ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT, CONCER­ning the Cessation of Warre, be­tweene the Arch-duke and the States of the vnited Prouinces.

Procured by a Fryar, called Iohn of Ney, Confessour to the Arch-duke and the Infanta.

Wherunto is annexed the state of other things happened about the same time.

With Warres Testament, or his last Will, made at his departure out of the said Netherlands.

Translated out of the Dutch.

Imprinted at London for Thomas Archer, and are to be sold at his shop in Popes head Alley, neere the Royall Exchange, 1607.

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Newes to the Reader, or to whom the Buyer desires to send Newes.

SVch is the time, that when friends congratu­late, the second word is what's the newes? So likewise, when our vrgent occasions re­quire conference by letters, yet wee expect with those letters, what Newes; if we come from the Court, what Newes; if we come from the Countrie, what newes: So from whencesoeuer wee come or goe, what Newes. Therefore for them that desire newes, especially to you, I present these Netherland accurrents, lately come to my handes from a worthy friend out of Holland, this 18. of Iune. 1607.

Thine W.B B.

Articles of Agreement concerning the Cessation of warre, betweene the Arch-duke and the States of the vnited Prouinces.

YOu haue heard howe a Fryar, the Confessor to the Infanta, hath brought about a Cessa­tion of Armes for 8. moneths, to the end that in that 8. mo­neths, these States might acquaint their best friendes, and counsell themselues, whe­ther they will make a peace or no, vpon rea­sonable termes; in which it is propounded beforehand, that the Arch-duke shall dis­claime from all interest in them, and pre­tence [Page]ouer these Prouinces vnited, that they shall, as a free State, treate, and hold all that they now doe, except by consent, some towne or place may be changed, for the ac­commodating of the Arch-duke or this States and that the King of Spaine shall, within the terme of three moneths, send to the States his agreement to and of the same Acte.

Now vpon this, there hath beene que­stion mooued; first concerning the word Inuasion, then for the calling home of the Fleet: and what hath beene done in that, I send you herewith; and the present state of things here.

Touching the interpretation of that word, it is this concluded; that during the Cessation, their Prouinces, Territories, and other particular possessions on eyther side, as well by water as land, shal be free from all inuasion, and all manner of hostilitie, by Armie, troope, or partie.

That in the neutrall Countries adioy­ning, no actions of hostilitie shall be vsed a­gainst the inhabitants passengers, & others being no souldiers, nor against horses, dri­uers of horses, or those men which shal draw [Page]shippes and boates, on both sides the riuers.

That all actions to the contrary, shall of all sides bee hindered, punished and repai­red: with this prouiso, that it must be vnder­stood, that such offences committed against the Contract, tend not to the violation or breaking of the Cessation vnlesse they bee done by the order and appointment of the King of Spaine or the Arch-duke on the one side, or the States on the other.

That all souldiers by land and water, horse and foot (out of the townes or fortes where they serue) as also all others, hauing no pasport or residing vnder safegard, all vnfree goods, and the persons and goods which shall be transported from one side to the other, without pasport and licence, are excepted out of those limits, and remaine subiect to the order and rigour of the warre.

That the Contribution on eyther side (during the Cessation) shalbe raised & exe­cuted, as they were at the day of the con­clusion of Cessation, (namely the 12. of A­prill last) without enhauncement, and at the perill of those that shall execute the same.

Touching Cessation of Armes at Sea.

THe States haue agreed to call home their Fleete from the coast of Spaine, with their first meanes after the King of Spaines declaration, agreeable to that of his Highnesses, which shall (according to promise) be deliuered vnto them; and du­ring the time limitted for the said deliuerie, (whereof there is yet seuen weeks or there­abouts to come) not to re'nforce their sayd Fleete.

That when 6. weekes are expired, after the said deliuerie, all prizes (except ships of warre and souldiers) which shall be ta­ken on the sea, from the Gorlings south and towards the west, along the coast of France, Spaine and Barbary, and in the Straight of Giberalter, and in the Midland sea, shall be held for vnlawful Prize, and restorde.

That all Prizes on either part (except shippes of warre and souldiers) which shall bee taken on the north seas, or on the nar­row seas, betweene great Brittaine and France, as farre as the Gorlings, after the fourteenth of Iune (after their computa­tion) [Page]shall be held for vnlawfull prize, and restorde.

And those Articles of Cessation to be of force during that limit.

Prouided, that the order presently obser­ued by the States, against the going out and into the hauens of Flaunders, shall remaine lawfull for the States to execute, notwith­standing the Cessation; granted onely to the Arch-duke, that they shall suffer his small Fisherie without the hauens, during the Cessation.

I Must giue you likewise the Report of a Fight at Sea, betweene the shipping of Spaine and the States.

On the 15. of Aprill, 1607. the States Fleete being 29. shippes of warre, and pro­uision, arriued in the Bay of Giberalter, where they found the Armado of Spaine, about 12. or 13. ships of warre, (besides se­uen or eight Marchants) who had order to hale on the Hollanders, going in or out [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page]the straights. The States shippes resolued with order and courage, to attempt the Spa­nish, as they lay in the Road, vnder the shot of the Towne and Castell. The Admirall with another good shippe, commanded by Captaine Lambrecht, boarded the Spanish Admirall with full sayle, and beat her so violently with ordinance and musket, that in a short space she lost her Generall, with almost 300. men, being a ship of 400. last or burthen, manned with 500. and carrying 21. great brasse peeces.

After fiue houres fight, the States had the victorie, but with danger: for fire happe­ning in the Spanish Viceadmirall, when she was grappled, the States shippes had much adoe to saue themselues from burning. The Spanish Admirall with some others ran a­ground, suffred the fire to lay hold on them, and increased it, to preuent the States profit by taking them. The next day examining the successe, they left (of the 21. shippes which they found in the Bay at their ariual) but two Gallions, one French ship, and a small pinnasse all which were so grounded, that they could neither take nor burne them.

Three Marchants besides, comprehen­ded in the 21. committed themselues to the States fleete. So that the Spaniard lost se­uen great Gallions, and sixe or seuen other good shippes besides. The States lost their Admirall with the first shot from the Spa­nish Admirall; and among others, one cap­taine Laughen Heyndricke of Amsterdam, and captaine Lambrechts sonne.

They haue great hurt done to their masts, sayles, cables, and tacklins.

I Must further let you know, that certaine shippes of these Countries, of the Com­pany that trades to the East Indies, haue taken a very rich Carracke, which they haue lightned of her most precious and rich lading, and laden it into their owne ships, of which, one is come into Amster­dam, and the other into Zeland, and the Carracke, into which they haue put their Spices, is comming also.

THe French Ambassadours are gone a progresse into North Holland, atten­ding the enlarging of their Com­mission.

THe most of these people conceiue and feare, that the king of Spaine wil neuer send the Agreeation, vpon which most depends. Iune 16. 1607. From the Haghe.

Later Newes.

THere are letters come from Bre­dä, that 2000 Spaniards are en­tred a backe way into the Castle of Antwerpe, haue turned the Artillerie vpon the Towne, and doe make warre with the Citizens. This is beleeued at the Haghe: but I will not report it for trueth, vntil the first be seconded. Farewel. From the Haghe, Iune 16. 1607.

FINIS.

WARRES TESTAMENT, now ready to dye, after so long continu­ance in the Netherlands.

THe sicknesse great that doth oppresse my hart,
And cause each veine & pulse to pant & beat,
As signes that soule and body must depart,
Do shew, that spight my heart, I cannot let
The houre ta'pproch which fatal death hath sign'd;
For all things must returne vnto their kind.
And sith 'tis so, I then am fully bent,
Before I part, for to declare my Will,
And make my last and fatall Testament,
And to each one, great, little, good, or ill,
Bequeath my goods, and all that I possesse,
And teach all these that Martiall Art professe,
How to deuise the Warres for to increase,
And make them worse and greater then before,
And find the meanes that they shall neuer cease,
And that each countrie people, rich and poore,
May feele the edge of my deuouring blade,
Which in the world such slaughter great hath made.
For though I die, and Netherlands forsake,
Yet must you thinke, that I mine heires do leaue,
That will not fayle in ought my part to take,
And Countries farre and neere of peace bereaue,
And make my fame, when I am dead and rotten,
Still to increase, and neuer be forgotten.
1.
First I bequeath vnto the Potentate,
That many men hath brought vnto their end,
By my contentious bloudy mind and hate,
Great store of goods and lands, his state to mend,
And though he serued me with great desire,
And rather sought for wealth, then warre require,
And happily full many dangers past:
Yet let him know, what euer he hath woon,
That from it all he must depart at last,
When he his fatall course on earth hath runne;
And therefore counsell him for to beware,
And of his life to haue a better care.
2.
To Tyrants great, to whom their law is will,
Who by my means much wrong & hurt haue done
By false pretence of warre, and sought to kill
Both man and child, and many Countries woon
By fire and sword, consuming townes and towers,
And wrongfully destroyed pleasant Bowers,
I doe bequeath Kains curse and banishment,
And though their fame b'extold vnto the aire,
Yet shall their hearts and minds be discontent,
And filled with confusion and despaire,
And at the last with woe and miserie,
Their bodies shall with lice consumed be.
3.
To those that haue bin valiant, stout and bold,
T'aduenture life and limme for to defend
Their Countries cause, and it from dangers hold,
And haue continued true vnto the end,
Offered no wrong, nor vsed villanie,
But with their pay themselues did satisfie,
I cannot chuse but wish them well in heart,
And praise and honor leaue them for their meed,
And when that they out of this world shall part,
Desire of God to helpe them in their need,
And giue them constant faith for to perseuer,
In godly life to liue with him for euer.
4.
To Spirituall men, that are of carefull mind,
To preach and teach, I cannot leaue them much,
And they do know, and well by proofe do find,
Their Cloisters spoild, whereat they seeme to grutch,
Their Churches burnt, their liuing ta'ne away,
And which is more, where they haue seen the day,
That all their Sellers stored were with drinke,
Their Barnes full, their Kitchins fraught with meat,
And all things els what euer heart could thinke,
Were in their Houses found, now nought to get,
And they poore Priests & Couents without land,
To other mens reuersions forc't to stand.
5.
Vnto the Townes in Netherlands so great,
I do bequeath and leaue a great Excise,
And many Impositions that are set
Vpon them, though they rather would deuise
The meanes to liue in peace and quiet state,
And thinke themselues to be most fortunate.
Meane time they must behold their rased walles,
Their Towers cast downe, vncouered and defac't,
Their Houses burnt, their Palaces and Halles
Euen with the ground: for what can euer last,
But must of force consume and eke decay?
For in this world there is no certaine stay.
6.
Vnto the countrie Village and the Towne,
I do bequeath a desolate estate,
And vncoth sight of Castlis, broken downe,
And houses spoylde, which warre vnfortunate
Hath causde and made full many a man to bee
Amazed lore such wofull sights to see:
I leaue them Sluces fallne vnto decay,
Great store of lame and miserable folke,
Murthers committed 'mongst them night and day,
Women deflowrde, and men brought vnder yoke
Of euery rauening freebooter and slaue,
To take from them what euer that they haue.
7.
To those that by dissention and by strife,
Deceit and subtiltie haue gotten wealth,
And all the dayes of their vnhappie life,
Haue liu'd by cousinage, and by secret stealth,
Gathering great store of riches and of good,
And neuer cease to sucke the poore mans blood,
And Vsurers, and such as liue by gaine,
And sweate of others browes, and haue no care,
But onely how to get, and to attaine
To speedy wealth, to them I will not spare
To tell them, that all gayne by them so got,
With them at last will be the diuels lot.
8.
You Clarks that liued by my warlike bands,
And were accounted 'mongst the Martial crue,
And yet ne're vsed weapons in your hands,
But serued for to pay the Souldiers due,
And lay with them where euer they did goe,
Let me but tell you some that I know:
I doubt, if that I once be dead and rotten,
You will be glad to worke and take some paine,
And thinke a penny that way sweetly gotten,
Though now by idlenesse you make your gainet
Remember what I say, and pray that I
May liue, and make you rich before I die.
9.
You Ostes, that wonted were to lodge my train,
And did prepare them meat and drinke with speed,
At such excessiue rates, and monstrous gaine,
As't pleased you, respecting not their need,
And so did fill your coffers and your bags,
And made the Souldiers go in tornerags,
I you bequeath a beggerly estate,
And to be payd by gentle words and blowes,
And thinke your selues well vsde and fortunate,
To scape so well, and as the world well knowes,
Be glad to ebbe and flow as time fals out,
And many times be forst to play bankerour.
10.
To Armorers and Spurriers by their Art,
Gunpowder men, and Sadlers that do liue
By me and mine, and get the greatest part
Of all their wealth, a Legacie Ile giue,
Which after my decease with present speed,
Shall be payd them at the castle of Saint Need:
Although I know they haue great store of wealth,
Which easily into their cofers came,
By buying goods that gotten were by stealth,
And gaue but easie prices for the same.
But let them know, goods by that meanes so won,
Consume and melt like butter in the Sunne.
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16.
Your Horsemens boyes, Dead paies, & Billet men,
All call & cry to me for some reliefe:
For by my meanes they liu'd and knew both when
And where to get their meat: but now with griefe:
They must go seeke to make some other shift,
Or els go steale to helpe them at a lift.
The house of seldome full must be their Inne,
And if they leaue not off their villany,
The gallie, gallowes, prison or some ginne
Will be their last reward for knaucrie:
Therefore beware in time, and learne to thriue,
And seeke some honest meanes for you to liue.
17.
You filthy shameles Drabs, that long haue thri­uen
Vnder the guard of my most warlike traine,
And by your beastly liues, haue forst and driuen
Full many a man to liue in griefe and paine,
And in the end, when all from him had gotten,
Haue fil'd him with disease to make him rotten,
Conuert in time, ere that it be too late,
Take better course, and now liue honestly,
And call for grace, while you are in the state
To get the same, lest gracelesse you should dye:
And follow Mary Magdalen in this,
Mercy to craue, confessing your amisse.
18.
Lastly vnto the Hangman I bequeath
An hundred paire of breeches that be old,
Well fil'd with lice, aboue and eke beneath,
For that ere it be long, you shall behold
Great store of theeues, alongst the high way stand
To aske your almes with weapons in their hand:
And rather then they will denyed be,
They'le be so bold to venture (by your leaue)
To put you to the worst extremitie,
And take your purse by force out of your sleeue:
But for reward, I will them plainely shew,
That to the gallowes they are sure to goe.
Now all at once thanke me for my good will,
And euery man in seuerall wise apart.
My course is runne, I must Gods hests fulfill,
For I am sicke, euen at the very heart,
I fall to ground, like to the Cripple lame,
And must returne to place from whence I came.
Watch now and pray, attend me but a while,
And I'le bid you adiew, for I must die.
When I am dead, yet do me not reuile:
For though that I haue caus'd much miserie,
I'le pray to God, and while I liue, not cease,
To send to you a long and happy peace.
FINIS.

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