AFter long and tedious Travells, over the spacious bounds and Tertiat face of the auncient World, and now fallen in the rotten bosome of declining Age, the Sun being set on the winter-day of mine elabourate time: yet it was my fortune, in this yeere, 1637. May 16. at Clary, (being bound for Russia) to take my leave of the truely Noble and Magnanimous Lord, Alexander, Earle of Galloway; whence be­ing mounted upon a Gallowedian Nagge, I sigh­ted [Page 2] Rose in Cumberland, where courting Doctor Potter, that painfull Preacher, & religious Prelate the Lord Bishop of Carleile, I set face through Stanmore to Haulkland in Bishopricke, where ha­ving saluted there, that excellent Scholler, and pious Pen-man, Doctor Morton, Lord Bishop of Durham, I fell downe in York-shire, to Bishops-Ouff, and my humble homage made there, unto Doctor Niell, my singular good Lord and friend, the Arch-bishop of Yorke, where leaving his Grace, in the fulnesse of his deserved Dignity, I arrived at London, and so to Court.

Divers weeks being spent there, in beholding the changes and vicissitude of Time and For­tune,The mutabili­ties of time. whereof I was both a Testator, and Proba­tor; I left the new-begun Progresse, and stepped downe to Gravesend; where staying for my Russian voyage, and Shipping fayling, the Sum­mer being also gone, I resolved to goe see Breda.

Well, I, and threescore other passengers boor­ded a Londoner, whence falling downe to Leye, and lying there 3. dayes and nights, having faire weather, and roome windes, I found the Master of the Barke,An ignorant Skipper. R. Ia. an In-dweller neare the Tower wharfe, so fearefull and ignorant, that he nei­ther could goe out of Thames; nor when he coa­sted the Holland shoare, hee knew not where hee was. Sayling thus blindlings, with a blind guide along the Marine, and North-East, and having out-stripped our Port 60. Miles; a Pilot boorded us, and brought us to Tassill, in North-Holland: But by your leave, ere we could returne and re­cover [Page 3] Rotterdam, which should have beene our Landing-place, it cost us passengers above 200. English Crownes.

This I onely particularize, that Merchants may see how too too often they put their goods in ha­zard, with the like ignorant fellows, whereupon oftentimes they finde deservingly the fatall issue thereof. Being dismissed hence, and surveying the goodly Citties of Altmore, A Holland Progresse. Harlem, and Am­sterdam, in North-Holland, I came to Leyden, a dimensions Towne, wherein there is a learned Academy, and the yeare before, (as I was infor­med of one Mr. Christian, a Printer there) there were 28000. which dyed of the Plague in a small time, and notwithstanding I found the Towne exceeding populous: Thence carrocheering to Dunhag, that wide-winged Village, and Courtly Residence of the united States, I imbarked for the Citties, Delfe, Rotterdam, and Dort, whence being mounted upon a Belgian flat-bottom'd Boate, I landed at Guttenberg, and so I pedestri­ally advanced three Leagues to the Scots quarter by the way of Terheyden, to see the cruell and de­spightfull defendants of Breda, environed with the mercilesse fury of the States invincible As­sailants. And now I thinke it not amisse to dis­course a little of the Towne, and the Antiquity thereof, before I come to the sequell Siege, and thus.

This Towne of Breda, The Descrip­tion of Breda. is situate upon the fai­rest planure, and dryest ground that generally Brabant includeth, and environed with a sweet [Page 4] salubrious ayre, not usuall in these places; yea, and whose Champion-face over-topping the Champaine lands about, with an admired re­gard, over-looketh, with a singular Metropoli­tan Majesty, all the neighbouring and circumja­cent bounds; that me thought, when I first saw it, it had an awfull and predominant aspect, both for its admirable strength, and pleasant situa­tion.

Two Rivers, Marke and A.There are two little Rivers, which runne from the South, and through it, where being within its body conjoyn'd in one, they cast forth their divulgements a Dutch Mile thence, in the insul­ting Sea of Terheyden: The chiefest of which two Rivers, which then run by the Prince of Orange quarters, is called Marck: The other that keept his course through Grave Williams Brigade and Scots quarter, is called A. But when they kisse o­ther, A, looseth it selfe in Marck, and resigneth its name to the Towne, whence is derived Bred-A.

It hath onely three Ports, toward the South Ginicken Gate, toward the West, Antwerp gate, and toward the East, North-East, the Busse-port: yet toward the North, it hath from the Castle, a private passage unto the house of pleasure, which is a quarter of a Mile without the Towne: But that Port and Bridge were onely ordayned for serving the entery and issuing of his Highnesse of Orange, and his followers.

As for the construction of the Towne, it stan­deth chiefly (not mainely) Triangular, whence [Page 5] these three Ports are the three Angles of its sta­tionat seate, and its body North-ward, lying halfe Ovall, disbendeth East and West, two in­corporate points.

And now to come to the Fortifications,The fortifica­tion of Breda. it is strongly fortified, with high earthen Walles, and from them are builded fifteene Bastions or Bul­warkes, round about, each counter-banding one another, side to side, and flanke to flanke, having a quadrangled distance betweene each of them, which layeth open for every severall space the in­tire body of the Towne-walls: whence each Bul­warke running out with a sharpe Promontoriate face, out-braveth the adjoyning Fields, with a defencible defiance.

The Walls and Bulwarks themselves are envi­roned with a large Graffe, or Moate, being of breadth in most parts, one hundreth threescore and seven foot, and in depth eighteene; and they also hemb'd in upon the brink of the water-stank with a strong double hedge of Thornes, that se­cure the Walles from any suddaine swimming or assault.

Now without this broad Ditch, at the fore­head of every Bulwarke, lyeth a large and spaci­ous Hornewarke, with two, and some with three heads, which are the chiefest strength of the strong Towne, and they also environed with deepe waters, the largenesse of each of them can­not repugnably bee defended without five hun­dred men: And betweene them, and before each of them, lyeth a Demi-lune, or halfe Moone-worke, [Page 6] and sometimes here and there in the full bosome of the maine Moate,The workes without the Towne, and Moate. there stand certaine Redoubts, some Triangled, and others Qua­drangled, besides other circulary Monts, which are all compassed with unpassable Graffes: So before the head of each Hornewarke, and with­out all these other strengths, there are sharpe-pointed Counter-scarfes, figured like the Aquile­an wings, and fixt upon the maine dry ground, which is the utmost defence of all the other workes; and betweene each and all of them, there are little narrow and low Timber-bridges to passe from one another, as necessity shall require; insomuch that the workes without, are the one­ly strength of the Fortifications within.

For albeit the Bulwarks round about enjoy the Cannon, yet they, the inferiour workes, are more strictly breasted with the pouldering Mus­ket, Pike, and hand Garnads: that certainely, ac­cording to the best judgements of all Invaders there present, and Military Souldiers, it seemed a thing impossible to over-master that impreg­nable place; if otherwise, the right owner there­of (as I may say) had not beene the chiefe Com­mander and Master-piece of such desperate and inexpugnable assaults, whose auspicuous fortunes hitherto, have rather followed him, than fled him: for so fortunate have beene all his attempts, that he never lay downe before a Towne, and intrenched, that hee tooke not in, and so much the more absolutely victorious, howsoever fa­tall to disastruous Souldiers.

[Page 7]And now to speake of the Townes inside; it hath a most magnificke and curious Cathedrall Church,The high and magnificke Steeple of Breda. high and spacious within, and farre more glorious without; having a Steeple arising from its maine body, to such an incredible hight, that scarcely I never saw the higher. It moun­teth squared, with foure Coynes, and some where garnished with Galleries, and double Columnes, till it come a great way above the body of the Church; and then it gathereth in smaller and smaller, till a circular and spacious Globe over-shaddow all the inferiour dependancies: so from this Rotundo, ariseth the Steeple higher and high­er againe, till another lesser Globe decore the in­termingled distances betweene both; and so to the highest top it groweth more and more beau­tifull, till an exceeding high Iron-crosse, and a gil­ded Cocke mounted thereon cover all.

The Towne is a Scots Mile in length, in the middle part whereof a stately and spacious Mar­ket-place, having extracted thence three prin­cipall Streets,The Streets and Castle of Breda. answerable to the three Ports, with foure maine over-thwarting Streets, crossing from Wall to Wall the bredth thereof; besides o­ther narrow Contrades and backe-lanes, two whereof are in good Request. There are two other Churches in it, with two Hospitalls: But a­bove all, (the great Church excepted) the Castle is most formidable and defencible, being the an­cient Mansion, and native Birth-place of that Princely Progeny of Orange and Nassow. It is both a Fortresse and a glorious Palace, the in­ner [Page 8] Court whereof is curiously decored, with a gorgeous and Royall Fabricke, and it also con­tayning a Princely Hall, with divers Roomes, and magnificke Chambers: having thereunto annexed without the inmost Draw-bridge and utmost Court, a pleasant, spacious, and conspi­cuous Garden, full of sweet, savory, and fructi­ferous Trees, where on some are Summer hou­ses and banquetring roomes erected.

As for the lower plots, they are fully beautified with all kinds of Flowers and Hearbs, and look­ing like the old Chelfanian Paradise, brought me in remembrance of these two incomparable Gardens of Pretolino, neare to Florence, and of Pau in Bierne, where Henry the fourth of France was borne. Loe, there is briefly the Topographi­call Description of Breda, and so I will proceed to its Antiquity, present Siege, and fortunate Recovery.

Breda a Ba­ronry, con­tayneth 17. Villages. Breda, the noble and tryumphing Lady of all the circumjacent places about, comprehendeth under it a Baronry or Jurisdiction of Land, wherein are contayned seventeene Villages, and as many Parish-Churches: Confining with these Townes, of Steenberg, Roosendale, and Oosterhout; and standeth distant from Bruxilles eight leagues from Antwerp seven, from Bergenopzom five, from Turnehout foure, from Hoogstraten three, and from Gutrenberg two Leagues.

This Towne and Baronry of Breda, with the lands of Leck, &c. were annexed to the house of Nassow, Anno 1404. even then when Count [Page 9] Engelbright marryed Lady Ieane, the Heretrix of the aforesaid Lands: And thereafter for many ages, it was the Residence of the House of Nas­sow, till in the yeare 1567. Prince William of Nas­sow, was inforced to abandon it, at that omi­nous and disastruous comming of the Duke of Alba, The Vicissi­tude and vi­ctories of Bre­da. into the Netherlands: And so it remained under the Spaniard, till in the yeare 1577, that the aforesaid Prince William did magnanimous­ly recover the same, and kept it Viriliously in pos­session, till in the yeere 1581. that one Haulte­penne, Generall of some Spanish forces, surprised it in the Night, Iune 25. who ransacked and bur­ned the most part of the Towne.

And so it againe continued under the Domi­nion of Spaine, till in the yeere 159. the fourth of March, that one Captaine Heraugier, under the government and command of his late excel­lence Count Maurice, by the meanes of a service­able Ship to the Castle, loaden with Earth-fewell, under the which he, and some fifty chosen Soul­diers were nasconded, and so by which Strata­gem it was in the Night couragiously recovered againe from the Spaniard.

Then a few yeeres thereafter, Anno 1599. Fe­bruary 17. one Antony Shets, the Lord of Gro­bendonk, came accompanied with foure Thou­sand Footmen, and eleven Horse-troupes, and intended to have surprised it againe, out of the hands of Nassow, but he was meerely frustrated of his designe, and expulsed by the Defendants, with the losse of two Hundred men.

[Page 10]Then lastly, and a long time thereafter, Anno 1624. August 27. came Ambrose, Marquesse of Spineola, Generall of the Spanish Army, and laid a Siege to the said Towne: Meanewhile that his Excellence Mauritius had another higher De­signe, and thought to have surprised the Towne and Castle of Antwerp, but his intention came to no perfection, and all by the base and cowardly proceedings of three Thousand Dutches, which had undertaken the execution of his Princely purpose: Insomuch that Spineola in this lost time lying before Breda, was so strongly intrenched, that it was impossible for Prince Maurice to brangle him, or to enforce him to lift the Siege, till such time that the Defendants within, were constrained,The famish­ing of Breda by Spineola. after a long and extreame famine, of eleven Moneths time, to surrender it upon good conditions to the aforesaid Spineola, Anno 1625. Iuly the fift; where ever since, till this time, it hath beene a place of Brigandage, Breda tur­ned a place of Brigandage. and miserable incursions, dayly executed upon all the Coun­try about belonging to the States, by reason of their continuall sallying out of the Towne, some parties on Horseback, some on foote, as well by Water as by Land, which shut up all adjoy­ning passages, and domineering alwhere at their pleasure, returned ever loaden with booties and spoiles.

But now, to come to this present and last Ad­venture, his Highnesse the auspicuous Prince of Orange, having ever a speciall regard to reac­quist his owne Heritage, and so eminent a place [Page 11] of singular importance as this Towne is; and hea­ring that Marishall Chattilieon was fallen downe in Artois with a great Army, thought it a fit time to bestirre his best wits and endeavours for such a serious attempt, to hold the Cardinall a­wake on both sides:An Army le­vied by the Prince of O­range, and his politick pro­ceeding. And therefore caused Drummes to be beaten through all his Garrisons and with advice of the States, having levyed an Army of twenty five thousands, Horse and Foot, gave order for an infinite number of small ships, to be in readinesse for their transportation.

Well, they are imbarked, and with them Ar­tillery, Munition, Victuals, together with a great number of Pipes and Barrells filled full of water, as if he had beene mindfull for a Flan­drian Journey, or where fresh water was to bee wanted; and all this was done, but to inveigle and deceive the Enemy.

Meanewhile, the ninth of Iuly, being our Pe­nult of Iune, they hoysed sayle, and advanced from the Keill, lying a League West from Dort, and so set forward to Rammekin Castle in Zeland, where he was to make his Rendevouze, and to gather moe forces from Bergenopzom, and other adjacent Garrisons. Neverthelesse he was migh­tily crossed with a South-west wind for certaine dayes, which seemed to oppose and counter-check his designes.

In this time the Cardinall Infanta hearing and fearing that the Prince of Orange wou'd fall upon some part of VVest Flanders, caused with all possible diligence, to levy and convocate al [...] the [Page 12] forces of Horse and foote,A preparation in Flanders to resist the Prince of O­range. that conveniently hee might spare, from affronting the French Army, that encroached so neare him.

And for this end there was a passage-bridge made at Antwerp, over the which there marched that same day into Flanders fourteene Horse-companies, and the following day Grave Iohn of Nassow marched along with forty Horse com­panies more, whereof he was Generall. Moreo­ver, the Cavallery of Breda were called hither, and with them five hundred Firelocks on foote, and certaine amunition, which weakned the Towne so much the more, besides many foote-forces from other parts: Whereupon they, with all the rest, were distributed here and there, to defend the places and Ports of greatest importance, a­long the Flandrian coast.

A speedy ad­ [...]tisment to [...]unt Casmir.This being done, the Prince of Orange meane­while sent a speedy intendment unto Count Hen­ry Casmir, Generall of the Freizes, (who then was gone up the Rhyne, waiting for Advertis­ment) that hee should fall downe upon Breda, and environe the Towne with his forces, till he came to him: That thereby these who had sorted sorth, to assist the Cardinall, should not returne to strengthen the Towne any more.

Whereupon the said Casmir, who had under his Conduct fifty foote-companies, and thirty eight troupes of Cavallery, left the Rhyne, Iuly, 17. and marching with great celerity to the Towne of Grave, the day following at Drunen, he was seconded with the Duke of Bullion, who [Page 13] also had brought with him certaine forces of Horse and Foote.

Upon the one and twentieth of Iuly, they set face for Breda, Breda beset a­bout with Casmirs forces. marching with sound of Trum­pet, and touking of Drummes, the Cavallery with great courage environed the Towne that same day. Upon this their suddaine comming, they of the Towne rang their Bells, to give an Alarme to the Burgers, to save their Cattell that were feeding without; but they were prevented by the Cavallery of Count Casmir, who seazed upon the greater part. Meanewhile the Prince of Orange, with his Army, departing from Ram­mekin Castle, Iuly 20, landed that day, and the next morning following his whole forces at Ber­genopzom.

And it is to be observed for a notable Policy in the Prince, that whilst his Army was on mar­ching towards Breda, hee caused two hundred of small ships, and in them certaine Companies of Firelocks, to saile along the Coast of Flanders, with sound of Trumpets and Drummes, that so affrighted all the Coast, that they were continu­ally in Armes for the space of twelve dayes. Meanewhile, Iuly 23. 1637. the Prince arrived before Breda, and thanking his Cousin Count Casmir for the good service hee had done him in his absence, and dismissing the Duke of Bullion his Nephew for Mastrick, they refreshed them­selves, and the whole Army that Night with necessary Recreation, and heart-swelling hope­fulnesse.

[Page 14]The next morning, Iuly 24. Stilo Gregorio, his Highnesse,The Arrivall of the Prince of Ora [...]ge be­fore Breda. w [...]th the State, or Councell of War, began to divide their Horse-troupes in certaine Bands and Numbers, here and there, to keepe Watch in the Countrey round about, and with­out them: and the same day with an incredible promptitude they set downe their quarters, and begun their Entrenchments.

The foure Quarters set downe and out Trenches.The speciall and chiefest quarter, which was for the Prince, was ordayned to lie downe upon the South-side of the Towne, at the Village of Ginnekin, close by the River of Marck, and a short English mile from Breda ▪ Upon the West part whereof lay five French Regiments, and neare them foure English Regiments, under the command of these foure Colonells, Morgan, Gowreine, Herbert, and Colpepper, besides two Regiments of Dutches.

And to the East, beyond the River, these Re­giments of Count Maurice, the Count of Solmes, and the Lord Bredrode; and lastly his Highnesse Guard, consisting of three hundred chosen men, lay in the Village it selfe, neare to the Prince.

The second quarter lay downe at the Village of Hage, (before the West Port, named Ant­werp-gate, and a mile distant from it) under command of the Marishall of the Field, Count VVilliam of Nassow, consisting of three Scots Regiments, and they also under these three Colonells, the Lord Amon, Sir Iames Sandi­lands, and Sir David Balfoure, to whose cour­tesies I was greatly obliged, and in a singular re­spect [Page 15] to mine old acquaintance, Colonell Sandi­lands; besides the kindnesses of most part of all these Captaines and other Officers there, who now and then did feast me with good cheere, and kindly draughts of French, Rhenish, and Spanish liquors.

The rest of this Brigade, were five Dutch Re­giments, scarce worthy to be set downe here, as hereafter shall appeare in the owne place.

The third quarter or Brigade, was placed at the Village of Teteringen, on the North-East end of the Towne, before the Busse-port, and an Irish mile distant, under the Conduct of Count Henry Casmir of Nassow, with fifty foot Com­panies of divers Nations, Freizes, Switzers, Vallones, and Dutches.

The fourth and last quarter was appointed at Terheyden, North-west, under command of Co­lonell Farick, consisting onely of two thousand Footmen, and three English miles from the Towne; which made no approach, but onely lay there strongly entrenched, to guard the ships, for here stayed all the whole provision of Victu­als for the Army, that came from Holland.

Now their quarters being placed, I proceed to the Lyne, or workes without, that environed all these divided Brigades or quarters. The day following, Iuly 25. there accoasted heere from South Holland, about foure Thousand Bowres, who instantly with great toyle, alacrity, and ex­pedition, fell to worke, with all k [...]nds of pi [...] ­narding Instruments, and in nine dayes time ac­complished [Page 16] the first Lyne or Trench: [...] [...]orkes and [...]doubt [...]. And with­in five dayes thereafter, being ad [...]u [...]ed with Soul­diers and neighbouring bowres, they finally per­fected the second or double Trench, invested here and there with Quadrat Redoubts, for the [...]nstalment of Ordnance, and their better assu­ [...]nce. Truely, I may say, a worke of great Ad­miration, that the power of thrice as many men [...]s they were, could have performed such a taske in so small a time, each one of these two Tren­ches being in compasse full Eighteene English Miles, and more.

By which meanes Breda stood in the midst of the Center, [...] in regard of the Circuite; like a May­pole in a Market place, or like to a Theefe in a Common-Hall condemned to dye; for indeed it had an awfull Jurie summoned to its confusion, whose proud contempt was every day feareful­ [...] examined. And yet notwithstanding, howso­ [...]ver busie they were for their owne safeguard, the Enemy made as great haste from Flanders, to intercept their entrenchments; but their expedi­ [...]ion fell short of prevention.

Neverthelesse Grave Iohn backed with eight Thousand Horsemen, made a Bravado upon the Princes Quarter, but at their first presentation, being saluted with the Cannon, they suddenly retyred into the Woods agen. The sequell day, August 4. they fell downe Westward, and inva­ded the Scots Quarter; but they found no better successe there, than the preceding day before; for besides the Musket, the Cannon swept away di­vers [Page 17] rankes of them, flying in the ayre like Phry­gian Eagles in a Randon; that they were inforced to seeke shelterage under Hedges, Thickets, and cloudy Groves. And that same night they rety­red, the Spaniards within the Towne, made three times fire upon the Church-Steeple, deno­ting to the Cardinall without, their desired re­liefe; so the fourth night thereafter they did the like, but to no purpose.

Well, the Cardinall and Grave Iohn stayed fif­teene dayes without,The Cardinal and Grave Iohn attemp­ted to relieve Breda. and about the Trenches, peeping here and there, and shewing themselves after this manner. In all which time the Prince of Orange might make no approaches to the Towne; for having the halfe of his Army ever in Armes along the Trenches, he had not onely the Enemy without to resist, but also the Enemy within to gaine-stand; which continually vext the quarters about, with Cannon from the walls, but to no great dammage, save onely some acci­dentall blowes, and they very few. And yet the Spaniards within, with these long roaving shots spent a great deale of Powder and Bullets, which in the end, the selfe same excesse became the chie­fest cause of their overthrow and subjection.

At last the Cardinall being dismissed, and marching up the Countrey with his Army of fifteene Thousand, Horse and Foote, he fell up­on Fenlo, neare to Mastrick, where being no soo­ner arrived, but as soone one Brederode, a Ba­stard borne Hollander, Governour thereof, sold and gave up the Towne, for the value of twenty [Page 18] Thousand pounds Starling, being suborned and enticed by the Jesuits remaining there: So was it a well deserved Recompence for the Prince, that should have admitted any Popish Priests to have stayed there, after he was Master of the place.

This base treacherous Villaine fled away thence to Culloine, with foure other inward Cap­taines, his Consorts, where hee and they runne their heads, in the midst of a Cloyster to stay, which otherwise should have beene detrenched for unnaturall Treason, being Flemings.

The rest of the Captaines of fifteene Compa­nies, came to cleare themselves before the Prince, but three of them fell short, and were left Delinquents, for the Councell of Warre to order their deservings.

The Cardinal tooke in Fenlo and Rura­mont by trea­cherous ends.Within two dayes thereafter, the Cardinall tooke in Rurarmont, but that was a place of smal­ler importance than the other, which is newly a­gaine recovered. and so will also shortly the o­ther; for his Highnesse of Orange tooke them both, in sixe dayes time. After this the Cardinall marching to Mastricke, The Duke of Bulloine Go­vernour of Mastrick. (whereof the Duke of Bulloine was, and is Governour) and intending to lye downe before it, hee was not able to be­leaguer it, in regard of its strength, and strong Garrison within, and of his small Army with­out. Whereupon he made great haste for Ar­tois, to incorporate his forces, with another Ar­my of his there, that were daily at Pell mell with the French, where now leaving them to their doubtfull events, I returne to Breda.

[Page 19]The Prince this while being soundly setled, and strongly fortified with double Trenches, be­sides many other Workes and Redoubts, both within and without the Lyne, then begun he to stop the current of the River Mark, Two Rivers drawne from their courses. that it should not runne to the Towne; and withdrew its na­turall course, along the backe-side of his owne Trenches, with maine force and power, of mar­vailous paines and workmanship, which runne along East and North-Eastward, to Casmirs quarters, and so to the Sea of Gutrenberg: So like­wise was the River of A, which runne by the Scots quarter at Hage, withdrawne from the Towne, and carryed along in both the Ditches of the double Trenches, North, and North-west­ward to the Sea of Terheyden; so that thereby it was impossible for the power of man to raise him, or to disquiet his Army.

And yet more, on the North side of the Towne, at the house of pleasure, (being a place of Recreation for the House of Nassow) by which the Sea flowed up in Mark, to Bredaes Port, hee caused to damme it up,The flowing Tide re-enfor­ced backe to the Sea. and stop the flowing thereof, with huge toyle and charges, and dash­ed back againe, in despight of the Sea, its owne disgorgements; and secured so the North parts of the Towne, that there was neither issuing from it, nor entering to it.

Being thus wonderfully fortified, hee sent a­way the fourth part of his Army, Horse and Foot, to strengthen the Garrisons of other fron­tier Townes, because the Enemy was roaving [Page 20] abroad. And likewise he caused to make Bridges over Mark at Terheyden, and Ginnekin, with three Bridges over A, and its branches, whereby the whole circuite of the Trenches within was made passable. Now betweene every quarter about the Lyne,The ordinary posts about the Trenches. there were eight posts, or divisions of Companies, set upon guard in Quadrons, and betweene these intermingled spaces, there were Centinells fixed, each one within speech of ano­ther; where their continuance of all, was ordina­rily twenty foure houres, before their renewing reliefe came; I meane from their quarters.

All these things exactly done, and provided, then his Highnesse begun to make his Approa­ches; where neare to a Water-mill, erecting a Halfe Moone for preservation of Centinells, and workemen, that were to advance other workes dayly neerer and nearer the Towne; and three Troupes of Horses placed there for a safeguard. There sallyed out of the Enemy, a little after Mid-night,Divers Con­flicts. above twelve hundred men, where making an assault upon the Halfe Moone, being sixe for one, yet by a fresh supply which came forthwith from the quarter, they were couragi­ously repulsed, and chased to the Towne, leaving 28. killed behinde them, and thrice as many wounded they tooke with them.

But now understand me better; there were di­vers other sallies made every day out of Towne, as well in the other quarters as here for 3. weekes space, till their Batteries were erected, and as ma­ny repulses given them backe againe with some [Page 21] killed, some wounded, and some taken prisoners on both sides.

But to shun prolixity, I thinke it best to dis­claime their Diurnall and Noctuall proceedings,The Approa­ches begun. which as they were but fatall and disastruous Ac­cidents, so shall the relation of such crooked for­tunes be as unsavory, and unpleasant to the Judi­cious Reader, whose Curiosity would rather rest on the maine and most selected points, than in perusing the misery of miserable effects. The next strenuous and more forcible advancement, was a Battery reared halfe way to the Towne, and planted with six halfe Cannons; and to the East­ward of it, divers Redoubts shadowed with Pikes and Muskets, then began they to make sport to the Enemy. And shortly thereafter, there were two other Batteries nearer and nearer erected, en­stalled with Cannon and Cannoniers, then play­ed they thick day and night, bellowing Martiall Musicke, against that great and high earthen Bul­warke at Ginnekin Port. Upon which the Spani­ard had 9. piece of Ordnance, and a whole Can­non enstalled, besides other Pieces planted on neighbouring Bulwarks.

Grievous and hot was the service on both sides, and sometimes their aymes so just, that they burst one anothers Cannon,Thundering Cannons and roaring Mus­kets. for almost they never re­sted; insomuch that the Chrystall Aire, and azure skies were rent asunder, and darkened with the excrementall smoake of their combustible paines; yea, and the people and Country Villages abroad and about, were deafned and over-thundred with [Page 22] their reverberating Ecchoes; and lastly, their tre­menduous noyse, and re-enforced reboun­ding sounds made the Tents, Howts, and Sutlars shops to quake, and the ground to shake and tremble, that me thought the or­dinary Earthquake of Puteoli had beene trans­ported hither to the Princes quarter, and yet it was neare an English mile from the inmost Mont and most dreadfull Battery.

At last, within 17. dayes, the Spaniards Can­nons were dismounted, and they quite beaten off the Bulwarke, and constrained to settle their Ordnance on the lower Flanks of counterban­ding Bastions, and could shoote no more at Ran­don; then every man went safe and freely about the Fields and quarter.

But now leaving these Batteries, to batter downe the Towne-houses, Ports, and moul­dring Walles,The Infantry begin their workes. I come to the Military procee­dings of the Infantery, and their Approaches: forthwith and at this instant, began they their en­croaching workes and Trenches, making two Divisions: the French on the right hand, and the English on the left; and thus in short time they accoasted the Enemies Countersearfe, and with much adoe beate them from it, to the Hornewarke within: where, and at which time there were cruell Conflicts for certaine dayes and nights, and valour exposed to the uttermost of worth.

Well, at last the French and English, breasting the Hornewarke, and striving who should first [Page 23] invelope it, their contention fell equall to ei­ther, for both their Busse-bridges were alike soone over the circulating Moate. Heere was great mortality betwixt either Factions, within and without; for the Muskets playd continually as thicke on others faces, as the Winter-hayle, which whiten the ground. Both Nations at­tempted the Hornewarke in the evening, but were beaten backe againe to their great disadvantage; notwithstanding, about three a Clocke in the Morning,The English couragiously tooke in the Enemies Hornewarke. the magnanimous English, made ano­ther brave and fortunate assault, cutting off cir­cumspectly the Centinels, broke in upon the E­nemy, putting sundry to the Sword, some to summersing swimming, and tooke prisoners a Spanish Captaine, with his Alfiero, and twenty five Souldiers alive, which were not redeemed till the Towne was surrendred, being vanquish'd pledges, for blazing abroad the meritorious fame of the English attempt.

There, and at this time was Captaine Crofis killed, and that Honourable Gentleman Colo­nell Gowreine, shot in the legge with a most dan­gerous and pittifull hurt, to the great lamenta­tion of many noble hearts: Besides the death and deadly wounds of many commanded Gallants, and uncommanded Voluntiers; amongst whom was one Peter Ape-slee, shot through his cheeke and mouth, taking away two of his fore-teeth, which indeed was a sharp caveat to temper a jee­ring mouth.

The Hornewarke being thus regained by the [Page 24] singular valour of the English; then with much difficulty the two distinctive Nations fell to, and turned over the inner-side of it defencible for themselves, with a number of turnings and windings deeply sought in the ground:Intricated Trenches and wonderfull workes. that not­withstanding they were at the Moate-side, and under the walles (as it were) of the Towne, yet these Trenches secured them sightlesse from their foes, with a safe shelterage; that when I went through them afterward, they in a manner re­sembled to me, that intricate Laborynth of De­dalus, cut out on the face of that Cretan Ida, or the Ciento Camarelle of Baia: Then upon the Graffe-side, and point for point against the Ene­my, in the two co-operative Divisions, there were foure other Batteries erected, to defend the advancement of the Galleries, that were to sur­prise and undermine the Bulwarke; which did so danton the desperate Defendants, that they were inforced in the day time to draw in their Cannons, and to labour th [...] onely in the night; for upon the Princes seven Batteries, first and last, there were mounted Twenty eight halfe Can­nons, and with them twice as many Canno­niers.

Great morta­lity amongst the French.Neither was the French at this time, and other times too, without great losse of Captaines, and other Commanders, besides abundance of com­mon Souldiers, both slaine and wounded, of whom in Armies there is none, or very small rec­koning made, save onely of Officers, of whom the Sergeant is meanest.

[Page 25]The chiefest of the French that was killed at this Hornewarke, was one Monsieur du Charnacie, Colonell, and Leaguer Ambassadour for the French King, who had his head shot off from the shoulders, with the thundring messenger of a Cannon Bullet, and thereafter the rest of his dead body was sent to be interred in France.

Now betweene the English and French works there was a Traverse made, and topped with a blind of bushes, that if, and when neede requi­red, they might the more facily relieve one ano­ther: And then next of all, they tooke in certaine Halfe Moones and Monts, whereby the Enemy on this quarter was absolutely immured within the Towne.The English and French Galleries be­gun. Whereupon the two Nations be­gun to found their Galleries, which were a pret-way distantone from another about twice twelve score paces, either contending who first should passe the Towne-Moate, which was both large 167. and deepe 18. foote: where now I leave them for a while, jealous of other fastidious Actions, and will fall downe a League West­ward to Grave Williams Brigade, or Scots quar­ter, which was the place of my chiefest abode.

Heere, (as in the Princes quarter) at the be­ginning of their Approaches, with three Re­doubts and two Batteries, the Enemy did divers times sally forth upon them, but they were ever viriliously repulsed backe to their owne repug­nable limits, with Martiall Affronts, and loosing of lives.

But when the utmost of the Scots Trenches [Page 26] and workes,The Scots quarter, and their great ser­vices. encroached within push of Pike to the Enemies Hornewarke; at which time Colonel Sandilands was shot through the left Arme, from the wreist almost to his elbow, whereof (praised be God) he is now happily convalesced: then (I say) grim Fatality overspred these journall and Nocturnall Combattants, of both Factions, with the blacke Cymmerian wings of preposterous Death: for as Empidocles threw himselfe in the Aetnean fires to be reputed for a god: so these rash and temerarious Souldiers (of whom my Coun­treymen were onely chiefest) did desperately cast themselves before the mercilesse mouthes of the Cannon and Musket, thinking thereby to gaine a Bellonean Reputation. Where other­wise they, or he, being fallen, and dead, (I meane the Doltish Dutches) his best Commerad would scarcely bring him off, and bury him, unlesse his backe had beene covered with rough cloaths.

Then was his Corps layd on a Waggon, and brought to the Quarter,The death and buriall of Souldiers done without sor­row. where straight on the backe side of the Trenches, his naked body was cast in a sandy hole, without Chest or Winding-sheete, nay, without any sorrow for the losse of his friend, which I dayly beheld, and much more than I here engrosse, to my great loathing and humane griefe: for as doubling waves de­voure one another, till they breake upon the bel­lowing shoare: so the sequell dayes Mortality amongst them, swallowed up the memory of the preceding dayes misfortune, in the ingrate­full [Page 27] darknesse of Oblivion. Nay, Death grew so obvious to everv eye, as if Men had beene Mice, and Accidents, had beene Cats to devoure them; so that Mans Catastrophe, or Epilogue came to this Epitaphium, Nunc absit, & mortuus est. Yea, and also the like Destinies, as well as here, were incident to the other Quarters about, for their quotidian Services and Attempts were ever as dangerous, as their Approaches insulted upon the Resisters liberty and credit; neither were these disasters more influent to the Assailants, as fatall, and acerbiously occurrent to the Defen­dants.

But now to be punctuall; upon the second of September, The Scots as­saile the Ene­mies Horne­warke. there came Direction from his High­nesse to Crave William, that the Scots the day following should storme the Hornewarke, and that the Dutches should second them. To be­hold this Assault, came hither the Prince Elector Palatine, accompanied with two young German Dukes, Lantsberg and Swavsbridge &c. the Lord Viscount Grandeson, the Lord Craven, and cer­taine other English Gallants, of singular Note. Now with much difficulty had the Scots made a Busse-bridge over the Moate of the Hornewarke, where fastning a Myne within the bosome of an earthen Rampier for passage sake, which being blowne, it rebounded back on themselves, (be­ing the Enginiers fault) yet without any dam­mage, save onely a part of the Bridge broken downe.

Then was Lievtenant Gladstanes commanded [Page 28] by the Generall to fall on, and with him divers Officers, and some choise Companies of se­lected Souldiers, which indeed they both brave­ly and manfully accomplished: And with them fell on a certaine number of uncommanded Vo­luntiers, all Scotsmen. The Conflict for an houres space, was exceeding doubtfull and dan­gerous, for the Muskets and Firelocks never ceased, neither was the Sword and Pike short of the manliest usage, couragious valour could afford magnanimous Gallants.

The Enemy repulsed by the Scots.At last the Enemy was beaten out of the body of the Hornewarke, with above threescore of them left there killed, and retyred to a crosse Demilune, erected within the inmost corner of this worke: from which place they damnably threw over Hand-garnads, Bullets of three pounds weight, and being empty within, they are filled with Powder, Pitch, and Sulphure; where falling on the ground, and breaking, spoyled a number of our men.

Then came certaine Companies of Dutch Firelocks to second them, and gave once fire; but by your leave, like cowardly beasts, and greedy slaves as they are, they left their service, and fell a spoyling of the dead bodies which the Scots had slaine.

A great death of Scotsmen, and shamefull flight of the Dutches.In the end the buttery Dutches perceiving fresh supply comming out of the Towne, to ayde their almost vanquished consorts, the Burgon­dions, they shamefully fled, leaving with the incensed and exasperate Enemies the Scots at [Page 29] pell mell: in which place there were Thirty seven of them left dead, and Forty foure wounded, who with the rest were enforced to retyre againe to their owne Trenches, with the generall Applause of deare bought praise and commen­dation. In which Retreate Sergeant Lindsey was drowned in the Moate, whose body could never be found; notwithstanding wee supposed he had beene taken prisoner, but the Enemy the next day, avouched the contrary, to the great griefe of all his fellow souldiers, and to me much more; for I lay in his straw-built Cabine, & was familiar with him, as with a sociall friend.

The speciall of which fatall Voluntiers,Scots gallants and Volun­tiers killed. was Lievtenant Colonell Henderson, whose Father, Sir Robert Henderson Colonell, and lately killed at Bergen [...]pzom, was a sonne of that Venerable and Martiall Race of Fordell: And this young Accadent, as hee was bred of a valorous Father, so hee fought as valiantly as ever could a noble heart performe a manly part, and dyed in the bed of Honour.

Secondly, that Gallant and ever lamented Gentleman Captaine VVilliamson, who killed three men with his owne hands, and the fourth killed him: The third was Auncient Hammil­ton, Perdevans sonne beside Lithgow, who lately eight dayes before in another Conflict, had so couragiously behaved himselfe, that hee slew two Vallounes, and tooke captive the Nea­politan Cantelmo, carrying him away perforce, and with strong hand from amongst the midst [Page 30] of his enemies, to his eternall fame; and now, and at this time, hee killed foure Burgondions be­fore hee fell; whom then the Enemy knew well, because of his red cloaths, where in a base and inhumane revenge, they mangled, cut, and car­ved his head, face, and dead body, that scarce­ly the next day, when his Corps was sent over the Moate, could he well be knowne. The rest were these Sergeants, Lindsay, Inglis, and Corbet, with divers moe young Gentlemen, of whom one Moncreeffe, a delicate Stripling, was much la­mented.

Commanded Souldiers and their cruell conflict.Of the hurt Voluntiers, was Sir Philip Balfoure one, who with Sword and Pike manfully beha­ved his weilding hands, and being shot in the left arme, came fairely off with deserved repu­tation: Where, and there also, Auncient Drum­mond had his legge shot from him, which al­though it be the badge of a Souldier, yet it hath spoyled the comely feature of a gallant Perso­nage.

Now of the commanded Souldiers, there was principally slaine Lievtenant Gladstanes, an aged man, whose death his owne hands revenged, up­on the lives of five Burgondions before hee fell dead, whose valour the very Enemy the next day mightily applauded. So with him was killed Auncient Fargeson, with certaine others, whose names I suspend to relate. The next morning there was a parley beaten on either side,A parley bea­ten for bury­ing the dead. that both foes might take away the dead, and bury them. All the dead Scots were spoyled by the Enemy, [Page 31] save onely Captaine Williamson, whose body one David Anderson manfully brought off, to his great credit, and thereupon present preferment, and saved thereby his cloaths, and forty pieces of Gold that were in his pockets. The rest were sent over the Graffe in Boats starke naked, and loathsome to behold.

The Corps of Lievtenant Colonell Henderson was sent to Dunhag, and there buried in the great Church beside his Father, and the bodies of Williamson, Gladestanes, and valiant Hammil­ton, were sent three Leagues off, to Gutrenberg, and there interred in a Church. The rest were buried at the Hage, and neare the Scots Quarter, with hollow Drummes, and volley shots, and Souldiers trayling Pikes before them, the mise­rable mourning of Mars.

The next morning after this, the Scots made a­nother Sally upon the Hornwarke, The Scots tooke in the Enemies Hornewarke. and then the Burgondions fled, leaving behinde them some Barrels of Beere, a number of Firelocks, and di­vers Bedsteads. Well, this deare bought Horn­warke was instantly turned over, and made de­fencive for the Victors use; and then close by the Moate side there were two new Batteries made up, which forthwith dismounting the Enemies Cannon, constrained the Spaniard to sinke them lower in the Walles, and so they taught them (as the Proverb is) to eate their meate in order; for upon these foure Batteries here, there were mounted 14. halfe Cannons, with twenty three Cannoniers. Then that same night they begun [Page 32] their Gallery, whereof one Iames Lecky was chiefe Workmaster, who was to have for per­fecting the same, Thirty sixe thousand Gilders.

The advance­ment of the Scots Gallery.Now to speake a little of a Gallery, and how it is advanced, is thus: They first begin, and set some eight couple of Posts in the dry land fast founded, and then they goe on, and advance o­thers in the watery Moate, by turnes and times, more and more, every post or couple being set two foote from another: As they are thus fast a­bove and under, so also are they flanked with boords, bundels of boughes and branches, and earth on both sides, and above, to save the work­men from Muskets; for altogether these flank­ings are not Cannon proofe: And so as they pro­ceede in the Graffe,What a Galle­ry is. they cast in bundels of branches, and armes of Trees, and bushes, and upon them they heape on sand and earth, to fill their watery and plunging way, and so thereby to make a dry foundation, whereon to fixe their Posts. Within it is the height of a man, and so wide, that foure may march side to side into it. In the further end, next the Towne-wall, as they wrought forward, the adventerous labourers had a blind before them, composed of boughes and earth, and that safeguard is sometimes Cannon proofe.

And notwithstanding there were every other day and night some killed, some wanting leggs and armes, and some wounded; yea, and the Cannon would breake downe at divers times sundry of their posts, which were aye speedily re­newed [Page 33] againe: But what offended the Workemen here most,Morters or Pot-pieces. as also in the other Galleries, were these Morters, or Pot-pieces, three quarters of a Yard long, but exceeding large and wide; which will shoote Granadaes of a hundred pound weight, and more; for it is empty within, which being filled with cut iron, poulder, Pitch, and Sulphure, and so put in the Morter; the Cannonier taketh his height and ayme, (for it is shot off with the mouth halfe up­ward) by Art, Compasse, and Geometry, that hee will lay the Granada farre and neare as hee pleaseth: for where it falls, it breakes in pieces, spoyling hou­ses, men, timber-workes, and whatsover it ran­counters withall.

And here by the way, I cannot forget a sorrowfull sport: one Night foure fellows working on the French Gallerie,Damnable Granadaes. and two of them killed with the Musket; there fell a Granada in midst of the Galle­ry, to the which the other two ran to catch it, ta­king it for a Cannon-bullet▪ but as they begun to gripe it, it burst in pieces, and blew them both in the Ayre, rent and torne asunder to nothing. Nei­ther are these Pot-pieces frequently shot off, but now and then, and at certaine serious times, and that be­cause of the great expences they make; for every charge of any of them, will cost above fourscore and ten Gilders, so large are their bellies, and divelish wide their mouths.

And now I remember, when the Scots Gallery was halfe over the Moate, and Lievtenant Colonell Couts standing there, giving directions to Souldiers, there was a Burgondion from a wooden Wind-mill, on the Towne-wall, shot him through the thigh, and burst [Page 34] the bone in pieces, by the which this aged and brave Commander was left there for death; yet at my de­parture there was great hope of his recovery.

Whereupon the next day, Colonell Balfoure cau­sed foure halfe Cannons to bee stalled against the Winde-mill,A winde-mill broke in pee­ces. where downe it came with a rattle, and bruised the bones of some Burgondions, till their guts groaned againe. So likewise about this time one Captaine Wachub sickned in the quarter,Captaine Wachubs death▪ and dyed the third day thereafter, which was thought to have beene the Plague; for the Pestilence was in all the quarters, and almost in every Regiment; yet with no force, nor infectious mortality, by reason of the Souldiers going abroad day and night to the Tren­ches, where lying in their clothes, and on the cold ground, infringed the contagion.

Now as concerning their profession, being in a Leaguer, every Regiment hath a Preacher, and on the Sabbath day under the Colonells Tent a Sermon,The professi­on of Souldi­ers Religion. where few Auditors frequent, unlesse it bee a poore handfull of some well disposed persons. And every day in the Afternoone, according to their turnes, when these Companies came up under their colours, that were to goe for the Trenches and Galleries, then the Predicators of each Regiment▪ made an ear­nest prayer, exhorting their Souldiers to goe on couragiously, and assuredly confident of the pardon of their sinnes in Christs blood; and that they should carry themselves manfully in fighting Gods Battel, for the Gospells liberty; which indeede some of them too insolently and desperately performed: for Reli­gion now, in most parts of the whole Universe, is turned to policy, wherewith this Belgican State is [Page 35] onely and absolutely invested. And I had almost forgot a divellish weapon which both parties made use of, at their breasting of Trenches, which Soul­diers cognominate, an iron Flaile, and is composed of two pieces, the shortest whereof, having a round head, (not much unlike to a Turkish Balucco) is set full of deepe steeled pikes, and they so sharpe and deadly, that there is no resistance nor fence for their blowes, each Souldier threshing death on others fa­tall bodies.Iron Flailes threshing death. Nay, I was astonished to behold such hellish Instruments, and my heart wished that the Inventers of them had the same reward, that Phalaris gave to Perillus, who tortured him in the brazen Bull, which hee invented for the destruction of o­thers.

And alas, what a poore thing is it, to see so many Gentlemen, and gallant youths of all kinds, to hazard their lives for so small a recompence, as five pence halfe penny a day, five Stivers, having their foode and apparrell to take out of it, besides their hard lying, and turmoyling services: which common ca­lamities and profound extreame miseries, I would to God most of our younglings at home knew, then would they be carefull to prevent these languishing adversities,The misery of a Souldiers life. before they finde the succourlesse smart thereof: for by your leave, if a Souldiers industry be not quickened and animated with bountifull re­wards, hee hath lesse will to performe any part of Martiall service, than a dead coarse hath power to arise out of the grave: for what can be more precious to man than his blood? being the fountaine & Nurse of his vitall spirits, and the ground of his bodily sub­stance; which no free nor ingenious nature will loose for nothing.

[Page 36]And whosoever shall argument or discourse upon found reason, and infallible experience, may easily prove and perceive, that those Commanders have ever best prospered, which have most liberally main­tained, and had in singular regard Military Arts and Souldiers: Otherwise the honourable mind would account it a great deale better, to have Death with­out Life, than Life without Reward; yea, and the noble Commander desiring rather to want, than to suffer true Worth unrecompensed. I could in­stance here many Examples of Ingratitude in great persons, that by their wretchednesse to Souldiers, have first lost themselves, and then their Kingdoms and Principalities; but I desist, onely lamenting what I saw here, that even the chiefest Comman­ders, (Fatality is so ordinary to Military procee­dings) so they obtaine their ambitious ends, regar­ded no more the losing of mens lives, than the death of dogges.

But now I come to the third Quarter, setled on the Townes North side, the Freizes, under command of Counte Casmir their Generall: Truely they had the most difficult passage to make their Approaches,The Freizes quarter and their adven­tures. than any of the other two besides; for they had a long and fastidious way of marish water, to march along a Dike blinded with bushes, to their workes before the Castle: Yet they were still advancing their encroachments to affront the Enemies Hornewarke, which they thrice invaded, and were still repulsed, with a great losse of many of their best Officers and Souldiers. And howsoever they came short of the policies and expedition of the other two Quarters, yet in the end, being ashamed of their postponed pur­poses, [Page 37] they desperately, on Satturday at mid-day, September 29. Stilo Gregorio set upon the Enemies Hornewarke, and made exceeding good fire for an houres space, and beate their Opposers into the Towne, with great mortality on both sides, and so turned over the worke defencible for themselves: Whereupon they began their Gallery, but to no purpose, the other three being closing with the VVales and theirs in twenty dayes time could not have beene perfected; where now I leave them, (neverthelesse) well worthy of a good remembrance: their Batteries were onely foure, and planted with twelve halfe Cannons.

But now to returne unto his Highnesse quarter, where I had my last and journall Residence, till the bowels of Breda, gave my long expecta [...]ion a desired Albergamento;English and French Galle­ries done. I found shortly thereafter, the Eng­lish and French galleries fully done, and fastned to the Root of the promontoriat Bastion, where there and then each Nation begun to worke their Mines. In this performance, the French out-stripped the English, and had advanced their insinuating pro­jects two pikes length in the Wals, besides divers dividuat chambers in the Worke before the other; but yet the English gallerie was thicker of posts, and stronger builded than the French: For indeede the English had bin mightily hindred in advancing their gallery, by the Enemies Cannon, which often ramversed divers of their posts; and as they were as speedily renewed agayne, with the losse of many poore lives; so these work-men adventured to ad­vance the gallery here, and in the other two galle­ries also, for extraordinary wages, some ten, some [Page 38] twenty dollors in a night: And notwithstanding, most of these desperate labourers, made a dolorous end, and never enjoyed them, for the Muskets without and fire-locks within, day nor night, wer ne­ver at rest; besides skirmishes and ambushes still from either party exploited at all advantages. Truely, I speake it credibly, the French nation did never so good service, with such promptitude and dexterity, and so happy a successe, as here before Breda; neither did they ever gaine the like commendation since their first comming here, to serue under the States, as the whole Army, not themselves did testifie.

Well, upon the first of October, the Prince rode downe, with two followers, to the galleries, (as he most adventrously did every day) to pry into the Mines,The mynes begun in the Towne-walls. for he himselfe is an excellent Engenier: du­ring his abode there, the Cannon and the Musket played most grievously upon the Towne-houses and Wals, in so much that the Enemy could hardly soot himselfe for any shot at all. But when night came, and the Spaniards re-setling their Cannons in the hollow flankes of their Bulwarks, then fell both sides to worke, and all the Quarters about the Towne, with thundring and roaring sounds, as if Heaven and Earth had met together, yea, and with a greater clamour then the Vlyssen wooden Horse made to fatall Troy. For the Princes Cannon went e­ver all the night till the morning as thicke off, as the nimble fingers of a youngling,Great thun­dring of Can­non and Mus­ket. play upon the Virgi­nals; but their Musicall Notes were different, the one delicious, and the other dreadfull. Where­upon, and because the strength of the Enemy grew defective, their forces impaired by slaughter, and [Page 39] their Amunition altogether deficient, (which was well knowne to the Prince, and the whole Army a Fort-night before this their re-enforced submission) then beate they their Drummes about the walles,The Enemy beates a parly to render the Towne. for a generall parley to all the Quarters, about seven a Clocke on Tuesday morning, October 6. Stilo Italico, and so the Cannon ceased on both sides, and there was no more shooting, invasion, nor resistance.

Upon which there sorted an Officer from the Go­vernour at Ginnekin Port, and well mounted on Horsebacke, who rode Post up to his Highnesse, rancountering me as I ran downe to the Trenches. The Commission of the Governour being delivered to the Prince, and his flexibility considered, there were Hostages sent from both sides, for the assurance of fidelity to other; three aged Colonells from the Prince, and sixe Burgers from the Towne.

Well, in the Afternoone there came from the Towne five sufficient men of quality, and a Cathe­drall Priest, cloathed in a white Robe, and a white Hat, signifying Peace; (for he was no Monke, un­lesse hee had beene Lucifer in a Monkes habit, nor none of the like order in the Towne) These sixe came (I say) to capitulate with the Prince, and Councell of War, upon pretended Articles. They moved the Prince for the Freedome of a Church to celebrate the Masse into, for the staying of some of their Clergy there, and some other libertinous de­mands; but they were all refused with this solid and generall Answer: To wit, that these Conditions which Spineola 13. yeeres before, Anno 1625. Iuly 5. gave to Colonell Morgan, who was constrained by famine, after 11. Moneths siege to surrender it; the [Page 40] selfe same conditions should they receive, and no more, and so it was concluded under the shaddow of Eighteene Articles, the chiefest whereof were these:The Articles and Conditi­ons made to the Spaniards. First, that they should have three dayes time to stay in the Towne, to prepare and accommodate themselves, and what they had for Transportati­on. Secondly, that the Prince should furnish them with foure hundred Waggons, to carry away their loggage, baggage, Women, Children, Priests, and lame men for the Towne of Machlein. Thirdly, that they should march out of Towne with flying Colours, kindled Matches, shouldred Muskets, and Bullets in their mouthes. Fourthly, that they should take with them foure halfe Cannons, and two Pot-pieces; but the courteous Prince gave them two more, which made sixe Cartouses, and two Mor­ters. Fiftly, that none should search nor enquire for what they carried, nor no recapitulation to bee made of booties and blood past, and that there should goe a Convoy of Horsemen with them halfe way to Machlein. Sixtly, that all the Towne Bur­gers, which were Papists, should have two yeeres time to reside there, for disposing of their houses, lands, or goods, during the which space, they were to enjoy the profits of whatsoever they had, and then to depart, under the paine of severe punish­ment, and confiscation of their estate. Seventhly, that the two Nunneries there, should have liberty to keepe within doores enduring life; but no Priest to be allowed them for Masses, nor to stay within the Towne, under the paine of Death. Eightly, that those Souldiers which were fallen sicke, lame, or wounded, lying in the Hospitall for health, should [Page 41] remaine there in safety till their convalescment, and then to have a safe convoy,The Waggons sent to trans­port the ene­my. sent with them halfe way to Machlein. Ninthly, that there should two suffici­ent Pledges stay in Breda, untill such time, that the Spanyards sent backe the aforesaid Waggons and Bowres without any dammage or offence.

Leaving as unnecessary the lesser Articles to bee rehearsed: Vpon Saturday, October 10. the Wag­gons being all in readinesse, and sent in unto them, and well provided with good Horses, they begun to take their journey, about 11. a clocke in the fore­noone, but very slowly, which wearied our expecta­tion: First then, there marched forth 3. severall and distant divisions of Muskets, Firelocks, and Pikes, and the fourth division came last of all with the Governour, and hee also in a Coach, carrying with them fifty one Colours, the halfe of which wanted Companies, being cut off at the siege, so that one Auncient sometimes carried three Co­lours,

Betweene the first three, and last division, came all the Waggons along, one drayning after ano­ther, with their Household stuffe, (ô miserable furni­ture) Women, Children, and wounded people, with sixe halfe Cannon, and two pot peices.

Next unto the Bussport, at their forth comming, and without two draw Bridges and an empty Court du guard, stood the Prince his owne Guard, 300. Foot, and a troupe of Horses, all armed, with Cors­lets, and head-peices as cleare as silver,The Enemies marching out of Breda. or shining like to Eurileus Murreon in the Cinthian night; by & along whose faces they marched through Count Casmirs Brigade, for they were in armes, because they [Page 42] passed through their quarter, and in one part their Trenches were cast downe for their departure.

But what shall I say of the great concurrence, and innumerable numbers of people which flocked hi­ther, of all sorts under the States, Merchants, Bur­gers, and Bowres, maides, and wives. that came, to see this Hispanicall farewell; nay, certainely there were above three hundred thousands, yong and old: for such a sight at once, and on the faire Fields, was never seene assembled together, (as I may say) since Tamberlanes dayes; that in my conceite it was a ra­rer thing to behold the infinite multitude heere con­vocated, than either to stand gazing upon the van­quished Viadants, or to admire the alacrious faces of the triumphing Victors.

Then before the last division of the Spaniards, and behind the Waggons,Romish Priests mounted on Carro [...]hes. marched forth some Romish Religious Orders, namely, 16. Dominican Friars, and eight Augustines, all in blacke and white ha­bits. Next to them came some stragling Cordeleirs, amounting to ten, whom the Italians denominate Chiogolanti, because they weare wooden shooes: Then after them issued out five or sixe staggering Se­minary Priests,Some drun­ken Priests. who partly for sorrow to leave the Towne and friends, and partly to expell their visi­ble causes of griefe, and invisible melancholy, they were so overwhelmed in the plunging profundity of Bachaniall streames, that one tumbled downe here, and another fell there, whereby they became a laugh­ter to all the Army, and a miserable mockery to scornefull Spectators: Now amongst the VVag­gons there were heere and there certaine stragling Firelocks marching along, and behind their heeles, [Page 43] that predominant and imperious sect of the Tiatine­an Jesuits, being fourteene in number, and as well mounted on Carroshes of foure wheeles, as if they had beene African Apes, riding on Elephants of foure leggs.

The last division of the foure was the strongest of all,Capushin Fry­ars marching forth before the Governor. and best accommaded; where behind them and before the Governour, marched seven couple of Ca­pushin Friars, the first of which paires carryed a high wooden Crosse, with a Ladder, a Reed, a hanging Spunge, and a Launce fastened to it, with other dependancies. The aged Governour being postre­mest, was mounted in a Coach, and overloaden with all the signes of a dejected countenance, marched a­way after the rest, (and I after him) to the utmost Trench or Line. Where the Prince of Orange stay­ed for his comming, accompanied with these three Princely brothers, his grand Nephews, Prince Charles, Prince Robert, and Prince Maurice of the Palatine, with all the other Dukes, Counts there present, and Generalls of the Army.

The Governour approaching his Highnesse, dis­missed the Coach, and mounting on Horsebacke, saluted his Conquerour, with an exceeding low cour­tesie, and wringing complements:The Prince of Orange con­ferres with the Governour in his journey. The benigne Prince did fully the like to him; where after halfe an houres conference, and blandements blowne on o­thers mouthes, the weeping Governour tooke a fi­nall farewell of his victorious Adversary.

The number of these foure Divisions, which mar­ched away in Armes, were thought to be (besides foure hundred stragling Firelocks [...]) about fifteene hundred Souldiers, all lusty men, and in good E­quipage, [Page 44] whose Martiall countenances seemed ra­ther to have overcome these who overcame them, than to have beene vanquished by their valour, and inexpugnable fortunes; whose brave service and des­perate defence, for approved worth and deserved fame, may justly claime the Constantinopolitan Hippo­drome, to engrave thereon their couragious At­chievments, which in ten weekes and five dayes time they worthily performed. And truely I may say, although I have small reason for it, (when I re­member these miseries I sustayned in Malaga) that never Souldiers did more, nor could doe better. Well, and thrice well, and howsoever they fought well, they are now well gone; and straight at the last of their backes, when they left the Towne, en­tred in the Princes Guard, and twelve other Com­panies, to keepe the Burgers unwronged from in­sidiary Souldiers, till a constant Garrison was set­led.

At their entering the Gate, and I with them, his Highnesse Trumpetters, from above in a Bulwarke, founded three times, the most joyfull Victoria, and the sweetest melodious Tryumph, that ever I heard in all my life, wheresoever I have beene. Now for contentment I stayed five nights in Breda, The Authors abode in Bre­da. as glad to have obtained the freedome, which I had so deare­ly bought before, in lying seven weekes and foure nights in wet straw Howtes, on cold straw-beds, and continually in my cloaths, which was a Noctu­all Limbus to try my patience, as the Leaguer was a diurnall Purgatory for the purging of money out of my purse.

But now, not to bee oblivious, I recall, that at [Page 45] the beginning and about the middle time of the siege, there remained heere in the Princes quarter for certaine dayes, these two noble Lords, the Earle of Warwicke, and the Earle of Northampton; and with him was the Queenes Majesties Dwarfe, strenu­ous Ieffrey, that Cyclopian creature, whose Gygan­tisme body made the Bulwarkes of Breda to trem­ble: But rather I would say, this Sonne of Cono­pas made the whole Army to admire his monstrous smalnesse; who for this Bellonean practice our Cham­pion saw, hee may justly, as Generall, lead an Army of Pigmaes to the Catopian Fields; where Molon, Commander of the contrary Campe, will runne at tilt against him, with the Launce of a Rush, as long as a straw: and so leaving this memorable Monu­ment of a living Statue, I returne to my purpose. Truely it was a pleasant thing to behold the cheare­full countenance of common Souldiers, when they marched to the Court du Guard in the Market place, and to other remoter staunces about the walles; for they looked all as Lords of this vanquished Lady.

And now the next morning after my first entery in the Towne, being Sunday, there were two Ser­mons made in the great Church by Dutch Predi­cants to Gods glory, where the day preceding, there had beene fifteene Masses, celebrate to the Ve­neration of imaginary Saints. For Wine and victu­als we found plenty in the Towne, and no scarcity of any thing save of favourable faces; and for excel­lent good Beere of all Belgia, Breda is the Daughter of Bacchus. Melancho [...] Burgers. As for most of the Burgers, all this time they kept their doores fast, lamenting within what they could not helpe without, being shrewdly [Page 46] invenomed with the perturbulent Iesuits before their departure.

The Towne it selfe I found mightely deformed, and the houses beaten downe most lamentably with the Cannon; in all these three corned streets, that were opposite, to the three quarters without, where­of Ginnekin streete, from the Princes batteries was worst defaced; that it grieved me to heare of the great fatality, these downe-falling houses brought to the inhabitants, as also the sorrow to behold be­tweene two extreames, the miserable effects of warre; which I leave my mourning Muse to deplore.

Now the next morning after the Towne was surrendred, there came forty eight Trumpeters before the Princes lodging, and sounded the victory over Breda, and after them came foure hundred three­score and twelve drummes, doing the like, to whom and every one of them, there was rewards given as a thing due to their Calling after any victory.

The third day of this vicissitude, being munday morning, then the whole quarters began to slight and cast downe their workes, equalizing them with the ground; but understand me better, no man wrought but for extraordinary pay, for they can not compell a Souldier, by the law of Armes, to doe a­ny more than march, watch, and fight, without a secondary acknowledgement: but the most diffi­cult toile of all, was to empty the moate, of infinite bundles of Boughes and armes of Trees, and to pull downe the Galleries, whose erections had been so fatall to many misfortunate lives.

Then, and at that time, all the Country Bowres [Page 48] about,All the works and Approa­ches without are cast down. were commanded every man in his owne ground, to levell and throw downe, the out tren­ches, Redoubts, and other workes, which in 16. dayes time was cheerefully performed.

Now upon the fourth day after the Townes sur­rendering, being wednesday, October 14. there were solemne feastings, and bonfires made through all the Townes of the jurisdictions and Provinces under the united States, for this unestimable victory: And u­pon the sixt day thereafter, the Prince, Princesse, and young Prince of Orange with all the cheife Comman­ders of the Army,The joyfull Victoria kept in Holland and Breda. had their Jubile, and Triumphs observed, within the Castle of Breda at supper, with bonefires, and thundering Cannons within the walles, to which the Army without, for 2. houres space, made an equivox of Volley-roaring shots from innumerable Muskets; as if the mountaines of Cu­ma, and Sybillaes chambers, with their neighbour Apolloes Temple, had beene throwne downe, with a counterbanding clangor, in the Avernian Lake.

And then the sequell day, all things for preserva­tion of the Towne being appointed and setled, as well for victuals as military provision; the Lord Baverward a brave young Gentleman,Baverward left Governor of Breda. and naturall Sonne to Count Maurice of famous memory, was enstaled governour: With threescore Companies of foote and horse, eight whereof were Scots, and English, the rest Dutches, French, and Friezes: Where now I leave them, as they were left, to erect three Sconses or Forts, without the workes of the 3. Ports; and another Fort at Terheyden, to keepe the River of Mark passable, and so thereby the safety of Traffickers procured. And now leaving this con­spicuous [Page 49] Conquest,Good Newes from other parts which came to the Leaguer. I fall upon the good newes, that with this Victory, came all at one time to the Lea­guer, to wit, that Marishall Chatilion, Generall of the French Army in Artois, had defeated there the Cardinals Army, with the slaughter of two Regi­ments, besides some taken prisoners, and with them twelve Pieces of Ordnance.

And from the Easterne Germany, the like good newes came by one Mr. Grahame, sonne to the Heri­tour of Killearne, that the Scots and Swedes had gi­ven to the Saxon and Austrian forces, a ponderous overthrow: And with these Buonos Novellos, came the Victory of Bernard Saxe Wymer, fought beside Strausberg, against the Imperiall Army, where with many thousands the Emperors Generall was killed. Neither may I thrust in Oblivion the auspicuous at­tempts and approved valour of mine ever renowned Countrey-man, Generall Lesslie, who in a most sin­gular manner, Anno 1636. August 9. at the battell of Whitesock, (besides other famous and fortunate Conflicts) had both the Vanguard and the Victory. O memorable Victory! and put to flight the Duke of Saxon, and the Imperialists with great slaughter; seazing on foure thousand Waggons, five whereof were loaden with Ricks Dollours, and with them twenty eight pieces of Ordnance.

Where, and at which Rancounter, that hardy and redoubted Gentleman Colonell Robert Cunyngham was slaine,Certaine va­liant Scots Worthies. a sonne of the house of Boniton upon the River of Clyde, and once my Condisciple in Lanerk. Nor dare I seclude from this commemoration, that ever honoured Commander, Generall Ruthwen, whose fidele service and manly prowesses are Orien­tally [Page 50] knowne, as well to the foes, as to the friends of Swethlands Crowne. And what shall I speake of late Colonell Hepburne? but let Germany, France, and fatall Loraine, where hee was killed, affirme and approve of him, that hee was absolutely one of the best Souldiers in Christendome, and so conse­quently of the World. After whose death, succee­ded to his place the younger Colonell Hepburne, his Cousin, sonne and apparent Heire of that ancient House of Wachton, who now lately, on the Fron­tiers of France, and about the former disastruous place, hath suffered the like fatall blow of preposte­rous death.

But now to returne to the Lesslies, of whom there are so many valorous Colonells and Captaines, be­sides the aforesaid Generall, that I may justly averre it, that there are not so many of one Surname with­in Europe, and in this Age, have acquisted more cre­dit, honour, and indubitable reputation, than that Heroick and Bellonean Name hath done.Twenty eight Scots Colo­nells at one time under the King of Swethland. Whereof Gustavus ghost may testifie not onely of them, but also of divers other worthy and noble Commanders, as these honourable Colonells, Mackay, now Lord of Raye; two of the Surnames of Lindsey, Earles of Crawfurd, the noble Forbes, two of Hamilton, three of Cuningham; the rest of the Colonels were Minroe, Lumsdale, Stewart, Keith, Baillie, Gunne, and that once highly respected Commander under the Marquesse of Hannay, Sir Iames Ramsey lately decea­sed: with sundry like Colonells, and many Cap­taines of notable memory; and so from them gene­rally of the whole Scots, their followers, that they have beene the nerves and sinews of his Army, yea, [Page 51] and the Sword of his right hand: for as the Myrme­dons were the Bulwarkes of Alexanders fortunes, so were they the Pike and Buckler of all Adolphus most glorious Atchievments, as well in Prucia, Germa­ny, as on the borders of Russia, or else where; whose proper and peculiar Acts of most of them I could seriously divulge, but time, it traitours me: neither may this present Volumne permit to en­grosse any prolixious subject, (howsoever necessa­ry) unlesse I had a proposed drift to perfect punctu­ally in a larger Relation than this, their generous and generall proceedings, their Heroick Exploits, and fastidious following of their adventurous labours in Martiall Discipline; and so I hasten to Finis.

But what shall I say? Scotland now a dayes hath no Historian, bravest Wits turne dull, Poëts sing dumbe, Pen-men grow deafe, and best spirits slumber. And why? because there is no Mecenas, as little regard,Ingratefull Times. farre lesse reward to laborious Re­corders. So that now by numbers of ingratefull Patrones, the praises of past Worthies lie interred in the dust, and future times robbed of the necessa­ry knowledge of things past and present; and thus in the darknesse of Ingratitude, the living men mur­der the memory of the dead. Nay, and worse, Pen-men now may not labour in their paines, because of clownish Carpers, Critticks, Calumniators, and distracted Censurers, that tare the life of Vertue in pieces with their spightfull tongues; for it is a more facile thing for a Miscreant to judge, than to suffer judgement himselfe: And especially some raw-mouthd younglings, (nay, rather fondlings) who being newly Laureate, after short foure [Page 52] halfe yeares time spent in the Colledge, they come forth from this small Commencement, (wanting wit, judgement, and understanding) like to Bulls broken out from Dungeons, to beare the faces of the world: Wise men are ignorant to them, the Laiety but Lubbards; old men but fooles, and they will have men of honour, to honour them with the first good morrow, the top of the Table, the Right hand,The arrogan­cy of young beardlesse Schollers. and the entery of the Doore. And why? be­cause they are over-master'd with Art, not Masters of it; having their shallow braines loaden with the empty apprehension of bottomlesse Syllogismes, rot­ten ragges of Heathnish Philosophy, and clouted phrases of Paganisme Authors, who but they? and if they rayle upon Divine Authority, Vulgars say, they are brave Schollers, hopefull youths, and well set; away, runne here and there, goe beyond Sea, to teach and concionate. Some of which presump­tuous crew I found here in the Leaguer before Bre­da, (I meane of mine owne Countrey-men, and none other) whose beardlesse mouths have greater neede of more Learning, Knowledge, and Instructi­on, than to dare to doe the thing they cannot doe; whose Names I reserve to discover in my verball and ordinary discourses.

And now to close up all, the two aforesaid Ri­vers of Marck and A, Marck and A, returned to their owne courses. were returned againe to their owne Channells, yet not without great dammage, and impetuous violence done to their next borde­ring bounds. After this the Army dissolved, and every Company sent to their owne Garrison: where from thence also, the Prince with his ordinary Guard went up the Rhine, to surveigh and streng­then [Page 53] the Townes and places there of greatest impor­tance, with all necessary provision.

Whence I falling downe from Breda to Dunhag, presented the Majesty of Bohemia, with some of my former workes: And having viewed and reviewed her princely Children here, and at Leyden, six sonnes and foure Daughters, whom God may long blesse, prosper, and preserve; I returned to Rotterdam, and thence I imbarked for Camphiere in Zeland.

And now I thinke it not amisse, to lay open briefly some generall Observations that I gathered of Hol­land, their condition of living, their politick go­vernment, and of their forces by Sea and Land. First then,The conditi­ons and man­ners of the Dutcher. as for their carriage and manner of conversati­on, they are a selfe-loving people, just and strict in their bargaines, nothing to spare, nothing to lend; cheape buyers, and deare sellers; civill in shew, and churlish of nature▪ their Birth and breeding sem­blable to the Mechanick vulgarity of their actions; painefull and industrious for profit, but nowayes courteous, nor charitable: Their Gentry is mesculat, and the true Quintessence thereof remaining onely in the house of Bredrod; they keepe their houses clean­ly, and goe honestly apparrelled; they will doe any thing for advantage, and nothing without gaine: They are great misregarders of Strangers, notwith­standing they live safely under the shelter of their bloody Swords; and in a word, they are Pharises without, and hollow Hebrewes within.

For government,The provi­dent States. the States, they are sublimely politick, wonderfull provident, and great Intelli­gencers abroad; and for preventing inconveniences and foreseeing of safety, their Republick excelleth [Page 54] Venice, and all the Common-wealths of the world; they are mighty in meanes, laying grievous Taxes and Assizes upon the people, which still double the value of any thing the Commonalty buy or sell.

H [...]l [...]and main­taines yeerely 100000. soul­diers by Sea and Land.As for their Army by Land, generally in Garri­sons, and on the Field, consisteth (as I was cre­dibly informed) of threescore and ten Thousand men; and by Sea, and in the East and West Indies thir­ty thousands more, which this handfull of Hol­land doth dayly sustaine, the rest of this Discourse I omit, till such time that I enlarge my former Booke of Travells.

And now to observe my methodicall order, I found in the aforesaid Camphiere a Scots Staple, and over it a venerable Gentleman, Master Patrick Drum­mond, Lord Conservator there for the Burroughs, (Merchants, and Traffickers here) of Scotland, to whose love I celebrate this gratefull memory.

This Isle of VVaker, a part of Zeland, is eight English miles in length, and thrice as much in cir­cuite, contayning these three Townes, Camphiere to the East, Middlebrough in the midst, and Flushen to the South-west: betweene which Townes there is a delicate smooth Calsey of thin Bricke, hedged and ditched on both hands; that in walking of it, me thought I had beene in the Valley of Suda, else in the Tempian Plaines, watered with pleasant Per­messis. Arrived at Flushen, and attending for Transportation to England, Five Flusherer Ships seaz'd on three Dun­kirkers. there came in one morning five Zelander ships, men of Warre, who brought in three prizes, Dunkirker ships, furni­shed with threescore and twelve pieces of Ordnance, some whereof were Brazen halfe Cannon and Culve­rin; [Page 55] and on these ships three hundred and sixteene Captives, who now lye there incarcerate till their Redemption.

Indeede these Dunkirkers brought with them a great deale of joy to the Inhabitants: but what shall I say? the second night following, a drunken Pi­lot cast away one of these great ships (brought in these prizes) upon the Isle of Cassand, just before the Towne; of whom, and of them, I may say as Maharrabell said to his Master, Vincere scis Anni­bal, victoria uti nescis. But now to conclude, if there be any Britannian or Hybernian desirous to see and try the effects of Purgatory, let him go over to Flushen, where it will soone purge his purse of Money, and his Heart of patience; and so farewell, for I am landed at Gravesend.