer their lightnesse and inconstancie: First, seruing the duke of Alua, and the great Commander, like mercenarie slaues, and making warre against him, after that they reconciled themselues vnto him, and became enemies to the Spaniards. When Dom Iohn came into the countrey they followed him, serued him, and practised the princes ruine. Dom Iohn hauing failed of his enterprise at Antuerpe, they forsake him, and call in the prince, whom presently they abandon againe, and without any counsell or aduice send in all hast for the arch duke Mathias, whom they presently B left, and without his priuitie called in the duke of Aniou, promising him wonders. But seeing they could not persuade him to be their head against the Estates, and them of the religion, they forsake him, and ioyne with the prince of Parma and their enemies, whose counsellors they had so long held prisoners, which shewed their lightnesse and inconstancie.
Whereas they obiected, That he had made himselfe to be chosen by force and tumult gouernor of Brabant, he shewed, that he had refused it, and that in regard of the lieutenant generals place, he would not accept thereof, without the consent of the commanders that were in the armie, which they sent him signed vnder their hands: The gouernment of Flanders he also refused, notwithstanding the instance that was made vnto him by the foure members of the countrey. C
And whereas this proscription found the vnion of Vtrecht of very hard disgestion, he said, There was no better remedie against the disunion of the male-contents, than this vnion, and no surer antidote against the poyson of discord, than concord: Confessing, that he had procured, aduanced, and sought to entertaine it. As touching the receit of money, hee said, he neuer medled therewith. And the rest of the accusations, as the chasing away of the nobilitie, hypocrisie, distrust, and the offers that were made him, being of lesse importance, he refuted. At the last he came to the sentence of banishment, saying, That al those stormes of thunder and lightning, did not amaze him, and that if any Spaniard or other affected to them, of what qualitie or condition soeuer, had said, or should say, as this infamous proscription had published, that he is a traitor and a villaine, had spoken falsely, and against the truth: And although the vse of D water and fire was forbidden him, yet he would vse the same so long as God should giue him leaue. And touching the twentie fiue thousand crownes, with recompence of gentry and pardon for all offences, promised to him that should attempt to murder or poyson him, hee said, That he doubted not, but God had and would preserue him, so long as he pleased: wherin his enemies had shewed their basenesse, that not able to vanquish him by the due course of arms, they seeke dishonourably to murder or poison him. And although hee feared it not, yet if it should so happen (which he hoped God would not permit) he said, there was not so meane a gentleman to be found in any nation, where they knew what belonged to gentrie, that would eat and conuerse with such a wicked and infamous villaine, as had murdered any man for money: And that if the Spaniards esteemed such for gentlemen, and that men by such E meanes were aduanced to honour in Castile, he said, That it was no maruel if all the world beleeued, that the most part of the Spaniards (especially those that held themselues nobles and gentlemen) descended from the Moores and Iews, and obserue that good qualitie, as ingrafted in them from their forefathers, that betrayed our Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ, and gaue Iudas money to deliuer him vnto them, that they might crucifie him: For which cause he said, he would beare that misfortune the more patiently, if it so fell out. Wherefore hee gaue the States to vnderstand, that their peace and quiet depended vpon his death: for that so long as hee was among them, their warres should neuer haue end, and therefore he wished that his death might free them from the miseries which his life procured, the which should be a sweet and acceptable death vnto him. That for their cause hee had suffered his lands and goods to F be taken from him, lost his brethren, yea and his sonne, and yet hee desired to purchase their freedome and libertie with his bloud, and that if they thought it fit and conuenient, they should presently command the same: saying, That his head was readie, ouer which no prince nor potentat had any command, but onely they, whereof they might dispose as it pleased [Page 769] them, for their welfare. But if they thought good still to vse him, and his experience, woon A by continuall toile and trauell, together with his life and goods, hee was desirous to imploy 1581 himselfe in theirs and the Netherlands seruice, wherein he desired their resolution.
Whereunto the generall Estates vpon the seuenteenth of December, made answer, as followeth. The States answer to the prince of Orang [...]s Apologie made to the king of Spaine. The generall Estates hauing not long since seene a certaine proscript made and published by the enemie, against your Excellencies person, whereby they seeke to charge you with some slanderous and vnworthy crimes, thereby to bring you into hatred, as if by vnlawfull meanes and practises your Excellencie should haue sought the dignities and gouernments ‘which you now enioy: and withal abandoning your person as a prey to them that would bereaue you of your life, and thereby depriue you of your honour: Hauing in like sort seene the answer made thereunto by your Excellencie, wee find, That for as much as concerneth the B Netherlands, it is plaine and manifest, that the aforesaid crimes, and false imputations, are vniustly laid vpon you. And touching the place of Lieutenant generall, & the particular gouernments which your Excellencie now enioyeth, that a lawful choice and election being made of you, you would not haue accepted thereof, but at our earnest intreaties and desires, and haue still continued therein at our requests, with the full consent and liking of the countrey, seeking the same at your Excellencies hands, with intreatie still to continue and hold the same, promising all helpe, aid, and assistance, not sparing any of their meanes, together with all obedience vnto your Excellencie. And for that the said Estates are well & sufficiently assured of your Excellencies good and true seruice done vnto the Netherlands, and which from henceforth they expect and attend of you, they offer and present vnto your Excellencie a cornet of horsemen, C for the better safetie and guard of your person, desiring you to accept thereof from them, who acknowledge themselues bound to defend and preserue you. And for that which concerneth the said Estates, and wherein they find themselues taxed by the said proscription, they are resolued with the first opportunitie to iustifie themselues. Giuen in Delft, &c.’
This answer being printed in diuers tongues, was sent to all the princes of Europe, to iustifie himselfe of the accusations laid vpon him in the said proscription, and to shew who had bin the first motiue and the cause of the troubles in the Netherlands.
This yeare died Frederick Schencke of Tautenbergh, bishop of Vtrecht, beeing president of the chamber at Spiers, who in the yeare 1559 succeeded Iordan van Egmont, in the said bishopricke, and was the 61 bishop of Vtrecht: Which bishops had gouerned that countrey 884 D yeares, from anno 696 till anno 1580. This Frederick was a man of great learning, as doth appeare by his writings.
The eight and twentieth of December died Gerard of Grosbeke cardinall, bishop and prince of Liege, who (contrarie to the disposition of the Liegeois) had openly defended the Spanish faction. Some thought he died of griefe, for that the countrey would not yeeld to the contribution which he demaunded. The Estates would haue had some prince aduanced, who had beene better affected to their partie, and aboue all the archduke Mathias, who was then in the Netherlands, whereunto they recommended him, but the partisans of Spaine carried it by voyces for Ernest, sonne to the duke of Bauaria, bishop of Fresingen, who had before laboured to haue the bishopricke and electorship of Cologne, the which hee had, together E with the Postulat of Munster, with other great dignities: So as we may truely say, That the said Ernest is at this day one of the greatest prelats in Christendome.
In Nouember past, colonell Balfour, generall of the Scots that were vnder the States seruice, being in garrison at Bruges in Flanders, went forth with a troupe of horse, and set vpon in the village of Wassenare (in Franc of Bruges) certaine light horsemen of the prince of Parmaes, the which hee defeated: but succours comming, Balfour, who had but threescore horse, after that hee had fought valiantly, was defeated and slaine, but not without great slaughter of the Spaniards. His bodie was carried to Bruges, and honourably interred. Hee was much lamented for the good seruices which hee had done in Flanders: neither died hee poore. His wife was brought in bed soone after in the same towne. F
In the beginning of May, the deputies of the prouinces of the Netherlands, that were sent into Fraunce to the duke of Aniou, returned backe againe, hauing made choyce of him for their soueraigne Lord, although some articles of the contract were not fully agreed vpon, as that the king for his brothers sake shold make war against the king of Spain, which the Estates [Page 770] did much desire, with some others. But the duke found many in France, that did crosse his A proceedings therein, beeing of the Spanish faction: for which cause about this time he made 1581 a declaration, and putting it in print, he sent it to all the courts of parliament of France, shewing his firme and constant resolution, touching the defence and freeing of the Netherlands from troubles, shewing, how honorable it was, and what profit it might bring to the kingdom and crowne of Fraunce.
About this time there was an enterprise discouered in Brussels, by a miller, which carried letters, who being put to the racke, and tortured, accused the seigniour of Haussy, and his wife, of certaine practises, for the which they were committed to close prison, with the lady of Waerdenburch, sister to the said ladie, and others: who were soone after released, except the said lord of Haussy, who continued for a time in prison, with doctour Cornet. But afterwards by the meanes of the seigniour of Timpel, gouernour of the towne, who married B the said ladie of Waerdenburch, the seignior of Haussy was set at libertie, and went for a time into France.
And not long after there was an vprore begun and made by meanes of a preaching monke (that had been banished out of Gant) called Anthony Ruyskenueldt, who seruing there in a certaine parish, by meanes of his preaching he drew diuers adherents vnto him, who laboured to frustrat and disannull the good resolution which the Estates had taken for their protection and defence, some of them hauing before consented to the enterprise made by the earle of Egmont, and of others, as of doctor Ioos Butkens, Andreas Anderlech, the lord and lady of Haussie, and Iohn Cob an English man, who not long before had bin hanged and quartered in the said C towne. For which cause the magistrat of Brussels sought diuers secret means to get that monk out of the towne, but all in vaine: at the last he being more and more suspected, it was resolued that he should by some means or other be forced to depart: which comming to his knowledge, he and his adherents caused a great number of people to assemble together before the gouernors house, which seditiously cried out, That they being Catholikes, neither could nor would endure, that their peacher should be driuen out of the towne, saying, That they would sooner suffer themselues to bee cut in peeces, with many such words more: but for that time they were pacified with faire words: but in the afternoone the magistrat being come thither, they began another great outcry amongst them, and in great rage they began to plucke vp the stones in the street, and made a great vprore with their weapons and the stones, the Amptman D hauing a hatchet throwne at his head: but the garrison, and the well affected bourgers arming themselues, the vprore ceased. And after that, further information being taken therein, it was found, that diuers seditious enterprises had bin practised & inuented in the cloisters, vnder pretence of going to masse, as also at the like assemblies of the said seditious preacher Anth. Ruyskenueldt; for which cause, by full consent of the townes men and members of the same, they caused the said Ruyskenueldt and some of his adherents to depart out of the town: determining further, to shut vp the cloisters and the churches, that no more such violences should bee vsed by such tumults, as also that by authoritie of the magistrats, all the images in euery place of the towne, should bee broken downe, and that the best part of them should bee sold with most aduantage, towards the charges of the towne, and the reliefe of the poore. E Whereupon a proclamation beeing made, shewing the abuses and dangerous practises of the Papists within the towne, it was decreed by the Amptman and magistrats of the The exercise of the Romish religion, restrained in Brussels. saide towne, for the peace, vnion, and securitie of the said towne, not to permit, nor allow of the exercise of the Romish religion, in any church or chappell of the same; and that therfore it should wholly be suspended & forbidden, vntill that other order should be taken in the causes concerning the said town & the country, and that therin they should follow the necessitie of the time, as they of the aforesaid Romish religion, certain yeres past, vpon smal occasions, had forbidden the exercise of the reformed religion, & namely in an. 1566, and many times after, & for many other causes, which the aforesaid magistrats thought not conuenient as then to be declared. The said magistrats therfore command, that euery man shal gouern F himselfe according to their resolution aforesaid: and that euery one should behaue himselfe peaceably, without vpbraiding or crossing one another, for any forepassed action, in what sort soeuer it had been done, for that the magistrats by their said proclamation did decree, a generall forgetting and forgiuing of all actions on both sides, receiuing and taking euerie one, of [Page 771] what religion soeuer they were, into their safegard and protection, except three or foure that A were the chiefe motiues of the last tumult of Ruyskenueldt aforesaid. And if, after that, any 1581 man were found to haue proceeded against any part of the said ordinance, wherby the common peace of the said towne, as also the authoritie of the said magistrats might bee hindered or disturbed, they should bee punished as common breakers of the peace, and enemies to the welfare of the towne. And that noman might pretend ignorance therein, the said magistrats had appointed the same to bee published. Dated in Brussels the first of May, in the yeare 1581.
In the end of May captaine Iames of Rensy (hauing first acquainted them of Ypre in Flanders with his enterprise) surprised the castle of Douxlieu, vpon the riuer of Lys, neere to Esteres, belonging to the seigniour of Vendeuille, whereof hee was made gouernor by the foure B members of Flanders, the which he fortified against them of Arthois, and the Chastileine of Lille, which did much trouble them in their nauigation vpon the said riuer: so as in the end la Motte went to besiege it with foure peeces of ordnance, and the place was yeelded vnto him vpon hard termes, the said Rensy going forth (not without great feare) after that he had seene seuen or eight of his souldiers hanged, who before had held the Spanish partie, hee himselfe doubting that he should not haue so well escaped.
The 7 of Iune M. Iohn Scheyf knight, chancellor of Brabant, died in Antuerpe, hauing a little before his death resigned his place to the seignior of Lysueldt, counsellor of State. He left a little booke, in forme of an Apologie, which he had written for his iustification, against the slanderous and infamous letters written against him by the cardinall Granuelle. C
In the same moneth they of Gant had an enterprise vpon Lille, thinking (with the helpe of some intelligence which they had) to surprise it earely in a morning with bridges and ladders: but they were discouered too soone, and all their designe turned into smoke: for the which one Iohn Drumez, a notable merchant of the said towne, was accused, with some others: Drumez being found guiltie by his own confession, was beheaded, others were hanged, and some lesse guiltie were banished.
About the same time there was beheaded at Mons in Henault, M. Iohn Gilles, register of the king of Spaines Exchequer, a reuerent old man, hauing a little before resigned his place to Cronendal his sonne in law. Hee was accused to haue written letters to them of Brussels, aduertising them of some designe which the prince of Parma might haue vpon their D towne.
The warre was mannaged somewhat strangely at that time in Brabant, for want of discipline and good pay: whereupon the Scottish men did mutine at Viluoerden, chasing away their colonell Stuart, so as they had much adoe to pacifie and content them. The like happened in the fort of Villebrouk, the which they could by no meanes appease, so as in the end they were forced to bring the canon from Antuerpe. The like fell out at Berghen vpon Soom, so as for want of money the Estates and the prince of Orange had so smal authoritie and commandement ouer the men of warre, as it was a pitie to see. And although the king of Spaines souldiers were not much better paid, yet was he better obeied, for that hee endured the insolencies and oppressions which they committed in all places where they came, as well in the E champian countrey, as in good townes, and in their garrisons, without any respect, which on the other side was the cause that inhabitants went away, towns were vnpeopled, and all trades of merchandise and traffique decayed. True it is, that there came great aboundance of treasure out of Spaine for the king, as well in readie money, as by letters of exchange: but it came but slowly, and with great charge, besides that the warre which hee had in Portugall to assure that kingdome, was of an excessiue charge: Wherefore as the meanes were small of either part, it made them of Brabant, Flanders, and Friseland, to maintain themselues with small means, and small forces, all the yeare 1581.
In May some troupes of base Flaunders, vnder the commaund of colonell Moriant, borne at S. Omer, hauing an enterprise vpon some places of Arthoys, demaunded passage by F Menreuille, a great Borough vpon the riuer of Lys, confining vpon the countrey of Laleuwe three leagues from Bethune; the which being too indiscreetly refused, they forced a passage by the sword, the towne was spoiled, and then burnt, and some which had saued themselues in a church, were there rosted. You may see what the wilfulnesse of fiftie or sixtie men [Page 772] preuailed to defend a turnpike or a paltrie barricadoe, against fiue or six hundred men, which A was the cause that goodly and rich place was quite spoyled. Those troupes passing on by 1581 the village of Wattou (their designe vpon Arthois beeing discouered by their long stay at Menreuille) where they thought to force some souldiers of the male-contents, which had fortified themselues in a church, hearing that succours both of horse and foot came vnto them, they abandoned it, marching towards Dixmuyden, where they were pursued and ouertaken, before they could recouer the towne, so as they were charged and put to rout, and some were burnt in a barne, whither they had retired themselues with their horses: so the burners were themselues burnt.
The male-contents in Iune seized vpon the castle of Baerle in Campeigne, which Baerle taken and recouered. they caused to bee fortified by the neighbour villages, they lodged in the meane time at B Hoochstraten, and Tournhout, vpon the passage of Breda. The seigniour of Stakenbroeke, gouernour o [...] Breda, deuised how hee might take it againe, and to that end went to besiege it with some troupes, and two peeces of artillerie: but he had not made fortie shot for a triall, to see if they would yeeld or not, and seeing no shew thereof, he retired.
After that, the Estates of Brabant sent the seigniour of la Gard, a French colonell, with his cornet of horse, and foure or fiue hundred foot to seize vpon the castels of Hoochstraten, and Tournhout, the one he tooke by composition, the other by force, which made them of Baerle quit the place and burne it. La Gard marched from thence towards Tillebourg, and Lhoon opt sandt, which he tooke in like sort with Osterhout, and other forts thereabouts, hoping to make some good attempt vpon Eindouen, and Boisleduc. He began now to aduance, C whereupon the prince of Parma sent the lord of Hautepenne and colonell Schenck, with his horsemen, where there were some skirmishes: but Hautepenne and Schenck returned to Boislleduc, to attend a designe, which they had vpon Breda, as followeth.
Charles of Gaure, knight, baron of Fresin, afterwards earle of Beaurieu, brother to the seigniour of Iuchy, gouernour of Cambray, had beene generall of the Vitailes, and of the counsell of the generall Estates; who for some intelligence he had with the Spaniards, was put in prison. First hee was sent to the Ramekins in Zeeland, and afterwards was brought to the castle of Breda: In the end being tired with his long imprisonment, he began to deuise some meanes for his deliuerie, and seeing his guard not to be verie great, nor yet the whole garrison of the castle, with the which in time hee was growne familiar, by little and little hee corrupted D fiue or six of them, whereof some hauing beene prisoners with the Spaniard, to procure their speedie deliuerie, and good cheape, had promised to doe him some good seruice in the towne or castle of Breda. These souldiers beeing thus woon, the baron of Fresin sent word to the seigniour of Hautepenne of all their designe: whereupon a day was appointed on the seuen and twentieth of Iune, to put it in execution. These souldiers had giuen them notice of a certaine reparation that was made in the rampar of the castle, where they might mount on foot. The time appointed was the verie day when these souldiers should bee in The castle of Breda surprised guard, when as Hautepenne and Schencke failed not to come before the castle, to the very place appointed. Then these souldiers drew the rest of their companions to play at dice within their Corps de gard, whilest that one of them went to see if the troupes were arriued, and to shew E them the passage, so as all together fell vpon the sentinels, and chased away the guard, whilest that the others mounted vp the rampar, and by that meanes became masters of the castle, and the next day they fell vpon the towne. The bourgers sought to fortifie themselues with barricadoes, against the castle, so as the fight continued foure or fiue howers: but the artillerie did so annoy them of the towne, as they were forced to giue it ouer: The youth of the town behaued themselues valiantly. Godfrey Montis the bourgmaster was hurt, yet he found means to get to horsebacke, and so to escape, and so did the gouernour Stakenbroeck, lea [...]ing his wife and daughter in the castle, who were vnworthily intreated, which caused him to die soone after for griefe. The towne was spoyled. The States men heard not of this surprise vntil the next day, when it was too late, and all was woon. F
Thus the baron of Fresin procured his owne libertie, and the seigniour of Hautepenne got the towne and castle of Breda at an easie rate, from whence soone after he made an enterprise vpon the townes of Gheertruyden-bergh, and Heusden, but yet hee fayled in both.
[Page 773] A while after, they of Brabant (to haue their reuenge) layed an ambush vpon Boisleduc, A a rich and a mightie towne, farre better than Breda. The chiefe and conductor of this enterprise, 1581 was Doctor Iunius, bourgomaster of Antuerpe: but finding some difficultie for want of horsemen, it proued fruitlesse: yet for that they would returne with some exploit, hauing taken vpon the way a souldier of the garrison of Eindouen, a little towne of Campaigne, hee went thither and tooke the towne, in the which he tooke the captaine of the castle, whom hee threatened to kill, and in the view of his souldiers offered him some violence, so as by that meanes he forced them to yeeld him the castle, in the which there were two companies of foot and a cornet of horse, which for the most part were stripped. This done, he marched to Helmont, which he tooke also, but he could not get the castle: the earle of Hohenlo arriued there also with some troupes, who tooke certaine forts about Boisleduc: this done, they of B Brabant returned to their garrisons. Then were the regiments of la Gard a Frenchman, and Stuart a Scottishman, sent into Flanders, to keepe the malecontents occupied, whilest that the duke of Aniou should be busied about the victualling of the towne and citadel of Cambray: so as that quarter of Brabant in Campaigne was vnfurnished of souldiers for the States, wherby Eindouen recouered by the Spaniard. the Seignior of Hautepenne and the earle of Mansfield had good meanes to go & besiege Eindouen without any contradiction, the which they tooke againe with small toile, the town and castle being not fully victualled as it was intended.
In the moneth of May, the thirteene occupations and the sixe sworne companies of Antuerpe fearing some vprore amongst the people, and that they would attempt something against their Images, desired the magistrates, that they might take away the costly tables or pictures, C that euery one of them had standing before their altars, and many others, which had beene saued, at the first breaking downe of the Images; the which (for that they were very costly pieces, and made by the best workmen) was granted, so it might be done without scandale. For which cause, they shutting the Church dores, brake downe their owne altars, being nineteene in number, and tooke downe the pictures, and yet there remained three and twenty more, which for a time continued in that sort, vntill the colonels and captaines of the towne fearing, that their enemies (vnder pretence of free exercise of their Religion) would attempt something to the preiudice of the towne, made sute vnto the magistrates, That the exercise of the Romish Catholicke Religion might not be allowed: which the magistrates for a long time denied, vntill they heard newes of the losse of Breda: for which cause (to please the D common people) they forbad the exercise of the Romish Religion, and vpon the thirteenth of Iuly made a proclamation within the towne of Antuerpe, the contents thereof beeing as followeth.
Whereas the bourgomasters and Schepen of Antuerpe, with the aduice of the colonels, Orders made in Antuerpe. captaines, and deanes of the six sworne guilds or companies of the towne, for the quietnesse and safetie of the same (the care whereof, by the common counsell of the towne, is committed vnto the said magistrats &c.) haue found it fit and conuenient, by prouision, to forbid the exercise of the Romish Religion. Wherefore in the name of the Scout, bourgomasters, and Schepen aforesaid, it is commaunded, That no man whatsoeuer he be, shall take vpon him, within the liberties of the said towne, to say any masse either publickely or priuately, neither E yet to heare it, nor to suffer any other exercises thereof to be done, onely baptizing, marrying, and visiting of the sicke excepted, and that without any great assembly, as also that they shall burie their dead without any ceremonies, and that onely in respect of the bourgers and inhabitants of the towne, and the liberties of the same, without permission of the same to any stranger whatsoeuer, comming or trafficquing in the same, whereof euery captain in his quarter shall haue the ouersight: and for the exercise of baptizing and marrying, they of the aforesaid Romish Religion should haue two places appointed them for the same, as the chappell of Gr [...]ian, and the chappell of the hospitall of the virgin Mary, in the Churchyard street: and for the executing of the same, there should be six peaceable spirituall persons chosen, which should be sworne vnto the magistrats, to follow and obserue that Ordnance, without fayling F therein, vpon forfeiture of a hundred crownes, to the benefit of the poore, by them which should seeke to doe any thing to the contrarie, or else to be otherwise punished, as it should be thought meet and conuenient. And furthermore, That all persons, both spirituall and temporall, that since the eight and twentieth of Iuly last past haue gone out of this towne, or [Page 774] any other of our vnited places, although that vpon some especiall occasion they were come A againe and remayned there, should within foure and twentie houres depart and retyre themselues 1581 out of the liberties of the towne, and Marquisite of the same, and not returne againe, vnlesse it were with expresse libertie and consent of the aforesaid magistrates, and others, appointed to take knowledge thereof, vpon the paine aforesaid. Also, that all others (vnlesse it be the English nation) that within the space of foure yeares last past had come out of any of the vnited townes, or other forreine places, to inhabite in the said towne of Antuerpe, should depart out of the same, vnlesse that within foureteene dayes then next ensuing (according to the distance of the places) they brought lawfull and commendable testimonials or certificats (in their behalfes) made by the magistrats or consistories, from whence they last came: which they shall shew first to the captaine and weekemasters, in the quarters where they shall dwell: B and if any doubt arise therein, they should addresse themselues vnto the magistrates and colonels of the said towne, vpon paine aforesaid. Forbidding also euery man, vpon like paine, to lodge or harbour any such persons in their houses. We also forbid all those, that resort or are conuersant among the Spaniards and Italians (those onely excepted that are subiect vnto the guard of the said towne) not to keepe any long weapons, nor short pieces in their houses, but to sell the same, or otherwise to deliuer them, vpon assurance of restitution, into the hands of the captains of the quarters, where they vse to keep, hauing onely their rapiers and poyniards, which they likewise shall not weare in the streets, vpon pain of forfeiture of the said weapons, which shall be taken from them, onely by the captaines or officers vnder whom they dwell: also that no stranger, nor such as are not resident, shall beare any long weapons nor pistols, but C shall leaue them in their lodgings vntill their departures, vnlesse it were with consent of the captaine vnder whome they doe lodge, vpon paine of forfeiture of the sayd weapons.
The Prince of Parma (this yeare) thought to haue made a certaine enterprise vpon Flessingue, An enterprise against Flessingue, pretended [...]y the prince of Parma, but not effect [...]d. which was practised by Dom Bernardin de Mendosa, embassadour for the king of Spain in England, who by meanes of certaine of his Netherland seruants, and one Bouch [...]ert an aduocat, had secretly dealt with certaine Netherland sea captaines, who promised to employ themselues to deliuer him the towne of Flessingue: but secretly they made it knowne vnto the prince of Orange (whose instructions they followed) treating so farre as Dom Bernardin de Mendosa, payed some fiue or sixe thousand gulderns to the said captaines, one of the sayd D captaines leauing his young sonne as an hostage with Mendosa in London. The practise was, That those captaines lying with their shippes of warre (whereof they had command) before the head of Flessingue, should suffer certaine shippes laden with malecontents to goe into the towne, that vnder colour of some other action should lye readie thereabouts. The day being appointed, they of Flessingue secretly reenforced their garrison, thereby to welcome their enemies, and made themselues readie, with all aduantage: meane time the prince of Orange sent his secretarie Christopher Huges into England, to get the captaines sonne, eyther by fayre or foule meanes, out of Dom Bernardin de Mendosa his hands (which the aforesaid captain by the princes aduice had deliuered to the embassadour in hostage, for the assurance of his promise) the which he should worke about the same time that the enterprise was to bee effected, E so as the boy might not by that meanes bee stayed there. Huges beeing in London, found meanes (by the helpe of one of the princes halberdiers, as the boy stood at the embassadours gate) to take him away, and presently conueyed him from thence, notwithstanding that the embassadour and his men began to make great stirre about it, but the boy could no where be found. And although the deliuering of the boy fell out well, yet the prince of Parma his men came not thither at the day appointed, fearing least their enterprise had bin discouered, by the imprisonment of the lady of Haussy, who about that time was committed prisoner in Brussels, whome they knew to bee acquainted therewith, and feared that shee might reueale it.
This yeare, about the same time that this enterprise aforesaid should haue beene attempted F against Flessingue, the lordship of Flessingue and the Marquisite of Campeuere belonging to Maximilian of Bourgoigne, lord of Beueren, were sold by a decree of the Prouinciall court of Holland and Zeeland, for the payment of his debts, hee beeing dead without issue, and were bought by the prince of Orange for 44600 gulderns, which the towne of Antuerpe [Page 775] would willingly haue bought, but the bargaine was the rather granted to the prince of A Orange, that Zeeland might haue him for their protector, who by his will gaue them vnto his 1581 sonne Maurice.
Many other exploits were done about this time in the Netherlands, as in Friseland, where the prince of Orange had beene in the month of Aprill, being come from Amsterdam (wheras the generall Estates were to assemble about the accepting of the duke of Aniou for their soueraign lord) and in the way had visited Harlingen and Leuerden, and appointed Sonoy with two companies of souldiers to lodge in the towne of Staueren, against the castle wherein Reinard Dekema lay, and held it for the earle of Renenbergh with some 170 men; where Sonoy made certaine mounts, with high rampars or parapets, keeping them within the castle from comming to the wals with their musket shot, for that they had no ordnance within the castle: B but Dekema hauing made the wals vp againe both high and very thicke, he could do nothing to it, before that with six peeces of ordnance (whereof one Thomas Bothe was gunner) he had beat down their rampars, & had caused the pioners to fill vp the ditches, and began to vndermine the wall, so as he forced them within to parle: but Dekema refusing to accept of the conditions, The castle of Staueren won by Sonoy▪ his souldiers compelled him thereunto, and deliuered him and eighteene Friselanders more prisoners to Sonoy the rest were suffered freely to depart. This castle had the wall next vnto the towne throwne downe againe, and presently thereupon Sonoy caused the town to be fortified.
This towne of Staueren is very auncient, and in times past was a lordship, very rich and mightie, a great towne of marchandise, and the chiefe in all those Northerne parts, with a very C good and a spacious hauen, but now filled vp with sand: it had great commaund, euen as farre Nimmeghen, as it appeareth by an authenticke writing grauen ouer the gate of the castle of Nimmeghen, whereas yet is to be seene in old letters this inscription, Hucus (que) ius Stauriae, that is, Thus farre stretcheth the iurisdiction of the towne of Staueren, and in another place, Hic finitur regnum Stauriae, that is, Here endeth the dominion of Staueren.
Staueren in times past was so mighty, as in Anno 1345 with the aid of the Frisons, vpon the 26 of September they ouercame William earle of Henault with all his army, in Holland, hard by S. Odolf his cloyster, where the said earle with many of his men were slain, so that long after there were diuers dead mens bones (it being two hundred yeres since) found vnburied in that place: for which cause, in Anno 1545, Mary queene of Hungarie, the emperour Charles sister, D and Regent in the Netherlands, caused all the dead bones thereabouts to be gathered vp, and sent to Staueren, where they were buried.
In May the earle of Renenberghs souldiers came out of great Auwart downe to the Reediep, and thought to make a sconce vpon the water, to exclude the lord of Nyenuenoort from the sea: but he being aduertised therof, went to encounter them, & hauing laid an ambush, he charged & defeated them, slew and took a great number of them, & caried away some of their ensignes. After that, the lord of Nyenuenoort hauing receiued 2 moneths pay for his soldiers of the Estates of Friseland, vpō condition, that he should in the Estates name besiege great Auwart, he for that cause went & besieged it with diuers companies of souldiers, & brought ordnance before it to batter the fort: but the earle of Renenbergh being aduertised thereof, gathered E together all his forces from Myddelstum, & other places, the which they did rase & abandon, and so passing ouer the Reediep, hauing a new supply of 300 horse, he marched towards Auwart: which Nyenuenoort perceiuing, he was in mind to haue left the siege, but the most part of his captains were of a contrary opinion, wherein they committed a great error, for that placing the pesants of Friseland among their squadrons of souldiers, they for want of experience, as soone as the earle of Renenbergh came to charge, presently, without any blows giuen, leaped ouer the ditches with their long staues, & ran away, which put the rest into rout, euery one seeking to saue himself, the earle of Renenberghs forces following them, who took Haspelinus & Berenbroeks ensignes, captaine Stuper and Vischer being taken prisoners, but not many slaine. Many of them fled into the sconce of Auwerderziel, where the earle of Renenbergh F gaue two furious charges, but he was forced to leaue it with great losse of his men: but comming thither againe with the canon, and hauing battered it, and made a breach, after three assaults they forced it, killing all they found in it, where among the rest Schelto Iarges, a wise and a valiant captaine, was slaine.
[Page 776] The Friselanders presently after assembled the dispersed souldiers againe, so that Nynuenoort A being made strong with more souldiers, went to his fort of Winsum, but the earl of Renenbergh 1581 comming before it with all his power, the fort being not yet finished, nor able to endure the canon, he was constrained by his own men to parle with the earle, so as it was agreed that he should depart freely with bag and baggage, and leaue all his other forts. Nyenuenoort being thus ouerthrowne, the earle of Renenbergh was master all ouer the Ommelands, as far as Doccum.
In the meane time, the Estates to aid the lord of Nyenuenoort (although too late) appointed Sir Iohn Norris to be generall ouer certaine forces and with him eight companies of Sonoy his regiment, with some others, who being made stronger with the remainders of the broken companies, sought opportunitie to giue the earle of Renenbergh battaile, and as captaine B Schul, with certaine souldiers, had taken Monikerziel fort, he tooke that from them, and forced the earle of Renenberghs troupes to goe out of the village in Gripskerke in battaile. Colonel Sonoy led the foreward, and began the charge coldly, by many skirmishes, vntill the rest came on, and charged in grosse, wherupon the Renenberghers fled, and were pursued till they came to Groning, with the losse of certaine ensignes, and seuen hundred of their men, besides many which were taken prisoners (and small losse to the victors) they tooke great store of their armes, which they that fled, were forced to cast away, and yet Sir Iohn Norris had no horsemen with him, but onely his owne cornet, whereby many of the Renenberghers saued their liues most by means of the ditches: there was also foure peeces of ordnance taken from them, and all their prouision. C
The 23 of Iuly died George of Lalain, baron of Ville, earl of Renenbergh, brother to the earle of Hoochstraten, for griefe and sorrow of this defeat, although his sicknesse was not without some suspition of poyson: during his sicknes, he did often grieue and lament, that he had quit the Estates party, whereby he had drawne himselfe into such a laberynth, crying out often: O The death of the earle of Renenbergh. Groning, Groning, whereunto hast thou brought me, cursing the day▪ that he had euer seene it. The last 8 daies before his death, he exclaimed also vpon his sister Cornille of Lalain, forbidding hir to come in his sight, seeing that she had seduced him, and was the cause of his perdition. This earle of Renenbergh was sonne to the lord of Escornets gouernor of Guelderland for the emperor, who had to wife the daughter of the earle of Renenbergh, & afterwards by the succession of his cousin became earle of Hoochstraten: as also the said George of Lalain succeeded after D the death of Cont Herman his vncle by the mothers side, chanon of Cologne, to the said earldome of Renenbergh. His elder brother, earle of Hoochstraten, was called Anthony of Lalain, a wise and valiant nobleman, who in the yere 1567 retired himselfe with the prince of Orange out of the Netherlāds, & was also banished by the duke of Alua, as we haue formerly shewed. He died of a shot in the foot, in the first voiage which the prince made with his army into these countries, leauing some children; among others, his eldest was also earle of Hoochstraten, who of the lady N. of Egmont, widow to the earle of Hennin, lord of Capres, left one son after his death. This earle of Renenbergh was a courteous nobleman, & well red in Greeke and Latin, a great louer of histories and of musicke, wherein he spent most of his time. He was an enemie to all tyrannie (although he committed that vild act in Groning, the which he afterwards repented E 1000 times) and a great obseruer of militarie discipline: he was withall very carefull to haue his souldiers duly paied. As for his religion, I will not meddle with it: but we may coniecture what the heart was, hauing red so many bookes of the learnedest Protestants, and had conuersed so long with them: but the feare of his mother, of the chanon his vncle (who had made him his heire) of the earle of Lalain his cousin, and of the persuasions of his sister, had made him to change his party, the which he often repented. Colonel Gaspar Verdugo succeeded him in the gouernment of Friseland and Groning.
The Estates of Flanders sent a little armie into the quarter of Ypre and Dixmuyden, vnder the commaund of the prince of Espinoy, whom they made generall, whereof the Seignior of Villers, before gouernour of Bouchain, was marshall of the campe, to make worke on that F side for the prince of Parma, during the victualling of Cambray. But the Parmo is beeing stronger in horse than the Estates, he defeated some neere vnto Dixmuyden. In the mean time the prince of Espinoys mē that remained in garrison at Tournay, & in his gouernmēt of Tournesis, gaue many affronts vnto their enemies in Henault, whom they annoyed all they could; [Page 777] as in like manner the malecontents did, beeing lodged in the fort of Hauteriue, betwixt A Tournay and Audenarde, from whence they did runne dayly to the ports of either towne; 1581 who at the same time defeated a rich conuoy of ninetie wagons (with all sorts of marchandise) going to Antuerpe, and from thence to the fayre of Francfort, beeing guarded but by some few foot and fifteene horse onely. Of all these wagons there were about seuentie taken, the rest escaped. This vnfortunate incounter made many poore men, who went themselues to Gant and Antuerpe, to sell their marchandise, of the which there were some taken prisoners, who (besides all their losses) were hardly ransomed. Such encounters were made dayly on eyther side, whereby all traffique both in fayres and markets decayed.
At that time the Estates had their armie encamped neere vnto the village of Loos, in the B Chasteleine of Furnes in West-Flanders, in a commodious place, hauing but three thousand foot and eight hundred horse. The male contents thinking to rayse them from thence, went and encamped at Pont Rouard (called in Dutch Rousbrugghe) where they skirmished daily one with another: but seeing that they preuailed little, and got nothing but blowes, they retired from thence with the losse of three hundred men, to go and ioine with the prince of Parma before Cambray, where they expected the French.
The Seignior of Iuchy, gouernour of Cambray, had beene forced (but with the consent of the Estates) to treat with the duke of Aniou, brother to the French king, who had sent him certaine French companies, led by the Seignior of Balaigni, bastard to Iohn of Monluc, bishop of Valence. On the other side, the prince of Parma and the Wallon neighbour prouinces, C fearing least the French should settle themselues, and lodge there, sought all meanes possible to dislodge them by faire meanes, money, secret practises and intelligences with their partisans within the towne; the which not succeeding, the prince thought to force them by necessitie and famine, and therefore built forts and made trenches at all the approches vnto the towne, as at Marquion, Creuecaeur, Vauchelle, and other places, by means whereof he would besiege them farre off by whole yeares, cutting off the victuals and munition, which before the French brought vnto them. So as in the end beeing annoyed with the said forts and trenches, and by the horsemen which scoured the plaines, those of the towne grew to want all things, but bread and salt especially; for, as much as would be contained in a womans thymble, would cost aboue a penny. For whose succours, the duke of Aniou, according D to his promise, made all the hast he could to leuie men ouer all Fraunce. But before he could effect it, he was constrained first to seeke to pacifie the quarrell that was in Fraunce, touching the entertaining of the fifth Edict of peace, which some of the Spanish faction did kindle all they could, to crosse his designe.
The which being done, and the peace proclaymed in Fraunce, he assembled his armie about Chasteaudun, consisting of goodly troupes both of horse and foot, hauing the greatest part of the French nobilitie voluntaries, whom he had inuited to doe him this great and notable seruice; with the which were the old companies of men at armes, vnder the commaund of the lord of Bellegarde, all amounting to foure thousand horse and tenne thousand foot; the said duke marching with his artillerie in the head of his armie towards Cambray, E being resolued to giue battaile to the prince of Parma, if hee would attend him. Among the chiefe of his armie there were the marquesse de Elbeuf, the earles of la Val, S. Aignan and his sonne Rochpot, Montgomery, and Vantadour, the Viconts of Tureine and la Guerche, the Vidame of Amiens, the lords of Feruaques, la Chastre, S. Luc, Dieu, la Mauvissiere, and many others, with foure marshals of the campe, whereof Feruaques was the chiefe.
The Queene mother sought by entreaties and all other meanes to call backe her sonne (the duke of Aniou) from this expedition, and to hinder him from relieuing of Cambray: but he reiected all entreaties as inhumane, hauing promised the Estates not to fayle them in this extremitie, which made him to persist in his pretended enterprise. Some gaue it F out, that the Spaniards sought to corrupt him with great gifts, that he might desist from his intended enterprise: and that many of the French nobilitie, through the presents which they had receiued, and large promises, grew into suspition to haue secret intelligence with the Spaniard.
[Page 778] King Philip hearing of the duke of Aniou his great preparations, supposing that such great A troupes, beeing like vnto a royall armie, could not bee raysed without the kings consent, hee 1581 complained by his embassadour of his brothers great preparation, to aid and protect his rebellious subiects of the Netherlands, who were enemies of the true Religion, and of the faith of Christ, against their naturall prince, against the Catholicke faith, and against a king which was his kinsman and good f [...]iend, hauing neuer giuen him any cause of so great a wrong; and therefore he could not beleeue, that so great forces could be gathered together, without the kings aid and consent: entreating him therefore, that seeing he had receiued no wrong from him, he would also forbeare to iniure a king that was his friend and kinsman. Answere was made vnto the embassadour, That the French king had neuer wronged, nor yet thought to wrong a king which was his friend and allie, neither was it fit for his greatnesse, who carrieth B the name of most Christian, to seeke the ruine of the Catholicke faith, or not to oppose himselfe against them that should contradict it: That those armes were then raysed against the kings will, the which had beene so often turned to the wasting, spoyling, and ruine of miserable Fraunce; and who would thinke that it had beene with the kings consent? neither could the king at this time frustrate his brothers resolutions, no more than when the Huguenots turned their armes against the bowels of the kingdome: That the king of Spaine should employ his forces against those disobedient and obstinate Frenchmen, and punish them as his owne rebels, the which should be very gratefull vnto him. And for that it seemed the French king feared, that vnder pretext of succouring of Cambray, his brother (the duke of Aniou) might turne his forces against Fraunce; or that the Spaniard (if he were victor) should break C in vpon his frontiers, to be reuenged of these fuccours which the king had not hindered, hee gathered together thirtie companies of men at armes, and threescore ensignes of foot, and sent them to the frontiers of Picardie, to defend the confines of his kingdome against the furie and rashnesse of eyther partie that should ouercome. Whereupon the prince of Parma grew into great feare and iealousie at the approch of the kings troupes vnto the frontiers: but the French king sent him word, That he should not thinke that they were sent to attempt any thing against his person, but onely to secure the confines of his kingdome against the insolencie of the troupes that should vanquish, that he might not leaue his subiects vpon the frontiers abandoned, for that all victories (how temperat and modest soeuer the generall be) are commonly insolent by the disorders of the souldiers. D
With all this goodly traine (as aforesaid) the duke approched neere to Cambray the sixteenth of August, on which day certaine yong noblemen of his armie being too farre aduanced, were charged by the marquesse of Roubay, Vicont of Gant, generall of the prince of Parma his horse, who put them to rout, such as escaped running speedily to the body of their armie. At which encounter the Vicont of Tureine and the earle of Vancadour were taken prisoners. The prince of Parma (who was also neere vnto Cambray with all his forces) making shew that he would hinder the victualling thereof, presented himselfe in battaile the seuenteenth day with all his armie, where he stood six houres in the face of the French, as if he would haue fought with them, wherunto the said marquesse of Roubay did much persuade and importune him. The duke had no other conceit, but that he came to giue him battaile, E causing his armie to aduance softly in good order, to receiue him, if he would seeke to stoppe his passage vnto the towne. But the prince seeing his resolution, hauing taken good view of his forces (like vnto the duke of Alua) being loth to hazard any thing, hee retyred (abandoning all his forts) to Valenciennes, where he encamped.
The next day (beeing the eighteenth of the moneth) the duke of Aniou marching still in good order, approched neere vnto the towne: where, hauing caused all the victuals and munition (which he had brought in great quantitie) to enter, after that hee had Cambray victualled. forced the Spanish armie to rise, he victualled it to the full, and entred himselfe in person, where he was triumphantly receiued with great ioy of all the people, and acknowledged protector of Cambray and Cambresis, held simply of the empire, the which in old time were F wont to be neuters.
The twentieth of the moneth he tooke a solemne oath in the Cathedrall Church, and afterwards in the Towne-house, to gouerne and maintaine the said citie and countrey, and the citizens, bourgers and inhabitants thereof, in their auncient liberties, freedomes, and rights, [Page 797] after which there was gold and siluer cast among the people. The one and twentieth day he A departed from thence with all his armie, marching towards Arleux and Scluce, with an entent 1581 to fight with the Spaniards, who retyred further into the countrey. Then he returned to besiege castle Cambresis, which yeelded by composition, hauing endured 219 canon shot. There went foorth three companies with their armes, and their matches out. At this siege, the Vicont of Touar was slaine, and the Seignior of Balaigne shot in the calfe of the legge.
The duke of Aniou being come thus farre, he was earnestly entreated by the generall Estates and the prince of Orange to passe on, and to enter into the Netherlands, hauing a part Castle Cambresis taken by the duke. of their armie in Flanders, vnder the commaund of the pri [...]ce of Espinoy, and the regiments of la Garde and Stuart, all which should goe and ioyne with him: but Winter approching, B and his armie consisting for the most part of voluntaries, and the best part of his horse, being the kings companies of men at armes, whereof he could not dispose at his pleasure, and withall, the nobilitie being at discord for the places of honour, there was no meanes to make them yeeld thereunto, the voluntaries and men at armes retyring home to their houses: yet there remained some troupes to enter into the countrey, the which not daring to passe by Arthois, returned into France, and tooke their way along the frontiers towards Calice, where they entred into Flanders, and ioyned with the Estates armie.
❧ The Generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces of Gueldres, Holland, Zeeland, Zutphen, Friseland, Oueryssel and Groeningen, hauing declared Prince PHILIP of Austria, second of that name, King of Spaine, fallen from the Seigniorie of the said Prouinces, by reason of his extraordinarie and too violent gouernment against their priuiledges and freedomes, solemnely sworne by him, haue by the way of right and armes taken vpon them all the gouernment of the politicke Estate, and of the Religion in the said Prouinces, in the yeare 1581.
THE XII. BOOKE. 1581
THe generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces of Gueldres, Holland, Zeeland, Zutphen, Vtrecht, Friseland, Oueryssel, and Groeningen, tooke vpon them the gouernment of the said Prouinces, after they had declared the King of Spaine to be fallen from the Seigniorie therof by a solemne Edict, hauing abiured him, broken his seals, absolued the subiects of their oath, and made them take a new [...], for the preseruation of their countrey, and obedience to the said Estates. The prince of Parma besiegeth Tournay, which in the end yeeldeth. The prince of Orange desireth to quit the place of Lieutenant generall, after the departure of the archduke Mathias, and is intreated to continue it, whereupon he giues some admonitions to the Estates, but to small purpose. The duke of Aniou commeth into the Netherlands, is created duke of Brabant. A bargaine made by the king of Spaine to kill the prince of Orange, who was shot, and in great danger of his life, and the murtherer slaine. The siege of Oudenarde yeelded to the Spaniard. Alost taken by scalado for the duke of Aniou. Death of the princesse of Orange. The duke created earle of Flanders. An attempt against the duke and the prince of Orange at Bruges, for the which one was executed at Paris. The dukes armie charged neere vnto Gant by the prince of Parma, but it retires safe neere vnto Antuerpe. Lochen besieged by the Spaniard, relieued by the earle of Hohenlo in the Estates name. The strangers called backe into the Netherlands by the disunited forces. The French king refuseth to succour the duke his brother, who assureth himselfe of Dunkerke. Being ill aduised, he seekes to seize vpon the towne of Antuerpe, where his chiefe nobilitie was slaine: the like was attempted in diuers other townes, whereof the prince of Parma seekes to make his profit, and the duke growes odious, and yet the prince of Orange laboureth to reconcile all, the which he did by the meanes of the Seignior of Bellieure, sent by the king of Fraunce. The duke yeelding vnto the Estates the townes which he had seized on, returneth into Fraunce. Another proiect to murther the prince of Orange, by [...]e Pedro Dordogne, and another at Flessingue, by Hans Hanson. The marshall of Biron retireth with the duke of A [...]u his troupes. The prince leauing Antuerpe, commeth into Holland, where there is some speech to [...] erle of Holland, but without effect. Imbise called home by them of Gant, he plotteth his owne ruin, and is beheaded at Gant as a traytar, after that hee had sought to yeeld it, with Denremonde, to the Spaniard. Ypre yeelded by necessitie to the Spaniard, and Bruges by the prince of Chymay his practises. Lillo besieged in vaine by the Spaniard. The prince of Orange murthered at Delft. Prince Maurice succeeds his father in the gouernment: the towne of Antuerpe blocked vp: the riuer stopped: Gant and Denremonde yeelded. The endeuors of them of Antuerpe: the resolution of the Estates vpon the demaund of a new prince: they send deputies to the French king, who excuseth himselfe vpon the ciuile warres. Nymmeghen, Doesbourg, Brussels, Macklyn, and other places yeelded to the Spaniard. The Estates men defeated at Coestein, and neere to Amerongen: in the end Antuerpe is yeelded. During this siege, the Estates sent their deputies to the queene of England, who accepteth their protection, and sends her lieutenant for their preseruation.
IN the alterations which happen sometimes in an Estate betwixt the Soueraigne prince and a people that is free and priuiledged, there are ordinarily two points, which make them to ayme at two diuers ends: The one is, when as the prince seekes to haue a full subiection and obedience of the people, and the people contrariwise require, that the prince shold maintaine them in their freedoms and liberties, which he hath promised and sworn solemnly vnto them before his reception to the principalitie. Therupon quarrels grow: the prince will hold a hard hand, and will seeke by force to be obeied; and the subiects rising against the prince, oftentimes with dangerous tumults, reiecting his authority, seeke to imbrace their full liberty.
[Page 782] In these first motions there happeneth sometimes communications and conferences, at A the instance of neighbours, who may haue interest therein, to quench this fire of diuision 1581 betwixt the prince and his people. And then if any one of the parties groweth obstinate, and will not yeeld although he seeme to be most in fault, it followeth of necessitie, that they must come to more violent remedies, that is to say, to armes. The power of the prince is great, when he is supported by other princes, which ioyne with him for the consequence of the example, else it is but small: but that of the people (which is the body, whereof the prince was the head) stirred vp by conscience (especially if the question of Religion bee touched) the members ordained for their function, doing ioyntly their dueties, is farre greater. Thereupon they wound, they kill, they burne, they ruine, and grow desperately mad: but what is the euent? God (who is an enemie of all tyrannie and disobedience) iudgeth B of their quarrels, weigheth them in his ballance of iustice, helping the rightfull cause, and eyther causeth the prince for his rigour and tyrannie to be chased away, and depriued of his estate and principalitie; or the people for their contempt and rebellion are punished & reduced vnto reason; which causeth the alterations to cease, and procureth a peace: whereof we could produce many examples, both ancient and moderne, if the relation of this historie did not furnish vs sufficiently.
So the generall Estates of the vnited prouinces, seeing, that king Philip would not in any sort (through his wilfulnesse) yeeld vnto their humble suite and petitions: and notwithstanding all the offers they could make to purchase a good, firme, and an assured peace, (notwithstanding all the intercessions both of the Emperour, the French king, the Queene C of England, and other great princes and potentates of Christendome, yet would hee not glue eare to any other reason, but what himselfe did propound: the which the said Estates did not onely find vniust and vnreasonable, directly repugnant to the liberties, constitutions, and freedomes of the countrey; but also contrarie to their consciences, and as it were so many snares layed to catch them, which were in no sort to bee allowed of, nor receiued, considering the qualitie of their affayres and his, according to the time that was then. In the end, reiecting all feare of his power and threats, seeing that they were forced to enter into all courses of extremitie against a prince, which held himselfe so heynously offended, as no reconciliation could be expected, relying vpon the iustice and equitie of their cause, and sinceritie of their consciences (which are two brasen bulwarkes) they were fully resolued D (without dissembling) to take the matter thus aduaunced in hand, and opposing force against force, meanes against meanes, and practises against practises, to declare him quite fallen from the Seigniorie, preheminence, and authoritie, which before the troubles, the breach of their priuiledges, rights, freedomes, and immunities, so often and so solemnely swome by him and dispensation of his othes, hee had or was wont to haue in the said prouinces respectiuely, whereof they made open declaration by a publicke Edict, the tenor whereof followeth.
The Generall Estates of the vnited prouinces of the Netherlands, to all those that these presents shall see, read, or heare, greeting. As it is well knowne vnto all men, that a prince The Edict [...]f the general Estates, declaring the king of Spain to be fallen frō the seigniorie of the Netherlands. and lord of a countrey is ordayned by God, to be soueraigne and head ouer his subiects, E and to preserue and defend them from all iniuries, force, and violence, euen as a shepheard for the defence of his sheepe, and that the subiects are not created by God for the prince, to obey him in all that he shall please to commaund, be it with God, or against him, reasonable or vnreasonable, nor to serue him as slaues and bondmen: but rather the prince ‘is ordayned for his subiects (without the which hee cannot bee a prince) to gouerne them according vnto equitie and reason, to take care for them, and to loue them euen as a father doth his children, or a shepheard his sheepe, who putteth both his bodie and life in danger, to defend and preserue them. If the prince therefore fayleth herein, and in steed of preseruing his subiects, doth outrage and oppresse them, depriueth them of their priuiledges and auncient customes, commaundeth them, and will bee serued F of them as of slaues, they are no longer bound to hold him and respect him as their Soueraigne prince and lord, but to repute and esteeme of him as a Tyrant; neyther are the subiects (according vnto law and reason) bound to acknowledge him for their prince: so [Page 783] as without any offence, being done with deliberation and the authority of the Estates of the A countrey, they may freely abandon him, and in his place chuse another for their prince and 1581 lord, to defend them: especially, when as the subiects by humble suit, intreatie, and admonitions, could neuer mollifie their princes heart, nor diuert him from his enterprises and tyrannous designes: so as they haue no other meanes left them to defend and preserue their auncient libertie, their wiues, children and posteritie, for the which (according to the lawes of nature) they are bound to expose both life and goods; as for the like occasions, wee haue seene it to fall out often in diuers countries, whereof the examples are yet fresh in memorie: The which ought especially to be of force in these countries, the which haue alwayes beene and ought to be gouerned, according vnto the oath taken by their princes, when they receiue them, conformable to their priuiledges and auncient customes, hauing B no power to infringe them: besides that, most part of the sayd prouinces haue alwayes receiued and admitted their princes and lords vpon certaine conditions, and by sworne contracts; the which if the prince shall violate, he is by right fallen from the superioritie of the countrey. So it is, that the king of Spaine, after the decease of the Emperour Charles the fifth (his father) of famous memorie (from whome all these countries were transported vnto him) forgetting the seruices, which as well his father as himselfe had receyued of these countries, and the inhabitants thereof, by the which especially the king of Spaine had obtayned such glorious and memorable victories against his enemies, as his name and power was renowmed and feared throughout all the world; forgetting also the admonitions which his sayd imperiall Maiestie had heretofore giuen him: but contrariwise, C hath giuen eare, beleefe, and credite vnto them of the counsell of Spaine which were about him; the sayd counsell hauing conceiued a secret hatred against these countries and their libertie, for that it was not lawfull for them to commaund there, and to gouerne them, or to merit among them the chiefe places and offices, as they doe in the realme of Naples, Sicilie, Millaine, at the Indies, and in other countries which were subiect vnto the kings commaund, being also mooued thereunto by the riches of the sayd countries, well knowne to most of them: The sayd counsell, or some of the chiefe of them, haue oftentimes giuen the king to vnderstand, That for his Maiesties reputation and greater authoritie, it were better to conquer the Netherlands anewe, and then to commaund freely and absolutely at his pleasure, then to gouerne them vnder such conditions, D which he had at his reception to the Seigniorie of the sayd countries sworne to obserue. The king of Spaine following this counsell, hath sought all meanes to reduce these countries (spoyling them of their auncient liberties) into seruitude, vnder the gouernment of the Spaniards: hauing vnder pretext of Religion sought first to thrust in new bishops into the chiefe and mightiest townes, indowing them with the richest Abbeyes, adding to euery bishop nine chanons to serue him as counsellors, whereof three should haue especiall charge of the Inquisition: By which incorporation of the sayd bishops, being his creatures, and at his deuotion and commaund (the which should happily haue beene chosen as well of strangers, as of them which were borne in the countrey) should haue the first place and the first voyce in the assemblies of the Estates of the E countrey: And by the adiunction of the said chanons, had brought in the Inquisition of Spaine, the which had alwayes beene so abhorred, and so odious in these countries, euen as slauerie it selfe, as all the world doth well know: So as his imperiall Maiestie hauing once propounded it vnto these countries, vpon due information giuen vnto his Maiestie, he ceased from any more speech thereof, shewing therein the great affection which hee bare vnto his subiects. Yet notwithstanding diuers declarations which were made vnto the king of Spaine, as well by the prouinces and townes in particular, as by some of the chiefe noblemen of the countrey, namely, by the baron of Montigny, and afterwards by the earle of Egmont, who by the consent of the duchesse of Parma (then Regent of the said countries) by the aduice of the counsell of Estate, and of the generaltie, had to F that end beene successiuely sent into Spaine: and notwithstanding that the king had by his owne mouth giuen them hope, that (according to their petitions) he would prouide for the contentment of the countrey; yet that hee had since by his letters done the contrarie, commaunding expresly, and vpon paine of his indignation, to receiue the new bishops presently, [Page 784] and to put them in possession of their new bishoprickes and incorporated abbeyes, to effect A the Inquisition, where they had begun to practise it, and to obey and obserue the decrees and 1581 canons of the counsell of Trent, the which in diuers points doe contradict the priuiledges of the countrey. The which being come to the knowledge of the commons, hath giuen iust occasion of so great an alteration among them, and greatly diminished the loue and great affection, the which (as good subiects) they had alwaies borne vnto the king and to his predecessors. For they called chiefely into consideration, that the king not onely pretended to tyrannize ouer their persons and goods, but also vpon their consciences, whereon they held themselues not to be answerable, nor bound to giue account to any one but to God onely. For this cause, and for the pitie they had of the poore people, the chiefe of the nobility in the country did in the yere 1566 exhibite certaine admonitions, by way of a petition, beseeching B him, that for the pacifying of the commons, and to auoid all tumults and seditions, it would please his Maiesty (shewing the loue and affection, which as a mild and mercifull prince hee bare vnto his subiects) to moderate the said points, and especially those which concerned the rigorous Inquisition, and the punishments for matters of Religion. And to informe the king more particularly thereof, and with more authoritie, and to let him vnderstand, how necessary it was for the good and prosperitie of the countrey, and for the maintenance of peace and tranquilitie, to abolish and disannull those innouations, and to moderat the rigour of publicke Edicts, for matter of Religion, the said marquesse of Berghes and baron of Montigny, at the request of the said lady Regent, the counsell of Estate, and the generall Estates of all the countries, went into Spaine as embassadours, whereas the king, in steed of giuing them C audience, and to preuent the inconueniences deliuered by them (the which, for that they were not remedied in time, as vrgent necessitie required, began in effect to discouer themselues throughout the whole countrey among the commons) by the instinct, persuasion, and aduice of the counsell of Spaine▪ he hath caused all them to be proclaymed rebels, and guiltie of high treason, and to haue forfeited bodie and goods, that presented the said petition: And moreouer (thinking himselfe to be fully assured of the countrey, by the forces and violence of the duke of Alua, and to haue reduced them vnder his full power and subiection) he had afterwards, against the lawes of nations (the which haue beene in all ages inuiolably obserued, yea▪ among the most barbarous and cruell nations, and most tyrannous princes) imprisoned, and caused the said noblemen embassadours to be put to death, confiscating D all their goods. And although that all this alteration (which had happened in the yeare 1566, vpon the foresaid occasion) was in a manner pacified by the Regent & her counsell, and that the greatest part of them which had presented themselues vnto her for the liberty of the countrey, were retired or chased away, and the rest brought vnder obedience: yet not to loose the oportunity which the counsell of Spaine had long expected (as it appeared plainly the same yeare 1566, by letters intercepted, which were written by the embassadour Alana to the duchesse of Parma) to haue meanes vnder some pretext to ouerthrow all the priuiledges of the countrey, and to gouerne them rigorously by the Spaniards (as they did the Indi [...] and other countries, which had beene newly conquered by them) he by the instruction and counsell of the said Spaniards (shewing therein the small affection which he bare vnto his subiects E of these countries, contrary to that whereunto he was bound, as their prince, protectour, and good shepheard) sent into these countries the duke of Alua, very famous for his rigor and crueltie, and one of the chiefe enemies of these countries with a counsell of the same humour and disposition. And although that the said duke of Alua entred with his army into this coū trey, without any let or opposition, & was receiued of the poore inhabitants with all reuerēce and honour, expecting all mildnesse and clemencie, according vnto that which the king had so often promised by his letters fainedly written; yea, that he was resolued to come himselfe in person into the countrey, and to order all things to euery mans content; the said king hauing besides all this (at the very instant of the duke of Alua his departure) caused a fleet of shippes to bee armed in Spaine, to bring him hither, and another in Zeeland to goe and F meet him (as the bruite was) to the great charge of the countrey, the better to abuse his poore subiects, and to draw them more easily into his snares: notwithstanding, the sayd duke of Alua presently after his arriuall (although hee were a stranger, and not any way of the bloud royall) gaue it out, that hee had a commission from the king, of chiefe [Page 785] captaine, and soone after of gouernour generall of the countrey, the which was quite contrarie A to the priuiledges and antient customes thereof: and discouering his designes plainely, he 1581 sodainly put garrisons into the chiefe townes and forts of the countrey, and then he built citadels in the richest and strongest townes, to keepe them in subiection. And by commaundement from the king (as they said) he friendly called vnto him, as well by letters, as otherwise, the chiefe noblemen of the countrey, pretending, that hee had need of their counsell and assistance, for the seruice of the king, and the good of the country: after the which he caused them to be apprehended, who (hauing giuen credit to his letters) were come vnto him, whom, contrarie to the priuiledges, he caused to be carried prisoners out of Brabant, where they had bin apprehended, causing their processe to be informed before him and his counsell (although they were no competent judges;) and before any due proofes were made, and the noblemen that were accused, fully heard in their defences, they were condemned to haue committed rebellion, B causing them to be publikely & ignominiously put to death. Others, who for that they were better acquainted with the Spaniards dissembling, were retired and kept out of the countrey, were declared rebels, and guiltie of high treason, and to haue forfeited bodies and goods: All which was done, to the end the poore inhabitants should not aid themselues in the iust defence of their libertie, against the oppression of the Spaniards and their forces, by the helpe and assistance of these noblemen, and princes: besides an infinit number of gentlemen and rich bourgers, whereof some he hath put to death, others he hath chased away and forfeited their goods, oppressing the rest of the good inhabitants, as well by the insolencie of the souldiers, as by other outrages in their wiues, children, and goods; as also by diuers exactions C and taxes, forcing them to contribute for the building of new citadels and fortifications of townes, which he made to oppresse them, and also to pay, the hundreth and the twentieth penie, for the paiment of souldiers, whereof some were brought by him, and others newly leuied, to imploy them against their countreymen, and them, who with the hazard of their liues sought to defend the liberties of their countrey: To the end that the subiects being thus impouerished, there should be no meanes to hinder or frustrat his designes, for the better effecting of the instructions which had beene giuen him in Spaine: which was, to vse the countrey as newly conquered: to which end, in some places and chiefe townes, he changed their forme of gouernment, and of iustice, and erected new consuls after the Spanish manner, directly contrarie to the priuiledges of the country. And in the end (thinking himselfe free from D all feare) he sought to bring in by force a certaine imposition of the tenth penie, vpon all merchandise and handiworkes, to the absolute ruine of the commons, whose good and prosperitie consists chiefly in traffique and handiworkes; notwithstanding manie admonitions and persuasions made to the contrarie, as well by euerie one of the prouinces in particular, as by all in generall. The which he had effected by violence, if it had not beene that soone after by the meanes of the prince of Orange, and a good number of gentlemen, and others borne in these countries, banished by this duke of Alua, following the partie of the said prince, and being for the most part in his seruice, and other inhabitants affected to the libertie of their countrey, the prouinces of Holland and Zeeland had not reuolted, and put themselues vnder the princes protection: Against which two prouinces the duke hath since, during his gouernment, E and after him the great Commaunder of Castile (sent in his place by the king, not to moderat any thing of his predecessors tyrannie, but to pursue it more couertly and cunningly than he had done) forced the prouinces, who by their garrisons and citadels, were made subiect to the Spanish yo [...]ke, to imploy their persons and meanes to helpe to subdue them: yet no wayes easing the said prouinces, but intreating them like enemies, suffering the Spaniards vnder colour of a mutinie, in view of the said Commander, to enter by force into the towne of Antuerpe, and there to remaine six weeks, liuing at discretion at the poor bourgers charge; forcing them moreouer (to be freed from their insolencies) to furnish foure hundred thousand florins, to pay the said Spaniards: Which done, the said souldiers (growing more bold through the sufferance of their commanders) presumed to take armes against the F countrey, seeking first to surprise Brussels, and in the place of the antient and ordinarie seat of princes, to make it a nest and denne of theeues. The which not succeeding according to their designe, they tooke Alost by force, and soone after forced the towne of Maestricht. And since beeing violently entred into Antuerpe, they spoyled it, sacked it, and wasted it with fire [Page 786] and sword, in such sort, as the most barbarous and cruell enemies could not haue done more, A to the vnspeakable losse not onely of the poore inhabitants, but in a manner of all the nations 1581 of the world, who had their merchandise, debts, and money there. And although the said Spaniards by a decree of the counsell of Estate (to whom the king by the death of the great Commaunder, had conferred the generall gouernment of the countrey) were in the presence of Ieronimo de Rhoda, proclaimed enemies to the countrey: yet the said Rhoda of his owne priuat authoritie (as it is to be presumed, by vertue of some secret instruction which hee had from Spaine) tooke vpon him to be the head of the said Spaniards, and their adherents, so as without respect of the counsell of Estate, hee vsurped the kings name and authoritie, counterfeited his seale, and carried himselfe as a gouernour and the kings lieutenant in these countries. The which moued the Estates at the same instant to agree with the prince of Orange, B and the Estates of Holland and Zeeland: which accord was allowed by the counsell of State (as lawfull gouernours) that they might iointly with their common forces, make war against the Spaniards: Omitting not as good subiects, by diuers humble petitions, to beseech the king to haue regard vnto the troubles, oppressions, and inconueniences, which had happened, and were like to follow: and that he would be pleased with all conuenient speed possible, to commaund the Spaniards to depart out of the countrey, and especially those which had bin the cause of the sacke and ruine of the chiefe townes of his countrey, and other innumerable insolencies and violences which his poore subiects had endured, to the comfort and ease of them that had endured them, and to the example of all others: Yet notwithstanding, the king (although that he made shew by words, that what had happened, displeased him, and was against C his will, and that he had an intent to punish the heads and authors, and to prouide for the quiet of the countrey with all clemencie, as it behooued a mercifull prince) hath not only neglected to punish the said heads and authors: but contrariwise (as it appeareth) all was with his consent and former resolution of the counsell of Spaine, as certaine letters of his, intercepted soone after, doe plainely shew: by the which it was written vnto Rhoda, and to the other captaines, authors of all the mischiefe, That the king not onely did not blame that action, but did allow thereof, and commend it, promising to recompence them, especially the said Rhoda, as hauing done him a singular seruice: The which at his returne into Spaine, and to all other ministers of the oppressions that were vsed in these countries, he did shew by effect. At the same time, the king thinking the better to blind the eyes of his subiects, sent into D these countries, for gouernour generall Dom Iohn of Austria, his bastard brother, as beeing of his bloud: who (making shew vnto the Estates, that he did allow of the pacification of Gant▪ promised to send away the Spaniards, to punish the authors of all insolencies and disorders, which had happened in the countrey, and to take an order for the generall peace, and the restoring of their antient liberties) sought to diuide the Estates, and to subdue one countrey after another. By the permission and prouidence of God, who is an enemie to all oppression, hee was discouered by the intercepting of certaine letters, where he was commanded by the king to gouerne himselfe in these countries, according to the instructions that should bee giuen him by Rhoda: And to couer this practise the king had forbidden Dom Iohn to see or speake one vnto another, commanding him to carrie himselfe vnto the chiefe noblemen, E with all mildnesse and courtesie, to win their loues; vntill that by their assistance and meanes, hee might reduce Holland and Zeeland, and afterwards worke his will of the other prouinces. Wereupon Dom Iohn, notwithstanding that he had solemnly sworne in the presence of all the Estates of the countrey, to obserue the said pacification of Gant, yet contrarie thereunto he sought by meanes of their colonels (whom hee had alreadie at his deuotion) and great promises, to win the German souldiers, who were then in garrison, & had the guard of the chiefe towns & forts of the country, whereof by that meanes he made himselfe master, holding himself assured of those places they held, & so by that means to force them that wold not ioyne with him, to make war against the prince of Orange and them of Holland and Zeeland, and so to raise a more bloudie and intestine warre, than had beene before. But as all F things that are treated cunningly & with dissimulation, cannot be long kept secret, Dom Iohns practises being discouered, before he could effect what he had designed, hee could not bring his conceptions and enterprises, to the end that hee pretended: Yet hee reuiued a new warre, the which continues vnto this day, in stead of rest and an assured peace, whereof hee did so [Page 787] much vaunt at his comming. Which reasons haue giuen vs great occasion to forsake the A king of Spaine, and to secke some other mightie and mercifull prince, to helpe to defend these 1581 countries, and to take them into his protection: And the rather, for that these countries haue endured such oppressions, receiued such wrongs, and haue beene forsaken and abandoned by their prince for the space of twentie yeares and more, during the which the inhabitants haue beene intreated not as subiects, but as enemies, their naturall prince and lord seeking to ruine them by armes. Moreouer, after the death of Dom Iohn, hauing sent the baron of Selles, who (vnder colour of propounding some meanes of an accord) declared sufficiently, That the king would not auow the pacification made at Gant (which Dom Iohn notwithstanding had sworne to maintaine) setting daily downe more hard conditions: Yet for that wee would discharge our selues of our duties, wee haue not omitted to make humble suit by writing, imploying moreouer the fauour of the greatest princes of Christendome, seeking by all B meanes without intermission, to reconcile our selues vnto the king; hauing also of late kept our deputies long at Cologne, hoping there (by the intercession of his imperiall Maiestie, and some princes electors) to haue obtained an assured peace, with some moderat tolleration of religion (the which doth chiefly concerne God and mens consciences) as the estate of the affaires of the country did then require: But in the end we found it by experience, that nothing was to be obtained from the king, by the conference at Cologne: and that it was practised and did onely serue to disunite and diuide the prouinces, that they might with the more facilitie vanquish and subdue, first one, and then another, and execute vpon them their first designes. The which hath since plainely appeared, by a certaine proscription, which the king C hath caused to bee published, whereby we and all the inhabitants of the vnited prouinces, and officers that hold their partie, are proclaimed rebels, and to haue forfeited liues and goods: Promising moreouer, a great summe of money to him that should slay the said prince, and all to make the poore inhabitants odious, to hinder their nauigation and traffique, and to bring them into extreame dispaire: so as dispairing of all meanes of reconciliation, and destitute of all other succours, and ayd, wee haue, according to the law of nature (for the tuition and defence of vs and other inhabitants, the rights, priuiledges, antient customes and libertie of the countrey, and the liues and honours of vs, our wiues, children, and posteritie, to the end they fall not into the slauerie of the Spaniards, leauing vpon iust cause the king of Spaine) beene forced to seeke out and find [...] other meanes, such as for the greater safetie and D preseruation of our rights, priuiledges, and liberties, wee haue thought most fit and conuenient.’
‘Wee therefore giue all men to vnderstand, That hauing duely considered all these things, and being prest by extreame necessitie, Wee haue by a generall resolution and consent, declared, and do declare by these presents, the king of Spaine, ipsoiure, to bee fallen from the seigniorie, principalitie, iurisdiction, and inheritance of these said countries: And that we are resolued, neuer to acknowledge him any more, in any matter concerning the prince, iurisdictions, or demeanes of these Netherlands, nor to vse hereafter, neither yet to suffer any other to vse his name as Soueraigne Lord thereof. According to the which we declare all officers, priuat noblemen, vassals, and other inhabitants of these countries, of what condition or qualitie E soeuer, to bee from henceforth discharged of the othe which they haue made in any manner whatsoeuer, vnto the king of Spaine▪ as lord of these countries, or of that wherby they may be bound vnto him. And for the aboue named reasons, the most part of the said vnited prouinces, by a common accord and consent of their members, haue submitted themselues vnder the command and gouernment of the high and mightie Prince, the Duke of Aniou and Alanson, &c. vpon certaine conditions contracted and accorded with his Highnesse: And that the archduke of Austria, Mathias, hath resigned into our hands the gouernment generall of these countries, the which hath beene accepted by vs. Wee enioyne and commaund all judges, officers, and all others, to whom it shall appertaine, That hereafter they leaue and forbeare to vse any more, the name, titles, great seale, or signet of the king of Spaine: And in stead thereof, F whilest that the duke of Aniou, for his vrgent affaires, concerning the good and welfare of the countrey, shall bee yet absent, for as much as shall concerne the prouinces which haue contracted with his Highnesse, and touching the rest by way of prouision, they shall vse the title and name of the chiefe and counsell of the countrey. And vntill that the said heads and [Page 788] counsellors, shall be named, called, and really established in the exercise of their charges, and 1581 A offices, they shall vse our name, except Holland and Zeeland, where they shall vse as they haue formerly done, the name of the prince of Orange, and of the Estates of the said Prouinces, vntill that the said counsell shal be in force, and then they shall gouerne themselues as it is agreed, touching the instructions giuen for the said counsell, & the accords made with his Highnesse. And in stead of the kings seals, they shall hereafter vse our great seale, counter seale, and signet, in matters concerning the gouernment generall, for the which the counsell of the countrey, according to their instructions shall haue authoritie: And in matters concerning the policie, administration of iustice, and other priuat acts of euerie prouince, the prouinciall consuls and others, shall respectiuely vse the name and seale of the said prouince, where the matter shall be in question, and no other, vpon paine of nullitie of the said letters, or dispatches which shall be otherwise made or sealed. And to the end these things may be the better obserued and effected, B we haue enioyned and commaunded, and doe enioyne and commaund by these presents, that all the king of Spaines seals, which are at this present within these vnited prouinces, shall be deliuered into the Estates hands, or to him that shall haue commission and authoritie from them, vpon paine of arbitrarie punishment. Moreouer, We ordaine and command, that from henceforth the name and armes of the king of Spaine, shall not be put nor stampt in any coynes of these vnited prouinces: but there shall bee such a figure set vpon them, as shall bee appointed for the coyning of new peeces of gold and siluer. In like sort we enioyne and commaund the president and lords of the priuie counsell, and all other chauncellors, presidents, prouinciall consuls, and all presidents and chiefe masters of accounts, and others of all C chambers of accounts, being respectiuely in these countries, and also all other judges and officers (as holding them discharged of the othe which they haue made vnto the king of Spaine, according to the tenor of their commissions) that they shall take a new othe in the hands of the Estates of the Prouince, where they are, or to their deputies, by the which they shal sweare to be faithfull to vs against the king of Spaine, and his adherents, according to the forme set downe by vs: and there shall be giuen to the said counsellors, masters of accounts, judges and officers, remaining in the prouinces which haue contracted with the duke of Aniou, in our name, an act of continuance in their offices, containing in steed of a new commission, a cassation or disannulling of their former, and that by way of prouision vntill his comming. And to counsellors, masters of accounts, judges, and officers, being resident in prouinces, which D haue not contracted with his Highnesse, a new commission shal be giuen vnder our name and seale, if the petitioners were not found faultie, to be of bad behauiour, to haue gone against the priuiledges of the countrey, or to haue committed some other disorder.’
‘We also command the president and them of the priuie counsell, the chancellor and counsel of Brabant, the gouernor, chancellor, and counsel of Gueldres and the countie of Zutphen, the president and counsell in Flanders, the president and counsell in Holland, the gouernour, [...] and counsell in Friseland, the president and counsell at Vtrecht, the bailife at Tour [...] [...]d Tournesis, the receiuors or chiefe officers of Beoosterscheldt and Bewesterscheldt in [...], the scout of Macklyn, and all other judges and officers whom it shall concerne, their lieu [...]ants, and euerie of them, presently without any delay, to publish this our decree in all E p [...]ces of their iurisdictions, and wheresoeuer they are accustomed to make proclamations, to [...]e end that no man may pretend any cause of ignorance: And that they may keepe and obserue, and cause to be kept and obserued inuiolably this our decree, without any fauour, support, or dissimulation; for we haue so thought it fit and conuenient for the good of the countrey. For the effecting whereof, wee giue to euerie one whom it shall concerne, full power and authoritie, and speciall commission. In witnesse whereof we haue caused our seale to bee hereunto annexed. Giuen at the Hage in our assembly the six and twentieth of Iuly 1581. Vnderneath was written, By the ordinance and decree of the said Estates, and signed I. Van Asseliers.’
According vnto this declaration of the Estates, there was a new forme of an othe drawne, F in maner of an abiuration of the king of Spain, and promise of duetie and obedience which euerie one should owe vnto the said Estates, by the publike officers, and magistrats of euerie towne and prouince, as followeth.
I sweare, That hereafter I shall not follow nor yeeld obedience to Philip king of Spaine, [Page 789] nor acknowledge him for my prince and lord, whom I do renownce by these presents, and A doe hold my selfe freed from all othes, and bonds, by the which I might be formerly tyed vnto 1581 The forme of the othe of abiuration of the king of Spain. him: whereof finding my selfe presently deliuered, I sweare a new, and bind my selfe to the vnited prouinces, and namely to them of Brabant, Gueldre, Holland, Zeeland, and their ‘allies, and to the soueraigne magistrats that are appointed, to be faithfull and loyall vnto them, to yeeld them all obedience, aid, and comfort, with all my power and meanes, against the king of Spaine and his adherents, and against all the enemies of the countrey. Promising as a good vassall of the countrey, to carrie my selfe faithfully and loyally, with shew of all obedience to my superiours: So helpe me the Almightie God.’
This decree being thus proclaimed, all the seales, counter seales, and secret signets of the king of Spaine, were broken and cancelled with solemnitie, by all the consuls of the said prouinces, B and others new made, by order of the generall Estates, for that which concerned the gouernment, and the affaires of the generalitie. And as for matters of iustice and policie, they vsed the seales, names, and titles of priuat gouernours, and prouinciall consuls. From that time there was no coins of gold, siluer, or copper, made with the name or titles of the king of Spain, but vpon stamps which the Estates had caused to be made in euerie prouince. All gouernors, superintendents, presidents, chauncellors, counsellors, and other officers, were discharged and absolued from their precedent othes, and did sweare fidelitie to the generall Estates, against the king of Spaine and his adherents, according to the forme aboue mentioned, to whom an act was sent for the continuation of their commissions. Many notwithstanding made great difficultie to abiure the king, and to take this new othe. Among others a counsellor of Friseland, C a man of great iudgement and experience, called Raalda, hearing this abiuration, propounded in open counsell at Leuwarden, and the renewing of the othe (whether it were through a sodaine amazement, or for the affection which he bare to the king of Spaine) was so mooued and troubled, as he fell presently into a conuulsion, and died sodainely. They were then in great doubt, that this would cause the king to arrest all the ships and merchandise of the Netherlanders, that were then in Spaine: but the great and extreame necessitie of corne which they had at that time in Spaine, was the cause that nothing was attempted against them.
Mathias Archduke of Austria, hauing (as we haue said) willingly resigned vp the gouernement The departure of the archduke Mathias out of the Netherlands. of the Netherlands, parted from Antuerpe the nine and twentieth of October, to retire D himselfe into Germanie, with a goodly traine and well attended, being richly and honourably intreated by the Estates, at his departure, as well by annuall pension, rich presents, readie money, and discharge of his expences and debts, as in many other gratuities and courtesies, notwithstanding that he was for a time suspected to haue had intelligence with the king of Spaine, his vncle and brother in law, and that he had a practise against the prince of Orange, his lieutenant (for the which his baker was committed to prison, who hauing confest some points of his interrogations, gaue cause to the world to giue some credit to these suspitions) not for any loue he bare vnto the Spaniards, but for that, by the calling of the duke of Aniou, brother to the French king, to the duchie of Brabant and earledome of Flanders, hee would not willingly haue seene these prouinces transferred into any other house, than that of Austria, E out of the which hee himselfe was issued, and from the which they were like to be dismembred.
At the same time the prince of Espinoy, gouernour of Tournay and Tournesis, sent to surprise S. Guislain surprised by the prince of Espynoy. the towne of Guislain in Henault, three leagues from Mons. Captaine Turquean had the charge of this exploit, whereof he discharged himselfe happily, so as this towne was reduced vnder the States commaund, to the great griefe of the earle of Lalaine, great bailife of Henault: but soone after it was recouered againe by the prince of Parma, where the said Turqueau was taken prisoner, who was afterwards so tortured, to make him confesse the secrets of the citie of Tournay, and of the prince of Espinoy, as he died thereof, being in a maner torne in peeces, against all law of armes. F
The prince of Espinoy being called (as we haue said before) by the foure members of Flanders to commaund their armie, going out of Tournay, hee had carried with him the best part of the garrison of the said towne, to march towards East-Flanders. The prince of Parma, by the aduice of the marquesse of Roubay, brother to the said Espinoy, taking hold of this occasion, [Page 790] and considering how much the towne of Tournay did import him, for the freeing of the A countries of Arthois, Henault, and the Chasteleine of Lille, in the middest whereof it is seated, 1581 he made shew as if he would follow the prince of Espinoy, and his troups, to make frustrat a certaine enterprise which he had vpon Graueling: but turning head sodainly, hee went to besiege Tournay, the which was vnfurnished both of gouernor and garrison, except the castle, where the princesse was remaining with the seignior of Estrailles, the princes lieutenant, and Tournay besieged by the prince of Parma. some few souldiers of the ordinarie garrison. The siege being laid, the campe intrencht, and artillerie planted, in great number, and in diuers places, both the town and the castle were battered together with six and thirtie peeces, and many mines and counter-mines were made of either side, after many sufficient breaches, diuers furious assaults being giuen, the which were valiantly repulst by the besieged, in the which they slew a great number of the enemie: the B bourgers, boyes, wiues, and maidens, shewed themselues as hardie and as couragious, as the old and well experienced souldiers. In which assaults the seignior of Vaux, newly made earle of Buguoy was slaine, with the seignior of S. Florisse, sonne to the lord of Glaison, and brother to the earle of Herlies, the seignior of Bours (before gouernour of Macklyn, who had yeelded vp the citadell of Antuerpe to the Estates) with many other famous and good captains, as wel Spaniards as others: At the which the lord of Montigny, chief of the male-cōtents (afterwards marques of Renty) and Gaspar of Robles, lord of Billy, were hurt. At these assaults, among diuers remarkable things, the Spaniards hauing blowne vp a mine, there were certaine maidens labouring at the rampar, buried in the ruines vp to the shoulders; the lord of Montigny comming to the assaults, and spying them, taking pitie of them, he commaunded they should be taken C vp, suffering them to returne safe into the towne. During the siege, in the end of Nouember there entred some three hundred horse into the towne, vnder the command of colonell Preston, a Scottish man, who hauing forced the Germans quarter in the Spanish campe, beat some horsemen, among the which was the prince of Chimays band of ordnance, of the which they carried away some thirtie. But these succours did not so much fortifie the besieged, as it did them harme in wasting of their prouision, and to discourage the burgers (among the which those of the reformed religion were the most resolute) by the report which they made vnto them, that they might not expect any succors from the duke of Aniou, who was gone into England, and his troups dispersed, although that the princes of Orange and Espinoy did hope well, that they would ioyne with their forces which they had in Flanders, and D so to go ioyntly and succour them, as the duke had done before Cambray: vpon which hope the besieged had alwayes done their best endeuors in all assaults. The princesse of Espinoy (incouraging the souldiers and bourgers vpon the rampar) was shot in the arme.
In the end the Protestant citizens, vpon whom alone depended the whole burthen of the defence of the towne (the Catholikes being persuaded by frie [...] Gery, not to defend themselues against the kings men) and withall Arthur bastard of Meleun, seignior of Fresne, lieutenant of the towne, growing cold, euery man did the like, neither did the bourgers performe their accustomed endeuors. The princesse and the seignior of Estraylles dispairing of all succours, they resolued to capitulat with the prince of Parma, after some conferences held betwixt her, the marquesse of Roubay her brother in law, and the marquesse of Renty, called Emanuel of Lalaine, E lord of Montigny her owne brother: whereunto the prince of Parma did willingly giue eare, and the rather for that he began to haue want of many things in his campe, especially of money and victuals, Winter also growing on, his men fell sicke, and many died of fluxes and other diseases, others grew weake and faint for want of good nourishment, and for cold and other extremities which they endured, which made him to make the more hast, and to yeeld Tournay yeelded by composition. them a good composition: The conditions were,
That the princesse might retire where she pleased, with al her family and houshold seruants, mouable goods, and baggage.
That the garrison should depart with their colours flying, armes, bag and baggage, whither they pleased. F
That the townes men to redeeme themselues from spoyle, should pay two hundred thousand florins.
That the Protestants that would retire themselues, and go liue in any place that were neuter, should enioy their goods, causing it to be receiued by Catholike persons.
[Page 791] That all prisoners taken during the siege, of either part, should bee set at libertie without any A ransome. 1581
That king Philip should take the towne into his protection, and pardon all that had carried armes against him.
That they of Tournay should be held faithfull subiects, and acknowledge king Philip for their naturall prince, who should not alter nor change any of their priuiledges.
That the artillerie and munition should bee deliuered vntouched, to the said prince of Parma.
And thus the towne was yeelded the 29 of Nouember 1581.
The princesse was much solicited by her brother and brother in law, to remain stil in Tournay, or at their house of Antoin, and to persuade the prince her husband to leaue the Estates, B and reconcile himselfe vnto the king. But she continued constant, and retired, with all her family, goods, mouables, and iewels, being accompanied by the seignior of Estrailles, the souldiers that were in garrison in the castle, and many good bourgers and rich merchants, going towards Audenarde, and so to Gant. The seignior of Fresne, bastard brother to the prince, remained still in the towne, following the kings partie, yet liuing as a priuat man, and without any credit.
The towne being yeelded on S. Andrewes day (whom the Burguignons hold for their patron) and all things set in good order, Maximillian of Morillon, vicar to the cardinall of Granuelle, in his archbishopricke of Macklin, was made bishop of Tournay, in the place of thé seignior of Oyenbrugghe (who retired also with the princesse, for that hee had beene placed there C by the sole authority of the prince of Espinoy) and liues at this day a priuat solitary life in Holland. It was then time to fortifie Audenarde, lying neerest vnto Tournay of any towne that held the States partie, and to man it with a strong and sufficient garrison. The which the vnwilling or vnaduised bourgers refused, saying, they were sufficient of themselues to defend the towne. By reason wherof the seignior of Mansard, a gentleman of Tournesis (who had alwaies followed the prince of Orange) being gouernor of the place, sought by policy to draw in souldiers for the prince and States: Which the bourgers discouering, after they had done him many affronts and indignities, hauing besieged him in the castle, in the end they forced him to forsake the towne with his company of foot, refusing to acknowledge him any more for gouernor, neither was he. The prince of Parma hearing of this mutinie, and meaning to make D his profit thereof, he sent certaine horsemen, who approaching neere vnto the towne, presented their seruice, but they would not hearken to them, which made the prince of Parma to goe and besiege them, as we will presently shew.
About the end of this yeare captaine Sale, gouernor of the towne of Bourbourg in West Flanders, for the Spaniard, hauing intelligence with captaine Bouffart of the States partie, promised to the prince of Orange and the said States, to deliuer them the town, to make his peace with them, and to purchase his reconciliation. Captaine Bouffart with some French men of the regiment of monsieur de Villeneufue, were sent for the execution of this exploit, who with part of his men past ouer the towne ditch, in a certaine place where there was least water: the rest which should haue followed him, loosing their way by the darkenesse of the night, remained E behind. Bouffart thinking that he had beene followed, and seconded by the rest, marched on, & entred the towne, where the seignior of la Motte pardieu, gouernor of Graueling, was at that time. At his entrie (which was not without bruit) Sale and his followers went to ioyne with him▪ giuing an hot alarme: la Motte & his people comming to incounter them, there was a cruell fight, whereas Bouffart for want of being followed, was slaine, and all they that entred with him, were either slaine or prisoners. Sale was also slaine, desiring rather to die, than to bee taken prisoner. And so this enterprise failed.
On the fifth of December the seignior of Bersele (sonne to the lord of Gaesbeke, brother to the seignior of Heze) marquesse of Berghen, in the right of his wife, who was daughter to the lord of Petershem, of the house of Merode, hauing vntill that time carried himselfe a Neuter, F and liued in his castle of Woude, a league from his towne of Berghen vpon Soom, hauing gathered certaine troups together, with the seignior of Haurepenne, gouernour of Breda, they made an enterprise vpon Berghen, thinking to wrest it from the States, and to reduce it vnder the king of Spaines obedience. For the effecting whereof, hauing some intelligence within [Page 792] the towne, they caused foure hundred men to approach, whereof a part entred into the town, A by a hole ioyning to the Sluce, although there was a centinell placed there, the which at that 1581 time was halfe deafe, besides the fogge was so great, as they could not discerne three paces off, the which did wonderfully fauour their enterprise: But two hundred of those vndertakers being entred without discouerie, by chance a souldier of the town guard, walking vp and down, met them, and knew them, so as he presently cried to armes, the which staied the rest that wold haue haue entred, finding also some other stop. Yet those that were entred marched in good order through the towne, vnto the market place, bending towards the port of Woude, which they thought to breake open by force, and to'draw in the horse which were there attending. The French garrison which was within the towne, of la Gards regiment, was at the first much amazed with this sodaine surprise: but colonel Allein and captain Durant arriuing, they took courage, and charged the enemie with such furie, as they had no means nor leasure to breake B the said port, all flying to the rampar, to cast themselues downe into the ditch, and so to saue themselues. Whereof there were some seuentie slaine, and about an hundred prisoners, among the which was captaine Paulo Boboca: captaine la Riuiere was slaine, and there were not many escaped, but were hurt. See how by this enterprise which succeeded not the marquesse of Berghen declared himselfe an enemie to the States, and so hee carried himselfe vntill his death, which was two or three yeares after.
In the meane time the affaires of Flanders were nothing pleasing to the prince of Orange, for the repairing whereof he was much troubled, and yet preuailed little, parting in December from Gant, he returned to Antuerpe, where on the twentieth day of the moneth the generall C Estates being assembled, he gaue them to vnderstand, That by the voluntarie departure and The prince of Oranges desire to be discharged of his place. retreat of the archduke Mathias (whose lieutenant he had beene in the gouernment of the Netherlands) he was in like sort discharged of the said office, and therefore they should otherwise aduise for their affaires. Whereupon hee was intrea [...]d by the Estates, to continue his charge vntill the end of Ianuarie following, when as they attended the comming of the duke of Aniou. Whereupon he made answer, That seeing for his honour, for the good of the countrey, The States answer to the princes demād and for their seruice, they found it conuenient it should be so, he would in the meane time put ‘them in mind of things which had happened the yeares past, for want of their good gouernement. And although (said he) that the enemie being master of the field, had in a manner done what he would, which they could not hinder, yet (God be thanked) he had not won all: seeing D that with all his forces dispersed here and there, hee had not much aduanced in Friseland and Guelderland, nor yet in Brabant, but had been forced to imploy his chiefe power of men and artillerie, in Arthois and Henault, for the warre which the townes of Cambray and Tournay made him, hauing spent a whole yeare about Cambray, without whose great endeuours Tournay could not haue so long subsisted, and the enemie would haue beene far aduanced in Flanders. He said, That a yeare before (to preuent those losses) he had giuen the deputies to vnderstand, being then assembled, that they must haue three thousand horse, and two regiments of foot of increase. That they were to render thanks to God, and after him to the duke of Aniou, for the deliuery of Cambray, the which they had no meanes to succour, no more than Tournay, and all by their own fault, for if they had those three thousand horse, and the supply E of foot with their other troups, and had ioyned with the duke of Aniou, without doubt they had chased the Spaniard out of the countrey: being yet to be feared, that by their negligence, delayes, and weake resolutions, they would fall the yeare following into greater inconuenience than before. The which would happen (said he) for that not any one of them in particular, did thinke that this warre did concerne his life, goods, wife, children, and posteritie, seeking rather their priuat profit, than the publike: and withall euerie man refused to furnish money, according as he is taxed, without the which neither he nor any man liuing can make warrè. Not that he demanded the mannaging of the money, which they knew hee neuer had, nor euer desired, wherewith some calumnious persons (whose knowledge is better) would taxe him: but he had thought it good to admonish them hereof, that they might discerne and F prouide for that which was common to them all: seeing it hath beene hitherto obserued (the which they could not preuent) that not only euery prouince, but euery towne, hath his counsell of warre, his troups and his treasure apart. True it was, they had appointed a generall and head counsell, but without authoritie or power: for where there is neither authoritie, respect, [Page 793] nor obedience, how is it possible to settle any good order in militarie discipline, in the reuenues, A treasure, iustice, or policie, and in all other things concerning an estate? Being impossible 1582 that such a counsell can haue any authoritie or respect, when as they cannot dispose of a penie, as neither he nor that high counsell neuer yet could. To conclude (said hee) behold the fault and the inconuenience, which had hitherto detained them, and wherein they continued, the which (as he had formerly prophesied vnto them) would be the cause of their ruine, if God by his mercie did not preuent it. He therefore intreated them to consider well of that point, and to call them that vnderstood it, to the end the blame might not be laid vpon him. But if they would take a good course, and foresee it in time, they shold find by the effects (as he is bound) that he would not spare any thing that is in his power. Wherein they should striue the more, seeing that his gouernment extends but to the end of Ianuarie; and that for the present there was no other to gouerne but himselfe, and to order all things with all conuenient speed.’ B
This speech of the prince, although it were truly and sincerely deliuered, yet wrought it small effect: some prouinces being of opinion, the warre should be referred to the prince and the counsell of State, others said, that they must stay their resolution vntil the comming of the duke of Aniou. For the hastening whereof the seignior of S. Aldegonde, and doctor Iunius, bourgmaster of Antuerpe, were sent into England. The princes of Orange and Espinoy, with the other chiefe noblemen of the countrey, going to attend him at Middlebourg in Zeeland, there to receiue him.
In the meane time the townes of Doccum, Sloten, Staueren, with the Nyeuwe-zyel in the countrey of Friseland, being fortified for the Estates, the seigniour of Merode, gouernour of C that quarter, thought it good to giue order for the seuen Forrests, and to hold them better assured. Whereupon hee commaunded monsieur Nienwenoort, a knight, to fortifie the Borough of Oldenborne, and to lodge there with six companies of foot. Colonell Verdugo, gouernour of Groningue for the king of Spaine, went therefore the 24 of Ianuarie, thinking to dislodge him: but seeing himselfe so roughly entertained by the sallies of them of the garrison, & hearing of the preparation which the Estates made to succour it, he retired, not without losse: for the knight Nienwenoort, fell vpon his rereward, the which he defeated, his men carrying away a great spoyle, and many prisoners. Some time after the places of Brouckhorst and Keppel yeelded to the Spaniard: Colonell Norris, who was then in Friseland, besieged them, but hee preuailed nothing. D
The duke of Aniou (as we haue said) gone the first of Nouember into England, beeing accompanied The duke of Aniou comes out of England into Zeeland. by the prince Daulphin, sonne to the duke of Montpenser, the earles of Laual (son to the lord d' Andelot) S. Aignan and Chasteauroux, the seigniours d' Espruneaux, Feruaques, Bacqueuille, Cheualier Breton, Theligny, and others, whither also came the seignior of Inchy, gouernor of Cambray. He was entertained with great pompe and state by the Queen, where hauing spent three moneths in great pleasure and delight, hee departed from London the first of Februarie, being accompanied by the Queene, who conducted him towards Douer. And the eight day following, after leaue taken, and that the Queene had recommended the affaires of the Netherlands vnto him, counselling him to gouerne them mildly, and aduising him aboue al to win the hearts of the people and of the nobilitie, and to vse their counsel: E assuring him, that in so doing, his estate would haue a good foundation, and be durable. In the end he imbarked in the Queens ships, which attended him, being accompanied in his voiage by the earle of Leicester, the lord Charles Howard, admirall of England, and the baron of Honsdon, all three Knights of the Garter, and of her Maiesties counsell. To whom she gaue charge to say vnto the prince of Orange, and other noblemen, and the Estates of the Netherlands, That the seruice they should do vnto the said Duke, shee would hold it, and repute it as done vnto her owne person. There were also many other English noblemen in his companie, as the lord Willoughby, Sheffeld, Windsore, and many knights, as Sir Philip Sidney, Shurley, Parrat, Drury, and the sonnes of the lord Howard, with diuers other knights and gentlemen of account, with a goodly traine of seruants richly appointed, with the which the Duke arriued at Flessingue F the tenth of Februarie, whereas the princes of Orange and Espinoy, and the chiefe nobilitie, with the deputies of the Estates, went to receiue him, after that they had long attended his comming. The said princes and noblemen put twice to sea in a small boat, to goe and salute him, but they could not get aboord his ship, nor come neere it, so as hee tooke his long boat [Page 794] to go to land, whereas the prince of Orange imbracing his thigh, said, That hee held himselfe 1582 A verie happie to see that desired day, when as he might offer vnto him his most humble seruice, all his meanes, his person, and his life, hoping that he should be the only cause, that the Netherlands (after so long sufferance) should in the end be freed. Whereupon the Duke hauing imbraced him, the prince of Espinoy, and the other chiefe noblemen, answered in few words and very modestly, Thanking them verie heartily for the honor they did him. I Iohn Petit. did obserue at his landing (being then present, & an houshold seruant to the prince of Orange) that the duke going out of the boat to step on land, tript a little with the right foot, and might haue fallen into the water, if he had not beene held. Some discoursed afterwards of this small mishap, and tooke it for an ill presage.
Being entred into the towne of Flessingue (when he could not in a maner see any thing for B the smoke of the canon, which was discharged from the town and ships) he was conducted to the towne-house, where his lodging was prepared, and dinner readie, staying there vntill the next day, from whence after his repast (being then exceeding cold) hee wenton foot with all the princes and noblemen, to Middleburg, which is a good league distant from thence, where he was receiued very honorably without the town gate, by the deputies of the Estates of the countie of Zeeland; the bourgers being ten ensignes, were in armes wel appointed both without and within the towne, to guard him. The next day hee had a very stately banquet made him at the towne-house, the which was the most rare and sumptuous (considering their small time of preparation) that had been made him in all the Netherlands, which made him admire C the riches and sumptuousnesse of such a towne, seated in so small an island, besides the goodly presents which the magistrats made vnto him: hauing staid vntill the 17 day, he departed to go vnto Antuerpe, and lodged that night in the fort of Lillo, vpon the riuer of Escault.
FRANCIS DE VALOIS, DVKE OF ANiou, 1582 of Brabant, &c. Earle of Flanders, &c. Protector of the Belgicke Libertie.
[Page 796] THE twentie ninth of Februarie the Duke of Aniou (to make his ioyfull 1582 A entrie into the towne of Antuerpe, where hee was attended in great deuotion with an incredible preparation, all his ships of warre hauing their pauillions and standerds flying, with a wonderfull noyse of trumpets, drummes, and canon shot) he sayled along the towne, whereas all the kayes were full of men in armes, and landed beyond the castle, in the suburbe beyond the towne, whereas the salt pits be called the Kiel: At which place there was a great scaffold made, and richly hanged, where being mounted, there was read vnto him in the vulgar tongue, and interpreted into French, the priuiledges, statutes, and ordinances of the duchie of Brabant, of the towne of Antuerpe, and of the marquisite of B the holy empire, which belongs to the same towne, and the iurisdiction thereof. The which he sware and promised to entertaine vpon the holy Euangils, in the hands of the seignior Theodore of Lysfeldt, chancellor of Brabant. As in like sort the chiefe noblemen, gentlemen, and The Duke of Aniou created Duke of Brabant. others there present, his vassals, by reason of the said duchy and marquisit, tooke their othe, and did him homage, all with great ioy of the people, and of all the assistants. Then was hee attired by the princes of Orange and Espinoy, with the dukes robe of crimson veluet, surred with Ermins; the prince of Orange saying, Let vs make fast this button, that the robe may not be pulled away. Then was the hat put on his head, the prince Daulphin saying to the prince of Orange, Brother set it fast on, that it fly not off. All was performed with great pompe and ceremonies, the which continued almost two howers, there being all that day aboue twentie thousand C men in armes, as well within as without the towne. All these solemnities of his reception, inuestiture, othes, and homages, being ended, the pentioner of the towne of Antuerpe, called M. Iohn vanden Werke, made (by commandement of the magistrat) a speech vnto the people, shewing, That the Duke would in like sort take a particular othe, for the marquisite of the holy empire, and that they should pray vnto God, that by such solemne acts, redounding to his honour and gloire, the countrey might flourish in all happinesse and prosperitie. This Oration being ended, the Duke tooke the said othe in the hands of the seignior of Stralen, Amptman of the towne, who in signe of acknowledgement and obedience, presented him a golden key, the which the duke returned him backe againe, and commaunded him to keepe it safely. D
These solemnities being finished, the heralds with their coats of armes of Brabant, Lembourg, and Lothier, bare headed, began to crie, God saue the Duke of Brabant, and the trumpets sounding, they cast among the people many handfuls of gold & siluer. On the one side of the coynes was his picture with his name and titles, and on the other his deuice, drawne from the vertue of the Sunne, with these words, Fo [...]et & discutit, that is, He doth nourish and chase away. This done, the Duke going from the scaffold with the princes and noblemen, that did accompanie him, went to horseback, being mounted vpon a goodly Neapolitan courser, and so went towards the towne. Before him there marched in goodly order, first the sergeant maiors the officers of the town house, the trumpets of the towne, merchant strangers, Dutch and Easterlings, all in white, and well mounted, the English in blacke veluet, the colonels and captaines E of the towne, then many gentlemen, as well of the Netherlands as French and English: after followed the magistrats and chiefe officers of the town, as the Amptman, Bourgmasters, Sherifes, Pentioners, Secretaries, Treasurers, Receiuers, and other officers, beeing followed by the trumpets of the Estates. Then marched in order the deputies of the Estates of euery prouince, first they of the duchy, and nobles of Brabant, after whom followed the chauncellor of Brabant, and with him cont Lamoral of Egmont, as baron of Gaesbeke: then his guard of Switsers, being followed by many gentlemen of the countrey, French and English: after whom came the Duke in his ornaments, hauing before him, first the Markgraue of Antuerpe, bare headed, carrying his long rod, the marke of iustice: then the baron of Merode, seignior of Petershem, who that day supplied the place of marshall of Brabant, carrying a naked sword: the F said nobleman marched in the middest of three of the sworne companies of the towne, that is of crossebowes, archers, and harguebusiers, with as goodly armes as could be seene, seruing him as a guard: then followed his French guard on horsebacke, carrying petronels, attyred in crimson veluet, laid with silke and gold lace, the Duke marching in this pompe towards the [Page 797] towne. At the port there were six gentlemen, carrying a canopie of cloth of gold, richly A embroidered, who attended him, vnder the which hee rode alone through the citie vnto 1582 his palace.
At his entrie he found a triumphant chariot of the vnion, on the which was set a faire virgine, The dukes entrie into Antuerpe. richly adorned, representing the virgine of Antuerpe: and at euery corner of a street, where he should passe, scaffolds were made, whereon they did figure diuers histories and morals, fit for the reception of a new prince, to serue him as an example and president; the which for the most part were interpreted vnto him, with many arches, colosses, pyramides, and other shewes of triumph. All which solemnities and ceremonies continued vntill night, the canon still thundering from the rampars. In the end he was conducted with this royall traine vnto his palace, in the abbey of S. Michael, where supper attended him, being also prepared for al the B noblemen that did accompanie him.
Thursday following (being the two and twentieth day of the moneth) the duke went vnto the towne-house, before the which there was a great scaffold erected, and richly appointed, where (according to the accustomed solemnities and ceremonies) he tooke a particular oath The dukes oth to the towne of Antuerpe. to the towne of Antuerpe, in the bourgomasters hands, with an oration to the people, pronounced by the pentioner. Then the Amptman did read with a loud voice in the vulgar tongue to the bourgomasters, sherifes, officers, counsell of the towne, and to all the people, the oath which they made vnto the duke, so as lifting vp their hands, they did sweare fealtie and obedience vnto him; which done, they cast gold and siluer abroad as before: after which the duke, with all the noblemen, French, English and Netherlanders, went and dined in the C State house.
The duke being thus inuested in the duchie of Brabant, and the Marquisite of the holy empire, the Romish Catholickes of the towne of Antuerpe did importune him to haue free and publicke exercise of their Religion, relying vpon the dukes profession of the same Religion: to whom in the end there was graunted (by the aduice of the prince of Orange and the counsell of Estate) that they might assist at Masse, Euensong, and other ceremonies in the temple of S. Michaels abbey, when as the duke should be present, vpon condition, that they should take the oath which was propounded vnto them. On the other side, the prince of Orange presented vnto him the deputies of the consistories of the Protestant Religion, who came to congratulate his happie comming to this new Estate and duchie of Brabant, offering D him all seruice, fidelitie, and obedience, as to their prince and soueraigne lord, beseeching him, that he would in like sort receiue them vnder his defence, safegard and protection, as his most humble subiects and obedient vassals: and representing vnto him the example of his grand father Francis the first, they besought him to haue learning and learned men in recommendation, and then they ended their speech, with a prayer vnto God, That hee would giue him the courage of Dauid, the wisedome of Salomon, and the zeale of Ezechias. Whereupon the duke answered, That hee was glad and very well pleased to see their concord and vnitie; that he did hope so to gouerne them, as they should neuer be frustrate of that good expectation which they had of him, wherein he would imitate the steps of his predecessours; and so thanking them for the loue and affection they seemed to beare him, he receiued them and all E the people in generall vnder his defence and protection, intreating them, that they would perseuer in their profession and good endeuors, promising to maintaine them therein, & to gratifie all learned men, professors, schollers, and others.
After the conquest of the towne of Tournay, the prince of Parma suffered his armie to rest some time in the townes and places which hee had recouered from the Estates, where they made themselues to be serued and obserued after the Spanish manner. And in the mean time hee held a counsell with the Estates of Arthois and Henault, not onely concerning the gouernment generall (which the duchesse his mother, being returned to Namur, pretended, as we haue said) but chiefely to cause his Spanish, Italian, high Dutch, and Bourguignon forces to returne, who (according to the treatie of their reconciliation) were gone out of the F countrey: whereon he did the more insist, pretending that the said article was put into the treatie, onely to induce and moue the other prouinces of Brabant, Flanders &c. to enter into the reconciliation, who if they had reconciled themselues, as they did, the said troupes had then beene quite excluded, as vnprofitable in these parts. But now (said he) seeing it hath not [Page 798] succeeded, and that the vnreconciled prouinces had now showne themselues greater enemies A to the king and them, than euer, hauing called the French to their aid, it was more 1582 than necessarie for their good and the kings seruice to haue those strange souldiors called backe. Whereunto in the end the Estates of Arthois and Henault yeelded, for the which an Act was made, which Damp Iohn Sarasin, abbot of S. Vaast in Arras, carried into Spaine, hauing his brother N. Sarasin (a taylor by profession) with him, whom the king (for the loue of the sayd abbot) made a knight, and afterwards (by meanes of the church goods, and the helpe of my lord abbot) hee attained to great wealth, and among other things hee purchased the Seigniorie of Alennes: by meanes whereof, and of his knighthood, this taylor (by the recommendation of his brother) obtained letters of Estate, to be admitted with the chiefe noblemen in the assembly of the Estates of the countie of Arthois: and so might B the said abbot (whom the king had made counsellor of Estate in the Netherlands) discouer the secrets of the particular Estates of Arthois: for which cause hee was afterwards excluded by the auncient nobilitie of the countrey, not without an affront, which hee disgested quietly.
This abbot (when as all men would seeme to make shew to be well affected vnto their countrey, against Dom Iohn of Austria) did write a bitter inuectiue against the tyrannous and cruell gouernment of the Spaniards. He was learned and well spoken, a right Courtier, and exceeding ambitious, in the end he became archbishop of Cambray, in which hee dyed, in the yeare 1598. According vnto the dispatch of this abbot, touching the accord which was made with them of Arthois and Henault, the king did presently leuie C two regiments of Spaniards, two of Italians, and some of the high Dutchmen, both horse and foot, sending seuen hundred thousand duckets for the warres of the Netherlands.
A little before, and also at the same season, the king honoured some noblemen (his vassales) of those countries with goodly titles, but more honourable than profitable. Robert of Melun, lord of Richebourg, and, by his wife, Vicont of Gant (although that in the time of Dom Iohn he had beene a great enemie vnto him) and gouernour of Arthois, was created marquesse of Roubay, the which being heretofore but a baronie, which his mother (the princesse of Espinoy) had giuen him: Oudard of Bournonuille, Seignior of Capres, gouernour of the towne and citie of Atras, had his baronie of Hennin Lietard translated D to an earledome: Iohn of S. Omer, Seignior of Morbeque, gouernour of Aire, was made earle of Morbeque; but he dyed before his letters patents came, and his sonnes afterwards neglected it: N. of Longueual, lord of Vaux, sometimes gouernour of Arras, was a little before his death made earle of Bucquoy: Maximilian of Villain, Siegniour of Rassinghem, gouernour of Lille, Douay, and Orchies, had his Seigniorie erected into an earledome: and afterwards, Valentine of Pardieu, Seignior of la Morte, gouernour of Graueling, of a poore gentleman was made earle of Eckelbeque, the which hee had bought of a Frenchman: The king of Spaine would also haue the marriage to be made and solemnized of the daughter and onely heire of the deceased marquesse of Renty, brother to the duke of Arschot, with Emanuel of Lalain, lord of Montigny so as the king E of Spaine did gratifie and honour many of his seruants with vaine titles▪ without any charge.
The duke of Aniou being newly created duke of Brabant, came into the assembly of the generall Estates of the vnited prouinces, in the towne of Antuerpe, with the prince of Orange, to settle some good order for all that did concerne the well gouerning of the countrey, and to haue an assured assignation of two hundred florins a moneth for the entertainment of his armie, besides those troupes which the Estates entertained in their frontier garrisons and other places: Those of Brabant had vpon their charge the garrisons of Liere, Macklyn, Brussels, Herental, Diest, Villeuorde, Hoochstraten, Westerlo, part of that of Berghen vpon Soome; those of the forts of Lillo, Willebrouck, and S. Marguerite, F with all the shippes of warre vpon the riuer of Antuerpe. They of Flanders had also vpon their charge an hundred and thirtie companies of foot, and twentie cornets of horsemen, not comprehending the garrisons of Guelderland, Friseland, and Oueryssell: all which beeing vnited in one bodie of an armie, and ioyned with the duke of Aniou his [Page 799] forces, had beene sufficient to chase the Spaniards and all strangers out of the countrey: A but all these places must of necessitie haue garrisons, for feare of some alterations and 1582 reuolts.
At that time the Estates men being yet in Menin, defeated a great conuoy, neere vnto a village called Warcoin in Tournesis, conducted by two hundred Albanois horse, where they had a rich bootie, and many good prisoners. They of Friseland in the beginning of this yeare, by fauour of the yce, surprised the towne of Meppel, and the castle of Brouchorst, which they tooke by force.
At that time there was a certaine Spanish marchant liuing in Antuerpe, called Gaspar de Anastro; who seeing his affaires to decline, and that he was likely to become bankerupt, if he were not presently relieued with money by some other meanes than marchandise, his credit B beginning to decay, he then bethought himselfe of the sentence of proscription giuen by the king of Spaine against the prince of Orange, and of the reward promised to him that should murther him. Hee being greedie of this prey (after that hee had conferred with some of the king of Spaines partie, and among others, with Valentine of Pardieu Seignior of la Motte, gouernour of Graueling) to put this proiected murther in execution, he first addressed himselfe to a seruant of his, who kept his accounts, and (with teares in his eyes) shewed him into what danger he was like to fall, and to become bankerupt, if hee were not helped with money, the which (he sayd) there was no meanes to preuent, but in getting the reward promised in the proscription for the murther: hee therefore intreated him (as he knew his secrets) to vndertake this act. The young man pitied his estate, and would C willingly haue assisted him with all meanes possible, but hee excused himselfe, saying, That he had not the heart nor courage to doe it. Then hauing a little bethought himselfe, A plot laid to kill the prince of Orange. he said, that there was not any one more fit for such an exploit, than Ioan Iauvreg [...]i (whom hee called Ioanille) Anastro his boy, who might bee easily persuaded and aduised to vndertake and performe it, being a most wicked villaine, and resolute to doe any mischiefe whatsoeuer. Ioanille being called, they breake it vnto him, and hee vndertaketh it resolutely, without any pausing or further excuse: hauing concluded when, how, and after what manner it should be effected, this marchant Anastro leauing his people ingaged, retyred himselfe out of Antuerpe, and went to Graueling to la Motte, to assure the fact. Being vpon the way, he writ to Ioanille, That hee should not fayle to put two rounds, and D to take the measure behind, which was, that he should charge his pistolet with two bullets, and shoot him behind in the head. The day for this execution, was taken vpon Sunday the eighteenth of March, which day there was a feast appointed at the duke of Aniou his court, the prince of Orange assisting. But Ioanille doubting that the prease would be too great, and that he should not approch so neere vnto the prince his person, as was needfull to doe the deed, he thought it more conuenient to execute it at dinner, in the prince his owne house, he being at the table. This boy being thus desperately resolued, a certaine Iacobin Frier (called Peter Timmerman) came to confesse him in Anastro his house, fortifying him in his resolution with many sweet words, yet persuading him and making him beleeue, that hee should goe inuisible, hauing giuen him some caracters in paper, and E certaine little bones, as of frogges, which they found in his pockets, with many coniurations and such like fooleries written in his tables. Beeing thus assured and preserued (as he thought) he drunke a cup or two of Malmesey, and being accompanied with the Monke (who went still exhorting and strengthening him therein) going towards the castle, they came vnto the prince his court, whereas his ghostly father hauing giuen him his blessing at the stayres foot, left him, and went away. The prince of Orange was set at dinner with the earles of Laual and Hohenloo, the lord of Boniuet, with many other noblemen, and some of the Estates. Ioanille entereth into the dyning chamber, who (being attyred almost like a Frenchman) they tooke him to bee seruant to some of those French noblemen: he sought to approch neere vnto the prince his person, but hee was so enuironed F by his gentlemen, as hee could not get neere for to shoot at him behind, as hee was instructed; yet hee thrust himselfe forward twice or thrice, and was still repulsed. Dinner beeing done, and the prince going to retyre into his chamber, this boy fixed [Page 800] himselfe before a window in the hall, close by the dore of his withdrawing chamber. The A prince passing on (before hee entred) shewed vnto the earle of Laual the cruelties which 1582 the Spaniards had practised in the Netherlands, the which were wrought in the tapistrie; and hauing his face turned on the left side, this murtherer discharged his little pistoll, thinking to hit him in the hinder part of the head: but the prince turning at the same instant, the bullet entred in at the throat vnder his right chap, being so neere, as the fire entred The murtherer shoots the prince. with the bullet into the wound, burning his ruffe and his beard; it brake him one tooth, and pierced the iugular veine, and yet his tongue was nothing perished, the bullet came out at the left cheeke, hard by his nose.
This blow being giuen (wherewith they were all terrified) one of the halberdiers could not contayne himselfe, but hee thrust him through with his halberd, and then a page B made an end of him. The surgeons being called, found, that the fire which had entred into the wound, had cauterised the iugular veine, and done him much good, wherefore the wound was not mortall. The murtherer being at the first vnknowne, the bloud wherewith The murtherer slaine. hee was poluted and defiled, was washed off, and then he was bound vpright vpon a scaffold which went vpon wheeles, and carried from street to street, to see who did know him. He was in the end knowne, and with that which they found written about him, they were fully assured, that hee was Anastro his seruant: without doubt, the tumult was great in Antuerpe, before that he was knowne; for that (beeing attyred like a Frenchman) they did imagine, that the Frenchmen which were new come, had caused it to be done; neyther could the bourgers be pacified, vntill that he was knowne, and that C they were assured, that the prince was not mortally hurt. Presently Anastro his house was forced by the bourgers, and the Cassier, the keeper of his booke, his seruant, the Monke, and in the end he that made the pistoll, were all prisoners, but soone after released, except the keeper of his booke and the Monke, who (after some dayes that the body of the murtherer had beene publickely quartered, and hanged at the towne gates) were also hanged and quartered, like vnto the murtherer. It was to bee feared, if the prince had beene slaine, and the murtherer not so soone knowne, that both the duke of Aniou and all the Frenchmen, yea, and all the Romish Catholickes which were in the towne, had beene in great danger, notwithstanding the great endeuour of the magistrate to pacifie the tumult: for the people beeing much mooued, cryed out nothing else, but, Behold D the marriage of Paris, let vs spoyle these murtherers. The duke of Aniou was much perplexed and troubled in his court, beeing inuironed by the bourgers and the sworne companies, who were all in armes. I haue since heard him confesse, That he was neuer more deuout, nor neuer apprehended death more. He commaunded his followers to lay downe * Iohn Petit. their armes, and sent to entreat the prince of Orange to take him into his protection, who writ vnto the colonels of the towne, excusing the duke, assuring them, that neyther hee nor any of his had any hand in that action; but contrariwise, that hee was a mild and sober prince, who sought nothing else but their good and safeties. In the end, the tumult beeing somewhat pacified, the duke went to visit him, and did also grieue at his misfortune. E
The prince of Parma on the other side, supposing that the prince of Orange was slaine, and meaning to make his profit of this accident, writ presently to Brussels, Macklyn, Gant, Bruges, and Antuerpe, letters full of sweet words, sending them word, That the prince of Orange (who was the sole author of all the troubles) beeing dead, the king of Spaine would vse on their behalfes all mildnesse and clemencie, and would forget all that was past, if they would returne, and yeeld themselues vnder his obedience, for the which (he sayd) he had full commission from his Maiestie: wherefore they should be well aduised, whilest that the gate of grace and mercie was open for them, and not to suffer it to bee shut againe, and to loose so good an occasion as was then offered vnto them. F
The duke and the prince of Orange were not ignorant of the prince of Parma his practises: wherefore letters were written in their name, and in the name of the Generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces, vnto the gouernours and magistrates of the townes of [Page 801] Brabant, Flanders, and other places, to containe them in their duties: and there was a new A forme of an oath propounded to the Romish Catholickes, which they must take, if they 1582 would remaine free in the exercise of their Religion, the which was onely allowed in the duke his court: which oath did in effect contayne the abiuration of the king of Spaine, and fidelitie vnto the duke of Aniou, as duke of Brabant, and that the penaltie of a hundred crownes, imposed vpon them which should goe vnto the Masse, should bee taken away.
The prince of Parma hearing of this oath which the Romish Catholickes had taken, who would more willingly haue seene him commaund in those parts, than the duke of Aniou, made and sent foorth a proclamation in the king his name, not to discourage them, nor to make them despaire of grace and fauour: by the which hee did pardon the B sayd oath, imputing it to force, and (as it were) extorted from them, if from that time they would submit themselues vnder his protection and obedience, and shew themselues faithfull.
Some three thousand foot and sixe hundred French horse of the dukes, hearing that the earle of Barlamont, gouernour of Namur was absent, came in the night with ladders made of A vaine enterprise vpon the castle of Namur. rope blackt, to scale the castle of Namur, where at that time the duchesse, mother to the prince of Parma, was. But they could not carrie their enterprise so secretly, but they were discouered, and enforced to retyre, leauing their ladders behind them, with some part of their baggage.
The Seignior of Sainseual, with captaine la Croix and le Braue, going out of Cambray Lens surprised and lost again. C with their horse and some few foot, surprised the towne of Lens in the middest of Arthois: but hauing sacked it, and thinking to hold it, the prince of Parma sent to besiege them by the marquesse of Roubay and the lord of Capres, so as they were not onely forced to leaue the towne and the bootie which they had gotten, but also their horses and their armes, the place lying in an open champian countrey, and not be held; for seeing they had onely an intent to spoile it, they should presently haue abandoned it: but as it is said, they committed such insolencies and villanies, as God would punish them, taking from them all meanes to defend it.
The prince of Orange being hurt, as we haue sayd, the esclarre of the cautere which the fire had made in his wound falling, the iugular veine opened, and fell a bleeding in such D abundance, as all remedies which the physitions and surgeons could applie, preuayled nothing, so as they began to doubt of his life: for notwithstanding that they did cauterize it with an astringent cautere, yet the esclarre falling, it bled afresh, so as hee grew exceeding weake by the losse of so much bloud: in the end they concluded, that nature in time, by the suppression of the iugular veine, and the growing of the flesh, should stop and retayne the bloud, the which was done: and there were appointed both physitions, surgeons, and gentlemen of his chamber, who for nine dayes together, euery one keeping his turne, should continually, night and day, hold his thumbe in the wound, vpon the veine that was cut; during which time (Nature working) it closed: and so the prince of Orange (by this onely troublesome meanes) was freed at that time from E danger.
Colonel Martin Schenck of Nydeck, a gentleman of good qualitie, and a souldier of great enterprises, hauing beene vpon the fourth of Aprill surprised in the towne of Xenten in the countrey of Cleues, by the Seignior of Hoochsasse, gouernour of the towne of Gueldre for the Estates (whither he was led prisoner, and there detained long) in the end, discontented with his long imprisonment, and seeing himselfe abandoned by the king of Spaine, who made no meanes to free him (no more than the earle of Egmont, the baron of Selles, and other noblemen his subiects that were prisoners) he grew into such a griefe and despight, as to be deliuered of this captiuitie, hee left his partie, and hauing treated with the earle of Moeurs, deliuering his strong castle of Blyenbecke, and other places F where he commaunded to the Estates, he followed their partie, sending his wife and children vnto them for a gage of his promise: afterwards hee did great seruice to the Estates, wherein he died.
[Page 802] The prince of Parma meaning to besiege Audenarde (which is one of the strongest towns A in Flanders) before he came neere it, he made a shew as if he would besiege Menin, and marching 1582 along the towne with his armie, the bourgers hauing six companies there in garrison, sent foorth three to charge his rereward. But the prince turning head, defeated them, & then Audenarde besieged by the prince of Parma. casting about with his armie, hee inuested the towne, beeing weakened by the losse of these three companies: he planted fiue and twentie peeces of Ordnance, and tooke the castle of Gaure, a league from the towne, that they might not be relieued that way, nor his campe intercepted of their victuals: he also surprised by practise the castle of Castens, of another side, that he might assure his campe on all parts. Then he battered the towne twelue houres together, without ceasing, and made a sufficient breach: but the waters grew so high, as hee could not giue an assault (notwithstanding that hee had bridges to passe the water of the B ditch) they within the towne hauing stopped the course of the riuer of Escaut, which runneth through the towne. The Gantois by meanes of this inundation, did sometimes succour them with small barkes. At one time among the rest they thought to relieue them both with horse and foot but the marquesse of Roubay defeated them, and pursued them euen to the ports of Gant, in the which there were fourescore horsemen slaine. There was a great fort without the towne, which defended them on that side: the prince of Parma tooke it by assault, but the besieged sallying forth presently with great furie, chased them out of it, and recouered it againe, where there were slaine about a hundred of the Spaniards, and but foure of the besieged; of such force is a suddaine and a couragious resolution. The prince seeing this, and that he preuailed nothing by his batterie, caused a bulwarke to be vndermined of another C side; the which hauing woon, he lodged his men therein, whereupon they within the towne did presently cast vp a halfe moone before it.
The duke of Aniou and Brabant being desirous to raise the prince of Parma from this siege, sent for all his garrisons both of horse and foot, and for colonel Norris, with his regiment of English: so as it was supposed, that if the towne could haue held out but a little longer, there would haue beene a battaile giuen; but it yeelded by composition, in a manner like to that of Tournay: the prince of Parma, for that he would not be forced to rayse his siege, nor Audenarde yeelded to the Spaniard by composition. to hazard a battaile, graunted them all they would desire, for else they had not escaped so lightly. The conditions were, That the bourgers to redeeme their towne from spoyle, should pay thirtie thousand florins within six weekes: All such as would depart and leaue the town, D should haue a yeares respite to sell their goods: The souldiers leauing their ensignes, should depart with their armes and baggage whither they pleased. It was yeelded vp the nine and twentieth of Aprill, after three moneths siege. If they had beene assured of succours, they would haue held it longer, for they neyther wanted victuals, nor any munition of warre.
The duke to recompence this losse, caused an enterprise to be made the two and twentieth Alost surprised by the Estates. of the same moneth, vpon the towne of Alost, by Oliuer vanden Timpel, Seignior of Corbeke, gouernour of Brussels, Charles of Lieuin, Seignior of Famas, gouernour of Macklyn, and the Seignior of Thiant, gouernour of Nieuwenhouen in Flanders. These commaunders gaue a scalado to the strongest part of the towne, whilest that the garrison of Lydekerke gaue an alarme E on a weaker side, so as they woon the rampar by force, fighting furiously with losse on either side, whilest that some of the assailants were labouring to breake open the port towards Brussels (after that they had cut the corps de guard in pieces) to draw in the horsemen, without the which, those that were alreadie entred and had woon the towne, had been in all shew the weaker: but the horsemen being entred, they had an assured victory, and became masters of the towne, the which was sacked, where the Seignior of Thiant was appointed gouernor, the rest returning to their gouernments. A little before this surprise, there were aboue foure hundred churchmen retyred into Alost, whereof some of the most busie tooke armes at this surprise, and were there slaine; others who had remained quiet in their lodgings, were taken prisoners, and ransomed. Many saued themselues by leaping ouer the wall. The lord F of Monsqueron and the abbot of Nieuwenhouen were taken there, and set at great ransomes.
The prince of Parma seeing Alost thus taken from him, for a reuenge, sent his men to sursurprise [Page 803] the castle of Gaesbeke, belonging to the house of Egmont, two leagues from Brussels: A their enterprise was in this manner: There came certaine souldiers vnto the castle gate, 1582 The castle of Gaesbeke surprised by the Spaniard. who said they were of the garrison of Alost, and that they had a good bootie, which they would willingly put in safetie: they giuing credit vnto their words, and seeing their cassocks, opened the gate, whereon they seized, and giuing entrie to the rest of their men, became masters of the place.
Some other of the prince of Parma his souldiers thinking to doe the like vnto the towne of Dyest (belonging vnto the prince of Orange) as the duke of Aniou his men had to Alost, they scaled the towne, entred as farre as the market place, and fought valiantly against the garrison, part whereof went presently to the gates, the which they defended, and kept out the horsemen: so as they that fought in the market, seeing their horsemen, did not second B them, fainted, and fled to saue their liues, of the which there were about two hundred slaine and taken prisoners.
The second of May there was a generall fast commanded by the duke and the generall Estates throughout all the vnited prouinces, to giue God thankes for the prince of Orange his health, and that they had obtained a good prince, in making choice of the duke, who did defend and maintaine them against the Spanish tyrannie.
The lady Charlotte of Bourbon, wife to the prince of Orange, hauing first conceiued an exceeding griefe for her husbands hurt, and afterwards by his recouerie an incredible ioy, being deliuered of child, she fell into a continuall burning feauer, whereof she dyed the fifth of May, leauing vnto the prince six daughters, who had all great marriages. Shee was buried in C our ladies church in Antuerpe, with a stately funerall pompe.
The eight of Iune following, there also dyed in the same towne the lady Mary of Lalain, wife to Peter of Melun, prince of Espinoy, Seneschall of Henault &c. and was buried in the Quier of the Church of S. Michaels abbey in the same towne, without the Romish ceremonies.
About that time the Seignior of Hautepenne, sonne to the earle of Barlamont, made a rode with six hundred horse about Antuerpe, from whence he carried a great bootie in prisoners, cattell, and other goods. Captaine Alonzo (a Spaniard, who serued the duke) a braue souldier, being in garrison in Liere, w [...] [...]forth with his troupe of horse, and charged them, but he was hurt and taken, yet he w [...] p [...]ntly rescued and carried backe into Liere, D where he remained sicke in his bed of this wound, vntill that hee was traiterously sold to the prince of Parma by a Scottish captaine, as you shall presently see. At this time the duke of Aniou his men made another enterprise vpon the towne of Arschot, with some troupes of Arschot attempted in [...]aine. horse and foot: but being entred a good way into the towne, they were repulsed, with the losse of thirtie men. All this Summer was spent in enterprises on eyther side, but few succeeded: yet the garrisons of Dyest and Herental surprised Tillemont in Brabant for the Estates; in the which there were three companies for the prince of Parma lodged in a cloyster, which they defeated in their retrenchment: then they sacked the towne, and abandoned it.
The prince of Parma keeping then his court at Tournay, went to Namur, to receiue the E troupes, which the earle of Martinengues and Dom Iohn of Manriques de Lara brought vnto him. The duke of Aniou and Brabant about that time made certaine proclamations for his greater assurance, and brake quarter with the men of warre, commaunding them not to take any enemie to ransome. He also brake the licences (which are certaine customes and tols imposed vpon all marchandise passing from one countrey to another) not suffering that any thing should be transported either by water or land vnto the enemie, and generally not to traffique, nor to haue any correspondencie with them, by exchange, or otherwise, in what sort soeuer.
The foureteenth of Iuly, the duke (being accompanied by the princes of Orange and Espinoy, and all their traine) departed from Antuerpe to go into Zeeland: from whence on the sixteenth F day he went to Scluse, to make his entry the next day into Bruges. The bourgers went forth of the towne well appointed in armes, to meet him along the riuer which goeth from Bruges to Dam, hauing some number of the sworn companies of crosse-bows, harguebusiers, and archers, in very good equipage appointed for his guard. They of the towne of Antuerpe [Page 804] of the same qualitie, did attend him thither, and then returned home. The duke entring into A the towne, was receiued with great humilitie, by the foure members of Flanders, and was 1582 conducted through the streets with all the honour they could deuise, hauing triumphant arches, liuely representations made vpon scaffolds, artificiall figures painted, statues, pyramides, porches, with such like, and diuers kinds of flames and artificiall fires flying in the aire: whereby they made shew how pleasing and acceptable his comming and entry was vnto them, receiuing him for their prince and lord, as earle of Flanders.
The duke being in this towne of Bruges, there was a great treason discouered, inuented by a Spaniard (or a Spaniards sonne) called Nicholas Salcedo, of one Francisco Baza, an Italian, An attempt against the duke of Anious and the prince of Oranges persons discouered. of a horseman of Fernando of Gonzagues companie, and of one Nicholas Hugot, called La Borde, a Frenchman, who were corrupted and set on by the prince of Parma, or his counsell, B in the name of the king of Spaine, to murther the said duke and the prince of Orange both together, or apart, in what sort soeuer, as it appeared by the confession and processe of the said Salcedo, and by that which happened to Francisco Baza. This Salcedo had beene at the dukes request saued from the gallowes at Rouan, being accused of coyning: being after that retyred for a time into Spaine, he returned into Lorraine, where he came into the dukes seruice at the victualling of Cambray, and so followed him continually vnto Antuerpe, thinking to be there employed, and to haue some charge: but he was alwayes held in iealousie by the prince of Orange. And as the said Salcedo was very familiar with the Seignior Amoral (afterwards earle of Egmont) whom the prince loued not onely for the good remembrance of his father, but for that the Countesse his mother had recommended C him and all her other children vnto him at the houre of her death in Antuerpe: and also for that the said Seignior Amoral made profession of the Protestants Religion, and receiued the Communion: these reasons made the prince to aske him once in secret, what great acquaintance and familiaritie he had with the said Salcedo? Hee answered him, That hee had none but for the loue of Alchimie: whereupon the prince replyed, That hee feared some worse matter, aduising him to beware of him, and not to conuerse any more with him, wishing him withall, not to discouer any thing of this aduertisement to Salcedo. Yet notwithstanding, this young nobleman, whether it were of lightnesse (or for that it is the nature of man to affect that most which is most forbidde [...] [...]im) at his first encounter with Salcedo he discouered all vnto him. Vpon certaine aduertisements and strong presumptions, Salcedo D was apprehended: Francisco Baza was without the court attending for him, and seeing that he came not, in the end he asked for him, and so was in like manner laid hold on. La Borde fearing or discouering something, saued himselfe. Salcedo and Baza being examined vpon the aduertisements and circumstances which they had to confirme the presumptions of their fact, they did confesse and signe it, that their designe was to haue murthered or poysoned the duke and prince in what sort soeuer. The young lord Amoral was in like sort examined, who confessed presently, that he had bewrayed vnto Salcedo all that the prince had said vnto him, touching the conuersation and familiaritie he had with him. And although he excused himselfe of that wherewith Salcedo had accused him, yet was he for a time detained prisoner, and after (at the duke of Anious retreat out of the Netherlands into Fraunce) deliuered. E Francisco Baza hearing on the nine and twentieth of Iuly, that being found guiltie by his owne confession, they would put him to some cruell death, the next day he slew himselfe Frācisco Baza kils himselfe. in the prison with a knife, whereupon he was drawne to the gibbet, and there hanged; but afterwards (by a new iudgement) he was quartered, the which were hanged vpon gibbets, with a writing, that he had attempted to murther or poyson the duke and the prince, at the persuasion, and by the expresse commaundement of the prince of Parma. Salcedo was at the request of the French king and the Queene his mother sent vnto Paris, after the reuiew of his processe and his consession, to haue receiued foure thousand duckets of the king of Spaine, hauing also reuealed some other secrets concerning the person of the king, and of the duke his brother, wherewith some great men in France were touched, the fiue and twentieth F of October he was (according to his sentence) in the presence of the king, the queen his wife, the queene mother, princes of the bloud, and other princes & noblemen of his court, drawne [...]edo [...] in [...] with [...]. with foure horses, and dismembred aliue, his quarters were hanged vpon gibbets, and his head planted vpon a pole.
[Page 805] The duke and the princes of Orange and Espinoy departed from Bruges to Gant, the A chiefe towne of all the countie of Flanders, where he made a stately entrie, and there was receiued The duke of Aniou inuested earle of Flanders. with great ceremonies, and ioy of the people, and acknowledged for earle of Flanders, 1582 after that he had taken the oath, and receiued an oath of the deputies of the foure members of the earledome. Then hauing (according to the custome) renewed the magistrate, he went from thence to Dendermonde, where the like reception was made vnto him, according to the capacitie of the towne, and from thence he returned to Antuerpe. What happened vnto his armie all the time that hee remained and continued in Flanders, we will presently shew.
The first of August the towne of Liere in Brabant, three leagues distant from Antuerpe, Liere betrayed to the Spaniard. betwixt Macklyn, Antuerpe and Dyest (a good towne, and of great importance for all that B quarter of Brabant) was trecherously deliuered to the Spaniard, after this manner. There was a Scottish captaine (called Sempil) in garrison in this towne, who complained often of the small entertainment he receiued from the Estates, and that the Seignior of Heetuelt (gouernour of the towne) was not a meanes to haue his companie payed, making this his pretext, to treat with the Spaniard, to deliuer vp the towne for a certaine summe of mony, which they promised him. For the effecting whereof, the first of August he came vnto the gouernour, and told him, That he knew where there was a good bootie, desiring leaue to go forth, the which he graunted: being abroad, he returned about 2 of the clocke after midnight, crying vnto the guard to open the gate, and that he had brought a bootie of oxen, kine, sheepe, and wagons with stuffe, and that hee knew the enemie followed to rescue it, if it were not C speedily put in safetie. The gouernour commaunded the wicket to be opened: but he cryed out still, that they should open the great gate, to suffer the cattell and the wagons to enter, the which the gouernour refused, sending him word, that he should stay vntill day to bring them in. Sempil vnderstanding this, entred by the wicket, and hauing his men in guard at the port, he ouerthrew the captaine, being a bourger, who carried a bunch of keies, the which he wrested from him. The porter seeing this, thinking to goe vp and to let downe the portcullis, he was ouertaken vpon the stayres, and there slaine; and so with the helpe of his men he opened the great gate, and let in the Spaniards, being about sixe hundred horse, which the Seignior of Hautepenne had gathered [...]ether out of the neere garrisons: being entred, they slew all they found armed (the goue [...]nour sauing himselfe speedily in his shirt in a D small boat) spoyling the towne, and ransoming the bourgers with all extremitie. Captaine Alonzo the Spaniard was found there in his bed, being wounded at the encounter before mentioned; and for that he was a Spaniard, and did serue against the king, the Spaniards hung him vp by one foot, & so put him to death, then they quartered him, and hung his quarters vpon gibbets without the towne: which the horsemen of Antuerpe did afterwards take downe and burie honourably in our ladies church, with militarie ceremonies, for his valour, and the good seruices which he had done vnto the estates and the prince of Orange, although he were a Spaniard.
The newes of the taking of Liere did much trouble and alter them of Antuerpe, the ports thereof remayning and continuing shut for a time, being doubtfull what to resolue: E in the end it was concluded and agreed vpon, to burne all the champian countrey of Campaigne, that the enemie being in that towne, should reape no commoditie, causing the abbey of Saint Bernard to be fortified (being taken before, and afterwards abandoned by the Spaniards) a goodly place, seated vpon the riuer of Escaut, beeing a league from Antuerpe.
During this time, the duke of Aniou and Brabant had caused his armie to passe vnder the leading of the earle of Rochepot into West-Flanders, about Graueling and Dunkerke: the Spaniard thinking to doe him an affront, came to take view of him, and was beaten, neere vnto Wynoxberghe, a league from Dunkerke, where he lost some of his horsemen, & the baron of Balanson (afterwards earle of Varax, brother to the marquesse of Warenbon, a high Bourguignon) F was taken prisoner by the light horsemen of Colonel Norris, and carried to Antuerpe. The duke went thither to ioyne with the troupes of the Seignior of la Pierre, and the Reisters which the earle of Mansfeldt brought: who passing along the frontiers of Picardie, through the countrey of Arthois, coasting along the riuer of Authies, they spoyled all, [Page 806] and tooke diuers castles, as Labroy, Aussi-le Chasteau, & others: which troupes by the dukes A commission, in stead of entring into Arthois, as they had bin appointed, were by a new charge 1582 commaunded to come into Flanders, whereby there was a good oportunitie lost in the countrey of Arthois.
The duke hauing stayed some time with his armie in that part of Flanders, retyred the seuen and twentieth of August towards Gant, where the prince of Parma followed him with all his forces, meaning to fight with him, and to defeat him if he could, finding himselfe much stronger than the duke, who at that time had not aboue foure thousand men, the which went to lodge in a village neere vnto Gant.
The next day after their comming to the place, the Corps de guard of the dukes armie discouered the fore-runners of the Spanish campe, which came to charge them. The Seignior of la Pierre, marshall of the campe, being aduertised thereof, put all the troupes B in order with what speed hee could, and seeing the Spaniards approch, hee caused some horsemen of the regiment of the dukes guard to entertaine the skirmish, where the Seignior of Saintseual commaunded, giuing libertie for the baggage to retyre out of the village, to the end that according to the dukes commaundement the retreat might be made without fighting, considering the inequalitie of their forces: for without doubt, if they had wilfully made defence in that village, they had beene all defeated without any rescue. And although that all the Spanish forces aduaunced (wherein they did not shew their accustomed diligence and furie) and that the dukes men were pressed and pursued, yet they still marched in battaile, retyring easily in good order towards the towne, for their more C safetie.
In the head of the armie was the English regiment of colonel Norris, being seconded by the Reisters of Cont Mansfeldt: after came a French regiment of colonel Boucks, hauing on his wing colonel Norris, with three companies of English horse, and foure others of light horse, Frenchmen: all these made the foreward. After marched three companies of French horsemen, and the regiment of Fouquerolles, with all the Dutch and Scottish companies, which made the battaile. For there reward, there was the regiment of horse of Saintseual, with a regiment of English, in the which there were many pykes, and some companies of foot of Saintseual that were gathered together.
The troupes being thus ordered, and the Spaniard marching, the two marshals of the dukes D armie put themselues in the head of the troupes, commaunding the souldiers to march without disorder, and not to turne their faces. The foreward of the Spaniards being about a 1000 horse, and a great battailon of foot, prest and pursued the dukes men, who retired slowly. And as they marched towards the towne, notwithstanding the first order (the which was an act of lightnesse, yet it succeeded well) there were certaine ambushes laied a quarter of a league one from another, by the regiments of Fouquerolles and Bouck: so as being seconded by some horse of the foreward, they charged so fitly, as the Spaniard encreasing still as his troupes arriued, they were kept at a stand: and when as they would haue passed this high broad way, whereas the ambush lay, they were entertained with such store of shot, as notwithstanding that the armie was fresh and full of resolution, yet they lost many men, without any great hurt vnto the E dukes troupes, hauing still some horsemen vpon their wings. In the meane time, the earle of Rochepot, who was yet sicke at Gant (whereas many captaines also had stayed the day before at the dukes comming) went out of the town, and seeing his men prest by multitudes of Spaniards (who had alreadie seized vpon a little hill and the myls neere vnto S. Lieuins gate) hee caused the foure companies, which marched in the foreward with colonell Norris horse, and some English pikes, to returne to the charge, who did so well (especially the English) as they staied the Spaniard againe, who was now come very neere vnto the towne. This made the retreat the more easie for the dukes men; who cōming to the rampar with the princes of Orange and Espinoy, were of opinion that the army should retire vnder the wals, whereas the 2 curtains might gaule the enemie, if he should approch any neerer. But the skirmish being renued F againe, before they could get thither, and be couered with the rampar of the town, there were many slaine on either side, so as the Spaniards recoiled againe. As the dukes army being put into battaile, retired vnder fauor of the towne, the artillerie from the rampar whereas the duke stood, plaied vpon the Spaniards, and slew many.
[Page 807] The prince of Parma beeing now arriued with the body of his armie, seeing the dukes A forces in safetie, made a stand almost two houres, still renewing the skirmish, whereof followed 1582 the last charge which was giuen. Whilest that matters passed in this manner, the duke commaunded, that the horse should retyre without disorder or confusion, except three cornets which should remaine in guard neere vnto the foot, that by this meanes they might haue time to refresh themselues, and to lodge. The which was not done without good consideration, seeing there was no more question (as it seemed) of fighting: yet the prince of Parma seeing the dukes horsemen retyred, came againe to charge the footmen, whom hee draue vnder the towne wall: but he was so well receiued, as he lost many men, and in like manner there were some of the dukes men both slaine and hurt. Night being come, the prince of Parma rallying his army together, and burying about two hundred of his men neere B vnto Gant, and filling all the wagons hee could get with dead and wounded men, hee was in the end forced to retyre.
The next day the dukes armie marched towards Dendermonde, where he made his entry in qualitie of earle of Flanders: and from thence hee tooke his way to Antuerpe with the prince of Orange, where they arriued vpon the second of September, hauing left the prince of Espinoy in Gant, to haue a care and charge of all thinges in that quarter of Flanders.
At that time colonel Verdugo, gouernour of that which the king of Spaine held in Friseland, besieged the towne of Lochum in the countie of Zutphen. Cont William Lewis of Lochum besieged by the Spaniard. Nassau, gouernour of Friseland for the Estates, with some small troupes (in despight of all C the Spanish forces) put certaine wagons laden with victuals and other munition, into the towne, and then retyred: his retreat was very pleasing vnto the Spaniards; and therefore about the middest of September, knowing well that they of Lochum (before reduced to extreame necessitie) had not receiued all necessarie prouisions for a place besieged, and so vnfurnished, made his profit of this small reliefe. Whereupon hee fortified himselfe with good trenches, and made sixteene or seuenteene forts about the towne. Hee also made three vpon the mountaine, whither hee retyred himselfe in safetie, when need required. The earles of Hohenlo and of Nassau being aduertised of his worke, hauing gathered together what forces they could in Gueldre and Oueryssell, making about two thousand foot and a thousand horse, they resolued to goe and see the Spaniard againe, carrying with D them two demie canons and foure smaller peeces. Being come neere vnto them, they skirmished both with horse and foot. Verdugo and his men retyring vnto this mountaine, made a stand there to see what would follow.
Two daies after, the Seignior of Allein commaunding a French regiment, went to assayle one of the Spaniards forts, the which was most necessarie for them: they of the towne hauing made a sallie, being seconded by d' Allein his lieutenant, tooke a fort at the port of Moulin, where there were about foure hundred Spaniards slaine. And although it were newly assaulted by a great number of enemies, yet were they valiantly repulsed: and afterwards the besieged laboured with such dexteritie, as the bridge of the riuer, which had been broken in that place, was repaired strongly againe, and the towne victualled the same day by E that bridge, better than before.
The night following two other forts were forced. But the next day the Estates horsemen going to a charge somewhat disorderly, they were easily put to rout, with the losse of two captaines, and a good number of men; some slaine in fighting, others, in cold bloud; and so the Estates small armie was quickly dispersed. The Seignior d' Allein beeing entred into the towne with his regiment, assured it the more: in the which were also the earles, Herman, Frederic, and Henry vanden Berghe, nephewes by the mother vnto the prince of Orange (who since turned to the Spaniards partie) and the chiefe nobilitie of Guelderland.
The Spaniard being not farre retyred, returned suddenly againe, recouered his forts, F and besieged it more streightly than before, for the space of fiue and twentie dayes; yet could they not keepe the besieged from making of gallant sallies, and taking of many prisoners out of the Spanish campe, whether came supplyes of sixe hundred horse and fifteene hundred foot, led by Cont Charles of Mansfeldt and the Seignior of Hautepenne: [Page 808] then they summoned it more resolutely than before. In the meane time, the earle of Hohenlo A was retyred to Zutphen (and afterwards came with the said three earles brethren to 1582 Antuerpe) beeing readie to gather together some troupes, to succour Lochum againe. And fiue dayes after these supplies which came to Verdugo, there went to ioyne with the earle of Hohenlo two thousand fiue hundred foot, and one thousand fiue hundred horse, French and Reistres, with the three English cornets, commanded by colonel Norris. With this equipage Hohenlo returned cheerefully the third time to relieue the besieged. His troups were no sooner discouered, but Cont Charles Mansfeldt left his quarter disorderly in all hast, and passed the water to be neerer to Verdugo. The earle of Hohenlo seeing this, marched speedily with the Estates armie to lodge in that quarter which Mansfeldt had abandoned; yet they came to blowes at a fort on that side the towne, in which skirmish there were manie B slaine on eyther side. The earle of Hohenlo caused a fort to be made in that place, betwixt The siege of Lochú raised. two other forts which the Spaniards held, by the fauour whereof, a bridge was presently made, by the which he might commodiously passe ouer with his footmen, and draw such as were wounded and vnprofitable out of the towne, whereas colonel Amaurie, being newly arriued with a regiment of Gascoines, entred first of all, hauing no leysure to refresh themselues, nor to take breath. This done, they built another fort, which fauoured the end of the bridge, that it might not be taken by the Spaniards: Whereat Verdugo and Mansfeldt being much amazed, presuming, that the towne was relieued; and fearing least they should goe and charge them behind, they began to retyre, and to abandon all their forts, and so marching in battaile, they went towards Grolle. The next day the Estates men victualled C Lochum at their ease, and all the forts which the Spaniards had made, were razed. During this siege, there was slaine with an harguebuse shot from the towne the baron of Anholt, of the house of Battenbourgh, colonel of a regiment of Germanes, who had so much sollicited this siege of Lochum, for that his towne of Anholt it is not farre off, the which was dayly annoyed by the garrison of Lochum, euen vnto their gates.
This siege raised, and the towne thus relieued, the Estates forces went to besiege the castle The castles of Keppel and Bronchurst yeelded to the Estates. of Keppel in the said countie of Zutphen, the garrison whereof hauing endured a little batterie, yeelded by composition, deliuering the lord of the place (who had bin vnwilling to yeeld) into their hands. From thence they went before the castle of Bronchurst, which did also yield by composition. D
At that time there was some mutinie among the souldiers of the garrison of Brussels, for their pay, yet they protested to keepe the towne for the duke of Aniou. The prince of Parma would willingly haue made his profit thereby, aduauncing some troupes about that towne and Alost, as if he would besiege them. They of Boisleduc (which is one of the foure chiefe townes of Brabant) beeing before summoned by the duke to acknowledge him for their duke and lord, in qualitie of duke of Brabant, they not only refused it, but offered the prince of Parma an hundred thousand florins to goe and besiege Brussels: The which hee did not, but only burned some villages of that iurisdiction: and the souldiers were paid to appease the mutinie.
In the end of September, the duke of Aniou sent Monsieur S. Luc, gouernour of Brouage, E and the colonels Timpel and Seisseual with two thousand foot and fiue hundred horse, and some peeces of ordnance drawne out of Antuerpe at the request of the Brussellois, to besiege the castle of Gaesbeke, where there was a companie of the malecontents, Wallons, and halfe a cornet of horse. These commanders being come, and hauing made some fourescore shot, they within began to pa [...]le, hauing no hope of succours, and fearing to bee taken Gaesbeke yeelded to the duke of Aniou by assault, they yeelded, and went forth with white wands in their hands. This done, S. Luc caused the castle of Thoulouse to bee summoned, the which was yeelded vpon the same tearmes.
The earle of Rochepot (lieutenant generall of the duke his armie) to annoy Liere in Brabant, went with a thousand French foot and two peeces of Ordnance to besiege the F castle of Enchouen, beeing a league and a halfe from Liere. They of the garrison seeing the Canon planted, being somewhat loth to attend the hazard, yeelded like vnto the Enchouen yeelded also. two others, yet not before the earle and the colonel la Garde had beene both hurt with shot.
[Page 809] The king of Spain knowing that he had a mightier enemy than before, would also increase A his forces, the which he caused to march from all parts towards the Low countries. And as 1582 the duke of Montpensier and the marshall of Biron were come out of France into Picardie, to ioyne their armie with the duke of Anious other troups, the prince of Parma caused all his frontier places of Arthois and Henault, to be well manned. And about the end of Summer, there came vnto him out of Italy, one and forty ensignes of Spaniards, which made fiue thousand men, vnder two colonels, Christopher of Mondragon, and Dom Pedro de Pas, sixteene ensignes of Italians, euerie one being three hundred strong, being also fiue thousand, vnder Mario Cordoini, and Camillo de Monte, colonels, besides the Landskneckts, & high Bourguignons, with a great masse of treasure, which the prince receiued out of Spaine, to pay his whole armie, where there was besides these foure regiments of Spaniards and Italians, of ten thousand B men, six regiments of Germans, the colonels wherof were, Robert Goudtberg, the earl of Aremberg, the earle of Barlamont, Dom Iohn Manriques de Lara, cont Charles of Mansfeldt, and the seignior of Floion, brother to Barlamont, nine regiments of Wallons, vnder the marques of Renty, the earle of Egmont, Gabriel de Liques, the earle Octauio of Mansfeldt, the earle of Manderscheit, Philip of Liques, he that was seignior of Bours, the baron of Aubigni, and the seignior of Manui. And aboue all these the regiments of Hautepenne and la Motte Pardieu, besides the Bourguignons of the marquesse of Varenbon, with the garrisons vpon the frontiers of France, and those that were neere vnto the vnited Estates, and the regiments of the lord of Billy, Verdugo, and the baron of Anholt in Friseland, with some companies of horse. As for his horsemen, there were thirtie seuen cornets, Spaniards, and Italians, and twelue bands of ordnance, C which altogether might amount to foure thousand horse: So as all the king of Spaines forces in the Netherlands, both of foot and horse, in the moneth of September 1582, amounted to threescore thousand men, the which according vnto the relation of some commanders and Spanish treasurers, cost monethly (if they had beene well paid) six hundred sixtie eight thousand, eight hundred fiftie and seuen florins, besides the charge of artillerie, carriages, and all other things thereunto belonging, as well in pioners as otherwise, which could not be lesse than a third part of the charge of the armie: Yet the prince of Parma complained, that of this great number of souldiers, he could not put thirtie thousand men to field, by reason of the many garrisons which he was to supply. Without doubt it was a great power, and an excessiue charge, which he was to entertaine so many yeares together, Winter and Summer, against his D owne subiects, and yet preuaile little; the which the Romans and other mightie kings and monarchs would haue reputed great, and sufficient to haue effected great matters. Against which forces there were at the same time for the States, as braue, valiant, and expert captains and souldiers in militarie actions, both Dutch, French, English, Scottish, and Wallons, as the earth could beare. All which forces of either side, being well vnited and ioyned together, had been able to conquer a whole world.
The duke of Anious men being busie about the fortification of a bourg betwixt Valenciennes and Cambray, the prince of Parma went and forced them to leaue the worke, and to retire: then he summoned Castle Cambresis, in the which there were an hundred and fiftie Castle Cambresis yeelded to the Spaniard French souldiers, who yeelded, to haue their armes and baggage saued. Then hauing taken E some other castles and forts in that quarter of Cambray, as Bohain, and others, he then led his armie before the little towne of Nyuenhouen in Flanders, the which for want of succors yeelded, and so did the castles of Lyderkeke and Gaesbeke, with which places, and for that he had his armie camped thereabouts, he thought to famish the towne of Brussels a farre off: but being well prouided of all sorts of victuals (into the which there were two thousand French and English foot put, besides the twelue companies, and the foure cornets which they had of the ordinarie garrison) finding that he should preuaile little, after that he had spoyled the country thereabouts, his armie hauing also eaten vp Arthois and Henault, hee thought to goe into the land of Waes in Flanders: but the duke had so well fortified all the passages, as hee could not enter, so as dearth and famine began to creepe into his campe, all victuals beeing cut off and F forbidden by the way of France; besides that, Winter drawing on, his souldiers were much tormented with raine and cold, the which his new come Spaniards and Italians were not accustomed to feele: all these considerations made the prince to breake vp his campe, and to put his men into garrisons. As in like sort the same Winter the duke of Anious Frenchmen [Page 810] suffered much hunger and want, as wel by the bad gouernement of the victuals, as for want of A good pay, and the rigour of the Winter. 1583
The seuenteenth of Nouember colonell Verdugo surprised the towne of Steenwicke in the Steenwick surprised by the Spaniard. countrey of Ouerissel, by scaladoe: for the relieuing whereof (as I haue said) the States had taken so great paines. It happened by the direction of a peasant, who working in the town ditches, had noted one place which might be waded through, by the which he guided Verdugoes men vnto the foot of the rampar, being duely informed before, that captaine Hans Crom and Bocholt were gone forth with most of the souldiers of the garrison of the towne, about some enterprise.
At the same time the earle of Hohenlo besieged the towne of Meghen in the countrey of Meghen taken by the Estates. Gueldres, the which he won, with some other, neither could the earle of Mansfeldt (who lay B not far off with his troups) hinder him.
The seuenth of Ianuarie after the new stile (the calender being reformed this yeare by the pope) the lord of Boniwet being conducted by a souldier of the country, called Heincker Schermer (who went first vp to the rampar) surprised the towne of Eindouen in Brabant, neere vnto Eindouen surprised for the duke of Aniou. Boisleduke, in the countrey of Campeigne, where there were fiftie horsemen Albanois spoyled, most of them hauing saued themselues, or yeelded. From thence the Frenchmen went before Helmont, Horst, and other places of the same quarter, the which they also won; so as it seemed they would besiege Boisleduke, the which was long in great feare, they of the towne thinking (for that they had no garrison) to compound with the duke, but his mind was of another prey, as we will presently shew. C
The duke by the intercession of his mother (as she made shew) had long solicited the French king for succours in his affaires of the Netherlands, against the king of Spaine: but the king refused The French king refuseth succors to the duke his brother, & some aduice concerning it. him, fearing and foreseeing the danger which might happen vnto his realme, seeing hee was not assured (if his brother should die) of any recompence: yet he said, That if the Estates would acknowledge him, or else the crowne of France for heire and successor vnto the duke in the Netherlands, he would then do his best, which the Estates could not well yeeld vnto. The Agents of Spaine being in France, neere the king, and the dukes aduersaries (which was the house of Guise) made their profit of this deniall, which was the cause why the prince Daulphin and the marshall Biron, were so long before they entred the countrey with their armie: the which past not into Flanders, before they had deuoured all they brought out of France. D Some counselled the king, That to ioyne all the Netherlands in one bodie with the crowne of France (the which would afterwards be inuincible) he should not assist his brother, but in his extreame necessitie, when as he had exhausted all his meanes, and so weakened the countrey, as they should be forced to sue vnto him, and be content to receiue such conditions as he would prescribe them. Attending which time, and doing so, the king of Spaine should be also bare of money and credit: that then the king might make himselfe strong of men, money, and all things necessarie, and should know what contrarie designes the princes of the empire, the emperour, those of the house of Austria, and the allies and adherents to Spaine might conceiue. As for the duke (said they) he will the sooner humble himselfe, and submit to such conditions as it should please the king his brother to limit him, rather than bee forced to abandon E to his enemies that which he held, and which had cost him so much. And that the king vsing this manner of proceeding, and hauing obtained of his brother what he desired, the countrey being ouer toyled and tired with warte, hauing consumed all their meanes, and seeing themselues frustrat of their hope which they had conceiued in the dukes person, through dispaire euer to be reconciled with the Spaniard, fearing also the proceeding in the calling in of another prince, would demand nothing more, than to giue themselues vnto him. And as for the other prouinces which remained vnder the obedience of the Spaniard, that hee should make open warre with all violence vpon the frontiers, suffering no victuals to enter, beeing an easie matter to hinder it, seeing that hee had no ports at his deuotion. As for the Rhine and Meuse, which are riuers running through the said countries, they were to be stopt, keeping an army F in the countrey of Luxembourg, and being master of the townes thereof, as of Luxembourg the chiefe, Theonuille, and Malmedi, the Spaniard should eat vp the countrey where he was. They might also make roads and burne the haruest, which would force him to yeeld; so as the French king did stand vpon his guard, without hazarding any thing vpō the euent of a battel, [Page 811] still lodging vpon the aduantage. And if it should so fall out, yet might the king better endure A it than the enemie, who beeing once ouerthrowne, could neuer rise againe. Whereas 1583 beeing neere vnto France, hee might sodainely recouer new forces. But if the king reiected all these goodly occasions, and would not imbrace the Netherlands actions, that it was to bee feared hee should bee forced thereunto, if hee would not haue a new ciuile warre in Fraunce. And the duke his brother hauing no more meanes to resist the Spaniard, would be contemptible to them that had called him, not onely for the great charge they had beene at, but also to see themselues frustrat of the great expectation they had of him. That the said duke, rather than they should doe him any disgrace, would seeke to assure himselfe of some places within the country, and then would returne into France, to complaine of the smal succours and friendship which hee had found in the king his brother, reuiuing the discourse B which he had made the yere before to the parliament of Paris, and in other places: that for the greatnesse of the Estate and crowne of France, beeing freed so long from frontier enemies, which should ease the realme from so manie charges and impositions, they should not neglect so goodly an occasion, seeing that their father, grandfather and predecessors had made so long warre against the house of Bourgoigne, to conquer in the end but a towne or two: and that now the whole countrey and the townes offered themselues, and were in his possession, the which hee might loose againe for want of succours from the king his brother. And that therefore seeing hee had no assistance from him, hee desired fauour from the generall Estates of Fraunce, to preuent so great a disgrace, and not to let slip so goodly an oportunitie, which tended to the greatnesse and profit of all Fraunce. Wherefore they counselled C the king to consider well of this action, which touched him neerer than any league or amitie with the king of Spaine.
Such aduice and counsell was giuen vnto the French king, concerning the affaires of the Netherlands, which came all vnto the knowledge of the Duke his brother, making him to fall into diuers conceits and iealousies, as well of the king, as of those that were chiefe in counsell about him, and neerest his owne person: which seemed to make him run another course, thrust on by his yong courtiers: who hearing that his forces being led by the duke of Montpensier, and the marshall of Biron, had past by Cales, and lay about Dukerke, hee sent for them to come into Brabant.
The Duke being in Antuerpe, and hearing that his forces were arriued, hee caused his armie D both old and new to approach neerer vnto Antuerpe, into one of the suburbs, which they call Bourgerhout: the Switsers were lodged in another, called the Kyel, behind the castle along the riuer of Escaut.
In the meane time, as the towne of Dunkerke did import him much, to keepe a passage Dunkerke assured for the duke. open, and free from Flanders into Fraunce: the duke to assure himselfe thereof in time, hauing sent some French men thither, hee commanded monsieur de Chamors to seize thereon; the which hee did easily, during the absence of the seigniour of Treslon, admirall of Zeeland, and gouernour of the towne. Chamors pickt a quarrell against the bourgers, about the diuision of some bootie, so as they fell to blowes, and many were slaine: And whilest that they of the towne had sent to make their complaint to the Duke and the Estates being in Antuerpe, E Chamors hauing in the meane time fortified himselfe with more men, chased away the States garrison, and became master of the towne the sixteenth of Ianuarie. This was the first act of ill counsell which the Duke put in practise, which afterwards lost him the Netherlands, and was the cause of his owne ruine.
Without doubt the Duke (of whom for his owne disposition they had expected all good, and on whom the Estates of the countrey had grounded the preseruation, health, and maintenance of the people, against the oppression of the Spaniards) had done wisely, and had made himselfe wonderfull great, if hee had giuen credit to the counsell of the prince of Orange and the Estates, who had called him to those goodly principalities and seigniories, wherewith hee was so lately inuested: And that if in stead of preferring the French nobilitie F (who were but strangers in the Netherlands) hee had countenanced the Netherlanders, and not haue contemned them, and held them in such disdaine: for aboue the ordinarie counsell which he had of the said prince and other noblemen borne in the countrey, although he shold [Page 812] not haue any other for matters of state, and the gouernment of the countrey yet hee had a secret A counsell, which they called The Counsell of the Cabinet, composed of yong giddie headed 1583 French men, most of them being pensioners to the king of Spaine, or relikes of the actors in the massacre at Paris. This secret counsell put into his head, that neither the prince of Orange nor the States did respect him as an absolute prince, and would willingly haue seene him fully obeyed; the which the Spaniards had so much affected, and had beene the cause of the troubles and miserie which had happened and continued so long in the said countries. For the obtaining of which obedience and absolute commaund, for the putting in of gouernours and French captaines into all townes and forts, and the excluding of noblemen, gentlemen, and others that were borne in the countrey, to restore the Romish religion, and root out the Protestants; finally to reduce these prouinces into a worse estate, than it may bee they had beene B in during the rule of the Spaniards, they aduised him to make himselfe master of the chiefe townes of Brabant and Flanders, but especially of Antuerpe, with the which they thought and bragged to subdue all the world.
In this counsell there were three sorts of humors of men, euerie one tending to a cenaine Three sorts of humors in the dukes counsell end, but diuers and contrarie. The first (which we may say were the best) had no other aime (as faithfull seruants are bound) but to the greatnesse and setling of their masters estate, which prospering, they could not but prosper themselues, and those were for the most part young, aspiring to aduancement and honour. The others were secret pensioners to the king of Spain, who by a strange alteration in this new estate, sought nothing, but to worke for the Spaniard, and to send the duke home, from whence hee came, and so corrupted by gifts, presents, or C pensions, to fill their purses: and these had most accesse and credit with the duke. The last were such as looked to nothing but to spoyle, relikes (as we haue said) of the massacrers of Paris, thinking by the spoyle of these rich and mightie townes, to make themselues all gold in one day: the which were knowne and noted for such, who two or three dayes before the execution of this their designe in the towne of Antuerpe, went vnto the chiefe merchants, taking view of the richest iewels, plate, tapestrie, and other rich merchandise, making shew as if they would buy them, and agreeing vpon the price of some: saying, That they would fetch them, and pay for them on such a day, which was the day of the execution: but it had beene with the Lions paiment.
Consider then, if of these last two sorts of men, being of the dukes counsell, an vpright D prince could make any good vse. It was therefore concluded among them in this counsell of Cabinet (whereunto they also called the seigniour of Thiant, gouernour of Alost, a stirring young gentlemen, whose humor these counsellors knew to bee conformable vnto theirs) that this designe (without the priuitie of the duke of Montpensier, the earle of Lauall, and other noblemen of the Protestant religion) should bee executed vpon the seuenteenth of Ianuarie that yeare 1583, on Saint Anthonies day, as well in Antuerpe, as in the townes of Bruges, Dendermonde, Alost, Dixmuyden, Nyeuport, Ooestende, Villeuorde, and other townes: So as the French men of those garrisons, and other supplies that should bee sent vnto them, should make themselues masters thereof. And as for their proiect laid vpon the towne of Antuerpe, the which succeeded vnhappily for them, it was in this E maner.
The sixteenth of Ianuarie, the eue before the execution of the French mens designe vpon The relation of the enterprise of Antuerpe. Antuerpe, doctor Peter van Alost, bourgmaster of the towne, hauing receiued some aduertisement, that the same night there might be some enterprise made against the town, went late vnto the duke, to let him vnderstand, That among so many souldiers that were entred into the towne, there might some slip in that were not well affected to his seruice, who they feared would attempt something to the preiudice of the towne: and therefore they intreated the duke that hee would forsee it, and that the [...]haynes might be drawne an houre sooner than of custome: Whereunto the duke yeelded, after that hee had answered, That they had no cause to distrust his troups, which were come to do him and the whole countrey seruice: adding F thereunto many good words and faire promises. So the chaines were drawne betimes, and lanternes with lights hung out at the windowes in the streets all night long, as they are accustomed to do in any time of doubt and distrust.
[Page 813] The next day the duke did conferre as well in person, as by his secretarie Pin (called A Quinsay) with the prince of Orange, the bourgmasters, and the colonels of the bourgers, 1583 sent expresly to that end. And as the prince told plainely and openly, That hee knew well, that they had pretended and resolued that day, to force a port, and to draw in the whole armie; the duke protested, that he had neuer any such thought, and that they should haue no such suspition of his souldiers: that hee desired to know who had inuented that surmise, to punish him as hee had deserued: shewing what great affection hee bare to the confederat prouinces, the countrey of Brabant, and especially to the towne of Antuerpe, seeking by all meanes to pacifie, and to giue contentment to the prince, the bourgmasters and colonels: the which was easie for him to doe, seeing that their aduertisements had no verie great ground, neither would they euer haue thought that it had beene true, much lesse that his B Highnesse would euer haue executed such a designe, considering that he did see plainly they knew something, and that they were growne into suspition. Whereupon the prince persuaded and intreated him, not to go out of the town, nor to take view of his armie that day: the which he promised him: But the marshall of Biron beeing gone the day before to lodge in the armie, and hauing concluded, that the like designe should be executed in other townes, The foolish & cruell enterprise of the duke of Aniou vpon Antuerp on the same day, wherby al their villanie should be discouered, if they should delay it any longer, about one of the clocke in the afternoone, the duke with all his nobilitie, making in all (besides those which marched before, and which came after) some two hundred horse, and with all his guard both Switsers and French, went out of the towne by the port of Kipdorpe, the which they had expresly left open by commaundement and charge which hee C had giuen them.
Some of his men which went before, stayed vpon the bridge, as if they had there attended his Highnesse: others which remained behind, ran from one street to another, towards that gate, causing the chaynes to bee let downe, as if his Highnesse should haue past by all those streets.
Beeing past the port, and the second draw bridge, one of his gentlemen did counterfeit as if his legge had beene broken in the prease: some of the bourgers drew neere vnto him, to helpe him, and to carrie him into the towne, to the first Surgion: but hee crying out and lamenting (the which hee did to win time, vntill the footmen of the armie might approach) seeing the footmen come, drew his sword, and tooke one of the bourgers of the towne, D which offered him his seruice, on the head, and withall, all his Highnesse courtiers fell pell mell vpon the bourgers, beeing before their Corps degard, bare headed, to see their prince passe, hauing no doubt or fear of any such treason to be practised and committed against their towne.
After this beginning the noblemen and gentlemen (except such as past beyond the port) aduanced with all the rest of the armie, and first there entred foure cornets of horse, and seuenteene ensignes of foot, crying out, The towne is won, The towne is won, Liue the Masse, Liue the Masse: the which they did, by that meanes hoping to draw all the power of the Romish Catholikes, and other the discontented rabble of the towne, to hold their partie: his Highnesse pressing his men to enter, and saying that the towne was his, and that it was E woon, caused the Switsers, and the rest of the troupes to aduance, so as hee became master of the said port, without any difficultie, although there had beene great resistance: for it was dinner time, when as the bourgers were at table, and the most part of the guard were gone home to their dinners, and besides the bourgers of that quarter had that day the guard in another place.
So these foure cornets, and the dukes courtiers, with the seuenteene companies of foot, being entred into the towne, ran ouer all where it pleased them; some went along the rampar towards the emperors gate, to seize vpon the artillerie, as they did: some ran towards the Meerbruge, others through the new street, some along that streight street of Kipdorpe, and one part vnto the rampars of the Red gate, and of Saint Anthonies street, crying continually, F Kill, hill, God saue the Masse, The towne is woon. But as soone as the bourgers vnderstood, that they pretended by this treason to surprise and spoyle the towne, going presently with as much speed as they could out of their houses, some armed, some without arms, and in small numbers, they went like gabions close together, & planted themselues before this great troup [Page 814] of Frenchmen, keeping them from passing any further. In the meane time the towne drums A began to beat, and to giue a generall alarme, the bourgers comming in troups from all parts, 1583 some by whole companies, who marching in battaile, went and charged the French, God (to whom the honour and glorie of this victorie is to be attributed) giuing such courage to the bourgers, and the inhabitants, as they made them to turne their backes in all places, and to flie in great disorder out of the towne, some casting themselues from the top of the rampar into the ditch, to saue themselues, after that they had beene masters of the port aboue an houre, with their colours flying, won the market place and the Meere.
In the meane time the duke caused his Switsers (being about foure thousand) and the rest of his armie, to aduance, to second them that were alreadie entred: but the bourgers hauing recouered the rampars, discharged their ordnance vpon his squadrons, the which staied them sodainely, and forced them to retire, finding that all went not well with them in the town; neither B could they enter, for the great number of the dead, which lay heaped one vpon another in the port, the height of two men. The duke hauing at the first seene the port won, and that without any resistance or striking stroke his men were entred into the towne, hee said then to some noblemen (who were not acquainted with his enterprise, and did complaine of it) that the towne was won, and that he had aboue foure thousand men in it. Whereunto some of these noblemen answered, That it was not yet won, and that within halfe an houre they should see a change, as it fell out by the grace of God, not without great effusion of bloud, of either part: for of the good and valiant bourgers (besides them that were wounded) there died some The number of them that were slaine. foure score, among the which were colonel Vyerendeel, and the captaines Balthazar Tas, Renold C Michaut, and Iasper of Hoemaeker, sargeant maior to the seignior of Schoonhouen. The seignior of Waenroy bourgmaster, being gone forth of the towne with his highnesse, marching in ranke with the nobilitie, and hearing this brute, escaped verie dangerously, and with the assistance of the said sargeant maior, caused the chaines to be drawne, which sergeant was slaine close by him, with diuers other valiant bourgers, which died fighting, to their immortall praise and honour.
Of the French there were found both within and without the towne, vpon the rampars, and in the ditches, aboue fifteene hundred men, that were numbred and buried, besides such as died afterwards in the town, and the wounded and prisoners, among the which there were many gentlemen and men of qualitie: Besides there were some foureteene or fifteene hundred D taken prisoners, and among them some great personages, barons, and other of the French nobilitie. And although that the French souldiers would not haue spared any one, but would haue spoyled the towne, and vsed all sorts of crueltie, if they had been masters, yet after this victory the bourgers did not hurt any man, but drew from among the dead many that were yet liuing and panting, whom they preserued.
After this grosse errour the duke retired with his noblemen, and the rest of his armie, the same night, to be out of the danger of the towne canon, into the suburbs of Berchem, lodging himselfe in the castle of that place, from whence he writ vnto the magistrat of Antuerpe, with a certaine instruction, which he gaue vnto two colonels bourgers, Landtmeter and Scholiers being accompanied by a gentleman of his houshold, whereunto they of the towne would E make no answere in particular, referring themselues to the resolution of the prince and the generall Estates, who thought it expedient to send their commissioners vnto his highnesse. You may coniecture in what case the prince of Orange was, during this foolish and furious enterprise of the French in Antuerpe, and whether he were assured of his person, vntill hee heard that all went well with the bourgers, and that the French were repulst: then hee went to the rampars with his guard and gentlemen, to moderat the iust furie of the townes-men, who would haue plaied continually with their ordnance vpon the dukes armie, if hee had not forbidden them, yea intreated them: and he came happily to saue some of the nobilitie, yet was he forced to heare and endure some taunts and reproaches of some ill taught bourgers. In the end hauing ceased from killing (which had not lasted an houre) and the prince being retyred F into his lodging, the bourgers fell to spoyle and strip the dead bodies, where some got rich spoyles, as well of chaynes of gold and iewels, and of gold and siluer.
The most remarkable among the dead, were the earle of S. Aignan, the marshall of Birons The noblemen that were slaine. eldest sonne, the earle of Chasteauroux sonne, a verie yong nobleman, with the seigniours of [Page 815] Thiant, Seisseual, and others. Among the chiefe prisoners were the seignior of Feruaques, A the baron of Beaulieu, the baron of Chaumont, the seignior of Fresnoy, and others (whereof 1583 many were of the Protestant religion, ignorant of the fact) all put vnder good guard for a time in the fencers chamber, and from thence they were sent to some bourgers, vntill they were knowne: Feruaques was carried to the towne-house, and the common souldiers to the prison of Backers tower, and other places, from whence they were afterwards deliuered without ransome, and sent by sea to Callis, yet many died of cold, want, miserie, and of the stinke one of another, the prisons being so full as they could hardly stirre.
Such was the issue and end of this foolish enterprise of the duke of Aniou vpon the towne of Antuerpe, thinking by meanes thereof to make himselfe more absolute lord, than euer were any dukes his predecessors in Brabant, and to haue that ful and perfect obedience, which B neuer any had, neither could the king of Spaine obtaine it, how mightie soeuer he were. He lost in one day his estate, his credit and his reputation, beeing forced to flie, and to make a retreat vnworthie of his greatnesse: for from his lodging of Berchem, he went the next day to the abbey of Saint Bernard; hauing beene there one night, going to Villeuoorde, he found a second mischiefe at his quarter of Duffell, to the great losse of his men and baggage, by the inundation of the countrey, which grew by the opening of the sluces at Macklyn: And if a countrey man had not shewed them a foord, at the old riuer which was woont to passe from Macklyn to Brussels, the losse had beene greater, and hee himselfe had beene in daunger, as the duke of Montpensier was, who, besides this misfortune, was much grieued for the disloyaltie which had beene shewed to the towne of Antuerpe: for the way was verie narrow, C and hard to hold, whereas many making too great hast, were carried away by the swiftnesse of the streame, and there perished. The duke of Montpensier beeing mounted vpon a lustie horse, was in this danger, if hee had not beene speedily succoured, who beeing verie wet in so cold a season, being come to Villeuoorde, after that hee had beene well chafed, was let bloud for the recouerie of his health. The duke of Aniou ran to visit him and to comfort Montpensier blames the duke for the attempt at Antuerpe. him: Montpensier did reprehend him sharply, for the errour which hee had committed in Antuerpe, imputing this disaster to his periurie. To whom the duke answered, Cousin, leaue these speeches, you will kill my heart. Montpensier replying in choller, looking with an angrie eye vpon the noblemen which did accompanie the duke, beeing the chiefe authors of all the mischiefe, said, Nay, kill the hearts of all those traytors, that gaue you that counsell. At D which reply the duke of Aniou retyred verie sad and melancholie, without speaking of any word.
His Highnesse being vpon the way to Villeuoorde, hee wrot his letters to them of Brussels The duke seeks to excu [...] himselfe, and to accuse them of Antuerpe. and Macklyn, laying all the fault of this inconuenience vpon them of Antuerpe, as if they had giuen him some occasion, saying (wherein he did contradict himselfe) That it was but a mutinie of his men: whereof the contrary is most manifest, for the same day that he thought to suppresse Antuerpe, he attempted the like in diuers other townes, as in Bruges, Alost, Dixmuyden, Nieuport, Ooestend, and Villeuoord, and it may be in other places whereas his ministers durst not begin.
The enterprises which the dukes men had vpon Dendermonde, Dixmuyden, and Villeuoorde E succeeded, but not without great oppression and outrage done vnto the inhabitants. But they of Bruges, vnder the leading of the seignior of Fougeres, failed, although there were fiue companies of French before within the towne: for as Fougeres desired to haue passage onely through the towne, to goe and ioyne with the dukes armie neere Antuerpe, with sixe companies: Being entred, and in battaile vpon the market place, Fougeres and the prouost generall of the French, meaning to stay some time, and rest them there, went to the town-house, to haue tickets for their lodging. The bourgers discouering this practise, began to put themselues in armes, and thereupon the magistrats commanded Fougeres not to depart from them, but to write to his men, that they should depart presently out of the towne, else he should remaine their prisoner. In the meane time they prouided, that the other fiue companies of the F old garrison, should not ioyne with them that were on the market place, who according to their colonels command, departed out of the towne, and so did al the rest. Thus this enterprise went to smoke, and the Brugeois were happily and easily freed from the French, who as Fougeres and the prouost did afterwards confesse, had made pitifull worke in the towne.
[Page 816] There was the like enterprise vpon the towne of Wynocx-berghe, the which succeeded, A but modestly, Colonel Villenenfue a French gentleman and a Protestant, causing Capraine 1583 Blocke onely to retire with his company of horse, to be master there alone, as he was vnder the Dukes authoritie, vntill hee yeelded it vp by his consent, of the Estates and the Prince of Orange, vnto la Motte Gouernour of Grauelingue, as we shall hereafter shew.
I haue thought good to insert here the letters which the Duke of Aniou did write from the castle of Berchem to the Magistrate of Antuerpe, sending them by the Colonels Landtmeter and Scholiers, with the instruction which followeth.
‘My masters, I send vnto you the Seigniours of Landtmeter & Scholiers the bearers hereof, The Dukes letters to them o [...] Antuerpe. with an instruction which they shall present vnto you on my behalfe; whereunto I attend an answer that I may resolue: the fault shall be yours, if it be not for your good: referring my B selfe then to their sufficiencie, I will conclude, praying God to haue you in his keeping: from the campe at Berchem. Signed Francis, and vnderneath, Pin. In a post-script was written, I haue thought good to accompanie these two Bourgers, with this gentleman the bearer hereof, to let you vnderstand my intention more at large. Here followeth the tenour of the instruction.’
‘His Highnesse by his wisdome and accustomed patience, after that he had exposed his person to hazard, lost and ruined many gentlemen and souldiers, some in the warres, others by diseases, and the most part by miserie, famine and want, to trie by all meanes, to let the people of these countries know how much hee desired to drawe them out of all the miseries and oppressions which they had suffered, hath in the end found that he laboured in vaine, reseruing C the proofe of his saying for another time and place, to discouer more plainly to all the world, the spring and beginning of all the mischiefe, the which was sufficiently knowne to all good men. The neere ruine of the people, with his Highnes disgrace which followed, hath with great reason (beeing a Prince as euery man knoweth him) much altered his good nature and disposition, seeing himselfe so vnworthily intreated, as he may iustly say, that the absolute and soueraigne authoritie was in other mens hands. But the extraordinarie indignitie which hath beene done him this day, with so small respect, yea in contempt of his person and qualitie, hath so incensed him, as that hath ensued which you haue seene, for the which hee is wonderfully displeased and grieued. And for that his inclination is yet still disposed to the good of the common weale, and of all good men; hee would let them vnderstand it, to knowe how D they would carrie themselues to him, before hee did resolue of that which hee had in hand: whereof they should bee intreated to deliuer their mindes plainely to the Seigniors of Landtmeter and Scholiers, of whom they should learne more, according to the instruction which his Highnes had giuen them. They should be also intreated to suffer all French men that were in Antuerpe, to depart and goe freely vnto his Highnesse, and the Earle of Mansfeldt also; giuing free passage for all his Highnesse mooueables, of the duke of Montpensier, the Count Laual, Marshal of Biron, the Scigniors of Rochepot, Rochefoucaut, Espruneaux, and Mauuissiere the first steward of his houshold: as also and especially his Highnes papers, & the goods of the Seignior of Quinsay, his Secretarie, and his other Stewards, Treasurers, and houshold seruants, against whom he assures himselfe they haue vsed no rigour, beeing innocent of that E which hath happened. His Highnesse hath his chiefe Almoner sicke in Antuerpe, whom hee shall intreat them to send vnto him, and not to vse him vnworthily. Made in the campe at Berchem the 17 of Ianuarie.’
These letters and instruction were imparted by the Magistrate of Antuerpe, vnto the generall Estates and the Prince of Orange; the particular Estates of Brabant thought it expedient to send Commissioners vnto him: whereunto were named, Doctor Elbert Leoninus, chancellor of Geldres, Meetkerke president of the Prouinciall Councel of Flanders, both Councellers of estate, and Bloyere Colonel of the bourgers at Brussels, to goe and treate with the Duke, who was gone to Saint Bernards Abbey, and that according to the instructions which they had receiued from the Prince of Orange, with the aduice of the generall Estates. F
The Duke beeing ariued at Duffell, he wrote vnto Oliuer vanden Timpel, Seignior of Corbeke, Gouernour of Brussels, as followeth.
‘Mounsieur Timpel, the indignities which I haue receiued by them of Antuerpe, with very [Page 817] small respect of my qualitie and person, haue so transported mee, as meaning on monday last A to goe out of the towne vnto mine armie, there fell a tumult at the port betwixt them and my 1583 men, whereas the souldiers lying at Bourgerhout ariued, so as to my great griefe there followed The dukes letters to moni [...]ur Timpel. great disorder: whereof I thought good to aduertise you, and to let you vnderstand that this accident hath nothing diminished my affection, to assist the good with all my meanes and forces, who in my opinion should not growe colde, as I am assured you will not, continuing in the oath which you haue made vnto mee. I will also continue for my part in my first will and affection: and especially in regard of you, whom I haue also knowne to be a louer of the publike good. Intreating you moreouer, beeing at this time incommodated in my armie for want of victuals; to prouide that I may haue some sent mee, by some number of boats, as speedily as may be, and they shall bee well satisfied and paied. And for that I meane shortly B to let you vnderstand more particularly the true and iust causes of my griefe, I will now make an end, &c. From the campe at Duffell the twentieth of Ianuarie, 1583. Signed Francis.’
Many thought diuersly of this enterprise of the duke of Anious: some said it was onely to Seuerall opinions of the dukes enterprise. force the bourgers of Antuerpe to paie his armie, as the Spaniards had done in the time of the great commander of Castilia, at the daie called For a Veillacos, whereof wee haue made mention. Others said that the duke beeing newely come out of a realme, whereas the king commands and hath absolute authoritie, could not fit himselfe vnto a countrey, which stands vpon their priuiledges and auncient statutes, desiring to rule after his owne will. Some feared that if hee had become master thereof, hee would haue deliuered them ouer to the king of C Spaine, with whom (they said) hee had secret correspondencie, and seeing they could not compasse it by force and open warre, they should effect it by subtill practises, as hee had now thought. These men were farre from his intention. Some others said it was to settle and establish the Romish religion, and they grounded the chiefest argument of this their iealousie vppon the crie of God saue the Masse, during the exploit: beeing also notorious that he had with him diuers of the chiefe massacrers of Paris. And as the name of French men by reason of their insolencies and excesse, was hatefull both to catholikes and protestants, by that crie of God saue the Masse, they thought to drawe the catholikes to their partie, and in the end to vse them as the rest: this might haue some shew. But my opinion was, and I haue heard it allowed by many of good iudgement, that this young councell of the cabinet beleeued, that the D duke holding this rich and mightie citie, and hauing caused the castle to be built againe, hee might by the meanes thereof conquer all the world. Whatsoeuer it were, this designe must be most pernitious to the one or to the other. To the towne if he had preuailed (yet what the issue would haue beene if it had succeeded, I will not rashly iudge) for him if he had failed, as he did.
Wherefore it is a matter to be duely weighed and considered: as I haue heard the marshall of Biron did propound all the dangers vnto him, beeing without the towne, euen at the verie instant when the exploit should begin, shewing him the artillerie vpon the rampar, the chaines in all the streetes, the bourgers become more warlike then euer, by reason of their first losses by the Spaniards, then the dishonour, and last of all the great losse, and irrecouerable E blame if it succeeded not, counselling him as much as he could to desist from it. But contrariwise the others said, Why sir, will you for feare of tenne or twelue rascals which are at the port, loose the opportunitie to make your selfe a monarch this daie? Whereupon the duke was a while in suspence, but the worser counsell so by their vnhappie aduise preuailed, that they carried it: God hauing so in his eternall wisdome decreed to punish these wicked reliques of massacrers, and to make them of Antuerp, and the estates more circumspect in their affaires.
The prince of Parma hearing that this enterprise was thus failed, meaning to make his benefit thereof, wrote his letters to the Bourgmasters, great councell, and colonels of the towne of Antuerpe, exhorting them to reconciliation with the king of Spaine: the messenger F which brought the letters was ledde into the towne with his eies blinded, which made many to thinke that they feared some alteration, for some times they might heare the bourgers (seeing that the duke of Aniou sought by all meanes possible to circumuent [Page 818] them) mutter among themselues, and cry, God saue the King. Wherefore it was prohibited A by a publike proclamation within the towne, That no man should presume to speake of making 1583 peace with the king of Spaine, nor to receiue any letters from the prince of Parma, for that hee had written the like to them of Gant, Bruges, and other townes, so as some townes of Flanders and of Brabant, sent their deputies (among the which was the abbot of S. Gheertruyde) to the prince of Parma, to treat of their reconciliation.
The queene of England hauing newes of this accident, sent her embassadors to the Estates, requiring them with all speed to reconcile themselues vnto the duke of Aniou, for that it was to be feared, that if they did not agree, the prince of Parma beeing growne weake for want of victuals, would fortifie himselfe more than before, whereon they should bee verie carefull. B
The same newes being come to Rouan, and to Paris, and made much greater than it Embassadors sent to the States from England and France. was (as if the duke and all the princes and French nobilitie, had beene slaine there) the Parisians staied all the merchants and goods of Antuerpe, who (the truth of the matter beeing knowne) had great difficultie to recouer their goods againe, and not without some losse. The king sent the seigniour of Mirambeau, to excuse his brothers fault, and soone after monsieur de Bellieure, a counsellor of state, with letters to them of Antuerpe, by the which hee excused (as much as hee could) his brothers errour, laying the blame vpon his youth, his bad counsell, and the mutinie of his souldiers: promising them, that in reconciling themselues vnto him, hee would giue them all fauour and assistance. The duke himselfe did write afterwards vnto the Estates, colouring somewhat his enterprise, and promising them all seruice, both of his person and meanes, desiring to enter into some friendly conference with them, and to C satisfie them that were distasted. But the common people seemed at the first so much altered, as no excuses could preuaile, refusing to acknowledge him any more for the protector of their libertie, and much lesse their prince: but they tearmed him an enemie to the publike good of the countrey, so great was their spleene in the beginning, after the deed was done against his Highnesse: yet it had beene much better they had beene sooner reconciled together vpon some good conditions; seeing that (beeing thus discouered) they should euer after haue lesse feare of him than before: and it was to bee hoped his future actions would bee such, as they should deface that first blemish. For the Spaniard (who slept not) beeing watchfull to imbrace all occasions, seeing the countrey destitute of a head, of succours, D and of support, might easily haue ouerthrowne all their designes, to his great aduantage, and the hazard of their fortunes.
All this beeing well knowne vnto the prince of Orange, one day in the assemblie of the great Counsell (which they call Breeden Raed) in the towne of Antuerpe, beeing required to speake his mind, touching the reconciliation with the duke of Aniou, hee deliuered his opinion at large, the which was presented also in writing vnto the generall Estates of the countries of the Netherlands: where, after that hee had excused himselfe, hee sayd.
‘That the Estates should remember what hee had propounded vnto them, when as by The prince of Oranges aduice vpon the reconciliation with the duke of Aniou. the losses of Tournay and Maestricht, they were in a dangerous estate, the Spaniard going E on still, and prospering: and that it was then needfull to seeke ayd and succours from some great prince, to preserue and maintaine them: Intreating them, that they would reuiew the acts, and all that had passed betwixt them and him, when there was question to chuse the Duke of Aniou. In doing so (for that it seemed they would blame him for this election) they should see to whom the fault was to bee imputed: seeing that hee had alwayes protested, That if the Estates could find any other better expedient, that hee would follow it vnto the death: That they themselues could witnesse, that at that instant they had no other helpe, but to call in the said Duke of Aniou, as it was resolued by themselues. Wherefore it were verie vniust (although the mischiefe which hath happened had beene greater) to blame him alone for this election, and to lay the fault vpon him for that F which is past. He would not deny (for that the duke had done and attempted against his othe, according to the treatie of Burdeaux) but that he was fallen from the right of this euocation, & the seigniory of these countries, whereof hee had receiued the inuestiture, although that hee [Page 819] confessed, That his aduice was to call him to their succours. But if they would iudge thereof A without passion, they must also confesse what benefit they haue receiued in three yeares, 158 [...] that by his meanes they had made head against the enemie, who at that time had two mightie armies, the which by the grace of God and the dukes assistance, were made vnprofitable, the one before Cambray, the other much greater the last Summer. Moreouer, that with his succours you had raysed the enemies siege from before Lochum, on which towne depends the countrey of Gueldres, and the countie of Zutphen and Ouerissell. That no man could denie the succours which hee had giuen to the reformed churches in Fraunce, hauing beene the meanes to procure them libertie of religion. Holding it most certaine, that by the name and armes of the duke of Aniou, the name and forces of Spaine were obscured. But in this present action, there were three points, whereon they must resolue. The reconciliation with B the Spaniard, for one, or with the duke, for another, and the third is to maintaine and defend themselues alone with their owne proper meanes. Hee said, That for the Spaniard there was no likelyhood to effect it, although the name and armes should cease: for if they thinke to reconcile themselues with him, vnder the name of the male-contents, as la Motte writes, and that to that end the marquesse of Roubay, and the lords of Montigny and Rassinghem, are met (whereunto it seemes some yeeld an eare) hee conceiues as much as may bee in this matter of estate, that those men will not doe any thing, without the will of the prince of Parma: whereof they may be sufficiently persuaded by the treatie of Cologne, in the yere 1579, made betwixt some priuat men among the male-contents, and the said prince of Parma: the which was no sooner past, but they sent them greater numbers of Spaniards and Italians, than euer C before. Besides, the treatie which now they may make with the male-contents, would minister matter to the duke of Aniou, to reproach the Estates withall, that whilest hee offers to reconcile himselfe with them, they treat with his enemies: the which should helpe to iustifie him with the French king his brother, the queene of England, and other princes and potentats, and make their cause odious. And that to reconcile themselues with the Spaniards, and male-contents, were all one deed. The question is, Whether the Wallons (the Spaniard beeing retired) would be more tollerable vnto them, than the Spaniards, or French, seeing they know well that the said Wallons haue the chiefe charges and commands; one beeing lieutenant of the armie, another generall of the horse, the third master of the ordnance, and the fourth generall of the victuals and munition. And whereas some imagine, that (treating with D the male contents, and the Spaniard retired) they shall bee more assured to recouer their free traffique into Spaine, and that the Spaniard being farre from them, they shall be in lesse feare of surprise, than of the French, who are neerer neighbours. Seeing it is, so, as they hold the French an enemie in the same degree with the Spaniard, experience hath taught by this attempt newly happened, that whensoeuer the French shall haue committed any errour, or broken the accord, what support they shall find. But the condition of the Spaniard is otherwise: for hauing not onely the countrey, the townes, and the dismembred States at his commandement, beeing in warre against the vnited States, hauing the chiefe members thereof professed Spaniards, hee shall not need many Spaniards nor Italians, to subiect them to his will, those which are borne in the countrey imploying themselues with al violence, vnder the kings E authoritie, which they haue in their hands; whereby the inhabitants shal be easily supplanted, depriued of their religion, and consequently burthened with the yoke of the Inquisition, and spoyled of their goods, priuiledges, and freedoms (notwithstanding their treaties) without all mercie. Wherefore we must consider, that the Spaniards are neerer than the French, beeing seated in the middest of both: for which consideration hee sees no reason to hearken to the Spaniard, if you wil not see religion, liberties, yea and the country lost & ruined for euer. In regard of the duke of Aniou, whom hee would not denie (according to the treatie of Bourdeaux) to be fallen from all his rights in these parts, and that he hath no ground to challenge any benefit by the sayd treatie, whereby it appeares what foolish and pernitious counsell hee hath followed: considering also the feare in the which both hee and his haue beene F since this attempt, the which should make him more wise and circumspect to preserue himselfe and his nobilitie, beeing not the part of a wife and circumspect man, to stumble twice at one stone: that it is common to all men to erre, the which may happen vnto them, if they doe not reconcile themselues with him: whereby may grow so great a iealousie [Page 820] and distrust betwixt the two nations, as afterwards there will bee small meanes to reconcile A them. Finally it were to bee feared, that they which are about his person would counsell 1583 him, or that they vnder his authoritie, would attempt something against religion. Hee said also, That he knew well, that some among them thought it not good to agree with one that was not of their religion, for certaine considerations. Whereupon they were to consider, that the duke held many good townes in his hands, the which in case they reiected him, he might deliuer vp vnto their enemies, seeing that of himselfe hee should haue no meanes to preserue them: whereby many other good townes should fall into great danger, especially the enemy being master of the field. It was in like manner to bee feared, that if they did incense the duke, they should also haue the French king for their enemie, who would bee more heauie vnto them than any other, whereby they should bee in danger to loose their nauigation both into B Spaine and France, and also to bee sodainely inuaded by two mightie enemies. As for the queene of England, although he doubts not but shee will disauow the dukes fact, yet will she be sorie, for the great recommendation and good testimonie shee hath giuen of him to the Estates: but when shee shall vnderstand that it is by their faults that these breaches are not repaired, and that they would not reconcile themselues againe vnto him, her Maiestie will take this refusall in verie ill part. They must also consider, how few friends they shall haue elsewhere, and how euerie one will abandon them. And it is to bee feared, that if they agree not with the duke, the French will presently lay all passages open to the Spaniard, not onely for their victuals, munition, messengers, embassadors, gold and siluer, but euen for whole armies, both of horse and foot, which shall quite ruine them; so as they may iudge if it doth import C them or not. On the other side, they should make a strict examination of their meanes, if they be able to defend themselues, and to raise the siege of Eindouen, or of any other townes besieged, as when they were supported by the dukes forces: for the doing whereof, they had want of good captaines and souldiers of their owne nation, not onely for that the warre hath consumed many, but also for that their countries were small, and that the most part were retired, or might retire to the Spaniard, whom they had beene accustomed to serue. Besides, the greatest part of the people are more giuen to traffique and to handie trades, than to armes: wherefore it should be needfull to call in forreine souldiers, which would cost much to leuie, to bring hither, and to entertaine: so as hauing once resolued, you must rather trust them of the religion than any other. And as for money euerie one knew how troublesome it had bin D hitherto to prouide it, onely to pay their garrisons: so as it is a wonder how for want of good paiment, they could euer maintaine their souldiers so well without mutining, seeing that money is the sinew of warre, without the which all other prouisions are vnprofitable: praying vnto God to send them meanes to recouer it. The which hauing well resolued, hee propounded vnto them an order which they should hold, as well in the gouernement, as in the mannaging of militarie and politike affaires, euerie one maintaining himselfe in his ranke, all which notwithstanding should bee without fruit, if money fayles. Whereupon he did exhibit vnto them a list of the charges of the warre monethly, the which beeing not effectually followed, and obserued, their Estate could not subsist. Of the three points aboue mentioned, hee confest freely vnto them, that hee had alwayes held the third to bee the best, so farre E forth as they had meanes: to which end hee had laboured foure whole yeares, to induce the prouinces thereunto, vnder a good and firme vnion, and yet had preuailed nothing. But seeing they had made shew that they would not yeeld vnto it, or that they had not the meanes to do it, it was thought good by themselues, to seeke the succours of some forreine prince. And if any one thought to attaine vnto it by the proper meanes of the countrey, without putting in practise the order prescribed and limited by him (considering the slownesse of their resolutions) hee should preuaile no more, than he that thinkes to build a castle in the aire: and in the meane time he should expose many townes and churches vnto danger. And if this counsell, which he giues them, bee not allowable (as hee hopes it is) for the difficulties which they shall find in the putting it in execution, yet he would tell them plainly and openly, that hee sees no F reason to enter into any conference of peace with the Spaniard. And if they must of force make a new accord with the duke of Aniou, let them prouide that no towne fall into danger, and bee well assured of all the forces, and that the captaines may be to the contentment of the Estates.’
[Page 821] This was the prince of Oranges aduice vpon the three points of so great importance, entreating A them of Antuerpe to conforme themselues vnto the generalitie, without doing any 1583 thing of themselues, and to take this his aduise in good part, protesting, that he would expose all his meanes, yea his life, for Religion, the generalitie, and for the towne of Antuerpe in particular.
We haue said, how that Monsieur de Bellieure was come vnto the Estates from the French king, as an intercessor for the duke of Aniou his brother. The Estates hauing heard his Oration, and according vnto that which he propounded and required, begun to treat with him in the dukes name, deputing Elbert Leonin, chancellor of Gueldre, and Adolph of Meelkerke, Monsieur de Bellieure treateth with the Estates for the duke of Aniou president of Flanders, with some others on their behalfe; and for the duke were deputed men of authoritie, pleasing vnto the Estates, among the which was the earle of Laual, the Seignior B of Espruneaux, and others.
During all this trouble, the Estates found small support in their neighbours of Germanie and England, but from Fraunce they had many goodly promises, which notwithstanding tasted of some threats. They had small meanes of their owne to free themselues, and they feared much, that they should be exposed as a prey, and deliuered to the Spaniards, which made them to enter the more speedily into the said conference. On the other side, the duke feared least the townes which he had at his deuotion should want victuals; being also desirous to free his nobilitie from prison out of Antuerp, for S. Anthonies day, which made him yeeld vnto vnreasonable conditions, giuing hope, that hereafter by his good carriage he would wipe away this blemish and disgrace. So in the end they made a prouisionall treaty the 28 of March, C the which was concluded in Antuerpe as followeth.
His Highnesse should willingly content himselfe to chuse his abode at Macklyn, yet considering that they will treat of new articles, and that the ratification of the oath which his Highnesse demaunds, hath not beene presently concluded,
1 ‘His Highnesse hath resolued, according vnto the offer which hath been made vnto him by the Estates, to chuse the towne of Dunkerke, to reside there for some daies, during which time he desires to treat of al things concerning the good of this estate, and to determine all difficulties that are now offered.’
2 ‘His Highnesse promising vpon the faith and word of a prince (that being finished) that he hath no other intention, but is fully resolued to returne presently, and stay in the towne of D Macklyn, according vnto the articles contained in the Estates instruction on the eleuenth of March last past, to be assured of the passage of Flanders, promising not to attempt any thing against the estate of the countrey, the generall Estates, nor their deputies, who shall in like maner promise and sweare.’
3 ‘Those of his guard, nor of the garrison of Dunkerke, shall not attempt any thing against the inhabitants of the said towne, nor the reformed Religion: and his Highnesse shall haue free exercise of the Catholicke Religion in any Church hee shall please to chuse within Dunkerke, euen as he had in Antuerpe.’
4 ‘His Highnesse shall cause his French garrison to retyre out of Villevoorde, hauing a promise from the Estates, to fulfill all things that shalbe agreed vpon: and three of the said deputies E shall remaine with his Highnesse, and the towne shalbe manned with such as are borne in the countrey, and pleasing to the Estates of Brabant.’
5 ‘His Highnesse shall commaund his armie to goe and lodge in the quarter of Lempeloo, where it shall be supplied with victuals. And the next day the Estates assuring the summe of thirtie thousand crownes of gold to be put into the hands of a Commissarie, sent to that end, to deliuer them vnto the said armie, it shall march to Villebroucke, whereas the commaunders, colonels, captaines and leaders of the men of warre shall take an oath, well and truely to serue his Highnesse and the generall Estates: and not to attempt any thing against his Highnesse nor the Estates, neither in generall, nor in particular, but shall employ themselues for the seruice of his Highnesse and the Estates, against their common enemies, Spaniards, Italians; F and their adherents: and to passe the riuer, hauing receiued money; the sayd oath being taken, his Highnesse armie being payed, and the sayd summe of thirtie thousand crownes furnished, to be diuided among the souldiers, according vnto a rate which shall be made.’
[Page 822] 6 ‘This done, the armie shall passe into Hellegat, where it shall in like sort bee furnished A with victuals, when as the English, Scottish, and other souldiers shall retire to Ruppelmonde, 1583 and take the like oath vnto his Highnesse. And at the same time, when as the hostages shall arriue, and the said payments be made, his highnesse hauing receiued the hostages, and the garrison of Dendermonde being with him, the towne to be left and appointed to such as are borne in the countrey, and pleasing to the Estates of Flanders, and that he shall march towards Eckeloo.’
7 ‘The armie hauing receiued these things, in passing at Villebrouck, at the same instant the English, Scottish, and other souldiers which shall be retyred out of the land of Waes shall passe the riuer of Escaut at Ruppelmonde, to be employed where need shall require: and from that time all shalbe paied equally out of the money that shalbe appointed to that end, and be furnished with victuals, without respecting one more than another. The exercise of the catholicke B religion shalbe free to them of the armie, and in the campe.’
8 ‘Doing this aboue specified, and yeelding vp Dendermonde, hostages shall be presently giuen, for the assurance of the deliuerie and libertie of all the prisoners that are in Antuerpe, and other places, detained since the 17 of Ianuarie last past, together with the restitution of papers which were in a box in his Highnesse cabinet, & were taken in Quinsays lodging, and the goods carried to the towne-house, vnder the magistrates commaund, without taking of any exception in regard thereof. And as for the moueables which are in priuate houses, and Frenchmens lodgings, they shalbe also restored, as much as was found in being the tenth of this present moneth.’ C
9 ‘His Highnesse shall also promise, that the decrees made in France shall be reuoked, and that the prisoners, goods, and ships arrested at Dunkerke, belonging to any person inhabiting in these prouinces, shall be set at libertie. His Highnesse hath named for hostages, Philip of Schoonhouen, Seignior of Wanroy, bourgmaster of Antuerpe, Iohn of Stralen, Seignior of Mercxen, Amptman of the said towne, Roger of Leesdael, Seignior of Meulem, first sherife, Noel of Caron, Seignior of Schoonwael, bourgmaster of Franc, with the three deputies that were at this present treatie, that is, Adolph of Meetkerke, president of Flanders, Henry of Bloyere, bourgmaster of Brussels, and William Euerardi, pentioner of Antuerpe. Alwaies prouided, that if any of the aboue named cannot come, by reason of sicknesse, or any other impediment, that then the Estates shall send others of the like qualitie, to his Highnesse D content.’
10 ‘His Highnesse shall retaine two or three hundred horse, and foure or fiue hundred foot, for the safetie and guard of his person vnto Dunkerke. And if any of the magistrates of Gant or Bruges will come to see his Highnesse, when he shal approch neere vnto their towns, they shalbe graciously receiued and conducted backe when they please with all safety: and the necessary bridges of Steeken, vpon the riuer of Waes, and in other places, where he shall passe, shalbe repaired and made vp.’
11 ‘His Highnes shall carry the hostages to the neerest lodging that he shall make to Nyeuport, whither all the prisoners (detained in Antuerpe, and elsewhere) shalbe safely brought vnto him, with all the papers and moueables aboue mentioned. Prouided alwaies, that the prisoners E shall pay their charges, debts and gratuities promised, and moderated by the intercession of the magistrat, and that one shall not be staied for another, nor any goods, if he hath not willingly entred into bond: The Estates making a declaration, that no Frenchmen nor their goods being in Antuerpe, or elsewhere, are detained but for their proper debts; which being satisfied, they shall remaine in full libertie, to dispose thereof as they please.’
12 ‘And after that his Highnes hath caused his French garrison to retire out of Dixmuyden, the guard whereof to be giuen to such as are borne in the countrey, his highnesse shall retaine the said hostages, vntill that the prisoners and papers be restored: which done, they shall be released and fully deliuered, and are not to be detained for any goods remaining in priuat houses, where the French had lodged, the same being not in the magistrats power, neither yet for F those prisoners, which haue not paied that which they owe.’
13 ‘And his Highnesse shall continue his way vnto Dunkerke, there to treat and resolue of all things, concerning the good and greatnesse of his Highnes, and of these countries, whither the deputies of the Estates shall goe to that end.’
[Page 823] 14 ‘The deputies of the townes and prouinces, and all other of these countries, may goe A freely to his Highnesse, and stay and returne when it shall please them with all safetie, as also 1583 all marchants and passengers may imbarke and goe out of Dunkerke, as they did before. His Highnesse leauing the townes, out of which he shall retyre his French garrisons, furnished with such artillerie, munition, and victuals, as is in them, and shall be then found in being.’
15 ‘Vpon the conclusion of these articles, the Estates shall aduertise their prouinces, and shall doe their best endeauours, that with all speed they may send their deputies to his Highnesse to Dunkerke, with full power and authoritie, to enter into an ample treatie, and to determine and conclude what shall bee held most conuenient for the seruice of his Highnesse, and the good, safetie, and preseruation of the country. And all persons shall carry themselues B indifferently one with another, as well bourgers as souldiers, like good brethren and friends, and the traffique and negotiation on either side, as well by sea as by land, shall be free, as hath beene accustomed.’
16 ‘His Highnesse shall write his letters vnto the French companies that are in Winocx-Berghen, commaunding them to depart out of the said towne, leauing the guard thereof to such of the countrey as shalbe pleasing vnto the Estates, and that vpon paine of disobedience, and to incurre his indignation.’
17 ‘And vpon the conclusion of that which shall be determined at Dunkerke, the said Estates shall make an Act, well and truely to entertaine and keepe it in all points and articles, together with the treatie generall made at Bourdeaux the 24 of Ianuarie 1581, and the oath C shalbe made which is requisit in that case in such places and townes, where it hath not yet bin taken, whereof an authenticall Act shalbe deliuered vnto his Highnes.’
18 ‘According to the said treatie, all things past shall be forgotten, from the tumult & trouble which happened the 17 of Ianuary, vnto the conclusion of this present treatie, with a defence to all persons, of what quality soeuer, not to offend, reuile, or vse any reproches by reason thereof; but they shall carry themselues modestly and courteously one vnto another, as it belongs to good brethren and friends.’
19 ‘There shalbe a conuenient and safe place prouided for the sicke men of the army, where they mayremaine vntill they bee cured, and the Estates shall appoint some honest persons to assist them, and to see that they be not disquieted nor molested.’ D
20 ‘Thus made and concluded in Antuerpe the fiue and twentieth of March 1583, his Highnesse hath promised and sworne, faithfully to obserue the contents of these present articles, according to their forme and tenor. The 26 of March 1583, signed Francis, and vnderneath, Pin.’
These articles being allowed by the Estates, and proclaymed in Antuerpe the second of The duke goes to Dunkerke, yeelding the towns he held to the Estates. Aprill, after the payment aboue mentioned duly made, the Frenchmen went out of Villeuoorde, vnder the commaund of the earle of Rochepot: and the hostages beeing deliuered, the duke departed from Denremonde the sixt of the moneth, and on Easter Eue came to Dunkerke.
On the fifteenth day the French garrison went out of Dixmuyden. The gouernment E of Villeuoorde was giuen vnto the Seignior of Timple, gouernour of Brussels: that of Denremonde was giuen to the Seignior of Rihouen, great baylife of Gant, and Dixmuyden to the Seignior of Water-Vlyet, with garrisons in all these townes for the generall Estat [...]s.
The duke of Aniou being departed from Denremonde, before he entred into Dunkerke, hearing that the plague was somewhat rise there, hee sent to request them of Bruges, that he might lodge in the towne: but they (remembring the surprise of Antuerpo, which was yet fresh in memorie, and what the Seignior of Fougiere had in charge from him) refused him flatly, and so hee continued his way to Dunkerke, where hee stayed some time. F
They say commonly, that one mischiefe commeth not alone: for at that time, in the citie of Antuerpe, when as the bloud of the Frenchmens wounds was not yet stanched, there fell out another vnfortunat accident: for the foure and twentieth of Februarie, the place for the marchants meeting, called the Bourse, which is an excellent building, hauing open galleries [Page 824] beneath, with pillars of blew stone, and shoppes aboue for all sorts of ware, was about tenne A of the clocke at night, at one instant set on fire at the foure corners, beeing past helpe, and 1583 past any mans knowledge, how it came; some imputing the fault to one thing, and some The Bourse at Antuerpe burnt. vnto another: but the French were not freed from blame, nor the prisoners without great feare; some saying, that they had caused it to bee done, to be reuenged; others spake otherwise, and all diuersly; but howsoeuer it came, the losse was very great for the poore marchants. This great fire made the bourgers of the towne to doubt some treason: wherefore they continued all night in armes, and vpon their guards, with the chaynes of the streets drawne.
In March one Cornellis of Hooghe was beheaded and quartered at the Haghe in Holland, tearming himselfe to bee bastard sonne to the emperour Charles the fifth: hee was conuicted to haue treated with the king of Spaine, promising (vpon hope to be aduowed for his naturall B brother, and so entertained) to make the vnited Prouinces reuolt; and that he had drawne many to be at his deuotion, who (when time serued) should take armes, to make some new broyles in Holland. But he was discouered by his owne follower, conuicted of his designes, and punished according to his merits, not for that he qualified himselfe the emperours bastard (whereof some doubted, by reason of his resemblance) but for his apparent practises.
In the same moneth there was taken in Antuerpe, and discouered vpon small grounds, a certaine Spaniard, called Pedro Dord [...]igno, who confessed, that he was expressely come out of Spaine, to kill the prince of Orange, and that he had treated with the king himselfe: although C afterwards he would haue excused it, saying it was but with his Secretarie. Hee confessed, that passing by Grauelingue, he had conference with la Motte, gouernour of that place. He did counterfeit himselfe to be a high Germane, saying, that hee was of Croatia: he was expert in the knowledge of many tongues, hauing also beene at the sacke of Antuerpe: he was redde hayred, nothing like a Spaniard: there was neuer any man of so saint a courage after his sentence, for so great an attempt. According vnto his confession, he was afterwards strangled, and then quartered, thanking the Iustice for so mild a death.
The seuenth of Aprill there arriued in Zeeland the lady Louyse of Coligni, daughter to Gaspar of Coligni, lord of Chastillon, admirall of Fraunce, who was murthered at the massacre D of Paris, in the yeare 1572, and widdow to the lord of Teligni, brother to the ladie of la Noue, who was also murthered at the same massacre: which lady Louyse, the prince of Orange married for his fourth wife the twelfth day following, in the chappell of the castle of Antuerpe, of whom, vpon the six and twentieth of Februarie, in the yeare following 1584, he had a sonne, called Henry Frederic, a prince well bred, and of a great hope.
The thirteenth of the same moneth, Hans Hanssz, a rich marchant of Flessingue, was beheaded, who for meere hatred he bare vnto the prince of Orange, sought to kill him, and all those that should be with him, setting fire to certaine barrels of gunne-powder, in a cellar ioyning to the house where the prince should lodge: and thereof hee had treated with the Spanish E embassador, being in the French kings court. He was discouered by another marchant (called Anthony Auquema, a Frison) whom he trusted, thinking to haue him his confederat in so execrable an act, but God would not suffer it.
The towne of Eindouen was at this time besieged by Cont Charles of Mansfeldt, in the which, the lord of Boniuet, sonne to the lord of Creuecuaer, a Frenchman, commaunded, with eight hundred souldiers: but by reason of the difficulties that were betwixt the duke of Aniou and the Estates (although they hoped, that the marshall of Biron should goe and relieue him) the lord of Boniuet not able to hold it any longer, yeelded it, vpon condition to depart with their armes and baggage, and their colours flying, whither they pleased: Eindouen yeelded to the Spaniard. the sayd lord excusing it vpon the want of powder, hauing first capitulated, That if within F eight dayes he were not relieued, to yeeld the towne, as he did vpon the nineteenth of Aprill, seeing no succours come into the towne, as he expected: for during all the siege, the Estates armie (vnder the commaund of the marshall of Biron) was about Antuerpe, with great preparation to goe and relieue it: but for want of money, the succours could [Page 825] not be readie in time, wherein they of Antuerpe were somewhat restie, remembring how A much money they had voluntarily furnished for the reliefe of Maestricht, in the yeare 1583 1579, so as nothing was done at all, and the towne was lost for want of a speedie resolution.
After the losse of Eindouen, the marshall lying with his armie before the fort of Versele in the quarter of Liere in Brabant, after that he had battered it a little, it was yeelded by composition the three and twentieth of the same moneth, captaine Wensel, who commanded there, and his chiefe officers remayning prisoners, and the rest of the souldiers departing with their rapiers and daggers. At this paltrie siege, the Seignior of la Garde, a French colonel, master of the dukes artillerie, was hurt by one of his owne pieces, which brake, wherof he dyed, hauing done great seruices to the prince of Orange, and the Estates of Holland B and Zeeland, in their first warres, during the time of the duke of Alua and other gouernors, hauing continued there vntill his death. His body was carried to Antuerpe, and interred in S. Georges church with an honourable militarie pompe. He had been one of the most valiant, wise, modest, and most expert captaines in all the vnited prouinces, a man of great counsell, learned, and well red in the lawes, and politicke gouernment. Hee behaued himselfe worthily at the victualling of Leyden, and therefore was much lamented of the prince and Estates.
After the taking of this paltrie castle, the marshall went to besiege the strong castle of Woude castle yeelded to the Estates. Woude, a league from Berghen vpon Soom, from whence the marquesse of Berghen, lord of that place (of the house of Gaesbeke) was dislodged some few daies before. There was C in it sixe score souldiers, Italians, and an hundred and fiftie pesants. Hauing spent some fifteene hundred canon shot (although there were no sufficient breach made) an amazement seized on the besieged, so as they yeelded it by composition vnto the enemie, the souldier departing with their rapiers and daggers onely the ninth of May, and all the pesants retayned prisoners, and put to ransome. The Italian captaine (who had commanded therein) at his returne to Breda, lost his head for his reward, by the prince of Parma his commaundement.
At that time they of the priuie counsell of the vnited Prouinces, whome the duke of Aniou and Brabant had established, comming to Antuerpe, were declared to be suspended of their offices, by an act made by the generall Estates, the which was signified vnto D them by an vsher, forbidding them from thence-forth and at all times to take knowledge of any sutes or matters of controuersie, vntill it should bee otherwise determined and decreed by the Estates, hauing treated with the duke. Whereunto they of the counsell opposed, and continued their course in matters of iustice, as before: maintayning, that they had beene established by commission, not from the Estates onely, but by the duke, the which must continue and hold good, vntill that he had beene declared an enemie, and fallen, and that the said Estates had no authoritie to forbid them, as the duke did afterwards write vnto them at large; yet the sayd Counsell did, not long after, disperse of it selfe.
At the yeelding vp of the French prisoners, which should be made vnto the duke of Aniou, E there fell a controuersie in Antuerpe, betwixt the bourgers and the Seignior of la Pierre, (a French colonel, and marshall to the duke of Aniou) for the baron of Balanson, who had been found in the towne, being taken at an encounter betwixt Dunkerke & Winocx-bergh: the bourgers maintained, that by the fact of the seuenteenth of Ianuarie hee should bee their prisoner, and la Pierre held the contrary, seeing that all the prisoners on that day, & their goods being in esse, should be restored by the prouisionall accord made with the duke. By vertue whereof, the bourgers were debarred of their pretension, and hee was afterwards sent away, hauing payed his ransome. It was he, who (beeing called earle of Warax) was afterwards, in the yeare 1597, defeated with his troupes, and slaine at the encounter of Turnhout. F
The earle of Mansfeldt hauing taken Eindouen, and some castles and forts of that quarter of Campaigne, hee went to besiege the towne of Diest, belonging to the prince of Orange, Diest besieged. where colonel Paule Sohey commaunded, with foure companies of Netherlanders, and two of English, the which could not in all make aboue three hundred men: True it is, [Page 826] there were about fiue hundred bourgers carrying armes, but very vnwilling, remembring, A that since the beginning of the troubles they had beene six times taken and retaken: besides, 1583 the towne was very weake, ouer which certaine small hils commaunded, so as it might be woon without artillerie: the which did much discourage the bourgers, and made them to feare, that if they held out, the towne would be sacked, whereupon they forced the colonel to treat, the which he did, yeelding the place vpon condition, that the souldiers should leaue their colours, and depart with their armes and baggage, as much as certaine wagons graunted to the captaines, could carry. By which agreement, such bourgers as pleased might depart and retyre themselues, and so the eight and twentieth of May the souldiers retyred to Bourgerhout, in the suburbes of Antuerpe. Colonel Sohey was committed to prison, and the souldiers cast, except the English. But afterwards colonel Sohey iustified himselfe, imputing it to the small number of men, and want of horsemen, to the weakenesse of B the towne, and the vnwillingnesse of the bourgers, who were stronger than the souldiors, and for other reasons which he alledged, whereof he caused an apologie to be printed, and presented it vnto the Estates, whereupon he was set at libertie.
From thence Mansfeldt went to besiege Westerloo in the same countrey of Campaigne, Westerloo yeelded to the Spaniard. vpon the riuer of Nethe, in a good situation. Some pesants (ill affected to the besieged, and to the Estates) shewed the earle of Mansfeldt the meanes how to cut off the water that ran to the castle halfe a league off, the which was done, so as the ditch became dry. Captaine Vlyet, who commaunded within the place, seeing this, and that they battered it furiously, he was aduised to yeeld the place the fifth of Iune, retyring towards Antuerpe, where he was wonderfully C blamed by the bourgers, and put in prison, but he iustified himselfe so well, as hee was cleared and inlarged.
The prince of Parma being at Liere, and meaning to pursue his conquests, hearing, that there was diuision in the Estates campe, for that the English and Scottish could not agree with the French, the marshall of Biron, generall of the armie, beeing lodged at Roosendael, and the English and Scottish about a league off, the said English and Scottish being not fully intrenched, the Spaniard came and charged them with such furie, as a great part of them were defeated, and the rest put to rout neere vnto Seuenbergh. And although the generall Biron were at Roosendael, in a strong lodging, and well fortified, whereas the prince of Parma durst not assaile him, yet rising from thence, he set fire on his lodging, and went and encamped vnder D Berghen vpon Soom, whereas the prince of Parma went to affront him, but it succeeded not so happily as against the English, being forced to retire, his men in the retreat leauing part of their bootie to the Suitsers: the marshall was shot in the foot in a skirmish, but not greatly hurt.
The prince of Parma knowing that he had to doe with an old politicke captaine, caused Zichem yeelded to the Spaniard. his armie to march presently away before the towne of Herental, hauing taken the towne and castle of Zichem in his passage, the which were yeelded vnto him by composition, vpon the first summons. Hauing planted his siege before Herental, he sent some of his troupes to the fort and abbey of Tongerloo, not faire from thence, the which was also yeelded vnto him: and hauing continued his siege before Herental vntill Iuly, without any profit or any E great hope of preuayling, for that they of Antuerpe (fearing least after the taking of all these forts and castles, the prince of Parma would come and besiege them) had sent sixteene hundred men thither in garrison, hee was enforced to rise with shame and losse in his retreat.
There was about that time some tumult in the towne of Lille, for the establishing of a new gouernour, after the death of Maximilian Vilain, lord of Rassenghem, newly created earle of Yseghem by the king of Spaine, dying in his castle of Lemme, for that they would haue giuen them a Spaniard to be their gouernour, and not one that was borne in the country, the which was contrary to their treatie of reconciliation: but in the end the lord of Liques a Frenchman borne was made their gouernour. F
In the meane time the Estates affaires impaired daily, they hauing taken vpon them againe (since the duke of Aniou his folly) the gouernment of the vnited prouinces, yet could they not agree together, some enclining to the Spaniard, others to call in the duke of Aniou again, and some were of another opinion: so as for want of a good and speedie resolution, there was [Page 827] a great confusion in their affaires. The deputies of the Estates were gone to Dunkerke, as A it was decreed by the prouisionall accord made the eight and twentieth of March, to see if 1583 they could reconcile all discontents: but the duke seeing that nothing was done, and that by their irresolutions, or rather diuisions, matters were protracted, growing wearie, and seeing his reputation blemished with them which were ill affected, and that the marshall of Bron with his armie preuayled little against the Spaniards; and finding withall, that the French nation was generally hated (the which encreased dayly by their meanes, that were affected to the contrarie partie) he grew so distasted, as during the time that the Estates should remaine disputing of their affaires, hee resolued to goe see Fraunce. And after that he had sent backe the deputies, and the hostages, which had beene giuen him for assurance of the deliuerie of his nobilitie and seruants, that were prisoners in Antuerpe, hee departed B from Dunkerke the eighteenth of Iune, being accompanied by the prince of Espinoy, and the lord Lamoral of Egmont, being freed from prison at Scluse, at his request, and the same day he landed at Calais.
The duke of Aniou was no sooner departed from Dunkerke, but the prince of Parma W Dunkerke besieged. (hauing raysed his siege from Herental) sent la Morte, gouernour of Graueling, to inuest and besiege it; whe [...] the duke had left the Seignior of Chamois to guard it, with twelue hundred souldiers strong, as he had made him beleeue, and furnished with all other things necessarie, but of twelue hundred he had not full fiue hundred men. La Motte began his batterie aboue the hauen with foure peeces onely, and two which played vpon the entrie of the hauen, which was crossed ouer with two great cables, to stoppe the passage into the towne. C The duke hauing appointed a hundred and fiftie men to reenforce it, being in a tall shippe, and hauing a strong Northwest winde, which had beene able to breake six cables, yet they were afraid, and durst not enter, but retyred to Calais. Chamois seeing himselfe straightly besieged, and that his supplies succeeded not, began to faint, and without any great importunity yeelded basely, retyring himselfe with his troupes (which he had made so great to the duke his master) to Calais, where both he & his captaines receiued certaine taunting scoffes from Monsieur G [...]dan, gouernour of that place.
Dunkerke being yeelded to the prince of Parma, hee went and encamped with his armie Nieuport yielded. before Nieuport, the which was suddenly yeelded vp, without any great toyle or charge. D
Vpon these doubts, the prince of Orange had caused Oostend to be very well fortified and furnished, being also a sea towne vpon that coast; the which the prince of Parma went to besiege: but seeing himselfe so hotely receiued, and finding it stronger and better furnished than he expected, he retyred, and went before Furnes and Dixmuyden, lying in the Furnes and Dixmuyden yeelded to the Spaniard. champian countrey of West-Flanders, the which hee tooke without any resistance, yeelding at the first summons. He thought to find the like at Wynocx-berghen, beeing but a league from Dunkerke: but the Seignior of Villeneufe, who was within the towne with his French regiment, made such resistance, as he thought it best to retyre, and to temporize, hoping to haue it in the end. From thence he went to besiege the towne of Ypre, one of the foure members of Flanders; which siege continued long: wee will relate the yeelding E thereof hereafter.
The vnited Prouinces beeing now without a head, or protector ouer them, the Spaniards embraced the opportunitie and occasion, and made vse thereof: For finding but small resistance, they made themselues masters wheresoeuer they came; yea some, who vntill that day had carried a low sayle, and swom (as it were) betwixt two streames, began then to shew themselues openly on their partie. In the end they wrought so, as through the fauour of Seruaes van Steelandt, great baylife of the land of Waes and of his confederats, as of Rowland Yorke, an Englishman, married to the lady of Wolferdoucke, and others, they seized vpon the fort of Sas by Gant, which is the entrie into the sea for the Ganthois, whereas Iohn of Imbise had passed the day before, returning out of Germanie, to The Sas seized on by the Spaniard. F settle himselfe againe in Gant, from whence he was expelled, being bourgomaster, in the yeare 1579. This fort of Sas beeing gotten by the Spaniards, they presently went and seized vpon the townes of Hulst and Axelles, and not long after seized vpon Gant it selfe.
[Page 828] The prince of Orange hearing, that the people of Antuerpe (at the instigation of some A men vnder hand) began to murmure against him, and to taxe him openly for that which 1583 the duke of Aniou had attempted against them, saying moreouer, That he did countenance him (it may be) to haue done worle, and to haue intended some greater misc [...]. To [...] uoid all disorder, seeing that the magistrate durst not punish them that accused him so boldly and rashly, he retyred himselfe out of Antuerpe the two and twentieth of Iuly, and we [...] with all his familie to Flessingue in Zeeland, where hee kept his court for a time, hauing left Philip of Marnix, Seignior of Mont S. Aldegonde, a gentleman of deepe iudgeme [...], and very fit for such a gouernement, for the chiefe bourgomaster of the towne of Antuerpe.
In the meane time the earle of Hohenlo spoiling the country of Campaigne, to famish the B prince of Par [...]aes armie, the seignior of Hautepenne was sent thither to hinder it, if he might: but they did no great exploits one against another.
Those of the garrison of Herental spoyled the towne of Weert in the County of Horne: and the prince of Parma his troupes did the like vnto the towne of Steenbergh in Brabant, Weert spoiled by the estates. which was of great importance not onely for the said countrey of Brabant, but also for Holland and Zeeland, ioyning to the sea of the said prouinces. Whereupon the Estates were to be very watchfull of Berghen vpon Zoome, which is but two leagues off, into the which they put two thousand foot, and foure cornets of horse: for the payment whereof, there was fiue and thirtie thousand florins appointed monethly, whereof they of Holland and Zeeland should pay twentie thousand, and they of Brabant the rest. There was alreadie C in Herental twelue hundred foot and two hundred horse, as in like manner Brussels & Macklyn were well manned: and so the Estates resolued vpon a defensiue warre only, garding their frontiers well.
The priuate Estates of Zeeland (to restrayne and keepe in them of Dunkerke) sent foorth certaine shippes of warre, the which they caused to lye at the entrie or port of their hauen.
The duke of Aniou his men, which had remayned in the vnited Prouinces, whom the generall Estates had dismissed, and would haue sent backe into Fraunce, were stayed for a time by the prince of Orange, vntill they had a more ample commission. The duke of Aniou (before his departure out of the Netherlands) sent a gentleman with letters vnto the D Queene of England, to acquaint her with the reasons of his retreat out of the said countries: but the Englishmen growing iealous of his proceedings, they gaue no great credite vnto him.
The Seignior of Villeneufe, who was colonel of a French regiment of foot, beeing in garrison in the towne of S. Wynocx-bergh, was fully resolued to defend it, if they came to besiege him: but la Motte, gouernour of Graueling, seeing, that there was no more but that towne onely in all the quarter of West-Flanders, holden for the Estates, for the getting whereof by force, they must spend much time, and bee at an exceeding great charge: hee thought good to trie the Seignior of Villeneufe, to see if hee might win him thereunto by promise of pay, or by any other meanes. But he would giue no eare or consent thereunto, E vntill he had receiued the aduice and counsell of the duke of Aniou his master, of the prince of Orange, and of the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces, according [...]nto the which he would dispose and gouerne himselfe, were it to liue or dye. Whereupon they gaue him to vnderstand, That seeing there was no meanes whereby to succour and relieue the towne, if he should be besieged, or neerely blocked vp, as la Motte did threaten him; therefore he might freely (and without feare of any publicke scandale or reproch) seeke to make the most honourable agreement and composition that he could, as well for his owne person, as for his men. Vpon which answere, he entred into composition with the sayd la Motte, promising to deliuer vp the towne vnto him, in giuing him three moneths pay for his whole regiment; the which was graunted and payed, vpon condition, that neyther he F nor any of his regiment should serue the prince of Orange nor the generall Estates for one whole yeare, but should retyre into Fraunce. And thus the towne of Wynocx-bergh came into the power of the king of Spaine, with all the rest of that quarter of West Flanders, except Oostend.
[Page 829] The marshall of Biron, lieutenant generall of the duke of Aniou his armie, who (as A we haue said) had beene stayed with his troupes by the prince of Orange, vntill a second 1583 commaundement (the iealousie and distrust of whome and of his men beeing growne so great, as they would not receiue them into any place (although that Brussels, Macklyn, and other frontier townes, which feared the Spaniards siege, would willingly haue had some (especially of the Suitsers) in garrison. In the end, beeing come vnto Biervlyet, which is a towne and Island in Flanders, beeing refused to land in Zeeland, hee was enforced to goe to sea, and to returne into Fraunce the seuen and twentieth of August. In the meane time, the duke of Aniou gaue it out, that he would leuie new forces, to send them into the vnited Prouinces by the way of Luxembourg. Whereof the prince of Parma being aduertised, hee sent some of his troupes vpon those frontiers, and vpon Flanders side, to stop the passage: but B it was all in vaine, for not a man appeared.
The Estates seeing themselues now destitute and depriued of the meanes and succours of the duke of Aniou, and that they had no more a head (without the which they thought their estate could not long subsist (after diuers deliberations and consultations vpon eyther side) the prince of Orange was propounded to bee created Earle of Holland and Zeeland, the which rested without any effect, through the diuersitie and contrarietie of opinions of the townes: although that the most were wonderfully well affected vnto him therein, knowing him to be such a one, as they could not easily recouer the like, that would more freely expose his life, goods, bloud, friends and kinsmen, than he: but fearing he was not powerfull ynough of himselfe to defend them, and that it might breed ielousie in kings and princes that C were their neighbours, the Estates concluded to send ioyntly to the French king, and to the duke of Aniou his brother, to craue new succours from them: for which seruice, the Seignior of Lamouilerie, and Iohn d' Asseliers, Secretaries of the generall Estates of the vnited prouinces, were deputed.
During this time, some Ganthois, turbulent spirits, and greedie of innouations, reiecting the duke of Aniou, had written to the duke Iohn Casimire, entreating him to send them backe Iohn d' Imbise their bourgomaster, and Peter d' Athenes, sometimes their Minister, both remayning then at Frackenthael, whom they knew to be enemies to the duke of Aniou & the prince of Orange, that by the meanes of these two (who in former times had beene in great credite with the people of Gant) they might worke some alteration; whereof Imbyse made good D tryall.
In the meane time the prince of Parma hauing some intelligence of these broyles, the more to alter them, hee tooke the nauigation from them; and that no victuals might enter by water, he cut off the three riuers which passe through the towne of Gant, which are the Escaut, the Lys, and the Dendre: the which he might easily doe, holding the towne of Audenarde, by which the Escaut passeth, and Courtray, which the riuer of Lys runs through: then betwixt Gant and Dendermond he made a palisado ouer the riuer of Dendre, building a fort on either side of the riuer against the palisado. He did also seize vpon a small riuer which goes from Eckloo to Gant.
The bourgomaster Imbise being returned to Gant, and setled in greater credit than before, E seeing all these proceedings of the prince of Parma, he began to consider, into what danger the towne (and by consequence himselfe) were like to fall, if he did not foresee it and preuent it in time: and suffering himselfe to bee persuaded by some of his familiar friends, who had beene the motiues of his recalling home (but especially by the lord of Champagni, brother to the cardinall of Granuelle, being yet a prisoner at Gant, with the bishops of Bruges and Ypre, who gaue him to vnderstand, That the prince of Orange (whom hee knew he hated deadly) was very importunate to haue the duke of Aniou called backe againe) he sought to put his authoritie in practise, chasing out of the towne all such as he knew to be affected to the said duke and prince: among the which, was Adolph of Meetkerke, president of the prouinciall councell of Flanders. Then he sent his deputies vnto the prince of Parma, F to treat a reconciliation for the towne with the king of Spaine; yea, he spake it openly, That he had rather haue Spaniards there in garrison, than French. Moreouer, hee cast all them in prison, that did aduise rather to reconcile themselues with the duke of Aniou, than [Page 830] with the king: among the which was Doctor Ryme, a lawyer, and other men of qualitie. He A then thought that he should bring this treatie to a desired end, by reason of his great credit, 1583 and the authoritie which he did vsurpe ouer all men, no man daring to contradict him: for as hee was a most ambitious and high minded man, hee alone would haue the honour of the reconciliation. And for the well ordering and managing of his affaires, as soone as hee was returned backe out of Germanie, and created bourgomaster in the towne of Gant, he displaced all them that had beene chosen into any place or office of the towne, during his absence, substituting others in their places, at his appointment and deuotion. Then hee disappointed them of the Protestants Religion of all magistracie, and put Romish Catholickes in their places. The greatest and chiefest cause which mooued him to send deputies vnto the prince of Parma, was, that he had intercepted certaine letters written by the prince of Orange, contayning a Commission to seize vpon his person, and vpon all his followers B and adherents: Which letters he caused to be read before all the people, giuing them to vnderstand, That it behooued him for to stand vpon his guard, for feare of the sayd prince.
The prince of Parma hauing heard the deputies that were sent by Imbise, hee sent backe to Gant the Seignior of Manu [...], gouernour of Audenarde, and colonel Segura, a Spaniard, allyed to Imbise by his wife, to treat with the Ganthois. These were very kindly entertained, and much made of by some of the people, which held Imbises party, for whose assurance he had sent hostages to Audenarde. A truce was concluded betwixt them and the Ganthois for twentie daies: the which were spent in sending vp and downe to their confederats, especially C into Holland and Zeeland, to renounce their confederation, which had made them to abiure the king of Spaine. But in all these practises they found many difficulties, as wee shall hereafter shew.
They of Brussels seeing the Ganthois to be wauering, and how desirous they were to reconcile themselues vnto the king of Spaine, writ vnto them letters with a large discourse, persuading them to perseuerance, with many allegations, reasons, and examples, exhorting them rather to die, than to renounce their allyes, and to ioyne againe with the king. They of Antuerpe sent them letters of the like tenour, entreating them to consider and examine with iudgement the consequence of this reconciliation, setting before their eyes the cruelties of the Spaniards, practised vpon the poore Indians, against whom they had not (by D the thousandth part) the like occasion, as they pretended had beene giuen them by the Netherlanders. In like sort, they alleaged the miserable vsage of them of Granado by the same Spaniards; who (beeing once their lords and masters) would pare their nayles so short, as they should neuer haue more meanes at all to scratch. And to the same end and purpose, there was a small booke printed in the vulgar tongue, dissuading them, vtterly to flye from this reconciliation, tearming it deceitfull, abusiue, yea and trecherous: pretending moreouer, that they had no cause to be terrified and daunted at any thing, for that they found themselues strong ynough to resist the Spaniards forces; the which they then obiected, for that the earle of Hohenlo had at that time a good army in field for the Estates in the countrey of Gueldres, and that they hoped the Queene of England and the Protestant E princes of Germanie would giue them succours.
They of Bruges were not a little perplexed for the towne of Ypre, their neighbour, being blocked vp on all sides, and desiring to relieue it, they sent a conuoy of victuals with two hundred souldiers: but comming within two leagues of the towne, not farre from Vyuerbergh, this conuoy was defeated, all the victuals taken, the souldiers put to rout, and many slaine, the Spaniards hauing not lost aboue twelue men. The bourgers not content with this losse, prouided eightie wagons more, laden with all sorts of victuals and munition, with an hundred and fiftie baskets carried by pesants, the which was conducted by three hundred launciers, an hundred muskettiers, and fiue hundred harguebusiers, most part Scottishmen. These being come within halfe a league of the towne, the Spaniards sallyed out of F their forts, in the which there were three hundred horse and two thousand foot, the which charged this conuoy, & defeated them quite; so as little of all this prouision entred into Ypre, but most of it fell into the enemies hands. The bourgers beeing very much perplexed [Page 831] for these two losses, sought by all meanes possible to prouide better for their affaires, and A to fortifie themselues: whereupon they built certaine forts and trenches in the most accessible 1583. places vnto their towne, drowning the countrey round about, which was to bee drowned, so as the enemie could not approch; and they did the like three leagues off, at a little towne called Oostbourg. And as the towne of Menin, lying in the champian countrey, in the middest of all their enemies, was a great charge vnto them, they retyred with their Scottish garrison that was in it, and abandoned it, not without great ioy of them of Lille and Courtray, betwixt which two it lyeth: the which was done by the aduice of the prince of Chimay, gouernour of Flaunders, who then sought meanes to reconcile himselfe with the king of Spaine, deliuering him the towne of Bruges, the which hee did afterwards. B
At that time there was sharpe and cruell warre in the diocesse of Cologne, for that Gebhard Truchses, archbishop and prince Elector of Cologne, hauing married one of the Countesses of Mansfeldt, would haue retained still the said archbishopricke and Electorall dignitie, with libertie of Religion throughout all his diocesse, maintaining, that his marriage was not repugnant to the word of God. But the Chanons and Chapter opposed themselues strongly against him, and (with the assistance of the Pope, and the Emperour) deposed him, and caused him to be excommunicate, chusing in his place Ernest of Bauiere, sonne to duke Albert, then bishop of Leege and Fressinghem, with diuers other spirituall dignities. Truchses had fortified himselfe in the towne of Bonne, three leagues aboue Cologne, where the archbishops doe often keepe their Court, and haue their C Chauncerie. One of the Chanons of Cologne, of the house of Saxonie, named Frederic; holding part with Ernest of Bauiere, and some other of his brotherhood, with their kinsmen, friends, and allies, went vnto the field, and tooke diuers places in the new elected bishops name. Truchses hauing also an armie in the field, vnder the conduct of the earle of Moeurs and of Nyeuwenoort, seized vpon the townes of Rhinbergh, Ordenges, and other places. Duke Iohn Casimire came likewise to his succour with some troupes, but he did little. Augustus duke of Saxonie should also haue sent, but his slacknesse discouraged the rest: so as they which held Truchses partie, retyred themselues by little and little. The Bauierois besieged the towne of Bonne, which (by a mutinie of the Germane souldiors, which were there in garrison) was sold vnto him for foure thousand Rycx-dallers, deliuering D the Seignior of Truchses, brother to the archbishop deposed, being their gouernour, into his enemies hands. In the end, the archbishop of Truchses seeing himselfe thus dispossessed and chased out of all his diocesse, hee retyred into Holland in the moneth of Aprill 1584, where he entred into league with the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces, holding still the towne of Berke, and afterwards Bonne, which Colonel Schenck surprised, and also that of Nuys, with the which hee did much annoy and hurt Cologne, vnder the gouernment of the earle of Moeurs, and the said colonel Schenck beeing marshall of his campe.
In the end of this Summer, the towne of Zutphen, Metropolitane of the Countie of Zutphen, was taken by the prince of Parma, after the manner which followeth: There E was a souldier of that garrison taken prisoner by the Spaniards at an encounter, going abroad to seeke some spoyle: his captaine caring not to redeeme him, suffered him to pyne in prison. He finding this, and being desirous to bee freed from this extreame and miserable captiuitie, presented his seruice to colonel Taxis, and to captaine du Bois, giuing them Zutphen surprised by the Spaniard. diuers instructions, and shewing them the meanes, how they might surprise and take the towne of Zutphen, and reduce it vnder the king of Spaines commaund and obedience. Taxis being loth to let slip so faire an opportunitie as this (promising vnto the souldier, besides his libertie, to giue him a good recompence, if the enterprise succeeded well) lodged himselfe, and captaine Bois, with some few of their men, in a little house, not farre from the port, where in the day time they were vsually accustomed to put some of their F men in guard: in which place they likewise should lye hidden, vntill a signe were giuen vnto them by this souldier. Day being come, and the port opened, the Spaniards sallied out of this house, and charged vpon the townes-men, which were come to open the port, the which they forced, woon the entrie, and so, by the signe that was giuen vnto [Page 832] them, entred into the towne: whereof (notwitstanding all the resistance of the bourgers) A they made themselues masters, and spoiled it; and then they put in a good garrison both of 1583 horse and foote.
They of Deuenter (which are but two leagues from thence in the countrie of Oueryssell) beeing much amazed at the losse of this neighbour towne, to keepe the Spanish garrison that was in it (passing the riuer of Yssel) from spoiling the countrie of Veluwe, euen vnto the ports of the towns of Guelderland (which are seituated along the riuer of Rhin) of Vtrecht and of Amersfort, they built a great fort with the helpe of the Gueldrois, right against the said towne, vpon the riuers side, but soone after the waters did rise so high, as they were forced to abandon it, and it was presently seized on, finished, and manned by them of Zutphen. And as this towne and fort did wonderfully annoye and bring a thousand discommodities to the B countries of Gueldres, Vtrecht and Holland, by their spoiles and ransomings, the said Prouinces interessed, made it knowne vnto the general estates, of what importance this fort might be vnto them, by the which they receiued daily so great losse and spoile: for the preuenting whereof, the earle of Hohenlo was sent thither with a little armie, who marching by the Veluwe went to besiege it; who seeing that hee could not take it by force, he blockt it vp round on the land side with diuers forts and trenches; so as if they of the fort or towne would make any courses into the Veluwe, they must make their passage with boats either beneath or aboue the said trenches: the which was very discommodious for them, for that the states men beeing in their forts, seeing them crosse the riuer, troubled them at their landing: so as Colonel Taxis went and enuironed all these forts and trenches with a good number of horse and C foote, they within them (whom the earle of Hohenlo had left there in garrison) behauing themselues very valiantly, although they were not furnished with victuals and other munition fit to make head against an enemie, the which was promised should be sent them; attending the which, they were prest so neere, as there was no meanes to succour and relieue them, without some great force to raise the Spaniards. Yet captaine Oger who commanded in the said trenches, had aduertised the particular estates of the prouince of Vtrecht, aboue twelue daies before the preparation which Taxis made to come and inuest them, assuring them that they should be speedily besieged. But he had no other succours but foure hundred florins to make a small lendings to his men, with the which money he was commanded to returne, and to set all things in as good order as he could, meaning within fewe daies to send him a good D refreshing of victuals and necessarie munition. These twelue daies were spent in consultation which towne or prouince should send these victuals and succours. In the meane time the frosts grew very sharpe, during the which, in the end there were sent from Amsterdam certaine wagons with bisket, but it was too late, for they had no meanes to enter, the passage beeing too well stopt.
You may see what it is to embrace an occasion and opportunitie in due time, when it is offered; for when as they had good meanes to doe it, they neglected it, and when they desired it, they could not, and all their expence was fruitlesse. So it often falls out in long and irresolute consultations, although there be no treacherie, where they resolue not speedily to preuent the enemies diligence. Thus in the ende these forts and trenches fell into Taxis hands, beeing E forced by necessitie to yeeld: who considering their extremitie, graunted them a reasonable composition, suffering them to depart with their armes and baggage, and not tying them by any oath (as he might well haue done) not to serue the estates or prince of Orange for a certaine time, as commonly they doe in places that are forced to yeeld by necessitie.
In October the Seignior of Nyeuwenoort and Assinga Entens tooke in the countrie of Gronigue the fort of Fermsum and Orterdam, the which they manned with good garrisons, and built other forts about the towne of Gronigue. They also built the fort of Reed, but in vaine, beeing forced to retire.
The earle Vanden Berghe and his wife, sister to the prince of Orange, his children and secretarie, were arrested prisoners in the towne of Arnham in Guelderland, being charged to F haue had some secret intelligence with the Spaniard: whereof a little before one of the said ladies seruants (who carried a secret hatred vnto the prince her brother) was conuicted. In the end, the earle of Vanden Berghe and his children were set at libertie, who soone after went to the Spanish partie, and had charge and gouernment of some troupes. [Page 833] Iohn d'Imbise bourgmaster of Gant, Seruaes van Steelandt great bailiffe of the land of Waes, A and the prince of Chimay there commander, sought all meanes and occasions, by some notable 1583 seruices, to reconcile themselues to the king of Spaine. Steelandt first of all yeelded vp the Steelandt [...]eelds the land of Waes to the Spaniard. townes of Hulst and Axell, and all other places of the land of waes to the Spaniard, with the fort of Sasz, which is the entrie for the Ganthois vnto the sea, by the sluces which are there. And the 28 of October, he also deliuered vp the castle of Ruppelmond to the prince of Parma, who by this meanes was master of all the land of Waes, and of the riuer which runs from Dendermond to Antuerpe, by the which he might with more ease annoy the Ganthois: besides neere vnto Courtray he caused the towne of Dinse to bee fortified, and towards Bruges, he had Eckloo and other places at his deuotion. The said Steelandt did also practise to deliuer three ships of warre which he had vnder his charge into his hands, if the mariners and souldiers B which were in them had not disbanded and fallen from him, choosing rather to serue the estates (for that they were most of them of Antuerpe) than the Spaniard.
They of Antuerpe beeing grieued for the losse of Ruppelmond, did besiege and batter it, but they preuailed nothing; whereupon they cut certaine dikes or causies and drowned all the fields and meddowes about the villages of Burcht and Calloo. They also built a fort at Burcht and fortified the head of Flanders right against their towne. To conclude, they spared no cost, but with one generall consent, did voluntarily furnish to the summe of 1300000 florins.
At the same instant the Earle of Hohenlo entred into Flanders with 19 companies of foot, where he built a mightie fort at Terneuse, right against Zeeland, to assure the nauigation to Antuerpe, and from thence to spoile that which the Spaniard held in Flanders: he also cut C through many dikes, which did much harme and annoyance to the countrie: but as hee thought to proceed further, he was preuented by the practises of the prince of Chimay.
Those which at that time had the gouernment of Gant, hauing also (as I haue said) intelligence with the Spaniard, making a shew to put in a new garrison into Alost, of such as were borne in the countrie, and to retire the English, sought to deliuer it to the prince of Parma, but the English would not depart without their ful paie and arrerages. They sought to haue done the like at Dendermond, whither they sent their commissioners the 27 of October, the which were [...] Tryest, Anthonie Heyman, and Ieams Somer, with charge to displace the Seignior of Ryhouen great bailiffe of Gant, and gouernour of Dendermond: but hee being then at Gant and hauing some notice therof, meaning to preuent them, went to horse-backe, and notwithstanding D all lets and hinderances, was there before them, taking them prisoners, and seizing vpon all their papers and instructions. Somer who was pentioner of Gant, escaped hanging very hardly.
Afterwards the said English garrison of Alost beeing mutined for their paie, the Ganthois did not only refuse to giue it them, but did threaten to force them out, or else to famish them. In the meane time the prince of Parma did not let slippe this opportunitie to make his profit thereby, but did sollicite them by faire wordes and promises to paie them; and these English companies not accustomed to endure hunger and want, began to giue eare vnto him, for that their Colonel sir Iohn Norris and the states were somewhat slowe to prouide for their paie: Alost deliuered by the English to the Spaniard. for the which they intended to giue order, but it was too late: for after that the English had E chased away the rest of the garrison which were of the countrey, then did captaine Pigot Vincent, Tailor, and others, agree to deliuer vp the towne vnto the Spaniard, giuing them for their paie, which they receiued, thirtie thousand pistolets. And so the said towne was deliuered vnto the Spaniard in the beginning of December, and filled with Wallons. Most of these Enlish went to serue the prince of Parma, in his campe before Eckloo, but finding that he trusted them not, they ran in a manner all away.
The prince of Parma beeing in his armie betwixt Bruges and Gant, all deuices were put in practise by them that fauoured the Spaniard, to aduance the reconciliation of the townes of Flanders with the king of Spaine: yea by small pamphlets printed in the name of them of the protestant religion, among the which Imbise, Bouckle, and Borlat were at Gant, and the prince F of Chimay and his minister Heren at Bruges, in the which it was discoursed that it was not with the Spaniard, that this reconciliation was intended, but with them of Arthois, Henault, Lille, and others alreadie reconciled, or subdued by armes; and that therefore they should enioy the libertie of religion, and their priuiledges, according to the pacification: wherefore [Page 834] they made so great a shewe. Whilest they were thus busied at Gant and at Bruges to talke of A of peace, the lord of Montigni was in the fort of Werteren, betwixt Gant and Dendermond, 1584 where he had made a Palisado in the riuer of Escaut, so as they might goe on drie-foote from one banke vnto another; at either ende of which there was a fort, which did stoppe the nauigation from Dendermond to Antuerpe. In the meane time the Ganthois had their deputies with the prince of Parma at Tournay, to conclude their reconciliation, in hostage for whom, there was in Gant captaine Segur a a Spaniard, and Colonel Manui, who with the assistance of the Seignior of Chapagni, treated so farre with Iohn d'Imbise, as the 24 of March, 1584, hee commanded him that charge of the shippes, (whom they cal deane of the shippe wrights) to furnish certaine small boats, making preparation of ladders, beames, firre-boards, plankes, hurdles, and such like, to be set vpon the riuer of Escaut. But as it could not be done easily, nor so B couertly but it was discouered, some magistrates went and told Imbise that the common people did not meane that those boats and other preparation should be carried forth, which put them into some iealousie: whereunto hee answered, that they should let them goe, for hee knewe well what he did, and that it was for the great good of the towne. But the people not beeing satisfied therewith, the boats beeing staied by them, could no [...]y any meanes goe forth that night.
The next daie the shirifs and councell of the towne beeing assembled in the towne house to resolue vpon this matter, Imbise caused his Colonels companie to come downe presently in armes, to drawe the chaines and to enuiron the place: the which some one of the councell espying, going out of the State-house to one of the Sergeants, he pulled away his halberd and A tumult in Gant. C perswaded the bourgers to armes: so as some that were there present with their swords and daggers, and such armes as they could in hast recouer, fell vpon the said companie, tare away their colours, tooke the captaine and all the officers prisoners, and put the rest in rout. In the end, all the towne beeing in armes and the streets full of armed men, they seized vpon Imbise and many others of the councell, whom they put from their offices, and degraded Imbise of his estates of Colonel and bourgmaster, they cassierd his guard, drewe forth of his house the three peeces of artillerie which he had in his court before the gate, and then cast him into prison, for that the bourgers had intercepted certaine letters, which were written that day by the lord of Montigni from Werteren to captaine Segura: by the which he sent him word that he maruailed much that the boats and all the other equipage was not yet arriued, seeing that D he was well informed of the depth of the ditches, and that it was but three hundred foot broad; hauing also wonne the captaine of Dendermond, and that the night following hee would put his designe in execution, and that the king of Spaine would not faile to acknowledge it. Captaine Rowland Yorke was also of this enterprise, who beeing apprehended, confessed it all. The Seignior of Ryhouen gouernour of Dendermond, sent to the baron of Mortagne his cousin, commanding there in his absence, willing him to seize vpon Walter Seton a Scottish man, lieutenant of the horse that were there in garrison, aduertising him of the treson that was practised by him, with Imbise and Yorke, to deliuer the towne vnto the Spaniard. The said Seton beeing apprehended, and hauing confessed the whole conspiracie, was hanged, and quartered, the thirtieth daie of March. Then were there sixe companies of supplies E sent by the Seignior of Timpel gouernour of Brussels to Dendermond. The Seignior Charles of Vtenhouen was appointed in the place of Imbise, to supply the place and office of bourgmaster at Gant.
The fifteenth of Maie some deputies of Gant beeing returned from Tournay with the articles of their reconciliation propounded by the prince of Parma (which the Flemish protestants did tearme to be an accord that was captious, fraudulent, deceitfull, and full of dissimulation) the catholikes and those which demaunded nothing but peace, as well nobles, as the chiefe and best bourgers in the towne, beeing assembled vpon the place before the State-house, with armes, would haue forced the magistrate to accept of the said accord, crying A new tumult in Gant. out openly, Where are they that will haue no peace? we will haue peace. The protestants beeing F also in armes, and in battell, drewe neere vnto the place, the rest seeing them come, grewe fearefull, and fled here and there. Yet by the aduice of the councell, they that had spoken the wordes, and beene the motiues and stirrers vp of this tumult were put in prison: and they all resolued with a common consent to liue and die in the vnion of the generalitie, and to [Page 835] persist therein vnto the last gaspe, reiecting all articles and practises of peace with the Spaniard: A And they required succours to bee sent them from Antuerpe and from Brussels, from 1584 whence about the twentieth of Maie they receiued sixe hundred foote, and a hundred horse, the which did afterward conduct captaine Yorke prisoner from Gant to Brussels, to deliuer him to the guard of the Seignior Timpel. Hee was happie to haue found such good friends, else hee had beene in danger to haue runne the like fortune with Walter Seton. But the prince hauing pardoned him, he was after wards restored to his credit by the earle of Leicester, which fell out vnhappily for the generall Estates of the vnited prouinces, as we shall hereafter shew.
In the meane time they of Ypre beeing thus besieged, or rather straitly blockt vp, since the moneth of September, hearing that they of Gant and Bruges tended to reconciliation with the king of Spaine, which they did hope should bee generall, seeing their vittailes and conuoies B still defeated and taken, so as nothing aduanced for to deliuer them, and that the succours which they attended from the other three members of Flanders, which are Gant, Bruges and Franc, appeared not, that they neglected them, and that they fell into extreame necessitie and want; in the end they were forced (forsaking their constancie and finne resolution which they had to the vnion of the generalitie) to giue way to necessitie, and by the consent of the Seignior of Marquette their gouernour, to treat an accord with Anthonic Grenet Seignior of Werp gouernour of Courtray, commaunding then in all the forts which had blockt vp the said towne.
The composition was made the twelfth of April, by the which all strange souldiers should Ypre yeelded by composition. depart with their full armes, and those that were borne in the countrie with their rapiers and C daggers onely: that the towne should paie fiftie thousand florins to redeeme it selfe from spoile: that the prince of Parma should haue foure bourgers at his choice, to dispose of them at his pleasure, their liues reserued, the which redeemed themselues afterwards for 20. thousand florins: the bourgers should be maintained in their priuiledges, all exercise of religion, and that which depended thereon, should be taken from them, and they should receiue an Italian garrison into the towne.
During all the practises of Imbise, and other alterations in Gant and else where, the prince of Orange foreseeing (by the inconstancie of mens humors, and the falling away of townes from the generalitie) a ruine in their affaires, if they were not supported by some forraine potent prince; he first had aduised the general Estates to send their commissioners to the French D king and the duke of Aniou his brother, for new succours: and now in the moneth of March last past, he procured Colonel Norris generall of the English to goe into England giuing him particular instructions from himselfe, to impart vnto the Queenes Maiestie, as followeth.
‘First, the prince of Orange doth intreat monsieur Norris to let her Maiestie vnderstand on his behalfe, that hee is fully persuaded and resolued to continue in the maintenance of true religion in these countries, and the liberties thereof, vnto the end of his life. And to oppose himselfe (according to the meanes which God hath giuen him) against the attempts of the king of Spaine.’
‘That the said prince hath not beene ignorant what great forces the king of Spaine hath had heretofore, and what he hath at this present, or may haue. He is also well acquainted with E his alliances and leagues: and that by reason of his victories, and yet more by his meanes and practises, which hee hath in most of the kingdomes and common weales of Christendome, he hath filled almost all Europe with the terrour of his name.’
‘That the said prince is not also ignorant of the small power and meanes which God hath giuen him: and hee knowes sufficiently by experience, the inconstancie of humane things, the varietie of mens hearts, and the great errours which are daiely committed in these countries, and in affaires of state, and what the inconueniences bee which vsually followe such confusions.’
‘But beeing one the other side assured that the king of Spaines heart will neuer bee mooued nor yeeld to a toleration of religion, and will neuer endure that it should encrease, no not F to haue it entertained: & to admit that by the persuasions of some he might be drawn to dissemble his bad intent for a time, yet he knoweth for certain that the true inuocation of Gods name should soone bee extinct in these countries, and the libertie generally opprest. The which the said prince foreseeing, hee cannot in conscience desist from his enterprise, with [Page 836] out condemning of himselfe before God and men.’ A
‘The said prince hath long knowne the inward heart of the king of Spaine, and the 1584 grounds of all his councels of estate: And euery one knowing how long hee hath dealt in the affaires of this countrie, and of the councel of estate, may persuade himselfe that it is not without reason that hee doth attribute vnto himselfe this knowledge. And therefore bee intreats all men of iudgement, especially those that make profession of the religion, to allowe him something which cannot bee knowne but to such as haue pierst into the bowels of the affaires of Spaine, as he hath often and long time done.’
‘But hee is content that all good men, which haue interest in the cause, should consider of that which is set to the viewe of euery man, and knowne to all the world, and then iudge of the king of Spaines resolutions: that is, whether the beginning of this monarchie of B Spaine, bee not wholly grounded vpon the strict leagues, intelligences, and correspondencies, which the kings of Castile and Aragon haue had heretofore with the Pope; which amities beeing many yeares since begunne, haue still increased, by the continuance of mutuall offices which they haue done one vnto another, the pope augmenting this crowne of Spaine, and the king of Spaine embracing the popes quarrels against all the world, without any reseruation.’
‘The popes haue augmented the house of Aragon with the realmes of Naples and Sicile, and haue made the way for the house of Spaine to conquer Lombardie, and to hold the princes of Italie subiect at his deuotion, some by citadels, some by feare, and some by practises, alwaies managed and coloured by the popes: So as if at any time the house of France C hath practised some little fauour from the Pope, presently the house of Spaine hath felt the foundations of his Seigniories in Italie to shake, and readie to fall, the historie whereof is well knowne to all men of state.’
‘If then there were no other reason but this onely, the house of Spaine knowing well of what importance the estate of Italie is, would neuer attempt any thing, but as he should be instructed by the spirit of the court of Rome, with the which no good man can haue any greater familiaritie, then Christ had with Belial.’
‘But euery man knoweth that the great empire at the Indies, which Spaine doth at this daie enioy, is due by the Spaniards vnto the free gift of the Romish Sea; and likewise the coniunction of the crownes of Aragon and Castile, to the popes dispensation: as also the conquest D of the kingdome of Nauarre, and of late of the kingdome of Portugall, and countries subiect to the crowne.’
‘For these reasons then we must thinke, that neither the king of Spaine, nor any of his successors after him, will euer seperate themselues from the amitie of that sea: and consequently, he will be of necessitie an open enemie to the true religion, the which can no more endure the the pope and his adherents, than the sea doth a dead carcasse.’
‘And for as much as all the dangers whereunto the said prince may be exposed with these countries, (the which are very great, to iudge according vnto man) are yet nothing in comparison of the ruine of the true religion, whereof they that persecute it are enemies, and the said prince should be treacherous if he should abandon it: for these considerations, hee is resolued E (with the helpe of God) to continue constant in his first resolution vnto the end of his life; and (if God giue him the grace) so to assure these countries, as after his death, he will leaue it able to defend it selfe against the power of Spaine and his adherents.’
‘The said prince is not ignorant what reports are spread abroad by his enemies, in regard of that which is treated betwixt the Estates of Holland, and his person; and that before that hee would yeeld vnto them, he had foreseene and dulie considered, both by himselfe, and with many men of worth and reputation: and moreouer, hauing condescended thereunto, he had protracted the busines, to auoyd the slaunders of the wicked, and the suspition of some, who are not of themselues badde, but may interpret the said treatie sinisterly, not knowing the true cause and ground.’ F
‘But the said prince beeing vnwilling to make any long discourse vpon this point, wherein hee should do himselfe wrong, for that it could not be so simply written, but it would tend something to his praise, he is content to say, & intreats monsieur Norris to assure her Maiesty, the lords of her councel, & al good men, that if the said prince had not bin persuaded by many [Page 837] pregnant reasons which haue beene propounded vnto him by many men of qualitie, whose A pietie to religion, affection to their countrie, and wisdome to iudge, are well knowne vnto 1584 him, that it was necessarie and conuenient for the preseruation of religion, and to keepe so many good men from vniust deaths by the crueltie of their enemies, and that others liuing in simplicitie and ignorance should not bee seduced by the practises of the children of this world, hee had neuer proceeded further; and yet matters being as they are, if they can shew him a more safe way, hee protests that he is ready to follow it, and to march constantly after him that shall guide him.’
‘The said prince doth intreat all good men so to temper their iudgements, as they giue no place either to slaunders or false reports, nor to opinions grounded onely vpon suspition, hoping that his word shall be sooner credited, than a bare suspition, the which may bee as soone B refuted, as it growes in the spirit of man without ground and assurance.’
‘Nothing then hath mooued the said prince to take that course which he hitherto followed, but this holy resolution aboue mentioned.’
‘And if it shall now please her Maiestie to vnderstand what meanes the said prince propounds vnto himselfe for the maintenance of so iust and yet so difficult a quarrell, to obey her Maiestie, to whom he desires to continue a most humble seruant, and not to forget to aduertise her as much (as he may) of the estate of his affaires, hee intreats the Seignior Norris to acquaint her Maiestie with that which followes.’
‘That first of all the great and eternall power of God is knowne vnto him, not onely by his holy doctrine where he hath learned it, but also by many experiences which hee hath made, C and diuers effects which he hath felt in the aduancement & preseruation of the true Church: and first in the time of his ancestors in the kingdom of Bohemia, and in his time in Germanie, Switser-land, England, Scotland France, and (in the end) in these countries, and euen in his owne person: And that in all these kingdoms and prouinces, God hath made it visibly known to all the world, that he suffered men to propound in their councels, but he knew how to dis pose of all things, and to him alone belonged the honour and glorie of the preseruation of his people.’
‘And although that this resolution he setled in his heart, and that he referres himselfe to his holy prouidence, yet he knoweth the will of God is, that with his blessing wee should vse the meanes which are giuen and distributed vnto vs by that singular prouidence of God. Wherefore D looking vnto that which God puts into his hand, to vse it to his glorie: if many times councels and resolutions succeed not as he desireth, yet hee comforts himselfe in that he hath obeyed God, putting that in practise which he hath made him to see: and beeing nothing grieued (after that he hath done his dutie) that God doth make it knowne that he is the master and controller of all our councels, wisdoms, and resolutions.’
‘This is the cause why he doth first seeke so to vnite the hearts of all these prouinces, as with one resolution and will, they may repulse the violence of their enemies: he hath hitherto felt many contradictions, for diuers towns, and many priuate persons, some through want of courage, and others through manifest treacherie, haue chosen the enemies partie, choosing rather not the delights of Egypt, but the cruell yoke of Pharaoh (which they will feele (too late) to E be insupportable) rather than to endure with the people of God, a temporal affliction.’
And as her Maiestie and the lords of her councell know well, that there is in the world great diuersitie and peruersitie of willes and iudgements; he doth also beseech them to consider, that euen among them which hold firme against the Spaniard, there are many, whereof part through pride, part by couetousnesse, and some through errour doe very much hinder ‘the aduancement of that which is most profitable for them. The which the prince will forbeare to discourse of, for the small delight her Maiestie would take in such a subiect, and he in deliuering it: the which he referres to the sufficiencie and discretion of the Seignior Norris, who for his long continuance in these parts, is able to satisfie her Maiestie, if it please her to do him the honour to demand it.’ F
‘This designe was managed a whole yeare and more, and yet the said prince to his great griefe could neuer effect his intentions, so as euery one gouerning himselfe after his own fantasie, and he (hauing only a goodly name and title of honour) could not execute any matter of importance, neither in assailing nor defending; hauing not the meanes, nether yet [Page 838] could he aide (as he desired) the townes and priuate prouinces, for that they haue relected his A counsell, and the meanes which he laid open vnto them, as well to vse the meanes which they 1583 had, as to seeke succour and an assured support in Germanie, when it was time.’
‘By these errours there haue not onely ensued losses, but also such confusions in the publike and priuate affaires of prouinces, and a generall ignorance of that which was done and treated, or that should be done; as the said prince could not with his honour write to any, nor aduertise them of that which was vnknowne vnto him, and ouer the which hee had no power nor authoritie. The which the said prince intreats generall Norris to represent vnto her Maiestie, and to beseech her most humbly to hold him excused in this point. And moreouer, to let her vnderstand how long the said prince had beene in speech with him to take the opportunitie of his voyage, to aduertise her Maiestie more particularly of all things concerning the B affaires of these countries.’
‘The said prince then seeing such disorder, and foreseeing, yea feeling by effect the miseries that might ensue, continuing notwithstanding the solliciting of this generall vnion of all the prouinces, not in name, title, or paper, but in resolution, will, meanes, and faculties, hee hath thought it necessarie to deuise the meanes, vntill that this generall vnion might be concluded and put in practise, to vnite most of the townes and prouinces he could, that they may serue as a firme rampar for a time, to oppose against the violence and furie of the enemie, whilest that the others should resolue in one will: And in the meane time also to preuent all extreamities, that the said prouinces (in case that worse should happen) should defend themselues by their owne proper forces and meanes, and also succour their neighbours, allies, and confederates, C according to their small power and forces, hoping that God would blesse and prosper their resolutions.’
‘According to the which, the said prince hath of late set downe a proportion of horse and foote, which may be entertained at the charges of the said prouinces which haue committed vnto him the charge of the warre: with the which he will endeauour (with the help of God) not onely to defend the said prouinces, but also to succour the rest, as hee hath done within these fewe daies, and doth now at this present, hauing sent what forces he could to hinder the enemies incursions into the dutchie of Gueldres, and to chase them out of the said countrie, if it may be. He hath not also omitted by the same meanes and forces to succour the countrie and countie of Flanders, in releeuing the towne of Oostend, and forcing the enemie to raise D his siege; making it knowne to all the world, that the enemie did not thinke to take the townes of Flanders by force, but by practises and amazement; for as soone as they found men resolute to resist them, they thought it best not to spend their time against such, but to continue their designes with them that had other discourses, which were ill grounded: ouer whom they haue easily preuailed, holding it for a great honour, the which they haue not purchased by force, but by the in esolution of many, who (it is said) held their partie.’
‘Since, to fauour the towne of Gant, which was resolued against the Spaniard, and to keepe the enemie from taking away the nauigation to Antuerp, he hath caused Terneuse to be fortified with the same forces; and by the same meanes to entertaine the garrison, the which besides the benefit which our men hold and retaine thereby, hath disappointed many of the enemies E enterprises.’
‘And thus the said prince is resolued to continue, according to the occasions which shall be offered, beeing well assured that a conuenient armie to oppose against the enemie, and to chase him away, were very necessarie. But hauing not the meanes without some better resolution of the prouinces, and forraine succours to raise it, he is content with that which hee can doe, which is but little, if it please not God to assist him from aboue, as he praies and hopes.’
‘The prince doth what he can to perswade them that haue not this resolution, to embrace it, that by their vnited forces they may breake the course and proceedings of the enemie, in the which he will labour vnto the end: seeing that such as will not giue eare to this resolution, are some of them vndone, and some in the way to be vndone through their owne follies. And F although that these affaires be so great and so waightie, as it is impossible for the said princeto beare them, without the singular assistance of God; yet besides all these important affaires, hee sees them of Mons Truchses elector of Cologne, to be very intricate, and not in so good an estate as it were to be wished. For he is in like sort assailed by great and mightie enemies, who [Page 839] with open force make warre against him, and for his part, hee hath not at this day any prince A that fauours him, and openly assists him; the which hath beene very preiudiciall vnto him, for 1584 that he promised vnto himselfe greater aide and assistance than he hath yet found.’
‘And forasmuch as the conformitie of religion, the neighbourhood of countries, and the same aduersaries which presse him and vs equally, should incite vs to aide one another with our meanes; the said prince continues to treat a league and alliance with him, that vntill it shall please God to giue vs other succours, wee may imploy those forces which God hath giuen vs, one for another: hauing in the meane time (notwithstanding our owne difficulties) assisted him with a good summe of money.’
‘But the said prince knowes well, that all the said meanes (to speake as a man) are not able to resist halfe the forces of the king of Spaine, the pope, and all those that fight vnder their ensignes, B or that contribute to this warre: hee will therefore endeauour to purchase as many friends as he can, as well by his owne meanes, as the said elector, in Germanie and else-where, and especially of them of the religion; the more easily to withstand, or at the least to diuert the the forces of the enemie, the common enemie of Christendome.’
‘According vnto the which, he hath intreated generall Norris to acquaint her Maiestie with the forces of the enemies of these countries, and of the elector: Her Maiesties accustomed bountie, which shee hath extended often to them that were in like sort oppressed, and namely the fauour which it hath pleased her to shew to them of this countrie, who are much bound vnto her, for that the enemie hath beene long staied from the execution of his designes. Hee shall represent vnto her Maiestie her happie and royall succours giuen vnto France, and to C Scotland, beeing oppressed for the same quarrell: her Maiestie hauing deliuered one of the said kingdomes from the oppression of Rome, and hath giuen meanes to the other (liuing in peace after so many miseries) to quench the blood which did yet flowe in all parts, and to purchase a quiet aboad for so many good men fearing God.’
‘In doing whereof, her Maiestie hath purchased so great honour and reputation with all that beliuing, and shall leaue so pleasing a memorie to posteritie, & hath so wonne the hearts of all men, as they would as willingly imploy their liues for her seruice, as if they were her naturall subiects. And therfore he shall most humbly intreat her in the behalfe of the said prince, seeing that the necessitie seemeth greater than euer, the enemies bending all their forces against these countries, hoping that after they haue compassed their designe ouer this little D countrie, the rest of the world shall serue them but for matter of trophie; that shee will bee pleased not to suffer, that before her eies, so many good men, and her most humble seruants, should perish by the hands of such as are mortall enemies to her Maiestie, to her crowne, and to the true religion, whereon aboue all the princes of our age, shee hath beene as it were, the sole nurce and defendresse.’
‘The said prince intreats generall Norris to propound some particular meanes, fearing either to demand too little from her Maiestie, considering her power, which he neither can, nor ought to limit; or that he should require too much, considering the extreame necessitie which doth presse vs, referring all to her Maiesties good pleasure, the said prince hoping that she will bee more liberall to doe good to this countrie, than hee for his part hath beene bolde to E demaund it.’
‘And although the meanes of these countries (exhausted with long warres) are very small, yet her Maiestie knowing better than our selues, wherein it may please her to doe them of this countrie the honour to imploy them to doe her most humble seruice; and for the great knowledge which God hath giuen her of all the Estates of Christendome, and especially of her poore neighbours, her Maiestie knowes, if there yet remaines any meanes to doe her seruice, namely for the prouinces of Holland, Zeeland, and Vtrecht, we humbly beseech her to let vs vnderstand it. And the said Seignior Norris shall assure her, that the prince will doe his best endeauour to giue her Maiestie contentment, beseeching her to hold as well the said prince, as the generall Estates, and particularly them of Holland, Zeeland, and Vtrecht, in her F good grace and fauour.’
‘He shall also let her Maiestie vnderstand, that my masters the Estates haue sent their Embassadours to the French king, and to his highnesse, and that their commission and instructions are altogether conformable to that which it pleased her Maiestie to let the prince vnderstand [Page 840] by sir Francis Walsingham her chiefe secretarie of estate.’ A
‘Finally, the said Seignior Norris shall most humbly beseech her Maiestie, and intreat the 1584 lords of her councell alwaies to shew some testimonies of their fauour to the subiects in generall of these countries, and particularly to them of Holland and Zeeland.’
Soone after the departure of generall Norris into England with these instructions, the prince of Orange receiued a discourse sent out of Germanie to his Excellencie, by Cont Iohn of Nassau his brother, persuading him to a reconciliation with the king of Spaine, and to reiect the amitie of the French; whereunto his Excellencie made an answer, the which for that it is a discourse of state, and worthie your reading, I haue thought good and necessarie to set downe at large. B
The Prince of Orange to Cont Iohn of Nassau his brother.
‘MY lord and brother, I haue seene the discourse which you sent mee, the which I cannot thinke proceeds from you nor your iudgement, for I find it better and more solide, than to build vpon such weake reasons, as are produced in the same writing. Wherfore you shal not take my answer as directed vnto you, but vnto them that haue forged it, and sent it.’
‘In the beginning the author spends much time to discourse of the great forces and meanes the alliances and intelligences of the king of Spaine, of my smal means, of the doubtful euents C of warre, and of the inconstancie of the peoples mindes; then hee speakes of the bad opinion which some of the religion haue conceiued of me, by reason of the treatie with the French; of the small assurance there is in their friendship, of their former errors, of the duke of Anious small meanes, and of the feare that the king will not enter a warre against so great and mightie a prince: and in the end hee comes to discourse of that which concernes our house more particularly.’
‘As for the king of Spaines forces, I thinke there is none doubts, but I know them as well as any man liuing, for that I haue had speciall and long imployment in the affaires of these countries, as also hauing vndertaken so necessarie and honourable a warre, I haue for these many yeares felt them, tried them, and endured them; and whereof I assure my selfe, that this D countrie (with the helpe of God) had beene long since discharged, if they (whom it concerned and were of the religion, at the least made profession) had not beene drawne, some by their owne ambition and desire to commaund and manage the affaires after their owne fantasies (although they had no experience neither in matters of warre, nor of gouernment) some beeing induced and persuaded by others, who tooke pleasure to follow priuate counsels, farre dissenting from mine and them of the publike; if those I say had not armed the proper members of this countrie one against another, and against their owne bodie, by means whereof they haue againe drawne in the Spanish forces: and the griefe is, that such as haue committed these errors, beeing not yet amended, they giue the Spaniards meanes still to haue as many victories ouer them as they please, and vntill theybe otherwise resolued, they will run E headlong into greater ruine.’
‘I speake this to shew, that these great forces are not inuincible, seeing that we haue seene them in a manner readie to be wholly defeated and chased shamefully out of the countrie. And in like sort, seeing God hath giuen me the grace to withstand them so long, it is no wonder if I know them well; so as all these admonitions can teach me no new thing. And as for that which concerneth my weakenesse, the which I hope (with the helpe of God, and their good resolution, which are determined to obey me) is not so little as it hath beene: neither do I expect that fourescore thousand men shall fall vpon mee, led by a duke of Alua, as heretofore, when I was much weaker, I haue felt them, and yet God did not abandon me, neither I hope will he at this daie.’ F
‘But as I haue discoursed at large in my instructions which I haue sent to the Queene of England, whereof I send you a copie, I take the soueraigne guard of the vniuersall God for my chiefe foundation, who hath hitherto made my weakenesse strong, and I hope hee will continue it vnto the end.’
[Page 841] ‘And when I come to examine all these difficulties by my selfe, that is, when I come to A compare the king of Spaines forces with my small meanes, and what we commonly see in the 1584 alteration of mens mindes; and when as I also discourse of that which may happen after me, I must confesse plainely, that if I tooke counsell of the flesh and humane vnderstanding, that I should find great cause and subiect of amazement.’
‘But seeing the question is for the glorie of God, and for our consciences, for the libertie of the countrie, and the preseruation of the liues of so many good men (ouer whom the crueltie of the Spaniards should passe like a deluge of waters, if wee should suffer them to recouer the power they sometimes had ouer these countries) I can resolue no other thing, but that hauing recommended my selfe vnto God, I conclude, that there remaines nothing but to oppose against such dangers with constancie vnto the end: resoluing that for me and mine, there are B no dangers comparable to a miserable desertion which I should make of so good a cause, if I should abandon so holy and so honourable a partie, the which I haue followed vnto this present daie.’
‘And whereas he obiects that some of the religion loue me lesse than they should, admit it were so, it were no new thing, the which I haue long since foreseene; for what man is he that hath had a chiefe charge, be it in the church or common-weale, that hath not had many enemies, not onely of them abroad, but euen of such as followed their partie, and tearmed themselues of the same religion? Such an one was Moses, who could not auoide the slaunders and mutining of Corath and Dathan: such a one was Dauid who had his Semes: such an one was Ieremie, who was buffeted in the temple: and such an one was S. Paul, who was persecuted by C them that preached Christ by contention: yet none of them haue left to continue constantly in their charges, knowing well that God was their rewarder and not men. In like maner, when I vndertooke this great charge, I had no other hope, hauing seene the like happen to many great personages, who vpon semblable occasions had sustained the like quarrels in our time.’
‘But I hope that such men (who it may be are not abandoned to so great ingratitude, so much through their owne malice, as by the induction of others) will not continue in that error, but will remember themselues, as many haue alreadie done, being warned by their owne follies, and so many losses which they haue had, following their priuate affections. And if they should continue vnto the end (the which I hope not) yet considering the great nūber of D such as resolue with me, I shal haue no great cause of discontentment for any other thing, than for the ruine of those men, who haue drawne more vpon them by their owne rashnes, than the enemie by his force.’
‘But that which hath beene hitherto toucht in the discourse is not the authors chiefe designe; but me thinkes all this beginning is like vnto some trialls of the disposition of the bodie, which fencers vse, before they plaie in earnest, or like vnto a musitians preludium: for all these preparatiues are made, to fall in the end vpon the alliance of France, which is the chiefe and maine point the author meanes to treat of, and for the which hee hath taken so exceeding great paines.’
‘But I obserue in this part, among other things, want of iudgement in the author of this E writing; for as no man can denie it, but that all doth proceede from the councell of Spaine, or their partisans, what is he but will presently iudge by the viewing and reading of this discourse, that the Spaniard doth doubt and aboue all things feare, lest the French king should vndertake this quarrell: knowing sufficiently by the situation of the countries, by the said kings forces, and by the reason of his friends and seruants, what meanes hee hath, not only to aide vs, but also to confine the king of Spaine beyond the Alpes and the Pyrene mountaines.’
‘And as I can take no better counsell than of mine enemie, to choose that which hee feareth, and reiect that which he desireth; so I confesse, that if I had neuer so much as thought on the alliance of France, that (hauing no other inducements or persuasions) this discourse F would make me to affect it much, and should giue me occasion to beleeue, that this counsell to treat with the French, is very good, seeing that it is so much feared and distrusted of the enemie.’
[Page 842] ‘The chiefe reasons are, that there is no assurance with the French, that we shall be circumuented A by thē, that they are no friends to religion, & that for the good of our house we should 1584 not incense our enemies more, hauing such a weake support as the French. First, to answer to that where he saith, that I haue made my name famous enough, I thinke it needlesse, for neuer any such vanitie did mooue mee to endure so great trauell, and so many losses, and to sustaine such and so dangerous hatreds.’
‘If then they thinke that the alliance of France be (for the aboue named reasons) not onely dangerous, but also vndoubtedly pernitious; what counsell then remaines? for as for mee, I confesse that I am vanquished, by many townes and prouinces of this countrie, which speake not secretly but openly, not before one or two, but before all the Estates, that it is necessarie to reconcile themselues with the king of Spaine, or to seeke sufficient succours elsewhere: and B that hauing sought first to the princes which make profession of religion, and beeing forsaken & abandoned by them, they found no other means, than to haue recourse to the French king, and to his brother. I say I am vanquished, for when as such things are propounded to the Estates, I can make no other answer, but that wee must make proofe thereof, for if there comes no other good, yet we shall keepe the French king from beeing our enemie, that hee shall alwaies keepe the king of Spaine in breath, and make him consume a great treasure: it shall also be auaileable for them of the religion in France, to liue in peace, the which the king hath granted them, the preseruation whereof we ought to procure by all meanes possible. Neither doth the author of this discourse speake any thing contrarie to this conclusion, for he himselfe doth persuade by all the meanes hee can to make a reconciliation and attonement with the king C of Spaine.’
‘But if I may not for conscience sake make any agreement with the French king, how may my conscience be dispenst withall to accord with the king of Spaine? doe they differ in religion? the king of Spaine, is hee not the best beloued sonne to the holy Apostolike sea of Rome? and the French king a putatiue sonne, and that in title onely. The king of Spaine hath the popes fauour for the foundations of all his greatnesse: and the pope should acknowledge that he hath not a foote of land, but by the benefit of the auncient kings of France, who doth now requite it with so great ingratitude.’
‘To say that the king of Spaine is the naturall prince of these countries, that question hath beene long since decided, and put out of doubt, seeing that by a generall iudgement of the Estates, D after so many duties done as well to him, as to other princes, he hath beene declared fallen from his right: so as if wee must now treat with him, I must treat to submit my selfe to a stranger and an enemie, yea persecutor of the religion.’
‘They will obiect the massacre at Paris, the which as it is not to be excused; how will they excuse also the massacre of the poore Moores, where there were aboue threescore thousand slaine after the accord was made and sworne. And if they say they be no Christians, yet can they not denie that the king of Spaine and the pope are more cruell enemies to our religion, than to that of the Moores. If they will not beleeue me, let them looke vnto the difference of the effects of that which they haue practised against the Christians and the Mahometans, and then let them iudge without passion.’ E
‘At the least, wee cannot denie, but vnder the gouernment of the French king, there are many townes, castles, villages, and gentlemens houses, where there is exercise of the religion, the which could neuer bee obtained from the king of Spaine, so much hee was incensed against the true religion, the which hee cannot make shewe to endure. The like is not found in the French king, who allowes free exercise of religion in many and diuers places, and where it is not openly permitted, yet is it exercised without any great search, euen within the citie of Paris.’
‘I would willingly that some of your diuines, which are so readie to iudge of another mans conscience, would shewe me by the word of God (which should be the rule of our consciences and not a zeale without that guide) that wee ought to agree rather with the king of F Spaine (who will demaund for the first article, that religion shall bee quite abolished) than with the French king (who for the first article will make no difficultie to graunt and allowe of it.)’
[Page 843] ‘And whereas they say that the French will deceiue vs, and take away our liberties, seeing A for those reasons they hold that we should agree with the Spaniard; it followes then, that you 1584 will inferre that the Spaniard will not deceiue vs, but will preserue our liberties. And therefore they adde, that all the world will be better pleased that we accord with the Spaniard than with the French.’
‘I wish that all priuate passion and affection might be laid aside, and that the persons and all other circumstances might be well examined of all sides, to iudge, by whom we should most feare to be deceiued, either by the French or the Spanish.’
‘I wil not deny but there is danger on both sides, but if we must passe ouer one of these two bridges, I thinke that any man will choose that which is most large and strong, rather than the weaker and narrower. And to iudge indifferently of all dangers, in my opinion, wee must B alwaies regard the power of him that can do harme, and will. But in these two points, we shall finde that the king of Spaine exceeds the French king without all comparison, if in doing ill we may say that the one exceeds the other.’
‘The king of Spaines power is such in this countrie, as without bringing in of any Spaniard or Italian, within lesse than a yeare, and without any armie he may roote the reformed religion out of the countrie. The multitude of people that fauour him, and are of his religion, much exceede all the rest, and will not be backwards in all seruile obedience to doe all that the Spaniard shall commaund them, as it is daily seene; for if the enemie winnes any towne or part of the countrie from vs, the people doe presently seruilely obserue them, and do what they please.’ C
‘This cannot be said of the French; for when any opposition was to be made against them, all haue ioyntly banded, some for religions sake, others to fauour the Spaniards, as experience hath taught, that such as haue most exclaimed against them, haue yeelded to the Spaniard, and haue betrayed the countrie, although that some ill aduised, haue esteemed them the better, for that they spake so ill and so boldly against the French, as the author of this discourse doth. But the end hath shewed their drift and intention, which was to deliuer vs to the Spaniards.’
‘The olde officers which are yet in the countrie, carrie the king of Spaine grauen in their hearts, & all that haue receiued any rewards, pensions, or recompences, which are very many; besides, so many that are voluntarily banished, who would come in an instant like pigeons to D adoue house, the which would not onely be at the king of Spaines deuotion, but also all the proctors, sollicitors, and ministers of seuere decrees.’
‘By these reasons wee may see, what power the king of Spaine hath to hurt vs, when as hee hath euen within vs all instruments prepared to ruine vs, both in goods, bodie, yea and in soule, if he could: and on the other side, the French haue no such might. Neither doe I doubt but that the king of Spaine and his adherents haue as great a wil to hurt vs, as they haue might and power.’
‘Kings neuer esteeme offences light when they are committed against their owne persons, by such as they hold to bee their subiects: and therefore they hold their subiects that haue attempted any thing against them, guiltie of high treason. But when such an insurrection E and of so great consequence happeneth, as that which wee haue seene in this countrie, there is no kind of crueltie but they practise against their subiects; for if nothing hath beene omitted that may be called cruel, vpon the Indians, who owe no obedience, what mercie can wee expect in this countrie?’
‘His chiefe officers haue beene put in prison, chased away, and their goods seized on, and the ordinarie officers haue had no better intreatie: his armes haue beene beaten downe, an other prince first called in against his will, vnto the gouernment, and after that another chosen to be absolute lord. Shall wee thinke or imagine that hee will euer pardon or forgiue such things? He I say, who for small pretended faults, hath so cruelly intreated men of that honour and reputation (by their good counsell and seruice deseruing so well of their F countrey) as the earles of Egmont, and Horne, and the marques of Berghes, and the baron of Montigni: and who hath begunne to persecute me and mine so outragiously for so small matters, in comparison of that which hath followed.’
[Page 844] ‘And if God should giue me the meanes (after this reconciliation) to retire my selfe into A some place of safetie, although I know not where I may liue more safely than in this countrie; 1584 yet this infinite multitude of people, and so many good men which haue embraced the religion, and haue opposed themselues against this crueltie, whither shall they retire themselues?’
‘The duke of Alua going out of this countrie, did vaunt that he put to death by the hand of the executioner, eighteene thousand men. Let vs now compare what had beene done by the inhabitants of this conntrie, before the comming of the duke of Alua, with that which hath followed, and thereby we shall iudge of the kings mind beeing incensed.’
‘As for particular persons, first of all the Clergie (which are in number like Locusts) will demaund their reuenues, their houses, and their goods: and after them, the gentlemen, and B all other sorts of people: but finding it not, shall not the poore men of the religion paie for it? yea they who did neuer benefit a halfe-pennie by them.’
‘The said clergie men, nobles, and others, without any reason, but onely a poore pretext of religion, haue burnt, hanged, drowned, and banished them that had but a little tast of religion: and now beeing incensed as much as men may be, doe we thinke they will be more merciful, seeing they haue not yet cast off the wolues disposition? but contrariwise, it is more augmented, as if one should cast a heape of dried wood into a burning furnace.’
‘It auailes not to say, that many of ours haue excelled measure, the which is true: and all good and modest men knowe that it was not my fault. But doe we thinke the Spaniards can or will make any such distinctions? Nay will it not bee a sufficient crime to be condemned, C to say he is a Christian? whereby will follow the ruine and losse of life, or at the least of worldly goods.’
‘All these things cease in regard of the French; but if they will obiect that they are affected against them of the religion: first, they are not all so, as the Spaniards and their adherents be, who are generally their enemies. The French are not incensed; they haue no goods to demaund, as the Spaniards pretend. By these reasons wee may easily conclude, that if for these apparant mischiefs, it is dangerous to accord with the French, (as the author of this discourse saith) without all comparison, it is farre more to bee feared in all kindes with the Spaniard.’
‘In the meane time, I can assure you, that hitherto I haue not much busied my selfe to D persuade the Estates to enter into any such treatie. But many prouinces and townes of consequence propounding and making open declaration, that they must of necessitie accord with the one or the other; I confesse that if of the two, wee must choose one, I would rather consent to the one than to the other. And withall I adde, that euery one that is acquainted with the affaires of Spaine, must confesse, that the king of Spaine must of force (to maintaine his monarchie) hold himselfe linckt to the pope, the emperour, and other catholike princes and potentates. The French king on the other side, to cl [...]ppe his wings, shall bee forced to allie himselfe with them of the religion, and by that meanes in fauouring them, by their aid hinder their greatnes, which seeke to fill the whole world, as the king his father did vnto the emperour Charles, when as he thought to haue commanded all Europe.’ E
‘And as at that time the princes of the empire (graue and indicious men) did their best and vtmost indeauours to persuade the French king to that resolution, whereon depended so great a good for all Germauie; so also our duties should bee to doe the like: But contrariwise, as if we were grieued that these two princes are not ioyntly armed against vs, wee doe what wee can to vnite them by all meanes possible, not weighing their forces and our owne infirmities.’
‘If they will also touch our house in particular, I am assured that both you my Lord and brother, and I, haue done so good offices to the king and emperour, and that the memorie thereof is so well grauen in their hearts, as the remembrance thereof can neuer bee defaced. The which I desire not to trie in any sort whatsoeuer, but am rather resolued to all extremities F for the defence of these countries, religion, and libertie; hoping that God will not abandon me in so iust and necessarie a quarrell: for the which I pray vnto him with al my heart. Made at Delft, the 18. of March, 1584.’
[Page 845] After the yeelding vp of Ypre, they of Bruges beginning to looke backe, refused to take a A garrison from Holland, the which the Protestants would willingly haue receiued into their 1584 towne: but the Catholickes, at the instigation of the prince of Chimay, who was their gouernour, and of Iohn Heren his Minister (who was become an Apostata, and afterwards ioyned to the Iesuits sect, hauing written against his first profession) did oppose themselues against the Estates party, so as there fell a diuision among the bourgers, the Catholickes being the stronger: who (after long contention) sent their deputies to the prince of Parma, being at Tournay, to desire to be reconciled to the king, in renouncing the vnion which they had with the Estates. In what manner this diuision passed in the towne of Bruges, and by what meanes the Catholickes became the masters, we will shew it succinctly, beginning to describe what the prince of Chimay was, being called Philip of Croy, sonne to the duke of B Arschot.
This nobleman in his youth had beene well instructed, and was of a quicke capacitie, the which he afterwards applyed ill: beeing thrust on by an ambitious spirit, to make himselfe great, he left the party which his father held, which was that of the Spaniard: first, vnder the cloake of Religion, whereunto he shewed himselfe wonderfully zealous (the issue of his designes hauing since shewed what his heart might be) he let not a Sermon escape, but he was at it, receiuing the Communion oftener than any other: yea, he did write a small pamphlet in praise of the Protestant Religion, extolling the duke of Aniou to the heauens, to the blame and suppression of the Spaniard, whom he disgraced all he could: so as if it had not beene that his mother was issued out of the house of Halewin a sworne enemie to the Religion, C to the prince of Orange, and to all them of the house of Nassau, he might haue attayned vnto the marriage of the prince of Orange his eldest daughter. But hauing vnder this maske of Religion married with the lady Marie of Brimeux, Countesse of Meghen, widow to Lancelot, earle of Barlamont, a lady much affected to the said Religion, he went first to Bruges, where hee was presently made gouernour; and not long after, blinding the world with this goodly shew of Religion, he (in like manner) got the gouernment of all Flanders: during the which, and especially after the duke of Aniou his retreat, matters being thus confused throughout all Flanders (in the which he was an actor) his courses began to bee suspected vnto the prince of Orange, whom all his counterfeit zeale could not please: who did once write vnto him, that hee should otherwise gouerne and moderate the deuotion D which he seemed to carry vnto God, the affection vnto his countrey, and the respect vnto his owne honour; the which had small credit, and wrought lesse effect with him. as it appeareth by a small discourse which was dedicated vnto him, and printed at Dusseldorpe: in the which all his actions are orderly set downe vnto him: among others, his practises, thereby to deliuer all the countrey of Flanders to the Spaniards: the meanes which he had held to ouerthrow the resolution to receiue in the duke of Aniou againe: That hee had beene the cause, that the townes of Dixmuyden, Nicuport, Furnes, and others had beene yeelded to the Spaniard: That by his meanes the marshall of Biron, with the Suitsers, and the rest of the duke of Aniou his French troupes, had beene mooued to retyre: That the towne of Dunkerke had not beene succoured: That that of Menin had beene abandoned E by the Scottishmen: That the dikes were not cut, which might haue drowned the Spaniards campe: That he had ill informed the Estates of duke Casimire his succours, to exclude the duke of Aniou: That he had left the garrison of Alost in such extreame pouertie and miserie, as the Englishmen were mooued to yeeld it vnto the Spaniard, who did thereby seize vpon all the land of Waes, with many other practises wherewithall hee is charged.
If the actions and dealings of the prince of Chimay were suspected and odious vnto the prince of Orange, they were no lesse vnto the Seignior Iaques de Grise, great baylife of Bruges, to Kasenbroth bourgomaster, to Maximilian of Horne, to the Seignior of Lorkeren, and many others, who were resolued to seize vpon his person: for the effecting whereof F (although they had the companies of the bourgers at their deuotion) yet they thought it good (by the aduice of the prince of Orange) to impart it vnto the colonel of the Scottishmen, and to require his assistance.
This colonel (whose name was Bloyde) did presently and willingly offer them his [Page 846] seruice: but soone after, vpon the tenth of Ianuarie 1584, a little before it should haue beene A executed, he went and discouered all to the prince of Chimay, who presently sent for the 1584 Seignior of Grise, and the bourgomaster Casenbroth, telling them what he had heard of their enterprise, accusing most of all the Seignior of Lockeren, whom (as being no bourger of the towne, but a meere stranger) he put in prison, not daring to attempt any thing against the rest, who were in great credit and authoritie with the people: but hee complayned much of them, and did taxe them before the magistrates of the towne and of Franc, whereby hee tooke greater occasion to aduaunce the reconciliation with the Spaniard as secretly as hee could.
The Seignior of Grise being no lesse perplexed than the Seignior of Lockeren, he retyred himselfe out of the towne, and after that he had conferred with the Estates, he resolued to returne with fiue hundred men, through the fauour of the good bourgers: but as the trecherie B of colonel Boyde was well knowne vnto him, and that he durst not trust in the garrison (although that captaine Balfour and others had alwaies carried themselues faithfully in the Estates seruice) hauing also taken the aduice of them of Zeeland, and of the Seignior of Groeneuelt, gouernour of Scluse, this second enterprise was likewise discouered to the prince of Chimay; who finding himselfe the more grieued, caused all them that were acquainted with this exploit, to bee put in prison. Then hauing grieuously accused the magistrates before all the people, he tooke occasion thereupon to displace them, and to chuse new after his owne fantasie, whom he knew to be at the Spaniards deuotion: by whose assistance he did easily induce the people to this reconciliation, so much affected by him, yea he drew C them of Franc and of the towne of Dam to his partie, and to doe as they of Bruges did; the which caused many good countreymen and Protestants to retyre, some vnto Scluse, others to Oostend, where there was a good garrison: so as the prince of Chimay and his new magistrates were in great doubt, seeking all meanes (both by promises and money) to draw vnto them those garrisons; but they preuayled not: for the finishing of this negotiation of the reconciliation with them of Bruges, the prince of Parma sent the duke of Arschot, father to the prince of Chimay, thither, to the end hee might also draw vnto him them of Scluse and Oostend, which were of farre greater importance vnto him, than Bruges: and on the other side, the Estates sent doctor Iunius thither to dissuade them, who preuayled so much with his reasons, as neither the duke of Arschot nor the prince of Chimay D could doe any good, considering that they of Gant had renewed a more firme league with the generalitie. And as a great number of them of Bruges were retyred out of the towne, it was easie for the prince of Chimay to conclude this reconciliation with the prince of Parma, the which was proclaymed with great triumph and pompe vpon the fiue and twentieth Chimay yields Bruges to the Spaniard. of May, with reasonable conditions, to draw on them of Gant, Scluse, and Oostend. The Scottish garrison which were in it, were left to their choice, to retyre, or to continue in the king of Spaine his seruice, of the which few remained: and although that colonel Boyde did soone find how little the prince of Parma did esteeme him, yet he durst not trust the Estates. By this treatie of Bruges, they of Franc and Dam were also reconciled, in restoring the Clergie men vnto the possession of their goods, and leauing all exercise of the reformed E Religion, suffering euery man to liue with libertie of his conscience, not committing of any scandale, and enioying of their goods; the which continued not long. The Seignior of Croisilles, of the house of Montmorency, was appointed gouernour there without any garrison, seeing that the Catholickes (who had fled away before) and the Clergie were fully restored.
The prince of Chimay, after the publication of this treatie of reconciliation, required of the ministers of Bruges (wherein it was thought, that he did both mocke them and their Religion) a certificat of his good life and profession. But beeing departed with his Minister, home to his own house, they soone left their Religion, the prince discharging all his houshold seruants, which desired to continue in the profession thereof: by the which renunciation F and trecherie, he purchased euen with the same partie which he tooke, dishonour for euer, with a marke of inconstancie and lightnesse. The Contesse of Meghen discouering his heart and his manner of liuing, would no more follow him, but retyred to Scluse, and from thence in Holland.
[Page 847] The prince of Parma hauing at that time seized vpon the village of Burcht on Flanders A side, vpon the riuer of Escaut, halfe a league from Antuerpe, and hauing caused it to be fortified, 1584 to keepe any thing from passing by water to Gant, Brussels, or Macklyn, they of Antuerpe sent their shippes of warre thither, to chase them from thence, or to hinder the fortification, but it was in vaine; by reason whereof they made another fort on the other side of the riuer, vpon Brabant side, about the village of Hoboken, right against Burcht, to defend their nauigation to the said townes: then they pierced the dike betwixt Burcht and the head of Flanders, the which drowned the whole countrey, vnto Beueren and Calloo. At the breaking of which dike, they made a fort opposite to that of Burcht, the which did batter one another continually with their great ordnance, and with musket shot, hauing nothing but the said breach betwixt the two forts. But this fort was made by them of Antuerpe B somewhat too late, many shippes being passed by this hole to Calloo, during the siege of the towne.
They of Bruges, Franc, and Dam, being (by reason of their reconciliation) well accorded with the king of Spaine, yet were they no lesse free from enemies round about them, than if they had beene besieged, for that they of Gant, Scluse, and Oostend cut off their victuals vpon all passages: wherfore they did write to them of Gant on the seuenth of Iuly, to induce them to their party, shewing, that they being one of the foure members of Flanders, they had no reason to reiect the reconciliation with their king, and not to ioyne with the other three members, alreadie reconciled, alledging many persuasiue reasons, the which for breuities sake I omit. C
Hereupon the Estates of Brabant, Holland, and Zeeland sent their deputies to Gant, to shew them, that such priuate reconciliations could neuer b [...]eed a good peace, but rather a dangerous and miserable warre, vnsheathing more the enemies sword against their brethren and friends. And, if it happened that Brabant, with Holland and Zeeland, were in warre against them, that Flanders would be more miserably oppressed than euer, considering the hinderance of the nauigation by sea, whereof the Spaniards were barred, the breaking of the dikes in the land of Waes, and the inundation which should cut off their victuals on all sides: besides, that Fraunce nor England would neuer suffer the Spaniard to lodge so farre within the countrey, whereby they might doubt to haue warre against him. And touching the two points which the king of Spaine demaunded, which was the Romish Religion only, D and the absolute obedience which he maintained to bee due vnto him: as for the Religion, if onely the Romish were receiued there, the reformed then must bee quite banished. And to assure this obedience, they must repayre and build the citadels vp againe, and make new, the which must be continually entertained with strong garrisons, and so they should be in worse estate than before.
These and such like reasons were layed before them of Gant on the Estates behalfe, with good hope to bring a goodly armie shortly to field, the which should come into the country of Flanders, as soone as they had woon the forts of Zutphen, whereof they hoped soone to see a good end; the which retayned the Ganthois for a time, and kept them from making of any reconciliation, vntill that their affaires were otherwise disposed, as we will presently E shew.
At that time there was a Dyet of the Electors and other princes of the empire held at Bottenberch in Germanie, to treat of the meanes to keepe the Empire in quiet, rooting out all distrust which was among the princes, by reason of the diuersitie of Religion, whereby it was easie to comprehend, that Monsieur Segur, embassadour for the king of Nauarre (being sent vnto the said princes, to draw them into league with his master, and them of the Protestant Religion in Fraunce, and withall, to moderate the difference of Religion betwixt the Protestants of Germanie and the French) should returne with small fruit of his embassage: for they said, that Augustus duke of Saxonie answered them, That hee would not trouble the prosperitie of his Estate with the affaires of Fraunce; and that the Landtgraue F of Hessen had sayd, That age and experience had taught him, how dangerous a thing it was to enter into league with any strangers. And therefore they did imagine (or else some would persuade them) that the French (vnder colour of Religion) did seeke to [Page 848] make some broyles in Germanie, and (in the meane time) to assure their affaires, that the A prince of Orange and the English might the better settle the estate of the vnited Prouinces, 1584 against the violence of the Spaniards, who began now to prosper more than they did before.
Among the townes of the vnited Prouinces, it was propounded, Whether they should continue the customes imposed for the maintenance of the warre (vpon all marchandize that came in or went out) or take them quite away. Some said, that seeing the countries and sea townes depend vpon the profite which commeth vnto them by the traffique and free negotiation of all marchandise, that therefore this imposition was necessarie for the maintenance of the warre: That the countrey of it selfe could not spend and consume the great abundance of commodities which it yeeldeth, as butter, cheese, and fish, drie or salt, B wherewith most of the people get their liuings: That if they prohibite the inhabitants of the countrey to send them vnto the enemie, that other neighbours which haue the nauigation free, would not fayle to furnish them at their owne wils, reaping the gaine and profite which they of the countrey (from whence such commodities come) should haue themselues, as of their owne growing; and in so doing, it were to cut off the chiefe meanes they had to make money, to support the charges of the warre. Others were of a contrarie opinion, saying, That it was a great shame and dishonour to feed their enemies; the which if they did forbeare, they should see them perish for want, hauing no meanes to put an armie to field, nor to besiege any townes, and that thereby should follow the discouragement and mutinie of the enemies souldiers. To them it was answered, That it was impossible C to famish them, being so neere vnto Germanie and Fraunce, from whence they might supply their wants. Yet in the end, to auoid all murmure and discontent of the common people, vpon the two and twentieth of Iune it was forbidden by publicke proclamation, not to transport any thing into the enemies countrey, nor to receiue from thence into the vnited Prouinces, vpon paine of confiscation of all such wares and marchandizes. It was also forbidden, to carrie any thing into Fraunce, lower than Rouan, nor into England, nor into the riuers of Ems and Meuse, neerer than the places which were limitted by the proclamation: And that those that would sayle towards the West, should be bound to lanch into the maine sea: and if they were found and taken along by the coast of Flaunders, all should be good prize, and confiscated. The like was required of the French king, and D of the Queene of England, for otherwise all this defence had beene vnprofitable. And there were certaine shippes of warre sent to that end by the Estates, into the riuers of Ems and Meuse.
Although this defence was in force for a while, yet soone after, the Frenchmen by Callais, and the Englishmen by Dunkerke, furnished the Spanish armie of what they wanted, which otherwise had beene forced to retyre from Antuerpe: whereupon it followed, that the marchants of the vnited Prouinces did the like, and that these defences were no more obserued.
In May, the prince of Orange and the Estates sent the earle of Hohenlo againe with greater forces, to besiege the towne and fort of Zutphen, being then well furnished with all E things necessarie, ioyning vnto him the troupes which the Elector Truchses, and the noble Henry of Brunswicke had brought out of Germanie: with all which forces the earle of Hohenlo besieged the towne, in the which colonel Taxis was in person with two thousand men. The earle of Hohenlo tooke from him at the first the vse of the riuer, both aboue and beneath: Verdugo seeing that the siege could not be raysed without great force and fighting, durst not attempt nor hazard any thing; and the rather, for that hee knew there was much due vnto his souldiers for their pay, fearing that they would not fight without mony: wherfore he sent vnto the prince of Parma, to haue directions from him, and that if he would haue him to raise the Estates campe, he should send him greater prouision both of men and mony. Whereupon the Parmois writ vnto him, That he should do his best to force the Estates campe, and to raise F them, sending him money for his men, and the regiments of Dom Iohn Mauriques de Lara, of the earle of Aremberg, and of some others, with good store of horse; who being ioined with Verdugo, had the honor to raise this siege, without striking stroke, for that the earle of Hohenlo [Page 849] would not attend their comming, nor hazard any thing vpon a doubtfull battaile, but raysed A his campe in time, and retyred part to Deuenter, and part to Arnham in Guelderland, and to other townes along the riuers of Yssel and of Rhin, not without many reproches and 1584 scoffes of the common people of those townes, saying, that they durst not fight, and that they had fled before they had seene the enemie. The horsemen layed the fault vpon the footmen, who (they said) would not make head against the enemie, vntill they were payed, as it is the Germanes vse, when they must fight, whereof there was a good troupe, belonging to the Elector and to noble Henry. So the next day after their rising and departure, the king of Spaine his men entred into Zutphen without any resistance, where they rested one night, meaning the next day to pursue their victorie: but hearing that the Estates armie had passed the riuer, they dislodged not. B
The tenth of Iune, Francis of Valois, onely brother to the French king, duke of Aniou and Brabant, Earle of Flanders, &c. before he was fully reconciled to the Estates of the vnited prouinces, dyed at Chasteau-Thierry, not without suspition of poyson. At his death he much lamented for that which had beene done the yeare before (through the aduice of some pernicious counsellors) in Antuerpe, and would willingly haue repaired it, if hee had escaped death. I haue heard him grieue nine or tenne daies before his death, beeing vpon his bed (whither he commaunded, I should be called) that hauing beene duke of Brabant, Iohn Petit. he had neuer beene in Brussels, where the pallace is of the dukes of Brabant. He commanded me to recommend him to the Seignior of Timpel, gouernour of that towne (besides the letters which he writ vnto him) and to tell him, that as soone as he should be able to trauell C on horsebacke, or in carosse, hee would goe to Brussels so well accompanied, as the towne should haue no cause to feare any enemie. By his last Will hee did seriously recommend vnto the king his brother the affaires of the vnited Prouinces, bequeathing vnto him all such right as hee had by election, title of donation, or otherwise, in the dutchie of Brabant, earledome of Flanders, and elsewhere in the said Netherlands. To the queene mother he gaue the Dutchie towne and citadell of Cambray and Cambresis. There were diuers opinions of his death, and of the manner of the poyson which had beene giuen him. During his sicknesse, he did nothing but bleed at diuers passages or vents, vntill that hee gaue vp the ghost. All the time that he lay sicke nor in his extremitie, hee would not haue any priest to confesse him, declaring publickely, that he had confessed himselfe sufficiently vnto D God, and that hee had grounded the hope of his saluation vpon the merits of Iesus Christ, the Redeemer and Sauiour of the world, as those haue testified, that were present at his death. He desired to be interred with the ornaments, armes, and blason of the dukes of Brabant; the which the French kings counsell did not thinke conuenient, for feare of offending the king of Spaine.
This death of the duke of Aniou did breake the bankes which did bound and keepe in the ouerflowing ambition of the league in Fraunce, for that they feared him more than the king, but it began now to shew it selfe, as you may reade at large in the French Inuentarie, vnto which I will referre you, for that it doth belong properly vnto that Historie. Hee that brought the first newes of the duke of Aniou his death vnto the Estates in Holland, E was within one moneth after the murtherer of the prince of Orange, as we will presently shew.
The third of Iuly the prince of Parma sent colonel Mondragon with fiue thousand men and tenne pieces of artillerie, to goe and besiege the forts of Lillo and of Lyefkens hoek, both opposite one vnto another, at the mouth of the riuer of Escaut, which goes from Antuerpe into the sea. The Vicont of Gant (then newly called Marquesse of Roubay) besieged Lyefkens-hoek, on Flanders side, the which he caused to be battered with all speed, being not yet fully finished; where, after he had spent three hundred canon shot, he caused an assault to be giuen, but at the first charge, they were sharpely repulsed. At the second assault hee caused certaine carts laden with hay and straw to be brought neere vnto the breach, and to be F set on fire, which made such a smoake, carried through the fort by the wind, as the besieged being not able to stand at the rampar, to withstand the furie of the assaylants, they were forced; the marquesse causing all that hee found armed, to bee slaine, and amongst the rest, many bourgers of the towne of Antuerpe, who were come for fresh supplyes. [Page 850] He caused some to be hanged afterwards in cold bloud, the which was deere for the Spaniards A that were prisoners. He also slew with his owne hand N. Berendrecht, a captaine in the 1584 fort, who in former time had beene steward to the prince of Espinoy his brother. Colonell Petaine, borne in Arras, seeing the place forced, and the massacre of his men, hauing almost escaped, was taken, and brought before him, being desirous to see him, whom he also stabbed, and being vpon the ground, he caused his men to make an end of him, exercising his accustomed rage and madnesse vpon all that hee could meet; for hee was of such an humour, as he cared not for the death of a man or two, hauing begun, tenne yeares before, his first apprentiship of murthering, vpon Cont Philip of Mansfeldt, sonne to Cont Peter Ernest, gouernour of Luxembourg in the towne of Brussels; and the second a yeare or two after vpon a gentleman named Ponthus Naye, Seignior of Chapelle, in the open market place of Bethune, B being a prisoner, in the hands of iustice. These first beginnings in his youth, could yield no good fruits in his riper age.
Whilest that the Marquesse was busied before this fort of Lyefkens-hoek, the Superintendents of the towne of Antuerpe (whom it imported more to guard the fort of Lillo) sent a full companie of their best trained young men, and some hundred men out of their sworne bands, to fortifie the garrison, who in the beginning were but sixe score men. Soone after, captaine Gau (being come from Terneuse) entred with a companie of Gascoines: Mondragon beeing busie to plant his artillerie, the said captaine Gau made a braue sally vpon the Bourguignons, so as hee put fiue companies to rout, with the losse of aboue a hundred and fiftie men, bringing away two captaines prisoners. The Seignior of Teligny, sonne to the C lord of la Noue, was sent by the Estates of Brabant to commaund there, who entred with good troupes of Frenchmen, whereas a little before there were foure Scottish companies entred, being of the regiment of colonel Balfour. Mondragon seeking to plant foure canons vpon the dike on Zeeland side, these Scottishmen sallyed forth, thinking to take it from thence, or else to cloye it: but as the dike was too narrow to make any speed thither in troupe, they could not aduaunce themselues, but the Spaniards made head against them; yet they did them a great affront, slew about three hundred of them, and carried away their master myner prisoner with them, who discouered vnto the Seignior of Teligny all the mynes which Mondragon had caused to be digged, remayning after that time in the Estates seruice, where hee did discharge himselfe both faithfully and truely in his place of Master D myner.
Mondragon, after he had spent fiue hundred canon shot, and made a faire breach, he made his preparatiues to giue an assault vnto the fort. The besieged perceiuing it, they presently made a spacious myne vnder the breach which they should assayle, that hauing drawne their enemies thither, and then they retyring, as if they gaue backe, to blow it vp. The inuention was not bad, if it had beene well followed. But as the besieged went out by the sayd breach, to goe and encounter with their enemies, comming to the assault, making presently their retreat and being pursued euen into the breach, he that had charge of the said myne, gaue fire too soone, so as there were some thirtie of their owne men blowne vp, and no harme done to the Spaniards that pursued them; whom the canon of the fort notwithstanding did E much annoy, and tooke from them all appetite to approch any neerer. They of Antuerpe sent two great canons more, with the which they did dismount a part of the enemies artillerie.
Colonel Mondragon finding, that notwithstanding all his endeauours, he could not stop the passage of the riuer, but that they of Lillo receiued what they needed from Antuerpe: the better to stop this passage, he caused certaine ordinance to be planted on the other side of the riuer, right opposite vnto the sort, and neere vnto Lyefkens hoek, which might shoot close by the water, euen vnto Lillo: but for all that, they did not forbeare to goe in and out, and to passe and repasse from Holland and Zeeland to Antuerpe; and seeing that they made no esteeme thereof, he brought other artillerie to the dike that was broken at Calloo, where F the riuer was most narrow, assuring himselfe, that by that meanes hee should take away their nauigation: but he preuailed no more than before.
In the end, the prince of Parma considering the strength of the place, the which had alwaies a port open by the riuer, and could not bee taken away, hearing also, that the besieged [Page 851] were reenforced with fifteene or sixteene companies, and sufficiently prouided of all things A necessarie, hee commaunded him to rayse his siege, not without shame and losse, hauing 1584 spent three weekes before it, and done what he could: yet hee left some of his men, neere vnto Lillo, in certaine forts which he had caused to bee built at Coesteyn, Oordam, and Blaugarendyck, where he also planted some artillerie, to shoot at the shippes that went and came from Antuerpe by the riuer into Holland, Zeeland, and other places. They doe hold for certaine, that during this siege, what by sallyes, and the canon from the fort, the Spaniard lost not lesse than two thousand men: whereat wee must not meruaile, seeing the besieged in six and thirtie houres spent two thousand weight of powder. Most of the Estates souldiers that were sent to defend this place, after the Spaniards retreat, were drawne foorth, and sent into other garrisons. Those which remained (the greater part of B them being French) did mutine soone after for their pay, chased away the Seignior of Teligni, their commaunder, captaine Plucket and other captaines, demaunding their pay within a short space, the which did much perplexe the Estates of Brabant: wherefore they were forced to prouide speedily, by reason of the great importance of the place (fearing least the Spaniard should make his profit and aduantage of such a mutinie) so as they were pacified with the receit of foure moneths pay in money, and fiue in cloth and apparell.
Although the prince of Parma had left the siege of Lillo, yet had hee planted artillerie in diuers places along the riuer vpon the banke; whereby they of Antuerpe knowing him to be master of the field, iudged, that he would seeke to cut off the passage of their nauigation; C and would build forts all along the riuer; the which beeing furnished with artillerie, would commaund it, and so would retrench the sayd towne, which is the store-house of all the countrey of Brabant, from Holland and Zeeland. Whereupon they of Antuerpe and the Estates of Brabant being then assembled there (among the which there were some barons, and the Seignior of S. Aldegonde for the towne of Brussels) hauing taken counsell what was to be done, for the preseruation of the sayd towne, they sent the Seignior of Grise, lately great baylife of Bruges (holding still the partie of the generall Estates) into England, to leuie fifteene hundred men vnder colonel Morgan; for the leuying whereof, the Wallon and Dutch churches within that Realme disbursed twentie thousand florins, and they were sent ouer. They sent likewise into Fraunce, thinking that colonel Allein D should bring some, but nothing came: for that the money which the said Allein had receiued to make the leuie, was kept by him for the arrerages of his pay, in regard of the seruice which he had done vnto the Estates.
There was an aduice giuen by the colonels that were bourgers of Antuerpe, who then had taken vpon them (although vnworthily) the knowledge of all matters concerning the The colonels of Antuerpe abandon Herental. warre, in the said towne, and in all that quarter of Antuerpe, to abandon Herental, and to retyre the garrison and the munition, to imploy them elsewhere. But this was done with such disorder, as all the powder was lost. After they had prouided and taken order for the defence of Antuerpe, the Estates of Brabant found it needfull to entertaine fourescore companies of footmen, and sixteene companies of horsemen, as well for the sayd E towne, as for Brussels, Macklyn, and other places, whereof Antuerpe should beare the greatest part of the burthen: so as they were forced to charge them with great impositions, which came to aboue three hundred thousand florins, besides other impositions which they payed afterwards.
Many of the chiefe bourgers and marchants of Antuerpe, seeing the fort of Lyefkenshoek thus poorely lost, and their fellow citizens that were in it, so miserably slaine; that they had neither prince nor head; that the Spaniard began to build forts vpon the riuer, and to furnish them with good artillerie, they began to feare; so as some hundred of them retyred out of the towne, who were afterwards commaunded by a publicke proclamation to returne within a certaine time, to helpe to defend the towne, and the place where F they had gotten so much wealth, vpon paine of confiscation of such goods as they had remayning within the towne: yet fewe returned; yea, there dayly retyred more and more.
[Page 852] The tenth of Iuly the prince of Orange hauing made his residence aboue a whole yeare A at Delft in Holland, was traiterously murthered in his lodging, at the issue of his dinner, by 1584 one Baltazar Gerard, a high Bourguignon, borne at Ville Franche, whereof wee will relate The prince of Orange traiterously murthered. the historie, or rather Tragedie, truely as it happened, and as succinctly as wee can. The Spaniards thinking, that they had no other enemie in this world, and that he being dead, they should attaine vnto their wished desires in the Netherlands, they neuer ceased, vntill that (in the end) they caused him to bee murthered, after the manner which followeth.
In May there arriued at the princes court (being then at Delft) a certaine young man, about seuen and twentie yeres old, of a meane stature, and carrying but a simple countenance: who as in passing deliuered a letter to the said prince, who demaunded of him from whence B it came: whereunto he answered, That it was his owne letter, whereby he would giue him to vnderstand matters of great moment for the seruice of the countrey: the sayd letter was subscribed Francis Guyon. The next day he addressed himselfe to one of the princes secretaries, who sent him to Peter [...]l Oyseleur, called Villiers, a minister and counsellor to the said prince, whom he requested to procure him an answere of his letter, saying, That hee had matters of importance to impart vnto him, concerning the countrey and the Religion. Certaine daies after, the prince of Orange vnderstanding the tenor of this letter, commanded Oyseleur to heare what he would say [...]: and so this gallant gaue him to vnderstand, that his name was Francis Guyon, borne at Besanson, and that he had beene alwaies a most affectionate seruant vnto the said prince, being Vicont of Besanson (as he was) and the greatest nobleman C in all high Bourgogne: That he had alwaies desired to doe him seruice, and especially since the death of his father, who was borne at Lion, but married at Besanson; who after the enterprise of the Seignior of Beauieu made vpon the sayd towne of Besanson, was (vpon false suggestions) put in prison, and executed, for that he made profession of the Religion. Since which time, for the dishonour of his fathers death, and for his conscience sake, hee was mooued to come and liue in a place where there was exercise of Religion: which made him still desirous to retyre himselfe, to serue the said prince: for which occasion he was come out of his countrey aboue two yeares since, with a good horse and armes, to put himselfe vnder some companie there. But as he passed through the Dutchie of Luxembourg, he was desirous to see a cousin of his, called Pre, Secretarie to Cont Peter Ernest D of Mansfeldt. This cousin persuaded him to remaine some time with him; the which hee did: yet was he still desirous to be gone, for that he continued there against his conscience, and although he were often intended to depart, yet there was something still which retayned him. Notwithstanding at Easter last, God (as it were) forced him to retyre, for that there was a priest of Brussels in the earles house, very seuere against them that were suspected to bee of the Religion, going often into their chambers to see what they did: so as both he and his cousin had a great desire to play him some bad part: for he threatened to accuse them, if they went not to confession and to the Sacrament: which made him retyre from thence to Treues, there to passe the feast of Easter: but being returned, this priest demaunded of him, where he had receiued the Sacrament? hee answered him, in the Iesuites E church at Treues, whereas one of the chiefe Iesuits had ministred the Sacrament vnto him. But as this Iesuite came vnforrunately to Luxembourg, the priest asked him, if Francis Guyon had receiued the Sacrament at his hands; the other answered, no: whereupon the sayd priest knowing, that Guyon was in the castle of Fontaine, neere vnto Luxembourg, with the earle, he came thither, and would haue taken him, but he defended himselfe, and hurt the priest with his dagger, so as he escaped, and went to Treues, from whence hee sent to his cousin for his horse and some little money: but as he stayed too long, fearing to be discouered to haue vndertaken this voyage vnto the prince of Orange, to doe him seruice, as hee had both desire and meanes: and in saying so, this impudent affronter drew out of his sleeue a packet full of blankes, sealed by the earle of Mansfeldt, saying, That F hee had the sayd seale often at his commaundement and disposing, beeing chiefe clerke vnto du Pre; and that therewith he had giuen many pasports to victuallers and others that had need thereof.
[Page 853] All this discourse being deliuered vnto the prince by Oyseleur, hee commaunded him to A inquire of him to what vse they might serue. Hee answered, That therewith they might 1584 make an enterprise vpon any towne in Luxembourg, or if that were too farre, it might serue for spyes to goe through the countrey. This being deliuered vnto the prince of Orange, he replyed, That there was no meanes to attempt any thing with those blankes: but they might serue to cause messengers to passe from Brussels to Cambray, commanding, that they should send part of them to Brussels: as for the rest, the prince hauing conferred with the Seignior of Espruneaux, embassadour for the duke of Aniou, an occasion being offered, it was resolued, that Caron, Seignior of Schoonwal, returning then into Fraunce, should carry him with him, to know if the Seignior of Biron (who it was sayd should bee gouernour of Cambray) could make any vse of those seales, to make pasports for his men. Whereupon B Caron hauing his dispatch from the prince, was charged to take him with him, as hee did. This villaine being in those parts, he writ into these parts, That he did hope to see the Seignior of Beauieu shortly (he called the murther which was proiected by him, Beauieu) who did well temember his father, that dyed in his seruice, by whose meanes he did hope to be aduanced, and to attaine vnto some better estate. See the constant cosenage of this wretch.
Soone after, Caron sent him backe with letters vnto the prince and the Estates, aduertising them of the duke of Aniou his death. The prince hauing red these letters, sent for Guyon into his chamber, being yet in bed, to vnderstand the particularities of the duke his death (this wretch did since confesse, being in prison, That if at that time he had had a dagger, C or a knife, yea, a pen knife, that he had slaine the prince in his bed) who, after that he had talked a while with him, he dismissed him. After that, hee came vsually to prayers and sermons: He red commonly du Bartas workes, and especially the Historie of Iudith, where there are certaine persuasions to encourage men to root out tyrans. Sometimes hee borrowed a Bible of the Porter, to read some chapters before him, whereby (vnder colour of Religion) he grew familiar with some of the princes houshold. In the end, his dispatch being made to returne into Fraunce to Monsieur Caron, he was commaunded to depart, hauing no more to doe there. Whereupon he entreated them to giue him some money, shewing his hose and shoes, which were not worth any thing. The prince commaunded, that in deliuering him his dispatch, they should giue him tenne or twelue crownes, the which was D done, and he receiued his money the eight of Iuly. The next day hee bought a pistoll of a souldier of the princes guard, called Rene; but finding that it shot not true, he bought 2 more of one called Iohn de la Forest, sergeant to captaine Claude Caulier, the which he tryed three or foure times, and found them good.
The tenth of the same moneth he watched when the prince should goe downe into the hall to dinner, from whom he demaunded a pasport, speaking (as the princesse did obserue him) with a hollow and vnsetled voice: so as she demaunded of the prince (her husband) what he was, for that she did not like his countenance. The prince answered her, that hee demaunded a pasport, the which he would cause to be giuen him. During dinner time, he was seene walking about the stables, behind the house, towards the rampar of the towne. E Dinner being ended, the prince going out of the hall, the murtherer stood behind a pillar in the gallerie, with his cloake hanging vpon one shoulder, and vnder his left arme these two pistols hidden, holding in his right hand a paper, as if it had beene his pasport, to haue the prince signe it: as the prince passed, hauing one foot vpon the first step of the stayres, this traytor aduancing, drew foorth one of his pistols so suddenly, as no man did perceiue him before the blow was giuen, shooting him from the left side to the right, through the The prince slaine. stomacke and the vitall parts. The prince feeling himselfe hurt, sayd nothing else but, O my God, take pitie of my soule, I am sore wounded: my God take pitie of my soule, and of this poore His last words. people. Hauing spoken these words, he began to stagger, but his gentleman Vsher stayed him, and set him vpon the stayres, but hee spake no more. Then the Countesse of Swartzenbourg F (his sister) asked him in high Dutch, if he did not recommend his soule to Iesus Christ our Sauiour, to whom he answered in the same language, yea, and neuer spake more: but drawing towards his end, he was carried into the hall where he had dyned, and [Page 854] there gaue vp the ghost. Such was the end of the most wise, constant, and vertuous prince A of Orange. 1584
The murtherer assuring himselfe that he had done the deed, sought to escape by the stables, whereof he had before obserued the paslages; and as hee was to goe downe foure or fiue steppes of the gallerie, he leaped them all at once, wherewith the other pistoll fell from vnder his arme (with the which, being charged, hee thought to defend himselfe) hauing The murtherer seekes to escape. no leysure to take it vp, for that he fled away as fast as he could, passing through the stable into the street which goeth vnto the rampar. But as hee ran ouer a dunghill, beeing the neerest way, the straw being long, he fell, yet he rose againe, thinking to get vnto the wall, and so to cast himselfe into the towne-ditch, where he was taken by a lacquey and an halberdier, with the helpe of some others, which came running, who brought him vnto the B Court. At the first he was much amazed and perplexed: but seeing they did not kill him suddenly, and that they would keepe him, he began to grow resolute. And as one of the prince his seruants sayd vnto him, Thou art a wicked traytor, he answered, I am no traytor, I haue done that which the king commaunded: what King? demaunded one: The king of Spaine (my master) said he. And when as captaine Bastien, a Frenchman, sayd vnto him: Art not thou a wicked traytor, who haddest thought to haue killed the prince, if God had not preuented it? What (sayd he) haue I fayled! cursed be the fault. From thence hee was carried to his lodging that kept the court, whither the magistrat of the towne of Delft came to examine him. There he demanded paper, pen and inke, promising, that seeing he was a prisoner, and as good (sayd he) as dead, he would lay open the whole truth; the which he did not: C adding many lyes to some points that were true.
He confessed, that he was called Baltazar Gerard, of Ville-Franche in Bourgoigne, and The murtherers cōfession. that for six yeares, yea, after the breach of the pacification of Gant, he had had a great desire to kill the prince. He made shew of the same desire, for that (hee sayd) remayning at Dole six yeares before with a Proctor, called Iohn Villan, he tooke a dagger, and strucke it with all his force into a dore, saying, I would this blow were through the prince of Oranges heart: for the which he was blamed by one Iohn Guillaume, that kept the bridge at Vret in Bourgoigne, who sayd vnto him, That it was not for him to kill princes. And hauing heard within three yeares, that the king of Spaine had giuen sentence of death against the prince of Orange, and libertie to kill him wheresoeuer they could, he had come D in Februarie, in the yeare 1582, expressely out of Bourgoigne into those parts, to put this sentence in execution, and that being come to Luxembourg, in March, he had heard say, that a certaine Biscaine had murthered him: for which cause he went no farther, but put himselfe in seruice with Iohn du Pre, Secretarie to the earle of Mansfeldt, gouernour of Luxembourg. But hearing afterwards that he was not dead, but recouered, hee then resolued (whatsoeuer should happen) to execute this designe, hoping to find some good opportunitie, the earle of Mansfeldt being in field, about the place where the prince should be; to whom hee would present some flying seales, and blankes of the sayd earle: assuring himselfe, that in time hee should find accesse into the said prince his court, and so effect this his enterprise vpon the first occasion, and with the least danger that might be. According E to his auncient and inueterate resolution (these are his very words) in Nouember the yeare before, he desired du Pre, being at Dyest, to suffer him to depart, for that he saw no better meanes to approch neere vnto the prince, than at that time, the earle of Mansfeldt being to returne into Luxembourg: yet du Pre (his master and cousin) entreated him instantly to follow him and serue him, persuading him, that the earle would returne soone vnto the campe, yea, before a moneth were expired: but seeing that du Pre protracted the time to dismisse him, being thrust on vnto the execution of this designe, hee resolued to quarrell with him, and so to get away: But being returned to Luxembourg, hee thought to retyre to finish his worke. His master finding, that some one had stolne from him foure hundred and fiftie crownes out of his cofer, he then stayed in his seruice, to free himselfe F from suspition: but the money being found againe, he sought all meanes possible to draw neere vnto the prince, and to follow some Wallon companies, sent out of Luxembourg into Brabant: whereof hee was likewise preuented by du Pre his sickenesse; the which [Page 855] continued eight dayes before, and fifteene dayes after Christmas, before hee was fully recouered. 1584 A
At the last, in March last past, he tooke his leaue of his master: but before hee came into these parts, he went to Treues, where he confessed himselfe vnto a Iesuite, who kept him in their Colledge, discouering his designe vnto him, shewing him the flying seales, which hee intreated him to keepe secret vntill Easter, and then to acquaint the earle of Mansfeldt therewith: following also the counsel and direction of this Iesuite, he also imparted this fact vnto the prince of Parma, by letters which he did write in Tournay, and presented vnto the sayd prince: but yet he durst not stay for an answere, fearing least hee should take the stealing away of those seales in ill part. And from thence hee came vnto Delft, where he presented the sayd seales, hoping it should procure him some meanes to execute B that which he had pretended, vntill they thought it conuenient to send him into Fraunce with Monsieur Caron, to deliuer some of these seales vnto the marshall of Biron, and other noblemen, holding the duke of Aniou his partie. But the sayd duke dying soone after, he desired to be sent backe into these parts, the which the Seignior of Caron did, with letters vnto the prince of Orange and the Estates, by the which he did aduertise them of the death of the sayd duke. After which time he sought all opportunities to doe the deed; and finding none more fit, than to shoot him, eyther comming from the Sermon, or going out of his chamber to dinner, or rising from the table, the day before hee bought two pistols, the which he charged, one with three bullets, and the other with two, shooting that which had three through the prince of Orange his bodie, hauing no meanes to vse the other, for C the let which was giuen him by the halberdiers, for the which he was very sorrowfull; protesting, that if he were at that time a thousand leagues from thence, he would returne to performe the murther.
All this and more (which were superfluous) was confessed and written by the hand of the said Baltazar Gerard, in the keepers chamber; and there were found about him two bladders somewhat blowne, with a little pipe to blow them vp, hoping (although he could not swim) with the helpe thereof to get through the towne-ditches. He vsed also many speeches to this end, That if the prince had beene in the middest of fiftie thousand souldiers, if hee might haue approched neere him, hee would haue done it, yea, and would doe it againe, beeing very sorrie (for that they made him so beleeue) that hee was not D dead: Hauing asked if hee were not hurt, they told him yea: whereupon hee replyed, That he was very glad thereof, for he could not escape, but must needs dye. Afterwards (being in prison) hee confessed more, wherein hee persisted vntill his execution, as followeth.
First (besides his former confession) he voluntarily declared, and without torture, That The murtherers second confession. he had not seene the sentence of the princes proscription, and libertie to kill him, where they could, but fiue moneths before; yet hee had heard it spoken of, and that some such thing had beene proclaymed in the Netherlands. Hee sayd moreouer, That in May last he had not beene eight dayes in these parts, but he sought to execute his designe, if he had had the meanes, or any hope to escape: That after the death of the duke of Aniou, he presented E his seruice vnto the Seignior of Caron, that in carrying his letters, hee might doe that which he had proiected: That hee had neuer imparted this deed vnto the Seignior of Caron, whom he knew to bee too sincere, nor made any creature liuing in those parts acquainted therewith: That he had resolued to doe it the day before at dinner time; but seeing no likelyhood to saue himselfe, he durst not attempt it: That this day (not able to delay it any longer) he was fully resolued and determined to doe it, notwithstanding any danger whatsoeuer, yea, had the prince beene in the middest of fiftie thousand men: That he was very sorry that the prince was not dead, but not that hee had done his best endeauour, and if he were a thousand leagues off from thence, he would passe mountaines, riuers, and all other difficulties whatsoeuer, to come and effect his purpose. As F for the Iesuite of Treues, he persisted in his first confession: And moreouer, talking vnto the standers by, he sayd: That being in Fraunce, he enioyed no rest day nor night, hee was so tormented with an extreame desire to performe and execute this fact: yea, he had [Page 856] quarrelled with the other seruants, to the end hee should take an occasion to send him A away: and if he could not haue effected his designe at this voyage, that at his returne into 1584 Fraunce he would haue beene of the reformed Religion in some Church, and would haue carried himselfe in such sort, as he would haue gotten accesse into the Consistorie, and procured letters of recommendation, to haue returned into these parts, and so to find the better opportunitie to finish this proiected murther.
Before he was put vnto the torture, he confessed, That he had acquainted M. Gery, doctor of Diuinitie, guardian of the Franciscan Friers at Tournay, with this enterprise, in March last past; in which confession he persisted, being from the racke; and being brought vnto it againe, he sayd, That for that he was a poore companion, and to get some helpe or meanes, he had made the prince of Parma acquainted therewith, who commaunded the counsellor d' Assonuille to treat more amply and at large with him. This counsellor B laying before him the dangers that might be in the execution of so great a fact, sayd vnto him, That hee should doe a great seruice vnto the king of Spaine; but in case hee should happen to be discouered, hee should not in any sort name the prince of Parma: And telling him of the hard accesse that he should find into the prince of Orange his court, he answered, That he would call himselfe by the name of Francis Guyon of Besanson, sonne to Peter Guyon, sometimes executed for Religion, and lost all his goods; and that he (being but a poore companion) would faine himselfe to be very zealous to the reformed Religion: and that he would goe into Holland to the princes court, where (to haue the better reception) he would present those flying seales: wherewith d Assonuille was well pleased, C persuading him to perseuere in this resolution, and to effect it, entreating him (as before) not to make any mention of the prince of Parma, for that it would auayle him little or nothing, and would be a matter of great consequence, and turne to the dishonour of the said prince.
The next day hee confessed moreouer without any torture, that the day before hee came vnto the court, to see if the prince were come out of his chamber to dinner, and finding him set at the table, he went home to his lodging, and charged his two pistols, and hung them at his girdle on the left side, suffering his cloake to hang downe vpon his shoulder, that they might suspect the lesse. He sayd moreouer, that d' Assonuille (after that they had conferred together of this businesse) promised to make report thereof vnto the D prince of Parma; the which he hauing done, he told him, that the prince liked well thereof, and that (if he could effect it) he would be a meanes he should haue the reward, which was promised by the proscription: That d' Assonuille did propound vnto him againe some difficulties; but finding his courage and resolution, he sayd vnto him: Goe my sonne, if you performe this deed, the king of Spaine will accomplish and performe all that he hath promised, and you shall purchase an immortall name. Whereupon hee answered, That hee would counterfeit himselfe so well of the Religion, as hee might get into some Secretaries seruice, and by that meanes watch an opportunitie to present some letters vnto the prince of Orange, for him to signe, in doing whereof hee would stabbe him into the bodie with a dagger. Being taken from the racke, hee sayd againe, That hee did nothing E repent him of that which hee had attempted against the prince of Orange, and that hee would doe it, if it were now to be done againe, although it should cost him a thousand liues.
The foure and twentieth of the said moneth he confessed moreouer, That d' Assonuille had promised him, That the prince of Parma would bee a meanes, that hee should bee satisfied of that which the king had promised by the proscription, and that hee had vndertaken this fact, to make himselfe rich: That d' Assonuille had shewed the sayd flying seales vnto the prince of Parma, who deliuered them backe againe vnto him, saying, That he was very well content, that he should make vse of them, and that the earle of Mansfeldt should alter his seale, and change it into another manner or fashion: That F d' Assonuille had charged and commaunded him, that (comming into Antuerpe) if hee should bee brought before the Seignior of S. Aldegonde, that hee should boldly shewe those seales vnto him: and that when he should enter into the towne, he should hide them [Page 847] in some place before he came in, and then fetcht them againe: That the said master Gery hauing A heard his resolution, said vnto him, that seeing hee had vndertaken such a thing, that hee 1584 should finish it, and gaue him his blessing, promising to pray vnto God for him: the which the Iesuite of Treues did in like manner promise, assuring him, that in case hee died in the execution of this designe, that he should be put in the number of the holy glorious martyrs: the name of which Iesuite he did not knowe, but as he was called the regent of the colledge, hauing a redde haire, who imparted this fact to three other of his brethren.
According to which confessions, wherein he persisted vnto his death, he was condemned, the tenour of whose sentence followeth.
Whereas Baltazar Gerard, borne at Fans in the franck countrie of Bourgogne, belonging A sentence against Baltazar Gerard the murtherer of the prince of Orange. to the king of Spaine, beeing at this time prisoner, hath confessed, that to murther the famous B and mightie prince of Orange, earle of Nassau, &c, deceased, hee came out of the said countrie of Bourgogne into Luxembourg, where putting himselfe into seruice with the secretarie of the earle of Mansfeldt, gouernour of the said countrie of Luxembourg, and there had printed vpon paper a great number of the said earles seales, and learned to counterfeit his hand, thereby to get accesse vnto the prince of Oranges court; which resolution of his, hee had in March last imparted vnto the prince of Parma in writing, beeing at Tournay, who appointed him to treat of that businesse with the councellor d' Assonuille, who had promised vnto the said prisoner, that if he could effect his designe, and execute the king of Spaines proscription against the said prince, that the king should paie him that which was promised by the said sentence, and among other points should giue him for recompence, fiue and twentie C thousand ducats.
That the prisoner hauing consulted with d' Assonuille touching this execution, had agreed and concluded betwixt them, that the said prisoner should goe into the princes court, and call himselfe Francis Guyon, sonne to Peter Guyon of Besanson, in former time executed for religion, and forfeited his goods.
That vnder colour to haue beene zealous to the religion, for the which he had lost his father and goods, & vnder this borrowed name, and with these seals and blanks, he should seeke and endeauour to haue accesse vnto the said prince. According vnto which resolution, the said prisoner belying his name, and calling himselfe Francis Guyon, had come vnto the said princes court, and the ninth day of the moneth had bought two pistols, and on the tenth D daie espying the said prince at dinner in his hall, had gone backe vnto his lodging or Inne, where hee charged the said two pistols, one hee charged with three bullets, and the other with two, and then he returned backe vnto the court, with his pistols hanging at his girdle on the left side hidden vnder his cloake; that on the right side he had let his cloake hang off his shoulder, that hee might not seeme to haue any thing hidden vnder it. And that dinner beeing done, as the prince went out of the hall to goe vp the staires to his chamber, the said prisoner had discharged one of his pistols charged with three bullets through the bodie of the said prince, with which shotte (to the great griefe and sorrow of all good countrimen) he had beene slaine: which fact, as a most execrable crime and abhominable treason, committed vpon the person of so famous and renowned a prince (as the prince of Orange E was) ought in no sort to remaine vnpunished, but rather with all rigour to be made an example to future ages.
Wherefore the commissioners of the generall and prouinciall councell, together with the bourgmaster and shirifs of this towne, vpon the examination and confession of the said prisoner, all beeing duely weighed and considered, haue condemned and doe condemne the said Baltazar Gerard prisoner at this present, to bee laid vpon a scaffold in the market place of this towne, before the towne-house, there first to haue his right hand (with the which hee did commit that execrable mutther) torne and pincht with two hotte burning yrons, then to bee pincht in sixe seuerall places of his bodie with burning pincers, as vpon his armes, thighes, and other places where there is most flesh, the which being thus burnt, his members F shall bee pulled off, and in the end quartered aliue, beginning belowe, and so goe vp his bellie, then to haue his heart pulled out and cast at his face, and his head cut off and set vpon a pole behinde the princes lodging vpon the watch tower, and his foure quarters to be hanged [Page 858] vpon foure gibbets, vpon the bulwarkes of the Hegeport, Oostport, Ketelport, and Waterslootscheport A in this towne, declaring his goods to be for feited, to whom it shall appertaine: 1584 Pronounced vnto the prisoner of Delft vpon the foureteenth of Iuly 1584, signed, Vander Meer.
The same day the houre of his death was signified vnto him, that hee might prepare himselfe for the next day. At the first he was much amazed, cursing the houre that he had euer learned that wicked practise at Dole, wishing, that hee had rather beene a poore mechanicke trades-man, than to haue fallen into that disaster; much lamenting his death: yet in the end he sayd, That seeing hee had done and committed the folly, hee must now suffer for his folly. And the next day after he was executed according to the sentence. B
Being there a spectator among many others that went to see this execution, I will shew The execution of the murtherer. you what I obserued therein. This murtherer, although hee had his feet scortched and swolne with the torture, yet he went firmely betwixt two hangmen. He was of a small stature, hauing the hayre of his head, beard, and of all his bodie shauen, doubting least hee had some inchantment about him, which might be the cause that during his torments hee cried little or not at all. Beeing tied vpon the scaffold, hee might visibly see the princers and fire which should serue to that vse, hee might behold the table whereon hee should be quartered, with the kniues and the axe, and yet all this did not mooue him. And as the two hangmen were busied to breake the pistoll (wherewith he had shot the prince) vpon an anuile, one of them striking with his hammer, it flewe off the handle close by the others C eare: whereat the people laughing, this wretch could not containe himselfe, but that hee smiled. Hauing his hand betwixt two burning irons, so as it seemed a furnace, he lifted it vp, as if hee would say and shewe, behold, this is the hand that hath done the deed. And after that hee had beene tormented with burning irons, the hangmen carried him betwixt them to lay him vpon the table: some sillie woman said vnto the assistants, Why do they thus torment this poore creature? when all is done, hee hath killed but one man, and yet he must endure a thousand deaths: The bourgers hearing the woman to vtter these speeches, thrust her backe with reprochfull words. Those that were something farther off, hearing a noyse, and not knowing what it was, began to murmure, some crying to armes, and beating their drummes. The murtherer being now layed vpon the table, the executioners grew to be D somewhat amazed, and were [...]cadie to abandon him, and he as readie to rise from thence, and flye away: whereupon the magistrates cryed out vnto the hangmen, that there was no danger at all, and that they should performe and doe their duties. It is to be presumed, that if there had beene any trouble there, or that hee had beene left alone vpon the scaffold, being in that miserable case as he was, he would haue sought to saue himselfe. To conclude, in all his torments which he had, he neuer cryed out, nor seemed to feele any paine, for the which he was resolute, and had so vaunted of himselfe, when he was vpon the racke.
All men that haue any iudgement, or sparke of pitie or remorse in them, may see, if Paradice bee woon by such trecherous and detestable murthers (as they seeke to persuade E the simpler sort of people) seeing that both Law, Iustice, and Policie are repugnant vnto them, Nature doth abhorre them, yea, euen the prince of Parma his souldiers haue blamed and detested it, as also most of the commons of the enemies partie did not allow of it, neyther would the magistrates o [...] gouernours in any place suffer (as the Iesuites themselues desired) that any bonfires should bee made in the streetes, in signe of ioy thereof.
The foure and twentieth daie of August, the funerall pompe at the interment of the The prince of Oranges funerall pompe. prince of Oranges bodie was performed withgreat pompe, according to the estate and qualitie which his greatnes required, and his merits, with the Estates of Holland and the vnited prouinces. Cont Maurice of Nassau his second sonne (the earle of Buren his eldest beeing F prisoner in Spaine, and the yongest beeing but seauen or eight moneths old) was the chiefe mourner, hauing on the right side of him Truchses prince elector of Cologne, and on the left hand the earle of Hohenlo, then followed William and Philip earles of Nassau his cousin germans: [Page 859] and after them came the carle of Solins as the last mourner; the rest of the pompe following A in good order vnto the new temple vpon the market place at Delft, where his bodie 1584 was intombed.
He died at the age of fiftie and one years, eleuen moneths, and twentie fiue daies, of a meane The prince of Oranges age and disposition. stature and corpulent, the colour of his haire inclining somewhat to browne, somewhat leane visaged, but otherwise well set of his members. His bodie beeing opened to be embalmed, his inward parts which were not touched with the blowe, were found so sound and perfect, as by the course of nature hee might haue liued a great age. He was of an actiue spirit, and great memorie. As for his vertues, wisdome, constancie, and magnanimitie, his life, his actions, his toiles, and his patience, wee will rather leaue to all impartiall men to admire it, than attempt to describe it, beeing impossible. B
He had to his first wife, the daughter and onely heire of Maximilian of Egmont, earle of His wiues and children. Buren, and of Iselstein, by whom hee had Philip (at this daie) prince of Orange, and Marie countesse of Hohenlo. By his second wife daughter to Maurice duke of Saxony, he had prince Maurice marques of Camphere and Flessingue, who succeeded him in his gouernments, Anne, who is now deceased, who was wife to Cont William, Lewis of Nassau, and Emilia princesse of Portugal. Of his third wife, who was daughter to the duke of Montpenser, hee had sixe daughters, Louyse the eldest, married to the elector palatin of Rhin, the duchesse of Bouillon and vicontesse of Tureine, the princesse of Tremouille, Touars, &c. the countesse of Hennau, &c. and two remaining yet to marrie. Of his fourth wife, daughter to the Admiral of France, and widowe before to the Seignior of Teligni, he had his third sonne, Cont Henrie C Fredericke, at this time he is about twentie and foure yeares olde, of whom the vnited prouinees hope great matters, and expect good fortunes, Delft in Holland beeing the place of his birth.
By this suddaine and vnexpected death of the prince, the vnited prouinces were vnfurnished of a gouernour, the which troubled many of the Estates, some fearing that through the disorder or small concord that would be among the Estates, they should not bee able to resist the mightie attempts of the king of Spaine, and that all would fall into a confusion. Yet Graue Maurice chosen gouernour. the funerals beeing ended, the Estates beeing loath to seeme to faint, made choise of Graue Maurice his second sonne, beeing then but eighteene yeares olde, for their head, beeing assisted in his affaires by a councell which was giuen him, the generall Estates remaining still D in the soueraigne gouernment.
This yong prince did thanke them for the honour which they did him, promising his best endeauour for the defence and preseruation of the countrie, maintenance of their priuiledges, and the reuenge of the prince his fathers death, and not to attempt any thing, without the aduice, resolution, determination, and good liking of the said Estates of the vnited prouinces: whereupon the earle of Hohenlo was made Lieutenant to the Captaine generall.
They of Gant hauing kept Iohn d'Imbise their bourgmaster a long time prisoner, finished Iohn d'Imbise beheaded. his processe, and found him guiltie of treason in many points, by a sentence giuen by the Shirifs: they caused his head to be cut off in the open market place, and to be set vp for certaine E houres vpon a pole, hauing confest before his death that hee had deserued it. It was strange to see the ambition and inconstancie of this man in his elder age, beeing almost seauentie yeares old. I say ambition and presumption, in that he durst first of all oppose himselfe against the prince of Orange: inconstancie, who (beeing a turbulent and factious man) had often beene the cause of troubles and mutinies in the towne of Gant, beeing readie to cut one anothers throat: beeing retired into Germanie, for feare of the prince of Orange: then beeing called home by the Ganthois, that hee should seeke to turne to the Spanish partie, whom hee had in former time so highly offended, especially in the spoiling of so many churches, wherewith he had greatly inricht himselfe, such was his blindnesse (as they truely said) that his ambition and presumption had brought him to the very place where F hee died.
The prince of Parma after the death of the prince of Orange, by the which hee did hope for some alteration in the vnited prouinces, would loose no occasion to make himselfe [Page 860] master of Antuerpe, Gant, Brussels, Macklyn, and Dendermond; for the effecting whereof, hee A thought it fit to cut off the nauigation of the riuer of Escaut, which runnes before Antuerpe, 1584 both aboue and beneath the town (the which he did almost effect and bring to passe) causing many forts to be built close to the riuer, to batter the ships that would passe and repasse from Holland and Zeeland vnto Antuerpe. And although at the first it seemed a ridiculous thing to stoppe vp so large and deepe a riuer, where the tydes ebbing and flowing are so strong; yet since experience hath taught, that the prince of Parma his diligence and industrie hath made it feasible.
This opinion of men, that hee should not preuaile any thing, was the cause of their slackenesse and negligence to hinder him in the beginning, when as they had good meanes to doe it: he therefore caused a mightie fort to bee built at Calloo in Flanders, vpon the riuers side, B and another right against it at Oordam on Brabant side, which they of Antuerpe and the Estates did see made at leasure euen before their noses: hee also caused a channell to be digged with great charge (wherein hee continually imployed sixe hundred pyoners, which came from Steeken vnto Calloo, beeing foure leagues distant one from another, to bring what victuals and munition should bee needfull vnto all those forts which he had built vpon the riuers side. As for his person, and his chiefe campe, he lodged at Beueren, two leagues from Antuerpe: he had also a pettie campe on Brabant side, in the village of Strabrouke, vnder the commaund of Cont Mansfeldt: where as Colonel Mondragon caused a fort to be built, not faire from the castle of Coesteyn, and foure others betwixt the said campe of Strabrouke and the riuer. C
On the other side, they of Zeeland cut the bankes on Flanders side, neere vnto Saftige, the which did drowne all the countrie from Hulst vnto Beueren and Burcht, except the Doel and some high grounds neere vnto Calloo, the which was afterwards of great aduantage for the Parmois: for by meanes of the said inundation, the dike beeing also broken at Burcht, hee caused his shippes to enter, comming to Dendermond, which came to Calloo by the drowned land, without any danger of passing before Antuerpe, for otherwise they had had no passage to come.
And to tier them of Gant and Dendermond on the other side, he caused a palisado to bee made in the said riuer at Bassecode, a league from Dendermond. Then he went and planted Dendermond besieged by the Spaniard. his campe at Lobec ioyning to the said towne, and sent a herauld to summon it to yeeld. The D baron of Montagne, Colonel who commanded in the absence of the Seignior of Ryhouen their gouernour (beeing then absent in Holland) beeing resolute at the first with the rest of the captaines, answered, that hee would keepe the towne for the generall Estates of the countrie. The prince of Parma finding that they would not easily yeeld, caused the sluces to be taken vp, and the water to be drawne out of the ditch, and then battered a certaine bulwarke without the towne; where hauing made a very bare breach, hee caused his Spaniards to giue an assault, who tooke it with the losse of tenne men onely, and of thirtie that were hurt.
The besieged who were but three hundred souldiers, seeing their ditches drie, and that they should soone haue a breach in the rampar, and besides that, the bulwarke which E the Spaniards had taken did commaund into the towne; moreouer (if they had held three moneths longer) that there was no hope of any succours, they began to parle, and in the end (though to their great griefes) agreed to depart the seauenteenth day of August, without Dendermond yeelded. any armour, but their rapiers and daggers onely, and that they should be safely conducted vnto the fort of Villebrouk. The bourgers were free from spoile, and were receiued into grace and fauour, paying sixtie thousand florins within three moneths next following: and if there were any that would depart with the souldiers, they might doe it freely, no man should hinder them. There went not aboue a hundred and fiftie souldiers out of the towne, but many women, strumpets, and children: the two ministers were kept backe against the promised faith, whereof the one was drowned, and the other hanged: the which F made many to wonder, that the prince of Parma should so much forget himselfe, as to suffer it.
Soone after, on the sixt day of September Villeuoord did also yeeld, being a little towne [Page 861] vpon the riuer which goes from Brussels to Antuerpe, where one must passe iust by the port. A By this meanes Brussels lost her nauigation, and the prince of Parma began to blocke it vp 1585 with some forts.
The generall estates of the vnited prouinces considering with themselues that they had to doe with a mightie enemie, such an one as the king of Spaine, that his warre would bee long, and in the end might consume them; distrusting of their meanes and abilities to subsist and to maintaine themselues in their warre, they propounded to seeke succour from the French king, or the Queene of England. The French king answered them, that hee would by no meanes enter into warre with the king of Spaine his brother in law, yet hee sent monsieur d'Espruneaux (who had beene Embassadour with the Estates for the duke of Aniou his brother) into Holland, to vnderstand their demaunds more particularly: which were, B That it would please his maiestie to declare himselfe an enemie to the king of Spaine, and to make warre against him: that by the frontiers of Picardie, nor any other parts vnder his obedience, he would not suffer any graine nor victuals to bee brought vnto the enemie, offering him for assurance the townes of Oostend and Scluse, to put in what garrison his maiestie pleased.
Thereupon the Seignior of Espruneaux made a long oration in the open assemblie of the Estates, extolling the bountie and power of his king, with the good affection hee bare vnto them, disgracing as much as hee could the king of Spaine. In the end (yet without any certaine assurance at all) hee promised them in the French king his masters behalfe, all aide and fauour. C
The Estates sent also M. Paul Buys aduocate of the particular Estates of Holland, and some other deputies, vnto the Queene of England, to make the same request; to the end, that if they could not persuade both to succour them, yet at the least that neither of them might bee opposite vnto them: yet it seemed they were more inclined to the English, by reason of the neighbourhood, and the ancient alliances betwixt both countries, and also for that they were stronger at sea than the French.
The prince of Parma hauing (by the taking of Dendermond) no obstacle, (and withall hauing blockt vp the Ganthois on euery side) knowing well that the Estates had no meanes to put an armie to field, which might hinder the fortification of Calloo, vpon the riuer of Escaut, on Flanders side, beeing lodged at Beueren, hee sent Colonel Mondragon to aduance D the shutting vp of the riuer of Antuerpe, as well with long heads, as palisadoes on either side, planting many peeces of artillerie there, so as nothing could goe or passe from Antuerpe into Holland and Zeeland without imminent danger of the cannon shot, seeking to cut off the passage quite, as hee had done a little before to the riuer of Brussels, by the taking of Villevoord.
They of Antuerpe for their part wanted nothing that seemed necessarie for their safetie, and the preseruation of the towne: Colonel Morgan with his regiment of English came to their succours, and was lodged in the suburbs of Burgerhout. There was a great summe of money collected in the towne to supply all necessities and charges, as well for the entertainment of men of warre, as for the fortifications which they made along the riuer; as E at Lillo, Terneuse, S. Anthonies houcke, Vaert, Teligni, Toulouse, Melckhuys, Boureschans, Austerweel, and other retrenchments, and also for the reparation of the rampars of the towne.
In the meane time the garrison of Cambray made great roads and spoiles, vpon the countrie of Arthois and Henault, and sometimes euen vnto the ports of Douay, taking all they could carrie: whereof the prince of Parma made his complaint vnto the French king, who made answer that it was not his fault, neither was it done with his leaue or consent: besides, the said towne did not belong vnto him, but to the queene mother, by legacie and succession from the duke of Aniou her sonne. Vpon this answer, the prince of Parma sent la Motte gouernour of Graueling to runne ouer all the countrie of Boulenois, F from whence hee carried away a great bootie. The French complained in like manner to the prince of Parma, but hee made the like answer, that it was not done by his commaundement. [Page 862] The Ganthois hauing beene a long time coopt vp, and as it were inuested by the enemie, seeing A also that Antuerpe was in as great or more danger than themselues; in the end they resolued 1585 to be reconciled to the king of Spaine, sending their deputies to Beueren to the prince of Parma the seauenteenth day of September: so as after many voiages and conferences, they made an accord or agreement with him, vpon condition to receiue thirtie companies in An accord made with the towne of Gant garrison, Bourguignons, Wallons, and high Dutch, by equall numbers, and no Spaniards, to remaine there as long as hee pleased. These companies beeing entred, the accord or agreement was published, with all solemnities fit and requisite in that case, the chiefe points whereof were:
‘A perpetuall forgetfulnesse, and absolute pardon for all that had past since the trouble, holding them from that time for good vassals & subiects: that the bourgers & inhabitants should B inioy all their goods, as if they had neuer offended the king of Spaine. And to take away the impressions which they might haue, that in the end they would confiscate their goods; the bourgers were suffered to remaine within the towne for the space of two yeares, behauing themselues modestly, and without scandall; and in the meane time to consider if they conforme themselues to the catholike Romish religion or not.’
‘That at the end of the said two yeares, they might retire themselues freely out of the Netherlands, with all their goods, or els sell them, exchange them, alienate them, or giue them in charge to any other, who might send or conueye them vnto them into any neuter place, where they should please to reside. That all suites ended, and sentences giuen, as well by the prouinciall councel, shirifs, or other iudges, to auoide all confusion, should be confirmed and C put in execution, reseruing their appeales to the great councell. That all obedience should be yeelded vnto the king in the said towne, as before the troubles; and that hee should bee restored to all his prerogatiues, the which during the said troubles might haue bin suspended, or any waies altered.’
‘That all prelates, abbots, chapters, conuents, hospitals, and other religious places, should be restored and put in possession of all their goods, and the towne not to bee bound to the restitution of any thing that had beene heretofore receiued; vnlesse it were some priuate person which had receiued it without any authoritie from the superiours, whereof the iudge of the place shall take knowledge.’
‘But whereas the prince of Parma is giuen to vnderstand, that what hath happened within D the towne, was (to the great griefe of the bourgers) done by some turbulent persons, which had beene expulsed and banished out of other townes, beeing fledde thither, and not by the bourgers of the said towne: hee is pleased, that of twelue men which he had reserued, to dispose of them at his pleasure, onely sixe shall bee retained vnder this restriction: in deliuering which vnto him, the towne should bee freed from all misdemeanours past: and if hee shall so thinke it good, to deliuer three, in punishing the other three, as it should be found they had deserued.’
‘Finally, the bourgers, for the fauour which he had shewed them by the said accord, should paie three hundred thousand florins, before that any one of them should depart out of the towne, promising after the paiment of the said summe, hee will hold the Ganthois for good, E faithfull, and obedient subiects, and will shewe them all fauour possible. Setting first at libertie the lord of Campaigne, of Bruges, and Ypre, & all others that were prisoners by reason of these troubles.’
The sixe that were reserued, were M. Anthonie Heyman shirife, and of the councell, Lucas Mayaert receiuer, Lievin Meynkes, Renier de Pestre, Dominicke Derban, and Iosse of Vleeschauwer: the said Heyman and Mayaert escaped, Lievin Meynkes was deliuered at the suit of a gentlewoman, and the three others were put to ransame. Of the three hundred thousand florins, the king forgaue a hundred thousand, that the inhabitants might not bee too much oppressed: the rest was gathered of euery one in particular, according to their meanes, or as they were able, so as no man could goe out of the towne before hee had paid his part whereat hee F was sessed. The lord of Campaigne made a change of his condition, for hauing remained eight yeares a prisoner in the said towne, he was now made gouernour thereof, with a good garrison of Wallons. This done, the citadel which had beene ruined, was built againe [Page 863] stronger than before. The port of the towne which was of old masons worke, very thicke A and flat aboue, whereon (during the siege which the Estates held before the citadell, in the 1585 yeare 1577, when it was yeelded vnto them) they had planted certaine peeces of artillerie, for that it did commaund ouer the said citadel, was beaten down to the ground. The towne was by little and litle dispeopled of the best inhabitants and bourgers, which during these two yeares retired themselues, some into Holland and Zeeland, some into England, and some into neutrall places.
In the meane time the bishops of Cologne and Treues sent the Seignior of Melro to the generall Estates assembled then at Delft in Holland, to exhort them vnto peace: but he could haue no audience, beeing told him, that they had spies enough without him, and therefore he was commanded to depart presently without any delaie. B
Notwithstanding that the prince of Parma had planted aboue an hundred peeces of artillerie, great and small, vpon either banke of the riuer of Antuerpe, yet the shippes of Holland and Zeeland past without any great danger of the cannon; for sometimes there past a hundred or sixe score, yea more, altogether, whereof by mischance the Spaniards tooke some one The shippes enter into Antuerpt not withstanding the cannon. in the taile, or sunke him: the which they had not done, but they came with the tyde out of the danger of their forts, vnder those which the towne of Antuerpe had built on either side, as that of Toulouse on Flanders side, that of Austerweel on Brabant side, and others. True it is, that there arriued some daiely, carrying men and women, whereof some were slaine, and others without armes and legges, but all this did not stoppe the passage, so as there came daiely great store of all commodities. And the superiors of Antuerpe, whilest they had yet this C meanes, had done very well if they had furnished themselues with corne, which the Hollanders would haue brought them in great aboundance, without any respect of the danger, if there had beene vent, and they might haue gained by it: so greedie that nation is of gaines as they sticke not at any perils: and whereas they loose sometimes, they haue a saying in Dutch, the which is in English, We must trie againe, for one lost, two recouered: we must seeke it where it hath beene lost.
Many were of opinion, that it had beene better to haue imploied the money of all those forts, and of the great preparations to batter the Spanish forts (such as was that great and fruitlesse masse of floting wood, the which in mockerie was called Elephant, and the end of the warre; the which cost aboue a hundred thousand florins) in buying of corne, and other D victuals and munition, and in the leuie and paiment of more souldiers (for it is admirable what money they spent during this siege) the which if they had done, it may be the towne had not beene lost: for the winter after that it was yeelded vp, the frosts were so great, and there were such heapes of yce one vpon another, as with the flowing and the ebbing of the tyde, and the force of the winde, if there had beene twentie bridges, and as many stocados, they had beene all broken, and the palisadoes tied with chaines, cables and anchors had beene driuen away. But all this was neglected by them of Antuerpe, & their confederates were carelesse to hinder the making of the bridge, and the stocado: and this opinion deceiued them of Antuerpe, and their confederates; for although it had beene impossible, yet should they not haue beene so carelesse to haue neglected or contemned the endeauours and expences E of the Spaniard, nor the prince of Parma his great diligence and industrie. The which falls out commonly to them which haue no regard, or make no esteeme of their enemies, and hold things impossible, which at the length, industrie, diligence, and labour makes possible, yea easie, as hath beene seene in the prince of Parma his great worke, the which hee aduanced as much as might be, whilest that hee and a part of his armie lodged at Beueren, not farre distant from Calloo, and the other part of his armie at Strabrouke neere to Oordam, on the other side of the riuer, which made the two heads, where his bridge should be made, to succour them that were in the forts of Calloo and Oordam, if the Estates and confederate protestants should seeke in any sort to hinder their worke: which they carelesly neglected. F
Besides, they of Antuerpe were very improuident in one point, that hauing cut the dike beneath Burcht, to drowne all the countrie about Calloo, they had set no guard at the hole of the said dike: or at the least, their shippes of warre should haue kept the princes [Page 864] flat bottomed boats from passing at noone daie, as wee haue heretofore seene them: for if A they had onely sunke two hoyes in the breach and no more, the two and twentie flat bottomed 1585 boats which they of Gant and Dendermond sent to make the bridge, had neuer past that way as they did, within cannon shotte of the castle of Antuerpe, and of one of their shippes of warre, who fearing the artillerie of Burcht, durst not once approach them to stoppe their passage. And when as they were past without any opposition or hindrance, and come vnto Calloo, which was the place they desired to come to, then they of Antuerp sent to build a fort vpon the dike, close by the hole called Telignies fort, to keep any more from passing, but it was too late.
Afterwards they began to build that great masse of wood in forme of a castle, floting vpon the water, called The end of the warre, of cannon proofe, with foure small bulwarks, and twentie B great cannons planted round about it, besides a number of other smaller peeces: the which could not be battered so neere the water, but there would remaine fourescore musketiers, which could not bee hurt, beeing lodged lower than the cannon could batter. It was very heauie for saile, hauing three maine masts, and three rudders, most troublesome to gouerne, and also very vnfit to resist the violence of winde and tyde. With which castle they intended to beate downe all the Spaniards forts vpon the riuer, from Antuerpe to Lillo. There were within it fiue hundred musketiers, which were so placed, the enemie could not offend them; for this fort (for so it might well bee called, if it had continued alwaies in one place) was but two foot aboue the water, and could neuer sinke, by reason of the great aboundance of corke, and emptie barrels bound about with yron hoopes, which did support C it. The rampars were fiue foot thicke, and the bulwarks tenne foot thicke, filled with rotten nets, well rammed in, which made them firme, and almost impenetrable. The top-castles of the three masts, were of musket proofe, full of musketiers, the which might shoot from aboue into the middest of a fort.
In the end when all was done, it was a very chargeable worke, and exceeding hard to bee gouerned, as the euent did shewe, before it began to worke any effect, remaining in the enemies power at the first shot, as we will shew.
About this time, there was one which spake in the open councell at Antuerpe, when as they treated of these preparatiues, after this manner. Although (said he) the prince of Parma A speech in Antuerpe tending to an accord. could not finish his worke, and stoppe vp the passage of the riuer, doe we not yet see that hee D hath made himselfe so strong on both sides, as it is impossible to chase him from thence? and ‘besides, hee is master of the field, and can cut off the passages, so as nothing shall be brought vs into the towne. Hee hath neere vnto him a mightie armie, and inuincible for vs: hee hath raised his forts and trenches so high aboue the water, as the tydes ebbing and flowing cannot annoy them. And besides all this, the passage of the riuer is so stopped, as wee can haue no traffique of merchandise remaining, without the which the people cannot liue, nor the towne subsist. Wherefore all these difficulties beeing well weighed and considered, in my opinion wee should seeke in time to reconcile our selues to the king, else this siege will prooue but vnfortunate for vs.’
Some of the bourgers muttered the same words as they walked in the streets, so as in the E end there were some fiftie foure who presented a petition to the Seignior of Lysuelt chancellor of Brabant, earnestly intreating him to be a meanes that they might accord with the king. This petition beeing come to the knowledge, of the magistrate and the Colonels, the bourgers went presently to armes, as if the enemie had beene at the rampar; but it was onely to seeke out and seize vpon them that had presented this petition, whereof there were some thirtie put in prison, and euery one condemned to paie a certaine fine. Then a proclamation was made, vpon paine of confiscation both of bodie and goods, that none should presume to talke of peace, or any agreement. Yea, there was a newe oath propounded, which the bourgers should take; which was, to hold the king of Spaine and his adherents for their perpetuall enemies, that they should neuer make any peace with him nor his, that they F should neuer speake of it, neither in publike nor in priuate, that if it were offered them, they should not accept of it: concluding, that hee or they that should goe against this oath, should bee punished both in bodie and goods, according to the exigence of the case. And the [Page 865] more to terrifie the bourgers, they gaue them to vnderstand, with what crueltie the prince of A Parma (contrarie to his promise before made) had intreated them of the religion in Gant, 1585 whereof hee had cast a great number in prison. And when as their friends made offer to sue for them, to haue them deliuered out of prison, and presented any petition vnto him, they were answered, that he did not receiue any more petitions, and that they should be intreated after another fashion.
Hereupon the Seignior of Saint Aldegonde forraine bourgmaster of the said towne (which indeede is the chiefe dignitie) made an oration in the open assemblie of the great councell of the bourgers, to perswade them to defend the towne yet halfe a yeare longer; before the expiration of which terme, hee hoped to see a goodly victorie ouer their enemies; and that they should not onely chase them from their walles, but with the assistance B and succours of many great princes, as of the Queene of England, and the French king, who had taken their cause and protection in hand, they would force him to abandon the Netherlands. Without doubt the halfe yeare had not past, from the twentieth of August (when as the towne yeelded) but the yce had ended the quarrell of this Stocado: the which, the winter following, beeing in Antuerpe, I haue heard the Spanish captaines confesse, who could not wonder sufficiently at the great heapes of yce which laie one vpon another: and where as they found any staie or let in their passage, they carried all away with the tyde: such is the force of the water, the which is much more greater, when as it hath the assistance of the winde.
The prince of Parma in the meane time aduanced his worke, not sparing either cost or labour, The prince of Parma builds a bridge vpon the riuer of Autuerpe. vntil that the two heads of either side, beeing made as farre as was possible they could C be into the riuer, they began with the flatte bottomed boats, which they of Gant and Dendermond had sent, to make the bridge, to passe ouer from the fort of Calloo to that of Oordam, and so from one campe vnto another, out of Flanders into Brabant, and backe againe; the said riuer of Escaut diuiding the two countries. The passage of those two and twentie flat bottomed boats, at the broken dike by Burcht (which they of Antuerpe did not esteeme, nor thought would haue beene preiudiciall vnto them) made the prince of Parma to hope for a good and happie ende of this great and painefull designe: yet in the first bridge made of these flat bottomed boats, there was some hindrance, beeing tied together but with cables: for sixe or seauen mariners boyes went thither in the night, and attending the returne of the D tyde, sawed in sunder these cables, so as the bridge beeing dispersed with the comming in of the tyde, some of their boats ranne a ground neere vnto Antuerpe: but it was soone repaired and made good againe; for that other flat bottomed boats, with some shippes of burthen, and a good number of mariners came vnto him daily, by the channell of Steeken, which hee had caused to be newly digged.
At that time there came a spie from the States into the prince of Parma his campe, who was knowne and brought before him, not without great perplexitie, as you may easily guesse. The prince seeing him, willed him not to feare, and hauing caused him to see all his forts and trenches, and all his equipage, which he had prepared to subdue the towne of Antuerpe, then suffered him to depart freely, without any violence done vnto him, and commanded E him to tell the superintendents of the said towne of Antuerpe, that hee was resolued rather to die in that place, and neuer goe further, than to rise, before hee had finished that which he had begun.
They of Holland and Zeeland did in the meane time fortifie Berghen vpon Soome, the which they did man with a good garrison, as well of the naturall countrie-men, as with English, to serue as a bulwarke for their frontiers. They of Antuerpe had also eight hundred Englishmen in the suburbe of Bourgerhout, whereof thirtie went and yeelded themselues to the prince of Parma at one instant, to whom hee gaue a crowne a man. And thereupon he tooke an occasion to write vnto them of Antuerpe, persuading them, that they should not expect any succour or assistance from the Queene of England, seeing that the English F did reuolt from their seruice, exhorting them moreouer to reconcile themselues vnto the king, promising them all fauour and assistance to haue them receiued into grace, although they had grieuously offended him. The bourgmasters, magistrates and Colonels of the [Page 866] bourgers answered him also in writing, thanking him also humbly for his good will and honest A offers, the which they did greatly commend and extoll: but beeing yet bound vnto the 1585 French, they could not forsake them, vnlesse they would be taxed of lightnesse, inconstancie, and ingratitude.
At the same time the Seignior of Teligni, sonne to the lord of la Noue, who the yeare before had valiantly defended the fort of Lillo against all the Spaniards campe, parting in the night in a galley of Antuerpe to goe into Holland, hee fell among the prince of Parma his Teligni taken prisoner by the Spaniard. ships before Calloo, by whom he was set vpon: but seeing that he could not hold out, finding himselfe wounded in the shoulder with a musket shot, after that he had lost three of his men, before he yeelded, he cast a letter which he carried into the water, containing certaine secrets of the same towne, and among others to cut Coesteins dike. This letter was perceiued and B fisht vp, by the which the prince of Parma vnderstood all. Teligni was carried prisoner into Gant, and afterwards hee was carried to the castle of Tournay, where hee was detained sixe yeares.
The Seignior of Saint Aldegonde had insisted long (before that the prince of Parma had built so many forts along the riuer) to haue a fort built at the dike called den Cruydyck, beneath Lillo, in the mouth of the riuer, and to cut the dike neere vnto the village of Coesteyn, to preuent the prince of Parma, that hee should not build one, and hinder the opening of the said dike: the which the Seignior of Coesteyn did aduise and vrge very earnestly, as one that knew the importance of the place better than any other, and the good that would redound thereby vnto the towne. C
But this good counsel was ouerthrowne by a rabble of butchers (which make a great companie in the towne of Antuerpe) who had their pastures there for their fat cattell, and some others which had arable land in that place, who would not suffer it to be drowned, seeking rather their owne priuate profit, than the common good: and who for this occasion grew into such hatred of the Seignior of Coesteyn, as they forced him to forsake the towne, and to retire himselfe to the prince of Parma, vnto whom he reuealed the counsell which in that case he had giuen to them of Antuerpe, and they so mechanikely reiected. By reason whereof he was well entertained by the said prince, who after the yeelding vp of the towne, in requitall of this aduertisement, he honoured him with the place of Markegraue, which is the most honourable degree of a magistrate in Antuerpe. D
In Gant after the yeelding vp of the towne, all such as were suspected to be of the protestants religion, were put from their offices, and Romish catholikes substituted in their places: and their armes were taken from the said protestants, and giuen vnto the papists who were in their places; of the which the prince of Parma made foure seuerall companies, to guard the ports of the towne.
They of Brussels, after that the nauigation of the riuer to Antuerpe had beene taken from them, began to haue want of victuals, and other necessarie prouision, but yet they would not by any meanes giue eare to any accord. The towne of Antuerpe did once relieue them, and sent them a hundred wagons of victuals, the which entred safely with a good conuoy, whereby they of Brussels were greatly comforted and relieued: but in their returne, E they were attended at the passage by the garrison of Villevoord, who defeated them, and took almost all the wagons.
The prince of Parma hauing finished all his forts along the riuer of Antuerpe, the shippes of Holland and Zeeland could no more passe so freely as they had done before, for that the cannon from those forts did shoot close by the water, wherewith many were spoiled; so as of a hundred or thereabouts, which were sent in the feast of Christmas, beeing laden with victuals and munition, fiue were lost, two sunke, and three were taken. The prince meaning to trie them of Antuerpe once more by his letters and admonitions, sent them word, among other points, that according vnto their auntient priuiledges which they had sworne, they ought not (seeing they did build so much vpon their said priuiledges) to F giue a law vnto their prince and soueraigne lord, and much lesse to take armes against him: and whereas they did vaunt that the French king had taken them vnder his protection, that he would presently let them see the contrarie, and how much they were deceiued, [Page 867] by the kings owne letters, the which for the better proofe and manifestation, he sent vnto A them, reproaching them sharpely for their rebellion, and yet promising to doe his best with 1585 the king of Spaine, to receiue them into grace and fauour, if they would reconcile themselues, and giue ouer those excessiue propositions and demaunds which they had before made.
The magistrates of the towne sent these letters vnto the Estates, beeing assembled at Middlebourg in Zeeland, intreating them to aduise thereon, the which they said they did not finde conuenient to open, for feare lest the people (who then seemed to bee inclined vnto peace) should mutine against them. And in the meane time the French king sent another Embassadour to the prince of Parma, to quench the brute which was generall, that hee had taken the Netherlands vnder his protection; declaring that he would not mingle the quiet of B his realme, with the troubles of those countries.
The Seignior of Hemert beeing gone with a good conuoie of horse and foote, to carrie another victualling to Brussels, hee found trees cut downe and laid in the high waies where he should passe: and withall the Spaniards were in all places in guard: seeing that it was impossible for him to passe with his wagons, turning head againe, hee was charged at the passage of a little riuer neere vnto the castle of Eyckhouen, defeated and put to rout, whereas many of his men were slaine. After this badde encounter, the Seignior of Merode laid before them of Brussels, the small hope they had of any succours or reliefe from their confederates, who hereafter should haue worke enough to defend themselues: wherefore considering the great necessitie and want which began to presse them, he did counsell them to agree C with the king.
Whilest that the riuer and towne of Antuerpe were thus blockt vp with these forts, and The Estates consult to whom they shall giue themselues. the riuer readie to be shut vp. The Estates of Brabant, Gueldre, of that which remained of Flanders, of Holland, Zeeland, Friseland, Vtrecht, and Oueryssel, being in their generall assemblie, they consulted, seeing that by the death of the duke of Aniou, they were without a lord, and by the death of the prince of Orange without a gouernour, to what prince they might best giue themselues.
The French and English were both in feare, lest the vnited prouinces should returne vnto the king of Spaine; who hauing recouered them, at his pleasure would attempt warre against the one or the other. The Queene of England would not willingly haue seene the French D king growe so mightie, by the adiunction of the said prouinces, who by the meanes of their shippes, might haue made himselfe master of the sea, and take from the English their traffique and nego [...]iation by sea. In regard of the inclination of the Estates of the said prouinces, it seemed (by reason of the errour so lately committed by the duke of Aniou) that they would rather affect the English, than the French: the which the Queene of England and her councell finding, would not make them assurance of any thing, vntill they had good townes, and places, of strength, and importance deliuered them for their assurance, whereby they might bee stronger within their owne countrie, than the Estates themselues were: which made them to bethinke themselues, so as some said, that the gouernment of the English would bee in that case more wayward and insupportable, than the gouernment of the E French, or of any others: whereupon some held opinion, that the religion which the English had common with the said countries, might easily moderate that, and therefore they should not reiect the alliance of England.
But there fell out another great difficultie, which was the doubt of the succession to the crowne of England, after the Queenes death; the which might fall into the hands of the Queene of Scotland, although shee were then a prisoner: and that shee beeing of the Romish religion, and wonderfully affected to the king of Spaine, might deliuer vp the said countries into his hands: and withall they could not ground any firme assurance vpon the king of Scotland. Whereas on the other side, the succession of the crowne of France was more assured vnto them, seeing that after the kings death, it fell to the king of Nauarre, a prince making F profession of the reformed religion: besides, France had more means, & power, to defend these countries against the Spaniard. And that by this confederation they should be in perpetuall friendship with all their neighbors. And althogh the king were not of the protestants religion, [Page 868] yet would he giue offices to protestants, and other good countrimen, whereby the countrie, A the churches, and their religion, should remaine in peace and rest. All this beeing well debated 1585 by the generall Estates, and the councell of estate, they resolued to offer themselues absolutely to the French king, with the best conditions they could deuise and agree vpon, without any restriction or reseruation, that Holland and Zeeland had beene formerly giuen to the prince of Orange and his heires, as it had beene concluded with the duke of Aniou (the which had bred iealousie (as some said) betwixt him and the prince, and had beene the cause of the error which was committed by the said duke in Antuerpe the seauenteenth day of Ianuarie two yeares before) Finally after long deliberations and consultations, there were deputed by the generall Estates, and the chiefe noble men of the said prouinces, the third of Ianuarie 1585, twelue men of account: for the dutchie of Brabant, doctor Iunius bourgmaster B of Antuerpe, and Quentin Taffin Seignior of la Pree: for the dutchie of Gueldte, the Seignior of Oyen, and doctor Elbert Leonin, called Longolius chancellor of Gueldres: for the countie of Holland, Arnold van Dorp Seignior of Maesdam: for Zeeland, Ieams Valck: for the Seigniorie of Vtrecht, N. de Menin: and for that which remained yet in the countie of Flanders, Noel Caron Seignior of Schoonwall: for them of Brussels (who were then distressed) Arssees keeper of the seale of Brabant, to the which there was adioyned in the behalfe of the Estates, the Seignior of Lamouillene; and for the chiefe of the embassage, the prince of Espinoy, to offer absolutely vnto the king all the said countries, with the propertie, Seigniorie, and soueraigntie, for him and his successors, beeing French kings, vpon conditions limited, and to bee limited. All which deputies, (except the prince of Espinoy, who was a C long time before retired backe into France with the duke of Aniou) hauing a good conuoy of eight shippes of warre, parting from the Brill, thinking to land at Diep, were through the extremitie of fowle weather, forced to goe on shoare at Bologne, from whence they tooke their iourney to Abbeuille in the moneth of Ianuarie, attending the kings pleasure, hauing giuen him notice of their arriuall; who commaunded them to come vnto him to Senlis, whither they went with a goodly traine, and were there honourably receiued, and their expences were defraied by the king in al places where they past: from thence the king returning vnto Paris, to haue the aduice and counsell of his court of Parliament, concerning their affaires (whereof the deputies attended an answer) the said deputies followed him: the successe of which legation you shall heare hereafter. I was sent vnto them from the Seignior D of Saint Aldegonde, and the magistrates of Antuerpe, to let them vnderstand, and consequently Iohn Petit. the king and queene mother, of the estate of the said towne which was then besieged, and of the great neede they had, together with the townes of Brussels and Macklyn, to be releeued.
The fourth of Ianuarie the Seignior of S. Aldegonde made a long oration to them of Antuerpe, in the open assemblie of their great councell, exhorting them with many liuely and pregnant reasons, to preserue and defend themselues, feeding them with a continuall hope of succours, and of the good successe of the affaires of the said deputies. And then the better to prouide for the defence of the towne, he created foure new Colonels, men of action, and capable of such a charge. And moreouer he decreed, that such as had absented E themselues out of the towne, as abandoning it in her greatest neede and want, should be called backe by a certaine daie prefixed, vpon paine of confiscation of such goods as they had left there: but few or none at all would returne for the great danger there was in the passage.
The countries of Arthois and Henault, beeing continually tormented and troubled by the garrison of Cambray, made a truce for the space of one whole yeare, with the Seignior of Balaigni, gouernour of the said towne (the which they could not obtaine without bribing him) hauing since continued it for many yeares, so as this truce brought him in a good reuenue.
The Seignior of Nyeuwenoort being in the field in Friseland for the Estates, he cunningly F seized vpon the village of Otterdom in the countrie of Groningue, vpon the riuer of Ems, preuenting his enemy who thought to lodge there, where in view of the Spaniards he intrenched him, and fortified with all diligence, though they were stronger than he. But hauing a [Page 869] good number of ships, both great and small, to cary his men in, and the Spaniards being ignorant A at the first which way he would turne head, hauing meanes to land them betwixt Maeren 1585 and right against Embden, they could not ouertake him, nor yet march so fast with their horse and foot by land, as hee did by water, so as they could not hinder his landing, nor his fortifying. Verdugo knowing how much this place did import, meant in the Winter time to besiege it on both sides vpon the dike: and for the effecting thereof, hee sent colonel Rhyneuelt of Vtrecht, to winne it by famine, whilest that the shippes of Holland should bee retyred, by reason of the yce. But the Seignior of Nyeuwenoort had set so good an order for all things, as during that Winter they wanted not any thing: so as the Spring being come, the Hollanders shippes returned, which (in despight of all the resistance which Rhyneuelt could make) did succour the fort, and forced him to retyre, hauing B yet (before his retreat) taken three of the Hollanders shippes, laden both with victuals and munition.
Whilest that the towne of Antuerpe was distressed, as we haue formerly related, the earle of Hohenlo, lieutenant to Graue Maurice, after that he had conferred with the Estates, gathered together some foure thousand men, the which hee lodged couertly, not farre from the towne of Boisleduc, one of the foure chiefe townes of Brabant, and approched as secretly as he could with some companies of foot, and two hundred horse, close vnto the towne. Captaine Cleerhaghen, a gentleman of Brussels, hauing married a wife in Boisleduc, of the house of Erp, was conductor of this enterprise; who (knowing all the passages) went vpon the tenth of Ianuarie with fiftie good men, who clyming ouer the C port, seized vpon two corps de guard, whereas no man remayned in the night time: the which they did so quietly, and without disturbance, as they were not heard nor discouered.
The next day in the morning, about eight of the clocke, the port beeing open, those of the guard which were sent to discouer, were presently slaine by Cleerhaghen and his men; who (at the same instant) enforcing the rest of the guard, the which were at the port, made themselues masters and commaunders thereof: and the said captaine sent certaine souldiers vnto the toppe of the gate, to be assured of the port-cullis, whereas they found none but an old man, whom they vsed in such sort, as they left him in the place for dead. This being done, the earle entred with his two hundred horse, and such footmen as D he had neere vnto the port, who began to runne vp and downe the streets, crying, Victorie. At this crie, the souldiers which were appointed to guard and keepe the port-cullis, went downe, fearing least they should come too late vnto the spoyle, according to that which the earle had promised them, to abandon the towne, if hee might become master thereof.
The day before there was come into the towne about fortie launciers, Bourguignons, and Italians, and some three or foure squadrons of foot, hauing conueyed certaine marchandize thither, else there was no garrison. These horsemen were readie to goe to horsebacke, to returne when the alarum was giuen, not knowing any thing, but hearing of the noyse, they made hast to horsebacke, and went to encounter the earles horsemen, who ran E dispersed through the towne; whereof they charged part, and slew as many as they encountred thus disbanded. At the beginning they did fight a little: but when they saw these squadrons of footmen come to charge them, they thought they had beene betrayed (for they had assured them, there was no garrison) and fled towards the port to saue themselues: some which could not get out at the port, cast themselues from the toppe of the rampar.
The earle seeing that there was some resistance, and that his horsemen did fight, he posted with all speed, to cause the rest of his troupes to aduaunce. In the meane time, the old man, whom the souldiers had left for dead ouer the port, hearing the noyse, and that they did fight hard, and some fled, seeing no man neere him to hinder him, being fore wounded, F he laboured to let downe the port-cullis. The earle returning with colonel Iselstein, was much amazed, seeing the port-cullis downe, and his men to cast themselues ouer the rampar into the ditch; among the which was the Seignior Iustin of Nassau, bastard to the prince [Page 870] of Orange, at this present Admirall of Zeeland, who saued himselfe by that meanes; but A many were drowned and cast away: and there dyed in this ill conducted enterprise foure 1585 hundred men, through the fault of those spoylers which were set at the port-cullis, for else all had succeeded well ynough. The earle cursing the fault, retyred to Gheertruydenbergh.
They of Brussels hearing of these newes, the famine encreasing more and more among them, and being without all hope of succours, they sent their deputies to the prince of Parma, to mediate an accord: but for that they propounded no articles that were pleasing, or to be accepted, hee sent them backe, more like spyes than deputies. The pouertie began to be so great there, as many dyed of hunger. Some to auoid this miserie, sought meanes to flye away, and to escape, if they could possible; but beeing taken vpon the B way, the Spaniards chased them backe againe into the towne, or caused them to bee hanged.
They of Antuerpe were at that time nothing enclined vnto peace, and caused a newe Edict to be made, prohibiting to giue eare to any accord, vpon greater penalties than before, causing the bourgers to renue the oath in the forme that followeth: I sweare, that The bourgers of Antuerpe take a new oath. with all my power I will maintaine the ordinances of the generall Estates, and will helpe to maintaine and defend them, according vnto the sentence which they haue giuen against ‘the king of Spaine and his adherents, enemies to the countrey: and that I will neuer depart from the sayd ordinances, nor make any accord nor agreement with the said enemies, nor will vse any speech openly nor couertly, nor meddle in any sort whatsoeuer, but will C hinder (as much as in me lyeth) all motion of accord, vnlesse I be first allowed by the generall Estates. And if I may vnderstand, that any thing hath beene done or attempted, or is done or attempted against this present oath, I sweare to reueale it to the bourgomasters and counsell, or else to the quarter masters of this towne.’
In the meane time, the prince of Parma aduanced the worke of his bridge and stocado, and they of Antuerpe went slowly to worke to hinder it, presuming that hee should neuer effect it: and that whilest a sayle might passe, they should not haue any need: neither would he trouble the Estates in any other place, so long as they should keepe him occupied there. The prince sent a herauld vnto them againe with letters, and a copie of the precedent, being of opinion, that they had not beene imparted vnto the people: the which D (he sayd) had happened through some turbulent spirits, who sought more their priuate profit by this warre, than the publicke good, aduising them, that through the infidelitie of such men, they should not suffer themselues to be carried away to their vtter ruine: but rather embrace a peace, which was offered them, and no longer ingage themselues with these turbulent spirits: for whereas they persuaded themselues, that the French king would take vpon him the protection and gouernment of the Netherlands, and come to succour them, that they were but deuices, wherewith they did abuse themselues: And that the French king would not breake the league and friendship he had with the king of Spaine, to please his rebels, nor vndertake a new warre, to the preiudice of his owne Realme. E
‘And indeed Dom Bernardin of Mendosa, embassadour for the king of Spaine in Fraunce Bernardin de Mendosa his speech to the French king. (after that he had beene chased out of England) sayd openly vnto the king: That the Generall Estates and all the Netherlands reuolted from their king, had beene long since conuicted and declared guiltie of high treason, both against God and man; the which, (according to the sentence of condemnation pronounced against them by the counsell of the Inquisition of Spaine) must be quite rooted out: And therefore that hee should remember the league, alliances, and consanguinitie that was betwixt him and his master, and not giue eare thereunto, but rather chase out of his presence and out of his kingdome such reuolted rebels: The which should not onely redound vnto the good of Fraunce (being so neere a neighbour vnto Spaine) but also to all Christendome, which was put F all into combustion by such reprobate people: That therein they did manifest wrong vnto all kings and princes, to whome such examples goe neere, and are very preiudiciall, if they will giue credit, fauour and support vnto their rebels. The French king answered [Page 871] him, That he would giue audience vnto the deputies of the generall Estates, not as vnto A rebels, reuolted from their lord, but as afflicted people, who complayned of the oppressions 1585 that were done them: That (in all ages) Christian kings and princes did neuer refuse to ayde the afflicted, neyther ought they refuse them, especially such as desire nothing, but to be reconciled to their prince (for that the deputies of the Estates had giuen the king to vnderstand, That they had made diuers and sundrie petitions and supplications vnto the king of Spaine, and could neuer obtaine any answere thereunto) wherefore (and that, according vnto the lawes) hee thought it to bee lawfull and allowable for euery man when right and iustice is denyed vnto him, to seeke support where hee can find it: and therefore he was not once to be blamed at all, if at the least he did heare them.’ B
The Queene Mother told the said deputies (making a shew of loue which she bare them, and to feed them with hope) that as heire to the duke of Aniou her sonne, she would come in person, and take possession of the town of Cambray, to be the neerer to the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces.
Many in the Netherlands were of diuers opinions concerning this legation of the deputies of the Estates to the French king. Those that were best affected to the king of Spaine, could not persuade themselues, that the French king would embrace the cause of the Netherlanders, and that he sought nothing but the quiet of his owne Realme. Others made themselues beleeue (considering the good and honourable reception which hee had giuen them at their comming into Fraunce) that the king would take them into his C protection, to the which they had charge to submit and yeeld themselues, and all the vnited Prouinces, both to him and to his successors for euer hereafter. At their comming vnto the court, the king sent them first vnto his mother; who hauing conferred and consulted with them about two whole houres together, gaue them good hope and comfort. But those of the Parliament of Paris told the French king plainely, That hee neyther could nor ought to assist the Estates, beeing rebels to their king, beeing a matter of too bad example, and contrarie vnto the law of Nations: yet the king heard them halfe an houre, and then he entreated them to haue patience for a little while, vntill the comming of the earle of Darby, who was embassadour for the Queene of England, whom he expected; with whom hee must first conferre withall, before he could giue them any answere. D
The said earle of Darbie arriued soone after, being honourably attended. He brought vnto the French king the order of the Garter, which the Queene of England sent him, as a testimonie of her loue; the which was very pleasing and acceptable vnto his Maiestie. The said embassadour did recommend vnto the king, in the name of the Queene his mistresse, the cause of the Netherlands, to the end the king of Spaine might not grow so mightie, as hauing ouercome and subdued them, hee should fall vpon one of those two Realmes. But to the end that we may not passe ouer slightly the successe of this legation of the deputies of the Estates, wee will discourse somewhat more at large thereof; wherein the same did chiefely consist, when they had their audience, and what their answere E was.
They had audience giuen them vpon the twelfth of Februarie, in the which they besought his Maiestie (the prince of Espinoy speaking for them all) That it would please him to take them, their prouinces, and communalties, into his safegard and protection, as his owne proper subiects and vassales, and vnder his iurisdiction, as they desired to be, vnder such honourable and reasonable agreements and conditions, as it should best please his Maiestie to graunt vnto them; the which they would faithfully promise, and bind themselues to obey, by vertue of the Commission and authoritie which they had receiued to that end and purpose from all the Estates of the said vnited Prouinces of The kings answere to the deputies of the Estates. the Netherlands. Whereunto the king answered them with a great affection and good F grace: That their comming was very pleasing vnto him, thanking them much for the ‘honour which they did him by so goodly an offer and presentation, together with the loue which they bare him, saying, That before hee held himselfe bound vnto the sayd [Page 872] countries, for the great honour which they had done vnto the late deceased duke of Aniou, A his brother, of worthie memorie: and now he confessed himselfe to be more tyed vnto 1585 them, by this great and honourable offer which they made him, whereof hee made very great esteeme, and for the which hee wished them all prosperitie and happinesse, promising to shew himselfe hereafter (on their behalfes) a good, iust, mild, and gracious prince: And seeing that they entreated him in what sort he should best please, and how he might with most conueniencie, to assist and helpe them, and to haue a future care both of them and of the sayd countries, like vnto a good and carefull father, as hee hath of his owne naturall subiects, and that they were readie to bind themselues vnto him vnder some good and reasonable conditions; for the which hee gaue them great thankes. But seeing that a matter of so great importance deserued to be duly considered and aduised of, he thought B it very fitting, that their intention were set downe in writing, to the end that it might be imparted vnto his mother, his Parliaments, and his other counsellors, and then to resolue &c.’
The Queene Mother hauing heard their reasons, and what they demaunded; after that shee had conferred with the Seignior of Bellieure, the Secretaries of Estate, and other of the king his priuie counsell, he gaue them a full answere thereof, as we shall hereafter see.
On the other side, the counsell of Spaine hauing a due consideration and regard of all those things which concerned the people of the Netherlands, did see plainely, that the French king might easily, and with small toyle, get the possession of the said countries C vnder his gouernment, whereunto the subiects hearts were much enclined; and that hee should want no meanes for the effecting and compassing thereof: The which did much perplexe and trouble both the counsell of Spaine and the prince of Parma: for which consideration he did greatly sollicite them of the towne of Antuerpe by his letters, to a reconciliation with the king of Spaine; fearing, that being in so faire a way to conquer it, the French king should crosse his victorie, if hee should embrace the affaires of the vnited Prouinces.
He had in December before sent one Augustino Graffino (an Italian) into England; but being a subiect of the Popes, hee was charged to haue beene acquainted with the prince of Orange his murther, so as he had no audience at all. And the Spaniards seeing, that D their practises preuayled nothing in the vnited Prouinces, nor in England, they bethought themselues of another course, to kindle a new ciuile warre in Fraunce, by the meanes of them of the house of Guise, as you may read thereof more at large in the Hystorie of Fraunce.
The French king seeing himselfe suddenly assayled by the Guisian league, in the which many of the nobilitie of Fraunce, gentlemen, and good townes were ingaged and carried away, vnder a colour of Religion and the publicke weale; he had no other helpe or meanes, but to flye vnto his Edicts, forbidding by publicke proclamation all his subiects and vassales that were vnder his iurisdiction, to leuie any men, or to serue them, without his leaue, declaring, that this league and confederacie was ill grounded, and against E all reason. But all this auayled him little or nothing, being forced for this time to strike sayle, and to forbeare to accept the offers that were made vnto him by the deputies of the Estates of the vnited Prouinces of the Netherlands. And finding himselfe suddenly oppressed by the league, being without any forces, and the aduerse partie growne to bee so strong, as they might easily haue deliuered halfe the countrey of Fraunce into the king of Spaine his hands; he gaue the embassadours and deputies to vnderstand (with whom he had begun to treat of the conditions) That (to his great griefe) he could not receiue them vnder his protection or gouernment, nor at that time assist them in any sort, saying, That his shirt was neerer vnto him than his doublet, complayning much of the violence which the king of Spaine and they of the house of Guise and the league did F offer him, entreating them to maintaine and defend themselues as well as they could, vntill that he had setled his Realme in peace, promising to ayde and helpe them willingly with his fauour and counsell in any thing he could. And as the Queene of England [Page 873] had recommended the vnited Prouinces vnto him, in like sort hee entreated the earle of A Darbie (the Queenes embassadour) to recommend them vnto her Maiestie, that it would 1585 please her to succour them, and to take their defence in hand, making the like request vnto the Queene by his owne embassadours, and also to the king of Nauarre; the which hee promised by the faith of a king, and hath beene euer since well affected vnto the sayd vnited prouinces.
The prince of Parma, to finish his worke, and to stoppe vp the passage of the riuer of Antuerpe from them of Holland and Zeeland, he sent for all the masters of shippes, mariners, and shipwrights of Flaunders and Brabant, whom hee caused to come to Calloo: So as vpon the fiue and twentieth day of Februarie the bridge was fully finished, whereby they might passe out of Flanders into Brabant, and the passage to Antuerpe quite stopped B vp: the which was a singular worke, and of great admiration to all the world, being built after the manner which followeth. On eyther side of the riuer hee had caused a mightie fort to be built; one at Calloo vpon Flanders side, and the other at Oordam, on the bankes of Brabant, in eyther of the which hee had planted twelue double cannons, which shot euen with the water, and the workes were aduaunced as farre into the riuer, as the foundation would suffer it: besides the heads which were made of bridges, set vpon pyles of fiftie foot deepe, rammed into the ground, and well bound together. And whereas the depth or the swiftnesse of the streame would not suffer it, the rest of the bridge, from one side vnto the other, was made of one and thirtie flat bottomed boats, euery one beeing made fast with two ankers, one before, and the other behind, tyed together C with strong chaynes and cables, vpon the which were great beames layed crosse, and vpon them certaine plankes, which finished the bridge; so as they might passe on horsebacke, or with waggons and carts, to eyther side. About a thousand foote from this bridge, both aboue and beneath, there was a floate made of mastes of shippes, that were bound together, and vpon them other mastes, crossed and pointed, sticking forth some twentie foote long, like vnto stakes, and therefore they were called Stocadoes, all being made fast in the bottome of the water with ankers, like vnto the bridge, and on eyther side of the riuer bound with chaynes and cables, vnto the heads: so as the bridge and the Stocadoes did rise and fall with the tide, the sayd bridge beeing two thousand foot long, lacking but two, from one head vnto another: And on eyther side thereof, D there lay fiue shippes of warre, well appointed with men and artillerie, to withstand the first assault, before they should approach neere vnto the Stocadoes. Moreouer, there were planted on eyther side of the riuer, betwixt the two Stocadoes, aboue a hundred peeces of artillerie, both great and small: the which in truth was a royall worke; for the making whereof vnprofitable, they must vse other meanes than force, or else they should haue foreseene it in time, and not suffered them so much to haue aduaunced it: for if they had done their endeauours to breake it, as they began the worke (the which they might well haue done) he had not so easily finished it.
But beeing done and ended, they sought to breake it with the force and violence of shippes of warre, as well of Holland and Zeeland, as of Antuerpe: yet before they E could get this preparation readie, and a faire wind withall, as they desired (for the which there was aboue a hundred shippes, laden with men and munition, attending with great deuotion) and during all these delayes and expectations, the prince of Parma finished this great worke, and the riuer was shut vp by this bridge and Stocadoes: The which bred a great discontentment and murmuring amongst the common people, as well of Brabant as of Zeeland; and for the which the Zeelanders did partly blame their admirall Treslon, and others which had had the chiefe charge: but euery man excused himselfe of this negligence in the preuention thereof (in the which there was also some priuate commoditie or aduantage, as it is the vsuall custome in matters which passe by many heads and hands) yea, they did greatly taxe the Hollanders therewith, some saying, F that the prince of Parma could not haue finished this worke without them: and it was generally spoken, that they had deliuered him cables and ankers, wherewith hee had made his worke firme.
[Page 874] The towne of Nymeghen in the countrey of Gueldres, situated vpon the riuer of Wahal A (which is one of the hornes of Rhin) was at that time wauering, and it was to bee feared, 1585 that they would change their partie, and fall to the king of Spaine. The earle of Moeurs (who was gouernour) sought all meanes to draw in a greater garrison for the Estates, the which he could not effect, the bourgers opposing themselues, not without great daunger of his life, two millers hauing discharged two shot vpon him, wherewith hee had beene slaine, if he had not beene armed at proofe: and in like manner hee was set vpon by two brewers, the one thinking to thrust him through with his halberd, and the other striking him on the head with a hatchet, but he was armed.
This being past, and the tumult pacified, he put such out of the towne, as he had noted. Whereupon the bourgers tooke counsell how they might chase away the garrison which B was in towne: for the effecting whereof, there were fiftie men of one resolution, who thought to put it in execution vpon the first of March: but there fell out some other occurrents, which stayed it. Being afterwards aduised by an old captaine to suffer some of the king of Spaines men to enter, who might ioyne with them, they durst not attempt, fearing least the other bourgers, who were ignorant of their designe, would rather hinder the entrie of the Spaniards, than chase away the Estates souldiers.
These vndertakers were in great perplexitie and feare to bee discouered: for there were How Nyme. ghen came into the Spaniards hands. fiue dayes respite from the day they should haue executed it, before their companie came in guard. These fiue dayes past, and the matter was not discouered. The day of their guard being come, some of this enterprise going the round about the breake of day, they found C in one quarter, that those that had the guard, were all Catholickes, with the which being fortified, they went to the corps de gard of souldiers, whom they shut vp there, and then seized vpon the Arcenal, and on the market place. The other bourgers which were in their houses hearing this noyse, ranne towards the market place. These vndertakers went and met them, telling them, that the souldiers were in a mutinie, and meant to spoyle the towne. Whereupon euery man went to armes, and ioyned with the first motiues of this tumult, to defend themselues, the towne, their wiues and children, falling vpon the souldiers and other bourgers which held their partie, whom they disarmed, and afterwards chased the whole garrison out of the towne, renewing their magistrates, and all their law. Yet at the first they would not receiue the king of Spaine his garrison; although that Martin D Schenck and Camillo de Monte did much insist to put in some, whilest they were in these garboyles: The which being pacified, they of Nymeghen sent their deputies vnto the prince of Parma, with whom they agreed to submit themselues vnder the king of Spaines obedience.
Whilest that this was working at Nymeghen, Taxis, lieutenant to Verdugo, tooke the The castles of Nienbeek and Hackfort taken by the Spaniards. castle of Nyenbeeke, in the quarter of Veluwe in Guelderland, by force, whereas some of them were hanged, after they had yeelded vp the castle, and others put to raunsome. From thence hee went before the castle of Hackfort, the which held out long, and did him much despight: yet beeing forced in the end to yeeld themselues vnto his mercie, he cut all those in pieces that were within the place, except onely one clarke of a band, E who was knowne by a Chanon that was there, at whose suite his life was saued, and hee put to ransome.
Those of Doesbourg, being a towne that is seated vpon the riuer of Yssel, which is Doesbourg yeelds to the Spaniard. one of the armes of Rhyn, seeing how the Spaniard prospered, and that they of Nymeghen had had good successe in the expulsion of their souldiers, they did the like vnto their garrison, and sent messengers for others to Zutphen: so as vpon the nine and twentieth of March they concluded with the prince of Parma, as they of Nymeghen had done before.
The earle of Moeurs was all this time at Arnham, the chiefe towne of the Duchie of Gueldres; the which did in like manner wauer: for the which the sayd earle was much F troubled, and would gladly haue assured it with a greater garrison, for that hee found the bourgers to be halfe shaken, who would soone haue followed the example of them of Nymeghen and Doesbourg: wherefore he caused some souldiers to come neere vnto the port: [Page 875] the watch who was in the steeple giuing the alarme (whether that he were woon by the A earle, or that the bourgers mistooke him) the townesmen being all in armes, went to another 1585 port, than that whereas the souldiers were, who in the meane time entred, making themselues masters of the bourgers corps degard, whom they chased from thence. And by this Arnham assured for the Estates party. meanes the towne was assured for the earle of Moeurs, holding the Estates partie; the which was much displeasing to some bourgers, who desired rather to haue had the Spaniards in their towne.
The tenth of March, Oliuer vanden Timpel, Seignior of Corbeke, and gouernor of Brussels, Brussels makes an accord with the king of Spaine. after that he had beene long besieged, and seeing no hope of succours, made an accord with the prince of Parma for himselfe, the souldiers, and bourgers, as followeth: That the sayd Seignior of Timpel should not for sixe moneths space serue in the countrey B of Brabant against the king, nor the captaines for three moneths, nor the souldiers for foure moneths; the which should depart with their armes and baggage: and vnto strangers that serued them, should bee payed what was due vnto them out of their entertainement: for confirmation of which accord, there were sent into the towne, on the princes behalfe, Richardot President of Arthois, and Garnier, Secretarie of Estate. In regard of the bourgers, it was agreed, That hee should settle againe the Romish Religion within the towne, and restore the churches which the Protestants had held: That their priuiledges should be maintained, vnlesse there were any that might minister occasion of new troubles, the which should be consulted of, and moderated by the counsell of Estate: That nothing should bee imputed vnto them for all the warres past: That they of the Protestants C Religion should haue two yeares libertie to doe their businesse, whether to stay or depart: That the king should be restored to all his rights and prerogatiues: That the houses of the Cardinall of Granuelle, the earle of Mansfeldt, and of other noblemen, hauing followed the kings partie, which the bourgers had ruined, should be repaired and built vp againe, and all the goods which had bin taken there, restored, or the value therof: That the impositions which they had raised, if they were not vnreasonable and vniust, should be payed vnto the end of the terme. The same conditions were also propounded to them of Antuerpe and of Macklyn.
At that time, William of Blois, Seignior of Treslon, who in the beginning, in the yeare 1572, with the Seignior of Lumay, earle of Marche, had taken the Island of Bryel, being D Admirall of Zeeland vpon the riuer of Antuerpe, was sent for to come to Middlebourg; where hee was presently committed to prison by the Estates, beeing charged with many things. But being about to make his processe, the Queene of England wrot in his fauour, and withall, being able to iustifie himselfe, hee was set at libertie; yet he lost his place of Admirall; the which was giuen vnto Iustine of Nassau, base sonne vnto the prince of Orange.
They of Antuerpe knowing that the bridge and the Stocadoes were finished, made a great shippe, to be a meanes to breake all this worke of the prince of Parmaes: this great shippe was made of masons worke within, in the manner of a vaulted caue: vpon the hatches there were layed myll-stones, graue-stones, and others of great weight; and within E the vault were many barrels of powder, ouer the which there were holes, and in them they had put matches, hanging at a thred, the which burning vntill they came vnto the thred, would fall into the powder, and so blow vp all. And for that they could not haue any one in this shippe to conduct it, Lanckhaer, a sea captaine of the Hollanders, being then in Antuerpe, gaue them counsell to tye a great beame at the end of it, to make it to keepe a straight course in the middest of the streame. In this sort floated this shippe the fourth of Aprill, vntill that it came vnto the bridge; where (within a while after) the powder wrought his effect, with such violence, as the vessell, and all that was within it, and vpon it, flew in pieces, carrying away a part of the Stocado and of the bridge. The marquesse of Roubay Vicont of Gant, Gaspar of Robles, lord of Billy, and the Seignior of F Torchies, brother vnto the Seignior of Bours, with many others, were presently slaine; which were torne in pieces, and dispersed abroad, both vpon the land and vpon the water.
[Page 876] The same day the Hollanders and Zeelanders woon the forts of Lyefkenshoek (whereas A the marquesse the yeare before had committed horrible murthers when he tooke it) and 1585 that of Doel, which were not farre from the prince of Parma his forts vpon the riuer of The forts of Lyefkenshoek and Doel takē by the Estates. Antuerpe, that of Lyefkenshoek being right against Lillo. The captaine, who had commaunded therein, for that he had yeelded it vp so lightly, lost his head, by the prince of Parma his commandement. The said burning ship strucke such a terror into the prince his men, which were within the forts of Calloo and Oordam, as they abandoned them for a time, not onely for the fire which flew, but also for the great abundance of water, which the violence of the powder cast into the said forts out of the riuer; so as the souldiers knew not what should become of them, no more than if the world had instantly perished by fire and water. If they of Antuerpe had followed, and charged them presently, it is to be B thought they would haue done some great exploit. But to what end serueth it, to batter a towne, to make a sufficient breach, to amaze and discourage the besieged, if withall they will not giue an assault. They of Antuerpe had their forts not a league from them, and their shippes of warre neerer, which might haue made a great attempt. But the wind being contrarie, they could not (in a manner) doe any thing, but a long time after. The Hollanders which were in the fleet, on the other side of the bridge, heard it, yea, it was also heard into Zeeland, but they knew not what it was: and so they found it too late, that they had lost a goodly opportunitie, wherein they might haue done some great exploit. The prince of Parma caused that to be soone repaired, which this fire had broken and carried away. C
The eight and twentieth of March, la Motte, gouernour of Graueling, made an enterprise An enterprise vpon Oostend wel begun, but ill followed. vpon Oostend, the which succeeded so happily in the beginning, as he woon the old towne, in the which there was an old church, from whence he might commaund with his musket shot ouer all the towne. This part is diuided from the new towne by a bridge, which the said la Motte had giuen in guard to one of his captaines, attending the rest of his troupes, which should enter by the hauen: but the souldiers of the garrison, which were within the new towne, beeing in armes, strucke such a feare and amazement into the hearts of them which were in the old towne as they suddenly abandoned it, and so it was presently recouered by the enemie: the which did wonderfully discontent la Motte, being forced to retyre, by reason of the cannon, which played from the towne D vpon his troupes, the which he led backe, cursing, not knowing to whom he should impute the fault.
At this time, the deputies of the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces returned from their embassage out of Fraunce, after that the king had thanked them, and made his excuse vnto them, as we haue said; yea, he aduised them to depart as speedily as they could, and to stand vpon their guards, for feare of them of Guise, hauing gratified euery one of them with a goodly chayne of gold: so as the deputies taking their leaue, gaue his Maiestie most humble thankes for the good will which he shewed to the vnited Prouinces.
The Queene of England hearing how the affaires of the vnited Prouinces had passed E in Fraunce, was in great doubt, that the Estates through dispayre (not able to defend themselues with their owne forces) should be reconciled vnto the king of Spaines obedience, beyond all expectation; by reason whereof, she dispatched away the Seignior of Grise, great baylife of the towne of Bruges (who had beene sent vnto her Maiestie for some succours of men) by whom she gaue the Estates to vnderstand of the good will that shee bare vnto them, offering them her friendship: for which cause, the Estates being assembled together, to conferre vpon these offers, they propounded certaine points in counsell, whereupon they might enter into treatie with her: yet not omitting any thing that might serue for their owne safegard and defence. And as these parlyes of treatie betwixt her Maiestie and them, were somewhat long, by reason of so many sendings F to and fro (wherein they must attend the wind) it could not bee so soone concluded, nor succours sent as they desired: so as the towns of Brussels and Macklyn, and in the end Antuerpe were forced to yeeld.
[Page 877] Colonel Martin Schenck, and the Seignior Bentine, gouernour of Stralen in Guelderland, for the king of Spaine, crossed through the Betuwe in the Veluwe, and presented 1585 A themselues before Arnham, the chiefe towne of Gueldres holding for the Estates, whereas the garrison sallyed out vpon them, and there was a fie [...]ce encounter, with the losse of many men on both sides, so as neither part had any cause to brag of victorie. Schenck was wounded there, and carried to Nymeghen.
In the beginning of May, they of Antuerpe sent their great floting fort (called, The end of the Warre) downe the riuer, neere vnto the fort of Oordam, where the Spaniards were. But comming too neere vnto the dike, it runne on ground, so as in the end they were forced to abandon it, hauing retyred with the Ordnance and all the prouision and munition that was within it: the which fell afterwards into the Spaniards hands. It was B a worke of excessiue charge, the which most men held to haue cost a hundred thousand florins, and yet did neuer seruice, but to their enemies, who had built it with so great cost.
The seuenth of May, the earle of Hohenlo and Colonel Iselstein came with all their shippes laden with choice souldiers, and a good number of pioners to cut the dike of Coesteyn, to the end that they might passe with long boates and oares neere vnto the fort of Lillo, through the drowned meadowes vnto Antuerpe, leauing the riuer and the Spaniards forts vpon the left hand; the which had beene easie to effect, if they could haue beene masters of the dike, as they expected. But as the earle had put his men in order, and that the pioners began to digge, the Spaniards charged them with such furie, as well vpon the dike, C as in their shippes with their canon (whereof some were sunke) as after the losse of three hundred men, they were forced to retyre vnto their ships, and to saile away, sauing themselues as well as they could.
Colonel Verdugo, gouernour for the king of Spaine at Groningue and in Friseland, Schuyléburch taken by the Spaniard. after that he had taken the castles of Rha, Rechteren, and Ruttenberch, in the countrey of Oueryssel, went with two peeces before the castle of Schuylenburch, a place strong by nature and by art; yet the besieged fearing they should not be able to hold it long, yeelded it vp.
Whilest that Verdugo preuayled thus in the countrey of Oueryssel, Cont William of Nassau, Sclickenbourg taken for the Estates. gouernor of Friseland for the Estates, with the regiment of Frisons and Waterlanders, besieged D the fort of Slyckenbourgh, ioyning vnto Kindert, the which was yeelded easily vnto him, although it were a place of great importance, to subiect the seuen forrests (which they cal Seuenwolden) to contribution.
At the same time, the earle of Moeurs, lieutenant and chiefe of all the troupes vnder Truchses, elector of Cologne, hauing drawne forth some part of the garrisons out of Rhynbergh, Nuis surprised and spoyled. and other townes of Gueldres, both horse and foot, he surprised the towne of Nuys in the diocesse of Cologne, a very famous towne, for the great siege which Charles duke of Bourgoigne layed before it. It was surprised by scalado at the first by a few men, who, without discouerie of the guard, went from the rampar to a port, whereas captaine Kunyt attended with the horsemen; the which being broken open with hammers, and an engine E called a Goats foot, he entred in with a great noise, running through all the streets: the bourgers being awaked, put themselues in defence, some being armed, and some vnarmed. The horsemen ran to the Ehenport, where the bourgers had insconced themselues with carts and wagons, from whence they returned, and seized vpon the market place. All the resistance the bourgers made, was to no purpose, and without order, hauing beene much better for them to haue stayed in their houses, and compounded with the earle to redeeme themselues from spoyle: for this resistance which they made, was the cause that they were sacked, and many bourgers taken prisoners. The souldiers had a rich spoyle: for that all the nobilitie thereabouts, the cloysters and abbeyes, the pesants, yea, and some of Cologne had sent their goods thither, as to a place of assurance, thinking it safer there than in any place else. Besides the F spoyle, the bourgers were forced to redeeme themselues, and to lay downe their armes, the which were to be deliuered to the earle, or to his lieutenant. The earle made Herman Frederic Cloet, a valiant captaine, gouernour of the towne, who from that place did afterwards [Page 878] make sharpe warres against all the diocesse of Cologne, vnder the authoritie of the said elector, A but afterwards he had a pitifull end (as we will shew) at the recouerie of the said town by 1585 the prince of Parma.
Colonel Martin Schenck hauing taken a disdaine, that the king of Spaine had made no more account to free him, being a prisoner in Gueldre, as we haue said, and that the seignior of Hautepenne was preferred before him (and all by the instigation of the bourgers) to the gouernment of Nymeghen, he had afterwards such a hatred against the said towne, as to bee reuenged, hee desired to bee discharged of his regiment, the which the prince of Parma graunted him. Then hauing treated with the earle of Moeurs in the behalfe of the Elector Truchses, who was in league with the Estates (and with the consent of the sayd Estates) he came to serue them in May, deliuering vnto them for assurance of his B faith his strong castle of Blyenbeeke, by meanes whereof hee had so much annoyed the diocesse of Vtrecht and the countrey of Gueldre: from which time he sought many occasions to be reuenged vpon them of Nymeghen; but in the end they of Nymeghen were reuenged of him. Soone after his comming vnto the Estates, hee surprised the towne of Roeroort, at the mouth of the riuer of Roer, which comming through Westphalia, fals there into the Rhyn.
At that time, Cont Philip of Egmont, prince of Gant, was exchanged with the lord of la Noue, vpon certaine conditions.
The two and twentieth of May they of Antuerpe made new engines to breake and burne the bridge and Stocadoes which the prince of Parma had made. For the effecting whereof, C they bound sixteene flat bottomed boats together, with yrons sharpe at the point, to cut the cables of the anchors, which held the Stocadoes firme; the which they let go with the tyde: but comming neere vnto the Spaniards forts, they were drawne by them vnto the sands; the which was easie for them to doe, after they had once turned them out of the right course of the streame, for that they drew but little water, so as all their paines and cost was lost.
Afterwards they sent foure ships prepared like vnto the first, which they had sent downe the fourth of Aprill, to worke their effect altogether. But as they went not equally, the first was stayed by the Spaniards, and anchored right against the fort of Paysande, which was held by the garrison of Antuerpe, where hauing remained some time, it tooke fire, and did D more harme to their owne fort, than to any place else. The other two approching neere the bridge, it was opened, and they passed through a good way, before they wrought any effect, which was without any hurt to the Spaniard. The fourth beeing taken at the beginning by the Spaniards, the matches were found, and put out without any danger, in the which they found good store of powder: and so all this designe was more profitable to the Spaniard, than to them of Antuerpe, who receiued at this fort of Paysand more hurt than the enemie.
The six and twentieth of May (as they of Antuerpe had sent down the day before twelue Another designe to cut Coesteyns dike. such ships with fire, to breake the bridge) they brought through the drowned land their flat bottomed boats, neere vnto the dike of Coesteyn: the Hollanders and Zeelanders hauing E for their parts sent with the tide certain ships with fire, presented themselues before the breake of day with a hundred and twentie boats, neere vnto the said dike, shooting with such furie, as they that were in small forts and trenches of the dike, where they would pierce it, were forced to retire to the great fort. The Protestants hauing landed vpon the same dike, carrying with them sacks full of earth, store of planks and hurdles, with wooll-packes, entrenched themselues suddenly vpon either side of the dike, whereas their souldiers lodged themselues, to defend their pioners, whilest they should be working in two or three places to cut through the dike. The Spaniards made many furious charges to chase them from thence, where they were as wel repulsed, with the losse of very many souldiers and captains: for the artillery from the protestants ships shot so into the midst of them, as they neuer failed; so as they of Antuerp assured F themselues of the victory, hauing been masters of the dike aboue three houres, commanding their ships laden with corn to approch, to passe through the holes which were almost ready in the said dike, wherby they might haue past safely through the drowned medows to Antuerpe. [Page 879] The prince of Parma was not farre off, being much perplexed in his mind to see the Protestants A so farre aduanced, and his Spaniards so repulsed, as they had no more any will 1585 or desire to attempt it. For as one Pedro de Padille, with eight braue caualiers, would make the point of a new charge, at his first approch he had his hand shot off, and was afterwards slaine: which presumptuous charge was very shamefull and preiudiciall to the Spaniards. The prince of Parma taking counsell with the old earle of Mansfeldt, what was to bee done, the sayd earle sayd vnto Cont Charles his eldest sonne: Charles my sonne, here you must eyther vanquish, or die. Whereupon there were three peeces of Ordnance brought; the which playing vpon them of Antuerpe, the sayd Cont Charles came resolutely (with a regiment of Wallons and another of Germanes) to charge the Protestants in their trenches on the East side. He was twice repulsed, but at the third time he B forced them, and woon their fort, whereas they slew all they met, and the rest fled vnto their shippes, whereof some were drowned, comming too late. Those that were retyred to the shippes, being loth to giue ouer, stayed so long skirmishing with their cannon and musket shot, as the tyde was spent, and some thirtie of them being on ground, fell into the Spaniards hands, in the which they found many dead men, and great store of armes and munition for warre. Whilest that the Protestants held the dike, thinking themselues to be victors, the earle of Hohenlo and the Seignior of S. Aldegonde were gone to Antuerpe, to giue order for the safe keeping of the same dike. But hearing that the prince of Parma had recouered it againe, the earle returned through the countrey to Berghen vpon Zoome. C
There dyed in this fight (on both sides) aboue fifteene hundred men: among others of the Protestants side, the Seignior of Honteyn, gouernour of the Island of Walchren, with many gentlemen and captaines of good sort. On the Spaniards side there dyed many more captaines and commaunders (marching in the head of their troupes) than of the Protestants. Most of them were naturall borne Spaniards and Italians, as they were also that endured the first charge at their landing, and made the first attempt vpon the trenches made by the Protestants vpon the dike, as soone as they had made any thing to defend their pioners.
The next day (as nothing was done in Antuerpe, but they were presently aduertised thereof in the Spanish campe) newes came vnto the prince of Parma, that they of D Antuerpe would come with a great shippe of warre, and three gallies, to free their floting fort; the which (as we haue said) was runne on ground, and had beene abandoned, that beeing degaged, they might plant it before one of the forts of Oordam or Calloo. The prince to hinder them, sent the earle of Arembergh and the young earle of Mansfeldt with good shippes and well appointed; who vpon the eight and twentieth of the sayd moneth charged the said shippe and three gallies, and in the end tooke the shippe and two gallies; the which they brought with the floting fort to Calloo, ioyning to the bridge which did shut vp the riuer.
Colonel Hautepenne, gouernour of Nymeghen, had built certaine forts about the towne of Graue, to shut it vp: in the meane time Colonel Schenck went thither with E certaine troupes for the Estates, thinking to chase him away from that part of the countrey. But Colonel Hautepenne hauing drawne the garrisons out of the neighbour townes thereabouts, thought to stoppe vp his passage from comming thither. Colonel Schenck being aduertised of his comming, and finding himselfe too weake to encounter or fight with him, hee retyred with his forces to Arnham. In the meane time, Verdugo and Taxis did besiege the fort of Berchhooft in the countrey of Bethune, the which was battered, and endured some assaults: but being vndermyned, and readie to bee blowne vp, they that were within the fort, yeelded it vp, and went foorth without their armes. From thence Verdugo retyred vnto his gouernment at Groningue, and Taxis went to Zutphen. F
They of Antuerpe considering, that all their designes and enterprises, to breake the bridge, and cut through Coesteyns dike, prooued vaine and fruitlesse, they began to bethinke themselues how they might make an accord with the prince of Parma; to which [Page 880] end the Seignior of S. Aldegonde should goe vnto the campe on Trinitie Sunday, being A the third of Iune. But there was yet some let: for they of Zeeland made a new preparation 1585 of Hulkes, the which with a strong gale and a Spring tyde should come with full sayles vpon the Stocadoes and bridge; and although it could not be put in execution (as it was proiected) without the losse of men, yet was it liked and allowed of. But these Hulks approching to Lillo, the wind began to grow scant, and when the wind was good, the tyde was spent, or was against them, so as it was not possible to make them worke their effect.
This falleth out commonly, when they embrace not the occasion which is offered, or neglect it: for (to say the truth) if they had shewed halfe those endeauours in the beginning (when as the prince resolued to make the bridge and Stocadoes) as they did afterwards when B it was finished, he had neuer compassed it, but had beene forced to leaue all with shame and losse. But there were so many errors committed, from the first day of the siege vnto the ending, through negligence, or by contempt of the enemie, as they cannot bee excused.
On the eleuenth of Iuly, the earle of Hohenlo going out of Lyefkenshoek, went to assayle one of the Spaniards forts neere vnto it; in the which there commaunded one captaine Wiiflenen, who defended it valiantly, and repulsed the earles men, whereof some were slaine vpon the place, and the earle himselfe had two horses killed vnder him, the which made him retyre. At his departure he cryed out vnto them of the fort, that they should tell the earle of Arembergh, That of late he had borrowed two of his horses, the which C hee had brought backe, and he should find them before the fort. Three dayes after, the sayd earle of Hohenlo did againe attempt this fort; but hee preuayled no more than he did at the first; for hee had one of his captaines hurt, and sixteene of his men taken prisoners.
This Summer, in Iune, Iohn William, prince of Iuilliers, Cleue, and Bergh (his father The vnfortunat mariage of the prince of Cleue. duke William being yet liuing) married with the lady Iaqueline, daughter to the marquesse of Baden; and the solemnities of this marriage were celebrated with great pompe in the towne of Dusseldorp, in the countrey of Bergh. It was an vnfortunate marriage for this young prince, not onely for that she was giuen vnto lasciuiousnesse and loosenesse of life (whereof she was publickely conuicted) being also barren; but for that shee had drawne D the Spaniards and other of the king of Spaine his souldiers into those Duchies, who haue not onely ruined them, but haue beene the cause, that the Estates souldiers haue beene often there to dislodge them, all redounding vnto the desolation of those neutrall countries. This good ladie dyed afterwards in prison, being committed thither for her adulteries. Shee had so filled her husband with diseases, as his sences were much weakened thereby. God doth sometimes send such instruments, when hee will punish a prince or his people.
There was another proiect to breake the bridge before Antuerpe, made by one of Berghen vpon Zoome; the which the generall Estates (being then at Middlebourg) did like so well of, as within eight dayes he came before Lillo with his inuention, beeing of fiue E great shippes of fourescore foot long apiece, tyed from both sides one vnto another, with seuen cables wreathed all in one, and with certaine long beames fastened from one shippe vnto another, vnder the lower decke; which holes were well stopped, so as the water could by no meanes enter; and aboue the sayd decke, vnder the hatches, there were many emptie barrels well stopped, which could not bee carried away by the water, although the shippes had beene full of water, vp to the hatches: aboue the which, and vpon the barrels, there was great store of straw, wood, faggots, ropes tarred, pipes full of pitch, tarre and rosine, and other stuffe, fit to entertaine a long fire, which might not bee quenched, nor the shippes seperated one from another, as the Spaniards had done to the flat bottommed boats of Antuerpe, for that the cables, and other bonds, which kept them firme together, F were deepe in the water: for in the bottome of the said shippes there were many holes stopped with leather; and when as they would sinke the shippes vp to the first decke and barrels, they might easily doe it in piercing the leather with a halfe pike, whereby the [Page 881] water might enter by little and little into the shippes vnto the hatches and barrels, and no further; so as after they which did guide them, had made those vents and passages through the 1585 A leather, and set fire on those things which were subiect to burne, lying vpon the hatches, they had leisure enough to make shift to saue themselues in their long boats. In the meane time these shippes thus sunke, but not on ground, had gone on burning vnto the Stocadoes, which they must needes haue burnt and consumed. This designe was easie to be executed, and without any danger, beeing all readie, yet nothing followed; and they did not make any vse of it, although that the inuentor did offer, that in giuing him fiue or sixe men, hee would put it in execution: but it seemed that God would not suffer it, and that hee himselfe would worke his will vpon the towne of Antuerpe.
The earle of Moeurs, Colonel Schencke, and the Seignior of Villers gouernour of Vtrecht were with the Estates armie about Amerongen, betwixt Vtrecht and Rhenen, whither Verdugo gouernour B of Friseland for the king, sent Iohn Baptista Taxis his Lieutenant, the three and twentieth daie of Iune, with certaine troopes of horse and foote, the which he laid in ambush in a wood neere vnto Amerongen. The earle of Moeurs men hearing that the Spaniards had beene seene in those parts of the countrie, and that they came neere vnto them, went forth to charge them: the Spaniards to drawe them on, made a shewe of flying, and skirmished faintly, vntill that the protestants were come into the ambush, then they discouered themselues, and charged them behinde, and those which seemed to flie, turned head vpon their enemies, and fought valiantly for a long time; till in the end the protestants being compassed in round about, and charged of all sides, were put to rout: all their foot-men were in C a manner cut in peeces, and foure cornets of horse defeated. The earle of Moeurs saued himselfe in Amersfort, and Colonel Schencke in Vtrecht, but the marshall Villers beeing sore wounded, was taken prisoner, with some captaines and diuers souldiers. They thought to haue put Villers to death, for that long before in the deliuering ouer of the towne of Bouchan he had dealt hardly with them: yet in the end hee was set free for a great ransome, and in exchange of other prisoners.
This ouerthrowe giuen by Taxis, after a long and doubtfull fight, was much furthered by the two sonnes of the earle of Berghes, who at that very instant came with a troope of fresh horse to helpe them: these two young earles of Berghes are the prince of Oranges sisters sonnes, and brought vp by him; but for that the Estates had their father in suspition, they left D them, and serued vnder the king of Spaine.
The earle of Moeurs and Schencke hauing gathered the scattered troopes againe together, built certaine skonces betwixt Vianen, Vtrecht, and other places, and Schencke not long after recouered some part of his losse from the enemie, by the ouerthrowe of two cornets of horse, and after that he had an enterprise against Groningue, but beeing discouered, hee was forced to retire.
The prince of Parma the more to presse them of Antuerpe, sent some troopes from the campe to seize vpon one of their suburbs, called Bourgerhout, which they wonne easily, the place beeing abandoned by the garrison which fledde. There was in the suburbe a great fort, which the Spaniards tooke by assault, chasing the souldiers that were in it euen vnto the E ports of Antuerpe. There was also another fort ioyning vnto it called Sterckenhof, in the which there were some thirtie souldiers, Wallons, with their captaine, who had the rest of his companie at Cantercrois: he refused to yeeld vntill that he had seene and heard the artillerie, Sterckenhof and Cantercrois yeelded. and then at the ninth shot hee did capitulate, so as hee and all his men departed with their armes and baggage, in yeelding vp the said fort, and the other, where the rest of his company was, the which was done.
From thence they went to besiege the castle of Stralen, the which they within it would not yeeld, vnlesse they might see the cannon; the which beeing planted, and they offering then to yeelde, it would not be accepted, but to depart with their rapiers and daggers onely. The souldiers which had beene in these forts, comming to the ports of Antuerpe, they of the The castle of Stralen yeelded. F towne would not receiue them. But the prince of Parma caused them to be conducted vnto Berghen vpon Soome.
Hauing the said forts, he commanded the peasants, laquaies, and horse-boies, to cut vp all [Page 882] the corne and pot-hearbes, and to pull vp all parsnips, carrets, turnups, and other rootes, and to A bring all vnto his carnpe, willing them to spoile all that they could not carrie away, to the 1585 end that they of Antuerpe might reape no commoditie thereby. This happened in the end of Iune.
At the same time the prince of Parma went to visit his campe at Strabrouck lying on Brabant side. The deputies of the towne beeing come to Beueren, hauing spoken with the prince, returned the next day, which gaue some hope of an accord, for newes was brought vnto his campe, that they of the towne had nothing the first day of Iune but oate bread, and that the common people cried out that they would haue bread or peace. The councell of the towne assembled often, but by reason of the diuersitie of opinions, they could not resolue any thing. Of eight Colonels there were but two that desired peace, and of fourescore captaines, B most of them holding with the people, demanded it. In the meane time they sent many letters from Antuerpe into Holland and Zeeland, and backe againe, the which fell sometimes into the Spaniards hands: succours were promised by them of Holland, but nothing at all was done.
The marquesse of Gwast general of the Spanish and Italian horse, incountred two corners of horse of the garrison of Macklyn, the which he defeated, whereas captaine Suisse was slaine, and some taken prisoners, the rest saued themselues by flight: and soone after the marquesse of Renti and la Motte were sent with some troopes of horse and foot, and some little artillerie towards Macklyn, to importune them of Macklyn, as they had done them of Antuerpe. At the first they tooke the fort of Walhem and the Blochmy, then Neckerspal, and some other C forts about the towne, some of them by force, and some by composition. They tooke a shippe of warre going from Macklyn, whereas the skout of the said towne was taken, with some other boats laden with victuals and munition.
All these losses moued them of Macklyn to consider of their affaires, and to giue eare to an accord, with the marquesse of Renti, vnto whom they sent their deputies, who concluded vpon certaine articles, the which were sent vnto the prince of Parma, and were confirmed by him: whereupon the towne was yeelded, the Seignior of Famas gouernour of the towne, Macklyn yeelded by composition. and the souldiers going forth with their armes and baggage, hauing libertie to retire whither they pleased. Of all the captaines, onely Benguatre (a gentleman of Bethune, brother to the Seignior of Ourthon, nephew to Saint Aldegonde) remained with the Spaniards, but very D fewe of his troope of horse. After the departure of the gouernour Famas, which was the nineteenth daie of Iulie, the Seignior of Proneue a gentleman of Bruges, was made gouernour for the king of Spaine. As for the bourgers, there was a perpetuall forgetfulnesse granted, and that such as would liue in the Romish religion might remaine, and the rest should haue fifteene daies free, to sell and make the best of their goods, and then to retire where they pleased.
In the meane time they attended the deputies of Antuerpe at the prince of Parma his campe: but before they returned, the Hollanders would needes make an attempt vpon the bridge and stocadoes. They had with great charge prepared two great thundring shippes, like vnto those of Antuerpe, in the which there was much poulder and great stones, which E shippes they sent vp with the tyde vnto the stocadoe, which the first brake: but the Spaniards opened the bridge, and it past through, then taking fire it brake, but did no harme; the other in like sort tooke fire before it came halfe way to the bridge. The Hollanders supposed that the first had done much spoile, but hearing the cannon shoot off along the riuer, they were of another opinion.
In the meane time they of Antuerpe began to bee extreamely prest by famine, which was not likely to be releeued, but in the end they must be forced of necessitie to yeeld, or else the commanders would be in danger by reason of the commons want and discontent, who did nothing but murmure and would haue peace: so as the three and twentieth day of Iuly they sent twentie deputies to the prince of Parma, chosen out of the magistrates of the Estates of F Brabant, ancient sherifs, Colonels, captaines, and deanes of companies within the towne: with full power and authoritie to treat and accord with the said prince, according to the articles which they had propounded in councell; which beeing presented vnto the prince, hee [Page 883] sent them to the president Pamele, & to Assonville, & Richard vander Burcht, beeing all of the A king of Spaines priuie counsell, with whom the said deputies hauing long debated all manner 1585 of difficulties, and in the end fallen to an agreement, there was a certaine treatie of reconciliation drawne betwixt them, the which was sent by some of the deputies vnto the towne, to impart it vnto the great councell, that so vpon the viewe thereof, they might resolue accordingly.
A little before Philip earle of Egmont (who as wee haue said, had beene taken in his owne towne of Nyeuhouen, by monsieur la Noue) returned to the prince of Parma his campe, from a long imprisonment, hauing beene kept at Gant, and in the castle of Ramekins in Zeeland, since the yeare 1579. And in like sort, the said monsieur la Noue, taken at Engelmonster and kept in the castles of Tournay, and of Lembourg, since the yeare 1580, the said two noblemen B beeing exchanged one for another, but monsieur la Noue was tied to harder conditions than the other, promising vpon the penaltie of a hundred thousand crownes, neuer to carrie armes in the Netherlands against the king of Spaine, if it were not by the expresse commandement of the French king his naturall lord; for which promise, the duke of Lorraine was his caution, and the king of Nauarre his counter-pledge. It did much grieue and bred a great discontentment in the earle to be exchanged against monsieur la Noue, who was not equall vnto him in degree and qualitie, and the rather in regard of the promise, which hee thought to be done purposely to his disgrace: but the sweetnesse of libertie made him to disgest these comparisons which seemed odious vnto him. It was confidently reported, that monsieur la Noue taking his leaue of the prince of Parma, said vnto him, Sir, this towne of Antuerpe C cannot escape you, when you shall enter into it, I would aduise you to hang vp your sword and La Noues speech to the prince of Parma. armes at the gate, and there to end your victories. To whom the prince answered, You say well monsieur la Noue, and my friends doe also aduise me thereunto; but how may I retire my selfe, beeing ingaged in the Kings seruice, as I am? Doubtlesse monsieur la Noue was not deceiued, for since the prince of Parma did not any thing that might equall the hundreth part of his precedent happie successe in the Netherlands, onely after that time he tooke the townes of Nuys and Scluse.
The deputies of Antuerpe that were returned vnto the towne with the articles of the accord, to impart them vnto the people, arriued the ninth day of August, and the next day the great councell was assembled, where they were seene and examined, and were allowed of by D some, and reiected by others. Whilest they were disputing in councell vpon these articles, a good number of bourgers beeing tired with this long siege, and not able nor willing any longer to endure the extremitie of famine, came vnto the market place, where they began to crie out, that they would haue peace. Some of the councell looking out at the windowe, and seeing the people thus mooued, grewe afraid that it would turne to a popular sedition, making report thereof to the whole councell, the which did terrifie and amaze them in such sort, as they which at the first had opposed themselues vnto the said articles, fearing some great mutinie, and that they should be forced by the commons, yeelded ioyntly with the rest, giuing the people (there present) to vnderstand, that the peace was concluded: the which did so reioyce them, as without any longer stay, they beat downe the duke of Anious armes, and set vp the E king of Spaines.
In this treatie of Antuerp, there was great difficulties vpon the word scandall, the which by the pacification of Gant had beene strictly and bitterly interpreted, the which they desired to haue explaned, and not to haue the word of scandall applied to the least point that should be spoken or done by them of the religion, as it had beene often construed to the worst, since the said pacification of Gant; for it had beene said, that they should liue in libertie of conscience, committing no scandall. This word had beene generally taken against all those that would not conforme themselues to the ceremonies of the Romish church. The interpreters of this maintaining, that such as would not doe as the rest did were scandalous; and therefore this word thus construed and vnderstood, the libertie of conscience was nothing, F neither had it beene lawfull to sing a psalme without scandall. The Dutch chronicle saies, that the Seignior of Saint Aldegonde insisted much vpon this word against the prince of Parma, alleadging some points which they would tearme scandalous: amongst others, [Page 884] that if they did no reuerence vnto the priestes carrying the sacrament through the streets: A whereupon the prince of Parma answered, Truely for the last point it were a manifest scandall: 1585 saying moreouer vnto the Seignior of Saint Aldegonde, can you not doe as the countrie man did at Rome, who passing along the streetes before an Eccehomo, (which is the figure of the representation which Pilate made of our Sauiour Iesus Christ vnto the people, saying, Behold the man) hauing made a reuerence, and passing on, he bethought himselfe, that Pilate might attribute this honour vnto himselfe: wherefore returning and putting off his hatte againe, hee said, It is to the Christ, not to the Pilate. Doe so said the prince of Parma, and thinke that the honour and reuerence which you doe vnto the sacrament, you doe it vnto almightie God.
The eleuenth day of August, the prince of Parma receiued the order which the king had B sent him out of Spaine, with the accustomed solemnities, the which was also giuen to The prince of Parma made knight of the Order. the earle of Egmont, the marquesse of Renti earle of Ouereinden beeing at that time there present, and to the marquesse of Renti who was dead, as wee haue said, the old knights assisting, as the duke of Arschot, the old earle of Mansfeldt, and others with the Seignior of Assonuille chauncellor of the order, the treasurer, and the king at armes, whom they call Toison d'Or, or golden fleece. This was done publikely on a scaffold richly furnished in the fort of Calloo: this beeing ended, the ordinance in all the sorts thereabouts were discharged.
The seauenteenth day of the moneth of August, the treatie of accord with the towne of Antuerpe was fully concluded, and signed by the prince of Parma, who promised C them to get it signed and ratified by the king of Spaine, vnder his great seale, whithin foure moneths at the furthest: which accord was proclaimed in the said towne of Antuerpe with ceremonies, on the twentieth day following, the which beeing set forth in print, we omit for breuities sake.
This proclamation beeing made before the towne-house, in the presence of the prince of Parma his deputies, the magistrates and the superintendents of the said towne, the Herald or king at armes hauing his coate on him with the armes of Spaine, cried out thrise, God saue the king of Spaine: the which was seconded by the shouts and cries of the people of the towne.
This beeing done, the prince of Parma his deputies went to the cathedrall church of D the said towne, the which beeing blest by the bishop, and the pulpits whipt with roddes, and then pulled downe, a Te Deum was sung; from thence they returned to the State-house, whereas a costly dinner was prepared for them. The magistrates intreated the prince that hee would staie his entrie into the towne for some few daies, that they might haue some respite to prepare themselues to receiue him in triumph, as a victorious prince, with all the honour and pompe they could deuise. And all strangers, especially the Geneuois, and the companies of trades, did striue who should exceed in sumptuous acknowledgement of their dutie.
So vpon the seauen and twentieth day of the moneth, the prince of Parma (meaning to make his entrie into the said towne of Antuerpe) sent two thousand and foure E hundred footmen, Wallons and high Dutch men, and foure hundred horse men, with two hundred gentlemen following them, among whom there were many great personages of good account. The bourgomasters, shirifes, magistrates, and regents of the towne went to meete him, and the keyes of the towne were presented vnto him by a faire yong virgin, the one beeing of yron, the other of pure gold, the which he tied to his coller, by his order of the golden fleece. There were along the streetes many artificiall and costly deuises, of pictures, images, statues, and writings, all tending to the prince his honour, glorie, and renowne.
At the same time the prince of Parma wrote many letters to the other townes of the prouinces of the Netherlands, to perswade them to a submission and reconciliation with F ‘the king of Spaine their soueraigne lord and king, after this manner ensuing. Wee haue heretofore and of late written vnto you, and earnestly intreated you in the behalfe of the king your natural prince, to consider of the miserable estate whereunto you are now reduced, & to [Page 885] embrace the meanes to returne vnto the true obedience which you owe vnto your prince, A before you fall into greater calamities and miseries than those which hang ouer your heads, 1585 beeing enuironed on all sides with the oppressions and ruines of warre, which you draw vpvpon your selues: into the which, many townes haue fallen, and doe now (but too late) lament their misfortune, seeing that wee are forced to proceede by the way of armes. Notwithstanding, wee haue alwaies conceiued a good hope of you, expecting a good answer from you, and that you will shew your selues, as it befitteth good and faithfull subiects, if our letters may bee deliuered vnto you; for wee haue beene duely informed, that (God be thanked) your hearts are not so much alienated from his Maiestie, as many others bee, which persist obstinately in their errours. But, for that hitherto wee haue receiued no answer, wee finde that our letters haue beene supprest by some, who for their priuate B respects and profit, labour by all the meanes they possibly can, to nourish and maintaine aperpetuall warre among you, to keepe you in subiection, and to inrich themselues with the sweat of you and your children. Wherefore beeing mooued with compassion, we would not for our parts, spare neither labour nor cost to discharge our selues, as it belōgs to a faithfull seruant to his Maiestie, and as we haue now written vnto you: That once opening your eies you should not reiect the good meanes that are offered vnto you, to free your selues of these miseries, matters beeing not so desperate, but they are yet in your owne hands: considering on the one side the kings great forces, which no towne can resist, and on the other side his naturall bountie, which he shewes you, to drawe you to your obedience. And if you will giue eare and yeeld to our persuasions, we promise you in his Maiesties name, C such good and courteous vsage, as you cannot expect better of so milde a prince, whose desires and thoughts tend to no other end, but to deliuer his good countrie of the Netherlands from such bloodie warres, and of his owne bountie to restore them to their freedomes and auncient liberties, wherein they haue heretofore liued happily: the which we would rather seeke to augment, than any way goe about to diminish, if the publike good required it, to the which we carrie a singular affection, and would by all meanes seeke the aduancement thereof: Whereof wee haue hitherto giuen sufficient proofes and testimonies, referring our selues to all the world to iudge thereon: hauing alwaies sought & doneour best endeauours to conforme our selues to his Maiesties will and intention, who cannot but with a heauie and sorrowfull countenance behold these countries, which haue alwaies, and D aboue all others, beene so deere and so much recommended vnto him, so much to forget themselues, as hee hath beene forced to take armes against them: notwithstanding that his Maiestie in the beginning of the troubles, had sought by all meanes to redresse it, and to pacific them.’
‘Wherefore we doe exhort you againe by these our letters, that you will consider of that which is fittest for you, and that you will giue eare vnto it, and not carelesly to let it passe without regard, and then you shall finde vs very readie to assist you in all that shall tend to your good; knowing well, that by the instigations and persuasions of some wicked persons, you haue beene drawne into this warre, which doth now so much importune you: although it hath not beene so much through the violent attempts of the peruerse (who E beeing but fewe in number gouerne you as we heare) as through the timerousnesse and want of courage in the good. But bee it as it may, the way is open vnto you, whereby you may returne to your first quiet and tranquilitie, vnder the peacefull gouernment and protection of his Maiestie, your naturall prince and soueraigne, and of vs as his Lieutenant. Wherefore embrace this opportunitie, before that warre oppresse you, and that you feele in effect that which we haue long delaied, before we would seeke to reduce you by force. If you will hearken thereunto, you shall find vs the readier and the more inclined to yeeld you that on his Maiesties behalfe, which you can desire with reason for your publike good. Hereupon wee will with patience attend your answer and full resolution, and as our good friends recommend you to the protection and preseruation of the goodnes of the F Almightie.’
The F [...]ench king beeing forced this yeare in March (by the warres which were very like in a short time to growe within the bowels of his owne kingdome through the practises [Page 886] of the league) to refuse the soueraigntie of the Netherlands, which was offered vnto him by A the embassadours of the vnited prouinces, and to denie them succours as they demanded: he 1585 aduised them to recommend their cause vnto the Queene of England, and to the king of Nauarre. The Queene beeing duely informed of the estate of their affaires, lest they should be forced to make some desperate agreement with their enemies, had sent them many comfortable wordes, as well by the Lord of Grise, as by master Dauison her Maiesties Embassadour.
Whereof the generall Estates beeing aduertised, during the siege of Antuerpe, they resolued to giue the soueraigntie of the Netherlands, absolutely vnto the Queene of England, vpon lawfull and reasonable conditions; or else to treat with her, to take the protection and defence thereof vpon her, or otherwise to craue her aide and assistance, by some forces to succour B and releeue them.
And to that end, vpon the sixt of Iune, their deputies arriued in England, which were these; for Brabant (although by reason of the besieging of Antuerpe not fully authorized) was sent Iacques de Grise chiefe bailife of Bruges; for Guelderland, Rutgert van Harsolt bourgmaster of Harderwicke, for Flaunders (although likewise not fully authorized) Noel of Caron, Seignior of Schoonewall, bourgmaster of Franc; for Holland and Friseland, Iohn vanden Does, lord of Noortwicke, Ioos of Menin counsellor of the towne of Dort, Iohn van Oldenbarnevelt counsellour of the towne of Rotterdam, doctor Francis Maelson, counsellour of the towne of Enckhuysen; for Zeeland, Iacob Valck, a ciuile lawyer, and one of the counsell of estate; for Vtrecht, Paul Buys doctor; for Friseland, Ielgher van Feytzma counsellor of estate, Hessell Aysma president, C and Laest Iongama: all which had full power and authoritie by procuration, from their seuerall places and prouinces, to treat either for the deliuering ouer of the absolute soueraigntie to the Queene of England, or els to make a treatie for protection and defence, or for aide and assistance by some English forces: the Hollanders for their parts were resolued and content to deliuer ouer some of their townes vnto the Queene, for her securitie.
Their deputies procuration and authoritie was made from the nobilitie, gentlemen, and townes; as Dort, Harlem, Delft, Leyden, Amsterdam, Gant, Rotterdam, Gorcum, Schiedam, Briel, Alcmar, Hoorn, Enckhuysen, Schoonhouen, Eedam, Monickedam, Medenblick, Woerden, Oudewater, Heusden, Gertruydenberghe, Weesp, Naerden, Muyden, and Purmerend, answering for the rest of the small townes, lordships, and villages of Holland and D West-Friseland in generall.
These embassadours beeing arriued in England, they were well and courteously receiued, (and while they abode there) honourably feasted, and entertained at the Queenes charges; and vpon the ninth of Iune were admitted to her Maiesties presence, beeing then at Greenwich, where with all honourable and submissiue dutie, in humble wise they presented their request by word of mouth, deliuered by Ioos de Menin, the effect whereof was as here followeth.
That the Estates of the vnited Netherland prouinces greatly thanked her Maiestie for the honourable and many fauours which it had pleased her to shewe and vouchsafe vnto them in their necessities, hauing not long since renewed and confirmed her princely clemencie, when E after the cruell murther of the prince of Orange, it pleased her Maiestie by her Embassadour M. Dauison to signifie vnto them, the great care shee had for their defence and preseruation; and after that againe by the lord of Grise, by whom shee let them vnderstand how much shee was discontented to see them frustrated of their expectations, reposed vpon the hope they had in the treatie of France: and that neuerthelesse the care shee had for their prosperitie and welfares, was not in any thing diminished, but rather increased, in that shee saw greater reason to mooue her thereunto: for the which, the whole Netherlands in generall, and euery of them in particular should rest bound vnto her Maiestie for euer, to deserue and requite the same with all fidelitie and submission.
And therefore the Estates aforesaid obseruing that since the death of the prince of Orange, F they had lost many of their forts and good townes, and that for the vpholding and defending of the said vnited Netherlands, they had great need of a soueraigne prince, and chiefe commander to gouerne the same, who by his power and authoritie might protect and preserue [Page 887] them from the insolencies and oppressions of the Spaniards, and their adherents, who sought A daiely more and more all the means they could, with their vnreasonable arms & other sinister 1585 means, to spoile and vtterly roote vp the foundation of the aforesaid Netherlands, and thereby to bring the poore afflicted people of the same into perpetuall bondage (worse than the Indian slauerie) vnder the vnsupportable and accursed inquisition of Spaine. Finding likewise, that the inhabitants of the said Netherlands were persuaded, and had an assured confidence, that her Maiestie out of her princely minde, would not suffer nor endure to see them vtterly ouerthrowne, as their enemies expected and desired, by molesting them with such long and tedious warres; the which the Estates (according to their duties, and in respect of their places, in the behalfe of their fellowes and brethren) were forced to withstand, and as much as in them lay oppose themselues against the manifest slauerie, which they thought to B impose vpon the poore common people, and by their best indeauours to defend and maintaine their auncient freedomes, lawes, and priuiledges, with the exercise of the true christian religion, (whereof her Maiestie, truely, and by good right bare the title of defendresse) against the which the enemie and all their adherents, had made so many leagues, attempted so many fearefull and deceitfull enterprises, and treasons, and yet cease not daiely to seeke, inuent, practise, and deuise the destruction of her Maiesties royall person, together with her estate and kingdomes, which the almightie God vnder the protection of his euerlasting goodnesse hitherto had preserued and kept from all dangers, for the good and vpholding of the church of Christ here vpon earth. For these reasons, and many other right good considerations, the Estates aforesaid, with one full and free consent, had altogether determined, and fully resolued C to flie vnto her Maiestie, in regard it is an vsuall thing for all oppressed and distressed people and nations, in their great need and necessitie, to seeke iust aide and assistance against their enemies, from the kings and princes their neighbours, and especially from those that were indued with courage, feare of God, vprightnesse of heart, and other princely ornaments: and to that end, the Estates aforesaid had sent them, and giuen them charge to desire and beseech her Maiestie, to accept of the soueraigntie and lawfull gouernment of the said vnited prouinces, vpon good and reasonable conditions, especially tending to the vpholding, maintaining, and furtherance of Gods true religion, and the auncient priuiledges and freedomes to them due and belonging, together with the gouernment and managing of the warres, policie, and iustice of the said vnited prouinces of the Netherlands. And although the said D Netherlands had indured diuers wrongs, and that many of their townes and forts had beene wonne from them by the enemie, during those warres; neuerthelesse in Brabant, Guelderland, Flaunders, Macklyn, and Ouerissel, there were yet many good townes and places that held against the enemie, and the prouinces of Holland, Zeeland, Vtrecht, and Friseland, were by Gods grace and wonderfull prouidence still kept and preserued in their whole and entire possessions, wherein they had many great and strong townes, and places, faire riuers, deepes, and hauens, whereby her Maiestie and her successors, might haue good commodities, seruices, and profits, whereof it were needlesse to make any longer discourse, and one in speciall, that by the vniting the countries of Holland, Zeeland, Friseland, and the townes of Oostend and Scluse, vnto her Maiesties kingdomes and dominions, shee E might haue the absolute commaund, gouernment, power, and authoritie ouer the great ocean, and consequently, shee might haue a perpetuall, assured, and happie traffique for the subiects and inhabitants of her Maiesties kingdomes and dominions: Most humbly and submissiuely beseeching her royall Maiestie to vouchsafe of her royall fauour and princely bountie, to agree and consent to the foresaid points of their request, and so to accept for her, and her lawfull heires, or successors, in the crowne of England, defendors of the true Christian religion, the soueraigne principalitie and chiefe gouernment of the said Netherlands, and in regard thereof, to receiue the inhabitants of the same countries, as her Maiesties most humble and obedient subiects, into her perpetuall safegard and protection, a people as true, faithfull, and louing to their princes and commaunders F (without vaine boasting bee it spoken) as any other in christendome. And so doing, shee should preserue and protect many faire churches, which it had pleased almightie God in those latter daies, to gather together in seuerall countries, beeing now in many [Page 888] places hardly beset, and sore incumbred and oppressed, and to deliuer the Netherlands and A the inhabitants thereof out of miserable thraldome, who (not long before the wicked and 1585 dangerous inuasions of the Spaniards) were so rich, and flourishing in all kinds of wealth, by reason of the great commodities of the sea, hauens, riuers, traffique, manuall trades and occupations, whereunto they are much giuen, and very apt by nature. Shee should likewise preserue them from vtter destruction, and perpetuall slauerie both of bodie and soule, and so effect a right princely and most royall worke, pleasing to God, profitable for all Christendome, worthie of eternall praise, honour, and glorie, and fitting well the greatnesse and state of her princely Maiestie, including therein the assured securitie, prosperitie, and welfare of her owne kingdomes and subiects. Which done, they presented their Articles vnto her Maiestie with all humilitie, beseeching God, who is the king of B kings, to defend, protect, and preserue her from all her enemies, to the encrease of his honour and greatnesse, and perpetually to hold and keepe her in his holy protection and safegard.
This humble petition, tending so much to the honour and glory of the most magnificent and royall Queene and princesse in the world, was with all thankefulnesse receiued at their hands.
Thereupon the Queene willed them for that time to depart, and in the meane while she assembled her counsell, to conferre with them, what was to be done in this so vrgent a cause, and to haue their aduice touching the same. To conclude, she found all her subiects generally addicted thereunto, saying, That shee might not by any meanes altogether C abandon or forsake the vnited Prouinces of the Netherlands; alledging the great hatred conceiued against her by the king of Spaine, for the altering of his Religion in England, which he (not long before) had planted therein: which appeared by the treatie of peace made at Chasteau in Cambresis, holden in Anno 1559, wherein he was verie slacke and The Queene taketh counsell what to do touching the low countries. carelesse for procuring the deliuerie of the towne of Calais vnto the English againe, the which was lost by meanes of his warres; and on the other side he caused the French to deliuer many townes ouer vnto the duke of Sauoy, and left her in warre, both against France and Scotland, without any assistance.
They shewed likewise the vnkind refusall by him made, of passage through the Netherland countreys, with munition, armes, and powder, which shee as then had caused D to bee prouided and bought by her factor Sir Thomas Gresham, vnto whome it was denyed.
Further, That when her Maiestie, by her embassadour the lord Vicont Montague, desired the king of Spaine to renew and confirme the ancient contracts made betweene his father, the emperour Charles the fifth, and her predecessours, hee would by no meanes bee drawne to yeeld thereunto.
That hee had suffered the Inquisitors in Spaine to persecute her poore subiects with all crueltie and extremitie, and commaunded her embassadour out of Spaine, because of his Religion.
That his gouernour (the duke of Alua) in the Netherlands, had vsed all manner of hostilitie E and violence against her subiects, arresting both their bodies and goods, contrary to the ancient contracts betweene England and the Netherlands.
That he had sent an armie into her Maiesties kingdome of Ireland, and with colours flying inuaded the sayd kingdome, vpon a supposed gift thereof made vnto him by the Pope of Rome, which hee thereby excused, intending also to enterprise the like against the Realme of England, as it manifestly appeared by the Iesuite Sanders letters, to that end dispersed abroad, and by the Iesuite Creyghton, who was then a prisoner: and many other such like practises also were discouered by the dealings of his embassador Dom Bernardino de Mendosa in England.
Besides these many forepassed iniuries, the Counsell layed before her Maiestie the danger F that she was to expect, if the Spaniard once obtained merum imperium, that is, full and absolute authoritie in the Prouinces of the Netherlands; how he would alter their Religion, breake their auncient priuiledges, and subiect them wholly to his will and pleasure: [Page 889] which done, out of his malitious heart and intent▪ he would easily inuade England, with the A aide of the multitude of shipping and sailers of those countries, together with his Indian treasure: 1585 first depriuing England of all trade of marchandize with the Netherlands, and within the land procuring domesticall dissention; and that therefore shee was not as then to let slip the present occasion, nor yet to attend vntill the Netherlands were fully planted with Spaniards and Italians; for that the warre was not vndertaken against the Netherlands, but with a further intent and meaning to make a greater conquest.
On the other side, there was laied before her Maiestie, what difficulties and troubles might arise, by entring into warre with the king of Spaine: as first, that thereby shee should breake the auncient contract betweene her and the king of Spaine, and that it would not bee well thought on, nor by forraine princes esteemed an honourable action, to aide and assist the subiect B against his lawfull soueraigne, and that shee should hardly be able to contend against so mightie a monarch, so strong of men, money, meanes, and friendship, which he should haue from the Pope, domesticall English malecontents, and many other his adherents; whereby she should haue worke enough in hand to defend her selfe, with many other obiections.
To these reasons aforesaid it was answered, that therein shee should breake no contract nor league made with the house of Burgondie, for that thereby shee was bound to aide and assist the Netherlands, and to vphold them in their auncient lawes and priuiledges, and not to permit or suffer strange nations to plant and settle themselues there, and so intrude themselues into the gouernment: and that if shee let slippe this faire occasion, and did not assist them, the French might set foot therein: moreouer, that shee intended not to aide any rebels against C their king, but to protect and defend her oppressed neighbours, whereunto all princes were bound, especially for religions cause, as the Spaniards had done the like to her in her kingdom of Ireland, with her rebels: as also to keepe backe and preuent the warre, with the miseries and troubles thereon depending, if it be not foreseene and preuented: and how dangerous and troublesome soeuer the warres be, yet were the apparant danger much more and greater, to be ouerrunne by forraine enemies, and therefore it behoued her the more, both in conscience and in honour, to seeke to preuent all future danger; for that the prouinces of the Netherlands could not be able any long time to withstand the enemies forces, without some aide and assistance; which beeing once brought vnder his subiection, shee should bee assured to beare the burthen vpon her owne shoulders in England, which would be much more preiudiciall, D insupportable and chargeable to her; and that therefore it were better to haue and maintaine warre abroad, than within the heart of her owne kingdome. As touching the loosing of friends, the cause would bee so honourable and so good, as shee should haue the kings of France, Nauarre, Portugal, Denmarke, Scotland, & other potentates, her welwillers.
These reasons and allegations thus propounded and answered, were communicated with the aforesaid deputies for the Estates, who at that time made knowne vnto her Maiestie, the estate and power of the Netherlands, and what contributions the same were able to raise; as also what the charges of an offensiue warre would be, and what by loue and good gouernment might bee hoped for, and gotten from such as were willing thereunto, so as they might be maintained and kept in their freedomes, lawes, and auncient priuiledges: for that it was What money Holland had contributed in 9-yeares. E well knowne and found to bee true, that Holland alone, since the pacification of Gant, in 9 yeres (besides their owne charges within the said prouince) had contributed to the warres in the Netherlands in generall, aboue 3500000 gulderns. It was further declared, how much it concerned the kingdome of England, hauing beene long vnited to the Netherlands by many auncient contracts, and bound to hold and maintaine the same, in respect of the situations of both those countries for that the Netherlands had many great riuers, and England an island lying right ouer against it, who being enemies, might doe great hurt one to the other, and being vnited together, might rule and haue the soueraigntie of the great ocean sea, whereby they both get their liuings, and without it could not maintaine themselues: England hauing no strong forts, but the high and steepe cliffes vpon the sea side, the Netherlands many strong F townes, which liue most by their traffique by sea, & therfore are ful of ships & sea-faring men, whereby Englands steep banks might in time be made vnprofitable, & so easily assailed: England also with the great store of good harbours & hauens that are in it, might greatly impeach [Page 890] and hinder the traffique of the Netherlands: and therefore in times past these causes especially A mooued them to make so many reciprocall contracts and alliances one with the other, and 1585 not to suffer them to be inuaded or gouerned by strangers; and that not onely betweene the princes of the said c [...]ntries, but also with the Estates of the same, as perpetuall friends and welwillers.
These things on both sides well weighed, debated, and considered, had mooued the Netherlands, once againe to make a motion vnto England, and likewise had stirred England to heatken vnto their request, and the rather, for that now by meanes of the vntimely death of their prudent protector the prince of Orange, the losse of many townes and castles, and the refusall of aide to them made by the king of France, by the procurement and secret practises of their enemies, they were brought into a miserable and desperate estate: and therefore it was B now much to be feared, that by their mistrust and diffidence (the rather because they had many weake members amongst them, which were continually suborned and solicited by the subtilties of their enemies) they might fall into some treatie of reconciliation and peace, or agreement with their enemies, and afterwards inuade England with their helpe and meanes, to the which they bare no lesse enuie and hatred in their hearts, than vnto the Netherlands, as it not long since plainely appeared by the arresting of diuers English shippes in the hauens of Spaine, without any speech or cause of breach of peace, cruelly handling and hostilly tormenting the marchants and sailers of the same.
The Queene of England was herewith not a little in minde perplexed and troubled, being a matter that much concerned both her owne person, and her kingdomes and dominions, C and therefore could hardly be resolued therein.
The reasons why the Queene tooke not vpon her the soueraigntie and chiefe command ouer Reasons why the Queene of England did not take vpon her the absolute gouernment of the Netherlands. the prouinces of the Netherlands, for an inheritance to her, her heires, and successors, all wise men persuaded themselues to be these: first, that shee was a princesse in yeares, past hope of hauing any children, and that shee had not any man within her kingdomes, fit in all respects to take vpon him the command and authoritie of so absolute a gouernment, and to execute the same as it ought to be done: that shee was not mightie enough to rule ouer both places, because shee did not beleeue, nor could be persuaded, that the power and contribution of the Netherlands was so great and so much as it was affirmed to be (wheras for good considerations they made it not knowne to bee so much as it was) but to the contrarie shee D thought the Netherlands beeing compelled by extremitie, had made it much more than it was, and that her counsell had not taken sufficient information of the estate thereof: that shee would not put her selfe wholly to the hazard and aduenture, not onely fearing the great pride of the king of Spaine, but the inconstancie of France, knowing her owne might, and that her subiects were not accustomed to the warres, and vnwilling to contribute any great summes of money for the same, especially to aide and assist a forraine nation. Thus did this wise and prouident Queene aduisedly measure and weigh her owne meanes and affections, (and yet shewed her care and commiseration shee had of the Netherlands in their miseries) with the assurance of her owne estate, first and chiefly to be respected, and after that to aide and assist the Netherlands as time and occasion should offer opportunitie. These and many other like E reasons mooued both parties to the conclusion of a prouisionall succour for the releeuing of Antuerpe, which at that time was besieged, and much distressed: and thereupon it was contracted, concluded, and agreed, between the Queene of England, and the deputies of the Netherlands, by a contract made the second day of August, that the Queene should send foure thousand men to releeue the towne of Antuerpe, and disburse all such summes of money as should be paid for the presting and imbarking of these troops, and to be paied them monthly, for three moneths together, from the day of their mustering, which together with the transportation and other things necessarie, was accounted to amount to the summe of fortie thousand gulderns, and the three moneths paie to be 184600 gulderns; which summe should be repaid againe within sixe moneths after the raising of the siege from before Antuerpe, and F if it were not done, then to be paid within twelue moneths after the first daie of their muster: for assurance whereof, it was agreed by the deputies, that the towne of Oostend or Scluse, should within one moneth after bee deliuered ouer to the Queene, with all the prouision [Page 891] of munition, ordnance, and other marshall furniture therein: and that shee should take seauen A hundred of the said foure thousand men, and place them in garrison in the said towne; 1585 alwaies reserued, that the said town should continue (concerning the ciuile gouernment) vnder the iurisdiction of the Estates of the said prouinces, and not bee burthened nor charged by the Queene with any thing whatsoeuer.
This beeing thus concluded, sir Iohn Norris, that worthie gentleman, was appointed to bee generall of these forces, for the relieuing of the towne of Antuerpe. The inhabitants of the same towne that had fledde from thence, (beeing many marchants and others, as then remaining in the citie of London) did willingly and freely giue the summe of tenne thousand gulderns.
And after that, when the Queene could not be persuaded to take the absolute soueraignty B of the Netherlands vpon her, nor yet to vndertake the continuall protection of the same (although shee found her subiects willing and readie, both with their bodies and goods, to doe any thing whatsoeuer shee pleased to command them) shee dealt with the deputies of the Estates about a contract and treatie of aide and assistance, which vpon the tenth day of the moneth of August was agreed on at Nonesuch, containing these articles hereafter following.
1 That the Queene of England should send foure thousand foot men, and foure hundred horse men into the low countries, to aide the same: but presently, after it was agreed that shee Aide of 5000 foot, and 1000 horsemen. should send fiue thousand footmen, and a thousand horsemen, ledde by a generall by her thereunto appointed, which should be a man of authoritie, qualitie, and respect, addicted to C the profession of the true religion, with other sufficient commaunders, all to be paid by the Queene during the warres.
2 For the repaiment whereof, the vnited prouinces of the Netherlands, as well in generall The time of repaiment of the money disbursed. as particular, should be bound (when it should please God of his mercie, by her Maiesties help and assistance, to send them peace and quietnesse) to paie all the money which her Maiestie shall haue disbursed for them, as well for prest money for the leuying and taking of them vp, and transporting them ouer the seas, as for their paie and entertainment, in this manner: that is, all the summes of money that shall haue beene disbursed by her Maiestie in the first yeare, shall be paied againe, within the compasse of the first yeare next ensuing after the peace, and the rest within foure yeares then following, euery yeare one fourth part of the said summe, D that shall be found due by iust and true musters to be made on both sides, at the first arriuall of souldiers into the Netherlands.
3 And for the better assurance of the repaiment of the said money, it is agreed, that within Flessingue and the Bryel giuē to the Queene in caution. one moneth after the confirmation of the said contract, the towne of Flessingue, and the castle of Ramekins, in the island of Walchren, and the towne of Bryel, with two skonces thereunto belonging, in Holland, shall be deliuered ouer into the hands of such gouernours, for her vse, as it shall please her Maiestie to appoint, to be kept by her garrisons, vntill such time as her Maiestie shall be fully satisfied and paied, within the citie of London, all such summes of money as shee shall haue disbursed for them: and if the Estates thinke it good for the countrie, and profitable for the common good and vnitie of the same, that her Maiesties souldiers E shall lie in any other townes, or forts in garrison, that the same shall be taken out of the 5000 footmen, and 1000 horsemen aforesaid.
4 That the said townes and places so deliuered vnto her Maiestie for her securitie, shall be The townes shall be left furnished with ordnance, &c. as they were found. prouided of ordnance, powder, and other munition fit for warre, in such sort and quantitie, as the gouernour generall for her said Maiestie shall thinke expedient and necessarie, to defend and keep the said townes and places; vpon condition, that a iust and true inucntorie shall bee made thereof, that (when time shall serue) the same may be redeliuered againe in like order.
5 That the Estates shal retire their garrisons out of the said towns and forts (excepting such Receiuing in of English garrisons, but still holding their owne ciuile gouernment. persons of qualitie as dwell therein, and are appointed to gouerne in politicke and ciuile causes) F that her Maiesties gouernours may haue the free command, in al things that concerne the keeping and defending of the said places: alwaies to bee vnderstood, that they shall not meddle with ciuile & politicke gouernment, but only in cases concerning the garrison of the same.
[Page 892] 6 That neither the gouernour for the Queene, nor the souldiers of the said garrisons, shall A haue any dealing, intelligence, correspondence, nor conuersation with the Spaniards, nor any 1585 other of the Estates enemies, neither suffer it in any man, but to the contrarie shall let it, and They shall not haue any conference or con spiracie with the enemie, &c. The obseruing and keeping of priuiledges. vse all kind of hostilitie against them, in regard of the safetie and preseruation of the said places.
7 That the said cautionarie townes and places, concerning policie, iurisdiction, priuiledges, and freedomes, shall bee gouerned according to their generall and particular contracts and vnions, obseruing their owne lawes, customes, and magistrates, without imposition of any manner of taxes, imposts, or contributions, on her Maiestie behalfe, or for the souldiers.
8 That the English souldiers of the said garrisons, shall bee bound to paie the imposts and The English souldiers must paie impost & excise. B excises, as all other souldiers (in the Estates garrisons) doe, without abating them, vnlesse it be by the consent of her Maiesties Lieutenant generall.
9 And that the inhabitants of the townes aforesaid may not bee ouercharged by the souldiers Prouision for discipline and pay to be made by the Queene. of the garrisons, her Maiestie shall take order for their paie, and all good discipline: and that the said inhabitants shall not in any wise bee molested and troubled, for the accomplishing of any part of the contract, which is to bee obserued on the Estates behalfe, so they doe that which in dutie belongeth vnto them to doe.
10 That when her Maiestie, or her successors, shall be satisfied, contented, and paied, all Deliuering of the townes againe when the money is paid. the money by her disbursed, the said townes and forts with all their ordinance and munition, shall be deliuered againe into the hands of the Estates, without any exception or deniall, and C not into the hands of the king of Spaine, or to any other enemies of the countrie; nor shall be put vnder the command of any other lord or prince, but only for the assurance of her Maiestie, and to the profit of the Estates aforesaid.
11 That the generall and the gouernour of her Maiesties garrisons, shall be sworne to bee An oath of fidelitie to bee made by the souldiers. true and faithfull vnto her Maiestie, and to the Estates in generall, for the safe keeping and defending of the said townes, places, and dependances, and for the maintenance of the true christian religion, as it is now at this present vsed and exercised in England, and the vnited Netherlands and to obserue and cause to be obserued all points of this contract, concerning them: and that the officers, captaines, and common souldiers shall take the like oath of fidelitie to her Maiestie, and to the generall Estates of the said vnited prouinces, as also to be obedient D vnto their rulers and gouernours. The like shall the inhabitants of the said townes and places sweare.
12 That the souldiers beeing in the field shall be lodged and victualed at reasonable prices, Prouision for the field. without any imposition to be taken for that which is to be eaten, and other necessaries, but shall in all things be intreated like other of the Estates souldiers.
13 That the gouernours of the said townes shall bee paid their entertainment euery moneth, Monethly paiment. which money her Maiestie shall cause to bee brought vnto the same townes: and that the number of the souldiers shall not be greater than the number of the garrisons were sixe moneths before the deliuering ouer of the said townes: and it shall not bee thought any wrong, if it happen that the said paie bee sometimes brought eight or ten daies after the time E of paiment due.
14 That the gouernours and souldiers of the garrisons of the said townes, shall haue the The souldiers shall haue free exercise of religion. free exercise of religion, as it is now vsed in England, and to that end in euery of the said towns they shall haue a church appointed for them.
15 That the said garrisons shall be vsed as other garrisons that haue lien there before them Order for victuals. haue beene, as well for their lodgings as victuals: and the Estates shall take order, that they shal haue victuals at as reasonable prices as the inhabitantes of the said townes haue, and shal haue powder, march, and bullets in like quantity as the garrisons before them haue heretofore had, and as other souldiers in other garrisons vsually haue.
16 That it shall be lawfull for her Maiestie (besides the gouernour generall that shall bee Entrance and permission to fit in the counsell of Estate. F there) to appoint two of her subiects to sit in the counsell of Estate, beeing men of good qualitie, and professors of the true christian religion: and also in the marshals court, as need shall require, to iudge of all such persons as the gouernour and the counsell of Estate shall thinke [Page 893] good, and as the cause shall require. And that the two gouernours of the townes that A shall haue the sayd garrisons aforesaid in them, shall and may come into the counsell 1585 of Estate at any time, when they shall thinke it most conuenient and necessarie, for any matter of importance, touching the seruice of her Maiestie, and the benefit of the vnited Prouinces, and yet shall not be accounted nor held for any members of the said counsell of Estate.
17 That the gouernour aforesaid, with the counsell of Estate, shall haue power and The authoritie of the gouernour generall. authoritie to redresse all disorders and abuses committed in the Imposts, and to cut off all excessiue fees of the officers, and to see that the moneyes proceeding thereof be emploied to the most profit and commoditie of the countrey, for the better resistance of the enemy, both by water and by land. B
18 That the said gouernour generall, with the counsell of Estate, shall reforme the Reformation of the Mint. disorders in the mynts of the said vnited Prouinces of the Netherlands, and reduce them to a conuenient number, and that they shall not exchange the moneyes currant in those countries, or any others, thereby to inhaunce or raise the values thereof, without the consent of her Maiestie, or her gouernour.
19 That her Maiestie, or the generall gouernour of her forces aforesaid, with the counsell Prouiso for publicke authority & martiall discipline. of Estate, shall take order for the reestablishment and restoring of publicke authoritie, as also the vpholding and obseruing of martiall discipline, the which at this time are both much decayed, by reason of the equall powers and authorities of gouernors, and multitudes, or confusion of counsels. C
20 That her said gouernour generall, with the counsell of Estate, shall haue the ouersight The gouernor shall haue ouersight of all things without altering religion or priuiledges. and ordering of all things concerning the common vtilitie and welfare of the land: prouided alwaies, that they shall not take vpon them to alter any thing in the aforesaid true Christian religion, neither in the lawes, priuiledges, customes, freedomes, statutes, nor ordinances of the sayd Estates, prouinces, members, townes, colledges, or inhabitants of the same in generall or particular.
21 That neyther the Estates generall nor particular, shall haue any dealing with the enemie, No compact to be made with the enemie without consent of her Maiestie &c. without the knowledge and consent of her Maiestie: nor yet with any forraine prince or potentate, without her knowledge, or the consent of her gouernour generall aforesaid. D
22 That her said Maiestie likewise shall not deale with the king of Spaine, nor yet with any other enemie to the Estates, concerning any cause or matter that toucheth the vnited Prouinces The Queene shall make no treatie but by consent. in generall or in particular, without the aduice and consent of the generall Estates, lawfully called thereunto.
23 That the raising and paying of new forces, which are to be raised for the defence of the Taking vp of new souldiers, & paying thē, to be done by the gouernour &c. land, shall be done by the said gouernour generall, and the counsell of estate, with the consent of the generall Estates.
24 That at the death or alteration of any prouinciall gouernours, or of frontier townes, the Estates or prouinces where any such alteration happeneth, shall nominate two or three To change or chuse new gouernors. sufficient persons, well addicted to the religion, whereof the gouernour generall aforesaid, and E the counsell of Estate shall chuse one.
25 That as often as her Maiestie, for her defence and securitie, shall send any shippes The authority of the admiral of England. of warre to sea, if the enemie send any fleet into the narrow seas, betweene Fraunce and England, or betweene England and the Netherlands, the Estates shall send foorth as many shippes to sea, as her Maiestie shall then doe, so they exceede not in number and charge the limitted number, in times past presented in Anno 1584, vnto the prince of O [...]nge by M. Dyer, or more, as the necessitie, and the Estates vttermost meanes may reach vnto, which shall ioyne with her Maiesties said fleet, and bee vnder the commaund and appointment of the admirall of England; with this prouiso, that whatsoeuer shall be gotten or woon by that fleet, shall be equally diuided, according to the charges and expences disbursed F by either partie.
26 That her Maiesties shippes being at sea, shall alwayes haue free egresse and regresse Free vse of the hauens on both parts. into the hauens and streames within the said Netherlands, and there bee victualled at a [Page 894] reasonable price: and that the ships of warre belonging to the Netherlands, shall like wise enioy A the same priuiledge and freedome in all the streames and hauens of England, and others 1585 her Maiesties dominions.
27 That the ordering and taking vp of all controuersies and contentions which may To end all questions and controuersies. fall out and happen betweene any of the vnited Prouinces, or any townes, that cannot be ended by ordinarie course of iustice, shall be sent vnto her Maiestie or to her gouernour generall, to take order therein, with the aforesaid counsell of Estate, within the vnited Prouinces.
28 That it shall be lawfull for her Maiesties subiects to carry their horses (which they Free passage for horses. shall buy in the said countries of the Netherlands) ouer into England, paying the ordinarie customes and charges for the same, vpon condition, that they shall not carrie them B elsewhere.
29 That the English souldiers that are desirous to goe ouer into England, shall passe freely, The Englishmen may passe ouer with the generals pasport alone. without any other pasport than the generals, signed and sealed with his hand; conditionally, that the number of the Englishmen be complete, and that the Estates be not compelled to any further charges, for taking vp and transporting of new souldiors in place of them that are gone away.
30 That the gouernour generall, chiefe commaunders, colonels, captaines, officers, and The commanders oathes. other her Maiesties souldiers, shall take the accustomed oath (as aforesaid) to the Estates of the same Prouinces, alwaies excepting the homage and fealtie by them due vnto her Maiestie. This contract was in this forme made and concluded at Nonesuch vpon the tenth of C August 1585.
In memorie of this contract, the Zeelanders caused certaine counters to bee made, hauing stamped on the one side thereof the armes of Zeeland, being a Lyon rising out of the waues of the sea, with this inscription, L [...]ctor & emergo, 158 [...]. On the other side was the armes of the townes, with this inscription, Authore Deo, fauente Regina, that is, The Zeelands Lyon clymeth out of the water by Gods power and her Maiesties aid. And according to the said contract, there were certaine souldiers sent ouer, vnder the commaund of Sir Iohn Norris, and others.
At this time the Queene of England caused a booke to bee printed, both in English A declaration in print made by the Queen of England. and in French, therein shewing the reasons that had mooued her, to aid, assist, and protect D the miserable and oppressed Netherlands, wherein there was at large declared, what auncient contracts, intercourses, and alliances had from time to time beene made and passed, not onely betweene the princes of those countries, but with the Estates and inhabitants of the same, as namely the Gentlemen, Spiritualtie, and Commons, for their particular defence. In the same likewise was shewed the barbarous and cruell gouernment and oppressions of the Spaniards vsed in those countries, and what meanes the said Prouinces and shee had sought, to make a peaceable end, but all in vaine; and therefore she was now enforced to aid and assist them, for three causes especially: The first, that the Netherlands might be restored to their auncient freedomes, priuiledges, and gouernment, and so brought to a peace: The second, that she might for her part be assured against the inuasion of her malicious E and enuious neighbours: and thirdly, That the traffique betweene her subiects and the Netherlands, together with the aforesaid intercourse and trade, might be assured and kept.
To the same declaration was added the Queenes answere, vnto two seuerall slaunders imposed vpon her, and published by a certaine famous libell, written in Italian: The first, for vnthankfulnesse shewed by her to the king of Spaine, who (as the author reporteth) in her sister Queene Maries time, had saued her life: The second, that shee had sought to procure certaine persons to kill the prince of Parma, and that two men were executed for the same. To the first the Queene said, That her faith and fidelitie was neuer in any such question in her sisters time, and much lesse, that euer any sentence of death was pronounced against F her, and that therefore hee had no cause why, to seeke to saue her life, confessing and acknowledging neuerthelesse, that she was as then somewhat beholden vnto him, and that in all princely and honourable manner she had beene thankfull vnto him for the same: [Page 895] Touching the prince of Parma, she sayd, That shee had no reason to bee more enemie to A him, than to any other of the gouernours before him, and that shee had alwayes held a 1585 good conceit of him, and neuer sought any other course against him, and that euery man of iudgement might well conceiue, that if shee should practise his death by any sinister meanes, yet the troubles in those countries could not thereby be ended, with many other reasons to that purpose.
According to the contract aforesaid, vpon the nine and twentieth of October 1585, the Estates caused the earle of Hohenlo in their behalfes, and in the name of prince Maurice (the lord thereof) to deliuer the towne of Flessingue and the castle of Ramekins to Sir Philip Sidney, knight, to the vse and behoofe of the Queene of England, who presently put an English garrison into the same, and was himselfe made gouernour thereof. The B like was done at the Bryel, which was (by the earle of Hohenlo, and some of the deputies of the Estates of Zeeland) deliuered into the hands and authoritie of Sir Thomas Cecile, knight, gouernour thereof for her Maiestie, where hee tooke his oath in the towne-house, in the presence of the sayd earle of Hohenlo, and the magistrates of the same towne.
Prince Maurice himselfe likewise (as marquesse of the townes of Campuere and Flessingue) Graue Maurice letter to the Queene, for consent of deliuering Flessingue into her hands. by aduice of Loise de Coligni, princesse Dowager of Orange, the lords of his bloud, and others his friends and seruants, wrot vnto the embassadour of England (as then M. Dauyson) touching the deliuering ouer of Flessingue vnto her Maiestie, saying, That hee thanked God for the fore-passed contract made betweene the Queene of England, and C the Estates of the vnited Prouinces, beseeching God to blesse the proceedings thereof; and that he was very willing, and well pleased, that the towne of Flessingue, being his patrimonie, should bee deliuered into her Maiesties hands; and that although the towne was of so great importance, that they in reason (for it, and for many other good seruices done by his father) might well aske some recompence, notwithstanding, respecting the good and furtherance of the Netherlands, he was content to yeeld thereunto; and the rather, for her said Maiesties commoditie, hoping (by her good fauour) to doe her such seruice, as that (in time to come) both he and the house of Nassau should deserue thankes for the same: and that as the house of Nassau had alwayes beene her Maiesties humble seruants and well-willers; so now they thought themselues much more bound vnto her, in respect D of the said contract made with the Netherlands, which both he and Graue William of Nassau by that their protestation auouched: and so he, with the princesse, the children, and the whole house of Nassau, desiring nothing more in this world, than the fauour, good will, and assistance of her Maiestie, recommended themselues most humbly vnto her protection; praying the embassadour to recommend them likewise to the earle of Leicester, desiring him to vse all the meanes hee could (if it pleased almightie God to graunt it) that some one of great qualitie should fall prisoner into his hands, that his brother, the prince of Orange, and earle of Buren &c. might be exchanged and set at libertie, and that he would be pleased to be a meanes therein. As also, that if any new souldiers were to be raysed for her Maiesties, or the countries seruice, that those of the house of E Nassau might be aduaunced and preferred to some places of commaund. And whereas since the death of the late prince of Orange, certaine gentlemen of Prouence and Dolphine sought to persuade the French king, to graunt them the title of the principalitie of Orange, which (for that cause) was brought in question before his priuie Counsell, without any knowledge or consent of the house of Nassau; hee besought her honourable Maiestie to bee an intercessour for them, and (if occasion serued) to bee a meanes, that the sayd house of Nassau might continue in the auncient authoritie and honour, that his auncestours (the princes of Orange) had alwayes held and maintained, according to the contract of peace made in the castle of Cambresis Anno 1559, betweene Fraunce and Spaine. F
And whereas the principall inheritance that belonged vnto him and his brother, prince Fredericke Hendericke, lay in the earledome of Burgundie, and that there might bee some hope in time to recouer the same into their hands, hee besought her Maiestie to ayde and [Page 896] assist them, with her fauour and authoritie, vnto the French king and the Switzers, bordering A thereupon and especially to the lords of Berne, that some meanes might be wrought 1585 for the recouerie of the same, as occasion should serue.
And further, as it was manifestly knowne, what great losse of lands and possessions, the said house of Nassau had sustained and endured by the king of Spanies, and his adherents meanes, he besought her Maiestie to interpose her authoritie (good occasion beeing offered) that they might bee recompensed (being now almost depriued of all their inheritance) with some possessions and lands, of the like nature vnto those which they had lost.
And if it should so fall out (as the sayd prince Maurice and the princesse in heart desired) that her Maiestie would be pleased to take the chiefe soueraignetie and gouernement B of those countries vpon her, he besought her to haue a regard vnto the articles (as shee should find them conuenient) presented vnto her by the Estates, touching the house of Nassau, inserted together, with the articles offered vnto her Maiestie concerning the soueraignetie.
Also if it pleased her Maiestie to employ any men of honour and qualitie of the countrey of Germanie in her seruice, he besought her to preferre Graue Iohn van Nassau, as one well affected to doe her Maiestie any seruice whatsoeuer, and one that alwayes had beene true and faithfull vnto those countries, and whose zeale vnto religion, wisedome, and experience, was knowne vnto all men.
Lastly, he besought her Maiestie to be pleased to cause some act to be drawne and made, C in such order as shee should thinke good, concerning the aforesaid humble petition, made by the said princesse, earles, and children of the house of Nassau, to no other end, than only to serue for a sufficient testimoniall for those of the said house, to shew and beare witnesse of their endeuours and good meanings, for the welfare and vpholding of the sayd house of Nassau. Written in the Hage the foureteenth of October 1585. Signed, Loise de Coligni & Maurice de Nassau.
And before the comming ouer of the earle of Leicester, the generall Estates gaue vnto prince Maurice of Nassau a commission for the gouernment, captaine generals, and admirals place of Holland, Zeeland, and Friseland, with due respect to be had vnto the gouernour generall which her Maiestie should send ouer. They likewise ordayned and D thought it expedient, to set downe the title of the said prince Maurice, which should be vsed in all commissions and executions of thinges that should passe out of the Courts of Holland, Zeeland, and Friseland, in the same manner as followeth: Maurice, prince of Orange, earle of Nassau, Catzenellebourg, Vianden, Dietz, &c. marquesse of Campuere and Flessingue, baron of S. Vijt, Doesbourg, of the towne of Graue, and of the land of Guycke, &c. gouernour, captaine generall, and admirall of Holland, Zeeland, and Friseland, and since that time there was added thereunto the earledome of Moeurs, and others.
The nineteenth of December, Robert lord Dudley, baron of Denbigh, and earle of Leicester, sonne to Iohn lord Dudley, duke of Northumberland, appointed by the Queene E of England, to bee her gouernour generall ouer the English forces in the Netherlands, and in all things to represent her person, beeing followed with a goodly traine, arriued in the prouince of Zeeland, where he was honourably and courteously receiued: of whom, and what was done by him, wee will speake hereafter, and shew (while these thinges passed and were agreed vpon in England) what was done in the warres in the Low countries.
After the losse of Antuerpe, the Seignior of Saint Aldegonde (who had beene bourgomaster of the said towne, and a chiefe actor in the treatie with the prince of Parma for the yeelding of the towne) was fallen into disgrace with the Estates of the vnited prouinces of the Netherlands, vpon the false suggestions (as hee pretended) of his enemies, F whereupon hee wrote a letter vnto the Seignior of Metkerke, on the foure and twentieth day of October, concerning the peace, the which I haue thought good to insert here.
A Letter of aduice written by the Seignior of Saint Aldegonde, 1585 A to the Seignior of Metkerke, president of Flaunders, touching the peace.
‘MY good cousin, I doubt not but you are informed of the particularities of the yeelding vp of the towne of Antuerpe, and how that since mine enemies (hauing sought by false and slaunderous suggestions, to blame me, and to wrong mine honour) haue gotten so great credit with the Estates which gouerne there, as they haue written plainely vnto me, that they would not suffer me to remaine in the vnited prouinces, I haue made many complaints to the Estates of Zeeland, but it hath auailed me nothing, so as I am resolued to leaue the countrie, B and to seeke my fortune, applying my selfe to that wherunto God shall call me, attending only the comming of my yong sonne, to make him partaker of his fathers fortunes: assuring you, that aduersities shall neuer change me, nor take from me the assurance that I haue in my God and Father, by his sonne Iesus Christ. I am sorrie to see my selfe reduced to that extremitie, to go wandring vp and down like a vagabond, depriued of wife, children, and all domesticke commodities, yea in my declining age, which hath most need of rest. But I must truely confesse, that the miserable estate of our poore country, doth afflict me much more than mine owne priuate fortune; and the more, for that I cannot assist it, neither with counsell nor with action.’
‘And on the other side, I see in my example, as in a cleere glasse, that such as gouerne the C helme in this horrible tempest, suffer themselues to be carried away by the winds of reports and passions, not giuing place to reason, the which in the end must needs be the cause of all miseries: for this manner of proceeding doth incense many against them, hauing alreadie too many enemies, and puts them in danger with their owne fall to drawe the whole countrie into ruine. We haue seene the examples of times past, when as trusting to some smiles of fortune, we made no account to offend all the world, and vpon light and vaine iealousies, we did often laie the foundations of great quarrels. For the present, it seemes that our miserie is come to some Crisis, the good or bad conduct whereof will be of great importance, and may qualifie the last euent.’
‘I would they would take example of the towne of Antuerpe, and others, which haue runne D headlong into these extremities, and haue left no meanes for their preseruation, but what depended on the conquerours discretion and clemencie, who if hee would haue followed the steppes of his predecessors (yea and of many among the rest, who hauing mingled their victories with much blood & proscriptions, haue yet purchased the title of humanity and clemencie with posterity) I feare the reliques would scarce haue beene preserued. It is true, that the hatred to religion is as great, or rather greater than euer, the which is a great testimonie of the wrath of God, and one of the greatest calamities. But yet I thinke sometimes with my selfe, that if they laid aside all passion, and would proceede with wisdome and moderation, it might happily be helped, at the least some part of it: a milde word doth oftentimes pacifie choller, and time moderates all things. Whatsoeuer it be, they must seeke to auoide the totall E ruine of the countrie, and of religion, either by armes, or els by an accord. If they be resolued to armes, they must then take another course than they haue hitherto done: they must obey and submit themselues vnder a head, which may commaund with authoritie, they must watch and be diligent when it is time, and not attend extremities. If an accord doth please them, they must also seeke it before they be at the victors mercie. In the meane time, I must confesse I should be much troubled to speake my opinion resolutely: but as farre as I can iudge of the princes disposition, if euer any equitie or reason may be expected or hoped for, it will come from him, or not from any that shall come to gouerne in these parts. I know well what difficulties there are in Spaine, but if they become victors, they will bee much greater, and it may bee past all remedie; whereas now it may bee, that in trying the foord, there F would be some hope to escape many dangers on either side. But there is great difficultie to maintaine the common people in their dutie and constancie, if they once open this gappe, and giue them any hope of peace. I foresee it well, and therefore they must proceed wisely [Page 898] and with great discretion. But there will alwayes some difficulties arise, the which (it A seemeth) may bee preuented, if they vse therein authoritie, wisedome, and diligence. 1585 Wee haue seene it in the warres of Holland, that they haue attempted it twice or thrice without successe, and yet we haue not seene the publicke affaires of the Commonwealth runne to wracke and confusion: for when as they discouered the shelfe, they presently turned away the course of their shippe. But there was a good and a wise pylote, who gouerned the helme, and knew well ynough how to fit the sayles to the violence of the wind. Hauing none such now, I know not (if hauing once let slippe a cable) how they shall recouer it againe, but that the storme will soone ouerset the shippe, euen in an instant. It is therefore a very difficult and hard thing to giue any counsell or aduice in this case, and yet there must be an absolute resolution therein: For you must vndoubtedly expect, to haue all the burthen and extremitie of the warres to fall vpon you in B those parts: you haue an enemie that is vigilant vpon all occasions whatsoeuer, hardie at assaults, indefatigable in trauell, wise in counsell, and prompt in execution and performance of any thing: And yet on the other side, he is so wise and circumspect, as he doth precisely weigh and consider the difficulties and hazards of warre, especially in so strong a countrey, and so disaduantagious for souldiers. He doth also consider, what small profit or commoditie will redound to him and to his master, seeing that howsoeuer the chance shall fall, hee can attend no other, but onely the losse and ruine of his owne patrimonie. Wherefore I thinke it should bee easie to preuent and auoid the danger thereof, if there were occasion offered to doe it with honour. Wherefore thinke well vpon this, I pray C you, first with your selfe, and then with your wise and temperate friends, and consider what you shall thinke most fit and conuenient to be done. For (to speake the truth) we are in all thinges much inferiour vnto our enemies; their authoritie is absolute and firme, and supported and maintained with the title of a great and mightie king; ours is not onely floting betwixt the inconstant waues of popular humours and fantasies, but (in a manner) nothing at all: the commaunders in the warre differ; the meanes are nothing like; the souldiers are no wayes to be compared, neyther in number, experience, vertue, nor courage to fight. True it is, that wee haue the situation of the countrey for our aduantage: but the duke of Alua his time hath shewed sufficiently vnto vs, that the situation thereof cannot hinder the exploits of warre, no not in the very hardest time of Winter. D And when I doe examine the causes and reasons which crossed his prosperitie and welfare, I can find but small hope or comfort remayning for vs at this present: for on the enemies side you had the crueltie of the Generall, the pride of the leaders, the insolencie of the souldiers, the extreame ouer-weening of the Nation, the examples of excesse that was vsed at Rotterdam, Naerden, Harlem, and other places, being yet fresh in memorie. On our side you had a commaunder that was of great power and authoritie, singular wisedome, admirable humanitie, wonderfull patience, and incomparable dexteritie, were it to animate the people, to content the common souldiers, to winne the hearts of the captaines, to imploy men of worth and reputation, and to embrace all aduantages both of places and situations, and to iudge presently of all defects whatsoeuer. In the E people you had a great disdaine of things that were past, a dislike of the present, and a hope of the future, a great zeale and desire to libertie, and a great loue and affection to their auncient gouernment: and yet all this was, Dulce bellum inexpertis. Now it is quite contrarie: For on their side, the late examples of clemencie and humanitie which hath beene shewed to many conquered townes and castles, dazell the eyes; the courtesie and discretion of the Generall winneth the hearts and minds of all men; the seueritie and discipline vsed against the common souldiers, taketh away all iealousie and distrust. On our side, I know not if we haue a commaunder, if the gouernours haue any shaddow of authoritie and commaund, the souldiers and men of warre any kind of obedience, or the common people any zeale to Religion, or to libertie: warre is hatefull vnto them, F and peace their onely wish; traffique and priuat profit is the thing which they chiefely ayme at, and all their hope resteth in the change and alteration of the Estate, and yet no man setteth to his helping hand, to vphold and keepe vs from vtter ruine. I know not [Page 899] yet what hope prince Maurice doth giue: yet I beleeue, that want of experience will dayly A weaken his forces (especially in the middest of so great disaduantages:) and as for succours 1585 to be hoped for from the English; if they be masters, you shall haue an alteration of the people; if they bee not, you shall reape small profit. Wee haue one point yet remayning, which doth serue as a sacred anchor, to be our stay euen in the greatest calamities, which is, that God will preserue and defend his Church in the middest of all stormes, whereof I am assured. But the question is, by what meanes? It may bee his pleasure will be to trie it vnder the yoke of bondage and persecution: it may be he will preserue it by the hand of a mightie Cyrus, an Artaxerxes, or an Alexander: it may bee hee will disperse them into the foure corners of the world, and take the light from among them, that haue not shewed themselues worthie of it. We know, that the church of God is not tyed or limitted B to any certaine place: it is Catholicke, that is to say, vniuersall, not of Alexandria, nor of Rome, nor of Belgia. The examples of Asia, Egypt, Greece, and Affricke, should make vs tremble vnder the mightie and heauie hand of the Lord: Goe vnto Silo, and see what I haue done, sayth he: And his Apostle sayth, If he hath not spared the naturall branches, doe you thinke he will spare you: Wherefore wee must not in any case relye vpon bare words, and crie, The Temple of the Lord, the Temple of the Lord, or the children of Abraham, and the race of Israel: for God can out of stones rayse vp children to Abraham, and there are none but the children of promise that are accounted for seed. I am therefore of aduice, that wee should euery one of vs humble our selues vnder the Lords hand, that we should heare his word diligently and sincerely, and that we should examine carefully C the meanes which he hath vouchsafed to giue vnto vs; but aboue all, that we beware of tempting him. I know well, that he is not tyed to meanes, yet his eternall and euerlasting wisedome (which hath disposed of the euents of all thinges whatsoeuer before the foundation and beginning of the world, and hath withall determined of the meanes and second causes) will not be tempted: and you well know, that it is not fit nor conuenient, that for our pleasures he should be enforced to worke miracles. Wee doe not allow of it, that our aduersaries should seeke to draw him to that necessitie, when there is any question of doctrine which dependeth immediately of his mouth: and would wee doe it in politicke actions (the which he hath himselfe, by his admirable wisedome, as it were, tyed and bound to the second causes, to be guided and directed by the counsell, foresight, and D disposition of his creatures) wee know the rule which the sonne of Almightie God hath giuen in the Gospell, for them that vndertake warre against their neighbours: by the which hee doth not take away the meanes from God to giue the victorie to the weaker partie; but he sheweth plainely, what the true experience of all ages hath rightly taught vs (I speake this by way of discourse) for wee cannot by any meanes auoid the ineuitable necessitie of waging warre, seeing it is but defensiue, the which we cannot abandon, vnlesse we will betray the cause and honour of Almightie God, the which wee should more esteeme of, than all worldly considerations whatsoeuer, and which should vtterly deface all other respects, seeing the great bitternesse of the malicious spightfull aduersaries of his holy Word to bee wholly bent to extirpe and root it out, stopping E their eyes and eares against all reason whatsoeuer, and seeking with all the force and violence they can to subiect the diuine Oracles of the Almightie God to the Ordinances and traditions of mortall men. Wee must therefore continue the warre with all perseuerance that may bee, and attend the end thereof, euen such as it shall please our good God to giue it, seeing that the choice and disposition thereof resteth not in our power to determine of. But yet the better to sound the ground of this matter, let vs see if this opposition be not subiect to a replye: for when I cast mine eye vpon the infinite diuersitie of meanes which almightie God hath in his diuine and euerlasting power, to preserue and defend his Church euen in the middest of wicked Babylon, and that he holdeth and ruleth the hearts of kings and princes in his hand, to worke them and turne them F like waxe, euen at his good will and pleasure, I thinke then sometimes, and consider with my selfe, that it is a very strange and wonderfull thing, why that in all our actions and enterprises whatsoeuer we should seeme (as it were) to distrust or make any doubt of this [Page 900] his great power and vertue; the which notwithstanding wee see more often exercised by A him, to the good and benefit of his seruants, than that which we attend of him. For without 1585 doubt, almightie God is as powerfull to bend the hearts of kings and princes to mercie vnto their subiects, and to make them doe that which they had neuer before pretended, as hee is to giue victorie and conquest vnto them, that without any apparance of meanes (hauing no speciall reuelation, nor warrant) attempt warre against great and mightie kings and potentates: but hee doth it much more commonly: for in persuall of all the auncient hystories of fore-passed ages, you shall find a thousand examples of the one, and scarce one or two of the other. Iacob meeting with his brother, relyed vpon this support, and sped very well. Sending his children afterwards into the land of Aegypt, hee gaue them no other armour but this. His children being in bondage vnder the crueltie of B Pharac, felt the omnipotent hand of God stretched foorth, turning the kings and the Egyptians hearts, sometimes to loue, sometimes to hatred, now to crueltie, and then to mercie; sometimes to chase them away, and then againe to stay them. And I pray you by what meanes or miracle did the Israelites obtaine health and prosperitie from king Nab [...]cadnezzar, and afterwards from the kings of Persia, from king Alexander, and in the end from Pompey and the Romanes, by the way of armes? Nay contrariwise, their continuance in armes had alwaies drawne them into miserie and bondage, and in the end quite ruined and spoyled their goodly citie Hierusalem, vtterly defaced the memorie of the Sanctuarie, and dispersed the people into all the corners of the earth, like dust. And thereunto it is referred, when as the holy Prophets of God doe exhort vs so often to attend C with silence and hope, and to suffer the scourge of God to passe from vs without opposition. But what? doe I therefore wholly condemne armes? God forbid: for I know full well, that the lawfull calling, the iustice of the cause, and the necessitie to preserue and defend that which God himselfe hath giuen vs in guard, may make them holy and pleasing. But I offer to your further consideration, whether certaine experience doth not dayly teach and make knowne vnto vs, that we may with greater fruit seeke an accord, with hope, that God will mooue their hearts to clemencie, who are now so much hardened to seeke our ruine and destruction. You will say vnto me, that it hath beene often attempted, but in vaine. I know it right well, and doe see plainely, that the greatest mildnesse and clemencie which they vse in all their treaties and accords, is still accompanied D with a designe, to root out Christian Religion in time, and the true seruice of God, as it is commaunded and expressed vnto vs in his holy Word: and which is more, they are more vnwilling at this day to heare it spoken of, than they were euer, I meane amongst the common sort of people. But, in the meane time, I see also, that we haue so often attempted armes in vaine, and that the more the warres continue, the more the knowledge of God and of true pietie decayeth (omitting to speake of the ruine and bondage of our countrey) and yet they will againe trie force, and hope euen against all hope or likelyhood. Why may we not, in like manner, once againe trie the successe of a generall accord, and hope (beyond hope) that God will yet at length mooue their hearts, and doe that which he hath not yet done? Without doubt, after that we haue a thousand times E attempted armes in vaine, wee may foure or fiue times trie the meanes of a peace and concord. It may happily be in vaine; and peraduenture with great fruit: and if it doth not produce the good fruits which we attend and hope for, it may be God will cause vs to feele some other, which we expected not. If we bee refused in so loyall a request, the necessitie of our warre shall be the greater, and the cause more iust and fauourable, and it may be God will mooue the hearts of some other princes, to haue pitie and compassion on vs, and eyther by force of armes or meanes of intercession to take our cause in hand, and to reuenge our quarrell. All warres from the beginning of the world to this day haue once had an end, eyther by the ruine of one of the parties, or by an accord. To attend the ruine of one partie, it is much to bee feared, that it would fall vpon our side: for F the l [...]mbe, our head, is a good warrior by the vertue of the spirit, and by the sword of the Word, but he doth sildome employ any substantiall armes; whereas on the other side, the beast which maketh warre vnto the lambe and his followers, is victorious in this [Page 901] world by armes, and is drunke with the bloud of Martyrs. An accord hath not alwayes A succeeded, after it hath beene attempted: our neighbour (Fraunce) doth shew it, and our 1585 owne bowels haue felt it, and the examples of all ages and nations doe witnesse it: But in the end, when the Impostume is ripe, it must be then broken. But some will say vnto me, that they feare too great inconueniences may arise by these treaties of peace; I confesse it, and (without doubt) they are exceedingly to bee feared, yet a wise man must (with due deliberation) consider of the inconueniences on eyther side, and where there is greatest likelyhood of remedie and helpe. If they hope to obtayne victorie against the enemie by armes, to preserue the libertie, lawes, and priuiledges of the countrey, to defend the true Religion, to warrant the Church of God from oppression and ruine; in the name of God let vs resolue to take armes, but let vs vndertake it couragiously and cheerefully, and employ both our hearts and hands therein. But on the other side, if our forces B doe dayly decay, if armes doe subiect our countrey and people vnto the yoake of strangers, if armes deface all lawes and auncient policie, disperse the Church of God, ouerthrow all true pietie and Religion, wipeth out all remembrance and respect of the word of God, and in the end draweth vs one after another into our enemies power; why doe wee not then looke vnto that which is most likely to preserue and defend vs? Wee saw by experience, when we had all our forces ioyned together to vphold vs, when wee had a head to conduct and direct vs, when our meanes were entyre, yet the chiefe townes of the countrey were enforced to come to an agreement with the enemie one after another; so as so many townes, so many priuate accords were made and entered into. Wee C know that these priuate accords are a ruine and confusion vnto the countrey, and yet we cannot preuent these priuate accords, nor will not make any motion for a generall peace, in time; but are like men that were inchaunted and drunke with this opinion, that we must attend and hope euen vntill the last houre of our extremitie, and neuer speake or make motion of any peace, but when we are so neere driuen, that we can doe no more: which is the very cause, that all our actions are not guided and managed by reason, but carried headlong (as it were) by passion and necessitie. Without doubt, when wee are brought vnto the vttermost extremitie, it is impossible for vs to obtaine any good or reasonable conditions from the winning enemie: for the victor doth alwayes prescribe a law vnto the vanquished, and hee that sighteth, doubteth D the danger thereof, and oftentimes is compelled to giue eare vnto an vnequall accord. Wherefore the fittest time on good conditions to make peace, is, when both parties are strong, and fit to abide the fight: but when the one is vnderfoot, and not able to hold out any longer, there is no time then of reconciliation, but of humilitie. I doe not yet giue counsell to make an accord: but if that one towne after another shall be forced in the end to agree vnto the enemie, I am of opinion, that they should take an antidote against this deadly poyson, and begin when it is time: for it is better to treat of a reconciliation for all the townes together, than for the yeelding vp of one towne in particular. But it is greatly to bee feared, that if they once speake of a treatie of peace and reconciliation, and that the common people haue once any vent of it, they shall confound E and ouerthrow all their course of warre, and bee enforced to runne headlong into ruine and confusion, without any meanes eyther to preuent or withstand the same. Verily I beleeue it, and it is most certaine, that this daunger proceedeth onely from want of authoritie and commaund. If this bee not now to be redressed, what will it bee hereafter, when as wee shall haue sustained greater losses and calamities? But I thinke it is yet to bee repayred, and that there is much lesse difficultie or hazard to doe it presently, than there will be hereafter. I haue alwayes beene of opinion, that when the magistrates and gouernours; and those that are appointed to manage the affaires of the dountrey, hold a streight hand ouer the people, and doe not allow euery man to speake of a peace at his pleasure, but reserue the authoritie and determination thereof vnto themselues, F they haue meanes to gouerne the helme, and not to suffer themselues to bee violently carried away with the inconstant humours of the giddie multitude. And therefore in this towne of Antuerpe I was of opinion, to punish those that did but speake of any [Page 902] accord, and to expressely forbid, that no man should talke priuately thereon; but in the A meane time I thought it fit, that the magistrate and the counsell of the towne should 1585 consult alone of that businesse, and manage it with all the wisedome and discretion they could. And so it happened, that the magistrat, after the defeat of Coesteins dike, seeing how we were distressed for victuals, munition, and other necessaries, did make the first motion: but this businesse was handled priuate in counsell, with great alterations for a moneths space, before it was vented to the multitude, the which did auayle vs much for the accord: but the error was, that it was not propounded, vntill we were so bare of victuals and other meanes, as what hard conditions soeuer the enemie had offered vs, we must haue beene forced to accept them. If happily we had spoken before we had tryed the fortune of the fight, wee should eyther haue obtained a more easie and fauourable B accord, or had a more happie successe. Wherefore I thinke that our example may well serue for an instruction. Aboue all wee must consider, Quid ferre recusent, quid valeant humeri, and gouerne the affaires of our countrey with wisedome and discretion, and not to stand vpon popular opinions. My meaning is not to giue you counsell herein, for that were presumption and rashnesse; but falling vpon this subiect, I thought good to discourse on both sides, as it commeth often into my mind. I would I were a fit man to serue my countrey, eyther for matter of counsell, or action, eyther in warre or peace. But seeing that my misfortune will not permit it, yet it hath beene some ease and comfort vnto me, to discharge my thoughts in the bosome of my friend, whom I hold to be wife, circumspect, and zealous to true Religion and the good of his countrey. If there C be any thing worthie of consideration, you may make vse thereof, and impart it to your discreet friends; if not, in casting my letter into the fire, our dispute shall bee ended. In the meane time, wheresoeuer I shall be, you shall haue a true friend, a good kinsman, and a faithfull seruant, &c.’
This Summer there were many attempts made against Groning, and the Hollanders and they of West-Friseland (meaning to bring it to extremitie) maintayned and kept certaine shippes of warre continually in the riuer of Ems, for that they of the towne of Groning fetched their victuals and all other their prouision from the towne of Embden, D hauing also intelligence, that the prince of Parma sought to make himselfe master of the riuer of Ems, intending to make vse thereof for the reliefe of his armie, and to get the command of the towne of Embden into his hands, which lay in the king of Spaines way, and crossed his designes, as much as Collen, Leege, Aken, Wesel, and many other townes did.
The Estates shippes of warre lying vpon the riuer of Ems, would not suffer any shippes to passe vp to Embden: whereupon the earle and the towne of Embden sent vnto the admirall of the fleet, whose name was captaine Knoop, and also to the Estates of Holland and West-Friseland, complayning of the great wrong and iniurie that was offered vnto them: but finding no redresse thereof, but onely good words and many delayes, E vntill their enterprise had taken effect, they armed and sent out six shippes of warre, and some small pinnaces; and for that there were at the least fortie shippes of their towne laden with marchandize, which were kept out and hindered from entring into the said riuer of Ems by the Estates shippes, vpon the second day of the moneth of Nouember they went out of the towne, demaunding leaue of the Admirall for the Estates, to haue their shippes passe vp the riuer to the towne of Embden, who (being then gone downe with all his shippes vnto the mouth of the riuer, entring into the sea, and lay at Berchum for his best aduantage) made answere vnto them, That as yet hee had no direction nor commaundement from his superiors, so to doe. But whilest that the Embden shippes returned this answere vnto the towne, and attended their directions, vpon the fifth day F of the said moneth of Nouember, there suddenly arose so great a storme of winde and tempestuous foule weather, as all the Hollanders shippes were dispersed, and in great danger; the Admirall for the Estates was sunke into the sea, Knoop escaping hardly [Page 903] into another shippe: the admirall of Embden was forced to cut downe her maine mast, and A so did many other shippes. The Hollanders shippes beeing thus scattered by the handie 1585 worke of God, the marchants shippes got free passage vp the riuer, to goe vp vnto the towne of Embden, and their shippes of warre with them, who (by fortune) tocke a gentleman of Embden, called Onne van Ewesten, prisoner, who serued vnder the Estates, and carried him with them to Embden: which tempest (through the prouidence of Almightie God) preuented a great quarrell, which otherwise had fallen out betwixt the Estates and the towne of Embden: yet the Summer following, the Estates sent their shippes thither againe, and stayed the comming of the Embden shippes, as they had done before; but vpon the foure and twentieth of Iune there was an agreement made, by the meanes of certaine Englishmen, who were dealers in it: and yet many times after they fell B out againe.
THE XIII. BOOKE. 1585 A
THe Queene of England hauing taken vpon her the protection of the vnited prouinces, sent the earle of Leicester to be her Lieutenant. They receiue him with pompe, and acknowledge him for gouernour. The Spaniards prosper in Friseland. Colonel Schencke ouerrunnes the countrie of Westphalia. Graue besieged and yeelded to the Spaniard. Iarre betwixt the Estates & the earle of Leicester, who is discontented, and they discontented with him. Nuys besieged by the Spaniard, and taken by assault, whilest C they are in parle. The earle of Leicester recouers certaine places. Iealousie betwixt the noble men of the countrie and the English, by reason of gouernments that were giuen vnto the English, and they reiected, whereof the Estates complained vnto him going into England. A great dearth of corne in the yeare 1587. Deuenter sold vnto the Spaniard, with the great fort of Zutphen. Factions increase betwixt the Estates and the English. Scluse besieged, and in the end yeelded to the Spaniard. The towne of Guelder sold. The Estates labour to reconcile the earles of Leicester and Hohenlo. Apologies on either side. Leicester failes to seize vpon the towne of Leyden. Hee is called backe into England, and resignes his gouernment into the Estates hands. Bonne surprised by Schencke. The king of Spaine makes a counterfeit shewe to desire peace with England. Deputies on either side at Bourbroue, who doe nothing, whilest the Spanish fleete aduanced. Prince Maurice takes his place in the gouernment after the earle of Leicester retreat. The Spanish fleet thinke to inuade England, and is dispersed. Geertruydenbergh sold to the Spaniards by the souldiers that were mutined without cause. The death of Colonel Schencke D at an enterprise vpon Nymeghen. The death of Moeurs: Rhinberck yeelded to the Spaniards. The Estates send succours of men and money vnto the French king. Breda happily surprised. The prince of Parma releeues Paris. Prince Maurice recouers many townes and places for the Estates. Groning straitly prest.
ACcording to the accord made betwixt the high & mighty princesse, Elizabeth Queene of England, and the Estates of the vnited prouinces of the Netherlands, her Maiestie se [...] certaine troopes of horse and foot, into the countries of Holland and Zeeland, vnder the command of sir Iohn Norris knight, a gallant souldier (who had long done seruice to the said Estates, and to the prince of Orange) who came to the rendez vous E which was giuen them in Vtrecht where hauing past musters, they were presently imployed, and led by the earle of Moeurs before the fort of Isselloort, neere vnto the towne of Arnham, vpon the Veluwe, where the riuer of Issel comes out of the Rhin, which fort had beene taken by Verdugo for the Spaniard long before: the earle of Moeurs hearing that Colonel Taxis was gone forth the day before, made haste to besiege it, and to batter it, so as the besieged seeing no hope of succours, and fearing to be taken by assault, they yeelded Isselloort yeelded to the Estates. vp the fort by composition, to depart with their liues and goods. Although this siege was not without the losse of some few men, yet the earle of Moeurs and the English were so incouraged, as passing the riuer of Rhin, they went to besi [...]ge the fort of Berchschooft in the higher Betuwe, in the which captaine Turc commanded for the prince of Parma: who notwithstanding F the weakenes of the place, which was shewed him by his owne men, would needs endure the cannon, but the souldiers mutined against him, and deliuered him, with the fort, into the earle of Moeurs hands for the Estates.
[Page 906] Colonel Schencke had at that time an enterprise vpon the town of Nymeghen, by an intelligence A which he had with a bourger of the said towne, who dwelt in one of the towers of the 1585 rampar. This man had in time digged a hollow passage vnder the rampar, which went from the foot of the said tower vnto the street, and had so vndermined the wall of the said tower within, hauing set vp the stones againe one vpon another, without cyment or morter, as with a blowe with ones foot they might thrust it downe, and thereby haue a free passage into the towne: for to finish this enterprise, Schencke drew forth certaine companies out of the garrisons of Venloo, Guelder, Wachtendonc, Graue, and Blyenbeek, with the which hee marched secretly the eight and twentieth of September, in the night: but the night before, this bourger (hauing let slippe certaine wordes) was apprehended, with his sonne, who vpon the circumstances of the said speeches, and his answer vnto the interrogatories, was put to the B racke, with his boy, and there confessed the fact: whereupon they of the towne put themselues secretly into armes: Schencke beeing neere with his troopes, hauing no signe from his man, and beeing ignorant what place to goe to, fearing the matter was discouered, he retired. The earle of Moeurs seeing that this enterprise had failed, resolued to haue the towne by force, and planted his campe in the village of Bendt right against it, vpon the other banke of the riuer of Wahal, where hee did build a mightie fort, the which since was called Knodsenborch: and placing certaine shippes of warre in the riuer betwixt the towne and the fort, to stoppe the passage from this fort (where he had planted fiue or sixe peeces of ordnance) he battred the towne at random, and shot fierie bullets into it to burne the houses, but they were suddainely quenched, so as there was not aboue two houses burnt. C
In the meane time the garrison of Nuys did nothing but hunt after bootie and spoile, running euen vnto the gates of Cologne, carrying from thence oxen, kyne, and other cattell, the which did so incense the duke of Cleues, vpon whose countrie (beeing a neuter) they were daily running (for that they could not goe into the diocesse of Cologne, but they must needs passe through the dutchie of Iuilliers, of Berghe, or the countie of Marck, which are his) as he made a proclamation throughout all his territories, giuing all them of his countries free libertie to set vpon and spoile the garrison of Nuys, wheresoeuer they should encounter them in his countries, the which did somewhat restraine the courses of the said garrison.
The Hans townes of the east countrie, fearing that by this alliance betwixt the Queene of England, and the Estates of the vnited prouinces of the Netherlands, their nauigation into D Spaine would be cut off, they wrote vnto her Maiestie, intreating her to satisfie them of that doubt. To the which shee answered the fift of Nouember, beeing at Richmond, after this manner.
‘I beleeue you are not ignorant of the dislike and breach betwixt vs and the king of Spaine; what will ensue we cannot yet iudge: if matters tend to a peace, we will not reiect you, as our The Queene of Englands letters to the townes of the east countries. auncient allies; but if it grows to a warre, you shall vnderstand (as men of iudgement may wel conceiue) that we ought not to suffer our enemies to be releeued with victuals, nor fortified with munition of warre: wherefore you may consider, that you ought not to require any thing of vs that may turne to our preiudice and disa [...]uantage. But touching all other sorts of marchandize, whereby they of Spaine or Portugall may not be aided with victuals and munition E of warre against vs, our meaning is not to stoppe it, but are willing that your subiects shippes shall enter with their lading into our ports and hauens, at their pleasures, as they haue formerly done.’
About that time Cont Charles Mansfeldt marched out of the countrie of Rauesteyn, with the chiefe regiment of Spaniards, beeing foure thousand strong, all old souldiers, and passed ouer the riuer of Meuse into Bommels Weerd, which is a rich island betwixt the riuers of Wahal and Meuse, the which had not of a long time seene any enemie. The Estates beeing aduertised hereof, were at the first somewhat troubled, but hauing inuested the riuer with their shippes round about the island, the earle was very much perplexed, fearing to be shut vp: in the meane time the prince of Parma beeing returned from Antuerpe to Brussels F (where he had beene receiued with all ioy and state, as a victorious prince) hearing in what danger Cont Mansfeldt was, went to horse-backe, with foureteene of fifteene post horses only, and came to Boisleduc to succour him. This, island which may be easily drowned, is a [Page 907] claie soile, and very myerie when it raines. The earle of Hohenlo hauing inuironed the whole A island with the Estates shippes, and broken the dikes in diuers places, the countrey was in a 1585 manner couered all ouer with water: the Spaniards retired vnto the other side of the riuer of Meuse, to a castle highly seated, called Empel, where they might preserue themselues from the inundation, from the frost, and from the windes; besides, they endured much pouertie and famine, for they were in a manner besieged by the waters, and by the Estates shippes which Hohenlo had caused to enter into the drowned land, beeing seperated from the rest of the prince of Parma his armie, the which lay on the other side of Boisleduc, so as they grew to despaire, hauing continued there foure daies in great miserie, by reason of the cold; and if the weather had not changed, it was likely that all this troope (beeing foure thousand of the oldest and best souldiers, Spaniards, that the king of Spaine had in all those countries) had beene B consumed, or else had fallen into the earle of Hohenlo his hands: God sent them a Northwest winde vnexpected, with a sharpe and bitter frost, so as the fields and medowes began to be frozen, and the water to fall; Hohenlo finding this suddaine change in good time, fearing his shippes should want water (as without doubt they had) and so not be able to retire them; yea he had beene in danger (the Spaniard beeing sixe times stronger than he) to haue beene lost there with all his men: whereupon hee weighed anchor and went away. His shippes were no sooner retired, but the weather changed, and it began to thawe, so as the townes thereabouts, especially Boisleduc, did helpe to retire the Spaniards from the place were they were, with boats and barkes, beeing halfe starued with hunger and cold; whereof many died afterwards, and some had their limbes so benummed and frozen, as they fell off, and some C were forced to be cut off. And thus by a suddaine change of the weather they escaped a great danger.
The prince of Parma thanked them of Boisleduc for their readinesse to releeue his Spaniards: he gaue vnto the poore of the towne fourescore fat oxen, and to the towne it selfe a gilt cuppe.
The earle of Moeurs was still lodged before the towne of Nymeghen, for by reason of the waters the lord of Hautepenne had no meanes to dislodge him; but the fourth day of Nouember, the waters beeing fallen, he caused certaine barks to be made readie at Nymeghen, to passe his troops to the other side of the riuer into the Betuwe, causing them to passe along the riuer towards Bomel, which put the Hollanders shippes in great feare, and made them to flie, D so as Hautepenne had good meanes to passe ouer sixe thousand choise men, Spaniards, Wallons, Germanes, Italians, Burguignons, and Albanois: the English knowing them to bee so neere, before they retired, they set fire on the church of Lents, as they had done the night before on a gentlemans house, whereas the earle of Moeurs had lodged: they did the like vnto the church of Oosterholt, whereas they had a farre greater fort than that of Knotsenbourg. The lord of Hautepen meaning to besiege it, caused it to be inuested the night of his arriuall, but approaching neere, they found that the English men had abandoned it with sixe peeces of artillerie, and great store of victuals and munition for warre in it. The lord of Hautepenne hearing that they were retired, sent part of his men before the castle of Dornick: they of the garrison burnt the bridge themselues: yet the Spaniards gaue them so furious a E charge, and did so amaze them, as they yeelded vp the place: the captaine was kept prisoner, but the souldiers were slaine: the rest of the lord of Hautepennes men which pursued the English tooke the castle of Boenen, where they hung vp all the souldiers that they found in it.
The sixteenth day of December, the lord of Hautepenne brought his troopes to the other side of the riuer of Wahal, and went to besiege the castle of Duekenbourg, the which he wonne: the next day the English men which were in the castle of Berckshooft, beeing terrified with the flight of their companions out of the Betuwe, they in like maner left the place the nineteenth day of December: the same day the Spaniards tooke the castle of Hoemen vpon the Meuse; from thence they approached by little and little towards the towne of F Graue, meaning to besiege it afarre off, in cutting off and hindring their prouision of victuals.
On the twentieth day of the same moneth of December, the souldiers of the garrison [Page 908] of Nuys surprised the strong castle of Grimmelyckhuysen, which was then held and A commaunded by captaine Hambach for the bishop of Cologne, whereas they slew some 1585 of the souldiers of the garrison, and kept the rest prisoners: and thus they made warre against the bishop and diocesse of Cologne.
The prince of Parma beeing at the same time in the co [...]ntrie of Brabant with his Spaniards, thought to haue put in practise and executed some secret designes which he had vpon the Cloender, Rogghenhill, and Geertruydenbergh, by reason of the hard frosts, but they tooke no effect. B
Robert Dudley Earle of Leicester, Lieutenant and Captaine 1586 Generall for the Queene of England, Protectrix of the vnited Prouinces of the Netherlands.
[Page 910] THe Earle of Leicester, according to the agreement made betwixt the Queene A of England, and the Estates, being come on the 30 of December from Flessingue 1586 to Dordrecht in Holland, accompanied by many earles, barons, and other great personages of England, he was receiued by the magistrats, councell, and bourgers of that town with great state. And the 2 of Ianuary 1586, he parted frō thence to go to the Hage, where he was in like sort very honorably receiued by the generall Estates, with all good reception & shews of ioy for his cōming: & on the 17 of the month, after many ceremonies, he was accepted for gouernor of the said coūtries, The earle of Leicester acknowledged gouernour generall. and sworne to maintaine, defend and preserue them, against the oppressions of the Spaniards. And in like manner, the Estates did sweare vnto her Maiesty and to him (as her lieutenant) the conditions & agreement that was concluded betwixt them: which done, the said Estates made B a decree, what euery prouince should contribute towards the charges of the warre, and so did the Queene for her part, that with their common means, they might resist the king of Spaines power. And the fist day of Februarie the earle of Leicester was by the Estates proclaimed Lieutenant and captaine of the vnited prouinces, and commandement giuen to all the particular gouernours or their Lieutenants of the said prouinces and townes, officers and magistrates, admirals, colonels, captaines, treasurers, receiuers, and others, for matters of estate and warre, with all that depends thereon, so to acknowledge him.
At his reception to the gouernment, doctor Leoninus chancellor of Guelderland made an oration, saying, that the generall Estates of the vnited Netherlands, hauing had so great assurance of the Queenes Maiesties, and his excellencies honourable disposition, and fauours vnto C them, and finding it to be a thing necessarie, that publike authoritie should be maintained within the prouinces, and relying vpon his wisdome, experience, and integritie, by common consent, and with one voice they had chosen and named him for their gouernour and captaine generall, ouer the said Netherlands; that is, of the dukedome of Guelder, the earldome of Zutphen, the earldomes and countries of Flanders, & Holland, with west Friseland, Zeeland, and Friseland, giuing him full power and authoritie (besides the title and commission of her Maiestie, together with that which was contained in th [...] contract made with her) to gouerne and commaund absolutely ouer the said prouinces, and their associates, in all matters concerning the warres, and their dependances, both by sea and land and to command ouerall gouernours, colonels admirals, vice-admirals, commanders, captaines, and officers, and oueral D souldiers of the same, both horse and foot, and to that end had appointed an oath to be taken vnto his excellencie, as gouernour and captaine generall, to be true and obedient vnto him: besides, that the said Estates gaue vnto his excellencie full power and authoritie, concerning policie and iustice, to be done ouer all the aforesaid prouinces (with the councell of Estates which should be chosen) to gouerne the said Netherlands, as they had beene gouerned before, (especially in the time of the emperour Charles the fift) by the gouernors generall, according to the lawfull customes of the prouinces. Vnderstanding that out of the reuenues of the said prouinces, the gouernors, officers, and rent-masters should be paied their duties and fees, according to the auncient manner, and that the said prouinces, townes, and members of the same should be maintained in all their auncient priuiledges, lawes, and customes, as it should E be more at large declared vnto his excellencie. And touching the gouernment of the country, principally concerning the warres (which cannot continue nor be maintained but by contribution,) the said prouinces consent and agree, that besides the aid of 1000 horse and 5000 foot lent them by the Queene, the dutchie of Guelders, Flanders, and the vnited townes of Brabant, consent to giue the generall meanes of their said townes and villages of the countries adiacent, as farre as they had power to command at that present time, and from time to time, as they were farmed, let out, and presently collected, and besides, that al the booties and compositions with the champian countries, made for their safetie, where they haue no meanes to get contribution, and such summes as they paie vnto the enemie: & they of Holland, Zeeland, Vtrecht, & Friseland, haue agreed to giue the summe of 200000 gulderns the moneth; which F moneys the said prouinces will put into his excellencies hands to be managed by him, with the councel of estate that shall be appointed: and besides this, all that shall be receiued by contribution, and gotten from the enemie, and other meanes out of the countries of Ouerissell, Drent, and the territories thereof, with other places lying vnder the enemies command.
[Page 911] ‘And further that all the vnited Prouinces were agreed, and had consented, that 1586. the conuoye mony, and imposts, raised vpon marchandise, comming in and going A forth of those countries, according to the order taken therein the yeare of our Lord 1581. and the moderation, and augmentation thereof, shall continew and bee imployed for the charges which they shall bee at, for the setting forth maintayning and paying of the ships, and boates of war, which serue and are retained vnder the sayd Prouinces, and that if neede were, are to bee set out, according to the contract made with his Maiestie, wherevnto also all the prises, and licences should be imployed, if his Excellencie thought good to permit and allowe thereof, and this for the space of one whole yeare; and if it fortuned that the warre; continued long, vpon his Excelencies motion and desire, a new composition should be made before the sayd yeare were fully finished, B according to the state, and meanes of the sayd Prouince, and as necessitie should require. And therewith he humblie disired his Excellency to bee pleased to accept and take vpon him the sayd gouernment and authoritie, and to execute the same, to the honour of GOD, and the maintenance of the Netherlands, promising him that the sayd states should alwaies hold good correspondence with him, and ayde and truely serue him, in all occasions and seruices whatsoeuer. Further by their acts and proclamations the sayd states would command all the Commanders ouer horse and foote, and all soldiars both by sea and land, to show all obedience dutie and fidelitie vnto his Excelencie, which they agreed to sweare vnto and confirme by oth, one vnto the other, reseruing the homage which his Excelency ought vnto the Queenes Maiestie. In the C Hage the first of February. 1586. Signed. C. Aertsens.’
According to this agreement the Earle of Leicester tooke the gouernment vpon him, and therevpon the States, Officers, Prouinciall Gouernors, Coronels, Captaines and Soldiars tooke their othes vnto him, wherein Prince Maurice, and the Earle of Hohenlo and other captaines vsed all the meanes the could to bring the soldiars therevnto, being accustomed in such accidents to haue mony giuen them for a reward. The states vpon the Earle of Leceisters acceptation of the gouernment, had drawne a certaine instruction, or order of the Councell of Estate, which should ayde and assist him in the The Earle of Leicester refuseth all instructions. sayd gouernment, the contents whereof were how the affaires of Estate and others touching the gouernment of the Netherlands, ought to bee lawfully executed with the D full consent and priuitie of the Counsell of Estate, as it is vsed in all common-welthes, especially in the low countries, and was also obserued by the gouernors and regents of the same, being great personages, of royall bloud, and some of them Queenes, but it was answered by the Earle of Leicester, that all instructions were no other in effect, then limitations of his commission, and that the gouernment generall of the Netherlands beeing absolutely giuen vnto him, hee should neede no such instructions. In the end (to content his Excelency) the deputies of the states sayd, that hee should not bee bound to those instructions, but that they were made for the Councell of Estate, and that his Excelency was not to bee bound to conclude, any matter of importance by plurality of voices, but by the aduise of al the Councel of Estate being heard, he theron E should conclude, as hee found it most conuenient for the good of the common-weale. To this resolution the Estates were hardly to bee drawne, as well foreseeing, that hee not beeing tide to any instructions might easily bee seduced by bad Counsell, and so deceiued, (as commonly such kind of men, intrude themselues into Princes Courts, and vpon all occasions are ready to strike a stroke, to further themselues and hinder the common-weale,) which in the Earle of Leicester, was most to bee feared, in regard he was wholy vnexperienced in the nature, manners, and scituation of those countries, and had no knowledge, nor iudgement touching the Estate of the countrie, neither yet of good and expert Councelors, and therefore the likelier to fall into greater errors: but the Estates finding themselues in great perplexitie touching the gouernment, F agreed vnto all his desires, as farre as possible they might, and withall gaue him libertie to choose one Councelor of Estate out of euery Prouince, togither with the alteration of the great seale and counter-seale, adding in their great seale a shield of his armes, and for the counter-seale his whole armes, which was neuer granted to any [Page 912] gouernor before him. These things being imparted to the Queene, she was much moued 1586 A thereat, esteeming thereby that they sought to ingage her further in those affaires The Queene of England offended with the states for [...] the Earle of Leicester the gouernment. then she was willing to vndertake. Where-vpon she presently sent Sir Thomas Hennage her Vice-chamberlaine, and one of her priuie councell into Holland, with letters dated the 13 of February, finding fault that the Earle of Leicester had taken the absolute gouernment of the Low-countries vpon him, which she thought very strange, in regarde that shee her selfe had refused to accept it, and now to giue that vnto her vassaile and seruant, which shee had refused, and that without her consent, shee thought they offered her great wrong and indignitie, as if shee had not discretion inough of her selfe, to know what shee were best to take or leaue; saying amongst other things, that it was cleane contrary to the declaration shee had made and put forth in Print, wherein shee B protested to take on her the assistance of the Netherlands, to no other intent, then onely to ayde her good neighbours, without any desire or meaning to meddle or make with the protection or soueraigntie of the sayd countries, and that by their action euery man might haue occasion to iudge the contrary: or at the least such as take on them the authority and priuiledge to iudge and censure Princes actions, as they thinke good, whereby their honor should bee much interressed. And that therefore her intent was (to shew the vprightnesse of her proceedings) to reuoke and recall the aforesaid authority, and to command the sayd Earle not to vse any further or other authoritie then was set downe in the contract; which if it were well obserued, shee doubted not but it would extend and reach to the good and furtherance of the common C cause: affirming, that her refusall in that point, proceeded not from want of care to further the countries good, and common well-fare, but onely in regarde of her honor, and to stop the mouthes of her enimies and euill-willers, referring the rest of her intent vnto the bearer of those letters.
This letter gaue the Estates great cause of suspition, and therefore being in Amsterdam, they made answer there-vnto by letters dated the 25. of March, with all humilitie, excusing the action, and protesting that there was no meaning in them, thereby to charge or binde her Maiestie any further-then the contract lead her vnto: but that the necessity of the countrey required to haue this authority giuen to one, for that it was better to haue one gouernor then two: and in regarde of her Maiestie, they had rather D choose o [...]e of her subiects there-vnto then any other, giuing his Excellencie no other authorit [...]e, then other gouernors before him had had, and which was alwayes renocable, the word [Absolute] being put in, to distinguish his gouernment from others, that were put in but by prouiso, and bound to instructions, as also to procure more obedience and care in the people, for the maintaining of marshall discipline, furthering of the contributions, and better execution of his commissions, and not to giue his Excellencie the soueraigntie therein following the examples of the Romaines and others, that it was also done, to let and breake of certaine enterprises of the enemie, as also to comfort and stirre vp the hearts of the distressed people, and that the recalling thereof would breed great confusion, assuring her that it was not any thing contrarie E to the contract, the whole soueraigntie of the Prouinces still resting in the Estates hands, and the gouernment or administration thereof in the Earle, as it did in other gouernors. The soue raigntie still beeing reserued, vntill her Maiestie would bee pleased to accept of the same, hoping that shee would vouchsafe to haue a regarde vnto the distressed and lamentable estate of the countrie, and that there consisted more in maintaining the authoritie and gouernment of the Earle of Leicester, then in ordering a great armie, as her Maiestie should bee further instructed by Sir Thomas Henn [...]ge.
Sir Thomas Hennage being returned into England, and hauing made report of his ambassage, the Queene made answer by letters dated the one and twentie of Iune 1586. F that shee perceiued by their letters that they had done that in regarde of their good affection, and vpon vrgent cause, where-with shee was the better satisfied, in that they confessed their fault, and that they might haue giuen her knowledge thereof before it had beene done, wishing them in any case to keepe and obserue all their promises, [Page 913] to deliuer the mony ouer into his hands, and to augment their contributions, giuing 1586. A him full authority t [...] execute all things by aduise, and as necessitie required. Shee likewise excused the suspition giuen out by some, that shee sought to make a peace without their consent. This in effect was the contents of the letters on both sides sent and receiued touching the Earle of Leicesters gouernment, where-with her Maiesty seemed to be some what pleased, but yet it was an occasion that many men esteemed his Excelencie the lesse.
With this authority, the Earle of Leicester was instauled in his gouernment, and the contributions of the countrie, deliuered into his hands, amounting vnto the yearely valew of foure and twenty hundred thousand gilders and aboue, besides the connoy mony, the profits of the admiralty, and her Maiesties ayde, his owne intertainement A proclamation made by the Earle of Lecester for marshall discipline, and for the prohibiting of trafick with the enemy &c. B being 100000. gilders a yeare: presently therevpon hee set downe an order for marshall discipline, amongst his souldiers, and made a proclamation bearing date in Vtrecht the fourth day of Aprill, whereby was forbidden the transporting and carying of all kind of necessaries, victualls, ammunition for warre, or any manner of marchandise whatsoeuer, vnto the enemy and their associates, or to any newtrall places, as also all manner of dealing, or correspondence by letters of exchanges, or otherwise, not onely with Spaine, but with France and the East countries, vnder what pretence soeuer it might bee, vpon paine of death, and losse of shippe and goods. The letter to execute these things one Iaques Ringoult (a man verie familier with the Earle of Lecester and the onely inuentor of the sayd proclamation) had gotten by an extraordinarie C commission, wholy without the aduise of the Councell of Estate, thereby to deale and proceede extraordinarily, with those that had any dealings with the enemie, by forme of inquisition, search, and examination, searching all the marchants letters, bookes, and secret accountes, a thing not vsed nor accustomed in these countries and wholy against manie priueledges, old orders, and freedomes, of the Prouinces and townes; and not content therewith he sought meanes to haue the same order vsed in England, against the Netherlanders inhabiting there in Sandwich and other places.
This proclamation and commission much disliked the Estates, and mooued them to cōplaine against it. At that time likewise it was put in practise, (& hoped to be effected) D to raise a generall contribution vpon all nations trafficking to sea, for the furtherance of the warres, in regard that England being vnited with Holland and Zeeland, it might The Earle of Lecester sought to force the seafareing men to buy passeports, and to contribute something to the warres. prescribe and giue lawes, as Lords of the sea, how, and whether men should traficke: which lawe beeing set downe, the Earle of Leicester, thought to compell all sailors and sea-faring-men, to come and buy passe-ports, or saffe conducts of him, thereby to haue libertie, to deale freely in euerie place, contributing some thing to the warres. But when many letters of complaint concerning the same were sent into England. The Noble Councell of Estate, esteemed it a verie hard matter for to bring the French, Scottes, Danes and East-countrie-men there vnto, and therevpon the contribution beganne to bee behinde-hand, and the proclamation standing E in force caused great trouble, and hindrance in the Netherlandes, for that by it much traficke was conuerted, and ceased in these countries, for that many rich marchants, and sailers of Antwerp and other places, (withdrawing them-selues and flying from thence) would not staie and inhabite in the lowe countries, because they might not vse there trade as they were wont to doe, but went to inhabite and dwell at Hamburgh, Breame, Emden, Stode, and diuerse other places, from whence they might freely traficke into Spaine, Italie, Portugale, and the Islandes, and by that meanes made other Nations acquainted both with their traficke by sea, and brought much dealing into many other townes, so that at the last in Holland and Zeeland, they were forced to dispence with that proclamation, and againe to permit the F traficke by sea West-ward, or els in short time, they should haue driuen all trade of marchandise, and sea-faring out of their countries, togither with their richest inhabitants, those Prouinces liuing most by fishing, and sea-faring, hand-labors and trade of marchandise.
[Page 914] The fiue and twenty day of Iuly the Earle of Leicester, being in Vtrecht made an act A concerning the erecting of a new tresory in the vnited Prouince. whereof hee apointed 1586. to bee principall in that office, the Earle of Niewenar, and Menes gouernor of Gelderland, Zutphen, and Vtrecht, with authority to sit in the councell of Estate: for the second man, hee apointed Maister Henry Killegray, one of the receiuers of her Maiesties Exchequer in England, and a Councelor of Estate in the low countries: the third person was Reynardt de Aeswin Lord of Barkelo, and for tresorer Iaques Reingoult, Lord of Canwenbergh, and for commissioners, Sebastian Loose, Iosse Teylink, and Maister Paul Buys. The Receiuers generall, the Treasuror for the warres, the Clarke, nor the Vssher beeing not named, but blankes left, to put in their names, one Danell Burgrate being apointed chiefe secretary, with free liberty to goe into the Councell of Estate, and there to haue audience. B
After the contract and vnion made by the Netherlands with the Queene was past and agreed vpon, the King of Spaine caused all the Englishmen through all his dominions, The King of Spaine arested the Englishmen in Spaine. to bee arrested and their shippes and goods confiscate, vsing them most rygorously, wherevpon many of them became men of warre, hauing commissions, from the Queene, for that they might not otherwise doe it in regard that as then there was no open warre proclaimed with Spaine, who beeing at sea made good vse of the sayd arrest in Spaine, for that all shippes going or comming West-ward, that they could come by, vnder that pretence, were taken and made prize, and at that time the Netherlanders could hardly deale or traficke into Spaine, Portingall, C and the Islandes, vnlesse it were vnder Spaniards names, their Factors dwelling there, and esteemed for naturall bred and borne Spaniards, and vpon this suspition the shippes were brought into England, and the keeping and possession of the The Englishmen of warre take the Neitherlanders at sea, and make them prizes. goods that were in them was deliuered into the hands of them that tooke them, (and if it were such wares as would not keepe long, they had authoritie to sell them,) giuing securitie for restitution thereof, if the sayd goods were not found to bee good prize.
In the beginning of this winter in Ianuary, Taxis Lieutenant to Verdugo Gouernor in Friseland for the King of Spaine, gathered togither the garrisons thereaboutes, and entred into Westergoe, where hauing found meanes and oportunitie for to passe D through the countrie by reason of the great frosts and yee hee had wonne Worckcom, Coudom, Hindeloopen, and some other places. The nine and twentie day of Ianuarie it beganne to thawe; wherefore the Spaniards beeing loath to bee shut vp in that waterie countrie, thought to make their retreate, and not to attend anie further hazard.
In his retreat he met with some pesants armed, whom he defeated, wherof some saued themselues in a Church, and refusing for to yeeld were burnt, from thence they went to the village of Boxom a league from Leeuwaerden where they were told that there was nere them 2000. Frisons Protestantes, being intrencht with Cartes and Wagons, and hauing two field peeces, yet the Spaniards went to charge them in their trenches, and E as at the first charge the horses which were in the carriages, were amazed and terrified at the great noyse of the shot being vnacquainted with it, they began to run and breake Certaine Protestants Frisons defeated. their fort, wherevpon the Spaniards charged them verie furiously and put them to rout: whereof part of them saued themselues in the Church of the village, and afterward yeelded vpon ransome. Of the Protestants there died in this charge fiuehundred fourescore and sixe, and about some three hundred taken prisoners. Of the Spaniards verie fewe, some sayd but fiue and twentie. Amongst the which Olswald, one of the Earles of Vandenbergh lost his life in the flowre of his age. Captaine Hendricke van Delden a braue souldiar was also slaine. Among the Protestant prisoners, was captaine Stein Malte a Dane, Lieutenant to Count William of Nassau, who F was then at the Hage at the reception of the Earle of Leicester. This Gentleman had bin sent for by his King, and had taken leaue of the Estates, and was richly rewarded by them, so as hee was now vpon his departure: but by reason of the Earles absence, the Spaniards being thus sodenly entred into the country ouer the yce he was intreated [Page 915] to doe this seruice, the which for the loue, honor and respect of the said Earle he 1586. A would not refufe.
At the same time Collonell Martin Schenck being in Venloo, he sallyed forth vpon 80. Spanish horse defeated eighty Spanish horse hauing past the riuer of Meuse, whome hee defeated, yet withsome losse of his o [...]emen. A little before he had defeated some forty Italien horse of the company of captaine Appio Conti, of the which eighteene were slaine and twenty two prisoners. The King of Spaine hearing of the succors which the estates had gotten from the Queene of England, sent more mony by diuers meanes to the Prince of Parma for that as then his soldiars began generally to mutine. And at that time also the King sent downe the Marquis of Guast and of Pescara, the last being of the house of Aualos, with many others: this Marquis was by the Prince of Parma made Generall of the horse. The seauenteene of Ianuary they of Antwerp appointed a day B euery yeare of sollemne procession for the expelling and killing of the French three years before, the which they called the day of the French fury, in perpetual remēbrance of the Duke of Anious ouerthrow, being at that time Duke of Brabant, in the which action the Catholiks did challendge the greater honor, but they of the reformed relligion gai [...] said it. In the beginning of February some soldiars of the garrison of Nuys went disguised like marchants to the towne of Zybrich: these men hearing that their troupes approched went vnto the castle (knowing well that the captaine was not there) An enterprise vpon Zybrich failed. and intreated his wife (all the country as they said being full of Freebooters) to giue them a gard to conduct them vnto Cologne the which being refused, they stayed a C while betwixt the ports, looking of euery side, then being resolued, they slue the Porter and seased vpon the Castell. The captaines wife seeing that they were enemies cried out murther: They to giue a signe to their men to make hast, hung an enseigne out of one of the towers, And being busie to open them the castell behind, the Bourguers being in armes came running thether: the vndertakers quitting all defence, fled into an old tower, to make some defence. But they of the towne fearing that their long delay might be hurtfull vnto them, they set fire of the said tower, and forced the soldiars to yeeld. They had with them a glasier of the same towne and his sonne, who were carried to Bonne and there quartred.
About the end of February Collonell Schenck and captaine Cloet) who commanded D within Nuys) past the riuer of Rhine with certaine troupes of horse and foot, marching towards West-phalia, to make an enterprise vpon the towne of Werel. On the 27. day being come by fower of the clocke in the morning before the towne, they set fire of a house ioyning to the port, the which flew into the towne. The townsmen ran thether from all parts to quench it: on the other side Schenk with his men gaue a sodaine scaladoin one part farthest of from the castell: and hauing past the rampar they went to the port, the which they opened so sodenly, as their horsemen were vpon the market place before the Bourguers did knowe the towne was taken. There was with in the towne a castell which Herman van Weda some-times Bishop of Cologne, had caused to be built to keepe them in awe. The Bourguers fled with such feare towards the castell and in such a throng, as the garrison fearing that the Protestants would enter pel-mel E with them, shut the ports against them, letting none in but Gerard Brandt the bourguemaister, and the Lieutenant of the Castle. The towne being thus taken, was kept very straightly that none might come in nor get out to carrie news thereof. The castell was sommoned, but the Gentleman that held it called Iohn Verminkh [...]uysen refused to yeeld. This place was of great importance whereon depended the preseruation of all the country of Westphalia. The Captaine sent a messenger withall speed to Cont Euerard van Solms, Marshall of the country of Westphalia, giuing him to vnderstand the estates of the towne and castell intreating him to send him some succors, for that hee wanted men to maintaine a long seege, and also to haue F some victualls and munition for warre. The Marshall sent him presently certeine wagons conducted by two hundred and fifty foote, the which entred into the Castle without any incounter, Whereof the Captaine retained onely a hundred and sent backe the rest. [Page 916] In the meane time the Marshall made all the speed that hee could to raise men in the A countrey, and to get the Nobility to horse-back (as it is their manner when they are 1586 interressed) so as hee made a little armie, the which he brought and conducted neere vnto the Castle of Waterlap, halfe a league from Werell, whereof the greater part of them were footemen, and all in a manner peasants, with so [...] which were the fewer part horse-men.
Collonell Schinke and Captaine Cloet, knowing their enem [...]s to bee so neere, would goe with all the speed they could and skirmish with them, on the Sonday the second of March, putting their horse-men into three seuerall squadrons, which went and charged them of Westphalia, which were but three score horse at the most: who hauing with-stood the first charge, wheeling about (according to their customes) B to récharge their Pistols, the peasants thinking they had turned their backs to flye, and that they must pay for all, fledde away presently as fast as they could: among whom Schincks horsemen fell and made pittifull slaughter of them: among the which there The Marshall of Westphalias men defeated. were thirty souldiers, harguebuziers, of the garrison of Arensbergh, the which carried them-selues very valiantly, who seeing these peasants turne head and flie, they put themselues into a deepe and narrow way, whereas the horse-men could not annoy them, of the which they ouer-threw some. Schenck seeing the hurt this handfull of men did him, approching neere vnto them, hee sayd. Souldiers I haue knowne you well, and now I haue tryed your valours: wherefore seeing your troupes are in The brauery of thirty soldiers. route, if yee will yeelde, I will make you a good composition, and intreate you like C good Souldiers and men of warre. Whilest hee spake these words, one shotte at him, and although hee aymed at him, yet hee toucht him not, but slew another heard by him.
This vncourteous answer did amaze Schencke, and as hee returned backe, an other shotte at the hinder part of his saddle, the which past through and entred into his thigh, where the bullet remained. And as his men would no more approache, fearing at the least to bee dismounted from their horses, hee retyred, and so did those Souldiers with-out any hurt or losse. Among the Gentlemen of the Westphalian horse, were slaine Hendric and Guytterman van Pleytenberch and Merffart van Borch: Of the Peasants there were slaine about three hundred men vppon the place, D the which lay eight dayes in the fields before they were buried, and there were about three hundred more drowned in the riuer of Roer.
After this defeate or ouerthrow, Schencke and his men returned to the Towne, the which was kept close as before, but that some-times hee sent his men into the countrey for some bootie. They within the Castle were not idle in the meane time, annoying the garrison of the Towne with their Artillery: and firing the new gate, whereby they had accesse vnto the towne, which Schenckes men could not preuent, by reason of the great Ordinance which played continually from the Castle. Yet Schenck meaning to cutte of this passage, built a Fort within the Towne, right ouer against the castle, the which did much annoye the Bourguers, beeing also forced to E labour themselues, so as there were aboue forty of them slaine with the shotte of the Cannon.
The Lord of Hautepenne had goodly troupes about Keysers-weerd, with the which hee past the Rhine, and marcht directly to Werell, with an intent to besiege it before that Schencke had fully fortified, whereof hee beeing aduertised, hee resolued to make a retreate in time, the which hee might easily doe for that Hautepenne came on but slowly. Beeing ready to make his retreate, (which was the eight day of Marche) hee kept the gates shutte all the day, during the which hee laded all the spoile vpon Wagons, and at nine of the clock at night he parted out of the towne towards Ham, and from thence hee returned vnto Bercke vpon the Rhine, carrying F with him some thirty of the Bourguers prisoners, to haue their ransome, after which exployte Schenck came into Holland to the Earle of Leicester, by whom hee was honoured with Knighthood.
[Page 917] Whil'st that the Prince of Parma was before Graue. Collonell Schenck ranne ouer 1586. A the Diocesse of Cologne, spoyling all that came in his way: And the sixt of Maie, hee made a road vp to Brulle (whereas the Bishoppes of Cologne sometimes keepe their Schenck ouerruns the Diocesse of Collogne. Court, and haue a goodly Pallace) but finding them vppon their guard, and well prouided, hee retyred, and came before Cologne, making warre throughout all the Territorie, as well against the Gentlemen of the Champian countrie, as against the Burgers, not sparing [...]y. At his retreate hee forced the Castell of Monqchuysen, and tooke the Seignior of Grosbergh (Nephew to the last Bishoppe of Leege) prisoner, who was carryed to Nuys. The garrison of Nuys, went and built a Fort in the Iland which is betwixt the towne of Soust and Cologne: This place seruing conuenient for them to cutte of the victuals that came to the Spaniards Campe, if they came to besiege B them againe.
The fifth of Iune there went a shippe of warre from Nuys, well appointed with men and artillerie, the which mounted vp the Rhyne, and anchord before Cologne, right against Duytsch: The Captaine of which shippe was called Peter van Allen Vrienden. The Magistrates and Councell not knowing what to thinke of this affront, sent for the Captaine to come and speake with them, & to giue them a reason of his action; hee went boldly and told them that hee was come by the commandement of Captaine Cloet, Gouernor of the Towne of Nuys, to hold the place, and to receiue the towle of all goods and Marchandises that should passe and repasse vppon the Riuer of Rhyne, in the name of the Prince Elector Trucses, Arch-bishoppe of Cologne: And that hee would hold all for good prize that should offer to resist him. Heere-vppon the C Councell made him answer, that it was against the lawes and priuiledges of the towne, and of the Burgers, which might not suffer (according to the constitutions of the Empire) that any one of his owne priuate authoritie, should alter the towles and duties of townes, much-lesse impose any new and vn-accustomed: And that they would not indure that (beeing thus armed) he should lye before their towne, and collect any towle or Impost. This Captaine demanded an act of their answer, to send it vnto his Commander the Gouernor of Nuys, the which was deliuered him, and hee sent it vnto Captaine Cloet: Who writte vnto them, that he had commandement from the said Prince Elector, their Arch-bishoppe and Prince; and that to the same D end hee had sent Captaine Peter with his shippe, and that if any one would dare to hinder him, that hee would force him to obey: And therefore hee requested the Magistrates of Cologne not to take it in ill part: The like hee writte to the Burgers and Magistrates of the towne, that it might not seeme strange nor grieuous vnto them, if they were forced to pay the said towle, and that hee suffred nothing to passe without a discharge.
The Councell of the towne was in doubt what to do, whether they should chase him away by force or not: Where-with they were much troubled, the issue of this busines seeming somewhat doubtfull vnto them. In the end they resolued to compound with Cloet (who was come vnto the said shippe) and yet notwith-standing they did write vnto the Emperor, to their Princes Electors, and to the Duke of E Cleues. In the meane time they sent two Doctors, one Secretarie, and a sworne messenger of the Towne to Cloet, to let him vnder-stand that this new Imposition did Impugne the Statutes of the Empire, and the liberties and freedomes of the Towne: And therefore the Councell did not meane to allow of this Innouation. Cloet demanded their answer in writing, to impart it vnto Prince Trucses, without whose warrant hee might not depart by any meanes: And so the Deputies retyred, whome Cloet had feasted most curteously wiith great loue and kindnesse in his shippe.
After the yeelding vp of Venloo, the Prince of Parma on the tenth of Iuly, came F with all his forces before the Towne of Nuys, at the request of the Bishope of Beyern and Cologne, thinking to purchase vnto himselfe great honor and fame by the taking thereof, in regard that Nuys was a good Towne, lying not farre distant The Prince of Parma besiegeth Nuys. [Page 918] from the Rhine, and much spoken of, for that the valiant Prince Charles Duke of Bourgongne, A had spent a great treasure, and lyen a whole yeare in siege before it, and yet 1586 could not take it. Hee brought thether a great and mightie armie of Spaniards, Italians, Germaines, Netherlanders, Bourguignons, and Wallons, lead by the Marquis of Warrenbon, Charles and Octauio Earles of Mansfield, the Earle of Aremberg, Iohn Ma [...]riquez de Lara, Bonninc, Liques, Camillo, Capuzucca, Gaston Spinola, and many other Commanders of Regiments. The Marquis of Guast was generall [...]f the horse: they had their victuals and munition from Cologne. The Prince himse [...]e lay in the strong Cloister of Ghenaden-dael, where hee was visited by the Bishop of Beyern and Cologne, the young Duke of Cleues, the Margraue of Baden, and other Princes and Lords. Within the Towne of Nuys Captaine Herman Cloet was Gouernor, a wise B young Gentleman, who with a thousand soldiers prepared to defend themselues valiantly. Betwixt the towne and the Rhine there is a small Iland, in the which they of the Towne had built a Fort, the which the soldiers abandoned vpon the first approach of the Spaniards. A Spanish Captaine perceiuing it, went and seized thereon with his company: but they of the towne sallied forth, defeated all his company, and tooke him prisoner, and then they quitted the Fort againe. Then the Prince planted foure Canons in the said I land, sixe before Neerport, & foure before Rhinpoort, to batter the Rampar behinde the cloister of Mariembergh, which was the weakest part of the towne. The besieged for their parts slept not, but wrought day and night to fortifie it, both Bourguers and soldiers: the Gouernor Cloet did so presse them therevnto, as they had C scarce any leisure to feed. The Prince hauing all his batteries ready, and all things prepared to giue an assault, as soone as the breach was made, he did first summon the Gouernor Nuys sommoned. on the 24. of Iuly, that if he would yeeld vp the towne, hee would make him a good composition: if not, that hee must attend the extreamities of a siege, and the fruites of his assaults. An answer was sent him in writing, that they did thanke him for his kinde offer: and that knowing him to be a vertuous and a valiant prince, they would willingly treate with him: but being a matter of great importance, wherin they should be well aduised, they demanded six houres respight to consult.
The prince had sent a drumme into the Towne to demand hostages of either side, and that the besieged should send their Deputies with Commission and full power to D treate. But one of the Captaines called Faelix Poucher answered, that they found not the prince of Parmas Articles tollerable: saying, that hee had not kept the accord made with them of Venlo, the which the prince denied. During these sendings vp and downe, the Canons of the campe played vpon the towne, and that of the towne vpon the campe against the law of armes: so as the prince who was come neere to parle with them, was forced to hide himselfe in a drie ditche: for the which hee blamed Cont Charles of Mansfieldt, maister of the Ordinance, at his returne to the campe: who excused himselfe; saying that it was without his priuitie. Afterwards the Prince sent Collonell Taxis vnto the besieged, to know whether they were resolued to defend The Prince of Parmas offer. themselues, or to hearken to a good composition: who demanding to haue the articles E in writing, they were sent them by a Trumpet: which were in substance, that they should depart with their coulours flying, and with all their armes, goods, baggage and booty, and that hee would cause them to bee safely conuayed to any place where they pleased, giuing them halfe an houres time to resolue therevpon. Taxis with other Commanders were before the Port attending. This Trumpet remained in the towne from noone vntill night following: about ten of the clock at night one came to tell The answer of them of Nuys. them that the Trumpet was gone to sleepe, and that they might goe to bed if they pleased, and that the next day they should haue an answer. In the end this Trumpet returned the next day about sixe of the clock in the morning, with this answer. That they of Nuys wondered that the Prince of Parma made warre against their towne, belonging F to the Prince Elector Truchses, and depending of the holy Empire, demanding a truce for sixe weekes, the which hauing obteined, they would enter into some reasonable course of an accord. The Prince hearing this answer, and thinking that they mockt him, he caused the towne to be battered the same day, with thirty Canons, being Saint [Page 919] Iames day the Patron of the Spaniards, neuer ceasing from morning vntill night, so 1586. A as there was neuer a more furious batterie heard, hauing made that day aboue three Nuys battered. thousand shotte. So as Rhynport and Neerport were battered to the ground, with a great part of the wall euen vnto the riuer: then changing the batterie to the other side of Rhinport towards the cloyster of Maryenbergh, they beate downe an other curtaine of the wall; so as there was a breach aboue three score foote long, by the which they might looke into the middest of the Towne. Betwixt the great Church and the Port there was a Tower, whereof part was beaten downe: a Spanish Captaine aduentured to creepe vp into it, and looking round about him, seeing no man (for that the besieged in that place lay close, by reason of the continuall batterie) approach, he made a signe with his hand to his men to approch the which they did, and wonne that side of the Rampar. The Gouernor Cloet, hearing that the Spaniards were B so farre aduanced, marched thether with some of his men, to chase them from thence, the which hee could not doe, but that they remained still in the Tower.
At this charge the Gouernor Cloet was shotte in the calfe of the legge, and was carryed to his lodging. Soone after one of the Spaniards went out of the Tower to The gouernor Cloet shot in the legge. the Prince of Parma, telling him that the Towne laye open of that side, and that there was no flankes to hinder his entrie. This did encourage the Spanish souldiers beeing greedy of the spoyle, thinking the time tedious vntill they went vnto the assault, and the rather for that it was their Patrons day, who they hoped would giue them victorie. But the Prince of Parma for that it was very late, and night approched, C deferred it vntill the next day, causing the battery to continue all that night following, that the besieged should haue no leisure to rampar vp that which had been beaten downe in the day.
The next day in the morning the Princes campe beeing all in armes, and ready to goe to the assault: the Captaines of the Towne came vnto the Gouernor, to demand his aduise and counsell touching their yeelding; who seeing himselfe thus hurt, and beeing full of paine, hee wisht them to compound as well as they could, at the least to haue their liues and goods saued. Captaine Rittall was sent and an Ancient with him to the Prince, to treate of an accorde: comming neere vnto the Campe, an They of Nuys offer to yeeld and are sent back. Italian Collonell caused them to stay there, vntill hee went to tell the Prince, and to D know his will and pleasure touching that which they sayd they came for, which was to treate an accorde, and to yeeld vp the Towne. The Prince made answer vnto this Collonell, that they should returne and attend with the rest, the hazard of the assault. Where-vpon the Captaine and his companion returned, and deliuered vnto the besieged the answer which had beene giuen them.
Those of the Towne had by foure of the clocke in the morning discryed and seene great troopes of horse come out of a wood neere vnto the Towne, euery one carrying a Faggot, which they cast into the ditch to fill it vp, whereby they might easily iudge what their intent was: Wherefore the day beeing a little more spent, they sent three of their Captaines againe to the Campe, but at their arriuall they were layde holde on and kept prisoners. The Spaniards burned with desire to goe to the E assault, some say they went of them-selues, and were within the Towne before the Prince had beene aduertised or had any knowledge thereof. So the Towne was forced of the one side by the Spaniards, and soone after about Meerporte by the Italiens. The besieged leauing the Rampar, retyred vnto the Market place, thinking to make it good, but they were soone forced and defeated: the conquering soldiers putting all to the sword that they mette in the streetes, were they armed or not armed.
In the meane time the Wallons, Germaines and Liegeois were quiet in their quarters, lying by Hochporte, beeing ignorant what was done in the Towne: but F as soone as they heard that the Spaniards and Italiens were within the Towne, they fell to scale it on their side, and so did the high Bourguignons. Those that were lodged The great spoile and slaughter at Nuys. in the Iland swamme ouer, and made all the haste they could to goe to the spoyle. The slaughter was great, for that they spared not any.
[Page 920] There were some two hundred soldiers retired towards Hochport, and had cast A downe there armes: but the Spaniards stript them naked, that their apparell should 1586. not be spoild with their bloude, & then (the first furie being past) they did murther them in cold bloud. There were three hundred more gotten out of the port (thinking to escape and to make their way by force, or to die in fighting) were compassed about by the horsemen, and cut in peeces without all mercy. The towne being thus taken, and the Gouernor Cloets house seazed on, hee was found lying wounded in his bed; his wife and two sisters being by him: the enemy being entred into his chamber, they willed him to prepare him-selfe to dye: wherewith being much troubled, he intreated them to saue his life, being a soldiar, and that he had in discharge of his duty to his maister, done the part of a soldiar and an honest man, wherevnto answere was made that both The cruell death of Cloet Gouernor of Nuys. he and his maister were banished and condemned by the Emperor, and must bee punished B accordingly: who seeking to excuse him-selfe, they put a halter about his necke, drew him out of the bed, and hung him out at a windoe of his howse. The Minister and 2. captaines were in like manner hanged. Some discoursing of this cruelty, said that Cloet and his Captains had not done ill in their resolution to keepe and defend tho towne for their maister, but that they committed a great fault to mocke the Prince of Parma, as we haue said, hauing so mighty an army, and so great store of artillery, able to force a stronger towne then Nuys.
It was not sufficient for the Spaniards to haue sackt and spoyled the towne, but they withall burnt it: and yet some to excuse it say that fire fell among certaine fagots and old drie wood that was prepared to rampar with, and so tooke some neere houses C that were couered with straw. See the end of the miserable seege of this towne, the twenty sixe of Iuly, the which will not in long time bee restored to her former estate the desolation was so great. The Prince of Parma being yet in his campe after the taking of the towne, the first of August there arriued the Bishop of Verceil Noncio to The Pope sends a halloued sword to the Prince of Parma. Pope Sixtus the fift, whether also were come the cheefe Noble-men and gouernors: This Noncio (hauing on his right hand the Arch-bishop of Cologne Prince of Lieg, and on his left the Prince of Cleues) brought from the Pope to the Prince of Parma, a Sword and a Hat hollowed by Pope Sixtus owne mouth, with letters congratulatory vnto the said Prince, for his happy successe: in the which there was an expresse clause that such as should assist at the Masse which the said Noncio should say when as the D Prince should receiue the Sacrament at his hands with the said Sword and Hat, being first confest and communicating at the said Sacrament, should haue full remission of their sinnes. Then the Noncio made an oration to all the Noblemen, Gouernors, Collonels, Captaines and men of warre there present: exhorting them to carry themselues valiantly, and to die for the Romish Catholike faith, with promise of all Apostolicall blessings, and in the end eternall life. Which being done hee came vnto the Prince, and put the Hat vpon his head, and girt him with the Sword, which was richly wrought. The which the Pope sent him, (as the letters made mention) in remembrance of his valour and vertue. E
Whilest that the Prince of Parma was at his seege before Nuys, Prince Maurice and Sir Philip Sidney Gouernor of Flessing for the Queene of England (to prouide worke for him in another place) landed at the fort of Ferneuse, with three thousand soldiars, to make a road into Flanders, thinking by that meanes to diuert him from the seege of Nuys; and the twenty fiue of Iuly they tooke the towne of Axel not farre from the Sas of Gant. This did some-what trouble them of Flanders and Brabant; fearing some greater mischeefe, so as they of Flanders wrote very importunat letters to the Prince of Parma, intreating him to come to succor them, saying that it was more resonable and necessary to defend their country then to beseege an imperiall towne lying out of the iurisdiction and limits of the Netherlands: yet would he not forsake that seege but sent F la Motte Gouernor of Graueling, to goe and beseege Axel: the which hee pretending to doe, the states cut the dikes and drowned all the country therabouts, so as with their shipping they forced them to leaue the towne. At the same time la Motte by meanes of a Wallon soldiar, called Nicholas Marchant some-times Sargant to the company of [Page 921] Captaine Brugnastre in the States seruice, layded a plot to intrappe the cheefe Commanders A, 1586. Collonels and Captaines of English. This marchant adressing him-selfe to the Earle of Leicester, and some of the deputies of the Estates, giuing them to vnderstand that he had good intelligence with many officers and soldiars of the garrison of Graueling, and that vnder coullor of carying of corne thether by sea; bringing men into the hauen, they might easely enter into the towne. His desseigne was found reasonable, and he had mony giuen him to buy corne and to imbarke it. This exploit was to bee done by Sir Philip Sydney and other commanders. But this marchant hauing bought and imbarckt his corne and brought it into the hauen, hauing assured them that those hee carried with him and those of the garrison which were of his confederacie, should open the port at a certaine houre appointed to Sir B Philip and his men: he being come neere the towne, and finding the port wide open sooner then he expected, hee began to doubt, for that some things fayled which had beene concluded in this enterprise, the which staied them from passing any further. La Motte and his men (who attended them with great deuotion) were greedy of their prey, and thought it long vntill they entred, sending two or three soldiars to wish them to make hast, but their marchant kept still within the towne, and neuer shewed him-selfe, which made them to doubt the more, and in the end to retyre. La Motte seeing this, fell vpon them that were entred with the marchant, who at the first were well entertained by them of the counterset and deceitfull faction, but in the end they smarted for all the rest, being about some thirtie of the English-men C that were slaine.
The affaires of the vnited Prouinces were some-what impayred by the losse of Graue, Venlo and other places, the which the Prince of Parma had won, who prospered more and more. There fell out among the sayd Prouinces and some particular townes a secret iarre and disagreement (as it happens often in an estate where as many command) the one seeking to be freed from chage to day it vpon his companion: And with all Collonel Schenke (during the time that hee serued the King of Spaine) had noted some men, who gaue cause to suspect some of the estates, as if they were not to bee trusted, on the other side the Earle of Leicester newly made gouernor The Earle of Leicester discontented. of diuers Prouinces, euery one hauing seuerall preuiledges and freedomes, D being heretofore vnited together vnder one Prince, by heriditary successions, alliances of marriages, guifts, pourchase, and otherwise; retayning yet still their liberty and the preheminences of their estats: hee perswaded him selfe that the authority which he ought to haue, by reason of the place which he held in the said Prouinces, was much diminished, for that the gouernment and absolute command depended not vpon him alone nor of his councell: but that the generall estats of the vnited country according to their ancient rights (although that in the Duke of Aluas time this order had beene broken) had in regard of them great authority to take knowledge of all things concerning their Estates.
This bred a ielousie and distrust, the which was after-wards the cause of a greater E mischiefe, for Maister Paul Buys (some-times aduocate of the particular Estates of Paul [...] Prisoner at Vtrecht. Holland, and appointed a Councellor to the Earle of Leicester,) beeing at Vtrecht, was put in prison, and there kept, without proceeding iudicially against him, nor knowing who was his aduerse partie. The captaines which had taken him, sayd they had done it by the Earles commandement, the which he denied. There were also some of the chiefe of the towne, among others the signior Nicholas van Zuylen Scout or Baylife, and some other priuate men, who were dismist and commanded to depart the towne by sunne setting; who retired into Holland, from whence they sent their complaints in writing vnto the Earle, who made himselfe ignorant of all: so as no man could iudge whether it, were by his commandment or not. They of Vtrecht being more incensed against their Some banished from Vtrecht. F Burguers that were sent away, they banished them not onely out of their iurisdiction, but also out of Holland, and out of all the vnited Prouinces for a certaine time, vpon paine of consiscation of such goods as they had in their signeury and Diocese.
[Page 922] The states of Holland seeing with what rigour they of Vtrecht proceeded against A their fellow Cittizens, would gladly haue pacified this spleene: but not able to preuaile 1586 any thing, many of these banished men past the Seas, some going to liue in the East-countries, and the rest in some other neutrall places: some carelesse of this rigorous proscription, remained in Holland. In the meane time Maister Paul Buys remaining Paul Buys escapes out of prison. still a prisoner, and no proceeding against him, by practise, or rather by suffrance of some of the prison, found meanes to escape out of Vtrecht, and to retire into Holland: whereas his inlargement was confirmed, being bound vpon the penalty of 25000 Florins, to appeare and to answer to all that should bee obiected vnto him: but neuer any man came to accuse him.
During these losses which the vnited Prouinces had susteined, and the alteration in B the gouernment of their affaires, their mindes were much troubled with a new apprehension of feare, being diuulged and spread abroad that the Queene of England was intended to make a priuate peace with the King of Spaine, for her owne estates without any regarde of the safety and liberty of the vnited Prouinces, her neighbors: To satisfie their distracted mindes, and to free them from these doubts and iealousies: her Maiestie sent ouer Mr. Thomas Wilkes with letters to the councell of Estate, whereof I haue thought good to inserte the coppy, as followeth.
A Letter from the Queene of England, to the estates C of the vnited Prouinces, sent by Mr. Thomas Wilkes the 19. of Iuly 1586.
‘MY Maisters, and our good friends, wee haue beene aduertised of late, that not-with-standing the assurance which wee haue already giuen you by Sir Thomas Hennedge, of our firme resolution to proceed in this action, wherein wee haue so willingly imbarkt our selues for your defence and preseruation: there are some bad instruments among you, who neither well affected to vs, nor desirous of the publick good of their owne countries, haue giuen it out, that wee haue an intent to make an accorde D with the King of Spaine, and to yeeld to make a priuate peace for our owne proper aduantage, not comprehending the vnited Prouinces, nor caring any more for their safety and preseruation, and that you could attend but one yeares succors from vs at the most, with other such like inuentions, rather maliciously deuised, then grounded vpon any discourse of reason. For it is apparent to all men of any sence or iudgement, that there is such an indiuisible concurrence betwixt the estate of affaires, and the publicke good of both countries, as we cannot abandon your cause, and leaue you to the mercie of your enemies, being so farre ingaged in this action, and hauing imployed a person of that qualitie and esteeme with vs, as is our cousine the Earle of Leicester, without doing wrong and preiudice to our selues, besides the consideration of our honor, which E is so farre ingaged, wherein wee hope wee haue neuer made breach, nor giuen occasion to be iustly taxed: and therefore wee thinke that you will not giue any credit to the passionate discourses of such men. But yet to auoyde the suspitions and iealousnesse which they might breed among the generalitie, and in the hearts of such as know not well how matters passe, wee haue thought it fitte to send this bearer Maister Wilkes, one of the Clerkes of our councell of estate, expresly vnto you: to giue you a more ample and certaine assurance of our sincere and constant resolution, in any thing that concernes the good defence and preseruation of your countrey, the which wee haue so deepely vndertaken, as our fortune is inseperably conioyned to you. Wherefore it seemes expedient and necessary, that wee bee fully aduertised from point to point of F the present estate of your affaires, as hauing therein an extraordinary interest. Wherefore wee intreate you to giue vs therein the best satisfaction you can possible by the sayd Maister Wilkes, to whom wee haue giuen expresse commandement to informe himselfe by your meanes as particularly as hee can: doubting not but you will conferre [Page 923] freely with him vpon this subiect, as it is fitting, seeing it concernes your priuate and 1586. A proper good. And as for our parts you shall alwayes finde vs ready (as you haue formerly done) to performe that which we haue promised for the succour and defence of the country. In like manner wee attend that for your parts you doe that which you haue reciprocally offered, the which (to speake freely) hath not hetherto beene duly accomplished, as you shall vnderstand more particularly from the mouth of the bearer. Beseeching the Creator, &c. From Richmond the 19. of Iuly 1586. Signed.’
The same moneth her Maiestie did write an other letter to the Prince of Parma, in answer of one written by her concerning a treatie of peace, betwixt her Maiestie and B the King of Spaine, which she refuseth to hearken vnto. The tenor whereof was.
A letter from the Queene of England, to the Prince of Parma, in Iuly 1586.
‘THe letters which your Excellencie haue written and sent by one Augustin Graffigna, being accompanied by one William Bodenham, seemes very strange, for that mention was therein made, that you vnderstood by the said Graffigna, how that wee had commanded him to make an ouerture of an accord vnto you on our behalfes, & that you had heard C it with great pleasure and content: and although wee cannot but approue and like of your Excellencies inclination and desire, to bring matters to some good end, offring to that effect all the good meanes that are in your power: notwithstanding your Excellencie must know, that in this businesse there hath beene a great error committed, that in our name, without our knowledge, and against our disposition, and in some sort to the preiudice of our honor, any such person as Graffigna, or any other of better qualitie, should presume to begin any such matter in our name, or in our behalfe, as if wee had in that manner (by messages sent vnto your Excellencie) sought to make a peace with the Catholicke King, who hath in such sundry sorts recompenced D our good offices with contrary effects, whereby wee haue beene constrained (contrary to our naturall disposition) to enter into these actions, the which is to no other end but for the defence of our estate, necessarily conioyned with our ancient neighbours of the Netherlands. And herevpon the said Graffigna being by our commandement demanded by some of our councell, if hee had receiued commission from vs, or if he had dealt with your Excellencie by order from any of our Councell, he denied it peremptorilie, as your Excellencie may see by his owne hand writing, the which we haue sent you here inclosed: and for a greater proofe hath offered to returne to iustifie the same. As for Bodenham sent hether by you, wee haue caused some of our councellers to talke with him, and to vnderstand what he had to say on your behalfe: Who E sayes that there is a great desire in your Excellencie to procure a peace betwixt vs and the Catholicke King, and to this end (as hee sayes) your Excellencie offers to procure authoritie from the King, to treate with vs, by the meanes of such persons as shall bee thought fit, if it may be first knowne that we haue any inclination therevnto: wherein as well the King as your Excellencie may vnderstand by our publick declaration, what our minde was then, and shall be yet, and how important the reasons be, which haue moued vs to deale in these actions: not being thrust on by any ambition, or the desire of effusion of bloud, but only to secure our owne estate, and to free our auncient neighbours from misery and slauery: and to these two ends we haue directed our actions, with a resolution to continue them, notwithstanding that by indirect meanes there are certaine F rumors spred abroad, (especially in the Netherlands) that we are inclined to a peace, without any respect of the safetie and libertie of those our neighbors, who haue moued vs through compassion of their miseries, and for other iust causes of importance, to aide and defend them from perpetuall ruine and slauerie: and therefore we haue had [Page 924] great wrong offered vs therein, for such is our compassion of their miseries, as wee will 1586. A not by any meanes haue their safety diuided from ours, knowing well how they concurr together. And therefore we intreate your Excellencie, that you will hold our resolution to be such, notwithstanding any rumor that shall be spred to the contrary, the which is greatly to our dishonour. Yet we would haue you perswaded, that if wee may see reasonable conditions of peace offered vnto vs, which may bee for our safety and honor, and the libertie of our neighbours; we will as willingly accept of it, as wee were vnwillingly forced to the contrary. Seeing that wee cannot doe any thing more pleasing to Almighty God, then to procure a generall peace throughout all Christendome: The which should bee the chiefe care of vs that bee Monarkes and Princes: and so it is knowne vnto the Almightie (who is the God of peace, and the onely searcher of all B hearts) how much we haue beene therevnto alwayes inclined. To whose iudgement we appeale, against the malice of all the tongues that seeke to perswade the world to the contrary.’
Nuys being taken, the Prince of Parma deliuered the emptie towne vnto the Bishop of Cologne, sending his troupes to Alpen and Maeurs, and the castle of Crako, belonging to the Earle of Nieuwenar and Maeurs, which hee presently tooke, and from R [...]inberg besieged by the Prince in vaine. thence they went before Rhinberke, whether he himselfe came in person the thirteenth of August: where as Sir Martin Schenck and Sir Thomas Morgan an English Gentleman, with about one thousand English, and some seauen or eight hundred other good C soldiers lay in garrison, to defend it against the Prince. The States ships of warre that were in garde before the said towne, being falne downe the Rhine, the Iland which lies opposite against the towne, was seized on by the Spaniards, who presently planted ten Canons there, but the garrison that was within the towne defended themselues so well, by the good conduct of Collonel Schencke, as the Prince preuailed nothing, onely he caused certaine fortes to bee built there-abouts. The Earle of Leicester meant to take some course to deliuer it: but as hee had in the beginning of September planted his campe aboue and beneath Elten, passing on, hee went to besiege the towne of Dousbourg, lying vpon the riuer of Yssel. The Princes men continuing their desseigne vpon Berck, after they had finished their fortes, subiected all the fortresses there-abouts D euen vnto Wezel: Before the which towne is that of Bruycke, belonging to the Duke of Cleues, which they seized on, and put some of their men in garrison there: betwixt which two townes of Wezell and Bruyck they made a bridge vpon the Rhine, to stoppe the passage of shippes that came vpward, and that the estates should send no victuals to Berke.
The garrisons of Ostend, Sluice and Terneuse, after the taking of Axel did great hurt in Flanders, cutting of the conuoyes that brought corne to Bruges, Ipre, and other places, for that as then there was a generall dearth of corne throughout all the countrey, Dearth of corne in Bruges. in such sort as the poore people within Bruges dyed for hunger: at which time, notwithstanding their great want of corne, and dearth in the whole Prouince, the hatred E that many of them bare (vnto such men as gouerned the towne of Bruges in former times, when the reformed religion was permitted) and yet continued there, trusting vnto the liberty and freedome of conscience, which was promised vnto them, by the contract made, betweene the Prince of Chimay, and the Prince of Parma, began as then to breake forth and shew it selfe. Whereof Peter van Hauterine, called Brouqsaulx was one, against whome (because hee was sonne to the Bourgomaister Brouqsaulx, that fled from thence into Zeeland for the religion, whereof the foresaid Peter his sonne secretly made profession) they sought all occasion to trouble and molest him, or else to put him to death; and to that end at last deuised (vpon vntrue and false sugiestions) to charge him to haue beene consenting to a certaine enterprise that should F haue beene made (as they sayd) against the towne of Bruges, vnder pretence that hee should haue beene present in company, when a Burger of that towne (called Ioos van Peenen) began to complaine of the alteration of the time, whereby hee had sustained great losse in his marchandise, and sayd most plainely that it would bee much [Page 925] better, if the aforesaid towne weere vnited againe vnto the Prouines of Holland and 1586 A Zeeland &c. and although the said Brouqsaulex, excused him of all matters so as they could make no proofeof that where-of they accused him, yet they sought by most vniust meanes, and vnspeakeable torments (as by setting him in a chare purposely made and placed before a fire, for the space of nine daies and eight nights keeping him continually waking) to force some confession out of his owne mouth, whereby they might seeme to haue some lawfull collour to condemne him to death, and although these torments could not make him to confesse any thing of that which was demaunded of him, and layd to his charge as it appeared by the letters he wrot of his persecution and troubles, and by good meanes caused them to be conuaide into Zeeland yet vpon the thirteene of Iune 1586: they caused his head to be stricken Peter de Bronsqualx & Ioos van Peenen beheaded in Brugges. of, with the said Ioos Peenens, without any lawfull proceeding, and against all due B course of iustice, and besides this confiscated all his goods, directly against the priueleges of the towne of Brugges, which import thus much, that a magistrate, can not lose both his lise & goods together, wherwith being not yet content, the desired the Prince of Parma to haue the point of permission and freedome of conscience graunted by the foresaid contract made to the Prince of Chimay (for awhile restrayned) established amongst them againe, the better to attayne vnto their purpose & intent of mischeuous reueng, and for that cause they banished many others out of the towne, in all which indirect courses, the new crept-in Iesuites, hauing most voyce and authority, hould this principle or maxime, that all contracts, promises, priueleges, and vowes, must giue place, and yeeld vnto the Catholicque, Romish Church and religion. In the C moneth of August the earle of Leicester hauing gathered certaine troupes of soldiars together, sent his vantgard, conducted by Sir Iohn Norris and Sir Thomas Cicile to lie at Saint Seuenter by the Rein, and vpon the sixt of September went him selfe from Arneham, to Elten, in the duchy of Cleue, accompanied with Don Emanuel Prince of Portingale, some to Don Antonio King of Portingale, the elector Tucses bishoppe of Colen, Prince Maurice Earle of Nassawe; Philip Earle of Hohenlo; William Earle of Nassaw, and Philip Earle of Nassaw his brother (both sonnes to Iohn Earle of Nassaw,) the Earles of Solmes, and Ouersteine.
The Earle of Essex, generall ouer the English horse, The Lord Willoughby, D the Lord North, Sir William Pelham, Marshall of the English forces, Sir Phillip Sidney, and many others of good estate and qualitie, where he mustered his army, and found it to bee seauen thousand foote and a thousand foure hundred horse, but knowing it too small a number, to raise the Prince of Parmaes campe from before Berck (who was reported to bee twelue thousand foote and three thousand fiue hundredhorse) he determined to set vpon Doesborch, thereby to moue the Prince of Parma to leaue Berck. This towne of Doesborch belongeth to the Earledom of Zutphen which had the name of Duysborch or Drusus Borch (as some men say) The discrip [...] of Doesborch long since giuen it by Drusius, (brother to the Emperor Tiberius,) that brought the Rehin, from aboue Arnham, into Isell, to the towne of Doe bourch, being yet called Fossa Drufiana, the towne hath high wales after the auncient manner, and E broad deepe diches; at that time there was in it three hunderd Walons, vnder the command of Captaine Sampson, and the townes-men that bare armes, were about three hundred more. The Earle of Leicester sent the Earle of Hohenlo, the Earle of Essex, Sir Phillip Sidney, and & others with fiue hundred horse, eight hundred foote men by night to inuest the towne, and vpon the ninth of September followed with his whole army, marching from a village called Elten and causing his trenches presently to bee made, so as within three daies after, he had planted tenne peeces of ordinance, against the towne, wherewith he made two indifferent great breaches, but by reason that they within rampared then vp againe, and made them strong, and also for that the dich was Doesborch wun by the Earle of Leicester the 13. of September. F sixty foote broad, and aboue 24. foote deepe, the assault was hard to bee giuen, but the diligence, willingnes, and forwardnes of the soldiars was so great as the Earle of Leicester, resolued to giue an assault, appointing the Earle of Hohenlo, with the Dutches and Scots, to begin, and Sir Iohn Norris, with the Englishmen and freezlanders [Page 926] to second them; which they within perceiuing, sent word to the Earle of Leicester, that A they would yeeld vp the towne, vpon certaine conditions, which were denied them, 1586 whervpon they yeelded themselues, only with sauegard of their liues, and the captaines and officers to remaine prisoners, and presently Sir Iohn Borowes and Sir William Stanley, entered into the towne; Sir Iohn Borrowes being made gouernor thereof. After that, to draw the Prince of Parma from Berck, the Earle of Leicester marched towards Zutphen, one of the 4. principall townes of the Duchy of Guelders, and yet of it selfe is an Earledome, and hath a speciall gouernment within it, beeing a very strong, and a good The Earle of Leicester marcheth to Zutphen. towne, and for that hee had intelligence, that the towne had no great store of victualls within it, he was in good hope to win it, or els to force the Prince of Parma to come thether, as after he did. Within it there lay Iohn Baptista Taxis, a braue soldiar, lieutenant to B Verdugo gouernor of Friseland, & for that this town lieth vpon the riuer of Issell, and by that means troubled the passage into the riuer of Velue, and Holland, the states long before had made a sconce vpon the other side in the Veluwe, but by reason of high floods, they were forced to leaue it; they of Zutphen tooke this sconce, and made it stronger, raysing two bulwarks and 4. sconces hard by it, which sconce, they of Holland, 2. yeares before, had besieged ten months togither, but could not win it, & so were compelled to suffer the enemy to ouerrun and spoile the Veluwe. The Earle of Leicesters forces being somewhat more increased, he brought his army along by the riuer, right before Zutphen, and vpon the 18. of September, made a bridge of boates ouer the riuer, within lesse then halfe a mile from the towne, taking certaine gentlemens houses, as Hackvoort, & C Voorden. While the army was thus busied, the Earle of Leicester went to Deuenter wheras then they began to mutine & would not liue friendly with thē, where by means The Earle of Leicester entreth into Deuenter. of bishop Trucse he got 400. foote and 200. horse, to enter into the towne and beeing there, newes was brought him, that the Prince of Parma had left Berck, wherevpon hee made hast to returne vnto his army, which he presently caused to bee more strongly intrencht towards Zutphen.
The Prince of Parma fearing that the Earle of Leicester, might do some thing against Zutphen, and finding that Berck was to well prouided, hauing taken the Island lying before The Prince of Parma [...]aueth Berck. it in the Reine and made it strong, & raised other sconces about it, all wel furnished vpon the 12 of September he departed from thence, & marched to Weesel, and tooke D Burick a smal towne in Cleaueland, and the castle, and there made a bridge of ships, and so past ouer to the other side, and being ouer, made certaine sconces, to keepe both the bridge and his passage, and went to Bunckloo, from whence he sent certaine victuals into Zutphen, going himself in person with his vantguard, which the Earle of Leicester, knowing, that the towne was not yet fully victualled, he thought the next time they victualled it to set vpon the conuoy, whervnto he appointed Sir Iohn Norris, & Sir William Stanley, with certaine foote, and others with some troupes of horsemen. The 22. of September in the morning betimes, the Prince of Parma, caused more victuals to be sent vnto Zutphen with the same conuoy of his vantgard, as they had before, being 6. or 700. horse, and 2000. pikes and musketiers. They staying in a strong place, by a village called E Warn suelt, halfe a mile from the towne, and so let the cartes and wagons passe along, which being discouered by a troope of 30. horse: Sir Iohn Norris, the Earle of Essex, the Lo. Willoughby, Sir William Stanley, Sir Philip Sidney, Sir William Russel, and others road thether, with about 200. horse, and 1500. musketiers and pikes, meeting with their enemies before they expected them, by reason it was then very misty: they of the Prince of Parmaes side, led by the Marquis of Guast vpon their watch-word giuen, beganne to shoot furiously out of their ambuscadoes, being a place of great aduantage, as if it had bin a sconce, which they on the Earle of Leicesters side manfully withstood, not any one once retyring out of his place, to the no little amazement of the enemy, which beeing past, & the enemy not knowing how strong the Englishmen were, and perceiuing them F to aduance; they sent out a cornet of horse vnder the leading of captaine George Cressier an Albanois, which was presently ouerthrowne, and the captaine himselfe taken prisoner: after that they sent Count Hanibal Gonzaga, with his cornet of horse, the which was likewise valiantly charged, put to rout, and part therof slaine, and he himselfe slaine, [Page 927] or deadly wounded, they pursewed the rest close vnder their shot, where the third cornet 1586. A made show to come to charge them, but it being likewise driuen backe, they parted one from the other in regard that the Prince of Parma began to send more men to strengthen them. The Spaniards had a hundred men, slaine and wounded, on the English part were slaine and hurt about thirty men, whereof one was Sir Philip Sidney, being shot into the thigh, as he changed horses, whereof he died within fiue and twenty daies after: A yong lerned wise & valiant gentel-man, & very for-ward, whose death was much lamented, hee was gouernor of Flessing, and the Earle of Leicesters sisters Sir Philip Sidney shot before Zutphen whereof hee died. sonne, his bodie was conuaied into England, and honorably buzied with in the Cathedrall church of Saint Paul in London, wherevpon the Englishmen not knowing how strong the enemy was, with-drew themselues vnto their campe, and so did the Prince of Parma vnto his. B
The Earle of Leicester sought to get the sconses before Zutphen, and layd his campe in the veluwe vpon the Issell, there beeing an Island that lyeth right ouer against the The Earle of Leicester besieged the sconce at zutphen. towne, from whence some-times men might goe dry-foote to the towne, which was kept but by thirty men in a small sconce, he caused it in the night time to be assailed and taken, killing some and taking others of the soldiars prisoners, the rest saued themselues by flight. This Island he caused to be fortified and made stronge, and so brought his campe, before the sconses by Zutphen, making a bridge from the land to the Island, for that, from that Island he could hinder and keepe backe any aide that should be sent out of the towne to the sconces, and presently made his plat-formes, and planted his Ordinance, C which being certified to the Prince of Parma, and that the Island was taken, hee was yet in feare to loose the towne, therfore vpon the foureteenth of October, he came againe personaly with his army hard by the towne, and victualled it sufficiently, the Earle of Leicester being not strong inough to impeach him. The next day he departed and went two mile off to Bruckelow, and so to Weslell, and from thence to Burick, where he passed ouer the Reine vpon the bridge that he had made, and because he was The Prince of Parma victualeth Zutphen. some-what sickely, hee went from thence to Brussells, leauing the Marquis of Renti, Barron of Montigni, of the house of Lalain, generall in the campe, the which as then was full of sickly souldiars, and diseased by reason of their want.
The sixteenth of October, the Earle of Leicester, hauing battered the small sconce, D lying North-ward, in the afternoone the same daie, hee caused an assault to bee giuen, wherein were about three hundred men, and in open viewe and sight of eight hundred The Earle of Leicester takes one of the sconces by zutphen forcibly. men that were in the great sconce, and two thousand in the towne, the Prince of Parma himselfe being then not aboue a mile or two from thence, hee tooke it by force, whereas an English Gentleman, called Edward Stanley, Lieutenant to Sir William Stanley, behaued himselfe most valiantly, leaping into the sconce, by meanes of one of the enemies pikes, wherewith the enemy thrusting at him, he clasped it in his hand, and holding fast, (what meanes soeuer the enemie wrought to pull it from him) got vp with it, and beeing vp, drewe out his courtelas, and beganne to laie vpon the enemie, and with that other following him, the enemy was constrained to retire, and so hee was E the chiefe meanes of taking the sconce, for which the Earle of Leicester (as hee well deserued) made him knight vpon the trench, with a guift of three score poundes starling Sir Edward Stanley for his valor made knight by the Baile of Leicester. yearely pencion during his life; at the taking of this sconce there were not aboue eight men lost, but the Earle of Hohenlo was sore wounded in the face. The Earle of Leicester therevpon, beganne to make preparation against the next daie to assaile the great sconce, for that this sconce lying Northward, and the Island Southward, hee should quite cut off the passage betweene the towne and the great sconce, which they The greatest sconce by zutphen forsaken by the enemy. in the great sconce fearing, fled by night into the towne, before the Earle had planted his Ordinance, leauing all their Ordinance within it, and so that sconce was likewise taken, with other places there-abouts, as the castle of Nienouer and Bocx-berghen F whereby the veluwe, was freed from all incursions.
To besiege the towne of Zutphen they thought it not conuenient, in regard it was too stronge, and for that as then it laie inclosed round about by the garrisons of Deuenter, Doesborch, Lochum, Deutecum and the sconce, it was to bee hoped, that in [Page 928] time by want of victuals, they should bee compelled to yeeld it vp, and therefore winter A being farre aduanced, the Earle of Leicester brake vp his campe, as the Prince of 1586. Parma had done his, placing his men in diuerse garrisons, and honoring many of his Captaines with the order of Knight-hood.
The sconce being taken, he tooke order for the fortifying thereof, placing Rouland Rouland yorke made gouernor of the sconce before Zutphen Yorke gouernor therein, with eight hundred English foote, and a hundred horse, to free the Velue, whereof the states disliked, because hee had once before serued vnder them, and after with the enemy, and had beene a double traytor, and that therefore his faith was to bee suspected. But the Earle of Leicester (beeing light of credit, and hauing a great trust in his owne nation) offered his owne person and honor for assurance of his loyaltie. In Deuenter hee placed Sir William Stanley for their gouernor, with one B thousand and two hundred English and Irish men, and two hundreth horse, for the Sir William Stanley made gouernor of Deuenter. which also the States were not well pleased, beeing one that had likewise serued the enemy. In Doesborch, he placed Sir Iohn Borrowes gouernor with two hundred horse, and eight hundred footemen, as also to keepe the castle of Brouchoorst, whereby the garrisons of Lochem, Deutecum, Sheuenbergh, and Zutphen were in a manner blockt vp.
The Earle of Leicester hearing that the Prince of Parma was retyred, and that it began to bee deepe in the Winter, and that the souldiers that should haue beene leuied in the East countreys, (by some indirect meanes) beeing then out of season to raise any more, were all disperst, hauing forced the Prince of Parma to breake vp The Earle of Leicester breakes vp his campe in Nouember. C his campe before Berke, (from whence Sir Thomas Morgan was newly come) hee went to the Hage, which gaue many cause of dislike, for neglecting so good an occasion when it was offered, seeing that the Prouinces vnder the Spaniards, were so sore distrest for want of corne, and other victuals, by reason that the Hollanders with their shippes had stopt the passages of all the cheefe Hauens, from whence they might get corne, but in the breaking vp of the campe his men that were in the Iland by Zutphen, were set vpon by Taxis him-selfe, but soone releeued, with losse of sixe or seauen Englishmen.
The Earle of Leicester being returned back vnto the Hage, the States moued him to take order, that their complaints and griefes (which in August last past, and now D againe were exhibited vnto him, and wherein they found themselues much burthened, and in a manner wronged) might bee redressed, which they set downe in forme of a petition, made in the name of the Nobilitie, Gentlemen, and townes of Holland, Zeeland and Freizland, containing the seuerall points here-after ensuing.
First they desired that the money receiued for contribution, might bee put into the Treasurers hands, chosen by the Estates, and that all the Commissions for any payments The States request to the the Earle of Leicester to bee made, should bee signed by the gouernor, and three of the counsell of estate, of the three seuerall Prouinces aforesaid, which they sayd was onely done, and past through the hands of one Iacques Ringualt, whom they with many others accounted to bee suspitious persons. E
That her Maiesties ayde of Englishmen, beeing fiue thousand foote, and one thousand horse, might bee kept full and in their complete numbers, besides the garrisons, and that they might bee mustered, and payde, in the presence of some one of the States Commissaries according to the contract.
That the leuying of new souldiers, according to the three and twentith Article of the contract, might bee done by the gouernor, with the consent of the States, that the Prouinces and Townes might not bee charged nor burthened, aboue their powers and habilities.
That according to the foure and twentith Article, no gouernors of Prouinces, Townes, or places, should bee chosen, or placed therein, before that three were first F nominated by the sayd seuerall Prouinces, whereof the gouernor with the counsell of estate might choose one.
That hee would obserue good Marshall discipline, and let no souldiers be suffered to goe forth with out commissaries with them, to take a note of their charges and expences, [Page 929] which by the Prouinces are to bee payd, that the commons from whom the 1586. A contributions are to bee gathered, might not be ouer much burthened.
That the garrisons might bee payd, which the Commanders ouer them complained of, fearing mutinies, and reuolts, in regard that the fourth part of the contribution gathered in Holland would suffise to pay their frontier garrisons, and the halfe of the contribution of Zeeland, for the garrisons of Zeeland, and that therfore the three parts of the Hollanders contribution, and the other halfe of the Zeland contribution, would serue for the rest of the garrisons.
That no pioners nor laborers Wagons, should bee forcibly taken out of the country villages, contrary to the ordinances.
That according to their priuileges, no man should be summoned to answere to the law, out of the Netherlands. B
That the authority of Magistrats which was much diminished and decaied, namely of Vtrecht might be vpholden and restored againe.
That Vtrecht might not be seperated from Holland, but be againe reduced vnder the gouernment of Prince Maurice.
That the proclamation, dated the fourteenth of August concerning traficke and nauigation, and the letters of the fiue and twenty of August, forbidding the carrying forth of any kind of wares or marchandises, tending to the ruine and ouerthrowe of the Netherlands, might be called in againe, and free liberty permitted vnto all men.
That the mony belonging to the admiralty, should not bee distributed, nor vsed to C any other end, then to the same for which it is appointed: That new or strange manner of collection of contributions might no more be vsed, and that no more question might be made, against the administration of spirituall goods.
That concerning the contributions of Holland, Zeeland, and Friseland not touching matters of policie, neither yet in the administration thereof, there should bee no audience, nor good credit giuen, vnto any person what soeuer, that had beene any dealer in the treasory of Brabant, Flanders, or other the enemies countries, not hauing any knowledge or vnderstanding of the state of these Prouinces, and that his Excelency in all causes, concerning the contribution, policie, or such like affaires, would vse the aduise and Councell of the sayd Prouinces. D
Vnto these demandes and complaintes, the Earle of Leicester made many excuses, and diuerse faire promises, that all should bee amended, but that as now hee had some occasion to goe into England, in regard that some matter of importance, and great waight, was then to bee handled in the high Court of Parliament in England.
The states sought all the meanes they could to stay him from going, but it was in vaine, and so the reformation, was deferred tell his returne againe, wherevpon The Earle of Leicester at his departure commandeth the gouernment of the Neitherlands to the Councell of Estate, by act dated the 23 of Nouember. they desired him to leaue some good order for the gouernment of the Netherlands, during his absence, for which cause vpon the three and twenty daie of Nouember hee made an act whereby hee committed the gouernment thereof to the Councell of E Estate, with this clause, that all should bee done by aduise of the generall States, authorising them with full powre to consult, and dispose of all causes whatsoeuer, with as full authoritie, as if hee himselfe were personaly present, not onelie for Marshall causes, but also for policie, according to their good discretions, for the preseruation and welfare of the Netherlands, common peace and quietnesse of the State, and the resistance of the enemie; with this prouiso that all dispatches, and commissions should bee made and vnder written, In his name (with his expresse commaundement and authoritie,) by his Cousin Prince Maurice Earle of Nassaw, and one of the Councell of the Noble Estate, beeing there for the Queenes most excelent Maiestie; or in their absence, by two other of the sayd Councell of Estate, and F that the sayd Councell of Estate, should deale in all other causes according to their ordinarie instructions, without deminishing any of his authoritie, and that the garrisons of townes and fortes, should bee placed, altered, and changed, according to their aduise and counsell, but in his name, and that the commissions, and [Page 930] authorities of the same, as also the passes, and lodging of the souldiers, in the champian A countrie, should in like sort be made in his name, and no man to deale or meddle 1586. there-with, notwithstanding any commission or commandement to the contrary, and that the warre by Sea, and the moneys appointed to that end, should rest in the disposition of the Admirall and the counsell of the Admiraltie. And further for the ordering of the warre, the sayd counsell of estate, should appoint a sufficient and experienced man, that should sit and consult with them in the said counsell, commanding all gouerners, Coronels and Captaines of horse and foote, both by sea and land, and all Magistrates what-soeuer, &c. to bee obedient vnto the sayd counsell of estate, as if he were personally present, and that during his absence, or till that it should bee otherwise appointed by the generall estates, promising vpon his princely word, to allow, maintaine, B and ratifie, and cause to be allowed, maintained, and ratified, all and whatsoeuer the said counsell of estate in his absence should decree and ordaine. Dated the 24. of Nouember 1586. subscribed Robert Leicester, and vnder by order from his excellencie.
The same day the Earle of Leicester made an other act of restraint, or recalling of the counsell of estates authoritie aforesaid, the effect whereof was as followeth. An act of restraint made by the Earle of Leicester during his absence.
That although his Excellencie had committed the gouernment of the country vnto the counsell of estate, with full power and authoritie both by water and by land, commanding they should be obayed in all things, as his owne person, as by his act appeared, yet his Excellencies intent and meaning was, that neuerthelesse, during his absence, hee C would reserue certaine causes to his owne will and disposition, and therefore decreed by this other act, that the aforesayd councell of estate, notwithstanding the aforesayd commission, and generall, absolute, and free power, vnto them committed and granted, should not alter nor change any thing touching the gouernment and command of places by his excellencie, already giuen and bestowed, nor touching the keeping of any Castles or Fortes, as also that they should not meddle with the chiefe officers of armies, as generalls of horse and foote, nor their Lieutenants, nor with any other principall officers, vnlesse it were with the knowledge and consent, first had from his Excellencie, and when any one should chance to dye, they should not put any other in his place, but with prouiso. They should not discharge any prisoners, nor yet take any assurances. D They should not dispose of confiscations, and spirituall goods, without his knowledge or pre-consent. And further that they should put to their helping hands, that the order concerning the English companies may be obserued. As also touching the carrying of victuals out of the Prouinces, especially of that which groweth within the same, that they should haue a speciall care & regard, that it were done (as much as might be) to the profit of the Netherlands, and so he could bee well contented therewith, and that the list of conuoyes by the generall estates, might bee augmented as much as possible might be.
Lastly, touching the nominating of the counsellers of estate, they should haue a regard, that nothing should therein bee added nor altered, to the deminishing of the E authoritie that belonged to his Excellencie, touching the choosing of one in euery Prouince, to sit in the counsell of estate, dated in the Hage the 24. of Nouember 1586. This act of restraint did afterwards cause great iealousie and dislike to grow, it being once knowne, and thereby procured great hurt and preiudice to the Netherlands, and to the Earle of Leicester himselfe much disquietnesse, as here-after you shall heere. Before the Earle of Leicester went out of the Netherlands, hee caused his image o [...] picture at life to be made of pure golde, waighing three or foure ounces a peece, to The Earle of Leicesters picture made in gold & giuen to his friends in the Lowe-countries. giue vnto his friends to weare it in remembrance of him, vpon the one side was his picture excellently well made, with an Inscription. Robertus Comes Leicestrie & in Belgia Gubernator 1587. On the other side, there was a flocke of sheepe feeding, whereof some F were scattered abroad, and before them a faire English Dogge, looking about for the sheepe, and many sheepe following him, and round about it was grauen. Non gregem sed ingratos, and vnder the Dog was written, Inuitus defero.
In September Anthonie Perrenot Cardinall of Granuelle, first of all Bishop of Arras, [Page 931] and afterwards Archbishop of Macklyn, dyed in Spaine, hauing many riche Abbaies 1586 A and benefices: he was borne the twentie of August 1517. sonne to Nicholas Perrenot Death of the Cardinall Granuelle. Lord of Granuell, one of the chiefe Councellors to the Emperor Charles the fift. This Cardinall by the quicknesse of his witte being very ambitious, would gouerne the Netherlands alone, and ouer-rule the Dutchesse of Parma that was Gouernesse, and the Princes and Lords of the Kings councell of State at his pleasure: whereby there grew iealousies and factions among the great men, which were couered afterwards with the cloake of religion: so as to redresse it (or it may bee to bee better serued with his councell) the King called him out of the sayd countries into Spaine, where hee did farre worse offices then if hee had remained in the Netherlands: for hee did so debase the countrey, and disgrace the Princes and Noblemen vnto the King, as by his vnmeasured B ambition, with the hatred hee bare them, and his desire to bee reuenged of them, hee was (to speake plainely) the onely Anuill, whereon all the miseries of these countries were forged, the which doe yet continue vnto this day, of whose life, and actions, wee haue discoursed at large in the eight Booke of this Historie.
The Earle of Maeurs was gone into Germanie to make a leuie of Reisters, which The Earle of Maeurs leuies Reistres and they mutine. they attended with great deuotion in the Estates campe before Zutphen: with the which hee came downe as farre as Bremen in the East countrey, whether the Estates had sent a great summe of money for their pay. These Reistres beeing come to the Rendez-vous and place of muster, the Rytmaisters began to mutine for their pay, for the seruice which they had not yet done. The Duke of Parma (whose father was C newly dead) hearing thereof, sent certaine troupes into the countrey of Linghen, to incounter them, and if it might bee to doe them an affront. At which place some of these Germanie horse went to the Spanish party, and the rest disbanded and retired into their countrey: so as the Earle was left alone with the Cornet of the Rytmaster Plettenberg, and not daring returne into Holland by land, being too weake to make his way by force through the enemie, being assured that hee should bee charged, hee imbarked with the rest of his men. Some Princes of Germanie (in whose countries these mutines had beene leuied) were wonderfully incensed against them for this base act, and punished some Gentlemen as well by prison, as otherwise by way of infamie and degradation of name, honor, and armes, hearing that they had not wanted any pay, seeing D there was money sufficient, the which was sent back into Holland.
The Duke of Parma hauing auoyded this storme, and disperst these troopes of Germaine horse without fighting, which the Estates had expected with such great deuotion, hee caused his forces to returne neere vnto Zutphen, and commanded to take vp all the corne in the countrey there-abouts, and to carry it into the Towne, the which was easie to bee done, the Earle of Leicester hauing retired all his armie vnto the other side of the riuer vpon the veluwe, about the great Fort which hee had taken before, right against the Towne: into the which hee had put three and twenty companies, Wallons, and naturall Dutches of the countrey, the which were soone after cast and reduced to sixe Ensignes, what the cause was I could neuer yet learne. All this summer A great drought. E the drought was very great throughout all the Prouinces vnder the King of Spaines obedience, which caused an extraordinary dearth of co [...] for the corne being twise or thrise sowne, as soone as euer the blade began to appeare aboue ground, it was presently eaten in one night by a kinde of little graye snailes, which in the day time hid themselues in the ground by reason of the great heate of the sunne, and fed onely in the night, the which I haue seene by experience returning in the night time to my house at Deuouring Snayles. Tyl in Flanders, whereas all the wayes were so full, as they caused a lo [...]thing-in them that went vpon them, by reason of their slimie viscositie, which made men beleeue, that it was a punishment sent from God. It hath not beene read of in former histories, nor seene since, that generally in whole countries, a measure of wheate waighing two hundred F pounds, should bee worth forty fiue Florins in the market. And as this drought An extraordinary dearth of corne. continued aboue a whole yeare, betwixt the yeare 1586. and 87. (so as in that of 87. they had three pounds of beefe for one of bread) many poore people dyed for hunger and want, as well in Arthois (which is a great corne countrey) as in Flanders [Page 932] where the plague was very violent, and withall they were much tormented with 1586 A Wolues, which deuoured men, women, and children by hundreds: so as Flanders was Flanders punnished with three scourges this yeare. afflicted this yeare with famine, plague, and with sauage and cruell beasts.
At that time the Estates to keepe the Esterlings from bringing of any graine into the sayd countries, hauing aduertisment that there were certaine ships laden with corne at Hambrough to be transported to Dunkerke: they sent some ships of warre, vnder the command of Captaine Ludt Iacobsen (otherwise called the Great Luth) of the towne of Medenblyke in West Friseland, towards the riuer of Elbe to stop the passage. The said Captaine was sent for to Hambrough before the Magistrate, where beeing demanded what made him presume to enter into their riuer to stoppe their nauigation and traficke. He answered freely that hee had beene sent by his Masters the Generall B Estates of the vnited Prouinces, with commandment that both there and in al other places hee should make warre against their enemies, yea and against all them that would assist and fauour them. Wherevpon answer being made vnto him, that it was a neuter towne, and not any waies partiall, but free vnder the Empire: whether any man, as well of the one part as of the other, might come and haue free accesse, as well Spaniards as Hollanders: wherefore they commanded him to depart and instantly to leaue their riuer free. The which hauing refused to doe, vntill hee had the like commandement from his Maisters, they cast him into prison, and there kept him a long time vntill that by letters from the Estates and the King of Denmarke hee was set at libertie, but Captaine Luth a prisoner and inlarged. not without suspition to haue beene first poisoned, for that at his release out of prison, C hee refused to sweare neuer to bee reuenged for this imprisonment, but onely for his owne priuat person, and not for his Maisters, if they commanded him, who (hee sayd) had beene more interessed therein then he himselfe. Soone after his returne into Holland hee died, and there were found in him all the signes, and tokens of one that had beene poysoned.
In the village of Linter neere vnto Tillemont in Brabant, on the tenth daie of December in the night, it did raine bloud vpon the yce, in the ditches of a Gentlemans house, the drops falling so hot, as the yce did melt, and they did peerce almost a foote A prodigy of bloud. deepe, as it was obserued by many. The Earle of Leicester parted out of the Netherlands in the end of this yeare, by commandement (as hee sayd) of the Queene of England, D to assist in Parliament, whereas matters of great importance were to bee treated off. The Generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces, were not well pleased with his departure, by reason of the discontent and murmuring that was of either side: to preuent Deputies of the Estates sent into England to attend on the Earle of Leicester. the which they sent their deputies to him into England, to bee nere vnto his person, as a Councell of Estate: the which were Iames Valcke (at this present tresorer generall of Zeeland) William van Zuylen signior of Nyeuelt, Iuste Menin Pensionar of the towne of Dordrecht, Camminga of Friseland, and others, with a Secretarie, who arriued there in the end of Ianuary 1587. carrying him from the generall Estates a rich and stately present, which was a cup of the heigth of a man, of siluer and guilt, curiously wrought, in signe of acknowledgment and gratuitie. During the discontent of the Netherlanders, E for the errors which they sayd the Earle of Leicester had committed, hauing exhibited their greeuances vnto him, and yet receiued no redresse, but dilatorie excuses: there was one did write a discourse of aduise, touching the abuses which had happened in the state since hee came to the Gouernment, the which I haue thought good to insert, hoping that the content and proffit which the reader may reape thereby, will in some sort recompence the tediousnesse thereof. In the end of his preface he sayes.
I thanke God, that he hath sent a wise and discreet Gouernor to command ouer these vnited Prouinces, who hauing no other designe, but the glorie of God, the peace and tranquilitie of these poore countries, and the seruice and greatnesse of the Queene his A discours of aduise to the Earle of Leicester. F Soueraigne: it is not to bee feared, that hee will take in ill part that which with all modestie and respect may bee deliuered vnto him, touching the abuses and errors which haue happened in this Estate, since he was admitted to this gouernment. Humblie beseeching his Excelency to consider that it is but his first yeare of a prentiship: And [Page 933] how wise, sufficient, and iudicious in affaires soeuer a Prince, Gouernor or Councellor 1586. A bee, yet beeing new come into a country, amongst a people so diuers of humors and opinions as these bee; so full of factions and partialities; so troublesome, wayward and importune, by reason of their long and violent infirmitie; so extenuated and weakned of meanes, and almost reduced to despaire, and abandoned of the Phisitions and of all humaine succors: in an Estate which is so pittifull an Estate, confused, disordred and without gouernment: where wee can see nothing but cloudes of errors, and gulphes of miseries and pouertie: And whereas in the beginning hee did scarse knowe the merit, valour and dexteritie of anie one person: And whether hee had also brought new men like vnto him-selfe, but yet in all commendable qualities much inferior vnto himselfe. It is no wonder then if hee hath found him-selfe for to bee set with a thousand difficulties; if hee hath contented so fewe persons, B and discontented so many: yea if with in these few monthes it hath endured so rude and furious a shocke, as it was in danger of ruine.
And although the cure of this disease dependes not vpon the counsell and aduise of a young Phisition, and that wee may saie with Tacitus. Non perinde d [...]udicari posse quid optimum factu sit, quam pessimum fuisse quod factum est. It cannot thereby bee iudged what is best to bee done, but that it was ill that was done. Yet there is some hope that wee shall not heere-after fall into the like errors, and that wee will bee no lesse circumspect then the mariner, who doth all hee can to auoide the rocke; where hee was once in danger of ship-wracke, for as an old doctor of the church C sayth. Non nisi idiotis datur bis ad eundem lapidem impingere, that is, none but fooles stumble twise at one stone. Wherevnto I will adde for my conclusion, the saying of an ancient Poet, Nulla res tam facilis est, quin difficilis fiat si inuitus facias. Nothing is so easie but it will prooue difficult, if you do it vnwillingly. The contrarie is true, that to a resolute minde nothing is to high, to great nor to difficult. And wee must say with Alexander the great when he incorraged his souldiars. Nihil tam alte natura constituit, quo virtus not possit eniti, nature hath set nothing so high, whether vertue may not aspire.
The greatest error and the least excusable, is that the treatie hath not beene duelie obserued; and the greatest aduantage which these men haue had to blame vs, is, D that the succors promised haue neuer beene full and complete, assuring that there were neuer seauen hundred horse nor foure thousand foote. Moreouer that the musters were neuer duelie made, with the assistance of a Commissary appointed by the Estates as it is fit and necessarie, seeing that the countrie is bound to make restitution of that which shall bee disboursed by her Maiestie. It were a leane excuse to say, that it was forgetfullnesse, and that they had spoken of it. But what are words without effects and execution? And to whome belongs this care and charge but to him that is Gouernor generall, who hath command ouer all other things? What a shame is it if there bee more fault and negligence in the Phisition then in the sicke patient? Infeliriter egrotat cui plus est a medico periculi quam a morbo. Hee is vnfortunatly sicke E that is in more daunger of his Phisition then of the disease. This people is a sicke, weake, extenuated bodie; you vndertake to cure it: next vnder the Almightie GOD they attend no other succors nor cure but from you: and yet by your delaies, negligence and slacknesse, you bring them into greater daunger then they were euer. If you replie that it was in them to beare with your faultes, for that they are suppliants and haue need of your succors. I answere, first that contracts are in the beginning voluntary, but after they bee once made and sworne, they must of necessitie bee kept of either side.
Secondly that the Phisition which vndertakes a cure must first do his dutie, and not bee found in fault. F
Thirdly this poore people relie vpon you, and as I haue sayd, neither can nor wilbe deliuered but by your meanes and succors. And you maie well thinke seeing that iealousie and libertie hath brought them to that point as to reuolt from, and to incense so great and mightie a Monarch; that if they had any meanes to preserue themselues by [Page 934] them-selues, they would not haue adrest them-selues, to any other seeing that this A crauing of succors, proceeds, from the weakenesse of their owne forces, to the 1586. end that being vnited with you they may doe that which of themselues were impossible.
But if neither the succors bee complete nor the troupes paid as wee haue seene this winter, that all the English companies haue not in fiue monethes receiued one peny what may these poore people expect, but ruine, the which they haue for many yeares and with great toyle sought to auoyd? So as it seemes they are in their hands that will aduance their ruine, rather then preserue them. If there were question to pay thirty twenty or tenne thousand men, but there are but sixe thousand and not complet, the which are in as poore termes for their pay as those that are entertaynd by the country. This doth not onely discourage the soldiars which suffer, but doth also bring vnto dispaire, them who hauing offred the Soueraignty with their liberty bodies and goods B to be her Maiesties subiects: and not able to obtaine this grace, haue bound and ingaged the keyes of the cheefe townes of their estates for the assurance of that which should be disboursed for the entertainment of sixe thousand men onely. The French king Lewis the twelth suffered his friend and confederate the King of Nauare to bee ruined when he delayed to send him the succors which he had promised against the Catholike King, who seazed vpon, and doth yet hold at this day the Kingdome of Nauarre, for those which are bound to succor an other, and yet protract the time and are slow to send it, bring their friends into danger and pourchase blame, and are held vnfriendly, and by their slackenesse ouerthrow the action which should haue brought honor and proffit to them all: for if they which call are whot in their enterprises, and they which are C called are cold, mingling one with the other it makes a luke warme, which is nothing worth, moreouer this defect hath made many thinke that her Maiesty had more will to make a peace for them with the King of Spaine, then to succor them cherefully against their enemies.
They complaine much that Captaines and officers of the English troupes are great gamesters, and conuert their soldars pay to their owne pleasures or priuat proffit, the which is a manifest theft. That they are not as they ought to bee with their companies and charges, whereby there haue growne great abuses and inconueniences: yea the last day all the commanders, Collonels and captaines, and in a manner all the cheefe officers D of companies both of horse and foote were absent, which fault cannot be imputed but to the generall of the army or the gouernor generall of the country.
That which hath lost the hearts, loue and affection, of the soldiars and men of warre of the one and the other party is, that they haue beene worse paid this yeare then the former: and being accustomed to receiue foure or fiue moneths pay in a yeare, they haue for the most part receiued but two or three at the most. And in truth if we looke into the great and extraordinary charges which haue beene made in this yeare more then in the former, wee shall not finde it so strange: and the fault (if it bee a fault) is in a manner excusable, for the enterprise of Axel hath cost a good summe of money: That of Graueling (which fayled) the campe before Nymegen, when as they E tooke the forts and castells of the Betawe: the victualing and exployt before Graue: the victualing of the townes of the heigh country; the money vnprofitably imployed for the leuying of Reistres: and the last campe before Doesbourg and Zutphen, taking of the forts, assuring of Deuenter and of the veluwe: besides the establishment of a councel of estate, and a councel of the treasure. &c. The officers whereof haue bin very wel paied, guifts and presents of importance to some commanders, recompences to some priuat persons yea for seruices done in times past: reception of Ambassadors; passing of soldiars out of England and Scotland: wagons, S [...]yes, Intellligences: voyages of deputies and commissionars and other things as well ordinary as extraordinary. So as the first yeare it is not possible through the ignorance of affayers to manage the F expences so well as before. Besides that the two hundred thousand florins monethly contribution or any other extraordinary summe, furnished by the estates: the greatest part was not deliuered in redy money but abated and defaulked, as well for the transpor of soldiars, as for wagons, and cheefely for munition and victuals [Page 935] bought at a farre lesse price, then they haue beene deliuered in the Towne to the Comissaries: 1586. A the excessiue and vnreasonable pay of Pioners: besides the deduction of other charges: and yet they impute the receyt, and totall expence to his Excellency, as if hee had receiued it all in readie mony, or that hee alone had had the disburssing and the managing of the sayd money; the which is false. But if the charges haue much exceeded the receipt, and that by consequence they haue anticipated for many moneths the generall meanes and aydes of the country: Wee must either confesse that wee haue beene abused in the beginning, in not making an equall estimate betwixt the charges of the warre, and the meanes of the country; or else wee must answer as the Generall of the Greekish armie did in the Peloponesian warre; beeing demanded what summe of money would suffice yearely to continue the warre, and at what rate they should taxe euery Prouince. There is not (said hee) any thing certaine B nor assured in warre: They must haue as much as they shall spend, and not spend as much as they may haue: And if hee which builds a new house, makes accoumpte to spend as much more as hee had set downe for his worke with greater reason it ought to bee done by them that vndertake a warre, bee it offensiue or defensiue: For that a Generall cannot fore-cast all exploits which it shall behoue him to make in one yeare, neither can he diuine of his enemies disseignes, who will happely prouide worke for him which he neuer dreamt of: Besides the losses and accidents which happen daylie in matters of warre. The which may serue for an aduertisment and instruction for such as are deputed to make Treaties, and to resolue vppon the forme of succors. Yet it had beene a great wisdome and discretion, not to C haue leuied and past more men out of England or Scotland then they had meanes to pay within that yeares contribution. The which may also serue for an instruction heereafter.
The banishment of many Papists out of Vtrecht, hath beene found very strange of many both without and within the country: For that most of them are old Chanoins, and Clergie men, whereof some haue neither the spirit nor the meanes to hurt: and that this banishment is contrary to the pacification of Gant, and to the Vnion of Vtrecht, and as they thinke against all reason and forme of iustice: seeing that they had all in former time consented to expell the Spaniard; and haue since voluntarily contributed to make warre against him: and that without accusation or hearing they D haue banished them out of the towne and Prouince: For seeing this warre is not made so much for Religion as for the Estate (as it appeareth by the Treaties, and among others by the said Vnion) the one haue as great an interest in the preseruation of this Estate as the other: And it is vniust to intreat the one worse then the other. But the banishment of fiue men of quallitie, hath bene iustly found of bad example, and of all men held most vniust, as well in the matter as in the forme and proceeding: for it is well knowne that these men haue beene alwaies sworne enemies to the Spaniards: That they haue bene the first authors of the establishment of their libertie, and of the reformed religion: They neuer since make any profession of the Romish religion; although some suspect them to be Papists. E
They haue alwaies beene imployed in all affaires of importance, for their Prouince and for the State, and they were neuer before taxed to haue committed any remarkeable fault in the Estate: Nay it is most certaine that they were open enemies to the French partie, and that they haue allwaies laboured to haue the succors of England: And when his Excellencie came into these parts, two or three of the chiefe of them, haue imployed their paines and done their best indeauours they could, that his Excellencie might haue the generall gouernment and all the authoritie, yea more then some other Prouinces would haue had. Wherevppon it is said that thereis manifest iniustice in this fact, and a great ingratitude: F Iniustice, for that they were neuer accused, heard, nor examined, of any thing, although they haue required it with great instance, Ingratitude, in that hauing fauoured, serued and aduanced the English party, they haue receiued this cold recompence by the English, for allthough that they pretend the publike [Page 936] good, and to auoid a greater inconuenience through diuisions and factions in Vtrecht, 1586 A (whereof these were heads of one of the parties) they haue beene forced to vse this rigor: yet they are much deceiued in thinking to preserue an Estate rather by Iniustice then by iustice. Quia Ius et aequitas vincula et fundamenta sunt ciuitatum. For that Iustice and equitie are the bonds and foundation of Citties, as Tully faith in his Paradoxes; if they haue committed a fault, let them bee accused, heard, conuicted, and condemned: If they will not once heare them in their iustifications, what can wee thinke but that there is passion and violence in this action? Besides conscience and the rules of Christianitie will admit no reply. Do wee ill that good may come of it? If you do otherwise, and thinke by this Iniustice to preserue your Estate, you are Macheuells Disciples, who teacheth it, and not our Sauiour IESVS B CHRIST and his Apostles who forbid it. If you will now say the fault is past: but if wee restore such men as are now incensed, wee shall commit an other soule and grosse error in the Estate, for they are heads of a partie, they are of the chiefe of the Towne: They would returne into their places and offices, and would trouble our whole Estate: And by the communication which they haue had with them of Holland, they will happily fauor the Hollanders disseignes which they practise secretly vppon the Towne of Vtrecht. And what know wee whether (through desire of reuenge) they will do as Salinator did vnto the Romaines who had wrong'd him? or as many others in the like case, and for the like occasion. Heere-vppon intruth I am much troubled to answer you, yet would I not heape one error vppon another, C but rather follow the example of Aristides, who preferred that which was iust and honnest, before the vtilitie and profit of the common weale; Then of Them [...]stocles, who had aduised them to make their best profit of that which was dishonest & vniust.
As for the imprisonment of Paule Buys, all men haue seene the proceeding: The which good men haue found so farre from Iustice, as those which before held Paule Buys to be worthy of punishment, for his misdemeanors past, and aboue all for the crosses which hee had giuen to the good and commendable disseignes of the deceased Prince of Orange, and began now to do the like to the Earle of Leceister, to whome hee had shewed him-selfe light, inconstant, and vnthankfull: Besides other crymes wherewith hee might haue beene charged, accused and conuicted: D Euen these men and his greatest enemies▪ (in hatred of the vniust and extraordinary proceeding which was held against him) began to pitty his fortune, and by little and little to change this hatred which they bare him, into a desire to assist and fauor him, and to draw him out of prison.
For as Tacitus said of the Emperor Galba, Dignissimus imperandi nisiimperasset. Most worthy of ruling if hee had not ruled. So wee may say of this man. Dignissimus Carcere, nisi eo Carcere fuisset inclusus. Most worthy of prison if hee had not beene shutte vp in that prison. For besides the fault which they haue committed in Iustice, suffering some Captaines and factious persons to vse this authoritie; to [...]eaze vppon the person and papers of a Councellor of Estate, the which doth belong E onely to the Prince and to the Gouernor generall; and then to suffer him to languish sixe moneths in a filthy and loathsome prison, without hearing him or arraigning him, notwith-standing that both hee and all his [...]inse-men had fought it with great importunitie.
Besides this error I say there is by the same meanes an other committed in the Estate; which is, that such a man as Paule Buys is reputed to be, the head of a partie, turbulent, passionate, reuengefull and ambitious, should not haue beene put in prison, but his processe should presently haue bene made, or at the least▪ he should haue beene better guarded then he hath beene heretofore: Euery one fore-seeing, that if hee once gotte out hee would bee reuenged on those who hee thought had F wrong'd him: as we haue seene what broiles he hath made since his escape, to the great blame and dishonor of the Gouernor generall, and to the great preiudice of this Estate: Besides the discontentment of all the other Councellors of Estate, and other cheife men of this countrie, who haue rightly iudged, that if they did open [Page 937] a dore to such Iniustice, and did abandon men of honor to the rage and passion of priuate 1586. A men and of a multitude; the like hanged ouer their heads, for as Seneca sayth. Minatur multis vni qui facit iniuriam. Hee threatens many, that doth wronge but to one. And the fact cannot bee honestly excused, that the captaines had not giuen aduertisment but an houre before, for all their othes and execrations shall neuer satisfie them who knowe how the sayd Captaines, the Sheriffe Pottere and Maister Webbe▪ (one of his Excelencies houshold) were then in credit with his Excelencie, who at the same instant was in Vtrecht. Moreouer the sayd Pottere sayd to many before his death, that neither hee nor any of his companions durst euer haue attempted such a thing, without the silent consent of his Excellencie, and that they found themselues to bee well grounded. If then the sayd imprisonment were done without the knowledge and against his Excellencies authoritie, why haue they not yet B done iustice? Hee that allowes and ratefies a fact is like vnto him that is the author. This indirect proceeding against Paul Buys, hath beene the cause, that hee who before was held a wicked man, is now reputed an innocent, and that they haue done him wrong, Iniustice, and indignity. Finally wee must remember the wise aduise of Tacitus. Non vtendum esse imperio, vbi legibus agipossit. Wee may not vse violence where as the lawes are in force.
The establishing of a Councell of the treasor, without the consent and contrary to the admonitions and expresse will of the Estates, hath beene the more odious, for that his Excellency hath appointed for chiefe thereof, a man that is generally hated of all C the Hollanders, and not very well lik'd of the other Prouinces; a man who was knowne to bee of a sodaine and violent spirit, an enemy to the Estates, and fit to breed diuision and iealousie betwixt a Gouernor generall and the Estates. A matter as it hath well appeered since, of most dangerous consequence: and if hee had no other qualitie but the name of a Brabanson, (which all men knowe is odious to the Prouince. For the ancient iealousies and quarrells which haue beene betwixt these two Prouinces. And for that the Brabansons in their Prouince exclude all their neighbours from all charges, honours and offices, and hold them for strangers) so it is that for this consideration, hee should haue had respect not to discontent so many men and whole Prouinces, to aduance one onely man to a charge of so great importance, and so much suspected D by them, who feared that by his meanes they would serch into their administration past. For although the sayd Councell was for many causes and reasons held most necessarie, yet seeing it was so fearefull to manie, they could doe no lesse then to put in pleasing Officers, or at the least such as should not bee odious to all men.
But that which hath most offended the Estates is, that besides the ordinarie and lawfull meanes which were graunted, they haue consented that Ringault should practise his owne inuentions. The which hath made his Excelencie vnpleasing vnto the sayd Estates▪ and to all the marchants generally throughout all Holland and Zeeland, who were reduced to that Estate, as many talked of going out of the countrie, E rather then to liue subiect to such a tyranie, as was that which Ringault would bring in vpon all the marchants. For although that the breach of Edicts and proclamations doe much preiudice the State, yet the course they would haue held was so odious as in the iudgement of the wise it was sufficient to make whole townes reuolt, as Amsterdam, Enchuysen and the greatest townes of traficke in the countrie. Besides the terror which Ringaults promise strooke into them, by the which hee should binde himselfe by that onelie meanes in fewe monthes to finde many millions of gold. The Chancellor Leoninus was wont to say that such inuentions did neuer profit but to him and his like, when as the Duke of Alua or the Gouernors haue demaunded their aduise by way of consultation. Out of the which they were commonly well payd for F their fees and attendance: And yet such inuentions were held by them not to bee executed.
You may not then aduance to such charges men that are suspected and odious to all the world, wee drawe out money by indirect or vnusuall meanes, for the example [Page 938] of Ringault and of all that ensued, may giue a good instruction; what collour soeuer A they will set vppon it for the publicke good and the execution of the lawes. 1586.
It hath beene formerly sayd, that one of the Articles of the vnion made betwixt the Prouinces, is, that all shall defend and maintaine them-selues togither, that they shalbee intreated a like both of the one and the other Religion, and shall ioyntlie furnish meanes to make warre against their enemies. And although there bee no exercise but of one Religion, yet no man shal bee molested nor troubled for his conscience: for that Religion is not the onelie cause of this warre, but their libertie and preuiledges, whereof they are so iealous, as for the preseruation thereof, the Chanoins, Priests and other Clergie men, and all the Gentlemen that were Papists in these countries, haue made no difficultie to forsake the Pope and the exercise B of their owne Religion, and to giue place to the reformed, knowing well that it was the true and onelie meanes to deliuer them from the oppression of the Spaniard. And this Estate consisting thus of diuers humors and opinions, especially for matter of Religion and conscience, beeing accustomed to line with libertie of conscience without any molestation or disturbance, hauing by the sayd contract and vnion reserued vnto themselues this libertie, the which hath not hetherto beene any preiudice to the warres, nor hindred the course of the reformed Religion, or their deseignes and resolutions tending to the preseruation of this Noble Estate, that all with one accord and a generall consent haue demaunded succors from the Queenes Maiestie of England; and giuen the gouernment generall to his Excelencie. C
And finally that it is not specefied in the treaties, nor in the Commission giuen vnto his Excelencie that hee shall charge or Innouate any thing concerning Religion: It followes then that they haue beene much to blame, not onelie to offend manie priuate persons, but also to with-drawe, the good willes of whole townes, as Leydon, Goude and many others of Hollande (whereas the most part are of that humour and condition) by the conuocation of a Synode, and the authorising of manie things for matter of Religion and discipline; the which most good men of the reformed Religion in all other Estates, countries and Prouinces could not yet like of. D
Doubtlesse euery good and Religious Christian should wish and procure as much as hee may the aduancement of Religion. And it is fit, that wee should first and aboue all things seeke the glorie of Almightie GOD and the euerlasting kingdome of Heauen, yet by the same lawe of GOD wee must keepe and obserue the contract and agreements which wee haue promised and sworne, yea if they were with the Turkes and Infidells, and herein as in all other things wee must vse wisdome and moderation: not to innouate nor bring in any thing into an Estate, that may cause the ruine of Religion and of the Estate togither: first they must doe that which is most conuenient and necessarie in an Estate for the preseruation thereof: not to giue too much credit to ministers in matters that belong not to their charge and vocation: but E tie them to the bounds of their office and profession, the contrarie whereof hath beene the cause of great discontentment amongst the best and most zealous men, who haue at all times seene the inconueniences, which the medling and violent proceeding of ministers in the affaires the Common weale, haue brought vnto this Estate. Finallie all must bee done in due time and to purpose: for although this conuocation of a Synod bee good, and that it may produce good effects hereafter; Yet this circumstance of time hath offended many; considering the necessitie of the warre, and the preparations that were then in hand for an armie to goe against the enemy. Et cum sit vbique virtutis modus, aeque peccat quod excedit quam quod defficit. And seeing there is a meane of vertue in all things, that offends which doth exceede, as well as that F which is defectiue.
And for as much as the people are so iealious of their liberties and preuiledges, and so nice of the breach of the least point of them: that for this onelie cause the Papaists themselues (as I haue layd) haue left the exercise of their owne Religion [Page 939] and altogither haue shakt of the Spaniards yoake, and endured a cruell and violent A warre for aboue twentie yeares, that one of the publike praiers which the ministers 1586 doe vsually make, is that they may be maintained in their liberties and priuiledges, for the preseruation whereof so many Noblemen and Gentlemen haue lost their liues, and so many families haue beene ruined: that in all the contracts, treaties and accords, and in a manner in all their discourses, they talke of nothing, but of their liberties and preuiledges: and that vpon the breach or dyminution of any of them, it is lawfull for them to call an assemblie of the Estates, and to make their complaintes vnto their soueraignes and Gouernors, and neuer to cease vntill they haue redresse and reparation. To conclude if they haue not endured it of their Soueraigne, how will they beare it at a Gouernors hands? It is therefore more then reason to preserue that deerely for B them, which they hold more deere then their liues, and which is more deere vnto them then their Religion or the exercise thereof. Beeing most certaine that the greatest complaint, which they haue made during the time of his Excelencies gouernment was for the breach of their liberties and customes: at the least it hath beene the colour which they haue giuen to all their new proceedings and alterations which haue happened within these foure monthes.
Also they of the countries complaine of the humor and disposition of the English, who they say are proud: that the gentlemen doe not apply themselues to their manner of lyuing, and that they are not familiar with the Noblitie of the countrie: without doubt the ignorance of the tongue is the principall cause, as also the dronkenesse of C the men of this countrie, the which the English doe naturally abhorre. Besides they of the countrie should seeke it and make much of the English, who come to succor and deliuer them, and who so freely spend their goods and meanes, and expose their liues with as great courage and valure as any nation that euer came into these parts: yet it were a great wisdome in the English, and they should purchase vnto themselues a commendation of great discretion and courtesie, if refusing to bee drunke with them, they would not openly blame their dronkenesse: seeing that the censures of some priuate persons, shall neuer cause a whole nation to change their naturall disposition: and from such indiscreete reprehensions, there must needes grow quarrells and discontentments. And seeing that the English are their beene factors, D it shalbee fit for them to conuerse with them, and to vse them with all courtesie and ciuilitie. The true meanes to winne the hearts and good wills of a Nation, is to make shew that they contemne not their manners, nor disdaigne their Langage, beeing the nature of all people, to bee iealous of that which is proper vnto themselues.
And for that without good order and disposition, the affaires are neuer duely managed, but rather breed trouble in the minde, and confusion in the Estate, as wee finde dailie in this: besides the discontentment which they haue which followe their owne propper affaires, or those of their Maisters, Princes and common-weales: His Excelencie must of necessitie doe, as the deceased Prince of Orange did, and all other wise Princes and Gouernors, which is to diuide his time and his houres, as well E to signe and giue audience, as for the dispatch of other affaires as well ordinarie as extraordinarie, whereby this profit shall growe, that the multitude of affaires will decrease, which else would grow infinite: and to appoint a certaine place in his house for the Secretaries and their Clarkes, to the end they may bee speedily found. There is no pettie Gouernor but hath his Chancerie to that end, with a Maister of request to receiue, report and answere petitions: And that he send vnto the Councell of Estate those that belong vnto them, beeing most necessarie that the affaires of his house be distinguisht from them of the country, and those of the English and of Stangers, from them of the State, to auoide the complaints which haue beene made heretofore. F And therevpon his Excelencie shalbe intreated that it would please him to send all the affaires of the countrie both particular and generall great and small, to his Councell of Estate, to whom hee should referre the greatest part of them, to discharge himselfe of so much care, and winne so much time. By this meanes hee [Page 940] shall not discontent any for refusing or neglecting, for they doe not redily blame that A which a whole Councell hath resolued in the presence of the head. Besides his priuate 1586 Secretaries are for the most part strangers, and ignorant of the Estate and language of the countrie, euerie one of which should haue his charge distinctly appointed, according to their skill in the tongues, or according to the affaires, or els according to their capacities.
That his Excelencie, should not imploie so much time to write letters and to make despatches him-self, for that it hinders the expedition of other affaires of greater importance, and greatly discontentes the Noblemen and others: which demaund speedie audience, it beeing the Office of a Secretarie and not of a Gouernor. That hee relie not so much vpon one or two for the affaires of an Estate, giuing credit to the B aduise of others in matters of importance, especially, of the Councell of Estate, if they bee matters belonging to the countrie, to auoide the iealousie and reproch of a Councell of the Cabinet. Not to keepe about him men that are odious, vicious and noted for notable crymes, turbulent spirits and passionate, and which [...]trude themsules into all businesse. To hold a setled Estate in his house: pay his seruants (especially strangers) their wages duelie, who haue no other meanes; To command his Steward and Officers to place honest men at his table or at theirs, and to vse them courteously, wherein there hath beene verie bad order heretofore, with skorning and discontenting of many: that the grooms of his Chamber vse not Gentlemen, and men of qualitie that come vnto his house, roughly and discourteously, and that C his Excelencie giue speedie audience to the deputies of townes and Prouinces, and to them that haue vrgent affaires: the contrarie whereof doth discontent and greeue manie. To imploie Englishmen with them of the countrie, to make them fit for affaires, and thereby to knowe the truth of all things the better. To hold better correspondencie with the neighbour Princes and Protentates, then hath beene heretofore, and aboue all with the Princes of Germanie, for the neighbourhood and importance of this Estate; and with the Princes of the Religion in France and elswhere: for they bee all enemies to our enemy, and naturally iealous of the King of Spaines greatnesse. To haue better spies and intelligence then hee hath had, and to hold an order and rule therein, that they may bee kept secret, and that the spies D may bee well and speedilie rewarded. To respect and countenance the Princes, Noblemen and Gouernors of this countrie according to their rankes and degrees, and to fauour their followers, at the least not to contemne them, as it seemes they haue done. Whereof they haue often complained. And for that his Excelency hath fewe sufficient and industrious men, hee must draw that seruice from many which hee cannot do from one. For what one or two cannot do, many may. There remaines only to iudge and discerne whervnto euery one is capable.
When as the Earle of Leicester was first made Gouernor generall of the vnited Prouinces: the Earle of Hohenlo (or Holock) was requested by the Estates (in regard of the great credit he had with the souldiars, beeing most of them vnder his command) E to mooue them to take a new oth of obedience vnto the Earle of Leicester (for that commonly vpon change of Gouernment, they stand vpon termes of account and reckoning) the which hee performed, vpon promise made vnto them, to defend and maintaine them in the same order and martiall discipline, as had beene obserued in the time of the deceased Prince of Orange, of famous memorie, and not otherwise. But when as his Excelcency had giuen the Regiment which sometimes belonged to Collonel Haultaine Gouernor of Walchren, vnto Sir Philip Sidney then Gouernor of Flessingue, most of the Collonels, as Philip Earle of Nassau, the Earle of Solms, the Earle of Ouerstein, with many other Collonels of horse and foote, to the number of two and twentie, fearing that according to their ancient customes, F the souldiars seruing vnder them, should not bee preferred and aduanced according to their degrees and desertes, as a Sergant to bee an Enseigne-bearer (the place beeing voide) and so vp-ward, aduenturing their liues that by seruice they might attaine to those places of degree and credit which they hoped for, they [Page 941] made a request in their souldiars names to the Earle of Hohenlo, praying and 1586 A intreating him to moue his excelency that (according to the promise made vnto them) they might bee preserued in the same order, as they were in the time of the late Prince of Orange, and that one nation might not bee mingled with an other; and that he would bee a meanes to get them their pay, with full account and reckoning, so as The complaints of the States soldiars there might not be daily murmurs and discontents in their troupes, complayning that one of the regiments of the Netherlands, and other places that were voyd, had bin already, giuen vnto strangers, which they said would be very preiudiciall vnto them, as though they were not to be trusted as well as they had beene in former times.
This petition being deliuered to the Earle of Hohenlo, hee presently offred it to the Earle of Leicester who was much discontented therewith, perswading himselfe that B it came rather from the Earle of Hohenlo him-selfe and the other Collonels, then from the common soldiars, which ielousie of his bred a great alteration in the soldiars harts, especially seeing dayly a change of garrisons, and drawing forth of soldiars, without the aduice and priuity of the gouernors of Prouinces, and other comanders; by whole meanes and with whose concent such alterations were wont to be made: and that the Earle of Leicester placed his fauorits in all the best, honorablest and most profitable garisons in the Netherlands: moreouerthat (sence the Losse of Graue) it seemed the Netherland soldiars were dispised and basely accounpted of as if there were noe trust in their seruice, as it was then giuen out, and appered by a letter written to the Earle of Leicester to that pourpose: and the Earle of Leicester himselfe said vnto the C Earle of Hohenlo, that hee feared that all the Forts wherein the Netherland soldiars laie would in short time bee yeelded vp to the enemy. After that certaine words past Aqua [...]ll betwixt the earle of Hohenlo and Sir Edward Norris. betwixt they Earle of Hohenlo and Sir Edward Norris (Brother to the Generall Sir Iohn Norris) as they were at dinner, where-vpon Sir Edward Norris sent a letter of chalendge offring to fight with him body to body (lying then sicke of a hurt which he had receiued before Zutphen Sconce) which the Earle tooke disdaynfullie as comming from his inferior, pretending that no priuat Captaine might (vpon paine of life) send any such challendge vnlesse it were with the Generalls leaue, and for that the Earle of Leicester did seeme to allow thereof, hee was much discontented: The Estates them-selues did also much dislike it. Of this and many other discontents, D the Earle of Hohenlo made an apologie, and caused it to bee printed at Leyden.
In the beginning of Ianuarie 1587. the Estates men found meanes secretly to vndermine the wall of Buriche a towne lying vpon the Rhine right against Wezell 1587. and being held by the Spaniards: where they had layd certaine barrills of pouder A vaine enterprise vpon Bu [...]ich. to blow it vp, and so to surprize the towne and the Garrison within it, but a miller hauing descouered it, gaue notice thereof and so this enterprize succeded not according to their desseigne. All this winter the Duke of Parma made great prouision both for men and mony, hauing assembled the Estats of Arthois, Henaut and other Prouinces of whome hee demanded some ayde of money, and obteyned his desiers E receiuing also new supplies of soldiers both from Spaine and Italy, with the which he marched in Ianuary to the Castell of Wouwe, a strong hold belonging to the Marquis of Bergnen, lying a mile frow Berghen vp Zoome in Brabant. There was in it a companie of French soldiars, whose captaines name was Marchant, who had Wouwe castle sold to the Spaniards by a French Captaine. beene before in garrison in Graue: who whether it were in reuenge of a priuate quarrell which he had with captaine Firenine (who had iustefied him-selfe at the Hage before, the Estates, of that wherewith Captaine Marchant had charged him) or whether it were through ambition or couetousnesse, hauing corrupted his soldiars with a promise to make them sharers of the booty, hee sould the said Castle of Wouwe to the Duke of Parma for twenty thousand crownes: And from thence these trecherous F marchants retired some into France (being loth to heare the name of traytor, as they called them in Antwerp and Brusselles vntill that the Duke of Parma had forbidden by proclamation, not to call them any more so) and some went to serue the Spaniard. [Page 942] About the same time Sir Martin Schenck seazed vpon a little Towne called Roeroort, 1587 A in the Elector Truchses name: being so called, for that it stands at the mouth of the riuer Roero ort surprized by Schenck. of Roer (which comes out of the countrey of Marke and Westphalia) where it enters into the Rhine: which his men held vntill Aprill following, that the Spaniards forced them to abandon it.
Frederick King of Denmarke, a Prince desirous of peace, sent Caius Ranson, one of his priuie councell, and a man of great knowledge and authoritie, to Brussels, to make an The King of Denmarke seekes to make a peace betwixt the King of Spain and the states. ouerture of some meanes of a peace betwixt the King of Spaine and his Netherland Prouinces, remaining in the vnion generall of the pacification of Gant, and the treaty of Vtrecht. To whom answer was made, that neither for the King of Denmarke, nor for any Prince in the world, the King of Spaine would neuer suffer any change of religion B in the countries of his obedience, wherevpon Ranson returned with letters vnto his King, making onely mention of a peace betwixt Spaine and England Being on his way home-wards, hee was incountred in the wood of Soigne, three leagues from Brussels, by some of the States soldiers of the garrison of Berghen vp Zoom, who finding him in the enemies countrey, tooke him prisoner, and (being at the first vnknowne vnto Caius Ranson being vnknowne is taken prisoner them) rifled his baggage: but vpon discouery of his person and qualitie, they carried him to the Hage to the Estates, who made it knowne sufficiently how much they were discontented for that which their men had vnaduisedly done vnto him: excusing it as much as they could, and causing all that had been taken from him to be restored againe, as well his papers, as his gold, siluer, iewels, and other things, or else the value of that C which could not be recouered. Whereby the Estates thought to haue giuen him such contentment as he should haue no cause to complaine vnto his King. As in truth the fact was excusable, hauing beene found in the enemies conntrey, by them that did incounter him, vnknowne what he was, and who at the first put himselfe in defence, refusing to make his qualitie knowne, the which might mooue the soldiers the more. And although hee had declared himselfe, yet it had beene no new thing to qualifie himselfe for other then he was, to escape the enemies hands. Besides hee was' demanded by the estares, after restitution of all his goods. If hee desired to haue any corporall punishment inflicted vpon them that had taken him: he answered no, and that they were good companions. Yet being returned into Denmarke, hee made great complaints vnto the D King, and did so incense him against the Estates, especially against Holland, Zeeland and Ranson complaines vnto his King. Freezeland, as he arrested aboue sixe hundred of their ships in the Sound, vpon colour of the iniurie that had beene done vnto his Ambassador Ranson: the which hee set at thirty thousand Florins ransome, with the consent of the Estates themselues (who had sent their deputies vnto his Maiestie to excuse the fact) being loth to contest with him for so small a matter, forbidding their ships to vse any force to free themselues from this arrest, as they might well haue done if they had would, and had beene licensed by their maisters and superiors. Of these thirty thousand Florins, Ranson had aboue a thousand for his share, which paied all his interests.
The Earle of Leicester before his departure into England, had made sir William Stanley E Colloneil of a regiment of Irishmen, gouernor of the towne of Deuenter: and Rouland Yorke of the great Fort before Zutphen. Stanley had in his garrison 1200. Stanley seekes to berray Deuenter to the Spaniard. foote and about two hundred horse, English and Irish, the which was much displeasing vnto the estates, for that he had serued the King of Spaine he had long desired to yeeld the towne vnto the King of Spaine, and to that end had held correspondencie with Collonell Taxis, gouernor of Zutphen. Neither could hee not so modestly containe himselfe, but it was descouered that he had some bad intent. Yet the estates of Oueryssel knew not how to helpe it, nor to preuent the danger which they feared, hauing no meanes to get him out of the towne. For the Earle of Leicester at his departure had charged him not to depart out of that place without his expresse commandement, besides F by reason of the Earle of Leicesters Act of restraint which he made at his departure, the estates could not force him to obedience. The estates finding no other meanes, had intreated Generall Norris (in whom they trusted more then in any other, for the good seruices which he had done to them, and to the Prince of Orange) to goe with his [Page 943] regiment, about Deuenter as if he would winter there, and so to find some meanes (wich 1587. A the helpe of the Bourgers) to get into the towne. Stanley being suspitions of his approch, or it may be hauing some aduertisment thereof, made hast to agree with Taxis to deliuer the towne to the King of Spaine, for a certaine summe of mony and other promises of great rewards (which were afterwards ill performed) for the effecting where of she went early in the morning before day, to the Bourguemaistcr of the towne, desiring him to open the port of Neurenbercke, meaning (said he) to go forth with his men, to doe some exployt vpon the enemy, whome hee had descouered. Being gone forth, he Stanley yeelds Deuenter to the Spaniard. returned presently before day, bringing with him Collonel Taxis with three Companies of foote, and three of horse, marching directly to the market place where they put them-selues in battayle, after that Taxis had placed gardes in all parts of the towne: the which was don so stilly and with so smale brute as the townes-men heard not any thing; B or if they did, they thought it had beene their garrison, so as at the breake of day they found they were Spaniards: Some among the Protestants were so terrefied, as fearing a massaker, they cast themselues from the toppe of the walles to saue themselues: Taxis hauing placed all his gards, began to bee more assured, for before hee was not without great distrust, hauing with so few men trusted vnto Stanleys word and thrust him-selfe into a towne where there was a good garrsion, and a number of braue Bourgers well armed, where hee might haue beene taken like a mouse in a trappe. Being thus assured, hee presently caused it to bee proclaymed at the sound of the trompet, that all men might remaine freely within the towne, without any wrong done them either C in bodie or goods, lyuing in the Romish Religion, and vnder the King of Spaines obedience.
Herevpon Stanley made his excuse both to the magistrats and the soldiars, and sought to iustifie this trecherous fact, saying, that he neither was, nor could be accoumpted Stanley seekes to excuse him-selfe. atraitor, in respect that hee had done no wrong, vnlesse they would hold it treason to deliuer the towne to the King of Spaine to whome of right it did belong, being long before moued therevnto (as he said) in conscience; alledging many other such like reasons: saying more-ouer that if any of his soldiars would serue there, they should be well payed by a most bountifull king, and the rest might freely depart, where-vpon many, but most of them Irish-men staid with him, euery one hauing a monet [...]es pay D giuen him, and presently the Bourgers were disarmed and likewise suffred to depart with Taxis pasport, among the which there wore two Preachers. The Bourgers houses were not spoyled that they might draw other townes to doe the like, onely a few were ransackt, among the which the preachers houses were not spared. Stanleys regiment was disperst into sondry garrisons, and hee himselfe was left still gouernor of Deuenter.
At the same time Rouland Yorke, (being made gouernor of the great Sconse before Zutphen, by the earle of Leicester, wholy against the liking of the Estates, with eight Rouland Yorkes life and treason. hundred foote and a hundred horse) did in like sort sel it to the Spaniard: This Yorke had long before serued vnder the States, although not with the best credit. In Gant hee E had beene Lieutenant Collonell to Iohn van Imbise, with whome he had conspired to betray Gaunt and Dermond to the Prince of Parma, for the which Imbise was beheaded, and hee sent prisoner to Brusselles, where at the last by the taking of the towne he was set at liberty, and after that imployed by the Duke of Parma vppon the water in the riuer Scheld, at the bridge before Antwerp: at length by the meanes of friends he was reconciled, and returned into England with credit, and from thence came with the Earle of Leicester into Holland, and there was so recommended by Sir Philip Sydney, as the Earle of Leicester his vncle put him in great credit, and gaue him this gouernment of the Sconse, who the same day that Deuenter was battered told his soldiars, that it would bee but lost labour for them to stay there, F wishing them rather to take pay of the King of Spaine, where-vpon his soldiars tore their collours in peeces, and two Duch companies, with some others went away euery man where he pleased, but Yorke went to Zutphen, where he receiued a reward from the [Page 944] King, and for a time kept company with Sir William Stanley, but without any credit, A and there not long after dyed very miserablie, and so Taxis like-wise got the sconce. 1587. Thus the credulity and light beleefe of the Earle of Leicester, was the cause of the losse of this goodly and strong towne of Deuenter, which is one of the Hans townes, and of that important fort of Zutphen, the which the sommer before had cost so much to winne and fortefie. It was not without cause if they began to murmure against the Earle of Leicester hauing at his very departure placed these two gallants in such important gouernments. It was no maruell then, if the Noblemen, Collonels and gentlemen of the vnited Prouinces, were discontented, and complained vnto the Earle Certaine speeches vsed in th [...] counc [...]ll of State. of Leicester, to see them-selues reiected, to aduance such traitors, to the gouernment of such important places, as Stanley, Yorke, and Patton were, of whome wee will speake here-after. B
After the losse of this towne of Deuenter and of the fort of Zutphen, the Estates of the vnited Prouinces were much perplexed, fearing that all the English garrisons which lay in any other townes and forts, would doe the like, and deale with them, as the French in the time of the Duke of Aniou and Brabant had determined to doe, all in one day. On the Sonday morning, being the first of February, the councell of estate being assembled to prouide for their affaires, and to preuent the alterations which the losse of Deuenter and the forts before Zutphen might cause: thether came the generall estates and the aduocate Barnevelt for their part, who declared in their names, ‘that considering the necessitie and in what termes the State then stood, they held it more then necessary that the Gouerners of Prouincesshould go into their Gouernments, C there to command by vertue of their commissions: And that to hasten the departure of the Earle of Maeurs, they had resolued concerning the Ritmaisters, as should be seene by the contents of the contract made with them, and the means which they had set downe for their paie. Secondly that maters concerning the Admiralty, might be redrest and ordred, for the Gouernment of sea causes, as the seruice of the country should require, the affaiers of estate being in very great disorder, for want of good gouernment; where-vpon words grew of either side tending to accusations and excuses; Barnevelt saying, Is this the way to serue the country? where-vnto the Lord of Brederode answered, that if they were not contented with the seruices and toyle which the Lords of the councell tooke, but they must daily receyue bad words and reproches D as if they were subiects and slaues, they might seeke for others that would subiect them-selues to their slanders and continuall exclamations.’
‘Hee was also demanded wherein it was so ill gouerned and ordered, and what were the causes there of? Barnevelt like a man full of passion and choller, answered, that it was the councell of the Cabinet, where-as many things were done, which none but they of the councell knew, as of late appered by the Act of restraint, which was made there by some priuate persones, without the knowledge of the councell, whereby the authority of the councell of estate in the absence of his excellency was quite cut of; And so the councell remayned here and the authority in England, the E which the estates did not hold fit nor conuenient. Moreouer that in this Gouernment it seemed they did not remember how the deceased Prince of Orange (of famous memory) had gouerned, who neuer in a frontier place made a garrison all of one nation, neither was it conteyned in the treaty made with her maiesty that Englishmen should command in all the frontier townes. The which was of bad consequence and not tollerable, hauing beene so ill intreated and deceiued by the English Nation; where-vnto the conncellor Loozen answered, that they ought not to blame and condemne a whole nation for the offences and misdeeds of some priuate persons, seeing that other difficulties and greater misfortunes had happened vnto the Prince of Orange, especially in the time of the French, who comitted other kinds of disorders, his Excelence F (deceased) hauing beene much deceiued. To the which Barnevelt replyed crying out that they had beene neuer so deceiued by the french as by the English, their gouernment being incompatible. The which Loozen said could not be inferred, hauing receiued so great fauors and benefits from her Maiesty, and that he knew not wherein the [Page 945] said pretended deceit might consist. At which words the Secretary Gilpin also said that it 1587 A did not become Barnevelt to exclaime so against the nation, and that he did wrong both her Maiestie and his Excelency, in vsing such words, the which he at the first began to denie and then began to speake of the fact againe, as if that had beene the cause which moued him, seeking to excuse his vndecent words. But Gilpin replyed, that it was not the act hee made question of, but at his vndiscreet words, calling (if need were) the Seignior of Loozen and all the Noblemen there present to bee witnesses. Maister wilkes hearing these speeches which past betwixt Gilpin and Barnevelt, being in French, began to say that he was sorry to heare, that all the fauors and benifits receiued from her Maiesty were in a manner forgotten, considering the smale respect which it seemed they bare vnto her Maiesty and consequently vnto his Excelency as her Leiutenant B that for a fault committed by one or two wicked persons they would blame all the Nation, the which was no fit course, and would breed but spleene and great inconueniences where-of hee wisht them to bee carefull and not giue her Maiesty any cause of discontentment, the which would redound to their owne harme, and by this course they should giue her occasion, if they continued, to take it in ill part, and to tell them plainely of their errors. And so that conference ended.’
During this generall murmuring against the English there grew dayly factions and partialities, some inclining to the Estates, and to the generality of the vnited Prouinces; and others to the Earle of Leicester and the English, either party hauing many C at their deuotion, so as it seemed to tend to a diuision and a dismembring of the Prouinces, or rather to a whose confusion of the generall Estate; where-vpon there was a letter written by a gentleman of Germany to a friend of his, to iustifie the English Nation, who had beene much taxed for this trechery of Stanley and Yorke. The tenor whereof followes.
A letter written by VVarmond of Stochelen a Gentleman of Germany to a friend of his, touching the betraying of Deuenter and the fort before D Zutphen.
‘SIR comming from Franckfort, I arriued in these parts at the same time when as the towne of Deuenter and the fort before Zutphen were betrayed and yeelded vp vnto the enimy. I assure you I found a strange alteration generally by reason of this losse: and there was nothing more feared then a reuolt, like vnto that which was made against the French, after the enterprize of Antwerp, yet such as are ill affected haue hetherto conteyned them-selues, and beene content to reuenge them-selues with their tongs, blaming generally all the English Nation, and taxing his Excelency with a thousand reproches, yea they haue beene so impudent, as they E haue not spared the Queene of England: as if her Maiesty; his Excelency, and all those that are come into the Netherlands, had had no other desseigne from the beginning, but to ruine the country and to bring it vnder the power and oppression of the King of Spaine. And it seemes these euill spirits haue layd hold of this occasion to vomit out their poyson against them who had neuer before giuen them any subiect of reproch. Without doubt Sir I beleeue that such as are wise, iuditious and well affected to the preseruation of Religion and of their liberties, are not the authors of this scandalous brute: but there bee the papists and such as are spaniolized, and the spies and pentioners of the King of Spaine: who by this meanes would distaste the F people from seeking any more assistance from her Maiestie: and reduce them to that poynt wheere-vnto they were once brought at his Excelencies comming into these Countries, which is to make an accord with the King of Spaine. But that which hath seemed most strange vnto mee, is that all men in generall are so amazed, [Page 946] as if this Estate were ruined, and that the losse of these places (whereof the one hath 1587 A not b [...]ene ours foure monthes, and the other was well assured) should draw after it the ruine of all the rest, and as if neuer heretofore any place of importance had beene lost, and finally as if there were no hope left to recouer this losse vpon the enemie. To conclude, in an instant all that were affected to the English partie, were so terrefied and grewe so cold, as they would willingly haue giuen eare to any practises or new inuentions, to preserue themselues without England, or at the least without Englishmen, but not without their Angells, the which they knew well they could not want: but aboue all to free themselues of his Excelencie, as of him who had beene the cause of the losse of these two places, and might in time procure the ruine of all the rest. Yea some haue beene so audatious as to say in open Councell of State, that the Netherlands had B neuer beene so much deceiued by the French, as they were at this present by the English, writing letters vnto her Maiestie and to his Excelencie full of reproch and discontentment, seeking to bring his Excelencie into disgrace with her Maiestie. Doubtlesse Sir, wee must confesse that the losse of these two places is not small, for that the countrie of the Veluwe is in danger to bee spoyled by the enemie: but who can denie that it hath not beene in the like Estate of late years, euen vnto September last, that the fort before Zutphen was taken by the English forces, and the towne of Deuenter assured? Who will say that the Veluwe is much indomaged, hauing neither beene tilled nor inhabited for these many yeares? Who will denie, but the sayd countrie beeing as it is, may profit vs as much as our enemie, and more, for the number of townes and places C which wee hold there abouts? But is there not a greater preiudice in the losse of the whole Estate which is prepared by the discontentment which they giue vnto her Maiesty by this sodaine change, from the deuotion they were wont to beare her, and the hope they had in her bounty and assistance? when as shee shall vnderstand that they impute the treason and wickednesse of two to the whole Nation, and that they wrongfully taxe the good for the bad: and for that her Maiesty was serued by Stanley, and his Excelency by Yorke, they will impute the subiects fault to their Prince, and the seruants to their Maister. By what lawe, reason or custome will they proue that this blame is well grounded? and with what art will they keepe her Maiesties loue to them, in taxing in such a sort both her and all the Nation?’ D
‘As for Stanley it is well knowne that in former times hee had done good seruice in Ireland, and euen since that hee came into this countrie, he hath giuen good proofes of his valour and loyaltie. And although that Yorke had heretofore committed a grosse error, yet hee hath since carried himselfe corragiously at the enterprise of Axel, and in these last exploites before Doesbourg and Zutphen, hauing so often hazarded his life in the viewe of all the world, as hee had giuen the Generall good cause to trust him. Neither is it the first time that a Commander hath trusted after a fault confessed, nor any new thing to see treasons, treacheries and reuoltes in these countries, but it is a new thing, strange, and beyonde all reason, to impure vnto Commanders and Princes the faults of their souldiars and seruants: and for the wickednesse of some to E blame and taxe a whole Nation; as they haue done heere. They must then by the like absurditie of consequence, condemne the French Nation, for that a Prouensall did lately sell the castle of Vowe: and the Scottish Nation, for that one captaine Simpel deliuered the towne of Liere. And to come to this Nation of the Netherlands, how many places, townes and whole Prouinces haue beene lost, by the treacherie, treason and reuolt of Noblemen, Gentlemen, Captaines and others, who haue made marchandise of them, as of the Earle of Rennenberg who deliuered Groningue; the signior of Stakenbroek, Breda: the Lord of Berwoets who thought to haue betraied Berghen vp Zoom: the Lord of Bours who deliuered the castle of Antwerp, and afterwards Macklyn. Iohn d'Imbise who would haue betraied Gant and Denremonde; the Baylife of F Courtray called Pottelberg, who deliuered Courtray by treason: Roeck, Corpets, Cauwegem and their consorts, who deliuered the towne of Brusselles: Collonel T [...]er who betraied Diest. Captaine Vlyet who deliuered Westerloo: Captaine Coenen who deliuered Hoochstraten: the Earle of Lalain, Vicont of Gant, the Lords of Montigny, [Page 947] Gognies, la Motte and many others, who were the cause of the defeate of Gemblours. 1587. The Lord of Auchy (brother to the Earle of Bossu) who deliuered Alost: A the Seigniors of Hemmert, Cobocke and Duban who deliuered the towne of Graue: the Burgers of Venloo; the Abbots of Saint Gertrude, Manolles and others, who betrayed the Estates: Some of the Councell of the Estates of Brabant who deliuered Herentals. The Prince of Chymay who was the cause of the reuolt almost of all Flanders: and Stryeland Baylife of Waes, who deliuered Ruppelmonde and all the Land of Waes, whereby the enemy came to besiege Antwerp &c.’
‘Wherefore it is against all right and the rule of Christian charity to thinke or saie that the whole nation is to bee blamed in the which there are some traitors, is it likely that shee who so willingly did yeeld to that which other Princes could not or refused to doe; who hath imploied so great summes of money for the succor of this countrie B who hath beene contented to hazard the liues of so many Noblemen, Gentlemen and others of all qualities of her realme, and especially of the Earle of Leicester, whose presence is so necessary in England? Shee who was content to incur the hatred of so mightie a Prince as the King of Spaine, and to imbarke herselfe in so deadly a warre with him, for that at the instance of these men shee had vndertaken their defence: who not to breake her promise made, nor to make any accord with the King of Spaine, but with the priuity and approbation of them of the Netherlands, would neuer giue eare to the instances made vnto her by diuers Princes of Christendome to that end? To conclude, shee who had imbraced this poore people with such affection, and long expected C the comming of the deputies of this countrie, to treat with them of the meanes to succor, defend and deliuer this poore people, from the oppression which did daylie threaten them? Is there any apparance then that shee euer had any other deseigne or intent then the good and preseruation of this Estate? Yet here they make complaintes and taxe her Maiestie, as if shee had brought more harme then good vnto the countrie. Yet they send to treat with her as if shee had first sought the protection of this countrie, or to take the soueraignty, the which (it is well knowne) shee hath often refused: and as if her Maiestie and the Realme of England, had the greatest interest in the preseruation of this Estate; or that England could not defend it selfe without this countrie. As for her Maiestie I hope shee will make the D contrarie of this manifest, and that shee will not forget the wrong and indignitie which is done to her and to the whole nation, nor the ingratitude which they haue shewed in sundrie sorts, as also to his Excelencie who hath so willingly exposed his life to a thousand daungers: who had forsaken all his greatnesse, pleasures and commodities in England, to vndergoe so many cares, toyles and discommodities, which doe accompany a generall in so waighty and difficult a charge: who hath lost his deerest Nephew and his next heire: and who hath giuen such good proofes of his sincere loue vnto the people.’
‘And as for the money which they haue graunted for the charges of the warre, they of his Councell and some of the countrie hauing had the managing thereof, I E doubt not Sir but it shalbe the more easie for him to giue a good account, and of all the rest of his actions during the time of his aboade heere. Whom they taxe, to make him odious to all the people countrouling, crossing and ouerthrowing his decrees, letters and commandements, as if all had not past by the aduice of the Councell of Estate: Finally they shew great ingratitude to him and to the whole nation, who haue so well deserued of this countrie, seeing there is no benifit so great as to expose ones life for an other, especially when hee comes of his owne freewill, without hope of reward or recompence, as wee know so many Noblemen and Gentlemen haue done, yea of the best houses of England, which haue accompanied his Excelencie. Ingratitude is a vice, hatefull to GOD and Men, the which F GOD doth some-times seuerely punnish, for that it violates the bonds of humaine societie.’
‘It is sayd in an ancient Latin Prouerbe: Ingratam qui dixit, omnia dixit. As if all wickednesse were comprehended vnder this name and vice of ingratitude. How [Page 948] much her Maiestie his Excelencie, and the whole nation haue bound this people vnto A them, euery one sees, and all Christian Princes know it, and admire it: and posteritie 1587 will iudge better of it. Wee cannot expresse the miseries and want which so many poore English souldiars haue suffred: which haue come into these partes. It wilbe prooued by some Commissaries of musters, honest men and of credit that the souldiars of the fort before Zutphen, were in December last during the great frost, sixe daies togither without any other beuerage then yce water to drinke: and yet the fort was not besieged nor in daunger to be lost: but onelie through their default who had charge to supplie this place and others: befides the other discomodities of hunger and cold which the sayd soldiars haue suffred there, and do yet suffer els-where: which breed either death or diseases. Besides is there any one so ingrate or malicious, that will say the English are not good souldiars, for that they cannot endure all these discommodities? B as if in all ages, and of late yeares in many exploites in these partes, they had not giuen good proofes of their valour, courage and aptnesse to armes, euen amazing many of this countrie when they haue seene them goe to assaultes and combates with such a corrage and resolution, as if they had had no feare nor apprehension of death. But admit they had not aduentured their liues and persons, as they haue done, yet their great expences, and the discommodities which they haue suffred here, besides the absence from their Wiues, Children, Kinsmen and Friends, and losse which many of them haue sustained thereby, and all without any hope of recompence or reward, desires that they should bee spared in their honours and reputations, C yea although they had descouered some errors and imperfections: the which haue hetherto beene so small as few men haue cause to reproch the English for the rauishing of their wiues and children, or any outrage done vnto their persones, or the taking away of their goods, or that they haue beene quarelors riotors or drunkards.’
‘Wherefore I hope that no good man in these partes will giue eare to these wicked spirites which disperse these scandalous brutes; some to reduce the people to the necessitie of an accord with the King of Spaine, and others for that they would not loose the credit, commandement and authoritie which they haue in these Prouinces, nor see any other Nation heere that doth exceed them in valour and prowesse: D and finally for the feare which they haue that his Excelencies comming will obscure their starres, and disperse the cloudes and darkenesse, vnder the which so manie confusions, factions and secret practises, are couered and hatcht, tending to the ouerthrowe of all order, authoritie and lawfull gouernment. And I hope also that the wise and best aduised will consider, that there is at this daie but one onelie meanes to preserue this Noble Estate, the which is England, and that it is to great an absurditie, to seeke their fauour, whome wee speake ill of and detract and a great discretion to commit the gard of that to an other, which they cannot keepe them-selues: especially to a Princesse who is free from all suspition to haue euer affected it: to a Princesse which hath so manie waies shewed how much shee loues E the good and libertie of these Prouinces: to a Princesse whose crowne hath beene alwaies allied by many contracts to this countrie and to the house of Bourgongne: to a Princesse who is at this daie the onelie mother and nurce of all the churches of Christendome, and protection of all the afflicted; to a Princesse who for that shee hath fauored the defence of this countrie against the oppression of Spaine, hath incurred and doth daily, a thousand hazards of her life and States, by the practises of the enemies of Religion and of this Estate.’
‘To conclude, the resolution of this people to defend their liberty is much to be commended and admired who haue so vertuously for many yeares sustained the indignation of a King of Spaine, and resisted the oppression which should fall vpon their F heads, if they bee subdued by the Spanish Nation, hauing to that end not onely exposed their liues, but contributed yearely aboue a moitie or two third partes of their goods and reuenues. But if this money hath not beene well imploied, his Excelencie is not to bee blamed, but such as haue had the managing thereof. Herevpon Sir I [Page 949] haue heard some discourse, that they which haue the managing of the money and of 1587 A all authoritie in this Estate, are for the most part Marchants, Orators of townes, mechanike men, ignorant, louing gaine naturally, without respect of honour: and who conuert the peoples money to their owne priuate: and for that they are men of that condition, borne to obey rather then to commande, who hauing once tasted the sweetnesse of authoritie (for that they haue not had for some yeares any soueraigne Prince) they haue by little and little perswaded themselues that they were soueraignes, and vnder this name of the Estates, they haue in a manner made themselues maisters of the Estate; insulting ouer the people, and controuling him, to whome they had by oth referred the absolute and generall gouernment. I thinke this happens, for that such men are continued to many yeares in their charges, & being once entred and anchored B there, they will command like Princes, and doe all things at their pleasures: I knowe well the assemblie of the Estates, hath beene in all Estates an inuention to bridle Kings and Princes, but they were neuer called but vpon great and extraordinarie necessitie; neither were the same persons, alwaies imploied and sent: but (as it were requisite in this Estate) they deputed some from time to time, who representing the people respectiuely in the three Estates, came to such assemblies; and their commission, powre and authoritie ended with the assemblie, as it is obserued in other places. If this custome (which is good and commendable,) cannot bee reduced to the first institution, yet in my opinion they should change such men euery yeare, or euerie sixe monethes: least they should settle an opinion that they are maisters and soueraignes: seeing that the Soueraignty belongs really vnto the people, to whome they are but C seruants and deputies. I say in this Estate, where there is no Prince acknowledged nor lawfully advowed. If then there bee lesse daunger to bee commanded, (and if it so fall out to bee tyrannized) by one then by manie, and that the like abuse of authoritie, and continuation of Magistrates and Offices of importance hath caused the ruine of the Common-weale of Rome, as histories makes mention; I see no other reamedie for this mischiefe, but that the people bee hereafter warie how they giue so great powre and authoritie, and suffer it continue so long in the hands of men of Mechanike and base condition: who growne proude with the commaunde and authoritie which they haue, abuse it dailie, as well against the people, who haue giuen them this D charge, as against the Gouernors, to whome the people haue referred the gouernment and absolute powre, both ouer themselues and ouer the whole Estate, And it were necessarie to let the people vnderstand, (who of themselues are good, mild and tractable) that this abuse will in the end bee the ruine of this Estate: and yet they bee not all the Estates (or to speake more properly, deputies of the Estates) of whome they complaine, but as they saie fiue or sixe onelie, who hauing gotten credit with the rest, dispose of all things at their pleasures, and for their priuat passions doe bad and dangerous offices to this Estate, and to them that haue interrest therein: some through enuy, iealousie and partialitie, others through couetousnesse, and altogither through ambition and desire to rule alone and alwaies. For this poore people haue heretofore long labored in vaine, and for so manie yeares suffred themselues to bee flesht, and in E a manner the marrow of their boanes suckt out; if at the appetite and by the bad gouernment of fiue or sixe men of no sort, they would now without any vrgent necessity, runne headlong into the daunger of a shame-full peace with them who attend nothing else but the reduction of Holland and Zeeland, to bee reuenged of the reuolt and rebellion which they pretend. From the which our good God by his holie grace, preserue this poore people, so many good men which are there, so many goodly churches which God would plant there, and that hee will giue better counsell and more holesome aduise to them that haue the mannaging of the affaires and the conduct of the people &c. From Arnhem the 15. February 1587.’ F
IN the beginning of Winter the Prince of Parma had caused the Earle of Mansfield, 1587. A to besiege the towne of Graue lying vpon the Meuse, with foure sconces, and The towne of Graue besieged by the Prince of Parma. had made a bridge ouer the riuer, and shut it vp both aboue and beneath the towne, thereby to keepe it from victuals and other necessaries.
In those sconces he placed 1500. men, and appointed 5000. Spaniards to lie about the towne, and with the rest of his army he laie halfe a mile from thence, yet notwithstanding the gouernor, Monsier van Hemert sallied daily forth, and did much hurt to the enemy. The towne of Graue hauing in this sort bin 3. months besieged, the Earle of Leicester went out of the Hage, to Harlem & from thence to Amsterdam, & so to Vtrecht, sending his horsemen beeing 1400. to Niekerke in the Veluwe, to aide the towne of Graue, giuing charge to the Earle of Hohenlo, and to Sir Iohn Norris, generall of the B English footmen, with 2000. foot, and the horsemen (though they were not to be vsed) to victual the town of Graue. They presently marching forward, went to Molen sconce a mile and a halfe from the towne, and from thence beganne to insconce themselues as nere to the towne as they could, close by the Meuse, betweene the towne of Graue and Batenborch, not far from the Spanish sconces & their bridge, and vpon the 15. of Aprill at night, began to worke with 300. soldiars and certaine pioners, and ere morning had raised a trench 3. foote high, which the Spaniards perceiuing, issued forth to the number of 3000. to hinder their worke, and by force draue them from it, hauing made resistance twice or thrice at the least, but in the end they were constrained to retire, & going back, met with 8. or 900. men, that came to aide them, whervpon they made a stand, and C valiantly charged the Spaniards, and forced them to retire beyond the trenches which they had begun, close to their owne forts, and in that skirmish slew 4 or 500. of them, & hurt a great number, and amongst the rest 7. captaines, and two great personages were slaine, taking from them a peece of ordinance which they had brought with them, of the Earle of Hohenloes and Sir Iohn Norris side being halfe English, halfe Netherlanders) there was 130. or 140. slaine, Sir Iohn Norris himselfe being hurt in the brest with a pike, and Sir Iohn Borrowes had one of his fingers cut off. After that the Earle of Hohenlo, by means of his great peece, wan the castle of Batenborch, and an other sconce, and the house of Empel and cut the ditch and let the water run into the land, for that the Meuse by reason of the land waters, was very high, so as he entered into the towne with scuits D and Boats, and went and victualed it himselfe, twice, one after the other, furnishing the towne withall necessary prouision, and more garrison vnder the gouernment of Mounsire van Hemert.
The Prince of Parma, beeing certefied that it might bee wonne by assault, vpon the twefth of May, went in person before it, and placing a battery of 24. peeces beganne to play vpon the towne, both from ouer the water, and at both the ends, where hee spent two thousand shot, and with a falce alarme made a shew to giue an assault to see what they within would doe, who were there-with some-what amazed, and beganne to faint, whether it were by the aduise and Councell of some affected to the Spaniards, or by the townes mens meanes, who feared by an assault to loose the liues both of themselues E and of their wiues and children, and also by the aduise of many well experienced soldiars, the assault could not be but much hurtfull and very dangerous for them. The gouernor Mousier van Hemert seeing the Prince of Parma prepare to giue a generall assault, the daie after to the battery with certaine captaines, made signes to The towne of Graue ye [...]lded vp the 7. of Iuly. parle, and sent a trumpet about some honest capitulation, which many captaines disliked, (hauing but the day before written vnto the Earle of Leicester, that they doubted not, but to keepe and defend the towne well inoughfrom the enemy,) and by that means the towne of Graue was deliuered ouer to the Prince of Parma vpon the seauenth of Iuly, vpon condition that the garrison should issue out armed and such of the townes men as desired it, had liberty to depart the towne with their wiues and F children, and such goods as they had, and for that purpose had ships lent them to bring them to Bommel, those that staied within the towne, likewise had reasonable conditions granted them.
The Earle of Leicester vnderstanding the Prince of Parmaces intent touching the town [Page 951] of Graue, leauing his enterprise, against Zutphen and Doesburch, resolued (although 1587. A as then not fully prepared) to set vpon the Prince of Parmaes campe, and with a small armie of three thousand foote and one thousand horse, hee set forward, and went to Arneham and from thence ouer the Reine into the Betuwe, where hee caused diuers forts, to bee assailed and taken, as the sconces of Bergshoost, and Lutefort, the castle of Bemel and others. Appointing Sir Martin Schenck to take the Island called Sgrauenweert, lying by the Tolhuis, where the Reine deuideth it selfe in two parts, the one part still holding the name of the Reine, and runeth along by Arneham, the other part called The fort of Sgr [...]uenweert built by Schinck called Schenks sconce. the Wale, passing before Nimeghen, where hee willed him to make a great sconce, thereby to free the Betuwe; which done, when as he thought to haue passed ouer the Wale, and so to haue set vpon the Prince of Parmaes campe, newes was brought him, that the towne of Graue was yeelded vp to the enemy, whereat hee was some-what amazed, B and therevpon being aduertised, that the Prince of Parma might peraduenture march towards Bommel, he went to Bommelweert, sending his soldiars into all the places round about.
When as Mounsire Van Hemert came to Bommel, the Earle caused him with other captaines, to bee committed to prison, and so sent to Vtrecht where their processe beeing made, they were condemned to die, which most part of the Commanders seemed to dislike, in regard that they were no traitors, nor yet had any intelligence with the enemie, but for that the towne of Graue was giuen ouer, through want of vnderstanding and Marshall policie, contrary to the will and intent of the gouernor Generall: C but it was held a good example, and to the great furtherance of marshall discipline, which at that time was much decaied, and so the execution was referred to the discreti [...]n of the Earle of Leicester, who vpon the eight and twentie of Iune caused him The Lord of Hemerr beheaded in Vtrecht. openly to bee beheaded, with two captaines, Du Banck, and Korf, which execution was by many men thought to be very rigorus, in regard that Mounsire Hemert was a very wise and a braue young Nobleman, and one of the chiefe houses in the Netherlands, who besought the Earle to grant him his life, and that hee might serue the Queene of England, either by sea or by land, at his owne charges, and by his valor and fidelitie make recompence for his falt committed, but this rigor was the more borne with all, through hope that thereby better marshall discipline would bee obserued, which neuerthelesse D tooke small effect: by which meanes the hearts of most of the Nobilitie of the Netherlands, were quite alienated from the Earle of Leicester, especially when The Nobility of the Netherlands fall in dislike of the Earle. they sawe, that an English captaine called Welles whome the Earle of Hohenlo had taken, (beeing a traitor, and one of the actors to sell and betray the towne of Alost vnto the enemy) was not executed, but retained into seruice and put in credit, as also that the fugetiue and traitor Rowland Yorke, was likewise in much estimation, and put in credit with many great seruices.
The Prince of Parma hauing gotten the towne of Graue he was soone maister of Megen and Batenborch and then he presently beseiged Venloo, a towne both by nature and art veric strong, with double ditches, lying vpon the Meuse in Gelderland, and went before it with his whole army, lodging most of his men on the other side of the E Meuse in Gelderland, and the rest in Brabant: within Venloo Shenck had his wife, and her sister, and all his house-hold, with seauen hundred men of his owne regiment, for which cause Sir Martin Shenck, and an English knight called Sir Roger Williams, with a hundreth horse, sought all the meanes they could to get into the towne, but found Venloo besieged by the Prince of Parma and won the 28. of Iune. all the passages so well garded, as they could not enter, neuerthelesse the gaue a great alarum by night in the Prince of Parmaes campe, and past so farre through his gards, as they came to the Princes owne Tent, and slewe verie many of his men, but finding the waies round about all stopt vp, and perceiuing (daie beginning to breake) that all the campe beganne to goe to armes, they turned backe againe to Wachtendonck, F with the losse of about some fortie horse and men that were taken and slaine.
The twentie day of Iune, the Prince of Parma caused the Earle of Mansfield, to assaile the strong village and house of Arsen which was presently taken, and vpon the [Page 952] sixe and twentie daie of Iune hee caused a sconce to bee placed vpon three points or A great scutes, and with three hundred Spaniardes assailed one Island (lying in the 1587. Meuse before Venloo) which by them of the towne was made stronge, and a sconce made therein to defend the same, which hee presently tooke; wherevpon the townesmen (notwithstanding the strength of the towne, hauing once resisted the whole powre of the Emperor Charles the fift) beganne to be some what amazed, and to speake of yeelding vp of the towne, but the souldiars refused so to doe, for which cause they set vpon the souldiars that were vpon the walles and in the Courts of gard, Venloo yeelded to the Prince of Parma. and compelled them to deliuer the towne ouer vnto the Prince of Parma, which they did vpon the eight and twenty daie of Iune, with reasonable conditions, the souldiars to depart with their swordes by their sides, with Schencks wise and his house-hold: from thence the Prince of Parma went to Nuys, as hereafter wee B shall shew.
By reason of the great dearth of corne and other victualls in the countries lying vnder the Prince of Parmaes commaunde, they were inforced to bring corne from many places farre distant from thence, and that with very strong gardes and good conuoies, yet many of their conuoyes were often set vpon and ouerthrowne, and this yeare in the moneth of May, foure hundred Wagons beeing laden out of the countries of Iulliers, Cleues, and Liege, with corne and other necessarie prouisions, beeing conuoied with a strong gard of one thousand souldiars horse and foote were assayled and set vpon as the past before Antwerp, by the Noble Lord Willoughby C Gouernor of Bergen vp Zoome, with three hundred horse, and good troupes of footemen most of them Englishmen, killing the most part of their enemies spoyling all the Wagons and bearing away all they could well carry, and hauing gotten foure hundred horse and a hundred and eighty prisoners, they burnt, and scatred most part of the corne, which they could not take with them, for that the garrison of Antwerp beganne to march out against them. About that time also the Earle of Hohenlo, and Sir William Pelham, Marshall of the army for the States, made a great roade into Brabant, and spoyled Langstraet, and had certaine secret intelligences vpon some of the forts there aboutes, but they tooke no effect.
The waies (by reason of the daylie spoyles and robbing of the souldiars) beeing D verie daungerous to passe without any conuoie, and especially in the Diocese of Cologne A conuoy of 3000. strong going to Colle [...], cut off by their owne soldiars and many of them slaine. (which on all sides was sore plaged) for that cause a great number of Gentlemen, Marchants, Countrie people, and others to the number of some three thousand strong, beeing assembled at Berghen in the countrie of Iuilliers, to goe to a Fare as then to bee holden at Cologne, with many Wagons and great store of marchandise, were set vpon by the souldiars of the garrisons of Bobert, and Ghenadeneal, most part of them were Spaniards seruing vnder the Bishoppe of Colen, which conuoie beeing (as I say) three thousand strong, had deuided themselues into three partes, and had with them about the number of a hundred and fiftie souldiars out of Iuilliers to conuoy them, who marching in good order with their Cartes and Waggons by E [...], not aboue halfe a mile from Colen, were by the garrisons aforesayd, assailed and set vpon, charging them that were in fore-front, and killing all that made any resistance, vpon which alarme the second troupe comming on to ayde the first, were all likewise slaine and spoiled, three hundred of them at least, lying dead and scattered here and there in the waie, men women and children, gentlemen and diuers others were most cruellie murthered, not respecting nor regarding any man whatsoeuer, and all they had was taken from them. They that escaped fled to Colen, many hundreds of them beeing sore hurt and wounded, this warre beeing a thing taken in hand by the towne of Colen, more of selfe-will then for any reason they had, onelie because they would not suffer their Bishoppe and chiefe Commander Truxis, F to marry a wife, and yet could indure (not without great speech and clamor) that their new elected Bishoppe, should keepe and entertaine many other mens wiues, and concubines; this murther and spoile made vpon the people traueling in this sort was much complained of, but no redresse, nor punishment ensued.
[Page 953] The like disorders and insolencies were committed in many other places of the 1587. A countrie, for that the Earle of Niewenard, Sir Martin Schenck, and captaine Cloet, made many roades into diuers places, and almost vpon all the townes of Westphalia, and the Diocese of Colen, burning and spoiling all the countrie round aboute, whereby at one time there might haue beene seene, standing vpon the walles of Collen at the least fiftie villages and places on fire altogither, besides the robbing, spoyling, and murthers by the high-waies, which was committed by their owne souldiars, that ranne through the countrie spoyling and wasting all the townes and villages.
In this great perplexitie, there was a generall assemblie of the Estates held on the sixt daie of February, at the Hage, to redresse their affaires, least they should growe Prince Maurice gouernes in the Earle of Leicesters absence. desperate. Wherefore by vertue of the authoritie which they had reserued to themselues, B they commanded Prince Maurice of Nassau, sonne to the deceased Prince of Orange their Gouernor (whome from the death of his father they had taken care to bring vp) to take vpon him (in the absence of the Earle of Leicester, at that time Gouernor generall) the managing of the Gouernment with the councell of Estate, commanding all Collonels, Captaines and Officers, (especially those that were in pay vnder the Generallity of the sayd Prouinces and not of the Queene of Englands,) to take an oth of sidelitie and obedience vnto the sayd Prince Maurice, as vnto their captaine generall: sending their deputies to that end into all partes, to receiue the oth. Not that they ment thereby any way to blemish or dyminish the C Earle of Leicesters authoritie: but onelie to settle the sayd Prince Maurice in the particular gouernments of Holland, Zeeland and Vtrecht, as his father had beene: for that by reason of these occurrents some things had beene altered in the sayd Gouernmentes, against the constitutions and ancient customes of the sayd countries, which by his meanes they would haue restored: whereby they might hold the other Estates and townes in good tearmes with them, and the English souldiars in their fidelitie and obedience, for that some had murmured (by reason of the treasons of Stanley and Yorke) that they must make a distinction betwixt the good and bad English, whome they must not mesure all a like, to the end that the faithfull and vertuous (from whome long before as from Collonel Norrys and others they had drawne D great seruices) might not confusedly bee comprehended in the number of wicked men and traitors.
The Estates seeing this dangerous alteration of their affaires, had on the fourth of February written letters of complaint vnto the Queene of England and to the Earle of Leicester, with an ample relation of the causes of their complaintes, and a representation of the poore estate, into the which the vnited Prouinces were reduced, and the great and apparent inconueniences, if they were not speedily preuented: which letters by reason of their tediousnesse I thought good to omit, beeing verie ill taken by the Earle of Leicester, who thought him-selfe wronged in his honour and reputation, making them to seeme distastfull vnto the Queene; who beeing better E informed by the Councell of State which remained there with the Earle of Leicester, hauing in the Generall Estates name made their excuse for their sharpe manner of writing, beseeching her gratious Maiestie to impute it to the perplexitie of the time, and the griese by them conceiued for the soden losse of Deuenter and of the sconce before Zutphen, in the end at the instant request of the Councell of State, shee sent the Barron of Buckhorst, a Nobleman of her Maiesties priuie Councell, The Barron of Buckhorst s [...]nt into the Netherlands. and of great authoritie, into the vnited Prouinces with Doctor Clarke a ciuill Lawier, to the end that with the aduise of Collonel Norris and Maister Wilkes they might pacesie all controuersies, and reforme all errors to the best contentment of the parties. F
The Lord of Buckhorst beeing arriued in Holland, about the end of March, in the assemblie of the generall Estates, hee required in the name of the Queene his Mistris a more ample declaration of certaine pointes mentioned in their letter of the fourth of February. [Page 954] The estates entred vnwillingly into it, and would haue wisht that all those complaints 1587. A had beene forgotten, without any further reuiuing of that wound. Notwithstanding seeing that hee vrged it so vehemently, they answered by an act of the 17. of Iune, first they had complayned that the Earle of Leicester, would keepe no order in his gouernment, nor take any aduice from the Estates, or the councell of States, as all precedent gouernors of royall bloud, yea the Emperors sister, had done in the Nethelands. That hauing in his absence committed the gouernment vnto the councell, by an act of the twenty three of Nouember 1586, the same day by an other act hee had taken their authorty from them, retayning vnto him-selfe all absolute power. That hee renewed and changed the seale and counterseale of the vnited Prouinces, hauing set his owne armes in the midest of the great seale, the counter-seale being onely of his armes B which neuer any Gouernors had done. That vnder collour of piety and relligion, hee beleeued flatterers and liars, who had taxed the Estates vnto him, to bee enemies to the relligion, sor they had refused the ministers the contents of a petition, tending to new ordinances, and discipline after their owne fantasies, as if they would deale in the afrayers of the common weale and the gouernment thereof, the which the Prince of Orange the Nobility and the townes did neuer like of, to auoyd confusion: the said Earle hauing suffred himselfe to bee so perswaded by those flatterers, as to giue leaue vnto the ministers to make a generall assembly of a Synode without the Priuity of the Estates, to whom the knowledge of such things belonged. That they had falsely perswaded him that the councell of Estate was an enemy to his authority and greatnesse, and C that by their ambition and for their priuat profit they sought to supplant him, as appered by a certaine discours presented vnto him of the inuention of Ringault and Stephen Perret: whome he did so countenance, as hee beleeued what soeuer they said, giuing no credit to any of the councell of State: They had possest him, with such a iealousie and distrust of them so as without the aduice of the said councell he caused Rose-nobles Rose nobles coynedat Amsterdam. to be coyned in Amsterdam, where as they had neuer beene before any mint or sworne officers, against the priuiledges of Dordrecht to whome this right doth onely appertaine, as to the first and most ancient towne of Holland. The Noble was allowed two florins aboue the value according to the course of other coynes. All which was done not onely without the aduice of the councell of States, but also without taking councell D of the presidents and officers of the chamber of accoumpts, nor of the generalls of the mynt. That he had by the perswasions of the said flatterers made a proclamation of the fourth of Aprill, 1586. by the which the nauigation and trafficke into France and Spaine was prohibited, tending to the ruine of the Country, and retreat of the Marchants and marriners, wherein consisted their prosperity.
That the Earle had neglected to cause two thousand Germaine horse, three thousand foote and a thousand Pioners to aduance, the which being ioyned with the Queens army and the States, he might haue made him-selfe maister of the field, and driuen a way the enemy, not-with-standing that the mony was redy, and so many aduertisments which came: so as insteed of making an offenciue warre, as they might haue done, they E were forced to stand vpon the defenciue. That fence the Earle had entred into the gouernment there had neuer beene any generall muster of the English horse and foote which the Queene had sent to their succors, not-with-standing that the Estates had often required it, and he as often promised, yea it was found by the accoumpts of her Maiesties treasorers, that the entertaynment of those horse men had beene payed by the twelth of Nouember 1585. with her Maiesties money, but vpon the countries charge, although the said horsemen were not mounted, nor ready to passe musters in three moneths after, no not halfe that number which ought to haue beene, according to the contract. Besides that by the great numbers of English: Scottish, and Irish, which the said Earle had brought into the country, without the priuity of the Estates and F directly contrary to the contract, the Prouinces haue beene brought to a confusion, for that they had not ballanced this charge with the meanes and Estate of the country which hath beene the cause that the soldiars borne in the country, for these ten moneths haue receued but foure paies, some three: and some but two: and the horse-men of [Page 955] the country but two paies, the which hath not beene but with the preiudice and great 1587 A danger of the estate.
That the Earle by the aduice of his flatterers, had erected a tresor chamber against the aduice and consent of the generall Estates, and of the councell of State, making Iaques Ringault tresorer generall thereof, one that was a Spaniard in heart, and worthely suspected. That hee had also put men into the admiralties at his owne deuotion, who had no knowledge of Nauigation, strangers, not of Holand nor Zeeland, nothing acquainted with sea causes and much lesse with warre by sea and prouision for fleets: which had beene the cause that the ports of Dunkerk, Graueling and Nieuport had done much more harme vnto the Estates, that yeare then in all the precedent. And withall that hee had giuen commission vnto Ringault, to vse a kind of inquisition against the marchants, serching not onely their stoore houses and packs, B but also their studies, bookes, registers and papers, without information of any iudges, before whome they might haue defended and Iustified them-selues, the which they hold here to be Barbarous and Sauage, impugning the liberties and freedomes of the country.
More-ouer the said Sicophants did incense the people much against their Magistrats, as in Vtrecht where they haue chased away the cheefe of the country, the like they did vnto Maister Paul Buys, a councellor of Estate, casting him into prison, without doing him right, not knowing his aduerse party. The said Earle had also suffred himselfe to be so perswaded by these Sicophants, as to call in doubt the disposition of the C generall Estate of these Prouinces, especially of Holland and Zeeland, of the which there was neuer question in eight hundred yeare, no not against their enemies: whereof they haue beene so bold and rash as to discourse and write, councelling him among other things to gouerne the country without the Estates, and that the gouernment would neuer bee of any force so long as the Estates did deale with the managing of affaiers, their authority being but a meere vsurpation and tirany ouer the people, which belonged onely vnto the soueraignty and not vnto the Estates, who were but seruants to the generality. So as they haue proceeded so farre in some places and townes of the country, as they caused him to take vpon him the souerainty, vnder collour to referre it vnto her Maiesty of England. These men seeing also in what credit D the house of Nassau was in this country, for the great seruices which they had receiued from the deceased Prince of Orange, his bretheren and allies, they sought to vndermine the foundation. And as they had no meanes to supplant and disapoint Prince Maurice of his gouernments of Holland and Zeeland, the which were giuen him after his fathers death, and ratesied by the contract made with her maiesty, to dismember the said gouernment of Holland, they made a priuat commission to Dericke Sonoy of the gouernment of Northolland (otherwise called West-Freezland) of Gorcum to captaine Claeragen: of Vianen to the Seignior of Locren, of Muyden to captaine Iohn Bacx, to gouerne them absolutely vnder the Earles authoritie without the aduice of the Councell of Estates. E
As also there were other priuat Gouernors which were put into the townes of Gelder, Vtrecht, and Oueryssel, all which gouernors would neuer in the least point yeeld vnto Prince Maurice gouernor of Holland, not vnto the Earle of Maeurs gouernor of Gelder, Vtrecht and Oueryssel: so as he hath brought in diuers gouernors with equall power in one Prouince, the which could not bee without confusion: Yet there was no redresse, not-with-standing many admonitions that were giuen vnto the Earle. They complayned also that that the towne of Deuenter and the great fort before Zutphen (which were two of the keyes of the country) had beene comitted to Stanley and Yorke, contray to the liking of the Estates, who held them to bee no beter then traytors: And although the Earle had ingaged his person and honor for their F fidelities, yet they found by experience and to their losse that errors committed in matters of State, are not to bee repayred by gage, pledg nor caution. And as it seemed that these flatterers and bad councellors, sought nothing more then the ruine of the country. [Page 956] The Nobility and townes (to discouer the ground of all) had seazed vpon the person 1587. A and papers of Stephen Perret, whereby it was knowne that the said Ieames Ringault was S [...]phen Perret a prisoner. the cheefe motiue and conductor of all the troubles, a mortall enemie to the Estates and the country, secretly reconciled to the Spaniard, and making profession to ouerthrow all good dessigns and aduise, and to breake of all good correspondency betwixt the Estates and the Earle: as it appeared sufficiently by the banishment of the best Bourgers of Vtrecht, whome he called, vetus fermentum.
All which hauing bin imparted vnto the Earle by the deputies of the priuat Estates of Holland, and finding it true, he decreed that Ringault should be put in prison, promising to do good Iustice, and commanding the Prouinciall councell of Holland and west Freezland to make his processe, yet hee wrought so by the meanes of his adherents B and partisans as he was inlarged, and for that hee should not be answerable to the iurisdiction of Holland, he was led to Vtrecht; there to be hed of the mutins, and to deuide Vtrecht withall that diocesse from Holland, vsing perswasions without ground to the Earle and to some English Noblemen, that the Estates and the councell of Estate were enemies to religion and to the Earles authority, for which cause the sayed Ringault was discouered by the papers that were seazed on, being a very hipocriticall Spaniard, and a dissembling counterfet, seeking but to enrich him-selfe with the countries mony, then to play banquerout and so retire to the enemies party: As hee did since, where they scorne him, suffring him to dye in prison at Brusselles like a beggerly rascall, being deteyned for his old and new debts: Finally to the end their councells and practises should C not be hindred by the Earles absence and retreat into England, they caused him to signe this last act, whereof mention hath beene made, by the which the authority of the Estates and councell was restrayned in the maine points concerning the preseruation of the country the which he reserued to his own will and disposition, especially the change and renuing of English garrisons, holding the cheefe townes and forts of the country. The which was done so secretly, as neither the generall Estates, the councell of estate, or any priuat person did euer heare speake of it vntill that Stanley refus'd to obey the counsell of Estate, producing the said act for his defence. They declared also that after the yeelding vp of Deuenter and the forts of Zutphen, if the fidelity of generall Norris and some Englishmen that were of the councell of State, had not beene, it was D to be feared that the garrisons of Berghen vp Zoom, and Ostend (after the example of Stanley and Yorke) had done the like, considering the familiarity they had with the enemy: to whome the English soldiars fled by troupes, leauing their Sentynells and Corps de gard.
Where-vpon amidest so many doubts and distrusts, so many practises and factions among the commons: so many complaints of soldiars for their bad pay considering, also the danger that might grow by the want of a Commander, the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces thought it expedient (hauing no other meanes to bee assured from so mighty an enemy) seeing that the respect of her Maiesty of England and the Earles authority fayled them then, to take some course them-selues: restoring the gouernor's E of Prouinces to their first authority, and setting a good order for their soldiars, for the preseruation and fortification of their frontiers, and to send their shippes of warre to sea against the enemy, the better to incorrage the subiects. They remembred also the pasports giuen in England by the Secretary Bourgraue, vnder the Earles name as gouernor of the vnited Prouinces, the which they said could not be good in law: for that a gouernor hath no command out of his prouinces: and besides it was against the good of the country. They also gaue a reason for the enlargement of Paul Buys, concluding in the end that the letter of the fourth of February, had beene written aduisedly and with mature deliberation by the estates, who haue beene alwaies accustomed to proceed roundly and plainely and without any dissimulation, to impart F vnto their Lords, Princes, and gouernors, any thing that might greeue or charge the people. The which they haue alwaies found the most safest course, and least offenciue to their Princes, that vsed reason and iustice, seeing that for the loue of the commons they descouered the naked truth vnto them, to disswad them from that which [Page 957] slanderous and false practises might induce them to beleeue, and so abuse them, to the 1587. A preiudice of their honors and reputation. As also there shall bee nothing found in the sayd letter but the pure truth, proceeding from the sincere affection which they beare vnto their deere country, to her Maiestie, and to the honor and authority of the sayd Earle. And fearing happily that her Maiestie by some sinister impression of the sayd letters had with-drawne the affection which she did beare vnto their affaires, whereon depends the health of their estate, and that at other times the like had happened vpon their petitions: they found nothing more expedient then to send her a coppy, relying vpon her Maiesties singular bountie and wisdome (whereof they had heretofore tasted) when shee should be more particularly informed of the whole estate of the countrey, whereby she may be the better inclined to graunt them some extraordinary succors, to repaire that which was shaken, according to the tenor of the said letters. B
This answer and ample declaration was made by the generall Estates the seuenteene of Iune: with the which the Ambassadors and some other of the English nation, after many disputes and replies, had cause of contentment. But the Earle of Leicester was not well pleased there-with, as he shewed afterwards by his iustification, the which hee caused to bee printed at his returne from England, comming to succor Scluse: being much discontented with the Lord of Buckhurst, Doctor Clarke, Maister Wilkes, and especially with generall Norris, whom hee caused to bee called home, to be sent into Ireland to his gouernment: the Estates were very desirous to keepe him still (hauing done General Norris called home into England. them good seruice after the losse of Deuenter and Zutphen, and well maintained her C Maiesties and the English mens honor and reputation) and to make him marshall of their armie which they intended to bring to field, for the releefe of Scluse, vnder the command of Princc Maurice, and the Earle of Hohenlo, but of force he must goe as he did, with great commendation, and testimony to her Maiestie, both from the generall Estates, the Estates of Holland, the Earle of Hohenloo, and others, of his good and faithfull seruice.
The Queene her selfe was not well pleased with the declaration made by the Estates as shee let them vnderstand by her letters of the thirtith of Iune, to them. The The Queene discontented vvith the Estates letters. which were sent by Sir Henry Killegrey and Maister Robert Beale, wherevnto the Estates answered with all mildnesse and modestie, excusing themselues, and informing her Maiestie better. D During all these factions and partialities, the Duke of Parma continued the course of his prosperitie: meaning to besiege Scluse, a Towne and Castle standing vpon the Sea-coast, the which is the very Port of the mighty, goodly, and rich towne of Bruges in Flanders, three leagues from thence. For as nothing past in Holland and Zeeland betwixt the Estates and the Earle of Leicester touching their diuision, but hee was dayly aduertised thereof by some that were at his deuotion in the sayd countries, (yea as it was sayd) by some that had great dealing with the affaires of Estate: The Duke of Parma prepares to besiege Scluse. hee thought it now time to prouide them some worke towards the Sea-coast: for the effecting whereof hee had caused great leauies of men to bee made in Italy, vnder the leading of the Marquis of Guast, Camillo Capisucca, Carlo Spinella, Alexandro de E Monte, and others, making shew as if hee would goe to the Veluwe. Some of his men had lyen about Bruges euer since May, and now and then increased their numbers, seeming as if they had lyen there, onely to stoppe the incursions of them of Ostend and Scluse. His soldiers being come all together, on the seauenth of Iune, hee marcht out of Brussels with nine companies of horse, and the next day came to Bruges, all his armie following him to besiege Scluse.
In the meane time Arnold of Groeneuelle, a Gentleman of an ancient house in Holland, Collonell of a regiment of foote, and gouernor of the sayd Towne and Castle of Scluse, feeling this storme approach, and doubting it would fall vpon him, or vpon Ostend, seeking to prouide for it and preuent it with all the diligence he could: on the The Seignior Groenevelt gouernor of Scluse. F fifteene of Iune he did write vnto sir William Russell, sonne to the Earle of Bedford (who had succeeded sir Philip Sidney in the gouernment of Flushing for the Queene of England) as to his neerest neighbour for some helpe: sending him word that after diligent search what prouision was in the sayd towne, hee found not sufficient to hold out long: [Page 958] where-vpon Sir William Russell dispacht his Secretary wtih Nicholas of Meetkerke his 1587. A Lieutenant presently to Prince Maurice, and to the Estate of Zeeland, requiring them to succor Sluce with men, victualls and munition of warre. But hauing no comfort from them but promises, the Zeelanders not holding the danger so great, as the Seignior of Groenevelt made it by his letters: Sir William Russel commanded his Secretary and his Lieutenant Meetkerke, to gather together, with the helpe of the Magistrate, all the graine they could within the towne, and to send it presently to Scluse. So as the same day a shippe being laden with corne, parted from Flussing and entred into Sluce Sir William Russel Lord gou [...]nor of Flussing sends corne to Sluce and men. without danger, whereof the Gouernor Groenevelt was very glad. And by the meanes of Sir William Russell, there came from Berghen vp Zoom and from Ostend three companies of foote to Flussing, to the which the Gouernor added a forth drawne out of B his owne garrison, these fower companies were neere eight hundred men. The Queene of England hearing that the Duke of Parma's desseigne was vpon the sea coasts of Flanders: either against Ostende (which shee had taken into her protection) or Scluse: shee sent Sir Roger Williams and some English Gentlemen to Ostend: but being [...]ere arriued, and hearing that the Spaniards campe was planted before about Sluce, they went to Flushing to ioyne with the said fower companies, and the twelth of Iune they entred with certaine shippes laden with corne, armes, poulder, boullets and other munition into the hauen of Scluse, but not without great danger of the enemies Supplies of men and munition sent to Scluse. cannon, who the day before had taken one of the forts without the towne, called Beckeaf: and held the mouth of the hauen, where he had planted great store of C Artillery. These succors being happely entred, the gouernor Groenevelt did write againe vnto the Estates of Zeeland requiring great succors of Victualls and espetiall of munition of warre: but the shipps going forth to carry this message, were taken in the mouth of the Hauen, so as after that time, none could go in, nor get out. The Duke of Parma had one part of his army lodged in the Ile of Cassandt right against the Hauen of the towne, at a place called Ter-Hofsted and another part at Saint Anne Termayden, right with the which he forced a fort which the Estates had built vpon the sea shore at Blankenberg, by the which he freed his campe; and the vittualls that came vnto them from the courses of them of Ostrend.
The beeseeged behauing them-selues very valiantly, made many gallant and furious D sallies vpon the Spaniards, in the which they slue very many of their enemies, but notwithout some losse of their owne men. Among the Netherlands which woone most honor were Nicholas Meetkerke Lieuienant Collonell, sonne to the president of Flanders: Charles Heraugiere at this time gouernor of the towne and Castell of Breda, Nicholas of Maude, sonne to the Seigniour of Mausart and others: among the English there was Sir Francis Vere now gouernor of the towne and land of Bryele: Sir Roger Williams; Collonell Huntley, Captaine Thomas Baskeruille and others. The forth of Iuly, Patton Collonell of a Scottish regiment, and comanding in the towne of Geldes in the absence of Collonell Schenke, following the steppes of Stanley and Yorke, sold the Patton a Scottish-man yee [...]ds Gelders to the Spaniards. towne vnto the Lord of Haultpenne, for the King of Spaine, for thirty six thousand E florins, with an expresse condition that hee would reserue vnto him-selfe the spoyle and ransoms of certaine of the cheefe and richest Bourgers. His enterprize was executed in this manner. The Earle of Leicester being offended much with him, had thretned to cassier him, and to put Stuart in his place: hee to preuent this and to bee reuenged of the disgrace, hauing treated and concluded with Haultepenne, hee gaue them of the towne to vnderstand, that Collonell Schenk had sent him order to keepe his men ready in armes that comming the night following with his horsemen they might go together to an enterpize the which was easie to bee beleeued, for that Schenk was often accustomed to make vse of the garrison of that towne in that manner. F
His men being thus in armes, Patton insteed of Schenk drew in Haultepenne: The Bourgers descouering this to soone, put them-selues in defence, but it was in vaine, many flying into the castle which they were forced to yeeld, paying their ransome. [Page 959] By this treason Collonell Schenck lost his horses, armes, and all his moueables and 1587. A treasor, which Patton seazed on: And as the Prouerbe saies. From the Diuell it comes, and to the Diuell it goes. For al this wealth which Schenck had, came by spoiles. This Patton by the meanes of his great wealth gotten this waies, married the poore widdow of Ponthus of Noyelle, Lord of Bours, who helpt to pull the Castell of Antwerp out of the Spaniards hands as wee haue said before. This Ladye was of the house of Bieure whome the Lord of Champaigny thought to haue married, but his gout, and Pattons money hindred it, the very same night that hee should haue beene made sure to her.
Prince Maurice of Nassau hauing (as wee haue said) the gouernment of the Vnited Prouinces, committed vnto him, in the absence of the Earle of Leicester, beeing B very desirous to draw the Duke of Parma from the siege of Scluce, hee caused Prince Maurice m [...]kes a roade into Brabant to diuert the siege of Sclu [...]e the Earle of Hohenlo his Lieutenant, to make a roade into Brabant with a smal armie, which his men did spoyle; and burnt twenty two villages, and two small Townes, making a shew as if they would besiege Boisledu: which hee then thought easie to bee done by reason of the high waters, and the dearth of corne, where-with the Townes were as then but badly furnished. But the Duke of Parma hauing more men then hee needed before Scluce, he sent Haultepenne (Barlaymonts sonne) with two and fortie companies offoote, and twenty fiue troopes of horse, who incamped at Bixtell, not very farre from Boisleduc. In the meane time the Estates protracting the succors for Scluce, they began to feele the want of the Earle of C Leicester, and to desire him, many saying that his authoritie and presence was very necessary.
The which the Earle vnderstanding, supposing that this should recouer his honour which had beene interessed by their former Imputations and reproches: Hauing obtained leaue from her Maiestie, hee parted from England, and returned The Earle of Leicester returnes into Zealand. into Zealand the sixth of Iuly, with many soldiars which hee brought with him, where hee was attended with great deuotion; where hee made preparation to succor Scluce, and to raise the Duke of Parma from the siege. Prince Maurice hearing of his comming went vnto him, accompanied by Generall Norris (who was then to go into England) Collonell Schenck and other Collonells, with their troops, D as well of Netherlanders, English, as Scottish: Leauing the Earle of Hohenloo, with three thousand men horse and foote, in the Iurisdiction of Boisleduc, to keepe the Frontiers of Holland, attending greater forces from Gelderland, Freezeland, Vtrecht, and other places, which came not. Yet notwithstanding the Earle of Hohenloo left not to besiege the Fort of Engelen, the which hee tooke by force and razed. The Lord of Haultepenne being come to raize the siege, was incountred by Hohenlos horse-men and defeated: Hee was by mischance hurt with the bough of a tree which fell vppon his necke, beeing broken downe with a peece of great Haultepenne defeated and slaine. Ordinaunce from the shippes, whereof hee dyed the fourteenth of Iuly in the towne of Boisleduc. E
The Earle of Leicester beeing returned into Zealand for the releeuing os Scluce, the Generall Estates came vnto him, vnto whome Doctor Leoninus made a speech ‘in his Excellencies behalfe: Giuing them to vnderstand that hee was very glad of D. Leonlnus sp [...]ech to the generall estates in his Excellencies name. their arriuall, hoping that by his presence hee should bee assisted in the executions of some millitary exploits that were in hand, and required expedition, the which (especially the reliefe of Scluce) his excellencie did so much affect, as neglecting his owne priuate affaires hee had made hast to returne into these parts for the preseruation of the generall: VVhere-vnto his Excellencie hath brought so great an affection, that although hee findes his honor interessed by reason of some scandalls which haue beene raized during his absence, and certaine letters which were sent into F England; yet hee desires not by reason of those mistakings, the said exploites of warre, and other affaires concerning the publike good, should be delayed; intreating them to enter into conference, concerning the Estate of the men of war, their pay, armes, munition and necessary victualls, to the end that Scluce might be releeued in’ [...] [Page 962] conuoied to Bresque, where they were receiued by the shippes of Zeeland and transported 1587. A to Flussingue. Thus was Scluce (after that it had beene valiantly defended for the space of two monethes) in the end giuen ouer for want of succors: for the which it seemes they that defended it were but hardly censured by the Estates, in giuing it vp so soone. Wherevpon Sir Roger Williams in his booke called a discourse of warre, makes a breefe relation of the seruice they did within the towne, and to iustifie their proceedings, the which I haue thought to insert here for the Readers better satisfaction of the particularities.
I protest (sayth hee) by the faith of a souldiar, that what I write is true; As neere as I can remember wee kept the towne of Scluce some three score daies: diuers thinke it Sir Roger Will [...]ams words in his discours. no time, for that Harlem, Mastricht and others were kept longer: little doe they thinke B how those two places were furnished with all things necessary, when as the lesser of them both had in it sixe thousand hands to fight and worke. Let vs bee rightly censured, I will prooue that Bouvines was the most furious siege, since the Duke of Aluas arriuall, vnto this houre, the which beganne and ended in lesse then twenty daies, and yet there were more captaines and souldiars spoiled by the sword and bullet, then at Harlem, which continued ten monethes: experimented captaines will confesse that they fury of all breaches are tried in fewe houres. Wee were not in Scluce one thousand sixe hundred men to fight, worke and all: we had to keepe (accounting the two forts) aboue two miles and a halfe. It is well knowne that before wee entred, the towne had lost one fort. If wee shewed any valour in our entrie, let Sir Henry Palmer and his C sea-men, with them of Zeeland iudge: the daunger was such, as of the vesselles which carried vs in, fiue were taken the next comming out.
The third tide Sir Charles Blunt (afterwards Lord Montioy and Earle of Deuonshire) offred fiftie pounds (besides the commandement his maisters and marriners receiued at his imbarking) to carrie vs in some necessary prouision from Sir William Russell, then Lord Gouernor of Flussing, who indeed was the causeof our entrie, resolution and quick dispatch, sending vnto vs a good quantitie of victualls and munition; and to say the truth without his importunitie and diligence, wee had not entred: and then the world knowes the towne had beene lost without blowes, as a number were in those countries, farre better then Scluce. D
The better sort doe knowe, had I and my companions made marchandise of our liues as trades-men doe of their warres wee had not entred into Scluce, for our directions were but for Ostende wee were battred with thirtie Cannons and eight Culuerins on Saint Iacobs Eue, from three of the clocke in the morning, vntill fiue in the afternoone, whereas they discharged aboue foure thousand Cannon-shor. By the Dukes owne confession hee neuer sawe so furious a batterie in one daie. Wee were made saultable aboue two hundred and fiftie paces betwixt siue of the clocke and seauen: wee were aboue fiue times at the push of the pike for our breach, where wee spoiled the enemies in great numbers: who descouering our trenches within ouerthwart the breach, quieted their furies: afterwardes wee kept the towne eighteene E daies, the enemie beeing lodged in our port, rampar and breach aboue three hundred paces; in the which time hee passed sixe paces through the port, to beate our trenches within: wee kept our fort vntill wee were made saultable more then our troupes could gard, vnlesse wee would quit the towne: beeing mined, wee countermined them, in the which wee fought nine daies with sword, target and pistoll: at our breach, port and rampar wee fought daylie with pikes, short weapons and stones, besides our shot, for those eighteene daies. As for our sallies, let the enemie testifie. The duke of Parma being entred, he asked mee which was Baskerville, who standing before him, I shewed him, whom he imbraced, and turning towards his nobility, he sayd: there serues no Prince in Europe a brauer man: true it is that at one sally captaine Thomas Baskeruill had the point F with an hundred Corslelts of the best sort, who charged and made to run 8. Spanish Enseigns of the Tertia Vecho, and hurt their Malster dol Campo: indeed he was seconded by a number of others; but himselfe was principally knowne by certaine prisoners, and his great plume of fethers: Sir Francis Vere was also noted by his redde [Page 963] mandillion, who stood alwaies in the head of the armed men, at the assaults of the 1587. A towne and fort, being twise hurt, I and other of his friends, requested him to retire: to whom hee answered, that he had rather bee killed ten times at a breach then once in an house. Captaine Hart most valiantly swame in and out to acquaint the Estates, with our wants and dangers: the world doth know what pickes and iarres there was betwixt them at that time, such as none can deny there was a full resolution taken to enter in by water. The world doth know our army by land retired at mid-night from Blankenborough to Ostend. Let enuy and mallice speake what they list, truth may bee blamed, but it shall neuer bee shamed. We were lost men but for our owne wits and resolution: our poulder was all spent so farre, as wee had not to maintaine halfe a daies fight, the enemie had gotten so farre into our rampar, as their shot flanked into our trenches: B for eighteene nights togither, wee lay continually Officers and all at our breach, and there eate our meate: wee had not foure field peeces of twenty left vnbroken with their Ordinance: wee endured in the towne and fort seauenteene thousand foure hundred and od Cannot shot. And whereas malicious tongues speake of our assault, I protest wee endured one assault in the fort, both at the breaches and mine, from nine of the clocke in the morning vntill two in the afternoone, whereas the braue Marquis of Renty was hurt, the great captaine Mounsire La Motte lost his arme, and Mounsire De Stripigny Collonel of the Bourguignons was slaine, with diuers captaines and officers: besides by their owne report they had slaine at that assault about seauen hundred men, and as many hurt: wee had hurt and slaine at that assault aboue a hundred and fiftie: C whereas Collonel Huntley, Sir Edmond Vdall, Sir Iohn Scot, Captaine Ferdinando Groge, Maister Sentliger, Captaine Nicholas Baskeruille, with diuers other Gentlemen and Officers behaued themselues most valiantly, both at that assault and at all other seruices. During the sayd siege, Captaine Francis Allen swamme in with Captaine Hart after the breach was made, and during his time none shewed greater valor. Truelie all the Dutch and Wallons with their companies, shewed themselues constant, resolute and valiant, especially those braue and valiant captaines Metkerke and Heraugier: We were but foure English bands, neere two hundred men strong a peece by reason that wee diuided amongst them some two hundred and fiftie Musketiers, who by the meanes of the Gouernor of Flessingue came with vs from his garrison, D from Berghen and from Ostend. There were many Lieutenants, Enseignes and Sargents aduenturers besides those souldiars: the better halfe of our men were slaine, for 1600. English, Wallons and Flemish, wee carried not our seauen hundred.
In respect of our losses our captaines asked pay for the whole numbers: wherefore the Estates and others would not confesse our losses to be so great: from the first houre of our entrie vntill our going out, none came to vs but such as swamme in. The duke of Parma himselfe asked mee in the presence of manie, what our losses were? I answered him the truth as nere as I could. Hee himselfe with diuers others assured vs that hee had lost before Sluce fiue and fortie Captaines, besides other Commanders; and more souldiars then he had lost at Nuys, Bercke, Graue and Venloo. E
Some obiected also, if they had beene in such daunger at Sluce, why did the duke of Parma yeelde them so large a composition? I know no reason but this, sixe daies before wee gaue ouer the towne, all the captaines and officers met in Councell, hauing seene our dangers and some finding the heat of our succors, wee assigned the Articles of our composition, and swore all to haue them graunted vnto vs or to die, and to burie the towne and castle, and then to escape as wee could through the drowned lands. The coppie of those Articles with other letters wee sent vnto the Earle our Generall and to the Estates, the which fell into the enemies hands, by reason the messenger was slaine in swimming by their boates and palissadoe on the riuer. This is well knowne vnto all our companions, for the Marquis of Renty out of his trench told F it openly before all our gards at the breach, that one Owen a Welch Gentleman had much adoe to put my fowle hand into Italian for the Duke. We also made a sallie where we lost two Officers, who shewed them our resolution, the which we maintained beeing face to face with the Duke in our parle, and returned once from him into the [Page 964] towne, thinking that he would not yeeld to some of the articles: but his owne wisdome, 1587. A or his councell perswaded him to send for vs againe, and to signe them all. But I protest vpon the faith of a Christian, and I thinke all my companions will doe the like, that for my part I know not how we might haue kept the towne twelue howers longer with the losse of our liues, had we bin al desperat, if it had pleased the enemy to attēpt vs: but it is most true, rather then to haue accepted of any base conditions, most of vs would haue ended our lyues in that place. I protest I write not this to condemne any one in particular nor in generall that should haue succored vs, nor to robbe the least defendant of his right: for I confesse my selfe the simplest captaine of halfe a dozen that were within the towne, three or foure of them (were they knowne and rightly iudged) are sufficient to conduct double that garrison in any army in the world, & to commande a greater B troupe hauing authority. These are Sir Roger Williams owne words to iustefie the yeelding vp of Sluse.
After this losse of Sluce, the Earle of Leicester determined to stoppe vp the mouth of the hauen, but the officers of the admiralty and others were of opinion that it could not be done, yet the English-men thought otherwise: wher-vpon suspecting the Zeelanders, he sent into Holland for certaine old shippes, the which were granted, yet it was not done: but on the other side sence that time the hauen is much bettered, by reason that the sea hath scoured the sand away. The losse of this towne made them to murmure much against the Earle, (especially the common people) who hearing of the The Earle excuseth himself accord, retired him-selfe into Zeeland; imputing the losse of this towne to the want of C men, money and other meanes, greatly taxing the admiralty of Zeeland and the officers, namely one Martin Drooghe, whome he caused to be put in prison, where he continued six moneths vntill that the Earle being retired the second time into England (hauing iustified himselfe of that where-with he was accused) he was set at liberty, and restored to his credit.
Those that were affected vnto the Earles party, excused him and layed all the blame vpon the Estates, accusing them, that they sought to take his authority from him and to command them-selues leauing him but the vaine title of a Gouernor. The Earle passing by the Iland of Zeeland arriued the seauenteene of August at Berghen vp Zoom, (a towne held also by the English, where as the Lord Willoughby was gouernor) from D thence the Earle sent some troupes into Brabant, to make an enterprize vpon the castle of Hochstraten, the which succeded not. From Berghen he went to Dordrecht whereas The generall estates held at Dordrecht where the Earle excuseth him-selfe. the generall Estates of the Prouinces assembled. The Earle being in the open assembly of the generall estates, made a long speech: by the which he first excused him-selfe and greeued much for the treasons of Stanley, Yorke and Patton, by whom he complayned that he had beene basely deceyued: the which he said might haue happened to any captaine, generall of an army or gouernor of a country and state, were hee more pollitike and of greater experience then he was. That they were not the first traytors which had deceyued their maisters in the said vnited Prouinces. As for the releeuing of Sluce, he would maintaine that it was not his fault, hauing there in imployed his best endeuors. E
That the three thousand or 2500. men which had beene promised him for supplies, and the hundred thousand florins had failed, of the which (calling the tresorer generall to witnes) he had receiued but thirty thousand in ready mony. That the said Estates knew well themselues, how ill he had bin serued by the sea captaines and officers which had beene giuen him: who made him beleeue (to diuert him from these succors) that if they had past on, being before the towne the enemy would from the other side of the Sluce of Bruges sinke all their shippes with his Artillery, not-with-standing they were sufficiently informed thre was an other depth vnder the castell, where as they might lye without any danger as hee said it appered by the report of captains and soldiars that were come from them of the towne. So as he could not put in execution the desire F he had to succor it, and therefore the blame was not to bee layd vpon him but vpon them that had fayled of their duties, and not furnished that which was needfull, according vnto that which had beene decreed betwixt him and the Estates.
Wherevpon, after they had layd before him the letters written by him in Iune before [Page 965] out of England to secretarie Iunius, tending to fortefie and incorrage such as hee 1587. A knew affected to his partie in the townes and countries of Holland and Zeeland. Descouering thereby that at his returne hee pretended to gouerne and command in the same manner as the Emperor Charles and King Philip his sonne had done, and if hee should be restrained of that authoritie, that he would abandon the Netherlands quite, and retire himselfe into England. Wherevpon the Nobilitie and townes of Holland, Zeeland and Friseland presented a declaration vnto the Earle in writing dated the twentith day of August, which they intended to haue giuen him before, but for some The States declaration to the Earle of the Leicester. good considerations they had forborne to offer it till then. Declaring thereby (as dutie bound them) how much they held themselues bound vnto her Maiestie, for her great care of Religion, and the good of those countries, and that it had pleased her to imploy B his Excelencies person: seeing that it had not stood with her good liking to take the soueraignty vpon her, to whom they would haue yeelded as great respect and subiection, as euer they did vnto the Emperor Charles the fift or to any other Prince whatsoeuer: but for that they did finde by experience, that there are diuers seditious and busie headed fellowes, which labour to sowe dissention, and to breed discontents, betwixt the Estates of these countries and his Excelencie, seeking to blemish and disgrace the authoritie of the Estates, and to make his Excelencie absolute Gouernor in all respects. They let his Excelencie vnderstand (to the end that all iealousies, and distrusts might bee layed aside and forgotten) that they did and do yet vnderstand, that for want of a naturall Prince, the soueraigntie of those countries returned vnto the Nobilitie, Gentlemen For want of a natural Prince the gouernment returnes to the Noble gentry and townes. C and Townes, and that after the King of Spaine (who heretofore had beene their naturall and soueraigne Lord) had left those countries; all acts of soueraigntie were lawfully exercised by the Estates; and in that manner they had contracted with diuers Princes, and namely with her Maiestie, and therevpon by a generall consent, had giuen vnto his Excelencie the authoritie of Gouernor and Captaine Generall ouer those countries. And furthermore to stoppe the mouthes of ill affected, and contentious persons, they shewed that the Estates were not presented by any priuat persons, but by the Nobilitie, Gentlemen and Townes: so as they are much deceiued which thinke that the Estates consist of certaine priuat persons, and that the faults wherewith such men charges them, cannot iustly bee imputed to them, and the rather, for that the Estates haue D alwaies conceiued and vnderstood, that if any one should intrude himselfe into their assemblies, or medled with their proceedings, although it concerned himselfe, hee ought to bee punnished for examples [...]ke: beseeching his Excelencie that if hee could name any such men, they would assist him to haue them punnished, according to their deserts. And wheras question was made by those busie headed fellowes, whether his Excelencie had the like authoritie giuen him, as the Emperor Charles the fift had: or the like in euery respect that the Gouernors of the Netherlands (which are by them appointed) euer had: They besought his Excelency to vnderstand, that although the Estates, Gouernors, Officers and Ministers of Iustice, in the time of the Emperor Charles the fift, and of other Princes his predecessors, were not by oth bound vnto the Gouernor E Generall of the Netherlands: yet the Estates held themselues bound vnto his Excelencie beeing in the Netherlands, to bee obedient vnto him, according vnto the lawfull custome and manner, with ioynt and conferred authoritie, not meaning thereby in any respect to impeach or derogate from their due authority, but that it still belongeth vnto, and resteth in the generall Estates, and the Estates of the particular Prouinces, as the Emperor Charles the fift did in times past, when as he made the Dutches Lady Marguerity; Queene Mary, the Dutches of Sauoie, & others, Gouernors general, yet he commited not the soueraignty vnto them, but reserued it vnto himselfe: and so it was now with those countries, euer excepting that which hath beene since altered, by the contract made with her Maiesty. F
And they likewise vnderstood, that all matters in the time of the Emperor Charles the fift were at the disposition of the General: so should they now be at his Excelencies disposition and of the councel of Estate, according vnto the act of transferring the gouernment vnto his Excelency, vnderstanding that in making any dispatches the instructions [Page 966] which were giuen, or any thing else that was accustomed to bee decreed and published A in the Emperor Charles his name, shall now bee made, decreed and published in the 1578. name and vnder the seale, counter-seale and signet of the generall estates, in such causes as concerne the whole Estate of the vnited Prouinces in generall: but if they touch any particular Prouince, they shall bee done in the name and vnder the seale of the same The forme of the othe made by the men of warre. Prouince. Also that all Gouernors of Prouinces, generall or particular, Collonels, Captaines and other officers and men of warre, shall be bound by othe to be obedient to the vnited Prouinces in generall: to his Excellencie as gouernor generall thereof, and to the Prouinces and Townes of the same, wherein they shall bee particularly imployed: and that all of them in generall shall be obedient vnto your Excellencie as gouernor generall, and the Collonels, Captaines, Officers and soldiers to the Gouernors B of those Prouinces wherein they shall be imploied, and to their Lieutenants, Captaines and Commanders, that are now or shall hereafter haue charge ouer them.
Touching the absolute power which is giuen vnto his Excellencie in matters of warre: the Estates vnderstand that the same shall extend and haue power ouer all soldiers and men of warre both by sea and land, as well her Maiesties succors, as those that are otherwise in pay, and entertained by these countries, to command them when time serueth to march against the enemie, or to goe vpon any other enterprize or seruice, and to execute iustice and martiall lawe, prouided alwayes that his excellencie shall not leuie any more souldiers, then may be well entertained and payde out of her Maiesties succours, and the contributions which are raised in the countrey, according to the resolution C of the Estates. They desired further that their warres by sea, might be ordered by the Admirall of the sea, and the placing of garrisons, by the gouernors of particular Prouinces. And to the end there might here-after bee a better vnion, correspondencie and trust entertained betwixt the Estates and his Excellencie, they desired redresse of that which (by turbulent and busie headed fellowes, who in the yeare past, in placing of any Gouernors or superintendents of townes and quarters, and in the conferring of any principall Offices as well ciuill as cryminall) had beene done contrary to the act of the transferring the Gouernment. And withall to cause those things to bee put in execution, which the generall and particular Estates (according to the contract made with her Maiestie, and the act a foresayd) in the declaration formerly made vnto his Excelencie D did request: crauing likewise that to that end hee would be pleased to put from him, and not to giue any credit (in matters concerning the countrie,) to all such as shall seeke to set diuision betwixt the Estates and his Excelency, and consequently such as seeke to bring the country into confusion, and his Excellencies honor and credit into danger and disgrace.
To this declaration made by the Estates, the Earle of Leicester made answer to the first six articles, vpon the margent thereof, saying that hee neither sought nor affected The Earle of Leicesters answer to the declaration of the first of September. any greater authority, then what the generall Estates had giuen him by the foresaid act, wherewith he was well content, not seeking in any sort to diminish the authority which belonged vnto the Estates, neither yet desired he to make any question thereof, but E onely sought and wished that his authoritie might in all things be duly vpholden and maintained according to the contract, and the honor of the place, whereof the Estates had put him in possession, without any derogation or restraint: and that no alteration might bee allowed nor vsed in his titles, neither yet in his accustomed seales, by the consent of the Estates; but as it had beene obserued by his last fore passed Predecessors in the generall gouernment.
As touching the oth, his Excellency held it not conuenient that the souldiers should take an oth to the particular Prouinces or Townes, neither yet to their gouernors or lieutenants, but it was not onely a new inuention, but to be feared, that so many othes would breed both confusion and contempt among the soldiers, and that it ought to be F looked vnto, according to the nineteene Article of the contract made with her Maiesty: vnderstanding that the soldiers entring into garrison in any of the Townes, should sweare (notwithstanding the oth by them made vnto his Excellency and the country) that they shall keepe and defend those townes for the Estates & the generall gouernor; [Page 967] and that they should not doe nor practise any thing secretly that might be preiudiciall 1587. A vnto the said townes, with this clause, that his excelency shall haue power to displace, change or call forth such garrisons at his pleasure, when occasion is offered. To the other articles hee agreed in generall termes if they were to bee done, alwaies respecting time and occasion, not thinking it fit, that for want of such things, the countries seruice should bee neglected; touching the last point hee desired a more ample declaration, where-vpon the Estates of Holland made a more plaine declaration, the which they deliuered vpon the twenty foure of October, as you shall hereafter see. Whilest that matters passed in this manner betwixt the Estates and the Earle of Leicester, there grew daily more hart burning and Ielousie betwixt them, so as the Earle of Leicester kept not among the Estates but was still resident at Flussing Dordrecht, or Vtrecht, all things passing betwixt them by messengers; The estates seeke to reconcile the Earles of Leicester and Hohenlo. B who by insinuating did many bad offices, and were the greatest cause of all the troubles.
Besides this alteration, there was at that time a great heart-burning betwixt the Earles of Leicester and Hohenlo which the Estates sought to reconcile: where-vpon they sent on the eigh-teene of August, the Lords of Capell and Noortwick, the councellors Cooper and Camminga, William Bardesius, and Iacob Walck of the councell of estate, vnto the earle of Hohenlo (being a man much esteemed and beloued of the soldiars to whome the Estates were greatly beholding for many good and valiant seruices) who was then at Campfeere in the Iland of Walchren, intreating him to come to Midelbourg to the Earle of Leicester, to end all controuersies betwixt them, and to acknowledge The Earle of Hohenlos answer to the estates. C him for gouernor in the behalfe of the Queene of England, the which he ought not refuse to doe, for that Prince Maurice, whose Lieutenant he was, had acknowledged ‘him for the gouernor, and had promised him faith and obedience. To whom Hohenlo answered that he was a free Earle of Germany, & no way subiect vnto the Netherlands, nor tide vnto them by oth, and that he had before refused the Arch-duke Mathias, and the Duke of Aniou and Brabant, and therefore he was not yet resolued to subiect himselfe vnto his Excelence hauing some reasons not to trust him, not onely in regard of the difference betwixt them two, but also for the quarrell betwixt him and Sir Edward Norris to whome hee imputed the onely cause, or at the least that he did mainetaine him therein, and made him a knight. More-ouer hee said that hee D sought to alter the garrisons vnder his command without his priuity, and that hee had not kept his word with him in certaine things which he had promised him to do wherevpon being intreated by the deputies (for the good & wel fare of the contry) to be somewhat tractable, for that the one or the other must yeeld, and to assist them with his aduise and councell. Hee said that the vnited Prouinces ought not in any sort to withdraw them-selues from the Queenes Maiesty of England, nor from the Earle of Leicester requesting them to giue him an honorable passport, that hee might retire him-selfe to his friendes into Germany: or else into Denmarke: And that it would please them one day to remember the seruices which hee had done to the vnited prouinces during all their warres: as well vnto the Prince of Orange, Prince Maurice his sonne, as vnder E the said Earle of Leicester: being redy to deliuer vp all the townes, castles, forts, men of warre, artillery: and other things where hee had any command into the hands of Prince Maurice and the Estates, to bee gouerned according to their auncient rights and priuiledes, as they were in the time of the Prince of Orange of famous memory: The which hee said hee desired, for that hee saw that by some sinister practises the country was ill gouerned.’
‘And that some which did openly bandy them-selues against the soueraignty of the Estates, and did thereby pourchase great credit among the people, should bee first punished and then banished from court, which done and the Estates restored to F their former authority, hee would willingly apply him-selfe to any thing, and acknowledge the said Gouernor but especially the Queenes Maiesty with all honor and obedience, so as they should haue no cause to complaine of him, intreating them with all not to giue any cause of offence or discontentment vnto her Maiestie.’
[Page 968] The Earle of Hohenloo being intreated to say so much himselfe vnto his Excellency, A and to doe as Prince Maurice had done, he sayd that for that time he could do no more, 1587. desiring them not to trouble him any further, vntill the authority of the Estates were restored, and the lawfull priuiledges of the Prouinces maintained as before: and touching Prince Maurice, hee sayd he was a vassall and subiect, but hee was a free Germaine Earle, and that they could not compell him, vnlesse hee would freely of himselfe consent therevnto: and yet hee would continue a friend and well-willer vnto the vnited Prouinces, wherein hee had already serued foureteene yeares together, and had spent a hundred and fifty thousand Dollers aboue his entertainment in their seruice, intreating them to report fauourably of him: and so after many other words and honorable protestations, the Deputies tooke their leaues. This conference was the twenty of B August, but no good end could be made, by reason of the bad offices which were done by some ill Instruments, by a mistaking which happened, the which bred a great alteration in the country. Vpon the twelfe of September the Earle of Leicester aduertised the councell of Estate by his letters sent from Vtrecht, that whereas he had brought many souldiers with him out of England for the releefe of Scluce, which vntill that time he had maintained without any charge or burthen to the country, and being resolued to send them presently backe againe into England, hee had beene requested by them to stay them, for that they dayly expected the Duke of Parmaes comming to besiege Berghen vp Zoome; and hauing kept the sayd soldiers some weekes aboard the ships, without any refreshing, hee was forced to lodge them in Maselant, Sluyse, C Delfshauen, and other places there-abouts, in such order, and with such pay as he had appointed for them, holding it a shame they should make so small esteeme of these Great consusion by mistaking betwixt the Earle of Leicester and Hohenlo. English soldiers, which (aboue her Maiesties ordinary succors) were sent vnto them. In the meane time he was aduertised that the Earle of Hohenlo about the nine & twenty and thirty of September, had assembled a great number of soldiers about Williams-stat, intending to dislodge his sayd soldiers from Delfs-hauen, as one of the chiefe men in Delft had aduertised him, whereof hee was not informed by any light reports, but by men of such credit, as hee could not choose but beleeue it: wherevpon hee desired them to take some speedy order therein, saying, that hee would no longer endure any such indignities, that euery man should in that sort haue soldiers by himselfe, and that D the Earle of Hohenlo did all as it pleased him, and therefore he desired to know if they had giuen him any such authority: If not, then hee wisht them to command all Collonels, Captaines, Officers and Soldiers, to desist from their enterprise presently, and from all other factions, and to obserue the oth which they had sworne vnto him, vpon paine of punishment if they failed therein, and that if they delayed to execute his commandement, he should be forced according to the authority and place which hee then had; to take order for the same, finding that his great patience serued to no other end, but to encourage and fortifie the bad, and to aduance their leagues and factions, thereby to bring those Prouinces into misery and confusion.
After that he sent an other aduertisement vnto the Councell of Estate, how that the E Earle of Hohenlo continued still in his former pretence, and that he had sent for soldiers out of Naerden and Viana, and for certaine horsemen, & had sent some towards Lillo, and to other places, & all by his owne authority. These complaints bred a great alteration among the Councel of Estate and the generall Estates, the which did threaten some great inconuenience. But ten or twelue daies after vpon good information, it was found to bee a meere practise of some pick-thankes and seditious persons, for that Prince Maurice being demanded what it meant, and they remembring themselues, they found that the Earle of Hohenlo had gathered these soldiers together at William-stat to doe some great exployt vpon the enemy about Lillo neere Antwerp, whereof Prince Maurice aduertised the Earle of Leicester, wherevnto vpon the sixteene of September, hee F made answer, and allowed of the sayd enterprise, thanking him for his diligence therein, wishing them all good successe. But the Earle of Hohenlo being aduertised by some of his friends out of Holland, that the Earle of Leicester tooke the pretence of that exploit in euill part, he gaue it ouer, and sent his soldiers back againe into their garrisons, [Page 969] before hee could haue any intelligence of the Earle of Leicesters consent where-by it 1587. A appeered that all mistakings and other dislikes proceeded onely from falce reports, sinister conceits and ielousies, the which began before the Earle of Leicesters going out of the vnited Prouinces and increased much in his absence by certaine accidents, the which sence his returne were more agrauated and inflamed, b [...] reason of the complaints on both sides, and for that the Earle of Leicester had had little conference with the estate, nor conuerst much with them sence his last comming ouer, whereby the affaires of the country were much interessed, and little or nothing was effected for want of good correspondency. Of all these controuersies the Earle of Hohenlo caused an apology to bee printed, whereas all his reasons are set downe at large against the Earle of Leicester, answering that which hee had propounded in his declaration B of the seauenth of September: wherevnto for breuities sake I will referre the reader. The Earle of Leicesters declaration to the estates. The Earle of Leicester being much moued with the declaration deliuered him at Dordrecht, and with some other occations which past; he made an answer in manner of a replycation to the estates, being then at Dordrecht, bearing date the seauenth of September. Shewing, that whereas the Queene of England, and all other Princes had refused them, pittying their estate, being zealous to relligion, and affecting the ancient law and league betwixt England and the house of Bourgongne, had beene moued to ayde and assist them, whose Maiesty at their instant su [...]e had sent him ouer into those parts, vpon whome they had imposed the gouernment thereof, the which he (preferring the loue he bare vnto those countries, before his age which required rest) had taken vpon him and did his best endeauor for the good of the common cause, but being called C into England vpon vrgent causes, there happened during his absence the betraying of Deuenter & Zutphen the which he excused and much greeued at. He shewed moreouer that his honor and authority in those parts had beene brought in question, and much restrained, and withall that they had written letters vnto the Queene of the forth of February (though not with full consent of all the Prouinces) not onely to dishonor The Earle complaines of their letter to the Queene the forth of February. him thereby in those countries, but also to bring him into disgrace with her Maiesty beingful of false & slāderous reports: yet hauing reconcyled al with her Maiesty, he was now returned ouer againe. He then excused the losse of Scluis through the want of men and mony, which had bin promised, laying the blame vpon the officers of the admiralty D and the Captaines of ships: He made mention of the quarrell betwixt him and the earle of Hohenlo, and of the estate of the wars, and how they should proceed therein. As hee expected some resolution from them of all these things, new matters were brought vnto him by their deputies touching the Soueraignty, tending to the limitation and diminishing If the estates meanes were not sufficient ther was bope of a peace. of his authority, contrary to the act, and the letters sent from Middlebourg vnto her Maiesty; by which their shew of smal esteeme, and crosse proceding, there was great losse to be expected in Gelderland, the which he protested ought not to be imputed vnto him, being redy to doe his best endeauor to impeach it, so as he might haue the men and money that were promised at Middlebourg. But vnderstanding that the want of money, and deferring of the soldiars, was by some imputed to the need and pouerty of the Prouinces, as vnable to beare so great a burthen: by others to the treaty of peace E which her Maiesty had begon with the duke of Parma, hee therefore (for the better ordring of their affayers, & to further their resolutions) aduised them to make a generall assembly at the Hage, and there to consider of their owne power and meanes, and whether it were sufficient to maintaine the warres, that hee might be certefied by a true information what their meanes were, and that in so doing her Maiesty would continue her ayde, if not, there were no reason that her Maiesty (if they were not able to mainetaine their warres) should be forced to beare the whole burthen: for they might well thinke her maiesty was to consume a great treasor, for the defence of her Kingdomes of England and Ireland, and that she had warres with the King of Spaine, onely for their sakes: F wherfore if their meanes with her Maiesties succors were not sufficient, there was some hope of a peace to be made with the duke of Parma, which her maiesty ment not to yeeld vnto: And wheras it was giuen forth that at the instance of the king of Denmarke she had proceeded there-in, it was a faulse sugiestion, the contrary where-of might [Page 970] appeere by her Maiesties sending of Sir Francis Drake into Spaine; and his owne returne A into the Netherlands, so as they were able to proceede therein; and yet her Maiestie 1587. was not restrained by the contract, from any treatie of peace, although shee bee content not to seeke any for these countries, without their priuity and consent. But if they could not raise sufficient means to maintaine their warres, he demanded what they would haue him to do therein with her Maiesty, or what they desired more.
If they thought good to continue the gouernment in him (according to the act) with the ordring of their contributions, to bee at his and the councell of Estates disposition: and that they could make it apparant vnto him, that with her Maiesties ordinary aide, they were able to continue the warres, he was content they should vse him therein, so as they maintained him in the same authority, which vntill that time hee had inioyed. B But if their means were not sufficient to defend the country, or that they did not affect him to bee their Gouernor any longer, hee should be forced for the preseruation of her Maiesties honor and his owne to protest against them. The Earle desireth m [...]re contribu [...]ion.
And if they vnderstood by their act of the ordinarie contribution of two hundred thousand Gilders the moneth, to giue him leaue and limmit therevnto, he would not take the charge vpon him, not holding it sufficient to pay the garrisons, according to the Estate set downe by him, much lesse to maintaine an army in the field; wherefore if the could make no better means, nor raise any greater contribution, he knew no reason for his stay there, nor how he should do them any good; wherevpon hee desired their resolution, to aduertise her Maiesty, that she might prouide for her owne affaires. C
Lastly he sayd he had in charge to tell them, that her Maiesty was mooued to aide and assist them, not onely by reason of the ancient leagues betwixt England and the Princes of those countries, but also and especially for the contracts made for the entercourse of traficke of both countries, as it appeereth by the Charters and Instruments made by diuers townes and Prouinces of the same, as of Dordrecht, Delft, Leyden, Amsterdam, Bryel, Middlebourg, Campheer, Zeerickzee and others, which Instruments, were yet extant to bee seene, and for that cause her Maiesty was pleased to aide and assist them at The Queene desiteth to entertaine the ancient contracts. their requests, to the end that seeing her Maiesties royall intent towards them, they for their parts should endeuor to do that which were requisite, not onely in regard of good dealing, but also in respect of the contracts, entercourses, instruments and former conditions D made with those countries, and for the last contract touching their aide. This declaration was sent by the Earle of Leicester, to certaine townes, with letters, wherein he complained that they had charged her Maiesty and him, to haue delt with the enemie for a peace, to the preiudice and ruine of the country, and that hee came to deliuer the townes into the Spaniards hands, whereof hee excused himselfe, desiring them to send him an answer in writing to his declaration. Whervnto the Nobility, Gentlemen and Townes of Holland and Westfrisland being assembled in Harlem, made answer on the sixteeneth of October as followeth.
They shewed how that in the yeare 1572. they had lawfully begunne warre against the King of Spaine, for the preseruation of those countries, the maintenance of Religion, The Estates answere to the Earle of Leicesters letters. E and the defence of their ancient preuiledges, vnder the command of the Prince of Orange, but fearing they should not bee able to continue it, they sought aide from the Queene of England, and to that end they sent their Ambassadors ouer, in the yeare 1573. and againe in the yeare of our Lord 1576. after that they sought for succors from the Duke of Aniou, and after his death from the French King (but all in vaine) desiring him to imbrace the soueraigntie of these countries. In the end being put in good hope of her Maiesties aide and assistance, by her Ambassador Maister Dauison and others, they offred the soueraignty vnto her, by their Ambassadors, from whom they obtained a gratious aide, as appeereth by the contract, for the which they most humbly thanked her Maiestie, and were the more highly bound vnto her, in that it had pleased her to F send his Excelency ouer to gouerne the sayd forces, and to direct their warres, both by action and good counsell, for which also they gaue him great thankes, in that he would accept the Estate and Commission of Gouernor and Captaine generall of the vnited Prouinces: and that for their parts they had not sought to with-drawe their hands [Page 971] from the full performance of the contract, nor of the act of delation of the Gouernors 1587. authoritie, nor yet with-drawne the contributions, nor once failed in any point of their A duties; hoping also that they had not neglected to giue his Excelencie all honour; respect and thanks due vnto him. True it is, that withall dutifull respect, they had presented a certaine complaint vnto his Excelencie before his going ouer into England; wherein there was nothing contained, but onely the seruice of her Maiesty and of his Excelencie, togither with the preseruation of the country, beeing content with his going into England, so it were but for two or three monethes, so as in his absence the generall gouernment (according to their resolution) might be committed to the Councell of Estate, and the particular gouernors of the Prouinces, leauing them lawfull authoritie for the same. But for that within ceraine weekes after his departure, it was found; that by a certaine act, not onely the authority of the Councell of Estate, but also that of B the Gouernors of Prouinces, touching the generall gouernment, was restrained, and that among other things, the betraying of Deuenter and Zutphen (the which was sufficient The [...]states compl [...]ine of the act of restraint. discouered) followed, but by reason of that act it could not be preuented. The Estates to auoide the like practises, yet not to blemish his authority, but for the restoring of the authority due to the gouernors of the said Prouinces, were forced to take some order therein. That which was written by them vnto his Excelencie after the betraying of Deuenter and Zutphen, procceded of mere griefe and necessitie, and yet was done so secretly, in regard of his honor, as it was not knowne to the common people, before that the coppie thereof was sent out of England to Vtrecht, (and a motion made vnto the Estates that had written the letter to disavow the same) with certaine other letters C of the tenth of March, dispersed among the common people; and that the letter sent vnto They excuse t [...]e bitternesse of their [...]etter of the 4 of February. her Maiesty, was to no other end, but to haue her Maiesties Ambassador that was to besent ouer the better instructed: but hearing that it was hardly censured, they said that they ment not thereby to charge his Excelency but such as had wronged and abused them, desiring him withall to impute the sharpnesse of their letter, to their office, & the oth they had taken, the free liberty of the Estates of those countries, but especially to the treason then cōmitted, rather then to any euil intent in them. They thanked his Excelencies for shewing his noble courage and disposition, notwithstanding the precedent misfortune, in that he was resolued, not only to be an earnest intercessor for those countries, but also to come ouer againe, and that he had done his best endeauor for the D releeuing of Scluce. As touching the promise of soldiars made to him by the Earle of Hohenlo, they knew not what to say, thinking that the Earle would satisfie him therein. They commended his proclamations made against seditious and popular factions, beseeching him that it might be dulie executed. They said they would do their best endeauors to end the controuersie betwixt him & the Earle of Hohenloo, which they thought proceeded from the matter in question, touching the authority of the Prouinciall Gouernors, beeing in hope to bring it to a good end. They shewed how ready they had bin to furnish money for the leauying and paying of certaine troupes of horse and foot in Germany, for the seruice of the country, that they might haue an army in field for E two monthes. Also their paying of soldiars, and the furnishing of the townes with victuals and munition. That they had delt with their Admirall Prince Maurice, touching their war by sea, hoping and desiring that it might go forward. That the Nobility and States of Holland had presented a certaine declaration vnto his Excelencie being in Dordrecht, desiring some conference, and that there might be a good correspondencie betwixt his Excelencie as Gouernor and Captaime general, the generall and particular Estates, and the gouernors of particular Prouinces; that the charges of the war should not exceed, as nere as might be the means of their contributions: that order might bee taken for the repayring of that which had beene done the yeare before contrary to the contract, and for the punishing of such as sought to sowe dissention betwixt his Excelency F and the Estates. That it was no wonder if the Estates complained when any extraordinary burthen was layd vpon them, for if it be wel weighed, how the country of Holland (which now for these 15. yeares hath maintained warres against so mighty an enemy: & hath borne so great burthens, these two last yeares, only towards the ordinary [Page 972] charges of the warres within the country, besides the warres at sea, & diuers particular 1587. A charges, as fortifications of fronter townes & forts, lodging for soldiars, & many other The Hollanders contribution in two yeares. known and vnknowne charges haue brought in, and paied at the least thirty nine hundreth thousand gilders; they may easily suppose that so great a summe of money could not bee leuied without great difficulty: so as there was no cause of complaint against them of Holland, hauing brought in much more then was spoken of in England, notwithstanding their great losses by sea, and otherwise by their shipping and trade of marchandise: which made them to wonder that such a motion should be made, to looke into their Estate, & to consider if their contribution with her Maiesties aide, were sufficient to maintaine the wars, as they ought to be. The Prince of Orange with the helpe of God, and without any great aide from her Maiesty (the townes and forts being then B vnfortefied) did withstand the enemy with lesse then halfe the charges they were now at, and yet entertained great forces both by sea and land, without any questions of further assurance or better meanes: and therefore there was no reason now to doe it, vnlesse that men distrusted more now then at other times, in the grace and mercie of God. In respect whereof, seeing they found that her Maiesty would not take the soueraignty of the country vpon her, nor yeeld to any greater succors, there remained no other hope, but with the helpe of God, and their contributions to settle some good course for their warres, and to entertaine so many horse and foote, as they might well pay, obseruing good order, vnity and discipline, and lastly to expect from God a good and prosperous end. They sayd they knew not of any proclamations made by them, whereby her C Maiesties subiects should be molested in France, but they had more then once complained against the proclamation made in Vtrecht dated the 4. of Aprill 1586. forbidding al traficke, without once hearing the allegations of the Estates touching the inconueniency and discommodity thereof; the which would haue bin a great hindrance vnto all those Prouinces, and haue bred a dislike betweene them and their neighbors. Touching The Estates hoped that the Queene vvould make no peace without them. the dealing for a peace, they had so great considence in her Maiesty and in his Excelencie, that according to the contract, they would do nothing therein without the consent of the generall Estates. They had herd what the King of Denmarke had propounded in anno. 1586. and what was done therein: as also of her Maiesties answere touching the imploiment of Andreas de Loo. They had bin likewise aduertised by word of mouth from D the Lord of Buckhurst, and what his Excelencie had certefied them by Walck and Menin councellors of Estate, the which was secretly imparted vnto the Estates of the country, to haue their aduise therein, where her Maiesty was not spoken of, but with al honor and due respect, giuing no cause wherby any suspition might grow, that they should report her Maiesty had sought a peace without their consents; and therfore they which had inuented such false surmises, deserued to be punished. That the Estates of Holland, determined to obserue the cōtract made with her Maiesty, to put to their helping hāds for the maintenance of his Excelencies honor & authority, & were likewise content to contribute the monthly sum of 200. thousand gilders, to bee at the disposition of his Excelencie and of the Councel of State, with condition that the other Prouinces should do the E like, and that out of their contribution the garrisons & the charges for the wars, which was to be disbursed in Holland & for the which they had giuen their words, should first be paied. They spake of some other particularities, as that the State of the warres made with the Lord of Buckhurst, was not so chargeable, but that if her Maiesties aide of 5000. foote and 1000. horse were complete, and the contribution of 200. thousand gilders a month well paied, it would serue for the maintenance of their wars and some ouer plus remayning towards the leauying of a good number of horse & foot, for certaine monthes in the yeare, and when need were to bring them to field, being well managed. Touching the preparation of ships of war, the Estates did alwaies vnderstand that the prizes taken at sea, would not only be found sufficient for the defraying of that charge, F but being well vsed, there would be a surplusage to be imploied in the offenciue warres. Hauing made this answer to euery point of the Earle of Leicesters propositions, they besought him that it might bee fauorably interpreted, and that reposing their trust in God, his Excelency would cōtinue his noble resolution in the defence of those coūtries; [Page 973] and so by the helpe of GOD, with her Maiesties promised succors, being complete and 1587. A orderly mustred, and the contributions of one hundred thousand guilders monthly besides that which shalbe gotten by force and otherwise out of Brabant, Gelderland, Flanders, Oueryssel, and other places belonging to the enemy, the charges of the war should be sufficiently maintained, with good order and martiall discipline: and by conuerting, of the conuoie and license monies to the most benifit of the country. The which would not onely bee a meanes to vphold and fortefie the Prouinces, but also a great aduancement of her Maiesties and his Exelencies honors & reputations, and no small preiudice to their common enemy, without seeking of any doubtful and suspitious peace, or to dispaire of their countries cause. Lastly the Estates humbly thanked her Maiesty, for letting the countries and townes vnderstand her gratious pleasure, concerning the continuance B of the ancient contracts and treaties which haue passed, and haue beene alwaies maintained betweene the Kings of England and the Princes of those countries; as also with certaine particular townes in those Prouinces, and that for their parts they would take such order as her Maiesty, his Excelency and the English Nation, should find their zeale and desire to maintaine al loue and good Neighbourhood, desiring his Excelency that he would fauorably recommend their answer vnto her Maiesty. Besides this answere the generall Estates gaue him an other answere, for the better cleering of some Another declaration made by the Estates to the Earle of Leicest [...]r 16. October. points propounded vnto him at Dordrecht the 16. of October. Shewing that the Estates desired to continue his Exelency in the same authority, which by the contract made with her Maiesty and the act of the generall Estates was giuen him: desiring him that (for the ceasing of al controuersies) it would please his Exelency to keepe the oth which C he had made vnto the Estates at his first entry into the same: and that by certaine acts, and namely by some letters written by him to his secretary Iunius, bearing date the 10. of Iuly, the authority of the Estates was brought in question, they thought it conuenient to make a more plaine declaration thereof, conteyning the force of their authority, the which they sayd they were bound by oth to iustifie and maintaine, for if they were not lawfully authorized in the soueraignty by the Prouinces, then had they no powre nor authority, to put the King of Spaine from his Inheritance, nor to make warre against That the Estates haue lausu [...]l authority ouer the Prouinces. him, nor yet to deale in any sort by contract or otherwise, with the French King and the Queene of England, neither yet to confer the gouernment to his Excelency which D they neuerthelesse had done vpon a good ground and foundation, and by the Estates in all things held and obserued. And therefore they desired redresse of that which had bin done on his Excelencies behalfe, more then to his authority belongs: his authority being all one with the Gouernors of those Prouinces vnder the Emperor Charles the fift who although they were great personages and Princes of his owne bloud, yet hee alwaies reserued vnto himselfe, to make peace or truce, to beginne a new warre, to make leagues and alliances with forraine Princes and countries: the making of proclamations and decrees concerning the Estate of the land. The altring and changing of the minte and standard, the restraint of traficke, and dealing with neutrall and forraine countries, proclamations whereby neighbour Kings, Potentates and common-weales should bee E offended. The bringing in of new rights and customes. The augmenting of contributions and charges for the warres, aboue that which was formerly granted by the consent of the country, and many other such like. But those things which belonged to the disposition of the Gouernors generall, the Estates ment should be at his appointment, to dispose and order the same by the aduise of the Councell of Estate, chosen both out of them of the countrie, and of her Maiesties subiects: and that such things should passe vnder his Exclencies name, as had vsually past vnder the gouernors name in the time of the Emperor Charles the 5. And that in the Estates name, which did vsually passe vnder the name of the Emperor Charles the fift which would in no sort bee contrary to the contract made with her Maiesty, neither yet against the act of declaration of the commission, F of the gouernment and authority, of the Estates vnto his Excelency,
The second point of controuersie, was the oth of fidelity to bee made by the soldiars, The Estates desire an oth of the soldiars accord [...]ng to the contract. and the authority of the particular Gouernor of Prouinces; and for that they found some mistaking of the oth to bee made, they desired that according to the contr [...]ct the [Page 974] soldiars should sweare fidelity and obedience to the Prouinces in generall, and to his A Excelencie as Gouernor generall of the same, as also to those Prouinces, townes and 1587. members thereof, where they shalbe imployed or placed in garrison: And that they shall obey his Excelencie as Gouernor generall; and that the chiefe Collonels, Captaines, Officers and Soldiars, shall in like manner sweare to bee obedient to the particular Gouernors of Prouinces, and to their Lieutenants, wherso euer they shalbe imployed, and this for the maintenance of the rights of Prouinciall Gouernors, saying that the change of garrisons, and distribution of soldiars, ought to bee done by them, for if they had had that authority, and the forme of oth afore recited had beene obserued, they had not lost the towne of Deuenter, nor the fort by Zutphen, but (beeing discouered long before) it had beene preuented by the Gouernor: and for that cause the Estates were The Estates desire to haue the authority of particular Gouernors maintained. B mooued the more to maintaine the rights of the Prouinciall Gouernors, as well to see the oth of obedience performed and kept, as for the alteration of garrisons, and yet no new matter, neither yet any dyminishing of his authority, hauing a powre ouer the said Prouinciall Gouernors, as being sworne vnto him, wherby he might execute all things with good order, for that the Estate of those Prouinces and townes were best knowne vnto them. But contrariewise not long since, a priuat person had charge to place certaine English companies in Vtrecht, and to arme them, and then to take others forth, without the priuity or the consent of the particular gouernor, which they could not yeeld vnto, for that both their oth and the contract were against it, as being a breach of the chiefe rights and customes of the country, for the which they had beene in continuall C warres for so many yeares. Moreouer they neither ought nor could abridge the house of Nassau, nor Prince Maurice (in regard of the honorable seruices done by the Prince of Orange of famous memory, who neither spared life nor lyuing for the defence of their preuiledges) of the authority which of right belongeth vnto him, and by oth and promise was giuen him, before his Excelencie came into those countries.
They were likewise compelled to see that the soldiars pay, and all martiall causes were so gouerned, as the charge might be borne out of the contribution of the Prouinces: and out of the particular contribution of euery Prouince, the charge of the same Prouince, for the which they stood boūd, should be paied, for otherwise great confusion might grow. They sayd that they were summoned by the second member of the Estates D of Vtrecht (according to their oth and promise made) to a stricter vnion, for that some men not only English, but natural borne countrie men, ignorant of the Estate of these Prouinces, or rather seeking their owne priuat profit, attributed the whole gouernment of the country absolutly vnto him, wherein they absued his Excelencie. And so they concluded this declaration, with a hope of Gods blessing, and of good successe in their wars. Besides the former declaration, the same day being the 6. of October they deliuered vnto the Councel of Estate (being vnder his Excelency) a certaine writing, in the name of the nobility, gentry and townes of Holland and Westfrisland, conteyning the order which from time to time had alwaies beene obserued in those countries, for the maintenance of their preuiledges, freedomes, lawes, and commendable customes: E the which for that is worth the noting) I haue thought good to insert as it was written. The Nobility, Gentry and townes of Holland and Westfrisland, representing the Estates A declaration of the Estates of Holland and Friseland touching their preuileges. of the said Prouinces, haue (vpon mature deliberatiō) according to their othes & duties, thought it fit and necessary by this their declaration to set downe the true and lawful Estate of the countries of Holland and Westfrisland, hoping that euery man that shal read the same, wil censure it as fauorably, as the troblesome Estate thereof requireth. It is euidently knowne that the Prouinces of Holland, Westfrisland & Zeeland, for the space of 800. years hetherto haue bin gouerned by Earles and Countesses, to whom by the nobility, gentry and townes, representing the Estates of these countries, the inheritance & soueraignty therof was lawfully giuen, who behaued themselues with such moderation and discretion in their gouernments, as they neuer vndertooke any war, or F to make a peace, to raise any contributions or taxes, or to doe any thing concerning the Estate of the countrie (although they were alwaies well prouided and furnished of wise Councell consisting of the Noblemen and Gentlemen of the country) without [Page 975] the aduise and consent of the gentlemen and townes, wherevnto they were by writing 1587. A orderly summoned and called; and besides their owne assemblies they haue alwaies and in all causes giuen the sayd gentlemen and townes, a fauorable audience, credit and good resolution, vpon all things whatsoeuer they had to propound vnto them, concerning the Estate of the countries. The which being as lawfull a kinde of gouernment as euer any was, or hath beene knowne, did produce fruites which tended especially to the honor and reputation of the sayd Earles, togither with the wellfare of the countrie and the Inhabitants thereof. As first of all, that the Earles of Holland, Zeeland and Friseland, within the compasse of so small a Gouernment, haue bene in great honor, respect and estimation, with all the Princes and Potentates of Christendome, as appeereth by the great and mighty alliances they had by marriages, with most of the greatest Princes in Europe, and that in the yeare 1247. William the second of that name, B Earle of Holland &c. was chosen King of Romaines: that they haue alwaies beene victorious, and valiantly defended the frontiers of their countries, against their enemies how mightie soeuer they were whereby they were of no small esteeme withall their neighbors: and wee may truely speake it, that the countries of Holland and Zeeland, for the space of eight hundred yeares, were neuer conquered by force, nor brought vnder by forreine, nor yet by ciuill enemies. The onelie reason that may bee giuen of this, is, that they alwaies held and maintained a good and perfect forme of vnitie, loue and correspondencie, betweene the Prince and the Estates of the country; for that the C Princes (who of themselues had no powre) without the Nobility and townes, could not doe any thing, hauing commonly no more meanes then the reuenues of their demaines, for the defraying of their houshold, and paying of the ordinarie officers. It is also well knowne what authority the country had, to bring their Princes (beeing misled by bad counsell to the hurt of the country) to reason and conformity, not onely by petitions and declarations, but also by seuerely punishing of all such as had in any sort abased or disorderly gouerned their Princes affaires and authoritie, whereof many examples are yet extant to be seene.
It is also manifest that the charge and office of the Estates was to bee carefull to prouidetutors, gouernors and gardians for their Princes in their nonage, as the like was done for Earle William the fift of that name, beeing distracted of his wits. Lastly it D is out of all doubt that the administration of the soueraigntie of these Prouinces was at all times executed by the Estates: and when as by disorder, minority, frensie, or any other accident, the countries were destitute of good gouernment by their Princes, they haue often-times chosen a gouernor to guide and direct them, commonly called a Protector, the which was also obserued in the time of the gouernment of the house of Bourgondy, as after the death of Duke Charles and the Dutchesse Mary his daughter, at which time Maximilian seeking by force to innouate and alter many things contrarie During the minority of the Emperor Charles the Estates had the soueraignty. to the authoritie of the Estates, hee brought the whole state of the countrie into great extremitie and danger: and the Emperor Charles the fift himselfe during his minority, was by the authority of the States prouided of Tutors, and the country of fit and conuenient E gouernors; who alwaies respected (although in many things the liberty of the country during the gouernment of the house of Bourgondy was much diminished) the Estates of the countrie, alwaies foreseeing that his owne Estate could not bee setled by any other meanes, seeking to bring his sonne the King of Spaine to the like opinion and consideration, telling him plainely, that his Estate would be in danger whensoeuer he began to discountenance the Estates of the country, as he now findeth, both to his, and to the countries hindrance and decay, for no man can impute the beginning of these warres to any other cause (whatsoeuer the world may say) but that he sought by armes, The contempt of the Estates cause of the troubles. to compell these Prouinces to that which the States being assembled (in regard of their preuiledges) held inconuenient, especially in matters which concerned the Estate of F the country. All which (although wee hold it questionlesse) wee haue thought good to set downe, for that many are herein much mistaken, perswading themselues that the assembly of the Estates, representeth no other thing then as they in their imaginations will conceiue therof, and as the qualities of the persons appeering in the sayd assemblies, [Page 976] in outward shew doe merit and deserue, and of the causes and serious matters therein 1587. A by them handled and censured: As if those persons deputed by the Nobles and Townes of the said Prouinces, did hold and accoumpt them-selues to bee the Estates, and thereby to haue the Soueraignty of the Country in their hands, and that they may after their owne santasies, dispose of all causes and matters belonging to the gouernment of the State, vsurping vnto them-selues the whole disposition thereof at their pleasures: but those that haue a nearer in-sight into these and other greater matters, which haue beene brought to passe by the Prince, with the ayd and assisstance of the Estates (and especially those thinges which haue beene done within these fifteene yeares in these countries of Holland and Zealand) will easilie finde that the authority of the Estates consisteth not in the presence & power of thirty or From whence the authority of the Estates is deriued. B forty persons, more or lesse, being assembled in one of their meetings: And euen the Agents of the King of Spaine, who with these and such like arguments, haue allwaies sought to vnder-mine our priuiledges, & to bring the authority of the Estates into contempt, hauing at no time found how much they haue bene deceiued in their opinions. Now then for the better discouering from whence the authority of the Estates groweth and hath her beginning, you must consider that the Princes which from time to time haue lawfully gouerned & raigned, haue not onely begun their gouernment by the consent & loue of the cōmons, but haue ruled with such moderation, as the whole members & body of the common weale (whereof they were chosen to be the head) were by them maintained, vnited and inseperable; the which could not be done (Princes being often C misliked by wicked and ambitious persons) if that the commons had had no meanes to draw them to reason & conformity, & at al times to oppose them-selues against al lewd & wicked persons; and for the maintenance of their liberties and priueledges, in the behalfe of all the members, not onely to admonish and aduise their Princes, but whensoeuer any of them did gouerne tyranously (by meanes and ayd of the country) to oppose and resist them, and for these respects the subiects of these Prouinces are diuided into two Estates, that is the Nobles and the Townes. The Nobility & Gentlemen are accoumpted for one member, in regard of their dignities and births (the which without vanting is as ancient as any other) & for the honors which they inioy in these countries, whereby most of them haue all sorts of Iurisdiction, as well cryminall as D ciuill, where-vpon all occasions concurre & agree togither concerning the estate of the country & are present in all assemblies, and there giue their opinions with the Deputies of the townes. The townes for most part haue one kind of gouernment, that is an assembly of Councellors or rulers (called Wetschaps) or the wise-men chosen out of the best Burgers of the same; & those in some townes are 40. in some 36 24. or 20 persons, How the towne of Holland & Zealand are gouerned. which manner of making such assemblies is as ancient as the townes them-selues be: Such as are once chosen, continue so while the liue, or as long as they inhabit there, and when any one dyeth or giueth ouer his place, the said assembly with the consent of the Burgers chose an other to make vp their number. This assemblie hath all power & authority to consult, resolue & dispose of all matters concerning that countrie, & their E owne townes, and whatsoeuer the said Burgers do resolue & decree, is by all the Inhabitants obserued and done, against the which not any of them once opposeth him-selfe, or refuseth to obey. By these assemblies the ordinary Magistrates are euery yeare chosen, that is 4. 3. or 2. Burguemaisters & 7. or 8. Schepen to serue for one yeare: in some The Councell chose the Burguemaisters & Schepen. townes those elections are absolute, in some by nominatiō of a double number, of which the ordinary number is made full by the State-holder or the Princes Lieutenant. The Burguemaisters officers to gouerne in al pollitick causes, as wel concerning the treasor & reuenues of the towne, as the wel-fare & preseruation of the same, being committed to their charge and gouernement. The Colledge of Schepen attend only vpon the ordinary administration of Iustice as well cryminal as ciuill, and haue authority to execute F the lawes in all causes what-soeuer. By these Assemblies of Magistrates, the absolute gouernment of the townes of Holland and West-Friseland is administred, the Princes of the country not once medling with the gouernment, but in the placing of one officer, who in their names seeth Iustice duly executed. This is a briefe [Page 977] description of the true forme of gouernment of the townes of Holland and Zeeland. 1587. A From whence you must vnderstand that those assemblies of Magistrates and Schepen, being ioyned together with the nobilitie and gentlemen, doe vndoubtedly represent the whole state and full body of all the country, townes and commonalty, and it cannot be thought that a better forme of gouerment can be diuised, whereby (with better The forme of gouernment. intelligence of all the proceedings of the country) matters may be resolued, nor their resolutions with more vnity, consent and authority better executed: so as it is no wonder if these Prouinces haue continued so inseperable, and as durable as any State whatsoeuer. Now to bring these particular councels of nobilitie and townes into one assembly, it cannot be done but by deputies appointed by them to supply their places; to which end, when as any matter of importance (concerning the estate of the country) B is to be consulted of, & that it is requisit to call them together: euery towne sets down what they meane to propound in the said assembly; and so send such deputies as they best trust, with such charge and commission as they thinke best, for the good of the common-weale. The nobility and gentlemen appeare in a competent number, & euery towne sendeth one Bourguemaister and a councellor, or more, as occasion and the importance of the cause requireth. And more-ouer those deputies during the warres (by reason of the multitude of businesse) haue commission to consult vpon all causes, concerning the preseruation of the countrie, and therein to giue their aduise and resolution, especially to maintaine the rights, liberties and priuiledges of the same: and to oppose themselues against all such as shall seeke to infringe them. And these deputies What the Estates be. C thus assembled together, represent the Estates of the country, not that they themselues in their owne persons, or by their owne authorities are the Estates, but onely by the force and power of their commissions from the townes and places from whence they are deputed, without presuming that any priuate man through his owne ambition and pride may prefer himselfe to be of that commission: being not the nature of these coū trymen to be ambitious, but rather hate it, and are enemies to all ambitious persons, & therefore there is no cause why any such thing should be doubted in so free an election: and much lesse that any man during the troubles which it pleaseth God to send vpon these countries, should affect any dealing or command in the country, whereas there is nothing to be expected but trouble and dislike of the enemies of our cause, who spare D not to abuse the best qualified persons in the country with false reports, & often-times cause sinister opinions to bee held of those that haue done very good seruice to the country; for which cause they are forced to accompt the accepting of the sayd commissions Inter munera necessaria. And all those that haue had any intelligence of the affaires of this country, can witnesse, what dissention many times growes, and with what difficulty the deputies are brought to accept of those commissions, who returning home againe from these assemblies, make report vnto the Magistrates of the townes and places from whence they were sent, of all matters that had past.
Wherefore you must vnderstand that those which affirme the soueraignty of the country to consist in the Estates, their meaning is not of any priuate persons, or deputies Whence the soueraignty of the Estate [...] proceedeth. E of townes in particular, but of their superiors, as of the nobles, gentlemen, townes and commons, whom by the power of their commission they represent. And so diuerse Princes and Potentates, and euen the Queenes Maiesty her selfe, treating with the generall Estates, and his Excellency receiuing the commission of gouernor general from them, haue esteemed them; we cannot be perswaded that any man will vpon any good ground, maintaine, that the nobles, magistrates, and councels of townes, haue not the same power and authority touching the gouernment of the country now, which others before them haue had, or then had, when as they made the contract with her Maiesty, & made his Excellency gouernor of the country: else question might be made, not onely of the force of the contract made with her Maiesty & his Excellencies commission, but F of all that had been done for these 15. yeares, the which was a practise of the enemy. By these reasons and arguments we thinke to haue sufficiently proued, how necessary a thing it is to preserue the authority of the Estates, as being the foundation wheron the common preseruation of the country consisteth, the which without the ruine & decay [Page 978] of the commons, cannot be ouerthrowne: and that the Estates haue as great authoritie 1587. A now in all respects as euer any had (touching the Soueraigntie of the countrie) vnder any Prince in former times. And thus it was resolued a [...] determined in the Hage, the sixteenth of Iuly, and decreed that it should be registred, and a coppie thereof made, In Harlem the sixteenth of October 1587. And vnderneath was written; By order of the Estates of Holland. Signed: C: de Rechter.
My Author hath with your patience, made this digression to shew what the Estates bee, and what their authority is, for that it is a very materiall point to be vnderstood, and a great question in this history.
After that the Prince of Parma had taken Scluse, hee turned all his disseignes to fortifie him-selfe vppon the Sea, with an incredible charge, causing new chanells to The Duke of Parmas new disseigne. B bee digged in Flanders, to passe a kinde of flatte bottomed boats through the countrie, and to bring them to the Sea ports, especially to Dunkerke and Nieuport, to ioyne with that great Sea-armie which the King of Spaine had begun to prepare three yeares before, and so with their ioynt forces to sette vppon England; and afterwards vpon the Vnited Prouinces. As if these two armies of Spaine and the Netherlands had beene sufficient to subdue all the world; whereof you shall heare more here-after. For which consideration the Duke of Parma suffered the Hollanders & Zealanders a while in rest: hauing his minde wholy bent to this great and high disseigne. The which was very happy for them, by reason of the alterations, factions and diuisions that were among them, the which increased dayly with great bitternesse; publishing Inuectiues and Apologies C one against the other. So as if the Spaniard had charged them during these diuisions, which were so great as they were ready to fall from words to blowes, without doubt they had made a great breach. At this time generally throughout all Holland and Zeeland they were in great feare and perplexitie, not onely by reason of the contention betwixt them and their gouernor the Earle of Leicester, but also in regard of the dissention growne among them-selues within the said Prouinces; where-vpon it was to bee feared that the Queene of England would with-draw her forces, and then euery one would follow his owne humor; the good with a good zeale and affection, although many times with great mistaking: & the wicked with bad and euil intents, yet making an outward shew of good meaning: Which moued the Spirituallitie to call a The Ministers perswade the Estates to reconciliation with the Earle of Leicester. D Synode, where they resolued by foure Ministers of the word deputed in their names, to recommend vnto the Estates the well-fare and preseruation of the Christian religion, and the vnitie and good correspondencie with England, and with the Earle of Leicester: the which was performed by letters. Where-vnto the States made answer, that they had it in highest & greatest recommendation, wishing them to be vigilant & carefull among them-selues, not to suffer any to enter into their Churches, nor into the Ministerie, that vnder pretence of religion sought to resist the Magistrates, and to The Estates answer. bring them into hatred, dislike and iealousie with the common people, as it hapned in Flanders to the Prince of Orange of famous memory, to the totall ruine of the Churches there; and that now by the meanes of strange and vnaccustomed gouernment E they might do the like, which they knew had beene both sought and practised. That they were resolued to obserue the contract made with her Maiestie, as they were bound, and to maintaine his Excellencie in the authority which belonged vnto him. Lastly they desired them to direct all their actions to the building vp of CHRIST his Church; and to let the Churches of Flanders bee a glasse for them to looke in, and to pray vnto GOD for their hedde and other Magistrates; with many other admonitions.
Vppon the same subiect the Scout, Burguemaisters, Schepen and Councell of Vtrecht; writte very earnestly vnto the Estates of Holland, the one and twentith of September, The Magisstrates of Vtrect write vnto the Estates. charging them in a manner, as if they ment to shake of the Queene of England F and the Earle of Leicester, and to dislike of the contribution: Where-vnto they of Holland made answer the sixteenth of October, saying, that their letter seemed to bee written in passion by certaine strangers newly crept into the gouernment, who sought Their answer. to couer their contentious factions, by bringing the Estates of Holland into iealousie: [Page 979] assuring them of Vtrecht that they would carry themselues in such sort as their neighbours 1587. A should haue no cause to dislike of them, obseruing the contract, and yeelding vnto the Earle of Leicester such authority as was promised him, and which the Prouinces might indure, for the which they were bound to be more carefull then they of Vtrecht, as hauing pawned their townes to the English-men for securitie thereof, for the which they of Vtrecht had giuen but their billes in writing: And that they needed not exclaime against them touching the contribution of Holland, when as it was apparent that for many yeares (besides their ordinary contributions) for the necessary garrisons of Townes and Forts in Holland, and the charges of the warres by sea, there had bin eight or nine thousand foote, & ten or twelue hundred horse entertained by them towards the assistance and aide of their neighbors the vnited Prouinces, aduising B them to be carefull not to fall into controuersie with their gouernors, as they of Gant, Bruges and Boisleduc had done. The factions were so great at this time in Holland, as some of the greatest townes did vtterly reiect the Earle of Leicesters gouernment, The Earle of Leicester seekes to seize vpon Leyden. refusing to acknowledge him, or to receiue him or his men any more. And he on the other side sought to draw some vnto his party, as well by the perswasions of his seruants and his creatures of the same country, as by surprises: as among others they sought to seize vpon Leyden, whereas diuers of the inhabitants, most part strangers fled out of Flanders and Brabant, with Captaine Cosmo Pesarengis, a Piedmonto [...]s, and Captaine Nicholas de Mawlde, sonne to the Lord of Mansaert (who had a company within the towne) sought to make themselues maisters thereof, to imprison all the magistrates C that were well affected to the Estates, & so to bring in the Earle of Leicester, with such authority as they thought good. But before they began their enterprise, it was discouered vnto the Magistrates, by a Bourger called Andrew Schot, where-vpon they apprehended one Iacob Volmar a Fleming, & Captaine Cosmo Pesarengis, and committed them to prison. Maulde escaped, but he was afterwards taken neere Woerden by the Lord of Poelgeest, and brought back to Leyden, where being examined, he confessed the enterprise without any torture: wher-vpon the Magistrates of Leyden to maintaine Prince Maurice his authority, being gouernor of Holland, and of the Estates of the contry, on the 26. of October, they condemned the said Volmar, Pesarengis and Maulde to loose their heads; holding it according to their lawes to be an Act of treason, D not onely in such a towne as Leyden, but if it had beene attempted in any of the lesser townes, & according to the custome there, the same day they cut off their heads. The two first heads were set vpon pikes at the Ports, but Mawlds head (in regard of his honorable house and family) was buried. He was much lamented (euen of the iudges them-selues) by reason of his youth, his good disposition, and the seruices which hee had done to the Prince of Orange, and for that of late hee had carried himselfe so valiantly within Scluce during the siege. The Earle disavowed this enterprise, and purged him-selfe before the Queene, who was not pleased that hee should so farre exceede his Commission, as to attempt vpon any Townes, seated in the heart of Holland, as Leyden is. At Vtrecht there was a booke made & put in Print, tending to the excusing E of such that were executed, the booke was dedicated to the Earle of Leicester, but at The Estates do wisely conceale the cause of the execution at Leyden. Leyden it was expresly forbidden to be bought or solde within their towne and iurisdiction, vpon a great penaltie, as being a seditious and scandalous libell, yet many disliked of this execution, for that the Estates during these diuisions did not make known the reasons that moued them there-vnto, the which not-with-standing for great and waighty considerations they did wisely conceale, in regard of the Earle of Leicester, which reasons were not then to be laid open, yet the Estates were the worse spoken of: but all men of iudgement, especially such as had seene the processe, and the offenders owne confessions, esteemed this execution to be iust and necessary, whereon the estate and well-fare of the country depended. F
The 11. of September a Captaine of the Estates horse, being with his company in Meppel surprized by the Estate [...]. the country of Westphalia neere vnto Lengen, about the towne of Meppel, he sent 12. of his men on foot, to craue leaue of the Magistrate of the towne, that they might enter to buy victuals and other necessaries: being at the Port and letting them know the [Page 980] cause of their comming, and that they desired not any thing but for their money: the 1587. A gard not fearing any surprize, were presently charged by these twelue men and the port seazed on, wherevpon the Captaine ariued with his troupe of horse and made himselfe maister of the towne. Being vnable to keepe it with so few men, they of Holland Ouerissel and Vtrecht sent them some supplies, with the which they held it for a time, but lying to farre of for the estates, and heard to be victualed, when soeuer it should stand in need, Verdugo hauing a fort at Hassel, halfe a league from it, which might hinder the passage. They thought it best to abandon it, hauing profited nothing in that quarter, which is neuter, but only made poore families.
Whilest these factions were in Holland, there grew a great quarrell betwext Collonel Diricke Sonoy geuernor of North Holland, and the towne of Enchuysen, for that he B had receiued confirmation of his gouernment (the which had bin formerly giuen him by the Prince of Orange, & confirmed by Prince Maurice his sonne) in an other sort and quality from the Earle of Leicester the fourteene of October: and for that the said Sonoy sought to secure and settle him-selfe in his gouernment, causing captaine Duuenuord with his company to leaue the towne, and to bring other companies thether, to which end hee had perswaded his Excelency to come to see the townes of North-Holland, meaning vnder collour of his presence and authority to assure him-selfe of the gouernment: the which being disliked by the Bourguers, for that long before they and other townes with the Noblemen and Gentlemen of Holland by force of their Vnion, were bound by oth to defend and mayntaine the priuiledes of Holland and C West-Freezland; hauing sollemnly accepted of Prince Maurice for their gouernor of Holland Zealand & West-Freezland they could not (in respect of their othes) consent The towne of Enchuysen desier the earle of L [...]icester to forbeate to enter into their towne being iealous of Sonoy. that the gouernment of West-Freezland, should be in that sort seperated from Holland & Zeeland, and consequently (against alorder) taken from the house of Nassau: wherevpon after diuers assemblies & conferences, they found no better means to preuent all inconueniences, & to maintaine the peace in North-Holland, then with due respect and reuerence, to intreat his Excellency to deferre his comming into their towne, till a more conuenient time, when as they might receiue him with more security, greater ioy, and full consent of all the Bourgers, humbly beseeching him not to mislike thereof, so as for that time there was not any thing done, but after they grew to further D question as you shall heare. The second day of Nouember Cont William Lewis of Nassau, sonne to Cont Iohn gouernor of Freezland for the estates, married the Lady Anne of Nassau daughter to the Prince of Orange, and sister to Prince Maurice who liued but three yeares in marriage and died of child. About this time there was much speech in England touching the affaiers of the Netherlands, as also about the Earle of Leicesters authority and gouernment and of the proposition of peace, many holding with the Estates and others against them: some thinking that with two hundred thousand gilders a moneth, well gouerned, together with her Maiesties ayde of Speeches in England touching the Netherlands. fiue thousand foote and a thousand horse complet and well paid by the Queene, besides that which might be gotten by booties in the frontire townes, and by conuoyes and E licences that might be spar'd, ouer and aboue the charges disbursed for the maintenance of the shipps of warre, a defensiue warr might be well maintayned, and withall an army for certaine moneths euery yeare brought into the field, so as the managing of the mony, and contri [...]utions, might not be committed to priuate persons, but to the noble councell of estate. All this was presented by some vnto her Maiesty in manner of a declaration, and that there ought no peace be spoken of as being altogether vncertaine, and that the propositions of peace might be a meanes to seperate and breed diuision in in the vnited Prouinces, as euery one by the first reconciliation would pretend their owne furtherance: that the collonels, captaines, and soldiars, would euery one seeke to be the first should make his composition: and that the king of Spaine would gladly F make peace with the vnited Prouinces, that so he might with more ease ouer-runne and conquer England: and that the kindome of England (although it had many enemies, by reason of the goodly scituation) gneeded not to feare him much, hauing Holland Zeland and Freezland for friends; but the great number of shippes and saylers, and the [Page 981] welth of the said Prouinces, being ioyned with Spaine, were dangerous for England, as 1587. A it appeared the last yeare by the bringing in of so many ships laden with corne, of what power they are at sea and how they stop the riuers of Elbe and Ems with other hauens; shewing allso what great meanes they had to impeach the trade of marchandize, and the free venting of the English clothes and other commodities. And if they were able to doe so much now being in a manner forsaken of all the world, what will they doe when they shall bee ioyned to the power, countenance and authority of the King of Spaine? which would strike a great feare into Denmarke and other countryies, and therfore they concluded that her Maiesty should do well not to forsake the vnited Prouinces, neither yet to discomfort them, least they should be constrayned to make a priuat peace. The Queene of England finding that these diuisions & partialities betwixt the The Earle of Leicester called home into England. B Estates and the Earle of Leicester, increased daily more and more, sence his departure out of England into Holland, she resolued to call him home into England, and to make him giue ouer his gouernment. In the meane time the councell of the estates laboured to make a reconciliation betwixt them, whereof they were in great hope, and to that end had written to the Earle of Leicester. But the Queenes Maiesty, (all matters set a part) sent for the Earle to come into England, who (before hee had receiued the said letter from the councell of estate) did write vnto the generall estates on the 26 of Nouember, saying.
‘THat he was much greeued, that her Maiesty was so displeased, with their bad cariage The Earle of Leicesters letter at his departure out of the Netherlands. C towards him, without occasion, hauing giuen no aduertisement thereof, wherevpon her Maiesty had commanded him, by one of her seruants, to returne againe into England touching certaine especiall affayers, saying that it greeued him much hee had not the meanes while he remayned there, to aduenture his person, in some seruice for the country as hee desired, and had alwaies earnestly pretended, protesting before God that hee should depart from thence with a good and a cleare conscience, as hauing done no more th [...]n his quality and place required, leauing the rest to be answered by them that openly seeke the ouerthrowe of Gods Church, and of so many poore people, to satisfie their owne priuat willes and appetites, but he ment not thereby to charge well minded men, who hee hoped would conforme them-selues to her Maiesties good will and pleasure: D whome it had pleased to giue so fauorable ayde and assistance to these Prouinces, as by the charge which her Maiesty had giuen to her Ambassador (a Gentleman of good esteeme & well affected to the good of the country) more plainely will appeere. He could be content to bee a meanes to further their cause to her Maiesty so as they made any accoumpt to hold and esteeme her as a friend according to the contract made with her, with that which therevnto belonged, as reason requireth, vntil that by her Maiesty and a common consent, it shall be otherwise determined: whervnto he desired their answer with the first. And as he found by the contract made with her Maiesty, that the Gouernor generall appoynted by her should together with the councell of estate haue the ordring and managing of the chefest causes concerning the estate and the wars, therefore E he thought it conuenient in his absence, that the authority should remaine in the hands of the councell of estate, according to the contract, where the said ambassador should be resident in her Maiesties name: and that all dispatches shall bee signed by the cheefe of them there resident, the which should continue vntill it were other wise prouided by her Maiesty, wherof he would aduertise them with al conuenient speed, and for the command of the English forces vnder the Queenes pay, her Maiesty had appointed the Lord Willoughby, to whome he had giuen in charge to hold good correspondency with them, with the councell of the state, and other commanders, & so he referred them to that which Maister Harbert had in her Maiesties behalfe to shew them. Subscribed, Your good friend ROBERT LEICESTER. F’
THis letter came vnto the Estates hands the second of December, where-vpon the The estates write to the Earle of Leicester. next day after the generall Estates wrot vnto the Earle of Leicester how that they vnderstood of his going into England, beseeching him to recommend the estate of the [Page 982] country vnto her Maiesty, saying they had written vnto the estates of the particular 87. A Prouinces, to meet together, who for want of sufficient authority were not yet al come, at which their meeting, they would resolue vpon certaine deputies to be sent into England, to deale with her Maiesty about the affaires of the country. So within few dayes after the Earle of Leicester departed out of the Netherlands, leauing the Lord Willoughby generall of the English forces, and Doctor Harbert her Maiesties Ambassador, to sollicit the generall Estates toyeeld vnto a peace.
The Earle of Leicester beeing returned into England, the Queene commanded him to resigne his gouernment of the Netherlands into the hands of the generall Estates, from wome hee had receiued it, the which hee did the seauenteenth of December by an Act vnder his hand as followeth.
ROBERT Earle of Leicester Baron of Denbighe &c. Lieutenant for the Queenes The Earle of Leicester resig [...] his gouernment of the Vni ted Prouinces. B ‘Maiestie of England, Gouernor and Captaine generall of the Vnited Prouinces: To all to whome these presents shall come greeting. As it was her Maiesties pleasure to giue vs the charge to bee her Lieutenant generall of all the forces, sent by her for the ayde and assistance of the vnited Prouinces, according to a contract made with the Estates concerning the same: where-vppon the said generall Estates had also imposed vppon vs, the gouernment of the said Prouinces, both for matters polliticke, and of Iustice, according to the commission, and Act of declaration of the same gouernment, Dated the first of February, 1586. And for that the present Estate of this Kingdome requyring it, wee were commanded to returne home into England, for her Maiesties C seruice: And for that by reason of our absence wee cannot execute the authoritie as we should, and as it is necessary to bee done, for the good and prosperitie of the country. Therefore wee giue you to vnder-stand, that our desire is for the cause aforesaid to bee discharged and vnburthened of our said gouernment, and place of Captaine generall, of the said vnited Prouinces, as also of the commission and charge giuen vs to that end, and that by this Act signed and sealed with our hand, wee haue resigned, left, & hereby doe resigne and leaue the same: In such sort that wee will from henceforth wholy leaue of and refuse to haue any dealing in the same commission giuen vnto vs, by the aforesad Estates, in what manner soeuer it were, leauing it vnto them to proceed therein by aduice from her Maiestie, as they shall find it necessary and conuenient for D the good & well-fare of those countries. Giuen at London vnder our hand and seale: the 17. of December. 1587. Subcribed Leicester.’
This Act was presented to the Estates by Sir Henry Killegrey vpon the first of Aprill 1588. being Agent there for her Maiestie: With excuse that it came no sooner to his hands: Which Resignation the Estates caused to bee generally proclaimed throughout all the Prouinces, to the end that euery man might know hee was discharged of his oth to the Earle of Leicester, remayning onely bound to the vnited Prouinces, States and Townes &c. So as after that no man would acknowledge any gouernment of that of the Estates and the soldiars no other Captaine generall then Prince Maurice, and the Earle of Hohenloo his Lieutenant. E
The twentith of December Collonell Schenck being at Rhynberghe, hauing gathered out of the neighbour garrisons some foure hundred foote & three hundred horse; Schencks enterprize. hee marcht neere vnto the towne of Zulpich in the Diocesse of Collogne vppon the frontiers of Iuilliers, where hee lay quiet for three daies, doing wrong to no man, vntill that his troopes were fortified No man could iudge what his disseigne was: many thinking it was but to spoile the Territories of Collogne, against the which hee had a great spleene. But on the two and twentith day, being risen with his troopes, he made a shew to march towards the quarter of Eyssell, the brute whereof came presently to Bonne, being foure leagues from Collogne. But turning head, hee past at noone day through a wood at the Village of Rhybourg, and so marching on, hee aduanced to the F mid-way betwixt Bonne and Brulle: Where hee made a stand in a little groue, vntill that night approached. Then taking the lower way by Buhell and Bourchem, from whence they of the Castell shotte at his men, passing close by their ditch, the which they might heare easily at Bonne: and to the end they of the towne should haue no adaduertisment, [Page 983] he sent certaine horsemen, before who staid all those they met. Approching 1588. A neere the towne about eight of the clocke at night, he rested a while, to feed his men and horses in the vilages of Transdorp and Endich. Then comming neere vnto the towne with his ladders (although hee vsed them not) hauing past by Popeldorf, (wheras the Archbishops of Cologne haue a pallace) he placed his footemen along the riuer of Rhine, & were not discouered nether by the keeper of Popeldorf, nor by the gard of the towne, for that the season was darke and rainy. And to take away the noise of his men which were vnder the towne, there was one of his soldiars gotten into a hogs coate beating the swine continually to make them cry. And in this sort the collonell stayd vntill three of the clocke after midnight, during the which he caused a great Petard to be made fast to a posterne gate towards the key of the riuer of Rhine, close by the B towle house, the which was seldome opened, where he lay still obseruing the rounds of the towne, as they past by the light of a Lanterne, and seeing no more to passe, growing neere fower of the clocke imagining that night workes to be past, and that the officers were gone to their rest, he commanded them to set fier to the Petard, the which gaue so Schenke surp [...]seth Bonne great a blow, as not onely the Port, but a part of the wall was ouerthrowne, by the which the soldiars entred in a throng vnto the second port, the which was not so strong as the first, which they beat downe sodenly with hatchets and pikeaxes. Being entred into the towne some of his men ran vnto the rampars and the Boulwarks, and others vnto the Market place, the which they seazed on without any resistance, there be ing neither captaine nor commander to put the soldiars and Bourgers in order for their C defence, or that did any thing, except one Canonier, who made a shot, with the which he slue Hans Wichman, and soone after the said canonier was ouerthrowne with a small shotte. This being done they beat downe Stockem port, by the which the Ritmaister Gerard van Balen entred with his cornet, the other horsemen being alredy entred by the posterne. The collonel who was entred at the first with the foot-men went then to horsebacke, and ranne throughout all the quarters of the towne, placing his sentinels and corps de gard, forbidding vpon paine of death to spoyle, vntill they were well assured. The Bourgers hearing this great noyse and terror of the petard, the trompets sounding and the drommes beating an alarum with the soldiers cryes, kept them-selues close in their houses, for wheresoeuer the soldiars discouered any light, D they shot through the doores and windoes, Schencke placed his horse-men in the Bishops Pallace to preserue the chancery. So after that hee had set all things in good order, being maister of the towne he abandoned it to his soldiars, who spoyled it and put the Bourgers to ransome, intreating them no other-wise then it it had beene an Bonne spoiled and ransomed enemies towne taken by assault: Charles Bille gouernor of the towne hearing the noyse which the petard made, & the alarum, escaped halfe drest and fled towards Confluence. He had beene aduertised two daies before that Schenks men were lodged about Zulpich, whervpon he sent a good part of the garrison to keepe the neighbour villages from spoyling, yet he was sufficiently warned that there were mad lads would come to visit him: wherevnto he answered: that hee must take the care of it: for the which E Schenck did afterwards flowt him.
This towne of Bonne being well assured for Truchses, Schenck resolued to keepe it, causing it to be rampared and fortefied in all places, and then did furnish it withall things necessary for a towne of warre: withall he caused a fort to be presently built right opposit on the other side of the riuer of Rine. The Duke of Cleues and Iuliers aduised Ernest of Bauaria, Bishoppe of Cologne and Leige, to make a friendly accord with Schenck, or at the least (to gette more time to make preparation to beseege it) that he should make a truce with him. As touching an accord which was propounded by the Duke of Cleaues commissioners, Schenck would willingly haue giuen eare vnto it, except some poynts concerning the contribution: But it seemed F vnto Bishop Ernest that this accord, would bee some blemish to his reputation authority and greatnesse: and that there-by hee should incense the King of Spaine: so as nothing was done, desiring rather to call the Duke of Parma to his succors, to [Page 984] his great charge, and his subiects ruine: who afterwards sent the Prince of Chymay 1588 A to beseege it as we shall here.
The second of December, some of the Estates men surprized Ville-woord, two Leagues from Brussells, the which they spoyled but being scituated in the champian Ville [...]orde surprized by the estates. country and not able to keepe it, they abandoned it; in their retreat, some lewd persons se [...] fire of it, so as many houses were burnt. The Queene of England being importuned by the king of Spaine to make a peace (who vnder this pretext sought to lul her a sleepe vntill that his sea army were all redy) was resolued to giue eare therevnto and to enter into some conference with his Deputies, the place of their assembly being appointed Deputies from the Queene vnto the states at Bourbroue in Flanders: and to that end she sent in October past vnto the generall estates of the vnited Prouinces, Doctor Herbert one of her Maisters of request B and Ioachim Ortels agent in England for the said estates, to vnderstand their disposition and resolution toward a peace: giuing them charge to protest openly that either they must send their Deputies with hers to treat of a peace or else she would call backe her troups into England.
The Estates hauing assembled all the Nobility, gentlemen and townes, not-withstanding all forraigne and home-bred troubles, the mutinies of their soldiars: ciuill factions: and the threats of the great Spanish Armado, which they were well informed was comming with so great a power, waighing all circomstances with a constant and firme resolution, they absolutly reiected all treaties of peace with the enemy. And although they had giuen the Queenes Ambassadors a very resolute answer, yet this yeare 1588. Deruties sent from the estates into England. C they sent Sebastian Loze and Leonard Cazembroot two councellors of estate, vnto her Maiesty to disswade her from all treaty of peace, for the which these were partly their reasons. That in respect of her Maiesties honor they were to conforme themselues to any thing that should be pleasing vnto her: yet they thought it fit to aduertise and fore-warne her, that she could not expect any firme and assured peace from the king of Spaine being the head of the holy league, which all former acts & contracts doe plainely testefie, for there is no disposition in the King of Spaine to yeeld to the free excercise of the reformed relligion: wherfore they besought her Maiesty to surcease al treaties of peace for a while, saying that time would soone teach them more experience: desiring to know what conditions the Duke of Parma propounded, and what her Maiesty D pourposed to demaund on their behalfes, and how shee ment to proceed touching the ancient alliances betwixt her Kingdome and the Netherlands. Moreouer, it was to be considered, that the Estates of the vnited Prouinces, were not to be held so poore nor desperate in regard of their power and willingnes, to raise necessary contributions for the common defence of the country, seeing that in the said Prouinces during the espace The contributions of the Prouinces in two yeares. of two yeares, (whilest the Earle of Liecester was gouernor) they had leuied foure score hundred thousand gilders, which amounts to eight hundred thousand pounds starling, onely for the extraordinary charges of casuall warre by sea and by land, and that the Prounices being well and orderly gouerned, were able not only to contribute the like summes; but to rayse more, so as they had no reason to despaire of the successe E of their affaires.
In regard of the scituation and strength of the Prouinces which are vnited: that there is no country in the world stronger then it, hauing yet aboue sixty townes and forts able to resist the enemies forces, where by they were not afraide of the enemies approch, neither yet doubted to make head against him, wherefore their countries cause was not to be held desperate. As for the diuisions and factions that were within the said Prouinces, they would presently cease, the treaty of peace being broken of, and that her Maiesties resolution might be openly deliuered, that for the mayntayning and preseruing of those countries in vnity and concord, she would appoint some Nobleman of quality (according to the contract which they had made with her) to gouerne F the same, and obseruing all good order, to yeeld vnto euery one his due, according to his office and authority, which hetherto had not beene done, and was the fountayne of all mistaking. [Page 985] The treatie of peace would bring with it a despaire both in the maintaining of religion 1588. A and pollicie, and an abandoning of the country by the best Inhabitants: and among such as are not yet well grounded and setled in religion, a kinde of suspition and falling from the Church of God. And they of the Romish religion should bee thereby the more imboldned and dayly fortified.
Many of the reformed religion and good common-weales men, would presently make difficultie to contribute their money, as thinking ready money their best marchandise to take with them, when they shall bee forced to forsake the country. And they of the Romish religion would refuse and hinder the contribution, there-by to presse them to a peace. The chiefe Collonels, Captaines, and Soldiers both by sea and land would bee the worse paide, and would feare that a peace being concluded, they would be little esteemed: and for that cause they would practise priuate mutinies and B treasons, to purchase the enemies fauour, and to get what money they could, to the apparent losse of many frontier townes and fortes. The prouinces and townes that are most diuided and in contention one with the other, and haue alwaies beene so, would now by procurement of the enemie (in case it happened) seeke their priuate reconciliations, not-with-standing all promises what-so-euer made by them to the contrary. Through the apparent disorder of men of warre, the ceasing of contribution, with many other inconueniences which might happen, the common people would bee drawne into disobedience, and the affaires of the countrie brought in question: the which (although she would cease all speech of peace) her Maiestie should not be able C to preuent, neither by her owne nor by the Estates authority, so as the enemy should haue meanes to prescribe what conditions he pleased. A peace being once concluded, yea with the fairest and best conditions, the one halfe of those that are best resolued in religion, would go out of the country: and the rest would some secretly & some openly forsake the religion, and so stay within the country. The King of Spaine being once receiued and acknowledged for Lord, within three moneths he will haue most of the officers and magistrates of the townes and prouinces, at his deuotion, to doe what-soeuer he should command them. The chiefe of the Estates of Holland shall be the Earle of Egmont, the Earle of Aremberg, as Baron of Naeldwike, the Earle of Ligny, as Baron of Wassenare, and many such Lords of the enemies faction. These and such like wil D draw the other noble-men and gentle-men vnto them: and the Magistrates of townes will depend vpon them, as it hath beene alwayes seene time out of minde.
In the first three moneths there will be a hundred occasions offred to reuenge themselues for matters past, as well vpon the inhabitants of these countries, as vpon her Maiestie and her subiects, to the apparent ruine of religion, not only in these countries, but also in England and in other nations. And the warres continuing, the affaires in France concerning religion may be the better secured. The King of Spaine may dye, and after his death a better peace may happily be obtained. In maintaining this iust and vpright cause, we ought aboue all things to relie vpon the grace and assistance of God, maintaining his honor, glory and holy word, and the rather for that we haue so often felt his E gratious helping hand, during these troublesome warres. Besides these reasons there was at the same time a booke set forth in Print, intituled; A necessary consideration upon the treatie of peace, with this sentence, as a most assured meanes to deale with the enemie, to haue him in Iealousie, Vna salus victis, nullam sperare salutem. In which booke the Author (besides many ancient Histories) produceth the examples of our time, of the Protestants in Germanie, the Duke of Saxonie and the Lansgraue of Hesse: and of the Protestants in France, all which were circumuented by their too much trust and confidence, & on the contrary side, they which opposed themselues valiantly in armes trusting in the power of God, and the equity of their cause, as those of Magdebourg and of Rochell, not onely held and maintained their religion, but also were the causes F of the restoring of religion both in Germanie and France.
He shewed likewise that kings and Princes do not easily forget nor forgiue such as haue borne armes against them, and these Prouinces haue not only borne armes against their King, but haue reiected and wholy forsaken him, altered religion, and haue dealt [Page 986] with other Princes against him, with many other reasons which hee set downe to disswade 1588. A them from all treaties, the which for breuities sake I ommit, councelling the Netherlanders in his conclusion, to be true and vnited among themselues, and not to trust any man, but to pray constantly vnto God, and so to hope for a good issue.
About the same time the Estate minted a certaine coyne for a perpetuall memorie, vpon the which there was a Lion grauen tied to a piller, (whereon stood the image of A certaine coyne made by the Estates. the Duke of Alua) with a coller termed the inquisition, the which a Mouse gnawed in peeces, with this inscription Rosis Leonem loris mus liberat, that is, the Mouse sets the Lion at liberty. On the other side stood the Pope and the King of Spaine, with signes of peace, flattering him to stand still vntill he were tied againe, but the Lion refuseth it, with this Motto. Liber, vinciri Leo pernegat, which is, the Lion wilbe no more bound, B the armes of the Netherlands being most Lions of diuers collours.
These declarations afore sayd notwithstanding, the Queene of England prest the Estates very earnestly by Sir Henry Killegry, to haue their resolute answere, who desired Commissioners sent out of England to treat with the Duke of Parina. them on the second of March, to send their deputies to Ostend to meet with her Maiesties Ambassadors, who were already gone thether, to treat with the Duke of Parma, he shewed them likewise that her Maiesty tooke their long delaies in euil part, for that she could not with her honour protract it any longer, nor excuse her selfe any more vnto the Duke of Parma, as if shee had mocked him. Shee gaue her Ambassadors expresse commandement, to treat of a good peace, for the sending away of forraine souldiars; the permission of Religion, and the continuance of the preuiledges and liberties C of the countrie; And this was her resolution: and although the Estates sent not their deputies thether, yet would shee discharge her conscience and honour therein, both before GOD and the world. The Lord Willoughbie also gaue them to vnderstand on the fifteenth of March, that if the Estates would liue in vnitie among themselues, and leaue to molest them of Medenblick and others well affected to her Maiestie (who did but make shewe of their thankeful mindes) if the King of Spaine would not yeeld to a good and an assured peace, as well for those countries and the inhabitants thereof, as for her selfe, then would shee continue her aide and fauor to wards them, as she had done from the beginning.
Thus was the Queene of England resolued to treat of a peace, mooued therevnto by D certaine perswasiue reasons, and it may be doubting of the countries abilitie, together with the dislike shee had of the diuision that was betwixt the Estates and their soldiars, who peraduenture made their case more desperate then it was: finding also that the The reasons that mooued the Queene of England [...] treat. charge would grow very great to continue her aide, hauing beene in hope at the first, by a good defensiue warre, to make a speedie end of their troubles. On the other side, the peace which shee should make would bee profitable for the trade of marchandise and shipping in her countries. But the chiefest reason that mooued her therevnto, was the earnest motion made vnto her by the Duke of Parma, with whome she had proceeded so farre as she could not with her honour refuse to giue him audience. The Duke for his part (like a good practitioner in the art of dissimulation) E sought to lull the Queene a sleepe, and to make her secure land carelesse to prouide her forces to resist the King of Spaines great armie: or els through the feare thereof, to force her and her subiects to drawe the Netherlands to a peace against their wills, hauing foure principall sea townes in his hands, with the assistance of the Hauens vpon the coast of England, which hee ment to vse for the releefe and harbour of that great fleet, for the conquest of the vnited Prouinces: but to treate of a particular peace with England alone, it was no part of the Duke of Parmaes meaning: as holding the conquest of England easie, light and assured, the which was contrarie to the Ambassadors deseigne, who sought rather to make a priuate peace for England. F
The English sought to sound the Duke of Parmas meaning & so by a parle of peace, to alter their deseigne for the sending of this great Armado, or at least to stay the proceeding therin for that time, for that the hearing therof could not be preiudicial vnto them, thinking Champigny ment sincerely in that he spake, touching a particular peace [Page 987] beeing affected there-vnto, as it seemed afterwards, by the quarrell which grew betweene 1588. A him the Duke of Parma, and Richardot concerning the same.
But before wee relate what past in this treatie, and of the Spanish armie, wee will first discourse of what hapned in the meane time in the Netherlands. Vppon the 26. of February a Spanish garrison lying in Deuenter and the townes there-abouts (it beeing Hattem atempted by the Spaniards with great losse. a violent hard frost) thought with plankes layed vpon the Ice, and with ladders to surprize the Towne of Hattem in Gelderland; comming thether in the night, and hauing planted their ladders against the walles, some of them gotte vp, crying victory, the rest followed after, with such a presse, as the Ice in the ditches brake, and many of them were drowned.
Verdugo Gouernor of Freezland for the King of Spaine, about the same time, caused B seauen shippes of warre and a Pinnase to bee made ready at Delfziell neere vnto Groning, Verdugo armes s [...]ps of war at Delfziel. to keepe the Riuer of Ems in subiection, and to take all shippes that should passe to Embden; but especially to haue an assured Port for the Spanish fleete if need were, but they stayed not long there, after that the Spanish armie was past.
Although the Earle of Leicester had resigned his gouernment to the Vnited Prouinces, yet there remained many of his fauorites in the country, who hoped to be aduanced by his meanes, and therefore they did what they could to haue him returne thether againe, and in the meane time to keepe his resignation from the Estates knowledge, whereby, and by other practises they sette great diuision in the townes, stirring vp the people to mutinies, and most part of the soldiars that lay in garrisons: As at C Geertruydenberg, Medenblicke, Naerden, Worcum, Heusden, Brakell & other places; but Heusden was first pacified, by three moneths pay giuen vnto the soldiars, and Brakell being besieged by the Earle of Hohenloo, was forced to yeeld.
In Medenblicke there lay Collonell Dericke Sonoy, who had beene long gouernor of North-Holland, and had carryed him-selfe faithfully and valiantly in all seruices for those countries. Hee hauing had a new commission for his gouernment from the Earle A mutiny at Medenblick [...]. of Leicester, the which was held to bee an iniury done vnto Prince Maurice of Nassau, gouernor of South and North Holland (to whome it belonged to giue him that commission, as to his Lieutenant) being after the losse of Deuenter and Zutphen, required to take a new oth to Prince Maurice, as his Gouernor, hee refused to doe it in D regard of his new commission, vnlesse hee might bee first discharged of his oth made vnto the Earle of Leicester, which matter was for that time pacified. After that Prince Maurice sent Captaine Aert van Duvenuoords company to Medenblicke; but they misstrusting some-thing would not receiue them: Where-vpon Prince Maurice and the Earle of Hohenloo, (hauing no other company but their household seruants) went thether, but they were likewise shutte out of the gates, this notwithstanding was also pacified, for that Sonoy said hee was sorry for it, and that hee had no cause of any misstrust, but much controuersie growing there-vppon till Ianuary 1588. Sonoy stil made vse of his commission, which he had receiued from the Earle of Leicester, ouer North-Hollād: saying, that as he had it in times past from the late Prince of Orange, so he would hold it stil, & that although Prince Maurice was called Gouernor, yet had he as much E authority in those places, as Maurice him-selfe, as it might appeare by his commission. The Estates of Holland holding this to bee a great blemish to their authorities, commanded him to keepe but a 150. soldiars within Medenblicke, and to send the rest to be imployed for the seruice of the country, where they should appoint; but he hauing only 5. or 600. men, made answer, that he could not spare thē, being to vse them for the defence of him-selfe and his gouernment: where-vpon the Estates (persisting in their resolution) produced two letters from the Earle of Leicester, whereby he was commanded to yeeld vp his authority to the Estates, in regard that by the contract hee could not dispose of that gouernment, where-vpon the soldiars began to mutine, saying, F that they would not leaue the towne before they had their ful accoumpt & reckoning for 72. moneths, which were due vnto them; and disarming the Burgers, they carryed all their armes into Sonoys house, & compelled them to giue them their pay weekly. This caused mutines in other townes, being of the same regiment to whome they [Page 988] writ, lying in Gelderland, Friseland & Ouerysselle. Sonoy being incorraged, by the English 1588 A and their faction, told the souldiars, that they had taken their others to the Queene of England, wherevpon the Estates sent vnto them the Lord of Famars, the Lord of Sweuensel, Peter Kies Bourguemaster of Harlem, and Maister Adrian Anthonis Bourguemaster of Alckmar, who offred them their account and reckoning, and better pay then they had formerly had, but they would not heare any man that was sent vnto them, but fetcht their pay from the villages round about, whom they vsed like enemies: so as in the end the matter grew to partakings, for that the generall Estates would not allow any such authority to bee giuen to priuat gouernors, as by their resolution made 1577. plainely appeered, when as they made the Prince of Orange their gouernor, which Collonel Sonoy would not heare of, pretending his Commission to bee made otherwise. B The soldiars refused all obedience, standing vpon their oth made to the Queene of England, or to the Earle of Leicester in her name (wherein notwithstanding the generall Estates were named) saying that they would haue their full pay of all that remained due vnto them, whereof notwithstanding they had receiued very nere two third parts. At the last, the Estates of Holland resolued to force them to some conformity, giuing the charge thereof vnto Prince Maurice, who therevpon brought some troupes before the towne, with some armed Burgers of the townes there aboutes, and some shippes of warre, vnder the command of the Marshall Villiers, who had not beene long before that time deliuered out of prison. He kept them straightly in, which made Medenblicke besieged by the Estates. the soldiars beginne to bethinke themselues. In the meane-time vpon the second of C March Sir Henry Killegray put vp a certaine declaration vnto the generall Estates, in fauor of them of Medenblicke, and vpon the fifteenth of March the Lord Willoughby confirmed the same, complayning of their rigorous proceeding against the sayd soldiars, and others well affected to her Maiestie, the which was nothing else, but a signe of thankefullnesse for many fauors receiued at her hands: and therefore he said her Maiesty could not refuse to countenance them, and had commanded him to let them vnderstand, that shee was resolued, (if they would not cease their quarrell with them of Medenblick) to withdrawe all her forces and aide into England, and let them defend themselues, as well as they could, without troubling himselfe any more with their affaires. These speeches beeing deliuered with some vehemency, made the Estates to bethinke D themselues. But when as the generall Estates and Prince Maurice had written letters dated the first of March, shewing the ground of that diuision; The Queene vpon the 27. of March wrot her letters to the Lord Willoughby, commanding him to reconcile The Queene refuseth to speake any more for them [...] Medenb [...]ke. Prince Maurice and Sonoy, for that she could not expect any good, by the accepting of such offers from diuers townes, who sought to yeeld themselues into her hands, whereby rumors might be spred abroad, that shee sought cunningly and vnder-hand to get townes into her powre, and so to deliuer them ouer vnto the enemie, and thereby to seeke to make her owne peace, or else to force the Estates to such an agreement, as shee pleased; and therefore shee willed the Lord Willoughby to perswade all such townes to bee obedient vnto the generall Estates, and that he should not meddle with any E of them, neither yet countenance them. Wherevpon the garrison of Medenblike beganne to faint, seeing the Earle of Leicesters gouernment to bee resigned into the Estates hands, for the which cause they had begunne their mutiny, yet the siege continued vnto Aprill in the yeare of Lord 1588. and so by the meanes of the English all was pacefied, the souldiars of the garrison going out of the towne with pasports, and Prince Maurice his souldiars entring into their places. Collonel Sonoy went to Alckmar to make his excuse. To whom afterwardes they of Medenblike and others did great harme, spoyling his house and goods: and afterwards in the yeare 1590. he went into England to make his complaint vnto the Queene, as you shallhere after heare.
In Westfriseland there arose great troubles, for that diuers sought to perswade the F Queene to take the soueraignty vpon her, or else to haue an absolute protection vnder the Earle of Leicester, with ful authority: but the general Estates knowing the Queenes Maiesties minde, and seeing the sinister practises of the Earle of Leicester they sought to bring them to obedience by compulsion, and for that cause they tooke the President [Page 990] Doctor Ielger Aysma, a worthy and a zealous (but yet a very violent) man, and committed 1588. A him with others to prison, thereby to daunt the rest of that faction, the which in the yeare 1589. was some-what pacified.
About this time in Marche, the garrison of Geertruydenberg began to mutine, vnder pretence of seruice for the Queene of England, and would neither accept of the A mutinie in [...] Geertruyden berg. Estates, Prince Maurice, nor of any other gouernor, neither would they treate with any man but with the Lord Willoughby, generall of the English forces, tearing their Cornets, Ensignes and Banderolles in peeces, carrying themselues in all sorts like traitors, and sworne enemies of the country, taking and ransacking the boates and ships which past along betwixt Holland and Zeeland, but at the last by the mediation of the Lord Willoughby they had two hundred sixteene thousand Gilders payed them in ready money, vpon certaine conditions, the which were not well obserued by them, B as here-after you shall heare, and so the mutinie for that time ceased.
Collonell Sehenck, Marshall to the Prince Elector Truhcses, hauing surprized Bonne (as you haue heard) Ernest Archbishop and Prince of Cologne and Liege, hauing reiected all treaties of accord which the Duke of Cleues did labour, he sent to the Duke of Parma for succors to besiege it, who (hauing charge to attend the great armie that Bonne besieged by the Prince of Chymay. was comming out of Spaine, against England) sent the Prince of Chymay (the onely sonne of the Duke of Arschot,) with diuerse troupes both of horse and foote. And for that most of the Commanders lay then in Flanders, with the Duke of Parma, being ready to passe ouer into England, (as they thought) Verdugo Gouernor of Frizeland, C with Taxis his Lieutenant were appointed to ayde them. Don Manriques de Lara was also sent thether, to giue them instructions, as being well acquainted with the scituation of the country, but hee stayed not long there, but returned into Flanders, to doe some exployte against the English. Schencke seeing this storme approache, and that the Princes of Germany had refused to meddle in these Princes quarrell, the one hauing sued for succours of the Protestants, the other of the Romish Catholicks and of the Spaniards; hee went as Marshall to Truchses, to an Imperiall dyet held in Germany. Where hee declared that by commandement of Prince Truchses, he had Schinek goes to an imperial dyet. seized vpon the Towne of Bonne, hauing wrested it out of the Spaniards hands, for ‘that it is an Imperiall towne the which the King of Spaine did seeke to incorporate D to himselfe, as if it had beene his owne inheritance. That hee could hardly defend it against so mighty an enemie: offring to deliuer it vp to the Empire, who might easily defend and maintaine it, seeing that hee had taken it with so little labour, admonishing the Princes and Estates of the Empire, that it was high time to preuent the Spaniard, least hee crept farther into their limits, for whatsoeuer he got was hardly got from him againe, and that which they might now preuent with small charge, should not bee neglected, seeing it would not bee recouered but with great difficultie. Wherefore the Germaines should now make shew of their wisdomes and discretions, before that the Spaniard by his dilligence (as hee had lost it by negligence) should recouer it: who not satisfied with that, (seeing himselfe planted there) would E not faile to extend himselfe into their territories. Shewing moreouer that if the Prince of Orange had with small meanes made warre, and with-stood the attempts of so mighty a King: with greater reason they should striue to resist him, and to preuent his haughtie desseignes: Preuenting not onely the recouerie of the Netherlands, which hee had lost by his owne fault, but also to conquer Germanie, and all the kingdomes of Christendome, to make him-selfe a sole and absolute Monarke. The Marshall Schenck sought by these speeches, and other reasons which hee propounded, to stirre vp the drouzie spirits of the Germaines. Where-vnto answere was made him; That experience had made them sufficiently wise, in the assistance An answer made to Schenck at the Imperiall dyet. which they had giuen vnto France and the Netherlands: and that the present F matters were so farre aduanced, by the forces and succours which the Bishop of Cologne had procured from the Spaniards: whome hee had caused to enter into the limits of the Empire, as there would bee little good gotten, although they should free the towne of Bonna.’ [Page 990] That they had sufficiently knowne, what aduancement the assistance of the French King 1588. A brought vnto the affaiers of the Duke of Aniou his brother: and of the Queene mother ‘to Don Anthony King of Portugall against the King of Spaine, at the conquest of the Iland of Asores: and that the Queene of England had succored the said Don Anthony with men and shippes, all without any profit, wherefore it seemed expedient to the Princes of Germany, not to oppose themselues against so mighty a King who is also one of the Empire, being more fit to entertaine his loue and friendship. Being very well knowne that some Princes of Germany had beene forward inough to succor the Prince of Orange against the said King; whome they would no more incense, nor bandy them-selues against him, seeing that he pretended not to wrong them, but onely to succor a Prince and Archbishoppe elector, And the rather for that the French King sought B his frendship and the Queene of England had sent her Ambassadors to Bourbourgh in Flanders to treat a peace with him, and therefore it was not fit for the Germaines for Truchses pleasure, to oppose them-selues against him, knowing how their army had sped which they had sent vnto the King of Nauarre.’
Whilest that Schenck was at this diet in Germany, the Prince of Chymay was at the seege of Bonne where in the beginning Iohn Baptista Taxis, an old soldiar was shot, whereof he died, and was honorably interred at Cologne: they within the towne defended themselues valiantly, there commanders being Otto Baron of Potlits, Christopher Bonne yeelded vp againe. Wolfe and others; at the last hauing beene halfe a yeare beseeged, and finding that there was no meanes to bee releeued, and that more forces came against them vnder C the command of the Earle of Mansteldt, being sent out of Flanders as soone as euer the Spanish fleet was past, vpon the twenty nine of September they yeelded vp the towne, the garrison departing with their armes, bagge and bagage. The beginning of this yeare (after the Earle of Leicesters retreat) was full of troubles, as well in Zeeland, as in Holland and Vtrecht: for as the said Earle (vpon his last returne) into England had beene at Campuere, whereas he had fortefied the captaines of his party against the Estates, as he had don in like manner at Arnemeuyen, so as both these townes opposed them-selues against the Prince and the councell of estate, refusing to acknowledge Sir William Russel entertaines them of Campuere in the Queenes obedience. any other superiors then the Queene of England and the Earle of Leicester as her Lieutenant, wherein Sir William Russell Lord gouernor of Flusshing and of Ramekins D for the Queene, after the Earles departure entertayned them daily, as well by his owne words, as by letters, hauing commission from her Maiesty to keepe the Captaines and soldiars of those two townes of Campuere and Arnemuyden at her deuotion, and the Bourgers them-selues desiring to be vnder her Maiesties command as Flushng was, to the end that they might enioy the same priueledges in England that the Flushingers did. But such as vnder-stood not the reasons of this negotiation did impute it to some dislike which Sir William Russel (now Lord Russell) had conceiued against the estates, for that presently after the death of Sir Philip Sydney (before he was chosen gouernor) they had giuen away the Regiment of Zeeland to the Earle of Solms the which (said they) he expected, for that Sir Philip his predecsseor, had beene collonel thereof: wherevpon E they coniectured that hee grew in ielousie of the estates, seeking to make himselfe maister of the Iland of Walchren, the which was but a coniecture and is disauowed by him-selfe, protesting that hee affected the Estates, and the good of the generall cause and that hee honored Prince Maurice, and the house of Nassau as much as any man.
And whereas at that time there was some doubt that the Duke of Parma would come into the Iland of Walchren with a great number of smal boats and Pinaces, which he caused to bee built in Flanders; the Estates thought it fit to send a cornet of horsemen into the Iland. Wherevpon the said Sir William Russel required the Estates of Zeeland, and after that the councell of estate being at the Hage that his compaine of F horse which hee had in garrison at Berghen vp Zoom, might be sent thether, promising to keepe it in good disciplyne: But in the meane time, and whilest that hee expected an answer, the marshall of Villiers company was sent thether. The which did so discontent Sir William Russel, as hee sent to Scotland and ouer all the Iland, [Page 991] putting it to their owne choyce whether they would haue his companie or that of the 1588. A Marshall of Villiers, who was newly come out of prison from the enemie, & might be St. Williá Russel writes to the Councell of Estate. corrupted, so as they freely make choyce of his company, where-vppon hee writte letters vnto the councell of Estate, by the which hee complained much of the wrong was done him, in preserring an other company before his: which gaue him iust occasion of distrust, and to beleeue confidently that they practised some-thing against him: For which consideration hee would not suffer that any garrison should enter into Walchren so neere the places of his gouernment: saying that they had no reason to wonder, if in so turbulent a time hee stood vppon his gard, seeing that both his gouernment, his honour and his life depended thereon.
To the which letters the councell of Estate made answer that they were sorry that the sending of the Marshall of Villiers company had giuen him any cause of distrust: seeing The Councell of Estates answer. B that according to the Estate of the country and the concurrence of time, nothing could happen more preiudiciall vnto them, then mutuall iealosies, for the which they thought they had giuen him no subiect: For as for the said troope of horse, it had beene sent by Prince Maurice and not by them, hauing proceeded therein according to the order of his pattent, and the authority which hee hath, as Gouernor of Holland and Zealand, onely for the conducting of the Peasants and them of the champian country, to the gard of the Sea-coast, fearing least the enemie should attempt something: For the which seruice three score horses were sufficicient, which small number could not attempt any thing against the places of his C Gouernment. Moreouer they held those horsemen to bee of no seruice there, doing more harme then good: wherefore they were resolued (at prince Maurice returne) to speake vnto him to call them backe: Intreating him therefore not to importune them any further to haue his company there. They said also that the protestation hee made by his letters, not to indure any soldiers in Walchren, nor about Flushing, and Ramekens, had much troubled them.
Hauing also forbidden at Sooetelandt, not to receiue any of the Estates soldiers: Wherein they would aduertise him, that he opposed him-selfe directly to the Contract which they had made with his mistresse the Queene of England, extending his authority and command ouer the Champian country of Walchren, D the which belongs onely to the Gouernor generall, or to the particular of the Countrie: Wherefore they intreated him in any case to forbeare to attempt any thing to the preiudice of the said contract, for the inconueniences that might happen vnto him Intreating him also to lay aside all iealousies, and bad impressions which hee might haue conceiued of them, the which they neuer had of him, but haue fought to entertaine all good amity and correspondencie with him, for the seruice of the Queene his mistresse and the vnited Prouinces: assuring him they would neuer indure any thing that should tend to the dis-seruice of her Maiestie, and impayring of his charge and authority. This answer was dated the second of February.
This troope of Villiers horse beeing arriued in Walchren, the Estates of Zealand E had appointed that thirty of them should bee lodged in Middelbourg, eighteene at They of Campuere & Arnemuyden refuse to obey the Estates. Campuere and twelue at Arnemuyden The Magistrates of Campuere and Arnemuyden refused to receiue them, protesting not to receiue any soldiers, but such as should be sent by order from the Earle of Leicester, their Gouernor generall. But not content here-with, they made a contract with the Captaines of the garrisons, the which they confirmed by oth, signed and sent it into England to the Earle of Leicester who was very well pleased with this message. The Estates of Zealand seeing the vnwillingnes of these two townes, sent the 18. horse which should haue bene at Campuere, to a village called Haek & the 12. of Arnemuyden to Middelbourg, vntill they were imploied elsewhere, Here-vpon as wel the General as the particular Estates of the vnited Prouinces, F seeing these factions, & the boldnes of the English & their Partisans to increase daily: and that all garrisons carried them-selues as if they were no more subiect to the Estates, not to the preseruatiō of the country: hauing considered al things, & meaning to settle a good order (although they were yet much troubled with thē of Medenblick) they sent [Page 992] in March Prince Maurice into Zeeland, onlie with his houshold traine. Being but newly 1588. A arriued and in conference with the Estates of Zeeland; Behold there presently arriues the Lord Charles Howard, high Admirall of England, with nine or ten shippes of warre, bringing with him two hundred and twenty thousand florines to pay the English troupes. This sodaine arriuall of so many shippes of warre in such a iealous season, Prince Maurice retiers himselfe notwithout cause. made them presently to murmur, that hee might make himselfe maister of the Island of Walchren, and carry Prince Maurice into England. Wherevpon the Prince retired sodenly from Middelbourg, and went to the ships of warre which the Estates doe commonly entertaine in the riuer of Antwerp, lying before the fort of Lillo, whether hee might safely retire himselfe when he pleased.
The Lord Admiral (hearing that the Prince was departed) sent Sir Edward Hobby and B Peter van Heyl [...] with charge from her Maiesty, to treat with him, to remooue all iealousies, and if it were possible to raise the siege of Medenblike. Whereof the Prince excused himselfe honestly, referring that businesse to the generall Estates, and to them of Holland. They of Campuere and Arnemuyden were exceeding glad of the Lord Admiralls comming, hoping that he would make him-selfe maister of Walchren and raise the siege of Medenblike. But being come to no other end but to conuoy the money safely, hauing a faire gale, he returned fiue daies after. Then came Prince Maurice presently backe to Middelbourg; From whence hee did write vnto Sir William Russel by Iames Valcke a Councellor of Estate, to consider of the means how to remooue all these distrusts, to the seruice of God and of the Queenes Maiestie, the prosperitie of the vnited C Prouinces, and the confusion of their enemies, who sought their aduantage in such disorder.
The signior of Valcke, (who was a man of iudgement) being entred into conference with Sir William Russel, he sought to purge himselfe of all that had beene done, saying: That he had not done any thing but by expresse [...] rant. that for his part hee was ready to doe all good offices. Wherevpon Valcke went to Campvere (whereas Mandemaker the treasorer generall of Zeeland, with some others, were deteined prisoners) promising them all good and fauor, if they would acknowledge and obey Prince Maurice as their chiefe and Gouernor, but the Captaines would not giue eare to any thing vntill they were first assured of their pay, and to continue still in their garrison, with some other conditions. Sir William Russel excused himselfe D also, that he might not meddle with the money vnlesse he had other order out of England. And in this Estate the affaires stood, vntill that the common feare of apparent danger of the Spanish fleet, made them to take an other resolution.
In the meane-time the Queene by the instigation of some that were about her Maiesty, The Queenes letters to the Estates. who were enemies to the Estates, did write vnto the generall Estates, charging them that they intreated them of Vtrecht ill, and had cruelly proceeded against them of Leyden, growing also verie bitter against them of Medenblike, whome they held besieged, wondring why they should be so rigorous against all those that shewed any loue and affection to her Maiesty, which proceeded onelie from a true fealing of the benifits which they had receiued from her, with many other like reasons, set downe in the sayd E letter. Wherevnto the Estates answered. That they had neuer vsed any other then ciuill and honest admonitions to them of Vtrecht, for that they had chased away their The Estates answer to the Queene. best Burgers, and committed the gouernment of the towne to strangers, who had nothing to loose in the whole countrie. As for the matter of Leyden, that they had proceeded iudicially, as vpon a notorious crime. And for Medenblike, the mallice of them of the garrison was the cause thereof, and therefore they deserued to bee punished. Prince Maurice did also write vnto the Queene, complayning much that the townes of his inheritance (out of the which both hee, his Brethren and Sisters and all those of the Prince Maurice writs to the Queene. house of Nassau, had their maintenance) as Campuere and Geertruydenberg, (the which alone was worth fortie thousand gilders a yeare rent) were fallen into mutiny, F vnder collour of her Maiesties seruice, and in great danger to bee absolutly lost▪ Complayning also that Sir William Russel had charged him, to haue ment to attempt against the towne of Flussing, and to wrest it out of his hands, wherewith he held himselfe to be much wronged, desiring that it might bee honorably repaired, and that speedily, [Page 993] considering the exigence of the cause. 1588. A
The Queene considering the danger which consisted in these discontents, seeing the Spanish armie at Sea approaching, and ready to fall vppon the one or the other: the which they could not resist, nor preserue the Estate of the country, but by good vnion and mutuall correspondencie: (diuision beeing like to cause the ruine of both) shee sent a very kinde answer by her letters to Prince Maurice, giuing him all contentment, dis-auowing all mutinies, as well of the English, as of other soldiers that sought to shrowd them-selues vnder the cloake of her seruice: and to that end she did also write expresly vnto the Lord Willoughby, to Sir Henry Killegrey, to Sir William Russell, and others, as also to the generall Estates. By reason whereof the garrisons of Campuere and Arnmuyden were pacified, with a certaine summe of money B (hauing kept the Tresorer Mandemaker a long time prisoner, & committed many partiallities begin to cease. Insolencies) and after-wards cast: and the resignation of the Earle of Leicesters gouernment being published: all factions and partialities began to cease, and the generall Estates to recouer their first authority.
The Captaines of these mutinies in Campuere and Arnemuyden, beeing cashierd and discharged from their garrisons by the Estates, thought them-selues to be very hardly dealt withall, after their long seruice, for the which hauing long solicited the Estates who little regarded them; In the end in the yeare 1590. they sent a petition A petition by the Captaines discharged, to the Queene for recompence. vnto the Queene of England, shewing the many yeares they had spent in the Estates seruice, and how faithfull they had continued; till that vpon the seauenth of C September, 1587. when as the Earle of Leicester went from thence into England, they were commanded (without an expresse commission from her maiestie or himselfe) not to depart out of their garrisons with their soldiers, according to their oth of fidelity taken in that case to her Maiestie, the Earle of Leicester, and the generall Estates, with a promise that if the Estates should refuse to pay them, that shewing their due obedience to him, hee would in the Queenes behalfe, giue them their intertainment: Where-vppon for the better defending of their towne▪ by the aduice of Sir William Russell they had increased their comp [...]ies twenty fiue and thirty men a peece, for the which they receiued money of Sir William Russell to bestow vppon their soldiars, all for her Maiesties seruice, who by her letters of the twenty D foure of February, 1588. charged them to credit and to follow the aduice of the said Sir William Russell, who had also both by word of mouth and by letters (which they shewed) desired them to continue constant in their resolution, as they had done, and were yet ready to liue and dye in her Maiesties seruice. After which it pleased her Maiestie by the Lord Willoughby and Sir Henry Killegrey to discharge them of their oth, with command to bee obedient vnto the Estates of the vnited Prouinces: So as they entred into treaty with Prince Maurice and the Estates, which contract was not held with the Captaines, her said supplyants, but to the contrary they were discharged from their garrisons, and their companies, entertainments, and after-reckonings taken from them, and all for the faithfull seruice they had done vnto her Maiestie: E and so were fallen into disgrace with Prince Maurice and the Estates, forgetting all their former seruices, whereby they had as then lost all their credits, honors, and reputations, in regard whereof they desired her Maiesties fauor and aid, and to bee accepted into her seruice. This petition was signed by Captaine Ioos vanden Ende, Cor nellis Palant and Peter de Costere: the like was made by the other Captaines as Ambrosio le Duck, Adrian Ost & others, all desiring to serue vnder the English Collonels, but they obtained small recompence from the Queene, who thought it not to stand with her honor, to intertaine such Captaines against the liking of the Estates, for that her owne English soldiers were (by vertue of the contract) bound by oth vnto the Estates, yet she gaue her Agent commission, to intreat the Estates for them and to deale in their behalfes: F But they will haue their authorities knowne and better obserued, by punishing of such offenders, for example to others.
The Estates of the vnited Prouinces beginning now againe to florish in their authorities & thereby to resume their superior command, as in former times: the Earle of [Page 994] Leiceister hauing resigned his place of Gouernor: And for that there was scarce any 1588 A in England fit for such a gouernment, in whome did concurre the knowledge to gouerne Opinions on both sides touching the gouernment of the Nether lands. in ciuill causes & to make war against so mighty an enemie: wherefore many in England were of aduice, to suffer the Netherlands to gouerne, and to follow the wars them-selues, and the Queene onely to ayd them with money, or else to pay her owne soldiers, whereby they might maintaine their owne Prouinces in vnitie: But others (especially such as had intertainment in the Netherlands, vnder the Earle of Leicester) sought to perswade the Queene, that the vnited Prouinces by meanes of the confused gouernment among them, decayed dayly more and more, and went to ruine, so as all her money would be lost, and she her selfe left in great hatred with the King of Spaine, vnlesse she would take the soueraignty, or absolute protection vpon her, by her Lieutenant, B with ful authority; but it was hard to finde a Gouernor among them with al quallities fit for such a charge (especially for that soone after in Septem. the Earle of Leicester dyed, of whome there was great hope, that he should haue bene sent againe for Gouernor, with limited authority) some others likewise at the same time were named, as the Lord Willoughby (hauing then had some experience of those countries) the Lord Gray of Wilton, and Sir Iohn Norrice, but they were not held capable for so great an office of State: Yet the Earle of Leicesters fauorites perswaded them-selues that all things would bee well gouerned by some English Gouernor, and the Councell of Estate, hauing two English Councellors in it, & certaine Englishmen also in the tresory, all vnder the Queenes authority, according to the contract made in the yeare C 1588. And so they were of opinion that the countries might be well gouerned, and incorporated vnder her, in some sort acknowledging the generall Estates, and the Prouinciall Gouernors, especially for the leuying of the contributions.
But the generall Estates duly weighing all things (although at that instant they were ingaged in great difficulties) held that kinde of gouernment to be very vncertaine, knowing the English to be vnacquainted with the affaires of that State: The Queene being a woman, and then of good yeares, that her maiestie was not ambitious, but onely sought to gouerne well and wisely, and to secure her selfe and her owne Estate: And if that they should rely onely vpon the assistance of her Maiestie & her followers who had nothing to loose within their countries, they feared that vppon some sodaine D disaster, they might be scorned & abandoned, as they were continually threatned, when as any thing fell out otherwise then was expected, or else they should be perswaded to hearken to a peace, contrary to their mindes, or haue dayly causes of distrusts giuen, the Englishmen seeking all the preferment, & the Estates being loath to be, serui seruorum, where-vpon they resolued to continue in their authorities, and to maintaine the same as well as they might.
But newes came dayly of the comming of the Spanish fleete, which made both parties to incline to a good vnion in these dangerous times: they were incited there-vnto by certaine counters that were made: On the one side whereof there was grauen two Oxen plowing, parted with the armes of England & of the Netherlands, with this inscription; E Trahite aequo iugo: That is, draw euenly: On the other side were two earthen pots driuen vppon the waues of the Sea, with this inscription: Frangimur si collidimur: If we strike one against another we breake.
Thus the disorders and diuisions began some-what to decrease, the Lord Willoughby (being a good & well minded Noble-man) had at that time appeased the controuersie in Naerden, and labored to do the like in Vtrecht, which the Estates seemed desirous to requite, preparing their shippes of warre for the common seruice of her Maiestie and the country, against the comming of the Spanish fleete, and more-ouer (the which was more then the Queene her selfe desired) they agreed to take vp a thousand saylers in the Netherlands for her Maiesties seruice. F
We haue before made mention, how that the Queene of England, had very earnnestly prest the vnited Prouinces not onely by the Earle of Leicester, but also by her Ambassadors, to ioyne with her in the treatie of a peace, and what reasons had moued her (notwithstanding their resolute deniall) to proceed therein, and to attempt it [Page 995] whilest that the comming of this great armie of Spaine was bruted ouer all Europe. 1588. A To which end shee sent her Commissioners on the foure and twenty of February 1588. to Ostend, which was then kept by an English garrison, vnder the gouernment of sir Iohn Conway. The Commissioners names were, Henry Earle of Darby, the Baron of Cobham, Lord warden of the cinq Ports, both Knights of the garter, Sir Iames a The commissioners sent to treat with the duke of Parma. Croft Knight Comptroller of the Queenes house, and all three of her Maiesties priuie councell, Doctor Dale, and Maister Iohn Rogers, both Maisters of Requests. For the Duke of Parma, and in the Kings name, were sent Maximilian Earle of Aremberg, Knight of the treasury, and gouernor of Antwerpe; Monsieur Richardot, President of Arthois, councellor for the State, and of the priuie councell: Iohn Mace Doctor of The commissioners for the King of Spaine. the lawe, Councellor and Aduocate fiscall in the councell of Brabant, and Blaminius B Greiner, Secretary of the councell of Estate: these came to Bruges in March after, where by messengers sent from one to another there was a long disputation about the precedence, and where they should meete, and whether hostages should bee giuen of eyther side, for their securities: after which they mette in certaine Tents set vp vnder Ostend, where the Spaniards gaue the English the precedence. After three moneths question, the English yeelded to goe to Bourbrough in Flanders, without any hostages, where vpon the sixt of Iuly they began to enter into treaty.
Among many propositions and disputations, on both sides touching the Spanish Commission, and other things, the Queene of Englands demands were: To haue a present truce or surceasing of armes, being thought necessary for both sides, thereby The Queenes demands. C to stay and diuert the comming of the Spanish fleete, which the Spanish Comissioners seemed to incline vnto, seeking to perswade them that it was not intended for England. More-ouer they demanded the renuing of old contracts and intercourses, the sending away of forraine gouernors and soldiers out of the Netherlands, for the Queenes owne safety: and the restitution of such summes of money as the Queene had lent vnto the Estates of those Prouinces, the which the King had promised in his perpetuall Edict made at Brussells. For the Netherlanders they demanded; that they might enioy their ancient liberties and priuiledges; bee gouerned by their naturall borne country-men, and not by Strangers; that there might be a tolleration of religion for two yeares at the least, and in the meane time the religion to be ordred and established D by the Estates: and that the articles of the pacification of Gant, and of other treaties might be obserued And as concerning the townes that were in her Maiesties hands, they said that (the foresaid articles being concluded) her Maiestie would yeeld vnto any reasonable conditions, that all the world might know she had not taken those townes into her possession for her owne vse and commodity, nor for increase of her dominions, but onely for her necessary defence and assurance, &c.
The King of Spaines Commissioners made answer to these propositions that they were content to revew the contracts, but it would aske a long time, and therefore The Spaniards answers. they desired to proceed to the concluding of a peace: Touching the sending away of strange soldiers, the King could not resolue thereon, vntill that the Hollanders and E their associates did submit them, and so long as the Frenchmen were in armes. Concerning the money lent, they said the King was not informed thereof, and that hee must first see the accoumpt. Touching the priuiledges of the Netherlands, the Queene had not to doe there-with, and that there was no reason to prescribe the King a lawe, how he should gouerne his subiects. Concerning religion, and the exercise thereof, the King would not heare of it, but was content to grant a tolleration, such as he had allowed vnto the townes that had submitted them-selues vnder his obedience. As for the pacification of Gant, they would not heare it named, for that the Prince of Orange and the Estates (by whom it was made) were the first that brake it, as they sayd.
Wherevnto the English commissioners replied, that the contracts might be renued F by prouiso, and afterwards reformed or made better, by Commissioners appointed The Queenes replication. by both parties: for the sending away of forraine souldiers, it was the onely cause that had mooued her Maiestie to enter into the treatie, fore-seeing the dangers incident there-vnto, if strangers should continue still in the Netherlands, the which [Page 996] remayning in that estate, the Queene for her owne safety and assurance could not leaue 1588. A armes: nor the Netherland Prouinces be assured of any peace, as long as the forraine soldiars were within the country.
Touching the money which the Queene had lent, and that she then demanded from the Estates, the King him-selfe was bownd for it, by his Edict made at Brusselles, as well for that which was lent vnto them before the said edict as for that which was sence or that should be lent: yet the Queene sought not that mony from the King, but onely that the Estates might haue liberty from him, to collect mony for the paiment thereof: concerning the priuiledges of the contry, her Maiesty said she had a speciall interest therein: first in regard of Neighborhood: Secondly for that she was especially nominated in seuerall pacifications, and thirdly for that it was not possible for her B subiects and Merchants to enioy their preuiledges in the Netherlands, vnlesse the Prouinces them-selues were allowed the same: so as her Maiesty should haue iust cause to complaine, if those preueledges were denied them, which had beene agreed vnto by the pacification of Gant, the perpetuall Edict made at the reconciliation of Arthois and Henault, and generally consented vnto at the treaty of peace made in Collogne by the Duke of Terranoua, at the intercession of the Emperor and the Duke of Cleaues: and if the Netherland Prouinces might not be gouerned by such as were borne in the country, there was no hope to bring them to any good and firme peace.
And for the point of religion, if the King would not heare of any tolleration C of the exercise thereof, then they of the said Prouinces should be forced to for sake the religion wherein they were borne and bred from their youths, or bee constrained to liue in perpetuall exile out of their countries, by which meanes all those that would not leaue their religion, would for sake the country wherby it should become desolate: Neither could the King with any reason refuse his subiects that which in times past was by his father the Emperor Charles permitted vnto the Germanes: and by other Princes, and namely by him-selfe in his perpetuall Edict, and that by the aduise of the best and the most learned Doctors in diuinity and councellors of estate, the breaking whereof had beene the cause of all the tumults and troubles in the Netherlands, as also in France and other places, and was likely to bring many more inconueniences D to the King in his old age, and like-wise to his sonne who was yet but very young.
To all the points of this replication, the King of Spains commissioners, made none but dilatorie answers to no effect. In the meane time the Queene of England was aduertised of an English booke printed at Antwetp, written by Doctor Allen, who Cardinall Allens booke against her Maiesty. not long before had beene made Cardinall at Rome, being an admonition to the Nobility of England and Ireland to execute the Popes sentence against her Maiesty, which executions the King of Spaine had taken in hand (as Allen said) and the Duke of Parma was appointed by the King cheefe Commander in that action. The Queene was also aduertised of a Bull sent forth by Pope Sixtus, conteyning many false and E scandalous points against her Maiesty, wherein was also contayned that he had concluded with the Catholike King to imploy all his power and meanes to expell the Queene out of her Kingdome, straightly commanding all her Maiesties subiects, in a most fearefull and thundring manner, to ayd and assist the great, noble and invincible army prepared to that end, vnder the command of the Duke of Parma. The The Queene sends to the Duke of Parma about the in vading of England and his ansvver. Queene being made aquainted with these things during this treaty of peace, shee commanded Doctor Dale one of the commissioners, to go and speake with the Duke of Parma in person, and to charge him in good sort with the things contayned in these aduertisements, and to know his direct answere, whether he were not appointed to bee generall ouer the army that was then preparing in Spaine, and of the enterprise F thereby pretended, and to tell him, that if it were true (as shee could heardly beleeue it) shee ment no longer to contynue the treaty but to call home her Commissioners.
The Duke of Parma made answer to Doctor Dale, that he knew of no such booke, [Page 997] neither had he any knowledge of the fore-said Bull sent forth by the Pope: neither had 1588. A hee attempted any thing of him-selfe but honorably, in regard of the dislike that was betwixt her and the King his maister; and that as a good and faithfull seruant, hee was to execute his maisters commandement, with many such Court-like speeches: But her Maiestie was not satisfied with that answer, for that hee did not say directly, whether hee had vnder-taken to inuade England or not with that armie; wherefore shee resolued not to call home her commissioners, yet commanding them to treat with the Spanish commissioners by word of mouth, and try if by that meanes (better then by writing) they might finde more reason and better furtherance: But to the contrary and beyond their expectations, they found that the longer they continued in this treatie, the lesse hope there was of any good conclusion The Kings Comissioners B telling them, that they were grieued they had spent so much time about the matter, and that the King of Spaine had kept fifty thousand men in pay almost a whole yeare, to lye still and doe nothing, to his great charge, by the meanes of that treatie, and so they blamed one an other. At the last the Kings Commissioners said The last answer of the Spanish comissioners. plainly touching the religion, that the King of Spaine were better to giue his one and onely Sonne vnto them of Holland, then to allow them the excercise of their religion: And that the Queene had no more to doe to trouble her selfe with the religion of his countries, then hee had to meddle with the religion in her Dominions: As for the pacification of Gant, they would not heare of that, for that it had beene broken by the makers thereof; saying that the Prince of Orange had receiued a iust reward C for the same. The forraine soldiers might not bee sent away, so long as there was any warre with Holland and feare of France. To conclude, they refused all the English demands. But Sir Iames a Croft (riding priuately to Bruges) shewed secretly vnto the President Richardot and to Mounsier Champigni, certaine articles concerning a peace, but much to the preiudice of the vnited Prouinces, which Champigni seemed to like well of, beeing very desirous by that meanes to haue the vse of the English Hauens, for the harboring of their Spanish fleete, for the which after-wards there grew great dislike betwixt him and the duke of Parma.
Before the departure of the English Commissioners, the Earle of Darbie (to discouer the Spaniards intents) asked them if they intended to haue the cautionary D Townes deliuered ouer vnto them without any conclusion: But the Spanish fleete approaching then in August, brake off all further conference, either side hearing the shotte at Sea, and so all dissembling was laid aside, and the Duke of Parma was found contrary in his word, hauing protested to some of the English Commissioners vppon The treatie of peace broke off. his Princely word and faith (as the English reported) that the armie came not for England, if they could agree vppon the fore-said articles of peace propounded But the Queene obseruing the constant resolution of the vnited Prouinces, and seeing the fleete of Spaine already before her dore, she called home her Commissioners, wherevpon they desired a conuoy to conduct them safely from thence, being in some feare for that they had no hostages: but after fifteene daies stay, they got a passport with certaine wagons and a conuoy to guard them to the Frontiers, whether the Kings commissioners E did very honorably conduct them, for the which they gaue them great thanks, & much commended the Duke of Parmaes honorable disposition, hauing kept his word so iustly with them.
Now I come to that great Spanish fleete, whereof although there haue beene some petty discourses written and published in our owne language, yet for that it concerned the vnited Prouinces as well as England, I haue thought good to make a briefe relation in this history, for posterities sake, both of the preparations and the successe.
The King of Spaine hauing long fore-cast and sought by what meanes hee might bring the Realme of England into subiection, and so to re-establish the Catholike religion F there, hoping by that meanes to re-possesse his inheritance in the Netherlands: for that beeing once Lord ouer England, hee might easily debarre them of all traficke by Sea, the which (not without great and probable reasons) was held easie to bee done, by such as were best acquainted with the scituation of England and the [Page 998] Netherlands, together with the trafficke and commerce of the sayd contries. Whervpon 1588 A the King of Spaine hauing preuailed little with one and twenty yeares warre in the Netherlands, hee concluded with his priuie councell, once againe to inuade the Netherlands by sea, the which hee had often attempted, but not with sufficient forces, where-vnto hee should now bee constrained to vse a greater power, in regarde that The King of Spaine prepares to inuade England and the Netherlands. England was then his enemy, the scituation of which great Iland is such, as it may hinder all trafficke and negotiation in those parts what-so-euer.
Wherevpon hee was fully resolued first to inuade England, which Escouedo Secretarie to Don Iohn of Austria; and many subtill Spanish and Netherland spirits, with some English rebells, held more easie to bee conquered then Holland and Zeeland, perswading the King that it would bee much more profitable to inuade both England B and the vnited Prouinces by sea at one instant, then to entertaine continually a mightie armie, to prohibit the trafficke of England and the Netherlands into both the Indies. For the effecting whereof in the beginning of this yeare 1588. hee had gathered together so great a fleete of shippes at Lisbon, as in many hundred yeares before the like had not beene seene North-wards in the Ocean seas. In the which there came so many great Commanders, Noblemen, and voluntarie Gentlemen, as there was not any house of honor and credit in Spaine, but had a sonne, brother or nephew in this action, who all thought with this inuincible armie (as they termed it) to winne eternall honor, and to make them-selues rich in England and the Netherlands. The description of this armie, and of euery particular, was set forth in C Print by the Spaniards, whereof I will make a breefe rehearsall.
Portugall did furnish to this great fleete, vnder the conduct of the Duke of Medina Sidonia Generall of the whole Armie, ten great gallions, two small ships, thirteene The descriptiō of all the ships. saylers and soldiers. hundred Saylers, three thousand three hundred soldiers, three hundred fiftie peeces of great ordinance, and all other things necessary. Biscaie vnder the command of the Admirall Iohn Martinez de Richalde, brought ten gallions, foure pinasses, seauen hundred Saylers, two thousand soldiers, and two hundred and fiftie peeces of ordinance. Guypusco vnder the conduct of Michael de Oquendo furnished ten gallions, foure-teene pinasses, seauen hundred sailers, two thousand saylers, & foure score peeces of ordinance. Andolozia vnder the command of Pedro de Valdez, ten gallions, one pinasse, eight hūdred D sailers, two thousand foure hundred soldiers, & two hundred sixty peeces of ordinance. Italy, vnder the leading of Martin de Bretendona, ten gallions, eight hundred saylers, two thousand soldiers, and three hundred and ten peeces of ordinance.
Castilia vnder the conduct of Diego Floris de Valdez, foureteene gallions, two pinasses, a thousand seauen hundred saylers, two thousand three hundred soldiers, and three hundred and foure score peeces of ordinance. And vnder the command of Iohn Lopez de Medina, there were three and twenty hulkes, seauen hundred saylers, two thousand three hundred soldiers, and foure hundred and ten peeces of ordinance. Vnder the leading of Hugo de Moncado, there were sent frō Naples foure galliasses with 1200. slaues to rowe in them 480. saylers, 870. soldiers, and 200. peeces of ordinance. Out of Portugall E vnder the conduct of Diego de Medrana, were sent foure galleys, with 880. slaues, 424. saylers, 440. soldiers, with ordinance accordingly.
There were two and twenty pinasses, and other small ships, vnder the gouernment of Don Antonio Buccado de Mendoza, with 574. saylers, 479. soldiers, and 193. peeces of ordinance. Besides all these, there were twenty Carauels laden with owers, ready for the great ships if need required, so as they were one and other a hundred and fifty sayles, well prouided, in the which they had aboue 8000. saylers, and 20000. soldiers, besides the commanders, officers, and voluntary gentlemen, and 2650. peeces of ordinance. Their shippes being so great as they might haue carryed three score thousand tunnes in burthen. F
The gallions being aboue 60. in number, were exceeding great, faire, and strong, and built high aboue the water like Castles, easie to bee fought withall, but not so easie to borde as the English and the Netherland ships, their vpper decks were Musket proofe, and beneath they were foure or fiue foote thick, so as no bullet could passe them. [Page 999] Their Mastes were bound thick about with Ocham or peeces or fazeled ropes, and armed 1588. A against all shot. The Galliasses were goodly great vessels, furnished with chambers, chappels, towers, pulpits, and such like: they rowed like galleys with exceeding great owers, each hauing 300. slaues, and were able to doe much harme with their great ordinance.
In this great fleete were one thousand sixe hundred great brasse peeces, and aboue The description of the ordinance and munition. one thousand Iron peeces, to the which were two hundred and twenty thousand bullets, foure thousand sixe hundred Kintals of powlder, one thousand Kintalls of Lead, one thousand two hundred Kintals of Match, seuen thousand Muskets and Caliuers, ten thousand partisans and halberds, with murthering peeces, double canons, A Kintall is a hundred waight. and field peeces, with great store of furniture for carriages; mules, horses, and whatsoeuer was necessary for an Armie either by sea or land. There was bread and B bisket prouided for sixe moneths, euery one hauing allowance of halfe a hundred a Description of the victuals and other necessaries. moneth. Wine for sixe moneths, Bacon sixe thousand and fiue hundred Kintals, cheese three thousand quintals, besides flesh, rice, beanes, pease, oyle and viniger, and twelue thousand pipes of fresh water: they had great store of torches, lanthornes, lampes, canuas, hides, and leade to stop holes made with great ordinance, and other things needfull for their vse. This armie cost the King thirty thousand ducats euery day, as Don Diego Piementell confessed, reporting the same to bee two and thirty thousand strong.
In this armie were fiue regiments of old Spanish soldiers, of the Tertios of Naples, Sicilie and the Terceraes commanded by fiue Maisters del Campo. The first was Don The Commanders of the armie. C Diego de Piementel, brother to the Marquis of Taueras, and cousin to the Earles of Beneuent and Calui, he was a Knight of the order of Saint Iohn, and was allyed to many of the best houses of Spaine. The second Collonel, was, Don Francisco de Toledo brother to the Earle of Orgas. The third Don Alonso de Luson. The fourth Don Nicholas de Isla, or Patritio Anselmo. The fift and last Augustin Mexia, (brother to the Marquis de la Garda) who was afterwards made gouernor of the castle of Antwerp, each Collonell hauing in his regiment two and thirty companies, besides the Italian and Portugall bands. No women nor whores were suffred to enter into any ship, vpon paine of great punishment, but such women as were with them, hired ships and followed D the armie, and were most cast vpon the coast of France.
The Generall of this mighty armie was Lodouicus Perez, Duke of Medina Sidonia and Baron of Saint Lucas, a Knight of the order of the Golden Fleese, (the Chiefe officers and gentlemen. Marquis of Sancta Cruce, who was named for that charge, being dead not long beford) Iohn Martinez de Ricalde, a wise Gentleman, was Admirall. Don Francisco Bouadille Marshall: And for chiefe councellors in the warre, Diego Pimentel, Flores de Valdez, Pedro de Valdez, Michael Oquendo, Don Alonso de Lieua, Don Diego Maldonado, Don Georgio Manriquez, and many others. Don Martin Alarson was Vicar generall of the holy Inquisition, and with him aboue a hundred Monkes, Iesuites, and other religious men. There were many Noblemen, and aboue one hundred and E twentie Gentlemen of good esteeme, aduenturers, that went at their owne charges, to winne honor, among the which were the Prince of Ascoly, the Marquis of Pennafyel, the Marquis of Barlango, with many other Marquises and Earles of good account.
Whilest this armie was in this sort preparing the Duke of Parma receiued commandement from the King to make ready his forces in the Netherlands, to ioyne The Duke of Parmas preparation to ioyne with this armie. with this armie, where-vpon hee sent for ship-writes and worke-men out of Italy, to build shippes, setting many thousands on worke, to digge and deepen riuers, especially the riuer of Iperlee, to bring certaine shippes from Antwerpe to Gant, and so to Bruges, where hee gathered together aboue three hundred small Boates, F lading them with victuals and munition, the which hee thought to bring to Scluce, and so into the Sea, or through the new deepned water of Iperlee, into the other hauens of Flanders. Hee had also prepared three score and ten flatte bottomed boates, which laye in the water of Watene, euery one able to carry thirty horses, [Page 1000] with bridges made to shippe and vnship them. There were also two hundred flatte 1588. A bottomed boates more ready in the hauen of Newport, but not so big as the others. In Dunkerke they had made ready two and thirty ships of warre, and hauing want of saylers, hee sent to Hambrough, Emden, Breme and other places, to hire them: hee expected fiue ships from Hambrough well appointed with many saylers, and had hyred fiue ships that then lay at Dunkerke. These shippes hee went to lade with great store of piles of wood, made sharpe at the ends with Yron pikes, and at Graueling hee had twenty thousand emptie caske, which might soone bee made fast one vnto the other with cordes, like a bridge; with all other furniture to make bridges, to stoppe hauens, and to pyle vp waters: and to that end hee had prouided within Nieuport a mighty great heape of fagots, and all other prouision for sconses. Hee had shipt many B saddles and bridles, and other furniture for horses, and horses also for carriages, with ordinance, and all other necessary prouision for the warre.
Neere vnto Nieuport, hee had lying vnder the command of Camillo maister of the campe, thirty companies of Italians, two of Wallons, and eight of Bourguignons, His forces. euery company being a hundred men. At Dyxmewe hee mustred foure score companies of Netherlanders, three score of Spaniards, three score of high Dutches, and seauen of rebellious and trayterous Englishmen, vnder the leading of Sir William Stanley and others, which were ready to take shippe. In the suburbes of Cortricke there were foure thousand lodged, and at VVatene nine hundred horse with the Cornet of the Marquis of Guast who was generall of the horse. To this great enterprize C and imaginary conquest, diuerse Princes and Noblemen came, from diuerse countries. Great noble men came into Flanders. Out of Spaine came the Duke of Pastrana, who was sayd to be the sonne of Ruy Gomez de Silua, Prince of Mileto, but hee was held to bee the Kings Bastard sonne: the Marquis of Bourgou, one of the Archduke Ferdinands sonnes, by Philippina Welserime, Don Vespasian Gonsagua, of the house of Mantua, a great soldier, who had beene Viceroy in Spaine: Don Iohn de Medices, bastard of Florence, Don Amedeus bastard of Sauoy, with many such like, besides others of meaner qualitie.
Sixtus Quintus Pope of Rome, forgot not likewise to send forth his Crusado (as hee vseth against the Turkes) published by his Bulles for the furthering of this great The Popes helpe towards the conquest of England & the Netherlands. enterprise, with great perswasions, the which were Printed in all places. The Englishmen D and the Netherlanders scoft at these Bulls, saying, that the diuill was become a theefe by the high way, and cared not for such pasports. It was sayd hee had giuen the realme of England to the King of Spaine, with the title of the defender of the Christian faith, commanding him to ouer-runne the same, vpon condition that hee should hold it as feudatorie of the Sea of Rome, and to that end the Pope should contribute a Million of golde, the one halfe to bee payed presently, and the other when England, or any notable hauen therein should be wonne. The Queene hearing of this great preparation in Spaine, shee sent forth her shippes of warre, with other Marchants shippes, the greatest to lye at Plymouth in the West parts vnder the command of the Lord Charles Haward, Lord high Admirall of England, E and of many other Noble men of qualitie; and the small shippes (being some forty or fiftie sayle) kept the narrow Seas, betwixt Douer and Calais, vnder the conduct of the Lord Henry Seymor, sonne to the Duke of Sommerset. The vnited Preparation made by the Netherlands. Prouinces first of all (in regarde of the shallowes and flattes of their coast) made prouision of twenty small shippes, to keepe all the hauens of Flanders, from Lillo in the riuer of Scheld, vnto Graueling by Calais, putting great garrisons into their sea Townes: and when as this great armie of Spaniards should bee ready to come, they sent forth Captaine Loucke of Rosendale, with fiue and twenty or thirty shippes, to ioyne with the Lord Henry Seymor, but when as the shippes were forced by a storme to leaue the Flemish coast, and to sayle backe into Zeeland: it beeing past, F they put to sea againe, and with them Iustinus of Nassau the Admirall, and Ioy [...] Moyer, vice-admirall of Zeeland, being in all about fiue and thirty ships, from a hundred and sixtie to fiue hundred tun burthen a peece; very well appointed with great store of good saylers, and 1200. old soldiers, all Musketiers, chosen out of the regements, [Page 1001] and well acquanted with the sea, being fully resolued to fight, and to keepe the Duke of 1588. A Parma from bringing his fleet out of any hauen in Flanders, whereon consisted the greatest part of their safety.
Vpon the nine and twenty day of May 1588. this great and mightie armie of Spaine, put to sea, and sailed from Lisbon to the Groine in Gallicia where they tooke in more The army of Spaine puts to sea. men and munition, it being the neerest hauen to England. Being at sea they were scattered by a tempest, the Duke of Medina entring againe into the Groine with foure score shippes, the rest following as well as they could, except eight of them which had Disperst by a tempest. spent their Maisters. Of the foure Galleies which came out of Portugall, one by great fortune was saued in that hauen, the other three were driuen into Bayon vpon the coast of France, whereas one Dauy Gwin an English slaue with diuers French and Turkish slaues, first ouercame the one, and then wonne the rest, whereas B Don Diego de Mendiana was slaine, the slaues sauing themselues in France with these Galleies they thought to haue driuen the Zeeland shippes from the coast of Flanders, and so to haue drawne the Duke of Parmaes shippes out of the hauens.
The Spanish armie beeing refresht, and their shippes rigged againe, receiuing daylie commandement from the King to put to sea, on the one and twenty of Iulie, they They put to sea againe. went out of the Groine, and sailed till they came to the entrie of the English chanell, from whence they sent certaine small Pynnasses, to the Duke of Parma, to certefie him of their comming and to will him to make himselfe readie to ioyne with them. The Spanish fleet being discouered by an English pinnasse and the Lord Admirall beeing C aduertised thereof, when hee little expected them, supposing that the fore sayd storme would haue kept them longer in harbour: on the nine and twenty of Iuly, early in the morning, hee made all the hast hee could to get his shippes out of the hauen of Plimouth, imbarking his men not without great trouble and difficultie: the same night hee himselfe with sixe shippes onelie put forth to sea, and the rest following as fast as they could.
On the thirtie day of Iulie at noone, they had a sight of the Spanish fleete, the winde beeing then fouth-west, holding their course (as it seemed) directly for Plimouth, but perceiuing the English shippes without the hauen, they sailed along the coast, wherein many of good iudgement thought they committed a great error; but they The Commission of the Spanish army was to ioyne vvith the duke of Parma. D had expresse commission to saile directly towardes Flanders, and both togither to assaile England about Margat, but it is reported that the chiefe amongst them, and such as had greatest experience in sea causes, as Iohn Martinez de Ricalde, Diego Flores de Valdez and other's, shewed great reasons, and sayd that it could not otherwise bee, but that great difficulties would arise in their proceedings, hauing such limmited instructions, alledging many things that were to bee obserued in such actions, as whether, winde and tide to get out of the hauens of Flanders, and to enter vpon Difficulties for the effecting of the Spanish commission. the coast of England, as also darke and light moone-shine nights, roades and depthes, all beeing subiect to the windes and other seuerall daungers: but their E Commission was, they should followe their instructions, and anchor about Calais, where the Duke of Parma should come to him with his flat bottomed boates, and so passe on vnder the protection and gouernment of the great shippes, or els whilest they were in sight, should saile along and land his men in the Downes, but as the prisoners confessed they chiefe deseigne was to haue entred into the mouth of the riuer of Thames.
And as the Spanish fleete past along by Plimouth, the English army made presently towardes them and got the winde of them. On the one and thirtie daie the English bare vp close with the Spanish fleete within musket shot, the Admirall shooting verie hotly against the Vice admirall of Spaine, which when the Spaniardes F suspecting, and perceiued that the English played so on them with their great Ordinance, they kept verie close togither in order of battaile, and in the forme of a halfe moone, carrying but little saile, for that they would not loose any of their companie, and holding their course in that manner, one of their great Galliasses [Page 1002] was wonderfully battred by the English shippes and they sailed so close and nere togither 1588. A as the chiefe Gallion of Sicilia (wherein Don Pedro de Valdez, Don Basco de Silua and Don Alonso de Sayas with other Gentlemen were, brake her mast against an other shippe, whereby it was not able to follow the fleet, neither would the army stay to helpe her, but left her behinde, which the Admirall of England descrying (being loth to loose the sight of the Spanish fleet) past by her in the night, with as many shippes as could follow her, for that Sir Francis Drake (who was appointed that night to beare the Lanthorne) had fiue great Hulkes in chase, the which were seperated from the Spanish fleet, and found them to bee marchants shippes of the East countries: so as the English Admirall did all night follow the Spanish Lanthorne, and in the morning found himselfe to bee in the midst of his enemies, wherevpon hee made all the hast hee B could to free himselfe of so great a daunger. On the first of August Sir Francis Drake Don Pedro de Valdez ship taken. met with Don Pedro de Valdez ship, hauing foure hundred and fifty men in her, whom he sommoned to yeeld; after some parle, Don Pedro (vnderstanding that it was Drake, whose fame was so great) yeelded himselfe, and was well intreated. In this shippe there was some part of the King of Spaines treasor, about fifty fiue thousand ducats, which was all made prize.
The same Vice-admirall Oquendos shippe was set on fire, in the which there was great store of poulder and munition, it was burnt downe to the water, and verie fewe of the men saued, this shippe was also taken and carried into England with many poore men, miserably burnt, yet the poulder beeing vnder the hatches, was miraculously preserued. C This night the English Admirall had followed the Spanish fleet so close, as in the morning hee was alone among his enemies, so as it was foure of the clocke in the afternoone before that all his fleet could reach him. It is sayd that at that instant Don Hugo de Moncado Generall of the Galleasses, did presse the Duke of Medina to giue him leaue to charge the Admirall, which by no meanes he would grant, in regard of his limmited commission.
Vpon Twesday the second of August, the Spanish fleet was thwart of Portland, and then the winde came Northward, which was against the English, but they recouered it A fight before Portland. soone againe, for they were small shippes and of better saile; that day there was a verie great fight betweene them, but the Spaniards seeing the English shippes maintaine it D so valiantly all the daie long, they gathered themselues againe togither, and sailed on their intended course, which was to ioyne with the Duke of Parma about Dunkerke. In this fight a great Venetian shippe with an other smal shippe of the enemies were sonke. The English armie increased daylie, beeing about one hundred saile, but most of them too small ships to board the Spaniards, except two or three and twenty of the Queenes great ships, which onely made the greatest fight. Thether also came many Noblemen, as the Earles of Oxford, Northomberland, Comberland and others, with many knights and Gentlemen of the best houses of England, to winne honor.
The third of August the sea beeing very calme, the fight continued onely betweene the Galliasses and the English ships, who for that they went with owers had some aduantage E to continue fight, but the Englishmen shot chaine shot, which did cut both their sailes, tackling and owers in peeces, but they grew to be verie scant of poulder, so as they were forced to send to shoare for more. On the fourth of August, the Spanish army being before the Ile of wight, the English Admirall did valiantly assaile the Spanish Admirall, beeing accompanied by some of his best shippes, as the Lion wherein was the Lord Thomas Howard, (now Earle of Suffolke) the Elizabeth Ionas, commanded by Sir Robert Southwell; the Beare by the Lord Sheffeld: the victorie by Sir Iohn Haukins, and the Gallion Leicester, wherein was Captaine George Fenner, the Spanish Admirall was then accompanied with the best of his shippes and in the midest of them, where there was a dreadfull noise of Cannon-shot, within three or foure hundred foote F distance: at the last the Spaniards sailed on before the winde. On the sixt of August being Saterday, the Spaniards cast anchor before Callais, being resolued as it seemed to stay there, and so to ioyne with the Duke of Parmaes forces, and the next day the English fleet also cast anchor, and lay close by them, within shot one of an other, and [Page 1003] thether came the Lord Henry Seymor, with his fleet of shippes, the which had lien at the 1588. A lands end, in the mouth of the riuer of Thames.
The Duke of Medina aduertised the Duke of Parma of his beeing there, and many Noblemen and Gentlemen went to land, to refresh themselues, and among the rest the Prince of Ascoly (who was held to bee the King of Spaines Bastard sonne) a gallant yong Gentleman, who by good fortune was forced to stay on shoare, for that hee could not get aboard, whose shippe withall the men was afterwards drowned in Ireland. The Duke of Parma hauing heard of the comming of the Spanish army vpon the coast of The duke of Parma prepares himself. England, made all the hast hee could to imploy his person in this exploite, and to that end had giuen the gouernment of the country vnto the old Earle of Mansfield, going himselfe in pilgrimage to our Ladie of Hall in Henault: and from thence to Brugges, B where he arriued on the seauenth of August, ryding the next day to Dunkerke where his shippes attended him, where he heard the shooting of both the armies, and at the euening as he entred into Dixmuyden, he was aduertised of the successe thereof.
Vpon Twesday being the ninth of August, he returned againe to Dunkerke, euen as the army past by, not one of his ships daring venter to put forth, by reason of the fiue and thirty shippes of Holland and Zeeland, commanded by Iustin of Nassau their Admirall, which lay there to keepe the passage, that none should come out of the hauen, neither any of the smaler shippes of the Spanish armie aide and assist them, for they had no cause to feare the great shippes, by reason of the shallonesse of the water: But the His troupes are not ready shipt. Duke of Parmaes men were neither shipt nor yet ready, onely the runnagate souldiars C of Sir William Stanleys regiment beeing seauen hundred strong, were alreadie shipt: thinking at the first entrance into England to be the leaders, the rest of the soldiars seemed vnwilling to set forward, finding their small number of sailers to bee verie backward, and their prouision of bread, beere and victualls not all ready and wholy vnshipt: the sailers did feare the ships of Holland & Zeeland, which they found did both braue and threten them, which made them hourely to run away, fearing they should haue bin forced by the soldiars to put forth, and to aduenture that which could not be done; then they wanted the Spanish Galleies which were lost vpon the way, with the which they might haue driuen the ships of Holland and Zeeland from the coast. The Spanish fleet lying thus at anchor before Callais, staying to heare from the Duke of Parma, for the D effecting of that which they had in commission from the King: it was resolued amongst them (as it was afterwards descouered) that vpon the twelfth of August beeing a darke night, to put that in execution which they had intended on either side▪ wherevpon the Admirall of England and his councell resolued, (by the expresse commandement of the Queene her selfe, as it was sayd) either to force the Spanish fleet from their anchors, or to burne them: wherevpon they sodenly appointed some of their wast ships, out of the which hauing taken all that was good, and filled them with great store of wild-fire, and other stuffe, that would easily burne, charging the Ordinance full of Poulder, Iron and Stones, vpon Sunday 7. of August two houres after mid-night (the men hauing left A notable stratagem vsed by the English to driue the Spanish fleet from their anchors. them, and they beginning to burne) they sent them before the winde and tide right E among the Spanish fleete, which fire being in the night time, strooke such a terror, confusion and alarme among them, (fearing that these ships might bee laden with poulder and stones, such as the Ingenier Frederik Innebell, had vsed three yeares before against the duke of Parmaes bridge vpon the riuer of Scheld) as they cried out the fire of Antwerp, the fire of Antwerp, so as euery man did presently cut his cables, and setting saile put to sea confusedly. In which fearefull cry, the great Galliasse fell foule vpon the cable of an other ship, and could make no way, and by that means her rudder slipping out was lost, so as for want of a helme to gouerne it, it was driuen by the force of the sea vpon Callais sands, the which was followed by their Pinaces, & in the end boarded by the English long boates. Don Hugo de Moncado Generall of the foure Galliasses, making F some resistance, but after some fight he was shot in the head and slaine, with many other Spaniards, some leapt into the sea to saue themselues, whereof diuers were drowned. Don Antonio Manriquez the countroller Generall with a few others escaped, and were the first that carried the certaine newes of their successe into Spaine.
[Page 1004] The great Galleasse hauing in it three hundred slaues and foure hundred souldiars, 1588 A being thus taken, they were three howers vnlading the munition and other things that were found in her, and there they also found fifty thousand ducats of the King of Spaines treasor, the slaues being all loose and at liberty, the English would haue burnt the ship, but Mounsieur Gourdan gouernor of Callis would not suffer them, finding it to be hurtfull both for the towne and hauen, wherefore he shotte from the towne and draue the English from thence.
The same morning, as the Spanish fleet (after their great feare and disorder) had againe put it selfe into Battayle: the English army began to charge them valiantly before A sight before Graueling the 10 of August. Graueling, but they chose rather to passe a long with a forewind before Dunkerke, then to open them-selues, or to alter their ranks, standing wholy vpon their defence. B The English had not aboue 22, or 23. ships fit to board the Spaniards (who were ninety great ships at the least) but the English had the aduantage, being better of saile, and could easelier wind and turneabout them going close vp to them and discharging their broad sides, and so continued the fight with their great and smale shotte all the day long, vntill their poulder and bullets began to fayle them: so as they thought it not conuenient to board the Spaniards in regard of the greatnesse of their shippes, and for that they kept themselues so close together, being content to haue driuen them from Callis and Dunkerke, and from ioyning with the Duke of Parma, but especially for that they had forced them to sayle before the wind, and to passe a long beyond their coast. That day the Spiniards receiued great hurt, both in their shippes and losse of men, by C reason that many of their shippes were shotte betwixt wind and water. In all these fights the English lost not one shippe, nor any man of quality, nor aboue a hundred The Spaniards losse in the last fight. men in all. There were so many of the Spanish shipes shotte vnder the water, as in the night and the next day, two or three of them sounke, among the which there was a great shippe of Biscaye, whereof some of the men were saued, who shewed that the commanders of that shippe had stabbed one another, for that one of them perswaded the rest to yeeld, so as the other thrust him into the body with his poiniard, whose brother reuenged his death in stabbing him, and there-with the shippe sounke presently.
The same night two great gallions of Portugall of fourteene or sixteene hundred tonnes a peece, were forsaken by the fleet, the one called Saint Phillip, the other Saint D Mathew, being shotte so vnder water, as they could hardly keepe them-selues vpright. In the Saint Phillip was Don Francisco de Toledo, brother to the Earle of Orgas, and one of the 5. collonels with other gentlemen; whose mast being shotte downe; they sought Two Gallions brought into Zeeland. to saue them-selues in Flanders, but finding it impossible, the cheefe men escaped in boats, and the shippe was taken by the Flusingers. In the Saint Mathew was Don Diego de Piementel, an other of the Collonels, being brother to the Marquis of Taueras with many other gentlemen and Captaines: hauing a great leake before Graueling, the Duke of Medina sent a boat for him and some of the cheefe to saue themselues, but he to preserue his honor resused it, then he willed him to stay by him, the which he could not doe, by reason that the water came in the night time so fast into the shippe as they E were forced to keepe fifty men continually at the pumpe, to keepe the shippe aboue water: but at the last seeing him-selfe forsaken by the Admirall, he sought to runne her on ground vpon the coast of Flanders and to saue his life, desiring ayde of the fishermen, but being descried by foure or fiue shippes of warre which lay vpon the coast, they made towards him: bidding him yeeld, which he refusing, they all shotte at him, and slue aboue fourty of his men, so as hee was forced to yeeld him selfe into the hands of Peter vander Does, who brought the shippe into Zeeland, with the other, the which (when as most of the goods were taken out of them) through negligence sunke vnder the water. An other small ship being forced to run a shoare about Blankenbergh in Flanders, Sir Iohn Conway manned out 2. or 3. fisher boats (for that the Spaniards were F already gone out, and had taken forth two peeces of ordinance and brought them on shore) to take and ransacke the shippe, who draue the Spaniards from her, and brought the spoyle into Ostend. On Monday the eight of August the Spanish armie being in this sort assayled, they thought it best (hauing done as much as they had in charge) to [Page 1005] retire themselues, so kept togither with small sailes vntill they were past Dunkerke, being 1588. A followed by the English; the next day hauing gotten some-what before, they set on more saile, seeming to haue more desire to flie then to fight, wherevpon the Lord Admirall of England, sent the Lord Henry Seymer with the small shippes backe againe, to ioyne with the Netherlanders, who lay before Dunkerke to keepe in the Duke of Parmaes forces, and hee with the greatest shippes followed the Spaniardes, but the winde rysing, and the Spaniards bending their course towards Norwaye, making shew as if they sought meanes onelie to get away, and to commit themselues to a dangerous Northerne nauigation, the English fleete, (wanting both poulder and shot) returned backe into England, leauing some small pinasses to follow them, and to bring aduise what course they tooke.
The Spanish fleete being in the North seas tooke a fisher boate of Zeeland, with The Spanish army in despaire. B twelue men in her who were carried into the Admiralls shippe, and sailed with them into Spaine: at their returne home, they reported that whilest the English fleet followed them, they saw a white flag preparing to bee set vp in the poope, in token of yeelding, or at the least to parle, fearing to passe through the Northerne seas: but beeing disswaded by certaine Clergy men, and seeing the English desist from following them, they changed their resolution. Those fisher men also reported that in the Dukes shippe there was a place made Cannon proofe, wherein the duke himselfe with twelue persons more remained all the time of the fight, and that of 1200. men that were in the shippe, there were 300. slaine and hurt. Thus the Spanish fleete hauing lost ten or twelue of C their best ships, with foure or fiue thousand men, hauing many sicke and wounded aboard their ships, wanting many necessaries for their ships, despayring of any aide from the Duke of Parma (who expected their returne, and continued still his preparation) they resolued (if the winde would serue them) to saile home into Spaine behinde Scotland and Ireland: hearing that they should finde small releefe in Scotland, and that Norway, could not supplie their wants, they tooke all the English or Scottish fishermen they could, to serue for pilots, and doubting they should want fresh water, they cast their horses ouerboard, and so they past betwixt the Orcades and faire Island; landing in no place, but sailed so farre Northwards as they were vnder three score and two degrees and two hundred and forty miles from any land: Being there the Duke of Medina D commanded all the shippes to take the best course they could for Biscay, and he himselfe with twenty or fiue and twenty shippes, which were best prouided of fresh water, kept his course very high into the sea, which brought him directly into Spaine, but the rest being aboue forty, vnder the leading of the Vice-admirall, held their course neerer Many of the Spanish fleet cast away vpon the coast of Ireland. vnto Ireland, making towards Cape-Clere hoping to refresh themselues there, but the winde being contrary, a great storme arose out of the South-west, about the second of September, and cast most of them vpon the coast of Ireland, where many of them perished, and amongst others the Gallion of Michaell d' Oquendo; one of the foure great Galliasses, two great Venetian ships, called la Ratta and Balanzara, with many others, to the number of 36. or 38. shippes and most of the men. Some hauing a Westerly winde E got againe into the English seas, some were taken by them of Rochell, and a great Galliasse was driuen by tempest to Newhauen in France, two ships were cast away vpon the coast of Norway, so as of a 134. saile that went out of Lisbone, there returned but 53. ships great and small into Spaine. And hauing 30000. soldiars and marriners in that army, the losse of men was very great according to the rate of the ships; and after their returne many died of sicknesse, wounds and other misfortunes which they had gotten in this voiage. The Duke of Medina Sidonia (a wise and prouident Prince,) who had taken The Duke of Medina excuseth himselfe. this charge vpon him much against his will, excused himselfe by his pilotes, and vpon the want of aide from the Duke of Parma, who was not readie, so as hee had leaue to returne home to his house to rest himselfe, yet manie spake verie hardly of F him for this action. Diuers Noblemen and Gentlemen died: as Iohn Martinez de Many Spanish Noblemen and Gentlemen died soone after their returne. Ricalde, who died soone after his returne, and Diego Floris de Valdez, Michael d' Oquendo, Don Alonso de Lieua, Don Diego de Maldonado, Francisco de Bouadillo, and Don Georgio Manriquez, all of the Councell of warre for the armie. Many were [Page 1006] drowned, as Thomas Perenot of Granuelle, Earle of Canterroy, Cardinall Granuelles 1588. A brother sonne, Don Diego de Piementel Collonel of two and twenty companies of Spaniards, with others were taken prisoners in Zeeland.
In Ireland many Gentlemen of good account were drowned, and diuers of them were slaine, by the Irish and by Sir Richard Bingham, at that time Gouernor of Conocke. There were brought out of Ireland into England, Don Alonso de Lucon, Collonel of two and thirty companies of the Neapolitain bands, Don Rodrigo de Lasso and two Gentlemen of the house of Cordua, whom the Queene set at libertie, to haue Mounsire Teligny released, being then a prisoner in the castle of Dornicke by Antwerp. To conclude, there was no great house of any account in Spaine, but that lost a brother, sonne or Nephew in this action. B
In the Netherlands, the blame of this vnfortunat successe, was layd vpon the Duke of Parma, as Generall, vpon Mounsire la Motte, (who had the greatest charge to prouide for the Arimie) and Comissary Drinckweart, countroller of the prouision: who excused The Duke of Parma and la Motte being blamed excuse themselues. themselues, saying that the Spanish fleete came to soone, and that it was impossible to shippe all things necessary for such an army in foureteene daies, the shippes beeing scarce readie; and that the Earle of Barlaimont who had twelue shippes appointed him for his men, found them so vnready and leaking, as many of them were halfe full of water, the fault whereof was put off from the one to the other, so as the Duke of Parma caused some to be hanged which had not discharged their duties, and being badly spoken of by many, hee blamed the Spaniards delaies, saying that they perceiuing many C English and Netherland shippes lying before the hauens of Flanders, they held it impossible for them to get forth, when as their mightie armie durst not offer to charge them. His commission from the King was (if it were possible to bring both their fleetes togither) to hazard a battaile. But to venture the Kings armie so slightly, being vnprepared, and not so well furnished with shippes and sailers as it should haue beene, and thereby to hazard the losse of so many braue Noblemen and Gentlemen, as were therein, would bee no honor nor credit for him: yet being perswaded by some that the Spanish fleete would returne backe againe, he continued his preparations for all things necessarie for the army by land.
Thus did the great GOD of battailes fight miraculously for the preseruation of D England and the vnited Prouinces, who with his powrefull arme scattered (like a heape of dust before the winde) that mighty and (as they termed it) inuincible Spanish fleete, to the shame and confusion of the furtherers thereof. The duke of Parma hearing for certaine that the Spanish fleete was past quite away, without the which hee could not do any thing: beeing loath to remaine idle, hee brought his armie out of Flanders (the The duke of Parmaes deseigne to besiege Berghen. which was quite wasted) into Brabant, and beeing verie melancholie and discontented for this disgracefull successe, hee resolued (contrary to the aduise of his Councell at warre, and especially of Collonel Mondragon) to goe and besiege the towne of Berghen vp Zoom, whether he sent the Marquis of Burgau sonne to Ferdinand Archduke of Austria, with his Regiment of Lansknetchs, newly come out of the country of Tyrol. Peter E Ernest the old Earle of Mansfieldt, the Duke of Pastrana and the Prince of Ascoly.
The seauenteenth of September he came thether in person: where being arriued, he commanded the Marquis of Renty (before Lord of Montigny) to attempt the Island of Ter-Tolen with his Regiment, at a place called Vosmeer which diuideth Tolen from Brabant, and so to besiege it as well by sea as by land. The Marquis (beeing accompanied by Octauio Earle of Mansfield) thinking to enter it with eight hundred men, through the fauour of two thousand musketiers which lay vpon the dike of Berghen, they were repulst by George Euerard Earle of Solms, Collonel of the Regiment of Zeeland, so as hauing giuen two furious charges and preuailed nothing, they retired with the losse of foure hundred men, all shot in the head, the which onelie appeered aboue the F water: the Marquis of Renty and Octauio Earle of Mansfieldt sticking so fast in the mud, as they could hardly be drawne out. The Zeelanders had but one man slaine and two hurt, hauing a good parapet vpon the dike for their defence.
About that time they of Arthois and Henault made a truce (the which continued [Page 1007] some yeares) with the Lord of Balaigny gouernor of Cambray, to bee freed from the 1588. A incursions and spoiles which were committed of eyther side: wherevnto Balaigny did willingly yeeld, that by the meanes of this truce, he might restore the making of fine Cambray cloath, and so maintaine his reputation with the people, and confirme his gouernment and authoritie. The Archbishop of Cambray, sonne to the Lord of Barlaimont, had some times practises vpon the said towne, by meanes of his intelligence with the Chanons and Bourgers. But Balaignies pollicie, and especially his wiues, did still discouer them, so as such as dealt in it prooued but bad marchants.
We haue made mention before, of some diuision growne betwixt the townes men A declaration of the troubles in Vtrecht. of Vtrecht, and the spiritualtie, who would bee esteemed the chiefe members in the sayd Towne, which the Bourgers would not yeeld vnto, fearing they were too much B affected to the Pope and the Spaniard, against whom the Pollititians sought to assure them-selues in making of a standing councell, whereas before it was changed yeerely, not acquainting the Estates of the Prouince there-with. Afterwards (the Earle of Leicester being Gouernor generall; hauing ended this former controuersie) it happened that certaine men some-what addicted to the Romish religion, and others, being chiefe rulers in the sayd Towne, good common-weales men, and such as had furthered the vnion of Vtrecht with Holland, and beene carefull of the well-fare of their countrie, were charged with certaine practises against the vnitie of the Church: for the which (through the Earle of Leicesters countenance and authoritie) they were not onely sent out of the Towne, but banished out of the Netherlands, (as C you haue heard) and commanded to remaine in newtrall places, choosing new officers at their owne pleasure, which bred great dissention in the Towne, the which continued two yeares.
The Estates of the vnited Prouinces fearing that the enemie was a great meanes to maintaine this diuision in Vtrecht, hoping thereby to breed some greater faction and disorder among them, finding that diuerse of the chiefe actors, were strangers in the towne and territories of Vtrecht, in the which they had no lands to loose, whereby they had the lesse care for the wel-fare of the same, and that the best townes-men, and such as were most carefull for the State, were banished from thence: they sought by all good meanes and intreaties, to haue the banished men restored to their houses, D goods, and offices, which had beene taken from them, which being by no meanes granted, vpon mature deliberation and aduise, they practised all the secret meanes they could (being there-vnto sollicited by the sayd banished persons) to place soldiers in the Forts of the sayd territories, and especially in Vtrecht, to secure the same, fearing that if the enemie should besiege the Towne, wanting the best Bourgers, and the rest in diuision, and with a small garrison, that it might bee soone taken, being most certaine that the intruded officers (fearing to bee displaced) would not bee perswaded (vpon any extremitie) to receiue any ayde from them of Holland: and for that they of Vtrecht were growne iealous of these practises, they were the more carefull to defend themselues against them of Holland, then against their common enemy. For E this cause the Estates of the vnited Prouinces, commanded Adolph Earle of Moeurs, &c. Gouernor of Gelderland, Vtrecht and Oueryssell, to keepe within Vtrecht, and to put in practise their secret desseignes, seeking all oportunitie to effect the same. To which end on the seauenth of October this yeare 1588. when as the ancient custome of the Towne was to bee obserued, and their Magistrates changed, they of the Towne had sent their deputies into England to bee recommended from thence for the continuance of their places, but (the Earle of Leicester being dead, and they finding but small assistance there, it seemes for that the Queene had beene otherwise informed by the Earle of Moeurs, who had likewise sent into England about the same businesse,) they were deceiued of their expectation: so as the fift of F October, the Towne being full of trouble and dissention, the Captaines of the towne desired the Senate and the Captaines of the garrison, to haue libertie to make inquiry in all places of the causes of these rumors, and to certifie the Bourguemaisters thereof, which beeing granted them, insteed of pacifying all disorders, they [Page 1008] secretly practised how to effect their pretended enterprise, and to fortifie them-selues, 1588. A the which they began to put in practise the same euening, thinking that night to seaze vpon some of the contrary faction, and to put them in prison, without the priuitie of the Bourguemaister or the Earle of Moeurs: where-with the Earle being made acquainted (being very circumspect) hee secretly began to fortifie him-selfe with diuerse Captaines, Commanders, and friends, which hee had within the towne, keeping a strong garde about his house, as if hee feared some attempt against his person, calling the townes-men to ayde him: the other Captaines of the towne (who had taken armes, and placed them-selues in garde about the towne) at ten of the clock in the morning sent for their Bourguemaister Prouinck (otherwise called Deuenter) vnto the [...] house, who being come thether, hee first tooke order that the chiefe leaders B of the contrary watch, should not bee molested, but bee brought into the Towne-house, and there kept vnder the protection of Iustice, assembling the Senate, to know the cause of this alarum, and to pacifie it: But in the meane time the Earle of Moeurs authoritie was of such force among the Townes-men (by reason of the generall discontent betwixt the soldiers and them) as they perceiuing the Earle to bee armed, the one halfe stood still, and the other halfe followed him, so as hee preuailed The Earle of M [...]urs reconciles Vtrecht with Holland ouer them of the towne: and as Captaine Iulian Claerhagen (who lay with his company in the sayd towne, (hearing of this tumult) was going vnto the Towne-house, hee was sodenly thrust into the body, yet hee dyed not of the wound, his company and the company of Mounsieur Villiers stood still, and so did the English horsemen, C who tooke part with neither side: by this meanes the tumult was presently appeased, which being done, the Bourguemaister Prouincke was brought from the Towne-house, and committed prisoner to the Earles lodging; and after that the Scout Trillo and one of the Captaines of the watch: the next day the Earle tooke order for the gouernment of the towne, according to their ancient priuiledges, and not long after the banished men returned home againe: First taking an othe not to seeke any reuenge in regarde of their banishment, but to liue louingly and quietly together. Many witnesses were produced against the sayd Bourguemaister, who was examined vpon diuers interrogatories, and after fortie two weekes imprisonment set at liberty, and the rest likewise, so as the towne and territories of Vtrecht were once D againe reconciled to Holland, conforming them-selues in all things with the rest of the vnited Prouinces, wherein the Earle of Moeurs did very good seruice, and behaued himselfe well.
Now I must returne to the siegeof Berghen: the Duke of Parma seeing the repulse The action at the [...]use of Berghen. which the Marquis of Renty had receiued at the Iland of Ter-Tolen, and that hee could not impeache the succours which might bee sent vnto the besieged by sea out of Holland and Zeeland, and finding that the siege would bee long and tedious, hee entertained a practise for the deliuering vp of the great North Sconse, which stands at the head of the hauen: the discourse whereof I haue thought good to set downe plainely as I had it from the chiefe actor himselfe, both in regarde of himselfe, E who is very neere vnto mee, and of the Historie to the which it doth belong, but most of all to satisfie such as eyther ignorantly or maliciouslie haue detracted from this seruice, sugiesting a meere falsehood and vntruth, the which he offers to maintaine by all the courses fitte for a Gentleman and a soldier: and this was the manner of it.
The Duke of Parma hauing marched from Dunkerke through Brabant with his armie, being betwixt twentie and thirty thousand strong, hee sent certaine officers before to view the commodiousnesse of the ground before Berghen, (which hee meant to besiege) as well for the planting of his ordinance, as for the quartering of his men. One of these officers who was a commissarie of the ordinance called F Pedro de Luco, and an other named Thomas Swegoe, (who professed himselfe to bee an Italian) were taken prisoners by certaine soldiars of the garrison of Berghen, who were at that time sent out as Scoutes, which prisoners being thus surprized, were committed to the safe keeping of maister Read-head, who was then appointed by the Lord [Page 1009] Willoughby to be deputie Prouost of the towne of Berghen. These prisoners had not 1588. A continued many dayes in his custodie, before that William Grimeston (hauing had some conference with Swegoe,) found cause to suspect him to be an Englishman borne, and there-vpon deuised with Read-head how to discouer him; who hauing good oportunitie to discourse with them, for that they were in his custodie; hee told Swegoe that hee was much discontented, with his entertainment and vsage on that side, wishing that he were with the Kings forces, vnder the command of Sir William Stanley, vnder whom hee had serued in Ireland. Where-vpon Swegoe wisht Read-head to bee merry and of good comfort, saying that hee was an English man, and borne in Seething lane in London, that his Mother was one of the Queenes women, and that hee had a sister which attended on the Lady Lomley; protesting that it was a happy time for Read-head B that euer hee was taken prisoner, and if hee would be aduised by him, hee would be the meanes both to aduance him to great wealth, and to make him liue in great reputation: where-vpon Read-head did willingly yeeld to performe any thing that hee would direct him in.
Then did Swegoe acquaint the foresaid comissarie of the ordinance with all this conference which had past betwixt him and Read-head: where-vpon the comissary told him, that if he could deliuer any port of the towne, or any of the sconses, or any peece of ground of aduantage, he would assure him he should bee so bountifully entertained by the King, as hee should neuer want whilest hee liued; to whom Read-head made answer, that hee had no command neither within the towne nor sconses, but hee had C a friend who hee knew was as greatly discontented as him-selfe, whome hee would acquaint there-with, not doubting but to effect their desire. The same day Read-head did conferre with William Grimeston, (who had then the command of Captaine Thomas Baskeruile his company lying in the North Sconse) and told him that hee had discouered the foresayd Swegoe to bee an English man, and that if he would secretly ioyne with him, hee doubted not but they should giue the enemie a great ouerthrow, doe good seruice to the country, and purchase great credit and aduancement to themselues: where-vnto Grimeston did very willingly assent, who presently went and aduertised the Lord Willoughby their generall, of all that had past; who seemed to be very glad thereof, willing the sayd Grimeston to proceed in this practise, and to D promise to deliuer vp the North sconse vnto the Duke of Parma, and for a discharge of Grimestons dealing in this action, the Lord Willoughby gaue him a warrant vnder his owne hand.
Then did Read-head bring Grimeston to the Comissarie of the ordinance, and to Swegoe, who told them in what manner Read-head had broken with him, and that hee was willing to doe the King seruice, but hee would haue some assurance how he should bee entertained, for that hee was not able to liue in his owne country, and had many friends of worth; all which he must forgoe, and therefore he would be assured of some certaintie: where-vpon the Comissarie of the Ordinance and Swegoe, did assure Grimeston of the Duke of Parmas honorable dealing with him, if he did performe that seruice, E and deliuer vp the North sconse: wherewith he seeming to rest satisfied, the comissarie of the ordinance and Swegoe did write three letters, one to the Duke of Parma, an other to sir William Stanley, and the third to Owen, of all their practise and proceedings, which letters they could not deuise to send without discouery, where-vpon Read-head told them, that rather then the seruice should be any way hindered or protacted, hee himselfe would aduenture to carry the letters, whereof hauing giuen copies to the Lord Willoughby, hee past with them accordingly in the night time through Grimestons sconse, to the enemies campe, where at his comming the Sentinell gaue an alarum, and some fiue or sixe shotte were discharged at the sayd Read-head, but in the end hee was receiued by a Sargeant, and some two shotte, carrying him presently F to the Marquis of Renty, who (after many questions) sent him with a Captaine and some twenty soldiers vnto the Duke, vnto whom he deliuered his letters, which when hee had read, hee sent for his councell, and for Sir William Stanley, who examined the sayd Read-head of diuerse matters, as well of the strength of the garrison within [Page 1010] the towne, as how they were furnished with munition and victualls, with sundry other 1588 A questions concerning himselfe and the seruice he had in hand? how he came out of the towne without descouery? and how hee could returne againe? with many others, all which were answered to their contents.
Then the Duke of Parma desired to know when hee should haue the sconce deliuered vnto him, wherevnto Readhead made answere, that hee could not tell, for that it was in Maister Grimeston to performe, who had the commande thereof: And if it pleased his highnesse to send some one with him whome hee might trust, he would bring him to conferre with Maister Grimeston, by whome hee should vnderstand his full and certaine resolution, wherewith the Prince was well pleased, and sayd that hee would send one with him to talke with Maister Grimeston, protesting to deale honorably B with them, and to performe whatsoeuer his men had promised, with an increase: wherevnto Readhead made answere, that for his owne particular hee did vereliebeleeue it, because hee heard him speake it, but to satisfie Maister Grimeston and to incourage him the better to effect the seruice, hee desired him to haue it vnder his hand, wherevnto hee did willingly consent: And at that instant Readhead brought away certaine Articles signed by the Duke, the which hee deliuered to Grimeston, and with him the Duke of Parma sent one Alford a Yorkeshire man and a guide to speake with Grimeston, and the chiefest reason was to know when hee should haue the sconce deliuered: Wherevpon Grimeston willed Alford to tell the Duke, that hee could not appoint any certaine time, for that hee was suspected for his Religion, and had C many eies to ouer-looke him. But when hee had made all matters cleere and readie to bee performed, hee would come ouer to the Duke, beseeching him in the meanetime to haue patience, and not to thinke the time long, for that it should bee effectually performed.
On the sixt of October beeing Sunday, Grimeston and Readhead went to the Dukes Campe, about eleauen of the clocke at night, where they were quietly receiued without any great alarum in the campe. Beeing entred, Grimeston was presently mounted and sent away, and Readhead stayed the Dukes comming (who was vewing of certaine ordinance which hee had caused to bee planted, to hinder a passage by water) whereof the Duke beeing aduertised, hee came presently away, commanding a horse D for Readhead, with whome hee discoursed all the way to his Tent, beeing three miles: Grimeston attended him at the entrie of his Tent, whome hee tooke verie kindely by the hand, bidding him welcome: And after many questions made by the Duke to Grimeston, concerning the Estate of the towne besieged, wherein the sayd Grimeston delt directly and plainely, knowing it to bee his safest course, the Duke hauing so good intelligence out of the towne, in the end the Duke desired to know when hee could be sit to performe the seruice which hee had vndertaken? who presently answered that hee should haue it deliuered vnto him on the Wedensday-night following, which was Grimestons garde night; wherevpon hee tooke his hand, and commaunded Sir William Stanley, Hugh Owen and diuers other captaines to bee merrie E with Grimeston and Readhead, who conducted them to an other Tent where there was a banket prepared, beeing in the midest of it, there were two gold chaines sent from the Duke, one to Grimeston, the other to Readhead. The banket beeing done, they were re-conuaied to the Duke, who after some more questions with Grimeston concerning the intented businesse, hee gaue them leaue to depart, commanding they should bee mounted vpon two of his owne horses, and Sir William Stanley with Owen Salisbury to garde them to the water side, which they did accordingly, and so taking leaue one of the other, Grimeston returned to the Lord Willoughby acquainting him with all their proceedings, who sayd that it could not be performed as Grimeston had concluded it with the Duke, for that hee was altogither vnprouided, F hauing neither Ordinance planted nor a Portcullis made, nor such Commaunders with him to bee partakers of the seruice, as were in the country. And therfore if one of them did not returne to the Duke the next night after, to put it off for three daies more, it was all nothing which they had done.
[Page 1011] Where-vpon Grimeston moued the Lord Willoughby to call Read-head, and to incourage 1588. A him to goe againe the next night, to winne a longer time; which he did, and comming into the campe, he found the Duke ready with his troupes of horse to second his foote, thinking to haue entred the sconse presently: But as soone as he heard Read-head say the sconce could not bee deliuered that night, hee fell presently into a great rage, laying his hand on his rapier, and swearing that hee did thinke it was but a stratageme to cut his throate, whereof if he were assured, he would kill Read-head with his owne hands: but Read-head gaue him so great reasons for this delay, as hee rested satisfied, promising that Grimeston should deliuer it vnto him, or loose his life; where-vpon the Duke tooke his hand, commanding him a cup of Sack, and so dismist him for that time. Sir William Stanley came back with Read-head to the water side, who vpon the way intreated B the sayd Read-head, if it were a stratagem, to tell him, and hee would neuer reueale it: but hee made him answer that there was nothing but truth; Then hee gaue Read-head a watch-word, that when they should enter the sconse, they might send in some hundred or two hundred men before, that himselfe and the rest might enter with safety; all which Read-head promised should be done. Hauing taken leaue of sir William Stanley, he returned to the Lord Willoughby, and acquainted him with what had past, and what sir William Stanley had resolued to doe by his watch-word, all which his Lordship willed him to keepe secret, and to acquaint no man there-with; and in the meane time he made all things ready to receiue them.
Vpon the night prefixed, betwixt eleuen and twelue a clock, being as darke as pitch, C Grimeston according to appointment, went forth to conduct them into the sconse, who comming to the Dukes quarter, where his troopes were ready, they demanded for Read-head, and sayd that they thought it was a plot to cut their throats; but Grimeston answered that Read-head had slaine one of the Gouernors men in the market place, and that except the expedition of that seruice did saue his life, hee would bee hanged for the fact: yet for all that they would not trust him, but sir William Stanley caused his hands to bee bound with a match, and appointed a Sargent to lead him with his dagger drawne to stabbe him, if hee discouered any treason, and so they came vnto the sconse, where there entred not aboue fortie, whereof some twelue were slaine, and the rest taken prisoners. The alarum being giuen, Grimeston did strike vp the Sargeants D heeles which held him in bonds, and so got to his company, who was likewise in danger to haue beene slaine by his fellow soldiers, if GOD had not preserued him; the Dukes forces that were with-out the sconce, when the alarum was giuen, being foure thousand men attempted to force it, and to breake downe the Pallessado, being then a lowe-water, but they were repulst, and the water flowing, were forced to retire. There were in this action slaine, drowned, and taken prisoner, betwixt foure hundred and fiue hundred of the enemies, all being men of especiall note.
This is a briefe and true relation of all that action performed by Grimeston and Read-head, which some malicious papists, or ill affected to the State, haue giuen out to haue beene vnder-taken by the receiuing of the Sacrament, wherein they protest and will E maintaine it, that they haue spoken falsely, vntruly and dishonestly, vnlesse they take a banket and a couple of gold chaines to bee a Sacrament. The Queene in recompence of this seruice, did giue vnto Grimeston a hundred pound in money, and an anuitie of fiftie pounds a yeare during his life, causing him to be sworne an Esquire for her body; to Read-head she gaue a hundred pounds and forty pounds a yeare during his life, commanding him to bee sworne an ordinary Sewer of her chamber, which place hee still enioyeth vnder his royall Maiestie.
The Duke of Parma hauing receiued this disgrace, and seeing his bad successe against the Isle of Ter-Tole, with-out the which he could not fully besiege Berghen, the The Duke of Parma raiseth his si [...]ge from Berghen. which might be releeued at euery tide by the ships of Holland and Zeeland, through F the fauour of the great sconse, hee raised his campe, and put his men into garrisons. His retreate was the ninth of Nouember, hauing besieged Berghen sixe weekes to his great losse and shame. After the Duke of Parmas retreate from Berghen, Prince Maurice went to his towne of Campuere, where hee tooke possession of the Marquisate of [Page 1012] Vere, being his inheritance, with the accustomed ceremonies, in the which he caused 1589. A peeces of siluer to be cast abroad, on the which were grauen the armes of Nassau and Prince Maurice installed Marquis of la Vere. la Vere, tyed together with a double knot, with this circumscription; Nodus indissolubilis: on the other side was an arme armed holding a sword, and the deuise; Ie maintiendray Nassau. There was an other kinde of coyne with two hands ioyned as if they plighted their faith, out of the which came Mercuries Caduceus, the writing about it was; Auxilia humilia firma consensus facit, that is; Vnitie and consent make small forces firme and strong. He had receiued the like honor at Flushing, but by reason of some iealousie betwixt the English and the Estates, it was deferred vntill August the yeare following.
Whilest the Duke of Parma was at the siege of Berghen, Charles Earle of Wachtendonk besieged and taken. Mansfield lay before Wachtendonck, a small Towne in the vpper quarter of Gelderland, B the which hauing refused to yeeld vpon summons, he began to batter it, but preuailing little by reason of the great difficultie there was to come vnto the assault: hee resolued to ruine all that was within the towne, which was very little, to which end he caused two great and high caualiers or platformes to be made, whereby he might discouer all that was done in the towne, whereon he planted his Artillerie, which scoured ouer all, so as the besieged were forced to abandon both streetes and houses, and to keepe in their caues and sellers; so as in the end despairing of all succors, they were forced to compound the twenty of December, the soldiers departing with their rapiers and daggers onely. About the same time and before (the Netherlands being in C these troubles and garboyles) many bordring vpon those countries, which were to receiue The subiects of the Netherlands arrested out of the country for the States debts. money from the same, for the which they had the Estates billes formerly made, whereby they bound their subiects to the paiment thereof, vnderstanding that for want of payment it should be lawfull for the said creditors to arrest their subiects and their goods which dwelt out of the Netherlands, as it hath beene often vsed in Germanie and the East-countries; so as for the like debts, and for the arrerages of rents for diuers townes, many Netherland Marchants of Antwerpe and other places, were arrested, and their goods stayed, and actions entred against many Netherland Marchants inhabiting in London, vpon such billes of debt, the which bred great troubles. D
The vnited Prouinces at that time were much troubled about the like cause with the King of Scotland, who this yeare, about the two and twenty of August, sent his Iames King of Scotland sends to the vnited Prouinces for pay due to Collonel Stuart. Herald vnto the vnited Prouinces, to will them within fortie dayes after his message done, to take order for the satisfaction of their martiall debt for seruice done vnto them, by certaine of his subiects, as to Collonell Stuart, and to other Captaines and soldiers which had serued vnder him in the Netherlands, which amounted to aboue fiue hundred thousand gilders, else hee should be constrained to giue the sayd Collonell and his associates leaue to execute his letters of Mart, granted vnto them alreadie by the aduise of his councell, and so paye themselues: to preuent this danger, and all other controuersie which might grow betwixt the King of Scotland and the E sayd Prouinces: the Estates sent Maister Leonard de Voocht one of their councell of The Estates send Monsieur de Voocht to the King of Scotland. Estate vnto the King, with Commission to informe his Maiestie, that the vnited Prouinces, and especially they of Holland and Zeeland (who were most threatned, and in greatest danger of the sayd letters of Marte) were not to pay any thing vnto the sayd Collonell Stuart and his associates, of his pretended debt, which (they sayd) grew, when as they serued the Estates of Brabant, Flanders, Arthois and Henault, vnder the gouernment of Mathias Archduke of Austria, and after him vnder the duke of Aniou, by whose Commission the sayd Collonell Stuart with his regiment, serued in the sayd Prouinces, whereas they of Holland and Zeeland had not any thing to do touching the paiment of soldiers which serued in those Prouinces, but euer since F the pacification of Gant had diuided them-selues from them, as touching those payments, and by contract made betweene them, had agreed to aide them with 25. companies of foote, and a hundred horse, wherewith they contented themselues. And that it was against the common custome of all Kings, Princes, Potentats & commonweales, to [Page 1013] seeke to get old debts for seruice done long since in warres by letter of reprisall, so long 1589. A as the warres continued, and that it is an vsuall thing amongst them to appoint such debts to bee paied at such daies and times as their State may best spare them without deniall, or constraint of their neighbors: and that in such sort the Emperor Charles and the Kings of France, England, and Denmarke, yea and the King of Spaine himselfe, were indebted many milions, vnto such as had serued them in fore-passed warres, the which was not yet paide.
The Estates gaue commission vnto their Ambassador to returne by England, to informe the Queene of his proceeding in this businesse, and to intreat her Maiesty that The Queene writes vnto the King of Scotland in fauor of the vnited Prouinces. shee would be pleased to compound this controuersie betwixt the King of Scotland and them: wherevpon on the tenth of Nouember shee wrot very effectually vnto the King in fauour of the vnited Prouinces: and not long after the Estates sent the sayd B Maister Voocht and Iohn vander Wercke an other Councellor of Estate into Scotland by sea, who satisfied the King so well in all points, as the aforesayd letters of reprisall ganted by the King vnto Collonel Stuart, were called in. The Estates finding themselues some-what eased of the feare they had of the Spanish fleete, and of the mutiny of their souldiers, hauing thereby re-established their authorities, they resolued to settle a better The pollicy of the vnited Prouinces touching martiall affaires. course for the gouernment, finding the great vnwillingnesse that was generally among the soldiars, as then seruing in the Netherlands, by reason of their bad pay, during the Earle of Leicesters Gouernment, wherevpon they determined to establish a new order in martiall pollicy. First, they compared their charges of the warre, with the C meanes of the sayd Prouince, and for that cause discharged diuers companies both of horse and foote, which had beene entertained by the Earle of Leicester, more then the sayd Prouinces could well pay: And finding that by reason of their long and continuall warre, there were many which pretended to be behinde hand with their pay, for former seruice, they caused all the Collonels, Captaines and Officers to promise by oth not to importune the vnited Prouinces, for any such old debt during the warres, vpon condition that euery mans account and reckoning should bee cast vp, and whatsoeuer should be thereby found due vnto them, they tooke order should be paied at such daies and times as the sayd Prouinces could well spare it, and so cut off all yearely pensions formerly granted for them their wiues and children. D
Thirdly the Estates tooke order that the monthly paiments which from thence forth the soldiers should receiue, should be accounted at 48. daies to the month, causing the 48. daies to the month for the paiement of their soldiers. Collonels, Captaines & common soldiers to sweare that they should rest satisfied with such pay, but the entertainment of superior officers, was appointed to be paied at 32. daies to the month. And to the end that good order might be obserued concerning the payment of the soldiars which serue in the sayd Prouinces, the Estates appointed the sayd soldiers to be kept in garrisons in the sayd Prouinces, according to the order made concerning the contributions wherewith euery Prouince was charged, according to Their care to pay the soldiars where they serue. their abilities, whereof ensued many notable effects, especially that the contributions of the respectiue Prouinces, were not diuided, but truely imployed for the furnishing E of their seuerall taxations, made for the payment of the soldiers which were in ech seuerall Prouince. Secondly that the soldiers might know in what Prouince they were to demande their pay, and if any default were made, they might presently know how to seeke remedy for the same from the Councell of Estate.
And finding that the charges of warre grew so great, as the ordinarie contributions were not sufficient to defray the same, the sayd Prouinces were content to bee rated extraordinarilie, ouer and aboue the old contribution, which euery of the sayd Prouinces vsed to pay, whereof the Councell of Estate had the disposition, and imployed it for the extraordinary charge. And it was agreed that at the end of the yeare the sayd Prouinces should assemble and account together, to see if euerie of them F had payd there new and old contributions orderly as they ought, and what remained vnpaied.
The meanes wherby the sayd Prouinces raise their particular monthly contributions, are not alike in euery Prouince, for they of Holland and Zeeland (beeing the richest [Page 1014] and mightiest Prouinces) do raise their contribution by excises and imposte rated vpon 1588 A wines, beere, cattell, gold, siluer, silke, wollen-cloathes, horned beasts, sope, salt, vinager, aqua-uitae and many other things, the which are euery sixe monthes by certaine commissioners appointed by the Estates of the sayd Prouinces let out to farme: and besides this by the poundage rated vpon all lands, according to the yeerely value thereof, and if the reuenues and taxations within the particular Prouinces, will not extend to the summe ordained to bee paied by them, in ordinary and extraordinary contributions, then that which is found short, is either made vp by the townes in Holland, or els it is layed vpon the rest of the generall diuision, that is equally and by a generall consent, whereof the townes are satisfied againe, either by selling or letting out of certaine rents belonging to the whole country of Holland, or in money, out of the poundage which is B collected generally out of the whole Prouince aforesayd.
Some Prouinces haue other meanes to raise their contributions, as the scituation and condition of the Prouinces may afford, of the best meanes they can deuise for the preseruation of the sayd Prouinces townes and villages, which prescribed contribution is not to be diminished, but must bee paied out of such meanes as they shall finde least preiudiciall to their subiects. With these and such like meanes, the vnited Prouinces of Holland, Zeeland, Vtrecht and Friseland, haue not onely valiantly defended themselues against the powre of so mightie a King, but also (as it shall appeere) with the aide of Gelderland and Oueryssel, haue oftentimes made offensiue warres against the sayd The vnited Prouinces haue done great exploits with small numbers of men. King, and haue taken whole Prouinces, with many strong townes and fortes from him, C wherein the sayd Prouinces haue neuer imploied any greater powre in the field (besides the garrisons of Bourgers in their townes and fronter places) then 12. or 13000. foote and 3000. horse well furnished and prouided of all kinde of munition for the warre, as the necessity of the place besieged required; hauing alwaies maintained their soldiers both in field and in garrisons in good discipline, punishing open offences, reforming abuses and satisfying the interessed.
The warre by sea is maintained by the Estates in as good order as that by land, appointing in their sea Prouinces an office of the Admiralty, which consists of diuers persons of good iudgement in pollitick affaires, or els in traficke by sea, and are diuided into fiue seuerall places, where they haue their ordinary residence, as at Amsterdam, Rotterdam, D and Horne or Enchuysen for Holland; at Midlebourg for Zeeland, and at Harlinghen or Doccum for Friseland, of the which Prince Maurice (as Admirall Generall of the sea) is the head. In whose name all commissions and orders for the warre appointed Prince Maurice is [...]dmirall and chiefe of a [...] the rest. by the sayd Officers of the Admiralty, are sent forth: the Officers vnder him are sworne and receiue their commission from the generall Estates. The Admiralll hath three or foure Vice-admiralls, which keepe in Holland and Zeeland, in places that are most conuenient vpon the sea-coast, as in Holland Iohn van Deuenvoord Lord of Warmont, and vnder him Peter vander Doos and Iohn Gerbrantson. In Zeeland Iustin Nassau and vnder him Ioos de Moor.
The Officers of the Admiraltie direct all the warres by sea, by aduise from the generall E Estates, and to that end they receiue such money as is payed for conuoies and Licenses rated vpon goods going out and comming in, according to the order set downe by the generall Estates, which taxes are raised higher euery yeare by the sayd Estates, if necessity require it and be thought conuenient for the good of the Netherlands. The money rysing of the sayd conuoies &c. is collected by sworne Officers, appointed by the sayd courts of Admiralty, and is imployed to the paiement of the souldiars which Conuoy money imployed for the wars by sea. serue by sea, and are at the charge of the generality, as also for the building and repayring of shippes of warre, and for the rigging and furnishing them with all things necessarie, the which is a very great charge in respect of the great number of shippes of war which they are forced to entertaine continually. F
The warre by sea is ordered by the Admiraltie in this sort; first they appoint diuers shippes of warre to watch the hauen townes, which are vnder the enemies commande, as before Dunkerke, Nieuport, Ostend &c. Secondly there are certaine ships of warre sent out to keepe the seas. Thirdly they vse yearely to send out some shippes of warre [Page 1015] to defend the fisher-men, which take herings and cod vpon the coasts of England, 1588. A Scotland and there-abouts, fourthly as the Marchants shippes saile out of the said Prouinces to traficke with France, England, Scotland, Denmarke: and other places, they are safely convoyed by certaine shippes of warre, to defend them from their enemies and from pirats at sea. Lastly they haue a great number of small shippes appointed for the warres, which they vse within the land, to keepe their riuers and fresh waters from Inuasion of the enemies, as also for the beseeging of townes and forts, which lie vpon the said riuers. The said admiralty hath authority to punish offences and reforme disorders committed at sea, to determine of prisoners ransomes taken: to value the prises of all goods brought in by sea Captaines. And to the end the saylers should doe their duties and fight willingly, euery one is allowed his part of the prises which they B haue taken, according to his place, and they are often times rewarded by the admiralty for their good seruices, besides their monethly wages. This yeare the States garrisons made diuers incursions into the enemies country: they of Heusden and Geertruydenberg Courses made by the States garrisons into the enemies Countries. in Brabant went forth with eight hundred men, horse and foote (the horsemen taking vp the foote-men behind them) and went to Tilborch by Boisleduke whereas some of the Duke of Parmas troupes lay, whome they charged and defeated, whereof diuers being slaine the rest fled into the church, but they durst not stay to force them fearing that vpon the alarume, the garrisons there about would issue forth and charge them, and so they returned backe with good prize. The like did they of Berghen vp Zoom, being lesse then a hundred soldiers (whereof fiue or six were horse-men of C captaine Baxe his companie) and led by a Sargent, they went to doe an exployt vpon Botchloon, whereof they fayled, yet they past valiantly through a company of soldiars and came to Thienen, where there lay fiue or sixe companies of Spaniards, into the which they got by reason that the towne is great, and draue out the Spaniards, putting three companies of them to the sword, and then spoyled the towne: the enemie attended them at their comming forth being about foure hundred strong, but they making head valiantly, not onely forced through them, but came safe to their garrison withall their booty which is a thing almost incredible.
The Zeelanders being about seauenty strong, past ouer the water into Flanders, and there cut of a conuoie going to Cortrick, where besides the foote there were aboue D two hundred horsemen, and thirty Marchants which did ride; the Zeelanders first charged the horse-men with their shot, and tooke some of them, and then defeated the rest, carrying away as much booty as they could, and so returned into Zeeland. Sir Martin Schenck in like sort was not Idle but made road as farre as Momedi, and in December he had secret intelligence with some of Nymeghen, meaning to vndermine the wall, whereas the ditch was not very deepe, and so to blow it vp, but by reason of some store of raine which fell about that time and stood in the diches, he could not effect his desseigne. There were many subtill enterprises attempted about this time of either side both in Brabant, Gelderland and Freezland, some-times with profit, some-times with losse, for that there were many good soldiars E of either side, who sought daily to winne honor and credit. Sir Martin Schenck to recouer some of his losses in the beginning of Nouember made a sconse at Herwerden vpon the Rine without the consent of the Estates, which was some impayring of their publicke authority, but by the perswasion of Prince Maurice and the Lord Willoughby hee had a great charge giuen vnto him that hee should throw it downe againe.
The English garrison in the Brill began to mutine for their pay, being some-what long ere it came: that garrison lying in such sort, as the soldiars had good meanes to helpe them-selues by incursions vpon the enemie, but for that their pay (according to the contract) was to be brought out of England, the Estates of Holland disbursed F the mony for the Queene, and so stayed the mutiny. The enemies garrisons being also in great want and misery began to mutine for want of pay, for that the Kings Indian treasor was not able to counteruaile the great cost and charges of Mutinie vnder the enemy for pay. his warres, part of those wants were supplied by the King of Spaines name and [Page 1016] authority, and yet not so well, but diuers of their souldiers put themselues vnder the A Estates, where they might haue surer pay, and better meanes to helpe themselues by incursions.
In the beginning of this yeare the garrison of Geertruyden bergh beganne to mutine againe, it is a towne belonging to Prince Maurice, lying right against Dort, vpon 1589. The second mutiny at Gheertruydenberg. the Mecwe or Vlack, which is a water made by the Rhine and the Mase: this garrison suspecting that some-thing might bee attempted against them, they presently disarmed the Bourgers, and staied all the shippes and boates that past by, taking contributions, burning villages and committing all insolencies as enemies to the Estates. Vpon the sixe and twentie of Nouember past, the souldiars beeing perswaded to vnion, they made answere by writing the which (they sayd) was signed by Sir Iohn Wingfield Gouernor B of the towne, the Englishmen and other captaines, that they would all die before they would deliuer the Bourgers their armes againe, and beeing sent for to serue in any place they made them this answere that they were all resolued to serue vnder the enemie rather then vnder Prince Maurice or the Estates; who considering of this their resolution, and finding that they entertained all fugitiue souldiers, and sought to incite other garrisons to the like rebellion, hauing receiued intelligence that from the second day of February this yeare, they had beene in treatie with the Duke of Parma: Prince Maurice (with the aduise of the Estates) resolued (seeing that the Lord Willoughby, Sir Iohn Norris nor Maister Bodley could not preuaile with them, and that the Lord Willoughby was as then to goe for England) to besiege C the towne both by water and by land, considering the daunger thereof, and of the Prince Maurice besiegeth Geertruydenbergh the 25. of March 1589. townes lying about it: and so comming before it the fiue and twenty day of March, hee sent a kinde letter to them of the towne by a drum, giuing them to vnderstand that the Gouernor Sir Iohn Wingfield and other captaines had threatned to deliuer the towne into the enemies hands, and what a dishonor and danger they should thereby purchase vnto themselues, offring them all contentment, wherevnto they made answere, that they would rather seeke aide from the enemie, then yeeld to Prince Maurice or the States, threatning to hang vp his messenger.
The towne of Dort did likewise write vnto them but they tare their letters. And when as the Lord Willoughby wrot his letters on the eighteenth of March, to Sir D Iohn Wingfiled his brother in law, desiring him to finde meanes to come away rather then his presence should giue any cause of offence: Sir Iohn Wingfield refused it, saying that he had sworne to liue and die with the souldiers, as long as they would hold that towne for her Maiestie and the good of the Netherlands, who protested to deliuer it rather to the enemie then to Prince Maurice or the Estates, with other words to the like effect. In the meane time Prince Maurice did what he could to win the towne, and beganne to batter it furiously, they within defended themselues, yet there was a reasonable breach made, and being readie to giue an assault, they within cunningly offred a composition by a minister and a deputie, whom they had sent forth to treate with the Prince and the States, to whome the Articles were deliuered, with the which they returned, E so as there was great hope of an agreement. But the souldiers hauing repayred this breach in the night, and the waters being growne so high by a tempest as they could not vse their Ordinance, perceiuing both by signes of fire out of the towne, and by letters sent to Breda, what secret dealing they had with the enemie, as also by letters from the Duke of Parma from Brusselles, bearing date the 24. day of March, and from Breda of the 29. of March from Odoardo Lansavechio, which they within the towne had receiued, hearing also that the Duke of Parma was within few miles of the towne; Prince Maurice resolued to with-drawe the siege, that they might haue no iust occasion to pretend they had beene forced to yeeld the towne vnto the enemie, hoping by that meanes to mooue the best minded soldiers to consider thereof, and to bee F better aduised; and to that end on the second of Aprill he offred them againe all fauour and contentment, shewing them that they were deceiued by the vaine speeches giuen out concerning the Queenes authority, sending them diuers acts and discharges made to that end by her Maiesty, & letting them vnderstand what a dishonor these disordred [Page 1017] dealings might be vnto her. And vpon the fourth of Aprill he wrot vnto them by maister 1589. A Leuinus the minister, saying, that hee sought not the life neither of officer nor soldier, Offers made by Prince Maurice to the garrison of Gheertruydenberg. but assured them that as many as would continue in pay should bee still entertained, and such as would not, might depart whether they pleased withall they had: so as they would assure the towne vnto him. To whom they made answere the same day, that their full resolution was to stay there in garrison, and to doe the like seruice they had done before, and that they would make choise of their owne Gouernor.
On the fift of Aprill Prince Maurice did againe offer them all security, and to performe whatsoeuer they would else demande by contract, desiring them to send their deputies vnto him, but all was in vaine, for that vpon the ninth of Aprill they receiued the Duke of Parmaes deputies into the towne, with whom they compounded to yeeld the towne for fifteene monthes pay, and not any of them would yeeld vnto Prince Maurice Gheertruydenberg sold to the Duke of Parma by the garrison. B but onelie two soldiers, such powre hath greedinesse of money whereas prodigalitie beareth sway, and the feare of GOD is reiected, and yet they cloakt their treacherie, with a pretence of the Queene of Englands seruice. The townesmen were kindly delt withall, they had a generall pardon, and licence to depart when they would, or els to stay for the space of two yeares, without any molestation of Religion, and all their preuiledges confirmed, so as they tended not to the preiudice of the Kings authoritie. The souldiers were pardoned whatsoeuer they had committed, promising to procure them the like in Germanie, Luyke-land and Collen, and for that the Duke professed to loue and honour good souldiers, (such as they were) hee was content to accept and receiue them all into the Kings seruice, with restitution C of all their goods consiscate; and such as desired not to serue should haue the like freedome, and might staie sixe monethes within the towne, and cause themselues to bee payd by lawfull meanes out of the assignation of contribution giuen them before by them of Brabant, Holland and Zeeland. And in recompence of the good seruice which they had done vnto the King therein, hee gaue them ten monthes pay, which the States ought them, and for a rewarde fiue monthes pay more, all in readie money, that they might goe out with credit. All such as had fled from the Kings seruice, and were then there with them, were pardoned for their sakes, all prisoners should bee ransomed, and vpon payment thereof made let goe, except they were spirituall persons, who should pay no ransome: and that Sir Iohn Wingfield and Charles D Honings should depart when they would with all their housholds, goods and mouables, and that they should haue pasports giuen them to that end. This was concluded at Breda vpon the tenth of April 1589.
The garrison being in this sort payd, rewarded and gone out, the same daie Charles Earle of Mansfieldt entred the towne. The Estates of the vnited Prouinces proclayming The garrison of Gheertruydenberg condemned for traytors. both the Gouernor, Captaines, Officers and all the Souldiars, Traytors and Rebells, condemning them to be hanged where-soeuer they should bee found, with promise of fiue poundes in rewarde for euerie priuate souldier, and ten poundes for euerie Officer, to them that could bring any of them to the Estates, and their goods E confiscate, all their names beeing set downe in the proclamation, beeing to the number of sixe hundred and fiftie persons. These souldiars lyuing in the Duke of Parmaes armie, were for a long time despised and skorned by the name of Marchants, manie of them were afterwardes taken in the vnited Prouinces, and presently hanged for example to others. Sir Iohn Wingfield with Captaine Honnings retired themselues into England: Hee is much taxed in this action by the Estate, but it seemes hee had but the bare title of a Gouernor, and no commanding powre ouer the garrison, who compelled him to doe what they pleased, the which seemes to bee true, for that they set a gard ouer him during all the time of the seege, as I haue heard himselfe affirme, neither was it in his powre to yeeld the towne vnto Prince F Maurice.
During the seeke of this towne there were slaine of the States side these captaines, Wolffart van Brederod, vander Aa, Landas captaine of Prince Maurice his foote gard, and Cornellis Adrianz Schaeps; and aboue fiftie more, there were hurt Peter vander Doës [Page 1018] viceadmirall of Holland and captaine Sydenborch, the marshall of Villiers was also 1589 A shotte, whereof he died not long after, a good soldiar and one that had beene alwaies faithfull vnto the vnited Prouinces.
This losse of Gheertruydenberg did much preiudice the vnited Prouinces, wherefore they presently stopt vp the riuer with shippes of warre both to hinder their fishing and passage out of the towne by water. The thirteene of Aprill Cont Charles of Mansfeldt went with a small army from Gheertruydenberg into the quarter of Boisleduke by the Duke of Parmas commandement, where he tooke the Castell of Lobben the which he Many castles yeelded to the Spaniard. was forced to leaue three daies after. On the seauenteene of May hee also tooke the Castell of Daetoren neere vnto Heusden: on the twenty one day passing out of Boisleduc, his men tooke three ships of war of Holland, lying at anchor in the riuer of Meuse B aboue Buchouen, and the next day he went before the castle of Hemert, which he tooke: The castle of Blenbeeke (which collonel Schenck had held so long as his owne patrimoney, being scituated in the vpper quarter of Gelderland) was also yeelded vnto him the twenty fiue of Iune after that it had beene a while beseeged: and the sixteenth of Iuly the castels of Puydroyen and Brakel, the which was afterwards abandoned, and burnt with the whole village. But going to campe before Heusden the same moneth hee was forced to rise with shame and losse. The same moneth three companies of the Estates horse were surprised nere vnto Boisleduc by the new garison of Gheertruydenbergh, The Cornets of the estates horse defeated and defeated, the one was of Prince Maurice his garde whereof Rysoyer was Captaine, the second the Seignior of Kynschys and the third the deceased Marshall C of Villers, whereas Rysoyer and Kynschy with diuers horse-men were taken, the rest were put to rout. Whilest that the Earle of Mansfeldt with the duke of Pastrana and the prince of Ascholy with many shippes and boats, beseeged the house or castle of Hele in the Ile of Bomel: Prince Maurice, the Earle of Hohenlo and the Earle of Solms, drew the garrisons about Heusden together in the moneth of August, and by force victualed the towne in the face of the enemy, who laie not far from it. The Castle of Hele had bin sore battered with nine hundred shot at the least, whervpon Sidenborch the gouernor The Castle of Hele taken by the Duke of Parma. yeelded the twenty foure of August, by meanes of a dissention fallen among the soldiers, who were most slaine, whereof afterwards he excused him selfe. From thence the Dukes army marched to Louesteyn, lying at the end of the Ile of Bomel, and they D made a sconse meaning to take Louesteyn, but the waters being very much risen by reason of great store of rayne which had fallen, they were forced to leaue it.
In September the Duke of Parma supposed by the inclosing in of Heusden, and the taking of Hemert, Hele and other sconses there abouts, that the country was sufficiently garded on the one side Hemert to passe ouer the Meuse into Tielsche-Weert, and so to go to Buren or Vtrecht, but the Spaniards (who had the fore-ward vnder Collonell Lieua) hauing some quarrell with the Italiens, and being set on by the Duke of Pastrana & the Prince of Ascoly, (who were no great friends to the duke of Parma) would not passe ouer the riuer, but cryed out viue el Re, fuora il mal gouerno, and when the Earle of A mutyne among the Spaniards. Mansfeldt would haue forced them to passe, they shot at him, and draue him away E & so went to their garrison in the Graue: And for that Prince Maurice had gathered together great forces stopping their passage, and beseeged the castle of Hele round about with sconses, being the winter time, the Dukes army was forced to leaue the field, fortifieng the Castles of Hemert, Hele and the Sconses at the mouth of the Deymse by Boscher. This yeare the Duke of Parma was very sickly, which some thought to proceed for that on the 10. of Nouember before cōming from Berghen vp Zoom & riding to Mechline, he fell into the water: where vnto other misfortunes were added, as the Melancholike humor which did possesse him for the vnfortunate successe of the Spanish army, and his dishonorable retreat from Berghen, for the which (by the meanes of the Dukes of Pastrana and the Prince of Ascoly) he was reprocht and flouted at: It F might also be furthered by an other occasion, for that hauing taken vp certaine hundred thousand of Ducats by exchange, to bee paid in Spaine, by the practises of such as loued him not, they were not discharged, so as hee was forced to giue the Italien Marchants in Antwerp contentment out of his owne cofers. Moreouer at the same [Page 1019] time his vncle, the great Cardinall Farnese dyed in Rome the three and twentith 1589. A of March, a man on whome hee much depended. All these crosses made him sickly The Duke of Parma goes to the [...]paw. and very melancholy: So as in Maie hee went to the Spawe in Sweborn, and lodged at Mentfort or thereabouts, drinking dayly of those waters for the recouery of his health.
Before his departure hee called togither the Estates of Brabant, Flanders, Arthois, and Henault, to ayd the League of France both with money and men, and An assemblie of the Estates vnder the Duke of Parma. to take it out of the rents wherewith the reuenues were charged. They were content to yeeld to his desire in many things, although they were much impouerished by reason of the great taxations which were imposed vpon them, the which were raysed with harder conditions then vppon them in the vnited Prouinces, who had free and B open trafficke in all places, where as they that liued vnder the Kings commaund, did flye dayly out of the Country by reason of their small trafficke, dearth of all thinges, & bad protection so as the Duke of Parma grew daily to bee more dispised and hated, not onely of the Country people, but also of the Spaniards, who imputed the bad successe of the Spanish flcete onely to him, for that hee was not ready nor prouided of Saylers, neither had forecast the dangers that might insue, so as his enemies the Duke of Pastrana and the Prince of Ascoly, knew well how to blemish his credit in Spaine, as we haue said before.
About the same time hee had sent certaine Mules laden with rich Tapistries and cloth of Arras with other costly thinges, out of the Netherlands to bee transpo [...]ed C into Italie: passing through Lorraine or the Franch Conty they were sette vppon The Duke of Parmas goods taken in Lorraine. and taken away, the which afterwards was openly reported, and did manifestly appeare, that it was done by aduise from Spaine, whether it were by the Kings owne command, or his Councels, or by the practises of such as loued him not, I know not, but it was a great hindrance vnto him, and bred a great dislike in him against Spaine.
Moreouer there fell a controuersie with great reproches, betwixt the Lord of Champigny and the President Richardot (the Duke of Parmas fauorite) and afterwards with the Duke himselfe, concerning the treaty of peace at Bourbrough, betwixt the Deputies of the Queene of England and those of the King of Spaine, of which number Dislike between the Duke of Parma & Champigni. Champigni and Richardot were, but both of diuers opinions: Champigni sought to D deale roundly and sincerely in the said treaty of peace, the which being obtained, hee perswaded him-selfe it should much aduance the Kings affaires, hauing libertie to enter into the Ports and Hauens of England for the safegard of the great Armado, which was the way to conquer Holland and Zealand, and to subdue the Estates. But Richardot had contrary instructions from the Duke of Parma to breake of the treaty, holding the conquest of England easie, according to the aduise and proiect which Don Iohn had left in writing at his death: for the which Mounsier Champigni was much offended in regard that hee had past his word to the Queene of England that there was no other intent but to deale sincerely and vprightly, so hee was thereby disgraced and proued a lyar: where-vpon after the bad successe of the said armie, Champigni complained thereof E in many places, and writte diuers letters vnto the King, shewing that the onely cause thereof proceeded from the negligence and indiscretion of the Duke of Parma: wherevpon hee grew into such hatred of Champigni, as hauing written vnto the King that all would go to ruine in the Netherlands, if speedy remedie were not had, & especially then when as he was ready to go to ayd the League in France, & therfore he thought it not fit to leaue such backe-biters & comptrollers behinde him in the Countrie, so as Champigni [...] forced to leaue the Netherlands. he obtained leaue to send Champigni out of the Netherlands, the which he put in practise with no small rigour, commaunding him to dislodge out of the Netherlands, and to retyre into Burgongne within a very short time: Champigni asking him the reasons why, the duke answered, to teach your tongue to keepe silence, & your pen to write better: F so as no intreaty, nor intercession of his friendes could preuaile, nor the indisposition of his body, beeing scarse able to trauaile, desiring that hee might rather continue in some Cloyster of Capuchins or Iesuits, but all was in vaine, and so hee was forced to liue a banished man in Bourgongne so long as the Duke of Parma liued. [Page 1020] The Duke seeing him-selfe maligned and slandered by them that were and ought to be 1590. A neere his person, to iustefie all his actions (as they of Arthois and Henault were more Richardot [...] by the duk of Parma [...]to Spaine. affected vnto him then vnto any other Spaniard, that might aspier vnto the gouerment) he sent the said Richardot presidēt of Arthois into Spaine vnto the king, to answer in his name to al obections and slanders, wherwith they had filled the Kings eares, and to bring back a continuation of the dukes cōmission in his gouernment of the Netherlands in despite of his enemies. Whilest that Richardot was in Spaine the duke went the eight of May toward the Spawe (as we haue said) for his indisposition, his seruants and other Italiens complayning openly at the Spawe, that the Spaniards had drest their maister in that manner, hauing his belly and legges sowlne.
The Duke of Parma being much distasted both of Spaine and Spaniards, he wanted no remembrance [...]s to put him in minde of the Kings displeasure, being charged to haue B beene the cause of the bad successe of the Kings Army, and that great Princes doe not easely forgiue nor forget conceyued displeasures: and that it were better for him to looke to himselfe, and (following Machauells councell) rather make him-selfe Lord of Ba [...] Councell giuen to the [...]ke of Parma. the country, wherevnto hee had good reason to aspire, in regard of the Spaniards hatred towards him, and the wrong which was done to his sonne Raynutius, touching the crowne of Portugal, whervnto he had better title (as they said) then the king himself. And that if he would attempt any thing in the Netherlands, whether it were with the title of Soueraigne, or as Protector or Lieutennant thereof, he should want no friends within the contry, nor wel-willers without it, as France, England and the vnited Prouinces C themselues, with whome secret treaties might be made, whereby the Netherlands on the other side, might obtaine a good and free enter course of trafficke, for the good of the whole country, for as then hee had to many ouerseers, both before behind and round about him: it being well fore-seene long before by the councell of Spaine, hauing therein taken example by the procedings of Don Iohn of Austria. Others thought hee would defer the execution of his desseigns, till after the death of the King of Spaine, being very old, and that the house of Farnese was wont to be subtill and couetous inough yet alwaies warie and very circomspect: But the King granting his desire, and at the last sending for the Duke of Pastrana into Spaine he was well satisfied: And for that the King was fully resolued to ayde the Leaguers in France D at Richardots returne out of Spaine, hee recommended that busines vnto him, as the fittest man for that action, and he for his part resolued to vndergo the charge, being a fit meanes to purchase more honor, and for that cause hee made all the hast he could sending both men and money to the frontire townes and gathering an army together in Arthois, wherein La mot had the cheefest charge, who not long before in April thought Pr [...]paration to aide the league [...]n France. to haue surprized Ostend, by the secret intelligence with some of the soldiars, but hee fayled of his purpose, where-vpon the garison of Berghen vp Zoome with that of Ostend and others, spoyled Gramont, or Geecsbergh.
On the twenty of September the duke of Parma went from Spawe to Aken or Aix la Chapelle three leagues of, hauing three companies of horse with him: there he E was honorably entertained and presented with diuers guifts. In that towne hee did visit the cheefe relicks, which are Iosephs breeches, the virgine Maries smocke, the sheete wherein Iohn Baptist was buried, Charlemagnes chaire, and some other petty ones, and from thence he went to Bins to bee neerer vnto the frontiers of France. This sommer Berke was beseeged by the Duke of Parmas forces, Collonel Schencke came in the end of Iuly with many shippes to releeue it with victualls, mounting vp the riuer Schenck rele [...]ues Bercke. within a league of the towne, from whence hee carried such store of victualls and munition as they had neede of by land, and entred safely there-with into the towne.
Cont William Lewis of Nassau Gouernor of Freezland for the Estates, was daily at warres with Verdugo Gouernor of Groning for the King of Spaine, to whose aide the F Duke of Parma sent seauen Companies of foote and three of horse, the which marched through the Country of Westphalia and the Conty Vander-Lippe, and so [Page 1021] to enter into East Friseland and then into the countrie of Groning. Colonel Schenck 1589 A being aduerised of the course they held, hauing gathered together all the men he could out of the garrisons of Gelderland, he went & attended these troupes vpon the heath or plaines (which they call Lipper-heyde) where hee defeated them, and put them to rout, Schenck defeats some of the [...] of Parmas troupes. taking from them all the money which they had brought to pay the garrison of Groning and other neere places, which the King held in those parts of Friseland. Schenck victualled Berck and defeated these troupes in lesse then eight daies, about the beginning of August.
The third day after his victory beeing fortefied with all the forces hee could get Schencks vnfortunate enterpise vpon Nymeghen. (carrying a splene to them of Nymeghen) he went from his sconcse called the Bril or Vossenhole, lying by Tolhuys, and sailed along the riuer of Wahal, that hee B might come to Nymeghen by night, hauing sent his horsemen by land: It was a very still night and the tyde very high, so as they could not aduance much with their ships being vnfit to rowe, and they came on so slowly as day began to breake. The Punts or smaler vessells for that they went with owers, came on first and gaue an alarum to the towne, so as the Bourgers and some souldiars went to armes: wherevpon Schenck not staying for the rest, resolued to giue an attempt before it was day, and landed by the Maie-gate, then presently taking two Rammes which he had brought, he went to Saint Anthonies gate, the which (although it were very strong) hee brake open, and so got through certaine iron grates and windoes into a house, which they tooke, from whence they thought to ceaze vpon the market place, beeing not farre from thence; in the C meane time the rest of the shippes came on, and shot into the towne, and they of the towne at them. The townsmen beeing in armes beganne to assaile the house a farre of, but to small pourpose, vntill they had brought two field peeces before it, wherewith they shot into it, and with that the souldiars and then the Bourgers got in and draue Schencks soldiars out againe, the rest being not yet come: In the meane time the horsemen with some footemen were busie to gette open the Hessenche gate, but they beganne to late, for before they had beaten of the lockes and bolts, it was day light, so as they within the towne casting stones and other things vpon them, forced them to leaue it.
This succeeding so vnfortunatly on euerie side for that they came too late, and were D descouered by the day-light, euerie man, yea & the women of the town being in armes, al the ships with the men being not come forward, Schenck with his men were forced to retire back againe vnto their ships, which retreat was with such confusion, disorder and feare, as euery man sought to saue himselfe as speedely as hee could; wherevpon there leapt so many into foure or fiue great boates that were neerest, as three of them sonke with the waight thereof, so as such as could not swim were drowned, whereof Sir Martin Schenck himselfe was one: who was opprest with the waight of his Armor and could not helpe himselfe: The shippes that were laden did driue downe halfe Schenck drowned. a mile beyond the towne, by a village called Ostenholt, where they cast Anchor, missing their Commander: One of their great Puntes or boates full of men, did E driue before the streame to Saint Huberts Tower: from whence they could not get, but were slaine in great numbers with stones throwne downe out of the sayd Tower; some leapt into the water to saue themselues; and in the meane time foure more of their shippes full of men stood and beheld that Punt, but by reason it was a calme they could by no meanes passe by, but at the last two of them escaped awaie, and the other two fell into the enemies hands, but the souldiars got away: within the towne there were not aboue eight or nine found dead and wounded, but without there were a hundred at the least. This vnfortunate mischance happened vpon the leauenth daie of August, Corn. llis Zeghers and Iacob Ween beeing Bourguemasters of Nymeghen. F
The townsmen of Nymeghen beeing somewhat eased of their feare by this victorie, tooke certaine scutes and boates, and went to see if they could with their nettes and hookes get any men or bootie out of the water; where amongst the rest they found a man with a faire armor and well appareled, which beeing brought to [Page 1022] land, they knewe it to bee Sir Martin Schenck, by the markes hee had about him, 1589. A as a wounde in his head which hee had gotten before Steenwicke, an other on his side, which hee had at Arnham, and the third on the for-head: and after that they had hanged two prisoners which they had taken, the Bourgers in reuenge, powred out [...] bo [...] [...] by th [...]m of Nymeghen their rage vpon his dead ca [...]case, the which they quartered and hung vp ignominiously at the foure corners of the towne, and his head was set ouer Saint Anthonies gate, but not long after they were taken downe againe by commandement from the Marquis of Varembon, Gouernor of Gelderland for the King of Spaine, for that many poore Townes-men of Nymeghen were slaine and murthered for it in manie places; and so the head and quarters were layed in a coffin and kept in a Tower, till that the towne was taken three yeares after by Prince Maurice, B and then it was buried verie honorably and with great sollemnitie, after the manner His bo [...]y ho [...]bly [...] ed. and order of a souldiar, and laied in the great Church before the high Altar in the Dukes of Gelders tombe, Prince Maurice and all his traine accompanying the body.
Thus did Sir Martin Schenck of Nydeck (one that had tried his fortunes on both sides to his great honour and reputation) end his life, beeing one of the most resolute, valiant and polliticke captaines in his time, which his worthie enterprises and exploites doe well witnesse, as his many victories, his releeuing of the castle of Blyenbe [...]ke, The life and com [...]ndation of Sch [...]k. where hee beseeged the beseegers, and forced them to leaue the seege. His stratagems were likewise notable, as the winning of Nymeghen and Breda from the C Duke of Parma, but beeing badly rewarded for his seruice, hee left him and went to ayde the Elector Trucses and his adherents.
In his youth hee was fi [...]st page to captaine Enchuisen, and after that to the Earle of I [...]elsteyn whome hee with other captaines beseeged in a sconse before Goore, and there hee tooke his maister prisoner. Hee did winne Werle in Westphalia, and behaued himselfe poll [...]tickely and valiantly in the taking of Bonna, with many other memorable enterprises, which deserue an honorable remembrance: hee was made knight by the Earle of Lecester: when hee died hee was but young; hee was verie stronge and hardie, and alwaies brought vp in the warres; a great enterpriser, and actiue beyonde all measure, and soden in his actions, for when as the enemie D thought him to bee dronke and fast a sleepe, hee would bee manie times either vpon their walles, or before their gates: hee was liberall and well beloued of his souldiars. His verie enimies would confesse and say of him that hee knewe how to take townes and fortes, but hee could not hold them when hee had them, but that was no disgrace, nor any blemish to his reputation beeing but a priuate Gentleman, and no King nor Prince, for hee left the keeping of them to his captaines. Being high minded, some-what willfull and rough of behauiour, he was many times held in disgrace with the Estates, but at the last hee applied himselfe to the time, and for that the Marshall Villiers died not long before, it was thought in time hee should haue beene aduanced and preserred to that same place.
After the death of Collonel Schenck, the Fort which hee had built (called then E the spectacle, or the Foxes hole and nowe Grauenward, although most commonly A muti [...]y in the [...]ort of Grauenw [...]erd. they call it Schenkes-sconse) which during his life-time had beene kept in verie good order and discipline, mutined for their paie, the which they sayd resolutlie the would haue, or els they would finde them that should pay them. And it was giuen out that they had alreadie begune to treate with the Duke of Cleues to yeeld it vnto him. But the Earle of Meurs comming thether the fifteenth day of August, pacified al, promising them vpon the word o [...] an Earle, they should bee paied and satisfied, making it his owne debt.
In the beginning of Sommer William Earle of Nassau Gouernor of Friseland for Wars in Friseland. F the Estates made a certaine enterprise vpon Delfziel, for the effecting whereof, hee attempted the Fort of Rheyde, which is almost an Island, lying in the riuer of Ems, right against the towne of Emden, which he battred and tooke by force, the which [Page 1023] he fortefied and made a very strong sconst Iland: and then he tooke some other small A forts thereabouts: the duke of Parma to hinder these petty victories sent both men and 1589. mony to Verdugo gouernor of Groning, but Collonel Schenke defeated them vpon the plaines of Lippe, as we haue said. The twenty of October William Earle of Nassau tooke an other sconse called Saltcamp, lying in the mouth of the Reedeep, and entring it by force in the sight of Verdugo, (who could not preuent it) he slue eighty men therein, and tooke many prisoners, this sconce lieth in a marish, stopping the passage vpon Reedeepe vnto Groning.
The twenty eight of August, the Earle of Meurs with the garrisons of Lochem and other neere places, entred into Westphalia: And for that the great Borrough of Graue two leagues from Munster the cheefe Towne of Westphalia, did Graue in Westphalia spoyled B commonly entertaine the Spaniards which came from about Groning and did fauour them more then the estates men: being that day a great free fare especially for horses and much frequented, they entred into it, sackt the faier and all the inhabitants and marchants that were come thether, carrying away a great spoyle. The generall estates to make their nauigation to France and England free, manned forth a good number of shippes of warre to conuoy their marchants, and to defend them against those of Dunkerk and other ports which the Spaniard held vpon the coast of Flanders, which shippes were set in gard before the said hauens, besides many others that were vpon the riuers of Ems, Rhine, Meuse, Wahal, Leck, and other places, where as the enemy might haue any passage to make his courses into the vnited Prouinces, so as all the C ships of warre which were intertayned at that time by the estates (besides their pinasses which is like a small galley) and the hoyes of munition came to a 114. saile, and oftentimes more, as the necessity of the time and occasion required. It happened at that time that one of the estates shippes (whereof Iacob Antonissen, vice Admirall of Harlem was captaine, but not then aboard for that hee was sicke) lying with other shippes in gard before Dunkerke, while the rest of his company had the enemy in chase he being alone, certaine fisher-boates well manned and other shippes of Dunkerk cunningly A resolute act of one of the estates captaines at sea. set vpon him, grapled with him and borded him, where after they had fought along time and valiantly defended them-selues, finding them-selues in the end too weake they set fire on their pouder, and blue both themselues vp, and a great number of them D of Dunkerke that had borded them, few onely escaping by swimming, and burnt the shippes that were fastned to it.
The Dunkerkers being now very strong at sea by reason of the great prizes which they tooke daily from them of Holland and Zeeland, where with they did so inrich their soldiars, as they tempted many saylers and soldiars of the vnited Prouinces, to runne thether and to serue them, and so they kept in the north seas, and tooke diuers English men, Netherlanders and fishermen, and put them to ransome, for assurance whereof they tooke out the maisters, pylots and marchants and whatsoeuer was good within the shippes and then let them goe. The Englishmen for their parts made no meanes to preuent these spoyles, but the vnited Prouinces first somoning all their E saylers and soldiars which serued vnder them of Dunkerke (hauing committed no heynous crimes) to come from them, promising them a pardon, they appointed a great number of shippes to keepe the seas, so as they tooke diuers shippes of Dunkerke, and hung vp the men presently, of whome the gallowes hung full in some townes of Holland and Zeeland, for an example vnto others, as vnworthy to bee ransomed: whereby their number being some-what decreased, they durst not put forth so boldly as they had a fore time beene accustomed, vntill that they ioyned them-selues with the leaguers of New-hauen and of the riuer of Soome keeping in their hauens.
The towne of Bercke lying vpon the Rhine, and belonging to the iurisdiction of F Cologne, being pend vp (though not very neere) by diuers sconses made and strongly garded by the Duke of Parmas forces, the Estates were still forced to victuall the same by strong hand, either by the Earle of Meurs, Mounsire Villiers, or Collonel Schencke.
[Page 1024] This yeare in Ianuary they made a bridge ouer the Rhine, and thereby vsed to victual 1584. A the towne, the enemie looking on them, but beeing to weake in horse, he was forced to endure it, and in Iuly after they made a sconse aboue Rees, the better to releeue it, which the Marquis of Varambon would willingly haue hindred, but hee could not. The two and twenty day of September the Earles of Hohenlo, Meurs and Ouerstein past with goodly troupes of horse and foote for the Estates into the Betuwe, to dislodge those Spaniards, that were entred into the Island of Bomel. But beeing aduertised thereof they were to wise to attend them, and repassing the Meuse, after they The [...]paniards chased out of the Island of Bomel. had burnt the castle of Puydroyen and some other places, they returned into the Mairie of Boiseleduc in Brabant.
At that time Mounsire Balaigny Gouernor of Cambray was wauering, keeping both the Kings of France, Spaine and the league in breath, and drawing comoditie from B them all. When as the league sought succors from the King of Spaine, offring him the townes of Guise, La Fere and Peronne in pawne, the Spaniard demanded ouer and aboue to haue Cambray: wherevnto Balaigny opposed, meaning as hee sayd to keepe it for the Crowne of France, whosoeuer were King, but rather for himselfe. The Duke of Parma building vpon certaine intelligences which hee had with some of the Clergie and Bourgers of the Towne, sent the Marquis of Renty, Charles Earle of Mansfeldt, and la Motte Pardieu thether, who came with their troupes neere vnto Cambray the fifteeneth day of September, attending the effect which they expected of their intelligences; which was that making a generall procession C on the nineteenth day, the Chanoins and Bourgers of that faction should keepe a port open by the which they should giue entrie to the Duke of Parmas men. But Balaignyes wife (who was verie cunning) hauing vented this mine, beeing aduertised by some one of the enterprise, (whome shee had wonne) they were disapointed, for the which the Deane of the Cathedrall Church with some Chanoin [...] and Burgers were committed to prison, who at Balaignyes returne (being then absent) were executed.
The Earle of Meurs to victuall the towne of Bercke, sent the Earle of Ouerstein, the Barron of Poetly [...] and Sir Francis Vere thether with a thousand horse and two thousand foote, knowing well that the Marquis of Varambon was there attending D with eight hundred foote, and fiue hundred horse to hinder the sayd victualing. These three Commanders beeing vpon their marche with some Artillerie, they set vpon a fort which was called the Roynettes of Cologne, the which they tooke and manned with a good garrison: from thence passing the water neere vnto the castle of Loo, hauing now past Teckenhof, the Marquis thinking to charge them in the reere, he found that (contrary to his expectation) he was valiantly with-stood by Sir Francis Vere with foure Companies of English, and by Christopher Wolfs Cornet of The Marquis of Varambon defeated by the [...]states. Reyetrs being on the wing of the reereward: so as this charge turned into a Battaile, whereas Varambon lost aboue 600. men vpon the place, with ten Enseignes and three Cornets, besides the prisoners, and aboue 200. horse, whereof the English had sixe E score for their part, and amongst them there was one which the Marquis did vse to ride on, who had now saued himselfe by flight. Among all the prisoners there was not any one of reckoning, but a pettie Italien Count, Cousin to the Cardynall Caraffa, who was wounded, and one Lieutenant. There were not aboue foure [...]eene Knights, Captaines and Officers slaine, whereof one was the Marquis of Cico, Nephew to Spinelli, Maister of the Campe; Iohn Antonio Caraffa and Alonzo Palagano both captaines, and seauen Antients, most Neapolitaines. Whilest they were in fight Count Charles of Mansfeldt came posting thether with threescore and ten companies of horse and foote, but the Earle of Ouersteyn, the Barron of Poetlys & Sir Francis Vere hauing won this victorie made hast to recouer Berck with their conuoy and victualls. The Earle of Mansfeldt thought to haue met with them in their returne, but they took an other F course, passing the Rhine nere vnto the fort of Rees. This incounter was the 15. of October. The same month the Earle of Mansfeldt hauing made prouision at Nymeghen of al things needfull to beseige a town, hauing marched away with his horsemen from [Page 1025] Boisleduc towards Graue, passing by a little wood, hee was saluted with a Volley 1589. A of small shotte, which wounded some horses, wherefore hauing caused the wood A deere brauado of 35. soldiers. to be compast round about and searcht, they found 35 soldiers there, whereof 30. were slaine vpon the place, and the other were hanged.
Whilest that the Earle of Mansfedlt made preparation to go and besiege Berke, the Earle of Meurs to succor it (as hee had done twice or thrice before) gathered togither all the men hee could, beeing at Arnhem, the chiefe towne of Gelderland, in The vnfor [...] nate death of the Earle of Meurs. the Dukes Pallace, where meaning to make a tryall of some fire workes, the powlder was vnfortunately sette on fire, where-with a part of the Chamber was blowne away, and hee burnt, and drawne from vnder the ruines of the house, whereof he died within few daies after, full of paine, whereby the succoring of Berke was broken of and B yet it held out three monthes longer.
The Earle of Mansfeldt had resolued to besiege Berke after an other manner, hauing prepared all things necessary, hee came out of Bommels-Weert, where [...] had battered the sconse of Vorne tenne daies togither in vaine, and in Nouember hee [...]oke the Sconse of Reez aforesaid, the which by reason of the dry wether and the lownesse of the water, they did yeeld by composition, whereby the besieged could not bee now well releeued, who hauing great want of victuals, and finding that their succors failed them; the Estates considering also that this towne being so farre from them would bee ouer chargeable to victuall so often, they did consent that the besieged should make the best composition they could with the Spaniard: so as in the end of Ianuary C 1590. the towne of Berke was yeelded to Charles Earle of Mansfeldt for the King of Berke yeelded to the Earle of Mansfeldt. Spaine, the Captaines, Officers, and all the soldiers going forth with their ful armes, and baggage, the Drumme sounding, Coullors flying, matches light, and bullets in their mouthes, and to carry them away they should haue fifty shippes and Scutes with conuenient Conuoy, and a Captaine called Dauid Soper a prisoner should be discharged without ransome. The Burgers likewise had good conditions, and so Berke (other-wise called Rhynebercke) was giuen ouer: It is thought that there were certaine secret promises made, which caused the garrison to yeeld more willingly, as that the Countesse of Meurs (then a widdow) should quietly inioy her landes by circumscription, as beeing a member of the Empire and Neutrall. Thus the Duke of Parma D tooke in the townes and places in the Territories of Cologne to the vse (as hee said) of Ernestus Bishoppe of Cologne, but hee kept the chiefe places with good garrisons, as Rhynebercke, Bonna, Nuys, Keysersweert, and after the taking of Bercke, hee had some disseignes vppon the Townes of Cleues, Goch, Reez, and Emric, belonging to the Duke of Cleues, but all was in vaine, his enterprise beeing discouered.
There was not much more done this yeare neither by the Duke of Parma nor yet by the vnited Prouinces, the Duke (beeing busie to send men and money into France) stayed at Bins in Henault, where the Duke of Maine and other commanders of the League came to speake with him: on the other side the vnited Prouinces E sent vnto the French King tenne thousand poundes starling, with victualls and munition of warre, by the Lord of Brederode (issued from the Earles of Holland and Zealand) Iustine of Nassau Admirall of Zealand, and the Seignior of Pree Agent there for the Estates. And the Queene of England sent him first twenty thousand pounds starling, by Sir Edward Stafford then her Maiesties Ambassador with some poulder, munition for war, and ships to serue him: & within 15. daies after being besieged in Deepe by the League, the Queene sent the Lord Willoughby ouer with 4000. men to his succor. The generall Estates had long before reduced all the enemies Frontier Countries to certaine ceasments and contributions of money, payable monethly, as well vppon the landes as vppon the Countrie houses, Villages and F vnwalled townes, which had no Forts to supplie the payment of their frontering Garrisons. By which contributions the Peasants and Inhabitants of the sayde frontering places were freed from the courses, spoyles and ransoming of their Soldiers: The which without all doubt was a very great ease for the poore people and [Page 1026] laborers and other good people, who might freely doe their worke and follow their 1589. A trafficke and marchandise with all safety, going and comming freely into the townes and Fortes of either party.
This was against all right in the warres of fore-passed ages, who would not yeeld any thing vnto their enemies (as the Duke of Alua caused a poore peasant to be hangged, for that he had bene forced to carry a bottle of hay to the Prince of Oranges Camp before Maestricht) and it was also dangerous. But the profit which did rise thereby, did counteruayle the paine to prouide for the dangers which they feared. The which the Spaniard might in like manner doe for his part, who might reape farre greater comodities thereby then the Estates. But no man smarted so much as the Lord of the soyle and proprietary, who by reason of these contributions, did not receiue halfe B the reuenues they were accustomed to doe. Mondragon Gouernor and Castellan of Antwerp, notwithstanding the profit which the King of Spaine reapt thereby, did forbid Mondragon forbids con [...]tions. the Inhabitants of the Champian country to pay any more contributions to the Estates: The which they did not bring in as they had bene accustomed: Which made the Estates seeke to force them (that occupied such houses and land) therevnto by the way of armes. Where-vpon Captaine Marcelius Bax brother to Paul Gouernor of Berghen vp Zoome, with his company of horse and part of his brothers, went often to field to make these executions, so as one day among the rest the Village of Vlrich was burnt, for an example and terror to the rest, they hauing done some displeasure vnto the garrison of Berghen, and this was the last of Nouember. C
In December Marcellus Bax with other Captaines went forth of Berghen with 160. horse and 70. foote to attend for a Conuoy of victuals which was to go from Antwerp to Steenberghen, conducted by three companies of high Dutches: being in ambush A Conu [...]e defeated by the Estates men. they charged them vpon a heath, where they defeated them quite, tooke Collonel Maldits prisoner, with the three Captaines and many others, as well soldiers, Marchants, victuallers, as peasants, with all their wagons, victuals, munition and baggage, among other bootie his men found new cassocks for Don Fernando of Gonzagues company of horse, with great store of good and rich marchandise, but they paied dearely for it, for many of their horses were slaine or wounded by the Germaines shotte, who in the beginning had intrencht themselues with their wagons, and could not haue beene forced, D had not the 70. shot followed at the first charge. Bax lost three of his best horses, two in the fight, and the third being shotte in diuers places brought him home to Berghen. The three companies of Germaines were 400. pikes & 200 musketiers and smal shot: they sent two Enseignes to Prince Maurice, and the peeces of the third with all the booty they kept for them-selues.
Cont William of Nassau hauing taken from the Spaniards in the country of Groning, the Forts of Immentes, Soltcamp and others, he did fortifie them to keepe al that quarter of Friseland vnder the Estates contribution, with the helpe of the Forts of Otterdome and Rheid lying aboue Groning: There fell out also a great iealousie and discontentment betwixt the inhabitants of Groning and their Gouernor Verdugo, they of the E towne complaining that he sought to bring in a garrison, seeing that since the retreat They of Groning discontented with their Gouernor. of Gaspar of Robles Lord of Billy, as also during the time they held for the Estates, they had alwaies defended them-selues well without any garrison. Where-vppon Verdugo seeing that the Earle of Nassau did still prosper, and that he had small assurance of them of the towne: He writte vnto the Duke of Parma, intreating him to send him supplies of men: who presently dispacht away Cont Herman Vanden Berghe, with twenty two companies, as wel Spaniards as others, to receiue the which at the passage of the Rhyne, Verdugo went with certaine troups; but hearing that the Estates were entred into the country of Groning, he turned head. These companies sent by the Duke of Parma, hauing past the Rhyne, marched towards Oldenzeel, & by the Tuente in the quarter of Ems, to enter that way into the country of Groning: Cont William of Nassau was also fortified F by the comming of the Earle of Ouersteyne with fiue hundred horse and some foote: so as the Spaniards and the States men went to campe vpon the Frontier, one neere vnto an other, but without any blowes: Wherefore they of Groning seeing that it was [Page 1027] against them that either party aymed: and aboue all that Verdugo had sent for those 1589 A forces against them, they stood more vpon their gards then euer, and were more fearefull to be surprised, knowing well that all townes were ruined, whereas the Spaniards keepe a garrison, and in effect the champian country endured no lesse at that time of them who were their friends then of the Estates men whome they held for enimies: neither were they of Westphalia (which is a neuter country) free. The towne of Aix la Chapell called by some Aken, an old imperiall and rich towne, lieth betweene Cologne and Mastricht, and by meanes of the troubles in the Netherlands was of late The discription of Aix la Chapel [...]. yeares become very populous and of great trafficke, by reason that it is a free neutrall Towne, many of the reformed religion fled thether with their whole families, so as they grew to so great a number, as it seemed the magistrates by common consent B would haue allowed them free exercise of religion within their towne, if they had not feared the authority of the Emperor and the power of their neighbours: yet had they liberty enough to exercise it priuatly within some great howses, whereat the Catholikes did much murmure especially their neighbors the Dukes of Parma and Cleues, who for that cause (vnder pretence of other quarrells) obtained diuers comissioners from the Emperor, to authorise the neighbors about them, as the Dukes of Parma and Cleues and the country of Leege to compell the towne of Aix to obey his commandements. But for a long time they excused them-selues with modest and reasonable answers; till now about this time the King of Spaine and the Duke of Parma thinking it in vaine to bring any more regiments into the Netherlands, vntill they were assured C of the neighbour countries townes, as of Emden, Wesel, Aix and others, houlding The King of Spaines at t [...]pts against Aix and other townes. it not fit to suffer the Netherlanders (whome they termed rebels) to settle themselues there, wherefore they thought good to begin first with them of Aix, thinking them-selues in a manner assured of the countries of Iulliers and Cleues, by reason of the ould Dukes infirmity, whome they had long gouerned by a Spanish affected councell, and as for the young Duke, who was but simple, and married to a daughter of the house of Baden an ernest Catholike Princesse, they feared him not. In the territories adiacent there-vnto as Cologne, Leege and Munster, they had placed Ernestus of Bauaria to bee Bishoppe, being there creature, whereby the King of Spaine did hope that in the end hee should haue the dominion of those places, when as the inhabitants D by incursions and the spoyles of warre should bee brought to extremity, as they of Vtrecht had beene in the yeare one thousand fiue hundred twenty seauen, vnder Hendricke Bishop of Bey [...]rne: they were in hope also by some meanes to get the towne of Cologne and Emden, omitting no practise nor stratageme: for the effecting of this their desseigne, they had often delt with them of Aix by the Emperor and the Duke of Cleaues, and now at last the Duke of Parma by authority from the King, as Duke of Brabant and Limbourch, and vpon pretext of being Protector of the towne of Aix, he sought by Proclamation to cut of all the preuiledges which that towne of Aix claymed in the Netherlands, and declared openly that he did not accoumpt it a neutrall towne, whether the fugitiue Netherlanders should fly for refuge, and inioy The King of Spaines proclamation against them of Aix. E their lands and possessions in the Netherlands, as was graunted vnto such as did dwell in neutrall places, wherefore he commanded them to depart and leaue the said towne of Aix, and either to returne into his dominions, and there to liue like good Catholikes, or else to goe and inhabite in other places and that within the space of foureteene daies after the publication of the said Proclamation, within the townes of Antwerp and Mastricht, vpon paine of forfeyture of the said graces and preuiledges, and all their goods moueable and immouable: commanding all his Officers to see it presently published, proclaimed and put in execution. This proclamation was made at Bins the tenth of December in the yeare of our Lord one thousand fiue hundred eighty nine. F
And in the beginning of the yeare it was signified vnto them of Aix; The Maior and Sheriffes (which were fled) seeking by this meanes to ouerthrow the authority of the great Councell of the towne, had beene first sutors for it to the Emperor and the Duke of Iuliers as one of the Protectors of the aforesayd towne: whose [Page 1028] Councell (and among the rest one Shynckern Amptman of the towne and Castell of Iuil [...]ers) 1589. A did solicit it with the Bishop of Liege, who procured it from the Duke of Parma in the King of Spaines name, to whome the Emperor both in this & many other things, referred much. The reason was that after the retreat of strangers, (whose goods and reunues did lye most in landes in the Low-countries) through the ayd of their Partisans they might returne, and dispossessing the Magistrates of the reformed religion, settle them-selues in their places, but for this time they were disapointed of their expectation: yet afterwards in the yeare 1598. they addrest them-selues vnto Cardinall Albert of Austria, who vndertooke it.
This proclamation did spoile many of the chiefe of the straungers, for that they began to ceaze vpon their lands & goods in the Netherlands, which dwelt in Aix, wherefore B some retyred to Cologne, others into the country of Iuilliers: Such as went to Leege were presently chased away, some continued there still, and some redeemed them-selues for money, purchasing safeguard from the Duke of Parma at a deere rate, for a yeare, or halfe a yeare, more or lesse, being forced still to renue them still at the same price, the which was held mechanike and dishonorable in such a Prince. The of Aix made petition vnto the Princes Electors at an Imperiall Diet held at Spires, and to the Emperor to haue their priuiledge confirmed.
By reason of the warres in France in Anno 1589. the Estate of the Netherlands was then much altered, for that the Prouinces of Arthois, Henault, Luxembourg, Namur, 1590. and others, bordering vpon France, were then to defend them-selues, from the inuasions C of the French, in regard the King of Spaine (as head of the holy League) tooke vppon him to aid and assist the rebels of France, giuing the Duke of Parma charge to haue The Vnited Prouinces haue some by rea [...] o [...] the wa [...]e; of [...]rance. a care thereof, for the which in the beginning of this yeare 1590. hee assembled an armie vpon the Frontiers of Arthois, which he sent into France vnder the commaund of the Earle of Egmont: by which meanes the vnited Prouinces had some time and respight to breath, after their long miseries and intestine warres, which they had indured against so mighty an enemie. And for that the gouernment of many is most tedious and dilatory, but wise and prouident in resolution, so in the two yeares last past, they had spent their time to aduance their affaiers first appeasing all factions betwixt the Estates and the English, and the mutinies of their garrisons, great wisdome, policie, money and discipline beeing thereto requisite and necessary, the Queene of England being well D pleased they should gouerne among them-selues, as wee haue formerly declared.
Concerning religion (whereof the gouernment of the country much consisteth) they had alwaies an especiall care to follow the necessary resolutions of the generall Estates, in the time of the late Prince of Orange, making a religious peace, and hauing a dislike that men should i [...]gine their consciences should be forced otherwise then by good instruction, good liuing and by prayer. And finding them of the reformed religion (the most zealous to defend the liberties & wel-fare of the Netherlands, in regard they had bene many times persecuted for religion by the Spaniards) to bee wel vnited togither, they therefore grounded their foundation vpon the greatest number: and for that the The pollicie of the vnited [...]states concer [...]ng r [...] gion. E Estate and gouernment consisted of so many heads and opinions, they sought to reduce this diu [...]rsitie of mindes and opinions into one vnitie and consent, for the good & wellfare of the country, whereof they had an especiall care, in regard of their continuall wars, in which vnity their only support & maintenance consisted, as by their common seale (wherein standeth a bundle of Arrowes bound togither) appeareth: and for that consideration they neuer forced any mans conscience, but only seditious Sectaries, as certaine Anabaptists and Munsterians, and such as were il conceited of the Magistrates, for that they punished Malefactors with the sword of Iustice; to them they allowed no open assemblie [...], other sects (whereof God amend it, there haue bene to many for a long time) they thought good to suffer them for the present time & to reclaime them if they could, by preaching and sermons, made in the reformed Churches, with commandement F to liue in brotherly loue, and to win them with loue and charitie: the reformed vsing to that end in their Churches a certaine Christian discipline, to auoyd scandall and ill speeches.
[Page 1029] Those of the confession of Ausbourg (which seeke to diuide themselues from the reformed 1590 A religion) were allowed to haue preaching and exercises (with carefull ouersigh) in certaine townes. The Catholikes also had no publike exercise of their religion allowed them, the which was done in pollicie, because of the warres, attending a time vntill it should bee otherwise prouided for, and resolued by the countrie or generall Estates, after an assured peace. The Catholikes made no great question about their baptizings and burialls, and touching marriages, it was decreed by a publike proclamation, that all such as were not of the reformed religion, (after law full and open publication) comming before the Magistrates in the towne-houses, were orderly giuen in marriage one vnto an other.
And to shew that their onelie care was for vnity, religion and libertie, this yeare they B caused certaine counters to bee made, hauing on the one side two hands griped fast together, and holding sixe arrowes bound together with this inscription, Deo iuuante. On the other side was a strong piller, standing vpon a great square booke called religion, and vpon the piller was a hat, which signified libertie. This pillar was fast bound by sixe strong armes noting the sixe Prouinces of Gelders, Holland, Zeeland, Friseland, Oueryssel and Vtrecht, with this inscription vnder the foundation called religion, Hac nitimur: and ouer the hat of libertie, Hanc tuemur, as if they would say, By the force of truth and vnity, grounded vpon religion, with the helpe of God, we enioye and maintaine our libertie.
For the generall gouernment of the Prouinces, they had a counsell of Estate, consisting The vnited Prouinces ruled by a councell of Estate. C of gentlemen, and lawiers, where the Queene of England was to haue two councellers, but at that time there was but one, which was Maister Thomas Bodley (now a Knight) and Maister Gilpin Secretarie of the sayd counsell; this councell had the ordring of all causes in euery Prouince, the generall Estates being not alwaies assembled, who commanded ouer this councell of Estate: and besides this euerie particular Prouince had their priuate councell.
After the death of the Prince of Orange they did chuse Prince Maurice, Earle of Prince Maurice made Lieutenant generall. Nassau, Gouernor of Holland and Zeeland, Admirall of the sea, and Lieutenant generall of their forces, and Philip Earle of Hohenlo; an old souldiar and of great experience his Lieutenant. Vtrecht, Oueryssel and Gelderland, did likewise at that time D chuse Prince Maurice for their gouernor. William Lodowike Earle of Nassau, eldest sonne to Iohn Earle of Nassau was gouernor in Friseland, a souldiar of good experience and polliticke. Prince Maurice was from his youth trained vp by his father in the warres, and in affaires of Estate, and was his second sonne (his eldest brother Philip William, who is now Prince of Orange and Earle of Buren, beeing yet kept prisoner in Spaine) and for that cause beeing verie fit to supplie the place hee was chosen chiefe Generall and Commander ouer all their forces both by sea and land. In matters concerning the land, hee was to bee ruled by the aduise of the councell of Estate, and touching the sea by the admiralitie: and certaine Comities were appointed vnder him, when any thing was to bee done concerning the countrie, and the limmits of their liberties, by whose aduice all causes touching the state were E directed in the armie, and the particular affaires concerning Gouernment and Pollicie by the Councell of warre, chosen out of euerie Regiment and Nation seruing therein. And for that Holland was the greatest strongest and mightiest of all the vnited Prouinces, therefore many causes which were handled in the councell of Estate, were done by the aduise and councell of Iohn van Ouden Barnevelt, Lord of Crimpel, Aduocate of Holland, in regarde of his great wisdome and experience.
The Netherlanders haue as great meanes to bring in money for the mayntenance The meanes how the Estates leauy money for their warres. of their warres, as euer was heard or seene in any Countrie, the which is done willingly, with a generall consent, and with little hurt and preiudice to F the Inhabitants, and by that meanes the countrie grewe rich, mighty and strong, for they suffred any thing to bee carried vnto the enemie paying lycense for the same, especially such things whereof they had aboundance and superfluitie, and [Page 1030] that there subiects by making, working and carrying it thether may get any thing, arysing 1590. A or abating the rate of the license, as they found the enemy to haue neede of their commodities, moderating it in such sort as the enemy could not buy it better cheape in any place then of them. They suffred the enemy to bring any thing vnto them that they had neede of, especially such things as they could not well haue but from thence, paying but small custome or lycense mony, and contrarywise making them to pay great custome for things which they brought, whereof they had no neede, hauing still a great regard vnto their trade of marchandise and especially vnto their sea-faring and fishing.
Besides this they could so well husband their mony and imploy it to the best profit, as all Potentates, common weales, and commanders in the warres might take example The Est [...]es good husbandrie for the imployment of their mony. B by them, capitulating with their Collonels, Captaines and soldiars as strictly as they could, yet alwaies paying them wel, which made the captaines to complaine oftentimes for that a captaine seruing vnder the enemy or in other places, might reape more benifit by a Company of men, then a Collonell vnder the Estates by ten companies but it was vncertaine. And for that the vnited Prouinces did pay their men duely and truely, there was very good discipline held among their soldiars, so as wheresoeuer they past throughout the country, they were well vsed, and welcome in all places, for that they found their necessaries alwaies redy for them, the which was truely paied, whensoeuer they dislodged to any other place, and throughout all the Prouinces they did seuerely punish theeues and such as offred any violence. C
They did not vsually entertaine any great forces, but they had old, valiant and well disciplined soldiars with the which they did many great exploits. At that time they What number of m [...]n the v [...]ted Prouinces entertayned. had about twenty thousand foote and two thousand horse, besides the Bourgers, whom in time of necessity, they imployed and paied as soldiars. They entertained about a hunderd shippes of warre at sea and within their riuers, being all well appointed; and whensoeuer they came from any seruice, their men were presently to be paid. Besides this ordinary charge of shippes, saylers and soldiars, they tooke order by a generall consent for a certaine prouision of money to be made, for the entertayning of an army in the field, for certaine monethes in the yeare, with ordinance, pioners and a supply of soldiars, to make an offensiue warre, to inlarge their fronters, and also to aide the French D King, with money, munition and men both by sea and land.
The Queene of England also paied to her souldiars in the garrisons of the Brill, of Flushing, and to those that aided the Estates within the country twelue thousand fiue What the Queene of England paied euery monthe to releeue the Estates. The vnited Prouinces rich by their wars. hundred twenty six pounds starling euery moneth, accounting 56. daies to the moneth according to the contract, besides extraordinary charges for transportation of souldiars, and the apparell both for horse and foote, which was yearely to bee prouided.
By this prouident care and wise gouernment of the Estates and their assistants, the vnited Prouinces were exceeding rich and mightie, yea in the midest of their greatest warres, which commonly makes any countrie poore and miserable, and yet they robbed no man at sea, but were rather robbed, and at land they vsed but the ordinary course E of warre: and this is euident by their fare, great and costly buildings in their townes, their strong and great fortifications, their aboundance of Ordinance, and great numbers of rich and welthie inhabitants, who for that their wanted houses for them to dwell in, many were forced to dwell in shippes, whereof they haue many in that country, very sweete, faire and necessary for that vse: and some townes haue bene constrained to inlarge their walles for the building of more houses, with such hauens, walles, bulwarkes, gates and sumptuous workes, as it were admirable to bee written; the which may well bee seene by many townes from West-friseland along to Walchren in Zeeland.
In the beginning of this yeare, a regiment of Spaniards complayning for their pay The Spaniards murine and surprize Cortrey. beganne to mutine, seeking what townes of Flanders they might surprize for their pay, F so as in the end they found a good oportunitie to cease vpon Cortrey, whilest that all the people were busie to see two freebooters of the Estates side burnt aliue, they entred into the towne with a furious and fearefull alarum, in the which there were [Page 1031] some Bourgers slaine, making themselues maisters of the towne and lyuing at discretion. 1590 A They sent to other Spanish garrisons to doe the like, and to ioyne with them in their mutiny. They thought to haue done the like at Bruges and other places, but they were preuented, the Bourgers standing vpon their gards, hauing such an example of their neighbors before their eyes. They continued long there in this mutinous humour, behauing themselues verie insolently to the townesmen, and the inhabitants round about, which the Prince of Ascoly himselfe could by no meanes appeaze, but they retayned him forcebly for a while as a pledge, but this disorder proceeding from the couetousnesse of the Officers at the comming of the Earle of Fuentes out of Spaine, was partly punished, who caused the Lord of Sanfoy and other Officers to bee committed to prison, and some to be executed, taking a better order for their pay out of the treasory of Brusselles. B
All these mutynies were thought to bee by the prouocation of the Duke of Pastrana and the Prince of Ascoly who hated the Duke of Parma, and sought by that meanes to doe him an affront, but hee surmounted all, hauing receiued a continuation of his commission, and commandement from the King of Spaine, to goe and succor the league in France. Beeing at Bins in Henault, the Duke of Maine chiefe of the The duke of Maine comes to the [...]uke of Parma. league, carrying himselfe as Lieutenant of the Estate and crowne of France comming to conferre with him, with some other Noble men of the league as wee haue sayd. The Spaniards that were mutined in Courtray durst not refuse to make this voiage with him into France, being the Kings pleasure, for the effecting whereof, they made hast to ransome the poore Bourgers, threatning to burne their towne, so as they forced them to C pay the vttermost of all their arrerages, in what money, and at what rate they pleased.
The fourth day of March Breda was surprized for Prince Maurice, beeing his inheritance, after this manner. The signior of Herauguiere a gentleman of Cambray, captaine of a companie of foote vnder the vnited Prouinces, beeing in garrison with his companie and some other souldiars in the island of Voorn neere vnto Bommel, vnder the command and authoritie of Count Phillip of Nassau gouernor of the townes of Gorrichom, Vaudrichom or Vorcum and Louestein, and Collonel of a Regiment of foote. This Earle after the retreate of Prince Maurice out of those quarters, did impart vnto the sayd Heraugiere (whome hee knewe to bee a hardie and valiant captaine) D a certaine designe which the Prince would willingly haue made vpon the towne of Breda, and the meanes that were offred for the execution thereof, which was by a certaine man which went with a little barke laden with woode, the which hee did often carrie to the castle of Breda, or by an other boate of the like bignesse which did vse to carrie turfe vnto the castle: which two men had beene long time greatly affected to doe some seruice to the generall cause of the vnited Prouinces, as they had often giuen good testimonies: wherevnto captaine Herauguiere made answere: that first of all hee did most humbly thanke the Prince and the Earle for the honour which they had done him therein. That hee for a long time had dedicated his life and fortune to the Princes seruices, as all his actions might well witnesse during the E warres: desyring nothing more then by some great and notable exploit, to shewe the sincere affection of his heart in that behalfe, and how little hee valued his life, in regard of the loue hee bare vnto the Prince. And therefore if it so pleased him, there should not bee any one that would more willingly imploye himselfe in so gallant and honorable an enterprize. And hauing discoursed together of the importance of this action, and of the meanes to put it in execution, and dulie considered of all daungers, hee resolued (according to the Earles commandement) to goe to Prince Maurice at the Hage in Holland, beeing newly returned from the army, to determine fully of this businesse. F
Herauguiere beeing come thether, and hauing conferred with the Prince of the manner Breda surprized for Prince Mauric [...]. of the execution, and of the number of choise and resolute souldiars that should bee needfull to be imployed in the action; they found at that time no better expedient▪ then to attempt it by a boate laden with wood. But as this enterprize was protracted [Page 1032] by reason of the great and long frosts in winter; in the end of February the Prince sent 1590 A for Herauguiere, letting him vnderstand in the presence of captaine Edmont (now Collonel of the Scots) that a fit time was offred to put it in execution, and that hee held the best meanes to bee by a boate of turfes, the maister whereof was called Adrien van Berghen. Herauguiere who wished nothing more then to be at worke, desired the boatman might bee sent for. To whome (hauing beene well examined vpon all circumstances) instructions were giuen what hee had to doe; and commandement giuen him not to treat with any other from that time but with Herauguiere: who then went towards the Fort of Noortdam where his company was in garrison, and the man with his boate to a village called Leur two leagues from Breda, where hee was to take in his turfes. Who hauing laden and being ready according to the order, hee aduertised Herauguiere for the putting it in execution on the Twesday following, as it had beene B resolued by the Prince, sending him word by captaine Lambert Charles (who for this seruice was afterwards made Sargeant Maior of Breda) that it was necessary to anticipate the day, and to begin on the Monday, for that the Receiuor of the castle did presse him to deliuer his turfes: The sayd Lambert made such speede, as hauing spoken with the Prince at the Hage, hee returned presently with answere to Herauguiere, that the Prince would bee ready at the place appointed, with a number fit for the exploite.
In the meane time Herauguiere according to the charge he had from the Prince, sent to diuers garrisons for many Officers, with the most choise and resolute souldiars. Out C of the Collonels companie of Count Philip of Nassau sixteene, led by captaine Iohn Logier: from the garrison of Heusden (whereof Mounsire de Famas was Gouernor,) sixteene led by captaine Iohn Fernel: from the garrison of Clundert of the Signor of Lieres men beeing gouernor of the Island, twelue, commanded by captaine Matthis Helt his Lieutenant, and of Herauguieres owne companie Gerard des Pres a Squier with foure and twenty soldiers. On Sunday the fiue and twentith of February, about tenne of the clocke at night, after that hee had acquainted the chiefe Officers with his disseigne, knowing that the boate attended them, the which lay at Swerttenbarchsweer, they marched that way as couertly as they could for the space of some sixe houres, yet they could neither finde boate nor men, the which did much D trouble them, fearing that they should bee discouered, and therefore they resolued, secretlie to returne: Beeing vpon the way at a village called Terheyden, as they crost the riuer, the boate man, excusing himselfe for this fault, which had happened (as hee said) by his companion, who fell a sleepe, himselfe doubting that all was dasht, and that hee must burne his boate, as if the matter had beene too much descouered, and that hee could neither goe forward nor backward, but with great and apparent danger: Wherevpon beeing demanded if there were meanes to returne the next day, hauing considered a little thereon, hee answered yes. And to fall no more into the like errour it was decreed that the marriner himselfe should goe and fetch them at the castle of Seuenbergh, and so they parted one from an other. E
Night beeing come, the marriner fayled not to come vnto them, assuring them that it was time to march. Before they departed Herauguiere sent word vnto the Prince (who was come with good troupes vnto Clundert) of all that had past. Then they went on with such speed, as with in two houres they entred all into the boate, and were not descouered; where they endured great discommodities for that the winde was contrarie, so as they continued there from Mondaie at night vntill Thursday in the morning, with great colde, hunger and other extreamities.
But seeing the impossibilities to passe on by reason of so many difficulties, they resolued to aduertise the Prince, for that they would not doe any thing without his leaue, vnto whom they sent one of the marriners with letters, wherevnto the F Prince made answere, intreating them to haue patience, one day longer, and charging them not to depart from thence before they aduertised him. They seeing no change in the wether, & wanting victualls, they resolued to go forth to refresh themselues a little: & so they returned to the fort of Noort-dā on the thursday morning before day, where [Page 1033] they staid vntill eleuen of the clocke at night and then their boates-man returned saying, 1590 A that he thought the wether was changed and grone more comodious yet he would not assuer any thing, only he did think the Ice could not anoy them, which the company vnderstanding, they departed with a good resolution, and entred into the boat at a place called the warren, being but a quarter of a league from Breda; so as on friday by nine of the clocke in the morning they were with their boate before the Herourie, which is neere vnto the castell, And betwixt tenne and three in the after-none they were brought within the outwardest barre of the Sluce the which was presently shut behind them: where staying, a corporall of the gard of the castell came in a little skife to serch the boate, entring into the marriners caban, hee opened a litle doore which lookt vnto the pompe, where there was but a board betwixt it and the soldiars. Hauing sercht B it well, and not able to iudge that there was any thing in it but turfes (for at that time very happely, and without doubt by the prouidedence of God noe man did cough or make any noise, as they had done before and after, not withstanding any prohibition) he shut the Caban doore, and so retired, During their aboad in the boat, Herauguiere was forced to heare and endure from some priuat soldiars many complaynts and reproches, telling him, that he had brought them to the Butchery and to an assured death. But he answered them couragiously, that they were in noe sort better, nor equall to him-selfe: and that being their commander vnder so generous a Prince, it would be a perpetuall infamy to abandon so honorable an enterprise, basely and for want of courrage. That they which spake thus should remember, that oftentimes to watch the C marchant and the poore passengers like theeues, they made no difficulty to endure all discomodities of winde and raine: whereas now for so glorious an enterprise, they would shew them-selues vnwilling, whereof they should be much ashamed. As for him-selfe that he had rather die then fayle of his duty: and in the end thretning them that if they did otherwise, hee would bee their aduerse party to demand Iustice of their couardise and trechery, so as vanquished by his admonitions, they all resolued to [...]zard their lyues, not any one daring to speake a word.
Whilest they expected the returne of the tide to enter into the Castell by the great Sluce, the boat was fast vpon a banke of sand, vnknowne to the boate-men, the which did trouble them very much, fearing that by the water which entered into her D they being vp to the mid legges, the boat would sinke and they all should bee drowned, wherewith the boatsman him-selfe was very much perplexed, expecting noe better, vntill the returne of the tide they mending their boat, they grew more assured. On Saterday about two or three of the clocke in the afternoone, the Sluse was open, by the which the boat was brought into the Castell, being drawne in by some of the soldiars of the garrison, therein like to the indescreet and miserable Troians, who made a way into their towne for that great wodden horse which was their ouerthrow.
There boate being thus drawne into the midest of the Castell, the Sargeant Maior commanded the boatman to furnish turfe for euery Corps de garde, so as there were E such a nomber taken away, as the light began to shine vpon the soldiars, through the cranies of the Planks, which supported the turfes, vnder the which they were hidden in the bottome of the boat the which bred a new feare, doubting they would proceed to discharge the boat. But through the pollicy and industrie of the marryner, who gaue a peece of siluer vnto the laborers to goe drinke (as he was accustomed to doe) the worke ceased in good time, saying, that they had wrought too much for a Saterday at night, and that they must discharge the rest on Munday following. Then the Sargeant Maior gaue order that but one of the marryners should remaine in the boate, and the other should goe and lie in the towne. Thus Herauguiere and his soldiars contynued betwixt hope and feare vntill eleuen of the clocke at F night, causing them to pumpe often, that they that co [...]ghed might not be heard: and to the end that when they should goe forth, the gard should not heare the noyse: yet they sent a soldiar to demand what it was that made such a noyse: the marryner answered him, it was the pumpe, which hee was inforced to vse often for that his [Page 1034] boate was olde, wherewith they were satisfied, and in this sort hee continued pumping 1590 A vntil twelue of the clocke. Herauguiere seeing then that it was time to worke, hauing admonished euery souldiar of his duetie, and to shew themselues men of courage and resolution, hee willed the Marryner to make all the noyse he could at the pumpe, to take away the noyse of their going forth Those that were first appointed to land went forth as couertly as they could, to whome they gaue their armes as they went forth. Beeing all landed without descouerie (an admirable thing beeing so neere the Court of garde where there was a sentinell) Herauguiere diuided his troupe in two, hee appointed two captaines Lambert and Fernel to leade one of the troupes towardes the Court of garde on the side of the towne hauen, on the South-east: and he with the rest marcht along the munitiō house, vnder a false port towards an other Court of gard B at the port towards the towne. Herauguiere marching in the head of his troupe, met vpon the way an Italien souldiar, who beeing demanded who goes there, hee answering in his owne Langage, Am [...]go, was seized on, and commanded vpon his life to hold his peace; beeing demanded of the number of the souldiars that were in the sayd Court of garde, and in the whole castle, hee sayd they were three hundred and fiftie men, comprehending those that came out of the towne in the euening, to fortefie the gard, which hearing, it made him keepe him a while, and when the worke should beginne, to kill him. Herauguiere seeing that the souldiars did demande curiously of the number of men, which the prisoner sayd were within the castle; he answered them that hee was well informed they were but fifty, (to hide the enemies force) and that it was no time C then to debate thereof.
Then marching instantly towards the Court of garde the sentinell cryed out, Who goes there? Herauguiere made no other answere, but thrust him through the body with his pike: then was the alarum giuen of all sides, and the fight grewe furious: for they of the Court of gard and the round, seeing themselues surprized, defended themselues valiantly, so as they endured the first charge a long time, keeping themselues strong in the sayd Court of garde, out of one of the which there went an Ancient, who incountred Herauguiere brauely, and hurt him in the arme with his sworde but hee ouerthrew him, and there hee was slaine. But seeing they could not drawe them out of the Court of garde, he commanded his men to shoot through the doores and windoes, D which made them to cry out for mercie, intreating they might haue faire warres; But Herauguiere seeing that neither the time nor the occasion would suffer him to vse mildenesse, but that hee must withall speede make himselfe maister of the place, they were all in a manner presently slaine. Before that all this was ended captaine Paulo, Antonio Lancauechia, the Gouernours Sonne, and commanding in his absence, beeing retired into the dongeon, made a braue sallie with about some thirtie men, and charged the other troupe (whereas Lambart and Fernel were,) furiously, who withstood him as resolutely: so as Lanca-vechia with such as escaped of his troupe, were forced to retire vnto the Dongeon, himselfe beeing hurt, and so was Fernel with a shot. E
In the meane time the alarum grew hot in the towne: some aduancing to set fire on the castle gate, notwithstanding the shooting of Herauguieres men, who were there, and had defeated that Court of garde, whereof beeing well assured, hee runne speedely with some of his men to charge an other Court of garde, neere vnto the great platforme, where there were fifteene or sixteene souldiars, who were soone defeated. About two houres after, Prince Maurice hauing heard the charge, the Earle of Hohenlo his Lieutenant arriued, with the foreward, and for that (by reason of the yce) they could not open the castle gate towards the fields, they entred by a palissadoe of the riuer nere vnto the Sluse whereas the boate came in. The Earle being arriued, Lanca-vechia (who before had begun to parle) compounded with him, that he and his troupe should depart with their liues onely. F
Soone after followed the Prince bringing the rest of his troupes, being accompanied by the Earle Philip of Nassau and Solms his coussins, the Lord of Famas generall Prince Man [...] t [...] of the Ordynance, the Admiral Iustin Nassau, the Admirall Verdoes, Sir Francis Vere and [Page 1035] others: who being busie to giue order for the entring the towne at two portes which 1590 A answered vnto the castle, a drumme desired leaue for some Bourgers to approch and to parle with the Prince, the which was granted, so as in lesse then an houre the appointment was made, by the which the Bourgers (to auoide the sacke of the towne, and the spoile of their goods) should giue two monethes pay vnto all the troupes that were come thether with the Prince: in consideration whereof the Burgers laied down their armes: and instantly the Prince sent Vander Noot, captaine of his gards, with his company, to seaze vpon the towne-house, and some others into diuers other places, to assure himselfe of the towne.
We must note that in the beginning of the alarum giuen in the castle, the Marquis of Guasts company of horse and fiue other companies of Italian soote, being dismayed and fainting, notwithstanding that many Burgers fearing the spoile (as in deed it was to B be feared) prouoked them to make defence, but they fell into such disorder, as breaking The Italien garison Hyes out of Breda open one of the towne gates; they fled away shamefully. The Duke of Parma, hearing of this, and not able to endure this losse and disgrace, yea the Spaniards and other of the King of Spaines seruants laying all the blame vpon the Italiens, and reioycing therear, hee committed the chiefe Commanders to prison, and cut off some of their heads in Brustelles, as of Caefar Guerra, Iulio Gratiano of Tarlantino Lieutenant to the Marquis of Guast, and the Corporalls who sercht the boate. The Duke of Parma cut of the captains heads that Red
This towne and castle of Breda was miraculously wonne, without any great bloudshed, and yet they had diuers skyrmishes, onely one of them that first entred fell into the water in the darke and was drowned, and not any hurt but Heraugiere and [...]rnel, C and a gentleman of Count Philips company, called Nicholas Genietz, who beeing made Ancient, died soone after of that wound, and of the garrison of the castle there were about forty slaine.
For this victory all the vnited Prouinces did generally giue God thankes and made fires of ioye, and in memory thereof, they caused certaine peeces of gold, siluer and copper to be minted, whereon was grauen. Breda a seruitute hispanica vindicata, ductu Principis Mauritii a Nassau. 4. Martii 1590. that is, Breda vpon the fourth of March in the yeare 1590. by the meanes of Prince Maurice of Nassau, was freed from the Spanish slauery: On the other side stoode the castle dicth with a turfe boate, and the soldiars comming forth, with this inscription; Parati vincere aut mori, & Inuicti animi premium D that is redy to win or die, and the reward of an inuincible courage. Prince Maurice with the consent of the Estates, gaue the gouernment of the towne, Castel and territory of Herauguiere made gouerner of Breda. Breda to Heraugiere; captaine Lambert Charles was made Sargeant maior, and the other captaines and priuat soldiars ech had one of the said peeces of gold with a summe of mony giuen him, and promise of preferment when time and occasion serued, ech one in his degree. The scippers were also rewarded, with pensions during their liues, and other preferments. The towne was presently prouided for out of Holland (according to the order before taken by Mounsire Barneueldt) of all things necessary for a yeare and a halfe, and that was done within lesse then ten daies, placing therein foure E hundred horse and one thousand and two hundred foote, the Bourgers likewise reduced them-selues into fiue companies and kept watch among the soldiars vnder their leaders. The Estates gaue vnto Heraugiere a cup of siluer and guilt made like a boat, with the which he did this exployt, with other rich presents.
The tenth of March Charles Earle of Mansfeldt went out of Antwerp with good troupes of horse and foote to lie about Breda to stoppe their incursions, and to keepe the peasants from spoyling, who presently put garrisons into Osterhout, Ternigh Coat Charles of M [...]dt takes Seuenberghen. and other conuenient places, and tooke Seuenberghen where they vsed great cruelty: At Heyden a village betweene Seuenberghen and Breda hee built a great Sconse with a bridge ouer a water called Mercke, whereby to stoppe the passage F by water to Breda, thinking thereby to keepe it from victualls and other necessaries. In May he beseeged Nordam Sconse, lying vpon the water by Seuenberghen, where at that time Captaine Mathyas He [...]t was gouernor, he was in the turfe boate at the taking of Breda: vpon the thirteene and fourteenth of May he battred it with seauen peeces of [Page 1036] Ordinance, hauing spent at the least twelue hundred shotte, hee gaue a very 1590. A fierce assault, and brought a great shippe before the Fort, placing many musketiers in the toppe of the Castell, to driue them within the Fort from their defences, making diuers bridges to gette to the walles to giue an assault, and in that manner hee attempted it twise, but his men were valiantly repulst, with the losse of two Italien Captaines, Horatio Fontana of Modena, and Iohn Francisco Pagano a Neapolitaine, with diuers others, and some Netherlanders of very good accompt, hee lost at this assault at the least sixe or seauen hundred men, the losse was the greater by reason that fire fell into the shippe, and burnt both it and al the men within it, wherevpon he was forced to leaue the Sconse, and to retyre with many wounded men, so as Captaine Mathias Helt wone great honor, and the Estates soone recouered Sevenberghe B and the Castell.
In the meane time the vnited Prouinces had gathered togither a small armie, vnder the commaund of Prince Maurice and the Earle of Hohenlo, who marched into the Betuwe, and incamped ouer against Nymeghen, where-vppon the point of the Riuer of Wahall they began to build a great Sconse, to keepe the towne from prouision on that side: The Earle of Mansfeldt (finding him-selfe to weake to fight with them) came to Nymeghen, & finding that the Prince intended to make a Sconse there, hee planted certaine Ordinance within Nymeghen, which draue them from their worke and battered it downe: Then hee went and lodged in the land of Cuyck, along the Riuer of Meuse, and Prince Maurice stayed all that Summer thereabouts C to make vp his Sconse, both in the view and in dispight of the Ordinance of Nymeghen, who by the Earles commandement shotte continually against it; and yet in the end of Iuly it was finished and made reasonable strong, the which they called Knodsenbourgh, in dispight of the Knodsendragers of Nymeghen, for so were the townsemen Knodsenborgh sconse built by the states. of Nymeghen called when they grew contentious, and brought the Knodsen into the streets: It was victualled and furnished of all thinges for sixe monethes, wherein there were foure or fiue hundred men placed, vnder Gerrard of Yough, after that he laie in the Betuwe and made the Riuer of Wahall his defence, meaning in time by continuall shooting to tyer them of Nymeghen, and to that end from Bomell to the Tole-house or Shencks Sconse hee placed soldiers, and by D the ayde of some shippes of warre kept the Riuer of Wahal to stoppe the enemies passage, for that the Earle of Mansfeldt lying in Cuick, and dayly growing stronger made a shew as if hee would passe the Riuer of Wahal, they of Nymeghen importuning him therevnto, who otherwise by reason of the Sconse were very much weakened.
The Estates caused a new Chanell to bee cutte crosse the Betuwe, to drawe the water of the Rhyne into the VVahal beneath Nymeghen, and defended it on either side with good bankes, that they might ascend and descend the Riuer of Rhyne by the VVahal, without any danger of Nymeghen. By this chanell and the bankes the lower Betuwe vnto Dordrecht is greatly defended from Inundations: they spent most E part of this Summer in building of the Fort of Knodsenberg, and in making of this Chanell.
The Estates made also an other strong Fort in the Iland of Voren by Herwerden, aboue Bomel, the which was done by the Earle of Solms, whereby they of Gelderland (as much as was before vnited with the other Prouinces) receiued Prince Maurice for their Gouernor, the rest by the King of Spaines command was gouerned by the Marquis of Varrenbon a Bourguignon.
In Friseland certaine inhabitants of the town of Groning, made a motion vnto the Queene of England to receiue them into their protection, which she refused to doe and yet shee caused her Secretary to commaund Sir Francis Veer (who lay then about F Doesborgh with his English regiment) to take some order for them with William Earle Groning craues protection from the Queene of England. of Nassau and the councell of Estate, and although they had assembled about three thousand foote, yet they of Groning would receiue no garrison into their towne, but [Page 1037] without it they offred to deliuer certaine places if they thought well thereof, vpon 1590 A condition that they would not by any meanes treate with the Estates, but with the Queene of England, wherevpon they brake off: And for that Verdugo their Gouernor had more men sent vnto him from the Duke of Parma, hee complayned by his letters of the fifteeneth day of March, which were intercepted, that his souldiars mutined for money, and that in steed of money they had sent him more men, whereas hee sollicited the Duke of Parma chiefely for money, so that as then hee had three score and fiue companies of foote, and fiue Cornets of Reistres, but at the last hauing The fort of Immentil. in Frizeland taken by Verdugo. found meanes to pacefie his souldiars hee tooke the s [...]onse of Immentil, part of the garrison beeing gone forth about an enterprize: from thence hee went to Nieuwelt which made William Earle of Nassau to go to field, hauing some troupes sent vnto him from the campe before Nymeghen, vnder the leading of the Earle of Ouerstein, and B incamped at Colum, Verdugo lying right ouer against him about a mile on the other side of Vpslach, where they lay long to get some aduantage one against the other, but little done, there were diuers enterprizes taken in hand, and some conuoies cut off.
This Sommer there was an assembly of the deputies of the Electors of the Rhine and other Princes of the Empire at Cologne, whereas it was declared by the deputies of Cleues, Westphalia, and Saxony, what great losses, spoiles, and ruines they were forced An assembly of the Princes of the Rhine at Cologne. to endure, by reason of the warres in the Netherlands: making complaint especially against the souldiars which serued vnder Verdugo and Emanuell de Vega, which continually ouer-ranne and held the territories of Munster and the Earldom of Benthem C in contribution: and in like sort against Charles Earle of Mansfeldt, who committed the like outrages in the Duchies of Cleues and Iuiliers and the Earledome of Lippe: And in the territories of Cologne by Iohn Manriques de Lara, taking in of Abbayes, and Noblemens houses, and building of diuers sconses to keepe the countrie in a we and subiection.
They shewed moreouer that the like insolencies were committed by the souldiars of the vnited Prouinces, and therefore they desired their aduise, and helpe both of men and money, to preuent these spoyles and incursions, either by perswasions or by force: but the fruites of this assembly were small (for that many of the deputies were affected to the Spaniard) but they onelie referred all to an other meeting D at Francfort, whether they should come with more ample commissions and instructions, and withall haue recourse vnto the Emperour and the Princes of the Empire: they also concluded, that in the meane time they should send Ambassadors in their names, both to the Duke of Parma and the vnited Prouinces, intreating them to yeelde vp all those Fortes and places which they held vpon the Rhine, belonging vnto the Empire, whereby their incursions might bee stopt, and the riuer of Rhine (which belongeth vnto the Empire) freede. Moreouer it seemed, (or at the least they gaue it forth) that at their next assembly it should be concluded, that whosoeuer refused to yeeld vnto their request, should bee forced therevnto at the charges of the Empire. The Ambassadors which they sent were Gaspar E van Eltii State-holder of Langstein Adam Gants Barron of Potlitz, councellors to the Electors of Mentz and the Count Palatin. Otto van Welmernechuysen, State-holder Ambassadors sent from the Princes into the Netherlands. generall of the nether Circle of the Rhine: Wynant van Perordt chiefe chamberlaine of the Duchie of Iuilliers, Iohn Bauman and Bernard van Puts, deputies for the sayd borders.
These Ambassadors went to Brussells, but they preuailed verie little there, after which they desired a pasport from the vnited Prouinces and so came to the Hage, wherevpon the three and twentie daie of August, they had audience, and deliuered ‘their charge in writing, giuing them to vnderstand, that the Electors and F Princes of the Empire on both sides the Rhine', Westphalia and lower Germanie, after their due commendations, were forced to complaine of the great spoyles which were committed, and the great contributions which were exacted of their subiects [Page 1038] and that without respect of the Lords and Princes of those countries, they held many 1590 A Forts vpon the lymits of the Empire, and intertained a great number of shippes of war, in the Riuers of Rhyne, Ems and others, to the great oppression both of [...]aylers and Marchants, whome they forced to pay licence money, the which was very hurtfull and preiudiciall to those countries, against all good neighbourhood, and contrary to the promise which they had made vnto the Empire: whereby they said, that such as gouerned in the Netherlands for the King of Spaine, excused them-selues, saying that by reason of their forcible actions, they were constrained to doe as they had done, wherefore they were sent vnto them to informe them of their bad neighbourhood and to request them both to forbeare from any further attempts, and to repaire the losses which they had susteyned, and to ruine their Forts, or else to deliuer them vp vnto the Lords B of those Territories, to call home their shippes of warre, and to exact no more lycence money of their Marchants, but to suffer them to haue free trafficke: to keepe their soldiars in better discipline, and to refraine their incursions into the country, and likewise not to follow nor pursue the enemie marching vppon the Territories of the Empire; which if they refused to doe, they gaue them to vnderstand, that the Princes Electors and others, would no longer forbeare, but were fully resolued with the assistance of the rest of the E [...]ectors Princes of the Empire, not onely to giue eare to the complaints of their oppressed subiects, but also to receiue thē into their protections, according to the C customes of the Empire and al good lawes: whereof they desired a short, speedy and pertinent answer, that they might make report thereof accordingly, annexing there-vnto diuers particuler complaints, for actions done by priuate persons, as the taking of Fortes, &c.’
‘Wherevnto the generall Estates of the Vnited Prouinces made an answer in writing on the 23. of [...]eptember, as followeth.’
‘The generall Estates hauing duly considered of the necessitie of the present time, first giue thankes vnto the Princes Electors, and other the Estates of the aforesaid The Estates answer to [...] [...]lecots [...]. Territories of Germany, for their good and friendly admonition; desiring to intertaine peace and good neighbourhood with them: And praying them to perswade them-selues, that for their parts they had not spared, neither would, their best dilligence and indeauors, to lette both the Electors and the rest of the Estates of the D Empire, as also al other Kings, Princes, Potentates and common weales knowe, that notwithstanding all their continuall warres (whereof the Vnited Prouinces to their great hindrance and almost ruine had borne the greatest burthen) the naturall loue and affection of the Inhabitants thereof, was yet in full force & vigor: So as next after their natiue countrie, they had nothing more recommended, nor pretious vnto them, then loue and vnitie with al the world, and especially with their friends and neighbour countries, and aboue all that they might attaine to that long desired peace and vnitie of the countrie. Wherefore they were discontented to heare them-selues charged to haue broken that League that was wont to be betwixt them and the borders of the same Empire, E especially of them from whome they expected al aide & assistance, with a relenting cōpassion of the miseries falne vpon the Netherlands, in the which there had bin so many fires kindled, as it was impossible to quenche them, but the smoke would flie into the neighbour countries, beeing a needles thing to seeke to extinguish those flames of fire, for that in the very heart and midst of these countries (which are inseperably bound one vnto an other) there is nothing sought but continuall kindling and increasing of the said flames, vnlesse they held it an easie matter to cure the outward members of the Countrie, when as the heart it selfe is inwardly sicke and consumed.’
‘But whereas they were charged (although they might freely and with good consciences protest, that they had alwaies dislikt, and bene much discontented, for the wrongs and iniuries done vnto their neighbours) to haue suffered their soldiers to commit all F violence and insolences against their neighbours, their commissions, decrees and proclamations published in that behalfe, can sufficiently witnesse, and the punishments inflicted vppon the offenders and breakers of the same haue manifestly declared the contrary, and that the fault was not in the said Estates: besides it might bee well presumed [Page 1039] that neither they nor the Councel of Estate, could so restraine the insolencie of soldiers, 1590. A nor obserue such good discipline therein as necessitie required: and yet that the greatest part thereof had happened through the sinister practises of the enemie, and that good order could not alwaies bee maintayned among vnruly soldiers, the which is not to be held straunge, for the Estates them-selues were much troubled in that case, as suffering the greatest wrong. Neuerthelesse they had rather in the meane time indure a little disorder for a time, vppon hope of speedy amendment, then to expect a greater mischiefe, and altogither at one instant (to the vtter ruine and distruction of the Netherlands in generall togither with their neighbours) fall vnder the insolent and proud commaund of such, as vnder the pretext of spirituall gouernment haue made such bloudy proclamations, which forbid the reading B of holy Scriptures, and doe execute the lawes by their Inquisitors in steede of Iudges, making so turbulent a Councell as the like was neuer heard of in the Netherlands before: And seeking nothing else but (contrary to their promises and sollemne othes) to violate and tread vnder foote the liberties, rights, and priuiledges of the Netherlands, to spoyle, ruine and roote out all the Nobilitie, and chiefe men of the country, and to oppresse the poore commons with intollerable imposts and exactions, thereby to get an absolute gouernement ouer the Netherlands, and to aspire the more easilie to their pretended generall Monarchy.’
‘And it appears their disseignes and intents haue alwaies tended to that end, by the taking into their hands of all the richest Abbeys and spirituall liuings of the country: for C that they must chiefly roote out all the Prelates, being the first members of the Estate, in most of the Prouinces, & raise vp and plant in their places a new kind of people, maissters of Heretikes, bearing the name of Bishops, creatures of this new pretended Monarchy: to the end that these new Bishops ioined togither might continue and sitte fast in their new power & authoritie, to serue as spies in these countries for the Spaniards, and to take true notice of them that would oppose them-selues against this new Monarchy, & also by that meanes to ruine the second member of the Estate of that country which is the Nobility and gentry, whereof they haue brought part miserably vnto their ends, and disarmed the rest, pretending it a sufficient cause, that they had presented humble petitions vnto their King, beseeching him to forbeare to shed any more innocent blood, D the which was imputed to them for high Treason: for which cause alone, they resolued to make war against the Netherlands, and to ouer-run it as it were a new conquerd Countrie: And lastly they sought to bring the Estates and the Commons vnder so great tribute, exactions and impositions as neuer were heard of, whereby they might haue a yearely contribution & reuenue, to vphold and maintaine their absolute power and Dominion.’
‘Touching their intent to attaine vnto their pretended Monarchy; Germany it selfe might produce many examples which diuers yet liuing could witnesse: as it was very apparant by their vniust taking of many townes and Prouinces in the Netherlands, belonging vnto the holy Empire, and by the shedding of the innocent bloud of the chiefest E Noblemen, Gentlemen and other rich Burgers of the country, by many thousands: The absolute gouernement they held in Naples, Millan and other places in Italie. The detention of the Crowne of Portugall from Don Antonio his neere kinsman. The vniust intent and purpose (and the execution thereof put in practise) to conquer the Realmes of England & Ireland, the spoiling and forcible detention of many townes belonging to the Empire, and lastly the daily enterprises & inuasions made vpon France with whole armies. Al which doth sufficiently shew what they aspire vnto vnder this Spanish gouernment, when as the Noble Kingdome of France doth with a wofull voyce, cry, sigh, and bewaile hir iminent decay and ruine. It is most certaine that al they which at this time aspire vnto the Crowne of France, doe it not in regard they doubt of the F Kings lawful right vnto the Crowne, but their disseinge is, that they imagin it would be a great hindrance to the absolute Monarchy which the Spaniards pretend, if the said kingdome of France should cōtinue in the ancient line, & to that end authority was giuen to beare armes against their naturall king, to aid the spaniards, not for that they [Page 1040] would liue freely and vnbound and inioy that quietly which God and nature had giuen 1590. A them: but to force your King to renownce the religion, wherein hee had bene borne and bred, & to leaue the crown: wherein you may obserue a strange alteration, for that not long since it was acoumpted capitall treason, for the subiects to craue of their Dukes, Earles, and Lords, with all submission and humilitie, and with the purchase of great summes of money, to haue liberty of conscience allowed them: whereas now the subiects of France, not onely inioy the freedome thereof, but are also sette on to lay violent handes on their Kinges Crowne, vnlesse he will change his religion. These be the priuiledges which they vsurpe, to doe al that (which they blame & discommend in others) without any restraint of law, yea commanding ouer the law it selfe: that is ouer the consciences, liues & goods of poore men, after their owne willes; and so by outward shews B and deuises (though apparantly false) abuse the simple people, and mislead their Innocencie, forcing a beleefe in them, that it is lawfull to beare armes against their true and natural King, without any iust cause or exception against him, but onely that they might be absolute masters of the said Kingdome. Wherefore the subiects of the Netherlands are not to be condemned, (if they fore-seeing the disseignes of this pretended Monarchy: setting before their eyes many strange examples of forraine Nations, and the cruell executions of the chiefe Noblemen, Gentlemen, and many thousands more in the Netherlands) doe oppose them-selues against it, and do that which wiues, children and subiects, may lawfully do against their husbands, parents, and Lords, in the like case: is it not then against reason they should be held for disturbers of the publicke peace, or C such as would attempt any thing contrary to their promise and othes, or against the constitutions of the holy Empire, the Estates beeing assured that they haue hitherto sufficiently acquitted them-selues, according to their power, wherein they persist: desiring (for that they did of old time belong vnto the holy Empire & were so accoūpted) that they might by meanes of the holy Empire (as a member of that body) obtain some ayd and assistance, against the oppression of their enemies; which they haue often desired and sued for, both by humble petitions and by their Ambassadors, and now againe desired the same, to the end that according vnto the constitutions of the holy Empire, all strange soldiers might bee sent out of all the Confines of the Empire, and that both the vpper and the nether parts of the Netherlands might haue free entercourse of trafficke D one with an other, as in former times they were wont to haue.’
‘But if this their request might not be allowed of, nor granted (whereof they had no doubt) they then desired the said Electors, and the rest of the Princes and Noblemen of the Empire, not to misconster their actions in those troublesome and chargeable warres, whereby they should with more courage and allacratie, beare this great burthen (which in their necessary defence increased daily) and proceed therein as they had begun, that the said Netherlands by their meanes and habilitie (which doubtlesse are not smal) might not in the end be made Sedes Belli to the ruine and ouerthrow of their neighbours, and bee an instrument to raise and vphold their absolute pretended Monarchie. That the Estates beeing forced by meere extremitie to beare armes, and that E whatsoeuer insued, was to bee accoumted as In terminis defensionis, to defend and preserue that which belonged vnto them, and to recouer that which by force, practises, or any other vniust meanes, had bene wrested from them: hauing no desire to force or with-hold any of their neighbor townes, Castels or Forts: & therefore they see no reasō why they should be intreated or commanded to forsake any places which they held. Touching Sgrauen-Veerts Sconse, whereof question is made, the Estates are fully informed that it lyeth in the Iurisdiction of Gelders and not of Cleues, as it is pretended: it was built at the great charge of the vnited Prouinces, by the late Collonel Sir Martin Schenck, after whose death it was preserued from the practises of the enemies, and hath beene maintained euer since by the Estates, not to wrong or preiudice, but to stoppe the enemies Irruptions into their Prouinces; beeing allowed by the Imperiall F Lawes in cases of necessitie to build Forts vppon their neighbours Territories: But to auoyd all questions that might grow touching the said Sconse, the Estates did assure the said Electors, that they desired not to proceed therein but by all iust and [Page 1041] lawfull meanes, whereof they should haue no cause to complaine, meaning to haue A made a more ample proofe touching the said Sconse, if the Estates of Gelderland had 1590. sent their deputies thether, whome they daily expected, who do constantly mayntaine it to bee in the Duchy of Geldres, as at their comming they will plainely shew. On the other side the Spaniards had built & made forts, in the territories of the Empire, and in the Duchy of Cleues, where ther haue no title nor interest: and haue taken and deteyne many good townes, not forced thereunto by necessity for their owne defence, but to oppresse their neighbors and to inlarge their absolute pretended dominion, as hath appeered by their letters which of late haue beene intercepted: wherefore the Princes and Estates of the Empire ought to haue an especiall care, least the Bishopriks there a abouts belonging vnto the Empire, fall (some by force and some by practises, corruption and other secret deuises) into the hands of the creatures of Spaine: whoe hereafter B watching their oportunities, will deliuer their gouernments into their hands vpon whome they haue depended the, like whereof hath beene seene in our time. What their intent is to yeeld vp the townes and places which they hould, may well appeere by their late attempt to surprze the townes of Gogh & Rees, the which the Estates supposed, was not vnknowne to them, and that the new Sconses built in the Bishopricke of Cologne, was for their good, and by their directions. Moreouer there is no reason to thinke that the Estates were the first which attempted to surprise their neghbours Townes and forts: and it shall appere that to this day not any of the said townes haue beene taken by them or their commandements: And if for a time (vpon vrgent neces [...]ie yet without their commission) any such thing hath happened: they haue bin restored C by the estates to the right owners againe: hauing had no desire to deale in those actions which had hapned in the Bishopprike of Cologne, being very apparent by whose commandement those things had beene done. It is true the soldiars vnder the Estates seruice did aide and assist the Elector Trucses, but it was done, when as his enemies not onely called in the Spaniards to ayd them, but after that they had taken and held diuerse townes and places, whereon great consideration ought to be had. It hath happened not long sence that their soldiars haue taken the stronge fort of Luttekenhouen, for that the enemy had great aduantages therby, being very commodious for him to effect his warlike attempts against Freezland: and in like manner they had taken the fort of Buricke, which the enemy had built there, and manned it with a good garrison, thereby to spoile D the country, they haue also taken the towne and castle of Buricke it selfe which was held by the enemy. And seeing they had done these things as well to take away the enemies aduantages as to keepe the country from spoyle, they ought to consider that those places were not taken from their neighbors, but from the common enemy of those countries, and yet to make knowne their sincere intentions, they desired to liue in amity and friendshippe which the Electors and Princes of Germany, and by no meanes to surprize and hold their neighbors townes and places, they were presently content to yeeld them vp into their hands to whome they did belong, that the enemy might pretend no collour to detayne those places which he had taken and held. And if happely the Estates soldiars in their necessary exployts, or in the poursuite of the enemies, E haue in any sort spoyled or hurt their neighbor country, it was done against their wills, which they would neuer haue left vnpunished, but that they respected the necessity of the time: being their vsuall manner and custome to maintaine their soldiars at the charges of their owne Prouinces, and not at their neighbors cost: whereas it hath bin and is daily seene, that whole regiments of the enemies soldiars, both of horse and foote, haue beene maintained and lodged many moneths in the neighbour countries, not so much to anoy vs, as to ruine the country, whereby they might the sooner attaine to their pretended absolute dominion, for proofe whereof the enemy giueth very smal or no pay to those regiments & companies which he maintaineth at the cost F of the neighbor countries: whereas the estates (to obserue good discipline, & to preuent al disorders in their soldiars, and also to free their neighbors from al exaction) do continually giue such reasonable pay (according to their habilities) as it might be doubted in so great and long a warre, whether the greatest Potentate in Europe euer gaue better.’
[Page 1042] ‘It is true that the Estates to their great charge, entertaine ships of warre which lie at 1590. A ancher not only in the sea, but also in the riuers and common passages, the which is not done to hinder or preiudice any man, but for the necessary safegard of marriners and marchants, against the force of the cōmon enemy, who also maintaineth much shiping, only to roue at sea, & to spoile passengers. The estates haue greater cause to vse this kinde of defence then any other, beeing a matter of great importance, & necessary for their Prouinces. And in the meane time the subiects of the Empire and the country people reape no smal commodity, by the said ships of war, being paid, & kept in good discipline as they are. And seeing that the seas and riuers be Iuris publici all men being allowed to he at anchor therein without offence; there is no cause why this action of the Estates should be ill taken, for that they only seeke to stop and hinder the enterprise, and incursions B of their enemies. And whereas the Estates towards part of their charges, which they are forced to vndergo, to free the sea and riuers from Pirats, are compelled to raise certaine conuoy and lycense mony, vpon all goods and marchandise going out of the country, it is done to their great greefe as being more preiudiciall to their Prouinces and the inhabitants therof then to any others: wherevnto they would neuer haue giuen consent, if necessity had not inforced them, for that the prosperity of their Prouinces, depended on the trade of marchandise, the which si much hindred by such impositions, and is as burthensome vnto the Prouinces them-selues, as to their neighbors, which conuoies and licenses are not vsed in any other places, but in their owne hauens and pasages with all conuenient order.’ C
‘In the meane time it seemes strange vnto the Estates, that any should dislike of their proceding therein, seeing that many Princes, and common weales, liuing in peace and free from all enemies, doe (without any vrgent necessitie) impose the like exactions, yet the Electors and other Princes of the Empire, may rest well assured, that these burthens wilbe withdrawne, the affaiers of the country being once reduced to their desined end, and their necessities ceasing, and if in the meane time any disorders shall be committed by the soldiers, either by water or by land they shall be seuerely punished. And to shew how much they dislike all disorders and spoyles, the good orders which they had made in the fort of Sgrauenweerd sence the death of Collonell Schencke, do sufficiently witnes, where they haue discharged all Tolles and such like impositions which D were exacted contrary to their wills. Moreouer if any soldiars being in the Estates seruice, either by water or by land, shall be conuicted to haue slaine, beaten, or robbed any man, burnt their houses, or any way wronged their neighbors; the Estates will by all meanes seeke to punish such offences as they deserue, or will be content that due punishment shall bee done vpon them by the said Electors. &c. and other their neighbors, so as it may be done without partiality, recommending therein the mutuall correspondency which ought to bee betwixt friends and neighbors. Thus much the Generall estates of the vnited Prouinces (being requested by the Electors and other Princes and Estates of Germany) thought good to giue for answer: once againe desiring the high and mighty Princes Electors and others, that they would vouchsafe to bee fauorable E and assistant vnto the said vnited Prouinces of the Netherlands, who as now stand as rampars and Bulwarks for them, against the generall necessity of imminent danger.’
‘They also intreated the Ambassadors, to make a fauorable report of their answer, vnto the high and mighty Princes Electors and others: hoping that almighty GOD (whose powerfull arme, had hetherto wonderfully preserued these countries) with the aide and assistance of their friends, allyes and neighbors, will send them a spedy, happy and long expected issue, in the affaires of their common welfare. Lastly whereas the Noble contesse of Nieuwenar. &c. widow to the Noble Earle Adolph Earle of Nieuwenar, Muaers. &c. complaineth that against the constitutions, Lawes and Ordynances of the empire she hath (contrary to all lawe and reason) bene depriued and is yet of certaine F Lands and goods belonging vnto her, and lying in the confines of the Empire, and vnder the protection of the same: The said Estates desired the heigh and mighty Princes Electors of the Empire, &c. that through their authority order may bee taken for the restitution of the said lands & goods, and that the said countesse in her sorrofull [Page 1043] widoes Estate may be no longer thus wrongfully opprest. Giuen in the Hage the 1590. A thirteene day of September in the yeare 1590.’
‘Vnto this answer made by the Estates vpon the twenty fiue of September the Ambassadors The replication of the Germaine Ambass [...]ors to the Estates answer. deliuered a replication, wherein they promised to make a fauorable report of their answer, but touching the fort of Sgrauenwert, they sayd, that they must (according to their commission) make answer: that it seemed very strange to them, to heare them pretend that it stood vpon the territories of the Duchie of Geldres, whereas they were certainely informed, that the sayd Sconse, for the space of a hundred yeares, beyond all memory of man had beene a certaine issue or current of water, which ranne from the towne of Cleues into the Rhine, (as the land of Alwinch) lying in the duchie of Cleues, and that the Dukes of Cleaue had from time to time receiued rent for the same, as being their owne inheritance, and such as had hired it of them did enioye it B peaceably without any molestation of them of Gelderland, or any others, for that before that time it was seperated from the firme land by a small water-mill, the which hath beene since eaten away by the riuer of Rhine: that at this time the sayd water or riuer is called Vossegat, they of Gelderland neuer laying any title or claime therevnto, as it also appeereth by a speciall contract made at Brusselles, betweene the Emperor Charles the fift and the Duke of Cleaues, in the yeare of our Lord 1545. the 2. of Ianuary, which treaty was called the confirmation of lands of inheritance, hauing in it an Article which maketh mention of the limmits, wherein there is no mention made of Sgrauenweert, being then in the possession of the sayd Duke, as also in the treatie made before Maestricht in the yeare 1549. in October, where mention is made of the sayd C Sgrauenweert, without any question betweene the sayd Princes touching the possession thereof. And since that, Sir Martin Schenck in the yeare 1586 had begun to make vp the sconse, there had alwaies complaint beene made touching the same, so the Estates could not denie the restitution thereof. And moreouer they sayd that they must of force let the generall Estates vnderstand, that they had no iurisdiction neither vpon the Confines nor yet in the riuers of the Empire, although they pretended that they were Iuris publici common, and therefore they had no right to keepe their shippes of warre there, to the preiudice of marchantes and sailers, to preuent the which, no doubt but the Empire would take some good order, therewith desyring their resolution vpon those particularities, as also concerning the other complaintes.’ D
The French King beeing this yeare at the seege of Paris, and hauing reduced it to great extreamitie, the Duke of Parma was prest by the Duke of Maine and them of the league, to goe and releeue it: And beeing in Iuly at Brusselles, hee sent for the Estates of the countrie, letting them vnderstand that hee was of force to goe into France, to the releefe of Paris, appointing in his absence old Peter Ernest Earle of Mansfeldt, Gouernor and Captaine generall of the Netherlands by prouiso. It is sayd that a motion was then made vnto the Estate, to accept and acknowledge the Prince of Spaine, the King of Spaines onelie Sonne (though then absent) to bee their succeeding Lord, the which was done onelie to trie the peoples E disposition.
The Estates on the other side layed before him, how vnfit and vnnecessarie they held it to make an offensiue warre in France, and how preiudiciall it might bee in time to the fronter Prouinces of the Netherlands, but whatsoeuer they could pretend or obiect, it was held more conuenient to maintaine the warres in France, then to attend it in the Netherlands, holding it most certaine that the warlike French King would seeke to reduce those Prouinces vnder his command, with the aide and assistance of the vnited Prouinces of Holland and Zeland.
The Duke of Parma hauing taken his leaue in Brabant, hee went from thence F into Henault and so into France, taking with him about eightteene Cornets of horse, most Italiens, besides those that were sent before him, and some of the bandes of Ordinance. Of foote men, hee had his owne Regiment, the Regiments of Noyer-carmes and the Lord of Frenes: ten companies of Camillo Capres, ten [Page 1044] Companies of Ballisons; and about three thousand Duch-men of Barlaymonts and 1590. The Duke of Parmas forces that went to releeue Paris. A Ar [...]enbergs regiments with three and twenty companies of the mutinous Spaniards which were in Courtray, which three and twenty companies reckoned them-selues to bee eighteene hundred men, and caused them-selues to bee paid for three and twenty monethes after that rate, and yet they were not aboue twelue hundred strong: but to cry quittance with them, the money was raised foure in the hundred higher then it was before. These troopes altogither were about tenne thousand foote, all old soldiers, with a good number of horsemen, besides the remainder of the Earle of Egmonts forces, and other that came vnto him vppon the Frontiers. Hee left behind him in the Netherlands vnder the Earle of Mansfeldt (who had the charge of Martiall affaires) about eight or tenne Cornets of horse, and the rest of the bandes of Ordinance, and about sixe Regiments of foote, with many companies of seuerall Regiments: B with the Duke there went the Prince of Ascoly the Prince of Chasteavetrane Who went vvith the duke into France. and Don Octauio, both sonnes to the Duke of Terranoua, the Prince of Chymay, the Marquesse of Renty, the Earles of Arremberg and Barlaymont, and Don Sancio de Lieua with diuers others: Iohn Baptista Taxis was superintendent of the Armie, La-Motte generall of the Ordinance, Don Alonzo Idtaguez and Don Antonio de Sunega Collonels of the Spaniards, Pedo Galeran and Biazio Capezuca Collonels of the Italiens: With this Armie well furnished with Artillerie, Munition, great store of Wagons and all other necessaries, the Duke of Parma, in great pompe marcht through Henault into France, in the moneth of August, his Halberdiers, Archers, and his Cornet C of Reisters, were all apparrelled in crimson veluet, the Reisters being all imbrodered with white Flower de Luces, and marching in that manner neere vnto Cambray, they had an eye vnto the towne, but Mounsier Balagn [...] was too vigilant for him. At Meaux hee ioyned with the Duke of Maine, and there tooke charge of the whole army. What hapned during his aboad in France, I leaue to the French Inuentory, where it is related at large.
The Duke of Parma hauing releeued and entred into Paris, winter beeing come, and therefore not fit to besiege any townes, in regard his armie was full of sicke men, hauing great want of prouision, for that nothing could come vnto him out of Henault, neither could the old soldiers which were appointed to come with some necessaries D vnder the leading of Verdugo, passe: Hee in the end of Nouember, resolued to leaue France, finding some dislike growne betwixt his soldiers and the French, and that the townes of France would not receiue any garrisons of his, besides the vnited Prouinces had gotten such victories in his absence, as his presence was very necessary, so as in December hee came to Brusselles. It is thought that the third part of his men dyed of hunger, pouertie, sicknesse, and by the sword, and that all the Hospitals in in Arthois and Henault were filled with those that returned home, whereof many died.
At the same time died Emanuell of Lalaine Lord of Montigni, and Marquesse of Renty by his wife, who was daughter to the last Marquesse, of the house of Croy, a wise E Noble man and of great experience, and one of the chiefe of the Nobilitie seruing vnder the King of Spaine: a man of great authoritie and command: at the first hee was held in great iealousie, although he held with the generalitie, for that he affected the Spaniards much.
Whilest that the Duke of Parma was in France, Peter Ernest Earle of Mansfeldt beeing his Lieutenant, wanting the King of Spaines chiefe forces hee had no meanes whereby to doe any thing that was of importance. But in the meane time Prince Maurice slept not, but came vnto the field with an Armie, to performe a promise which was made by him and the Estates vnto the Princes of the Empire, for the restitution of the Forts and places held on either part in the Territories F of the Empire: VVhere-vppon hee went along the Riuers of Rhyne and Meuse, where hee recommended all the Castles and Forts which the Spaniards held, as the Castle of Hemert the 27. of September, that of Heel the 3. of October, the Towne and Castle of Buricke right against Weezel, the Fort of Graue, beneath the Rhyne in the [Page 1045] Duchie of Cleues; and at Kenhouen in the diocese of Cologne, causing al the forts to be 1590. A raized which the Spaniards had built along the Rhine vpon the lands of the Empire, which done passing his army into Brabant, hee tooke the Fort Terheyden at the mouth of the riuer of Breda, which the Earle of Mansfeldt had built not many monethes before: then hee tooke the Fort of Roosendael, and after that beseeged the Towne of Stenbergh, the which yeelded by composition: Then he sent a part of the garrison of Breda and of Berghen vp Zoom to scoure the country, who running ouer the countrey of Campeigny, tooke the towne of Tillemont in Brabant by scaladoe, but being a great thing and heard to keepe, after they had spoyled it they left it, and euery one being laden with bootie returned to his garrison.
The Bourgers of Venlo in Gelderland, finding themselues tyranously opprest by [...] w [...]y their garrison. the souldiars of their garrison, and could not bee eased by any intreaties, nor their complaintes B heard: in the end seeing the signior Bentinck their Gouernor absent; they consulted togither how they might free themselues of their garrison which consisted of Italiens and Germaines, but these were somewhat more modest then the Italiens. The Bougers hauing acquainted them with their intent which was to driue out the Italiens; the which done they should haue the more profit, and therefore intreated them to assist them in this execution, or at the least (if by reason of their oth they might not doe it) that they would stand still as Neuters, and not put themselues in armes against the Bourgers. The which hauing promised, they of the towne beeing all in armes, commanded the Italiens to depart, if not, they knewe well how to force C them, and so beeing retired, the Bourgers would not disarme themselues, nor leaue their gardes vntill they were all forth. But the people were not satisfied to be so ridde of the Italiens, but they would doe as much to the Germaines, whome they chased away with all the reproches and indignitie that might bee. Bentincke (who was then busie about the raysing of a newe Regiment of foote) would gladly haue beene reuenged of this indignitie: But the Bourgers to bee ridde of him also, caused his wife and all his familie to depart: and so hee lost his gouernment and the King of Spaines fauour, and with all his Regiment was soone after quite disperst, whereof a part beeing sodenly surprized betwixt the townes of Aix and Mastricht, was defeated by the Estates men. D
Behold how Bentincke of a pettie companion grewe great, and fell againe into the same Estate. They of Venloo, did write their excuses, vnto the Earle of Mansfeldt, and to the councell of Estate at Brusselles, promising to continue constant in the Catholike religion and in the Kings obedience, and not depart from the one nor the other, neither had they chased away their garrison to▪ seeke any innouation, nor to attempt any thing against the Kings seruice, but to free and deliuer themselues, their wiues and children, from the barbarous cruelties and execrable villanies of those Italien souldiars and others, the which they could no longer endure: And they intreated it might not bee misconstred not taken in euill part, seeing that the King should not be thereby preiudiced, and that they would keepe the towne vnder the Kings obedience and seruice without a garrison. E
The Spaniard had at that time built a Fort ioyning to the town of Houy in the countrie of Leege to keepe the riuer of Meuse subiect from all which came from aboue, in the which was captaine Grobbendonc but with a hundred men. The Estates angrie that the Spaniards should play the maisters in that manner, and hinder the nauigation of the riuer of Meuse, they sent some eight hundred men, who beeing camped before The Fort of Houy yeelded to the Estates. this Fort, they prest the captaine to yeelde vpon the first sommons, if not, if they tooke it by force, they would not leaue a man aliue: The beseeged knowing themselues to weake for so great a number, and that the place was not to bee held long against any great force, hauing small hope of succors, they offred to yeeld, vpon F condition to depart with their full armes, bagge and baggage.
But the States-men knowing that the place was filled with the goods of the neighbour villages, brought thether for refuge, they would make no other composition but to depart with white wands, as they were forced to doe: beeing gone forth the [Page 1046] Fort was raized to the ground, the Estates men returning into Holland laden with 1590 A spoile, and the others with emptie hands into Brabant.
They of Zeeland had at that time an enterprize vpon Dunkerke, which they thought to surprize by scaladoe in the night. The desseigne had not beene ill plotted by Collonel Nicholas Meetkerke, with three thousand foote and one hundred horse An enterprize vpon Dunkerke in vaine. which were imbarked: but the winde beeing contrarie, and driuing them backe vpon the coast of Flanders, it made the Flemings growe into suspition, and so they were discouered. Yet hauing landed, the sayd Meetkerke shewing vnto the Earle of Solms and to Sir Francis Vere the place where hee ment to assaile it, beeing vpon the edge of the ditche, they were all three hurt with shot. Sixe daies before the garrison of Ostende surprized the towne of Oudenbourg neere vnto Bruges in Flanders, where there were about the number of foure hundred souldiars, the which they spoyled B and burnt.
The nine and twenty day of October the Spaniards sought to surprize the towne of Lochem with three cartes laden with haie, euery one hauing two or three souldiars An enterprize of the Spa [...]ds vpon [...]hem but in vaine. by it attired like Pesants with forkes. The first beeing past ouer the drawe bridge, the porters sonne and an other boy (as it is their custome and right) beganne to pull as much haie as they could whilest the cartes were betwixt the two bridges; And the cart making no hast, one of them tooke a souldiar that was hidden vnder the haie by the foote, and presently cryied out treason, treason, wherevpon the souldiars leaping out of the cartes slue them that were in the Court of garde: But the Townesmen C putting themselues in armes, Francis Ballochi Sargeant Maior, made head against them, and boate them backe beyond the bridge, the which was presently drawne vp; and so this enterprize fayled for want of horsemen. The Sargeant Maior of Zutphen was the vndertaker, who was slaine within the towne and buried there.
In the end of December the Earle of Ouerstein entred with a good troupe of horse into the countrie of Westphalia (for that they did still maintaine the Spanish faction) The countrie ruined by both parties. and spoyled many villages about Munster and the Diocese of Paterborne; The like did the Spaniards in the countrie of Liege, without any mercy: Where the Bishoppes councell complained at Brusselles, first to the Earle of Mansfeldt, and then to the Duke of Parma at his returne from France: But they had small succor or D comfort, nay it was told them, that if their Prince and Bishoppe were not a good Spaniard, that his countrie must endure more: And that they had no cause to compaine for what was past, seeing that they and the King of Spaine maintayned one quarrell for the defence of the Catholike and Romish religion.
The Duke of Parma had certaine intelligences in the towne of Breda, which hee hoped to surprize by their meanes who were corrupted, but they were discouered, and such as were of the practise were layd hold on, and afterward executed. The Spaniardes sought to doe the like vpon certaine townes in the countrie of Oueryssell and in diuers other places. E
Whilest that the Spaniardes continued in their mutinies about Herentall and other places, the Estates free-booters (which are aduenturing souldiars without Courses of the Estates freeboters. pay) Hollanders and Zeelanders, made a roade into the countries of Brabant and Flanders, spoyling all they incountred; and often-times the shippes which went from Antwerp to Dendermonde and Brusselles: yea they were so bold and hardie, as to demaunde a tribute of ordinarie passing boates, which went and came dailie betwixt Antwerp and Brusselles.
Sir Edward Norris Gouernor of Ostend in Flanders; Brother to Sir Iohn Norris Generall of the English, went with a good part of his English garrison on the fifteene day of February in the yeare of our Lord 1591. to set vpon the Fort and Sir Edward Norrys takes blanckenberg village of Blanckenbergh in the night, lying by the sea side betwixt Scluse and F Ostende▪ the which hee tooke, the souldiars of the garrison retyring themselues into a verie strong Fort the which was vpon the downes, and were afterward [Page 1047] the next day summoned them to yeeld by a drumme: wherevnto they would made no 1591. A answer, but shotte at the messenger and slue him, the which did so incense Sir Edward Norris and and all the English, as they tooke it by force and slew aboue a hundred, few of them beeing spared or saued. This Fort was raised and the Scluces of the Sea broken and burnt, then Blanckenbergh was abandoned, carrying away the Artillerie they found in it. The same day some soldiers hauing failed of an enterprise vppon the Castell of Crimpen within the Diocesse of Cologne, they fell vppon certaine horses and passengers, whome they tooke prisoners, but beeing incountred by the garrisons of Nuys and Meurs, they were defeated and lost all their booty. The same moneth of February the Seignior of Teligni sonne to Mounsier la Nouë hauing beene taken (as wee haue said) vppon the Riuer of Antwerp, going to Lillo, B in the yeare 1584. was released out of the Castell of Tournay, in exchange of two Spanish Knights which had bene prisoners in the Castle of Ramekins in Zealand, since the defeate of the Spanish army, in the yeare. 1588.
At that time the Earle of Ouersteyn and Sir Francis Veer, tooke in the name of Prince Elector Truxes, the Castle of Colenborch neere to Ordange, at their returne from an Coll [...]ch taken by the Estates. enterprise which failed vpon the towne of S [...]calen in Gelderland. The Peasants thereabouts came presently and inuironed this Castle, summoning it to yeeld, but they within made answer that they were soldiars, and not accustomed to yeeld vp any place to clownes, and so they were constrained to retyre But the Castle being afterwards besieged by certaine soldiers, it was yeelded to the Seignior of Milendoncke, whereas C one Hans van Gulich (who had bene the conductor of the enterprise) was hanged at the Port.
The tenth of Aprill they of the garrison of Breda surprised the Castle of Tournhout, by the meanes of a Brewers man, who did vsually carry beere thether by Cart: VVho (beeing come with his Cart and beere within the Port) ouerthrew the Centinell into the ditch, and slew an other, at which brute those which lay in ambush iust by an old burnt house came running, who recouered the Port, and made them-selues maisters of the place.
Prince Maurice and the generall Estates began this Spring to gather their forces togither, and to prouide all things necessary for to go to field, and to besiege townes and Great preparation made by the Estates. D places of strength, re-enforcing their companies both of horse and foote. Then making shew as if they would attempt something vppon the townes of Boisleduc or Geertreuydenberghe, they caused forty Canons to be imbarked, and some dikes to be seazed on towards Boisleduc, and ready to bee pierst, to make a passage for the shippes into the country, and all the troupes were brought to Breda: so as they could not conceiue any other but that it was for one of the two aboue named townes, who began to fortifie them-selues, to make gabions, and to sette all thinges in order. The Duke of Parma fortified the garrison of Gheertruydenbergh, and furnished it with all necessary munition. In the meane time Prince Maurice departed with a hundred shippes great and small, fayning to enter into the Riuer of Meuze: but turning suddainely hee mounted vp the Riuer of Rhyne towards Arnhem, and from thence slipt into the Riuer of Yssell, E where in a very shorte time with a good Northerly winde, hee came neere vnto Zutphen.
The two and twentith of Maie, fifteene or sixteene soldiers vnder the commaund of Sir Francis Veer, going out of the garrison of Doesbourg in the Country of Zutphen attyred like country people, some men, some women, came by the breake of day before A polliticke surprize of the great Fort before Zutphen the Port of the great Fort, which is vppon the Riuers side right against the towne of Zutphen, bringing egges, butter, cheese, herbes, and other commodities which they had in their baskets, staying there and leaning vpon their staues, as Peasants doe when they rest them-selues, attending the opening of the Port: which being opened, a part F of the garrison came forth, and past the water to the towne: The counterfeit Peasants entring in at the Port, they of the gard demaunded some egges, others butter, wherevpon one of them drawing forth a pistol from vnder his coate, discharged it at one of the Guard, and so did all the rest: at which noise their companions came running, who [Page 1048] lay in ambush vnder the conduct of Sir Francis Veer, who made them-selues maisters 1591 A of that Court of Guard and consequently of the whole Fort: In this exployt there dyed not aboue one man on either side, but all were taken prisoners.
Prince Maurice hearing of the good successe of this gentle enterprise, went thether withall speed with his Armie, and inuested the towne of Zutphen causing his Zutphen besieged by the Estates. Artillerie (which was at Doesbourg) to aduance, and hauing made a bridge vppon boates, to passe fiue horses in Front: At his first approach (which was the eight and twentith of Maie) the Earle of Ouersteyn (hauing very inconsideratly aduanced neere vnto the towne ditch) was shotte and slaine vppon the place: they had some difficultie to draw away the dead body, which the besieged thought to haue for his spoyles. The same night they made their approaches, and the Canon was planted B with such speed, as it was not credible, that in so short a time they could bee drawne out of the shippes, mounted vppon their carriages, and brought to the place of batterie, the which was done by the Marriners which the Prince had brought with him, who were very expert and actiue in such buisines. About noone the Canon began to play, but soone after the besieged began to parle of a composition, demaunding some daies of cessation of armes, within the which if they were not releeued, they would yeeld, to haue their liues, armes and baggage saued. They had some houres granted them that they might resolue, in which time if they did not yeeld, there was no more grace for them. And whereas the garrison was small, and the towne so great as they could not manne the Rampars if they came to an Assault, finding also that C they would soone make a sufficient breach to assaile them, and that they wanted victuals, and especially salt, poulder, and other munition of warre: It made them so fearefull, as they durst not attend the hazard of an Assault: knowing well that their succors were yet farre off, and nothing ready, and that they could not hold out so long, but they should bee forced: VVherefore they yeelded the same night, their Zutphen yeelded to Prince Maurice. capitulation was that they should depart with their rapiers and daggers, and as much goods as they could carry vppon their neckes: VVhereas the Prince entred, and the same night hee sent all his horse-men to inuest the towne of Deuenter which is but two leagues from thence, causing his Artillerie to march the next daie, with the rest of the Campe. Thus was the Towne of Zutphen wonne, with that mighty D Fort: In Holland they had newes of the taking thereof, before they heard of the siege.
The Prince beeing before Deuenter, hauing quartred his Armie of either side the Riuer, and made two bridges aboue and beneath the towne, to go from one Deuenter besieged by the Estates. Campe vnto an other. The Canon beeing planted where hee meant to batter it, On the nineth day of Iune beeing VVhitsonday, by the breake of the day hee began to play on either side of the Port with eight and twenty double Canons, and hauing discharged some Vollies against the Rampar, hee sent to summon the towne by a trumpet. Cont Herman vanden Berghen made answer, that hee recommended him to his cousin: But as for the towne hee would keepe it for the King his Maister, as long E as hee breathed. Hauing receiued this answer, there was no more any question of stay, but the Canon played continually from morning vntill night, with such fury, as it was thought they could not possibly haue indured so many charges, without danger of breaking: For in a very short time they spent foure thousand shotte, during this violent batterie there were certaine shippes brought into the Hauen, vppon the which they made a bridge, and in the meane time men were sent for from euery quarter to giue an assault: The first charge was giuen to the English at their instant intreaty, shewing them-selues so earnest as they contended who should haue the point. The second charge fell to the Scottes: And the third to the Earle of Solms and to Floris of Brederode Lord of Claeting, all very resolute and in good order. But as the Bridge made ouer the Hauen (as it often times falles out, the most F haste the worse speede) proued too short, and could not reach to the end of the Kaye, the assault could not be giuen as it was appointed. Yet some of the English which had the point, being at the end of the bridge; cast them-selues downe and leaping vp to [Page 1049] the kaye, ranne to the breach, where as an Ancient mounted with his collours beeing 1591. The brauery of the Engli [...]h: A followed by some others, who were repulst by the beseeged: the Ancient was hurt, but fewe were slaine: but by reason of the shortnesse of the bridge the rest could not followe, and they retired. The beseeged being resolued to endure an assault, were at the breach with seauen companies, whereas the canon had such an aduantage on them twice as they could see nothing but heads, armes and legges flie: And there was Count Herman hurt with a slate of the wall, which slue almost as many as the cannon, and strooke off captaine Mullers head, iust by Count Herman. The next day in the morning beeing ready to renewe the batterie, they had word from the towne that they demanded a parle, wherevnto Prince Maurice yeelded, giuing them leaue to depart with their armes and baggage. B
During the seege of Deuenter there came a gallant Albanois out of the towne, to the Princes campe, chalenging any man to breake a lance with him, like an other Goliath; A combate before Deuenter. Prince Maurice commanded his men to forbeare this challenge: but Charles Vander Cathule signior of Rihouen a Ganthois, impatient of his bragges, intreated leaue of the generall to breake a Lance, the which they did without any aduantage, and then they drew their swords: but the Albanois had a pistoll which Rihouen did not see, who running at the Albanois, hee cut off his hand that held the pistoll, which fell to the ground, and his hand hung still by a peece of the flesh, and so he was taken prisoner, confessing himselfe to bee vanquished, and putting his chaine of gold about Mounsire Rihouens necke: Prince Maurice sent him backe to the gouernor with a letter, and C gaue him his liberty, as being sufficiently punished for his pride.
The Prince poursuing his victorie aduanced towards Steenwick, and passing on hee entred into the countrie of Groning, where hee beseeged the great Fort of Delfziel, the which yeelded easily the first of Iuly. Then he went before Oslach, whereas the garrison thinking to carry themselues more valiantly then the first, attended a battery of foure cannons: But seeing a breach almost made, without attending any assault, on the seauenth day of the month they yeelded, to depart without armes or baggage. The like happened to the Fort of Immentil the leauenth of the same moneth, and to that of Dam, which were all Forts about the towne of Groning.
The Duke of Parma beeing importuned to succor Deuenter, (not thinking they D should carrie it in so short a time) went to field, and camped at the Abbay of Marienboom in the country of Cleues, betwixt the townes of Zanten and Calcar, beeing resolued to make a bridge to passe the Rhine two leagues beneath Wezel, and to charge Prince Mauricee his campe: But beeing come thether, and hearing of the taking of Deuenter, and that the Prince was marcht farre into the country, and had taken Delfzyel &c. hee returned with his armie into Brabant, not without some murmuring of the captaines: Where hee was intreated by them of Nymeghen to free them from the Fort of Knotsenbourgh, which the Estates held right against the towne, vpon the Betuwe, and did much anoy them with their cannon, so as they could not rest quiet in their houses, and withall the nauigation was quite taken from them Hee to cease these murmurings and discontentes came to Nymegen (whilest the Prince was before E Groning with an intention to beseege it) and with as many barkes and boates Kno [...]senborg beseeged by the Duke. as hee could recouer, hee entred into the Betuwe, and the third daie of Iulie planted his seege before this Fort: whereas the Earle of Mansfeldt with his Regiment was camped on the West side, Barlaymont on the East, Bossu, Beaurains and other Collonels were dispersed here and there in the countrie, the horse-men were lodged in a village called Lent, on the North side. The Dukes armie was great, where there wanted no Artillerie, the which was commanded by La Motte; making their approches the Spaniards lost many men.
The two and twentie daie of Iulie the batterie beganne with sixe peeces, and then F with three more, so as there were two hundred and thirtie shot made that day, and it ceased about seauen of the clocke at night, hauing made a small breach, a Spanish Ancient mounted, being followed by some Irishmen, who skyrmished with the beseeged, vntill they were forced to retire. [Page 1050] Prince Maurice hearing that the Spaniard was come into the Betuwe, leauing Groning 1591 A he went thether, going downe at Arnhen in Gelderland, he past the Rhine there, vpon a bridge which he caused to be made with all speed, meaning to doe the Spaniard an affront. Hauing laid an ambush of horse and foot not farre from the Rhine vnder the conconduct of the Earle of Solms and of Sir Francis Veer Collonell of the English: he sent two Cornets to view the Dukes campe, who being descouered were charged by six companies of horse, among the which the Duke was one, who at the first made some shew of resistance, but turning their backs sodenly they fled, the Spaniards following The Dukes horsemen defeated. them vntil they had past the Ambush: then they that fled turning head againe they were compassed in of al sides, & charged so furiously, as in a short time they were al defeated, or put to rout: many were slaine or prisoners, among the which were Don Alphonso d' B Aualos bastard brother to the Marquis of Guast, Don Pedro Francisco Nicilli leading the Duke of Parmas company with his Cornet: Cont Ieronimo Manfredi Lieutenant to Don Ieronimo Caraffas company with his Cornet, captaine Padilla was sore hurt, whereof hee died in Arnhem; the Seignior of Lievin brother to the Lord of Famas of the company of Biasio Capesuca and Anthony d' Agina, a Spaniard, with many Italien Gentlemen slaine vpon the place and aboue two hundred and fifty horse taken. The Duke of Parma being in a high place within Nymeghen, did with his owne eyes see this defeat of his men.
The newes wherof being come vnto the campe the whole army was so amazed (knowing The Dukes army being amazed leaues the seege. the Prince Maurice was come thether in person, & hearing that the ships of Holland C were comming downe to shut them in) as without any stay they trust vp their baggage and left the seege of Knotsenbourg: abandoning two peeces of ordinance which they could not carry away, and some great boats which were sonke. The Duke parted the 26. of Iuly with his sonne Rene or Raynutius Farneze (being newly come out of Italy,) excusing him-selfe as well as he could, and making faire promises to them of Nymegen, who at his departure gaue him some skoffing tawnts: and hauing left his army vnder the command of Verdugo in a village called Cranenbourg, he went to the Spaw, abandoning Nymegen, as despayring to succor it: whereof the States made their profit soone after.
They of Collogne (desiring to entertayne a neutrality and to liue in amity and good D neighbourhood with the general estates of the vnited Prouinces,) sent their deputies to They of Cologne send Deputies to the Estates. the Hage in Holland in August, where-vpon an answer was made them in writing the 19. of September. That the estates desired nothing more then to entertaine amity and good correspondency with them of Cologne, as well in generall as in particular, so as they medled not in any sort with their warres, nor with that which depended thereon and so doing there should be no hinderance nor wrong don to any persons, goods nor marchandise of the inhabitants of the said towne and contry of Cologne: whereof commandement should bee giuen to all the garrisons of the vnited Prouinces. The Estates also intreating them of Collogne to bee fauorable to the Lady Walburge Contesse of Meurs and Nyeuwenart in her affayers, considering the wrong which their Bishoppe E and Prince Earnest of Bauaria did her, in the detention of her rents and reuenues lying within his diocese.
The said estates did in like manner make answer by writing on the 30. of October to the complaints & greeuances of some deputies of the neigbour Prouinces, and the states of The Estates answer to the complaints of them of Liege. the country of Liege, touching some excesse and disorders committed by the Estates men of warre, and for some prisoners: whereby among others the taxed the Bishoppe and Prince of Liege (who is also Bishoppe of Cologne) to be a partisan and fauorer of the Spaniards their enemies: whome hee supported in his countrie by the seazure, confiscation and descouery of their goods that serued them and held their party, against all right and duty of neutrality. That the country of Liege was iustly wasted by the Spaniards and other soldiars of the league, whereof they maintayned whole F regiments. That they made the Villages contribute to entertayne them. That in the saide country of Liege they did not onely proceed against them of the relligion, [Page 1051] after the manner of the inquisition of Spaine, but also against their men of warre, 159 [...] A by extraordinary cruelties, without any forme of Iustice: And contrariwise the Spaniards and other enemies did not onely remaine vnpunished for the disorders which they committed; but were also supported, assisted and succoured. By reason whereof although they were well inclined to intertaine all good amitie and neighbourhood with the Country and Inhabitants of Liege, yet for these former reasons, and in consideration of the treaties they haue with other great Princes and Potentates concerning their warres.
The said Estates could not yet resolue any thing touching that buisinesse, but they would bee more amplie informed, and better instructed. And then if they found that the Liegeois sought their friendshippe with a good meaning and intent, and desired B to liue like good neighbours with the vnited Prouinces, for their parts they would lette them of Liege know that they would not faile (so much as in them lay) the like duty. Since the which, matters past in such sort, as the Liegeois promised to remaine more neutrals then they had done in former times; and that they would suffer the Estates men to passe through their Country with their Armes and bootie, to a certaine number both of horse & foote, so as they were led by their Captaines and Commaunders. And so began the trafficke betwixt Liege and Holland, by the way of Breda.
Prince Maurice after that hee had (in a manner) chased away the Duke of Parma from Nymeghen, and refresht his Armie some few daies, after their great marches, C one while into Friseland, an other while into Gelderland, making a shew to mount vp the Riuer of Rhyne with his shippes, hee turned suddainely downe, and went in-Flanders, Hulst besieged and taken by Prince Maurice. to the land of Waes, where with all speed hee planted h [...]s siege before the towne of Hulst; the which finding it selfe not sufficiently fortified, neither with men, nor with any other things necessary to indure a long siege, the batterie and the assaults which the Prince might giue them in a shorte time, they agreed to yeeld the twentith of September: vppon condition to haue two yeares free excercise of the Romish religion within the said towne, and that they should haue but fiue companies of foote and two of horse in garrison: Whereof George Euerard Earle of Solms; was made Gouernor, for that hee was Collonell of the Regiment of Zealand. D [...] Mondragon Gouernor of the Cittadell of Antwerp, hearing of the losse of this towne, hee gathered speedily togither foure thousand foote and a thousand horse, with whome there ioined a thousand Spaniards of those which had continued at Courtray: VVith the which troopes he thought sure to recouer it: But at his approach hee found some dikes broken, and the towne so well foritified with men and munition, as hee was of an other opinion; and retyred without attempting any thing at all.
The nine and twentith of September dyed Iohn Earle of East Friseland, younger brother to Edsard Earle of Emden. He was a Nobleman full of pietie, who onely sought the peace and quiet of the countrie, and of the towne of Emden, which some (yea of the Contesse wife to Edsard and sister to the King of Sueden) sought to trouble, E by innouations, contrary to their priuiledges, whereof wee will speake more hereafter.
In the same moneth there came Ambassadours to Cologne in the Emperours name (but at the instance of the King of Spaine) Salerin Earle of Ysenbrugh, Noble Symon Earle of Lippe, the Bishop of Wirtzbourgs brother, the Baron of Pernsteyn and Rhede, with certaine Doctors of the Law; these were sent to trye if there were any Ambassadors sent from the Emperor about a peace. course to bee taken for a peace betwixt the King of Spaine and the vnited Prouinces: They were first to go to Brusselles to the Duke of Parma, as they did to the Kings great charge. And from thence they were to go with pasport to the generall Estates at the Hage: demanding which pasport the Estates desired them to spare the cost & labor, F & not to come vnto them to that end: seeing they found no assurance in any treaty they could make with the king: as his letters intercepted written to Don Guilaume of S. Clements his Ambassadors which the Emperor did sufficiently shew, that it should bee [Page 1052] but a fayned and counterfeyt peace: besides they could not treate of any peace without 1591. A the aduise and consent of their confederates. Yet notwithstanding this answer the Ambassadours sent the Baron of Rhede vnto the Hage in the end of the yeare, who remained there about three monthes, and returned as wise as he came: The Estates giuing him their answer by writing, containing the causes why they could not treat with the King of Spaine, and the reasons of their distrust, with which answer hee departed.
They of Bruges seeing the town of Hulst taken, & finding them-selues inuironed with many enemies, as Ostend, Axell and Terneuse, they were sutors to the Duke of Parma that they might bee vnder the Estates contribution, and (seeing their towne could not They of Bruges perplexed. subsist without comerce) to trafficke into Zealand with a pasport, paying the ordinary customes, as they of Antwerp did by Lillo, and they of Gant by the Sas, the which B the Duke refused, but afterwards they obteyned it of the Arch-duke Ernest of Austria.
Sir Edward Norris Gouernor of Ostend, would willingly haue brought the country of Flanders, neere vnto his garrison vnder contribution, thereby to fortifie him-selfe, Sir Edward Norris seeks to bring Flanders vnder contribution. & to de [...]end his towne the better from the violence of the sea, and to supplie all necessary reparations, the which he pretended to do of his owne priuate authoritie. But the generall Estates finding it to be of great consequence would not allow thereof. Where-vpon (the said garrison being intertained and paid by the Queene of England) he went and made his complaints of this prohibition to her Maiestie, who at the first seemed to iustifie his doing. C
But when as the Estates had duly informed her of the importance of this action, and how preiudiciall it would bee, appertayning onely to the Soueraigne Gouernor, and that it would be a very bad example, whereby the other Gouernors & Superintendants (for at that time the title of Gouernors seemed odious to the Estates, giuing vnto them that had the like charge but the name and quallity of Superintendents) would in euery towne play the petty Kings, as experience had taught sufficiently in France. Norris yet seeking to proceed in the leuie of these contributions, he so incensed the Queene as she commanded him to keepe his house, and would not suffer him to returne to his gouernment, vntil that the Estates themselues were intercessors for him: the which they did for the respect they bare vnto generall Norris his Brother, who had done them so many D good and faithfull seruices.
After that Prince Maurice had ordered all things well in the towne of Hulst, hauing caused his armie to imbarke, and commanded all the horsemen he could recouer vnder the Estates seruice, to march speedily into Gelderland: he mounted vp the Riuer of Nymighen besieged by Prince Maurice. Wahal, and the fourteenth of October landed all before Nymeghen, besieging it both by water and land; then he made a bridge ouer the Riuer, to go from one quarter vnto an other, through the fauor of the Fort of Knodsenbourg, which the Estates had built on the other side of the Riuer right against the towne. And although at the Princes first comming, they of the towne shewed them-selues very couragious, playing continually with their Canon to hinder the approaches: yet soone after, seeing the great trenches; E the preparation for Mynes; the battery of forty two Canons, planted in fiue seuerall places: most part of the Burgers, yea they that were most partiall and best affected to the Spaniard, were more willing to yeeld then to hold out. The which did also make three companies that were in garrison to faynt, although at the first they seemed very resolute. Where-vpon the Burgers and soldiers agreed to send their Deputies vnto the Prince, who went vnto him the twentith of the moneth, that is one Bourguemaister, two Lieutenants and an Ancient, in pledge for whom, the Prince sent three men of very good accoumpt. And as they could not agree that day for the difficulties which did arise on either side: they of the towne demaunding chiefly to retaine the Romish religion, or at the least the free excercise of both: and vpon the number of the Estates soldiers which F they should receiue in garrison, the next day they agreed: which being concluded, the Prince sent in two companies (either being two hundred strong) before the garrison came forth, so as the soldiers of both parties (beeing enemies) continued quietly vntill the next day within one precinct of walles, without iniuring one an other, either in [Page 1053] word or deed: so as the 22. of the moneth the Seignior of Gheleyne, captaine Snator 1591. Nym [...]gen yeelded. A and Iohn van Veerden went forth with their three companies, marching towards Graue and carrying with them their full armes, collours flying, and all their baggage. In this manner Nymegen was reduced vnder the command of the Prince and the Estates, who appointed Cont Phillip of Nassau, cousin germaine to the Prince, to bee gouernor thereof. This was the conclusion and end of their victories and happy successe that yeare, 1591. In the which (a remarkable thing) they wone the townes of Zutphen, Deuenter, Hulst, Nymegen, all townes of great importance, with so many forts (whereof we haue made mention) as well in the country of Groning as other places: defeated the Spaniards in field, and forced the Duke of Parma to rayse his seege from before the sort of Knotsenbourg, and all with such celerity, as it is scarse credible they could haue intrencht them-selues and planted their cannon in so small a time as they B were before either of the said townes; so great and spatious are the townes of Zutphen, Deuenter and Nymegen, standing vpon great and broad riuers, as the Yssel and the Wahal, both armes of the riuer of Rhine.
We haue shewed before how that Collonel Martin Schenck, hauing fayled of his enterprize vpon the towne of Nymegen, was there drowned, and through the fury of the Bourgers his dead body cut in foure quarters, the which hung long vpon the rampars, and his head on a Lances point in the toppe of a tower: but the Marquis of Varenbon Gouernor of Gelderland comming to the towne, whilst it held for the Spaniard (knowing him to haue beene a braue caualier) caused them to take downe that spectacle, and that the body thus cut in peeces should be put in a coffin the which C was done and layd in a tower: where hauing beene found at the yeelding of the towne, Prince Maurice caused him to bee honorably interred, with a goodly military pompe, where hee assisted in person, being followed by all the Commanders, Collonells, Schencke honorably buried by Princ [...] Maurice. captaines, magestrats of the towne (being renewed) a great number of soldiars, and the common people, vnto the great temple, where hee was buried in the monument of the Dukes of Geldres.
There was a Prouost Marshall in Brabant called Danckart, who before had serued the Estates in the same office, but hauing beene taken in the castle of Eckeren neere vnto Antwerp, by the Spaniards, to free him-selfe hee promised to doe the King great The end of Prouost Danckert. seruice: And hauing obtayned a new commission, he pursued the Estates Frebooters D with all violence, yea some braue soldiars both of horse and foote, when hee could catch them going to the warres, or to the picory or seeking any aduantage vpon the enemy: whome without any respect of their pasports, or putting them to ransome like soldiars (seeing there was no quarter broken) hee caused to bee hanged, some hee burnt, and roasted with a slow fire, wherevpon he grew so odious and detested of all the Estates soldiars, as they sware if they could once get him, to shew him the like measure without any mercy. And it fell out that they tooke him the leauenth of December, in an Ambush which they had laid without the towne of Liere in Brabant, with thirty horse, which they tooke and put the men to the sword: as for him they did cut of his nose, and both his eares, and hauing dragged him a long time at a E horses tayle, in the end they roasted him aliue with a slow fire of straw. The like happened in Flanders to an other Prouost whome they call Rooderoede, that is to say Red Rod, who was slaine in fighting: his Lieutenant being taken was burnt in a hollow tree with a fire of straw.
The French King hauing resolued in the end of this yeare to beseege Rouan, the leegue sent presently to sue for ayd of the Duke of Parma, who being retired confusedly from Nymegen, and returned to Brussels to attend the comming of the Emperors Ambassadors. He who would not fayle them, according to the expresse charge which hee had often receiued from the King of Spaine his maister, which was to lay F all other affayers aside for the aduancement of his dessigne vpon France, he caused his army to march by the country of Henault, whereof meaning to take a view neere The Duke of Parma goes into France to releeue [...] vnto valenciennes, newes came vnto him of the arriuall of the Ambassadors to treat of a peace; wherefore the Duke of Parma commanded his army to march by small iornies [Page 1054] towards Picardy, hee went post againe to Brusseles, to giue them audience, where 1591. A hauing conferred with them, and appointed Peter Ernest Earle of Mansfeldt his Lieutennant in the gouernment of the Netherlands, vnder the obedience of the King of Spaine during his absence, hee returned speedely to his army. They reason why he marcht thus slouly, was to make him-selfe the more necessary to the league, and vnder the shew of armes to manage another desseigne, which was to procure the Estates of the league, to giue the crowne of France to the Infanta of Spaine whome they should promise to one of the heads of that party. What he did in this his second voiage into France, you may read at large in the French Inuentary. The French King hauing resolued to beseege Rouen, the Queene of England (at the instant request of his Ambassador) sent him ouer to his aide 4000. foote and 200. horse, vnder the command of the earle of Essex with some ordinance. And the general states of the vnited Prouinces did also send him ouer B Phillip Earle of Nassau, who brought about 3000. foote, and among them the company of Prince Maurice his gards being 200. pikes and musketiers, vnder van Noot their captaine, with eight cannons and some culerins, with all necessary munition. In the end of this yeare prince Maurice had an enterprize vpon the towne of Gheertruydenberge, going from the Hage with 1600. men, thinking to giue it a secret scaladoe: the ladders were let vp, but being descouered they of the garrison defended them-selues so valiantly as he was forced to retire, without doing any thing, with the losse of two of his Captaines. All the winter this yeare 1591. there were of either side, betwixt the Spaniards and the Estates, many enterprizes and surprizes, amongest the which the Estates C garrison within Nymegen surprized the towne of Alpen belonging to the countesse of Meurs.
The Prouinces that were vnder the Kings subiection lay more open to the spoyle then the vnited Prouinces, which were well defended with great riuers and forts: the Orders for Frebuters number of such as ranne vp and downe the contry to spoyle all passengers increased daily, most of them putting them-selues vnder the Estates, and were called freebuters, being of no companies, not vnder any command. To preuent these insolencies and spoyles, they of Brabant sent forth their Read Roeden or prouost, commanding the country people vpon the sound of a bell, to aide and assist their Officers or else of them-selues to set vpon those Freebuters. And for the redresse of these disorders, the Estates D of Brabant on the fift of Nouember this yeare agreed to giue thirty fiue thousand gilders a month, for the space of halfe a yeare, to be raised vpon such wares and marchandise as were sold in Brabant at a certaine rate, as for a hogshed of French wyne and an Aune of Remish wine eight gilders, and so vpon corne, flesh, fish, sope, gold, siluer, silks and other things: the like orders were made in Flanders, and else where. And in the Duke of Parmas second voyage into France, the Earle of Mansfeldt gouernor in his absence, gaue order for the raysing of three hundred soldiars in Brabant for 3. monthes to free the country of Frebuters, especially the riuers, which were much anoyed, and the mart ships and passage boats often spoyled by them, and this they should doe insteed of the contribution which they were inforced to pay them: the which was to be leuied E vpon the country villages, woods, medoes, pastures, fishponds. &c. Wherevpon many of these Frebuters were taken and cruelly executed in diuers places, which the vnited Prouinces did little regard, for that they harbored them-selues among their troupes, and did no seruice vnto the country; and therefore they made an order that none should goe forth vpon any exploit, vnlesse they were twenty fiue or thirty strong, and to bee lead by a Captaine; Lieutenant, Sargent or some Officer, and that they should suffer no frebuters to liue among them whereby the Country was soone rid of these Frebuters to the credit of honest soldiars.
The mutinous soldiars in Brabant, being come into the land of Vase, were satisfied by the Duke of Parma, so as the forts against Hulst were the more easely built, after F which they made Sconces against Ostende, at Blanckenbergh, Oudenbergh, and other places where they cōmitted many insolencies, for being commanded to march with the Duke of Parma in his second voyage into France, they behaued themselues so insolently at Oudenbourg by Sluyes, as the Inhabitants were constrayned to fly away with the [Page 1055] best of their goods, and the soldiars taking what else they found good, brought it into 1592. A the market place before the towne house, meaning to sell it there at an outcry to them that would giue most, but finding no buyers, they brake all in peeces and burnt it. They also tooke away all the ornaments of the Churches, beating and ill intreating Priests, who intreated them in the Bourgers behalfe, and so those countries were spoyled, not onely by Frebuters but also by their owne soldiars. At Sea there were certaine Spanish and Biscaine Freebuters which had gotten Netherlanders to bee their Pilots, who taught them the way to saile behind England & Scotland into the North seas, wher they Spanish Frebuters at sea. tooke certaine fishermen, which shippes they manned, and tooke other shippes with them, but the shippes of warre of Holland which garded the fishermen pursued them and tooke them, and bringing them to Rotterdam, hung 39. of them. B
In the begnining of Ianuary, in the yeare 1592 William Duke of Cleaues Iuilliers and Monts, Earle of Marck, Lord of Rauestine &c. died being 76. yeares old in his towne of The death of the Duke of Cleues. Dusseldorp: hee had beene a quiet and peaceable Prince in his time, after that hee was reconciled to the Emperor from the prime of his youth both he and his wife (who was daughter to the Emperor Ferdinand) were troubled of their sences, and in their speech. They haue spoken diuersly of the causes of these accidents. At his death were present the Duke of Deuxponts his sonne in Law, and the Duches of Prusse his daughther, pretending in his life-time the administration of all those Dukedomes and Signeures, as well for the weakenes of his sences, as of Duke Iohn his onely sonne: But nothing followed, by reason of the oppositions made by the Emperor, the Popes legat and the C Duchesse, wife to Duke Iohn, being of the house of Baden, and of a contrarie relligion to the Duke of Deuxponts and the duchesse of Prusse, who all met the yeare before at Dusseldorp, to treat. Those of Groning being opprest of all sides by the Estates forces, which cont William of Nassau held in many forts there abouts, fearing to be beseeged in the spring, they sent their deputies with letters to Peter Earnest Earle of mansfeldt, lieutenant of the gouernment of the Netherlands in the Duke of the Parmas absence, letting The Groningeois send deputies to cont Mansfldt. him vnderstand into what miserable Estate they were reduced, hauing alwaies continued constant in their faith and duties to the King, and that their condition grew daily worse. These letters being full of greefe and commiseration, fell into the estates hands. By reason whereof Verdugo Gouernor of the said Towne went thether in person. D The Earle of Mansfeldt hearing therof & vnderstanding the complaints of them of Gronning, writ lettes of comfort vnto them, greeuing with them for their miserable estate, and the rather for that hee himselfe had not meanes to assist, and free them from the oppression and violence of their enemies, but that hee had written vnto the King and sent their letters, beseeching him to haue pitty on them and to giue order for a leauy of men, not onely to defend them but also to recouer all those forts which they had lost, and to chase the enemy out of the country: of which letters he expected a speedy answer. And in the meane time for that it should not seeme they would abandon them, he sent them nine thousand florins (hauing demanded thirty thousand) to releeue their poore commons. And that hee had treated in Antwerp with some marchants of Hambourg to assist them with some quantity of poulder, and that he labored to haue the Cont Mansfeldt writs to them of Groning. E soldiars which were on the other side of the riuer of Rhine, wherin he did persist, whilest that Verdugo should remaine in Brabant to sollicit what should be here after most fit and necessary to be done: finally he intreated them to continue constant, and to haue a care of them-selves, and of that which did concerne them, and not to suffer the honor which they had pourchased by their fidelity, to be now blemished and quencht: but that it may bee said of them that the Groningers haue loyally persisted vnto the end in the obedience and seruice of their Prince and King.
Afterwards they of Groning sent vnto the Emperor, to let him vnderstand, how that sence the yeare 1536. they had freely and willingly giuen them-selues to the house of Austria, vpon condition that they should be mayntayned and defended by them against F all their enemies: the which in reason they ought to doe, and not to abandon them to those dangers, where-with they see them-selues daily enuironed: And to assure and free them from feare, they must not (as they had vsually done) send small suplyes, [Page 1056] of two or three thousand men with a little munition but they must imploy a mighty 1593 A royall army: and that the presence of the Earle of Mansfeld, then gouernor was very necessary. The Emperor sent their griefes and complaints from Prage to the King of Spaine accompanied with his owne letters: the King receiued them the twenty of Aprill in his Escuriall, by the which hee intreated him to succor and assure this good imperiall towne which was so faithfull vnto him. The King did thanke the Emperor for the care he had of the said towne, promising to take some order: where-vpon hee commanded the Earle of Mansfeld by his letters, that all other affayers set aside, hee should go into Freezland, and free the towne of Groning from all feare. But as it was a tedious and dangerous peece of worke, and could not bee done without the winning of all Freeseland, the greatest part whereof being vnder the obedience of the Estates, and the gouernment of William Lewis Earle of Nassau: and withal the states and Prince Maurice B prouided him worke in Brabant, being also forced to entertaine some troupes vpon the fronters of France, he could doe no more at that time then send Verdugo with a supply A smal supply o [...] small proffit sent by the Spaniard i [...]to Freezland. of some 6000. men, horse and foote, part, vnder the conduct of the earles Herman and Frederic vanden Bergh bretheren, who did nothing worth memory, but recouered some-times a little fort, some-times a trench, and some-times a Barricado in this country of Freeseland: finally it was not to beseege or to take any Townes by force, but by surprize, if they could.
At the same-time in the beginning of this yeare, the Germaine regiments of the Earles of Arembergh and Barlaimont did winter in the Dutchy of Luxembourg, where C they endured much miserie, after they had eaten all they could get from the poore peasant, and for want of pay, many ran away so as their companies were not halfe full: whereof the said Earles wrot into Spaine vnto the King, complayning that they little regarded them nor their company, and that without money they could noe longer stay them. To conclude by reason of the Duke of Parmas absence in the warres in France, and to releeue Rouen, there was nothing but complaints, as well of soldiars for their pay, as of the townes and champian country for the oppressions they endured.
Prince Maurice by the intelligence which he had with the Baron of Pesch, made an D enterprize vpon the towne of Mastricht in March, for the effecting whereof he gathered together in Cempeine some foure thousand men horse and foote, and with certaine boats which hee had vpon the riuer of Meuze, had entred on the side of Wyck (the which is a part of the said towne, scituated vpon the other banke) whilest that ascaladoe should be giuen in an other place: But the ladders being found to short vpon A frutlesse enterprize vpon Maestricht. the noise they made, they tooke the Alarum in the towne, which terrefied them in the boats so as they did not their duties. And so this enterprize failed, and the Prince returned without doing any thing, being much discontented that his men vpon the riuer had carried them-selues so fayntly: and the Baron being discouered to haue beene of the enterprize, hee retired with the Prince into Holland, where afterwards Berieyck taken by the Estates. E he had the command of a company of horse. In returning from this voyage by Cempenie they tooke the Castle of Berycerke as they past: the Spaniard to recouer it, posted presently thether, and beseeged it but the Estates sent some troupes, who chased them from thence, and freed the Castle from seege.
They of the garrison of Nymeghen, passing by the countries of Geldres and of Iuilliers, entred into the quarter of Eyffel, and set vppon the Abby of Steynfeldt, neere vnto the towne of Sleyden, in the which there were some peasants, who at the first made a little resistance: but they were forced, and the said Abby spoyled. This happened for certaine indignities which the Monkes had formerly done vnto them. F
There was at that time some speech betwixt the particular Estates of the country of Oueryssel and Cont Herman vander Bergh, to raze certaine forts of either side. Those of the Spanish party did ruine Goor and Twyrkloo, and the Estates Dorthet and Verworden: whilest they were vpon these tearmes, Captaine Gerard of Beuersfort with a very few men seazed vppon the Castle of Saesfeldt, the which was [Page 1057] ill garded by captaine Leucama. The Earle hearing of this surprize, would proceede 1592. A no farther in that which had beene concluded for the razing of these Forts, vnlesse the castle might bee yeelded, the which was done, and the other Forts were ruined according to the conuention.
The seauen and twenty of Aprill about two hundred of the Estates soldiars of the The [...]states men defeated. garrison of Westerloo in Campeine (the which a little before they had surprized) went to make a roade into Brabant, betwixt Louvain and Brusselles, where they were incountred by the Spaniards and quite defeated, so as few escaped but they were afterwards spoiled by the Peasants neere vnto Dyestheim. There was at that time two factions in religion within the towne of Vtrecht, the one were called by some the consistorians, Two [...] in religion at Vtrecht the other the Iacobits, these were so called by reason of a minister in Saint Iames church, who gaue more libertie vnto his troupe: And the other was so termed by reason B of the consistorie, which doth excercise discipline and ecclesiasticall censure. The consistorians foure or fiue yeares before, when as the Earle of Leicester had the gouernment (by whom they were fauored) had chased some of the chiefe of the Iacobits out of the towne, who were well allied, and most esteemed amongst the common people. On a certaine daie, when as the consistorians doubted nothing, some of the Bourgers put themselues into armes early in the morning, and went vnto them who had most credit in the consistorie, whom they tooke prisoners, leading them presently towards the port, and so thrust them out of the towne, calling backe those which had bin before chased away, amongst the which was the signior of Brakele Burguemaister, a gentleman of a good house. C
At that time Prince Maurice made a voiage to Midelbourg in Zeeland, whereas the particular Estates of the Prouince were assembled, he required that hee might bee furnished (for their parts) of that which was necessarie to raise the bodie of an armie the next Sommer, for the beseeging of some townes. The which beeing resolued, and hauing determined some other affaires in that quarter of Zeeland, he returned into Holland, where hauing gathered togither all his troupes, leauing but halfe garrisons, the which hee filled with the Bourgers of the neighbour townes, in those places that were vpon the fronters, hauing commanded his cousin Count William to doe the like in Friseland and Oueryssel, he resolued to go and set vpon the towne of Steenwyck, the which hee had let alone the yeare before, and yet after the taking of Zutphen and Deuenter, D hee would willingly haue beseeged it, if the Duke of Parma comming with his armie into the Betuwe had not called him from thence (as wee haue sayd) to fight with him, and to make him leaue the seege of Knotsenbourg, the which hee did. But seeing then that by the Duke of Parmas absence, (who was with his army in France for the releefe of Rouen) there was no likelehood to succor it, nor to make him rayse his seege.
Before the seege of Steenwick, the Spaniards had an enterprize vpon Enchuysen, An enterprize vpon Enchuysen. which they thought to haue surprized, by the meanes of a Sayler who dwelt in that towne, who not long before had come out of Spaine, where hee had spoken with the King himselfe about this exploit, and had receiued money both for himselfe, and to E corrupt some Captaines and Commanders: But this Sayler made it knowne vnto Prince Maurice, from whom hee had such directions as hee perswaded the Spaniards, that the enterprize might bee easeliest effected by the hauen, for the which they should send some thousand men from Steenwyc (which lay not farre from thence) in an euening, in certaine shippes, the which might come thether without any suspition by meanes of the sayd Bourger, for that some of the captaines and chiefe Bourgers were alreadie ingaged in the enterprise, who did assure them of their credits that all was well prepared for the effecting of their designe; and the better to confirme them of Steenwyc in this conceit, hee that layed the plot, offred to deliuer himselfe for hostage F to them of Steenwyc, and to endure all torments if they were not truelie and faithfully dealt with all, but they growing into some iealousie, the enterprize surceased, wherevpon Prince Maurice sent his armie presently to beseege Steenwyc.
Hee came before the towne the eight and twenty day of May the which hee did [Page 1058] inuest on that side which goes from Ommen to Gyethorn, and of the side of the forest: 1592. A Captaine Anthony Coquille a Wallon commanded within the towne with sixteene companies of foote, among the which there were many of those traitors which had sould Gheertruydenberg to the Duke of Parma, and of those which at the taking of Deuenter had sworne not to serue the king of Spaine against the Estates for one yeare: whome Coquielle called vnto him, and they all sware to defend and keepe the towne vnto the last droppe of their blouds.
The rowne being beseeged on all sides, and the campe sufficiently intrencht; on the eight of Iune he planted twenty foure cannons, the which did batter continually with such fury, as the earth did shake aboue a League of, and there were reckoned that day aboue seauen thousand shot: the Seignior of Famas generall of the artillery sparing neither bullets nor poulder, so as towards night he was forced to cease the battery, for B that the cannon being very much heat, shot ouer the towne into Cont William of Nassaus quarter, and slue some soldiars. The battery ceasing, the beseeged made a skoffe at it, sweeping their rampar, as if it had done them no more harme then the sweeping of a beesome, with many opprobrious words, from the which it is hard to restraine indiscreet and ill conditioned solldiars. The thirteene of the moneth the battery began againe more furious then before, from foure of the clocke in the morning vntill sixe at night; and although the breach were not sufficient, yet the Prince caused fiue squadrons to approch as if he went to giue an assault; but they past no farther at that time. The beseeged did often make very furious sallies vpon the Estates campe, C some-times vppon one quarter, and some-times vpon another, where still they got some thing, and retired like gallant fellowes with some prisoners, whereof they did hang some without the rampar. Among others they made a camisado on the seauenteene of the moneth with about 500. men and winning the trenches they fell vpon the company of Captaine Olthouen, which they defeated, and there the captaine and his lieutenant were slaine: Captaine Cornput of the Estates regiment of Freezland inuented a certaine engine of wood in forme of a tower with three stages, the which was let vp and downe by vises, so heigh as they might descouer any thing that was done in the towne. In either of those stages there were certaine musketiers, which scoured the streets, so as they durst not shew them-selues, and much lesse vpon the rampars, D where-vpon the beseeged peerst through their houses, so as they had no need to go into the streets, and they vncouered all the houses that were thacht with straw least they should shoote fiery bullets into them. And as this engine did much hinder their comming to the rampar, they planted certen peeces of ordinance to beate it downe, with the which they sometimes carried away some of the peeces, and slue some of the men, so as in the end neither for faire promises nor for threats they could get any soldiars to enter into it, but this instrument remained vnprofitable and not vsed, being called by them in their language Lymstanghe, that is to say a lyme-twig to ketch birds withall, meaning that it serued for no other vse at all but to loosemen without any profit. E
The twelth of Iune Frederic Prince Elector Palatin of Rhine, duke of high and Low Bauaria married the Lady Louyse of Nassau, eldest daughter to the deceased Prince of Orange, by his third wife, the Lady Charlotte of Bourbon, daughter to the Duke of The Prince Elector [...] Louyse of Nassau. Montpensier, a Prince of the royall bloud of France. This young Princesse was conducted from the Hage in Holland by the young Earle Iohn of Nassau his Cosin germaine, and by the Lady of Nassau countesse of Schwartsenbourg her Aunt, and the Seignior of Saint Aldegond, representing Prince Maurice her Brother: Shee was conducted to Cont Iohn of Nassau her Vncle, to the Castle of Dillenbourg, in the country of Nassau, whether the said Prince Palatin came and married with her; Shee was honorably and richly indowed by the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces, F acknowledging the great seruices they had receiued from the Prince of Orange her father.
About the end of Iune Verdugo knowing that the besieged within Steenwick had want of [Page 1059] poulder, he sent two hunderd and fifty soldiers euery one with a bag of ten or twelue 1592. A pounds waight, to make a tryall if they could get into the towne, and for their greater assurance he sent a man before to aduertise what hower they should come, that the beseeged might at the same instant make a sally vpon that quarter, whereby they might enter with more ease. But this man being taken by them of Prince Maurice his Campe, and well examined, he descouered the succors that were to come, the which fayled not at the hower which the gouernor had set downe, who being watcht for vpon the passages of those two hunderd and fifty men two hundred of them were slaine the rest escaped as well as they could. The beseeged vnderstanding and finding their men to decrease more and more, hauing lost cont Lodovic vanden Bergh, the captaines Blundel of Hessel, the Lieutennants of Steenbach and Camega with many others, seeing also that there was no hope to be deliuerd, and that as well their victualls as munition began B to faile them, they thought to yeeld vp the towne by composition. But Prince Maurice demanding all those marchants of Gheertruydenbergh at his discretion, there was nothing concluded at that time: alledging that from the beginning of the seege, they had all sworne to liue and die equally together: by reason whereof the condition of the one ought not to be worsethen the other, desiring rather to die fighting then being prisoners after the towne was yeelded to be hanged, as their sentence did import: wherevpon the Prince caused his battery to be doubled with sixty peeces of Ordinance, which did thunder into the towne: besides three mines which played the fourth of Iuly, and made such a murther of soldiars which were on the toppe and at the foote of the rampar, as the could see nothing but men flying in the ayer, and it made such a breach as C they might goe on horsback to the assault: Prince Maurice desiringe to vewe the operation Prince Mourice shotte. of those mines, approchinge somewhat neere, he was shot into the cheeke from the towne but without daunger, whereof he was soone cured. The beseeged being amazed at this thundring, despayring of all meanes to hold out long, fearing to be taken by assault, hauinge such great and large breaches, they consented all with one accord to parle and to make a composition, the which Prince Maurice yealded vnto, and the next Steenwyc yeelded by composition and other townes besieged by the Estates. day being the fifth of Iuly it was concluded: the beseeged departing without armes, and swering not to carry armes against the Estates beyond the Rhine in halfe a yeare. In this sort was Steenwic yeelded to Prince Maurice by composition, vnder the obedience of the generall Estates after it had endured 29000. Cannon shot, the Prince hauing lost D about one thousand and fiue hundred men and many hurt, among others Sir Francis Vere Generall of the Englishe and Sir Horatio his brother, William van Dorp Collonel of the Regiment of West Friseland, whereof he died and many others. The towne being yeelded, Captaine Beresteyn was put into it with foure companies, the Estates armie remaining thereabouts, vntill the rampars were repaired, the ditches made cleane and raysed and the trenches made euen. The Marchants of Gheertruydenberg (not comprehended in the accord) as many as could bee taken of them were hanged; Captaine Coquielle, who had commanded in the towne during the siege, and all his men, with those that were hurt and sicke, with all their baggage, were conuoyed vnto the Conty of Benthem in the frontiers of Westphalia. E
About the middest of Iuly Collonell Mondragon Gouernor of the Cittadell of Antwerp, was sent with three thousand men and fiue peeces of Ordinance, into the countrie of Cempeine to besiege the Castle of Westerlloo, the which yeelded the eighteenth of the moneth by composition. Passing on he went before Tournhout, which yeelded also the twentith: and that of Berghey the one and twenty, by which three places the Estates did alwaies afflict Brabant and the country about. Prince Maurice pursuing his victory of Steenwick, marcht with his armie before the towne and strong Castle of Couoerden, in the country of Tuente; and drawing forth of his campe some twelue hundred men and fiue peeces of Artillerie, he went towards the towne of Otmarsen in the said country; whereas at that time Alphonso Mendo a Spaniard commanded: who F seeing that hee could doe little or no seruice in the towne with his horse during the siege, he retyred in good time with 60. horse, promising them of the towne that hee would deale▪ so with the Gouernor Verdugo, as hee should bring them succors. The [Page 1060] Prince being camped before the towne, he commanded the Seignior of Famas as generall 1592. A of the Artillery, to plant his battery, the which being done, the same night the Seignor of Famas being neere vnto the cannon, he was shot into the head, from the towne, by the sound of his voyce with the which he was strooke dead and neuer spake word. The Prince did much lament him, hauing beene one of his cheefe councellors for the Famas Generall o [...] th [...] ordinance [...] th [...] [...] slaine. warres and sitter then any other man to gouerne the ordinance. The beseeged hearing of his death would attend no more greater extremity, but some cannon shot; knowing well that if they continued obstinate the Prince would reuenge on them the death of that gentleman, whome he had so much loued, and therefore they yeelded: They being gone forth, and a garrison put into it for the free Estates, the Prince came with his smale army to his campe before Couoerden. B
The Drossart of Couoerden hearing of the comming of the Princes campe burnt the towne, and beat downe all the gardins and hedges about it, for that he would leaue noe coue [...]t for the ennemy, yet the Prince intrencht himselfe by little euen to the brinke of the castell dich, the which is strong by scituation, by nature and by art, and held impregnable. There was a raueling neere vnto the port which defended the bridg, the which was presently battred downe: yet the beseeged made furious sallies; and one among the rest at noone daies, in the which they cut in peeces a whole companie both Captaine, Liuetenant and Ancient, of the which there were onely eleuen soldiars saued. To hinder these sallies, it was thought good to plant certaine ordinance to breake the bridge, the which was done. This summer was in the beginning very dry, so as they C might with more ease beseege this place round about, yea in the boggs and marish places. And as the castell ditches were deepe and large, after they had drawne forth as much of the water as they could, they were by little and little filled, rowling earth of ten or twelue foote broad only, and as the ditch filled vp, they couered it in the night with plankes set vpon proppes or prillers, being like a gallery vnderneath, the which they continued by little and little, vntill it came to the foote of the rampar. The plankes aboue were alwaies couerd with earth and flaggs, that the beseeged could not set fire of it, nor the ordinance could not hurt it. Then by this gallery they came to the sappe of the rampar which nothing could hinder. And as the said rampar was armed with D great bodies of trees, and armes of trees laid crosse, and straight with earth, and some bauines betwixt them, this earth being taken away they resolued to set it on fire.
Whilest these things passe in this sort, the Duke of Parma knowing of what importance this place of Covoerden is as being the kay of all the country of Freezland, Drenthen and Groning, hee sent about foure thousand foote and sixe hundred horse vnder the leading of Verdugo Gouernor of the country of Groning, to passe through the Estats campe, or to force Prince Maurice to retire. Being come thether and finding the Prince well intrencht he went and campt at Enlichom, to cut of the victualls, which came vnto the Estates campe from towards Zwol. But after he had stayed their some dayes, Verdugo seeing that there came aboundance from other places, he resolued to try his fortune, and to set vpon the trenches: The which was very successefull in the beginning; E for the Spaniards had past one, and began to cry out victory. But they were at the Verdugo comming to releeue Couoerden is repu [...]st. same instant entertayned in such sort by the Earle of Hohenlo, who came running thether with all speed, that as many as were entred, remayned vpon the place: And then began the cannon of the Campe to play through the thickest of their squadrons, so as they were sorced to make a retreat alwaies skyrmishing yet marching away like soldiars, as if they had resolued to come a second time. The beseeged seeing their succors retired being without all hope, finding their rampars to be so sapt, as there remayned nothing but to set fire on them, their defences and parapets quite beaten downe, so as there was not any man that durst shew him-selfe if hee were not weary of his life, they F were content to yeeld the place by composition. Verdugo being thus retyred with his troupes, and Couoerden fallen vnder the obedience of the Estates; Prince Maurice who Couoerden yeelded by composition. during the seege would not goe out of his campe to fight with the Spaniards (fearing to loose so good an occasion as was offred to make him-selfe Maister of that place) after that hee had put a garrison into it, and given order for the reparation of the rampars [Page 1061] and ruines thereof, and for the making plaine of his trenches, hee parted withall his 1592. A armie and pursued the Spaniards, marching towardes the Rhyne, thinking to passe it at Bercke. But the Prince following them at the heeles, as they had no meanes to make their passage there, Verdugo finding his men so much discouraged as they slipt away in small numoers, passing along the towne of VVezel (the Prince pursuing him still, meaning to doe him an affront) hee went and campt vnder the fauor of a little towne in VVestphalia called Bucholt: whereas the Prince would willingly haue charged him, if the Spaniard had not so well obserued his retreate: whereas there was but one narrow passage to come vnto him, and a great bogge or moorish plaine betwixt both. For which consideration the Prince not able to approach neere vnto him, being loath to pursue him any further, (for that Autumne was well aduanced, and the moist wether and the bad time of winter approached) hee left him there; and went backe B with his armie, sending euery man to his garrison vntill the Spring following.
After the Duke of Parmas retreat out of France from the releefe of Rouen, the leagguers held an assembly of Estates at Paris, and the partizans of Spaine were in hope that the Duke of Parma would returne the third time with a mighty army, to performe some great worke, and assure the Crowne of France to the King of Spaine, or to the Infanta his daughter, but death cut of his life and all his enterprizes, for marching towards Picardy with an army of seauen or eight thousand men horse and foote, his foreward being neere vnto the tree of Guise, hee staid in Arras to call an assembly of the Netherlands, that were vnder the King of Spaines obedience, He had beene alwaies sickly and ill since his last retreat: Being in the towne his sicknes increased in the beginng C of September, and he died the second day, in the Abbots lodging of Saint Vast. Prince of Parma dies. His body was conducted through Lorraine into Italy with eight scorehorse all in mourning. They say that he ordayned in his testament to be buried in a Capuchins weed. He was much lamented by them of Arthois and by many others, who are of a mylder disposition then the Spaniards or the Iesuits, by whome he was not much moned, He was held the honestest man and (although an Italien) a lesse dessembler then any of the former gouernors which the King of Spaine had sent into the Netherlands: Iealous of his honor, and holding his word aboue all things. He died being about forty eight His commendations. yeares old. Being dead and opened, they found his vitall parts much perished: so as he could not haueliued long. He lies interred in his towne of Parma. At his funeral D in the towne of Brussells, there had like to haue fallen out a great tumult, for that the Earle of Mandsseldt marching after the herse, as his Lieutenant, and then the officers of his household, the Spanish gentlemen would haue marcht before the Italiens, who kept them backe by force: as in truth it was not then the Spaniards rancke. The like funeralls were made vnto him in many townes of Italy, and the tenth of Aprill 1593. in Rome, as the great champion and defender of the Romish Church, of the which hee was standard-bearer by inheritance: and there was a statue of marble set vp for him in the Capitoll, after the manner of the ancient Romains.
VVith this inscription. 1592.
QVOD. ALEXANDER. FARNESIVS. PARMAE. PLACENTIAE. DVX. TERTIVS. MAGNO. IN. IMPERIO. PRO. REPVB. CHRISTIANA. GESSERIT. MORTEMQVE. OBIERIT. ROMANIQVE. NOMINIS. GLORAM. AVXERIT.
S. P. Q. R.
HONORIS. ERGO. MAIORVM. MVLTIS. SECVLIS. INTER. FVSIS. REVOCANDVM. CENSVIT. STATVITQVE. CIVI. OPTIMO. EIVS. VIRTVTIS. SVAEQVE. IN. ILLVM. VOLVNTATIS. TESTIMONIVM.
EX. S. C. P.
CLEMENTIS. 8. P. M. ANNO. 11. GABRIELE. CETARINO. I. V. C. IACOBO. ROBERO. PAPIRIO. ALBERO.
CELSO. CELSO. CAPO. REG. PRIORE.
Besides the Dukes Image there stood a faire table wherein was written as followeth.
ALEXANDER. FARNESIVS. OCTAVII. F. PARMAE. ET. PLACENTIAE. DVX. 3. PROVINCIAM. NACTVS. BELGICAM. PHILIPPI. HISPANIARVM. REGIS. IMPERIA. DETRECTANTEM.
MAstrichum vrbem munitissimum expugnauit: Birronium Gallum diuersarum partium Ducem, collatis signis praelio vicit, Dunchercham, Gandauvm, Brugas, Hypras, Denremundam, Bruxellas, Exclusam, alia (que) plurima Belgiae Oppid [...], aut vi cepit, aut ad deditionem compulit, Antwerpiam humanis viribus inexpugnabilem, ingenti ad scaldin fluuium operum magnitudine circummunitam, in deditionem accepit: Nusium acceptum, Coloniensi archiepiscopo reddidit. Belgas omnes qui continentē incolunt, in Philippi regis potestatem, & ad Romane ecclesiae obedientiam reduxit. Hasce ob res, alis (que) fortiter gestas S. P. Q. R. summus imperator elogio, prope maiorum triumphus, quorum gloriam aut vicit, aut certe aequauit, ornatus est.
ALexander Farnesius sonne to Octauius the 3. Duke of Parma and Plaisentia, being Gouernor of the Netherlands which disobeied the King of Spaine, wanne the strong towne of Mastricht, defeated the Marshall of Biron generall of the French army, he tooke Dunkerke, Gand, Bruges, Ypre, Denremonde, Brusselles, Sluys, and many other townes in the Netherlands. Antwerp inuincible to be wonne by mans force lying vpon the riuer of Sheld, hee forced to yeeld. He tooke Nuys and restored it to the Archbishop of Cologne, All the Belgick Prouinces vpon the maine land hee subdued to the King, & brought vnder the obedience of the Romish Church, for which and other his worthy deeds, he hath beene honored with the title of Emperor by the citty of Rome, deseruing a tryumph, such as were made to the ancient Romains, whose glory if he did not surpasse, yet did he equall it. This standeth in Rome, for his honor and perpetuall memory.
COnt Phillip of Nassau runs ouer the country of Luxembourg, with some of the Estates, troupes: Prince Maurice beseegeth Gheertrudenberg, and takes it in vew of a royal army led by Peter Ernest Earle of Mansfeldt, who beseegeth Crevec [...]ur in vaine: warre made in Freezeland by Cont William of Nassau for the Estates. The Earle of Solms makes warre in Flanders. Otmarson in Oueryssel and many other forts in Freezelond recouered B by the Spaniard: The Archduke Ernest comes to be Gouernor of the Netherlands for the King of Spaine Michell Reuichors a Preest vndertakes to kill Prince Maurice, for the which he is executed: whereof the Archduke Ernest being taxed, he seekes to excuse him-selfe by his letters to the Estates, where-vnto they make answer: The sayed Archduke makes warre against the King of France, Prince Maurice deliuers Cowarden, beseegeth Groning and takes it: Peter de Four pretends to kill Prince Maurice, for the which he is executed: Cont Phillip of Nassau ioynes with the Duke of Bouillions troupes. The marriages of the Earle of Hohenlo and the Duke of Bouillon: Huyville and the Castle surprized by the Estates in the country of Liege, and soone recouered by the Spaniard. The death of the Archduke Ernest: Collonel Mondragon a Spaniard comes neere vnto the Estates campe, he is pursued by Prince Maurice. The Earles Phillip of Nassau and Ernest of Solms are hurt, taken prisoners and die; Cont Frederic of Nassau remayning prisoner. The Earle of Fuentes makes sharpe war against the French King: The Spaniards offer a peace in the Netherlands: Liege in Brabant surprized for the states, but recouered the same day. C Cardinall Albert made gouernor for the King of Spaine, he takes Callis from the French King, who recouers La-fere from the Spaniard. The Cardinal beseegeth Hulst in Flanders, the which in the end yeeldeth. The king of Spaine dispenseth with him-selfe for the paiment of his debts. The English and Estates shippes takes Cadiz in Spaine. The Mareshall of Biron makes warre in Arthois, he takes the Marquis of Var [...]nbon gouernor of the country. A league betwixt the French King, the Queene of England and the Estates against the Spaniard: Prince Maurice defeats the Earle of Varax by Tournhout who is slaine there. Amiens surprised, by the Spaniard, beseeged and taken by the King, the which Cardinall Albert offers to succor in vaine: Prince Maurice beseegeth and takes the Townes of Alpen, Meurs, Rhinberg, Grol, Brefort, Enscheyde, Old [...]nzeel, Otmarsom, Goor and Lingen, all in three months. The King of Denmarkes Ambassador to the Estates, and to wh [...]t end. The King of Spaine makes a peace with the French King: The Admirall of Arragon sent Ambassador to the Emperor, and to what end: Peter Panne vnder takes to kill Prince Maurice, and is executed. The D Estates subiects sayle to the East Indies. Atumult at Emden: the King of Spaine giues his eldest daughter to Cardinall Albert.
AFter the Death of Alexander Farnez [...] Duke of Parma Peter Ernest Earle of Mansfeldt his Lieutenant during his absence in France, was by prouision appointed to the gouernment by the King of Spaine of all that which remained vnder his obedience in the Netherlands, attending the comming of Ernest Archduke of Austria, the Emperor Rodolphus Brother, being chosen for Gouernor, E lieutenant and Captaine generall. To which Earle of Mansfeldt (as the Spaniards haue neuer fully trusted the Noblemen of the Netherlands) there were ioyned in all affayers, the Earle of Fuentes a Spaniard, Brother in law to the Duke of Alua, and one Stephano Ybarra, Superintendent of the Kings treasure, a Spaniard also: without the aduice of which two hee could not doe any thing, neither yet treat nor dispose of a denier.
About the end of this yeare 1592. as Cont Charles of Mansfeldt, was sent vnto the fronters of Picardy, to prouide worke for the roialists, to the aduancement of the league, and to beseege Noyon, the which he did and tooke it, the King being otherwaies imployed: Cont Phillip of Nassau goes into Luxembourg. F the vnited Estates on the other side sent Phillip Earle of Nassau with some 4000. horse & foote into Luxemburg, to make some enterprize as well vpon the towne of Saint Vyt (belonging to Prince Maurice by inheritance) as else where; and also to force them to their contributions. [Page 1064] The Earle of Mansfeldt, father to Count Charles, to make head against him, sent the 1593. A Earle of Barlaymont thether, with the garrison of Liere, Macklin and others places, both Spaniards and Italiens. But Count Philip seeing his men laden with bootie, which they had gotten as well in Luxembourg as in Cempeine, hee retired quietly, without any losse. The gouernment of the Kings countrie, beeing (as wee haue sayd) put into the hands of the Earle of Mansfeldt the father (an old and pollitike captaine) with the assistance of the sayd Earle of Fuentes, Stephano d'Ybarra and other Spaniards, and of the Spanish faction: they were of opinion to breake quarter, and (as they were wont to say) to make foule warres, not suffring any souldiars of what qualitie so euer, captaines or other Officers, to bee ransomed, nor exchanged for other prisoners, thinking thereby to make their men more resolute to fight, and to vanquish, or die: for if they escaped The Spaniards breake quarter with the Estates men. and were no [...] slaine in the fight, being prysoners there were no ransome, exchange nor B mercie for them: And by this meanes they should also coole the heate of the Estates souldi [...]rs, from the doing of such violent executions by the right of warre, for the leauy and payment of their contributions: for they made a generall defence vpon all the fronters ioyning to the confederate Prouinces, with other accustomed places, dated the fift day of Ianuary in the yeare 1593. not to pay any such easments and taxes to the Estates collectors and Receiuors. But Mansfeldt and his associates were much abused by this manner of proceding for their souldiars (who commonly seeke more for profit then honour) had rather draw a ransome from their prisoners, then deliuer them into the hangmans hands; or by this willfull breaking of quarter, to suffer themselues to C bee hanged. Moreouer the gentlemen, the Clergie and such as receiued rents, were more willing to pay a light contribution to the Estates, to saue the rest, then to receiue nothing at all, and moreouer to haue their castles, houses and farmes burnt, at the first roade they should make. The vnited Estates made a publication to the contrary, of the 27. day of Februarie, by the which they declared that the Spaniard sought nothing else by the breaking of quarter, and for biding to pay the contributions, but vtterly to ruine The Estates proclamation to di [...]anul that of the Spani ards touching breaking of quarter. all the Netherlands and the inhabitants thereof: And therefore they signified vnto them of the Champian country that were of the aduerse partie, that if they did not aduise otherwise for there saf [...]ties after the 10. of Aprill next ensuing, that there would be no quarter for any person, place, Bourrough or village (as now many did reside there D and were free, with any safegard of the sayd Estates) lying vnder the command of their enemies. This countermande of the Estates was the cause that all the world ranne to Brusselles to complaine of the first proclamation, so as nothing was put in execution, but all things remained as they were. And to speake truth the Spanish partie had lost much more thereby, then those of the Estates: for one souldiar which the Spaniards could haue slaine or hanged, the Estates would haue had three. The sayd Spaniards associate in the gouernment made no difficultie to forbid the contributions, and to expose the poore people and others in prey, seeing they neuer came to any combates, nor had any houses or foote of land, that might bee ruined, not caring what men suffred E
Prince Maurice doubting not but the Earle of Mansfeldt Lieutenant for the King of Spaine, was fully resolued to hinder him this yeare 1593. from some good designe, meaning to preuent him, before hee should haue meanes to aduance: he made hast togather his army together in the beginning of the spring, and the 28. of March hee came with all Gheertruydenberg beseeged by Prince Maurice. his forces both by sea and land, before the towne of Saint Gheertruydenberg, to beseege it, and by a long or a short seege to carry it. And whereas there was a Fort within musket shot of the towne, called Steelhof (which is as much to say as a gardin of theeues) the which hindred him from making of his approches on that side, and kept the passage for victualls towards Osterhout, hee must first of all winne this Fort, the which they of the towne did euery night releeue with new gards; for the preuenting whereof F the Prince thought i [...] good to cut off the way and to seperate it from the towne: which being done, he soone ma [...]red the Fort, the which yeelded the seauenth day of Aprill, going forth with their baggage onely. This Fort beeing yeelded the Prince approched neere vnto the towne, [...]nd by foote and foote wonne the counter-scarpe, of the [Page 1065] Ditch, where as the soldiars (as if they had burroes in the grownd) lodged them-selues 1593. A couered from the towne canon on the West side, appointing Cont Hohenlo his Lieutenant to quarter with the regements of Cloetinghen and Locren on the East side beyond the water in the village of Ramsdonch, about halfe an howers passing from the towne, where being intrencht, a brigde was made to passe the water from one quarter to an other, for releefe if need were. The Prince with the Regiment of Cont Henry Frederic the younger brother of the Earle of Solms, the Seignor of Graeneuelt, and of Balfor a Scotishman, camped on the West side. And for the intrenching of his campe, he had the hearts of his soldiars both in generall and in particular, so at his deuotion, as with an incredible celerity, and for a small reward, preforming the duties of pioners (a rare thing) they finished all the trenches of the campe, the which a good soote-man B could hardly go about in fower howers. The trenches were diuided by rauelins, flanking and answering one another, as if it had beene a strong towne, euery rauelin being furnished with two peeces of ordinance at the least, according to the necessity of The forme of the trenches in the campe before Gheertruydenberg. the place, before which trenches there was a dich about thirty foote broade: And asthough there were many marish places and full of boggs, the which were not easie to passe; yet in steed of a counterscarp to the said ditches, there were great pyles driuen in, which remayned foure foote high aboue the ground, to the top of euery one of the which, there was a long pike of iron fastened before, that any man striking theron sodenly in the night, he should not be able to pull it out of his brest (being one chained vnto an other) without making of a great noyse so as a man might hold himselfe better assured C in that campe, then in the strongest towne he could chose, for speaking without flatery, & that which Iobserued, the discipline which the Prince vsed, and the redinesse and obedience of the soldiers was so great, as the peasants in the neighbour villages came and Iohn Petit. lodged in the campe for refuge, not only with their wiues & children, but also with their horses, kine, sheepe, and other cattell, yea euen with their hens to saue them from the Spanish army, which they knew to be vpon the way selling vnto the soldiars (as in an open towne market) their butter, egges, milke, cheese, and other commodities, yea the proprietaries or farmers who had errable land within the circuit of the Campe, had liberty to till it, the which will seeme incredible to such as haue beene inlicentious and ill gouerned armies: if an infinite number of the inhabitants of neighbour townes, yea D which were vnder the Spaniard as Antwerp, Mons, Tournay, Lille and other townes comming with the Estates of Hollands pasport, for their affayers, which came to see it and to play in the campe, had not beene true eye witnesses with me. The Earle of Mansfeldt hearing that Cont Charles his sonne, had discharged his duty well on Picardie for the seruice of the league, hauing taken Noyon, he sent for him to come with all The Spaniards mutine against Cont Charles. his troupes, and to ioyne with his army neere vnto Gheertruydenberge. As Charles was vpon his returne at Aussyle chasteau (belonging to the Earle of Egmont, halfe in France, and halfe in Arthois, diuided by the riuer of Authie) meaning to doe iustice vpon a Spanish Captaine who had rauished a young maid of Hesdin: presently all the Spaniards tooke armes against him and against all his Wallon soldiars, whome they put to flight and spoyled all their goods, making a head among them whome they call E Electo: and being thus mutined, they seazed vpon the towne of Saint Paul, the which they fortefied, and from whence they held in subiection and did ransome all the quarter of Arthois, which they call the heigh country betwixt Hesdin, Bapaulmes, Arras, Bethune, Aire, and Saint Omer, whome they did force to bring vnto them euery weeke both mony and victualls, which mutiny continued a whole yeare before it could bee appeazed. After whose example, the Italiens and wallons (which were in the country The Italiens and Wallons mutine in Henault. of Hennault) did mutine soone after, and did fortefie them-selues at Pont vpon Sa [...]bre: from whence they did force the Country there abouts to pay them nine hundred florins a day, the which they of Mons were to furnish euery weeke. F
The garrison of the towne of Berke vpon the Rhine did no lesse, and as the country thereabouts belongs to the diocese of Collogne, or to the Duchy of Iuilliers, hauing no meanes to ransome it, besides the ordinary customes, they charged all shippes and [Page 1066] marchandise which must of necessitie passe that way with great impositions, deuiding 1593 A the money euery day betwixt them.
Prince Maurice and the Estates Campe, beeing thus intrenched, defended and disciplined before Gheertruydenbergh, towards the land, the towne was in like manner shutte vp by Sea, with about a hundred shippes great and small, to keepe all things from Gheertruydenberg shut vp by water. entring. Besides there were a great number of shippes full of victuals and munition, by the Princes quarters: so as there was aboundance of all thinges, and good cheape. The like there was on Cont Hohenloos quarter, so as nothing wanted on any side. As for the horse-men the Prince knowing they would be to more vse in the towne of Berghen vp Zoome, Breda & Heusden to cutte of the enemies victuals, who began to make head at Tournhout, he retired a small number which were camped at large, betwixt the B Princes quarter and that of Hohenloos, in a place hard to come vnto by the Spaniards, by reason of the waters, but alwaies ready by meanes of bridges, to succor either of the quarters.
The Earle of Mansfeldt being resolued to try all meanes to raise this siege; approached with his armie (being about twelue thousand men) to Osterhout, about halfe a league from the Estates Campe: where hee kept him-selfe intrencht two daies. But as vppon that side (which was towards the Princes quarter) there was no accesse, as well for the marrishes, as for the mighty trenches, and fortifications of the Campe: Changing his place hee went and camped on the East side, in the Villages of VVaesbeke and Capelle, neere vnto Cont Hohenloos quarter: to whome Sir Francis Veer was sent with six hundred C English and about a thousand Frisons. Mansfeldt being camped there, without Cont Mansfeldt dares not force the Princes Campe. any shew that hee would force the Estates Campe, still attended some good aportunitie: for hee foudd there was small meanes to go to it by force: and that the Princes Campe (although at the most there were not aboue seauen thousand men in it) was as sufficient in the weakest part, as a good strong place, and could not be attempted without batterie, and the hazard of men, and with small hope of any honour to bee gotten: like an old, wise, and aduised Captaine (who would not rashly aduenture any thing) hee continued about three weekes in that place, seeing with his owne eyes all that was done before the towne, and not able to help it, nor preuent it, but with his good wishes. At that time, besides the batterie which did teare downe the Rampar of the towne; the D Prince caused galleries to be made in three seuerall places, to come to the sappe, as hee had done the yeare before at Covoerden; one of the which was so farre aduanced, as it came within 14. or 15. foot of the Rampar, to the which the ditch was almost filled with the ruine of the breach, which was falne.
The foure and twentith of Iune being Saint Iohn Baptists day, on the which the Earle of Mansfelds soldiers had bragged that they would come (it is an ancient superstition in the Romish Church) and make Saint Iohns fire in the towne, a soldier of the Estates Camp, of the company of Captaine Haene a Tourneisien, aduentured to passe the townditch of Gheertruydenberg about one of the clocke in the afternoone, mounting vp easily by the ruine of the breach, which was made at the rauelyn of the Port of Breda: being E alofte, hee shewed the countenance of the soldiers besieged, that were in gard, whereof some dined, some slept, and others lay at ease. This soldier made a signe to his companions to follow him, shewing that it was time: where-vppon the Captaine with the rest of the company, and Captaine Boeuine, casting them-selues into the ditch, got vp to this rauelyn, and wonne it, they slew some, and chased away the rest that were in gard, whome they pursued euen into the towne: where there was one taken, who was brought vnto the Prince.
Vpon this Alarme the Seignior of Gissant (Gouernor of the towne) being in armes to come vnto the Rampar (as the canon from the Campe ceased not) was slaine with a The Seignior of Gisant Gouernor of the [...]ne slaine. stone shotte out of a morter, and many about him hurt, and among others the Sargeant Maior: The besieged seeing this rauelyn wonne; their Gouernor dead (who was the F third Gouernor, which had bene slaine during the siege) and in the Scottes quarter the ditch in a manner filled vp, so as they feared it would be finished the night following, and so might be charged in two or three places at one instant, they sent their Deputies [Page 1067] and among others the saide Sargent Maior, wounded as he was in the head, to the Prince 1593. Gheertruydenberg yeelded by composition. A to treat of an accord: where vpon hostages were sent for them of the towne, whilest that they remayned all night in the campe to treat of the yeelding vp of the towne: so as the composition was made vpon certaine conditions, the which were confirmed the next day, whereof the Prince did remit some, for whereas at the first by the treaty it was said, that the soldiars should depart without armes, he suffered them to carry them and their collours rolled vp on their shoulders, vntill they should come vnto the last bridg of the campe, and then deliuer them into his hands, the which they did: And departed with their armes and bagage the fift of that moneth, marching towards Antwerp. There happned nothing remarkable in this retreat which I obserued. There were yet remayning two or three of those soldiars, which had sold that towne vnto the Duke of B Parma, one of them being hidden in a cart vnder bagage and grasse that ouerthrew by mischance in the faire way a musket shot from the towne, in the midest of the Estates soldiers as they stood in armes, among whome hee had marcht, so this poore msierable wretch was hanged with the two others.
Al the garrison being gone forth, most of them being heigh Bourguignons and Germains, comming to the last bridg, whereas the Prince (accompanied with the Earles Sixteene ensignes de [...] red to the Prince. of Hohenlo, Solms, and others) did see them passe. Euery ancient, deliuered his collours into the Princes hands being sixteene, the which he sent to the Hage. The same day the towne was yeelded, the earle of Mansfeldt sent some troupes of foote to descouer Cont Hohenlos quarter, against whom was sent the Earles company of horse, led by captaine C Cloct, with Sir Francis Veer, and his Cornet and some others, who defeated these footemen, and brought two captaines Wallones prisoners, who being brought into the campe, were much amazed to see the towne yeelded, for Mansfeldt knewe nothing of it vntill that day in the euening hee espied bonefiers within the towne, and in the Estates campe, with shooting of the ordinance and their smale shot. Thus this towne (which the Spaniards held impregnable) was taken in the sight of the King of Spaines army, commanded by a braue old Captaine, who (to say the truth) was twise as strong as the Estats. But we must also confesse that the Prince (by reason of his forts and intrenchments) had a great aduantage: had the Spaniards beene twice as strong the approch vnto the Estates campe, was so hard and dangerous, which grew by Prince Maurice his D dilligence, and the slackenesse of Cont Mansfelt. Mansfeldt to be reuenged of this affront, hearing of the yeelding vp of the towne, hee marcht presently away with his army into the quarter of Boisleduc and camped before Creueceur (lying vpon the riuer of Meuze at the mouth of the channell, which is called Dise) Going towards the towne, that by the meanes of this fort he might command the riuer, so as nothing should goe downe to the townes, of Heusden, Gorrichom and Dordrect, nor mount vpwards. Prince Maurice hearing that hee had turned head that way, hee presently sent Floris of Brederode Lord of Cloetinge [...] brother to the Lord of Brederode, with his regiment by the same riuer to the fort of Creuecaeur, causing his shippes of warre, with boats and artillery to follow, the which sailed so happely with a westerly winde, as (without any let) they came and cast anchor iust before the Fort. The Prince being assured E that Mansfeldt began to plant his canon and had resolued to batter it went himselfe in person, with the body of his armie, with the which he past into the Iland of Bommel, Cont Mansfeld forced to leaue the fort of Creuecaeur. going to campe in a village called Heel, right against the said fort, the which he supplied with artillery, which the besieged did so imploy, as Mansfeldt (hauing his quarter drowned with the waters which did rise) was forced to retire his armie, and to campe halfe a League of. In the meane time the said chanell was stopt, that nothing could go in nor out. In the end after that Mansfeldt had stayed there some time, made a great spoile, especially of the Hoppe groundes (whereof that country is very full) his men leauing not a pole vnburnt, so as the hoppes were spoyled; hee left this place of Creuaecuer F in peace, to his great greefe.
Behold what little honor this old soldiar got before these two places of Gheertruydenberg and Creuecaeur. This fort had beene first built by the Spaniards, who gaue it Why Creuecaeur was to called. that name, for that it held the riuer of Meuze in subiection, to the great greefe of the [Page 1068] Hollanders, and especially of them of Dordrecht, by reason of the marchandise which 1593. A came by this riuer vnto them out of the country of Liege and higher. But the Estates hauing taken it from them, left it the same name, for that it was a heart-breaking to them of Boislduc, who could receiue nothing by water, but through the fauor of this Fort: whereas they must pay vnto the Estates their towles and customes, and whereas their shippes are serched as they passe, and must yeeld an account if they bee well freed at their comming out of the country.
Whilest that they made warre in this sort in Brabant: William Lewis Earle of Nassau, gouernor for the Estates in the country of Friseland, going the 4. day of April from Oosthorne, came the 13. to campe at Bellingwolderziel, the which hee fortified, to cut off the passage to Borentanghe. Collonel Verdugo gouernor of Groning for the King Warre in Frisland. B of Spaine, presented himselfe, as if he would hinder him from making of this Fort with 2500. horse and foote. But finding it almost in defence and well furnished, hee durst not attempt it, bu [...] retired from thence: so as the Earle had good leisure and meanes to finish it: And such men as he needed not in his army, he sent to his cousin Prince Maurice. Verdugo fortefied himselfe with 3000. foote and eight cornets of horse, thinking to do the Earle an affront, who then lay quiet within the Fort of Newoort two leagues from Groning, expecting the return of his troupes, which he had sent vnto the Prince, the which were sent backe vnto him after the taking of Gheertruydenberg: So as hee was re-nforced with twenty companies of foote and twelue cornets of horse, with the which he went to field and beseeged Gramberge, with sixe peeces of artillery, the which C he won, with some other small forts there-abouts. Then hauing victualed Covoerden and Otmarsam, hee went before the strong castle of Vedde, the which yeelded as soone as the battery was planted, with the other fort, by the which they crost the riuer. Winschooten was abandoned, and by that meanes the Earle made himselfe maister of all the passage of Boerentanghe, the which he went about to fortifie with all speed, before the Gramberghe yeelded to Cont William. succours came which the Earle of Mansfeldt should send vnto Verdugo, beeing two thousand foote, eight hundred horse, eight peeces of ordynance, and two hundred wagons, besides three hundred horse more led by Verdugoes Lieutenant, the which past at Linghen the fift of September, expecting greater troupes from about Namur. This fort of Boerentanghe was then wholie finished, which cut off the passages to the towne D of Groning: the walles were a pike high, with fiue Bulwarkes well flanked: the ditches were 80. foote broade, very deepe and full of water, hauing fiue companies of foote in it. The place was well munitioned for two monethes, neyther could they cut off the victualls which came vnto it from Westphalia side: Cont William appointed captaine Frederic of Iongh to command in the place.
MAVRICE OF NASSAV BORNE 1593. Prince of Orange; Marquis of La Vere and of Flushing; Earle of Nassau, Meurs, Catsenellebogen, Dyets, Vianden, &c. Baron of Breda &c. gouernor of Gelder, of Holland, Zeeland, Vtrecht and Ouerysell. Great Captaine and Admirall generall of the vnited Prouinces of the Low-countries.
SVRCVLVS FACTVS ARBOR. B
The Branch is made a Tree.
I Must aduertise you, that this picture of Prince Maurice should haue beene placed in the yeare of our Lord 1589. presently after the Earle of Leceister had left the Gouernment of the vnited Prouinces, but not as Gouernor of those Prouinces, but onely as Generall of the Estates armie in those Prouinces, as hee hath continued vnto this day, the which beeing through negligence omitted in his due place, I am inforced to insert it here (though somewhat improperly) rather then to leaue it out altogither, hee hauing done such worthie and memorable seruices to the vnited Estates. C
WHilest that the Spaniards and their adherents impoyled all their wits to continue the miseries of France, hoping by the meanes of a parliament held by the league, so to trouble the Estate and to breed such a confusion, as in the meane time they should haue good meanes to aduance their designes vpon the Netherlands, England and vpon France it selfe. Henry the fourth was solicited by some councellors nere vnto his person, and from diuers other parts, to leaue the open profession of the re [...]ormed religion, and to adhere vnto the ceremonies of the Romish church. Their The French King councelled to become Catholike. reasons were, that to chase away the Spaniard, and to get Paris and other townes of the D league for himselfe, hee must of necessity take from them of that party the maske of the Romish catholike religion, wherewith they did shadow their rebellion. That whilest the King made open profession of the reformed religion, those of the contrary faction (being far more in number) would follow the duke of Mayene and house of Guise, who through the fauor of the Pope and the King of Spaine, would finde meanes to entertaine the fire within his realme, the which (said they) was worth a paltry masse, neither would it be lost for a few ceremonies. Although that these aduises were incountred by notable aduertisments from other councellors, yet it seemed the King was somewhat inclined therevnto, and that the deputies of the Princes and Noblemen of his Councel, conferring with them of the league (to preuent the election of a new King,) put them in E hope of it: and to attaine therevnto with the more ease, they procured certaine learned Prelats to assemble, in whose presence this businesse should bee debated at large. Wherevpon the King directed his letters to many, bearing date the 18. day of May, appointing them the 15. of Iuly to come before him, assuring them that in so doing they should finde him readie and tractable to do that which was befitting a most Christian King, who had nothing more deere vnto him then the zeale of Gods seruice, and the maintayning of the true church. This action did not greatly please the heads of the league. Whilest the Deputies assembled to conferre of religion, and that the Estates of Paris proceeded in their affaires, whereas the heads of the league had their generall designes in regard of the election of a new King, yet all tending to one end, F which was to enteraine the warre in France: the court of parliament at Paris meaning to disapoint all these practises, and to chase the Spaniard out of France, pronounced a decree on the 28. of Iune, as followeth.
‘Vpon a declaration made by the Kings attorney general, and the matter being debated [Page 1071] in Court, all the chambers being assembled, hauing neuer had any other intention but 1593. A decr [...] made by the court of parliament against the league and Spaniards▪ A to maintaine the Catholike, Apostolike and Romish relligion in the Estate and crowne of France, vnder the protection of a most Christian, Catholike and French King. Wee haue decreed and do decree, that warning shalbe giuen by the president le Maistre (being assisted by a good number of the court) vnto Mounsire de Mayne Lieutenant generall of the Estate and crowne of France, in presence of the Princes and Officers of the crowne, being now in this cittie, that no treatie bee made to transfer the crowne to any forraine Prince or Princesse. That the fondamentall lawes of this realme shalbe kept, & the decrees made by the court for the declaration of a catholike & French king shalbe executed. And that hee imploy the authority which is committed vnto him, to the end that vnder the pretext of religion, the crowne bee not transferd to any, against the B lawes of the realme: and to procure as speedely as may be the peoples quiet, being reduc'd to extreame necessity: and moreouer we do at this present declare all acts which shalbe hereafter made for the establishing of any forraine Prince or Princesse, to bee voide and of no force, as made to the preiudice of the Salique law, and other fondamentall lawes of this Realme.’
The Duke was much discontented with this decree; seeing all his designes crost, wherevpon he grew into some high tearmes with the President, who answered him and other leaguers, very resolutly. In the end after many meetings, letters and answers betwixt the deputies of the Kings part and them of the league, according vnto the conference which had beene appointed, in despight of the duke of Mayene and the heads C of the league, the perswasions of such as desired the King should make profession of the Romish religion, preuailed, so as the king who since his retreat from the court of France (aboue 15. yeares before had made open profession of the Protestants reformed religion, (against the aduise of his ministers and others) went to the masse in great solemnity to Saint Denis church the 25. of Iuly, and from that time he went vsually to the exercise The King changeth his religion. of the Romish religion, whereof he did aduertise his Parliaments by his letters the same day, which did much amaze them of the religion, yet did they not forsake their profession. The duke of Mayen and his chiefe assistants seeing a part of their designes crost, by that which had happened, and that on the other side the Spaniards sought to entertaine the fire of diuisions by the election of a new King, whome they would marry with the D Infanta, who (as duke Charles of Bougongne with his daughter Mary entertained all the Neighbour Princes) serued for a Leure for the King of Spaine, to draw vnto him all the petty Kings of the league.
To the end they might giue some collour to their affaires, and frustrat al the practises of Spaine, they began in Iuly to negotiat a general truce, so as after some iorneys to & fro it was concluded, in 22. articles at Vilette betwixt Paris & S. Denis, and proclaimed the first of August both in Paris and S. Denis. Notwithstanding this generall truce, the heads of the league and Estates at Paris did not forbeare to pursue their designes. And as they had before opposed themselues at Rome, by the means and fauor of the King of The league crosseth the King at Rome. Spaines Ambassador, against the negotiations of the Cardinall of Gondi and the Marquis of Pisaui, deputies vnto the Pope, in the behalfe of the catholike Princes & Noblemen E of France, before the said 25. of Iuly. In like manner they resolued, to worke so as the King (of whom they spake very odiously) should not be receiued, but they did contradict him as much or more then before, by the rayling and seditious sermons of some, sorbonists; by declarations made to the contentment of their adherents; by secret attempts; and by sinister practises at Rome, to crosse and hinder the duke of Neuers voiage, who went thether in the Kings name to make his submission and acknowledg his obedience vnto the Pope, wherein the ambassador of Spaine and the chiefe of the Iesuits procured him great crosses and lets: as appeeres by a booke which was set forth of the sayd dukes ambassage, and of the crosses he receiued in the Kings name. F
As for the Sorbonists and other seditious preachers of the league as well in publike as in priuate, both before and after the truce, their discourses were nothing else, but that the masse which was songe before the King, deserued the name of a ballet or stageplay: that it wasmpossible the King should be conuerted; that the Pope could not make [Page 1072] him a catholike againe, with other such inciuill and strange propositions. In regard of 1593. A the declarations made by the chiefe of the league, to recomend themselues vnto their partisans, to make a secret attempt vpon the Kings councellors that were least affected to the catholike religion, and to ingage the realme in greater troubles and calamities then euer. They caused to bee published vnder the authority of the duke of Mayene as Lieutenant generall of the Estate and crowne of France, the entertayning of the councell of Trent, the which in the time of the precedent Kings could neuer bee allowed nor receiued by the courts of parliament, nor the French church. It was published the eight of August, with a new forme of oth, the which they did for the vpholding and maintayning of their league against the King, whome they sought to haue treacherously murthered, by one Peter Barriere called la Barre, borne at Orleans, who being descouered, The league pract [...]th to haue the King murth [...]red. B araigned and found guilty, was broken vpon the wheele in the sayd month of August. During this generall truce, their were sundry discourses and many propositions made for the setling of the affaires of the realme. The King who desired nothing more then the reunion of his subiects, and the abolition of that pernitious party of the league, labored to reconcile and to winne vnto him the duke of Mayene, with offers of charges and very honorable aduancements. The duke hauing in his opinion many strings to his bow, stood vpon doubtfull termes, sometimes be promised, and then he refused againe, prot: acting the businesse with many delaies, and vnder hand procuring that the decision which was made by the Sorbonists in the yeare 1590. in the month of May should take place, which was, That Henry of Bourbon was declared incapable, and fallen from all C right and pretension to the crowne of France, although hee did reconcile himselfe and adhere to the Romish relligion. The Agents of Spaine both in France and at Rome, did further and aduance all these rebellious practises, crossing the Duke of Neuers all they could in his negotiation. On the other side, the people and many great personages continued in their old song of the incompatibility of the exercise of two religiōs within the realme, and many were of opinion that the King should not bee admitted nor receiued, vnlesse he would first promise to banish all them of the reformed religion, or at the least cause the publike exercise of the religion to cease.
There was yet an other sort of people, well affected to the league, and yet seemed to be friends to the publike quiet and tranquility of the land, who secretly and vnder hand D gaue out speeches of the Kings weakenesse and disability: saying that he wanted means to force obedience, and that hee had to mighty, yea inuincible enemies, who would soone tread him downe and ruine him. That France would but languish vnder his raigne, and in the end after many calamities and miseries, shee should remaine a prey to a more powerfull maister: this by their estimation was the King of Spaine, whose greatnesse they did so magnifie and extoll, his double pistolets (sayd the true hearted Frenchmen) hauing dazeled their eyes, and blinded their vnderstandings, they also The league commends the King of Spaine. sought to terrifie such Frenchmen as were faint-hearted and not well assured, with his name. Finally they had for the most part beene so seduc'd, by the practises of the heads of the league, as they admired nothing but the greatnesse and Maiesty of the King of E Spaine, in comparison of whom that of France was little esteemed.
Whilest this truce continued, the King resolued to call an assembly at Mante of some of the greatest personages of his realme, to consult & consider of diuers affaires: among others the deputies of the reformed religion came thether in Nouember, whome the Complaints made by them of the religion. King commanded to come before him on the 12. of the sayd month, hauing giuen them audience and heard their complaints, vpon many breaches of his Edicts, and strange wrongs and iniustices done vnto them throughout all the Prouinces. Hee sayd vnto them in the presence of many Noblemen, and of the Chancellor. The Kings s [...]erch to them of the religion.
‘My maisters, I haue sent for you hether for three reasons: the first, to let you vnderstand from mine own mouth, that my conuersion hath caused no change of my affection F towards you. The second is, for that my rebellious subiects had made some shew to giue eare vnto a peace, the which I would not enter into before you were called, to the end that nothing should be done to your preiudice, as you haue bin assured by the promise made by the Princes of the crown, who did sweare in my presence, that there should not [Page 1073] be anything treated in the conference of peace against them of the reformed religion. 1593. A The third is, hauing beene aduertised of the ordinary complaints, touching the miseries of the Churches in many Prouinces of my realme, I would willingly heare them and take order for them. More-ouer you may beleeue that I affect nothing more then to see a good vnion betwixt you my good subiects, both Catholikes and of the Relligion: and I assure my-selfe that no man will hinder it. It may be their are some malicitious spirits which will seeke to crosse it, but I hope to punish them. I assure you that the Catholikes which are about me wil maintaine this vnion, and I wil be a caution and pledge that you will not seperate nor diuide your selues from them. I haue this contentment in my soule, that during all the time that I haue liued, I haue made proofe of my faith and integrity to all the world. Nor any one of my subiects hath trusted in me, but I haue relied B more in him. I beleeue your informations, and command you to depute foure of your number, to treat with such of my councell as I shall appoint, to whome I will giue this charge, and to resolue of what shal be held fit and conuenient. In the meane time if any among you haue any affaires with mee, they may haue accesse with all libertie.’
Afterwards the Kings affaires remayning long in suspence and the heads of the league continuing in their peruers courses to trouble the estate of France, they of the relligion remayned in their accustomed condition, vntill that the league was disperst and vanished. I haue made a long digression concerning this act of the French Kings conuersion to the Romish Relligion, the which I haue presumed to insert here for the rarenes of the example, although it doth not properly belong to this subiect, but now C I will returne vnto the Netherlands.
The 24, of Iuly George Euerard Earle of Solms, past into Flanders by commandement The Earle of Solms makes warre for the Estates in Flanders. from the Estates and from Prince Maurice his cosin, with 800. horse and 2500. foote he entred into the land of Waes, where hee sent his horsemen to inuest the fort of Saint Ians Steyn and the footemen to the village of Steeken, where there was a fort held by the Spaniards, the which they abandoned before any seege, flying to the fort of Waert vpon the riuer of Escault, right against Antwerp, whereof there were some thirty horses taken, hauing at their retreat burnt the village. The Earles horsemen met with eighty Spanish horse neere vnto Saint Nicholas Bourg, all which were slaine or taken prisoners. This done the Earle went with his artillery before Saint Iaques fort, D the which was yeelded vnto him, and that of Saint Ians Steyn. The which hauing soone performed, he spoyled the whole contry of Waes, for that they refused to pay their contrybutions. Such executions were done by the way of armes, when as the Inhabitants of the country liuing vnder the Estates sauegard, refused to pay the said contributions, or were forbidden by the ennemy to doe it, wherefore it is a great indiscretion and wickednesse in gouernors, which forbid vpon paine of burning the peasants houses, to pay any contributions, being wel knowne vnto them that refuzing so to do, they shall be forced by their aduersaries, some-times, to their totall ruine: seeing that neither party can reape any profit by fier and burning, were it not better to suffer these poore laborers to keepe their houses hole in their pouerty, and that (seeing it cannot bee preuented) either party reape some profit, and not through wilfulnesse (vnder coullor that E they which make these defences, haue no thing to loose) for a small benefit which the enemy should reape, thereby to loose all, and make the country desart? so as neither the one nor the other party can make any vse of it, in the passage and lodging of soldiars when they would.
The Earle of Solms hearing that Mondragon was parted out of Antwerp, to come and meete with him with 2000. foote and six cornetts of horse, which should be folrowed The Earle of Solms returne without any incounter. by ten Cornets more, after that he had razed all the forts which he had taken, leduced the country of Waes vnder the estates contribution and done what he would before the enemie was on horsebacke, he made an easie retreat (without any incounter), to the place from whence he came, carrying with him 4000. head of cattell of all sorts-On Otmarsum wonne by the Spaniard. F the other side Cont Herman and Verdugo played their parts in Freezland: and beseeged the towne of Otmarsum in the country of Tuent, which the Prince the yeare be, fore had taken in lesse then two daies: the which being no towne of Importance [Page 1074] after it had bene battered from morning till noone, it yeelded by composition, which 1593. A was that the soldiers should depart without armes or baggage, promising not to serue Many Forts in Friseland wone by the Spaniard. in Friseland against the King of Spaine for sixe moneths: the Captaines, Lieutenants, Ancients, and Officers, remained prisoners vntill they had paied their ransomes. From thence they went before the strong Castle of Wedde, which they tooke by assault: Then they tooke the Fortes of Auwerzyel, Schyloteren, Grysemyncken and Gransberghe where they slue all. This done they approached to Couoerden, a very strong place (as you haue heard, when as Prince Maurice tooke it) and well furnished with victuals and munition; so as finding no meanes to force it, as the Prince had done the yeare before, they blockt it vp, and made Fortes vpon all the approaches, to force it to yeeld in the end through want. B
Cont William of Nassau knowing that Cont Herman his cousine, and Verdugo, were strong in field, being at the siege of the mighty Fort of Borentange, he kept him-selfe close in a sure place, expecting succors from Prince Maurice his cousine, the which Sir Francis Veer Generall of the English brought vnto him. Verdugo meaning to charge him (seeing he could do no good vpon the Fort of Borentange) he raised his siege secretly, thinking to fall vpon the Earle of Nassaus trenches on the suddaine when hee Verdugo attempts the Earle of Nassaus trenches in vaine. was not lookt for, the which fell out in the moneth of October, but a soldier going out of a little Fort hard by it, hauing discouered the Spaniard in good time, gaue the alarum very happily, which presently put all the Earles campe into armes: so as hee sent forth some few (being loth to hazard more) to skirmish with them, and to keepe them C in breath. Verdugo still thought to draw him to the field, but the Earle knowing it was not fit, would not doe it: this skirmish continued seauen whole houres: Verdugo seeing there was nothing to bee gotten but blowes, retyred, with great losse towards Groning; Balfour Collonel of the Scots vnder the Estates seruice was shot in the foot there; a Captaine and some others slaine besides those that were hurt.
Verdugo hauing thus blockt vp Couoerden retired towards Oldenzeeel, and from that time his armie began to waste, so as in the Forts which he had built about Couoerden, his soldiers died of hungar, cold and pouertie, whereof a great number ranne a way, yea whole companies, with their coullors in their pockets: Cont William seeing him-selfe freed of this armie, he put his troupes also into garrison, as at Visch-Vliet, Soltcamp, and other places towards Borentange. The King being aduertised of the D Duke of Parmas death, he promised them of the Netherlands that were vnder his obedience, to send them in his place for Gouernor, Ernest Arch-duke of Austria, his Nephew, brother in law and cousine, being at that time Lieutenant to the Emperour his brother, in his Kingdome of Hongary, Croatia, Stiria, Carinthia and other Prouinces. Where-vpon the Estates of Brabant, Flanders, Arthois, Henault &c. for that they would not be long without a Gouernor, sent the Earle of Sorres with other Noblemen into Germany, vnto the said Arch-duke, comming first to Prague in Bohemia, where they found Don William of Saint Clement the King of Spaines Ambassador at the Emperors Court: whome they besought to deale with his Imperiall Maiestie for E the calling home of his brother out of Hongary: shewing how necessary his comming was into the Netherlands; & the rather for that (said they) the Kings affaires in Friseland did prosper and were much aduanced, by the good indeauors of Cont Herman Vanden Bergh and Verdugo: where-vpon the Arch-duke being sent for, hee came to Court, tooke his leaue of the Emperor his brother, and passing by Nuremberg and Wirtsberg, going downe the Rhyne, he came to Collogne, whereas Ernest of Bauaria his cousin the Arch-bishop Elector, hauing feasted him, he accompanied him into Luxembourg, where he arriued the 17. of Ianuary. 1594. and from thence to Brusselles.
ERNESTVS ARCHDVKE OF AVSTRIA, 1594. Lieutenant Gouernor and Captaine Generall for the King of Spaine in the Netherlands.
THe last of Ianuary 1594. Ernest Arch-duke of Austria being accompanied by the Arch-bishop and Prince Elector of Cologne, the Marquis B of Baden, the Duke of Arschot, Prince of Chymay, the Earles of Mansfeldt, Sores, Fuentes and many other Noblemen, as well Germaines, Italiens and Spaniards, made his entry into Brusselles, the which was so rich and stately, as if the naturall Prince of the country had bene come, with an exceeding great charge, in all sorts of splendor, by liuely representations, try umphant Arches, Pyramids, tables, pictures, with other excessiue sumptuousnes; the which continued three daies, most part of the towne neglecting their worke. At the end whereof he called the Estates of those Prouinces which hee was to command, to Court, to acquaint them with his commission, and the authority C he had from the King for the gouernment of those countries, as his Lieutenant, Gouernor and Captaine generall ouer them; whereof the letters were publickly read. The Earle of Mansfeldt (to whome by the death of the Duke of Parma, the said gouernment had beene committed by prouision) rising from his place deliuered his charge into his hand: which done, both hee and all the Noblemen and States there present, did sweare all fidelitie and obedience vnto him in the Kings name.
The second of February they of the garrison of Groning through the fauour of the Ice, made a braue enterprize vpon the great Fort of Delfziel, they came along a causey A braue enterprize of the Groningers vpon Delfziel. where there was no ditch at the rampar, but what was on that side shut vp onely with a pallisado, the which they had pulled downe, before that they of the Fort could discouer D it, or put them-selues in armes: so as part of the vndertakers had already gotten to the toppe of the rampar: But they were presently so furiously repulst, as the combat continued aboue two houres. And by very good fortune there was one of the Estates shippes of warre, with sixteene peeces of Ordinance, which shotte in flanke through them or Groning, & made a great spoile of them, so as they were forced to retire with great losse. For at their retreat they carried away fiue and thirty sleddes laden with dead bodies and wounded men. Doubtlesse without that ship of warre those of the Fort had bene in great danger to haue bene forced, but they escaped with the losse of one Captaine and some fifteene or sixteene soldiers, besides those that were very sore hurt. E
The Estates about that time to augment their armie, made a leuie of a regiment and some Germaine horse, vnder the commaund of the young Earle Iohn of Nassau. And The Estates increase their armie with new troopes. in like manner the Queene of England did suffer them to raise a new regiment of English, vnder the command of Sir Francis Veer Generall of all the English in the States seruice. The same moneth of February the Prince had an enterprise vpon the towne of Boisleduc in Brabant, which was too much discouered. Yet hee was in those parts with good troopes, as if he had more disseignes in hand in that quarter, to keepe the Spaniards by that meanes from passing into Friseland to succor Verdugo, but hee suddainly fell vpon the towne of Maistricht, as we will presently shew. F
In March whilest that the Nobilitie and all the Arch-dukes Court at Brusselles, dreampt of nothing but sportes, Iusts and Tourneys, newes came that Prince Maurice and the confederate Estates, prepared to go before Boisleduc. Where-vpon the Arch-duke The Arch-duke Ernest makes two armies. hauing assembled his Councel, to resolue what was to bee done all that Sommer following: it was concluded to raise two armies, one to hinder the Princes entry into [Page 1077] Brabant, and the other to make warre in France by Landercy, whereof the Earle of A Mansfeldt had the charge. The 19. of the moneth the Estates of the vnited Prouinces 1594. published an Edict, prohibiting all Libelles, pa [...]ils and scandalous writings, as well against Religion as against the State, inioyning al Printers not to print any thing, before it were visited by them that had authority, and to keepe their originall coppies to conferre An Edict made by the Estates concerninge printing. them with their impressions, and to see if sence the visitation there had beene any thing added that was worthy of censure, and withall to put to the names of the authors: And that by the tenth of April following they should appeere and sweare to obserue the orders contayned in the said Edict: with a prohibition to all persons residing vnder the Iurisdiction of the said Estates, not to make any assemblies where Masse should be said, or any exercise of the Romish Religion celebrated, vpon the penalities, set downe in the edict; nor to carry any other then a secular habit, vpon paine of confiscation B thereof, to their benifit to whom the Magistrate should appoint it Moreouer forbidden all schooles which shall not be allowed by the Magistrates, Bailiffs or Lords of the place holding heigh and base Iustice, or by their officers and Iudges: And the said schoole-maisters not to teach their Deciples any bookes contrary to the Christian doctrine and the reformed relligion, vpon the penalties conteined in the said Edict. In the same moneth on Michael Renichon an Apostat priest being come to Breda, was descouered first vpon suspition, and commited to prison. Being examined, be confest Michel Renichon comes to murther Prince Maurice. that hee was come thether to murther Prince Maurice or his young Brother, vpon which confession he was sent by the Seignor of Heraughiere (Gouernor of Breda) vnto the generall Estates at the Hage in Holland, where being conuicted he was condemned C to die. His whole confession you may read in his sentence, as followeth. Whereas Michel Renichon borne at Templours and Curat of Boissiere in the country of Namur, prisoner at this present hath confest, being deliuered from the torture and hath sufficiently appeered, that being disguized in the habit of a soldiar, he parted from Brussells The sentence of Michel Renichon. the fourth of March, with letters from Cont Floris of Barlaimont, and from thence hee went to Lovuain, Dyest, Herentall and Tournhout, where through fauour of the said letters he had a conuoy to bring him to Breda; where being arriued the twelth of the said moneth, he deliuered vnto the Gouernor of the said place, certaine letters of the Earle of Barlaimonts, directed vnto Captaine Langon, who had sometimes commanded in the Castle of Tournhout, conteining that the bearer was come thether by the expresse D commandement of the Archduke Ernestus of Austria: The said prisoner declaring also, that he had beene charged to descouer vnto the gouernor, some enterprize vpon the towne of Breda, the which hee did collour with certaine vnlikely reasons, wherein he did persist, saying that he had beene some yeares secretary to the Abbot of Marolles, and that a little before hee had beene aduanced to be Secretery to the sayd Earle of Barlaimont: the which he afterwards confest to be but an inuention of his, yet would he not declare the causes why he was come thether, till that on the first of Aprill being brought to the Hage he had attempted to hang himselfe with his arming points tied to a barre in the prison, where he was found halfe dead, hauing the bloody markes of a halter about his necke, and his speech much impayred. And that the said prisoner E the second day of the moneth, and sence at diuers times had confest, as well by mouth as by his owne hand writing: And on the twenty day being freed from the racke had declared and affirmed that by reason of certaine sutes with the inhabitants of Boissiere for the reuenues of his benifice, and for that the country thereabouts was all spoyled and ruined by soldiers, he had beene constrayned to abandon his charge, and to haue serued it by a chaplaine, going himselfe to keepe a schoole at Namur, and had neuer serued neither the Abbot of Marolles nor the Earle of Barlaimont: but that hee was a Priest and Curat of Boissiere: and that the enterprize vpon Breda was an inuention of his owne. That being knowne vnto the Earle of Barlaimont, hauing supt with his gentlemen, he was afterwards carried into the Earles chamber, who demanded of him F why hee liued in so meane estate, and spent his time in so base a condition, seeing that hee should want no meanes nor good vsage if hee would haue a good and bould courage and aduance him-selfe: where-vppon the prisoner hauing presented his [Page 1078] seruice, the Earle sent for him againe in the end of February last by his Chaplaine, 1594. A calling him from schoole. And at night hauing discoursed in the presence of some others, of a certaine enterprise vpon the towne of Breda, the Earle caused the prisoner to come alone againe into his chamber, telling him that he would acquaint him with a matter of great importance, if hee would imploy him-selfe in the Kings seruice, with promise that hee should be richly rewarded, wherevnto the prisoner consented: afterwards by the commandement of the Earle, he went with him to Brusselles, whereas the Earle went often to Court to the Arch-duke: But going once among the rest, hee commanded the said prisoner to follow him: where (following him still) hauing crost through many chambers, the Earle entred into the Arch-dukes chamber, whereas the prisoner had meanes to see him by a little of the doore which remained open, B but the Arch-duke could not discerne him. And as he thought to enter into the chamber he could not, for that the doore did shutte, yet not so close, but that he might easily heare the Arch-duke and the Earle discourse, sometimes in latin, some-times in Spanish, vnder standing that at their departure they spake of a recompence: And as the Earle went out, the Arch-duke being at the doore, said: Cumulate, et largo foenore satisfaciam: then the Earle comming into the withdrawing chamber, said vnto the prisoner that he had talked with the Arch-duke of their affaires, & that the Arch-duke would appoint him two hundred Philips Dallors. At night after supper, the Earle being alone with the prisoner in a chamber, said vnto him, that he had charge from the Arch-duke to root out or cause to be rooted out by a third person the Earle Maurice of Nassau, C and that he had a ready some men appointed to put it in execution, & in case that if the prisoner would also imploy himselfe there in (the which he might wel doe) that both he and his should be richly recompenced, and that he should be saued: saying moreouer that he had 15000 crownes to deliuer (vpon the first newes) to them which had committed this murther. Where-vnto the said prisoner answered, that it was out of his profession hauing neuer carried [...]es. Here-vpon the Earle persisting with many reasons and great promises, that it was the Kings pleasure and the Arch-dukes, the prisoner vndertooke it, promising to doe therein al hee could possibly: and demanding how he might effect it, Barlaimont said vnto him that Cont Maurice was a young Noble man, familiar and of easie accesse, and therefore he should finde good oportunitie, if D he made not too great hast, but did mannage this businesse with shooes of lead. That being come to the Hage, or to any other place where the Earle should bee most resident, he should find the rest that were sent to the same end, being sixe in number, and that the prisoner should be the seauenth, that if one failed the other might speed. That being here he might buy a paire of good pistols, the which he should keepe alwaies as cleane as a clocke, either of them charged with two bullets, with the which hee should shoote Cont Maurice through the bodie, or that hee should murther him by any other meanes hee could deuise, as he might conferre thereof more particularly with the rest being arriued there: and how soeuer he that did best effect it, should be best recompenced: that there were other men also which must be made away, as Barnuiel or Barneuelt, E Longolius and Aldegonde. And in case the said prisoner could murther any of them he should be highly recompenced. Commanding the prisoner from that time to conceale his owne name, and to take an other, and that he should attire him-selfe like a soldier. Then after diuers speeches the Earle of Barlaimont sent for an other man whome the prisoner could not name, the which he said was one of the sixe, to whome hauing discouered what the prisoner had vndertaken, the same man called him his Camerado or chamber-fellow, saying that hee would soone follow him into Holland, with other speeches. Declaring moreouer that since the Duke of Parmas time the said sixe men (being all murtherers) had bene entertained in the Court as Gentlemen, at the King of Spaines charge, to imploy them in matters of consequence, against his greatest enemies, F and that in the meane time the said Barlaimont had receiued by his Secretary, from the hands of Stephano D'ybarra, the summe of two hundred Phillips Dallors, the which Secretary did tell them vnto the prisoner in diuers coynes, which hee did write downe in a certaine booke that was found about him, mounting to the summe of 500. [Page 1079] florins. That the said prisoner beeing readie to go from Brusselles to Antwerp, the 1594. A other man conducted him vnto the boate, and said vnto him, that he thought they should bee sent to Leyden: The prisoner asking him where it was, and to what end? Hee answered that Leyden was a Towne and an Vniuersitie in Holland where the young Prince of Orange did liue at his booke, and that they should bee sent thether to catch him out of the way and to kil him. After that time the prisoner following Barlaimonts commandement attired him selfe in a soldiers habit, calling him-selfe Michael of Triuieres, and went from Antwerp to Tournhout with the Earle of Barlaimonts letters to Larigon: But fearing much that hee was gone, hee returned againe to Brusselles, from whence hee went with others belonging vnto the Earle towards Lovuain, Dyest, Herental and Tournhout. B
Wherefore the Councells appointed by the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces, for the examination and Iudgement of this present fact, finding it a matter of very bad consequence, the which cannot bee in any sort tollerate in a countrie of Iustice without danger, preiudice or ruine of the good and publike quiet, but ought to be rigorously punished, hauing taken councell and aduise therein, after graue and mature deliberation, doing right in the name and behalfe of the said generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces: Haue condemned and doe condemne the said prisoner to bee led to the place of exemplarie Iustice of this Court, there to be executed by the sword vntill he be dead, then his bodie to be cut in foure quarters, and hung vp at foure waies comming to the Hage, and his head set vpon a stake for al men to behold: declaring C his goods to bee confiscate. This sentence was pronounced vnto the prisoner in open audience of the Court of Holland the 3. of Iune. 1594. and executed the same day. The Archduke sends to purge himselfe to the generall Estates.
In the beginning of Maie the Arch-duke Ernest, to purge him-selfe of the accusations wherewith Michaell Renichon the Apostat priest had charged him in his confession, vnder coullor of writing concerning a peace to the general Estates, he sent Otto Hartius and Ierome Coeman-Lawiers vnto them, with letters as followeth.
‘MY maisters; the loue and naturall inclination which we haue had from our birth, to the good and publike quiet of these Netherlands, & the great displeasure we haue alwaies had, for the troubles, dissentions and calamities thereof, haue beene the chiefe and greatest occasion to perswade and moue vs to vndertake the gouernement D thereof. Trusting fully that the Almightie will giue vs the grace in the end to deliuer them from this burthensome destroying and ruinous war, the which hath continued so many yeares, to the great dissolution and spoile of the said countries, and the preiudice of all Christendome: for if we shall consider their prosperitie past, in the which they were maintained whilest they were vnited in good peace and concord vnder the lawfull and due obedience of the house of Burgongne and Austria: the good order which was then in all things, as well in matters of Iustice, pollicie and martiall discipline, by which they haue bin renowned and preferred before all other Kingdomes and common weales, togither with the great riches which they did inioy by meanes of the treaties, alliances, confederations, nauigations and trafficke which the had with Portugal, E Spaine and the Indies: wee are assured that there is not any man of iudgement, but is very much grieued to see this lamentable alteration which hath hapned in these countries within 25. or 30. yeares, besides an infinite number of charges, taxations and waighty burthens, where-with the poore commons are surcharged, & are at this time forced to beare in diuers quarters: And who with all doth not desire that some good meanes may bee speedilie put in practise for the reducing of the said countries to their ancient Estate, publike quiet and concord, where-vnto all our thoughts are also bent: Being come into these parts with that inclination and intent, leauing the good companie of his Imperial Maiestie our most honored Lord, & our other Bretheren, Kinsfolks and friends, the place of our birth and breeding, the gouernment of so many goodly F Kingdomes & Prouinces, whereof the charge was committed vnto vs, and many other goodly and great commodities, which are not needful to repeat, hoping that we should finde you tractable & readie to yeeld to our desire and intention. And although wee doubt not, but this is well known vnto you, as well by common fame, as by the report [Page 1080] of some men: and that it is not as pleasing vnto you (the which we desire withall our 1594. A hearts) to see your selues and all your posteritie, in assured peace and tranquilitie: yet we would not faile to make an offer thereof vnto you by these presents, as well to root out all old Iealousies and distrusts, as to let you vnderstand more particularly our good and sincere inclination, and what you may freely attend of vs. And as the matter doth touch you neerest: so it is your duties to lay before your eyes, and before all them that are vnder you, the happinesse, prosperitie and safety which both you and the whole countrie may reape thereby, hauing beene so long afflicted and almost ruined by these continuall warres. As for the happie successe which you haue had these yeares past, as the euents of war are variable and vncertaine, which may make some forget their former losses and miseries, and not to remember those which are to come; B and so perswade them-selues that they are secure and safe, neglecting the good occasion that is offered. Wherefore it were most expedient to call to minde many things past, and diuers examples, remembring that they could not obtaine that by intreatie and praiers, which a little before might haue beene had with honour and reputation. Wherefore wee intreat you louingly and friendly, that after you haue duly consulted and considered; you your selues will propound vnto vs such honourable, reasonable and tollerable conditions, as thereby we may (the sooner the better) know that you seeke not the continuance and prolongation of this war, which brings with it (besides many other discommodities) nothing but oppression of the people as it is well knowne to all men. But rather that by these meanes we may attaine vnto a good, happy & firme peace. For our parts we wil lette you vnderstand by the effects, that there is nothing C counterfeyt hidden in vs, as not seeking a dissembled but a true and firme peace. So as all our actions are iust and sincere, to the aduancement of the publike good And if in like manner for your parts you carry the like zeale & good affection, you will shew in what estimation you hold vs, & that you desire to prouide for that which is most requisite & profitable: as the like shal be more amply declared vnto you by Maister Otto Hartius & Ierome Coemans Lawiers, the bearers hereof, to whome we refer our selues, with offers of our loue to you. Praying God to send you a good & happy life. From Brussels the 6. of Maie. 1594. These two Lawiers being come to the Hage in Holland and the cause of their comming knowne, they had audience in the Assemblie of the generall D Estates. the 16. of the moneth, whereas Doctor Hartius spake after this manner.’
‘My Lords whereas of late we haue had pasport frō the Councel of Estate, to come into these parts to treat of some priuate busines, for the which wee most humbly thanke Doctor Hartius speech to the Estates. them, & al those that haue therein imployed themselues, with seruiceable offers of acknowledgement in our quarters, to those that shall haue any need of vs. This beeing come to the knowledge of my Lord the Arch-duke Ernest, it pleased him to charge vs to salute your Lordships on his behalfe, with offer of his loue: and to let you vnderstād that the chiefe cause which moued him to come into these parts; was the singular loue & natural inclination which he hath alwaies had to the good & quiet of these countries, hoping that God would giue him the grace to see them by his meanes vnited again & F restored to a good peace, and sincere amitie, as they were before the beginning of these intestine troubles: to which end, and the better to make his intention knowne, he commanded vs to bring the letters which we deliuered vnto your Lordships the 12. of this moneth: thinking that you haue vnderstood sufficiently thereby, that he hath no other care, but to restore these countries & the inhabitants thereof, to a sincere, durable and not counterfeit re-vnion: and although some yeares past they haue often tended to the same end, and made some trials, but in vaine; yea hauing set down some forme of an accord, they haue by mistaking of some (whome it is not needful to name, and I would to God there were no memorie of thē) falne into the precedent wars, so as your Lordships (hauing conceiued some Ielousies and distrust) seeme inclined to reiect all such conferences F and treaties, especially for that of late yeares your affayres haue a little succeeded according vnto your Lordships desires. Yet his Highnes trusting that you will not wholy relye vppon this momentarie prosperitie which is subiect to alteration (whereof the motiue causes may easily fayle) would wish (as all others [Page 1081] doe that loue the publike good) that your Lordships would resolue, in laying before A your eyes, first that all worldly things haue their times and seasons: And as there are 1594. times of Ielousies and distrust, so likewise there come times of confidence, when as they should trust one an other, and prouide as well for their owne safety, as for their posterities. Secondly that there was neuer in any part of the world any such dessertion or controuersie, but at length it was ended and reconciled, more by treaties and good accords, then by force of armes: for that warre produceth fruites so preiudiciall to the good of the people, as commonly one dislike or quarrell breeds an other. Thirdly that it was neuer profitable for any Princes Estate or common weale, to haue refuzed or reiected honourable and assured treaties of peace. Whereof wee had rather passe ouer the examples which we haue in our memorie, with silence, then by the rehersall B thereof to publish the errors and omissions of any.’
‘And whereas your Lordships may at this present bee restrained by some distrust, (speaking vnder correction and with reuerence) it is against reason, for that the treatie which is now offered, is in an other time and season vpon diuers occasions and dispositions, yea it is left to the discretion and arbitrament of your Lordships with other persons: that is with his Highnesse issued out of the house of Austria, whose sinceritie, iudgement and virtues, are proper and befitting a Prince well bred: whereby wee haue seene seauen or eight Princes of the house successiuely attaine vnto the Imperiall Diademe, not by right of inheritance, which doth admit as well bad Princes as good, but by the free and voluntary election of the Princes Electors, and the C commissioners of the Estates of the Empire, grounded vpon the virtues and constancy of the Prince whome they choose: as it appeared of late in the person of the Emperour Maximilian the second, his highnesse father, hauing bene so milde and temperate, as he is to bee held a rare and singular instrument to reconcile all controuersies in his time, concerning religion and the common weale, holding them in such equall ballance, and ending them in such sort, as his like hath beene seldome seene Whose examples and steppes his Heighnesse desiring to imitate, thought it good to send you his letters by vs: Which we doubt not but your Lordshippes haue receiued with as good an affection, as we are assured they are written with truth and sinceritie. Wherefore wee doe most hartely and humbly beseech you, that it would please D your Lordships to consider duly of the contents thereof, and to giue such answer vnto his Heighnesse, as both he and all men of honour, may haue speedy cause of content, in the expectation and hope which they haue of your Lordships wisdomes and discretions. Offering that if your Lordships representing this honourable Assemblie, or any priuate person shal bee offended, or doubt in any point or article, touching the vnderstanding of his highnesse letters, we are ready & hope in that which concernes our duties to giue them such reason, as they shal haue cause of contentment: this is the effect of that wee had charge to deliuer vnto your Lordship, by virtue of your letters of credit, intreating you to take it in good part. And withall by your leaue and libertie wee will adde: that his Highnesse vnderstanding, that by the declarations and confessions of a certaine prisoner, he is charged to haue attempted to haue the Prince of Nassaus E Excellencie murthered, by the hands of the said prisoner or otherwise, according to the charge and order which hee had from the Earle of Barlaimont, hee saith that it is an impudent & insupportable slander, being a thing which neuer entred into his Highnesse thought, out of whose house there neuer proceeded so infamous and trecherous an act, neither by the grace of God neuer shall. And for the knowledge of the meere truth, we haue thought it good to require your Lordships in his Highnesse name, that it would please you to send the prisoner with a good and safe gard, & with Commissioners deputed, to Antwerp or to Brussells, vpon his Highnesse promise, to be returned safe & sound into their powers, at the time and place limited. Or else to cause him to be transported to Breda, a town vnder your Lordships command and Iurisdiction, there F to be examined & confronted with the Earle of Barlaimont (who being accompanied with certaine Commissioners in his Highnesse name shal appeare there in person) vpō certaine circumstances & particularities, such as shall bee thought fit and expedient, [Page 1082] graunting sufficient pasport respectiuely to that end. Or else that your Lordship wil appoint 1594. A some other forme of proceeding such as they shall find most expedient in that case, to descouer the truth, which may serue to discharg his heighnes, and to proue his innocency, to the honor of the iudges heere: the which in that case no man would in any sort suspect that for certaine priuat considerations such words had bin deliuered by the said prisoner, or otherwise to haue bruted it abroad, to the preiudice of an others honor, or to hinder some desseigne intended by his heighnes.’
This was Doctor Hartius oration, but he was required to deliuer it in writing, the which hee did, and being signed by him-selfe and Coemans, it was answered by the Estates as followeth.
‘The generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces in their assembly, hauing opened and B red the letters of the mighty and most famous Prince Ernestus Archduke of Austria, Duke of Bourgongne, &c. being closed vp and sealed with his heighnes seale of armes, in Brussells the sixt of this present moneth of May, and receiued the twelth of the same by the hands of Otto Hartius and Ierome Coemans lawiers, and vpon the insinuation made by them the next day being the thirteeneth: and hauing heard them propound on the fifteeneth what they had in charge (by vertue of a clause of credit inserted in the said letters) the which they haue exhibited by writing. To make their good and sincere intention knowne vnto his heighnes, they haue declared and doe by these presents declare, that sence the time they haue beene forced by extreme necessity to take armes in hand, for the preseruation of the liberty of the netherlands, together with their ancient C preuiledges, as well of the members thereof, as of townes and inhabitants in parculiar, to diuert the oppression of the Spaniards and their proud gouernment ouer the consciences bodies & goods of the subiects of the saied countries, and of their wiues and children; their intention and desseign had alwais beene to vse those armes (with the grace of God) against the Spaniards and their adherents, with full trust and confidence, that the almighty would blesse their good and iust intentions, as they had sufficiently tryed: The which hath beene so much the better knowne, not only to concurre with the good of the said countries: but also of all Kings, Princes and common-weales their good neighbors: hauing by the mighty hand of that great GOD, not onely their desseignes and meanes beene blest, but also the hearts of the said Kings and Princes their neighbors D stirred vp and moued to maintaine their good and iust cause: whereof they attribute the honor to his diuine bounty aboue, wholy relying vpon his immutable power, attending from his hand a good and commendable issue of this heauie and hard warre, hauing a firme hope to see these Netherlands speedely and generally vnited, and restored to their ancient beauty and prosperity: where-vnto they aspire and doe their best endeauors, hauing tryed (whereof the remembrance is yet fresh vnto them) the comodities and sweetenes of peace, tranquility and vnion: feeling on the other side the discomodities, toyles, and troubles of warre. But as they did most humbly thanke his heighnes, for the declaration he had made by his letters, of the good will and affection which hee bare vnto all those that doe sincerely affect the peace, concord and prosperity E of these countries: So had they in like manner great cause to complaine before God and the world, of those that vnder false practises and collour of peace, do seeke to shed the innocent bloud of Christians, and to aduance the suppression and totall ruine of these Netherlands, wherein the councell of Spaine (finding themselues now offended in the heighest degree) labour more then euer by all meanes possible; vsing to that end most vnreasonable and vniust proceedings, to the ruine and desolation of these Prouinces: Seeing it is well knowne to all men, how they haue behaued them-selues with all extremity, and namely to the effusion of innocent bloud by the hands of their executioners, so many thousands of poore persons, men and women of all qualities: among the which there were some of the cheefe noblemen of the countrie: with the breach of F the prerogatiues, freedomes, liberties and Belgike rights of the members and townes, as well in generall as in particular. Besides many murthers, burnings, violences, exactions, commissions, and so many other foule and execrable acts: notwithstanding after so many petitions and supplications, yea by the sending of ambassage into Spaine, the [Page 1083] Marquis of Berghen and the Baron of Montigni, who were intreated contrary to the A law of Nations, notwithstanding also the intercession of some great Potentates, to 1594. the end that the said countries, the members and townes, with all the good inhabitants thereof, might be maintained in their goodly liberties, priuiledges and ancient rights, and that the oppression of their consciences, persons and goodes, (which the Spanish nation and their adherents doe excercise) might bee rooted out, which hath beene the cause to bring them to those extremities. By reason whereof it shall please his Highnesse to vnderstand and take in good part, that the said Estates in this busines of so great waight, and so important for the good of those countries, and the maintenance of their subiects, proceed in that forme and manner which euery man sees at this day. And that they can hardly beleeue, and much lesse bee assured, of that which B they speake of the change of humors in the Councell of Spaine, for that such changes (with greater probabilities) haue bene heretofore partly beleeued, to the great preiudice of these countries: For in the beginning of this warre, the crueltie of the Spaniards was so great, as they did roote out all they could bring vnder: And that before that (for a thing so worthie, as is the preseruation of a country against strangers) they had attempted any thing, either by effect or councell: When as not onely the Champian country, but euen many principall townes were euil intreated by murthers, spoiling, burning and other execrable acts: vntil that in these parts they had resolued to intreat all the Spaniards and their adherents which they could gette as rigorously: to let them see by the effects, that they of this party had no lesse courage and resolution C to maintaine so iust a cause, then they to tyrannize ouer them, and to seeke to bring them into bondage: Being well assured that nothing should be attempted by them against these countries, but it would turne first to their disaduantage. This did somewhat moderate their bloudy councell, with a shew of alteration of their humors: but in such sort as finding it to be too hard and difficult to compasse their disseignes by force, they made shew that they would hearken to some reason: and there-vpon were appointed the first beginnings of a treatie, in the yeare 1574. So as the Estates of Holland & Zealand, vsing their ancient plainnesse and naturall virtue, were moued to sette downe their greeuances, as well by letters as by mouth, and to demaund redresse. But the fruites of this beginning of a treatie, were on Brabant side the surprize of Antwerp, D by the Spaniards, which histories call the day of Fuera Veillacos: and of the side of Holland, Zealand, and their associates, the two hard sieges of the good towne of Leyden: the which by the grace of God, and fidelitie of their confederates and their owne valour, was preserued from the attempts of their enemies, yea with so extraordinary an amazement of the Spaniards; as (God making them presently to faint) they fled confuzedly out of Holland: soone after they fayled to surprize Vtrecht, as they had done the same yeare before of that famous Cittie of Antwerp. This first deceitfull treatie beeing past, a second was prepared the yeare following 1575. in the towne of Breda, at the intercession of that mighty Emperour Maximilian the second his highnesse father: wherein appeared plainely by their acts, how E little the Spaniards were inclined to the good of the countrie: the which had no other fruites but greater preperations to warre then euer: whereof soone followed the taking of Buren, Leerdam, Oudewater, Schoonhouen, Bomene, and the siege of Zirixee. Afterwards the Spaniards and their adherents, by robbing, spoyling, burning and other execrable cruelties, yea by surprising of townes which held their owne party, they gouerned them-selues with such excesse, as the Estates in those partes could no longer indure them, proclaiming them publike enemies to the country. Where-vpon followed the vnion and confederation made at Gant in Nouember 1075. betwixt all the Prouinces of the Netherlands for the preseruation of their rights, liberties, priuiledges and freedomes: It is well knowne to all men how F disloyally and fraudulently this vnion was approued by the Spaniards, and what fraud and deceipt was vsed in it. The letters of Escouedo, the breach of Don Iohns oth, the manifest declaration of the Councell of Spaine, brought by the Baron of Selles, and deliuered at Macklyn, togither with the negotiation treated at Lovuain, [Page 1084] in the presence of the Ambassadours of many Princes and Potentates, might giue 1594 A sufficient testimonie in the yeares 1577. and 78. It is also well knowne how deceiptfully, shamefully, absurdly and preiudiciall, the Assemblie held concerning a peace in the Cittie of Cologne, ended. During the which not onely the Prouinces of Arthois and Henault with some priuate townes, were seduced and drawne to a particular treatie, but they also vsed all kinde of violences against the good towne of Maeistricht, hauing many secret and false practises, in the other Prouinces, townes and members of the same, to breed some alteration, and bring them to their ruine. It is also well knowne what trickes they haue vsed to circumvent them of Flanders; what goodly presentations they made vnto them, and yet how mournefull and lamentable the issue was. Whereto did the treatie of peace tend in the yeare 1587. and 88. and what deceipt or rather violence was hidden vnder it, the great Armadoe of Spaine, B which arriued during this treatie (the which was held at Bourbourc) all defeated and sunke, by the powrefull hand of that great GOD, hath sufficiently shewed: since in the yeare 1591. the disseignes of a peace procured a new by the Emperor (beeing intreated therevnto by the King of Spaine) with all these Netherlands, haue bene discouered by the armies sent from time to time out of the said countries against the French King, whereby we may more amplie obserue, that the Spaniards and their adherents in all their wars do make the aduancement of the Romish religion their pretext: But (if they will confesse the truth) they labour for nothing but to settle and confirme their pretended Monarchie, to domineere ouer all Christendome, and to spoile all Kings, C Princes and common weales of their rights and lawfull prerogatiues, as it appeared in the behalfe of the Queene and Realme of England, by that proud and mighty armie, in 88. of the which they did publikely sing the triumph before the victorie, the which they caused to be printed and published. And if we will looke into the warre and negotiation of France, from that yeare vnto this day; and especially in that they sought to transferre the Crowne of France not onely from the lawfull King, and all the Princes of the bloud; but also from the French nation into that of Spaine, vnder the name of their Infanta: The which the Duke of Feria and other Spanish Ministers treated there by commaundement from the Councell of Spaine, it requires no other proofe, but the decree giuen in the Parlament of Paris, and their Iustifications which are falne D from their League. Many letters intercepted and the effects doe witnesse, that their practises & vsage of the countries of Cologne, Strausbourg, the Duchies of Iuilliers, Cleues and Mont, and likewise of the good towne of Aix, tended to no other end. Finally how often hath it bene countermined by the chiefe Princes of Italie. In what esteeme do they hold the conquest of Holland and Zealand, ioyned with the other Prouinces, to make Sedem belli of them, or rather an assured Rendez-vous for all Christendome. So as they had rather quit some part of Christendome to the Turke, then abstaine from making war against the Netherlands, or to withdraw any part of their soldiers which are appointed against them. Finally how they doe handle the Emperour, the Princes Electors, the Potentates of Germany, yea all the Estates of E Christendome (onely for the aduancement of this generally Monarchie of Spaine) appeares plainely by the letters signed with the King of Spaines owne hand, whereof the Coppie translated is here-vnto annexed, the Originall remayning in this Court, which letters doe also make mention of the poynt propounded by his Highnesse: Which is, that the intention of the Councell of Spaine is, that his Highnesse should treat sincerely of the affaires of Christendome, and namely to leaue the Netherlands in peace, for that it appeares by them that the Earle of Fuentes, Don William of Saint Clement and Sephano D'ybarra, all three of them Spaniards, are appoynted to bee his chiefe councellers in matters of the Netherlands, with charge that the said strangers should instruct his Highnesse in which of the Noblemen F of the Countrie hee might trust, how hee should gouerne the Prouinces, and how he should gouerne the Prouinces and how hee should subdue those which are vnited and confederate. The Estates doubt not but his Highnesse hath vnderstood, that of late through the Instigation of the Earle of Fuentes and of Stephano [Page 1085] d'Ybarra, Doctor Lopes Phisition to the Queene of England, vpon promise which they A made vnto him of fifty thousand crownes, had vndertaken to poyson her Maistie, who 1594. hauing accused Emanuel, Louis Tynoca, and Stephano Ferreira Digama, as adherents to this execrable murther, were all executed. As also the said Fuentes and Ybarra had plotted by the hands of Emanuel Andrada (who had vndertaken it) to poyson the French King, with a nosegay of flowers or roses without any poulder, and yet with so subtill a poyson, as the smelling thereof should cause his death without remedy. Speaking nothing of that which shall be found in the difinitiue processe of Michel Renichon, who calles him-selfe Triuteres a Priest of Namur, who two moneths sence disguized in a soldiars habit, had beene sent from Brussells into these vnited Prouinces, together with other murtherers corrupted to that end, to murther my Lord Prince Maurice of Nassau borne Prince of Orange, yea and his excellencies youngest brother being but ten B yeares old, studying in the vniuersity of Leyden, not to take him away as they did the Prince of Orange and Earle of Buren that now is, his elder Brother, out of Lovuain by violence against the rights and preuiledges of the country, and against the lawes of Nations: but in effect to murther him after the same manner that the councell of Spaine caused there father of happy memory to be slaine: whereby his heighnes and all the world may vndoubtedly know, by what people and by what meanes the good inhabitants of the country are circomuented, and how little the Estates can be abused, when they shall iudge, that the present offers of a treaty of peace on the Spaniards behalfe, shall proceed out of the same affection and shoppe, that the precedent C did, which are formerly mentioned. And rather, for that in respect of their maiesties of France and England allies to these countries; matters will appeer more heinous and pernitious then euer, so as the humors of the councell of Spaine cannot be in any sort changed to the good of these countries, as also there is no likelehood, they (finding them-selues wronged in the heighest degree) would be more bening, and yeeld more vnto them now then before the said offences, or els that they can intreat these contries (ouer whome they pretended a right) more mildly, then the Kings, and kingdomes of France, England and Scotland which are equall vnto them in dignity and authority. Wherevpon the said generall Estates, by reason of their duty and oth, are so much the more bound to keepe them-selues from the false and cautelous practises of the said D councell. Especially for that the said murthers in these vnited Prouinces, and against the French King and the Queene of England, together with the open warre against the crowne of France, haue beene manifest, and continued sence his heighnes comming into the Netherlands: And although that all these pretexts did cease, which they with reason insist vpon, yet their alliances, leagues and communication of affaiers do require: And admit we may well beleeue that his heighnes is displeased at such murthers: yet we ought not to haue so great a regard there-vnto as to the desseignes and intentions of the King and his councell of Spaine, from whence his heighnes receiued his commission and authority: and that in this quality they may at all times reuoke him, and appoint an other in his place: against which change, they cannot in any sort assure them-selues. E And withall the said generall Estates cannot comprehend that within these Prouinces nor without (allied with one firme bond of confederation with the Queene of England the French King, and other Princes, Potentats and common weales, as well friends to these countries, as to all the comonalty of Christendome) they may bring any fruite by the ouerture of a treaty of peace which is offred, but they are resolued to rely vpon the hope which they haue in GOD and attend from his all-powerfull bounty and clemency (although they haue alwaies and do daily obserue that worldly things are subiect to change) a happy and commendable end of their iust cause, not onely in regard of the vnited Prouinces, but also for all the others of these Netherlands, to the aduancement of his glory and holy word, and the prosperity F of all the Belgicke Prouinces. Thus done and resolued in the assembly of the generall Estates at the Hage, the 17. of May. 1594.’
[Page 1086] This answere was giuen to Doctor Hartius and Coemans with an Autenticall coppy 1594. A of the Kings letters, whereof mention is made in this answere: the which hauing bin intercepted and brought vnto the Estates, two were found dated from S. Laurent (which is the Escuriall) of the 14. and an other of the 15. of October, and of the fourth and seauenth of December 1593. signed with the Kings owne hand, directed to Don William of Saint Clement his ambassador in Germanie. By the first of the 14. among other clauses, and whereof the Estates answere maketh mention, there was that which followeth.
‘Touching the pacification of the Estates rebelled, seeing you are so fully informed of that matter, you can tell how to manage it, in case there bee any means or likelehood to An extract of the king of Spaines letters. conclude it. And you shall let all the world know that he seekes the publike good, and to requite me for the good esteeme I haue of him, that hee may effect this busines, as the B importance thereof did require. Finally you shall giue collour by all possible meanes to this businesse, to the end it may bee effected, seeing it wilbe so great a good for Christendome. All this is breefly toucht vnto you, hereafter you shalbe aduertised of all occurrents: and you for your part shall aduertise vs: (both before and after your departure towards Flanders) particularly what your aduise is vpon euery point, and what you thinke fit: Moreouer vpon the way you shalbe carefull to aduertise my cousin of such of my Estates as shall come to him, and of those that shal write vnto him; to the end that without any shew of distrust, he may be wary and vigilant, and not suffer himselfe to bee carried away by vncertaine aduertisements, but that hee may know the humors and intentions C of euery one. And after his arriual, he must haue this consideration, to discerne the persons whom he must trust. To which end you shall take particular informations from the Earle of Fuentes and Stephano d' Ybarra, who will also dicipher the Estate vnto you, and the humors of men which are in gouernment, vpon whose discipline, as also vpon the distribution of their pay, it shalbe needfull there be a great change: for which there are in those parts particular dispatches of ours &c.’
And by that of the seauenth day of December he sayth, speaking of the Emperor, the Arch-duke Ernestus, the Turke and the Princes of Italy.
‘As also you shal represent vnto them, that for that which concerns the Turke, it shalbe no preiudice, as heretofore you haue let them know more particularly, and you shall D aduertise mee of all that shall passe. Without doubt hee hath reason to apprehend the losses which hee hath made of Vesperin and Palotte: and to complaine that they take no order to preuent a greater losse: It were expedient (if it might be) to accommodate matters by an ordinary course of truce, and of a greater present: and that you seeke to win the good wills of the Bashaws by guifts, for it is the ordinary and only remedy for difficulty concerning them. I thinke you haue already condoled with the Emperor in my name as touching his troublesome trauell: and that you know how to gouerne your self therein, that I be no further ingaged, but he rest satisfied with my good will. You shall doe well to pursue that which you haue already propounded: which is, that to attaine vnto the pacification of Holland and Zeeland, the point is, there may be forces readie, E that afterwards they may giue the better assistance against the Turke. Touching the Diet which you say they treate of, order shalbe giuen for that which shalbe fit, and you shalbe aduertised, as you shall doe the like, of that which you shall vnderstand concerning that businesse: for they write from Rome, that if it may bee without calling of a diet, they will giue the Emperor some contribution and meanes. It is necessary you should aduertise me particularly of what passeth betwixt you and Cardinall Mandrucio in matter of leagues. And in the meane time that wee shalbe besied to giue you answere, that you seeke to practise with him, but yet in generall termes, letting him vnderstand that to make this designe easie, it shalbe requisite aboue all things, to make the Princes of Italie resolute, in taking away all difficulties, seeing they haue so great F an interest in it. And in regard of the title of a King, which the Duke of Florence affects, you shall hinder it: whereof be carefull: but as for that which concernes the Duke of Ferrara, you may assist him, so as the Inuestiture agreed with the person, whereof I haue formerly written vnto you, this shalbe the best &c.’
[Page 1087] IF the generall Estates had beene scrupulous before, and distrustfull to treat with the 1594. A King of Spaine, these letters did make them much more suspitious: wherefore Hartuis and Coemans returned as they came with this answere from the Estates. The Archduke was loth to imploy any greater personages, knowing they should not preuaile any thing: but the reason why he sent the said deputies vnder collour to propound a treaty of peace, was to no other end, but to iustefie himselfe, of the fact which Michell Renichon had vndertaken, wherewith hee had so charged him: the newes thereof beeing at that time come to Ratisbonne, to an Imperiall Dyet, where there had beene some speech, for the choosing of the Archduke King of Romaines.
The Archduke Ernest for the first fruits of his gouernmēt, sent Charles Earle of Mansfeldt with an army to make war against the French king▪ on the frontiers, in the country Capelle taken by Mansfeldt. B of Tyrace, where hee besieged Capelle, the which beeing somoned would not yeeld, hoping the King would succor them, as hee intended, hauing sent the duke of Bouillon with 12000. foote and 2000. horse to that end. But beeing vpon the way, the besieged fearing their succors would come to late, seeing their rampars beaten down with Mansfeldts continually battery, they yeelded the towne, and the duke returned with his army. Coevorden being as we haue said straightly blockt vp by Verdugo and Cont Herman vanden Berghe, Prince Maurice hauing some great designe, would first free this place▪ wherfore he went to field with the best part of the Estates forces, to set vpon the [...]orts which Prince Maurice frees Coverden. the Spaniards had there abouts, or to giue them battaile if it were offred: But Verdugo and the Earle hearing of his approch, made a retreate, and abandoned all these forts, C which they had built, and kept seauen or eight monethes, to their great charge and no profit, leauing Coevoerden at libertie, the which was presently refresht with men and victualls.
Passing on from thence which his troupes, and causing his army to aduance, he resolued to besiege Groning, the which he was about the last yeare▪ But before we enter into The Estates go to besiege Groning. the siege, we wil speake a little of the Estate of the towne. Groning is a strong ancient towne, which some thinke to be that which Pliny cals Phyleum, faire, well fortefied and the best peopled of that part of Friseland, on this side the riuer of Ems and Dollard, seated in a country which is very pleasant and fertil, the which makes also one of the seauenteen Prouinces of the Netherlands. This common-weale was heretofore annexed to A breefe description of Gronning. D the Diocese of Vtrecht for a hundred yeares, so as they did acknowledge the bishop for their Lord and Prince both spirituall and temporall: vntill Frederic sonne to a Marquis of Baden, then bishop of Vtrecht, in whose time the factions of Schyeringers and Vet-coopers raigned in Friseland (whereof we haue in the beginning of the history made ample mention:) in the time of the Emperor Maximilian the first of that name, who by reason of the miseries which these two factions were cause of throughout all Friseland, tooke occasion to giue this signeury of Groning, with all Friseland in fee to Albert duke of Saxony, to inioy them as Gouernor hereditarie vnder the Emperor, of whom they were held. But as the Frisons refuzed to receiue him, in the end hee perswaded the Nobilitie to acknowledge him for their hereditary Lord: with whose ayde hee made sharpe warres against the Vet-coopers, with whom the Groningers ioyned them E selues. But captaine Foox the dukes Lieutenant, did so tire them, as they were glad to reconcile themselues vnto the Duke, vpon condition (amongst others that they should leaue the possession which they had had in Oostergoe, Weestergoe, and the seauen Forests, and should pay two and thirtie thousand florins in gold. The other townes in Friseland, (amongst the which Lewaerden is the chiefe) submitted themselues vnder the Dukes protection. But soone after the Lewardiens hauing slaine their Lieutenant, did rebell by the instigation of them of Groning. The duke of Saxony returning with an army reduced them vnto reason. They of Groning fearing to bee forced (by the mediation of Frederic (bishippe of Vtrecht) obtained a truce for sixe monethes. The Duke beeing returned into his countrie of Misnia, F hauing left Duke Henry his sonne for Gouernor in Friseland, the Frisons sought the third time to free themselues from his subiection, and besieged Duke Henry in the towne of Franiker.
[Page 1088] The father hearing these newes and the danger wherein his sonne was, posted thether A with an army, raised the seege and freed him: And then he sought to punish the 1594. rebells of Groning, as the motiues of this reuolt. The bishop of Vtrecht sued againe for them, & obtained them a new truce, during the which Albert died, and by his death Groning was freed from his siege. But not able to liue easily and at peace, they went to beseege Dam which Edsard Earle of East-Friseland held in Duke Alberts name: to draw them from thence, Huge Earle of Leysnich besieged Groning very straightly: then had they recourse againe to the Bishippe of Vtrecht, who procured them a peace for foure yeares. The which being expired, Cont Edsard (whom Duke Henry beeing then in Misnia had left for his Lieutenant) and captaine Vito of Draecksdorp, did blocke them vp with two great forts and beseeged them round about, The Bourgers hauing B endured this hard siege all the winter, wanting all things necessary, and seeing the townes of Oueryssell faile them in the succors which they had promised, they resolued to treate with the Saxons. But they soone altered their opinions, for that captaine Draecksdorpe had caused the noses and eares of two Bourgers to bee cut off, and so sent them backe into the towne, for that they would not put themselues to ransome: The Groningers mooued with this crueltie, left the Saxons, and accorded with Cont Edsard yeelding him the towne, vpon condition that hee should neuer suffer it to returne vnder the gouernment of the Dukes of Saxony. The Earle accepting of these conditions, entred in May after in the yeare of Lord 1506. and receiued the oth of fidelity of the Bourgers, which done he built a cittadell there without any contradiction, and C placed a good garrison therein. George duke Saxony did challenge it, but it was in vaine: by reason whereof Cont Edsard was cited to the Imperiall chamber, and there commanded to deliuer vp the towne to the Duke of Saxony, which hee did not, wherevpon he was banished the Empire.
In the end Duke George came with nine thousand men horse and foote, beeing assisted by the Duke of Brunswicke, where hee not onelie besieged Groning, but spoiled all East-Friseland Cont Edsards inheritance, taking many castles and forts: so as the Earle was forced to leaue Groning to goe and succor his naturall subiects, and hauing soone after lost Dam, finding his forces to weake, to make head against so great Princes, hee quite abandoned them of Groning: who seeing themselues forsaken and the D danger that hung ouer them, they fell to consult amongst themselues of making an accord with the Duke of Saxony: sending their deputies vnto him, with offer to yeeld vp the towne, reseruing their preuiledges and certaine other conditions: among others, that it should be lawfull for them to raise the cittadell, which Cont Edsard had built. The which Duke George refuzing, the deputies returned, after they had told him that neuer hee nor any of his should bee Lord thereof. Herevpon the Cittizens tooke a new aduise to choose an other Prince that might defend them against the Saxons. So with a generall consent they made choise of Charles Duke of Geldres, who greatly affected this Estate: sending VVilliam van Oyen Generall of his horse thether, who beeing entred into the towne, the cittadell was razed in his presence. E This done the Bourgers tooke their oth in his hands to the crowne of France, and to the duke of Geldres. This did cause a great warre betwixt these two dukes, George of Saxony, and Charles of Geldres, betwixt the which the battailes were often variable: but in the end the Saxon discontented with this inconstant gouernment of Friseland, yeelded vp all his interest vnto Charles Prince of Spaine, afterwards Emperor, for two hundred thousand crownes, and so leauing Friseland hee returned into his countrie of Misnia. Herevpon grew a great and a long warre betwixt the Bourguignon and the Gueldrois: the duke hauing made the Earle of Emden his Lieutenant there.
In the end the Groningers refuzing to pay a certaine tribute, of ten thousand florines F of gold, which they had promised him, hee forsooke them, and was abandoned by them, after that hee had beene acknowledged twentie yeares together for their Prince Protector. Herevpon the Groningers hauing assembled their Estatets they sent to demaund succors of the Ladie Marguerite, the Emperors Aunt, Douager [Page 1089] of Sauoy, and Gouernesse of the Netherlands, promising him the same tribute which 1594. A they had paied to the Duke of Geldres. She (who desired nothing more then to inlarge the limmits of her Nephewes Estates) sent George Schenck of Tautenburg, gouernor of Friseland thether, who entred into Groning the eight of Iune, and receiued the peoples oth in the Emperors name, recouering all which the Geldrois had held in a short time, but there was an accord made afterwards betwixt the Emperor and the duke, as you may read in the fift booke. From the yeare 1536. that towne hath remained vnder the obedience of the Emperor and the King of Spaine his sonne, vnto the yeare 1576. that by the mutynie of the garrison against their Collonel and gouernor Gaspar of Robles Lord of Billy, it submitted it selfe vnder the generalitie of the vnited Prouinces, and afterwards in the yeare of our Lord 1580. it was againe yeelded to the B Spaniards by George of Lalain Earle of Rheneberg, vnder whome it hath suffered much vnto this yeare of our Lord and Sauiour 1594. that it was reduced, vnder the generall vnion of the confederate Prouinces of the Netherlands, as you shall here.
After that Prince Maurice had releeued Coevoerden, he came with all his army being a hundred and fiue and twenty companies of foote and six and twenty cornets of horse, with artillery and all other things necessary conducted as well by land as by the riuers which are within the countrie, and camped the 21. of May before the towne of Groning, about the which (after that he had with great speed intrenched his whole campe) he caused six great forts to bee made vpon all the approches, well furnished with men C and good artillery. Of the which that of the West part had ten companies of foote and twelue peeces of ordynance, and the rest accordingly. The chiefe campe was on the West side, betwixt the Drasport and the tower of Drentelaer: betwixt the which were the raueling of Oosterport, the Heereport, the Pasdam, with a case mate, (otherwise called Breemers buyck) and the plat forme at the end of the waters, all mounted with good artillery, the which might greatly annoy the campe; yet did Prince Maurice cause his ordinance to bee planted on that side: which was against the tower of Dehtelaer fiue peeces, against the Rauelin of Oosterport ten, against Heereport twelue, against the Asses hoofe six, and two or three against the platforme.
The Prince had his own quarter retrencht apart within the great trench, vpon the way D of Helpen nere vnto Horen: and Cont William Lewis of Nassau his cousin, Gouernor of Friseland, in the midest of the campe, with the Frisons, English, Germains and Zeelanders. They of the towne had made all necessary prouision to defend themselues, and to endure a long siege, so as they neither wanted victualls nor munition of warre: true it is they had no garrison within the towne, but it was before their port on the side of Drentelaer, as you goe to Dam and Delfziel, and to the fort of Schuytendyep, which is one of the suburbes of the towne seruing for a small hauen for that which comes from Emden through the country: which garrison they might receiue into the towne whensoeuer they pleased. And withall they had the fort of Auwerderzyel which did defend that side, in the which there were some 100. and thirty men: which E Cont William before all others went to besiege, he battered it, and the nine and twenty day of May tooke it by assault. The besieged seeing themselues forced, laied downe their armes, and intreated to haue their liues saued, but for the proud answere which they had made vnto the dromme which did sommon them, they were all cut in peeces, with the Lieutenant of Lankama Gouernor of the towne, excepting some fewe which saued themselues at the first by swymming, when they see their rampar forced.
Prince Maurice hauing wonne this fort made his approches neerer, and hauing sommoned the towne to submit vnder the vnion of the Estates: they answered that the Prince should stay a yeare before hee made that demand, and then they might consider F of it, but not before. Vpon this answere, the cannon being planted as wee haue saied, it beganne to play furiously against the Tower of Drentlaer, the which stood not long before it was beaten down, and against the portes and Rauelyns aboue named, the which were strangely torne: besides that the fiery bullets, and other fire workes [Page 1090] which were shot into the towne, did much amaze the besieged. The English and Scottish 1594. A were lodged within the counterscarpe, along the towne ditches nere vnto the artillery, vpon whom the besieged did sometimes sally with losse of either side. One night A braue sally of the Groningers. beeing fallen vpon the English quarter, they slue a good number hauing surprised them sodenly: but of the besieged there was the sonne of a Bourguemaster slaine, and some other Bourgers. This they did often, vntill their passage out of their portes was cut off, so as they could sallie forth no more. And besides the battery, the Prince beganne then to myne. Heerport was most ruined, for on that side was the chiefe batterie. They of the towne failed not to shoote into the campe, amongst others (as it was reported) one of their bullets fell iust into the mouth of one of the Princes cannons beeing charged and readie for to shoote, the Gonner giuing fire, sent backe that bullet with the other which he had charged into the towne, the which was a strange B accident.
The foureteenth day of Iune, whilest that the Prince was busie before Groning, the Arch-duke spent his time in all sorts of triumphes and sports, at his proud and stately entrie into the towne of Antwerp. Where in the end it was propounded how they should succor Groning, the charge whereof was giuen to the Earle of Fuentes, but there wanted money, and hauing no meanes to leauy forces, the towne could not be releeued. In the meane time Prince Maurice hastened his mines, two were finished, that by Heerpoort was aduanced aboue twenty paces vnder the rauelin, which was wont to be the Cittadell, (which the Spaniards since the first troubles had built, and was after ruined by the Burgers). The besieged seeing no shew of succors, and Prince Maurice did C still so presse them with his continual battery, which had ruined all their Bolwarkes and Rampars, they began to dispaire, and to whisper of an accord among themselues: especially some (who in their hearts loued their country) desiring rather to see the States men within the towne then the Spaniards: and therevpon they sent their deputies vnto Deputies sent to treat. the Prince, to treate of an accord. But they of the King of Spaines party, (among the which were the chiefe of the towne, the Prelats and other clergy men) stronger in number and authority: to auoide al murmoring, and containe the people in their obedience, caused (although it were not without some popular tumult) captaine Lankama Lieutenant to Collonel Verdugo to enter into the towne, with fiue companies which Lankama enters the towne with fiue companies. D hee had in the suburbes of Schuytendyep. The deputies that were sent vnto the Prince, hearing the mutinie which happened in the towne, for that they had drawne in those companies, returned confused without any effect. Then the Bourgers holding the Spaniards partie, and the souldiars, promised to aide one an other, and to hold good vnto the end, vntill the King of Spaine should send them some succors. The Prince seeing himselfe abused by this pretended capitulation, continued his batterie and his mynes, and to doe what else hee could against the towne, within the souldiars did what they could with the inhabitantes of their partie, so as there were to the number of foure thousand great shot came out of the towne into the campe. E
On the fifteenth of Iuly the myne of the Rauelin of Oosterpoort beeing ready to bee blowne vp, the battery began againe very furiously against the sayd Rauelin, to batter all that downe which the besieged had rampared vp, (on the which were eight peeces of ordynance the which were made vnseruisable) with some shew of a breach. The Prince commanded his men should bee put in order of battaile, by squadrons, as if hee would assaile the Rauelin: the besieged seeing them in this order, fortified the place with men, which presented themselues to defend the breach, in the meane time fire was giuen to A mine which wrought great effect. the myne, the which was blowne vp so fitly, as a great number of them that were with in flue vp into the ayre, whereof many falling into the ditches, were drowned, and some were cast euen into the campe. The myne hauing wrought his opperation, the Prince F caused an assault to bee giuen, the which was a little mayntained: but the amazement was so great, as the besieged leauing the place, saued themselues by the Oosterport, into A Rauelin won by assault. the towne, being couered by this Rauelin.
This being wonne the assailants intrenched themselues against the towne, after they [Page 1091] had found foure peeces of brasse Ordinance and two of yron, buried in the earth which A the myne had raised. 1594.
The beseeged hauing lost this Rauelyn and some hundred footemen in it, began to faint, hauing no more hope of succors. The next day they resolued by a generall consent, as well Bourgers as soldiers to send one of the Bourgmaisters called Iohn den Boer, with a drumme vnto the Prince to offer him the towne, vppon condition notwithstanding that hee should summon it once more the next day to yeeld. Beeing come vnto the Prince and beeing heard, after that hee had asked the opinions of The Groningers offer to yeeld. his Councell at warre, he answered that he had summoned it sufficiently and that hee would summon it no more, holding it alreadie in his power. But if the Bourgers thought it good to send their Deputies to treat of the conditions of an accord, they B might doe it. Or if they desired to try their forces in making a longer resistance and attend the extremities of a generall Assault, they should see (with too late a repentance) what should befall them. The beseeged beeing perplexed with this suddaine and threatning answer, sent vnto the Campe the nineteenth of the moneth, Iohn Balen Captaine and Bourgmaister, Frederic Musey Bourgmaister also, Albert Eli, Vlgert Vlgerson Sheriffs, Iohn Gryt Officiall, Iohn Assera Commander of Wirsum, Deputies frō Groning. Rudolph Certs, Iohn Malder, Poppo Euerard Secretarie, Henry Honincke Interpreter, and Iohn Lubects, Sanders of Groot-velt Lieutenant to Cont Frederic vanden berghe, to treat with the Prince and his Councell of their Accord. Who sent for them in hostage to the Towne, the Seigniors of Sousfeldt, Swartsenbourg and Grise vander C Noot Captaine of his Gards and other. The conditions of the compositions were a while debated, in the end the beseeged seeing there was no remedie, agreed to yeeld the towne, and to deliuer it into the Princes power, vpon the conditions which follow.
1 First, that all offences, iniuries and acts, done from the beginning of the troubles, and last alterations, as also whatsoeuer hath past during this present seege, as well generall as particular, both within and without are pardoned and forgiuen, as Articles of the treatie of Groning. if they had neuer happened at all, whereof there shall neuer bee any mention, molestation, nor search made at all, vppon payne for all them that shall▪ goe against it, to bee reputed and punished as mutines, and troublers of the publike D quiet.
2 Second: Those of the Magistrates and the inhabitants of Groning, promise by these presents, to remitte them-selues into the generall vnion of the vnited Prouinces, and to adhere vnto the generall Estates of the sayd Prouinces, and to bee faithfull and loyall vnto them. According vnto the which the towne and countrie of Groning as one of the members of the sayd prouinces, shall assist the other confederates, faithfully, firmely, and inuiolablie without dissimulation: Entertayning good amitie and correspondence: and that at all times and vppon all occasions, they shall doe their best indeauours to repulse and chase out of the Netherlands, all Spaniards and their adherents, which haue and doe seeke (against equitie right and reason) to oppresse and ruine the Inhabitants thereof, to bring them to perpetuall bondage, and to E make them slaues for euer.
3 Item they of Groning shal hold and inioy al their priuiledges, libertles, rights and freedomes.
4 Item the towne and the Ommelands comming to appeare and to giue their voice vnto the generalitie, with all that may depend thereon, they shall gouerne them-selues according vnto the which (after hearing of the cause) shal be set downe and decreed by the generall Estates.
5 That the most Noble William Lewis Earle of Nassau shall be receiued and held for Gouernor of the towne and country of Groning, according to the commission which F hee hath receiued from the said generall Estates. And that the controuersie which is betwixt the Towne and the Ommelands, or that may grow, shall remayne suspended, vntill it bee ended by the said generall Estates or their Committies.
[Page 1092] 6 That in the towne and countrie of Groning there shall bee no other excercise A but of the reformed religion, such as is at this present vsed throughout all the Prouinces, 1595. and that no man shall bee disquieted nor molested for his conscience. And that all Monasteries and Clergie men shall remaine in the estate they are in at this present, vntill that the Estates haue sufficiently redrest the Estate of the towne and countrie of Groning: And then order shall bee giuen for the inioying of the goods and entertayning of Clergie men, prouided alwaies that the Commanderies of Wyrsum, Wyt [...]ert and Osterwyrum shal be held & intreated as other Commanderies lying in the vnited Prouinces.
7 That for assurance of the generalitie, and of the towne, and to preuent all inconueniences betwixt the Burgers and Inhabitants, they of Groning shall receiue 5. or 6. B companies of the generalitie, and with the aduice of the Magistrate, and with the least oppression of the Inhabitants that may be, they shall haue money furnished them at such a rate as shall be hereafter agreed vppon, by the said Cont William and the towne and country togither.
8 Touching the razing of Forts it shall bee done as need shall require and with the knowledge of the said generall Estates.
9 That the towne and countrie of Groning shal for the leuying of meanes and contributions for the good of the common cause, be bound to conforme themselues hereafter with other Prouinces that are contributary.
10 All taxations and contributions which vnto this day haue beene contributed C and receiued, as also the reuenues whereof accountes hath beene made, the accountes shall bee held good, and that which hath not beene brought, they shall come and accoumpt for before the old Law, but yet they shall haue no authority to receiue the remainder.
11 That all such as are fled or banished out of Groning or the Ommelands, or their heires, shall be restored to all their goods that are not alienated, wherein modesty shal be vsed.
12 And in regard of moueable goods which haue beene alienated, bee it for debt or for morgage, as also those which haue beene confisked: the interessed may take their goods againe vnto them, redeeming them for their owne vses within foure yeares, D restoring the money that was payed and the rent of the money: Out of the which they shall defalke the reuenues which the purchaser hath receiued. And if there grow any question, they shal bee referred to the decision of a competent and ordinary Iudge.
13 It shal be lawful for al Burgers and Inhabitants of the [...]wne of Groning, Clergy or Secular, to remaine freely within the towne, or to retire into any other neutrall townes and places where they shall thinke good, and there reside inioying their owne proper goods, but not go to the enemies party.
14 In this treatie shall bee comprehended al strangers of what qualitie or nation soeuer, remaining at this present in the said tow [...] and there to continue their E residence, taking the oth of fidelitie, or else they may retyre againe to a neutrall place.
15 All letters of rent, morgages, pensions, debts and charges, of all Abbots, Prelates and ecclesiasticall persons, as well strangers as naturall, being during the troubles retired into the towne of Groning: appointment for their nourishment and intertainement, shall remaine at the decision of the Estates, or the Magistrate of the Prouince or towne, vnder which those Monasteries or Colledges are scituated, from whence they grow, to doe as they shall thinke fit according vnto right and equitie.
16 The Deputies of this Towne of Groning beeing at Brusselles in commission, with their seruants and goods shall be also held for reconciled and comprehended in F this accord, prouided alwaies that they returne within three moneths.
17 The Burgers that were taken prisoners during the seege shal be set at liberty paying their ransomes.
18 The gouernement of the Towne shall belong vnto the Magistrate: Prouided [Page 1093] notwithstanding that the said magestrate and the Iurates of the commons, shall for this 1594. A time only be established by his Excelency and the said Cont William, with the aduice of the councell of Estates. And from that time forward the election of them of the Law shall be made according to the ancient custome.
19. They may not by conformity of vnion transport nor resigne the towne of Groning to any Kings, Princes, Lords, townes or common weales, without his good liking and common consent, nor yet build any cittadells.
20. Those of the Magistrate, Burgers and Inhabitants of Gronning, shall take the oth of fidelity required to the generality, as other townes haue done.
21. All prouisions, be it of mony or munition of warres, victualls, artillery or other things sent into Groning, or belonging vnto the King of Spaine, or that haue beene otherwise brought in during this warre, shall bee deliuered vnto the generality, or to B their commissaries.
The accord for the men of warre, the which was made with captaine Lankama lieutenant to Collonel Verdugo, captaines, and officers as well for them-selues, as for their soldiars, hauing beene in garrison in the towne of Groning and at Schuyten-dyep was after this manner.
‘First that the said Lieutenant Collonel, all the capaines officers and soldiars (except such as had serued vnder the Estates) their wiues, followers and baggage may freely Ac [...]ord [...] the [...] within Groning. depart, with their ful armes without any molestation or stay to their persons or goods, onely they shall be bound to deliuer their Enseigns into his Excellencies hands, which C done they shall be safely conducted by the Drent towards the Gouernor Verdugo, wheresoeuer he shall be found to haue planted his campe, and from thence beyond the riuer of Rhine, with promise for 3 moneths they shall not serue on this side that riuer.’
‘His Excelency for the more easie transporting of their baggage, wiues, children, sicke and hurt men, the which may endure to be carried in wagons, shall cause them to be furnished with eighty wagons to serue them, and to be led by a comissary and a safe conuoy, such as it shall please his Excelency to appoint, the which shall conuoy them vnto Otmarsum, or at the farthest to Oldenziel: And the said Lankama shall bee bound to leaue some of his Captaines in pawne for assurance of the said wagons vntill their returne.’ D
‘All Captains, Officers, and soldiers, who by reason of their wounds and infirmities cannot indure the trauell, shall remaine still in the towne vntill they be reasonablie well cured; and they shal haue passeports giuen them to returne to their companies, be it by water or by land.’
‘That Captaine Wyngarden hauing paid his charges shall depart without ransome, as in like manner all soldiers, victuallers and wagenors of the Campe being prisoners within the towne.’
‘That all the goods of the Gouernor Verdugo beeing within the towne shall go freely forth, and shall bee carried vnto the place whereas they that haue the charge, shall thinke it conuenient or else they may remaine safely within the towne vntill the said E gouernor shall dispose of them.’
‘That all horses or, baggage belonging to any officers of the King of Spaine being now absent, shall passe freely, and be conducted with the rest of the soldiars.’
‘That all men at this time residing in the towne of Groning, of what nation or condition soeuer. Offcers and others, as well Clergy men, and two Iesuits as other temporall men, may depart with their wiues, children, families, cattell and goods, and inioy the same conuoy and safety.’
‘And if any of the said Inhabitants, be it man or woman, by reason of some let in their affaiers, cannot depart with the said men of warre, they shall haue six moneths graunted them from this present accord, during the which they may stay here and doe their F busines, and then retire them-selues with their goods and families, be it by water or by land, whether they please.’
‘The Lieutenant Collonel, Captaines, Officers and souldiars, this accord being signed shal presently without any delay, depart out of Groning and Schuyten-dyep.’
[Page 1094] Made in the Campe before Gronning the 22, of Iuly. 1594. behold how this strong 1594. A and mighty towne of Groning was forced and brought into subiection in two moneths space.
After that the rampars of the towne of Groning were repaired, all the trenches of the eampe layd euen, and the law and Magistrate renewed, Prince Maurice carrying Prince Maurice return [...]s victorious to the Hage. backe his army, entred victoriously into Amsterdam, where hee was receiued with great pompe by the Magistrat, with all shewes of honor, loue and ioy. The like was done in other townes where he past returning to the Hage, with goodly and rich presents, the which did stirre vp his young and noble courage to greater attempts, tending vnto vertue.
This summer the Emperor called an assembly of the Princes of the Empire at Rheinsbourg, B whether came the three Electors of Cologne, Mentz, and Treues, William Fredericke Duke of Saxony administrator of the Duchy of Saxony. Frederick Lodowick Palsgraue of the Rhine. Maximilian duke of Bauaria. Casimire and Ernestus bretheren Dukes An assembly of the Princes of the [...]mpire in Germany. of Saxony of Coborch, whose father was prisoner in Gothia. Frederick duke of Wirttenberg: George Lodowick Lantgraue of Luchtenbourg, the young Duke of Holst, Christian Prince of Anholt with diuers others, and the Deputies of sondry Princes, and imperiall townes: And for the King of Spaine and the house of Bourgongne there came Charles Phillip Barron of Croy, Marquis of Haurec and others. Besids the three spirituall Princes Electors, there were the Bishoppes of Salsbourg, Writenberg and others.
In this assembly the Emperor moued the Princes of Germany for ayde against the Turke the which was graunted: whereas there grew some controuersie among the C Protestant Princes townes, for that the Palsgraue of the Rhine and some others did not so strictly maintaine the confession of Ausbourg, as others did, namely the administrator of Saxony, who during his administration would haue the opinion of Mathias Flaccus Illiricus and Iacobus Andraeas againe mayntained throughout all the territories of Saxony, the which had beene some-what moderated by the deceased Princes, so as he caused all such as any way opposed them-selues to be persecuted and expelled out of all vniuersities and other places, vnder the names of Caluenists and Zwinglians, where-vpon in Lypsick and many other places the Caluenists were spoyled and their goods violently taken from them, whervpon many fled, and were receiued into the Palsgraues D country: For which at the said assembly the Saxon Protestants would haue seperated them-selues from the Palsgraues Ambassadors in their general petition, which the greater part would not assent vnto, but rather desired vnity & loue. And for that the young Palsgraue Frederick was much spoken against as differing from his father in points of relligion, there was a confession of the faith made in his name, the which was published in these termes.
I am not shronke nor fallen from the relligion which my father held, the which was grounded vpon the writings of the Prophets and Apostels; who in his life time beleeued neither in Martin nor Iames, but onely in Christ, the like Simbolum, and the like grounds of faith I doe also constantly hold, defend and protect, and will doe to my Fredericke [...] of the Rhine makes consessio [...] of h [...]s faith. E power: My father did greatly dislike of the Arrians, Nestorians, Eutichians and Anabaptists, and of their mad opinions, which I also being his sonne doe as much abhorre. My father in like manner disliked of the abusers of Sacraments, the which are of two sorts, the one make Idolls of the Sacraments, and honor the sacramentall signes as the things them-selues, and the other hold them but for bare signes, the which I also dislike. And now I come neerer, my father disliked of the Caluenists and Zwinglians, the which I his sonne would in like manner do, if they were like vnto the Vbiquitari and Flacciani, that is if the truth, the power or the presence of Christ vpon the earth were denyed by them. But herein I am more fortunate then my father, for that I knowe that vnder the name of Caluenists, the truth of the relligions Orthodoxie is by the contentious people F of Germany much slandered and persecuted; the which without doubt the good Prince Eector my father, would haue found if God had lent him longer life. This error the two mighty Saxon Electors Augustus the father and Christianus the Sonne (being great, valiant & wise Princes) began to discouer. D. Luthers writings I do no lesse esteeme [Page 1095] then my father did, but yet I hold them vnwise which esteeme whatsoeuer was written 1594. A by him and others, to bee pure, as gold or siluer. At this assembly it was resolued that some good course should be diuised for the setling of a perfect peace in the Netherlands in regard of the great complaints which were made by the bordering countryes, being subiect to the spoyles and incursions of either party. This peace was held very difficult to effect: Being held a matter impossible to draw the King of Spaine and the house of Austria to relinqish and disclaime by any contract, the right and title which they had to those rich & mighty Prouinces of the Netherlands: And on the other side they found no Possibility to reconcile the vnited Prouinces vnto the King of Spaine, as it appered plainely in their answer made vnto the Archduke Ernestus: yet being in hope of some good meanes, they resolued to send certaine Princes vnto either party, to reconcile them if it were possible, or else to make report in whome the fault was, that according B to the custome of the Empire they might force them there-vnto, where-vpon there was order taken for a certaine summe of mony to bee leuied, to defend the fronters of the Empire against both parties.
Although the Prince had yet time enough to doe some good exployt the rest of this sommer 1594. and meanes to recouer some place or two in that quarter of Freezeland: yet by reason that the French King demanded succors, the Estates army was in good A new desseinge to murther Prince Maurice. time put into garisons. In the beginning of Nouember there was a certaine soldiar taken neere vnto Lillo; he was of Niuelle in Brabant, and his name was Peter du Four hauing serued some-times in the foote company of Prince Maurice his gard; who came expresly C to Lillo, to find some meanes to returne into the said company, and being there to watch his oportunity to murther the Prince, the which you may reade in this sentence pronounced against him and executed in the towne of Berghen vp Zoom, where-in are conteyned his confession and other circumstances of his araignment as followeth.
‘Whereas, Peter du Four borne at Niuelle, a prisoner at this present and freed from The sentence pronounced against Peter du Fou [...] his bonds, hath voluntarily confest, that some yeares past being in seruice vnder the vnited Prouinces, as a soldiar in diuers companies going from one vnto an other, in the end hee left the garrison of Breda to go into France, where hee serued vnder the artillery, both in the towne of Capelle in Tyrasch, during the seege, and in the campe D before Laers in Launoy, vntill the taking thereof, from whence being returned into the enemies country, hee continued with some kinsfolkes and friends of his: and among others with Gheertrude Maribo his Aunt, dwelling neere vnto Niuelle, whereas he was perswaded to serue the enemy, for the effecting whereof, and to make him knowne vnto La Motte the said Gheertrude (who was well knowne in his house) led her kinsman vnto Brussells, who being brought vnto La Mott, hee asked him what resolution hee had to serue the King of Spaine, whereof the prisoner finding him-selfe assured, hee opened vnto him an enterprize vpon this towne of Berghen, and had diuers conferences with La Motte concerning that matter: In October last hee was presented to the Archduke Ernestus, to whome La Motte hauing declared that it was E the man who had resolued to doe the King seruice, he was there-vpon receiued by the said Arch-duke, who said vnto him that he should not want any mony in recompence of his seruice, where-vpon the Archdukes Secretary discoursing with the prisoner in the Archdukes chamber, where there were more of the councell, hee was questioned with concerning the particularities of this enterprize of Berghen, where vpon his declarations and proiect being put in writing by the said secretary in their presence, the said prisoner signed it with his hand and sware vnto it, yet the Secretary and other councellors in the same place and presence, laying aside this enterprize of Berghen, made other questions vnto him, and perswaded him to vndertake to kill Prince Maurice of Nassau, making him great promises to doe it, teaching him certaine F meanes how and in what manner he might effect it. Among others that the prisoner should seeke to put him-selfe againe into the company of the Princes gard, where hee had formerly serued, where without doubt hee stould be easely receiued, seeing that [Page 1096] sence his retreat from that place, hee had serued the French King, and had a sufficient 1594. A pasport from the Seignior of Mammed commissary of his Maiesties artillery. And that in this sort hauing accesse, hee should watch a fit oportunity to execute this desseigne, when as his Excellency should goe forth to ride or hunt, or comming from the sermon, or else when the the prisoner should stand sentinell, and that his excelence should passe before him at some extraordinary hower, or when he should finde his best oportunity to shoot him through: to which end the Secretary did aduise him to charge his peece with two bullets. All which speeches were deliuered in the place and presence aboue mentioned. That at the same instant one of the said councellors, went in the same chamber to the Dukes bed side, and returned to the prisoner, carrying from the one vnto the other what was spoken concerning that matter. The which being thus B concluded, it was set downe by the said Secretary, who caused the prisoner to signe and sweare it. Then he was brought by one of those councellors before the Archduke who spake vnto him in these termes. Facete quel que m'auete promesso, amassate quel Tyr [...]: which is, do what you haue promised me, kill that Tirant, where-vpon the priso [...]er answered him, Io lo faro. I will doe it. The which hauing thus promised vnto the Archduke, he was the more confirmed in this wicked dessigne for that d' Assonuille tould him that by vertue of a masse which should be said in his presence the next day, he should be inuisible both during the execution, and after the deed done. To which end he was the next day brought by the Secretary to a masse in the Chappell at Brussells, then was there certaine mony deliuered vnto him, besides that which hee had formerly receiued.’ C
‘At his departure hee was admonished by some of the said councell, that if hee should by mischance bee taken prisoner, that hee should beware to reueale the fact so simplie, as hee had done which lately had vndertaken to murther his Excelency, who reuealed it indiscreetly by his owne fault, for if hee should be a prisoner, he must of necessity die, and they would alwaies deny what he confest and giue him the lie. With this wicked and murtherous resolution, he parted from Brusselles, and went to Antwerp, hauing letters of commendation to the gouerner of the castle: from whom he had a pasport who termed him a marchant, that hee might passe their forts more couertly, as he hath done, comming neere vnto the fort of Lillo, where they went to D discouer him, and there seazed on him, from whence he was brought vnto this towne, where hauing beene iudicially examined at diuers seuerall times, first hee plainely confest this desseigne, and all that had past touching the enterprize of this towne. Then being examined what seruice the enemy thought to draw from him, in the end hee did acknowledge this cruell plot aboue mentioned. The which being receiued from his owne mouth, after his first second and third confession touching this fact, and the fifteene of this moneth being brought into the towne house, in the open assembly, and hearing of the commissionars appointed for this cause by the generall Estaes: and seriously exhorted not to accuse any one wrongfully, much lesse a Prince of so heigh a place and calling as the Archduke, and those of his councell: yet hee persisted F in his former confession, confirming the vndertaking it by his owne hand. All which being duly considered of, and that such attempts, to the terror and example of others ought to be punished with the extreme rigor of Iustice; The said commissioners, together with the Magistrate and councell of this towne of Berghen vp Zoom, haue said and declared, and doe declare iudicially by these presents that the said Peter du Four a prisoner, hath forfeyted both body and goods, according to the which they haue and doe condemne him to bee led to the publike place of Iustice of this towne, and there bound to a gibet and strangled till hee be dead, then his head to bee cut of, and his body to be quartred, which shall bee hanged at fower parts of the towne, and his head to be carried to Lillo (the place where hee first arriued) there to F bee set vpon a stake to the view of all the world: declaring his goods to bee forfited, and to be applyed to the proffit of the generality. Thus done and pulikly pronounced in the ordinary chamber of iustice in the towne house of Berghen vp Zoome the [Page 1097] seauenteene of Nouember 1594. Signed by commandement of the said commissioners, 1594. A and the same day it was put in execution.’
IN Nouember Prince Maurice marched with his army and the councell of Estate of the [...]ited Prouinces towards the towne of Arnhem in Gelderland, as if he had some great exployt in hand in that quarter, in Freezland, or in the diocese of Cologne, as at Rhynbecke or some other place. But in the end he sent Cont Phillip of Nassau his cousin with two regiments of foote, fiue cornets of horse and some field peeces towards Luxembourg, to ioyne with the Duke of Bouillons army, whome the French King had made his Lieutenant in that ioynt warre with the Estates. But the sayd Earle vnderstanding that there were foure thousand Suisses come to serue the Spaniard, B and that the Italiens which were mutined at Sichem might soone be pacefied, with all which (being together) Cont Charles of Mansfeldt might charge him, hee thought it good to take his way heigher by the Country of Treues, and to send backe Sir Francis Veer with all his horse, except two Cornets. And so the Earle marrcht with his troupes by Sarrebruche coasting the towne of Metz, the Earle of Mansfeldt still following at the heeles, to doe him an affront, if hee might find an aduantage; But Nassa [...] marcht alwaies in good order of battayle, still making head, so as Mansfeldt durst not charge him, and the ninth of Nouember the Earle of Nassau ioyned his troupes with the Duke of Bouillons army, Sir Francis Veer returned with his horsemen by C the Duke of Deux Ponts country, knowing that Mansfeldt and Cont Herman Vanden Bergh attended him at a passage towards Maestricht, marching along the Rhine the which hee past the nineteenth of Nouember, and arriued safe in the country of Geldres, to the great content of the Prince and the Estates, who were in a manner vnfurnished of all their horse.
During the seege of Groning, the councell at Brusselles being much troubled to pay sixe hundred thousand gilders to the mutinous Spaniards in Saint Pol: the Italiens began also to mutine, first there were sixe companies of Don Gaston Spinolas regiment, being not aboue three hundred and fifty men, which lay at Arschot who had beene sixe or seauen yeares vnpaid, these being in mutine, they procured two other companies D which lay at Sichem to ioyne with them, for that the place was of more strength; with whome there presently ioyned both horse and foote of other nations; as Albanois, French, Wallons, Duch, and some two hundred Irishmen of Sir William Stanleis regiment. These being all old soldiars, and some two thousand strong, they chose for their Electo or generall one Stephano Capriano a Millanois, for their gouernor Ieronimo Spadino; for Sargent Maior one Sacramuss [...], and for assistants Biotti and others; for pay-maister one Fracassa, and for Generall of their horsemen they made choise of G [...]orgio Malagna, and of Baptista for his corporall, who had serued twenty yeares in the warres, with diuers other officers, chasing a way their Captains: these troups sent for victualls and munition to Louaine and Diest, and made the whole country to contribute E euen vnto the gates of Antwerp and Brusselles, where-vpon the Archduke sent [...] Iaco [...]o Bellgioige an Italien Earle vnto them, who after much intreaty, receiued from them in the end eleuen Articles the cheefe whereof were.
1. That they would be paid all their arrerages.
2. That they would haue a generall pardon.
3. That they might haue fifty pasports, for their officers to depart freely out of the country whether they pleased.
4. That they might haue a place of retreat for such as were sicke or hurt in the Kings [...] seruice.
5. That the arrerages due vnto any that died in the Kings seruice, might be paied vnto their heires.
6. That they should not bee kept from any munition for the space of a whole day, [Page 1098] vpon paine of corporall punishment: with such like demands which the Archduke 1594. A Ernestus and his Spanish councell did much mislike, which made them to intreat the rest of the Italiens very mildly, and to send Camillo Caractiolo, Prince of Anelino, to see if hee could bring them to any better conformation, but it was in vaine, wherevpon the Spanish councell resolued to force them to obedience desiring the said Prince to accept of that charge, but he refused to fight against his owne contrymen: then they propounded it to Mounsieur La Motte who with diuers others thought it not conuenient to be done. In the end they resolued to send Don Louis de Velasco thether with certaine Spaniards, among the which there were some priuat soldiars which refused that seruice, for the which some were secretly put to death, and others banished. This did incense the Italiens the more, seeing the Spaniards which were mutined at the same B instant at Pont sur Chambre, were paid, and commandement was giuen to all the country round about not to furnish them with any victuall, nor to pay them any contribution: The Bishop of Leege was also perswaded not to giue them any releefe, who for the defence of his country had leuied some 800. foote, against whom the mutiners sent Georgio Maragna and Giouanni Baptista Rossi with other captaines, who put the Liegios to flight, and slue some 70. of them, so as the Bishop thought it fittest, for him to compound with them for 15000. gilders. When as Don Louis of Velasco with his Spaniards (with whome were ioyned the Spaniards which had mutined in Saint Pol (who had receiued sixe hunderd thousand gilders) with some Wallons of the Earle of Solms regiment, and others, being in all foure thousand men▪ had begun to insconce themselues neerevnto the Italiens, they then complained that this disgrace was offered them C vpon spight and hatred which the Earle of Fuentes and d' Ybarre bare them, who sence the Duke of Parmas time had in all things preferred the Spaniards before the Italiens: And that whereas the Spaniards did mutine, they did pardon them and found present meanes to satisfie them: so as these two nations were so incensed one against another as on the thirteenth of December they fell to blowes, whereas there were about foure hundred Spaniards slaine, among the which was Pedro Portacarero cosin to the Earle of Fuentes, with forty seauen captaines and officers more and small losse vnto The mutinous Italiens and Spaniards fight. themselues: But in the end the Spaniards tooke certaine forts from the Italiens and forced them to abandon the towne of Sichem, not without losse of either part. Prince D Maurice and the Estates were not in the meane time without some feare that if during the sharpe winter they should bee reconciled they might through meanes of the ice (the frost being great) attempt some thing vpon Holland, or some other place, wherefore they wrought so as the Italiens offred their seruice to the French King, so long as the King of Spaine should retaine all ther pay, and not satisfie them al arrerages wherevpon they did write vnto the French King the last of Nouember, intreating him that he would be pleased to receiue into his seruice and vnder his protection them and The mutined Italiens offer their seruice to the French King. all their companies being a thousand and two hundred foote and seauen hundred horse, all old soldiers. The King hauing seene their letters, and what they required he referred the busines to Prince Maurice and the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces, E to whome hee recommended them. According to which answer the said Italiens sent two captaines on their behalfe Iohn Baptista Sossy and Homodormy, to the Hage in Holland with letters of credit, and power to treat with the sayed Estates, or their deputies in the towne of Breda, vpon safe conducts demanded by them. Their letters were written when they were yet in the towne of Sichem, wherevnto answer was made that if they were forced to leaue the towne they should be assisted. And being afterterwards forced therevnto, the Estates and the gouernor of Breda promised to retire them vnder the said towne, and into Langh-strate, and that they might come freely into the said towne to buy their prouisions and necessaries. This mutine of the King of Spaines Italiens, fell out happely for the Estates, for the Spaniards spent a F long time, seeking to force them: the which was furthered by the mutine of the Spaniards and Wallons at Pont vpon Sambre, who supported one another and in the meane time the Estates were not molested nor disquieted neither by the one or the other.
[Page 1099] In the end of winter they were offered by Ernestus to haue their pay, with many 1595. A other preferments (the Arch-duke fearing least they should make some composition with Prince Maurice) so as in February 1595. with the priuitie and consent of Prince Maurice (from whome openly they confest to haue beene releeued) they obtained the foresaid Articles, and were to remaine at Thienen, the which they A composition made with the mutiners. might fortifie, vntill they were fully satisfied, and in the meane time they should receiue dayly from Brusselles thirty stiuers for a horse-man, twelue stiuers for a footeman, thirteene crownes for the Electo, tenne crownes for the Councell, and sixe crownes for the Sargaint Maior euery day: So as altogither amounted to some 500. crownes a day: And for hostage they had Francisco de Padiglia, whome they kept safely. This was about the time that the Arch-duke Ernestus dyed: And thus they continued seauenteene monethes, vntill that Cardinall Albertus came into B the country. In the meane time they sent fiue companies to the Earle of Euentes beeing before Cambray: And whereas Liere was almost taken, they came as farre as Maclyn to releeue it: But in the meane time they abandoned Mario Homodormy, Baptista Rossi and two others (who were their Comitties in Breda) most shamefully proclayming them enemies, for that Fuentes had so done; but they were pittied by some of them, who sent them mayntenance: At the last in the yeare 1596. when as the Cardinall went to beseege Hulst, they were accounted with, and receiued three hundred & thirty thousand crownes, and the contribution which they had receiued amounted to three hundred sixtie thousand crownes, besides the C contribution they had receiued before they went to Thienen, and the place was fortified at the charge of the countrie.
As for them vpon Pont Sambre, being once pacified, they were sent vnder the command of the Prince of Chymai to stop the courses of them of Cambray vppon the country of Henault, and they were lodged about Haurec, whereas they remained so long as they ruined the whole country thereabouts of Henault and Arthois, more then any enemie could haue done. The Duke of Bouillon Lieutenant to the French King of his armie in the countrie of Luxembourgh, and Cont Philipe of Nassau Commander of the Estates troupes, being ioyned togither in Luxembourg, hauing taken the townes of Yuois, Momedi, Vireton-Srete and other places, after they had spoyled D that quarter, the Earle meaning to returne into the vnited Prouinces, with foure Cor nets of horse, hee found him-selfe in the middest of all Cont Mansfeldts footemen, through the which hee past, with the losse of three score men, and two of his Captaines: the which happened for that the Duke by reason of the high waters could not succor him. But two daies after those two Noblemen meeting with eleuen of Mansfeldts Cornets, defeated them, whereas many were slaine vpon the place, besides the prisoners, among which was Mansfeldts Lieutenant. Afterwards the said Duke and Earle had sundry disseignes which succeeded not, as vppon the towne of Thionuille and other places, and as they needed the French Kings Army else-where: And the generall Estates had also very great need of their troopes; E they diuided them-selues: The Duke returned into France, and the Earle marching with his men along the frontiers of Picardie, went and imbarked at Diepe, Cont Philip returns by Sea. from whence hee returned into Zealand: Holding it very vnfitte for him to returne the same way hee came, by reason of Cont Mansfeldts troopes, who at that time went into Hongarie to serue the Emperour against the Turke, where hee discharged him-selfe faithfully and honourably beeing Lieutenant to the Arch-duke Mathias of Austria, generall of the Christians army: during the which seruice the said Earle died (after that he had obtained goodly victories against the Turke) in the towne of Graen the yeare following.
The French King being at Amiens did write his letters on the seauenteenth of December F to the Estates of Arthois and Henault, the which hee sent by a Trumpet: by The French King writes to the townes of Arthois & Henault. the which he did aduertise them that if they did not forbeare to succor the rebellious Leaguers vppon the Frontiers of Picardie and elsewhere, hee was resolued to make warre against them, giuing them time to consider thereon vntill the end of [Page 1100] Ianuary following. To which letters they made no answer: vppon the receipt of this 1595. The Archdukes proposition in the Ass [...]mblie of the Estates at Brusselles. A letter, the Prouinces vnder the Kings obedience, assembled at Brusselles vpon the first of Ianuary. 1595. only the Clergie & the Nobilitie, but not the Townes. Where at their first cession the Arch-duke made a declaration in Spanish, the effect was, that the King had written vnto him and charged him as his good Brother and Cousin, that hee should indeauour by all possible meanes to vnite the countrie by peace, and to free it from the spoiles and miseries it had so long indured, for which cause alone hee had left his ease and was come thether to effect his Maiesties good desire; as appeared by the letters written with his Maiesties owne hand; the which so moued him, as hee could not but summon the Estates to appeare there before him, to impart these good newes vnto them, and that they had considered vppon a very good course to attayne B there-vnto: Where-with they should bee made acquainted the next day following by the President Richardot. There were present in this Assemblie, Stephano D'ybarra and Don Diego de Varra, but the Earle of Fuentes came not, for that the Duke of Arschot had protested hee would not giue him the place next to the Archduke, which honour the Emperour and his Maiestie had giuen him, the which hee would not suffer a stranger to take from him: Where-vppon the Earle of Fuentes and Charles Earle of Mansfeldt (who tooke the Dukes part therein) meeting togither, they beheld each other, without any salutations on either part: But nothing was done at all the first daie, the which was spent in complements after the high Dutch manner: VVhereat many of the Assemblie, especially the Bishops and Clergie murmured. C
‘The next day the Duke of Arschot laid open the generall necessities of the countries The duke o [...] Arschots speech in the Assemblie. of Arthois and Henault, and the miseries they indured by reason of the French inuasions, and how requisit it was his Highnesse should prouide some speedy remedie for these mischiefes, the which for many vrgent considerations ought not to bee deferred: Saying that they had long since vnderstood his Maiesties good will, the which should bee apparant to all the world, if they might once taste the fruites thereof, which it seemed the Archduke would indeauor to procure them, but when it was in manner too late, the whole country beeing readie to reuolt, if they once swarued in the least poynt of seruice concerning their indifferent duties. They had long since complained, and made their great wants and necessities knowne vnto the King, who D by the lawes of nature was bound to heare them, and to defend and protect his subiects: And that if their cries and complaints vnto his Maiestie could not bee heard by reason of the great distance betwixt him and them, nor the imminent dangers and mischiefes, which now threatned them much more then the forepassed, bee preuented, they should bee forced to take some speedy course therein themselues, and that hauing brought the same to passe, they would yeeld such reasons of their Action vnto his Maiestie (submitting themselues therein to the iudgement of all Christendome, and calling them to witnesse) as no man should haue iust cause to charge them, that they had done more then what nature and necessitie had taught them. The which they had resolued to shew in effect, if they did not hope for some speedy E helpe by this present Assemblie. Hauing deliuered these wordes very eloquently and plainely, all the Clergie cryed out Amen, saying that it was their whole intent, and that it required a very speedie execution. There was also many Noblemen, as the Prince of Chymay the Dukes Sonne, the Earles of Arembergh, Bossu, Solue, Barlaymont, Ligni and others, who all consented heerevnto togither.’
‘Then the Duke of Arschot made further complaint in the behalfe of the Prouinces touching the great burthens which were laid vppon them by strange soldiers: especially by the Spaniards, who were countenanced and incouraged by the Earle of Fuentes and other strangers, which ought to giue place to the naturall borne subiects F of the country, and follow the councel of the Nobility thereof, who were best acquaihted with the affaires o [...] the same, or else they would with-draw themselues both frō the Kings and the countries seruice, and regard their owne particuler, with many other [Page 1101] reasons, all tending to a peace with the vnited Prouinces, the which the sayd might A easily be effected, if the forraine soldiars might bee sent away into Turky, thereby freeing 1595. the vnited Prouince from all suspition, and so they might treat with them as with neighbors, and not as Rebells.’
The Archduke Ernestus seeing the Estates to presse him thus vnto a peace, hee let them vnderstand how much hee had labored to reconcile the vnited Prouinces, who would by no meanes harken vnto it, and that he could not proceed any further therein, without some preiudice and blemish to his Maiesties authority and honor: And therefore hee desired their aduice in three points. First whether the necessity were so great, as the King must of force doe it. The second if it were fit and conuenient to B offer more vnto the enemy then had beene already offred, as to referre the conditions of peace vnto their owne discretions. The third whether any other treatie of peace were to bee made, and how that might bee effected. Wherevnto the Estates made a full answere in writing: shewing, that peace was both reasonable, necessarie, honorable and easie to bee concluded: Wherevnto the Archduke (as it seemed) consented, promising to recommend it in such sort, as hee doubted not but the King of Spaine would bee easily perswaded therevnto: And that hee would also mooue the Pope and Emperor therein, who had alreadie demaunded the opinions of diuers learned men (who were well acquainted with the question of the Netherlands) and among the rest of the learned councellor Wesenbeeke, as then remayning in Wittenbergh) C what they thought thereof, wherein all Christendome seemed to consent and agree, desyring them in the meane time to persist in their accustomed duties and ancient vnitie, vntill that hee receiued an answere from the King concerning the same: but notwithstanding all these good words and faire hopes, the Archduke Ernestus letters sent vnto the King of Spaine in September, beeing intercepted by the vnited Prouinces, contained nothing els, but that there was not any thing to bee done in the Netherlands, but by force and violence. To the like effect were the letters written by Don Guillaume of Saint Clement from the Emperors Court, the which were intercepted: that the rebels should bee brought to that extremitiy, as they must bee forced to seeke and sue for a peace &c. But their resolution pleased not the Archduke, D neuerthelesse his seeming to consent, and his faire promises satisfied the assembly for that time, so as by reason of his death (which followed not long after) all alterations were preuented.
The French King seeing that they of Arthois and Henault did not vouchsafe to 1595. The French King proclaimes war ag [...]nst the King of Spaine. make any answere to these his letters, hee caused an Edict to bee proclaimed, made at Paris the seauenteene day of Ianuary, by the which (for the reasons therein contained) hee declared the King of Spaine and the Netherlands vnder his obedience his enemies, denouncing open warre against them. The which hee did also cause to bee proclaimed throughout all the fronter townes of his realme.
According to which the like Edict was proclaimed in Brusselles on the King of Spaines behalfe, against the French King whome hee called Prince of Biarne, and E all his subiects that held his partie, except the Leaguers, the which hee termed the good confederate French Catholikes, whome hee promised and protested to aide, fauor and succor, with all the meanes which almighty GOD had giuen him. And the like hee promiseth vnto all other of the French Nation, bee they townes, commonalties The King of Spaine proclaimes warre against the French. or priuate persons, that within two monethes after the sayd publication shall forsake him, and giue sufficient testimony, that they are no enemies to the Romish, Catholike and Apostolike religion, nor to his Maiesty. This Edict bearing date the seauenth day of March, was in like manner proclaimed throughout all the townes of the Netherlands vnder the Kings obedience. F
The Archduke Ernestus on the 19. day of February had in his owne name made a proclamation and prescribed an order which he would haue obserued to defend himselfe against the courses and attempts of the Prince of Bearne, carrying himselfe (sayd hee) for King of France, who had begunne warre: with other pointes how [Page 1012] they should gouerne themselues towardes French leaguers, who had before made 1595. A their residence in the sayd Countries, or should hereafter come and remaine there. And herevpon the warres grew hot of either part: The French running daily euen to the ports of Arras and Mons: And they of Arthois to Amiens, Peronne, and farther into Piccardy.
On the seauenth day of that month of February, Cont Philip of Hohenloo, Barron of Langenbergh did marrie (in the castle of Buren) with the Lady Mary of Nassau, daughter of the deceased Prince of Orange and of the Lady of Egmont, daughter to Maximilian The Earle of Hohenloo marries the Lady Mary of Nassau. Earle of Buren the which hee had by the Lady of Launoy the onelie heire of the house of Launoy. This marriage had beene in question during the life of the Prince her father, but for certaine reasons it was deferred vnto that day: The general Estates B sent the chiefe of all their deputies to honor this marriage, as well with their persons, as with rich and stately presents worthy the merites and the memorie of the deceased Prince of Orange, and the long and faithfull seruices of the sayd Earle of Hohenloo, whereof the many scarres which hee carries on his bodie, of the woundes which hee hath receiued in the Estates seruice, in the life time of the sayd Prince, and vnder Prince Maurice his sonne, to whom he was and is yet Lieutenant, may giue sufficient testimony.
The same Winter the Vicont of Turene, Duke of Bouillon (hauing gotten the title of duke by his precedent wife, who was duchesse of Bouillon and the onely heire of the house of la Marke) married with the Lady Elizabeth of Nassau, second daughter The duke of Bouill [...]ns marriage. C to the sayd Prince of Orange, which hee had by his third wife the Lady Carlot of Bourbon, the solemnities of which marriage were celebrated in the castle of Sedan, whereas at this day they keepe their Court.
The eight day of February the signior of Herauguiere Gouernor of Breda, hauing with him twelue companies of foote and foureteene cornets of the States horse, surprized the castle and then the towne of Huy in the diocese of Liege, the which is one of the Bishops pallaces, scituated vpon the riuer of Meuse, with a goodly stone bridge ouer the riuer, and within fiue leagues of the towne of Liege. Thirty men did this exploite lying hidden in a house ioyning to the castle, and right against a windoe which they got vnto with ladders made of ropes. Hauing thus wonne the castle, D they seized vpon the towne, whereas the gards thought to make defence, but seeing Herauguiere follow with so great troupes, they laid downe their armes and were content to receiue a garrison into the towne, the which Herauguiere did place there and in the castle likewise, which hee beganne to furnish with all things necessarie, reducing all the neighbour countrie that was subiect to the King of Spaine about Namur and in Brabant to contribution, beeing resolued to hold that place to haue a passage and a retreate on the other side of the riuer of Meuse. In the meane time, part of the horsemen beeing in garrison in Huy, going forth to seeke their aduenture, neere vnto Momedy they met with seauen cartes laden with Italien Marchandise, as veluet and other sortes of silkes, with gold and siluer lace, appointed for the A rich boo [...]y taken by the Estates men. E towne of Antwerp, the which was all spoiled and the bootie diuided amongst them. And as they of the garrisons of Berghen vp Zoom, Breda, and other places vnder the [...] commaund n Brabant, thought to retire home with their bootie, beeing come neere vnto Tillemont, hearing that captaine Grobendonc was vpon the passage and attended them with some certaine horse and foote, they diuided themselues into three [...]roupes, whereof the one was incountred and defeated. Besides the bootie, Grobendonc tooke about some threescore horses, most of the men beeing slaine.
The one and twenty day of February after a long languishing sicknesse, the Archduke Ernestus died, yonger brother to the Emperor Rodolphus, and sonne to Maximilian F the second, being forty and two yeares old, hauing beene but thirteene monethes. Gouernor The dea [...]h of the Archduke of Aus [...]. of the Netherlands for the King of Spaine his vncle, brother in lawe and cousin. Some gaue it out that hee died of verie melancholie and greefe, to see matters goe so against the haire; Frst for the marriage of the Infanta; Secondly for that hee [Page 1103] did see the affaires of the Emperour his Brother, and of all the house of Austria, succeeded 1595 A not well against the Turke: then for that hee found his hope frustrate (beeing a man of a quiet spirit) of a peace and vnion which hee pretended to make in the Netherlands: for that hee sawe himselfe to bee contemned of the Spaniards, who taxed him to bee to heauie for the warres: for that hee had not in three monethes receiued any letters from the King of Spaine, and for that hee see himselfe so vilanously accused of two attempts to murther Prince Maurice, by one Michell Renichon and Peter Du four; whereof (notwithstanding his good disposition and all the excuses hee could make) hee could not purge himselfe from suspition. If it were so that hee were culpable, (as hee was accused by them that were executed for this fact) such as haue well knowne him, say that it was much against his naturall disposition, and seeke to discharge him, saying that Barlaimont and La Motte, had supposed B vnto them that were executed, some personage like vnto him, making them beleeue that hee was the Archduke, the which might easily bee done. Whatsoeuer it bee, hee had the reputation to bee a modest and a milde Prince. His death bred no alteration nor change, euery man attending the Kings answere touching the Articles of the peace, proiected by him and by the Estates of Arthois and Henault, as wee haue sayd.
This surprize of the towne and castle of Huy, did much trouble Ernestus of Bauaria, Bishoppe of Liege, Prince Elector and Archbishop of Cologne, who complained The Bishop of Liege com plain [...]s to the Estates for the taking of Huy. to the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces, demaunding punishment of C the vndertakers and breakers of the neutralitie and good neighbour-hood betwixt the sayd Estates and countrie of Liege, togither with reparation of domages done by their men.
The Estates answered them at the first, that they held not the place but for a certaine time, and not to doe any wrong to the Inhabitants and subiects of the countrie of Liege, but to serue them for a passage, the which might as well bee graunted Huy taken againe by assault by the Spaniard. vnto them as to their enemies in the townes of Bonne, Berke and diuers other places belonging to the sayd Prince Elector. And as the generall Estates were verie long (in his opinion) before they could resolue or agree, vpon the restitution and reparation by him required, hee fled for succour to Brusselles, to the Kings councell, D who presently sent the Earles of Fuentes and Barlaymont with the Lord of La Motte, who besieged the towne, and tooke it by an assault the thirteenth day of March with great slaughter of them of the garrison, whereof some saued themselues in the castle the which the Bishoppe caused instantly to bee battred in the mynes, wherewith Herauguiere beeing terrefied, expecting no succors, hee yeelded vp the place, going himself forth with one horse, and the soldiars with their rapiers and daggers, and as much baggage as they could beare.
About that time Prince Maurice went in person to an enterprise vpon the towne Prince Maurice enterpri [...]e vpon Bruges. of Bruges in Flanders, but by reason of the darkenesse of the night the way beeing very long from their landing, the troupes beeing straied out of the way, and the Princes E guide hauing lost his course, they were forced with great labour and toyle to returne without any effect.
In the same moneth of March George Euerard Earle of Solms, Lieutenant to Prince Maurice in Zeeland and Collonel of the Regiment of Zeelanders, Gouernor of Hulst in Flanders, married at th [...] Hage in Holland, the Ladie Sabina of Egmont, Daughter to Cont Amoral of Egmont Prince of Gaure and of Steenhuysen, and of the Ladie Sabina of Bauaria Palatin of Rhine. The generall Estates did honour the solmenyzing of this marriage with their Deputies, and did gratefie them with rich and stately presentes, in requitall of the seruices which the Earle of Solms had done them, and did them dailie, as also for the alliance which hee hath with the F house of Nassau.
The eight and twenty day of March the riuer of Meuse did swell and rise so high, as about nine of the clocke at night the bankes were carried away neere vnto Gorrichom; and that quarter of Papendrecht was wholie drowned. The towne [Page 1104] of Schoon-houen did suffer much by this inundation, the which had carried away 1595. A the walles, (the towne being full of water,) if they had not broken a dike a little higher to giue free passage to the violence of the streame, by which meanes Schoone-houen was freed, but not without great losse and hurt of that which the water had spoyled in Caues and otherwise.
They of Dordrect which is the first towne in Holland, after the example of Amsterdam and other townes of Holland and Zeeland, hauing long before designed to make their towne greater, towardes that land which they had recouered from the water, they beganne the foure and twentie day of Iulie to lay their plot, and to begin their first worke, the which beeing finished wil be a great beautie and commoditie to the sayd towne. B
Prince Maurice beeing camped with the Estates army before the towne of Groll in the countrie of Oueryssel, the Councell of Spaine at Brusselles, (to hinder this designe,) sent Mondragon with some troupes, with an intent to make him dislodge from thence, or to doe some affront to his campe. The Estates being aduertised of his comming, (to whom they had made the Spanish forces greater then they were) fearing that the Prince with his small army should bee ingaged, they were of opinion not to hazard his person and his whole campe, for such a paltrie place, but that hee should retire from thence vnder the towne of Zutphen. Mondragon seeing hee could get no aduantage of him, and thinking that hee had wonne honour ynough to drawe him from that place, and made his campe frutlesse for that yeare, (which was declyning) hee made his retreat to go and passe the riuer of Rhine at Berck aboue Wesel: C but the Prince beeing better informed of his forces, and in what estate his armie Prince Maurice pursues Mondragon in his retreat. was, meaning to giue him a Camisado before his retreat, persued him with his troupes beyond the riuer of Lippe.
The second day of September Cont Philip of Nassau a valiant Nobleman and exceeding resolute, was sent by the Prince (his cousin) to viewe the Spaniardes campe: vpon the way hee incountred two of the enemies cornets of horse, the which hee defeated, although the Prince had commaunded him not to fight vntill that hee were come to him with the bodie of his army. Some of these horsemen that were defeated, escaped, and gaue the alarum to their whole campe: wherevpon Mondragon D flies to their rescue: the Earle (although hee had meanes to make an honest retreate, and so for to ioyne with the Prince who was not farre of) with the young Earle of Solms his cousin (a Nobleman of great hope) would not giue backe: but made it good against all the force of the Spaniard, after they had fought well and Philip Earle of Nassau and Ernestus Earle of Solms hurt, taken prisoners and die. endured their enemies long, in the end they were both ouerthrowne, sore hurt, and taken prisoners: they were carried to Bercke, whereas within verie fewe daies after they died. Mondragon intreating them and vsing the best manner and order hee could, causing them to bee carefully drest, and sending the Princes owne Surgians vnto them, and beeing dead hee sent their bodies honorablie to Wesel. Cont Ernestus of Nassau Brother to Cont Philippe (of whom the Estates and the Prince E his Cousin hoped for great matters in time to come) was also prisoner. This was a pettie battaile of young and hot blouds, who prooued but bad Marchants that got nothing.
The Princes army beeing some-what amazed at this route, it was nor thought conuenient wilfully to pursue a victorious enemie, although it were a deere victorie for him, hauing lost three men for one. Thus Mondragon past his armie, the which hee safely conducted home into Brabant, and the Prince turning head againe, was aduised by the Estates to send two thousand men to serue vnder the French King.
In this yeare of our Lord 1595. there fell a great quarrell betwixt Edsard A controuersie betwixt Edsard Earle of East-Friseland and Emden. F the third Earle of East-Friseland (since it was reduced vnto an Earledome, and fell into his house) and the towne of Emden, which is verie famous, of great trafficke, and one of the Hans and Imperiall townes. This quarrell had his beginning and first motiue in the life time of Cont Iohn Brother to this Earle [Page 1105] Edsard, a peaceable man, zealous to the reformed religion, and a great protector A of the priuiledges of the towne of Emden and of the whole countrie: VVhereas on 1595 the other side Edsard prouoked by his wife (who was daughter to the King of Sueden) and would gladly haue commanded like a Queene in that towne (notwithstanding their Imperiall priuiledges) sought to change the Estate of religion, according vnto the confession of Ausbourg, with the constitutions and customes of the said towne, as well in matters of pollicy, as Church gouernement, euen vnto the distribution of the publike almes, and other deedes of charitie, the which the Earle would haue depend vppon his sole authority. Against the which the Magistrates and Burgers opposed them-selues constantly, and their heart-burning grew so great on either side, as they fell to armes. But as the Earle (who had his Castle within the said B towne demanteled) feared some bad euent of this warre, their controuersie was referred (by a mutuall consent) to the arbitrement of the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces of the Netherlands: who sent their Deputies to heare both parties in their fort of Delfziel, lying vppon the Dollart and the Riuer of Ems, two Leagues from Emden, to reconcile them and decide their quarrels as they did by arbitrarie sentence, the which was very well accepted, both of the one and the other. But afterwards it was reiected by the Earle, so as they of the Towne were forced to haue some recourse vnto the Emperour, and to the Imperiall Chamber, where they obteyned a definitiue sentence, according to their desires, as you shal hereafter here. C
The towne of Ham except the Castle, in the country of Vermandois, and that of La Fere, were then (hauing beene before deliuered vnto the Spaniards by the Leaguers) in the King of Spaines power. The French King had at that time his Armie lying before La Fere (the which was a campe ill gouerned and tedious, although the King were there him-selfe in person) the Earle of Saint Pol and the Lord of Humieres hearing that the Seignior of Gomeron Gouernour of the Castle of Ham, was at Brusselles, and had agreed to deliuer the said Castle vnto the Spaniards for a certaine summe of money, and that he had sent word vnto the Seignior of Deruillers his Brother in law and to his wife to yeeld it vp.
The said Deruillers refuzing to doe it, made a contrary accord with the Earle of D Saint Pol and Humieres to giue them passage by the castle to winne the towne vppon condition (as the said Gomeron had ingaged him-selfe for the deliuerie of the sayd castle) that hee should haue the chiefe prisoners of the Spaniards that were in the The towne & castle of Ham recouered for the French King same towne deliuered him to redeeme his Brother in law. The Duke of Bouillon and the aboue-named two Noblemen beeing entred with good troopes into the castle the twentith day of Iune, they of the towne were presently aduertised thereof, who intrencht them-selues against the castle, so as they must needes attempt it by force.
The French Kings men hauing beene twise repulst, dispayred in a manner to become maisters thereof, if the Duke of Bouillon and the Lord of Humieres had not assured and incouraged them to continue, so as after twelue houres fight and E more, they entred the towne with the losse of the Lord of Humieres; who was slaine there, of Captaine la Croix, with some twenty Gentlemen and about sixe score soldiers, where there were s [...]aine aboue seauen hundred Spaniards, Italiens, French Leaguers and Germaines, the rest were taken prisoners, among the which were the Collonell of the Neapolitans, the Collonel of the Germaines, and Marcello Caracio, for whome the Seignior of Gomeron was redeemed. The King did much lament the death of the Lord of Humieres his Lieutenant in Picardie, a braue and valiant Knight, who had done him faithful seruice.
The Earle of Fuentes a Spaniard, being then Gouernor by prouision of the Netherlands F for the King of Spaine, (expecting the comming of the Cardinall Albert of Aus tria the Emperors Brother) had then sent the Prince of Chymay, now Duke of Arschot and of Croy, to beseege the towne of Chastelet in the same countrie of Vermandois, whilest that he himselfe was with the bodie of his Armie before Cambray. Mons de la [Page 1106] Grange was within Chastelet with 600. soldiars, where he defended him-selfe valiantly 1595. A but after that he had endured many assaults, hee was forced to yeeld it vp, hauing an honorable composition: And by this meanes the Earle of Fuentes did presse Cambray the more.
Chastelet being thus wonne, the Earle of Fuentes went to beseege the towne and Castle of Dourlans, a small towne, but well seated vpon the riuer of Anthy: Valentine de par dieu, Seignior of la Motte, gouernor of graueling, General of the Artillery for the Dou lans beseeged by the Spaniard. King of Spaine, (being neere vnto the Artillery to prepare the battery) was shot into the head from the towne, whereof he dyed soone after, and was carried to be buried at Saint Omer: making an end of so many warres, and so great seruices which he had done vnto the King of Spaine, being now growne very old; not long before he had purchased B of a French Nobleman, the Lordship of Eckelbeke, (a goodly thing) in Flanders, which the King of Spaine erected to an Earledome in recompence of his loyall seruices, and so he died in the bed of honor, and was buried with the title of an earle. He was a French man borne, a gentleman in the beginning of very smalle meanes, both his La Motte slaine before Dourlans father and he (being young) came to serue the Emperor, at the Campe before Teroanne, at the first hee was entertaynd by the Lord of Bignicourt, a Knight the of order, where hee had his first aduancement in quality of a Squier to the said Nobleman: vntill His disposition. he was captaine, then in the beginning of the troubles, besides his company, he was Sargent Maior of the Earle of Reux his Regiment, during which time he committed great cruelties in Flanders, against them of the religion. Then he went to be Lieutenant C to the Siegnor of Croissoniere gouernor of Graueling, after whose death (being slaine before Harlem) he succeded in the said gouernment and continued vntil his death and had afterwards great charges (as well in the seruice of the generall Estates, during their generall vnion (as of the King of Spaine, to whome he did neuer any bad seruice, what shew soeuer he made) as of Collonel, generall of the Artillery, Marshall of the campe cheefe and conductor of diuers honorable exployts and enterprises, the which for the most part succeded happely, with other titles and degrees of honor, in the which he gathered together great welth. He died without children although hee had one daughter by his first wife, the which died being redie to marry. He had to his second wife the daughter of the Lord of Croix, of the house of Noyelle of Arthois. He was D one of the most pollitike (although hee were vnlearned) and subtill Captaines of his time.
Mounsier de Villars gouernor of Rouen and Newe-hauen, being come with certaine troupes of horse and foote to releeue the beseeged within Dourlans, was incountred and charged by the Earle of Fuentes men, and put to rout, many of his men were Villars and his troupes defeated neere vnto Dourlans. slaine, he himselfe being ouerthrowne from his horse, was taken prisoner, hauing his leg broken, afterwards the Spaniards stabd him with their daggers in cold bloud for that hee had forsaken the league and reconciled him-selfe to the King. Dourlans being in this sort beseeged by the Spaniards and the Castell furiously battered, the forts betwixt the towne and the Castell wonne, and by the blowing vp of a mine, a E small breach made: the beseeged (who thought of nothing lesse then an assault) holding the breach not assaltable, yet the Earle of Fuentes caused a furious assault to bee giuen, with such a multitude, as the soldiars thrust one another forward with their shoulders to make them enter the breach, such as it was, the which they hauing Dourlans taken by assault by the Spaniards. forced, at a confused cry of victoria, victoria, the beseeged grew amazed and abandoned this breach, euery one beginning to fly and to saue himselfe as he could. And so the towne was taken at this assault the last day of Iune, whereas the slaughter was very great, but their insolency against wiues and virgins exceeded all measure. It is a strange thing that a thousand fiue hundred men which were within it among the which there were so many bragging Gentlemen and of the Nobility, F could not repell such an assault, at so insufficient a breach, but it seemed that GOD would purge France of these Lees of the league, who had but for faction sake reconciled them-selues vnto the King. [Page 1107] About that time the Earle of Fuentes (vnder coullor to punish a certaine mutinie 1595. A made of purpose by the Germaines, who were in garrison in the towne of Brusselles) thought to draw two thousand Spaniards into the towne, the which the Burgers discouering preuented. So as for spight (beeing in like manner kept out of Macklyn and Vittevorde) they fell vppon the Champian country of Brabant, who by this meanes were more afflicted by their owne men, then by their enemies: besides the dearth was generally very great: which made the poore commons to weepe and to lament their miseries, yet knew they not to whome to flie for remedie to relieue their wants.
For which consideration, the Estates both of the Clergie and the Secular, of those Prouinces which remained vnder the King of Spaines obedience, but especially the Nobilitie, were moued of them-selues to seeke some meanes of peace, and after diuers B conferences togither, hauing receiued pasport from the Estates of the vnited Prouinces, to send their Deputies into Zealand to the said Estates, and to Prince Maurice. The Estates vnder the King of Spain seeke peace of the vnited Prouinces. They deputed the Seignior of Lyesvell sometimes Chancellor of Brabant, in the Duke of Anious time, with Hartius and Maes Lawiers, with a Secretarie of the Duke of Arschot. The which on the fourteenth of Aprill came into Zealand, where they conferred with Prince Maurice, being accompanied by Iames Valck Tresorer general, and Christopher Roels Pentioner of the Countie of Zealand, requiring that they might bee admitted to propound some way of an Accord betwixt the King of Spaine and his reconciled Estates, with the sayd Prince and the confederate Estates C of the vnited Prouinces.
Where-vppon the Prince made answer, that the generall Estates confederate, had no intent to treat but with the said Estates of the reconciled Prouinces, and not Prince Maurice his answer to the Deputies of the reconciled Estates. with the King of Spaine, against whome (as their mortall enemie) they were allied with other neighbour Princes, who were also his enemies, and that they had long since abiured him: Wherefore they held him so irreconcilably offended, as they knew well hee could neuer forget the wrong, which hee holds hath beene therein done him. But that vppon the first opportunitie hee would be reuenged, building vpon the Canon of the Councel of Constance: Cum hereticis non est seruanda fides. But if the Estates vnder the King, would faithfully and sincerely, enter into any conference D of peace: that the sayd confederate Estates of the vnited Prouinces were content to conuert their wars into peace and friendship, therewith sending their resolution in writing, conteyning foure Articles, which they must resolue vpon, before they would begin to enter into treaty with them, which were.
1 First, that they should cause all strangers and soldiers to depart out of the countrie, and to reduce them-selues into an absolute freedome, whereby they might treat of a peace without the King, and that the Deputies and Estates of the said Prouinces Articles propounded by the vnited Estates. which should treat of a peace, should be appointed by them without the King, with whome the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces would then treat, as desiring nothing more then to see those long and bloudy wars conuerted into an assured and firme E peace vpon good and tollerable conditions.
2 Secondly that nothing should be altered nor changed in religion, but it should be referred to the discretion of the Estates of each Prouince: and that no man else should deale therein.
3 That the Prouinces which were willing to treat of a peace with the vnited Prouinces, among other conditions must be content to enter into treaty with the French King and the Queene of England, and to vndergoe all the charges of the whole body of the generall Estates, all the debts where-into the vnited Prouinces are falne, for the defence of their liberties against the Spaniards and other strangers.
4 Lastly that peace beeing made vppon those and other conditions, the said vnited F Prouinces offered all their power, and meanes to helpe to maintaine the other Prouinces in their liberties and freedomes, and to oppose them-selues against all that should seeke to molest, wrong or dismember them.
In this case the sayd Ambassadours had no other commission, but to moue [Page 1108] a treaty of peace, betwixt the King and his Estates on the one part, and the vnited prouinces 1595. A on the other, so as the question betweene them now was whether the king should be comprehended therein or not, where-vpon the Ambassadors returned againe speedely, and made report what had beene propounded, the which was sent into Spaine with the opinion of the said Ambassadors.
The Articles of the confederate Estates were by some (which held the King of Spaines party) very ill taken, and by others (which desired a peace) in some sort tollerated saying, that they were not altogether voyd of reason, and that by a good conference they might be easely moderated. And therefore considering the quality of the time which prest them, and the pouerty and lamentations of the people, they should not let slippe so good occasions without treating: and if they did absolutly reiect the B said conference of peace, it was to be feared that the vnited Prouinces would make stronger and firmer alliances with their neighbours, whereby they should be frustrate of all hope, euer to attaine vnto it. Seeing that the Estates of the said vnited Prouinces, by reason of their waters and riuers together with their infinite number of shippes, with the which they did sayle into all the partes of the world, had better meanes to maintaine them-selues then they had, who haue no hauens nor shippes to compare, beeing also enuironed by three mighty enemies, the French King, the Queene of England, and the said confederat Estates: who had no more to doe but to defend their fronters with small garrisons. Moreouer they said, that the King of Spaine needed not to doubt, that his Estates and Nobility, (which were so much bound and affected vnto him) would by the said conference conclude or yeeld to anything, that should bee contrary C to his honor, greatnes and authority. And if it should be so, that the King for the good of his people, and preseruation of his countries, should make no difficulty to yeeld a little.
And the rather for that by the said Articles, the confederats did not demand that the reconciled Prouinces should change their Princes, Estate, Gouernment or relligion. And that of all which should bee concluded by the said conference, the confederate Diuers opinions vpon the Articles propounded by the con [...]ederat Estates. Estates should more trust the reconcyled, then the King, by reason of their distrust and feare of his power, and desire of reuenge, the which they needed not to feare in them. Besides that by this treaty of peace, they should much weaken their enemies, D there being some hope that the French King and the Queene of England would consequently become their friends, who demand nothing more then the retreat of the Spaniards, and of all strange soldiars, their naturall enemies: the which being retired, they shall no more haue any such great occasion of warre: for assurance of whose retreat, they might giue good hostage; where-vnto the Earle of Fuentes did willingly offer himselfe, retaining the kings authority.
Where-vpon such as were Spaniards in heart, and who preferred the Kings affaiers before al other things would in like manner haue his honor, greatnesse, authority, reputation and generally his rights and prerogatiues preferred and be first obserued: and that they should rather force the confederats to reconcile them-selues vnto his maiesty, E their naturall Prince: who notwithstanding so many wrongs and indignities which he had receiued from the said confederats, was yet ready to treat mildely and sincerely with them: for the which they should intreat, and sue vnto his Maiesty: wherefore it was more then necessary, that his Authority should be interposed, as a principall party, whome it did cheefely concerne. Otherwise that in excluding the king from the said conference and treaty, they giue him occasion to make warre against themselues, being not qualified nor authorized from his Maiestie. And that the confederate rebells, nor all their actions nor doings had not deserued so great honor, nor hee so small respect.
Besides it did not belong to them to prescribe conditions to their Soueraigne (that F by treating onely with the Estates) to exclude him vnder collour of their doubts and distrusts: and that their heresies and rebellions were the true causes and grounds for the which they would not acknowledg the King their naturall Prince, neither [Page 1109] will they euer acknowledge him with a good heart, whatsoeuer is done to them. 1595. A Wherefore if they would not comprehend the King in their treaty, that it could not passe without to great preiudice to his greatnesse, and to their dutie of obedience and fidelitie, by the which they are bound vnto him. The which ought not to bee tollerated, that his authoritie should depend vpon his vassalls and subiects, which were rebells and heretikes.
Thus spake they which from the beginning of the troubles in the yeare of our Lord 1566. would neuer heare the other partie and who inricht themselues by the ciuill warres, at the charge, and with the sweat and bloud of the poore commons: speaking in this sort directly against the opinion of all good and well affected countriemen: to whome these violent courses (for thirtie yeares past) could not bee pleasing. All these allegations of either side, betwixt the reconciled Estates, the good countriemen, and B them that were Spanish, were not to aduance any great matter in the treatie of peace, (so much desired by the Commons, the Nobilitie and the Clergie as indeed it tooke no effect). But to entertaine the people, and to keepe them in obedience, they made them beleeue that great Princes should deale in it, hauing once receiued the Kings answere, vpon the sayd Articles. And on the other side the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces made a manifest declaration, that it was not their fault they entred not into conference of an accord: but the Spaniardes, and of their councell, who did sticke more vpon that which they sayd depended of the Kings authoritie, then of the preseruation of the common-weale, and the good of neighbour Princes, C which they regard least: hauing no other sound in their mouthes, but that, Our King is mightie &c.
About this time there was a letter dispersed abroad and in many mens hands, some The opinion of a learned man touching the peace. said it was written by that learned Scholler Iustus Lipsius, who beeing desired by certaine councellors to deliuer his opinion whether it were better to haue warre then peace, made answere bearing date the third of Ianuary in the yeare of our Lord 1595. ‘Saying, that the King had three seuerall enemies: the French, the English and the vnited Prouinces, two of them were forraine, and the third a domesticall enemie, rather to bee tearmed a rebell then a right enemie; for the first two, if the house of Austria stood not in feare of the inhumaine and barbarous Turkes, the King might easily D bridle them, proceeding in his warre with good discipline, imploying his treasure well, and aduancing men of merrit to places of commaund, but in regard that the Turke threatned Christendome, it was to bee considered whether it were better to make a peace with these two forraine enemies, or with either of them, seeing that the Hollanders were in a manner out of heart, hauing both the French and English to their aide; what then were to bee expected from them, if wee made peace with one of these forraine enemies, as namelie with the Queene of England, who hath in her handes the two strong entries of Zeeland and Holland? beeing of an opinion that shee would not stand verie much against a peace, both in regard that shee was a woman, as also for that her treasure was well spent and E exhausted, hauing but a small meanes, and for that the warres were maintayned against the common peoples mindes, who desired nothing but trafficke and freedome.’
‘The cause why shee entertained these warres, was more for feare then for any great hatred: the greatnesse and power of the King, and the valour and dexteritie of the Spaniards for these three-score yeares had beene fearefull to all neighbour Princes. Wherefore to bridle that great power, and to free her from feare, making no shew of any ambition she would dissolue this vnion, for deeds and not wordes exalt kingdomes.’
‘The like was also to bee hoped of the French King, who verie secretlie and F seriously seekes for peace, in regard that his Kingdome is newe, his Estate yet vncertaine, and the chiefest of his Nobilitie factious; all which considerations perswade him to make a peace; as also his treasure beeing wholie wasted and spent, beeing supported by strangers, both secretly and openly. But whether the King of [Page 1110] Spaine would desire to make a peace with him or noe, he knew not but to make a truce 1595. A with him, or surceance of armes for a time, could not be preiudiciall (reseruing all titles and lawfull pretences) for what security were there to be expected where the successor and succession is vncertaine? wherefore hauing the French King of the one side, who will not enterprise much if hee be not vrged, wee might easely deale with the English. Touching the vnited Prouinces, that warre would bee most preiudiciall, and without hope of any great gaine; for they had good orders and discipline among them; they had a certaine reason, the best townes, and good soldiars, who were much incorraged by fresh and late victories, and their gouernment and vnion was hard to be broken, as long as the warre, feare and suspition endured; wherefore we must haue a small peace, or an abstinence from war for a time, The Hollanders being more couetous then ambitious, B and alwaies in such a warre, any little peace or truce is a furtherance to Princes, who can take fishes with golden nets. The Maiestie of Princes is of great force to draw mens hearts, when there be any probable reasons to moue them, men should vndermine their enemies, especially in their popular gouernment, sowing diuision amongthem who now through feare are so firmely vnited and hauing a surceance from armes by means of a truce, we might be able to effect many secret practises. And for an example of the like nature, Sextus Pompeius in the warre he made against Augustus Caesar, holdding Sicilia and Sardinia, he brought all Italie into extreme want and misery, who by a short peace procured his owne ruine: where it was concluded betwixt them that all such as had fled away, might returne home againe, and that the soldiars should be discharged and sent away, whereby Menas Pompeis chiefe Captaine was secretly corrupted C with guifts, and then it appeered, that that shalloe witted captaine Pompeie, who not long before was held another Neptune, commanding both sea and land, was forced to fly in a small shippe, and to yeeld his necke vnto his enemies sword, and so within lesse then a yeare that great warre was ended: This hee held to bee the best course, finding that warre was the cause of all corruptions and miseries, and was able to bring the mightest kingdomes to ruine.’
At this time the better to satisfie the common people a rumor was spred abroad that the Princely Cardinall Albertus should come to gouerne the Netherlands, and Shippes of Holland and Zeeland discharged in Spaine. D succeed his brother Ernestus, and to make him the more acceptable and pleasing vnto the people, many Esterlings and Netherland ships (which had beene stayed in Spaine, to go as men of warre, to meete with the Indian fleet which was then to come home) were discharged in diuers hauens, and set at liberty: And in Siuille the Duke of Medina Sidonia tould the marchants, and saylers of these shippes, that the King had expresly commanded it should be done, being moued there-vnto by the Cardinall of Austria, and that from henceforth all the Netherlands shippes might freely come into Spaine and passe away againe, to the which end all men that would desire it should haue pasports graunted them, hoping that in time they would be more mindfull of the Kings gratious fauors, and submit them-selues vnder their naturall soueraigne Prince. And E to the end the vnited Prouinces should be the better perswaded of the Kings loue and fauor towards them, he set Phillip of Nassau (who is now Prince of Orange and Earle of Buren, who had beene long restrayned of his liberty in Spaine (free and at liberty, but as it is thought at the instance of the Prince of Spaine, and the Cardinall aforesaid, that he might goe with him into the Netherlands.
After the taking of Chastelet and Dourlans, as we haue said, the earle of Fuentes meaning to be spoken of and to make his authority eminent during the time of his prouisonall gouernment, limited vntill the comming of the cardinall Albert of Austria, and Cambr [...]y beseeged by the Spaniard. to returne with some honor out of the Netherlands into Spaine, vnder-tooke a greater action then any gouernor before him had euer done: which was to beseege F the towne and Cittadell of Cambray: the which (although it were an Imperiall towne) did acknowledge the French King for their Prince, vnder the gouernement of the Lord of Balaigny bastard to Iohn of Monluc Bishoppe of Valence. In this seege (during, the which there entred into the towne, but very late, (the hearts of the Bourgers being [Page 1111] lost) the Duke of Rothel, sonne to Lewis of Gonsague Duke of Neuers, brother 1595 A to the Duke of Mantua, with the Lord of Vyck, (a braue and wise Caualier) the Earle of Fuentes wrought so by batterie and myne (hauing many of his factions in the towne among the Clergie) as the Burgers beeing wonderfully incensed for the indignities which Balagny had done them, and for the insolencies and oppressions of his soldiers, not able to indure any longer, on the second of October after they had wonne the Suisses that were in garrison within the towne, to be at their deuotion, and not to hinder their treatie with the Earle of Fuentes, hauing no hope of succors, they yeelded vp the towne by composition, and vppon certaine conditions among Cambray yeelded by the Burgers. others, that they should haue none but Wallons in garrison (remembring still how badly they had beene intreated by the Spaniards, beeing there in garrison in the B yeare 1558.) but this promise was not long kept, but they were since in farre worse estate then in Balaignies time. The French garrison which was within the ☉ towne (seeing the Swissers agreed with the Burgers to treat of the yeelding vp of the towne) retired into the Cittadell to Balaigny: where at the first they made shew to defend them-selues, but hauing beene summoned once or twise vppon promise of a good composition if they yeelded, and threates if they should long contend (which accord Fuentes sayd hee would make in fauor of the Duke of Rothel and of the Duke his father) it did so tereifie Balaigny, as on the seauenth of October, hee deliuered the Cittadell into the Earle of Fuentes hands, in the name of the King of Spaine. C
About September this yeare the Gouernor of Breda had an enterprize vppon Lire in Brabant two Leagues from Antwerp, with certaine troopes of horse and Lire surprized & lost againe. foote: which towne hee surprized by Scaladoe, hauing put the Sentinell and the Court of gard to the sword, and breaking open one of the Ports about fiue of the clocke in the morning, hee drew in his horsemen and the rest of his foote. Against whom Alonso de luna Gouernor of the towne made some resistance in the Market place, and at the towne-house; but finding him-selfe to weake, he retired ouer one of the Ports with his men, resoluing to make it good, vntill hee had some succors from Antwerp, whether he had sent with all speed: the which arriued the same day by the same Port, whilest that Herauguieres men (who should haue laboured to dislodge them and D pursued their victory) were most buisie to rob and spoile: and hee not able to rallie them in time, being dispersed here and there, he resolued to saue himselfe, with as many of his men as he could. Thus the spoilers were spoiled and defeated, after that they had beene maisters of the towne aboue eight houres, not caring to winne the said port, and yet Herauguiere did cry out, importune, threaten, and strike. There were aboue 500. of them slaine, besides prisoners, and the losse of horses. This should serue as an example for all other vndertakers.
Cardinall Albertus being vpon the way towards the Netherlands, and bringing with him Phillip of Nassau, Prince of Orange and Earle of Buren: the Estates of the Vnited Prouinces being aduertised thereof, they wrot a letter vnto the Prince, bearing date the 22. of December 1595 as followeth. E
‘My Lord, it was no small ioy and contentment vnto vs all to heare of your deliuerie The vnited Estates write to the Prince of Orange. from so long and vndeserued imprisonment, as well in remembrance of the great seruices which this Estate hath receiued from my Lord the Prince of Orange your father of famous memory as in regard of the murther which was committed vpon his person, which considerations do continually bind vs to loue and affect all such, as haue the honour to belong vnto him, especially your Lordship, who haue so pittifully spent not only your youth, but euen the best time of your life in the tedious and melancholy prison, the which you could not beare without great griefe for the death of your honourable father, the which was procured as vniustly as your imprisonment: & yet your Lordship F hath therein shewed great constancy, as the necessity of the time & cause required: in regard wherof we thought fit to congratulate your liberty: but my Lord as we are informed the enemie pretēds to effect great disseigns by this action of your honors deliuery, to the great preiudice of this Estate: & for that it wil be no smal griefe & discontent [Page 1112] vnto vs, to haue any cause to alter and withdraw that entire loue and affection which 1595. A we beare vnto you (although we do confidently beleeue, that your Lordship wil neuer be made an Instrument for the Spaniards, to vndermine and ouerthrow our freedome, built vp with such great care, dilligence and wisdome, by your honourable Father the Prince of Orange, who for the maintenance and defence thereof was so cruelly murthered; and thereby to blemish that worthie memory, which is euerlastingly to be had of him.) For which cause they haue thought good to intreat you, that if your Lordship should haue any desire to come into these Prouinces, that it would please you to stay your iourney for a while, vntill a more fit and conuenient time, whereof we will aduertise your honor, & send you to that end fit assurance according to the orders which we haue set downe all along our frontiers, not suffering any one to enter into these our B vnited Prouinces, without our pasport. And so assuring our selues that your Lordship will take this aduertisement in good part, we will here-with end, beseeching GOD ☉ to send your honor long life and happy daies.’
This letter being deliuered to the Prince comming to Luxembourg, he made answer there-vnto, bearing date the first of February, as followeth.
‘My good Lords, I thanke you most hartily, for the contentment you receiue by my libertie, and for the good remembrance you haue of me, as appeareth by your letters. The prince of Oranges answer to [...]he Estates. And although vntill this time I haue not beene allowed to make my loue knowne vnto you, who haue alwaies so well deserued; yet I hope by this good occasion of my deliuery, to shew you such effects to your good likings and contents, as you shall haue no C cause to complaine or bee discontented there-with. And when-soeuer any occasion shall be offered, whereby I may let you know how much I desire to do you seruice (as he that affecteth nothing more in this world, then to see his poore oppressed countrie restored to her ancient florishing Estate) I will not vndertake any thing but with your good likings, and to your content. And I hope that you for your parts will not refuse any dutie and seruice, that may helpe to settle a peace, & make an end of so great troubles and miseries, to the generall good of all these Prouinces, which God graunt may succeed for this seruice, and giue you my Lords the full fruition of all your good desires, recommending my selfe most earnestly vnto you all. From Luxembourg. Signed.’ D
The Executors of his fathers testament vppon the last day of December against his comming, sent him ten thousand gilders in ready money, as part of his owne goods: The Prince of Orange meets with his sister in the Duchie of Cleues. and in October after, at the said princes instance, by meanes of intercessors, it was concluded that there should bee a meeting in the Duchie of Cleues, betweene him and his own sister by the mothers side, now Countesse of Hohenlo, where they did salute & visit each other, conferring about their patrimoniall goods; where she had licence to send him tapistry, hangings, and other houshold stuffe, making great shewes of loue & friendship one vnto an other. The generall Estates sent Mounsier Hessels one of the Councel E vnto him to congratulate his comming, and to let him vnderstand what order had bin taken about their reuenues in Breda, least he should haue some false reports made concerning the same.
ALBERTVS CARDINALL OF AVStria, 1595. Lieutenant and Captaine generall for the King of Spaine in the Netherlands.
[Page 1114] THE Cardinall Albertus of Austria (long attended with great deuotion A in the Netherlands, by the King of Spaines subiects, all beleeuing 1596 The Cardinal of Austr [...]a comes to go [...]rne the Ne therlands o [...] th [...] wing of [...]ne. that hee would bring a good peace, and an assured reconciliation with the vnited Prouinces) arriued at Brusselles the eleauenth of February, bringing with him Philip of Nassau Prince of Orange elder brother to Prince Maurice, hauing beene kept as it were in a prison at large in Spaine since the yeare of our Lord 1569. where hee was receiued with great pompe, euery man casting his eies vpon him as vpon the author of the countries quiet. But contrary wise (insteed of propounding some meanes of vnion and peace, at his first B arriuall, as his brother Ernestus had done) hee was no sooner acknowledged for Gouernor, but hee prepared to make warre both against the French and the vnited Estates. And for his first beginning hee would attempt an exploit long before proiected by Valentin De par Dieu signior of La Motte, Gouernor of Graueling: the which the Earle of Fuentes (not content with his victories of Chastelet, Dourlans and Cambray) would willingly himselfe haue put in execution in his time: but it was reserued for the first fruites of honor which the Cardinall should get in the Netherlands at his arriuall, which was the taking of the towne of Calais, a sea port of great importance, which the French recouered from the English in the yeare 1558. the which hee went Calais besieged [...]y [...]he Cardinall. and besieged: whereas the signior of Vysdossein Nephew to Mounsier Gourdan was Gouernor, who had commanded there since it was conquered by the French, vntill his C death, and then his Nephew succeeded him. There was but a small garrison both in the towne and castle: although the Gouernor were well aduertised, that all their preparation was against that place, yet was hee so vnfortunate and indiscreet, as hee would neither fortefie himselfe with men, nor make any prouision for a seege. Yea the generall Estates and Prince Maurice sending him some succors, hee would receiue but two companies, which were those of captaine Dominique and of Gron, who had not the credit to enter into the towne at the first, and much lesse into the castle, but they were put into a poore ruined sort at the head of the hauen, called Richbanc (the which had beene a stately [...]ort built by the English and ruined at the conquest of the French, the D which Gourdan nor his Nephew Vysdossein neuer tooke any care to repaire, as it was requisit, considering the importance of the place where it was seated) and some part of them in the suburbes along the hauen, and before the port which they call Courguet, the which was nothing fortefied: where as the Cardinall made his first attempt, so as those two companies were chased from thence, after they had fought valiantly, there was captaine Gron slaine, the rest retired fighting into the towne, whereas Richbanc and Courguet wonne. they had small assistance and credit giuen them by the Inhabitants. As the Cardinall wanted no inteligence nor fauorers within the towne, the inhabitants were easily perswaded to yeeld it vp by composition, which was, that euery one should remaine quietly in the possession of his house and goods. Vysdossein neuer made any offer E to hinder this composition nor the yeelding of the towne, neither did hee interpose his authoritie, nor doe any endeauor to suppresse the first authors of this treatie with the Spaniard. Where with the French King beeing much incensed, sent th [...] signior of Champanolles who (notwithstanding that the towne was straightly besieged The towne of Calais basely. yeelded. round about) entred into the castle behinde, with some hundred men. Where beeing entred, hee sought to order all things, and with the Estates souldiars (the which at the yeelding of the towne, had retired thether) and those which were of the ordinarie garrison, hauing incouraged the signior of Vysdossein, and could him how highly the King was displeased for so yeelding vp the towne, hee resolued to attend all extremities rather then to harken to any accord. F
But the disorder was great, the ordinance beeing ill mounted, wanting Gunners and many other things necessarie for the defence of such a place, so as the Cardinall hauing made a sufficient breach, hee gaue at the first a generall and very furious assault, at the which the signior of Vysdossein, (who desired rather to die, then [Page 1115] to leaue the place beeing taken, in regard of his honour, whereof the King did so 1596 The castle of Ca [...]ais taken by assault. A much accuse him) was slaine and some others of his captaines, so as notwithstanding any resistance they were forced, and the castle taken at the first assault, with the slaughter of all that were found armed, whereas fewe of the Estates men escaped. There captaine Dominique and his Lieutenant were taken prisoners.
The Cardinall hauing had such good successe at the taking of Calais, which was the seauenteenth day of Aprill, hee went presently to set vpon the towne of Ardre the which is held the strongest little place in France, in the which there was a good garrison, for so small a place, of twelue hundreth men, and as well furnished with ordinance (where there was a Magasin of munition like vnto that of Calais) as any small towne in France. Yet as soone as the Cardinall had at his first approch taken B the base towne, the which is nothing but an intrenchment of a number of poore cottages and gardines towardes Gynes, whereas the cattle were wont to passe Ardres besieged and base [...]y [...]lded to the Cardinal. ditches and rampars) hauing planted his ordinance before the towne, and begunne to batter the Rauelin, the which they call the feast, (so named by reason of a feast which was sometimes made there betwixt the Ambassadors of the Emperour, and the Kings of France and England) the wall beeing nothing at all shaken nor the parapet beaten downe, neither yet their defences broken: the signior of Bois de Annebout Gouernor of the towne, yeelded it, and the Cardinall had it good cheape, hauing camped before it eight daies.
To speake truelie, many were amazed at this sodaine yeelding, and at the small C resistance which they made in so strong a place: I cannot impute the fault thereof, but to the coueteousnesse of the Gouernors wife, who for feare to loose her goods and treasure, might perswade her husband (who otherwise I haue knowne to bee valiant and a wise gentleman) to yeeld, for feare (that beeing forced as the castle of I. Petit. Calais was) to loose all. If this bee not the motiue, I know not what else could moue the Gouernor to yeeld, vnlesse the vnfortunatnesse of the French made them then to faint and to forget their duties, for that as Mounsire la Noue saith, the successe of armes is variable.
During these two sieges of Calais and Ardres, the Fench King was yet before La Fere, the which seauen daies after the deliuering vppe of Ardres, in the end yeelded D vnto the King by composition. The Seneshall of Montlimart one of the league, and Don Aluarez Ozorio a Spaniard, hauing with their souldiars endured all the toiles and all discomodities that could bee inuented, hauing the towne full of water two or three foote deepe, and suffred a thousand difficulties for the space of fiue monethes and more that they were besieged. The composition was verie honorable An honorabl [...] composition at La Fere. for the besieged, who departed with their collours flying, drummes sounding, with their full armes and bagage, drawing after them a double cannon markt with the armes of France, and so they retir'd towards Cambresis.
When as the Cardinall of Austria, by the taking of Calais and Ardres, had tryed the courage and resolution of the French, meaning to returne an other time, hee now ment to trie what spirit was in Prince Maurice and the Estates souldiars. E Then carrying backe the bodie of his armie out of that quarter of Picardie (hauing first manned those places with good garrisons) and disperst his troupes as well in Flanders as in Brabant; Hee first made shewe of some troupes in the Land of Vaes to them of Hulst, in the East quarter of Flanders, onelie to blinde their eyes; then hee caused Mounsire Rhosne a French Leaguer, now Marshall of his campe, (before Lieutenant to the Duke of Maine) to march with the number of some fiue thousand men through Antwerp, as if hee went to goe to Berghen vp Zoom, or to Breda.
Prince Maurice had no sooner newes that the Spaniard had shewed himselfe about F Hulst, but hee posted presently thether to set all things in order, but hearing that hee had taken the way of high Brabant, hee dislodged from thence, and went speedelie to Berghen. The Cardinall had written a short letter vnto Rhosne (the which was giuen vnto a Gentleman to deliuer vnto him, but not before that hee were come [Page 1116] to a certaine place neere vnto Hochstraten). This letter contained no other thing, 1596. A but that vpon sight thereof hee should presently returne: As hee did, and past the next day through Antwerp, the same way hee went, to goe into the Land of Waes.
In the meane time Collonel La Borlotte, an aduenturous souldiar, and very fortunate in his attempts: to enter into the territorie of Hulst, hauing chosen the flower of all the souldiars of his Regiment, with some others, hee hazarded himselfe with certaine shaloupes or long boates, to passe a chanell betwixt the fort of the flower of Blomme, which the Spaniards had formerly built, and one of the Estates fortes, called the pettie Rape: the which hee past notwithstanding the Estates shippes of warre, the which did no way impeach him: and yet Prince Maurice had expresly recommended B the gard of that passage vnto them, the which they might easily haue defended with their shaloupes and small Gallies, if they had not beene so negligent: Wherefore finding no resistance, hee past through the fauour of the fort of Blomme and of that of the great Rape, which the Spaniardes had also built opposite to the pettie Rape: betwixt the which and the towne, the Estates had another great fort, called the Moervaert, from the which vnto the towne, there was a good trench well manned.
Prince Maurice seeing that the Cardinal had deceiued him, he parted sodainly from Berghen and came to Hulst, to giue order for all things: Hauing recommended the Prince Maurice returnes [...]. towne to George Euerard Earle of Solms his cousin, and furnished it with men, to bee C the neerer vnto it, hee retired in the beginning to the fort of Santbergh, from whence hee sent new supplies vnto the towne, as hee could get them to come. This passage beeing gotten by few men (the which the garrison of the towne might easily haue defeated, if at their landing they had sallied forth vpon them) La Borlotte caused more men to enter dailie by small numbers. And when as they were well fortefied, they of the towne intending to chase them out againe, went forth to charge them, but they were so well entertained, as they were forced to retire with shame and losse, amongst others captaine Nyuelt and Pottey were taken prisoners. The Spaniard beeing incorraged by this, and daylie fortefied with more men, hee went and set [...] Rape [...] vpon the fort of pettie Rape, wherein there might bee some thirtie men, the which D hee tooke.
After that time there were gallant skyrmishes made dailie betwixt the Spaniardes and them of the towne, and the fortes of Moervaert and of Nassau, which was a fort of one side of the towne. On a Thursdaie amongst the rest, the Spaniardes came sodainelie to charge the trench (the first time that there euer was any gard) betwixt Moervaert and the towne, along the dike thinking to lodge there themselues, and so diuide the fort from the towne, but they had such a wellcome, as hauing lost some thirtie men, and many hurt they were forced to retire, beeing chased euen vnto their quarter. Yet notwithstanding resuming courrage and hauing fresh men, they returned with great cries according to their custome, and forced the Protestants to recoyle [...] [...]lotte [...] the [...]. E euen into their trenches, hauing lost three or foure men, and amongst them captaine Broucsaulx Sargent and thirteene hurt, yet in the end the Spaniard was forced to leaue the partie. At these two charges, there died of the Spaniards besides the common souldiars, three captaines, one a Fleming called Steenlandt, one Diego a Spaniard, and Doyon a Frenchman: the which being sent for according to quarter, were found dead.
The next daie Collonel La Bourlotte came himselfe in person, and had almost surprized them that were in the trench, hauing layd downe their armes, and laboring with the spade to fortefie themselues: yet hee was so well entertained, as hauing small hope of getting it, hee thought it best to retire. This trench did much import both the one and the other: Wherefore captaine Boeuvry and Haeve beeing F in Moervaert sallied forth with their companies, whereas captaine Haeve was shot in the knee. Captaine Bercham was kild with a cannon, and his Ancient was slaine; for the better defence of this trench, the Protestants made a point, in forme of a halfe-moone.
[Page 1117] Those of the towne did often make gallant sallies, still getting something, and 1596 The Spaniard [...] his Canon and plants it. A retyred with small losse. In the meane time the Spaniard past his Ordinance, now one peece and then an other: Of the which hee planted three against the Fort of Moeruaert, and placed as many in the Fort of Flower, that hee might beate them within the trench vppon the flanke: And hee planted three others vppon the old dike, betwixt the Flower and Moeruaert, the which did much annoy Prince Maurices ships, of war. But notwithstanding all their shooting against Moeruaert although they had made a sufficient breach, yet did it anayle them nothing, for that they could not make their approaches, but they must first take the trench which goes from the fort vnto the towne, being defeated by a halfe Moone.
The Prince would gladly haue recouered the pettie Rape, which the Spaniard tooke B easilie at the beginning, for the effecting whereof hee made a halfe Moone before the fort of Spitsenburch, meaning there to plant sixe peeces of Ordinance, that hauing this little fort, hee might shoote close by the water vppon the shaloupes in the which the Spaniard, did vsually passe their horsemen: for at the beginning there was no meanes for them to make a bridge. They of Moeruaert had also planted one peece of Ordinance to play vppon the said shaloupes, of the which they sometimes sunke one. That which did most of all concerne the beseeged, was the defence of this passage, to keepe the Spaniards from passing, and from making a bridge vppon boates, as hee did afterwards, the which hee could not doe before hee had taken Moeruaert. C
On the eighteenth day of Iuly there came forue Cornets of horse from Berghen vp Zoom, the which entred into the territorie of Hulst, by the part which they The Estates horsemen defeate some Spaniards. call Campen: Where at their first arriuall they defeated some three hundred Spaniards, whome they surprized in the country going a free-booting, then hauing burnt three milles to incomodate the Cardinals campe, they returned: for they could not haue stayed long there without great danger of being beaten: And to haue lodged in any fort, there was no likelyhood, for want of forrage, neither could they haue serued to any great vse.
The Spaniards to be reuenged of this losse, came the same night at tenne of the clock with great fury to charge the counterscarpe of this great trench, which was betwixt Moeruaert and the towne: And did so tyre them with redoubled forces, as in the end D hee became maister thereof, but not without great losse of his men. Yet not content herewith, about three of the clocke in the morning he returned with new forces, and gaue so furious an assault vnto the trench, as those within it (beeing amazed The Spaniards vvinne the great trenche. with the late losse of their counterscarpe) fell presently into route and fledde, some towards Moeruaert, and some vnder the towne, to their great confusion, and the great ioy of the Spaniard, by that meanes diuiding Moeruaert from the towne. His Artillerie in the meane time was not idle, continuing his batterie still vppon the fort of Moeruaert with nine peeces, seeking to make a breach and to assaile it by the trenche which he had wonne. In the end hauing made a sufficient breach, and finding that the Protestant soldiers began to fainte, (whereof they did most taxe the Frisons) E the Spaniard caused the Fort to bee summoned, in the which Captaine Beaury commanded, who could not perswade the soldiers, but they refused to fight; some putting out their Matches, and casting downe their armes; so as hee was forced to The Forte of Moeruaert yeelded to the Spaniard. yeeld vp the place by composition to depart with their armes and baggage, the which they did the ninth of Iuly, retiring to the Fort of Spitsenburch to bee imbarked there.
Prince Maurice was greatly grieued for this losse, and so much mooued against the three companies of Frisons which had beene in it, as hee would gladly haue punished them after the manner of the ancient Romaines (which was to execute the tenth man) F if feare of some greater inconuenience had not staied him. The Spaniard by the taking of this Fort of Moeruaert, had free passage for all his army in the territory of Hulst, then Hulst besieged neere. he began to approach neere vnto the towne, and planted three Canons vpon a Mill mount, with the which he did much annoy the towne, shooting at randon through the [Page 1118] streetes and houses, so as the besieged were no where safe, but at the foote of the rampar, 1596. A and in their sellers: and withall hee filled vp the old hauen to make it a passage to the Forte of Nassau, there to plant his Canon. In the Towne there were about three thousand men full of courage, and resolued to die, or to defend it from the enemy, they were commanded by the Earle of Solms, vnder whom were foure Collonels; Iohn of Egmont, Tack-hettinck Lieutenant to Cont William Lewis of Nassau, Iohn Piron, and Cont Solms hurt. the Admirall of Zirixee. And when as the said Earle being shotte in the legge, could not goe vp and downe, nor performe those duties which hee had formerly done with great care and dilligence: Collonell Piron was appointed superintendent ouer the other Collonels, who discharging his duty well, being acquainted with such sports, caused three mines to bee made, by the which the besieged might when they pleased sallie B forth to skirmish.
The Spaniard hauing stopt vp the old Hauen, and planted artillery there, he thought thereby to annoye the Estates shippes, and to cut off their passage to the towne, seeking in like sort to vexe the Forte of Nassau, but it was so farre off, as they could doe little hurt to either of them, so as it was no hindrance vnto the shippes, but they went and came dayly into the Towne.
On the three and twentie of Iuly this present yeare 1596. the besieged made a sallie by the mine at the Porte of Beguines, into the neerest trenches of the Spaniards A braue sal [...]ie made by the besieged. campe, out of which they chased them, hauing surprized them sodenly playing at Cardes: but they returning to the charge with new forces, the besieged retired, alwayes skirmishing, and the Spaniard pursuing them; but they were so well C entertained with Musket shotte and Canon from the towne, as in an houre and a halfe which this skirmish lasted (both parties being obstinate) hee lost many braue men, whereas the besieged lost onely three, and had but fewe hurt.
The last of this moneth of Iuly, Collonell Piron who neuer rested day nor night from his charge, beeing vppon the Rampar, hee was shotte in the cheeke vnder the eye, the which did make the besieged very heauie, for hee was forced to goe out of the Towne to bee cured; finding himselfe vnable to doe any seruice during Collonel Piron hurt. this dangerous wound. In the meane time the Spaniard approched still neerer and neerer vnto the Towne, so as on the first of August they began to fortifie euen before D the Porte of Beguines, in the ditche of the Boulwarke, so as they had no more to doe, but to fill it vppe and to vndermine the Rauelin: but the besieged had so mined themselues, as it was all hollow, so as the Spaniard could haue done little good: hauing planted his ordinance in as many places as hee could, the which did some-times batter the Rampar, and some-times the houses and other buildings of the Towne at randome; beeing but a harguebuze shotte of. Yet for that hee could not doe any thing against the Forte of Nassau, by reason it is all enuironed with water, and that the Canon of the hauen that was filled vp, was too farre of, hee could not hinder the passage of shippes, but that fiue or sixe Galleys and Shaloupes came in dayly at a full Sea. And although the Spaniard did continue E his batterie for to make a breache, yet the besieged shewed them-selues very diligent and laborious to rampare it vp, working both day and night, so as although they had made a sufficient breache, and beene Maisters of the Porte of Beguines, yet had they aduanced little, and in the moouing thereof they must haue lost many men; for the besieged had made within the Towne through the houses A halfe Mo [...]ne made within the towne. (which the enemies Canon had torne and rent in peeces) a halfe Moone, with a good and strong ditche, which had not beene very easie for them to winne: the circumference whereof from the Porte was all hollowe with vnder-mining, the which they might very easilye haue blowne vp, if they had offered to force them on that side. F
The second of August the Spaniard hauing continued his batterie all the day long, with foureteene peeces of Ordinance, both against the Rauelin, the Rampar, and the Porte, about sixe of the clock at night, hee gaue a very furious assault at the point of the Rauelin, which they called Duiuels gat, the which he carried, but with great losse: [Page 1119] but being, entred the beseeged blew vp the said point by their mine, which made 1596 A many fly vp into the ayre and some were buried in the ruines, about ten of the clocke he gaue a charge at the Rauelin of the port of Beguines, where he was so receiued by Captaine La Corde and the Lieutenant of Captaine Potey, either of them with two squadrons as the Spaniard was forced to retire with losse: the cannon and musket shotte T [...]o furious aslaults at Hulst. flew so thicke, as (according to the report of a Wallon soldiar, who fled into the towne, for that (as he said) he had slaine a Spaniard) in those two charges, and the two daies before, the Spaniard had lost abou eight hundred men. Among the which Rhosne Marshall of the Cardinalls campe was slaine with a cannon. There died in a manner all the Captaines of la Borlottes regiment, with some Noblemen of note. Of the beseeged Captaine Poteys Lieutenant was slaine, with some few others, with seauen or eight Frisons, the which were drowned passing ouer a narrow planke in h [...]st at their retreat B from the raueline which the Spainards had wonne: who in lesse then twenty foure houres gaue foure furious charges to that little Rauelin at the port of Beguines, but at euery time they were valiantly repulst by La Corde and his men, with the fauor and assistance of them of the towne, who fayled not to cast wild-fire and other burning matter vpon the assaylants, so as they were still forced to retire with shame and great losse. The Spaniards came vnto the assault armed in such sort from head to foote as they seemed litle hilles of iron, which did moue, and yet they got nothing by blowes. Custome confirms and assuers the courragious. The beseeged being by daily continuance, and accustomed to receiue them with a wounderfull courage and resolution, and the more they did see the slaughter of their enemies, the more resolute they were to die, although they had many wounded, the C which were presently imbarkt and sent into Zeland, either to Middelbourg, Campoere, Flussing, and Arnemuyden. On the other side the hospitall of Antwerp, Gant, Macklyn and other places, being as full of Spaniards, Wallons and Germaines as they might be, so as many were left in barnes in the villages, which caused great murmuring among the Cardinalls men, and especially of the common people, who lamented the losse of so many men, which they saied were led wilfully to the slaughter, in seeking to force so little a place, in the which their were so many soldiars, neither was it yet wholy beseeged, but they had still meanes to haue a port open behind, when they pleased. D
The fourth of August after noone the Spaniards returned to assault the Rauelin at the port of Beguines, with great fury and fearefull cries: but if they assayled it valiantly, it was as resolutly defended: the two companies of Zeeland (which were that of An other assault at the port of Beguines. the Seignior of Cats, and of the Admirall of Zirixee) behaued them-selues so valiantly with all sorts of armes, offensiue and defenciue, as the Spaniard was forced to giue ground and retire backe. The sixt of the moneth the Spaniard blew vp a mine which he had made vnder the breach of the sayd Rauelin, wherewith some of the beseeged were carried away, yet not many, the Spaniard being in armes in his trenches, attending vntill the mine were blowne vp, he came the fourteenth time to assayle the said Rauelyn, and to chase away the beseeged, as well by the ruines of the mine, as by the port, which was beaten quite downe. Here vpon all they of E the towne were ready to receiue them, and to keepe them from passing any further at a certaine parapet, which they had made behind the breach. There they fought long, euery one doing his vttermost endeauor, the Spaniards for victorie and to winne the towne at his assault, and the beseeged to defend it, and to preserue them-selues: so as in the end the Spaniards were forced to recoyle, and to quite that which they had wonne, retyring the same way they came, except one who was taken vpon the port armed from head to foot, who said hee was one of those Entretenidos, which are pentioners to the King of Spaine, as English, Scottish, Irish and many others. F
After that the Spaniard had beene thus chased from this Raueline, with great slaughter of his men, the beseeged made a new trench in the midest of it in forme of a parapet, the which they kept vntill the mine (which they had in hand) were ready to [Page 1120] blow vp, if the Spaniard should returne, who in steed of enseignes of warre, in this 1596. A last charge and assault, they vsed Banners such as Church-men carrie in processions in the rogation weeke. Of the beseeged Captaine Egger a Scottishman was carried away with a cannon shot, and many other soldiars were slaine and hurt: From that time it was decreed, that of the fower Regiments which were within the towne, euery Regiment should haue the gard of the said Rauelyn in his turne, to the end that all the burthen should not lie vpon any one of them. There were in the towne ten companies of Zeelanders, (which before had alwaies garded it) ten of Hollanders, ten of Frisons, and ten of English and Scottish, those that were not in gard there, should be alwaies armed, and remaine at the foote of the rampar. Moreouer the beseeged (to fortefie them-selues the better towards the said Rauelin) made an other halfe B Moone which stretch into the middest of the port of Beguines, neither did they cease laboring day and night at their rampars. Collonel Dorp after the retreat of Collonel Piron (by reason of his hurt) was sent into the towne, where he did execute his charge Collonel Dorp in the place of Collonel Piron. with great care and dilligence. The Spaniard hauing approched to Absdal, planted three peeces of ordinance there, to hinder the entry of the shippes by the newhauen, and some Faulcons, the which did reach vnto the fort of Nassau, although it were farre of, and withall they did batter the Churches and highest houses in the towne the which was made like to a heape of stoanes, for there was noe safety for the soldiars but at the foote of the rampar, and in caues and sellers for other men and women, whereof most part were gone out of the towne, sence the beginning of the seege. C
The seauenth day of the moneth, the beseeged being at the gard of this Rauelin, tooke an alarume, and the Spaniard shewed him-selfe, then the beseeged making a shew to retier into their trench, the Spaniard poursued them into the Rauelin, wherevpon they of the towne giue fire to their mine, which blew many braue soldiars of the enemies into the ayre, some being buried aliue, and some cast farre of into the diches and other places, which was a pittifull thing to here, the lamentable cryes of men dying and wounded, so as there died many of either side, but most of the Spaniards.
The thirteenth of the moneth the beseeged tooke twenty men out of euery company, the which going by night out of the forte of Nassau, lay close vntill noone, D that the tide was quite spent. They had prepared two shaloupes with all things necessary A braue sally from the fort of Nassau to make a bridge thereon, vpon a little creeke, the which they did and were not discouered by the Spaniard: then they marched with a resolution to the enemies trench, the which hee left, and fled to his fort of Absdal, where there were some peeces of ordinance, with the which they shot continually vpon the fort of Nassau, and at the shippes: yet the beseeged going on entred this fort, chased away the enemy, cloyed their artillery, slue about a hundred men, and brought away prisoners, a Captaine, a Lieutenant and an Ancient. The Spaniard came in hast to succor them with eight companies of foote and two Cornets of horse, whome the beseeged did charge along a chanell where there was a bridge: the Spaniard thinking E to retyre ouer it in hast, being ouercharged with the multitude, it brake: so as there were many drowned, and such as thought to saue them-selues by swimming, were slaine in the water, among the which there were three Captaines which offred great summes of mony to haue their liues saued: but there was no pitty nor mercy at this time. Hauing thus with honor chased away the Spaniard, they returned in the same order that they came, and repast the bridge which they had made, hauing not lost aboue foure men, and some few hurt, among others, captaine Potter in the head, and two Sargants which were cured, carrying their first prisoners sasely into the fort of Nassau.
The same day about three of the clocke in the afternoone the Spaniard mynding F secretly to discouer the myne which the beseeged had vnder the Port of Beguines, by the which they were wont to go vnto the Rauelin, which the Spaniards had wonne before: the beseeged perceyuing it, they went and stopt vp this myne [Page 1121] presently, leauing onely some little cranies open at the point thereof, towards the 1596 A Spaniard: Who comming to visit the place with some Officers well armed, foure musketiers which were at these holes, did salute them with good steele bullets, and slue some. The Spaniard seeing they came with targets and corslets of proofe, to stoppe this myne, against the which the besieged caused two or three barrels of poulder to bee suddainely brought and fired, which blew vp those that were about to stop it, so as many were slaine, besides those that were hurt and burnt, which died afterwards in great torment.
This rauelyne beeing thus wonne, as wee haue said, hauing no other flanker about The poore estate of Hu'st. the towne, it was easie for the Spaniards (hauing so long battered it furiously with thirty peeces of Ordinance, and made a breach of aboue forty yardes wide) to plant B him-selfe in the rampar, and to lodge them-selues pike to pike with the beseeged, who had no other defence but fire and stones: In which estate they maintained them-selues three weekes. And although the Earle of Solms was so hurt all that time, as hee could not goe, yet there was not any thing done without his direction, as if hee had beene euery where in person, the which was speedilie put in execution by the foure abouenamed Collonels. Yet for all this the Spaniard had not done any thing, if they had not come to the sappe, and myne, the which they aduanced so fast, as within three daies after they should haue giuen fire, to haue wrought the effect the night following, to their aduantage, which the Captaines perceiuing, notwithstanding The besieged begin to parle their resolution the day before to liue and dye there, as they had also promised C to the Earle of Solms, they held it conuenient to enter into treatie with the Spaniard, seeing there was no meanes to resist these forces long with their honour (beeing almost twenty thousand men) who might force them in diuers places by assault, the beseeged beeing not aboue fifteene hundred fighting men, or else after their mines had wrought their effect, to enter in a throng. And besides the losse of the towne, it was likely the soldiers would be defeated and put to the sword, to no purpose: the which the Earle hauing well considered, and duly waighed all inconueniences, hee yeelded vnto the Captaines aduice, to the end that within foure or fiue houres after they should not bee constrained to doe it by force, with disorder, and without any hope of an honourable composition, which they might then doe with D order and to their aduantage. It was also to bee seared (as most commonly it often falles out in sieges) that some one of the besieged might flye vnto the enemies campe, and informe him of the estate of the towne: The which out of all doubt would haue made th [...]m hasten their ruine. And that which did confirme the said Captaines reasons the more, was the small likelyhood, yea the impossibilitie of speedie succors, in case of vrgent necessitie to raize and dissodge an armie, so farre aduanced in their enterprize, and of such power and might: Iudging that the succors which the Estates were wont to send to refresh a place beseeged, could not suffice for any long resistance, against such a Campe, which had such aduantages, the which could not by any meanes bee taken from them without double force. Wherefore they began to treat the sixteenth day of the moneth. The Spaniard E (beeing ignorant of the estate of the besieged, and of the extreme necessitie they A Capitulation made by them of Hulst were in) was glad to giue eare vnto them: and the eight and twentith of the moneth the accord was made betwixt the Cardinal of Austria and the Earle of Solms, in manner as followeth.
The Earle of Solms with the Collonels, and Captaines, Officers and soldiers beeing within the towne of Hulst, hauing sent yesterday to enter into conference, and to yeeld the towne vnto the King of Spaine vppon reasonable conditions. His Highnesse beeing very willing to fauor such as doe their indeauours in any exployte of armes, doth graunt and promise in the worde of a Prince, vnto the sayd Earle F of Solms, and generally to all other persons of what qualitie, nation or condition soeuer they be, being at this present within the said towne without any exemption, these points and articles which follow. 1. First that the Earle of Solms with all the soldiers The articles of the accord may go away freely either by water or by land, whether they please, with [Page 1122] their coullors flying, drummes beating, matches lighted, bullets in their mouthes, 1596. A armes, baggage, horse, carts, trayses, boates, shaloupes, and generally whatsoeuer belongs vnto them: and meaning to go by land, either all or part, they shal bee conducted in all safety: and if to that end they haue need of any carts, they shal furnish them, giuing securitie for their returne.
2 In regard whereof the said Earle of Solms shall be bound to yeeld vp the town vnto the King, with the Fort of Nassau, and to depart out of the said towne and Fort, as soone as the boates shall come: The said Earle promising vppon his faith to send for them with all the speed that may bee: And to lodge presently vppon the breach▪ the Marquis of Teruicos regiment, who shall haue charge giuen them, not to do any harme, nor to passe any farther during their abode there. And for assurance of their abode there shall be giuen in hostage vnto the Earle, the said Marquis of Tervico B and the Earle of Sorres.
3 All prisoners taken during the siege of any side, of what qualitie soeuer they bee, hauing not compounded for their ransome, shall be sette at libertie paying the charges onely.
4 All Burgers and inhabitants without any exception, may freely depart with their goodes and moueables either by water or by land. And they shall haue a yeares time to sell, allienate and transport their said moueables and inmoueables; and that time beeing past, they may inioy them, causing them to bee gouerned by some receiuer, which shall haue his abode in some neutrall towne or place: and such C as will stay may remaine quietly without any molestation, & inioy all their goods, both within the towne and without, and in all places of his Maiesties obedience: with remission, abolition and perpetual forgetfulnesse of all that hath hetherto hapned, hauing no need to seeke any other discharge then this present treaty, so as they liue hereafter as his Maiesties good subiects ought to do: and they shall be maintained in their ancient priuiledges and acustomed freedomes. And in regard of the Burgers & proprietaries which are retired during the siege, they may returne freely with their wiues, children and goods, and inioy the benefit of this present treatie. So concluded the 18. of August 1596. signed Albert and George Euerard Earle of Solms: which treaty was put in execution accordingly. D
They had perswaded the Cardinall that the taking of this towne was more easie then hee found it, thinking to carry it as lightly as hee did Calais and Ardres: The towne of Hulst a deere conquest to Cardinall Albert. But hee found other men, and in better order then in these two townes: So as it cost him at this siege (which continued about two monethes) besides his great charge, about threescore Captaines, besides other Commanders, Collonells and men of marke, and aboue fiue thousand soldiers at the least, Yet (how deere soeuer) hee had the honour to carrie it: vnlesse hee would say as Amurath Emperour of the Turkes, who beeing nothing ioyfull of the victorie which hee had gotten neere vnto Varna, sayd: That hee woulde not often vanquish in that manner. E
Touching the yeelding vp of this towne, some iudging of matters of warre according to their owne imaginations (speaking their pleasures in their table-talke) would haue taxed the Earle of Solms and some Collonells and Captaines, as if they had yeelded it out of season, imagining that if they had yeelded it but eight daies longer, the Cardinall had beene forced to raize his siege: but they shew not the reasons why, nor The Earle of Solms taxed for the yeelding of Hulst purgeth himselfe. what should haue moued the enemie to retire; and they doe not dreame of the inconueniences (which are doubtfull in warre) that might haue hapened in these eight daies. To stoppe whose mouthes, the Earle of Solms in the name of all the rest, yeelded so good an account of that action, both to the generall Estates and to Prince Maurice, as they had good reason to bee satisfied and appeased. Onely they of Zealand F were somewhat discontented, it may bee for some words vsed by the Earle, and mistaken by them.
The twentith of Nouember the King of Spaynepuplished a proclamation or Edict giuen at Pardo, by the which hee complaines that the great quantity of gold and siluer [Page 1123] which the Indies furnish him yearely, with all his reuenues and treasor are exhausted A and consumed, and his royall patrimony in a manner spent, for the great charges 1596. The King of Spaine proclamation whereby he dispenceth with himselfe for the paiement of his debts. and expences, which hee saies, hee beares for the defence of Christendome and of his dominions. The cause whereof he imputes to the great and excessiue domage hee suffers, and interest, which hee paies by the taking vp of mony by exchange, and other contracts which are made in his name with the Marchants: by reason whereof all his demaynes, aydes, with the ordinary and extraordinary reueneues are held by others, so as matters are come to that extremity, as hee hath no treasor to helpe him-selfe withall; seeing that the Marchants and Bankers, (who vntill that time were wont to furnish him by exchange) excused them selues and made difficultie to deale, for that they held in their hands, and in their power all the reuenues and B royall demaynes, for the helping whereof, hee found nothing more conuenient and fit nor of better iustification, then to cause the royall treasory to bee raysed and repayred of the wrongs and Iniustice which it hath suffered by reason of these rigours of charges and interests, which hee hath suffred and tollerated in the time of contractions, to avoyde greater dangers, as the want of prouiding for the atfayers of the warre and that which depends thereon, had beene; the which hee intends to remedie by these meanes: being impossible to vse others vppon the occasions which are offred: meaning (for the taking away and abolishing of the said interests) to resume and make vse of all the assignations which hee hath giuen and transported to all Nations and Bankers, for what summes of mony or contracts C soeuer, that they haue made with them, by his commandement, sence the decree and generall order set downe by him the first of September in the yeare 1575. and the fi [...]t of December in the yeare 1577. vnto the twenty of Nouember in the yeare 1596. which Assignations giuen, vpon all, or any part of his demaynes, hee houlds suspended, so as the Marchants shall not inioy nor receiue them: but the mony that shall rise thereby shall bee put into his cofer and that all contracts for en [...]rests shall cease, approuing all that which in this regard hath beene resolued and decreed by the Presidentes, and those of his royall councel, and of his treasor, for that all hath bin done by his especiall commandement.
This Edict signed Io el Rey, and by commandement from his Maiestie Gonzalo de vera, bred a great alteration among the marchants, as well in Spaine, Italy, as at Many banquerouts by reason of this Edict. D Antwerp, Amsterdam, and Middelbourg, so as many fell Banquerout making this their pretext: And Cardinall. Albertus letters of exchange being sent backe vnto him and protested, made him for a time to loose his credit, and kept him bare of mony, so as hee could not attempt any thing against his enemies for the space of three or foure moneths.
About the end of August the Marshall of Biron being followed by some troupes The Marshall of Biron maks warre in Arthois. of horse and foote past the riuer of Soome, and the first day of September he entred into Arthois, seazed vpon the Castell of Imbercourt, forced certaine good Borrough townes to redeeme them-selues for great summes of mony, and being accompanied with fiue Cornets of horse, hee charged the Marquis of Warembon, Gouernor E of Arthois, who thought to defeat the marshall he hauing fiue or six hundred horse, but he him selfe was put to rout and taken prisoner, which gaue a terrible alarume to all the country of Arthois: then hee ouer-runne the country of Saint Paul, tooke the towne and some other places. Some peasants defended them-selues out of their steeples and quarries of stoane (as in such accidents they haue no other retreats) but they were roughly intreated in regard of such as remayning in their houses did stay the violence of their enemies by contribution of mony and victualls. All this was donne in eight daies.
Cardinall Albert vnderstanding of the taking of the Marquis of Warembon, F hee sent the Duke of Arschot in his place: who whilest he entred into Arras▪ had the French of an other side seting fire of one of the suburbes within hargubuse shot of the towne. And for that they were laden with booty, the Marshall being loth they [Page 1124] should loose it, r [...]red safely with them vnto the frontiers of Picardie. 1596. [...] [...]nch [...] againe [...] Arthois. A
Beeing discharged the one and twenty day of the month they entred againe into Arthois, about Bapaulme, spoyling Hebuterne, Beruiller, Courselles and other places, sacking the Peasants that made any head against them. The duke of Arschot camped with his forces close vnder Arras, and intrencht himselfe carefully, beeing resolued not to hazard any thing, knowing well with whom hee had to deale. The French set all places on fire, carried away more bootie then before and returned quietly, making a course towards Bethune, Aire and Teroanne, from whence they carried much cattell and many prisoners: then they retired and camped in the plaine of Agincourt, and yet no man made head against them in this second voiage, for the space of ten daies. The duke of Arschot beeing renforced with eight hundred foote ioyned to the Regiment B of La Borlotte, hee parted from Arras the fift of October, and went and camped at Saint Pol, whereas the Marshall of Biron leauing him, hee entred seauen daies after The French enter the third [...] into Artho [...]. with his horsemen againe into Arthois, and beeing followed by his footemen, hee staied at the Abbay of Mont Saint Eloy three leagues from Arras: and on the thirteenth day hee did runne euen vnto the portes of Douay, then hauing spoiled all, hee returned into Picardie, about some foure or fiue daies after the Duke of Arschot (hauing recouered Imbercourt) dismist his little army, putting his companies into garrison.
In the beginning of Ianuary in the yeare of our Lord 1597. Prince Maurice beeing 1597. The Cardinals army at Tournhout. aduertised from diuers partes, that Cardinall Albertus was resolued either by secret practises or by open force, to attempt some great exploit that winter to the disaduantage C of the vnited Prouinces: The Cardinall hauing to that end lodged his army in December past, at Tournhout in Brabant, consisting of foure Regiments of foote, that of the Marquis of Trevico a Neapolitaine, in the which there were fiue hundred appointed (Officers of many companies) that of the Earle of Sults, re-enforced with an other Regiment of Germaines, Collonel La Borlottes Regiment, and that of the signior of Hauchicourt, vnder captaine Cocquielle his Lieutenant, these two Regiments of Wallons beeing supplied with new men, in their places that were slaine and dead since the siege of Hulst, and of fiue cornets of horse of Nicholas Basta, Don Iohn of Cordua, Alonso Dragon, Grobbendonc and Gousman: hauing for Commander and chiefe of the D whole army, the Earle of Varax, Barron of Balanson, Brother to the Marquis of Warembon The Earle of Varax chiefe of the Spanish army. Gouernor of Arthois, at that time a prisoner in France, the Cardinall hauing commanded many companies of horse and foote, as well Spaniardes as other Nations, to march towards that campe, with necessarie munition for some great action.
Prince Maurice to preuent him, studied how hee might by some notable peece of seruice, giue a good beginning to the new alliance and confederation which they had Prince Maurice resolues [...] set vpon the Cardinals army. lately made with the French King and the Queene of England. And although there seemed to bee many difficulties in this resolution of so great importance, not onelie in regard of the discommoditie of the season, beeing in the verie heart of winter, and E the time very variable and inconstant, sometimes disposed to freeze, somtimes to thaw, but also for the great distance of the garrisons, some beeing aboue twenty leagues from others, from whence they must draw their souldiars, with that which was necessarie for the execution of his enterprize, a hard matter to mannage secretly, and to drawe them to a fit and commodious place, but the Spaniard should discouer it. Yet the Prince laying aside all difficulties, drewe together in lesse then eight daies, and as secretly as hee could, into the towne of Gheertruydenberghe, about sixe thousand men, foote and horse, with all that was needfull for his enterprize. The Estates according to their custome hauing appointed one day of publicke praier, to craue his diuine helpe, the two and twenty of Ianuary in the towne of Gheertruydenbergh, to part the F next day, with his horse and foote, two cannons and some field peeces, and to march with all speede daie and night towards the Spaniard, to force him in his lodging at Tournhout by the breake of day: the Prince being accompanied by the Earle of Solms and Sir Francis Veere generall of the English.
[Page 1125] The same day the Prince arriued at Gheertruydenberghe, there arriued almost in two 1597 A houres space aboue 150. boates full of men, furniture and munition of warre, whether also came the same day Sir Robert Sidney Knight (now Vicont Lisle) Gouernor of Flussing, with three hundred of the choisest soldiers of his gouernment, and the Lieutenant Gouernor of the Bryel, with two hundred English more.
The Earle of Hohenloo, Lieutenant generall to the Prince, hauing a little before prepared himselfe (with the consent of the generall Estates, and of the sayd Prince) for a voyage into Germanie, for his owne priuate affaires, being stayed some dayes The Earle of Hohenloo comes to the battaile. by reason of the inconstancie of the weather, and lying vpon the frontiers of the vnited Prouinces, had newes that the Prince had sent for (with all speed) a good number of horse and foote towards Gorrichon, for the 21. of Ianuary, whereby the Earle B did gather, that this sending for men in the middest of winter, was not done but for some matter of great importance: wherefore laying his voyage aside, hee resolued to bee an actor at it.
The Earle of Varax Generall of the Spanish armie, being aduertised of the Princes approche, with his forces and artillerie: whereas hee should haue fortified his lodging, or gone to incounter the Prince in good order, and chose a place of aduantage with his lustie men to fight with them that were wette, wearie, and tyred with the length and discomoditie of the wayes (the which seemed the most safe and honorable for him,) who had the reputation among the greatest Commanders, beeing in a manner as strong as the Prince, and both his horse and foote held for the best C Soldiers which the King of Spaine had in his seruice, yet for feare hee left his lodging in the night, without sound of Trumpet or Drumme, or making of any noyse, The Earle of Varax retires from Tournhout. retiring to Herentall, foure leagues from Tournhout, a towne of the King of Spaines party, where he thought to saue himselfe and his men.
The Prince comming to Tournhout at the breake of day, and finding his enemie gone, resolues to follow him, and to ouer-take him (if hee could) with his horse, commanding his foote-men to follow with all speed. A quarter of a league from Tournhout towards Herentall a certaine number of Spanish foote, through fauour The Prince pursues the Spaniard. of a wood, kept the passage of a little riuer, the foarde whereof was long and vneasie for horsemen, the which could not passe but one by one: and it was no lesse D troublesome for the foote-men, hauing no meanes to passe it but by a narrowe planke. Wherefore the Prince (to make them quitte this passage) commanded Sir Francis Veer, and Vander Aa, Lieutenant of his guardes, to charge them with two hundred Musketiers, the which they did, and chased them away. This passage being wonne, hee followed and ouer-tooke the enemie a mile from Tournhout, vpon a plaine, the Regiments marching a hundred paces one from another. That of the Germaines was the first, Hachicourt next, la Barlotte the third, and the Neapolitanes the last: on the right hand marched their horse-men in three troopes, beeing couered on the left wing with the foresayd wood, and their baggage was sent before: when as the Prince who with halfe his horsemen (beeing deuided into sixe troupes) E remained behinde▪ did see the Earle of Hohenlo, whome hee had sent before with the other halfe of the horse-men (diuided also into sixe troupes) so farre aduanced as hee might charge the Spaniarde in the flanke, as hee had commanded him, hee sent Sir Francis Veere, Sir Robert Sydney, and the rest of the horse-men, to set on them behinde, and hee with the body of the armie stood firme, to second and releeue them if they were repulst.
According to this order, the Earle of Hohenloo, and with him the Earle of The Earles of Hohenlo and Solms charge first. Solms, charged the enemy in flanke, and the other Commanders fell vpon the reereward with such furie, as notwithstanding all their resistance, the Spaniards rankes were broken, his horse-men put to flight, and both his foote and horse which F could not saue themselues by running, were all defeated and ouer-come. There it appeared that pikes were not able to resist long Pistolles (which in the countrye language, they call Carabins) the which are long peeces, that the horse-men (hauing left their lances) carryed in this battaile.
[Page 1126] In the which there were aboue two thousand men slaine vpon the place, with the 1597. The Ear [...]e of V [...]rax slaine, and his army defeated. A Earle of Varax their Generall, who for hee was too simple attired for such a Commander, was not knowne. There were aboue fiue hundred prisoners taken, and among them many that had charge, with a yong Earle of Mansfeldt. The Prince carried backe seauen and thirty enseignes and one cornet. That which made his victory absolute, was the small losse of his men, for (the which many would not beleeue, and yet it is true) hee lost but nine men in all. Whereof Dounck a captaine of horse was hurt, and died a while after, and a flemish Gentleman called Cabillau, were two, and verie few hurt.
After the victorie the Prince went and lodged at Tournhout, where hee had left his artillerie with some of his footemen, vnder the charge of the signior of Herauguiere: B Gouernor of Breda. Whereas after that the castle had endured three volees of great ordinance, it yeelded by composition, to depart with their liues and goods, which being done, the Prince retiring the eight day of February towards the Hage, hee sent all his troupes to their garrisons, hauing done this happie exploit in so short a time.
The Cardinall did much grieue at this losse, the which disapointed the designes which hee had as well vpon the Island of Tolen, as in the countrie of Zuyt Beuelandt. After which neither hee, nor his did bouge, till afterwardes seeking to be reuenged of the French, the Gouernor of Dourlans, with the Spanish garrison which was in Saint Polin Arthois, (beeing mutined, or at the least making a shew to bee in a mutine) made C an enterprize vpon Amiens, the chiefe towne in Picardie, the nineth day of March, on a sundaie about eight of the clocke in the morning, the which succeeded happelie for Amiens surprized by the Spaniard. him, and the towne was taken without any resistance. The Earle of Saint Pol beeing within the towne, and finding no man to make head against the enemie, seeing all lost, hee fled away, abandoning his wife and all his familie, vnto whom the Gouernor shewed himselfe very courteous, sending backe the Lady and all her traine, and not suffring them to receiue any wrong.
The towne beeing taken, the Spaniard shewed himselfe tractable ynough; but sixe daies after, making a shew to mutine for their pay, they spoiled it, and then ransomed the Inhabitants, without any respect of Clergie men, or others. The King D had a little before made a Magasin or store-house for the warres there, and had sent fortie great cannon peeces with all the carriages, and poulder, bullets and munition fit for them. This was the greatest losse which the King made: for the Inhabitants were not much lamented, for that they would neuer receiue any garrison, although they were within sixe leagues of their naturall enemies within Dourlans.
The King was fully resolued to haue made hot warre this sommer in the yeare of our Lord 1597. in the countrie of Arthois, but the surprize of this important towne, and the taking of Calais and Ardres from him by the Spaniard; made him to change his designe, and turne all his thoughts to recouer the towne of Amiens. The E sixteenth day of March the Spaniard made an enterprize vpon the towne of Steenwyc The Spaniard failes to surprize Steenwyc. in the countrie of Oueryssell, after the manner which followeth. The daie before, some troupes assembled at Ham neere vnto Ommen, at a certaine houre of the night, from whence they parted by secret, and vnknowne waies, carrying with them certaine portiue bridges with the which they had meanes to passe, and not goe through any villages, so they were no where discouered: but about two of the clocke after mid-night they came neere vnto the towne, and lodged themselues in gardines which are behinde a rampar (called Rondeel in their language) vntil that the Moone was quite downe, which was little after three of the clocke: Beeing then darke they gaue a hot alarme at Onighen port, and at that of the hospitall, with about F two hundred men, and the sound of trumpets, drummes and fearefull cries, according to their custome.
In the meane time about a hundred of them that were in the gardines, went closely into the towne ditch, carrying ropes, hatchets and sithes to cut downe the palissadoe [Page 1127] on the North side, by the which they go from the rampar to the Church-yard, where 1597. A they gaue a very furious charge, with about three hundred men, led by Captaine Zanthen. The sentinell hauing discouered them, gaue the alarum: wherevpon the Bourgers and soldiars being in the nerest Corpes de gard, and those which dwelt in that quarter of the towne being awaked, some halfe naked ranne to the rampar, and the number increasing in an instant they made a braue defence, and repulst the first charge, they being chased behinde the rampar, an other troupe of three hundred men led by captaine Malagambo, approched to second and assist the first: then soone after came the third troupe of three hundred men vnder the leading of Captaine Harman ven Ens, who also gaue a charge, the which continued almost an hower, with such a vehement force and fury, as they hard it to Blocxyel and to Cuinderl. Those of the B towne defended them-selues valiantly both with shot, stones and all kind of other defensiue armes.
The assailants thinking to diuide them-selues into two troupes at th [...] foote of the rampar, to charge in two places, seing it preuayled nothing for the great resistance they found, in the end they made a more quiet retreat then their approch was, carrying away (through the fauor of the night) as many of their dead men and wounded as they could, so as there were but two of there dead men remayning in the ditches, whereof the one was some Lieutenant, and at the foote of the rampar eight or nine hurt and halfe dead: the which were dispatcht: except two that were carried in [...]o the towne, whereof the one was Lieutenant to Malagambo, who declared the proiect C and successe of this enterprze. Of them within the towne, there was but one Bourger called Cornellis Been slaine, and one Martin Iacobs a gunner hurt, whereof hee died afterwardes, with some nine or ten other Bourgers, and foure and fiue soldiars lightly hurt, and soone cured. These vndertakers at their retreat, least in the towne diches, all the instruments which they had brought for that exployt, from whence (with the seauenteene Wagons full of dead men and hurt) they carried little honor: yet the towne made a fayre escape, for it was in danger to haue beene sodenly surprized. Prince Maurice maks an enterprise vpon Veuloo which succeeds ill.
In May Prince Maurice had an enterprize well laied but succeeded ill, vpon the towne of Venloo in the country of Geldres, at the which hee was in person with some horse and foote. The exploite should be done with two shippes at the opening D of the towne-gate which was towards the riuer of Meuse. The first and least shippe (wherein were the leaders of this enterprize) with Captaine Mathis Helt and his Lieutenant did their endeuors well, about fifty men that were in it, seasing at the appointed houre both vpon the Kaye and the port, but as the second shippe being the greater, could not so easely mount by reason of the violence of the streame, and for that the ships lay so before the towne, as he could not come neere to land his men, which were more in number, the Bourgers had time (whilest that the others kept the port) to put them-seles into armes, and to charge captanie Mathis, and withall the mariners of Liege which were in their shippes shot at him and his men behind: so as being vnseconded, the Bourgers recouered the port where as the said Mathis E and Schalck Captaine of the shippe were slaine, and Mathis Lieutenant being wounded, was carried away vpon pikes by certaine English soldiars. And so this enterprize fayled, to the great ioy of the Bourgers.
At that time Sigismond King of Poland and Sueden, at the request of the King of Spaine, sent an Agent of his vnto the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces (who tooke vpon him the title of an Ambassador (called Paul Dziali a gentleman of his househould, Ambassadors from the king of Poland to the Estates. and one of his Secretaries, who arriued at the Hage in Iuly, and was very honorable receiued by the Estates and Prince Maurice. His chefe charge was to moue the states and the Prouinces in his Masters behalfe, (being a mediator for the King of Spaine) to F giue eare vnto a peace. This Ambassador extolling the King of Spaine and his power vnto heauen, and lighty esteeming the Estates, seemed to threaten them in his maisters behalfe, if they did not yeeld vnto the proposition of his legation: yet the [Page 1128] Estates gaue him the reception and did him the honor which his qualitie and person 1597 A required, making him but a short answere, as the Queene of England did in like manner, vnto whom he also went.
The Emperor also sent in the beginning of August to perswade them to a peace, at the instance of the King of Spaine: the Agent which hee sent to the generall An Agent from the Emperor to the Estates. Estates and to Prince Maurice, was Charles Nutzel of Honderpuihel, his councellor in the kingdome of Hongarie, who had audience the tenth daie of the said moneth.
His legation was, that the Estates would admit and heare certaine Ambassadors in the behalfe of the said Emperor, and other Princes of the Empire, to propound some meanes for a peace betwixt them and the King. To whom a short answere was B made, that they could not change their first resolution; wherefore that it would please his Maiestie not to take their refusall in bad part, the which they did not by contempt, but rather to auoide his indignation, which they might incurre, if such Ambassadors of so great state, should not returne from them with something pleasing to his Maiestie, being most certaine that if they desired to propound any thing of a reconciliation with the Spaniard (the which was not lawfull for the Estates once to thinke of) it would bee but labour lost, else they would not refuse the sayd Ambassadors as they neuer yet had refused any, especially from his Imperiall Maiestie; besides the Estates beeing in league with the French King and the Queene of England, they could not without their priuitie and consent beginne any thing, especially in a matter of so great waight, which concernes their gouernment: wherefore they besought his Maiesty C that he would hold them excused.
The French King presently after the surprize of Amiens by the Spaniards, sent certaine The French King prepares to besiege Amiens. troupes of horse and foote about the towne, especially to those places where there are bridges vpon the riuer of Some, as at Pont Remy, Picqueni, Corbie and other places, attending vntill his army were readie, to besiege it nere.
Cardinall Albertus (whom it did much import to preserue this towne for the King his Maister, as beeing the chiefe keye of France towardes Arthois) sent all his Spanish forces to the fronters, besides the garrisons which hee had in Cambraie, Chastelet, Dourlans, Calais, Ardres, Monthulin and diuers other places in those D quarters, taken from the French, that hee might at neede breake the French Kings siege, and raise it by force if it were by any meanes possible. But hee could not bee Cardinal Albert resolues to succor Amiens. so soone readie, for want of money, or otherwise, so as before hee could bring his army to field, the King had so well intrencht his campe, as the Cardinall held it not conuenient to charge him: although that hauing put his men in order of bataile, with his artillery, hee had once or twise made some shew, yet hauing no intent to hazard any thing, so as the towne was forced to yeeld in September following, euen in view of the Cardinal.
Whilest that the Cardinall was in those quarters of Picardie, with the King Prince Maurice goes to field with his Army. of Spaines forces, the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces and Prince Maurice, E hauing staied their armie from going to field vntill August, for that they would first see which waie the Cardinall did turne head with his armie, doubting not but hee would bee kept verie long there, (although hee could not raise the King from his siege) to serue for a bridle for the French, that they should not ouerrunne Arthois.
In the beginning of August in this yeare of our Lord 1597. the Estates and the Prince hauing resolued for to free the riuer of Rhine, the aforesaid Prince caused all his armie, with the Artillerie to march, as well by land, as by the riuers of Rhine and Wahal, with three or foure hundred shippes of all sortes towardes Rhinbercke: and before hee came there, passing close by the towne and castle of Alphen, F (belonging to the Contesse of Moeurs and Nyeuwenart) which might anoy his campe: he approched only with two peeces of ordinance, which hee caused them that were in garrison there for the King of Spaine to see, being about 60 men: who being sūmoned, [Page 1129] and offered a good composition, if they did yeeld before the Canon was planted, 1597 A finding them-selues too weake to with-stand an armie; and beeing loth to loose them-selues through wilfulnesse, they yeelded both Towne and Castle into the Princes Alpen yeelded to the Estates. hands the eight of August, departing with their armes and baggage, seeing they had not attended any force, but onely threats.
The same day the Prince aduanced with all his armie before the towne of Rhinberck, the which was that night all inuested by land, the shippes of warre and boates remaining before Wezel in the countrie of Cleues, for that they could not easilye Rhinbercken vested. mount vp the Rhine: but the next day it was in like sorte inuested by water, and the towne shippes taken, with a little Iland in the middest of the Rhine, opposite vnto the towne, where the Prince planted some peeces of batterie, besides those that were B in the shippes of warre, from whence hee battered a great Tower in the Bishops Pallace, (which commanded vppon the sayed riuer) vntill they had made it vnprofitable.
The besieged made not any sallye worthe the writing, onely they did importune the Campe with their Canon, and among others they shotte once neere vnto the Princes Tent, into the Pauillion of the Siegnior of Sonsuelt his Councellor, and in his youth his Gouernour, the which came close by his head, as hee rested himselfe vpon a Mattras, touching onely his breeches which hee had layd at his beds head, without any other harme: wherevpon they made a terrasse the height of a man or more, to defend the Princes Tents. C
The nineteene day of the moneth, the Prince hauing planted his batterie at the strongest part of the Towne, beeing about sixe and thirty peeces: hee caused it to play from tenne of the clocke in the morning, vntill foure in the after-noone, that the wall began to fall, and to make a breache: the which did so amaze the besieged (who were not lesse then a thousand fighting men, which beeing resolute might haue endured many assaults,) that although there were not a sufficient breache, yet they required (that whereas they were summoned to yeeld) to parle: the which the Prince did not refuse to giue eare to, to spare his men, and the effusion of bloud: so as they agreed that by the next day the Gouernor, Captaines, Officers, Souldiers and Marriners, should depart with their full armes, coulours flying, Drummes D beating, carrying away all their mooueables and baggage vppon a certaine number Rhinberck easily yeelded to the Estates. of Wagons, with good conuoye to conduct them vnto the Towne of Geldre: with whome all men, as well Cleargie as Laye men might depart, and all the King of Spaines officers: vpon condition that what belonged to the King of Spaine, with the shippes, and also the mooueables of the Countesse of Nyenwenart beeing in the towne should remaine there still: and the Bourgers should bee maintained in their freedomes and priuiledges.
Without doubt it was a speedie and easie purchase, of so strong a towne, and or so great importance, which did so much harme to all her neighbours, and especially to them of Wezel, for that they make profession of the Protestants religion. The besieged might well for their honor haue held it some certaine dayes, and endured E two or three assaults, and the rather for that Cont Herman vanden Berghe, marched with goodly troopes of horse and foote to succour them, at the least to refresh them with men, the which hee might well haue done, considering the distance of the guarders one from another in the Princes campe.
But as it is an ordinary thing, the greatest braggers are not the most resolute souldiars; so Captaine Snater Gouernour of the towne (who with his great words had braued the Estates and the Prince in Nymegen before hee yeelded it) was at the first sight so amazed and terrified, (fearing that his brauadoes would bee remembred) as hee presently fainted and lost all courage: Hee was in trueth much to F blame to haue yeelded it so lightly, for the which hee was long in prison, notwithstanding his excuse vpon the souldiers, who (hee sayd) would not endure an assault, who on the other side layed the blame vppon him. Yet I haue not heard [Page 1130] that they were in any sort punished, but contrariwise the same soldiars mutined soone 1597 A after in the towne of Gelders.
This towne being thus yeelded, to the disgrace of Captaine Snator and the beseeged, The Archbishoppe of Cologne de [...]nds Rhin [...]ck as naturall. the Archbishoppe and Chapter of Cologne (of whose iurisdiction the towne is) sent there deputies vnto the Prince, being yet in his campe, and after-wards to the generall Estates at the Hage, requiring them to leaue the said towne, as being of their iurisdiction, free and neutrall: but the examples of the townes of Bonne and Nuys, with the harme which the said towne did vnto the Estates, giuing free passage to the Spaniards to go into Freezland, and the robberies and insolencies which were committed by the garrison thereof, was the cause that at that time they gaue them small hope to recouer it so easely from them, who had spent so much to B winne it.
The yeelding of this towne did so amaze them that were in garrison in that mighty fort, seated also vpon the Rhine (which captaine Camillo Sachini gouernor of the The fort of Camillo a [...]doned. towne of Maeurs, had caused to bee built and called it by his owne name the fort of Camillo) being two houres going from Rhinebercke, as without attending any seege, seeing onely two shippes of warre approch, hauing set fire of it, they abandoned it with two peeces of Artillery: which the Prince seeing he caused it to bee presently ruined, whilst that hee was busie to repaire the breaches, and to make plaine the campe before Rhinebercke, then hauing viewed the towne and Castell of Meurs, the scituation and the country about it for the planting of his campe: C after that hee had left a sufficient garrison of horse and foote in Rhinberck, vnder the charge of Captaine Schaef, hee caused all his army to march the twenty sixe of M [...]urs besee [...]y the [...]es. the moneth towards Meurs, the which hee beseeged, making ready to force it; but the seauenth day following, which was the second of September, before they had endured one cannon shot, although both towne and castle were places of a reasonable strength, and had eight or nine hundred men in them, wanting nothing for their defence, especially in the castell: yet they were so faint-harted by a soden amazement which tooke them, hearing the sommonce that was made to yeeld, and thinking of the little or no meanes that was made to succor Rhinberck, which was much stronger and of greater importance, hoping for no succors when they had D done their best, being loth to bee scackt, they were resolued before they would endure a battery of twelue peeces (which weee ready) to enter into treaty, and to get the most honorable composition they could, which the Prince hauing other desseigns, and to winne time, granted them to depart the next day, being the third of September, withall their armes, horses, and baggage, their collours flying, Mures yeelded drums beating, bullets in their mouths, matches light, and besides to carry away one field peece the which had neuer beene vsed during all the Estates warres, but to winne time (hauing much worke else-where) they did graunt them all they demanded: More-ouer they had some Wagons graunted them to carry away their baggage, and a good conuoy to conduct them to some other place of more better E safetie.
Prince Maurice hauing thus freed the Rhine and cut of the Spaniards passage into Freeseland, after that hee had setled a good order in these three townes and Castells, the which hee had gotten in one moneth, with a little labour or losse, hee resolued in like manner to goe and free the country of Freeseland and Oueryssell: Prince Mau [...] [...]. so as on the eight of September he past the Rhine with all his army, at Rhineberck, causing his shippes of warre and munition to fall downe the Rhine at Ysseloort into the riuer of Yssel, vnto Dousbourg in the Conty of Zutphen, being determined to set vpon Grolle, the which hauing beseeged two yeares before, he left, for that the Spaniards vnder the leading of Collonel Mondragon gouernor of the F castle of Antwerp came to cut of his victualls: before which towne hee came with his army, and did invest it the eleuenth of September, in the which there were some thousand two hundred soldiars that is ten Captaines of foote, and three Cornets of [Page 1131] horse, vnder the command of Cont Frederick vanden Bergh, brother to Cont 1597 Grolle beseeged. A Harman who then carried him-selfe as gouernor of all Freeseland for the King of Spaine.
The first thing which Prince Maur ce did after that hee had well intrencht his campe, was to drawe the water of the diches, and then to make galleries through them, euen to the foote of the rampar, that they might go couered to the sappe. The towne was reasonable strong and could not bee easely wonne without a good battery, as well to take away their defences, as to make a breach to come vnto the assault, wherefore hee planted twenty foure peeces of ordinance: so as Iohn Bovuier maister of the fire-workes plaid the diuell in sending forth his firy bullets, the which set fire of the towne in diuers places, so as the beseeged were much troubled to quench it, who in the meane time did their best endeauors to defend B them-selues, shooting with their great ordinance through the campe, and sometimes sallying forth. But as the rampar was already vndermined in seauen or eight places, and the galleries in a maner finished to go to the sappe, and all the artillery redy planted; the Prince (an enemy to the effusion of humaine bloud) being loth to ruine the poore people without ineuitable necessity, and desirous to spare his men as much as might be (as it is alwaies his custome to batter furiously without intermission, vntill he hath made a breach, and then presently to giue an assault) but Grolle somoned. he would first sommon Cont Vanden Bergh and the beseeged to yeeld, the which hee did the seauenteenth of the moneth, promising them a good composition, if they did yeeld, and not attend the fury of the cannon: otherwise if he were forced C to take it by assault, they should feele the fury of a victorious enemy prouoked by their obstinacy to reuenge.
The beseeged seeing the Estate of their towne halfe burnt, the galleries, sappes and mines, the great store of ordinance and all things redy to force them, hauing little hope of succors and much lesse then the townes taken beyond the Rhine; they were willing to yeeld to a good composition, and not to attend any further extremity, promising to yeeld, and to depart the next day with all there armes and baggage, And yeelded. leauing their Enseignes and Cornets, vppon condition not to serue against the Estates on this side the Rhine for the space of 3. moneths, and that they should retire beyond the riuer of Meuse. The horsemen leauing their horses at the Princes descretion; D wherewith hee might mount some of his men, if it were his pleasure: but vsing of his accustomed courtesie and bounty, and to let his enemies know that hee wanted not, he gaue them backe againe to one of their Captaines, an Italien which begged them, rather then to the Earle of Va [...]den Bergh, although hee weare his Cosin Germaine Brother and Sisters children. Hee graunted them in like manner a great number of Wagons to carry away their hurt men and baggage, vnto the Rhine. Thus was the towne of Grolle yeelded, at which seege there was no great losse of men of either side, but the losse fell vpon the poore Bourgers, who had their houses burnt.
The Prince hauing layd the trenches of his campe euen and put a sufficient garrison E into Grolle, on the first of October he went with his army before the towne and Castle of Brefort, in the same country of Ouerysel, places by nature strong hauing but two approches to them, one before, and an other behinde, but other-wise enuironed round about with marishes and boggs, and besides so fortefied by the Brefort beseeged by the Prince. industrie of man, as they seemed impregnable, being manned with three hundred good soldiars which were sufficient for the capacity of those places, vnder the command of a Lorraine Captaine. The Prince the better to make his approches, and to winne a passage, caused many bauins and fagots, hardelles and plankes to bee cast in those places which were most inaccessible, vpon the which on either F side there were gabions planted with twenty peeces of ordinance to batter the rauelins which couered the two ports on the East and West sides, and a certaine tower which did anoy on the West part: then he caused a gallery to bee made through the ditches, to go to the sappe if need were.
[Page 1132] This done, and all things redy to force it, the Prince caused the beseeged to bee 1597. A sommoned to yeeld them-selues vpon promise of good vsage. This captaine of Lorraine refusing to giue eare vnto it, the Prince caused three vollees of Cannon to be shot, and then he sommoned them againe. But the beseeged growing obstinate, relying vpon the strength of their towne and castle, imagining that the cannon could Brefort Sommoned and refuseth to yeeld. not doe them so great harme, as experience taught them afterwards, but to late: the Prince commanded to batter the Rauelins and ports of both sides with all fury, the which was done from nine of the clocke in the morning vntill three in the after noone and a breach made at the Rauelin on the North side, the which was sonne wonne by the bridges which he caused to be presently made: The beseeged seing this Rauelin beaten downe, and that their began to be a sufficient breach to giue an assault, yea B to haue gone vpon horsebacke, and that the army was put in battaile to assayle them, they made a signe that they should cease the battery, and they would parle. But The beseeged desier to parle but to late. their first obstinacy was the cause that the Prince would not forbeare, vntill that he see an easie breach, and the women and children vpon their knees, holding vp their hands and crying for mercy, the which preuayling nothing, and the battery soone after ceasing, some soldiars aduanced (it may bee without charge) to go and view the breach, where being aloft and seeing no man to defend it, they entred, and were presently followed by others, who charged the beseeged, which began to fly, and The towne wonne by the breach & they retir [...] to the Castle. to make their retreat towards the castle, whereof there were some seauenty of the hindermost slaine. The Lorraine Captaine durst not retier himselfe, (fearing least his former wilfulnes would make his owne men to kill him) but hee hid him-selfe in a C mine, where hee was found and led prisoner to the Prince, who pardoned him and gaue him his life.
The Prince would gladly haue kept the towne from spoyle: and haue spar [...]d, the poore people, and avoyded all disorders and insolencies, which vsually happen in the like accidents, standing him-selfe a long time in the breach to keepe and defend it, and would not suffer that any of the inhahitants should be taken prisoner nor ransomed, yet was the towne partly spoyled by them that entred first: but being forbidden the spoyle was not great: and the Bourgers had not beene in very ill case, if a soldiar seeking some aduenture in the night, with a wispe of straw burning (for D want of a candle) had not set fire of the house the which spred ouer all the towne, The Castle yeelded. and could not be preuented, so as the whole towne was burnt except eight houses. The soldiars that were retired into the Castle cryed out for grace, yeelding vnto the Princes mercy: who gaue them all their liues, leauing their armes, and paying a conuenient ransone, who hauing left the most apparent among them for hostages for the said ransome, the rest retired towards their other troupes, as those of Grolle had done. The mony which grew by these ransomes, was diuided by the Prince among the soldiars, reseruing no penny to him-selfe, wherein hee shewed his bounty and clemency, for he might by the law of armes if hee had pleased, intreated these obstinat men roughly, as the Spaniard doth in the like case, causing all to bee hanged E or slaine: but the Prince is of so mylde a disposition, besides his other vertues, as hee alwaies prefers clemency and mercy before rigour and malice. As for his buunty and liberality he gaue sufficient testimony thereof to the horse-men of Grolle, as we haue said
The Prince hauing taken the towne and Castell of Brefort, and hauing giuen order for all things, hee turned head with his army towards the towne of Enschede, the which was great, but none of the strongest, nor yet of the weakest places, meaning to make him-selfe Maister thereof before hee past any further. Enschede yeelds to the Prince. Hauing made his approch with twelue peeces of ordinance, and caused it to bee somond, the garrison which was within it being better aduised then they of Brefort, F seeing there was no hope of succors for them, and that those strong and important places had beene wonne without any shew of succors: they demanded that they might depart with their armes and baggage: the which the Prince graunted them, yet without Wagons and conuoy, vpon condition to passe beyond the riuer of [Page 1133] Meuse. Thus the sa [...]d garrison departed the same day the Prince arriued, beeing the 1597. A seauenteene day of October, the which were but two small companies, who held it for honor ynough to haue seene the Princes army and cannon.
The next day the Prince went and planted his campe before the towne of Oldenzyel, in the same country of Oueryssel, reasonablie great and well peopled, hauing three Oldenziel besieged by the Prince. double walles, and as many ditches, in the which there were sixe hundred souldiars. The Bourgers who would not willingly see their towne spoyled with the cannon, nor their liues and goods in danger, knowing well that howsoeuer, they must needes bee taken by force or by accord, either soone or late: and that attending longer they might haue the worse composition, seeing the ordynance and that they beganne to drawe the water out of their ditches, they perswaded the souldiars that they might B with one generall consent, enter into capitulation: so as on the two and twenty daie they sent a drumme vnto the Prince, to let him vnderstand their mindes: wherevpon And yeelded after a little parle, it was agreed that the souldiars should depart the next daie with their armies and baggage, vpon the same composition that they of Enschede did: And moreouer that such as would depart, and could not so speedelie doe it by reason of their affaires, should haue three monethes time to finish all their businesses, and then to depart freely without any desturbance whether they pleased, with their goods and mouables.
Whilest that the Prince was before Oldenzyel, hee sent his cousin the Earle of Otma [...]sum yeelded to the Estates. Solms to besiege the little towne of Otmarsum in Oueryssel, before the which Charles C of Lievin Lord of Famas, Generall of the Artillery for the Estates, had beene slaine in yeare of our Lord 1595. where hauing giuen three volles, with foure small peeces, the garrison (beeing but of one company) required that they might depart with the composition of Enschede, the which was granted them; so on the one and twenty of October the towne was yeelded, the souldiars departing with their armes and baggage. Those that were in garrison in the towne and fort of Goor, seeing the Princes happy successe, & how he stil prospered, being loth to attend the hazard of themselues, Goor abandoned to the Estates. they abandoned those places to the Earles pleasure, who presently caused the forts to bee ruined by the peasants of that quarter, who were very glad to bee imployed about so good a worke, whereby they might recouer their quiet and libertie. All the countrie of Ouerssel beeing freed, by the taking of Grolle, Brefort, Enschede, Oldenzyel, D Otmarsum and Goor, and of some fortes, which the Spaniard had held there, the whole countrie hauing beene by reason of them extreamely afflicted euen vnto the gates of Deuenter, Campen, Zwol, Hasselt and Steenwyc, chiefe townes, of the countrie of Oueryssel vnder the Estates obedience, for the which they are bound in dutie to thanke the Prince, who performed so great a worke in so short a time, and with so little oppression, the which the whole countrie did afterwards very thankefully acknowledge.
To finish the Princes victories for this yeare, and to free the countries of Friseland, The townes and castle of Lighen [...]emune in that q [...]rter. Oueryssel and Gronning, so as the Spaniard should hold nothing beyond the Rhine: there yet remained the towne and castle of Linghen (places of great importance) beeing E the passage by land, towards Hambrough, Breme and other townes of the East countries, beeing neighbour to the countrie of Westphalia, and the Counties of Emden and Oldenbourg, making a signeury and pettie Estate by it selfe, which the generall Estates had heretofore giuen to the Prince of Orange, father to Prince Maurice, in recompence of the libertie which they had recouered by his meanes and seruice.
Cont Frederic vanden Berghe, after that hee had yeelded vp the towne of Grolle Cont Frederic in Linghen. by composition, had retired himselfe into the castle of Linghen, which was all that remained of his Gouernment on that side the Rhine, beeing fully resolued to keepe F both the one and the other, and there to set vp his rest: for that the places were verie strong, and furnished with sixe hundred good men, the floure of all the King of Spaines forces in that quarter of Friseland, with a cornet of horse, and some ten or twelue verie good brasse peeces of Ordynance, besides iron ones. The Earle assuring himselfe [Page 1134] that he should be besieged, he caused certaine houses nere vnto the towne to be burnt, 1597. A the more to annoy his cousin the Princes campe, and had done more, if hee had not beene hindred by the sodaine comming of the army: winter beeing then at hand, and the wether likely to prooue bad.
The Prince retyring out of the countrie of Oueryssell causing his armie to march that way on the twenty eight day of October, the same day he did inuest the towne, and for as much as on that side there were no enemies to bee feared but those which hee besieged, he therefore (the better to accommodate his souldiars) lodged them a little at large, and most of them in peasants houses, the countrie being very much peopled. The Prince himselfe was lodged in a Gentlemans house, nere halfe a myle from the towne, and his horsemen dispersed. B
The approches were easie to make, for that the towne hath many little hilles about it, so as in a short time (the season beeing reasonablie mylde) his men lodged in the The Prince doth in [...]t Linghen. counterscarpe, euen vpon the edge of the ditch, out of the which the water was soone drawne, then were there certaine galleries made through the ditches, especially on the castles side. The slow arriuall of the great ordynance, was the cause the battery was not so soone readie: yet to take away their defences, the Prince did presently imploy those few which hee had brought with him: but when the rest were come, hee caused foure and twenty cannons to bee planted against the castle: the which on the second day of Nouember did batter with such fury for eight houres together, at the two Rauelins, that Cont Frederic seeing their meaning was against the castle, drew all the ordinance out of the towne into the castle, with the which he made an exchange C with the Prince, causing his men to sally often forth, with losse of either side.
The galleries beeing finished against those two Rauelynes (whose worke the besieged could by no meanes hinder, by reason of the continuall thundering of the cannon and of the small shot, and that all the defences of the rampar were taken away) the Prince commanded his men to sappe the sayd two Rauelyns: Frederic perceiuing it, and knowing his cousins vsuall course, which is, that hauing a sufficient breach, hee goes presently to the assault, hee therefore desired to make a good retreate in time, wherevpon beeing sommoned, hee desired to parle, and to enter into capitulation. D
The Prince did the more willingly giue eare vnto him, for that hee feared the season of the winter, which vntill that time had beene verie fauorable, and to Linghen yeelded by composition. winne time to carrie backe his army. Wherefore on the twelfth day of the month, Frederic accorded to yeelde, and to depart with armes and baggage, furnishing him with certaine wagons vnto the next village: deliuering the castle the same day into the Princes hands, who instantly put men into it; the Earle retyring his men into the towne vntill the next day, that he departed.
It was a strange thing of these Bretheren of Vanden Berghe, that of all the places which the King of Spaine committed vnto them, they could neuer keepe one against the attempts of Prince Maurice their cousin, as Deuenter, Steenwic, Grolle, Linghen, E and all those other pettie places in the Countrie of Oueryssell, which the Prince wonne this sommer. They say that the Spaniard did of purpose put them into them, to the end that if they had them in gard, hee should not incurre the dishonour to loose them himselfe, whereof they would not haue fayled no more then these of Vanden Berghe, who alwaies shewed themselues faithful and readie to do the King of Spaine their Master seruice.
Whilest that the Prince was camped before Linghen, the King of Denmarkes Ambassadors came vnto him, which were Arnold VVitfeldt Chancellor, and Christian The King of Denmarkes Ambassadors in the campe before Linghen. Bernekar a Councellor, who would not depart, vntill hee was master thereof. These Ambassadors returning from their Embassie out of England, came to F the same end to the Hage in Holland in the beginning of October, to the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces, where hauing had their dispatch, and returning into their owne countrie, they would needes see Prince Maurice as they past along.
[Page 1135] The some of their Legation which they did deliuer as well by word as by writing, 1597. A on the ninth of October, was.
‘THat Christierne King of Denmarke at this present raigning, remembring the good loue and neighbour-hood which King Frederic his Father had in his life time with the deceased VVilliam of Nassau, Prince of Orange, the sayd generall Estates, and generally with all the Inhabitants of the vnited Prouinces, who had euer sought, and labored as much as hee could possibly, that not onelie the sayd vnited Prouinces should bee once discharged of those long, cruell and deuouring warres: but also that they and all Christendome might bee restored to an assured peace and quietnesse. So as it was to bee hoped that this so holy a designe and intent of their said Lord and B King would haue taken good effect, if it had not pleased God to take him so sodainely out of this world. But now that his present Maiestie their Prince and Lord, hauing succeeded the King his father, not onely in his realmes, and Estates, but also in his Christian and Godly vertues, to follow his steppes, in the entertainment of amitie, good neighbor-hood, and correspondencie with the sayd vnited Prouinces, by demonstration of the loue and affection which hee beares them, desiring nothing more then to see them discharged of these miseries and calamities, and of whatsoeuer might grieue or annoy them, which desire and zeale hath mooued his Maiestie, to send them as his Ambassadors vnto his Excelencie and their Lordships, to vnderstand if they had any inclynation, and could bee content, that his Maiestie with other Christian C Princes and Potentates, should deale and labour that these long warres and publike calamities (common to them all) might once bee supprest and quencht, and peace, (so much desired) generally setled and planted, hoping that the King of Spaine, their aduerse partie might in like manner bee drawne vnto it. And the generall Estates may rest well assured, that the King their Prince, would not herein seeke nor procure any thing that should bee preiudiciall to the Protestants religion, in the which his Maiestie hath beene borne, bred and brought vp, and with the grace of GOD will continue vnto the end: but onelie procure the meanes by the which they might bee preserued and maintained, with increase of their happinesse. Wherevpon his Maiesty doth most affectionatly intreat the sayd Prince and Estates, that they will giue D eare vnto it, and resolue to propound conditions and Articles, whereby they may bee inclined to enter into conference, and that the King their Master might bee thereof informed by them: which his holie and Godly intention, his Maiestie had made knowne vnto the renounced Queene of England, Elizabeth his deare Sister and Allie, with all good and holesome admonitions and exhortations, vpon the horrible amazements, doubtfull euents, and iminent dangers of this war; as in like sort he would haue them represented vnto his Excelency and their Lordships.’
‘His Maiesty requiring also the sayd Estates, that all neutrall persons, which haue no community with this bad warre, might haue free nauigation, comerece and traffick of Marchandise, into any place whatsoeuer, so as they forbeare to carry any munition E of warre vnto the enemie. And much lesse that his Maiesties naturall subiects should be restrained, in regard of the perpetuall contracts, neighbour-hood, friendship and good correspondency, which hath alwaies beene betwixt his subiects and them of the vnited Prouinces, to whom the like is freely allowed in all his hauens, passages and straights.’
‘Then afterwards hauing beene intercessors for Steyn Maltesen, Amptman of the castle of Bahuysen in Denmarke, that he might bee paied the arrerages of his account for the seruices which hee had done to the particular Estates of Holland and Friseland. The sayd Ambassadors hauing in his Maiesties name wisht all happinesse and prosperitie vnto Prince Maurice and the Estates, with offer of his loue and good neighbor-hood, F in im [...]tation of his Ancestors, and especially of the deceased King, his Lord and Father: And they for their parts did offer vnto the Estates their humble seruice. Beseeching them aboue all that they might carry vnto the King, their Lord and Master, in the Estates behalfe, a good and a pleasing answere.’
[Page 1136] Wherevpon the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces made aswere vnto the A sayd Ambassadors, as well by mouth as by writing, the foure and twenty day of October, 1597. as followeth.
‘THat the Lords of their assemblie deputed and representing the sayd generall Estates, The Estates answere to the Ambassadors. had beene exceeding glad to here and vnderstand the good remembrance which his Maiestie had retained, of the friendship, neighbour-hood, correspondency, and ancient contracts which had bin of long time betwixt the crown of Denmark, Norway &c. with the Prouinces of the Netherlands in generall: and especiall of the good opinion which the worthie King Frederic the second of that name King of Denmarke &c. had of them, and of the worthy remēbrance which he hath had of the deceased VVilliam B of Nassau Prince of Orange. &c. The said Estates hauing neuer had any doubt of the loue and good inclynation of the sayd King, to the vnited Prouinces, which giues them the greater cause of ioye, for that his Maiesty doth offer to continue and perseuer therein, for the which they did most humblie thanke him. Hoping that they neither haue, nor euer will neglect any endeauor, that may serue to entertaine and augment his Maiesties good will and affection to them and the sayd Prouinces.’
‘That the sayd Estates will neuer forget the good affection which the deceased King did carry to these Prouinces, desiring to retire them from vnder the heauy burthen of warre, and to restore them to peace and rest: assuring themselues that his Maiesty now raigning, hath not onely inherited his fathers Kingdomes and Estates, but also C his vertues, and the same inclination which hee had to the friendship, good neighbourhood and correspondency with the said Prouinces. Whereby they do firmely beleeue, that his Maiesty desires nothing more, then to see the prosperity and health of these countries, by the rooting out of all acts of hostility, and of all that might be preiudicial and chargeable vnto them: for the which they hold themselues so much the more bound vnto his Maiesty. And as they do herein know his good will, so they hope that by the reasons hereafter produced, his Maiesty will beleeue; that the sayd Estates haue neuer desired any thing more, then once to see an end of this warre, and it changed into a good and firme peace, for the attayning whereof they haue done what possible they could: for their safeties, preseruation of their religion and good of the country. D Whereas contrariwise on the Kings behalfe; and of the councell of Spaine, in all conferences of peace, as well in his name as otherwise they seeke nothing but practises and cunning shifts to surpresse the countrie and the good Inhabitants thereof. As it appeared by the first conference in the yeare of our Lord 1574. betwixt the Lord of Champigny in the King of Spaines name, and the signior of Saint Aldegonde, for the Prince of Orange and the Estates of Holland and Zeeland, the which went to smoake, for that they would not yeeld to the least point that was demaunded for the safetie of religion: beeing the Spaniards onelie intention during the sayd conference, to breed a diuision betwixt those two Prouinces, and so beeing masters of the good towne of Leyden, to lodge themselues safely in the heart of Holland. E The which (by the fidelitie and good endeauors of the sayd Prince and Estates, together with the besieged in the sayd towne: by the helpe of GOD) was preuented. The like was seene in that solemne assemblie held at Breda, in the yeare of our Lord 1575. at the intercession of the Emperour Maximilian, hauing sent the Earle of Swarlsenbourg thether: at the which refusing to yeeld any thing in the Kings behalfe, touching the reformed religion, nor allow the generall Estates of all the Netherlands to assemble together to that end, in like manner there came no good of it. But during the time of the sayd conuocation, the Spaniardes did so much by their practises and warlike attempts, as in few monethes they got more vpon Holland and Zeeland, then otherwise they had done in many yeares.’ F
‘Afterwards as by the grace of God (the which the King of Spaine hath sought by all meanes to breake) the Prouinces subiect to the oppression of the Spaniards, freed themselues, beeing assembled and in the end confederated with the sayd Prince and the Estates of Holland and Zeeland, and their associates in the towne of Gant. Whereas [Page 1137] they haue made the pacification which followed, with an order corcerning relligion, 1597. A and the conuocation of the generall Estates of all the Netherlands. As after the death of the great Commander Don Louis of Reguesence, and before the conclusion of the sayed Pacification, Don Iohn arriued in the country of Luxembourg: whereas many of the said Prouinces treated with him, and in the end agreed (notwithstanding the said Pacification and vnion which followed) to receiue him for their Gouernor, except those of Holland and Zeeland and their Associats, who opposed them-selues, for that the King of Spaine would not consent vnto the said pacification, nor the assembly of the generall Estates, but conditionally that it should not derogat, nor preiudice the Popish and Romish Relligion, and that the said Estates should sweate to entertaine the same. And Don Iohn being receiued into the said gouernment, B hee not onely sought to suppresse the Prouinces whereas hee commanded, but would also force them to enter into warre against them of Holland, Zeeland, and their associats, wherevnto they would not yeeld: hee then tooke armes againe, and called backe the Spaniards, the which by the treaty of Gant were gone out of the country, hauing secret practises with the Germaine and Wallon garrisons, to be assured of the towne and Castle of Antwerp, and of many other places, seazing vpon that of Namur, where-vpon the Estates of Holland and Zeeland being againe required to send their deputies, vnto an assembly of other Prouinces, being revnited together, they were long in treating an other accord with the said Don Iohn: But when they could not attaine vnto it vpon reasonable and iust conditions that were propounded vnto him, they were forced againe to returne to an open warre, and to goe C to field of either side.’
‘In the meane time the King of Spaine sent the Barron of Selles, to the generall Estates assembled at Brusselles, who in outward shew presented some means of peace, but in secret he labored to corrupt the one and the other, especially the heads of the army being then camped at Gemblours: whereof hee gayned some, which was the cause. of the rout of the said army, by the absence of those Noblemen that were retired at the same time: when as the Estates to shew their good and sincere intention and desire to a peace, called Mathias Archduke of Austria to their gouernment. After which rout, the said Archduke, Prince of Orange and some others of the chiefe Noblemen, with the generall Estates, appointing to raise a new D army, there was an other conference of peace propounded: and therevpon a conuocation was held at the request of the Barron of Selles, in the towne of Macklin, whether the Earle of Bossu and some other Noblemen of the Estates were sent: but all that was done there, was that the Barron of Selles corrupted the Siegnior of Bours gouernor of the towne of Macklin, so as within few months after it was yeelded vp and lost from the Estates.’
‘Afterwards there was an other conference of peace held in the towne of Louuaine, whereas the Ambassadors of the Emperor, of the French King and of the Queene of England assisted: but for that they would not yeeld vnto the least point which was required touching reformation of relligion, all proued but winde. As in like E manner they could not doe any thing in that great assembly at Cologne, in the which the Emperor (that now is) was a mediator by his Ambassadors, Electors and Princes of the Empire, by reason that they would not prouide for the safety of the said Religion, nor for the Estate of the country, according to their ancient rights, and preuiledges: during which assembly, the disunion of the Wallon Prouinces was practised, and of some of the cheefe of the Nobilitie, with the reduction of the towne of Boisleduc and others to the Spanish party, some by practises, some by force.’
‘So as in the end the states seeing that neither by intercession nor by any other meanes F they could attaine to a good and an assured peace, the were forced to resolue to choose an other Prince, where-vpon most part of the said Prouinces did choose and call in the Duke of Aniou and Alanson, the onely Brother to the French King: after they had by, sufficient declarations, and by Edicts publikely proclaymed the [Page 1138] King of Spaine to bee fallen from all right of Seigneurie and command, which hee 1597. A was wont to haue ouer the Netherlands. And although the reasons why this hath happened bee notorious to all the world; yet it merits to bee succinctly related in this place: which is, that the ground of all the warres and miseries of the Netherlands, is, for that the King of Spaine hath sought to suppresse the preuiledges, freedomes, liberties, pollicie, forme of gouernment, and other rights of the sayd countries, whereas he pretends to make this his Rendezvous, and seate of warre, to the oppression of all neighbour Princes, and especially of them that were fallen from the Romish religion. The which the Princes, chiefe Noblemen, and Estates of the sayd countries, being not able to endure, the King of Spaine tooke occasion to send the Duke of Alua with a mightie armie into these parts, to execute his sayd desseigne, by whom hee caused the Earles of Egmont and Horne to bee apprehended, with a great number B of Noblemen, Gentlemen and good Cittizens, whom hee did publikely and shamefully execute, banishing an infinite number of people, and chasing them away, to the great griefe and sorrow of the poore inhabitants which remained. Yea the Marquis of Berghes, and the Baron of Montigny, sent a little before into Spaine, by the Gouernesse, to shew the iminent danger of the sayd Countries, and to seeke for remedie, the King against the dutie of a good Prince, against his othe made both in generall and in particular, and against all lawe of nations, caused them to dye, and did confiscate all their goods. Making Cittadels in the chiefe Townes of the countrie, bringing in a new forme of iustice, establishing a supreme councell, called a Councell of the troubles, in Flemish Blout-raed, that is, a Councell of bloud, all C against the preuiledges; And vnder coulour of a generall pardon, abolishing generally all the right and priuiledges of the countrie, to gouerne at his pleasure, forgetting not in the meane time his chiefe desseignes vpon the neighbor kingdomes, seeking occasions of quarrell to inuade them by armes. The which GOD preuented, stirring vp the Prince of Orange, who entred into the sayd countries with two mightie armies, vntill that hee was setled in his gouernments of Holland and Zeeland.’
‘This was not yet sufficient for the King of Spaine, that in those countries there are aboue a hundred thousand persons dead for the religion, and that by his charge D the Duke of Alua hath caused aboue twentie thousand to bee executed by the hangman, but hee must withall quite ruine whole townes, and murther most part of the people, as the Townes of Macklyn, Zutphen, Naerden, Oudewaeter, and others which may serue for presidents: And besides that, hee was cause of the Prince of Oranges murther by a publike proclamation, who had alwayes carried himselfe as a Father of the countrie: the which giues the Estates the more occasion to perseuere in their iust conceptions. Whereby it is apparent, that these vnited Prouinces haue good reason not to submit them-selues vnder the subiection and rule of the King of Spaine, nor to enter into any Treatie with him of a perpetuall peace. And the rather for that they haue found by experience, that all the conferences of peace, (how E sincerely so-euer they haue beene made by the Mediators and Intercessors,) haue beene a wayes held by the Spaniards, tending to some practises or enterprises: that hauing made some diuision or breach betweene them, then sodenly to ouer-runne and disperce them.’
‘Besides in their particular Treaties with the Townes of Gand and Bruges, the King of Spaines ministers propounded in the beginning goodly conditions, yea for matter of religion: but when they came to resolue, they would not once suffer them to open their mouthes vpon the least point. The fraudulent treaties of the enemies, and the wayes of hostilitie which the Spaniards haue vsed against the State and Crowne of France, for so many yeares, doe sufficiently shew, that all they doe is F but to suppresse religion. And the like happened in the yeare 1588. when during the Treatie of the English with the Spaniards at Bourbourg in Flanders, that great Seaarmie thought to inuade England. And withall the Estates cannot enter into any treatie with the King of Spaine, for that since the murther of the Prince of Orange, they [Page 1139] haue chosen Prince Maurice his sonne for the cheefe, whome God hath endowed with 1597. A so many graces and heroicall vertues, as he not onely defends and preserues these vnited Prouinces, but doth also augment and dilate their limits and iurisdictions; with the ayde and fauor of the Queene of England, who like a most Christian Princesse, considering the power and ambition of the Spaniards, and their manner of proceeding, hath alwaies for the good of all Christendome fauored the said Estates, with whom they are in league, vpon promise not to make any peace with the said enemies without her priuity and consent.’
‘That since the King of Spaine hath continued warre against all Kings, Princes, and Potentats, vnder collour to maintaine the Pope and his relligion: but the true cause is to domineere ouer all Christendome, the which he hath shewed plainely against B the French King, by reason whereof the saide French king hath also made a league with the Queene of England: into the which these vnited Prouinces haue beene receiued, being bound not to treat any peace with the Spaniard without both their consents, whereof the Estates hope that the kings maiesty of Denmarke will consider of the ambitious desseignes of the king of Spaine, and of his councell, against all kings and Potentates, and especially against them that haue forsaken Popery: euen so all Christendome should desire to ioyne in the same league, asuring themselues also that his Maiestie by his great wisdome will not onely iudge how vnfit it were for these countries to returne vnder the yoake of the Spaniard, to the totall suppression of relligion, and their vtter ruine, but also how preiudiciall it would be to neighbour C kings and Princes, if the said Prouinces were brought againe vnder the King of Spaines subiection: and that he should command ouer their soldiars, shippes, and marrines, hauing the meanes in his power, by the mony which the said Prouinces haue by reason of the warres beene forced to leuie for their defence and preseruation: the which being at his deuotion, would giue him meanes to entertayne twenty thousand men continually, with the which hee would doe greater exployts against all other neighbour Kings and Princes, then hee could doe with the reuenues and demaines of his other realmes and Prouinces, yea of his Indies.’
‘That the King of Spaine hath beene alwaies a persecuter of the relligion, the gouernment of Spaine and Portugall, and the great councell of the Inquisition do sufficiently D shew it, with that goodly title which hee giues him-selfe of Defender of the Popes authority, who attributes vnto him-selfe, and vsurpes the power to transferre kingdomes from one King or Prince vnto an other. Moreouer the said Estates do most humbly beseech his Maiesty to beleeue that the beginning of a conference of peace with the King of Spaine is full of difficulties, and secret desseignes, which cannot be preuented. For as with other Kings, Princes and commonweales conferences of peace doe coole mens affections to warre, or at the least doth hinder the meanes: the same reason hath greater efficacy with these Prouinces and townes: for that many would imagine that the reasons which had moued the said Estates to enter into conference were so sollide, and built vpon a foundation of such assured conditions, as they could not faile to attayne vnto a firme peace, the which would cause many inconueniences, E for to thinke that the vnited Prouinces could make any peace with the King of Spaine without the extirpation of the reformed relligion in the said contries, and without bringing the inhabitants thereof vnder the absolute obedience of Spaine; it hath bin deliuered at large by word of mouth vnto the Ambassadors, that it cannot possible bee performed.’
‘The said Estates do also beseege his Maiesty to beleeue that they are very sencible of the great miseries and calamities which these countries haue suffered and do suffer during these present warres, and of the effusion of humaine bloud. And in like manner they doe duly weigh and consider of the commodities which a good peace should F bring by the cessation of armes. But seeing that (besides the enterest of all Christendome, and of Kings, Princes and neighbour common weales) this conference of a peace with the Spaniards, would be so preiudiciall and hurtfull to the Estate of these [Page 1140] Countries, as the ruine thereof and all the inhabitants might thereby ensue. For these 1597. A considerations their Estate cannot endure to haue any other ouerture made, but it behoues them to attend an other issue from the hand of GOD (whereon they haue grounded all their hope) by a good reunion of the other Belgicke Prouinces, or otherwise. And therefore the said Estates doe humbly beseech, that it would please his Maiesty to receiue their resolution in good part, and in respect therof not to carry lesse affection to them, then subiects and inhabitants.’
‘As for that which the sayed Ambassadors haue charge from his Maiesty, to insist vnto the Estates, that all neutrall persons which haue nothing common with this warre, might freely sayle and trafficke into all places, so as they carry no munition of warre to the enemy, and especially his Maiesties subiects, in consideration of their B her editary contract and good neighbourhood. The said Estates declare that they confesse most willingly, and will alwaies confesse, that they are greatly bound vnto his Maiesty by reason of the said hereditary contract, neighbourhood and good correspondency, and in like manner for the security and fauor which the inhabitants of the vnited Prouinces receiue throughout all his dominions, in regard whereof sence the beginning of these wars vnto that day, they haue endeauored to shew vnto al Kings, Princes and neighbour common-weales, and especially in respect of the said King of Denmarke for matters of nauiyation and trafficke, all good neighbourhood, correspondency and friendshippe. And that in this consideration they would not hinder the subiects and inhabitants of the realmes and countries of the said King, nor any C other neutrall persons, from the nauigation into Spaine, Portugall or any other westerne parts vnder the King of Spaines dominions or obedience, or any other neutrall countries what soeuer, no more then their owne subiects and inhabitants of the vnited Prouinces.’
‘Touching Steyn Maltesen Collonell to his Maiesty, and Amptman of Bahuysen, of whome mention is made in the said proposition. The saide Estates declare that it is not long sence, that hauing taking information vpon his pretensions in quality of Lieutenant to the most famous William Lewis Earle of Nassau, gouernor of Freezland, they haue giuen him all satisfaction, and ouer and aboue at his departure a gratuity of a chaine of gold, so as in regard of his seruices done vnto the said Prouinces, he cannot pretend any thing. And as for the seruice which the said Collonel pretends to haue D done as Captaine of the company which was raysed by the deceased Captaine Schagen, since the twenty one of October 1580. vnto the first of February 1586. that the Seignor Nicholas Malte his Brother succeeded in his place, he was in like sort paied, as other Captaines which were in the same seruice had beene, and are daily according to the order and vse of the country, with the which al soldiars content themselues without any contradiction, leauing the rest of their pay vnto the end of this warre. And in the meane time if it happen, that at the great sute and instance of any Captaines which leaue their seruice, for some good considerations, be it for their poore estate or otherwise, they come to accord with them, it is done with such a small composition, abating E that which ought to be abated according to the order: that in that case there would bee little comming vnto the Collonell vpon the accoumpt of his seruices, wherefore the Estates assure them-selues that the said Collonell being better informed thereof by their letters, will the more willingly haue patience with the rest, and attend the end of this warre, rather then to accept of so meane a Composition, as hath beene told him by mouth.’
‘Finally the said Estates do humbly thanke his Maiestie for his good affection towards them: beseeching God withall their hearts, that it will please him to preserue his person, his realmes, Estates, countries and subiects, in a happy and prosperous gouernment, good and long life, to the good and quiet of all Christendome. As F for them, that they would neuer faile of their duties and seruice, in all good affections towards his maiesty the which they not onely desire to continue, but also will striue more and more, and at all times will bee ready to doe their best indeuor to’ [Page 1141] increase it. Thanking likewise the sayd Ambassadors of their great paines which they 1597. A had taken in this legation: Intreating them earnestly that they would bee pleased to make a good and fauourable report vnto his Maiestie of the good affection and humble inclination which they haue vnto him, with their humble recommendations, &c. Made at the Hage the 24. of October. 1597.
The sayd Ambassadors hauing receiued this answer, departed, after they had beene stately entertained by the Seignior of Pipenpoix, a Gentleman appointed to that end by the Estates, as Steward: assisting at euery meale to beare them companie, two of the Deputies of the Estates: and beeing richly and honorably gratified with goodly presents, they went (as wee haue sayd,) to see, Prince Maurice, in his Campe before Linghen, where they were likewise well intreated and defrayed, as long as B they remained in the Estates territories, taking their way from thence towards Denmarke.
According to so many Ambassages and pursutes tending to a peace, at the great instance of the King of Spaine: Cardinall Albert his Lieutenant, sent in the beginning of the yeare 1598. his Commissioners vnto the French King, the which were, 1598. The king of Spaine seekes sor peace. the President Richardot, Ioan Baptista Taxis and Lewis Verreyken, Audiencier, to seeke some good course for a peace betwixt him and the king his Maister, who should bee his father in lawe (the Infanta of Spaine being promised him in marriage) wherevnto the Queene of England and the generall Estates of the vnited prouinces did also inuite him. For hee knew well that so long as those three great and mighty countries C of France, England and the Netherlands, should bee vnited together in such a league as they had sworne, that his affaires could not succeed well, his power (although it were very great) not being sufficient to incounter all their three forces together: fearing that hee should not onely bee forced to cast vp that which hee had deuoured in Picardie and else-where; but also to loose the rest of his Netherlands, and by their ioynt forces to bee assailed in Spaine.
On the other side the French King much incensed at the indignities which hee had receiued of his owne subiects, leaguers and others; knowing the desolation of his country, and that his subiects by this warre were so impouerished, as they could indure no more. And to recouer that by the way of armes, which the Spaniard had taken from him in two or three yeares before, hee must imploy much time, loose D many men, and spend his treasor, which hee found to bee greatly exhausted. And that Picardie was so ruinated, as it was nothing but a desart, so as there was no The French King giues care to a peace. meanes to feede an armie there, for the recouerie of Calais, Dourlans, and other places: wherefore hee was aduised by his Councell, to send his Deputies thether, which were the Lords of Bellieure and Sillery, both of his councell, and the Generall of the Friars as a mediator; to enter into conference with the Cardinalls Commissioners, making the place of their assembly at Veruine, where they continued long before they could resolue.
The Queene of England, and the generall Estates sent their Ambassadors into Ambassadors sent from England and [...] Estates into France. France, concerning this treatie, as nothing pleased with this conformitie of the E French King with the Spaniards, but they returned with-out any effect. The Estates Embassadors by reason of the contrary windes, came too late, the Treatie of peace being concluded with the Spaniard. Yet going to the king to Nantes, they were welcomed, much made of, and had priuate audience, whereas the king assured them of his loue and good affection to the sayd Prouinces; so as they returned reasonablie well satisfied from his Maiestie. Yet the Estates sent other ambassadours to the Queene of England, to conferre of that which was to be done, or not The Estates send Ambassadors to the Queene of England, done concerning this peace: the said ambassadors were Iohn Duyvenvorae knight, Siegnior of Warmont, Admirall and great forrester of Holland; Maister Iohn Vanderwerck F Councellor of the Estates of Zeeland, and Iohn Hottinga a Squire, both Deputies of the generall Estates. And although it seemed according to the league made in the yeare 1596. betwixt France and England, in the which the vnited Prouinces were comprehended, that the King should not haue proceeded in this treatie of peace [Page 1142] with the Spaniard, without the consent of his allyes: yet the French King thought 1598. A himselfe sufficiently discharged in that behalfe, to haue inuited and summoned the Queene and the said Estates: who by their refusall or delayes could not bridle his will, hauing giuen the Ambassadors both of the one and the other sufficiently to vnderstand, how necessary peace was for his kingdome, to restore and put his poore subiects in breath, his condition being contrary to the Queenes and the Estates, who preserued and maintained them-selues by warre, and hee on the other side did but ruine his realme thereby. In the end hee concluded the sayd peace with the Cardinalls Deputies, in the name of the King of Spaine their Maister: the articles whereof I haue set downe briefly and succinctly, as followeth-
‘1. First it is agreed, that the Treatie of peace concluded and resolued, betwixt the Articles of peace betwizt the French king & the king of Spaine. B said Kings, Henry the fourth, and Philip the second, in confirmation of the articles conteined in the treatie of peace, made at Chasteau Cambresis 1559. betwixt the sayd Catholicke King, and Henry the second the French king, deceased, of high and worthy memorie, which treatie the sayd Deputies haue a new confirmed in all points, without innouating any thing, but all shall remaine firme, except that which shall bee expresly derogated by this present Treatie.’
‘2. According to the which, from the day of the date of this present treatie, betwixt the said Kings, their children borne or to be borne, heires and successors, realmes, countries and subiects, there shall be a good, firme, sure and stable peace, confederation, perpetuall league and amitie: they shall loue one another as bretheren, procuring by all meanes, the good, honor and reputation, one of another, and shall auoyde as much C as they may the hurt one of another. They shall not fauor nor maintaine any person, to the preiudice one of another; and from this day they shall cease all acts of hostilitie, forgetting all things past, the which shall remaine abolished, without any future mention thereof. Renouncing by this present treatie, all practises, leagues and intelligences, which may tend to the preiudice of the one or the other, either of them promising neuer to doe any thing, nor to procure to bee done, that may tend to the hurt and preiudice of the other, nor to suffer their vassailes or subiects to doe it directly or indirectly. And if here-after any, of what qualitie or condition soeuer they bee, shall goe against it, and serue by land or sea, or in any other sort, to ayde D and assist, to the preiudice of eyther of the sayd Kings, the other shall bee bound to oppose him-selfe, and to punish them seuerely, as breakers of this Treatie, and troublers of the publick quiet.’
‘3. And by meanes of the sayd peace, and strict amitie, the subiects of either side whatsoeuer, may (in keeping the lawes and customes of the countrie) goe, come, remaine, frequent, conuerse and returne in peace, from one vnto the other, in trade of Marchandise, or conuersing and treating together as they shall thinke good, by land, sea, or riuers. And their subiects shall bee defended and maintained, paying the duties in all accustomed places, which shall bee appointed by their Maiesties, and their successors.’ E
‘4. All letters of Marke a [...]d reprisall which haue been giuen for what cause so-euer, shall be suspended: and here-after none shall be giuen by either of them, to the preiudice of the others subiects, but against the chiefe offenders, their goods and adherents, and that in case of manifest deniall of Iustice: whereof and of the letters of sommation and requisition thereof, those that pursue the said letters of Marke and reprisall, shall make proofe as it is required by law.’
‘5. The townes, subiects and inhabitants of the Counties of Flanders, Arthois and other Prouinces of the Netherlands, together with the realmes of Spaine, shall enioy the preuiledges, freedomes and liberties, which haue beene granted by the Kings of France, predecessors to the most Christian King: and in like maner the townes, subiects F and inhabitants of the realme of France, shall also enioy the preuiledges, freedomes & liberties, which they haue in the said Netherlands, and in the realme of Spaine: as euerie one hath here [...]ofore inioyed and vsed them, and as they did enioy them by vertue of the Treatie made in the yeare 1559. and other former Treaties.’
[Page 1143] ‘6 It is also agreed in case the catholick King, should giue or transferre by testament, 1598. A donation, or resignation, or by any other title whatsoeuer, to the noble Infanta the lady Isabella his eldest daughter, or to any other, all his Prouinces of the Netherlands, with the counties of Bourgongue and Charolois: that all the said Prouinces and Counties, are meant to be comprehended in this present treatie, as they were in the yeare 1559. together with the sayd Lady Infanta, or hee in whose fauour the sayd King hath disposed it, neither shall it bee needfull to make a new treatie to that effect.’
‘7. The subiects of eyther Prince, as well cleargie as secular men, shall returne (although they haue serued the contrary party) into their benefices and offices to the which they were preferred before the end of December 1588. except Curates, B others being cannonically called: and to the enioying of their immoueable goods rents, and annuities, seazed on and held by reason of the warre, begun in the sayd yeare 1588. to enioye them from the publication of this peace, and in like manner of those which are since fallen vnto them, by succession or otherwise, with-out making any question, or demanding of any of the fruites before time receiued, since the seazure and holding of the sayd immoueable goods, vnto the publication of this present Treatie, nor of the debts which haue beene consumed before the said day: and it shall be held for good and auaileable, the partition which shall be made by the Prince, his Lieutenant or Deputie, in whose iurisdiction the arrest was made, and the creditors of such debts shall not be allowed to sue for them, in any sort C whatsoeuer, against them to whom the sayd gifts were made, nor against such as by vertue of such gifts and confiscations haue paide them, for what cause soeuer the sayd debts may growe, notwithstanding any bonds which the sayd creditors may haue, the which for the effect of the sayd confiscation, shall remaine by the sayd treatie, voide, and of no force.’
‘8. And the sayd subiects and seruants of either side shall returne into their immoueable goods and rents, notwithstanding all donations, concessions, declarations and sentences giuen by contempt, in the absence of the parties, and they not heard, by reason of this warre, which sentences and iudgements giuen, both ciuill and criminall shall remaine voyde, without any effect, as if they had not beene, restoring D the sayd subiects to the full possession of their rights, as they had them before the beginning of the warre, neither shall they bee molested or troubled for any publike charge which they haue had, whether it were for the victuals, mannaging of money, or otherwise, during the warres, whereof they had yeelded an accompt before them, who had power to command it: Prouided alwayes that the sayd subiects and seruants bee not found charged with other crimes and offences, then to haue serued the contrarie partie: which may not returne into the territories of the sayd Kings, before they haue obtained their pardon and letters pattents, sealed with their Maiesties great seale, whereof they shall bee bound to pursue the verification, before the Courts and officers of their sayd Maiesties.’ E
‘9. Such as haue beene preferred to benifices of eyther side, being in the collation, presentation or disposition of the sayd Kings, or other lay persons, shall abide and remaine in the possession, and enioy the sayd benefices, as beeing duely and orderly preferred.’
‘10. In fauour of this peace, and to giue both the Kings contentment one of another, it is agreed that they shall restore really and without fraude one vnto another, whatsoeuer shall bee found to haue beene taken, seazed and held by them, or others hauing charge from them, or in their names, one in anothers countrie. That is to say, the most Christian King shall yeeld vnto the Catholike King, the possession of the countie of Charoloys, with the dependances and appurtenances, to bee enioyed fully F and peaceably by him or his successors, to hold it vnder the soueraigntie of the Kings of France: and if there shall be any other places found, which haue bin occupied since the said peace 1559. by the Christian King, or by his command, they shall be in like manner restored, and all within two moneths, from the day of the date of these presents.’
[Page 1144] ‘11. And in like manner the Catholicke King shall restore vnto the sayd Christian 1598. A King, such places as shall be found to haue beene by him, or others hauing charge from him or in his name, taken, seazed on, or held since the treatie of Cambresis, that is, Calais, Ardres, Monthulin, Dourlans, la Capelle, Chastelet in Picardie, Blauet in Brittanie, and all other places which the sayd Catholick King hath held in the realme of France, since the said treatie, and are yet deteined by him or his.’
‘12 In regarde of Calais, Ardres, Monthulin, Dourlans, la Capelle, and Chastelet, the sayd places shall bee restored by the Catholike king or his ministers, effectually with-out fraude, and without any delayes or difficulties, vpon any pretext soeuer, vnto him or them that shall bee deputed by the most Christian king, precisely within two moneths, from the day of the date of these presents, in the same estate they now are in, B without pulling downe of any thing, or weakning them in any sort, not pretending nor demanding re-inboursment for the fortifications done in the sayd places, nor for the payment which they may owe vnto soldiers or men of warre being there. And this restitution shall first bee made of Calais and Ardres, and then of the rest, so as all may be restored within two moneths.’
‘13. As for Blauet, the restitution shall be also made effectually and faithfully, without any delay or difficultie, vnder what pretext or coulour soeuer, to him or them that shall be deputed by the most Christian king, and that within three moneths from the day of the date of these presents. And the said Catholick king may ruine and beate downe the fortifications made by him or his, in the said Fort of Blauet, and other places, C which shall be restored by him in Brittanie, if any there be.’
‘14. Restoring the sayd places, the Catholick king may carry or cause to be carried away all artillerie, boullets, armes, victuals, and other munition of warre, which shall be found in the said places at the time of the restitution. And the soldiers and men of warre, which shall depart out of the sayd places, may carry with them all the mooueable goods which belong vnto them: but it shall not bee lawfull for them to exact any thing of the inhabitants of those places, nor of the champian country, nor to endomage their houses, nor to carry away any thing belonging to the sayd inhabitants.’
‘15, And to the end the souldiers which are in Blauet, may the more speedily retire into Spaine, the most Christian king shall fit them with ships and marriners: in which D ships they may imbarke their artillerie, victuals, and other munition of warre, with their baggage, being at Blauet and other places, which shall be restored in Brittanie, giuing securitie for the restitution of the sayd vessels, and sending back of the marriners within the time that shall be appointed.’
‘16. The Deputies doe promise for assurance of the restitution of the sayd places, as soone as this present Treatie shall bee ratified by the most Christian king, to deliuer him foure hostages, such as hee shall choose, being subiects to the sayd Catholicke king, the which shall bee well and honorably intreated, befitting their qualities: which restitution being made, and really performed, the sayd hostages shall bee duly set at libertie without any delay. Prouided alwayes, that the restitution of the sixe E places in Picardie being performed, two of the sayd hostages shall bee deliuered, the other two remaining vntill the restitution of Blauet.’
‘17. And touching matters conteined in the Treatie of the yeare 1559. which haue not beene executed according to the articles thereof, the execution shall be made, in that which is to be executed, as well for the tenour in fee of the contie of Saint Pol, the limits of the countries of both Princes, lands held in surcease, exemptions of customes, and forraine impositions pretended by them of Bourgongne, Bishoprike of Teroane, Abbay of Saint Iohn of Mant in the Dutchie of Bouillon, restitution of some places pretended of either part, according to the sayd treatie, and all other questions which haue not beene decided, as it was then agreed: there shall be deputies and arbitrators F appointed of either side to that effect: as hath beene resolued by the said treaty, who shall assemble within sixe moneths, in places appointed for the same, if the parties agree, if not they shall appoint some other place.’
‘18. And for as much as in the diuision of the lands appointed to the diocesses of Arras, [Page 1145] Amiens, Saint Omer and Boulogne: there are some villages of France vnder the Bishopricks 1598. A of Arras and Saint Omer, and other villages in the countries of Arthois and Flanders, belonging to the Bishops of Amiens and Bologne, so as often-times there growes disorder and confusion; it is agreed that hauing the consent of the Holy father the Pope, commissioners of either side shall be deputed, who shall assemble within one yeare, in some place appointed, to resolue of the exchange which may bee made of the sayd villages, to the best commoditie of the one and the other.’
‘19. All prisoners of warre being deteined of either side shall be set at liberty, paying their charges, & what they may otherwise iustly owe, without being tied to pay any rā some, vnlesse they had first agreed & promised it: and if there be complaint made of the excesse therof, the Prince in whose country the prisoners are detained, shal moderate it.’ B
‘20. All other prisoners subiects to the sayd Kings, which through the calamitie of the warres may be deteined in their Maiesties Galleys, shall be presently deliuered and set at liberty without any delay, vpon what pretext so-euer, demanding nothing for their ransome nor charges.’
‘21. And there shall be reserued vnto the said Catholick king of Spaine, and the Infanta his eldest daughter and their successors, all their rights, actions and pretensions, which they pretend to belong vnto them in the said realmes, countries & siegnories, or elsewhere, for any cause whatsoeuer, the which neither he nor his predecessors haue not expresly renoūced, to make his pursute by an amiable course of Iustice, & not by armes.’
‘22. And touching that which hath bin said by the Catholike kings deputies, that to C attaine vnto a perfect peace, it was requisite that the most excellent Prince and Duke of Sauoy, should be comprehended in this treatie. The Catholike king desiring and affecting the good and preseruation of the said Duke, as his owne, for the neernesse of bloud and the alliance he hath with him. The which is also signified by Gaspar of Geneue, Marquis of Lullin, councellor of Estate, Chamberlaine and Collonel of the sayd Dukes guards, his Lieutenant and Gouernor in the Dutchie of Aoust, and the citty of Vrce, his Deputie as appeares by his commission here-vnto inserted, that the said Duke his maister hath the honor to be issued from the brother of the Christian kings great grandfather, and from a cousin germaine to the Queene his Mother: that his intention is to giue the king contentment, and as his most humble kinsman to acknowledge him with D all honor, seruice and obseruance of friendship, to giue him better satisfaction hereafter of him and of his actions, the which time and occasions past would not giue him the meanes to doe; and he promiseth vnto himselfe of the sayd king, that knowing this his good affection, he will vse the same bounty and shew of loue vnto him, which the last foure kings did vnto the deceased Duke his father of happy memory.’
‘23. It hath bin concluded and agreed, that the said Duke shall be receiued and comprehended in this treaty of peace. And to signifie the desire which he hath to giue the most Christian king contentment; he shall restore the towne and castle of Berra, within two moneths after the date of these presents, faithfully and without delay or difficultie, vpon any pretext whatsoeuer: and the said place shall bee deliuered by the Duke, to him or them that shall be deputed by the king precisely within the time, and E in the same estate it is now in, without demantling or weakning it in any sort, or demanding re-inboursement for any fortifications made in the said towne and castle, nor for that which may bee due vnto the soldiers being in it, leauing all the artillerie that was within the place when it was taken, with the bullets that shall be found therein fit for them, and they shall haue liberty to retire those peeces which haue bin brought in since, if there be any.’
‘24. It is also agreed, that the said Duke shall disauow and abandon Captaine la Fortune, being in the towne of Seure in the county of Bourgogne, and that he shall not giue to him [...]nor to any other that shall vsurpe the said towne against the most Christian F kings will, neither directly nor indirectly, any ayde or fauour.’
‘25. And touching all other questions & differences betwixt the most Christian king and the said Duke of Sauoy, the said deputies in their name do agree, for the good of the peace, that they shalbe referred to the iudgment of our holy father Pope Clement the 8. [Page 1146] to be decided by his holinesse within one yeare, from the daye of these presents, according 1598 A to the answere giuen by the sayd King in writing the fourth day of Iune last, beeing hereafter inserted. And whatsoeuer shalbe decreed by his holinesse, shalbe fully executed and accomplished of either side, without any delay or difficulty, or any pretext whatsoeuer. And in the meane time vntill they shalbe otherwise decided by our holy father, matters shall remaine in the same Estate they are at this present, without any alteration, but as they are enioyed of either side, not beeing tollerable to extend themselues any further, to impose or exact contributions, out of the territories of those places, which are held by either party.’
‘26. And according vnto this it hath beene agreed, that from this present there shalbe a firme and stable peace, amitie and good neighbor-hood, betwixt the sayd King and B Duke, their children borne and to be borne, heires and successors, realmes, countries, lands and subiects one of an other, without any breach vpon what pretext soeuer.’
‘27. The subiects and seruants of either side both Clergy and temporall, although they haue serued a contrary party, shall returne and enioy all their goods, offices and benifices, as hath beene sayd for the subiects of the two Kings, the which is not to bee vnderstood of Gouernors.’
‘28. As for prisoners taken in the warres they shall bee intreated as it is agreed betwixt the two Kings as it is before expressed.’
‘29. And the treaties made heretofore with the most Christian Kings Kenry the second in the yeare 1559 at Chasteau Cambresie; Charles the 9. Henry the 3. and the said C Duke of Sauoy, shalbe in all points and articles confirmed; but in that which shalbe derogated by this present treaty, or by others, and according vnto this the said Duke of Sauoy shall remaine with his countries and subiects, a good neutrall Prince and common friend to the said Kings. And from the day of the publication of the sayd treatie, the commerce shalbe free and assured betwixt their countries and subiects, as is contained in the said treaties, and hath beene vsed by vertue thereof, and the orders contained therein shalbe obserued, especially in regard of the officers which haue serued the said Kings, although it were derogated by any other treatie.’
‘30. Notwithstanding there is reserued vnto the said most Christian King and to his successors, al their rights, actions and pretensions, which they challenge to belong vnto D them by reason of the said realms, countries and signeuries, or els where, for any cause soeuer, the which he nor his predecessors haue not renounced, to make his pursute by any amiable course of Iustice and not by armes.’
‘31. In this peace shalbe comprehended by a common consent of the most Christian and Catholike Kings (if they will be comprehended). First on the Catholike Kings part our holy father the Pope, the holy Apostolike sea, the Emperor of Romaines, the Arch-dukes his brethren and cousins, their realms and countries, the Electors, Princes, townes and Estates of the holy Empire, obeying him: the duke of Bauaria, the duke of Cleues, the Bishop and countrie of Liege: the Hans townes, and the Contie of East-Friseland. And the said Princes doe renounce all practises, promising hereafter not to E make any, neither within nor without Christendome, that may be preiudiciall vnto the said Emperor nor vnto the Estates of the Empire, but they shall procure with all their meanes the good and quiet of the same: so as the said Emperor and Estates of the Empire, carrie themselues respectiuely and amiably to the most Christian and Catholike Kings, and do nothing to their preiudice. And in like manner shalbe comprehended, the Cantons of the Suisses of high Germany, the Cantons of Grisons, and their Allies, the Kings of Poland and of Sueden, the King of Scotland, the King of Denmarke, the duke and signeury of Venise, the duke of Lorraine, the great duke of Tuscane, the commonweales of Genoa and Luca, the duke of Placentia, the Cardinal Farneze his brother, the duke of Mantua, the duke of Vrbin, the chiefe houses of Colonne and Vrsins, F the duke of Salmonette, the Lord of Monaco, the Marquis of Final, the Marquis of Massa, the Lord of Plombin, the Earle of Sala, the Earle of Calorino, to inioy in the like manner the benifit of this peace, with an expresse declaration that the most Christian King may neither directly nor indirectly, by himselfe, or by any others molest any of [Page 1147] them. And if the most christian King pretends any thing against them, he may seeke it A only by law, before competent Iudges, and not by force.’ 1598.
‘32. And on the behalfe of the most christian King shalbe comprehended, if they please, the Pope, the Apostolike Sea, the Emperor, the Princes Electors, Clergy and Secular, townes and commonalties of the holy Empire and especially the Cont Palatin Elector, the Marquis of Brandenbourg, the duke of Wyrtenberg, the Landtsgraue of Hessen, the Marquis of Hansbac, the Earles of East-Friseland, the Hans townes, according to the ancient alliances, the king and kingdome of Scotland according to the ancient treaties, allyances and confederations which are made betwixt the Realmes of France and Scotland. The Kings of Poland, Sueden and Denmarke, the duke and signiory of Venise, the thirteene Cantons of Suisses, the three Cantons of Grisons, the bishoppe and Siegneury of the countrie of Valays, the Abbot and towne of Saint B Gall, Clottenberghe, Mulhausen, the countie of Neufchastell, and other allyes and confederates of the sayd Cantons. The duke of Lorraine, the great Duke of Tuscan, the Duke of Mantua, the common-weale of Luca, the bishoppes and chapters of Merz, Thoul and Verdun, the Abbot of Gozzo, the signior of Sedan, the Earle of Mirande. Prouided alwaies that the consent which the catholike King giue, to the comprehension of the Earles of East-Friseland, bee without any preiudice to the right which the catholike King pretends to their countries: as in like manner the defences, rights and exceptions of the sayd Earles against it shalbe reserued: all with declaration that the sayd catholike King may not directly nor indirectly, by himselfe nor by any others molest them. And if the catholike King pretends any thing against them, hee may C pursue it by lawe before competent Iudges, and not by force in any sort whatsoeuer.’
‘33. And there shalbe also comprehended in this present treaty, all others which by common consent of the sayd Kings may bee named, so as within sixe monethes after the publication of this treatie, they giue their letters of declaration and bond, as is requisite in that case.’
‘34. And for the greater assurance of the peace, and of all points and articles contained therein: this treaty shalbe veryfied, proclaimed and registred, in the court of Parliament at Paris, and in all other Parliaments of the realme of France, and chambers of accounts of the said Paris: as in like manner it shalbe proclaimed, verefied and registred D in the great councel, and in al the courts and chambers of accounts of the sayd catholike King in his Netherlands, after the same manner as it is contained in the treatie of the yeare 1559. whereof expeditions shalbe giuen of either side within three monethes after the publication of this present treaty.’
Which points and articles aboue mentioned and comprehended, with all that is contained in euery of them, haue beene treated, accorded, past and promised by the deputies, in the names aboue mentioned. The which by vertue of their commissions haue promised and do promise vpon bond of all the present and future goods of their said Maisters, that they shalbe by them inuiolably entertained, obserued and accomplished, and also that they shall deliuer one vnto an other autenticall letters, signed and sealed, E whereas all this present treatie shalbe set downe word for word, and that within one moneth after the date of these presents, in regard of the most christian King, the Cardinal the Archduke, and the duke of Sauoy: which Archduke shall promise to procure the like letters of ratification from the catholike King, within three monethes after. And moreouer the deputies haue and doe promise in the sayd names, that the letters of ratification of the most christian King, Cardinal and Duke beeing made. The said most christian King Cardinal and Duke, shall sollemnly sweare vpon the crosse, the holie Gospel, and canon of the masse, vpon their honors, in the presence of such as it shall please them to depute, to obserue and fulfil fully, really and faithfully; the contents F of the said articles: and the like oth shalbe made by the catholike King, within three monethes after, or when he shalbe required. In witnesse of which things the sayd deputies haue subscribed this present treatie, in their names at Veruin the twelfth of May in the yeare 1598.
[Page 1148] The Cardinal Albertus of Austria, to whom the Infanta of Spaine was promised, and 1598 The Admiral of Arragon sent Ambassador to the Emperor. A had beene of a long time appointed to bee his wife (although the King had entertained the Emperor, the Archduke Ernestus, and the petty Kings of the League in France with hope of this alliance) had before the treatie of peace, by the Kings aduice and commaundement, and of his councell of Spaine, sent Don Francisco de Mendoza, Marquis of Guadalesta, Admiral of Arragon, in Ambassage to the Emperor, to demaund sixe points of great importance of him, the which if hee had obtained and put in execution, they would haue greatly serued for the augmentation of the lymmits of his Estate, ioyned to them of the Infanta, and to make warre with more ease against the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces. To euery of which points, answer was made by the Emperor, and replied vnto by the Admiral, and by his Imperiall Maiestie againe B answered, the which we haue thought good to insert in this place the better to conceiue the Cardinals designes, the which hee hath sought since to put in execution by the sayd Admiral of Arragon, although with little successe and lesse honor, as wee shall see. The first of these six points was.
That it would please his Imperiall Maiestie, (for the reasons which had beene afterwards The first of the six points demanded of the Emperor. deliuered vnto him) to make the King of Spaine viccar of Beçanson. This vicariat or Vicontie of Beçanson (which is an Imperiall towne in the Countie of Bourgogne) did belong vnto the deceased VVilliam of Nassau, Prince of Orange, whose goods (which were verie great) the King of Spaine had confiscated, lying in the French country, and throughout all the countries of his obedience. Wherefore hee required that the Emperor vsing the right of confiscation, against the sayd Prince, and his children; C would conferre vpon him the Vicontie of Beçanson: by meanes whereof, hee might in succession of time, get into his power and controwle by his officers; all the changes, counter changes and other businesses which passe at Beçanson, for France, Germany, the Netherlands and Italie, the which doe import him much to know: but aboue all to haue an entrance into the dutchie of Bourgongne. To whom the Emperor made answere.
That his Imperiall Maiesty was not ignorant, how much it did import the townes vnder the King of Spaines obedience that were neighbours to Beçanson, that the said towne should bee maintained in peace vnder the deuotion of the Empire. D Wherefore his Maiestie would aduise as soone as might bee, by what meanes hee might graunt the said Vicariat. And although by this answere the Emperor did not flatly refuze the sayd Vicariat to the King of Spaine, yet the Admirall, after that hee had thanked his Imperiall Maiestie, made shew that hee was not much pleased with this answere, and said, that hee tooke it for a repulse, after such great pursuit: shewing that without regarding the excuses which some ill affected to the Empire might pretend of some allyances, it should for the same reasons, be the sooner graunted, thereby to make the Emperors authority more eminent, and more commodiously to preuent all mischiefes which growe on euery side. And as the beginning in euery thing seemes most difficult, which beeing once well aduanced makes the worke halfe perfect; So if his Imperiall Maiestie doth passe the sayd E Vicariat (as it is alreadie graunted) they will easily finde the meanes to confirme it, and to put it in execution.
The Emperour seeing himselfe thus importuned and prest, desiring first to see what the issue should be, as well of the treatie of peace which they expected, as of the marriage of Cardinal Albertus his brother, and of the designes alreadie proiected vpon Germanie, beeing loath to doe any thing in hast, which hee might afterwardes repent and reape small honour by and the French King take it in verie ill part: hee answered againe. That for certaine great considerations hee must conferre with the Princes of the Empire touching the asoresaid Vicariat. And to F the end it might bee done with great authoritie and assurance, hee would exhort them to second him. Intreating the King of Spaine in the meane time, for to take this delaie in good part. And thus much for the first demande. The second was.
[Page 1149] That his Imperiall Maiestie would openly declare himselfe against those that hinder the 15981 The Admiral [...] second demand. A progresse of the peace betwixt the Estates of the Netherlands. This was as much to say as by an intestine ciuill warre to set all Germany on fire, which was the maine point whereat the King of Spaine and the Pope had long aspired: whereof they had oftentimes seene some little flames, the which notwithstanding by the wisdome of the Princes were soone smothered and quenched. Wherevpon the Emperor answered. That vpon this article hee attended the report of such as had beene deputed by the Empire, whereof his Imperiall Maiesty would not faile to aduertise the King of Spaine vpon all occurents: and how much his Imperial Maiesty desired that the sayd countries might bee reduced to a good peace. These deputies were certaine Ambassadors, as well from the Emperor, as from the Princes of the Empire, who sent Charles Nutzel of B Sonderspuehel to the Estates, to request them to receiue the sayd Ambassadors, who had a short dispatch, as wee haue sayd. The Admiral replying to this answere, sought to taxe some Princes of the Empire, and to incense the Emperor against them, as if they had beene the fauorers and supporters of the warres in the Netherlands: saying. That it would please his Imperiall Maiesty to imbrace the action of the Netherlands, that what hath beene begunne may not bee in vaine, and that when it shal please his Maiesty to vnderstand how the Princes of the Empire (which haue the charge) stand affected: that it will then please his Imperiall Maiesty to iudge betwixt his Maiestie and his rebells. Giuing all the world to vnderstand whose fault it is that the peace is not aduanced; punishing them that are coulpable according to the paines appointed C by the constitutions of the Empire: and the rather for that suffrance and dissembling it, doth feed and nourish the mischiefe.
By this replie the King of Spaine could not more openly accuse the said Princes of the Empire then hee did, councelling him to punish them, as those which by their winking and dissimulation, gaue nourishment vnto the mischiefe, hindring the course and aduancement of the peace. But the Admiral did therein much mistake himselfe, being ignorant, or at the least not considering, that the Estates of the vnited Prouinces, hauing absolutly reiected & abiured the King of Spaine, refusing to trust any more in him: had resolued neuer to enter any more with him into any conference of peace, nor with any other comming on his behalfe. Wherefore the Emperor (who had so often D prest them by his Ambassadors and Agents, and had now sent to them againe, but in vaine) sayd. That vnto that day he had giuen sufficient proofes of the good affection hee bare to the peace of the Netherlands, and when hee shall haue heard the report of the deputies, hee will proceed as farre as his authoritie, will extend. The third demand was.
That his Imperiall Maiestie would appoint a Gouernor and councell in the countries of The third demand. Cleues and Iuilliers &c. Thereby the King of Spaine or the Cardinal Albertus, his future sonne in law, did plainly descouer, how they did gape after these dutchies of Cleues and Iuilliers, & the other Estates & Signeuries of Duke Iohn of Cleues, rainging at this present in good and perfect health. Grounding vpon this hope, that the sayd duke beeing without children, and therfore his Dutches, Earldomes and Signeuries, should by right E fall vnto the Emperor, who should giue them vnto his brother Albertus. Or els, (the which hath appeered by the effects) that hee would not attend duke Iohns death, but seize vpon them by force and practises in his life time, as the sayd Admirall sought to doe soone after, and in deede did too much, yea he was expresly commaunded from the court at Brusselles (as wee will shew hereafter) not to desist for any thing in the world, from the conquests of the Dutchies of Cleues, Iuilliers and Berghe: seeing there was speech of marrying this Duke Iohn, with the Duke of Lorrains daughter, as after happened. Wherein the Emperor seeming to bee of the same hope and expectation with the King of Spaine, answered: As for the countries of Cleues & Iuilliers, F his Imperiall Maiesty had resolued to send one or two good catholiks thether, to auoide some greater inconuenience. In the meane time the king of Spaine should looke to keepe good gard on his side, and make account of al needfull succors, the which notwithstanding must be done with discretion: to the end that such as pretend any interest [Page 1150] should haue no cause to enter into suspition: which the Emperor himselfe is forced to 1598. A entertaine, by reason of the concurrence of time.
This answere did the more confirme the King of Spaines designes, and the sylent pretention of the Emperor vnto the said countries of Cleues, Iuilliers &c. So as it seemed this was the very fable of the Beares skinne, for his replie. Hee required that it would please his Imperial Maiesty, to declare as soone as might be his intention touching Cleues and Iuilliers, that therevpon the Catholike King might haue his forces readie. Hee required also that his Imperiall Maiesty would send for the Princes pretending right to the sayd countries, that hereafter they should not medle, nor seeke to make any Innouations, tending to the blemish of the Emperors authoritie, or the preiudice of his Catholike Maicstie, yea that his Imperiall Maiesty should call away the commissioners B that were at Duysseldorp, as Authors of bad practises: to the end that his Catholike Maiestie bee not forced to vse other meanes. And although it were a decent thing to respect the Princes, yet they must not bee so negligent and carelesse, as in taking away the mischiefe which might happen without, they neglect to prouide for that which might miscarrie within.
This replie did plainelie laie open the King of Spaines designes vpon the countries of Cleues and Iuilliers, requiring that the Emperor, would send for the Princes pretending right (the which are Princes of the Empire that is, the duke of Prusse, and the two Brethren dukes of Dieux Ponts, by their wiues, Sisters to duke Iohn) and to charge them not to attempt any thing to the diminution of his Imperiall authoritie, C for that the Emperor maintained, that for want of a lawful heire male, the said dutchies should by right of the see fall vnto the Emperor their soueraigne; as beeing masculine sees of the Empire. And the sayd Princes pretending (in case the duke should die without heires) maintained to the contrary, that they might (as in France and in other realmes and countries) as well fall vnto the femals as males: the which the alliances of the said countries, which haue not alwaies beene vnder the same Prince, by marriages of one with an other, had well declared in times past. And as for that which hee sayeth to the preiudice of his Catholike Maiestie, there could bee no other, (by reason of the multitude of other heires) but to the preiudice of the designes of his pretended vsurpation. For the preuenting whereof, there was an D assemblie of Estates held at the same time at Duysseldorp, the chiefe towne of the dutchie of Berghe, where the Dutchesse of Prusse and one of the duke of Deux Ponts, where present with the Emperors commissioners (who for that they would proceed roundly and sincerely, not discouering the King of Spaines designes, are called Authors of bad practises:) and the deputies of the King of Spaine, who in this Dyet, made shewe not to feare any thing more (with a certaine Nuncio of the Popes who was of the same mettall) then that these countries should fall into the hands of some Protestant Prince, (whom they called heretike) such as the Princes pretending interest are, which would be (as the King sayd of the towne of Aix) to pernitious a thing for his neighbour countries, which might be infected with the poison of their heresies: E the which is alway the foote of their song. To whom the Emperor being willing to shew himselfe conformable, sayd. As for Cleues and Iuilliers hee would send for the Princes pretending right, that they should not meddle, seeing it belonged onelie to his Imperiall Maiestie to dispose among them, hoping they would obey him. Wherein the Emperor might haue beene deceiued, for these Princes would not so soone haue yeelded vnto him: and this had beene an occasion to put all Germany in warre and combustion.
The forth demand was. That the sentence giuen against them of the towne of Aix, might bee presently put in execution, without any delay. It did greatly import the King of Spaine and Cardinal Al [...]ertus, for the attayning vnto their designes, to haue the towne of Aix (situated in the countrie of Iuilliers, neere vnto Lembourg) at their F deuotion: the which they could not easily obtaine, so long as the Protestants were Maisters thereof, and the stronger, who failed not to bee vigilant and to keepe a good gard for their owne preseruation: wherefore hee required the execution of the sentence giuen against them in the Imperiall Chamber: which was in effect the [Page 1151] re-establishment of a Catholike Romish Magistrate in the sayd towne, the extirpation 1598. A of the Protestants religion, and the exclusion of the Protestants themselues: the which beeing executed, hee held himselfe then assured. As Cardinal Albertus with the assistance of the Bishop of Liege, the executioner of the sayd sentence, by vertue of the Emperors commission, hath done since, to the disolation of the sayd towne, and especially of those that did pursue it, who for the most part died soone after their re-establishment: and those which remaine languishing in misery. And although the Emperor touching the sayd towne of Aix, had the like desire with the King of Spaine, yet the Admiral full of choller replied. That in regard of them of Aix, they could not exceede the bounds of ordinary Iustice, as beeing vnworthie, that they must exceed the execution of the sentence, for that the lymmited time is almost expired, B and there is no likelehood that the time will draw them to obedience, but rather make them obstinate: else the Catholike King shalbe forced to prouide for it by such meanes as he shal thinke fit. What the Emperor answered to this rash reply, may bee seene in the demande following, which was.
That it would please his Imperiall Maiesty to prouide some speedy remedy for the Hans The fift demand. townes, to restraine the boldnesse of English pirats. The King of Spaine to play the good companion, and to make himselfe necessary to the townes of the East country, as Lubecke, Rostich Hambourg, Bremen, Stoade and others (of whose seruice hee hath most need) will let them vnderstand by this demand, that hee hath a care of them, although hee knew well that the Emperor could prouide no other remedie then that which he had C formerly done; which was to forbid the townes of Staple, and to banish the trafficke of English clothes. So as the English marchants retired themselues, and sent their clothes to other places. Wherevnto answer was made that his Imperiall Maiestie, had propounded in the last imperiall Dyet held at Ratisbonne, diuers complaints of many Hans townes, to the Estates of the Empire: the aduice of which Estates was written vnto the Queene of England, who did answere so impertinently and discourtuosly, as it is better to conceale it then to publish it. Wherevpon his Imperiall Maiesty hath thought to surcease, vntill other like or more greeuous complaints shall come, to prouide for it by the Imperiall authority: the which his Imperiall Maiesty is fully resolued to imploy, whereby they may easily conceiue that there is not any thing ommitted that D concernes Iustice and the duty of an Emperor. The impertinent and discourteous answere of the Queene of England vnto the letters of the Estates of the Empire, was that she was not much terrified, neither did she regard the threats which were sent her: and that her men did not set vpon any of the Esterlings shippes, but such as did carry prouision for warre, vnto the Spaniards, the which she had forbidden by a publike proclamation, and signified it vnto them. As some yeare before shee had written the like to them of Hambourg; among other points of her answere, she sayd, that she did not impute the threats contained in their letters, to their greatnesse, but to the ignorance or fault of their Secretarie: which shewed sufficiently that her Maiesty wa [...] not terrefied with any threats of whom soeuer; and withall shee knowes well that the Emperor of himselfe hath no meanes to hurt her, nor to make warre against her. Wherevpon the E Admiral insisting verie earnestly to shew himselfe a good seruant, replied. That it was more then necessarie, his Maiesty should declare his pleasure concerning the Hans townes, and prouide some speedy remedy, and not to tollerate any longer the insolencies of the English, who did gnaw the bowells of the Empire. To which importunities of the Admirall, the Emperor knowing well that he could not otherwise prouide for it, answered both to this demand and the former. That at this present the Emperor cannot resolue any other thing touching the towne Aix and the Englishmen, then that which he hath formerly answered. Finally for his sixt demand the Admiral propoūded. The sixt demand. As the King of Spaine had no other meanes to reduce his rebellious subiects to obedience, F but by force: that it would please his Imperial Maiesty, to suffer 6. or 7. Regiments of soldiars to bee leauied on the lands of the Empire, at diuers times, and when they should haue neede: wherevpon the Emperor answered pertinently, knowing well to what intent the King of Spaine demanded it, the which hee had neuer done before, [Page 1152] saying. That it was fit to attend the report of such as are deputed to make motion of 1598. A a peace, before hee granted any Commission to leuie soldiars. And in case the Estates will not gouerne them-selues according vnto reason, then they may take occasion to vse strict and seuere courses, nither could the Catholike King doubt in any sort of the good affection of his Imperiall Maiesty, for that his patience hath suffred him for so many yeares to make the like leuies of men. The which notwithstanding was neuer granted to his aduersaries: who yet haue leuied some, but without the knowledge of his Maiesty hauing no meanes to hinder them, as he would gladly. And to haue his imperiall Maiesty graunt any such thing vnto the king of Spaine by pattent, or by letters of cōmission it were not fit nor conuenient, considering that they haue need of many men against the Turke, whereby a murmuring throughout all the Empire were to be feared, B yet his Imperiall Maiesty is content vnder-hand to yeeld him as much as may be. And if the Estate of the affayers of Hongary will in any sort suffer it, to satisfie his desire, and that openly. Although that this answer was but a kind of complement, as the discourse doth shew, the Spaniard asking no leaue most commonly to make any such leuies, the which he doth when he pleaseth, and when hee hath mony; yet the Admirall to put the Emperor & the Imperiall Chamber in quarrel with the neighbor Princes & Potentats, if that might be granted him by pattent, he insisted by his reply. That patents might bee dispacht, conteyning a commission to leuie men vpon the lands of the Empire, notwithstanding these reasons alleaged to the contrary, which concerne the respect of the Princes of the Empire, and the warre of Hongary, the which in this case should not C fall into consideration, for that the Emperor hath beene suffred to make the like leuies in the Netherlands against the Turke. And whereas the Emperor promiseth to suffer it vnder-hand, that were not sufficient, seeing that no man can make any leuie without leaue.
It is the ordinary practise of the Spaniard rather to suffer the Turke to rule and dominier, then to cease making warre against the Protestants of the relligion, especially against the vnited Prouinces, whom they hold to be worse then Turkes. Wherevnto his Imperiall Maiesty answered, that he could not grant vnto the King of Spaine, a generall pattent or leaue to raise as many regiments of soldiers as hee pleased, seeing that in former times it was not done: they might well haue giuen leaue heretofore to raise some Regiments along the riuer of Danou, confining vpon the Turke, wherein hee D would gratefie him more, if it were possible. But seeing that his imperial Maiesty is not strong inough to endure the burthen of this warre without the assistance of the Princes of the Empire: there is no doubt but at the first campe, and vpon the first occasion, they would charge him and reproch him therewith: whereby his contributions which he hath but by intreaty, and support of the said Princes, would faile him and grow short. Finally the Emperor desiers, that the King of Spaine, as well in this regard as in all other things, would rest assured of his loue and good affection: And how acceptable and welcome this his Ambassador was vnto him. These were the King of Spaines demands vnto the Emperor, the which will appeere more plainly, to what end they tended, E by the sayd Admirall of Arragons actions, being entred into the limits of the Empire with the King of Spaines army; as we will shew in the end of this yeare of our Lord, 1598,
The Estates of the vnited Prouinces had a very expert Maister of their fier-workes, The death of Iohn Bou vier the maister of the fire workes. called Iohn Bouvier a Liegeois, who by his inventions had made sharpe warre against the Spaniard, in all the townes which Prince Maurice had beseeged, comming to the gouernment vnto that day. In May being busie with his seruants to fashion certaine grenadoes or bales of wild fire, with other fire workes for prouision in the towne of Dordrecht, in the places appointed to that end, it happened by misfortune, that the fire with the which they do vse to melt the rosine and other consuming and F deuouring stuffe, fell amongest it, and so came to the grenados, and balles of wild-fire full of smale cannons charged with bullets & heads of nailes, which firing one after another, made a noise, as if a thunder bolt-burst forth, and slue the maister and 3. of his seruants, & carried away the top of the store house, with a great terror, the which doubled [Page 1153] twise, hauing some respite betwixt, the fire lying smothered in that ruinous matter, so 1598. A as no man durst approch, fearing some greater mischiefe: the which was much to be doubted, for that in the sellars vnderneath there were many barrels of poulder, the which were not toucht; the nature of fire being rather to mount vpward, then downward. Yet the losse was very great, and the Maister was much lamented of the Prince and States. Behold how this diuilish arte required his Maister, as the diuill is accustomed to pay his seruants.
At the same time there was another treason discouered, the which was vndertaken An other treason against Princ [...] Maurice. at the perswasion of the Iesuites, against the person of Prince Maurice, by a Flemming called Peter Panne, a poore banquerout, borne in the towne of Ypre. Who vpon certaine speeches deliuered by him, and some suspition gathered thereby, was apprehended B in the towne of Leyden in Holland. You may read the whole discourse in his sentence, and the progresse of his wretched and treacherous desseigne, as followeth.
‘Whereas Peter Panne borne at Ypre, a Cooper by his trade, hauing beene a Broker His sentence. or banquerout Marchant, and at this present a prisoner in the behalfe of the Scout or Bayliffe of Leyden, hath confest, being out of Yrons, and free from torture, that some yeares past hee being accustomed to make prouision of Butter for the Colledge of Iesuites at Douay. It happened that one Melchior Vande-walle, seruant to the sayd Iesuits, cousin germaine to the prisoner, about fiueteene dayes before Shrouetide, came vnto the prisoners house at Ypre, requiring him to send Butter for their Colledge. And as the prisoner was then absent from his house about his affaires, the sayd Vande-walle C staied two or three dayes for him, during the which time he had speech with Mary [...]oyets his wife, who was much addicted to the Iesuites, (as shee afterwards told him) to kill his Excellencie, whom hee called Duke Maurice. That being returned to his house, the sayd Melchior Vande-walle had vsed some speeches to him of it, building vpon the prisoners words that he was wonderfully decayed in his estate, hauing no meanes to satisfie his creditors. The sayd Vande-walle telling him in effect, that hee knew how to free all, if hee would goe into Holland and finde the meanes to kill his Excellencie. And as hee made some difficultie to doe it, hee was sollicited by his owne wife there-vnto, saying, that hee should make no difficultie to kill such seducers and peruerters; and that if she had beene a man, she would vndertake it and execute D it her selfe. And yet the sayd prisoner being still in doubt to vndertake such an action, the sayd Melchior Vanden-walle desired him to goe with him to Douay, to conferre with the Fathers, assigning him to the Rector of the Iesuites. Afterwards the said Vande-walle being returned to Douay, the said prisoner to reckon with diuers persons, and to make his businesse straight, especially with the said Iesuites at Douay, went of Ashwednesday from Ypre towards Lille, from thence to Tournay, and so to Mons, where hee was for a time arrested for debt; from thence hee returned towards Tournay, and so went back againe to Mons, where hee was againe arrested, but beeing deliuered, hee went to Valenciennes and so to Douay, where hee was in the Rogation weeke, and did eate three or foure times with the Prouinciall, Prouost and Rector of the Iesuites, with whom he made his accoumpts, so as there was comming to him some fiue pounds E sixe shillings starling, for the which they referred him to one Nicholas of Lalain a Marchant of hempe. That being with the said Prouinciall, Prouost & Rector of the Iesuits, they had some speech againe with him, of that whereof Melchior had spoken, which was to murther his Excellencie, shewing him the meanes, that beeing a Cooper by his trade, hee should goe into Holland, where hee should worke some fiue, sixe or eight moneths, either at Delft, Leyden, or at the Hage: And in the meane time hee should watch some oportunitie to kill the Prince, either with a knife, Poynard, or Pistoll, which hee should buye and carrie in his pocket, to vse, were it at the Court, in the streete, or in any other place, where he might finde his best aduantage. And the more F to incourage the Prisoner, the Prouinciall made as it were halfe a sermon, with a long discourse of the merite of such a worke, and what a sacrifice it would be to kill such a man, who did seduce, yea murther so many poore soules: whereby he might purchase Paradise, which hauing done hee should finde the meanes to escape, and saue himselfe [Page 1152] [...] [Page 1153] [...] [Page 1159] as well as hee could. And if it should chance that hee should dye there, 1598 A that hee was assured to goe directly into eternall life, and that hee should bee lifted vp into heauen both body and soule, with many other intycing words: so as in the end by the goodly perswasions and sweete words of the sayd Iesuists, (wherein they are their crafts masters) he suffered himselfe to be so seduced, as he vndertooke to put it in execution, through dispaire, by reason of his debts, so as he neuer thought of any danger that might befall him, nor of his wife nor children, in regard of the profit which he did hope to reape thereby: for the sayd Iesuits had promised and assured him, that in executing this murther, he should haue two hundred pounds starling, which should be paied him by the treasure of the towne of Ypre, by fifty pounds by the yeare, taken out of the hundred pounds which the sayd Iesuits receiue yearely out of that B towne, by reason of their Seminarie and instruction of the youth in the Latin tongue. Secondly that there should be giuen vnto the prisoner the office of messenger of Ypre worth a hundred pounds a yeare: And although the office were not in the Iesuits disposition, yet he should rest assured thereof, seeing it was but the writing of a letter, the which they durst not refuse: Thirdly that Hansken Panne his sonne should bee made Chanoine of Tournaye. Vpon all which presentations and promises the said prisoner hauing confessed himselfe the next day to the Prouinciall, going to say masse, hee had absolution, and therevpon receiued the Sacrament. During the which confession hee promised againe to execute this designe. Wherevpon the Prouinciall sayd vnto him, these words, Go in peace, for thou shalt go like an Angell in the gard of God. And to aduance his voiage hee receiued a letter of exchange from the sayd Iesuits for twelue C pounds to receiue at Antwerp of one Francis Thibault dwelling neere the Iacopins, with which dispatch and resolution the prisoner parted from Douay, came to the Abbay of Flines from thence by Orchies to Tournay, then to Oudenarde, Dendermonde, Basserode and so by boate to Antwerp: where hauing receiued the sayd twelue pounds, he sent eleauen pounds with his cloake and his breaches to his wife by one Deric Bul dwelling nere the corne market of Zeeland, to maintaine her house and to clothe her children: sending withall a letter to his wife, and writing that hee went into Holland for the businesse she wot of, and that shee should pray vnto God for him. So the prisoner, with this resolution and without pasport, hauing hidden himselfe in a ship came D into Zeeland, and from thence came into this towne on Saterday the 23. of May. But being arriued here he had changed his minde, and was not intended to do any thing (as he saith) considering with himselfe that vndertaking such an act to kill such a person, and to put the countrie into great garboyles, hee did runne headlong to his death: and there-with-all had a remorse of conscience. Of which confessions the prisoner hauing beene often heard and examined; in the space of ten or twelue daies, and still persisting, without any torture or irons, with protestation that all was true, and that therein hee would liue and die. The sayd prisoner hauing at euery time a great greefe of heart, falling vpon his knees, with his hands lift vp to hauen cryed for mercie, and that they would pardon him, seeing they had so seduced him being an innocent, E promising that if they would saue his life, to do (as hee sayd he had the meanes) great seruice vnto the country, and that he could soone deliuer them some Iesuites.’
‘All which being of bad consequence, hauing in this sort intended to kill and murther the sayd famous Prince Maurice, borne Prince of Orange, Earle of Nassau &c. Gouernor and captaine Generall of the vnited Prouinces, and by that meanes depriue the sayd Prouinces of their head and of the great and notable seruices: which they receiue, and which by the grace of God he doth for the defence and protection of the said Prouinces and the good Inhabitants thereof, togither with the preseruation and defence of the Christian reformed religion, and of the freedomes, liberties and priuiledges of the sayd countries; to the rooting out of the imperious rule of the Spaniards: and to put F the said Prouinces into great trouble, danger of ruine, and entier desolation. The which ought not to bee tollerated in a country of Iustice: but that such wicked, abominable, and execrable designes, attempts, and murthers, should be punished with all extreamity, to the terror and example of others. To the end that not any one shall hereafter [Page 1155] suffer himselfe to bee seduced and suborned, by this bloudie and murtherous Iesuitical 1598. sect, the which as it is notorions to all the world, seeke out a thousand practises, treasons and murtherous designes, and put them in practise, to murther all Kings, Princes and Potentates, which will not adhere to the Popes superstitions (which they call the Catholike, Romish Religion). Wherevpon the Sheriffes of the towne of Leyden, hauing seene and heard the criminall conclusion taken by the scout of the said towne against the prisoner, for the causes aboue mentioned. Hauing also heard the consession of the prisoner, with the informations and all other circumstances. And hauing thereon the aduice of the deputies of the Estates of Holland and West-Friseland, with opinions of the great and Prouinciall councels, being thereto required by the said Estates, hauing considered all with mature deliberation and councell, doing Iustice in the B name and behalfe of the soueraigne Magistrate of the countries of Holland, Zeland and West-Friseland. They haue for the cause aboue mentioned condemned the said prisoner, where they are accustomed to do Iustice vpon malefactors, and there to be executed by the sword. And his head to be set vpon the Boulwarke of Witteport, his bodie to be cut in foure quarters, his bowels to be buried, and his quarters to be hanged vpon the foure gates, declaring his goods to bee confisked to the benifit of the countrie of Holland. Thus done and Iudged by Maister Francis Vander Merwen, Ian Isenhoursen Vander Nesse, Franc Cornelisen Van Thorenvlyet, Cornellis Thibour, Clais Cornelisen Vanden Noort and Ian Van Baesdorp the yonger, the two and twenty day of Iune, and the same day the prisoner was executed.’ C
The King of Spaine sent vnto Cardinal Albert in the beginning of this yeare, about Foure thousand Spaniards sent to the Cardinal. foure thousand foote of Spaniards, vnder the leading of Don Sanchio de Leva, beeing commanded by foure Collonels, in forty ships great and smal: whereof the smaler entred into Calais without any danger, for that the Estates shippes of warre were forced to way anchor by reason of the foule wether. But the torment beeing past, they came time ynough to take one of the greatest, in the which there were 150. Spaniards, Alonzo Sanches de Villareal and two Pilots; & to make foure more run on ground, the which the Spaniard did willingly to saue the soldiars that were in them. These pilots beeing brought to Flussing and examined, confest, that there were twelue Gallions sent to the Tercers, to fetch the treasure which was come from the Indaes: and that they had left some 70. ships at the Groyne whereof foure were furnished like men of warre, with about D 2000. Spaniards and Italians. The generall Sanchio de Leva hauing lodged these troupes in diuers parts in Flanders, went to Brussels, which made many suppose that the Cardinall did not greatly trust the soldiars that were borne in the country, which made them begin to contemne him. On the other side the general Estates of the vnited Prouinces, perceiuing that the trafficke and negotiation with Spaine (by reason of the The vnited Prouinces saile to the Indes. dayly arrests of their ships, goods & marriners) decaied: finding themselues freed from the bridle of the Spaniard (who would neuer suffer them to saile to the East or West Indes, to Ginney, nor to the Molucques) they gaue leaue to their marchants to saile thether, yea they assisted them with artillery and other munition, to goe and seeke trade in the East Indies, and in those Islands, wheras the Portugal had no command. So as foure E ships were set forth by the marchants of Amsterdam, the one named Maurice, (of the Princes name) the 2. Holland, the 3. Amsterdam, and the 4. beeing but a pinasse, was called the Doue: these hauing doubled the Cape of Bona Espranza, seene the Island of Madagascar, bin at Sumatra, at Iaua Maior, in the towne of Bantan, at Saint Helena and in many other Islands, from whence they brought certaine boyes whom they caused to learne the Dutch tongue, they returned into Holland in August the yeare before. And this yeare 1598. (as in the first voyage they had not made any great proffit) meaning to returne with the same ships, an other company of marchants ioyned with them raighting forth eight ships, all called by the names of the eight vnited Prouinces: their F parted from Texel the first of May, they returne and successe you shal heare afterwards.
Balthazar of Moucheron (who had before sent to descouer the straight northwards) did also send two ships out of Zeeland to the said Islands, the one called the Lion, the other the Lionesse. And in the like manner certaine marchants of Middelbourg sent [Page 1156] forth three, the Sunne, the Moone and an other: the Moone discharging her cannon 1598 A right against England, the port-holes beeing through negligence left open, the shippe (whether that shee were ill balasted, or that the helme was not turn'd in time) lying on the one side, the water entred sodainely and in such aboundance, as it was not possible to recouer her, but she sonke presently, with many men and much siluer, which they had to buy their commodities.
An other company of famous Marchants of Rotterdam did set forth fiue shippes, whereof the Admirall was called the Hope, and commanded by Iames Mathieu a worthy marchant. These parted the 26. of Iune from the Island of Bryele, with about fiue hundred men, among the which there were many soldiars: taking their course to Bresil, and to the Straights of Magellan, and so farther to seeke their aduenture and trafficke. B The eight and twenty of March the signior of Moucheron sent fiue ships more with a hundred and fifty souldiars and two hundred marriners, by the consent and authority of Prince Maurice, vnder the conduct of captaine Iulian Van Cleerhagan, as generall (of whom mention is made in the tumult of Vtrecht) and of Gerard Stribos as Admiral, hauing all charge to go to the Island del Principe. Their voiage in going was not so fortunat as Moucheron would haue desired, for whereas it is commonly sailed in two monethes, they were almost fiue vpon the way, hauing great contrarieties of winde, and some mischances, they arriued at the Islande del Principe on the ninth of August, whereas they found the shippe of Anthony Clere which was of their company, in the which Cornellis of Moucheron Nephew to the signior of Moucheron commanded. Who being well knowne in the sayd Island, by reason of his great trafficke hee had C had with them, and hauing prepared all things for his vncles seruice, he gaue directions vnto the General Cleerhagen, by the which he made himselfe maister of the place without striking stroke, for the sayd Cornellis had aduertised the Islanders before, that the signior of Moucheron was in person in the fleete, who passing that way was desirous to salute them, and to recommend his men vnto them, who commonly past that way; intreating them in his name that they would goe aboord his shippe. So as both the new and the old Gouernor, the father Vicar of the place, and all the officers vnto the number of fifteen of the chiefe came aboard, where they were verie kindly entertained.
Then after they had made good cheere, the generall Cleerhagen lets them vnderstand D why hee was come thether with his fleete; deliuering them the letters of the signior of Moucheron, with the commission and will of Prince Maurice, of whom they depended. These Islanders seeing themselues thus surprized; seemed to bee very glad of their comming: and consented presently to their demand, and after they had taken an oth of fidelitie in the hands of the sayd Cleerhagen, they went all to land, whereas the generall was in the name of the signior of Moucheron proclaimed Gouernor of the Island. There after the oth taken, the Spaniards and Islanders thinking to shake of the yoake (which yet was not after the Spanish manner) made a conspiracie, by the perswasion of the father Vicar, and in an instant came with great furie to assaile their men, but they were so withstood as their designe prooued vaine, which they finding they E scattered and retired themselues, but least they should grow strange, there was (by the aduice of the Generalls counsell, and of all the Commanders of the fleete) a pardon proclaimed of all that was past, the which made them returne, and submit themselues againe vnto the generall; betwixt whom and the Portugals and Islanders was made a new accord more stricter then before. So as they liued a moneth or sixe weekes in good peace and quietnesse. But as the sayd Generall Cleerhagen carried himselfe in all his actions like a disordered man, regarding more his owne particular then his charge, hauing no respect to the order that was prescribed him, and carelesse to build vp the forts which had beene designed, hauing good meanes to effect it. The which the Portugals and Islanders considering, they conspired againe: which beeing come vnto F the Generals knowledge, hee found meanes to seize vpon the author, which was the Padre Vicario, meaning to make his processe and to doe Iustice: And as Francis Fort Nephew also to Moucheron, treasurer of the Island with Stephen Quaresmo the Iudge, went to visit the sayd Vicarios house, beeing negligent of their businesse, they [Page 1157] were both slaine by the slaues of the sayd Vicario, which caused a third tumult: for the 1598. A councell beeing incensed with this treacherous act, they presently dispatcht Vicarios processe, who was condemned and hanged with one of his complices, which made a friend of the Vicarios to send for succors to the Island of Saint Thome, to the Gouernor Don Antonio de Meneses, who about a moneth after sent the Gouernor of Castel del Mina [...]in Guine with fiue hundred soldiars: who so perswaded the slaues and the Islanders, as they resolued all ioyntly togither to make head against the signior of Moucherons men.
In the meane time the generall Cleerhagen, being suspected to haue beene of the faction with them which had caused Le Fort and Quaresmo to be murthered, and thereof accused and reproched to his face by one of the sea captaines; seeing his mallice descouered, B he fell sicke of griefe and melancholy, so as he died within fifteene dai [...]s. And as hee had in no sort obserued the orders which the signior of Moucheron had prescribed him, nor had any care of the health of his soldiars, hee was the cause that most of them fell sicke. So as after the death of Cleerhagen the Admirall Stribos succeeded in his place: who had not so good meanes to resist the enemie as hee desired. Yet taking courage, being verie actiue and willing to take paines, not considering the Clyma [...] of the countrie, laboring at the fortification of the place (the which Cleerhagen should haue done in the beginning) to giue example vnto others, he fell also sicke, and hauing had the Gouernment about three weekes hee died. The rest of Moucherons men seeing themselues depriued of their head, made as it were a pettie Senat of foure C men, which were Cornellis Moucheron, George Speelberch, Adrien Leo and Stephen Iansen, vpon whom all matters both for pollicie and warre in the sayd Island should depend. But after they had endured the crosses of their enemies about a moneth, seeing themselues destitute of souldiars, the beganne to faint, and to loose all hope to maintaine themselues long in a place so farre from succors, against so many and so strong enemies, in regard of the small number of men they were: In the end being neither chased nor forced away, they did abandon the place, and the fort of Pauesson, after they had set fire of it all, and then they imbarked and went to sea. Fifteene daies after their departure, the sayd signior of Moucheron sent them supplies both of men and victuals, but they came to late. Behold how this Island was wonne and lost in a short time: the which is a place of great importance for the commoditie of the hauen, D which is great and capable to hold fiue hundred ships, the which in time might haue beene a great benifit to the vnited Prouinces.
Many other ships went this yeare out of Holland and Zeelande, as well to the East and West Indies, Bresil, Castel de Mine, as to other coastes of Affrike and Guine [...], the which were esteemed to bee about foure score shippes: Besides those which sailed into Suria and Greece, as to Constantinople, Aex [...]dria, Trepoli, Patrassa, Chio, Al [...]ppo and others, by grant and preuiledge from the great Turke, obtained by the French Kings Ambassador, vnder the banner and name of the French King, as well as the French did in the yeare of our Lord 1569. which preuiledge was dated in the moneth or moone Ranazan in the yeare of Mahomet, a thousand and sixe, which comes to the E yeare of the incarnation. 1598.
There fell out at that time a new trouble in the towne of Emden, which was. That New troubles in Emd [...]n. the sayd towne finding it selfe greatly indebted by reason of the precedent tumults, and which did yet continue against the Earle of East Friseland their Protector, as well for the pursuing of their right, as to pay the annuall pension which according to their treatie they did owe vnto the sayd Earle. Hauing now but small meanes left to maintayne themselues against the practises of the sayd Lord, but that the Magistrate with the consent of the Bourgois, should raise some newe Imposition to supplie their wants. The which hauing propounded to their cittizens, the Earle laboring F to recouer his former vsurped authoritie, the which by the contract of Delfzyel had beene lymited, he practised by the meanes of some men which were corrupted, to be at his deuotion, to hinder the grant and consent of this Imposition, thereby to make the towne of Emden poore and needy. Herevpon he gained a Cofrer (which was [Page 1153] one that had some charge of the treasor) to whome commission was giuen in writing, [...]8 to stirre vp troubles, and to draw partisans vnto him, who together might haue A kept a port open, by the which his soldiars (the which hee had long before leuied vppon diuers pretexts) might enter into the towne. And the more easely to atteine vnto it, and to giue some respect and authority vnto this interprise, hee sent two of his young sonnes into the towne, who remayned in the Castle attending the execution. This maister Cofrer came with his commissiō to certaine men of the Flaccien sect, which is a kinde of relligion couered vnder the cloake of that of the Martinists (who they say hold the confession of Ausbourg) of the which hee wonne some so farre as they consented: among them hee came vnto one which had beene of the said sect, but hee was retired and become of the Protestants Relligion; who discouerd all this practise vnto the Magistrat, who presently sent for the Cofrer, and after some questions B and denialls, in the end hee confest that hee had such a commission from the Earle, the which being in the hands of one of the young Noblemen in the Castle, hee offred to fetch it him-selfe and to bring it them, where-vpon they let him goe. But afterwards bethinking them-selues they caused him to be followed and well garded in his house where the said commission was found. The night following hee was led to the councell house, where hee was often examined, and in the end put to the racke, where hee confest that one Iohn Groenen brother in law to one Fonck who at that time was at Brusselles with the Cardinall Albert, and had hereto fore beene prisoner in Holland for the like cause (but deliuered without any harme) was the cheefe conductor of this bvsines, with some others, who were all taken prisoners, and their papers seazed on. C Where-vpon some of the Magistrats were deputed to go vnto the Castle to the young Noblemen, and to let them vnderstand that it was ill done of the Earle their father (and of them if they had any knowledge thereof) to seeke to go against a contract so sollemnely past by him, and authorized by the Emperor, whereof they excused themselues saying, that they had not herd speake thereof: And although they were required to remaine in the towne, yet not daring attend a popular tumult, they retired the 9. of May. Among the papers of Iohn Groenen, there were found many coppies of letters and instructions written vnto the Earle, and some letters from Fonck: which said that seeing the Earle did find that he was abandoned by the Emperor and the Empire (for that D they of Emden had a little before obtained a sentence against him to their benifit in the Imperiall Chamber at Spier) that he must seeke some other support else where: so as there was no better, none more redy, nor more mighty, then the King of Spaine, nor that would willingly vndertake it, that he should practise to make him-selfe maister of the towne: which hauing done, that he should suffer the King of Spaine to entertaine the head of an army in his Conty of East Freezland, who might serue him, as well by land vpon the riuers of Ems and Dollrad, whereby he might be restored to his first authority. The insatible ambition of man is strange, his Earle who had more credit in the said towne, then any of his Predecessors in the said Conty, (who of gentlemen had by armes gotten this estate ouer their neighbors, were it by right or wrong, whereof he was the fourth Earle) euer had; yet not contenting him-selfe with the Magistrate and E people of the said towne, which is one of the Hans Imperial townes, held immediatly of the Empire: and that they had freely and willingly receiued him for their protector, and in respect thereof did giue him an annuell pension or gratuity: he sought by all meanes to make them his Vassalls, yea rather his slaues, and to depriue them of all their Imperiall priuiledges, granted by so many good Emperors, taking violently from them their ancient liberties and freedomes. But in the end he reaped little honor & lesse profit of all his attempts, surcharging his poore subiects of the champian country to maintaine his attempts against the said towne. But let vs finish this busines: Among the said papers there were some found making mention of this enterprise and how it F should be managed, whereby the Maigistrat knew plainely what the Earles practise and intent was, which made them seeke to seze vpon the partisans of this conspiracy, wherof some fled and left the towne, wherevpon the Maigistrate was induced (although that the towne were greatly charged) to giue order to the captaine to leuy 300. men at their [Page 1154] charge, writing vnto Cont Willian Lewis of Nassau, gouernor of the contries of Freezeland 1598. A and Groning for the Estates, that it would please him for their preseruation, if neede required, to assist them with some men, to be redy at hand The said gouernor not onely granted them, but he also caused some of the captaines of the neighbor garrisons to discharge some of their men, who were presently entertained by them of Emden: so long as this trouble continued, which was to the end of May, and was appeazed by the death of the Cofrer and of Iohn Groenen, who were beheadded, and by the banishment of some other prisoners, whereof some were condemned in great fines. Then the Earle tooke occasion to complaine of them of Emden to the Imperial chamber, accusing them The Earle complains of them of Emden to the Imperiall chamber. to haue broken the contract, where-vpon he obtayned a commission of adiornement, the which was signified vnto them, to appeere in the said chamber the 16. of August the B same yeare 1598. At which day he propounded for a complaint, among other things that they of Emden had with the soldiars of the vnited Prouinces, made an irruption vpon the lands and iurisdictions of Marienhoue, Visquart, Prostthumb and other places: to haue taken many prisoners, to haue put to death Iohn Groenen and Iohn Kemps, after they had greeuously tortured them; to haue vnworthely intreated his two sonnes, the Earles Iohn and Christoper being at Emden with his instructions and by his commandement: to haue vsed a notary ill; to haue forced a new oth from the youth of the towne, with other points, where-vpon the Earle and they of Emden entred into new quarrells one against another, and the ould were reuiued; of the issue wherof we will treat in the yeare following. C
We haue made mention of an Edict made by the King of Spaine at Pardo, by the which he dispensed with him-selfe not to pay his debts, retayn [...]ng all his assiguations The King of Spaine makes a new contract for the payment of his debts. vpon his reuenues, giuen by him in payment vnto Marchants which had furnished him with great summes: But now meaning to discharge his conscience better, and fealing him-selfe at the graues brinke, hee made another contract of the 14 of February this yeare 1598. with Hector Pocamillo, Ambrosio Somola, Francisco de Maluenda, and Iohn Iacomo Grimaldi, hauing ample Procuration from all the other Marchants, who dad negotiated with his Maiesty for the lending of mony. By the which contract hauing first excused him-selfe for that which was giuen at Pardo, he confirmes the assignations giuen by him vpon the said demaynes, vpon condition that for an ouer plus and new Loane they should furnish him with the summe of seauen millions, and two hundred thousand ducatspaiable D euery moneth, two hundred and fifty thousand ducats to the Archduke, Cardinall Albert, to defray the charges of the warre in the Netherlands, and that for the space of 19 moneths, whereof the first paiment should be expired the last of Ianuary, the said yeare 98. making for the Netherlands foure millions and a halfe. The rest to be payed in his realme of Spaine, or else where, at his good pleasure, And by this meanes the King of Spaine (being resolued to giue his daughter the Infanta vnto the Cardinall Albert) would shew that he would not leaue him in need of mony for the continuance of the warre against the vnited Prouinces.
There is in Flanders a fort called Patience, which a Wallon corporall in the yeare 1595. deliuered vnto the Estates of Zeeland, there were this yeare some French men in The fort of Patience sold by the French vnto the Spaniards. E garrison in this fort, who dealing after the same manner with the Estates, sold it and deliuered it vnto the Spaniards. In the midest of Aprill the Duke of Writembergh Earle of Montbeliard, sent an ambassador to the vnited Prouinces, to demande that his subiects might trafficke freely & vnder their safe conduct throughout the Netherlands by the riuer of Neckar, which descends into the Rhine, and that they would furnish him with some sufficient man for riuers and waters, to make the said riuer of Neckar more nauigable. His demand was granted touching the commerce; and with the Ambassador there was sent on Iohn Bradley, a man very expert in water works. The 9. of Iuly the town of Calais was restored to the French King, into the hands of the Earle of S. Pol and the Calais and the other townes restored to the French King. F Siegnor of Viques who was made Gouernor, entring into it with 2000. men, after that the artillery and munition had beene drawne forth, according to the contract, and sent to S. Omer. The Spanish troupes within Ardes and Dourlans, being mutined for their pay, made some difficulty for a time, but in the end they were pacefied, and went out [Page 1160] in August following: the like did they of Monthulin, Chastelet and la Capelle in Tyerash: 1598. A But Blauet was not so soone yeelded, vntill that the Duke of Merceur was reconciled vnto the King, treating the marriage of Caesar Monsieur the kings Bastard and Duke of Vendosme with this Dukes daughter, wherevpon Blauet, and all other places which had beene held in Brittane, in the name of the Infanta of Spaine, were yeelded.
The King of Spaine finding his strength and helth to decay daily, being desirous to see an end of the resolution which hee had taken, to giue the Lady Isabella his eldest daughter in marriage to the Archduke Albert his Nephew, although he were aduanced The King of Spaine giues his eldest daughter to Cardinall Albert with the Netherlands and Bourgogne. to great Ecclesiasticall dignities, and namely to the rich Archbishoprike of Toledo: he called in his presence (in the towne of Madril) the 6. of May Prince Philip his only sonne, being about 20. yeares old, being accompanied by Don Gomes d' Auila Marquis of Vellada, gouernor and Lord Stuard of Prince Phillips house, Don Christophel de Mora Earle B of Castel-Rodrigo great commander of Leon, all three councellors of State, and Nicholas Damant Knight, councellor, President and Chancellor of Brabant, with the secretary for the affaiers of the Netherlands, Laloo, and no more, whereas the rosolution of the cession and transaction of the Netherlands made by the King vnto his said daughter, was read, signed, and sealed in the French tong as followeth.
Phillip by the grace of God King. &c. To all present and to come that shall see, read and heare these letters, greeting. Whereas we haue thought it fit and conuenient as well for the generall good of all Christendome, as of our Netherlands, not to deferre any longer the mariage of our deere and wel-beloued eldest daughter the Infanta Isabella Clara Eugenia: A coppy of the letters of transaction of the Netherlands to the In [...]anta. C being the more inclined therevnto for the preseruation of our house, and for certaine other good respects; In consideration also of the loue we beare vnto our most deere and welbeloued brother, cosin and Nephew, the Archduke Albert, gouernor and captaine generall of our Netherlands, and of Bourgogne in our name, hauing cast our eyes vpon his person, and chosing him to be future husband to our eldest daughter, as well by the consent of our holy father the Pope, who hath there-vpon granted his dispensation, as also hauing imparted it to the most high, most excellent and most mighty Prince, our most deere and wel-beloued brother, cousin and nephew, Rodolphus the second of that name Emperor of the Romaines, and in like manner to our most deere & wel-beloued good sister the Empresse his mother. All which considered, and to the end our said daughter may (as reason requiers) haue meanes according to her graces, vertues D and merits. And the rather to giue a testimony of our behalfes of the great loue and affection which we haue alwaies borne, and do yet beare vnto our countries of the Netherlands and Bourgogne, we haue resolued to giue vnto our said daughter, in ayde and fauor of the said marriage our said Netherlands, and all that depends thereon, in the forme and manner as shall be hereafter set downe and specified: And that by the meanes and mediation, will and consent of our most deere and wel-beloued good Sonne Prince Phillip our onely Sonne and heyre, according to the aduertisments which haue beene giuen by vs and our said Sonne, to the heads and Noblemen, knights of our order, councellors and Estates of our said Netherlands, being vnder our obedience, together with them of our country and Conty of Bourgogne, who haue shewed and testefied by their E answers, the ioy and contentment which they haue had of this our kind resolution: the which they know and confesse to bee so necessary for the good of our Netherlands: Being the true meanes to attaine vnto a good peace and vnion, and to be discharged of this painfull warre: wherewith they haue beene afflicted for so many yeares; which peace and rest we haue alwaies wished and desired, considering also (the which is notorious to all the world) that the greatest happines which a country may inioy, is to see them-selues gouerned by the eye and presence of their Prince and naturall Lord. God is our witnes of the paine and care we haue often had that we could not performe that in person which we willingly desired, if the affaiers of great importance of our realmes F of Spaine, had not tied vs to continue our residence there, and not to absent our selfe, as we yet are bound at this houre. And although for the age of the Prince our sonne, it seemes, it might be now more conuenient, then at our first voiage, yet the will of GOD hath beene such, hauing giuen vs so many Realmes and Prouinces, in the which there ‘[Page 1161] want neuer affaires of great importance, by reason whereof his presence is here very 1598. A requisite. Wherefore we haue thought it expedient to take this good resolution, not to suffer the Netherlands to runne into the inconueniences which they haue done heretofore together with the reasons of portion and partage, which we ought to make vnto our said daughter the Infanta, according to her merits & the greatnesse of her birth. Wherefore we giue all men to vnderstand, that desiring now to put duly in effect, that which hath beene resolued by vs: to transport vnto our said daughter the Infanta, in aduancement of the said marriage, all our said Netherlands and Bourgogne, in manner and forme, and with the conditions here-after mentioned.’
‘1. The first condition is: that the said Infanta our daughter, shall ioyne in marriage with the Archduke Albert, and that by way of donation or gift, shee receiue our sayd B Netherlands, and the Contie of Bourgogne: and in case the said marriage should bee hindred by any occasion whatsoeuer: then this present donation or cession shall bee voide and take no effect; as in that case we do presently reuoke and disanull it.’
‘2. Item, that the children and successors of this marriage, be they males or females, lawfully borne and no bastards: although it were by a future marriage, the elder going before the yonger, and the male the female, shall from hand to hand successiuely bee heires in the same degree of all the said prouinces ioyntly, without taking away or ecclipsing any thing. Declaring that the eldest sonne or daughter of the father deceased, shall be preserre [...] before the Vncles or any other of the collaterall line.’
‘3. Item vpon condition, that if there be neither sonne nor daughter (which God C forbid) of this marriage: or that they bee dead, after the death either of the Archduke Albert, or our daughter the Infanta, comming of this present marriage, the said donation, cession and transport, shall be voide & of no force. In which case if our said daughter the Infanta should remaine a widdow, her lawfull portion on the fathers side, & her donation of the mothers side, such as shall belong vnto her, shall follow her: beside that which wee or our sonne the Prince shall doe for the loue wee beare her. And if the said Archduke Albert, should suruiue the said Infanta, he shall remaine Gouernor of the said countries, in the name of the Prince Proprietary, to whom they shall fall.’
‘4. Item vpon condition, that if all the descendants males and females proceeding of their marriage should chance to faile, so as there should not any one remaine that is D called to these countries. In that case they shall all returne vnto the King of Spaine, which shall be descended of vs. And according to this donation and cession, in that case we make him donatarie presently, as being giuen vnto him.’
‘5. Item, vpon condition, that whosoeuer shall be Princesse and Lady of the said Netherlands, shall marry with the King of Spaine or the Prince his sonne, that shall bee then liuing, with a dispensation, if need shall require. And if then they haue not the will nor the power to make any such marriages for themselues, in that case the Lady cannot take any husband, nor meddle with any donation, nor any part thereof, without the aduise and consent of vs and our heires and successors in our said realme of Spaine, which shall be issued from vs. And in case of contrauention, all that hath bin giuen and granted, shall returne, as if this donation, cession and transport had neuer beene made.’ E
‘6. Item vpon condition that our said daughter the Infanta, nor any other called to the said succession, shal not for any cause whatsoeuer, part nor diuide the said countries, nor giue or exchange without our consent, & of those shall succeed vs in these realmes.’
‘7. Item that euery Prince and Lord of those countries, shall be bound to marry their sonnes and daughters with our consent, & of those shall be our heires Kings of Spaine.’
‘8. Item that our said daughter the Infanta, nor her husband, nor any of their successors, to whom the sayd countries shall descend, shall in any sort whatsoeuer, negotiate, traffick, or contract to the East and West Indies, neither shall they send any sorts of ships, vnder any coulour or pretext so-euer: vpon paine that the sayd countries in F case of contrauention shall be forfeited by them. And if any subiects of the said countries should presume to goe contrary to the defences; the Lords of the said countries shal punish thē by confiscation of their goods, & other grieuous paines, yea with death.’
‘9. Item, that if the said Archduke Albert our good cousin, should suruie our daughter the Infanta, leauing either sonne or daughter, that he shall haue the gouernment of such [Page 1162] sonne or daughter, with the managing of all their goods, as if our daughter the Infanta 1598. A were yet liuing. And ouer and besides our said cousin the Archduke, shall in that case enioy and reape the fruites during his life, entertaining the said children according to their qualitie, giuing vnto the eldest sonne or daughter the country and Duchie of Luxembourg, and the countie of Chiny, which shall belong vnto them, to inioy it during the fathers life: after whose decease that child shall haue all as sole heire. Being here expresly declared, that this clause of vsufrute shall be vnderstood, onely in fauour of our good Cousin the Archduke Albert; and not to be drawne in consequence. To the end that none of his successors may vrge any president, nor pretend right in the like case.’
‘10. Item for that it is the principall and greatest bond aboue all others: that all the B children and descendants of the said marriage, shall follow the holy religion which doth now presently shine in them, and shall liue and dye in our holy Catholick faith, as the holy church of Rome doth teach and entertaine: and that before they shall take possession of the sayd Netherlands, they shall take an othe in the same forme that it is set downe in the article following. And in case (which God forbid) that any of the said descandants should decline from the sayd religion, and fall into heresie, after that our Holy father the Pope hath pronounced them so, they shall be depriued of the administration, possession and propertie of the said Prouinces: and that the vassals & subiects thereof shall no more obey them; but they shall admit and receiue the next that is a Catholick of the same descent, which should succeed vnto such a one that is fallen C from the faith: and that hereticke shall be as if he were naturally dead.’
‘Ego Iuro ad sancta Dei Euangelia, quod semper ad extremum vitae meae spiritum, sacrosanctam fidem Catholicam quam tenet, docet & predicat, sancta, Catholica & Apostolica Ecclesia The oth of the Prince [...]f the Netherlands. [...]omana (communium Ecclesiarum mater & Magistra) constanter profitebor, & fideliter firmiter (que) [...]redam & veraciter tenebo; at (que) eam a meis subditis teneri, doceri & predicari (quantum in me erit) curabo. Sic me Deus adiuuet & hec sancta Euangelia.’
‘11. Item, that for the greater assurance and confirmation of the peace, loue, and correspondencie which ought to be betwixt the King and his realmes, our descendants and successors, and the Princes and Lords of those countries, being also our successors, enery one of thē which hereafter shall come vnto the possession of the said Netherlands D and Bourgogne, shall aduow, approoue, and ratifie, what is conteined in this article.’
‘12. And for a much as our intention and will is, that the said articles shall take full effect by their meaens. We giue, grant, quit, transport, renounce and accord, in gift of fee, & in the best and most auaileable forme, way and manner, that may be deuifed by law, to the Infanta Isabella, Clara, Eugenia, our most deare and best beloued eldest daughter, All our Netherlands, and euery Prouince thereof, with the Country and County of Bourgogne, comprehending that of Charolois therin, the Duchies, Principalities, Marquisats and forts, which are in our Netherlands and Bourgogne, together with all the regalities, and all sorts of iurisdictions, which wee might pretend by reason of the same, as also all preheminences, gards, and all other kind of soueraignty whatsoeuer, in the same forme they are now, or E may be ours, to haue the full possession as wee haue had, without any exception, vpon charge notwithstanding, that they shall inuiolably obserue all here aboue mentioned, & the Pragmatick made by the deceased of immortall memory, the Emperor my Lord & father (who is in glory) in the month of Nouember 1549. touching the vnion of the said Netherlands, without consenting to any separation thereof, for any cause whatsoeuer.’
‘13. And it is our intention: that in regard of this donation, our said daughter the Infanta, and her future husband the Archduke Albert, shall be charged and bound, to pay and acquit all debts, made by vs, or in our name, or by his deceased Imperiall Maiesty vpon our patrimonie and demaines of the said Netherlands, and of the Contie of Bourgogne; and they shall bee also tied and bound to beare and discharge all the rents, annuities, F for life, and all other donations, pensions and recompences, which his said Imperiall Maiestie, wee or our predecessors haue made to any persons whatsoeuer.’
‘And so we do make, create and name by these presents, our said daughter the Infanta, Princesse and Lady of the said Netherlands, and Earle of Bourgongne and Charalois.’
[Page 1163] ‘We do also grant vnto our said daughter, that ouer and aboue the particular titles of euerie A of the said Prouinces of the Netherlands, and countie of Bourgoigne, she may also write, intitle, 1598 and name her selfe Duchesse of Bourgoigne, notwithstanding that we haue reserued (for so long as it shall please vs) for our selues, and for the prince our sonne, the said title of Duke of Bourgoigne, with all the rights that may belong vnto vs, together with the soueraigntie of our order of the Golden Fleece, whereof we retaine the power vnto our selues, to dispose hereafter as we shal think most fit. We consent and agree, and do suffer our said daughter the Infanta, giuing her absolute & irreuocable power, of her own priuat authority, without any further consent to be demaunded, by her selfe, or by her deputies sent to her future husband, to take full and absolute possession of the said Netherlands, and of the countie of Bourgoigne, and Charolois: And to that end to cause the generall Estates of the said countrey to assemble, or B the particular Estates in euerie prouince, or els to obserue any other course that shalbe thought fitting for this donation, cession, and transport, to signifie it, & to take an othe to the Estates and the subiects of the said countries, to demaund the inuestiture and admittance to euerie peece and seigniorie, if the case shall so require: As also to receiue a fit othe of them, to bind them to al that wherunto they were reciprocally bound by precedent othes. Andvntil our said daughter shall haue taken, or caused to be taken in her name, the reall possession of the said Netherlands and countie of Bourgoigne and Charolois, in that maner as it is set downe by her patent, wee doe make and constitute our selfe possessor thereof, in the name and behalfe of our said daughter.’
‘In witnesse whereof we will and ordaine, That the same letters patents bee deliuered vnto C her, granting vnto our daughter the Infanta, to retaine, admit, and establish in the said Netherlands and Bourgoigne, Gouernours, Iudges, and Iustices, as well for the preseruation and defence thereof, as for the administration of iustice and policie, and the receit of reuenues, or otherwise. And moreouer, to do all that which a true princesse, ladie of the inheritance of the said countries, by right, or according to the customes, might or ought to doe, and as wee haue done, and might yet doe; alwayes obseruing the conditions hereunto inserted: To which effect we haue quitted, absolued, and discharged, and doe quit, absolue, and discharge by these presents, al bishops, abbots, prelats, and other church men, dukes, princes, marquesses, earls, barons, gouernors, heads and captaines of the countrey, townes, courts, presidents, men of our counsell, chancellors, them of our treasure and accounts, and other justices, captaines, men of D warre, and souldiers of forts and castles, their lieutenants, knights, squires, vassals, magistrats, bourgers, inhabitants of good townes, boroughes, franchises, and villages, and all and euery of our subiects of our said Netherlands, and the countie of Bourgoigne and Charolois, and euerie of them respectiuely, of the othe of fidelitie, faith and homage, promise and bond, by the which they were bound vnto vs, as to their lawfull prince and soueraigne lord: willing and expresly commaunding them, to sweare, and to accept the said Infanta our daughter, for their true princesse and ladie, and to giue her their othe of fealtie, faith, and homage, promise, and bond, after the accustomed maner, according to the nature of the countries, places, fees, and seigniories. And moreouer, that they shew vnto her and to her future husband, all honour, reuerence, affection, obedience, fidelitie, and seruice, as good and loyall subiects ought E and are bound to their lawfull prince and naturall lord, as they haue hitherto made demonstration. And to supply all defects and obmissions, as well in law as in fact, which may bee omitted in this present donation, cession, and transport, and which might be wel inserted, of our owne motion, certaine knowledge, and full and absolute royal power, which by these presents we will vse, we haue derogated, and do derogate to all lawes, constitutions, and customes, which may impugne and contradict these presents: for such is our good will and pleasure. And to the end that all that is formerly said, may be for euer firme and stable, wee haue figned these presents with our name, and caused our great seale to be hanged thereunto, willing and commanding, that it shall be registred, to be held of force in euerie counsell and chamber of accounts. Giuen in our citie of Madril the 6 of May 1598, of our raigns of Naples and Ierusalem, F the 45, of Castile, Arragon, Sicile, and others, the 44, and of Portugall the 19. It was paraphed N. D. V. Signed Philippes. And vnderneath, By the King signed A. de la Loo.’
‘This resignation was also ratified by the letters patents of prince Philip, at this time king of Spaine, the 3 of that name, as followeth.’
[Page 1164] ‘Philip by the grace of God, Prince, sonne and onely heire of the Realmes, Countries, and 1598 A Seigniories of king Philip the second of that name, my lord and father, To all present and to come, greeting. Whereas my said lord and father hath resolued to marie the ladie Infanta Isabella Clara Eugenia, our most deere and well beloued good sister, to the Archduke Albert, our good vncle and cosin: And that according to the same his Catholike Maiestie hath determined with our liking and consent, being thereunto induced for certaine great reasons and respects for the common good, namely for the generall quiet of all Christendome, and in particular for the peace & tranquility of the Netherlands, to the end that our said sister may be prouided for according to her qualitie and great merits, to giue vnto our said sister the Netherlands, and the countie of Bourgoigne, in that forme and maner as it hath beene made and past, as it appeareth by the letters patents which my said lord and father hath caused to be made, signed B with his hand, and sealed with his great Seale, wherof the tenor followeth word by word. Philip &c. All which being here aboue inserted, it is not needful to repeat.’
‘Wee let them know, that hauing particularly vnderstood all that is mentioned therein, considering the publike good that may thereby come vnto Christendome, especially by reason of the singular loue which we are bound to beare, and do beare vnto our sister the Infanta, for her graces and great merits, we commend, approue, and allow, and by these presents hold for good, notwithstanding any preiudice that may grow thereby to vs or our successors hereafter. And for the same reason we consent, and are content by these presents, that the said Netherlands and countie of Bourgoigne and Charolois, shall be giuen and transported to our good sister the Infanta, as my said lord and father hath done. And to the end it may subsist the better, C for the greater assurance, corroboration, and strengthening of that which his Maiestie hath disposed and decreed in fauour, and for the aduancement of our good sister, wee dispose and ordaine as farre as it is needfull by these presents, in fauour thereof, and in the same forme and manner in euerie point, of our owne proper and free wil, & without any extortion, constraint, deceit, fraud, nor any respect, fatherly reuerence, nor feare, nor by any other indirect persuasions; our will and intention being, that the said countries shal belong and appertaine vnto our sister the Infanta, Isabella Clara Eugenia, and to her successors, conformable to the disposition of the king my lord and father. And to the end it may take full effect, and remaine firme and stable for euer, wee haue renounced, and do renounce by these presents, in fauour of our good sister, for vs and our successors, all benefits which may by right come to vs or them, to contradict D these presents; or that it were by the law, Derestitutione in integrum, to the which we haue renounced, and doe renounce by these presents: for our resolute and determinat will is, that nothing whatsoeuer shall bee of any force and efficacie against this donation, cession, and transport, which hath beene made of the said Netherlands, in the maner and forme aboue mentioned.’
‘Whereupon we haue giuen our faith, and taken our othe vpon the holy Euangilists, which we haue touched with our hand, to hold, maintaine, obserue, and keepe, and cause to bee held, maintained, obserued, and kept, punctually all that hath beene said, without any excuse or exception, nor yet to suffer any other to vse any: The which we do affirme and promise by the word of a prince, and that we shal giue all aid & assistance for the ful accomplishment thereof, E for that it is our sincere and resolute will. In witnesse whereof we haue caused these our letters patents to be made, the which we haue signed with our owne hand, and caused to bee signed by the secretarie of estate for the king my lord & father, for the affaires of the Netherlands and Bourgoigne, and to be sealed with the great seale of his Maiesties armes, hanging thereunto in strings of gold. To these were present as witnesses Dom Gomes d'Auila, marquesse of Velada, our gouernor and lord steward of our houshold, Dom Christophel de Mora, earle of Castel, Roderigo great commaunder of the Alcantara, a gentleman of his Maiesties chamber, and butler for our person, Dom Ioan d'Idiaques great commander of Leon, all three of the counsel of state, and Nicholas d'Amant, knight, also counsellor of state, and keeper of his Maiesties seales for the affaires of the Netherlands and Bourgoigne, chancelor of his duchie of Brabant. Giuen in the F citie of Madril, in the realme of Castile, the 6 of May, in the yeare of grace 1598. Paraphed M. E. R. T. Signed Philip, and vnderneath, By the commandement of my lord the prince A. de la Loo.’
These two patents of the kings resignation, and of the princes agreation, were both sealed [Page 1165] with one seale in vermilian waxe, with strings of gold. A
These instruments being thus read, past, signed and sealed in autentike forme, the prince of 1598 Spaine rising, went and kist the king his fathers hands, thanking him for the good affection he bare vnto his sister: then going to his said sister, he did congratulat with her, for the good which she had receiued that day; who rising, in like maner went and kist the king her fathers hands, and gaue thanks for his fauours and benefits: as in like sort shee did thanke the prince her brother, and so the assembly brake vp. The rest of the day was spent in ioy and sport in the court; yet more had beene continued, if the kings indisposition had not beene, who began now to grow verie weake.
Two daies after, which was the eight of May, the empresse, sister to the king, and mother to the archduke Albert, came to court, being accompanied by the embassador of the emperour, B her sonne, the marquesse of Vellada, Dom Christophel de Mora, Dom Ioan Idiaques, and others, whereas the mariage spoken of was confirmed, the Infanta binding her selfe by an othe in the hands of the empresse, to marie the archduke Albert of Austria, according to his Maiesties good pleasure: Whereupon the said ladie empresse bound her selfe reciprocally, that the said archduke her sonne should take her to wife, by vertue of a speciall procuration which hee had sent. Then the Infanta aduanced to kisse the hand of the empresse her aunt, and future mother in law, but she retired her hand, and would not suffer it, and for a greater shew of her loue imbraced her very fast. In the end, after many kind speeches and mutual curtesies, as the empresse retired, the Infanta bending downe vpon her knee, would againe haue kissed her hand, which she pulled backe, and making her to rise, the empresse kist her cheeke, and so they parted. All C this being thus performed, the Infanta sent a procuration in qualitie of princesse of the Netherlands, to the archduke her lord by mariage, and future spouse, as followeth.
Isabella Clara Eugenia, by the grace of God Infanta of all the realmes of Spaine, Duchesse The Infantaes procuration to the archduke. of Bourgoigne, of Lothier, of Brabant, Lembourg, and Luxembourg, Countesse of ‘Flanders, Arthois, Bourgoigne, Palatine of Henault, of Holland, Zeeland, Namur, and Zutphen, Marquesse of the holy Empire, Ladie of Friseland, Salines, and Macklin, of the countrie and citie of Vtrecht, of Ouerissel, and of Groning, To all present & to come, that shal see these present letters greeting: Wheras, as wel for the good of all Christendome in general, as for the Netherlands in particular, and for other good considerations, it hath pleased the king my lord and father, for the aduancement of my future mariage, by the dispensation of our holy father D the pope, with our most deere and well beloued cosin the archduke Albert, with the good liking, allowance, consent and assistance of the high and mightie prince our most deere and wel beloued good brother, to make a gift, cession, and transport, vnto vs, of all the Netherlands, and of Bourgoigne, according to the letters patents which haue beene made and signed respectiuely with their owne hands, the sixt of this present moneth of May, with other our letters patents, touching the acceptation of the said donation and transport: To the end that the said Netherlands and Bourgoigne, might bee by vs, our heires and successors, held and enioyed in manner and forme, and according to the conditions particularly comprehended and exprest in the said letters patents; by the which his sayd Maiestie hath granted vnto vs, with absolute power, and irreuocable, of our owne priuat authoritie, not beeing bound to require E any other consent or agreation, to take and receiue by vs, or by procuration to our future spouse the archduke Albert, the full and entire possession of all the Netherlands and countie of Bourgoigne and Charolois, and to that effect to do in particular according to the said letters patents. Wee therefore make it knowne, for the reasons aboue mentioned, and to follow in euerie poynt the will and pleasure of his Maiestie, yea to aduance all that in that regard may be necessarie before our departure towards the said countries, wee haue of our certaine knowledge and absolute power, authorised and giuen full power and commission irreuocable, as well generall as speciall, to our future spouse the archduke Albert, in our name, and on our behalfe, by himselfe or other his substitutes, as hee shall thinke fit, by vertue hereof, at once, or at diuers seuerall times, to doe all things, as well in our name, and in our behalfe, as in the F behalfe of the Netherlands and the countie of Bourgoigne and Charolois, in generall, or by the Estates of euerie prouince in particular, that shal be requisit and necessarie to be done and past; respectiuely to take, accept, or retaine in our name, the full, reall, and entire possession [Page 1166] of all the sayd countries, and of euerie prouince thereof, and of all that doth depend, to 1598 A enioy them fully and peaceably without any contradiction, let, or molestation: Causing the Estates of the said countries, either generall or particular, to bee called to this end, and to take the othes required in our name. And moreouer, that our future spouse the archduke Albert, shall doe all that wee our selues might doe if wee were there in person, without any more speciall commission, than is contained in the said letters. Promising in the word of a princesse, and vpon our honour, to hold it for agreeable, firme, and stable for euer, and to obserue, and cause to bee obserued, and inuiolably and faithfully accomplished, all that by the said archduke Albert, our future husband, or by his committees and substitutes, by vertue of the sayd letters shall bee done and past, in regard of the sayd absolute and reall possession of the sayd Netherlands and Bourgoigne, in the manner and forme as it is mentioned in the sayd letters B patents of donation, cession, and transport, whereunto wee referre our selues, without doing any thing to the contrarie, nor suffer to bee done, directly, nor indirectly, in any sort whatsoeuer; for such is our pleasure. In witnesse whereof wee haue signed these presents with our owne hands, and caused it to bee signed by the secretarie of my lord and father, for the affaires of the said Netherlands and Bourgoigne, and sealed with his Maiesties great seale of armes, hanging in strings of gold. Giuen in the citie of Madril in the realme of Castile, the 30 day of May, in the yeare of grace 1598. Paraphed N. D. I. V. Signed, Madame Isabella, and vpon the fold, By the commaundement of the Ladie Infanta, Signed A. de la Loo.’
This procuration was accompanied with letters from the king and the prince his sonne, vnto the Netherlands, with promise not to bee left in danger, for that which should be needfull C (if a good peace could not bee made) for the supporting of the charges of the warre. Wee will now treat of other things, attending newes of this resignation of the countries of the Netherlands, and of the Infantaes mariage with the archduke Albert, at the court in Brussels.
About that time prince Ernest of Bauaria, archbishop and elector of Cologne, and prince Embassadors from the elector of Cologne, to the Estates, for Rhineberek. of Liege, sent his embassadors (which were the yong earle Iohn of Nassau, and the seigniour of Soppenbroeck, to the generall Estates of the vnited prouinces, to pursue the restitution of Berck vpon the Rhine (the which prince Maurice had the yeare before taken by siege from the Spaniards) vpon promise that their enemies should haue no passage that way. The Estates hauing answered pertinently to the sayd embassadours, yet considering that the sayd towne D was a great charge vnto them, and more preiudiciall than profitable, and necessarie to bee double fortified, prince Maurice hauing counselled them to yeeld it, if they would not otherwise prouide for it; besides that it was too farre from them, and not able to endure a long siege, they resolued to deliuer it vpon certaine conditions, if the sayd elector could obtaine them from cardinall Albert, yea in the end they would haue yeelded it vpon the electors simple promise, not to suffer it to fall any more into the Spaniards hands, if the cardinall had not set the admirall of Arragon on worke about another designe. Notwithstanding the townes of Moeurs and Alpen were at that time, with the consent of the Estates and the archduke Albert, restored free, the one vnto the countesse of Moeurs, the other to the lady Dowager Palatine, widow before to Henry lord of Brederode. E
The processe against the magistrat and counsell of the imperiall towne of Aix la Chapelle, A sentence against the magistrat of Aix. hauing remained long vndetermined in the chamber of Spyer, was (to the great desolation of the sayd towne) decided this Summer by sentence, the which did banish and proscribe all them of the magistrat and the counsell, together with their adherents, abandoning both their persons and their goods, appointing for executioners of the said sentence, the archbishops of Treues and of Cologne, with the duke of Iuilliers: who finding themselues too weake, called the archduke Albert to their aid. This sentence was signified to them of Ayx by an imperiall herauld: They were much troubled and perplexed at this rigorous sentence, which they did little expect, hauing beene assured from some princes and townes, that the matter should neuer come to proscription (but Dom William of Saint Clement, the king of F Spaines embassador, and the admirall of Arragon, pursued it to this extremitie.) They did see on the one side of their towne the archdukes armie, and on the other that of the emperour, appoynted for Hongarie, and their towne nothing strong for to endure [Page 1167] a siege: whereupon they tooke a short resolution, and defended all exercise of the Protestants A religion (both of that of Ausbourg, and of the reformed) within their towne, and sent to the 1590 archbishop of Cologne, prince of Liege, their neighbour, intreating hem to be an intercessor for them; who did write vnto them of Iuilliers and Lembourg, who (not thinking what might happen vnto themselues, and was so neere them) began to oppresse them of Aix, driuing away their cattell, and taking them prisoners where they could catch them. These letters from the elector of Cologne, did somewhat restraine the acts of hostilitie of them of Iuilliers, & of Lembourg: Whereupon the magistrat continued in the gouernment of the towne, as before, vntill it were otherwise ordained. Soone after their aduerse parties (which were those of the old magistrat, being fugitiues for their lewd demeanors) brought foure or fiue hundred of the duke of Iuilliers souldiers into the towne, who displaced the one, and placed the other. Those B that were disappointed had their houses for prison, vntill it were otherwise decreed: whereof The lamentable estate of Aix. some of the chiefe, especially two bourgmasters, the seignior Colin, and doctor Vercken, seeing themselues threatned by the clergie, found meanes to get secretly away. These magistrats being restored, were not only filled with Catholike Romans, but they deposed all officers of the towne, little and great, base and other, and placed new, all Catholikes, euen vnto the hangman: They also changed all the midwiues, physitians, comforters and keepers of sicke persons, appointing all Catholikes, and deposing the others.
Among them of the magistrat that were restored, there was one Iohn Ellerborne, a sherife, who of himselfe, and without constraint had beene a fugitiue, hauing since the yere 1590 called many merchants, and other substantiall men of the Netherlands, that were fled vnto Aix, C into iustice to the imperiall chamber, for the paiment of the arrerages and account of his seruices, in qualitie of captaine of the horse (who, to speak the truth, was a base coward, and a drunkerd, and had done nothing but hindered the seruice, spoyling, robbing, and deceiuing all the world) who not able to doe what he would with the merchants, at the verie time of the sentence he obtained letters of reprisall against them, the which at the returne of the magistrat restored (whereof he was one) hee put in practise, causing it to be executed (among others) vpon Lewis Malapert, and Iean Viuien, great marchants, from whom, especially from Viuien (although he died of the plague) he caused all his goods to be taken, yea euen his bed. Whereof complaints came to the generall Estates of the vnited prouinces, who hauing written diuers times to them of Aix, yea euen with threats, matters were somewhat moderated with Ellerborne, D who restored all for a certaine summe of money.
About that time there was great preparation of men made for Brabant, with prouision as it were to raise a campe, whereupon the vnited Estates gaue charge to the earle of Hohenloo to guard the quarter of Bomel with twentie foure companies of foot, and foure cornets of horse, that the Spaniards might get no footing there, for that they saw that the archduke Albert did draw men from all parts, comming from France and other places.
The duke of Cleues and Iuilliers hauing his sences better setled, was this yeare put in possession The duke of Cleues recouers his sences of many of his townes. Prince Maurice to gratifie him, sent him two goodly horses by his chiefe counsellor the seignior of Sonsfeldt: and then there was much speaking of a mariage betwixt the said duke and the duke of Lorrains daughter, the which tooke effect the yere E following. Let vs now returne to that of the Infanta of Spaine, with the archduke Albert.
THE XV. BOOKE. 1598 A B
CArdinall Albert assembles the Estates at Brussels touching the donation of the Netherlands. The articles propounded vnto the Cardinall vpon the receiuing of the Infanta. He leaues his Cardinals habit, and goes to fetch the Infanta. He writes to the vnited prouinces, and causeth the prince of Orange to write to prince Maurice his brother. The Estates resolue rather to warre, than to a fained peace, and send their Embassadour to the Queene of England to that end, who doth in like manner resolue to warre. The Admirall of Arragon marcheth with the king of Spaines armie towards the Meuse, takes Orsoy C and some other neutrall places. Prince Maurice camps at Gelderscheweert. The death of Philip the second king of Spaine. Embassadors from the princesse of Cleues to the Archduke Albert, and his answer. The murther of the Earle of Bro [...]ck by the Admirals men: He takes many townes in the countrie of Cleues, besiegeth Rheinberck, which y [...]elds: he threatens them of Wezel, and passeth the Rheyn: against whom prince Maurice fortifies himselfe, and brings his armie to Doesbourg, where he attends him. The inferiour circl [...]s of the Empire assemble at Dortmont. The Admirall takes Deutecom. He wasts the neutrall countries of Westphalia, Berghe, Marcke, and Munster, and takes many neutrall townes, where his Spaniards commit horrible cruelties and inhumanities. The princes of Germanie take it ill, and procure a decree from the Emperour against him, which he regards not, and against the Estates, who iustifie themselues. The princes of Germanie arme against the admiral. He brings his armie into the Isle of Bomel. The Estates armie at sea spoiles the Canaries, and some other Islands. The armie of the princes of Germanie consumes. The Spaniards retire from Bomel, and build S Andrews fort. D Prince Maurice intrencheth himselfe in the head of the enemie. The archdukes armie retires out of the Isle of Bomel, leauing S. Andrewes fort and Creuecoeur well furnished. Soone after the garrisons mutine for their pay. Prince Maurice besiegeth these two forts, the which yeeld, and the garrisons serue the Estates. The archdukes and the Infanta's comming into the Netherlands, and their instalment. The Emperour sends vnto the Estates concerning a peace. The Estates resolution to make warre in Flanders. Prince Maurice besiegeth Nieuport, takes some forts from the Spaniards: ouerthrowes the archdukes armie, he being in person, and takes the admirall prisoner, the which is called, The memorable battaile of Nieuport: then he returnes with his armie into the vnited prouinces. The exploits of the galley of Dordrecht.
THe acts and dispatches of the donation of the Netherlands, made by the king of Spaine vnto the Infanta his daughter, for the aduancement of E her mariage with Albert Archduke of Austria, as then a Cardinall, beeing come to Brussels in Iulie, the said Cardinall Archduke caused them presently to be published, and copies to be giuen forth; together with the agreation of the prince of Spaine procuration from the Infanta, and letters sealed vp from the king and the prince his sonne, to the gouernors and Councellors of all the Prouinces, which were vnder the obedience of Spaine: commanding them to send their deputies to Brussels, with commission and full authoritie, by the 15 of August following. Where the deputies of euery Prouince in particular beeing arriued at the day appointed, the next day they assembled in the towne house to shew their commissions, and to treat vpon that which was to be done concerning the said act of donation, F and letters come out of Spaine; whereupon in the beginning there grew many difficulties: and although there were diuersity of opinions, vpon the accepting of the Infanta by her procuration, and to take the oath vnto her, in regard of the priuiledges of the countrie, especially of the dutchie of Brabant, the which receiueth no princes but in their owne persons: yet all [Page 1170] beeing well considered, in the end all controuersies ceasing, the cardinall archduke, in the 1598 A name of the said ladie, and by vertue of her procuration, was accepted, and an oath taken, vpon certaine conditions, which follow.
- 1 The first article contained the agreation of the donation and transport of the Netherlands, A summe of the articles propounded to the cardinal at Brussels.together with the mariage of the princesse and ladie thereof, with the said cardinall.
- 2 The second, how shee should be receiued, and the oath taken.
- 3 That his hignesse should consummate the mariage within three moneths.
- 4 That the king shall giue an act, that the twelue articles comprehended in the said transport, shall not be in any sort preiudiciall vnto the Netherlands.
- 5 That he shall free the countrie from all contributions, oppressions of souldiers, and other exactions, and that hereafter his highnesse shall be contented with his reuenues. B
- 6 That all forraine souldiers shall hereafter be vnder the kings paie and entertainment, the which shall be imployed in field vpon the enemies frontiers.
- 7 All Germane souldiers and such as are borne in the countrie, shall be entertained and paied as farre as may be, and that the surplusage shall be discharged by the king.
- 8 That all offices and gouernments of prouinces, townes, and forts, shall within one yeare at the farthest be deliuered into the hands of the noble men of the countrie, to gouerne.
- 9 All extraordinarie councellors shall be reduced to the order that hath beene accustomed. And the great councell of Macklin, with that of Brabant, and the councell of estate, shall be filled with them that are naturall borne in the countrie.
- 10 That all prouinces, countries, and townes shall be entertained and maintained in their C auncient rights, priuiledges, and freedoms.
- 11 His highnes shall be bound to returne into the Netherlands by the month of may next comming.
- 12 That her highnesse during her absence shall appoint a gouernour in the said countries, which shall be of her blood, who shall be bound to sweare to all that which the king hath sworne.
- 13 That it shall be tollerable for the generall Estates, by the interuention of his highnes, to enter into conference with them of Holland and Zeeland touching a peace.
- 14 And vntill the countrie may be furnished with noblemen, naturall borne of the countrie, they shall depute three to go with his highnes into Spaine, and to thanke the king. D
- 15 That his highnesse shall be bound to entertaine all aboue mentioned, and at his return with the Infanta to take the accustomed oath in all the prouinces.
- 16 That the gouernors, captaines, nor men of warre shall not attempt any new thing during his highnes absence.
- 17 His highnes at his returne shal be bound to assemble the generall Estates, to labour together for the redressing of the affaires of the Netherlands.
All aboue mentioned being thus past, and the said cardinall archduke sufficiently acknowledged and accepted for their future prince, according to the promise of mariage betwixt him and the Infanta, meaning to vncardinall himselfe, and to enter into the consummation of the said mariage according vnto the popes dispensation, hee went to Hault a little towne in Brabant The archduke Albert leaues off his cardinals weed. E three leagues from Brussels, commonly called, Our ladie of Hault (in old times a famous place of pilgrimage) where he laid downe his cardinals hat and habit vpon the high altar, the which he offered vnto the said ladie. He had also vpon expectation of this mariage, resigned his archbishopricke of Toledo, by vertue whereof he was head of the Inquisition (which of right belongs vnto the said archbishopricke) by the which resignation they said hee retained an annuall pension of 50000 ducats (for it is not lesse worth than 300000 a yeare.) This done, he began to giue order for his voyage, and for the gouernment of the Netherlands, to the which during his absence he named his cousin a cardinal also, Andrew archduke, sonne to the archduke Ferdinand, who was brother to the emperour Maximilian, and therefore cousin german to Albert, ioyning with him the councell of estate. He appointed Francisco de Mendoza, F admiral of Arragon to be general of his armie, & Cont Herman vanden Berghe marshal of the campe, with other commanders and officers to put in execution, during his absence, the resolution which was taken at Brussels touching the frontiers of Germany, whereof we will hereafter discourse more at large. To beare him companie according to the articles, there were deputed [Page 1171] Philip of Nassau, prince of Orange, &c. (to whom his sister the countesse of Hohenloo A sent a good summe of money to make his voyage, being of the reuenues of his demeanes in 1598 Holland and Zeeland) the earle of Barlaymont, and the earle of Sores (noble men borne in the countrie) and many ladies and gentlewomen, amongst them the countesse of Mansfeldt widow to the earle, and dowager to the earles of Henin and Hochstraten, and many other yong noble men and gentlemen desirous to see Spaine, the triumphs & state of the prince of Spaine, and of the said archduke and Infanta.
All things beeing thus prepared, the archduke parted with his traine from Brussels about the midst of September, taking his way (as he said) towards Prague, to see the emperour his brother, to conferre with him of the affaires of the Netherlands, and of his designes vpon the territories of the empire: and from thence to goe to Grets to fetch the ladie Gregorie Maximilienne B daughter to the archduke Charles of Austria, who was brother to the emperour Maximilian the second, betrothed to Philip of Spaine. This princesse was borne in the same degree with the prince of Spaine, that is, of her fathers neece; for the king of Spaine and the archduke Charles had either of them maried his neece: which princesse the archduke Albert was to conduct into Spaine, to accomplish her mariage with the said prince, and the archduke his with the Infanta altogether.
The said archduke before his departure, had written on the 18 of August, to the general Estates of the vnited prouinces, containing in substance that he went to marie with the Infanta, with whom he had the Netherlands in dower; wherein he had alreadie proceeded so farre, as most, & the greatest part of the prouinces had receiued him for their lord and prince. That he C desired nothing more, than to settle a good peace in the Netherlands: and now seeing it was manifest, that the king was resolued to seperate the said countries from Spaine, thereby to take away all iealousies and causes of distrust, yea and the warre it selfe, he required the Estates that they would enter into consideration, and remember, that warres must once end by peace, and that therefore they should conforme themselues with them of Brabant and Flanders, & yeeld to a generall peace, and receiue and acknowledge him for their prince and lord; for the which he had authoritie from the generall Estates of his prouinces, whereunto he expected their answere.
There were letters also from the prince of Orange vnto prince Maurice his brother, and from the duke of Arschot and the marquesse of Haurec, containing; That seeing the king of D Spaine had diuided the Netherlands from Spaine, there should now be no more doubt on that side: and therefore they persuaded him to doe his best indeauour, there might be a good peace made, wherein they knew he could doe much: that he should lay before his eies the honour of his house, to the which hee could neuer doe better seruice, seeing that all other prouinces had already acknowledged and receiued the said archduke &c. To all which letters there was no answer made, neither by the Estates, nor by prince Maurice.
The peace betwixt France and Spaine beeing concluded, and the townes yeelded on either side, as we haue said; there was yet a time limited for them that would be comprehended in this peace, according to the clause contained therein. All this time they talked of nothing but of peace in England, many and diuers discourses were made thereon: the Queene finding The Queene of England send [...] vnto the Estates. E her selfe prest (the French king beeing disbanded from the vnion, and the vnited prouinces not to be persuaded to submit themselues vnder the obedience of Spaine, holding the transport of the Netherlands made vnto the Infanta in suspition) sent sir Francis Vere vnto the generall Estates of the said prouinces, beeing generall of all their English forces, to vnderstand plainely what their resolution was, either to peace or warre: if not to peace, then what meanes they had ioyntly with her to beare the burthen of the warre; whereof shee demanded a speedie and absolute resolution: whereof she desired to be duely informed by men well qualified, hauing full charge and commission to deliuer their resolutions.
Whereupon the Estates meaning to aduice and resolue in their generall assemblie, all difficulties and discommodities on either side beeing propounded, debated and well ballanced, F seeming rather inclined and resolued to warre, than to a doubtfull peace, were it neuer so beneficiall, they had at that instant newes brought them, that the seignior Daniel vander Meulen of Antuerpe, remaining at Leyden in Holland, had suddainly beene sent for, with a pasport from the archduke, the which came from his brother in law, who fained himselfe to be [Page 1172] extreamely sicke) to conferre with him before his death, & that he should come to Antuerpe; A where being arriued, he was sent for to Brussels (as he was a very sufficient man, and well acquainted with affaires of Estate) before the counsellors Richardot and Assonuille, the abbot of Marolles, and the marquesse of Haurec, one after another; who demaunded of him, if there were no meanes to make a generall peace among all the prouinces of the Netherlands (& this was only to heare his opinion) whereunto he answered, That concerning that matter he had not any charge. Then they declared vnto him, to the end he might tell it againe, That the king Goodly offers made by the archduke vnto the vnited Estates. of Spaine and the archduke Albert were intended to make a peace, in what sort soeuer: and thereof to giue such assurance as should well content them, they would leaue vnto the vnited prouinces their Religion, their forme of gouernment, and they should haue contentment ‘giuen them, from the least point vnto the greatest. They said moreouer, That the king was B wonderfully affected to prince Maurice, held him in great esteeme, and desired not to impaire his estate, but rather to confirme and make it greater: yea, he would gladly see him Generall of the armie against the Turke; so much he was esteemed of all men for his vertues and valour. That they would suffer all them that were in the gouernment of the vnited Prouinces, to continue still in their offices, estates, and dignities, and would promise to continue their children in them, being capable, if they would onely giue eare vnto a peace, and acknowledge the said archduke Albert for their lord and prince. These and such like’ speeches were vsed vnto him: being carried before the archduke, he sayd as much to him in Latine, entreating him, that he would make a good report thereof, when it should be fitting. C
All this being vnderstood by the Estates, they presently conceiued, that these baits tended to no other end, but to breed some diuision in the countrey, and to mooue the commons: as if they desired to continue the warres without cause or reason, whilest that they might (according to their saying) enter into an assured way of peace. They did easily beleeue, that both the king and the cardinall would gladly haue seene prince Maurice in Hongarie, and that to him and the vnited Prouinces there should be made what promises they could desire, if they could onely get but that point of them, as to acknowledge the said archduke for their prince, supposing if that were done, that hee should easily become master, first, of them that had charge of the gouernment, and managing of affaires (who would presently seeke to creepe into his fauour) and then generally of the gouernment of the D Prouinces.
Some thought these speeches were but a common bruit, to draw the Estates to giue eare to a parle, and to enter into conference, as some yeares before they had in the like manner circumuented them of Bruges and Gant, which they caused to be bruited abroad, onely to make a triall, and then goe backe from it when they thought good; such speeches seruing to no other end. Thither were also brought vnto the Estates certaine letters, intercepted both in Fraunce and in England; by the which the king of Spaine gaue contrary instructions vnto the cardinall archduke, which were, That in the treatie of peace with France, his Rebels (for so he called the vnited Estates) should not bee comprehended, but vpon condition, that the Romish Catholicke religion should bee receiued and established in all E places, the kings soueraignetie and dignitie maintained, the old officers, which had been displaced and chased away, restored, and that those which remained, being capable and fit, might be admitted, if they were Catholickes and not heretickes, and besides, they might promise them a generall pardon: that the French king ought not to procure any thing else, if he were as he should be, that is, a Catholicke.
This instruction conferred with the former speech, & with many other aduertisements, the Estates seeing how they sought with faire words to abuse & circumuent them, conceiued that there could nothing grow of such a peace, but a change of religion, and a translation of the gouernment out of their hands, vnto banished men and Spaniolized, more couetous of reuenge than the Spaniards thēselues. And therfore not any one hauing serued or had any office in the F said Prouinces, might remaine, knowing that with such conditions, & no other, they should be yeelded to the Infanta, who would bridle thē in the same manner that the Spaniard had done: Wherupon the Estates, nobilitie and towns in generall, resolued not to giue eare to any peace or truce, but to support the burthen of the warre to the extremitie, and to attend such an [Page 1173] issue as it should please God to send them, rather than to abandon their countrey, and to receiue A their enemies into the gouernment thereof: but rather to procure and aduance what 1598 they should find needfull for them, & especially to giue contentment to the Queene of England. Hereupon they appointed a greater number of deputies in their colledges, and in the generall Estates, sending into England as her Maiestie had required, certaine notable embassadors, to induce her to continue the warre with them against the Spaniards: the which were Iohn van Duyuen Woorde knight, seigniour of Warmont, of Woud &c. Iohn van Oldenbarneuelt seigniour of Tempel, first councellor and aduocate for the Estates, and keeper of the seale of Holland and west Friseland, Iohn van den Werke councellor and orator of Middlebourg, Iohn van Hotting a esquier, councellor and deputie for the generall Estates, & Andrew Hessels chiefe councellor of the councell of Brabant established at the Hage, for that which depends of the B vnited prouinces, who also had some particular charge from prince Maurice, as beeing of his ordinarie councell. Who beeing arriued in England, they had audience of her Maiestie, and were gratiously receiued by her, sending them to treat with her councell of all matters, wherof her Maiestie desired to be satisfied, and for the which they were sent thither in the Estates name; so as in the end hauing giuen contentment vnto her Maiestie, they agreed vpon all things the sixt of August. According vnto which accord and resolute determination of the Estates to maintaine themselues by armes against the king of Spaine and the archduke Albert, her Maiestie did also resolue for her part to the continuance of the warre, the which could not be so preiudiciall vnto her as to the Spaniard, who beeing alwaies armed both at sea and land, entertained her rebels in Ireland to small profit: whereas her Maiestie on the other side, C might get from him as well vpon the coasts of Spaine and Affricke, as at the east and west Indies, the which shee did for the most part at the charge of her marchants, who are greedie of gaine. And although her Maiestie at the same time had receiued some losse in Ireland by the earle of Tyron, through the fauour of the Spaniards, yet in September following, their accord was past and solemnly ratified on either side, after that the said embassadours were returned into Holland.
The seigniour of Buzenual embassadour for the French king with the generall Estates of the vnited prouinces, parted (presently after their embassadors) from the Hage, to goe vnto the king, & to know his pleasure, if after the conclusion of the peace with the Spaniard, he should be continued in his embassage: but the peace beeing finished, and hee hauing dispatched D some of his priuate and domesticke affaires in France, he was sent backe againe into Holland by the king his master, to continue his charge there. At his returne he propounded many reasons and excuses to the Estates, which had moued the king to make peace with the Spaniard, assuring them, that he would be no enemie vnto them, nor contrarie to their gouernment; but as much as lay in him (the peace excepted) he would fauour them, and continue in their alliance, with promise to pay them the money wherewith they assisted his Maiestie during the warres.
Whilest that the archduke Albert disposed of the affaires of the Netherlands with the councell of Spaine, or Spaniards in heart, at Brussels, and made his preparatiues for his voyage, Francis of Mendoza marquesse of Guadaleste, admirall of Arragon, and generall of the E armie, began to march towards the riuer of Meuse: prince Maurice hearing of his approach about the end of August (the Estates hauing lien still all the sommer, watching which way he would turne the head of his armie) made them also readie to stand vpon their guard, that the Spaniard should not passe the Rhine: and as there was at the same time a shippe of warre of the Estates in the riuer of Meuse before Venloo, whereof one Iohn de Raet a Hollander was captaine, the Spaniards assailed it, tooke and burnt it, where they had but sixe prisoners, the rest saued themselues by swimming.
In the beginning of September the admirall past the riuer of Meuse with all his armie neere vnto Ruremond; it consisted of 178 ensignes of all nations, Spaniards, Italians, Bourguignons, Germans, Wallons, Irish, and others, making about fiue and twentie thousand F foot, and twentie eight cornets of horse, beside other twelue which he left in Brabant; so as all the archdukes forces (among the which there were many of the reliques of the French league) might be about 30000 men (the which without doubt was a goodly armie, able to amaze a world) the which being past the Meuse, dispersed it selfe at large in the countrie of [Page 1174] Iuilliers, the diocesse of Cologne and country thereabouts, so as approching neere the Rhine, A the admirall sent colonell Borlotte to passe first, and to helpe to make the passage for the rest; 1598 the which he did at the village of Kerckraet, betwixt the townes of Cologne and Bonne, whereas he drew downe all the boats he could find: hauing past onely with eight hundred men of his regiment, and some field peeces, with the which going downe the Rhine lower than Cologne, he chased away all the Estates ships which were vpon the riuer. Hauing gathered all the boats he could together, he past the rest of his regiment, and some more artillerie. The admirall Cont vanden Berghe and other noblemen of the armie marched that way, and approaching neere vnto the Rhine, they came first with their troupes before the towne of Orsoy, seated vpon the Rhine, and belonging to the duke of Cleues, being easie to fortifie, the which duke William had begun to compasse in with rauelins, after the manner of the castle B of Antuerp, whereof the foundations are laid, but for the great charge they left it vnperfect, which notwithstanding might be easily finished: which towne the admiral summoned, and required to haue it opened, that he might passe the Rhine: the seignior Horst marshal of the countrey of Cleues, and the secretarie opposing themselues, pretending their neutralitie, the admirall tooke an axe, and began to beat vpon the gate, his men taking downe the sides of their wagons of Brabant, which are verie long, would haue scaled the wales: wherewith the bourgers being terrified, vpon promise that they would but passe the Rhine, they suffered him and his men to enter. Hauing the said towne at his deuotion, he presented himselfe before the castle (in the which there were a garrison of some souldiers for the duke of Cleues) with three Capuchin friers, and a hangman, holding many halters in his hand, asking them if C they had rather be hanged, than to yeeld the castle; the which did so terrifie the souldiers, as they presently yeelded the place, where he went to lodge, and from thence did seize vpon and ransome all the small townes and places thereabouts. Hee presently caused Orsoy to bee fortified with all speed, whereas there past three regiments of Spaniards, with that of the earle of Busquoy, and twelue cornets of horse, the which did campe right against the said towne, whilest that the admirall caused a mightie fort to be built at Walsom, for which fortification he cut downe all the trees in that quarter, the which he did betwixt the first and the eight of September, before that the archduke Albert was parted from Brussels.
The Estates of the vnited prouinces, and prince Maurice, being awaked at this sodaine inuasion, began to thinke of their affaires, and calling together their ordinarie garrisons, which D had beene idle all the Summer, they sent them to the rendezvous about Arnhen in Guelderland, imbarking great store of artillerie, bridges, boats, and all other things necessarie, whither the prince parting from the Hage went vnto them the fourth of September, and the eight day he went to the fort of Grauenweert (commonly called Schenks Sconse) where hee had the first newes of the taking of the towne and castle of Orsoy, and that one part of the Spanish armie had past the Rhine, and did fortifie at Walsom, to keepe the passage free and open of either side.
The admirals men did run ouer all the countries of Cleues, Iuilliers, Cologne, Mont, The oppression of the Admirals souldiers. Marke, Munster, and other quarters of Westphalia, spoyling, ransoming, killing, and murthering, finally committing all the excesse and insolencies they could in any enemies countrey. E And notwithstanding the neutralitie which the archduke Albert had granted vnto the ladie Dowager, Palatinesse of Rhine, they seized vpon the towne of Alpen, and other places thereabouts. The countesse of Moeurs, who a little before had obtained the like neutralitie, was forced to open her towne, and to see daily against her will the Spanish Hidalgoes at her table, hauing much adoe to content them, and fearing worse, but hauing no meanes to retire her selfe, she was forced to haue patience.
Prince Maurice being in the fort of Grauenweert hauing vnderstood by a prisoner of the Spanish campe, that one of the yong earles of Embden was with the admirall, soliciting him to send his armie before Emden, being in controuersie, as I haue said, with cont Edsard his father. The said prince and cont William of Nassau, his cosin, gouernor of Friseland and Groning, F did write vnto the magistrats of the said town, aduising them to stand vpon their guards, offering them succours, yea a garrison, if they had need, beeing of aduice to fortifie some places and approches thereabouts, before that the enemie should preuaile. And vpon this report (which was verie credible) the prince and earle were troubled, for the countries of Friseland, [Page 1175] Oueryssel, countie of Zutphen, and other frontiers on the other side of the Rhine: they sent A to fortifie the garrisons in all places; and the prince himselfe went the eleuenth of September 1598 to Doesbourg and Deutecom with some horse, to order things there (Doesbourg is a towne situated vpon the riuer of Yssell, where the Spaniard might make the shorter passage) vpon the way he encountred with his aunt the countesse Vander Berghe, mother to the earles Herman, Frederic, and Henric, seruants to the Spaniard, beeing in the admirals armie, who had sollicited the generall Estates, and obtained it, that her castle of Wulft might not be demanteled, and that the town of saint Heeren-berghe (in the which the Estates had a garrison) beeing freed from it, and laied open, might remaine a neuter towne, shewing forth an act of the archduke Alberts, that he would not attempt any thing against that place, wherby the countrey might receiue any harme; making her three sonnes also to promise the same, vpon paine to forfeit all manner of iustice (the said towne holding in fee of the dutchie of Guelders) B and to loose all their goods lying there. The said ladie had shewed a certaine act of the archdukes beeing cardinall, but since that hee tooke possession in the Infantaes name, it was necessarie to renue it, the which was not yet done, for which cause shee came with her daughters to meete him and salute him, promising to cause the said towne to be presently demanteled (the which shee did to preserue it from ruine, knowing well that the Spaniards would not faile to besiege it, by reason of the Estates garrison that were within it) and within 8 daies to send an act from her sons, & as soone as might be to aduertise him of the renuing of the archdukes, whereof shee did assure her selfe: whereupon it was granted, that the town of saint Heeren-berghe should remaine neuter, and that the companie of captaine Poelgheest C should depart, as it did. And by that meanes the ladie obtained that which shee had long sued for: this pretended encounter was happie for her. The like neutralitie was also graunted for the towne of Anholt, from whence the garrison did also retire, and from Bronchorst.
In the meane time there were certaine letters brought vnto prince Maurice, the which were Letters intercepted from the Spanish campe. intercepted from the Spaniards campe, written by captaine Henrie of Chalons, bastard sonne to Rene of Chalons prince of Orange (who had stolne away the daughter of the earle of Mansfeldt, by whom he had this captaine Chalons) vnto the said Peter Ernest earle of Mansfeldt his grandfather by the mother; whereby he acquainted him with the estate of the Spanish campe, the taking of Orsoy, the admirals resolution to hold & fortifie the riuer of Rhine D on both banks, to haue a free passage, before he would proceed any farther, which he thought should be vpon the quarters of Friseland, if the latenesse of the season did not withhold him. That they had beene as farre as Berck, and chased away the Estates ships of warre, viewed the towne, and done nothing else. That the 9 of September there was an alteration in the campe among the Spaniards, which if the admiral had not pacified by his authoritie, their armie had not beene fit to doe any great exploit, but only to ruine the poore countrie of Cleues.
The 13 of the month, after councell held and resolution taken, where prince Maurice might best campe with the Estates armie, to make head against the Spaniard, and to stop him from entring any part of their limits, were it into the higher or lower Betuwe, or the Veluwe; the prince went and lodged at a village called old Seuenter, not farre from the town of Seuenter, E seated vpon the banke of the riuer of Rhine, before the which there is a faire goodly island (called den Gelderschen-Weerd, that is to say, the island of Guelders) where he camped as well vpon the firme land, as in the said island, making a bridge opposite to the Church of the village, and an other on the other side in the middest of the island, about 100 yards long, made of firre boards, vpon 44 great barkes, to passe his horsemen from the campe into the Betuwe, where they were commodiously lodged, with danger of the Spaniard, who must of necessitie passe the Rhine, or the Wahal. In this isle of Guelderschen-Weerd, which hee had intrenched and fortified whereas the riuer was narrowest and easiest to passe at a lowe water, whereas he planted ten cannons, fiue demie cannons, and tenne field peece. Thither came the earle of Hohenloo vnto him, with some supplies of foot drawne out of the frontiers of Flanders. F A while after, as the towne of Zutphen is great and spatious, and hath need of a great garrison to guard it, the prince (to reenforce it, and to furnish it, with the townes of Groll and Brefort, with all necessarie munition) sent the earle of Hohenloo with some supplies of foot, foureteene cornets of horse, and foure peeces of ordnance of yron, as good as demie cannons, [Page 1176] the which the earle did performe happily, in view of the enemie, who was not then A farre off. 1598
Now I come to the declining & death of Philip the second, the catholike king of Spaine, I hope the curious reader will not hold it tedious nor impertinent (if beeing related at large in the French inuentorie) I should here againe make a new discourse of the same subiect, and in a manner in the same tearmes, beeing so written by mine author. I am very loath to distast the iudicious reader with any idle or needlesse repetition, but this beeing a matter which doth so much concerne the subiect of this historie, I should wrong mine author (who might be condemned of great negligence and indiscretion) if I should omit to relate the catastrophe and end of that great king (passing it ouer in silence, and as it were in a dreame) who hath beene the maine subiect of this historie, and hath filled the greatest part of this volume B with the acts of his life.
Besides it might hereafter breed a confusion in the reader, to haue no distinction made of the father and the sonne, seeing there are so many matters following which haue their dependancie vpon his life and death.
The king of Spaine (after the resignation of the Netherlands to his daughter the Infanta) The end and death of the king of Spaine decayed daiely in his health, so as finding his forces to faile him, hauing sometimes a fit of an ague, through the extreame anguish of his gout; beeing deuoutly addicted to his cloyster of saint Laurence, and taking great delight in his court of Escuriall, he desired to be transported thither, contrarie to the aduice of his physitions: beeing brought from Madril thither within the compasse of sixe daies, his paine increased in such sort, as hee despaired of C helpe, and began to prepare himselfe to die, causing the sacraments to be administred vnto him. Then hee would haue Dom Garcia Loiola consecrated archbishop of Toledo by the popes legat, the archduke Albert hauing resigned vnto him, retaining a pension of fiftie thousand ducats a yeare.
After which, he had an apostume vpon his right legge, and foure others vpon his breast, the which did amaze his physitions, so as they called doctor Olias from Madril, who altogether by the councell of Licentiat Virgayas, applied plaisters to these apostumes, the which beeing broken, they cast forth a great quantitie of stinking corrupt filth, with great aboundance of lyce, so as they could hardly clense them, and he was therewith so extenuated, as foure men were faine to lift him out of his bedde in a sheet. The physitions said those lyce D did grow of that corrupt filthie matter, the rest of his bodie beeing to anotomie. His patience during his extreame torments, was very great.
In the beginning of September he called for the prince his sonne, and the princesse his daughter, in the presence of the archbishop of Toledo and others, and shewing his bodie vnto his sonne, he saied vnto him, See prince what the greatnesse of this world is, behold this poore carkasse, all humane helpe is vaine: willing them prouide for his funerals. Hee called for his coffin, beeing of brasse, and caused a deaths head to be set vpon a side cupboard, with a crowne of gold by it. Then he sent Ioan Reys de Velasco, one of his chamber, for a little casket, causing them to take out of it a rich iewell of pretious stones, the which hee gaue vnto the princesse his daughter in the princes presence, saying, This iewell came from your E mother, keepe it for her sake: he also caused a paper to be drawne out, which he deliuered vnto the prince, saying it was an instruction how to gouerne his realmes and countries: after which he caused a whippe to be taken forth, at the end whereof there appeared some signes of blood, and commanding it to be lifted vp, he said, This is blood of my blood: not that it was his owne blood, but the emperours his fathers, who did vsually punish his carkasse, and to that end he had kept it to shew them.
Then hee disposed of all things concerning his funerall pompe; which done, hee recommended vnto his children in the presence of the popes Nuntio, the holy sea of Rome, the Pope, and the catholike religion, desiring the Nuntio to giue him absolution of his sinnes, and to blesse his children, recommending his daughter to the prince F his sonne, and charging him to keepe his countries in peace, to appoint good and discreet gouernours, and to reward the good, and punish the badde. Hee commaunded to set the marquesse of Monteiar at libertie, conditionally that hee should returne no more to court.
[Page 1177] As for the wife of Antonio Peres, sometimes his secretarie, he commaunded that she should haue libertie, and retire to a monasterie. Hee pardoned all such as had beene put in prison 1598 A for hunting, and such as were condemned to die, so farre forth as the mercie of iustice shall beare it. Then he commanded them all to retire, but onely the prince his sonne, to whom he said; My sonne I haue desired you should assist at this last act, that you might not continue in ignorance as I haue done, whereby you may behold the end of kings, and of their crownes and The kings speech vnto his sonne. scepters: death is readie to teare my crowne from my head, to set it vpon yours. I now recommend two things vnto you, that you continue obedient to the church, and doe iustice to your subiects. The time will come when this crowne will fall from your head, as it doth now from mine: you are young, I haue beene so: my daies were numbred and haue their end; God keepes an account of yours, and they shall likewise end.
It is reported that hee enioyned him with passion to make warre against hereticks, and to B maintaine peace with France; which done he bid his children farewell, by imbracing them, and then willed them to take their rest.
The prince going out of the chamber, asked Dom Christophel de Mora, if hee had the royall keie, who answered, yea: giue it me said the prince; to whom de Mora answered, your highnesse will pardon me, it is the key of trust, the which I may not deliuer without the kings expresse commandement: whereupon the prince said, It is well, and so past on. Afterwards Dom Christophel returning into the kings chamber, and finding him somewhat better, he told him that the prince had demaunded the said key, but hee durst not deliuer it without his Maiesties leaue: whereupon the king said, that hee had done ill. Afterwards C feeling himselfe to faint againe, he demaunded the extreame vnction, the which was ministred vnto him by the archbishop of Toledo. Hee called for a certaine crucifix that was kept in a coffer, which was the same which his father had held when hee died, with the which hee would also die. Two daies before he died, his doctors had giuen him a drinke of Iacinthes, whereof he said in taking it, that his mother the empresse, a yeare before shee died had drunke the like; saying, that hee should not die that day, nor the next, for that a religious man had foretold him the houre of his death. Then the prince returnig to see him, de Mora kneeling downe, kissed the key and presented it vnto him, the which the prince tooke, and deliuered it vnto the marquesse of Denia. And as the prince and his sister were before the kings bedde, he said vnto them; I recommend vnto you Dom Christophel de Mora D for the best seruant I euer had, and all my other seruants, vse them well: and so embracing them againe, and taking his last farewell, his speech failed him, remaining two daies in that estate, vntill the 13 of September, at three of the clocke in the morning, when hee gaue vp the ghost, being 71 yeares old and about 4 moneths.
Hee had not beene much subiect to infirmities in all his life time, hee was but of a meane stature, and of a faire complexion, flaxen haired, which grewe white, resembling rather a Dutch man than a Spaniard, hee had a high and a broad forehead, with somewhat a thicke lippe, the hereditarie marke of the house of Austria: he had not the quicknesse of spirit which his father had, but very vigilant and laborious, spending both the day and night in affaires, yea sometimes whole nights. And notwithstanding his deuice, which E was, Nec spe, nec metu, yet hee still aspired to great designes, which hee conceiued in his imagination, the which did trouble him much more than was needfull, or that hee could beare. Withall, hee was alwaies doubtfull, yea fearefull, so as sometimes matters succeeded ill by his timiditie, the which hauing beene vndertaken with a couragious resolution, had beene farre more succesfull. By nature hee was close and counterfeit, seeking to couer his faults rather with the preiudice and disgrace of another, than of himselfe: and whosoeuer had once offended him, was not easily receiued againe into fauour, yet hee was more bountifull than couetous, and more staied than well aduised▪ Hauing such great power and meanes, both in lands, men, and treasure, hee effected very little, and (except the conquest of Portugall) hee lost more than hee wonne: hee was deuout in his religion, F nay rather superstitious, giuing great credit to Iesuits; yet not so much, but that he would haue the clergie yeeld vnto the temporall command.
The paper which the king deliuered vnto the prince his sonne, beeing an instruction [Page 1178] to gouerne his kingdome, contained this discourse which followeth, or the like in substance. 1598 A
My sonne, I haue beene often in care to leaue your Estates in peace, but neither my many The king of Spaines instruction to the prince his son. yeares of life, nor the helpe of other princes, could euer effect it. I confesse that I haue disbursed in lesse than three and thirtie yeares, aboue fiue hundred ninetie and foure millions of ‘ducats, the which haue bred me nothing but griefe and care. True it is, I conquered Portugall, but as France did lightly escape mee, so may this be wrested from me. I would to God I had followed the counsell of my deceased father, of most happie memorie; or at the least, that you would beleeue and follow mine: I should then beare my crosses more willingly, and should die more contented, leauing you in this vale of miserie. Behold therefore what I leaue you for an euerlasting testament, ouer so many kingdomes and states, B to see as in a glasse, after what manner you shall well gouerne your selfe, after my decease.’
‘Bee alwaies verie vigilant of the alteration and change of other kingdomes, to make your profit thereby, according to occurrents. Keepe good guard ouer them that are most inward with you in counsell. You haue two meanes to entertaine your realmes of Spaine; the one is the present gouernment, the other the traffique to the east and west Indies. As for the gouernment, you must either depend vpon the nobilitie, or vpon the clergie: if you fauour church men, bee sure to keepe the other still in awe, as I haue done; but if you strengthen your selfe with the nobilitie, curbe the clergie as much as possibly you can. If you seeke to entertaine them equally, they will exhaust you, and withall you shall disturbe your kingdomes, and neuer come to any certaine resolution: the C ballance shall rather bee on the other side. If you will leane to the nobilitie, then hold friendship with the Netherlands, for that they are friends to the French, English, and some prouinces of Germanie: neither Italie, Poland, Sueden, Denmarke, nor Scotland can assist you therein. The king of Scotland is poore, Denmarke drawes his reuenues from forraine nations, Sueden is alwaies diuided, and besides ill situated, the Polonians are alwaies their kings masters; although Italie be rich, yet is too farre off, and the princes are diuersly affected.’
‘On the other side, the Netherlands are populous in men, rich in shipping, constant in labour, diligent in search, hardie to vndertake, and willing to suffer. True it is, I haue giuen D them vnto your sister, but what imports that? there are a thousand escapes which you may vse when opportunitie serues. The chiefe are, that you alwaies maintaine your selfe guardian to her children, and that they change nothing touching religion; for these points taken away, you haue quite lost those countries: and soone some other kings will present themselues, who by meanes will bind them vnto them, whereby you may be vndone. If you thinke to fortifie your selfe against this with the clergie, you shall prouoke many enemies, I haue tried it: yet keepe good correspondencie with the popes, be bountifull and courteous vnto them, be great with such cardinals as are most inward with them, and seeke to haue a voice in their conclaue. Hold friendship with the bishops of Germanie, but trust not the distribution of their pensions to the emperour: let them knowe you, E they will serue you the more willingly, and receiue your gifts more thankfully. Doe not countenance such as are of base condition, neither respect the nobilitie and commons equally; for seeing I must now speake the truth, their pride is great, they are very rich, they must haue what they desire, they will be burthensome vnto you, and in the end will be your masters.’
‘Make vse of nobles of the chiefest houses, and aduance them to benefices of great reuenues: the vulgar sort are not so needfull, for they will cause you a thousand crosses, which will consume you: beleeue not any of them, if they bee not of qualitie. Discharge your selfe from English spies and French pensions: imploy some of the noblemen of the Netherlands, whom you shall haue bound vnto you by fealtie. As for the F nauigation of the east and west Indies, therein consists the strength of the kingdome of Spaine, and the meanes to bridle Italie; from the which you shall hardly rerstaine Fraunce and England: their power is great, their mariners very many, their sea too [Page 1179] spatious, their marchants too wealthie, their subiects too greedie of gaine, and their seruants A too faithfull. I haue excluded the Netherlands, but I feare that time and mens dispositions 1598 may change; by reason whereof you must doe two things: change your officers at the west Indies often, such as you call home, imploy them in the councell for the Indies: and so in my opinion you shall neuer be circumuented, but the one or the other will make knowne the benefit vnto you, aspiring to more honour. See how the English seekes to depriue you of that commoditie, beeing mightie at sea both in men and shipping: as for the French, I doe not much apprehend them. Strengthen your selfe with them of the Netherlands, although they were part hereticks, and would so persist, vpon condition that they might freely sell their goods in Spaine and Italie, paying the royal customes and other duties; and in obtaining pasport to saile to the west or east Indies, they should put in caution, & take an oath to discharge B their goods in Spaine at the returne of their shippes, vpon paine of punishment in doing otherwise: I thinke they will not refuse to obserue it. By this meanes the treasure of the Indies and Spaine shall be common, and shall be vnited to the traffique of the Netherlands, and then both France and England must goe without it.’
‘My sonne, I could represent vnto you greater matters, for the conquering of other kingdomes, but you find in my studie, the discourses which haue beene offered me to that end. Cause Christophel de Mora to giue you the key presently, least such secrets should fall into any other persons hands. I did cause some of the minutes of these instructions to be burnt the 7 of September, I feare there are some imbesilled, be carefull to seeke them out. I haue this added, that if you can like of Antonio Peres, seeke to draw him into Italie, or at the least, that hee C ingage himselfe to serue you in some other of your kingdomes, but neuer suffer him to come into Spaine, nor to goe into the Netherlands. Touching your mariage, the instructions are in the keeping secretarie Loo. Read this note often which is sealed, and written with mine owne hand. Haue an eie alwaies to your most secret councellors: acquaint your selfe with cyphers, discontent not your secretaries, keepe them alwaies occupied, whether about important affaires, or otherwise: make triall of them rather by your enemies, than by your friends. If you happen to discouer your secrets to any familiar friend, keepe alwaies the substance thereof within your owne bosome, reueale it not to any.’
This instruction was preserued from the fire, among those papers which the king had D commanded should be burnt: whatsoeuer it be, it may be as well true as likely, by the circumstances that are noted therein.
The sixteenth of September prince Maurice beeing aduertised that a great supply of victuals, artillerie, and munition should come from the towne of Guelders vnto the admirals armie, with a conuoy of 1500 foot, and two cornets of horse, he parted from his campe, beeing accompanied with the earles of Hohenloo, Nassau, & Solins, and al his horsemen, leauing the seignior sergeant maior of the armie, to haue the care of the campe in his absence; and hauing passed the riuer of Wahal in great boats, neere vnto Bomel, hee thought to watch for the said conuoie, betwixt Venlo and Orsoy, and there to charge them; but the Spaniards hauing some notice thereof, prouided otherwise, so as the prince returned backe without any E effect.
After that, some mariners of Bomel and of Tyel, which had runne away vnto the enemie, A hardie attempt of certaine mariners of the Spaniard. came on the twentieth of September with a barke couered, to set vpon one of the Estates gallies, beeing in guard vpon the Rhine, right against the towne of Rees, suffering their barke to fall downe with the streame, as if it had beene through negligence, hauing but one man at the helme, vntill it came to strike against the prowe of the gallie, whilest that the mariners were at their praiers in the morning before beakefa [...], not so much as dreaming of any surprize by such a boat, whereof the mariners hauing lift vp the couering with their shoulders, and cast it into the water, they boarded the gallie, and began to charge the men beeing thus suddainely surprized; whereof some of them were F slaine, and others hurt. The captaine called Simon Ianson of Eeedam, saued himselfe, with nine more in his boat, and so escaped their hands. So these mariners being masters of the gallie, they tooke out their iron peeces of ordnance, and all that liked them, and abandoning the [Page 1180] galley for that it was old, they set fire on it. The 25 of that moneth, the duke of Iuilliers estates A assembled, to resolue what was to be done touching the taking of the towne of Orsoy, and other 1598 attempts made by the admirall. Some among the said Estates did secretly fauour the admirall, knowing well that what hee did was by the king of Spaines commandement (with whose double pistolets they had bin long fed) and of the archduke Albert, all which was done with a pretext to make warre that way against the vnited prouinces, and after an other manner than all the other gouernors (for those were the archdukes bragges at his comming into the countrie) yet notwithstanding all difficulties, the said Estates of Cleues did resolue to send and summon the admirall to restore the said towne of Orsoy, seeing he had said it was but to haue a passage ouer the Rhine: and that if he refused it, and that they must go by way of force, they would write vnto the earle Vander Lippe, captaine generall of the inferior circle of B Westphalia, that from thenceforth hee should not suffer them to leuie any more men in his quarters and circle, for the warres of Hongarie; but for the defence and preseruation of the countrey, they should gather together all they could, and imploy the money which was gathered and appointed for the warres against the Turke: and that hee should with all speed assemble the fiue inferiour circles in the towne of Dortmont, to resolue of the meanes how they would assist them of the dutchie of Cleues. Moreouer, that the duke of Cleues would write vnto the emperour, princes, and imperiall townes, and especially to the foure princes electors of the Rhine, to the duke of Brunswic, and Landtsgraue of Hessen, making his complaints of the great wrong was done to him, and to all his countries, and demanding succours to remedie it, and to diuert a greater mischiefe. The said Estates did also depute C some among them to go vnto the fiue circles, when they should be assembled, and to require some speedie remedie. As in like manner they deputed some to them of Cologne (who fauoured the admirals actions too apparently) to persuade them not to send any victuals nor munition vnto the Spaniards campe, as they had alwaies done. There they also decreed that there should be a good garrison put into the towne of Duysseldorp.
Sibilla princesse of Cleues the dukes sister, had before and soon after written vnto the archduke beeing at Niuelli on his way towards Spaine, and by her embassadours shee made the dukes complaints and her owne, of the taking of the said towne, and other the admirals attempts: to whom the archduke answered in these tearmes.
Most worthie and deere cousin &c. The complaints and grieuances which your Excellencies The archdukes letters to the princesse of Cleues. D embassadour, and of the most famous prince the duke your brother hath made vnto vs, haue not beene much pleasing to vs to heare, touching the conduct of the king of Spaines ‘armie; seeing they might well thinke and consider, that such a passage of a royall armie would be burthensome to your Excellencie, and your subiects, and that the lodging which they had taken in the towne of Orsoy, would make many to censure it diuersly. But so it is (whereof you may rest assured) that we neuer had any thought to preiudice your lands and countries with the kings armie, nor to giue you any occasion of complaint. But seeing that wee were once mooued to assaile his Maiesties rebels, and them of your Excellencies by armes, the which beeing concluded in councell by mature deliberation, whereof wee haue thought good to make you acquainted, that it must be exploited in that manner, your Excellencie, no more than our deere and well beloued E cousin, wee hope, will not take it otherwise than in good part. As for that wee doe presently leaue the towne of Orsoy as you demaund, and ruine the fort of Walsom, your Excellencie shall vnderstand, that for the present time, we cannot vse any other passage ouer the Rhine, to effect our designe, but wee will doe it vpon the first opportunitie, according to our promise: and that the kings souldiers in their passages, and in the quarters where they are presently lodged, shall be held in such order and discipline, as neither your Excellencie, nor the duke your brother shall haue any more complaints of their subiects, as they haue hitherto had: and that we will entertaine good and loyall neighbourhood together, the which we thought good to signifie vnto you by these presents, with our sincere intention &c.’
Contrary to these promises, all this moneth of September, whilest that the admirall did soiourne F at Orsoy, his men being dispersed ouer the countrey of Cleues, took the towns of Alpen, Santhen, Calcar, Goch, & Gennep, not without murthers & a world of insolencies: 300 of whose horse went before the town of Cleues (where the duke was in his palace) seeking to [Page 1181] enter into the town, vpon promise that they would leaue the duke peaceably in his castle, the A which being refused them, they returned with disdaine; and fiue dayes after they returned, 1598 making the like demaund, saying, that they had charge from the admirall, and that in case they refused, they would seeke some other meanes: but they returned as il satisfied this second time, as at the first.
In this assembly of the Estates of Cleues, the duke and his sister beeing there in person, the princesse behaued her selfe couragiously, incouraging the said Estates and their nobilitie, yea sometimes with teares in her eyes: And there were letters written on the dukes behalfe and hers, vnto prince Maurice, thanking him for the good order hee held to keepe their countries from oppression, intreating him to continue it, and to preserue them as much as he could, and not to be discontented against them, that the enemie had lodged so long in their countrey, but B rather that he should haue pitie and commiseration of them. And as the deputies of the inferiour circles were then assembled at Dortmont, they were required by the Estates of Cleues, to send cont Vander Lippe to the admirall, to pursue the restitution of Orsoy: but it was farre from thence, and the admirall made no account to leaue it so lightly.
Prince Maurice, whilest that the admirall did fortifie Orsoy, meaning to take a view of his whole armie, he caused it to be put in battaile, by squadrons vnder the mountaine of Elten, in a great plaine of heath, if haply the Spaniard, who had past the Rhine, should haue any desire to charge them: but no occasion being offered, the prince was glad to see the good order of his horse and foot, and their resolution and desire to affront the enemie.
The admirall hauing finished his fort of Walsom nere Orsoy, on the 29 of September hee The admirall summōs Berck. C sent to summon the towne of Rhineberck, by friendly letters written to captaine Schaef gouernor of the towne, whom he knew to be verie sicke of the plague (the which was at that time verie hot in the towne) who made him no other answer, but, That they were in conference with the prince elector of Cologne, to deliuer it into his hands, whereof hee expected an answer, wherefore he could say no more vnto it at that present. Before Berck there was a little island in the middest of the Rhine, whither prince Maurice (expecting it would bee besieged) had sent three companies to intrench themselues there; who finding the place not onely discommodious, but that at a low water the enemie might passe easily ouer, and cut their throats, they retired into the towne, although they died verie fast there, hauing not aboue foure hundred men left. The admirall not content with this answer, writ againe to captaine Schaef, sending D him word, That notwithstanding the said conference, hee should deliuer the towne into his hands by prouision: And he did in like maner write vnto the captaines wife, promising to giue her a good recompence, if she could persuade her husband. But it was all labour lost: besides prince Maurice hearing of Schaefs sicknesse, had appointed captaine Hedduic to be gouernor of the towne, so as the admirall being forced to vse other materials than inke and paper, on the 10 of October he came to inuest it.
They of Wezel, the chiefe towne of Cleueland, goodly, rich, and a place of great traffique, They of Wezel write to the admirall, [...] his answer. and thinking to light a candle before the diuell, they resolued to send him some goodly presents to appease his wrath, that he should not force them, as he had done other townes of the same countrey, on the other side of the Rhine, writing vnto him, and desiring a pasport for E their deputies, horses and wagons, that they might bring him the said gifts and presents safely. Whereunto the admirall answered in substance, That it was not his intent nor custome, to accept any presents to diuert him in any sort from his duetie, for the profit and seruice of his friends: but rather he required, that they all together, according to the necessitie of the time, should do their indeuors with him, and labour to take away the occasions and causes of all the miseries wherewith the Church and Commonweale were so torne and dismembred. By reason whereof, seeing the chiefe point to serue the common good, and to purchase his fauour, consisted therein, that they could not send him a greater present, than to let him vnderstand that they indeuour to cut off the causes of this mischiefe, and to restore the Church and Commonweal to the estate they were in before the troubles: the which hoping should be accomplished F by them, they should therein make him great presents, and might spare the charge and danger of sending to him. From Orsoy the 12 of September.
The earle Vanden Broek, did in like maner write the twentieth of the moneth vnto the admirall, intreating him to send him a safegard for his castle of Broek, his familie and subiects. [Page 1182] Whereunto the admirall answered in these couert and doubtfull termes, alledging the contracts A and mutuall bonds betwixt the king of Spaine and the duke of Cleues, for the defence 1598 and preseruation of the Catholike religion, and the publike quiet: in which termes the sayd earle maintaining himselfe according to his duetie, he should be receiued with all loue into his protection, and honoured according to his merits, the which should bee a firmer safegard for him than paper.
Yet cont Vanden Broek hauing receiued certaine aduertisements, that the Spaniards were The earle of Broek besieged in his castle, and yeelds. resolued to force his castle of Broek, on the 6 of October late at night, hee sent away his wife, daughters, and gentlewomen, meaning the next day to doc the like with the chiefest of his goods, the which he could not execute: for the next day his castle was wholly inuested, some canons planted by the breake of day, and battered the same day. The 8 of the moneth the earle B parled with the Spaniards, and made a composition, which was, That the souldiers that were in the castle should depart with him, and be conducted to a place of safetie. Whereupon the castle was yeelded, and he went forth with his men, which were choyce souldiers: but he was presently laid hold on by the Spaniards, and taken prisoner: the souldiers, being about fortie, were carried into a neere field, where they were not onely disarmed, but stript naked, and then miserably massacred. There were yet six of the duke of Iuilliers men (who being loth to trust the Spaniard) had slipt out of the way, vntill the greatest furie were ouerpast: In the meane time they did in like maner disrobe the earle, whom they would haue vsed as they had done the souldiers, if a captaine had not retired him into a chamber apart, and by that meanes his six souldiers had their liues also saued, yet they stript two of them as naked as when they came C from their mothers wombe, whom in derision they planted on either side of the earle, yet at the earles instant suit they suffered all six to depart. In the meane time the earle had a guard of halberdiers in his chamber, and not any one of his owne people might come neere him, but the seignior of Hardenbergh his cosin, and one page.
The tenth day of the moneth the captaine appointed for the guard of this castle, came and The earle of Broek murthered. told the earle, That he might go walke, if he pleased: Whereunto he answered, yea, if it might be without danger. After dinner he had a desire to walke with the captaine, beeing in whose companie he feared nothing: as he went he espied much bloud spilt vpon the way, and sayd vnto his page, See here the bloud of our seruants, if they haue an intent to doe as much to me, I had rather to day than tomorrow. Going on vnto his water mill vpon the riuer of Roer, hee D was knockt downe with a leuer, others say with the staffe of a halberd, or pertuisan, and layed all along, saying onely with his hands lift vp to heauen, My God, &c. and then hee was thrust twice or thrice thorough the bodie, and remained there dead vpon the place, vntil the twelfth of the moneth. Behold how miserably this poore nobleman was murthered, yet could not this dead carkasse bee at rest, for the Spaniards burnt it to ashes, to doe a disgrace to his religion.
A while after the Spaniards tooke the townes of Burick, Dinslaken, Holt, and Rees, in the The admirall doth ransome the towne of Wezel. same countrey of Cleues, and all other places and frontier forts thereabouts, chasing away or murthering the garrisons that were in them, and committing a thousand other insolencies. The reason why the admirall did not receiue any presents from Wezel, was, that hee meant to E draw some greater benefit from them. After that he had written ample letters vnto them in Latine, of a meere Iesuites stile, seeking to haue them restore the exercise of the Romish religion, hee sent his armie before the said towne, and did threaten them in such sort, as they were glad to send away their ministers, and to receiue priests and Iesuites, to say seruice in the temples, according to the Romish church. And moreouer, he forced them to a very hard extortion, in so poore and miserable a time, which was, to prouide him an hundred thousand ricx dollers, and a thousand quarters of corne; wherewith the souldiers made shew to bee discontented, thinking in taking of the towne to become all gold, yea they would haue fallen vpon them that had made this taxation. The first paiment of the hundred thousand dollers being come, the Spaniards would not receiue them but in weighty money (that is to say, at the same price that dollers F had beene coyned in the beginning, which differs not much lesse than a third part from that they goe for at this day) or else they would breake the treatie of accord which was made with them: the which bred a diuision in the towne, in the which there were three hundred souldiers of the duke of Iuilliers, two thousand bourgesses masters of families, and two thousand [Page 1183] yong men, handicrafts men, and workemen, so as some of them had rather bee doing against A the Spaniards, than suffer themselues to bee so opprest by such exactions, without any 1598 ground, right, or action: But the marshall of the countrey dissuaded them; and it was their best course, for if the Spaniards had but burnt their suburbes and their countrey houses, it had beene thrice more preiudiciall vnto them: besides the marshall laid before them, That admit they had repulst an assault, two or three, yet the Spaniard would not haue cared for it, but would haue returned so often (hauing men ynough) as hee would haue carried it, and then should they loose all without redemption. The dukes souldiers hearing this resolution of the inhabitants, and that they were in termes to doe the one or the other, beeing in some feare of themselues, and making their excuse, that their time limited was expired, they retired. The judge of the towne hearing the obstinat and vnreasonable demaund of the Spaniard, B sayd openly, That if they were not content with the first accord, and that it might not bee otherwise, that with the helpe of God they would prouide for their owne defence, and would rather fire the towne themselues, and abandon it, and seeke their safeties as they could. This resolute answer did coole the Spaniard, who was verie glad to haue the money.
The admirall hauing caused Rhineberck to bee inuested, his Spaniards entred into the The admirall besieges Rhineberck. island which is in the middest of the Rhine, both on horsebacke and on foot, vpon whom they of the towne played with their canon at their pleasures, yet they charged them that were there for the Estates being but lightly intrenched, which trenches they won, they also planted two peeces vpon the side of the riuer, from whence they did shoot against the fort which was in the island, which the bullets did pierce thorough and thorough: the which the gouernour C obseruing, he appointed a sergeant, and seuen or eight men onely to remaine in the sort, and that the rest should retire vnder the towne; where being arriued, the said sergeant and his men should follow, after they had set fire of their cabens: the canon of the towne and the rampars beeing planted full of musketiers, fauoured their retreat, and so they came safely into the towne, quitting the said island, whereof the Spaniards (not daring to approach presently, for feare of some hidden fire) seized the next day.
On the twelfth day the Spaniards hauing intrenched themselues within their campe, they made three batteries, either of foure peeces at the point of the island, to take away their defences: they planted two canons more, and two lesser peeces before Cassell port and the bulwarke. D
The foureteenth day (beeing a mist) they approched neerer, vnto a sluce neere vnto the Rhine port, without the halfe moone which was before the towne. Being thus ready to batter it, Alphonso d'Aualos caused it to bee summoned by a drumme in his owne priuat name. In the meane time the magistrat of the towne persuaded the gouernour to demaund a pasport of the admirall, for a messenger which they would send vnto the prince elector of Cologne, to see if they might not obtaine, that the sayd towne might be neutrall. Whereupon, and for this summons the captaines, and Nicholas Wippart auditor, beeing assembled, they resolued to hold out vnto the end, refusing the magistrats propositions, to auoid all doubt and iealousie: And although they had receiued instructions from prince Maurice, what to answer when they should bee summoned by the admirall; yet seeing they were summoned priuatly by a E colonell, they thought it good to answer the drumme, That they would keepe the towne for the seruice of God, of prince Maurice, and the Estates vnto the last man, and that the sayd drumme should returne no more vnto them in that behalfe, if hee would keepe himselfe safe from bullets.
This drumme beeing returned with his answer, the Spaniard began to discharge all his The powder in the towne set on fire. ordnance, so as about nine of the clocke they set fire of a tower, whereas the powder was, the which blew it vp into the ayre, so as there was no more powder left in the towne, but what the souldiers had in their flaskes, and what the gunners had by the ordnance. This tower was close by the castle neere vnto Rhine port, and as all the doores and windowes were well shut, they could not iudge but that the fire entred with a shot, the wall beeing not aboue a F foot thicke, and so it fell among the powder. Howsoeuer it came, there were an hundred and fiftie barrels of powder blown vp, so as they thought the town would haue sunk, not only carrying away many houses, but also a good part of the rampar neere vnto Rhine port. Captaine [Page 1184] Lucas Hedduic, gouernour of the towne had beene slaine, and many souldiers which were in A the halfe moone, the port whereof was carried away. The which the Spaniards perceiuing, 1598 they came to burne the portcullis, but they were hindred by fresh men that were sent thither to succour the towne.
The towne hauing had this great mischance, the breaches being not easily to bee repared, and the besieged finding themselues in want of powder, the captaines beeing assembled with Rhineberck yeelded. the auditor, to conferre what was to bee done, they held it conuenient to treat of a composition, whereof any delay might bee verie preiudiciall and dangerous, beeing impossible to repulse the assaults which might be giuen them; wherfore striking vp the drumme at Sant port, they required hostages, that they might send their deputies to the admirall. Whereupon Alphonso d'Aualos sent two Italian captaines, and out of the towne there went captaine Loon B and Fouillan, who in the end agreed to yeeld the towne, departing with their armes and baggage, but their colours wound vp, without any drumme sounding, or fire in their matches: That all that would might depart with the souldiers, and they should giue them fortie wagons, with a good conuoy to conduct them vnto Zanten, vpon promise, that for foure monethes they should not carrie armes against the king of Spaine, nor the archduke Albert.
And in this maner the towne was yeelded vpon the fifteenth of the moneth, vnto Dom Alphonso d'Aualos, who shewed them great courtesie, in requitall of the good vsage which prince Maurice had giuen him at the Hage, when as hee was taken prisoner in the Betuwe, when as the duke of Parma did besiege the fort of Knotsenbourg, right against Nimeghen, and that part of his horse-men were defeated, which forced him to rayse his siege, and to retire from C thence.
Prince Maurice had the last day of September written vnto the deputies of the inferiour circles Prince Maurice writes to the deputies of the circles. of Westphalia, being assembled at Dortmont, hearing that they were come thither to cōsider of the means wherby the lands of the empire might not only be freed from the Estates ‘souldiers, but also from the Spaniards; and in like manner how the townes of either partie, vpon the territories of the empire, might bee deliuered free to their princes and lords, the which was verie pleasing vnto him to heare: Wherfore he would not conceale it from them, how that the worthy prince elector of Cologne, had required of the generall Estates of the vnited prouinces, to haue the towne of Rhineberck deliuered vnto him: The which the said Estates were resolued to performe, yea to giue caution that hereafter their souldiers should not D attempt vpon any townes on the limits of the empire, so farre foorth as the sayd deputies, princes, and noblemen, together with the members of that lower circle of Westphalia would bee answerable, that their enemies should in like manner deliuer vp those townes which they held of the empire, and would promise not to attempt hereafter vpon any more, nor build any forts there, so as they should haue no more cause to feare on that side.’
‘And seeing the sayd Estates haue not taken the said towne from the prince elector, but haue wrested it by force from the enemie, so as by right they might retaine it, yet they were readie vpon those conditions to yeeld it to the naturall lord, seeming to them as reasonable, that their enemies should deliuer the townes and forts which they held of the empire, not vnto the Estates, but vnto their princes and naturall lords, who by force, and contrarie to the E lawes of the empire, had seized on them, and contrarie to their promises: For if they should suffer the enemies of the said Estates, to make warre against them by the meanes of imperiall townes, that the sayd deputies (beeing men of iudgement) would thinke it no lesse lawfull for them, than for their enemies. The which, for the singular loue and affection they bare vnto the empire, they could not conceale, being loth thereby to mooue the electors and princes of the empire, for that there is not any thing can bee more pleasing vnto them, than the prosperitie and peace thereof, which they would with all their powers seeke to entertaine and aduance: intreating them with all affection to enter into consideration of this important businesse, and so to resolue as they shall thinke fit and conuenient for the entertainment of a generall peace and neighbourly loue, &c. From the campe at Gelderschenweerd the last of F September 1598.’
After which letters on the foureteenth of October came to the princes campe certaine deputies from the duke of Cleues, to let him vnderstand, how that the admirall did dayly swallow [Page 1185] vp and deuoure the townes and places of his countries, and that those of the circles of A Westphalia, had agreed to leuie three thousand foot to put in garrison into the frontier 1598 Deputies from the duke of Cleues to prince Maurice townes, attending the emperours resolution, vpon such disorders and oppressions: for that the sayd duke of Cleues and the princes electors of the Rhine, had written vnto his imperiall Maiestie, That if it were not done now at this verie instant, when as his brother, the archduke Albert was with him, that they were resolued to take the matter in hand, the sayd deputies protesting before prince Maurice and the counsell of warre, that whatsoeuer the enemie did or practised against them, was not by any counterfeit dissembling of them of the dukes countrey, but by meere force, violence and outrage, to the great griefe of their prince, and of all his countries and subiects.
The admirall hauing receiued this money aboue mentioned from Wezel, and much more B from other townes which hee had ransomed, with some other money from Brussels, he gaue some pay vnto his souldiers, whom hee caused to passe the Rhine, leauing garrisons in the townes which hee had taken in the duchie of Cleues: then hee went and past the riuer of Lippe, neere vnto Wezel, whereas there grew some question betwixt him and the commaunders, what course hee were best to take, whether towards the countrey of Ouerissel, or descend downe the Rhine. Cont Frederic vanden Berghe would gladly haue had the armie entred into Ouerissel and Friseland, but Dom Lewis de Velasco refusing to march, considering the latenesse of the season, and Winter at hand, sayd openly, That to lead the kings armie so farre into a countrey whereas they might want victuals and other commodities, was the way to ruine. Whereupon the admirall tooke his way to Bocholt, writing to all the C townes of the diocesse of Munster, to bring him money, victuals, and munition. By reason whereof the general Estates of the vnited prouinces, did write vnto the gouernours and superintendents of the sayd diocesse, that they keepe themselues as carefully as they had hitherto done, else they could not hold them for neutrals, that should assist their enemies in that manner.
Prince Maurice hauing heard this diuersitie of opinions of the commaunders of the Spanish armie, meaning to worke securely, fearing least hee should come sodainly vpon him in this village, neere vnto Seuenter, where hee was, and cut him off from the townes of the countie of Zutphen, his intention beeing to lead his armie to Doesbourg, and to leaue that lodging, hee caused the church in that village to bee fortified, where hee planted three batteries D vpon the approches, and some halfe moones without the trenches, the which was done with wonderfull expedition, whereby hee assured the passage towards Doesbourg. Then hauing taken view of his armie within the island of Gelderschenweerd, the which hee found to bee about two thousand foot, leauing these forts, and the towne and castle of Seuenter, well furnished, hee led his armie to Doesbourg, part whereof hee lodged in an island opposit, beeing in the middest of the riuer of Issel, and part of it at the backe of the towne towards the fields, in trenches which hee had caused to bee made, well defenced with good artillerie, there to attend his enemie, if haply hee should haue any desire to come and fall vpon the said towne of Doesbourg, there to get a passage ouer Issel, and an entrie into the Veluwe. E
And as the riuers of Rhine, Wahal, and Issel, were risen seuen or eight foot higher than of custome, the prince caused a ship of warre to come downe from towards Rees the last of October, to cut the dike of the riuer of Hetter, aboue Emmeric, the which was finished the same night, the pioners being defended by 1200 horse, which the earle of Hohenloo had there, so as before it was day the water running with great force through the hole, drowned the countrey whereas the Spaniard was come to lodge. The Spaniard seeing this, went thither speedily with many musketiers, which shot furiously at the earles men, who notwithstanding stood firme, vntil the enemy hauing brought some artillery vpon the dike, they were forced to retire from thence, as the ship of warre did in like manner: and then the Spaniard laboured with all diligence to stop this hole, the which they the same night did, to their great F content.
The admirall hauing brought his armie as low as Emmeric (although that the said towne, at the instance of the deane of the Iesuites, had obtained, that they should not bee charged with any garrison, for the which they had an act of the admirals hand) yet hee caused it to bee [Page 1186] summoned, to giue passage to his artillerie: the which beeing granted, hee became by that A meanes master of the towne, where he placed a good garrison. The deane (beeing a resolute 1598 man) seeing himselfe deceiued, hee went vnto the admirall, with three of his owne letters of promise, that the said towne should not be in any sort opprest (as the Spaniards mildnesse and courtesie was generally well knowne, where as they might be masters) to whom seeing his resolution to enter, he spake after this manner. Without doubt the Gueux (meaning the Estates) The deane of Emmeric's speech to the admirall. haue reason of distrust, seeing that the Spaniards promise much, and performe little: You haue by this armie distracted the hearts of a thousand, that were well affected to the king of Spaine, who otherwise would haue beene deuoted vnto him. Seeing it can be no otherwise, we must make our complaints vnto God. Whereunto the admirall made no answer, but, That the euents of warre were variable, and changed ten times in an houre, but for the present he could do no otherwise. Yet he did them this B fauour, that they had none but Landsknets in garrison. He had done the like at Rees, whereas he had left Spaniards and Italians, as also at Iselbourg, whereas the bourgers were miserably intreated, and some murthered. Then he marched with his armie, and camped at the foot of the mountaine of Elten, from whence hee sent the fift of Nouember, foure regiments before Deutecom, in the countie of Zutphen, to besiege it. If the earle of Hohenloo had beene duly aduertised of their numbers, hee had charged them with his horse; but thinking the whole Spanish armie had beene there, hee forbare. He was sent by prince Maurice with the regiment of cont Ernest of Nassau, and halfe the Scottish men, to the fort of Tolhus, that the enemie should not slip into the Betuwe, the which he furnished with some artillerie, to keepe it with the towne of Hussen; the prince remaining with the rest of his armie at Doesbourg, to defend C the Veluwe on that side, whither he caused his bridges & boats to be brought, the which he had in Gelderschenweerd, leauing it well furnished and fortified.
The eight of Nouember the admiral being come to the campe before Deutecom with the rest of his armie, without summoning it, he planted 4 peeces of ordnance against the port of Doesbourg, thinking to take it sodainly, and so to terrifie all the other small neighbor townes, which batterie continued vntill the next day at noone. The towne is small and weake, hauing then but foure companies in garrison, which were not sufficient to defend so poore a place, against so mightie an enemie. The night following the admirall caused foureteene peeces more to be planted on both sides of the port of Doesbourg: whereupon the besieged seeing that port almost battered downe, and thrice as many canons planted, they began to saint, as well D the souldiers, as the bourgers, especially for that they had not vouchsafed to summon them, fearing least the enemie would force them, to cut all their throats, and by them giue example to the other townes. Whereupon the magistrat and the captaines thought it good, to strike vp a drumme, and demaund a parle: which being done, captaine Ghyselaer and la Grappe, with two bourgmasters, went forth to treat with the admirall, the captaines demaunding that they might passe out as they came in, and that the bourgers might remaine there halfe a yere quietly to sell their goods and retire afterwards if they please, and as for the others which would remaine, they should bee maintained in their liberties and freedomes: Whereunto the admiral at the first would by no meanes yeeld, commaunding them to retire, if they would not yeeld simply to his mercie. Whereupon the towne captaines propounding vnto themselues, that E they had yet threescore barrels of powder, the which (rather than they would yeeld to mercy) they would imploy to blow vp the breaches and to set fire on the towne, and burne all their prouision, corne, and other munition, before the enemie should enioy them, and dye there all themselues, before they would yeeld vpon such a composition. In the end it was agreed, That in regard of the souldiers, they should depart with armes and baggage, leauing their colours, and promising not to carrie armes in Holland, nor Zeeland, against the king for six monethes. As for the bourgers, he would not yeeld to any conditions of agreement by writing, but promised them vpon his word, That they should not bee wronged neither in bodie nor goods: wherewith the bourgmasters contented themselues, seeing they could obtaine no more, and so yeelded, the foure companies departing the same day, being the eight of Nouember. This F towne had held the partie of the Estates of the vnited prouinces aboue twentie yeares.
From thence the admirall went before the castle of Schuylenbourg, wherein captaine Dort commaunded for the Estates, with his companie: hee caused him to be summoned, that in case he attended the canon, both he and all his men should be hanged: but the captaine being [Page 1187] loth to yeeld it so lightly, he caused it to be inuested the same night, and brought ten peeces of A ordnance, beginning to batter it the ninth day in the afternoone, continuing it vntill night, 1598 and most part of the night, making his preparations to assayle it the next day, with many boats (the castle standing in a marish ground, hauing but one approch) ladders, hurdels, and planks. Captaine Dort seeing this, and finding himselfe too weake to endure many assaults, he gaue eare to a parle, on the eleuenth day, and in the end was forced to depart with a white staffe onely.
Prince Maurice hauing news of the taking of Deutecom, and of the fort of Schuylenbourg, thinking now that the admirall would come and charge him in his trenches by Doesbourg, he attended him there in good deuotion the 11, 12, and 13 dayes of Nouember. But whereas by reason of the Estates neighbour garrisons, victuals could not come freely to the admirals B campe, the princes men cutting off his souldiers by little and little, so as his armie decreased, and did melt away like waxe, as well by famine, want, and miserie, as for that the enemie did leaue them dayly, and withall his souldiers disbanded and fled from this miserie, euerie one hauing in three dayes but one loafe of verie blacke bread, and water his fill, so as some of his men being taken prisoners, did affirme, that his armie was decreased aboue seuen thousand men; yea a lieutenant of horse being brought prisoner before the prince, did protest that hee had not eaten any bread in fiue dayes, besides other great discommodities which the Spanish armie endured: For these considerations the admirall durst not attempt any thing more vpon the limits of the Estates, desiring nothing more (Winter being at hand) than a good lodging for his armie. For as cont Frederic Vanden Berghe said, Against his cosin (whom hee called prince Maurice) there was nothing but blowes to be gotten. So as on the 16 of Nouember after a C long consultation, the admirall found no better aduice, than to carrie vp his armie into the countries of Cleues, Munster, Berghe, and Marck, to lodge his troups there during the Winter: What they did there you shall soone heare.
Whilest the admirall was yet in counsell what to do, prince Maurice hauing some doubt of the towne of Lochem, which had beene so much recommended vnto him by the Estates, and of the towne of Zutphen, he sent a companie of footmen, and some gunners to Lochem, thinking the admirall would go against it: and he himselfe went to Zutphen, to see all things well ordered, where finding all well disposed, he returned the same day to Doesbourg, hauing giuen order for the making of two new rauelins, whereof he himselfe layed the plot, as he did in D like manner at Doesbourg. The deputies of the lower circles of Westphalia, whereof cont Vander Lippe was chiefe, and captaine generall, being yet assembled at Dormont, hearing the complaints which were made from diuers parts, of the admirals irruption vpon the territories of the empire, and the oppressions and insolencies of the Spaniards, they decreed about the middest of Nouember, to write vnto the emperour, and to the foure princes electors of the Rhine, that it would please his imperiall Maiestie, and their excellencies, to write both to the admirall, and to Brussels to cardinall Andrew of Austria, bishop of Constance, gouernour in the absence of the archduke Albert; and in like manner to the generall Estates of the vnited prouinces of the Netherlands, that either of them should restore the townes which they held by their garrisons vpon the territories of the empire, yeelding euerie of them to his prince E and naturall lord. The substance of which letters was:
That as soone as the archduke Albert was gone out of the Netherlands, Dom Francisco de The deputie [...] of the circles letters from Dortmont. Mendoza, admirall of Arragon, duke of Veraguas, marquesse of Guadaleste, gouernour &c. had entred with an armie of about thirtie thousand horse and foot, into the duchie of Cleues, and had taken the towne and castle of Orsoy, chasing away the dukes garrison, and passing a ‘good part of his armie ouer the Rhine, had fortified the village of Walsom right against the sayd towne. From thence hee went into the duchie of Mont, and besieged the castle, and abode of the noble lord Wirick van Daun, earle of Falckenstein, seignior of Broeck: which castle of Broeck (which is a fee of the sayd duchie of Mont) hee had besieged and battered, and notwithstanding that the sayd earle, vpon condition of faith and promise made of libertie F both for bodie and goods, as well for his owne person, as for his souldiers (some beeing the dukes, and some his) had yeelded by composition, yet the souldiers were some of them stript and murthered, and some ransomed, and then the sayd earle was secretly murthered, with a [Page 1188] strange and vnheard of crueltie (whose widow was come to complaine vnto them, notwithstanding A that he was a neuter, and had alwayes carryed himselfe as an officer and faithfull seruant 1598 to the said duke his lord, hauing before demaunded [...] safegard from the admirall, expecting nothing lesse, than any such violence) spoyling and carrying away all that they found in the sayd castle. Moreouer, the Spaniards and the admirals men had taken in the countries of Cleues, the townes of Burick, Dinslaken, Holt, and Rees, by force, committing great insolencies and outrages, taken the frontier forts, murthered and chased away the garrisons that were in them, ransomed the towne of Wezel at an hundred thousand dollers, and one thousand quarters of corne: We doe not speake how that within these two dayes they haue summoned some townes in the countrey of Munster, and forced them to receiue garrisons for the king of Spaine: besides, they haue ouer-run and spoyled the quarters of Essen and Werden, the seigniorie and castle of Frankenbergh, belonging to the earle of Schauwenbourg, and B Wenelickouen, in the countie of Benthem, the castles and forts of Loe, Wynendael, Driersfort, Resau, Impel, Dornic, Luchausen, all the countrey of Cleues, without any respect vnto the duke, making his residence in the sayd countrey, spoyling and robbing monasteries and churches, and reducing the poore country people into so miserable estate, for these eight weekes space, as it is impossible to write it, and for the which they neuer can answer before God. And that in the meane time the Estates of the vnited prouinces, were also crept into the duchie of Cleues, and had seized vpon the towne and castle of Seuenter, and the fort of Tolhus, the which they had battered with their artillerie, and taken many prisoners, both clergie and lay men, out of the countrey of Munster. That Dom Gaston Spinola, gouernour of Limbourg, C vnder colour of the execution of the sentence of proscription giuen against the imperiall towne of Ayx, had forced two gentlemens houses, Frankenburch and Heyden, from which places his men did great outrages to all men they incountred. And in like maner the Spanish garrisons exacted certaine thousands of dollers from the villages of the high quarter of Gueldres; with many other complaints: Requiring therefore that it would please their excellencies to be mediators to his imperiall Maiestie, that some remedie may be had &c.’
Whereupon the sayd princes electors did write on the 12 of December, the sameyere 1598, emperour after this manner.
Most gratious Emperour, we doubt not but your Maiestie hath beene fully informed, not The princes electors letters to the emperour. onely of the lamentable complaints of the afflicted circles of Westphalia, which are too apparant, D but also you haue heard by common fame, how vniustly the countries of the duke of Iuilliers ‘haue beene in hostile manner inuaded, by the armies of the two parties in the Netherlands, especially by the King of Spaines souldiers, his townes and places taken, his poore subiects spoyled, taken, ransomed, murthered, and otherwise tormented: whereof they would more amply informe his imperiall Maiestie, by the instructions thereunto adioyned, quoted A. B. C. Saying, That they must needs confesse that such attempts will sound strangely throughout all the empire, to the scandall of his Maiestie, and contempt of his decrees, which may prooue verie preiudiciall to the members and estates of the sayd empire, if such vnreasonable attempts, irruptions, and insolencies of strange souldiers, were not preuented by good and sufficient meanes, and their boldnesse supprest. That not onely the circles and countries E at this present afflicted, would bee vtterly ruined, but also that they the princes electors and neerest neighbours could not otherwise coniecture, but that in the end they should bee paied with the same money, inuaded, and drawne into the like calamities: Nothing doubting, but that his imperiall Maiestie doth consider how contemptible this may be both to the holy empire and his imperiall Maiestie, and that without attending any aduertisements from them, hee hath forecast how for the greater safetie of the countrey those things might bee preuented: this present fact beeing a matter of wonderful consideration, that the guiltlesse members of the empire, vpon the sodaine without any cause giuen, and contrarie to the promise and good words of the deceased king of Spaine, and the late gouernours of his Netherlands, and (as we hope) against the will and commaundement of our most deere lord, F friend, and cosin, Albert archduke of Austria, should bee spoyled and made a prey to these strange souldiers. And to all the admonitions and intreaties that can be made, they haue no other answer, than that they can giue no other reason for all this, but that it is so decreed in the [Page 1198] counsell of Brussels, that the holy empire with all the dependances and allies, should bee subiected A vnto their intollerable seruitude, and submit themselues vnder the gouernment of 1598 Brussels, as it should please them to commaund, as beeing bound to beare all such vndeserued burthens as it would please them to impose. Wherefore in consideration of these causes aboue mentioned, we princes electors, not onely vpon the complaints of these afflicted countries, but in regard of the consequence which may follow of all these oppressions, haue giuen order to our men, to remaine in some commodious place, and to bee watchfull ouer all, and foresee how they might preuent those inuasions of the enemie; by whose reports the forces of either side seeme so great, as in our iudgements there must be fit remedies vsed: yet wee haue giuen the said archduke and the cardinall of Austria's vicegouernor at Brussels, to vnder stand of all these disorders, to the end they should command the captaine generall of the kings armie, to forbeare hereafter from all such outrages, and insolencies, with order for the restitution B of townes and places, and the dammage they had endured, hoping that they like renowned German princes, will with their hearts affect the health, good, and honour of the empire; and that they would not fayle of their dueties, in all they may do for the aduancement of the German estate. And we haue in like manner written vnto the generall Estates of the vnited prouinces. That for their parts they should depart out of the limits of the empire, and forbeare to attempt any thing against it, the which is to be hoped. By reason whereof wee that are seated vpon the Rhine, by the knowledge which is giuen vs of these disorders, are forced openly and without dissimulation, to beseech your imperiall Maiestie, to interpose your authoritie, after full information of all. That it would therefore please your imperiall Maiestie C (whereunto wee know you are wholly inclined) to seeke to pacifie these dangerous inconueniences, and to remember how earnestly and with what zeale the generall Estates of the empire did propound it, and intreated you at the last diet at Ratisbone, as also that the voluntarie contributions were not graunted to any other end, but to preuent all courses, passages, lodging, and spoyles. And that against such violences, your imperiall Maiestie should vse authoritie, that the holy empire fall not into contempt, to haue abandoned the countrey to the spoyle of strange souldiers; and that beeing sodainely surprised, it should come to ruine and desolation: but that it would please him to deale so by mild meanes, as these poore afflicted countries may bee freed from their intollerable miseries. And besides, that all the other prouinces of the empire may bee preserued and assured from such inuasions. And as D wee remember that your imperiall Maiestie, and the generall Estates of the empire, had an intent heretofore to send embassadours to both parties that make warre, wee would now make the same prayer, and instant request, and will most humbly beseech your imperiall Maiestie not to neglect it, but to seeke by all meanes to suppresse such extraordinarie insolencies; hoping that God will put to his blessed hand, and send vs a more happie season, than we haue hitherto had, and that therby there may follow a good peace, as wel for the holy empire, as for the two parties that make warre.’
‘The which for the care wee haue of the good and quiet of the empire, wee could not forbeare to shew vnto your imperiall Maiestie, with all humilitie, hoping you will not take it in ill part, but rather will excuse vs by reason of the importance of the cause; and E that, of your imperiall clemencie, you will prouide for this publike mischiefe, so as the poore countries afflicted, may bee relieued and eased, that the generall reputation of the holy empire may bee kept, to the protection of those prouinces that depend thereon. And seeing that the Estates of the circle of Westphalia, by vertue of the imperiall constitutions, haue required vs and the princes electors of the vpper circle of the Rhine, to assemble our selues on the tenth day of Ianuarie nextcomming, in the citie of Cologne, to resolue vpon these important affaires: Wee therefore most humbly beseech your imperiall Maiestie, that you would bee pleased at the same time and place, to send (if it be possible) your Maiesties gratious resolution, or declare if that wee with the aforesayd circles, may not aduise and seeke by all possible meanes to diuert this mischiefe.’ F
‘And in case wee may not haue this charge and commission, and that a more ample declaration from the holy empire bee required, that it would please you to aduise the deputies of the deputies of the sayd Estates, in case they bee required by them that are oppressed, or [Page 1190] others to call vnto their succours or counsell the other circles, and giue charge to the deputies A touching that matter, for the next assemblie: wherein your imperiall Maiestie shall doe a 1598 worke worthie of his clemencie, the which may serue for the assurance and quiet of the afflicted countries, and of all those of the Empire: Praying God &c.’
In the meane time, and before these letters were sent vnto the emperour, M. Charles Nutzel, seigniour of Sonderspuhel, commissioner and counsellor to his imperiall Maiestie, being come by his commission to preserue the countrey of Cleues, to haue all things restored, and to treat of the dukes mariage with the princesse of Lorraine, he writ vnto the admirall the last of October from Cleues: By the which hee complained, That according vnto the promise The emperors commissioner writes vnto the admiral. which he had made vnto him in the towne of Gueldres, to restore the towne of Orsoy to the duke that was lord thereof, within ten, twelue, or twentie daies at the most; and that after B ‘he had taken the towne of Rhineberck, all his troupes should bee sent out of the countrey: yet hauing trusted too much vnto his promises, and the word of a prince, hee found himselfe circumuented and deceiued, hauing receiued nothing but words full of ayre, and seene the effects full of hostilitie: reproaching him, that hee had gone in person from one towne vnto another, ransoming them, some for great summes of money, others for victuals and munition, the which hee sayd hee had seene with his eyes: Being a question how this will bee taken by the emperor (in whose name he said he remained there to preserue the countrey) and not onely of the other princes of the empire, but of all Europe, whom it doth concerne in generall, the which they may easily conceiue, who hauing their lands and iurisdictions thus afflicted, would gladly see them freed, and assured hereafter. That the houses of C Cleues and Lorraine were now presently allyed by mariage, and that of Lorraine with the crowne of France: besides other alliances with other neighbor princes, all which will be amazed, and great wounds, which are not yet well cured, will be reuiued; all which (being well affected, as he said, vnto the Spaniards) be brought into consideration. That now a Catholike prince, who with all his meanes, with a Catholike zeale, hath preserued and maintained the Catholike Religion, should bee in that sort troden vnder foot, yea in a manner deuoured quicke, when as (leauing the enemie at rest) they come and powre out all the discommodities of warre, vpon the kings owne kinsmen; when as churches are abused, religious women forced, and all that was consecrated vnto God, prophaned: when as they offer force and violence to embassadours, who by the lawes of nations should bee free and assured, as it is D said did happen vnto other embassadours of the duke, descending downe the Rhine to come vnto the towne of Cleues, who would not say, but as this tends chiefely to the preiudice and contempt of religion, and of that which doth most concerne the honour and reputation of the house of Austria? the which (according to the saying of Hystorians) through mildnesse and sinceritie, haue beene happie in their enterprises and successe, procuring with all their meanes (the which not friends onely, but enemies will confesse) that they might not bee taxed to haue raysed or mannaged an vniust warre, to blemish them, and to make them odious and contemptible to all the world. And not onely to prouoke the wrath and vengeance of God against the king of Spaine, but also against the authors and practisers of such cruelties. I beseech you (sayd hee) what good can you expect of such incertaine E things, when as they are worse intreated than the stranger? the kinsman, and the enemie, the innocent and the guiltie, the good and the wicked, are all held in one ranke. And to the end I may discharge my duetie, I am resolued to write all these wofull and tragicall practises, so preiudiciall to the whole empire, and send them to the emperour, intreating you in the meane time to take order, that such oppressions and outrages may cease, that the towns, forts, and castles, belonging to the duke of Cleues, may be restored. That the troups may bee withdrawne, the dammages repaired, and that no more occasion may bee giuen of further ruine; the which by right and reason ought to be put in execution, and would proue honorable vnto you: Whereof I wil attend a good and courteous answer. From Cleues the last of October 1598.’ F
The oppressions committed by the Spaniards, whereof the commissary cōplains, & which A discourse of the insolencies committed by the Spaniards. were sent by attestation, quoted by number & alphabet, together with all the admirals proceedings, were, That his men tooke & spoyled, without any respect of safegards, and much lesse of [Page 1191] neutralitie, betwixt the riuers of Issel & Lippe in the duchie of Iuilliers, first the castle of Diesfort, A belonging vnto the seignior of Willich, steward by inheritance of the duchie of Cleues, 1598 notwithstanding the safegard set vp at the gate, the which they spoyled, with all that the poore countrey men (trusting in the sayd safegard) had brought in thither for their refuge and succour.
Item, the castle of Billingof, belonging to them of Bernsau, the which beeing taken at the third assault, they slew all they found within it, and then spoyled it. The castle of Oberenbergh, belonging to the seigniour of Marnholt, was also spoyled.
Item, after they had robbed the cloyster of Schlenhorst, they drew all the Nunnes into a troupe, stript them naked, rauished them, and intreated them tyrannously. The castle of Asseldt beeing taken and spoyled, they threw the men which they found in it, B from the top of the tower into the ditches. After they had spoyled the castle of Gran, belonging the steward of the countrey, they carried all away prisoners that they found in it. The castle of Hackenhuys, belonging to the seigniour of Ilf, they spoyled. They did not onely spoyle the castle of Impel, belonging to the seigniour of Diepenbroek, and carried away all the corne, cattell, and other goods, but they burnt the base court, and tare an infant out of the mothers wombe, beeing readie to bee deliuered. Rossau, belonging to the seigniour Godd [...]rd Williche, was wholy spoyled. Wenge, appertaining to them of Gar, and the village Domic spoyled. The strong castle of Hynd, belonging to the seigniour of Graustein, was also ruined, and all burnt that was about it. The monasteries of Mariendale and Fryet were spoyled. And all the villages about the sayd castles, endured a thousand outrages and C strange indignities which were by them most cruelly executed both against men and women. We haue mention before of the castle of Vanden Broeck, and what they did there: besides they haue entred into the riuers of Lippe and Roer, spoyled the castle of Wewenhuys, belonging to them of Hueffen, and burnt the base court of the castle of Fuert, appertaining to George van Syburch:
Item, the castle of Mamich, whereof the widow of Capelle was owner, burning the base court. The castle of Essand, belonging to the seignior Wittenhorst, spoyled, beaten downe, and burnt, with diuers others. And going higher towards the countrey of Munster and Westphalia, on the three and twentieth of Nouember Dom Louis de Velasco, generall of the Spanish artillerie, came before the towne of Dortsen, with letters from the admirall, requiring D the bourgmaster and counsell to open their gates, and receiue a garrison: Whereunto answer was made him, That it did not belong vnto them to open their gates to any strange souldiers, without the aduice and commaundement of their lord and prince, the elector of Cologne: Moreouer, they had not deserued any such vsage of the king of Spaine, wherefore they required foure dayes respite to aduertise their lord and prince. But they replyed, That they should not haue an houres respite to take counsell, and therefore they should presently say yea, or no, whether they would open their gates, and doe what they demaunded: and if they did it not presently, they had brought that with them which should master them before night, and then they might thinke what would become of them. They of the towne insisted to haue but two dayes (saying, That it had not beene heard of, no not in time warre, E to receiue strange souldiers without the priuitie & consent of their prince) but they could not obtaine it, the messengers retiring, who had made this summons, there presently approched many troups neere the towne, who began to intrench themselues with all speed, and to plant nine peeces of ordnance to batter it, as if it were an enemies towne. The bourgers seeing these sodaine acts of hostilitie, not able to preuaile any thing by prayers nor intreatie, began somewhat to defend themselues, shooting certaine vollies into their campe, hoping that the generall vpon better aduice would forbeare; but it preuailed nothing, the Spaniards continuing their batterie, vntill they had ouerthrowne a great part of the wall, so as the same night, or the next day they had gone to the assault, for the which they made a bridge ouer the riuer of Lippe, bringing their men at night euen to the foot of the counterscarpe. And although F the bourgers had rampared vp that which was battered, and somewhat assured it against an assault, hauing chased the souldiers from the counterscarpe, yet the next day they began their batterie againe, the which did not onely batter downe all they had rampared, but did so teare the houses along the street of Lippe, as no man durst shew himselfe at the rampars. The Spaniards [Page 1192] making preparation to assayle them, about noone they shot fierie bullets into the town; A wherewith the poore bourgers being terrified, and abandoned of all succours, knowing well 1598 that their prince was ignorant of all this, and too farre to deliuer them from these attempts, being vnable of themselues to resist them, in the end they consulted how they might preserue their liues, wiues and children, so as they sent certaine deputies vnto the Spaniard, to offer him the towne, vpon the best conditions they could obtaine: the which being accorded the generall Velasco entred with thirteene hundred men, and demaunded the keyes, with all the armes and munition in the towne, the which was not done without great oppression of the good bourgers.
The Spaniard hauing got footing in the iurisdiction of Reckelinhuysen, some of his troups marched towards Dortmont, whereas they demaunded entrance to lodge one thousand B horse all Winter, which if they refused, they would come so well accompanied, as they should haue no cause to thanke them. Whereupon they of Dortmont answered, That beeing a free imperiall towne, they were not subiect to the king of Spaine, neither had they any need of horsemen: wherefore they intreated them to suffer them in peace, giuing order for their rampars, towers, and fortifications: Wherefore the Spaniards retired for that time, and went into the countie of Marck, where they tooke the townes of Vnna, Kam, Lun, and Ham, with Lunkenhuysen, and Herberum, all by sieges, threats, or otherwise. And although that Postule of Munster, archbishop of Cologne, seeing the Spaniards bend towards Westphalia, had sent some of his counsellors, and certaine deputies of the chapter of Munster, to the admirall, to intreat him, and aduertise him that those things were contrarie to the constitutions of C the empire: but nothing could withhold the Spaniards from the besieging of Bocholt, the inhabitants whereof to saue themselues from oppression, being too weake to maintaine a siege, resolued to compound vpon certaine conditions, the which were not verie well kept. So as in the same countrey of Munster, there fell into the Spaniards power the townes of Koesuelt, Borcken, Bemsdorp, Halterens, Dusmont, Lunduncknuys, Stadtloon, and Sudloon; and their pride was so great, as they spared not Ahours, one of the archbishops palaces, nor Horsemeir, whither they were carrying prouision for him to keepe his court, with the castles of Werde, Frede, and Ottenstein: yea Contarez a Spanish commissarie went in view of the archbishop, with certaine troups towards the townes of Alem and Brockem, which they surprised by policie saying they were the Archbishops men, as also the townes of Rene, Warendorp, D Tolgt, and Senderhorst.
They made no difficultie to commaund the towne of Osnabrughe, to furnish them a man of massie siluer and gilt, or two hundred pounds weight of pure gold. They made the like demaund vnto them of Badenborne, the which they ransomed, commaunding the bishop to chase away the Protestant ministers, nay there were two Wallon colonels, the baron of Hachicourt, and the earle of Busquoy, that were not ashamed to demand of the earle of Oldenbourg, prouision of money to pay their souldiers, or else they would send them to Winter in his countrey: to whom the earle made as braue a refusall.
In all places whereas the Spanish armie was lodged, they would not suffer the bourgers and inhabitants to meddle with the corne which they had in their garners, to feed their families, E yea in peasants houses whereas they found no prouision of corne, they forced them to go and prouide it at what price soeuer. They would none but the whitest bread, mutton, and pullets, and drinke wine, saying openly, That they were bound to assist the king to subdue his rebels, as being a member of the empire, wherefore it was reason they should lodge and nourish them. They would haue all places opened vnto them, and did wonderfully threaten the Protestants, especially the earles Vander Lippe, and of Benthem, from whom they did extort the seigniorie of Weuelickhoue, and others. When as some aduised colonell Barlotte to carrie himselfe more modestly, and that the princes of the circles might take it ill: he answered (pointing with his finger) As much as that cow. And when any of the princes embassadors sent to the admirall, had their dispatches, the Spaniards made mouthes at them, and asses eares, with other F disgraces, terming them Lutherans: to conclude, they esteemed the Germans no more than dung.
Besides the Spaniards insolencies before rehearsed, they committed others in the quarters of Marck, Westphalia, Munster, and thereabouts, where they did hang vp many peasants, some [Page 1193] by the feete, some by the hands, and some by the priuie members. In the village of Reeke A they bound three poore peasants to pikes neere to a willow, and did roast them like vnto a 1589 peece of flesh vpon a spit. It is not possible to expresse the execrable rauishing and forcing of wiues and maidens which they committed, whereof we will relate some. Seauen Spaniards hauing bound the iudge of Duslemont in a chaire, they presently after rauished his wife before his face. They bound a yong virgins hands and feet to foure stakes in the ground, and the haire of her head wound about the fift, and then they forced her: the like they had done before to a maiden in the castle of Broek. It was not enough for them after the taking of the castle of Billichouen, and other gentlemens houses, to haue forced many honest wiues and virgins, but they did set their heads downeward, and their legges vpward (beeing stripped naked) in the feathers of beds, and in this manner did vse them so inhumanely, as it is a shame to write it; with many other barbarous acts, which are not fit to be written. B
All these detestable cruelties were set downe in writing, and sent vnto the emperour, and to many princes of Germanie, whereupon the duke of Brunswick made a proclamation ouer all his territories, of the nineteenth of December 1598, wherein were briefly contained all the attempts and cruelties of the Spaniards, exhorting all his subiects to take armes against them. The archbishop of Cologne who was much interessed, did write vnto the Landtsgraue of Hessen, on the ninth of December, requiring his aduice what was to be done in these occurrents. The sixe princes electors by their letters on the 12. of December, did write vnto the Emperour at large, aduertising him of all these cruelties, and complaining greatly that his imperiall authoritie was contemned and troden vnder foot by the Spaniards; for the redressing whereof they desire succours. The archduke Albert beeing come to Milan, hee writ in C his owne excuse vnto the gouernour of the prince elector of Saxonie on the 28 of December, where after he had made the Estates of the vnited prouinces the cause of all these miseries, he maintaines that the duke of Iuilliers and the lower circles are bound to aid and assist him against the said Estates, accusing also the earle Vanden Broeck to haue done acts of hostilitie against the kings men, as if he would say (and as the admirall hath since said) that hee had well deserued it.
Vpon the letters from the electors, the emperour did write vnto the archduke Albert on the thirtieth of December, complaining, that notwithstanding so many letters written to cardinall Andrew of Austria, then gouernour of the Netherlands, and to the admirall; namely, on the 24 of October, and on the 14, 19, and 29 of Nouember, by the which he commanded D reparation of these oppressions, and restitution of exactions, and that the Spanish armie should dislodge, yet nothing had beene effected, but rather those insolencies and cruell attempts had increased more and more: then making a repetition of some of the said attempts and oppressions, and of diuers admonitions which had beene made vnto the cardin [...]l and admirall, he intreats the archduke that he would commaund the admirall to carrie himselfe more modestly. The same day the emperour did also write vnto cardinall Andrew of Austria, admonishing him of his dutie, that his imperiall Maiestie bee not forced to take another course to remedie it by his imperiall authoritie. And in like manner he sent vnto the admirall, the complaints which he receiued daily, of the excesse of his men of warre, commanding E him that presently without all delay, he should retire his troupes out of the limits of the empire, yeeld vp the townes and places to their masters, restore the money that had beene extorted, deliuer prisoners, both clergie and lay men, punish the murtherers of cont Vanden Broeck corporally, restore vnto his wife her iewels, and all that had beene taken out of the castle, vpon paine of default, that he should be forced to vse his imperiall authoritie &c. this letter seruing but for a kind of aduertisement.
The emperour did write the like vnto the Estates of the vnited prouinces, of the same date, and from the same place, that for their parts they should quit those places which they held vpon the territories of the empire, releasing prisoners, and forbearing to attempt any further &c. To which letters of aduertisement, both to the one and the other, the emperour added his proclamation, or imperiall commandement, the which we haue thought good to insert F here, and first that of the admirall, as followeth. The emperours proclamation against the admirall.
Rodulphus by the grace of God, elect emperour of the Romans, alwaies Augustus king of Germanie, Hongarie, Bohemia, Dalmatia, Croatia, Sclauonia, archduke of Austria, duke of [Page 1194] Bourgoigne, Stiria, Carinthia, Crain, and Wirthemberg, earle of Tyrol &c. To our welbeloued 1598 A Dom Francisco de Mendoza, admirall of the kingdome of Arragon, Marquesse of Guadaleste, ‘commaunder of the knights of the order of Val de Peunas, captaine generall to our most deere brother Albert, archduke of Austria, and to all commaunders of the sayd armie, colonels; captaines, lieutenants, ensignes, officers, and in generall to all men of warre, both of horse and foot, of what name, estate, condition, or qualitie soeuer they be, to whom this present Imperiall commaundement shall come, or bee signified, so farre as they shall be found camped, or lodged vpon the lands, or in the townes, forts, places, and riuers, belonging to vs and the holy Empire, or the members, estates, and allies thereof, eyther by water or by land: We let you know, that the princes and estate of the circle of Westphalia, and especially of the most famous Iohn William duke of Iuilliers, Cleues, and Berghen, B our welbeloued cousin, haue of late time continually aduertised vs with all reuerence, and haue grieuously complained, that you admirall haue come out of Brabant about the moneth of September with a mightie armie of aboue thirtie thousand men, hauing taken your passage through the duchie of Iuilliers towards t [...] of Cleues, and that the eight of the said moneth had assailed and taken the towne of O [...]soy, belonging to the said duke of Iuilliers, the which hauing fortified and furnished with your garrisons, hauing caused many thousands of your men, both horse and foot, to passe the Rhin, and made a fort to be built before it vpon the territories of Cleues, driuing all the cattell, both great and small, away, and spoyling all the neighbour quarters, carrying your selfe to the poore people through violence, murthers, spoyles, and ransoming in such sort, as the like was neuer seene nor C heard of in any warre: so as all the inhabitants and subiects haue beene forced to abandon most part of their goods, houses, and inheritances, and whatsoeuer they had gathered together with their great toile and sweat, to nourish them in Winter: yet not content with this, your souldiers haue gone before a castle, held in fee of the said duke of Iuilliers, whereas the deceased Wirick Daun, earle of Falckenstein, called Broeck, made his residence, they battered it with the canon, so as in the end the earle yeelding, vpon faith and promise of assurance of bodie and goods for him and all his; yet most part of the souldiers were cut in pieces, and the said earle, notwithstanding that he had required a safegard from the admirall, not fearing any inconuenience, as hee went to walke, with the consent of the captaine of the castle, was very miserably murthered. In the meane time the said souldiers D haue seized vpon the townes of Buderycke, Dynslaken, Holt, Rees, Emmeric, and other places of the said duchie of Cleues; as also many castles, gentlemens houses, boroughes, townes, and villages haue beene besieged, battered, assayled, and forced to yeeld vnto them, and haue beene destroyed and ruined, whereas many (both clergie and lay men) had beene very poorely and miserably entreated, some strangled, some massacred, carrying themselues most brutishly and villanously to wiues and virgins, the like whereof was neuer heard of. Besides that, the inhabitants of the towne of Wezel haue been forced to compound with you and the commaunders in the warre, for a hundred thousand dollers, halfe in hand, and the rest within few daies after; and besides that, to furnish them with a thousand quarters of corne. The Seigniories and castles of Crudenberg, of Wenelinckhouen, E the houses and ducall forts of Loo, Wynendael, Dyershorst, Rassau, Impel, Dornic, and Luckhausen (although the duke himselfe kept his court not farre off) haue beene reduced into extreame miserie and desolation: besides so many other places, which haue beene taken, spoyled, and consumed to ashes, whereof an ample declaration hath beene sent vs: yea, some haue beene so audacious to brag in the campe, that there was an intent to seize vpon the duke of Iuilliers person. And moreouer, you admirall haue not onely sent your men into the countrey of Munster, and summoned the townes thereof to receiue the Spanish garrisons within two daies, but your souldiers haue also forced them that would not receiue them, Alexander Vehle, a colonel, hauing presumed to offer vnto the bishops vicar, and the counsellors of the diocesse of Munster, a list of the quarters F where they intended to Winter their souldiers; and to take thirtie places more, besides those that had alreadie yeelded: the territories of Essen and Werden, beeing wholly destroyed and ruined: many spoyles being also made by the garrisons of Gueldres vpon the villages and neere farmes; so as the tylling of the land, and all traffique and commerce [Page 1195] of marchandise must needes cease, with many other concussions and violences; for the A preuenting whereof, wee are continually required and besought by the chiefe princes electors, 1598 and other princes of the empire, in the behalfe of the poore afflicted and desolate. Considering that all these inuasions are done wrongfully and vniustly, and are not excusable, that you admirall haue presumed to inuade our said countries, and those of the holy empire in hostile manner, before peaceable and quiet, beeing bound vnto vs by oath, with so mightie an armie, without defiance, summation, or aduertisement; and especially at such a time, when as neither wee, nor any of the other princes, nor Estates, did expect any dislike or quarrell from the king of Spaine, and much lesse from our deere brother the archduke Albert, nor yet from the generall gouernours of the Netherlands; but rather attended all good and sincere friendship, neighbourhood, correspondencie, and neutralitie, and not to B bee in this manner spoyled and ruined: Hauing heretofore written often and seriously vnto you, to let you vnderstand our intention, and that of our deere and well beloued brother; but seeing that you haue not in any sort respected our letters, wee are forced to prouide for it, and seeke to preuent it by a seuerer course. Wherefore wee commaund you admirall of Arragon, of our imperiall power and authoritie, and all your commaunders, officers, and souldiers, as well in generall as in particular; and first those that are not vnder our obedience, nor subiect to the empire, vpon paine of death, where they shall be taken, and all other our subiects, depending mediately or immediately of the holy empire, members, vassals, men holding in fee, or hauing goods, and possessions there, vpon paine of banishment and proscription of the holy empire, and the losse of all benefices, freedomes, priuiledges, C dignities, fees, and goods, in what places soeuer they bee, lying, and beeing within the holy empire, or the Estates, and allies thereof: the transgressors beeing apprehended, vpon the fact, to be put in execution, without any further inquirie or information. Wee doe expresly inioyne and commaund, that you, and all others (presently vpon the sight or signification of this our imperiall charge and commandement, or the authenticall copie thereof) shall retire, without any further indammaging our countries, or the lands of the holy empire, nor the townes, castles, gentlemens houses, boroughs, forts, nor villages, belonging to the duke of Iuilliers, and Cleues, nor to the dioces of Munster, nor elsewhere, of what name and qualitie soeuer they be: and that presently you quit and restore them vnto their lords and masters, repairing all dammages which you haue done them: and that you restore vnto them of D Wezel, before your retreat, the money which you haue extorted from them. And to the end that you admirall shall make it appeare that the wicked murther of the earle Vanden Broeck doth displease you, you shall cause all them that murthered him, to bee corporally punished, according to their merits, restoring vnto the countesse his widow, all the goods, gold, siluer, iewels, and plate, which were taken from her, or the iust value thereof. That all persons as well ecclesiasticall as ciuill, armed and vnarmed, bee set at libertie by you, without any ransome. And that hereafter you shall not attempt any thing more against the said countries, places, subiects, or others, nor oppresse them in any sort whatsoeuer, nor yet shew your selfe slacke, nor disobedient, if you will auoid the aboue mentioned paines, according to the which you shall order and gouerne your selfe: for such is our intention and will. E Giuen at our castle of Padibrath the thirtieth day of December, 1598. Signed, Rodulphus.’
The emperour did write in like manner to the generall Estates of the vnited prouinces, commanding them to retire their forces out of the countrie of Westphalia, and other places of the empire, vpon paine of imperiall proscription, in substance as here immediately followeth.
‘Rodulphus &c. To all and euery the Estates generall of Holland, and Zeeland, and the prouinces associate vnto them, their colonels, commanders of horse, and their lieutenants, The emperours commandement to the general Estates. captaines, ensignes, officers, and generally to all their men of warre, both of horse and foot, howsoeuer they bee called, and of what qualitie or condition soeuer F they bee, to whom this present commaundement, or the copie thereof shall come or bee signified, so farre forth as they bee lodged or entred vpon our limits of the holy empire, the Estates or members thereof, or that are vnder their protection & gouernment, or in any [Page 1196] townes, forts, and castles. We giue you to vnderstand, that wee haue seene and heard the 1598 A complaints and grieuances of our princes and Estates of the lower circle of Westphalia, and especially of the most famous Iohn William duke of Iulliers, Cleues, and Mont, our most deare and well beloued cousin, how that in autumne last, as wel the king of Spaines souldiers as yours, haue entred and lodged in the said quarters, committing great spoyles: and that among others, many electors, princes, and noble men, had instantly required and besought vs to interpose our imperiall authoritie. And although wee haue written thereof at large vnto the commaunder and captaine general of your vnited prouinces, by letters of the nineteenth of September, and the second of October: yet we vnderstand, that you haue not onely neglected it, but doe euen at this houre maintaine your armie in the territories, of the duchie of Cleues, and that of late you haue taken the towne of Seuenter, and the fort of Tolhus, called B Colnits, and that you haue also seized on the towne of Vreda in the countrie of Munster, and carried away many persons, both spirituall and temporall, out of that quarter, vnto the towne of Groll; the which neither your captaine generall, nor you, nor all your men of warre can iusti [...]ie, in a friends countrie, allied vnto the holy empire, hauing sworne faith and loyaltie vnto vs, and hauing no communitie with this warre. Considering also, that our princes, electors, lords, and estates (expecting no actes of hostilitie from you, but all amitie, and good correspondencie) redoubling now their complaints, with those of the poore afflicted, beseech vs, that wee will take some more rigorous course, and settle a conuenient order.’
‘Wherefore we commaund you all in generall, and euery one in particular, of our imperiall C power and authoritie▪ that is, those which are not our subiects, nor vassals of the empire, vpon paine of death, wheresoeuer they shall bee taken; and for the subiects, mediat, or immediat, vassals, and freed men, remaining vnder the holy empire, vpon paine of proscription, and priuation of all their benefices, priuiledges, freedomes, rights of fee, goods, lands, and inheritances, wheresoeuer they be vnder vs, and the holy empire: that as soone as euer that this imperiall commandement, or the copie thereof shall be signified vnto you, you cause all your forces to retire out of the limits of the empire, without doing any more wrong vnto any person: and that you restore vnto their lords and masters, all the townes, castles, gentlemens houses, places, forts, retrenchments, places where they take toll, by what name soeuer they be called, to repaire the damages, inlarge all prisoners whatsoeuer, depending of the holy empire without D ransome, and neuer to attempt in hostile manner any thing against them, nor the lands and subiects of the empire, nor to doe otherwise, nor to shew your selues vnwilling, as it doth concerne you, and you desire to auoyd the said punishment. According to the which you shall rule your selues, for such is our pleasure. Giuen at our castle of Padibrath the 30 of December, 1598. Signed, Rodulphus.’
To these two imperiall commaundements directed to the admirall of Arragon and his Spaniards, on the one part, and to prince Maurice and the generall Estates of the vnited prouinces on the other, there were letters added from the emperour, bearing the same date, admonishing them to obey the said commandements respectiuely. But for that the admirall did not much regard his letters and commaundement, but continued still his old course, delaying E it all he could, vntill that his armie had past the winter vpon the frontiers of Germanie, whereas they did rob and spoile round about; the prince and the Estates could not in the beginning retire their men so soone as they desired, and leaue an enemie behind so neere them: yet soone after they deliuered vnto the duke of Cleues his towne of Seuenter, and the fort of Tolhus.
Wee haue shewed in the yeare 1595, before the archduke Alberts comming into the Netherlands, how fauourably they dealt in Spaine with the Netherlāders, releasing al their ships and men which had beene staied for the kings seruice, and granting them free libertie to traffique into Spaine: but this winter newes came out of Spaine, that they made strait search and inquirie, among all the Dutch ships which were found in any ports of those countries, of F whence they were (notwithstanding their bils of lading, & that the owners & saylers were of neutral places, as of Emden, Breme, Hambourg, &c.) & whetherthey had any Netherlād marchants partners with them, of whence their marchants were, & where they were borne, and so found matter to arest, attach, & confiscat many ships in diuers hauens in Spaine, committing [Page 1197] the masters and saylers to prison, and putting many of them in the gallies; yet a great number A of them, by meanes of the common people, who disliked of this rigorous course, escaped 1599 and fledde away, beeing forced to leaue both shippe and goods behind them. In Andolousia and some other places in Spaine, if they did but suspect any Netherland marchant or sayler to haue beene in the Indian fleet, or at the taking of Cales, they examined and tortured them, and beeing confessed, they were made galley-slaues without redemption. In Portugall they dealt more mildly with the Netherlanders, for that the Castilians which gouerned there, durst not presume any way to breake their priuiledges, so as most of them got safely home.
For confirmation, and to excuse this rigorous proceeding, Andrew cardinall of Austria, A proclam [...]tion in the [...] name▪ forbidding all traffique into Spaine. gouernour of the Netherlands for the Infanta, by a proclamation bearing date the ninth of B Februarie, 1599. shewed what the king of Spaine late deceased had done to quench the ciuill warres, not onely by armes, but by all milde courses, offering them a generall pardon, and graunting them free commerce and traffique into Spaine, that it might not be taken from the Netherlanders by other nations: and that in former times peace had beene offered them at Br [...]da and at Cologne, and had beene often propounded by the emperours embassadours, yet would not be accepted: yea the French king had desired to comprehend them in his peace, the which was reiected by them. Moreouer, that the king had sent the archduke Er [...]stus and the cardinal Albert to be gouernours ouer them, for that they complained so much of the Spaniards gouernment, which his fauours and kind vsage they also despised. In the end the king of meere compassion and loue, resolued to giue the Netherlands vnto some C priuate prince, and so bestowed them by donation vpon the high and mightie princesse his daughter, marying with the archduke Albertus, who in her name had assembled the Estates at Brussels, commanding and suffering them to write vnto the vnited prouinces, to reconcile them vnto the king, whose messengers returned without any resolution, which proceeded from an obstinate vnthankfulnesse towards God, their prince, and natiue countrey; hauing no commiseration nor compassion, to thinke that the empire was much troubled and opprest by their warres, Christendome inuaded by the Turke, and the Netherlands miserably spoyled and ruined: making the simple people beleeue that they loose not thereby, but that they haue free trade of sea-faring, fishing, and marchandise, growing richer and mightier by warre, than euer they were; which grew, for that they were suffered (by pasport and licence) to trade D freely with the prouinces vnder the kings obedience, and also to haue libertie to fish, the which were nothing but meanes to nourish and increase the warres.
For which cause, the king her brother had forbidden them all traffique into Spaine, vntill they should shewe themselues obedient subiects, as they had beene in times past. And therefore shee by the good aduice and counsell of the gouernour, cardinall Andrew her cousin, and of the councell of Estate, did forbid all communication, traffique, and trade of marchandise, with the aforesaid Hollanders, Zeelanders, and their adherents, whether it were by their substitutes or others, vntill such time as they should bee reconciled vnto his Maiestie, or vnto her, as their soueraigne and naturall ladie and princesse: forbidding all men to transport any money, or wares &c. by sea, riuers, or by land, directly or indirectly vnto them, nor yet out E nor from those prouinces, which refuse to obey her, to bring any wares marchandise, or other things growing there, or comming or passing from or through those countries, vpon paine of forfeiture of the said goods and marchandise, and otherwise to bee extraordinarily punished, reuoking all pasports, grants, and licences, which haue beene heretofore giuen: and for that cause we disanull all safegards granted for fishing and nauigation: and as for pasports giuen to trauellers, they shall be also reuoked, giuing euery man a moneths respite to consider thereof, and to conforme themselues. And yet shee meanes not to exclude her subiects from all grace and fauour, nor yet to take from them all meanes of reconciliation; but rather to offer them the same conditions, which haue bin heretofore offered, and such as may stand with reason. F
This proclamation beeing published, the second of Aprill 1599, another was made by the A proclamation made by the vnited Estates to forbid traffique with Spain [...]. vnited prouinces, to forbid all trade into Spaine, or into those countries which were subiect vnto him, as also concerning the giuing or receiuing of any safegards from their [Page 1198] enemie, thereby to traffique or fish freely, vpon paine of punishment and confiscation of A their goods,, with promise to take good order for the freeing of the seas and fishing; and 1599 withall forbidding all saylers and pilots which should bee taken prisoners by the enemie, to pay any otherwise than was appointed by them to bee paied: ordaining that all ransomes and losses should bee leuied vpon the officers and subiects of the villages of Brabant, Flaunders, and other prouinces vnder the enemies commaund; besides the contribution which they vsed to paie vnto them for the common cause, giuing the charge and command thereof vnto certaine committees thereunto deputed.
The generall Estates also caused a proclamation to bee published in Friseland, against the A proclamation made in Friseland forbidding contribution to the enemie. enemies safegards, who by letters and threatnings sought to force them of Friseland to pay them contribution, vpon promise of safegard and defence from them; and for that cause B forbad all correspondencie by letters and otherwise with them: and commaunding euery man vpon the sound of a bell, or any signes of fire made, to chase, spoile, kill, or at the least to take prisoners, all souldiers belonging to their enemies, that should aduenture to enter into their territories, declaring all quarter to be broken with their enemies without any exception, vpon paine to be punished in like manner as the enemies themselues should bee: assigning vnto euery one that should in that sort spoile, kill, or take prisoner any of the enemies souldiers, the summe of fiftie gulderns for his paines: and whosoeuer should present any one for not obseruing the contents of this proclamation, or that had harbored, or had correspondencie with the enemie, 25 gulderns for a reward.
This yeare there were three shippes set out of Holland, to discouer a mine of gold about C Guiney, who sailed to all the islands thereabouts, and some that were not inhabited, which they called the salt islands, for that the water which was beat vp by the sea, through the heat of the sunne, congealed and became hard salt, the which is exceeding fine, white, and very strong, and better than any other, very fit to make refined salt, which costs nothing but the fetching, lading, and bringing away, whereas eightie or ninetie sayle of the greatest shippes of burthen of Holland and Zeeland, find their fraight yearely, and make great profit, the voyage beeing but short, for some haue made it in eleuen weekes, others were somewhat longer, as winde and weather did serue them; the which is likely to prooue a great hindrance to Spaine and Portugall, especially by the restraint made in Spaine, where they were accustomed to fetch their salt; whereby the Spaniards were much deceiued, supposing that one nauigation D would hinder another, especially that into the east countries: but it hath bin found otherwise, for that this yeare in the beginning of April, there came vnto Amsterdam at one time sixe hundred and fourtie saile, most of them great shippes, out of the east countries, most beeing laden with corne, wood, masts, sparres, deale, pitch, tarre, flaxe, waxe, &c. which altogether brought at the least thirtie thousand tunnes, and had one with another foure pounds starling for the fraight of a last (which is two tunnes) so as by that computation they did earne sixtie thousand pounds starling at the least for fraight: whereby it may be truely said, that sea-faring, fishing, and trade of marchadise, is the Netherlanders myne.
This winter the vnited prouinces prepared not onely for a defensiue warre, as they had done some yeares before, but also to offend the enemie, who lay so strong vpon their frontiers E with their winter armie, as they were forced to raise new regiments, and more cornets of Netherland horse men. First they gaue to Ernestus earle of Nassau, a commission to leuie a regiment of high Dutches of tenne companies, euery commission beeing two hundred men, the which were raised about Emden. Monsieur la Noue had charge to bring two thousand men out of France into Holland, of those which had so long serued the king there at their owne charges, hoping the king would be the more willing to restore the money which they had disbursed for the entertainement of those men, especially the money beeing paied vnto his owne subiects and vassals. They also entertained a thousand Suitsers which had serued in France: they added nine cornets more to their horse men, one cornet beeing vnder prince Maurice, his lieutenant was Ioncker Walrauen van Gent, sonne to the lord of Oyen, two cornets F vnder the old and yong earles of Solines, and the rest vnder monsieur Timpel, Balen, Iohn Bax, La Sale, Cloet, and Hamelton a Scottish man. The Scottish footmen were also made comple [...], euery companie consisting of an hundred and fiftie men, and the colonels companie of two [Page 1199] hundred. They would willingly haue had more supplies out of England, but they durst not A moue the Queen, for that she had long before written vnto them for 2000 Englishmen to be 1599 sent ouer, for her warres in Ireland, offering to send 2000 new souldiers in their places, which they could not refuse; and for that at that time there were 27 companies of English, they sent sixe whole companies, and out of the rest they chose the worst men they could find to make vp the number, which was ill taken: in whose places the Queene sent ouer about two thousand new souldiers vnder Sir Thomas Knowles, who expected to be colonel ouer them, but he could get but a companie, and the rest of the men did serue to fill vp the other companies.
They further made a proclamation concerning their musters, for the preuenting of all deceit, Orders made by the Estates for their horse and foot. by keeping their companies full, with all other orders necessarie for the warres: as first B that vnder the Reisters no man might serue, but vpon his owne horse, which horse should not be lesse than fifteene great handfuls high, according to a measure made of purpose. The Reisters themselues were to haue a head-piece, a gorget, a breast, and a backe, two poldrons, a gantlet to hold his bridle, a short peece or pistoll, the barrell being two foot long, and a short sword, according to a measure appointed to that end: and if any one wanted any of the said furniture, he might not passe musters, or else he was checked and debarred from some part of his entertainment. Some in euery cornet were allowed to haue horses to carrie their necessaries, who (besides the furniture aboue named) were to bee armed with thighes, knee pieces, and culots (which is a piece of armour to defend the reines of the backe) with another short piece like vnto the first: their armour was to bee caliuer proofe, and they C were allowed a boy who should carry a piece like vnto the other. The horsemen called Carabins, were to haue a head-piece, a gorget, a breast and a backe, a sword and a piece hauing a barill three foot long, and a good horse.
At that time they vsed no more launces, for that they could doe but small seruice, vnlesse they were running in their full cariere, but in stead thereof they did vse pistols or short pieces, and did weare cassockes or liueries as launciers were accustomed to doe. The footmen which carried pykes, were to haue a head-piece, a gorget, a backe and a breast, a sword or rapier, a pyke of eighteene foot long, and that vpon a penaltie, and the one quarter of those that did beare pykes, were to haue poldrons to their elbowes.
The musketiers were to haue a head-piece, a rapier, a musket, carrying a bullet whereof D tenne would make a pound, and a rest. And the harguebusiers must haue a head-piece, a rapier, and a good caliuer, bored for a shot of 20 or 25 bullets in the pound, euery one hauing pay accordingly. Thus much I thought good to obserue, that posteritie may know what armes men vsed in the Netherlands in those warres.
In the end of Ianuarie 1599, certaine cornets of Reisters of the vnited Prouinces, with some companies of foot, vnder the leading of Edmonds, a Scottishman, and others, made a rode into the countries of Lembourg and Luxembourg, for that they brought not in their contribution orderly as they had promised, whereas they made a great spoyle vpon them of Kelinsberch, and others, taking many horses and great store of bootie from them, and bringing away many gentlemen prisoners, who were forced to answere for the said contribution. E They also reuenged themselues for certaine Reisters, which had beene hanged as freebuters by the Prouost Schenckern, neere Iuilliers, whose bodies they caused to be cut downe, and honourably buried, and in their returne they tooke certaine horses from the baron of Grobendonc, and after that they ouerthrew a troupe of souldiers, which were gathered together for some secret enterprise vpon Breda. This enterprise notwithstanding was attempted on the seuenteenth of Februarie, by a souldier called la Roche, who had bin laboured by Grobendonc, gouernour of Boisleduc, and by Augustine Mexia, Castellaine of Antuerpe, to giue entrie to the kings forces into Breda, promising him two thousand crowns, with other preferments: but he discouered it to prince Maurice, who with Gouert Montons and Monsieur Heraugier, gouernour of the towne, deuised how to intrap these vndertakers, F wherein la Roche discharged his part well. The seuenteenth of Februarie the baron of Grobendonc and Augustine Mexia came secretly in the night with foure thousand foot and eleuen cornets of horse, before Breda, whereas secretly (and yet cunningly) the gate was set open for them, and all things well obserued both within and without: but in regard of [Page 1200] the great care that is to be taken in such cases; for that diuers of the bourgers, and some of A the souldiers of the castle which laie in the towne were drunke, the gouernour and Montons 1599 were in some doubt, and therefore they caused a bridge to bee drawne vp, and so disappointed their designe, onely giuing charge and commaundement to discharge the ordnance as the enemie approached, the which was done disorderly, for the reason aforesaid, yet the Spaniards marching circumspectly, finding themselues to bee deceiued, and beeing then so neere the towne, they would haue offered to haue forced it, but it was in vaine the bridge beeing drawne vp, yet their resolution kept them of the towne from sallying out vpon them: and it was thought there were some hundred of them slaine, and so they retired without any more losse.
There was another enterprise attempted vpon Nymeghen, by the earle of Bothwell, B who had beene banished out of Scotland, and liued then in the court at Brussels, who in Aprill had practised with a gentleman called William Libboth, and one Robert Lumsden, with promise of 3000 crownes for a reward, to betray the towne vnto the Spaniards, hauing good meanes to effect it, for that there lay foure companies of Scottish men within the towne. There was also one M. Thou, whom they both knew well, and trusted, for that in former times hee had beene of the Bothwels faction in Scotland, whom they acquainted with this practise, expecting aid from him; but in the end he discouered the whole plot, so as Libboth and Lumsden were apprehended, and committed to prison: the said Lumsden hauing beene most eager about this practise, being condemned was executed at the Hage, much lamenting his treason. C
About this time there happened a strange accident in Deuenter, committed by one A preacher murthered at Deuenter. Henrick Achteruelt, who traiterously murthered one M. Schorickmans a minister in the said towne: this Henrick Achteruelt beeing in the church, whereas the said preacher had made a sermon, and was come downe out of the pulpit, walking behind the quire betweene two men, this Achteruelt followed him, and thrust him into the necke with a knife which had two edges, cleane through the throat, and cut a peece of his tongue, wherewith the minister fell downe, and died presently. Hauing done this villanous act, hee ranne out of the Church, but beeing followed by the officers of the towne on horse backe, hee was taken and rackt, where hee confessed that hee had done that deed willingly, in regard of his doctrine, and for the zeale hee bare to the catholike Romish religion, to the which end hee had caused the D said knife to bee made, to effect that meritorious deed; for the which he was condemned and executed as a murtherer.
This winter vpon the eighteenth day of Ianuarie, the garrisons of Lillo and Liefkenshook-skonce lying vpon the riuer of Scheld, set vpon the skonce of Veyr in Flanders, right against Antuerpe, who going behind the drowned land, suddainly entred it, and slue all that made any resistance, taking all that was within it, where they found good bootie and iewels, which came out of the castle of Antuerpe, by meanes of the mutinie of the garrison there; and among other things they found a case of pearles, of great value, and tooke many prisoners, which they put to ransome, and so returned backe againe to their garrisons. E
The diuision continued still at Emden, betwixt the earle of east Friseland, and the towne, by the practises of the Spaniards, and the king of Poland, so as the contract made at Delfziel was broken, and a faction growing in the towne of Emden, for the aduancing of the earles pretences: this faction consisted of marchants, owners of shippes, and sailers trading into Spaine, who as then hoped, by meanes of the prohibition of trade into Spaine, and the Spaniards rigorous proceeding against the Netherlands (who secretly vnder other mens names had great dealings in Spaine) to drawe the whole trade into their hands, wherof the Netherlanders beeing debarred, they should also in all apparance loose their trade in the east countries, and so all that traffique would also fall into the hands of them of Emden. This faction beeing strong, by the incouragement of the earle, and such as were affected to the Spaniard, F was well liked of the common people; so as the magistrates and rulers of the towne, were forced to seeke some meanes to preuent it, and to leuie certaine souldiers to oppose against enemies designes, for the which they wanted money, hauing no meanes to take vp many, beeing ouercharged with the paiment of certaine summes of money vnto the earle, according [Page 1201] vnto the contract and agreement made at the towne of Delfziel, wherefore the vnited A prouinces found meanes to aid the towne with twentie thousand Guelders, the towne and 1599 bourgers binding themselues vnto the Estates for the paiment thereof, wherewith they leuied some souldiers vnder certaine captaines and commaunders, remembring diuers p [...]sidents of the duchie of Cleues, Westphalia, the towne of Wezel, and others, wherefore it much behooued them to stand vpon their guard: yet they of the contrarie faction sought to make themselues masters of the towne, so as in the moneth of Aprill there was likely to haue beene a great tumult within the towne, whereas they had shut vp the magistrate and about some fourtie others in the towne house, and in the meane time the contrarie faction resolued to send to treat with the earle; which they of the towne fearing, they made meanes vnto the Estates to send them some souldiers with all speed: to whom captaine Iohn vander B Corput was sent, with certaine companies, who beeing neere vnto the towne, and the earles messengers comming to Emden, met with them of the towne, vnto whom captaine Corput spake, and tooke them away with him, saying, there was no reason the towne of Emdèn should agree with the earle, vnlesse the vnited prouinces (according to the contract and agreement made at the towne of Delfziel) might haue their voices and consent therein: by which meanes the pretentions of the said factions for that time ceased. Not long after Edsard earle of east Friseland died, leauing fiue sonnes by his wife, who was daughter to the king of Sweathland, their names were cont Enno the eldest, Gustanus, Iohn, Christopher, and Charles; whereof, Enno vntill that time was called baron of Esens by his mariage with the heire of Esens, who tooke the rule and gouernment of the countrie vpon him: his brother C Christopher went to serue the archduke Albert in the Netherlands, who made him colonel of a regiment of foot, the which hee raised this yeare in Brabant, and elsewhere.
Enno earle of Emden comming to the gouernment (by the mediation of Iohn Fredericke bishop of Breme, sonne to Adolph duke of Holst, and of the duches dowager of Holst, the said Enno hauing for his second wife maried one of his daughters) made an agreement with them of Emden, and with their adherents, together with the vnited prouinces, according vnto the contract made at Delfziel foure yeares before. This accord was afterward proclaimed in Emden the sixt day of October, in the yeare 1599, and cont Enno was installed in his earledome.
As certaine troupes were leuied this yeare in France by monsieur la Noue, for the vnited D prouinces, cardinall Andrew of Austria gouernour of the Netherlands, sent the earle of Bassigni, sonne to the lord of Boytel, to hinder the same, and to make complaint vnto the king, for that he had suffered such aid to goe vnto the rebellious Netherlands, contrarie to the contract and agreement of peace: whereunto the king made a short answer, saying, that he vnderstood that such as went thither were Huguenots, who went to aid their brethren, for that the warre which he had beene constrained to maintaine with the leaguers (wherein they had faithfully serued him) had made him so bare as hee could not reward their seruices, whereby they might haue meanes to liue quietly at home in their houses: and that if the cardinall had need of as many leaguers out of his realme, that hee was content to graunt them to doe him seruice: and if it should be construed to be against the peace, he said E that he should not be found to bee the first that did infringe it, but rather the king of Spaine, who supported the duke of Sauoy against him, whereby he did not yeeld the marquessate of Salusses vnto him, whereunto he had so iust a title, as all the world did know: and besides he had suffered an armie of 30000 men to enter into the duke of Cleues countrie, beeing his friend and allie.
In the beginning of this yeare the old countesse of Arembergh (a wise and discreet ladie) The death of the old countésse of Aremberghe. widow to the earle of Arembergh, who was slaine in battell by Lodowicke earle of Nassau, dicd at Seuenberghen, where shee liued as in a neutrall place; so as vpon the 24 of Februarie, they of Holland decreed that her lands and goods (which were of great value in Holland, & by her death descended vnto her two sonnes, who as then serued the king, beeing their enemies) F should be againe confiscated, and so held to the vse and benefit of the countrie. But omitting to speake of any other thing, we will returne to the admiral vpon the frontiers of the empire.
[Page 1202] The princes electors of the Rhine, and of the inferiour circle of Westphalia, hauing their A deputies assembled in the citie of Cologne the 21 of Ianuarie, to take some future course 1599 for the admirals disorders, by way of armes, seeing that the emperours letters were of so small credit with him: to that end they did write to the princes and estates of the circle of Franconia, and the lower Saxonie, to mooue them to ioyne with them, and with their common forces, to chase the Spaniards out of the limits of the empire, and that the said princes, to the number of fiue circles, would to that end, send their deputies of Conflans, on the 11 of March following, the which they did.
In the meane time the emperour did write againe from Prague the 11 of Februarie, 1599, to cardinall Andrew of Austria, gouernour of the Netherlands in the absence of the archduke Albert, reiterating his commaundements, with other letters to the like effect to the admirall; B who on the other side, as it were in despight of the emperour and the princes of the empire, tooke Emmeric againe, beeing in the country of Cleues, the which prince Maurice had before taken from them, and deliuered to the duke free.
The archduke Albert meaning to excuse himselfe of all these disorders, by his letters written vnto the emperour from Milan on the 29 of December, he seemes to lay the blame vpon cardinall Andrew, that the imperiall commandement for the retreat of the Spaniards out of the territories of the empire, was not executed: whether he did it fainedly or with a good intent, may well appeare, by the taking againe of Emmeric.
The deputies beeing at Cologne, by letters of the 21 of Ianuarie, made their complaints vnto the emperour, as well of the admirall and the Spaniards, as of prince Maurice and the Estates C armie; beseeching, that they might haue an imperiall armie granted them (which ought commonly to bee of fourtie thousand men) to force both the one and the other to depart out of the territories of the empire, and repaire the hurt that was done. Whereupon the admirall sent a commissarie in his name to Cologne, to treat with the said deputies of the princes and Estates, but especially with that of cont Vander Lippe, captaine generall of the lower circle of Westphalia: which commissarie, before hee would propound any thing in the assemblie of the deputies, required a copie of the reasons why the admirall was sent for, with the names of all the deputies, and of the princes, lords, and Estates their masters, saying, that if they thought those affaires should be decided according to the constitutions of the empire, they were deceiued, but it was his intention that they should be ended according to the forme of a councell D of warre: whereupon answer was made him, that seeing hee auowes himselfe to bee for the king of Spaine, the archduke Albert, and the cardinall Andrew, they would see his letters of credit, and heare his propositions: the which beeing seene, the commissarie would not say any thing vntill the next day.
In the meane time the deputies of the princes and Estates of the circles beeing somewhat diuided, the commissioner sent to the deputies of cont Vander Lippe, that they should send one to conferre with him, which was onely to haue a delay for the deliuering of his propositions, the which he said he would at large in writing on the sonday following. At which day, the said cōmissioner being in the assembly of the deputies, he presented a certain iustificatory writing in the admirals name, promising as soone as might be to retire the Spanish forces out E of the limits of the empire. The letters which the admirall had written vnto the deputies of the circles assembled at Cologne, from Rees the twentieth of Ianuarie, to excuse himselfe, The substance of the admirals letters to the deputies at Cologne were full of allegations, pretending an vrgent necessitie, which had moued the king of Spaine to come and lodge his armie in those quarters, that hee might the better by that meanes subdue his enemies the Estates, laying before them the great benefits which the empire had ‘receiued from the king of Spaine, and the house of Burgoigne; wherefore it was reciprocally bound to serue and accommodate him therein; saying, that he was not come thither with any bad intent, to incorporate any mans lands, or countrie, or to wrong any man, but through extreame and vrgent necessitie, and with sincere affection which hee bare vnto the empire, and the preseruation thereof, accusing as much as possibly hee could, F the Estates of the vnited prouinces, to bee the onely and chiefe cause of these miseries, for that they would neuer reconcile themselues vnto the king, notwithstanding so many goodly treaties which haue bin offered, with the intercession of the emperour & other kings [Page 1203] and princes of Germanie, nor yet the grace which the king of Spaine hath done them to A haue transported all his Netherlands to the Infanta his daughter, with the archduke Albert; 1599 so as they haue bin forced to take a very rigorous course. And seeing that the king & the said archduke had made him Generall of their armie, to imploy it as soone as might bee, and to march into the kings countrie, which was held by the enemies, they haue thought they might well allow them so much, as to passe by the frontiers of the empire, to take from the enemie those places they held, and afterwards restore them to their lords. In the meane time, by the long expectation of the prince elector of Cologn, after the yeelding of Rhinberck, and the retreat of the enemies shippes vpon the Rhine, the said armie by the diligence of the archduke (pretending to ruine Schencks fort, situated vpon one of the corners of the Rhine) had staid still: but afterwards beeing suspected of delaie in the pursuit of this designe, wee B haue brought it (said hee) along the Rhine, to aduance that businesse by his presence and ours. And beeing come thither, the which by reason of the treaties and negotiations was a long worke, it was forced to remaine there, as well to assure the riuer of Rhine, and defend the towne of Orsoy, as for other considerations. They were forced to vse the towne of Burick, to disappoint the enemies, and to hinder their designes. In the meane time victuals and forrage beeing wasted, considering the complaints of neighbours, many things haue past: among others, the fact of cont Vanden Broeck, who for his accustomed cruelty, and for the hatred he had formerly borne them, falling vpon them that went to forrage, and putting them to the sword, remembring it, and beeing incensed to reuenge for former affronts, hauing neglected and contemned our brotherly admonitions, desiring rather to practise armes C than to entertaine amitie, if any thing hath happened vnto him more than wee would, it was with our griefe and dislike, and whereof wee are resolued to doe iustice. And when as the neighbour countries came vnto vs to complaine of the wrongs and oppressions which they said they had endured, wee haue giuen them iust and lawfull excuses to euery point: so as after wee had taken Bergh, to preuent the pollicie of the enemie, as soone as wee had receiued money and victuals from them of Wezel, according to their redemption and accord made with vs, to distribute among our men, and to raise the army which wee brought to Rees, and hauing well furnished it, wee came to Emerick in view of the enemie, a towne seated vpon the Rhine, neere vnto Schencks skonce, the which beeing strong both by art and nature, of hard accesse by reason of the waters, ill to batter, and worse D to assault, leauing it there, wee tooke the high countrie and went before Deutecom, the which yeelded, and so did the castle of Schuylenbourg. Whilest this past, beeing in counsell what was to bee done, whether to lead the armie vp higher and farther into the enemies countrie, or not, considering the varietie of the season, raine, cold, and swelling of the riuers, the depth of marish and muddie waies, and the poore estate of the souldiers, beeing impossible to hold them longer in the raine and wind, after long consultations, by the reasons of warre, the iniurie of the time, and the preseruation of the armie, it was held most expedient to winter in the neerest places, that is, in the countries of Cleues, Munster, Marck, Cologne, about the Rhine, and beyond the Meuse, that they might thereby both stoppe the enemies courses, entertaine the kings armie all the winter, and haue it euer in a readinesse. E By reason whereof, wee haue seene what the common necessitie required, which was the shortest course, and the most expedient for vs to hasten, as wee haue courteously done, according vnto militarie order: seeing that through the shortnesse of time wee had not leisure to demaund nor attend the consent of superiours, who by their difficulties and tedious disputes, might haue beene the cause of greater danger. Against the which, as many by reason of the strangenesse of the fact, neither knowing the danger, necessitie, nor profit thereof, haue made their complaints vnto their princes, who apprehending the hindrance of their subiects, haue also complained vnto vs, wee haue answered them courteously, commending the good amitie of the confederate lords of the Rhine, and of their countrey against all inconueniences; putting them in mind of the kings great benefits, and of his hazard, to F preserue the countrie & territories of the empire from vtter ruine, to the preiudice of his own affaires. Finally, we gaue them to vnderstand the kings iust intention and ours in this action, hauing demaunded nothing more of them, but that wee might winter for a time, not to hold any thing, nor to doe any manner of wrong or oppression, earnestly intreating [Page 1204] them to put in ballance according to equitie, the benefits which they haue receiued from A the king, against the small hindrances which the lodging and entertaining of his souldiers 1599 may cause them suffer, in regard of that which his enemies had caused them to endure, if this armie of the kings had not restrained them. Finally, hauing laid before them the assurance there was (were it by peace or warre) that rest and tranquillitie would ensue: that it would please them to beare this common fortune modestly betwixt them and the king, and containe their subiects for a time with patience, and rather make the best interpretation of this action to the emperour, and other princes of the empire, than by badde reports and fruitlesse and false complaints, and badde conceptions, aggrauate the kings sincere actions, bringing our innocencie into danger, and it may be, vnder a pretext of commiseration and succours required, kindle a fire which would spread ouer the whole empire, the which may not bee B quenched, but by the generall ruine of the whole. By which friendly behauiour and admonitions, wee had thought to haue cut off all occasions of complaints, and that there should be no more mention made vnto the emperour, nor in any other courts and estates of the empire: whereof, notwithstanding, wee vnderstand the contrarie, and feare that in this assemblie (through the exclamations of some, mooued with hatred and spleene conceiued against the king and the catholike religion, or through indiscretion, or malice, t [...]usting too much to the light promises of the enemies of the countrie, or through ingratitude, or such like) that such false reports are againe brought in question. By reason whereof, wee haue thought it expedient, as wee haue done by letters to his imperiall Maiestie, and by word of mouth to M. Charles Nutzel, his Maiesties commissioner in these parts, to oppose C vpon euery article, the kings merits and iustifications, against such friuolous complaints, and to send them in writing to the princes and estates of the empire; and to you in your assemblie, intreating you in his Maiesties name, and ours, not to haue any sinister impression without cause of his Maiesties sincere intention, by an vndue commiseration, or spleene, rising from a little disorder, which bee the ordinarie fruits of warre, least you fall into greater inconueniences and troubles, which would bee the cause of a farre greater mischiefe, whereof you should reape nothing but a late repentance. But rather vsing your accustomed wisdomes and discretions, according to the loue and affection which you beare to the publike quiet, measuring the good with the small losses and hindrances which haue happened vpon the frontiers of the empire, ioyning to these of the king, you will interpret D it in the best sence, and comfort and feed with hope such as haue beene partakers of these losses, giuing others which are farre off to vnderstand, to what a good end all may sort, without giuing credit vnto the complaints which haue beene wrongfully made, as well vnto the emperour, and vnto the estates of the empire; the which beeing most notorious, should suffice any man of vnderstanding, to excuse and iustifie his Maiesties actions and ours. Yet for that in these concurrents of time, some mens iudgements are so depraued, as these nouelties sound so strangely in their eares, as they neither can nor will comprehend the true ground; and therefore matters remaine thus obscured and darkened. For whose better satisfaction, wee thinke that the king hath therein satisfied, if (as these false reporters, by lies and slaunderous suggestions, doe charge his Maiestie) wee on the other side doe shew E by the deduction of alliances and treaties, as well of the whole empire, as of the princes and estates, with the house of Burgoigne, that his Maiestie in stead of seruices against his enemies and rebels, hath receiued disseruices: although that according vnto diuine and humane lawes, yea and according vnto the constitutions of the empire, they were thereunto bound and obliged. Contra [...]iewise, it appeares with what bountie, moderation, clemencie, and with what charge his Maiestie hath, amidst so great troubles and tumults of warre, preserued the whole dioces of Cologne, and neighbour countries, beeing in great danger to bee all lost, and the catholike religion supprest and put downe; and that to the great hindrance of his owne affaires. By which merits and good deedes, they of the dioces of Cologne and Westphalia were the more bound, so as no man of iudgement, if hee will not bee F noted of ingratitude, can iustly blame his Maiesties actions, nor ours, touching the lodging and wintring of his armie, contained with all militarie modestie: and they should not giue place to so many fruitlesse clamours and complaint, at the least if such men be any thing affected to their countries good, to stir vp in stead thereof new troubles, & new warres, whereof [Page 1205] there can be nothing expected but fire and flame, and a totall deuastation. Wherefore wee A trusting in your wisedomes and discretions, and assuring our selues that you will therein do all 1599 good offices to his Maiestie and the Estates of the empire, seeking nothing more, than by the effects to attaine vnto a good peace, and to discharge the frontiers of the empire of the said armie, as soone as may be; wherein if through the presumption, rashnesse, or bad practises of some I be hindered, we protest openly, that the blame of all the mischiefe shall be layd vpon the authors and procurers of those hindrances, and not vpon the king. And to the end that the reasons here produced for his Maiesties iustification and ours, may bee the better represented vnto his imperiall Maiestie, and to your excellencies, and the necessitie which hath forced vs thereunto, wee intreat you, that in stopping your eares to all false reports (which else would increase daily) you will now resolue to assist this warre with all your meanes, and to conuert B it to a good peace, with which hope we wil attend your iudgement and aduice, beseeching God, &c. From Rees the twentieth of Ianuarie 1599. Signed, Francis of Mendoza, great Admirall of Arragon.’
The same deputies of the admirall, on the seuenth of February following, presented a certaine declaration in the assembly of the deputies of the princes and Estates of the said fiue circles, in the said towne of Cologne, in the name of the king of Spaine, the archduke Albert, the cardinall Andrew, and the said admirall, in a sharpe and Iesuiticall stile, in the which are related particularly and at large, the iustifications, reproches, instances, and pursutes made vnto the emperour and to the princes summarily set downe in the admirals letters: All which discourse seemes rather to be made in contempt and mockerie, and the more to incense the Germans, C as if they did them great wrong to complaine of the admirals actions, and of his armie, and that they were yet beholding vnto them. The which they did onely to win time, and to haue the bad season of winter spent, and to see if the Germans would doe any thing, as it seemed they threatned them. This discourse is so tedious, as it would tire the reader, and so impudent and arrogant, as we haue thought good to omit it. To the which answer was made, and all the points of the reproches, and accusations, made in the said declaration, examined, debated, and reiected as false & calumnious, to the preiudice of the emperors honor, of the princes and the Estates of the empire.
The fifteenth of December, the same yeare 1598, there died in the towne of Leiden in Holland, Aldegonde & Longolius die. that worthy and learned personage, Philip of Marnix, seignior of S. Aldegonde, who was D much lamented of al learned men, being about threescore years old, who in his time had done great seruices to the prince of Orange, and the general cause of the vnited prouinces. The next [...] day there died in the towne of Arnhem, doctor Elbert Leonin, called Longolius, chauncellor of Gueldres, sometimes professor, and a great lawyer in the vniuersitie of Louuaine, a man of great knowledge and experience in affaires of estate, of a quick conceit, and sound iudgement, hauing also done great seruices to the said prince and States. He was aboue 80 yeres old when hee died. In two dayes together the vnited prouinces of the Netherlands, lost these two learned men.
Cardinall Andrew, gouernour of the Netherlands in the absence of the archduke Albert, The elector of Mentz answer to cardinall Andrew, did also send Fernando Lopes de Villa noua, gouernour of Carpen, to the emperour, with the E like iustifications, with expresse charge in passing, to excuse and iustifie him to the prince elector, archbishop of Mentz, and to make the emperour and all the princes and states of Germanie deafe and blind, if it were possible, although they did heare and see plainely. The prince elector of Mentz, gaue him a short and resolute answer, which was in effect, That he could not allow of that which the said cardinall and admirall had attempted vpon the territories, and against the constitutions of the empire. That for his part he would not fayle in that which concerned his duetie for the preseruation of the peace and quiet of Germanie, being in that maner troubled and interrupted: And that for his better counsell, he did aduise the said cardinall, to retire his armie out of the confines of the empire, as soone as might be, and not to attend vnto the end of Aprill, to repaire all iniuries, to restore that which they had extorted, and make satisfaction F for the dammages which they had suffered both in generall and particular: In doing so the princes and Estates of the empire should haue reason to excuse that which was past, and to allow of the vrgent necessitie, by the which they seeke to purge and iustifie the said actions. This answer was giuen to Fern. Lopes by the said prince elector, the 25 of Februarie 1599.
[Page 1206] The Estates of the vnited prouinces sent in like manner their iustifications in writing, of all A their actions, to some of the princes electors, and others in Germanie; whereof the substance 1599 Letters from the vnited prouinces to the princes of Germany. was, That they had receiued their letters, containing the complaints of the circles of Westphalia; for the wrongs and oppressions which the countries of Cleues, Iuilliers, Cologne, and Westphalia, did suffer by the souldiers of either partie: By the which letters they were required to retire their souldiers out of the confines of the empire, without any delay, restoring the ‘townes which they held, pulling downe the forts which they had built, and leauing the countries, townes, and estates of the empire in their antient peace, quiet, and tranquilitie: Wherevnto their answer and resolution was in like sort requisit. In answer whereof the sayd Estates protested, That they were verie sorie to heare of any such complaints, and the more, for that they were put in the same ranke with the Spaniards and the admirall, who had not forborne B to besiege, batter, force, and take the towns, castles, forts, and houses of gentlemen in the countrey of Cleues, and the circle of Westphalia, with murthers, burning, spoyles, and rauishing of wiues and virgins, without any respect of what estate, condition, or qualitie soeuer; wherwith not content, they haue by their garrisons and threats, forced some of the said towns, ouer and aboue their ransomes & concussions, to change their religion & policie, which they had for many yeares past quietly enioyed, vnder the authoritie of your excellencies, and other princes, wherein the king of Spain had no title nor interest, and therefore had no reason to colour his attempts.’
‘Whereas for their parts (say the Estates) nothing hath beene done but by meere constraint and necessitie (which hath no law) for the preseruation, maintenance, and assurance of their vnited C prouinces, and the which without any contradiction, according to the law of armes, and martiall discipline, may be done, whereunto they haue beene forced. By reason whereof they besought their excellencies, and all men of iudgement in matters of warre, calling them to witnesse, if considering the admirals attempts (seeing they had no other meanes to make head against the enemie, but in preuenting him, and in fore-occupying the places which he himselfe had incorporated) they had seized first thereon, and put in some of their men, for that the Tolhus which they had seized, was not sufficient to resist the admirals forces, who in the end would not haue failed to haue come thither (where the inhabitants should haue been intreated with the like mildnesse that they were in other places) and thereby to haue had an entrie into their vnited prouinces: Besides, they neuer had any intent to seize vpon one foot of D land belonging to the empire, nor to any prince or lord that were a neuter, to hold or retaine them as proprietories, as (they said) they had of late assured his imperiall Maiestie, the princes o electors, and namely the prince elector of Cologne, with whom they desired nothing more, than to entertaine all good alliance, amitie, correspondencie, and good neighborhood: maintaining themselues in that sort, without diminution of their estate, vntill they might once see an end, whereunto they haue alwayes aspired, vnto that houre, and the which they haue sufficiently made knowne by their resolution, to restore the town of Rhineberck to the said prince elector of Cologne, to hold that vnder the lawes of neutralitie, if that had not beene preuented by the siege which the admirall laid before it, who thereby would giue colour to his attempts vnto those, who through impatiency would not looke vnto the ground of the matter: E Which attempts are the more manifest, by the taking and surprising of townes and places, and the alteration of religion and policie: whereby he doth not onely aduertise the princes and noblemen, but he doth teach them plainly, how hee will intreat both them and their subiects, vpon the first oportunitie, to erect the Spanish Monarchie. They haue well found by experience, how willingly and freely (sayd the Estates) in the yeare 1590 last past, they did at the request of the said princes and estates of the empire, deliuer vp diuers places which they had taken from their enemies, being scituated vpon the territories of the empire, hoping that the enemies would in like manner yeeld vp those which they held, and which they had promised the said princes and estates to yeeld, being also held of the empire, as it is well known to all the world: Which yeelding of their parts, and refusall of the enemies, hath been so preiudiciall F vnto them, as in the end they haue beene constrained to besiege and force Alpen, Moeurs, and Berck, according vnto the good successe which they haue had. It is also well knowne, how they haue since yeelded the townes of Alpen and Moeurs, without restitution of any one peny of that which they had layd out to conquer them, and how they had offered [Page 1207] to do as much for the towne of Berck, with the declaration of the true meanes to entertaine A the limits of the empire in peace, so farre foorth as the enemie (who did all hee could to the 1599 contrarie) did not hinder it: which their good and sincere intention hath beene so much the more apparant, for that according to the order set downe by prince Maurice their generall, to chase away the enemies garrisons out of the towne of Emmeric, they haue done it, and being satisfied therewith, haue yeelded the towne vnto his prince. Whereby your excellencies and other princes may iudge of the sinceritie of their actions, without any doubt or distrust of them: but that you would rather seeke the meanes, by the which the Spaniards and their adherents might be chased out of all Germanie, and preuented of their pretended monarchy, driuing them euen beyond the Alpes, to the end that the members and subiects of the empire may be deliuered and freed from so great troubles and dangers, wherein for these many yeres B we haue pretended and done our best indeuours, and are yet resolued so to do: wherein wee hope and trust, that God will moue the hearts of kings, princes, potentats, and commonweals, and opening the eyes of their vnderstanding, they wil take the defence of their common cause in hand, running all ioyntly to quench this fire, which begins now to flame. For the which we pray vnto his diuine Maiestie both night and day, beseeching most humbly, that it would please your excellencies, and the other princes, to take and interpret our reasons and iustifications here set downe, in good part, and as the sincerenesse thereof doe deserue. Praying the Almightie &c.’
During all these rescriptions and iustifications of either side, the Spaniards had, like harbingers with chalke in their hands, run ouer and forraged the frontiers of Germanie in Westphalia, Cleueland, Marck, and Bergh, the which neither writing nor threats could make them C forbeare; making their greatest excuse, that they would first haue the Estates deliuer vp that little which they held vpon the confines of the empire, as the Tolhus, and the fort of Grauenwerd. By reason whereof the deputies of the circles of Franconia, of the Rhine, of base Germanie, of Westphalia, and of base Saxonie, assembled at Conflans, to consult what was to be done, to reduce Germanie to quietnesse, and to cause the Spaniards retire, freeing as wel those places which were scituated vpon the riuer of Rhine, from their garrisons, as all other places of the territories of the empire. And in like maner those which the Estates of the vnited prouinces held, with reparation of damages and spoils made by either partie vpon the territories of the empire: According to the which they did write vnto the said Estates the tenth of Aprill, D commaunding them in the emperours name and the princes, to retire their garrisons out of the confines of the empire, to deliuer vp the townes, and to ruine the forts which they had built, (namely that of Grauenwerd) to repaire the damages done by them, to punish the breakers of the peace, and the perturbers of the publike quiet of Germanie, to restraine the courses and spoyles of their souldiers, that hereafter the territories of the empire may bee freed from such spoyles and oppressions, and that the traffique and commerce may be restored.
Whereunto answer was made by the said confederat Estates, That they had hoped and did Letters from the Estates to the deputies of the circles. verily beleeue, that they had giuen contentment vpon the like points vnto his imperiall Maiestie, and to the princes, by their precedent letters, whereof they sent a copie vnto the said deputies: for that nothing had been since attempted by them vpon the territories of the empire, E hauing no other intent, but to make head against the admirall, and to resist his mightie armie, by preoccupation of those places, where their troups were lodged; of the which without doubt the admirall would haue seized, that by the fauour thereof he might get an entrie into their prouinces. Assuring the said deputies, that they had neuer any intention to seize vpon any one foot of land belonging to the empire, nor to any country that was neuter, but haue rather sought to win and entertaine with good friendship and neighbourhood, all princes, potentats, and commonweales, wherein they desire to continue as much as may be, and the assurance of their estate may beare; as in effect they had sufficiently declared, when as (notwithstanding all the barbarous insolencies which the Spaniards practised before their eyes, in the duchies of Cleues and Mont, and in the diocesses of Cologne and Munster) they had carried F themselues temperatly and modestly, and had done more, if the Spaniards had not brought their garrisons so neere: for which cause they could not restraine their souldiers, but they must sometimes go to discouer them, and to skirmish with them: so as the deputies had no iust cause to distrust their good and sincere intention. Assuring them, that as for those places which they [Page 1208] held, and were of necessitie to hold for their safetie vpon the territories of the empire; that as A soone as euer they had abandoned those quarters, that they also for their parts would quit 1599 them, and giue order for the excursions of their men of warre. And whereas the deputies required, That the Estates would abandon and ruin the fortof Grauenweerd: they shewed that the countrey and iurisdiction of the duchie of Geldre, had alwayes maintained, and did yet, that that place is of the seigniorie and dependance of Geldre, and not of Cleues. And if the duke of Cleues would not be therewith contented, that in that case they would be mediators to the Estates of Geldres, and the county of Zutphen, which are of their vnion, that they would consent to haue this controuersie decided by the said deputies, according to the treaty past in the yeare 1544 betwixt the emperour and the duke of Cleues, by the which the sayd difference hath remained vnto this day vndecided, so as they cannot now do otherwise. They B intreated them, that their answer and sincere declaration might be taken in good part, and that they would be mediators vnto the emperor, the princes and estates of the empire, that the Spaniards might effectually leaue the townes and places which they held vpon the confines of the empire: that in the like case they might for their parts deliuer all, and giue more cause of contentment to the emperour. This answer was sent from the Hage in Holland, the 12 of May 1599.
The said deputies of the circles being again assembled at Munster, writ their letters vnto the The deputies write againe to the Estates. generall Estates of the vnited prouinces, on the 15 of May, insisting chiefly vpō the restitution and abandoning of those places which the Estates held vpon the confines of the empire, especially for the fort Grauenweerd, the which doth the Spaniard more hurt than all the rest. The C said deputies did also complaine, that the Estates entertained some of their troups in the suburbs of Emden, and that they caused the It is a minerall matter which they vse about copper. The Estates answer. Montaigne of Calmine, in the countrey of Lembourg, to contribute, and that for the execution thereof their men had burnt certaine mils to beat copper. Whereupon the Estates answered, That for the first point of restitution of places, they thought they had giuen them contentment by their letters of the 12 of the said moneth, and by the copie annexed, written vnto the emperor, and to the princes of the empire: for that the places which they held were only for their defence, manned with a moderat garrison, and well paid, the which did not oppresse the inhabitants, whereas if the Spaniards had held them (whereof they would not haue failed, if they had not bin preuented) they must haue attended nothing but ruine & desolation: assuring them againe to haue them, as soone as the Spaniard D should be retired. As for those men which they had in the suburbs of Emden, it had bin done since that the Spaniard had past the Rhine with his whol army, & had sought to make himself master of that towne, aswell by the disvnion that was within it, as by the troups hee had about it: for which consideration they had bin moued to send some troups to preuent any such enterprise, not only for the assurance of the said town, & of the good inhabitants, but also for the seruice of the empire, and the estate of their prouinces, the which they entertained with great charge & good order for their pay: Hauing (according to the promises made by them to the earle deceased, and to the senat of the said town (when they made an agreement betwixt them at Delfziel) to cause the said treatie to be obserued) sent their deputics thither, to make a good peace betwixt the new earl & the senat, and if it were possible to reconcile all their quarels and E discontents. And that when as the danger of Spanish practises shall cease in those quarters, by this peace which they do mediat, they would then speedily retire their men, wherof they haue giuen charge vnto their commissioners: Intreating them, that they would interpret this action in the best sence, and excuse it as done for the seruice of the empire: remembring that the magistrat of the said towne hath not yet made any complaint of our souldiers.
As for the contributions of the Calmine, that they should not take it in ill part, to aduance the Spaniard, for that if they get any contributions out of the enemies countrey, the Spaniards draw much more out of theirs: that it is according to the law of armes, wherein they haue done no wrong vnto the empire. That they had no knowledge of the burning of any mils, if it be not by some exploit of warre, wherein it is verie hard (although they should F be verie sorie any such thing should happen) to restraine the incensed souldiers, promising to take such order, as their souldiers shall bee hereafter more temperat and modest in their behauiour.
Henry Iules duke of Brunswick and Lunebourg, postule of Halberstat, hearing the many [Page 1209] complaints of the barbarous cruelties committed by the Spaniards vpon the frontiers of Germanie, A fearing least this canker should spread further, and creepe into the bowels of the empire, 1599 had on the nineteenth of December the yeare past, by his proclamation, exhorted his subiects and vassals, to be armed and readie vpon all occurrents to repulse the attempts of the Spaniards: wherein he was seconded by prince Maurice, landtgraue of Hessen, who hauing leuied good troups of men, with those that the Estates of the circles, aboue named, ioyned vnto them, made a goodly bodie of an armie, none but Germans, beeing about ten thousand foot and three thousand horse, whereof noble Simon earle of Lippe was generall: Philip earle of Hohenloo commaunded the duke of Brunswicks troupes, and George Euerard earle of Solins, those of the landtgraue of Hessen, and Oliuer of Timpel, seignior of Cruybeke, was called from the seruice of the generall Estates of the vnited prouinces, to be generall of the artillerie to the said armie, without the assistance of which Estates, to speake the truth, the said armie had B wanted many of the chiefe commodities which they had need of.
This armie being on foot, the Spaniards left their lodgings about the end of Aprill, in the quarters of Westphalia and Munster, the which they left miserable and desolate, comming along the Rhine, to the townes of Emmeric and Rees: then the armie approched, and came and besieged the fort of Walsom, right against Orsoy, on the riuers side, which the Germans tooke, after which the armie spent almost two months idly in those quarters, to the great discontentment of the said princes of Brunswick and Hessen, & of their lieutenants. In the end cont Vander Lippe causing it to descend lower on the same side of the Rhine, the admirall of Arragon retired his Spaniards out of Emmeric the 7 of May, displacing the bridge which he had vpon the Rhine, and carrying it downe before the towne of Rees, and hauing well mannaged the C said towne with a good garrison, he past ouer the greatest part of his armie, and hauing cast a portatiue bridge vpon the riuer of Meuse, he entred into the island of Bomel, betwixt Rossum and Driel, vpon either banke of which riuer he intrencht himselfe, and built a fort.
The German armie hauing the towne of Emmeric at their deuotion, being abandoned by the admirall, cont Vandr Lippe besieged Rees, a little towne, and of small defence, beeing vnworthy to stay such an armie, in which campe (besides the discontentment of the commanders and souldiers) there were many wants from the beginning, and had beene more, if the Estates had not relieued them, whose armie also was not farre from them. This sodaine and vnexpected descent of the Spaniards into the isle of Bomel, made them of the towne to wauer, so as many of the inhabitants retired with what they could carrie away. Whereof prince Maurice D being aduertised, hee posted thither with all speed, with some of his horse and foot to assure them, the which did much incourage them of the towne. Without doubt if the admirall at his first entry into the island, had gone directly to the towne of Bomel (the which lay then open on the one side, by reason of their workes which they made at the rampars and bulwarks) it had beene in verie great danger. At the Admirals first arriuall into the quarter of Bomel, he besieged the fort of Creuecoeur, whereas captaine Spronck commaunded for the Estates, who after it had beene battered, hauing endured some assaults, hee was forced to yeeld by composition, he and his men departing with their full armes and baggage.
The Estates seeing the last yeare how the king of Spaine drew vnto them with his armie, E when as the admirall past, they resolued to make warre against him in his owne countrey, by sea, not with any hope to get any thing from him, which they would keepe with their forces (which had beene too farre from them) but to annoy him and his subiects: for the effecting whereof they would prepare an armie at sea, of fourescore sayle of ships, of Hollanders, Zeelanders, and West-Frisons, diuided vnder three admirals, whereof Peter vander Does was admirall generall; his ship was called Orange, and carried an orange coloured flag: William Diericsen Cloyer was captaine of the ship. The second was Ian Gheerbrandiz, carrying a white flag, and the third Cornell is Ghyleynsem of Flessingue. Captain Sturme was lieutenant colonel, with some companies of foot, and great store of mariners: so as there were about 8000 souldiers and saylers, the which being well prouided, staied but for a wind. F
Prince Maurice being at Bomel, and resolued to set vpon the admirals bridge, which he had made vpon the riuer of Meuse, hee sent for most part of the said mariners: whereof the admirall being aduertised by two French men which were fled vnto him from the princes campe, this enterprise was not followed, and the mariners were sent backe.
[Page 1210] The admirall after he had prouided for the defence of his bridge vpon the Meuse, approaching A the towne of Bomel, he besieged it afarre off. Prince Maurice made trenches without 1599 the towne (to hinder his neere approach) from one corner of the riuer vnto the other, the which he manned with good troups; yet the Spaniard left not to approach neere, and to bring his artillerie to batter the towne at random, as he did, so as colonell Murrey, a Scottish man, being vpon the rampar, and viewing the countenance of the Spaniards campe, was slain with a canon. And as the princes armie was part of it in the towne, part in the trenches, and the rest on the other side of the riuer of Wahal, he was forced to make a bridge of boats vpon the said riuer, before the towne, to passe from one quarter to another. The Spaniard to annoy this bridge, planted certaine peeces of ordnance vpon the riuer side, to batter it in flanke, doing much harme vnto passengers, and in the towne. In the meane time the besieged (who B notwithstanding were not besieged but on the one side, hauing the riuer and their bridge alwayes free) requited them, their men being in the trenches, were daily in fight with the Spaniards by whom they were also often assailed, with losse of either side, but more of the Spaniards, of whom they did daily carrie great numbers hurt to the towne of Boisleduc; so as the Spaniards were forced to leaue their approaches, and to retire further off, and in the end to abandon all their trenches neere vnto the towne.
The Spaniards being parted from their campe with foure thousand foot, and a good troup of horse, appearing plainly that it was for some exploit or enterprise, which they supposed to bee vpon the towne of Breda, prince Maurice hauing some intelligence thereof, parted from Bomel, & past the Meuse to enter into Brabant, neere the town of Wandrichom, with sixteen C cornets of horse, and some foot, thinking to surprise some of his enemies; but they were aduertised, and retired speedily to Herental, fearing a second battaile of Tournhout, and so the prince returned to his armie in the towne of Bomel.
The sea armie of the Estates did set sayle the fiue and twentieth of May, to goe and braue the Spaniards at their owne doores, so as vpon the eleuenth of Iune, comming neere vnto the Groyne, they met with two Spanish boats, and hauing taken a Spaniard out of one of them (they being also sent to discouer them) they vnderstood, that they were aduertised vpon that coast of their comming, and that they were in armes, that at the Groine there were foure thousand foot, and some horse. Whereupon the generall hauing called his captaines aboord the admirall (within canon shot of the fort, which shot among their ships) they found it not D fit to attempt any thing vpon that quarter: so hoysing sayles, they tooke their course towards cape S. Vincent, so as hauing past the islands of Lancerotta, Allegansa, and Forte ventura, they discouered the great island of the Canaries, where they arriued the six and twentieth of Iune. Wee will speake soone of their successe, but now let vs returne to the affaires of the Netherlands.
Whilest that the earle Vander Lippe was with his German armie at the siege of Rees, and the admirall in the island of Bomel, the deputies of the circles of the empire, being now assembled Letters from the deputies of the circles to the Estates. in the towne of Huxar, they writ vnto the Estates the eighteenth of Iune, tending to the same complaints of their troups lying in the suburbs of Embden. Whereunto answer was made the tenth of Iuly, being conformable to the others. And soone after the deputies writ other E letters from Huxar to the Estates, wishing the Estates to forbeare to doe any executions vpon the lands of the empire, for the countesse of Moeurs and Nyeuwenart, seeming to reproach the Estates, as if they would not suffer such executions to be done in their iurisdiction. Whervnto the Estates answered, That seeing the wrong which was done vnto the said countesse, detaining her goods and reuenewes in the diocesse of Cologne, against all right and reason, they had often requested the prince elector, and the chapter of Cologne, that they would suffer her to leuie and receiue them, the which had beene often reiected by meanes of some of her enemies in the said chapter: But in the end there was a certaine agreement made, the which notwithstanding they would not performe. Wherefore seeing the said ladies husband is dead in our seruice, they could not refuse (as to a poore desolat widow) to grant her letters of reprisal, F and so they are to be vnderstood.
Afterwards the sayd deputies sent a trumpet with letters on the three and twentieth of Iune, demaunding a safe conduct for a certaine number of them, who would come vnto the Estates The German deputies send to the Estates for a pasport. to treat with them as well of the points and grieuances aboue mentioned, as of other matters [Page 1211] concerning the quiet of Germany, and the preseruation of the publike good: which trumpet A was presently dispatchd with a safe conduct, with an answere on the eleuenth of Iuly, in the 1599 which are set downe the insolencies and oppressions of the Spaniards in the countries of Westphalia, Cleues, Cologne, Marck and Mont: and that for their owne defence, the Estates had need to make vse of the townes which they held as it were by way of lone of the countrie of Cleues. But as the iourney to come into Holland, seemed too troublesome for the deputies, they desire by letters of the fourteenth of Iuly, that the Estates wold send to them and to cont Vander Lippe generall of the armie of the circles, being camped before Rees, certaine commissioners, or their embassadors, to treat of the aboue mentioned points: Whereupon The estates send commissioners to the deputies. the Estates sent Nicholas Bruninck counsellor to prince Maurice, & Daniel Vander Meulen; where beeing arriued in the campe before Rees, on the fifteenth of August they had B audience in the counsell of warre, before the said cont Vander Lippe, Otto Van Starchedel, lieutenant of Cassel, for the landtgraue of Hessen, Isaack Craft for them of Brandebourg, Christopher Conincx Merck, for the duke of Brunswic, & doctor Amandus Rutterscheir chancelor of the said armie. At which audience of Bruninck and Vander Meulen there were propounded foure points: the first was, The restitution of Grauenweerd: the second was, The reparation and restitution of dammages, which the Estates men had done vpon the territories of the empire: the third, Libertie of commerce, and cassation of licences: and the fourth was, Caution, that hereafter there should bee no more oppressions, nor incursions made by their souldiers. To all which points there was an ample and pertinent answer made by the Estates deputies: Three of them were but faintly maintained by the Generall and his assistants, yea, it seemed they were reasonable well satisfied with the allegations of the C said deputies: But the reparation of damages and oppressions, was disputed with great vehemency; for the Estates commissioners did lay before them, & did aggrauat the great damage and losses which the Estates of their vnited prouinces had receiued from the enemy by the land of the empire, who not onelie vsed it for a passage, but to ease his country where he commanded, and to entertaine his armie there for many monethes, making it his rendez vous, and the seat of war: wherfore the Estates could do no lesse, than to seeke the enemy where he was. That if by any such occasion their men had at any time exceeded, that they were sorie for it, and had done what they could to redresse it, causing restitution to be made, & punishing the offenders: but that which the Spaniard had done, was with a purposed intent. The imperiall D deputies maintained, That if the Spaniard did ill in seazing vpō the land of the empire, yet the Estates shold not do the like, but they should haue attended their enemy in their own limits. Wherunto answer was made, That the lands held by the enemie was not the empires, so long as they held them, and that it was against reason to bind them to hold that place as neuter, which made war against them: that it was not for the Estates to dispute, by what title, or with what authoritie the enemie had vsurped the said places, but it did belong vnto the said imperiall deputies; who hauing taken order for the dislodging of the enemie, the Estates would let all their neighbours see by the effects, what difference there is betwixt their neighbourhood and the Spaniards. But the deputies of the Estates did coniecture, that vnder colour of these restitutions and reparations of damages, the German did hope to draw some money E from the Estates: but there was no mention made there of any restitution of places held of the empire, and vsurped by the emperor Charles 5, nor of the towne of Emden, neither yet of the countesse of Moeurs, which as yet seemed, serued but for matter of cauillation, wherof mention is so often made in the letters written by the said imperiall deputies to the vnited Estates.
The Estates had a day or two before the arriuall of their deputies at the imperiall campe, deliuered vp vnto the Germans the fort of Tolhus, the towne of Seuenter, and some other forts there abouts; as afterward the Spaniards (to shew some willingnes of their parts) abandoned (but it may be, being forced thereunto) knowing the preparations that were made for the towne of Genep.
The Deputies of the Estates hearing that the German army was leuied but for three monethes, Counsell propounded to ioyne both the armies against the Spaniard. F the which being expired, might perchance be continued three moneths longer, they did represent vnto the earle of Hohenloo for the duke of Brunswic, to the earle of Solins for the landtgraue of Hessen, and to the baron of Creange for the marques of Ausbach, the difficulties which would grow by this continuation, & the small likelihood there was for them to [Page 1212] win any honour, and to assure the credit and the Estates of their princes, without the coniunction, A directly or indirectly of the German armie with prince Maurice, whereby they should 1599 haue meanes to ruine the enemie, and to settle Germanie at quiet: but there was need of a speedie resolution, for that all hope of good successe consisted in celeritie, and that not making this coniunction in time, & to purpose, they might loose both their charge and paines, making them soon subiect to reproches & slanders: wherfore they shold do wel not to loose any time, but to send speedily vnto their princes, & to aduertise them of the true estate of the affairs, and of their danger, in case they suffered themselues to be abused by any treatie with the enemie.
The said generall and imperial commissioners, did importune the commanders of the Spanish Letters from the imperiall commissioners to the chiefe of the Spaniards, like to them of the Estates. armie with cōplaints, no lesse than they had done the vnited Estates, vpon the same points of reparation of damages, restitution of places held by them, libertie of commerce vpon the B Rhine and caution for the preuenting of such oppressions hereafter. Whereunto the Spaniards made diuers euasions. In the mean time the general approched his army neere vnto Rees. Doctor Yenburch was sent by the Spaniards vnto the general and the imperial commissioners, on the 16 of August: at his arriuall he talked to euerie man of the reparation of damages, and the charge he had to deliuer vp Rees: but the next day he denied all, saying, That hee had no such commission, intreating them, that they would giue him three dayes time to aduertise his masters, euery man knowing that the Spaniard sought nothing but to win time: so as they were discontented with this kind of proceeding, yet after they had disputed much against him and threatned him with the coniunction of the Estates armie, with that of the princes & circles of the empire, in the end they granted him these three daies, for there was no shew that they C would begin to force the towne of Rees, hauing no preparation but what the Estates had lent them, and sent them: besides the iealousies and distrusts which were in the said camp, were the cause that they imputed those things to practises and malice, which haply proceeded from the ignorance and want of experience of the generall, being accused of some, as if from the beginning he had had a bad intent, that in leading the armie vp and downe here and there, hee had caused them to spend two moneths and aduanced nothing, and that he had a meaning to dissolue the armie, and make the companies disband: and that him selfe had solicited the emperor, to be imployed in a treatie of peace. Others spake wel of him, that he had a good mind, and that they did what they would with him, but they complained of his insufficiencie, which was the only cause of these disorders; the which after the retreat of the army were better known. In D the mean time all agreed, That there were some dangerous people about the general, to whom he was too open, who gaue aduice vnto the Spaniards, of all that past among the Germans, holding Freniz, marshall of the campe, in greater iealousie than any other, by reason of which distrusts there was no respect among the commanders contending one against another, by aduancing nothing for the generall: yea the Spaniards sought to corrupt some in the campe, as it was discouered by letters of captaine Palants and others, who thought to draw away two or 300 horse at a time: besides the free accesse of them of Rees vnto the camp, did debauch many. Whereupon the generall was constrained to make a proclamation, That no man should presume vpon paine of death, to confer, eat nor drinke with the Spaniards, nor with them of the said towne. Finally they held this bodie of the German armie, as a Poliphemus, who hauing lost E that one eie which he had goes without any conduct, loosing by little & little his vigor, bloud and life, finding no hope of recouerie, if prince Maurice did not approch with his forces, and by his good conduct and direction, restore it both sight, bloud, and life. But their matter must bee far sought, and if there had bin any good disposition, yet the Germans durst not: notwithstanding money comming afterwards vnto the campe from the princes, it reuiued the Germans, and began to daunt the Spaniards. What the issue of this armie was, we will presently shew: and now we will returne into the island of Bomel, and see what the admirall of Arragon and prince Maurice did, fronting one another.
The Estates hauing for a long time held a fort in a little island called Voorn, which is in a maner of an ouall forme vpon the banks whereof are good trenches, which they must win before F they could enter into the island, the which lies in the middest, at the meeting of the two riuers of Meuse and Wahal, the which hauing with their mingled course enuironed the sayd island, either of them notwithstanding run in seueral streames, vntill they come to win in one bodie of a riuer neere vnto Gorchom, whereas the island of Bomel failes at Louestein. This [Page 1213] strong fort was a great gall vnto the Spaniard, to which if he could he would haue done some A affront. So as the admirall and colonell Borlotte, who was the chiefe conductor of this enterprise 1599. in the island of Bomel, sawe there was no good to bee done against the towne, for that they had come on so slowly: for we must confesse the truth, that if at their first entrance into the island, they had marcht directly vnto the towne, which lay then open by reason of their works, and before that prince Maurice had leisure to assure it with great new trenches without, doubtlesse he had put it in great danger: the which hauing neglected, they thought they had done sufficiently in the beginning to haue freed a passage into the said island. So all the towne being well assured by the princes comming, the supply of men, and the finishing of their fortifications, The Spaniards retire from Bomel. retiring on the 5 of Iune with all their losses, behind the said towne, and further into the island, they went and lodged at a village called Rossum, being but a good canon shot from the fort of Voorn, where he remained almost a moneth without any attempt, but the making B of some trenches. Prince Maurice knowing well that the Spaniards designe was vpon the fort of Voorn, after that he had long attended to see if he would passe the riuer, and to annoy him in his passage, in the end he past himselfe in the night with 3000 men the third of Iuly, & came to his enemies quarter at Herwerden, hauing at his backe the ioyning of the riuer of Meuse and Wahal together, where, with an incredible celeritie, he intrencht himselfe against his enemies in the form of a halfe moon, of the height of 2 men, with ditches 12 foot broad & 6 deep, & of so great a circuit, as they easily might haue lodged six or 7000 men. The Spaniard discouering this work the next day, being the 4 of Iuly, made sodenly, thinking to hinder it, he came in the afternoone with some troups of foot and horse, and presented himselfe before this halfe C moone, thinking to draw the princes men out of their trenches: but they being aduertised, that the enemie was in ambush, hidden behind the dikes, kept themselues quiet: the which the Spaniard seeing, he returned soon after to charge with great troups, falling vpon these trenches of the halfe moone like a sodaine lightning, with such violence and furie, as some hauing past the pallisadoes, fought hand to hand. The princes men vnder the valiant cōmand of sir Francis Veer, monsieur de la Noue, and colonel Edmonds, defending themselues couragiously, repulst them. The captaine who had forced the pallisado, lay slaine vpon the place, to retire whose bodie they made a second charge, at the which they carried it away, but not without great losse of their men. That which made the greatest spoile among the Spaniards, were eleuen peeces of ordnance, planted in three batteries vpon the fort of Voorn, and three peeces from the trenches D of Varyck and Hessel, the which shot directly through the Spanish squadrons, with the musketiers which galled them in flanke aboue the riuer: al which forced them to retire, hauing lost seuen captaines, many officers, and aboue 700 souldiers, besides those that were hurt. At these charges there marched in the first ranks among the Spaniards, two monks, carrying crosses, and banners, wherof the one was slain, and the other taken prisoner, being hurt in the head. Prince Maurice lost the sergeant maior of sir Fr. Veers regiment, being generall of the English, with some ten or twelue souldiers, and some twentie hurt.
The 5 of that month a troup of Spanish horse, with 400 musketiers, thinking to surprise the princes guard, were so entertained, as hauing lost a captaine, & left a Spanish earle behind them prisoner, they retired with losse and shame. We wil leaue them for a while in the island of Bomel, E in face one of another, and will speake of the successe of the Estates armie vpon the coast and islands of Spaine, hauing left them in the road of the great Canaries.
The 20 of Iune Peter vander Does, generall of the Estates armie, beeing arriued with all his The successe of the Estates armie at the Canaries. fleet before the towne of Alegoena, he cast anchor vnder the great castle which is on the Northwest part of the town, from whence the Spaniards began to shoot at him and his whole fleet, so as causing those ships to approach neerest which had the greatest ordnance, hee began in like maner to batter the castle, which was called Gratiosa, spending some time in this sort: during the which the general had his maine mast pierst thorough, and his fore mast somewhat perished, the viceadmirall, which was the great ship of Amsterdam, had six or seuen shot thorough her, which slew some souldiers before they could get into their boats to goe to land. F Those of the castle hauing tryed what ship ordnance could do, began to coole their first heat of shooting. In the meane time the souldiers and mariners hauing gotten into their boats, rowed towards land, whereas the islanders attended them in great numbers vpon the sea shore, with three small peeces of artillerie. The generall being in his boat, hauing caused all [Page 1214] the others to come about him, approaching neere vnto land, they saluted one another with A their musket shot, the islanders keeping their ground firme: the which the generall considering, 1599 and that for want of water they could not get to land, he himselfe leapt first into the water The armie lands. vp to the girdle, and so did all the rest, marching resolutely to land, notwithstanding all the resistance of the Spaniards, who defended the landing place verie valiantly; yet they got to land, not without some losse of their men, by reason of the difficultie there was in landing, whereas the Spaniards did also loose some fortie men, before they would abandon the landing place; among others the gouernour of the towne being on horsebacke, had a leg shot off with a great peece: the Estates generall was hurt in the leg with a pike, and had three thrusts vpon the bodie, but they were light hurts, and if one of his men had not slaine the Spaniard which incountred him, he had beene in danger of his life. The souldiers of the armie hauing B thus gotten to land, and the boats returning to their ships to fetch new supplies of men, the islanders abandoning their artillerie, and carrying away their gouernour with one leg, they made their retreat towards the towne, leauing six and thirtie of their men dead vpon the shore. The generall hauing all his men together, hee put them in battaile, beeing foure and twentie companies, with so many colours flying, and so they marched one and twentie in front. They of the great castle, seeing the landing won, were so terrified, as from that time they made not a shot. The Estates men being thus in battaile, three of their mariners came running to them from towards the castle, bringing the generall word, that they of the castle would yeeld, if they might haue their liues and goods saued: whither he presently went, being accompanied with some captaines, to whom the place was presently yeelded, trusting vnto his fauour The castle of G [...]atiosa yeelded to the generals mercie. C and mercie, leauing their armes, nine peeces of brasse ordnance, and six of yron, with all the prouision and munition, there being eight and fiftie persons prisoners, the rest had been slaine by the canon: These prisoners were put into a Spanish ship, which the armie had taken, except three of the chiefe of them, whom the admirall had reserued to informe himselfe more particularly of all things. Hauing receiued this castle into his power, hee caused the king of Spaines ensignes to bee taken downe, and the colours of prince Maurice to bee set vp in the place.
Toward the euening this petie armie was diuided into three squadrons, whereof the one was set at the foot of the rampar of the towne, the second vnder the mountaines, and the third, being the reereward, along the sea shore, and so they continued all night in armes. D Earely in the morning the next day, they marched al together in good order vnder the towne, where they continued a while readie to fight; but as the canon from another castle ioyning vnto the towne, did much annoy them, and made a great spoyle among their squadrons, carrying away sometimes fiue or six at a shot, the generall Vander Does beeing somewhat intrenched, and hauing made his platforme for his batterie, hee planted fiue peeces of ordnance, the which hee caused to bee brought from the castle hee had lately taken, wherewith he shot but one volley that night: in the meane time the besieged hauing planted some peeces against the Estates batterie, did them much harme. The night following they stood all againe in battaile: the islanders had some field peeces also vpon a mountaine, wherewith they shot into the campe. E
At the breake of day, being the eight and twentieth of the moneth, the generall Vander Does caused his battery to begin, playing with foure peeces vpon the castle, and the fift against those which the islanders had vpon the mountaine, the which continued about foure houres. The besieged in the castle had set vpon their rampars and bulwarkes, in manner of parapets and defences, certaine packes of wool, and pipes ful of stones: but the canon passing thorough these pipes, the stones did them more harme than the canon it selfe, the which slew many of their men, brake their defences, and disordered their artillerie, then were there foure companies sent toward [...] the mountaine, to dislodge them that were with the artillerie, and in the meane time the generall caused fire to bee set to the towne gate: the which they of the castle (whose ordnance was dismounted and spoyled) and they of the mountaine hauing discouered, and F the townes-men seeing their port on fire, abandoning both towne, castle, hill, and artillerie, they fled all towards the mountaines, to holes and caues, which they haue there, carrying away the best of their goods, plate, and iewels, and sauing themselues with their wiues and The towne & castle of Alegoen [...] abandoned. children as well as they could.
[Page 1215] About noone the general caused two ladders to be fetcht from a church without the towne, A and brought thither, whereof the one was too short: he himselfe mounted with some souldiers, 1599 one man in front, vp to the towne wals, where they found no opposition; and being entred in this sort, his men ran directly towards the castle. The Spaniards at their retreat had left a mine, with a match, the which tooke fire before the Estates men were entred in so far, so as this mine did them no harme: being entred, and hauing taken downe the king of Spaines ensigne, they set vp that of prince Maurice, whereas they found fiue peeces of ordnance, with all that belonged. The towne and castle being thus won, the general put his men againe into battaile, 15 in front, as if he would take a view of them, in a low plaine within the wals of the towne. Some souldiers brought one vnto him that was borne in Flessingue, whom they had drawne out of prison: whereupon the generall went himselfe with some captains vnto all the prisons, B from whence he freed about 36 prisoners, who gaue him to vnderstand, That the towns men flying towards the mountaines, had carried with them two prisoners, the one an English man, the other a Dutch man, which were condemned to be burnt, who had bin a long time prisoners in the Inquisition. Towards the euening the quarters were made, and the whole armie was lodged within the towne, euery captaine hauing his quarter apart, except such as were appointed to be in guard without the towne, at the descent of the mountaines, whereas the islanders did sometimes shew themselues in great troups. The towne was spoiled of all that remained, the best being carried into the mountains: whereupon the generall caused a proclamation to be made, whereby no man might appropriat any goods to himselfe, but all was to be carried into the admirall, according to the decree of the Estates. C
The next day being the 29 of the month, some mariners got vp into the mountains, to seek The Estates men slaine in the mountain [...] some aduenture, but the islanders being better acquainted with the passages than they, crost them, and slew some 20. Towards night the generall sent some 300 men to a little castle, halfe a league from the towne, but the garrison seeing them come, abandoned it presently, and fled towards the mountaines, whereas the Estates souldiers found three peeces of ordnance, and hauing left a squadron of men in guard there, the rest returned to the towne. The last day of Iune the generall commanded, that the wine, oyle, and all the goods which they had gotten should be imbarked. The Spaniards which had fled into the mountaines presented themselues diuers times to treat with the generall, but hauing heard their first demands, which he held impertinent, he sent them backe, and would no more heare them, commaunding his men not to D aduāce any further into the mountains, than their lost sentinels were set, in the mean time making hast to imbarke the bootie. On the 1 of Iuly he caused his minister to preach in the chiefe church of the towne, whereas he assisted with aboue 400 men, to giue God thanks for this victorie and happie successe, and to pray vnto him, to blesse and prosper all their enterprises. The third of the moneth, after that he had shipt all the bels, artillerie, munition, and other goods, abandoned by the islanders, the generall sent 2000 men into the mountaines, to assayle them which were fled thither, who at the first made head, where there was a braue fight, where although the Spaniards had great aduantage, yet retiring further into the mountains, the Estates men not knowing the passages, and not daring to pursue them, after they had lost 70 men, and one sea captaine, they returned to the towne. E
The next day the generall hauing put all his troups in battaile, after that he had blowne vp The armie retires and burn [...] Alegoen [...]. the castle of the towne with a mine, and burnt all the churches and cloisters, both within and without it, in the end being readie to make his retreat, hauing drawne forth all his men, he caused the towne to be set on fire: then they came to the first castle which they had won, called Gratiosa, distant halfe a league from the towne, wheras they all imbarked in their shaloups and boats, and being entred into the ships they kept the sea. They were no sooner imbarked, but the islanders came presently from the mountaines, and ran to rescue the fire, the which they quencht as well as they could. The generall before his imbarking had left a mine in the castle of Gratiosa, the which tooke fire presently after, and blew it vp in the ayre. The general being at sea, he called all the captaines both of land and sea to counsell, to consult what was to bee F done, and to informe himself, of the most expert mariners and pilots, of the scituation and landing of the other islands in those parts. In the mean time there came certaine Spaniards to the sea shore, carrying tokens of peace, and desiring conference: Whereupon the generall sent a barke which brought them aboord, and hearing that it was for the prisoners which were [Page 1216] taken in the castle of Gratiosa, hauing receiued their ransome, hee suffered them to goe, A and returned them all free and glad men vnto the towne, so farre as their ransomes would 1599 extend.
The eight day of the moneth the generall hauing hoist sayle with all his fleet, carrying with him the rest of the Spanish prisoners which had not beene ransomed, they did for a while (by reason of a contrarie wind) coast along the island of the great Canarie, vnto a corner thereof, where they were forced to cast anchor, discouering the island of Tenariffe, which is one of the Canaries, there they sent all their boats to land, for fresh water: The mariners before they returned to their boats, burnt great store of wood laid vpon heaps along the sea shore, but yet they incountred not any one Spaniard in this watring. Hauing set sayle againe with an inconstant and troublesome wind, on the 12 day they were in sight of the island of Gomora, in the which there was a small towne, whereunto the admirall with the white flag, with his viceadmirall B and a pinace, approched, at whom there were certaine great shot made: whereupon retiring themselues out of the danger of the canon, they cast anchor. The other ships (which were yet farre off) did what they could all night to approach. The next day the generall Vander Does hauing gathered together all his fleet (which had beene much dispersed by reason of the foule weather) called a counsell, where they resolued to set vpon that island: the which was done, and foure companies were sent to land in the valley right against that corner where they were at anchor: which being done, all the ships approched neere vnto the towne, before the which they cast anchor, and from thence they made certaine great shot against the town, but they answered them not, neither did they make any resistance, although there were C foure brasse peeces in a little castle neere the shore, the which they buried, seeing the armie approach. Then were there six companies more landed, who came vnto the towne without any resistance, all being fled away with that which they could carrie into the mountains, which the foure companies which were first landed in the valley perceiuing, they aduanced towards the mountaines, to stop their passage, and to get their bootie. The Spaniards which were hidden in the caues, hauing suffered them to passe vnto a descent, finding themselues strong ynough for them, they burst out, and compassed them on euerie side: The souldiers of the fleet seeing themselues hemd in, they fought for their liues, & slew many of their enemies, so as in the end they freed themselues, with the losse of 80 of their men, among the which there were 2 lieutenants: the rest which escaped, returned towards the euening to Gomora, the which was seyzed D on, and guards set in all places: the houses were searcht, and all places digged, where they thought that any thing might be hidden, wheras they found certaine pipes of wine, and not any thing else at that time. Some souldiers going in small troups to the mountaines, to seeke aduenture, were defeated, ten and twelue at a time.
The generall Vander Does hauing made a generall muster of his men, to see how many hee might haue lost, commaunded his men to imbarke the wines, three peeces of ordnance, and the bels which he could find, with the rest of the spoile which the islanders could not carry into the mountaines; then on the 16 day hee shipt all his men, beeing resolued to send three or foure hundred men on land the next day, to seeke them that were fled into the mountaines: but they had so cruell a storme that night, as it was put off, seruing as an aduertisement to the E generall to spare his men, and not to send them lightly into danger, yet 300 men went into the valley, whereas but three dayes before their companions had beene surprised: but they found no enemie, and being loth to enter into the mountaines, they returned with a little field peece, and two barrels of powder, which they found there. And seeing that the islanders kept themselues in their caues and hollow places of the mountaines, and that there was no more there to be gotten, hauing set fire of the towne church and cloister, they went to sea, leauing the island all desolat. The islanders seeing them all imbarked, came downe speedily from the mountaines to quench the fire, as they of Allegoena in the great Canaries had done. The fleet remained the 20 day still at anchor in the road. Behold how these two islands of the great Canaries and Gomora, which for many yeares had felt no enemie, were conquered, spoyled, and burnt, by F the sea armie of the Estates, the which was leuied to no other end, but to do an affront to the king of Spaine, their capitall and mortal enemie, and to annoy him as well by sea as land, without any intent to keepe or hold any thing: so as hauing carried away all they could find in the said islands, they fired them, and so abandoned them. And so,
For wee may say of them, as well of other places, and especially of that which the frontiers of Germanie had suffered and endured of the Spaniards the winter past, The poore people were not in fault, but oftentimes they pay which were not the debtors.
This exploit beeing thus performed, not content to haue skoured the seas, and to haue fronted the enemie of the Estates in his owne countrie, but meaning to attempt something else, and thinking for the small resistance which he had found, that he had no need of so great a fleet, nor of so many mariners, and to haue them which he should keepe with him the better furnished, he resolues vpon good counsell to send away halfe his shippes; whereupon he calls all the captaines and officers aboard, where after he had thanked them courteously for the good and faithfull seruice which they had done vnto the Estates of their common weale, B and to prince Maurice their captaine generall, and great admirall of the vnited prouinces, and praied vnto God to continue his fauour and blessings to them all; he appointed 35 shippes to returne home into the vnited prouinces with one admirall, which was captaine Ian Gheerbrandtsen, and hauing taken his leaue of him and the other captains, and recommended them to the tuition of God, they tooke their course eastward, and hee with thirtie sixe of the best shippes, and best appointed with men, and all other things necessarie, for two or three moneths bent his course westward. The fleet of Ian Gheerbrandtsen being often scattered one from another, arriued in September safely in Holland.
The generall Vander Does sayled westward with his fleet, towards the island of S. Thome, The progresse of the Estates armie at sea. C right vnder the equinoctiall line, along the coast of Guynee, not farre from the island del Principe, which is one of the Portugall islands, inhabited and gouerned by naturall Portugals, abounding in sugar, which is their chiefest traffique, whereof hee became master, with small toyle or losse, hauing wonne the towne of S. Thome. But as the aire of that climate is very violent, hotte, and intemperate, for men comming out of a country neere vnto the Northern region, more accustomed to temperate cold, than to the extreame heat of the line; (whereas the souldiers remaining in the towne and island, had lien longer vpon the ground than was fit, or their natures could indure, and to refresh themselues had filled their bellies with such waters as they found, the which were more hurtfull than profitable, and it may be had been corrupted and spoiled by the islanders and inhabitants of the place) there fel a sicknesse among them, in a manner contagious, whereof there died many in great torments: D which the generall Vander Does finding, hauing shipped all the spoile which he could find in the towne and island, and Francisco de Meneses gouernour thereof beeing taken prisoner, hee put to sea, and bent his course homeward: notwithstanding, beeing infected with the venemous contagion of the aire, there died a great number of them, wherewith the generall Vander Does was likewise toucht, whereof he died, and in a manner all the captaines and officers: of the captaines there returned onely Regnier Camp and Calwart, the rest, and aboue three parts of their men, both souldiers and saylers were buried in the sea with their captaines and officers, so as they had scarce men enough to bring home their shippes and bootie, who in the end returned one after another into Holland and Zeeland. E
It is true this sea armie had beene very chargeable to the Estates, and they lost many men, but they neither esteemed the losse, nor the profit of the bootie (the which I heare did in a manner counteruaile the charge) in regard of the affront which they thinke they haue done vnto the king of Spaine, whilest that his Spaniards braued it in the island of Bomel, against whom it seemed that their men and money might haue beene better imployed.
Now let vs returne to the two armies in the island of Bomel, betwixt the riuers of Wahal and Meuse, that of the Spaniards lying at Rossum, and prince Maurice in the little island of Voorn, and thereabouts along the dikes, and in his trenches. The Spaniard finding that (by reason of the Estates forces, and the situation of their campe) hee should preuaile nothing, hauing attempted twice or thrice (but in vaine) to enter into the island of Thiel, hoping that F the winter following, through fauour of yce, the riuer beeing all frozen, he might easily passe the Rhine, the Wahal, and other riuers, to haue entrie and accesse into the Veluwe, or into some other part of the countrie of Gueldres, or the dioces of Vtrecht, and so into Holland, hauing resolued to retire the body of his armie (which had suffered infinite discommodities [Page 1218] in that island of Bomel) and to put it into garrisons, meaning to keepe a place of armes & A seat for the warre in those parts. 1599
Whilest that the admirals armie and prince Maurice were in field, and neere one another, cont Lodowicke of Nassau went forth of the campe on the eight of August, with tenne cornets of horse, passing ouer the riuer of Meuse, betweene Batenbourg and Rauenstein, and marcht towards Genep, where he found the waies very bad; in Longstrate by the towne of Graue, they were pursued by Ambrosio Landriano, who with some twentie cornets of horse charged him in Longstrate, but he got out and resisted them valiantly, forcing one of the cornets to flie, but for that he could not discouer Landriano's strength, he retired backe againe to Genep: those which were led by Marcellus Bax, and Lieuin Seis, lieutenant to Iohn Bax, hauing receiued no great harme, saued themselues and passed ouer the Meuse, hauing lost about B an hundred in Longstrate, whereof the more part were taken, and yet they brought away two hundred forrage horses, and 25. prisoners with them.
The admirals armie lying for the most part in Brabant, prince Maurice sent his cosin William earle of Nassau gouernour of Friseland, with 10 cornets of horse, & 24 companies of foot, giuing Deutecom taken by William of Nassau. him commission to take 26 companies more out of other places, with ordnance and munition, and to take the towne of Deutecom from the enemie againe, who went before it on the 24 of August, making his trenches on the 25 day, and the next day he planted two peeces of ordnance, and then an other, and so began to batter it; which they within finding, they demand to parle at the first summons, making their composition to depart: the which they did on the 27 day, with foure ensignes, Dom Iuigo de Ocaola beeing gouernour, who also C commanded the castle of Schuylenbergh, the which was also yeelded, for that hearing of the comming of the Germans armie, whereof there was great brute, and beeing besieged by the Estates, he had called forth the souldiers, fearing that otherwise he should not haue any good composition, nor yet a conuoy. These two places beeing taken, the Estates were againe freed for their passage all abouts to the Rhine: they put a garrison into Deutecom, whereas they found 52 barrels of poulder; which done the earle returned to the princes campe on the 29 of August.
He therefore caused a mightie fort to bee built in the village of Rossem, a very commodious S. Andrews fort built by the Spaniard. place, beeing the narrowest part of all the island of Bomel, bordering vpon the riuers of Wahal and Meuse, with fiue great bulwarkes, whereof two to the north and northwest, and two others to the south and south west were washt by the Meuse, hauing without that counterscarps D vpon either riuer, like vnto a halfe moone, which made two little forts, being distant some 1400 paces from prince Maurices halfe moone at Herwaerden, which couered his fort of Nassau in the island of Voorn. This fort cardinall Andrew of Austria lieutenant generall to the archduke Albert in his absence, and his cousin german, caused to be called by his name, the fort of S. Andrew, without doubt, an inexpugnable fortresse, for the building whereof, they cut downe all the willoes and other trees in the island of Bomel, the which was left naked of trees.
Which fort (commonly called the key, and by some the spectacle of Holland) beeing finished, the Spanish armie retired from thence, and was put into garrisons, but soone after they E fell to mutine for their paie. By reason whereof, after that the cardinall Andrew, the admirall of Arragon, and other commanders and councellors of the Spanish armie, had duely obserued and considered that (notwithstanding the bridges of yce, which God had giuen them vpon the said riuers, the waters being so frozen as they might easily haue past both on foot and horse backe) the forces which prince Maurice had left in those quarters, would haue hindren and annoyed them much, they thought it not fit to attempt any thing, or at the least not to attempt to passe there, whether it were for feare of being beaten, or hauing past, of a thaw, which would haue staied them, like mice in a trap: besides, it may be they had not their souldiers at commaundement, by reason of the said mutinies, as soone after it appeared very plainly. F
The Germane armie being disorderly broken vp & dispersed, Genep was taken frō them on the fourth day of Nouember by the admirall, who also threatened to besiege Emmeric, the which was held yet by the Germans: monsieur de Rheyet gouernor of the town doubting it, and seeing the Spaniards lie before Genep, he sent vnto prince Maurice for aid, all the [Page 1219] rest of the Germans beeing gone, who presently sent colonell Edmonds and Duuen [...]ord with A fifteene companies of foot, and fiue cornets of horse with monsieur Sidleniskie, who comming 1599 before the towne on the sixteenth of Nouember, and thinking to enter, they found the townes-men and some of the souldiers in quarrel, contrarie to the gouernours mind, who durst not then aduenture to let in those supplies, who stood still, and knew not what to doe. In the end colonel Edmonds went to the Rhine gate, wherewith the bourgers fell into an vprore; in the meane time certaine Germans who were well affected to the Estates, beeing within the towne, brake open the gate, and so hee got in with the losse of few men, and then marched along to the stone gate, which they opened, drawing in the rest of their troupes: and so taking order for all things within the towne, the colonels with monsieur Sidlenisky, and the horsemen left the towne, placing ten companies there vnder monsieur de Rheyet, for B the guard thereof, and to preuent the admirals designe, who seemed to haue an intent to passe with his armie along the Rhine, by Berck and Rees, and so to enter into the earledome of Zutphen.
Thus Emmeric continued still vnder the gouernment of monsieur de Rheyet, but in the vnited prouinces paie: his Germanes which lay in the towne (although they were promised to be duely paied, to make them the more willing to serue) were so iealous of the others, and so inconstant as they could not be staied, for that the duke of Brunswick (whose men they were, had forbidden them, and called them home, making shewe as if he would imploy them against the towne of Brunswick, with whom hee was in quarrell at that time, and so vpon the eighteenth day of Ianuarie, in the yeare 1600 they left the towne: and so C through the iealousie of these princes, the best resolutions were crost, and quite ouerthrowne.
Thus the great preparation made by the princes and Estates of Germanie, which continued the space of a whole yeare, vanished away like smoake, loosing thereby much of their The end of the Germans enterprises against the Spaniards. reputation, and discouering their owne weakenesse and diuisions, which defects the wisest men did iudge the Spaniards would afterwards make vse of, to their aduantage, whensoeuer they should command absolutely ouer the Netherlands, thereby to make some conquest vpon the frontiers of the empire; for it appeared plainely that the admirall sought to effect more by policie than by force, spending more money than blood in all his enterprises: for when as the admirall saw that prince Maurice had gotten Emmeric againe, hee had no will D to attempt any thing more that yeare in Cleueland; wherefore hee did not onely forbeare to take any more townes for the wintring of his armie, but hee also resolued to abandon Rees, which serued him to no vse, but as an vnprofitable frontier towne, from the which he could make no great incursions, nor much annoy his enemie; neither could hee well hold it, but either it should bee forced, or else hee should be constrained to keepe a strong garrison, to his great charge, and a bad report of all men: for which considerations he caused the skonce before the town to be razed, and on the 18 of December left it and went to Rhineberck, hoping to get it easily again, if prince Maurice once left it; to which end there were embassadours sent from the princes of the empire to treat thereof: at the same time also hee left Genep. E
The vnited prouinces made offer vnto the princes of Germanie to take all the townes lying vpon the Rhine for their vses, and to free the riuer of Rhine and the frontiers of the empire from the inuasions of the Spaniard, with certaine troupes of horse and foot, paying them for it, but they could not agree; for many princes and townes were of opinion to leuie and entertain foure thousand foot, & a thousand horse, for the defence of the frontiers in the winter time; but those of the contrarie faction crost it, for that the Spaniards, that winter, sent Charles earle of Egmont, and their counsellor Heest, as embassadors vnto diuers princes of the empire, giuing them to vnderstand, that they would leaue all the townes and places which they held, excusing whatsoeuer had beene done, and promising recompence for all wrongs which had beene committed by them. F
The Estates of the vnited prouinces (although they had made but a defensiue warre this yeare) found themselues in great want of money, and the more for that they had set forth a great fleet at sea, the which had cost aboue twelue hundred thousand gulderns, whereof as [Page 1220] then but few were returned. They also grew bare by the leuying of so many new souldiers, A whom they meant to entertaine but for a time, and yet they kept them still in pay; so as vpon 1599 the 29 of October they mustered their whole armie, and found it to be 10600 foot strong, besides their horsemen. Moreouer they had spent much money in digging and making of skonces, and kept in paie many ships, boats, wagons, horses to drawe, carriages for artillerie, with other extraordinarie charges, amounting to aboue twelue hundred thousand gulderns, besides the souldiers pay: for which cause they appointed an assembly of the Estates to bee held at Gorchom, wheras the generall Estates, the councell of estate, prince Maurice, and William earle of Nassau met together, to consult how they might abate the charges of their armie, seeing the disorders among the Spaniards, for want of foresight and keeping of accounts, the which might serue them for a president. They were also to take order in Zeeland, for the keeping of B the gallies in the hauen of Scluce, and to determine of some things concerning the princes of the empire, with other like.
Whereupon order was taken that a generall reduction should be made of their souldiers, and that they would hold no more in paie than the estate of the countrie would affoard▪ and that they would discharge as many ships, waggons, and other traines, as they might conueniently, and digge no more than they should be forced vnto, and yet they would haue a newe passage made through the Weert, right ouer against S. Andrews fort, that they might passe freely vp and downe the riuer of Wahal, without any let of the said fort. And moreouer touching the admiraltie, and sea causes, that all things might be ordered in euery prouince, after the best manner that might be, and for the keeping of the mouth of the riuer of Scluce, which C they would not haue abandoned, but haue the gallies still fought withall, they also deuised to haue a [...]konce made at Niewer hauen in Flanders, but it was not done for want of money, & yet the men and the ordnance was readie.
Lastly, they resolued to doe some exploit in the enemies countrie, meaning to mooue certaine high Dutches, when as then laie still at Seuenaer, to serue them a while, but they could not effect any thing, for that those souldiers would not serue the Estates; wherfore they resolued vpon a reduction and discharge of some of their souldiers, & the abating of their charge. In this assembly they also deuised how to raise some good summes of money against the next yeare.
Vpon the 21 of Nouember the earle of Busquoy, who had beene taken prisoner before D Emmeric, was deliuered, paying 20 thousand gulderns for his raunsome, & Paul Emili [...] Martinengue for 1000 gulderns raunsome, according to the quarter newely made and agreed vpon for captaines and colonels of horsemen.
Vpon the 20 of Nouember prince Maurice began to breake vp his campe, and dismisse his troupes, but yet he resolued once againe to attempt some thing against Creuecoeur skonce, Prince Mau [...]ice breaks vp his armie. or els against Boisleduc, but beeing readie to march with certaine troupes, and 60 wagons with all kind of furniture, there fell so great a storme of wind, raine, and snowe, as they could not possibly march; so as vpon the 28 of Nouēber he brake vp his armie, leauing the Voorn, Hesel quarter, and all the small skonces well appointed with men.
All this time there was an order taken by the generall Estates, that execution should bee E done vpon the villages and pesants of Brabant, which would paie no contribution: and to that end there were 12 cornets of reisters, and two thousand foot, appointed by prince Maurice to go into Brabant; but hauing their commission, and beeing all readie to march, the foule weather (before spoken of) kept them from passing the water, neither could they get to Louaine as they had charge, so as they could not doe any thing; but on the 29 of Nouember they fell vpon a companie of poore pesants, who would haue made head against them at Baller, whereas they burnt certaine houses. Captaine du Bois would needs march further into the countrie, but he was wounded, and his cornet slaine; yet this road did so terrifie the pesants of the countrie thereabouts, as most of them brought in their contribution to the Estates, as they had decreed. F
Vpon the sixt of December Iohn earle of Nassau, sonne to old Iohn earle of Nassau and Dildenbourgh, and brother to William prince of Orange, who was murthered in Delft, came to the Hage in Holland, and had audience in the assemblie of the generall Estates, touching [Page 1221] the arrerages of his fathers lands, which was the pretence of his comming, yet many A did conceiue, that he had some secret charge from some of the Germane princes, but all 1599 was kept secret, and nothing ensued, although the earle of Hohenlo were a mediator betwixt them.
The admirall of Arragon hauing discharged his armie, with great discontentment of the The admirall breaks vp his campe, and payes not his souldiers, who mutine. souldiers, for want of their pay, among whom there was a rumor spread abroad, that the archduke Albertus would pay no arrerages to his souldiers, but from the time of his installment, and that they must seeke the rest at the king of Spaines hands, the which was very vnpleasing vnto the souldiers; whereupon many of them mutined. The Germanes of Slegels regiment being in Herentales, with a companie of Albanois horsemen, vnder Nicholo Basti, tooke the small towne of Peer by scalado, whereas many of them were slaine, but they put the bourgers B to the sword, and spoyled the towne. Iohn Iacomo, earle of Belioioso, was sent to pay them with good words, but they would not heare him speake, nor let them in. Henry earle of Berghes souldiers tooke three hundred oxen before the gates of Cologne, being brought thither to be sold, whereof part were ransomed. Many such like insolencies were committed in other places: such as were interessed by the souldiers, made their complaints at Brussels, but had no answer; they had only a certificat giuen them, that they had done their messages, and made their complaints.
About the last of December the Spaniards being 1200 strong of all nations, horse and foot, tooke Weert and Kempen, and fell vpon the towne of Hamont, making a generall mutinie, the footmen did chuse Iohn Alonzo Maiolichino, an Italian, for their Electo, and the horsemen C Giouanni Martines; to whom Gaspar Sapena, a colonel, was sent to pacifie them, whom they refused to heare, and chased him away.
In the end of the yeare, an embassadour sent from them of Westphalia, had audience of the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces, where he complained of the great wrongs and oppressions done vnto them by the Estates souldiers in their territories, desiring to know, if it were done with their priuities and consents. Whereunto the Estates made answer, That they were very sorry for it, and would take order to preuent it, saying moreouer, That they wondered why those of Westphalia had made so small resistance against their enemies, hauing made such great complaints vnto the emperour, and drawne the princes and Estates of Germanie into armes; and when as their brethren and allies were in the field, they drew their D neckes out of the coller, and not onely abandoned them, but did helpe and assist the enemie, which might haply bee a cause to moue their souldiers to vse that vnlawfull rigour against them, taking them for their enemies, as being the cause of their owne and their neighbours harme, through the great affection which they had borne vnto the Spaniard. The like answere was also made by them vnto others, which came from thence to complaine, yet they did write vnto their troupes, commaunding them to carry themselues discreetly, & to respect neutrall places.
The archduke and the Infanta hauing consummated their mariage in Spaine, came into Italie, and so arriued at Brussels in Nouember 1599, but before they would be installed, and enter into the gouernment, they did what they could to procure a generall peace: E to which end they moued the Emperour (who did much affect the greatnesse and welfare of the house of Austria) to send an honourable embassage vnto the Estates of the vnited Prouinces, to persuade them to yeeld vnto a peace, for the good of the empire and of all Christendome.
The embassadours which were appointed to this charge, were Salentin earle of Isenbourg, Harman earle of Manderscheyt, and Charles Nutzel van Sonderphiuls, knight. Being come to Grensaw, they sent a trumpet vnto the generall Estates, with a letter, to desire a pasport, to come freely and deliuer what they had in charge: whereunto the Estates made answer as followeth.
‘Right honourable, we haue receiued your letters, dated at Grensaw the eight of October, The Estates letter to the emperors embassadors concerning a peace. F whereby we vnderstand, that the emperours Maiestie hath giuen you in charge to deliuer vnto vs certaine points which concerne his imperiall Maiestie, and by consequence the whole Empire, crauing first a pasport and conuoy to come personally vnto vs, for the preuenting of all mischiefes, which may dayly happen in these troublesome times, desiring [Page 1222] also a time and place to be appointed to deliuer your message and to receiue our answere: A wherein we could not choose (in regard of the dutie which we owe vnto his imperiall Maiestie 1599 and the whole empire) but let your honours vnderstand, that we hold our selues much bound vnto the high and mighty imperiall Maiestie, to the princes electors, and others the Estates of the empire, that it hath pleased him and them to giue your honours charge to bring this message vnto vs, which we vnderstand to consist of two points; first, to procure a treatie of peace betwixt the high and mightie prince Albert archduke of Austria, with the noble Infanta of Spaine, and vs: and secondly, for the restitution of places belonging to the holy empire, and ceasing from incursions into the territories thereof.’
‘Touching the first point, may it please your lordships to remember what was set downe by vs at large in our letters vnto his imperiall maiestie, in the yeare 1591, as also what answer B was made by vs vnto the baron of Rheyt, vpon the like propositions; and also in anno 1594, vnto the letters of the archduke Ernestus of famous memorie, and in the yeres 1595 and 1596 vnto the high and mightie imperiall Maiestie, the elector of Ments, the archbishop of Salsbourg, the administrators of Saxony, Philip Lodowicke vander Nieubourgh, and the estates of Cologne and Nurembergh, as also to the embassadours of Poland and Denmarke, and lastly vnto your honours and to Charles Nutzel van Sonderphiuls, concerning this point, whereof the copies are hereunto annexed, whereby his imperiall Maiestie, and the whole Estates of the empire may easily coniecture, how this may be effected: and although it may be alleadged that the estate of the Netherlands since that time is much altered, by reason of the pretented gift of the said countries vnto the Infanta, besides the death of the old king of Spaine, with C the ensuing mariage of the archduke Albertus and the Infanta; yet it may be auouched that the vnited prouinces haue now more waightie and more inuincible reasons and arguments to mooue them not to treat of any peace with the Spaniards, or with the archduke and Infanta (as depending of the Spaniards) than euer they had, as may appeare by a proclamation set forth by vs in Aprill last, in the which wee haue briefly set downe certaine chiefe points, whereby the king of Spaine that now is (vnder the gouernment of the archduke) hath shewed himselfe more rigorous against these countries, and the inhabitants thereof, and against the members of the empire, concerning their rights and priuiledges, than the deceased king his father did: and that vnder the archdukes command great seueritie hath beene shewed against the Christian religion, and not onely the vnited prouinces, but also their neighbours, namely D the confines of the empire haue bin so vnworthily intreated, as it is strange that the members and Estates of the empire doe not seeke reparation of the wrongs, iniuries, and oppressions done vnto them, by force; and the rather, for that hee that was generall for the king and archduke, beeing prest to obserue what had beene promised, hath openly protested vpon the very frontiers of the empire, that he could not obserue the promises made by the archduke, for that God and the kings seruice required other proceedings; saying, that notwithstanding the said promises, he would not forbeare to vse all force and violence, by murthering, spoyling, burning, and other execrable actions against the territories and subiects of the empire, as also in changing and altering of lawes, policies, and religion: which proceedings should be displeasing vnto the archduke; yet they keepe still the townes of the empire in their possession, and E bragge that they haue gotten a great victorie against the forces of the empire, as it may be sufficiently prooued, hauing no intent to yeeld vp the said townes so vsurped, but to hold them for their owne vse and commoditie. Moreouer it was neuer more apparant than at this present, that the Spaniards and their adherents designe is perpetually to disturbe and subuert the Estates rights and priuiledges of the Netherlands, and vtterly to ruine them, to the vnspeakable preiudice of all neighbour kings, princes, and common weals, but especially of the Estates of the empire, whom they seeke to ouerrule, & to keep the archduke with the Infanta & their heires in perpetuall subiection, not allowing them authoritie to yeeld any thing vnto the petitions of the Netherlands and the inhabitants thereof, concerning the Catholike religion, and other principall points belonging to the wel fare of the same. We shal not need to speake F of the letters, by the which it is agreed that alwaies foure or more of the chiefe townes or forts in the Netherlands, shall haue Spanish garrisons in them, nor yet of the secret aduice giuen by the late deceased king of Spaine, vnto the king that now is, shewing by what meanes hee may alwaies take occasion to regaine the Netherlands; but it shall suffice to produce the [Page 1223] said pretended donation, whereby the archduke, the Infanta, and their successors, haue for euer A promised, and bound themselues by oath, to follow the wills and appetites of the Spaniards, 1599 not onely in regard of the freedomes, rights, and priuiledges of these countries, but also for the disposition of the succession of the Netherlands, the protection and bringing vp of their heires by the Spaniards, and the power and prerogatiue which the kings of Spaine will haue to dispose of them and their childrens mariages, or to giue in mariage to whom they please, to hold the Netherlands of them in chiefe, and to restraine them from their free nauigation and trading by sea; and all and euery of these points, vpon forfeiture of the same: adding hereunto, that they and their heires shall be bound to hold and maintaine the catholike Romish religion, vpon the like penaltie, as doth plainely appeare by the articles of the said donation hereunto annexed: so as there is small reason for the emperours Maiestie, the empire, B or these prouinces, if they will maintaine their respectiue freedomes, priuiledges, and religion, to enter into any treatie of peace with the archduke, considering the late rigorous proceedings both in the Netherlands and vpon the frontiers of the empire. And it is manifest that the treatie not long since made betweene the Queene of England, the Spaniards, and the archduke, was according to their old manner, vnder colour of a treatie, to effect some further designe; as the armie sent of late yeares out of Spaine to inuade England doth sufficiently witnesse: as also in August last the like should haue beene done, if almightie God by his grace had not diuerted that pretence, forcing them to employ that fleet to follow our ships of warre, which were then sent out vpon the coast of Spaine. Besides the archduke and the Infanta haue such great spirits, as notwithstanding they cannot pretend any right to the vnited C prouinces by the said gift, or by any other title, yet by their proclamations they publish & hold them for rebels: actions vnworthie of so great princes, the which can neuer bee forgotten.’
‘Touching the second point, wee hope not onely by presentation, but actually, to haue made manifest our iust and true intents vnto the emperours maiestie, the princes electors, and the Estates of the empire, so as it seemeth strange to vs, wee should be further molested and troubled, for that wee seeke to bring our common enemie to reason, and to abate his pride.’
‘By these and many other reasons, it may be thought vnnecessarie that (for the preseruation of the honor of the emperors maiestie, and of the whole empire) your lordships should come hither to treat of the said points, which wee also thinke not fit: wherefore wee haue not D sent you any pasport to that end; hoping that the emperour, and the Estates of the empire, hauing seene these our letters, will conceiue our meanings herein, which is, that wee hereby desire to ease your lordships of the paines and trouble which you may indure in this iourney; humbly beseeching the emperours maiestie, and your honours, to haue a good conceit of vs, and to aduance the cause of the Netherlands, wherein the welfare of the emperour, the seruice of the empire, and our good consisteth, and we will not faile alwaies to acknowledge and requite the same vnto the honours &c. Dated in the Hage the seauenth of December, 1599.’
This letter beeing deliuered to the emperours embassadours, they returned an answer on E the 8 of December, as followeth.
‘Right honourable, wee haue receiued your letters, and vnderstand by the contents therof, The embassadours answer to the Estat [...] letter. that you are informed (ex relatione aliorum) of our comming, and of the effect of our embassage: wee must confesse, that touching the restitution of places belonging vnto the holy empire, and the dammages receiued thereby, we haue especiall charge to sollicite both parties in all friendly manner; but concerning the other point, it is not intended that we by the emperours commandement should enter into any new treaty of peace with you, but onely for the furtherance of a treatie which was begun at Regsensborgh, in the yeare 1594, the which the princes electors, and the electors of the Estates of the empire referred to some other conuenient time. And concerning the other points contained in your letters and copies, touching F the doubts risen betweene the kings Maiestie of Spaine, and the Netherlands, to the great dishonour and preiudice of all Christendome, experience hath taught vs to iudge thereof, as time and occasion shall serue. And although wee haue commission from the emperours [Page 1224] maiestie, our gratious lord and soueraigne prince, to treat with either partie; yet you may assure A your selues, the emperours maiestie, the princes electors, and other Estates of the empire, 1599 know how to remedie the wrongs done both by the Spaniards, for their parts and by you of the vnited prouinces; & not to free the empire, but also the oppressed members thereof, from all vnneighbourly force and inuasion: yet his Maiestie at the earnest request of the princes electors, and Estates of the empire, hath thought good to impose this commission vpon vs, as your honours at our comming shall vnderstand more at large. And although, according to these our instructions gratiously giuen vs by the emperour, we may not (as it seemes by your letters) be heard at this time, nor allowed to shew thē vnto the general Estates, yet we doubt not but you will dutifully consider them, and not vpon any colour or presence whatsoeuer, contrary to the commendable custome of all nations, and to the blemishing of the emperors B authoritie and reputation, refuse to giue vs a pasport, and without hearing vs speake, so skornfully reiect the instructions sent vnto you by the emperours maiestie, and the whole empire, the which are done with a good intent; but rather accept friendly and thankfully thereof, and take them in good part, whereby the cause may be aduanced, and so without further delay we may proceed to a neighbourly audience of you, and the discharge of the commission and embassage receiued by vs, the which according to our instructions wee are to deliuer vnto you. The consideration whereof, in all friendly manner we recommend vnto your honours, &c. and therewith we commit you to the protection of the almightie, and our selues vnto your friendly censures. Dated as aforesaid &c.’
The generall Estates hauing receiued this letter from the embassadors, they made a reply, C the which, for that it is very long, & in manner a repetition of the former. I haue thought good for breuities sake to omit, and to touch onely at the principal points. First hauing made protestation of their duties and seruice to the emperours maiestie, & the holy empire, they insist, that for many vrgent reasons they could neither directly nor indirectly, enter into any treatie of peace with the king of Spaine, or the archduke and Infanta, & that not onely in regard of the welfare of the vnited prouinces, and the inhabitants thereof, but in respect of the Queene of England, and other princes and common weales their neighbours, and the good of all the inhabitants of the Netherlands, sighing vnder the burthen of the Spanish yoake.
Touching the restitution of certaine places which was demanded, they answered that they held them for their owne safeties, & the emperors seruice, & not onely to free the vnited prouinces, D but also the territories of the empire from the inuasions and oppressions of the Spaniards; in which places they entertained garrisons at their owne charge, for their necessarie defence. That they would giue contentment to certaine embassadors which were at that instant come from Cleues, Iuilliers, and other territories of the empire to the same end, so as the emperours maiestie, nor the Estates of the empire should haue no cause to dislike of them: protesting that they had no desire to hold any lands out of the vnited prouinces, nor to doe any wrong vnto their neighbour countries, offering to deliuer vp Emmeric and the Tolhus, as soone as the enemie should doe the like, and to giue securitie not to take any place vpon the frontiers of the empire, nor to build any skonces, nor to make any incursions vpon the territories of the empire, so as the enemie would make the like promise, & giue the like securitie. After E that they make an ample relatiō of the Spaniards proceedings for the space of 15 months, and the great insolencies committed by them vpon the territories of the empire; all which they had done as they said in contempt of the emperours maiestie, and of the holy empire. In the end they persuade the princes electors, & other estates of the empire, to oppose themselues against the enemie, and to reuenge the wrongs done vnto the empire, that hereafter he should not dare to attempt the like. Lastly, they desire them to censure of their proceedings, as tōding onely to the seruice of the holy empire, and that they would giue the emperours maiestie, the princes electors, and all the Estates of the empire to vnderstand in what honourable respect they held thē, & wold be alwaies ready to do the like vnto their honors, to their best abilities.
Whilest the Estates were framing of this answer, the embassadors came to Brussels to deliuer F their charge, whereupon the first of Februarie they had open audience of the archdukes, they being accompanied with the admirall, the prince of Orange, & diuers other noblemen. Charles Nutzel made the speech; the effect of his oration was, that they did congratulate [Page 1225] (in the emperour their brothers name) the archdukes comming into the Netherlands, shewing A how much the emperour desired to plant peace and quietnesse in the Netherlands, who 1599 was bound by his office to defend the friends and allies of the empire from all force and inuasion: then hee passed to the restitution which the archdukes were to make of the towne of Rhineberck to the elector of Cologne, and the satisfying of them of Westphalia, & the countries of Cleues, Marke, and others, for the wrongs and oppressions done vnto them the yeare past. Whereunto the archduke made answere in generall termes, That he thanked the emperor for his great loue and kindnesse, promising to send him an answer in writing, whereby the sincerity of his heart vnto the holy empire might be the better knowne (wherof he said he was no vnprofitable member) and how much he desired the peace and good of those countries, which as then were his, and that there should not bee any defect in him to enter into any honourable B condition of peace, that he might not be the cause (as it was neuer his intent) why his neighbors should endure any harme or wrong by his souldiers, the contrary effects wherof were to be ascribed to the condition and fruits of warre, and not to the disposition & wilful suffrance of the commanders &c. And so being feasted by the archdukes, & receiuing diuers presents, they returned backe to the emperor, by whom not long after they were sent againe, about the same subiect.
After the archdukes comming into the Netherlands, he wrote a letter with his owne hand vnto the Q. of England, aduertising her M. of their arriuall in the Netherlands, and what great desire he had to make a peace with his neighbors, & to renue the old league & alliance which their house for many yeares held with the K. of England, for the effecting whereof he said he C had full power from the king of Spaine. Whereunto the Q. of England made answere, That she had alwaies sought that peace, which might tend to the general good of all Christēdome, wherunto she would willingly giue eare, seeing they said they had authoritie from the king of Spaine to treat, but that she was bound in honor, as the vnited prouinces in like sort were, not to enter into any treatie before she had first made them acquainted therwith, and known their resolution, if they meant to be comprehended therein, to whom she would send, to know if they would ioyne with her, or that she should treat alone by her selfe, the which whē time serued should be made knowne vnto them. Moreouer, her Ma. did congratulate the archdukes cōming into the Netherlands, & the rather, for that she had had an vncle of their bloud, who had done her great honour, and therefore she wished the Infanta all good. These letters with D others being sent to and fro by 2 brethren, called Ieronimo and Iaspar Coyemans, at the last there was a treatie of peace agreed vpon, but it tooke no effect.
Whilest that the archdukes did labor by all means to bring the Netherlands to an vniforme obedience vnder them, news came, that the duke of Lermas secretarie in Spaine was cōmitted to prison, for a discourse which he had written, saying, That the last deceased K. of Spaine had pretended to erect a Monarchy in the Netherlands, and there to make his Sedem belli, being more cōmodious for vse that than Spain, in regard of the great riuers bordering on the neighbor countries, and the cōmoditie of the sea, together with the great numbers of ships & sailers, the discouery wherof it may be was ill taken by some, yet in February after he was set at liberty. This Winter the duke of Arschot came to Cruyninghen in Zeeland, whither his lady the E countesse of Meghen came from the Hage to meet him, where they continued together for certain daies, vpon hope of further reconciliation, there being some dislike betwixt them, as it was said, for matter of religion, but many thought it was rather to make some propositions for a treaty of peace: but for that the Estates held it not conuenient for them, there appeared no man in their behalfes, so as vpon the 19 of Nouember the duke returned againe into Brabant, and the countesse his wife vnto the Hage.
The archduke Albertus being now 39 yeres old, for that he was borne on the third of Nouember 1560, and the Infanta Isabella 33 yeares old, being borne on S. Clares day 1566, being The instalmēt of the archdukes. come to Brussels, they sent for the Estates of their dominions, who by commission from their generalitie, came thither to congratulate & salute them, with whom they tooke aduice about F their instalment, and for the making of their ioyfull entries into the chiefe townes, according to the auncient custome, disposing of their officers and houshold seruants according to their Estates, imitating the auncient orders of the houses of Bourgoigne and Spaine, rewarding many of their seruants with offices. At their requests, and to doe them honour, [Page 1226] the order of the golden fleece (the soueraigntie whereof the king of Spaine reserued to himselfe) A was giuen vnto prince of Orange, the duke of Arschot, the marquesse of Haurec, the 1599 earle of Arembergh, who also was made admiral, to Florents earle of Barlaimont, Charles earle Knights of the golden fleece made. of Egmont, Philip of Croy earle of Sores, and to the admirall of Arragon his generall, in recompence of his seruices, seeking to bind many others vnto them, by rewards and preferments.
Their court and traine was magnificent and stately, hauing a stable of seauentie or eightie great horses, eightie coach horses, and 150 mules, the earle of Sores beeing master of their horse. There attended on them sixteene or eighteene pages, all which were noble mens sons; besides a guard of halbardiers and shot, with other officers, so as the charge of their court was esteemed aboue two thousand gulderns a day, besides officers and seruants wages: Don [...] B Roderigo de Lasso was captaine of the guard on horsebacke. They sent embassadours into all places, to entertaine friendship and good correspondencie with their neighbours, as into France they sent the prince of Orange, and others elsewhere.
They mooued the deputies of the prouinces, which were come to Brussels to congratulate their comming, to further their installment, and ioyfull entries, wherein there did grow some difficultie, for the prouinces in generall, yet by seuerall petitions demanded the performance of certaine articles, and the peace which was promised them by the archduke, before his departure into Spaine, and then they said they would proceed to their installing, standing vpon this point, to haue forrain souldiers sent out of their towns & forts, & to haue all places of importance kept & guarded by them that were borne in the countrie; saying openly, that they C had beene aduertised for certaine, that the archdukes before their departure from Spaine, had promised to entertaine Spanish garrisons in diuers townes and castles of the Netherlands, for their safeties, and to seeke to raise a certaine contribution of foure millions of gulderns yearely, for the maintenance thereof, which bred a great iealousie among them, so as at that time they could not resolue vpon the installing, vnlesse the three articles following (which they said were more than necessarie) might be performed. That according to their priuiledges, all strange garrisons and souldiers should be sent out of the countrie: all offices executed by such as were borne in the countrie, and a peace concluded with the vnited prouinces, by th [...] counsell and aduice of the Estates of those prouinces.
But concerning all these doubts, a messenger was sent into Spaine, and secret conference D had with diuers men; many Machi [...]uilian persuasions were vsed, as that the townes and forts beeing planted with garrisons, and the prouinces full of strange souldiers (against whom there was no striuing, they beeing masters) it was best vnder that yoake, to choose the least euill, being forced thereunto through feare and compulsion, and that the installment and oath made by the prouinces in t [...]at manner, could not be of force, beeing as it were compulsiue, and that therefore they might at all times breake it, with many such reasons more. It is said the Infanta alleadged, that she was not bound to take any oath at all, as her predecessors had done, for that the countrie was giuen her by her father: the which was hardly censured. But the archduke being duly informed hereof, thought it best and least preiudiciall for them, to vndertake those points, and to sweare to maintaine their priuiledges, that so they might get possession, and after E when time serued, find some starting hole. With these considerations on both sides, & not without secret persuasions, they agreeed vpon their installment, according to the ancient maner. All things beeing thus concluded, vpon the 24 of Nouember they were honourably receiued The archdukes install [...]ent at Lo [...]aine. and installed in Louaine, whither the deputies of the smaller townes, & of the 4 chiefe townes came as of Boisleduc, Antuerp, Brussels, and Louaine, which made the third member of Brabant; for the second member there appeared the barons of Bassigni, Gromberghen, and Weesemale, the earle of Arembergh, the marquesse of Berghen vp Zoom, the prince of Orange, and the duke of Croy and Arschot: and for the clergie, which was the third member, there appeared the prelates of saint Gheertrude, Eueruode, Diligem, Tongerlo, Heylichstem, Grumbergen, Villers, and Vlierbeque; all which presented themselues before the F archduke & the Infanta, who were accompanied by the embassadours of Spaine, the duke of Aumale (who was banished out of France) the marques of Haurec, the earle of Māsfeldt, the admiral of Arragō, the president Richardot, & the auditor, who read the ioyful entries (signed and sealed by the archdukes) openly both in Latine and Dutch: which the Infanta kneeling [Page 1227] vpon her knees, did first sweare vpon the holy Euangils to obserue, and after her the archduke: A which being done, the three Estates aforesaid, in regard of their principalities, and the 1599 estates and townes of Brabant and Ouermase, tooke their due othes of obedience, & then all the priuiledges of Brabant were confirmed and sworne vnto. From Louaine they returned to Brussels againe vpon the eight and twentieth of Nouember with great state, whereas the triumphant Arke, made at their first entry, stood yet still vndefaced, and there they were also installed, they of the towne giuing them a present of plate, which was esteemed to bee worth 20000 gulderns.
From thence vpon the fift of December they entred into the castle of Antuerpe, and so on The archdukes installing in Antuerpe. the eight of December they made their ioyfull entry into the towne, where they were most honourably, sumptuously, and triumphantly receiued: first, there rode before 56 officers or B wardens, of 28 seuerall occupations of the towne: after them 26 Wyckmasters, apparrelled in purple, veluet, and silke: after them followed such as had beene magistrates in the towne, being 17 in number, all knights and men of good account, whose names, for breuitie sake, I omit: after them went foure officers, called the short Roade, and the long Roade, & the foure Secretaries of the towne; then followed the foure Clarkes of the towne: after them came the Estates pensioners, who are also of the counsell of the towne: then followed the treasurers, the bourgomasters, and Schepenen of the town: after all followed M. Henrick van Varigh, Schout and Margraue of the land of Rhyne, and Iohn Dammant, amptman of the town, both knights. The archduke made foure of the bourgomasters knights, with these ceremonies: they kneeling downe one after another before the archduke, the earle of Solre standing by C him, and giuing him his sword, hee gaue each of them three seuerall blowes vpon the right shoulder, and therewith he made him kisse the pomell of his sword: which done, the archduke said: I make you knights in the name of God and S. George, truly to defend the Christian faith, the church, iustice, and all widowes and orphanes. On the 10 of December the archduke and Infanta, after a masse said by the bishop of Antuerpe, went vnto the towne-house, where they were installed vpon a scaffold, and sworne with the accustomed ceremonies; the forme of their oath was as followeth.
‘We Albertus and Isabella Clara Eugenia, princes of Spaine, by the grace of God, archdukes The forme of the archdukes oath in Antuerpe. of Austria, dukes of Burgundie, Lorraine, Brabant, Lembourg, Luxembourg, and Guelder, earles of Habsbourg, Flanders, Arthois, Tirol, Burgundy, Palatin, Henault, Holland, Zeeland, D Namur, Zutphen, & Margraue of the holy empire, lord of Friselād, Salines, Macklyn, Vtrecht, and the territories of Ouerissel & Groningue, let you vnderstand, that I Albertus archduke, as husband to the foresaid Infanta, and I the Infanta as princesse and heire of these countries and prouinces, doe promise to fulfill and accomplish that which vpon the 21 of August ann̄ 1598, was by vs and in our names promised and sworne to all and euery one of the Estates of the Netherlands in particular (as then assembled at Brussels in the great hall of the palace) and moreouer doe sweare, that we will vphold and maintaine the rites of the Church, and of the Margraueship of the holy empire, and in generall all their statutes, priuiledges, charters, freedomes, rights, liberties, and customes, both new and old, as also the priuiledges of our ioyfull entries, which were giuen and graunted by vs and our predecessors vnto the Estates of Brabant, E none excepted, and to hold and maintaine them, and cause them to be held and maintained fully and wholly in euery point, and that we will not doe any thing contrary to the same, neither in all, nor in part, in any sort whatsoeuer, and that we will doe all that good and lawfull lords and Margraues of the holy empire are bound to do vnto their good subiects in the said Marquessate, and whatsoeuer is innouated contrary therunto, we will amend and reduce it to the former estate, as God and all his holy Saints shall helpe vs.’
‘Whereupon the magistrat in the behalfe of the towne (speaking vnto the auditor of the towne in Dutch) holding vp his fingers, tooke his oath as followeth: Wee bourgomasters, The oth of the magistrat of Antuerpe. Schepenen, counsell, & inhabitants of the towne of Antuerpe, all in generall, and euery one in particular sweare vnto you, right high and mightie princes, Albert and Isabella Clara Eugenia, F princes of Spain, by the grace of God archdukes of Austria, dukes of Burgundie, Lorrain, Brabant, Lembourg &c. earles of Habsbourg Flanders, Arthois &c. our soueraigne lords & lawfull princes, who are here personally present, that we shall and will be good and true subiects vnto you, and doe all things that loyall and faithfull subiects are bound to do for their lords [Page 1228] and lawfull princes, so God vs help and all his holy saints.’ A
Moreouer according to the auntient manner, there was an instrument or writing drawne 1600 of this solemne oath taken on both parts, and at the request of the Margraue was signed by both the princes, and their names set downe as witnesses, that were at that time present, in this manner. Giuen in our towne of Antuerpe the twelfth day of December, 1599, in the presence of the right worthie and reuerent father in God, the bishop of Tricaricensis, the popes Nuntio, Bàlthazar de Suniga embassadour for the king of Spaine, the duke of Aumale, the earle of Mansfeldt, the duke of Arschot, the prince of Orange, the marquesse of Haurec, the earle of Arembergh, the earle Vanden Berghe, the marquesse of Berghen vp Zoom, sir Iohn Richardot knight, Iohn Berlij president, Christopher van Assonuille, monsieur van Alten knight, Nicholas Dammont knight, and chancellor of Brabant, besides other officers and standers B by. Signed, Albert and Isabella. Vnderwritten, by commandement of their highnesse, & signed Vereycken.
This was done in euery place with great solemnitie and triumph, as vpon the 28 of Ianuarie at Gant, whereas the last of Ianuarie they of Bruges and other places tooke their oathes by their deputies, the 3 of February it was done at Cortrick, the 6 at Dornick, the 9 at Douay, and so in other townes.
Whilest the archdukes were riding abroad to bee installed, prince Maurice vndertooke an Wachtendōck in Gueldres taken by prince Maurice. enterprise against Wachtendonck, a very strong town, lying in the higher parts of Gueldres, vpon the riuer of Niers, the which was recouered from the vnited prouinces some twelue yeares before, by Charles earle of Mansfeldt, hauing besieged it two moneths; to which end C vpon the two and twentieth of Ianuarie hee gathered together eight cornets of horse about the cloyster of Bebber by Cleef, and some eight hundred foot vnder Lodowicke earle of Nassau, and colonel Edmonds, who began to march thither-wards in the forenoone, with certaine waggons, and by night came to Nyekerke by Wachtendonck, where they rested a while, and then they went forwards towards the towne, some went ouer the yce, and some through the ditches, and so got ouer the walles into the towne, whereas there were not aboue eightie souldiers neither in the towne nor in the castle, for that the horsemen which lay in it were gone forth to seeke for bootie, and to spoile the fort of Wandersluyten, where they were encountred by certain souldiers of the garrisons of Bonne & Buyler, & defeated: prince Maurice his men were no sooner entred into the town, but the bourgers tooke an alarme, yet they found smal resistance, so as they becam masters of the town without any difficultie: then D they placed certaine musketiers vpon the towne wall, to shoot at any they should discouer within the castle, whereas monsieur van Gileyn gouernour of the castle was hurt in the throat, and an officer, with one other slaine. The gouernour hauing not aboue thirtie souldiers within the castle, sent with all speed to Ruremond, to the earle Vanden Berghe for aid, who presently caused all the garrisons thereabouts, to march thither, but it was too late; for cont Lodowicke of Nassau was come with his horse and foot, whereas some of his horsemen left their horses, and among the rest, the lieutenant of prince Maurice his companie, got ouer the ditches, and so vpon the castle wall, whereas at last hee perswaded the souldiers to yeeld, vpon promise of their liues: one of the gouernours maids beeing of a stout courage, ranne E to the walles with a forke in her hand, and therewith ouerthrewe a ladder whereon there were fiue men climing vp.
By this meanes on the three and twentieth day of Ianuarie they did winne the towne of Wachtendonck, which towne lying in the vpper parts of Gueldres, in a marish ground, among the townes which as yet are held by the Spaniards in that prouince, was of great importance for them, to crosse the admirals proceedings.
There laie certaine companies of Spanish footmen thereabouts, who were in great danger to be discouered and charged, for that neither the towne of Gueldre, nor any other place would receiue them, by reason of their disorders, and of the generall mutinie. This enterprise thus happily performed by cont Lodowicke and colonel Edmonds, was very beneficiall F vnto them, for that the pesants thereabouts had brought all their best goods into the towne: who after they had taken good order for the estate of the towne, they departed from thence with their horsemen, leauing Lewis vander Cathulle lord of Rihoue for gouernor of the town, with all the footmen; & for that the town was vnfurnished of match, scoops, [Page 1229] spades, and other furniture vpon the 5 of Februarie colonell Edmonds went thither againe, to A carrie such necessaries as they wanted. 1600
As it was said before, certaine of the archdukes souldiers were mutined: the archduke by the aduice of the admirall, had resolued to punish them, beeing a necessarie and fit medicine for such a disease, and to that end he caused three peeces of ordnance to bee drawne out of Mastricht, hauing two thousand Bourguignons which were newly raysed by the marquesse of Varrabon, and two thousand Wallons, to whom there was least due, which hee meant to imploy against the mutinous souldiers, which would not be pacified without money: but they found few of them willing to march, some of the leaders obiecting the inconueniences which might grow, by suffering duetifull and quiet souldiers to fight against desperat mutiners, putting him in mind of what had happened betweene the Italians and Spaniards at Sichem, in the B yeare 1595, and that it grieued and discontented many men, to see such rigour vsed against poore men, whom meere necessitie forced to demaund their owne. They laid before him the danger of a general mutinie, if he tooke that course: Wherefore he resolued by the changing of garrisons, and other exployts which Borlotto had in hand, to preuent all further mutineis; yet they mutined more, as at Creuecoeur, and in S. Andrewes fort: so as the archduke finding no other meanes to pacifie them, he granted the mutinous companies at Hamont, that they should goe to Dyest, and there stay vntill they were paid all their arrerages: whereupon they were conducted thither by Tessada Master of the camp, being two thousand foot, & one thousand horse, where they were to receiue daily fourteene stiuers for a footman, and twentie eight for a horseman, vntil their account and reckoning were paid them. Yet notwithstanding, whether C it were that their pay came not time ynough, or for some other reason, eight hundred of these horsemen, & one thousand footmen, went into the Wallon countries, as far as Berghen, Henegoe, and to Dornick, whereas they forced the countrey men (who had not paid them any contribution since they were in Hamont) to pay them their contribution, wherein no admonitions of Iohn Iacomo earle of Belioioso (who was sent vnto them) was able to dissuade them.
The garrison of the castle of Carpen, being but two and twentie souldiers, and some horsemen, The souldiers of Carpen mutine. mutined also, and receiued two hundred Spanish horsemen in to them, to whom Fernando Lopes their gouernour was sent, but he could not pacifie them, vntill it was August following. D
Part of the Spanish armie lying about Boisleduc, betwixt Graue and Venlo, the commanders Mutineisin the Spanish campe thought it dangerous to lye neere the mutiners, finding some of their men both horse and foot to goe vnto them daily, especially Wallons and Italians, so as they were growne to bee three hundred horse, and fiue hundred foot, and went to Hamont, from whence many of the Spaniards were gone to Dyest, who after the manner of the mutiners, had chosen them an Electo, whose name was Brunoro Grabieli di Augubio, and for the horsemen Pietrantonio Geneuef d'Alessandria, and all their officers were Italians, as fittest for that vocation. Whereupon Loys de Velasco, fearing that more of his men would run away, hee past ouer the Meuse to Arson, and so marched towards Berck, and lay in the villages of Nidekerke and Oudekerke, not farre from Venlo, but the same night three hundred of his horsemen, and some of his footmen E left him, and went to the mutiners, whereby the archdukes affaires concerning the wars were but in ba [...]estate, vntill that more money came.
It was said before what was done by the vnited prouinces, in the winter time, concerning the warres, now I will shew what preparation they made for the summer warres. In winter they sat in counsell, to procure a consent from the prouinces, for the leuying of certaine money towards their warres: where they found many difficulties, partly for that the admiraltie in euerie place was bare of money, and much behind hand, for that their receits grew short, by reason of the restraint of licences, whereby each partie thought to weaken other. The Indian ships were also of more charge than profit vnto them, and their traffique into all places was small: besides, the gallies being at Sluce, bred no smal feare in them of Holland and Zeeland; so F as there was a speech they would insconce the Hage, and place a garrison of horse and foot there.
The beginning of the yeare 1600 beeing spent without any exployt, the garrisons of the forts of S. Andrew and Creuecoeur, for want of pay (beeing behind hand for many moneths) [Page 1230] began to mutine, chasing away their commaunders, captaines, and officers, hauing all the winter A (which was verie sharpe and long) endured verie much, as well by cold, as other discommodities, The garrison [...] in S. Andrewe [...] fo [...]t, and in that of Creuec [...]ur, mutine. to whom (by reason of the princes souldiers) there was no free accesse, without great 1600 conuoy, although they did protest sufficiently, that they would continue in the seruice and obedience of the king of Spaine, and of the archduke Albert of Austria, his sonne in law, demanding no other thing but their pay, whereon the archduke Albert, and the Infanta of Spaine, duchesse of Brabant, his wife, seemed carelesse.
Prince Maurice, who was in like maner retired (being yet watchful vpon all occasions) with the rest of his forces, hauing verie well manned the towne of Bomel, the fort of Nassau in the The fort of Creuecoeu [...] besieged, and yeelded to the prince. island of Voorn, and his other trenches, being desirous to imbrace this occasion, and to make his profit of these mutinies and alterations of the enemies souldiers; winter being past, hee appointed B the rendez vous for his armie about Rotterdam, and at Willenstadt, and hee parted the eighteenth of March 1600 from the Hage, and came to Dordrecht, whereas imbarking two dayes after with a great troupe of noblemen, colonels, commanders, and captaines, hee mounted vp the riuer of Meuse, with some two hundred sayle vnto the fort of Creuecoeur (whereas the Spaniards were likewise mutined.) Being landed with his armie the one and twentieth day, he began to plant his canon, at the first hee summoned the place to yeeld vpon certaine good conditions. There were foure companies of Wallons within it, who remembring their former mutinie, and the smal hope there was of any timely succours (although that their mutiny were pardoned, or at the least they had so promised them) and seeing what hast the prince made to force them, they yeelded to a composition which was offered them by the Estates, C and the foure and twentieth of the moneth they yeelded the fort vnto the prince, wherof two companies, not trusting vnto the Spaniards curtesie, did willingly put themselues into the princes seruice, and the other two (as they had free libertie giuen them) retired themselues vnto S. Andrewes fort.
This fort of Creuecoeur being so easily gotten by the Estates and prince Maurice, seeing this beginning to promise a good and a happie end of his designes, hee entred with his armie into the island of Bomel, to trie S. Andrews fort by siege, to the which hee approached the six and twentieth day of the month, although the time and season were verie vn [...]itas well by reason of the continuall raine, as for the cold, so as most part of the time his men were forced to lye couered in the ships, dispersed here and there vpon the riuers of Meuse and Wahal. D
The prince was no sooner come before the fort, but he built many forts to assure his camp, The prince builds many forts. in frontier places of Brabant, by the which the Spaniard might haue accesse to succour the said fort, and in like maner to importune him. Among others, he built a fort in the village of Hesel, and in the compasse of the territorie of the said village, seuen smal sconces, which were called the seuen Planets, and three in the village of Rossum, aboue the intrenchments of the one and the other, opposit vpon the North and the West to S. Andrewes fort. And to the end that the ships sayling vpon the riuer of Wahal should not be in danger of the canon of S. Andrew, the prince caused a chanell to be made, which turned out of the riuer, and fell into it againe: which chanell was called by the name of S. Andrewes Crosse. On Brabant side, beyond the riuer of Meuse, the prince caused seuen other forts to bee built in a great circuit of E ground, from the village of Maren vnto Kessel, being three hundred paces distant one from another, yet ioyned one to another with good trenches, in the which they might safely lodge good numbers of horse and foot. And on another side of Brabant, and beyond the Meuse, another fort in the village of Alem, ioyning to the which were the Estates ships, and a bridge ouer the Meuse, to passe their men out of the isle of Bomel into Brabant, with some other batteries betwixt Alem and Maren, besides those that were at the point of their trenches at Rossum, opposit to S. Andrew; with another vpon the Meuse, vpon Brabant, called Knol S'chans, about 1600 paces distant from the fort of Alem. And the better to hinder the approach of the Spanish forces, at all these forts built vpon Brabant side, betwixt Maren and Kessel, and at Lit [...]enham, or at euerie end of a halfe moone which the prince had caused to be built, were two F small sconces, like vnto the others. Hee also caused a banke of the riuer of Meuse to bee cut, ioyning to two of his sconces in the village of Littogen, by the which the riuer did flow ouer all the champian countrey neere vnto the towne of Bo [...]sleduc, which tooke all meanes from the Spaniards to set vpon the princes forts vpon Brabant side, and much lesse vpon them that [Page 1231] were in the islands of Bomel and Tyel, and betwixt the two riuers of Wahal and Meuse, A whereas the prince had his chiefe forces, as well along the dike, as in the said forts and trenches. 1600 He had also made another bridge vpon the Meuse, right against the fort of Kessel, ioyning to the which was another part of his ships of war, and other barkes with victuals and munition, as there was in like maner neere vnto the banke, that was cut at Littogen, with so many intrenchments within the circuit of Maren, Kessel, Hesel, Alem, Voorn, and Rossum, as it is impossible to describe them perfectly by writing, nor make them to bee conceiued with seeing of the purtraict, the which is very industriously cut in copper. By reason of all which forts and trenches, prince Maurice was to stand to it, and to attend the Spaniards strongest attempts, his whole camp being so well fortified, as 50000 men would haue bin much troubled to haue forced a quarter: for proofe whereof colonell Borlotte hauing sworne to raise the siege with 2000 B men, hauing approched to the village of Os, and there staied some time, he was forced to retire as he came, and returne into Brabant, confessing since, that he found no meanes nor accesse to effect any thing.
The prince hauing thus intrencht and fortified his campe of a great circuit, and taken from the Spaniard all hope to force him, especially by reason of the waters, so as the besieged in S. Andrewes fort were not free from the inundations, beeing forced to lodge like conies in their rampars, in great miserie and pouertie, suffering extreamly, vpon hope that they should be relieued, reconciled, and paid, doing their best endeuors to reconcile themselues with their canon: so as the prince could not well approach to batter them in breach, by reason of the waters, but the whole moneth of Aprill was spent in shooting at random one at another: but on the first day of May, the waters beginning to fall, the prince commanded, that in a darke night C in the waine of the moone, they should make their approches with good trenches, towards Rossum and Herwaerden, there to make his batteries: and soone after hee sent a drum to summon the besieged, who although they seemed to be resolued to hold the place for the king of Spaine, and the archduchesse his daughter, yet they gaue some eare vnto him, consenting to enter into treatie. According to the which vpon the 4 and 5 of May, there were sent vnto them the seignior of Vchtenbrouck, colonell of the regiment of Vtrecht, and Vander Aa, captaine of the princes guards: at which conference the besieged seeing small hope of succors, and the vncertaintie of their reconciliation, and much lesse of their pay, they demanded of the Estates, the arrerages of their seruice which the king of Spain did owe them, and for the which they were D mutined, which came to the summe of 500000 florins. Whereupon an offer was made vnto them of 125000, which they wold not accept, hauing also discouered a signe which was made them at Boisleduc (being within lesse than two leagues) which gaue them to vnderstand, that they should be relieued within lesse than foure daies; so as this treatie was without effect, beginning againe to thunder with the canon after their accustomed maner, vntil that on the 8 of the month, the besieged seeing the princes men to be much aduāced, euen to the foot of their owne counterscarpe, and that they began to make two bridges, to come vnto the assault, after that a breach were made, the foure daies of their hope being expired, and seeing no aduancement of any succors, about two of the clocke in the afternoone the same day, they cried vnto the pioners which wrought in the trenches close by their counterscarpe, saying, That they desired E to parle with some deputies from the prince and Estates, if it pleased them to send vnto them & heare them: to which effect there were 2 or three messengers sent at their request, vnto the prince and the deputies of the Estates. Wherupon the prince with some noblemen and colonels, went to horsebacke, and came into the trenches, without the which at the half moon which S. Andrews fort had without their counterscarpe, the said seignior Vander Aa, and another captaine had some conference with them: whereupon the besieged sent 8 deputies in a boat, the which were brought vnto the princes trenches, the prince sending backe 4 of them, entred into the treatie with the rest, granting vnto them willingly and freely whatsoeuer they could in reason demaund, being loth to loose so faire an occasion, fearing (the which hee did foresee, and it fell so out soone after) another ouerflowing of the riuers, the which had forced F him to abandon those approches and trenches which hee had before S. Andrew, and to retire his canon with great toile. The composition being concluded and made, there was promised S. Andrewe [...] fort yeelded. them 125000 florins, and to remaine within the fort vntill that the money were paid them: promising & swearing vnto the said prince, That they would keep and defend it faithfully for [Page 1232] the Estates and the said prince, and to obey such captaines and officers as should be appointed A them by him, renouncing and reuoking the oth which they had made vnto the K. of Spaine, 1600 or the archduke Albert. Moreouer, these were the articles.
- 1 That the sicke and wounded should bee sent to some towne of the vnited prouinces, The articles of the accord.who should receiue their parts as much as should rise due vnto them, out of the said summe of one hundred twentie fiue thousand florins: and that there should be a gratuitie giuen vnto widowes out of the same summe.
- 2 All souldiers which had heretofore serued the estates or the said prince, should haue their pardon, and should be paied what was due vnto them out of the said summe.
- 3 All such as would retire, should be satisfied out of the said summe, to whom good pasports and safeconducts should be giuen, and that the said souldiers should be as well intreated B as the best the Estates could haue.
- 4 Those which were come from the fort of Creuecoeur, should be also paid as the rest.
- 5 That to all souldiers hauing bin vnder the princes seruice, requiring leaue to depart, and a pasport, it shall not be refused them, so they demand it not vnseasonably.
- 6 Nothing shalbe reproched vnto them, of that which is now done.
- 7 The souldiers may, with the princes aduice, chuse 8 captaines of the Wallons regiments of the baron of Hauchicourts and of the Marquesses, and three of the Germanes.
- 8 All Commissaries, Prouosts, Brewers, Bakers, Victuallers, and all others that would retire, shall haue good and safeconduct. The chapleine may also retire freely with all his ornanaments, church furniture & baggage, to whom safeconduct and conuoy shalbe giuen as vnto C the rest.
- 9 That all reformed sergeants and corporals, hauing had pensions in the K. of Spaines seruice, shall haue the like entertainment, remaining vnder the prince and Estates.
- 10 All Commissaries, captaines and officers, shall haue a surplusage and increase out of the said summe, proportionable to that which euery souldier shall receiue.
- 11 That to morrow commissaries shalbe sent into the fort, to take an Inuentarie of the artillerie, munition and victuals that should be found therein.
- 12 Being gone out of the fort, the souldiers shall take the same oth which others haue done that serue vnder the prince and Estates.
All these conditions being granted and accepted, the 8 of May in the euening, Cont Ernest D of Nassau required the souldiers of the said fort, in the princes name, and for his sake, to giue a falue with their canon and small shot, in signe of victorie, the which they did thrice with their muskets and harguebuses and then with their canon.
Finally, on the 11 of the moneth, the souldiers as they went out of the fort, were paid by the poll, by the Estates commissaries, being 1124 men past by muster, the least of them receiuing 106 florins. All which being departed, the prince sent in foure of his companies, and before that he himselfe entred, he suffered all bourgers, citizens, marchants, and other inhabitants of the vnited prouinces, which through curiositie and zeale to their country, were come, and desired to see, to enter in great numbers, and to view it both within and without. Then he entred with all the chiefe of his armie, and hauing well viewed the place, he returned vnto his E quarter.
As for the article before mentioned, that nothing should be reproched vnto them which was past, that was in effect presently kept. For as on the tenth of the moneth, after the accord was made, a French souldier would haue entred in despight of the souldiers of the garrison, being yet in guard (who being repulsed by them, he began to iniure them, calling them traitors and marchants of forts) he was layd hold on, and by the law of armes condemned to die, and then deliuered by the princes commaundement to them of the fort, to be shot to death, or to doe with him as they pleased, who notwithstanding pardoned him, and sent him backe.
After that the souldiers of the fort had receiued their pay, being all gone foorth, they were F presently imbarked, and sent by water into garrison into diuers townes in the said prouinces. Behold how this fort, which was held impregnable, was easily gotten by the Estates, and not only the place, artillerie, munition, prouision of warre and victuals, which was more in value than 125000 florins, but also a great troupe of as braue men as the king of Spaine had of [Page 1233] a long time in his armie, all choyce men, and old experienced souldiers, whereof they made A good proofe at the battaile of Nieuport, as you shall presently heare. And although the negligence 1600 or want of meanes of the archduke, although this place did so much import him, as the Spaniards called it the Key whereby to enter into Holland, and the other vnited prouinces, wheron depended a great part of his honor, hauing lost so many men, and spent so much money, before he could bring it to such perfection, as when it was deliuered to the Estates. If it were not through want of meanes, nor by the archdukes negligence, but of his commaunders in the war, captaines, commissaries, or treasorers, I know not how they could answer it, nor discharge themselues before him: and yet it hath not been heard, that any one hath bin called in question for it: for what could such valiant men haue done more, hauing 20 months pay due vnto them, being half buried aliue in the earth, like mouls, enuironed round about with water, without any auoidance, halfe naked, all tattered, starued with cold, and smoakt vp like red herrings, B hauing suffered infinitly, during the season of a tedious winter, and vnto their yeelding: seeing themselues in the goodliest season of the whole yeare, abandoned of all succors, hauing so long attended them in vaine, notwithstanding their great indeuors? What could they haue done, but in the end to fall into dispaire, or to do that which otherwise they would neuer haue done? For* my part, I cannot blame them, and much lesse accuse them, it belongs vnto them that are interessed: but if they will weigh this fact in the iust ballance of militarie discipline, and Iohn Petit. the rules of war, it may be they will excuse them.
They found in this fort 96 barrels of powder, certaine thousands of bullets, 18 peeces of ordnance, and other sorts of arms and munition in great number, with a great quantitie of wheat, C rye, corne to brew with, and other victuals and prouisions.
They of Groningue, and the countrey thereabouts were this yere discontented, for that being The Estates force them of Groningue to pay their contribution. behind hand with their contribution, for the space of 3 yeres, and taking no order for the paiment thereof, being at the least 400000 gulderns, the Estates of the other prouinces, were forced against their wils, to vse some forcible execution (a bad and vnfit president, especially in the time of their ciuill wars) giuing the charge therof vnto monsieur Temple, with 800 foot, and 200 horse, who with some other companies of Friseland, vpon the sixteenth of March entred into Groningue, partly against the bourgers wils, who the next day forbad the bourgers to watch, and in the end dealt verie seuerely with them; and yet William earle of Nassau laboured what hee could to haue them mildly intreated, whereof some particular persons were the D cause. But to preuent all further inconueniences, in the end there was a citadell built, the Estates pretending that both the towne and the territories of Groningue were in great daunger, by reason of their great weekely markets, whereas there was so great a concourse of people, as the enemie might easily by that meanes attempt something against it: so as they were forced to keepe a continuall garrison there, of twentie, or twentie fiue companies. For which cause they resolued (not without great dislike and murmuring of many men) to build vp a castle, the which after long disputation, and much contrarietie, was begun the next summer, at the North end of the towne, which the surueyors and workemen said, would not cost aboue 70000 gulderns, which made them yeeld thereunto the more willingly: but in the end they found the charge to be aboue 400000 guldernes, the which was more than the arrerages of E their contribution amounted vnto, so as the surueyors and masters of the worke had small thankes for their labor. Gaspar van Eusum was made gouernor therof with 6 or 800 men.
They of Zeeland complained, that they were not able to leuie the generall contribution They of Zeeland complain of their charge which they were rated to pay, for the further maintenance of the warres both by sea and land, laying open all their meanes, both contributions and other, vnto them of Holland, desiring they might be discharged of so great a taxe, or else to haue some aid of men and money, with other necessaries for their defence, the warrelying most vpon them. They of Holland and Vtrecht seemed to be well content, and promised to pay their rate as they had done the yeare before, aduising them to prouide for the defence of the countrey, with all the means and speed they could. F
They of Gueldres and Ouerissell seemed also to complaine: yet all in generall thought it fit to take the aduantage of the time, whilest their enemies souldiers were in mutinie, and to make better resistance against the gallies at sea, whereupon they resolued to deuise al the means they could to raise money, to make a good offensiue war the next yeare.
[Page 1234] Prince Henry, yongest sonne to William prince of Orange, hauing beene with his mother in A France, and now returned againe into the Netherlands, the general Estates thought it good to 1600 acquaint him with the affaires of the countrey where hee was borne, and to that end (although Henry prince of Orange made one of the counsell of Estate in the vnited prouinces. he were but seuenteene yeares old) they made him one of their counsell of Estate, that he might see and heare what was done concerning the affaires of the countrey, so as vpon the 17 of March was his first sitting.
The archduke Albertus and the Infanta, being installed in most of the prouinces vnder their obedience, they now found themselues much perplexed for money, so as the Spaniards, Italians, and other nations, fell generally into mutinie, and spoiled all the countrey, forcing the peasants to pay them contribution, so as they feared a greater tumult, if it were not speedily preuented: for which cause the generall Estates vnder their command were assembled, wheras B vpon the eight and twentieth of Aprill, beeing at Brussels, the archdukes both by mouth and writing, made these propositions vnto them, by the president Richardot and d' Assonville.
‘My lords, it is not vnknowne to euerie one of you, how much you haue longed after this assembly, in regard of the great zeale you beare vnto the aduancement of your countries cause Propositions made by the archdukes, to the prouinces vnder their command. which you thinke is too much neglected: the like desire their highnesses haue also had, since their first comming into these countries, the which had beene long since effected, if the time spent in their instalments in these their countries, had not beene some let, being necessarie for them to begin with that ceremonie, not only to giue the common people contentment thereby, but also to accomplish that which was promised, before my lord the archdukes your princes C departure into Spaine: and now hauing proceeded thus farre, the cause of this assemblie being well knowne to euerie one of you, for that you may haue beene particularly informed thereof in each of your seuerall prouinces, it shall not be needfull to make any long discourse of that which is here to be done, touching the aduancement of the countries cause, for that your princes long much to heare what you intend to propound vnto them, beeing well informed of the businesse, hauing also no intent to offer any new matter vnto you, but that wherewith you are alreadie made acquainted. And their highnesses thinke it sufficient, that you know, and are assured, that they are come hither to liue and dye with you, and to do all offices befitting good and mild princes: hoping withal, that you for your parts wil not faile to do the dueties of good and faithfull subiects. And if you desire to vnderstand more of their loues D and affections towards you, it shall appeare by that which they now desire at your hands, which is, To be carefull and prouident for the present estate of your countrey, which (to their great griefe) they find to be in farre worse estate than they would haue it. It discontents them to see you surcharged with so great burthens, yet they haue not vndertaken to disguise any thing vnto you, nor yet to feed you with any vaine hopes, or to hold you in suspence: for they know there are many great difficulties, to surmount the which we must both labor and sweat, hauing no better meanes to be vnburthened thereof, and to free our selues from these difficulties, which seeme to enuiron vs round about, than to shew our power and force according to our abilities, alwayes with the helpe and assistance of God, the which shall neuer be wanting, if we pray heartily vnto him. The chiefe cause therefore of this assembly (in regard of the E great and generall complaints, and the disorders which grow daily by such long and bloudie warres) is, That their highnesses desire, that all in generall, and euerie one of you in particular, will endeuor your selues to giue him counsell, how it may be effected, and to set downe the necessarie meanes to be vsed, for the maintenance of the common cause, & the setling of some good course, for the profit and commoditie of the countrey. I do not prescribe in what manner it should be done, wherein they desire to haue your wise aduice and counsell, hauing no other intent, but to gouerne all things well, as their future actions shall make manifest. But to proceed to a point of greater importance, whereon we must resolue, is either Peace, or Warre: Peace were more beneficial vnto vs, which without doubt is that which you much desire, and your princes much more than you, being naturally inclined therunto, and desiring to gouerne F you in peace and quietnesse. If therefore you know any means how to attain vnto it, you shal doe well to impart it vnto their highnesse, wherein they will heare you with all attention, and stand alwayes readie with open armes, to receiue the strayed members, and to vnite them againe to the whole bodie, from the which to their owne great preiudice (through the persuasions [Page 1235] and instigation of some men) they haue indiscreetly seperated themselues, and (which is A worst of all) haue so hardned their hearts, as no reasons, offers, nor meanes, haue hitherto been 1600 of force to draw them to any reconciliation.’
‘If this then bee no more successefull than the former, wee must of force take armes in hand and prepare to war, for the maintenance whereof we haue a million of aduantages aboue our enemies: for besides, that God doth commonly aid the iust cause, wee our selues are without all comparison the stronger, yet wee will not denie but wee haue our meanes and chiefe maintenance from that great monarch of Spaine, whereas the vnspeakable treasure of Peru and the Indies lye open vnto vs, in regard that the yong king loueth the high and mightie Infanta, his sister, so deerely, and sheweth more bountie vnto her, than the deceased king her father. But it is true, all must not come from thence, we must put to our helping hands, that we B may once free our selues from these miseries, and for that cause you are called to this place, to aduise with one consent of the meanes how to maintaine the wars, vntill it shall please God to send vs a good peace.’
‘That which is allowed monethly by the king of Spaine, amounteth vnto two hundred and fiftie thousand crownes, and what more is to bee added thereunto, must bee raysed in these countries: wherein you must resolue what course you thinke fittest, to imploy the money comming out of Spaine, and that which shall be leuied here, thereby to keepe better martiall discipline, to suppresse all complaints and disorders, and to content the common people.’
‘Moreouer, you must haue a care for the paiment of your ordinarie garrisons, and the repayring of your frontier towns and forts, the which must necessarily bee done, for that they are in great danger. Besides all this, you know that euerie man must liue of his owne, the which is C to be vnderstood both of princes and priuat men. The inheritance and patrimony of our princes is their demeanes, whereof in times past the dukes of Bourgoigne, who were our princes, and their predecessors, did liue, reseruing it for themselues and their houses, but being once vnited with Spaine, our princes grew so mightie, hauing so many other estates and kingdomes, as they made no estimation of the reuenues of these countries for their owne maintenance, but did bountifully imploy and pawne the reuenues of these countries, for the necessities of the war, and for the defence and preseruation of the countrey, in such sort as it is scarce able to pay the rents, whereunto you must haue a great regard, as being bound by nature to discharge those debts, which were made for you, that our princes may haue meanes to liue, and not bee D burthensome vnto their subiects. It is to be hoped that this may bee effected in few yeares, whether it be by such meanes as you your selues shall find out, or that their highnesses shall propound vnto you. In the meane time they desire you to prouide them meanes whereon to liue, vntill their reuenues may bee freed from all such debts. If these things may bee effected, we shall haue meanes to bridle our enemies, to keepe our souldiers in discipline, to preuent all disorders, and to pacifie the daily complaints, which are verie great and many, to the great trouble and griefe of their highnesses and of all good men. Wherefore my lords you are to proceed herein, and to conclude with one generall consent, what you shal thinke possible and conuenient, as if you were all children borne of one wombe; and whereas you cannot agree, their highnesses shall in friendly maner giue you their aduice, and shew you such means as are likest to be effected, that so all ioyntly and with one common consent, may seek to vphold and E maintaine the bodie of this estate, which hath bin so mightie and flourishing.’
These propositions being made, & for that daily, besides the mutinies in Dyest, Hamont, & Bilsen, the other garrisons also mutined, and forced al Henault, and the champian countrey of Brabant to contribution, meaning to do the like in Arthois, as they had done in the countries of Liege and Lembourg, so as they were constrayned to resist them by force: It was therefore mentioned in this assembly (for the preuenting of further inconueniences, & to appease these mutinies) that the Estates should leuie 50000 crownes presently, the which was granted, vpon condition, That it should be defalked out of the first money that they shold agree vpon to pay The Estates de mand an exposition of the propositions. vnto the archduke. And entring into further treatie, the general Estates desired a particular exposition F of euery point, as well what numbers of souldiers they were to maintaine, and what countrey souldiers they should be, what their entertainment would amount yearely vnto, and what was sufficient for the maintenance of the admiraltie, ordnance, munitiō, victuals, &c. and what all would amount vnto: Prouided alwayes, that first of al the mutiners of Dyest, Hamont, [Page 1236] and Bilsen, should bee satisfied and paid. A
Whereunto, vpon the 23 of May, the archduke made answer, That it was hard to be done, 1600 letting them vnderstand, that he would desire no more than should bee needfull to maintaine The archdukes demand 10000 foot of the naturall borne subiects of the countrey, besides the ordinarie garrisons, and 5 companies of light horsemen, besides their ordinarie troups.
For the maintenance of the admiraltie, they thought it necessarie to haue 30 thousand gulderns a moneth.
For the repairing and fortification of frontier townes, 300000 gulderns a yeare.
For the freeing of the demeanes and reuenues, a prouisionall yearely summe of 200000 gulderns, to be made for the maintenance of their houses.
Touching the paiment of the old debts, and the mutinous souldiers, they did hope to haue B some helpe therein from the kings bountie, and that they would take vpon themselues the charge of paying the strange souldiers, with the money which was to come out of Spaine, being 250000 duckets a moneth and not charge the Estates therewith.
After this, the Estates desired to know what assurance they should haue out of Spaine, for The Estates desire to know what the sta [...]e of the wars would be. the paiment of the said 250000 duckets monethly, and how that money should bee imploied, that the souldiers might be kept in good discipline, without any charge to the common people, both for seruice money (which is their lodging) carriages, and other things: for that hauing no good orders established, the countrey might be wasted, and made vnable to giue their princes any aid: and therefore they held it necessarie to make an account and reckoning with the souldiers, and to acquaint the king of Spaine therewith, that by his bountie they might C be paid their arrerages: desiring also to haue a particular note what garrisons should be paied by the countrey, as also, if furnishing the ful summe demanded of them, they should not be discharged of wagons, pioners, &c. and of all other things that concerne the wars, as for the passing of souldiers through the countrey, and that they should liue vpon their owne pay in the champian countries, &c.
To these and the like points the archduke made answer the 12 of Iune, assuring the 250000 crowns a month, declaring moreouer their priuat meaning and intent in 13 articles, the which for breuities sake I omit.
Whereupon the generall Estates, on the 27 of Iune, made answer vnto euerie seueral article, and among the rest that touching the assurance of the 250 thousand crowns a moneth, which D should come out of Spaine, such orders might be taken, as the Estates might tast the effects thereof: desiring moreouer, that some able and trustie messenger might be sent vnto the king, to beseech him to continue the said paiment of 250 thousand crowns, not onely that yeare of 1600, but vntill the first of Ianuarie 1602: and also to hasten the extraordinarie prouision for the paiment of the old arrerages vnto the souldiers: the Estates desiring leaue to write particularly vnto the king concerning the same: and in the meane time, for their better securities and contents, they besought their highnesse, that it might appeare euerie moneth, how it had beene performed: And so they made answer vnto the rest of the articles.
In May past, Walborgh, countesse of Nieuwenar, Horne, Moeurs, &c. died, who had to The death of the countesse o [...] Moeurs. her first husband Philip of Montmorencie, earle of Horne, who was beheaded by the duke of Alua, and then shee maried with Adolp earle of Nieuwenar, Alphen, &c. hauing no issue by E either of her husbands. By her testament she gaue the earledome of Moeurs to prince Maurice, the earledome of Horne, with the towne of Weert, and all her mouables, vnto Euerard earle of Solins, who had maried with Sabina countesse of Egmont; the baronie of Bedborgh with the appurtenances, shee bequeathed vnto the earle of Benthem, and made the Estates of the vnited prouinces her executors, who had assisted her much in the defence of her right: but as soone as the duke of Cleues vnderstood of her death, hee sent certaine souldiers to seyze vpon the towne and castle of Moeurs, as depending vpon the duchie of Cleues; and not long after, when as monsieur Cloot went thither with certaine souldiers, to take possession thereof in prince Maurice his name, hee was repulst by them of Cleueland, but the next yeare F following, when as the towne of Berck was woon againe by prince Maurice, it was deliuered to monsieur Cloot, who was made gouernour thereof. There was a great summe of money offered to prince Maurice for the sayd earledome of Moeurs, but hee would not in any wise sell it.
[Page 1237] In the same moneth of May Harman earle of Manderschelt, and Charles Nutzel, embassadours A for the emperour, came to the Hage, who deliuered their embassage vnto the Estates, 1600 which was, To command them to make restitution of such places as they held in the territories Embassadors sent from the empero [...] to the Hage. of the empire, with reparation for the wrongs and damages which they had done vpon the frontiers of the empire; saying, That the emperor wondered they had not performed the contents of their letters of the 31 of Ianuarie, by the which they had promised to deliuer vp such places as they held in their possession, belonging vnto the empire, whereas the Spaniard had left Rees Emmeric, Lobith, and other places, and they on the other side had taken more places, and held Emmeric still, thereby giuing the Spaniards cause of iealousie and distrust, it being an open contempt against the emperor and empire.
And as touching the sconce of Grauenweerd, commonly called Schencks sconce, which the estates did pretend to stand vpon the territories of Gueldres, seeing it stil remained sublite pendente, B it was requisit it shold be deliuered into the duke of Cleues hands, or else by forme of sequestration, it should be put in some neutrall hands, vntill the law had determined of the scituation thereof.
They also demaunded restitution of the ransomes and other booties gotten by them from the subiects of the empire, and assurance that no such excesse should be committed hereafter.
Moreouer, they said, That they had expresse commission, to complaine of the wrongs done by their souldiers in the territories of Aix, whereas they made the peasants to pay contribution euen vnto the gates of the towne; as in like maner in Westphalia, Iuilliers, and the territories of Cleues, as also of a sentence giuen by them against those of Gelekerke. Besides, that the rents C of the Foukers of Ausbourg, were detained from them in Friseland, wi [...]h such like complaints: wherefore they desired there might be certaine committees appointed to take order therein, and that in the meane time there might bee a truce or surceasing from armes, hoping that by the intercession of the emperor and the empire, the aduerse party would be drawne to consent and agree thereunto.
Whereunto the Estates of the vnited prouinces made answer, on the seuenth of Iune, saying, The Estates answer to the emperors embassadors. That they humbly thanked the emperor, and the princes of the empire, for the great care they had of the Netherlands: and that for their parts they had alwaies sought to yeeld all due respect and honor vnto the said princes, and to the empire, according to their best means, with restitution and satisfaction, according to the order set downe at Renisbourgh &c. being much D grieued to heare that the emperor should be so falsely informed, of their taking of any new places, since the Spaniard had deliuered vp those places which he had held. And as for Emmeric, they desired them to consider that the towne was not yeelded vp againe by the Spaniard; but the Spaniard holding it by force from the empire, their generall, prince Maurice, had taken it from them in the yeare 1598, and deliuered it vnto the duke of Cleues, to whom it belonged, with condition, not to suffer any Spanish garrison to enter any more into it, and that, when as in the yeare 1599 the Spaniards tooke Genep, and Rees, and attempted to take it againe, the bourgers of the towne desired them to send in certaine souldiers for their defence, where they haue euer since continued.
Touching the castle of Lobith, they said, it was neuer in the Spaniards power, but in the yere E past, when as the Spanish army marcht that way, they were forced to put a garrison into it for their owne securities, as they did in Seuenar, and other places; which garrisons (as soone as the Spaniards were gone to Bomelerweert) they retired againe, the which they were also readie to do at Emmeric, if the Spaniards would promise not to take it againe, and would leaue Rhineberck, with other places which they still detained; and that the duke of Cleues would suffer prince Maurice and the earle of Solins quietly to enioy the lands of the countesse of Nieuwenar and Moeurs, giuen vnto them by her last will and testament. They said, they had thrice since the yeare 1597 restored such places to the empire, as the Spaniards had taken from it, and therefore they hoped that now the fourth time they would not vrge them to make restitution before the Spaniards did the like. F
As for their title to Grauenweerd sconce, they said, That wheras in the yere 1586 the Spaniards had resolued to build a sconce in that place, therby to haue an entry into Guelderland and into Cleueland, they were preuented by them, who had built a sort there for their defence, [Page 1238] without any complaint of them of Cleueland, as beeing vpon the territories of Gueldres: A at the last they of Cleueland pretended to haue certaine ciuill iurisdiction ouer the same, and 1600 yet the soueraigntie of Gueldres was not any thing preiudiced thereby.
The fort being made in the yeare 1590, the Estates of the vnited prouinces informed the emperour, what right they had thereunto, wherein as then there was nothing done, so as they proceeded in the fortification of the place, and therefore they hoped (that seeing it was built vpon a void peece of ground, adlegitimam defensionem) they might hold the possession thereof: and for that it was a place which concerned their enemie much and that the duke at that time made no complaint touching the same, they were of opinion therefore, that hee made no motion for the restitution thereof, but onely by the practises and persuasions of the Spaniards. And as for putting of the place into the hands of some neutrall persons, and they to bee B charged with the garrison, that would onely be a meanes to pleasure the Spaniards.
Touching restitution of damages, they said, That they thought the Spaniards ought to do it, who wilfully had entred into the confines of the empire, to make it their passage into Holland, so as they were vnwillingly forced to oppose themselues, and if thereby any incursions were made into the empire, it was done against their wils, and contrarie to their proclamations, and if they had not suffered the Spaniards to enter into their territories, no such inconueniences had happened.
Concerning them of Aix, they promised to take so good order therein, as they should haue no cause to complaine, so as they would remaine neutrall, and not more partiall to one partie than to another. The like they answered for them of Cologne, Iuilliers, and others, protesting C to be sorie for any wrongs that had beene done vnto them. And as for the Foukers rents in Friseland, if it were found they had any right thereunto, they would take order they should haue speedie iustice.
Touching the foresaid embassage determined on at Renisbourgh, tending to the making of a peace, they said, That it appeared, that both the deceased king of Spaine, and the king that now liueth, sought nothing else, but to bring the countries of the Netherlands vnder the Spanish yoake, the which was especially intended, by the donation of the sayd countries vnto the Infanta, by the which gift the Archduke and Infanta are bound by othe, to gouerne according to the will and disposition of the king of Spaine, contrarie to the priuiledges and laudable customes of the Netherlands, as also that the protectorship and mariage of the princes D of the Netherlands, is reserued to the pleasure and disposition of the king of Spaine, the countries freedome being infringed, and thereby made feudatorie, in perpetuum, to the crowne of Spaine, the libertie of nauigation restrained, and at the king of Spaines disposition, beeing also sworne, for euer to maintaine the Romish Religion, and none else, and that all those conditions should bee so strictly obserued, as for the least breach they should forfeit the sayd countries.
Besides, that the donation of the Netherlands serued them for a iustification, and to proue that there was no good meant therby, as it appeared in the beginning of their gouernment, for that the king of Spaine had violated fiden publicam, by committing so many sailers and seafaring men of the Netherlands to prison, whom his father suffered to come into Spaine for his E owne good and profit. And that the archduke also since his entrie into the possession of the Netherlands, had broken his pasports and safeconducts, commanding that the poore fishermen should be spoyled at sea, during the time of their pasports.
Moreouer, That the admirall of Arragon had entred in hostile manner into his neighbours countries, forciblie taken their townes, vsed all cruelties towards the inhabitants, proclaiming others that haue nothing to do with him, rebels &c. All which beeing duely considered by them, they had great reason to thinke, that it could neither bee honourable nor profitable for them to acknowledge the archduke, nor yet to treat with him nor the king of Spaine: And therefore they humbly besought the emperor and the empire, to consider of all these things with equitie and reason. F
After this, the emperors embassadors persisted to haue thē grant liberty for the embassadors appointed by the estates of the empire, to come & make relatiō of their embassage, who might haue other reasons to alledge, wishing them to consider of all they had deliuered. Whereunto [Page 1239] the Estates replied on the 12 of Iune, That they had sufficiently considered of the points concerning A restitution and reparation, and found by the proceeding of things since the yere 1594, 1600 that the resolution taken at Rhineberck was not good nor profitable, neither for the empire, nor for the Netherlands, desiring them to presse the Spaniards to repaire the hurt which they had done in the countrey of Moeurs; and that for their parts they would doe their best endeuors to giue the emperor contentment, and take order to preuent all future incursions. There was also a motion made by the embassadors, to haue the towne of Wachtendonck made neutrall, thereby to preuent all incursions, which the Estates held to be an vnreasonable demand, it being theirs by conquest, taken from their enemies in Guelderland.
In the end the emperors embassadors dealt in such sort with the Estates of the vnited prouinces, Emmeric yeelded by the Estates to the duke of Cleues as they did willingly consent to deliuer the towne of Emmeric to the duke of Cleues, vpon promise, That the emperors Maiestie and the empire, should procure the archduke to B yeeld vp the towne of Rhineberck, vnto the prince elector of Cologne, and so both parties, to free the frontiers of the empire from further molestation and trouble: Shewing by the effects, that they desired nothing but friendship and good correspondencie with the empire, protesting not to hold any thing belonging vnto the empire, vnlesse it were Grauenweerd, wheron they had built Schencks sconce, which weert, or peece of land, beeing in question to whom it should belong, they pretended to hold it vntill the cause were decided. And so the towne of Emmeric was deliuered vp to the duke of Cleues, the lord therof, in Iune 1600, to the contentment of the said duke and embassadors, who went from the Hage to Antuerpe, and so to Brussels, to procure the restitution of Rhineberck vnto the elector of Cologne: but the archduke C was gone into Flanders, about the war there, so as the embassadors were forced to follow him to Gant, where, vpon the 14 of Iuly, they (with other embassadors) desired him, That Rhineberck The archduke refuseth to deliuer Rhineberck to the Elector of Cologne. might be restored vnto the elector of Cologne, as the vnited prouinces had already done vpon their words; but they could not then obtaine it, the matter beeing referred to a conference, which by meanes of the embassadors was concluded, betweene the deputies of the vnited prouinces, and the committees for the Estates vnder the archdukes command, as Brabant, Flanders, &c.
About that time the seignior of Briaute, a yong gentleman of good esteeme in France, captaine Briaute fights a combat, & is slaine treacherously. of a companie of horse in the Estates seruice, verie valiant, & exceeding iealous of his honor, was in garrison in Gheertruydenbergh: vpon certaine words of disgrace, as wel against his D owne person in particular, as against the whole French nation in general, simply reported, and vainly spoken by a souldier, who had fled from the Estates partie, called Lekerbitken, that is to say, a delicat morsel, for his valor being made lieutenant of a horse companie to Grobendonc, gouernor of Boisleduc (Briaute, doing therein wrong to his reputation, to make question to a base traitor, for words of so smal moment, being vsual among souldiers, for he was one of them which had sold Gheertruydenbergh to the duke of Parma) hee sent him a challenge, to fight with him single, fiue to fiue, ten, or twentie. This was accepted by Lekerbitken, of twentie to twentie on horsebacke, and with such armes as they vsed in the warres. The day and place appointed, prince Maurice sought to dissuade him, shewing the sleightnesse of the quarrell, and the disproportion to equall his person with a traitor and renegado: but no persuasions could E preuaile. Briaute made choyce of nineteene, almost all French men, and went out of his garrison, giuing the gouernour to vnderstand, that it was with the princes consent, and hauing giuen him (in case he were slaine in this combat) his best arms (the which were as faire, rich, and as curiously wrought, as any prince could weare) hee went out of the towne to the place appointed for the combat, midway betwixt Boisleduc and Gheertruydenbergh, where finding not his enemie, courage and heat made him aduance further than he should haue done, meeting him about halfe a league from Boisleduc. Vpon their approach they charged equally, Briaute and his companie with two long pistols onely, and Lekerbitken with petronels, and long pistols (the two champions hauing before giuen markes how to know one another, Briaute by a great white plume, and the other by a red) Briaute hauing chosen his aduersarie F charged him furiously with his troupe, and notwithstanding all their harguebusadoes, shot him in at the beauer, and ouerthrew him: Lekerbitkens brother was likewise slaine, and two or three more of his companie, so as it seemed that Briaute should remaine victor: but they of Boisleduc to reuenge the death of their cōmander, charged more furiously than before [Page 1240] the which terrified some of the French, so as they fled, and left their captaine in danger, who A was taken prisoner with a kinsman of his, the rest were slaine or put to rout. Briaute and three 1600 of his companie beeing led prisoners to Boisleduc, Grobendonc being before the port, attending the returne of his men, and to know with the first how the combat went, seeing not his lieutenant, hee demaunded where he was? Answer being made him, That both he and his brother were slaine: He replyed, And why haue you not slaine these men? at which words his men fell vpon Briaute and his cosin, whom they murthered in cold bloud. I leaue it to others censure, whether this fact of Briautes bee to bee imputed to magnanimitie of courage, or to vanitie and presumption, and Grobendoncs commaundement, to murther, or to an action of warre. But in my opinion he should not haue done it, neither should Briaute haue beene so vaine, as to challenge a traytor to combat: and Grobendonc should not haue endured B the affronts and disgraces which the kinsman of Briaute did him, hauing beene chalenged to fight bodie to bodie, yea by his yonger brother, beeing but eighteene yeares old, the which hee basely refused, not knowing how to excuse this fact before the archduke, nor the captaines and men of honor.
The islands of Zeeland, as Walchren, Schouwen, Zuytbeuelandt, Tolen, and others, especially The Estates resolution to make war in the countrey of Flanders. that of Walchren, finding themselues opprest by the six gallies which Ieronimo Spinola, a merchant of Genes, had obtained of the king of Spaine, the which (notwithstanding the Estates ships of warre, which were in guard at sea) hee had brought into the hauen of Sluce, from thence to rob and spoyle the vnited prouinces; besides the great spoyles which they of Dunkerke made daily at sea, as well vpon them of Holland and Zeeland, which fish for herrings, C as vpon their ships, merchandise, and passengers, required the generall Estates of the vnited prouinces (seeing there was no more danger towards Holland and Gueldres, by the taking of the forts of S. Andrew and Creuecoeur, and by the freeing the island and towne of Bomel) to helpe to free them from the said gallies and Dunkerkers, and by that means diuert the warres from Holland and Gueldres, into the countrey of Flanders, against the sea towns of Dunkerk, Nieuport, and Sluce, making themselues masters of the sea, after they had once wrested the said townes from the Spaniard, which did so much mischiefe.
This attempt seemed weightie, and ful of difficulties, yet the Estates remembring the goodly victorie which God had giuen them in the isle of Bomel, that the old regiments of the archdukes Spaniards and Italians, were generally in mutinie for their pay, the which by all presumptions was not easie to find, nor for them to pacifie them, by reason of the great arrerages D that were due vnto them; and therefore entring into Flanders with their whole armie, there should not be any one to hinder their designe, hoping to take one of those three townes, before the archdukes armie should be readie. All being well debated, and resolution taken, the prince sent for as many ships as he had need of, from al the sea towns of Holland, Zeeland, and Friseland, to imbarke his troups, both horse and foot, with his artillerie, victuals, prouisions, and munition of warre, in great aboundance, assigning to euerie one his quarter, and the time when they should all come to the great rendezvous, to the number of about eight and twentie hundred saile of all sorts, fit for such a voyage, as well to fight at sea, as to land men, the which had neuer beene seene in any expedition in the Netherlands, so as there past in one day E betwixt morning and night, aboue 2000 before the town of Dordrecht, the which was a pleasant thing to behold.
All which ships being come to the rendez vous in Zeeland, before the island of Walchren, vnder the castle of Ramekins, staying for a wind to carrie them to Oostend, vpon the coast of Flanders vnder the Estates obedience, there to land, hauing had none but a Northerly wind, all the time they lay at anchor, with the which they could hardly land at the towne, the prince doubted that their long stay might giue the archduke leysure to gather his armie together, before that hee should bee entred into Flanders with his armie: wherefore, leauing Zeeland, he imbarked the 19 of Iune in his pinace. The deputies of the generall Estates of the vnited prouinces were likewise at Flessingue, the which were the seigniors of Keuenburch, Oldenbarneuelt The deputies of the [...]es go to assist the prince. F Vander Dussen, and others for Holland and West-Friseland, the seignior Fernand [...] Alleman for Zeeland, Renesse Vander Aa for Vtrecht, the seignior Franckena for the lordship of Friseland, and the seigniour Alberda for Groningue, the Ommelands, and the rest, to assist the prince with counsell, and to attend the will and pleasure of God, hauing some few [Page 1241] daies before commanded a fast and publike praiers, that it would please God to blesse their A designes; whereupon the prince and all the commanders and captaines beeing aboard, seeing 1600 the wind constant in that corner of the north, with the which it was not possible for them to land at Oostend, he tooke another resolution, with the deputies of the Estates, to aduance their designe by land, although it were at the first appointed by sea (the which had beene the shorter, and the more commodious) and the same day waighing anchor about noone, they set saile with about 1500 vessels, leauing the rest (whereof they had no great need) before the castle of Ramekins, there to attend a good wind to carrie them to Oostend. The same night the prince arriued with his armie before the towne of Bierulyet, which is a little island vpon the coast and iurisdiction of Flanders, not farre from the Sas (which is the sluse of Gant going to the sea) from whence he sent the earle Ernest of Nassau his cousin, with such ships and B men as he thought necessarie, to land neere vnto the fort of Philippine, which was held by the Spaniards, and to get it as soone as possibly he could: those of the fort did only make shot with the cannon, but being amazed at the great number of ships, and seeing that it was intended against them, they yeelded vp the place by composition to depart with their rapiers and The fort of Philippine in Flander [...] ye elded to the prince. daggers, the which was done the same night, and the next morning early the prince landed, where hauing taken a view of his armie, with the deputies of the Estates, leauing the forts of Patience and Ysendicke which were neere and held by the Spaniards; on the 23 of Iune they parted from Philippine and marcht towards Asnede, where the castle being summoned, yeelded, without attending the canon, the souldiers departing with their armes & baggage, the sconse that was there, and the barricadoes of the church being abandoned. C
The prince and his armie being entred into Flanders, in the middest of their enemies countrie (whereas the Spaniards had so often desired to see them) the shippes which had transported them beeing discharged of their victuals and munition, were dismist, and returned home. The 24 day the prince parting from Asnede, came to lodge at Eckloo with his whole armie, from whence he parted the next day. After his departure the pesants vsed some crueltie against some of the Estates souldiers, hanging them vp booted and spurd: in reuenge whereof (yet without any knowledge or commandement from the prince) some souldiers (which could not be afterwards knowne) returned, and burnt the whole borough. This was wont to be one of the greatest and goodliest boroughs in Flanders for traffique and handiworks. The same day the prince parted from Eckloo, hee arriued at the village of Male, a league from D Bruges.
The same day the wind beeing come faire to saile to Oostend, some fourtie barkes of the fleet, which carried baggage being left (as we haue said) vnder Ramekins set saile, being guarded by three ships of warre; but (as it happens in such cases, that some are alwaies more forward than others) the gallies of Scluse fell vpon them that were most scattered, and could not aduance by reason of the calme, so as they tooke eighteene or twentie of them, and the ships of warre could not helpe them, nor pursue the gallies to rescue the bootie. And when as the Spaniards had taken all that was in them, with the masters, mariners, and passengers prisoners, not able to carrie away all the said ships, they burnt foure and let the rest goe. At this encounter captaine Blanckart captaine of one of those ships of warre (not able to bee seconded E by the other two, by reason of the contrarie tide, and the calme) was set vpon by the said gallies. He had fiftie good men aboard, who defended themselues couragiously, and repulst the Spaniards thrice from off their hatches, which they had wonne: finally, they defended themselues in such sort, as after they had lost 22 men, and all the rest hurt, but eight, among the which, the captaine was so wounded, as within few daies after he died, hauing their ship shot through & through, lost their maine mast and yard, & so torne, as it could not be more, those which remained whole, refusing to yeeld, although they were grapled fast vnto them, but threatened the Spaniards (wherof the captaine himselfe had giuen charge to one of his men) that rather than they would yeeld, to set fire of their owne poulder, and blowe them vp, and so the one should be as rich as the other. Wherewith the Spaniards beeing terrified, they abandoned F it suddainly, beeing all torne with the cannon, and in this estate it was brought to Flessingue: the Spaniards going to their hole at Scluse, with the bootie which they had taken from the rest of the other ships, among the which was the baggage of cont Ernest of Nassau, and the baron of Sidleniskie, sergeant maior of the princes armie, that of sir Robert Sidney [Page 1242] gouernour of Flessingue, of captaine Wernhard du Bois, of doctor Strabanus the princes A physition, of two of his surgeons, and the rest was belonging to poore victuallers. Captaine 1600 Blanckart died in Flessingue, where he was honorably interred with a militarie pompe.
In the meane time prince Maurice marching with his armie in battell, passing through the country of Flanders, he came the 26 of Iune to Iabeque, passing almost by the ditches of Bruges, at whom they made some shot, but did him no harme. In the meane time the prince and the Estates wrote letters both to Gant and Bruges, and to the villages of their iurisdictions, and to other neighbours (who could not beleeue that the Estates designe, nor their armie had bene so great, but that it was a road only, made by some aduenturing troups) that their intent was not to spoile the country; but that their designe and desire tended to the generall freedome of their country, and the expulsion of the Spaniards and their adherents: requiring B them therefore to ioyne with them, and to furnish them with a good sum of money to help to supply the charges of this warre, the which would turne to their great good and profit. But (according to their expectation) it was but wind: and contrariwise the Brugeois who before had bene free from souldiers, did now receiue a garrison into the towne: the pesants being for the most part retired into the townes, leauing nothing in their houses, wherewith the princes armie might be in any sort accommodated, so as the souldiers endured great wants, being forced by reason of the great heat and the small store of victuallers which followed, to drink stinking water; yet the prince did forbid vpon paine of death, first of all fire, and then all sorts of insolencies to the pesants, and especially to wiues & maydens: the prince comming the next day with his armie to Oudenbourg, the which was abandoned by the C Spaniards, as in like manner the fort of Snaskerke, Bredene, and some sconses here and there, for that they were not to be held against so mighty an armie. The spaniards left in Bredene foure peeces of ordnance. The prince stayed two dayes at Oudenbourg with part of his armie, sending the Wallons, French and Suitsers to Oostend, to besiege the fort of Albert vpon the downs, within canon shot of the towne, toward Nieuport, and two other forts more within the country, called Isabella & Grotendorst: that hauing that of Albert, he might haue free & easie passage betwixt Oostend & Nieuport, which towne he had resolued to besiege.
The same 29 day of Iune Ian of Duyvenuoord knight, seignior of Warmont, admirall of Holland, hauing a good wind to get out of the road of Ramekins, with 10 shippes of warre, & some 150 ordinarie barkes laden with victuals and munition of warre, beeing come before D the fort of Scluse, foure of the gallies seeing that by reason of the calme they could not aduance, came and charged the fleet, thinking to carrie away some part thereof, but approaching neere, and the wind rising, they were so galled with the great ordnance from the ships of warre, as they were glad to retire, with great losse of their men, and one of their gallies was so beaten, as had they not laboured very much at the pumpe, it had bin in danger of sincking: they had very many men slaine, for they might see the blood of such as were slaine vpon the hatches, run out at the scuppet holes. And it was an admirable thing, a gallie-slaue Turke, as he rowed, his chaine was taken away with a cannon shot, hauing his garters left on his legges, and a peece of the chaine, without any other harme; so as seeing himselfe vnchained, desirous to get his libertie, or els to die (as such poore soules desire often to die, and had rather die than E liue) he cast himselfe into the sea, and began to swimme towards the Estates ships of warre, where at the first they shot at him, but shewing his garters and the peece of the chaine, he was knowne to be a slaue which had escaped, so as he was receiued into one of the ships, and well intreated. The 28 of Iune, the prince hauing his camp at Oudenbourg, made a iourney to Alberts fort before Oostend besieged, and yeelded to the Estates. Oostend to giue order for the siege of Alberts fort, and to resolue vpon that of Nieuport with the Estates deputies, the which being done, he returned the next day to his camp: that morning they began to batter the fort of Albert with foure canons, the which did so terrifie the besiged, as about ten of the clock before dinner they yeelded, to depart with armes and baggage, leauing foure peeces of ordnance in the place. The prince at his dislodging from Oudenbourg, left Iohn Piron colonel of a regiment of Zeelanders, with seuen companies of foot F and two of horse, of captaine Wageman and Lambert, and one companie in the fort of Snaskerke, to keepe those places, and to stay the Spaniard for a time, if he would aduance, & with all to serue to giue aduertisements vpon all occasions, what course the enemie tooke.
The prince being vpon the way with the body of his armie, he past aboue the forts of Isabella [Page 1243] and Grottendorst, at a bridge lying betwixt them and the towne of Nieuport, and went A and camped close by the downes, and neere vnto the towne, with all the forces he had, causing 1600 the French which had taken Alberts fort to approach presently; the Wallons and the Nieuport besieged. Suitsers arriued the same day, about three of the clocke in the after noone: so as the first day of Iulie, the prince hauing past the hauen of Nieuport, with a good part of his troupes, and won the fort of Dam, halfe a league from thence, the Spaniard hauing abandoned two other forts that were not to be held, the one vpon the downes, the other vpon the dike ioyning to Nieuport, where there is a tower seruing for a lanthorne to sea-faring men, he went to besiege the towne, camping on that side which looks towards Dunkerke; cont Ernest of Nassau his cousin remaining with his regiment, and the Scottish men camped on Oostend side, and so to besiege it on both sides the hauen, the which he meant to doe with all speed, before that the B Spaniard should interrupt him (as it was euer the princes course to intrench his campe with all diligence, and not giue the enemie leisure to come and disquiet him; wherein he hath a singular grace to winne the hearts of the souldiers, who in that case serue him willingly for pioners) doubting not but the archduke would doe what he could to preuent him, and beeing well acquainted with the diligence of the Spanish captaines, who in affaires of great importance are not idle nor sleepie. For as soone as the archduke Albert had intelligence that the prince was entred into Flanders with his armie, coniecturing quickly what his designe might be, quite contrarie to that which the commons had imagined, he dispacht post vpon post to the Spaniards, and other souldiers that were mutined, hee praies, intreats, protests, threatens, promiseth wonders, exhorts, chargeth them with their faith and loyaltie, accuseth them, that C if they faile him at this need, to be the cause of his and their owne ruine: finally, he, the Infanta his wife, their commanders, gouernours, and captaines, labour so hard, as vpon assurance and hostages they draw them to field, with the which in few daies (and in a shorter time than prince Maurice or the Estates did imagine) he frames an armie of twelue thousand foot, and about three thousand horse, with the which he makes hast (promising vnto himselfe an assured victorie) to come and encounter the Estates armie, were it in field, or in their campe and trenches.
The prince and Estates were ill aduertised of this suddaine preparation, for that their spies were on all sides taken, so as not any one returned. Finally, hearing for certaine that the Spanish armie marcht and approached neere vnto them, whereof they were aduertised by captaine D Wageman, whom colonel Piron had sent expresly from Oudenbourg, aduertising them that the archduke came to charge thē in person, & to vnderstand his pleasure what he should doe in extremitie. Piron had beene aduertised of the archdukes comming, by the rout of some horsemen of Oudenbourg, whom he had sent to the warre to discouer some thing.
The deputies of the Estates beeing aduertised hereof by Wageman in the fort of Albert, they presently dispacht a post vnto the prince, who was in his campe on the other side of the hauen at Nieuport, to whom there was no accesse to conferre, but at a low water, for the which they must alwaies attend. But the deputies hauing taken a resolution, that it was necessarie to goe and meet with the enemie, and not to suffer himselfe to be coopt vp betwixt Dunkerke and Nieuport, where there was no retreat for the armie, they aduertised the prince E thereof; who hauing also therein taken the aduice of his councell at warre, he resolued to passe the hauen, and to fight with the enemie, if hee came and offered it: the which notwithstanding hee could not instantly doe, but must of force staie till the next day, by reason of the high water, and the multitude of shippes which lay in the channell, the which hee would cause to retire into sea, as it was done according to his commandement, meaning to take from his men all thought or hope to retire and saue themselues by sea, but that they must either fight or die: commanding cont Ernest of Nassau in the meane time, to go with the regiment of Scottish men, and that of the Zeelanders to encounter the Spaniards at the bridge, which they had first past, ioyning vnto their enemies forts, to stoppe the archdukes passage, if it were possible: the prince assuring himselfe that hee would come that way, hauing no other F passage, for the countrie was full of water: the which the archduke did with all speed, hauing taken the forts of Snaskerke and Oudenbourg, which were not to be held against so mightie an armie, the which were yeelded by a composition, signed by the archduke himselfe. By [Page 1244] the which it was said that colonel Piron and all his men beeing in the fort of Oudenbourg, A should depart with their armes, ensignes, and baggage. But beeing ready to issue forth, colonel 1600 Piron seeing the mutined Spaniards stand ready with a countenance, as if they meant to cut them in peeces, hauing protested that it was against the accord (which they meant to doe vnto them) he retired backe againe, and there stayed, declaring that he would not come forth, but would die all fighting, if they might not bee assured to haue the accord kept, as it was made; the which Dom Louis de Velasco generall of the archdukes artillerie, did especially mediate, yet were they spoiled of some of their baggage and horses, and their ensignes violently pulled from them, contrarie to the composition. But those of Snaskerke comprehended in the same accord, where captaine Busignt commanded, escaped not so easily, for both hee and his lieutenant, with captaine Eindoren of cont Ernest of Nassaus regiment, were at their comming B out of the fort, slaine in cold blood, and almost all their souldiers, except some who beeing stript into their shirts saued themselues by their heeles. Of which treacherie and crueltie the archduke excused himselfe, laying the blame vpon the mutined Spaniards, with whom he said, his authoritie at that time had small credit, beeing like men halfe madde; but whatsoeuer it was, these mutiners did soone after receiue a iust recompence and reward for their treacherie and crueltie, hauing carried themselues so insolently vpon so small a victorie.
Colonel Piron being come to Oostend with such men as could escape the enemies furie, hauing acquainted the deputies of the Estates of the accord that was made with him, signed with the archduke Alberts owne hand, and vnderneath, By commaundement from his Highnesse, Vasseur, they did then beleeue, that the archduke was in person in the armie, the which C before neither they nor prince Maurice could imagine. Whereupon the prince was presently aduertised, that the archduke was there in person with all his forces, and that Oudenbourg & Snaskerke were recouered againe by the Spaniard, aduising him to be readie in good order, and resolute to encounter the enemie. Whereupon the said colonel was sent by the prince to ioyne with Cont Ernestus and the Scottishmen, & to stop the Spaniards passage at the bridge, or at the least to stay him a while, vntill that the prince should repasse the hauē with his army, and cause the ships to retire as he did, bringing with him six peeces of ordnance in the head of his foreward. Cont Ernestus being vpon the way, and marching towards the bridge with two peeces, he found, that part of the enemies armie was alreadie past, against the which he must needs fight, to stay them a while. But as the Spaniard aduanced his passage, and his D number encreasing continually, the partie being too vnequall, the earle hauing maintained the skirmish a long time, and very valiantly, not being able to subsist any longer, hee was forced Cont Ernest and Scottish men defeated. to giue backe, after that he had lost his two peeces, and about 800 men, most part Scottish men, and among thē captains, Arthur Stuart, Robert Barckley, Andrew Murray, Iohn Kilpatrich, Iohn Michel, Iohn Stoachem and Hugh Nyesbeth, Scottish captaines of sir William Edmonds regiment: whereof Murray and Barckley being prisoners, hauing receiued their faith that held them, were afterwards most inhumanely murthered in cold blood, euen in their armes that had taken them. After the same barbarous maner were slaine the captains Turquean, la Grappe, and Walrauen, of the regiment of colonel vander Noot of Zeeland, and captaine Ghistels a Zeelander also, of colonel Pirons regiment: most of the souldiers that were not slaine in the E fight, beeing taken prisoners, were against all law of armes, miserably murthered. Cont Ernest, colonel Edmonds, and some other captaines were pursued vnto Alberts fort, whereas they saued themselues yet some of their men were slaine, euen at the palisado of the said fort.
The victorious Spaniard puft vp with this good successe in the beginning, and to pursue his victorie, holding the Estates armie (in his opinion) alreadie vanquished, and prince Maurice, and prince Henrie, with their hands and feet bound, hauing resolued not to leaue one liuing in the whole armie, but those two princes, to serue him as trophies, which designe was solemoly sworne by the captaines and their officers, as since it hath beene voluntarily confest by the mouth of many of them that were prisoners in Holland, and I my selfe haue heard it Iohn Petit. auerred in Vtrecht, and that they had horror to take such an oath. F
The archduke hauing past the bridge with his whole armie, began to march with a stately countenance towards his enemie, vpon the sands of the sea, carrying with him eight, peeces of ordnance, with 9 cornets of lances, 5 companies of harguebuziers on horsebacke, [...] [Page 1245] of cuirasses, and 600 Spanish and Italian horse, of the mutiners of Dyest, three regiments of A Spanish foot, two of Italians, 5 of Wallons, 2 of Burguignons, 4 of Germans, with some companies 1600 of the regiment of cont Frederick vanden Berghe, all bending directly towards Nieuport, The archdukes armie. with an intent to charge the prince, and the Estates armie in their campe and trenches, assuring themselues of victorie, by their mornings good successe: but the archduke found himselfe deceiued in the opinion which he had conceiued of the prince, finding that he had repast the hauen, and that he attended him in good order, and with a resolute countenance to fight with him. Then the archduke and the admirall of Arragon began to thinke otherwise of their affaires, abating some part of their first heat, so as making no such hast as before, they began to dispose of their battailons and squadrons, and to come and charge the prince along the seashore, the tide beeing farre spent, so as there was a great distance betwixt the water B and the downes. The prince obseruing his enemies countenance, hauing disposed of the order of his armie, as his little leisure would giue him leaue (without any amazement for these first losses, the which he kept secret, for that he would not discourage his souldiers) hauing the wind for him, and the sunne in his enemies faces, he fronted them a while in order of battel, beeing thus disposed.
Cont Lewis of Nassau, lieutenant of the Estates horse, brother to cont Ernestus, and cousin to the prince, had the leading of the foreward, with his companie of horse, that of cuirasses The order of the princes armie. of the prince, commaunded by the seignior of Gant, sonne to the seignior of Oyen, a Gueldrois, the companie of Cont Henry Frederic, the princes brother, led by captaine Bernard, and that of Goddart of Bertenborch, in the first squadron of the right wing. Vpon the left, C the second squadron was led by captaine Macellus Bax, with his cornet, and that of the seignior Paul Bax, gouernor of Berghen vp Zoom his brother, that of captaine la Salle and of Peter Pauier, hauing in the middest of the said squadrons, and in the head of the first battailon, the princes companie of gards, commanded by the seignior vander Aa, captaine thereof, & the companie of the earle of Hohenlo, led by the seignior of Strydhorst, with Sir Francis Veers regiment of Englishmen (being generall of all the English nation, that were vnder the Estates seruice) himselfe marching in the head of his colonel companie, with that of captaine Hamond Yaxlee, his sergeant maior, of Denis, of Daniel Veer, of Hamont, of Ogle, of Tirrel, of S. Calisthenes Brooke, of Foster, of Fairfax, of Grant, & of Holcroft. In the second battailon was colonel Horatio Veer, brother to the generall sir Francis Veer, marching also in the head of his regiment, D with the companies of Sutton his lieutenant colonel, of sir Th. Knowles, cōmanded by captain Petfyn, of Cecil, of Purton, of Morgan, of Meetkerk, of Scot, of Vauesor, of Caius Hartewiston, & of Dexbery. In the third battailon commanded the seignior Tacco Hottinga, with his companie, that of the baron of Sidlenisky, sergeant maior of the armie, led by his lieutenāt, of Gasper Euwsum, by his lieutenant, of Michael Hago, of Frederic Gronsteyn, of Iean Kyef, of Hans van Osthem, of Hans Vryes, of Hans Zagreman, of Quirin Blanw, of Edsard Groenesteyn, of Egbert Honing, of Holsteyn, of Assuerus, of Gerrit Schau the yonger, of Arnsma, and of Ripperda, which was the regiment of Friseland, vnder cont William Lewis of Nassau their colonel, gouernour of the said country of Friseland, of Groning, and of the Ommelands, cousin to the prince, and brother to the earles Ernest, & Lodowick of Nassau. These 3 battailons of foot making 41 companies, hauing E the foresaid 2 squadrons of horse vpon their wings, made the foreward. Cont George Euerard of Solins led the battel, with his cornet of horse, that of Ioos Wyernch Clout, and of Iohn Bax: the said 4 companies were led by cont Frederick in the first squadron on the right wing, & vpon the left, captain Goddard van Balen, led by his cornet, that of fir Fr. Veer commāded by his lieutenant, and the cornet of sir Edw. Cecil: & in the midst of the said 2 squadrōs, there marched first the regiment of prince Henry Frederic of Nassau led by Daniel of Hartin, seignior of Marquette, his lieutenant colonel, with the companies of Iean du Boult, Antony of Sancy, of Francis Marli, Francis Mareshal, Philip de la Lou, Iean Nemmery, Ionac Durant, & Gabriel of Nouuelles, whom they called the New Gueux, the which was wont to be the regiment of the barō of Hachicourt, in the archdukes seruice, & were come out of S. Andrews sort, as we haue said. F In the second battailon were the Suitsers, being but 4 companies, & then the French vnder monsieur la Noue, the which were put into 2 battailons, the first was commanded by the seignior of Domeruille, lieutenant colonel, & the second by captain du Sault, both of la Noues regiment, of Semendiere, of Mareschot, of Hamelet, of Cornteres, by his lieutenant (for hee had bin [Page 1246] slaine two dayes before at Alberts fort) of Formentiere, of Verneuil, of Pont Aubert, and of A Lefort. Which foure battalions making 25 companies of foot, and two squadrons of horse, 1600 made the battaile: In the middest wherof was prince Maurice, to haue an e [...]e both before and behind him, being accompanied by prince Henry Frederi [...]k his brother, a young prince of 16 or 17 yeares old, whom the prince would gladly haue had retired, to the end (said he) that if he himselfe died in the fight, yet the Estates of the vnited Prouinces, should haue another generall to command ouer then a [...]mie, to repaire it if it should be put to rout, but it was not possible to persuade him to re [...]ier, intreating and protesting that he would liue and die with his brother, and that he would not chuse any other fortune; which doubtlesse w [...]s signe of a great courage in so tender an age. The rereward was led by Oliuer Vanden Timpel knight, seigniour of Corb [...]ke &c. with the cornets of horse of Wernhard du Bois, of Hamelton, of B George Couteler, vnder the conduct of du Bois. In the which there was also three battalions of foot, the first was the regiment of cont Ernest of Nassau, with his colonel companie, led by his lieutenant, of captaine Huseman his lieutenant colonel, of Strael seriant maior of Massau, of Imbise, of Clotwits, of Balthazar Eawsum, of Pithon, of the old company of cont Ernest by a lieutenant, of Andrew Breeder, of Crimits, of Lucas Wenser and of George Verkele. In the second battailon was the regiment of the Lord of Ghistelles, with his colonel companie, that of cont Euerard of Solins led by his lieutenant, of Eneas Treslon, of La Mouillerie, of Langeuelt, of Raysse, and of Floris van Wyngaerden. In the third battailon was the regiment of colonel Huchtenbrouik, with his colonel company led by his lieutenant, of Marlin sergeant maior of the regiment of north Holland, of that of the seignior of Timpel, by Belin his lieutenant, C of Dericke de loughe, of Ruyssenburch, and of Calwaert, being in all 27 companies of foot, and three cornets of horse, which made the rereward. Such was the disposition of the armie of prince Maurice, and the Estates of the vnited prouinces.
The earle of Hohenloo was left behind in Guelderland, with 24 companies of foot, and 6 cornets of horse: fearing that if all the Estates forces had been in Flanders, the enemie might in the meane time haue attempted some thing in those parts, or in the [...]sle of Bomel, who would gladly haue bin there, & so did the Prince and the Estates wish it, when as they saw the Spaniard so neere them with all his forces. But the wind did neuer serue to come to Oostend neither before nor after the battell: where there were also some companies of foot and horse left for the gard of the towne. D
The deputies of the Estates being at Oostend, hauing newes of the defeat of cont Ernests troups, & seeing the archdukes armie march with all speed towards Nieuport: they thought it then their best course, to continue within the towne, to haue their refuge vnto God, and to implore his ayd, as they did in their councell chamber by M. Iohn Vuytten bogoerd their minister at the very instant when as both the armies were ready to fight.
On the other side the Spaniards, especially two or three of the old commanders, who were best experienced in such actions, obseruing the resolute countenance of the prince, and the disposition of his armie, which seemed ready rather to come and charge them, than to attend the shock, they see they should not find that which they had conceiued in their imaginations, their enemie being in better order, and more resolute than they expected: for they did confidently E beleeue that the prince would retire with his armie into the ships, & that they should come time enough to charge before they were all imbarked, where they lookt to get a great bootie, through the confusion that would be among them. But seeing the armie in battell, & the ships in the middest of the sea, they began to doubt that there would be blowes. Some were of opinion not to fight, and that it was sufficient to haue viewed the enemies countenance, seeing their souldiers began to be wearie, hauing marcht fiue or six dayes together, and with their first fight before noone, but they should seeke to recouer the fort of Albert, and by the fauour thereof and others, intrench themselues there with all their armie, to cut off the victuals which came from Oostend to the princes campe, couping them vp, betwixt Nieuport, their armie, and the sea. Which councell without doubt, had bene most auaileable for F them, and most preiudiciall to the prince. But the archduke and some of his commanders, growne too proud with their first victorie, impatient of all delay, and boyling with heat to fight, gaping after their pray, as if the beast were alreadie taken, reiect all councell, and resolue [...]o charge the prince, at what rate soeuer.
[Page 1247] The prince hauing put his armie in battell, as we haue said, & viewed the Spaniards countenance A from one of the highest downes, he caused 6 peeces of ordnance to be aduanced on 1600 the sands, betwixt the downs and the sea, in the head of the foreward; then entring into counsell with his commanders and colonels, what was fittest to be done, whether to suffer the enemie to approach neerer, to get some aduantage, or else to goe and begin the charge first: all beeing well debated, they resolue to aduance, and to charge the enemie, and thereupon being informed (according to his demaund) by captaine Mortier and Fernel, gentlemen of the artillerie, commanding at those sixe peeces, that the enemie was neere enough to be endammaged with their cannon; hee thereupon gaue them charge to shoote, as they did: all the commanders beeing retired, euery one to his battailon, the prince hauing encouraged his souldiers, recommends vnto them their honours, liues, and the fruit of the victorie, telling B them that there was the place where they must either vanquish or die in fighting, or else drinke all that water of the sea (which he then shewed them) to saue themselues: then falling downe vpon his knees, he made his prayers, and implored Gods aid and succour, and so did all his souldiers.
About two of the clocke in the after noone, the princes armie marched with great courage The charge begins. and resolution against the Spaniards, and hauing let passe some volleys of great shot, which did no great harme, but onely one peece past through a squadron of English footmen, he began to charge along the sands, his cannon hauing endammaged the Spanish horsemen, who finding themselues galled on that side, and withall the vice-admirall of the Estates houering vp and downe the road, did annoy them; leauing the sands they entred into the downs, C and then were there two demie canons planted vpon one of the highest downs, which commaunded round about: in which downes they did fight long, and in diuers charges, the victorie beeing long in ballance, vnder a doubtfull fight, inclining sometimes to the one partie and sometimes to the other, first one retiring, and then another; the which no man can particularly describe, for that the greatnesse, heat, and furie of the fight was in the downes, among those sandie hilles, in seauen or eight seuerall charges, so as no man could discerne what was done in all places, by reason of those little hilles, but onely that which was before his eies, the downes hindring the sight of that which others did. So as in this battell, euery one was for himselfe, taking away the knowledge as well of those that prospered in their armes, as of such as wanted helpe, which made them thinke that euery one had enough to doe for himselfe, D without caring for his companion, and that here he must either find his victory, or his graue.
The battel continued so long, as the tide came vp to the foot of the downs, so as there were some among the Estates Frisons, who seeing some of their horsemen turne their backes (the which fell out often on either side) thinking that all was lost, and flying into the sea to get to their ships, were drowned; yet the body of the Frisons returning to charge on the one side, generall Veer, and colonel Horatio his brother with the English on another side, the seignior Domeruille with the French, and the other colonels in other places, beeing incouraged by the prince, did so gall and tire the Spaniards & Italians that were mutined (who were more obstinate in the fight than all the rest, and behaued themselues as valiantly as any souldiers could doe) besides cont Lodowicke of Nassau, the earle of Solins, the captaines Gant and Balen, charged E them so furiously with their horsemen out of the downs into the meadows, as they durst returne no more into the downes for feare of the princes cannon, which did much annoy them, so as beeing prest by these troups, their footmen beeing defeated of another side, and all their caualarie disordered by the princes battel, they find that all their resistance was in vaine, and that their souldiers were too weake to endure so great force; so as euery one seekes to saue himselfe, some flying towards Nieuport, & the rest to other places of easiest accesse for them. The duke of Aumale retired beeing lightly hurt.
The archduke seeing this disorder, hauing no meanes to recouer that which hee had but The archduke flies, and the prince had his armes and his horse of combate. newly lost, he leaues his armes, and turnes head with the first towards Bruges, where he saues himselfe, but looseth all his houshold, artillerie, and baggage, and abandons all to the victors F mercie, who in his furie kils all be encounters, without respect, mercie, or ransom. The slaughter of the mutined Spaniards (who had bin most wilfull in the fight) was very great, receiuing a iust reward for their cruelty in the morning, the Scottish men sparing not any one for an expiation of their companions that were slaine the same day; yea their choller and rage was so [Page 1248] great, as they that fledde and were ouertaken, were slaine like beasts, and some were murthered A being prisoners, euen in their armes that had taken them, and would willingly haue saued 1600 their liues. The victory continued vntill night, chasing, taking, and killing. The blood of men slaine dyed the fields, and the slaughtered carcasses lay dispersed ouer the countrey, vpon the lands, downs, and medowes, so as the number of them that were slaine on the archdukes part exceeded 6000, and about 800 prisoners, who were in great danger of their liues, euen the admirall The losse on the archdukes side. of Arragon (being taken prisoner and led to Oostend) if he had not bene in the princes company.
The prince and the Estates as well at the first incounter in the morning, as at this battaile The l [...]sse on the princes side. The dead men. lost aboue 2000 men, among others Bernard, Couteler and Hamelton, captaines of horse, and some 20 captaines of foot, but noe man of marke. On the archdukes side were slaine, the earle B of Saume, the earle of la Fere, the Seneshall of Montelimar, the baron of Pimereul, Chassey Ottigny sonne to the president Richardot, Dom Gaspar de Sapena, colonel, who died at Oostend, Dom Diego de Torres, Dom Gaspar de Loyaza, Dom Gonzalo d'Espinola, Dom Ioan de Pardo, Dom Garciade Toledo, Dom Lopes de Capata, Dom Alonzo Carcamo, Dom Louis Faccardo, Sebastien Velasco, Sebastien Doteloa, Christoual Verdugues, Mettheo d'Otteuille, Ioannetin de Casa nueua, the pay master Alines, and many others which are yet vnknowne to vs, and cannot recouer their names. Among the prisoners, besides Dom Francisco de Mendoza admirall of Arragon, lieutenant generall of the archdukes armie, there were Dom Baptista de Villanoua, who was conueyed The prisoners to Horne in Holland, Dom Alonzo Ricquel to Delft, Dom Gonzalo Hernandes de Spinosa to Vtrecht, Dom Pedro de Montenegro to the Hage, Dom Pedro de Velasco to Berghen vp Zoom, C Dom Pedro de Leusina to Enchuisen, Dom Antonio de Mendoza to Berghen also, with Dom Frā cisco de Torres. Among them of the archdukes houshold, there was the cont Carlo Rezi, Dom Diego de Gusman, and Mortier, all three pages, and Dom Pedro de Monte-maior, a gentleman taster, his physition, barber, harbinger, rider, cooke, porter, the groomes of his chamber, some of the archers and halbardiers of his guard, and in a manner all his houshold: 3 priests or monks, 40 ancients, 37 pencioners, which are ancients and sergeants reformed, as they tearme them. They lost sixe peeces of ordnance, and those two of cont Ernestus were recouered: there were The bootie. 136 ensignes of foot taken and 5 cornets of horse, comprehending the mutiners standard, and the colours that were lost the same day were recouered.
Prince Maurice beeing victorious, did camp that night vpon the place of battell, & the next D day he returned with his armie to Oostend, leading the admirall of Arragon with him, wheras he, the deputies of the Estates, the commanders of the armie, with many captaines and others assisting, gaue solemne thankes vnto God for such an vnexpected victorie proceeding from his onely hand. The prince staied at Oostend vntill the sixt day of the moneth, to take some course for the supplying of his companies that were spoiled, whilest that the souldiers did refresh themselues of their labours past.
Such as discourse of warre at their pleasures, and consider not the variable euents which doe often happen vnlooked for, would haue wisht that the prince should haue pursued his victorie after another manner, and that the deputies of the Estates beeing in Oostend, should haue sent forth both the horse and foot that were in the towne, to cut off the passage at the E bridge, by the which the Spaniards were come, the which was the archdukes onely retreat, where they might easily haue beene taken; and besides, they might haue made a great bootie of their baggage, which remained behind. But such as talke thus (although it had beene well done) doe not say, that the deputies might well coniecture, but they could not precisely iudge what the issue would be: so as they were not certainely aduertised of the victorie, vntill it was compleat by the defeat and flight of the enemie, so as they could not haue pursued them so suddainly, but they would haue past the bridge, as they did, and brake it after them, being late before the victorie was assured. Besides there is an ancient prouerb, That you must make a bridge of gold to a flying enemie. And although the prince, besides those troupes that were in Oostend, had horse and foot enough, that were fresh and fit enough to pursue them; yet contenting F himselfe with the victorie, and to remaine master of the field, he did forbid his men to follow after them, for that he would not hazard them too much: what did they know, whether the archduke had any fresh troupes beyond the bridge, who fortifying them that fled, would either through shame or despaire haue made them returne to the charge?
[Page 1249] Others demanded, why the prince (seeing his enemie was defeated, and the countrey of A Flanders and Arthois shaken) returned not presently before Nieuport; or at the least, that hee 1600 besieged not the forts about Oostend, the which (it may be) would haue yeelded presently, whereby he should haue assured the towne better, and made the whole countrie contribute? To whom I must answer, That the town of Nieuport was not to be taken suddainly, nor yet the forts, which are almost inaccessible by reason of the waters (as it hath beene well knowne since) were not to yeeld so easily, as such conquerours haue imagined: into the which colonell Barlotte (a resolute souldier, and not to be terrified with small matters) was retired. Moreouer the prince assured himselfe that the archduke would seeke to repaire his armie with all speed; and therfore he would willingly attend the earle of Hohenloo his brother in law, with his troupes to fortifie his campe. Besides there were many things to bee ordered: so as hee B could not haue lesse than fiue or sixe daies libertie to prouide for all necessarie occasions, and for his souldiers to refresh themselues; and withall in a manner halfe the armie was busied to prouide for their companions and camerados that were wounded, and to haue them drest, & also to assure themselues of their prisoners, whereof a great number of them were also hurt.
The fift day after the defeat, the prince beeing gone to set downe againe before Nieuport, The prince returneth again to besiege Nieuport. hauing againe past the hauen, called backe his shippes, landed his canon, intrencht his campe, and made his platformes for his batterie; the same night there entred three regiments of foot into the towne (the which they could not hinder, for that the place was not fully besieged) besides the fiue companies that were in garrison in the towne before: so as the besieged about the twelfth of the moneth made a gallant sallie with about a thousand men, betwixt C one and two of the clocke in the afternoone, and came and charged the princes men in their trenches, ioyning vnto the towne, with a furious skirmish, the which was so well maintained, and the besieged so repulst, as they were forced to retire: but not content therewith, they returned the next day, but they preuailed no more than at the first, neither was there in both these skirmishes, any great losse on either side.
All which, the prince hauing well considered, and the multitude of men that were within the towne, that it would not bee easie to take by assault, without greater forces than hee had, and without a long siege; the which would greatly haue weakened his armie, and it may bee haue wasted the tenth part of his souldiers, the which at that time, and according to the place were fewe enough, which he had no need to wast prodigally, for such a paltrie D place, the which at his departure he must of necessitie haue abandoned (although hee had forced it) or els to haue beene in danger to haue beene soone taken againe; besides at that time there was nothing to be gotten there: therefore he resolued to raise his campe, and to make an honest retreat. Wherfore on the 17 of the moneth, he commanded to imbarke all the cannon, the tents & pauilions, and at the first high tide to haue the ships get out of the hauen, to returne towards Oostend, being resolued to besiege the forts of Isabella, Clara, and Grottendorst: to the end also that he should be no more in danger to bee shut vp, as the enemie had thought to haue done, knowing well that the Spanish commanders prepared for a new armie, to haue their reuenge if they might. Moreouer in besieging the said forts, if hee were willing to attend them, and to fight with them with such forces as might haue come vnto E him; he had Oostend alwaies at his backe, whither he might at all times retire himselfe without danger, and goe to sea whensoeuer he pleased to returne into Holland. So the next day the prince hauing repast the hauen of Nieuport with his armie, he went to besiege the fort of Isabella, lodging in the meadows towards the sea, neere vnto the downes; on which side, by the meanes of Clara & Grottendorst, the said fort might haue bin relieued at need: wherefore he caused 2 peeces of ordnance to be planted on the downs, looking towards the approaches, & 4 others vpon Oostend side, neere vnto the fort of Albert, to batter that of Isabella, and the 19 of the moneth he planted 6 cannons more, and somewhat neerer, with which 10 peeces he began to batter the next day, 2 or 3 houres onely; whereby they did conceiue that hee must vse greater force, or else he should preuaile little. Notwithstanding, though al things were readie F to make two other batteries, yet was it not battered after that time; they made a shew also as if they would vndermine it: but at the break of day the Spanish armie being fortified with new supplies shewed it selfe, and campt neere vnto the fort of Clara without any let, for that neither it nor the fort of Grottendorst were in any sort besieged; from whence the commāders of the armie sent to refresh all those forts, both with men and munition; to the which they had [Page 1250] free accesse, by reason of the cutting of the ditches in the meadows, the which are necessarie A in that countrie of west Flanders. Some said the prince should haue done better, first to haue 1600 attempted the fort of Grottendorst, which was not very well fortified, by means whereof that of Clara had bin seperated from the fort of Isabella, betwixt which two it is built.
And as these 2 armies of the Spaniards and Estates were in front one of another, but could not annoy one another, but by light skirmishes, by reason of the forts and the scituation of the countrey; the Spaniard hauing all the firme land at his commandement, and the Estates hauing that onely hauen of the sea, Oostend, to furnish them with all their cōmodities, whither they could not at all times go aboord nor get out: seeing therfore that he should profit little in battering of the said fort, where although he had made a desired breach, yet could he hardly haue giuen an assault, for that he must haue incountred with two enemies at once, one in B front at the breach, and the other at his backe out of the enemies campe. It was therefore resolued to make a retreat, and to content themselues for that yeare with that goodly victorie which God had giuen them in that part of Flanders. Whereupon on the 24 day of the moneth, all the artillerie was taken away to be imbarked in the hauen of Oostend, whereas the ships were entred, except those foure peeces which were vpō the downs neer vnto the fort of Albert, and the first two which they had planted in the princes quarter before Isabella fort.
Whilest this was doing, on the 25 day, colonel Barlotte being in the first trenches of the counterscarpe of Isabella fort, or within the fort it selfe, hauing shewed himselfe too much, he was shot into the head with a musket, whereof he died instantly, being much lamented by the archduke but nothing by the Spaniards, Italians, nor any other commanders; for that his C fortunate successe, hauing made him presumptuous & a bold speaker, it did procure him hatred among the great, for that hee persuaded himselfe that nothing could be well executed without him. And to speake the truth, of a poore souldier of fortune, a barber as he had been, hauing past throgh all militarie degrees, he had by his valor attained to a colonels place, & to other goodly charges, hauing bin often imploied in dangerous exploits, wherein hee did alwaies acquit himselfe happily for his masters seruice. At his death he left great wealth to his children.
Prince Maurice and the deputies of the Estates, hauing caused the fort of Albert to be ruined and beaten downe, as much as they thought good, he imbarkt his cannon and retired his garrisons out of all the forts which he had wonne from the enemie. And the last day D of Iulie, after that he had left 51 companies of foot, and 7 cornets of horse in Oostend (hauing not ships sufficient to imbarke them all) to haue the towne wel manned, vntil they might see the Spaniards resolution, whether hee would besiege it or no; hauing set good order for all things, the prince and the councell tooke their course for Zeeland. Beeing at sea, the gallies of Scluse came in a calme (for otherwise they came not forth) to affront some of their shippes, thinking to get some straglers, but the wind beeing somewhat risen, they could not retire so speedily as they would, but they were well battered, and lost many of their men. The prince beeing returned with his armie into the vnited prouinces, and hauing diuided his men into their ordinarie garrisons, to refresh them after so painefull a voyage; the archduke in like manner retired the bodie of his armie out of Flanders, except some companies E which he left for the guard of those forts, and of such as he found abandoned, repairing that of Albert in a short time, and leauing them all, as they continued vnto the siege & yeelding vp of Oostend; which mooued the Estates also to retire their horsemen, and 27 companies of foot, the rest remaining there in garrison.
At that time the seignior of Wackene, vice-admirall to the archduke, remaining most cō monly The crueltie of the viceadmirall of Dunkerke. at Dunkerke, to be reuenged for the death of the Spaniards, and others which had beene slaine at the battell of Nieuport, went in person to sea with seauen or eight shippes of warre, and fell vpon a poore companie of fishermen of Holland and Zeeland, which were fishing for herrings; who although they had certaine shippes of conuoy dispersed here and there (as they make their fishing in a great compasse of the sea) the foremost beeing too farre F off to helpe the hindermost at need, so as the ships of warre appointed for their guard could not equally defend them al alike: the vice-admirall (a Flemming by nation) yet with the furie of a Spaniard, enters in among them, and takes fifteene or sixteene of the said shippes (which they call Buisses) and hauing taken all that was good in them, retaining the pylots & masters of the ships, he nailed all the mariners and fishermen vnder the hatches, making holes in the [Page 1251] keeles of the ships, so as they sunke by degrees, and yet those poore miserable wretches that A were shut vp, could not come forth to saue themselues, or, at the least, to doe their best endeauours, 1600 being drowned like mice in a trap: A cruell act, and most lamentable to see, and heare the cries and sighes of those that were so miserably drowned. Of this cruell and inhumane act, the Seignior of Wackene went himselfe to carry newes to the court of Spaine: for the which at the beginning he was commended, honoured, and recompenced by the king: but all good men, which loued their honours on either party, did hate and detest him. He died afterwards very miserably in that court.
The Estates being assembled at Brussels, they acquainted the archdukes, by what meanes they might attaine vnto a peace with the vnited Prouinces.
First, they gaue them to vnderstand, That the reasons why they of Holland and Zeeland B would not subiect themselues vnder their highnesse obedience (as it appeared by diuers of The Estates shew the archdukes meanes how to make a peace with the vnited their letters and speeches) were, that (notwithstanding their highnesse presence, and the priuiledges of the countrey, sworne and confirmed by them) they saw the Spaniards and strange souldiers had still the guard and gouernment of the chiefe townes and forts of the countrey: as the castles of Antuerpe and Gant &c. the townes of Graue and Liere, the forts of Flanders and Denremonde, the Sas of Gant, the towne and castle of Sluce, Nieuport, Dunkerke, the towne and castle of Cambray, with diuers others.
This (said the Estates) might be easily redressed, by remouing of those strange garrisons out of the said towns and castles, assuring themselues, that their highnes authoritie might be confirmed as well by other meanes, considering the loyaltie and constancie (whereof there hath C beene sufficient proofe made) of many townes, which haue no strange garrisons, as Arras, S. Omer, Bethune, Ryssel, Valenciennes, Douay, Berghen in Henault, Alost, Dornick, Namur, Maestricht, Brussels, Macklyn, Louaine, Venloo, Boisleduc &c. and therefore, if their highnesse thought it good, there should bee souldiers borne in the Netherlands put into those townes, when the Spaniards should leaue them.
The second obiection made by the Estates, was, That a peace could not be concluded, so long as the Spaniards held the chiefest gouernments (the which was contrary to the priuiledges of the countrey) as in the town of Lembourg Veert, the countrey of Cambresis, Bruges, Antuerpe, Gant, Dixmuyden, Liere, Nieuport, Dunkerke &c. which difficultie saied they might easily be remooued, for that there was store of noblemen and gentlemen borne within D the Netherlands, to whom the gouernment of those towns and castles might well be committed, beeing bound as strictly by oath vnto their highnesse, as those Spanish gouernours were vnto the king of Spaine; otherwise in time their highnesse might be depriued of those townes and castles, by such as would pretend to hold them for the king of Spaine, to the vtter ruine and desolation of the whole countrie: for which reasons they of Holland and Zeeland did confidently beleeue, that those townes and castles were yet in the possession and vnder the command of the king of Spaine, and not of their highnesse.
The third point was, the libertie and freedome of religion, wherein they excused them of Holland and Zeeland, for that their highnesse had sworne by the donation made vnto them, neuer to yeeld thereunto; which point said they, ought to be referred to diuines to dispute, & E to the consideration of princes.
The fourth reason which the Hollanders did obiect, that the prouinces vnder their highnesse commaund, by vertue of the said graunt, seemed to be held in fee of the king of Spaine; whereupon they said, that as it had pleased their highnesse to signifie often vnto the Estates of Brabant, that they had no meaning the Netherlands should be held in fee of Spaine, so now they would be pleased to intreat the king of Spaine to vouchsafe to write his letters of certificate to the contrarie, and to let them vnderstand that he hath no such intent, although there be some likelihood, considering the contents of the grant.
The fift obiection was, that they held it not conuenient that the Netherlanders should be restrained from their traffique to the Indies, which they said was as much as to striue against F nature, to forbid the Netherlanders that trade, vpon such conditions as they should thinke good, for that they ought to haue free passage to all places, as well as the Spaniards.
In the sixt and last point they shewed the distrust which they of Holland and Zeeland had, that if a peace should bee made with their highnesse, how it should be obserued from point [Page 1252] to point, and what assurance they should haue for the same: for the freeing of which doubt, A they thought it conuenient, that libertie and free pasport should be graunted to them of Holland 1600 and Zeeland, to come and be admitted to sit in the assembly of the generall Estates, and there to entreat of a peace, or of a truce and cessation from armes, wherein they thought thē selues best assured, hauing authoritie from their highnesse, alwaies with this exception, that in regard of the prouinces vnder their Highnesse commaund, there should bee nothing altered touching their religion, nor their Highnesse authoritie, but they should treat only about restitution of lands, goods, and priuiledges; and the conclusion of the peace should be made vpon these conditions, That if it should so fall out, that all things concluded with them of Holland and Zeeland, were not fully and directly obserued and kept from point to point, that the generall Estates should bind themselues to see them obserued and kept, and to that end should B aid and assist them of Holland, Zeeland, and their associats; and for not performance thereof, the generall Estates should be wholly discharged from their oath taken vnto their Highnesse: for the obseruing whereof, the generall Estates should bind themselues by oath vnto the vnited prouinces of Holland, &c.
Herein it seemed the generall Estates of the prouinces vnder the archdukes command, fayled somewhat of the maine point which the vnited prouinces aimed at, who said, they would neuer be subiected vnto the Spanish gouernment, for if their sheafe of arrowes were once diuided and broken, they would be as strongly vnited again. Thus much was treated of at Brussels, and what ensued, you shall hereafter heare.
The generall Estates had a galley, called the blacke galley of Dordrecht, for that it was built C there, carrying 10 or 12 peeces of ordnance, whereof there were two canons in prow, and two in poupe, manned with rowers, whereof some were voluntarie for pay, as well to rowe, as to fight at their boording, besides the souldiers that were in it, vnder captaine Wipeul, who had for his lieutenant that gallyslaue Turke, which had escaped by swimming from one of the gallies of Sluce. This galley was sent to Flessingue in Zeeland, to draw Spinolaes gallies thither. During the time it lay there at anchor, the captaine had discouered, that three of those galleyes of Sluce had taken a marchants ship of Zeeland. Whereupon he pursued them, and at the first charged one of them so furiously, as being well beaten, hee forced it to retire into their hole. Then the captaine rowed vnto the two other gallies, who had seized vpon the ship, the which hee tooke from them in despight of them, forcing them to retyre, with no small D losse.
On the 29 of Nouember the said captaine with his galley, and foure long boats well manned, went and set vpon the admirall ship of Antuerpe, in the middest of the riuer, before the A gallant exploit done by the blacke galley. towne, the which was one of the goodliest ships that was vnder the archdukes seruice, in the which there were 16 brasse peeces, 10 of yron, 6 to shoot stones, & many harguebuses acrocke, the which hee boorded suddenly in a darke night, cut some in pieces, and some leaping ouer boord were drowned: then he tooke the ordinarie marchants ships of Brussels and Macklin, in euery one of the which there were 4 brasse peeces, besides others, and fiue other ships, which they call Heus, seruing to conuey victuals and munition which went to Sluce, and to other forts which the Spaniards held vpon the sea coast, and vpon the riuer, appointed as the marchant E ships were. All which ships and prisoners he brought to Flessingue, passing at the mercie of the enemies canon at Ordam, and other forts vpon the riuer of Antuerpe. This was an act of able and resolute men, the which caused a great amazement in the towne of Antuerpe, where they kept their gates shut two daies, for feare of some treason. They tooke in these ships 50 brasse peeces of all sorts, which were more worth then the gallie had cost at the first to make and rig, although in the beginning they had held it to be vnprofitable, and the charge lost, but other effects since haue shewed the contrary.
The archduke hauing (to his charge) after the battaile of Nieuport, gathered together some new troupes of souldiers, after prince Maurice his returne into Zeeland, he sent most of them into Brabant, vnder the commaund of Dom Louis de Velasco, lodging the greatest part of them F betweene Duffel and Macklyn, not very farre one from another, doubting prince Maurice his horsemen, who did greatly spoyle the countrey round about. The mutinous souldiers of Hamont held the towne and castle of Weert still for their securitie, hauing 14 stiuers a day deliuered them for euery souldiers pay, and yet they made great spoile in the country. The archduke [Page 1253] also reformed his old souldiers, both horse and foot, especially the Spaniards and Italians, A and reduced diuers companies into one. 1600
We haue shewed before how the emperors embassadors moued the archdukes for the deliuerie A treatie betwixt the prouinces vnder the archduke and the vnited prouinces. of Rhineberck vnto the elector of Cologne, but they referred it to a treatie of peace which was then in hand, saying, That they daily expected a pasport from the vnited prouinces, for the deputies of the Estates vnder their commaund, as Brabant, Flanders, &c. who were at that time in Antuerpe, attending the said pasport; the which being sent by them of the vnited prouinces, the deputies appointed for the Estates of Brabant, Lembourg, Luxembourg, Gueldres, Flanders, Arthois, Henault, Valenciennes, Namur, Ryssel, Douay, Orchies, Dornic, Tornesis, and Macklin, being assembled at Brussels, went to Antuerpe, and from thence to Berghen vp Zoom. Their names were, Gerard of Horne, earle of Bassignie, sonne to the lord B of Boxtel, of the house of Horne, gouernour of Macklin, Philip van Bentinghe, lord of Bight and Paffenhowen, colonell and steward of Montfort, M. Henric Coet, pentioner of Ypre, and others; who vpon the 19 of Iuly, came to Berghen being brought in by mon [...]eur Bax, gouernour of the towne, who met them some quarter of a mile off. There they found some eight or ten deputies for the Estates of the vnited prouinces, whereof monsieur van Oldenbarneuelt, aduocat for Holland, was one, where they were all feasted by monsieur Bax.
The next day being met together, the letters sent from the Estates assembled at Brussels, vnto The contents of the Estates o [...] Brussels letters to the vnited Estates. the Estates of the vnited prouinces, were there read, the cōtents wherof was, To shew how desirous they were to enter into a treatie of peace, with the Estates of the vnited prouinces, shewing how good and necessarie a peace would be, and what miseries and calamities follow C warres; praying them once to vnmaske themselues, to lay aside all iealousie and distrust, and to enter into this treatie of peace with sinceritie of hearts, &c.
Which ended, the deputies of the vnited prouinces rose vp, and went into a corner of the Barneuelts answer to the general Estates. hall, where hauing conferred together, they sat downe againe, monsieur Barneuelt speaking for them all, said, That they reioyced much, to heare the generall Estates assembled at Brussels, so well affected to a generall peace and vnion of the whole Netherlands, as they had sent naturall borne subiects and members (wishing well vnto the Estates) vnto them, whereof some were their kinsmen, and had liuings among them: for which their great good will and affection, they gaue them heartie thanks, taking God, the world, and their owne consciences to witnesse, that they desired nothing more, than a godly, iust, and assured peace: but in regard of D many strange oppressions and cruelties, vsed by the Spaniards and their adherents, they had great cause of distrust, whereof he produced some examples. Hee also laid open the admirals violence and crueltie, not onely to them, but to their neighbour countries, who notwithstanding were better affected vnto him than vnto them, with many such like reasons: so as they could not beleeue, but that all such violent actions were resolued on by the archduke and his counsell, intending to do the like vnto them, when time and opportunitie serued: Therefore (they sayd) they were not in any sort resolued to enter into any treatie of peace with the Spaniards or their adherents, vnlesse that the generall Estates would take arms with them, to chase all strangers out of the countrey, and then the whole prouinces would find meanes to vnite themselues together, and so reduce them againe to their former estate &c. E
Wherunto the deputies for the Estates in Brussels made answer, That it was verie credible, The answer of the deputies of Brussels. that by the retreat of strangers, and the committing of townes and castles into the hands of such as were borne in the countrey, all doubts and distrusts would bee remoued, and matters reduced to the antient order: But looking precisely into this action, they were of opinion, That as long as the vnited prouinces continued in armes, and made war, it was not fit nor conuenient for the Estates in Brussels to reiect the king of Spains aid, therwith to defend themselues against such as made war against him.
Whereupon either partie conferred together, and then sitting downe againe, monsieur Barneuelts reply. Barneuelt sayd, That they held the donation made by the king of Spaine to the Infanta, to bee false, and of no force, for that it was therin expresly set downe, That if the archduke died without F children, the Infanta should returne into Spaine againe; and if the Infanta dyed, the archduke should remaine in the Netherlands but as gouernour thereof, and the countrey returne againe vnto the king of Spaine. And moreouer, if they had any children, they should not marie but with the house of Spaine. It was also decreed by the same gift, That the subiects of the [Page 1254] Netherlands should not trade vnto the Indies, and that vpon forfeiture of the said countries: A concluding thereby, that they were now more subiect vnto the Spanish seruitude than euer, 1600 for that in consideration the archdukes had bound themselues so strictly vnto Spaine, and that the generall Estates of those prouinces had likewise sworne to be true and faithfull vnto them, as to their naturall lords, that of force that yoke must needs ensue. He also said, That touching the points of communication specified in their letter, with their instructions and verball propositions, the deputies of the vnited Prouinces, hauing duly cōsidered theron, they found, that the whole transport made by the K. of Spain to the Infanta his daughter, tended meerly to the preiudice of the Netherlands, in regard that the archdukes, & the Estates also with them, were so strictly bound vnto the king of Spaine, as in their opinions they could not safely deale concerning a peace, neither with Spain, the archdukes, nor with the Estates, as their sworne vassals; B neither had they sufficient authoritie to do it. They also said, their commission extended not so far, as they could maintaine and effect that which shold be concluded betwixt them, and therfore they desired to haue full assurance thereof, before they would enter into any conference or treatie of peace. Lastly, they said, That if they might be freed from the archdukes and the Spaniards, they for their parts would suffer them to liue in their former Estates, and betweene them they would make a forme of gouernment, where all men, both Catholikes and Reformed, might vse their own religion, and liue in freedome of conscience.
Whereunto the deputies of the Estates of Brussels made answer, That they had a prince, The Estates of Brussels answer without whom they desired not to do any thing, being in good hope that all matters by the help of good mediators might be so wel reconciled, as their highnesses in the end would agree C with the Estates, and both parties be well satisfied.
And touching the assurance which they demaunded, they said, They must not set the cart before the horse: for if the treatie of peace were once begun, the deputies of the general estates should haue ample commission to treat with them, and whensoeuer they came to the maine points, they would secure them in such sort, as they should rest satisfied, concluding, that they would not forsake their princes, nor attempt any thing but with their likings and consents; so as the conclusion of a peace must proceed from the archdukes, and not from the Estates.
Whereupon the deputies of the vnited prouinces gaue them to vnderstand, that they were bound by contract to diuers princes and states, not to make any peace with the Spaniards, nor the archdukes, without them, to which end they had caused diuers decrees to bee published, D being also desirous to aduertise the said princes and commonweals, what their instructions and propositions were, the which they would do in such friendly manner, as all men should find that they desired peace and vnity, intreating them of Brussels to do the like, and to persuade the Estates, to get the Spaniards out of the towns and castles of the Netherlands, and to place such as were borne in the countrey &c.
And thus the conference between them ended, the deputies of the vnited prouinces giuing The conference breaks vp at Berghen. letters sealed vp vnto the other deputies, bearing date the 22 of Iuly, containing a discourse of all their conference, and recommending the peace vnto them, wherewith the deputies departed from Berghen, and returned to Brussels, making report of all that had beene done.
Vpon their returne, the Estates being assembled at Brussels, finding by the report of their E deputies, that there was no peace likely to be concluded (the vnited prouinces hauing so lately gotten a victorie before Nieuport) and that their prouinces were in the meane time to bee defended, they resolued to raise a good summe of money, according to their antient and laudable custome, who neuer left their princes in need, but liberally assisted them: whereupon they agreed, to impose a taxe of two shillings vpon euerie chimney throughout their countrey, and consulted how to find meanes to entertaine 10000 foot, and 3000 horse, which they found would cost them 320000 gulderns a moneth, and to that end, vpon the 4 of Iuly, when as they 32000 pounds [...]ing. had receiued newes of the archdukes ouerthrow, they deliuered their fourth declaration vnto the archdukes committees, containing many seuerall points.
First, That the mutinous souldiers should be paid, and all other souldiers kept in good martiall F discipline.
That the Spanish Tribunals, called de la Hazienda, and de la Visita, that is, Treasorers and Ouerseers of the Spanish treasure, being 250 thousand duckets a moneth allowed by the king of Spaine, might be reformed, and that they should haue no further dealing with the accounts [Page 1255] of the naturall borne subiects of the countrey, vnlesse it were with such as were indebted vnto A them vpon some former reckonings. 1600
That the Estates were content to vndertake the discharge of the admiraltie, the payment of the garrisons, and the repairing of the forts, according vnto the list propounded vnto them.
They also vndertooke to furnish 250 wagons for an armie, and to entertaine ten thousand footmen, and the ordinarie horsemen of the countrey, for a yeare; vpon condition, That they should be freed from the fiue cornets of light horsemen: Whereunto they all agreed, desiring that the archduke might be aduertised thereof.
These articles were deliuered: whereunto the archduke made answer the sixteenth of Iulie, whereby he seemed to yeeld vnto the chiefe points. And the same day the marquesse of of Haurec gaue the Estates to vnderstand, That the archdukes desire was, they should resolue B vpon some meanes touching the freeing of the demeanes, and for their yerely reuenue.
Touching the freeing of the demeanes, the Estates desired they might not be charged therwith, vntill a peace were made, and as for their yerely reuenues and entertainment, they yeelded to 250 thousand gulderns yerely, as it was propounded, the which should be borne by the whole prouinces in generall; and that vpon condition their highnesses should reforme their housholds, discharge all superfluous seruants, and reduce it to the antient orders of the dukes of Bourgoigne.
After this the Estates began to consult, how they might raise these summes of money; the prelats and gentlemen concluding to impose a taxe vpon victuals, and vpon all apparell, and also C vpon al wares and merchandises, wherwith they acquainted them of Flanders. Wherupon A taxe imposed vpon victuals. the two estates agreed, with the good liking of the third estate, to raise these summes vpon corne, wine, butter, flesh, &c. viz.
Vpon a measure of Brabant, called a sester of wheat, foure stiuers.
Vpon the same measure of Rye or Meslin, 3 stiuers.
Vpon euerie aume of French, Renish, or Spanish wine, 8 stiuers.
Vpon a barrell of beere, valued from 2 to 4 gulderns, 6 stiuers.
Vpon a barrell of beere valued from 4 to 6 gulderns, 12 stiuers.
Vpon a hogshead, and vpon all foreine beere, 24 stiuers.
Vpon euerie oxe or steere of 3 yeares old and vpwards, 30 stiuers. D
Vpon euerie cow or heifer, 20 stiuers.
Vpon euerie wether or calfe, 5 stiuers.
Vpon euerie ewe or ramme, 4 stiuers.
Vpon euerie lambe, goat, or pig, 2 stiuers.
Vpon euerie hog, 8 stiuers.
Vpon euerie milch cow both winter and summer, a stiuer euerie moneth.
Vpon euerie oxe or cow that is put to pasture to be made fat, 2 stiuers.
But the deputies of the other prouinces seemed to make some difficultie hereat, desiring rather, that a diuision should be made, and that euerie prouince should haue his portion set downe, with a fit moderation, as they were able to rayse it, and that the prelats and nobilitie E should consent to pay two third parts of a fourth part of the whole summe; vpon condition, that their priuiledges which had been broken, should be restored, and the tolles taken away, after the antient maner.
They of Antuerpe made diuers difficulties, concerning the taxes imposed vpon victuals, saying, That they had paid part of their debts out of the excises raised vpon victuals, and that the said excises were partly farmed vnto merchants, who had disbursed 150 thousand gulderns for the archdukes vse, before his going into Spaine, and that they had beene contributarie for the paiment of the mutined souldiers in the castle of Antuerpe; desiring that consideration might be had thereon.
Vpon the ninth of August they consulted againe, touching the conference which had F beene betwixt the Estates of Brussels, and the vnited prouinces, to see how they might reunite the prouinces which were fallen from them, the which was deferred to the report which should bee made by the deputies of the contrarie side, vnto their committees, wherein [Page 1256] as then they could not proceed: But in regard of the former conference, and for that the enemie A presumed to haue a great aduantage, it gaue them more cause of distrust than hope: 1600 wherefore they concluded, that their princes were in the meane time to be aided, yet not to forget the treatie of peace, which could not be sodainly effected, and therefore they must take order for the warre. To which end the generall Estates at Brussels set downe the archdukes demaunds, with a note of the seuerall summes, what they would amount vnto, whereby they The whole charge of the archdukes demands. found that the entertainment of the ordinarie garrisons a [...] that time for 8450 men amounted monethly vnto 81120 gulderns.
Ten thousand foot diuided into fiue regiments, all naturall borne subiects, amounted vnto the summe of 128700 gulderns a moneth.
Fifteene companies of bands of ordnance, which should serue six moneths with full pay, B and six moneths for halfe pay, one moneth with another, amounted vnto 60750 gulderns the moneth.
The archdukes houshold charges monethly, came vnto one and twentie thousand gulderns, and 16667 gulderns the moneth, for two hundred and fiftie wagons for the armie: so as all these charges together amounted vnto 308237 gulderns the month: where to they added the charges of collectors, and muster-masters, which came to some twelue thousand gulderns a moneth: so as the whole summe was 320 thousand gulderns a moneth.
For the raising of this summe monethly, the prouinces were of diuers opinions: for in the diuision and quotation of the generall collected summes out of all the prouinces, according vnto the old taxation in the grant made by the said prouinces, vnto the emperor Charles the 5, C for his warres in France, they of Brabant and Flanders made many difficulties; for that they of Brabant for their parts (the summe as then being 300 thousand gulderns a moneth) paid the fiue eight parts thereof, Flanders 6 eight parts, Arthois and Henault each of them a sixt part of that which Flanders paid, Valenciennes a sixt part of that of Henault; Ryssel, Douay, and Orchies an eight part of Flanders: Holland halfe as much as Flanders, Zeeland a fourth part of Holland, Namur a sixteenth part of Flanders, Macklin a small matter: they of Guelderland, Luxembourg, and Lembourg, did not contribute. Moreouer, there was consideration had of those which lay neerest vnto the enemie, which were Arthois, Henault, Ryssel, and Namur, the which were taxed at small summes, the greatest burthen beeing layd vpon Brabant, Flanders and other prouinces, which at that time flourished: The like respect (said they) was at D that time to be had, so as at the last the archduke made a reasonable diuision among them.
They of Brabant desired, That the two companies of light horsemen vnder Adolph earl vanden Berghe, and monsieur Grobendonc (as being verie necessarie for the defence of all the countrey Demands and complaints made by them of Brabant. of Brabant, and especially of their frontier towne of Hertogenbosch, or Boisleduc) might be comprehended in the list of the garrisons appointed to bee paid out of the collection of 320000 gulderns a moneth; as also that the winter army might be diuided, and that their highnesses would be serued therewith according to the Ioyfull entries. That the gouernment of Lembourg, and of the townes ouer Meuse, might be put into the hands of naturall borne subiects of Brabant, as also the rest of the townes, castles and forts in Brabant; and that the towne of Antuerpe (contrarie to the contract made for the building of the castle) might bee no more E charged to make prouision of wood and turffe for the same; nor yet that the said castle should presse them to any seruice, which was to be done at their highnesses charge. They complained also, That the towne of Antuerp had lost the benefit of diuers cloisters in those parts; as of the monasterie of Assigem, the which was transferred vnto the towne of Macklin, vnder the archbishoprick, to their great preiudice: which monasterie did no more contribute vnto the burthens layd vpon the country, as it had vsually done, and therefore they desired the archbishop would be pleased to restore the said monasterie vnto them againe, according to the iustice and equitie of the old dukes of Brabant, with many such like complaints. They of Brabant also complained, That they were ouercharged to pay 70 thousand gulderns a moneth, considering their arrerages, and that the chimney money amounted but to 150 thousand gulderns: wherefore F they desired to be rated but at 60000 gulderns monthly; and that consideration might be had of the 150000 gulderns, which they had paid vnto the archduke before his going into Spaine, as also of that which they had paid vnto the mutined souldiers of the castle.
[Page 1257] The like complaints were made by the general Estates vnto the archduke the fourteenth of A October, presenting 26 articles vnto him, containing many orders touching souldiers, and that 1600 all maner of contributions might cease, as of mony gathered for lodging, forrage, fortification, The generall Esta [...]es complain vnto the archdukes. wagons, pioners, passages, setting forth of souldiers, &c. and all other charges which had been brought in without the consent of the Estates, and that the countrey might be onely charged with the summe of 320000 gulderns a moneth. They also desired to be freed from all the mutined souldiers; especially from them of Dyest and Weert: and that all summes of money collected in euerie prouince, might be receiued by the rent-master appointed by the Estates of euerie prouince, and that the garrisons of the townes and forts in the said prouinces, should be first paid therewith, especially those which lay vpon the frontiers, who were daily forced to do some seruice for the countrey; and that the surplusage of the money might be put into a common B purse, and kept towards the paiment of the new regiments, and other charges comprehended in the list exhibited from the archduke, and all with the consent of the deputies of the Estates; as also that the souldiers should be mustered euerie three moneths at the least: And that neither spirituall nor temporall persons, knights of the Golden Fleece, counsellors of estate, nor any other priuiledged persons, of what estate soeuer, should bee exempted from paying their parts of the said monethly summe, vnlesse it were their highnesses and their houshold seruants.
Vnto these articles the archdukes made answer by the earle of Solre, vpon the last of October, The archdukes answer to the general estates complayning, That they protracted the time so long before they gaue vp their full resolutions, whereby many good occasions against the enemie were lost, and that many of the articles C propounded, were vnnecessarie, and yet they thought good to answer them seuerally at this time, without any more replications or reports made vnto their prouinces; and withall, that by the last of Nouember following, they should prouide their money readie.
They answered some of their articles according to their d [...]sires, and to others they made a larger discourse. Touching the tenth article, That the money raysed monethly, should bee imployed for the payment of the naturall borne subiects of the countrey, they said, That if it were so granted, they feared some question and alteration would grow by that diuision of payes, if it should not bee generall: and therefore they desired the Estates, to referre that vnto their highnesses, who would not pay any thing but it should be for the good of the countrey, and the necessarie imployment for the warres; saying, That the naturall borne subiects D of the countrey, were much to bee commended for their fidelities, and that hee meant to leuie foure regiments of Wallons, which should bee monethly payed, as the rest were, out of those summes, as also the ordinarie bands of horsemen.
They also granted that women should bee exempted from that taxation, for that time onely, without making it a president; yet they persuaded themselues, that it was not the Estates meaning, to include the foure orders of the begging friers, nor yet the Iesuites, or Capuchins, who had more need to bee relieued and succoured, than to be burthened with any paiments.
The like answer was made to them of Brabant, fauourable ynough, both being signed, Albertus and Isabella, and vnderneath, Vereyken.
This taxe being concluded, the prouinces did presently take vpon them to raise certain souldiers, E as Brabant the leuying and paying of 3 companies of horse, and 2000 foot, Lembourg 1 An order for the execution of the taxation cornet of horse, and 500 foot, Guelderland and Rissel each as many, Douay and Orchies 2 cornets of horse, and 1000 foot, Arthois & Henault each 3 cornets of horse, and 1000 foot, and the other small prouinces after the rate, besides Flanders, which yeelded to pay 80000 gulderns a moneth.
But to preuent all further questions and disputes, which might grow among the said prouinces, about the raising of the said 320000 gulderns a month, which was agreed vpon, for that some prouinces would raise it vpon victuals, and some by other meanes; the archdukes made an indifferent diuision betwixt them, after the rate set downe in the 9 yeres taxe, raysed vpon A rate set downe by the archdukes. those countries in the time of Charls the emperor, for his wars in France, and also according to F the abilities, power, and scituation of the prouinces, as the time then serued, viz.
These contributing prouinces, according to the archdukes diuision, making in all three hundred thousand gulderns a moneth, granted it at the first but for a yeare, hauing been eight moneths before they could agree vpon this rate.
This taxation was not well looked into at the first: for being granted but for a yeare, it was afterwards made perpetuall. And whereas the Estates thought it good to haue two armies, one of strangers, the other of naturall borne subiects of the countrey, thereby the one to keepe the other in awe, the Spanish counsell thought it not conuenient, doubting that the natural borne subiects might vpon any discontent ioyne with the vnited prouinces, and driue all the strangers out of the countrey. The archdukes ordered the matter in such sort, as the money was C the most part raysed vpon victuals, &c. as fittest to continue, and the earle of Bassignie was receiuor thereof for a time: but the archdukes complaining thereof, as being dishonorable both for them and the countrey, at the last he got the receit thereof into the hands of his committees, so as the prouinces had no further dealing with the mony, and yet the contribution continued, neither had they scarce one naturall borne subiect in the field, more than they had before, but were stil subiect to strange souldiers, and mutinous companions.
About this time Dom Henriques Goesman was sent from the king of Spain into the Netherlands, Letters of com fort & money sent out of Spaine to the archdukes. with certaine letters of comfort, both vnto the archdukes, and the Estates, touching the battaile lost at Nieuport, the superscription of their letters being To our Estates. A nos Estados, which caused a great murmuring among the Estates and the people, beeing ignorant to whom they belonged, D the king of Spaine pretending yet a command ouer them, which made them thinke, that the opinion of the Estates of the vnited prouinces, touching the transport of the Netherlands, was true, and that they were to consider well thereon, especially concerning the granting vnto taxes, the prouinces being verie poore, threatned by the French men, and warred against by the vnited prouinces: Besides that, they had no trade, by reason of the forbidding of licences, for all merchandise comming in or going out of the countrey, whereby the said prouinces were in a verie miserable estate: But this Goesman brought certaine summes of money with him, and the superscription was excused by the president Richardot, as being mistaken by the Secretarie who writ it.
This Dom Henriques de Goesman had commission to complain of the merchants of Antuerp, E who (as he said) traded with the Hollanders into the Indies, and also into Spaine, vnder the names of French men, Easterlings, and such like, by indirect meanes: which trade the Spaniards sought by all meanes to take from them of the vnited prouinces, doubting that they enabled themselues by that trade to make warre against them: and for that cause they strictly forbad all licences, for any goods going in or comming out of the vnited prouinces, and to that end they stopt the passage of the Rhine at Berck, and in Spaine the admirall caused all the Netherland merchants and sailers to be committed to prison, intreating them with great crueltie, whereof some were put into the gallies, and some executed: They examined them what rials of plate they had carried out of Spaine contrarie to the law, and whether their merchandise came out of the Netherlands, or from England, or whether it belonged to any of those places: F And to that end Goesman desired that certaine merchants counting houses in Antuerpe, with their books of accounts and letters, might be seized on, and perused, to find out those deceits, thinking by that meanes to take all trade of merchandise from their enemies, the which could not be easily effected. In the end, after great crueltie vsed towards the Netherland merchants [Page 1259] and saylers, they compounded with the admirall, that for all former faults committed, they A should pay him 60 thousand duckets in March following. 1601
Dom Francisco de Mendoza, admirall of Arragon, taken prisoner (as we haue said) at the battaile of Nieuport, tyred with his imprisonment in the castle of Woerden in Holland, which seemed vnto him a verie melancholike place, he intreated the Estates, that they would appoint him some place of better ayre: whereupon he was brought vnto the castle of Persin, halfe a league from the Hage, where vnder colour of bestowing his charitable almes vpon the poore, giuing to each of them at the first a stiuer, the next day there came two or three hundred, to whom he gaue two stiuers a peece; so as this bait did make the number of beggers to increase daily. The Estates fearing that vnder this pretence of almes, the number of beggers, and others vnder that habit, would grow so great, as they might take away the said admirall, and imbarke B him at Catwick, which was but a league from thence; they caused him to come to the prison at the Hage, whereof he was more wearie than of any other place, and would willingly haue giuen a great summe of money for his ransome, which the Estates respected not, hauing more care of the freedome and libertie of their vassals and subiects, that were prisoners, than desire of his money: wherefore in stead of a ransome, they offered to exchange him for their subiects and seruants that were prisoners as well in Spaine, the Netherlands, as elsewhere, and detained in great pouertie and miserie. Whereupon the admirall, seeing that he was not to be ransomed neither for gold nor siluer, and that without some other meanes hee was in danger to end his dayes there, he laboured so with the king of Spaine and the archduke Albert, as for his deliuerance he had full libertie promised for all the prisoners of the vnited pouinces, or that had been C taken in their seruice, being at that time either in gallies, prisons, or otherwise restrained; and without ransom; and that before his deliuerie, he should cause them to be represented to the Estates in full libertie: Whereupon letters were written vnto the vnited prouinces, that they should deliuer in writing, into the hands of certaine committees, that were appointed to that end, all the names of such as they knew were detained as well in the Inquisition in Spaine, at the islands, or Indies, and in the Netherlands, at Sluce, Dunkerk, and elswhere. The which was done; and all the prisoners being returned, the admirall hauing paid for a courtesie twentie thousand florins to cont Lodowike, generall of the Estates horse, and one thousand to foure caualiers, which had taken him at the battaile, whereof one was a naturall Spaniard, the admirall The admirall set at libertie. was enlarged and set at libertie, in the beginning of the yeare 1601, returning to Antuerpe. D
The spoyles done by the archdukes great armie, vnder the conduct of Francisco de Mendoza, admirall of Arragon, the yeares past, had much incommodated the vnited prouinces, in the desolations of Cleues, Westphalia, and the neighbour countries, but especially in the taking of Rhineberck, a towne of importance, by reason of the passage, and of the customes which they take: besides, it serued the archduke as a key for the countries of Ouerissel and Friseland: and besides the contributions of great summes of money, which the garrison did draw monethly from many of the Estates subiects, it was a wonderfull preiudice to the merchants of Holland, Zeeland, and others, in their negotiations of Germanie: wherefore the Estates intreat prince Maurice, that he will take this moat out of their eye, chase away those forragers of Berck, and assure the nauigation of the Rhine, to the good of the vnited prouinces. E
In the latter end of the yeare 1600 there was little done in the Netherlands, concerning the wars, being winter; but many secret enterprises were attempted and discouered, whereof one was vpon the towne of Geertruydenbergh. There was a gentleman in Brussels, called Francis de Prouence, who was persuaded by his brother Adolph, in the behalfe of monsieur Grobendone, gouernour of Boisleduc, to imploy himselfe in the Estates seruice, that hee might find meanes to betray Geertruydenbergh to the archduke: whereunto in the end hee yeelded, not (as he said) for any desire of money, but to doe good seruice to God and his prince; and with that resolution he went to Brussels, where he receiued further instructions from monsieur Mariensant, and had two hundred Philip dollers giuen him, with promise of a more honourable reward. Before he departed from Brussels, he confest, and receiued the sacrament, at the hands F of the father of the Iesuites, who assured him, That without any sinne or burthen to his conscience, he might practise to reduce any town into the hands of the right lord, with the shedding of as little bloud as he could, &c. At his departure he left a note written with his owne hand (in forme of a petition) for his brother, that he might therewith solicit for the said promised reward, [Page 1260] if he should chance to be committed or executed for that cause. And with this resolution A he put himself into seruice in Geertruydenbergh, vnder monsieur Nels cornet of horse. Being 1601 there, he discouered a place where he might bring Grobendoncs men in, which was behind a house, called the Hart, where they should climbe vp with ten ladders: but before it should be put in practise, he with others were to ride out, and by a secret compact should go towards Boisleduc, where they should meet with 20 horsemen, who should willingly suffer themselues to be taken prisoners by him and his companie: which done, hee should put them into the prouosts hands, to keepe them in prison, and the same night, that the enemie should come to scale the wals, he should find meanes to let them out of prison, who killing the watch, should keepe the wals that none should approach, vntill that Grobendoncs souldiers had gotten into the towne. B
This enterprise being discouered, and the said Francis committed to prison, hee confessed the fact; for the which vpon the 5 of Ianuarie he was condemned to die, and not long after was beheaded, and his bodie quartered. Before his death he became verie penitent for the treason by him intended: He wrot a letter to his brother, lamenting his sinne, certifying him, That during his imprisonment he had beene instructed in the holy Scriptures, and learned to know what belonged to his saluation: desiring his brother and friends, to read the new Testament with all diligence, that they might attaine to the knowledge of their sinnes, with the right, true, and liuely iustifying faith. He had before made his wil, & giuen a legacy towards the repairing of the broken Sacrament house, but he reuoked it againe, willing his friends not to doe it; saying, That Christ dwelt in heauen, willing them to giue that mony to the poore, which would C be much more acceptable vnto God. And so Geertruy denbergh was freed from that practise.
THE XVI. BOOKE. A
THe castle of Crapoll surprised by the Estates. Incursions made by them of Rhineberke into Cleues and Iuilliers. The gouernour of Stralen ouerthrowne and taken. The castle of Cracowe taken for prince Maurice. The force of the vnited prouinces at sea. An enterprise vpon Flessingue. The duke of Neuers title to the duchie of Brabant. Mutinies among the archdukes souldiers. A practise to sacke Antuerpe. The Estates prepare to go to field. Rhineberck besieged. The archduke resolues to besiege Oostend. The description of Oostend. Hee inuests it. The prince sends to Oostend. Rhineberck yeelded to prince Maurice. He takes Moeurs. Dom Catris, generall of the Spanish armie, slaine before Oostend. C Monsieur Chastillon slaine with a canon. Vander Noot, gouernor of Oostend, leaues the towne. A fire in the archdukes fort. Aduertisements out of the campe. The archdukes losse before Oostend. The Estates resolue to besiege Boisleduc. The archduke prepares to releeue Boisleduc. The Estates raise their siege from thence. Mastricht refuseth to receiue souldiers. Oostend in danger to be taken. They of Oostend parle with the archduke. The treatie broken off. The archduke giues a generall assault at Oostend. His losse at it. Sir Francis Veer retires from Oostend. The sea ouerflowes Oostend. Mutinie in the archdukes campe. The Estates prepare to go to field. Prince Maurice offers battaile to the admirall of Arragon. The prince besiegeth Graue. The admirall camps by him. Graue yeelded to prince Maurice. The mutiners of the admirals armie seize vpon Hoochstraten. The admirall discharged of his generals place. The mutiners of Hoochstraten banished. Their answer to the proscription. The popes Nuntio sent vnto them. Eight cornets of the archdukes horses defeated. Frederic Spinola brings six gallies into the Netherlands. They are defeated by the Netherlandships. The Estates make an incursion into Luxembourg. D A fight betwixt the gallies and the Estates ships. Frederic Spinola slaine in the gallies. The archduke besiegeth the mutiners in Hoochstraten. Prince Maurice rayseth the siege. He brings his armie before Boisleduc. The archdukes armie followes him. Marquesse Spinola reformes the armie. Prince Maurice retires from Boisleduc. The gouernour of Oostend slaine. The Estates land with an armie in Flandes; they take diuers forts neere to Sluce, besiege Isendike, and take it by composition. Sluce besieged by the prince. A generall assault at Oostend. The mutiners reconciled to the archduke. The marquesse Spinola comes to releeue Sluce, he is repulst, and the towne yeelded to the prince. Oostend yeelded to the archduke. A treatie of peace betwixt England and Spaine. A discourse touching the peace in the Netherlands. The earle of Hertfords embassage to the archduke. An enterprise made by the prince vpon the Scheld, and the taking of Wowe. Spinola takes Linghen. An enterprise vpon Berghen. Spinola goes into Spaine. Grol taken by composition. Rhineberck yeelded to Spinola. An enterprise vpon Sluce. A tumult in Antuerpe. Groningue castle rased. The earle of Bronk murthered by the Spaniards. A fight in the straits of Gibraltar, betwixt the Spaniards and the Hollanders ships. E A treatie of peace betwixt the archduke and the vnited prouinces: their deputies meet at the Hage. The breaking off of the treatie.
ABout the fifteenth of Ianuarie 80 horse, and some footmen of the Estates men, surprised the castle of Crapoll in Lembourg, forcing open the port 1601 with a petard, where they found a good bootie of money, iewels, and The castle of Crapoll surprised. plate, which had beene brought by such as had fled thither for safetie. There they tooke Harman Sohuyl the drossart, brother to the rent-master, carrying the best of the goods away with them; and so left the castle, beeing presently pursued by foure or fiue hundred horse, as farre as F the countrey of Iuilliers, where they met some of their owne troupes, who releeued them.
The Spanish garrisons lying in Rhineberck, and in Gueldre all this winter, made incursions into the countries of Iuilliers and Cleues, the which they spoyled, taking certain wagons, belonging vnto the duke of Cleues; the which they carried to Rhineberck, and made good prize [Page 1262] thereof: for which cause the duke commaunded certaine ships of Berck to be staid at Duysseldorp. A Besides these iniuries, the mutinous souldiers of Hamont (to whom the towne and castle 1601 of Weert had beene deliuered for their securitie) did wonderfully oppresse them of Iuilliers, forcing them, vpon some pretences, to pay fortie thousand gulderns: for which cause the garrisons vnder prince Maurice demanded the like summe, in regard they gaue so much vnto the Spaniards their enemies, and did not remaine neuters, as they had promised: so as the countrey was miserably oppressed and spoiled; whereupon many townes and seigniories leuied men for their defence, seeking by all the meanes they could to free the Rhine, and offering a good summe of money for the same; sometimes getting pasports from them of Rhineberck, to passe vp to Cologne with ships laden with herring, butter and cheese, &c.
The house and castle of Cracowe, with the lordship thereof, being giuen (as we haue said) B by the countesse of Moeurs vnto prince Maurice, it belonging vnto the earledome of Moeurs, was before in the yeare 1586 giuen by the duke of Parma vnto Salentin earle of Isenbourgh, vpon some pretence, which the said earl had euer since holden in his possession: and now there lay one captaine Longehuyuen in it, with 15 or 16 men, it being a strong fort, seated in a marsh. Prince Maurice vnderstanding, that this winter the ice in the ditches was not broken nor kept open, he caused captaine Cloet to attempt to surprise it with 300 horse out of Nimeghen, and some foot out of Wachtendonc; and to that end Cloet went with his horsemen to Nieukerke, on the 8 of Februarie: Whereof Dulcken gouernor of Stralen, being aduertised, hee followed him with 400 horse, and 4 or 500 foot, and in the morning before sun-rising, he sodainly charged Cloets companies in the village; so as there were 40 of his horsemen wounded and taken, C before the rest (by reason of the noise of people, and barking of dogs) could arme, and get out of the village; who being once out, they put themselues in order of battaile, but Stralen followed them not, retiring with his troups by a deepe way, which was of great aduantage to defend his footmen against Cloets horsemen, hauing taken 30 of his men prisoners, most being of prince Maurice his companie, the which were soone taken from them againe: for Cloet beeing much discōtented with this losse, fetcht a compasse about by another way, where he met with them entring vpon a heath, charging them both before and behind, he slew many both horse and foot, vpon the place, the rest fled into a certaine place, where hee presently besieged them, and forced them to yeeld vpō composition, paying their ransoms, he suffered 370 of the common souldiers to depart, onely retaining Dulcken, gouernor of Stralen, captaine Golstein, and 7 D officers, to answer for all their ransoms; Cloet hauing lost 6 or 7 men, and diuers of them & their horses hurt. Presently after, the souldiers which were appointed to ioine with Cloet, came from Wachtendonc, and then they went to Cracowe: on the 9 of February in the night they came before it, whereas the horsemen alighting, got ouer the ice, and entred into the base court, whereat they within began to shoot: but Cloet forced them to retire with his shot, and then he caused his men to passe ouer the ditches, and to let downe the draw bridge; which done, he set a petard to the port, and forced it open: whereupon they within yeelded both themselues and the place, euen as day began to breake; where he left 40 foot, and 20 horse, with his lieutenant, The castle of Cr [...]cowe taken for prince Maurice. vntill he heard further from prince Maurice: and so he retired to his garrison.
The garrison of Spaniards in the Graue, in regard of the slacknesse of their pay, were readie E to mutine, but they were pacified, and some of the authors punished with the strappado. They of Venloo were also discontented, by reason of the restraining of licences, so as all victuals waxed exceeding deere among them: and whereas the archduke had granted certaine pasports, for two ships, they staid those ships in the Meuse, & forced them to vnlade their commodities in their towne, to supply their wants. In the beginning of this yeare, there was great preparation of shipping made in the Netherlands, whereby the power of the vnited prouinces by sea, may easily be seene, for that in two or three dayes there sailed out of those prouinces, betwixt 8 and 900 ships, which went into the East countries, to traffique there. And moreouer, there went out about 1500 buyses, to fish for herring & cod, the which are good ships, but not of the greatest, nor to be compared to those which saile into the Indies, the islands of Affrica, the Leuant, Italie, Spaine, France, England, and other countries, yet notwithstanding you shall see F the hauens in Holland still full of ships and saylers.
This yere there was an enterprise to be made for the archdukes vpō Flessingue, being colored An enterprise vpō Flessingue with a pretence to build a fort at Nieuhauē in Flanders, for the besieging of Oostend, certaine [Page 1263] men being hyred to set fire on the towne, and they in the meane time should passe ouer with A certaine troups, and giue an assault vnto the towne: but it was discouered, and some of the 1601 conspirators apprehended, and committed to prison, wherof one (being a stoole maker) killed himselfe in prison, and yet his bodie was cut in quarters: and afterwards the s [...]teholder was beheaded on the 19 of Iune for the same treason.
In the beginning of this yeare there were certaine commissioners appointed to meet for Commission [...]rs be [...]wixt the French [...] and the archduke. the French king and the archdukes, vpon certaine causes, concerning the peace and quietnesse of their countries: which commissioners met at Maubenge, Veruins, and other places, disputing about the soueraigntie of certaine seigniories and lordships, as the earldome of S. Pol, and the earledome of Outreual betweene the Scheld and Scharpe, wherof Bouchain is the chiefe towne, lying betweene Douay and Valenciennes; the which in times past had been morgaged, B and now the money was tendered.
There was a question also, touching trade of merchandise vpon the frontiers, as at Calice, and thereabouts; the French men desiring, that all the Netherlanders which had put themselues vnder the protection of France, should be held as French men, both in the Netherlands and in Spaine.
To end these controuersies there met at Maubenge, the duke of Bouillon, the earle of S. Pol, the earle of Dampmartin, and others, for the French king: and for the archdukes came the duke of Arschot, the earle of Arembergh, the earle of Lignie, the earle of Solre, with others. There was also some speech cōcerning the lands of the prince of Espinoy, Anthonich, &c. being of the house of Melun, who died in France, where he had been maried, and had left certaine C children: these lands were in the possession of the said princes sister, being maried to the earle of Ligny, who by vertue of her title called himself prince of Espinoy, marquesse of Robaix and Richbourg, baron of Anthonich, &c. pretending all those lands to bee confiscat, for that the prince her brother had followed the contrarie partie, and borne arms for the French king, and that they came vnto her by right; and at that time they had fortified their cause, by a mariage of their daughter Iolanda, with Charles Alexander of Croy, earle of Fontenay, sonne to the marquesse of Haurec, a prince of the empire, descending by his mothers side from the houses of Lorraine, Dampmartin, Vander Marck and Cleue; the sayd Iolanda issuing from the houses of Melun, Lalaine, and Wassenare. The prince of Espinoyes children were much commended and countenanced in Fraunce, by Maximilian of Bethune, duke of Rhosny, peere D of France, master of the ordnance, and super-intendent of the treasure, &c. beeing issued from the houses of Flanders and Melun. This question was to be decided by the archduke, for the which the president Ianin was sent vnto the archduke, as he lay before Oostend, where, at the last, the cause was ended.
In all these assemblies there was little done that came to the knowledge of the world; which bred some suspition that the French king would enter into armes againe, for that some French men were so presumptuous, as to giue it out, That the duchie of Brabant belonged vnto the duke of Neuers, as heire vnto Elizabeth of Valoys, who was daughter vnto Iohn earle of Neuers, Rethet, and Estampes, who ought to haue succeeded his vncle Iohn, the last duke of Brabant, who maried the lady Iacoba, heire of Hollaud, Henault, &c. and after his vncle Philip; E the which his cosin Philip duke of Bourgoigne, sirnamed the Good (as they sayd) vsurped by force from the sayd house of Neuers, by meanes of the lord of Wesemale, who persuaded the Estates of Brabant to install duke Philip of Bourgoigne in the duchie of Brabant.
With the souldiers that came from the earle of Fuentes out of Italie, there came little money, Mutinies among the archduke [...] soldiers. so as the archdukes were wonderfully distrest, and the old garrisons were vnpaid; which caused many of them to mutine, as the Italians and Spaniards in Herentals and Weert; and the Wallons which lay in Flanders, in the sconces of Isabella and Grottendorst, where they slew monsieur Verlain, lieutenant colonel to monsieur de Fresin, and wounded diuers captains; whereupon they of Zeeland and of Oostend, sent letters vnto them, and offered them good F conditions, but by the persuasion of monsieur Reynas they continued constant, and burned the letters: Whereupon the archduke sent them powder, and all things necessarie, and they were pacified, so as after that they receiued a guldern a day for euerie man, vntill that all were paied: But for that it was dangerous for the countrey, to let men of their disposition [Page 1264] to stay there in garrison, they were drawne out, and persuaded to lye in Wynoxberghen, and A by that meanes those sconces were secured. These dealings made them of Oostend suspect 1601 that they meant to besiege them, and the rather, for that in Aprill the sea being forced in by a strong North-west wind, it ouerthrew, and carried away one of the ports of Oostend, by reason that they had cut off a sand hil, which stood in the downs, & was some hinderance to their fortifications; but the archdukes armie was not readie, so as they of Oostend soone after repaired it againe.
Dom Rodrigo de Lasso came this winter out of Spaine, with a confirmation from the king, of great summes of money to be yearely paid vnto the archduke, to aid him in his warres; but it came verie late; besides there were bils of exchange for great summes of money taken vp in the Netherlands, and to bee paid in Spaine, returned backe againe and protested. And the mutinous souldiers of Weert had an hundred and sixite thousand crownes yet to receiue, B sending word vnto the archduke, That if they were not satisfied by a certaine day, they would force others to pay them.
In March there was a conspiracie discouered, betweene the mutinous souldiers of Weert, An enterprise to sacke Antuerpe. and the garrison within the castle of Antuerpe, with whom the garrison of Hulst in Flanders, and some others, were confederat, intending to enter by the castle with 2000 foot, and 1000 horse and to sacke the towne of Antuerpe: but their enterprise was discouered, and on the 14 of March certaine of the garrison of the castle were apprehended in the night, whereof some were executed. To conclude, through want of money there was great pouertie, miserie, and feare throughout all the prouinces vnder the archdukes command, not onely in regard of the C enemie, but for feare of the mutinous soldiers, being also without any trade or traffique: which made many of the inhabitants to leaue the countrey, as it appeared by the houses and lands in Brabant and Flanders; which were to be let and rented out, which since the siege of Oostend were let the one halfe, or a third part lesse than had been accustomed.
About the tenth of Aprill there lay fiue or six cornets of prince Maurice his horse, not farre Adolph earle of Bergh taken prisoner, and his troups de [...]ated. from Boisleduc, for that monsieur Grobendonc, gouernour thereof, was to come from Antuerp with money; but being aduertised thereof by his spyes, he went another way, and by that meanes Adolph earle of Bergh fell into their hands with his cornet of horse (lying in Boisleduc) betwixt Lommel and Postel, where hee was defeated and taken prisoner, few or none of his men escaping: hee himselfe was carried to Breda, and was afterwards released, paying D his ransome.
The winter being spent without any great exploits done of either side, the prince and his counsell resolued what they should attempt. In Aprill and May they tooke a view of their garrisons, and made choice of their troups for the warre. There was diuers bruits spread abroad touching the Estates designe. The archduke had a watchful eye which way their army should band, to march after them: but his great forces of the yeares 1598, and 1599, being much wasted, being vnable to make any offensiue warre, he was forced to haue patience, and to attend the succors which were to come out of Italie, and in the meane time to stand vpon his defence. Prince Maurice was not ignorant of the archdukes affaires; who hauing his armie readie in the end of May, makes a shew as if he wold attempt something in Flanders, or Brabant, vpon some E one of their most important places; then sodainly (beeing satisfied to haue giuen the archduke an alarme, who called for ayd) he turned head towards Gueldres, and on the tenth of Iune he came neere vnto Rhineberck with an armie of seuenteene thousand men, the which was inuested within two dayes after.
There is within the riuer of Rhine, right against Berck (as we haue shewed in the former sieges) Rhi [...]berck [...]siged. a little island, thrice as long as it is broad, the which was at that time guarded by some of the archdukes souldiers, who being saluted with the ordnance, as well from the Estates ships of warre, which lay both aboue and beneath the island, as by certaine peeces which were planted vpon the banks, they made no long resistance: so as on the 18 day of Iune prince M [...]rice was master of the island, who hauing no intent to abandon it so easily vnto the Spaniards, hee F caused two forts to bee speedily built, the one at the point towards Holland, and the other at the other end, looking to Cologne, planting certain smal peeces of ordnance in them, to shoo [...] into the towne, stopping the passage of the Rhine, both aboue and beneath; that no succours might come vnto the besieged that way.
[Page 1265] The prince hauing summoned the besieged to yeeld the place, they refused it, hauing a A great garrison within the town (some said there were 4000 fighting men) to defend it: he 1601 enuironed it with a large and spatious trench, from one side of the Rhine vnto the other, like a semy circle, fortified with fiue great bastions which did flanke one another; the which with the island and the shippes closed vp the towne round about. There was also an other bastion made somewhat neerer the town, and two bridges made vpon the Rhine aboue and beneath, by the which they went from one quarter to the other, and into the island: the prince houlding the besieged shut vp, and not able greatly to annoy his camp, he made a greater fort, and cast vp an other halfe moone, farre more spatious then the first: hauing in a fit distance made a deep and broad trench a league long, one of the endes comming close to the Rhine aboue the towne & the other beneath, in which trenche almost in equall distance were built 17 square B forts, which they call Redoutes. Betwixt these two trenches were the troupes of horse, & some companies of foot lodged, with good commoditie and meanes to goe in and out, both neere and farre off from the towne, and could not easily be charged by any ennemy without great danger.
These trenches and halfe moones beeing finished with great expedition, for that the souldiers, paied for this worke like pioners, performed it with wonderfull and almost incredible speed, reuiuing the commendable obedience of the ancient Romane legions. In the beginning the besieged (whilest the souldiers laboured in their forts and trenches) would shew their resolution and valour: they had reason, for they made fetters to manacle their hands, and to restraine their feet from going forth any more to the pickorie, and to spoile the countrey: C they depriued them of all hope of 60000 florins of monethly contribution, which they did exact from the countrie thereabouts. But in the sallies which they made in Iune and Iuly, they got nothing but blowes, they lost halfe of their best men in sundry charges, they see themselues soone pestered with wounded and sicke men, they had the noyse of, o cannons sounding continually in their cares, and a mine which was blowen vp vnder one of their bulwarks, where they lost many of their men; yet they were resolute and defended themselues in hope of some succours, or else that they would prouide worke for the Estates in some other place, and so force the prince to retire.
The archduke sought by all meanes to preuent the apparant losse of this towne, hee attended supplies from the earle of Fuentes; who caused eight thousand men, that is, sixe thousand D Italians vnder cont Theodore Triuulcio, and two thousand Spaniards vnder Dom Iohn de Bracamonte, to march out of the duchie of Milan, as well of foot as horse, the which by reason of the great store of raine which had fallen in Iune, could not aduance so speedily as the archduke desired: so as beeing come vnto him in the end of the moneth, hauing now no meanes to raise the siege from before Berke (whereas the prince attended his enemie to fight with him with aduantage) they tooke counsell how they might diuert this siege. Then was nothing The archduke resolues to besiege Oostend. found more easie, more expedient, nor more profitable, than to set vpon Oostend, the which the Flemmings did presse with great instance, making promises of aid and subuentions, as well of money, victuals, poulder, as other munition; which the archdukes counsell assured themselues to take in few daies, as they had done Calais and Ardres, but (as the prouerbe E saith) they were neither the same sheep, nor the like shepheards. To speake truly, it was a great error of the Flemmings, to seeke the ruine of this town with such violence, and no great wisdome in the archduke to continue three yeares and three moneths so obstinately as he did, to winne a paltrie place, which in the end was made a heap of sand: for if the Flemmings had beene content to pay vnto the Estates an easie contribution, the which they had beene accustomed to pay vnto the Receiuer of Oostend, they had not prodigally wasted a masse of money; the gentleman, cleargie man, and the farmer had receiued their ordinarie rents and reuenues; and the archduke had not lost so many noble men, aboue two hundred captaines, and an hundred thousand men. See what it is to reckon without their hoast. And the better to vnderstand how this memorable siege was begun and continued, we wil speake a word of this F place, and of the circumstances thereof.
Among other sea townes of the countie of Flanders, is that of Oostend situated among the downes, three leagues from Nieuport, and foure houres passage from Bruges, vpon the The description of Oostend riuer of Yperle; the which as well by other channels, as by the west sluce in old times falling [Page 1266] into the sea, made the hauen good and commodious. But this passage was afterwards stopped A vp by the Spaniards, with bauins and hurdles, and by them of Oostend with two bankes 1601 on the sides of Polder fort, to defend their ditches. This town contains halfe an houres iourney in circuit, it was reasonably well built, the inhabitants liued of fishing, and before these warres there were rich sea-faring men, and aboue three thousand fishermen; who for the most part haue retired themselues since to Camp-veer, there remaining in the beginning siege not aboue 250 housholds, besides the ordinarie garrison. The sea ebbes and flowes vp to the towne, as in all the ports of Flanders, the hauen beeing at euery lowe water in a manner drie, so as they could not enter with any great barkes, but at a high water. Of late yeares towards the east part of the towne, the sea hath made a great entrance (which they call the goullet) a hundred foot broad, and at the least two pikes deepe: but at the mouth towards the sea, it is B not aboue halfe a fadome deepe; the which increasing daily, it is likely in time to prooue one of the best hauens vpon all that coast.
The towne hath bin walled in, since these warres, in the beginning whereof, which was in the yeare 1572, it was shut vp onely with bridges and palisados, to resist the suddaine incursions Oostend walled & fortified of the souldiers. But in the yeare 1578 it was walled in and fortified at the charge of the generall Estates of all the vnited prouinces of the Netherlands. The which alone among all the townes of the countie of Flanders, hath continued alwaies constant vnto the said Estates, vntill the yeelding vp thereof, after it had endured great extremitie, as wee will hereafter shew.
We haue obserued heretofore, that the duke of Parma after the taking of Dunkerke, and C of Nieuport, in the yeare 1583 came to besiege it, with his whole armie; but fiue daies after the siege begun, he was forced to retire. And in like manner, monsieur de la Motte, gouernor of Graueling, in the yeare 1585, hauing surprised the old towne towards the sea (the which was not at that time fortified with a rauelin and a palisado) was valiantly repulst, with the losse of aboue fourtie men of command, and of all his munition for warre. Then they began to fortifie it more strongly, especially taking away the downes vpon the east side, the which for that they were high and neere vnto the towne, did command ouer it; by which meanes the sea hath entred into the countrie round about, and flowes commonly from the east vnto the south aboue 1200 paces, and at a spring tide, on the west side it runnes aboue a league into the countrie, the which it doth indammage on all sides, except it be the west downs: without D the which there had beene no place left to campe on, nor to make their approaches vnto the towne. At the first walling in of the towne, it did comprehend all the Polder fort; but since, for that they would not haue it subiect to too great a guard, and for some other considerations, it was made lesse, and the said fort was placed without the compasse of the walles. Moreouer, they haue wrought so, as by the meanes of certaine sluces, the ditches are alwaies full of water, whereas before vpon an ebbe, there was little water remaining. The greatest fortification was made after the archdukes comming into the Netherlands, as well in the yere 1596 after the taking of Calice and Hulst, as a little before the siege, in the beginning of the spring, 1601, for then they did inlarge the rampar within, and the bulwarks were made greater: and then at one instant all the new fortification was made. E
How much this towne did import the vnited prouinces, the Hollanders, Zeelanders, and Flemmings know full well, and the English are not ignorant.
During the time the two armies were busied in the isle of Bomel, and that prince Maurice staied there to defend the towne, the Flemmings beeing wonderfully annoyed by this paltrie fisher towne, they caused many forts to bee built about it; so as in the beginning of this siege, neere and farre off from the towne, there were 17 forts: whereof the chiefe were called Albertus, Isabella, Clara, Grottendorst, saint Catherine, &c. well appointed with men and artillerie, lying neere the towne. These forts, with the rest, cost the Flemmings 100000 florins euery moneth; and they offered vnto the archduke 300000 florins a month, during the siege, and ninetie thousand florins euery moneth for the space of three yeares, after it should be taken. F They obtained also, by the archdukes councell of estate, the consent of the other owns of Brabant; although that the other prouinoes, subiect vnto the Spaniard, did not grea [...]ly like of this enterprise, for that they held it to be full of danger. Many were of opinion, that if the archduke had suddainly followed the Estates armie, he had vngaged Berke, dispersed prince [Page 1267] Maurice his troupes, and afterwards would easily haue preuailed ouer the towne of Oostend, A for that his forces were great, and many of his captaines had a great will to fight. But calling 1601 to mind the battell of Nieuport, he inclined to a milder course, persuading himselfe that the prince would presently abandon his forts and trenches before Bercke, to flie (though it were too late) to the reliefe of Oostend; and so with one stone he should giue many stroaks, freeing Bercke, dispersing his enemie, gleaning the Flemmings purses, and satisfying the mutined souldiers in Isabella fort, who for want of paie had beene ready to sell it vnto them of Oostend.
So the archduke marching towards Oudenbourg, on the fift day of Iuly, he sent cont Fredericke vanden Bergh marshall of his campe, with about fiue regiments of foot, to inuest Oostend on the east side: hee was saluted by the ordnance from the towne, which slue many B of his men. There were at that time in garrison in the towne, 22 ensignes, of diuers nations, comprehending one of the inhabitants. The seignior Vander Noot, a gentleman of Brabant, was gouernor of the towne. They sent the women and children presently into Zeeland.
Newes came vnto the prince beeing in his campe before Bercke, that Oostend was besieged, the which hee would not beleeue, making light account that cont Frederick was come thither, saying; That they were but shewes: but when hee vnderstood that Augustine de Mexia Chastellain of Antuerp was also arriued with fiue other regiments, and artillerie, and that they were making of their campe, he was very glad, saying; In good time, let vs leaue him there knocking at the gate for a long time, this peece here (meaning Rhinebercke) shall not escape me. This Chastellain went and lodged with his troups betwixt the forts of Albert and Isabella; but C the besieged did so plie him with the cannon the first three daies after his arriuall, as after the losse of aboue 500 men slaine and hurt, he was forced to dislodge towards the downes on the west side.
The mutines in Isabella fort were partly pacified with promises, and in the end went forth to Wynoxberghe to receiue money, being about fiue hundred men. The body of the Spanish armie was some foureteene thousand fighting men, who were lodged towards the west downes; and there were a thousand, or a thousand & two hundred left vpon the east downes, vnder the command of the seignior of Glaison, who began to build a new fort there, in the which he lodged his men. Then they made their approaches, and vpon the west downes they planted twelue peeces of ordnance: and moreouer there was a batterie made towards the sea D side, so as the passage of the old hauen was quite shut vp, and after that time, the entrie vnto the towne from the sea, was vpon the north side; by the which the boats entred at a full sea, through the sea ditches, which were opened to that end.
Prince Maurice was now well assured, that the archdukes campe was planted before Oostend: he therefore would not abandon Bercke, being resolued to hold it out, vntill he were Sir Francis Veer sent to Oostend. master thereof. And to assure the said towne of Oostend, he sent Sir Francis Veer, genenerall of the Engllsh vnder the Estates seruice, with twelue companies of his nation, and colonel Westembroucke with seuen ensignes of Wallons, with other companies, making in all foure and thirtie ensignes: all which arriued happily the fifteenth of Iuly: and soone after came fifteene hundred Englishmen more. Then began the archduke to discouer the vanitie E of his counsels: but being so farre ingaged, he grew obstinat before this towne, leauing prince Maurice farre off, labouring before Bercke, whereas the besieged began to scratch their heads, seeing their hoped succours turned another way, yet they continued their sallies, but with losse rather than gaine.
Sir Francis Veer being safely arriued at Oostend, hee presently went and lodged abroad, neere vnto the towne, and tenne daies after hee intrenched himselfe in a place, called the Red house, with an intent to stoppe the boats which brought victuals to the campe: but the Spaniards preuented it, not without losse of their men. All the rest of this moneth of Iuly was spent in sallies and skirmishes, in the which they spared neither powder nor shot. The archduke lost aboue foure thousand men, besides them that were hurt, and the besieged F had some three hundred men slaine. The Seignior of Warmond, admirall of Holland, furnished them with all sorts of munition. So as the Flemings found themselues much deceiued of their expectation: for they did imagine that this siege would be sooner ended than that of Berck.
[Page 1268] But the prince hauing prouided well for Oostend, and so fortified himselfe before Bercke, A as he neither feared the besieged, nor the archduke, hauing taken away all the defences of 1601 the rampar, blowne vp some mynes, with losse to the besieged, and hauing other readie to The estate of Berck. worke their effects; the besieged finding that they were vndone if they continued obstinate, hauing lost two third parts of their souldiers, and the rest beeing tired with continuall toyle; in the end they demanded a composition, the which the prince willingly yeelded vnto, in the beginning of August, giuing them leaue to depart with their armes and baggage, their colours flying, matches burning, and two field peeces, with fiftie bullets, and two barrels of Berck yeelded vpon honourable cearmes. poulder, with diuers other articles to the benefit of the besieged. They could not desire a more honourable composition. But the prince respected not the conditions, so as hee might take it, hauing continued his siege 7 weekes. B
The day after the composition, there went out of the towne fortie fiue horsemen, sixteene companies of foot, beeing one thousand two hundred fortie and seauen men, whole and sound, 370 hurt and sicke, & 78 sailers, with a great number of women & children, which went to Gueldre.
The archduke had sent the earle of Bergh with two thousand horsemen, and fiue thousand foot to relieue the towne, and with him the earle of Boucquoy, and Nicholas Basta, expecting other souldiers which came out of Italie; but prince Maurice his campe was so well fortified with strong trenches and good forts (wherein he is one of the most expert men this day liuing) as they durst not aduenture to offer to force it: and they within had want of many necessaries, especially of apothecarie drugges, for the recouering and curing of their sicke C and hurt men.
The Estates hauing gotten this towne, resolued to defend it well; not onely for the seruice of the Netherlands, but also in the behalfe of their neighbours, vpon the confines of the empire, it lying so commodiously for the freeing of the riuer of Rhine, the gouernment wherof was giuen to colonel Ghistelles, prince Manrice his lieutenant, and Gabriel Four-manoir was made sergeant maior.
The Estates of Oueryssell finding their countrie to bee well fortified now by the taking of Rhineberck, and the riuer of Rhine to be free; vpon the 28 of Iuly they made a proclamation to forbid all contribution to be giuen vnto the enemie, inioyning all their villages to keepe good watch, vpon paine of great punishments, and vpon euery alarme, or sound of the bell, to D be in armes; forbidding them vpon paine of death to harbour any of the enemies souldiers, and that whosoeuer could take any of them, liuing or dead, should haue twentie fiue gulderns of the countrie for his reward: and that if any marchant trauelling through the countrey should chance to be taken or robbed by the enemie, they of the countrey and place where it was done, should pay his ransome & losses: and that they should make no composition with the enemie, with other points of the same nature.
Harman earle of Vanden Bergh fearing prince Maurice his armie, and that hee might attempt some other place after his conquest of Bercke, sought by all meanes possible to drawe more men into Venloo; but the bourgers would not receiue any more in than their ordinarie garrison. E
Monsieur Vander Weerpe gouernour of Mastricht, with others, were busied to haue pacified the mutined horsemen in Weert, but they were deafe, and had no eares to hearken to any words, without money. There was but a smal garrisō in Mastricht, nor yet in the Graue; in the which there laie not aboue 1000 men, vnder Antonio Gonsales a Spaniard; so as these townes were forced to stand vpon their guards.
There lay a garrison in Moeurs, belonging to the duke of Cleues: but prince Maurice challenging the same by gift from the countesse of Moeurs, vpon the sixt of August he sent monsieur Cloet, and colonel Edmonds thither, with twelue cornets of horse, but they would not leaue it: whereupon prince Maurice went thither himselfe the next day with 25 cornets of horse, and 35 companies of foot, and foure demie cannons; whereupon they yeelded vp the F towne. Hee then placed a garrison in it, and gaue directions for the fortification of the castle, and to make fiue bulwarkes about it, the which cost him an hundred thousand gulderns at the least: and vpon the 12 of August hee was installed earle of that place, with all due ceremonies: and at Cracowe he imployed twentie eight thousand gulderns to fortifie the place, [Page 1269] where hee was forced to keepe a thousand men at worke; so as those two places were made A very strong, and not likely to feare any danger, but in the summer time, when it is exceeding 1601 drie. But let vs returne to Oostend, whereas we left the archduke incampt; the which, for that it is one of the most memorable sieges that hath beene in our age, both for the exploits of either partie, and the long continuance of the siege, I haue thought it very necessarie and good to set it downe somewhat particularly and at large, for the benefit of ensuing ages.
There came vnto the archdukes campe about the end of Iuly, tenne companies of new Italians. Oostend. Cont Frederick vanden Berghe intrencht himselfe with a regiment of Germans about the fort of Clara; and by the fift of August hee had extended his trench vnto the other forts on the west part. The besieged for their part did open the fort of Polder on the northwest B side of the towne, and did raise it towards the south, to plant a batterie there. On the same day they had sixe peeces of ordnance brought them out of Zeeland, whereof foure were planted vpon Sand-hill, and the other two on the bulwarkes towards the west, where there were also other peeces, which they tooke out of the east part of the towne, there to attend the enemies strongest attempts. Dom Catris a Spanish colonell, commanding at the west downes, had a great desire to assaile the rauelin of the Porc-espic, along the tonnel-dike, and by that meanes (the tyde beeing spent) to get into the old towne; for the effecting whereof, he approached the sixt of August within sixtie fadomes of the place. Against his approach and to preuent his designe, sir Francis Veer, and the gouernour Vander Noot made a trench the same day, from the Sand-hill vnto the north hauen, able to lodge fiue or sixe hundred C musketiers, whensoeuer the enemie would attempt any thing against the old towne. On the eight day the besieged made another trench on the southeast side of the Polder, within musket shot of the Spaniards, who for two daies after made many great shot at the town: then they approached to the tonnel-dike, the which the besieged did pierce through, beeing 24 foot thicke, and did make the other holes of the banke deeper, to drowne it with the tide.
On the foureteenth of August there was a little dike or banke on the East side of the towne cut through, with the counterscarpe and rauelyn, to lodge their ships in safetie (the which vnladed behind the counterscarpe) and to couer them from the enemies cannon. Two daies after being a Spring tide, and a great Westerly wind, it drowned all the trenches, and carried away all the Spaniards gabions, euen vnto the sea side; and the next day the like tide and wind D did endamage the dike on the East side. The Spaniards vsed certaine practises to mooue the souldiers that were within the towne to reuolt, shooting many arrowes with letters tied vnto them, into the towne, being written from an English fugitiue to the Englishmen that were there in garrison, to persuade them to leaue the towne, and come vnto the campe: but the next day in the euening there entred a supply of a thousand Englishmen into Oostend: and the Spanish armie was in like manner fortified with three regiments of Italians, which were put vnder the commaund of the earle of Boucquoy. On the twentieth day the Spaniard approched within six fadomes of their halfe Moone, whereas it seemed they would make a gallerie along the tonnel-dike. But the next day there was a breach made by the besieged betwixt the halfe Moone and the West Rauelyn, to hinder the enemies approches, and to E make the sea ouerflow the West part of the countrey; by which breach the sea entred with great force.
On the 23 of August there came out of Zeeland fifty ships with eight companies of French, foure of Wallons, foure Scottish, foure Frisons, and two companies of cont Ernest of Nassau. The next day there was a fally made, but without any memorable exploit. All this month the archduke shot many fierie bullets into the towne to burne their houses, but through the care & diligence of the besieged, they tooke smal effect. From the beginning of the siege, vnto the end of this moneth of August, they had shot out of the campe against Oostend, aboue [...]0000 cannon shot, most of their fierie bullets weighing 45 pounds, wherewith some souldiers and townes men were slaine: the bulwarkes were not much in dammaged, but onely their defences F broken; the which were so repaired, as they seemed stronger than before. Their greatest force was at Sand-hill, against the which they made in one day aboue seauen hundred great shot, whereas they made a great dust, but did small harme; so as this place, which is as much to say, as a hill of sand did change the name, and was called Iserberg, that is, [Page 1270] a hill of yron. They of the towne made almost twentie thousand great shot in sixe weekes, A the which both parties haue since continued: their resolutions, of either partie, to assaile and 1601 to defend, beeing wonderfull great.
One the eight of September a gentleman fled out of the campe into the towne, who gaue Dom Catris general of the Spanish armie slaine. them to vnderstand that Dom Catris generall of the Spanish armie, had beene shot in the head and slaine; that the armie consisted of three thousand horse, and eleuen thousand foot. Two daies after, monsieur Chastillon nephew to the princesse of Orange, reading a letter on the rampar, beeing set vpon the carriage of a cannon, had halfe his head shot off. And on the 23 day of the same moneth, colonel Vchtenbrooke was also slaine with the cannon; his body was carried to Vtrecht (of whence he was) where he was buried with a militarie pomp, according to his degree and merit. On the last day of the moneth there was a great ouerflowing of water, B by reason of the spring tide, the which did much hurt to the town, and drowned many of the archdukes souldiers in their trenches, the which were in a manner all ruined.
In the beginning of October there were some sallies made, but to small effect. The Spaniards made a new batterie neere vnto the mouth of the hauen, to shoot into the old towne, or at the least to breake the palisados, to make a breach in the fortifications, to hinder their works, and to play vpon the boats which past in and out. They made also a great fort at the point of the downes towards the towne, and laid a great heape of bauins betwixt the downes and the towne (which they did call saucices) that they might passe and repasse freely without discouerie, from one place vnto another, to withstand the cannon, and to resist the violence of the sea, vpon euery westerly wind: whereupon the besieged made the bulwarke of Schottenbourg C neere vnto Sand-hill, to flanke and couer certaine places by it. This new batterie of the Spaniards beeing ended, they planted two cannons there; and in like manner the bulwarke of Schottenbourg beeing finished, they planted as many there. On the eight day at night, the besieged began to make a bridge vpon the goullet, right against the mouth of the hauen, to passe vnto the other side; and the same night they made a halfe moone on the other side of the goullet, right against the hauen, and neere vnto the bridge, to assure the entrie of the hauen, and to defend the boats which should be staied at a low water, as also to sallie forth on that side; the which the Spaniards came to view in the night, who beeing discouered by them of the towne, they issued forth, slew one, and brought away a sergeant prisoner. On the 16 day at night the Spaniards came in troupe to the said halfe moone, wheras they slue three of them D that were in guard, the rest (beeing not aboue 30 men, and the place in defence) retired themselues: whereupon the Spaniards abandoned it presently.
The night following the Spaniards returned againe with greater numbers, thinking to doe some great exploit, but they were deceiued, not finding any one; whereupon they went vnto the bridge that was neere vnto it, to burne it, the which they attempted twice or thrice; but it was in vaine, beeing forced to retire, by reason of the musket and cannon shot which played against them from all parts, especially from the bulwarks of Spaine and of Peckell, as also from the neere rauelin, beeing prepared to entertaine them; so as they lost twentie of their men.
On the twentieth day at night, the Spaniards planted on the east side, right against the port E of Bruges, a great number of gabions, neere vnto the deepest part of the goullet, so as being a full sea, they stand farre into the water, and the tyde beeing spent they are neere vnto the water which remained; beeing directly set one against another in foure rankes, as close together as might be, euery ranke containing 32 gabions, all filled with bagges full of sand, that the water might not wash them away, and to resist the towne cannon, beeing all bound together with cables, and fastened vnto anchors, that they might stand firme to plant cannon thereon; the which did hinder the boats from entring into the goullet, and so into the hauen of the towne; or at the least to sinke them with their ordnance, and thereby to annoy the besieged more than all the batteries which they had formerly made, beeing too farre off, and too high. F
The 26 of October about noone, the tempest beeing very great, and the wind west and northwest, so as that tide was much higher than of custome; the cannon from the camp in the meane time made a great breach in the bulwarke of the Porc-espic, whereof a part of the parapet (on the which captaine Roules colours were planted) fell with the said colours into the [Page 1271] ditch: and in the same tempest some of the Spaniards gabions were carried away. The next A day morning, the tide beeing higher than before, and so high, as the Spaniards could not stay 1601 at their gabions, nor approach neere vnto them, some souldiers and mariners of the towne, bethought themselues to goe with hookes and hatchets, and to make a breach in the said gabions, and cut the cables which bound them together. They went and did their best endeauours, but the wind was so bigge, and the sea so high, as they preuailed little; but brought away some sand bagges which were in the gabions. But the harme which was done by them, and by the violence of the sea, was soone repaired by the Spaniards. They murmured in the towne, why they had so long staied to put it in execution, for (said they) if it had beene attempted in time, the first tempest had carried all away. The same day at eleuen of the clocke, the besieged made a sally at a low water, on the east side, to discouer if the Spaniards laboured B behind their gabions, or not; hauing found that they wrought, and made a batterie there, they fell to skirmish with them, thinking to draw them within their cannon shot, and to take some prisoners, by whom they might vnderstand the estate of their campe. During this skirmish the besieged shot much from Peckell bulwarke, and slue some fiue or sixe of their enemies, and of them that issued forth, some were hurt and maimed, but not any of them slaine out right.
The fourth of Nouember the besieged made another sallie to the same end, whereupon the Spaniards shewed themselues in diuers places, both horse and foot, but by reason of their continuall shooting from the bulwarkes of Spaine and Peckell, they durst not approach too neere; and in like manner, the besieged durst not aduance too farre from the towne, lest the enemie C should cut betwixt them and home.
On the ninth of Nouember, there came happily into the road 52 vessels with victuals and all other munition, to enter into the hauen vpon the first commoditie; all which entred by little and little, although it were not without some hurt done by the cannon from the camp: I say this fleet came happily, for that of long time there had not any come, so as they wanted many necessaries, as well for the souldiers, as for their fortifications; for there was not any thing to be sold: as for their victuals, they were faine to haue recourse vnto their storehouse, where there was yet store of wheat, ric, meale, herrings, butter, dried fish, and other victuals. There was no beere in the towne but such as they brued there, which was very small & somwhat brackish; there was wine enough: so as the sound and whole were in good case, but the D sicke were not so well, for whom, browne bread, herrings, salt fish, cheese, and such like cates The estate of the besiged. were not fit: besides, they were ill lodged, some lying vpon the ground, being ill clothed and halfe naked, hauing scarce any thing to lie on, and nothing to couer them: and to fill vp the measure of their miseries, they had not any fiering to warme them withall, so as many of them died of pouertie and the extremitie of cold; and yet they endured all these miseries patiently.
The thirteenth of Nouember, the seignior Vander Noot, colonel and gouernour of Oostend, leauing all the charge of the gouernment to sir Francis Veer, generall of the English, went from Oostend with captaine Grenn, and Broucksaulx, and two ministers (which were come to ease the ordinarie minister) to goe and informe prince Maurice of the estate of the E towne. Moreouer it was said, that there were some iarres betwixt Vander Noot, and sir Francis Veer.
The same day they began to cut the causey of the old towne, ioyning to the sea (which serued as a rampar against the waues, and against the enemie, besides the rauelin on the northeast side, and that which they call Moyses tables, by reason of the forme) to the end they might make a passage that way to the new hauen for the boats which came from the sea, and not be forced to passe any more by the goullet, for that the hauen extended it selfe so farre, where it was very broad and deep, being wont to stay the water there by a sluce, when it was a full sea, to clense the hauen, when the tide past away, by that sluce: and by that meanes the boats might be sooner in safetie, and passe in and out with lesse danger than by the goullet, beeing F subiect to the cannon from their gabions and other batteries. Besides they feared that the danger would grow greater, so as in the end the boats should not bee able to passe that way; which the Spaniard sought by all meanes to bring to passe, beeing the onely way to effect his designe. And this was their last refuge, when they should haue no other meanes to passe [Page 1272] by the goullet: yet many held this course to bee dangerous, and had apparent reasons to A thinke so (for else it had beene put in practise sooner.) It was much disputed on betwixt 1601 Sir Francis Veer and the magistrat of the towne: their opinion was, That in a great tempest there might enter such abundance of water, as it might greatly endamage the fortifications of the new towne, comming to beat full vpon Vlamenbourg, which is a high caualier or platforme, commaunding ouer the Spanish campe: but the inconuenience was, that it was not deepe ynough, vnlesse it were at a high tide, and therfore they would not make such vse thereof as they desired: so as many were more desirous to passe by the goullet, than to stay for a full sea.
On that day, being the thirteenth of Nouember, fire fell into the archdukes fort, where there was as much burt and consumed as was esteemed to be worth fiue hundred thousand B crownes. Some thought, that this fire came downe from heauen. His Estates made him a present of an hundred thousand crownes, to helpe to repayre some part of this losse.
On the seuenteenth day of Nouember there came into Oostend a Spanish ensigne from the archdukes campe, who made report vnto the generall, that the Spaniards were discontented Aduertisem [...]: out of the Spanish camp. with the tediousnesse of this siege, and especially that the archduke had dismissed many of the old experienced captaines, and other men of commaund, who had persuaded him to besiege the said towne, aduancing in their places young men, which had no experience in the warres: That there were a great number of sicke and hurt men in the Spanish campe, yea aboue two thousand: That the towne cannon slew many, and that there had C beene many captaines and officers slaine: That the regiment of Dom Ioan de Brachamonte, which was accustomed to bee two thousand fiue hundred men, was now reduced to nine hundred: That such as had any charge, did speake very vnreuerently and immodestly of the archduke; concluding (after all their rayling) That he was good for nothing, but to bring a number of honourable and valiant souldiers (who were growne gray in the kings seruice) to the slaughter: That there wanted money; that they had receiued but fiue and twentie stiuers a man, for a long time, and had no subiect to hope for better: That they were tormented with hunger: That they were full of diseases, and were starued with cold: That the receiuors of the victuals and munitions, did diminish or falsifie them, especially the beere of Bruges, so as the barell being not halfe full, they filled it vp with water: That of late there D was a pasquill had run vp and downe their campe, which in effect did signifie, That the Spaniards had a desire to mutine, and that the archduke should bee forced to pay them: And in the end hee sayd, That at this siege there had beene slaine foure colonels, eight Spanish captaines, ten Wallons, nine Italians, and some Germans and Flemings, many of their workemen, and of their best souldiers: That it was a pitifull thing to behold the new come Spaniards and Italians, starued with cold, and dying miserably.
At the same time there raigned a disease in Oostend, whereof many dyed in lesse than 24 howers.
Whilest the archduke was thus busied before Oostend, the Estates consulted, what was best to bee attempted, to draw the archduke from Oostend: many things were propounded, E but finding themselues weake of men, and their treasure much wasted, they spent much time before they could conclude: in the end they resolued (though it were verie late) to besiege Boisleduc, one of the foure chiefe townes in Brabant; for which intent prince Maurice went with seuen and thirtie companies of foot, and three and thirtie corners of horse (a smal number for so great an enterprise) first meaning to charge the mutinous souldiers in Weert, but they stood so vpon their gard, as they could not get any aduantage of them: then comming backe, hee brought his armie before Boisleduc, vpon the last of October, stopping vp all the passages that came vnto the towne. William earle of Nassau was quartered before Hintermer port, with six and twentie companies of foot, and foureteene cornets of horse. Prince Boisleduc besieged by the prince. Maurice with the rest lay before the Vughte gate, with the earle of Solins; who presently began F to make their trenches and sconces round about the towne, which could not be so soone done, for that the towne is verie big: yet the prince vsed exceeding great diligence, hauing no need of any great guards, for that they had not many souldiers within the towne, whose sallyes hee needed not to feare, for there were in the towne but two companies of foot, a [Page 1273] cornet of horse belonging to Adolph earle of Bergh, with some fiftie horse of monsieur A Gobendones companie, who was gouernour of the towne: the bourgers intreated them 1601 with faire words to behaue themselues valiantly, promising them that they should be relieued by the archduke, and that their sicke and hurt men should be carefully lookt vnto and prouided for.
The prince beeing busie in his worke, hauing not yet fully inclosed the towne, on the sixt of Nouember at night there entred two hundred and sixtie men (which came from the Graue) into the towne, by a low way which was not ouerflowen with water, for that the riuer was stopt; who got into the towne, and were not discouered by the princes men, but onely by some straglers: and vpon the foureteenth day of the same moneth there were some nine hundred men which entred into the towne also by the same way, beeing led by B Blyleuen lieutenant to colonel Hachicourt, and Michael vander Sternen; wherein some of prince Maurice his men were very negligent, hauing beene aduertised thereof in time, yet made no hast to preuent them, whereat prince Maurice was much offended; but beeing most past, they were charged in the rere and defeated, and some seauentie of them taken prisoners: so as the towne hauing now a thousand and sixe hundred men in her, it behoued prince Maurice to stand vpon his guard.
Prince Maurice continued his workes still, and was in good hope within twelue or foureteene daies to lodge vpon the rampars, hauing brought his trenches both to the Vughter gate and Hinter gate; but the frost grew so violent, as all the waters and riuers began to be frozen vp, so as the armie could not get any more victuals by water: and newes beeing brought C that diuers troupes were gathering together about Diest to relieue the towne, the Estates began to consult what was best to be done; for that at the beginning of the siege the Estates of Brabant had caused the marquesse of Haurec, and secretarie Prats, to aduertise the archduke, of what importance the losse of the towne would bee for the whole countrie of Brabant, whereby Graue, Venloo, Herentals, and other places would bee in danger. Whereupon the archduke resolued to goe thither in person, sending presently before him from the campe, Frederick earle of Berghes, Nicholas Basta, and Iohn Iacomo an earle of Italie, to gather souldiers together about Dyest; whereas a thousand of the mutinous souldiers of Weert ioyned with them: with which troupes they did hope to relieue Hertogenbosche, either by setting vpon prince Maurice his campe, or by the besieging of Breda, or else making D some inuasion into Holland, by meanes that the riuers were all frozen; so as they had made all things readie to march: and yet the campe remained whole before Oostend, for that they of Arthois and Henault had sent diuers companies thither for a certaine time, giuing to euery man ten stiuers a day.
The vnited Estates, and prince Maurice with his councell of warre, beeing fully aduertised The estates raise their siege [...]rom Boisleduc. of this preparation, although their campe were so well intrencht as they feared no enemie, yet they could not stoppe their entrie into the towne ouer the yee, nor yet their passage to Bomelerweert, whereby they might enter into Holland: whereupon they resolued to yeeld vnto the season of the yeare, and the extremitie of the frost; first sending away much of their baggage: and so vpon the seauen and twentieth day of Nouember they raised their siege, to E the great griefe of prince Maurice, who was resolued to stay, if so bee the weather had broken vp.
Thus this siege prooued vnfortunate, both for that so many men entred into the towne in the beginning thereof, and for that the weather grew so extreame: the princes ships were all frozen in at Creuecoeur and Hemert, so as after sixe and twentie daies siege, he carried his ordnance and munition to Hensden, but many other necessarie implements, as sparres, palisadoes, scoopes, and spades, which for want of wagons they could not carrie away, were burnt; his trenches and other fortifications hee let stand, for a terrour to his enemies, and a shew of his knowledge, diligence, and meanes: and so he retired, hauing made a terrible spoile in that part of Brabant, of their churches, houses, and trees, which are planted in all their F waies and passages to that towne in very good order.
After the princes departure they of Boisleduc made great ioy, the bishop singing Te Deum both within and without the towne, casting holy water vpon those houses which had beene broken or hurt by the enemie. There remained 500 men of Hachicourts regiment in garrison [Page 1274] in the towne, and the rest went forth. Those men which were leuied to relieue the towne, and A to raise the siege, were part of them put into Herentals, and the rest returned to the siege of 1601 Oostend; and so did the archduke, who was at that time come to Brussels: and the mutinous horsemen of Weert went to Louuaine. Vpon the princes retreat from Boisleduc, there were certaine Latine verses made on either side.
They were thus inuerted by the contrarie partie.
Cont Iohn Iacomo of Belioyoso past through Brabant in October, and went to Rosendale with a thousand horse, and sixe hundred foot, where he burnt certaine shippes laden with fire wood, which should haue beene sent to Oostend, and did great spoile vnto the countrey thereabouts.
The bourgers of Mastricht, hearing that the archduke pretended to send some of the mutinous souldiers of Weert into their towne, vpon the seauenteenth day of September, they contracted with their garrison (beeing some eight companies of Italians) not to receiue any C more souldiers; so as they slue some which were brought in by their harbingers, and chased away the rest, making a composition with monsieur Weerp gouernour of the towne, to defend it with that garrison against the enemie, vnder the archdukes obedience, as they of Venloo and Ruremond did, the bourgers beeing the stronger; but after that, the Spaniards practised to draw some souldiers secretly into Mastricht, the which beeing discouered, some of them were punished.
The horsemen of the vnited prouinces, to the number of foure hundred, with some foot, past the Rhine on the 24 of September, and went to Duyts neere vnto Cologne; where for the space of two or three daies they put the countrie to contribution, for certaine money which was vnpaid, the which the deceased countesse of Moeurs pretended to bee due vnto D her from them of Cologne, and so they retired to Rhinebercke. And thus they spent the winter whilest that the archduke laie incamped before Oostend, whither we will now turne our discourse.
In the beginning of December the Spaniards before Oostend came and gaue a furious Oostend. charge on the English quarter, where they were entertained with resolution, and in the end The Spaniards charge the English trenches. valiantly repulst, leauing fiftie pikes in the place, and much blood spilt, hauing carried away their dead men: of the English there were but three slaine.
On the fourth day two shippes comming in with English beere, at the same instant there was a house set on fire neere vnto the east gate, with the which the two next houses adioyning were burnt: which the Spaniards peceiuing, they began to shoot much at that place, assuring E themselues (as it was true) that there were many people assembled together to quench the fire; but they slue but two souldiers and one boy. The same day there was a prisoner brought in, who said he was seruant to the earle of Barlaimont; he reported that many souldiers fledde from the arch dukes campe, and that they died daily in great numbers.
On the 16 day at night, the Spaniard brought three small boats ful of sand and stones neere to the mouth of the goullet or entire, to sinke them there, & to stop the passage from the hauen vnto the towne; the which they could not effect, for that the tide was too much spent, but were abandoned by them that conducted them, neere vnto the platformes of the town, right against Flamenbourg: the which the besieged could not discouer vntill the breake of day, when as many ranne downe to see them, being some what amazed: but when as the tide was F gone, that they might approach on drie foot, they entred to view what was within them; whereas they found nothing but stones and sand: whereupon they began to pul them in pieces for fire wood, which they might easily do without any danger, by reason of a mist which couered them from the view of the camp: but when the mist was past, they retired, & attended [Page 1275] vntill night to finish that which they had begun: some Spanish horse presented themselues A to terrifie them, but the towne cannon forced them to retire. 1601
On the 21 of December, about three of the clocke after midnight, there came foure hundred men, which camped on the west part to this trauerse, which was made of timber and bauins, betwixt Sand hill and the Caualier, to set fire of it, the which they effected cunningly. This trauerse did serue as a defence for Sand-hill, and other neere parts, against the enemies cannon, which otherwise might doe much harme, as well to the palisadoes, as to the wall, and to the workes which did defend them from the breaches of the sea; the which was quite consumed, with the palisado ioyning vnto it. This beeing done, they discouered all the old town, next vnto the sea, seeking to enter, as they did at a certaine place, where they had made a breach to passe their boats into the new hauen: comming neere a corps deguarde, they slue B a Lanspisado, and entred also neere vnto the old temple, which place had beene abandoned by the besieged: but they were soone charged, and forced to turne head, by captaine Marshals The towne in danger to be taken. companie, beeing of colonel Marquets regiment, who (although he were not of the guard) came running thither from the new towne. Without doubt if those vndertakers had beene well seconded at that time with greater forces, they might haue taken the towne, for that the guard was not great, hauing not halfe the garrison, and that some captaines were absent in their lodgings: and besides the garrison was then very small, hauing receiued no supplies in three moneths, and the companies that were in the towne beeing much decreased, many hauing bin slain, & many dead, through pouertie & want; besides that, many souldiers (being vnwilling to suffer those miseries any longer) fled daily to the archdukes campe, especially C the French and English, so as there were some companies which had not aboue fifteene or sixteene men in them: many captaines beeing absent, and among others, those which were gone into Holland with the seignior of Vander Noot. Moreouer, the old towne lay very open towards the sea. Finally, they wanted many necessaries, so as if the enemie had come strong enough, hee might haue forced them: but beeing charged sooner than they expected, the besieged pursued them in their retreat; and among others, tooke one of some command, who beeing brought before generall Veer, discouered the cause of their enterprise, and what the archduke pretended to doe; which was to assault the towne very shortly in many places at once, for that he was sufficiently aduertised of the weakenesse of the towne, and of their small garrisons, and that they were ill furnished of victuals, and of all other necessaries; D whereupon the archduke had in all hast sent for all the troupes which hee had in Brabant, Arthois, Henault, and other places: which the generall vnderstanding, hee beleeued it, and the rather, for that hee had receiued other aduertisements to the same effect; who seeing in what danger the towne had beene that night, hee first caused the guards to bee doubled at euery low water, which should bee of the whole garrison, and they should not depart vntill the tide were risen of a reasonable height, and then such as were not of the ordinarie guard might retire: he also commanded, that euery captaine should come in person with his company to the guard, and caused them to worke night and day to fortifie those places which had most need, and lay most open vnto the enemie.
On the two and twentieth day of December, at night, there returned a fleet of two and Supply of victuals comes to Oostend. E thirtie barkes, who by a contrary wind had beene forced to returne into Zeeland, beeing laden with victuals, and all things necessarie, the which entred into the hauen without any danger, onely one ranne a ground neere vnto the gabions, and was spoiled by the Spaniards. This reliefe came happily for Oostend, where they had not aboue 15 daies prouision of corne in their store-house, and hauing want of all other necessaries.
The three and twentieth day at night, the weather beeing rainie and exceeding darke, the wind high, and the tide very lowe, all that were in the towne, souldiers, bourgers, mariners, victuallers, and others, put themselues into armes, for that they feared the archduke would giue a generall assault that night, hauing two daies before taken view of all the old town next vnto the sea, and found it to lie sufficiently open; and by that which the generall had vnderstood F by the Spanish prisoner: hauing also the day before seene certaine shewes, as if they of the campe had made preparation for it, he gaue charge vnto captaine Lewis Cousture, to will some one of the archdukes commanders, that might bee in guard right against Sand-hill, to aduertise the archduke, or him that had the charge vnder him, that if it pleased [Page 1276] him to send certaine hostages into the towne, to see if they might come to any good composition, A that he for his part would send some of his captaines for their securities. Whereupon 1601 soone after, and the same night, the archduke sent captaine Rybas, gouernour of Sclu [...], and Sir Francis Veer makes an o [...]er to parl [...]. the sergeant maior of the Spaniards; and for sir Francis Veer, there went two English captaines in hostage: which caused amazement, discontentment, and great alteration in the towne, for because it had beene done in a manner without the priuitie of all the colonels, and captaines, and of the magistrate of the towne, beeing also allowed but by fewe of them: wherewith the generall beeing much discontented, he commanded the archdukes hostages should be sent backe, the which was presently done, beeing past ouer in a boat vnto the other side of the goullet, although they had entred on the west side. Sir Francis Veer would willingly, that a Wallon and a Flemmish captaine had beene also hostages with his English B men▪ but they would not yeeld to it; so as all that night hee was much troubled, beeing in armes and in consultation: and yet the English hostages were not at that time called backe.
On the foure and twentieth day early in the morning, the archduke sent a letter by a trumpet vnto the generall; whereupon, in the end it was thought fit, and concluded by all the colonels, captaines, and magistrates, to call backe the archdukes hostages, that all might bee done by accord, and that no alteration might happen; as also to haue their English hostages againe. So the said Rybas and sergeant maior being returned, there was a ces [...]ation from armes and from all acts of hostilitie.
On the 25 day at night▪ there came fiue shippes of warre of Zeeland, and fiue companies C of souldiers with great store of munition, who cast anchor in the road: the which beeing Succours of men come to Oostend. discouered by them of the towne at the breake of day, it did much reioyce them, those succours comming very happily vnto them after a long expectation. And the same day about one of the clocke in the after noone, beeing a very calme day, and the sunne shining clee [...]e, and the sea beeing calme, at a full tide, the said fiue companies, with the mariners landed, notwithstanding all their shot from the campe, which slue three mariners, and hurt some. Wherupon the archdukes hostages beeing in the towne, were amazed, vntill it was told them that the truce continued still.
The same day, and presently after, it was resolued within the towne, not to treat with the archduke, but to defend the towne, to send backe the hostages, and to call home theirs▪ the D which was done, beeing much displeasing to the archduke: to whom generall Veer did w [...]te, excusing himselfe that their treatie had broken off, vpon the arriuall of their supplies, the which he could not send backe, no [...] with his honour treat any further, seeing he wanted not any thing. Wherewith the archduke beeing much discontented, hee was out of hope euer to get the towne at so easie a rate. Whereupon his cannon began to play furiously, being answered in the same manner from the towne; whereat they all reioyced, euen wiues, maides, and children, for euery one had beene very melancholy at this parle: although the wint [...]r were very sharp, & many had been slaine and dead for pouertie and want, besides the warres which the stormes of the sea made against them, yet no man was desirous to haue the towne yeelded, but euery one was sad and heauie for the treatie, especially the Wallons, E whom they called the new Gueux▪ beeing of the regiment of the seign [...]or of Marquette; and the reason was for that they had deliuered vp the forts of saint Andrew and Creuecoeur vnto the Estates, and they had behaued themselues very valiantly at the battell of Nieuport.
After that the enemie had sent to view the weakest parts of the old towne, and burnt the trauerse neere vnto Sand-hill, they had laboured day and night to repaire that which was ruined, as wel by the cannon from the campe, as by the sea, the which they could not repaire for want of stuffe, which they might haue done during the parle, but it was neglected: and then they laboured with all diligence, and nothing was spared to hinder the enemies approach. F
On the sixt day of Ianuarie, 1602, the archduke battered Sand-hill, and other neere places with his cannon, euen vntil night, as if he meant to make a breach, and to giue an assault (as two prisoners, the one a Spaniard, the other an Italian had told them) which made the be [...]eged to stand carefully vpon their guard, & to rampar vp & fortifie all ruined places, especially [Page 1277] the old towne▪ so as when the Spaniard began this furious batterie, the towne was much A stronger than it was on the 21 of December. 1602
The seuenth of the moneth the archduke, before he would giue a generall assault, as hee had proiected, he battered euerie part of the towne with exceeding great furie; and the more to amaze the besieged, he battered the houses in ruine, and shot fierie bullets. This batterie did much harme to the sand hill, to the false brayes, to the por [...]-espic, to Helmont, and to a great part of the old towne, and to all places where they had any aime; the which began earely in the morning, and continued vntill night: for they could not come to giue an assault, vntill it were a low water. The weather was cloudie, but the moone shining thorough the clouds, gaue a little light. The besieged in the meane time laboured to repaire that which the canon had spoyled, without any spare of any thing, so as they tooke the timber from the houses▪ to B mend the palisadoes; neither was there any one among them, no not the women, that s [...]wed any signe of amazement, but rather of ioy.
The same day, about fiue of the clocke in the euening, the tide being well spent, to passe the The archduke giues a general assault to Oost [...]nd. old hauen, whereby the enemie might approach vnto Sandhill, and other places, whereas the canon had made any breach, the archduke caused his men to march in order of battaile, carrying ladders, pick [...]xes, and all other sorts of instruments, going to assault those places which seemed weakest vnto them. They made a braue attempt, but they were more brauely resisted, for the besieged wanted neither armes, powder, nor courage; so as the fight continued betwixt them aboue two howers, with great obstinacie: but the Spaniard could stay no longer without his vtter ruine, for that the [...]ide was come in, and the sluces were pulled vp; so as the water C falling into the old hauen, & meeting with the tide which came in, it presently swelled much, whereby many, seeking to retire, were drowned: so as of them that were slaine in the fight; and of such as were drowned, they had the spoyles of aboue seuen hundred, besides those that The archduke [...] los [...]e at thi [...] assault. were carried into the sea, with the ebbe, the which were neuer found: besides, they left behind them their ladders, instruments, and great store of arms, the which we [...]e found vpon the sands. Yet the archduke won by this assault the false bray of Sandhill, not by force, but for that the generall made his men to quit it, being not guardable but with a great number of men, the which he could better imploy elsewhere: And in like maner it was abandoned by the Spaniniards at their retreat, so as they made no vse thereof. Those that were vpon the East side, to second them of the West, in this generall assault, passing the goullet to fal vpon the old towne; D they could not passe the water, being not yet low ynough, when as the others began the assault: They thought to set vpon the halfe moone, which was on their side, but they could not come neere it, wherefore the besieged were not troubled on that side; the which was a great ease for the other places which were assaulted. Wee passe ouer with silence, those that were hurt and maimed, which number we may imagine was not small, by reason of the canon which shot from Helmont, the po [...]-espic, and the West rauelin; the which did wonderfully spoyle the enemie in his approach and retreat, so as for some dayes after there was nothing to bee seene, but wagons full of maimed souldiers, which they carried to Bruges, and other places: and among others, there were seuenteene Spaniards, which had but two legs among A wonderf [...]ll s [...]oyle of the Spaniard [...]. them all, the canon hauing carried away the rest. And they were no sooner retired, but they E were pursued by the besieged with their musket shot, and to strip them that were slain, among the which there was a woman found in mans apparell▪ a souldier hauing his skin bound about with cords▪ and vpon some there were small bookes found, full of characters; all which could not pres [...]rue them from death. In all this pursuit, the besieged could take but one onely prisoner, and another which came and yeelded himselfe willingly. The besieged had but thirtie men slaine, of the which there were three captaines, one lieutenant, and one ensigne.
The next day they gaue thanks vnto God for this victorie, both at the French and Dutch sermons.
On the tenth day of Ianuarie there came into the road before the towne, twelue ships, with so many companies, to releeue them that had endured much, and were greatly decreased in F their numbers, and to send them into Holland and Zeeland, to refresh themselues: and to the same end there entred 13 companies more on the 14 of the moneth. Generall Veer being also commanded by the Estates to returne into Holland, there arriued colonell Dorp, who succeeded him in the gouernment of the towne, and colonell Edmonds, a S [...]ottish man, after whose [Page 1278] comming, they laboured more in the fortifications, than before. A
On the 19, at night, three companies going out of the hauen towards Zeeland, the enemies 1602 canon sunke one of them, and another, hauing her mast and maine yard broken, was driuen on ground on the campe side, whereas all the souldiers and mariners, with the commissarie Manriques (who had brought mony) were taken prisoners, and afterwards deliuered vpon ransom: others runne the like fortune, and were taken by the enemie.
All this moneth, and some following, the archduke fortified his campe, beeing resolued to continue his siege: and the shot which he made at randome, in time ruined the buildings, and the bullets did much harme, running vp and downe the streets: Whereupon they resolued to take vp the pauement, and to make trenches crosse the streets, where the bullets should presently stop, being one verie neere vnto another: And in the meane time the besieged defended B themselues couragiously, being assisted and releeued euery three moneths by the Estates, who sent them new supplies, and prouision.
On the seuenth of Februarie at night, there were certaine notes shot into the towne, persuading the souldiers to run from their garrison to the campe, assuring them of good entertainment, or else they should haue pasports giuen them, to goe whither they pleased, if they would not serue the archduke. And that they did abuse them, which said, they should bee ill intreated, or sent to the gallies, as some which had fled into the towne had falsly reported. All these were practises to draw them away, and so to weaken the garrison.
On the 14 of February the seignior of Marquette, colonell of the new Gueux, arriued, bringing 14 companies with him, to refresh the rest. C
On the 23 and 24 of the month, there blew such a terrible North-west wind, as it made the tide rise much higher than it had beene accustomed, the which did very much harme vnto the rampars, bulwarks, and banks, the tide comming farre into the towne; so as if this tempest had continued but two tides longer, the besieged had been forced to flie into their garrets for safetie, and all the rampars and bulwarks had beene in danger to haue beene carried away into the sea, or else to haue had such a breach made, as the Spaniards might haue come on horsebacke to the assault. Finally, the sea did more annoy them, than the archduke, against the which they had more cause to rampar themselues, than against all his force: but God in an instant did cause this tempest to cease, the wind turning to the North-east, and verie calme; which made the besieged to repaire all these ruines as well as they could, although they wanted bauins, D and other materials to do it.
On the second of March the Spaniards came in the night, and anchored certaine pipes tyed together with cables, in the mouth of the goullet, to stop the entrance, as they had often attempted it: but they preuailed no more now than before, all this equipage being taken by the besieged, and brought into towne, except one anchor, and the pipes, which they brake.
As the toyle and pouertie which the archdukes souldiers endured, began to tyre them, they The archdukes souldiers [...]utine. fell at that time into mutinie, both to haue their pay, and to bee better vsed: whereupon the archduke caused ten or twelue of the chiefe authors of this mutinie, to be hanged; the which bred a strange alteration among the souldiers, so as from that time he was faine to stand vpon his guard, for feare of his owne souldiers: yet vpon his faire promises, and the hope they had E of the yeelding vp of Oostend, and that the archdukes Estates wold make some great attempt, the souldiers contented themselues; so as for a time he was verie wel serued in the continuance of this siege.
The Estates of the vnited prouinces hauing taken good order for the defence of Oostend, they intended to attempt something this summer, and hauing conferred with prince Maurice, their lieutenant generall, about the end of March they began to gather an armie together, the which was greater, and better ordered than euer, so as in Aprill and May they had the goodliest armie readie that could be seene, not for number of men, but for martiall discipline, the princes campe being like vnto a towne furnished with all necessaries for the life of man, so well fortified in the night lying in field, and marching in the day time in such good order, as it was F not possible to get any aduantage ouer them. Finally, there wanted nothing to this bodie, led by a wise head, with such obedience of all the members, as those which haue seene this armie, consisting of six and twentie thousand fighting men, horse and foot, confesse, that they had neuer seene the bodie of an armie more pleasant to behold, nor more to be feared; but aboue [Page 1279] all, in regard of the baggage, the which was wonderfully well ordered. A
All being readie, the generall Estates of the vnited prouinces published a declaration at the 1602 Hage in Holland, by the which they gaue a reason of their action, and inuited the Brabansons, Flemings, and others, to ioyne with them, and to helpe them to expell the Spaniards and their adherents, out of the countrey; whose insolencies they described briefely, with protestation to continue in their iust enterprise, to maintaine the liberties, priuiledges, and freedomes of the countrey. Which declaration being put in print, was sent vnto all the prouinces: but the people that were subiect to the Spaniard, durst not moue nor speake a word, attending an end of the siege of Oostend, and what the armie of either side should doe. The archduke hearing that the prince marched in so good order, and that hee entred into the countrey of Liege, (being now at S. Trudon, and at Maseek, where hee made his prouisions, B besides that which hee had brought with him) hee caused his troups also to march, vnder the command of the admirall of Arragon, to whom the prince did twice offer battaile: the which (remembring that of Nieuport, where the archduke had beene so wel beaten, and himselfe taken prisoner) hee would neuer accept, neither had he any charge to do it, keeping himselfe within his fort.
Prince Maurice seeing how hard it would be to draw the Spaniard to fight, hauing marcht Graue, besieged by prince Maurice. farre into the enemies countrey without any incounter, and taken from him the townes of Eindouen and Helmont, with the castle, he took another resolution, and turning head, marcht towards the strong towne of Graue; the which (notwithstanding it had a strong garrison) he besieged, and intrencht himselfe after his accustomed maner, as well against the besieged, as against C the archdukes armie.
Graue is the chiefe towne of the land of Cuyck, lying vpon the Meuse: in times past it was The descrscpt [...] on of Graue. vnder the duchie of Gueldres, but afterwards brought vnder Brabant, and was pawned to Maximilian, earle of Egmont and Buren, the which William prince of Orange, who maried his daughter and heire, bought, and inioyed it long. After the pacification of Gant, certain Dutch souldiers holding it for the Spaniard, were by the princes souldiers, with the helpe of the bourgers, thrust out, and fortie of them slaine. In the yeare 1586 it was besieged by the duke of Parma, and soone yeelded by monsieur Hemert, who was gouernour: since which time (being strong by scituation) it was fortified with many bulwarks, rauelins, and counterscarps, and is at this day one of the strongest townes in all the Netherlands. The gouernour at that time D was Antonio Gonzales, a Spaniard: the garrison consisted most of Italians and Spaniards; and some companies of Dutch, vnder Pangus Gallays of Tyrol, lieutenant to colonell Tislingh, put themselues into it, being in all fifteene hundred men, besides the bourgers, who, by reason of the souldiers insolencies, were not aboue 3 or 400. The towne wanted neither ordnance, munition, nor victuals.
Vpon the eight of August they made a sallie vpon cont William of Nassaus quarter, where the fight continued an houre, with the losse of fifteene of their men: the earle had thirtie slaine and wounded.
The admirall of Arragon, with Frederic earle of Bergh, and other commanders of the archdukes armie, marcht towards the land of Cuyck, and lay there certaine dayes, whilest that the E prince fortified his campe. On the tenth of August in the morning, hee marcht towards the quarter whereas the prince himselfe lay, making a stand within a quarter of a mile, in a village called Lynde, where hee insconced himselfe, and cast a bridge ouer the Meuse, that hee might not bee distrest for victuals.
They of the towne discouering his approach, made great signes of ioy, in shooting off their ordnance, which the admirall answered. And on the 13 day, early in the morning, they made a sally out of the towne vpon cont Williams quarter: and at the same time the admirall approached neere vnto the princes campe, both with horse and foot; but lying too open to the princes ordnance, he retired to his lodging.
Vpon the fifteenth of August, they within the towne made another sallie with three hundred F men, vpon the English quarter, where they came to the push of the pike. Among the English there was one captaine Keyes Hertoghen, who was a Dane borne, yet seruing among them, with some sixteene or seuenteene souldiers slaines and of the towne there were [Page 1280] fiftie slaine and hurt. And on the seuenteenth day they made another sally with seuen hundred A men, vpon the English quarter, but after some fight, the ordnance forced them to retire, 1602 with some losse of either side.
The admirals men skirmished sometimes with the princes guard, and hee brought his ordnance so neere, as he shot into the princes camp, and slew many souldiers; so as they were constrained to fortifie their trenches against him. Among others, Andreas de Roy, an expert enginer, and much esteemed by prince Maurice, for his industrie and knowledge, was shot looking ouer the rampars, and so were diuers captaines. And on the two and twentieth of August sir Francis Veer, generall of the English, was shot in the necke and cheeke; so as beeing forced to Sir Francis Veer shot before Graue. retire himselfe from the campe, by reason of his wound, Henrie Frederic of Nassau, prince Maurice his brother, had the charge giuen him of the English quarter. B
The admirall began then to bee scanted of victuals in his armie, for that Brabant had bin quite spoyled and wasted; the which, together with their bad pay, made the souldiers murmure: so as finding that want would force him to retire from the place where hee was intrencht, on the one and twentieth of August, in the night, hee resolued to make an attempt vpon the campe, betwixt the princes and cont Williams quarters: but while they were bringing their ladders, shouels, pickaxes, baskets, and other instruments, they were discouered, so as all the princes armie stood readie in armes, to entertaine them: whereupon hee retired hastily, making all the speed hee could, leauing all those implements behind him: and on the three and twentieth day he brake vp his campe, hauing sent away his carriages before earely in the morning. C
Monsieur Grobendonc, gouernour of Boisleduc, intreated the admirall to march with his armie to Rauestein, where hee might haue more store of victuals, and stop the ships which came with prouision out of Holland vnto prince Maurice his campe: the which, for some other considerations, hee neglected, and went to Venloo with his armie. Whereupon prince Maurice followed him with his horsemen; and fearing hee should attempt Berck or Moeurs, hee sent Ernest, earle of Nassau, thither with certaine men: but the admirall sought to get into Venloo, in the which there was but a weake garrison: but they would not suffer him to enter: and so he went to Mastricht, for that the whole armie began to mutine, by reason of want, especially the new Italians, who could not shift without money: whereupon diuers of them went and offered their seruice vnto prince Maurice. D
They within Graue were in some doubt of the admirals retreat, yet did their vttermost endeuours to defend themselues: many of them notwithstanding got out of the towne in the night, and yeelded themselues to prince Maurice; letting him vnderstand, That they wanted not any thing, but men, and that the feare of reliefe made many of them to faint. Prince Maurice gaue pasports to all them that fled from the enemie, and a gulderne a peece, and so they went into Cleueland, or into Zeeland, and returned home into their countrey through France.
After many sallies and incounters, the besieged hauing forsaken al their workes without the town, and the princes men being come, on the fourteenth of September, to the rampar of one of the bulwarks of the towne, lying vpon the Meuse, with some losse of men, they within gaue E notice thereof vnto the neighbour townes, by fire made in their tower tops: but no reliefe being at hand, and their men decreasing daily, fearing also that the galleries on the other side of the towne, would be also brought vnder their rampars, within fiue dayes, they offered a parle; vnto whom monsieur Sydlenisky was sent, by whose meanes they of the towne sent their deputies to prince Maurice, and receiued hostages for them: and so vpon the nineteenth of September, a composition was made for the yeelding vp of the towne, the which the prince did the more willingly agree vnto, for that the riuer of Meuse began to swell, whereby his trenches and galleries might haue beene much indamaged. And so, after two moneths siege, it Graue yeelded by composition. was deliuered.
The conditions were, That the gouernour and souldiers should depart with their F armes and baggage, and ensignes displayed: they should haue an hundred and fiftie wagons for their carriages to Dyest, leauing hostages for them. That such as had runne from the Estates, should enioy the ben [...]t of the same conditions. That the hurt and sicke might, if [Page 1281] they would, goe by ship to Mastricht. That all victuals, ordnance, and munition, should bee A deliuered vnto the princes commissaries, without spoyle or diminishing. That the souldiers 1602 should depart the towne the next day, or else suffer two hundred men to enter into the castle and the bulwarkes. And that the gouernor should procure the archduke to pay the magistrats and the bourgers of the towne, all such summes of money as they had lent to him and his souldiers.
The next day they left the Graue: and the bourgers intreated prince Maurice, as their lord, to receiue them into grace, to forgiue what was past, to protect and defend them, and to confirme their priuiledges. Concerning religion, it was agreed, That euerie one should liue according to his conscience, without any molestation; yet there should be no exercise of religion, but as it was obserued in the vnited prouinces. There were six moneths time granted B vnto the bourgers, to follow the archdukes court, to recouer their debts, and longer, so it were with the consent of the gouernour or magistrat. All spirituall and temporall men, should haue three yeares respit, to leaue the towne, and to returne againe, to dispose of their lands, as they thought good, and most conuenient. With other articles concerning the towne in particular.
This composition thus made, vpon the twentieth of September the Spanish garrison went forth, beeing eight hundred men strong, and two hundred hurt men, the remainder of fifteene hundred. Prince Maurice had many men also slaine, whereof there were foure hundred English: And many sicke men were sent into diuers hospitals, for that there was a discase among them, little better than the plague. C
Vpon the eight and twentieth of September prince Maurice was installed lord of the Prince Maurice dissolues his armie. towne, and of the land of Cuyck: and then came the deputies of the generall Estates, both into the towne and armie, to take order for the breaking vp of the same, discharging the Reisters, and giuing to euerie one halfe a moneths pay, besides his due, to beare his charges; taking an order also for such as fled from the admirall, being verie many.
Prince Maurice made monsieur Sidlenisky gouernour of the Graue, beeing a wise and a valiant gentleman, who had beene sergeant maior of the armie, and had long serued the vnited prouinces faithfully, in many good places. Mabuse was made sergeant maior in his stead.
The souldiers in the archdukes armie, vnder the admirall of Arragon, were much discontented for want of pay, especially the old souldiers (for the new Italians ran away) for which D cause Mutinie in the admirals army the admirall retired further from the enemie, beeing not much beloued, but rather contemned and hated of his souldiers, who called him El gran Capitan del Rosario, in regard of his deuotion: who seeking to suppresse their mutinies by seueritie, ten or twelue hundred of them forsooke the armie, and tooke a small towne in the countrey of Liege, called Hamont, whereas the admirall did thinke to assayle them, with such horse and foot as hee did most trust; but they refused that charge.
Among these mutiners there was a banished souldier of Geertruydenbergh, called Papanken, who sent word vnto prince Maurice, that hee would draw a good number of horse and foot from the enemie, to serue the vnited Prouinces. This offer was neither accepted The mutiners seize vpon Hoochstrate [...]. nor reiected, but all fauour promised them, so as they would gouerne themselues E well and faithfully, &c. Whereupon they entred into Grobendonc in Brabant, their number still increasing; and in the end seized vpon the strong castle of Hoochstraten, whereas they made good orders among themselues, and forced the boors round about to pay them contribution.
The archduke to preuent these inconueniences, came out of Flanders to Antuerpe, leauing the Infanta at Gant. In Antuerpe hee borrowed money, wherewith he caused the armie vnder the admirall, to march foreward, with a third part of a monethes pay. Whereupon many Italians, and other commaunders left the armie. Theodore Trivultio, Alphonso d'Aualos, Fernando Cariglia, Martin Lopes, and Emanuel Texera, master of the campe, and others, were put out of the counsell of warre; which caused in a maner a generall reuolt, so as the nine thousand F Italians, were brought to 3000, the rest were run away, or ioyned with the mutiners. Out of Spaine they had small helpe, both for that the king was yong, and his counsell diuided in opinions.
[Page 1282] To preuent all these difficulties, it was giuen out, That Dom Ioan de Medicis, bastard of Florence, A should come thither to supply the admirals place; but he came not: many thought he 1602 refused that charge, matters being so confused.
The garrison of the castle of Antuerpe began also to bee discontented, and threatned a mutinie: but the townes men gaue their words to see them payed, and so by that meanes they were satisfied.
The archduke went from Antuerpe to Brussels, to leuie money, whereas (by reason of the many new growne troubles) hee was not verie pleasing vnto them: At that time there was an assemblie of the Estates, but they concluded little for the preuention of so great disorders. The archduke caused many peasants to bee taken vp, throughout all the Wallon prouinces, both for his owne guard, and to make head against the mutiners, relying not much on his B owne souldiers, but on some that were well paid. The high Dutch regiment vnder Barlamont, were also vpon tearms to mutine, and had attempted to surprise Dermonde in Flanders. The archduke went to Toren, and so to his armie, whereas hee discharged the admirall of his generals place, for want of money, who soone after went into Spaine, where hee was not verie The admirall discharged of his generals place. welcome.
After that the archduke by policie and faire promises, got them of Venloo to receiue more men, and thereby assured the towne for himselfe; from thence he went to Liere, where, with certaine companies of souldiers, and the boors of the countrey, with the townes-men, and some others thereabouts, he thought to charge the mutinous souldiers, who at that time were verie strong, and lay in Hoochstraten, spoyling all the countrey, and striking a great terror into C the peasants. These mutiners growing strong, and their insolencies intollerable, beeing a verie bad example to others, and no money to be found to pacifie them, the archduke with the Spanish counsell (contrarie to the aduice of the Estates of the countrey) resolued to banish them, and to proclaime those mutinous souldiers, traitors, and villaines. The sentence of their proscription was as followeth.
The Archdukes.
‘As wee had drawne our armie together to releeue the towne of Graue, the which is besieged by the enemie, and so valiantly defended by the souldiers that are within it, as they deserue D great commendation, going our selfe in person to that end, wee were aduertised, That some souldiers of our sayd armie, lying neere vnto the enemies campe, vnder colour of an alteration or mutinie, to recouer that which they falsely pretend to be due vnto them, haue wickedly abandoned their colours and cornets: and after they had made attempts vpon manie places, in the end they surprized the castle of Hoochstraten, by treacherous and wicked meanes, hauing giuen many vchement presumptions, to hold correspondencie, and to treat with our enemies: the which is against all reason and iustice; neither hath it beene euer practised among our souldiers. But contrariwise such as haue beene in mutinie (when as the enemie hath besieged any place of ours, or that wee had need of men for any expedition) leauing their forts and places of strength, came to serue vs willingly and chearefully. And for E that the chiefe actors of this wickednesse and treason, are men to whom there is little or nothing due, for that they are new come, or else haue beene in the mutinies of Dyest, Weert, and Carpen, and haue beene lately accounted with, and paid whatsoeuer was due vnto them, beeing men accustomed to practise and inuent mutinies, to receiue money for contributions, without doing vs any seruice, who haue induced, circumuented, and forced the others to commit this treason; whereby their brethren and companions (which are besieged) cannot bee succoured, and all other enterprises, which we might haue against our enemies, hindered, forcing vs to turne our armes against them, as against those that are more dangerous and preiudiciall than domesticall enemies; for that the enemie is thereby made stronger. And for as much as this fact is strange, fowle, odious, of bad consequence, and worthy to bee exemplarly F punished:’
‘Wherefore desiring to prouide for the publike cause, and the good of our subiects, wee inioyne and commaund all soul [...]rs, or other persons, or their traine, which are in the sayd [Page 1283] castle of Hoochstraten, or that shal ioyne, there, or in any other place, with them, vnder colour A of mutinie, within three dayes after the publication hereof, to returne vnto their ensignes 1602 and cornets, or to present themselues vnto the gouernour of Liere, or of Herental, to the end they may be presently sent away vnto their ensignes and standerds, wheresoeuer they shall be, as if this alteration had neuer happened. And wee ingage our word and faith vnto them, that they shall neither at this present, nor at any time hereafter, be punished, nor reprehended in particular, although they were the chiefe motiues thereof; but shall bee intreated with all kindnesse and fauour: and there shall bee meanes made to giue them full satisfaction, as men whom we desire to gratifie: The which if they refuse to accomplish, after the expiration of the said three dayes, we declare, as well them that are there at this present, as all others that shall hereafter ioyne with them, to bee rebels, traitors, and wicked persons, hauing committed high B treason in the highest degree; and as such wee condemne them to loose both liues and goods, and from this time wee hold them confiscated and incorporat to our reuenews: Giuing leaue vnto all persons, of what estate and condition soeuer, freely, and without any danger of punishment, to kill the said mutiners, or any of them, after what sort and manner hee may most conueniently do it. And whosoeuer shall kill them, hee shall receiue for euerie one of their heads ten crownes, and for any one of the ordinarie officers, an hundred, and for those which they call of the counsell, the sergeant maior, or the gouernour of the horse, two hundred crownes, and for the Electo fiue hundred. And if they which shall kill them bee any of their companie, wee pardon them, and will cause the said summes to be giuen them.’
‘And moreouer, wee commaund and enioyne all judges of our armies, estates, and seigniories, C that they take an inuentorie of all the mouable & immouable goods of the said mutiners, of their apparell, and of all other things belonging to their wiues and children; and that the goods bee laied in deposito; and that a true certificat bee sent thereof vnto the judge of the armie, that hee may incorporat it vnto our reuenewes, to the which at this present wee adiudge them. And wee commaund all persons which haue in their custodies, money, or any other thing belonging vnto the sayd mutiners, or to their wiues and children, in pawne, or in any other sort whatsoeuer, that they deliuer it not vnto them, but make it knowne vnto vs, to the end wee may make it forfeit, as is said; vpon paine of confiscation of all their goods that shall conceale them, and to bee corporally punished at our pleasure. And for the fowlnesse of the offence, and the bad consequence thereof for other princes, to whom the like may D happen in their armies (this being vnpunished) We intreat and besiege the emperour and the king of Spaine, our lords and brethren, and all other kings, princes, and potentats, in what part soeuer the said mutiners shall bee, or shall haue their goods, to commaund them to bee apprehended, and sent vnto vs, and to cause the sayd arrest to bee made, sending a certificat vnto vs, as it is aboue specified: Beeing readie to doe the like at their request, in our countries and seigniories, whensoeuer they shall require it. And moreouer, wee forbid all the wiues and children of the sayd mutiners, to goe into any place or places, where they shall bee, nor to treat nor communicat with them by writing, nor word of mouth, during the said mutinie, vpon paine of death: Beeing lawfull for all men to strip and spoyle them, if they shall goe, or bee in any sort suspected to haue an intent to goe vnto their sayd fathers, or husbands: E commaunding, That within three dayes they depart out of our countries, and returne no more, vpon the like punishment.’
‘Wee commaund also, That not any one of our subiects, or any other that is within our countries, as a merchant, victualer, or seruant, or in any other sort, shall assist, serue, nor feed the said mutiners nor their seruants, horses, nor any one that depends of them, no not for their money; vpon paine of death, or other pecuniarie punishments, at the will and pleasure of our judges, and according vnto their qualitie, and the merit of their offence: and that finding them, they may kill them without any offence. And that the names and sirnames, and places where the said mutiners, or their fathers, were borne, shall bee rased out of the muster bookes. And to the end that all men may bee the better satisfied, information shall bee F made, so as it may plainely appeare, that they are condemned, and that the said mutiners bee proclaimed in our court, and in those places where they are borne, as well in our countries, as in the dominions of the emperor, the king of Spaine, or any other princes our friends and confederats, for banished men, infamous, traiterous, and base persons, which haue committed high [Page 1284] treason in the first degree. And that moreouer, the punishments ordained in like cases be executed A against them, their children, and descendants: by the which wee doe now hold them 1602 condemned for this fact. And to him that shall bee the meanes to defeat the sayd mutiners, or to deliuer them into our hands, we giue pardon, and promise him an honourable reward, and to all such as shall aid and assist him, although they bee of the mutiners themselues, yea of the chiefe motiues and officers. And to the end that our proclamation and banishment may bee inuiolably kept and executed, and may come to the knowledge of all, both generall of the horse, captaines of men at armes, master of our artillerie, colonels, masters of the campe, gouernours, heads of troups, captaines and officers entertained, souldiers, and all other militarie persons, of what qualitie, condition, degree, or nation soeuer they bee, as other our vassals and subiects; wee commaund, that it bee publikely proclaimed, and be giuen, in an B autentike forme, to the licentiat Iohn de Frias, of his Maiesties counsell, and judge of the campe, that hee may cause it to bee obserued and executed in euerie point, and giue it to the auditor generall, and other officers and persons whom it shall concerne; to the end that all judges of townes and villages, may haue a care thereof, giuing him aduice of that which shal succeed: whereof hee shall aduertise vs, that wee may prouide, as necessitie shall require, for the execution thereof. And in like manner that another authenticall copie bee giuen vnto Iohn Richardot knight, chiefe president of our priuie counsell, and one of our counsell of Estate; to the end, that as farre as it shall concerne him, hee shall also cause it to bee obserued and kept in euerie point, as it hath beene decreed by vs: Commaunding also all other officers and iustices of our countries in these parts, to see it in like maner accomplished. In witnesse C whereof we haue caused our seales to be set hereunto. Made at Dyest the 15 of September 1602. Signed Albert: and vnderneath, By commaundement from their highnesses, I. de Mancicidor.’
This decree of banishment and proscription, may be compared to the sentence of the Inquisition of Spaine, giuen in Februarie 1568 (whereof we haue made mention) against all the inhabitants of the Netherlands: as also the banishment and proscription proclaimed against the prince of Orange, in the yeare 1580, which bred great inconueniences to the king of Spaine: and it is to be admired, that the counsell of such princes, doe not otherwise weigh and foresee the consequence of these proscriptions, before they decree them: for either they must preuent such inconueniences, by a sodaine force, or receiue them into grace, else you D may bee assured, that of seruants they will become enemies: besides, those that find themselues wrongfully toucht and slandered, will want no answers, redounding to the dishonor of the prince that hath decreed them; as it hath appeared by an apologie made by the Protestants of the Netherlands, in the yeare 1568, and of the prince of Orange, in the yeare 1580; both which were printed; by the which the king of Spaine was wonderfully touched, and his honour called in question. But some will say, That princes regard not what is spoken of them, so as they may doe what they desire, and fulfill their owne appetites: To whom I answer, That a meane is more befitting: And to returne vnto that point, let vs see what answer was made by these mutiners vnto the proscription.
The answer of the Squadron, Electo, and Counsell of the Archduke E Albert his men of warre, retired to Hoochstraten.
‘If proscriptions and threats may stand for paiment, the squadron and counsell of souldiers retired to Hoochstraten, may soon make readie their acquitances, and send them to their highnesses, confessing that they were well and truely payd for all arrerages: But for as much as this kind of payment doth neither feed the belly, nor cloth the backe, and that in the meane time they which for many yeares haue hazarded both life and goods, without fee or F recompence, and as it were for the honor of God, to maintaine their highnesses in their estates, should bee in danger (for want of other paiment) to dye with hunger and miserie; it is reasonable, that the said squadron Electo, and counsell, should let all the world vnderstand, with what vntruthes and horrible cruelties the sayd proscription is fraught: to the end, that [Page 1285] the iustice of their cause being knowne by this declaration, euerie one may iudge, if the archdukes A haue reason thus to thunder out their choller against them, the which should terrifie 1602 women and babes, but not men.’
‘Choller makes their highnesses to say (wee say choller, for truth cannot iustifie it) that they had assembled their armie together, to succour the towne of Graue, beeing then besieged by the enemie: What meanes this? was the towne of Graue besieged at Tillemont? was it not besieged aboue a moneth after? How could their highnesses succour Graue at Tillemont, so long before it was besieged? Hee addes with the like ground: And going my selfe in person to put this designe in execution. What is hee among vs, or any other, that did euer see him in the armie, when as prince Maurice would come to visit vs, and to charge vs vpon our owne dunghill, beeing accompanied by them, who had two yeares before so B roughly entertained their highnesses neere vnto Nieuport? The world knowes, they sometimes busie themselues at Brussels, sometimes at Gant, to giue order to their affayres, to the end their persons may bee no more subiect to bee exposed to such dangers. Wee confesse notwithstanding, that his highnesse, after that the towne of Graue was lost, came vnto the armie; not for that they had any need of his person: for hee came to whet his armes against his friends and faithfull subiects, seeing that hee had found his enemies weapons so sharpe, and his owne too much blunted in the countrey of Flanders, to cut the knot of so strong an vnion: If wee speake trueth or not, they of Venloo, and of Ruremonde, can beare witnesse.’
‘Hee sayes, with the like truth, That at such time as his highnesse did endeuour to succour C the towne of Graue, we, vnder colour of a mutinie, did abandon our ensignes. Arithmetike, or the art of numbring, should not bee practised by troubled spirits; Choller is also an enemie vnto the memorie: but if a friend helpe to supply the defect of anothers memorie, hee deserues some recompence. If for such a courtesie wee deserue reward, it is in your highnesse to acknowledge it. And to speake the trueth (which all the world may well remember, as well our friends as our enemies; but that some haue shadowed it with passion, vntill that their troubled spirits may bee purified with the light of trueth) wee say, That wee did imploy our selues to serue their highnesses, without any respect to the extreame necessitie and desolation, whereunto wee were brought for want of money, so long as the admirall of Arragon, who was our leader (and not his highnesse) was camped neere vnto the D towne of Graue: neither did wee begin to seeke any meanes for our pay, vntill that the armie was retired farre from the towne, and that the sayd admirall of Arragon had no further meaning, to make any attempt to succour it, nor against prince Maurice his armie. This was apparent, when as the seigniour of Grobendonc, gouernour of the towne of Boisleduc, after that hee had laboured long in vaine, propounding all the reasons hee could deuise to persuade the admirall to seize vpon the towne of Rauestein, and by that meanes to cut off the victuals which came vnto prince Maurice his armie (the onely meanes to hinder his designe) in the end (seeing hee could not preuaile) hee returned with much discontentment: then wee began to embrace the pursuit of our iust and reasonable cause.’ E
‘If all those that haue taken this course, are to bee held for traitors and rebels, there is not any one in their highnesses seruice, that can be free from this imputation: for who are they that were euer payed, taking any other course? Their highnesses name Dyest, Weert, and Carpen, places which can beare witnesse of our words; the remembrance beeing yet fresh of that which hath lately happened.’
‘It is also obiected, That there is little due vnto vs, or nothing at all; and that our demaunds are false, being men newly come out of Italy, and other places: and that a little before we had beene fully payed at Dyest, Weert, Carpen, &c. If that be true or not, the accounts can witnesse, and if the summe of three millions of gulderns bee held little by their highnesses, yet is it a verie great summe vnto vs. But admit the summe bee small, as their highnesses say, it is so F much the more easie to find it: neither should they for a small matter, haue suffered vs to fall into this extremitie. As for treaties and intelligences, which wee haue with their highnesses enemies; wee find it strange, that they maintaine and hold it to bee contrarie [Page 1286] to all law and reason, seeing that in their proscription they confesse, that it hath beene to A maintaine our selues with them: for when as wee did see their highnesses armes turned against 160 [...]. vs, as intestine enemies, in stead of giuing audience to our iust complaints; was it not time (beeing reasonable creatures) to doe that which brute beasts doe teach vs, which oppose themselues with all their force, against those that seeke to oppresse them? Our actions then are not without some ground of reason, nay they are rather grounded vpon reason it selfe, and vpon the common law, necessitie beeing free from all law, euen the law of nature, which hath giuen this instinct to all creatures, not to forget any thing which may tend to their preseruation.’
‘It is a lamentable thing, that they which for so many yeares haue hazarded their liues, and powred out their blouds so willingly for their highnesses seruice, should bee now forced to B hold their liues as it were in fee of their enemies; and their highnesses on the other side should seek al means to root them out, depriuing them of their liues, wiues, children, food, and friends, as doth plainely appeare by the said proscription.’
‘His highnesse remembers the example of Dauid, who retired himselfe to Achis, king of the Philist [...]ms, his capitall enemie, when hee was forced to flye from before the face of Saul his lord. It may please his highnesse to let the most worthy Infanta vnderstand these reasons, and not to thinke it strange, if wee (as souldiers) haue sought to imitat the example of such a man of warre, as Dauid was.’
‘It is said, That these course were neuer taken by others: Whereunto wee will make no other answer, but, That all our companions know the contrarie. How did they of Sichem carrie C themselues, who had their deputies continually at the Hage, hauing egresse and regresse into Breda at their pleasures, and remaining in Langthstrate, vnder their wings which doe now euen at this present time imbrace our defence, intreating whole troupes of prince M [...]urices, as their friends, and suffering them to passe thorough them without any opposition at all?’
‘The examples which their highnesses propound vnto vs, of them which haue mutined heretofore, and yet haue not left to abandon their retreats, and to offer themselues at need to serue their highnesses, &c. are matters propounded with small consideration: For since that wee were ret [...]red into this place, wee were neuer called to any seruice, as the others were: What subiect then haue they to complaine of vs in this respect? But if they had sent D a herauld at armes vnto the rest, to signifie a proscription vnto them, such as ours is, it is to be presumed, they would not haue left the places which they held, but vpon good tearmes: neither would they haue shewed themselues so zealous vnto their highnesses. It were also to bee wished (for their highnesses honour and reputation) that this great zeale and willing obedience of the sayd mutiners, had beene deferred for a time: for that beeing too inconsiderat, it was more preiudiciall than profitable vnto their highnesses, when as (without regard of their highnesses word) they did so treacherously violat it with them of Snaskerke, neere vnto Oostend; which that day cost many of our fellowes and companions their liues: Yet if their highnesses find any obedience in this act (as it seemes, seeing they doe so much exalt and prayse them in that respect) then are they free from that E blame.’
‘They will persuade vs, That wee are men accustomed to mutine: Wee will receiue this reproach vpon our account and reckoning, with the rest; for of late yeares those which carrie armes for your seruice, receiue no other pay. But what is sayd among the people? doth not euerie one speake plainely, That your highnesse hath brought in this custome, to the end, that souldiers beeing payed after this manner, without money, they may make the better cheere in court? And in trueth, when there is speech of any exployt of warre, those that haue seized vpon any places, quit them voluntarily, and come with great zeale and obedience, to do you seruice. This cannot be called a mutinie, but to winter: for of late yeares all your souldiers haue accustomed to winter after this manner. At such time as your highnesse F did change your Ecclesiasticall habit into a secular, wee were glad and did much reioyce, thinking that your highnesse, hauing beene Cardinall, Archbishop, and chiefe of the holy Inquisition of Spain, would not tie your souldiers to any stricter rule than that which you [Page 1287] might haue read in the Bible; which is, Content your selues with your pay: But it seems, to your A great preiudice, that you haue forgotten it: And no man can dreame where your highnesse 1602. hath found that Canon, to begin to put a law in execution, which is not yet made; which is, That wee must content our selues without pay. Wee did alwayes thinke, that the Ecclesiasticall lawes had beene the most strict, as comming from God, and regarding mens consciences: but wee now find our selues much deceiued.’
‘As for the money of contributions, your highnesse should know how it is imployed, for euen the poore peasants thinke it ridiculous, to say that we enioy it: the truth is, that to liue we goe vnto your lands; what should we else doe? your highnesse giues vs nothing, and souldiers are no Camelions, to liue by the ayre: moreouer, by law the creditor hath an interest to his debtors goods. But for al this your highnesse ordinary contributions are nothing diminished. B That secretarie deserues (vnder your corrections) to bee cast and discharged by your highnesse, seeing that vnder your names, hee hath no [...] beene ashamed, to insert so many palpable lyes in so small a writing: for those things which are so often practised, should not bee termed new. That which is grounded vpon the common law of nature, ought not to bee called infamous nor dishonest. And as for the consequence it cannot bee so bad, seeing the good seruices done with such great zeale and obedience, by our companions, and whereof hitherto we haue not made any refusall, are so highly commended by your highnesse. If it were lawfull for vs to speake vnto you in secret, wee thinke we should hit the marke; which is, That we haue bin aduertised from good parties, that your highnesse is extraordinarily incensed against vs, more than against any that haue gone before vs, partly, to content the people; C considering, that of so many wounds which haue beene receiued of late yeares, there could neuer any meanes bee found to cure one: the which is credible, seeing that your highnesse makes no difficultie to hold vs for companions vnto them that were besieged in the towne of Graue, and who haue purchased so much honour and reputation for their good endeuours: This makes vs to hold many things contained in your pros [...]ription, to bee the more tollerable; beleeuing, that they were not inserted but for fashion sake.’
‘It is said, That wee should returne vnto our [...]nsignes; and that within three dayes: and for default, your highnesse proclaimes vs traytours and rebels, &c. condemning vs to death, &c▪ and our goods confiscat, &c. To condemne them to death, that haue a desire to dye, and who haue meanes not onely to defend themselues, but also to offend them that shall assayl [...] D them, is verie absurd. And your highnesse may well thinke, that wee hope so [...]o imploy our armes, as the permission which hath beene giuen to kill vs, in what [...]ort soeuer, shall not make you nor your substitutes to see many of our heads; for the which it shall not bee needfull to pay the ten, fiftie, nor the hundred crownes promised in your highnesse proscription, according vnto the qualitie of our persons, vnto those that shall put it in execution. As for that which is sayd of our moouable and immoouable goods, your highnesse knowes what moouable and immoouable goods poore souldiers (halfe dead with hunger, as wee are) can haue. Our moouable goods cannot bee made moouable, but by our selues, those bee our armes; and wee may also tearme them our moouable goods, for all such as would attempt to seize on them: daring well maintaine, that euen to his highnesse E himselfe, they might prooue too heauie and immoouable, if hee should bee tempted with any such desire. And if there bee any other goods found among vs, wee will freely giue them to those that will come for them. And as for money, clothes, or other things belonging to our wiues and children, the depositors of your highnesse armie may well bee without a clerke to register them. If you haue no other meanes and reuenewes to feed so many hungrie bellies, it is to bee feared, that within few dayes your highnesse may haue as little money, and as few clothes, as wee had with our wiues and children, when as necessitie forced vs to assemble in this place, to find meanes to feed and cloth our selues. For it may bee sayd, That wee were at that time like vnto the Indians, which go naked, which nakednesse, for the extreame cold of this climat, was not easie to beare. Your F highnesse, nor my lords the emperour, nor the king of Spaine your brethren, shall reape small profit by our clothes, nor by our goods, if they bee vnder their obedience. And as for the defence which is made vnto our wiues and children, not to come vnto vs vpon, pain of death; we hold it for a great fauour done vs by your highnesse, being loth to bee troubled with the [Page 1288] importunitie of our wiues, in the estate wee are in. It were a rediculous spectacle, that after A they had stript our wiues and children of all their clothes, and made them forfeit to your 1602 highnesse, they should afterward condemne them to depart out of your territories within three dayes: The conduct of this naked troupe, might be a good recompence for some one of your courtiers, who by the shew of so strange a sight, might easily get a good summe of money of the people, who are curious of nouelties. But doth your highnesse thinke to famish vs, in forbidding them to bring vs any victuals? doe you thinke, that it is possible for your subiects to obey you in that respect, seeing it is not in their power to warrant themselues against vs? For if you desire that which is contained in your proscription, causing vs to bee slaine by your subiects, it shall bee alwayes lawfull for vs, to reuenge our selues of this crueltie, by reciprocall acts. It is said in the sayd proscription, That your highnesse desires it should be executed against our children and successors: Wee do not thinke, that your highnesse, B being an archbishop, and reading the Bible, hath found any such president; hauing on the other side (although we be souldiers) often heard, That God doth not punish the children for the fathers offence, if they bee not also found culpable. And admit wee had committed all the offences in the world (the which wee haue not) by what diuinitie doth your highnesse find, that you should proceed in this maner against innocents? What punishment will your highnesses reserue for your selues, seeing you are the cause of all this? All kings and princes shall haue cause to gaze vpon your highnesse proceedings, and shall learne how it succeeds with them that seeke to make war without money, which be the sinewes of war. Those which in antient times haue won any honour and reputation by the warres, haue followed C contrarie courses. Cyrus, Alexander, Scipio, Iulius Caesar, and many others, did neuer impouerish their souldiers, but did rather inrich them: They vsed no proscriptions nor threats, in case of discontentment, but haue sought to pacifie them by mildnesse and courtesie; and if there were question to suffer with them, they did neuer forsake them at need. What did Alexander, when as in a drye and hot countrey one brought him a helmet full of water? hee chose rather to powre it on the ground, than to drinke, considering there was but for himselfe alone, and that his whole army was in extreame want: shewing by this example, that he would fare as they did.’
‘Your highnesse hath ten, an hundred, yea fiue hundred crownes, to buy our heads; but you could not find ten, an hundred, nor fiue hundred farthings, to maintaine our bodies and liues D in your faithfull seruice: You haue found the meanes to exceed many great princes, yea the emperour Charles the fift, of happie memorie, the emperour Rodolphus, now raigning, and the king of Spaine, in all sorts of pompe and magnificence, and can you not find the meanes to pay your poore souldiers (which are the onely supporters of your estate) but with proscriptions and threats? Alexander the Great, seeing the Macedonians (whom hee had mightily inricht) little inclined to continue in their duties, and in the pursuit of his victories, hee sought to pacifie them by mildnesse and courtesie, whereby he sped well.’
‘Your highnesses on the other side, after that you had rashly and miserably thrust headlong into danger, the best part of your best souldiers and captaines, and seeing your officers reduced to a lamentable extremitie, haue sought, with an Austrian sternnesse, and a Spanish arrogancie, E their vtter ruine, paying them with proscriptions and threats, and promising recompence to them that should kill them. Iulius Caesar his old souldiers being one day discontented, and desiring to returne home, refusing to goe into Affricke, vpon a verie important expedition, he did not forget any thing that might pacifie them by friendly and amiable meanes, honouring them with the name of Quirites, that is to say, fellow citizens; and by this meanes gaue them contentment. Your highnesse might learne thereby, how a prince should carrie himselfe to his souldiers, who are miserable through his default.’
‘Besides all these points contained in this goodly proscription, they charge vs also, That we haue beene the cause of the desolation of the countrey of Luxembourg, for that wee did not preuent it. It is well knowne, that before that time they held vs for traitors and rebels: your F highnesse armes were turned against vs, euerie man might lawfully kill vs, and euerie one of our heads was set at ten crownes price: how then can all this accord well together? It had bin better your highnesse had imployed your forces to defend Luxembourg, and not to haue suffered so goodly a prouince to be so miserably ruined. Considering then the enormitie of your [Page 1289] proceedings, and the bad consequence which may be drawn by other princes, in committing A the like excesse to their souldiers,’ 1602
‘The squadron, Electo, and councell intreat all princes and common weales to make vse of this example, and to foresee, that in abusing after this manner their good and faithfull souldiers, which are the sinewes of their preseruation, they draw not vpon them the like misfortunes; the which doe daily more and more threaten to ruine their highnesses. Some one hath said well, Woe be to that countrey which hath a child for prince.’
Who so shall duely consider of this answer, and shall peize it with the truth in euery point, will confesse that it had beene much better for the archdukes honour and reputation, not to haue decreed this bitter proscription; especially against Italians, who are not easily drawne into mutinie, without great occasion: besides they haue subtil and actiue spirits among them, although they be souldiers, to answer pertinently to euery point, as it appeares by their answere. B
The archduke had at that time but small meanes to force them to obedience, they beeing The mutiners protected by the vnited prouinces. growne strong, and in a manner protected by the vnited prouinces, who had contracted with them, that in time of need they might retire themselues vnder the walles & ordnance of the townes of Breda, Berghen vp Zoome, and Seuenberghen, and to furnish themselues with all necessaries for their money.
Matters standing vpon these tearmes, Octauio Frangipanny the popes Nuntio, was sent from the archdukes vnto the mutiners, to be a mediator betwixt them. Hee persuaded them vnto three things: the first was, Not to serue the enemie: the second, To content themselues with C reasonable conditions: and lastly, Not to suffer themselues by any meanes to bee seduced with the religion of heretickes. Whereunto they made answer, that during their liues they would neuer alter their religion: that they would make no composition with the prince, nor the enemie, but vpon meere necessitie: and touching the third point, they would not giue eare to any reconciliation, before their banishment and proscription were reuoked and called in againe.
And afterwards in October the Nuntio went to them againe (vpon hostages giuen) to Hochstraten, where he was kindly entertained and feasted by them, especially by their chiefe commanders, captaine Frederigo a Neapolitane, and captaine Roderigo a Spaniard, with their Electo, who gaue him very kind words: but their conclusion was, That the squadron desired D not to enter into any treaty, before the banishment or proscription were called in, & some place of strength, as Thyenen, Dyest, or Vilvoorden deliuered vnto them for their securities; and then they said they would bee ruled by reason: but the archdukes would not heare of it.
After that, in December, and diuers times after, the Nuntio went vnto them, but there was nothing concluded, and they conueyed him with a thousand horse to the gates of Antuerpe. It is said the archduke had secretly caused a generall pardon to be offered vnto them, with three hundred and fiftie thousand crownes to be giuen among them all, that hee might not be troubled with a tedious reckoning, which would be long ere it could be cast vp; and that in the meane time, vntill the money were paied, they should haue some strong place for E their securities: and euery moneth (beside the said summe) thirtie thousand crownes for their entertainment; but they would not accept thereof, saying, that it was much lesse than had beene offered to any that had formerly mutined. And in this estate they continued long, committing all the insolencies that could be, to get money.
The generall Estates beeing assembled at Brussels, held opinion that they should be paied; but the councell at warre, and the kings councell called de la Hazienda, were of contrarie opinion, saying, that it was fit they should be punished, and that it were better to leuie new souldiers with that money, to punish them, and to make them an example to others: whereupon they resolued to raise two new regiments, the one vnder the earle of Biglia, and the other vnder the baron of Rotenau, a knight of Malta, with some horsemen vnder the duke of Aumale, F and the baron of Rhosne, and of Lorraine, beeing put in great hope of money to be sent out of Spaine.
Bax and du Bois both colonels, going forth on the eight of October with foureteene cornets of horse, of the garrisons of Breda, Berghen, and Geertruydenbergh, to doe an exploit in [Page 1290] Henault, whilest that the mutiners of Hochstraten were busie in the Wallon parts of Brabant, A and that the archduke hauing beene at Venloo and Thoren was going from his armie. These 1602 two colonels beeing within three miles of Mastricht, and comming to Bilson, they had intelligence giuen them of eight cornets of horse that had conuoyed the archduke, which lay neere them, without any feare of the enemie, beeing the bands of ordnance of the earles of Mansfeldt, Buren, and Busquoy, with three cornets of Wallons, and two of Italians; they came in the night time to the villages where they were quartered, where they charged their guards, and forced their quarters; some were slaine, some fled, and some were taken prisoners in their beds: the captaines themselues were not there: there were fiue cornets taken, and one burnt in a church; the spoile was great, they tooke about fiue hundred horse, and two hundred prisoners, these cornets were brought to the Hage. Monsieur Chalon a bastard to Rene of Chalon, B prince of Orange fled and saued himselfe.
Diuers ships of warre beeing sent out of the vnited prouinces, vnder the lord of Oxdam, to serue the Queene of England, some of them in the winter time had charge to attend the comming of sixe galleys which Dom Frederick Spinola was to bring out of Spaine, to ioyne with the rest which he had at Sluys in Flanders. At the first they were eight gallies, but two were burnt by sir Richard Luson and the English men, before Setuval in Portugal. The admirall galley wherein Spinola himselfe was, was called saint Louis, the captaines name was Cardinalin, with another captaine called Cascalis d' Auila, with a companie of souldiers. The vice-admirall galley was the saint Ioan, the captaine Pedro de Vergas, with two captaines, and two companies of souldiers. The third galley was called Padillo, the captaine Hasso, with another C captaine, and a companie of Portugals. The fourth galley was called the Lucera, the captaine Calliados, with another captaine and souldiers. The fift galley was called saint Philip, the captaine Roderigo de Neruais, with a companie. The sixt galley was called the Iacinthe, the captaines name was Louis de Camous, with a companie: so as in all they had nine companies of souldiers, whereof two were Spaniards, and seauen were Portugals, beeing nine hundred strong, and a thousand and fiue hundred gallie slaues; each galley had three brasse peeces and no more. And although the Netherlanders were aduertised of their comming, yet the lord of Oxdam was forced to goe into Holland for victuals, leauing Iohn Adrianson Cant his vice-admirall in the moone Gerbrant Adrianson Schal van Horne in the Bausome of foure hundred tunnes, Hendrick Hartman in the Lionesse of Rotterdam, and Gerbrant Iohnson in the Hope of D Enchuysen: which ships were commanded to saile westward for the Queenes seruice, but as yet they staied there to meete with these gallies, and so did a shippe of the Queenes called the Hope, wherein sir Robert Mansel commanded; with his pynace called the Aduantage, in the which was captaine Ionas. All these concluded that the vice-admirall Cant, and Gerbrant Adrianson Sch [...]l should lie in the downes, where there also lay one of the Queenes shippes, called the Answer, commanded by captaine Broadgate: sir Robert Mansel himselfe lay halfe seas ouer, betwixt Douer and Callis, with his pynace, and the two Holland shippes not farre from him.
Vpon the sixt of October in the fore noone, sir Robert Mansel descried the gallies, and they A fight betweene [...]xe gallies and certaine English and Holland ships. him; but beeing a mistie weather, they bent their course along by the coast of England; or if E the hardest fell out, finding that two Hollanders ships were very neere, they meant to board them (as some prisoners confest) little esteeming of two or three ships of warre; but it seemed they had espied the Queenes shippe, and therefore they rowed backe againe, hoping, that night beeing come, and beeing somewhat darke, they should passe by the one coast or the other, and so get into Dunkerke, or Nieuport: the which sir Robert Mansel perceiuing, hee sent captaine Ionas with his pynace ouer to Callis, and the coast of Flanders, to aduertise the Netherlanders fleet thereof, that they might attend these gallies and compasse them in, he himselfe doing his best to keepe them still in sight: the like did the two Holland ships, who by winding and turning, had gotten betweene him and the gallies, and so chased them vntill the funne was almost set: in the meane time they shot off a great peece to warne those three F shippes which lay in the downes; whereupon they set saile, and put to sea: sunne beeing set, the gallies began to saile keeping vnder the coast of England: the two shippes of Holland were now behind them: sir Robert Mansel obserued their course, and knowing they should fall among those ships which laie in the downes, hee made ouer to the coast of France, to meet [Page 1291] with them, if they should offer to crosse ouer to the coast of Flanders; but hearing the ordnance A goe off, hee made towards the Goodwyn sands as fast as he could, to encounter them 1602 there.
The Queenes shippe, and the two Hollanders beeing somewhat neere vnto the galleys, shot violently at them, but the weather beeing calme, the galleys outrowed them; yet the wind rising at northeast, they pursued them for the space of two or three houres with all their sailes vp.
The gallies past so neere vnto Douer cliffes, as certaine Turkish slaues, hauing found meanes to file their chaines asunder, leapt into the sea, and swamme to land, and so freed themselues from slauerie and bondage. Sir Robert Mansel beeing neere vnto Goodwyn sands, espied one of the gallies before him, and comming within his musket shot, hee discharged B thirtie great shot at her, and brake her sprit-saile; wherewith he heard the men make a pittifull crie, and seemed to come towards him, vnto whom he made offer to saue their liues, if they would yeeld: in the meane time the other fiue gallies came towards her, among the which he discharged all his ordnance; yet holding it no discretion in him to suffer his ship to be boarded by fiue gallies, and so well manned as they were, he gaue them leaue to passe away.
The foure shippes of Holland had them still in chase, beeing thwart of Grauelyn, about tenne of the clocke at night, Gerbrant Iohnson Schal of Horne with this shippe of foure hundred tunnes, met with one of the gallies called Lucera, running vpon it with full sailes, behind the mast, so as the gallie slaues sate vp to the wast in water, crying miserecordia, and made C no resistance, then Gerbrant shot two demie cannons among them, wherewith many were slaine and wounded: the gallie could no longer vse neither sailes nor owers, neither could shee helpe herselfe, her poope beeing broken downe, and her rudder gone; whereupon captaine Gerbrant sought by all the meanes he could to free himselfe from her, fearing to bee boarded by so many men.
After that captaine Hartman in another ship of Holland, fell vpon the same galley, thinking that he had beene the first had ouertaken her, he saued aboue fourtie of her men, and so got from her againe, yet one of his men stayed in her. After that Gerbrant Schal boarded her againe, and fiue of his men leapt into the galley, but by meanes of the pittifull crying & calling out of his men, the gallie beeing readie to sinke, he fetcht away his men with his boat, hauing D no will, or fearing some greater danger, to saue any more: they staied so long by the gallie One of the gallies sunke. (beeing about midnight) as they might see her masts lying vpon the water, and presently after sunke.
Iohn Adrianson Cant the vice-admirall met with the gallie called Padillo, the which hee did stemme, and did great hurt vnto himselfe: three other Holland shippes attending for them, o Another gallie sunke. hearing the ordnance go off, came in and charged her, wherewith shee sunke, but they saued many of the men in their ships.
Thus these wearie gallies sought to saue thēselues, making no resistance, and yet were neere the land: the admirall draue vpon the land of Schouven, being chased by a ship before Westcapel, where he thought that by reason of the fowle weather, it must of force haue sunke, E whereupon hee left her: but Spinola who was in her, cast much of his goods ouer board, and The losse of the gallies. promising the slaues their liberties, at the last he got to Dunkerke. One of the gallies got to Callis without any hurt, but the slaues ranne away, two others beeing sore beaten and shot through, ranne a ground vpon the coast of Flanders: of those two which Cant and Schal ouersailed, there was not one peece to be found: and afterwards the captaines contended who should haue the honour of this action.
Thus of Spinola's eight gallies, two were burnt in Portugal, two other were sunke vpon the coast of Flanders, and the other foure were forced to runne a ground, whereby they were in a manner made vnseruiceable: wherein Gods iudgements are to bee admired, for that those were the same gallies wherein the Netherland sailers had beene made slaue, and F were forced to rowe.
And it is worthy the noting, of the ship wherein Gerbrant Iohnson was captaine, which had ouersailed the first gallie, called the Lucera, that the master had beene three yeares a [Page 1292] slaue in the same gallie, and in as great miserie as any man could endure; beeing put into it A when as he came into Spaine with his shippe laden with marchandise, which beeing all confiscated, 1602 the men were put into the galleys, and were al shauen as other Turkish slaues are accustomed to be: wherein God shewed his iudgement in reuenge of his miseries, the galley wherein he had beene prisoner, beeing ouerwhelmed by him, and captaine Colliado who had tyrannized ouer him, hauing both his legges strooke off with a great shot, whereof hee afterwards died in captaine Hartmans shippe, seeing his galley sinke before his face, to his great griefe and vexation.
This master beeing a lustie man, could neuer bee released for any ransome, vntill all the Netherland prisoners were exchanged for the admirall of Arragon.
Frederick Spinola preserued the greatest part of his treasure, which was esteemed to bee Frederick Spinola saues himselfe with his treasure. B worth aboue two hundred thousand ducats, the which he caused to be presently minted at Antuerpe, with the archdukes stampe.
In this defeat there were about a hundred and eightie prisoners, slaues, and others, fisht out of the sea, and carried into Holland: the gallie slaues had their libertie giuen them, with a sute of clothes, and a peece of money to carrie them into their countries, or where they pleased.
There were at the same time some seauen shippes of warre of Dunkerke at sea, the admiral whereof was so chased by the shippes of Zeeland a day and a halfe together, as in the end shee was forced to runne on ground neere vnto Albertus sconce, vpon the coast of Flanders, where the shippe burst, but they saued the ordnance and some other implements. The vice-admirall C Adrian Derickson got into Dunkerke, hauing beene well beaten in the Spanish seas, by the English and Dutch, and lost aboue halfe their men. The herring Buisses went then to sea with ordnance and small shot in them (notwithstanding their wafters) wherewith they might make some defence, vntill the ships of warre came to relieue them.
This yeare in Nouember the vnited prouinces intended to make an iucursion into the duchie of Luxembourg, for that they had refused to pay their contribution: the charge was giuen vnto Lodowick Gunther earle of Nassau, with these foure colonels, Edmonds, Ghistels, Dommeruille, and Marquette; he had two hundred French, two hundred English, two hundred Scots, two hundred Germans, and two hundred Netherlands, with three and thirtie cornets of horse, three field peeces, and fiftie waggons; that is, eight for the munition, D foure for cont Lodowick, one for each colonel, and the rest for the horsemen. They went from Nymeghen the third day of Nouember, and came into the countrey of Iuilliers; and then they tooke saint Vit by composition; the souldiers swearing not to beare armes in the duchie of Luxembourg for the space of two moneths after, and to depart with their ensignes, armes, and baggage, and that the bourgers should compound for a reasonable ransome: and then for a moneths space they ranne ouer all the countrey of Luxembourg without any resistance, forcing them to pay contribution; for that Peter Ernest earle of Mansfeldt, gouernor of the countrie had forbad them to pay any, for which cause many houses and villages were burnt, whereas they found no body at home to ransome them.
The archduke sent certaine troupes thither, but for want of money they lay by the way, E and did feed vpon the poore countrey men, and wasted the countrey, as if they had beene enemies.
Cont Lodowicke brought many gentlemen and pesants prisoners with him, and among the rest, the abbot of saint Huberts, who were put to ransome. There was little else done all this winter.
In the moneth of August, monsieur la Biche gouernour of the towne of Hulst, made an attempt with two thousand men for the archduke, vpon Berghen vp Zoome, thinking to haue surprized it, the towne at that time hauing but a small garrison; but hauing marcht in the night time within halfe a mile of the towne, the gouernour of Berghen vp Zoome caused two peeces of ordnance to be shot off, to giue warning to them of Tertolen F of the enemies approach; who finding themselues to bee discouered, returned presently.
But to returne to the siege of Oostend: the archdukes men seeing that their batterie Oostend. [Page 1293] vpon the goullet wrought not that effect which they expected, and that notwithstanding the A shippes past in and out, they caused an engine to be built, which they called a float, the which 1602 is like a floore or plancher made of light boards, swimming vpon the water, with defences able to carrie a cannon, which should stoppe the entrie of the said goullet; the which they did thinke would alwaies rise with the tide, and that it could not be carried away, nor broken: the which they brought vnto the brinke of the goullet, but the waues of the sea brake it in peeces, and this inuention was as vnprofitable as the rest.
The archduke hauing published a proscription (as wee haue said) against his mutined souldiers, hee went to besiege them in Hochstraten, where hee brought them to great extremitie; notwithstanding that they were well fortified with three ditches, and three rampars, whereas he found great resistance. Monsieur de Rhosnes sonne was slaine there (who in his time had beene marshall of the archdukes campe, and was slaine before Hulst) yet they B (finding themselues prest in this manner by the archduke) prouided for their safeties, and made an accord with prince Maurice, to take them into his protection, vntill they should bee reconciled vnto the archduke; the which the prince accepted, knowing well enough, that without their troupes, and during their mutinie, the archduke could not greatly annoy the vnited prouinces.
Whereupon the prince went to relieue them, and raised the siege, and by that meanes did hold by prouision the said castle of Hochstraten, and that of Carpen, in the dioces of Cologne: for securitie of which places, and of their persons, the Estates put them in garrison in the Graue; the which (hauing made their accord with the archduke) they deliuered into the C Estates hands, who in like manner restored Hochstraten and Carpen. And this was all the archduke got by his thundring proscription.
You haue heard how that vpon the sixt day of October, in the yeare 1599, Enno the new earle of Embden, was quietly installed in his earledome; but afterwards by certaine practises he drew many gentlemen and others (who before had beene enemies to his father and himselfe) to bee of his faction; namely, two gentlemen called Yonkers van Kimphousen, and van Risom, and some of the chiefe bourgers of Embden, as Syndicus Dotia Wiarda, the two bourgomasters, and the secretarie: and he maried his daughter, beeing heire of Esens, &c. to his brother Iohn earle of Embden, with dispensation from the pope, vpon promise to maintaine the Romish religion, and to bring in the Iesuites, as hee had done in Paderborne, all his houshold D seruants beeing catholikes, beeing the religion which his father and predecessors had expelled out of the countrie: which made many to doubt that hee had some enterprise in hand for the king of Spaine, or for the archduke, to the preiudice of them of the religion in east Friseland, and the vnited prouinces, making his gouernment absolute and monarchiall; who vnder pretence of aiding the emperour in the Turkish warres, raised chimney money, tributes, with other like burthens and taxations, seeking vnder hand to ouerrule the whole countrey.
And for that they of Noorden (a towne not farre from Embden) refused to install him in the yeare 1602, for that the said towne did belong vnto his mother, the king of Suethlands daughter, for her dowrie, denying also to paie those extraordinarie exactions: wherefore E cont Enno (hauing leuied many souldiers vnder the former pretence) went with three companies of foot, and two cornets of horse before the towne of Noorden, their commaunder beeing Yonker van William Kimphousen, who entred the towne, and disarmed the bourgers: and then he commanded them to come into the market place, where hauing enuironed them by the souldiers, who bent their armes against them, a gybbet beeing set vp, their sentence of The crueltie of the earle of Embden. condemnation was read; which was, That they had forfeited both their liues and goods, with al their priuiledges: but their liues were spared, paying him thirtie three thousand Reeks dollers, and that for fiue yeares they should pay chimney money: then hee caused the bourgers to goe vnder the gallowes, in signe that they had deserued it.
In the end they were forced to giue him fifteene thousand dollers, and to deliuer him certaine F persons into his hands, to deale with them as he pleased, whereas he vsed certaine priuate gentlemen very cruelly: and vpon the second day of Iune they, were forced to submit and humble themselues vpon their knees at his feet, and to craue pardon of him, and yet neuerthelesse he carried many of them away prisoners: besides, at the same time hee also [...] [Page 1298] [...] [Page 1299] [Page 1294] banished diuers of the chiefe magistrates and bourgers of Embden, by vertue of the emperours A decree. 1602
In regard of these cruell proceedings of the earle of Embden, they of the towne of Embden sent their bourgmaster Philip Sicken and Iohn Amelinck, vnto the Estates of the vnited They o [...] Embden demand a [...]d of the vnited prouinces. prouinces at the Hage, to make their complaints against the earle, for that (contrarie to the cō tract made at Delfziel) he had sought to intreat them with all rigour and extremitie, threat [...]ing to deale with them, as he had done with them of Noorden; and that hee leuied many souldiers (vnder pretence to serue the emperour in the Turkish warres) more than hee could well pay; as also that hee had secret practises for the king of Spaine, to attempt something against the towne, through the fauour of the saylers, who were much inclined vnto him: hoping thereby to attaine a neutrall trade into Spaine. These things bred great i [...]alousies B in the Estates of the vnited prouinces, whereupon they granted aid vnto them of Embden; so as vpon Whitsonday, captaine Crwope entred into Embden with foure companies of Friselanders, the riuer also beeing shut vp with shippes, euen at the very instant when as cont Enno was with his troupes within a mile of the towne, thinking to haue entrance by meanes of his fauourites: and at the same time there were certain deputies sent from the estates to reconcile all matters, but it was in vaine.
Hereupon the earle fortified the villages of Hinta and Larrels, with other villages, to command the riuer of Ems▪ and at Logherhorn he made a very strong sconce, with fiue great bulwarkes, and another sconce at Eylsemerziel, to master them of Embden, and to keep the ships from comming to the towne. C
They of Embden seeing themselues thus coopt vp by the earles sconces, were suters all the summer vnto the vnited prouinces for aid; they beeing busie at the siege of Graue; the which beeing taken, in the beginning of winter (giuing friendly aduise to the earle to desist from his pretended enterprise) they sent monsieur de Bois a gentleman of Brabant, with nineteen companies of foot, of diuers nations, and some cornets of horse, the which passed the Ems the last of October, notwithstanding that the earle had foure thousand men; and first he besieged the fort at Hinta, the which he battered and tooke by force: from thence hee went to Grietziel, which yeelded by composition: some other sconces were abandoned: Knocke was yeelded with the ordnance: at the last du Bois came to the great fort of Logherhorne, in the which there were seauen hundred men, the gouernour was Yonker William van Kimphouse [...], there D were in it sixteene brasse peeces, all cannon and demie cannon, and whole and halfe culuerins, with eight yron peeces, beeing well furnished with all manner of munition; the earle intending to make it his chiefe seat for the warres. Monsieur du Bois made his approaches betweene two bankes, which they should haue let if they had beene souldiers: the fort was not fully finished; so as the gouernour Kimphousen seeing himselfe in some danger, vpon the thirteenth of Nouember yeelded the fort by composition, to depart out of the same with their colours flying, armes, and baggage, to leaue the ordnance behind them, and to be conueyed to Lierort; all prisoners to be released, and good quarter kept, with other conditions. Hauing taken al these forts in 3 weeks space, monsieur du Bois returned to Embden, where he was honourably entertained, and the next day he went to field againe, to lodge his souldiers in the E villages during the winter time, and to force them to pay him contribution towards the entertainment of his troupes.
The vnited Estates did aduertise the electors and other princes of the empire (who were incensed against them) what reason had mooued them to vndertake this course; beeing aduertised out of the archdukes court, that all this preparation made by the earle of Friseland against the towne of Embden, tended to no other end, but to deliuer the towne vnto the Spaniard; whereby he might enter freely into the ri [...]er of Ems, and into that hauen, and so haue meanes to ruine the vnited prouinces, and the borders of the empire: wherefore they had vsed all meanes possible to reconcile the earle, and the towne of Embden; but the earle had not onely broken the contract made at Delfziel, but to the preiudice of his neighbours had built F many forts along the riuer of Ems, vsurping that which was neuer allowed to his predecessors. Besides, they had many other reasons which mooued them to suspect the earle and his brethren; for that of late one of them had beene sent into Spaine, and did serue vnder the archduke; and for that the Spaniards did hold that the earledome of Friseland did belong vnto [Page 1295] them, as appeareth by the articles of peace made at Veruins; beeing also daily informed from A the court in Brussels, what great matters were expected out of east Friseland against the vnited 1603. prouinces: wherefore they intreated them to conceiue well of that which they had done, not onely for their owne, but also for their neighbours good; and to assure themselues that they would not fauour nor aid them of Embden in any thing that might bee preiudiciall to the priuiledges of the empire, or emperour: but yet they could not forbeare to assist them in their great necessitie.
Enno hauing receiued this losse, went to make his complaint to the imperiall chamber, leauing the gouernment of Friseland to his wife, who was daughter to the duke of Holstein, with Yonker Kimphousen and his councell, but the next summer the earle went into Holland, where a reconciliation was made. B
In the latter end of the yeare, there was an enterprise made vpon the castle of Wachtendonc in Gueldres, by meanes of a fisherman who carried straw in his boat by the riuers of Niers into the castle: at one time he carried ten or twelue souldiers hidden vnder the strawe; and after vnder another burthen of straw did lay captaine Lambert Pasman, with 14 souldiers more: passing by the castle bridge, the fisherman intreated the sentinel (beeing acquainted with him) to lend him his hand, to leape on land, the which he did; but the fisherman drewe him into the water, and slue him: then the rest leapt out, and seized on the castle gate, with the helpe of those that were there before: with whom there ioyned certaine souldiers of the garrison of Gueldre, who lay neere to it in ambush. Monsieur de Rihouen the gouernour was taken prisoner: they of the towne could not preuent it, beeing so suddainly done; but within C three houres after (with the aid of the garrison newly come from Oostend) they intrencht themselues against the castle; and captaine Cloet, and captaine Quaet hearing thereof, beeing thereabouts with their horsemen, they entred into the towne, & besieged the castle: the which being in some want of victuals, within sixe daies they compounded, and deliuered vp the castle, departing with their armes, and 20 wagons to conuey their hurt men, all prisoners to bee set at libertie, and captaine Quaet remaining gouernour, vntill monsieur Rihouens returne.
They of Oostend did annoy the archdukes campe all they could, hauing since the beginning Oostend. of the siege, vnto the moneth of March, 1603, spent aboue 100 thousand great shot, sending their cannon often into Zeeland to be changed, or new cast. And vpon the 6 of Aprill they made an enterprise vpon the Spaniards sentinels vpon the east side: and as some of their D men were vnder the platforme to hearken what they did, they were discouered, and presently the alarme was giuen throughout all the campe, the which forced them to retire backe againe.
The thirteenth of April the wind was very high, the which blew downe many old walles, couerings of houses, and the church steeple; vnder the ruines whereof there was a man slaine, and another had both his legges broken▪ all the Spaniards gabions on the east side were in a manner ouerthrowne, and their new works vpon the goullet wonderfully shaken. The night following the Spaniards gaue a generall assault vnto the towne with great forces: they pulled vp some hundred piles at the halfe moone on the east side, but they were repulst and forced to retire. On the west part they did assault the Porc-espic, and brought two hogsheads E thither full of pitch and rozen; but in the end they were repulst. They gaue another assault to the Polder rauelyn, from the which they were at the first repulst; but they returned with such The Polde [...] square taken. furie, as they became masters thereof, with the Polder square, or Catte, West-square, and South-square, although there were vpon the Polder square a demie cannon, with some yron peeces, which were not idle. Hauing taken these places, they put all to the sword, and in the morning they slue all that were liuing in cold blood; and then they hung vp a gunner, and threw his bodie out of the trenches in scorne: the assault continued foure houres.
The same day, beeing the foureteenth of April, at nine of the clocke at night, the besieged made a sallie vpon these Cattes or squares, from the which they were repulst, whereas they lost in these assaults, captaine Frist, the lieutenant colonel of the Suitsers, two ensignes, one of F English, and the other of Suitsers, and foure hundred men; whereas the Spaniard had almost 1000 slaine, which made them out of hope euer to win the towne by assault. The besieged redeemed the bodie of the lieutenant colonel of the Suitsers, for a hundred dollers, the which was brought into the towne.
[Page 1296] During all this time, there went many ships in and out to Oostend, bringing in souldiers, A and great store of munition, so as at one time there were 80 companies in the towne; yet did 1603 they not passe freely, without the losse of some ships and men: whereunto the Estates men were so well accustomed, as they did willingly expose themselues to the hazard, little regarding the enemies cannon. Wee may see what custome can doe, as we haue shewed in the [...]iege of Leyden, whereas not onely the inhabitants, but euen the cattel did accustome themselues vnto the warres.
On the seauen and twentieth day of May, early in the morning, the wind beeing [...]asterly, A fight at sea with Spi [...]ola's gallies. a high water & a calm sea, Dom Frederic Spinol [...], generall of the gallies by the archdukes commandement (who omitted no opportunitie to annoy them of Oostend) went out of S [...]luse with eight gallies and foure fregates well appointed with slaues and mariners, and manned with two thousand and fiue hundred musketiers. He first shewed himselfe at the west end of B the ditch or hole of Scluse, betwixt the sands called the Franche-pol, rowing to the east end of the said ditch. The shippes and gallies of the Estates, and of prince Maurice beeing admirall generall▪ seeing what their intent was, weighed anchor, and hoist vp their sailes, bending their course [...]astward, although they had both wind and tide against them, beeing in a manner a calme. Spinola's gallies hauing the aduantage both of winde, tide, and sunne, went northward beyond the Franche pol▪ into the W [...]linge or Gulfe, turning their prowes against the fleet. About fiue of the clocke, the eight gallies diuided themselues into two equall parts, beeing a little distant one from the other: beeing thus in order, they came furiously, and with great cries, after their accustomed manner, to charge the Estates armie. The two first gallies did C set vpon the shippe of Ioos de Moor, vice-admirall, called the Golden lyon: Dom Frederick [...] Spinola commanded in one of these galli [...]s, the which had no f [...]gge vpon her mast, but onely aboue the captaines chamber. Moor defended himselfe valiantly, and his ordnance did great spoile vnto the enemie; so as Spinola himselfe had his deaths wound, and died before he could get to shoare. There were foure other gallies that pursued the ship of captaine Legier Peterson Spinola slaine. of Groningue, called the [...], or flying dog: one of them tooke her on the right side of the stearne, and striking her with his spurre made her giue backe. At which time the master gunner of the Dog gaue fire to a peece, which raakt through the gallies, and made a way, as if a wagon had past through them, and ouerthrowne all it had incountred. The blacke galli [...] of Dordrecht in the which Iacob Michielson commanded, encountred with the other D two gallies: this fight hauing continned a while, two of the gallies which▪ were neere▪ vnto Legier Peterson, forsooke her, and went to charge the gallie of Zeeland, called the Flight, in the which Cornellis Iansen of Gorrichom was captaine, who plaied his part as well as the rest, and without doubt had wonne great honour, if there had not fallen out an accident of fire in the gallie. The other two gallies did also leaue Legiers shippe, and rowed against the blacke gallie; one of the which, was Spinola's vice-admirall, carrying a flagge vpon her mast. These foure had wo [...]ke enough with the blacke galley, the which defended it selfe so valiantly, as notwithstanding they were all grapled vnto her, meaning to draw her into Scluse, yet were they forced to abandon her after a long fight. The blacke gallie being thus freed, it went to charge those gallies that were in fight with Ioos de Moor the vice-admirall. Another shippe of captaine E Quirin Hendricks of Zirrixee, called the Old dog▪ although it were not in fight, yet did shee much harme to Spinola's gallies, entring among the rest, and seconding them with her ordnance; and especially against them that fought with the viceadmirall, and the blacke galley.
The slaughter was very great, especially in the Spanish gallies; neither partie shewing any base cowardise, they were so eager one against another with cannon, musket, and harguebuse shot; and then they came to the halfe pike, two hand sword, co [...]telas, and other armes, that it was a fearefull sight to behold: so as in the end the Spaniards fainting, seeing such great abundance of blood runne out at the skuppet holes of their gallies, they [...]led in great disorder to S [...]luse; yet carrying backe all their gallies, beeing fauoured by the neerenesse of their retreat. F
There died in this sea fight, the generall Frederick Spinola, with aboue eight hundred of his men▪ and a great number of them hurt. [...]e nu [...]ber [...]e dead
Of the Estates side, there were sixe and thirtie slaine; among the which, was captaine [Page 1297] Iacob Michelson, and his lieutenant; the viceadmirall Ioos de Moor, and captaine Leger Peterson, A with some threescore others, were hurt. In the viceadmirall, and in the gally of Zeeland, 1603 there were some Englishmen of the garrison of Flessingue, who did exceeding well, of the which there were eight slaine, and some fifteene hurt. Ioos de Moor the viceadmirall, commaunded at this fight, in the absence of the seignior William van Haulstein, who was admirall vnder prince Maurice: he hearing the noyse of the ordnance, parted presently from Flessingue, with fiue ships of warre, and one fregate, to come and succour his companie before the ditch, but the fight was ended, and the enemie retired, before he came. In this battaile the saying of the royall prophet Dauid was verified, That victories proceeded not from the force and strength of man, but from the ayd and assistance of God.
Elizabeth Queene of England, of famous memorie, being dead, vpon the foure and twentieth B day of March, and Iames king of Scotland called to the succession of the crowne; vpon the 8 of Aprill the vnited prouinces did write a letter vnto the king of England, as followeth.
Most high and mightie prince, as we were with great reason grieued in our soules, for the The vnited prouinces letter to the king of England. newes of the death of the most high▪ great, mightie, and soueraigne princesse, the queene of England, of most worthy and famous memorie, in regard of the great loue and affection shee ‘did alwayes beare vnto our estate, and for the ayd which we did still receiue from her princely bountie, for our defence and preseruation, against the king of Spaine and his adherents, wherby the remembrance of her shall for euer remaine eternized in vs and our posteritie: so were wee much comforted, and reioyced in our hearts, to vnderstand, that your Maiestie with a generall applause of the Estates of the whole country, was proclaimed the true and lawful heire, C successor, and king of the kingdomes of England, Fraunce, and Ireland; and the rather, for that wee assure our selues, that your Maiestie comming to the succession of the said kingdoms, will not onely continue your princely grace, and accustomed fauour, but will also of your princely inclination, inherit the same princely affection towards vs and our estate, which the aforesayd noble queene, of worthy memorie, hath left vnto you; thereby to continue your gratious ayd, and bountifull assistance, for our preseruation, for the welfare of all Christendome, and your owne good, against the common enemie, as we haue long hoped and expected the same. And in effect to shew the resolution we haue alwayes had to please and serue your Maiestie, so wee beseech almightie God (for the first part of our dueties) to blesse your Maiestie in this succession, to his glorie, and the propagation of his holy word▪ to exalt your Maiesties gouernment, D with all state and happinesse; and to giue your Maiestie health and long life, not onely to the glorie and comfort of your owne kingdomes and subiects, and of our estate, but also to the good and peace of all Christendom, against the insatiable ambition of the Spaniards, and their adherents: To which end we most humbly beseech your Maiestie, seeing it pleased the aforesaid queene of famous memorie, in her later dayes, to grant vs leaue to take vp certaine souldiers in England, for to fill vp and make compleat the English companies, that serue vnder vs, as wee likewise besought your Maiestie to suffer vs to doe the like in Scotland, for the Scottish companies: that it will now please your Maiestie to grant vs the effect thereof; that wee may at this present take vp the said souldiers both in England and Scotland, to be transported into the Netherlands, there to be imployed in our seruice, as the necessitie of our cause requireth, and E especially for the preseruation of the towne of Oostend: wherein we refer our selues to your Maiesties consideration, kissing your princely hands with all humilitie, beseeching the almightie God, to preserue your M. throne in al happinesse & glory, and your princely person in long life & prosperitie. Dated as aforesaid, & signed by the generall states of the vnited prouinces.’
Presently after this letter, they sent an honorable embassage into England, the embassadors were▪ Henry Frederic, earle of Nassau, yongest sonne to the late prince of Orange, Walraue, baron The vnited Estates sent embassadors into England. of Brederode, monsieur Van Olden Barneuelt, counsellor for Holland, and Iacob Valck, treasurer of Zeeland; beeing accompanied with diuers gentlemen, as the lords of Batenborgh, Schagen, Trelongh, Herdenbrooke, Borselle, with many others. These embassadors arriued in England the 14 of May, eight daies after the kings entrie into London, and vpon F the seuen and twentieth of May they had audience; where, besides their congratulating of the kings comming to his new kingdomes, they layed open vnto him the estate of their affaires, and craued a supply of souldiers, according to the contents of their letters: the [Page 1298] which was deliuered both by mouth and writing: but for that it is but a repetition of that A which hath gone before, I forbeare to insert it. 1603
The king made them a friendly answer, in generall tearmes, excusing himselfe, that he was The kings answer to the vnited Estates but newly entred into his kingdome, and beeing ignorant of the estate and power thereof, hee thought it requisite, first to settle his owne affaires, and to be fully informed of all particularities, beeing most conuenient rather to seeke peace than warre; and that with all friendly care and affection he would continue all loue and friendship with them, as his predecessor had done, with many other exceeding good wordes, wherewith the embassadours tooke their leaues.
The archduke hearing also of the death of the Queene of England, sent a gentleman called Nicholas de Schosy into Scotland to sound the kings mind, how he stood affected, whether B to peace or warre; and hearing that he had beene alwaies inclined to a good peace, he sent to all the coasts of Flanders, commaunding them not to touch nor molest any English man, neither by water nor by land; but to vse them with all loue and friendship, and withall, to set all their English prisoners at libertie. And at the same time he sent an embassadour into England, which was Charles earle of Aremberg, knight of the golden fleece, chancellor of estate, and admirall generall for the archdukes, beeing accompanied with his sonne, the baron of Seuenberghen, the earle of Bossu, the baron of Robles, the lord of Wakene, the lord of Swevigem, the earle of Phirtburg, the baron of Neuele, with many other gentlemen, his embassage tending (besides congratulation) to mooue the king to a peace, and to crosse certaine designes of the vnited prouinces; and for that the plague was great in London, hee road westward C with the king: whither also the king of Spaine sent Iohn Baptista Taxis, earle of Villa-mediana, his postmaster generall, in embassage, who still sollicited the king vnto a peace: whereupon the king sent master Ralph Winwood in Iuly, to be his agent in Holland, with commission to let the Estates vnderstand that the archduke had made offer of a peace vnto him, whereunto he would not giue any eare, vntill hee made them acquainted therewith, and to vnderstand if they would enter into treatie.
In the meane time the earle of Basigny, sonne to the Lord of Boxtel, wrot twice vnto the vnited prouinces, desiring a pasport for himselfe, and for the pentioner of Antuerpe, to come into Holland, from the Estates of Brabant; but they made him answer, that he should send his charge and propositions in writing, whereunto answer should be made: but he wrot againe D for a pasport to come in person, for that his commission might be better deliuered by word of mouth, than by writing▪ but he could not preuaile.
About this time, and whilest the armie lay before Oostend, there was great dislike and iarres among the archdukes souldiers; for the Netherlanders could hardly agree with the Spaniards, nor the Spaniards like of the Italians: Dom Louis de Velasco a gallant souldier, being generall of the artillerie, was made generall of the horse, and the earle of Busquoy generall of the artillerie; but there were many commaunders which refused to serue vnder Velasco, as the duke of Ossuna, who had raised two companies of horse, the which he discharged, either through pride, or for want: Dom Alonzo d'Aualos desired pasport to depart, and so did Dom Augustin de Mexia, chastelleyn of Antuerpe: at which time there were foure thousand E souldiers leuied in Arthois and Henault by the duke of Arschot, and by commission from the archduke, with promise that they should be paied by the Estates of the countrey; but beeing almost readie to march, the archduke himselfe would needes receiue the money and pay them; which made the Wallons to shrinke and run away.
It was said the yeare before, that the earle of east Friseland, was in controuersie with the towne of Embden; whereupon this yeare in Marrh, he came into Holland, to the Estates of the vnited prouinces, whereas all matters were debated betwixt him and the towne, and at the last by the means of mediators, they were recōciled before the general Estates, the which agreement was comprehended in 15 articles, dated the 8 of April. There were two draughts made of this accord, the which were signed and sealed by the earle, and the towne seale of F Embden put vnto them: & at their requests they were sealed with the Estates seale, wherupon the earle took his leaue. Vpon the 18 of April the Estates sent commissioners to Embden, to cause thē of the town to accept the contract. The commissioners did what they could to haue [Page 1299] the earle performe the accord, and to haue it signed at the meeting of the Estates of the countrey; A but the earle still sought euasions, and at the last made no account thereof; so as in the 1603 end the commissioners after much toile, returned into Holland, reinfecta. The reasons were (as the earle said) that the remitting of all spoils and wrongs done, contrarie to the emperours command, belonged onely to the emperour, and not to the parties: that the emperour had reserued all difficulties touching the causes of Embden, vnto himselfe, and therefore the parties might not by meanes of the vnited prouinces, make any alteration or interpretation therof: that the aforesaid imperiall resolution was giuen in forme of a sentence, and to bee obserued by oath by both parties; so as now they ought not to doe any thing to the contrarie, nor alter the same, and that there were diuers points contained there, which did onely belong vnto the emperour himselfe. But the chiefe obstacle, as it hath since appeared, was in regard that B the emperour disliked of the earles going into Holland, and that he had sought strange mediators in his causes; wherefore he caused all the said articles to be made void by Charles Nutzel his agent.
Whereupon the said Nutzel and Miximilian de Cochy, were sent from the emperour vnto the vnited Estates; but Nutzel beeing forced to stay in east Friseland, expecting (as he said) another commission, de Cochy came to the Hage vpon the fifteenth day of Iuly, and there had audience of the Estates: where he made a repetition of all the proceedings of the towne of Embden, and how they were reconciled; and that since they of Embden had begun to rebell: wherefore the Emperour had beene forced to send out certaine commaundements against them, vpon especiall petition, and had forbidden the Estates to aide them of Embden; C yet since he had vnderstood that contrarie to his commandement, they had assisted them with some souldiers, and vpon Whitsonday last past had taken in the towne, and then made open warre in the countrey, taking diuers houses and sconces, and spoiling the whole countrey, forcing the inhabitants to pay contribution; whereof they desired restitution. Hee also complained of certaine famous libels, and deriding verses that were cast abroad, desiring them to forbid the publishing of their apologies in their iurisdictions. And after some conference with the said commissioner in the Hage, hee deliuered them a certaine reply touching the last argument, answering to euery article, to shew why it ought not to be performed.
This embassadour had his answer from the Estates the seauenth day of August, containing a declaration of the wrongs which their enemies had done vnto the empire, and of the D pretended monarchie of Spaine▪ who sought to subiect all vnder them: and therefore in the peace at Veruins, they had reserued certaine pretences and rights vnto the countrey of Embden, and had practised vnder hand to seize vpon the towne and countrey, and to appropriate it vnto themselues: and that the marquesse Ambrosio Spinola had commission to conquer it, and to withdrawe it from the empire, as they had done the countries of Gueldres, Zutphen, Vtrecht, Friseland, Oueryssel, and Groningue, wherein they proceeded without any opposition or interruption: and for that it would tend to the great preiudice and hindrance of the vnited prouinces, they could not refuse to aid them of Embden; wherefore they intreated the emperour not to misconstrue their action.
And touching the accord which had beene made betwixt the earle and the Embdeners, E they said that the earle came willingly, and of his owne accord, into Holland, desiring them to be mediators for the making of a good peace; the which was done according to the contract made at Delfziel, wherein they had not done any thing that might in any sort blemish the emperours honor & reputation, & that whatsoeuer had bin treated by thē as mediators, was contained in the emperours resolution, and the aforesaid treatie (beeing wel vnderstood) the which was at that time but plainelier laid open and set downe; hoping that the emperour could not take it in ill part, &c. with other humble speeches. Whereupon the Estates hauing defraied the embassadours charges during his aboad there, and honoured him with a chaine of gold worth 1200 gulderns, hee left the Hage, and so this businesse of Embden was not ended, by reason of some iealousies. F
The besieged in Oostend had certaine aduenturing souldiers, whom they called Lopers, Lopers of Oostend▪ of the which, among other captaines, were the yong captaine Grenu, and captaine Adam van Leest. Their armes which they bore were a long and a great pike, with a [...]atte head at the neather ende thereof, to the end that it should not sinke too deepe [Page 1300] into the mud, a harguebuse hung in a scarfe (as wee haue said of Frebuters) a coutelas at his A side, and his dagger about his necke, who would vsually leap ouer a ditch foure and twentie 1603 foot broad, skirmishing often with the enemie, so as no horsemen could ouertake them, before they had leapt ouer the ditches againe.
The second of Iune these Lopers brought in foure prisoners, whereof one was a sentinel perdue. And two nights after, the besieged made a sallie vpon Luys-bos with a hundred men, they wonne the enemies platforme and trench, and turned their owne ordnance against them, wheras they cloyed two peeces, & slue the corps de guard, with the gunners and other officers of the ordnance, whom they found there. The besieged lost there the lieutenant of the colonels companie of cont Ernest of Nassau, the first lieutenant of Hausman, the yong baron of Sancy, a french man; and Grouestein colonel of the Frisons was hurt, with many more: so as in the end hauing a new supply from the campe, the besieged were forced to retire. B They buried all them that were slaine together, the common souldiers both of the towne and the campe were laied in the downes, and the men of command were buried in the towne.
On the twelfth day of Iune, the besieged set fire on the west square, the which burnt all night: and on the foureteenth day the Spaniard beganne to batter the halfe moones from the Polder square; among others, that of Slimmer, to the which the night following they gaue an assault. The gouernour of Oostend fearing that if the enemie should winne that place, he would build a fort which might greatly preiudice and annoy the towne, for that it should take from them the means to transport their materials; and with all they might there C make a bridge ouer the goullet, which no man could impeach, and by that meanes go [...] from one campe vnto the other in lesse than halfe an houre, whereas now they must imploy aboue sixe: hee resolued with the councell of estate to preuent it by the best meanes he could. The same night the enemie passing at Beck-aff, vpon a bridge of ladders, and other deuices, were receiued by tenne or twelue musketiers, which played vpon them, and so gaue the alarme, retiring withall vnto their troupes, where they attended the enemie, who arriued in a manner with them, crying, Kill, kill, it is wonne, it is wonne; but being furiously charged by them of the towne, they retired with more speed than they came. If they had charged home vnto the halfe moones, they had beene entertained in the like manner; for they were exceeding well manned. The next day the besieged found many dead, and a part of the enemies bridge D broken.
On the thirteenth day of Iuly, colonel Dorp, who had beene gouernour of the towne, departed early in the morning; and at the same time the seignior Vander Noot (who had commanded there in the beginning of the siege) returned, bringing with him 4 companies of his Zeeland regiment. On the two and twentieth day, the besieged did set fire of Luys-bos, the which did burne vp all the bauins and other wood, and all the loopholes, and there was a great fire in the middest of it, the Spaniards did what they could to quench it, but it was in vaine. The next day the besieged planted gabions without the halfe moone of the Polder, with an intent to raise another halfe moone, but finding the ground too we [...] for that purpose, they left it. E
After that prince Maurice had freed the castle of Hochstraten, which was besieged by the Prince Maurice comes before Boisledue. archduke Albert, thinking to force the mutined souldiers that held it to submit themselues, he came with all his armie, beeing some 130 ensignes of foot, and 36 cornets of horse, on the 18 of August, before the towne of Boisleduc, the which he did inuest, and campt before and about the village of Fucht, the which he fortified, and intrencht himselfe after his accustomed manner. And whereas the prince had before made a certaine accord with the said mutiners, they went and campt betwixt Boisleduc and Heusden, in the village of Vlumen, beeing some 13 cornets of horse, and the rest foot, to the number of 3500 men, one and other: who hauing fortified the church of the said village, the footmen were lodged in cabbins, and the horsemē in the houses. This troupe being wonderfully incensed against the archduke, by reason of his F proscription, did then weare all greene scarfes, wherupon they were for a time called the green Gueux; keeping that passage well and faithfully, by the which victuals came vnto the princes campe. Besides, their horsemen were still in field, doing much mischiefe to the archdukes men, and great seruice to the prince, and the vnited Estates.
[Page 1301] The third day, after that the prince was lodged at Fucht, the archdukes armie also approached, A vnder the commaund of cont Frederic vander Bergh, who camped at Dykendonc and 1603 Oudwater, neere vnto the towne; so as the two armies were within musket shot one of another. But the prince being first arriued, had the choyce and aduantage of the ground, camping in a place which they call Petter, where there are certaine small hills somewhat rising: on those that were neerest vnto the enemies campe, hee planted certaine ordnance, the which did continually shoot into the archdukes campe, annoying it verie much, by reason of the scituation, and the neerenesse of the place: yet the archdukes men did not forbeare to fortifie, hauing a great number of pioners: The prince did also fortifie with all speed, so as within few dayes hee made admirable trenches within musket shot of Fucht port, before the which they of the towne had certaine halfe moones, which had beene made before: B by the which port they of the towne made a sallie on the two and twentieth day of the moneth, vpon prince Maurice his campe, the which was like to a simple skirmish, without any effect.
On the 23 day, three cornets of the princes horse did in the open field charge the enemies horsemen, who were forced to retire with good speed, some being slaine vpon the place, and some taken prisoners.
The prince, through the commoditie of these high hils, did so annoy the enemie, as cont Frederic was forced to abandon his workes begun, giuing the prince leaue to take them, and finish them: whereupon he went by a low way, and past the riuer of Hekel, vpon planks laid vpon masts of ships, euen vnto Saint Anthonies port, whereas hee caused certaine ordnance C to bee planted, making the passage of that port so dangerous, as the besieged dammed it vp.
On nine and twentieth of August some foure thousand men went out of the archdukes campe passing (before the port of Orten) the riuer of Diese vpon two bridges of boats which were brought thither, marching towards a place, called the Deutere, a quarter of an houres march from the towne, right against Saint Iohns port, where they began to fortifie, thinking by that meanes to hinder the princes approaches vnto the towne; who considering what aduantage this might giue vnto his enemies, hee resolued to charge them, incouraging his French and Scottish men (whom hee had chosen to that end) who went earely on the second of September from the campe, after that the enemie had had three dayes respit to fortifie. At D the verie instant when they should charge, prince Maurice caused an alarme to bee giuen throughout all his campe, which made cont Frederic thinke that he went to assayle him: during which alarme, an assault was giuen vnto the fort by the French and Scottish; but they were brauely repulst, and with some losse: whereupon the prince sent them certaine new companies to second them; who returned againe with a great resolution, and finding A fort of the Spaniards taken, with great slaughter of their men. the defendants dismayed, they forced it at the second assault: Of which number few escaped, for the townes-men kept their port shut, so as most of them were slaine, or drowned in the waters neere adioyning, except some two hundred, which the princes men tooke prisoners, among the which there was an Italian marquesse, whom they thought to present vnto the prince, but he dyed of his wounds by the way. This fort thus woon, the prince went thither E in person, and for the better ordering of things, he lodged there all night. But let vs returne to Oostend.
All the rest of the moneth of August (at the siege before Oostend) was spent in doing the Oostend▪ worst they could one vnto another, either by their fire-workes, or with their ordnance, their aduenturers going forth many times, and bringing in prisoners: neither did the ships passe in and out free from danger. One among the rest hauing thirteene sicke men, and fiue women in her, going foorth, hauing her helme shot off, fell into the Spaniards hands, who hung vp the sicke men, except one, which could not goe vp the ladder, him they slew: as for the women, after they had rauisht them, and stript them, with all indignities, they sent them backe Crueltie of the Spaniards. vnto the towne. This was an act, among others, of Spanish martiall discipline. F
On the last day of August, the aduenturers brought in a horse man of the Spaniards, which they had taken prisoner, and two dayes after they brought in an ensigne, a corporall, and an enginer.
[Page 1302] On the nineteenth of September, fortie ships going out of the towne, there were six sunk, A and two taken by the Spaniards, one of them being laden with stuffe of great value, the which 1603 was a good bootie for the enemie; and yet they hung vp the pilot of the said ship: in reuenge whereof, they of the towne hung vp the horseman which had beene taken.
During this moneth the gouernour caused the new hauen to bee repaired, making it more commodious for the ships, than before. The infectious sicknesse which was in the towne, began to swage, the towne being better furnished with good phisitians and chirurgians, & being daily better fortified. At that time there entred eighteene companies of supplies, sending the sicke and wounded men backe into Zeeland.
On the thirteenth of October there appeared without the towne thirteene great barks, and foure ships, comming from Sluce. It seemed they would make another float vpon the goullet: B wherefore they of the towne made readie to receiue them: and as at night they brought one, they were forced to carrie it backe againe presently. These barks and ships were manned with the slaues of Sluce. And vpon the three and twentieth of the moneth, they brought another, which was great and thicke, the which they planted almost halfe neerer towards the East rauelin, than the rest; where they opened fiue loope holes, and shot furiously against the bulwarke of Peckel: so as the besieged were forced to retire their ordnance a little, hauing at that instant no other place, from whence they might shoot at this float, but the bulwarke of Peckel.
On the six and twentieth of October the Spaniards planted a peece of Ordnance behind their float, with the which they made foure or fiue shot vpon the East rauelin: but the tyde C rising, they drew backe their canon with much trouble. The besieged did what they could to annoy this float, beeing much troubled to drag their ordnance from one bulwarke to another, to shoot at this float, which the enemie sought to strengthen all hee could, with peeces of wood, and beating in of pyles behind, to make it stand firme: bringing afterwards another float, which went from the end of the first vnto the banke of the goullet: but on the twentieth of Nouember there came a violent wind from the sea, which brake it quite, beeing before much shaken by the towne canon, so as there remained in a manner no signes thereof. Yet the Spaniards were not so contented: for on the fiue and twentieth day they planted another, which was also broken in peeces, partly with the wind, and partly with the towne canon, so as when there came a spring tide, the pipes were parted and dispersed here D and there, whereof many beames and other stuffe did float vp to the town: and so this inuention proued fruitlesse.
Ambrosio, marquesse Spinola, (brother to Frederic, generall of the gallyes at Sluce, slayne in the last sea fight (as wee haue sayd) had an enginer, called Pompee, who did vaunt, That hee would make an artificiall bridge, on the which they should goe through the goullet to the assault: of which bridge wee will discourse by and by, as of a deere and too costly follie.
On the eighteenth of December, there came one and fortie sayles into the towne, euerie The seignior of Ghi [...]lles gouernor of Oostend. one in a manner touched with the enemies canon, and yet all of them were saued, except one which sunke, and another laden with victuals, was abandoned by the pilot, and yet it entred E into the towne. With which ships, there arriued the seigniour of Ghistelles, to bee gouernour of the towne, and the seigniour Vander Noot gaue him place, and returned into Holland, on the three and twentieth day of the moneth, on which day the captaine of the blacke gallie came into Oostend, with an hundred and fiftie mariners which he brought with him.
On Christmas day, the Spaniards brought another float, which was not verie great, against the which they of the towne shot continually, day and night, with eight peeces of ordnance, and could not breake it, it was so strongly bound together; and besides they laboured at it continually. They brought also another float, on the West part, the which they planted in a certaine place which looked towards the Porc-espic, beeing better than the F other, for that the water is not so broad, as in the goullet, but being neerer vnto the towne, it was easily fired.
At that time the marquesse Spinola, generall of the archdukes armie, cast and displaced [Page 1303] aboue six hundred men, as well commaunders and captaines, as commissioners and treasorers; A whereof some had put to the kings account, or to the countrey, fiue stiuers for euerie bauin, 1603 whereas they bought them for halfe a stiuer. This was ill husbandrie: but as the prouerbe sayth, A princes treasure is subiect to filching. The Estates did not husband it after this sort: for the maintenance of the armie, the Flemings did contribute twelue thousand crownes a moneth, comprehending the munition, forrage, and stuffe for building, to bee deducted by the other prouinces out of their taxe, for the terme of six moneths, beginning the first of Nouember. And the better to incourage the souldiers, they promised (Oostend being taken) to pay them all their arrerages; and moreouer, to giue them foure moneths pay, with a pasport for any one to retire, that would demaund it.
It was also sayd, That the archduke hauing resolued in counsell, not to leaue the siege of B Oostend, whatsoeuer it cost him, hee demaunded how long the duke of Parma had beene before Antuerpe: and answer beeing made him, About eighteene moneths (although hee were not a full yeare) hee sayd, Hee was not then eighteene yeares; and although we should continue so long before Oostend, yet wee would haue it, yea if wee should imploy all that is in the king of Spaines power: whereupon hee sent for the rest of his armie, which was at Kempen, expecting 14000 new Spaniards and Italians, to reenforce his campe, being resolued to set vp his rest before Oostend.
This Summer the princes of Germanie had assembled at the towne of Regensbourg, An assembly of the Estates of the empire. where the archduke Mathias, the emperours brother, represented the emperours person: at which assemblie, most of their conference was about a contribution to bee leuied for C the warres against the Turke, the which should bee for the entertainment of sixteene thousand foot, and fiue thousand horse, both Winter and Summer: wherein there were many difficulties propounded, especially by them of the borders of the empire, which lay neere the Netherlands, touching their warres. Whereupon they did generally conclude, That there must bee some meanes put in practise, to draw them to a peace: but yet they could not agree vpon the articles, which should bee propounded to both parties that were in warre; nor yet to threaten them by proclamation, to bee enemies vnto the empire, that would not accept of such reasonable articles as they should propound vnto them.
In the end they concluded, to send certaine embassadours to persuade both parties, D and that with the aduice and counsell of the princes electors of Cologne and Cleues; and that there should bee a collection of money, whereby they might force them that would bee obstinat.
The emperour at that time had sent embassadours to the princes of Saxonie and Meubourg, The emperour writes to the vnited prouinces. who also had commission to mooue the king of Denmarke, to bee a meanes for the making and concluding of a peace in the countries of the Netherlands: To which end the emperour sent a letter to the Estates of the vnited prouinces, bearing date the foure and twentieth day of December, in the yeare 1603, containing the great complaints of the borderers of the empire, especially of the duke of Cleues and Iuilliers, not onely for the insolencies committed by the souldiers of the vnited prouinces, but also by the mutinous E souldiers, who at that time were harboured and maintained in their territories; shewing, that they had committed many oppressions and insolencies: and that they for their parts had often protested and promised, That the borders of the empire should bee no more so spoyled and wasted, but that their souldiers should bee kept in good order and martiall discipline, and that such as offended, should bee punished. Wherefore once againe (in regard that his request was reasonable and iust) hee thought it good and expedient to admonish, and straitly to charge and commaund them, That restitution might bee made, for the oppressions and wrongs which had beene done, according to their owne letters and promises; and especially, that order might bee taken touching the mutinous souldiers, which had ioyned with them, and were then vnder their protection, F and had a place of retreat deliuered them; for that the princes electors, and others, at their last assembly at Regensbourg had resolued speedily to remedie these insolencies by force: and therefore hoping that they (to satisfie and content the empire) would bee carefull [Page 1304] to preuent all future disorders, and to do that which equitie, right, and iustice required; wherein A they should doe him a special seruice, the which hee would acknowledge with all grace and 1604 fauour, &c.
The vnited Estates hearing of the comming of these new souldiers (for whom they Prince Maurice retires from Boisleduc wrought dayly to make breeches, dublets, and other apparell; for that commonly (especially the Spaniards) they come all ragged, and almost naked) besides, that the archdukes commaunders had found meanes to put some souldiers into the towne of Boisleduc, being incamped neere vnto it, knowing well what obstinat people were in the sayd towne, hauing tryed them in the yeare 1601 (when as, vpon the like occasion, and for the extreame frosts, prince Maurice was forced to rayse his siege) the sayd Estates and prince Maurice were resolued to imploy their men and meanes otherwise, and to retire from Boisleduc B before winter, and in the meane time to refresh their men, to bee the better disposed in the Spring.
Vpon the first day of Ianuarie 1604, according to the custome of the warre, they of Oostend. Oostend, and the archdukes campe, did salute one another with their canon and musket shot, which cost many of them their liues: and on the sixt or seuenth day, the lopers or aduenturers, brought a corporall and two souldiers prisoners into the towne, by whom they vnderstood, that the archdukes campe was fortified with fiftie ensignes of foot, and seuen cornets of horse; and that they did expect the archduke to see a generall assault giuen in all parts of the towne (the which an Italian which came voluntarily out of the campe into the towne, did confirme) and that vpon the first darke night they C would assault the halfe moone which is vpon the goullet, where they would imploy Pompees bridge. The which was made in forme of a chariot, vpon wheeles which were fifteene foot high, and six foot broad: The bridge was on the hinder part supported by a high crosse beame, halfe of which bridge before, was to bee drawne vp, and let downe, by two cables, which past thorough two pullyes, the which were fastened to both the ends of the crosse beame: That which did beare the bridge, was a great mast, beeing an hundred and fiftie foot long, planted before the chariot: The bridge was threescore paces long, and sixteene broad. But this engine was made vnprofitable by the towne canon, beeing nothing else, but an inuention to bring men to the slaughter, as that of the duke of Alua at the siege of Harlem, and of prince Maurice before the towne of D Steenwicke.
At that time the East rauelin had beene in a manner ouerthrowne by the tempest, so as the enemie had better meanes to annoy the comming in and going out of the towne, than before; who brought another float vpon the West part by the sand hill, ioyning to the old hauen: yet from the fifteenth of Ianuarie, vnto the nineteenth of Februarie, there entred aboue an hundred and fiftie vessels, great and small, with foure canons, two minions, and ten companies of souldiers.
The first of March the wind was verie great at the West and North-west, with a furious tempest, the which did verie much harme vnto the towne. The tyde did rise so high, as many were forced to leaue their lodgings and houses, so as the most antient of E the towne sayd, they had not seene the sea so high in fortie yeares. This storme continued vntill the fift day of the moneth; it did quite ouerthrow the rauelin on the East side, with the counterscarpe vnto the East gate of the towne. The S [...]roo-dique, that is to say, the dike made of straw, which kept the water from vnder the souldiers feet, was broken in diuers places. The Spaniards halfe moone, vpon the goullet, was not free, nor yet their Luys-bos, whereof there fell betwixt the two batteries, aboue an hundred paces, euen to the foot of the rampar, with the principall batterie towards the sea, so as there was not any thing left standing: and had not their new worke beene, Luys-bos had beene quite carried away with the water, with the souldiers, and all that was within it. The old towne of Oostend, had a good share in this wracke, and if the wind had not F fallen somewhat the third day, the towne had beene in great danger. A great part of the sand-hill was quite ouerthrowne: the porc-espic was not touched, but the counterscarpe was quite carried away. The archdukes workes on the West side, and their new approches [Page 1305] towards the old square and West square, were ruined, except that which they had newly made A vnder the halfe moone of the Polder, the which stood firme. 1604
On the 6 of March the besieged abandoned the fort of Beckaff, which the archdukes men perceiuing, they cast themselues into it: but soone after, fearing there was some hidden fireworkes, which might blow them vp, they forsooke it: and that day there were spent on both sides, aboue 3000 great shot.
The one and twentieth day of the moneth, in the after noone, the seignior of Ghistelles, colonell, The seignior of Ghistelles gouernor of Oostend, s [...]ine and gouernor of Oostend, was slaine with a musket shot: being opened, they found that the bullet had pierced his heart. His bowels were buried in the towne, and his bodie was imbalmed, and sent to Vtrecht. Colonell Loon was chosen gouernor in his place: And the next day M. Dauid d'Orleans Iegeneur, and chiefe controller of the fortifications, was hurt, being the B most famous man of that facultie, in Christendome: hauing giuen order for all things, he past into Zeeland.
All this moneth the Spaniards toyled at the sap on the side of Albertus fort; so as Catris, master of the camp, with the Bourguignons, were lodged in the counterscarp by the polders, whereas Catris was shot thorough the bodie with a musket, whereof he dyed, Rouville his sergeant maior hauing beene slaine the night before. The seignior of Torres was sent to commaund in his place, who made a faire escape, hauing a grenado, or ball of wild-fire, fallen at his feet. Captaine Liestre, brother to Catris, was sore hurt there, and so was the seigniour of Malaise, lieutenant colonell of the Liegeois; the sergeant maior of which regiment, called captaine L'Ensant was slaine. You may see how daungerous it was to lye so neere vnto the C towne.
The Estates of the vnited prouinces, and prince Maurice, hauing for the reasons aboue mentioned raysed their siege from Boisleduc, seeing the archduke to continue his siege obstinatly before Oostend, the which he held straitly besieged by land, and did daily importune it; and although hee had not much preuailed in his designe, notwithstanding his great expence of money, and losse of men, they were resolued, in the Spring, to draw their armie together, and to force the archduke to rayse his siege, or at the least to prouide him worke in some other place, so as hee should bee constrained to leaue Oostend, and turne towards them, or to draw away some of his forces, and giue them some respit to breath, from his continual alarms and assaults, hauing beene now besieged almost three yeares. For the effecting of which designe, D the Estates and prince Maurice caused all ships and boats fit for that seruice, to bee staid, both in the countries of Holland, Zeeland, and Friseland, to the number of three thousand at the least, one and other; the which they caused to come to the townes of Dordrecht, Rotterdam, Gorchum, Schoonhouen, and other places. The rendez vous beeing giuen them before the castle of Ramekins in Walchren, which is one of the islands of Zeeland; they of Amsterdam, Horne, and Enchuysen, did furnish fiue hundred sayle. It was an admirable thing to see the souldiers and mariners, which came to Dordrecht, for whose seruice the said ships were made readie, as well to transport the men, as for the artillerie, munition of warre, prouision of victuals, wagons, horses, sackes to fill with earth, pipes full of fresh water, and all other things necessarie for such an exploit as they had designed, being a goodly fight to behold E this equipage.
On the one and twentieth of Aprill prince Maurice parted from Dordrecht, with some foureteene thousand men, of the which there were twentie cornets of horse, being accompanied by all the ships of warre, and others, which were come from diuers parts; the which continued the whole day, from morning vntill night, before they were past. Being come to an anchor before the hauen of Middlebourg, and along the side of Arnemuyden, they were found to be three thousand and fiue hundred ships of warre, besides such as carried munition, and the baggage of the armie: at which place the prince did consult with the Estates, where hee should land in Flanders.
On the 24 of the moneth, the gates of the towne of Arnemuyden stood open all night, and F proclamation was made by the drum, That euery souldier, vpon paine of death, should presently imbarke in the ship where he was appointed: the which being done, & hauing a wished tide all the fleet past towards Ramekins and Flessingue, bending towards the coast of Walpen, the which is at the mouth of Sluce; and hauing a South-east wind, they put themselues [Page 1306] betwixt Cadsant and Walpen, in the blacke hole, whereas they landed, the place A beeing verie necessarie and commodious, lying but two leagues from Flessingue, and one 1604 The armie lands. from Sluce.
On the six and twentieth day they entred into the isle of Cadsant, without any opposition. Such as were in guard in the blacke hauen, and in certaine other places, fled, so as the prince marched directly to the fort of Hofsted: and hauing taken it, hee went to the fort of Lyppine, causing the captaine (who commaunded there) to bee summoned to yeeld the place. Who answered, That hee would first see the canon before hee did yeeld it. Whereupon the prince sent him word, That if hee attended but one volley of the canon, hee would put all within the place to the sword: yet for that the captaine had spoken like a souldier, the prince commaund two canons to bee brought, the which were no sooner seene by the besieged, B but they yeelded.
Those of the fort of East Vlyet, were also summoned to yeeld, who made no other answer The prince master of a the isle of Cadsant to them that were sent, but by the canon: but seeing the ordnance planted, in the euening, they yeelded, leauing within the fort their artillerie, munition, and victuals, beeing some six hundred men in it: so as the whole isle of Cadsant, with all the forts, were in the princes possession. In the meane time the rest of the armie was busie to discharge their ships in the said island.
The archduke being aduertised of the princes landing in that quarter of Flanders, hee sent some troupes from his campe before Oostend, who arriued the six and twentieth day, and intrencht themselues in a halfe moone, on the West part of the hauen of Sluce, to stop the princes C passage.
On the seuen and twentieth day the prince sent home some of his ships, with souldiers, and with them the blacke gallie, towards the mouth of Sluce, to passe his men in shaloups: but the archdukes, men beeing there, to the number of one thousand horse, and three thousand foot, camped neere vnto the sayd mouth or entrie, and their ordnance beeing planted euen with the water, they gaue them such entertainment, as they were forced to retire, with the losse of some mariners: notwithstanding the prince had two batteries on this side the hauen, either of six peeces.
The next day there was little attempted, but onely the prince assured himselfe of the isle of Cadsant, and the archdukes men wrought in their trenches and fortifications. The prince D caused certaine peeces to bee brought vnder the castle of Sluce, to annoy the gallyes which lay within the hauen, but they drew them into the towne, and then they shot little of either side.
In the meane time the besieged in Oostend, hauing good intelligence of the princes landing, began to reioyce, hoping to haue some rest (as indeed they had for a little time) but Oostend. they did not leaue to shoot their fierie bullets at a great bulwarke which the Spaniards had made, called Lou [...]quen Pot, where the fire took; the which the archdukes men perceiuing, they drew forth their ordnance, and suffered it to burne.
Prince Maurice hauing done what hee desired in the isle of Cadsant, beeing loth to loose any time, hee sent to discouer the most conuenient places to enter into the maine of Flanders, E so as on the last of Aprill he past the water in person, which goes from Sluce to Isendike, where being entred without any incounter, hee presently tooke the fort of Coxie, and the lieutenant, with ten other prisoners: all those which defended themselues, were slaine. Some prisoners said, That they were much amazed, and that they of Sluce did fortifie dayly, setting their gally-slaues to worke, who serue them to no other vse in the towne.
The archduke in the meane time was constrained to disperse his forces, according to the aduice of his counsell, and of his Estates, and to diuide them into three troups: one before Oostend, the second against prince Maurice, and the third against the incursions of the mutiners, the which were about three thousand foot, and one thousand and two hundred horse; to whom were ioyned a thousand and six hundred of prince Maurice his horse, and a F thousand and fiue hundred musketiers, mounted on horsebacke, after a new inuention, set vpon cuissins, the which were made the winter before in Holland.
Prince Maurice making his approaches to besiege the great fort of Isendike, he changed his mind, resoluing first to force three other forts, which lay neere vnto it, so as on the first of [Page 1307] May hee camped before Saint Marguerites fort, against the which there were some hundred A canon shot made betwixt noone and mid-night; the which did so amaze them, that although 1604 there were about two thousand men, horse and foot, with the peasants, yet they abandoned the place the night following, sauing themselues by flight: And the like was done by them that were in S. Katherines, and S. Philips forts, notwithstanding that in al these three forts there were 3000 foot, and 16 companies of horse.
On the third of May the prince did in like manner besiege Isendike, whereas hee intrencht Isendike besieged. himselfe in such sort by land, as nothing could get in or out; causing his ordnance to be planted, and commaunding certaine ships of warre to put to sea, and to lye before it, with certaine pinaces and long boats, to stop the passage, that nothing might go in or out; so as they were verie straitly besieged, both by land and sea. B
In the meane time the archdukes men which were on the other side of the hauen of Sluce, thinking now to haue a good opportunitie to recouer the isle of Cadsant, they caused a great number of boats to be brought from Bruges, in the which (and in some others that were in Sluce) they did imbarke 2000 men. But they that were appointed to guard the island by the prince (hauing suffered about a thousand of them to land) they charged them so furiously, as they put them to rout, most of them beeing Italians and Spaniards; who seeing themselues so roughly entertained, crying a la barqua, a la barqua, they sought to recouer their boats againe, where pressing to enter hastily into them, one of them was ouerwhelmed, and a great number drowned: so as they could take but eighteene prisoners, and eight boats. The prisoners were sent vnto the prince. C
On the eight day of May there came three souldiers out of Isendike, vnto the princes camp, who said, That they had want of all things in the fort, and especially of fresh water: that if the canon plaid vpon them, they would not make any great resistance. Whereupon the prince sent to summon them the next day, by one of his owne trumpets, whom they slew with a musket shot. The prince being much incensed for this outragious act, committed against the law of armes (which doth not allow any such excesse, vnlesse the trumpet or drumme (beeing called vnto) doth not retire himselfe) hee sent a drumme, to demaund him that had committed this act; threatning them, That if they refused to deliuer him, hee would not receiue any one to mercie. Whereupon the besieged sent forth two of their captaines to excuse the fact; saying, That they knew not who had made the shot: and beeing desirous to enter into D capitulation, the prince would neither see them nor heare them, vntill they had first deliuered him who had slaine his trumpet. In the end they presented an Italian: and then the composition Isendike yeelded vpon composition. of this strong fort was made vpon these conditions.
- 1 First, That the besieged should goe out of the fort with their armes, and as much baggage as they could carrie, their matches out, and their drummes silent.
- 2 That they should leaue the ordnance, and all the munition of warre.
- 3 That for the space of 4 moneths, they should not carrie any armes in Flanders, against the prince nor the vnited Estates.
- 4 That they should furnish them with shipping, to carrie away their sicke and hurt men vnto the hauen of Sas: which ships they should bee bound to send safely backe againe; for E the which they should leaue two captains in hostage, vntill their returne. According to which accord they left the fort, on the 10 day of May, at fiue of the clocke in the after-noone, beeing 600 Wallons and Italians.
The next day the prince went with a thousand foot, and seuen cornets of horse, before a little ruined towne, intrencht with barricadoes, called Ardenbourg, lying betwixt Gant and Sluce, the which is another passage, ioyning to a land which is drowned by the sea, in the which there was a regiment of Germanes, and some troups of horse, to stop the passage; but they had as little courage and resolution as the rest, flying into the marishes behind, and abandoning withall, a good strong castle, into the which there were two thousand men put in garrison, the which holds Sluce besieged on that side. Thus the prince entred the second F time into Flanders, sending his horsemen to scoure the countrey, euen vnto the ports of Bruges, Gant, and Courtray, from whence they brought good booties; so as the Flemings found themselues more opprest now than euer, all the burthen of the war being (through their own fault) fallen vpon themselues.
[Page 1308] When as the vnited prouinces had resolued, vpon the enterprise of Flanders (hauing contracted A with those of the Squadron of mutiners, who not long before were come out of 1604 An enterpise in Brabant, made by prince Maurice and the squadron. Westphalia, where they had committed many outrages, and insolencies, vpon the poore people, cleane contrarie to their contract made with the vnited prouinces, whereupon the countrey bordering thereabouts, had held an assembly at Essens, but to small purpose) they procured them to make an incursion with them into Brabant, and Henault, the prince hauing lent them certaine troups of horse (as wee haue sayd) led by the drossart of Zeeland, who had three demie canons with him, meaning thereby to diuert the warres in Flanders. These were appointed to goe by the countrey of Liege into Brabant, along by the causey, thereby to diuert the archdukes forces, and to keepe them from going strongly into Flanders: the Squadron promising to spoyle all the villages in Brabant, and to force them to contribution; whereof B they themselues should haue the one halfe, and the Estates the other, towards the maintenance of their warres. This being thus concluded, the Estates troups, on the nineteenth of Aprill, went into the countrey of Kessel, and vpon the Meuse: and vpon 21 day, the mutinous Squadron issued out of Graue, and marched towards the land of Cuyck, and so ioyned with the drossart of Zeeland, from whence they marched in seuerall troupes towards Mastricht, Stochem, Tongres, and Thienen: and yet before they parted out of the Graue, the archduke had offered them vnder hand, three fourth parts of their pay in readie money: and that they shold quit the fourth part, in regard of the spoyles which they had made, and the contributions which they had exacted from their neighbours, and other countries: the which three parts they should receiue presently after the account and reckoning should be made: And that they C should deliuer vp the castles of Hoochstraten and Carpen, and the ordnance of Erkelens: and that in the meane time they should hold Hoochstraten and Carpen, for their securities.
Whereunto the mutiners made answer, That they would haue their full pay that was due vnto them; and for their securities, Mastricht, Venloo, or Ruiemonde: and for hostages for the accomplishing thereof, they demanded the earle of Fontenay, Stephano d' Ihanna, and Dom Alphonso d' Aualos: which done, they would restore Hoochstraten and Carpen, with the ordnance of Erkelens. The archduke was moued to yeeld vnto their demands (for that there were some inconueniences doubted in Flanders: and besides, there were 800 Spaniards more at Gemblours, readie to mutine, and to ioyne with them of Graue. Notwithstanding this proposition, the mutiners marched forward with the Estates horsemen, thereby to make the archduke D the more willing to yeeld vnto their pay: and on the 28 of Aprill in the night, they came before Thienen, where the generall Estates would gladly haue had them to assault the towne in a weake place: but they followed their owne humors, causing a petard to be set vnto a port of the suburbes, the which they forced and spoyled: but in the meane time they within the towne went to armes (cont Frederic being newly come into the towne, had put all things in good order) so as they were forced to retire, with the losse of 30 men, and many hurt: yet they made certaine shot with their great ordnance, against the towne (but to no purpose) where one of their peeces burst. And so parting from thence, they went to Hanuyt, where they entred, on the nine and twentieth day, and there rested certaine dayes; but they would not haue the villages forced to pay any contribution, but that which was behind; and yet they had promised E the contrarie vnto the vnited Estates, that they might thereby giue no further cause of offence, expecting some composition to be made for them; so as the Estates horsemen could not doe otherwise, vnlesse they would haue quarelled with the sayd mutiners, for the which they had no commission. During their abode at Hanuyt, on the last of Aprill, Herman, earle Vanden Berghe, hauing obtained a pasport, entred into the towne of Graue, to make some other offer vnto them, and so to stay them from making any further inuasion: but he returned the same day; which they that were abroad vnderstanding, from that time forward they so carried themselues, as they would not commit any more insolencies; but sought delayes to win time: for being mooued by captaine du Bois, and the drossart of Zeeland, to march into Henault, and to doe some exployt there, they answered, That it was impossible for them to effect F any thing with expedition, in respect of the ordnance, with other such excuses, and yet they durst not discouer their pretence, which was not to make any offensiue warre; but they persuaded the commaunders, to goe from Hanuyt to Hoy vpon the Meuse, and to leaue their ordnance there, and so to march foreward: hoping by that meanes to draw them into the [Page 1309] borders of Liege, for certaine dayes, and to keepe them from Brabant, and so to free that prouince A from the feare which their entrie had caused, the which might haue hindered their secret 1604 treatie with the archduke.
The Estates commanders seeing their determination, were forced to yeeld; yet, after that, they found, that the mutiners themselues had aduertised them of Hoy, and willed them not to open their gates, thereby to haue some new colour of excuse, and further delay; so as comming the fift of May before Hoy, the townes-men refused to open; so as they returned backe to Cassy and by smal iourneyes approched neer vnto Henault, doing nothing vpon the way, but sent out messengers, to get in the contributiō which the villages did owe, without any further demaund, so as the Estates horsmen could hardly get any victuals: and sometimes going forth to seeke some, they were slain. Vpon the 10 of May they entred into Henault, betweene B Binche and Berghen, and there the Squadron did flatly deny to march any further; whereof captain du Bois and the drossart did certifie prince Maurice, by their letters, being in Flanders, and got the Squadron to consent to lye there certaine dayes; which staid the archdukes souldiers from going out of Brabant into Flanders, fearing least they should follow them, or vndertake something in their absence: In the meane time the mutinous Squadron did nothing else, but seeke by all the meanes they could, to get in the arrerages of their contribution, without attempting any other thing with the Estates souldiers, which bred great iealousie and suspition.
The sixteenth of May, the whole armie (that onely excepted which was left for the guard of the isle of Cadsant) beeing dislodged from Isendyke, past by Ardenbourg, taking C the way towards the towne of Dam, which is vpon the chanell which goes from Bruges to Sluce. Vpon the way, halfe a league from Dam, there is a water, which cannot easily bee waded thorough, for that it is deepe of mud; the which hath a little bridge and a sluce, whereunto the tide flowes. Dom Louis de Velasco had intrencht himselfe at this passage, being foure thousand horse and foot; whereas the passage was so narrow, as two horsemen could hardly march in front. The fort was defensible, and able to haue staid the princes armie, yet after some resistance, they quitted the place, and retired by Dam, vnto the other side of the riuer. They lost at this charge two hundred men vpon the place slaine and hurt, besides many that were drowned; among the which there were eleuen captaines slain and prisoners, whereof two were Italians, one of them Spinola's kinsman, and one Spaniard, a sergeant maior verie D sore hurt, and more taken prisoners than were slaine.
The same souldiers being on the other side of the riuer, made a shew, as if they would once more attend the prince; and to that end they lodged themselues in a place of more aduantage, than that which they had abandoned, hauing a great chanell, by the which the sea did flow vnto the towne of Bruges; and besides that, the riuer and the banks which did couer them.
On the eighteenth of the moneth, part of the princes armie hauing beene all night in battaile, The prince camps before Sluce. monsieur de Chastillon hauing the point with part of his French regiment, thinking to go and charge them, he found that they had abandoned the place: So the same day, at night, the armie went and camped before Sluce: and vpon the 23 day S. Georges fort (which stands vpon E the hauen of Sluce) was yeelded vnto the prince, but they left a peece of a match burning, the which at three houres end, should haue set fire of nineteene barrels of powder; the which was discouered by one of their owne men comming forth. This passage being won, he caused the fort of Beckaff to be assailed, with some others without the towne, whereas they did fight valiantly, and aboue all, the English shewed great courage and resolution. There the prince lost the seignior Vander Aa, captain of his foot guards, who had his arme shot off with a canon, and was thrust through the body with a pike by an Italian; yet in the end the princes men were masters of all, euen vnto the towne ditches.
On the thirtieth of May, the archdukes men, being foure thousand foot, and 2600 horse, thinking to put some men, victuals, and munition of warre into Sluce, were charged, and put F to rout by the prince, all their victuals and munition being taken: There were few slaine vpon the place, wherof the number is vncertaine, for that the country is ful of marishes. Spinola's gallies being to no vse in Sluce, they took forth the slaues, & sent thē out of the town, with some souldiers; who being incountred by the princes troups, were presently amazed and dispersed. [Page 1310] About an hundred of these slaues being chained two and two together, fled vnto the princes A campe, where they were well intreated, and sent away free into France. 1604
On the fift of Iune, being Whitson eue, general Spinola gaue a furious assault vnto Oostend in three seuerall places, with the greatest obstinacie that might be. They renewed this assault thrice, and it continued eight houres. The Spaniards had made certaine mynes, the which did more hurt vnto themselues, than vnto the besieged, hauing giuen fire too soone. On the enemies side there were 800 men slaine, and 500 hurt; and among them the seigniour of Bossompiere, who had beene a great leaguer in France. Of the besieged there were about an hundred slaine, and some hurt.
On the seuenteenth of Iune the enemie gaue another assault, the which continued from two of the clocke in the afternoone, vntill eight at night, in the which the Spaniards did win B some rauelins of the polders, whereas they lost 150 men, and the besieged about an hundred, among the which there was a Scottish baron, and foure captaines: This baron did but newly arriue, who taking a halfe pike, ran vnto the rampar, to incourage the souldiers, where he was carried away with a canon shot. And although the besieged in these assaults behaued themselues verie well, yet their enemies lodged vpon the rampars of the polders, verie neere vnto the towne, where they intrencht themselues strongly. And at the same time, during the assault, there entred seuenteene companies into the towne, with munition and victuals, by the goullet.
The archduke hauing beene constrained to imploy a good part of his forces, to suppresse the insolencies and incursions of the mutiners, the which hee could not doe: hee therefore The mutiners reconciled to the archdu [...]e C sought all meanes to reconcile them, the better to fortifie himselfe against prince Maurice, who lay before Sluce: the which he did, vpon promise, to pay them what was due, remitting all which they had leuied by way of contribution, with an abolition and pardon of all that was past, and reuoking and disannulling the proscription which was made against them: giuing them for their securitie and pay, the towne of Ruremonde in the countrey of Gueldres, in hostage, to euerie foot-man 12 pence a day, and to euerie horse-man 2 shillings 6 pence, vntil they had receiued their full pay.
According vnto this accord made, with the consent of prince Maurice and the vnited Estates they deliuered vp vnto the archduke, the castles of Carpen & Hoochstraten, with the artillery which they had taken from Erkelens, and to the prince and the Estates, the towne of Graue, D and the sixteene hundred horse, and fifteene hundred musketiers, which they had lent them, proceeding sincerely in all points: Wherein they discharged their duties, like true souldiers, and defaced the blot of rebellion, wherewith they had beene blemished. Moreouer, by their accord, they were not subiect to serue the archduke, vntill they were fully satisfied. And this was the good the archduke got by his proscription.
Prince Maurice hauing now no enemie in field, to make head against him, after that hee The disposition of the prince [...] campe before Sluce. had taken Saint Georges fort, and the Spaniards hauing abandoned a halfe moone before the towne, wherein they left foure peeces of ordnance: hauing now no more obstacles, hee set downe the order of his campe, making his owne quarter on the North side, the which hee did fortifie with many trenches, and square forts, as well against the towne, as the enemie E abroad. Cont William of Nassau, his cosin, gouernour of Friseland, had his quarter fortified almost like vnto the princes. Cont Ernest, brother to cont William, was somewhatfurther off, on the West part of the towne, intrenched and fortified as the rest, with a bridge vpon the riuer of Kreck, to goe to Sternenbourg, vpon the South-west. Within the drowned land, there were foureteene ships, and some barks, the which was the quarter of colonell Vander Noot, with some square forts.
The prince hauing caused them of Sluce to bee summoned, their answer was, That they had store of powder and bullets for him. Whereupon it was told them, That the prince was sufficiently informed, that they wanted both the one and the other. And although that the prince had so straitly besieged Sluce, both by trenches, forts, and palisadoes, yet seuen F hundred souldiers at one time, and eight hundred at another found a passage, and entred with some victuals and munition into the towne, through the drowned land, in view of the princes men; and yet they could not hinder their passage, by any meanes which they could vse.
[Page 1311] The prince wisht there had entred more men, that they might consume their victuals the A sooner; but fearing they should bring some munition that way, he commaunded colonel vander 1604 Noot to keepe a guard in his ships, and where as the greater vessels could not goe, he should place boats, with fiue or six souldiers in either of them, to remaine there in guard; so as it seemed, that not any one could get in or out: whereupon there were foure or fiue messengers with letters taken in the same place.
The besieged seeing themselues thus prest, made certaine sallies, but of small importance, and to their losse, the princes canon being so planted against all their sallies, as they could not peepe out of the towne, without the losse of many men.
Certaine souldiers come from the siege of Oostend, had taken their way whereas the rest had past, where being gathered together, they called vnto them that were in the boats (thinking B they had beene of their owne men) to passe them into the towne: who making no shew of any thing, being fortified with a sufficient number of souldiers, well armed, went to fetch ‘them. In the end these Spaniards finding their owne errour (but too late) cried out, Good God, whither go we? we haue committed an errour which will cost vs deere: we were blind, or asleepe, to put our selues thus infortunatly into our enemies hands. What reason had wee to leaue a good countrey, to come into these cursed marishes, and to dye of hunger in a baren’ medow? Whereat the captaine of the ships begun to laugh, seeing them thus perplexed, to ‘whom he said, You are come somewhat too late in all things, especially in matter of enterprises, whereas time imports much: but dispaire not, we will not leaue you here, but will bring you to our store-house of cheese, where wee will intreat you so well in that respect, as you C shall haue no cause to complaine: And I assure you, that if you will tell the truth vnto prince Maurice, how it stands with the siege of Oostend, I will imploy my best credit to set you at libertie: the which he did; for after they had beene examined, and payd their ransomes, as souldiers, they were let go into Sluce.’
The prince vnderstood from these prisoners, and others, That the archdukes men pretended to put great store of victuals and munition into the towne; which was to depriue him of the most assured meanes to take it speedily, whereon hee did chiefely ground his designe. To preuent this danger and inconuenience; besides the approaches and fortifications of his campe (wherein the souldiers and mariners laboured continually) hee fortified the seigniour Vander Noot with some troupes, commaunding him in particular (for that the D drowned land was his quarter, and did import him most) to haue a care that this conuoy entred not into the towne. The like charge was giuen by the prince to all the other quarters.
The besieged expecting this conuoy, they sent forth fifteene hundred gally slaues, and fiue hundred souldiers, at the verie instant, when as the tide was gone out of the drowned land; but they could not passe, by reason of the good order which the prince had set, and their carefull guard. Some fourescore and ten of these slaues escaped, who came and yeelded themselues at the princes campe, who after hee had asked them some questions, suffered them to goe where they pleased. In the meane time this conuoy approached secretly, the which being come vnto the drowned land, they were so entertained by the ordnance, as E they were forced to retire, without putting any victuals into the towne.
Vpon this alarme giuen to the campe, the prince pursued them with a part of his armie, The conuey ouertaken by the prince, and defeated. and hauing ouertaken them neere vnto Dam (in the same place where hee had defeated the others some dayes before) euen as they had caused some of their wagons to passe ouer, after that hee had shot two vollies, with two field peeces, which hee had brought with him, hee charged them sodainely: their horsemen, beeing a thousand, fled to Dam, whither the footmen followed; and the carters left their horses, to saue themselues. Thus this conuoy was put to rout, of the which there were a great number slaine, and two hundred prisoners taken: they had an hundred wagons laden with meale and other victuals and munition, which they had laden at Bruges; all which was lost, and serued to victuall the princes campe: F who hauing intelligence, that there came another troupe of 3000 men, which were neer vnto Moerskerke, he marched directly to them: who hauing but notice of his comming, put themselues in rout, of which there were many slaine, and 120 prisoners, with 18 wagons of victuals, Another conuoy in rout. which were carried to the campe.
[Page 1312] The besieged being out of hope of all reliefe, were amazed, and did trye if they could free A themselues of their vnnecessarie mouthes, especially of their slaues, whom they sent once more 1604 out the same way; but they were beaten backe into the towne, as before, and yet some fortie of them escaped.
There was another letter surprised from the gouernour vnto the archduke, whereby hee did aduertise him, That he was straitly besieged without the towne, but within he was incountred with two cruell enemies, hunger and gally slaues.
The besieged and the besiegers entertained one another daily with their shot, but they within the towne were better husbands, reseruing their shot and powder at greater need, for an assault. There appeared dayly some of the archdukes troups, to giue courage to the besieged, and to trye some meanes to succour them: Once among the rest there came 9 corners of horse B towards cont Ernests quarter, who seeing good guard kept, retired, through fauor of the night, without any exploit.
The prince in the meane time, as well to keepe the souldiers occupied, as to be prepared for all euents, caused diuers trenches, platformes, and bridges to bee made, as well to passe ouer waters, as to goe couered vnto the assault. Sometimes a dike brake in the campe, which filled all their trenches with water, and made them worke for eight dayes to repaire it: during the which the besieged seeing that the princes men shot not at them, they cryed out, Where is now your canon haue you layd it to pawne in the Lombard? be gone ye beggers, be gone. To whom they answered, You shall see it but too soone, to your losse, with the which wee will haue you shortly, and then wee will goe and rayse the siege of Oostend, with other such souldier like threats. The besieged C had set a float neere vnto their castle, to plant some ordnance thereon: the princes men went thither with boats, but they were so entertained with musket shot, as they were forced to retire. The prince did often visit his whole campe, and past into Cadsant, to set al things in order, causing his men to repaire and fortifie, where hee saw it needfull. His armie grew daily stronger in men, and souldiers arriued howerly, both Switsers and other nations, by bands of twentie, Many souldiers come to the prince. thirtie, or more. There came foure hundred Switsers at one time, the which, with others that came before, had their quarter vnder cont Ernest. The lord of Termes arriued also, with a good troupe of French horse, who was verie kindly entertained by the prince, and after they had walked about an hower with cont William of Nassau, they supt together.
There was verie good martiall discipline, and seuere iustice in the campe, which made all D things verie good cheape; there comming great aboundance of victuals out of all parts of Holland and Zeeland. The campe seemed a good towne, and there was a storehouse well furnished with munition, and all other things necessarie.
The besieged shot much at the princes ships which lay in the hauen, to driue them out, or to sinke them: but the captaines hauing commaundement to continue there still, they vanquished their importunat shooting by patience, so as they were forced to cease, and to spare their powder. The princes men shot at the wind-mils within the towne, and beat them downe.
By reason of the inundation of the countrey, which was couered with water, the towne could not bee so straitly besieged on all sides, as the prince desired: for there are certaine medowes, E and other places, which the sea doth inuiron, or couer, at a high water, and the tide being spent, they are left drye: there they incountred daily, and still some were slaine, or taken prisoners. Wherefore the prince, to spare his men, that he might be the better able to resist the succours which the besieged attended, made a defence, that no souldier should go to the war, without commaundement, vpon paine of death; causing a souldier to bee hanged, who had beene saued from the gallowes twice in one day, to giue example vnto the rest.
The vnited Estates commaunded publike prayers and fasting throughout all their prouinces, to craue assistance at Gods hand, in this important action. The prince did also command the like throughout all his armie, forbidding them to buy or sell any thing that day, vpon paine of death. F
If the prince did presse the towne without, hunger did afflict them more within: among The besieged in Sluce in great extremitie. other necessaries, they had great want of wood to bake their bread, so as they were constrained to pull downe houses to that end; which made them to practise all meanes to write vnto the archduke, and to acquaint him with the estate of the towne. A Spaniard went out of the [Page 1313] towne on horsebacke, to trie if hee could finde a passage, but being discouered by the guards, he fled backe into the towne leauing his horse behinde, the which was drowned. 1604 A The next day he returned againe with eighteene musketiers, and hauing past the same way which hee viewed before, hee had layed his companie in ambush at a certaine passage: soone after there went eight Switsers whom they slue; which they of the campe perceiuing, they did inuest them, and cut them all in pieces. The besieged made also a sallie, but the guards were so well placed, as they were still forced to retire.
The fourth of Iuly Cont Henry Frederick the princes brother, with Cont Ernest, and Lewis, with some soldiers, being wearie to lye so long idle without any action, went euen vnto the gates of Dam, where as the sentinell gaue the alarme presently: these yong noble men staying to braue it before the towne, were soone charged with the garrison which was much B stronger than themselues, so as they were forced to retire with the losse of foure or fiue horse.
The mutinous soldiers of Hochstraten hauing made their peace, and compounded with The mutiners serue the Archduke at the reliefe of Sluse. the Archduke, being two thousand strong, they went to serue him in Flanders at the reliefe of Sluse, where they shewed themselues more forward than any, and diuers of them were slaine: but many of them hauing receiued their full pay, ran away, some home into their own country, others fearing punishment went and serued prince Maurice; among the which two of the chiefe being both horsemen, left their fellowes being in Roemonde, and went to the Graue, (their names were Thomas Viller and Papouken) with a good troupe with them, who vpon the 17 of August came before Sluse to the princes, armie, where they carried themselues verie valiantly; so as Papouken being banished out of the vnited prouinces, for that he had been one of them that had sold Geertruydenbergh, in regard of his valour and experience, was reconciled C to prince Maurice.
The prince assuring himselfe to take Sluse by famine, caused his batteries to cease, for that he would spare his powder and shot.
And the Archduke weighing the necessitie of the besieged, and the great importance of that place, meaning not to deferre it, after the taking of Oostend, as he had hetherto done, hee resolued to succour them: to which end he sent the marquesse Spinola with a good number of the best soldiers which he had before Oostend. The prince knowing his victory to depend Spinola comes to relieue [...]luse. only on the preuention of these succors, prepared himselfe to resist them, visiting his campe often, and giuing order for the guards and fortifications, and for all things necessarie to receiue D them, resoluing to attend them in his trenches, and not to meet them. He sent to all the tents and shops of marchants, pourueyers, and victualers, to know how many men they had, commanding them when the alarme should be giuen, to come to a certaine place, where they should be armed. They of the towne did often make signes with fire to them that came to succour them, the which they might easily discerne.
On the 28 of Iuly, their succours camped betwixt Bruges and Dam, being ten thousand men, who conducted six hundred wagons laden with meale, and other prouisions to relieue the towne: from thence the Archdukes men went before Mittlebourgh, the which they tooke by composition, yet the castle held out 4 or fiue dayes longer for the prince: then they passed close by Ardenbourg, where as they skirmished with the garrison of the towne, E where as there were some of the Archdukes soldiers taken, by whom they of Ardenbourg vnderstood part of his designes, whereof they did aduertise the prince.
The 29 and 30 of the moneth, they shewed themselues toward the quarter of colonell Vander Noot, and there tooke a little fort which the princes men had abandoned. In the meane time they played so furiously vpon them from three batteries, as they were forced to giue backe: they left sixe and thirtie men in this fort, the which was presently recouered by the princes men, and those within it put to the sword. The besieged meaning to make a passage for their succours, the next day made a sallie with two hundred men, who carried a certaine bridge to cast ouer the chanell, but they were driuen backe into the towne, without any exploite doing. Spinola seeing that he could not enter into the towne by the quarter of Vander F Noot, he sent some part of his troupes to campe neere vnto the village of Lapschuyre, by the which he thought to finde a more easie passage.
The prince knowing that the enemies designe was to cast himselfe into the towne by the fort of Pimster Blom, in 48 houres he made a great trench to cut off his passage. Those which [Page 1314] laboured making some shew of feare, for that the enemies small shot played continually vpon A them to hinder their worke, they were commanded not to giue ouer, vpon paine of hanging. 1604 Spinola's men made sundrie attempts to force the campe, but they were still repulst with losse. The prince seeing the enemie camped so neere him, caused▪ 64. pieces of ordnance to be mounted betwixt the qua [...]ters of cont Ernestus and Vander Noot, commanding the cannoniers to discharge euery piece once in an houre both day and night; the which did a great execution, and slue aboue 500 men in 24 houres.
The besieged in the meane time did all they could to fauour their succours, and did often send of their men towards Spinola; whereof some past, but most of them were taken by the way. Spinola also for his part omitted nothing that might be put in practise; hee caused certaine caualiers and batteries to be made in his trenches to shoot into the princes campe, especially vpon a bridge 400 paces long, the which was before the marriners fort, making a shew B as if he would attempt to enter into the towne that way. The prince (to preuent this designe and the wild fire which they might cast vpon this bridge) fastened masts there with anchors, and shot furiously from thence vpon Spinolas pioners, the which disappointed that designe.
Omitting to make a particular repetition of all the batteries, skirmishes, and ordinary exercises of souldiers before Sluce; in the end the number of Spinolas men decreased dayly, as well through the spoyle which the princes canon made, as by reason of other discommodities: and as it is an ordinarie thing, that one mischiefe drawes on another, the soldiers being Spinolas men run away. tyred with such toyle, ran away to the prince in troupes of 40 or 50 at a time, the number whereof in a short space came to seuen or eight hundred men; beside those that did steale C away by other means. The prince sent them which yeelded themselues vnto him into Zeeland, and so to passe from thence where they pleased.
This did trouble Spinola, but the necessitie of the besieged did much perplex him, seeing there was no meanes to make a passage into the towne, but by a generall combat: wherefore he resolued to force the princes campe, and on the 6 of August, hauing discouered that cont Williams quarter was the weakest, he assayled it in the morning: his horsemen had euery one a musketier behinde him, they charged and entred the trenches, where they did fight valiantly on both sides; whereas the combat was doubtfull and cruell. At this fight [...]hey of the towne caused their bels to be rung, to mooue euery one to pray vnto God for the good successe of the archdukes armie: some cried out victorie alreadie: the aduantage inclined sometimes D to one part, sometimes to another. In the end the princes men recouered their trenches, and forced Spinolas men to slye. There were a great number slaine of either side, but the greatest number were of the archdukes men, who were slaine in the retreat. At night Spinolas men presented themselues before the same place, as if they had an intent to charge againe, but seeing the princes men more resolute than before, they retyred. Yet Spinola not satisfied with this assault, hauing discouered a marish place toward Lapschuyre, where there were no ships in guard, he sent certaine men in a boat, who found the place full of stakes and piles, so as there was no meanes for their boat to passe: one of them cast himselfe into the water to swim into the towne, but being discouered by the sentinell, he returned.
Their wants were exceeding great within the towne; the best bread was made of all sorts The great want in the towne. E of graine mingled, and the soldiers had three quarters of a pound a day allowed to euery one. There was some controuersie betwixt the gouernour and the generall of the galleys, for the distribution of bread, for that they gaue none vnto the galley slaues, who labored more than the soldiers: they were forced to eat dogs and cats, and sometimes they might heare the women and children make lamentable cries: which made many without feare of danger to come and yeeld themselues at the princes campe, who receiued them courteously, and gaue them to eat. In the end, finding that it would make their victuals to last the longer, and would protract his victory, they hauing also stayed vntill the extremitie, and put him in hazard of a battaile, he did forbid them to suffer any more to passe; whereupon three offering to come forth, they made a signe vnto them with their hats to retire, the which they refusing to doe, F they shot at them and slue them. Yet some few daies after there came a corporall forth with 12 soldiers, and yeelded themselues, to whome they gaue their liues.
The [...] made a sallie of 40 men on the 14 day of August at night, and being in fight, there came 50 of the archdukes men to ioyne with them; but they found such resistance, as either [Page 1315] of them was forced to retire from whence they came, without any great effect. This was A done, to get a messenger to passe: and indeed a resolute souldier during the fight, cast himselfe 1604 into prince Maurice his trenches, entertaining the sentinell with words, that hee might get away; saying, That he was the round: the corporal being come at the sentinels call, demanding the word, he slew him, and so past on.
Spinola being well informed of the estate of the towne, and seeing that he could not releeue it, nor enter, as he had imagined, he retired in great hast, without sound of drum or trumpet, in the night about 10 of the clock, on the 16 of August: and the same night he went with al speed by Ardenbourg, vnto Ostbourg, where, without any stay, he went before S. Katherines fort, in the which there were 70 souldiers in garrison for the prince; the which he battered, and tooke by composition. The besieged did their dueties▪ and would not yeeld, vntill they had filled B their ditches with dead men.
The prince being aduertised of Spinola's retreat, he tooke a certaine number of souldiers out of euerie quarter, and went after him. Spinola seeing himselfe pursued, put his armie into battaile, neere vnto Ostbourg behind a dike. The prince charged him furiously, hauing giuen the point vnto his musketiers. In the end Spinola was forced to retire, leauing 300 of his men vpon the place. The prince lost some [...]0. The same day the prince sent to aduertise them of the town that their succours were defeated: and his men burnt Spinola's campe. For all this Spinola fled not, but had another designe, meaning to enter into Cadsant, wheras the besieged would haue made a bridge. He took S. Philips fort also by composition, hauing not then aboue 4000 men in his armie. The prince hauing obserued his designe out of Vander Noots quarter, went to Coxie, C by the which Spinola must passe, sending cont William before, to hinder his passage at a certaine small square fort; the which Spinola did charge furiously: and the princes men made such resistance, as they spent al their powder and shot, defending themselues a good space with their pikes, halberds, and swords; who were in danger to be forced, but for the vertue and valour of cont William (who had withstood the assault in his trenches, on the 6 of August, & now againe he performed the dutie of a couragious souldier, and a valiant captaine, giuing a goodly example vnto his followers.) In the mean time the prince sent them 4 fresh companies, with powder and shot, the which did so incourage his men, as they repulst their enemie, and slew three or foure hundred vpon the place; among the which was the marquesse of Renty, of the house of Lalaine and Croy, Alphonso Borgias, a commaunder of the Spanish foot, and monsieur D Maintenon, a French man, with diuers other men of commaund; whose bodies, with the souldiers permission, were ransomed.
From thence Spinola went and camped before Isendike; but in the end, seeing his number so decreased, and his souldiers so daunted with so many losses, hee retired, and effected not any thing, being the 18 of August. The same day the besieged, being without all hope of succours, they sent an It [...]ian captaine, called Lippin, vnto the prince, to demand 6 or 7 daies libertie, to They of Sluce demand a parle aduertise the archduke of the estate of the towne, and to treat of their yeelding. To whom the prince answered, That he would giue them six weeks, as soone as six dayes. The women and children stood vpon the rampars, attending the princes mercie; who refusing to giue any time vnto the besieged, in the end Lippin besought him to send three hostages into the towne, for E their securities, that should come the next day out of the towne, to treat with him.
The next day betwixt 8 and 9 of the clocke, the prince sent Elst, Eckeren, and a Frenchman, all three captaines: and there came vnto the camp Lippin, the sergeant maior of the towne, & the earle of Styerems lieutenant; who trifling out the time in long discourses, and impertinent demands, the prince said vnto them, Chuse one of these conditions, If you deliuer vp the towne The princes offers to them of Sluce. on the 20 of this moneth, I will suffer you to depart with your armes, matches light, bullets in the mouth, colours flying, and all that belongs vnto souldiers. If you attend vntill the 21, you shall carrie away nothing but your swords. And if you stay vntill the 22, I will haue you at my discretion.
Hereupon two of the deputies, leauing the third in hostage, returned vnto the towne, with The articles of the composition. F these conditions, and the night following they returned, betwixt 11 and 12 of the clocke, accepting the first condition: and the articles of accord were as followeth.
1 That all church-men might depart with their ornaments, goods, and all that belonged vnto them.
[Page 1316] 2 That the gouernour, captaines, officers, and souldiers, of what condition soeuer, as also A the captaines of gallies, and all other officers and free marriners of the said gallies, might depart 1604 freely vnto Dam, with their baggage, armes, and colours flying, bullets in their mouthes, drummes sounding, and matches light: and to that end they should haue barks and boats to conuey them to Dam, for the which they should giue hostages, vntill they returned.
3 That the gouernour, and the seigniour Aurelio Spinola, should bee bound to deliuer into the hands of such as his Excellencie should depute, all the gallyes, barkes, and fregates, ordnance, powder, and all that belonged vnto them: as also the towne canon, munition for war, and all other engines and instruments, without any fraud or spoile done vnto them.
4 That the gally slaues should be all set at liber [...]ie, without any exception, and it should be lawfull for them that would follow the garrison, beeing once at libertie, to doe it freely. B
5 That all prisoners should be deliuered without ransom, vpon condition, That the gouernor, and the seignior Aurelio Spinola, should procure, that captaine Saye, hauing been taken prisoner with the marriners, by them of Boisleduc, & captaine Iay of Raed, being prisoner with his men in Viluoord, as also the three mariners of Breda, being prisoners at Gant, shall bee set at libertie, euerie one paying a moneths pay to those that tooke them, and their charges: or for want thereof, the said Aurelio Spinola, shall promise, vpon his faith and word, vnder his hand and seale, to put himselfe prisoner into his excellencies hands.
6 That no man shalbe detained for any debt or money, which the bourgers haue lent vnto the gouernor and others, the gouernor promising to giue them satisfaction in the towne of Bruges. C
7 That all muster-masters, and other officers, which haue mannaged the accounts & paying of souldiers, may also depart freely with their mouable goods and papers touching their charges, not taking away any of the charters or registers of the towne.
8 That all officers and commissaries of the victuals, of the admiraltie, and of the king of Spaines armie shall do the like.
9 That the gouernor shalbe bound to deliuer the castle this night into his Excellencies hands, that he may put 200 men into it.
10 That to morrow the garrison shall depart out of the towne.
Made in the campe before Sluce, the 19 of August 1604.
Behold how the vnited Estates tooke this towne of Sluce, by prince Maurice, their great captaine, D and admirall generall, euen in view of the archdukes armie. There were found in it eleuen What the prince found in the towne. great gallies, wherof 7 were verie much shaken (but afterwards repaired by them) the rest were verie good and new, with a great number of other sorts of boats; 84 peeces of brasse, and 24 of yron, with great store of powder, bullets, and other munition for war; the which made them much stronger, both by sea and land.
And with these honourable conditions they departed out of Sluce, being about 4200 men, almost hunger starued.
The Estates after this conquest, being contented for this yeare with the importance therof, spent some time in fortifying Sluce, and Isendike, the which they did inlarge more than halfe, and haue made it a good towne, with a capable hauen: they fortified Ardenbourg also, and E other places, in the which they haue many Oostends; and so much the stronger, for that they are neere one vnto another: Besides, these places are more commodious to make war in Flanders, being in the heart of the countrey, and neere vnto Bruges, and other greater townes than Oostend, which is in a remote quarter, among the downs and sand hils, the which they might block vp with forts, and so leaue it, as they did since the yeare 1599, whereas Sluce is the key of traffique. The news of this losse was soone diuulged, the which caused great murmuring, and sodaine alterations in the countries thereabouts. In Holland and Zeeland there was nothing but giuing of thanks to God, bonfiers, banquets, and ioy; yea at Oostend (whose end drew neere) the souldiers shewed their ioy with their canons and muskets. In the archdukes country there was nothing but heauinesse, the people murmuring, and saying, That what they feared, F was come to passe, seeing that Oostend held good after the losse of Sluce. Some did imagine, that the prince would go with his victorious armie, and raise the siege of Oostend, and that by meanes of the intelligences which he had in some townes, he would strangely shake the archdukes affaires: But things fell out otherwise, as we will shew.
[Page 1317] The archduke hauing lost Sluce, resolued to haue Oostend, rather to repaire his honour A and losse, than to reape any fruits of his three yeeres labour, holding that his reputation was 1604 not in so great danger, as the good of his wiues countrey which he enioyed; whereas now there was no practise nor inuention omitted to take the towne: And the besieged, being encouraged by the victorie of Sluce, made a wonderfull resistance: there was a generous emulation, and miraculous deedes of armes.
There were diuers mynes made, which wrought diuers effects, sometimes hurtfull to the besieged, and sometimes to the assaylants. Spinola hauing made his approches, by mine and other deuises to Sandhill, he resolued to giue an assault; but finding the Spaniards vnwilling, and to flye from all seruices, for the enuie that they bare vnto him and to the Italians, he made choise of the Germane regiments, vnder the earles of Folgia, and of Barlaimont, being most B of them old soldiers and of great resolution; who after great resistance tooke Sandhill, and slue all that had not retired in time, the which was a great losse to the besieged: it was said, that Spinola gaue vnto these soldiers out of his owne bounty fortie thousand gulderns to drinke, with great thanks and commendations.
The besieged expected succours daily, but they fayled them, as there is nothing more doubtfull than the euents of warre. There was great hazard in the reliefe of Oostend, the which although the siege had been raised, could hardly haue been kept, and in the end would haue wearied the vnited Estates, especially wanting succours from England, by reason of the peace concluded betwixt the kings of England and Spaine: besides it might be dangerous for the Estates armie, if they should faile in their attempt, or receiue any affront, C whereby there would haue growne an ineuitable mischiefe, which was the diuision and weakning of their army, the which would haue giuen a great aduantage vnto the enemie: wherefore they resolued to fortifie the towne of Sluce, with all their armie, the importance whereof made them not to apprehend the losse of Oostend.
The besieged in Oostend hauing attended succors a moneth after the taking of Sluce, and had sent often vnto the vnited Estates, and to the prince aduertising them in what estate they They of Oostend resolue to compound. were, and that the archdukes Germanes had taken a part of the towne, from whence in short time they might cut off their hauen, and depriue them of the benefit of the sea; they thought that without doing wrong vnto their honours, they might lawfully compound with so couragious an enemy: besides they had aduice from the prince, to make the most honourable D composition they could, being of opinion that the Estates should not charge themselues any longer with that towne, seeing they had taken Sluce, which was held of farre greater importance, and so many other new forts conquered, the which they must furnish.
According to which aduise monsieur Marquet gouernour of the towne of Oostend, with the councell of warre, entred into treaty with the marquesse Spinola; and hauing first sent aaway their best ordnance into Zeeland, leauing some only for a shew, they yeelded the towne vnto the archduke, leauing it all ruined, and without inhabitants, after a siege of three yeeres An honorable composition at Oostend. and eleuen weekes (the which hath not been seene these many hundred yeeres in Christendome) and departed the 22 of September, with their full armes, and marching like soldiers in battell, with foure peeces of ordnance, and munition for tenne shot, (the most honourable E composition that could be) and passing along by Blankenbergh they went vnto the princes campe, being yet about Sluce, busie in his fortifications.
The archduke hauing Oostend at command, would needs goe see in what estate the towne was; whereas they found nothing but hils of earth and trenches, and heapes of stones of the houses and churches which had been ruined with the canon, where they had worke inough to repaire, so as he was forced to entertaine his army there all the rest of the summer, before he could bring it to any good order, and cast downe his trenches, with many of the forts. For the repeopling of this towne, he graunted goodly priuiledges, and gaue land by inheritance to them that would build and inhabit there, with immunitie of excises and customes for certaine yeares, and accommodating the garrison as well as he could. F
It is vncertaine what numbers were slaine during this siege of Oostend, yet it is sayd, that there was found in a commissaries pocket, who was slaine before Oostend the 7 of August before the yeelding thereof, diuers remarkable notes and obseruarions, and among the rest what number died without in the archdukes campe of euery degree.
| Masters of the campe | 7. 1604 |
| Colonels | 15. |
| Sergeant maiors | 29. |
| Captaines | 565. |
| Lieutenants | 1116. |
| Ensignes | 322. |
| Sergeants | 1911. A |
| Corporals | 1166. |
| Lanspisadoes | 600. |
| Soldiers | 54663. |
| Marriners | 611. |
| Women and children | 119. |
All which amount to 72124 persons.
Which number is not so great considering the long siege, sicknesse, and the cold winters vpon the sea coast, in so cold a clymat, fighting against the elements. It is vnknowne what number died in the towne, the which is thought was much lesse, for that there were not so many in the towne, who were better lodged, had more ease, and were better victualed. B
At the same time about three hundred horse of the vnited estates, made a sudden incursion into the countrey of Luxembourg, whereas they surprized the towne of Arlon, the which they spoyled a whole day together at their pleasures: then carying away their bootie, and many good prisoners, they came to Duyts right against Cologne, where hauing shipt their goods and prisoners, they sent them by the Rhin into Holland, and they returned by land into the vnited prouinces, to their garrisons.
The Marques Spinola hauing (as we haue sayd) finished the siege of Oostend, and wonne thereby much honour and reputation, he was sent by the archdukes into Spaine, as well to The marquesse Spinola goes into Spaine. giue an account of his actions, as to procure a new prouision of money, and to receiue the reward of his seruices from the king; the which were such, as at his audience in the kings chamber, C his maiesty saluted him with the name of duke of Saint Seuerino, whereof he gaue him the title, he made him lieutenant generall to the archdukes in the Netherlands, gaue him the earledome of Vogira in the duchie of Milan in Italie, with a pension of twelue thousand crownes a yeere for his diet; commanding he should be put in the number of the Grandos of Spaine, besides other goodly rewards which the king gaue him.
Sluce being taken, Lodowike Gunther earle of Nassau, who had maried the countesse of The death of Lodowike earle of Nassau. Walckenstein, and Broeke being sicke, died in Sluce: this Lodowike was the sonne of old Iohn earle of Nassau, and brother to William and Ernest earles of Nassau, being a gallant yong earle, and one that was much lamented, hauing been employed in many great enterprizes: and at the same time prince Maurice, and diuers others were also sicke. D
In remembrance of the long siege of Oostend, and the winning of Sluce, there were certaine counters made in the vnited prouinces, both of siluer and copper, the one hauing on the one side the picture of the towne of Oostend; and on the other the townes of Rhinberke, Graue, Sluce, Ardenbourgh, and the forts of Isendyke, and Cadsant, with this inscription round about it, Plus triennio obsessa, hostirudera, patriae quatuor ex me vrbes dedi. Anno 1604. Oostend being more than three yeeres besieged, gaue the enemie a heape of stones, and to her natiue countrey foure townes. Another counter, hauing on the one side the siege of Sluce with this inscription. Traxit, duxit, dedit. Anno 1604. On the other side were the armes of Zeeland, and round about it, Beatus populus cuius adiutor deus.
The towne of Vtrecht did also make a triumphant peece of coyne, both of gold and siluer, E where on the one side stood the siege of Oostend, and on the other the siege of Sluce, all the forts and hauens, and on both sides round about was grauen, Iehoua prius dederat plus quam perdidimus. 1604.
The king of England being quietly seated in the royall possession of the crowne, the king of Spaine, and the archdukes had sent their embassadours into England to make an ouerture of a peace (as wee formerly shewed) and this yeere, on the nineteenth of May certaine commissioners came into England to that end, during the siege of Oostend and Sluce: for the Archdukes came the earle of Arembergh, sir Iohn Richardot president, and sir Lewis Vereycken, secretarie of estate; and for the king of Spaine came Alexander Rouido, doctor and councellor for the king in Milan, who had in his company as an assistant Martin de la Falia, Baron F Van Niuele: but Dom Ioan Fernandes de Velasco, Constable of Castilia and Leon, duke of Frias, ea [...] of Hara &c. councellour of estate, and for the warres, had only full power and authority to conclude for the king of Spaine; who remaining sicke at Wynoxberghen in Flanders, by vertue of his commission, gaue authoritie to Ioan Baptista Taxis earle of Villa [Page 1319] Mediana, and to doctor Rouido to treat. What followed in this treaty, I thinke it needlesse to A insert here, being so well knowne to euery man. 1604
After the conclusion of this peace betwixt England, Spaine, and the archdukes, the generall Estates of the vnited prouinces called sir Noel Caron their agent (then resident in England) to come home into Holland, and to acquaint them with the estate of England since the peace with Spaine; whereupon the king gaue him letters of recommendation, with certaine instructions concerning the money which was owing by the vnited prouinces vnto the crowne of England, the king desiring that embassadours should be sent ouer vnto him to that end, the which was done accordingly. The general Estates returned sir Noel Caron back into England, giuing him the title of their embassador, and commission to cary himselfe so in all places: the The vnited prouinces giue their Agent in England, the title of their embassador. The Spanish embassadour complaines of it. which made many to wonder, and the Spanish embassador to storme, who presently demanded B audience, and made his complaint vnto the king of the wrong was thereby done vnto the king his master, who was dishonored thereby, contrary to the league and friendship which was then betwixt them, desiring that all accesse vnto the court in that quality, might be denied him, as being sent from such persons as had traiterously fallen from their lord & soueraigne prince, with many other bitter words, and full of spleene. To whome the king of England made answere, That hee was not yet informed of any such matter, and that when as hee should be fully certified thereof, he would make him an honorable and a reasonable answer: and afterwards vpon conference with his councell, he told the Spanish embassadour, that he had no knowledge of the Estates resolution, but yet he thought it good to let him know, that by the contract of peace made with Spaine, all neutrality with the Netherlands was allowed C him: saying moreouer, that as he was no author of their separation from Spaine, so would he not break the league and friendship, that hee found his kingdome to haue made with them; neither was it for him to censure the errours and faults of the Estates, (if there were any) nor The kings answere. to make answere for them: shewing him further, that hee was not restrained by the contract from giuing audience vnto any of their seruants, in what quality, or howsoeuer they would name him, leauing that to their discretions: and that he would shew himselfe vnto them, as he had been accustomed to doe: and that it was no wonder if hee followed the example of other princes, who would not doe any thing that was inconuenient, and not beseeming their mutuall friendship, who had already receiued their seruants by the names of embassadors, and sent theirs vnto them, with the like titles. With which answere the Spanish embassador contented D himselfe.
This yeare in May Peter Ernest earle of Mansfeld, gouernour of Luxembourg, died in the Death of Ernest earle of Mansfeld. Netherlands, a man who in his life time had been in many honorable employments: and for that he was one who had managed many causes in the Netherlands, I thought it fit to make a briefe relation of his life.
He was borne in the yeere 1517, and brought vp in the court of Ferdinando king of the Romanes, and afterwards emperour: at 18 yeres of age, in the yeare 1535, he was with the emperour His life. Charles the 5, at the siege of Thunis, and was caruer to the emperour: in the yeare 1543, he came into the Netherlands, and commaunded a company of horse before Landresie: in the yeare 1544, he was made lieutenant colonel of 1000 horse, vnder the baron of Brederode, E and had a company of 200 horse for himselfe: in the yeare 1545, he was made gouernour of the dukedome and earledome of Chiny and Namur: in the yeare 1546, he was made knight of the order of the golden fleece. Not long after in the French warres hee ouerthrew 1200 French foot and horse, hauing but 50 horse in the foreward of the emperours army before Aspremont, and afterward tooke the said castle of Aspremont: in the yere 1552. being sent by Marie queene of Hongarie regent of the Netherlands, as Generall of the army into Fraunce, he tooke the townes of Astenay, Montfalcon, Grenu, Pree, and others: after that being in the towne of Iocoy, he was besieged and wounded, and the towne being taken, he was led prisoner into France, where he remained fiue yeares; and in the yeare 1557, he was set free vpon a great ransome. The same yeare he was sent embassador from the emperour to an assembly of F the princes in Germany. Hee was made marshall ouer the Dutch regiments before Saint Quintins, where, in that battaile he gaue the first charge, and ouerthrew the enemy, where he was twise shot in the thigh: some hold opinion, that if he had not been, the battaile had not been giuen, nor yet won: in the yeare 1558, he was marshal of the field in the king of Spaines [Page 1320] armie before Dourlans, where the king of Spaine was himselfe in person. In the yeare 1565, he A was sent by the king of Spain with a sleet of ships into Portugall, to fetch the prince of [...] 1604 bride from Lisbon, whom he brought into the Netherlands. In the yeare 1566, in the beginning of the troubles in the Netherlands, he was by the duchesse of Parma made gouernour of Brussels; and was a meanes to moderat the said troubles. In the yere 1567, he pacified [...] troubles in Antuerpe, and continued gouernor there vntill the comming of the duke of Alua: after which time he did conuey the duchesse of Parma vnto Plaisance in Italie. In the yeare 1569, he was sent into France by the king of Spaine, to aid the French king against the Huguenots, where he won great honour at the battaile of Montcounter, where he had his right arme lamed. In the duke of Aluaes time he had the charge of 2000 horse in Luxembourg, when as the prince of Orange was before Berghen in Henault. In the great commanders time he was marshall of the campe, and commanded ouer 2000 horse, at such time as Lodouike earle of B Nassau was slaine at Mockerheide. In the time of the Estates gouernment, he was with others of the counsell of estate, taken by the tumultuous people, and committed to prison, where he remained fiue moneths, with great hazard of his life, beeing in danger to bee murthered by the multitude. In Dom Iohn of Austria's time (when as a peace was made, and the Spaniards to depart out of the Netherlands) he had charge to conuey a great number of them into Italy. After that, the peace being broken, he tooke part with Dom Iohn, and so continued vntill his death. In the prince of Parma's time, he was marshall of the field, at the siege of Mastricht; and after that he went with some troups into Gueldres: then he was sent into Henault, and made gouernour of Arthois, Henault, Ryssel, and Douay (vntill that the prince of Parma had performed C the contract made with them) where he tooke Cortrick, the castle of Quesnoy, Mortaigne, Saint Amant &c. In the said duke of Parma's time, hee was sent thrice to field, and tooke Bouchain, Niuelles, Villeuoorden, &c. Hee was with the duke of Parma at the siege of Antuerpe, and did helpe to recouer Coesteins dike from the Zeelanders; who had taken it from the duke of Parma. He was twice chosen lieutenant gouernour and generall of the Netherlands, and of Bourgoigne, and was gouernor generall after the duke of Parma's death, wherein he continued, by commission from the king of Spaine, vntill the comming of Ernestus archduke of Austria; after whose death, in the yeare 1594, he was againe made gouernour for a time. And in the yeare 1597, vnder cardinall Albertus gouernment, he was made marshal of the field; the which he did execute, although he had beene gouernour himselfe. Being very D old, he retired himselfe into his gouernment of Luxembourg, and there dyed, being 87 yeares old. His bodie was buried in his chappell, by the old cloister of Saint Francis, in the towne of Luxembourg. He maried with Marguerite, daughter to the baron of Brederode, by whom he His children: had three sonnes and one daughter: the first was Charles earle of Mansfeldt▪ a gallant souldier, who dyed in Hongarie (seruing vnder the emperour against the Turke) without issue. His second sonne was slaine in a quarell betwixt him and the vicont of Gant. The third sonne was Octauius, earle of Mansfeldt, who was slaine before Knodsenbourg sconce. His daughter maried, against his will, with Palimedes, bastard to Rene of Chalon, earle of Nassau, who was slaine before Saint Desir, and in his mothers right was called prince of Orange and of Chalon. This Palimedes had two sonnes, both which serued vnder the archduke, the one dying of a wound which he had receiued; and the other being a colonell, was in suit with the bastard son of Peter E Ernest, earle of Mansfeldt, touching the inheritance.
This yeare, during the winter time, the prouinces vnder the archduke, sought to haue the The archduke will no: suff [...]r the generall Estates of Brabant to assemble. generall Estates assembled at Brussels; the which the archduke would not allow, for that the vnited prouinces had written vnto the chiefe townes in Brabant and Flanders, aduertising them of certaine designes of the archdukes: which letters were discouered by some of them vnto the archduke, whereupon he did forbid the receiuing of any such letters; commanding they should bee brought sealed vnto him, which bred certaine iealousies and distrusts, for that many had giuen him aduice, not to suffer the generall Estates to assemble, who without doubt would propound such matters vnto him, as he should be forced to yeeld vnto them; the F which might be some blemish to his honour and reputation: whereof they of Holland had intelligence, by certaine letters which had beene intercepted, whereof they did aduertise the rest: so as the assembly of the generall Estates would not be tollerated: yet euerie prouince assembled apart in their owne iurisdictions. Out of Brabant they sought to haue three hundred [Page 1321] thousand gulderns, which at the first the bishops and prelats (in the name of the whole clergie) A flatly denied, vntill they did see better order in the gouernment, and better discipline among 1604 the soldiers. They of Brussels refused to pay chimny mony, and so did they of Flanders: but there was some hope of a peace, and to that end certein articles of peace were dispersed abroad, as if they had come from the king of Spain; and at that time there were both letters and embassadours sent to the Hage in Holland. It was also reported that the marquesse Spinola at his comming into Spain, had 300 thousand gulderns a moneth promised him by the king, with other summes of money to pay the mutynous soldiers, and for the entertainment of the archdukes court: wherewith the Estates and the common people were put in good comfort, & so contented themselues for a time. The archduke with the helpe he had from the prouinces that were vnder his command, and by means of certaine bils of exchange that were come The archduke prepares to warre. B vnto him, he began to make preparation for the warre, for the yeare following▪ the which was very great, making new leuies of soldiers, both in Spain, Naples, Milain, Germany, & the Wallon prouinces, as also in England, Scotland & Ireland: which according to the treaty of peace made with England, might not be denied him.
The vnited prouinces began also to thinke vpon their preparations, for that vpon the 16 of The vnited prouiaces prepare for warre. October past the councell of estate had informed the generall Estates what was to be done concerning the wars: desiring that an armie might bee sent to field in the beginning of the nextspring, wherby they might fortifie such places as they had gotten in Flanders: as also that some course might be taken for the payment of all their arrerages of debts, the which could not be discharged the yeare before, for that their receits were lesse than their disbursements; C and therefore they were growne indebted, the which must necessarily be paied: and although their great charge for the defence of Oostend, then ceased; yet they must fortifie their places in Flanders, and pursue their victorie, keeping the enemy occupied with an army in field, who gaue out that they would inuade the vnited prouinces with two armies together: wherefore they desired, that the ordinary taxation of the 7 prouinces might bee collected, in the which three parts of Gelderland with Buren and Zutphen were accounted for one prouince. They also required 600 thousand gulderns extraordinary, for wagons and horses to draw them, and other charges of the armie for six months, with three hundred thousand gulderns for the fortifications. That Ardenbourg was to be fortified with nine sconces lying about Coxie, Cathalyne, Oostbourg, and one by the house of Weelde, and a halfe-moone consisting D of three bulwarks before Sluce, with diuers other small sconces; for the which they demaunded three hundred thousand gulderns; and for warehouses and other necessaries for them, other three hundred thousand gulderns. They required also three hundred thousand gulderns for the payment of the interest, wherewith the Receiuer generall stood charged.
There was a demand of 4 stiuers vpon euery barrel of beere, to be paied by them that drew it, and twenty stiuers vpon euery barrell of salt, towards the payment of the money due to the king of England; as also to haue consideration of the general interest, and that they would continue the conuoy [...]s & licences. To aid the admiralty with 400 thousand gulderns, which they were in arrerages, notwithstanding all booties and prizes. That they would consent vnto E 8000 gulderns for Drenthe, and 1300 gulderns a moneth for Linghen; all reparations to be therein contained. That the impost for salt, should be paied by the panman, with the pasports and conuoyes: and the money comming thereof to be collected into one purse. That the contributions of Holland and Zeeland, shold be collected, and the mony brought in before December: and that the prouinces might not be brought into any arrerages.
To this end vpon the first of Nouember, the Estates sent vnto the prouinces to gather the monthly contribution, as followeth viz. of Gelderland & Zutphen monthly 28286 gulderns 2 stiuers, 7 deniers; of Holland, 337646 gulderns, 4 stiuers, 8 deniers; Zeeland, 83029 gulderns, 4 stiuers, 5 deniers; Vtrecht, 35131 gulderns, 18 stiuers, 7 deniers; Frizeland, 69721 gulderns, 16 stiuers, 11 deniers; Oueryssel, 16770 gulderns, 1 stiuer, 8 den. Groningue, 39271 gulderns, 16 F stiuers, 2 deniers; Drenthe, 5368 gulderns, 4 stiuers; Linghen, 2792 gulderns, 6 stiuers, 8 deniers; Wedde, 350 gulderns. All which amounts (not accounting Drenthe, nor Linghen) vnto 609877 gulderns, 7 stiuers, and 2 deniers; which is the ordinary contribution of the vnited Estates monthly, not accounting the admiralty, nor other forcible impositions vpon extraordinary [Page 1322] causes: so as it seemed the vnited prouinces had resolued to make an offensiue warre A the next yeare, and to that end they raised 100 new companies of foot, more than they had in 1604 pay before, with 36 cornets of horse: besides, they had contracted with the marquesse of Auspach, for 1000 Dutch reisters to bee newly leuied. They did also expect great aide from the French king: they of France aduising them to go early to field, with 170 or 200 companies of foot, and 36 or 40 cornets of horse, that they might attempt something before the marquesse Spinola were ready. And this was their designe for the yeare following.
This winter and the precedent, there were great means made to procure a peace in the Netherlands, especially by the emperour and the house of Austria, who did affect it the more in regard of the diuision of the empire; and the rather for that France and England had now abandoned the vnited prouinces, but especially for that the empire was much troubled with B the Turkish warres, the which might be aided by the soldiers of both parties, if they could be once reconciled: the let whereof was imputed to the vnited prouinces. for the archduke seemed tractable, and willing to yeeld to any reasonable conditions, so as he might retaine the soueraignty. But being ready to enter into a treaty of peace, and the prouinces vnder the archdukes gouernment in good hope thereof, the bad gouernment in Hongarie and Transiluania bred an open rebellion; so as Stephanus Botschkay tooke vpon him to be their leader: and besides this disordered gouernment, bad pay & mutiny of the soldiers, they sought by means of the Iesuits, to force mens consciences, and to alter their long reformed religion in so dangerous a time, of ciuill and forraine wars; and for that cause they grounded their rebellion vpon the same foundation, which the Netherlanders had done, as breach of priuiledges, gouernment C of strangers, and constraint of conscience, the which gaue cause of suspition vnto the Emperour, and the king of Spaine.
In the meane time there were many things propounded how a peace might be made: the Certaine considerations of peace, being very weighty, containing three points. The first. which for that it is a matter of great importance, I haue thought it fit to bee inserted. One terming himselfe a Netherlander, & yet dwelling out of those countreys, sets down his opinion in three speciall points, and first concerning the bad gouernment of the vnited prouinces: Secondly, that they will not be still able to continue the wars: and thirdly, that they shalbe forced to submit themselus vnder Spain, France or England. Of these 3 points he maketh a long discourse; and also of the forces and qualities of each one in particular. If any man would argue and maintain that it were the best course to yeeld the countreys ouer to prince Maurice, in regard D of his great seruices done for the same, with perpetuall confederation and league with France and England, thereby to defend and support the said prouinces: hee was of opinion that it would be too difficult a matter for prince Maurice to vndertake so great a quarrell with the Estates of Holland and Zeeland; and that they which are so well seated, and at this present in the gouernment would not willingly giue their consents, vnlesse they were forced therunto by the said kings. Therfore he setteth downe a means how to settle the archdukes after another maner in the said Netherlands: which if it were not found good & conuenient, then they should deuise how to further prince Maurice in this designe. The meanes hee speaketh of are, That seeing the king of Spain and the archdukes are so vnited, as they are not to be trusted in regard of the maxime of pias fraudes, holy deceits, that therfore to bring the 17 prouinces into E a perfect vnion, they must procure the kings of France and England to bee mediatours to the king of Spain to yeeld vp al his right absolutely vnto the archdukes, vpon pain of breaking the league with them: the emperor also, in regard of affinity, & France, must likewise resigne al maner of pretences, vpon condition that their heires males (after the maner of the Salike law) by this or any other mariage of them both, and no other, shall succeed; and that after both their deaths without heires males, that neither the king of Spain, nor the emperor (in regard of their great suspected powers) shold inherit the Netherlands, but it should descend to the rest of the heires males of the emperors Ferdinand & Maximilian, with the like conditions: and if it so fell out, that the said successor in the Netherlands were chosen to be emperor, he should then likewise giue ouer his title to the Netherlands, vnto the next heires males of the same house: and that if the whole house of Austria should chance to die, and be extinct, only the emperor and F the king of Spaine remaining, in that case it should be lawfull for the said prouinces to choose themselues another prince, where they pleased; that all the Netherlands might continue vnder one Lord and Prince.
[Page 1323] It should bee also necessary that the king of Spaine should giue security for the effecting A thereof vnto one of the two kings aforesaid; which if hee refused, then the said kings of England 1604 & France with the Netherlands shold force him therunto, with the consent of the emperor; which he affirmeth is easie to be done, by many reasons by him alleaged; & for that cause men must take heede of the Iesuites maximes, or subtile fetches. He also maketh answere to many arguments obiected to the contrary by the Spaniards, who would not endure to be cut off from their patrimoniall inheritance: but Christian peace ought to persuade him thereunto, that so he may employ all his power against the Turke: therewith he setteth downe certein articles to be obserued in this peace, which are 6 in number; which if the king of Spaine will not agree vnto, and that the said articles were not liked on either part, then the kings of France and England, shall seeke to put the said countreys (if it were possible) into the hands of prince B Maurice of Nassau; but the other contract with the archdukes (he saith) were better: he sheweth moreouer, what profit all Christendome may expect and attend by the said peace, wherein we should neither feare pope nor Iesuite, but call a generall councell, whether it were with the good liking or otherwise of the pope; and according to the decrees thereof, to begin a war against the Turke, in such order as monsieur la Noue describeth, whereunto all other princes would willingly giue consent: and by that meanes the golden world would begin againe.
Another being a catholike and vnder the archdukes gouernment setteth downe certaine reasons for a peace, as followeth. He sheweth the strength of the vnited prouinces which are compassed in with the seas, and great riuers that are nauigable, hauing great store of shipping, The second reason to mooue men vnto a peace, made by a catholike vnder the archduke. therewith to prouide them of all things necessary: and on the other side hee setteth downe C the difficulties whereunto the prouinces vnder the archdukes commaund, are subiect: As that their soldiers can hardly liue or get any thing from such an enemy, but would bee ouer chargeable to their owne countrey: that the aid which they had out of Spaine was great in shew, but in effect small, and was most of it drawne from the vttermost parts of Italy, and the deepest parts of Spaine, and that many times it was intercepted by the way, and being come, it did melt like snow against the sunne; that by protracting of the soldiers pay, mutinies did arise. That the vnited prouinces are alwaies first in the fields, and that they could thereby giue the first onset: that Spaine of it selfe is poore, that the Hollanders tooke his gold, siluer, and traffique from him at the Indies: that his mynes are drawne drie: that the yong king is not so sparing as his father; and so his charges are greater, and by that, meanes money grew D scant, and mutinies daily increased, so as to pacific the soldiers, and to giue them some contentment (besides their robbing and spoyling of the countrey) they are often paide twelue or fifteen stiuers a day for a footman, and foure & twenty stiuers a horsman, & not any other are full paid vnlesse they mutine; so as there hath not been any gouernour, but that hath had 2 or 3 mutinies in his time. He sheweth that since the archdukes gouernment there haue been 20 mutinies; as at Diest, Ardres, Carpen, Caleis, La Chapelle, Weert, Chastelet, Dorleans, Cambray, the castle of Antuerpe, the forts of Saint Andrew and Creueoecur, the ships in the riuer of Scheld, in 2 fortes vpon the Scheld, the Sas of Gant, Sluce, Hulst, Hochstraten, and the fort of Isabella before Oostend, &c. and that these mutinies were likely to increase, for that they make no musters, as they were wont to doe, allowing the soldiers 4 stiuers a day: which E the old soldiers perceiuing seeke to mutine, thereby to be paid the rest of their account; and when they are paid, they will be sure to haue securitie for their money receiued, or els fearing punishment, they run away, knowing that they may expect no preferment.
Furthermore, he setteth downe the Spaniards high minds, who will rather see the Netherlands goe to ruine, than they will yeeld; adding withall, that there is no likelyhood of peace to be made by men of seuerall religions, for that they had lately caused a poore woman to be buried quicke, hauing been better to haue banished her, seeing shee could neither teach nor preach.
Touching the attayning to a peace, by meanes of the warres; their mighty neighbours would not endure it, the Spaniards high mind being suspected by all the princes of Europe: F and that although the Hollanders were forsaken of all other princes, yet it was to be seene by the defence made in Oostend, what a taske it would be to vanquish them, most of their forts, lying on the sea coast, the which can hardly be besieged, or kept from reliefe.
To conclude, seeing that he perceiued nothing els but disorder and despaire, he feared that [Page 1324] the French trumpets would in the end sodenly awaken them, the causes of warres being as A great between both the kings as euer; which he sheweth by likelyhoods of enterprizes, by couert 1604 pretences and reasons to moue them thereunto, and what were to be feared if the French men should once shew themselues vpon the frontiers; how hardly could it be preuented, but that vpon some conditions they would put themselues into the French kings hands, & so they should presently be inclosed by the enemy, as by the Hollanders and the sea, and by the French men, hauing nothing but Luxemburgh open, which might easily bee shut vp; so as there were no aide to bee expected but from heauen, which doth not open euery day to shew forth miracles: but setting miracles aside, hee asketh, where they should haue corne to to bake and brew withal, if the plough goe not, and where should they get salt, wine, & munition if France were stopt; so as they should then be as in a towne besieged. B
That the Hollanders seeking their owne profit, and winning certaine townes by force would alter the catholike Romish religion, which ought to be vpheld by all the meanes that may be.
These things notwithstanding, yet he doubted not so much of the matter, as long as there was one that knocked at their dore (meaning the French king) finding it in no sort conuenient for the prouinces vnder the archdukes commaund, to agree with the Hollanders alone, doubting the successe of the duke of Aniou; but with a mightier power, who should be able to giue them peace, and to maintaine it, and to chase away the Spanish garrisons: wherefore he counselleth them (to preuent such mischiefes as threaten to fall vpon them, to hold the catholike Romish religion, & to enioy an assured peace) to put the country into the French kings C hands, whereunto they should find the Hollanders both ready and willing; and although the Hollanders would not agree thereunto, yet they should bee vnited to so mighty a king, who would be able to defend them: and for that the same had in times past been moued vnto him, it was not to be doubted.
That the Spaniards (only interessed herein) were far from them, & had lost the passage out of Italy, by means of the peace made with Sauoy: that they had garrisons but in 9 places, as in the castle of Antuerpe, Gant, and the Sas, Hertogenbusch, Nieuport, Oostend, Duremond, Cambray, Ruremond, & Dixmuyden, & that in some of them there were but few spaniards; in other some they were mixed with other soldiers, and in the rest the inhabitants were the strongest; and that of all those places there were but three that were strong, yet would they not bee able D to withstand so mighty a king. In this sort he imbaseth the archdukes forces, to whom he ascribeth many spirituall vertues, but with some imperfections, who with the Infanta without children, would be wel content to be vnburthened thereof. The great grauity of the house of Austria, hindreth him from being familier with his subiects, and thereby much diminisheth his authority.
He saith further, that all Christendome (except Spaine) would like of that proceeding, and it would make traffique and trade of marchandise to flourish throughout al Europe.
Furthermore that the two mighty and disunited kings, after the vniting of these countries could not well hurt or preiudice each other, as they did in times past, hauing the Pirenean mountaines and the sea for their frontiers; and so they would suffer Christendome to liue in E peace, and conuert their forces against our common enemy the Turke: That the Netherlands shold depend & adhere vnto an assured gouernment, in regard of the Salique law, without being subiect to change: That the Frenchmens natures are better to be endured than the Spaniards & agree better with the Netherlands: and that such conditions might be made, as al difficulties should be preuented, and their priuiledges maintained, yea increased.
Touching religion, it was well seen & apparent, how orderly they are dealt withal in France, without forcing any mans conscience; which in truth hath bought more men into the right way, than euer any force or violence (vsed to that end) did.
To conclude, he extolleth the fruits of peace, traffique and trade of marchandise: and touching the trade into the Indies, he referreth that to the Hollanders & Zeelanders themselues. F
That all preferments, gouernments, states and offices of the country, which now are in the hands of Spaniards, and other strangers, should be granted to none but naturall borne subiects of those countreys. To be short, he saith, that the Netherlands should not be giuen to France, but rather France to the Netherlands, and that there were neither wals nor forts that [Page 1325] could seperat the mutuall league and friendship of France and the Netherlands. This is their A opinion, that would greedily ioyne the Netherlands vnto France. A third person, naming 1604 himself a stranger, and an vpright indifferent partie, who had nothing to win nor to lose in the The third discourse touching peace in the [...], made by an indifferen [...] partie. Netherlandss, setteth downe his opinion, touching peace, excusing his boldnesse, and diuides his propositions into 3 points. The first, Why both parties ought to seeke after peace: The second sheweth diuers means that are and may be produced to attaine vnto peace: The third, shewing which should be the best means, and wherefore they are not to be reiected by neither of the parties.
Touching the first, he makes a learned discourse, to shew the necessarie vse of peace and vnitie. After war, peace ought to follow, although it cost both parties deere, and therefore reason and necessitie ought to moue men thereunto. The Turke ought to be withstood, and the tumults B of Hongarie pacified. The euents of the Netherlanders long continued wars, ought to make them wise, after so many battails, and towns won and lost; and so many enterprises made both by land & by sea, without any end. The Netherlands is a theatre of war and ciuil broils. That men had seene the siege of Oostend continue so long, so furious, fierce, and bloudie, as it seemed vnnatural, and our successors would hardly beleeue it, neither can we read of any such; both parties being so earnest and resolute, as if the successe therof wold haue ended those wars. That at the last the vnited prouinces had lost Oostend, but on the other side, they had profited so much thereby, as they had won 3 or 4 townes, and more forts, for it; and could annoy Flanders more than euer they did before. He saith, it is true, that the K. of Spain is a mightie prince of many countries & kingdoms, that he hath great alliances with the Romish Catholikes, and C hath great numbers of men, and good soldiers, so as the Hollanders themselues confesse, that they are not able to master him by force, and yet strong ynough to withstand him, and to defend themselues: but on the other side we must acknowledge, that Holland and Zeeland, &c. in mens iudgements are inuincible countries, in regard of their waterie scituation, being inhabited by a people accustomed to the seas, and who by land feare not the Spaniards. And although the countries are but small, yet they are able to raise great summes of money, drawing all other merchants for trade vnto them, by means of their merchandise and sea-faring. Adding thereunto, their traffique into the Indies, the which increaseth daily, so as now they care not for the prohibition of trade into Spaine or Portugall. And as they haue good store of money, so they haue a great number of good souldiers and commanders, with lesse charge than their D enemies. They are not likewise without friends, both Catholikes & Protestants, which repine at the greatnesse of Spaine: and although the kings of France and England haue peace with the archdukes, yet they would not willingly endure the Spanish gouernment there. Both parties that make wars, may take Germany and France for an example, where they may see, that religion will not be planted by the sword; being forced, at the last, to let euerie man serue God in peace, as they would afterwards yeeld account for the same, and without scandalizing one another: wherby they found themselues best at ease, and by that means kept their men, wealth, and trades, at home in their owne countrey. The Spaniards mistake themselues, to think to settle the Catholike Romish religion onely, in the Netherlands, & to chase away the Protestants with the Spanish Inquisitiō: the Netherlanders are of another nature. The learned are of opinion, E That by force and constraint, men may make many hypocrites and Atheists, but no true Christians. The Spaniards are persuaded, that the vnited prouinces wil be weary of the wars, and that the common people (being to much burthened with taxes and impositions) will take armes, and compell the Estates to make peace; but the hope therof is small, so long as they in Holland, Zeeland, &c. (liuing in the heat of war) flourish, & become as rich as if it were peace: And although they pay great contributions, yet they sell their wares accordingly, with good gaine, and reasonable vent. And although there are some that are discontented, yet the number of them is but small. But to the contrarie, they of the vnited prouinces, are in good hope, that the prouinces vnder the archdukes command, will not be able any longer to beare their great burthens: for besides the great exactions and oppressions of the souldiers, on both F sides, the sea and nauigation is for the most part taken from thē, wherby the inhabitants growing poore, at the last they must seeke some meanes to free themselues of the Spanish gouernment: But that is preuented, first by the great power of Spaine; secondly, by reason of the iealousie betwixt the archdukes and the vnited prouinces; and thirdly, by the diligence of the [Page 1326] clergie, being against it, as bishops, preachers, and Iesuites, who forbid the people, vpon paine A of damnation, not to ioyne with heretikes. Many make them beleeue, that the Hollanders (being 1604 masters) would either by policie or power, chase away the Catholikes, and bring in the Reformed religion. Thus much for the first point.
Touching the 2, How to find meanes to attain to a peace, he saith, That the King of Spaine had called the vnited prouinces to meet at Cologne, in anno 1579, and makes mention of the the principal articles treated of at that time: and how as then the prouinces of the Netherlands would haue had the authority of the general Estates established, and the religious peace maintained, according to the pacification of Gant: and so they granted to acknowledge the king for their soueraigne lord. But since that time the case was altered, the prouinces by extremities and long wars, being estranged one from the other, since the murther of the prince of Orange, so B as now there was no dealing with Holland, &c. to acknowledge the K. of Spaine, or the archduke, for their soueraigne: for that they thinke it not good, to lose their freedome which they haue so happily gotten; and that if they must of force do it, they had rather submit themselues into the hands of any other prince, than vnder Spaine or the archduke, whom they durst not trust, as being hardly induced to beleeue, that princes can forget forepassed iniuries. Wherupon he asketh, If a peace then will neuer be made, and the shedding of Christians bloud neuer restrained, the which (to the great preiudice of their neighbors) had continued these 40 yeres? If there were any apparence, that the archduke in 10 yeares space, could find the meanes to ouercome the Hollanders, it were an easie matter to let him go on in the recouerie of his right: but if we should attend vntill the one or the other partie were vanquished, we shold expect an C endlesse worke. The vnited prouinces offer to make peace with the prouinces vnder the archdukes command, not comprehending the archdukes, or the K. of Spaine therin, against whom they say, they will defend themselues, as long as they assaile rhem; but that it is not pleasing vnto the other prouinces: neither would it be a full and effectual peace, but in the end breed an alteration, the king persisting to recouer his right, by all the meanes he can. There might be a truce or abstinencie from war, made for 10, 20, or 30 yeares, vntill the splene and hatred of both parties were somewhat cooled and appeased: or else that a continuall abstinence from wars on both sides, might be concluded, each holding that he hath: and so liue in peace and friendship together, keeping garrisons vpon their frontiers, the king & the archduke surceasing their pretensions, vntill that God sent them other meanes; liuing in peace, as France and Spain do, D the French king leauing his kingdom of Nauarre in the king of Spains hands. Touching truce or abstinence from war, it were to be doubted, that the vnited prouinces wold not trust them; and the other meanes were verie good, if the king and the archduke would hearken thereunto. But he saith, there is yet another meanes to end these bloudie wars, which had ouerthrowne and ruined so many townes, and bin the losse of so many souls and bodies, whereunto all the Estates proceedings ought to tend, and put to their helping hands. Old diseases require other maner of cures than new: there must be a means found, that should be acceptable vnto either partie. He acknowledgeth, That the vnited prouinces, and namely Catholikes themselues are wholly estranged from the king of Spaine, so that neither he nor his house is not to expect any good seruice at their hands, for a long time. They haue experience of their owne countries E forces: they haue learned that which they knew not, and now were vsed to liue in freedome, and not accustomed vnto the yoke. They dayly read and heare their fathers tell, what fearefull cruelties haue bin vsed against them, and executed vpon their forefathers, friends, and companions, which is the cause of new hatreds, and strengtheneth their rebellion: and, to bee briefe, their children suck hatred against the Spaniards, from their mothers brests. What then shal the king of Spaine and the archdukes do with such rebels? shall they (for their pleasures) alwayes liue in armes, and troubles, vnprofitably spending their treasures and reuenues? and shal a Spaniard say, That the king shall rather hazard and aduenture all his kingdoms and power, than leaue or lose his right? But we must answer with a politike & true reason, and say, If men stand so much vpon their right, why go they not to recouer Thunis and Goletta againe? All honors F and dominions haue their casuall fortunes and periods. The empire of Rome might well aford to haue that which belongeth vnto it. The time was when Spaine had not those large limits Note. which now it hath: who can say, or tell, whether he shall hold it still? God giueth, and God taketh. The house of Austria long since made great wars against the Switsers, to bring [Page 1327] them vnder their subiection againe, but at the last they thought it better to leaue their right, A than to labour in vaine, and to lose both men and money. And if euerie man would seeke for 1604 his right with all extremitie, who should liue in peace? But hee saith, Hee would not that the king and the archdukes should simply resigne their right (although neither the one nor the other euer yet possessed or enioyed any thing in Holland or Zeeland) but would rather haue them to imitat the example of the children of Albert duke of Saxonie; who, after that their father & they had long made war against thē of Groningue, finding that they were stil to begin againe, hauing to do with a stiffe rebellious people, they esteemed them vnworthie to bee accounted their subiects, and so sold them for a great summe of readie money, vnto the emperor Charles 5, with al the rights they had vnto them, & returned into their country of Mesnia, there to liue in peace. In like maner the K. of Spaine, being so much incensed against the vnited prouinces, B as he cannot affect thē; what can he do better, than by mediation of the kings of France and England, or of the princes of the empire, or by meanes of the prouinces which are vnder his command, than to purchase a peace vnto himselfe? that is, hee should compound with those of the vnited prouinces, for a good summe of money, whereof the interest might yerely amount vnto as much, as in times past the vnited prouinces did yearely pay vnto the king towards his wars: and so to let them liue in peace and freedome, renouncing all right which he pretends ouer them. Themistocles once gaue profitable counsell vnto them of Athens, but for that it was not honourable, it was by Aristides aduice reiected. Now if this counsell be found both honourable and profitable for both parties, why should it be reiected?
Touching the vnited prouinces, he saith, That he saw no reason to the contrarie, why they C should refuse it; but the K. of Spaine and the archdukes would not so easily be drawne vnto it, although they had no great reason to reiect it. Would it not be verie profitable for him, to receiue a great summe of money (which should be paid at certaine dayes, with interest for that which should not be presently paid) of the vnited prouinces, for the redemption of their freedomes; whereby he should peaceably enioy the reuenues of the other prouinces, the which by meanes of a peace, would be inriched by trade and traffique, and so saue the great charges of continuall wars? The king of Spaine and the archdukes should therby haue meanes to gather great treasures, wherewith (in stead of the vnited prouinces, which is but a small continent of ground) they might go and conquer new countries and kingdoms vpon the enemies of Christendome. Concerning the honourablenesse of this action, it were no disgrace at all, but a D great honour and commendation for them, throughout all Christendome, that for the good and welfare of Christendome, they had made a peace, and ended the miseries of war, washing away the teares and bloud of poore men, and giuing them cause to praise and thank God, and to pray for their prosperities and welfares. For as men esteeme the kings power to bee great, to seeke his right by armes, so would it tend to his greater reputation and honour, that hee had yeelded freely thereunto, without any compulsion, only in regard of the common welfare and peace. Hee said further, That he had heard, that this king of Spaines father, before his death, had resolued, to end these wars by some means or other; and that he saw no better course. But if it should be alledged to the contrarie, That hereby men counsell the prouinces to disioyne themselues one from another: answer might be made, That they had alreadie beene disunited E many yeares, without any meanes of reconcilement: and that the Netherlands had not alwayes beene vnited, some of them hauing bin purchased: and therefore he might sell them againe. And if any man would obiect, That others might follow the example of the Hollanders: answer may be made, That let them first striue and withstand the kings forces fortie yeres together, and then let them speake. The king of Spaine also hauing peace with the vnited prouinces, and no enemie in Christendome, will be more respected than he is now.
This was the counsel of this peace-maker, concluding with a petition vnto the prelats, noblemen, and magistrats, representing the Estates, That they would put their helping hands thereunto, or else find out some better meanes, which might as easily bee effected by either partie. F
Thus haue I declared, as briefly as I can, the aduice of these three counsellors vnto peace, the first being one that is fled out of those countries, who would haue the archdukes setled there by authoritie of the neighbour kings. The second a Romish Catholike, who to assure the Romish religion, would haue the Netherlanders giue themselues to the French king, and driue [Page 1328] the Spanish forces beyond the mountaines. The third being a neutrall person, would haue the A vnited prouinces, to buy their freedome of the king of Spaine or the archdukes. 1604
How these propositions of peace like the parties that are in armes one against the other, the reader may iudge by that which on both sides hath since ensued, each partie seeking to doe as he thinketh good; for that at the same time there were certaine articles, to the number of 27, both printed & written, published abroad in the vnited prouinces, and in the other countries vnder the archdukes gouernment, especially, as it is thoght, to procure the prouinces vnder the archdukes command, to liue in better hope, and more quietnesse, attending peace, through the mediation of France and England; as also to disappoint the assembly of the generall Estates. Which articles beeing presumed to bee set forth by the archdukes procurement, at the same time there was an admonition written, and sent out of Holland, to persuade the people, not to B credit any such fained and deuised articles, which were made but for a shew. Which admonition, for that it sheweth the truth of all the proceedings and causes of the wars, with their circumstances, I thought it good to insert, being as followeth.
‘It seemeth (O Netherlands) that this yere you shalbe hardly assailed, both by politike counsell, The admonition vnto the vnited prouinces, against peace. and by force of armes, and that the archduke Albertus of Austria, will imploy his power to vanquish you, and all cunning practises to circumuent you: but you need not feare his power, as hauing felt the vttermost force thereof, and valiantly withstood it: but in regard of cunning practises, I thought it conuenient to giue you some counsell and forewarning, as being so much the more to be feared, seeing they come not openly, but wil couertly and secretly vndermine you. There is much spoken of the archduke and the Infanta's good natures, and of the C inward affection and loue, which they beare vnto these countries; and that now you ought to lay aside all mistrust and iealousie, in that you shall not haue to do with a Spaniard, but with a naturall borne German prince; not with a king, who dwelling far from you, knowes little of you, and therefore respecteth you the lesse, and who, in regard of his great power, you feare and are in doubt of; but with a prince, who shall dwell both with you, and amongst you, as a father with his children, who hath no other countrey than this, no other treasure nor riches, but that which he shall receiue from your hands, and therefore will not relye vpon his owne force and riches, but vpon the hearts and loue of his subiects, as the ground and foundation of his greatnes, who wil gouern according to the priuiledges and antient liberties of the country, and will force no mans conscience. To conclude, one that wil cure al diseases, and in an instant D make you forget all forepassed troubles and miseries. These are faire glosing speeches, but first of all you must be aduertised, that these are not the words of the duke of Brabant, and of the Infanta themselues, but in trueth, they are nothing else, but the common peoples talke, at first inuented and giuen forth, by cunning bad minded people, and since that receiued and diuulged abroad by some simple and honest men, who being deceiued, themselues helpe to deceiue others, seruing onely to draw men on, and to circumuent them, thereby to driue you from the good counsell, and wholesome admonitions, of those that seeke your good, to make you hearken vnto their false and venimous discourses: being assured, that you shal presently be intrapt, as soone as they can get you to giue eare thereunto, although you knew of the deceit before, not much vnlike to the moath, that flying to the flame of the candle burneth her wings. And E you must assure your selues, that you cannot hearken vnto their speeches, without great preiudice and disgrace, no more than a yong modest maid can with honestie lend her chast ears to a lewd alluring tale: whereof in former times (to your great preiudice) you haue had good experience: which is, that there was neuer any treatie of peace made, but that whole prouinces, or so [...] speciall townes fell away: the said treaties of peace being by the simpler sort begun, with much hope of good proceedings, but in the end they euer found, there could be no good assurance made for their priuiledges, much lesse for the religion: and yet some were by the like proceeding so deepely ingaged, as they could not free themselues, as the examples of Ga [...], Bruges, & others, are yet fresh in memory: but with more disgrace shal you be circumuented, if you suffer your selues to be drawn away, for that comming to the effect, you shall find, that F these speeches thus cast abroad, are nothing else, but newes told in streets and in mils.’
‘The duke of Brabant will say, That his meaning was not so: and you by this presentation which you imprint in your minds, are likewise deceiued. The truth is, you shall plainly find (obseruing well the archdukes proceedings) that they are to be esteemed idle speeches, which [Page 1329] are cast forth in passage boats, and wagons (without any certaine author) when as men trauell A abroad. For before his departure into Spaine, hee persecuted the reformed religion in diuers 1604 townes, and amongst the rest, there was a yong maid buried quick: thereby taking away alreasons, why they should once doubt of his mind & resolution touching religion; for that whatsoeuer had bin done to a man, might haue bin coloured with som other shew, if he had sought or conspired to do any thing against his person or the gouernment.’
‘Vpon the 10 of Ianuary 1599, he writ vnto the bishop of Paterborn, in verie rough manner, saying, That if the religion were not forbidden, that his Catholike souldiers should come thither, and that he would not keepe heretikes from spoyling, as it appeareth plainly by his message sent to the lady Isabella, duchesse of Cleues, bearing date in Niuelles the 15 of September 1599, That in his presence it was fully concluded, to ruine and spoile the king and the duke of B Cleues enemies: for such are his words. If the archduke vsed such authoritie in a strange countrey, where he had no command, what hope is there, that in the Netherlands (which the archduke and the Infanta hold to be their owne proper inheritance, wherewith they may deale as they thinke good) they shall haue the libertie of religion allowed them? or thinke you, that the duke in his voyage to Spaine, hath altered his mind, or that the pope of Rome (with whom he spake at Ferara) hath inspired him with a more peaceable spirit? or that the Spanish Inquisitors and Iesuire counsell, haue turned his heart? Beleeue the contrarie, without al doubt and that al these do stil counsel him vnto a more strict & seuere course. It may be, some wil say, That haply he hath receiued other counsell and aduice, from his brother the emperor: But looke into the emperors actions, where you shall see, that the towne of Aix, which by vertue of the lawes C of the empire, had long enioyed the exercise of both religions, was abandoned by him, in prey vnto the enemy; and who also did looke on, and said nothing to the admirals proceedings, who vsed so great force and violence (against all right and reason) vpon the territories of the empire. Examin the actions of the rest of the house of Austria, how the archduke Ferdinando not long since hath by force banished the religion out of Styrmarke and Carinthia, which had bin allowed therein, since the time of the emperor Ferdinando, his grandfather, making no account of the complaints & protestations of the Estates of the countrey, but esteemeth them as wind, which is an introduction to a ciuile war, and a meanes to lose the whole countrie: wherin neither the authoritie of his grandfather and father, the bloudy wars in France and the Netherlands, nor yet the neerenesse of the Turke, that bordereth vpon him, can moue him to any tolleration D touching religion: neither will he once remember how vnreasonable a thing it is, to force and restraine his subiects in that, which the Turke himselfe permitteth vnto his: which example agreeth with the answer made by the K. of Spaine, to Charls archduke of Austria: for that when as the emperor Maximilian (a peaceable prince, and no persecutor of the religion, but temperat in all his actions) sent his brother Charls, archduke of Austria, into Spain, to moue the king vnto the like temperance, setting before his eyes, the commendable example of the emperor Charls 5 his father, who had allowed the religious peace in Germanie, and willed all men to obserue it, before that the common people were brought into dispaire, and were quite fallen from him: He made a full and a resolute answer, That he would rather lose the countrie for euer, than endure the least wrong that might be offered touching religion. You know well E also, in the peace of Cologne, in an. 1579, what fauor he granted to them of the religion; which was, that he would neither burne nor hang them, but that they should be banished out of the countrey, and must seeke for harbor and protection (like the Iewes, & misbeleeuing Heathen) in other countries. This is the meaning of all the house of Austria at this present: all moderation and mildnesse dyed with the emperor Maximilian, and his sonnes haue suckt a bitter hatred out of their Spanish mothers brest, against the religion: and by their daily conuersation with the Iesuites, are more & more confirmed therin. This is that which in the contracts of mariage, made between the archduke & the Infanta (and was openly sold in Brabant, so as there is no doubt of the authoritie therof) was so firmly set downe, That they shold make no alteration in religion, vpon paine of forfeiture of the said countries, which in such a case the king of Spaine F may lawfully seize into his hands againe: shewing, without all doubt or dissimulation, how firmely they will hold with the Inquisition of Spaine touching that point: so that it would be a ten fold blindnesse, and madnesse in any man, to thinke, that the archduke & the Infanta (in regard they haue a vain hope at one time or other, to be masters of Holland & Zeeland) would [Page 1330] conforme themselues in religion, and grant them any libertie therein: for the prophesie saith, A That necessarily the last Monarchy must be erected in Spaine, as in the beginning the one succeeded 1604 the other out of the East into the West, that is, out of Asia into Grecia, & from thence to Rome; the which is so imprinted in the hearts of the king and the Spanish counsell, as they esteeme all meanes of accommodation to be needlesse, and do constantly beleeue, that they shall be masters ouer all, and at last, in spight of al the world, shall satisfie their desires. And they are persuaded, that by means of such accommodation in religion, they should break all correspondencie with the pope, and thereby ouerthrow all hope of their expected Monarchy. Neuerthelesse, if according to the necessitie of the time, hee seemeth to be any thing conformable therein, and granteth some libertie to religion, it will be no other thing for you, but for a while to saue you from ruine; the which shalbe broken againe, when as the Spanish and Iesuiticall B counsell (whereunto he is so strictly bound) shal thinke the necessitie past; according to the old canon, That they are not bound to haue any faith or promise with heretikes, which they name rebels; who, as the Spaniards say, haue falsified their faithes both to God and to the king. Look what doctor Ayda, a Spaniard, auditor generall of the prince of Parma's armie, writeth in his booke of Martiall Law, printed in Antuerp; saying, That all contracts and treaties made betweene the prince & his subiects, that beare armes against him, are of no force nor power: and that the subiects cannot helpe the same; but they shall do wisely, by humble petitions to craue pardon at their princes and lords hands, and to commit their cause to his discretion. Which Spanish doctor, you ought heartily to thanke, for his so true, round, and vpright dealing with you, and to gouerne your selues thereafter: if not; at some time or other, you may wrongfully C complaine, that you were deceiued, for that doctor Ayda can plainly tell you, that he had warned you thereof before, and that you despised his counsell. But to returne to our former matter. Marke what good meanes they haue on the other side, to deceiue you, and to make al promises (with a grace and faire shew) to be of no effect: for that when you shall haue obtained any freedome in religion (which neuerthelesse shall neuer be) the duke of Brabant may plainly say thus vnto you, Seeing I haue let you enioy the freedome of your consciences, because you haue alwayes said, That God onely ought to rule ouer the same: yet at the least shew me obedience in other worldly matters. And so, if he can by your simplicitie attaine thereunto, to place all the officers, judges, and magistrats, in towns and prouinces, that he may haue the forts and strength in his owne power, and become master of the whole: then assure your selues, to D haue the yoke laid vpon you: no man being so simple, but that perceiueth, that the archduke in few yeares (for it is a poore host that cannot forbeare one reckoning, much better princes and kings, that haue long armes) will bring the matter to such a passe, and so well conforme the Estates to his appetite and will, as they themselues will make petitions, and intreat to bee released of the exercise of the religion, in such sort as he shalbe moued to breake his word, and to alter the articles, not of himselfe, but at the earnest suit of the Estates of the country. Thus much you are in this respect to expect, touching religion, and the libertie thereof, being the first and weightiest point. And touching the priuiledges of the countrey, I can tell you, that the archdukes heart and intent, is far from these faire shewes, and great commendations: For proofe whereof I will not lead you far, but by his own actions will shew you; and say, That if he were E from his heart addicted to gouerne and rule so fatherly, as it is giuen forth, and to redresse the complaints of the prouinces in this respect, he would at least begin to make some shew of this good resolution vnto the Estates of Brabant, Flanders, Arthois, and Henault, the which now for these 20 yeres together, haue sued, and longed to bee freed and discharged from all strange souldiers: that the counsell might bee all of Netherlanders, and the offices giuen to naturall borne subiects: being verie apparant, that although they haue neglected their common countries cause, and like slaues submitted themselues vnto the Spaniards, they are not trusted in any thing of weight, but thrust out of the counsell, and strangers preferred before them, who command in their castles and forts, vsing all disorders, and threatning the Estates with forcible contributions, and that so impudently, as in Antuerpe they haue forced the bourgmasters, to appoint F certain strumpets to serue their turns, making them their bawds. And is not this a sufficient forewarning, wherby you may conclude, that the archduke for your sakes (whom hee calleth heretikes & rebels) wil not shew any fauor, when he sheweth so little vnto thē, that like obedient subiects humbly fal vpon their knees? he cannot do otherwise, nor make any alteration [Page 1331] In preiudice of the King of Spaine, of whome he holdeth these countries as in fee, and A with other hard conditions (according to the contents of the contract of marriage) 1604. hath bound the same with vnspeakeable Infraction of the said Prouinces freedome vnto the Crowne of Spaine, thereby to inioy the Kings aid, and on the other side faithfully to aid him to the erecting of his pretended Monarchie.’
‘It is well knowne vnto them that these countries beeing seperated from Spaine, and inioying their liberties and freedomes, such a Monarchie can neuer be raised; and therefore they haue long since resolued (whatsoeuer it cost) to reforme the priuiledges of the Netherlands, that without hinderance of the same, all the power and meanes of the Prouinces (whether it bee money, ships, hauens, sorts and all other thinges) may be vsed to the subiecting and conquering of the neighbour countries, B as Germany, France, England, and all others, as their actions not long since put in practise did sufficiently declare, how neere they would haue attained to their pretence, if they had had the Netherlands absolutely vnder their command; whereby you may conceiue what pollicie is vsed, when men make you beleeue, that the Archduke (in regard of his weakenesse) is lesse to bee feared, and that from henceforth you shall haue to doe with your owne Prince, and not with the King of Spaine, and other strangers; and that therefore you ought to laye all distrust aside; whereas now it shall bee worse for you then euer, in steed of one, you shall haue to doe with two, and in steed of one that is far of from you, to whome all thinges must bee written ouer Seas, and his resolution to bee attended in matters of great importance; you shall alwayes C haue the Archduke readie to imorace all occasions to surprize you.’
‘By meanes of the Kings absence, and the staying for his resolutions, wee haue often seene many disseignes made voyd and lye dead, but the Arch-duke alwaies sitting still by you, and looking vnto you will alwaies bee listning and prying into all occasions, and will strike when he seeth his time, to your miserable destruction and ouerthrow: much lesse also ought you to suffer your selues to bee deceiued by vaine wordes, that the Arch-duke is descended of Duch blood, and is no Spaniard: but I say that beeing borne of a Spanish mother, so strictly bound vnto the King of Spaine, so Catholikely giuen of him-selfe, and perswaded and incensed by the Iesuits, you haue cause to expect lesse grace, fauour and courtesie to releeue your miserable Estates, then of any naturall Spaniard.’ D
‘But now you may aske me, what will be the issue? shall wee still bee distrustfull? and shal we cast away al hope of euer obtaining a good peace? Heere-vnto I make answer, that subiects must indure and beare much wrong and iniury at their Princes hands, before they rise vp in armes against them, not onely for their conscience sake, (seeing that God hath made them subiects vnto them, and also commandeth them to be obedient and subiect euen vnto Infidell and Heathen Princes and Magistrates, and to pray for them) but also in respect of other worldly considerations, and for that ciuill armes borne by subiects against their Princes (although their case be good and lawsull) doe often times breed more mischiefe, then the tyranies of Princes, which men thereby hope to withstand; and may well be likened to a Phisition, who curing of one disease, E breedeth a worse, and many times bringeth the sicke patient into danger of death: Wherefore they ought to arme them-selues with patience so long as there is no other meanes or councell to be had: but when the subiects with all their patience, and long sufferance cannot preuaile, and the wrongs offered them by the Prince are so great, as all diuine and humaine lawes permit them, to deny him obedience, as you with all possible and earthly meanes, humilitie, patience, prayers, intreaties and humble petitions haue to the vtmost acquitted your selues, and not till then (forced through meere extremitie) sorsaken your Prince, when as he (in steed of answering your petitions) caused your Ambassadors to bee put to death; filled your townes and Prouinces with F Spanish executioners, and brake the articles wherevnto he was sworne at his installment, seeking to rule both ouer your soules and consciences; then I say there is no other councell nor meanes for the subiect that hath forsaken his Prince, but to be couragious in fighting to defend his freedome, as before he was humble in induring wrongs, [Page 1332] arming himselfe with a constant and fitte distrust against the deuises and practises of 1605. A his Prince, for that the naturall enmitie that is betweene the Cat and the Mouse, cannot bee more vnreconcileable, then the ingrafted hatred and wrath of a great incensed potentate and Prince against his subiects, by whom hee findes himselfe to bee left and reiected:’
‘You shall finde no examples neither in ancient nor moderne histories, that the subiects which once haue fallen from their Prince, or that defended their owne freedomes, or were fallen into greater slauerie and misery, could euer finde any meane to worke their reconciliation, and to procure restitution to their former estates, vnlesse that their territories and countries were so strong and mightie; as they had their owne assurance within themselues, thereby at all times to force the agreement made to be B held and obserued, and to with-stand the Princes attempts which hee should make to the contrary. Some say, there was neuer any warre seene nor heard of, but at the last it was ended by peace, and that quarrels ought not alwayes to continue and bee without end. I acknowledge that also to bee true, and desire by my counsell to leade you vnto a good, happy, and an assured peace, for that peace is obtained either by an accord or by victory. Potentates and Princes may helpe themselues by both the said meanes; and when victory denieth it them, they may seeke to make an agreement, and being made, trust therevnto; for that by meanes of hilles and valleys, or deepe seas, they are commonly seperated one from the other, whereby one cannot so hastily inuade the other, each of them hath his gouernment apart, and holdeth his sword and strength in C his hand, to bee his owne warrant, as soone as hee shall finde any cause of distrust; but betweene you and the reconciled enemy there are no walles to part you. You must lay your heads in his lap, deliuer vp all your aduantage, armes, and gouernment, and haue no meanes at all of warrant, assurance, or trust, but at your deadly enemies discretion and mercie, which in so hard a case is dangerous to prooue. And therefore you must seeke by victorie to get peace, with resolution, either to dye valiantly, or couraigously to obtaine the victorie. The third meane or midle way, of againe receiuing the once lawfully forsaken and disauowed Prince, diuerse countries and nations, (whereof too many examples are extant) haue hardly attained vnto, but by meanes of valiant and couragious continuance in armes, which some haue wisely chosen, and D haue in the end obtained a desired peace and rest, whereof I will set downe a fewe examples, which are very well knowne vnto euery man, and as yet fresh and perfect in memory.’
‘By this meanes the Switzers being hardly dealt withall by the house of Austria, would no more subiect themselues vnder the same yoake, but by meanes of their constant resolution, they obtained such freedome, as at this day they are seene to flourish; and yet their warres continued not any thing the longer. God Almighty by his wonderfull prouidence, ordered the matter in such sort, as the house of Austria itselfe refrained from armes, and in tract of time had neede of the ayde and assistance of the Switzers, who after they had made warres together for the space of a hundred yeares, E and many times made peace and truce for a time, which was alwayes broken by the house of Austria: at last Sigismond Duke of Austria made a perpetuall peace, permitting them to enioy their full freedome, the which the Emperour Maximilian the first, and Charles the fift (both of the house of Austria) did afterwards ratifie and confirme, and had great ayde and assistance from the Switzers in their Italian warres. In like case also they of Denmarke would by no meanes bee perswaded to accept of Christian King of Denmarke, whom they had driuen out of the countrie, although the Emperor Charles the fift his brother in lawe and others, both by armes and intreaties imbraced the cause, and yet neither the Switzers nor the Danes had not so waightie, lawfull, nor well grounded a cause for the leauing of their sayd Princes, nor yet F endured the hundred part of the oppressions and wrongs, nor shewed so much patience as the Netherlanders: but the example of the Machabees (which is found in the holy Scriptures) is most agreeable with your case concerning religion, for they would [Page 1333] not be any more vnder the yoake of Antiochus, whom they had reiected but continued 1605. A so long in armes vntill the Prince him-selfe became weary, and suffered then to liue in peace, so you by a valiant resolution and continuance in armes are to expect and hope for a great furtherance and blessing from God almighty, who thus long hath so wonderfully assisted you, and will still helpe and assist you, in regard that you are compelled to fight, not onely for your old and commendable fredomes and liberties, but also for his and his Churches honor. Now al men of any sound iudgement wil conceaue whether the present Estate of the Netherlands at this day, be not like vnto that, and it is to be hoped that the King of Spaine and the Archduke Albertus, will at the last by your constant resolutions, be brought to the consideration of the bad aduise and counsell which they haue thus long followed, and be weary of this pestiferous warre, (being B a canker eating into their tresure, and ouerslipping and neglecting of other notable occasions and conquests, and great danger and trouble for many of their countries and kingdomes) and will giue place to better counsell, as their progenitors did in respect of the Switzers, suffering the Netherlands peaceably to enioy their freedom and religion, and vse there aid and friendshippe in other actions which may procure them ten times more profit, where-vnto all Spanish nations that border on the seas, (in respect of their necessary trade and mutuall trafficke) will be great furtherers, and by humble petitions (if they see your constancy still resolute to continew,) moue the King to yeeld therevnto, for that without doubt they indure more trouble, and hinderance by the prohibition of sea-faring, then the Netherlanders, other-wise the King C that last died would not haue permitted the same for so many yeares euen in the heate of all his warres.’
‘This is the true, and onely meanes to attaine vnto an assured peace and quietnesse, all other meanes and agreements are mixed with many cares and suspitions, the common nature of men cannot subiect them-selues after the leauing and reiecting of their King, neither can he put any assured trust or confidence againe in you, nor you in him, although (in regard of your good nature, and vpright heartes) you suffer your selues to be perswaded to cast of all feare and distrust, (wherin alwaies the weakest haue the greatest cause) and to iudge other mens hearts by your owne, hoping that men will deale in like-sort without faulse-hood with you, as you do with them, and yet there is nothing more certaine then that the said distrust will neuer be remooed out of the King D and the Arch-dukes hearts, which no man knoweth better then their owne counselors that speake so much of casting of all distrust, for they will alwaies put their nobility in mind [...], of that which you once haue done, and that you will attempt to do it againe at someother time, counseling them therefore by preuention so to shorten and clip your wings, and to put such a bit into your mouth, as they may be assured and out of doubt thereof. These arguments, and naturall reasons grounded vpon mutuall care cannot by any meanes be taken from you, for say that the Emperor, the Pope, the King of France, England and other Princes make promises, and bind them-selues, that the Articles concluded shall bee truly and fully obserued and kept, what will that helpe you? you must neuer the lesse lay your head in your reconcled ennemies lap, you must E liue vnder his fauor and at his deuotion, but when soeuer you are executed, or other wise oppressed, and haue no meanes nor power to helpe your selues, which of these cautions will you charge with his promise? before what iudge wil you plead your cause? who shall serue execution vpon the principall debtor or the suerty? paraduenture you thinke, that if the Pope warrenteth the contract, and put his seale there-vnto, with declaration that the old cannon (which is not to hold any faith with heretickes) in that respect shall bee of no force, that as then you are well assured, but say that the Pope that now is did it, who shall assure you that his successor will confirme it? may he not say, my predecessor erred, I haue the the power to breake (as being voyde and of F none effect) what so euer is done against the Catholike Religon let it bee done by whome soeuer it will? but bee it that the Poope saith not so, may not the King of Spaine him-selfe maintaine, and say that vppon many waighty reasons, hee being a soueraigne monarch, (who is not subiect to any iudge what soeuer,) may discharge [Page 1334] himselfe of his contract and dispence there-with; according to the argument of 1605. A Docter Ayala aforesayd, as in effect the King that last died brake and recalled al his contracts made for certaine years with the Italian marchants? and thus you shall finde your selues intrapped on euery side wheresoeuer you turne you.’
‘As touching the securitie of Princes and Potentates, it is meere follie once to thinke, that any sureties will beginne or vndertake for to make warres in your behalfe, no man halteth for an other mans lamenesse, the charges and the troubles of warres are so great, as no man will take them in hand for the loue or profit of strangers, yea men feare to enter thereinto, although they should thereby reuenge their owne wrongs.’
‘Looke into the Articles of peace made betweene the Kings of France and Spaine in the yeare of our Lord 1598. haue not the Spaniards by taking of townes vpon B the confines of the Empire, by ouer running Cleaue-land and other neighbour countries, and by ransaking, spoyling and offering of a thousand wrongs broken the same? and yet France will not make any warres in the behalfe of those countries: looke into the example of the Queene of England, of famous memorie late deceased, that although the King of Spaine, sought by many practises and open force to inuade her crowne and countrie, yet how vnwilling shee was neuerthelesse, to assaile him with a iust offensiue warre, but was content to defend her owne, notwithstanding that by your aide, and with halfe charges shee might haue assured her Estate. What hope haue you then to expect that any forraine Prince (when soeuer C you shalbe oppressed, and that the charges must onely fall vpon him) will reuenge your wrongs?’
‘To speake of the Emperor it is needelesse, for that no man is so simple as not to conceiue that there is more partialitie then trust to bee expected at his hands. But you say, the Emperor and the Princes of Germanie, yea and the whole Empire doe of themselues offer to imbrace our cause, and as good mediators will procure vs a good peac: shall wee distrust both enemies and friends, and heare no mans counsell?’
‘I answere, that you haue more then to many reasons, to suspect all whatsoeuer, that commeth from the Emperor, not onely in regard of his neerenesse of bloud vnto D the King of Spaine and the Arch-duke, but in respect of his owne actions and proceedings against them of the Religion of Aix, and namely against his owne subiects in Bohemia, Hungaria, Austria, Slesia and other his countries, hauing also winckt at the Admirall of Arragons actions, and left the oppressed subiects of the borders of the Empire comfortlesse. As touching the Empire, and the Princes thereof, although that many of them are well to be trusted, yet diuers of them depend vpon the Pope, and consequently on Spaine.’
‘In the yeare of our Lord 1598. you saw the bad agreement that was amongst them, and the slowenesse they vsed in helping and comforting of their oppressed members, togither with the badde gouernment of their affaires, by reason of the E great number of diuerslie affected leaders. All of them togither, by their Ambasages, and admonitions, seeke to procure a peace, for the profit and commoditie of the Netherlands, but much more for their owne, perswading themselues, that by the Netherlandes warre they receiue some hurt and preiudice, and fall into many extreamities, seeking and desiring therefore to cease them, let the Religion and your preuiledges doe as they may. And whensoeuer artciles should bee broken, they will doe much lesse for you, then they haue done for their vnited companions and members of the Empire, negligently ouerslipping the great daunger that approcheth them, as soone as the Netherlanders (which God forbid) should bee brought into subiection, and they that vnderstand the same, (as there are some,) will neuer F giue you counsell, to liue vnder the Spaniardes subiection, but will humblie thanke you that you still continue as a stronge bul-warke for them, and turne awaie the warres.’
‘Touching other Princes of Christendome there is no hope to be had, in regard of their [Page 1335] weakenesse. Therefore, beloued Netherlanders, helpe your selues, and God will help 1605. A you, be not deceiued by cunning practises, seeing you haue by armes maintained your cause so long, put not your trust in any man, but in the vprightnesse of your cause, and Gods assured aid, who for these 37. yeares in strange alterations, and feareful accidents, hath vpholden, defended, and brought you to this present estate, & from henceforth by his mighty hand shall lead and conduct you: if you hold fast by his word, and will follow his starre of direction, as the wise men in the East did, thinke often vpon things past, & set former actions before your eyes, and therein, as in a cleare glasse you shall rightly learne to know Gods mercies shewed vnto you: were not the first beginning of these troubles wonderfull and strange? In anno 1566. there rose such a zeale in the chiefe Noblemen of the Netherlands, to defend the liberties of their natiue country, as they B bound themselues there-vnto. There was such an assemblie of the common people in all townes by thousands, such a common hatred against the Inquisition, as all Christendome spake thereof, and made men iudge that nothing could stoppe or hinder the violence of such a streame. But by Gods prouidence (who would try and proue your constancies, confounding all this great shew and hope, by the subtile direction of a woman, and the fearefull approach of the Duke of Alua, which seperated the vnited Gentlemen, and caused the common people to flye or to hide them-selues) The Duke of Alua comming with a handfull of soldiers in regard of the great numbers of the Inhabitants of the Netherlands, without any contradiction, did what hee pleased in cutting off heades, hanging and burning, and building of Castles: some of the great Princes fledde the country, some did helpe to further and fortifie his cruelties, no man C durst striue against it, or once put forth his hand, as if they had all beene bound or sencelesse, and as then the hope of any releefe was much lesse, then the feare of any opposition, and the dispaire more greater, then the ioye and content was in the beginning.’
‘The Prince of Orange with the aid of his friendes in germany, and some releefe of such as fledde out of the countrie, twise brought a good number of horse and foote with him, which without feare might haue gone against the Turke; past ouer the Meuze, entred into the heart of the country, & gaue some new hope, but his power, and your comfort was of as smal continuance, as a fire of straw. The Duke of Aluaes crueltie (especially after the first enterprize) was more strengthned then impaired, and in the second, D (which was partly grounded vpon the fauor and aid of France) the French men soone fell from him, and murthered those of the religion, whereby the Prince perceiued, that hee had leaned to a deceitfull reed, that not onely fayled him, but thrust him through the hand. He was forsaken of the Dutch soldiers, and so if there were any hope resting, it was soone taken away: but when as the case seemed desperate in regard of men, God appeared vnto you with some comfort, who stirred vp the hearts of them of Holland with a new zeale, to receiue the Prince of Orange, and to resist and withstand the Duke of Alua, to the great admiration of all worldy wise men, who esteemed it for madnesse, that Marchants, Saylers and Fishermen, and a nation who (in regard of their continuall and long peace) were vnaccustomed to armes, E and as vnfitte (as it seemed) for the warres (as a Cow to daunce) esteemed so little of the Duke of Alua, as they thought it needlesse for them to put garrisons into their townes, durst begin so stout a peece of worke, against the power of such a King, against the most renowned Generall or Leader of an Armie in Christendome, to whome all the other Prouinces (which had the greatest part of Noblemen and Gentlemen amongst them and such as had borne armes in the French warres) had submitted, bowed and kneeled; besides that hauing no other support to relye on but a Prince who had beene forced to leaue the field, who was abandoned by his soldiers, and was refused entrie into any of the townes of Brabant, Flanders, and others, and which is more who acknowledged his owne weakenesse, and least they should F be deceiued, fore-warned many of their townes that they should ouer-rule their zeale, and not bee so hastie, but first to prouide for money, victuals, munition and other necessaries, make strong their townes and then shew them-selues as enemies, sending [Page 1336] them word also, that if they had not good regard to them-selues, they might bee ouerrunne, 1605. A before they could send them soldiers to aid them, who can esteeme this but for a wonderfull worke of God? who helpeth not when there is least need, but sheweth his power in assisting when men are almost in dispaire, that they may onely ascribe the glory vnto him, and praise and thanke him the more.’
‘All particuler accidents, whereby GOD almighty (during the warres in Holland) hath shewed his gratious aid and mighty power, as when after the losse of Harlem▪ hee sent the spirrit of dissention amongst the Spanish armie, that the towne of Al [...]kmaer had time to breath, and to defend it selfe: when miraculously hee wrought the releeuing of Leyden, when wi [...]h a short thawe he set at libertie the frozen shippes of war in the Zuyder-Zee, and presently againe caused the Riuer to freese, when they B being vnfrozen were past by Horne, with other strange effects, which for breuitie sake I will omit; it is a sufficient wonder, that this weake, vnarmed and as vnaccustomed a nation to the wars, as any whatsoeuer vnder the cope of heauen, without any other Potentates aid, could for the space of foure yeares togither, withstand the great power of such a Monarch, who was so much incensed with bitter hatred and spleene against this small Prouince, as he left his great aduantage, which the victory wonne by Don Iohn at Lepanto had giuen him against the Turke, to reuenge his wrath conceiued against them of Holland and Zealand; and to that end hee made a truce with the Turke, and maintained peace with all his neighbours thereabouts, that hee might heere imploy all his [...]orces and treasor, hauing also as great and strong an armie, C composed of a number of old experienced soldiers of diuers nations, as Spaniards, Germaines and Italiens, and of braue commanders with aboundance of Ordinance, Munition, Victualls and all other necessaries for the warre as euer was seene: in these foure yeares it was seene, that by reason of the Kings mighty power and force, and the weakenesse of the parties defendants, which were not accustomed to armes, many townes and Forts were beseeged and taken, the rest seeming in a manner to wauer, so as they of Holland and Zealand were glad to hearken to the peace of Breda, where the country people were offered libertie to sell their goods, and to go and dwell in other places out of the countrie, where-vppon they chose rather to fight and die valiantly in their owne countrie, then to wander comfortlesse in strange D Regions.’
‘But when the enemie after the winning of Ziriczee, thought to set his foote vppon their throates, and that hee held the victory assured in his owne hands, and that some of the neighbours grieued, and others laught and thought that as then they should suffer the punishment of their follie. To conclude when all the wise men of the world, thought Gods helpe to be furthest from them, it was neerest vnto them, who prouided in such sort as the other Prouinces which seemed to sit vnder the great Kings grace and protection, were more impatient to beare the great oppressions of the soldiers their friendes, then Holland and Zealand were to indure the bloody blowes and woundes of their deadly enemies, vsing a kind of releefe; whereon the E wisest and sharpest witted of them all neuer dreampt off, which was that both Abbots and Prelates with diuers others, who had all that time aided the enemie to subuert the religion, and the liberties of Holland and Zealand, now vnexpected, releeued and deliuered them out of their necessitie and trouble, making the peace at Gant with them, from the which (that your eyes and hearts might againe bee withdrawne from mortall ayde, and relye more vppon GOD) they fell againe, and remayned no longer constant therein, but vntill that their countriemen and those of the religion had gotten their heads aboue water, and taken breath: after that you sought other forraine ayd, the which how much greater they were in outward appearance, and worldly respect, the greater blow they gaue vnto your Estate, F some made the shippe euen to cracke againe, and some ranne it almost on ground.’
‘You are alwayes much bound to praise and commend the affection of the famous and praise worthy Queene of England, although some of hir Commanders [Page 1337] brought your Estate for a while into no small combustion: the best, most ass [...]ed, 1605. A & most constant ayd you had alwaies from your selues, yet before all things you must craue it at GODS handes▪ who till this time neuer fayled you at all.’
‘What better assurance of his fatherly regard and care for your preseruation, can you haue, then that hee hath defended you, contrary to all mens expectations, not onely against the power and force of forreyne enemies but also against so many domesticall deceipts, practises and treasons? your owne protectors and Gouernors sought to deceiue you; as the Earle of Renebergh in Freezeland and Ouerissell, the Earle of Bergh in Gelderland and in the Earldome of Zutphen, and the Prince of Chymay in Flanders.’
‘The chiefe of your Deputies, sent to the treatie of Cologne in anno 1579. B as the Duke of Arschot, the Lord of Grobbendoncke, and the Abbot of Maroles, were better affected to the enemie then to you, and sought to deliuer you into their: handes, but all their long pretended councell, and (as they thought) most secretly contriued, Gods powerfull hand confounded, and like Achitophels wisdome brought it to nought. It is not impossible in mans iudgement, that the losse of so many townes, so many treasons, so many crosses in battailes giuen in the field, as at Hardenberge heath, at Gemblours, at Northoorn, at the Borentang, at Boxum and elsewhere: The losse of the strongest townes in the countrie, which were partly taken by force and famine, and some willingly falling from you, could not ouerthrow yours, nor better the enemies state? You see the people by meanes of ouerthrowes and other losses, became vigilant, wiser, and more prouident: all your losses were to C your furtherance, and the enemies victories turned to his owne hurt: the populous and rich townes of marchandise vnder his command, by his triumphes, in the twinckling of an eye became poore, desolate and empty both of men and tafficke: yours in all crosses and aduersities, had meanes to increase and inrich them-selues, Villages became Townes, and weake Townes made inuincible; those that before were great and strong, you were forced to make them more spatious & greater, because they could not comprehend the multitude of people which sought to inhabit within them.’
‘Euery yeare you haue built an innumerable number of shippes of war, made infinite store of Ordinance, all manner of weapons, munition, and other necessaries for the warres; but aboue all the experience of the warres increaseth, and teacheth D yo [...] rightly to know how to vse that power and meanes which God hath giuen you. You haue reduced your contributions into good order, GOD sheweth you how to trade in strange countries, which before were not knowne by you, and blesseth the same euery yeare more and more, in dispight, and to the subuersion and hinderance of the Kingdomes of Spaine, and with no small admiration of all nations, who thereby see, that God withdraweth the trade and trafficke from the King, and the whole countrie of Spaine, and directeth it vnto you, and giueth you such power at Sea, as you are able to inuade Spaine and other places: To the contrary they see that all the Kings proceedings goe backeward, that the cancker and cursse is falne into his treasor, that hee notwithstanding all his money of the Indies, must breake E his credit with the Marchants and disauow his contracts, that hee is continually vexed with mutinies of soldiers that are vnpaid, they see clearly that as now their reputation and name is greater then his power, that hee must indure that you inuade and braue him in his owne countries and Hauens, and that in steed of striking terror into others, hee him-selfe must feare. Finally hee must needes bee blinde, that from these wonders doth not acknowledge his fatherly blessings vnto you, and his wrath and displeasure vppon the Kings house, who acknowledgeth not the honor, power and dignitie wherein it is placed by God, but to the rooting out of his word, and Church, to the procuring of all troubles in Christendome, and to the ouer-running of F strange countries, where-vnto they had no right, wherein they haue shedde much Christian bloud, for the which God is iustly offended.’
‘Therefore oh Netherlands, seeing you haue for so many yeers defended your freedomes of soule and body, and likewise spent so much blood and treasor in the sayd [Page 1338] quarrell, and caused your name and fame to bee spread abroade throughout all the 1605. A world, now at the last leaue not of your labour, when the greatest wants and greatest dangers are past. That which remaineth (with the helpe of God) is but small, now you doe dayly see your enemies decay both in power and riches, and their ruine approching. You haue seene the end of King Philip the second, that with all his treasure, wise counsellors, great respect, authoritie and experience, and continuall labour for thirtie yeares together, lost more then hee gotte from you. Much more hope is there then that by Gods grace you shall goe thorough with the cause to your honor against his sonne, whose counsell, authoritie, and experience is nothing comparable vnto that of his Father, who findeth the spring of his treasures exhausted and drawne drie, and his credit weakned, whose imposts and reuenues (by meanes of forbidding trade B and traffike, and your happy new trade) decrease, and his charges increase, for that continually both by Sea and by land, vppon the coast of Spaine and others his kingdomes, hee must arme against you, and withall thinke vpon his owne defence, whereas his father o [...]ely practised and deuised how hee might ouer-come and vanquish you.’
‘Suffer not your selues (as in the beginning you were deceiued by the Duches of of Parma) to bee againe now at the last circumuented with policie and faire speeches, for the treasure of Spaine will not come so aboundantly vnto them as it hath done, neither shall they bee able to drawe it from the bare and impouerished Prouinces, (which through their gouernment will soone bee wearied, and seeke some alteration) C bee not slacke yet for a short time to continue your liberall contributions; for the freedome that is bought therewith, is not to bee valued by any treasure: you neede not so to feare and apprehend their forces, for that you haue not to do with the Duke of Alua, with Don Iohn, nor the Duke of Parma, whose wise conduct, experience in armes, diligence and fortune was to bee feared, whome you neuerthelesse haue valiantly withstood, but with yong and vnexperienced Commanders and Leaders, vnder whose gouernment you may already marke an alteration in the enemies marshall discipline and counsels, and consequently in his proceedings: whereas to the contrary you are blest of God, with such a generall of your Armie, as you neuer had before, whose seruice the Empire of Rome requireth against the Turke, and such a one as the King of Spaine D with all his treasure (although it were ten times greater) cannot equall. You haue the fauour and good will of all neighbour Princes and Potentates, who although they aide you not with open armes, yet they wish your good, for the feare they haue of the Spaniard, so as all furtherance is on your side. The enemies Prouinces lye open to you, and yours by meanes of the riche water, land, and strong townes shutte from them. His hauens in Spaine, Indies, Brasilia and America, are knowne vnto you, and easily to bee sayled vnto, so as at your pleasures, you can enterprise any thing against them: but hee hath prooued and tryed, that your Hauens and Sea-townes, need not to care for his fleetes. Sea-faring, meanes for money, experience of the warres, and authoritie, are increased amongst you, and decayed with him; your cause, the longer, the E more it is fauoured; his from yeare to yeare is worse, because hee incenseth first one and then another, as not many yeares since hee did vppon the Lords of the Empire.’
‘Besides all this, you are to put your trust in the equitie of your cause, and in Gods fauour, who here-to-fore hath sundry times assisted you in greater necessitie: whom you (besides incurring the shame and disgrace of all the world, both to you and your posteritie) shall offend, and make him with-drawe his fauours from you; if that forgetting his benefits, and distrusting his fauour, now without cause, either to spare your purses, or vpon an immagined further rest and ease, you will leaue and forsake his word and true religion, as the Gargasens (because of their Swine) intreated Iesus F Christ to depart out of the countrie: for that as God and Belial cannot agree together, so cannot you by meanes of the true religion at this time, obtaine a peace with the King of Spaine, the Arch-duke Albertus, and the Infanta, (whome I place all in one degree) but through your valiant resolution and continuance in armes, you [Page 1339] now remaine assured of religion and your freedome, and in time are also to hope of 1605. A a good peace with Spaine and all his friends, no lesse then that which the Switzers obtained from the house of Austria, where-vnto God almightie send you his grace, with wise counsell, and mutuall loue and vnitie.’
‘And you Romish Catholikes, (amongst whome I know that there are many that wish and desire the freedome of your natiue countrie) bee not perswaded that in regarde of your religion, your burthens and charges vnder the Spaniards gouernment shall bee any thing diminished; for there will bee still some cause of offence found against them that haue any thing to loose, as beeing friends and wel-willers to Protestants: were it onely but for that they haue not done their indeuours, made resistance, nor borne armes against their neighbours and kinsmen. This is the crime of B omission, for the which the whole nation of the Netherlands were condemned by the King and the Spanish Inquisition, and the execution thereof committed to the Duke of Alua, as the Histories written by Catholikes themselues, in honor of the King sufficiently declare.’
‘This is that which Vergas President of the bloudie councell, in the Duke of Aluas time sayd. Heretici fraxerunt templa, Boni nihil fecerunt contra, ergo debent omnes patibulare; that is, The heretickes brake downe the Churches, the good did not seeke to hinder nor let them, and therefore they must all bee hanged. For these reasons Iohn Baptista Taxis in Anno 1595. wrote vnto the King from Brussels; that his Maiestie ought by no meanes to consent by any contract of peace, that the Spanish garrisons C should depart out of the countrie, for that it would bee a blemish to his authoritie, for sayd hee, your Maiestie cannot build vpon those of the Catholike religion, in regard that deuotion is onely found amongst a few old men and women, which cannot fight, the rest will altogether thrust their heads into one hood. And although Taxis had not so plainly shewed this distrust which is had of you, vnto the King and his counsell, yet the deeds themselues declare it; for all the world knowes, that the Noblemen of the Netherlands (notwithstanding their reconciliation with the King) are not trusted, but with hearts griefe, must see, yea and frette that the Spaniards are preferred not onely to bee Councellors, but to the highest dignities, to gouernment, and other preserments, and they despised, reiected, and badly dealt withall. It preuailed Lamorall Earle of Egmont nothing at all, that hee laboured to chase away the D Preachers, and that in all things hee shewed himselfe to bee a deuoute Catholike: for notwithstanding all this hee lost his head. His sonne, who to winne more credit with the Spaniards, openly sayd, that his Father had his iust rewarde, being in prison was despised, and after long imprisonment, was at last hardly released by the King in exchange with a Gentleman called Mounsieur la Noue, and others likewise were released by the like vnequall exchange.’
‘And when as the Baron De Selles, Champigni, the Bishop of Ypre, and the Lord of Auchi were prisoners to the Estates, the Duke of Parma was so slowe in seeking their deliuerie, as the Barron De Selles dyed in prison with melancholie and griefe, complaining that he and his brother the Barron De Noircarmes seruices were badly E rewarded. The Barron Van Hese was beheaded vpon a surmised crime, many others were made away here and there in diuers places, as Vrias was, and little lamented. Charles Earle of Mansfield had such strong Pepper giuen him by the Spaniards, that hee left the Kings seruice in the Netherlands, and went to serue against the Turke in Hungarie where hee dyed. It is needlesse to rehearse many examples; you see before your eyes, how that they of Antwarpe, Gant, and other places, haue gotten nothing by liuing like faithfull Catholike subiects vnder the King, for that notwithstanding they must bee slaues to the Spanish nation, and beare the intollerable abuses, wrongs, molestations & iniuries, of the Spanish garrisons, & yet their complaints cannot F be heard, nor any iustice done vpon the offenders; which may serue for an example and fore-warning vnto all Catholiks, that haue dwelt in the vnited Prouinces, vnder the command of hereticks. (as the Spaniards & Iesuits call them) what good intertainment they were to expect, if the Spaniards were absolute maisters, & yet they haue a strōger [Page 1340] and a more assured argument, to confirme the same, from the example of their Estates 1605. A of the Kingdomes of Naples and Arragon, and the Duchie of Millan, who haue withstood the inquisition, not because they had any sauor of the true Religion, but for that they perceaued, that no man could liue so catholikely, but he should be subiect vnto the proceeding thereof, and that it serueth for a meanes, without exception of any priueledges, iurisdictions, freedomes, and countries customes, to iudge all persons and for all causes whatsoeuer, as it manifestly apeareth by the history of Anthonio Perez, with whom the King being so much offended, as hee could not apease his wrath against him, because according to his countries priueledges, hee was to bee cald in question before the Iudges of Arragon, and not by any other strange Iudges, hee caused him to bee prosecuted by the inquisition, although hee were not accused of any matter B touching Religion.’
‘A Gentleman of Spaine, borne in Salamanca, and that came with the Duke of Alua out of Spaine, beeing in my house, sayd openly, that in their towne their was no man of any estate or quality, but would gladly loose one of the ioyntes of his fingers, that hee might bee released of the feare they haue of the inquisition. The marchants of Lisbone beeing the greatest Catholikes in the world, at King Philips first comming into Portingall, sought to buy out that feare of the inquisition, onely crauing this small fauour, that the inquisitors should commit no man to prison, without making them acquainted with the cause, and letting them know their accusers; that they should adiorne them to appeare in open court, and that no man should bee condemned C vpon any witnesses depositions, without giuing a copie thereof vnto the parties condemned; that they might answere therevnto and disproue the witnesses.’
‘Finally, they sought nothing els but reasonable audience before they were con demned, and an ordinarie course of lawe, according to all right, equitie and reason, but it might not bee graunted vnto them of Lisbone (although they offered two milions and a halfe, and would gladly haue giuen foure) for the inquisitors would not bee brought to such a straight, but would hold their vnrestrained power and libertie, to condemne euery one that they once catch within their nets, although they haue no other witnesses then the prisoners owne sworne enemies, or some base villaines, which otherwise will not bee credited for a matter of three guildens, or els D such as they themselues haue subborned, as Annas and Chayphas, did against Christ, and yet they did better then the inquisitors doe, because they brought the witnesse before him.’
‘The generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces beeing well acquainted herewith, although they were Catholikes, yet could not allow of the bringing in of Bishoppes, perceauing that it tended not so much to the aduancement of the Catholike religion, as to ouerthrow the priueledges of the countrie, and to bring in an absolute gouernment, where, at the assemblie of the Estates of the countrie, they sit, and ouer-rule them, and by that meanes would looke into all mens proceedings, thereby to demynish the ancient libertie of voices, and of the speaking for their priueledges.’ E
‘In the yeare of our Lord 1576. the catholike Prouinces, yea and many Abbots, and Prelats themselues, finding this decay of their preueledges, for the defence thereof made a contract with Holland and Zeeland, although God did suffer, (for the sinnes of the country which as yet were not punished) that some fell from them againe, whereof many beholding the bad successe, were much greeued thereat. Therefore bee not so mad nor blind, to let this insupportable yoake, (against the which they of Arragon, Naples, and Millan stroue, and resisted) with faire promises to be brought in among you, thinke for certaine that the inquisition shall bee more rigorously executed in these countries then in any other places, for that the true Religion hath here beene longer exercised, and hath taken deeper roote then els where, so as the Spaniards esteeme all F the Inhabitants of the country to be heretikes: and I tel you true, that you shal in many parts be in worse case then those of the religion, for they, knowing that there remaineth no grace nor mercy for them, will make away, and with distrust and fore-sight arme themselues against it, but you, by means of your ouer much credulity shal fall into their [Page 1341] nets, fire, and sword when you least thinke thereof, and when you speed best, although 1605. A euery man escapeth bodyly punishment yet with vnspeakeable greefe hee shall behold, the ouerthrowing of the countries lawdable freedomes and priueledges, and shall not once dare to looke vp, nor speake one word against it, but the Spaniards will raile at them and call them Viliacos, Lutheranos, Tradidores &c.’
‘As often as you behold your children, you shall with sighes thinke, that you bring them vp to bee slaues vnto the Spaniards, and that your successors, and posterities, shall see an vnspeakeable alteration in the estate of the countrie. The riches, trade, and seafaring, (which by their good policy, iustice, and priueledges is much augmented) shall by altering thereof also decay, and be carried into strange countries, as it is already dri uen out of Brabant, Flanders, and other Prouinces, considering that euery man seekes to rule f ecly. The Spaniards and the Arch-dukes counsell, will by all secret and open B practises seeke to deminish the glory and welth of the country, they will bee glad to see the Inhabitants imploy themselues to till and plow the land and to milke their Cowes, neither will they grieue that the number of shippes and rich Marchants decaies, for that in their iudgements it hath beene the meanes, which brought the Prouinces to so great welth, and hath so long maintained the warres; and that the meaner sort of subiects are more tractable to bee gouerned. You see already that the Arch duke and the Infanta, by their contract of marriage are bound to forbid your trade into the East and West Indies. Herein you haue an example of Portingale, where King Philip at his first comming to that crowne considering, that the sayd country was as strong of ships and saylers as al the territories of Spaine, & that the same in time might blemish his authoritie C and absolute command, hee purposely disarmed and weakened them at sea: and reiecting the Portingall pilots and masters of shippes, he imployed all other nations in them; so as many saylers of portingall giuing themselues to tilling the land and other labors, the old dying, and the number which increased but small, in nineteene yeares, the marriners were so decaied, as the King himselfe, in setting out of his fleetes found the want of them.’
‘Thus shall the Spaniards weaken and disarme the Netherlands, which haue prouided them so much worke, for these thirty yeares, that so they may not feare the like resistance. They will put the old resolutions againe in practise, thereby to bring all the countries (with their seuerall rights, customes and priueledges) vnder the lawes of D one absolute Monarchie, and roote out all the markes and memory of the Netherlands freedomes: and causing you to leaue your owne naturall language, they will bring in the Spanish tongue, as they haue already done in the Indies.’
‘To conclude they will make such an alteration, as with in these fiftie yeares men shall not know their owne natiue country. Beleeue it for certaine, that this is no vaine fable, but a true forwarning, built vpon a good ground. Learne at the last, that they vnder pretence of the catholike Religion, couer their ambition, and oppression; be not otherwise perswaded, but that you are to feare all the fore-passed euells, not onelie from the Duke of Brabant, but also from the King of Spaine, who although he beareth the name, yet the Spanish Councell, spirit and resolutions, E (in matters of importance, whereon the Estate of the countrie, and the welfare of the same dependeth) shall alwaies gouerne. Wherefore cast away all diuision and distrust which strangers entertaine amongst you, thereby to ruine you: liue in vnitie with those that haue spent so much bloud for the liberties of their natiue countrie, and seeeke not to burthen the freedome of your conscience, but suffer God and the holie Ghost to rule ouer them, beseeching him to mooue euery mans heart to seeke after the right way of saluation.’
Vpon the fifteene of may Prince Ma [...]rice hauing gathered his horse and foote togither An ente [...]pise made by Prince Maurice vpon the riuer of Scheld and Antwerp. marched towards Berghen vp Zoom, causeing 80. companies of foote to be shipt F in Zeland, vnder the conduct of Ernestus Earle of Nassaw, (as it seemeth) to make an enterprise or to besiege Antwerp, if he could be master of the point of Flanders on the other side of the riuer but the winde being stronge, & contrary in some reaches of the riuer of Scheld; Ernestus could not land his men as he was appointed, (as al enterprises are [Page 1342] subiect to water, wind and weather) yet he valiantly passed by the Spanish sconces, 1605. A called Peerle and Ordam, which furiously shot vpon them; it seemeth that if Cont Ernestus could haue brought his shippes to Cloppers bancke or dike, and there haue landed certaine companies of men, they might haue done what they intended, but the winde beeing contrary, and they thereby driuen to shoare, they sought with certaine shallops and great boates to land some men on Flanders side, but beeing somewhat slow in the execution, they were easily repulsed frrom thence by a small number of the enemy, wherein the night did much helpe them, which made the soldiers to doubt that the Spaniards were much stronger: where-vppon they were somewhat abasht, and the rather for that they had no Ordinance with them: for although that the Marquesse Spinola had beene gone with certaine soldiers into the land of Waes, to view Issendicke Fort, B that hee might attempt some thing against it, yet by meanes of an intercepted letter brought to Mounsier van Rollegum, Gouernor of the crosse Sconce, there were more men placed there, by Don Inigo de Mendoza Gouernor of the Castle of Antwerp, to the number of three thousand, with some Ordinance, who fell vppon this small number of Prince Maurice his men, which were sette on land (lying behinde the bankes) they beeing not aboue three hundred, whereof part fledde againe into their shallops and The States men defeated. boates, the rest were defeated and slaine, whereof fourescore were taken prisoners and carried into the Castle of Antwerp, amongst the which was Captaine Legier, Lieutenant to Captaine La Croix, and a Sargeant. The Burgonians had almost taken Collonell Dorp, but he leaping into the water saued him-selfe, not without great danger of his life: it is thought that there was not aboue one hundred slaine, whereof one C was Captaine Michael Tutelaer and his Lieutenant Francis, sonne to Francis Tutelaer, some of the shallops were suncke and burnt. This was done vppon the seauenteenth of Mai [...] in the morning, when as Earle Ernestus thought to haue made a bridge ouer the Scheld, about Ousterwele, their ships of warre, and others being come within sight of Antwerp; but their enterprize failing by reason of the wind and other accidents, Cont Ernestus went with all his men and shipps to Ousterweele on Brabant side, where hee landed them, and marched towards Eckeren, where Prince Maurices armie then was, who went backe againe to Berghen Vp. Zoome, the ships with their prouision sailed The Gouernor of Ordam sconce slaine. backe againe, shooting against the fort aforesaid, and they at them, at which time the D Gouernor of Ordam was slaine.
This attempt bred a great alteration in Antwerp, the rich beeing in great feare, and the poorer sort wishing the enemies might haue good successe, euery man according to his humor. Notwithstanding that Spinola had at least eight thousand men thereabouts, and vpon Flanders side: presently there-vpon the prices of all victuals did rise, many men packt vp such things as they had and fledde to Mechelen and Brussels, but there were foure companies of horsemen sent presently into the towne, the which were lodged in such Innes as had good fourage, without any cost or charge to the Bourgers, but when they heard of the enemies retrait the horsemen also left the towne. E
Prince Maurice parting from Eckeren, beseeged the Castle of Wouwe, which lyeth in a marish ground a League from Berghen vp-Zoome, a very strong Castle, being Wouwe Castle beseeged. the Marquesse of Berghens chiefe house: the which a French man lying there in garrison for the Estates, sold some eighteene yeares agoe vnto the Prince of Parma, and it since became a harbour & retre [...] for theeues. This garrison did wonderfully annoy the ships, which past betweene Holland and Zealand, beeing alwaies readie on Prince Maurice tooke the Castle of Wouwe. the water, to take such ships as for want of winde were becalmed, and forced to stay or lye at anchor, setting vppon them with certaine Scutes which they kept hidden vnder the water, taking the passengers and saylers out, and carrying them to Wouwe, where they kept them til they paid their ransomes: here the Prince planted his ordinance before it, they within the Castle slue some of his men which were busied about their F workers, but searing to be forced, and that the Arch-dukes would not hazard an armie to releeue them, vppon the thirteenth of Maie they yeelded it vp vpon composition, hauing aboue eighty fiue men in it, amongst the which foure of them were of those which had sold Gheertrudenbergh and were banished from thence, who were excluded [Page 1343] out of the capitulation but the Marquis of Brandenbergh begged their liues. Marquis 1605. A Spinola caused some of the Captaines of Wouwe to be executed for that they gaue it so lightly ouer. In the meane time the Marquis Spinola drew all his [...]ces neere-vnto Antwerp, and lodged at Mercxon and Damme, and the horsemen at Berchen and Wilricke, and by that meanes defended Antwerp, and made a bridge ouer the Scheld, from the towne wharfe vnto Flanders side, by which meanes hee might ioyne his diuided forces (which laie in Brabant and Flanders) vpon any occasion together as neede [...] required.
The admonition to the Netherlands, to disswade them from a peace, being published, The Emperor sends for a pasport to the Hage, for his Ambassadors to treat o [...] a peace, which they refuse. about the same time the Emperor sent Maximilian de Cochi his commissioner to the Hage to demaund a pasport for certaine Ambassadors which should bee sent from him B to treat of a peace betweene the Archdukes and the Estates of the vnited Prouinces. This Maximilian de Cochi had the yeare before declared vnto the generall Estates in the Hage, how carefull and desirous the Emperor was of the wellfare and common good of all Christendome, in regard that hee found it to bee so much thretaned by our Arch-enemy the turke, together with his rebels in Hongary and elsewhere: to which end he now required a pasport from the states, for certaine Ambassadors to be sent from him and the Princes of the Empire, with certaine soldiarsto come from Cologne and go backe againe: The which bred some ielousie in the Estates, as if they sought by their comming with so great a number, to breed some alteration and tumult among the common people, for that all men did affect and desire peace, and that generally they The Estates answer to the Emperor who refuse his request. C sought to be vnburthened of their long continued contributions and exactions, wherewith they were tired, where-vpon the Estates sent him an answer in writing, giuing him to vnderstand, that they had receiued the Emperors letters bearing date the second of Aprill, as also the letters from the heigh and mighty Princes, the Archbishoppe of Mentz, and Christierne the second Duke of Saxony, Electors: Wolphe Dieterich Archbishoppe of Saltsbourg, Philipe Ludwighen Paltsgraue, and the Bourguemaisters and councells of the townes of Cologne and Nuremberg, by the hands of Maximilian de Cochi, one of the Emperors houshold, together with a proposition in writing touching a peace to be made with Spaine and the Archdukes; shewing, that they had often found it by experience, what harme and preiudice the vnited Prouinces had before that time D receiued by the like treaties of peace, which had beene propounded, and offered to be [...] made, by the intercession of the Emperor and the Princes of Germany: and that therefore they found it not fit nor conuenient for them, to enter into any such treaty againe, being well knowne that the Spaniards and their adherents sought by all practises and deuises to conquer and subdue the Netherlands, and to make it their Sedem belli, and from thence inuade their neighbour Princes, and the poore subiects of the Empire, and to prescribe them lawes, hauing conceiued a generall monarchy in their imaginations, with this supposition (as a Maxime of Estate) that neither Christendome nor the whole world could be well gouerned, vnlesse the Pope of Rome were supreame head and gouernor in spirituall causes. This being duly weighed and considered, they E said, there could not any good grow nor be expected from such treaties, but rather great harme and preiudice to the Emperor and to the whole Estate of Germany, whereof they said they would not be the Authors, being well informed how much it did import all Christendome: and therefore they besought his Imperiall Maiesty and the Princes of the Empire, in all honorable and humble manner, not to trouble themselues therewith. And to the end the Emperor, the Princes and townes might bee the better assured of the sincerity and good meaning of the saide generall Estates, they protested before God, the Emperor, and all Kings and Princes. &c. that the long and bloudy warres where-with the Netherlands had beene punished and afflicted for the space of forty yeares, by the force and armes of the Spaniard, was not more F greuous to any one then vnto them, and none wished more to bee quietly gouerned, and in the feare of GOD, then they, and that there was not any nation vnder the Sanne whatsoeuer, that would more gladly enioy such goods as they had gotten by their honest endeauors and labour, (both without and within the country) then the [Page 1344] Netherlanders: but seeing that with all their long patience, they could not turne 1605. A the Spaniards hearts, nor diuert their forces, who sought the ruine and subuersion of all their pri [...]edges, with the losse of their liues and goods; notwithstanding any mediation an [...] intercession of the Emperor and the Empire, they had beene forced to take armes in hand, and to defend themselues both by Sea and land, with variable fortune, attending the helpe and assistance of GOD, after many offers of peace: and therefore by the aduise and councell of neighbour Kings and Princes, they had taken their last resolution, and setled the gouernment of the Netherlands in peace, beeing freed and discharged from all othes made vnto the King of Spaine, according vnto the force of their priuiledges: And therefore all vnpartiall Kings, Princes and common-weales, did hold and esteeme the vnited Prouinces for a free B estate, which are qualified, and endeuour to gouerne and rule their countries in popular order and forme, or by the election of a Prince: and in that qualitie the sayd Estates had made diuerse contracts and leagues with sundry Kings, Princes, and common-weales, and had for the space of foure and twentie yeares, by the especiall grace of GOD, and the assistance of mightie Kings, Princes and commonweales, and by their owne great care and dilligence, taken vpon them a free gouernment against all the force and power of their enemies, with an intent to maintaine the same happily, and so to end these long and bloudie warres. To which end they had (in the yeare of our Lord 1600.) begunne to treate with the Estates of those prouinces, which are vnder the Archdukes command, for the good of C the whole Netherlands in generall, the which was done by word of mouth in Berghen vp Zoom.
And againe this yeare of our Lord 1605. by Letters, the which were carelesly and negliently deliuered vnto the Arch-dukes, whome they with-out offence to GOD and their honors, cannot esteeme but enemies to the Netherlanders; knowing well, that seeing they doe acknowledge the sayd Arch-duke and the Infanta for their Soueraigne Princes and gouernors; they must also of necessitie acknowledge the King of Spaine, the Councell of Spaine, and the Spanish Inquisition. And as for their Netherland causes, they were gouerned and ruled altogether by the Spanish and Italian Commanders and Protectors, as it hath of D late appeared and beene seene, by a Commission giuen vnto the Marquis Spinola, to the disgrace of the Arche-dukes, Prelates, Lordes and Estates of the Netherlands.
But if they sought by that treatie to bring the sayd Estates of the vnited Prouinces, to consent to any thing against their obteyned, and till then continued gouernment and rights, tending to the dishonor of God, and preiudiciall to their safeties (from the which they prayed him to defend them) they humbly intreated his Imperiall Maiestie, and the sayd Princes and Townes, not to aduise them to any thing that might tend to the furtherance and aduancement of their Spanish desseignes, not onely in respect of the inhabitants of the Netherlands, but for the generall E good of all Christendome.
But if the vnited Estates by the ayde and assistance of the Emperors Maiestie, Princes, Estates and commonalties of Germanie, for the maintenance and support of their resolued, vndertaken, and now for many yeares continued gouernment, might obtaine the meanes to chase away from their frontiers, all such as seeke the subuersion of the Netherlands, they would acknowledge it for a great grace and fauour, whereof if they might bee assured, they would vppon their request, make a more plaine and ample declaration, and let them know by the effects, how much they did grieue at these bloudie warres. But if the sayd Treatie tended to no other end, they then intreated the Emperor, Princes and Townes, in regarde of the good of F the Netherlands, and the reputation of the whole Empire, to take their refusall of a pasport, with the time and place of meeting in good part.
Touching any wrongs done, or insolencies committed by their souldiers vpon the frontiers of the Empire, as also concerning the raising of new licences, tolles and [Page 1345] other Imposts, they sayd, that they did hope to take such a course, as they should haue 1605. A no iust cause of complaint: But in the troublesome time to giue ouer any townes and Fortes, which they for the good and seruice of the Empire, and [...]o withstand the enemies inuasion, had beene forced to take (to their great charge) and till then held: they did presume that the Emperor, Princes and Townes, would hold it to bee contrarie to all pollicie and lawes of Estate: and so much the rather, for that the Marquis Spinolas desseigne was to passe his armie ouer the Rhine, from whom the frontiers of the Empire were to expect no better then they had found, at the hands of the Admirall of Arragon, in the yeare 1598.
This was the Estates answer vnto the proposition made by the Emperor, Princes and Townes, desiring Maximilian de Co [...]hi, to make a fauourable report of their sayd B answer, their letter bearing date the last of May, 1605.
In March this yeare Cont Frederic Vanden Berghe, Brother to Cont Herman, had a A vaine enterprise vpon Bercke. certaine enterprise vpon Rhinberk, the which beeing discouered, fayled, so as hee was forced to retire, yet without any losse of his men.
This yeare in Aprill the King of England sent his Ambassador into Spaine, to see The Earle of Hertfor [...] sent to the [...]chduke out of England. the King sweare the peace; and at the same time hee sent Edward Lord Seymor Earle of Hertford, sonne to the Duke of Somerset, vnto the Archdukes, to the same effect: who arriuing at Dunkirke with a gallant traine of Noblemen and Gentlemen, were honourably receiued there by Diego Ortes Gouernor of the Towne: The Baron of barbanson, brother to the Earle of Arenbergh, Captaine of their Highnesse Archers, C attended him there. All the Ordinance of the Towne was shotte off in a manner against the Estates shippes of warre which laye before it, who in like manner to doe the Earle honor, discharged all their Ordinance. Hee had the like reception giuen him at Nieuport by Dom Pedro d'Alega the Gouernor, and at Bruges by Monsieur de Croselles (of the house of Montmorencie) Gouernor of the Towne, and great Bayliffe of Franke. Thether the Earle of Busquoy Maister of the Ordinance was sent to entertaine him. The Earle comming to Alost, hee was mette by the Earle of Ligny, the Baron of La Bastie a French-man, with diuerse other Gentlemen; whether the Duke of Aumale sent a Gentleman with letters of congratulation vnto the Earle.
The Earle approching neere vnto Brussells, within a mile of the towne, hee was D first mette by the Duke of Aumaule, then by the Duke of Arschot the Marquis Spinola, two Poland Dukes, the Marquis of Hauerec, the Earle of Aremberg, the Prince of Palestrina, the Prince of Caserte, Dom Louis de Velasco, Cont Theodore Trivulce, Cont Frederick Vanden Berghe, and many other Noblemen and Gentlemen. The next day after his arriuall at Brussells, hee was visited by the Marquis of Laguna, sonne to the Duke of Medina Caeli, Ambassador for the King of Spaine with the Archdukes.
At the Earle of Hertfords comming to Brussells, the Archdukes were attended on Ladyes attending on the Infanta. with great estate, wherof I will make some particular relation: and first of the Inf [...]ntaes ladies without any distinctiō of precedence. First there was the Lady Iohanna of Chassincourt E her Chamberlaine: the chiefe of her Ladies of honor, were the Countesses of Vsedale, Busquoy and La Fere: her Maides of honor were the Lady Claudia Catherina Liuia her Sewer, and cousin to her Chamberlaine, the Lady of Croy her Caruer, the Lady of Selles, the Lady of Montmorencie: the Lady Maria Manuel a Spanish Ladie, the Lady Magdeline de Bye, the Lady of Marle, the Lady Vincentia of Ferrara, the Ladyes Ermesyna and Clara, daughters to the Earle of Aremberghe, the Lady of Balanson Cousin to Varambon, the Lady Marguerite of Bourgondie, Cousin to the Earle of Busquoy, with twelue other waighting women, most of them Spaniards. F
There were then also present (to honor the Infanta) the Countesse of Mansfeldt, daughter to the Earle of Egmond, the Countesse of Aremberghe, the Marquesse of Berghen, the Countesse of Egmont, the Countesses of Barlaimont, Lalaine, Solue, [Page 1346] Bossu, Fontenay, Berghe, Bye, Essingen, Fressin and Bruay, the Countesse of Saint 1605. A Aldegonde, the Countesse of Bassigny, and the Countesse of Malespina. The Lady of Brabanson, the [...]ady of Liekerke, the Lady of Terrayse, the Lady of Blancheual, the Lady of Liques, the Lady of Chassey, the Lady of Liliers and diuers others.
Vpon the Archduke their attended the Earle of Essengen, the Earle of Saint Aldegond, Attendance vpon the Arch duke. the Marquis of Monte-negro his Mayordomo, Don Pedro de Ponce, the Vicont Octauio his chiefe chamberlaine, DonGaston Spinola vice chamberlaine, Don Innigo de Mendosa, Don Diego de Mexia, Don Diego d' Acuna, Don Alonzo d' Aualos. Don Inigo de Borgia, Brother to the Duke of Gandia and Captaine of the Castle of Antwerp, the Earle Enenbergh, Cont Frederic vander Berghe captaine of the garde, the Lord of Brabanson, brother to the Earle of Arembergh, captaine of the Archers with many others. B
Besides al these attendants, there were diuers knights of the order of the golden fleece, as the Duke of Arschot, the Marquis of Haurec, the Earle of Aremberg, the Marquis Spinola. There were also the Earle of Egmont, the Earle of Solme, the Marquis of Robaix sonne to the Earle of Ligny, the Marquis of Renty sonne to the Earle of Solme, the Earle of Busquoy, Henin, Hochstrate, Rassingen, Isenburgh, Bee, Euerbergh, Bossu and Fresin, most of them young Earles. The Lord of Seuenbergen Sonne to the Earle of Arembergh, the Lord of Chalon Nephew to the Earle or Mansfeldt, the Lord of Wesemael, the Lord of Vendesy of the house of Montmorency. C
Of strange noblemen there were the Duke d' Aumale, the Duke of Ossuna, Don Iohn de Medicis base brother to the Duke of Florence, the Prince of Caserta a Neopolitaine, the Prince of Palsterino a Columnese, the Marquis of Malespina of the house of Paluoisin, Cont Thedore Triuultio, Don Louis de velasco generall of the light horsemen, with many other Spaniards and Iraliens, that were commanders in the army. With this Attendance the Arch-duke receiued the English Ambassador, with all honor and state; but whilest they were feasting and merry at Brusselles Prince Maurice had an enterprize vpon Antwerp, so as Spinola, velasco, vanden Bergh, Busquay with many cmomanders were forced to packe away speedely for the defence of the country. The Earle of Hertford hauing seene the Arch-duke sweare to the contract of D peace, leauing Sir Thomas Edmonds there for Ambassador leeger, tooke his leaue of the Arch-dukes, hauing performed his legation and charge with great honor and bounty; from Brusselles he went to Antwerp, and so into Zecland, where hee tooke shipping for England.
Prince Maurice hauing taken Wouwe castle, hee made a generall muster of his army and vpon the second of Iune hee past ouer the Scheld into Flanders and landed neere to Isendike, leauing the forts vpon the riuer well apointed of men, as in Lillo there was Abcl van Catz bailife of the marquisate of Campuere, making a shew as if hee would haue beseeged the Sas of Brugges, and so drawe the war into the enemies contry, but Prince Maurice could begin no seege, for that the Marquis Spinola, was still at his heeles redy to charge him, by meanes of the said bridge ouer the Schelld, which E Prince Maurice doubted at the first, and therein hee was of a contrary opinion to all the estates, holding it more profitable for them to go to the Rhine; and for that cause to assure his conquest of Sluice, Isendike, Ardenborgh, and the sconses thereabouts, hee lodged his army at Watervliet, for that there were some speches giuen forth that the Arch-dukes had an intent to beseege Sluce, and with the great number of men which they expected from al places they would with a second army beseegeRineberke, and yet keepe a fl [...]g campe to preuent all dangers.
Prince Maurire insconsed him-selfe very strongly at Watervliet, and to let him from attempting any thing against [...]as and other forts Spinola came withall his power to campe by him, in a place full of wood, where they could hardly come one at the F other, but onely by bankes, where they made sconses one against the other, euery day seeking some aduantage.
[Page 1347] The Generall Estates of the Vnited Prouinces, beeing aduertised of a Fleete 1605. Sht [...]s & men come out of Spain [...]: defeated by the Estates shippes. A of shippes which was preparing at Lisbon in Portugall, to bee sent into the Netherlands, they also made readye their shippes of warre, which attended them in the narrow Seas betwixt France and England, but in the end this great Fleete proued to bee no more but eight shippes in all, with some twelue hundred men in them, thinking to land them at [...]unkerke, Ostend or Neuport. But the Estates shippes hauing discouered them on the fourteenth of Iune, they charged them, and sunke some, the rest retired them-selues vnder th [...] Castle of Douer in England: where they landed their men, and stayed there aboue sixe moneths before they durst crosse the Seas for feare of the Estates shippes. In the end (hauing lost many of their men, and receiued some number of Irish-men, the Estates shippes hauing wayed B their Anchors) they all recouered Dunkerke.
In this moneth of Iune, the Towne of Meurs belonging to Prince Maurice, was by certaine traytors fired, on the which the enemie had an enterprise, the which the Gouernor discouering, hee did forbid them to open the gates, for the sauing Meurs set on fi [...]e by traitors. of any thing: Where-vppon the whole Towne (except some foure of fiue houses) was burnt, the Gouernor desiring rather to preserue the gates, walles and fort for the Prince, then the houses, and lette it fall into the enemies handes.
In Iulie following the Marquesse Spinola sent a good part of his Armie out of Flanders, causing it to march towards the Riuer of Rhyne, vnder the command of The Marquis Sp nola marcheth tovvards Friseland. the Earle of Busquoy, the which past a League aboue Cologne, going from thence to lodge at Dugts a Village opposite vnto the towne; and some dayes after in Keysers-Weert, C where hauing gotten a passage to passe the rest of Spinolas men ouer the Rhyne, they turned head towards Friseland.
The Estates hearing that Spinola was past, and what course hee intended, they presently gathered together all their troopes out of their garrisons of Berghen, The Estates bring their armie neere vnto Rhynebercke. Breda and other places; giuing them their Rendezuous at Berke vppon Rhyne: Whether came also such companies as were in Flanders; who seazed vppon the Iland right against the towne, on the fourth of Iuly: Vppon the which day all the Burgers of Weezel which were able to beare Armes, were mustered, the which the youngmen also of the said towne did the next day, promising and swearing to assist and succor one an other▪ with all their meanes, bloods and liues. And if there were any that D would transport their goods to any other place of safety that it should bee taken as good prize as their enemies goods.
Cont Henry Fredericke of Nassau, Brother to Prince Maurice, and Ernestus of Nassau his cousine, passing the ninth of the moneth with three thousand foote close by the Towne of Weezell, and Collonel Edmonds Generall of the Scottish men, with tenne Cornets of horse, approaching the rest of their troopes which were before Bercke, they made new fortifications without the towne, if happily the Marquesse Spinola should come and beseege it, as it seemed he had an intent. On the nine and twentith day of the moneth there was such a great storme of rayne and hayle in the camppe before Bercke and thereabouts, as in the memory of man E the like had neuer beene seene before, it continued aboue a quarter of an houre: There fell hayle-stones of a most strange fashion poynted, and they were as big as Hennes egges. The bridge which they had made vppon the Rhyne to passe from one quarter to an other, was broken with the great violence of the wynde, and was carryed downe the streame, with the carts, wagons and men that did guide them, whereof some were drowned.
On the fourth of August the Marquesse Spinola parting from Keysers-Weert with three thousand horse & two thousand foot, he left the Earle of Busquoy with fiue thousand foote and eight hundred horse along the Rhyne, to guard these new Forts which hee had taken, and marcht him-selfe towards Essen in the countrie of Westphalia, F and from thence to Dorsen where he past the bridge, and then to Coesvelts, & Grenou, from whence he marcht towards Oldenzeel in the country of Oueryssell (the which was held by the Estates) with an intent to beseege it, the which hauing inuested, and [Page 1348] knowing well that it was not very strong in one place, he planted his Canon there, 1605. Oldenzeel yeelded to Spinola by composition. A and began to batter it. The beseeged (beeing but foure companies of foote) knowing the weaknesse of the towne, and that they should not be long able to resist his forces, beeing better aduised then to cast away them selues wilfully, and the Bourgers beeing loath to haue their Towne ruined with the Canon, and them-selues in the end sackt and spoyled, they compounded with the Marquesse, vpon condition that for sixe daies space they should haue free libertie to carry what-soeuer they would out of the Towne, and whether soeuer they pleased them-selues, and that the soldiers should not carry Armes of sixe moneths against the King of Spaine nor the Arch-dukes: In which towne he left Cont Herman vanden Berghe for Gouernor, with 14. Companies of foote and 2. Cornets of horse. B
Spinola hauing taken Oldenzeel, he sent his armie vnto Linghen belonging by inheritance to Prince Maurice, which as then was but ill fortefied, and weakely furnished of a garrison, the which hee resolued to beseege with all the speed hee could: but Spinola besiege [...] and tooke Linghen. the scituation of the place gaue him some cause to doubt, for that hee found hee should hardly gette from thence vnlesse hee made his passage with his sword, and wonne a victory with his honour, in regard that hee should bee followed and inclosed round about, but at the last hee thought it expedient in all haste to sette vppon the Towne and to make tryall thereof, wherein as hee him-selfe writte, hee found an old Gouernor who seemed to haue forgotten his occupation, and certaine young Captaines who as then had not well learned it, who scarce daring to looke ouer the walles C least they should bee shotte, were more busied to make their walles higher, thereby to The indiscretion of the Gouernor & Commanders in Linghen. defend them-selues against the Ordinance, then to keepe their enemie out of their ditches, the which they neglected, and although the towne were well flanckt in euery place, yet they suffered them to come to their ditches before their Ordinance was orderly plac'd, and to cutte off the water, filling the ditches with faggots, hurdles and plancks, and so to passe ouer them to the point of a Bulwarke, before they had discouered it; who beeing once lodged there, they within knew not what to doe, wanting both men and knowledge to defend them-selues; so as beeing in feare, and supposing the danger to bee greater then it was, within few daies after vppon the eighteenth of August they concluded to send out a Drumme, to parle with the enemie, before D that Spinola had made a full breach, or that hee thought it time to summon them to yeeld. For which cause hee granted them the best conditions that might bee to gette the garrison out of the towne as soone as hee could, knowing that Prince Maurice was marching towards him, and so (as they of Oldenzeel had done) they yeelded the towne Linghen yeelded by composition. vnto him vppon these conditions: That Collonell Martin Cobben Gouernor of the Towne and Castle, should yeeld it vp vppon condition that the soldiers should depart with their Coullors flying and ful armes, and might carry away what goods they could in sixe daies, and the Burgers in eight, except the Artillery, munition of warre and other prouision. Where-vpon Collonel Cobben went forth with eight Companies, and presented himselfe before Prince Maurice, who reproched him bitterly for his base E cowardise, causing him to bee put in prison, with some of his Captaines and chiefe Officers of the said Towne, the which were sent prisoners to the Hage, to iustefie them-selues before the Generall Estates where they had Cousins ynow to free them from any great punishment. Spinola there-vppon beeing as it were halfe drunke with that sodaine victory, knew not well what to do, but for certaine daies lay there and attempted not any thing, hauing the way open to haue done some other exployts, giuing his enemie leysure to fortefie him-selfe and to prouide for all the places lying thereabouts. While both the armies lay in Friseland, the Arch-duke finding him-selfe to bee strong of men which yet remained in Brabant, he resolued to enterprize something An enterprize made vpon Berghen vp-Zoome by Mounsier Hericou [...]t. against Berghen vp-Zoome, giuing the charge thereof vnto Mounsier Herricourt, de la F Biche Gouernor of Hulst, and Iohn Terrail a French man, who made profession to be very expert in making of Petards and forcing of townes therewith, for the effecting of this disseigne, there were aboue foure thousand footemen and three companies of horsemen gathered togither at Beueren in the land of Waes, vpon Blockers dike, giuing [Page 1349] forth that they had an enterprise to doe In Cadsant, hauing all thinges prepared to 1605. A that purpose: vppon the one and twentith of August, it being a great procession as then in Antwerp they kept the gates shutte, and about euening made out with certaine horsemen, causing the footemen to bee sent out of Flanders at Callo, and so in the morning before day gotte before Berghen vp-Zoome, passing along by the drowned land, called then Northland, through the Hauen of the Towne when it was a low water, and presently entred into the fortification lying without, called Beckaff, with a thousand men, the Sentinels giuing the alarme, shotte twice at them, but the Guard in that place beeing not strong ynough to resist so great forces, left it, retyring them-selues behinde the Houwers-dike, vnder the Palisadoes of the water-milles, and defending them-selues vnder the wings of the towne. The enemie B hauing gotten that place, they deuided them-selues into two parts, the one part breaking downe the Palisadoes before the Sconce, which was made for the defence of Saint Iohns gate, they tooke it, who thinking that as then they were within Berghen in danger. the Towne, cryed, Ville gaigne, courage, viue la messe, with such like wordes, but the Townes-men with the soldiers valiantly defended them-selues, both with their shotte and other short weapons, and when their pouder fayled them, they fell to it with stones, whereby the Spaniards were forced to giue backe, and to flye away before the water begun to flow. The other part of the Spaniards went along vppon the banke of the Hauen, beneath to the foote of the sayd outward worke, where in short time they caused two strong gates which were without the water-gate to bee forced with their Petards, by the which they entred with their troopes to go to the water-gate, C to the which (after they had throwne downe certaine Palisadoes or defences of wood) they made fast a Petard, but it fayled, and there the maister of those workes and many others were slaine with stones, and vppon the gate the Lieutenant of Captaine Barnard Pluchart was shot, whereof hee dyed, and diuers others, but the Petard fayling, they fighting long, but to no end at all, the water beginning to flow they were forced to retire.
The Gouernor Sir Paul Bax, shewed him-selfe in euery place where need required, from the beginning to the ending, incouraging the soldiers and townes-men to doe their best, and giuing order for all thinges necessary, notwithstanding by all likelihood, (without Gods prouidence) the Towne was in great danger, for that but D halfe of the garrison were then in guard, nor once suspecting any such enterprize, their enemie approaching with Petards and strange Instruments of warre, where-with in short time they brake downe both Palisadoes and gates, by the which they might presently passe with whole troops, and had almost put their enterprise in execution, before the soldiers and Burgers could get to the gates, the towne was so great, euery man being also at rest suspecting nothing. The Spaniards intent was (being wel assured that the towne had but a weake garrison) the water-gate being opened, to cause the sayd 1000. men to march in two parts, the one part along the walles to the Steenbergh gate, the other Southward to the Bosch gate, to open these ports, & so let their men in, where their horse-men and some foote-men shewed them-selues and gaue an alarme: The Spaniard repulst from Berghen. E but the Inhabitants (God be thanked) with great valour and resolution withstood them. The enemie in the opinion of many men committed a great error to leaue the outward work as easily as they had gotten it, not keeping it to try their fortune, & by renuing of their [...]orces, to haue assayled the towne with more strength: of the enemie there were 30. men slaine, one being a Captaine, and 20. men taken prisoners by them of the towne, by whom they vnderstood that there were 200. men hurt at the least: when they fled they left all their munition for the wars behind them, with as many armes and weapons which they cast from them, as would arme 400. men; within the towne there was but one man found slaine, and some hurt. F
The same day the Lord of Grobbendonke Gouernor of Boisleduc made an enterprize vppon the towne of Graue with sixteene hundred men, and diuers wagons and An enterprize vpon Graue made by the Gouernor of Boisleduc. boats, thinking with his boats to put two hundred men into one of the Bulwarks & with a bridge made of dryfats and pipes to gette to the walles, but comming neere vnto the [Page 1350] towne his enterprise was discouered, and so hee was forced to goe backe againe without 1605. A attempting any thing, the like enterprises were attempted vpon Thiel and other places.
Notwithstanding that the aforesaid enterprise made against Berghen vp Zome failed, yet the sayd enterprisers, viz. Monsieur la Biche, Du Tarrail, and D'ette, who had beene Bergen vp zoom once againe assailed by the enemy, vpon the 20. of Septemb. Gouernor of Wouwe, would once againe aduenture an other enterprise against the sayd towne, thinking to repaire their former error, whereof they hademade tryall to their costs, who being fiue thousand foote, and fiue companies of horsemen, vpon the nineteenth of September, a moneth after the first enterprise, set forward. Sir Paul Bax Gouernor of the towne, vnderstanding that diuerse Souldiers were assembling about Antwerpe and Brussels, euery day sent some of his horsemen out, to know the enemies B intent, whereof some vpon the nineteene of September mette with certaine Spanish horse-men by Stabrooke, where some of them were taken, others gotte away, and about noone newes thereof was brought vnto the towne: At euening there were more horse-men sent forth at the shutting of the gates, who about ten of the clocke at night came before the towne againe, and calling to the Sentinell, told him that the enemie with his whole power was at Raesberch with Boates, Bridges and Munition, and as they thought had great troopes, or a whole armie. Wherevpon the Gouernor about eleuen of the clocke at night, caused certaine peeces of ordinance to bee shotte off, and a Beaken to bee set on fire, that the Sconces at the end of the Hauen of the towne, as also they of Tertolen, Wouwe and Steenberghen, should bee ready C to defend them-selues: By meanes of this shooting, the Spaniards (who were come thether in the beginning of the night) deferred their enterprise till two of the clock in the morning, in meane time both parties kept them-selues very quietly, they within the towne placed soldiers, and Burgers round about vpon their walles, and two companies in the market place, ready to releeue all places where need required. About two of the clocke after mid-night, those that were appointed to assaile the towne on the North-side, being come thether, and the way being long, they shotte two fierie arrowes into the ayre ouer the townes, thereby making a signe that they should all assaile the towne at one instant, at which time they assailed it in fiue places together, viz. at the Nunnes Bulwarke, the Steenberghen gate, the Orange Rauelin, and with a D Bridge layde ouer the New-hauen, and at the Polder called Saint Iames polder, all with great force and furie, respecting not the Ordinance, Muskets and small shotte out of the towne, marching as if it had beene an Yron wall; they them-selues not shooting much: at the Steenberghen gate they vsed great force, where they thought to let in their horsemen, where (in lesse then halfe an houres space) they had forced open three gates, cut downe the draw-bridge, and broken the Portcullis, so as there rested nothing but the inner-gate to bee forced open, which the Burgers fortified, and mured vp with earth, wagons, and trees, which they placed against it, and by that meanes kept them from entring the Towne, casting stones downe vpon them from off the gate. E
The Spanish Drummes strooke vp an alarme before the sayd gate, as if they had beene within; where-vpon their horse-men came before the towne, sounding their Trumpets, as if the gates had beene open, the Townes-men stood vpon the walles with their coulours, incouraging one the other, and giuing their enemies all the spightfullest words they could. Claes Luytsen Captaine of the company of Amsterdam, who was in garde in the Forte called Beckaf, by the Polder, behaued himselfe valiantly, forcing the enemie with his Musket and great shotte (as they marched along) to retire, and slew diuerse of them, the which they carried with them in the wagons, where-with they had brought their Bridges, Hurdles and other furniture, which they were forced to leaue behinde them. F
The like happened to them at the Rauelin, where they had two and twenty men slaine; at the Bosch gate their powder failed, but the Bridges were ready, and they had gotten ouer the Palisadoes, and a hundred of them at the least were climing vp the walles, before they within the towne could discouer them, the night was [Page 1351] so darke, by reason that it rained, but the Burgers continually burning Pitch and straw, 1605. A and casting it ouer the walles, by the light thereof shotte off their Ordinance, so as at last they were all forced to retire. It was strange to see the women and children helpe the men and soldiers that fought, who climing vp the walles, brought powder, lead, The endeuors of them within the towne. piche, stones, and the strawe from their beds; and laying the children out of their Cradels, caried stones in them vp to the walles; this the stoutest sort of women did: the rest beeing of weaker complection, went along through the streetes, and kneeled before their doores, lifting vp their hearts, eyes, and hands to heauen, in that sort fighting by prayers and sighes vnto GOD, which moou [...]d the Souldiers to greater courage.
The Townes men and inhabitants without respecting of what religion they were, B (whereof many were well knowne to bee Romish Catholickes) failed not one with the other to runne to the walles, and made all the resistance that possiblie they could to repulse the enemie. Sir Paul Box roade into euery place vpon his horse, holding his Bridle and Courtelax in the left hand, and a Pistole in his right hand, with a garde about him, commanding all that was necessarie to bee done. The Bougue-maisters, and also the Ministers of the reformed Church, did what laye in them, and shewed not to bee slackest, but armed themselues and went to the walles to resist the enemie, and to animate the Souldiers to bee resolute.
In this sort the Spaniards hauing attempted to surprize the Towne, and finding great resistance, vntill day light, at last they were forced (with their losse) to retire C to Antwerpe, leauing about a hundred men dead behinde them, the which were buryed in three pittes. It is sayd that the Barron of Amersteyn, a Noble man of Stiria, was slaine there, and nine Captaines. The Burgers going out of the gates, in great rage, kild diuerse of the Soldiers which laye wounded without the towne, and had hidden them-selues.
In the way to Antwerpe, there were many of the Souldiers found which dyed of the wounds they had receiued before the Towne, and it was knowne that they The Spaniard retires from Berghen. had laden sixe and thirtie Wagons (which they brought thether with Bridges, Petards, Ladders, Hurdels, and other municion, and left it all behinde them,) full of dead and wounded men, where-with they filled all the Hospitalls that were there-abouts. They within the Towne lost but one of their Souldiers, and had sixe D other of them wounded, but many burnt; and so they gaue vnto GOD most hearty thankes for their happy deliuerie. The vnited Prouinces would haue found this to haue beene a great losse vnto them, and therefore they tooke great care to prouide better for it, for that after this enterprize the Spaniards bragged that they ment to make a third attempt, or else to besiege it with a great armie, wherevpon the Estates of those Prouinces, sent eight companies more into it, but Prince Maurice sending fiue companies thether out of his atmie, those eight were sent backe againe into Flanders.
Whilest that Marquis Spinola was busie on the other side of the Rhine, the Earle of Busquoy, who (as wee haue sayde) was left behinde with fiue thousand Wachtendonk taken by the Spaniards. E foote and eight hundred horse, went to besiege the towne of Wachtendonke in the countrie of Geldres, the which hee tooke by composition on the sixe and twentie of September, the Souldiers departing with their full armes and baggage. All this time the Arch-dukes forces beeing so great, and dispersed on either side of the Rhine, the Estates were forced to keepe good garde in many places, and to haue them well furnished: so as Prince Maurice could not draw any armie to field, but kept himselfe close. Yet they made hotte warre at sea against the Shippes of Dunkerke, so as Captaine Moy-Lambert of Rotterdam with a Shippe of warre of Enchuysen, tooke the Admirall after a long fight, who chose rather to bee slaine F there, then to yeeld himselfe to their mercy: to whome the Estates (for that hee was not cruell, nor yet their vassaile, but of Antwerpe) would haue granted his life: yea they did grieue at his obstinacie.
[Page 1352] There were fortie of his men hanged at Rotterdam, and the rest at Enchuysen, for 1605. A tha [...] they were their naturall borne subiects, or had formerly serued the Estates, the which happened in October.
About this time Prince Maurice vnderstanding, that Spinola had lodged fourteene companies of Ruiters and eight companies of foote men, in a village called Mulhem vp the riuer of Roere, by the house of Brooke, the which were led by the Earle Theodore Trivultio, Lieutenant generall of the horsemen, hee resolued to set vpon them, and vpon the eight of October in the euening went out of his army, with all his horse, and foure and twentie companies of foote, of diuers nations, which hee caused to bee carried in wagons, apointing his brother Henricke Earle of Nassaw to haue the foreward and with him Marcelis Bax, each with eight cornets of horsemen. Prince Maurice himselfe following with the rest and three field peeces, their conclusion, was that Bax B should ride thorow the Roere, and on the backe side of the village charge the Spanish quarter; and Earle Henrick with other eight companies of horse, and the foote men should ride to the village, which doing they found the Boome open; and therefore stood still to slaie for the foote men, in the meane time the Spaniards tooke an alarme, and left the village, and went to the house of Brooke, which by policie they had taken, but if they had sodenly charged the enemies, they would without doubt haue soone ouerthrowne them, for Earle Henricke riding through the village, found them in the Roere busied to passe ouer, but by his standing still, they tooke courage, and charged Cont Henricks horsemen, putting some of them to flight, but for that Prince Maurice C followed them, with the rest of the horse and foote, their flight was stopt, and the Spaniards by that meanes past the Roere, whom Prince Maurice gaue charge to follow, so as not onelie most part of the horsemen, but certaine troupes of Englishmen of Sir Horatio Veres regiment ouer-tooke them.
In the meane time Ma cellus Bax, past ouer the Roere with his horsemen, to stoppe the passage: but comming thether, hee found the Spanish horsemen standing to watch them, or els to goe on with some conuoy: hauing a good number of footemen. Where hee put the horsemen to flight, but beeing releeued by their footemen, they made head againe, (the waie beeing of aduantage for the footemen) ayded also by them of Miulhem, but they were once againe forced to giue backe, so as at D last Bax found himselfe to bee charged by one thousand horse at the least, with whom for the space of an houre and a halfe, hee held plaie onely with foure hundred horsemen, chargeing and recharging one the other so valiantly, as Bax kept his standing, wondering that no man came to second him; at last Cont Henricke came thether, whom Bax intreated to charge the Spaniardes which stood vpon the Roere, and hee would second him, the which they both did with great resolution, but Don Lewis De Velasco hauing in the meane time gotten an other companie of horsemen together, at last Cont Henrickes horse were againe shamefully put to slight, abandoning their Lord, who so resolutely ledde them on, the which would haue brought the whole armie into disorder and confusion, if the resolution of Sir Horatio Vere E with foure good companies of Englishmen, and one of the Scottes (belonging to the Lord of Backlough) had not beene verie great, who made a stand, and with their, pikes withstood and repulst the enemie, and were not once broken, notwithstanding the enemies furious charges. At last a troupe of Frenchmen ledde by Mounsier Dommerville came to releeue them, where hee was slaine: Earle Henricke beeing thus abandoned by his horsemen hee went with some few that were left to Baxes troupes, vpon whom all the Spanish horsemen fell, so as they doubted howe they should saue themselues, charging the enemie oster times verie valiantly; where the Earle to his great honour and commendation so valiantly charged a Spanish captaine, as hee bent his pistoll vpon him, which hee likewise did to him, F but both fayled: wherewith the Spanish captaine thought to haue taken hold of the Earles scarse, and for to haue pulled him to him; the which Bax perceiuing, hee bent his pistoll at him, thinking to shoote him into the face, but with ouer great hast hee shot him lower in the armor, and their they sat both on horse-backe, hardly [Page 1353] be-sted amongst their enemies, and but weakely releeued, by meanes of the noise 1605. A and cries which the Earles horsemen had caused amongst them; they had manie shot made at them, but in the end Baxes Nephew came and releeued them, and by that meanes they gathered some horses together, and once againe charged the head of a troupe, but were againe put backe, and in that sort they fought for the space of seauen houres.
In the meane time Prince Maurice came on with three field peeces, and some troupes of footemen, which as then were more necessarie then the horsemen, who beeing ledde on by Cont Ernestus and collonel Marquette, they discharged a volley Earle Theodoro Trivultio slaine. of shot amongst the Spaniards, at which time, Earle Theodoro Trivultio was slaine, beeing Lieutenant generall of those troupes, a braue souldier and of a Noble house: and B therewith certaine horsemen led on by the Earle Henrick giuing a new charge, the Spaniards were once againe put to flight, and were driuen vp a hill; some ranne into the wood, and many saued themselues in the house of Brooke, which at the first they tooke by policie, but it was taken from them againe, and for want of good order, they recouered it againe, and so it serued them for a good retraict, many were taken and slaine in the flight, and diuers horses wonne, but such as fled into the wood, heareing of Spinolaes comming from Roeroort with the whole armie gathered together againe.
After this long and tedious fight, Prince Maurice hearing of Spinolaes approch hee caused his men to returne, willing Bax to staie there to fauour the retraict, as hee C did, but was ill seconded by the other horsemen, the Spaniards hauing gotten fresh supplies fell vpon them againe; and the horsemen getting ouer Roere, the Spaniards fell vpon the English foote, who valiantly defended themselues, as long as they had any powder, but the Earle of Chastillion, standing with two troupes vpon the Roere, about a hedge, shot so fiercely, as the Marquises horsemen were forced to retire, and so they made an orderly retraict, the Spaniards following them still shooting, but comming to a heath, they left each other, where as Prince Maurice called for those horsemen which had fled, giuing them many reprochful speeches, and shewed them what confusion they had made amongst his men, whereas he put his greatest trust in them, and by that meanes mist so good and faire an occasion to ouerthrow his D enemy.
It was thought in this fight, there were about fiue hundred of Spynolas men slaine, whereof one was the Earle Theodoro Trivultio, (whose body beeing imbalmed was the next yeare sent vnto Milane where hee was borne) and Gambarotta and others of account, amongst the prisoners one was Nicholas Doria cousin to Spinola, and others, hauing two cornets taken from them; and of Prince Maurices side they lost two Ensignes, and about two hundred men, amongst the which Mousier Dumdeville was one, and certaine captaines: the prisoners were Mounsier de Bethune, (who was presently exchanged for Nicholas Doria,) as also captaine Sald, captaine Pigot and captaine Ratclif, but Sir Henrie Carie, a gallant Gentleman (and Maister E of the Iewell house to the King of England, after his father) was put to a great ransome, for that hee serued as voluntarie, and was not contained in the quarter.
This was donne vpon the nineth daie of October, which gaue Prince Maurice great cause not to put so great confidence in his horsemen, beeing as then but weake of foote, so as after that hee durst not by any meanes hazard the like againe.
This Winter there was little done in the Netherlands touching the warres, onely that the garrisons on either side made many enterprises one vpon an other, as vpon 1606. Marquis Spinola goes into Spaine. Nuys, Graue, Erckelens, & Deuenter, especially ouer the Ice during the frost, but they tooke no effect, the feare thereof beeing the cause which made the generall Marquis F Spinola to staie longer in the Netherlands then hee thought to haue done, so as it was the first daie of Ianuary before he tooke poast to passe through France into Spaine, where on the waie hee was hindered by sickenesse, and beeing in Spaine hee found more want of money then hee expected, by the bad traficke in Spaine [Page 1354] for that the East and West Indian fleetes were not come, as also in regard of the dearth 1605. A in Spaine, whereby al the Spanish ryalles were paied and carried away for corne, which was brought thether in great aboundance out of France, England and other countries, so as in Spaine they were forced to vse most copper money, the which was wont to bee as plentifull of siluer as any other countrie.
In this winter also the counsell of warre assembled in the Hage to giue their censure A sentence pronounced against the gouernor and captaines of Linghen for yeelding vp the towne. vpon the gouernor and captaines of Linghen, for that they had so basely yeelded vp the towne, this counsell consisting of the Earles, Henricke, Ernest, and Iohn of Nassaw, the young Earle of Solms, the Lord Vander Noote, gouernor in Flanders, Emerie van Lidie, gouernor of Williams Stat, Mounsier van Lookeren, with some English and Scots Colonels, and other captaines with Collonel Warner du Bois, as president, which met B the last of Ianuary.
They of Gelderland, with certaine of the Barron van Hemerts kindred, who was beheaded in the Earle of Leicesters time, by rigor of lawe, said that if they were not beheaded, that then the said Barron of Heemert had great wrong offered him, for that hee had endured three assaultes giuen against the towne of Graue, and receiued aboue a thousand eight hundred cannon shot, whereas they to the contrary suffered three bridges to bee laid ouer the towne ditches in the daie time, without any resistance, and that therefore, if they would proceed seuerely against the one, and not against them, they should then haue good cause to apeale against the Iudgement giuen vpon the Barron de Hemert. This counsell sitting tell the 11. day of February, at last they gaue C sentence, that the gouernor of Lynghen called Marten Cobbe, and captaine Iohn Witte should bee dismist, and with ignominy declared vncapable euer after to beare armes, and that the Drosart Albert of Itersome, Iohn Ruysch, Iohn van Dyck, Ernestus Mellinga, Nichalas Audaert, and the Licentiate Iuthiema should bee deposed from their places, & cassiered, and should serue vnder such companies as they should be appointed vnto, to recouer their credits againe if they could.
This sentence was much spoken of, for that many were of opinion, that if at the first these men had beene censured, they had beene likely to haue lost their heads, but so much time passing ouer before they were iudged, and for that their action was not found to proceed of malice, but of meere cowardise, or want of experience, had saued D their liues, whervnto also the weakenesse of the countrie at that time was some helpe, who could hardly punish them hauing many friends.
In the beginning of this springe Count Ernestus of Nassau was called by Duke Henry Iules of Brunswicke to bee Lieutenant of his army against them of the towne of Brunswycke, in whose aide the Hans townes of the East countries leauied certaine men. The said Duke gaue vnto Cont Ernestus one of his daughters in marriage, the The Archdukes in iealousie of the Duke of Bouillon. which was celebrated at Wolffenbuytell where the Duke keepes his court. The Barron of Barbanson, brother to the Earle of Arembergh did leauy at that time for the Arch-duke a regiment of three thousand Germaine foote; the Earle of Busquoy one of two thousand fiue hundred Wallons, and the Lord of Luxembourg an other of the like E number, which was to fortefie them vpon the iealousie they had of the duke of Bouillon brother in law to Prince Maurice, least he should haue some secret intelligence with the French King, and that both of them (hauing ioyned their forces togither) should fall vpon him. For as the duke beeing in disgrace with the King, was retired to Sedan, where hee leauied men for his defence; so the King made preparation of an armie to goe and assaile the duke, but by meanes hee was reconciled to his Maiestie vpon these distrusts, the Arch-dukes sought to fortefie their army with new leauies: sending one part of all his forces into Luxembourg, and an other into Henault, Arthois, Namur and other frontier countries, but the Duke beeing reconciled to the Kings fauour, the King dismist his army, and the Duke discharged his men. F
The Earle of Busquoy hauing gathered some troupes togither in march about Keesers-weert, he made shew as if hee would build some new fort vpon the Rhine, neere vnto Berck. But vpon the foureteenth day of the month about mid-night, hee surpri [...]ed the towne of Brevoort; the gouernor and some of the souldiars (seeing the townes [Page 1355] thus taken) retired into the Castle, which they defended against the enemy. The Estates 1606. A horsemen which had conuoyed Cont Ernestus towards the Duke of Brunswick were by good hap returned the day before out of Germany into those quarters, who presently cut of the enemies victualls, so as the pesants could not bring them any thing vnto the towne. Cont William of Nassau gouernor of Freezland and Groning, hearing of this surprize and that the Castle held good for the Estates, sent presently all the horse and foote hee could gather sodenly together in his gouernment, who went and beseeged them that had surprized the towne: Cont Henry Frederec of Nassau was also sent from the Hage, and captaine du Bois, hauing charge to command all the forces they could get of Breda, Berghen and other places to follow them. Prince Maurice And abandoned againe. meaning to bee there present him-selfe parted from the Hage the twenty one of the B month, carrying all his owne horses with him, with his tents and all his other bagage fit for such an exploit. But as they were vpon the way they had newes that the enemy had beene forced to abandon the towne againe, where-vpon he determined to returne to the Hage.
In the begining of the yeare 1606. Philip Earle of Hohenloo, Baron of Langerbergh, Lieutenant generall of Holland, Zeeland, West Freeseland, Bomell and Thieldwert. &c. Philip Earle of Hohenlo died. being sicke of a long lingering disease, which grew to be a generall lamenes both of hand and feet, so as hee could not stire nor helpe him-selfe, died at Iselstein vpon the fift of March, being aboue fifty yeares of age. A man of a tall comely stature, and of good experience in Marshall affaiers, but somewhat stout and hasty, hauing C serued about thirty foure or thirty fiue yeares in the Netherlands in great and continuall troubles, especially after the death of the Prince of Orange, when as the vnited Prouinces were wonderfully perplexed, Prince Maurice his sonne being then very young, so as then there was not any man that seemed able to take ther cause in hand to direct their marshall affaiers, and to be tutor to Prince Maurice, but onely this Earle to whome euery man had a respect, to the end he should vndertake their affaiers, in regard of his authority and credit amongst the soldiers, as also for his skill in marshall affaires, being also very rich, and withall very bountifull and affable; hee married the eldest daughter of the Prince of Orange borne by the Contesse of Buren, who died without children, his lands hee gaue to his brothers children, whereof D Ernestus Earle of Hohenlo was then in the Netherlandes with him, and commanded his cornet of horse, being a gallant young gentleman of great hope; his funerall was apointed to be kept at Iselstein vpon the 6. of April, with the accustomed ceremonies, where Prince Maurice and others of the house of Nassau were present, with the Deputies of the general Estates, the counsel of Estate, and the counsel of Holland and others; but by reason of the taking of Breuoort it was put of for a while, his body was set in a coffin in the Church of Iselstein vntill his kindred came out of Germany to fetch it, and so carried it to the country of Hohenlo.
The Arch-duke being freed of the feare he had of the French King, the garrisons of Flanders attempted a certaine enterprize vpon Sluce being conducted by Frederik E Vanden Bergh which was very secretly vndertaken, but not fortunately effected.
Not long before there were two Spaniards who hauing for a time serued in Sluce, ranne from the Estates againe and gaue intelligence to them of Flanders, how that the An enterprise made against Sluce by the Archduke. watch house without Sluce which stood vpon the bridg of the East gate was burnt downe, so that as then there was no gard held, that bridg serued to come from Coxy, Cadsant, and from all the parts of the drowned land into the towne, being very long, with two draw bridges and a good pale on the one side, but onely where the sconses which had beene broken downe stood, thinking it very difficult that the enemy should attempt any thing on that side, in regard that the drowned land was round about fortefied with sconces, being almost impossible for them to F passe that way.
The towne gate as then was very weake, being onely of double plankes nayled one vpon the other, and along by it but a slight low wall, which they might easely climbe ouer. Mounsier vander Noot the gouernor of the towne being partly aduertised of an [Page 1356] enterprise to be made vpon that part of Flanders, had sent to all the sconces and forts 1606. A round about to giue them warning thereof, he him-selfe talking his ease, not once fortefiing his gards neither had he any suspition, for which his negligence hee was afterwards much blamed. It was an enterprize well managed and better executed then that which was led by Mounsier de Terrail, but by GODS prouidence wounderfully preuented, for that few men might easely haue effected it, there being a large plaine within the gate, which lay beteewne the towne and the castle, where they might all haue put them-selues in bataile.
The petardiers of Terrail with some others being well informed of this scituation, they concluded that on the west side, vpon the twelth of Iune there should be a slight alarum giuen, and that therevpon they should assaile the East gate, their number being B three thousand sixe hundred or three thousand seauen hundred men, all old expert souldiers and most Walons, which by night past through the drowned land, hard by the crab sconce, and were not once discouered.
Wherevpon it chanced, that the Sexton of the great Church, or of the great clocke, which was heard through all the towne, about ten of the clocke at night, went vp into the steple without a candle, and as GOD would (by a meere accident) ouerwound his clocke which was the reason it strooke not all that night, so as the soldiars on the West side, knew not when to begin their alarum, and fearing to be discouered and betrared, stood still. They at the East gate hauing stood aboue an houre watching behind the [...], and not discouered, hearing no alarume giuen C on the West side, w [...]re [...], doubting to bee intrapped and knew not what to do, but at last by the [...] o [...] the Petardiers who were desirous to be at their worke, they resolued to goe [...]rd.
The Petardier c [...]d three of his men to swimme ouer, and commanded each man to doe a seuerall worke, the first with a small petard to breake open the locke of the first draw bridge, the second to doe the like to the second draw bridge, and the third with a great petard to breake open the gate, hauing a great space betweene it and the drawe bridge, and they were all three effected accordingly, the two lockes of the drawbridges being broken, the gate also flying open, and the drawbridge being let fall, the soldiers marched forward, as many as cold marche one by an other D vnto the gate within the gate there was sixteene or seauenteene men in the gardhouse commanded by the gouernor Mounsier van Noots Sargeant, which Sargeant hearing some noise, went to hearken at the gate, and with the blow of the petard was slaine, those that were in gard came all out, and seeing no, man aduance towards them they put to the gate againe as well as they could: in the meane time (as I said before) the bridge stood full of soldiars, who had nothing but there cortelasses and pikes, (which was a graat error in them, as hauing more neede to haue beene musketiers) but they stood still looking one vpon the other, being much abasht, not onely for that they heard no alarume from the West side, but for that they saw no great resistance made against them. E
The Petardier speaking vnto them and crying, March forward the gate is open, but they within hauing some respeit, the gate being halfe open into the which they thrust with their pikes there came presently to ayd the court of gard, (who had shot of their peeces) an English Captaine with about sixteene soldiars and Gentlemen, who lay not farre from the gate, but halfe drest, and presently after that diuers others, as the captaines [...]oost, Broufaulx, Haultaine, and an other, [...]euery one with there rediest men, and not long after the gouernor him-selfe also came; most part in their shirtes, so as if the enemy had charged them furiously, and presently clome vp the walles, although it had bin done at the first but with ten or twelue men (as it is thought) F they should haue beene maisters [...] towne, but they were so afraid of some treason for that the clocke st [...]ucke not and euery man within the towne was so still and quiet as they were afraid to aduance and go forward. They within the towne taking courage to them-selues being ignorant what was done without, presently placed ordinance and [Page 1357] shot crosse ouer the bridge which caused the ennemy to giue backe, they within the gate 1606. A also discharging their peeces furiouslly vpon them, the Englishmen (hauing nothing on but their breeches and their corselets vpon their shirts, were the first that sallied forth vpon the enemy, that was vpon the bridg, and were not much hurt by their pikes, who for that they had no muskets were furiously charged by them of the towne, for they that were in the formost rankes could not giue backe, being compelled by those that were behind them to stand close in order, the bridge being very long most of them were forced to leape of from it into the water, or else to fall downe, where the pales were burnt, so as many of them were drowned; And so they which were behind were forced to fly; the Englishmen (who besides the watch) were the first that sallied forth against the enemy, had the best purses and booties, whereby most of them going out halfe naked came into the towne againe with good apparell. Thus the B Archdukes soldiers were forced with great confusion to flie from an interprize which was well plotted, well conducted, but badly executed: it may bee through want of some commanders of authority amongst them, leauing all their petards and preparation, and most part of the soldiers their armes being esteemed sufficient to arme a thousand men, and were forced to fly through such a passage, as many left their shoes sticking fast in the mud; there were fifty sixe buried in one graue within the gate, besides those that were drowned and smothered, not accounting them which were slaine by the sconces without, one of the two spaniards which had fled, and descouered the weakenes of towne vnto the enemy, was found dead vpon the bridge, some prisoners wer brought into Sluce, most of them being hurt, one being a Iesuit, (who C had at least fourteene or fifteene wounds) hee confest that hee had come thether of meere zeale to say the first masse in the towne, hee said also, that he perceaued well that GOD would not as yet send that misfortune vnto the towne, in regard of their blody and cruell resolution, which was to murther all that were within it. No enterprize could be easelier nor better concluded then this, and whereon so much depended, and yet was it most easely preuented and chiefely through feare, hauing no man of authority to command them, nor to free them of those doubts, nor that had the foresight to clime vp the walls and the gate, which were very low, whereby they might easely perceaue, that there was no plot laied to intrappe them, but the feare which had seazed on their hearts (the which commeth from God) gaue them D within meanes to giue the alarme, and to resist them.
Not long after there was a drumme sent into the towne for certaine prisoners, who said that the enemy mist foure or fiue hundred of their men, and they within very few: After this enterprize there was a faire halfe Moone made at Sluce before the said gate to preuent the like attempts. This enterpise falling out thus vnfortunately, Certaine captaines and soldiars punished by the Archduke for failing of the enterprize before Sluce. Terrail (with his petardies) made great complaint thereof vnto the counsell of warre, saying that they had opened the gate, and that the soldiers durst not enter, wherevpon the counsell of warre caused some of them to be aprehended and committed to prison, whereof three were openly beheaded for the same in Brussels vpon the nineteene of Iune, one being a Captaine called Cruycklenborgh, another was Sergeant E Maior of the Irishmen, and one Wael Rasoir who had serued long time vnder the Spainard. Cruycklenborgh being a yong gentleman of good parentage in Brussels was much lamented, and great meanes were made vnto the Archduke for his life, who being much importuned by his friends, willed them to repaire vnto him againe after noone; in the meane time they were all three beheaded before noone, by commandement from the counsell of warre, and that which caused the matter to be more spoken of, was, for that it happened euen at such time as the Earle of Busquoy was married in the court at Brussells vnto the cousin of the Earle of Biglia. Colonell Challon was discharged of his Collonells place and a company of horsemen giuen F him, the soldiers of the Netherlands murmured much at this rigor vsed by the Arch-duke, saying, that although the Spaniards and Italians committed neuer so many offences yet they could keepe their heads vpon their shoulders, Mounsier de Terraile with the rest of his petardiers hearing what murmuring speeches were vsed among [Page 1358] the souldiers by reason of that execution, feared least they would secretly doe him 1061 A some mischiefe in regard thereof, for which cause hauing made some friends vnto the French King his maister to pardon him, hee left the Netherlands and went into France, but after committing a murther in France, hee fled againe into the Netherlands. About this time in the beginning of sommer it was agreed betweene the The castle of Wouvve and Hoghestrate razed. Archduke and the vnited Prouinces (the better to releeue the countries on both sides,) that the castle of Wouwe, and the castle of Hoch-strate (fortefied by the mutinous esquadron,) should be razed, as being both a like iniurious vnto the countries, the which was as then done. The 20. of Iune there was a great quarrell and tumult in Antwerp, betweene the Netherland sailors and the Spanish garrison in the castle, about a whore or some such like matter, wherein some Spaniards were hurt and a sayler slaine: the saylers An vprore in Antvverp. accompanied with the Burgers ran in heapes to the Oue and the Minte, not farre B from the castle, against whom the Chastelaine of Antwerp presently marched forth with 400. Spaniards in three troupes, and entered the Oue with such fury as if they would haue slaine all they found, wherevpon the drummes did beat an alarum in al places about the towne, and the streets were stopt with wagons, the people crying out and saying that the Spaniards ment to make themselues masters of the towne, wherevpon the Burgers with all speed barricadoed the streets with wagons and other things, and the Boyes began to cry, kill, kill, so as it was likely there would haue beene great bloudshed. Wherewith the Burgers beeing moued and vp in armes, the Burguemasters with great intreaties and promises appeased them, and caused the Castelaine with his souldiars C retire into the Castle againe, and so the matter was pacefied: the next day the Castelaine and the Burguemasters, debated the matter before the Archduke in Brussels, where they had an answere giuen them. About this time there was a Burgers wife of Gant (being great with child) with her sister, murthered by a Spaniard for that shee Two women murthered by a Spaniard in Gant. had sent her daughter away, whom he followed, and (as hee said) thought to haue married, which Spaniard after hee had done the deed, went to saue himselfe in a cloister, where because the porter would not let him in, before he had gottē licence of the Prior so to do, he snatcht a candle sticke out of his hand, and strooke him therewith, wherevpon the people running thether, they tooke him and bynding his hands and feete, laid him in the street, vntil that the officers (being made acquainted therwith) came & aprehended D him, for the which not long after he was beheaded, notwithstanding many high words vsed by the gouernor of the castle, who among other speeches said, that it was not conuenient they should put one of the Kings seruants to death for the murther of a woman or two, which would haue caused a tumult among the people, if they had not feared such an inuasion, as they did in the yeare of our 1576. Vpon the 21. of Iulie, Don Iohn de Silua captaine of a cornet of horse, and one of the councel of warre to the Archduke, boldy entering into the Earle of Barlaymonts house, who had married the daughter of the last Earle of Lalain, with whō the said don Iohn was too familierly acquainted) was by the sayd Earles seruantes assailed and wounded in nine or ten places of his body and almost slaine, whereof notwithstanding the Archduke had giuen him warning, to E auoide any such occasion, but he trusting to his owne manhood, armes, or proud stomake, neglected it, being hurt in that manner, he was taken and committed to prison in the castle of Antwerp by the Archdukes command, but after being cured of his wounds, he got out from thence and went into Spaine.
The one and twenty daie of Iulie in the morning, the Earle of Busquoy comming from Moocke with three thousand foote and fiue and thirty shalops or boates laden in wagons to the Wahal, at Keeckerdom he had planted two demy cannons, by meanes & vnder the fauor whereof he thought to put his boats into the water, and so to passe ouer, and also in the mart shippe of Keeckerdome, wherein he shipt the Spaniards of Don Inigo de Borgias regiment, and some of Pompeto Iustinianios the Italians regiment, F with a choise companie of sixe speciall men out of euery bande in his armie, and with them hee ment to passe ouer the Wahal at Keeckerdome aforesaid aboue Nimmeghen, and as they were putting off, vnder the fauour of the ordinance, each boate hauing some fiftie men in it, and sixe boates going out before them, beeing almost [Page 1359] ouer, collonel du Bois, (who came thether the night before, hauing heard newes thereof 1606. A at Nimeghen) marched to the water side, with two companies of Frenchmen, commanded by Mousier Roques, and two companies of Englishmen ledde by Sir Thomas Harwood and captaine Iohn Vere, and two halfe companies of horsemen, the one collonel Edmonds, the other Sir Iohn Ratclifes, who had newly receiued the company from Richard Arthure an old souldier, who beeing sickely, had made it ouer vnto him with which companies he withstood the Spaniards landing; who sought all the places thereabouts both below and aboue, to goe to shore, where the fight continuing betwixt them about an houres space, at the last (hauing sought all the meanes they could to passe) they were compelled to put backe againe in great disorder, one hindring of an other, with the losse of a hundred of their men, wherof fiue were captaines, as the ouerlopers B reported: and of du Bois men, thirty were slaine and wounded; and so the Earle of Busquoy went backe againe, to his army at Moockle, which he there fortified in an Island lying in the Meuse. It is since vnderstood that his intent was to enter into the Betuwe, and to incampe himselfe, on the side of the Rhine, either aboue or beneath Arnhem, and that then Spinola should also come to the Rhine, and so to ioyne both together, which had beene a great furtherance for them, wherein du Bois did the vnited Prouinces verie good seruice at that time, for which cause Prince Maurice caused good watch to bee kept in euery place, by water and by land, both with horse and foote, especially along by the Isel, or where their enemies might haue the best meanes, to get ouer, placing shippes of warre in gard vpon the riuers, who kept watch with halfe their men in shalops, as also in herring boats, which sayled too and fro, and euery houre C brought newes what the enemy did, so as Prince Maurice had at least a hundred companies of men lying all there abouts.
This enterprise of the Earle of Busquois fayling and the enemy thereby brought to a new resolution, Spinola laie still at Lochem, vntill the last of Iulie, thinking to giue Spinolaes enterprise to get into Suider sea. Prince Maurice a sodaine blow, and to that end went with his army towards Brouckhorst and Doesborgh. In the meane time sending an other troupe of souldiers to Almeloo, where as then hee was gathering togither a certaine number of boates to bring his souldiers downe the riuer to Bercklenmeers bridge, and so into the Blackwater betweene Sasselt and Swol, meane time the garrisons of Linghen and Oldenzeel came thether to him, hoping with them and by the aide of the said Scutes, vpon D the second daie of August earlie in the morning to passe ouer the Black-water and to enter into Maste [...]broke, and so to beseege Swol, and by the same meanes to take Geelmuyden lying vpon the South-sea: but Warmeloo Drossart of Salant, who laie in Swol, vnderstanding thereof, went forth with three companies of foote and cornet of horsemen and so valiantly withstood them, as after a long fight Spinolaes men were let of their passage, and forced to retire, and that in great hast, fearing that their enemy had beene stronger, many of the men of both sides beeing slaine and onely by their obstinacy.
Spinola seeing that this passage also could not bee gotten, was forced to procede to his third resolution, and so vpon the third daie of August, hee went with his armie before Grol besieged by Spinola. E Grol, whereinto Prince Maurice had put the young Lord of Dort with eighteene companies of men: beeing about thirteene or foureteene thousand men strong, at their first comming they were entertained with skirmishes; but after that hee made his trenches, and the tenth day of August he tooke two halfe moones, which stood without the towne by force, where hee had at the least sixe hundred men slaine and wounded, whereof some were of his owne kindered, and eigh or ten captaines with many officers, and amongst the rest two Earles of Embden, viz. Earle Iohn of Redbergh, and his brother Earle Christopher were wounded, they within also had much hurt, and lost captaine Appel vander Schuren Lieutenant to collonel Dort.
In the winning of those halfe moones, Spinola shewed great rigor and cruelty against F his men, driuing them like beasts, both to fight and to dig vnder the enemies ordinance, by meanes of his horsemen who followed with their cortelases drawne, yet notwithstanding, they were thrice put backe, but the fourth time hee won them with the [Page 1360] counterscarfes, and cutte of some part of them of the towne, so as they could not 1606. A gette in againe, which done he placed his Ordinance for the batterie vppon the sayd halfe Moones: And beeing by that meanes close by the ditches of the towne, with all the speed and courage they could vse, they filled them vp with such stuffe as they could gette, and so vppon the thirteenth of August gotte to the walles of the towne, and also to their mynes wherein the pouder was alreadie placed, where they fought hand to hand in three seuerall places, they also shotte downe all the parapets of the walles, and began to vndermine them. The reason of this hastie and furious proceeding was, for that Spinola had taken certaine messengers with letters sent to them of Groll, willing them to withstand the enemie valiantly, and that they should bee releeued within three daies, as hee also vnderstood by the soldiers, which dayly B went to Prince Maurice from all places, for that hee had sent for William Earle of Nassau out of Freezeland, to come with all the men that hee could spare, and for Colonell Edmonds out of Reinbergh; Collonell du Bois from the Betouwe, and the soldiers of Deuenter and Swoll, which all marched to Doesborgh, with Ordinance, Munition and all other preparations for an armie. Where-vppon Spinola vsed all the dilligence hee could to winne the towne, determining vppon the fourteenth of August to assault it in three places at once, and to that end in great pride hee placed his men in order of battaile, and made a terrible show, and there-with hee willed a Trumpet to certifie them within the towne, that hee would giue them but one houres time to bethinke them-selues, which if they refused, hee would put them all to the C sword, for that hee sayd hee would and must haue the towne, &c. Where-vppon they within (namely the Burgers) being much abasht, fell downe at the young Gouernors feete, desiring him to consider of their generall weakenesse, so as the Gouernor vnaduisedly Groll yeelded [...] Spinola. at their request, was content to hearken vnto a composition without once shewing Prince Maurices letters to the soldiers, who promised they should be releeued vpon the sixteenth of August, and there-vpon he and the Captaines without any great need, yeelded vp the towne by composition, and so issued out with 18. Ensignes, displayed, being about 1200. sound men, & 100. wounded, and 15. or 16. horsemen of Batenborghs companie.
Within it also there was a companie of New-geusen who (like to them that sold Gheertrudenbergh) were prescribed and banished in all places, but for that the D composition was made for them also, they went forth and deuided them-selues amongst the other companies. The Bourgers had two moneths time giuen them to consult whether they would stay or depart the towne, and so the garrison went out from thence in great hast with bag and baggage, hauing but two houres time granted them to doe it, for feare of Prince Maurices comming, and to that end had wagons giuen them to bring them to Zutphen, where they arriued the next day at noone: And although Spinola was much commended for his good order and discipline, yet that garrison past not without ransacking of the men and some wagons. There was about a hundred men slaine in Groll, but many more without, some sayd eight or E nine hundred, & that by reason of the great haste vsed by Spinola to win the towne, for that at the same time Prince Maurice was gone to Doesbourgh; where-vpon the 15. of August when all the Ordinance and Munition was laden ready to march forward to releeue them, he had newes that the towne of Grol was taken, where-vpon presently hee dispersed his army, and sent euery man vnto his garrison, therewith to furnish al places, staying to see what further attempt Spinola would make.
Spinola hauing soone (beyond all expectation) gotten that towne, euen at such time as his armie had great want of all necessaries, and (by reason of the aboundance of rayne which then fell) was hardly lodged, his enemie beeing in field, ready to attempt some great exployte, and hee beeing but meanely intrencht, was F forced to lye there, to repayre the walles of Groll, who in regard of his great want of victualls, was constrayned to retyre to the Rhyne againe, and therevppon determined to beseege Reinbergh, willing the Earle of Busquoy to breake vp his army at Moocke, and to inuest Reinbergh on Gelder side, the which he presently [Page 1361] did, first passing by Nimmeghen, as if hee would haue done some-thing there-abouts, 1606. A causing some suspition to rise, as if hee meant to doe some-thing against Berghen vp Zoome in Brabant, by sending some of his men to Monsieur Grobbendonck, but hauing giuen the peasants charge to cast downe all his trenches at Mooke, vpon the twenty of August hee past along by the Rhine, and sodenly set vpon a ship of warre, which tooke no great regard vnto himselfe, where-as the Captaines wife had her head smitten off, hee himselfe and hi [...] Lieutenant with diuerse Saylers being taken prisoners.
In the same manner also there was a Galey burnt by Boisleduc, through the negligence of the Captaine, in the beginning of September; which Galley lay before Herdrighsvelt, to let all incursions. Vpon the ninteenth of August Spinola raised his armie before Groll to go to the Rhine; which Prince Maurice vnderstanding, vpon the twentie B of August went to Deutechom, and to Eltenbergh. The one and twenty of August Reinbergh besieged by Spinola. the Earle of Busquoy inuested Reinbergh towards the land beneath the towne, and shut vp the riuers and to that end, vpon the foure and twenty of August, he brought twelue Shalops into the water, where-with he caried his men ouer the Rhine, and made a battery of two Canons, to let the passage, where hee placed the Saylers of Antwerpe, and the same day Spinola went to Lippe to passe ouer there.
In the meane time Prince Maurice sent his brother Cont Henrick of Nassaw with seuen and twenty companies of horse, and foureteene companies of footmen to meete them & to set vpon part of the Earle of Busquoyes men, which were marching from Mooke and other places, but they marching towards the Meuse, and so to Venlo. Cont Henrick could not come at them, wherfore according to his further commission, he past C forward to Rhein-bergh: and vpon the fiue and twenty day of August at night, put the said foureteene companies of foote into Rheinberge without any incounter, because as then the Earle of Busquoy had not inuested the towne round about: with those foureteene companies there past foure-score French Gentlemen of qualitie into the towne, one of them being Monsieur de Sonbyse, brother to the Duke of Rohan, cousin to the French King, and Monsieur de Varennes, who were excellently well mounted, and behaued themselues valiantly. Cont Henrick left the towne well furnished of all things necessary, vnder the gouernment of Monsieur Van Vtenhooue, and the trenches vpon the Weert and ouer the Rhine, were committed to the charge of Sir William Edmonds a Scotish Colonel, as being necessary to be well garded. D
The Marquis of Ausbach of the house of Brandenborgh, being come to Prince Maurice with certaine horsemen, and hee perceiuing that Spinola would besiege Reinberghe, and to that end had past ouer the riuer of Lippe, vpon the eight and twenty of August he followed him with his armie, to get hard b [...] Wesel, that he might incampe himselfe betweene Wesel and Bislicke, and to that end he presently sent for ship-Bridges; there to make a Bridge ouer the Rhine: and vpon the nine and twentie of August he past by Emericke, and so to Dornick, (where hee vnderstood that Spinola made a Sconce at the mouth of the riuer of Lippe, to let him from passing ouer,) and vpon the thirty of August he went to Wesel and there insconced himselfe.
Reinbergh being round about besieged, vpon the eight and twentie of August, they E within sallied out of the towne ouer the Rhine vpon Spinolaes quarter, being lead by some French Gentlemen, in very good order, and to the great losse of their enemies. After that they made another salie out vpon Busquoyes quarter, where they were driuen in againe by the enemie with sixe hundred horse, but the Ordinance of the towne plaied so vpon the horse-men, as they made a great spoile amongst them, at which time the Cont of La Flesche one of the French Gentlemen, venturing too boldly amongst the enemies, was taken prisoner.
In the meane time Spinola had made his bridge from Roewort ouer the Rhine, somewhat aboue Reinbergh, and caused great store of Fagots and other furniture to bee brought thether, to assaile the trenches ouer the Rhine, at which time also Prince F Maurice in-sconced himselfe, staying for his ship-bridge that was to come vp against the streame, and by that meanes lost his opportunitie and meanes to relieue the Trenches which were before Reinbergh, for that before hee was well in-sconced, and [Page 1362] had gotten his shippe, it hapned that Collonell Edmonds (who had then commaunde [...] 6. [...] [...]d [...], ne [...]. A of the sayd trenches In the Weert, and ouer the Rhyne, vppon the third of September) was shotte into the head (as hee lookt ouer the wall) whereof hee dyed, beeing an old experienced soldier and one who had serued the States long, and Collonell of a regiment of Scottish men, a man of meane quallitie, but by his seruice aduanced to much credit, presently after his death, they within the said intrenchments began to bee in doubt that they could no longer hold the same, and vppon this imaginarie feare they resolued the next night after to leaue them, and to put their men into the Weert, and into the towne, which they did, breaking downe their bridge, and by that meanes Spinola gotte great aduantage, much incumbr [...]ng Prince Maurices seeking to releeue the towne who at the same time hauing receiued some shippe-bridges, B was busied about making his bridge ouer the Rhyne, and to cause the English regiment vnder their Collonell Sir Edward Cicile to make a trench for the keeping of his bridge: besides the los [...]e of the great intrenchment ouer the Rhyne, they of Rembercke left diue [...]s other workes, lying without the towne, as Cont Ernestus old quarter, and the sconce of Hollestrate, which gaue the enemie great aduantage, and would haue beene the meanes to haue procured a releefe vnto the towne with more ease, where-vnto the long detraction of Prince Maurice did much helpe, for that it was the tenth of September before hee battered the sconce at Lippe, and beeing put backe from thence with a light skirmish, hee went into his quarter againe, but attempting the same againe vppon the twelfth of September, hee put ouer and there insconced C him-selfe, and on the thirteenth of September brought the most part of his forces ouer the Riuer of Lippe, and assayled Spinolaes sconce, vpon the mouth of Lippe, the which (presently after they saw a peece of Ordinance) yeelded vp, from whence there [...] why [...] Mau [...]uld [...]e [...] [...]es [...] b [...]o [...]rcke. went two hundred and seauenty men: The sconce was made with sixe points, but not fully finished: and although all Prince Maurices men were very willing to charge the enemie, neuerthelesse Prince Maurice by reason that hee was not there intrenched, and without victuals, and for that Spinola lay well insconced, as also that the wayes to come to him were well couered and very close, and for that Spinolas Campe was fortified by foure Regiments (brought thether by Fredericke Earle of Bergh) the which had bene taken vp about Liege) hee put all his willing men into his quarter againe, leauing some D in the sconce which hee had taken, the which hee caused to bee fortefied, and made a bridge ouer the Lippe. From that time a doubt began to rise that Prince Maurice could not releeue the towne, for that the waies were to much couered, and Spinolas campe lay well insconced, the which was the more probable for that vppon the sixeteenth of September about euening Prince Maurice sent all his horsemen out of his Campe with Cont Henricke to put eleuen companies more into Meurs, besides the sixe companies that were in it, which Cont Henricke that night happely performed. Many men discoursed strangely of Prince Maurices resolution, for that hee releeued not Reinbergh, but therein (as many men iudged) consisted many difficulties, because it was not well to bee releeued but with a battaile, which is vncertaine against an enemie E which had aduantages, and was stronger then hee, and winning a battayle hee could gette no more but the releeuing of the towne, and losing the battayle hee should put the countrie in danger: On the other side if they sought by approches to gette neere to the enemie, hee should indanger his armie, and giue the enemie occasion by night (on the Riuer) to go downe and enter into the Betenwe, and so bring his proceedings to a worse Estate, whereas hee thought hee did well to keepe the heart of the Countrie from inuasion, and yet held his armie whole, ready vpon and good occasion to hazard further, and so [...] Spinola strike of the tippes of his hornes, which might well be repaired, and could not infect the bodie within, nor bring it to the vttermost extremitie: In the meane time the [...] within the towne made many sallies, and amongst the rest vppon F the seauenteenth of September, at which time they sent out three horsemen with letters from the Gouernor, the which past cleane through Spinolas campe, the letters cer [...]efying Prince Maurice, that the enemie approched very neere vnto them on the luyt [...] side, so as they could hardly hold out sixe daies longer.
[Page 1363] The thirteenth of September they wrotte againe that the enemie had taken all 1606. A their fortifications from them without the Luyt gate, and that they had gotten to the ditches of the towne, and had wonne the defences without the Castle gate, and that they were also gotten to the Bulwarke of the towne; so as hee saw not how to saue all the boates, shippe-bridges, and shippes that were there, and that their powder would sodainly fayle them, but notwithstanding all this, vpon the foure and twentith day of September they made a sallie, and tooke a halfe Moone againe from the enemie, which they before had lost, where they tooke certaine prisoners: where-vpon Spinola sent a Trumpet to the towne, for which cause they ceased their shooting (which otherwise neuer left off day nor night) which made all the places round about to suspect that they were in parle, but it was but a short prolongation B of time.
But Prince Maurice (notwithstanding all these aduertisements) resolued not to releeue the towne, holding it impossible, and so lay still, thinking it best for him to keepe his armie in safety, and not to consume it by ouer-venturing vppon the enemie, in seeking meanes to releeue the towne, and to no end. Vppon the sixe and twentith The Estates send to perswade Prince Maurice to releeue Rhynbercke. day of September, the Deputies of the generall Estates came into the Campe, to know Prince Maurices minde and resolution, or else to moue him to vndertake the releefe of the towne, where-vnto they vsed a long perswasion, but hee would not bee brought there-vnto, esteeming it both impossible and vnnecessary, where of one of his chiefe reasons was, that, that the Towne was not to bee releeued, but along by the East side of the Rhyne, and by bringing the armie neere, which could C not bee done by any sodaine enterprize, but by approaches, by which meanes Prince Maurice feared, that Spinola would leaue Reinbergh, and on the one side keepe his armie still in alarme, and on the other side seeke to doe some exployt in the Betouwe, whether Prince Maurice should bee forced to go to ayd it, and in such a case his armie (beeing mixed with the enemies) could not well gette from them without confusion; besides hee sayd that to bee alwayes readie, and to haue meanes to ayd those places that were of most importance, hee thought it best to keepe his Armye free and whole: which reasons by those which had experience in warres were well allowed of, and thought to bee of great importance, for that men must alwaies haue a care to keep woundes from their hearts. Therefore seeing that they could not releeue the D towne, diuers of them propounded a question, whether by leauing it off, they might not attempt something else of consequence, many beeing of opinion that Prince Maurice had committed an error for that hee had not beseeged Grol, when hee saw hee could not helpe Reinbergh, but that was not so much vrged, some reasons leading to the contrary; at last they resolued to enterprize something against Venlo, to see in the meane time if they could gette it, to which end it was agreed that Cont Henricke with twelue hundred horse and sixe thousand footemen should attempt it, and that the same night it should bee attempted, Prince Maurice with the rest of the armie should lie in the way, that leadeth from Reinbergh to Venlo to preuent them that vpon the alarum giuen at Venlo would aduenture to go thither from the enemies campe. E
To this end Cont Henricke and Cont Earnest with their troopes vppon the last of September departed out of their campe to Grawenweert, from thence to turne againe to Venlo, and vpon the first of October in the night to take their enterprize in hand, Prince Maurice also went from the campe the same night to the aforesaid way, but there hapned a great alteration in the meane time, for that they of Reinbergh, beeing out of hope of releefe, and perceiuing that the enemie had gotten so neere vnto the towne, as they were in great danger thereof, vpon the same day beeing the first of October they compounded with Spinola, to yeeld the towne vnto him. Cont Henricke being before Venlo with his Petards, brake open the gate before day light, but the F alarme was to soone giuen within the towne, for that the same euening there was a company of horsemen ledde by Mounsier Van Etten Generall of the victuals, An enterprize vpon Venlo. come into the Towne, whereby it hapned, that some of Cont Henricks men beeing alreadie entred into the Towne, were by the sayd horsemen (with some [Page 1364] losse) driuen out againe, and forced to retire. Prince Maurice also lay on the waie 1606. A but to no end, for that Spinola, had commanded that no man should that night go out of the campe.
They of Reinbergh agreed with Spinola to depart the towne with armes and baggage like souldiers, and with three peeces of ordinance that laie in the Weert, as also Reinbergh yeeld [...]d to Spinola. the new Geusen, or Saint Andreas souldiers, but they must leaue al the shippes, puntes, bridges, and the rest of the ordinance, and so vpon the second daie of October, there issued three thousand men, with three companies of Ruyters, with the dead bodie of general Edmonds, it is thought there were fiue hundred lost within the towne, both dead and wounded: The French gentlemen also departed from thence with their honours, as also the gouernor and the Lord of Sweten: it seemeth that the greatest cause of the giuing ouer of the towne was, that they saw no hope of releife, and therefore B without staying to trie the vttermost extreamitie, they made a composition in time, pretending some feare to want powder, whereof at the first they had great store, and had beene verie prodigall, for they had aboue a hundred thousand pound of powder, which as then they had brought to thirty thousand pound, and there withall they had a kinde of feare so as they durst not trie the last euent of armes.
It was thought there were many of the enemies slaine before the towne, and amongst the rest three Engeneurs or maisters of the fortifications, & Pompeio Romano their chiefe The Spaniards los [...]e at the [...]ge of Rhine- [...]erck. Engeneur wounded, before it also was slaine Collonel de Tores who had the regiment of Catrice, and the Lieutenant Collonel of the Barron of Achicourt, with diuers C others of great quality, as the cousins of Spinola and the Earle of Busquoy. Their losse of men was found to bee so great, at also by reason of the disease and wetnesse of the weather, as their companies at the musters were found to bee but fortie or fiftie strong, so as many regiments (as amongst the rest two Italian regiments, one Cont Guydo St. Georgios, the other Pompeto Iustinianios) were lesse by a third part then they should bee.
By meanes of the winning of this towne, Spinola had great aduantage, and much helpe, for thereby hee had meanes to haue victualls follow him from the towne of Cologne and the country of Cleaue, and all little inough, by reason that the waies (by meanes of the great store of raine that had fallen) were so foule and deepe, as D they had no sourage for their horses, the corne in many places with the raine and foule wether beeing beaten flat vpon the ground, and by the many and diuers enterprises made by the souldiers on both sides a great number of places were vtterly ruined and spoiled, and therefore the shippes, ship-bridges, ponts, and ordinance which they got in Reinberghe, came well to passe for them, Spinola was in all places commended for the good order and discipline hee obserued amongst all his souldiers, and in these Netherland warres no man better deserued it, which was the cause, that his army was not euill thought-on in the newterall countries.
The losse of Reinberghe caused no small feare in the vnited Prouinces, each E towne obseruing and iudging of his owne weaknesse: that maxime or oppinion long holden by them beeing then broken, which is, that a towne which is besieged, beeing well furnished with good store of braue souldiers, and seconded with an army to aide them, might bee esteemed inuincible, but these our warres haue many and often times prooued the contrary, for which cause many faint-hearted people complained of the long warres, and the great charges thereof, wherevnto it was a great furtherance, that the old, stoute, resolute men, which had felt the Spanish yoake, were most of them dead, and that the gouernment of the state is not now in the hands of such zealous persons.
The Marquis Spinola hauing wonne honour in the taking of Rhine-Berck, went F and lodged his armie in the countrie of Iuilliers, in the Diocesse of Cologne and thereabouts: [...] the which Prince Maurice vnderstanding, hee raised his campe and marcht with all sp [...]ed before Grol, with an intent to recouer it againe, lodging his men in the towne ditches, without any one cannon shot.
[Page 1365] But Spinola aduertised of this desseigne, hee presently gathers his forces together, 1607. A and what with faire promises, and some little money, he perswaded them to march, for the freeing of that Towne: which the Prince vnderstanding and winter drawing on, hee raised his campe, and so both the Armies returned to their garrisons to winter and rest their men; this was in Nouember.
The mutines of Dyest continued all this time in their mutinie, seeking to drawe contribution from all the frontiers, euen out of Germanie, vntill they were payed. The mutines of Dyest. The which the Prince Elector of Mentz vnderstanding, hee caused a dyet of the Circles to bee held at Ouerwezel, to ptouide some meanes to stop their incursions, but there was nothing effected: but in the end the King of Spaine and the Arch-dukes, were forced to giue them contentment. More-ouer Dom Ihon de Medicis, hauing B three and twentie companies of foote, and foure Cornets of horse, entred into the countrie of Mont Iean, belonging vnto the Duke of Cleues, and so into the Duchie of Iuilliers, his men were Italians, and new come, committing all the spoiles and insolencies they could deuise. This did adde more to the miseries of those quarters, who had nothing common with the warres of the Netherlands.
In Ianuary 1607. the mutines of Dyest made a roade euen vnto the suburbes of Liere, the which they sayd was friend to the King of Spaine and to the Arch-dukes, and therefore subiect to contribution as well as the Netherlands, whereof th [...]y came to doe execution; by Lont-recht, as they call it, (which is as much to say as Militarie Iustice.) But the Townes-men (who are giuen to armes) tooke armes C and chased them away, with the losse of foure of them, and fiue and twentie of the mutines, which made them retire, spoiling some farmes there-abouts. But in other places they did so terrifie them with threats, as they forced them of the Duchie of Iuilliers to giue them ten thousand rycx Dallers, they of Cologne seauen thousand, the Abbot of Duyts eight thousand, and that within eight or ten daies, vpon paine of military execution. They did also taxe the Abbat of Cornelis Munster at sixeteene thousand ricx Dallers, but the refusing it, did leuie men, & muster vp all his subiects to resist them. But soone after there cam [...] an assignation out of Spaine for six hundred thousand Ducats▪ to be paied in sixe moneths: so as the mutines were satisfied according to the agreement they had made with the Archdukes, and had leaue to depart freely where they D pleased, yea eight hundred of them that were last proclaimed, were to depart the countrie within foure and twenty houres. So as such as were in Flanders, retired some to Calais, and some into Picardie, for that their heads were rated, euery one according to his qualitie. These are the preiudiciall fruites of mutinies, who in the end (after much harme and mischiefe done) must needs be payed.
To end the troubles betweene the Earle of East-freezeland and the towne of Embden, Peace made betweene the Earle of East-Freezeland & the towne of Embden. this yeare certaine mediators tooke vpon them to deale therein; as the King of England, by a Gentleman called Mr. Ralph Winwood, now a Knight, who lay at the Hage for the said King, and certaine Deputies for the Estates, as Iohn Ba [...]el, Iacob Boelissen Vitus Caninga, and Abel Coenders van Helpen, who propounded certaine articles vnto both E parties, as to hold and obserue the last treatie [...]ade in the Hage, and all other treaties, decrees, and contracts to remaine in full force, with-out preiudice or innouation of those of Embden, and touching ciuill actions, namely the order concerning money, and the yearely acknowledment of all that is contained in the first article of the accorde made, as also the ciuill controuersies and actions, concerning the iurisdiction, they should bee left to the disposition and deciding of the cordinary iudge, without preiudice to any man.
That they of Embden, according to the decree made in the Hage, should restore the Ordinance and other things which they had gotten.
Further, that th [...]y of Embden should suffer the Earle to enter, and yeeld vnto him F the imposts of the wines, and the iust halfe of the forfeitures that should bee made; vntill those matters were otherwise determined and decided. That the Commander and those of the garrison should maintaine them-selues by Hunting, Fowling and Fishing, as well by land as by water, and to that end and purpose the Earle should [Page 1366] without refusall giue the Burgers of Embden conuenient letters for the seas, and intreat 1607. A for the prisoners, that they with their shippes and goods might bee released in euery place. That the Earle should promise to suffer them of Embden to enioy the benefit of neuteralitie, both by water and by land, and to doe all that belonged vnto a good Lord and Soueraigne Commander. Lastly, that all extraordinary exactions should cease and be called in againe; and all offences and iniuries should bee remitted and quite forgotten, and from thence-forth a good peace and vnity entertained on both sides. These are the principall points that were set downe and propounded vnto both parties by the said Committies, and with their consents agreed vnto, the which were found and confirmed by them to be reasonable and good, hoping they should bee held and well obserued: and if it fell out that the said Earle, or those of Embden, did breake B this accord, the said Committies should mooue the King and the generall Estates, to reuenge such iniuries by force, and by no meanes permit any thing to bee done to the contrary: this was concluded in the Hage, vpon the tenth of Nouember 1606. and signed by the said Committies: after the which they of Embden deliuered the Earle his Ordinance and other munition which had beene taken from him.
Vpon the tenth of Ianuary 1607. the Earle caused the said agreement to be openly 1607. proclaimed.
The last of Ianuary 1607. at the earnest request and intercession of the Townesmen of Groning, it was agreed by the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces, that The castle of Groning broken downe. the Castle made there to keepe the towne in awe, should bee opened and throwne C downe towards the Towne, at such a time when as euery man did iudge it was not to bee done: for the effecting whereof an Ingeneur was sent thether vpon the third of Februarie.
This yeare the yong Earle of Brooke a Nobleman of great hope, riding out of The Earle of Brooke murthered by the Spaniards. Holland to the house of Brooke vnto his brother, with a small conuoye of horse-men, was intercepted and watched for in the way, by certaine Spanish Souldiers (vpon hatred which in times past they had borne vnto the Earle his Father, and yet had reuenged it at their pleasures,) vpon the way as he went by Wesel, with foureteene horsemen, the Spaniards mette him, first taking his Secretarie who roade before, and him they stabd with Bodkins, to make him tell them the trueth of his Lord; who being thus D tormented, was forced to confesse his comming after, then there followed two of the Earles pages, whom they presently slue, for that they would not confesse any thing of the Earle; after that came the Earle with foure horse-men, and some Gentlemen, vpon whom the Spaniards fell, and because he would not yeeld himselfe, they shotte him into the body, and after cruelly murthered him, giuing him diuerse wounds after that hee was dead, doing the like to some of the Gentlemen that were with him; yet some of the company escaped. This acte was much abhorred by all the country there-abouts.
The 7. of February Cont Henrie assembling a good number of horse-men of the vnited Prouinces, and certaine footmen (which he set vpon peasants horses) he thought there-with to charge two regiments of Spinolaes horsemen, lying dispersed in the countrie E of Limborgh: And vpon the eight of February hee began to set forward, but the said regiments vnderstanding thereof, got into the next towne there-abouts, whereby Erckelens taken and spoiled by Henrick Earle of Nassaw. that enterprise was disapointed. Where-vpon Cont Henrick returning back againe, fell vpon a small towne called Erckenlens, wherein Frederick Vanden Berghe lay.
And vpon the eleuenth of February in the morning, by the meanes of a Petrad, he entred it, and tooke the Earle of Berghe prisoner, and about fiftie of his horsemen; the rest being out of the towne: and for that the Burgers of the said towne during the time of their ne [...]tralitie, had vsed much crueltie and hard dealing against the soldiers which serued the vnited Prouinces, as also being then strengthened with a garrison of their enemies, he suffered it to be spoiled, and after burnt it, and so they departed with F the bootie gotten therin.
As the King of Spaine had prepared a great fleete of shippes, of all sorts, well manned The King of Spaine & the Estates prepare to warre at sea. with Soldiers, and furnished with all things necessary, meaning to annoy the vnited Prouinces all he could. So likewise the vnited Prouinces being duly informed thereof, [Page 1367] they for their parts did also arme to sea twenty seauen shippes of warre and foure for 1607. A victualls and munition. Of which fleet they made Iames Hemskerke of Amsterdam Admirall, whose wisdome, courage and experience, together with his loyallty and loue to his country, was wellknowne to all the world by his many good seruices.
Vpon the twenty fiue of March hauing all things redy, hee sailed out of Texel with The Estates shippes sally towards Spaine. sixteene shippes of warre and one pinace, with whome there ioyned the foure victuallers, there came three also from Enchuysen, and three from Horne making twenty two shippes of Warre: vpon the twenty seauen day they came vnder the Ile of Wight, where they found three shippes more of Zeeland, and fiue of Rotterdamme with an other pinace of Amsterdam. There was a forth shippe of Zeland runne on ground, so as they tooke the men and munition out of it, and put them into other shippes. B On the twenty nine day they set saile from the Ile of Wight, and two daies after the Admirall Hemskerke (hauing all his fleet together) went on with an Easterly winde towards Portugall and Spaine, so as on the tenth of Aprill they came vnto the height of thirty six degrees neere vnto the riuer of Lisbone. There the Admirall called his They resolue to enter into the riuer of Lisbon. captaines and councell aboard, where they resolued to enter into that riuer with their whole fleet, and to set vpon the carraques and gallions which they should finde there. But the Admirall being certenly aduertised by his spies (which hee had sent into Lisbon in an English shippe) that the carraques were most of them gone forth, and that there remained but eight or nine, not halfe furnished and without artillery. Moreouer hauing intelligence from certaine French shippes comming from Saint Lucars C and from Cabiz, that there were sixteene gallions gone towards the West Indies, and ten others well appointed lying in the straight of Gibraltar, with many other shippes appointed for warre, attending there such of the vnited Prouinces shippes as should come out of Italy and the Leuant seas, which they knew were many. This made the Admirall to take a new resolution to goe and visit this fleet euen in the straights. Then they bent their course towards Cape Saint Vincent, where they turned on the left hand, and lost sight of one of their company: there they met with a shippe of Flushing, which came through the straights on the twenty day, telling him that he past through the Spanish army in the night, and being out of the Straight, they semed to him in the morning as if they would take their course towards Cadiz, for that they could notly within the straight, the wind being Easterly. D
The Admirall hearing this, continued his course, and on the twenty foure of Aprill they past close by the riuer of Saint Lucars, and the Baye of Cadiz but they could not learne that any shippes were entred, where the Admirall had fully resolued to charge them, were it in the riuer of S. Lucars or in the Bay. The same day he had certaine intelligence The Estates shippes go to seeke the Spanish fleet. of the Spanish fleet, by a Frenchman which came out of the road of Gibraltar, who duly informd him of the strength and Estate of the Spanish army. At night (for that the wind was westerly) thy bent their course southward, towards the coast of Barbary, from whence in the morning they turned againe towards Spaine: when the Admirall came into the narrowest part of the straight, he called all his Captaines aboard, etting them vnderstand what the French man had said vnto him, where they did E aduisedly consult of their affaiers, and in the end resolued to set vpon the Spanish fleet, appointing euery one his place how hee should fight. The Admirall Hemskerke with Captaine Moye Lambert should charge the Admirall, the Vice-admirall Alteras with captaine Bras should vndertake the Spanish Vice-admirall, and so euery two shippes of warre should take'a galleoun to taske, the two Pinaces and a barge were appointed to lie out at sea, to charge any ship or gallioun that should offer to fly, but the foure victualers should lie a loose. The Admirall hauing set all things in good order, hee incorraged the Captaines, recommending vnto them the honor and profit which this victorie would bring vnto their country, telling them that hee would bee the first, F and intreating them to lay aside all feare, where-vpon they did all sweare ioyntly vnto him that they would follow him and obey him vnto the death: where vpon euery one departed to his ship. Then they sailed towards Gibraltar to seeke the enemy, whome they descouered about noone, being at anchor in the Baye of Gibraltar, within cannon [Page 1368] shot of the towne and Castle. 1607, The number of the Spanish fleete. A
They were in all twenty one, that is nine great galliouns and foure shippes of warre, with a great shippe of Lubecke of foure hundred lasts, who was come into the roade, to stay for a winde to goe to Cadiz, their were foure French shippes, and three prizes, two of Enchuysen and one of Rotterdam; all which shippes they had manned with soldiars, to attend the Estates army; for the Duke of Medina Sidonia hearing that they had past before his riuer and before Cadiz, he presently dispacht a post to Gibraltar, to aduertise the Spanish fleete of the comming of the Estates men, wishing them to stand vpon their gard: They had the like aduertisment sent from Cadiz, so as the same day they did [...]ortefie their army with three hundred men, of the which there were a hundred caualiers, which came voluntarily to serue the Admirall, so as the Admirall had about seauen hundred men abord his shippe, and the Viceadmirall some foure B hundred and fifty, as it was since vnderstood by prisoners. The galliouns were well appointed with brasse ordinance, and euery one had two hundred and fifty soldiars at the least, besides marriners. The Admirall was Don Iuan Aluares d' Auila, borne at Esturges, an ancient knight, who had long serued the King of Spaine at sea, euen all the time of Don Iohn of Austria, his shippe was the Saint Augustine, of eigh hundred tonne: the Admiralls sonne (bearing his owne name) was Captaine of that galleoun; the names of the other Galeouns Iomit for breuity sake, the repetition being not greatly necessarie.
The Admirall Hemskerke hauing the Spanish fleete in sight, hauing praied vnto C God, and set things in order, hee bent his course directly towards them, and caused his flag to be nayled fast to the toppe of his maine mast, that it might not be dismounted, promising a hundred rialls of eight to any one of his men that should bring the Spanish Admiralls flag, exhorting his men to shew their valours and resolutions, promising them they should freely enioy what-souer they should take from the enemy, without any question, the which (together with their Admiralls resolution) did so incourrage them, as they thought the time long vntill they were ioyned with the ennemy.
The Spanish Admirall hauing in like manner descouered the States fleet, he called for the Maister of a shippe of Rotterdam, a prisoner whome he set at liberty, and D shewing him the Estates shippes, he asked him if he thought they durst come vnto him, where-vpon the other answered. Sir with your good fauor I thinke, they dare do it: The which the Admirall could not beleeue, seeing he had so great aduantage, lying vnder the fauor of the towne and Castle, yet when hee perceiued that they came with full [...]ayles towards him, hee caused his cable to be cut, (for he lay at the point) and retired more into the Baye, towards the towne, so as he had the Viceadmirall and three other galleouns to couer him, the which the Admirall Hemskerk perceiuing, he went on his course, leauing the Viceadmirall and the galleouns on his left hand, causing an anchor to be set on the toppe of his prowe, redy to let downe: commanding they should not let it slippe before that hee was grappeled to E the Spanish Admirall, forbidding them also to shoot, vntill they were very neere vnto the enemy, and so hee sayled towards the Admirall; being in the head of him, the Spainard made the first shot, but did no great harme; the Admirall Hemskerke answered him with two peeces from before, and presently grapled with the Spaniard, letting slippe his anchor.
The Spaniard with the second shotte he made slue a young Gentleman, and the boullet passing on by misfortune strooke of the Admirall Hemskerkes left thigh close to his body, where-with hee fell, and the same boullet carried away a gonners The Admiral Hemskerke slaine. hand, where-with he was ready to giue fier. This valiant Admirall fealing death approching, incouraged them that were about him all he could, intreating them to proceed F as they had well begon, and to put an other in his place, then recommending his soule to GOD, hee gaue vp the ghost. And thus this braue Captaine died like a right soldiar in his armes.
[Page 1369] In the meane space they shotte so furiously of eyther side, both with their Canon and 1607. A Muskets, as the [...] could not see for smoake. Captaine Lambert, who had charge to second his Admirall (whose death was not knowne vnto the rest, vntill the victory was assured) charged the Spanish Admirall first in poupe, making a great spoile of his men, then hee came in flanke behinde the Admirall Hemskerke; annoying the Spaniard all hee could with his Ordinance. It is a hard matter to describe how furiously they did fight on both sides. For although the Estates shippes were not halfe so well manned as their enemies, yet hoping of victorie they did fight like Lions, and partly to bee reuenged of that which the Spaniards had made them suffer, as well in prison, as in their Galleys, and other-wise.
When as the Admirall Hemskerke went on first to charge the Spanish Admirall, The Spanish Vize-admirall burnt. B all the other Shippes followed him, according to their direction, the Spanish Vize-Admirall was grappled with, and (after halfe an houres fight) set on fire, during this charge, and as the fire begunne, there was one of the Estates men fetcht downe the Vize-Admirals Flagge, and carryed it into his shippe, for which valiant act hee had fiftie ryals of eight giuen him as the Admirall had promised: but the fire increased in such sort, as the Estates shippes could hardly free themselues from fiering, so as they burnt some part of their sailes: but no man sought to quench the fire in the Spanish Vize-admirall burning downe to the Keele. Such as escaped the fire cast themselues into the water, and were most of them slaine, the rest were all in a manner taken prisoners. C
A Galleon which lay behinde the Spanish Vize-admirall was also in fight with three A Galleon burnt. of the Estates shippes, after some fight Lange Hendricke one of the Estates Captaines was slaine with a Musket shotte. They of the Gallion seeing their Vize-admirals Flagge downe, they presently planted one vpon their missen Mast, but it was soone pulled away by a Hollander, and the Galleon fired, which burnt euen vnto the water: an other Galleon was so plyed with the Canon, as it was soone sunke.
The rest of the Spanish Fleete beeing retired more into the Baye with their Admirall, seeing how the game went, plyed the Hollanders with their Canon, who answered them in like manner, but yet they neuer came to handie blowes, nor to graple, but in the end one of the Spaniards with much shooting, and inconsideratly, set fire of his owne shippe, which driuing downe, fired an other that was before him; D the rest terrified with these fiers, cutte their Cables and ranne on ground, seeking nothing more then to saue their liues. And among others the Lubeck shippe was set on fire.
All this time the Spanish Admirall was in fight with two shippes, which did so plye him with their Ordinance, as hee left shooting, putting forth a white The Spanish Admirall offers to yeeld. Flagge in signe of a parlee, the which stayed not the batterie. In the meane time, another Galleon being in fight, was set on fire, the men thinking to flie in their boates to their Admirall, who made no more resistance, came vnto the Admirall of Holland. One of the Estates Trumpeters went vp and pulled away the Spanish Admiralls Flagge, for the which hee had a hundred ryalls of eight as the Admirall E Hemskerke had promised. The Spanish Admirall being thus vanquished, hauing lost many men, they threw themselues by ten or twelue at a time into the sea seeking their safety by swimming, but the Hollanders being in their boates slue all they met withall in their furie, so as the dead carcases did lye floating in the Baye, as if it had beene in a champian field. This battaile began about three of the clock in the after noone, and ended foure houres after in the euening, when as the Estates had a full and absolute victorie. The Estates win the battaile. This hardie and dangerous battaile was attempted by the valour and great resolution of the Admirall Hemskerke, and happily ended by ten or twelue shippes at the most. The next day morning the Spanish Admirall being runne a ground vpon the F Sandes, they of the towne went forth, cut downe her maine Mast, & then set fire on her, easing the Hollanders of that paine.
It was an admirable and fearefull thing to see these Gallions and shippes burne, especially when the fire came to the poulder, then it was like vnto a horrible thunder. [Page 1370] The Sea and land were couered with smoake for a long time, like thicke cloudes which 1607. A mounted vp to heauen.
Besides the Admiralls Gallion there were fiue others burnt, with an other great shippe of warre which the Spaniards had taken at Sea, and that of Lubecke: There was an other Gallion sunke, the other two ranne a ground, the which were so battered Their losse of shippes. and torne as they were not fitte for any more seruice. There was also run a shoare a French shippe, that of Roterdam, and one of Enchusen, and al the rest of the Spaniards ships of war were run a ground here and there neere vnto the shoare.
There were not aboue fifty Spaniards prisoners, who confest that there were 4000. men in their armie, of the which there were 2000. lost at the battayle, among the which Their losse of men. was their Admirall, and many other Captaines and Gentlemen, whose names could B not be recouered. Among the prisoners was Don Iohn Aluarez D'Auila the Admirals sonne who was carryed into Holland. Of the Hollanders side, the Admirall Hemskerke was slaine at the first charge, with some 100. men, and about 60. hurt.
On the 26. day the Estates ships withdrew them-selues a little from the towne and Castle, and drest their hurt men, as well as they could: during their abode there, they might see many soldiers both horse and foote vppon the sands, running towards Gibraltar, for they did confidently beleeue that the Estates men would make an attempt to spoile the towne, where they were in such feare, as they began to pack vp their baggage, and to flye away.
On the seauen and twentith day the Estates armie past ouer to the Coast of Barbarie, C sayling so neere the Towne of Ceuta and other places belonging vnto the King of Spaine, as they shotte at the shippes, many of them beeing on horse backe fearing their descent. But they past on vntill they came vnto the Rode of Tituan, a strong Towne fiue Leagues from Ceuta, belonging to the Moores, there to repare their shippes which had beene spoiled with the Canon: comming before the towne they were curteously intertained: The Gouernor with many Turkish Gentlemen, went aboard to welcome them, offering them all friendship and assistance, and sending Oranges and Lymons, with diuers other sort of fruites to refresh them, shewing great signes of ioy for their victory. Those that were a shoare were much honoured of all men. The Gouernor offered to lend them good numbers of horse and foote, if with D their ships they would attempt any thing vppon Ceuta, but they excused them-selues vpon other disseignes.
Their shippes beeing well repayred, and all things in good order, the Vice-Admiral Alteras was made Admirall, and Peter Werhoef was Vice-Admirall: then they tooke councell which way they might annoy the enemie more: in the end they concluded The resolutiof the Estates ships after the battaile. that the Vice-Admiral with part of the Fleete should go to the Islands to seeke their aduenture, and the Admirall with the rest should lye vppon the Coastes of Spaine and Portugall, and two of their victuallers with a shippe of warre, should carry backe the Admirall Hemskerkes body imbalmed into Holland, who arriued at Amsterdam the fift of Iune, where three daies after hee was interred with an honourable Military E pomp, as his loyaltie and great seruices done vnto his countrie had well deserued: his The Admiral Hemskerke buried at Amsterdam. body was carryed by twelue Captaines, beeing accompanied with all rites and Ceremonies belonging vnto such a Commander, and followed by the Councell of the Admiraltie, Magistrates of the townes, Collonels, Councel at war, Captaines, Officers, Gentlemen, Marchants aduenturers to the East Indies, with al the chief Burgers of the towne, in very good order.
The generall Estates for a perpetual memorie of his seruices, caused a goodly tombe to be built vp for him, with his armes ouer it, and on the West side there was a faire table of Iette, in the which were grauen in golden letters, the painful voyages and vertuous acts done by him in his life time. Mounsier Hurst and maister Iohn Geuarts make an offer of peace or truce [...] Holland. F
It had long beene sought and practised in the Netherlands how to attaine vnto a Truce or surceance from armes, but the Vnited Prouinces remembring what happened to Sextus Pompeius, sonne to Pompeius the great vpon his Treatie with the Emperour Augustus, they alwayes feared it, yet at the last it [Page 1371] brake forth after a strange manner. In May 1606. Monsieur Walraue van Wittenhorst, 1607. A Drossart of the land of Kessel, came for that purpose to the Hage in Holland, but as then he could effect nothing touching the same, nor yet once haue audience granted him: after that in December following he came into Holland againe with one maister Iohn Geuart Licenciate in the lawes, and Secretarie of Tournhout, making knowne to some of the Estates that they had instructions dated In May, containing that the Archdukes were wholy addicted, to cease the long continued bloudy warres, and to reduce the countrie vnto a good peace, vpon such reasonable conditions, as the Prouinces should be well content there-with, which was, that they knew the vprightnesse of their intents, and that they desired nothing else but that which was their owne, and that therefore they were content that the Estates themselues should aske what they B thought conuenient to demand of them for their owne securities, wherein they would giue them all-reasonable satisfaction, and that if they would hearken therevnto, or to a truce for many yeares, they should appoint time and place, and they would agree there-vnto, yea although they thought it not good to haue it openly done, but secretly, and by few men there-vnto appointed, and that their meaning was not to circumuent them, &c.
Besides this the Archdukes had written a letter of the 12. of December 1606. that they had once againe sent the Gentlemen aforesaid into Holland, to make an offer of a treatie of peace, and that if they were more addicted to a truce then to a peace, they should certifie their mindes therein. The Archdukes (in regard of their great affection & desire to peace) might willingly hearken there-vnto. Wher-vpon they began to deale C priuatlie one with an other, but for that they had no letters directed vnto the generall Estates, they thought it not good to make the matter openly knowne, before they had further commission from the Archdukes, for which cause in December, the sayd Geuarts went in all hast to Brussels, & from thence brought a Commission from the Archdukes, bearing date the third of Ianuary 1607. containing a charge imposed vpon the said Monsieur Van Horst, and Secretary Geuarts, that they at the first assembly of the Estates, should in their behalfe signifie vnto them, that they were ready to hearken vnto a peace, and for the treating thereof, were content to appoint Commissioners, & to giue the Estates all reasonable contentment, or that if they would rather hearken vnto a truce, that the Archdukes were also content to do it, for such time as should be agreed D vpon. Who being come vnto the Hage vpon the ninth of Ianuary with this Commission, The States answer to the Archdukes Commissioners touching peace. they presently began to craue audience for the same of the generall Estates, and vpon the tenth of Ianuary they spake with Prince Maurice: and after that vpon the thirteenth of Ianuary, they had audience giuen them by the generall Estates, where they declared the effect of their charge and commission, desiring the Estates withall to remember and call to minde the doubtfull euents of warre, and there-vpon to dispose themselues to a good peace or truce, thereby to reduce the countries vnto quietnesse and to their ancient prosperitie, &c.
Where-vnto, vpon the seauen and twenty of Ianuary, answer was made them, (after some rehearsall of that which had past in former times) that the Estates perceiued E that the Arch-dukes still continued in their groundlesse pretences, of hauing right and lawfull title vnto the vnited Prouinces, whereas they affirmed before all the world, and know it to be euident and apparent, that there was no manner of title to be pretended by the said Archdukes vnto the said vnited Prouinces, but onely by force and bloodie warres, and that to the contrary the sayd generall Estates, vpon good and lawfull pretences by them alwayes held and maintained, and without doubt presume the same to bee grounded vpon right and reason; and to the vnitie made amongst the sayd Netherland Prouinces, hoping once againe to reduce and ioyne all that which by force and practises had beene taken from the sayd vnion, with violation of the solemne decree, whereby the Netherlands, by so inuincible and lawfull reasons, are declared F to bee a free state, which decree from the fiue and twenty of Ianuary 1582, thetherwards by diuerse publike acts and declarations, and by the mightiest Kings and Potentates of Europe had beene confirmed. And for that cause they had determined to [Page 1372] endeuour with all the force and power they could make, to recouer the same, and that 1607. A as then for that time they could giue no further answer therein, then such as in former times they had made to the Emperors Maiestie and other Princes, which was, that they held [...] for a Maxime that they could not by any godly, honourable, nor assured meanes, deale with those that contrary to the aforesaid decree, maintained and would affirme them-selues to haue right vnto the vnited Prouinces, or that continued in the said pretence, protesting against al the wrongs that the said Prouinces or members thereof, in proceeding with so lawful a cause might sustaine therereby. Here-with the said Commissioners departed, to make report of their proceedings, after which time the said Mounsier van Horst wrot a letter vnto the Estates to certefie thē that the meaning & intent of the Arch-dukes was not by that treaty to get or pretēd any aduantage B vpon or against the vnited Prouinces, but to let them remain as they are, & that if they were content to treat in that manner, he would be content to hearken there-vnto, as being ready to do it. In the end of February▪ one Iohn Neyen Prouincial for the Franciscan Iohn Neyen [...]vinciall of the Fryers sent into Holland to treat of a pea [...]e in the Arch dukes [...]ehalfe. Friers (son to M [...]rten Neyen who had bin wel acquainted with William Prince of Orāge) came from Brussels into Holland, as Deputy from the Arch-dukes; who at his first comming staid very quietly at Ryswicke, from whence he certefied the reason of his comming; which was to know the cause why the proceedings of Mounsieur van Horst tooke no effect, and after that he had particularly spoken with Prince Maurice, he had licence to come to the H [...]ge, where he had conference with diuers persons, and also had audience of Prince Maurice, to whom he said that the Arch-dukes meaning was not by the C treatie of truce or peace to make or strengthen his title better, nor yet worse, but to treat with the Estates in such qualitie as they were. Where-vpon it being giuen him to vnderstand, that the Arch-dukes must acknowledge that State to be a free State, before they could enter into any treatie with him, the said Frier Iohn Neyen took vpon him to bring the Arch dukes there-vnto, thereby to shun al further blood-shed &c. And to that end vpon the 9. of March he departed in Prince Maurices Pinnace, and went to the Scheld and so to Antwerp. A fit man to deale with a free nation, being eloquent and wel spoken, and (in outward apparance) simple and without deceipt.
By the mediation of this Deputie imployed by the Arch-dukes (who vppon the 17. of March returned to the Hage againe) it was so wrought on both sides, as they resolued D to proceed to a treatie, vpon the receit of this declaration following.
‘The Arch-dukes haue thought it conuenient to certefie the generall Estates of the The Arch-dukes declaration touching the freedomes of the vnited Prouinces and their desire to enter into a treaty of peace. vnited Prouinces, of their offer, which is, that they (desiring nothing more, then to see the Netherlands togither with the good inhabitants of the same, free from the miseries of these bloody wars) vpon good deliberation declare by these presents, that they are content to t [...]eat with the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces, in qualitie, and holding them for free countries, Prouinces & States, where-vnto they pretend not any title: whether it be by way of perpetual peace, or truce, and abstinance from armes for 12. 15. or 2 [...] ye [...]res, at the choyce of the said Estates; al vpon reasonable conditions. In the which conditions, whether it be by conclusion of a general peace, or a truce and E abstinance from wars, it shall be agreed that each partie shal hold that he hath, vnlesse that by them & the Estates (thereby to accommodate the Prouinces by exchanging of any townes and places) by acommon consent it shal be otherwise agreed vpon▪ as also concerning the manner and assuring of mutuall nauigation, trafficke, commerce with their dependances, togither with their interuentions, consents and confirmations of that which shal be granted and concluded vpon: and further hauing duly considered of the Estate and scituation of the vnited Prouinces, and desiring to deale sincerely and without deceipt with them, as also to giue the sayd Estates time to consider and resolue vpon that which shall bee most conuenient for their good and best preferment. They are content that such persons as are borne in the Netherlands & by them to be appointed F as Deputies, shall be assembled with the like number of Deputies appointed by the said States, at such time & place, as the said States shal chuse: and that the things before mentioned may the better be performed, whether it be by a continuall peace or a truce for a time, they are content that for the space of eight moneths next insuing, there shal [Page 1373] be a truce and abstinance from all beseegings or surprizings of townes and fortes, inuasions 1607▪ A or taking of prouinces or quarters, or making of new sconces, so that the Estates aforesaid will agree vnto this prouisionall truce, within eight daies after the sight heereof, and before the first of September next insuing, deliuer their mindes in writing (touching the truce aforesaid, togither with the time and place which they shall chuse) vnto the said Arch-dukes. Dated in Brusselles vnder the hands and seales of their Highnesses, the 13. of March. 1607.’
Where-vnto the Generall Estates made answer by an other declaration as followeth.
‘The generall Estates as States of free Countries and Prouinces, (wherevnto the Arch-dukes pretend no title at all) desiring also nothing more, then to settle a christian, honourable and an assured end and release of the miseries of this warre, vppon B due deliberation, and by the aduice of his Excellencie, and the Councell of Estate, haue accepted of the declaration made by the said Arch-dukes, who therein declare the aforesaid vnited Prouinces, to bee free countries, where-vnto they pretend not any title, as also of the truce and abstinance of armes (for the time of eight moneths next insuing, beginning the fourth day of Maie) from all beseeging and surprizing of townes or sortes, inuading or taking of Prouinces or quarters, with the making of new sconces, and doe in like manner allow of the offers, and presentations made by the Arch-dukes, concerning the communicating and report to bee giuen vnto those to whome it app [...]rtayneth, and to certefie the same by writing vnto the sayd Arch-dukes &c. Before the first of September next insuing: so that the said Arch-dukes C &c. on the one side, and the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces in qualitie as aforesaid on the other side, haue faithfully promised, and by these presents doe promise to hold and maintaine the said declarations and prouisionall truce, and to restore and repaire all wrongs directly or indirectly done, in or concerning the same: and the said Arch-dukes &c. promise within 3. mone [...]hs next insuing, to procure the like consent and agreation touching this matter from the King of Spaine, for as much as concerneth him, and to deliuer the same vnto the said generall Estates, togither with all generall or particular renunciations and the assurances belonging there-vnto. In witnesse whereof there were two writings made both of one tenor, signed and sealed by the Arch-dukes, togither with the common and accustomed D signature of their Secretarie, and by the Estates of the vnited Prouinces, in the qualitie aforesaid, sealed with their great Seale, and subsigned by their Secretary, giuen in Brussels, & at the Hage the 24 of Aprill, 1607. vnderneath there stood, I Iohn Neyen Commissarie general haue signed these presents, and I C. Aertsens, as Deputie for the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces. This was done vpon the 10. 11. 12. of April, but so that vppon the 24. of Aprill, letters of assurance were to bee deliuered on both sides, vnder their great Seales, the cōtents, words, sil [...]ables & distinctions agreeing with the Act aforesaid; they were so dared as aforesaid, that they might both agree, & there with the Monke vpon the 13. of Aprill went to Brusselles, and was by Prince Maurices Pinnace brought to Delfs Hauen. This agreement was with all speed first certefied vnto E the Gouernors of townes, and forts in Holland, and vpon the 13. of Aprill the declaration insuing was sent vnto euery particular Prouince and towne, commanding a general day of praier & fasting to be made throughout al the country vpon the 9. of Maie following. Against the 24. of April the general Estates sent their commission of agreemēt & accord vnto Lillo vpon the conclusion of a truce made for 8. moneths, by their Commissarie Dericke vander Does, there to deliuer it vpon the receipt of the like commission sent from the Arch-dukes, to which end also the Frier came to Lillo, hauing set downe the same agreement vnder the act of commission: but for that Vander Does made some doubt to receaue the same in that manner, the Fryer rode in al hast to Brussels, to haue it made in the same order as the Estates had done theirs and therein vsed F such expedition, as it was effected on the eight and twentith day of Aprill: the commissions and agreements were deliuered on both sides, at which time Verdoes had a chain of gold giuen him for a reward frō the Arch dukes, but for that the said Frier Iohn’ [Page 1374] Nayen had commission to make some further explication of the said treatie and truce 1607. A for eight moneths, hee desired to go to the Hage, where-vnto Verdoes had no commission, but finding that he had no answer of his letters sent vnto the Estates, he tooke the sayd Fryer Iohn Nayen to the Hage with him, where (after some consultation) vppon the eighth day of Maie, hee had audience of the Estates, and had further conference with them about the interpretation of the truce, and there-vppon they concluded vppon an other Act, bearing date the first of Iune, declaring thereby that the truce concluded for eight moneths should also hold good in the North Seas, and in the Chanell betweene France and England, to the Sorlinghs, which should begin the fourteenth of Iune, from the which time all prizes (not beeing shippes of warre) should bee restored againe: That after that the King of Spaines agreation should bee B sent out of Spaine, all the shippes of warre should bee commanded to depart from the Coast of Spaine, and that all prizes taken there within sixe weekes after that, should bee restored againe: and that during the truce, the places following on the States sides, should bee free from all inuasions or incursions what-soeuer, Viz. the Emes, Dullaret, the country of Wedde, Drente, Couoerden, the Riuer Vande-vechte to Becumund bridge, the Newe-vecht to Swoll, from Swoll to Koten, from Koten downe the I sell to Isleoort, and the countries North and Westward lying behinde them, from Isleoort to the Rhyne as farre as Grauen-weert and the Countrie lying on that side West-ward from the said towne of Grauenweert along the wall to Gorcum, and the countries lying North and West, the Meuse from the Towne of Graue to Gheertrudenbergh C and all the countries lying Northward on that side the Merweed, and further all streames and waters betweene Holland and Zealand, with the Islands seperated by ebbes and floodes, with Lislo and Scluse, both to bee included: and on the Arch-dukes side, the Countries of Luxembourgh, Namur, and all the Countries lying beyond them, and in Brabant all that lyeth beyond the Dummer and Grethe to the Schelde, In Flanders all that lyeth beyond the Leye, passing ouer the small Riuer of Mande, beyond Roetselad to Dixmuden and Nieuport, and so to the Sea, within the which limits no hostilitie should bee vsed, but what wrong soeuer was done should be recompenced and restored againe; but without the said limits no man should trauell without a passeport, and that the soldiers might freely passe along not making any armies, D neither might they surprize any townes or places. And therewith the Fryer vppon the 5. of Iune depart [...]d from the Hage, hauing offered to Secretarie Artesens a good present, but he would not accept thereof, vnlesse he had lycence so to do from the Estates and Prince Maurice.
Heere-vppon throughout all the whole Netherlands there was great ioy, euery man hoping, wishing and praying, to bee once released from these long and bloody warres: the report thereof beeing spred abroad in the neighbour countries, it moued great admiration at such a sodaine truce, and bred much suspition, all men wondring much what might bee the cause that moued them there-vnto: Men could not bee perswaded that the Arch-dukes would so much imbase them-selues, neither yet E the vnited Prouinces; as to seeke it, or that the one should offer so much, and the other giue credit there-vnto: But it was so secretly done, as it bred great admiration, for that no King nor Prince heard thereof, neither by their Ambassadours nor messengers, for in Holland few had to doe there-with, and at Brusselles only the Arch-dukes, Spinola, the President Richardot and Vereycken the Secretary, and some few others knew thereof. Where-vpon the Nobilitie and the Councels of particular Prouinces complained much that they were not made acquainted therewith. The like also was done in the Netherlands, where it was said that the French King sought to agree with the Estates concerning the taking of the Soueraigntie of the vnited Prouinces into his hands, which the vnited Prouinces would not yeeld vnto, only they thought it F good to put certayne townes into his hands, for his securitie, thereby to procure further ayd from him. The French King sent Ambassadors into th [...] vnited prouinces.
For this cause the French King sent the President Ianin, Mounsier de Roussy, and Mounsier Buzenuall as Ambassadours into the vnited Prouinces, who arriued there [Page 1375] vpon the foure and twenty day of May, and vpon the eight and twenty of the same 1607. A month had audience, where first, they showed what aide their King had giuen vnto the vnited Prouinces, and then they complained that the Estates had delt so secretly with their enemy concerning a truce, without their Kings aduice, offering withall their Kings fauor and further aide vnto them, with a presentation of an ordinary prouision to aide them, as long as they continued warre, or if they made a peace, that hee might deliuer his aduise therein, and giue consent to the effecting thereof. To which end they desired them to appoint certaine deputies on their behalfes, that might treate with them touching all causes, not onely concerning the Estate of the countrie, and the meanes thereof, but also touching the reasons and considerations, that might bee most necessary and conuenient to be propounded in the treaty of peace, and best to preserue B their Estate in freedome. Wherevnto there were certaine committies appointed out of euery Prouince, as for Holland Mounsieur Barneuelt, for Zeland Mounsieur de Maeldere, & so of other Prouinces, who vpon the 29. of May with Mounsieur de Beye, the treasorer (hauing full instruction) they began to conferre with the French ambassadors, and concluded that they should stay there, in the Kings behalfe to aide them in the treaty of peace, and to further the same. The like aide and assistance they desired of the King of England, who willed them first to send certaine deputies vnto him to giue him full The States of the vnited Prouinces sent ambasadors into England. instructions of their Estate, and meanes, to which end in Iuly they sent Iohn Berck counselor, and pentionar of the towne of Dort for Holland, and for Zeland Sir Iacob van Maldere knight, into England, accompanied with their ordinary ambasador Sir Noel Caron who vpon the 16. day of Iuly had priuat audience of the King, and after that seuerall C times of his councell, beeing well and honorably entertained and feasted in euery place, especially in London, with the King and the Prince at Marchant-taylors hall, where they were honored with certaine freedomes belonging vnto the sayd company of Marchant-taylors, whereby did appeere the old mutuall affection, and inward contracts of friendship made betweene the Netherlands and the Realme of England, at last they tooke their leaues, of the King and the Prince, with satisfaction according to their desires, and promise from the King, to aide the vnited prouinces both with counsell and otherwise especially in their proceeding with the treatie of peace; promising to send Sir Richard Spencer and Sir Raphe Winwood ambassadors into the vnited Prouinces, and so the ambassadors (hauing either of them a chaine of gold giuen them, one D of them being also made knight) tooke shipping and vpon the tenth day of August ariued in Zeeland.
I showed before that within three monethes, the King of Spaines agreation of the truce made for eight monthes was to bee brought vnto the Estates out of Spaine: and to that end the Archdukes vsed all the dilligence they could, to procure the same; which at the last was obtained, and vpon the sixteene day of Iuly Spinola wrot vnto the Estates of the vnited Prouinces to certifie them that his Secretary Birago had brought the said agreation out of Spaine, desiring a pasport for Mounsieur Vereycken to come into Holland, to deliuer the sayd agreations, and withall to proceed to some pointes touching the treatie in hand: which letter vpon the eight day of Iulie was by Spinolaes E trumpet brought to the Hage, and the next day a pasport was made accordingly, whereby the sayd Vereycken vpon the foure and twenty day of Iulie came to the Hage, and that daie had audience of the generall Estates, where hee shewed them the King of Spaines agreation, placed vnder the acts made the foure and twenty day of Aprill and the first of Iune, written in Spanish, bearing date the last of Iune: the contents thereof being that his Maiesty hauing seene, the contents of those acts, sent him by his deare The King of Spaines agreation sent vnto the vnited Prouinces. brother and sister, the Archdukes Albertus and the Infanta Clara Eugenia, Princes and soueraigne Lords of the Netherlands, touching the truce and abstinance from armes for the space of eight monthes, with ceasing from surprising of all townes and sorts, inuading of countries, and making of new forts, during the said time, as also of an intent F on both sides to cause certaine deputies to assemble together about the concluding of a generall peace, or long truce, as the same at large declareth [...], hauing well and duelie considered thereof, declareth, that not to restraine, withhold nor any [Page 1376] wayes to hinder the good that is to be expected thereby, hee not onely hath commended 1607. A approued, and ratified the aforesaid abstinance from armes, and by these presents doth commend, approue, ratifie and confirme in all points the said abstinance from armes, as much as it concerneth him, promising vpon his Princely word and faith, to hold and maintaine the same in euery point, as well as if he had consented therevnto at the first and that the matter had beene begun and treated by his consent and authoritie, without any contradiction of the same. In witnesse whereof he had signed the same, & sealed it with his seale, dated in Valiodolid the first of Iune. That which stood vnder the act of the first of Iune, was of the same substance and almost verbatim, as neere as might bee, but both the acts vnder the which those agreations stood, were written in French, wherein (especially in the acte of the foure and twenty of Aprill) in the chiefest and most substanciall clause, there was forgotten or left out these words. B Vni [...]s en qualite, et comme les tenans pour pais, prouinces &c. The aforesaid agreation being also written in paper, sealed with the small seale, and signed Io el Rey: and to auoide all further difficulties, a motion was made that the Estates would countermaund and call home all their shippes of warre from the coast of Spaine. The Estates for their partes disl [...]ked much, that by the said agreation the Arch-dukes should bee termed Soueraigne Lordes of all the Netherlands, and withall they found out the aforesayd error, not knowing whether ignorantly or of purpose it had beene so omitted; and there-vpon they showed him with what abuse such a fault had beene committed in the principall acte, which hee confessed to haue beene perceiued and C found out also in Brussels, saying, that it was but the writers fault, who in coppying the same, negligently omitted a whole line; and for that the agreation was generall, the Arch-dukes thought good to send it, onely to let them know what diligence they had vsed therein; promising faithfully, if they would content them-selues there-with, that it should bee presently procured, if the Estates would desire it: neuer-the-lesse, hee desired sixe dayes respite to write vnto Brussels, and from thence to receiue further Commission, which was granted him: and therevpon hauing receiued the same, vpon the second of August, hee promised the Estates to cause the sayd agreation to bee made in an other forme, and that therefore they had reason to bee satisfied for that time, seeing that the Arch-dukes had D written into Spaine, to certifie the King of the difficultie therein, insisting with-all to haue a resolution from the Estates, to countermaund their shippes from the coast of Spaine, and that they would vouchsafe to pleasure the Archdukes therein.
Here-vpon certaine dayes were spent in consultation, and diuerse conferences were had with the sayd Veryken, and at the last vppon the eight of August, an answer was giuen him by word of mouth, and afterwards deliuered him in writing, containing, that the Estates declared and held the respectiue agreation to bee imperfect and defecti [...]e, not onely in qualitie and forme, but also in the substance thereof, for that so many words were left out, that it was not written in French, E nor signed by the King, nor yet sealed with his great seale, as also not containing an agreation of the whole proceedings, but restrained onely to certaine points, and that they made no mention of the approouing and declaration of the freedome of the vnited Prouinces, as the Arch-dukes had done, and that therefore touching the rest of the propositions, they could make no further declaration, before the first of September next ensuing, and therefore they deliuered him a writing in Dutch, French and Latin, whereby they showed that they vnderstood that the King was to make the agreation before they could enter into any further treatie, and that therefore to make a further declaration, as much time would bee spent, as had past before from the foure and twentie daie of Iulie to the first of September, and that neuertheless [...] F they were content in honour of the Archduke, to countermaund all their shippes of warre from the coast of Spaine, and that truly and effectually, and that all the prizes by them taken within the space of sixe weekes, beginning vpon the foure and twenty of Iuly should not bee allowed for good, but should bee restored againe. [Page 1377] the which answere the sayd Vereycken vpon the twelfth day of August went to 1607. A Brussels.
The truce continewing for eight monthes aforesaid both by sea and by land, both for Spaine and the Netherlands, it gaue a great hope to all the country people, that the matter would in the end bee brought to a peace or a long truce, but some men of good iudgement held it to be a matter of greater difficulty, and that it was so ernestly followed on either side, that so they might get some aduantage, and thereby aduance their owne cause, and that it would not so lightly, nor without more rumor bee ended on either side.
Whilest this businesse about peace, or truce was in hand, and that the Neighbour Kings and Princes, with the countries of Iuilliers, Cleaue, Leege, and East Freeseland The opinions of the Net [...]s, touching the [...]ty of peace. B busied and troubled themselues therewith, many oppinions, conceites, and discourses were made, touching the same. The greater sort, which extol the greatnesse of Spaine could not bee perswaded, nor beleeue, that the Archdukes should euer procure any agreation or consent therevnto from the King of Spaine, in such sort as it was promised, but rather thought, that there was some other meaning and intent: others to the contrary said that the hundred and fiftie mylions which the King had spent, the aboundance of bloud which had beene shed, the great mutenies, great want of money, the King of Spaine finding himselfe continually assailed and compassed about with such strong fleetes at sea, which were likely to take all trade by sea from him, or to incomber him much; whereby hee must of force hold the Islands and the Indies fast bound vpon Spaine, with such like difficulties, and other considerations, C which might cause that great King to conceiue many doubtes; especially in respect of a great rich company, which the vnited Prouinces were about to make for the West Indies, which should continue for the space of sixe and thirty yeares, wherein some great misterie or secret laie hidde, which might either make his Indies rebell or els they would assaile them in the weakest places, and thereby giue all his treasorors cause of doubt, that his treasure which vseth to come from the Indies would bee cut off, and so giue him no more credit, whereby hee should bee compelled necessarily to fall into greater charges to arme and defend his farre distant Islands, and so by that meanes diuide his power farre a sunder. D
They said moreouer that it was wisely, scircumspectly and necessarily done of the King and the Archdukes, willingly to giue ouer and yeelde vp their soueraignite, (as it was giuen forth) to the vnited Prouinces, finding that they were not by any other meanes of perswasions, practises, or power to bee brought to any treatie, for that their weakenesse, or any greater disgrace or losse, which they might chance to haue, might force them to seeke to bee protected by France, in which protection there was great daunger, that at the last they should bee driuen out of all the Prouinces, and therefore they thought it▪ best, to seeke to possesse the better part quietly, with a neighbourly peace, at the least till a more conuenient time, rather then to suffer the French King to inrich himselfe with the Netherlands, which would depriue Spaine of E all authority, respect, and credit.
The Netherlanders for their partes, (as there are many deepe witted, and prouident Considerations of the Netherlanders touching a peace. men amongst them) could not beleeue, that it was done bona fide, and therefore that proceeding was cleane against their mindes, doubting that in the end they should bee forced to fall againe vnder the subiection of the Spaniard, vnder the name of the house of Burgondie, imagining that the ground thereof had beene layd long since, and that the truce or peace was but a breathing vnto them. They could not likewise conceiue, how they should preserue their estate; maintaine the grouernment of the Prouinces in vnity, withstand all difficulties that might arise: neither yet how to continewe F their meanes and taxations, especially if the Archdukes should ease the contry people thereof in their Prouinces; how they should maintaine their authority at sea, if the conuoies and lycences ceased; and holding them still, how the trade of marchandise might bee continewed amongst them, that were wont to [Page 1378] goe thether, where they were least burthened with exactions: neither how they should 1607 A keepe souldiars in good order and discipline, not beeing imploied and exercised in armes; nor how religion should bee maintayned in the same estate it was: or how to bring the common people againe to beare armes, when they shal once haue felt a sauor and tast of peace, if it fell out that their aduersary should not hold his word; neither yet how to pay the great debts of the countrie, the paiement whereof is commonly raised by the warres: nor how they that were in gouernment, should bee armed against the Spanish corruptions, which were already discouered, with diuers other things: these were the discourses and reasons of those that were of best and deepest iudgement.
In the meane time the Netherland fleete was still vpon the coast of Spaine, which men sought to comprehend in the treaty of agreemēt, that they might be called home; B that so the fleete in Spaine might freely passe too and fro from the East and West Indies, for that they had beene forst to vnlade some of their shippes which had beene laden for the Indies, and to set them out for men of warre, for the defence of Spaine against the Hollanders, which could not be comprehended in the act of the first of Iune, but it was then consented and granted to countermand the said shippes, as soone as the King of Spaines approbation should be sent, and that in the meane time they should not be releeued, with any new supplies or victualls which was in effect as much as if they were countermanded, for that want of victuals, wold bee an occasion to make them deminish their number and come home againe, not regarding the doubt and suspition C which men had in all places, that the King would not fully yeeld to that which had beene concluded, and the rather, for that they made readie shippes of warre in all places of Spaine, as at St Lucars, Cadiz, Lisbon and the Groine, the straights of Gibraltar being full of Gallies, which bred great iealousie, as if they ment to attempt some thing against Ireland, England, the Netherlands, or Embden, others thought they would goe into Barbarie, or to Alarach. At Duynkerke in Flanders they made great hast to build Great [...] preparation of ships of warre in Spaine. the ten great shippes, (part of the thirty which they had vndertaken to make,) whereon they set fiue hundred men on worke, being Spaniards, Italians and Netherlanders, each man his seuerall worke, some of them beeing of 200. tonne, the least was of a hundred and fiftie tonnes, but by the answere of the eight day of August, it was consented, to D countermand the aforesayd fleete, and that after the time then set downe, they should take no more prizes, and therefore many men thought they would soone come home.
The mutinous souldiers vnder the Archdukes made many incursions in the country, the Archduke seeking all the meanes hee could to pacefie them, and in August hee got grant of sixe hundred thousand duckets, to bee paid by a hundred thousand duckets a month for the space of sixe monthes, (which had long beene promised) to pay the souldiers withall the Archduke also sought to discharge all his vnnecessary troupes, as Wallons and others. The Spaniards and Italians were put in garrison in seuerall places, and a great part of them at Dornick, where they were some what strictly lookt vnto, and might not increase their numbers, for that when they were desirous to E goe out of the towne, euery one had a token of lead giuen him, without the which noman might enter into the towne: at Cortrick also there were two or three hundred, & more in other places, the richest townes gaue money to be vnburthened of garrisons, the vnited Prouinces also discharged many of their souldiers, such as they might spare, as Englishmen and some high Duches, which wanted many of their number, they also discharged many ships of all sorts, but they beganne to prepare some ships for the East Indies, thereby to continue and assure that trade.
This yeare many shippes sailed out of Embden to Italy and Spaine, which in Spaine The ships of Emden arested in Spaine. and Portingall were most staied and arested, vnder some pretence, either that they were partners with the Hollanders or els rebels against their Earle, from whom notwithstanding F they had letters of lycence, testimonialls, or atestations, but that would not serue their turnes vnlesse they brought particular letters from the Earle, otherwise they were esteemed to be gotten by force, and fauour of the Hollanders or Englishmen; some of them notwithstanding were set at libertie, but the rest to the number of thirty [Page 1379] which (were many for one towne) were hardly intreated, and the men put into the gallies, 1607. A others were compelled to serue the king there in his warre or in his shippes which went to the Indies and Bresill. These newes caused a great vprore in Emden amongst the common people, for the losse of their sea-faring men, whereof many had wiues and children in the country, which made a great assembly of women and children about the magistrate: The Earle himselfe came thether with certaine Lords his friends, which bred a suspition, that he sought to cause some tumult, his bretheren Earle Christopher and Earle Iohn being both with him, with the garrison of Linphen, where-vpon the vnited Prouinces sent about two thousand men thether, the which were lodged in the suburbes of Emden and there abouts, and withall they sent a trumpet to the Earle, with a letter as followeth. B
‘Right Honorable; our actions haue giuen a sufficient testimonie, with what a sincere intention, wee haue euer laboured (to our great trouble and charge) and doe still continue, to reconcile all controuersies and dislike betwixt your honorable father Earle Edsard, your selfe, and the Estates of East-Friseland: when as in the yeare 1595. by the contract made in Delfzile, at the request of your said father, your selfe, and the Estates of East-Friseland, wee had vnder-taken and bound our selues to bee Vmpiers therein, your Lordshippe knowes that in the yeare of our Lord 1603. at the making of the contract at the Hage, at the instant request of the Deputies of the towne of Emden, by your Lordshipps consent, and good liking, we once againe bound our selues to maintaine the same, and to oppose our selues against all C contradiction, and also that in the treaty at the last meeting of the Estates of Germany, vpon the last of Nouember, by the intercession of Sir Ralfe Winwood Ambassador for the King of England, and our Deputies, in the behalfe of the said Kings Maiestie and vs, it was agreed that if any thing were done contrary vnto the same, that some order should presently bee taken therein.’
‘Know yee therefore my Lord, that wee beeing certainely informed that by your honors meanes and directions, not one penny of money will bee had towards the payment of the garrison within the Towne of Embden, that through want of pay, the garrison might bee brought into a mutine, and so the Towne of Embden fall into a tumult: besides that by your Lordshippes meanes, the contributions which D are willingly granted by the country are not come to the hands of the appointed rentmaister, for the causes where-vnto they are assigned (according to the generall resolution). That your honor also hath made many enterprises, and caused them to bee executed, without the consent of the country, contrary to the Emperors resolution, and the former contracts: and also that it is confidently spoken in Embden, that by your honors direction, a great number of shippes which sayled into Spaine, are there arrested, their goods attached, and the men committed to prison, and hardly intreated▪ and also that by your honors permission, the soldiers of the garrisons of Linghen, and such like places in the Earldome of East-Freeseland, haue runne through the said country, and committed great insolencies against the Inhabitants E thereof, taking diuers of the townes men of Embden prisoners, all directly against the said contracts. Seeing then that by vertue of our contract made with your honor, wee are determined to take the said matter in hand, and to preuent all dangers which may ensue in the like; Wee haue thought it good, to send you this letter by our Trumpet, earnestly desiring, that your honor for the reparation of things that are amisse, and of all other inconueniences, would presently, or at the furthest within foureteene dayes after the receipt hereof, giue order without any further delay, that there may bee fortie thousand Gildens prepared, towards the payment of the garrison of Embden: and that the money rising of the willing contributions, may bee deliuered into the hands of the rent-maister, and left with him, to bee imployed for F such vses as it is appointed, according to the resolution: that all enterprises made in the countrie, without the lawfull consent of the Estates, shall bee forborne and not attempted, and that which hath beene wrongfully taken from any man, and without consent, restored: that also without delaye, your honor will presently doe your best [Page 1380] indeuour, for the discharging of the Ships, Saylers, and other persons of Embden, 1607. A which are stayed and imprisoned in Spaine. And lastly, that the souldiers of Linghen and such like places, may bee kept out of the Earledome of East-Freezeland: which if your honor faileth to doe, wee declare our selues guiltlesse of that which wee shall bee (to our great griefe) forced to doe, beeing the necessarie meanes to vrge your honor to reason, and to maintaine your honorable promises, and to preuent all future troubles and inconueniences, desiring nothing else, but that which shall bee fitte for your honor and your subiects good, well-fare, and quietnesse, as knoweth GOD, whom wee beseech to inspire your Lordships heart with some good motions, for the well-fare of your selfe and your subiects. From the Hage the third of Iuly, 1607. &c.’ B
Herevpon ensued no great effects, but that the Earle of East-Freezeland sent Hans Hendricke St [...]mler, to make complaint thereof vnto the King of England, and to craue his intercession vnto the Estates of the vnited prouinces, to stay them from any forceable proceedings, from whome hee receiued a fauourable answere: and to the Hage he sent Doctor Dothia Wyarda, some-times Sindick of the towne of Embden; Monsieur van Kinphausen, and Doctor Thomas Francius, who excused the Earle, and sayd, that hee desired to obserue the contracts and agreements made, and had giuen no cause to the contrary vnto them of Embden, but that they had conceiued a needlesse feare, which proceeded from their owne guilty consciences, which had made them to send for souldiers; with some other friuolous allegations. The towne of Embden (for the C furtherance of their cause, and to mooue the Estates to proceed in their desseigne) sent Vbbo Reinets their Burgomaister and Sindick, Samuell van Winghene councellor, and Daniell Althingh Secretarie, in regarde they found that the Earle intended to keepe them in continuall alarme, and to put them vnto great charges, and by that meanes to bring them into debt, and so to drawe the Burgers vnto him: With them they brought diuerse Letters of licence, giuen by the Earle vnto the Saylers of Embden bearing da [...]e in Esens the sixt, and the thirteenth of February; one contradicting another, and some beeing of no force, vnlesse they shewed other particular letters: but at the last euery thing was ended and ordered by the generall Estates, with admonition D vnto them (according to the contracts) to liue in vnitie and peace, and the towne put in hope that the Estates would bee carefull of their good and preseruation.
Vpon the twelfe of May, in the yeare of our Lord one thousand sixe hundred and seauen, when Fryer Iohn Nayen the Commissioner for the King of Spaine, was Presents offred vnto Artsens by Fryar Iohn Nayen. vpon his returne towards Brussels, before his departure out of Holland, hee wrote a letter secretly vnto Cornelis Artesens Secretarie to the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces, desiring to speake with him, his wife, or sonne, before hee went out of Holland, and withall appointed him a secret place of meeting: Artesens vpon the receite of this Letter (suspecting they would seeke to corrupt him with some presents) E went presently to Prince Mau [...]ice, and others of the chiefe of the Estates, shewing them this Letter, with the circumstances and contents thereof; assuring them that the Fryer intended thereby to winne him by some offers and gifts, asking their aduice how hee should carry him selfe therein; and whether hee should goe him-selfe, or that hee should send any other (the messenger in the meane time staying for his answer.)
Where-vpon Prince Maurice and the Estates thought it very fitte and auaileable for the seruice and good of the countrie, to discouer the aduersaries desseigne in this action, that hee should goe secretly thether, to heare what hee would propound vnto him, and that if hee o [...]ered any gratuitie, hee should accept it, if it were giuen F as a bribe to corrupt him, but if it were done onely, to craue his furtherance for the dispatching of the Treatie as then to bee made, hee should refuse it; giuing him withall expresse commandement, to keepe it close and secret vnto him-selfe, [Page 1381] whereby hee should do the countrie great seruice, with these directions Artesens vpon 1607. the foureteene day of May went vnto the place appointed by the letter; and was secretly brought to Frier Iohn Nayen in Saint Agathes Cloyster in Delfe. Where Frier Nayen [...] perswations vsed to Artesens. hee entertained him verie kindely, giuing him thankes for the great seruice hee had done vnto the Archdukes, for that the first motion of the treaty of peace was beg [...]nne by him, whereby they found, that it had brought him into a great suspition, and dislike, amongst the common people, and that for the same cause hee was hardly censured by them.
In regard whereof hee sayd that the Archdukes thought themselues ingaged in their honours to bee thankefull vnto him, beeing of themselues so nobly minded, as they would not faile to shewe their bountie vnto all those that should doe them B any seruice, with many such like perswasiue words, promising to doe for him, his children, or friends whatsoeuer they would desire at their handes, and for a beginning and assurance of their Princely disposition, hee said, that hee had expresse commission from the Archdukes, to restore his house vnto him, which hee had in Brussels, with his patrimoniall lands and goods that were confiscated, that hee might dispose thereof at his owne will and pleasure, giuing him to vnderstand withall that M [...]rquis Spinola (in regard that hee fauored the cause) held himselfe verie much beholding vnto him, for which consideration hee had sent him an obligation vnder his hand, whereby hee promised that if a truce were concluded, for aboue nine yeares, or a generall peace, to giue him fiftie thousand crownes whereof hee should receiue fifteene thousand crownes in readie money, to bee paide C in Amsterdam, to the handes of any one that hee should nominate or appoint, recommending himselfe and the sayd affaires to his good discretion.
And for his owne particular hee sayd, that seeing it had pleased the Archdukes and the Marquis to honour him so much, as to thinke him fit to bee imploied therein: and for that the matter had proceeded so farre that hee for his part, and in his owne behalfe, would giue some particular testymonie of his loue towardes the said Artesens, and to that end, would bestowe vpon his wife a Ring of Gold with a Diamont therein: protesting and assuring him of the scincerity, vprightnesse, and worthinesse of the sayd Archduke, and the Marquis, as also of his owne; the which notwithstanding was otherwise censured by many. D
Wherevnto Artesens made answere, that hee most humbly thanked the said Artesens answere to the Frier and his excuses. Archdukes, for their great fauour shewed him; and especially for the restitution of his house and patrimoniall lands, in regard that at the reduction of the towne of Brussels vnder the King of Spaines obedience, hee had great wrong offered vnto him, in this point, for that hee was debarred the benefite of the contract, which was graunted vnto all the Burgers of the towne, whereby they were inabled for to enioye their landes and goods, notwithstanding that hee at the same time was imploied about some seruice that then was to bee done for the Estates, for the assembling of the Generall Estates: and that touching their further bountie, hee sayd, that hee had done no more in that action then hee was bound vnto in loue and E duetie, with other such like excuses; and therefore hee besought the sayd Archdukes and the Marquis that it would please them to hold him excused, if hee did not accept their bountifull presents, which seemed rather to bee giuen, to corrupt him, then as a recompence for any seruice done by him, and that therefore hee neitheir could nor might accept them, nor yet the Ring which hee offred to giue him for his wife, giuing the Frier great thankes for his courtesie therein, and offering all seruice for his part, which hee could or might doe for them and him, alwaies excepting any thing whatsoeuer, that might tend to the breach of his oth, and blemish of his reputation &c.
Wherevnto the Frier replied; that the presents aforesayd, could not bee any F waies held to bee done in manner of corruption; considering the sincere and vpright intents of the sayd Archdukes, Marquis Spinola, and himselfe, who affected nothing more, then sincerely and without any fraude to bring the warres vnto an [Page 1382] end; with many other good wordes to perswade him to bee a furtherer vnto the 1607. A same &c.
Wherevpon, at last hee accepted of the restitution of his house and lands, together with the obligation; making much difficultie to receiue the Ring with the Diamont for his wife; but beeing much vrged and intreated therevnto, hee tooke it, with promise to giue the best direction therein that hee could, his oth and credit alwaies preserued, and therewith they departed.
The same day, Artesens made report vnto Prince Maurice and to the Estates Artesens report made to Prince Maurice and his opinion therin. of all that had past betwixt them, offering to deliuer them the obligation and the Diamont, but Prince Maurice would not receiue them; neuerthelesse hee aduised them to take some course for the receit of the money, and withall that the matter should bee kept verie close and secret. But Artesens did often solicite the Prince B and the Estates to bee discharged thereof, the which they still refused to take into their custodie, telling him, that hee had no cause to doubt any danger, seeing that hee had not done any thing but by speciall commission, wherein hee had discharged himselfe, by discouering the offers that were made him, as in duetie hee was bound; and that order was to bee taken about the receiuing of the money, wishing that they might get all the enemies treasure into their handes by such meanes, esteeming the Diamond to bee well worth sixe thousand Gilders: at last it was resolued vpon, that the matter should bee imparted to the generall assemblie of all the Estates. C
This businesse passing ouer for certaine daies together without any further resolution, from the foureteenth to the twelfth day of May, there was an other letter sent from the Frier Iohn Nayen, vnto the sayd Artesens, whereby hee wondred verie much that hee heard not from him, nor had any assignement to whome the fifteene thousand crownes should bee payde, Artesens hauing receiued this letter, went vnto the Estates againe to acquaint them therewith, but for that Prince Maurice had the second time refused to receiue the obligation and the Ring, beeing still of opinion (if they thought good to keepe the matter secret) that it was best for them to receiue the money; it was resolued amongst them, to make both the generall Estates acquainted therewith, and the ambasadors of France and England, by which meanes the matter was divulged vnto the common D people, wherevpon Artesens vnderstanding that hee was charged and taxed to haue beene corrupted by the enemie, he desired the generall Estates that hee might be discharged of the obligation and the Ring of Gold, and vpon his request so made vnto them they tooke order, that the treasuror generall should keepe the said obligation and the Ring, with the Diamond, which was taken out of the gold, and valued, till further order should bee taken therein, and that the said Artesens should haue an act made in his behalfe and for his iustification, the which was published accordingly, bearing date the seauenth daie of Iulie in the yeare of our Lord and Sauiour. 1607. E
Notwithstanding all this, Artesens fell into great suspition, and it was giuen out that hee had beene corrupted by the enemy, for the which cause, and to free himselfe from all imputation and blame, hee caused an appologie to bee printed in his name, whereby hee excused himselfe vnto all the common people, and therevnto hee ioyned a coppie of the act aforesayd, made by the generall Estates in his behalfe, his apologie bearing date the twentie daie of Iulie in the yeare of our Lord and Sauiour. 1607. When as Mounsieur Vereycken came last vnto the Hage with the act of agreation, Mounsieur Barn [...]uelt Councellor for Holland, let him Present [...] giuen by Iohn Nayen deliuered backe againe. vnderstand, what presents had beene giuen by Iohn Nayen the Frier, as is before mentioned, which were deliuered to Mounsieur Vereycken by the Estates, who F willed him to take them with him againe, and restore them vnto those that sent them, desiring the Archdukes, that if they ment to proceede sincerelie in the treatie of peace, and sought nothing els, that they would offer no more such presents, vnto any of their subiects of what Estate or qualitie soeuer they were: [Page 1383] saying, that the generall Estates, and the Counsell of Estate of the vnited Prouinces did 1607. A consist of so many seuerall persons, as they could hardly bee corrupted by presents, or promises, and that if any of them, were but once suspected, they would double their number &c. Wherevpon Vereycken excused the Arch-dukes, and layd the blame thereof vpon the Friar Iohn Nayen, saying, that it proceeded from himselfe; and that their highnesses were not acquainted therewith, imputing it vnto the couetousnesse of the spirituallty, who iudge of other mens humors by their owne, with such like words.
In the month of September, the Netherland shippes of warre which had lyen vpon the coast of Spaine, according to the contract, came all home with their prises, and so the contract for truce at sea, was on both sides agreed and concluded, and Prince Doria B was appointed by the King of Spaine to keepe the straights of Gibraltare.
In this month the gouernor of Graue called Mounsieur Silendsky was taken prisoner as he past along by the Meuse, to goe to Vorne, relying to much vpon the truce, Mounsier Sidlens [...]e gouernor of Graue taken prisoner. the which notwithstanding could not helpe him: hee was brought prisoner to Boisleduc, where hee hath continued long for that they demaund to great a ransome.
The three and twenty day of September colonell Warnart du Bois president of the counsell of warre, a valiant souldier ryding with his wife to the Faire at [...]heldermaetsen Mounsieur du Bois slaine by the enemy. and hauing there made good cheere, in the euening beeing not farre [...]rom Est by Tielerweert was set vpon by certaine of the enemies, as hee was in his Wagon, and for that hee would not yeeld himselfe prisoner, they shot him into the bodie, C and tooke his sonne prisoner, a thing much to bee lamented, that such an old experienced captaine, who had past so many daungers, would bee so carelesse of his owne safetie, and come to so vnfortunate an end.
The Spaniards and other mutinous souldiers in Diest, for that they were not paid, did much harme in Brabant and other places, and sent a protestation into Brabant, The mutinus souldiers of Diest in Brabant. that if they were not satisfied within certaine daies, they would set the gates of Diest open, to entertaine all such souldiers as were vnpaide, and so make a generall mutenie, which they had bound themselues vnto the Archduke not to doe: within Herentales they were most horse-men, whereof a great part mutined in the month of October, but they were kept from any attempt by certaine Irish souldiers which D did serue vnder the Gouernor there, for the which some were punished. The rest of the souldiers that were vnpaide committed great insolencies on the Countrie, murthering and spoyling the poore people, most of the Spaniards and Italians lying and feeding vpon the costs and charges of the country pesants. About the last daie of August (as I sayd before) the Archduke got an assignation for sixe hundred thousand Dukets a month, for which cause the Arckdukes counsell sought to gette the whole summe to be paide at one time, offering (as it is reported) to cut off the interest thereof after eight in the hundred, and in Nouember they tooke Councell how to satisfie them of Diest. The Archdukes also intreated the Estates of their Prouinces, to yeeld to the paiement of seauen hundred thousand gilders, towards the discharging E of the mutinous souldiers, which at the first they refused, but in the end they were content to paie a moitie thereof being three hundred thousand gilders, wherewith they of Diest were satisfied.
About this time it was reported that the Archduke Alberus made great meanes to bee made King of Romaines by the aide and procurement of the Electors the Archbishoppes of Cologne and Liege, with whom hee had manie The Archduke Albertus se [...]kes to bee King of Romaines. conferences sent to him by messengers, and in the month of October t [...]e Archdukes went to Bins, to hunt and take their pleasures, but it seemeth that beeing there they had some certaine conference about the matter aforesayd with the Electors of Ments and Trier also, but it is said that the King of Spaine is much against him, and F seeketh by all the meanes hee can to preferre his brother the Archeduke Ferdinand of St [...]ria therevnto.
The foureteene day of October the Estates of the vnited Prouinces receiued a [Page 1384] letter from the Marquisse Spinola, certifying them that the agrecation from Spaine 1607. was come, desiring passe-port for Fryer Iohn Nayen, and for Monsieur Verreyken, to come into Holland to deliuer the same, which passe-port being sent vppon the foure and twentie of October they arriued at the Hage, and vppon the fiue and twentith day had audience of the generall Estates, where they presented the The second agreation made by the king of Spain touching the peace. newe ratification or agreeation made by the King of Spaine, dated in Madrill the eighteene of September, written in Paper, and in the Spanish tongue, signed Io el Rey, sealed with a seale like vnto a Proclamation, and vnderneath signed Andreas de Prada, containing an insertion of the Declaration made by the Archdukes in Spanish, also ill fauouredly written, and vnder that was written as followeth. B
That where-as in the aforesaid Treatie, the Archdukes had promised vnto the Estates to deliuer them their letters of ratification and agreation like vnto theirs, with all generall and perticuler renunciations and obligations: hee therefore vpon due deliberation and aduise, of his owne certaine knowledge, and absolute kinglie power and authoritie, for the effecting of the sayd promise, and for the assurance of the principall treatie of peace, or long truce, had made vnto the sayd Estates, and by these presents did make the like declaration, which the Archdukes had formerly made, as much as in him laye, and that hee declared himselfe to bee content, that in his name, and in his behalfe, the said Estates should bee treated withall, in qualitie, and as holding them at this present for free Countries, Prouinces, C and Estates, to whom hee pretended no title at all, and therevpon hee accepted, allowed, and confirmed all and euery point, conteined in the aforesaid Declaration, made by the sayd Archdukes, promising by the faith and worde of a King, to cause the same to bee obserued and kept effectually in euery point, as if the same had at the first beene made and decreed by his Princely will and authority without any contradiction: promising reparation & satisfaction of any thing done therein to the contrary: and that all things needfull shall bee faithfully performed and done, binding him-selfe there-vnto by his Princely worde, with-all perticuler and generall renunciations and obligations requisite there-vnto, and that presently after the conclusion of the sayd peace or long truce, hee would send all necessarie aprobation D for the securitie thereof, in the best manner and forme that may bee, that in the end the Estates may haue full satisfaction in all things which they request.
But with-all hee declared, that if the cheefe treatie of peace, or of long truce, there to bee treated of and handled, should not take effect, concerning the matters in controuersie betweene both parts, as well touching religion as otherwise, that then his aforesayd declaration and agreeation should bee of no force, but remaine as if it had neuer beene made, and that by vertue thereof it should not bee vnderstood nor interpreted, that hee had or would loose any of his right or title, nor the Estates thereby to haue any aduantage, but that all things should remaine in the same state they were, and euery man to haue his due, and that E from thence-forth it should be lawfull for each party to doe as they thought good.
‘With this agreation (hauing deliuered a copie thereof in Spanish, French, Friar Iohn Nayens speech vpon the deliuery of this apro bation. and Dutch,) Frier Iohn Nayen made a long discourse of the sinceritie and vprightnesse of the King of Spaine in that respect, and that hee had caused the same to passe through the hands of his councell, that it might bee the freer and more assured to take effect, although hee should dye: wherein hee sayd, hee was much to bee commended, in that hee expressed the true and vpright intent and meaning of his direct dealing therein, promising no more, nor binding himselfe no further, then hee meant to performe, and cause to bee effected, whereas other-wise if hee had meant to deale deceitfully, hee would not haue F done so, but rather haue made the agreation with-out any explication, whereas now to make knowne his iust proceeding, hee had declared his full pleasure and intent, there-by to shunne and auoyde, that which here-after might seeme to bee brought in question.’
[Page 1385] Mounsieure Verreyken also made a very long speach touching the sinceritie 1607. Auditor Verrikens d [...]la ration touching the dukes proceedings. A and direct dealing of the Arch-dukes concerning that poynte, and of the greate inclination and desire they had vnto peace, which was plainely to bee seene, by their proceedings therein: and how earnestly they had endeuoured themselues to doe all thinges which the Estates had by any meanes desired, or could in any sort pretend.
The general Estates hauing receiued the copie of the said agreation, and perused the same, they found it to be very badly and negligently written, by leauing out of many wordes, and some defects to be in the writing of many wordes, which were not placed as they ought to bee; and also in the forme, not being signed with the Kings name nor written in French. And after they had imparted the same vnto the Ambassadors of The states resolution vpon the agreeation. France and England, vppon the seauenteenth day they had further conference B with the sayd Fryer Iohn Nayen and Verreyken, to acquaint them with the sayd defects, and to knowe if there were no other agreation to bee expected; who letting them vnderstand that there was no other agreation to bee had from Spaigne; but that in the proceedings with the principall pointes of the treatie, all doubtes and difficulties might bee better seene into, and preuented vpon good deliberation, and after diuers consultations had with his Excellencie and the Ambassadors aforesaid.
‘Vpon the second of Nouember, they resolued to giue the Deputies an answer; which The States answer vqon the approbation. was that the said letters of agreation (according to the declaration of the Deputies) C not only in the wordes and stile, but also in the sealing, insertion, and omission of many words, were not conformable to the promises made, and that by the last clause therof (besides the propositions of Fryer Iohn Nayen) there might be pretended a disanulling of the sollemne promises thereby made, it being not to be contradicted: That the sayd King, and the Arch-dukes with their Councels know well, that the general Estates of the vnited Prouinces, as being Estates of free countries and Prouinces (where-vnto the aforesaid King and Arch-dukes pretend no soueraignty) by the grace of God almighty, and the said assistance of such Princes as are allyed vnto them, can finde good meanes to maintaine and vphold the welfare, estate and gouernement of the sayd countries, and the Inhabitants of the same, without making any mention thereof in the D principal treaty concerning peace or truce, notwithstanding any thing which might bee pretended or propounded by the King or Arch-dukes, to the contrary; vnlesse they would crosse or seeke to disanull the aforesayd sollemne and formall promises.’
‘And although there might some question be made, whether vppon the said letters and propositions, they might proceed to a treatie; Neuerthelesse to the end this worke (begun for the freeing of those countries from these long continuall and bloody wars, and the setling of a godly, honourable, and an assured peace) may not be hindred, they would shew the said letters (as much as concerneth the approbation of the promises made by the Arch-dukes, and the like declaration of the said King whereby he declareth E that he is content, that in his name and in his behalfe, a treatie shal be made touching peace or truce with the generall Estates, in qualitie, and as holding and acounting them for free countries, Prouinces and Estates, where-vnto he made no claime; besides all generall and particular obligations which are requisite and necessary) vnto the Prouinces, townes and members of the same respectiuely, and within sixe weekes next enfuing, giue intelligence vnto the said Deputies, whether they intended the e-vpon to enter into any treatie or not, with expresse protestation, from thence-forth neuer to make any question to any poynt of the aforesaid letters, which might bee vnderstood to be directly or indirectly against the said agreation and declaration togither with the promises of the said Arch-dukes.’ F
‘And if it were founde fitte and conuenient, vppon the sayd agreation and declaration (or vppon any other that within the sayd time, acording to the promises made, might bee sent out of Spaine and deliuered vnto the said Estates) to enter into a treatie, the Estates were of opinion, that neyther in the said Kings behalfe’ [Page 1386] nor the Arch-dukes, there should be any thing propounded or pretended that 1607. A might bee preiudiciall to the state, welfare and gouernement of the vnited Prouinces or the Inhabitants thereof, contrary to the sayd promises: And that the Arch-dukes will take order within tenne daies after the receipt of the saide aduertisment to send their committies (with instructions according to the originall offers) to the Hage, fully instructed and authorised, and also to vnderstand the Estates intent to deliuer their meanings plainely and effectually.
And there-vppon to make a short and briefe resolution, and that the Estates in that respect would appoint certaine Committies with the like authoritie to treat with them. This answer being made it was giuen to the said Frier Iohn Nayen and to Vereyken vpon the third of Nouember, and there-withall, they were demaunded whether The Arch-dukes Committies makes a difficultie to deliuer the agreation i [...] [...]. B they would deliuer the Originall letters of agreation, whereat they made some doubt, whether they might leaue them with the Estates, or carry them backe againe to Brusselles, and therefore they desired respite for certaine daies wherein Fryer Iohn Nayen might go to Brusselles, to fetch a further commission concerning that point, which being graunted them, the Fryer went from the Hage vpon the fifth of Nouember, & the fourteenth of the same moneth returned againe, and vpon the fifthteenth hauing audience giuen vnto him and to Verriken by the Estates, they gaue them to vnderstand that they had commission to deliuer the said letters, taking a note from the Estates for the receipte thereof, (declaring there-with, that the Arch-dukes had there-by performed their promise) and with a promise of re-deliuering the said letters, C if the treatie went not forward; but the Estates found some difficultie therein, for that they were of an opinion that the Arch-dukes had not performed their promise, nor procured such letters (without any restraint, or appendix) as were promised, and that they were not to promise any restitution of an act, which made it selfe voyd and of no effect, if the treatie went not forward; the which vppon the sixteenth of Nouember they made knowne vnto the Deputies who seemed to consent with them, saying, that they in like manner vnderstood it to be so, and that they had written so much vnto the Arch-dukes, but finding that the Estates persisted therein, they once againe desired a further time for certaine daies, that the Fryer might repaire once more to Brusselles, for a full and absolute commission, which was graunted them, and so vpon D the seauenteenth of Nouember he went to Brusselles, and vpon the nine and twenty of the same moneth returned to the Hage, with commission to deliuer the said letters as in the end they did, absolutely without any exception or promise to bee made by the Estates; and so vppon the twenty of December they returned backe againe to Brussels, hauing made no speach vnto Fryer Iohn Nayen touching the aforesaid presents, where-with he had busied him-selfe.
The generall Estates or their ordinary Deputies vppon the tenth of Nouember departed from the Hage, euery man to make knowne in their seuerall Prouinces the said last agreation sent by the King of Spaine, and to assemble the Estates of their particuler Prouinces, and to vnderstand from them, whether they were of opinion (vpon E the said letters, and as they were made) to enter into a treaty of peace or not, & against the tenth of December to meete againe, euery man to shew his commission touching that point. ‘Before their departure vppon the tenth of October they had receiued a letter from the Emperour, wherein he declared what charges and paines his father the A letter sent by the Emperor to the States [...]ouching a peace. Emperour Maximillian and him-selfe had beene at, and taken to bring the affaires of the Netherlands to a good end, and finall peace, wherefore he did now wonder they would attempt to deale therein without his aduice, or at the least without making him acquainted there-with, as seeming to haue a pretence to make the Vnited Prouinces a free state, whereas notwithstanding the Estates thereof knew well, that the said Netherlands, depended vpon him and the holy Empire, as by the ancient records F of the Empire and the first institutions he could proue, and that therefore the Estates were to remember, that in regard it was a respectiue member of the Empire they might not vndertake any thing touching the same without his consent, as beeing the chiefe member of the said Empire, and that if any thing were done or attempted’ [Page 1387] to the contrary whereby the nature and propertie of the members of the Empire 1697. A might bee altered and changed, that it was of no effect, according to the ordinances and statutes of the Empire: Desiring therefore to vnderstand from them, in what estate the matter stood, and how they ment to proceed therein, that hee and the Empire might vphold their rites and priuiledges, requiring also that they would not proceede in any thing without his consent; or to permit any thing to bee done, that might tend to the preiudice of him and the Empire: Which letter by some was thought to be written for an insinuation, thereby in time to pretend some cause of nullitie and disabling of all that which the Estates should conclude with the King of Spaine and the Arch-dukes touching the peace, and to make vse thereof, when they shall thinke it most necessary B and fitte for them. The King of Denmarke sent Ambassadors into Holland to be of Councell with the Estates about a peace.
The third of December Iacob Vlefelt Councellor of the Empire, and Amptman of the Castle of Hagens-kow, and Ionas Charasins Doctor of both the Lawes, Ambassadours for the King of Denmarke, arriued at the Hage with a good traine of Gentlemen, who vppon the sixth of December had conferenee with the generall Estates, shewing the affection which their King bare to the Vnited Prouinces, and that their commission was to aid and assist the Estates with their Councell in their treatie of peace.
The Arch-dukes hauing made a reconing with the mutinous soldiers of Diest, and there-vppon giuing them satisfaction according to the contract made, hee deuided them into diuers companies, and put them into seueral places: after which hauing C committed no newer offence, he caused them al to be brought out of their seuerall quarters, to haue a certaine decree of banishment made against them, and openly published, which was to depart out of the Arch-dukes countries within twenty houres after, vpon paine of death.
It is manifestly knowne vnto euery man, how long the last mutenie in Diest hath A letter of banishment made by the Archduke against the mutinous soldiers of Diest. continued, and the great and inestimable summes of money it hath cost vs, besides the troubles and insupportable burthens and wrongs that our poore subiects haue sustained thereby: Neuerthelesse wee haue indeauored so much as at the last wee haue D made a full account and reckoning with all those that haue beene partakers in the said mutinie, and payd euery one of them whatsoeuer hee could aske, to their full contentments, and withall forgiuen them, and by these presents doe forgiue them all whatsoeuer they haue done against vs, by meanes of the said mutenie. Neuerthelesse wee with the King our brother (beeing not bound to entertaine any man in our seruices longer then wee shall thinke good) hauing a further care of our estates, for diuers good cosiderations, haue resolued that it will bee more aduancement to our seruice, and quietnesse to our subiects, to send them out of the country, and to commaund them (as by these presents wee doe expresly commaunde.) That within foure and twenty houres after the publication hereof, E they depart out of all our Countries and Territories, and not to staie any longer time therein, nor to enter or come into them againe, vppon payne of hanging, willing and commaunding as well all our louing subiectes, as others seruing vnder vs (the aforesayde time beeing expyred) to sette vppon them, and to vse all the rigour and hostilitie against them that they could, as against such as are disobedient vnto vs, and are banished persons withall. And that if any of them shall bee so carelesse (contrary vnto this our commaundement) to remaine still in those our Countryes, our will and pleasure is, that such persons as can apprehend any of them, and either liuing or dead deliuer them, either to the handes of Ferdinando Boischot one of our F Priuie Councell, and Auditor generall of our armie, or to the Iustices of any of our Townes, they shall haue for a reward for euery head the summe of fiue and twenty crownes, paid them by the handes of the said Auditor generall, finding them [Page 1388] also, vppon the same payne aforesayd, not to staie, dwell or remaine in the countries, 1607. A townes and Kingdomes of the King of Spaine, for that his meaning is not to vse their seruice any longer, and therefore wee commaund all our Iustices, Officers and others our subiects, to gouerne them-selues herein according to this our Proclamation, without any fauor, partialitie or detraction whatsoeuer. Da [...]ed in our towne of Brusselles the fourth of December. 1607.
By force of this proclamation, many of the said mutinous soldiers which could not get presently out of the country, were in diuers places [...]ain & hanged, which although it were done by them for an example of punishment of the like mutinies, yet it bred a ielousie in many men of iudgement, that by the like reasons of state, other proceedings and contracts might in the like sort be broken and made voyd. The Ambassadors of Brandenbourgh come to Hage to and the States in the treaty of peace. B
The nineteenth of December Ieronimus van Diskow and Erbghehessen vp Quees, Ambassadors for the Elcteor of Brandembourgh came to the Hage to assist the Estates in their treaty of peace, who in long time after made no motion, for that their commission was restrayned, to the comming of the Palsgraues Ambassadors, and to deale with them and not without them, which Ambassadors came not thither so soone.
The twentith of December, the Deputies of the generall Estates beeing for the most part altogether, or else hauing sent their opinions touching the treatie aforesaid, The generall Estates consultation [...] and resolutions about the treaty of peace. euery man shewed his authority and commission, which for the most part tended to this end: that notwithstanding the defects of the aforesaid letters of argreation, yet that they might enter into a treatie with the enemies Deputies concerning a C peace or long truce, alwaies insisting vppon the chiefe poynte, which is their freedome of the countrie, and not to yeelde vnto the enemy in the least poynte thereof, nether yet in matters of state, nor concerning religion. And after much disputation amongst them, and diuers conferences held with Prince Maurice, William Earle of Nassau and the Councell of Estate, as also with the Ambassadours of France, England and Denmarke, (for that the Ambassadors of Brandenbourgh excused them-selues for the reasons aforesaid) at the last vppon the foure and twentith day of December they wrotte vnto the Arch-dukes, that they (according to the protestations and declarations sette downe in their answer made the second of Nouember, from the which they ment not to varrie) were content to enter into a treatie with their Deputies in the Hage, and that to the same end they should send seauen or eight persons, D (instructed according to their offers) to the Hage so as they might be aduertised before frō the Arch-duke that their meaning was to send within tenne daies after the receipte of their letter vnto the Hage, the like or a lesse number of persons (quallified as aforesaid) and with full commission and authoritie, not onely in the King of Spaynes behalfe, but also for the Arch-dukes, to make a good and short resolution, and agreement about the treatie aforesaid. And for that the truce made to the fourth of Ianuary next insuing was almost expired, they desired the Arch-dukes to consider whether it were not expedient to prolong the same for a moneth or sixe weekes more, if they thought it good to enter into the said treatie vppon the conditions aforesaid, E where vnto they sayd those their letters should serue for a consent, if the Arch-dukes would send their consent there-vnto, not onely in their owne but also in the King of Spaines behalfe. They also sent the coppy of their letters to Fryer Iohn Nayen and Verr [...]yken, with request to deliuer the originall letters vnto the Arch-dukesand that if they would consent to send any Comissioners, that it would please them to write their names, number, and the day of their departure from Brusselles, to the end they might send them conuenient passeports: and so they sent the chiefe letters by Graue Maurices Trumpet by the way of Seuenberghen, and an other Trumpet (by reason of the frost) with a copy thereof ouer the Dussen, that if one fayled the other might be deliuered. The Palsgraues Ambassadors come to the Hage to aide the States in [...]heir treaty. F
The 29. of December Hippolitus de Coly Councellor to the Elector and chiefe Iudge of Heydelbergh, Ambassador for the Palsgraue of Rhyne came to the Hage, to aid the Estates also in that treatie.
With these accidents, deliberations, difficulties & resolutions touching the affaires [Page 1389] of the Netherlands, this yeare of 1607. ended; leauing to the beginning of 1607. The state of the Netherlands and the cause that moued the [...] to the treaty of peace. A the next yeare, an vniuersall expectation in a manner of all the worlde, for the pacefiing of the troubles in the Netherlandes, and the ceasing of the long continued bitter warres: Wherein either partie pollitickly seemed to seeke his owne aduantage.
The Vnited Prouinces pretended by that treatie to bee free States and Prouinces, wholy released and freed from the Soueraignty, claime and pretences of Spaine, and consequently of the warre begun to maintaine the same, and that they from henceforth (as a free common wealth, where-vnto no man pretended any right) would gouerne and rule them-selues, according to their owne pleasures, freedomes and priuiledges, and the rather for that the enemie (hauing wholy yeelded vp his right) should from thenceforth haue no pretence nor coullor to make any more warre B against them: and with this hope all those (which seemed to bee so much inclyned there-vnto) were fledde (and the rather for that they saw that this busines by most mens iudgements was vnlikely to bee brought to any good end) that by armes they lawfully might recouer againe all the townes and Prouinces which (since the Vnion made at Vtrecht) had forsaken them: and therefore notwithstanding the contract and promise made by the said Vnion, they thought it better to yeelde to necessitie, and by an honourable agreement to saue all the parcels thereof, which they as then inioyed, especially when as they might doe the same with such credit and honour, and thereby to attaine the expected end and freedome which they so long had C sought.
Wee haue formerly declared how that the Emperor wrotte a letter vnto the generall The Estates answer to the Emperors letters. 1608. Estates of the vnited Prouinces, touching the treatie of peace; wherein hee seemed as if hee had an intent to breake it off, and by that meanes to disanull all that the generall Estates had done or should do concerning the same. Where-vpon the Estates made an answer vnto the Emperor bearing date the second of Ianuary 1608. Certefiing him that they held it very strange his imperiall Maiestie had not beene informed of their proceedings in that action, neither from his Nephew the King of Spaine, nor his brother the Arch-duke Albertus, where-with if they had beene acquainted, they would not haue beene so forgetfull to certefie him thereof: saying D moreouer that they were well assured, that on their behalfe, both before and after the gouernment of the Arch-duke Mathias, diuers petitions had beene exhibited vnto the Emperor, Princes, and Estates of Germany, to craue his and their protection against the violent oppressions of the Spaniards, and that to their great hinderance no aid might be obtained either from the said Emperor nor the Empire, being also wel knowne that in Anno 1579. at the motion and request of the Emperour, and the Deputies of the Empire, there was a treaty of peace made at Collogne concerning the Netherlands, but they finding that their enemie during that treaty of peace, drew downe his greatest forces into the said Netherlandes to their great hurt and preiudice, for which consideration, as also in regard of the forepassed violation of their priuiledges, cruelties and great [...] vsed against the decreed conditions E of aceptation, they were constrayned in Anno 1581. (lawfully according to the lawes and priuiledges of the Netherland Prouinces, and for the necessary defence of those Prouinces, Townes and Inhabitants of the said Netherlands which are vnited togither) to vndertake the vttermost and last remedie for the freeing of the sayde Netherlandes by a sollemne decree, and so to discharge and vnburthen the Inhabitants thereof of all bondes and othes, whereby they were bound to shewe obedience vnto the King of Spaine: Since which time, the aforesayd Vnited Prouinces by all Neutrall parties and by many Kinges, Princes and common wealthes, haue beene held and accounted for free Estates, and such as had power to rule and gouerne amongst them-selues as free common wealthes, F or to chuse other Princes or Lordes ouer them, and that in that qualitie since the eight and twentith of Ianuary last past they had made many contracts of Leagues & Alliances, with diuers Kings and Princes, and with the extraordinary assistance and [Page 1390] aide of the sayd Kings, defended their Prouinces from great dangers both by sea and 1608. by land, against all the power of their enemies, and yet notwithstanding they had made A knowne both vnto the Emperor, and other Kings and Princes; as also to the Estates of the Prouinces now vnder the Archdukes commaund, how much they were greeued and did lament the calamities which the Netherlanders and their neighbours, were by the sayd warres forced to indure, and that they desired nothing more, then an assured Godly, and honorable peace; which they thought would not otherwise bee well effected then by maintayning the said decree, that the vnited Prouinces are free countries, as in the yeare of our Lord 1605. they had at large written vnto the Emperor, & the Princes of Germany, thereof, and that in the yeare of our Lord 1606. The Archdukes in their proposition of a treaty of peace had so acknowledged them, whē as they made them a resolute answere that they could not enter into treaty of peace with any B man that would not acknowledge the freedom of the sayd vnited Prouinces, the which they had gotten held and enioyed so many yeares: wherevpon the Archdukes, first secretly, and after that againe by formall writings signed and sealed by them, declared that they were content to treat with the Estates of the sayd vnited Prouinces, as Estates of free countries; wherevnto they made no pretence of soueraignty, with promise not to doe any thing either directly or indirectly against their sayd declaration, and within three monthes then next ensuing, to procure letters of agreation and the like declaration vnto the said Estates, from the King of Spaine, which hath since beene done, as the Emperor by the acts sent with their sayd letter might plainely perceiue, and that their hope was, that the Emperor and the Princes of Germanie, according to C their great and good affection alwaies borne vnto the vnited Prouinces, would not onely like well of their sayd proceedings, but also bee a meanes to further such things as tended to the assurance and fortefying thereof, and that they should not neede to write any other answere vnto the chiefe points of the Emperors letter, or touching the disanulling of their proceedings pretended by his Maiesties letters: Touching the prerogatiues of the Empire they made no mention, whether it were for that they would certefie him onelie of all the course of their proceedings in this action, and dissemble the rest, or for that they ment by silence to procure more furtherance vnto themselues, as to bring the case in question; or that there might bee some other thing yet ment thereby. D
The seauenth of Ianuary the trumpets sent by the Estates vnto the Archdukes, returned The Archdukes answere sent to the Estates touching the peace. againe to the Hage, with letters from the sayd Archdukes, bearing date the last day of December before, written in French, certefying them that by their letters bearing date the three and twenty day of December they vnderstood their resolution to conferre and enter into treaty with their deputies, and to continue the truce for a month or sixe weekes, and that thereby they desired to know their wills and intents: wherevnto they made answere, that they had appointed the sayd persons that till then had beene vsed in the sayd affaires to bee deputies for the sayd treatie of peace, and that they should depart from Brussels vpon the fifteene of Ianuary, that the same euening they might bee at Antwerp, if two daies before they will send them pasports, E and aduice that the shippes should bee ready at Lilloe, for them and their traine: and that by the letters sent them by Frier Iohn Nayen and Vereycken, they should know the names and qualities of those that were appointed to bee ioyned with them in commission concerning the said peace, and that touching the continuation of the truce, that they were content it should bee prolonged sixe weekes more, promising thereby, both in the King of Spaines behalfe, and their owne, to cause it to bee kept and maintained without any contradiction. Iohn Nayen the Frier and Vereycken also wrote letters to the Estates of the same date, certefying them that the deputies named and appointed, should bee ready to depart from Brussels vpon the fifteene of Ianuary, so they might haue their pasport two daies before, and aduice that shippes layd ready for them at The deputies names that were to treate of peace for the Archdukes. F Lilloe; desiring rather to come by water then by land, and that the sayd deputies were the Marquis Spinola, president Richardot, Secretary Mancicidor, Frier Iohn Nayen and Vereycken.
[Page 1391] These Deputies appointed to come to the Hage for the Archdukes, caused diuerse 1608. A of the states to growe iealous, for that there was not any one Netherlander amongst them, and that no such persons were appointed to enter into the said treatie as were promised by the first offer that was made, because that in a certaine note sent in the letter written by the States to Frier Iohn Nayen and Vereyken, they had giuen a larger limitation therein, then otherwise was intended, and for that the Archdukes them-selues seemed to like well thereof, after some conference had concerning the same, it was at last agreed, that they would let such Committies come, as were then deputed, and that conuenient pasports to that end should be sent them, to the which purpose diuers conferences were had by the States with the Ambassadors of forreine Kings and Princes.
The States of the vnited Prouinces being fully resolued to enter into treaty of peace or long truce with the Archdukes Commissioners, vpon the ninth of Ianuary caused a A generall fast in the vnited Prouinces, to desire God t [...] [...] their action of [...] peace, &c. B generall day of prayer and fasting to bee held throughout all the vnited Prouinces, to praise and thanke God for his great mercies showed vnto the said Prouinces, & with-all to desire him, that their action taken in hand might tend to his honor, and the defence and preseruation of the country, together with the wel fare of the same.
It was said before, that the Archdukes deputies desired to come into Holland, rather by water then by land, but for that the frost was great they could not doe it, for which cause the States hauing dispatched their pasports for the said Deputies, sent them by Pasports sent to the deputies of the Archduke to come into Holland. land to Antwerpe by certaine Trumpeters, and with-all wrote their letters to Iustinus van Nassaw gouernor of Breda, and to Maasellus Bax gouernor of Bergen vp Zoome, C to will them to go as farre as Antwerpe to meete them, and to conduct them to Breda, and Gertrudenberghe, and so to the Hage, for that they had sent the said deputies their pasports to come that way; but in regard of the cold wether and for that Marquis Spinolaes liueries for his mē were not yet ready the time was so long protracted, as the said gouernor set not forward till the 24. of Ianuary, and then they went towards Lire, for The entrie of the Archdukes deputies into Holland, & their entertainment in euery place▪ that the Deputies for the Archdukes tooke that way, whether it were for that they would goe right ouer the heath, or to diuert the said gouernors from comming to Antwerpe, which is a towne full of inhabitants; desiring rather to haue them goe to Lide, being a towne of garrison, and so the said gouernors went to Lire vpon the 26. of Ianuary, where they were well intertained by Don Alonso de Luna, gouernor of the towne, D but they found not the Archdukes deputies there, for that it was the next day in the euening before they came, and so vpon the 28. of Ianuary they departed from thence with a great traine of attendants and carriage▪ and went to Hoghstrate; Marquis Spinola for his owne gard, hauing 180. horsemen with him. The 29. of Ianuary they entered into Breda, where they were honourably receiued, all the garrison standing in armes, and euery man as well prepared as they might be, the horsemen without the towne & the footmen within, Marquis Spinola, Richardot & Mancicidor were lodged in the castle, and the rest in the towne, and were well intertained and feasted The next day being the last of Ianuary about noone they came to Gertrudenberge, where they were also wel intertained, and from thence Spinolaes horse-men returned: that euening hee and the rest of the Deputies past ouer the Ice from Beesbos and the Merue in 190. Sleads to E Dort, where the Magistrates of the towne receiued them without the gates, with such a multitude of people, as if halfe Holland were come thether to see them, and that night and the next day in the morning they were honorably feasted and intertained by the towne. The last of Ianuary after dinner they went to Rotterdam vpon Sleads, along the Merue and Meuse Banke, and were well receiued and intertained there by the Magistrates of the towne, and with a great concourse of people: and for that their traine was very great, and their carriage much, they sent the most part thereof before them to the Hage. The Marquis him-selfe and the rest of the Commissioners went that [...]ore-noone to Del [...], where by the Magistrats & the like concourse of people they were honorably receiued but not feasted, because they had broken their fast at Rotterdam, F and were certified that Prince Maurice was comming to meet them, and therefore after dinner they went towards the Hage, where Prince Maurice & his brother William Earle of Nassaw, & diuers Lords & Gentlemen met them at Riswick with 8. coaches▪ at their [Page 1392] meeting betweene Riswicke and Horne-bridge, they all on both sides went out of 1608. their Coaches saluting each other, with indifferent pleasant countenances: which A done, Marquis Spinola went vp into Prince Maurices Coache, and there satte downe in the hinder part thereof, and on the right hand of the Prince, and in the foreend sat Mancicidor and Henry Earle of Nassau, and on the sides Richardot and William Earle of Nassau, the rest with other Lordes and Gentlemen went into the other Coaches; Marquis Spinola hauing three Coaches and diuers other wagons appointed for him and the [...]est of the Deputies, at which time there was such a concourse of people of all degrees and qualities both of the Hage and other places as all the way both by water and land on both sides (the frost beeing very great and the y [...]e able to beare them) was filled with the multitude, only to see the Marquis Spinola, more for B noueltie then any other reason, not one considering or remembring that hee and the rest were the same persons, that for so many yeares togither, had sought by all the meanes they could practise to ruine and destroy them, and wholy to subiect their Country and estate. Most part of that countrie people are so forgetfull, blunt and foolish, and therefore cea [...]ed not to come to the Hage from all Townes and places thereabouts (as if they should haue gone to a generall triumphe) onely to see the Deputies. At their entry into the Hage, two Trumpets went before the Marquis, sounding their Trumpets passing along the streetes, as if they had entred in triumphe, to no small admiration of many men of good account, that were wellwillers to the country, who seemed to bee very much discontented thereat: In this great concourse of people, there were some which are imployed in the gouernement C of the country and in the assemblie of the Estates: So hard a thing it is for those people to refraine from their foolish customes. Marquis Spinola, Richardot and Mancicidor were lodged in a faire house in the Hage, which standes by the Viuerbergh, (the which belonged to a Soliciter for diuers companies of Soldiers, called Goswine M [...]uerskens) and Fryer Iohn Nayen, and Vereicken In the house of Wasenare.
The names and titles of the Deputies were as followeth. Don Ambrosio Spinola Marquis of Benaffro, Knight of the order of the golden Fleece, Councellor The names & titles of the Arch dukes Deputies. for the King of Spayne in his Priuie Councell and for the warres; and Generall D of his armie: Sir Iohn Dedonsel otherwise called Richardot Knight, Seignior of Barley, Counsellor of Estate for the Arch-dukes, and President of their priuie councell: Iohn de Mancicidor, Councellor and Secretary of the warres for the said King: Fryer Iohn Nayen generall of the order of Saint Francis in the Netherlands, and Sir Lois Vereicken Knight, Auditor to the Arch-dukes, and principall Secretarie of Estate for the said Arch-dukes. In this sort the Deputies were brought into Holland euen into the heart of the countrie, where they might haue a 1000. meanes to discouer and learne the scituation and humors of diuers particuler places and persons, and to bee instructed therein; the which (as some men thought) shoulde alwayes bee a very greate aduantage for them, whether this Treatie of peace tooke any E effect or not.
Many men here-vppon made diuers strange discourses, thinking it to bee contrary to the Estates former gouernement to suffer an enemie, yea and a Discourse touching their comming to the Hage. chiefe Commaunder of the enemies sorces and Armies to enter in that sort into the heart of the countrey, there to discouer both the vnitie and dissention, strength and weakenesse, the consent of the people to the gouernement, and their detraction from the same, and that thereby they had meanes giuen them to incite diuers euill affected persons to reuolt from them. Others were of opinion that it was a great ouersight committed by the Estates, to enter into a treatie concerning so great and weighty a matter, with such Deputies as were bound vnto such instructions, F from the which they might by no meanes varie: and that they ought not (knowing it before hand) in any wise to deale with them. But the Estates of the vnited Prouinces being better acquainted with their owne affaires then other men, thought it their best course; thinking that the curiositie of the common people was not so [Page 1393] great, as in regarde thereof they should neglect their duties for the defence of the 1608. A countrie.
And to the end that the vnited Prouinces might make the better vse, and reape the A league made by the generall Estates with the French king. more benefit by the said treatie, and thereby preserue their estate, long before the comming of the sayd Deputies, they made diuerse motions vnto the Ambassadors of France and England, to the end that their maisters might enter into an assured and firme defensiue vnion, tending to the vpholding and maintenance of peace, (if it should so fall out that it were concluded and agreed vpon) and the freedome of the countries, and on the other side, to ayde and assist one another, if the said peace should not bee obserued, or that it were broken by the Spaniards or the Archdukes meanes, which the sayd Ambassadors certified vnto their Princes: and to that end, vpon the B three and twentith of Ianuary, there was a league made betweene the French and the aforesaid generall Estates, containing diuerse meanes and conditions, whereby they might ayde one the other, if the said peace were made, and after that broken either by the King of Spaine or the Archdukes.
The second of February Prince Maurice, with diuerse Lords and Gentlemen, went Seuerall congratulations & welcomes giuen vnto the Deputies of the Archdukes, and the liked me by them to others. to salute and welcome Marquis Spinola, and the rest of the Deputies, with many complements: after that the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces, went also to congratulate their comming, at which time they onely vsed a ceremoniall kinde of welcomming them, and so departed presently againe. After that the French Ambassadors went to salute Marquis Spinola in his Chamber, at whose comming to the sayd Chamber, the rest of the Deputies, went to the Chamber doore, to meete them, who C hauing saluted the sayd Marquis and the rest, and taking their leaue each of other, the Marquis himselfe accompanied them to the Chamber doore, and so left them, causing the rest of the Deputies to bring them to the streete doore of his lodging, where their Coaches attended them, which the French Ambassadors disliked, thinking that the Marquis did it, as if hee thought him-selfe of greater state then they, in regarde of his place. The same day also the Ambassadors of England went to visite and welcome him, whome hee in like manner receiued, intertained, and suffered to depart, which they also disliked. The next daye after hee was saluted by the Ambassadors of Denmarke, of the Palsgraue, of the Marquis of Brandenburgh, and other. D
The third of February, the Archdukes Deputies inuited Earnest, and Iohn Earle of Nassaw, the young Earle of Hohenloe, the Lord of Chastillion, Iustinus of Nassaw, Captaine Bax, and diuerse others, to dine with them, where they were honorably intertained and feasted; and the same day after dinner, they went to the Court to salute Prince Maurice and his brother, with William Earle of Nassaw, where there past many congratulations and complements betweene hem, from thence they went to see the French Ambassadors in the President Ianins lodging, who receiued them at the doore of their Chamber, and at their departure conducted them to the doore againe, and from thence caused them to bee accompanied by Monsieur de Russy to the streete doore, where their Coaches attended them: They also went to salute E the Ambassadors of England at Sir Richard Spencers lodging, who also in like manner receiued them at the entery of his Chamber, and when they departed brought them no further, as the French Ambassadors had done before, each shewing thereby that their Princes were of no lesse Maiestie then the King of Spaine, to whose Deputies they were not to yeelde in any point of preheminence.
The fourth of February, Iohn van Burgh, Landt-Vooght of Hessen, Ambassador for the Lantgraue of Hessen, came to the Hage, to assist the Estates in their sayde Treatie, with the rest of the Ambassadors, who with in few dayes after had audience of the generall Estates, to whome hee deliuered the great loue and affection which Spinolaes great magnificence during his abode in the Hage. F his maister bare vnto the sayd Estates. Marquis Spinola during the time of his aboade in the Hage, was most sumptouously serued and attended on in his house; In his dining chamber there stoode two stately great Candlesticks of siluer, the which [Page 1394] standing vppon the flower before the table which reached much higher then any 1608. A mans head, in the which at night they sette great waxe candles that gaue light ouer all the table: At his meales hee was serued with a rich cupboord of plate: his Chamber was richly hanged with cloth of Arras, and the like Carpets on his boord, and in his Chamber there was a cloth of Estate by the Table, but hee satt not vnder it, and alwayes when hee went to dinner or supper, all his Plate with other siluer ornaments were brought forth as if it had beene a Goldsmiths shoppe. At noone & at night hee suffered euery man that would to come into his house, that they might see him as hee satte at his meate, and euery day there was Masse saide openly in his house, wherevnto euery man that woulde might resort, vsing as greate state as if hee had beene a mighty Prince. And although many men were of opinion that it was dangerous example, to suffer so great a resort of people to flocke about his house, B yet the States would not in any sort seeme to hinder or lette the same, whether it were for that they would minister no occasion of dislike or offence vnto him therein, or for that they esteemed not thereof, thinking it a matter of small importance to preiudice them or their Estate.
The generall Estates of the vnited prouinces, thinking it time to enter into the The Estates sent to Marquis S [...]pinola to know whē he would e [...] ter into treaty with them. treatie of peace or truce, which was intended vppon the fourth of February, they sent to Marquis Spinola and the rest of the Deputies to congratulate them, and withall to aske them it they had any thing to propound vnto them, or whether they desired onely to speake with their Deputies: where-vnto they made answer that they C had nothing to say vnto the generall Estates, but onely at their first comming to salute them, for which cause vppon the fifth of February they sent vnto them to know if they would come vnto their councell Chamber on foote or in Coaches, and if it pleased them to come on foote, that then they would cause them to be honourablie attended on, or otherwise they would expect their comming to the Court; but they made answer they would ride in Coaches, and the same day in the forenoone came to the Court, where a conuenient number of the States them-selues with Prince Maurice receiued them at their comminge out of their Coaches, and so conducted them to the Councell Chamber, where when they should enter, the Marquis shewed great honour to Prince Maurice and would needes haue him to go first into the Chamber; at this Assemblie there was nothing done but onely salutations and congratulations D vsed on both sides, and at their rising vp, the States asking them when they would proceed to the treaty of peace or truce, Richardot made answer that they were ready and prepared to enter thereinto as soone as they pleased, and so for that time they departed, being conducted out of the Councell chamber by the Prince, William Earle of Nassau, the Barrō de Brederode & others, and when they came to the dore the prince caused the Marquis to go first out, & that day they din'd with the prince.
The Marquis Spinola being gone out of the Councell chamber, the Estates resolued The names of the Deputies nominated & appointed by the States to sit vpon the treaty of peace. to determine vppon the electing of their Deputies, wh [...]ch were to bee chosen amongst them to enter into the said treaty, and after some conference had between them, at the last they nominated for the commonaltie in general of the vnited Prouinces, William E Earle of Nassau Gouernor of friseland, and Walraue Baron of Brederode, Vianen Ameyden &c. And for euery one of the seauen Prouinces one, as for Gelderland and Zutphen, Cornelis van Ghenet Seignior of Koeuen and Meynerswicke, Vicont and Iudge of Nymeghen: for Holland and West-Freezeland Sir Iohn van olden Barneuelet Seignior van Timple, Aduocate of Holland, Keeper of the Seale, and Recorder of the said countries; for Zealand Sir Iaques de Mallidere knight, Seignior van Heyes representing the Gentlemen of that Prouince: for Vtrecht Nicholas van Berke, chiefe of the saide Prouince in their Councell; for Freezeland, Doctor Gellius Helle [...]a, Councellor in their Court: for Ouerissell, Iohn Sloeche Seignior van Salicke, F Drossart of Venlo, and Chastelaine of the Kuynder: and for Groning and the Territories thereof, Abel Koenders Thoehelphen, and others that assistted them, and at the same time they set downe certaine instructions concerning two or three pointes onley whereon they shoulde treate, and withall deliuered [Page 1395] them a procuration to proceed therein, most by the counsell, and instructions to be giuen 1608. A them by Sir Iohn van Olden Burneveldt, as being the wisest and most experienced amongst them in matters of Estate.
The sixt day of February, the deputies for the Archdukes, and the generall Estates made their first assembly in the Hage, in a Chamber expressely appointed for that The 1. assemblie. purpose, whereon each side hauing giuen seueral salutations, and shewed their procrations or commissions to enter into treaty, the Archdukes deputies shewed a procuration from the King of Spaine, bearing date the tenth day of Ianuary, and a procuration from the Archduke dated the twelfth' day of Ianuary, the first made in Madrill, and the second in Brussells, which caused no small suspition to rise amongst the deputies for the Estates, that the sayd Spanish procuration was made vpon a blanke signed, and with all it was graunted vnto the Archduke alone, and to such B as they should substitute: but the Archdukes procuration nominated no substitutes: Againe in the Spanish procuration, the Archdukes were named heires and soueraigne Lords of the Netherlands; otherwise the said procuration was sufficiently made to giue them full power to enter into treatie with the Estates (touching peace or a long truce), in quality, and as holding and esteeming them to bee free countries and Prouinces, wherevnto hee made no pretences of soueraigntie, so as the peace were concluded in such manner and forme, and vpon such conditions as the Archdukes should thinke conuenient, to the honour of GOD, and the peace and welfare of Christendome, but vnderneath there stood at large and word for word the same clause and exception, which was set downe in the principall approbation C made at the first, if the peace should not bee concluded, as well concerning Religion as otherwise.
The Archdukes procuration also was large inough, but in some places there were certaine preiudiciall clauses inserted, as amongst the rest, that the King of Spaines procuration was the same, and with the like declaration, as the Estates themselues had desired it should be. Which neuer-the-lesse was not so, for that the Estates expresly protested against it, as also that the same made no mention of the aforesayd Spanish procuration dated the tenth daie of Ianuary, but of an other procuration dated the eighteenth daie of September before, whereof they shewed no coppie, and that daie there was nothing further done: but onelie the viewing and deliuering of their D procuration, and so they brake vp for that time and departed: when as the Archdukes deputies came to the Court in their Coaches, they were receiued by the deputies of the Estates, and so conducted into the counsell Chamber, and going out were accompanied by them againe to their Coaches.
Vpon the eight day of February, the deputies on both sides met againe, at which The 2. assemblie. time the Archdukes deputies made some exception to the procuration giuen by the Estates to their deputies, aleadging that it was not ample inough, but restrained to an instruction, which they sawe not, which in such treaties they sayd was not vsuall, for that procurations made in that kinde ought to bee ample and sufficient, but the deputies resolued them therein, and said that it was made in that sort for that E they were appointed to cause each article that should bee agreed on, on after the other to be ratefied by the Estates.
The Estates deputies for their partes also shewed what difficulties they found in the Archdukes procurations, (which were such as are before declared) wherein they were likewise satisfied, sa [...]ing that they were fully authorised in all pointes concerning the sayd treatie, and that they would shew and deliuer the Estates a conuenient act of substitution. And amongst other things spoken off, the Estates deputies asked them, if they had full power and commission giuen them to acknowledge the vnited Prouinces to bee free countries, and to treate with them in that qualitie, wherevnto they freely and flatly said, I; and that therefore it was all one to F them what title the sayd Prouinces in that respect would take or atribute vnto them-selues, yea although it were the title of a Kingdome. Wherevnto the Estates Deputies replying, asked them, why the Archdukes then bare the [Page 1396] armes of those Prouinces in his coate armor? whervnto they made answere, that, it was 1608. A no strange nor new matter, for that in the same manner the King of Spaine wrot himself King of Ierusalem, the French King named himselfe King of Nauar, and the King of England bare both the name and armes of King of France, and diuers others in like sort, neuerthelesse they desired the deputies for the Estates, that what title soeuer they would atribute vnto themselues, they would haue such respect as it might bee done without any disgrace or blemish to their King and Princes reputations.
The leauenth day of February, they assembled together againe, wherein the Estates The 3. assemblie. deputies propounded the first article concerning the freedome of their Prouinces, and that the King of Spaine and the Archdukes should from thence-forth leaue off and wholy desist from all their pretences to the soueraignty of the vnited Prouinces, as B also of Drente, Linghen, and other places vnder their commaund and which the sayd Estates as now hold and enioye, not onely for themselues, but for their heires and successors, together with the title and armes thereof: which article the Archdukes deputies desired to peruse and to take aduise therein, and so for that time they departed, sending presently a coppie thereof with all speed vnto Brussells, wherevnto vpon the thirteene day of February they receiued an answere, and in the meane time they made their complaint vnto the Ambasadors of France, England, and others, touching the strictnesse of the sayd article.
The thirteene day of February after dinner, they met againe in the Councell Chamber, The 4. assemblie. where they declared their consent and approbation as it was set downe; with this C exception, so as all the rest of the pointes and articles (that should bee propounded) were concluded, wherein they sayd that they hoped the Estates also would doe some thing for the King of Spaine and the Archdukes, touching the traficke into the Indies seeing that from that time forth they should bee friends in respect thereof, and that the sayd Prouinces should haue their free trade and traficke into Spaine, and amongst other things spoken of betweene them concerning the same, at the last they sayd that the trade into the Indies was the chiefest cause that mooued the King of Spaine to make such large offers vnto them and to enter into that treatie of peace.
The sixteene day of February, the deputies on both sides met in counsell againe, D where the Estates deputies propounded two articles more, the one concerning the forgiuing The 5. assemblie. and forgetting of al forepassed iniuries, and that no reprisales nor arrests should bee made nor suffered to bee made, but onelie for perticuler debts that might bee made on either side: the second for free trade and traficke in all the Kingdomes, Hauens, Townes, and Countries of both parties, with protection, and no more nor further molestation to bee vsed as if they were naturall borne subiects: But presently the Archdukes deputies, made answere, that they neither ment nor vnderstood, that vnder the title of free traficke, the trade into the Indies, nor any part thereof was to bee comprehended, but that to the contrary the subiects of the vnited Prouinces, should presently desist from the same, which the Estates deputies would not yeeld E vnto, thinking it should bee a great preiudice vnto the freedome of the vnited Prouinces, and their free trafick by sea, as also that their Estates would not by any meanes consent to leaue the same; and for that the Archdukes deputies did verie earnestly vrge the contrary, they brake off for that time without doing any other thing that day, and so they disagreed in that point, which afterwards was with great vehemency debated betweene them on both sides, the Archdukes deputies saying, that the King and the Archdukes would not sell the aforesayd title of free countries and Estates for nothing, but rather determined to make them pay well for that title, hoping by that meanes to abate and deminish a great part of the Estates power, and much to aduance F their Princes welth and traficke. Whereby euery man iudged that in time the subiection of their Estate would ensue, which as then seemed to bee so much aduanced and honoured with that title of freedome: and for that cause many men beganne to murmur thereat, especially the Marchants which trade into the East Indies who [Page 1397] perceiued thereby that the Archdukes deputies sought to take their trafficke from 1608. A them, and so to impouerish the sayd vnited Prouinces, and therfore they assembled together in the Hage, and made many publicke and particuler declarations vnto the states, townes and prouinces concerning the same; as also vnto the Ambassadors of forreine Princes, shewing the great preiudice and hinderance which might growe by that point, and how hurtfull it should bee vnto the whole Estate of the vnited Prouinces, as also what great trafficke and riches came vnto those countries by the sayd trade: what great returnes they had from thence: how by that meanes they d [...]ew vnto those countries all their neighbour Princes subiects, money and meanes: and that without any charge to the countrie they entertained a great number of mightie shipps, furnished with ordinance, munition, Saylers, and other things necessarie, such as were not to bee found in many other kingdomes besides; and in regarde whereof, B they were much respected and esteemed by many Princes and great Potentates, which peraduenture would not much care for their friendship, when they should once perceiue these Prouinces to bee reduced vnto such tearmes as they could neither much hurt, nor pleasure them: and to that end they deliuered diuerse and seuerall aduertisements, some as Merchants, concerning their trade alone, others somewhat tending to the Estate of the countrie, amongst the which one principally was worthy the noting, in regarde of many good considerations therein set downe, whereof some perticularities were, viz. That friendshippe, commerce, and trafficke, Reasons aledged by the Indian Marchants of the vnited Prouinces why they should not leaue off their trade. are necessarie consequences of peace, according to the lawes of Nature, of all C Nations and of all times; commerce and trafficke beeing euident signes of peace and friendship, which are neuer refused nor denied but vnto an enemy.
So as neuer any example was found, where any peace was concluded and agreed vppon, with exception of commerce and trafficke, the which should bee no peace, but a kinde of banishment; which is neuer vsed but against enemies and malefactors.
Furthermore, that wee who must liue by the Seas, and are the greatest Merchants, and best Sea-faring men in the world, should bee forced to leaue the vse of the greatest part of the Sea, and of the richest part of the whole trafficke of the world, were one of the greatest disgraces that could bee giuen vs, and especially to D seeke to r [...]straine vs from other kingdomes and countries, where-vnto hee hath no pretence of Soueraigntie, nor ouer the Sea, whereon no man hath command, but the vse thereof (Iure gentium) is free and open for all men, and wherein no man hath any particuler iurisdiction.
This without doubt would bee a manifest subuersion of our estate, which in these chargeable and great warres, could not bee maintained with-out free trade and trafficke at Sea, it beeing the onely meanes which GOD hath giuen vnto vs for our maintenance, and so consequently, as much as our Sea-faring and trafficke should deminish, so much in proportion would the power of these Prouinces decay; for that our townes and inhabitants cannot bee maintained, much lesse can wee haue E any power by the particuler meanes of the rents and reuenewes of these countries, as other great countries and kingdomes may haue, but all our wealth must come from the Sea and Sea-faring.
And for that it appeareth by many declarations made, that the trade to the Indies exceedeth all our other traffickes by sea, what-so-euer that is vsed by vs, both for the principall stocke, number of good Saylers, and power of Shipping, it followeth consequently, that wee leauing off our Indian trade, should deminish more then halfe our trafficke, not onely by Sea, (with-out the which wee cannot maintaine our estate,) but also by land, for that all our power and well-fare (for the reasons aforesayd) must come from the Seas, and trafficke. F
Which beeing duely considered, it manifestly appeareth, that (although no Marchants doe trade and trafficke, nor any man goeth to Sea, but for his owne perticuler gaine and commoditie) the common wealth should bee much more hindered, and [Page 1398] receiue more preiudice thereby then the particular members thereof, for that besides 1608. A that the common wealth consisteth of the particuler members, of the same who make the sayd common-wealth; and that the same is powerfull and mightie according to the priuate Estates of the subiects and members thereof, yet is it most certaine that the particuler members can liue without the publike Estates, but the publike not without the particuler, for that the particuler members may goe into other countries, where they may as well trade into the Indies, as in these countries, but the common-wealth must remaine still, and see it selfe weakened in power, according to the deminishing of the trade thereof, for that poportionaly and of necessity, as much as the power thereof decreaseth, so will the number of Inhabitants, and wealth of the country decrease. B
Besides all this, it is to bee considered that the saylers, which are imployed in the trade of Marchandise by certaine priuate persons, are verie manie, that without any charges or burthen to the countrie are kept and maintained in worke, and daylie at sea, verie readie at all times to bee imployed about any important affaires of the Countries good, without the which it is impossible to maintaine any power by sea, as by example wee see, that the greatest Kingdomes haue no power at sea according to their great wealthes, but onelie according to the traficke which their countries vse.
Our fore Fathers, in times past vndertooke diuers great quarrells to mainetaine their sea-faring and traficke, which as then was verie small, for that their C whole principall stocke was not to bee compared to the value of the bare shippes with the furniture thereof that now goe into the Indies: and beeing now so great and mightie at sea (as it manifestly appeareth) wee should doe our selues great wrong and iniury, by our owne consents to suffer our selues to bee banished from the two third partes of the world.
Wee should buy this title to deare, for that in steed that wee should thereby bee honoured, it would purchase vs a great reproch and contempt, not onelie amongst the inhabitants of the country, but also out of the land, both of our friends and foes: our inhabitants might iustly bee offended therewith, when they should see that wee left of our trade, and that they were compelled to depart out of the D countrie and Prouinces, our friends and alies would thinke and perswade themselues, that they were to expect neither faith nor troth at our handes, when they should see vs forsake our owne inhabitants and countrie men, to obtaine a bare title of freedome.
Moreouer finding vs to bee so much weakened of our power at sea, (which is the especiall thing whereby wee might aide and assist them) they will make no account of vs: so as entering into this treatie of peace vpon the confidence wee haue of our friends, and such as are allied vnto vs, wee shall finde our selues vtterly deceiued. To aleadge that wee ought to content our selues with the same traficke at sea which wee had before the beginning of the warres, is nothing els but that men E would gladly see vs in the like weake Estate for power and meanes, as wee were at the beginning of these warres, for the better effecting of their designes, from the which God defend vs.
It is also against reason, that wee should leaue that trade▪ for although that before the warres, wee did neither aduenture nor traficke into the Indies, yet, wee had both right and freedome to doe it, Iure gentium, which was not taken from vs by any man, for the King of Spaine was bound by oth to maintaine these countries and the inhabitants thereof in the freedome of their trade and traficke, of the which without doubt the free vse of the sea, are, and traficke throughout the whole world was the maine point, and it was neuer brought in question nor once spoken of, vntill F the yeare of our Lord. 1596. When as the King of Spaine made an expresse article touching the same, in the transportation of the Netherlands, vnto the Infanta, [Page 1399] and yet we remaine as free as euer wee were before the warres; the free nauigation and traffique A into the whole world lyeth open for vs, whereof wee cannot bee depriued, without 1608 force and violence: which beeing otherwise done, were contrarie to the meaning of the Estates, for that they being freely and resolutely determined, not to enter into any treatie of peace, before they were assured of a full and absolute graunt of the freedome of these countries, vnder the king of Spaine and the archdukes hands and seales, the said king of Spaine and the archdukes, made promise by their seuerall declarations, to treat with vs, as with free countries, whereunto they pretend no maner of soueraigntie, and yet now by this treatie they will cut off the greatest trade we haue.
It is also expresly mentioned, That each partie should hold that hee presently possesseth, vnlesse by the common consent of both parties, it were thought good, and found requisite B to exchange certaine places; and now they would take from vs the most important possession that wee haue, which is, the possession and free vse of the two third parts of the sea, and the whole world: They will put vs from the places of traffique, which wee vse at the Indies, with the greater halfe of our nauigation and power by sea, without giuing vs any other places for them.
To obiect, That in regard thereof they renounce and acquit vnto vs, all their pretence of soueraigntie vnto these countries; they promised to do that by their letters, and that they would not take any thing from vs, but by exchaunge, and wherein wee should our selues giue our consent.
To conclude, if wee looke into the ground of this matter, wee shall find, that it was in vaine C for vs to maintaine so long warres, and to haue consumed so great a treasure, and so much of our bloud, to maintaine our freedome, if with our owne consents wee will make our selues seruile, and banished from the two third parts of the whole world. It was also needlesse for vs, to oppose our selues against the power and forces of our enemies, if wee will consent and yeeld to this article, That wee should not traffique with al nations, and which is more, not with those which are not subiect vnto the king of Spaine. It was likewise madly done of vs, to oppose our selues against the raysing of the tenth penie, which would haue driuen all trade of merchandise out of the countrey, when as we of our selues shall giue ouer the two third parts of our traffique and trade by sea.
The reasons and considerations that might yet bee added hereunto, are innumerable, but D these seeme to bee sufficient to conclude, That although wee doe sincerely, and from our hearts desire a godly, honourable, absolute, and generall peace, yet wee would bee loth thereby to abandon the greatest and most profitable trade wee haue, and by that meanes to fall into greater miseries than euer: and yet wee protest, that wee are content to persist in our generall resolution, and the letters giuen vnder the hands and feals of the king of Spain, and the archdukes, and not to deale otherwise, than by this treatie, to hold and maintaine our freedomes, liberties, priuiledges, and antient customs, together with all that which at this present time we possesse and enioy, without the which wee would neuer haue begun nor entred into this treatie.
These in effect are the principall reasons, alledged by the companie of Indian merchants, E why they should not grant to leaue off the Indian trade, with many others, which for breuitie sake I here omit.
But for that the gouernment of the vnited prouinces consisteth of many parts, amongst the which there are many men, that esteeme not much of forreine trade and traffique, or Diuers mens opinions concerning the Indian trade. at the least, not so much, but that they are of opinion, That the preseruation and maintenance of the tilling of the land, and the inhabitants of the Champian countrey, concerned them more, they could not enter into so good consideration touching the same, as was requisit and necessarie to bee had; wherefore the wisest men, and such as were of greatest vnderstanding, and of soundest iudgement, determining so to accommodat the matter, as both the one and the other might receiue some contentment thereby, for that cause had F many meetings and conferences with the deputies of the aforesaid king of Spaine and the archdukes; as vpon the nineteenth, three and twentieth, and seuen and twentieth of the [Page 1400] moneth of Februarie, and vpon the fourth day of March: at the which assemblies nothing A was done therein, but each partie resolutely held their owne opinions, and would not yeeld 1608 one vnto the other, maintaining them with many arguments and reasons concerning matter of state, and also with great resolution and earnest pretences; in such sort, as the Estates of the vnited prouinces, who for the most part were of opinion, That they ought not to yeeld vnto the deputies of the king and the archdukes in that point, nor in any wise to desist from the same, at the last they resolued to propound three meanes vnto the said deputies of the said king and the archdukes, hoping by the one of them, to bring them to consent and yeeld thereunto; which were, either by that treatie of peace wholly to graunt them their traffique to the Indies, and the dependances thereof, or by way of truce to permit and suffer it for certaine yeares; or to leaue all those countries lying beyond the Tropicke of Cancer in wars, B and either partie to take such aduantage as hee could, in those countries, without seeking any amends or recompence against their aduerse partie, on this side the Tropicke, for any wrongs or iniuries they should receiue in those parts.
But the deputies on the contrarie side, wholly refused those offers, first alledging, That it was altogether contrarie to their commission, which expresly forbad them to yeeld vnto the sayd trade and traffique to the Indies. Secondly▪ That the king of Spaine and the archdukes, were princes which were addicted vnto peace, and not to warres, and therefore know not how they should graunt or consent to so strange and monstrous a contract, whereby both warres and peace should alike and at one time bee concluded. And touching the meane or the middle course, they say, they were of opinion, That something might C bee graunted therein, so as the Estates of the vnited prouinces of the Netherlands would consent and agree, that at the end and terme of the said yeares, they would desist, and leaue off the said trade. But for that the [...]states of the vnited prouinces declared, That they had no such intent or meaning, but at the end of the sayd yeares, each partie should remaine as they were at the first, and at their owne free choyce, nothing was done in that point at that time.
The Estates of the vnited prouinces finding the obstinacie of the deputies of the sayd king of Spaine and the archdukes, made a shew, as if they would make a motion touching their trade into the West Indies, and to that end sent for the merchants of the West Indian trade causing them to assemble together, to see what difficulties might be propounded therin, D and thereby to further the same.
But the deputies for the king of Spaine and the archdukes, made no account thereof, esteeming it to bee but a scare-crow, to put them in feare, and therefore still they persisted in their first resolution, making their complaints to the embassadours of the neighbour princces then resident in the Hage, holding that point to bee as vniust and intollerable for the estate of their princes, as if they had taken and held them prisoners, they could not bind them to harder conditions.
The Estates also for their parts, made their complaints to the said embassadors, alledging, That they being by the said princes held and esteemed for free countries, the said princes sought to impose many conditions vpon them, which the prouinces vnder their owne command, E could not suffer nor indure.
In the end of Februarie the princesse of Orange came to the town of Hage in Holland, by the procurement of the Estates of the vnited prouinces, bringing with her out of Franne, an hundred and twentie fiue thousand crownes in readie money, where shee was visited and welcommed by the most part of all the embassadors, and also by the deputies for the king of Spaine and the archdukes.
The sayd deputies for the king of Spaine and the archdukes, perceiuing that they could not bring that poynt touching the trade to the Indies, to any end, or good conclusion, at the last they declared, That they would conclude vpon a truce to bee made for certaine yeares, and that to the same end and purpose they were content to proceed to some other articles, and in the meane time to bee doing therewith, or with any of the other poynts. F Whereupon the deputies for the Estates of the vnited prouinces, made a motion, to [Page 1401] haue all the points and articles set downe at one time, which on both sides might be propounded A concerning that treatie. But they made answer, That it was both inconuenient and vnreasonable 1608 to be done, as also that they were neither warranted, willing, nor prepared thereunto: and that some of them commended the making of peace with Fraunce and England, which was not any part of their charge; but that they were readie to deale with other poynts, and to treat of them one after another, as it is vsually done in all such treaties: and that following that order and common rule, they were content to deale with the points of limitation of their borders on either side, touching free commerce and traffique in the prouinces of the Netherlands, and for the restitution of goods and lands, seized vpon on either side: and those beeing determined, and dispatched, to proceed vnto other points. Whereunto answer was made them by the Estates deputies, That on the Estates behalfes, there was nothing offered nor propounded, that was vnreasonable or inconuenient, concerning the deliuering vp B of all the articles which were to bee propounded on both sides; so that the Estates for their parts, to fulfill them, were readie, and to deliuer all the articles that might bee demaunded▪ yet not intending thereby to exclude or debarre each other, from propounding any more articles, that might bee, or were necessarie to bee intreated of, touching the peace, which they vnderstood should bee free, and at either of their choyces; but onely that they might vnderstand, what would be propounded and demaunded on either side.
Whereupon the king and the archdukes deputies tooke time to consider thereof, and for that day departed; seeking thereby (as it seemed) on both sides to get some aduantage one of the other, that the most politike might giue better instructions therein vnto their fellow deputies: for that some of them were of opinion, That it would bee a great furtherance vnto C them, to know before hand, what their aduerse partie meant to propound touching the said treatie.
The seuenth of March the deputies met in counsell againe, where, after many protestations (that it should bee no preiudice vnto either partie, touching any thing that should bee produced or found necessarie to bee propounded and conferred of betweene them, but that either of them might notwithstanding remaine in the same estate they were) at the last the Estates deputies for their parts, deliuered eight and twentie points or articles, which they as then propounded: and the deputies for the king of Spaine and the archdukes, seuen. The articles propounded by the Estates, were set downe as plainely as they might bee done, thereby declaring their intent, with vpright and true Netherlanders hearts, that their aduerse parties D might plainely and manifestly vnderstand their meanings. But the seuen articles deliuered vp by marquesse Spinola and his fellow deputies (who peraduenture dealt more warily than the deputies for the Estates of the vnited prouinces) were obscure, generall, short, and briefely set downe, so as they could hardly conceiue what they meant thereby, or what they would seuerally and particularly include, treat of, or desire of the Estates, in or by the same, possibly esteeming it to bee a point much tending vnto their honours, that they exceeded the Estates deputies in iudgement concerning that treatie, the said Estates deputies hauing giuen them all their meanings in seuerall and playne articles, and they to the contrarie paying them with a number of obscure tearmes, from whence few or no particularities might bee gathered. E
And for that the reader may see what the articles on both sides were, and giue his iudgement, I will insert them verbatim as they were giuen foorth, and the rather, for that I coniecture this treatie cannot bee ended in any short time, as men in the beginning did hope and expect: And for that this booke cannot bee finished and concluded, with the desired, good, and honourable peace, that hath beene so long attended, I will shew what each partie, vnder the pretence and colour of the sayd articles, produced and set downe in the sayd treatie, and in what manner, and how farre foorth they haue disputed and proceeded therein. F
The articles deliuered by the deputies of the Estates of the vnited prouinces, were these hereafter following.
1 First, for traffique and trade of merchandise to bee made on both sides, in the Netherlands, The articles of peace deliuered by the Estates, indifferently.
[Page 1402] 2 Touching the assurance of trade and nauigation, and the dependances thereof, in the 1608 A countries belonging vnto the king of Spaine, the archdukes, and the Estates.
3 Renunciation of reprisals, with the dependances, and also for that which shal be made reprisals hereafter.
4 Touching the limitation of the borders and frontiers of either side, with that which dependeth thereon.
5 Whether it shall presently be agreed vpon, about the exchanging or demanteling and rasing of certaine forts.
6 Touching the abandoning or ruining of the forts of Rodeort and Homburch, and of the towne of Berck, with the Weert, and the forts thereabouts, lying vpon the borders of the Rhine. B
7 The disannulling of al sentences, decrees, proscriptions, and other acts made against the lords and others, of all quarters whatsoeuer, in regard of any confederations, vnions, religion, wars, and other matters thereunto belonging.
8 Restitution of lordships, and other lands and tenements, belonging to the prince of Orange (of famous memorie) deceased, for the contentment and satisfaction of the said princes heires; not onely for that which hath beene done by the Estates of Brabant and Flanders, with the towns and members of the same, but also for that which is further demanded by certaine articles, which prince Maurice hath giuen vnto the Estates in writing.
9 Restitution of all lordships, lands and tenements, belonging vnto other noblemen, gentlemen, and all manner of men of meaner qualitie, taken from them by confiscation, for the C causes aforesaid, not onely in the Netherlands, but in the dukedome of Luxembourg, and the earledomes of Burgondie and Charolois, with the dependances: And likewise of ships that were sent out for trade of merchandise, and were arrested or taken by the king of Spaine, the archdukes, or the Estates, since the 24 of May 1607.
10 Touching order to be taken for the restitution of goods arrested either by creditors or debtors, in regard of the causes aforesaid, and sold to the preiudice of the said parties.
11 Touching the arrerages of the rents of the lands confiscated, and kept from the right owners, during the wars.
12 Touching the disannulling of all gifts, testaments, and other such like things, which in regard of confederation, religion, and warrs, with the dependances thereof, haue beene found D to be made, to the preiudice of any man.
13 Concerning order to be taken for the paiment of debts, and other charges, made by the treatie of the old vnion.
14 The retyring of all foreine souldiers (being in seruice vnder the king of Spaine and the archdukes) out of all the said archdukes countries, for that without their departure out of the countrey, the differences which then were to bee determined and debated, could not bee ended.
15 That the lawes of the Inquisition, and burthening of mens consciences, shall not bee vsed against saylers and merchants, that goe into Spaine, and other the kings and the archdukes dominions, nor against any other of the inhabitants of the vnited prouinces, that E trauell thither: and that in their ships, they shall bee free to vse their owne religion, and that for religion no shippes, merchandises, nor goods, shall bee subiect to confiscation.
16 That the inheritances of such as are dead intestat, and such as hereafter shall die, in the countries belonging to the king of Spaine, the archdukes, and the Estates, shall come and discend vnto the right heires, whether they haue continued, or shall continue on the one or the other side; and that euerie one shall bee held and accounted for legitimat heire, according to the customes of the prouinces, where the actions (that shall fall in question to bee decided) shall be tried.
17 The antient priuiledges of townes, vsed therein before the warres, shall on both sides F remaine firme in the same maner that they then were, without any exception.
18 That if any new controuersie should arise (which God forbid) the saylers, merchants, and their factors, seruants, and other inhabitants, shal on both sides haue six moneths time freely [Page 1403] to withdraw themselues, with their ships, goods, and satisfaction of their debts due vnto A them; the time of the six monethes to begin presently after there should bee warning thereof 1608 giuen.
19 That if any thing (on both sides) bee done or attempted against this treatie, it shall be duely and fully satisfied and recompenced, and yet the sayd treatie shall remaine inuiolable.
20 That all prisoners on both sides shall bee set at libertie, without paying any ransome.
21 All ciuile actions not publikely decided shall remaine in full force, and no prescription to be alledged nor allowed, notwithstanding the warres.
22 Assurance to bee giuen for the particular treaties made, concerning the generall B treatie.
23 A generall and speciall renouncing, derogation, and assurance to be made, for the keeping and holding of all and euerie point of the treatie.
24 A request to bee made to the emperour and the princes of Germanie, the kings of Fraunce, England, and Denmarke, to maintaine that which shall bee agreed vpon in this treatie.
25 The acknowledging of the potentates, princes, commonweals, and townes, to bee friends and allies, and to be included in the treatie.
26 Order to be taken about the prince of Portugals cause.
27 Approbation, publication, and registring, to be made of the treatie. C
28 That all such things as may be propounded for the cleere exposition of the articles, on both sides, shall and may be produced and allowed of.
The articles propounded in the behalfe of the king of Spain and the archdukes, were seuen, which were written in French, the contents being as followeth. The archdukes articles.
- 1 Concerning limits.
- 2 The restitution of lands and goods.
- 3 For traffique out of the countries.
- 4 For vniformitie in the moneyes.
- 5 To keepe a generall course on both sides, for priuiledges and freedoms giuen to the English merchants, touching traffique and trade of merchandise, as otherwise. D
- 6 Concerning religion.
- 7 Concerning the affaires of neighbour princes.
As soone as these articles were deliuered on both sides, the king of Spaine and the archdukes deputies marking the number of the articles that were presented vnto them by the Estates deputies, sayd, That it would bee so tedious a worke, as it could not bee finished in a short time: and Richardot reading the point concerning the paiment of the debts of the vnion, said, Wee haue no money to pay debts; for all our money is consumed in the warres. The Estates deputies for their parts also, finding that their aduerse partie made an expresse article touching religion; and thereby remembring, that the same point concerning religion, was particularly specified in the Spanish procuration, and all the rest mentioned in generall E termes; they desired the kings and the archdukes deputies, to make an explication of their intent and meanings, that they might know their minds therein, and whether by that article they intended, to compell the Estates, to leaue their religion; the which (as beeing free Estates and countries) they had, or should haue? and whether they thought, that as yet they had any right of soueraigntie ouer those countries, whereby they might prescribe them lawes? or whether their meaning was, vnder that article, to set downe onely, how the subiects on either side should behaue themselues, when they should come in any place vnder their aduerse parties commaund, where any other religion than that which they professe, shall bee vsed? But they could get no explication thereof from the sayd deputies; saying, That it beeing one of the last articles, they would make them an exposition thereof, F when they came vnto it. And being much vrged thereunto, they sayd, That they had sent a messenger into Spaine for that purpose, and that they could make no explication neither of the one nor the other, vntill such time as they should receiue an aunswere thereof [Page 1404] againe, or some larger commission from thence: and so for that time they brake vp the A counsell. 1608
The Spanish and the archdukes deputies, hauing in this manner gotten all the Estates articles, as they were particularly set downe, into their hands, sought to respite and prolong the time for a while, that so they might fully aduertise their princes, not onely what the Estates desire and intent was touching the treatie, but also of the humors of the prouinces, gouernments, and inhabitants therereof, or as much as they had learned, and vnderstood of such persons, of diuers places, quarters, and qualities, as came vnto them by meanes of the free accesse that was permitted: which their intent was first discouered by certaine words and speeches cast forth by their followers and seruants; and after that plainely vnderstood, at their meeting, made vpon the eleuenth and twelfth of March, wherin much was spoken, protested, B argued, and debated, touching the matter of truce, the traffique into the Indies, and the manner, order, and freedome of the traffiques to be made into the kingdomes and countries of the king of Spaine, and the archdukes, in Europe: and after much disputation had between them, Spinola, and the rest of the deputies on their side, desired the Estates deputies, to make an article apart, concerning trade and traffique into Europe, and what assurance should bee giuen therein; and another article concerning traffique into the Indies, which they said they would send into Spaine and Brabant, that so they might get a further and larger commission touching the same, with exception, that the said articles should bee so qualified, as they in Spaine might like thereof, and not receiue more offence thereby, and that their princes reputations might not bee thereby impaired. C
And for that they did not well vnderstand the point propounded, touching traffique to Antuerpe, and other townes and places vnder the archdukes obedience, they desired the Estates, to permit Martin de la Faille, with two or three other merchants of Antuerpe to haue accesse vnto the Hage, that they might ioyne with them in consultation about that point, that so it might bee fully resolued vpon. Wherein the Estates deputies desired time to consider thereon, and after much consultation had about the drawing of the said articles, and the assurance to bee made, they were of opinion, That their best securitie was, to haue readie money deliuered into their hands: And after they had well considered thereof, they caused two articles to bee drawne, the one for nine yeares trade into the Indies, and the other touching their trade and traffique in Europe: and at last they concluded, to demaund for their D securitie of traffique in Europe, from the king of Spaine and the archdukes, the summe of fifteene hundred thousand duckets, to be deliuered in readie money in the vnited prouinces, as a caution thereof: and that the Estates for their parts, would leaue the summe of fiue hundred thousand duckets in readie money, either in Spaine, or in any other countrey, for an assurance of the other traffiques.
The said articles being drawne and set downe, vpon the seuenteenth of March, in the afternoone, the deputies on both sides met together, whereas the deputies for the Estates deliuered the Spanish deputies the said two articles, drawne by them; which they tooke, and said they would consider thereof, and for their parts, they deliuered a long discourse to the Estates deputies, touching traffique to Antuerpe, and other places vnder the archdukes obedience, E containing their opinions, how they vnderstood the same, and with what libertie and freedome it should bee permitted; which was, That their ships being full laden, might freely sayle out, or from any of their townes, to any kingdome or countrey in Europe, and with their ladings come backe againe, and passe through the Estates streames, without any further trouble or let, than hath of antient time beene vsed; as also to vnlade their wares and merchandises in the Estates streames, into their owne ships, or warehouses, by their owne men, and so to carrie the sayd wares from thence againe, without any further charge: and that no right of staple shall take place against any goods or wares, if they belong vnto the countries and prouinces, wherein the places of staple are contained. Against the which the Estates deputies protested, and especially touching the point, concerning the staple right: F and after much conference and disputation had betweene them touching the same; as also about the articles and other things, each partie tooke time to consider thereof: The Spanish deputies saying, That they could not in any sort determine nor conclude vpon [Page 1405] that treatie, before they had sent into Spaine, to haue their commission amplified, and for that A the last prolongation of the truce began to expire, they said they were content to prolong the 1608 same againe for two moneths more, beginning vpon the first of Aprill; which the Estates deputies consented vnto, and thereupon prolonged the said truce vntill the end of the moneth of May.
The 20 of March the said deputies assembled together againe, where the deputies for the king and the archdukes, mooued many difficulties touching the article concerning the time of nine yeares to be allowed for the Indian trade, saying that they could not allow thereof, much lesse permit, that in the said act any mention should bee made of the tropicke of Cancer, which goeth round about the world, & which in that case would breed a canker in Spaine; & withall they deliuered vnto the Estates deputies a certain draught concerning the same, made B to their most aduantage, whereupon much disputation and contention grew again between them, for that therein they seemed to adde such a condition, as at the end of the said 9 yeares, the vnited prouinces should haue small hope of any further trade into those parts, and that within the said nine years also, they should loose a good part of the said trade: yet the Estates deputies receiued the said draught to consider thereon. And proceeding further to the point of securitie, the Spanish deputies said, that it was neuer heard of before, that any money should bee deliuered for caution in such a case, and therefore they could not allow of that point, to be set downe in such order, and the rather for that they had consumed all their money in the warres, and therefore knew not how to get any more money, or to put in any such securitie; neuerthelesse Richardot said, that the marquesse had credit enough, if hee would become C caution for the same, and so in iesting manner seemed to refuse that point touching securitie; yet notwithstanding many men were of opinion, that it was a matter of great importance. Touching the article for traffique in Europe, they made no great question, for that they expected certaine marchants to come from Antuerpe, about the same, whose pasports they laboured with great instance to procure.
The Estates finding that the article touching their trade into the Indies, was not well liked of by the deputies for the king and archdukes, and hauing that in their hands which they had deliuered vnto them, thought it not good to stand too much vpon their owne opinions, neither yet in that respect to breake the treatie, begunne with good hope and expectation of so many men; but rather to yeeld somewhat in that respect, & to accomodate themselues neerer D vnto the desires of their aduerse parties: and for that cause they consulted seriously▪ amongst themselues touching that point, to see how they might best frame the same, that so the countrey might not be wholly debarred from the said trade, but at the end of the said 9 yeares, they might remaine in as much freedome concerning the same, as they did before▪ wherein many difficulties were propounded by diuers men, beeing of opinion, that whatsoeuer should not be well and plainely expressed in that article, the vnited prouinces should be depriued thereof, as in the like cases it commonly falleth out with the weakest partie, for that the mightier partie doth presently take and iudge the obscure points to tend to their most aduantage, and so seeke to put them in practise, whereas the weaker partie (which is loath to begin warres againe) cannot withstand it, but of force must endure it, especially in a gouernment E consisting of so many parts and members, as the gouernment of the Estates is, whereas the members that beare no part of the losse, are hardly to be persuaded, in regard of their own, & other mens hurts and hindrances (which neuerthelesse are sometimes by many persuasions and iealousies wonne to stirre therein) to grant to the disbursing of any great summes of money, or to begin warre; and therefore their strict standing vpon the nicenesse of that article, was not so well liked of by all the prouinces. They also agreed to make an other draught touching their trade in the Netherlands, and other parts of Europe, thereby also to reduce it vnto a neerer conformitie, & more agreeable vnto the writing deliuered vnto them by the Spanish and the archdukes deputies, which hauing done, they caused pasports to be drawne for two or three marchants of Antuerpe. After that, the deputies on both sides met againe vpon F the 25 of March, in the afternoone, where the said draughts were againe read and considered of; but the Spanish deputies would not as then accept of them: so as after many disputations had betweene them, they brake vp for that time, to the end that euery man might consider the better thereon.
[Page 1406] The Estates deputies vnderstanding better the Spanish deputies meaning, what they chiefly A desired, and would be brought vnto in that respect, once againe perused and mended their 1608 said draught, which they restrained and limited, as neere as the said article might by any meanes be drawne and deuised with least preiudice; and while they were busied about it, Richardot (thereby to stirre vp and persuade such persons as were against it, vnto a better liking therof, and to dispose their mindes thereunto) desired to speake with them (which they allowed him) who beeing alone amongest them, beganne to complaine of the Estates precisenesse in that point, saying that the marquesse and he were much grieued, that they had beene employed in that matter concerning a treatie of peace, seeing they were like to loose their labours, for that the Estates in those points sought onely to haue their owne willes, and thereby would be the cause to hinder and breake off so good an action, as the making of peace B was and would bee, desiring them therefore most earnestly, so to set downe and accommodate these articles touching the traffique into the Indies, and the trade and traffique in the Netherlands and Europe, in such points and tearmes, as in Spaine they might bee liked and accepted of; whereas to the contrarie it was to bee expected, that they would not onely bee disliked, but wholly reiected, and that thereby the said treatie would presently bee broken off, for the which hee seemed to be so much grieued, as the teares fell from his eies, thereby to mooue them thereunto; producing withall, many reasons why the Estates ought rather to bee a meanes to further the said treatie, than by ouer much precisenesse to cause it to bee broken off and made fruitlesse: which speeches vsed by him were no small meanes to mooue them to frame the said articles in a more indifferent manner; and the rather, for that many C men were of opinion, that it behooued them to drawe vnto an end, that they might see the vttermost aduantage and benefit that the prouinces were to expect from and by the said treatie of peace, and what burthens the Spaniards and archdukes would offer to impose vpon these countries, in recompence of the title by them giuen and graunted vnto those prouinces, especially for that many of them were of opinion, if that they could make the vnited prouinces free from all pretences of soueraigntie of the house of Burgondie, and withall procure a peace and discontinuance of and from those long and bloodie warre (for that cause onely vndertaken and maintained) that then they had fought a good fight, and brought the matter to the desired end, and their shippe to a safe and an assured port: and for that cause they drew the said articles to as strict points and tearmes as possibly they could deuise by any D meanes.
And so vpon the last day of March, in the afternoone, they met together on both sides, where they sate long, and there the last draughts of the said articles were read and deliuered; and after many discourses had betweene them touching the same, thereby to shewe the reasons thereof, the marquesse determined to send them into Spaine by frier Iohn Nayen, asking thirtie eight daies time to effect the same; for that as hee past through Fraunce he was to stay there certaine daies, and hoped in that time to bring a finall answer out of Spaine touching the same.
The substance of the article made concerning traffique to the Indies, whereon the greatest disputation arose betweene them was, that the inhabitants of the vnited prouinces, The substance of the [...]ct for [...] into India, whereon they stood most. E should continue their nauigation into the Indies after the manner of marchants, and traffique there for the space of nine yeares, from the time of the truce graunted and set downe, if that the treatie proceeded and were fully finished and determined; and to that end it was agreed that the said nine yeares should beginne on this side the cape de bona speranza, vpon the first day of September, in the yeare 1608, and on the other side of the said cape de bona speranza, vpon the first day of September, in the yeare 1609: and that they should traffique into all the places, hauens, townes, and forts of the Indies, which at the end of the aforesaid truce, shall not absolutely be vnder the power of the king of Spaine, nor his lieutenants: and in those places, hauens, townes, or forts, that are belonging vnto the said king of Spaine, they shall neither enter nor traffique into them, but by the licence and consent of those that haue authoritie and shall commaund therein, for the said king of Spaine, vnlesse it bee vpon F some great extreamitie, in which case they shall bee vsed there like friends, as the subiects of the king of Spaine in like manner shall bee vsed in the townes, forts, and places [Page 1407] that belong vnto the said States: And that during the said nine yeares, all acts of hostilitie A vsed in those parts, shall cease, as well betweene the subiects of the king of Spaine, the archdukes, 1608 and those of the Estates, as of all the kings, lords, towns and places, that shal as then be in friendship and league with the one or the other partie; whose names shall within three yeres bee certified by the king of Spaine and the archdukes vnto the Estates in the Hage: and on the Estates behalfe, the sayd names shall also bee certified vnto the said king and archdukes within the said time, in the towne of Brussels, as it is inserted and set downe in the treatie: and that all wrongs and dammages done, and suffered to bee done, to the contrarie, shall bee demaunded, sued for, and repaired, in the places where they were done and committed, or in the places where those that haue done the said wrongs and iniuries, dwell and remaine, without dealing or medling therein in any other places or forts, or by reprisals, than B onely in the places aforesaid. And that two yeares before the time of expiration of the aforesaid nine yeares, the king of Spaine, and the Estates of the vnited prouinces, shall send commissioners vnto the towne of Brussels, to end that trade in friendly and quiet manner.
Touching the article made concerning traffique in the Netherlands, there was another Touching the article of truce in the Netherlands which also was so much debated draught made (but not agreed of, nor yet determined, for that the merchants that were expected frō Antuerp, were not come) seruing for a more ample interpretation of the article of free traffique, mentioned in the treatie, the contents thereof being, That the inhabitants vnder the archdukes and the Estates, should mutually traffique and trade together, after the manner of merchants, in all their prouinces, islands, townes, and places, with friendly intertainment and protection; and to the same end all their ships shal be admitted in euerie hauen of the said C countries, on both sides, to vnlade, buy and sell their wares, rig and victuall themselues, and there shall stay, or depart from thence, as long as they please, and when they will, and not be charged to pay more conuoy money tolls, or other customes, than the inhabitants of the said places, or any other nation, that are licenced to pay the least tolls, &c. And that all ships of Antuerpe and other places, sailing out to other kingdomes, and returning from thence again, shall with their full ladings, haue free passage at sea, paying all the aforesaid conuoyes, tolls, and customes, as the subiects of the said countries doe, without difference of ships or wares, or exception to whom they doe belong: the right of the staple for wines, onely remaining in the antient manner, as it was before the wars. That the merchants on both sides, by their D owne men and seruants, or others, may lade, vnlade, and go with their ships where and whither they will, without difference or respect more of the one than the other. That the ships of Antuerpe, or other places, shall and may freely anchor and stay for wind or companie, or lade and vnlade in the streames and riuers of Holland and Zeeland, without any other disturbance as aforesaid: which fraught, taking in, or vnlading, shall be done from boord to boord, in such ships, and by such labourers as they were accustomed to be done before the warres. That all merchants passengers, and other men trauelling into, and through the said countries on both sides▪ shall haue the like freedome for their owne chests, and other carriage, without entring the same in the toll or custome houses. That such goods as any merchants shall lay vp in the warehouses, or leaue in the hands of their factors, when time serues to bee transported, or else for that they find no conuenient ships, shall pay no more custome nor charges, than those E waies that shall bee deliuered ouer from boord to boord. That the particular graunts, priuiledges, freedomes, and exemption of prouinces, quarters, townes, villages, colledges, places, or persons, graunted before the yeare 1 [...]66, and whereof euerie one, or any of them were possessed in the same yeare, and which are not contrarie hereunto, shall bee holden, maintained, and continued. That no higher tolls nor customes shall bee payed, nor in any other places than were accustomed before the troubles in those countries, and where the same were vsually payed. That all letters of mart and reprisals, graunted either in Spaine or the Netherlands, and made before the day of the date hereof, shall bee reuoked, and F held of no force nor effect, vnlesse they bee vsed against such as shall doe contrarie to this treatie: and that no other letter or forme from henceforth shal be graunted, but vpon open deniall of iustice, to the vttermost sought and required; and that it bee euidently found and prooued to be so.
[Page 1408] These and other articles which were made and drawne in this treatie, and receiued by the A deputies of Spaine, to bee sent thether by frier Iohn Nayen, I thought good to set down at this 1608 time, not to bee esteemed as matters fteely past and agreed vpon, but that euerie man may therby perceiue, how little the estates are enclined to ambition, in the articles propounded by them, and how willing and readie they are to accommodate themselues in matters that do altogether concerne their estate, or that may serue to procure vnto them an vpright, reciprocall, and free traffique in all places; and likewise to admit the same, that in time they may shew their affection, to the like and reciprocall trade and traffique: and that they seeke not to further themselues therein, more than other countries, which are not so necessarily bound vnto trade and traffique by sea, as these prouinces, but haue other certaine means to maintaine their estates: And that if the king of Spaine should peraduenture not like of, nor yeeld to the sayd B articles, that thereby the reader might the better iudge, in whom the greatest fault consisted, either in those that haue declared and pronounced the said prouinces to bee free countries, and yet will wholly debarre them from a naturall and common freedome; or in those, who hauing right to maintaine and preserue all the parts and points of their freedome, yet neuerthelesse, to bee free from the miseries which are incident vnto the warres, had rather quit and relinquish a great part thereof, and content themselues with a small portion, thereby to shew the desire they haue to leaue the bloudie warres, and all ambition and desire of vaine glorie.
The Spanish deputies hauing receiued the aforesayd expositions, of the articles before The States deputies inuited to dine w [...]h the marquesse Spinola. propounded, marquesse Spinola caused frier Iohn Nayen, to inuite the eight deputies (appointed C by the Estates to treat of the peace) to dine with him, vpon the first day of Aprill, and with them sir Iohn van Santen, who had beene somewhat imployed in the same; and at other times (as it was reported) had beene a student with frier Iohn Nayen: at which dinner they all dranke hard, specially frier Iohn Nayen, whether it were to shew himselfe to bee vpright and plaine in his dealings, and in the middest of his drinke to vphold, that the king of Spaine and the archdukes proceeded vprightly in that treaty, without any intent to circumuent them; or for that he would entertaine the sayd deputies in friendly manner, and make them good cheare, according to the manner of the Netherlands. After this frier Iohn Nayen, the next day, being the second of Aprill, went to Brussels, not respecting the weather, which as then was verie stormie and windie. D
This matter thus brought to this point, and being vnderstood by diuers persons, how much the deputies for the king of Spaine and the archdukes, laboured to debarre these prouinces from the whole Indian traffique, with all the dependances thereof, they made many bookes concerning the same, which were printed and set forth, one vnder the title of an aduertisement or forewarning, another vnder the name of a dreame, or conference, and diuers others; all for the most part tending to forewarne such as were in authoritie, and were put in [...]ust to deale in the sayd treatie, to take heed of corruption, and of diuision and disorder in the countrey, as also from all the practises of Iesuites, and others, that seeke not the peace and quietnesse, but rather the disturbance of the countrey: which bookes were the better to be borne withall, for that (in so great and vncertaine an alteration of an estate, as is now likely to happen E in these countries) they proceeded from such men, as are well willers to their countrey, and which take no pleasure in warres, but with all their hearts wish and desire peace, so it may bee honourable, godly, and well assured for them, yet could perceiue nothing else, but that vnder the shadow thereof, some secret practises might bee wrought, tending to the ouerthrow and subuersion of these countries; the which otherwise in a publike gouernment, such as is vsed in the Netherlands, is not well nor easily to be hindered: whereof the reader by the books themselues, shall haue better tast and information, which for that they are not pertinent vnto the hystorie, I thought good to omit, and referre the reader vnto the books themselues, which are extant.
By meanes of fryer Iohn Nayens departure for Spaine, many men began to find, that the F treatie of peace was likely to continue long, for that they were to stay fortie dayes for his returne backe againe; and were the more easily mooued to beleeue it, for that during his absence, little, or rather nothing at all, was done by the rest of the deputies, that thereby they [Page 1409] might not discouer themselues, for that they were vncertaine whether their princes would accept A and allow of those articles, and againe that they were to haue a more ample commission, 1608 to treat of so many articles, as the Estates had propounded and deliuered vnto them, and that therefore they would so manage their businesse, either by themselues, or by others, as that frier Iohn Nayen should be returned backe againe, before they would proceed any further in the treatie: and it fell out well to the purpose for them, that in the beginning of Aprill the Estates for the most part repaired to their own prouinces, and the Estates of Holland also for a time, so as thereby it rather seemed to be delayed off, by the absence of the Estates themselues, than by the deputies for Spaine; for that they alwaies gaue forth that they were readie to proceed in the treatie, although that in long time they had not once sought to enter into any conference or meeting. B
Meane time there came a flying newes out of Brabant, that vpon good Friday there was a dispatch brought thither out of Spaine, the contents thereof beeing, That the king of Spaine would not graunt nor allow these countries any traffique at all into the Indies, nor to any places thereof, and that the Estates subiects were presently to desist and leaue off the same; and secondly, That the king would haue his deputies insist and vrge free exercise of religion, and grant of churches for the papists, & those of the Romish religion, that were in the vnited prouinces, and that openly and in all places; or otherwise that they should leaue off and breake vp the said treatie. Which newes made many men (that were in good hope of the treatie of peace) to be much disquieted in mind, perceiuing that the proceedings and consequences thereof were so dangerous, as without the hazarding of the whole state of the countrie, they C could not graunt that point vnto those of the Romish religion, at the request and motion of the enemies of the countrie; but it could not bee vnderstood long after, whether this answer out of Spaine were of such effect or not: yet they found that marquesse Spinola and the rest of the deputies were not much pleased, when they had receiued the said answer, or were aduertised thereof.
Many embassadours of forraine princes, as those of Munster, Cleue, and Cologne, when they perceiued the long proceedings of the treatie, tooke their leaues and departed from the Hage; the like did many earles and other noble men, as the earle of Benthen, the earle of Hohenloo (cousin to that earle of Hohenloo, which had done so great seruice to the Estates in formertimes) and others. D
We haue shewed before, that frier Iohn Nayen was gonne into Spaine, and that hee was to returne againe within fourtie daies after; who not comming at the day appointed, gaue many men cause of great suspition, and the rather, for that it was giuen out by some of the king of Spaines ministers and seruants, that the king was not resolued to leaue his soueraigntie, but to hold it still, and to further the Catholike religion: and how that in Fraunce the Spaniards boasted what great aduantage and profit they had gotten by the treatie of peace late made, reporting the same to be much more than they expected, with such like words: the frier comming not againe, and Don Pedro de Toledo embassadour for the king of Spaine, beeing come into Fraunce, not onely to make certaine propositions of mariage, but also to intreat of this peace. The Estates of the vnited prouinces attended the returne of president Ianin embassador E for the French king in the Netherlands, who till the comming of the said Don Pedro de Toledo, was staied by the king in Fraunce: but the said king hauing giuen audience to Dom Pedro de Toledo, he presently sent president Ianin backe againe into Holland, with letters of credit, who vpon the seauenth of August arriuing in the Hage, the next day had audience of the generall Estates; where he shewed them what great affection the king his master bare vnto the preseruation and maintenance of their estate, as well in peace as warres, and how that Dom Pedro de Toledo in the name of the king of Spaine his master, had made complaint vnto the French king, touching the aid and assistance which the said king gaue vnto the vnited prouinces, contrarie to the treatie of peace made at Veruins, and what disliking the said king of Spaine had therof, offering all kindnesse and friendship in the king his masters name, vnto the F French king, for the preseruation of their particular estates, if he would leaue off to assist, and abandon the said vnited prouinces: whereunto he said, that the king his master made answer, that he could by no meanes leaue them, and that his alliance with them was not contrarie to [Page 1410] the said treatie of peace made at Veruins, alledging that the king of Spaine for his part, had A done much against the said treatie, or at least permitted it to be done by his ministers, which 1608 he declared vnto them at large, saying also, that the king aduised them to make a peace, if it might be concluded vpon reasonable conditions; and that to the same end they should with all speed mooue the deputies for the king of Spaine and the archdukes, to proceed to a conclusion thereof, and that they should not stay any longer for the returne of frier Iohn Nayen, for that there was no apparance nor likelihood that they should get any further or other cō mission, than they had alreadie, but rather a worse: and for conclusion hee said, that the king (in the meane time to supply their necessities) had granted to send them the summe of 100 thousand crownes.
Whereupon the Spanish deputies were mooued by the Estates to come to a finall conclusion, B but they made answer, that as yet they had no further commission from their princes, than at the first, but daiely expected the same; which the generall Estates vnderstanding, they resolued not to treat with them any more, and to that end they commanded their deputies to deliuer vp their commission: the which vpon the three and twentieth of August was cancelled: withall declaring and shewing by writing vnto the archdukes deputies, what they had done to procure a good peace, concluding with a protestation, that they could by no meanes find it requisite nor good for the estate of the said prouinces, and the inhabitants thereof, to treat any further therein with the said deputies, and that it was a great griefe vnto them, that contrarie to their expectations and desires, that treatie was so vnprofitably broken off, and yet neuerthelesse comforted themselues, that they were excusable both before God and all C the world, in that the bloodie and long warres continued in the Netherlands, were not changed into a Christian, honourable, and an assured peace, for the ending of all the calamities, miseries, and troubles, which haue happened and fallen vpon the said Netherlands, and their neighbours, together with the good inhabitants of the same, by meanes of the vniust pretences of their aduersaries: which declaration was made vpon the 23 of August, in the yeare 1608.
This resolution, protestation, and farewell beeing deliuered vnto the archdukes deputies vpon the 25 of August, they made complaint thereof vnto the embassadours of forraine princes then resident in the Hage; whereupon the said embassadours consulted together, to see if they could bring both parties to agree vpon some truce for many yeares: and to that end about D the beginning of September, president Ianin, in the name of all the kings and princes embassadours, made this proposition vnto the generall Estates.
Your lordships may well suppose with what care, affection, and sinceritie, the kings & princes An admonitiō giuen (by all the embassadors resident in the Hage) vnto the generall Estates touching a truce for many yeares. that sent vs hither, haue vsed all the meanes and furtherance they could to aid you to attaine vnto an assured peace and tranquilitie, and to obtain all whatsoeuer they thought might tend to your good and benefit therein; which notwithstanding our continuall paines taken to stay here with you, and therein to yeeld you our best aid and counsell, it hath prooued fruitlesse, to our great griefe and discontents, and likewise (as wee are assured) of the princes that sent vs hither, who were alwaies persuaded, that the issue of this treatie would haue proued more successefull than it is found to bee: and as their chiefest intents were to aid you to E ‘make a peace that should be absolute and effectuall, iudging the same not onely to bee profitable, but altogether necessarie for your estate; to the same end they gaue vs commission, that if at the first it would not so fall out, that then we should propound a truce to be made for many yeares, as soone as we should see the treatie of peace to be broken of in regard that it wil be much more profitable for you, than to returne to ruinous and bloodie warres: and for that it is now time to propound the same vnto you, wee haue thought it good to counsell and aduise you to incline your selues thereunto, so as you may obtaine such conditions, as may procure profit and assurance vnto your estate; without the which, our princes desire not to mooue or counsell you thereunto: and to the same end we thought good to set downe these three articles.’ F
- ‘1 That the truce shall be made with you, as with free countries, whereunto neither the king of Spaine, nor the archdukes pretend any soueraigntie.’
- ‘2 That during this truce, you shall haue and enioy free traffique into the Indies, as [Page 1411] well as into Spaine, and also in the Netherlands, and in euery place vnder their obedience.’ 1608A
- ‘3 And that you may hold and enioy that which at this present you possesse, and that so you proceed to the rest of the conditions, which with reason may be had and graunted.’
‘Wee partly foresee and iudge, that it will bee hard to obtaine these conditions from those princes with whom you haue to deale; for that seeing a peace doth not like them, it is to bee thought, that a truce with the like conditions will not please them: which if they reiect and refuse, then will the entring againe into armes on your side be excusable, and the willingnes and endeauours of our princes, to cease this miserable warre, shall be thereby well knowne, so as they shall haue a better subiect and cause to imploy their forces and meanes for your maintenance and defence: but to the contrarie, if they seeme willing thereunto, then we counsell you to embrace it, because your refusall and denying thereof, would giue them much cause B of disliking; the which wee find would be as beneficiall and auaileable for you (if you conclude it, as we wish you should) as in a peace it selfe: certifying you also, that our kings haue giuen vs in charge to tell you, that they are content to be bound for the performance and maintaining of the said truce, as they were also willing to haue done the like concerning the treatie begun by you, if a peace had beene made.’
‘And in the meane time you shall haue meanes to settle your affaires, to pay your debts, and to reforme and amend your gouernment; and lastly, continuing well vnited together, the truce will be as a full and an effectuall peace, and thereby in time you shall enioy all the effects and furtherances, yea and many more, than peace it selfe would haue affoorded vnto you: but to the contrarie, if you begin warres againe, we see so many difficulties and dangers therin C (beeing so well informed of the great aid that you shall need, not onely to maintaine your warres, in hope of your good proceedings, but also to defend your selues) as your best friends would be very doubtfull to supply your wants; but by meanes of this truce you may free your selues of all these charges, dangers, and difficulties.’
‘We know well, that at this present you are much disquieted with the proceedings of your aduersaries, but this disquietnesse ought not so to diuert & alter you, as you should contrarie to wisdome and reason leaue and forsake that counsell, which is most profitable and safest for you, and not suffer your selues by any motion of choller to do that which should bee hurtful and preiudiciall vnto your estate.’ D
‘This is the counsell my lords, that the princes your good friends giue vnto you, who are readie to ioyne with you, and to hazard themselues in your affairs; but yet you must remember (that if you enter into armes againe) that they cannot aid you, vnlesse they themselues fall into the hazard of warres; which all wise princes desire to auoyd as much as possibly they may, and neuer desire to enter thereinto, vnlesse by compulsion and great necessitie they are constrained, or that they expect some great benefit to be gotten thereby. It is euident that this warre is not necessarily to be vndertaken by you, if by a peace for many yeares you may free your selues thereof: and it is most certaine, that if you enter into warres, you shall bee a meanes to put both your selues and vs to great charges, and be a cause of great hurt and spoile. It is our intents and meanings to giue the like aduice vnto the archdukes deputies, and if they refuse to yeeld vnto a truce, we will then tell them plainely, that our princes for your good & E defence, will doe all that which belongeth vnto true and faithfull allies.’
This being likewise imparted vnto the archdukes deputies, Spinola and the rest desired 4 daies time to peruse their instructions, and thereupon to returne an answer: and after foure daies were expired, they made answer, That their commission from the king of Spaine contained no point nor article of truce, vpon any such conditions as were propounded, and that therefore they could not deale therein, without expresse commission from Spaine: and for that cause they desired sixe weekes longer time to procure the same; but if in the meane time the Estates would enter into treaty touching the same, they said they hoped that for as much F as imported the archdukes, they should giue them full contentment. And vpon the ninth of September, they gaue certain articles vnto the Estates, which were, That the archdukes were content to enter into a treatie of truce, for seauen yeares, as well by sea as by land: That either side should enioy and possesse that which they then held: That during the said time the [Page 1412] king of Spaine shall graunt them free traffique into Spaine, and that the said king of Spaine A within two moneths after the conclusion of the truce, should declare whether he would cō prehend 1608 the Indies within the truce or not, and if that the king of Spaine were to be ioyned in this action, they desired twentie daies longer respite, and continuance of the said treaty, and that the said kings and princes should be aiders and assisters to keepe and maintaine the said truce, in like sort, as if an absolute peace were made.
This dilatorie answer being receiued, the generall Estates were of diuers opinions amongst themselues: & for that president Ianin embassador for France thought it expedient to let them stay the propounded time that was set downe by them to expect an answere out of Spaine; some of them resolued to grant so much time, but they of Zeeland, and many others, were of another opinion, for that they had not kept any time by them demanded and limited, & withall B finding the peace to be in a desperate and doubtfull estate, they thought it best for them, not to hold their enemie any longer within their countrey, wherein they had so many catholike friends, and might procure many more, which might tend greatly to their hurt and preiudice: and so at last they fully agreed vpon a generall resolution, which vpon the thirteenth of September they caused to be deliuered vnto them in writing, the contents thereof beeing as followeth.
The general Estates of the vnited prouinces (hauing duely considered of that which hath beene propounded in their full assembly, first vpon the ninth, and after that vpon the 11 of September, by the embassadours of Fraunce and England, together with those of the princes electors, and others of Germanie, that they would graunt vnto the deputies for the archdukes C sent into Holland to treat of a peace, longer time of staying in the Hage, vntill the last of this moneth of September, to attend a more ample commission out of Spaine) doe to that end by these presents declare, that they had rather see the departure of the said deputies for the archdukes, towards Brussels, there to attend for their said further commission, for certaine good reasons deliuered by them vnto the said embassadors in their generall assembly vpon the 11 of September, and for diuers other considerations; but calling to mind how much they are bound vnto the said kings and princes, they are content (to pleasure them) that the said deputies shall stay here to attend their said commission, vntill the last day of this present moneth: which commission must be made to confirme the freedome of the vnited prouinces, not onely by the king of Spaine, but also by the archdukes and that without any restriction, or conditions; D and withall to acknowledge that the said confirmation shall not continue onely for the said time of truce, but for euer, to the contentment of the said general Estates, so as the said deputies for the archdukes, shall dispose their affaires hereafter: and for want of such full commission, to depart vpon the first of October, without seeking any further delay, neither of the said embassadours, nor of the Estates, if they cannot obtaine the same. Dated in the Hage the 13 of September, 1608.
Whereupon the deputies for the king of Spaine and the archdukes, hauing receiued no other answer from their princes, and finding that their departure was so absolutely and so resolutely determined and set downe, they made preparation to depart, complayning that they had so strict a day giuen them; and withall protested, that they were sorrie that a peace could E not be made, doubting not, that if the Estates would haue had a little more patience, they should haue attained to a good end: this done, the deputies of the generall Estates went euery man home to their owne houses, they of Zeeland openly protesting that they would appeare no more there, vnlesse the Spanish deputies were gone out of the countrey, or that they could shew an absolute commission. Vpon the last of September, when they were readie to depart, marquesse Spinola and the rest of the deputies were inuited to dine with prince Maurice, whither they all came, except auditor Vereicken, for that he was hurt in one of his legges, and was carried in a coach from his lodging: after dinner, prince Maurice and the rest of the lords went with them to Risewicke, and there taking his leaue, he left his brother Henrie earle of Nassau to conduct them to Delft hauen, where the same euening they tooke shipping in F prince Maurices pinnace, accompanied by diuers gentlemen, as Emery van Liere gouernour of William Staet, Haultaine admirall of Zeeland, and others, who brought them to Antuerpe, and returned backe againe; from thence they went to Brussels, where they found the people [Page 1415] in great expectation and desire of peace; but all the comfort they could giue them was, that A they were in good hope it would be concluded. 1608
Thus ended this long and fruitlesse treatie of peace, betwixt the deputies for the king of Spaine and the archdukes, and the deputies for the generall Estates of the vnited prouinces (the which had filled all Europe with expectation) to the great amazement and griefe of many good men, which did hope to haue seen an end of these long, ruinous, and bloodie warres, and the conclusion of a good, firme, and honourable peace, or long truce. But seeing the hearts of kings are in the hands of God, who directs all their actions and resolutions as he thinketh best, let vs Netherlanders (hauing compassion one of anothers miseries) pray incessantly vnto him to inspire these princes and Estates with mild and peacefull spirits, for the finishing B of this good worke (if it may be) for his glorie, and the good of the countrie; whereby there may ensue a Christian peace, quietnesse, and vnitie in the Netherlands, on either side, and loue each to other, refraining to shed blood: and lastly, that the Netherlands may thereby attaine vnto their ancient and flourishing estate and gouernment, God well serued, and euery man to enioy his owne freely, and without feare; the which the Lord God of his mercie graunt.
A Table of all the memorable things conteined in this Historie of the Netherlands.
- ABot of Saint Vaast of Arras what he was. 798.
- Accord of the Lord of Montigny, cheefe of the mutines with the Spaniards. 689.
- Accord betwixt Iohn of Bauaria, and the Duke of Brabant, 133
- Abbay of Ouwerghem spoiled, and diuersly censured, 391
- Ad [...] Countesse of Holland, 45. marries with the Earle of Loos. ibid.
- Adolph Prince of Gelders prisoner, 174
- Accord made by the Spaniard with the towne of Gand, 862
- Act of great resolution done by a Sea Captaine, 661.
- Act of promise of the confederate Noblemen to the Gouernesse, 407
- Act like a Romaine done by Captaine Bordet, 514.
- Act vnworthy and cruell of Captaine Pont, well reuenged. 661
- Admirall of Arragon sent Ambassador to the Emperor, 1148. hee passeth the riuer of Meuze, and takes Orson, 1174. ransomes Wezel, 1182. takes many neutrall places, 1191. and comes neere vnto Bomel, 1210. is taken prisoner, 1248
- Aduice of the Prince of Orange, for the making of a councell of Estate, 712
- Aduocates in Arras executed wrongfully, 675
- Albert of Bauaria, 16. Earle of Holland, 105, subdues the Frisons, 111. his death, 116
- Albert Duke of Saxonie, Gouernor of the Netherlands, 207, hee gets the hereditarie gouernment of Friseland, 219. tyranizeth ouer the Frisons, 222. slaine before Groning, 294.
- Allyance betwixt them of Ostergoe and Groning, 213
- Alcmar in trouble, 210. besieged by the Duke of Alua, 519. endures three assaults, 524, the Duke forced to raise his Campe, 527
- Alexander Farnese Duke of Parma, succeeds Don Iohn, 981. makes a Bridge to shutte vp the riuer of Antwerpe. 865
- Alost solde by the English to the Spaniard, 833.
- Alpen taken by Prince Maurice, 1129
- Agent from the great Commander into England, and to what end. 887
- Albert Cardinall of Austria, succeds his brother Ernestus, 1114. hee takes Calais and Ardres, 1115. excuseth himselfe, and layes the fault vpon the Admirall, 1202
- Albert prepares his army to goe against Prince Maurice in Flanders, ibid.
- Alliance betwixt the Flemings and Brabansons against the Duke of Saxonie, 207
- Allennes thinking to surprize Courtray, hee looseth Menin, 716. afterwards hee surpriseth Courtray. 730
- Allen a Cardinall writes against the Queene of England. 996
- Ambassadors from the Emperor to the vnited Prouinces, touching a peace, 1051. from the King of Poland to them, 1128. from the King of Denmarke vnto them, 1134. from the Duke of Wirtemberg vnto them, 1158
- Ambrose le Duke, Sargent Maior in Arras, how he behaued himselfe, 673
- Andrien van Assendolf, pentioner of Harlem, beheaded, 500
- Amsterdam against Harlem, their skirmish at Sea, 503. in the end it yeelds to the Estates, 655.
- Amiens surprized and spoiled by the Spaniard, 1126, recouered by the French King, 1128.
- A [...]ne of Poelgeest mignion to the Earle of Holland, murthered, 109
- Anthony Perrenot Cardinall of Granuelle, called into Spaine, 349. hee crosseth the petition of the Estates of Brabant, 381. a legend of his life, 344
- Antwerpe perplexed for the new Bishops, 347. sends their Deputies into Spaine, 348▪ they intrenche them-selues against the Castell, 595. are spoyled by the Spaniards, 596. a tumult at a generall Procession, 705. Priests and Monkes chased away, 706. are blockt vp by the Prince of Parma, 863. they compound and yeeld, 884
- Answer from the generall Estates, to them of Lille, Douay, &c. 691
- Appologie made by the Prince of Orange in answer of his proscription, 764
- Armie of the Germaines to succour Nuys, 174. of Duke Cassimire to succor the States, 673. at Sea sent by the Spaniards in the yeare 1588. 998. of King Philip in Piccardie, 323. of the Duke of Parmaes to succour the League, 1043. of the States vpon the coast of Spaine, and at the Ilands, 1213
- Arnold Earle of Holland, slaine by the Frisons, 9.
- Arnold Duke of Gelders offers the combate to Adolph his sonne. 174
- Arnold of Groue-velt Gouernour of Sluys, 957.
- Arnold resignes the Duchie of Geldres to the Duke of Bourgongne, 174
- Arnhem assured for the Estates, 875
- Articles of the priuiledges of Brabant. 1371
- [Page] Articles set downe by the Inquisition of Spaine, against the Netherlands, 442. confirmed by the King of Spaine, 443
- Assemblie of the Estates of Friseland, 213
- Assembly at Bolswaert, 214
- Assembly of the chiefe of the Nobilitie at Dendermond, 415. an other assemblye of the Nobles, 368
- Articles of peace betwixt France and Spaine, 144.
- Audenarde abandoned by the Protestants, who had surprized it, 496. besieged and yeelded to the Duke of Parma, 8 [...]2
- Arras the chiefe towne in Arthois in great troubles. 673
- Arschot in Brabant yeelded to Dom Iohn, 654.
- Audience of the Deputies of the Estates with the French King, 860
- Axel in Flanders taken by the Estates, 920
- Attempts of them of Amsterdam against them of Harlem. 504
- Ambassadors from England and France to the Estates. 818
- Appologie made by the Protestants, for their taking of armes, 428
- Admirall of Arragon set at libertie, 1259
- Adolph Earle of Berghen taken prisoner, 1264.
- Ambassadors from the vnited Prouinces to the King of England, 1297
- Ardenbourg abandoned to Prince Maurice, 1307.
- Archduke Alberts men comming to relieue Sluys, put to rout, 1309
- Archduke Albert hinders the assembling of the generall Estates, 1320. hee prepares for warre, 1321
- Admonition to the vnited Prouinces against a peace, 1328
- Admirall of Dunkerke taken at sea, 1351
- Archduke Albert iealous of the Duke of Bouillon, 1354
- Accorde made betwixt the Earle of East-Frise-land, and the Towne of Embden, 1365.
- BAerle taken and recouered, 772
- Baltazar Gerard killes the Prince of Orange, 832. is executed. ibid.
- Baron of Enghien beheaded in Henault, 107.
- Baron of Battembourgh, Lieutenant to the Prince of Orange at the reliefe of Harlem, 513.
- Baron of Montigny prisoner in Spaine, and poisoned, 454
- Baron of Selles sent from the King to the Estates, 653
- Barons of Batenbourg executed by the Duke of Alua, 449
- Baron of Anholt slaine at the siege of Lochum, 808.
- Bastard putatiue of the Emperor, beheaded in Holland, 824
- Baron of Boxtell, Gouernour of Boisleduc, 700.
- Backerzeell offers violence to them of the religion in the Netherlands, 410
- Bartel Entens makes a vaine enterprise vpon Tergoes, 479
- Bastard of Rubempre prisoner in Holland, 152.
- Batenbourg surprized by Duke Albert, 219.
- Battaile of Verona, 75. of Marendyke, 93. betwixt the Liegeois, and the Earle of Holland, 121. of Gorrichom, 130. Of Alphen, 138. at Sea 141. betwixt Charles of Bourgongne and the Liegeois, 162. betwixt the Lords of Amster and Woerden, against the Bishop of Vtrecht, 65. of Esquine-gate, 193. of Hinges, 209. of Saquelets, 271. betwixt the Cleuois and Imperialists, 276. of Saint Quintine, 322. of Grauelin, 326. betwixt the Earle of Hohenlo and Shenck, 738. betwixt the English and Spaniards at sea, 1002. of Tournhoult, 1126. of Nieuport, 1247
- Battenbourg taken by the Prince of Parma, 951.
- Balfour a Scottish Collonell defeated & slaine by the Spaniard, 769
- Berghen Saint Wynox taken and burnt by the French, 326. besieged by the Spaniard, 827. yeelded with honor and profit, 828
- Bellieure treates with the Estates for the Duke of Aniou, 818
- Berghen vp Zoom besieged in vaine by the Duke of Parma, 1006
- Berghen surprized by the Spaniards, 474
- Blyenbeeke besieged. 716
- Bernardin of Mendosa treates with the French King touching the Netherlands. 870
- Berlandt Gouernor of Flussing poysoned. 511
- Bins a towne in Henault taken by the Duke of Anious men. 681
- Bishoppe of Vtrecht defeated and taken prisoner by the Hollanders. 12. slaine in battaile. 80
- Bishoppes of Cologne and Liege defeated by the Earle of Holland. 18
- Bishoppe of Liege complaines to the Estates for the taking of Huy. 1003
- Borselle a house in Zeeland, their beginn ing. 5.
- Blommart a Captaine of the Protestants slaine going out of Audenarde. 496.
- [Page] Bommel besieged by Philip Archduke of Austria, 229. assured by Prince Maurice, 1213
- Boisot made Gouernor of Flushing, 512
- Bommened a Forte in Zeland, taken by assault, 586.
- Bonne in the Diocesse of Cologne, yeelded to the Spaniard, 990
- Boisot Admirall to the Prince, prepares to succour Leyden, 560. slaine, 590
- Boisleduc surprised by the Protestants, and then abandoned. 417. after yeelds to the Estates, 646. vnwilling to enter into the vnion of Vtrecht, 700. is besieged in vaine by Prince Maurice, 1273
- Borentange a Forte in Friseland, 1068
- Bishops newly created, refused in the Netherlands, a great cause of the troubles. 350
- Bishops of Ypre and Bruges prisoners at Gant, 649.
- Boncham in Henault besieged and yeelded to the Male-contents, 742
- Bouines a Towne in Namur yeelded to the Estates. 650
- Bourse at Antwerpe burnt, 824
- Brederode the noblest house in Holland, and their beginning, 9. hee presents the petition for the Nobilitie, to the Dutches of Parma, 383. what hee did at Amsterdam, 425, he retires out of the Netherlands, and what he was, 427
- Breda in Brabant yeelded to the Estates, 648. deliuered to the Spaniard by the meanes of the Siegnior of Fresin, 772. surprized by Heranguere for the Estates, 1031
- Brefort besieged and taken by assault by Prince Maurice, 1132
- Briaute enters combate vnaduisedly, 1239
- Bronkhorst yeelded to the Estates, 808
- Brussels opposeth against the imposition of the tenth pennie, 465. they accorde with the King of Spaine, 875
- Bruges in trouble. 702. the Estates men succor it before the male-contents, 703
- Bruges and Gand reconciled to the Archduke Maximilian, 200
- Bryele a towne in the Isle of Voorn, surprized by the Earle of Marcke, for the Prince of Orange, 472
- Brauery of 30. souldiers, 916
- Buren Towne and Castell yeelded to the Spaniard, 583
- Bruges refuzed from the Hollanders, 845. yeelded to the Spaniard, 846
- Bishop of Cologne comes to succour the Duke of Alua, 492
- Beckaff by Sluys taken by Prince Maurice, 1309.
- Bossompiere slaine before Ostend, 1310
- Baron of Termes a French man, comes with a troupe of horse to Prince Maurice before Sluys, 1312
- Berghen in danger to bee surprised, 1349. attempted againe by the Spaniard, 1350
- Brefort surprized by the Spaniard, and abandoned againe, 1354
- CAmbray victualed, 778
- Cabillautins, a faction in Holland, restored in Horne, 98. take armes againe, 134
- Caius Ransou a Dane, taken prisoner by the Estates men, and what followed, 942
- Castels in Frisland razed, 731
- Castels ruined in the Netherlands, 647
- Castle of Antwerpe built by the Duke of Alua 457. That of Gant besieged and yeelded to the Estates, 612. That of Vtrecht besieged and yeelded to the Estates, 624
- Callais besieged, and yeelded vnto the French, 324.
- Castle of Staueren yeelded to the Estates 775.
- Castle floating at Antwerpe, what it was, 877.
- Cambray surprised by the Earle of Rhomont, 193. besieged and yeelded to the Spaniard, 1110.
- Carlo slaine. 513
- Cassimire burnes the Duke of Aluaes poulder, 525.
- Carpen taken by the Spaniard, 682
- Campen a towne in Oueryssell yeelded to the Estates. 660
- Charles of Bourgongne Earle of Charalois, inherits the moytie of Aspren and Henkelom, 149. in disgrace with his Father, 150. is reconciled, 151. succeeds his Father, 160. defeates the Liegeois, 162. forceth the French King to goe with him to the siege of Liege, 166. seekes to rule absolutely ouer the Frisons, 171. hee besieged Nuys, 174. is defeated twise by the Suisses, 172. besiegeth Nancy, is defeated and slaine, 179
- Castle Cambresis yeelded to the Spaniard, 809
- Charles Duke of Geldres freed from prison in France, 210. sentence giuen against him, 217. is reconciled to the Archduke Philip, 231.
- Charles the fift, Emperor, succeeds in the Netherlands, 236. his departure out of the Netherlands, 315. his death, 328
- Champignies regiment defeated by the Spaniard 650. imprisoned at Brussels, 677. he is forced by the Duke of Parma to forsake the Netherlands, 1019
- Change of Magistrates in the Netherlands, 656
- Charles of Croy Prince of Chymay, his carriage in Flanders, 845
- Charles Earle of Mansfeldt enters into the Iland of Bommel, 1024. hee takes Seuenberghen, 1035.
- Charles of Lieuin Siegnior of Famas, slaine at Otmarsum, 942
- [Page] Christopher Fabri a Minister put to death at Antwerpe for religion. 350
- Cittadel of Cambray surprized for the generall Estates of the Countrie, 595
- Commons in Holland rise against the Nobilitie. 62.
- Coaes van Kniten a Giant, 75
- Compromise of the Nobilitie of the Netherlands, 368
- Complaint of the Netherlanders to the King of Spaine, 418
- Commission from the Queene of England, to treate with the Duke of Parma, 986
- Countesse of Flanders layes claime to the Isle of Walchren. 56
- Conuocation of the Nobilitie at Duffel, 389
- Conde a towne in Henault surprised, 752
- Confederation of the French King, the Queene of England, and the Estates, against the Spaniards, 1124
- Conference at Gheertruydenberg, betwixt the Deputies of Don Iohn and the Estates of the Netherlands, 627.
- Consultation of the Estates touching the change of their Prince, 726
- Conuoy of Brussels defeated, 867
- Cocqueville defeated and ouer-come at Saint Valery, 448
- Coeuarden taken by the Spaniard, 74. besieged and yeelded vp vnto Prince Maurice, 1060.
- Courtray in Flanders surprised by the Spaniard. 730
- Councell of the troubles erected in the Netherlands, with absolute authoritie, 435
- Councell of Estate at Brussels committed to prison, 591
- Councellors displaced in Frisland, 656
- Crimpen a Forte in Holland taken by the Protestants 589
- Creuecaeur yeelded to Prince Maurice, 1230
- Cruelty of the Spaniards against the French at Mons, 490
- Cruelties of the Spaniards in Neutrall countries of Germanie, vnder the Admirall of Arragon, 1174
- Cruelties of the Liegeois, 164
- Confirmation of the Baron of Montignies accord with the Spaniard, 689
- Cloet Gouernor of Nuys cruelly executed, 920.
- Conuoy of three thousand going to Cologne defeated by their owne party. 952
- Conditions whereby the Estates did yeeld vnto the tenth penny, 467
- Conuoy of the Spaniards defeated by the Lord Willobies troopes, 952
- Conuoy from Bruges to Ypre defeated, 830
- Castle of Gand besieged by the generall Estates, 612
- Castle of Huede treacherously deliuered to the Prince of Parma, 660
- Collenborch taken by the Estates, 1047.
- Crapoll Castle surprised by the Estates, 1261
- Cracowe taken for the Estates, 1262.
- Catris Generall of the Spaniards slaine before Ostend, 1270
- Cornets eight of the Archdukes horse defeated, 1290
- Crueltie of the Earle of Embden, 1293
- Crueltie of the Spaniards, 1301
- Cadsandt taken by Prince Maurice, 1306
- Coxie taken by Prince Maurice, ibid.
- Conuoy going to victuall Sluys, put to route, 1311.
- Considerations concerning a peace in the Netherlands, 1322
- DAniel vanden Meulen sent for to Brussels, and why, 1171
- Death of the Emperor Charles the fift, his qualities, 528
- Death of the Princesse of Orange, 803
- Death of the Duke of Parma, 1061
- Defeate of the succors of Harlem, and of the Prince of Oranges Armie, 510. of the Princes shippes before Harlem, 513. of the Protestants at Austerwele, 422. of the Protestants of Amerongen, 422. of the Estates at Gemblours, 654. of the Estates men at Costeyns-dyke, 879. of the Spaniards at Tournhout, 1126. of the Marquis of Warembom by the Estates, 1024
- Deliuery monstrous of 365. children at one birthe. 52
- Deputies from the Queene of England to the Estates, and from them to her, 984. from Brusselles to the Estates of A [...]thois, 695. from Antwerpe to the Gouernesse, 423. from the Nobilitie to an Imperiall Dyet, 372. from the Estates to the French King, 868. from Groning to the Emperor, 1055. from the Queene of England to treate with the King of Spaines deputies at Bourbrough in Flanders, 995. from the Duke of Cleues to Prince Maurice, 1185
- Denremonde, Nihouen, and Audenarde, surprized for the Archduke Philip, 200
- Denremonde redeemes it selfe from spoile, 860.
- Dearth extraordinarie of corne in the Netherlands, 931
- De [...]cription of Groning, 1087
- Delf rebels, besieged and yeelded to Cont Albert, 106
- Delfois doe great seruice in Friseland to Cont Albert. 112
- Disunion among the Prouinces of the Netherlands, 708
- [Page] Description of the Duke of Aluas Image. 461.
- Deuenter in Ouerissel besieged by the Estates. 687. sold to the Spaniard by Stanley. 942. beseeged and yeelded to Prince Maurice. 1048.
- Deutecom taken by the Admirall. 1186
- Diuision in Holland during their Earles absence. 72
- Disgrace done to the Earle of Osteruant at the French Kings table. 110
- Discourse of Maister Francis Baldwins, shewing the true meanes how to pacifie the troubles. 356.
- Dissimulation of the Duchesse of Parma with the Nobles. 421
- Discourse of aduice to the Earle of Leicester. 932.
- Diuision among the Nobilitie of the Netherlands. 349
- Dislike betwixt the Duke of Parma and Champigny. 1019
- Dinant beseeged by the Earle of Charalois, taken and razed. 157
- Dinandois brake the peace with the Earle of Charolois. ibid.
- Double practise at Bryele. 730
- Dousbourg yeelded to the Spaniard, 874. besieged and yeelded to the Earle of Leicester, 924.
- Dourlans in Picardie taken by assault by the Spaniard. 1106.
- Dordrecht surprised by the yong Earle of Egmont. 195.
- Dix Muyden taken from the Ganthois, 210
- Duke of Lorraine inuades Holland for the Bishop of Vtrecht, and defeates Robert the Frison. 24
- Duke of Saxonie ruines the faction in Holland and Zeland. 211
- Duchesse of Parma writes to the King, and delayes the Estates of Brabant vnder a proiect of moderation of the bloudie Edict, 373. she entertaines them with pollicie, 385. she playes her part. 421
- Duke of Alua sent Gouernor into the Netherlands, 431. seekes a quarrell against the Queene of England, 460. thinking to assure Flushing, he looseth it, 473. he spoiles Macklin, 495, hee labours to bee called home, 532.
- Duke of Medina Celi sent to gouerne the Netherlands, 479
- Duke Iohn Cassimire succors the Estates, 673. hee comes to Gand. 676. he retires with his armie. 686
- Duke of Parma Gouernour of the Netherlands, 681. hee passeth the Meuse, 682. comes before Antwerpe, 863. and takes it, 884. hee goes to the Spawe, 1019. his death, 1061.
- Duke of Bouillon marries the Prince of Oranges daughter, 1102
- Dunkerke taken and burnt by the French, 326. recouered by the Bourguignons, basely yeelded vp by the French, 827
- Dyest yeelded to Don Iuan, 654. is surprised by the Estates, 746. beseeged and yeelded to the Spaniard, 825
- Deane of Emmerics speech vnto the Admirall of Arragon. 1186
- Duchesse of Parma departs out of the Netherlands, 444
- Disposition of Prince Maurice Campe before Sluys, 1310
- Death of Peter Ernest Earle of Mansfeldt, his life, 1319
- Demands of the Councell of Estate of the vnited Prouinces touching the warre, 1321.
- EDward Duke of Gelders takes his brother prisoner, and defies the Earle of Holland, 107.
- Earle of Benthen slaine, 34
- Earle of Loos defeates the Earle of Holland in Zeland, 46
- Earles of Holland and Geldres make warre against the Bishop of Vtrecht. 42
- Earle of Saint Pol made Reuward of Brabant, 135.
- Earle of Enghien beheaded in Henault, 106
- Earle of Embden made Protector of Groning, 230. buildes a Cittadell there. ibid.
- Earle of Meghen at Vtrecht, 421
- Earle of Arembergh defeated and slaine in Friseland by Cont Lodowicke of Nassau, 449.
- Earle Adolph of Nassau slaine in Friseland with Arembergh, 449
- Earle of Meurs leuies Reysters for the Estates which mutine, 931. his death, 1025
- Earle of Hochstrate adiorned by the Duke of Alua, iustifies himselfe by writing, 445. hee hurts himselfe by chance, whereof hee dyes, 458
- Earle of Bossu chased away from Bryel, 472.
- Earle Lodowicke of Nassau, brother to the Prince of Orange, enters Friseland with an armie, 449. beseegeth Groning, 455. defeated through the mutinie of his Germaines, 456. surprizeth Mons, 477. comes to succour the Protestants of the Netherlands, is defeated and slaine with his brother and Duke Christopher. 545
- Earle of Lodron taken prisoner by his soldiars, 460. intreates them cruelly in Antwerpe, 462.
- Earle of Ouerstein drowned at Antwerpe, 597.
- Earle of Bossu intreates them of Rotterdam in Holland ill. 473. hee is taken prisoner by the Hollanders, and carryed to Horne, 528. hee is Generall of the Estates Armie, his death. 687
- [Page] Earle of Marke Lieutenant to the Prince of Orange surprizeth Bryele, 472. he becomes maister of a great part of Holland for the Prince, 488. accused to the Estates for his crueltie. 515
- Earle Uanden Berghe takes Zutphen and other townes in Gelderland for the Prince of Orange, 488
- Earle of Solms makes warre for the Estates in Flanders, 1073. hee marries the daughter of the Earle of Egmont, 1103
- Earle of Horne put to death by the Duke of Alua, 451
- Earle of Rheneberg falls from the Estates, and deliuers Groning to the Spaniard, 734. his death, 776.
- Earle of Warax defeated and slaine at Tournhout, 1126
- Earle of Hohenlo, vide Philip.
- Earle of Egmont, vide Lamoral.
- Earle of Egmont, vide Philip.
- Edict against them of the religion, 253. A second against them, 257. the third, 267. a forth, 273
- Edict perpetuall, and accord made by Dom Iuan, and sent to the Estates of Holland and Zeland, 624.
- Edict of Proscription against the Prince of Orange. 763
- Edict made by the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces against the King of Spaine, 782.
- Effigies of the Duke of Alua in the Citadell of Antwerpe, 437
- Eindouen in Brabant wunne by the Spaniard, 773. taken for the Duke of Aniou, 810. yeelded againe to the Spaniard, 824.
- Emanuell Philibert Duke of Sauoy made Gouernor of the Netherlands, 320
- Emenesse reuolts from the Bishop of Vtrecht, 102. burnt by the Hollanders, 196. spoyled by the Spaniard.
- Emperor sends succors to the Earle of Holland, to subdue Friseland, 14
- Enterprise to take the Duke of Alua, 445
- Enchuysen the first towne in Holland which refused the tenth penie, 480
- Enterprise of the Duke of Parma vpon Cambray, 1024. vpon Dyest, 803. of the Zelanders vpon Tertolen, 508. of the Estates vpon Bourbrouc, 791. of Philip Earle of Egmont vpon Brusselles, dishonorable, 706. vpon Arschor, 803. of the male-contents vpon Gand, 743. of the Estates vpon Lille, 771. of Prince Maurice vpon Mastricht, 1056. of the Spania [...]ds vpon Steenwyke, 1126. of the Groningers vpon Delfzyel, 1076. of the Duke of Aniou vpon Antwerpe, 812. of La Motte vpon Ostend, 876. vpon Zibrick, 915
- Ernest Archduke of Austria, Gouernor of the Netherlands for the King, 1076. hee seekes to purge himselfe for Renichons attempt, 1079. his death, 1102
- Earnest Earle of Solms, prisoner, wounded and dyes, 1104
- Escouedo the Secretarie animates Dom Iuan, 641.
- Estates of all the Prouinces seeke to assure them-selues of Antwerpe, 595. they Print their Iustifications against Dom Iohn, 647. they seeke succors, 648. they haue three seuerall Campes, 650. their Armie defeated neere Gemblours, 654. their great Armie at Remenant, 662
- Estates of the vnited Prouinces resolue for their preseruation, 587. they demand succours in England, 588, they begin to distrust Dom Iohn, 644. they declare the King of Spaine fallen from the Soueraigntie of those Prouinces, and take vpon them the gouernment, 782
- Extract of the life of Cardinall Granuelle, 344.
- Execution of rigorous Edicts in the Netherlands, 353
- Extract of the King of Spaines Letters to the Duchesse of Parma, 408
- Executions done by the Duke of Alua, 449.
- Enschede yeelds to Prince Maurice, 1132
- Elector of Mentz answer to Cardinall Andrew, 1205
- Enterprise vpon the towne of Flushing discouered, 1262
- Enterprise to sacke and ouer-runne Antwerpe. 1264.
- Estates troupes made an Incursion into Luxemborg, 1292
- Embden demands ayde of the vnited Prouinces against their Earle, 1294
- Erkelens taken and spoyled by Cont Henry of Nassaw, 1366
- Emperor writes to the vnited Estates touching the borders, 1303
- Estates of the vnited Prouinces prepare for warre, 1321
- Enterprise made by Prince Maurice vpon the riuer of Scheld, which proued vnfortunate, 1341.
- Emperour sends to the Hage for a Pasport for his Ambassadors to treate of a league or peace, 1343
- Estates refuse and denie the Emperors request, 1343.
- Earle of Hertford sent Ambassador from England to the Archdukes, 1349
- Enterprise by the Spaniards vppon Berghen, 1348.
- Enterprise vppon Graue quickly discouered, 1349.
- Enterprise vpon Sluys ill performed by the Spaniards, 1355
- [Page] Estates perswade Prince Maurice to releeue Rhinberck. 1363
- Enterprise vpon Venlo. ibid.
- Earles of Brouck murthered by the Spaniards. 1366
- FAction of Schieringers and Vetcoopers in Frisland, long and dangerous. 75
- Faction of Hoockins and Cabillaux in Holland. 98
- Factions reuiue in Holland. 146
- Factions in Frisland demaund succors for the Duke of Saxony. 218
- Factions in the Religion at Vtrecht. 1057
- Faction barbarous of the Admirall of Arragon, to summon a neutrall place. 1174
- Flemings chased out of the Ile of Walchren. 56, defeated with bloudshed. Put to rout by the Earle of Holland. 66
- Flemings more seuerely intreated for matters of Religion then any other. 382
- Fleete sent from Antwerp to victuall Middelbourg, defeated. 542
- Floris the first, the sixt Earle of Holland assailed by the bishoppes of Liege and Collogne. 18
- Floris the third, the thirteene Earle taken prisoner by the Earle of Flanders. 38. his death. 939
- Floris the fourth, the seauenteene Earle slaine at a Torney in Clermont. 52
- Floris the fift, the ninteene Earle subdues the Frisons. 53. hee forceth a Lady basely. 67. the cause of his death. 68
- Fort floting at Antwerp called the end of the warres. 877
- Flemings put Philip of Austria in possession of the Earldome. 199
- Floris of Holland trecherously slaine by the Earle of Cuyck. 34
- Frederick the third Emperor comes into the Netherlands with his sonne Maximilian 204. he dislikes the peace made by his sonne with the Flemings. ibid.
- Francis of Valois Duke of Alanson comes with an armie to succor Cambray. 778. hee is inuested Duke of Brabant. 796. and Earle of Flanders. 804. failes to surprise Antwerp. 812. hee seekes to excuse it. 815. what chiefe men of his army were slaine and taken there. 814
- Fort of Sas by Gant taken by the Spaniardes. 827
- Fort of the Hage in the country of Liege yeelded to the Estates. 1045
- Fort of Zutphen surprized by the Estates. 1047.
- Fort of Delfzyel yeelded to the Estates. 1049
- Fort of Patience sold by certaine French men to the Spaniard. 1154
- Frisons subdued by the Earle of Holland. 7. they rebell. 27. are reconciled to the Earle. 73
- Frisons impatient, of great exactions, take armes. 222. they complaine. 228. and refuse Albert Duke of Saxony for their Gouernor. 229
- Flanders punished with three plagues togither 932
- Fight at sea betwixt the Zeelanders and Spaniards. 509
- Fight at Coesteyn-dike. 878
- Fight at sea betwixt the Zeelanders and Spaniards. 519
- Friars burnt at Bruges. 657
- Furnes and Dixmuiden yeelded to the Spaniard. 827
- Fort at the Sluce of Outdwater basely abandoned. 583
- Fort built at Burcht by the Spaniard. 598
- Fight at sea betwixt sixe galleys and certaine English and Holland ships. 1290
- Frederick Spinola generall of the galleis, defeated, flies. 1292. slaine in an other fight at sea. 296
- Fort of the Spaniards taken with great slaughter of their men. 136
- Forts taken by P. Maurice nere the Ile of Cadsandt. 1307
- GAnthois abandon their Duke before Calais. 147. are defeated by the Hollanders rebell against Charles of Bourgongne. 161. intreat Marie their Princesse ill. 187. put her Councellors to death, beeing reconciled they mutine against the Archduke. 203
- Ganthois beeing in mutiny take the Duke of Arschot and others prisoners 649. they leauie men. 676. are defeated by the Malcontents. 681. Articles offred them by the Estates. 684. beeing in mutinie they seeke to deliuer Alost to the Spaniard. 683. they yeeld to the Spaniard. 862. their Cittadell built againe. ibid.
- Gaspar of Robles Lord of Billy, his behauiour in Groning. 614
- Gaspar of Anastro a Bankeroat Marchant vndertakes to kill the Prince of Orange. 799
- Geldrois in warre against the Hollanders. 169. they reuolt from the house of Bougongne. 193.
- Geldres sold to the Spaniard by Patton a Scottishman. 958
- George Duke of Saxony succeeds Duke Henrie his bro [...]her in Frisland. 225. hee resignes it [Page] to Prince Chaerles. 241
- Gaesbeck surprised by the Spaniard. 803
- Gerard van Velsen a knight of Holland kills Floris Earle of Holland. 68. is besieged, taken and executed. 69
- Gheertruyde widowe to Cont Floris 1. tutrix to her sonne Floris Earle of Holland, marries with Robert the Frison. ibid.
- George of Lalaine Earle of Rheneberg yeelds Groning trecherously to the Spaniard. 734.
- Genles and the French comming to releeue Mons, defeated by the Duke of Alua. 489
- Gheertruydenberg surprized by the Prince of Orange. 528. the souldiers mutyning it is besieged by Prince Maurice 1016. sold to the Duke of Parma. 1017. besieged and taken by Prince Maurice. 1 [...]61
- Ghisbrecht of Brederow chosen bishoppe of Vtrecht. 148. hee compounds with the Duke of Bourgongne and resignes his Bishopricke. ibid.
- Gouernors and Knights of the Order assembled in the Netherlands touching the new bishops. 348
- Graue in Brabant besieged by the Spaniard & yeelded. 950. taken againe by Prince Maurice. 1280
- Groll besieged and yeelded to Prince Maurice 1131. recouered by the Marquis Spinola. 1360
- Groningers offer to acknowledge the Earle of Holland. 113
- Groning besieged by the duke of Saxony. 229. treates with the Earle of Embden, yeeldes vnto the Estates and their gouernor prisoner 614. a tumult in the towne and some of the Clergie prisoners. 649. they are forced to enter into the vnion of Vtrecht. 701. deliuered vp to the Spaniard. 734. besieged and yeelded to Prince Maurice. 1091
- Groenevelt, gouernor of Sluis. 909
- Gorrichom taken. 130
- Guy of Dompierre Earle of Flanders makes war in Holland. 66
- Groningers send to the Emperor. 213
- Guisnes taken by assault from the French. 625
- Gramberghe yeelded to Cont William of Nassau. 1068
- Goor abandoned to the Estates. 1133
- Ghistelles gouernor of Ostend. 1302. slaine there. 1305
- Groning Castell beaten downe. 1366
- HArlem besieged by Contesse Iaqueline. 139. punished by the duke of Saxony. 210
- Harlem besieged by the duke of Alua, defends it selfe valiantly. 491. yeelds to the Dukes mercy. 514. redeemes it selfe from spoile. ibid.
- Haultepenne and Cont Hohenlo make hot warres. 907
- Haultepenne defeated and slaine. 950
- Henrie Duke of Saxony leaues Frisland to his brother George. 225
- Herentalls in Brabant abandoned to the Spaniard by the Collonels of Antwerp. 851
- Heraugier surprizeth Breda and is made gouernor. 1035
- Hemert gouernor of Graue executed at Vtrecht. 951
- Hollanders rebell against Thierry of Aquitane their first Earle. 3. defeated in Frisland and their reuenge. 63. twise defeated by the Flemings in Walchren. 81. in warre with them of Vtrecht. 134. they take armes to succor the bishop of of Vtrecht, 196. defeated by them of Vtrecht. ibid.
- Hookins chased out of Leyden by the Cabillautins. 195. they recouer the towne. ibid.
- Humbercourt wyns great honour at the yeelding vp of Liege. 162
- Hulst surprized by the Ganthois 209. besieged and taken by Prince Maurice. 1051. along and deere siege to Cardinall Albert, which in the end yeelds. 1117
- Horsemen of the Duke of Parmas defeated by Prince Manrice in the Betuwe. 1050
- Huy in the Countrie of Liege surprized by Herauguiere and recouered presently by the Spaniard. 1103
- IAqueline or Iacoba Countesse of Holland, 128. made sure to Iohn Duke of Brabant, 129. defeates the Lord of Arckel, and marries with Duke Iohn. 130. leaues the Duke her husband. 135. marries with the Duke of Glocester, 137. besieged by the Duke of Brabant in Mons: deliuered to the Duke of Bourgongne, and escapes, 138 abandoned by the Duke of Glocester, 139. is victorious at Alpen, 140. shee makes an accord with the Duke of Bourgongne, 141. marries with Franc of Borselle 142. her death, 143
- Iames Heesel a Councellor hanged at Gand, 682.
- Iealousie betwixt the Nobilitie of the Netherlands, for the Lieutenancie of the Archduke Mathias. 654
- Iealousie in the Germaine Princes Campe, 1219.
- Ieronimo Rhoda a Priest, chiefe of the Spanish mutines. 595
- Iohn Earle of Henaut, succeeds in the Countie of Holland, 78. defeates the Flemings, 83. his death, 85
- [Page] Iohn de Renesse a knight of Zeland wrongfully accused and banished. 74. hee prouokes the Earle of Flanders against the Earle of Holland. 79. his death. ibid.
- Iohn Lord of Arckel and his children make warre against the Earle of Holland. 118
- Iohn van Vlyet beheaded at the Hage. 137
- Iohn of Koestein vndertakes to poison the Earle of Charolois. 150. is beheaded. ibid.
- Iohn of Bauaria bishop of Liege, carries himselfe as Tutor of Holland. 13 [...]. hee obtaines the Earldome of the Emperor from his Neece Iaqueline. Leyden yeelded to him. 134. his death. 137
- Iohn Earle of Nassau brings Iewells out of Spaine to King Philip. 233
- Iohn of Imbise and his actions at Gant. 714. his returne out of Germany. 827. for his treachery he is executed at Gant. 859
- Iohn of Austria bastard to the Emperor Charles the fift Gouernor in the Netherlands. 600. he confirmes the pacification of Gant. 623. he growes hatefull to the Estates, 635. his dissembling. 636. thinking to assure Antwerp hee looseth it. 638. hee seizeth vpon the Castle of Namur. 640, his letters intercepted. 646, hee seekes to iustifie himselfe. ibid. the reasons of his retreate. hee sends to succor Ruremonde. 651, he raiseth an army. 653. publisheth his iustification, 649. defeates the Estates at Gemblours. 654, hee recouers many townes in Henault, 656. his death. 677
- Inundation voluntarily made by Delf to relecue Leyden, 567
- Iarres betwixt the English and Zeelanders. 592
- Images beaten downe in Flanders. 409
- Inglemuster besieged by La Noue. 774
- English and Scots defeated by the Duke of Parma at Rosendael. 826
- Infanta of Spaine giuen in marriageto Albertus Archduke of Austria. 1160. is acknowledged by vertue of her procuration Dutchesse of Brabant. 1169
- Inondation in the Netherlands. 463
- Inquisition of Spaine cunningly brought into the Netherlands. 342
- Institution of new bishops. 343
- Instruction giuen by the King of Spaine to the Prince his sonne before his death. 1178
- English men disloyal, rewarded for their treachery. 358
- Englishmen seize vpon the Abbot of Michels within Antwerp, for their paie 688
- Instructions giuen by the Prince of Orange to Generall Norris, going into England. 835.
- Island Del Principe taken by Moucheron. 1156
- Iustification sent by the Commons of Antwerp to the Prince of Orange. 400
- Iustification of the Protestant Ministers of Antwerp. 409
- Iustin Nassau made Admirall of Zeeland vpon the displacing of Treslon. 875
- Iuw Decama chosen Popestate of Frisleland. 213. Iunius writes to Champigny. 556.
- Iohn Bouvier Maister of the fire-workes to Prince Maurice slaine by mischance. 1152
- Isendyke besieged and yeelded to Prince Maurice. 1307
- Incounter at Mulhem. 1352
- KAsenbroot Volck were certaine poore peasants in Holland which did rise and went towards Leyden. 210. they sue for mercy. ibid.
- Koppel yeelded to the Estates. 808
- Koestein seeking to poison the Earle of Charolois, is beheaded. 150
- Knotsenbourg a fort right against Nymegen. 1036. besieged by the Duke of Parma in vaine. 1049
- LAmoral Earle of Egmont sent into Spaine and to what end. 351 hee seekes to pacefie the troubles in Flanders. 400. his blindnesse 434. hee is put in prison by the Duke of Alua. 437. and executed. 451
- Laten Gouernor of Middelborge slaine. 512
- Leerdam taken by the Spaniard. 573
- Leyden besieged, by the Spaniard. 541. the resolution of the besieged. 560. a braue answere of the besieged. 565, a courragious speech of a Bourguemaster. 567. succors frō God not expected, their full deliuery. 570. a generall collection for the poore of the towne. 572
- Leyden surprised by the Hoekins. 195. besieged by the Lord of Montigny, the Gouernor. ibid.
- Lembourg besieged and yeelded to Don Iohn. 659
- Lens in Arthois surprised and spoyled by the Duke of Anious men. 801
- Letters from the Nobilitie of the Netherlands to the King of Spaine, touching the troubles, the Kings answere and their reply, 348. from the King to the Netherlands, otherwise then they expected. 351. from the Prince of Orange to the Dutchesse of Parma. 353. her answere. 354. from the Dutchesse of Parma to the townes of the Netherlands 398. from her to the confederate Noblemen. 405. from the King of Spaine to the P. of Orange. 412. from Francisco [Page] De Alana to the Dutchesse of Parma. 413. From the Earle of Horne to the King of Spaine. 346. From the Prince of Orange to the generall Estates. 601. From the Estates of Brabant to the other Prouinces against the Spaniard. 561, from the Estates of Lille, Douay and Orchies to the generall Estates. 690. from the Prince of Orange to Cont Iohn his brother. 840, from Saint Aldegonde to the signeurie of Metkerke touching a peace. 897. from the Queene of England to the Duke of Parma and to the Estates. 923, from Waremond Stochelen touching the betraying of Deuenter, 945, from the Estates to the Queene of England. 952. of Donation of the Netherlands to the Infanta of Spaine. 1160, of the King of Spaines intercepted, 1172. from Prince Maurice to the Circles. 1184. From the Emperour to Cardinall Andrew of Austria. 1193. and to the vnited Estates. ibid.
- Letters from the Duke of Aniou to them of Antwerp. 816
- Leoninus speech to the generall Estates for the Earle of Leicester. 959
- Liegeois chase way their bishoppe brother to the Earle of Holland, and are defeated in battaile, 121. they take armes against the Duke of Bourgongne, 156. they sue for peace and obtaine it. 157. they helpe the Spaniards at the siege of Mastricht. 707
- Liege taken and miserably burnt by Charles Duke of Bourgongne. 167
- Leire in Brabant assured for the Estates. 645, deliuered by treason to the Spaniard. 805. taken by the Estates and presently lost againe, 1111
- Lillo besieged by the Spaniard, raiseth his siege with shame. 850
- Liefkens Hoeck and Doel taken by the Estates. 876
- Linghen besieged and taken by Prince Maurice, 1134, besieged and taken againe by the Marquis Spinola. 1348
- Lochum besieged by the Spaniard. 808. the Campe riseth. ibid.
- Lord of Berghen slaine in the Duke of Brabants chamber. 135
- Lord of Brederode defeated and taken prisoner. 141
- Lord of Arckel taken prisoner. 123
- Louvaine yeelded to Don Iohn. 654
- Lewis Duke of Bauaria husband to Marguerite of Holland Emperor. 97
- Lewis de Requesens great Commander of Castille, succeedes the Duke of Alua in the gouernment of the Netherlands. 539. his armie at sea defeated. 544. three seuerall designes at one instant. 551. hauing propounded vnreasonable conditions of peace, hee resolues to warre, 583, his death. ibid.
- Lord of Froment forsakes don Ihon. 646
- Lembourg besieged and taken by the Prince of Parma. 660
- Loopers of Ostend. 1299
- Lewis de Valasco beaten from his fort by Dam with losse of men. 1309
- Losse in the Archdukes armie before Ostend. 1318
- Lodowicke Earle of Nassau dies in Sluis. 1318
- MAgistrates and Bourge [...]s in Harlem agree togither. 498
- Marguerite Empresse, Countesse of Holland. 97. in warre against her sonne, and ouercomes him. 99. is defeated by her sonne. 100. her death. ibid.
- Mary Dutchesse of Bourgongne, Countesse of Holland. 181, restrained by the Ganthois: 187. their insolencies towards her, shee marries with Maximilian of Austria. 191. her death and her Children. 197
- Maximilian of Austria marries the Princesse of Bourgongne. 191, hee comes into Holland to pacefie the factions. 194 he carries himselfe as tutor of his wiues Children, after her death. 197. is created King of Romaines. 201, comes into Holland. 207. succeedes in the Empire. 212
- Macklin surprised by the Estates. 742. yeelded to the Spaniard. 882
- Malcontents and their beginning in the Netherlands. 664. their coloured reasons to fall from the Estates. 688
- Marriage of Cont William of Nassau. 980
- Mathias Archduke of Austria called to the Gouernment of the Netherlands. 657. resignes his Gouernment. 749. his departure out of the Netherlands. 789
- Mastricht besieged. 703. the Estates make a shew to releeue it. 704. the Spaniard takes it by assault. 708
- Martin Schenck a Collonel followes the States partie. 878. hee makes a road into the Diocese of Cologne. 917. builds the Fort of Sgrauen-weert. 951. surpriseth Bonne, 983. goes to an Imperiall Dyet. 990. victualeth Berke. 1020. his vnfortunate enterprise vpon Nymeghen and his death. 1021
- Marguerite of Austria bastard to the Emperors Charles the fift, Gouernesse of the Netherlands. 335
- Marshall Biron disswades the Duke of Aniou from the enterprise of Antwerp. 812. hee retires with the Dukes troupes into France. 829
- Mary Millet reuengeth her selfe of captaine Pont, who had forst her, she kills him, and is murthered. 661
- [Page] Macklin summoned by the Estates will stand neuter. 715
- Marquis of Warenbon prisoner to the French. 1123. defeated by the Estates. 1024
- Marquis Spinola comes to releeue Sluis. 1313. his men ranne from him. 1314. hee offers to force the Princes trenches. ibid. hee retiers not able to releeue it. ibid. hee seekes to enter into Cadsandt, and is repulst. 1315.
- Marquis of Roubay slaine at the Stocadoe before Antwerp. 875
- Maurice of Nassau borne Prince of Orange, Marquis of Camphere, succeeds his father in the Gouernment of Holland. 859. makes a roade into Brabant to drawe the Spaniard from Sluis. 959. comes into Zeeland and writes to the Queene of England. 992. enters into the Gouernment after the Earle of Liecester. 1026. pursues Uerdugoes troupes. 1061. his care to succor Hulst. 1117. attends to fight with the Admirall of Arragon. 1187. intrencheth himselfe at Harwarden. 1213. prepares for the warres in Flanders. 1240. Landes with his armie at Philippine. 1241. besieged Nieuport. 1243
- Maurice intrencheth himselfe at Watervlyet. 1346.
- Maurice of Nassau prepares to besiege Sluis. 1305. hee camped before it. 1309
- Menin a towne in Flanders taken by the Malcontents. 664. recouered by the Estates. 716. abandoned to the Spaniard by them of Bruges. 831
- Megen surprised by them of Bommel. 503. wonne by the Estates. 810. abandoned to the Spaniard. 951
- Meppel surprised for the Estates. 979
- Messenger flying at Leyden. 567
- Maeurs towne and Castle yeelded to the Estates. 1130
- Maeurs fired by treason. 1347
- Meanes wrought to breake the Stocadoe before Antwerp. 875
- Medenblicke besieged by the Estates. 988
- Mary of Austria Queene Douager of Hungarie, Gouernesse of the Netherlandes. 267
- Michel Renichon a Priest attempts to kill Prince Maurice. 1077
- Middelbourg besieged and yeelded to the protestants. 544
- Montgomery the younger comes to serue the Prince of Orange. 512
- Monkes in the Abbaies in Frisland turne to the factions. 203
- Montfort besieged by the Duke of Saxony. 220
- Money made of paper at Leyden during the seege. 559
- Money of the Duke of Aluas intercepted in Germany. 447
- Montigny brother to the Earle of Horne, sent into Spaine. 340. poysoned there. 454
- Mons in Henault surprised by Cont Lodowike of Nassau. 475. is besieged. 489. the great endeauors of the besieged 490. yeelded. 495
- Montdagon Gouernor of Middelbourg yeeldes the towne to the Prince of Orange. 544. forbid the contribution. 1026. seekes in vaine to recouer Hulst. 1051
- Montpensier blameth the duke of Aniou for the enterprise of Antwerp. 815
- Mortaigne and Saint Amand taken by the Spaniard. 715
- La Motte of Graueling laies a plot, to surprise the English. 920. he is slaine before Dourlans, his life and qualities. 1106
- Murther of a kinsman most cruell. 218
- Murry Collonel of the Scottishmen slaine at Bommel. 1210
- Murmuring in the Netherlands for the bringing in of new Bishops 346
- Mutynie of the Spaniards in Antwerp called Fuora Veillacos. 547. at Xiricxee. 573. at Mastricht pacefied and punished by the Estates. 657. at Bruges. 208. at Gant. 272. at Medemblick. 987. in Gheertruydenbergh. 990. An other mutynie there. 1016. At Sgrauen-weerd. 1022. of the Spaniards a Courtray. 1030. At Saint Paul. 1065. of Wallons and Italiens in Henault. ibid. of Italiens at Sichem. 1097. At Hochstrate. 1281. at Dyest. 1229. in Isabellas fort. 1263.
- Maeurs taken by Prince Maurice. 1268.
- Mutiners at Hochstraten protected by the vnited Prouinces. 1289
- Mutiners of Hochstraten reconciled to the Archduke. 1310. they serue the Archduke at the releefe of Sluis. 1313
- NAerden a towne in Holland sackt and burnt by the Spaniard. 406.
- Neutralitie in Religion propounded. 356.
- Nienhoven a towne in Flanders surprised. 200
- Nithard Fockes a Germaine Collonel in Frislland. 218
- Nicholas Salcedo attempts to kill the Duke of Aniou and the Prince of Orange. 804.
- [Page] Nieuport yeelded to the Spaniard. 827. besieged by Prince Maurice. 1243
- Nymeghen yeelded to the Spaniard. 874. Schenck failes to surprize it. 1021. besieged and yeelded to Prince Maurice. 1052
- Niuel [...]e in Brabant besieged and yeelded to Don Iohn. 656. surprised by the Estates. 715
- Nieuvenort seizeth vpon Otterdam. 868
- Nobilitie of the Netherlands beeing confederate, send the Duchesse of Parma, an act of their promise. 407
- Noircames besieged Valenciennes which being yeelded hee breakes his faith. 417
- Nuys in the Diocese of Cologne surprised, spoiled and put to ransome. 877. besieged by the Spaniard. 917. taken by force. 919.
- La Noue in Mons during the siege. 490. hee makes the warre in Flanders for the generall Estates of the vnion. 695. makes the Spaniards to abandon the Fort of Villebrooke. 715. is taken prisoner by the Spaniards. 745
- Nobility of the Netherlands assemble at Trudon. 368
- OLdenziel besieged and yeelded to Prince Maurice. 1133
- Oliuer the French Kings Barber sent to Gant, and what he did 182
- Otto van Langen Comissarie for the Emperor in Frisland, and what he did. 220
- Otmarsom besieged and yeelded to Prince Maurice. 1133. taken againe by the Spaniard. 1073
- Oudwater besieged by the Spaniard, 583. brauelie defended. 584. taken by assault. 585.
- Order of the Golden Fleece giuen at Gant. 336 the new Knights. ibid.
- Othe propounded by the Duchesse of Parma, to the Nobilitie of the Netherlands. 421
- Othe commanded by the Estates at the abiuration of the King of Spaine. 789
- Othe propounded by the Estates vnto their Catholikes. 801
- Orders made by the Estates for martiall discipline. 751
- Oxlagh taken by the Spaniard. 740
- Opinions of the enterprise of Antwerp. 817
- Orders made by the Estates for their horse and foote. 1199
- Ostend besieged by the Spaniard. 1262. in danger to bee taken. 1275. they offer to parle. 1276. a generall assault giuen and repulst. 1277. they yeeld vpon composition. 1317.
- Oldenziell yeelded to Spinola. 1348
- PAcification of Gant and the declaration thereof. 604. misconstred by Don Iohn of Austria. 636
- Paul Buys Aduocate for the Estates of Holland, prisoner at Vtrecht. 921. escapes. 922.
- Pardon generall offred by the Duke of Alua, with many restraints. 462
- Pardon offred by Don Lewis of Requesens. 552
- Pardon generall offred by Don Iohn of Austria. 656
- Passage free to the sea not going by Antwerp. ibid.
- Patton a Scottishman sells the towne of Geldre to the Spaniard. 958
- Peace, Betwixt the French and the Bourguignons. 198. Betwixt the King of Romaines and the Flemings. 207. betwixt the houses of Bourgougne and Geldres. 207. betwixt the Emperor and the protestants of Germanie. 268. betwixt the Emperor and the French King. 279. betwixt France and Spaine. 330. betwixt France and Spaine. 1141. betwixt England and Spaine. 1318
- Peter of Melun Prince of Espinoy, Gouernor of Tournay, tempted by the Malcontents to forsake the generall vnion, but continues constant. 695
- Peter Lanchals Thresorer to the King of Romaines beheaded at Bruges. 203
- Peter Panne sent to kill Prince Maurice executed. 1153
- Peter de Four sent to kill Prince Maurice, executed. 1095
- Peter Ernest Earle of Mansfeldt, made Lieutenant by prouision after the Duke of Parma. 1063
- Pedro Derdego pretending to kill the Prince of Orange is executed at Antwerp. 799
- People of the Netherlands complaine to the King of Spaine and make him great offers. 418. they protest against the Nobilitie. ibid.
- Persecution in Antwerp of Christopher Fabri. 350.
- Petition, made by the Netherlanders vnto the King for the retyring of the Spaniards. 336. made by the Estates of Brabant to the King of Spaine, 373. made by the Nobilitie of the Netherlands to the Dutchesse of Parma. 383 made by the protestants of the Netherlands to the Confederate Noblemen. 389. made by the reformed Churches to the Magistrate of Antwerp. 392. by them of Antwerp to the Duchesse of Parma. 426. by the Estates [Page] of Holland to the King of Spaine, 554. by them of Flanders against the Inquisition. 382. by the confederate Gentlemen. 419. against the religious peace. 672
- Peace propounded to Dom Iohn by diuerse Princes, 665
- Philip Duke of Bourgongne, his first practises to seaze vpon Holland, Zeland, and Henault, 138. hee defeates the English and Zelanders at Brouwers-hauen, 139. makes warreaginst them of Vtrecht, 140. buyes the County of Namur, 141. succeeds to the Duchie of Brabant, 142. and to the Earledomes of Holland, Zeland and Henault, 143. hee brings his bastard, Dauid Bishop of Teroane, into the Bishoprick of Vtrecht by force, 148
- Philip of Austria, sonne to the Emperor Maximilian, 193. takes possession of the Netherlands, 217. goes with his wife into Spaine, 226. is crowned King of Castille in the right of his wife, 228. his death, 232.
- Philip Earle of Hohenlo presseth the Spaniard in the Isle of Bommel, 1024. marries the Prince of Oranges daughter, 1012. comes to the battaile of Tournhout, and giues the first charge, 1126. his death, 1355.
- Philip the second King of Spaine, 317. his last departure out of the Netherlands, 337. seekes peace with France, 1141. hee giues his daughter the Infanta in marriage to the Arch-duke Albert, 1160
- Philip-ville yeelded to Dom Iohn, 659
- Philip of Montmorencie Earle of Horne, imprisoned by the Duke of Alua, 437. executed at Brussels, 451
- Philip Earle of Egmont makes an attempt vpon Brussels to his great dishonour, 706. is taken prisoner in his towne of Nyenhouen, 730. is deliuered for Monsieur la Noue, 883
- Philip of Marnix, Signior of Saint Aldegond, prisoner to the Spaniards, 530. his speech to them of Antwerpe during the siege, 868. his death, 1205
- Philip Earle of Nassau makes a road into Luxembourg for the Estates, 1063. hee chargeth the Spaniards, is wounded, taken prisoner and dyes, 1104
- President appointed in the Prouinciall councell in Holland, Zeeland and West-friseland, 146
- Preaching forborne in Antwerp, 400
- Prince of Spaines speech to the Duke of Alua, 415.
- Princes of the Empire in Armes against the Admirall of Arragon, 1209
- Ponthus of Noielle Siegnior of Bours, procures the Castle of Antwerpe to be deliuered to the Estates, 645
- Proclamation of the Estates for the obseruing of the pacification of Gand, 604
- Proclamation of the Duke of Parma, against the towne of Aix. 1027
- Proclamation of the King of Spaine, dispensing with the payment of his debts, 1123
- Protestants of Amsterdam propound fiue articles to their Magistrate, 425
- Pedro Dordoigno sent to kill the Prince of Orange, executed. 824
- Protestants defeated at Austerweel, 422
- Protestants of the Netherlands make warre at Sea vnder the Prince of Orange, 463.
- Proceeding vpon the petition of the Nobles in the Netherlands. 390
- Practises of Charles Duke of Bourgongne, to ruine the house of Brederode, 169
- Protestants request for a religious peace, 666.
- Proscription against the Prince of Orange, 763.
- Preparation of the Spanish armie at Sea, in the yeare 1588. 998
- Preacher murthered at Deutecome, 1200
- Protestation of the Prince of Orange, for his taking armes, 491
- Prince of Iuilliers and Cleues vnfortunately married, 880
- Practise to betraye Gheertruydenberg discouered. 1259
- QVarrell betwixt them of Bruges and Antwerpe. 200
- Question among the Clergie of the Netherlands, for incorporating of spirituall liuing to the new Bishopricks, 347
- Question in Spaine about the choosing of a Generall to subdue the Netherlands, 415
- Queene of England offers succors to the Estates, 890. shee publisheth the reasons that mooues her therevnto. 894
- RAmeken a Forte in Zeland besieged and yeelded to the Protestants, 518
- Reconciliation of Arthois, Henault, &c. to the Spaniard, 708
- Refusall to surpresse the new Bishops, augments the troubles in the Netherlands, 351.
- Remedie to stanche the bloud in the Prince of Oranges wound 801
- Religious peace made, 669
- Resolution of the Estates of Holland, 557
- Renold Lord of Brederode and his brother, imprisoned by the Bishop of Vtrecht, 169. his processe beeing referred to the Knights of the Order, he is absolued, 170
- [Page] Retreat of the Spaniards out of the Netherlands. 625
- Retreate of the ministers out of Antwerp. 426.
- Retreat of many Protestants out of the Netherlands. 410
- Relation of the enterprise at Antwerp. 812
- Returne of the Spaniards into the Netherlands. 809
- Re [...]er van Bron chuysen captaine for them of Vtrecht. 196
- Riuer cut from Vtrecht to Leck. 107
- Rhinberk besieged in vaine by the Spaniard. 924. taken by Cont Charles of Mansfeldt. 1025. besieged and wonne by Prince Maurice. 1129. recouered againe by the Admirall of Arragon. 1284. taken againe by Prince Maurice. 1286. and last of all by the Marquis Spinola. 1364.
- Richardot sent into Spaine by the Duke of Parma. 1020
- Rob [...]rt Dudley Earle of Leicester Generall for the Queene of England. 910. discontented with the Estates. 921. at his going into England hee appoints a Councell of Estate. 930. prepares to raise the siege of Sluis. 961. hee excuseth himselfe vnto the Estates for not doing it. 964. hee failes to surprise Leyden. 979. is called home into England and resignes his Gouernment vnto the Estates. 982
- Romerswall yeelded to the Spaniard. 53
- Rotterdam yeelded to the King of the Romaines' 207
- Rouard of Brabant, what Office it is. 1 [...]6
- Rowland Yorke made Gouernor of the Fort at Zutphen. 928. sells it to the Spaniard. 943.
- Ryperdas speech to them of Harlem. 497
- Roeroort surprised by Schenck. 991
- SAint Quintin besieged and taken by the King of Spaine. 323
- Saint From in Liege yeelded to duke Cha [...]ls of Bourgongne. 162
- Sarras Gouernor of Flussing vnfortunate. 477. is charged by the Spaniards and repulseth them at Sooteland. 478
- Saint Guislaine a towne in Henault assured for the Estates. 655
- Saint Andrewes Fort besieged by Prince Maurice and yeelded. 1230
- Sanchio de Auila sent to succor Ter-goes, and performes it happely. 479
- Scandall, how interpreted. 883
- Sanchio de Auila sent to besiege Flussing. 477
- Sas by Gant seized on by the Spaniard. 827
- Sentence for the razing of Culembeurgs house. 444
- Schonhoven surprised by the Countesse Iaqueline. 134. yeelded to the Spaniard by composition. 586
- Sentence of the Inquisition against the Netherlands. 443
- Separation of the confederate nobles of the Netherlands. 410
- Separation of the three iurisdictions of Holland cut to releeue Leyden. 560
- Sevenberghe taken and the Lord of it driuen away. 139. taken by the Earle of Mansfeldt for the Spaniard. 1035
- Schulenbourg taken by the Spaniard. 877.
- Seege of the Protestants of Zeeland before Ter-goes, their army flies awaie amazed. 478
- Sichen in Brabant yeeldes to the Spaniard. 654. recouered for the Estates and after yeelded to the Spaniard. 826
- Slyckembourg taken for the Estates. 877
- Sluis besieged by the Duke of Saxony [...]11. besieged and taken by the Spaniard. 961
- Shippes and men comming out of Spaine defeated by the Estates shippes. 1347
- Spinola marcheth with his army towardes Frisland. 1347
- Spaniards repulst at an enterprise vpon Berghen. 1349
- Spinola goes into Spaine. 1353
- Sentence pronounced against the Gouernor and Captaines which yeelded Linghen to Spinola. 1354
- Spinola seekes to enter into the Suider Sea. 1359.
- Shippes of Holland taken by the Danes. 251
- Skyrmish at Rymenant Leguer. 662
- Spel a Prouost Marshall hanged at Brussells. 462
- Specification of the oppressions done by the Admirall of Arragons men in a neutrall Country. 1190
- Soubourg a Fort in Zeeland besieged by the Flussingers and yeelded. 508
- Spaniard beaten at the Bryele. 472. they surprise Berghen vp Zome. 474. they faile to surprise Camphere. 475. they quit the siege of Leyden and flie. 570. they mutine and faile to surprise Vtrecht. 573. they surprise Alost in Flanders. 590. they assemble in the Castle of Antwerp. 596. they depart by accord. 626. they are chased out of the Ile of Bommel. 1024. they mutine and surprise Courtraye. 1030. they attempt Lochen in vaine. 1046. they ouerrunne the neutrall [Page] Countries. 1174. they mutine, and seaze vpon Hochstrate. 1281. a sentence of proscription against them, and their answer, 1282.
- Staueren a towne in Friseland, their prosperitie and declining, 30
- Stanley an English Colonell sels Deuenter to the Spaniard, 942
- Steenwicke a towne in Oueryssell besieged by the Spaniard, 752. victualed, 761. freed from siege, 762. surprized by the Spaniard, 810. besieged and yeelded to Prince Maurice. 1059
- Steward a Scottish Collonell entertained into the Estates seruice, 656
- Submission of the West-Frisons to the Earle of Holland, 94
- Substance of the Deputies Letters assembled at Dortmont, and of the Prince Electors to the Emperor, 1187
- Sparendam taken by the Spaniard, 498
- Supplies of men and munition sent to Sluys, 958.
- Swol in an vprore, 737
- Successe of the Estates armie at the Canaries 1213.
- Sluys sommoned by Prince Maurice, 1310. in extremitie for victuals, 1312. they desire a parle, 1315. yeelded to Prince Maurice, 1316.
- Shippes and men comming out of Spaine defeated by the Estates ships, 1347
- Spinola marcheth with his armie towards Frizeland. 1347
- Spaniards repulst at an enterprize vppon Berghen 1349
- Spinola goes into Spaine, 1353
- Sentence pronounced against the Gouernour and Captaines, which yeelded Linghen to Spinola, 1354.
- Spinola seekes to enter into the Suider sea, 1359.
- TEmples built for the Protestants in Antwerpe. 409
- Temples granted for the Protestants in diuerse places of the Netherlands, 665
- Testimonie of the prouidence of God at the [...]iege of Leyden. 567
- Teligny taken prisoner vpon the riuer of Antwerpe. 866
- Tenth penny imposed by the Duke of Alua, 465.
- Tergoes besieged by the Protestants, 478.
- Thierry of Aquitaine the first Earle of Holland. 3. his genealogie, 5.
- Thi [...]rry the second Earle, subdues the Frisons. 7.
- Thierry the third, the fourth Earle, defeates the Frisons, and reuengeth his fathers death. 14
- Thierry the fourth, the fift Earle of Holland, slaine in Dordrecht. 16
- Thierry the fift, the tenth Earle of Holland, defeated the Frisons twise, 27
- Thierry the seauenth, the foureteene Earle of Holland, 41. in quarrell with his brother William, 42. his death, 43.
- Tillemont a towne in Brabant, yeelds to Don Iohn. 654
- Tongres a towne in Liege, yeelded to Charles Duke of Bourgongne, 532
- Tournay besieged and yeelded to the Archduke Maximilian, 193. besieged by the Duke of Parma, and taken. 790
- Treatie of peace betwixt Iohn of Baua [...]a, and the Countesse of Holland his Neece, 133. betwixt the Earle of C [...]arolois and the Liegeois, 155. in Frisland betwixt the Scheringers and Vetcoopers, 27 [...]. at Vtrecht for the vnion, 700. at Breda in vaine, 574. at Cologne fruitlesse, 713. at the Hage. ibid.
- Transactions of the Abbays in Brabant to free themselues from incorporations, 350.
- Treslon prisoner in the Castle of Antwerpe. 645.
- Treslon Admirall of Zeeland, imprisoned by the Estates, 875.
- Tournay and Tournesis refuse to enter into the reconciliation with Arthois, &c. 695.
- Troubles in Antwerpe, 394. other troubles for the hurting of the Prince of Orange, 800.
- Troubles at Embden, 1154
- Truchses Elector of Cologne, allyes himselfe vnto the Estates. 831
- Tumult of the Commons in Amsterdam, 146. at Leyden among the factions. 147. at Macklyn. 161. at B [...]uges for their Coynes, 208. In West-Friseland for the Impositions, 221. at Brussels, 276. at Gand, 834. at Vtrecht, ibid. at Leeuwarden in Friseland, 647. At Vtecht by the Clergie against the Magistrates, 1007. at Bruges for the Vnion, 702.
- Tournhout surprized by the Estates, 1407
- Trafficke into Spaine for the Netherlanders, forbidden by the Infanta. 1197
- Truce in Arthois and Henault with Cambray, 868
- Theodore Triuulce Lieutenant of all the Archdukes light horsemen, slaine at Mulhem, 1353
- VAlenciennes zealous to the religion, ref [...] garrison, 446. is besieged and yeelded 417. and surprised by the Protestants, 476, a tumult in the [Page] towne. 663
- Venlo a towne in Gelders yeelded to the Spaniard, 951. they chase away their garrison and Gouernor. 1 [...]45
- Verdugo seekes to force Prince Maurice his trenches in vaine, 1064
- Vetcoopers in Freezeland cause of great troubles, 221
- Vicont of Leyden opposeth himselfe to Cont Thierry. 2
- Vicont of Leyden and their descendents, 134.
- Villevorde a towne in Brabant surprized by the Estates, 984
- Uillers defeated neere vnto Dalem, 448
- Villars and the French defeated neere vnto Do [...]lans, 1106
- Lord of Vere put from his gouernment in Holland. 194
- Vianen abandoned to the Spaniard, 428
- Victorie of Prince Maurice against the Archduke Albert neere vnto Nieuport, 1247.
- Vicont of Turene prisoner to the Spaniard, 778.
- Vnion generall of the Estates of the Netherlands, 615
- Vnion made by the Prouinces, which continued in the first confederation at Vtrecht, 700
- Vlricke first Earle of Embden of East-freezland. 220
- Vniuersitie erected at Leyden in Holland, 583.
- Vtrecht besieged by the Earle of Holland, 34.
- Vander Aa, Captaine of Prince Maurice gards slaine by Sluys. 1309
- Waginengen a towne in Geldres besieged and taken. 194
- Walger Earle of Teysterbaut Brother to Thierry of Aquitaine first Earle of Holland. 2.
- Walchren an Island of Zeeland against the Spaniard, all but Middelbourg. 475
- Wachtendone a Towne in Geldres besieged and yeelded to the Spaniard, 510. recouered againe by Prince Maurice. 1128.
- Land of Wa [...]s yeelded to the Spaniard by Seruaes van Stelandt. 833
- Wandrichom taken by the Spaniard, 551
- Warre proclaimed betwixt the French king and Spaine, 1101.
- Warre betwixt the Duke of Bourgongne and the Ganthois. 147
- Weertdenbras a Fort in Friseland, 230
- Weed yeelded to Cont William of Nassau, 1068.
- Weerd a towne in Brabant taken by the Spaniard, 682. recouered and spoiled by the Estates men, 828
- Wyricke of Daun Earle Vanden brouck murthered by the Admiral of Arragons men, 1182.
- Wynschoten yeelded to Cont William of Nassau, 1068
- Warre betwixt the Earle of Holland and the Lord of Arckel, 118. betwixt the Bishop and the towne of Vtrecht, 19. betwixt the Archduke Philip and the Geldrois, 227. betwixt the Esterlings and the Netherlanders, 246
- Walrauen Lord of Brederode Lieutenant to Countesse Iaqueline in Holland, slaine in Gorrichom, 130
- Westerlo yeelded to the Spaniard. 826
- William the sixteene Earle of Holland, enters Holland and disposesseth his Neece. 45. conquers Zeeland, 46
- William the eighteene Earle of Holland, chosen King of the Romaines, 55. wounded traiterously with a stone in Vtrecht, 59. slaine in West-Freezland. ibid.
- William called the good the two & twenty Earle of Holland, 87. does Iustice vpon a Bayliffe of South-Holland for a Cowe, 89. his death, 90
- William the fourth, the three and twentith Earle of Holland, 91. makes warre against the Russian Infidels, 93. makes warre against the Frisons, and is slaine in battaile. 94
- William of East-Friseland Brother to Thierry the seauenth Earle of Holland, escapes out of prison, 42. is called by the Nobles of Holland, 45. is made the six and twentie Earle of Holland, 49. heyre to the Crowne of Scotland, the which hee neglects. ibid.
- William of Bauaria, the fiue and twentie Earle of Holland, 102. spoiles the countrie of Vtrecht, 103. is distracted. ibid.
- William Earle of Osteruant, sonne to Cont Albert of Bauaria, 110
- William the seauen and twenty Earle of Holland, inuested in the Signiorie of Arckel, besiegeth Gorrichom, 119. his death, 125.
- William of Nassau Prince of Orange seekes to pacifie the troubles in Antw [...]rpe, 394, hee retires out of the Netherlands, bids the Earle of Egmont farewell, and forewarnes him, 417. the Duke of Alua giues Commission to apprehend him, 438. hee makes his answer, and publisheth his iustification, 439. hee enters into the Netherlands with an armie, 457. it mutines and breakes, ibid. he returnes with a small traine and great danger into Germanie, 4 [...]8. prepares to succor his Brother within [Page] Mons, 490. marching thether he takes diuerse Townes, ibid. hee offers battaile to the Duke of Alua, and hee refuseth it, 492. hee dismisseth his armie and goes into Holland, 493. comes into Zeeland, 531. comes to Leyden after the siege, 572. Hee is made Rouard of Brabant, 648. and Gouernor of Flanders, 714. his oration to the Estates of Holland, 718. his answer to the King of Spaines proscription. 764. intreated to continue his gouernment, and his speech to the Estates, 792. wounded in the face by a Biscain. 801. his aduice vpon the reconciliation of the Duke of Aniou 818. retires from Antwerpe, and comes into Zeeland, 828. he is murthered, 853
- Woeden surprised by the Siegnior of Montfort. 207
- Woude Castle yeelded to the Estates, 825. sold by a French Captaine to the Spaniard. 945. taken againe by Prince Maurice 1342.
- Wachtendone taken by the Spaniard. 1351
- Women found liuing in the Sea in Holland. 116.
- Women murthered by a Spaniard. 1358
- YSelstein a towne in Holland giuen to the Lord of [...]ere, 75
- Ypre a Towne in Flan [...]rs blockt vp by the Spaniards and yeelded, 835
- ZElanders with their Armie a [...] Sea, doe wisely forbeare to fight w [...] the Spaniards, 519. they take the s [...] of warre before Antwerpe, 351
- Zelanders attempt Dunkerke in vanie, 1046
- Ziricxee besieged by Guy Earle of Flanders. 83. surprized by Albert Duke of Saxonie, 200. besieged by the Spaniards, 587. yeelded to the Councell of Estate at Brussels, 590
- Zutphen a Towne in Oueryssel sackt by the Spaniard, 496. afterwards the Estates holding it, the Spaniards surprize it. 831. besieged in vaine by the Earle of Leicester. 926. besieged and yeelded to Prince Maurice. 1048
- Zichem yeelded to the Spaniard. 826.
ERRATA.
Page 149. line 18. for haue make read haue made. page, 210. line, 2. for want succors want of succors, ibid line 27, for Abert read Albert, p. 230, l, 12 for except read accept, p, 277. line 32, for 4000, Stephanos read 4000. Spaniards, p, 335. l. 47. for Bunen, Brunen. ibid. l. 48, for Daurst, Ernestus, p, 360. l, 51. for statutes, statues. p. 370. l. 4 [...] for refuse to his duty, refuse to do his duty, p, 381. l. 49. for salus spirans minarum, saulus spirans minarum pag, 390 l. 37, for that had not bin the presentation of our petition, had not the presentation of our petition bin, p. 308, l. [...]1. for apostume impostume, pag, 418, li, [...], for what wronge was, what wrong was done, pag, 421, lin, 53, fo [...] into the riuer, to the riuer, page, 42 [...], l. 27, for saying said, pag, 456. l. 52, for and had written, and hauing written, p, 462, l. 20. for oppresse to read to oppresse, p, 474, li 29, for slaied him slaine him, pag, 410, l. 24. of the Audenarde Dele the, p, 532. l, 23, norishing, for norisher, p, 535. l. 13, Valencia, for valenciennes, p, 540, line 24. landed for laden, p. 542, l. there wants, (the ayre and sea were so full of fire, flame,) and smoake, p, 543, lin. 8, the for they, ibid. l, [...]. they for the. p, 545, l. 28, and busied, for being busied, ibid. l. 31. newly, for lately, ibid. 50 there for three. p, 546 l. 46 sailes for saylers. p, 5 [...]7, l 24. to of the towne, for out of the towne, ibid. line 29, heads for hearts. p, 550, l [...], well found, for were found, p, 55 [...]. l, 35. yet for yea. p. 555. l. 46, points, for parts ibid, li. 55. at were, for as it were, p, 562, l. 48, haue spent, for haue beene spent, p, 563 lin 9, wonderfull there, for wonderfull thing there ibi [...]. l. 20 and to, for or to, p, 568. l. 14, about for aboue. p, 572, l, 7. paria for parui, p, 576. l. 37. D' Alua, for D' Ala [...]. p. 582 l. 17, garden or parlor of Holland, for garden or parke &c. pa. 790, l. 14, for Bugucy read Bu [...]quoy. p, 798. l. 46. for, 200. re. 200 thousand, pa 801. li. 29. for the Esclarte of the Cautere, read the orifice or mouth of the wound p, 830 l. 46, for disswading, perswading, p, 834. l. 9, for that charge, that had charge, p, 844. l. 19. for, excelled, exceeded, ibid. l. 23, for affected inc [...]nsed, p, 845. lin. 55. for Bloyde Boyde, p, 847. for no lesse no m [...]re, p, 85 [...], l. 1 [...]. for franck country, franch countie. p, 862. l. 15 for they conforme they would, p, 895. l. 13. for Zeland, Holland, ibid. 46. for honorable, excellent. p, 91, l. 13. for letter better, ibi. 21, for gotten by an, gotten an ibid. 39, for the noble councel re. the councel, p, 914. l 3, for Menes, Meurs, p, 923. l. 10. for by her, to her. p, 937 line 49, for [...] prossit, neuer bring profsit, p, 5 [...], for we, who draw. p, 943. l. 52, for battered, betraied ibid. p, 252. l. 1 points for po [...]nts, ibid. 12, for as hereafter we shall shew, re. as we haue showne. p, 962, l 7, for though. to, re. though good to. ibid l 34 for Iacob re. Iames. pa, [...]64. l. 4, for with the los [...]e, re. without the losse. p: 969. l. 1 [...], law for loue, page, 970. line 16, leaue for law, and lymit him. page. 971. line 15. sufficient, for suffici [...]ntly. page 974 line [...]2. that is, for that it is. pa, 976. line 22. misliked, for misled, ibid line 38. the for their. ibid. line 35 then it, for then if. p. 986. l, 45, in his h [...]nds, for in her. pa. 988. l. 30. himselfe for herselfe, p, 989l. l. 45 preuenting for pretending. p. 990. l. 55, Scotland for Soeteland p. 991. l. 3. make for made. p. 904. li. 22. for 1588 re 1586, p. 995 li. [...]9. review for renew. 998, l 30. 2000. saylers for souldiars. p, 1001. l. 46. they cheefee. for their chiefee. ibid. 2 [...], suspecting and to be left out. p, 1002. l. 17. same vice. ad. for same day the Vice-admirall 1005 l. 1. so kept, for and so kept p. 1046. l. 23. boate for beate. p. 1175. l. 39. entring any part, for into any part. ibid l. 47. with danger of the Spaniards, for without danger, page 1176. l. 31. beeing to anotomy, for beeing consumed to a [...]. pa, 1308, l. 35. Ibanna for I [...]arra. p, 1319. l. 49, Iocoy, for Iuoy, ibid. Ayda for Ayala, p, 1337. line 16, it is not, for is it not, p, 1346, l, 14, Solme for Solue.
The exposition of some words vsed throughout the whole course of the History.
Drossart. A Deputy lieutenant for a Prouince. Escoutetè. A Baylife for the leauying of fines. Schepen. A Iudge in ciuil and criminal causes. Scating. Scotting or taxing. Rouard. Gouernor of a Prouince.