Number I.

Iuſtinus Naſauw broother of Graue Morish, was Gouernor of the towne a man exellinge be the vſe of longe experience Iuſtinus de Naſavve vvas Gouernor. howe coulde defend an a ſaulte be conſel and aſiege be frugalitie. Iohn Artſenius droſart lord of vvormes was chife of the cittiſens, a man no lesh conſtant then The draſats Iohn of Artſens. wiſe, for the moderateng of the diſpenſation of corne, and of tempering ſeditiones, and miniſttinge counſeils, in ſudaine and deſperate caſes. For the defence of the towne, there was vſed to be apointed commonly, ſixtine companies of foote, and to the caſtel, but one, of The number of the ordinari gariſen. horſmen fiue, in the whole ſixtine hondreth ſoilders. Butt hauing vnder ſtood of late the Rumor of the warr, there were added eight companies of foote, and of cittiſens that were able to beare armes, there were nombred eightin hondered, who me Artſenius ruled be auctoritie. The number of citiſens ruled be Artſenius. The corne prouided for the ſoilders in vvinter vvas eight thouſand tvvo hondered meaſures of vvheate, of oates, tvvo thouſand eight hondered, of cheſe, three Meaſures of orne. thouſand ſix hondered vveighte, and as many pound of dried ſtokfish. The cittiſens vvere comanded, man be man; to mak prouition of corne for tvvelfmonthes, before vve couled come to beſiedge the tovvne; ſoo that there might be no neceſſitie, to deminish the prouiſion made for the ſoilders.

For the vvinnenge of this tovvne, vvhen many thenges Conſideratiōs that mooued the Marques to befidge this ovvne. did incorage the Marques Ambroſio Spinolas minde, many thinges alſo did vvithdravv itt. Firſt the oportunitie of the place did great lie enduce him, bothe for the hindring of the frequent enuations of the enemies horſmen into Brabant, whiche from thence they moſte comodiouſly deſingned to whate parte they pleaſed; As alſo for the hindereng of al nauegaſion betwext the adioyning townes of Breda, And the borderinge townes of the confines of Holand, and Zeland; VVhich is tought to haue beene don with no ſmale dificultie, by reaſon of ſome townes that were taken neere at hand, with encredible losh to the enemy. Further more many other comodities did allure him to attempt to take this towne, rather then any other; to witt the Zoile of the ſuburbs, fitt for making his trinches and fortificationes, eyther to make aſſault or to entrench. Hauing a riuer fit to paſſ ouer, and eaſili to be damned up, whiche being don, they who were beſiged, might eaſilie be kept from prouition. They had woodes nere at hande, the fildes were fertile for feedinge. Laſtly this was conſidered; that Breda being taken Bergen up Som, and other townes neere at hand might be taken the more eaſily.

On the contrarie, the ſtrenght of the towne that was Difficulties the Marques formd in vvineng the tovvne. ſo fortified both be enduſtrie and nature, did diſcorage him; But eſpeſially the great dificultie of tranſportinge vituales a far of, when eyther the enemies was to be a voided with a greate convoy, for al oure citties were diſtant great days Iurneyes on foote, or that they might want vituales nor was there behinde them, any commoditie of riuer, whiche coulde be ſayled with shipes to beare prouiſion, vnlesh Breda, beinge neere at hand, as it were the theator of the enemies citties, could be bloked up. It was doupted whether that with a great number of VVagones, vvith longe and comberſom vvayes be reaſon of the winter, prouiſion and vitualles might be broght vnto us, which was manifeſt coulde nether be don without adoble garde of ſoilders, nor withoute greate danger.

This was the ſtate of the lowe contries at this time, and State of the lovve contries. of oure affaires.

Filip the fourth King of Spaine, did forbid that any peace shoulde be made withe the confederated ſtates, Iudgenge that truce, to be more hurtful then warr. The Archduces, Iſabela Clara Eugenia Infanta of Spaine, wife of Albertus that excelent Prince deceaſed, thought it a diſgraſeful thinge that the army wherwith the Kinge florisheth in the lowe contries, should be Idel, and withoute Implomient the repulce of Bergenop ſome was not reuenged, whiche being retained after the ſidge, the enemies gloried. Germanie being quiet from warres reſted.

The ſtrenght of the baſtard Mansfelt yea and his verie name, was almoſt extent. There was intire peaſe betwext the Kinges of France and Ingland, with the onely enemies of the confedrated prouences, there was Iuſte cauſe of hatred. Herupon warr was intended againſt them, not for deſire of rule, but for deſire of reeſtabliſſinge of religion, and recoueringe of there owne.

Spinola in the 21. of the monthe of Iuly in the yeare athouſande ſix hondereth twentie foure goinge from Bruxeles, the time of the yeare beinge proper for warr, he corne being reepe, gathered an army. But he kept him ſelf ſo reſerued in this affaire, that although he fulli reſolued to beſiedge Breda, yet if he perceiued it hard to be effected; perhapes with a greater army a sit fel oute ſent oute by the enemy. he, oute of euerie place wherin he lay, might be The reſoluſion vvixt vvith the Marques vvent vnto the filds. able. As he iudged fit for the preſent good) to vndertake the ſame turninge his armye whiche way soeuer it shoulde pleaſe him.

The armie was deuided into thre pattes, making a sheow The armie vves de uided into three partes. to goe into diuers places, of ſet purpoſe to deceiue the enemie.

Spinola goinge oute of his Iourney be montague, (where The Marques viſited oure lod •• of montague. that ſacred tēpel is of the moother Virgin, renoumed troughout the worlde with ſo many miracles) the miſteries of the criſtian religion being dulie performed, and his deuoſions beinge made at oure ladie is aulter for the army, led the foote men one way; and Lodouicus Velaſcus, Count of Zalazarius General of the horſe, led the horſmen an other way. Iohn brauius de laguna gouernor of the caſtel of Anwourpe with thoſe that came frō markland Ioyned with thies trupes not far from turnehoute, whiche Gonzalus de Cordoua maſter de campe general had gouerned.

The army beinge hire muſtered by Spinola, and being In his rekoning muche leshe people then he sought. founde lesh then it was ſuppoſed neuerthelesh he had greate hope of there valor for beinge all choſen men. There were in the whole fiftine regimentes, conſiſteng of ahondereth foure ſcore, and eightine companies; of horſe, thirtie nine troopes, Breeflie, eightine thouſand in the whole.

Number II.

Iuſtinus Naſaw ignorant of oure deſigne, but withal warie, Iustinus de Naſavv reforced the tovvne vveth ahon dereth companies. as ſowne as he hearde that Spinola, was come hither, ſent for fiue companies of foote oute of the adioyninge borderes of ſualuen, to Breda, and other fiftine beinge latelie arriued oute of Holand to Zwaluen (in whiche there were two conductores of Graue Morish, and of Prince Hinri his broother, and manie Captaines with hautriue afrence coronel, and morgan an Inglisman, and loqueren aholander; The next day after that he vnderſtood

Num. 2. SPECIMEN OPERIS CORNVTI

A. Frons operis cornuti. B. Fossa lata pasſus xxx. C. Receptaculum D. Murulus terreus E. Fosſa altera F. Lorica decliuis G. Ʋrbis mocnia H. Fossa moenium I. Opus nouum, post aduentum nostrum in Gilsam, externis munitionibus circumductum a Bredanis, interna, allo pasſuum CXL. K. Lorica ſeu brachia tria fronti et cornibus munitionum praeſtructa. L. Fosſa M. Seps ſudium in decliui Lorica circum fosſam.

that Spinola opproched neerer. There were ſent three companies of horſe to Gitrimberque of the Counte of Culingburge, Stire, and of Captaine Villebon Frence man. leaſt there shoulde by two many horſes, for the ſcarcitie of feeding, when tvvo companies of horſe, vvith fortie fiue of foote, vvere inogh to defende the citti. To the offiſeres vvho vvere lately come, to euery one vvas aapointed his ſtandinge place, by the walles and outward portes. To hautriue, whow led the frenc men and the valones, the watche was appointed at the gate of Genikin. To morgan coronel of the Inglish, the gate of balduke, To loquerin, to whome the lowe contrimen and ſcotsmen obeyd, was apointed the gate of an wourpe. thies preſently withe greate expedition fortified the front of ther outwarde wourkes eche of them in ſeueral plaſes of defence the ditches on the outeward ſides were armed vvith athick hedge of ſtakes, Armed aboue like vnto athinge full of pikes, leaſt anie ſtragling shoulde paſſ ouer. The diſtance from the outmoſte bank of the horne vvourkes, euen vnto the three in vvard defences of there angles, vvas a hondred and fortie paſes, vvherunto from the one, to the other, ſorties vvere made in ther flankes to paſſ from the horned vvourkes vvithoute.

And thies vvere the firſte vvoorkes, added to Graue The Marques conſulted vvith the matteres of the campe. Maurish force, vverby thoſe of Breda began to doupt the ſiedge.

Spinola came to Gilsh, a villadge diſtant from Breda tvvo houres iourney, vvith his army. Here he conſulted vvith many maſters de campe touchinge the beſeeging of this tovvne; asked the opinion of euery one, vvhat they tought For many reaſones they founde greate dificulties in the beſidging of Breda. of the ſiedge of Breda eche one diſſuadeth the aſſault: they afirmed the tovvne to be fortified vvith moſt ſtrōge vvourkes: That the ſtanding vvater, as often the tovvn eſmen liſteth) ouerflovveth al the ſuburburbs: the tovvne to be deuided into many partes by the riuer. The gariſon to be increaſed vvith tvventie eight companies of foote. oure armies for ther ſmale number vvas ſcarce correſpondent to ſo great an aſſault, vvherunto number vvas no lesh needfull, then valor. And if the enemy should come behinde to aſſaulte the army, before vve had vvon ſo ſtronge atovvne, vve muſte of neceſſitie, eyther goe a vvay vvith diſgrace, or ſo ſmale an army be expoſed to adoble perill, both before, and behinde.

The Marques Spinola hauing heard the opinion of The Marques aduertiſed her Alteſa of al. the maſteres de campe, knovving that ſome ſtoode for the comanders and others for Inferior officeres, and that him ſelfe vvas freely to diſpoſe vvhat vvas principalli to be don; and was to do al thinges according to direction, remained in the ſame place, and Informed Iſabella the Archiduces whate the opinion of the maſteres de campe were. She hauinge vnderſtoode of ſo great augmentaſion of the gariſon of Breda, made anſwer, that she vvould not tempt fortune with the danger of ſo many valiāt men. that she should be much to blame if shee eſtimed not ther To conforme vvith the opinion of the maſters de campes. liues more deere, whome she knoweth to be ſo willinge that they woulde refuſe no danger at hir comaund. notwithſtandinge, leaſte ſo excelent en army of ſoilders depriued of glorie, shoulde returne home and do nothinge, that Spinola shoulde conſider whate exploite was to be taken in hande, for there goode, and comoditie.

Spinola hauinge conſulted with Hinri Count of Berges ſchefe Gouernor of gilders (who was with an other He conſulted vvithe Count Hindrique da Bergas. army at the rhene) ſent the ſardgent may or Franciſcus loſanus vvith letters vnto him, to aske of him vvhate he thought fitt to be don, as alſo Carlos of Burgondi Baron of VVaken Gran balue of gant captaine of horſe shoulde treate vvithe Paulus bernardus fontanus, maſter de campe of aregiment of Valones, vvho gouerned the prouince of Flandres, vvho might treate vvith him aboute Ademand touching the t • nt • ng of the Iland of caſant. the buſines of caſant, an Iland not far of from ſluſe. They treated longe vvith him concerninge thies thinges, and aftervvardes before the Infanta; and acordinge to eche ones opinion, ſo baron de VVaken, afirmed it to be eaſy, and Monſeurde Fontaine to be ahard enterprice: fontanus douted it: VVaken promiſed good ſucceſſ, not vvith ſtanding fontanus offered him ſelf, to put the mater in execution, ſo that his command might be giuen him in vvrithing for his diſchardge. The Infanta beinge willing in hope of the euent, comaunded it to Freſent'y the mater vvas reuoked. be don, and apointed a day for the diſpatch therof: for thies affaires fontanus went to Bruges. Three dayes after waken, was ſent priuilie, but al thinges being no we in aredines the Inſanta, fearinge the voyadge shoulde not ſuccede well comanded that they shoulde giue it ouer.

In the meane while Spinola againe conſulted with ſuch The Marques turned againe to conſuite touchingh the beſieging of Breda. as were fit, and with people of good Iudgement, and with ſome captaines calinge euery one aparte, he asked whate they thought of the beſidginge of Breda, though latelie they had refuſed to attempt the aſſault. Here al againe (one onelie captaine excepted) begon to aledge the dificulties Al denied excpt one an a preſented there reaſones. of the ſidge, and that the towne coulde not be intrenched in alonge time. The circuite of the trinches, muſte of neceſſitie be, foure or fiue houres Iurney, for the many places of paſſadge of the cōtrie ſuburbs, which partly are in acceſſible be reaſon of the marish groundes, partely ouerflovv vvhen the tovvnes men do ſtop the riuer by aſluce. Novv ſo great aſpace is to be filled vvith ſo many ſtandinge places and vvatch vvardes, that al moſt they muſt needes meete togither, or the tovvne othervviſe hardly to be blocked up: but there vvanted ſoilders to be deuided, into ſo many partes. Further it hath beene commanded to al the townes men in particular that a ſuficient quantitie of corne shoulde be prouided for the enduringe of the vvinter, and ſuſtenance of the ſoilders. laſtely it vvoulde be a mater of greate tyme and labor, to weakē the towne by famine, alſo abounding with all thinges. beſides that if a great army shoulde be made for rayſinge of the ſiedge, the enemy might come behinde, and euen without fight woulde take and hinder oure paſadges, and wee shoulde be forced to retire, compelled thereto by greater honger and neceſſitie, for there condiſion and oures is ſo contrary, that they on euery ſide by the benefit of riuers, and citties, neere adioyning could eaſilie a bound with all thinges, when al moſte no winde can blowe, but might be proſperouſe for any cariadge by reaſon of the ſituation of diueres citties and portes. For Seuenberk, gentenberk, heuſden, townes of ſuche as are confederates, and lye neere. Vnto Breda thre or foue houres diſtance, beſides ſome other encorparated viladges not far of, all which are fed with the ſea, or riuers, but we shoulde ſtand in neede of corne ſooner then they of Breda, be reaſon of the longe, and hard tranſporting of corne in aiorney by lande, whiche way being but one, and very dangerous, shoulde betide oure army, in caſe the enemy did altogither blok it up. and beſeedge it. An wourp, The Kinges tovvnes vvere far of. maklin, Lier (which are oure neereſt townes to Breda) diſtant ten or twelf oures iorney from balduk, and herintal, (vvhiche are the neereſt tovvnes) and are nine houres iorney. one of the maſter de campes vvas of a contrary Only one vvas of contrary opinion to the reſt touchinge the be caging of Breda. opinion, vvho not eſteeming al thies reaſones, did therfore thinke.

Breda vvas to be aſſaulted, for that no greater blovve coulde be giuen to Graue Morish ſeeinge he ſo deerly loued that tovvne, vvhiche bieng loſte, he shoulde looſe muche reputation. nor was it probable that the beſeedged had ſo ordered al there affaeyrs, that nothing shoulde

Num. 3. Numeri significant horas itinerum. * Signum locorum hostilium.

by quickly wanting in ſo great number, be want wherof, they shoulde not by enforſed to render it up.

Hunger would opreſſ the towne, wantinge externe helpes; and the relife of vituales being hindered, woulde ſoone cauſe pouerty and diſcorde amongſt the cttiſens and the ſoilders.

Number III.

There were ſent to diſcouer, Franciſcus Medina, Matheus The opinion of thoſe that vvent first to bring reſolution of the ſituation. otanus, and Don Iuan de Mediſes, who reported that the ground was fitt, for making trinches, and fortificaſiones; the water of the riuer good, the woodes for fueil, and faxina, the fildes and barnes fit for foradging; but they did earneſtli afirme, that al thoſe thinges were to be feared, whiche were aledged by the maſters de campe againſte the ſiedge. meane while, Loſanus returned from the Rhene with letters of Count Hendrick; who (hauing vnderſtoode whate al the maſteres de cāpe thought of the dificulties of takinge Breda) Propoſed vnto Spinola, Conde Hindrique propoundes to beſeigde reas and embrik. whate he iudged meete, to be don concerninge the beſeedging of Embrik and Rhes.

That he was there preſent with his army, his companies ſomwhate increaſed, and preparinge abridge ouer the Rehn with barkes, with a fort Royal adioyned to the ſame; that for the better ſecuritie of both it ſeemed vnto him that embrik might by taken, whiche beinge gotten, Or graue raueſtene and Genep. Rheze woulde woluntarie yealde itſelf. But if it shoulde not like him, that abridge should by made (for want of boathes) that then was Graue and the caſtels of Raueſten, and Genep, whiche alſo might by wel beeſcheeged at once. and that his excelencie shoulde ordaine that whiche he tought moſte fitt, hauninge firſte conſulted with Antonius Baron of Grobendunck Gouernor of the towne of Baldukaman expert in the knoledge of thoſe places. Spinola hauinge ſent backe Franciſcus Medina maſter de campe of aſpanishe regiment, with loſanus, declared vnto him that hitherto he approoued of the count of bergas is aduice, ſo far as it concerned Graue, Raueſten, and Genep, and de manding him whate helpe needeth for that enterpreece. The people neceſſarie to beeleager graue. The count of bergus, required, that fiue thouſand foote, and athouſand horſe shouled be ſent te aſſiſte him and with them and the reſte of his owne army were ſufficient for that affaire. But he aduiſed Spinola to remaine ſecurelie with his army in the villadg of Gilshe, an to houlde the enemy in ſuſpēce leſt they shoulde drawe fourth ſome Cōpanies oute of Breda or other gariſones to diſturbe the ſeedge of Graue. Spinola, both glade of the conſel, and releeinge vpon the Iudgment of ſo prudent acomander, related the buſines to the Infanta, hauinge ſent medina, The Marques aduertiſed hir Alteſa. and hauing alſo called fourth Baron Antonius Grobendunk (as count bergus deſired) he demanded, whate he thought of the propoſed ſiedge of the caſtels of graue, raueſten And ſought for the opinion of Antonius Baron of Grobendonk. and Genep? Hee plainly affirmed, that ſo many Interpriſes were not ſo eaſie as it was ſuppoſed; but yet that it both might and ought to be hoped for, by the Count of Bergas relation, a man moſt skilfull in warr, and verie conuerſant in thoſe places. Many dayes beinge ſpent in this doubt, the army in the villadge of Gilſe, began to looſe courage, the riuer which is a water nere to the campe, was But litle ſtore of vvater in Gilſen. two miles of, the welles, whiche were few, did eyther wax dry with heat or were exhauſted by ouer muche Vſe, or the water beinge drawen fourth was ſo foule, that it woulde not, but in alōge ſpace of time be cleere and ſetled. And the thirſt of the ſoilders vvas intolerable. Hince the empapatiēce of thirſt in the extreame heate of the yeare, compelled many to drinck vnholſome water, or to drawe it oute of ditches, or oute of the traces in the ground cutt by the cart whiles, which cauſed diſſeaſes. Spinola informed of this diſcomoditie, leaſte he shoulde ſlighly giue credit to this reporte, to the ende that al thinges might be the more certaine vnto him, enquireth of ſome of the maſters de campe that were called, whether the ſoilders were in ſo great wante of water, as he was informed. They fearinge eyther to sheow the fault of the campe, (becauſe they woulde The Marque informed of the trueth. pleaſe his eares) or meaſuringe other mens pouertie, by there plentie, afirmed that ther ſoilders had water enoghe. The enformer herof beinge ſent for by Marques Spinola, the Captaines being preſent, whilſt he proceedes to make goode whate he ſaied, Iohn Cont of Naſaw Coronel of two german regimentes, arriued in goode time, whow hauinge heard of the miſerie of his owne ſoilders, uphelde the informer in whate he ſayde. Andone of thoſe who had denyed it, priuilie whiſpered in the informers eares, ſayinge that he was behouldinge to him for that relation, which he him ſelf was afrayed to make.

Spinola hauinge founde oute the trueth of the matter, VVelles vvere digged for ſcarciti of vvater. comanded VVells to be digged euery wheare, and ſo aremedy was founde againſt this euell. fortie thouſand loaues of bread, wer conſumed by that bad ayer in the campe of Giles.

VVithal there were at that tyme the tentes of two Other diſgrace hapned in the quarter. Italian companies burnt, with a ſudin fire: by meanes of al whiche diſcommodities, no wages being payed before that day, and the price of vituales beinge greate, many by flight for ſooke the campe.

VVhich example, Spinola fearinge leaſte it shoulde Soilders run a vvay. be imitated of more, ſought aremedy by ſeueritie, and cauſed foure of the fugitiues that had fled; to drawe lottes which of thos foure shoulde ſuffer death.

In the meane while, the free voyces of manie men were heard in the army; The time of action, was ſpent in conſultation; the ſpreading and publication wherof, loſt The enemy murmured of the Marques. Iy and moked the Kinef Spaine le bohae ſpanel. bothe the ſoilder and his reputation.

Many thinges were don moſte malepertlie by the enemy, againſt the Kinge of Spaine, and Marques Spinola, with shame and ignominie amonghſt the Holanders, there were ſportes sheowed, by certaine Ieſters, in maner of merie enterludes, which they called the ſpanish figth. There was in like maner aridiculus picture of the Kinges ſpread abroad amonge the common people, ſekinge Breda with alitle lanterne; Marques Spinola ſtanding by, with both his handes ſcratchinge his head, hauing vnderwriten a verie ſpitefull and tantinge vearſe. Graue Maurish ſeeminge to be ſecure in all thinges, and lyenge Idely at Hage, as it were by comptempt; is reported to haue ſaid merilie, that it had beene beter for Spinola to haue gon to Geel (where mad men are deliuered from there madnes) then to Gilsh. But thies thinges beinge ſlighted ouer, were forgotten, nether did they moue them to any ſigne of anger.

Spinola, aprouing the counſel of the Infanta, touchinge the beſechinge of Graue, hauing ſent Ion of Medices with comaunde willeth Hinri the count of Bergus, to goe withe his army which he had at Rhene, vnto Graue, promishinge to ſend him the day apointed the Conde Iohn de Naſavv ſent to ſocor Count de ber gas, brenging alonge vvith him Cowad de Aubermōt aman skilful in this quarters. troupes whiche he required. where was ſent preſentlie, Iohn Count of Naſaw. (who refuſed the gouernment of an army, latelie offered vnto him by the comon wealth of Venishe) with fiue thouſand foote and foure companies of horſe: and three canons with eightine boates, and other warlike engines. He comandes Iohanes Conradus abermont Captaine of horſe of Balduke Don lie ſento de 〈…〉 folovveth 〈◊◊◊◊〉 . Count 〈◊◊〉 took in mondeth • rk 〈…〉 and the rvvne of Genep. to acompanie him, by reaſon of his skilfulnes of the places. The next day he ſendes priuily hiacentus Velaſcus Marques of Belueder, with other ten companies of horſe, to the number of athouſand, with chardge, that he shoulde poſeſſ far and neere all the catel aboute graue, and ſo defend the places at his pleaſure, wherin His ſoilders folovved vvith great modeſtie and obedience. after wardes the tentes were to be placed by the Count of Bergues. The Count of Bergues, goinge to Graue, hauinge ſoone aſaulted the Caſtel of mondelberge, the towne and caſtel of cleaues, and the towne of Genep as he was in his Iorney, tooke it by force, and by there rinderinge placed gariſones ouer itt▪ But the auctoritie of Count Hindrik admonishinge the ſoilders, did ſo profit thos of the towne, and ſo terrifie the ſoilders from makinge piladge, that neyther was any mans name brought in queſtion, who might be found to haue taken away anie thinge by theft oute of the houſes, though wel adorned, oute of whoſe windowes and houſes, he comanded the caſtel to be beaten til they yealded. VVhiche thinge, when the Burgermaſter of cleaues informed Graue Morish de Naſaw. did admire, boath at ſo great ciuilitie of the ſoilders, and at ſo great vertue of the conductor, no lesh then at the integritie of another ſcaurus, as alſo the not touchinge the fruites of the trees whiche many was wondered at. He fortified on the other ſide of the Moſa the dorpe cauled mouck fit for prouiſion of vituales, and in the ſame place he pitched his tentes. From thence, he goes to diſcouer Batimburg, and Raueſtene, He pitched his quarter at mouk Marques of belueder took from the contrie of Graue greate store of cattel and to deceiue the enemies, he goes with fiftine troupes of horſe, and thre hondered shott.

The Marques of Beluedere, hauinge goten agreate bootie of cattel, driueng away all whateſoeuer he founde from Graue to Raueſtene, and ſending them to Balduke, cauſed muche terror aborad. Hinrie of Bergues hauing diligently viewed Batenbergue and Raueſtene, ſent for Iohn of Naſaw, and Conradus Aubermont to come vnto him. He ſendes him Conradus with comaund, to declare vnto the Marques Spinola, that Raueſten coulde not be ſo Eaſilie won. as it was ſupoſed, but if he woulde let Raueſten alone, Conde Hindrik ſends againe to the Marques giuing his opinion of the dificulties in vvining of rausten he woulde atempt to get graue. (if Spinola ſo comaunded him) and was in goode hope to attaine if. So he woulde ſende vnto him ſome great forces. He comaundes Iohn of Naſaw, to pitche his tentes on the other ſide of the maſe, not far from Graue, and that he him ſelf woulde abide at mouck, til Spinola had declared whate his pleaſure was: Graue Iohn pitches his camp on the other ſide of the maſe. and ſingnified Vnto him that he woulde in the meane time, make away ouer the maſe with abridge, for paſſinge the armie, and ioyning it togither if need required. And count Bergues armed abrige outr the riuer.

At that time, there fell ſo horible atempeſte in one night, with raine, winde, lightninge and thunder, raging togither alonge time, as if the elementes were confounded, and the verie heauen it ſelf woulde faule to the grounde. A vvonder ful tempeſt. Very obſcure darknes, acontinual flash of lightning fire, acontinual noiſe of thunderes, rayne fauleng, not by dropes, but like vnto ariuer, and violent whirle windes. Laſtly all thinges were full of terror, as if it had bene the laſte day. That night, Hinrie Fredrik of Naſaw, had deſigned VVho the enemy is forces vna aua ri tought to fall on the Excell, of Grauedendrike. with his whole army to aſſaulte the tentes of Hinrie of Bergues not yet fortified, had not the tēpeſt aforeſaid diuerted it. Thre dayes after, the ſoilders of Graue being comanded to goe fourth, they returned againe to ouerthrow the campe of count bergues with greater forces; but when neither the people of Graue were come in due time, and Cō de Hindrique was fortified and better prepared, al the controuerſie Graue Iohn de Naſavv pit • ched his camp in acomodions place. was ended with a litle ſquirmiſch. Iohn of Naſaw, as it was preſcribed, pitched his tentes not far from Graue, haueng poſſeſed ſo goode aplace, that they were encloſed with the riuer of the right ſide, before and on the left, with abrook flowing from the riuer. Not with ſtanding he made atrence before, and on ether ſide, in that diſtance, againſt the paſſage of the enemies. for the fore front of the tentes, the woodes were fit for ambuſcados, next, the hills ariſeng vpon the towne with agentel aſcent, whiche beinge poſeſſed be day time by acompanie of horſmen, and be night retired for feare of ſuddaine opreſſion of the enemy. Hence there was. dayly ocaſion giuen of ſmale, Skirmishes of horſmen, when in the morning, by reaſon of the trinches that, were ſet vpon by the enemie in the night oure ſoilders fought to beate them backe; Stakenbrook Gouernor of the towne of Graue to terrifie oures, The ſtratagesmes of the gouernor of graue vvas in vaine. hauing made anoice with his army approaching by night, as though he were readie to breack in to the campe, comaundad them to ſound aretreate, next day after, being asked of Naſaw in diſcourſe, wherfore he had diſturbed his, and his ſoilders ſleepe, withe, ſuche anoice of en ſignes? Count of Naſavv anſvvered made anſwer, that he wondered more, why he came to take thoſe citties by force of armes, the enheritance wherof he was one day by right to take poſeſſion of. To whome contrarie wiſe Naſaw anſwered, that he let paſſ that In heritance for the preſent (Becauſe it was incertaine) but with all à ſpired after his owne gouerment of graue. VVhich the gouernor hearinge, ſaied. Ireturne home; And hauinge ſayed this departed, and preſently began to shut into the tentes of Naſſaw, as to exact punishment for his ambition.

After this, Aubermontius went from Hinrie of Bergues The Marques tought ſtrang of the dificulties of Graue Hiudrik touching raueſten. to Gils; whoſe anſwer beinge heard, Spinola wondered why bergus by his conſel obiected ſo many difficulties, (wherof he profeſſed him ſelf to by the chife man.) But yet becauſe he reuoked that which was propoſed by him, touching raueſtin, for feare of the euent, and deſired to goe to Graue (if he shoulde be comanded (he shoulde do the ſame of his owne head and therupon goe on ſpidilie. VVith thies comaundès he ſent back againe Franciſcus Medina with Auber montius to Hinrie of Berguis. In the meane while he him felf doth fortifie Giles with twelf redutes, The quarter of Gils vvas fortified vvith tvvelf reduties. built about on ouerie ſide, leaſt the enemy by that way, shoulde ſodainely break foorth vnto the campe.

They of Breda perceiuinge this, ſuppoſing the purpoſe This of Breda being deceiued in there preſumption turned to bring ther mouables. of beſeedging the towne, was altered by us, comanded all the houſehould ſtuff. which they had tranſported into the townes adioyninge for feare of ſiedge, as being now oute of feare of warr, to by recaried by boates. Neither did they prouide for vituales for aine lōger time, but ſuppoſing they should haue had prouiſion enogh, of that which they had got for winter, permitted thos hondered oxen whiche were latelie caried into the towne, to be broght back againe, and alſo two shippes loaden with cheeſe refuſing for to buy it. furthermor all the boores and ther wiues and children, who had before flyen into the towne, and whome as miſe and deuoorers of corne, they comanded to goe fourth to get victuales (if any ſidge had hapened) they receiued againe thos that were retired from the fildes They receiued manie of no ſeruice vvhich vvas ocation to shorten there victuals. which oure ſoilders ſpoiled, with no litle loshe of victuales, as men giuen wholy to there belli.

Furthermore it hapened by that pitching of tentes by Marques Spinola, that neyther Graue morish coulde vnderſtand whate we ſeriouſely entended, nor yet whate we fayned: to wit, whether we were fullie reſolued, to ſet vpon Graue, or Breda, or vpon both togither, or on any other cittie: and therefore was diuers waies ſo troubled aboute the matter (not daringe eyther to draw any gariſon fourth of anie one cittie to ſocor another; neyter there vvere ſufficient forces to ſocor both.) He alſo feared not to be able to furnish them in due time of ſuche prouitions He vvent into his brooth. camp. befitteng. At lenght departinge fourth of Hage, his garden of recreation, vnto Hinrie Fredrick broother of Naſaw, vnto the campes of nemegam, he comaunded He fortified wwinc •• . artillerie, and many engines and furniture of warr, to by carried into Bomble, and the places adioyninge to Balduke, Benefit found in the delaying. to be fortified. And although the adminiſtraſion of warr ſeemed to many, that it woulde by in vaine to delay it, aine longer, notwithſtandinge wee optained by that delay, that ther remained no tyme fit for the enemie; when the fall of the leaf aproched, the beſt time of remoouenge to whatſoeuer place, and ours byenge now ready for whate ocaſion ſoeuer

The reporte of the preparation (wherwith we ſeemed to be willing to ſet vpon graue) being diuulged among Duk de Bullon came out of breda to aſide the defence, graue. the people, Duck de bullon Frenceman, whow tought that the warr which he expected at Breda, was tranſported to Graue, going thither to try his fortune, and at his returning againe to Breda, he founde all the circuites of the towne shut vp by oures. Hinrie of Bergues, knowenge The laſte in formaſiones taken b ••• unt Hindrik he found it far contrari to the first. the ſituation and condition of Graue, hauing alſo vnderſtood the ópinion of the Inhabitance did contrarie wiſe perceiue all thinges, and releying vpon ſom mens iudgmentes, perſwaded Spinola. He perceiued well that hardly in thre monthes ſpace the matter coulde by executed. And in the meane while by reaſon of the vallies whiche were aboute the towne, wherin the tentes were to be pitched, that he shoulde be, aſſuredly remooued by the winter wateres. The contrimen, and others that kneow the nature of the place afirmed, that the ſpring beinge paſte, it was to be aſlaulted, hopinge that at the end of ſummer it woulde be gotten: for after the faule of the leafe, al the places were ouerflowen, and became inacceſſibile. He receuied the Marques to order. Aboute that tyme there fitly ariued Don Franciſco de Medina, and monſe de Aubermont, ſent by Spinola, whow brought comand to count Bergues for the beſeeging of Graue, as he had bene charged. Spinola much wondered at the diſpaired hope of winenge Raueſtē when he tought him ſelf to be ſure of tacking itt. Notwitſtanding if that could not be broght to paſſ, he comanded him to go oute of hand to Graue. Counte Bergues being oute of hope of He affirmed to thoſe that brught the order, that not hing coulde be executed touching graue. ſubduenge Graue, toulde both them that were ſent vnto him, that he was out of hope at that tyme of getinge of it: but hoped that he should in a short ſpace get the caſted of Genep, if Spinola permitted, which beinge won, he might eaſily at an other tyme get Graue. They being amaſed, demaunded whate at laſte woulde be the concluſion? They anſvvered count Hendrick. That he coulde not vnderſtand, whow Graue ſo litle diſtant shoule be now made ſo ſtronge that in his opinion it coulde not be taken, in wich there was neyther gariſon, nor prouiſion, nor coulde be a better ſeaſon? he praied him in Spinola, is name not to looſe courage, and hope of the victorie of owne towne, who with all had propoſed the wineng of ſo many other. Herunto the count replyed many wayes, that thre whole wikes were almoſte nowe paſte; in which the whole affaire ought to haue bene diſpatched in the bigineng. In the meane while the enemy fortified his Army with frence and Inglish at nemegam, nor was he farr off. if Spinola would ſend parte of his army that he was pleaſed to aproach neerer, he woulde try his fortune. Touching this there were many diſcourſes, wher fore Don Franciſco Aubermont who was ſent tought it better, not to anſwer againe butt by letteres, they carrie letters He gaue then letters to the Marque. from him to Spinola, wherof this was the contentes. That it was manifeſt with whate fidelitie and care he had vndergon the affaires that were committed vnto him, ſeeinge for that onelie reſpect he had brought vnder his ſubiection the caſtel of mondelberge, the caſtel and towne of cleaues, as alſo Genep, by which meanes he coulde the better entertaine his army. It is true he confeſeth to be the auctor of that interprice, but vnder Spinola is corecſion, whome he perceiued to be diuerſly troubled, and to doubt of Breda. That he beleeued, thoſe thinges whiche he propoſed coulde be effected, but by the faulſe raporte of two men, to whome he had ouermuche truſted at the firſte, more then him ſelfe had proued by experience it is not an vnuſual matter, for thinges that were hearde to be related of the behoulders as thinges that were ſene, often times greate and prudent captaines were often times ſo deceiued.

He further afirmed that the ſame ſiedge aboute that time, coulde in no wiſe be ſet, for, that he perceiueth that many ſodaine thinges, woulde happen otherwiſe, then he imagined, yet that he would acomplish whate was commanded, and refuſe no danger, ſo that Spinola would comand the ſame by his letters, and with the ſame, excuſe him to the Kinge, if the affaire shoulde faull oute infortunatlie; as he him ſelf had nowe preſaged.

Spinola hauenge receiued thies letters, withoute all hope VVate he reſolued touchinge the beele • geringe of Breda. of geting Graue ſettinge his minde wholie uppon the ſiege of Breda, hauinge called backe Count Naſaw, and the Marques of Belueder, with ther armies, and with troupes of other regimentes, wherof parte was at Breda. He comaunded Count Hinrik had chard ge to be vigilant and loo kvvelto the borderes of gi • d • rres. Hinrie of bergus not to tempt the caſtel of Genep, and to take heede of the enemy neere at hande (and to prouide for the adioyning townes of gilders, and not to remooue, vnlesh the enemy did remooue, and they remoouinge to purſue them ſtep by ſtep. He ſent from his campe Francis of Medina, vnto the Infanta, who shoulde againe propoſe vnto hir, the former purpoſe of beſeginge Breda. she mindfull of the former difficulties, whiche had before bene aleaged to hir, doutful whate she was to do, yet giues hir conſent, confidinge in the valor and happines of Spinola.

Bergues obeinge the orderes of Spinola, varilie with drewe him ſelf from the enemy beinge nere att hand, that Maurish hauinge diſplaied his collors with an army of twē tie thouſand; aduentured to aſſaulte his army whiche were foure thouſand foote and athouſand eighte hondered horſe Graue Iohn marched vvith his troopes vigilant and vvel ordered. (Count Iohn of Naſawe leaſt that his troupes shoulde be taken and ouerthrowen by his enemies army, which then did compaſſ him rounde aboute, deuided his army into three ſquadrons as it were to giue battel.

An whole month was now ſpent in doutinge, and delaienge, ſo many melſengeres beinge ſent to and fro, to no purpoſe.

Many publickly detractinge Spinola, did not ſtik to ſay Some vvith litle reſpect murmured of the Marques. that this warlike interpriſe, was verie • l handled of him: and that the conſultes were fitt to be treated in court, and the executiones in the filde. Some otheres amongſte there cuppes did recount Spinolas, ignominious repulsh from Bergenopſome. (And inderiſion did paint fourth Spinola, pullinge downe Maurish from the table. others did call in doubt the loyaltie of counde Hinrie of bergues.

Laſtly ſome ſayed, that they shoulde be forced to retire, hauinge nowe omitted to manie goode oportunities, by there dayly lingering. Spinola begon no trence nor batteri nor comanded any proclamation to be made, which at the pitchinge of a campe are wonte to by. thinkinge he might ſay to him ſelf as cecar did in paſſinge the riuer of rubicon, that yet wee may rerurne againe, and ſo confuted al the ſpeches of his calomniators by his valiant actes, And leaſt that the fidelitie of Count Hinrie of bergues, or his renoome, shoulde any way be empaired, he tought to remit to hir Alteſa the declaration of the letters, of which he comanded acopie to be drawen in preſence of two witneſſes, and tought it expedient that acopie of them shuolde be published iudgeing that by no truer teſtimony, then that of the Counte of bergas owne writinge. both of them coulde be purged he comanded muſter to be paſte of Muſter vvas comanded to be pai • of the army. the army, before any wages were payed, (which ſtile, he kept almoſte duringe all the time of the ſiege) leaſt it shoulde be anie gaine to others, and diſcomodious to his maieſtie, and a faulſs number be preſented, hauinge ſent count of henin maſter de campe of Valones to the Infanta, he cauſeth neow Neovve leiues vvere raiſt referred to the charge of cond • hinn • . troupes to by gathered to the number of ſix thouſand foure hondred Valons, wepones to be bought, and the reſte of warlik furniture to be in areadines, and the ould ſoilders to be taken out of the gariſons, appointing neowe ſoilders to be ſent in there places.

After wardes al hope of returninge home beinge taken away, reſoluing upon no other courſe, he concludes to goe to Breda.

The 28. of Auguſt he ſendes a fore Franciſco de Medina, with ten companies of horſe, and to the number of foure thouſand footmen (apointing the Spanards in the vanegard, Den Franciſco de Medina occupied the dorpe of G • nip. and to march on til the dorpe of Genekin, the nereſt vilage to Breda, giumge him his inſtructions for that night. to whiche were adioyned the Irish regiment of Earle of tiron.

Paulus Balionius maſter de camp of an Italian regiment at that time taketh vnto his poſſeſſion derheid (a vilage lienge beyonde the towne againſt Genep) on the other Paulo Ballen pitcht his tentes in der • yde. ſide furnished both with his owne, and a ſcots regiment of the count of arguiel in the vane garde with fourtine companies, and of diuers naſiones were gathered agoode troup of horſe acompanied with certaine pices of Artilerie. VVho the tovvne of Breda vvas beleagered of 〈◊〉 . Thus two ſides of the towne verie neceſlarie for the ſiedge were both taken in one night. the people of Breda, and the inhabitance ſaw us there, before they had any notice of us. which when they vnderſtood (oure iourney being finished be breake of day) they of Breda withe ſeauen Squirmishes begon. canons, shott al day longe, and defended the houſes belonginge to the ſuburbs, and next adioyninge Breda with ſupplies they ſent oute; the contrimen fled a way, the ſoilders made ſmale skirmishes, with litle loſſ on ether ſide; vnlesh thoſe of Breda ment to make them ſelues to be laughed at. who shot ſo right that they killed amiller of ther owne neer the towne, and compelled the captaine of there owne korſmen there watchinge, to forſake, his ſtandinge place, and to approache neerer the towne, for feare of danger.

Number IV.

Spinola early in the morninge, remoues from Gils with the reſt of his armie, and beinge come to Genep aboute The Marques artueng from the tovvre of getnek choiſed the neceſſarie places to pitch his campe. Fortificia nons bego • in Gen • k. noone; aſcending firſt up uppon the top of the churche, diſcouered from on high a fit place for the campe. Medina ſet upon alitle brooke (in which amill was turned, whiche ground barke.) Hauinge firſte comanded to entrinch them ſelues, and after wardes gaue order to make aforte, and threredutes, withe other shelters for the shott. he keepes alſo abridge, whiche lyes upon Merka, Others begon in Dorheyd • n. not far from the church of geink. He ſendes Iohn of medices to terheyden to chooſe aplace fitt to pitche the campe. He declares that all the ſluces are to be taken, with

A. Turris alta 362. pedes. B. Arx Nasſauiorum C. Hortus Arcis amaenisſ • inus D. Merka flumen. E. • da flaucius. F. Catarrhactae fluminis Merkae G. Ostia fluuij Aa et mola aquaria. H. Tres portoe Ʋrbis et vna Artis. I. Colles duo altiores in moembus. K. Tria receptacula in forſis moenium. L. Munimenta XV. Boluers. M. Seps spinea ad pedē moenus N. Moles XIV. Reuelins. O. Lorica circūfosſas. Contreſcerpe P. Maiora opera cornuta V. Q. Receptacula praestructa operibus cornutis. R. Brachia et loricae ante cornuta. S. Quatuor munitiones cornutoe minores. T. Sudes pinnis praeſixae. V. Insula ſuburbana. X. Collis in quo Mola Caeſarea.

Num. 4. BREDA NOVIS OPERIBVS POST SPINOLAE ADVENTVM MVNITA

which the water of the meddow ar eyther retained or ſlid into Merka; alſo agreat hill, whiche they call the conniburies, upon this firſte day of the ſiege Paulus Ballonius tooke with cock boates, twelf shippes going to Breda, loaden Ballonius tooke ivv. If bar • ks of the 〈◊〉 . with much prouiſion and houshould ſtuff, which lightinge on at vn wares he ſeaſed on them; as aſure foretellinge of victorie, when the bootie of ſo many shipes, gaue ſigne of recoueringe that cittie, which in former time with aconterfet loadinge, was taken from the Kinge by fraude.

The boatmen getting upon the bank on the other ſide, fled a way before oure men coulde take them: the bootie being left to the ſoilders and the ſayleres.

That day the people of Breda, defended by force and armes, the houſes of the ſuburbes of the villadge of Genik but in the night time they were ſet on fire, to the number of thiertie, being all forſaken and quite ſpoiled. The next day Artſenius Captaine of the townes men garded with eight companies of burgers, cut downe the wood of Graue Morish: (called Bel kromboske) which was vnder the walles, The vvood vvas cutt. leaſt oures lying hid in the woold, shoulde watch oportunitie at vnawares, to take the fortes nere the caſtel. That wood was ſet to open Sale:

The dayes en ſuing, certaine litle skrimishes were made, the people of Breda breaking foorth on euery ſide, and Certaine houſes vvere burnt. they endeuored to burne certaine barnes and villadges, belonging to the ſuburbs. All the houſes of the townesmen The corne vvas viſited. were viſited by publique auctoritie, and the quantitie of corne was regiſtred, and related to Graue Morish, that he might vnderſtand it. Amill whiche ſtoode in the way to hage, beinge puld apices, called cecars mill, he cauſed to Other fortificattons vve re adioyned. be broght backe into the cittie, and the hill wheron the mill ſtoode, to be fortified, in like maner foure litle horned fortes, for the defence of the foure bulwarkes, whiche did uphould the walles of the towne. Breda fortified with ſo many ſondry woorkes, we haue thought good to repreſent in this ſtampe.

After this, many houſes of the people of hag, were The houſes next adioyning to the tōvvne vvere burned. burnt by thoſe of Breda. two viladges Genik and haide lyinge in the way, were fortified by oure ſoilders. In feowe dayes after Spinola commandes Teterin and Hag (villadges one ouer againſte another, on bothe ſides of the towne) to be fortifed. Teterin fel into Baron de The Marques tooke poſeſſion of Teterns and Hage. One of the quarters vvas committed to the charge of Baron de Ballan • on x the other to count Iſenberge. The forme and greatnes of the fortifications. Balonſon maſter de campe of the Burgonnons- Hage fel vnto conde Iſimburk cornel of the germans; euerie one had his owne companies committed to him, with troupes of other naſions. and the horſmen neceſſarie for them. after this maner were the firſte deuiſions made of each quarter, exept Genik, were entrenched withe awall of earth and aditch. The wall was eight foote high, a leauen foote broade, with abank of three foote for the commodietie of the ſmale shott. hauinge digged on the outſide aditch of ſeauen foote deepe, the bottom wherof was contracted into foure foote broade and the vpermoſte parte into ten foote. The villadge of der heyde, that ſo it might extend the further, was diuided with doble fortificationes, vnder the chardge of ballon; The hill called the conniburrowes; he him ſelf kept for adefence. Not far from that hill he built abridge Abridg vvas made vpon the riuer of marka. vpon merka planted withe boates, and plankes to ſupporte the paſadge. the boates were faſtned with ancors, both before and behind leaſt they shoulde be mooued by the waues.

Fortes of turff were built on both ſides of the bridge, haulfe moones were made for defence. Beames were layed by line meaſured to the heyght of the The riuer • hut vvith ſtoccados to hind • r the paſſage, or nauigation riuer, driuen into the ground both beneath and aboue the bridge, that no ship nor boath may paſſ. The boates of burthen lately taken, were tyed with

Num. 5. Prima Spinolae ad Bredam Castrametatio, binis primum partibus, deinde quaternis inſtituta. Prima Bredae circumuallatio circulo duplici leuioris operae facta.

anchors; leaſt the enemy on anie ſide shoulde endeuour by force to paſſ the riuer. Charlos roma Sardgent mayor Hovv the dorp of der 〈…〉 vvas deuided recommending to Charolus Roma the vttermost part thereof. of Marques de campolatar maſter de camp of an Italian regiment, incloſeth with certain fortes and defences to the utmoſt parte of the villadge of Derhaide (where there are greater ſluces of water and chanels.)

Number V.

At laſt the beſedging of the towne, began to be laied on foure ſides, with a litle trench of earth, conducted alonge from villadge to villadge, from one redute to another, withe other great fortes ſet betwen them, diſtant foure hondereth or ſix hondereth paſes, neere and further, as the nature of the ſituation and way required, whiche locked up, all there irruptions were let and hindered, and all our peopel went freely withoute danger from one quarter to another. From Genik towardes hage, came Marques campolatarius, towardes teteringen Iohn count of Naſaw aduanced his workes. Spinolas quarter extended with atrence of ſeauen thouſand paces; but broken in the midle, becauſe The diſpoſition and diſtance of catch quartier. the chiefe ſtanding place; of the horſmen were at there backs. next adioyning towardes the towne were foure regimentes of ſpanardes, of Don Franciſco de Medina of Don Iohn claro de Guſman, don Iuan ninno de touara and of diego luis de oliuero, and the Irish regiment of the Earle of tiron. Balloncō is quarter reached eight thouſand fiue hondred paces. Balincons were encompaſſed, partly with atrence of three thouſand two hondered paces and The circuit of the firſt fortifications. parte in the black dike (as they call it) was alſo two thouſend foure hondered paces longe. Iſimburques were incloſed with a continuated trence, of nine thouſand fiue hondered paces. So that the outmoſte circle of this firſte trince, was thirtie thouſand ſix hōdered paces. The inward trince next the towne was deuided almoſte into two hondered paces; which was the diſtance from one quarter to another, and conteined in compaſſ almoſt fiue houres iorney eyther trence was but fiue foote high, in the ditch ſeauen The height. foote broade, Depe in the ditch fix foote, the parapet was foure foote high, and the inward banket deuided into thre ſtepes for the shot to aſcend, and decend, for there better comoditie to fight and in ech banket of the ſaid three one foote and haulfe broad. to both trinches ſeauentie redutes and fortes were built or errected, in which the ſoilders were ſet in ſiege like order, company. be company The reaſon vvhy ſo diſpoſed. and forte by forte. in ther due diſtance.

Spinola by litle and litle, compaſſed the towne round aboute with foure campes on the other ſide. ſo that theſe leſſer being altogither in compaſſed with greater; ſtood in ſteed of litle caſtels and forts. which thing he principalli ordained, that both he might perfect ſo greate a work withe the labor of a feow ſoilders, and that oure defences might be defenciue againſt great ſallies and aſſaultes out of the towne; which had they bene deuided into many partes; without dout being expoſed to the iniurie and peril of the enemy; they had finished the workes nothing the ſooner. which maner of intrincheng; although. it gaue reſpit to the adioyning boores to bringe corne and cattel in to the towne wherwith being beſieged, they might afterwardes in dure hunger ſo muche the longer, yet wer we of neceſſitie ſo to do, for the cauſes which we ſpoke of, the prudent conſel of the maſter de campe Don Iuan de medicis touching thies affaires was of no ſmale emportance to the Marques. The beſieged perceiumg this, ſet on fire the reſt of the buildinges belonging to the ſuburbs on euery ſide, leſt they should be left fitt for us for the wourking of treacheries; or be a let vnto thē for there shooting it being generalli obſerued, that there were burnt to the number of foure hondered and fortie houſes.

The 16. of Sept. 1624 Iuſtinus de Naſaw Gouernor of Breda, Iuſtinus de Naſa • Governor of Breda comaund d • great ſalli to tempt the quarter of Iſimburque. The great ſa • li made by the • nemi • out of Breda. with the aduiſe and conſulte of certaine of his chefe leaders, and other Captaines reſolued to make a ſalli oute of the towne of Breda (whiche was the greateſt he made during the ſiege conſiſting of all choice men, and of great hopes and expectation, all which he appointed vnder the command and conduct of the Captaine of the garde of Graue Morish, a man of great valor and preſumtion.

This Captaine, at the very breake of day, iſſued fourth of Breda, with intent to hinder the begineng of the fortificacions Captaine Barri had chardge of the vvatch. of the quarter of the Earle of Iſimburque, wherof Captaine Barri irishman one of the Earle of tirones regiment. by his turne had chardge of the watche, cloſe to the enemie in open fielde.

The dutch Captaine, iſſuing oute ſo earlie in the morning, thought verely to defeate the Irish by ſetting on The enemy vvas diſcouered by a ſintinel of Captaine Barri. them as they were aſleepe, at vnawares, and vnprouided: but it was the will of God, before he came to the place, of his pretended execution, the faitfull and vigilant Captaine Barri, diſcouered ther coming by a ſintinel, which he had prudentlie placed on a high three, to looke aboute on euery ſide, who eſpeing them coming, preſently called to his Captaine, aduertiſing him that the filde was full of the enemie, and began to frame aſquadron of there pikes. Captaine Barri with great expedition, prepared him ſelf, and Captaine Barri prepared him ſelf for the fight vvith great expedition. dreow on towardes the enemie, begining to order, and to deuide his shot into troupes to inconter them, giuing his officers and ſoilders the inſtructiones neceſſarie, for the fight, animating them, and preſenting firſt of all his owne perſon, wherupon they al reſolued with greate valor and The valor and reſolution of the ſoilders. mangnanimitie, eyther there to die, or to get the victorie.

Then began that bloody skirmish on both ſides, which The bloody skirmish betvvixt the enemy and the Irish. laſted for the ſpace of three houres, knowen and notorius to the whole armie, in which rare act and braue encounter, the Irish manifeſted the valor expected of them ſlaying the Captaine of the garde of Graue Morish, with an enginer, togither with many other braue gallantes and valiant ſoilders, In the vvhiche the Captain of Graue Ma • rish is gard vvith maine others vvere ſlayne cleauing a ſunder and cutting off theire pikes, with his braue, experimēted and coragious shot; ſo that at lēght the furious enemy was conſtrained to retire, with great grife and no redreſſ, other then rufully behoulding the field full of dutch, frenche, and German blood. And which is The enemy vvas forced to retire. particularly to be noted, and to be wholy aſſcribed to the prouidence and goodnes of almighty God, that wheras thos who, iſſued oute of the cittie were of ſo great number as The victorie vvon be the prouidence of the almightie. aſoreſaied, and Captaine Barri with his companies, and the shott of Captaine dalahoid, and Captaine morri, his contrimen and appointed comarads, to ioyne and aſſiſte with their forces in all occaſiones againſt the enemy, being in all not aboue three hōdred, not as much as one man were killed, nor but two or three but ſlightly hurte: Although during thoſe two or three houres ſpace the bulletes flew aboute The skirmish dedan d • cre for the ſpace if three hours. their eares, as thick as hayle, and in open filde withoute any shelter or defence.

Captaine delahoid and Captaine morri ſeeing that Captaine Barri began the skirmish a diſtance of, towardes the Captain de lahoid and Captaine morriſp dilie framed aſquadrous of their pikes. enemy, whete his appointed place happned to be that day, on the watch with his companie, preſently delahoid, and morri with greare ſpeede, framed a ſquadron of the pikes of the ſaied three companies, with a reſolute, and magnanimous minde to receiue Captaine Barri and his shott, To receiue Captain Barri if need did require. The reſolution of Captaine de la hoid and morri togither vvith their ſoilders. vnder the shelter of their pikes, if neede did require, and fall togither with their full force on the enemy, being prepared, and ready for that purpoſe, with final reſolution to liue and dye en defence of that place, wherunto their ſoilders cōdeſcēded with are ſolute minde and great courage.

The valerouſe, and prudent Earle of Iſimburque uppon Count Iſimburque 〈…〉 Infanterie into ivvoſquad • ons vvith great expedition VVith intent • to giue bbattell. the firſte aduice of Captaine Barri, touching the quantitie and preſumtion of the enemy, drew on vnto the field, and with great expedition brauelie ordered, and deuided his almain, and vallon Infanterie, into two ſquadrons, in forme of broad front with amoſtualerous determintion to incounter and giue battel to the enemy if need did require. And prudent lie preuenting that if by chance the Irish shoulde happen to be diſpearſed, to receiue them in the mideſt of his two ſquadrones, and order them aneow and fall with the full force of all on the preſumed enemy.

This noble prudent and mangnanimouſe Prince of Iſimburque with aforecaſt and c • ſiderate reſolution comaunded Cattaine preſton and 〈…〉 tovvards the enemy. Capt. preſton and Capt. gerat whiche were of two Irish cōpanies to fall on towardes the enemy to defende a paſſadge wher he ſpied ſoccor comming from the enemy, to thos that were recomended to the chardge of the Capt. of the garde of the Prince of Orenge and Capt. preſtō ſpienge thē Cattaine preſton ſpi • ng the enemy vvith great corage and expedition did in cont • r them. approchinge neer, with great expedition ordered his men, and fell on the enemy, and begō to skirmish, and like abraue cōductor, deuided his shott giumg thē the neceſſarie inſtructiones to fight, animating them during the skirmish which did continue almoſt thre houres that at lenght by And 〈…〉 . his braue conduction, valor and reſolut determination of his ſoilders the enemy of force were conſtrained to retire, with the loſſ of many of theires, not able to preuent any kinde of redreſſ. which to Iuſtinus de Naſaw then Gouernor of Breda was no ſmale greef ſo that this greateſt ſallie that came The enemy put to 〈◊〉 vvhich 〈…〉 de Naſavv vvas 〈…〉 out of Breda ſence the firſt day till the laſt were defeated by onely the ualor and braue condution of the fiue Irish companies before ſpoken of, next under godes diuine aſſiſtāce, which the whole leager admiring. woundered much of the victorie conſidering the great multitude of the enemy The extraordinarie care and vigile • ce of the tvvo ſargent 〈…〉 Iſimburque • and of d • le de burna •• d. againſt ſo feow of oures.

The prudēt care and great vigilance of the ſargēt mayor Gōmar de furdī of the regimēt of coūde Iſimburque, as alſo the Sargent Maior of the Duke de Burnauill truly deſerued praiſe and renoome for ther continual and extraordinarie care and vigilance, day and night, which was of notable emportance for many reſpectes, which here is needles to relate, but onely to remember the obligationes his maieſtie oweth them for their prudence, fidelitie, great extraordinarie care, and vigilance, and prudent carriage, day and night with great punctualitie.

Excellent, moſte renoomed, and victorious Prince, many The constant z • le valor and fidelitie of the Irish to his Catholick Maieſtie. are the reaſones which conſtrained me to relate and make knowen in generall the incorrupted and conſtant Zele, approoued valor, and vndeniable fidelitie of the Irish nation to his Catholicke Maieſtie. VVherof their many forepaſſed rare actes made notorious their loue, and approued loyaltie in all occaſiones; which to his maieſtie, togither VVhich to the Marques and others his Maieſties minicters is manifestly knovven. with youre excellencie and others his faithfull miniſters, is dayly remembred. For which I do not dout, but ther fidelitie and faithfull ſeruice is, and shall euer be correſpondent to the expectations of your excellencie, wherof there haue been many trialls, and ſpeciallie now of late in the leager And ſpecially at Breda. of Breda; that wheras many of all nationes there aſſiſting, did dayly run away, ey, and many to the enemy, but none of this nation, which to many is well knowen. And be dayly experience we found that as many of them as did ſerue on our cōtrary ſide, daylie came to our campe, which An euident proof of the affection and fidelitie of the Irish to his Catholicke Maieſtie. not onely in this, but in all other ſemblable occaſiones they made notorious their inclined affection to his Catholick Maieſtie, in teſtimonie wherof your excellencie can beare witnes.

Alſo in another skirmis which the ſaied Captaine Barri Another skirmish betvvext Captaine Barri and the enemy. had with the enemy, the firſt of Ianuarij 1625. Iſſuing out of the citti of Breda, to diſcouer the intrie of his quarter, he fell uppon them, and with ſo reſolut and vndanted courage, that firſt he broke them, and next forced them to retire following them euen to the verie ditches of the towne till The enemy conſtrayned to retire and ſome of them taken priſoners. they caſte them ſelues into the water to ſaue their liues where they were reſcued by the artillerie of Breda; Barri not withſtanding bringing back with hem certene priſoners, as a true teſtimony of his victorie.

After this by certayne order ſent by the Marques Spinola Captain Barri ſent vvith the ingener kocke to break the dam. to Count Iſenbourge, the firſt of February 1625. this Cap. Barri, with a hundred of the choiſeſt ſouldiours vnder his charge, was commanded to goe with the expert engenier Cooke, to breake vp a certaine dam of the enimie, wherewith they pretended to ſuccour the citty of Breda, and to drowne all that quarter of the armie, but gods diuine grace aſſiſting ours, the dam by the force of the high tide, and bluſtering wind, breakes of its owne accord, iuſt as Barri came with his companie, to the place to execute his purpoſe, ſo that with much adoe, they eſcaped the danger of that furious flood, by their ſwift runing Cooke the ingenier being in greate danger of drowning, whoſe life was ſaued by the aſſiſtance of the pikes; that dam ſeruing the enimie to noe purpoſe, but to put them to innumerable and extraordinary charges.

And whereas during the whole ſiege, there were an incredible number of forts; bulwarks and redouts, errected by the moſt prudent Marques for the defence of the armie, againſt the enimi, and yet amongeſt them all, but one fort royall alone, placed within a canons shot of the citti, this fort of ſoe greate importance with all the artillerie, and a muniſion belonging there to, was committed onely to the faithfull keeping and care of Cap. Barri, who vntill that time had for foure monnethes togither, ſerued before Breda in the openfield, euen vntill the month of march without any kind of defence of forte, euident arguments both of his valouer and fidelitie, as alſo of the honnor don him and greate confidence repoſed in him.

All which, both the Marques him ſelf, and the Count of Iſenbourg, haue teſtified, and confirmed vnder their publick hands and ſeals, to his eternall praiſe.

And were not that the great ſallie, whiche iſſued oute of Breda the 16. of September into count Iſinburques quarter were not beaten back by the Irish, it woulde be hard for oure wourkes to goe forward if ſuch ſallies should beſet us on euerie ſyde, and ſo continue. whiche iruptiones if they had made continually. oute of ſundry partes oures being weakned in the biginning, for ther feones, and burthen of ther labor, and not being beaten back as they were, it had bene apainefull thing, at the ſelf ſame time both to fortifie and defend them ſelues. But trough that reſpite whiche they gaue us trough the great losh they receiued, truly if thies ſallies should continue anie time, it were hard for ours to fortifie them ſelues. So that after this at leaſure, we made up both the trinches of all the ſiege, and wer by litle and litle finished. Redutes and fortes were built in the forme wherof we repreſent in the precedent page.

Number VI.

The redutes were fiftie foote long, with a parapet ditche and paliſſada of wood. Thies redutes were made of greene turffe, with foure angles on the outſide, or in ſquare maner, and thirtie fiue foote broad, ther flank ahondered The forme of the re • louts. foote, and within eightie. The outewarde height of thies is thirtine foote, was equall to ether of the other And the figure of the forts. fortes, alike in thicknes fiftin foote, the ditch was made equal to both of them, with walles not ſtraight, but leyeng inwards eight foote high, and twelffoote broade

Num. 6. Murus prioris circumuallationis terreus Turres ſeu Redouttes è cespite Castella terrea, ſeu Fortz. Jurrium et Castellorum primorum aqualis altitudo et crasſitudo.

to ech of thies at ther intrie was made a haulf moone, and for ther better ſecuritie they entred into thies fortes vppon aplank whiche at ther wil may be taken, and ſet at any time, the which was layed on the ditch of the intrie of thes fortes. within were upright walls of eight foote high, uppon the which was abanket of fiue foote broad fiue foote high, to diuert the enemies balles, and to defend our shouters. Beſides thes ſo many fortes, atrince was caſt up two thouſand fiue hondred foote longe, from the village of hage, euen vnto the bridge, by which Hage was And of the dike. ioyned to derheid, fiue and twentie foote broad below, twentie foote aboue, and ſix foote high; The ground wherof being at the firſt verie ſoft, becauſe it could not ſupport the waight of wagones and horſes, being paued with plankes, ſerued alſo to beare the canons.

The engineres and ſuch as were skilfull of the places, affirmed The cauſe vvhere fore the dike vvas made. that this dike was to be planted in this place, becauſe the grounde in the winter being low and ſoft did ſo ouerflow with the fieldes that were wet of there owne nature, and with the ouerflowing wateres of the riuer merka, that the enemy might ſayle this way, and woulde haue their prouiſion brought with boates into the cittie. but be meanes of this dike the paſſage was shutt and all ſoccor kept from them. VVhileſte all thes thinges were thus ordered, Spinola went fourth euery day, comanding the Coroneles and Captaines, to call the ouerſeers of the wourkmen: and The di'igence and care infinishinge the vvourck. as nothing is to much haſtned to alonginge minde, ſo he comanded, that the vnwearied should ſuccede and ſuccor the wearied, ſo that they ceaſed not to labor in the night. By which diligence it was brought to paſſe, that two trinches of ſo great height, ſo many redutes ſo many fortes were almoſt finished within ſeauintine dayes, nor yet but with feow ſoilders. But the great aſſemblie of the fleower of nobilitie, being incited on euery ſide to learn militarie diſipline, and the example of many princes, were agreat prouocation to expedition, who among the comon ſorte being mooued with the greatnes of this warr, put them ſelues to task and cut thurfes of earth, and carried fagotes with ther owne handes. further more the extraordinarie profit of this labor, turned principallie to eaſe the neceſſitie of the ſoilders, with whiche the army was kept leaſt it shoulde deboard for when as wages were ſeldom paied, and thos alſo but haulf payes, and the dearth of corne being great, the price of the labor was daylie paied to the ſoilders (who ſets his labor to ſale) by ſole example.

And as afterwardes neow workes that were to be made; A remedy for the neceſſities of the ſouldiours. were diſpoſed of, in the continual time of the ſiege, ſo the ſoilders labor turned alwayes to his owne profit; ſome had rather liue by beginge, then help ther neceſſitie, with the gaine of that kind of labor, which example ſeemed to many that the neceſſitie foght with honor, and toght more fit to die then ſpot ther honor. many be folishnes and to feow wisdome, had rather begg and be ahongred with on diſtained honor, then to ſuſdaine his life with honeſt labor.

Although two thinges at that tyme did grealie facilitat their labor and, neceſſitie firſt, the better condition of the cāpes, then that of Gilſe for here the riuer and brookes did ſerue for drinck, the corne was ripe, and the barnes were full of food: ſecondly aperpetual temperature of the ayre conſpiring as long as the ſoilders was in a maner exerciſed in cutting downe wood, making fagotes of shrub, carieng of bughes cutting of turffes, to build trinches and fortes. By which meanes it came to paſſ, that our ſoilders were ſubiect to no diſeaſes, when on the contrary, agreat peſtilence, A remedie ours had for not to full in anie diſeaſe as thoſe of the tovvne▪ and great agues, at the fall of the leaf, did afflight many of the enemies.

The enemies in the meane ſeaſon by prouiding and taking care, did endeuor to defēd them ſelues, and about that tyme, they decreed two thinges wourthie of memorie firſt that artſenius Captaine of the cittiſens as often as conſel of warr was holden, for giūeng there opiniones in that conſell, should haue authoritie as other Captaines, wher by the forces Arth • ns vvas permitt • d to 〈◊〉 in councell of vvarr. of the ſoilder and the cittiſen, should the more firmely be kint togither.

The other, that euery one being put to his oath should declare to the ſenat, how much mony they had, and lend it Eachone declared by his oath havv • much man • e he had. to the treaſures, created by the authoritie of the vnited lordes, for the defraying of the expences of the workes, and the ſoilders wages, when the treaſure houſe should be in want. And leaſt any should deceiue them, or refuſe, the Gouernor, The principall perſons firſt tooke, their oath. Captaines, offiſers droſart, Burgermaſters, Coroneles, took their oath before hande.

Then the comon people won by auctoritie, followed on not vnwillingly, there was gathered into the cōmon pursh, ahondered and fiftie thouſand crownes, with which ſomm of money wages were wikly paied vnto the ſoilder, and the expenſes of the workes were defraied moreouer ſome ſortes of abolished mony, ſtamped with a publike marke, the oulde price was approued, and ſome alſo was augmented that the ſome of mony being forged anew might increaſe The ſoom of many vvhi • h vvas ioyned. or augment in value. VVithall, leaue was giuen to ſell cheeſe, and dried ſtockfish oute of a comon barne, when Victualls vve are 〈…〉 cut of the publique munition houſe. butter and flesh fell short; but the cittiſens forbore from ſelling, leaſte the ſoilder should ſtand in need.

Spinola vnderſtanding that his companies were but few, to mak and defend ſo many workes at once, in ſo great adiſtance and circuit, by tranſporting of vitualls afarr of, that it was moſt needfull, at one time, both to make prouiſion of wood, and alſo of corne, and ſo many fortes should bemade and kept, but eſpecially, becauſe acertaine rumor ran, that the baſtard Mansfelt would break againe into the borders, to exercice the The Marques vnderſtanding of the coming of the haſtard Mansfelt cauſed nevv 〈…〉 to be made. robberies that he had latelie failed in, and to call the King of Spaines army from the ſiege, he ordaineth that fiue and twentie particular german companies shoulde be raiſed, ech conſiſting of thre hondered heades, withal hee ſends from the camp Godfrido of Bergus, Baron of Grimbergue, The Daron of Grimberge vvas ſent to the Duke of Bauaria and Count • illy. (afterwards Count) to the Infanta (in which he led acompanie of horſe) that from thence he might take his iourney to that moſt excellent Count, Iohn Tillie, afterwards to the moſt renowmed Duke of Bauaria, for one Regiment of thoſe that were diſcharged by oath, and were to be ſworne to the Kinge of Spaine; This he effected with no lesh ſucceſſe, then ſpeed, ſo that in ſteed of one Regiment, two were offered. VVith all he ſends into the prouinces patents to make up, ten companies of foote men, and ſome companies of horſe all vppon his owne charge.

Graue Mauris recouered the cit • ie of Genip, now forſaken Graue Maur • tooke poſeſſion of Mor • d • Bergues Genip and Cleues. by our men of their owne accord, as alſo mōdelbergue, and Cleues. He being diſtracted with theſe buiſſines; and in throwing downe parte of the walls of thoſe of Cleue, left vnto us a good oportunitie to fortifie and finish the woorkes. Hearing afterwards of his coming to Breda, our men opening al the flood gates of the riuers or ſluces did all ouet drowne, the fields of the village of derheyden; on that ſide on which it was tought he might more eaſilie breake through. The Marques haueing ſent Loſano to Count Hēdrick, Count Hendrick follovve a him. to make haſt, as he was commanded, fallowed after by verieshort iourneys, albeit with verie ſmale troupes, through the dangerous places of campine.

Count Brionius. Frenchman, being encouraged by this Brion the French man reſolued to ſtate in Breda to ſee the occaſions. reporte, who had obtained leaue of us to departe into France (from Breda) where he ſerued for a ſoldiar with a new hope of beholding the fight of Breda, obtained leaue of Spinola to teturne. About that time the enemie horſe came out Bergen opſon, and haueing taken a prey of horſes, and cariages, which were coming with prouiſion to our campe, greater troupes of our armie being ſent out, met them and put them to flight, and the bootie recouered. They ſought for prouiſion of 〈…〉 . Souldiars were ſent from our campe to Seuenbergue, with a greate number of wagons to fetch prouiſion. But becauſe that towne was free and held of neyther ſide, leaſt it should receiue any detriment by the libertie of rhe ſouldiours, or The Aud • tor 〈…〉 vvas 〈…〉 the 〈◊〉 . anie ſouldiour do anie wrong to the inhabitants, Spinola ſending for Theodorus Scot, who did determine of all priuate and publique controuerſies belonging to the camp, or if there were anie crime committed, or anie controuerſie aroſe of anie ſpoiles taken in war, he determined the ſame by the authoritie of the auditour generall, commanded The vinted ſtat • s did forbed that no vitualls or munition shoulde be ſent. to value the prices of all marchandiſe; promiſing that he woulde make paiement, but by reaſon of the number of wagons, plentie of prouiſion did much abunde, and Spinola comaunding thoſe of Seuenbark the carriadge therof vnto the campe; the feareful Magiſtrates, preſently aduertifed the States of Holand, yet the cittiſens offered agood ſumm of money The Marques vvould not receiue the m • ny offered. for to buy corne, but Spinola refuſed it, affirming that he wanted the corne that was carried into their camp, not buyng anie from els where for their money. Two prieſtes of the ſocietie of IESVS, of thoſe who imployed ther indeuors in the camp. For the ſoules health of the ſoilder, went into that towne, togither whith that companie, to aſſuage the pilladge of the ſoilders, The aſſiſtance of the •• theres of the ſociet • e of Ieſus vvas to the Inhab • tance. And in particular to a miniſter of the 〈…〉 . and preuent iniuries, were verie behoufull to the townes men of Seauenberk and the bouldnes of ſome men being irritated, they ſaued apreacher of the wourd; togither with his wife and familie, prayinge them that no hurte might be don vnto them. which they admiring, who euer both diuulged abroad and expected more ſeueritie The Prince of Poland arriued to the campe. of thos ſorte of prieſtes, demanded how thos black prieſtes were changed?

In thoſe dayes VValdiſlaus Sigismundo Prince of Poland and Suethe, came to Bruxel to viſite Iſabella the Infāta, of whome he was moſte princely and moſt royally intertained. He no lesh skillfull then louing warr, renoomed for many notorius victories, being deſirouſe to ſee the ſiege (hauing ſent to Antwerp Conde Selaſarius general of the horſe) was broght the laſt of September into the campes of Breda. Spinola ſendinge afore ſome coſtly ſadled The Marques vvent to receiue him. horſes, acompanied almoſt with all the nobilitie, rode from the campe two houres iourney, and receiued him coming with many congratulations, and with great sheow of loue. There was atent prepared in ahouſe wherin though nothing belonging to kinglie glorie and maieſtie was, yet was ther more militarie ornamentes then cleanlines and cittilik ciuilitie. Hither when the Prince came about And vvithe great mangnificencie he receiued him. night, hauing diſcharged all the canons, once, twice, and the third time, and the drumes and trumpetes ſounding, the moone was depriued of the ſight of the ſun by aſudaine interpoſitiō of the earth. Betokeninge (if it may be The eclipſe. lawfull to foretel) that that Prince moſt expert in armes shoulde one day become the tamer of the turkish moone; The artillerie begon to shut of. Breda hitherto had not bene touched with our cannon, nor was the more hurt with ſo many shott of togither, for that our ſoilders were commanded to shut more for mirth then for deſtruction, and muche shott went ouer the cittie without doing any hurt; yea the beſieged alſo, had more profitt then hurt by that shooting, who from that tyme wer exempted from the paiment of all tributes; according to the former cuſtome: the next day, the prince led about with ſundry gardes of Spinola, where the enemy ſaw the people ſtand togither shott as thick as haile to ſalute them.

The day after he rode alone with Spinola, to take auiew of the other ſide of the camp the reſte being commanded Ours tooke eight frentz gentle men. to ſtay behinde for feare of danger.

At that verie time eight yong frencemen of noble houſes, intending ſecretly to ſlip by us from Breda to Graue The Marques inuited them. Mauris is cāpe, were apprehended vppon the fenues, and were liberallie intertained, not as enemyes but as frindly gueſtes Spinola inuited the more noble of them to his table (amōgſt whome was Marques Gringnol vicōt, ſerius with his broother, and Barron blianuill, youthes of an excellent to wardnes) and after (denieng them whate they demanded) tould them that it was not his cuſtome, to ſuffer any to paſſ through his army, to the enemies; gaue them chois of returning to france or to Breda, from whence they came. The Marques gaue them thar cho ••• either to go to Ereda cr • to France. of which laſt offer when they made election, leaſt they shoulde ſeeme to haue beene more readie to undertaek the labors of the ſiege, then to indure them, being carried to Spinolaes tent in acoache, led with atrumpet they were ſent back to Breda.

VValdiſlaus Prince of Poland, hauing viewed the workes, The Prince departing the camp v •• vved all the fortifications. which vntil that day were not fully finished, is reported to haue ſaied that the dice were caſt betwext two great Captaines Spinola, ad maurish, and that one of them muſt nedes looſe his credit, Spinola accompanying him going out of the camp, and hauing finished the compliments of curteous ſalutations recommended hym to count ſalaſarius to be conducted to Antwerp.

Number VII.

The next day after, the Baron of beauoix coronel of Beron the Bavoix vvēt to take poſeſ • ſion of a certayne poct. vvhich Graue Morsh mig • haue taken. the burgondian regiment was ſent with aleauen honderd foote, and fiue hondered horſe to fortifie oſterhaut; which the enemy might haue taken to the great in commoditie of oure men. The next day when he heard from thence the enemyes drom beath, ſending out ſome that might. vnderſtand it, he admonished Spinola of thier coming the Of vvhoſe comnig headuertiſed The Marques ſcoutes related that maurish diſembarked his army at Gintenberge. of which his neow iourney, nothing could for along tyme, be found oute by enquirie; many thought that he would take oudenbosk, and roſendal. it was thought fitt that thoſe places shoulde be taken afore hand; leaſt we shoulde haue any enemy behind us; fearing otherwiſe that vitualles coulde not fitly be tranſported vnto us, and alſo we be kept from free fothering if the enemy should firſt poſeſſit. Spinola ſuppoſed that this thing was needles to be preuented. Knowing wel that neyther the Marques Anſvvered vvel to the purpoſet. thos places could be fit for them for anambushe nor ſo dā gerous for our prouiſion when it should be fetcht the farther of. whiche being ſo far from theire campe woulde be dangerous vnto them, in ſo graeat adiſtance, we being to auoide apaſſage not vnſecure to us.

Not much after, it was vnderſtood that Maursh his army was planted at mede, which village is diſtant two houres iourney from Breda: to witt he ſeemed fitly to tak that Graue Maurice pitcht his camp in m • de. time for this coming when almoſte all oure horſe were abſent, to accompany the prince of poland which ſemed verie ſtrange to many, that maurish attempted nothing at that tyme, againſt our ſo feeble forces. Spinola, iudging that ther were ſoilders enogh, hauing left agarde with artillery about the cittie; ordayned Franciſcus Medina Comanded

Num. 7.

A. Breda. B. Custra Mauritij in pago Medoe. C. Castra noua Spinoloe. D. Niger agger. E. Noua Castella Spinoloe. F. Stagna ingentia arte facta. G. Statio Balionij et Caroli Romoe. H. Statio Baronis Balanconij.

to ſtand in place of deputie) ouer the neow quarter of Genik, he ſending before meaſurers, who were to chooſe aplace to pitche the neow campe. beinge garded with ſeauen thouſand foote, and thirtie troopes of horſe, not far of from oſterhaut, within thre thouſand paces, pitched his The Marques 〈…〉 . campe againſt the enemy: for in one ſpurt of runing, and poſeſſing of this ſo cummodius aplace, the ſubſtance of the whole ſiege, had beene turned up ſide douwe,

For doutles if eyther Spinola had loſt one day by delaying, or maurish had ſo much preuented him by making The 〈…〉 . haſte, Breda might haue been, ſaued by the commoditie of ſo ſmale atyme for betwext derhaid and hage their lay open verie large ſpaces of land, and of wateres, wher by with litle labor, victualls might haue beene carried into the cittie, be wagons vnto the riuer, and with litle boates ouer the riuer, if thoſe places had firſt been taken by maurish: which might haue bene Don VVithout any difficultie, when at that tyme there were no fortes of emportance, betwext his army and the cittie (except foure litle redutes; And haueing vven the other in the morning. which were built on the black dike: But Spinola now with many ſoilders tooke the wayes and all the paſſages, betwext thies fortes, and the campe of maurish, and preuer • ed him all hope of paſſing forward. So much doth the cel •• itie and the wisdom of the generalls preuaile in war • •• which wee haue had this victorie.

Here was agreat plaine filde of shrubbs, in which he might haue extended his army at lardge, if any fight had 〈…〉 . hapened: This he cauſed to be taken and poſeſſed with certain troupes of horſe. the reſt of the horſe bying placed further of; in the fore front of the army.

Behinde them there was atrinch formed as it were by nature; betwext Breda and the shrubbs upon this he planted ſeauen canons and placed the Infanterie behind it comaunding to cut down the fright of the meadow, and of the riuers, and with great expedition fild the ditches. Vpon the right ſide he left agreater fort to be defended of the burgondianes, which Baron of Beauoix had now almoſt The forme of the greate forte. finished. That fort of afoure ſquare forme, and of that greatnes that the canons might be planted upon: The walles were ſtronge againſt the shott of the artillerie, ſix ſcore foote longe, in the flank twentie eight foote broad, and fiftine foote high. There were longe ſtakes on euerie ſide ſtreaching out of the woorck to hinder the aſcending, within there was abanket and aparapet and one ſtep vnder the banket for the comoditie of the shotthe parapet was fiue foote heigh, ten foote thick compaſſed about on the outſide with a ditch, of two and twentie foote broade, ſo that from the bottome of the ditch, to the top of the walle, it was twentie fiue foote highe.

The campe diſpoſed as afore ſaid, the fore front being two dayes in ordering itt, Spinola expected Maurice, that The Marques stayed for Graue Maurice tvvo days. if he would fight, he might be ready and prepared for him. Someone perhaps hearing that it was propounded in the conference of Spinola whether it were better, or not in leuauing the fortificationes before or bring the ſoilders to encounter Maurice, though his opiniō werenot asked, yet he gaue his ſentence, that Maurice was not only to be expected, but that bringing the companies from the cittie, the whole multitude was to be employed againſt him, and that he was to go thither with all his armie he commended for he like fact, the Prince of Parma, anoble man renowmed heretofore for ſo many victories. Spainla hauing ſpoken very honorably of the prince of Parma, shewed that man would haue bene the author of vndiscreet councell: that he ſeemed not to be far wide of the fact recomited in (eſops fables, by commending the vncertaine euent of a battaile, for a ſeige that was moſt crrtaine, laſtly, that that should be like a dog who letting goe a morſel that he

Num. 8. VARIAE MAIORVM CASTEI LLORVM FIGVRAE. Dimensiones maiorum Castellorum.

had in his mouth, ſnatching at the shadow in the water, and ſo loſt both. That he would not ſo haſard his owne fortune and his whole armies; that it was the enimies part to make warre, if he liſted, and his to defend it, being offered.

Not long after, a certaine maſter of the artillerie, asked Spinola, why he went not of him ſelfe to prouoke Maurices He anſvvered prudenly. army, not ſtrenghtned with any great fortes, shooting of ſix or ſeauen canons? To whom Spinola anſwered, that it ſtood not with his honor, more lightly to inſult ouer the Graue Maurice kept his armie together cloſe ſeeing that the Marques preuented him in time. enimie, then to carrie him ſelfe ciuillie: that he was not accuſtomed to make a bragging, but a prudent war: that it is a Commanders part, to combat no leſſe with councell, then with ſword and forces.

Number VIII.

Maurice hauing pitched his tents at mede, kept him ſelfe in them, nether gaue him ſelfe leaue, nor any of his, to depart farther of. VVhich Spinola noting, commanded fiue He comanded fiue forts to bemade. fortes in a maner all of the ſame bignes, to be made on the left ſide, euen to der Heyde, for Barron Beauuoix, Iohn To hinder his paſſage. Count of Naſau, Phlilip Count of Fuggere, to cut of all paſſage to Graue Maurice. which ſpace being mightie and great, filled with continuated trinches. betwixt the fortes was afterwards adioyned to that firſt ſodainely caſt vp trence. To all theſe fortes, the forme, for their diuers ſituation, was alſo diuers in ther forme but their ſtrenght and Graue Morish did not lettour vvorkes. height was equall with that other of Beauuoyes.

Maurice did aſſault our men, who were buſie about theſe workes, with no irruptions nether by day nor by night during which dayes, he loſt by flight, many raw Inglish ſoldiars, whom he had called for to helpe him. A certaine French Trumpetter, by occaſion of a thinge that was loſt, being ſet ſent into our armie vnto Iohn Count of Naſaw, in the name of the french Nobilitie, inuited The French nobilitie deſired to try ther valor him to approache neerer vnto Maurices armie to trye their fortune with them. The Count promiſed that he would come upon a certaine houre the next day after with three other And Graue Iohn de Naſavv vvas no leſſ deſirous to 〈◊〉 nuter them. VVith three ſeconds. ther of his companions prouided with there ſwordes and two piſtoles a pice, and vnarmed of other weapens. The next day after as it was agreed, at the houre appointed, together with Coronel Steenhuſe, and two Lieutenants of two companies of horſemen, Grobbendonck the younger, and Botberge, he ſtood before the enimies campe. There came out of the enimies campe, foure horſmen, with others following a far off, to the number of fixtine, with three hundred of the enimies looking forth from the fore fronte of the armie, amongſt which Maurice him ſelfe is ſaid to haue bene the chiefe. There was amongſt theſe four a young man called Briant, his ſonne who once the father of young Grobendonck had ouercome and ſlaine in a ſingle combat, hauing loſt Lackerbec his Lieutenant. He deſiring to reuenge his fathers death, ſending a Trumpeter vnto Spinola craued leaue to be granted him; to trie the combat with him that flew his father, as if otherwiſe he should haue liued to longe which Spinola refuſing him (holding Grobbendonck ſone leaſt he should eſcape) Briaut, ayoung man of afierie ſpirit, ſought occaſion of his owne accord. Count Naſſau, hauing receiued a bullet of his aduerſarie on the fore part of his ſadle, had his neck burnt with the fire of his piſtol. Briant, hardy both of hand and voice ſaid. At me, at me, shoote at me, who ſo euer thou art lo Briant, this day, this day will reuenge the wrong of his fathers ſlaughter. which hauing ſaid, ſetting ſpurres to his horſe, in vaine prouoking the Lieutant of Grobbendonck the younger with a piſtol, he being pierced thorough with a bullet of his, taking hould by the pomele of his ſadle, his hand being halfe dead, felt preſently He procured 〈◊〉 . to the ground ſo the vndaunted valor of the two Grobbendoncs, the father and the ſone, vanquiſted the two Briauts, the father and the ſonne. Ther one captain Steenhuſe hauing wounded another of the enimies, there ran to helpe them, thoſe ſixteene which came out of the enimies campe. Oures by litle and letle retyring themſelues, whilſt riding cloſer one to another, one of them riding cloſe to Naſau, puls the bridle out of his hande, entangled with the The Court 〈◊〉 the danger. pomel of his ſword, ſo looſeth his ſword, held by the bridle, and pluckt forth of the ſcabbard: ſo by two vne expected chances he expoſed him ſelfe to the ſodaine danger of two caſualties. But Naſſauius horſe, other wiſe ardent and vnquiet, ſtood as amaſed, and gaue time to his maſter to take vp his bridle. The other, hauing left his ſword, expoſed him ſelfe to danger. Our Cornet, who came to behould, forbedden (by the coming in of the enimie) to kill Briaut, ſmites him on the head, yet brething, and taking horſe, followes the reſt. A few dayes after whē our troupes of horſmē, ſtood in ſight before the enemies tents, Bouteuille Frēchman, with a conuoie of fiue companies of horſe, came to remoue them from their ſtanding place. Baron Beauuoix, garded with a Skirmish 〈…〉 Baron of 〈◊〉 and baron of Boutevill companie of Counts, being by chance a walkinge, came betwixt them, and releeuing the gard, drowe the enimie back into a wood neere adioyning. Hēce Bouteuille going forward a litle, boaſting of his owne proueſſe, relyenig upon the promiſe of his frendes, and on acoate of male, which he wore vnder his cloake, prouokes ours to a ſingle combat. The condition being accepted of ours, beſought to come further out from the wood, not remouing from his place. shot in the ranyes by one of ours, leting fall for And he retur •• d vvounded. griefe of the wound, the piſtol which he had in his hand ſled away.

In the meane ſpace, whilſt they ſeemed to be idle in Graue Maurices campe, nor none endeuoring to fire our forts, nor to hinder our workes nor none attempted to prouoke vs with their aſſaulrs, he of purpoſe concealing his deſigne, becauſe craft required deliberation, nether was it ſafe to atchieue great exploits vppon the ſodaine he reſolued priuilie in the night, to ſet vpon the Caſtle of Antwerp: which accordingly And Graue Maurice determined is ſett vpon the Caſtle of Antvverpe. he put in practiſe. It is thought, that he knew, that a few ſoldiars were left for ſauegard to defēd the Caſtle, beſides thoſe, who ether for their age, or for their ſicknes, were diſpenced with all. The Caſtle ſeming worthie to him of his labor, and the gaine greater, then the loſſe of Breda. In vvhich vvere but feovve people Therfore he kept all his men in his campes at Bergenupſone and Roſendall, with ſo great diligence vnder watch and ward within the walles, that not ſo much as by any leaſt ſigne, was any attempt perceiued, ether againſt Antwerp, or againſt or armie. The chardge of this expedition, was committed Giueing charg to Bronchene. to Bronchena Captaine of Bergenupſon of a cōpanie of horſe hauing called him to meda. He drawes out a thouſand foote, and two hundred horſe, (as it was reported) with all kind of inſtruments laid vpon wagons, to the places that were appointed. He makes the ſoldiar belieue, departing from the campe and from Roſendal, that they should goe to Bergenupſone: and thoſe that went from Bergenupſone, that they were to goe to the armie. when he was come ſomwhat far of from the cittie and from the towne, he commanded all the blue and yeallow coulered beltes (which the States ſoldiars were wont to weare) to be taken away, and red ones (ſuch as the Kinges ſoldiars weare) to be put on, leaſt they shoulde be knowen by the color of their belt for enimies, they should be betrayed by the Boores ſtratagemes. Being asked of thoſe that met them, who they were; they were taught to Anſwer, that they went to Antwerp The furie of the cuimie. for prouiſion whither it was reported that our men were to goe about that time. The coueringes of the wagōs, being marked with the Borgundiā Croſſes after our faſſiō, holpe the deceite. All the contry people thus deceiued couered with the darknes of a cloudy night, they come vnto the Caſtle it ſelfe. Then out of a hedge which they broake, they puld vp three or four ſtakes, and ſome of Their preſumption and ſucceſſe. them got vp on the bridge. The winde ſetting on the contrary ſide, hindred all rushing, neying of horſes, and noiſe The tempeſt fauoured their cauſe. of wagons, to be heard within the Caſtle. They ſo much the more boldly, let downe their boates into the ditches, ſet lathers vnto the walles, ſet a worke their sheeres, hammars, barres and other inſtruments cunningly made, to breake the locks of the watch houſes, and to breake vp the gates from the hinges. whilſt theſe thinges were acting nere the walles, Andreas Cea, that old beaten ſoldiar, to whom it befell to watch that night, harkned the more attentiuely; Afterwards hearing a noiſe, ſuſpected their treacherie, A contrie diſcouered their arriueing. and gaue warning by diſcharging his piece. Ioannes Brauius, Gouernor of the Caſtle, and other of the watch ran out of their ſtanding place vnto the walles, and ſtood vpon their defence. The enimies were ſo hindred The Gouernor and the rest of his cauſe to aſiſt. with a greater noiſe of that winde (which at firſt being more temperat, they approached more ſafely) that they could nether hould their boates. ſtable, nor faſten their lathers to the walles, nor do any thinge. Leauing therfore their inſtruments for feare, their boates, and ſome of their ladders, perceiuing them ſelues to be diſcouered, departed with ſpeed, being doutles preuented by the interpoſition of diuine power and ſo the treacherie which was greuouſly attempted againſt our affaires, found a very eaſie iſſue. Andreas Cea, for his care of keeping the Caſtle, was more Andreas C • a vvas 〈…〉 his vigilance. liberallie rewarded then were in times paſt the keepers of the Capitol, by Iſabella the Archdutches, with a penſion of fifteene crownes a month and by the ſtate houſe of Antwerp, with a rich ſute of a apparell, and a rich belt. Graue Maurice, being deceiued of his hope (which he conceiued in his minde as a thinge moſt certaine) being grieued at the hart, remayned for a certaine time in the campe, doing nothing and very penſiue, many of his cottages Grifes of Graue Maurice. being ouer throwen by the tempeſt of that winde. But the horſemen of freeſe, being alſo ſent for by his command, arriuing at Gittenberge, fell into great danger: for in Panger of his horſe. that tempeſt, both the forts, and the bridge being broken, ouer which the horſmen were to paſſe, hindred them from all ſuccour of their fellowes, ſo that it was ſaid, that they were eaſily to be rent in peeces and ouerthrouwen by vs. wherof Spinola being admonished, douting whether he should aſſault them with a greater armie he choſe rather to omit ſome what in hurtinge, then with any loſſe of his owne men, to hurt the enemie: for following ſmale commodities, with great danger (with Auguſtus) The prudence of the Marques. he likened to thoſe who fisht with a golden hooke, which being loſt, could be recompenced with no catchinge. At lenght, Graue Maurice, hauing heard of nothing done at Breda, after two and twentie, dayes that he remayned at mede, ſtriking vp his drummes, and fyering his tents, departed ſorrowfull, as neuer to returne The retire of the Prince of Orenge. againe. he is ſaid to haue bene ſcarce afterwards ſene of his frendes, ſo as he admitted no comfort againſt his griefe, Spinola ſeeing the continuale ſmoke of the fires, going with a great company of horſe to the enimies campe, findes it to be emptie. to the laſt companie then retyring. Heare eache one deſiring to shew Ours fallovved them. him ſelfe valiant and couragius in ther Captaines preſence, they droue the enimie from his place, ſtanding for the defence of the company, whilſt conſtrainned by the retyring of many, they handſomly They tooke greate bootie out of the quarters. did ſaue them ſelues. The ſutelers marchandiſe, and many inſtruments of the armie familie, being left and, became a prey vnto the ſoldiar. But this retaeict being prudently made by Graue Maurice, got him ſo much honor as the enterpriſe being vnhappely attempted, brought him griefe. he might rightly ſay with Antigonus departing. That he did not fly, but followed the profit that was behind him for departing, he ſo prouided for his owne, and his ſoldiars ſafety that he did both hinder the irruption of Spinola by workes that were made, and preuented be the preſent meanes of following after him to the And to effect the • ame vvith greater ſecuritie quarters of Swalim, being the vttermoſt campe, which is the way to Seuenberge: hereon he placed a fort for a forefront, inſteed of a refuge. On the ſide of the fort, he cut a ditch of a good height, with a flanke built long wiſe, to defend thoſe that departed, hither they ſafely retyred them ſelues. if any greater force of ours runing vpon them, and oppreſſed the reſt, they defended them hence they ran forth, to driue them back, truſting to the neerenes of the trenche: for that worke was ſo ſtrong and ſo He fortified him ſelf. high, that it could not be aſſaulted on the ſides, but by ladders, nor before, but by a moſt narrow entrance. behind therwas aſort vpon the dike which did encloſe the parapet, on which ſide the dike of the village of heyde, was cut, in the mideſt, left by this way ours should hinder the paſſage, He marched vvith his arm • to • ondal. Mauritius deuided his armie into two partes. He him ſelfe went to Roſendale, with Erneſtus Caſimirus of Naſſau, and fortified the place with atrench and with other He 〈◊〉 of Naſavv to o • ranga. workes. Hyenery Frederique of Naſſau, was ſent to take ſpranga, with the other part of his armie, which he alſo fortified with the workes that were made, Spinola hauing The Marques returned to his firſt quarter. ſpent a feowe dayes after Graue Maurices departure, thinknig he had done ſufficiently both for his praiſe, and Graue Maurice fell ſide in Roſendal. And he vvent ſick to haya. VVith 〈…〉 . his profit, he retyred to his former companies nere to Breda. Graue Maurice abiding a few dayes at Roſendale, begining to be ſick determined not to tarry with his armie. That care therfore; being committed to Erneſtus Caſſimirus in Maurices ſteed, the Count of hage being ſick, is brought back to Holland, as one wearie of all: where conſidering all thinges, that nothing proſpered, nor could finde no end, by litle and litle he pined away, his ſicknes turning (as is ſaid) into a conſumption. which thinge peraduenture might come to paſſe, becauſe he hoped, if the warres should haue bene prolonged vntil winter (as now but a litle ſummer was left) that ether we should forſake the ſeege by the crueltie of the time, or that we should be preuented of prouiſion, by reaſon of the difficulties of the wayes as alſo by reaſon of his tents being ſo nere, He ſent for the bastard Mansfeild. Notwithſtanding, leſt he should be deceiued through our conſtācie and good ſucceſſ, he ſent for the baſtard Māſfeld into holland, to muſter or make vp new companies. he hauing talked with him at hage, being after ſent to Roſendal to Erneſtus Caſſimirus of Naſſau, after he had treated of thoſe thinges he ſtood in neede of, departing for France and England, he went to fetch ayde hauing vndertaken He vvent for ſuccour to England and Fraunce. this ſea voyage in the winter time, and that at firſt the ſea was calme, a while after, a ſmoking shower of rayne poured forth from the black cloudes, together with turbulent ſtormes of dangerous vaues, which made him that he knew not where he was. Hence all the heauens, and the whole ſea, were conuerted into ſtormes, which carried A great ſterme. the ships violently vpon the rockes, or rune them a ground. They could not lye at ancre, nor could they pompe forth the waters that beate in vpon them: their loading, and their armour were caſt ouer boord, to lighten their barkes ſwimming by the shore ſide, the waues enforcing rhem. Atlaſt, the cruelty of the heauens, and of the ſeas being augmented made shiproack, drowning many of his ſoldiars, he ſcarcely ſaued by the helpe of a litle boate, ſo that he was thought for a long time to be as dead. The Kinge of England promiſed fourteene thouſand foote. There were ſome companies appointed for Mansfeld

The king of England promiſed aſſiſtā ce.

And the vnited prouinces promi • ed to augment his army.

out of Liege, and elſe where ſupplies were gathered thorough Germanie, to the number of two thouſand foot: but the vnited Lords reſolued to augment their old companies, with great troupes of horſe and foote, called out of England, France, and Germanie.

Spinola perceiuing the enimies drift, admonisheth the Archdutches, that she should requeſt of the Emperour againſt The Marques aduerſited the Infanta. Mansfeld, like companies both of horſe and foote. And that shee should requeſt of the Duke of Bauaria, helpe of the confederat Princes of Germanie, againſt Mansfelds deſignes: Moreouer, that she should commande the Prouinces to defend their quarters whith fifteene thouſand foote, which Andi that other troupes may be raiſ ••• yms. they call curlinges, or ſelected men, and with three thouſand horſe, which they call companies of the Ordinance, which troupes, partly the Prouinces, partly the collectors of the Kinges mony, might pay their wages: to theſe foote men, only during the time of war: to the horſmen, alwayes after, that it might belong to their charge, as often as any war should happen, preſently to be readie, and being offered, ether to defend, or offend. The Archdutches Iſabella waing The Infanta gouerned all the troups. all thinges with a maruellous princely prouidēce, with continuall labor and conſulting both by night and day, as she did order the whole buſines, and did vndergoe ſo great a waight. which two thinges she did moſt eaſily bring to paſſe, which no other could attaine vnto, by the auctoritie of her name, and by the fauor she had amongſtſt the people. By her authoritie, with ſtrangers: by her fauor, and grace, amongſt her owne. The ſuccours therfore which Spinola requeſted, she obtained of the Emperour by letters.

She ſent the Count Octauius Sforzan to the Duke of Bauaria. The Emperour promiſed three thouſand foote, and two thoſand and fiue hundred horſe. The Duke of Bauaria, Count Octau • us vvas ſent to duke of Bauaria. a thouſand horſe, and three thouſand foote. The reſt of the foote and horſe, were ſent by the Prouinces at the time The emperor and the duke promiſed ſuccour. appointed, according to the nūber that was ordayned. Then Spinola (on whom dependeth the waight of this affaire) wholie attēded to this one thinge, that to ſo great acompanie, according to the continuation of the war which he forſaw, prouiſion should be brought, both in great plentie and ſafetie. And to this end, vnderſtanding two thinges to be moſt neceſſaire, firſt wagons by which he might ſupply The Marques prudenly di poſed the conuoy • s. victuals, next by ſome perpetuall guide, which might ſerue the campe in hard times, and difficult wayes, he made Henrie of Bergues, chefe of that tranſportation, retayning in the campe Orchoa Gomeretio, Comiſſarie generall, as they call They vvere comended to Count Hendrick. him, whom hitherto he had vſed in tranſporting of victuals, but nowe moſt of all had neede of him, with the reſt of the horſemē, to make excurſiōs about Breda, and about the cā pe. He ſent the Count of Henning, to the States of Brabant, Count hening vvas ſent to the State of • rabant to procure vvagons. to procure wagons, that hauing perſwaded them firſt, the other prouinces should alſo follow their example, the Count of henninge propoſing the matter to thoſe who were to giue their ſuffrage, he eaſily obtayned of thē, that they should all afterwards agree vnto it in the State houſe, when they The other prouinces vvere moued by this example. both knew the preſent neceſſitie, and were glad of the remedy for the publique good. Thoſe therefore of Brabant condeſcending, thoſe of Flanders, Henault, Artois and the reſt, did not vn willingly condeſcend, that ſo many wagons should be appointed.

At lyre there was a publique barne of corne ordayned, hither firſt was the prouiſion brought, and from thence to the Amunition houſe vvas at Lyre ordeyned. leager. The greateſt part of the horſmen were committed to the charge of the Count of Bergues, which were to take care of the prouiſion; for the companies of Breda, need almoſt The care and dingens of Count Hendricken conducting the conuoy • s. no other defence, then the fortification already made. This leaders name although it was fearfull to the enimie, yet he choſe rather with his owne act, then with his fame, to deter them from all irruptiō. wherfore this way he acquitted himſelfe of his office. It was his cuſtome, early in the morning before day, to diſcouer the diſorder of the confuſed troupes then ſending before ſome troope of light horſmē, to goe after. To the firſt cōpanies and laſt, he ioyned artilleric, The order of his marchi • ge. to giue notice of the enimies coming, whoſe ſigne by ſo great aſound, might be carried a far off that by that ſigne which was giuen, the ſoldiars might be gathered together, and haſten to that place which ſtood moſt in neede. Both ſides of the way againſt Roſendal and Langeſtrate (where the enemies army lay) to be ſet with troupes of horſe on both ſides, And his preuention againſt the treach • rie of the enemie. and to ſet betwixt the horſmen light footemen, and with the reſt of the horſe to encloſe with the reſte of the foote; ſo to goe forward in their iorney, and yet in fight. That they should ſeeke as much as was poſſible, the ſafeſt paſſages, to preuēt treacheries, diſpoſing the wayes that the paſſages might be the more eaſie. If there were any dāger, that he should be wary, not to bid battell vpon the enimies ground, and for that cauſe, ether to expect in a fitter place, or kepe him ſelf from diſaduantage, and to ſet the wagons inſteed of a trench, if they were to fight, bringing the shooters with in ſide. As oftē as they were to march, that the Captaines shoulde goe before, till the laſt had paſſed, both to veew and haſten their companies, and then fallow after all, and then in the marche to before moſt; and finally, to come in time. To prouide places of lodging for the ſoldiar before night, then the gardes to be apointed before night. To call the boores, to enquiri of the enimie, of the wayes, and to ſetwatch, as the cuſtome was. Ether to ſeaſe vpon the bridges, or to breake them downe, to take away paſſage from the enimie. To ſet the ſoldiars ready in their ſtanding places, with their horſes bridled, if neede were. That they should ſend others out on euery ſide, to take ſome, by whom they might know the enemies deſigne. Furthermore, to haue certaine ſpies who should diſcouer vnto them, all their councels and attempts, whom he should reward liberally. In the night, he Their ſpies. should beſet all paſſages with watchmen. and leſt continuance should be diminished by cuſtome (which vſes to happen by lenght of time) he should often viſit the ſtanding The vigilanci he obſerued in his iourni by night. places at vnawares, not ſo much for diſtruſt of thoſe that walke the round, as that being equall with the ſoldiars they should be the more willing to vndergoe the labor with the leader. Now he tooke care, as well for the affaires of the boores, as for prouiſion. He as ouer-ſeer of the fires, admonished the ſoldiars to put out the fire, which they had kindled Punishiſment for diſorders in the barnes. He cauſed thoſe that were more careleſſe, by whoſe negligence the ſlame ill enkendled aroſe and tooke hould of the houſes, to watch afterwards abroad in the open aire, punisht them in their purſe, and condemned them to repaire the damage. He admonished thē, after the maner of Aurelianus, that they should liue vpō the ſpoile of the enemie, and not vpon the teares of thoſe of their owne ſide. To doe iuſtice for the contrie people, againſt the libertie of the ſoldiar, to heare their complaints, and to punish the guiltie. The fruit vvhich of all reſulted. By which diſcipline he brought to paſſe that the inhabitāts (of whom there was great care, had in the villages) that they out of the Churches and ſteeples, wherin they put their wiues, children, corne, and houshold ſtuffe, should giue thoſe thinges to be ſould, which for feare ſake they kept cloſe and shut up, and that the labourers of the ground should be exerciſed without any impediment. VVith ſo great quietnes, brought he hisarmie thorough the villages of Brabant, with a ſpeciall care which he had of the corne, fieldes, houſes, and men. The enemie by the fame of ſo exact a diſcipline, neuer durſt ſo much as once to carpe at our troupes, that plainly with what honor the prouinces fulfilled, Alexā der Seuerus for his modeſtie, whilſt he led his amongſt the Parthians had great renoome for his braue conduction and gouernment that name chey talled Bergues of Croac, the The cr • aces called him God of the boores. God of the contrymen.

By this ſo great care of the Count of Bergues, al though all the corne was carefully preſerued, yet becauſe by reaſon of the number of horſes the ſtore of graſſe was by litle and litle diminished in the cāpe, and thoſe horſes for the continuance The Marques had greate care of the horſe and forage. of their labor, were ſpoiled with leaneneſſe, when many did feede on chopt ſtraw, and on chaffe (wherunto neceſſitie compelled them to augment their forage) Spinola prouided for both theſe diſcommodities, after this maner. Leſt the reſt of the forrage, should faile for the horſe in the campe, he ſent a companie of horſmen, to guard thoſe that went too and fro, into the wintring places, vnto the citties and townes adioyning neerer, where they might refresh them ſelfes for a time, whilſt victuales and waggōs were made ready for lire. And as at that time the forrage for the cāpe could not be ſpent, in which the horſes had carried thither prouiſion, he forbid them to goe vnto the campe; hauing likewiſe diſmiſſed (as ſoone as they were vnloaded) the wagons and beaſtes of burthen. hence the horſes, when elſe where they were better fed, by a litle repoſe, were refreſhed from their wearines and their leaneſſe. This that Spinola might effectuat the more ſafely he built a great fort in the village of Barlen three houres iorney from the campe Fortifieng the vvayes in diuers places. and placed a garriſon, adding therto one companie of horſmen. To this place afterwards, did Count Bergues bring prouiſion, with his horſmen: here he ſtaid, whilſt the wagons vnloading, went out of the campes: hitherto did the companies of horſemen, and other of footemen, meete them and receiue them.

Furthermore, that in all euents, the iorneyes might be the more ſecure, a fort being made by Count Iſenbergue, in the village of Leurence againſt Roſendale, almoſt in that place, in which the riuer runing betwixt, might be paſſed For the ſecuritie of the convvay. by bridges or ouer shallow places. Furthermore, other three were made by Henrie of Bergues, betwixt Lire, Herentale, and Turnhoult: four alſo at Outturn hout, in which the ſoldiar which were too and fro, tooke his reſt in the night which iorney, al though it was far greater then the other, by which men goe directly thorough hooghſtrat yet becauſe it was far diſtant from the enemies campes it was. thought to be more ſafe and certaine; eſpecialy when but meane grrriſons were left for theſe two caſtles Hooghſtrat, and Turnhoult. By this circumſpection, the wayes were ſo ſafe, that the contrymen, chiefly of Turnhoult accompanied almoſt with no conway, did ſecurely tranſport victualls to the campe by wagon. which libertie of going too and fro, when the enemies knew, hauing once ſet vpon them to rob them, they ſpoiled ſome wagons, driuing away their horſe and carriars, not far from the village of Barlen.

Graue Maurice, meditating in his diſeaſe of new exploits, Graue morish once again turned to tempt the caſtel of Antvvorp. hauing not yet laid aſide the hope of ſurpriſing the Caſtle of Antwerp, once againe vndertakenig anightly enterpriſe, purpoſed to ſet vpon it the ſecond time. It pleaſed him to commit this buſines, to Stakenbrouck gouernor of Graue, but his attempt fell out no more happely then the former for there felle continually ſo great a rayne, that their peeces ſerued to no purpoſe, by reaſon of the moyſtnes of their poudre; and when the enimie ſaue fire in the night vpon the walles of the cittie, ſuppoſing to be betrayed, he ſodainly retyred back with ſo great perturbation, that leauing parte of his cariage, in places not paſſable,, he ſpecdely betooke him to flight. It is thought that there was a conſpiracie of ſome treacherous cittiſens made within A conſpiracis • f treacherie vvas 〈◊〉 in the • itie. the towne, who for deſire of a new gouerment had inuited the enimie. Thirtie were commanded to be banished, whom petulancy of wordes made to be ſuſpected, but by and by they were forgiuen, and ſome were permitted Some 〈…〉 and pr •• er • ly forgiven. to tarrie ſtill.

Graue Maurice therfore when he ſawe he could do nothing more againſt our conuoyes, although his armie was diuided into two parts to lye in wayte, turned all his care to vex thoſe which were ſaid to helpe to bring the victuals. They were taken who were found guiltie of that fact, and were ſoundly punished in their purſe, nether did they ſpare thoſe which were tributaries to the confederated eſtates the reſt being deterred with the greuouſnes of the punishment. Moreouer, all the milles round about, were broken downe, their irons being taken away. The bakers and bruars, had The enimie 〈…〉 . their bruing veſſels and their ouens ſpoiled. we alſo vnderſtood that it was treated amongſt them, whether it was the cuſtome, that thoſe places of the fielde which were kept with litle or few companies of ſoldiars (where our prouiſion lay) should be depopulated and deſtroyed. Some thought it fit, that all the places round about should be ſet on fire, to which ours might haue acceſſe for prouiſion, leaſt they should be commodius for vs, to bring aboundance of victualls. Others fearing, leaſt alſo we should ſet fire on their villages and free townes without gard or defence diſſallowed of that councell. wherfore he opinions benig diuers (as it is wont to be in deſperat caſes) they carried priſoners The enimie apprehend • d tho it that brought to the Marques proui • ion. from Tourenhoult, hooghſtrat, and the adioyning villages, ſome which had relieued our tents with prouiſſion and victuals. Spinola requiting them, as many as he vnderſtood to haue carried to the enemie food and victuales, he likeweſe commanded to be taken, and to be punished in The complaints vvere anſvvered. eueri place Diuers of theſe complanied vnto him by meſſengers, as if they were inocent. He made them anſwer, that this was the eſtate of the preſent war, that ſeing the enemie did by all meanes hinder the bringing of prouiſion, that he alſo forbid the like; and if they would haue him not to hinder them, they alſo should deſiſt from hindring ours: but if they went forward in hindring ours, he alſo would goe forward in hindring theirs.

By theſe examples and penalties, the contrymen and merchants being deterred, not daring ſcarcely to bring any All thinges became deer. thing into our army but by ſtealth, there enſued for a few dayes a great dearth of bread, wine, bere, and other marchandiſe, which Spinola feared to relieue by impoſing on them a leſſer price, fearing by how much he profited the ſoldiar, ſo much the more he should hurt by the ſcarcetie of ſellers and of corne (which ar allured by aduantage gayne.) for theſe cauſes, during thoſe dayes, ſome certaine ſoldiars (which preferred hungar before honeſtie) they cut in peeces for reliefe (a moſt miſerable food) the carcaſſes of dead Som vvere of neceſſitie conſtrained to eate horſe flashe. horſes: and by this neceſſitie of ours, both the leſſer famine of the beſieged, and the greater aboundance of Maurices armie (which was relieued by the neerenes of the citties and riuers) we were to ouerthrowe them. For then there was plentie of prouiſion in the cittie, at a reaſonable rate, which the ſtate had cauſed to be ſet vpon all marchandiſe, nor were eſteemed at a higher rate then before the ſiege leaſt the cittiſens and the ſoldiars, should thinke them ſelues oppreſt. Araſer of wheate ſould for ſixteene shillinges: ar eaſer of Prudence of the ſenat of Breda. Rie, for ten:: of panick, for eight: of Barley for ſeauen; and oates for as much. A ſack of ſalt was ſold for eight shillinges. Dried ſtockfishe, and a pound of cheeſe, for The price of vituales in the tovvne of Breda. three halfe pence A pound of greene cheeſe, for a peny. A pottle of oyle; for two shillinges and a peny. A pottle of rape oyle, for four pence. A pound of beefe for three half pence. And by this cheapnes of victualls, it was a wonder how long the patience of the beſeeged did endure. In the enimies campe, corne, wine, food, was brought from all parts, at the loweſt rate, VVhether it was not lawfull for ours to haue acceſſe. Spinola that he might ſuccour the neceſſitie of his ſoldiars, beſides the Kinges daylie allowance, he comanded to be daylie diſtributed to the ſoldiars man by man, beere meaſured out of the magazin or amuniſion hous which thinge did greatly winne their affection, and The Marques preuented a good remedi for the neceſſitie of his ſo • ders. was alſo healthfull for them. The Infanta Iſabella, againſt the rayne and winters winde, she cauſed to be giuen to the ſenteries (which were to watch without any shelter) ſix hundred gownes, to the reſt hoſe and shooes almoſt to the number And alſo the Infanta. of eight thouſand. They of Breda, who gladly receiued of others that which they would willingly should befall to our affaires (hauing vnderſtood of others that our neceſſities were greater then they were, beleeued that for the ſpace of fortie dayes, no prouiſion had come into our armie: that the Reportes amonſt our co • arartes that cure army dayly deca •• d. greateſt part of our armie, was runne away: and that the leſſer part by far, remayned: that none now were of force to ſubſiſt, and endure the brunt of labor: and that the reſt, ether for famine, or for ſicknes, would forſake the ſiege. Theſe and other thinges did the holanderes diuulge abroade. There were ſome alſo that did more amply and with greater boaſting, publish the ſame abroad in print. The beſieged therfore, vpbrayding vs with our neceſſities, brought forth their prouiſion, as boaſting of it, ſomtimes with oxen into the ſuburbs. VVhen The enemy b • ſted of the 〈◊〉 of th • r prouition yet at home, caſting their accounts, they had but ameane quantitie of corne. The ſtate (leaſt they should quickly conſume, that which they tought to feede longer upon, decreed that no man should brue beere, which should coſt aboue a crowne. They tooke alſo away the tin and copper furnices, Preuenſion of the enemy that th • re prouiſi •• might long indure. from the makers of Aqua vitae, leſt corne should be conſumed by that meanes: and that they held out ſo much the longer. But their boaſting was rewarded with a iuſt punishment.

Number IX.

Spinola ſeing them more freely, to wander about the walles, where certaine gardens were, to gater hearbes and rootes which were left, leaſt they should ſcape ſcot free, and that paſſage be open for meſſengers, on that ſide on which the watch did ſeeme to be leſſe vigilant (by reaſon of the greatnes of the circuit) he cauſed to be made nere to the cittie in three places, ſome leſſer, and greatet fortes, and three batteries to place canons and artillery upō. Thoſe ſedes of the fortes, Great and Litle fortes and batteries vvere built. which looked towards the cittie, to repell the balles of the peeces, had their wall fiue and twentie foote thick. The bul warkes were of this forme. The greater ſtanding in rhe village of Genip, which the Marques of Campolatar defended, The forme of the fortifications. was a hundred and ſixtie foote longe. A hundred twentie fiue foote broad. The walles behind and on the ſides, were fifteene foote thick. But the thicker ſide was made fit both for a walking and ſtanding place. The angles ſtanding out, did perfect the fore front. There were in the building, nine proſpectes or windowes, to place ſo many canons in. Eache of eleuen foote and a halfe in bread made not ſtreight, but with their brimmes ſlope wiſe. inwardli with a banket, made of turfes and boughes, eight foote high, with his papapett. thirtie fiue foote broade, and boorded ouer, to remoue the canons ſpeedely. After this building, there was a leuel of a hundred and thirtie foote longe, and fiftie foote bread. VVithout vnder the proſpectes, were sharp ſtakes: for a refuge for the maſters of the artillery, vaulted and hedged about, to defend the flankes and bulwark. Then a ditch of fortie eight foote broad, and ſeauen foote deepe; from the higher brimmes, to the very bottome, it

Num. 9. Agger Tribuni Wyngardij. Agger Baronis Balanconij. Agger Comitis Isenburgici.

was thirtie eight foote upon the outward bank, was ſet aranck of sharpned ſtakes, to hinder the irruptions.

The other two bulwarkes of Tettering and Hage, this Other fortifica • iones. was the midle moſt, and that the leaſt of the three, but the ſtrongeſt by its nere adioyning to the fortes, being built al moſt after the ſame maner, differing only in lenght, breadth and corners, were kept by Baron Balinconius and Count Iſenbergue. VVhile thoſe thinges were thus ordered, afterwards the beſieged, made irruptions out at diuersgates, and shot the balles of their canons very thick againſt our workes, and againſt our campes, but to litle purpoſe. Our workes being finished, when they ſaw their affaires to ſtand in hard tearmes, ſome of the ſoldiars, tradeſmen, and husbandmen, for feare of hunger, began to yeeld them ſelfes. For Some of the 〈…〉 them ſelues. being wearied with the preſent incommodities afflicted with a great plague, with long incloſing, and change of diet, they both had ſcarcetie of corne, and they withall vnderſtood, that there remayned litle fleshe, fishe, and cheeſe. Oyle preſſed out of rape-ſeede, and dipped in their bread, they commonly vſed for their meate. There were very ſumptuous banquets made to the ſoldiars by him 〈…〉 made be the knoker of d • gges. that knockt the dogges on the head, to wit for three half pence ameale. For he for acertaine ſtipend of twentie shillinges a month, being commanded to kill all the dogges to auoide the plague, furnished a table with thoſe dishes, nether had he daylie a few ſoldiars to be his gueſſe, to dine ſo well for ſo litle mony. But when this life ſeemed to many men very hard and grieuous, it was made far more inſupportable for feare of continuance, wherfore they endeuoured The enemie began to run avvoy. And the Marques coma • a • d that the 〈◊〉 thou 〈…〉 . to better this their bad eſtate by flight. But Spinola ſending a Trumpetter to the Gouernor of the cittie with command, hewarned him, that none after that time, etherin regard of rendring him ſelfe, or of flight, should hope for parddon, of him, but should be driuen back into the cittie, or be hanged, as many as should come from thence, VVithall, he commanded all places, to be kept with watches, by which they could paſſe priuilie. promiſing fiue and twentie crownes Decompence for 〈…〉 . for a recompence, to thoſe that cayght them coming out of the towne. All for the preſent being aſtonished, and therfor (as it oftē hapneth) made the boulder hereby, cōmitted them ſelues to the mercie of Spinola, who weeping, with all poſſible prayers, entreated them without the fortes, that receiuing them, they would aſiſt them with meate, or elſe kil them, rather then to ſend them back into the cittie. Spinola receiued the wife of a certaine tradeſ-man of Antwerp, together with her litle childe, now lately of her owne heade departed out of the cittie; commanding the reſt that came with her, to returne back, but afterwards he diſpenced more liberally. with his owne law, ſending back none of the fugitiues in to the towne. when but few, and very ſeldome, any Spinola comaund • d to •• boores to be hanged 〈◊〉 of the cittie. of them iſſued out. He hanged up two boores, in the ſight of the cittie, which in the dead of the night endeuoured to carry thither victualls. This fact, proued proſitable, and better then mercie, others afterwards being made afraide by The ſaied proued fact 〈…〉 N • ovv 〈◊〉 of graue Maurice to 〈◊〉 the cittie. this exemple.

Graue Maurice, thinking with a greater number, to ſend victualls to the beſieged, bringing great quantitie of corne and other prouiſion to the hauens of the cittie nere at hand he prepares eighteene great boates with flat bottomes which in a calme, might goe vnto them, which freed from the N • ovv in 〈…〉 . ſurging of the ſeas, feared the ſandes nothing at all, and lye ſafely at ancre in shallow places. To theſe he makes ſides and fore-deckes, raiſed up on ether ſide and high of thick oake to reſiſt all kind of force and batterie. Euery In vvhich vvas ſent 〈◊〉 and a 〈◊〉 . one made after this maner, he armeth with four or ſix braſen and iron peeces, furnisheth with many balles of wilde-fire, afterwards he loades them with corne barreled vp, with great quantitie of cheeſe, bacon. and porke. All were ſet with moſt expert shooters. He aduertiſeth thoſe of Breda at the ſame time, that with ſome of their beſt The b • ſiged 〈…〉 . ſoldiars, they vpon the day appointed, should breake out of the towne, and should plant them vpon our bridge. Thoſe of Breda obeynig this commandment, make ready fourteene ferrieboates, ſix wherof they furnish with ſo many canons, and withe balles of wilde fire, and appoint three hundred ſoldiars to ſtand vpon the shipps, they prouide ſix hundred, which might ſallie out from the lande, neere the riuer. VVhich thinge Spinola vnderſtanding, doth fortifie The Marques 〈…〉 . a bulwarke which he made in the village of heyden with greater garriſon (by which way the enimie was to paſſe) planteing agreat hedge made of trees. furthermore he determined to plant another roe or hedge, with greater ſtakes bound together, two thouſand foure hondred paces longe betwixt was fair litle forts, which he built ouer the blackdik, as they call it, leſt by that water which during all the winter, did flowe into the cittie, the enemies might paſſe their prouiſion. for ſuch was the nature of thoſe meadowes that as often as the ſwelling of theſea raged (which alwayes happened euery twelue houres) ouer flowing alſo with land waters, they might eaſily enter into the cittie with flat bottome boates; and alſo made a paſſage for footemen, after the ſea was gone out. But behoulde, the windes which at the firſt were very proſperous for Graue Maurice, to our vnſpeakable happines, turned contrary. the raging alſo of the ſea, contrary to its cuſtome, did ſcarce ſo much as moue 〈…〉 . the waters: and ſo once againe the diuine power, did ouerthrow the enimies deſigne. In the meane while, whilſt the ships loaden with victuals and ſoldiars, were ſtopt with the weather, the number of cheeſe and bacon was ſo diminished VVich prouiſion vva • for the 〈…〉 . by the pilfering of the ſoldiars, that litle ſtore of this his prouiſion could haue come vnto the beſieged, although it had hapened that the ships had paſſed by vs. But a few dayes after, the corne which was barreld vp, wet with the moyſture of the rayne and of the ship, began to growe thorough the chinkes of the barrells, after it was taken out of the ships: and thus the enimies alwayes endured one loſſe vpon another.

Afterwards, when our men were ſent out of the campe to fetch wood and forraige, (that nere at hand being ſpent) the enimies ſuppoſed, that our ſoldiars being diſperſed to gather forraige and wood, might eaſily be diſtroyed by their horſemen: and for this cauſe, noted the more dilligently our gathering of wood and forraige. They laboured Great dangeres in ••• ch • nge of vvood and f • rradge to to our campe by all meanes poſſibile about this matter, that our men might be depriued of both: this ſeemed eaſie vnto them becauſe their ſtrenght of horſe was greater: when as our horſe were almoſt all employed, partly in defending the campe, partly in bringing prouiſion: and that it was all one, ether to put them to the ſword, or hinder them of their cariage: which being loſt, the ſiege could not be mayantained. hence it hapned by oure daylie foraginges (which was needfull) when foraige was fetcht from vnuſeall and diſperſed houſes, that few forraigers could goe about in to thoſe diſperſed and dangerous places; which though it did not doe great hurt vnto vs, yet it did great hurt to the ſoldiars, to the beaſtes, and to the carriars. Spinola, leaſt he should leaue any long time ſo litle a ſpirt of ioye to the enimie, afterwards as often as he was to fetche forraige, he expected the returne of the companies, whom for Sauegard ſake, the Count of Bergues brought back within three leages of the campe; by whoſe Saueguard, The Marques prouented •• enemies 〈…〉 . he ſent the forraigers from the campe, on euery ſide, vnto the fildes neere adioyning. Furthermore he ſo diſpoſed of his conuoyes, that when the wagons at Lyre were loaded with corne, diuiding the number of horſe and foote, the wagons being loaden with oates, they should ſpeedely tranſport forriage into the campe, which being afterwards vnloaden, the ſoldiars as ſoone as might be, returned back to Lyre, to gard the other conuoyes. In the meane while, the other horſes, which were in a maner become vn profitable to doe any worke, by reaſon of their labor and leannes, were ſent into more fertile places in winter to fetch forrage whilſt others returned, to whom their owne quarters, were aſſigned for their repoſe. So the iorneys being dubled with freshe horſes, and well fed; he prouided The ſollicitied and di • aching of prouiſiones vvas refered to the • harge of A •• cander H • ſe. forraige and prouiſion in a short time, ouer which officie, Alexander Heſius; leftenamt of the Artillerie was appointed, who vſed continuall diligence and expedition, in loading and tranſporting therof.

But after the prouinces (on whom of their owne willes, the cariage of corne and forraige was impoſed) perceiued the ſiege shoulde longe indure, and alwayes new requeſtes to be added to the former, being wearied with the charge of ſo many wagons continually ſent, and ſeemed after to refuſe, a new meanes of getting prouiſion was inuented. Ther Other vvas gons vvere taken up for The conducting of vituales. were hired in all thoſe villages, wagons with two wheeles, which for their greater compaſſe, one horſe commonly, but two at the moſt do draw with greater ſpeede then three do draw thoſe which goe vpon four wheeles, although they be leſſer. The price agreed vpon for euery one, which at the firſt was much greater by reaſon of the difficultie of the wayes, afterwards in better times was halfe diminished. So corne was prouided with far leſſe charges of horſe and wagons, with leſſe forraige, with like expedition, equall number, and eaſier price.

This new induſtrie conſeued Graue Maurice, who truſting Graue Morish deceiued in his conce •• to the ſeaſon of the time, beleeued, that by reaſon of ſo deare and ſo long cariages, we ſhould neuer ouercome ſo great difficulties of corne, eſpecially becauſe winter now was ſo nere at hande, and all the villages being emptied, the corne was carried in to the citties, and the cattell, by reaſon of the war, to be driuen away far off. He is reported, braging, to haue ſaid to his frendes, that which once Pompeo ſaid to Dirachius of Ceſar. That he vvould not refuſe, but to be eſteemed an Emperor vvorthe nothinge, if Spinolaes armie departed vvithout shame; and therfore he would willingly grante that glorie to him (after Spinola had held out the ſiege the whole winter) that he might know more then him ſelfe, and alſo more then the diuells them ſelues. And God proſpered our affaires. indeed, vnles diuine ſuccour had continually more aſiſted our affaires then humaine did, and the winter ſeaſon (which vſually was sharp) had beene moſt milde, we could neuer haue ouercome ſo great difficulties, with ſuch conſtancie. verelie the aboundance of waters, which the towneſ-men ſent vpon our campes during Nouēbre, when they shut the flood-gates or ſluces of the riuers, to poure abroad Aa and Merkam, began to caſt downe our dikes put vs enough both vnto feare and care. Nether did Spinola thinke, ether that that war could haue laſted ſo long or that, there should neede ſo great a number of wagons, or that the expences of cariage would proue ſo great: which burthen, if the prouinces from the firſt beginning, had ſeene the whole together before their eies, per haps they would neuer haue inbraced that with ſo good a will and conſent, as they faithfully ſuſtayned euen to the end of the ſiege, defreying the The fideliti of the provinces vvas admirable. charges of four hondred wagons, as alſo paynig the wages of the prouinces footemen: by which fact, they shewed themſelues moſt faith full to their Kinge, and haue acquired euerlaſting praiſe.

Moreouer, who could fore-ſee, ſo many troubles thorough all Europe, should be ſtirred vp, only for Bredaes ſake? It was commonly beleeued, that there was not ſufficient prouiſion of corne and victuals, for ſo many thouſand heades, as were kept in ſiege before the cittie. The cittiſens accuſtomed to plentie, and vnaccuſtomed to war and hungar, would not endure or ſuffer penurie.

The French, Scotch, English, VVallons, Dutch, (of whome many were placed in gariſon would neuer expect, till corne began to faile ſome by nature, others by cuſtome, being greedie of their owne pleaſures, made us liue in hope of a ſpeedy rendring; ſo eaſie a thing it is to begin war at ones pleaſure, but to end it at an others. But beſides the corne, which the cittiſens had were man by man commanded to prouide, and which were laid up for the ſoldiars in the common ſtore-houſe, the contry people (all the time that we lay at Gilſe, it not being as then reſolued to shut up all the paſſages at once) carried a great quantitie into the cittie, for feare of war. Furthermore, all the Captaines and commanders, for the exceſſiue gaine, which they made by asking and receiuing the payes of thoſe that died, reſolued conſtantlie in them ſelues, to vndergoe all aſperities; and ſo much the longer. by how much more ſoldiars dyed by ſicknes and other miſeries: becauſe, by that loſſe, their gaine daylie encreaſed, and not vnwillingly ſuſtained their owne hungar, by the wages of the dead, getting death by pouertie, and gayne by death: ſo much more is gold preferred before fidelitie.

The number of thoſe that died during the ſiege, was ſo great, that aboue fiue thouſand dead bodies, were brought in account to Libitine, which was the third part of all the heades (which were in Breda) being numbered at the firſt to fifteene thouſand and ſo the ſparingnes of the dead ſerued for victuals to the liuing. which thing leſt we, nor the cittiſens them ſelues should perceiue, it was prouided from the begining by the Magiſtrats of the towne, that none afterwards, thohugh rich or noble, should haue the A • in vn ••• to 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 . bells runge at there buriall.

Theſe thinges, did not only deceiue ours, but for the moſt part alſo, euē the opiniō of the beſieged them ſelues (the Captaines otherwiſe, who were mightie in factiō, had after a maner, ſet their faith to ſale) and many of thoſe that fled from the cittie affirmed, that vnleſſe the ſige were the ſooner raiſed, that they could hould out no longer: which ſelfe ſame thinge, was written out of Holland to the Count of Bergues. Alſo a German ſoldiar, who had ſerued the Hollanders nine monthes, being taken by ours, and knowen by the Count of Iſenburge to be one of his cittie, his life being pardoned, upon this condition was ſent back to Breda, that when as thinges were The zele of the Count of • ſenburge. in the greateſt extremitie, he should returne vnto our armie, aſſured both of his life, and of reward, after he had bene two monthes at Breda, conuerſant amongſt the ſoldiars without ſuſpicion being returned, he related, that the ſoldiars, compelled by neceſſitie, now began to ſuſtaine their liues with horſe flesh, nor had not corne for two monthes. He councelled them, that Spinola should more often batter the cittie with his canons, at leaſt in shew, that they might with the more apparent pretext, rendre them ſelues. They ioyfull and encouraged with the relation of theſe thinges know for certaine. what they will, and what they wishe? eſteening the Hopes of good ſucces. Count of Bergues nether to be deceiued nor the German ſoldiar to haue lyed in ſo great a matter, nor al the fugitiues to haue bene falſe, they requeſt Spinola, to let them batter the cittie with their artillerie. He although he knew well enough, ſcarcely any thing was to be got with thoſe engines amongſt ſoldiars inurded to warr, the cittiſens alſo, euen with cuſtome, to caſt away feare, yet condiſcended to their requeſt, that on three ſides on which ſo many bulwarkes were cloſe to the cittie) the walles of the cittie, and the houſes, should be battered.

Fhillip Count of Mansfeld, oportunely returned at that Count Man • felt 〈…〉 . time in to our armie, lately Captaine of a companie to Guſtam Adolphus Kinge of Suede, renowmed for his famous facts, who had led his troupes with great authoritie. He hauing added induſtrie, vnto art (as vſe is the maſter of al thinges) found out, that it might ſerue for great good purpoſe vnto warr, a new kinde of engine, which might be fitter for to tranſport, and carrie the balles farther, and that with leſſe quantitie of poudre; To giue order to this buſines, departing from the campe to Bruxells, he cauſed fortie braſſe peeces to be caſt, alſo twentie thre murdederinge peeces, to ſend forth balles of wild-fire. Thirtie of thoſe leſſer peeces, of no more weight then a hundred and fourſcore pound, did euery one carry balles of ſix pound weight: the then greater, each one of ſeauen hundred fiftie pound, carried balles of fiue and twentie pound.

The vſe of theſe, although they coſt but halfe ſo much, was yet greater, and more frequent: for the litle ones, were eaſilie drowen with two horſe, and the greater, with no more then four; wherasalthe old ones, muſt haue ſeauen, ten, or eighteene. They carried iron balles, only with the third part of poudre, further then the ould one did. That This inuented art of Manifelt vvas found profitable. abridgment, Māsfilds art inuented; for he knew ſo well, how to boyle with fire the melted mettall, that hauing leſſe thicknes of braſſe, yet was of like hardnes, and was alſo bettet then the greater peeces; and their lightnes ſo much the leſſe.

The balles alſo, although they were shot with leſſe poudre, yet for the ſame reaſō flew the further (for the fire being giuen in the center giues fire to all the pouder at once, but otherwiſe beinge giuen in the furmuſt part of the bottō driue the ball with greater vehimencie) of the peece.

An other inuention alſo of this Count, was admired. Iron Another inuenſion of count Manifelt to dr ••• afire ball far longer then an Yr • n lact balles made with ſalt peeter, of aboue a hundred pound weight, he made to carrie, ſeuentie paces further then any other braſſe murdering peece. Theſe he shot from a far off, into the very hart, or middeſt, of the cittie, wheras otherwiſe, al the force of murdering peeces, by reaſon of the long diſtance, vtterlie died before they came there, becauſe our bulwarkes, were at leſt ſix hundred paces from the cittie we vnderſtood by the run awayes, do leſſe damage then terror to haue ſurpriſed the beſieged by the shooting of thoſe balles; we alſo ſaw (hauing got the cittie) the great ruines of houſes that were ouerthrowen. One of the ammunition houſes The beſieged put to great terror. (wherin the poudre was keept) hauing the top tumbled downe, not taking fire, fell without doing any hurt likely otherwiſe to haue brought great ſlaughter upon the cittie, But And in particular be the artillerte of co • nt Iſenburque. other balles of the canons, where with on a three fould ſide (and on that eſpecially which Count Iſenbergue wonne) we battered the cittie, made ſuch feare, that both many houſes were left emptie, and the aſſemble was called weekly to church, without the ringing of any belle, and at an vnuſuall houre, and at laſt the ſoldiars were commanded to goe to their ſtanding places, without the ringing of the belles. The wife of Captaine Aertſenius, that shee might encourage the fearfull mindes of the cittiſens, when the bullets flew very thick, being carried in her coache upon the walles shewing a manlike courage in a womans bodie, taught that courage was to ſtand in ſteede of a wall.

The enimies affaires ſtanding in theſe termes, it was commonly ſaied amongſt the people, that the confederated States, and Graue Maurice were one angrie with another for The states complaining of Grane Maurich. the ill managing of theſe matters. The States al eaging that becauſe he had left ſo much time to Spinola, to fortifie his tents, buſying him ſelfe to beate downe the walles of cleaues; that noting being done, (after two and twentie dayes ſpent to no purpoſe) he departed from the campe at meade. Contrarywiſe, Graue Maurice blamed the States, and here after ſpoke ill af their gouuernment among whom generally in the opinion of all men, they altogether made their profit of him. That he left it to themſelues to iudge; whether His anſvver to th • r complainth they had don him more honor, then they had receiued benefit from him.

The ſtates diſpleaſed with that ſpeeche, and fearing leaſt he would reiect the gouerment, cried out together, that he was their ſoueraigne Captaine, nor did at all dout of his wiſdome and fidelitie, but that they had only propoſed thoſe thinges, which ſeemed to them to be expedient: that he should goe forward to defend the common-welth with the ſword, to diſpoſe of the war after his owne pleaſure: that they would make it appeare vnto him, how deare Breda was, vnto them: that he should ſpare for no impoſitions, were it for no other reſpect, then that it was the patrimonie of the houſe of Naſſau. He appeaſed with this promiſe and excuſe, leſt he should ſuffer his diligence to be craued of the Neovve leu • es of horſe. common wealth, cauſed a thouſand horſe to be enrolled and armed at his owne expences. Mereouer, the States them ſelues, another thouſand to encreaſe the companies which were expected from france. further they conſult about making a damme, wherewith they might shut vp the A coſtly Dammad: be the in my to eyther • ocer Breda or drovvne oure campes. paſſage of the riuer of Merka, not far from Seuenberge. This, forſooth, ſeeming, to be the only meanes left vnto them to deliuer Breda, if as often as the raging of the ſea ſwelled highe, accuſtomed to ouer-flow into the adioyning fieldes, and the winter waters (which flow into the riuer by the brookes) being retayned, they should ouer-flow all the groundes and that, that ſtanding water was fit, ether to ſend victualls by shipes into the cittie, or for diſtroying of our armie: they ſet therfore vpon this matter, of ſo great They Ioyned aninumerable quantitie of barkes and other materiales. importance, and of ſo incredible expences; they ſend to Seuenbergue in great number of boates barkes, and cock boates (wherof they haue great aboundance) to that place, wher there is a certaine mouth of the riuer, which they call Lamſgate, and the ſide-bankes to the clifts, ar full of hollow places, All thies boates, were needfull to carry the piles. Then many ditchers and wourkmen being ſet a worke they ordaine wood to be cut downe, turffe to be cut round about ſtones, trees, plankes to be carried, boates to be loaded, and laſtly the piles, to be ſet oppoſite to ether ſide of the banke: when behould, at by an vnexpected froſt, of three dayes, they ar compelled to deſiſt.

In the very night of our Lords Natiuitie (vpon which day they firſt did vndertake that worke) Staken brouck, The vigilance of the count d •• ſinburque preuented the preſumtion of Stakenburke. with great troupes of his, went to Roſendale, and comes behinde the backes of Iſenburges companies, to ſee what he could eſpie. he vnderſtood by his ſpies, that but a litle ditche being filled, it was eaſie to paſſe, which to fill, there needed but ſome ſix or ſeauen ſpads. Glad of this newes, takes with him eighteene companies of horſe, with no more then ſeauen ſpades. Being come to the place he perceiues that the thinge could not be done with the helpe of a hundred ſpades, yet ſending ſome before, he commandes them to attempt the paſſage. Our horſ-man that had his appointed ſtanding, which watched not far off, diſcharging his peece, giues the ſigne, and cryes out arme. Stakenbrouck thinking to be bewrayed by the ſigne, commanded to ſound al the trumpetes, contented only to haue diſqueted oure campes, ran away. All paſſages being otherwiſe ſo ſtopped by Count Iſenbergue, with ſo many ditches, with ſo many boughes of trees, and piles faſtned in the earth, that they ſcarcly ſeemed paſſable to a ſingle man.

The froſt being paſt, the workmen (although great difficultie was propoſed of diſpatching the damme by reaſon of the ſwiftnis of the riuer) returne to their ommitted worke they ſinke three very longe boates of burthen to the bottom, loaden with turffe, and with ſtones, and caſting ſagotts vpon the earthe, together with the damme begume on both the brinkes of the riuer, laying the turffes in order, driuing great ſtakes betwixt to bind the ground, they aduance halfe way into the riuer. Moreouer in the towne it ſelfe of Seuēbergue, by letting in and letting out the floodes they make ſluces on the other ſide of the riuer, that after the floodes had fild the fieldes, they kept them vnder water by the height of that poole, by which it was needfull to paſſe ouer the ferrie-boates. full of prouiſion. hauing therfore gayned the ebbing and flowing of the ſea, they againe prepare thoſe thinges which ar needfull to furnish the ships.

Spinola pondered that worke with much care, and therfore The Marques continually carefull in preuenting 〈…〉 the 〈◊〉 . he ſtudeed before all thinges, that by the information of ſpies, he might vnderſtand in all times, by day and night, what ſoeuer was done in that place. And as often as the Moone was ether new, or at the full (which dayes, ar wont to cauſe the greateſt raging of the ſeas) he planted more forces nere to the campes of heyden and of hage, on which ſide the irruption was moſt feared. Next, he cauſed the ſluces of all the riuers (by which the land-waters were brought about heydam, into the riuer of Breda) to be opened, whilſt the waues of the ſea, ouer-drowned all the fildes, and, being retyred, commanded, them to be shut: and then when they came to worke about their pretended damme (lower now by the waters departed) he ſodainly drawing Oure ſlouſes hinder • d much the dam. vp the ſluces, by letting goe the reſt of the force of the water which he retayned, ſent it vpon their worke, and hindred all the adminiſtration of their endeuours. Furthermore, ſetting mariners, by night cut aſunder the bankes of the riuer of Merkain ſundry places, the length of fiue thouſand foote: for which there was a two-fould reaſon. Firſt, that ſuch waters as they retayned by the damme, to make the channel of the riuerſwell, and let out towards heydam he, cutting the bankes of the riuer might diuert into the bordering valleys of the fieldes. Next, that by how much the more water the ſurging of the ſea should bring ouer the bankes, into the large ſpaces of the meadowes it should be returned back with the greater violence, by its departure, vpon the damme: which for certaine ſo fell out, ſo that by how much the neerer, both the ſides of the damme approached together, ſo much the higher the ſand raiſed it Rare preuenſiones and prudent care of the Marques. ſelfe from the bottome. finally asking the aduiſes of all carpenters and other Inginieres, who denyed that ſo great a damme could be preſerued from higher waters, yet before all councelles Spinola iudged it expedient to prouide, that no place should be left the enemie to pierce thorough.

Number X.

To that dike therfore, which he had brought from the dock of the bridge towards hage (digged thorough leſt it might be paſſed with cock-boates) he commandes another thicker hedge or roe of trees to be caſt before, and to be bound a boue with trees laid a croſſe after the maner of the other. Then he cauſed a litle shelter or parapet alongſte to be ſet vpō the dike on that ſide of the ſtoccados of fiue foote high, to couer the shooters. Furthermore, here and there he His vigilance and care preuailed placeth aforte, wheron he might plant the Canons. Laſtly, he blocked vp the riuer. with three or four roes or Rankes of great and ſtronge ſtokadoes of wood wherbe he might hinder the paſſinge of the enemy as well on the outward as on the in ward ſides if they should come to atempt our workes or to ſoccor the town that be meanes of thies ſtokadoſe Roes of ſ • cckados vver in diſtance ſet to hinder the paſing of the enemy. there boates might be hindered in not paſſing the riuer or in takinge poſeſſion of oure bridge and fortificationes. Betwixt theſe two outmoſt ſtoccadoes of trees, there lay at incre the enimies ships which were lately taken, with their

Num 10 AGGER A SPINOLA IACTVS PALVSTRI LOCO Lorica, vallis lig • eis munitionibus, aggeribuſ que tormentarijs firmatus.

A. Agger tabulis constratus. B. Pons Naualis inter Heydam et Hagam. C. Brachia ponti praestructa. D. Seps. duplex palustri loco fixa. E. Vallus quadruplex ſeu palisade in flumine Merka. F. Munimenta idonea imponendis maioribus tormentis. G. Loricula nostrorū trans Merkam.

maſtes placed backwards upon the fore-decks, to receiue and rent the ſayles of ſuch ships as they should meete. Vpō them abridge was built, and a parapett placed faſt by the bridge, and boordes and plankes neceſſarie for the ſame. ſome had their keeles boared thorough with hoales, but yet Other inuenſiones vvere preuented to let the enemy in not paſing the riuer. ſo ſtopped, that taking the ſparres out of the hoales, they might ſodainly by ſonken in to the bottom of the riuer and which being ſtopped might altogither hinder the ſayling and paſſing of the enemy. To the outward ſtoccadoes of threes, two maſtes were, tied together by the two pointes croſſinge ouer the riuer. Before theſe there lay a bark full of pitch, roſin, and tow, and with other thinges prepared for fire, which, had the enimie come, being diſperſed into the enimies nauie, would out of dout haue cauſed great ſlaughter.

Theſe thinges accomplished, the enemies not ſlowlie, mended vp againe in the nerer places, the detriment of the trenche cut by vs, by a double fortification made on ther ſide, at the mouth of the riuer, leſt we should hinder by our irruptions, the diſpoſition of the worke. Alſo thoſe of Breda, ether that they might come into ſome part of the worke, and hauing broken the force of their riuers, the damme at Seuenbergue might be more eaſily perfited, or that they might recompence the worke attempted in September all in vaine, by deſtroying the trenches with which the riuers ar diuided, to let forth water upon our campes, they began to make thoſe bulwarkes thicker, and to raiſe them higher.

This being knowen, Spinola (ſeeing he could not diuert the riuer of Merka, from his wonted current) he maketh a ditch of two thouſand two hundred The Marques preuented remedi to hinder the executions of their ſluces and vvaters. feete longe, before the walles of the cittie (where a higher ground retayned the waters) by, which he turneth all ſtanding water, by a brooke brought about the ſide of the cittie, into Merka, leſt the waters should be let up higher into his campes. VVhich ditch, before it was finished being augmented and ſtrengthened in the riuer by thoſe of Breda, being caſt downe by the diluge of thoſe waters that were gathered together, ouerth rew ſome of the ſluces, and fortifications of the walles, to the great affrightmēt of the cittie. Alſo nere vnto Seuenbergue, the great force of the water returneing back, drowned three ships in the botthome of the riuer (which being loaden, they had ſunke into it) and ouer-boare al the piles laid upon them. Vnto which thinge that of the diuine protection did ſucceed, becauſe as longe as that ditche was wrought by ſo many handeslabouring together, although they shot continually againſt our men forth of the cittie, yet the shoulder of one only ſoldiar was shot with a litle bullet.

Thoſe of Seuenbergue would not yet deſiſt from their deſigne, which they had in vaine attempted the third or fourth time although they vnderſtood it was moſt hard to be effected. They who ſaw the miſerablenes of their eſtate, iudged that they went about with a vaine diſſimulation, to relieue the hope of the beſieged. They notwithſtāding, bargaine to repaire the vndertaken damme from both ſides of the bankes of the riuer. To ſtrenghten it, they faſtē ſtraight trees by a line in the riuer, filling it up with turffes giuen frō hand to hand. They fil up the ſpaces betwixt the trees, with great ſtones, turffes, and boughes of trees. Leaſt their labor should be intermitted, the turffes digged out of lowe places (whence the ſwelling of the ſea, drawe back the water) they lay up in piles, like to ſtacks; that ſuch as by the ſwelling of the waters appeared aboue, they might bring to withe their cock boates. Laſtly, ſo they ſtriue againſt both ſea and riuer as if they woulde ouercome euen nature it ſelfe. Iuſtinus Naſſau, begā againe to repaire the bulwarkes at Breda, and gaue order to amend the floud-gates, and fortreſſes that were fallen: furthermore, to raiſe up the trenches and the walles before our cannons, leſt the houſes should by endomaged by our shooting.

Spinola although he beleeued now in ſome ſort the affirmation of the Architects or engineres that his kāpes could not be remoued, nether by the ouerflowinges of the chanielles by the waues of the ſea, nor by the refluxes of the ditches of the towne, by which by the cuting of a new ditch, he diuerted the water of the fenues into Merka, frō the fieldes; yet becauſe he knew the Hollanders to be skilfull in ſea The Marques preuented the pl •• ts of the enemy. matters, both by ſpeculatiō and by practiſe, and ſaw thē not deſiſt from their endeuours, ſent continually ſpies to Seuenbergue, not contēt with the report of what they found vnleſſ thē ſelues had alſo ſeene, that to be true which they affirmed. And when word was brought that the damme, for the moſt part perfected did goe forward, and many ships to lye at ancre, prepared to carry victualls, turned that way, whether the win de of Breda carried them; once againe by Gods prouidēce, the winde, which had blowen proſperouſly vntill that day, turned contrary, and ſo great a tempeſt aroſe on the ſodaine, that the poſts driuē in to the riuer with The enuentions of the enimie preuailed nothing againſt the tempeſt ſledges or rāmers, the turffes, the fagots, and the ſtones, were ouer-borne by the deluge, and the litle boates wherwith they brought the turffes and other materialls, beaten one againſt another, and caſt on the shore, and all nauigation vtterly hindered But afterwards by thoſe tēpeſts they gayned this, by the change of the weather, and continuation of the windes, that the work of the ondertaken dāme, they ſuppoſed neceſſarily to be deferred vntill the next march.

Theſe thinges vnderſtood, the Senat, leſt ether The preuidence of the ſenat of Breda. by the continuance of the ſiege, they should want victualls, or for want of mony should be vnable to pay the ſoldiars wages, reſolued by two wayes to prouide a remedie. Firſt to lenghten out their prouiſion by meaſuring out and diſtributing of it ſparingly: for after that they They viſited the houſes and barnes. had once in the month of September, taken acount from houſe to houſe of the corne, they againe in October, calculate all the graine in the whole cittie; and againe in the ſame October, in two dayes ſpace, all that was noted was againe meaſured, ſetting watchmen from ſtreet to ſtreet, writinge downe the number of people in each familie. And when the cittiſens were found to haue twelue thouſand meaſures of wheate, in the publicque ſtore-houſe, fiue thouſand; ad fiue hundred head of cattell, it was decreed, that there should be meaſured, for ſo many weekes, to the ſoldiar, out of the common ſtore-houſe, a hundred and fiftie meaſures; to the cittiſens, out of their owne heape, a-thouſand meaſures; eighteene head of cattell to be ſlaine, wherof the pound should be ſold for three penns.

Nether yet contented with that diſtribution, viſiting againe the garners of the cittiſens, they calculate once more all the corne, and forbade, none to be ſould, or carried away, without publicque authoritie, upon the penaltie of All the corn vvas brought into a store houſe. fortie crownes. By which penaltie alſo they ordained, that no cittiſen should from thence-forth, brue beere in his houſe, leſt bruing of the ſtronger beere ſecretly, they should conſume the more corne. Laſtly, more was done in December, when they commanded to be brought forth in publick out of priuat houſes, what corne ſoeuer they kept ſecretly elſe where. And leaſt any should deceiue them, in the mōth of Ianuarie, calling euery one in to the court, they vrged them to take their oathe, that they should declare as they tought, how many meaſures of wheate, meale, barley, oates, ether of their owne, or of others, they had in ſecret: upon condition and obligation, that he who being ſworne, would not confeſſe the number, in the meane while, should euery day, pay twentie shillinges: but who ſo should wittingly for-ſweare him ſelfe, should be both punished for L • vve ordained for the bakers m ••• rs. his periurie, and should moreouer be condemned in three ſcore pound. with theſe penalties were the bakers and the

Num. 11.

millars alſo bound, to whom it was forbidden by a penall law to bake no bread wayghing leſſe then ſix pound and a quarter, or to ſell to any one, more then two pound, ether of wheate, or of meale. Theſe lawes being made, the next day after the calendes of Ianuarie, the Magiſtrates and the Captaines, going thorough out all the houſes and graneries, tooke the corne from euery one, making them to ſweare, that they kept no more corne from them ſecretly.

Then they began after this maner, to cure the diſceaſe of the want of mony. The Gouernor of the cittie, the Coronells, and Captaines, and all the Officers, ſwearing how They haue coyned nevv money. much mony euery one had, affirmed, that what euery one was able to lend, should be coyned a new.

Number XI.

Then were four ſorts of monie, of braſſe and ſiluer made, of a four ſquare forme: the thre that were of ſiluer were of two, foure, and ſix shilinges, thoſe of braſſe, of a penny, halfpeny, and a farthing. Then was it published by a Cryar, that that ſort of money, should paſſe currant for ſo much, and be of ſuch a valew, as they were declared by their prices.

In the meane while, vnwelcome newes were brought vnto vs of Brocheme, a towne of Cleeue. Lambertus Charleſius Lambertut Charles beſeeged Gogh vvhoſe vvolles vveare broken. of Newmehe, Gouernor of the confederated States, vnderſtanding of the ſmale number of the gariſon, and of the fall of the walles, gathering men, forth of the adioyning confederated places, he endeuoreth to breake into Gogh, on what ſide he may, and doth attempt it. Of nine hundred of ours, who were left in gariſon, only fiue hundred were eſteemed fit to beare armes, the reſt being worne out with ſicknes or with wearines. The fortreſſes being weakned with the moiſture, where the ditches of the walles were full of foordes gaue paſſage to the troopes, nor were on that ſide, planted with ſtakes, or with piles.

Iacobus Tourlandus Gouernor of Grocheme, aduertiſed of the iſſu of the ſoldiars of Newmege, aduiſeth the neighbouring Gouernors of the Kinges townes, that they should looke to them ſelues, being him ſelfe as he thought ſecure. Euer now and then, he made the round about the walles, and the day before they beſieged the towne, he doubleth the number of the watche. He commanded four-ſcore The vvatch vvas d • ubled to gard that place, where the walles were broken, where it ſeemed by reaſon of the ruines, a more eaſie paſſage did lye open. Alſo, what he had vnderſtood of the enemies iſſue whate he had a duiſed his neighbours, what him ſelfe had done, of al theſe thinges he giues account by writing vnto Spinola; which letters of Ioānes Gonſales Gōuernor of VVeſel, of the vncertaine ſtate of thinges, togheter with the letter of Tourland, being receiued he checkes Tourland, that ether forgetfull, or careles of him ſelfe he vndertooke the care of others when he could not, by reaſon of ſo great diſtance of place, ſend ſuccour from the campe in due time.

The enimie going forth in the dead of the night early in the morning, ſtood vnder the fallen walle of the towne. There were four thouſand foote, and four hundred horſe. Theſe, whileſt they laboured to get to the top by the ruines, our fourſcore watch-men, aſſricted on a ſodaine at the preſence and number of the enimie, forſaking their leader, with shamefull feare betaking them to ſlight gaue way to the enimie to entre in, by that place which they had vndertooke to defend.

They poſeſſing the walles, with their weapons a while The enemie 〈◊〉 vn • vvares. after, ſeaſe upon two gates, and upon the market. The moſt part of Tour-lands owne forſaking him, hardly able to withſtand the aſſault, the enimie being now come to the gates, gathering together ſome ſoldiars of thoſe that fled, endeauoreth to defend the Caſtle, and the other Gate of the cittie. He ſendes to VVeſel, to Ioannes Gonſales, to craue Turland defended the caſtle and one gate of that place. helpe, promiſing both he and his, in the meane time to keepe the place. Gonſales writ back vnto him, that he should ſtill retayne his former courage, and auoweth that he should ſoone receiue ſuccour from him: only that he should ſtand faithfull. with much a doe was that day ſuſtained. By night, when ours couragiouſly oppoſed the forces of the enimie, at lenght there were beaten out of the gates: only the Caſtle did remaine. The next day after, perceiuing the ſuccour of a thouſand foote, who contrary to that which Tourland had aduertiſed to be done, entring by the poſterne gate of the Caſtle by haſtning, to breake the bridge, leauing three hundred on the other-ſide of the riuer; all which were ether ſlaine by the enimie, or came aliue in to their ſubiection. Tourland, hauing mended with lathers and boordes, that bridge, which led out of the caſtle into the towne, and which him ſelfe had broken, about to make a ſallie forth into the cittie, being shot in the bellie, was greuouſly wounded: and ſo at laſt, in the ſight of all the Captaines, upon honorable conditions, rendred it up.

Lambertus Charleſius, author of that expedition, got Tourland vvas ſore hurt. the victorie, but enioyed not the benefit therof very long. For after certaine houſes ſacked, Churches robbed, Altars Gogh vvas lest. ſubuerted, Images burned, all thinges diuine and humaine quite diſordered, laſtly nether weighing nor moderating nothing, but to doe iniurie, at laſt had this victorie, dying The imputie of Lamb • rt Charlis. of the palſie, he receiued worthie punishment for his wickednes. It appeared, even by the iudgment of the enimie, that we loſt no great matter by looſing Grocheme nether And his reſerued paine. it was ſo much intercepted for deſire of retayning it but thinking to diuert Spinola from Breda. For Breda being now rendred they aggreed with us (without any condition asked on the other ſide) that that towne should be reputed for neutral and free. Thoſe of Breda notwiſtanding, hearing That the tovvne should be reput • d for neutrall Thoſe of Bredaflouteth at oures. of that victorie talking with our watche from the walles, with a wittie ſoldiar like wipe bid them be packing to Grocheme.

About that time, it was reported, that the troupes, which Mansfield had gathered, ran vp and downe in the borders The rumor and fame that paſeth of Mansfelt. of henault and Artois (the bordering prouinces next vnto France.) The Infanta Iſabella, albeit she could not ſuſpect, that any Prince would entangle her florishing affaires, The prudent preuentions of the Infanta. with thoſe forlorne affaires of Māsfield; yet becauſe she was not ignorant, that the willes of Kinges, as they ar violent, ſo to be mouable and vncertaine, she, according to the greatnes of the perill, prepared for war howſoeuer, and reſolued to reſiſte ſtrōgly, if it were offered: she therfore appointed gariſons, about henault and Artois, for the defēce of the confines. To thoſe of henault, she ſent the Count of Emden for their comander, Artois she commended to the Count of hoogſtrat (who was chiefe gouernor therof, to be defended. She ſent the Count of sforza, to haſten the Captaines and the Duke of Bauarias companies, againſt the coming of Mansfeld. She commanded the corne and cattel to be driuen into the remoter citties: she forbid horſe to be tranſported out of the low contries, into France, as the french had then forbid corne to be carried into the low contries. Spinola likewiſe ſuſpecting, that Mansfeld ſeconded with the french, English, and German aydes, would deflect towards the lower Palatinat, commandes VVilliam Verdugius. Gouernor of thoſe places, to gather in gariſon a hundred and eleuen free companies of Germans, 〈◊〉 Marques commanded the lovver 〈◊〉 to by reforced with two companies of horſe, beſides the companie of Captaine Gratfreus, admitted into pay with fiue hundred horſe. In the meane ſpace, the ſoldiars in the wallon prouinces, armed them ſelues, with three thouſand horſe, and with almoſt fifteene thouſand foote; the companies gathered a new, towards the end of ſommer, were alſo ready. S • cceris of the emperor and of the prouinces. The companies of the Count of Anholt, of three thouſand foote, came, with a winge of a thouſand horſe (Baron of Ainſi haſtining them) the Marques Spinella armed on the borderes withe the emperores ſocorres who reſolued with a willing minde and great deſire to encounter Mansfeld, with four thouſand two hūdred horſe, and three thouſand foote. All the Prouinces companies, ar committed to the commād Don Carles clooma comanded this of the contrie of Don Carolus Coloma, late Embaſſador for the Kinge. The Prouinces horſe, were cōmitted to Albertus Arenbergue, Prince of Barbancone Maſter de campe, who was for that purpoſe lately called from the commandrie of the horſe. Theſe were firſt wiled to ſtay at Namure, to the end to ſtop Mansfelds paſſage, if, as of late, he should come to inuade the borders: but vnderſtanding a while after, that he went about to ioyne him ſelfe, with Graue Maurices companies, both of them, with the Prouinces companies, planted them ſelfes not far from Antwerp.

Spinola reioycing to haue ſo great an armie, as the wallons The number of the vvhole army. ſcarce remember euer to haue ſeene the like (for they were cenſured, beſides the gariſons of the bordering citties, to be thirtie thouſand foote, eight thouſand horſe, yet ommitted no time without ſolicitude of the ſiege, but that he endeuored by letters intercepted, to vnderſtand the councells of Maurice, and of the beſieged. For this reſpect, he was not wearied, nether with watchinges, nor with labor. He ſetteth many in ſtanding, and watching places, promiſing thē great rewardes, if they could intercept any ſuch letters. Three were ſeene to enter into the cittie, our watch being ether careles, or deceiued by their celeritie. Almoſt in that place, whence thieſe were ſeene to ſlip by, by thoſe Letters of graue Maurish vvere found. that ſought. a few dayes after, a litle purſe was found, wherin two letters, ſmeared round about with wax againſt the damage of the water, if they were to be caried in by meanes of water. Both were Maurices; one written to Iuſtinus Naſlauius, the other to teState of Breda, written with characters, abbreuiations, al moſt inexplicable. In theſe, when many had trauelled to interpret them, only the good fortune of Michaele Rōtartius, Secretarij to the Kinge Michel rotard explicated • her meaning. and to the Marques preuayled. He, by continuall ſtudie both day and night, pickt out their meaning. This was the ſubſtance of one of them, written to, Iuſtinus, with a shorter diſcourſe.

That he had vnderſtood to his great content, ſo great quantitie of corne, to haue bene of late found amongſt the cittiſens: that they muſt eſpecially be carefull, that by a ſparing diſtribution, it might be likewiſe lenghtned, wherby he might haue the more time to bringe ſupplies for which cauſe, he laboured with all poſſible endeauour, in France, England, and in the confederated prouinces. That for the ſame reſpect, Mansfeld was come, that adioyning his companies, he might recall Spinola from the ſiege. That they were now coming, and had bene there, had not the contrary windes hindred them. That there were two thouſand horſe (beſides ſome companies gathered in the Seigniorie of Liege, and elſe where) fourteene thouſand English foote. at Douer; ready to take ship. The reſt of the foot in Germanie, and the confederated prouinces, choſen by him, to the nū ber of eleuen thouſand, already shipped, with certaine other cōpanies, expected the weather. That they had already once, ſet ſayle, but by a contrarie winde were driuen back. That as touching the confederated States, that they would ſpare no coſt nor labor, to aduance Mansfelds endeauours, and to deliuer Breda, hauing by a new decree ordained to gather four thouſand horſe, (aboue the number of the accuſtomed armie) in England and France; and there, more then ſix thouſand foote. That as it was firmelie hoped, the ſpringe approaching, that there should be armed, fortie thouſand ſoote, and ſix thouſand horſe, to deliuer Breda by one meanes or other. That as to the great good of the armie and of the cittie, he wished, that the victualls (which Iuſtinus him ſelfe had written) might laſt frō the preſent tēth day of lanuarie, for a hundred and eight dayes next enſuing▪ euen vntill the Calends of May. And albeit he hoped verely, that his whole armie should be ready much ſooner, yet he prayed them, that the victualls should be prolonged by ſparing them, as much as might be, to the end that more time might be gayned, both for his owne and another armie, which was as yet abiding in the borders of Frāce. Now, that he deſired to vnderſtand, what he tought of diſtributing a certaine portion of bread, to the ſoldiars, to the cittiſens, to their wiues and children: that it ſeemed to him a thinge worthie of conſideration, that commonly then more was wont to be eaten, ther when bread was giuen out by meaſure: otherwiſe not to buy more then was vſuall and neceſſarie, eſpecially when it was sould at a high price. Beſides that that thinge was wont to giue occaſiō to tumults, how great caution ſoeuer was vſed for the conſeruation of Iuſtice. wherfore that he left all that to the iudgment of the ſenat it ſelfe, and councell of war, what ſoeuer they should determine to be for the good and profit of ſparing of victualls. what the ſoldiars horſes were to doe (corne and fodder being ſpēt) that he dealt with the States therabouts. Tat they promiſed, to pay the wages which the horſmen were to receiue for theſe that were aliue, more then for thoſe that were ſlaine, ſo that an indifferēt valuatiō were made therof. wherfore that they should, refufe nothing to endure extreme hūgar, it being published abroad, that they should be ſlaine. That they should keepe their milche-cowes (becauſe milke was very nourishing) for reliefe in their, laſt extremitie, as long as any forredge laſted. And although it was not to be douted, that he had of late with ſpecial diligence, viſited al the granaries and ſtore-houſes of the cittie yet that he prayed him, continually to looke about by all meanes, to augment the common ſtore houſe, if parhaps any thinge were hid by any one by deceit. Furthermore, that it was related to him by the Senat, of the carefull deſire of the people of Breda, for the mittigating of all the diſtreſſes of the ſiege, with their owne purſe and corne; but that there were alſo complaints brought by them, againſt the inſolencie of thoſe that were to defend them, who although they could not iuſtly complaine, nether of lodging, nor of fire, nor of their pay, nor of any exceſſiue price of meates, yet by libertie and force, both by day and night, were careles ether to breake downe the houſes, or dig up gardens, or to pluck up their hedges, of their orchardes, or to ſpoile their ſtables, their shops and ſtanding places, and that only for lack of diſcipline, when ſome lately put in priſon for theſe faultes, yet eſcaped without punishment. VVhich example doutles might coole the feruour and promptitude of the cittiſens in watching, who now began to plead for them ſelues, that their owne houſes were to be kept againſt their domeſticall enimie, before the walles them ſelues: wherfore he deſired, that if the ſame were hereafter found, they should be more ſeuerly looked vnto who ſo should offend, to the intent that the feare of punishment might deter others: for that it was the part of ſoldiars, to forbid iniuries to the cittiſens. And that it was his pleaſure, that theſe his letters should be deliuered to the Captaines, and aſſiſtants of the councell of war, wherby they may vnderſtand, that neceſſarilie ſuch in commodities of the cittiſens, were to be prouided for, who were ſufficiently oppreſſed in other thinges. That of the new trench of the enimie, placed toward Seuenbergue there was agreat palizado made of poſts, Furthermore, the States ceaſe not to damme vp the riuer of Breda neere Seuenbergue, and that it should be shortly finished:

Num. 12. Specimen posterioris circumuallationis circulo pasſuum LII. millium.

although many douted; that channell being ſtopped vp, what would after come to paſſe. By ſome it was thought the fieldes would largely ouer-flow: of others, that it was douted. That the thinge would iudge it ſelfe, after the euent. That he knew for certaine, that boſome to be ſo ample, that it could not be filled but with infinit waters, although the riuer were retayned: nether was there need of any great helpe to breake the dike, now ſo fortified by the enimie: that that worke would bring annoyance to the enimie, when he should come to ſuccour them. wherfore, that it should not be from the purpoſe, if againſt that time, ships were ſent by them vnto him, for to helpe him. This was the ſubſtance of the letters. In the end, at the foote of the letter, was added. That Mansfelds companies, were once againe ſet to ſea, by a contrary winde, were againe brought back into the harbour. That Lambert Charleſius, Gouernor of Newmege, had taken Grocheme by force.

Number XII.

Theſe letters being receiued, and Maurices deſignes made knowen vnto vs, calling and requiring ſo great forces of forraine ſoldiars, Spinola vnderſtanding that al that war was intended againſt him, and that he was yet to retaine in the field full three monthes ſpace, when Maurice had vndertaken with ſo great obſtinacie, to deliuer Breda, as though he eſteemed the whole good of the common welthe, to be placed in the loſſe of that one cittie) breaking downe firſt thoſe forts, which lately being built at mede, Maurice had forſaken, he reſolued to encompaſſe his armie with incredibile labor, with a trenche of wonderfull greatnes, in the moſt wicked time of winter, leaſt ſo great an armie of the enimie, should break in behinde him at vnawares, as they had appointed at the beginning of the ſpringe. That trenche when it was finished, in the whole compaſſe, contayned fiftie two thouſand paces, ſo much greater was this then that former made on the ſodaine contayning no more then thirtie thouſand ſix hundred paces. Poſteritij will wonder, nether, would Pompey him ſelfe, or Ceſar beleeue it, if they were aliue, of whom, the one, cut a trench, at the moſt of fifteene thouſand paces; the other, one of eighteen thouſand to goe to Dyracchius, And leſt any man should thinke that the count should be miſtaken, it is thought good, that the number of the paces thorough euery campe being found out by his owne care and fidelitie, should be committed to writing. The quarter of Spinola in the village of Genik, with that which Salazarius generall of the horſe, defended at his back, were incloſed with a trenche of two and twentie thouſand ſix hundred thirtee three paces. That of Balancon, with eight thouſand ſix hundred. That of Iſenburgue, with a leuen thouſand fiue hundred fiftie four. That of Ballion, with nine thouſand, eight hundred thirtiene.

Now Spinola had begun to compaſſe within, with an Another trince vvas comaunded to be made. other trenche, but of a leſſer ſpace, againſt the irruptions of the beſieged. That becauſe the cittie was firſt rendred, was neuerfully finished, yet contayned with his imperfect circle, ſixteene thouſand paces. But doth of theſe were ten foote highe, the walles ariſing, not vpright, but ſtep by ſtep. Below, fifteene foote thick, with abanket and parapet with in for the vſe of the shooters, below ten foote thicke, raiſed vp fiue foote highe, with a ditch depreſſed without ſide ſeauen foote Depe, in breadth fifteene from ſide to ſide, the bottome lyeng open no more then eight foote. Theſe two trenches had ſo much more ſtrenght then the former, which in height exceeded not fiue foote, in thicknes ſeauen foote, with a ditch nothing broader. Vnto both of theſe greater trenches, were built new redutes, and batteries, to plant canons vpon; furthermore were at euery entrie a haulf moone. Diuers Other fortificaſiones of the quarteres redutes were alſo adioyned, by reaſon of the perill and dangerous cituation of the place. They were ſo fortified with new receptacles, and with many other workes, that none but he who ſaw them, could hardly conceiue the frame of ſo great workes; ſo that I. May with out iniurie, truly tearme them, a very Labyrinth of fortifications. The number of all the workes in the campes (beſides thoſe fortifications, which were built in diuers villages, ether to defend Incredibile greatnes of the fortificationes. the conuoyes, or to defend the irruptions) were a hundred ſeauentie eight: refuges, fourſcore and ſixtine: redutes, thirtie ſeauen: fortes fortie fiue with batteries reforſed: ſo far did this ſiege ſurpaſſe the renowmed endeauours of Ceſar, againſt Aleſia and Dyrachium, where there were no more but four and twentie fortes without any more fortificationes but atrence.

VVhilſt theſe thinges began to be ſet in order, Mansfeld Preſumtion of Mansfeld. hauing gathered together certaine helpes beyond the ſea, and elſe where ſuppoſing him ſelfe in deſpite, now to be feared, fayning to goe to the Palatinat, humbly beſeecheth the Archdutches Iſabella by letters, that she would pleaſe to grant him a ſafe paſſage thorough her contrie, and to aſiſt him with a ſecret conuoy. he had conceited in The letter he vvrote to his aluza. his head, that without any ſuſpicion, he should be ſuffered to paſſe thorough the Kinges prouinces (which way he was of neceſſitie to goe) to gratifie his Maſter the Kinge of England. That he would not attempt the ſame without aduertiſeng hir alteſa which she, without diſcurteſie, could not ſeeme to deny: but if she should, then that he would make his way by force, which the equitie of his cauſe required. Iſabella, hauing often tried the honeſtie of that ſo well knowen man, thought it beſt to ſignifi by ſilence, how litle credit he had with her, and how litle she feared his ſodaine gathered and vnexpert armie, fitter for the plough, then for the war, nor compoſed ſcarcely of any other, then of ſoldiars compelled by force, she being fortified with ſo many and ſo expert ſoldiars.

In the meane ſpace, thoſe of Breda, whilſt they ſee them ſelucs entrenched with ſo great workes, both expect with longe hope, for Mansfieldes helpe, and he (toſſed too and fro with the ſea) to tarrie longer then they expected, began to groane and to wax wearie. For now cheeſe, and ſtock fishe Extreame neceſſititie and victualls vvounder full deere. fayled, now they began moſt cruelly to enhance the price of meates. A pound of butter, was at halfe a crowne: a pot of oyle at ſix shillinges: an egge at three pence halfpeny: a Greate diſeaſes. meaſure of peaſe, three pound. a pound of Bacon, eighteene pence. which dearth of victualls, the ſoilderes impatient of want, draue them to the diſmall eating of dead bodies Aſiſtance of the cittiſens. others for the moſt part by the vſe of vnaccuſtomed meates, became (as the Phiſitians call it) full of ſcurffe. for being wearied with all ſorts of euills, afflicted with a greuous plague, were nourished with ould and with ſtinking wheate, long before prouided againſt ſuch an accident. The cittiſens, as the labors of the ſoldiars, and aſſudietie of their watchinges did diminish, tooke vpon thē to keepe the walles of the cittie, leauing the outward forrifications to the ſoldiars: from which worke none, albeit ould and exempted, would admit diſpenſation. Iuſtinus Naſſau, leaſt the extreame dearth and want of victualls, should cauſe ſome vproare amongſt the ſoldiars, to the end he might make them the more faithfull to him, he choſe the more needy The gouernor diſembled vvith his ſouldiars. artificers to be in the places of the dead ſoldiars, that they might haue wages, when now they had no gettinges, and might ſucceed vnto their labors. Furthermore, acquitting them of euery ſecond watch, commāding them to watche but euery third night, became more gentle and more milde • lackning the ſeueritie of the former diſcipline.

Then the Captaines exhorted them, the preachers of the wourd out of their pulpits, beſought them for Gods ſake, that they would not grow faint harted, nor by the baſe title of rendring, to ſubmit them ſelfes to the filthie ſeruitude of the Spaniard, that they should nothing dout of the aſſurance of Mansfelds coming: becauſe he ſeemed not to be The Captaines procured to animate the ſoldiars preſent at the day appointed, that therfore they were deceiued: that he was nerer at hand, then they thought, but that the meſſages could not be brought, be reaſon that all paſſages were ſtopped. That Spinola was not for hopes ſake, daylie Their hops vveare in vayne. exerciſed in making of ſo many fortifications: that he him ſelfe being witnes, he should not vſe their owne affirmation: that the German, French, English, and Holland helpes, were at hand, for fear of whom, Spinola was buſied day and night; that it was an argument of vnworthie tendernes, not to ſuffer penurie, helpes being ſo neere at hand, and but ſo litle awhile before they would come: that all difficulties were now ouercome, and only libertie was expected: that the impatience of a few dayes, ought not to looſe the praiſe of ſo great conſtancie and pouertie endured. VVhich thinges being ſaied, the Captaines, leaſt they should be conuinced of lying by the beſieged, or that the miſerable condition of the cittie being ſeene and vnderſtood, should be brought vnto us by the report of the conuoyes, decreed that no Trumpeters or drummers ſent by us, should frō thence fourt be admitted within the walles, but should expect their anſwer without: and here by the councell of manlianus, they should be intertained honorably and liberally, to boaſt of the aboundance of their victualls.

The Magiſtrates alſo, looking into euery thinge, forbid the confraternities of the cittieſen of all aſſemblies after the example of Auguſtus, leaſt they should enter into factions, vnder the title of a colledge, in the knot of ſome wicked faction. The ſoldiars alſo were watched of the Captaines, as often as many walked about, and by their preſence, the coniurations of thoſe that walked, were preuented. VVith theſe and the like remedies, was the cittie, in perill, preſerued, and the languishing mindes of the cittiſens, and of the ſoldiards, ſuſtained when they held up their neceſſities by only hope.

Now at lenght, Mansfeld with his companies of foote, approached by ſea vnto Gittrenbergue, when heauen was The miſchance of Manifeld in his nauigation. once againe ſeene to fight againſt him. For the windes did ſo beate the arriued nauie, one againſt the other that many of the ships being broken, did ſerue for nothing: then, as if all the cold of the winter had bene reſerued for that time all the riuers were shut up with a ſudaine froſt, that prouiſion could no longer be carried to them. It is the cuſtome of thoſe of Gittenbergue, to keepe at home litle prouiſion, upon the confidence of continuall nauigation, and of the neighbouring places. Hence by the arriuall af ſo great a companie of ſoldiars, there was ſmale prouiſion of meate for all them, the froſt forbiding to bring in new.

Furthermore, what with plague, with agues, with the ſea, and with vomiting, by reaſon of their long shutting up in the ships with the narrownes of the roome, and many fild Their nevv and ravv ſouldiars endured gteate miſeries. with the filthie ſauor (being almoſt all raw ſoldiars, and vnaccuſtomed to tempeſts and ſtinckes, were caſt into the waues, ether dead, or halfe aliue. There was counted by ſome, aboue the number of four thouſand. Some caſt into the ſea for dead by ſwiming got to the shore, and ar yet liuing in the towne. Many dead bodies floting by the shore ſide vnburied, and more euery where caſt up by the ſea upon the land, breathed forth a greuous plague upon the neighbouring townes of Holland. A very ſorrowful ſpectacle to the English ſoldiars, who by the outward ſoyle, whether they were ſent for ſuccour, were ſo, roughly entertayned. But that which befell much more miſerably, when Mansfeld durſt not ſet a shore thoſe whom againſt their wills he conſtrained to take their oathe, by the ſame remedie chiefly they dyed, by which they were kept, leaſt that they should runn away; to wit, enkindled by that prohibition. Notwithſtanding, many betaking them to vs by flight, vnarmed, ragged, preſented vs a patterne of the reſt, affirming them ſelues, to be in better fashion then the reſt, when almoſt all of them, were inuoluntarie, and vnexpert in war, that they were by and by taught how to handle their weapons, when they were to be led in to the field. It was ſaied to haue bene ſene that ſome found amongſt them, who fild in all the poudre at once into their peeces mouthes euen to the top. which had bene meaſured to them for ſundry shots, that there was ſcarce place to put in the bullet: ſo skilfull were they in their pieces. It appeared by many letters, that thoſe companies were gathered compulſitorilie, of the moſt baſeſt ſort of the raſcallitie; and that in a short time, what by ſickneſſes, what by runing away, they were ſo diminished, ſo that of fourteene thouſand, ſcarcely four did remayne.

VVhilſt Mansfelds ships were with-houldē by the froſt, that very ſeaſon of the yeare, admonished us of diuers conſiderations. The fort of Nordame nere to Seuenbergue, inacceſſible Seueral interpriſes vvere propounded. in ſummer by reaſon of the waues, now to begone vnto on foote by reaſon of the cold: Prinſland alſo, Roſendale, and Seuenbergue it ſelfe, were thought might eaſilie be taken by reaſon of that weather. Diſpatching therfore ſpies on euery ſide granadoſe, and balles of wild fire were alſo prepared, to caſt in to the enimies ships. But in vaine, when the froſen cruſt of the riuers (which otherwiſe ſeemed thick an firme) were ſo weake, for the ſnow in texmixed that ſcarcely would they carry the waight of two or three ſoldiars at once. The wayes alſo the ſnowe neuer lying in one equal height, but driuen hither and thiter by the winde into the ditches (ſo that doutfull places could not be diſcerned from the ſolid) were very dangerous, to lead the troupes that were to marche. The ſpies ſtood in ſnow ſomtimes up to the breaſt, ſomtimes up to the mouth, and ſomtimes fallen or couered in the ſnow were faine to be haled out. Nether their voice, nor their hollowing one to another; would any thing helpe. Three ſoldiars of fuggeran practiſed in all bould attempts, getting in to the tents of Roſendale, after Thre reſo'ut ſoilderes of fugeresri gim •• t. drinking and talking together, they had diſcried the enimies ships, betrayed in their returne, ſcarcely eſcaped by flight, one being wounded and taken. But elſe where the fuggerans attempts fell out more happely, and a very few of them, frequently brought back with them many captiues. but the fortune and deceit of war, is very variable.

There were ſome, who beſought Spinola, that with the companies of Carolus Coloma, together with ſome of his companies adioyned, he would ſuffet Roſendale (litle fortified to be aſſaulted. That they knew by the bewraying of the inhabitances, that they were ſo affrighted with the feare of ours, that gathering vp their goods, would be more ready to rune away, then to ſtand to fight: that that might be done without ether damage or any danger, if in the meane time our horſe might be planted in two parts, before Bergenupſome and prinſland. Spinola, to whom thoſe things beſt pleaſed, which were done rather with prudent councell according to reaſon, then proſperous The Marques is vvont to giue credit to nothing vvithout good fundament. thinges done at aduenture, treating all thinges with him ſelfe with more ſerious examination, ſuppoſing that thinge, could not very much, helpe to the acquiring of that notable victorie, choſe rather to keepe his ſoldiars ſafe, for the occaſion of a neceſſary combat, then ether to feare the whole armie with the opiniō of the enimies audaciouſnes, or to encourage the enimies mindes by good ſucceſſe, if the skirmish of a few of his ſoldiars, should perchance haue fell out vn fortunatly: for in war it hapned, often times by thinges of litle moment, great alterations of thinges to be made: nether was it the part of a prudent Captaine, to pourſue litle victories, with great perills.

In the fourth of the Nones of March, the aniuerſarie day of Breda, in times paſt taken by the vninted Peeres, by the fraud of a boate was changed. This day thoſe of Breda, Solemnitie in Breda in memorie of the daie it vvas taken by the hollandes by fraude. being wont yearly to ſolemniſe, now kept ſo much the more ren owmedly, by how much perhaps hereafter they douted to celebrate the ſame the more ſeldome, more truly after the maner of a ſolemne buriall, then a birth day. for diſcharging thrice towards the euening, all their greater and leſſer Canons, they conſecrated the laſt night to the memorie therof.

Now the time was come, in which the intermitted affaire of the dāme to be made in the riuer, was renewed. That interualle of time, wherin the mariners and the workmen deſiſted from their labors, had rouſed vp the ſtudies of ſundry perſons. A certaine perſon, vndertakes vpon the agreement of a great ſumme, that he would finish the worke, almoſt deſpaired. He, in the preſence of thoſe whom the States had ſet ouer the care of this damme, chooſing a place not far from the former, where the riuer was fuller of hollow places, and more narrow, he drowned ſtones tied vnto litle netts (leſt they should ſwimme away:) vpon the ſtones, he ſprinckles a certaine kind of binding ſand (brought as it was reported, out of England or France) to fill vp the chinkes, and to fortifie the damme. The affaire ſeemed to ſucced better then it did before, when by a ſudden alteration of the heauens, ſo great force afwater once againe by the ouer-flowing of the Moone of March (in which the ſea then moſt of all doth ſwell) was ſtirred vpon high, and ſo great a deluge of rayne and vnthawed ſnow, flowed together on euery ſide, that the damme begun at Seuenbergue, and very many forts of Roſen dale, and ſome part of the ſuburbs of the cittie of Breda, were altogether ouer-turned. The wayes alſo to our campes, and ſome of our fortifications neere to the cittie, were ſo drowned, that The vvaters did ouerflovv the camps. they could, for three dayes be gone vnto not but by cockboates in which time one campe being shut from another they were in great neceſſititie of victualls, when they could No ſmale dammage don vnto our quarters. not go to one another with their wagons, nor was there meanes to haue ſo great a ſupply of boates: the riuer, the shore, and the fieldes being all alike.

Neuer could it otherwiſe haue bene more clearly knowen, by how great mercie of God, the armie was conſerued Greate fauour of god. the whole winter: for if the ſame extremitie of winter time, and aboundance of ſnow (which fell in this short time of the winters departure) had hapned in the former monthes (as at other times it was wont to do) out of dout, we should haue bene forced to forſake the ſiege, for no other cauſe then only for the sharpnes of the weather: for in thoſe few dayes, wherein it freeſed ſo ſeuerely, the ſinnewes of many were shrunke vp by the force of the cold, and ſome amongſt the watches, were found dead, Some had their handes and feete ſo ſtiff, that they were faine to haue them ſawed of. Many carriars alſo, and purweyors of corne (who the crueltie of the wayes thorough rayne ſnow, myre and windes had caſt back in their voyages made by night) were Delaying of the prouiſions. kild in the way by the froſt. The conuoyes alſo were ſo hindred, that for the ſpace of three weekes, in which the ſnow and the froſtes were diſſolued with cōtinuall raynes) ſcarce any victualls were brought beſides that which the wiues of the German ſoldiars brought, daylie almoſt ſetting their companies in array) runing abroad into the incorporated townes, brought into the campe vpon their shoulders. Of which women (who continually performed other duties towards their husbands by fetching wood a far off, getting of forraige from all parts, dreſſing their meate, washing their linnen, carrying their houshould-ſtuffe when the The almayne vvomen vveare of greate ſeruice drummes were beaten) ſuch reſpect ſeemed to be had of them in the campes, that they were not held for any hinderance, but with honor were reputed to be mens mules. The ſraiſe they deſerued

The waters being diminished, the enimies endeuours attempted againe, with great ſolicitude of minde, to finish the pretented damme. Spinola cauſed the ſluce of the riuer of Leure (which reached vnto the riuer of Merka) to be broken a ſunder, and commāded certaine riuers to be ſtopped, and diuerted, which poured them ſelues abroad into our campes. He cauſed a trenche likewiſe, which he had placed in the fennie groundes, from Merka to hage, to be raiſed higher by three foote, leſt the ſtanding poole (though ouer-flowing might be paſſed ouer with boates. to the end they might breake back the force and ſwiftnes of the riuer returning from Breda by certaine letts ſet againſt it to receiue it, from ether banke therof did make within, here and there vpon the ſides, hilles, lyingout like, horned woorks, next before that place, where they intended to build that damme before. Then they lay before that gaping or gulfe both which appeared in the medſt betwixt the horned woorks of the riuer (by which the force of the waters, now more ſtraitned, were caried) long beames after a triangle maner, faſtened in the riuer with a litle ſpace betwixt, which the riuer encloſed, but a litle broaken. Then they began behinde to make the damme, ſecure, as they ſuppoſed, of the ſucceſſe. By their perpetuall labors The enimie begon nevv muented vvoorkes. both by day and night, they had now brought the mater to that paſſe, that hauing brought trenches along on both ſides. of the riuer, beſides the litle ſtraites of the mouth, it ſeemed All vvhich vvas broken by the vvat • rs. almoſt nothing remayned to be ſtopped. But ſo great was the force of the immenſe waters, both augmented and inforced, that now it diſgorged like a moſt raging torrent (which before alwayes paſſed thorough the looſe riuer with ſuch lenitie) that ſcarcly could it be iudged by the eye, on whether ſide it flowed. Moreouer, the bottom it ſelfe, And the t • mp • ſt aft • rvvards. the ſandes boyling vp of their owne accord, thruſt forth the beames rammed in, ſo that the rāmed ſtoccadoes wholie ſlid away. And ſo great a tempeſt fell at that time, that whatſoeuer boates, ſtones, turffes, fagots, and trees, were laied in the water to ſtrengthen the damme, was all ouerborne, and the nauie in which the Duke of Brunſwick carried the french horſe, was greuouſly torne in pieces, euen in Their ships vveare torne in p • eces. that paſſage, not a few quite ouer whelmed, many driuen hither and thither, which hardely could hould their courſe. Theyvvere novv out of •• p in going forvv •• d vvith the dam. So the enimie, ſeeing his ſo manifould preparations, to proue ſo ill, at laſt iudged it beſt to giue quite ouer, a thing attempted ſo oft in vaine.

In thoſe daies, with notable craft, letters were ſent from Iuſtinus to Maurice, and likewiſe from Maurice and Manſfeld, to Iuſtinus, in which many thinges, very neceſſarie to be knowen, were diſcouered to Spinola. A certaine perſon, out of the care he had of the common good hauing gotten a countrie fellow, skilfull of the places and of the paſſages, and ready to vndertake any thinge, agrees with him that loaden with Tobacco, Butter and Cheeſe, like to a runne away (as though he had craftely coſoned our watch) should get to the walles of Breda, and should preſent his ſeruice to Letteres of Mauri • h and Iuſtin • . Iuſtinus, to carry letters to Maurice, if ſo he pleaſed. The man being of a fickle minde and greedy of gayne, (poſeſt at home of nothing but of pouertie, ſells his faith. Being thus inſtructed, as it was agreed, got to the walles of the cittie: the marchandiſe, brought to thoſe that were ſo hungrie, made the ſtranger to be very welcome. Iuſtinus greedy of newes, enquires many thinges, of the campe, of the paſſage • cogging • oore. he had found out, and of the common opinion. He, as one of a perfidious minde, like to Sinonius, and concealing his owne, a cogger and diſſembler of euery thinge, telling ſomethinges truly, and lying in others, ſomwhat neere to truth, gayned the opinion of an honeſtman: for thoſe thinges which like us, we eaſilie beleeue. Being asked, whether he hoped, by that way which he eſcaped, to finde outſome paſſage to carry back letters, anſwering at the firſt fearfully, at laſt he ſet their affections on fire with faire wordes, to vndertake the affaire, which one thinge he moſt earneſtly deſired, vnder the pretence of a refuſall. He therfore carieth letters from Iuſtinus to Maurice, with a promiſed reward, if he brought back anſwer from him into the cittie. The diſſembler Faithfull to the Marques promiſes all diligence: but when he cāme into our campes he deliuers Iuſtinus letters vnto Spinola. VVherof the contents were as follow,

That he reioyced much, to haue receiued letters thrice from Maurice, by which he vnderſtood, both that Mansfeld was ſafely arriued with German and English ſuccours, and ſo great warlike preparations to be made, for the releeuing of Breda. That he should be carefull, as he had promiſed that there should be corne enough till the end of Aprill or begining of May, vnles it should by chance be burnt by fire, which the enimies often shot into the cittie. That he would shortly finde out new inuentions for corne, by ſearching the granaries of the cittiſens. That the workes of the enimies, ar lately extended from the great trench, which lay before the water mille, to the campes of Balanconius, and placed againſt the litle tree of Guittenbergue. Thoſe campes began to be fortified with workes by Spinola. The gariſon of the ciitie was daylie very much diminished with the plague, bloody-flux and with the ſcuruie. That the ſick could not be refreshed and cured. For want of medicines and wholſome meates. That the reſt who were in health, The gariſen of Breda begon to deminishe. loſt not their courage, but looked earneſtly for an occaſion to performe the affaire both well and valiantly. That the rape-oyle, was alwayes firſt burnt, before it was applied to dreſſe meate with; but that there was but litle left.

Spinola hauing read them, and ſealing them ſendes them by the ſame meſſenger, promiſing the fellow a liberall reward, if he brought anſwer from Maurice, and from Manſfeld vnto him. Maurice ſuppoſing that he might ſecurely credit the meſſenger, by whome (with ſo great fidelity) he had receiued iuſtinus letters, giueth both anſwer, and a reward for the fellowes paines, and ſendes him to Mansfeld, to receiue alſo letters from him.

The fraudulent and, cheating meſſenger, bringes both to The Marques came be the enimie is letters. Spinola, and his reward being giuen him, getts him gone.

In thoſe letters Maurice purgeth him ſelfe of his ſtay, and impoſeth the cauſe of the prolonging of ſupplies, upon the contrary tempeſts of the yeare; beſeeching him that he would endeuour to prolong the victualls ſome weekes by ſparingnes, but vnto the end of Aprill: that he had neede of ſo much time, to gather and to ioyne his powers together, that otherwiſe ſo extraordinarie charges of the vnited Lords, shoulde be to no purpoſe, and their endeuours all in vaine. That theſe, indeed, were hard demandes, but that fortune muſt be now holpen by induſtrie, eſpecially ſeeing all the French horſe gathered by Mansfeld (two only companies deſired, which weare daylie expected) was now come to Bullen, and to that end, the ships of the States ar gone to tranſport them by a proſperous winde. That the French companies of footepart were brought by Captaine Candale, part were in the way, as the other companies were both of horſe and foote, gathered thorough Germaine for the States. Laſtly, the Frenche, Englishe, and German ſupplies, were to come but a litle after that time, which he would haue prolonged by him till after Aprill.

Mansfeld promiſed that he would shortly be Iuſtinus gueſt: that then he would merrely drink his and his valiant companions health; That he was come, prepared with a hundred companies of foote, and fortie of horſe, nor douted nothing of ſupplies.

Spinola confirmed once againe by theſe letters of the penurie The Marques vvas informed of the neceſſitie of of their prouiſion, and aduertiſed of the ſlow coming of their helpes, the eleuenth of the Calends of Aprill which was the feaſt of eaſter, thought good to try Iuſtinus minde, by demanding of him to rendre it up.

For this purpoſe he ſendes the Trumpeter of Count Salazarius with his letters priuily. That he had treated nothing with him touching Breda vntill this day, about the quantitie of corne which he had in the cittie; but now knowing certainly upon what day he should receiue victualls enough, and for that cauſe it was not meete, that he should any longer delay the deliuering up of the cittie; that he would make him offer of reaſonnable conditions, if he would treath with him of a compoſition. And truly if he should require a litle time to expect ayde (which notwithſtanding for the ſtrenght of their workes, and the greatnes of the armie lying round about; he might eaſilie vnderſtand, that he could in no wiſe ſuccour the cittie, that it should be granted vnto him, ſo that he would now preſently treate there of: elſe that hereafter there would be no cauſe, of affording him the like fauour.

Iuſtinus hauing called together the coūcell of war, reades Anſvver of the gouernor of Breda. the letters receiued from Spinola, and become proud with the promiſed coming of ſupplies, and with the encreaſe of victualls augmented by the death of ſo many men, thus made anſwer.

That he was amaſed, hauing read Spinolaes letters, and al his ſo ſtrange demandes: but ſo much the more, becauſe he thought that he and ſo many valiant companions of his, could be made afraidwith wordes; to whom he affirmed, that nothing could happen to be feared, except it were a baſe report. That in time it would appeare, that (by flattering him ſelfe) he was ill inſtructed of the ſtate of the cittie, which he hoped to rendre into his handes, of whom he had receiued the ſame, to be kept and defended.

Spinola (leaſt the minde of the wearied ſoldiar should wax faint, by the inſolent braging of the beſieged, which aſſumed to them ſo great courage) prudently ſuppreſt that anſwer in dead ſilence. VVhich was enough to perſuade the shortnes of the remainder of the labor vnto the ſoldiar, it was commonly gathered by ſuſpicions, that a Trumpeter was ſent to luſtine out of the campe, touching the rendring of the cittie, as many did coniecture willingly, albeit many fayned reports, and added ſome feares of their owne, to that which they had heard from others, when they vnderſtood thoſe hopes of Spinola to be deceiued, or deferred any longer. The compoſition therfore was left for that time, and the coming of forreine helpes, was expected.

In the meane ſpace, when all the enimies companies, hauing called out garriſons on euery ſide, (and hiered citiſens for wages, ſet in order in their place) were come to Guittenbergue: and Sprang, and in the ſame place other ſoldiars looked for, who wintred at Roſendale, Spinola ſuſpecting the delay of that time ſuppoſing that they did counterfetta coming, and that indeed he was but deluded, doth fortifie Bolduke, Reinbergue, VVeſell with gariſons which he had brought (which places he thought might partly be aſſaulted, to with-draw him from Breda.) He places in Bolduke fiue hundred which Baron Grobendonc Gouernor Reforce the tovvne of Balaukt. of that cittie had added for a ſupply to the companie lately admitted, beſides the ould gariſons. He calleth ſeauen companies of ſoote, from the Palatinat, which might helpe the towne of Reinbergue, nere adioyning, but it was afterwards knowen by the letters of Maurice, which Iuſtinus Naſſau had receiued, that all their companies ſent to relieue and deliuer Breda were not far of from our campes.

Theſe places therfore being prouided for as afor-ſaid, Graue Mauric cauſed to fire our munition houſe. Maurice hauing ſent his ſpies ſets on fire the church of Genick, (wherein were laid ſix thouſand ſackes of ground corne) with the meaſurer of oates dwelling nere, the fire by the greatnes of the winde, tooke hould faſter then it could be quenched. Two thouſand ſackes, (preſerued by other ſacks laid vpon them) were found the day following without any detriment. Spinola nothing greeued for that mischance; aboue that which was meete and conuenient The conſtance of the Marques. (ſending purueyors about to buy corne) ſpeedily repayred the loſſe.

There were preſented to Spinola by Vincentius Laſanius The care and aſiſtance of the prouidor Laſanius. chiefe keeper of the Kinges corne (behoulding the fire) three thouſand ſackes of wheate, which he kept shut vp in the campe againſt all miſchances. The Hollanders ſo inſolently wrote abroad of theſe loſſes, that what they reported to be conſumed by the fire of one church can ſcarcly be contayned with in the walles of ſix great churches. They faine the numbers which perished in that fire, to be two and twentie thouſand ſackes of wheate, and twentie thouſand ſacks of meale, ſix thouſand of barly, four thouſand of peaſe and beanes, four hundred shoulders of bacon, and two hundred veſſels of oyle, two hundred barrels of butter, three hundred bundells of ſtockfish, two hundred barrell of heringes, two hundred barrells of ſalted biefe, two hundred ſacks of ſalt, three and twentie thouſand cheeſe, a great quantitie of flower, ſyrope, and honny. VVith theſe fables, related at the heigheſt, the hollanders went about to maintaine their owne hope, and to ſpread abroad our pouertie.

Spinola admonished by letters of the danger of the ſtore The Marques gaue ſtraight order to looke vvel to the ponder. houſe, which the enimies went about to ſet afire, as lately they had done the Church dubling the watch, and cutting about another ditch, he cauſed it to be kept more cautiouſly hauing tranſported almoſt halfe the quantie of the poudre, into another new ſtore-houſe, leſt if any danger hapned, all should be burnt at once, and the armie ſtand in want. Tributs impoſed by the Hollanders.

To proſecute that which reſted of the war when the vnited, States vnderſtood, that the treaſure houſe was eſpecially to be prouided for, wherof they ſought to finde ſome pretext, iudging this to be enough to exact monie; beſides the tribute that long agoe was ſet vpon the head of euery one, they exacted of all the citties and villages, the hundred part of all the prices and marchandiſe.

Furthermore the confederates and their companions, asked to be numbred by repreſentation, ſix hundred thouſand crownes, and ſix hundred for letters of exchance, by the treaſures which kept the counting houhouſes, Aſiſtance of he confederats. to be ſent to be counted to the States. That quantitie of mony being gathered, there was enough for the enimie againſt that time we on the contrary, began to fall short of mony in our treaſure houſe; for when for the ſetting vpon Genua the very ſame time, in which the Kinge of Spaines armies were drawen forth, were before Breda, nor could be with-drawen from thence without diſgrace, the french armie paſſed the montaines like as conquerors, the fidelitie of many negotiators, began to be incertaine among forreiners (whom the terror of beſeeching Genua did afright) and ſo that which the enemies long a goe had plotted, which were at that time oppreſſed with great penurie of mony. Diuers meanes therfore were propoſed for collecting monie;

They commanded the mony of the yeare enſuing, to be Inuentions to collect money. borrowed of all the Kinges commons. The common impoſitions vpon the citties, to be lent afore hand. To bargaine with the Captaines of the ſoldiars, that euery one for euery ſecond month should pay their companies, their wages as from the Kinge. If that should be a heauie burthen, atleaſt the Captaines them ſelues, and their Coronells (which did excell in their owne riches) contented for two monthes without pay, should ſusfer them to goe forth with their troupes; which laſt thinge many of the Captaines ſeemed to promiſe, but was thought fit to be omitted for the preſent, leaſt the noueltie should denote pouertee. At laſt it pleaſed to lay in gage the Kinges reuenues, vpon condition of a rent, and by this meanes the ſoldiar was aſiſted.

About thoſe dayes, the King of Spaine to compoſe the new combuſtions of Italie, created Gonſalus Cordua Generall Den Gonzalo de Cordu • vvas ſent for Maſter de campe generall of Itallie. of his armie. Gonſalus had now bene from the firſt beginning of the expedition, in the campe of Breda, and with him, and with Count Salazarius, Spinola conſulted all his councells, to others reſerued, to theſe two vncouered. He although moſt expert in warlike affaires, and famous for the victorie againſt Mansfeld, lately defeated and put to flight, yet he here shewed him ſelfe to be of ſuch behauiour, ſuch as vellerius neuer painted for their modeſtie, in act, like to thoſe that did nothinge, attributing nothing, to him ſelfe, and by the ſame attayning all thinges; euer eſteeming him ſelfe inferior to others, quiete in countenance and in life, and minde alwayes watchfull.

Newes being brought at this time of the death of the Kinge of England did not a litle hinder the Hollanders and The death of the King of England Mansfelds enterpriſes. The English, runing from their colours, daylie in great nombers fled vnto vs. Mansfeld catching Henry of Naſſavv ioyned all his forces. any of ours by his ſoldiars, ſent them back without exacting any ranſome: affirming that he had no enimitie with the Kinge of Spaine. VVhich thing Henrie of Naſſau noting, calling his companies from Roſen dale, and gathering together his gariſons from all the confines (as intending briefly to make an end of that buſines) leſt by doing nothing, they should dreame of a defection, ordayned the And the Marques commanded his force to approach neerer to the occaſion, bizonnos or young ſoldiars to be euery day trayned vp in certaine warlike exercices. Spinola, that he might haue in due time, helpes and companies in a readines, commits to the charge of hoogſtraet, Henrie of Bergues with his horſe, and with ſome of the Emperours people, athouſand hors of the duke of ſaxonie and 3000. foote of the Regiment of Collato. He knowes very well both the Caſtle and the incorporated. Towne, and cauſeth it to be fortified. From thence he buildes ſix greater fortes, hard by the riuer of Hoogſtſtrate, with certaine ſpaces betwixt, them euen to the campes of Breda. In theſe interualles or ſpaces (which met almoſt together) he placed perpetuall companies of ſoldiars, to the end that in a short time, the whole armie might meet the enimie at Breda or at Hoogſtrate, as neceſſitie should require. He places the Count of Anholt with the German helpes, Carolus Coloma, and the Prince of Barbancone with the prouinciall companies, and with ſome other extraordinarie, of 3000. foote, and 1500. horſe in the neighbouring villages of Antwerp, Maclin and Lyre. By reaſon of the greatnes of that armie, and number of the horſe, ſo great neceſſitie began to grow of fodder, that the horſes were faine to eate horſ-dunge, or the dry leaues of the trees or of litle shrubbes. Oathes enough could not be brought, where with ſo many charrets, and beaſtes of burthen, beſides the ſadled horſes of the ſoldiars, might be ſuſtained.

The ſodaine arriuall of the ſoldiars accuſtomed to more freer libertie, and vnaccuſtomed to our diſcipline, not content Diſorder of ſtrangers. with that former freedome of militarie theft, of a peece of mony euery day butrobed the houſes, ſpoiled the villages, and begā to dishoner our armie as if they were enemies; afterwards more inſolent to call for their pay that was behind, as if otherwiſe they would refuſe to ſerue us. Our cō panies, then which none had euer behaued thē ſelues more innocently vntill that day, inſtructed rather to hate the enimies, then to hurt their owne frendes, began alſo to play (as the witts of ſoldiars ar allwayes prompt to vice) the ſame pranckes which ſtrangers, did in miſchieuous facts, and to accommodate them ſelues to their libertie. Spinola admonishing the Captaines, ſuppoſing it meeter in ſuch a time, rather to pacifie, thē to exaggerate the force of thoſe fellowes, ordained ſome few of their heades to be cut off, but aduiſing ſecretly the Captaines that they should aske pardon of him, forgaue them the punishment, iudging that that was not a time to take notice therof. VVhilſt ours remayne diſperſed in theſe places, Maurice cloſed up the laſt day of his Graue morich ended his daies. life at Hage, happie in this reſpect, that he lamented not a liue, the rendring up of his Breda. Theſe ar reported to be the laſt wordes he ſpake in this life after which he vttered not ſo much as one wourd. Is Breda rendred, or freed? that euery one might plainly vnderſtand, that he was kild with the griefe oflooſing that cittie, the glorie of the recouering wherof in times paſt, had got him honor and renowme, and for the defence wherof, at his owne and the States incredible coſt, he had ſtird up allmoſt all Europe.

Henrie Frederick of Naſſau, brother to Maurice, a Prince very exquiſite in warlike arte, and in all vrbanitie, was choſen by the conſent of the States to adminiſter war in the Hinrie Federtque of Naſavv his brooter vvas elected in his place. place of him that was deceaſed. In that interuall of time, on which holli dayes were made for Maurice, and in which a new Commander was appointed for the armie, many of our Prouinciall companies, wearie of the war, departed home from their ſtanding places; alſo not a few of the ancient horſmen, diſguſted with the hardnes of the war, for the te diouſnes of expecting their wages, forſooke their colours. So the French daylie in greater number, came vnto us in great troupes from Mansfelds armie, complayning Sedicion in the quarters of Mansfelt. that they were coſoned by him with hope of aſſaulting the Palatinat, nor in ſeauen monthes ſpace, had receiued ſo much as one penny. Some of theſe mens voices were there plainly heard to ſay, that they would not goe againſt Marquis Spinolaes armie if in caſe they should be led. A young Frenchman, by trade a Pothegarie, apprehended in Mansfelds campe, being to haue ſolicited ſome of his fellow citiſens to runne away, tyed vnto ſwift horſes, and torne in peeces, gaue up the ghoſt.

Our ſoldiars at Breda, ſpeaking with the beſieged out of the watch, made a coueant, that no peece should be shot in the meane while, (ſo that of two armies, one ſeemed now to be made) afterwards flooted one another. That ours gaue The centryes of Breda ſpoke vvith oures. vnto them a litle Tobacco or cheeſe. They vnto ours, morcells of their owne bread.

After a few dayes, the new Commander of the war, Henrie of Naſſau Prince of Orange being returned to the campe, The beſieged tooke a greate comfort at the election of their nevv generall. the beſieged reioycing at the nere approaching of the ſuccours, shot balles more liberally in to our armie. One in Spinolaes tent, (he being then abſent) getting in thorough The Marques eſcaped tvvo dangers. the roofe of the houſe, tooke away the Canopie of the bed, and broke in peeces two tables in the chamber, that as in times paſt, the horſ-litter of Auguſtus (being admonished by his frend to goe out of the tent) was by the meeting of the enimie, thruſt thorough and torne in peeces, as though he had bene laid therin. Scarce four dayes after, when Spinola to diſcouer places, ſitting upon a white horſe, rode nere vnto the cittie, the balle of a great Canon, broke the bridle vnder his horſes mouth, leauing the raynes in his hand: that it is to be beleeued, that ether the chiefe Commanders of war, ar in a morce ſecure protection of almightie God, or by how the leſſe any one ſpareth him ſelfe in battaile, ſeemeth to be ſo much more the ſafer.

Spinola hauing ouer-paſſed theſe dangers, calling The Marques fortified vvith the next adioyning troupe. together the troupes of the adioyning companies, places them, with in and without, in diuers parts of the trenche. He places Count Anholt, in the outmoſt parts of the campe of Ballancon againſt the plaine of Ooſterhout, by which it was thought Mansfeld would breack thorough. He oppoſed Beauuoix againſt the late companies of Maurice, towards the villadge of Mede. He made Iohn of Naſſau commander of the plaine of Champen

The Baron of Ainſe, he placed vnder the title of a Coronel, made chiefe comander of the parttcular companies of the Germans, behinde the campes of Genike to defend the ſtanding place of the horſmen; he diſtributed the reſte in other places. Te commanded the troupes of horſmen, to come to defend the quarters, hauing daylie doubled their numbers, and to repaire to their ſtanding places, for the defence of the campe, and he was often afterwards at the night watch, eſpecially on that ſide, on whiych he douted The valour vvhere vvith he proceded. the enimie would break thorough, whiter he betooke him ſelfe euery night. vntill the enimie retvred back.

Neuer at anie time did the virtu of this Noble man more shew it ſelfe. The in nightly watches, or his ſleepe interrupted betwixt whiles, neuer made him the leſſe affable. Being awakened, he looked with ſuch liuelie eyes, he liſtned with ſo attentiue a minde, that he ſeemed not to haue ſſept at all: and he as ſoone recouered his ſleepe, as he was awaked, ſo ſecurely ſlept he, all his carees being ſo well huſbanded. In his apparell, he was negligent of all curiouſe trimming, and careleſſe of adorning him ſelfe, euen in the dignitie of a generall. Touching the crueltie of the ſeaſon, and the weather; and whether it rayned, or ſnowed, or freeſed, or blew, or wheter it were euening or midnight, he cared not. He often times ſuſtained hungar, two dayes together. His bed, was often in his coache, or in the poore cottage of ſome ſoldiar. He made no account of his meate, of his reſt, nor of his owne body. The burthen of his waighty affaires, was perpetuall, and his labor aboue al beliefe. His minde was a conqueror of al difficulties, as his countenance almoſt the ſame, in aduerſitie and proſperitie, in whoſe peaceable mirth, the hope of the ſoldiar might reſt, ſecure his councells he nether approued in his owne opinion, nor communicated them, but where it was neceſſarie. Not deiected upon a ſodaine, but by ſuch as were made ſtrong, by long delay. He was of ſingular ſilence. His beleuing of new aduices, together with his diſtruſting of them, and as well his ſlow creduIitie, as his ready contempt of heauie rumors. To prouide for, to conſult, write, heare, command, to goe about the campes, was like vnto a daylie paſtime. Neuer did he pretend any excuſe for his wearines; neuer forbid acceſſe vnto him. He was familiar with the ſoldiar, with clownes, with the ſcoutes or ſpies, ſtill conſerning the honor, of a generall; nor this but when need required. He beſtowed more honor, and gifts upon thoſe that were diſpleaſed or auerted, who might corrupt the ſtate of the war by their power, then he did upon his frendes; hauing no feare of others malice.

Three were taken in the village of Hage, who endeuored 〈◊〉 ſpi • s vvere taken. to carrie into the cittie, a huge bundell of letters, alſo a good quantitie of Tobacco, and flagons of oyle (wherewith to cure the ſcuruie:) they, hid the letters of Hērie Prince of Aurange, written to Iuſtine, in the woods, whilſt they were taken One being put to the queſtion, who at other times had often paſſed thorough our campes vnto the cittie, The letter of Hinry de Naſ • vv to • uſtino. thorough the careleſnes of our watch: he thorough the paine of the torment, tould of the place and of the letters. Henrie wrote thus vnto Iuſtine.

Maurice his brother, to be dead. That in his place, he was created generall of the armie by the States; That that accident, should nothing the more hinder the ſupplies: that he would come with his armie (which could not be made readie, nor march forward ſooner) after three dayes, in the village of Dungens, two leages from the cittie, whence from the top of the Tower, they might ſee them: that he would doe and attempt all thinges for the raiſing of the ſiege. That he only should itch out the victualls, by meaſuring and diminishing of them, and confirme their patience, ſetting before their eyes, the deſire and good will of ſo great and ſo choice an armie, and the exceſſiue expences of the States. That he should alſo write vnto him, on what ſide, or by what meanes, he thought Spinolaes campes might more eaſily be broken thorough: for which purpoſe, he should conioyne all his ſtudies and his forces, to his coming to him with his ſupplies.

The beſieged, who receiued letters brought priuilie to them, of the ſame tenor, with theſe newes, conceiued ioy, mingled with ſorrow. The newes of the ſupplies, cauſed ioy; the dead of Maurice, that moſt prudent and vigilant Prince cauſed ſorrow. They looked far and nere abroad in the fieldes, from the top of the Tower: the ſuccours being perceiued, In vaine they reioyſed. they rune together: ioye was made amongſt them, and the mindes of all were raiſed up to hope. VVith a horne, they beginne to blow-forth our flight from the Tower; they called vnto vs from the walles, that we would gather vp our trinkets: forgetting them ſelues, and that their Breda was a prey for vs: we, not they, being the hunters of this wilde beaſt.

After that the enimies armie was planted in the village of Dungenſe, Henrie of Naſſau, going about to draw his armie Hinrie of Naſavve in vaine tent • d the to vvre of • ſt • rhaut. nerer to ours, came to aſſault the Tower of Ooſterhaut (which one and twentie Burgondions, kept for the vſe of diſcoueric) ſending before no ſmale troupe of foote and horſe, caſting abroad ſome balles of wild fire. The burgundiones, refuſing to yeld them ſelues vnto the enimie, Not vvith standing the burgondianes being f • ovv in number they had the viciorte of the enemy. choſe firſt to trie all fortune, then to make a baſe rendrie, vpon no conditions formerly made. The enimies breaking the gates with apattarr, caſting fire into the Tower and into the Church, (when they could do nothing more) effecting nothing, did depart. Fiue of the Borgondians were ſlaine, and ſeauen were conſumed with fire. Of ſo great a number of the enimie, many were wounded, and many ſlaine, whom ours kild with the throwing of ſtones, when they (for feare of burning) wiſely threw their poudre downe from the top of the Tower: and ſo with a ſmale companie, a great armie was withſtood. The burgondiones, with their burnt faces, anoynted with ceruſa and with oyntment shewing their faire woundes, were honored by Spinola, with the repreſentation of a penſion, to They receiued apremi • for ther valor and vertue. eche one and colours giuen to the Sardgent who was chiefe ouer them.

The beſieged, when now they could nether receiue letters, nor any meſſengers could ſafely goe out of the cittie, A svvallovv vvas taken be oures. ſent out a ſwollow, which might carrie on highe a litle ſcroale tied to hir winges. Iſenburges ſoldiars, eſpying the birde by the piece of paper, bounde by alitle thride and nowe falling downe, they catch it and cary it to the Count Isēburgue,

Num. 13.

A. Agger Gertrudibergenſis. B. Agger Seuenberganus. C. Statio Caroli Roma. D. Castra Pauli Baglioni. E. Castra nupera Mauritij in pago Medensi. F. Agmen hostile. G. Stagna palustria. H. Flumen Merka. I. Sepes ligneae quatuor in ipso flumine.

Num. 13.

A. Agger Gertrudibergenſis. B. Agger Seuenberganus. C. Statio Caroli Roma. D. Castra Pauli Baglioni. E. Castra nupera Maurity in pago Medensi. F. Agmen hostile. G. Stagna palus tria. H. Flumen Merka. I. Sepes ligneae quatuor in ipso flumine.

who after ſent it to the Marquis Spinola. Theſe notes were written in the ſcroale—1—69—2—27. Now was there greate expectation ſtirred up in all the world, of ſome new euent of Breda; hereunto ar the eyes and eares bent, of al Kinges and Princes. The very Emperour him ſelfe of the Turkes, by reaſon of the vncertaine euent of this ſiege, ſeemed to turne his ſword into this or that part, or to make peace. So that now it ſeemed not ſo much to treate of Breda, but of glorie, of exiſtimation, by reaſon of ſo many ſuccours ſent from euery ſide.

Number XIII.

In the Ides of May, after midnight, Henrie of Naſſau, to trie his fortune, although with ſome detriment receiued, Hinry of Naſſavve attempted oure quarteres, yet the chiefe of his armie being ſafe, cauſed the vtmoſt campe of the village of Heyden (a place dificult to be paſte throw be reaſon of the ſituation and woorkes and far vn fit) to be aſſaulted: be reaſon there was no way but to narowe dikes cominge from the bordering townes of Seuenbergue and Guittenbergue. He cutting their riuer ſliding betwixt, and a litle trenche from without, being cut betwixt two dry ditches, was fortified with atrenche and with a fort the new generall of an ordinarie forme. But deſirous of obtayning fame, and inflamed with the emulation of his brothers fortunatnes, had conceiued all hard thinges, to be eaſie. By this dike therfore, of Gittenbergue he ſendes before the moſt expert English shott, and two hundred pikemen The aſſaulting of the Inglesh. of the rer-ward, all armed, with armes of proufes Coronell vere Englishman being their leader, whom other English did a companie, the French, and Germans following after, that ſo they might preſerue the English; al amounted almoſt to the number of ſix thouſand. There artillerie and The order vvher vvith they marched. bagadge came in the rergarde: the horſ-men ſtood on the ſide. Henrie Naſſau him ſelfe, ſtanding in the mideſt of his armie, expected what would be the euent.

Spinola diſcouering that deſigne, ſent ſpeedilie to admonish Paulus Ballionus and Carolus Roma, whoſe troupes Of vvhich the Marques vvas aduertiſed. lay in thoſe quarters, that they should be by and by in armes. They ſodainly place the watches and the guardes in their ſtanding places, diſpoſe the ſoldiars, aduertiſe all the Captaines and Lieutenants, and prepare all other thinges needfull to be vſed. Before the breake of the day, the companies of the enimie came, and ſwiftly beat downe the ſoldiar that ſtood ſentinell before the campe, before he could aduertiſe his fellowes that were behinde him: that error had bene remedied, if but one horſman had watched in the Dike, and perchance by ſo litle a ſolicitude, that whole armie of the enimie, might haue bene cut in peeces: at leaſt it cannot be douted, but that the, ſlaughter had bene greater then it was. The English with excellent courage of minde and audacitie ſetting vpon the firſt litle redout, by caſting balles of wilde fire, driue away the Standerd-bearer, with a few Italians which were therin, and ſleying ſome, got on the walles. Then placing shot behinde the redout, and being got downe into the ditches, of the ſame for the defence of thoſe that went before planting more force in the haulf moone did ſucceed with the like audacitee and felicitie, Ariued to the forte. and endeuor to inter in with their colours at the flāck of the forte, and with hādes and feete to ſcale the walles. The ladders and the graples were left by the fearfull carters in the rergard of the marche, who when they durſt not aduance the wagons, they fled away for feare of the canons thus the ſucceſſe of great attemprs, litle thinges do often interrupt. euen then we alſo found the defect of our litle, reduts and of our ditches, wherto if ſtoccadoes, with a iuſt diſtance, had bene prefixed (as it was appointed, but was ommitted, ether by obliuion, or by the difficultie of bringing materiales) nether had the enimie ſo eaſily entred, nor could haue caſt thoſe balles of wild-fire, nor could haue lyen lurking in the ditches againſt the canons.

The Italians therfore, who defended the trench of the dike of Seuenberg, (retyred) admitting the enimie to approach The Inglish ſought moſte Vali •• ly. nerer, left that litle fort emptie vnto them, when, being open on that ſide, they in no wiſe could defend it.

The English fought with this reſolution, that it ſeemed to them they should get no other time then this for their enterpriſe; nor was any courage wanting in them. Carolus Roma, ſardgent mayor of the Regiment of Marquis of Campolatare ſent Captaine Camillus Phoenices, whilſt his were in nede of helpe with a companie for the defence of the litle redout: but he, could nether by his coming cauſe thoſe that fled to ſtand, nor could him ſelfe withſtand the enimies violence. ſo that the ſupplied ſuccour, augmented the perill. But when Carolus Roma ſaw him to retyre, with others beate Valor of carlos Roma. back from the redout, pulling away the shield from the arme of one that returned (becauſe him ſelfe came without one) firſt vnsheathing his ſword, and with his shield renewing againe the declining fight, ſetting upon the English ſtrongly reſiſting with a Ceſarlike courage, more generouſly ſent them back from whence they came, and ſtaid their violence. Then they threw thēſelues downe by heapes, who The enemy vver defeated. from the fort, thoſe who had caſt ours from thēce, ſome began to come to themſelues againe: many fell wounded, and ſlaine out-right: not a few ſought to eſcape and ſaue them ſelues thorongh the marshes: he who endeuored to carry the colours into the fort, pierced with a pike, ended his life: three, who had inuaded ther ſtrenght next adioyning the fort were ſlaine before the dore of the fort: all the reſt, who fought hand to hand, hauing their heades and necks almoſt cut off, died of ſo faire woundes, which faire death they deſerued for fighting valiantly, worthy to haue ouercome, vnles ours had fought more brauely, as alſo for a better cauſe. They which ſtood further off, were maymed with the cō tinuall ſtrokes of the greater canons, for the moſt part rent and ſlaine in miſerable wiſe, in their handes, feete, and heades; when ſcarce any ball was shot in vaine at them, ſo There great deſtruction. heaped together, which ſlew not feowe by reaſon of the diuers turnings of the ditch. The hindmoſt English and French, could hardly follow the formoſt for the narrownes of the ditch but a returning being made, they might; ſo had they throngd them ſelues together. VVhich being noted, ours enforcing them, they by litle and litle did retire back: ſo much the preſence of Henrie of Naſſau was of force, that The retiringe of the enemy. they should not be troubled with terror or danger. The retrait therfore, was nothing more trouble ſome, then the coming on, ſo well did all of them keepe their orders. Aboue all others in that battaile, the moſt excellēt courage of Cornell Vere, ſtanding foremoſt in the company, was admired. The constance and valour of Coron • l Very. He ſtood ſtill with the ſelfe ſame vndanted conſtancie of minde, emongſt the balles that were thick diſcharged, placing new for thoſe that retired, whole for the hurt, freshe for the wearied, vntill the fight, with a ſlow encountre on ether ſide, was ended: although it appeared, that eache one was ſo well exerciſed in war, that what was meete to be done, they could no leſſe fitly preſcribe to them ſelues then be taught by another.

That fight (being againſt the winde, carried all the noice of the Canons another way) was nether heard by the cittie, nor by any of our other campes. Two meſſengers that were ſent to Spinola, being ether ignorant or troubled, paſſing by that next Station, wherin he lodged, did not appeare til al moſt all the fight was finished and ſo the firſt skirmishe The Marques as yet knevv no thing of his fight. was all paſt, before it was related to Spinola; firſt behoulding in the morning, the ſight of the miſerable ſlaughter: the ditch was all ſtrawed with dead bodies, nor was there

Num. 14. Agger Oosterhautanoe planiciei impositus. Agger Castello Beauuoxiano adiunctus aduorsus planiciem Oosterhautanam.

to be ſeeme, but blood mingled with the duſt, and the ground embrued with blood: their guttes were torne out with the canons, their heades cut off, their handes and feete ſcattered, and the bodies of the ſlaine all rent in peeces, a horrible ſpectacle was ſeene on euery ſide: part caſt them ſelues into the fennes, part halfe aliue did greuouſly groane which being brought by ours into the campe, after died. There perished aboue two hundred, vnderſtood by the letters of Prince Henrie to Iuſtinus, when their fugitiues made mention of full fiue hundred: amongſt which were eight or ten Commanders or leaders of cōpanies, and others noble by birth. Of ours there were ſlaine, no more then twelue, or fifteene. Amongſt theſe, Camillus Phoenix. Captaine of Fevv of 〈◊〉 vvere ſlained the foote was ſlaine, defending of the gate of the fort. Ioannes Baptiſta Vrſinus, Captaine of the foote, whilſt he fought valiantly, was maymed in his right hand. So that thoſe two formerly had ill kept Breda for the Kinge, as much more ardently burned in minde, that ſo they might wipe away their vice, by true vertu.

Number XIV.

Spinola viewing thoſe places which the enimie had got fortified them with ſtoccadoes, and shut up all entrie to the More fortifications vvere made. ditch on both ſides of the water with this four-ſquare fortification, and with other workes of that kinde where he commanded alſo more artillerie to be placed. Furthermore the ould trench, which lay ouer againſt the shrub of Ooſterhout, almoſt of the lenght of two thouſand paces, he commanded to be ſtrenghtned with a thicker wall, againſt the shot of the canons, adding ſome new bulworkes made without ſide, and changing the ould ones. And as that ſpace was great (which was contayned in the diſtance betwixt Hage and Heyden) he filled with much foote and horſe, building great houſes of ſtraw and clay for ſtanding places,

The newes of this victorie (leaſt the beſeeged should not know it) our ſoldiars published from each adioyning trenche, crying out in ſoldiarlike mirth, that ſuccours were ſent vnto the cittie. The beſieged ſmitten at the hart with this report, when they nether ſaw ſuccours come, and the freshe The beſieged did indure great hunger and miſerie. remembrance of Maurices loſſe occurred, and the ſoldiar now eate horſ-flesh, and other victualls grew daylie dearer, ſo that a poūd of butter was ſould for twelue shillinges, a Calfe of ſeauenteene dayes ould, for eight and fortie shillinges, a litle hogge, for eleuen pound ten shillinges, a pound of Tobaco, for ten pound: that the granaries and the cheſts of all, were once againe narrowly ſearched, and ſome who were found to had hid ſome corne, was taken from them into cuſtodie: it was forbidden to the bakers, upon a penaltie, to ſell no bread but only to the Officers of the war: the officers, to giue no more euery day, but halfe a pound of bread to the ſoldiar: that all were forbiddē to haue any bread twice baked (becauſe it ſo might be kept whole, and hid, the longer) for theſe thinges ſo me be gon to breake up the bakers houſes wherefore an uproare being begunn betwixt They begon a • alteration and great rumor. the French and the English had not been for the great care of there Coronelles but by and by, three of the authors being put in to priſon, and the former liberty granted of buying bread, the ſeditiō was appeaſed before it was diuulged. The Gouernor, and the commanderes, by admonishment retayned others in their dutie, concerning all the vices of their gariſons, no otherwiſe then the woundes of their owne bodies yet after a litle while, when neceſſitie cō peld them once againe, to viſit all the barnes and granaries, 〈…〉 but very litle ſtore of bread. the citie being diuided into two and thirtie barnes (leaſt any litle cottage should be pretermitted) no more then fiue and twentie meaſures of meale were found.

Num. 15. OBSIDIO BREDAE PERFECTA.

A. Statio Marchionis Spinola. B. Statio Magistri Equitum. C. Statio Baronis Barhanconij. D. Statio Comitis Isenburgici. E. Statio Pauli Bullionij. F. Statio Baronis Beauuoixij. G. Statio Caroli Roma. H. Statio Comitis Anholtini. I. Aggeres tormentarij interni. K. Interior circulus. L. Niger Agger, vt vocabant. M. Agger nouus duplici ſepe. N. Stagna arte facta. O. Fossa a Marchione iacta longitudine 2200. pedum ad deriuandas aquas.

Number XV.

Henrie of Naſſau, ſeeing the ſlaughter of the English, The Prince of orange vvas much troubled. ſmitten, and doutfull what he should doe whilſt he keepeth thoſe in his campe he had receiued, and had loſt many by flight, takes councell with his, whether he should againe make an irruption amongſt vs, or whether by another, or by the ſame paſſage, or rather whether he should refraine. Spinola with all his companies nere at hand, expecting the But the Mar queſe vvas very vigil • nt. enimie borth by day and night, did that eſpecially, that he might vnderſtand by ſome ſigne, what at laſt Naſſauius reſolued. Our meſſenger being moſt nimble, ſeeming fit for this purpoſe, to the end he should be knowen to Naſſauius, as he was to Maurice; therfore by practiſe he came into knowledg. when he was kept. ſecretly in our campe, his Another fraud of aclvvne is vvife. wife going into the campe to Henrie of Naſſau, complayning much of a ſicknes which her husband had got, by carying Maurices letters to Breda, thorough the winter waters, demandes the reſt of that which was promiſed, but was yet vnpaid He ioyfull of the getting of a faithfull meſſenger, promiſeth to pay more liberally, if now her huſband would carry one letter for him into the cittie, as he had done many of his brothers. The womā alleadgeth hir huſlands ſicknes, and the danger. At laſt the woman conſents not vnwillingly, and yet as it were againſt her will, promiſes to do her beſt to perſwade him. The wife departs; the huſband He alſo decey ued hinry of Naſavve. returnes halfe lame, as though his feete had bin ſpoiled with the winter froſt. Henrie of Naſſau, agrees with the man, as he thought faithfull, and deliuers him his letters to carry into the cittie to Iuſtinus, The meſſenger ſaid, that he promiſed to performe a very difficult matter; and receiuing the letters with a reward, he ſo departs. Hauing receiued them, he preſently bringes them into the campe to Spinola, and rewarded with a perpetuall ſtipend, he departs.

Henrie in thoſe letters, aduiſed Iuſtinus, of the late ouerthrow he had receiued, whilſt he ſet vpon the fortificiones A copie of the contentes of the letter to Iustino of heyden. From that day, he ſaw vs alſo entrenched on euery ſide with a ſtronger trenche, which could not poſſibly be broken thorough. That he remembred, for how few dayes the beſieged now had victualls left them. wherfore, leſt by delaying of time he should at laſt be compelled, to receiue ſome diſgrace with his companions, he should prouide betimes, nor would he by his ouergreat pertinacitie, ouerthrow the fortunes of all. That hauing receiued theſe letters, he should giue a ſigne, by diſcharging at midnight three canons, and by the ſignification of fires made frō the Tower, an hower after, how many dayes prouiſion the beſieged yet had left thē. Aſſuring him in the meane ſpace, that if any occaſion of bringing helpe, offered it ſelfe, that it should be embraced of him, and of the whole armie.

There came firſt into the cittie, another copie of the ſame letter, before ether Spinola had receiued his, or had vnderſtood Iohn hanin a ſilder of ſtirub by day came to oure campe vvith letters it, by reaſon of the difficultie to explicat the notes wherwith it was written. A certaine horſman of the Count of Styres, very skilfull in all the wayes, in open day, eſcaped by our armie into the cittie, whom thoſe of Breda ſeing coming, receiued him ioyfully with the diſcharging of nine From the to vvre by ſignes of fire they ſignified for vvho many daye they had victualls canons. That nightly ſigne therfore of the ſound of the three premiſed canons was firſt made, before we could certainly know what it ſignified albeit we ſuſpected. They alighted fire eleuen times, shewing that they had victualls left, only for ſo many dayes.

At that time, his Excellencie VVilliam wolfangus, Duke of Bauiaria, Iuliers, Cleue, and Montz, returning from VVelfango Guillielmo Duke of bautar 〈…〉 and bergas came to our camp. Spaine, came into our Campes with deſire to ſee the ſame. Spinola went before to meete him coming far from the campe, and departing from his owne Tent, he receiued ſo Excellent a man, with as much shew of loue as he poſſibly could. He congratulated him, with a feſtiuall ſound of all the canons, and with the other applauſes of militarie ioy. After on other dayes, being led about all the workes, he much admired the greatnes and ſtrenght of the ſiege. He related, that the Kinge of France ſaid vnto him (by whom he paſſed as he returned) he could not beleeue, that Breda would be taken by Spinola by that ſiege: yet at that time many The Kinge of France is opinion touchinge this ſiedge. thinges promiſed vs a fortunat ſucceſſe of that ſiege, as, the continuall flight of the french from Mansfeld, the delay in releeuing the enimie, the ſcarcetie of victualls within the cittie, the conflicts of the beſeeged with ſickneſſes, ſo great a dearth of medicaments, that of the Tobacco that Tobaco vvas vvounderfull dere. was brought, although elſe where it coſt but four crownes a pound was ſould in the cittie for twentie pounds, which remedy they vſed againſt the ſcuruey: beſides that ſpace of dayes, aboue ſix hundred horſe were driuen from the enimies campes, being ill looked vnto, as they graſed.

This bootie, when Monſieur of Marquet, leftenant of the horſe, had hoped to requite, he prepares in number ſixty eight companies of horſe, to ſet vpon our conuoyes with all at vnawares. Sending therefore Captaine Randwick The enemy ſet vppon oure conuoy. before with ſix companies, the reſt lying hid in ambushe, ſet vpon the carriages) who without conuoyes contrary to Count Bergues commandment, tooke another way) draue away the horſes, ranſackt the charrets and the pacques, and poured oute the prouiſion. Henrie of Bergues, warie of perils, albeit he were ignorant of this voyage, had al ready commanded ſome companies of horſe, to watch all the paſſages of the wayes, leſt the enimies should breake thorough by ſome places at vnawares. which that it might be done the more aſſuredly, firſt he charged very ſtraitly that no Captaine, when the watch was, should be abſent from his companie. Moreouer, that he should place very far off from the campe, the ſtanding place of the centeries. Next, that ſome watchers, should goe a good ſpace from the ſtanding place before the companie. Laſtly, that ſome ſtanding horſman, should watch before the other watchmen, to take notice of the enimies coming: which hearing, he should giue a ſigne, and should retire vnto the watch. They, ſeeing a greater troupe, retyred back to the ſtanding place of the reſt of the companie. The companie prepared their armes, and had fought, had not the number bene vnequall; but at laſt returned to the campe. By this meanes, both the coming of the enimie was hindred, and the watches, though placed a far off, retyred them ſelues without danger, and it ſeemed the whole campe had time enough to arme it ſelfe,

By chance that day, the enemy met with the Count Hermanus Valor of count Herman ſon to count Hindrick. of Bergues, ſonne to Henrie of Bergues, a young man of a great ſpirit, and a patterne of his countries valor. He hearing (as he was nere at hand) a noiſe, and gathering together a ſmale companie he had, bouldly flies into the mideſt of the troupes of the deſpoilers, paſſing once, and againe, thorough the midſt of them, ſome he layes vpon the ground, and both troubles and terrifies the others. Theſe The enemy put to fl • ght. he puts to flight: thoſe admonish others of the coming of all our horſe, and ſo were their mindes preoccupated, with the feare and flight of the firſt, as that they thought nothing of reſiſting. They forſake their horſes, they throwe downe their burthens, and leauing the prey, they depart. The enimies gathering ſo many companies together, in ſo long a time of the ſiege, in ſo wicked and long iorneis, yet could neuer intercept ſo much as one conuoye. The enemy all the time of the ſage coul de not optaine victorie in breaking of any of our conuoy • s.

Henrie of Naſſau, not ſlow in his affaires, leſt he should pretermit (as he had promiſed) any induſtry to raiſe the ſige, ſent ſome boores and contry clownes, corrupted with mony and with promiſes, to ſet a fire, if they could; our campes, and ſtore houſe wherin our warlike furniture was kept. Spinola catching ſome in cendiaries prouideth that his compes receiue no detriment.

Henrie of Naſſau, attempting all thinges in vaine, and ſetting the tentes of fire in the village of Dungens, the ſixt of the calends of Iune, retyred by night into Langſtrate, the tempeſt of the night, the bluſteringe of the windes, and a terrible The Prince of Orange oute of hope. shower of rayne, did denote by many titles that obſcure enterpriſe. The ſoldiar could ſcarce ſtir his foote, the canons ſtuckfaſt in the myre, the ſquadrones were diſordered.

Spinola, vnderſtanding of this departure, thought good to Count Henry in the Marques name lought that they shoulde yeald • rcome to compoſition. admonish Iuſtine Naſſau, by the letters of Henrie of Bergues (becauſe he was both ioyned in blood to the houſe of Naſſau, and vnderſtood the contry maners and language of the contrie) what he was to hope for of the ſuccours of the cittie now retyred. Bergues therfore writes to Iuſtine, and promiſſes upon Spinolaes worde, that he would bring to paſſe, that they should be receiued to mercy upon honorable conditions, if they would treat of a compoſition: wherfore that at a certaine time and place he would vouchſafe Iustinus de Naſſau is 〈…〉 The letters of Naſſau b • ing pruden • y found out by the Marques vvere ſent by Count Hendrick to luſtino. to come out of the cittie, to talke with him.

Iuſtinus (leſt by being ouer-haſtie, he should ſomwhat touch his reputation) ſending back a trumpeter, makes him anſwer. How it ſtood touching the ſupply of ſuccour, that he was but three dayes paſt aduiſed by the letters of Henry of Naſſau. If he knew any thinge more, that he would not diſdaine to aduiſe him by letters; that he was troubled with By vvhich he promiſed to render. an ague, and could not goe forth. The next day after, Spinola gaue the letters them ſelues of Henry of Naſſau to be ſent And the Marques the honorable conditions preſented by Count Henrick to vvhome he gaue full auctoritis. to Iuſtinus, enfolded as they were in obſcure caracters, and another copie of them in knowen characters, to Henrie of Bergues to be carryed, aduiſing him not to delay the rendring any longer, Iuſtinus perceiuing, that all his owne deſignes, and his frendes, were diſcouered, gaue thankes to Henrie of Bergues for his good will towards him, and promiſes, that he would compound with Spinola, ſo it were with honorable conditions, wherof his ſo braue companions and citiſens, without dout ſeemed worthie (and which he had written vpon his word) had decreed to couenant.

Henrie of Bergues, hauing obtayned Spinolaes letters, wherin he promiſed to Iuſtinus, to the ſoldiars, and to the cittiſens of Breda, honorable conditions of rendring, if now they would cut off preciſely without further delay, nor require a longer day; he ſent them preſently to Iuſtinus, affirming (as it was written in thoſe letters) leaue to be giuen of treating of all thinges after his pleaſure: wherfore, that he should the next day come to meete The vvorkes ceaſed. them out of the cittie halfe way and declare what conditiones he required, to be put in writing his and oure gardes ſtandinge neer adioyninge.

To that very time, the compaſſe of our inward trenche, by the perpetuall diligence of our shipmen and our ſoldiars, was yet a working, nether did there remaine much to doe, but it had bene fully finished; when the workmen by chance eſpied the Count of Bergues, with a ſoldiarlie mirth they demand of him, to what purpoſe it was to make an end of that trenche, if now they treated of a compoſition? He had ſcarce bid them leaue off, when they throw away their shouells, leaping for ioy, more enclined to take their eaſe then to labor. Iuſtinus hauing receiued both theſe of And haueing read the letters of the Marques and of count Hendrick. Spinolaes and of Bergues, calling together the councell of warre, propoſeth the buſines. It is concluded to returne anſwer. That thoſe thinges which Spinola and Bergues promiſed. wher about the Magiſtrates being conſulted, ſending Tyme and place vvas ordayned for to treate of this matter. their letters, they beſeeche Henrie of Bergues, the next day after at ſeuen of the clock to come from the campe, and ſending trumpeter, to admonish them of the place where, they should meete him: and that there should come from the cittie, which should requeſt conditions in the names of all.

The day after, which was the laſt of May, Henrie of Bergues, accompanied with much nobilitie, at the houre appointed, goes forth of the campe, and ſending a trumpetter, aduertiſeth Iuſtinus of his coming. They with whom they were to treate, iſſuing out of the cittie, the Count of Bergues commandes the Nobilitie, to ſtand a far off, and goes forward alone only in the cōpanie of Routartius, the Kinges, and the Marquis Spinolaes Secretarie. Standing in the midſt, the Legates approached, and the Seargent may or Caſe Deyden, Captaine Zouche, Aertſenius Cōſull, and a few Magiſtrates: laſtly Coronell Hauteriuius came. Theſe letters of aſſurance being giuen, they preſented in writing the conditions of the accord. Of theſe it was diſputed too and Thoſe of the tovvne preſented certaine articles. fro, nor were there but two articles to be reiected, and a third douted of. The meeting being diſſolued, the conferēce was deferred till three a clock in the afternoone. By diner ours were ready betwixt the outward fortification, vnder a Tabernacle ſpread a broad for that purpoſe. (all looking in heapes from the walles. Here they began to treat of the begun compoſition, and that was denied which diſliked in The Marquis and Count Hendrick agreed uppon the articles excepting tvvo. the morning: to wit, of granting libertie of conſcience to the hereticall cittiſens, and of burying their bodies in hallowed places. Next it was diſputed, about four greater canons, and two murthering peeces, to be brought out with the ſauegard. VVhich ſeemed litle to the beſieged, but yet too much to Henrie of Bergues.

Routartius therfore is ſent to Spinola, to aske of him what The liberalitie of the Marques vvith the beſieged. he thought. Spinola anſwered, that he would not deny thē of ſuch a ſmale matter. The beſieged glad of the anſwer gaue him thankes. Thinges being brought to that paſſe, a preſent was brought forth. By and by Iuſtinus Naſſauius Gouernor of the citie, and other Captaines with the principall Nobilitie which was therin, came. Ours alſo, who were in great number not far off, being gathered together, ſaluted one another Complements. with glad congratulations.

In the Calends of Iune captaine deyden which was of The agreement vvas brought to be ſingned. the company of the prince was ſent to Spinola with a double copie of the agreement, to ſet his hande on bothe, and he would by and by bring back the other, ſubſigned by Iuſtinus, and to be ſent back, retayning the other. Then were there a hondereth and twentie wagōes asked and three ſcore shippes, to carry away the ſick and the whole, and their houshould ſtuffe. More wagons were granted then were demanded, and as many ships as werein the riuer of Breda. Next pledges were giuen on both ſides. By thoſe of Breda, The vvagones and ship pes demaunded vvere granted. the Sargent mayor de la Caze, and Ogle Captaine of the English foote. By Spinola, Franciſcus Loſanus, and Carolus Philippus le Count, Captaine of the German companies, were giuen for pledges. And theſe were the articles of the agreement ſet downe in writinge, by which Breda was rendred to the King.

I.

The Gouernor of Breda, the Coroneles Captaines Lieutenants, and other Officers belonging to the warr, the ſoldiars, The condiciones the Gouernor and officeres of Breda demaunded. whether they ſerued on horſe or foote, that they be permitted to depart out of the cittie. That power be giuen of departing to all ſuch as, are armed after the accuſtomed ma • er of war with ther colores diſplaied the drumes beating. after the acuſtomed ſounde. That the horſmen be ſuffered to depart, with their ſtandards diſplayd, there trumpetes ſoundinge after the accuſtomed manner, all armed, with their balles in their mouthes, their matches alighted on both endes with their beltes of poudre, with fierie touch and furnished with a number of bullets; the horſmen ſounding ther trumpets, their flagges diſplayed, armed, and carrying (as they ar wont to goe againſt the enimie.) That none of the penſionaries be detayned (of what nation ſoeuer.) for any cauſe (albeit they had in times paſt taken pay of the Kinge of Spaine, or of the Archduke, or of the Infanta Iſabella.) That all be permitted to goe by the shorteſt and moſt commodious iorney to Gittenbergue in Holland, without any interruption, offence or iniurie, ſafe in life, in body, weapons, horſes, veſſells and cariages (by that couenant of promiſe which was meet.) Moreouer, that leaue be giuen to bring forth their wiues, children, and familie, houſhould goods, veſſells, horſes, wagons, the weapons of the ſoldiars, dead, ſick, or runne away, with out any obligation, of lett, upon what pretext ſoeuer.

II.

That the preachers of the word, the Ouerſeers, the common people, and their ſcriueners, their Architects or Ingineres, the Iudge of the militarie Senat, the ingineres of the fireworkes, the Lieutenant of pioners, the canonnieres, the Chyrurgians of the bandes and troupes the workemen applyed about the engines, the marriners, the letter-carriers, the ouerſeers of the workes, the Prouoſt marshalls, the Pioners, the carpenters and ſmithes, the prouiders of victualls and al other workmen of forts and engines, their wiues, children, ſeruants, horſes, weapons be contayned in the former article, and enioy the ſame fauour.

III.

That all ships what ſoeuer shall be found for the preſent in Breda, arriued as well for the Captaines of war, as for others, be diſmiſſed with al their neceſſarie inſtruments, into Holland. And let them be gouerned by ther one marriners, and be loaden as well with their families, as with their houshould ſtuffe, armour, moueables; alſoo the cariages of the Coroneles, Captaines, Lieutenants, and other officers of war; Let them be fild with the ſick, and the keepers, and others who shall deſire to ſayle into Holland by that oportunitie. That therfore the paſſages of theſtopt riuer be laid open, for twelue dayes, from the firſt day of ſigning the agreement, before they goe out of their gariſon; to the end that the ships aforſaid may ſafely take their iorney with their loading, and with other thinges which shall be in thē, whilſt they appleed them ſelues to other acts of warre at Blaec, from whence they may retyre them ſelues whether they pleaſe, as who by right hauing charge of the moueables, might rendre them to their owners whoſe they were. Granting the ſpace of twelue dayes, that the ships be free from all iniuries, prouokements, and abuſes, nor that ether they or their wagoners, be diuerted or diſturbed from their courſe. That it shall be vniuſt to cauſe them to deſiſt, vpon what pretext ſoeuer But if, ether becauſe the riuer be not open, or for that it be not nauigable, their iorney shall not be hindred, by that delay, nothing shall be abridged of the ſpace of the granted twelue dayes, but all that to be granted to them void and free, that the mariners; and others (to whom it may be more commodius) may ſafely take their ioyney by riuer, or nere the riuer. But if ſome of theſe ships would tarry at Breda, let them notwithſtanding be ſent to tranſport the carriars, and the cariages of the conuoy before they preſently returne to their owners.

IV.

That the full number of waggons (which the Gouernor of Breda shall require) to carry to Gittenbergue the burdens and bagage of the Coronells Captaines and officers of war, and other ſoldiars of defence (and who from thence shall be brought back into the campes of Genike, by the interpoſition of a publike promiſe) to be ſupplied by the Marquis Spinola.

V.

That the Gouernor haue leaue to carrie away together with the conuoye, four canons and two murthering peeces, ſuch as he shall make choiſe of, together with al that which belongeth to them, and as many balles and poudre, as shall be needfull to shoote off euery one ſix times. And to carry thoſe canons with all their wheeles and inſtruments, by land, or by water, as he shall thinke good, and as shall be beſt for his commoditie. The Marquis Spinola lending for this purpoſe, horſes charrets and wagons, together with wagonners, (if they shall be requeſted by the Gouernor) to draw the canons, the murthering peeces, together with the wheeles and inſtruments belonging to then.

VI.

That the Prince of Aurange haue leane, to carrie all his moueables, which he hath ether in the Caſtle or in the cittie, in to ſuch place or contrie, whether he, orany other (to whom, the care of them shall be committed) Or that they be kept for a while in the Caſtle of Breda, vntill ſuch time as the Prince of Aurange diſpoſe of them, at the leaſt for halfe a yeares ſpace. And that ther ships and shipmen coming from Holland to fetch them, free paſſage to be giuen, no impediment being offered.

VII.

If perchance any of them, comprehended in the two firſt articles, cannot for lack of health, goeforth of the cittie, together with the conuoye, that to ſuch leaue be giuen of remayning in the cittie with their wiues, familie and ſeruants without hurt, vntill they haue recouered their health and ſtrength. Then alſo at the firſt, opportunitie, to giue them fauourable letters for their departure, that ſo they may goe ſafelie where the pleaſe.

VIII.

That no officer of war, or ſoldiar, or Lieutenant of a companie, whether he shall prouide him ſelfe to depart together with the conuoye, or after his ſicknes recouered (as if he were comprehended in none of the former articles) shall be retayned, but in fauour of the former points, euery one shall be ſuffered to depart freely. And that the creditors content them ſelues with the only wordes or writinges for payment of their dettors.

IX.

The Gouernor, captaines and the reſte of the Officers of war, the ſoldiars already cōtayned in the articles aforſaid, or other who ſoeuer, bound by ſtipēd and ſeruice to the vnited States, which shall haue any houſes in Breda, farmes, inheritances, or moueables (comprehending likewiſe the Captaynes, Officers, the companies of horſe of the Count of Culcnburge, of the Count of Styre, and of Monſieur de S. Martin, with the widowes and children alſo of the ſame or of other companies, which for theſe two yeares hence betooke them to the cittie for ſauegard) shall haue a yeare and a halfes ſpace, counting from a month after the ſubſigning to the agreement, wherin they may at their pleaſure, carry away their goods, ſell, pledge, alienat, change, and occupie according to the law and common cuſtome. Furthermore, that they shall enioy all that ſpace of time, the reuenewes of their penſions, the profit of what they let out, with the other frutes of their inheritance, due or to be due: to the full of all thinges pertayning to them with in the cittie.

X.

The ſoldiars whether of gariſon, or of the campe (who whether they ar detayned priſoners in the cittie or in the campes) as ſoone as the conditions shall be ſigned, shall be ſent back without paying any ranſome, but only the valew of their expences made by agreement.

XI.

Againſt the gariſons, no action shall be made of asking againe any ſpoiles, but all booties shall be reputed al their owne.

XII.

After the articles of the compoſition are ſigned it shall be lawfull for the Gouernor of Breda to ſend them by ſome man of knowen truſt, to the Prince of Aurange.

XIII.

The conditions being made, there shall be a truce, yet both shall containe them ſelues in their fortifications as before; whether shall it be lawfull to approache ether by day or night.

XIV.

Firſt that the pledges be giuen two by two before the gariſon depart they shall follow the companies to Gittenbergue, and shall remaine there the ſpace of twelue dayes, vntill the riuer be opened, and the couenants be accomplished. That time being paſt, if none of the couenants be broken, they shall returne.

XV.

The agreement being made: pledges shall be giuen on both ſides, of like number and condition: and the cittie being rendred, ours shall be reſtored to us againe.

XVI.

It shall be further granted, that the pledges giuen by the citty of Breda, shall be ſent back, as ſoone as the gariſon shall be brought in, to marche away together with the conuoye.

XVII.

The Gouernor and the gariſon of Breda do promiſe, to goe forth of the cittie of Breda on thurſday next, the fift of Iune, early in the morning.

VVe Iuſtinus Naſſau promiſe to doe our endeuours, that thoſe thinges be kept, which ar contayned in the articles aforſaid, hitherto ſo far as they do appertaine to us. In witnes wherof, with the conſent of the Coronells, Captaines, and the councell of war, we haue ſubſigned the ſame this preſent day, the day after the calends of lune 1625.

IVSTINVS NASSAV.

The heades of the compoſition demanded of the Senat and people of Breda.

I.

That pardon and forgetfulnes be both promiſed and performed, of all thoſe thinges which were commirted by the cittiſens and inhabitants of Breda, of what condition ſoeuer they be, whether committed before, or after the recouerie of the cittie, in the year 1590. Let no man be enquired of, nor let no euill be inflicted upon any, no not upon pretext of treaſon, or any fault whatſoeuet.

II.

That the cittiſens and all the inhabitants haue power, as well abſent as preſent, of what cōdition ſoeuer they be whether ſubiect to the ſeruice or oathe of the States, or of the Prince of Aurange, or of the cittie, whether they be free to inhabit the cittie the next two yeares, their life in ſafetie, no queſtion made of their religion, no obligation to ſweare to another religion, whilſt they leade a modeſt life, far from all offence, that they may deliberate for thoſe two yeares ſpace, whether they pleaſe to make their reſidence there, or to depart. But if they shall reſolue to depart, that they be ſuffered to goe at their owne pleaſure. They shall alſo freely enioy their owne goods, that they may ether carry them away ſell, alienat, pawne, and ingage them at their pleaſure, or let them hire them to be receued and gouerned by thoſe that shall redeeme them. That their goods who haue dyed within or without the cittie, leauing their will behind them or not, come to the heires appointed, or to the next of their kinred.

III.

That it shall be lawful for euery cittiſen and inhabitant (whether he be bound, or free) who after theſe conditions agreed upon, it shall pleaſe to remoue his dwelling, or to depart from the cittie for any other cauſe, to doe this at what time he shall pleaſe, by what land, by what water, with his wife, children, familie, houshould ſtuffe, marchandiſe, and other moueables, no impediment whatſoeuer being giuen, by no other, then by the authoritie of theſe couenants. And for thoſe that will ether make their aboade, or will depart into any other kingdomes, regions, prouinces, or neutrall places, or ſubiect to tributes, that it be free and lawfull for them, ether to make their aboade or to retyre them ſelues perpetually without any trouble of coming or going for their marchandiſe or affaires ſakes, thorough citties and places ſubiect to the King of Spaine, and to haue right and leaue to diſpoſe of their moueables, and others, and of their owne goods, according as they will thē ſelues. But touching the Catholiques returning againe, and occupying their houſes within the cittie, there is no deed of any other prouiſo then theſe preſent conditions.

IV.

They who to ſee to their affaires, shall goe into the vnited prouinces, to them leaue shall be giuen four times a yeare to goe thither (admonishing the Gouernor, of whom they shall neceſſarily receiue authoritie of coming and going) which he, but upon iuſt cauſe, shall not refuſe. Next they shall returne from thence within the ſpace of two yeares frō the grant of this agreement: that afterwards they may ether goe forward to inhabit the cittie, or to plant their dwelling in free places, or of tribute. And let them enioy theſe places, no otherwiſe then thoſe already ſpokē of, and the leaue of coming and going, and what commoditie ſoeuer of theſe couuenants.

V.

It shall be granted to the preachers of the word, to depart freely with their wiues, children, familie goods and moueables, without all offence of damage. For theſe thinges, that waggons or ships be lent them, with time enough to diſpoſe of their affaires.

VI.

They shall be comprehended in this compoſition, who after the cittie shall be yelded, did ſerue the place of a Deacon: as alſo they, who boare any eccleſiaſticall office.

VII.

Alſo Stewards, Aduocates, Subſtitutes, Treaſurers, and others both cittiſens and inhabitants, who ether haue charge of treaſure, or of accounts, or paying of wages, or any other office, shall be contayned in theſe conditions. And to haue free power to depart with all their goods, houshould ſtuffe, and writinges: and further haue right to vſe the benefit of this agreement, as of others.

VIII.

As many martiners as ar in the cittie, who haue their ships here, which they may take with them shall enioy the ſame priuiledge,

IX.

If there shall not be ships and wagons enough prouided, to ſerue the cittiſens and inhabitants (who deſire to depart together with their goods and houshold ſtuffe) to them with in the ſpace of two yeares, it shall be granted to ſend for from elſe where for ships and wagons, from Holland or other places, which may afterwards returne freely in vertu of theſe conditions.

X.

That the cittiſens and inhabitants of this cittie, shall be enioyned, with no burthens of impoſitions, more then ar iuſtly impoſed vpon thoſe which dwell in greater or leſſer citties thorough all Brabant.

XI.

That the gariſon of horſmen and footemen be placed in the cittie, after the beſt maner that may be, and with the leſt damage that may be to the cittiſens.

XII.

They shall alſo be contayned in this couenant who ſoeuer shall be abſent, ether for their owne or the citties affaires, that they may freely returne into the cittie, and enioy the couenants that ar made. The contry people alſo who fled into the cittie, shall be ſuffered to retyre them ſafely into the contrie.

XIII.

He who being of another religion, within the time of two yeares agreed vpon, shall dye in this cittie, that he be buried in ſome honorable place within an orchard in the cittie: or elſe according to the will of his kinred, that the corps be carried out of the cittie where pleaſed him.

XIV.

The decrees of the Senat, and all the ordenances of the capitall ſeate, not hitherto forbidden, be eſtableshed, and take effect.

XV.

VVho ſoeuer heretofore hath lent mony to the cittie, shall be ſuffered to receiue the rent and to make exchange. And yearely that their reuenewes and their other affaires be aſſiſted by the Senat by whom the reuenewes ar to be paid.

All theſe thinges whatſoeuer in this agreement ar decreed and written, ar agreed vnto, ratified, and confirmed by the Marquis Spinola, and ar ſubſcribed vnto by the legats of the cittee; the ſame Marquis promiſing, that he will endeauor that it be alſo ratified by the moſt Excellent Infanta of Spaine, ſealed with her broade ſeale, within fifteene dayes. Giuen the ſecond of Iune 1625.

Many, whoſe diſpoſitions were bent to more sharper courſes, hearing of ſo good and ſo fauorable conditions, admired the Clemencie of Spinola towards the enimie; and Many acuſed the bea • n gnitie of the Marques ſome alſo blamed this pardon. They ſaid, that this should haue bene handled more ſeriouſly, and ether to haue put the beſieged to the ſword, or not to haue receiued them to mercie, but vpon rendring vp their armes, who by their wilfull pertinacitie had brought them ſelues vnto that point, that they had died of hungar, if they had bene shut vp but two dayes longer. And why should ſuch fauorable conditions be offered them of our free accord, to whom And the complaintes they made. euen to giue them their liues, was to grant them to great a benefit? That at leaſt Spinola shoulde haue expected a litle, whilſt that had hapned vnto them, which ordinarie happens to men thorough their ouer-much partinacitie, to make them ſeeke that, and earneſtly to beg it, which at the firſt they contemned: and that they should firſt haue craued a compoſition, before of our owne accords it should The condition of pre • ces and particular perſonos are diferent. haue bene offered to them. Next why the vnhappie part of the cittiſens should be ſuffered to goe forth, ſafe with their houshould ſtuffe and their goods, before that mony were paid by the Senat to the Catholiques remayning, which was ex torted by publique and common oathe, to The 〈…〉 vvas vvel related. make the workes, and to pay the ſoldiars ſtipend? So wiſely ſeemed they to complaine, who tied to their priuat opinions, ar wont to meaſure with the ſelfe ſame meaſure, euen the waightieſt matters of gouerment, not vnderſtanding that princes ar to take another courſe, whoſe principall endeuours ought to be, to gaine renowne and the peoples good will.

But Spinola houlding them to be more wiſe who ar more gentle in crueltie, and that the fame of clemencie, was to be preferred before the name of ſeueritie, not ignorant, how much better it was for the common good, ſpedely to releaſe, then longer to detayne the Kinges armie before Breda (by reaſon of the ſturres of French, Italians; Germans, and Danes) made more account of the gaining of a litle time, then of the no great ſpoiles of all Breda, or of ſo ſmale diſgrace of the enimies, who yet perhaps would haue defended them ſelues: mindfull of that old prouerb, That it is better to be at the latter end of a feaſt, then at the beginning of afray. And truly he iudged it more expedient to prefer the Maieſte and clemencie of his Kinge (whoſe perſon he The generall is bounde to take 〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉 of his Kinge more then of any particular glorie of his ovvne perſon. bore in this place, then ether his owne glorie, or deſire of reuenge. That he held it for a dishonor, of ſo great a number of prouiſion left behinde, and but litle, gon away, for teſtimonie of his longe patience and approued vertues there remayned in the cittie, fortie three pices of ordnance (muſquets) four hundred fiftie, wherof alſo a hundred and fiftie were ſuffered to be carried in the place of thoſe that The munitio nes vvhich vvere in Breda. were ouercome. (hargubushes) three hundred, of poudre a thouſand one hundred thirty fiue pounde; matche thirtie four thouſand pound; of greater balles, two thouſand; of leſſer, an exceeding number; of balles of leade, fortie thouſand pounde mouldes to make balles of leade fifteene; granados two thouſand one hundred; of greater (which they call Bombars) three hundred fortie four; engines made to caſt fire, a hundred and fiftie; thirtie barrells of pitche, poudre, brimſtone, bitumen; ſix barrells of great nayles; long forkes of iron, eleuen thouſand; of ſtakes with double forkes, an innumerable number; shouells, four thouſand; pickayes, or iron pikes to open the earth, ſixteene hundred; whele-barrowes, which ar driuen by the hande, to carry earth, a thouſand; fiue boates; four rolles of cable-ropes; fortie graples; horſcollers, a hundred and thirtie four ſcore couple of cart-ropes; inſtruments made of fire, alſo innumerable; one linnen bridge, or made of canuas, gabians of wood or hurdles, behind which the canons ar placed, very many; nor fewer to diſpatch the haſtie bridge. Of all which a written catalogue was giuen to Thomas VVingardius maſter of the Artillerie.

Now the detts of the cittiſens remayning, Spinola beleeued that the States ought to haue ſo great care of, as of their owne credit and authoritie, which should be vtterly loſt in the common wealth, if they but once deceiued any one of the beſeeged cittiſens; and therfore he was not carefull hereof.

Vpon the fift of Iune the day was appointed for the coming forth of the enimies garriſon. VVherfore Spinola The Marques commanded that none of the ſouldiars should • be the beſieged. forbad, that none by ſoldiarlike frumpes or gibes, should vſe any diſgrace to thoſe that departed: ſo modeſtly did he ſuppoſe the victorie was to be vſed. Aboundance of wagons and boates, being prepared for that day, our ſoldiars were ſet to watch at three gates of the cittie and of the caſtle. Count Hermanus Bergues, with fiue companies of horſe, went before the companyes of the gariſon departing, vnto Gittenbergue. Alſo betwixt euery ten wagons, went a litle company of our horſe, for the ſauegard of the bagage. The troupes of horſe of Bergaignius, led another company of horſe who incloſed them behinde. In theſe two, ſcarcely were there any horſe, beſides the enſignes, ſo greatly were the horſe decayed. The foote men went in the midſt. Amongſt theſe Iuſtinus went on horsback, one of the beſeeged, Carolus Philippus le Count, accompayning him. Euery Captaine had his owne company, The Coronels went before the troupes. The coulors wer borne diſplayed, the Trumpets ſounding before them. The number of the foote, were three thouſand (for the ſick were carryed away in boates) Truly they were a gallant companie, whether one reſpect their perſons, or their weapons, and of greater beautie then ours were to wit, they were lodged more ſtately and more at their eaſe then ours were, and had ſtore of fire; nether did their bread fayle, till the day that they departed.

Spinola attended upon with a notable troupe of Nobilitie, betwixt the inward circle of the cittie, and the trenche, the conqueror him ſelfe beheld the beautifull pompe of his glorious triumphe. He curteouſly ſaluted all the Captaines The glorious triumphe of his victorie. at their going forth, and firſt Naſlauius the Gouernor, venerable for his gray haires, his wife and children, the ſonn of Emanuell of Portugal, and two baſtards of Prince Maurices and they againe with conſtant compoſed countenāces and voices, and with a modeſt enclining of the banners, ſaluted him. No ignominious voice of prouoking one another was once heard, but ſmiled with fauorable countenancs. The He vvas no leſſ courtens in giuinge thankes. companies being paſt all oppreſt with the congratulations of all the ſtanders by and runing thick together, admitted the duties of common curteſie, no more cheerfully, then modeſtly, according to euery ones due praiſe, for his labor aſſigned and induſtrie, in ſo great and ſo long difficultie of the ſiege. Iohanes Medices was ſent to Iſabella the Infanta of Spaine, who related to her the ioyfull departure of the gariſon; to whom Iſabella gaue a rich collour of gould and adia Headuertiſed of the victory the Infanta and the Kinge of Spaine. mant being indeed a Princely reward.

Ferdinandus Guzmannus, maſter de campe of a Spanis Regiment, was ſent with the ſame newes into Spaine to Philip the fourth. Theodorus Camargius Coronell, carried the firſt newes of the rendring of the cittie into Germanie to the Emperor Ferdinandus.

The Count of Anholt, hearing of Mansfelds departure from the campe, diſmiſſed with his, preſently followed him. The fame of the victorie diuulged into France, England, Italie, and Germanie, was ſcarcely beleeued euen by frendes. A short fable was ſpread abroad by the enimies of the conuoyes of Breda, and was cryed about by the voice of a common ballet-ſeller, and ſould in a printed The ſucceſſ byinge ſo great many vvoulde hardly beliue •• t. pamphlet the ſame day wherein the newes was brought of the rendring therof yea euen from Spaine alſo letters were brought from the Kinge into the low-contries, in which Iſabella was admonished, that she should conſider againe and againe, whether it were not more to the purpoſe, to recall Spinola from ſo long and doutfull a ſiege: ſo sharply did many write into Spaine to their acquaintance in high authoritie, of the diſpaire of getting the cittie.

Iſabella the Archdutches, reſolued her ſelfe to goe in perſon to the cittie that was wonne, and to viſit the ſoldiars that The Infanta came to viſite the cittie. had ouercome. Spinola only keeping the gates of the citie, command ther houſes, villages, the tower and the church to be made cleane, went to meete Iſabella, three leages from the cittie. Almoſt all ther horſe, ether was ſent before to Antwerp to bring her on her way, or were placed in the midle way to receiue her, and she was entertained coming with great ioy, and with a triple diſcharging of the Canons, as with a daunce of ioy.

The footemen diuided into diuers ſquadrons, reioyced with no leſſe ſigne of noice and of shouting upon the gate of Hage, thorough which Iſabella entred into Breda, an Epigrame ſet upon the gate, was reade, that taking away the litle word of enuie it pleaſed him to ſoften.

PHILIPP VS HISPANIAE REX This inſcripcion vvas put vpt on the gates. GVBERNAN TE ISABELLA CLARA EVGENIA OBSIDENTE SPINOLA HOSTIB VS FRVSTRA IN SVPPETIAS CONIVRANTIB VS BREDA VICTOR POTITVR.

All the greater ordinances of the cittie, went off, once, twice, and the third time. The Archdutches forbid Hir alteza did forbid that th • ovve of mirth should be made til firſt ſacrifice shoulde be made vnto god as the ch • ſe autor of the victorie. bon-fires, or any other publique shew of ioy to be made, in reſpect of the reuerence she bore to God, till firſt she had cauſed Sacrifice to be offered vnto him the day following in the great Church, as to the chiefe Author of the victorie. The next day therfore, Alphonſus Cardinall of Cueua, Ambaſſador of the Kinge of Spaine, firſt ſaid Maſſe, Iſabella, her wayting dames maides, and all the people The first 〈◊〉 vvas celebrated by the Cardenal de la Cu • ba ambaſador of Spaine. being preſent. From Maſſe, Iſabella went about the Church, to behould (if any were left) of the oulde monuments of religion. She found here and there, emptie places, of the pictures of ſepulchers, ſteps of hereticall pietie, againſt their Anceſtors that were dead. Yet found she whole the notable tombe of Englebert the ſecon, dſomtimes Count of Naſſau, builded by Henrie his nephue, of white and black marble. Another, which was of Engelbert the Firſt, and of Iohn of Naſſau, the picture of our bleſſed lady ſet theron being taken downe, and defaced. which was done by the inſtinct of a Sibell Henrie Boxhornes, preacher of the word in Breda ſome times a Flamen prieſt of Iupiter amongſt the high Prieſts. She, to wit, by the oracle of Sibill, after the ſixt month of the ſiege of Bouldnes and impietie of ſibilla vvife of Box • orinck. Breda, prophecying that the cittie should yeld it ſelfe to the enimie, vnleſſe they would throw downe a picture of the virgin Marie, kept at that time in that place which the religion of many of our very holie anceſtors, had worshiped ſo many yeares agoe in that cittie; but others ignorant in religion, durſt not wronge it, being at that time ſafe and ſound. In which thinge, I know not what I may cēſure moſt to be reprehended, whether the patience of the benumed Senat and people, in ſuffering ſo great a wickednes, as the treadding of antiquitie vnder foote, or their ſtupiditie in beleeuing, or the impudent boldnes of a meane woman, againſt the picture of the bleſſed virgin conſecrated by the noble predeceſſors of the Naſſaues, and ſet upon his tombe for memorie to poſteritie. An Epigrame or two of the fore-paſſed taking of, Breda being written on the Thi • s vvritinges vver blott • d And otheres put in ther place. walles of the church, iniurious to God and the Catholique Kinge, were put out, and theſe were ſet in their place, to ſignifie the yeare wherin Breda was recouered.

AMBROSI SPINOLAE VIGILANTIA BREDA EXPVGNATA.

The ſacred ceremonies being ended, the tower of the church by night, lighhtned almoſt with an innumerable Admirable fires of ioy. number of lāternes and fires, were ſeene to burne euen from Holland. All the cittie shone with bon-fires, and with barrells of pitch. Then all the canons shot off againe. And which was a more beautifull ſpectacle, there was a circle of continuated shining fires for the compaſſe of two and thirtie miles thorough the circuit of the interior trenche, which Spinola hauing ſet with ſtakes, ſtraw, and fagots, commanded the ſoldiars to gather together and to burne them, perpetuall flashes of ſmale shott shining betwixt, which like vnto ſtarres a far off ſodainly shining and vanishing, made a moſt pleaſant ſight.

The liberalitie alſo fo Iſahella that excellent Princeſſe, shined towards the Church of Breda; and towards two Religious orders, of Capucins and prieſts of the Societie of IESVS, Liberalitie of her alteza no leſſe then her pietie in ſparing and praying to God to gaine that cittie. It was the common voice of all, that the Infanta by her perpetuall prayers, and thoſe of her court, and And her pietie and good life. of other places by there cōtinuall prayers in the fortie houre prayers to be made in all the Churches, and by powring out her almes amongſt the miſerable wonne Breda, and not with weapons. And truly that the diuine ſuccours were more preſent, then humane ſtratagems, none can denie: for to whom shall we refer this benefit receiued, but to her ſo well knowen pietie, to whom we may rightly proclaime that ſaying. One vvoman hath vvrought confuſion in the houſe of Nabuchodonoſor.

Iſabella therfore came into the cittie, as a reſtorer of the ancient religion; into the campes as to beſtow in thoſe dayes, the gifts and guerdons of a Captaine. She ordained an Anniuerſarie Maſſe, in honor of the dreadfull Sacramēt (who began firſt in the eue of the rendring of Breda, and Liberalitie of hir alteza to the relig • ouſe. the gariſon went out on the octaue.) She gaue to the Capucins to buy a houſein Breda, four hundred poundes. To the prieſts of the Societie of Ieſus, who were diuided into four quarters of the campe procuringe the health of the ſoldiars ſoules during all the time of the ſiege she ordained to giue fiue hundred pound, to helpe to defray the charges of buying a colledge, which she beſtowed on them by way of almes. To the repayring of an ould Abbie of Nunnes, and ruines of the Church of Ginick (which Maurice cauſed to be burnt) she gaue no ſmale ſomme of monie. All which arguments of ſingular Religion, when Alphonſus Cardinall de la Cueua, Ambaſador of the King of Spaine, did ſigniſie vnto the ſupreme head of the church Pope Vabanus the eight, the pope wrote vnto him in this manner following.

Our beloued ſonne, health and Apoſtolicall benediction. A letter of the pope V • bano to the Cardenall de la Cueua. we felt thoſe your laſt letters, to be thoſe golden phials, full of odors, which recreat the ſoules of thoſe that ar in heauen, and comfort the diſeaſes of thoſe in earth, we tooke breath a litle, toſſed in the height of the raging ſea, when we vnderſtood Religion to triumphe in the towne of Breda. God is not forget-full of his mercies, and legions of Angells aſiſt thoſe Princes which fight for heauen. verely this victorie, is obtained, amongſt ſo many conſpiring aydes of impietie, and difficulties euen of nature it ſelfe ſtrugling againſt it, that although it will remayne in all ages a famous document of warlick fortitude yet let it be reputed to be the benefit of that almightie warrior. For not only the force of the enimie is domted, but euen the very raging of the floods. And now doth the Prince of Auſtria, gather the excellent frutes of ſo great a triumphe, whilſt with powerfull forces she fortifieth religon. Nether ſuPpoſe we that could be more prudently prouided, for, then by the duties of Prieſts, and endeuours of thoſe Religious families, which yee made manifeſt in repayring the Abbie of the Cittie. And you we bleſſe perpetually, who firſt, the Angels applauding, and the Church reioycing, performedſt the dreadfull Sacrifice of the Maſſe vpon thoſe Altars, which of late heretical temeritie had polluted. Furthermore, we praiſe your pietie, when being adorned with the purple of Roman ſplendor, shew your ſelfe worthier in this preſent occaſiō, of ſo great a prieſthood. Pious purpoſees may bring you into participation of this triumphall glorie: for the fortitude of the Soldiar, doth exterminate impietie frō the walles of the cittie; the pietie of the Prieſt, from the mindes of the people. Only wishing honor to your name, The particular care of the Infanta of the army. we perpetually promiſſe you our patrocinie. Giuen at Rome at S. Maries the Greater, vnder the fishers ringe, the 11. Auguſt. 1625. the ſecond yeare of our Pontificat.

Iſabella hauing performed the duties of Religion, commanded a whole monthes wages to be paid to the ſoldiars The giftes and liberalitie of hir beſovved in the campes, and a thouſand garments to be made, by the name of a donation. Then in the enſuing dayes, she went about to behould the workes, both of the inward, and outward trenche, as a Reuerencer both of warre and of Religion. In the meane ſpace Spinola with a great conuoye, ſet the citie in order, ſpoiled by ſo long a ſiege, and diſpoſed the houſes for placing the gariſon. Iſabella placed Balancon trough his aproued vertues vvas 〈…〉 Gouernor of Brede by the Infanta. the Barron of Balancone Maſter de campe of the Burgundians, for Gouernor to rule the cittie. The virtu of that man, his modeſtic, and vigilance, were ſo well knowen without enuie, that the ſoldiars of all nations, affirmed that office of right and merit to belong vnto him. The cittiſens, who had heard only by report of his fame, deſigned the gouerment to him, and humbly beſought it might be deliueuered him: thus virtue cannot be concealed, and being knowen, is beloued. Then was the Senat appointed for the people. Henricus Montens (from whom the ſame was taken wrongfully) was created Burgermaſter, excellent in the knowledg of law, graue for his gray haires, who alſo adminiſtred that office, when the cittie by fraude of a fraighted boate, was laſt taken from the Kinge, he alwayes was a true maintayner of his fatheres Religion. Cornelius vander Locht, a man of a peaceable cariage, and a keeper of the ancient faith, was giuen to him for Collegue. The other Senators, in virtu and faith, had bene approued be the common wealth. To the cittiſens, the ſame forme of gouerment and lawes were appointed, as were to the cittie of Bolduke: although at firſt, for many reaſons, all of them could not be kept. The Senat, with the furtherance of the Magiſtrates, gaue a publique ſchoole to be gouerned by the Profeſſors of the Societie of IESVS: which order, Phillip Duke of Arſcote, by the commandment of Iſabella the Archdutches (be her letters was put in execuſion.)

All thinges ſo ſet in good order, the conuoyes being diſpatched, a gard of three thouſand foote, and ſeauen companies of horſe being deſigned, the trenches, ditches, The gariſon that vvas apointed for Breda. and workes with which Spinola had encompaſſed the cittie, he commanded to be throwen downe: worthie to haue bene kept, and to haue bene shewed to poſteritie, but for his vſe, who was the chiefeſt of ſo great a victorie All • ertes of fortificaſiones of the campe vvere comaunded to be broken dovvne. obtayned, elſe should for euer haue remayned. Then the armie being ſent before by ſome ſpaces; the Infanta was accompanied to Antwerp. The footemen being diuided vnto, ſquadrones betwixt Hooghſtrate and Breda, ſaluted her paſſing by, with the applauſe of militarie ioy. The horſmen not far from Hooghſtrate, placed in the great plaine by Henrie of Bergues, skirmished with militarie Militarie ſporte • . ſports like as in earneſt war. Fifteene companies, ſet here and there one againſt another, by a mutuall en countring, and a fayned fight, exhibited that comely aſpect of war, as the vnexpert almoſt, frame to them ſelues in their minde. The ſounding of the Trumpets, the runing and retyring of the horſes, the raiſing of the duſt from the ground, the gliſtering of head-peeces, and breaſt plates, the brandeshing of the naked ſwordes, the shoutes of thoſe that ran together, the fire and the ſmoke, and the ſounde of the gunnes diſcharged, and the eccho of the greater cannons playing alſo a far off, laſtly all the ſpectacles of a fight, ſaue blood and ſlaughter.

Metuenda voluptas Spectanti, pulcherque timor.

And which was moſt beautifull of, all Henrie of Bergues him ſelfe armed from top to toe, runing as it were for helpe, betwixt two Princes his frendes, VVolfangus VVilhelmus, Duke of Bauaria, Iuliers, Oliue, and Bergues, and Rodulphus Maximilianus Duke of Saxonie, which three together, the ſport being ended of the vnbloody, war, ran together to the coache of the Infanta Iſabella conquereſſe, The ari • mg of hir alteza and of the Marques to an v • ourp to ſalute her with their humble ſwords. Then Spinolaes, (tents being placed ſome three miles from Antwerp) was brought into the cittie, with the reioycing eyes and voices of all that looked for him, together with the Archdutches. Henrie of Bergues with his companies is lefte to Hooghſtrate, to carry the reſt of the conuoye back to Breda. Conde Hindrick remained inhooghſtro • t to conduct the prouiſiones to Breda.

In the laſt conuoye therefore, which was brought into Breda, before the enimie departed count Bergius about to haing by the riband of Spinolaes laurell, ſtudied to catch the enimie in a ſnare, by the inticement of a few prouokers to battell, the reſt lying in ambushe, which should then ſodenly appeare and inuade them. But the enimie, whether out of prudence, or out of feare, not coming out of their tents, Bergius departed, doing nothing.

Iſabella, whilſt she remayned at Antwerp, was drawen with the pencill of rabens that excellent painter, and being grauen with an inſtrument in braſſe, she ſaw her ſelfe crowned with a garland of oake, in an imperiall table. VVorthie ſo to be pictured after that noble triumphe, nor by no other hand then by that of that Apelles.

The Conquereſſe Dauid was shewed in a Scene, by the ſchoole of the Societie of IESVS, after a new kind of modell, The tragedie of Dauid vvas repreſented by the fatheres of the Societie of Ieſus. wherin after euery Act, all the hiſtorie of the thinge performed, was moſt delightfully exhibited, in the liuelie Images of dumme perſons. VVith Iſabella, the reſt of the Nobles of the Court beheld the ſame. A few dayes after it being vnderſtood, that the enimie was retired into gariſon, our armie alſo retired vnto gariſones. VVhen Spinola came to Bruxells with a few, he was receiued with new congratulations (albeit he auoided it by concealing his coming) againſt his will and perforce, all runing together to meete him. Meffengers being ſent in the meane ſpace into Spaine, Kinge Phillip ioyfull of a double victorie, of the recouerie of Breda, and of the Bay in Braſile, gaue to the Marques Spinola, for ſo many labors employed, for ſo many enimies Amoſte royal gift giuen be his maieſtie to the Marques. ouercome without ſlaughter, for ſo impregnable cittie ſubiugated, amoſt Royall gift as is the chiefe gouernment of the order of S. Iames, for ether that was to be the reward of ſo great a victorie or the liberalitie of ſo great a Kinge giuing, alſo greater then could be asked. Pope Vrbanus Letters of the Pope Vrbano. moued with the greatnes of the thinges done at Breda, firſt congratulated Iſabella, and then Spinola for his fortitude and felicitie, with moſt excellent letters: the copies wherof, I haue iudged meet to be published, both for their ſingular elegancie, as alſo for the excellent authoritie of the moſt prudent Pontifice.

Pope Vrbans letter, vnto the Archdukes Iſabella Clara Eugenia.

Our Lord mightie in warre, hath lifted up his arme ouer the nations, which intended euill to his ſeruants, and the right hand of the omnipotent is glorified in you, Triumphing with ioy for the noble victorie of conquered Breda, with the ſame Epitaph we ſpeake to your Nobilitie, who hauing ſurpaſſed the praiſes of a womans virtu, proſperouſly turned the forces of the Auſtriacall power, for the defence of the orthodox faith. The band of the heauenlie armie fought in your campes; and the conſtancie of warlike fortitude, hath taught noble nations, inhabiting by the ſpectacle of ſo ſingular a ſiege, no hould in earth to be fortified with ſo ſtrong helpes, and defences, which the power of acamp armed with celeſtiall helpes, doth not vanquish. You haue combatted with an enimie conteining of perils, and with a cunning artificer of vnheard of terror, he ſeemed to ſtudie to ſend the very Ocean it ſelfe out of her priſons in to the Auſtriacall armie. He shut vp the raging floods with ſea ſluces ouerflowed that as it were with a new ſea, he might ſwallow up the campes of your Nobilitie. But the wicked haue fallen into the ditch which they digged, and our Lord hath raigned. The Ocean reſtrayned the ſurging waues in their ould ſeates, and the floods with-drue them ſelues. Into dry places. VVe congratulate this victory to you, wished hartely with the deſires of the whole Church, to which Rome the mother of all Nations applaudeth, which the teſtimonies of hiſtories in enſuing ages, will proclaime. And truly how well your Nobilitie doth vſe them, we haue vnderſtood by the voice of the report, and letters of our miniſters. Vnleſſe our lord keepe the cittie, in vaine do the ſtatiōs of ſoldiars watch, and he doth arme thoſe citties with legions of Angels, in which the Catholique faith doth proſper, the keeper of publique tranquillitie, doth predominate. we know with what ſolicitous pietie, and with what prudent actes you procure, that hereſie may be caſt forth from the people of Breda, the mother of perfidie, and nurſe of ſedition, wherefore, ſeeing you leaue no place for Pontificall admonitions, we worthely praiſe and extolle the glorie of your name, and with our moſt exact prayers recommend vnto God your Nobilitie, that of ſo healthfull a triumphe, you may receiue thoſe frutes, which the Church wisheth, and impietie feareth, and we beſtow upon you perpetually Apoſtolicall benediction. Giuen at Rome at S. Maria Maior vnder the Fishers ringe, the 9. of Auguſt. 1625. the ſecond yeare of our Pontificat.

Number XVI. Pope Vrbanus to the Marques Spinola thus congratulating.

Heauen triumpheth in the victories of thy Nobilitie, And to Marques Spinola. whoſe branches nourished with the blood of heretiques, and the head of Catholique Religion crowneth.

The ouerthrow of Breda will remaine a monument to all Nations and ages of thy virtu. Let the whole world know euen at this day thoſe Captaines to be borne in Italie, in whom the glorie of Ceſar, and of Scipio, doth flowrish a new. Thou haſt tamed thoſe enimies, excelling in riches, mad in anger, and deſying death. The floods shut vp with ſluces, ar commanded to alter their courſe, and the heapes of fuming waters, to enter the campes of thy Nobilitie. The fauor of heauen hath thoroughly aſſwaged them all, and the conſtancie of thy courage. Truly that cittie which treaſon had taken away from the power of Auſtria fearfull of the light and lying hid in skulking corners, that cittie by thy Nobilitie, valor and virtu was recouered. The memorie of Bredaes ſiege, will remaine for euer, and from thence, the Captaines of enſuing poſteritie shall learne, the art of warring, and examples of fortitude. Amongſt the preſent ſtormes of toſſed Italie, and of Princes diſſcordinge, the newes receiued from Breda, ſo far did this ioyfull beame of the diuine clemencie shine to our Pontificall ſolicitude, that we haue determined by the teſtimonie of our Apoſtolicall letters, to extolle thee as the author of ſo great a good, promiſing our patrocinie to they Nobilitie; to whom we wishe the happines of long life, and beſtow vpon thee for euer, our Apoſtolicall benediction. Giuen at Rome at S. Maria Maior, vnder the Fishers ringe the 9. of Auguſt 1625. the ſecond yeare of our Pontificat.

Great indeed, but true praiſes, now confirmed by Pontificall oracle. And verely, how great that victorie is, nether can the enimie as yet feele, the wound being yet to greene nor we, by the newnes of the ioy, can yet eſteeme, the ſame according as it deſerues ſuch like or greater victorie, albeit great ought to be reputed whē the contention was, not for Breda, but for the loſſe of fame and honor by the rendring of that cittie, which in vaine the States vndertooke, to defend with ſo greate commotion of all Europe, with calling together the helpes of ſo many prouinces, with the exhauſting of ſo much treaſure, which hath acquired an immortal name to the Kinge of Spaine, to Iſabella clara Eugenia Infanta and to Marquis Spinola.

CHRONOGRAPHICVM REX BREDAM CEPIT QVINTA IVNII.