a free passage through the Country Nor did their actions in ought differ from their words so that all kinds of provisions were plentifully brought to them and they gained from their neighbors not onely praise but thanks comparing their old injuries with the present security they enjoied Beyond the Rivers Roer and Luppe although some Holland horsemen were sent to cut the Bridge over Luppe but they came too late the fourth day they came to Oldenzul a Town in Over-Yssel boasting the Fortification of former times and not at all changed from what it was seven years before when Prince Maurice took it The Enemy thought he might have taken it in his passage yet although they made very great hast the Garrison being timely increased frequent sallies were made thence so that they put the Enemy in fear not onely of his passage but of the want of provisions Within the Town were almost four hundred men part horse the rest foot The horse issued out first and afterward the foot doing good exercution upon all they met with at first but the approaching Army was too strong for their small number and notwithstanding all their shot in one night in three places came up to the very Town-ditch but yet Spinola not surrounding the Town with the death and wounding of a few men he redeemed the time which is a chief point of War contrary to which rule Prince Maurice acts whose custome is to follow on safely though with less speed In the Morning upon a small Battery made by those Guns he brought with him the Town was delivered When understanding by some prisoners the state of Lingen and that more Souldiers were daily expected thither commanding the horse to goe before himself the next day pitched his Tents before the Town This Lingen being fit for a frontier Town Prince Maurice out of affection thereto because it was given to him had begun to fortifie at his own charge and with his best skill surrounding both the Town and Castle with a very deep and broad Ditch and six strong Bulwarks and Mounts But the work being new and in part unperfect and the Rampier not well setled was the more easy for the assailants to win There was in the Town an indifferent number of Souldiers about six hundred but such as neither durst make a sally nor fight at the line besides their Commanders were altogether unskilfull and infinitely timorous nor had any one knowledge how to plant or level a Cannon Therefore while the great guns were preparing and the place viewed the Enemy without any hindrance or loss helped by the Meanders of the Gardens sooner then was credible almost came to the brink of the Trench And now four several nations from so many distinct places hastned to pass over each of them in emulation and forwardness striving to outvie the other Part of them by drawing the small Brooks in the old chanel of the little River strove to deprive them of water others brought the Bridge and placed it upon Vessells or else bound together Faggots and Osiers according to the invention first found out at Ostend which made them so secure that some of them went unarmed even into the Trench and there promoted the work It was now the ninth day of the siege and the Walloons had taken the Bulwark opposite to them the Italians Spaniards and Germans were partly imploied about the middle Trench and part of them nearer The Governour of the Town Colonel Martin Cobbe being broken with old age and feeble in going calls all his Captains to counsel and shewing to them besides other inconveniences the great want of Ball asked them what was fit to be done They had no mind to raise new works or repair those that were battered to oppose their bodies to the Enemies shot or so much as defend the Castle but they rather admire that in all that time the Enemy had not summoned the Town but others said that custome was grown out of date being used neither at Ostend nor Scluys The Governor as if this had been valiant advice admonished them to defer articling till the Evening but if that were too much at least not to move it till noon The rest were troubled hereat averring nothing of moment could be done within those few hours and what they demanded in â—ime would be easily granted This their resolution they put in execution with as much speed as they had agreed upon it whereat Spinola rejoyced whose desires though he were in great hast yet were prevented with fear of the Enemy In the mean while Prince Maurice hastning as much as he could upon the report of this Expedition beyond the Rhine gives the custody of the Ports in Flanders and the Government of Scluys to Colonel Notte and taking from thence five and twenty Companies went to Deventer besides he drew out from about the Rhine ten others and as many more out of the Garrisons as also eight that were newly raised in England but the great Guns were kept back by the cross winds Two or three days after the surrender of Lingen the Prince was ready to have raised the Siege to that purpose having drained the Cities of their Souldiers when a sorrowfull messenger arrives with the news that the Town was lost for which not onely the Governor Colonel Cobbe was ere he was aware committed to prison and there long kept but also several of the Captains where they underwent as well the harsh censure of the people as the judgement of their very relations protesting them unworthy of favor The heads of their defence which they sent in Letters to the Captains and the neighbouring Towns were that there were not Souldiers enough sent to them or other things either for the defence or freeing of the Town and that the Townsmen though exceeding them in number yet denying to watch and ward or doe any duty had compelled them by threats and prayers to prevent imminent ruine by a timely agreement and composition At length when time had mitigated the envy of the fact they were degraded without any farther punishment During this Siege Thomas Filler one of them who from the Hochstraten Sedition remained with the Hollanders being a couragious person and one that would dare any thing to get booty fell upon the Count Solre's quarters and of a hundred horsemen given him for a guard took thirty and slew among the rest the Baron Ciacci Don Richardot's son-in-law the Count himself was wounded and with much a doe got away But the United States if perchance Spinola's Camp had been afflicted with want of Provisions by publick Edict commanded that none should carry any Victualls into his Army and whosoever should be found so doing should be reputed as Enemies Yet for all this there wanted no provision now out of hope of gain anon by the terror of victory insomuch that some carried home from the Camp what they brought thither to sell it being so much more then could be spent Spinola staied
sight certified the Mariners who counterfeiting that they were carried away by force of the River that they might not attain the designed place soon after returned back But Justiniano prepared once more to set his Souldiers over the Wael but the Hollanders overpowring them by multitude of Forces prevented it Then Prince Maurice careful lest the Enemy lying upon him in so many places and with so great Forces he might receive some unexpected damage fortified all from the first division of the Rhine unto the meeting of the same with the Waell hard by Bommell then Raising new Works on â—e other side from Arnheym to Hattem within the Rhine and Issell therewith he enclosed all that great space leaving no greater distance between Work and Work than might be convenient for the giving of Signs to each other either by the eyes or ears He commanded also some Boats continually 〈◊〉 passe to and fro in the Rivers to observe the motions and endeavours of the Enemy and to give intelligence Below Hattem about four hours Journey the River Issell falls into the Zuyderzee And the River Vecht coming by the Borders of Westfalia and mingling with the Waters which passing the bituminous soyl of Trent take the name of the River Aâ—er or Black making his bendings become Neighbour to Issell untill it imbosomes it self into the same The Country that lyes between those Rivers and the Sea is called Masterbruick not vainly conjectured from antiquity that the name thereof was extracted from the Mattiaci which are now Zelanders It was a Peninsula but now a Ditch and other Works between the Rivers had reduced it into the form of an Island in which part is scituate Swoll a Town of Over-Issell After the taking other places Spinola conceived a hope to shut up Swoll And that he might delude their thoughts choosing to go through the parts adjoyning to Zutphen from whence sending some small shot he sent Count Solre to assay and found the Issell But the wetness of the weather hindred the sudden executing of that Design until the report of their arrivall was brought to Swoll and Warmelo being at that time Governour there assisted by two Ships of Warr resisted the Enemy preparing to pass the River Vecht Solre had brought with him two great Guns but by reason the Bullets were too big and the Timber wherewith they should be sustained not fitted by the error of those that were to make them ready they were of no use When this did not succeed and all that hope of passing the River coming to nothing they turned thenceforward all their intentions to the besieging of Towns Spinola himself sitting down before Groll a Town in the Province of Zutphen Bucquoy was commanded to attaque Nimmeghen that they might divert the Enemy from the defence of Issell if they could do nothing else Wherefore Bucquoy first sending to know the Arch-Duke's Pleasure and being resolved thereof he agreed in the same Judgment and pretended to spend the time in finding out other wayes to get over the Waell and in studying other Policies fearing lest he should prejudice his honour by labouring in vain Groll is compassed with a double Rampire on all sides but where it is washed with the River Slingen the Garrison which consisted of Thirteen hundred Souldiers was governed by Colonel Dorte a young man sprung from Noble Ancestors but otherwise unknown At first they made a Sally but afterwards did nothing but shoot from their Works which were not valued by the Enemy to whom the losse of time was more considerable than that of men The outer-parts of the Works were neglected as not expecting a storm whereat the Italians and Spaniards the seventh day after entred being helped by Bridges which they had purposely made but the Germans to whom the third Quarter was designed came on more slowly After this first the Italians filling up the Trench took the Bullwark but the rest were either repulsed or further distant Then the Towns-men fearing undermining and more near fights go to the Governour and beseech him That he would prevent extremity and not provoke the Generall that was as well prodigall of his own mens Lives as his Enemies With which desires he was overcome though he had received Letters that assur'd him of Relief within two dayes for Prince Maurice had drawn the Garrisons out of all the Cities of Over-Issell and near the Wael with an intent to raise the Siege This being told to Spinola he offered honourable conditions to such as would march away but added great Threats to such as should continue obstinate And here give me leave to say that there was not a greater Care taken for any parts than for Groll and the other Towns before taken when they Articled for Surâ—er almost all the Townsmen remain'd there content with any kind of Religion and any Form of Government Thus Groll being taken the Marquess although the scarcity of Victuals together with abundance of Rain had fill'd all the Country with Water Resolved to besiege Berck situate in a more elevated Soil and Provisions near to be brought in the Camp For after the Designs of higher Concernment proved all Abortive he supposed no place more worthy to â—rive for with all his Forces whether he minded the Honour of the Attempt or Commodity of the place For Berck according to the manner of building in former Ages had Stone-Walls roughly laid together and a Trench adjoyning to them In this War the possession of that place had bin often alter'd In which variety of Fortune a slight Bulwark and another Trench had bin made about it partly by the Spaniards and partly by the Hollanders But the Year last past Count Ernest sent thither to that purpose had made a New Line about it with Sconces and Half-Moons and in some places with Forts land hereto was added a Trench a small Redoubt being made before it And then that the Garrison might have the moâ—e Room Lodgings were made for the Souldiers under Ground in the Form of Trenches and every where about the Fields where it was thought fit were little Works made foursquare for the Souldiers to keep Guard in And the Island that lyes before the Town was fortified in like manner From thence a Bridge was made over the Rhine to the Bank on the German side and on the Bank it self was a handsom Fort pretty large and another less and then again Breast works Bucquoy leaving Gelderland came first to the Town through the Bishoprick of Colen taking in his March a Holland Ship that lay in the Rhine and burning others that were deserted by the Sea-men But before the Passages were all shut up Prince Maurice's Brother Henry came from his Camp which had continued at Dorsburg till that time and brought into the Town a great Baâ—d of Horse and 14 Companies of Foot Wherewith the Garrison being great before was so increased that they were near 200 Horse and above 3000 Foot The rest of the Horse Prince
brought by the Souldiers Labour in the Floud of Issel and thence drowning it self in a Lake which bounded the Frisons and incurvating it self toward the Island Flie runs into the Sea by this same first received Name But the Face of Things and Places here are now so chang'd that there can be no River seen but on the contrary the Sea hath broke in upon the Land and though at first it seem from a narrow Entrance but a little to increase yet a little further you may presently see it open like a great Gulph The beginning therefore of this Country of old called Batavia retains in part its old Name and is called Geldres whose Lordship growing into wideness is bounded by the River Maze and Issel Over-Issel joyns in Neighborhood to thi having on its side the Greater Frizeland running out as far as the River Eemes then turns about its back to other Parts of Germany Below Geldres where it is called Welawe is Utrecht with some Neighbouring Towns which are under the Rule of a Bishop as likewise all Over-Issel untill the Emperour Charles first of all added them to his own Government Next we find Holland now most plentifully stored both with Cities and Villages running out with two Corners in the Wale and the before-mentioned Gulph by little and little getting from the Water on both sides It spreads a large Shore to the Ocean whose more Northerly Parts were sometimes part of Frizeland but partly by Arms and partly by Agreement now joyned to Holland who lying over against the Flie on the West have kept the Speech of West-Frizeland All the Country of Holland is full of many Arms of Rivers and Inlets of Lakes and Water-Courses made by Art and Labour and is more fertile in Pastures than Corn there no is Country abounds more in Fishing and Navigation both in Rivers and the Sea than this Zeland divided into several Islands borders on this being environed with the two Rivers Maze and Scalde on the Back also joyned with Brabant by Honta and by the River Scalde divided from Flanders which among Forreigners hath merited to give the Name to all the Netherlands This Tract of Land lies all upon and open to the Sea even unto Calais and is that part of the Netherlands which is now under the Dominion of the French Some have conjectured that the Danes plying up and down these parts as Piraâ— have left some Reliques of their Speech behind them in the names both of Holland and Zeland but I having perused many Monuments of Antiquity finde this a common name to all the Islands but I believe it was a more proper and peculiar name to a small Region not far from Leyden barred and rough by reason of thick Woods for the name signifieâ— so much This is clear that when those Northern Nations raged over all these parts of the World committing Rapes Murthers and daily depopulations it made these people for their own safety advise together concerning the choosing â— accepting of Princes which they did by the name of Eâ— or Counts who at first were bound to observe their dutieâ— with so much strictness to the French and afterwards to the Emperours of Germany that they had no Lawes of their own distinct Very uncertain it is of what House sprung or â— what Antiquity their first Princes were There is an Opinion vulgarly received that they were sent out of Acqâ—tayne but there are better and stronger proofs that theâ— were Natives who of old in the same place now known bâ— the name of Holland had but narrow limits to their Domnion till by little and little they became so much inlarge as they have been while by Claims from the Female it had severally descended unto the Lords of Henalt Bavaria Burgundy and Austria of which last is come King Philip the Second but in the number of Earls is reckoned the one and thirtieth At this time the greatest difficulty and evill that attended the Warre was that Amsterdam in Holland and Middleburgâ— in Zeland two most flourishing Cities were both repugnanâ— to all the undertakings of both these Provinces their bigness making them beyond Command of the yongling Common-wealth especially because all Alva's care was fixeâ— for their preservation not onely placing in them choyce Governours but strong Garisons of Souldiers On the other side the Isle of Bommell belonging to Geldres encompassed by the Rivers Wale and Maze was drawn into the association and fortified for the defence of Holland Certainly there was not any thing could have fallen out more happily to the management of these Affairs then the coming of the Prince of Aurange for he being well skilled in what was necessary for a good Government made a quiet settlement of whatever was out of order and by discretion and his innate moderation kept their strength together which otherwise would have quickly come to nothing which vertues his very enemies applauded in him for Marquius while he managed the Government of Holland in his absence by his cruelty towards Priests and all other kinds of immodesty had brought a great scandall upon their now growing Liberty for being of a cruel nature himself he spurred on the French who being accustomed to blood and licentiousness revenged the evills which they escaped at home in forraign Service for this Cause as also for some Act of disobedience by the Prince of Aurange his Command he is suddenly taker and accusations framed against him but the times would not permit him to have any further punishment But the Prince of Aurange laying aside his Name of Prince and embracing his Power began with a selected Counsel to bestow Commands set forth Lawes and Constitutions to order and direct the Affaires relating to the Warre both by Sea and Land and in brief to settle all things in the Common-wealth and if any matter of greater moment then ordinary fell out it was taken into consideration by the great Assemby of the States among whom he sate President Whose frequent meetings besides the shew of a popular State were very advantageous in this that more of the whole number might be knit together by parts to that end where before onely six Cities of Holland together with the Nobility did consult of most matters which six Cities were Dordrecht Harlem Delfe Leyden Amsterdam and Gaunte now the Prince of Aurange did admit of twelve more less Towns which without doubt would be faithful to him by whose favour they had obtained the Priviledge of a Suffrage Not truly was it without great foresight that these were made Partners in Counsels in regard they would the more willingly help to bear that burthen of whose use and necessity themselves were Judges their Names and Order follow thus In the South part Rotterdam Gorrichâ—m Scydam Schonhouen and in the Isle of Maze Brill In the North Alemaâ— Horne Enchaysen and also in the Marshes there which aâ— called Waterland Edam and Monkedam and not far thence Medemleke and Purmeren In the place
in that they did not follow them in the Rear as they marched off which had they done that onely Day had scatter'd and broken all the Spanish Forces But that Year might have been spent in the Besieging of Towns if the Captains Prudence and Fore-sight had provided Pioneers and such other like People as are fit to attend an Army for such Work Among all these Changes of Affairs there intervened some Discourses of Peace for some Forreign Princes being desired to propose some way to make a Peace did perswade Don John that in regard the Forces of the Netherlanders far exceeded his he might yet go off with an unblemished Reputation and let his hope hereafter wait for more happy opportunity and as to the King that he would do much more discreetly if he minded to win the love of so Valiant and Warlike a People and not rashly to cast away so large a Dominion that he would now accept of them while they were willing to come to reasonable terms that it was necessary for the obtaining thereof to wit of Peace that the League made at Gaunt should be confirmed and in that the Clause particularly that Religion should be left to every Man 's free Will That it was most just that all Prisoners should be set at liberty and among them chiefly the Prince of Aurange's Son That whosoever intended to make a Peace with the States must comprehend therein all these particulars by which means all might be reconciled To these Don John answer'd That unless the Prince of Aurange might be banished into Holland there could be no hopes to make Peace That he would grant nothing as to matter of Religion onely he seemed to incline to a Truce The truth is Peace is generally made according to the pleasure and liking of the strongest and to the Weaker every Delay in point of War is very advantageous but when he was re-inforced with Thirty Thousand Foot and Six Thousand Horse so that he believed himself in a manner as strong as the Netherlanders especially as they had Discords among themselves pitching his Camp in the Mountain Bonga which is near to Namur he broke off the Treaty all thought of Pacification being laid aside in his Commanding Breast Casimire in the mean time by a stay longer than ordinary in Gelderland being unfurnished of Money though very slowly yet at last got together a great Army By his Conjunction the Army of the Netherlanders consisted of Forty Thousand Foot and Twenty Thousand Horse with which strength it was resolved to stay for the Aids of Francis of Valois when but too late they intended to besiege Don John being full of hopes if they could but once begin it to bring it to perfection But the sins of the former Time too much greediness and Ambition after Wealth Honour and their Licentiousness in the abusing both which had before been the cause of the Netherlanders Slavery to the Spaniards was now again the main Obstacle and Diversion of the Liberty which was even in their sight and almost come to their possession For the Differences of those of Henault and Artois with them of Flanders was come to that heighth that without any Care of the Publike Good the particular People of each Province would reserve and keep all Taxes and Tributes unto their proper uses And this Example spreading it self further certain Bands of Souldiers lately grown wanton with Ease being a little defalked or delayed in their Pay left the Service of the Commonwealth by a secret complotting and contrivance of the Captains who thought they had not preferment suiting to or proportionable with their Worth and Merits These Souldiers therefore seizing Mayn a Free Town in Flanders forrage and risle all the adjoyning Country Hitherto it was hoped that this Storm would have been kept within their own Bounds when of a suddain Montigny a Man of great Authority among the Captains undertook the Government and went over to the Artoysian Faction The Gauntoys listed divers Companies to repel the Injuries offered by those But these Souldiers though at Home fierce and untractable yet unexpert in War were not of strength sufficient to hinder the Enemies depopulating the Country For they gave it out in Speech that the Priests which by Force and Sedition were thrust out of Gaunt lived in Banishment among them and that they could not reasonably deny nourishment to so great a Company of poor Supplyants either for the Sanctity of their Order or the meanness of their present Fortune but also since there was no place left for Equity and Justice to demand and regain by Arms those things whereof they were robbed by those Barbarous Spoilers Under this pretence of War for now these private Quarrels were broke out into open Hostility great Spoil was daily made until the Flandrians at the instigation of Casimire received Souldiers from him promising Pay out of his own Store for then the whole Country was even brought to Poverty It was supposed that he hoped for the Government but he was deluded therein by the Peoples Inconstancy as well as other Events of Matters But in all these Vicissitudes the Towns of Henault received Francis of Valois who knowing by whose means it came to pass gratified Lalayn the Governour of that Province for it He had with him something more than Eight Hundred Horse and Six Thousand Foot the Refuse and Remains of the French Troubles and Tumults whom after a very hard Journey and Plunders committed every where as they passed having first taken some Castles and Autumn now coming on apace he brought to the Town of Bingen This came under his Subjection by Storm and Siege but proved a very mean Reward for the Expence of his time He staid for the most part at Monts a City in Henault but but not without great Indignation that the Townsmen refused to deliver up the appointed Towns to his Souldiers to be Garrisoned and when he was desired to come to the Army by the Netherlanders he at first denied it until Casimire did the same with whose progress and success at Gaunt he was greatly offended so much that being before his Friend and afterwards his Competitor now he hated him with so much Malice as could not forbear to vent it self in contumelious Speeches Nor would he be removed from the same although both the Regent Matthias the Prince of Aurange and the Queen of England declared themselves unsatisfied in the Actions both of Casimere and the Flandrians but that he willingly suffers his Souldiers to run over to the Companie and Troops of Montigny Thus these two Captains both promising generally Aid â— the Netherlanders came both into their Dominions rather is damnifie them But not long after the Duke of Anjou departed to France and Casimere went to England both leaving this Commonwealth whereto they had no Right to her own good or evil Fate But the Netherlanders upon the departure of this great French-man though himself and other Princes in his behalf
raised The King would consider of a Regent and in the mean while all to obey the Duke of Parma Thus the Walloons made a great addition of power to the Kings party A People taking delight in Warre and whoâ— the Spaniard might safely make use of in all dangers And this was altogether the conclusion of the Netherlanders against forraign Dominion Certainly that Society must needs be firm which hath the same hopes or more Obligations to agree than causes of dissention There is scarce any thing common with the Netherlanders which the Spaniards hate not by which meanes as enforced they made the Peace at Gaunt the Priests being the chief perswaders thereunto notwithstanding all which anon every one endeavours to draw to himself as much power as he can though by contrary and indirect meanes For the Prince of Aurange and all those who with him were conscious to themselves to have deserved the same things that the Counts of Egmond and Horn suffered durst nor to trust the King Hence it was that they sought after all Counsel and Advise which might establish themselves and the Sect of their Religion as also to attain favour with forraign Princes Another party there was whose Crimes had been no causes of the beginning of the Warre who willing to preserve their Loyalty to their Prince and their duty and zeal to the Roman Religion were very much in fear least by others violence they should be hurried from the same It would be an easie matter for Philip thus to break asunder these cash and ill co-hering People If he would remove but this one thing from all such as should be imployed therein to wit the dread of the Spaniards Where he gave satisfaction to the desire of these the rest would follow of course for all those things that for a long time continued among the Netherlanders as bare suspitions were afterwards converted into Hostility nor ever after did the severall Religions increase or ciment again together At last there hapned when once they came to divide into parties a thing not very strange that who would not submit to Citizens should without any regard of Covenants be compelled to serve under a forraign Power But the Prince of Aurange did easily foresee that while the minds of men were inclinable to Peace by the imprudence of some persons the Common-wealth would be destroyed unless timely prevented Wherefore using his wonted diligence he goes to Vtrecht in Holland and there with most wholesome Counsel he bindes all the States being there called together as well of that Province as of Gelderland Holland Zeland and that part of Frizeland which lies near the River Lecke and the other part between the same River and the River of Eemes each to the other in a more strict League and Bond of Allyance the sum whereof was this That they would remain joyned and inseperable have no other Common-wealth than as if they were one People and that they would neither make Peace Truce new Warres pay nor raise Tributes but by the generall Command and Consent of all That in making Leagues and Allyances and other matters of Consultation the greater number of Voyces should be binding and if any dissentions did arise they should be reffered to the judgement and determination of the Councill or Deputies That all places in any danger of the Enemy should be fortified and no man should refuse to give his assistance in his Arms and that they should every one joyntly and severally endeavour that equality be observed in rating of Taxes and all other things relating to the raising of money To the Hollanders and Zelanders the use of their Religion one being common between them was freely granted in publick To the rest of the Provinces Toleration either to use the same or any other or both was allowed according to their pleasure The Governours were set forth in these words The Magistrates Council of every City and the Commonalty for by an antient Law the chief of the Townsmen whose Age made them able to bear Arms were went to be enrolled into certain Companies like Bands of Souldiers and this in time of Warre was for Garison and defence and in time of Peace for a Fortification to maintain it when yet the art of Principality had not arrived to the Coufidence of relying on forraign helps This Custom and Badge of neglected Vertue yet remains and the use is by these late Commotions in some manner restored while their faithful pains hath been imployed oftentimes against the Enemy and for the allaying Seditions In this manner the Provinces which I mentioned before took their Oath for performance of these Covenants agreed on at Utrecht And that they might the better be able to judge of their strength they commanded all the people between the Ages of eighteen and threescore to be numbred as well of men inhabiting in Cities and Towns as in Villages and in all other parts whatsoever of the Country But among those Provinces which were not present at the making this League what and how great troubles and dissentions had they while some part will concern themselves in the care neither of the common Religion or their Country and others are drawn away by the vain hope either of approaching Peace or the desire and love of contention The Romanists held Boisledue deserted by the vain fear of the other party they that remained contracted with the Duke of Parma that he would grant them that proper Covenant of the Peace that they should never be garrisoned without their free consent It hapned quite contrary at Antwerp for the common people of the adverse faction remained their Superior in a threatning posture setting upon all such as had been imployed in the Solemnities of punishments Not could the Prince of Aurange restrain his People or hinder them from throwing out the Priests by force though his Enemies interpreted to have been acted by his consent and will what he could not by any meanes resist or withstand for he was not given to cruelty but was one who would wisely make use of an occasion given and for the gaining mens love to him would lay before them long before the advantages they should thereafter receive But this made many of the people who were deprived of their way of Worship in Religion to wish evill and combine against the Common-wealth because they believed the Servitude they underwent to the King to be more moderate nay some of the Nobles from hence also took occasion to go over to the King Among whom Charles the Son of Count Egmond was one who when he endeavoured to take Bruxells Matthias as was said not ignorant thereof by the unlucky help of those that followed the Roman Religion the rest inclosed him in the Market-place as if he had been there besieged where then his own guilt the Image of his Fathers death and unrevenged Ghost were all become tormentors to him for there were them who objected and not without some admiration of
taken by the Commander in Chief of the Forces of the Garrison But the Lord of Cimace took him off with Gifts and laying hold on that present Opportunity by giving out to the Common People That both himself and the City were to be betrayed into the Enemies hands He conferreth all Publike Offices and the Honours likewise which he took from others upon those who were with him associated in Council And by the help of these be subjected the City to the Romanists and so in them to the King's Obedience In the like manner the Town of Dammâ— was surrendred and the Free Vniversity which of old being exempt from the Command of Bruges and other more Burthensome Duties of the Country is called by the Name of Frankenland And in all Assemblies of State in Flanders hath an equal Voice with the best Cities Nor would Ipre the Third City of Bulk in Flanders being next of all to Gaâ—â— and Bruges any longer wait upon the Hopes of a Common Pacification and endure the miseries of a hard Siege The Gauntoys themselves came to Treat by their Deputies offering Pledges and desiring a Truce But Imbisius his undissembled Treachery preserved the City for he would have delivered to the Spaniard the Town of Dendremund which Rikovius by the Prince of Aurange's Command stoutly defended and this out of a vain hope of greater favour he acted so openly that it could not be hid And when he was hindred in so base and nefarious a Counsel he would have besieged the Senate House with the Senators therein with a Regiment of Souldiers which he had taken into the Garrison to serve his own Designs These two heinous Faults so utterly alienated the Peoples Minds from him that they considered among themselves to punish him being thus convicted of Treachery with the loss of his Head A notable Example of unfortunate Ambition that he who was grown old had been loaden with the highest Honours and enjoyed so long the prosperous Affections of the Common People whom Civil Contentions had carryed so far beyond Reason that the greatness of their Crimes had devoured their Compassion This Ring-Leader of Faction was destroyed though the Tumults were not quite extinct yet for some time they who insisted upon the deceitfulness of the Pacification grew stronger But the Duke of Parma having almost inclosed the City and besieged it strongly with Warlike Troops was well satisfied not to assail them otherwise than by Hunger and to leave their Fate to the punishment of their own Discords But he had a better hope and therefore took more pains to get Sceldt and Antwerp scituate upon the same River the Noblest City of all the Netherlands which disperses all over Brabant the Merchandizes brought out of Zeland in regard his Troops were fresh and that he in breaking up the Siege at Zutphen had much weakned the strength of the Confederate Provinces By this means the one of these Cities was quickly won by force the other gained by fear Setting over therefore part of his Army he drives away those Netherlandish Ships that lay thereabouts as Guards and on each side of the River plants Artillery and Souldiers But the Antwerpers understanding that the Enemy did not lye upon the Coast over against Flanders built from the Ground for the safeguard of their Shipping two Castles or Forts the one below the City at the Village called Lillow the other upon the Coast of Flanders on the Backside overlooked as it were Hulst a Town of Waes This in regard it was not half finished being assaulted was taken but the other was gallantly defended with a great slaughter of Spaniards by Teling the Son of Lenove a noble Imitator of his Fathers Vertues But all these imminent Dangers were by the Prince of Aurange's Death too much hastned and in a time most inconvenient if we mind the Netherlanders because by his single Counsel and Conduct all their Affairs though at the present so full of Trouble and Vexation would have been brought to a setled Method But he to have been in a good Season as to himself because thereby he was taken from the growing Evils of the Publike to the Defence whereof he had most strictly bound himself For after his Death the Commonwealth partly with Intestine Seditions and partly by continual Victories of the Enemies was brought even to the last Gasp nor could it recover till by the appearance of his Son fresh Vigour was infused thereto and the half-forgotten Father's Memory revived in the Heroick Actions 〈◊〉 his Son He was shot with a Bullet at Delph in Holland by oâ— Balthasar Gerard a Burgundian who moved thereto either with the hopes of the Reward promised in his Proscriptionâ— else by the Zeal of his Party with a wonderful Condâ—â— bore up his Spirit as to the committing the Fact so to â— suffering the Torments inflicted on him for the same 〈◊〉 did there want some who much applauded his Resolution although the Duke of Parma an Italian being desired leave that some publike Demonstrations of Joy might be shewed because their Grand Enemy was gone fearing to blast 〈◊〉 Fame and cast an Odium upon the Justice of the War blâ—shed to suffer it The onely Expression of this dying Patriot sent together with his last Breath to the Almighty was this O Lord be mercifull to this poor People And all those who were more intimately acquainted with him now growing into years were well assured That the many Varieties and Changes of Fortune which from his Youth he had for above fifty years undergone and chiefly the Burthen of the present Cause attended with daily Envy replete with many Difficulties fought against with the Passion and Valour of the Great Ones murmur'd against by those of an inferiour Degree and oftentimes hazarded by the rashness of the Vulgar as it had inabled him to bear the greatest brunt of Humane Affairs so it had setled his Devotion and Religion on a firm Basis And this was the cause that he underwent all Businesses with a Mind so Resolute and a Body so indefatigable that he was observed never to be daâ—ced in Adversity nor elated or puffed up in Prosperity I do not hold it fit to bury in silence as a Token of his Abstinency and even as it may be called Infelicity that there was nothing so much by him neglected excepted the Glory he gained from the Civil War as his own private and particular Affairs which he freely assisted the Commonwealth with but left it much disturbed by the several Issues of a four-fold Marriage His first Wife was the Daughter of Count Egmond by whom he had Philip his Son whom the Spaniards carryed Prisoner into Spain and Mary a Daughter afterwards marryed to Count Hohenlo By another of his Wives which was the Second being Daughter to the Duke of Saxony one of the Electors of Germany he had one Son named Maurice and one Daughter His Third Wife was of the Family or Burbon Daughter to the Duke of
but onely will note that although he were very stern to others he was easie to Flatterers and Syâ—phants and would give too much credit to pretended Friendships without any Trial. Nor were these the onely men to be found fault with about him there were others very intimate with him and privy to all his Counsels whose Factious Designs were soon discover'd Among whom Ringaltius one eminent in the Guilt of the Conspiracy refused all the Tribunals of Judges until at last as a Renegado and a Traytor he ended his infamous Life among the Enemies in a miserable poor condition Wherefore now innumerable Complaints as it were all at once were made to the Generall returning from the War to wit That Warro and Garrisons being not possible to be Governed without the Injury of the Citizens against this such should be put into Command as the People were pleased with And there was added That the Office and Dignity of Treasurer or Receiver Generall was given to Strangers by whom it was deceitfully managed That the Price and Value of Money was unsetled and the Souldiers and other Charges of the Common-wealth were not compared with the Treasury That the Commands of the Sea was betrayed by the exhausting the Navall Revenues That Trading and all Commerce decayed That Honours were bestowed on those who in no wise merited them That the Authority of all inferiour Lieutenancies was destroyed by him and their Right so many years maintained cevoured and swallowed up in Garrisons Nor was it passed in silence that the Souldiers at that time hired did not come concerning which there was a Suspition that the English had been the cause thereof as willing rather that their own Forces and proper strength should be brought in in regard the Numbers of them were small when the Covetousness of the Commanders or Paymasters had exhausted the Auxiliary Numbers so much that they were necessitated to give way to the Enemy not being able to withstand his Victories These things were thus related by Direction of the States then Confederate who from that time began to Assemble and meet more frequently than formerly that those Things might be Transacted without the Senate which should keep in awe the Guilty Consciences of the English as Hollanders and privately complaining of many Things both in relation to themselves and to Prince Maurice they took into their Cognizance and Care most ordinary Matters This the Earl of Leicester took very ill that Men from Shops and Taverns should come to make a Judicatory who could bring nothing thither with them but sordid and mechanick Arts and Minds prostituted to Lucre and Gain and that he a Man of that Birth and Quality should receive Laws from the Ignorant and despicable Vulgar and fight under the Banner and Command of Strangers Much vexed hereat he thought it would be a Work well worth his pains if he could possible to remove such Clowns from the Stern of Government for there is nothing more hateful to Nobility than the Dominion of Peasants being generally sharp Observers of Oppressors And this he thought might the more easily be brought to pass because Strangers and the multitude of Citizens which is far the greater having no share in the Government as was supposed would gladly hearken to this Equality But I revolving in my Mind the worthy Precepts of wise men and antient Forms of Cities do rather think that as many as would exclude that part of the People from Honours for whose common Utility the advantage of all things chiefly redounds do conceit Matters of that difficulty as are better to be walked after in Discourse than Practice For not to speak of Nations Bordering upon the Sea amongst whom the Commons had the Superiority the Spartans Democracy as being free from Flattery equalled almost the greatest Kingdoms Nor had Rome any peaceable or setled Government untill the Commons were admitted to have a shâ—re therein And at this day in many most flourishing Cities where the Government is Aristocratical the Vnderlings of the Senators in the Name of the Common People exercise all Offices Neither is this Order forbidden in that Commonwealth who is indebted to the Water for all it hath and by the Dignity of Trades and Merchandizing grown much greater than of old so that the whole World hath participated of her Navigations And all the Wealth is almost in their Hands whereof an Account is exacted where Honours are to be bestowed according to the Judgment of Antient and severe Legislators And surely Covetousness and Wealth are no where less to be suspected than where the Dominion is not perpetual and as it were limited within Bounds But the Earl of Leicester prepared to alter both these and other long-continued Practices not so much in a ridiculous Affectation of Novelty but that by separating the Nobility and others for Wisdom eminent from the rest he might draw them into Parties And first he took to him as Chaplains some Interpreters of Scripture for in this Age they alone carry the liars and Affection of the Multitude such as were eminent for their outward Profession of Zeal and differed from others For at first in the Commonwealth Religion being less esteemed than was fit was reported to be the onely cause of the Troubles and things more earnestly longed for because forbidden upon pain of punishment became neglected when they might be used with Impunity Reverence to Things Sacred was to all that shewed it dangerous No Honour was given to Priesthood nay there were who would not allow any Right of Ecclesiasticall Censures but would utterly abrogate it and all this when they remembred with Canker'd Hearts and imbitter'd Minds the Lordlyness of Priests formerly and so in a venomous Malice to Old Things they made all Things New But Liecester on the contrary by his Example shewing to them Authority and other Advantages of England which they should enjoy first won the Applause of his Preachers and by them gained the Affections of the People committing and trusting many Affairs of the Commonwealth not to the Magistrates but to those who were in some way or other conversant with things Divine or else concerned among the Plebeians who though willing yet could never attain to right use and knowledge of things And now many whose Counsels had been sound and faithful to their Country were openly put back from their Honours because they agreed with the Church of Rome either in all Points or at least in some little regarding how this matter would disturb the Peace if once it were published abroad That they had received such a Religion which would admit of no Companions in the Common-wealth except of the same Gang. This had not long continued but among the Frizons and in Utrecht where the Inhabitants had taken away the power from the Magistrates to themselves and in other Cities which had formerly been Tumultuous and ruled by the too great strength of the Multitude the Name of the States began to be murmured at and he
the beginning of the Siege was Zutphen delivered it stands in an excellent Scituation the River Barkâ— runs through it Issell passeth by it as it comes from â—phalia and not far off falling into the Rhine by the labour of Drasus as it is believed This with her neighbour-Towns and Country was of old subject to the Princes thereof who were called Earls and there remains a distinct 〈◊〉 of Jurisdiction though it be now united to the body of Gâ—lderland not so much by reason of its scituation beyond the Rhine as by the intermarriages of Princes Upon the same Banck stands Deventer formerly a free City of the Ausâ—ike League and the Metropolis of Over-Issell under the Bishops power Hither when the Army came with a swift march at the very sight thereof they were at a non-plus not knowing what to do But the strong Fortifications of the City and the greatness of the Garrison whereof the Army had Intelligence being one hundred Horse and fourteen Ensigns of Foot made the Prince at a stand Herman Count Herâ—nberg was Governour thereof both an instructer and an example of vertue and fidelity he was neerly allyed by bloâ—d to Prince Maurice himself as being born of his Aunt and therefore so much the more envying the glory and splendor of his Kinsman Above all the Duke of Parma was feared least he should draw together Forces and come and disturb them in their Siege which if it should happen there would be a necessity for them either shamefully to fly or doubtfully run the hazard of a battel And the taking of Zutphen as it was a great incouragement to all that hoped well so was it a warning to others that they should not endanger their gotten Honour but rather preserve it for more certain advantages On the other side some that fled out of the City brought Intelligence that the Souldiers were ready to mutinie that there was not Victuals to serve against a long Siege nay that they had not Gunpowder enough in any proportion for their Guns which being understood the middle course was resolved on to wit that they should with all speed fortisie their Camp stop â— all passages both by Land and Water that no Messengeâ— might be able to get to them with newes of Relief But if the Enemy should hold out it would be sufficient that all the Bancks being guarded they might for the future easily passe to the other side and force them and this was the sum of the Counsel before the expedition was undertaken Prince Maurice making a continual battery against the Town upon the ninth day to try the mindes of the besieged drew up his Army before the Walls then commands some Ships to be forthwith carried into the Channel where the River passing by the City is somewhat stopped and to place them near the shore These in regard they could not be rowed because of the narrowness of the River some Seamâ— drew under the very Walls with their hands in spight of al the Enemies Shot an undertaking certainly of such a nature as many couragious men would have shrunk at The Boats being placed in the very trench and a Bridge made over them every one was ready to take upon him the shoâ— and assault to merit the Princes prayse who called it an honourable piece of Service though it was not a work for ordinary Valour Thus while they made so much hast they hindred the Engineers and the Bridge it self being a little too short did not reach over to the other Bancks The Wall is this place together with an adjoyning Tower was partly beaten down by the force of the battery part of it yet being supported by Arches for it was an antient Structure and heaps of Earth thrown into the hollow places thereof The choyce men that were to give the onset and if they entred to make good the place were many of them drowned some few onely attaining the shore by leaping I cannot in this place passe by the glorious emulation of two Ensigns the one of whom being killed upon the top of the Walls the other brought off both his own Colours and those of his slaughtered Companion But all this time the Cannon did the greatest harm to the Enemy yet could not force them from the Walls for being full of Wine they made rather a desperate than a valiant defence Here in the first place Count Herman fought with more than necessary Valour in regard he was the Governour of the Town but he did it to make good his Honour and fidelity For some Spaniards had not stuck to report that it was an agreed design between the two Kinsmen Nor did he go away before the showres of Bullets yet continuing thick he was in the darkness wounded All night the Princes men were fain to defend the Bridge from being burned for the Enemy continually cast fire at it As soon as the Day again appear'd and the Enemy now grown sober saw plainly the Prince's Army before them in Battel Array and the Bridge whole the sight being also ready to begin again then they considered their danger especially upon the Return of some that had been sent as Spies who reporting the Prince's strength with the greatest Advantage made their disgrace in case they surrendred to seem the less Count Herman alone would not consent to surrender but he being very ill with his Wounds though he might suffer the Rendition yet could not hinder it For the Townsmen now called to the Souldiers that guarded the Bridge that they might have liberty to Treat whereof the Prince being informed and receiving from him safe Conduct they went out The Townsmen were left to the Conquerours Mercy and that thereafter they should have Magistrates appointed not according to their own Laws and Customs but as should be thought convenient by the Vnited States of the Reformed Religion And it appeared that as Zutphen so also Deventer did not reckon the Spaniards should dwell amongst them for ever for that before the Siege they burnt their Huts although they had not long before Wood enough Before their departure all the Captains and Officers were deliver'd bound in vain lamenting the own Necessities and the Civil Discords But Count Hâ— would not believe that the States were able to raise such numerous Forces yet he having been Governour durst not go into the Spanish Quarters fearing bitter and inveteâ— Accusers and prepossessed Judges Fit Garrisons being 〈◊〉 placed in the Cities lately taken the Frizons beseeched 〈◊〉 That now at last he would think of them whose Peace was diâ—â— bed by the pertinacious Obstinacy of one single City and that 〈◊〉 remained now but a few Towns and Castles which if they were taken the whole Country between the Rivers Issel and Ems would be free from the Enemies Incumbrances and be intirely in the States Power So much was their hope advanced by these first Successes that they who till this time hardly durst undertake any thing now on a suddain did not
for Humerius a great Souldier well experienced in the Art of War and beloved of the King was slain At last they hewed out their passage by fire and Sword and they who with Orvillier survived the Fight were delivered for Pledges according to Agreement to prevent the Spaniards threatnings But the Captives by the treachery of their Keepers breaking Prison brought the Castle into that danger that they were fain to be discharged by Articles Thus by Orvillier's want of Courage the French obtained the Castle which he had resolved before to keep for himself And Fontayne because the Town being taken he came too late changing his fame into fury brought the Governour before the Walls even ready to die under the hands of the Executioner There he in a weeping tone now beseeches his Mother then his friend if they had any mercy any consideration of his blood that they would not imagine while he stood under the stroke of death to raise to themselves Trophies of Honour and Dignity And when they answered that it was not in their power because the French possessed both the Town and Castle he was immediately strangled before their faces Let these mens unhappy examples be a warning to others and make them know that they who follow several sides by a wavering Judgment make themselves be esteemed Enemies by both From thence the Enemy proceeded to Dorlens that so Cambray might be compassed behind it having been in vain and without success attempted about that time by the treachery of some Priests and of the Townsmen Here while Valentine Pardieu Lamot was viewing the place and observing the Fortifications by Moon-light he was killed with a Bullet-shot from the Town This was the first of all the Commanders who had formerly foreseen the discord of the States in the greatest Affairs and the increase of the Spaniards Wealth He was eminent in vertue and more than ordinarily skilful in Military understanding and Policy manifesting what he ought to be that will as he did from a common Souldier come to be General of the Ordinance Governour of the Town of Graveling and attaining great Wealth had the name and Honour of an Earl The Count Bulloyne had sent into the City a Garrison and soon after he himself together with the Count St. Paul came thither to bring both Gunpowder and other Provision and Ammunition But Villars the Commander of the Van-Guard this Villars had by King Henries Command the charge of all that Coast by the Sea side while he greedily desirous to fight contemned the Command of his Superiours being circumvented and taken by Fontains Army was together with many other Noblemen thereabout slain because he had revolted from the Guisian League to King Henry this day was then by chance the Feast of Saint James the Apostle which the Spaniards look upon as a very lucky day to them and often by such belief make it so the rest got off Fortune giving a Pardon to the errour of both parties for if the French had joyned Battel with greater Forces which then the Count Nevers had raised both the way into the City and the place had layn open to them for Victory And the Spaniard if he had followed his Fortune had put the French to flight and there would have been little difference between this Battel and those of Paugo and St. Quintins the Conquerour assailed the Castle which was ill defended for the Governour of the place Gamache while according to the fashion of the time he consulted rather his own safety than the Kingdoms out of twelve hundred Frenchmen which he had with him he took onely a few of such as he could confide in into the Castle leaving the rest in the Town that they might be ready if any necessity did accrue which proved to be his ruine for some of the Spaniards being sent to review the breach made in the Castle by the Cannon when they perceived it deserted testifying their joy by a sudden shout they drew more of their Company to them who breaking into the Castle they pursued their opportunity so close as they likewise at the same time entred the Town when death and slaughter raged without controul for where Valour could not defend the Armed men mercy nothing prevailed for the safety of the unarmed Now while the Army wearied with these Affairs rested themselves in French Garrisons towards the latter end of Summer Prince Maurice drawing together the Souldiery that had remained with himself and those other Regiments returned with Philip of Nassau for Service and minding to gain those few places which the Enemy yet held about Frizeland sat down before Groll a Town in the Territory of Zutphen The Garrison consisted only of six hundred men there were but few great Guns in the Town and no store of Provision for a long Siege and besides the Well or Ditch that supplyed it with water was easily to be drained or dryed up And these things were the main causes of the Princes hopes This design being understood by Mondragonio who with a flying Brigade marching out of Antwerp infested all the Garrisons in his way beyond the Maes and the Rhine he had about five thousand Foot and about a thousand Horse but â—e much multiplying their number Prince Maurice though he had twice as many in his Army distrusting Provisionâ— leaving the Siege and burning what they could not carry away marched to the Issell intending to stay for the Enemy within Germany But Mondragonio not daring to adventure upon his Camp but content to have raised the Siege from Grolle and not to have broken the mutual quietness of the year retreated keeping the River Luppe for his safeguard against the Enemy For Prince Maurice followed him being now satisfied that he came not with so great an Army as had been reported He sent therefore beyond the River Philip of Nassau with five hundred Horse suddenly to fall upon the Enemies Cavallery as they lay dispersed and graâ—ing But Mondragonio receiving unquestionable Intelligence of these directions from some Renegadoes sent into the same place all his whole strength of Horse Philip as soon as ever he was come out of the narrow wayes into the open Champayne was presently inclosed and they in the Rear not able to give any help themselves also being intangled as in the confused violence of their flying Camerâ—des so also in the straightness and lubricity of the way but as the fortune of the fight between the Horse near at hand was ambiguous by the endeavours of some that violently broke in upon them the Enemy was at a non-plus But the Commanders being unserviceable by reason of their wounds quickly abated their Courage some remaining yet intire freshly set upon the troubled Enemy but the greater part fled even to the River Luppe upon whose Bank on the other side the Prince stood ready with his Army to receive them This slaughter was neither great nor memorable for any other thing than this That the men of greatest
to depart out of France by want of all necessaries promising to assist him with great Sums of Money if he would besiege Ostend and restore it to them that Town onely being wanting upon all that Coast And Prince Maurice fearing the same went himself to view it and took care at his departure that they at present be supplyed with Souldiers enow and afterwards should be stored with Victuals and all other Things both for maintaining their Works and for War which the Scouts and Spyes relating as also that the Sea came up to the very Town with a commodious Haven and that all backward was very dangerous being full of Elluaries So that Siege was put off left being rashly begun it should wound and lacerate the Fame of his first Successes Yet because besides the Auxiliaries sent to France a great part of the Holland Souldiers was swallow'd in the English Fleet Peace was by them condemned though it mainly was contested by the Requests of the Cities and the Counsels of the Captains whither they should carry the War But while the Dukes Forces were employ'd in France Prince Maurice his Horse wasted all the utmost Skirts of Brabant and the Netherlanders with Fire and Sword and took Echtâ—â—â—ach a Town in Lutzenburg and as soon as those Retreated into Flanders the French likewise fell in there Thus had each of them continually a troublesom Enemy at his Back or Side Fusa's and Albertus Troops attending each others motions as Fortune or Opportunity presented occasions And certainly this time by much Exercise and the Care of the Commanders gave to the Hollander's establish'd Horse not onely an Example of being moâ—e active and vigilant to the greatest Attempts but also instructed them better and reduced them to a more setled Discipline For the Spanish Brigades were even inclosed and unfit for Service when on the other side all the Enemies Country lay open to the Nassania Horse as a fit Object for their Spoil The Arch-Duke when he thought fit to march out that he might not leave any thing dangerous or suspectfull to him behind removed from Tâ—â—mont all the Italians first giving them their Pay then beâ—ing all his Hopes and Counsels against Hulst because it seemed the reducing thereof would quiet Flanders and be of no small advantage also to Brabant It is a Town of no strength by reason of the Antiquity of its Building whereof Prince Maurice being Conquerour and having a long time designed to change and alter the round fashion of the Walls he had added in the interim some Fortifications to the new made Trench Soon after the Zelanders undertaking the defence and keeping thereof erecting some Forts about the adjacent Fields did seem rather to have taken Counsel for preserving the Country than the Town The chief strength of the place is a River arising not far off which being helped forward by Art that it might so passing further fall into the Hont was also brought back into the Scheldt for that same River by both Names being full of Meanders washeth all the back-part of the Territory of Hulst By which means it is on every side inaccessible as is an Island and being inâ—pendent on both Battles daily sent forth Souldiers to plunder and wast the Land of Wase and the Province of Brabant Besides they could cut their Sea-Banks to let in the Water upon their Enemies and then they that were within the River were lyable to Slaughter by the Darts and Shot of the Town During the several Governments of Ernestus and Fontayn the Flandrians had erected two Castles to stop their Excursions The Vnited States had raised more for the Defence of the Bank Two of these were annexed to the Town by an excurrent Rampire or Breast-Work which Passage as we has the mutual assistance of each to the other was hidden by the Ground which lay open between them These were not both of an equal strength for that which was called Nassau Fort was the stronger being opposite to the Hont because it served as a safeguard for the bringing Recruits either from Axele or the Isles of Zeland They that were sent by Albertus to view the place being testified with these Difficulties advised quite contrary to what was before resolved on For how was it possible say they to carry over naked Souldiers a great quantity of Provisions and a Train of Artillery which can but move slowly while those Threatning Forts stand there to resist and especially a great Fleet of the Enemies lying in the Scheldt into the very middle whereof their lesser Vessels will penetrate Certainly it was both a difficult and doubtful Attempt not did the rest seem to have any thing more of Expedition for the Soll was full of Marishes the Enemy active and vigilant and the Siege would be to little purpose in regard of their free passage with shipping Nor had they any better hopes to gain the same by Assault for that the Town would be continually supply'd with found and fresh men Besides all this the King of France having taken many of his Rebels into Mercy it was to be fear'd he would venter into all vacant places with greater Force Nor indeed could it be accounted an Honourable Action to attaque Hulst through so many Hazards But Claudius Barlot a Netherlander and the most earnest of all the Colonels rising up desired he might have the carrying over those Regiments against which the Spanish Officers had spoken That the rest of their Arguments were fill'd with nothing but vain fear whereas they ought to expect some good success to wait upon their courage and hope for an opportunity either from the errour or fear of the Enemy That the vicissitudos of War should be brought to a stay if equall Counsels should be found on both sides and a like valour in every one At present the matter being dissembled to most but some few that they might the better drâ—w the Enemy into a Condition of Security whom to remove one of the suspected places was the chief work the design â—â—â—ed not its effect For Rones by making a Bridge over the Scheldt was commanded to march with some Ensigne into Brabant meerly to affright them of Berghen or Breda whereby he compelled Prince Maurice leaving a Garrison at Hulst whereof Count Solmes was Governour to follow him diligently with the rest of his Bands Then certainly if ever at any time were the Forces of the Vnited Provinces small because for the avoiding too great charges they were contented only to maintain their own Borders but this year made them sensible of the folly of such kind of Resolves they having therein suffered so many losses and undergone so vast expencâ—s Part of their Souldiers were by agreement aboard the English Fleet the other part was gone into France to relieve Cambray and whit remained was almost taken up by their Garrisons the German Souldiers of late being dismissed and no new Regiments yet raised in their stead Prince Maurice had scarce two
Sir Edward Noris being made Governour there raged scot-free all over the Country being grown more terrible to the Enemy because he had lately taken Alvares Agilarius the Governour of Dunkirk prisoner with some other booty Here I have a mind to draw all Affairs into one Series until the end of the Year that I may not place what was done during that time by the Hollanders or continued by them apart They were quiet the greatest part of the Summer while France detained their Money and England their Souldiers either expecting other business or hoping some Sedition among the Enemies But now Albertus his Forces being all recalled from Amions there was a necessity for some action but not resolved whither to carry the War their Affections wavering towards divers places until at length it was left to the Judgment of the Prince Count William and the Senate who thought it convenient to drive the Enemy out of the Garrisons in Overissel whereof the Spaniard had not many remained but they which were were governed and kept by Frederick Count Heremberg that so the War being removed within the Rhine all that part of the Country that lyes beyond might be exempted from payment of Contribution to the Enemy and that they might compass this with the more safety for they had not equal Forces at Home to cope with the Enemy and it might be doubted least the Spaniard might alter his Counsel and come back they thought fit to put off the Journey to some following time with Commands where the Rhine might be passed The same thing also proved famously advantagious for the safety of the Borders and that there might be a safe Passage into Germany opened which was now shut up by the Enemy to the great damage of Trade while it is prohibited to carry through Rivers what was taken at Sea and to carry back other things in lieu thereof At this time Henry Frederick entring into the 14th Year of his Age having till those years spent his time at Leyden in the study of the Liberal Sciences was first taken to be instructed in the Rudiments of War With which Companion and many others of the same House the Prince and the rest of the Commanders having privately held a Council go towards Gravewaert so that the Enemy might not be aware to what place chiefly they intended He had Seven Thousand Foot and Twelve Hundred Horse who passed the Rhine in little Boats and the Wael by a Bridge of Ships fastned together carrying along with them their Waggons and Baggage But the Ships by force of the Wind were carryed up the Rivers wherein were contained forty great Guns fit for Battery and the rest of the Provisions proportionable The Army marched along the Banks which of old was called the Gallick or rather the Romane Cawsey and in their Journey upon sight of the Army and Artillery Fort Alba a Hold of unreasonable strength was without delay surrendred and the same Evening some Horse were sent out to encompass Berck There are some who would have this Town to be the Tiberiacum of the Antients and that there yet remains some glimmering of the same in the word Berck as it is now contracted It is a small Town but rich in Customs for lying upon that Bank of the Rhine which as we said is beyond Xantem which is also known by the Name of Veteracastra being a place famous in former Ages for the Siege of the Legions and the War of Holland A little upon the one hand appeareth Wesel near the back of Gelderland but both sides of it are inclosed by the Regions of Cleves and Juilliers It is within the Jurisdiction of the Arch-Bishop of Colen but the Duke of Parma under pretence of the Truxian War before-mentioned after much contest seized and possessed it for safety whereof besides the sweetness of the place and the Antiquity of the Fortifications there was kept in it a Garrison of no less than a Thousand Men part Netherlanders part Germans In the upper part of the River there is an Island three miles in compass adjoyning to the Town and separated onely by a River Hither the Prince sent a sufficient number of men to guard it and made a Bridge over the Channel that there might be a secure Way for Pastures and other Provisions Afterwards he pitched his Camp chiefly in two places although at that time the Weather was very raging and that no place might be left open a Line with a Trench was commanded to be drawn on both sides the River all along Thus the Town was shut up many ships stopping the passages of the Rhine And all Forts whether in Ways or upon meaner Rivers were strengthned and maintained by the Guard of the Beleaguerers by turns which afterwards being laid aside there was another great Work raised against the Town for the securing Passages from place to place nor had the Besieged either Valour or Confidence enough to disturb their Enemies Work by Sâ—llies they onely vindicating themselves by shot at a distance having the greatest plenty of Ammunition though indeed they wanted nothing else for there were found in the City almost fourscore great Guns with these they had furnished the Fortifications to resist any thing that might oppose the Town The chief Defence against all such Damages was a Tower which raised its height somewhat above the Palace and so infested all the places near the River from hence arose Pity Fear and Wrath to many falling in the Camp for Lewis of Nassau was shot in the Thigh and the Prince himself was not free from danger for by accident his Tent was overthrown yet the Besiegers began to set in order their Canon against the Town whereby the before-mentioned Tower was so weakned that none durst remain or stay therein Hitherto all that was done was by snatches and intervals as it were at a breathing Afterwards the Trench was filled up and although the Weatheâ— were very bad by reason of continual Rains yet the Galleries began to be wrought on forward to the very Rampire to a great breadth The Artillery never ceasing to baâ—â—â— the Gate which lay upon the River from the Island before-mentioned This caused the Besiegers to send Messengers that should Treat about the delivery of the Town it being manifest to them that those Threats were not in vain in regard they beheld and felt the Fore-runners of a Storm yet could not all their Prayers at the present prevail to obtain a Truce the Battery continuing all that day with the expense of Two Thousand shot In this interim also William of Nassau had assaulted and taken an Half-Moon Sconce that lay upon the River the Defendants being beaten out thereof by violence of shooting Now also was the Courage of the Besieged utterly overthrown by a sharp Summons whereby they were advised to prevent Extremity and that if they should yet continue in their Obstinacy they should be exempted from Mercy Thus on the Tenth day was Berck deliver'd
enough of War and gotten therein sufficient Wealth were there returning to their Country to take their ease There were in it also take a Letters wherein were discover'd the Intentions and Gifts of the Cities destined and alloâ—ted to Fontain which Prince Maurice sent back to him The coming of the Spanish Souldiers was every where displeasing to the Common People as well for the Hatred of their Persons aâ— of War But the Arch-Duke glad of them their Poverty having by the sense or fear of Evil overcome all Difficulties by their Aid and the service of Herman Count Heremberg put an end to that long-continued Sedition of the Souldiers at Grave for want of their Pay although some Prisoners and Letters also did certifie that though they were pacified more were offended that among all these Turnings would yet remain faithful to their Parties This was the state of the Law Countries on both sides before the state of Affairs was theâ—e anew changed At this time between the Embassadors of France and the Arch-Duke Albertus the long-continued Treaty produced great hopes of Peace and the Queen of England had sent thither Cecil Son to the Lord Burghly and with him one Wilks who was privy to all his Secrets And therefore now the matter it self required that the Vnited States should send Embassadors to France and Queen Elizabeth desiring that they might be authorized with a full and free power together with her Embassadors to Treat of War and Peace They disapproved the Motion lest afterwards if they denyed to consent they should be over-powred by her Royall Authority Hereupon a double Embassie is appointed with a convenient Retinue one of which was to go into England The Persons were the Lords Warmâ—nde often before-mention'd and beloved by the English in remembrance of his good service in the Cadiz Expedition Min Heer Heffingen a Frizon and John Wercken of Zeland To France they sent Justine Nassau Governour of the Sea for Zeland and John Olden-Barnevâ—lt principal Counsellor and Assistant to the States of Holland a man well skill'd and industrious for the publike good of his Country and by his Authority did and obtain'd is much as by the help of Art Wit and Industry could be done or obtain'd among a free People And here among many other things which I have cause to fear this is one lest any strangers into whose hands these Histories shall come should wonder how the Names of such famous men an honourable Report of whom they have receiv'd in their own Country should come to be so seldom mention'd in my Writings But I hope the great difference between the Government of that State and the Empire of other Countries shall be a sufficient Excuse for me For where the Actions of Cities and Towns are related which are ruled either by the Senate or People if any more eminent matter of Valour oâ— Policy happen there is given a fair occasion meerly in a return of Gâ—atiâ—nce to set out the Authors or Inventors thereof Neither in Kingdoms do the great Ministers of State remain obscure But among the Hollanders all things are transacted in the Name of the Council without any mention of the Authors whom although you know yet you would seem ambitious in seeking to praise them nor would you avoid the haâ—red and displeasure of many by whom anothers Glory is look'd upon as their shame and the praise of their active Honour as a Reproof of their sluggish and dull Nature The Embassadors that went to England endeavour'd by many Arguments to make the Queen averse to a Pacification advising also That she would in some measure gratifie the French King in his desire concerning Aid and then urge him further being incouraged by Embassadors that he would of his own accord rather seek Reparation both for Old and New former and later Injuries by War than to think to appear his Domestick Discords against such a restless Nation And then bowing the Knee according to the Customs of the Court when they had returned large Thanks for so mer Benefits They added in these words All who are called fâ—om their just Arms to talk of Peace ought to consider whâ—ther the Peace that is offer'd be reall and sound or deceitful and infirm and on the other side whether the War be terrible or dubious or be not moâ—e safe than Peace for it is a vain thing to talk of the goodness of Peace where men shall never be suffer'd to enjoy it The Spâ—niard O Queen is reported to sollicite you to a Peace whose perfidy Conâ—unct with Barbarous Cruelty and whose Ambition of reaching at the Rights of others we need not accuse when his Masters openly teach that with men differing from them in point of Religion no Faith or Promise is to be kept neither ought they to partake of the Benefit either of Divine or Humane Laws Others have not fear'd to say that by the Decree of Fate the hâ—ighth of Empire is allotted to the West and that amâ—ng Christians there shall be no other visible Empire on Earth than that of Spain And though it might be to purpose to speak of the impotent Pride of the Austrian Family to other Princes and how by Trisling Leagues it hath claimed to it self that Angle as Hereditary with other the furthest Parts of the Earth that whatever lies within the Bounds of Lutope if it be not his own is accounted and looked upon as an Enemy yet it will be to little purpose to remember these things to you which have suffer'd and undergone many Hazards by him And can it be doubted but that he still hath the same Mind who hath not onely armed the People of your Kingdom to Rebellion and more than once sought to invade it by Fleets though prevented by Almighty God but also so far contemned all Honesty and Justice that he hath precured Murderers and Poysoners to do mischief to your Sacred Person Certainly it is not to be doubted for the old Grudges and the Causes thereof remain and as you continue fixed in your antient Piety so is he nothing alter'd from his wonted Avarice And now this man seems to seek to make an honourable Peace with you with a just and pious intent is it not that he may wage his Wars at his own pleasure while now he is forced to wait upon yours And therefore he presuming from the present Affairs to gain opportunity for greater Matters will lie in wait for all occasions And shall we in so great danger be caught and wrapt up into a stuggish security We know that since he cannot catch us all he endeavours by this League which he surely intends to break to â—oâ—se as many of us as he can Former Kings and People did better for though they were not at all troubled yet they never fear'd to ioyn together against increasing Empires while they had time lest at one time or other though piece-meal they might be all conquer'd For they knew that some Wars were waged onely
their Towns and Fields being eased of so great a Burden of Souldiers especially upon the French Borders they had now a small breathing space from their long-continued Miseries The Enemy also being gone far from thence another Way added Confidence to their Security Count Frederick Heremberg by reason of Count Mansfeldts great Age and Weakness was Lieutenant-General of the whole Army under Mendosa but was by Them intitled Camp-Master-General The Horse passing the River by Maestricht some of them went to Venloo others to Ruermunde Thence spreading themselves through Juliers by the Territories of Colen and other parts of Germany they lay among those naked People without fear and so came to the Bank of Rhene Barlotte was sent before who was a Captain frequently made use of in Business requiring either speed or audacity for he drawing together what Boats and Wherries he could possibly meet within the River into one place between Boâ—e and Colen and having with him 800 of his Men and a small Guns call'd Drakes he drove away the Ships of Holland which had been left to keep Guard at Berck Thus many Souldierâ— being taken he enjoy'd the River free from Trouble and all the further Bank of it All this while Mendosa lay heavy upon a quiet People with an oppressive and licentious Army and because he could not remedy the Peoples Complaints he abhorr'd to intermeddle in the moderation of their Oppressions whereof many every where were conscious that knew the Discords and Divulsions of Germany and how much it had lost of its ancient Renown gain'd by Arms But to his Prince he was of a Couragious Spirit and bore great Faith while performing his Commands he was a Contemner of Forein Fame and valued not Hatred that was not attended with Power It will not be out of the way since the matter it self hath led us thither to describe those several Nations which lye about the Rhine next to the Hollanders and the Sites and Extents of the Countries of the Princes and Bishops formerly under the Obedience of the Almain Empire I can with more shew of Learning than Truth compare the Names of Antiquity with those now in use For old Authors noâ— looking much into Germany have hardly mention'd them But when the whole World was disturb'd by the frequent Transmigrations of one Nation to another then Writers following them increased the obscurity every one drawing the Antiquity of Fame to the Honour of his own People This I can almost assert that beyond the Hollanders who possessed the Country next to the French Coast without the Island which part opens between the Rhine and the Maes and a few other places beyond both those Rivers of Old a Soyl full of Woods and Marishes was the Antient Seat of the Menapii from whom came the Eburones and other Allied Nations and this at first made the Germans to be called Tungri which People afterwards attained the well-known River Moselle or the Maes and the Country of Triers The Neruii with their Partakers lay at the back of these by the River Scheld beyond whom the Morini lay hedged in by the Forest of Ardenne which is now the Bounds of the Netherlands but was formerly under the Dukes of Burgundy and divided them from the Kingdom of the Franks or French But after Agrippa Translated the Ubii out of the Region which is against Triers to another part or had taken into his Protection such as had voluntarily transmiâ—rated escially a Colony of the Romans being given him by his Neece and the Gugerni setled next to them the Name of Menapii grew obsolete but that some of the Inhabitants being driven into the inner part of the Country first seem'd to seat Themselves on this side the Maes and Wael afterwards between the Scheld and the Morini Hereupon all this Tract from the Hollanders beyond Triers even as far as Mentz was possessed and planted by Romane Garrisons and took the Name partly of inferiour partly of Higher Germany because the Original of the Inhabitants came from beyond the Rhine as may easily be discerned by the Tone of their Speech to this day On this side upon the Border of the River stands Wagening Grinnes Duren and Arnheym all which were upon the French Bank though formerly many were otherwise erroneously perswaded From thence one might have been seeen Burtuatium Drechshausen and Acken famous sometimes in the Dutch Wars Emmerich also and Culo but now so lost in their own Ruines that the most Learned can but conjecture where they were scituate But Nâ—ys Colen Bonne Andernach and Coblentz keep both their Names and Stations unalter'd to this day In after-times all this Region and the Country that lyes above it was call'd Austrasia because that part bordering on the East-side of France was held by the Franks or French who in most parts where they setled gave new Names to the places But they at length being weakned by their own Discords the Almays Emperours by bestowing larger Power and Liberties on the Prince's and People than they had before drew to Themselves the Superiority of Government and therefore they of Cleves inhabiting on this side the Rhine took that part of Gelderland which is now call'd Low-Holland and contains in it the City of Nimmeghen With these is intermingled the Arch-Bishop of Colen's Territories which extend a great way upon that Bank Another part of Gelderland incompasses the Dutchy of Cleves the Governours whereof were formerly call'd Guardians and herein is the Town of Gilders from whom the People of that whole Province take their Name Behind these the Old Maps and Descriptions would perswade us that the Gugerni inhabited and there is yet a Village in those Parts that seems to speak something of their Name in its own which is Gogen At the backside of Colen is Gulick an antient City they have now the same Governours with Cleves but formerly their Government was the same with Gelderland yet more up into the Country are sited the Liegeoâ—s by the Maes the Lutzenburgers by the Mâ—selle and the People of Triers which two Cities of Liege and Triers are governed by Bishops the rest are accounted among the Netherlands But on the further Bank of the Rhine which was the Antient Seat of the Almains and Great Germany Of Old the Frizons were the first that met us who by reason they possessed the lesser part of the Region were call'd the Lesser Frizons from whence the Caninefates now People of Gorichom coming into the Isle of Holland were on another side compassed with great Lakes and the Estuary of the â—llye and from thence by the Eemes unâ—il you come to the Ocean To these are joyning the Greater Bructeri hard by the same River and now opposite to the Menapii are the Remainders of the Sicambrians after that People either of their own Accord or by the Compulsion of Augustus his Arms had setled Themselves about the Wael At Luppen we have the Lesser Bructeri again which River some of the
Ambrose Spinola besides he raised in Germany foot-souldiers and in Lorrain horse-men and after they arrived Spinola being left at Ostend seven thousand foot and three thousand horse were delivered to Frederick Count Heremberg and his first orders were to drive out those who had violently seated themselves in Hochstraten This Philip had commanded as well for security sake at present as for example sake in the future and lest while he turned his Armes to other parts they should invade the places left destitute of defence for of late they had spoiled the Province of Namur taken the Town of Jedin and the Governor of Carpen Castle and yet returned safe and full of booty At this time they in Hochstraten held a most severe discipline and worthy of imitation by the best souldiers their guards and watches were very diligently looked after neither was any permitted to goe into a bed or put off his clothes while he took his rest no women were suffered to come within the Castle to fight among themselves and to have any secret conferences or letters was a capital offence These laws were established and confirmed by punishments of offenders without pardon These understanding that they were like to be besieged sent to the States and Prince Maurice and beseech and beg their aide promising upon their faith that they would jointly and unanimously fight against the Enemy but protesting that they would have all prisoners they should take at their own dispose because the laws of War were usually denied among Enemies to such as were renegadoes Eight hundred of them were shut up in the Castle the rest being fifteen hundred foot and above a thousand horse expect Prince Maurice who hearing that Count Heremberg was now come and began to doe all acts of hostility against the Castle draws together little less then ten thousand foot and three thousand horse out of their Winter-quarters and speeds with them to Geertruydenberg In which City happened a sad spectacle the French and English by mutual quarrells among themselves falling together by the ears being Nations always emulous of one another insomuch that now there began a perfect battel between the whole Regiments some being killed more wounded and the Colonel of the French Monsieur Bethune himself running in between them to prohibit their fighting was killed which much incensed the minds of his men Scarcely could the sight or speech of the Nassavian Commanders or of the Prince himself prevail to deterre the further increase of this impious and increasing slaughter Here Prince Maurice's forces joyning with those of the seditious they marched together though souldiers of different obligations and principles by a new and strange kind of example Between the fields and the Enemies Camp was a little rivulet the ground all about which is very moory this Count Heremberg either by error or tot suspecting the coming of Prince Maurice had neglected to possess The Prince having by prepared bridges brought over his souldiers and artillery on a sudden faces the Enemy with his Army But Count Heremberg kept himself within the safeguard of the place and the defence of his carriages which he had placed in form of a rampier onely the horse were commanded to advance which produced some light skirmishes Nor did Prince Maurice think meet to set upon the Enemies entire untill he had tried all places that might be advantageous to himself or the Enemy Count Heremberg fearing as other things so to be debarred of provisions through the help of the night withdrew first his Cannon and afterwards his souldiers towards Herentalls in the mean while keeping watches against the Enemy that he might be the better able to deceive them But when the appearance of day-light had discovered their design they which were in the Castle first fell in their rear where among others was slain Rosney the son of a famous Commander both in France and the Low-Countries who at that time commanded the Lorraign souldiers But another small river hindred Prince Maurice from his intended pursuit of the Enemy for that it was fordable onely with great difficulty besides the way was narrow and full of water yet moving on forward with the horse he found the Enemy newly passed the streights and his Army drawn into battalia in the open fields and although the Hochstrateners were very earnest to fight as well in their own revenge as in giving a proof of their affection and valour to their new friends yet it was not thought fit to fight this Army thus drawn up and ordered without the foot and Artillery which followed but slowly after over the difficulties of an uliginous way besides the toilsome grievousness of the weather which was disturbed with continual rain and tempests Thus the siege being raised Prince Maurice boldly threw himself into the midst of the seditious souldiers that by this great confidence of them he might oblige them to him the more strictly And now he again resolved while part of the Enemies forces were with him to besiege 's Hertogenbosch which by the cruelty of the Winter the last year he was forced to break off his confidence resting onely in celerity if the City could be surrounded void of a garrison as it then was But the matter being related to the Councel of the States the Zelanders pressing to make war in Flanders yet at last the Prince was permitted to doe what should seem most convenient to the Commonwealth but in the mean while eight days were spent And although Count Heremberg's forces were prepared and increased purposely to disturb all designs of the Prince yet he continued in his resolution not so much out of any hopes of attaining the City as because he would keep the Enemy busied in trifling and himself not be compelled to the defence of his own elsewhere and to depend wholly upon uncertain events Some were of opinion that the Townsmen wearied with the miseries of war would either alter their fidelity or at leastwise doe that as should make them seem so moderate to both parties that they should neither fear nor be feared Therefore the Summer being now well entred the Prince sate down at the Village named Vuchten and the Huhstrateners at Vlimen in the way to Hoesden there being a great distance of ground between the two Camps The third day after Count Heremberg drew nigh and in the woody places towards that part where the City lay open in the Village of Dalem fortified himself casting up defences against Prince Maurice He on the other side erected some Sconces and Batteries with great Guns where the ground ceasing to be plain swells up into little hills and much time was carelesly spent in light skirmishes and wasting of shot At last Heremberg was advised to erect a Fort without the City near the way that leads from Vuchten to Vlimen to this intent that the passage being stopped from Prince Maurice's Camp to that of the Hochstrateners a more hopefull opportunity might be expected against them being
he might have taken the Town by force having then a very little or no Garrison and had also come upon them at Ostend while they were full of fear and before they were aware and dispersed farre distant one from another or else he might if he pleased have fought them or at least have stopped all provision from the Enemy In the mean while Souldiers sent from the Camp at Ostend and elsewhere had filled the farther bank of the Haven at Sclays Spinola taking care for it who before had sent forth several Spies and Scouts that were to bring word of the coming of the Fleet. And although the Holland Ships of Warre had compelled the Enemies Gallies to retreat to the Town for fear the mouth of the Haven should be stopped they battered with their Cannon a small â—ort situate on the opposite bank for he could not put over thither any Souldiers having twice In vain attempted it Pompey Justinâ—no making resistence with two thousand men This Gentleman was the chief of all the Colonels in Spinola's counsels and besides the honour of his knowledge in Martial affairs he moâ—ed very well in his accurate writing thereof And how Prince Maurice inquiring what way he might best take to goe into the inner part of Flanders by chance a Countryman flying from thence to escape a small party of the Enemy that was come thither and pursued also shewed him a Ford in that channel which compasseth Cazant behinde where a bank being raised and the adjoyning Fort taken called Coxen a Bridge and Garrison was placed they having time enough free from the Enemy while Trioâ—lci and Justiniano differed in counsel among themselves There were two other Fortresses hard by called by the names of Katharine and Pâ—â— which yielded sooner then could be hoped or imagined for Katharine Sconce being sorely bruised with bullets was deserted by Trivulci even when Prince Maurice despairing of the work had commanded his Artillery to he drawn off nor did Trivulci onely goe oâ— with his Souldiers but the tumultuary band of Country-men that were mixed with them for they hearing a noise which was of the Enemie's marching away which they interpreted to be an increase of their Forces and that they were coming to shut up all the Avenues fled to Fort Philip nor staid they there but pâ—sted to Ysendike leaving in Philips Fort threescore in number who upon sight of the Enemy with all speed delivered the place Thence for the winning of Ysenâ—ke which is a Fort in the utmost coast of Flanders 〈◊〉 the Hont a siege was thought necessary for all the Enemy that were driven from other places had here â—ed themselves to the number of six hundred and the seventh day after the place was surrendred Prince Maurice being busied there the Enemy approched in hope to recover Cazant and in the night endevoured to have passed in Boats to that purpose provided And 〈◊〉 six hundred were come thither unobserved others following them but at last being spied by the Scots who had the charge of the place these Enemies by their â—â—lotons force were quickly put to flight and killed Behinde Scluys lies Ardenburg now shewing onely the remains of a sometimes farre more noble Town this the Prince finding the Souldiers that were left for the defence thereof fled entred and commanded the same to be fortified and passing from Middleburg which is a free City not farre off and in the Castle which is the onely place of defence placing Souldiers he now began to revolve in his minde the siege of Scluys Because the Enemy had preoccupied all the places lying between Ostend he spread himself to the two Rivers which from Damme and Bruges pass to Scluys being divided by a small limit yet so different in tast that from thence they have attained the names of salt and fresh water but where the Lake named Merkerk streightens the way leading thither as indeed almost all that Country is full of water Lewis Velasco by the Arch-duke's command had fortified himself and going out with a strong Party Fortune smiling upon the Enemies in the attempt they made upon those they first met before the Horse that were added to him could come in to his help he with his whole number was overthrown five hundred almost were drowned and three hundred taken and thus they came to the Rivers and although the Enemy had planted himself between on one part dissembling on the other side finding a passage first went over at a Ford and afterwards over Bridges to that purpose builded Hence grew so great a terror that the Forts were deserted which lie to the Eastward from the Haven of Scluys excepting onely one called S. George which yet was quickly delivered more out of fear then necessity upon sight of the Cannon drawn before it The Garrison going abroad they found the deceit of an evil custome a lighted match being placed by the Barrels of Gunpowder to have blown up the same and ruined all near thereabouts Then the Prince pitched three Camps between the Town and the Sea-shore over which himself Count William and Count Ernest had the Command That which was beyond the Rivers lying every where under water he commanded Colonel Notte to keep to that purpose giving him some Boats and from thence a Breast-work to be drawn as farre as Ardenburg whereon frequent Guards to be kept But before they were able perfectly to surround the Town with their Works the Souldiers twice broke into Scluys through the Marishes and in so great number through the Governour 's neglect that it was believed they were sufficient to have defended the Town against him for there was within but little Victuals and the number of those that eat it was increased and that made Justiniano with a strong Guard bring provisions into the parts near the Town which they were to meet him and receive but the design being discovered Prince Maurice hastning with some Horse and Artillery drove away the Enemy and took some Carts loaden with Meal and a few men Fifty of the Slaves belonging to Spinola that with some others had come forth of the City fled over to the Prince by whose intelligence he was more certainly informed that there was Victuals in the Town onely for a short season that they made a great shew of many things the better to deceive and delude their Enemies Hereupon a Fast was proclaimed in the Camp which is customary with them going to attempt any difficult and dangerous matter after which they planted their great Guns and made a Bridge of a wonderful bigness as if therewith they would goe beyond the broad and deep gulf of the Haven even unto the Rampier but indeed some despairing they stayed onely to pinch the Enemy with Famine and to that end they were more diligent in shutting up all the Avenues not would receive any more fugitives in the interim the Horse plundering Flanders Now was the Arch-duke pressed with many great discommodities at once and the
a while at Lingen and there as if amazed at so good fortune he admired the strength and rare structure of the Works and yet for their defence he raised other Works beyond the Trench Which late design coming to the knowledge of Prince Maurice he followed thither as if he had intended a present siege But if he had chosen rather to get more then to keep what he had gotten the same force and the fresh report of his approach had brought an equal terror upon all places There were but few Souldiers either at Coevoerden or the Fort in Bourtange through which places the Enemy must come into Frieseland besides Groeningen trembled and Embden though farre off yet ignorant a matters of War was tired with private discords which Count Enno being confident in this Warre of the States affairs increased And now the Enemy lying still awhile Prince Maurice had some vacant time for his Pioneers to strengthen and repair the fortifications of the Garrisons in Frieseland and beyond the Rhine Himself with Count William of Nassau having gathered together nine thousand men be marched to Coevoerden for defence of the interior parts and that he might be the nearer to follow the Enemy in the very track adding to that place several new Bulwarks Among all these publick actions some private and clandestine Stratagems also were used whereof one Terral a French fugitive was the inventor This man having tendred his service to the Hollanders and being refused because he seemed to ask too great honors and rewards went over to the Spaniard he was of a confident spirit and rarely skilled in all Fire-works and other devices made with Gunpowder To this man the Archduke out of the supernumerary Souldiers in other places assigned fifteen hundred foot and three hundred horse under the command of Colonel Torricurte the Governor of Hulst in hopes therewith to have surprised Bergen op Zoom These in the night at the ebbe of the Sea through the marishes got into the Haven and possessed two Forts the one that defended the Haven the other the Gate the Souldiers that kept them flying away And if they had proceeded forward from the Haven the City would have been indangered both the Souldiers and Townsmen being unprovided and so in the greater confusion But they went to the Water-gate and there with their Engines throwing down two Sluces that lay between them and the Town the Petard that they hung at the Gate having in the march caught wet did no execution no more did the Hand-granadoes because they were moistned with the dirt Thus being frustrated of their hopes and the tide of Floud increasing they hastned their return deserting all the places they had gotten and now the multitude of defendants being come together they not onely shot with bullets but from above threw down upon them great stones wherewith thirty were killed and many hurt Yet did not this unfortunate event so terrify them but that a moneth after they attempted the same thing again with greater courage and more force when the contest was more sharp because their coming being foreknown by some Scouts all things within were prepared ready to receive them The Enemy knowing nothing of their intelligence in the Town came on A little after midnight the weather wet and clowdy and by that means exceeding dark the signe being given they assaulted three places at once in two of which they had placed Bridges by reason of the water and although they were not long enough yet many scrambling with their hands and feet got to the Rampier to the top of which they were no sooner gotten but they were immediately beaten down again for the Governor of the Town Colonel Paul Baxen mingling the Townsmen and Souldiers together had manned all the Works round about the Town himself riding from place to place and keeping in the Market-place two Companies to be assisting in any place in case of necessity But on that side the Town towards Steenbergen it seemed rather to be downright force then any nocturnal Policy for the Townsmen setting fire on straw and pitched barrells made so great a light that they could see plainly all that the Enemy did There with Gunpowder they had beaten down two Gates and a Draw-Bridge insomuch that the Enemies beat up their Drums even within the Town-walls in like manner the horse sounded their Trumpets as if at that very instant they had been entring There was one Sluce yet remaining which the Townsmen had stopped up with Carts and other great pieces of Timber this in regard many of Terrall's workmen were killed and spoiled in the former places they endeavored to cut into pieces with their Swords and with Axes But the Townsmen seeing the approching Enemy threw down fire upon them from the walls and with their Muskets and great Guns not onely gave them certain wounds but reproachfull language so that at last the Souldiers refused to be led to the slaughter by their Officers There was no slothfull person in the City at this time both the Magistrates and Ministers putting on Arms and by their presence giving others not onely exhortations but example nay the very Citizens that were of the Roman Religion if any such were knowing that a Victory gained in the darkness of the night and height of fury would make no difference of persons acted with great resolution lest they should seem to disunite themselves from the common cause the very Women did not spare any pains or labour in bringing Calthrops Bullets Pitch and Stones in their childrens cradles having first emptied them of all things else and then in the more retired and soft places upon their bended knees with eyes and hands lifted up to Heaven they beseeched God to assist the Defendants and to turn the evil of those cruel designs upon the authors thereof After day was broken the residue of them returned to Antwerp In the Town there was onely one killed and very few wounded for they were well saved by the height of their defences In like manner also Grobbendonck attempted to assault Grave by night with Bridges and scaling-Ladders but understanding that the Townsmen prepared to receive him he desisted And now Spinola had fortified Lingen unresolved what to doe the remaining part of the year the Autumn being now beginning To refresh his Souldiers in Germany would be infamous and base The Spies that were sent to Berck returned and brought intelligence that the Works were very great and hard to be overcome At length leaving Garrisons both at Lingen and Oldenziel oftentimes removing his Camp he sate down before Roeroort and making there a Bridge he erected a Fort on each side of the Rhine the Germans desiring that at Keysersweert might be pulled down But Roeroort being a Town in the jurisdiction of Moers in the Enemie's Country and better situated upon consultation had about the same it was thought that removal was advantageous At this time a new Regiment came out of Italy into the
good Counsel to meet a powerful Foe with the Conjunction of Neighbours and here the ingenuity of the French found it needful to have Warre that they might keep peace It was cast out as a Secret but with great diligence the League being broken what the Emperour Charles said to the King being his Prisoner in reproâ—ch of the name and Honour of France That the old limits of France should be restored and the Empire extend even to the Rhene what was beyond the Prince of Aurange in words had already assumed to himself as the reward of all his pains By these instigations the King was so wrought upon that moneys are speedily dispatched to him together with Counsel and advice by Lewis who went between them whom Caspar Colimac a chief Leader in the new Religion had brought to treat and discourse with the King The Kings Navy also upon the Coast of Guyen was fitted and prepared and Prizes taken in Spanish Vessels were publickly sold in the City of Rochel The Spanish Embassador in vain complaining made their confidence increase by their deceits In the interim the Prince of Aurange full fraught with the same and repute of so potent an Allye either by Embassies or Letters promiseth to the banished Netherlanders resettlemâ—â—â— in their own Country and to those that are oppressed at â—â—â—me Liberty and doth perswade many Governours of Cities either to mutiny or revolt not valuing either the force fear or hate of Alva Thus relying on his strength and the industry of his People he made a good force at Sea for every banished Netherlander who had any Courage and all those more indigent people that were afraid of banishment got aboard into some kind of Ships and taking others which they met by force from their owners they much increased their number they hovered to and again upon the Coast and not onely there but even in the very Ocean or high Sea as Pyrates got their Living by robbing all they could seize on The Prince of Aurange had the shew of Authority and Command over this insolent multitude though indeed there was neither civility nor Government among them by Letters missive and the like authorizing them as by Commission The Admirall of this Fleet William Count Marque Surnamed Lumey of a disposition that rather inclined to cruelty then Courage which was accounted his chiefest vertue his Counsel to most of his Companions and followers as well as his own minde intended nothing but depredations Thus accoutred and followed as it seemed good to the Supreme Providence whom it had pleased hitherto in the Affairs of these Countries so to frustrate humane Confidence and Counsels that great and over-blown hopes should never be attended with happy success 1572. Twenty four indifferent Ships being Commanded off the English Coasts Sail towards West-Frizeland to try their Fortune in the beginning a Warre against the chiefest Potentate of Christendom but the Wind being against them drove them through an extream scarcity of necessaries on one of the biggest Isles they call it Vorne and there is the mouth of the River Maze where the Souldiers and Seamen between fear and Courage with a sudden fury set upon the Town of Brill not that they intended to make any long stay there but onely intended it as a place of refreshment for a few dayes But the more prudent of them together with the conveniency of the place desired that they might become sensible of their Victory in the retention of the place Thus all things among them hapning by chance except difference in opinions insomuch that when some Bands of Spanish Souldiers entred the Island under the Command of Maximilian Bossu their Captain who then was Governour of Holland the Invaders as if they had been distracted by a suddain fear fled not one of them daring to go against him and this forsooth because the Townsmen had set fire upon their ships Bossu in his return from hence required passage through Roterdam which they sensible of the Mischiefs of a Garrison granted but with this Proviso that the greatest part of the Souldiery being sent away the rest should enter But contrary to these Covenants the Souldiery forthwith broke in and made a great slaughter of the Inhabitants within the Town This Barbarous Treachery so incensed the inraged Minds of the Hollanders that most of them voluntarily part forced by the violence of the People the appearance of their Neighbours in Arms or else by the necessity of Commerce openly declared their great Affection to the Exiles and their willingness to admit them For the Duke of Alva had â— no Castles here believing himself safe enough in the deâ— right simplicity of the People who having hitherto bin â— quiet then all the rest did now being abused break out â— the greater Fury Besides part of the Spanish Forces bâ— little before had been drawn thence to punish Vtrecht her Warlike Injuries done them for that City under Confidence of her Religion had most vehemently withstâ— the commanded Impositions And Alva at the first Neâ— of this Tumultuous Insurrection had sent for those who we in Roterdam vainly fearing they should have been Besiege there The Town of Flushing followed the Example of Holland being greatly disturbed with the sight of the Castle which was in Building to keep them in awe and not willing to receive a Garrison which was intended to be placed among them These having seized Bacies a Savoyard the most excellent Surveyor of Alva's Works and hurried him away â— punishment they Declare Themselves for the Common Cause In like manner others in Zeland turned out the Spaniards so that now from this new Face of Affairs and the Assistance that daily almost came to them out of the Kingdoms oâ— France and England they began to hope for Liberty Couâ— William who was by affinity related to the Prince of Aurange rather trusting to the Honour of that Name than bâ— own strength assures Gelders and Over-Issel Hereupon Nederwormter and shortly after Schoneberge make Incursions into Frizeland being admitted into their strongest and best Cities with the free good-will of the Citizens The Prince of Aurange did not much rejoyce when he received the News of these Commotions of the People complaining That he was prevented by such a Chance and that his Force was not as ready as his Consent with them In this disordered an unsetled Body some of the Nobles of Holland and Commissioners of the Chief Cities meeting at Dordrecht assumed and put on the first Species or Habit of a Common-Wealth Hither did the Prince of Aurange send whom the States of Holland although absent because his Lieutenancy and Governourship was taken from him without any lawful cause chose to be their Governour as also to be the General and Manager of the War against the proud Domineering of â—a Now there began to be daily Fights both at Sea and Land wherein as to the Land-Fights on Foot the Spaniard was too hard for the other being rude
at that time was President of Flanders Lalayne Champigny and divers others who could not digest that the chief management of all Affaires should rest in the Prince of Aurange with whom few were equall in birth none of them like him in Wisdom and Authority Therefore because they see themselves never able to compass the Peoples love as he hath done and that they must come far short of him they begin to fear that if he should come to enjoy that Dignity that he would bring Religion to his own bent and to prevent that they seek to prevent his glory by the splendor of a greater name Rodolphus was chosen Emperour of Germany in the stead of Maximilian his Father who was lately dead His Brother Matthias they by many great promises intreat from the Court not by any open consent of the Emperor for fear of offending the Spaniard The'e men because they had strong Cities and Arms in their power imagined they could easily bring to passe that by their bringing in of this young man who must be beholding to them for that great Honour they should have all things in their power and might in his name execute their own Commands and do what they listâ— all which the Prince of Aurange foreseeing he removed some of these guilty persons from that Council and assured them that they might more confidently hope for a just Government in the lawful Dominion of the States than the particular power of some few And by chance also at this time it fortuned that Arscot the chief Emulator of the House of Nassau swolne big with vain hope offended the Commonalty of Gaunt by some insolent Speeches the people of which City being the most noble of all Flanders but the most averse to Nobility threw him and all his Train into Custody But the Prince of Aurange although Matthias was called in by his Enemies and had come contrary to his desire and that the rest of the Netherlanders had a greater respect towards France yet having regard to the moderation of his Carriage he himself moved the States that they would accept the young man eminent in his Brothers Majesty and of Kindred to the King to protect their Cause wherewith they were thus far pleased that the Government of the Netherlands should be in Matthias but that the Prince of Aurange should be Deputy Governour which at length though unwillingly he accepted by which means their fury who had sought out Matthias onely with hope to have made themselves great by his Dignity was more enflamed The Regency of Matthias is bounded and limited by Laws and Counsellors nor had he power to use any thing suitable to his greatness besides the State and splendor of his life The third Book of the Dutch Annals ALL matters being in this manner setled Warre is proclaimed against Don John at which time the Monethly Revenues arising from Provisions of Victuals amounting to six hundred thousand Florens was brought into the publick Treasury the free disposing whereof as also of Musters and Councels relating to the Warre that they might be the freer from discovery were by the States left wholly to the Senate Then at length the Queen of England began to think the forces of the Netherlanders worthy of her favour though yet she was not without a peculiar fear of troubles in her own State because Don John moved a Marriage with the Queen of Scots by which and the help of his Arms he hoped to get to himself the Kingdom of Britain and this was evident by no small demonstrations wherefore she promised them both men and money for their assistance they giving caution for repayments but yet still they should stick to their pretence that the Netherlanders Provinces would be obedient to Philip. And so she interwove her self into that Common-wealth that no matter of any importance could be done without her knowledge and approbation endeavouring also to strengthen these new Settlements by an universal Concord though some of the Netherlanders laboured earnestly but in vain to provoke the Queen against the Prince of Aurange and perswading now one now another by laying before them the greatness of the danger least they should incline to re-settle the old Possession of the Roman Religion She therefore would give them ayd When She had effected these things She sends Letters to the King desiring him therein to hearken to peace and to moderate his Government by the Rule of the Law but if he would compel his Subjects to take Arms he should not take it ill at her hands the French long since being intent thereto if she prevented the Dutch allyance with that People who were her Enemies and in the interim she did with great pains strive to clear her self from affecting the Soveraignty that belonged to another Henry King of France Sebastian King of Portugall and the Emperour himself were in like manner solicited by the States to move Philip to moderation towards them the last also being sâ—ed to for assistance in their Cause which at that time was in vain In the interim private grudgings and discords increased among the great Ones so that many went thence into Castles and strong Holds scituate in Lutzenburg upon various pretences but the true cause was they interpreted the Honours given to others to be an affront and disparagement to them But Don John being recruited with the coming of the Spanish Forces and a great many Companies of Souldiers brought to him by the Duke of Parma the Son of Margaret late Governess of the Netherlands out of Italy overthrew the Dutch Army which was daily weakened by the going away of their Captains and retreating into Brabant at a place called Gemblim Nor was the Prey gotten by the Victory small especially if we consider it in the success because Lovayne which layd open Brabant on that side Limburg a famous Dutchy and the Metropolis of the Dominion bearing the same name using to make excursions even into Germany and Phillippolis which City the Prince of Aurange when formerly he was Generall of the Kings Army had fortified with new and strong Bulwarks against the French when onely forraign Warres were feaâ—ed as also many other adjacent Towns came in and submitted The King having â—hus conquered them yet thought fit to try them with the hope of Peace the Baron Selles carrying Conditions out of Spain for differing from those made at Gaunt and for which Don John would not alter a tittle which then was enough to make it seem reâ—sonable why they should be denyed for now the Netherlanders began first to know themselves and several Princes did augment their confidence by striving who should first offer them Souldiers and other ayd Here Francis of Valoys Duke of Anjon and Bâ—other to the King of France both before the Peace made at Gaunt and after was often sued to by the Belgick Nobles There Casimire who possessed the Palatinate of Germany both of them by reason of theiâ— yonger Birth being laid side
had accused them of Ingratitude promised That if they could compass any Peace with Philip â— should have Statues Orations and other things in truth but 〈◊〉 Sounds and meer Trisles of Honour but if he would come to other Resolutions that he should before any others have that respect which his Dignity and the well-weighed Advantage of the Common-wealth in that exigent of time could require This was the state of Affairs when the Violence of Death suddainly snâ—tched away Don John of Austria which might be hastned the more early in regard that with Grief â— Mind he repined at his Fortune For when he endeavoured to make our that he gained the Victory by his own Valoâ— and Conduct not the Debates or Failings of the Enemy tâ— see his Glory impeded and darkned by his Foes which iâ— the Spanish Court were many he grew Cholerick beyond either what his Nature or the strength of his Body would beat And surely in some intercepted Letters there appeared contumacious Desperation And a little before Philip had privily commanded Scovedo to be killed that used to take care of his private and most secret Affairs as being dangerously subtle in the managing of the Intents of that Noble and great-spirited Young-man For being known to have aimed at beyond the condition and quality of his Birth formerly the Kingdom of Tunis and afterwards that of England and also to have had intercourse of Counsels with the most powerful Lorrainers in the French Court he was privately feared by Philip least he should not onely continue against his Person but seek to confirm to himself these Provinces of the Netherlands from whence arose a great Suspition of Poyson though but uncertainly pressed who should cause it to be given there being some Priests of the Romane Religion who stuck not to cast upon the Country an Imputation of endeavouring such a thing Others suspected some English who were sent from thence against him and were therefore called Murtherers The Duke of Parma took the Conduct of the Army and the Government of the residue of the Cities and Towns first at the Desire of Don John himself and with the good liking of all the Souldiery and afterwards by the King's Command He was of a more reserved and close Nature bringing out of Italy with him the practice of making large Promises and the Art of Dissimulation He knew the â—â—ue way to catch the Dutch to wit either with great Words to fright or with smooth Words to seem to excuse them Therefore as Spain was not so much beholding to any mans Arms yet he gained more by the Favour of the People By this man's occult and close Provocations he mightily augmented the Differences among the Provinces which began to burst out more and more especially after there had been some punishment inflicted upon divers Citizens who to reduce to Unity a City of Artoys durst make an Intestine Commotion Nor did the Prince of Aurange leave any Stone unturned to find a Remedy for all these Mischiefs He becomes more sharp in punishing those whose Crimes grew great beyond his Envy And now he had perswaded the Gauntors that restoring and receiving their Priests they should return and submit to the Covenants and Articles of the League then he turned his Endeavours to Montignie's Souldiers and the Artoysians for the reconciling of them But it appeared that the chief men had willingly laid hold of the Causes of this Defection and therefore that they were implacable which so instigated anew the Minds of the Flandrians that Imbis took to himself by force the chief Magistracy of Gaunt and after bestowed on whom he pleased the rest of the Names and Titles of Honour In the interim the Duke of Parma gave safe Conduct and Passage for all Casimire's Horse to go out of the Country so that taking himself thereby to be secure from any Enemy he besiegeth Mastricht that had never been weakned with any Garison and makes Approaches to assault it During the Siege of this City the Emperour to whom the Treaty we before mentioned was submitted had sent his Embassadors to Colen Thither came also with the King 's Commands the Spanish Duke of Terranova in America and for the Netherlanders Areschot and others But the Prince of Aurange who ever was of Opinion that all Peace made with the King must be to the hazard of his Head in this Division of the Netherlands he being in the midst of so many Parties and hated by all did not vainly fear least he should be delivered up a Prey both to his Enemies and to Strangers But it would be resented grievously and redound much to his dishonour to hinder the meeting and Treaty or to impugne the German Moderators but that it might be covertly brought to passe he urged the points concerning Religion to be firmly insisted and severall others whereto there was no hope the King would ever condescend Many did believe that at that time Conditions moderate enough might have been obtained but that some for their private advantage had broken the publick Peace And the Duke of Parma though intent upon Warre yet never ceased to admonish all desirers of novelty that they seek to regain the Kings Favour and Pardon by speedy repentance and submission The first of all that reconciled himself to Philip was Lamot which he did by surrendring the Town of Gravelin in Flanders whereof he was Governour to the Kings Power and having accepted Power of Covenanting with the other he allured over many others manifesting himself a mighty applauder and example of the Kings Clemency Afterwards Montigny bringing over all his Forces which were eight thousand added no small strength to that party though his men were very poor and this he did as well for that reason of poverty as for fear of punishment which he knew he had meritedly deserved from the Netherlanders Lamot being ready to fall upon them They of Artoys and Henault for a while were in suspence at length prescribing certain Conditions to the rest of the Netherlanders which they would should be used if they listed they notwithstanding came to an agreement with the Duke of Parma the like did Issel Doway and Orchan Cities in that part of Flanders which the French a long time possessed and afterwards returned to the obedience of their own Princes but yet they retain the French Tongue with whom this was the cause of their private falling off from the rest of the Netherlanders because they could not obtain a proper voyce or suffrage in Councel The Articles of the Peace contained these Heads The Latine or Roman Religion their accustomed duty to their Prince and the approbation of the League made at Gaunt and that iâ— might be perfect the forraign Souldiers to be sent away within a short time receiving their pay out of the Kings Treasury â— which the Provinces subject to the Regency should be contributary and in all things where any defence was required an Army of Natives might be
the chance that in the same place that very day eleven years before the Father dyed by the hand of the Executioner through the cruelty of that people among whom the Son was now come as a Traytor to his Country but at last by the pitty of the Townsmen he got thence away and came safe to Nienove who being received by the Dutch was after by the power of his own People as we shall relate made Prisoner At Bruges there was a sharp and dangerous tumult so that Arms were taken and bloodshed very hardly prevented both the parties having set forth Souldiers that belonged to them the Bands of the United Provinces came first being hastned by the Magistrates and this was the end of the dissention the Tumults of other Cities were prevented by Garrisons Ipre of its own accord came and joyned it self to the League of Union and the like did Gaunt and a little after the Prince of Aurange came into that City by the favour and good will of all the multitude So great inconstancy was there in the resolutions of the vulgar rout and their levity being the same both in good things and bad there removing such from Authority as had by violence intruded themselves he gave the Honour to others Most of the Prisoners which we mentioned to be there detained being carelesly looked to had broke out the rest that remained the Prince set at liberty And another thing which proved as well to augment his Honour as revive envy against him was That the Government of Flanders was put upon him notwithstanding his many refusalls to accept thereof In the Embassey to Colen there was nothing done but what the Spaniard was well pleased with to wit that minds distracted to the hope of Peace should never advise well concerning the publick good The Embassadors of both sides complaining mutually that their Collegues by private agreements were solicited against the peace disturbed by new Confederacies not minding the Repute or Esteem of the Treaty But the Dutch because of the present danger for that the Duke of Parma had gained much upon Maestricht a City partly belonging to Brabant and partly to the Jurisdiction of Leige as being scituate upon the Confines of both and they could not get an opportunity of relieving it either with Souldiers or Provision they desired the time of the pacification might be freed from War and they hoped the Emperour's Embassadors would assist them herein But the Duke of Terranova denied that he had received any such power Thus while a Truce is asked and denyed while Conditions of Peace begin to be offered while the Instructions of the Dutch are found fault with as being not free but bound up to new Orders and Commands the Duke of Parma had crept under the very Walls of Maestricht when after a four moneths Siege he took the City by force though the same were valiantly defended and his own strength not very great But at Winter he sent away almost all the German Spanish and Italian Souldiers retaining onely the Captains and one Wing of Italian Cavalry though later than was agreed by the Covenants made in Artoys but yet this gained to him Mechlin with Valenciennes and the City of Issell In some convenient places he set Garrisons of Walloons Of these as every one was grievously annoyed or else of his own accord had offended his Neighbour so was he esteem'd most safe from danger and for this benefit they confirmed on the Duke of Parma the Lieutenancy not throughly understanding that a General of an Army might when he pleased recall to their Assistance any Forreign Souldiers But the Confederate Dutch though by the conjunction of so many People and Cities had lost all hopes of Peace yet that they might seem not so to hate it as to despair of it they sent the Articles of Composition and Agreement offer'd by Philip unto every Town that they might be consider'd of in publike Council Which being objected against as unjust and fallâ—cious were these The Acts of Matthias were not otherwise confirmed but as they had no Relation to the Supream Authority of the Prince or the Injuries of others That whatever Regent Philip should appoint over the Netherlanders to him constantly should be delivered all Cities Castles Magazines and Instruments of Warre He together with the Senate should take Cognizance of all things there was no mention of the States That all displaced and ejected Priests should be restored as also all others that had born Offices of Honour or Magistracy All which things seemed to tend to this That the Laws being restored in shew by the endeavour of them who would enjoy the Benefit and Trust of the Commonwealth they should shortly be abrogated and the People being disarmed reduced to slavery for there is no fortification for maintainance of Liberty so weak as that of Kingly Jurisdiction As to matter of Religion the Settlement whereof wâ— the matter of greatest Difficulty and Controversie it pleased the King to grant that there should be but one Religion throughout all the Netherlands which should be confirmed by the Authority of the Pope unless in such places where â— this time other Rites were used and this confirmed the League made at Gaunt Without those Bounds a time was limited to men of different Judgments wherein they might settle their Affairs and after their departure out of the Netherlands their Goods should not be medled with so long as they would commit the Administration thereof to the prâ—curation of such as were of the Romane Religion But this was looked upon as very hard by all and in aâ— manner convenient for the Publike Peace because it would turn upside down the present state of so many Cities banish and expel from their Country so many Thousand Men Nor should it be free for any man to believe what his Conscience bore him Witness was the Truth And what Country was able to receive all that should be Exiled and if any could yet what safety could it hope for in such Multitudes Where could they whom their own Country thought fit to expelâ— hope for quiet in a strange Land But the Governours and Chiefs without the deepest Brand of Ignominy and Villany could not consent to betray for fear that Religion they were taught to be true in what manner soever it first brought forth Neither the Hollander nor Zealander think that Proviso sufficient for them for they had some strong Cities which dis-senced from the Common-wealth in the use of that Religion to be revoked to those very times From whence they might well doubt new Tumults and their good will to become suspected that their Cause was separated from the rest They also laboured to work upon the Prince of Aurange apart and by himself when though seemingly aloof off there was offered to his Son not onely Liberty but the Governments belonging to him his Father to himself as many Goods is he had ever before possessed so as he would go out of
the Netherlands and spend his Old Age quieâ—ly in Germany But besides the other cause of Diffidence his Mind that never was greedy after Wealth and in that respect unsullied and upright was greatly satisfied to perceive with what great Expence the Spaniard would gladly free himself from the Dread of him The Treaty at Colen being ended Areschet and some Priests fell off to the King from some of those Parts whence Legates had come for understanding that they must for the future else be Enemies to the King being reconciled by Letters and accepting the same Articles which they of Artoys had But all those Councils either of War or Peace which they had Registred and taken Notice of were scorned by the Spaniards and by that Nation that never likes any Forreign Thing made a meer May-Game of In that Treaty it plainly appeared how great a Difference there is between the Aims and Intentional Designs of the Prince and the People Of old time when first the Nobility here made Insurrections for fear of Forreign Lords and Tyrants the Evil was not incurable But afterwards being more obstinately oppressed they drew the Commons into Parties under pretence of Religion and the Vulgar Rout learning that they were they that kept Kings in awe or made them to be Reverenced and that they could be caught by nothing but Credulity presently imagined that Despair of Pardon was the firâ— Step to Liberty Hence they did not act indifferently or moderately but would onely do such things as were too fool to admit of Repentance and going back and by this means they arrived at that height that afterwards they would debate the Commodities of Peace but never mind the Hazards of Warre They go beyond the wonted Custom with Domestick and Intestine Arms while thence ariseth and springs the unlimitable Thirst of Rule and Revenge This makes a kind of Pleasure even in Danger and there is somewhat of Honour in the Depth of Misery But then surely there was not one general Army but the Warre was scattered here and there by small Parties and every several Nation almost had his own distinct Warriers This Fault of the Commonwealth did quickly shew it self for there not being a Soveraign Power vested in one chief City as there was in the Antient States both of the Greek and Romans and is at this day in most flourishing Dominions but an equal Power residing among many Cities itit comes to pass that what should be properly the care of every one from the Nations Industry exercised in the getting and keeping of Riches under the false Name of the Publike the Common Benefit is perverted and carryed into a wrong Channel Thus Moneys could very hardly be gotten by reason whereof the Netherlands might have been in great danger had not the Enemy been infected with the same Disease for Portugal eat up all the Kings Money as well by War as by seeking to win the Love of the Nobles For Sebastian the King being lost in the great African Battel and his Successour Henry being dead the People had Elected Anthony who was sprung from the Royal Stock to be King because they were infested by the Castilians according to the Evil Custom of Bordering Nations But Philip advancing the Propinquity of his Bloud among and before others sent thither the Duke of Alva with an Army to conquer and bring into subjection by Force those that would not submit willingly and at last by his Endeavours the Kingdom of Portugal was added to the King his Master By whom before he had lost the Netherlands so much more easie was it to win a Kingdom Nor indeed could any thing have fallen out more happily for Philip not onely because all Spain was now reduced under one Government but because the Portugeze who had by long Navigations compassed the greatest part of the World possessed the great Islands of the Mediterranean Sea and by Command or Traffike was Seated and Inhabitant on trie Coasts both of Aethiopia and the Indies By the Event hereof the Netherlanders who might hope for some Ease to themselves while the Wars in Portugal lasted besides the increase of their strength found also another greater discommodity which was That the Spaniards would now hinder all the Trade thence wherein the main Wealth of their Cities did consist for although hitherto the Ports of the Kingdom of Castile had not forbidden or denied them as if there had been no cause of Arms or War out of the Bounds of the Netherlands yet there was from the Clergy great danger and injurious detentions of Ships sometimes used by Kings even toward Strangers dis-incouraged them which the Portugezes had promised they would never do Nay more there was Provision made that they should be bound to appear in Judgment before suspected Judges or forced to any long Suits But after both Kingdoms were joyned in one and yet the Necessity of the one not at all lessened by the enjoyment of the others Trade both having the same King by various Names of Extortion and Force the Sea-men and Masters of Ships were defrauded of the greatest part of their Gain but yet not by a continual Trouble but by such Intervals and Breathings that under hope of amendment and by the unconscionable Avarice of the Merchants to get all ever some new Booty came in afresh In the mean time by reason of the want of Money there hapned many Seditions on both Sides in the Netherlands But the Spaniards had the advantage in the more easie appeasing and suppressing those on their part because in lieu of Pay they gave them Licence to do what they would and Impunity for the same However the Duke of Parma got some small Towns in Henalt which the Confederate Prâ—virces had Garrison'd and not long after surpriz'd Courtray in Flanders Altpen delivers Breda also to him the Castle on a suddain whence he easily set upon and got the rest Lanove on the other hand to whom the chief Care of the War in those Parts was committed regained from the Enemy Nienove and other places in Flanders At this time it fortuned that some eminent and brave men were taken prisoners as Egmond and Selley in Towns that were taken and contrarily Laâ— himself who was taken at an unhappy Fight in a Siege before a certain Castle and was esteemed by the Enemy of so great quality that they would not exchange him for 〈◊〉 others The English who were in Pay with and fought for the Vnited Provinces took Mechlin by Storm whose Avarice was so prophanely expressed in their Victory that they did not spare the very Sepulchres of the Dead the Stones whereof they took away and afterwards openly sold them in England Many other Counsels and Resolutions of suddâ—n Actions the more powerful Enemy diverted very few Tokens of Victory remaining to the Dutch by reason of the penury of them that fought in their Defence At this time the Duke of Parma's Mother came to her Son at Namar being
of money and raised the Siege and thereupon is presently saluted Prince of the delivered City Nor did he then intend further because the greatest part of the Army was in the hands of particular Leaders that followed him voluntarily and would not long stay with him Cambray is scituate in the Borders of the Netherlands the proper Seat of a Bishop but was reckoned under the Commands of both Dominions for the Germane Emperours and French Kings had often contended for it by War But in the last War with France the Emperour Charles detained it and built therein a Castle the Souldiers in Garrison whereof imprisoning their Governour joyned themselves and became Parties in the League made at Gaunt But Torney a Town in Flanders having been some while Beleaguerd in the absence of the Governour the Prince of Spina whose Wife besieged therein shewed a singular Example of Feminine Constancy at last fell into the power of the Duke of Parma The Fourth BOOK of the Dutch ANNALS FRANCIS of Valois went over into England where that he might strengthen his Friendship by a future Principality either himself or the hopes from him of a greater Fortune so pleased the Queen that notwithstanding the Difference in Religion there was a Treaty of Marriage upon certain Conditions admitted The Report hereof was very pleasing to the Dutch but it proved vain being founded either on a Dissimulation altogeâ—her fraudulent or else hindred by the Displeasure and Wrongs done by his Brother Or lastly his own unhappy Temerity which had rather win all things by Force Returning into the Netherlands with a Solemn State and Magnificent Attendance he undertakes the Government by the Name of Duke of Brabant and Earl of Flanders Besides the Old Laws there were some new ones added for limiting the Government according to the League made at Burdeaux to wit That once every Year the States General of the United Provinces should be Assembled without whose Consent no League might be made with the Spaniard by any Chief Commander in the War and at whose Request all Forreign Souldiers should be Disbanded In the ordering Matters of Religion and setling Forreign Garrisons every Province should be alike concerned The same should nominate Three Persons out of whom their Governors should be chosen And if any Difference happened among them the Duke should have the Hearing and Determining thereof That two French-men should be admitted into the Senate the rest at the present to be be chosen by the States hereafter by the Duke But of those nominated as is beforesaid And that the Netherlanders should have all chief Offices belonging to the Court Four and Twenty Hundred Thousand Florens a Year were promised every Year to the support of the War out of the Prince's Patrimony and that what wanted more was to be supplyed out of the private Treasure of the Duke or the King his Brother Now there was some hope that the Men of both Religions would continue faithful as well those who were of one Judgment with the Prince of Aurange as they who with Valois followed the Romane Opinion And these had Toleration to use their own Rites at Antwerp but no where further until they should take the common Oath of the Netherlanders concerning the New Government Nothing was expressed in publike but signs of Joy and he with much discretion carryed a sweet mildness in his Countenance and an affable moderation in his Speech Those that remained of the Nobility were inward much vexed when constrained to observe in the Throne â— the Burgundian Princes one of another Nation and that haâ— long been an Enemy to that Family to wit their changeâ— Lord and that they should intermingle among the Netherlanders with whom they never had any safe Peace and between whom the Hatred and Animosity even yet continue unto another Generation and is still attended with dangerous and unlucky Omens And the lawfulness of the former Oath and the Respect and Duty due to their Prince be â—â— what he would was not easily rooted out of the Minds of the Vulgar But on the contrary some there were whâ— would object to them their New Religion and that they should not contaminate so pious a Cause by the help of such as dissented from them The wiser sort feared Danger from this Discord and thence to find the French-mens Rigor But when it appeared that it had been privately agreed The Valois should have nothing but a Nominal and Temporary Right over the Hollander and Zelander though he had taken the Government of the Netherlands then the Prince of Aurange who had been the Original of that Council was found sâ— with as sharing in the Government and that he had from the first beginning of the Troubles always reserved the strongest and best Fortified Provinces to himself Notwithstanding his Name was affixed to all Laws and Publike Acts not haâ— he barely a Lieutenancy or Governourship but an absolute Dominion and Authority And the Name of Earl within those Provinces by most offer'd to him there wanted but a few Suffrages to win him to accept it when his Death hereafter shortly to be related took him off now drawing near to receive the Rewards of his long and unwearied Labour But others rather troubled hereat that they should be separately subjected to the French Power had rather choose to submit to the Prince of Aurange his Authority who because he was unable of himself to Desend all had therefore not unworthily taken to himself a Partner It really appeared in the time of his Infirmity how great the Affection of the Multitude was towards him For when he lay very weak at Antwerp of the Wound which the King of Spain's Assassine had given him the whole City powred forth with sorrow both Prayers and Tears in their Churches for him That God would avert his Fury from them as is usual in Cases where the Publike Parent of the Country is in danger And at that time he did recover his Health yet the Remainder of his life was always attended with Spanish Conspiracies to destroy him there being many times taken persons that lay in wait for the Lives both of Him and of Valois While the Duke's Forces drew together slowly Parma led his Army into Flanders where he took Oudenarde a City so called from the Antient Neraii who formerly Inhabited those Parts that Bordered upon the Schelde by a Three Moneths Siege and a Storm which he effected the more easily because the Townsmen refused the Garrison which would have maintained it Thence after he had encamped in all the Parts adjacent to Bruxels endeavouring to straiten the City by wasting and consuming all the Fruits of the Ground wearied out by the sharpness of Winter at last he withdrew and retired from thence In many things how much doth Expedition prevail for thereby Valois on a suddain among other Towns won Alost from the Enemy and Parma's Souldiery by Treachery of the Garrison won Lyra This place was of great Concernment
to the War in regard it was so near Neighbour to Antwerp In the mean time also were some small Skirmishes with little Advantage to either side and not a few English turning Renegades and being contemned by the Spaniard were a good Example to teach others to be faithful to that Party under whom they first served Anon Verdugo was forced to leave Lochem a little Toâ— in Geldars not far from Zutphen which he endeavoured â— win by starving because while he was about it it was thâ—i relieved with fresh Provisions but presently won Steâ— which before had cost so many Lives without any danger by the help of Night and the Townsmens Folly At the time Philip having Valois his Opposit thought he now waâ—ed more strength and care than heretofore and therefore sends to Parma a Recruit of Spanish and Italian Souldiers nor durst any be so bold as to contradict the same notwithstanding the Artoysian Treaty and Agreements averring Thâ— in that Treaty the Obedience of the whole Netherlands was intended of which hope he being defrauded the Bond of the Obligation ceased together with the Cause The Summe of this Army upon Muster was Threescore Thousand Foot Four Thousand of whom would make good Horsemen and these Number remain or rather are increased to this very time whâ—â— Monthly Pay amounted to or rather was supposed to exceâ— Seven Hundred Thousand Florens and that the other Charge of the War came to no less than half as much That therefore Philip sent thither every year over and above the Tributes there raised above Twenty Hundred Thousand so much was consumed by the Spaniard upon the Netherlanders And that no more Money should be carryed over thither they who feared bad Success by the ill Carriage of Affairs there were believed to have hindred it On the other side the States that they might win fame to their new Commonwealth by great and noble beginnings advanced their Yearly Pensions and Tributes which were at present but Four and Twenty to Fourty Hundred Thousand with which Money they raised Souldiers and then had in Arms under the Conduct of Francis of Valois besides Netherlanders French Germans English and Scots The Forces on both sides were very strong but the greatest part of them lay in Garrisons because there being no determined Bounds they were as the Fortune of War required put into Towns which many times even joyned one to another but still kept their Opposition Hitherto Valois hoped for Succours from his Brother for the wasting of those Riches against or for which the Kings of France had for the space of Two Hundred years contested by War to suffering of much hardship yes to the loss of their Bloud and now by Conditions of Peace had made their Enemy equal to themselves But the King himself had no mind openly to denounce War nor privily to send the expected Forces although his Mother Medices had assailed and disturbed the possession of the Portugal Sea And the truth is Philip had prevented him having purchased a means to make Debate wherewith he might perturb the then peaceable Estate of France The stronger Party therefore did openly possess the King with fear advising withall That he should turn his strength against none but the Enemies of the Romane Religion another Party being politickly deceitful under pretence of more wise Counsel denyed that it was â—ther just or profitable for the King who was yet not satisfied iâ— his Successor to exhaust and consume his Treasure for the use of strangers but that he should rather leave both the Netherlanders and the Duke himself too to their poverty untill being drawn dry they would fall from their Capitulations and Contests for Government and submit themselves to the Laws as for the Spaniard though he could not be conquered by others yet he might in good time be overcome by a Neighbour Kingdom These were the Counsels but indeed the King was of his own nature averse to his Brother not that he was offended by him but rather had offended him and mindfull that he had once committed him to hard and close Custody more out of suspition than for any Crimes This cast the Duke head-long upon Counsels dangerous and full of desperation and fatall both to himself and the Netherlanders for when he perceived that they would easily set him at naught since he could not perform with them in the promised ayds and that he was burdened with an 〈◊〉 profitable Principality not forgetting that he ruled onely â— pleasure and that afterward that he was restrained and kept under by the Laws and Authorities of others which is very grievous to them that have been bred in a Kingdom having divers times desired an alteration of the same but not obtaining it he resolves to erect a peculiar power by force and to that end assigns the Towns of Flanders to be possessed and held by the most trusty Garrisons of his Captains Anwerp he takes to himself as the biggest City and that which most favoured the Prince of Aurange to whom he knew he did owe a part of his power by an implicit agreement and where the Deputies of the States were present who were the impediments of his greatness 1583. It is probable the main inciters to this rashness were not onely some secret spies that held Intelligence with the Enemy having their Faith corrupted by moâ—â—â— who offered to the Duke an unquestionable right of Dominion by a Spanish Marriage but also the Frenchmen who pâ—oposed to themselves the ransacking of Cities or greâ—â— Booty Honours which by the Laws they were cebarred â— of which covetousness there are as many Nations found guilty as the Netherlanders had Allyes or Confederates The success answered the Design where the French Garrisons were prevalent and Veward Dendremunde Dixmayâ— and Dunkirk a Sea-cost Town of Flanders excellently seated for French Trassique were taken At Bruges bâ—â— the old and new Governours were outwitted by the extraordinary and most politick ingenuity of the Magistrates wâ— desiring under pretence of consultation the Captains and Leaders to go to the Town-house there kept and detaineâ— them till they had by their Letters Commanded the Souldiers to march out from thence which they for fear of the Armed multitude without grudging did accordingly The danger of Antwerp was greater though some Signs of the bloody event burst forth and with a dissembled suspition of somewhat he did as much as he could hide the concourse of his People from the Prince of Aurange and the Governours of the Town There was the Army both of French and Switzers assembled that the Fort of Endouen being left and the Enemy fled the whole possession of Brabant might be regained To these the Duke going out under the very Walls as if to number them with his Customary Retinue onely about him he Commands the Watches immediately to be killed and the Ports to be set up and seized that so the rest of his Army might have the easier entrance And now seventeen
seek by all means to save himself Nor did Parma omit as having knowledge of the former Actions and provident to prevent the like in time to come to build a Castle that might bridle and keep under the unruliness of the City And now all Flanders being Reduced under his Command save onely Ostend and Scluys two Sea-Port Towns he forwards the increase of Provisions and to ease the Passage of all Souldiers coming thence or going thither he digged a deep Ditch to that part of the Bank where he had pitched his Tents Among all these things those who had the Care of Government in Antwerp implored the Aid of their Allies set new Taxes and raised Souldiers daily both in England and the Netherlands and certainly the Besieged had not like plenty of any thing for besides Sea-men there were Fourscore full Companies of Foot and Sixteen Troops of Horse that defended Brabant But the Senators Magistrates Captains and other Superiour Military Officers too great a Number to Rule well distracted the unseâ—led Government of the City And this Mischief was so much the more pernicious in that the letting in of the Waters and other things necessary to be done for the publick Advantage were hindred and gain-said for fear forsooth of private Dammage The Neighbours who were not so nearly concerned in the danger of the City looking one upon another let slip the Opportunity of relieving the same while yet the Enemy was unsetled and not warm in his Seat When they were at the utmost pinch of Extremity then too late they pleased to be prodigal both of Wealth and Life when it could not advantage any one Truly the vain Expectation of Forreign Aid did chiefly frustrate the Counsels of the Netherlanders who were now driven to such a strait that they would have subjected themselves to other Kingdoms but could not be accepted The King of Spain's Forces were in a short time mightily increased and if he should recover the Netherlands â— should be eased of the Toil and Charge of War they would become Formidable to all near and about them Neither was there now a Prince of Aurange to support them 〈◊〉 fainting under the Burthers or to erect and stir up their Courages quite tyred out with Slaughters unto a hope â— better Times by his own Prudence and Constancy of Miâ—â— For in truth he was of so mild a Nature and withall â— popular that he never seemed to be grateful enough to and for his Liberty and Honour nor would he hide Vices the were fit to be spoken of Above all things he avoided the Suspition of Covetousness for which most did esteem hâ— Judiciously many customarily a person admirable and worthy the highest Honour and Respect in regard of his Age Stock of Nobility and Experience He being gone â— Obedience vanished so that it could not be restored without the main Pillar of Forreign Aid to support it For the Common People did not onely begin to contemn the Authority of the Lords eminent by no powerful Resulgency and lately decayed by so many unfortunate Actions but the Souldiers also grew Refractory to Command and had lost their wonted Diligence and Duty towards their Leaders Aâ—â—â— all which Mischances a ready Way was opened to the Pameneian Subtilty to cover the Slavery he intended under very specious Names Wherefore now Affairs being as it were utterly desperate both the King of France and the Queen of England sent to them such as should not onely condole with them for the Loss of the Prince of Aurange their Captain but should likewise comfort them concerning the Sorrow and Mishap of their other Businesses And this was a Noble Argument that the Neighbour Princes though they would sometimes leave off to Aid the Hollanders with their Wealth and Constancy yet they would not utterly forfiâ—â— them in time of danger But it was much disputed of their two which they should choose for their Defender for the bated Rule and Dominion of the French was freshly remembred in Italy and the Lordly domineering of the English was not forgotten in France and Ireland tasted thereof to this day Among these the People being called to Counsel they are very sparing in imposing and granting Subsidies for there the Laws are of great force and the Monarchical Power is not unlimited But with the French all their Customs are corrupted for mony and he that desires to serve his Country must buy the Employment at a great price The English love hardship and their Laws are very pinching upon words yet no sooner are evills taken care for either to be prevented or removed but immediately by little and little the same is balked by example But the English Religion was the same with theirs which in France by cruel and persidious dealings was laboured to be torn in pieces or utterly extinguished yet on the contrary there were some hopes from the Family of Burbon that valiantly defended that Religion which they professed out these were suddenly dashed in the consideration of the ambiguity of succession there among the pretenders whereto was the Queen of Scots that was wholly devoted to Rome and Spain Thus were present Affairs scanned and the events of future danger rationally deliberated The French prepared a great Power almost equall to that of the Enemy the English raised but small Forces but they were for Sea-service France is preferred but by the voluntary perswasions of the English who confessing themselves the weaker party offered onely necessary ayd in extremity and received their Pledges Thus the necessity of the times prevailed to the forgetting or at least the laying aside those old animosities which had lately been brought freshly into memory by the Duke of Anjou And hence a great Secret was publickly discovered to the World to wit That the Netherlanders could be subject to a Lord but would not bow to the Spaniards 〈◊〉 the demands and particulars were by many degrees more moderate and reasonable then those whereto Francis of Valâ— was formerly obliged and whatsoever their Legates had of private instructions they quickly declared for fear of offence There were taken away also from those things what made their liberty seem hated to wit That it might be lawful for the States to meet without the Kings Command That the Senate should consist all of the Netherlanders That the Governours and Magistrates should be chosen out of those that unnamed and that in conferring and bestowing of all Hoâ—â—â— great respect should be had to those of that Religion which â—â— then onely received in all those parts But some of the Province would not consent to the obliterating of those things After many tedious Disputes of these things and longer Consultations than the necessity of Affairs would bear at present 〈◊〉 lesse against the Kings will than the Netherlanders it was agreed that though they were not as then joyned against the Spaniard now approaching yet they should by one another help settle and confirm their Affairs and States King Henry seemed
to receive a great deal of satisfaction from the honour they did him and shewed himself very willing and forward to accept and use the same but that he was hindred by intestine troubles for Philip fearing the diminution of his strength had at this time chiefly by private gifts and Wealth blown up into swelling hopes the Family of Lorrain whose power had for a long time been envyed by all France who having made a great Conspiracy and boasting the defence of the Roman Religion the punishments of Hereticks and dissenters there from the easing of Taxes and Tributes and such like things as were taking with the common people grew so much more insolent in their contempt of the King who was surprized with fear as he was willing by large concessions to gratifie their unreasonable demands And afterwards finding that his want of Children his Brothers death that his next Kinsman Charles Burbon was unfit as well in regard of his Age as his Priesthood and the rest being excommunicate by the Pope had made the Succession doubtful at length they openly declared that he to wit the Lorrainer was sprung from the Royall Blood of Charlemain whose Issue was put by and the Kingly Seat wrongfully possessed by the off-spring of Capet for six Ages Henry pretending by his unwillingness to stir a hope of Peace to the ambitions of these men suffers himself a great while to be urged and provoked untill the debates and quarrels breaking into open Rebellion he too late learned that presumption was not lessened but rather made more heady by being yielded unto Therefore the King troubled by these Impediments would not consent to that pretence as his Mother and the King of Havarre had appointed but as it were minding onely his benefit and advantage and that by stopping up all the passages of France he might bring his Enemies into a mean and low condition The Fifth BOOK of the Dutch ANNALS AFter the losse of so long time which would have been of great advantage and the damage received by this delay from France they come again to Queen Elizabeth being much incensed that she should be sued to but in the second place which might be some cause of their late answer for so long were the Articles of the League there agreeing upon that some strong Cities for want of timely assistance revolted from the Common-wealth And yet for all this Hostility and subtle devices of the Spaniard Ships are laden from Holland and Zeland with Provision which as the Wind would suffer were carryed up the Schâ—â— to the Town of Antwerp in such plenty that by an unreasonable frugality of the Magistrates while they abated the prices of necessary Commodities it was reported that then was Corn enough to have sufficed for a very long time Aâ— the Duke of Parma being weaker than the besieged wâ— not able nor hoped to get the Victory but by Famine and hindering them of this Relief whereas the great breadtheâ— the River below the City where it opens its mouth into the Sea and the ebbing and flowing of the Tide which is called there by the Ocean terrified him from making any attempt thereupon to hinder the Ships yet because the seemed to be the main Reason of the Siege he resolved â— use all possible diligence and in something to relye upon his Fortune which he had not yet found averse to him For while Nature was believed to be repugnant to the design of the Siege the Netherlanders neglected many opportunities of breaking down Works made up against them and this it becomes most easie while it is esteemed most difficult For by making great Dams that extended from each Bank farr into the water the River was straitned and the passage thereof grew very narrow between Ordans and Callow the middle of it was filled with Boats which were made fast one to another with Anchors Cables and the like and so being covered over had the resemblance and served by use as a Bridge Besides on the Banks were raised Forts and Platforms and for defence of the Work Ships of Warre Above and below it in the River were many pieces of Timber pâ—oned together with stakes standing upright that if any thing should be offered for the breaking or spoyling the Works it might be hindered by those obstacles that lay in the way to the same purpose It is not to be doubted but many Inventions might have been found wherewith this imperfect Work might very advantagiously have been dampnified if the endeavours of such as were Engineers and practised the overthrowing of such Politick Inventions had equalled the diligence of the Netherlanders But all this whole Winter the Duke of Parma was not disturbed and the Spaniard intending to stir up his diligence and Obligation to him by some fresh benefit delivers up to him the Castle of Placentia which hitherto had been held by a Garrison of Spaniards 1585. Truly a man at first would rather stand amazed at the stupendious Work than hope to remove it or beat it down in regard those thick and strongly compact Damns and Engines on either Bank hindred any access And the Ships filled with Gunpowder and Stones and other Experiments used too late partly by the incertainty of the times and significations wherewith the Besieged gave notice to their Allyes of their Condition and partly by the evill managery of those imployed lost the success of what they were designed for Nothing more remained now that the Schelde was thus bridged but that they might bring Provisions over the Fields which the River had overflowed which Navigation was hindred by the Caudestine Causey which the Enemy got first and secured by strong Holds and Forts which the Netherlanders ought to have done because it passed through and was a little raised higher than all the watry Meadows and Pastures of Brabant This place was assaulted not onely by the Antwerpers but by those also of Zeland and with that Courage that now they had won it but while they were thus valiantly fighting they were cut off by the Guns at a great distance and so spoiled with shot that they were glad at last again to quit the place By this unhappy event the last of their hopes were â— end and at length the City accustomed to Trading â— plenty when they saw all their Relief intercepted not â—ling to endure the straights of Famine in the want of Brâ— when a little before the like necessity and some Soulâ— sent out to disturb them had reduced Bruxells and Mechâ— surrendred it self into the Duke of Parma's hands whâ— case was something the harder because by the abrogating their Laws the King had brought them as it were into Servitude Therefore when nothing now could be looked for â— Antwerp but extremity behold it redeemed from that by â— Conquerours Clemency who being of himself covetous to â— Renown and that he might by the example of mercy shâ—ed here allure other places to more easie submissions gâ— toleration to many things
only this one he excepted â— that they who for the last four years had gone astray from the Roman Religion should having convenient time to senâ— their domestick Affairs be commanded to depart the City And soon after the Duke of Parma as a reward of â— Victory was by the Kings Command received into the Order of the Golden Fleece and then put on the Cognizance thereof upon that very Bridge which he had made and was a work worthy of remembrance in after Ages and in a little time following he rebuilds and fortifies the Fort or Castle which over-looks the City and had formerly in the quest of Liberty been demolished This so renouned City added as well much Honour as Strength to the Spaniards in these parts but yet not so much as many thought who imagined she would carry the greatest matters of concernment with her Which was so disproved by the Event that the Hollanders who had taken extraordinary pains and been at great charge for relief of the City yet could not escape free from the slander or at least the suspition of having betrayed the Faith of their confederate Allyance as if they should get advantage by the mischiefs which others should receive and suffer But on the contrary they layd the fault upon the Lord of Aldegund for he was Governour of the City who returned to Zeland whom he had suffered but the first invasion and guards of the Assailers yet afterwards worthily esteemed though never imployed in any part of the Commonwealth for his disposition being more fit for Peace than War he withdrew his old Age within the compass of private Solitudes and the tranquility of retired Studies And the Valour of the Souldiers by so many evills was quite worn out for they when yet there was hope of removing the Enemy from Antwerp having under the Leading of Count Hohenlo happily got Boiâ—ledno yet forthwith through fear and folly they â—led while they fall upon the Pray neither minding the Enemy nor the receiving the Port. But the Romanists assisted by the fortune of their party brought into the Conquerours hand Nicumegen a City of Guelderland with the Town of Dewsburgh and filled all these parts round about with slaughters which happen'd either through the Captains rashness or the Souldiers carelesness In all which things nothing more augmented the publick sorrow than those miserable People of Brabant and Flanders banished for Religion or because they durst not trust to the Articles granted having such malicious Interpreters thereof and in brief for want of Trade or means to get a Living scattered over Holland and the Isles who yet increased the Cities and Forces exhausted by War into a greater number which shortly proved a great Omen of their future good fortune In this interim scarce did the longing Expectation of the League concluded with England keep up their Hearts We have already related to you the Offer of their Government made to Queen Elizabeth But that prudent Lady shifted off the Envy of that Dominion so craftily obtained Nor would she in that ambiguous Estate of Affairs intangle and wrap up both her Fame and Fortunes in a strict Confederacy and Allyance It was conceived more agreeable both to Wisdom and Policy to have some strong Holos in the Netherlands set apart for Her wherein to settle some indifferent strength of Men and also to send again some Ships to the Coasts of America there to infest the Spaniard all weary him till he should be willing to incline to Peace and remove his Armies so long complained of and contested against But She promised them some Aid protesting in Writing in a Publick Declaration She did it meerly out of a Sense â— Right by which she was put in Mind of that Custom of Priâ— to defend the Oppressed and remembred therein the Anâ— Contracts and Leagues of Friendship between the Dutch and English with some short Hints of Spanish Extravagance Religion also was made mention of the Security where commended to her Case She had made good both in the Concerns of France and Scotland without any desire of what did not belong to Her The concluded Articles of the Peace were for the most part the same by which the first Alliance had been setled and that Five Thousand Foot and a Thousand Horse should be sent to fight for the Netherlanders and be paid by the Queen That the Embassador who should be Commander in Chief of those Forces with two other English-men should be received into the Senate and be present in all Councils relating either to the War or other publick Matters of State That the Netherlanders should set on a Fleet of equal Number with tho Queens and to joyn with them And that for the re-imbursing of the Charges at the end of the War the Sea-Port Towns of the Briel and Flushing of whose Government nothing was to be changed together with the Castle of Zeburgh in Walcheren were divided into the Custody of English Garrisons as Pledges not without fear for the future though their present necessity made them cast it aside Of this Auxiliary Army sent to the Dutch Robert Earl of Leicester was made Generall a great Pretender to Virtue and who hid the unhappy and hated Spirit of the Family of the Dudleys whereof he was a Branch with an acceptable and courteous Behaviour The Original of the Greatness of his Fortune began first in a Prison for the Greatness of his Stock had not exempted him from Troubles wherein the Lady Elizabeth was then also confined by the Suspitions of her Sister Queen Mary In this place he gave great Reverence to the young Lady though not in regard of the condition of her Affairs at that time From whence by obsequiousness and partaking of Misfortune a commiseration and loving kind of pity arose wherewith she behaved her self with such a Womanly Indulgence yet so that he might nor forget his more Manlike Care that his Mind was so elevated into a flattered Conceit of himself as he imagined she would chuse him for her Husband being Queen which though he could never obtain by the Emulation of those who loved him not yet was he raised even to the highest Pitch of Honour and though surrounded with Envy yet amongst the most powerful of his Enemies he passed without Affront or Molestation When he first came among the Hollanders he was followed by the Love and Affection of the People and courted with the Flattery of the Great Men for there was a certain pleasant and winning Majesty both in his Countenance and Speech and he was really looked upon as the onely Restorer of their lost and decayed Fortune He used an excellent Freedom and Liberality both in his Letters and Martiall Acts wherewith the Netherlanders were so taken that in all hast to this person though a Forraigner and among his own people not altogether esteemed a Virtuoso before any tryall of his disposition the Government of the whole Netherlands as it was in the times
Thus being frustrate of his hope while both the English and Hollanders being otherwise taken up denyed relief to greater necessities as well as to him he exhorts the Souldiers left in the Garrison to keep off the Enemy which they might with safety and valiantly to endure the Siege which accordingly they did and killing Baptista Taxis an eminent Spanish Commander and comming off Victors in many Sallies after the Enemy with six moneths toyl and hazard had in a manner beaten down all the Fortifications and the besieged suffered great hunger he delivered the City upon honourable Conditions into the Power of the Bishop a Bavarian for that name was used though Spanish Souldiers entred into and held the City Hence Count Mansfeldt is commanded who in the beginning of Autumn had carryed a Recruit to the Lord Cimace's Forces the Siege being now ended to attaque with part of the same Wacttendonc a Town that lies in the upper part of Gelderland near the little River Nersa The Garrison consisted of some Companies of Shenckes men and the scituation of the place being very marshy and the depth of Winter made the coming to an assault very difficult But the ground being raised by the Besiegers unto the heighth of a little Hill from whence they should look down upon the Houses and the Bullets shot from that place at some times and at other times fire cast thence into the Town so infested the Townsmen whom another fear had likewise possessed least the coming of a great Frost should make all those moyst and wet places by Ice passeable for the Enemy that they perswaded the Souldiers not to stand out hopeless of any second Relief because the Forces of their Allyes were small and a great way off and hazard all their lives and fortunes However the Town was defended till the very end of the year the continuing of the Siege till which time what with the extremity of the weather and what with want of necessaries cost many thousand of the Besiegers lives though at last they compassed their intentions by the getting of the Town At this time by reason of the great expense charge damage and losse of the Spanish Fleet which had wonderfully exhausted the Kings Treasure the Army had been a long time without any pay by reason whereof there were frequent Seditions and the hopes of great plunder allured many to revolt to the Enemy so that the Hollanders safe within their Rivers a little enlarging their bounds did without danger or detriment make incursions into the Enemies Country But the States of these parts while they shunned new fell into their old pressures for some who had been in Arms under the Arch-Duke Matthias and the Duke of Anjon Francis de Valois and boldly usurping the name of Princes strangers by publick Authority seized all the Dutch Ships that were in or about Scotland But an Embasse being sent to the Princes informed them of their error as â— understanding the Customs of Holland for the Hollanders though they assisted divers Cities with their Forces yet they never made themselves lyable to any debts by them contracted for they were only subject to the Authority of the Prince of Aurange Neither did they now rightly demand from the confederate States what those Provinces did owe which had receded from the League This I thought fit to insert because by such Speeches 〈◊〉 did refell those prejudicial exactions and occasion there was given of covenanting with the Commanders that remained with an Oath concerning their old debts to be paid by certain portions to the great ease of the Commonwealth Among these things partly by a common fear and partly by the Prisoners of Utrecht who thought to remedy their folly by pertinacy the differences begun by the Earl of Leicester burst out fresh But the Carrison Souldiers of Gertruydenburg consisting of one thousand five hundred Foot and three hundred Horse because they had usurped a greater Licence from the occasion of the discords than they supposed could be pardoned and fearing an Infamy among their fellow Souldiers would not be reduced to order but remained arrogant by the Neighbour-hood of the Enemy At the beginning of their Sedition though they turned out their present Officers and elected whom they pleased yet they would not hearken either to the Duke of Parma's Letters or Messengers Afterwards some Agents for the Enemy being mingled amongst them their ignorance not minding them and those Agents sent to the Hollanders to treat with them upon their return setting forth the threats they had heard to the worst with the fear of punishment they not only became enemies themselves but provoked others to be so so that contempt made them outragious after Willoughby the Colonel of the English Auxiliarias under pretence of appeasing the Souldiery had in truth made his Kinsman Wingfield the head of the Sedition according to the Advice of the Town and bestowed the pay sent by the States so as he might oblige or make sure such as were suspected not by any certain Rule but as he hoped to have them upon occasion whereupon the Souldiers mocked at them as being deceived by them and abused what they had as if it had been booty And as soon as the Captains and the Souldiers by their example had spent this money in riot and excess they sent forth parties of Horse every way to plunder and bring in booty from the Country Nay they retained all Ships that came within their reach without any distinction of friend or foe nor did they spare the Provinces that were absolutely at peace Thus passing the Winter they were solicited to treache-which would procure an easie Pardon for all their crimes by Odourdo Lanzavecchia the Governour of Breda for as he said true the manner of their offending was dangerous and that might be urged for an excuse to the Duke of Parma which neither the English or Hollander would ever admit of This Counsel they being now ready to receive any impression of evill hearkened to and according to the Custom of Sedition were inraged with all that perswaded otherwise And forthwith all of them as it were possessed with a sudden Frenzy seize all the Townsmens Arms some few in that mad multitude not daring to speak for fear The name of Englishmen is pre ended for all this uproar as well by the Captainâ— and most others of that Nation as by the Dâ— Souldiers themselves And the more insolent they grow 〈◊〉 more is impunity offered to them by Letters from the States who began to fear the worst desiring them to return to their Colours forgetting all those discords which publike erroâ— and the malice of fate had thrown amongst them and that they would do an acceptable piece of Service to the Common-wealth if they would put an end to those disturbances although they did not begin them But their Consciences accâ—sing them of all their evill deeds made them afraid to give credit to this Invitation Hereupon it was put
to the question on if an Army should be prepared against these Rebels who so arrogantly slighted the Commands and Authority both of the States and of Prince Maurice Some would not have the Souldier to be further incensed with danger alleadging time and opportunity would better cure such distempers whose violence cannot long continue On the other side it was affirmed that they made a mockery at patience and lenity and should they stay till the enemy with whom even then they privately treated was admitted openly into the Town if Pardon were offered to them with terrour attending it as it would encourage the good so would it compel the rest to repent Thus of late Medeâ—leks was restored by the penitence of the Souldiery after the Enemy had long hoped for it with a fruitless expectation It matters not said others which course is taken to save the place for men resolved to be treacherous would still continue in the same mind whether you leave them to themselves or seek to win them by perswasions Wherefore it the beginning of the Spring Prince Maurice gathered together as many Forces as he could both by Sea and Land though not sufficient for a Siege and with them marches thitherward At the first approach a battery was made against the Town with Cannon which was answered with the like by the Rebels little being then done but that among the rest Justus Villiers was killed who was a great Souldier formerly Governour of Vtrecht and now Camp-master and the Person that had instructed the Princes youth in Military Discipline and all Warlike Affairs And when they perceived the Prince intended to storm the place forthwith having now beaten down the Bulwark and laid open the Town they diverted that eminent danger and turned it aside under the cloak of a Treaty and the day following what with the overflowing of the Rivers and what with the Rayn the intended agreement was never perfected Besides there was news that Lanzavecchia with a select number of Souldiers was approaching at the instigation of Wingfield nor did that Englishman want words to perswade the accomplishment of the Treason But calling the people together speaks to them to this effect Yon see them here saith he whose Bullets and fire never were thrown with like fury against the Walls of an Enemy and therefore have been so much more dangerous to as and now they threaten as presently with the Sword and we all as enemies by their unanimous consent are designed either to slaughter or punishment But yonder are they who come to preserve us from whom we many merit both favour and reward It is noâ— is your hand fellow Souldiers whether to run the hazard of yielding to the one or to give and receive a benefit from the others This Oration was applauded generally they who were near with their words and the rest with a kind of soft and whispering noyse signifying their consent Prince Maurice being not prepared for a long Siege resolved to depart and the rather because he would not seem to necessitate that treacherous yielding of the Town to the Enemy which he could not prevent or hinder But yet he sent Letters to them to try if either respect of honesty or fear of Infamy could yet prevail on any of them But that mercinary People received them with scorn especially for that the Duke of Parma had besides payment of their so long elapsed Wages bestowed among them also a Donative It is reported that then he began to clear up his countenance which had been long clouded with grief whâ— from a high Tower in the taken City he could see Dort and those other places of his hope at the beginning of the Waâ— It pleased him to look upon and Command the first of all the Holland Cities after 12. years reduced into his power And such was the over-hastiness of his exaltation that theâ— being yet none of his Souldiers entred the Town he trusted his person to them whom of all other being admitted â— ought for that very cause to have suspected and some wâ— in very great fear lest taking hold of so great an opportunity they should again have proved treacherous to him Be there was no time to mention such a thing and therefore 〈◊〉 have been dangerous to be spoken of They delivered the Town to him not to his party least they should deceive both Few of the men either returned to England or their old obedience though some did but the rest according to their number as the Duke of Parma had seperated them did very great service in the Warres never assuming to themselves any but in Victory for being prescribed as Traytors and Renegadoes they had forfeited all their priviledges of Souldiers by their crimes Nay their villany was condemned by those who reâ—ped the benefit of their Treason by whom they were long after yeered with the name of Merchants scarce any of them coming to a naturall and timely death and if so yet not without Infamy Many were afterwards taken in other Cities and according to Martial Law executed The Souldiery to whom the Duke of Parma delivered the possession of the City made many valiant excursions and severall times in a short space fought very fortunately surprizing three Troops of Prince Maurices Horse as they were negligently scattered up and down near Boisledue From hence it appeared very necessary to take in all the adjacent places and accordingly the care thereof was committed to the inferiour Commanders Besides Gertruydenburg there are two other Towns belonging to the jurisdiction of Holland and lye now beyond the Maes But Hesdin formerly was contained in the Maesâ— before the waters were conveighed away by a new Channel reputed a part of the antient County of Teisterbant under the Allegiance and Patronage of the Princes of Clâ—ve who afterwards transferred their might to the Hollander But the Town of Settenberg of old part of Strideâ—land it is seperated by a River and therefore as to the matters of Religion it is under the care of the Bishop of Leige nor of the Bishop of Vtrecht as the rest of Holland is It had proper Princes of its own yet so as they were to do homage to the Princes of Holland and severall Villages above Gertruydenburgh have very antiently been subject to them is having been the Custom of valiant Nations when they conquer to passe the next River and make the further Banks thereof the bounds of their Empire notwithstanding all which the Brâ—banters have a long time but to no purpose challenged both Gertruydenburgh and Hesdin to belong to them But now Count Aremberg with ease prevailed over Settenberg being very meanly fortifyed and so the more ready to be spoyled by any Armies but he could not keep it because the Hollanders were in possession of Nordam and the other adjacent places Charles Mansfelt being sent against Hesdin attempted also Bommel the head of the adjoyning Isle and encompassed with double branches of the Maes and Wael there meeting
propriety challenged to himself as his own by Conquest for the Garrison consisting of old and well-disciplin'd Souldiers a whole Moneth endured the Thunder of their Cannon and other Guns valiantly returning them the like had made a more than equal Slaughter untill a greater loss hapning upon some few and by the Death of their Captains being at variance after they had turned out the rest and their Ammunition beginning to fail they let the Enâ—my have the place One Remarkable Thing was observed in this Victory to wit a Woman found among the dead Bodies that had in Man's Habit and with a Masculine Courage followed the Warre The like to this was frequently observed at the beginning of the Troubles nor did any Age formerly produce so many such Examples For as the Minds of People were stirred up to the War by the frequent naming of God the Country and the Prince so even the distinction of the Sexes was laid aside that the practice of Hatred and Revenge might with more freedom be made use of But Schenck's Nature always inclined to Cruelty wâ—th the Conjunction of his Loss and Shame together was now more inraged This plâ—ace taking away his Goods he set on fire but chafed without measure because he had not Souldiers enough to relieve the Besieged in Berck however drawing together all both Horse and Foot that he could make he fortified a place upon the Bank of the Rhine not far from the Town call'd Reux in spight of all Varembonius his Endeavours to the contrary from whence he conveyed into the Town of Berck all the Forces he had received Afterwards receiving Intelligence that Verdugo was coming with more Forces by speedy Matches be came upon them at unawares at the River Lup in the Fields of Westfalia with a furious slaughter so that they fled and left to him the Money that they were carrying into Frizeland to pay the Souldiers Not content herewith but grows more confident by his Success he threatned to storm and sack Nieumegen by Night for he bore a spleen to the Town and to that purpose in a Dark chosen for that end sending his Cavallery before and some few Ferry-Boats which the Souldiers carryed and passing the Wael he came to that part of the City which was onely strong by the Rivers Currâ—â— that way commanding his nimblest men to break down the Fences of one of the Houses that stood backward upon the Bank that entring there they might disperse themselves through the City in Troops and so set upon and win the Gates But by chance in the House where this Stratagâ—â— was executed for it was not the same House which Schenck had before marked the mistake being easily made by the darkness of the Night there was a Wedding so that immediatly a great Outery being made there the Townsmen were Allarm'd and beset the House driving back such as came out thence with Arms and shooting at them with Guns The Multitude got new Courage with the approach of Day but Schenck's Men being few in the narrow passages were shut and not knowing which way to go for fear cruelly slain Their Collonel himself standing upon the Bank was not able to withstand their flight sometimes encouraging all another time some particular persons by Name That they would go through with their Noble Undertakings and by a valiant Assault open the way for others to follow them But all would not make them stop their flight And to perfect their Ruine there hapned another fatal Mischance to them for the Boats which they had brought with them from their Garrison were by the force of the stream of the Water carryed before it was Day below the City so that such as fled Could not come at them This over-born with the strength and Weapons of their Enemies and the few Boats that were left not able to contain all with the Weight and Tumult of those that crowded into them sunk and many of them were drowned in the River among whom their Collonel heavily laden with Arms was one This was the end of Collonel Schencke a man exceeding most of his time in noble and generous Courage his Family and Descent was not mean but yet the Glory of it was much inlarged under the Prince of Parma Afterwards the Earl of Leicester made him a Knight and bestow'd on him many other Military Honours for Wisdom and Valour he merited high esteem but yet would subject himself neither to Laws nor Customs for which the Souldiers of Fortune honoured him but the Magistrates and Common People hated his Name his Disposition though it had been fierce and untractâ—ble in his Youth yet now in his latter time it began to grow more mild and flexible His Body when found by the Victors because he had left them and gone over to the States was exposed to publike shame and laughter But the Revenge of the Souldiery forced them to alter the Scene for they severely punished all Captives that came to their hands belonging to Nieumegen Yet for all that two years it lay unburied untill by the taking of the Town by Prince Maurice it had a decent Interment Nienarius also about the same time was kill'd by chance while he was carelesly viewing some Instruments or Engines of War A Man certainly of an unblameable Conversation though at last coming into the War Truxius thus deprived of both his Chief Commanders by whose Valour and Conduct the good Fortune of his Party had hitherto been upheld at length left off the War but especially because the Enemy had won Berck where a long Siege spun out until the following year with the loss of much Bloud at last got the Victory for the Spaniards But Schemk's Souldiers though they had received heir Arrears and were entertained into Pay anew among the rest yet mad with grief for the loss of their Collonel in earned a Sedition because that Island being in their hands would easily procure them a Chapman within the Bounds of the Rhine Nothwithstanding this the Hollanders took great Care afterwards to relieve Berck though with no other hope than to make the Enemy lose time since they could not hinder his taking the City Count Falcosteine being sent with Two Thousand Men besides some choice Horse according to this Advice was follow'd by Varenâ—nius as soon as in his Journey having taken the Castle before-mention'd he had passed the River yet with no intent to fight though he were much the stronger but onely designing to fall upon their Rear as they marched and finding 〈◊〉 Opportunity for the same was at the first received by 〈◊〉 Francis Vere commanding then two English Companies newly raised with which he sustained the Brunt and Heat of the Charge until the Horse came in and shortly after all the Foot Colours Here was a great slaughter considering the Number of Combatants and the choicest the best men of the Enemies being slain there were taken a great number of Horse with one Cornet and Ten Foot Colours Some
few fled and escaped with their Captain Vere having given this famous Testimony of his Valour and Judgment was shortly after prefer'd to the highest Dignitie to his great Renown Varembunius laid the blame upon Charles Mansfield for he was present also for the greatest part of this loss though he had brought to him at the time of this Fight some Companies out of the Isle of Bommell because lately both of them suing for the same Command wherein Charles being denyed and the other preferred it was said he now deserted him a emulous of his Glory But by this means the Conquerour-afterwards brought in safely to the Besieged all their Carriages both with Provision and Men they also having near the same time made a lucky Sally into the next Quarter of the Enemies Leaguer and this done returning through by-ways they escaped any danger intended to them by the Enemy And now the Besieged were in so good condition that they slighted the Enemies Forces though of late much recruited until the Spaniard had by force taken a Castle near to Rees that was their onely hopes of Succour and supply of Provisions Three Months after this in the next year the Winter continued when the Hollanders considering seriously with themselves that they had not Forces enough to relieve a place so far distant from them as occasion would require came at length to this last Result That the Town should be surrendred upon Honourable Conditions And thus the Duke of Parma obtained Berck and not so contented he clandestinely sought to get Bonne and Nuisse Cities belonging to the Dutchy of Cleves and this he did with the more Confidence in regard of the Prince's Age and Infirmity having also won many of the Nobles to be his Pensioners Thus he got Possession of Arnhem not far from the Rhine Not was Aquisgrave a free City of the German Empire let alone at peace among so many broils for Philip claiming the Custody of that City as antiently belonging to the Princes of Brabant for he endeavour'd to hide his Ambition of being Lord under the Title of Guardian thereof by his Edict banish'd many of the Inhabitants who had forsaken the Roman Religion But their stay being bought off with a Sum of Money given to the King's Commanders content onely to have wasted and forrag'd the Fields left the City until many years after the Fury of several Parties falling upon Germany this City among the rest was seized under the pretence of Right While the Armies thus range about the Maes and the Rhine and meeting Parties skirmish and fight every where the Mauricians got exceeding much Booty for the Hope wasted all the Enemies Country with Fire and Sword carrying away all manner of Provisions having either kill'd or driven away all those â—hat defended it But notwithstanding all this the most cruel Battails were at Sea because the Hollanders being stronger there had absolutely taken away all things that were wont to be Chaffer between Equals in Power by which means the Spaniard had lost all benefit of Exchange After this if any Enemies could prevail so much in strength as to infest all that Traded at Sea by Robbery they were called Pyrates Hence it came that the Flâ—drians provoked by their frequent Losses and such as fled out of the Hollanders Ships conscious to themselves of any great Crime as such men generally are fierce out of a desire both of Revenge and Prey put to Sea and not onely seized unarm'd Trading Ships but many times indanger'd the more able Many times it fell out and it is not to be forgotten because it equall'd the greatest Adventures of Antiquity that when any one part had by Boarding the others Vessel intermingled their Companies they in danger rather than be taken would with Gun-powder blow up both themselves and the Enemy so much do they care who despair of Life not to dye unrevenged The Kingdom of Spain which hitherâ—o had been undisturbed in the midst of all her Neighbour's Troubles now first began to be sensible of a War brought Home to her for the English accompanied with the Hollander's Ships and Souldiers advenâ—urously Forage all the Sea-Coasts of Gallicia afterwards they re-settle Don Antonio in his Kingdom pitching their Camp about Lisbone The Queen sent out six of her Ships on this Design the rest being One Hundred and Twenty Sir Francis Drake Commanded General Norris had the Conduct of the Foot Souldiers the Prey taken to be divided between them And so great was their good Success at the beginning that Albertus of Austria who was Governour of the City in the Name of King Philip had prepared himself for flight But by the Advice of some private persons in regard of the doubtfulness of the Portugezes Allegiance the small Provision they had of things necessary and that several Diseases raged among them springing chiefly from intemperate Drinking they went away and left all things unsetled whether because King Antonio was not able to perform the vain Promises he made of the Peoples Affection to and the Moors Assistance of him or that their too suddain Departure spoiled the Design is yet in doubt But sure it is the Hollanders were not hearkned to who had both offered and shewed themselves ready to defend and keep all the Castles and Forts on the Sea-Coast as well as the Entrance into the Kingdom As soon as ever the Siege was broke up presently all who had at this time been observed by the Spaniard to wish for a Change were very severely punished But the English did nothing more unless that they made appear the weakness of the Spanish Grandezza in that they were never hindred by them either at their Landing or during their stay nor ever resisted them in the Demand or taking of their Forts or Castles and a Fleet of Germans coming from the Baltick Cities being met and taken as Prize gave occasion to those People by Legates and Writing to contest among themselves whether Provisions wherewith People being at Peace with them do help the Enemy may rightfully be taken as Prize and disposed of accordingly And now France divided into parties was ingaged in â— like quarrel after the King had caused to be slain the Duke of Guise the head of that publike defection nor did the King long survive Guise being soon after assassined by a Monk he was the last of the name and Family of Valois in whose revenge as also of the Duke of Guise the whole Kingdom was divided into Arms. Without doubt by the Customs of France the right of Succession belonged to the Family of Bourâ—â— But Henry the head thereof Prince of Bearne who was called by the name of King of Navarre though hardly enjoying any thing besides the name for that the Spaniard had violently wrested it away he I say professing the Religion which they call Reformed though he promised equall Justice to both had drawn to him all the Nobility but the Cities and Towns would not receive or
endeavouring violently to break through and aiming with his Sword dangerously to have wounded Herangier fell down and was killed valiantly fighting But Charly to whom was given the Command of the other part of the Souldiers drove the Enemies Garrison into the innermost part of the Castle which was incompassed round with Water These were kept in hope to the very utmost by Paulo Antonio Lanzavecchia who was Deputy-Governour of Breda under his Father a young Man and utterly ignorant in Stratagems of War Odoardo Lanzavecchia the Father Prince Maurice had caused to stay at Geertruydenburg three miles distant from Breda seeming as if he would draw thither his Fortes and Carriages and to that purpose some were sent under the notion of Spyes who by spreading a false Rumour should make them insensible of the Truth And surely the Duke of Parma was very much over-seen who had committed two Towns to one Man's keeping when one Man is hardly able to defend one Town and let other Rewards without Danger be for such as deserve well therein But Paulo Lanzavecchia to try if by chance he could force this small Company out by Battel passing out over the Bridge sallyes upon the Enemy with a Company of Men crowded together they were about Thirty and Six But they were soon vanquish'd by them who could not at that time be overcome and himself sorely wounded most of his men being kill'd he fled back the same way he came By this time they heard a Noise of People fighting within the City and the Townsmen came to break open the Castle Gates that Heraugier's Souldiers might not drive away with their Shot out of the Gallery above the People and clear the adjoyning Parts At last the sign being given that the Design had taken Count Hohenlo presently marched up with a part of Prince Maurice his Army who were not far off upon the Espyâ—l being come to the Gate and perceiving the 〈◊〉 made them lose time they passed over the Lock or Damne beyond the Palizadoes nor did Paulo Lanzavecchia deâ—eâ— to Covenant for his own Safety by the Surrender of what he held in the Castle The Prince himself immediatly follow'd Hohenlo with another greater part of the Army consisting both of Horse and Foot who coming to the Gates threatned to force them open Then the City trembling and deprived of the Garrison that should have defended it redeemed their Pillage with two Months Pay to the Souldiers for the Italians 〈◊〉 whom the Guard and Defence of the Town was committed being six Companies of Foot and one Troop of Horâ— whose Duty it had been to have broken the Bridge beâ— the Town and the Castle or at least to have kept the Gate from being seized by the Enemy being struck into an amaze at the noise and clattering of Arms in the Castle and withall not well agreeing among themselves were easily wrought to fly and leave all to the Enemy and which possibly might be another Reason to the same purpose being the more afraid of the Enemy by how much they were generally hated by their Hosts who had quarter'd them for that while they enjoyed the Town they abstained from no sort of Villany but raged in all kinds of Lusts Therefore when the Duke of Parma set himself to Revenge this popular Errour and Crime of the Souldiers to take the shame from himself all that were designed for punishment as Fugitives and Renegadoes though late suffered the punishment inflicted on them for theiâ— Fault excepting onely one Intemelio for whom his Youth and Nobility obtained a Pardon and Odardo Lanzavecchia as it were in punishment of himself left off and surrendred the Governorship of Geriruydenburg Prince Maurice now entring the City took into Command and Tuition those his Antient Paternal and Hereditary Possessions and all the Citizens living therein his Youthful Modesty rather grieving at than accusing the City charged with the Payment of the Souldiers Wages and many many more of them had their Names in the List than were present in the Service for the Prince would not seem to mind those private things although the Sum amounted to a Hundred Thousand Florens when Antwerp paid to the Duke of Parma but Four Hundred These things thus done the Government of the Town was bestowed upon Heraugier and the rest were all of them afterwards both rewarded and preferred to Honourable Commands The States Decreed Publike Feasting and other Testimonies of Rejoycing and that there should be Prices of Money Coined which should be as a General Record to Posterity of this first Victory obtained by their Prince without the effusion of his Souldiers Bloud which afterwards was drawn into Example by Custom as oft as any great and prosperous Success crown'd their Actions And there were not wanting some Wits who Celebrated the Prince's Auspitious Beginnings and magnified the Gallantry of the Design averring That the entring of Troy by Graecian Lords in a Wooden Horse was a Stratagem very like this or it may be was an Eminent Ship so called They compared the Fortune of the Place which nine years before by the Absence of the Garrison the Treachery of the Watch and Slaughter of the Citizens Altapen Count Berlaymont's Son surprized and took Thus every Man's Fancy was in Agitation but we must not dwell here The Companies being left in the Town which were to defend it and some Troops of Horse on purpose to make Incursions into the Villages of Brabant the Army marched away And the Provisions carryed in by provident Care of those whom the Prince knew had been privy to the Design served the place a long time But as soon as a Messenger brought News thereof into Germany to the Prince of Parma who now weary of the Toil of War it may be by Advice had desisted from Hostility until he received Letters from Spain least he should suffer without taking Revenge the Country to be spoiled he commanded Charles Mansfeldt who had Reduced Berck to go thence with some part of his Forces and to shut up all the Passages to Breda in order to â— Siege being moved thereto by a false hope that there was onely a few Days Provision in the Town and besides imagining that the Townsmen would not be yet contentedly setled under their New Lords On the one side therefore Gertruydenberg straitned it the rest Mansfeldt surrounded with strong Guards yet they feared Relief would be brought thither from behind for the River Merck runneth into the Maes and maketh hard by many little Islands which Princeâ— Maurice had fill'd with Souldiers And the River it self where it runs by Breda he had inclosed with a Bridge and a strong Castle at a place called Terheiden From hence the Souldiers highly enraged match out to Sevenberg a Town scituate in the further part of that Continent and force it together with a weak Castle belonging to it their greatest labour was spent about Nordam which is a Castle scituate in a very moyst ground and in former times
in the War that made them rage against him more furiously Thus being about Herentals and other adjacent Towns of Brabant as if they had been Enemies they spoiled all that part of the Country which is called Kempenlandt yet pretended themselves the Kings Souldiers and if any resistance was made against them neither Rapes Murthers or any other villany was by them accounted unlawfull Thus while they harassed the Fields though the pay decreased yet their number that demanded it was increased But the Duke of Parma said that he suspected the Souldiery ought to have been dispersed into severall fortifyed Cities and there mixed with the new raised men Indeed it was time to shut the Stable-door when the Horse was stollen And this Counsel coming too late served to little purpose otherwise for surely the onely removing of the mischief to another place was but miserable comfort to a publick â—lamity But this Advise brought not to them so much 〈◊〉 but instead thereof more seditious Souldiers daily came together who being wearied with a hard and pinching Jâ— quickly laid hold of that opportunity to ease themselves and forcibly to seize those rewards which their Commandâ— had formerly denyed them But the Duke of Parma had â— some Companies in France with the chief Commander of the Guisian Faction to whom the Prince of Ascoli was commanded to conduct some more according to their desire 1591. The Enemies Forces being in this manner divided and the Souldiery remaining at home disobedient and â—fractory or else but lately raised the confederate Proâ—ces fleshed with the last years success now took heart and they who before could scarce defend their own bounds without great fear and hazard now resolve to invade others Some perswaded them to forbear till the Duke of Parâ— was gone into France but others thought it best to lay 〈◊〉 of all opportunities and if they did nothing else yet it 〈◊〉 well worth their time and labour to hinder the Duke of Parma's Journy into France Neither did they continue long â— suspence from what part to begin their business for although the Frizoâ—s desired their ayd yet it was of great concernment to them to free Issell from Garrisons of Spaniards to whom all Gelderland as well the Betuwe as the Velume and the others that were near for fear of the Hollanders incuâ—â—ons were tributary the which grievously enslaved ever since the Prince of Aurange his time they had omitted hindered either by their own weakness or the Enemies power As soon therefore as the time of going abroad to forage was come and the Souldiers numbers compleated and their pay ordered among them Sir Francis Vere whom the Queen had made her General of the English first went toward Deâ—burg Some few of his men in the habit of Country-women with Baskets running as if they fled from a following Enemy got into the Fort that lies over against Zutphen onely separated by the River whereinto they were no sooner entred but quickly laying hands on their Weapons which were hid under their Cloaths partly with theâ— and partly with Weapons taken there they killed the first Sentinels ere they were aware and afterwards the rest surprized with amaze and fear were easily either killed or taken Vere had not held the Fort above one day when Prince Maurice came thither with all his Army of eight thousand Foot and two Wings of Horse making two thousand they brought with them all things necessary for the assault of a Town And for the more ease of the Pâ—ince there attended a Selected Counsel of the Senate to the Companions of his Cares But fame hereof coming to the Enemy it was believed the Army was bent against the Cities of Brabant or elâ—e to take Gertruydenberg because a few dayes before the Sâ—uâ—â—iers had in those parts taken Forts and Castles And â—he Prince forwarded in them this error at first by a doubâ—full march as if he intended to go to the Maes but on a sudden at the winding of the Rhine turning into Issell there met him Count William and two thousand Frizons drawn out of the Garrisons Here Intelligence was received both from Sir Francis Vere and some Prisoners that the Banck was to be possessed Here the Enemy was secure in other places he was afraid and therefore that the City was neither well fortifyed nor victualled but for a few dayes That the besieged before any Relief or Provisions could be brought to them might be taken by foâ—ce there no being in the Town above six hundred Armed men and nothing considerable of force could be raised by the Citizens most of them having formerly left the place to avoid the Souldiers insultations At the very first Skirmish Count Falcosteyne the chiefest of all Truxius his Commanders was slain while he too furiously pursued the beaten Enemy flying into the Town but his body was fetched off and rescued from villanous usage Upon the River were placed Ships fixed with Anchors in form of â— Bridge which reaching orderly from Banck to Banck joynâ— the Souldiers Quarters together with a safe passage 〈◊〉 from thence others were commanded to dismantle all 〈◊〉 Guards upon the wayes and another part were ordered 〈◊〉 draw oblike and crooked Trenches up to the Castle that 〈◊〉 the casting up of the Earth they might come safe from the Enemies Darts or Shot up to undermine the very Walls and to this work the night was designed The Seamen and Marriners whose readiness and coâ— in Maritime Affairs was here of very great use for thâ— brought thirty great Guns with more celerity than Horse part into a little Island in the River and part against the main Buildings of the City that they might with the continuall Thunder thereof shake and overthrow that part of the Works which was weakest in regard the River was of it 〈◊〉 a strong defence But in the City though struck with a sâ—den fear yet they ran up and down every where to prevâ—â— the Enemies endeavours they increased the Rampiâ—es at the Gate shut up by the foe and within began new Works by which time a certain number of Cannon being shot off according to Military Custom Messengers were sent by the Prince with threats of the greatest extremity unless they would submit and render the Town They pray a time to consult but that would not be granted whereupon conscious to themselves of the want of many things and how fâ— they were to defend the large circuit of the Walls they â— rendered upon Articles that the Souldiers should march away safe and undisturbed and the Townsmen if they pleâ—ed might stay being ordered and governed according to the Laws and Customs of the confederate Cities According to which conclusion many Sieges afterwards being ended we shall not so often repeat the same The Spaniards found fault with the too hasty rendition of the Town and therefore the Governour of it as long as the Duke of Parma lived was never suffered to come to Court The fifth day after
boggle at the most adventurous Enterprizes With great speed therefore an Expedition into Frizeland was begun and least in the absence of the Army the Enemy should make any Imâ—ons the Regiments lately raised in Holland were ordered to keep good and strong Guards upon the Wael The Prouisions of War and all other Things that might impede their Journey being put aboard some Ships were carryed out of the Issel into the Zuyderzee and so through the Ocean to the River Ems. The Souldiery by this means free from Porsage onely in passing over the Marshes they carryed besides their Daily Provision Faggots were led into that part of Over-Issels which is called Drent where the People had inclosed their Marshy Grounds with a great many young Shoots of Places growing together for the Enemy stopped the better way being possessed of Coevorden which some did advise the Army to take as they went least from thence the Enemy should pâ—e them in the Rear averring that Verdugo who kept that Castle might easily be beaten thence either by some Stratagems publike Force or want of Victuals But this Câ—â—el was not approved by reason of the difficult bringing either of great Carriages for Battery in a Land-March and also because there was less necessity of fighting at Groeâ—â—g Among many other inconveniencies the Army met with in their March thither one was a Meor containing in 〈◊〉 Three Thousand five hundred Paces And though the upper Crustiness of the Turf was so hardned notwithstanding Natural Moisture underneath that it would endure a few to go over it yet such as follow'd in the Third or Fourth Rank sunk so deep into the yielding Mud that they could hardly be drawn out though sometimes their Captains came and gave their helping hand to them that so the Toil might not seem so grievous to the Souldier and in a few hours the whole Army had passed it which all the Inhabitants thereabouts had thought impossible to be done But the Souldiers could not be restrained by any Authority to forbear Injuring to the Country as they marched according to the Evil Custom of Armies their pilfering stealing and wasting of what would have served for many days had almost caused want of Provision and that would have bred a Sedition but that the Ships came in season loaded with Provision to prevent the same Now were all the Tents pitched about Groening where the Prince conceived a good hope of Success from the variable and unconstant behaviour of the Vulgar against those in Authority as also from the Discords within the City But indeed too confident in their words by Relations above Truth had for their own advantage drawn the Army thither 'T is true there were some within who remembred the League of Union but they were over-powred by the adverse Faction Moreover Verdugo upon the Report of the Armies coming into those Parts had strengthned both Steoâ—wic and Coevorden with Garrisons and with the Remainder of his Forces was come to Groening before Prince Maurice yet was not for all that admittâ— within the Gates for the City when it first submitted excepted that one particular but kept his proper Guards in the Suburbs as well to the Terrour as the Aid of the City The Prince not staying above six days there for fear the City should as out of Necessity admit that Garrison within their Walls and so for the future all their hopes be utterly lost an likewise because he heard the Duke of Parma was preparing an Army to raise the Siege on a suddain falls upon all the circumjacent Forts whereby all the Ways and Passages of Rivers were stopped And which had in the Series of this long War been often subverted by the Frizons and as often re-built Great was the Fear and Dread of the Souldiers as having been more accustomed to Theft and Depopulations than Fighting few of them enâ—uring more than the very sight of the Caâ—on and the weake places they left without any Siege at all The greatest Castle of all named Delfeziel and famous for a Hâ—ven where Fivel falls into the Ems was held by Souldiers of Groening the conveniency of the place had of old wâ—ough upon all that desired the Dominion of the City to get or keep iâ— which the Duke of Alva attempted but was hindred by the Times The States now having gotten this place inlarged the Old and strengthned it with new Works making the Tributes of the places near thereto bear the Charge dividing the Sea-Bank from the Rampire and building Houses therein threaâ—ning Groening That unless they repented they would not leave it any Inhabitants And at the same time a great wâ— of all Things shrewdly tempted the inclosed to alter their Faith and consequently their Lords But after the Prince had drawn away his Army Verdugo making his way by force through the weakest Fort opened a Passage to the City out of Westfalia by Bourtange But the Duke of Parma coming too late to help either Zutâ—â— or Deventer and imagining the Enemy durst not have â—â—â—uted so far for that many of the Spaniards by reason of their ill pay would not be commanded doubtful whither he should lead his Forces being now met together about the Maes and the Rhine either to distract the Enemy in his Design or to match after him voluntarily which would be the more noble and so to help Groening as he was desired he was deterred from the latter by the excessive greatness of the Iourney and besides all the Country lying between was wasted and spoiled either by the Frizon Souldiers or his own Wherefore at last he resolved to answer the desire of Nimmeghen whither being come he commanded the River to be passed over and the Fort which Prince Maurice had the former year begun to be besieged himself would do all that was necessary in the City Count Barlaymont lay upon that side of Knodsenburg which looks Eastward Another was Beleagueâ—'d by Octavius Count Mansfeldt who was shortly after shot by the Besieged and dyed of the Wound He was a Noble Person and although but young yet ambitious of Honour and for the winning thereof would shun no danger The back-side of the Fort was inclosed by the Horse and some other Regiments Lamotte brought thither the Artillery with ease by the help of the Rising Bank He afterwards finding the Bulwark too strong for the Cannon though a great part of the Ravelin was beaten down and seeing the Enemy were not terrified at the sight of the Army drawn up in Battel Array against them filled the Trench with Oziers and other Boughs and after that sends some privately to undermine the Bulwark they in the mean time who were to fill the Ditch helping the Work forward with many of their dead Bodies But the Defendants that were Six Hundred under the Command of Gerard Junius a Man of great Courage were ready in all places to answer the Force or Policy of the Enemy with Shot and otherwise many times by
like either to throw down or carry away the great Heaps cast therein immediatly the Border of the Bank was fastned with great Stakes headed with Iron So that the places were no more like themselves but quite changed the Marishes were made solid and where the Enemy formerly was afraid to fall into a Quagmire there were now firm Fields All the Ground lying between the Camps was encompassed round with a large Rampire and Trench hardly to be walked in three hours Here and there scatteringly were some Watch-Towers set up and in the more open places Forts that frighted any from approaching them with Guns and Darts thrown by the Souldiers yet for all these things the outwarder parts were never the more carelesly strowed with Calthraps and digged full of Pits which every where yielded nothing but danger though from causes to them unknown but the Horse especially were on all hands afraid thereof The Fords and Inclosures promised easier Entrance on any part Part of the Ships with long extended Horns menaced the City being tyed fast one to another with strong Cables and Anchors by which means not onely Relief but any Messengers were kept out of the Town Some Vessels also were thrust forth into the Quag-Mires which according to the Ebbe or Floud either swoâ— or â—ock fast hiding other Boats that served to carry Provision and other things necessary for the War to both Camps in fit and convenient Creeks and the Marriners being commanded to come a shore to assist Hohenlo without murmuring were very serviceable Most of the Works boasted the Industry of the Souldiers as being built by their hands a great Novelty in that time whose pains was a great saving to the greater charge of Day-Labourers besides the Excuse of the Country-People whose Mulâ—itude being forced from their common business in the Fields as is usual with the Enemy rather procures an Envy in them to Liberty or else being slothful in time of danger are by their unskilful Crowd rather burthensom than helpful to an Army But by the diligent Care of a strict Discipline so far were the present Customs of the Country People different from those of former Ages that here the Camp was both to themselves and their Cattel a place of Refuge The Souldiers placed and secured them they sold their Provisions and received ready Money for the same in whose Fields if the Spanish Commanders had pitched all the Money they could ever have raised would hardly have been sufficient to have redeem'd them from spoil and injury Whereas here under the Fortifications of the Camp they Manured their Fields and sowed them with Seed as being assur'd of Security not onely for the present but the future time And it was found by practice that they who are Lâ—vers of Justice and Honour shall voluntarily receive those advantages which others shall hardly exâ—â—et by Cruelty and other thwarring Endeavours It is scarcely credible how much this Continent abated the price of Victuals when they that forcibly commanded the same were afflicted with all kind of Penury Mansfeldt having viewed all these strong Fortifications grew much troubled and as it is the Custom of an exceeding great fear resolved on nothing and among the rest that which at first seem'd to please him best of all was now most disliked however he fortified himself not far from Prince Maurice with so great a quantity of Artillery and other Engines as if he had rather been going to assault a City than a Camp When he had staid there ten days and the Horse coming out from Breda had straitned him in Provisions boping that all things might more readily be brought from Boisledue he removed towards Count Hohenlo's Camp preparing immediatly to drain the overflowing Lake into the Channel of the Maes But supposing that too great a Taâ—k anon he thought to drive away thence the Enemies Ships or to break off the remainder of the Horse left there that so be might the more freely enjoy and have the benefit of Fotage At length he gathers together Faggots Bavins and other Brush-wood as if he intended to break over the shallow Fordable places of the Marishes into the Town not so much out of any certain hope as that least he should seem to have no hope at all Which while he vainly attempts and that he ought not to try his Fortune in divers places the sight of the Town and the last hopes of the Besieged Souldiers forbad By this Idleness and lying still of the Enemy Prince Maurice's Works were mightily forwarded but the small number of his Souldiers was the greatest Trouble he had for that they were almost spent with continual Labour and Watching And the Frizons being again desired That they having been helped before would not now leave their Companions wanting Aid Having for some time delayed at last send four Ensigns but not before Verdugo was come with Three Thousand Men to Slochteren While these things were doing there were several light Skirmishes about the Fields Count Hohenlo being more ready thereto than was necessary Nothing more was done because Prince Maurice being wary beyond the Nature of Youth would not hazard a danger in the open Field and Mansfeldt was utterly out of hope of prevailing upon the Prince's Camp by Assault But the Town however was continually batter'd with the great Artillery whose greater number being with Prince Maurice had broken and spoiled the Houses and made unserviceable most of the Cannon in the Town So that now the Galleries plainly appeared advanced as far as the main Bulwark which stood before the Rampire And on the South part unto the Fort which was least of all feared not for the joyning thereof to the Town but because it was encompassed with a great Trench a Bridge was made over in the Nighâ— the Contexture where of was great Bull-Rushes The Keepers hereof weâ—e easily surpriz'd as they lay scatter'd here and there and negligent by the industrious Souldiers for they that took upon them the confidence of being Spyes and looking in thither brought back such Intelligence a few of that negligent Guard escaping into the Town filled the same with great fear Before this time there was no Obedience given to Command for it seems he that properly was the Governour of the Town was then absent being gone out a little before the beginning of the Siege and there was none other in the place fit for that Employment From whence it came to pass that Works were often erected and as often thrown down according to the wavering Counsels of the several Commanders of whom two to whom the Government of the Town had been committed during the Siege dyed before and now the Third while he runs to meet the Noise of Terrour before-mention'd being kill'd with the stroke of a Stone clearly made an end of his Government Thus there was no fear of any thing but the Enemy which Prince Maurice did greatly augment in them when having interposed Mansfeldt's Letters to them which he might
Valquin consulâ—ed of certain Matters relating to the League Then began to appear how much those Presents were envyed which had been bestowed to gain the King of Scots Affection the Queen of England objecting to them Their unseasonable Magnificence while yet themselves wanted Forreign Aid Nor did it proceed so much from the Humour of her Regal Disposition that would endure none to vye with her as that she being a wise and subtle Woman and who would keep the Succession incertain as one of the main strengths of her Kingdom she would not that a Prince though next to her both in Kingdom and Bloud should be appointed her Heir by the Option of her Neighbours Therefore according to the Custom of angry persons she requir'd a part of her old Debt and if they gave her not satisfaction she threatned War Whereto a modest Excuse being made they were at quiet for some time And in the mean time that they might make amends for their Offence upon her Request They obey and grant That they will adde some Money and Ships to her Fleet for driving away the Spaniard from Bretaign in France For the Enemy being setled in some strong Ports lay at lurk upon both Shores to get the possession of that Sea which passeth by both France and Spain From whence proceeded the English-mens fear nor could the Hollanders sail to the Westward with any safety But now the English and Dutch Fleets being joyned they drove the Enemy from most of the strong Holds scituate on the Sea-Coast But the War after the taking of Groening continued in the Countries beyond the Rhine although there were other Things which promised their Hope a Reward of their Labours But at the instance of Mounsieur Buzanual King Henry's Embassadour it seemed more just since their own Affairs had so well thriven to look towards their Allies because then there was sharp War upon the Borders between the Netherlands and France Some there were that would not have sent Souldiers to the King but Money which Buzanuall withstood affirming That the King his Master had better learned to order Souldiers than Money And so far did his Reasons prevail that he had not onely very great hopes but the Charge likewise already begun would forthwith be laid aside for a New Expedition thither The Spanish Souldiers who had hitherto made War upon the French Borders after they had received their Money and taken the benefit of what Licentiousness they pleased being excluded from all Cities lest they might grow more insolent by Idleness under the Conduct of the Lord of Cimace besieged Cambray For that City as is before set forth was delivered in the Name of the Kingdom of France to Balagny to be kept for King Philip but he on the contrary usurped it to himself from thence the Neighbouring Country was wasted Nor had the Spaniards long continued the Siege but they wanted all Things necessary not excepting Provisions However lest that they might seem to do nothing they surrounded the City at a distance but with very careless Guaâ— for being in their Friends Country they supposed themselves terrible enough to the Enemy being in no manner changed from what they were before but onely in this that now being under Command yet they re-acted the Crimes of Sedition among other of their Exploits many times fetching great Booty out of France But Henry the greatest part of the Traytors being subdued finding himself really King and that he was so increased in strength that though till this time he had been able but weakly to defend his now he appeared able to vindicate himself and to threaten an equal Return for Injuries He accused Philip in an Edict That he had without any probable Reason broken the League that he had made with France five and twenty years before That he being King of France 〈◊〉 content with the Dominion of his Ancestors which by the Divine Providence he now enjoyed and being an august and magnificent Possession he did not desire to intermeddle in the business of other Princes That he would not seek a cause of War against the Neighbouring Cities of the Netherlands and hoped he should not be forced to one by injuries put upon him but since they had compelled him he exhorted the People of Henalt and Attoys and others his Subjects to fall upon those forreign Souldiers generalâ—y hated and burthensome to all about them whom none ever hated without danger but an Enemy and to drive them out of the French Territories and also from Cambray which if it wâ— not done by a set day he would bring thither his Armies and tâ— his force upon them This was all received in silence as if it had been denyed for the Cities durst make no answer but Philip shortly after mindfull of his affections to the Catholick Religion and remembring the League himself had formerly made with France declared that the Prince of Bearns for he would not vouchsafe the King of France any other name who had vainly pretended himself an honourer of that Religion which he had opposed and now called himself King of France was to be prosecuted with War on all hands Be this came too late for after they had for a whole year displayed their Ensign on the Netherlandish Borders all after actions seemed to claim a shadow of right But to this forreign War King Henry appointed Commander in Chief Turnis Viscount Turen who then raised the Repute of the name of Bulloyn renowned also by Alliance to Prince Maurice whose Sister Elizabeth descended by the Mothers side from the Royal Stock of Bourbon he had marryed And in this he would be more affectionately diligent in that thereby he advanced above the power of the League a Prince bound 〈◊〉 him by private Allyance and also very high in the King's favour It was thought convenient to carry the War into the Province of Lutzenburg because this way he might have a passage for his Italian and German Levies for the Hollanders hoped that if new forces were raised it might be possible to bring to nought the old being neither many nor well agreeing and this either by the Netherlanders consent of the conjunction of War But a Messenger met Philip of Nassau as he was hastening his march towards the French with supplies consisting of eight and twenty Foot-Companies for the States having onely promised twenty had now of their own accord augmented the number that they understood by four Switzers whom they had taken that Charles Mansfeldt lay in the middle between them Therefore for securing the Journey he took five Troops under the leading of Sir Francis Vere and a well ordered number of Foot least he should give any opportunity to Mansfeldt pressing upon him and leads them beyond the River Moselle to the Borders of Metz for the Enemy had prepossessed all the places more inward The greatest part of the Troops having either gained by leave or force a passage through Germany returned into Holland but the greatest
Quality 〈◊〉 Command bore the greatest share in the misfortune 〈◊〉 Philip of Nassau himself while he most strenuously mâ—tained the Fight being first wounded then taken Prisonâ— soon after among the signall respects of his Neighbours 〈◊〉 Counts of Heremberg he yielded up the Ghost The â—â—fulness of his Spirit was not to be daunted having formâ— been very succesful in War wherein 't is probable he had 〈◊〉 miscarryed if the fervency of his mind had by age been 〈◊〉 within bounds In this Fight also was slain Ernestus one of the Count 〈◊〉 Solmes But Ernestus of Nassau Philips Brother ransâ— himself and after all the dead Bodies were buried â—â—ther did any thing else happen while the Armies lay 〈◊〉 and each attended the others motion and Counsels so spâ—â—ing the Autumn and more secure times of the year 〈◊〉 that Prince Maurice his men attempting Mursa by a Noâ—â—nall Stratagem and being come to the Trench while 〈◊〉 cut down the Palizadoes that stopped them there the day â—pearing they were forced to retreat At length Mâ—gonio first drew off to Winter Quarters not able any loâ— to bear the incommodious season for War he was a Commander of ninety years of Age who coming to commandâ— Army then publickly ready to fall into Sedition foâ— means to prevent that growing evill by sending part of 〈◊〉 beyond the Maes and keeping the rest on this side the â—â—ver he not only repressed their madness but separated 〈◊〉 Counsels Nor did the Prince prolong the time much 〈◊〉 him Immediately after this Mondragonius by his deâ— helped to encrease the Funeral Solemnities of that year being a very old Souldier and continually in the War 〈◊〉 the first beginning thereof in Alva's time to his end 〈◊〉 knew how to order and rule the Souldiery as well by Policy â—thority and there are scarcely so many and so famous â— of any of those great Commanders who were his Prediâ—ors to be remembred as there are of him no to forget 〈◊〉 felicity that being never timorous of danger but alwayes desirous of Honour he had yet arrived to very old 〈◊〉 having never received any wounds The Duke of â—trana dyed also known only by the Nobility of his Expect and nothing else This Year also Don Antonio deceased who formerly driâ—â— out of the Kingdom of Portugall by the Spanish Arâ— under the Duke of Alva's Conduct when he might have raised Factions not quite drooping both in Africa Italy 〈◊〉 other places possessed by the Spaniard yet fled for Reâ— to France and England and in vain placed his hopes upon the mercy and Charity of Christian Princes yet refusing the Ayd divers times offered to him by the Turks and 〈◊〉 Moors which he would have the World believe he did 〈◊〉 of Piety his Friends reported that he was poysoned because he would not be wrought upon to confer his right of â—ym in that Kingdom to Philip notwithstanding all the great promises of Moneys and Honours made by Philip to 〈◊〉 In these varieties of Fortune Fontayne was not long at rest but set forth against Cambray nor did the reason of his hope to attain the same appear in publick however many of the Netherlandish Nobility attending and several French Commanders who disdained the pardon of their own Prince and also the Souldiers after the spoyl of Dorleus being greedy of a greater booty and moved with the intreaties of the Neighbouring Cities offering them money in a manner compelled them to shut up all the Avenues into or out of the Town and under the shew of a Siege to wait for an opportunity of enterprising somewhat And King Philip himself had written to him that it was a dishonourable act that a strong Hold erected as a boundary by his Father should be left in the Enemies hands Incited therefore by all these Reasons they were necessitated to hope well of that which they could no way avoid Barlat drove the Besieged from their outer Works from thence they began Mines Batteries breaches and other both Clandestine and open Stratagems were used but the great and notable strength of the French ready to receive their Assault yet terrified them for Gonzaga the Count of Nevers his Son had by the Command of his Father brought thither a hundred and soon after other five hundred conducted by the Horse through unguarded places in the dawning of the morning came in to their assistance Then also was it found by a noble example how dangerous it is to be feared of many and that there is no Guard strong enough to uphold a Dominion which is contrary to the peoples liking where the greater danger arising from fear quickly moves to anger For Balagny that he might strengthen by force his unjust power imposed Tributes and grievous Guards and all other things usual in a Tyranny which drew upon him the hatred of the multitude and at last turned him out of all Nor was Fontayne wanting privily to inslame their minds already disturbed sometimes by Religion otherwhile by fear and anon by money by which means before the Enemy got to the Trench all the common people being gathered together from all parts with whom joyned the Switzer Souldiers by reason of divers private injuries and also because Balagny commanded Brass money to be given them in pay instead of Gold and Silver but at if he would have redeemed the same which kind of fact hath in some places been allowed for liberty sake but never was admitted to be given to the Souldiers for pay all which things were now urged to Fontayne treating with them Neither did the Articles of Surrender contain many Heads for the Spaniard's were easily admitted for fear of the French although they now must suffer more from them than from the French whom they turn'd out And they that retired into the Castle staid not to expect a Battery or any other Assault And now appeared many Examples of the Spaciard's cruelty though the Surrender of the Town was concluded unless the King of France within six days sent them new Relief whereof he failing the Town was accordingly delivered and the Souldiers sent safe away Balagny himself departing from his usurped Command but as a private man even prosecuted by the French he very ill deserved that Fortune which had been to him favourable enough because a long time deceiving both parties and being faithful to neither he had sometimes received Money and Provisions from the French sometimes from the Spaniard yea and from the Vnited States themselves and a little before the Siege he sold all the Victuals necessary for the City giving out that the Souldiers necessity required it although the Customs he received must needs be great for that he kept in his own hands all Offices both Civil and Sacred His Wife was a Woman of a Masculine Spirit for while any hope remained she herself would look to the Watches and Guards help to carry Turf to Traverse the Cannon to oversee the Corporals and in short to perform all the
Duty both of a good Captain and a good Souldier Nay she attempted the common people with a Largess which Things proving all in vain she acknowledged that it was her unlucky Fate yet would she not indure to leave her Dominion to the Enemy or own her Life as received from their Mercy for the same day wherein the Covenants for Surrender of the Castle were concluded she dyed of Grief or rather took something to hasten the same Now were the Images of Alencon and Balagny thrown down and forthwith an Oath exacted from the Townsmen Richardot being skilful in the Forms thereof contrived it as if the City had been to have continued for ever under the Spanish Obedience For at that time the Princes of Burgundy and Austria had under pretence of Guardianship usurped the antient Right of the Counts of Alost and by that Title the Emperour Charles Erected a Castle in the City that it might not again Revolt to the French But Fâ—â—tayn with his Armed Power soon decided the Controversie of Right and commanded to swear Obedience to Philip as their Prince saying before the Siege That it was convenient when Treating with Lewis Barlaymont Bishop of that City he urged him to rest contented with the Sacred Function and to assign to the Spaniard his Right of Dominion which had ever belonged to the Bishop under a Tye of Reverence to the Imperial Majesty of Germany Nor did Barlaymont notwithstanding the said Oath cease to demand his due and antient Right the Townsmen all endeavouring the same though to no purpose reaping no other Fruit of their vain Labour but Hatred for the Spanish keeping the Castle forbore no soâ— of Licentiousness whereby it came to pass that the Trade of Linnen Cloth the greatest gain and advantage the City enjoy'd was carryed thence into the Neighbouring Towns And the Italians being intreated by Fontayu to assist the Siege when the City being taken as they did return to possess Tilemont they valiantly set upon some Troops of Hollanders which they met and then first of all gave a proof both of their Fidelity and Courage in War But the Honour of the Mauritian Horse was quickly repair'd by an Irruption into Weert a Town in the County of Horn where they took Henry one of the Counts of Heremberg prisoner and afterward discomfited the Convoy that was guarding thither Provisions But Weert lying at too great a distance from their Confines was again presently deserted But Heraugier grown experienced by practice that in making many Attempts Fortune will sometimes favour one or other of them studied to repair the loss of Hoye with the taking of Liere It is a Town which the Spaniards formerly got by Treachery and a Victory cruel enough at the little River of Neths scituate in the middle between Antwerp and Mechlin and serves them both oftentimes to great advantage Hither were men invited on all hands by Heraugier with the hope of prey the Ensigns in the Twilight climbing up with Ladders over the Walls fall upon the ignorant and unprovided Watch killing them Then the Gates are opened the Foot enter and a few of the Horse in all about a Thousand culled men out of Breda and other Garrisons thereabouts and without all peradventure might have kept the place if there had been as much Valour and Obedience shew'd in defending it as there was Industry Policy in getting it Alphonsus Luna was the Governor who not being abashed or faltting in Courage at the first Shock in the Town placeth his Souldiers and as many of the People as on a suddain could be got together in the Market-place and before the Court Anon mistrusting those strengths he went to the Gate that was behind the Enemy in the way to Lonuayn But the Conquerours who were altogether secure dispersed themselves some into the Churches others into the Houses but all to Rapine Plunder and Licentiousness Thus they spent the greatest part of the day within the Walls nor could Heraugier either by Reverence to his Commands or by Intreaties or Threatnings prevail that so many of the Souldiers would come to their Colours as might drive away that small party from the Gate In the interim Soccours and Relief were sent to Luna out of the next Garrisons among whom a great Company of Citizens of Antwerp and some few Spaniards out of the Castle Heraugier seeing this caused the Gate whereat he and his men entred to be shut up that thereby he might necessitate them to fight But for all that these Straglers would neither mind their own nor their Enemies Forces onely so much was their fear now because they were in no fear before And for that there was no other way to go out and they that were first kill'd stopped up that against those that follow'd some of them leaped headlong from the Rampire into the Trench others were slain amongst the people and a great number both of Men and Horse taken The Captain and such as were skilful in swimming got safe away And herein the Deliverers of the Town shew a great Example of singular Continence for that whatever was found among the prey that belonged to the Townsmen was carefully restored to the Owners During all these Vicissitudes of Affairs both the Spanish and French Armies follow'd the War in Burgundy with greater preparation than event Of old the Aedui famous for their Alliance with the Romans and the Sequani both Nations of Gaul possessed that Territory into whose possession shortly after when the Romane Empire was torn in pieces the Burgundians succeeded a people coming out of the North but setled some time before in the nearer parts of Germany These extended their Dominion a large compass both on this side and beyond the River Saone even to the Name and Greatness of a Kingdom but was first diminished by the French Grandeur and afterwards in a manner quite obliterated From thence those parts were sometimes given to Friends but more often appointed to the French King's Sons while that Empire could be divided the Kingly Honour reserved After this all that Region almost which the Aedâ—â— possessed was Erected into a Dukedom and that of the Sequani into an County or Earldom After the death of Charles the Bold Lewis of Valois the 11th of that Name King of France took the Dukedom from Mary the Daughter of Duke Charles pretending the Succession of that Government could not devolve to the Female Line But the County or Earldom which began to be subject to Germany as soon as it was an Empire after the Marriage of Maximilian with Mary was claimed and held by the House of Austria At this time certain French Commanders advised King Henry That he should invade the Spaniard on that part where he lay most open to be 〈◊〉 and damnified and that by this means the Spaniard's passage out of Italy into France or the Low-Countries would be 〈◊〉 up and the right due to his Ancestors be regained The â—ter was at first begun by
the Besiegers 〈◊〉 if they should stay it was nearer to attaque Calais a Town of greater value and the ill repaired Fortifications of that City perswaded the Avarice of the Praefects hereto The Duke of Parma formerly destin'd the same thing so did Fontayne afterwards by the advice and perswasions of Laâ—â—â— But the honour of beginning thereof was reserved for a new Governour This most eminent Reward and remain of their Transmarine Expeditions the English kept for two hundred years as the main Port of their Sea which being regained by the Valour of Francis Duke of Guise one Gordon had the Government thereof which he soon after transmitted to a near Kinsman of his own But neither of them had to much care as to amend what was decay'd and become ruinous either by Age or War And the Works were far short of an Age in standing a Stone Wall encompassing the City It hath a little Castle slightly running out with four Platforms there was not a Souldier in it that thought of an Enemy but made it their business to strengthen their Authority while they onely study to inrich themselves by Sea and Land and which is frequent where there is a distraction in Affairs out of a Captainship erect a Kingdom Wherefore neither the King of France though he was fore-warned of the danger by some intercepted Letters could help it he ruling yet as it were but at pleasure and by his Subjects good-will Moreover the Governour hearing it strongly reported that Calais was aim'd at conscious to himself of the defects of the Town admitted two Companies of Holland Souldiers into the Town but no more he himself having six more whereof when Albertus was told the more to spread abroad the Terrour of his Design he commanded several Bands to go out of the Town of Valenciennes under their Captains and in the nearest parts of France to make a great Uprore The Camp-Master-General Christian Roneè the famousest Man among all the French Exiles sent with part of the Army to begirt the Town cut off all the Passages by which onely Relief might come For taking the Bridge whereby the Land-Entrance is straitned he raised against the Wall a Tower which is called a Rice-Bank just at the sides of the Port this same way the Duke of Guise before found into the Town where the Fortifications were long since half fallen down which the danger being not yet fully known every one helped to fasten again being shaken with Cannon plac'd upon the Shore and not defended so long as it ought to have been the Conquerour ascended and won After this the Hollanders Ships which lay upon the Coast of Flanders were driven off that they might not so commodiously assist the Besieged Notwithstanding which among all the Shot the Haven being very large a Ship was convey'd into the Town which deliver'd to the Governour such Workmen as he requested for the mending his Works together with a quantity of Gun-powder and then returned Shortly after the Count St. Paul who had brought 1500 French-men to the Sea-Shore for Relief of the Town was promised by a Sea-man to be put into it but he durst not undergo the danger At last all the Arch-Duke's Forces being met together and fought with upon the Sand-Hills from whence the Besieged being forced forthwith the Suburbs were gain'd Within a while after the Town it self after a three days Siege when the Gate began to be batter'd between the People's Fear and the Hatred of their old Lord because the Governour himself was wanting both in Authority and Counsel was surrendred to the Spaniard The Souldiery retired into the Castle which was held six days during a Truce in hope of Relief And now Prince Maurice with 50 Sail of Ships and a great number of Souldiers was come thither to see what was the Resolution as well of the English as the French But the Count St. Paul marched away and the Earl of Essex was ready with a Fleet to fight the Spaniards if by chance they should offer an Invasion But the Emulation of the People never well agreeing hindred it For the Earl of Essex tryed Mounsieur de Vique the Governour of the next French Garrisons if he would suffer the English to have the Custody of Calais if it were recover'd But the French believed that the English now under a shew of Friendship did clandestinely seek to regain what they had long since gain'd by War However King Henry not minding to leave his Siege but leaving his Army at Payer and doing so either because he despair'd of passage to Calais the Way being cut off by Dutches that let to the Sea he came with 4000 men by the River Samaâ— to Boloyn the next Harbour And there he advised but too late about relieving the Castle of Calais Prince Maurice being desired by the King to come on Land he excused It affirming He was to advise concerning their own Borders 〈◊〉 Home which were left unprovided But while they were arguing almost 300 Souldiers under the Conduct of Campsaâ—â— making use of the Night and the Ebbe of the Sea with great silence marching by Land broke through the Trenches into the Castle giving rather an Example of Courage than any other help to the Besieged for many of them the Forts lying open to the Assailants were killed together with the Dutch Souldiers at their very entrance while the rest of the French being altogether unaccustom'd and unfit so War by an inconsiderate Sally caused the Ruine both of themselves and thers at which time the Governour himself was slain About 60 Hollanders valiantly defending themselves from the Topt of Houses obtained a Grant to be sent away safe The presence of the Arch-Duke caused the Victory to be moderately used who having gained Calais without the loss of many of 〈◊〉 men and being a Town in the uttermost Borders of France augmenting and strengthning with good Works he subjected it to the Government of Flanders the Speech of which Province was agreeable to the same By the Fame of this Victory Arde a Town lying not far off within the Land and formerly a stop to the English invading that Country soon yielded it self to the power of Albertus by which meanâ— there was a passage this way open'd into France with the same Felicity to him as it was much to the blame of the Enemies that they had oppressed them e're they were aware Two Thousand Souldiers marched out of this Town which was indifferently well Fortified having honourable Terms though dishonourably obtained for they did not hold out so long as to endure one Assault being frighted with the dennutiation of Death if they forthwith did not surrender While these Things were doing at last Fayer being subdued by Famine King Henry distributed his Army into all places about and near to Calais lest any of the weaker Cities ' who were surprized with great fear should make a defection to the Conquerour whom the Flandrians intreated being now compelled
possibility to foresee or avoid them In the morning the Garrison was driven out And in this interim the Germans of the same side that they might by policy assist them in the assault with great labour passing through the marishy and unguarded places had won the outer Trench of the Castle and cutting down the Palizadoes fell upon the Watch and killed them not thinking of any danger from abroad Thus keeping one part from the relief of the other he became Conquerour of both and all that day battered the Castle with his Cannon which as it was principally strengthned with a Bank of moist plashy Earth so was it easily beaten down the Besieged therein were no less than eight hundred yet although the breach was not made wide enough and they were sensible of no force near to assault them feared nevertheless the Bridge taken by the Enemy and many other doubtful and unseasonable events of chance but chiefly by the commixture of those who flying from the Battel in the night and mingled themselves among them and would not suffer one among them to remain honest and just And throwing down their Arms with horrible clamours and threats and force against their Commanders if they could not consent forthwith to surrender And just as the Count Solmes was bringing to them Relief they marched out late in the Evening being derided by their Enemies and according to the merits of their cowardise punished by their Commanders in chief so highly oftentimes are the manners and Customs of an Age corrupted that the remedies of evils are more to be feared than the evils themselves The Spaniard having thus sooner nay beyond his hope obtained so easie an entrance against all stops drained all the ground near the Trench and from thence what with Stratagems and what with force he sorely battered all the Fortifications encompassed with the Trench and also by the help of the Fort could now secure the River draw his Forces round the Town and take order for encamping them and which was as much as all this by reason hereof the prices of all things were abated which the difficulty of transporting before had made so scarce that the Souldiers were much pinched with hunger The Besieged laboured and earnestly strove by breaking down some water to have let in an inundation upon their Enemies but they found means to prevent the same and turned all those Banks which they had gotten from the Townsmen to serve against them for present use But they bending their whole study to procure eruption of the Water made a Cave under their Walls whereby they might drown them unawares and after much slaughter some Ensigns and Prisoners were taken without harm to the Assaylants while they took the Souldiers either idle in their Quarters or sometimes at play at Dice which of late is become the passe-time of Military retirements and leysure or if they were forewarned by the Sallyers out-cryes that a greater number came out they would shun the danger either by fighting at distance and waveringly or else by a lingring and flow retreat The Cannon aid the greatest damage together with Granadoes for against all persons that came towards the City there were empty Baskets set out for blindes as well to hinder their sight as to keep off their Darts notwithstanding all which not onely they that were fain to expose themselves to danger in their continual attendance upon the batteries were slain but also not a few of the Commanders were in like manner killed and among these Rones by whose advice all the noble actions of the Spaniards atchieved in France were managed but that both the Archduke Albertus Fontayne and the Duke of Parma took the glory thereof to themselves by commanding the same things He was by Nation a Lorrayner and of a Noble Family who from the beginning of the French Commotions follow'd the Party and Fortune of Francis de Valois Afterwards the Duke of Guise observing him to be a man no less subtilly politike than truly valiant and one that would not think any thing dishonest that was profitable by great Gifts and Bounty made him his own In these last years he had under-hand discover'd many of the Spanish Counsels to King Henry as if his Affection banded towards him but in truth that he might hide his greater Aims The Office of Camp-Master-General being void by his Death was bestow'd upon Hermaâ— Count Heremberg But to proceed The Townsmen were by their own streights compelled to fight the Banks and Hills round about beholding them with a threatning Aspect for Varas being General of the Ordnance under the Duke had armed all those places with Cannon Thus there was nothing cover'd but their filthy biding places under Ground or which lay under the Covert of the lofty Rampire Count Solmes being wounded with a Shot in the Thigh perform'd the Duties of his Command by Messengers and Conference with the Collonels And Prince Maurice himself from the Neighbouring Shore had an Eye towards all Things so as whoever were wounded or unable to bear Arms being near fifty every day were taken out of the Town and plac'd in Hospitals in the several adjacent Cities and Islands Piron also a Collonel of Zealand by continuall labour and studious vigilancy weakned and fallen sick was licensed to depart Supplies and all other Things necessary for War or Provisions were brought thither also from the same place first by the Care of Ernestus of Nassau and afterwards by Captain Dorpius And the Garrison by little and little increased till there were in the Town 36 Companies and in Nassau's Fort 6 Companies Besides such plenty of Corn that when they could not conveniently keep it within the Town part of it was laid up in the Ships But this was hardly to be indured by the Enemy that Ships should so frequently pass to and fro as in Trade while he lay there in Siege And therefore against the Port they raised severall long Works sometimes extending one way anon turning another way that so they might from thence infest the Haven with their Artillery but for the most part in vain For by the interposition of the Marishes and long distance of place the Shot was spent before it came to the place which it was intended to batter And besides the Enemy lay within reach of the Shot from Nassau Fort. And the flowing of the Sea growing more violent prov'd to them both an hindrance and damage From thence the Italians under the Leading of the Marquess of Trevigiana attaqued the Fortification which Count Solms had lately made before the Gate of the Town looking towards the Camp First they begun with plain and open force of Pioneers but as soon as appearing out of the Trench they found themselves gall'd with Shot presently raising two Breast Works they inclosed their Flanks and then began to shoot furiously and the Italians soon after climbing up to the very bottom of the Fortification were thrown down in Fight from whence again rising
by the Valour of the Zelanders thick showrs of Bullets and casting of Wild-fire they were totally put to flight They had joyn'd to them some other Aids of other Nations which stood every one separated by themselves that so their Valour might be the better discerned Nay and a proper Band of Voluntiers was commanded to go forward with not onely Military Ensigns display'd before them but such as were wont to be used at Processions and Solemn Times of Prayer appointed by the Church This was an ordinary thing with the Spaniards of old as often as they had War against any Profane or Barbarous Enemy and because it is a Nation much addicted to the Ceremonies of Religion there is no surer way can be devised to encourage them On the other side the several Regiments by turns took care of the Guards and the whole multitude of Towns-people became subservient to the War bringing Darts to the Souldiers and Faggots Fire-Brands and other Materials both for Offence and Defence Thus for three days one after another continued a sharp Fight but with the greatest slaughter of the Assailants for as the Souldiers of the first Rank by reason of their heavy Armour were like a Wall to the rest their Arms not being penetrable by Shot so if they were kept nigh at hand for the avoiding of stroke by their standing still they hindred both themselves and others At last they fell from Force to Stratagems the one beginning to undermine the other to countermine so as the Damage yet fell equally There were some for the Assailants who partly by the plainness of the overturned Ground in one part and partly by the rising thereof in another were helped by the Slaughters both of their Friends and Enemies But then did Death appear most terrible when the Ground made uneven by daily Graves and slippery with Bloud caused such as stagger'd thereon that they could neither avoid to tread upon the sprawling Limbs of their Fellow-Souldiers nor keep themselves from being annoy'd though in the heat of Fury by their dying spurns Notwithstanding all which the increasing Enemy drove the Defendants to Extremity and lest being the less follow'd they might at once break through the Bulwark which already began to lye open by Breaches made with continuall Battery there was raised more inwardly by the Providential Care of Count Solms a new Work in form of a Half-Moon and with a deep Trench whither was drawn together a great strength of Souldiers to make resistance Neither did the Spaniard keep long the use of that Fortification which they had obtain'd with so much Labour and Bloud For whatever remain'd thereof the Besieged threw down by the force of Gun-powder from a Mine and besides in the void place which lay between that and the Rampire they had made a little lurking Hole from whose obscure mouth they shot against the Enemy who hardly detecting the fraud yet at last when discovered they stopped it up from doing further mischief but when the Besiegers had stopped it up behind also first throwing fire therein the repressed force thereof at length burst out with â—â—â—th violence that it overwhelmed with Earth divers of the Enemies In the interim they ceased not to drain all the rest of the Water out of the Trench and to batter the Rampire with so much the more violence because the breaches of the Walls were sustained by Palizadoes decaying towards the bottom and whereever at any time the Works grew defective the Townsmen brought thither Faggots Wood and other heaps of things to amend of stop up the same Neither was the Assaylants labour small against the mayn Bullwark that reached to the ravelin at the Haven which they began to batter without success for the Gunpowder destined to that Work being by chance fired destroyed many of the by-standers with so much Thunder and terrour that it was heard beyond the Sea of Middleburg At which time either by reason of this chance or else being otherwise wearied the Besiegers fury beginning somewhat to abate a select party out of several Companies of Hollanders to the number of six hundred at open noon-day that being the time of the Waters great ebbe passed over the River partly with Boats and partly by the Fords and attained the parts beyond the River and then so suddenly slying into divers places that they slew the Spaniards even within the Trenches wherein they lay fortified The great Guns that were planted against them as they sailed over the River they clogged because they could not bring them away and presently after so beat down and worsted several Troops of Horse and eight hundred Foot that came to relieve their Fellows or revenge their deaths that they returned with very great Honour and little or no damage And after this they made from other parts of the Town many succesful Sallies yet for all there things the Spaniard continued to batter the Walls and in one place had made a breach in the Bulwark where there was not a more inward Work though Prince Maurice had commanded one to be made there the neglect whereof was excused by them that were guilty of it by the Townsmens poverty and Souldiers inability to undergo so many and great labours at once Albertus according to the Custom of War sent another Summons to the Town being in this Condition denouncing against them great threats unless they would surrender Whereto receiving a couragious Answer he yet durst not begin a new Assault because in the former Skirmishes he had lost above two thousand men among whom fell many Captains and other Commanders with the most vallant men while they drew the Souldiers to prolong the Fight by their Example striving to win to themselves favour and Reputation with the new Governour and also an incredible number of sick and wounded men were scattered in the Fields for the Neighbouring Cities would not entertain them the horribleness of which Spectacle made a mixture together of fear and pity Therefore he endeavours to undermine the Rampire and Bulwark but without any certain hope so long as they daily saw fresh men brought into the Town but Fortune soon after ridded them of this trouble for some did advise suspecting the lying still of so furious and active an Enemy that they should endeavour to get from the Besieged some Islands and Fords whereby they might command the River and Ships Others that Ambushes should be laid to break into the City from the Trenches whereby not onely the Front as heretofore but the backside also should be rendred unsafe or else to give sudden Assaults upon the breaches Thus fear inventing many things first conceived in the brest of one is afterwards made publick by voyce and consent of others whereupon some who were eloquent presently said that to begin to extoll the Enemies Forces and to undervalue their own which had before in those days slighted their greatest Valour was one of the greatest evills that could be Hereupon they go to
of Mettal as the Spaniard did but only from the Love and Benignity of her Subjects And the Irish Rebellion as it inforced the new raising of Money at Home so likewise it necessitated her to call in what she had abroad On the other side the Dutch Embassadors first rendring many Thanks beseeched her to stand to the League complaining That they had had but a short Benefit of those Things which had bin agreed 12 Years before And that the Covenants did not set down any set number of Souldiers whereupon they who as they never had stagger'd in their Fidelity nor had inclined to the War with wavering Counsels yet had bin by the uncertainty of Forces oftentimes revolved unto vain Attempts and that this was very unseasonable in the heat of War to expect that which did not begin to be a debt until there were a Peace setled as by the Agreement will appear That their Condition was not so much alter'd but that they still deserv'd rather Pity than Envy For besides the rich Cities of Brabant they had lost certain Towns at the Maes and particularly those which were most convenient both by Sea and Land for raising and collecting the Flandrian Tributes Nor had they bin at a small charge after the driving away the Spanish Fleet from England in so many Naval Expeditions of the English and to what end had they assisted France but that the War might be repelled and the Seas be kept open while the Enemy was imploy'd at Land Hereto was added the Shipwracks they had suffer'd the restriction or taking of their Ships the breaches of their Banks by the Sea and other daily Evils they had undergone by Misfortunes and Casualties Concerning these Things there was a long Argument with Bodley who was Leiger for the Queen among the Hollanders concerning the Dutch Affairs Notwithstanding all which Queen Elizabeth grew every day more obdurate till at length she was mollified by procrastination but chiefly by the Supplies they sent to her for the Cadiz Voyage But no sooner was the benefit of that Kindness consum'd but presently the same Contest was again renew'd and Sebastian Lose James Valquy and Abel Franken being sent Embassadors into England the Queen gave them this short Answer That that was not the intent of the League that the Hollanders should prolong a War against themselves on purpose to delay without measure or end the payment of those Charges by others disbursed for them And as to the Peace they hoped if it proved disadvantageous to them neither had it been profitable to her those 12 years having both for that time and hitherto eâ—hausted both her self and her people in sending them perpetual Aids and keeping the Towns deliver'd to her for a Pledge And what kind of Alliance must that be whose very Branch must depend upon the pleasure of another But if they would look upon the Laws as the Queen was pleased to do she would urge nothing further than was in them That it was truly so conceived Words of Promise upon Honour were plighted The Lord Burghly added also the Irish Rebellion and the proper fears of England were Causes just enough why the Queen might fall off from those Agreements when even private Promises are wont to be absolved upon unexpected Events Therefore this Debate of Right being in vain and but for a shew made use of the Hollanders ran back to their old Guard shewing the danger they should incur from all their Neighbouring Dominions if the strength of their Cities already weakned should be utterly dejected by such Demands and so much both of Wealth and Power by Sea added to the Spaniards But above all when the dubious state of the matter and so discordant in the setling the Account of Receipts and Disbursements had almost brought them to a Non-plus The English urged the payment at least of some part of the Debt and for the future not to seek a Remedy against growing Danger from old Covenants as by Compulsion but rather to merit new Favours by their Gratitude and Thanks for the former The Embassadors with many humble Intreaties offer'd That there should be an Annual Portion paid notwithstanding all their present streights and the residue at the end of the War which the Queen slighted as inconsiderable while in the interim a great fearspread it self arising from a Rumor that there was Hostility intended against her in Spain and that the preparations there made to that purpose were greater than ever before Hereupon the Wise of those times began seriously to consider of both Affairs and judged that the Hollanders were not so much oppressed with Poverty but that it would oblige them to the Queen in a strict Alliance especially considering the danger of so great a Loss and that the Queen might at some time want Money they might well bear unless their Counsel could put the Hollanders now tyred with importunate Demands in mind of her Power it being not to be suffer'd that her Debtors should raise themselves to a more prosperous Fortune by Foreign Amities Now the Count of Bulloyne was sent into England to conclude the long Treaty of a League between the two Kingdoms which was at last agreed upon in manner following The League and Alliance concerning infâ—ring or resisting Wars between or upon the King of France and the People of England is concluded under these Articles and Conditions That all former Leagues and Covenants be confirmed That both shall endeavour to bring other Princes and Nations into the same League And when either shall be offended or invaded at Home that one common Army of the Allies shall transferre the War into the Enemies Country That it shall not be lawfull for either Kingdom without the other to make either Peace or a General Truce That either shall assist the other with Arms and other things necessary for War among themselves at a reasonable price and without fraud and aid the Souldiers with all Provisions without Treachery That all things relating to Religion and Travellers of either Country be used no otherwise than as naturall Subjects That the King of France use no violence to any English for difference in Religion and in regard he was at the present most subject to the Injuries of his Enemies the Queen promised him four thousand English Souldiers for the Defence of Normandy and Picardy which are the nearest parts of France to her Kingdom giving them half a years Pay and taking Pledges But if they were kept any longer there it should be at the King's Charge Who on the other side promised the like Aid to the Queen so as they should remain near the Shore or within fifty Leagues That it may be lawful to raise and take into Pay four thousand men and the Command of the Souldiers to be in that Prince within whose Borders the War is These were the Heads that were publickly known for by some private Agreements the number of Souldiers the Queen was to send this year was
to the King and not to refuse Garisons as before they did The King himself the thoughts of Peace being shaken off spent all his time with his Allyes so that now he seemed ready to accept the same Conditions which the English had offered before concerning Calais In the mean time the Fortune of one day made the French a long work to recover what was lost whereupon the Horse being Quartered all about the Country from thence Biron encreased his Forces by all means to besiege Amiens untill the King himself came before it and being allured to try his turn he unfortunately attempted Artois by blowing up the Walls with Gun-powder and Scaling-Ladders Nor had the French any better success either at Cambray or Dorlens And the Spaniards likewise lost their design upon Gravewaert an Island within the division of the Rhine and also upon Steenwie against which there were a thousand Foot out of the Garrisons twenty and four hundred Horse gathered together by several marches These in the dead of the night having cut down the Palisadoes that stood in the way endeavoured to come up to the Rampire And as they had much forwarded their first attempts by silence so that the terrour might by reason of the darkness be greater they assaulted divers parts of the Walls with a hideous Outcry and Singing but the Sentinels not troubled with bare noyses exposed themselves to the danger and that advertised others that stood not far off for most of them were in small covered Huts near the Rampire part of whom without their Cloaths as they leaped out of their Beds threw down Stones upon the Assaylants heads as they climbed up the Walls Others half Armed killed the Enemies retiring from the Rampire or else by their shot driving away such as came on afresh and pursuing them when they fled Thus the Assaylants though divers times gathering fresh Courage yet at length were beaten off striving to hide the greatness of their slaughter by carrying away the dead Bodies privately About the same time as it Fortune intended to bear her self equally towards all Prince Maurice conducting some Foot and a few Troops of Horse to Niâ—ghen without any halt upon their march with a well-layd design upon solid Counsel to take Venloo was met by ill success though he had before sent some Souldiers up the River aboard two Ships out of the first the Souldiers coming ashore had now taken the Gate and killed such as guarded the same helped also by the foreknowledge of some in the City But the other Ship laden with an hundred Souldiers was hindred by the slacking of the wind and a Ford or Shallow in the River in which time the day-light fully appearing the Townsmen assembled and with great labour stopped at first the inner Gate then their number encreasing they drove away those that kept the Skirts of the Town being not above fifty men And as they sled they were wounded by the Seamen from Leige In this third Experiment of his Valour was slain Matthias Holly yet no less worthy of Honour there then at Breda and Nordam With him also fell Schalque the Captain of the Ship Others were taken and punished that the right of War might as it were by consent prevail in averting such kinds of dangers One who had delivered or rather betrayed the Gate by a Politick confidence running about the City affrighted as it were with the common terrour and not being known escaped away on the contrary side of the Town Moreover some Souldiers being sent with a Fleet to the Coast of Flanders returned having effected nothing In this mean while the Count of Bulloyn with a small party wasting and plundering Henault and the Country about the Maes never rested long in one place and Prince Maurice's Horse being by their late Victory grown more confident going out of their Garrisons in Brabant and Gelderland were both of them though in several places surprised by the Enemy and slain Then was the Summer spent among the Hollanders in trivial actions and attempts and by the Archduke in taking care to retain and keep Amiens and because the Vnited Provinces while they had leisure neglected all occasions of the War having enough to do to send ayd to their Allyes and not themselves also to be wearied out At this time some discords begun to grow among them although not sufficient to make a breach of the League yet the more suspected because they fell out at that time The City of Groeninge and they that inhabited the open Country between the Rivers Emes and Lecke breathing out inveterate and cankered hate one against the other were not easily united or reconciled while the City obstinately urgeth those things which the Duke of Parma had granted to it when it followed the Kings Party not by a setled and perpetual Law but in the manner of an Interloquatory Edict On the contrary the Boors brake the antient League with it and refuse all Society as if the City had endeavoured a diminution of their liberty whereas they would manage their own business separately It was true that as formerly all the People of Germany so likewise the Frizons had distinct Dominions that no Consultations should be held but by their Consent But the Country beyond Lecke and such as were distinguished into Dorpes had agreed by Article to joyn their Forces with those of the City which was their Neighbour as well against foreign as domestick evills to whom likewise flourishing in Merchandise and Reverenced for Sanctimony of Judgment they had given great Authority in the ordering both and all the Neighbouring People willingly offered them thereby the Reward of their Allyance being accustomed there to proclaim all their Solemn Conventions But that which at the beginning was free by long use and many Covenants had now passed into the force of Law and Right yet this was not the time that all Bonds however strictly tyed should be loosed 'T is true the Spaniard looked upon it as a main part of his Potency to nourish the divisions of his Subjects by giving no definitive Sentence between them But the Strength of the United States was augmented by Concord and therefore they appointed Judges for the deciding these Controversies At first three and when the Country-People were offended at their Judgment nine others were added whose Decree was allowed and confirmed in the Counsel of the General States To this purpose the Deputies as well for the City as the Country are Commanded to make one Body Politick out of both to Govern as one Common-wealth and all matters of the greatest Concernment were to be debated in that Assembly but things of meaner quality to be discussed by the Deputies To their care was committed all the common Tributes and Taxes and whatsoever had belonged either to the Prince or Priesthood that in all equal suffâ—ages although the City should have Priority yet it should not have any Superiority yet it was provided that they who governed the
constancy was looked upon by all the Netherlanders with great câ—mmiseration Report adding to the novelty of the matter in regard of old many millions of Butcheries were transacted upon short and small hearing And afterwards Albertus thought it almost enough to punish Crimes of that sort by threatnings but if at any time he proceeded further the torments were inflicted in more secret manner At this time a return of thanks was made to those several Kings and Princes who had been solicitous for the peace of the Netherlands recommending their Affairs in particular to every one of them And in the interim by reason of the Arch-Dukes envy they stirred up all who had any care of Religion to a severe revenge The Entertainment and Charge of the Embassadors was defrayed out of the publick Stock out of which also at their departure great gifts were given to them In their Letters to Germany they excused several incursions into the adjoyning parts of their Country by the like actions of the Spaniards and the necessity of the War whereto there was but one remedy to wit utterly to drive them away as far as was possible against whose insolency in taking several places of Germany they had often received a hearing but never any redress Whereupon they were compelled concerning this affair also to put all their hope in their Arms which yet should not be prejudicial to the Neighbours all about that were in peace to which purpose they had lately augmented the Souldiers pay that so they might be kept subject by a stricter Discipline The Danes also seperately and a part requested that the War wherein they were altogether unconcerned might not be made a burthen to them and that they might not be restrained from Spanish Commerce which Queen Elizabeth by the same Embassadors had denyed to the Kings of Denmark and Poland and when they praised nature who willed the Sea should be open to all and the right of exchange or Trade be debarred to none She answered That there was nothing so congruous to the Customs both of men and nature it self then to repel danger and therefore no wise man would suffer him to receive any assistance who lay at watch for his ruine Nor did she deny them Arms onely but all other sores of Provisions whatsoever avouching in defence of the same an antient League of the English with the Anseatike Cities and the examples of other Princes deriding the vanity of Paulus Dialius behaving himself insolently protesting she rather took him for a Herald then an Orator nor did she spare his Master Sigismund himself who she said was ignorant what belonged to a King and for that he received his Government but by Election That his Father and Grandfather when they warred with the Muscovile shewed another kind of respect to England But this was all the thanks the was like to have who had by her Embassadors care and pains delivered Sweden from the Muscovitish War and freed Poland from the Turks But the Hollanders not esteeming it just to prescribe harder Laws to others then they were willing to submit to themselves did not intercede hinder other people from going to the Westward and the Enemies Coasts by the same Rule that the United States themselves did This year were made some expeditions by Sea begun with great Councels but by reason of so many incertainties to little or no purpose for the English encouraged by the yet fresh success of the Cadiz Voyage made new and great preparations at Sea to countervail the Enemies designs there and fall upon the rich Islands of the Azores with endeavour also to seize and take all Ships coming from the other far distant World The Queen set forth sixteen strong and well armed Ships among which were two taken at Cadiz to whom the Hollanders joyned twenty of theirs under the Conduct of their Admiral Warmonde besides almost threescore less Vessels for carrying the Souldiery and Instruments of War wherein were contained some great Artillery for battering of Cities and Towns together with six thousand Land Souldiers although they heard that divers numbers of Foot Souldiers were levied and ready upon all the Sea-Coasts of Spain The Command as General both of the Fleet and Souldiers was committed to the Earl of Essex for the avoiding those evils which of late a divided Commission had made them sensible of In the Moneth of July they set Sayl favoured at first with the calmness of the Sea and a gentle Northerly Wind but soon after the Wind encreasing and when the Fleet was arrived in the great Ocean over against Gallicia the Sea and the Heavens changed Countenance for the Ships being tossed in the surging Waves of a horrible Sea divided as well the Counsels of the Commanders as separated the Ships one from another Some having more nimble Vessels were hurried in oblique courses even into the Coasts and sight of Spain and many wearied by the Sea and dangers that they might the sooner return into their Country of their free wills followed the pleasure of the Winds But although the Earl of Essex his Ship was restrained by the loss of her Masts and the springing of several great Leaks so that the entring Water could hardly be exhausted by all the toyl and labour of the Pump yet did he still endeavour to go forward and steere his course even in despight of Fortune Until at last all sight being taken away with the thick darkness of the Clouds and the sense of hearing become useless by the out-cryes of such as were over-charged with fear the dashing of the Waves and the blustring of the Winds present fear had made the Seamen senseless of their duties so that there was no obedience to Commands Thus by the consent of the Commanders most of the Ships having many Leaks so that they could hardly be kept upright with all their labour yet at last he brought them all back into England safe the tenth day after he went out where while they waited for their Companions and contrary Winds detain them in the Port by scarcity of Provisions and the increasing of Diseases they were compelled to dismiss their Ships of burden and Souldiers retaining onely one Regiment which being well Disciplined in Military Affairs Sir Francis Vere had brought thither by the consent of the Hollanders And now their Counsels being contracted as their Forces and the hope of a Land War totally lost it was thought convenient to wait about the Islands of Azores to intercept the great Fleet now ready to return from the Indies But the English Ships being again torn and spoyled by cruel Tempests Essex having long compassed the Sea and wasting the Islands was at last by the error of his Pilots carryed out of his way and Sir Walter Rawleigh not able any longer to be subject to Command took his course though without any certainty another way The Spaniards in the mean while arrive at the Port of Augra on the contrary part of the Isle Tercera the
â—ssant Kingdoms and People into one Body by a like Simâ—de and Alliance of Chance it would be no wonder though I should weary my self in the plentiful recital thereof and should undertake the Toil of deciphering all both persons and places where such Things have been seen But my Work is circumscribed and brought into a narrower Compass for here is not to be declared the Conjunctions of Allies fatal Battels eminent Slaughters and great Dangers but onely the Sieges and Assaults of some mean Towns and that too if I discern any thing more for advantage and gain than pleasure or ambition For in many other Parts there have been of old yea even among our own Ancestors more numerous Armies Fifty or Threescore Thousand have been oft muster'd in the Fields sufficient to have drawn after them in common Judgment the success of a War in which Tempestuous Meetings the whole Discipline depended in nothing more than to equalize Valour keep footing and drive away the Enemy But the following Age participated of less Cruelty by the use of more Policy nor as before were the hazards of War run upon at adventure to the decision of a Quarrel at a Fight but by fortifying against intervening Dangers and on the contrary when a visible strength is found either near or far off to lay open all fenced places dry up all Fenny and Moorish Parts to fill up Valleys and level Hills Which if any one would sift out and Value according to the Experience of the Times and the War no Land before our own could shew the like Patterns where a man might find Cities either more strong or more frequent Hither have been brought all the Politike Inventions both of Pristine and Modern Warfare the long continuance of the War having drawn from all Parts Foreign Spectators as to a publike School of War For at this very time the chief Dukes Counts and Great Commanders as well out of Germany France Britain as from other more remote Parts follow'd the Prince in the management of the War in Over-Issel Himself went beyond the River Lippe in Germany but the Ships were conveyed through the Rhine and so into the Issel till they arrived at Doesburg A little further inward lies Grolle within the Jurisdiction of Zutphen which having been besieged formerly about two years ago though in vain did seem to be a Reproach to the Prince unless it were taken The Fortifications of this Town were not ordinary boasting the Care of the Emperour Charles the Fifth for their strength and Limits There were five great Bulwarks standing out from the Rampire with such Flankers as commanded on every side any that should venter to assault it The compass of the City is but small and under the Government of John Count Strumbo with a Garison of eight hundred Foor and three Troops of Horse nor had he omitted when he heard of the Prince's Approach towards him to amend and make thicker his Works But the Prince nothing affrighted therewith but esteeming it very advantageous that the Enemies Horse should be shut up which otherwise might possess and infest the Ways straight with more than ordinary diligence to prevent any suddain Sallies by one continued Trench with interposed Forts in one Night he quite inclosed two parts of the City Eight hundred Souldiers were designed to the Work and were guarded by Two Thousand others in Arms. The next Night he encompassed with like Expedition the two remaining parts in the day time the Works were made more strong and compleat from thence towards the Towns the way was broken by many Turnings and Windings which while they were made and soon after the Water brought thither which before had been contained in the Town Trenches they were quickly fill'd up with Earth The Besieged were very obstinate in their denying to surrender by all means endeavouring to revenge themselves with their Guns and by their frequent Sallies until Prince Maurice his Gunners shot fire into the Town which taking and expatiating it self to the burning of above Threescore Houses made them turn all their Care from the hindring of the Prince's Works to the preservation of themselves and what belonged to them Nor yet did faint although they were afflicted with Fire and Wounds within and with the terrible Fear of unknown Miseries from abroad having in two places begun some inward or second Works for their better Defence in case the old Works before them should be beaten down and become useless But afterwards when the Prince had wrought seven Galleries unto the very Rampire of the Town which he commanded to be undermined and blown up and likewise that Four and Twenty Pieces of Canon should be drawn down for Battery that so the Town might on all sides be laid open by Breaches The Garison recanted their Obstinacy and craved Pardon which was granted to them This was the 17th Day of the Siege some were appointed to conduct the Enemy marching off with his Horses and Colours and Waggons and Ships to carry away such as were sick but upon all was laid this Restriction That within three Months they should not bear Arms about the River Maes About two hours Journey from Grolle is distant Breefoort a small Town of the same Jurisdiction but for the strength of the same reckoned among the chief for one continued Work runs round the Town noâ— is there any passing beyond it but by one narrow Path every place else all about being incompassed with unpassable Marishes and Moors which a man no sooner treads upon but he sticks in the Mud and Dirt so that there was no way to go on to an Assault not any place to pitch a Camp for continuing the Siege Nor were other Things provided with less Care The Wall being of very antient Work was surrounded with a very deep Trench which was the Work of Martino Rossem when he made Wars in those Parts Fourty Years before Three hundred Souldiers were sufficient to maintain the small Circumference of the Works about this small Town But it was reported that both these and the Townsmen were in Contest and had a difference with the Governour whose Name was Gardoto by which means greater strength was added to their fear of our extrinsick Terrour Nevertheless they were not hearkned to that urged a Surrender as repining at the Governours Authority in whom there was too much Courage for the present Condition of Affairs there or else for that their Confidence in the strength of the place with those helps before-mentioned had made them all agree in this But Prince Maurice persisting the Souldiers were much troubled with the appearance of so great Labour and the vastness of the Marishes more offended than their daily Conflicts with the Enemy especially because they were ignorant what Swâ—llows and Quagmires lay hid in the deceitful Nature of the Soil For the Ground which lately was firm and solid by the then wetness of the Season with continual Showers were overflow'd and cover'd with Water
Prince of Aurange Areschet and Haurech write to Prince Maurice That he would by his Authority prevail as much as he could with the United States to set an end so much desired to the War That it would be not onely to his Renown at the present but to the everlasting Honour and advancement of the House of Nassau for the future At this time was heard also one Daniel Molain a private Merchant but of great Repute who reported himself incited thereto by his Brothers dissembled sickness and came to Antwerp and from thence was brought to Bruxels to the speech of Richardot Assonville the Abbot of Marol Haurech and at last of Albertus himself The sum of all his Discourse was tending to Peace so also were all their Counsels and there was nothing omitted that might obtain Credit among the Hollanders All the Princes protesting That their Religion should not be medled with that the Government of the Commonwealth should remain in the hands of themselves and their Posterity and that King Philip had such esteem of Prince Maurice his Vertues that he would detract nothing from his Honour but destin'd for him the chief Command of the Hungarian Warre But the States although before they were resolved for War yet grew more indurate and averse to Peace by reason of some Letters of Philip's by them intercepted wherein the manifest contrary to all these former Offers was discover'd And besides these the Treason of Peter Danny of Ipre was found out at the same time He was a man of a slothful Nature but such are generally the most ready Instruments to put in practice the most impious Attempts This man being suspected by his looks and taken related his Condition That the Cruelty of his Creditors to whom he was very much indebted was such that nothing would content them but to throw his Body into the worst Prison they could find of which he endeavour'd with grief of heart to have an end but could not find any means to compass the same in which perplexity he fell among the Jesuits at Doway and served them for Wages The President of whom making a Speech how great and meritorious a Work it would be to the Christian World out ef so many Multitudes of men to kill but one which raged with Cruelty working the destruction of many this presently inflamed his Mind over-whelmed before with Misery to murther Prince Maurice And if he did it himself if he survived or else his Son was to be rewarded But if he failed in the Attempt yet they promised him to go to Heaven He added further That by the Domestick Exhortation of his Wife who being restless by reason of her Cares and not able to indure a little misery was urged to put on a Man-like Resolution to act his Design where with being instigated and confirmed therein by the same President by the Sacred Tye of Religion and the Absolution of his Sins he took his Journey and came into Zeland and from thence to Leyden where his Conscience beginning by little and little to dislike the villainous horrour of the Fact together with the fear of danger that would insue at last he began to repent and alter his wirked Intentions After he had many Times by Intervals repeated these same Things being convict by his own Testimony on the 23 of July he was put to death by Command of the Magistrates of Leyden whose Sentence was confirmed by the Superiour Judges There were some on the adverse Party who ashamed of the wickedness of the Fact would have denyed the whole substance of the matter As this Year was famous for great Alterations so was it a long time very free from Warlike Expeditions only near Nâ—mâ—eghen a few Foot Souldiers were worsted by some of the King's Horse and again beyond the Maes among many Troops of the Hollanders one belonging to Mansfeldt was slain the Conquerours returning not without Prey Besides a few other petty Attempts and vain Endeavours to have done greater The reason of this Quiet might be because the United States spared their Provisions and Charges for Times of Necessity and for that Albertus labouring to add a great Terrour to his offer'd Peace had determined not to proceed before his Army was increased with the Regiments that came from the Cities of France that were to be deliver'd according to the Treaty Which Regiments denying to surrender the Garrisons they held until they had received their Pay and a dreadful President beginning in the Town of Chastellet by Seditious Licentiousness for that Money being raised for them made other places more inward in the Country to rage with unwonted Fury and chiefly because he saw that Count Heremberg was not able to appease the Tumult in Gelders without present Money and immediate sending them away At this time there were some grumbling Complaints and contumacious Behaviours But when the Business of setling a new was put in Agitation at Antwerp as generally the Souldiery love to make Disturbances about the Changes of Governments Seditions broke out in several places at once but chiefly among them that kept the 〈◊〉 aâ— Antwerp being 500 Spanish Foot with some Horse who being bent against the City which they supposed obnoxious to them were provoked to take from thence the Price and Reward of their Crimes Wherefore putting out their Old Commander Augustinâ—â— Mexia they Elected into his place a Sergeant a Fellow of a Malapert and Sawcy Tongue but faithful to his Companions in their greatest Crimes They reckon'd due to them as well for their Belgike as Italian Service in the Wars the Remainders of 22 Months Pay which while they were paid off they compelled in the interim the Towns People to allow a Floren a day to a Horseman and half as much to a Footman Nor did their injurious proceedings rest here for they set a Tax upon all pretious Garments and Houshold-stuff and all other Instruments of Luxury not spating those Sinks of Iniquity common Strumpets and all this was done in contumely of that but late most flourishing City Without doubt there was never any Action shew'd more arrogant Pride than their manner of exacting They would shoot off their Muskets and other Guns until the People came voluntarily and asked them Whether they would please to command any thing Soon after this the Garrison Souldiers of Liere were observed to associate Themselves in Counsels and in the Borders of Lutzenberge Messengers brought word that the Walloon Regiments having thrown off their Obedience did fortifie themselvâ— â—th many others flying out of the City They who staid there either by reason of their Estates or Business part of them compared this Force with the Dissimulation of Requesene's formerly others likened it to the violent Irruption Slaughter and Devastations made with Fire by Rhoda thus weighing their present Fear by their past Sufferings In all this hurli-burly the Deputies of the Magistrates brought no other Comfort from Albertus besides Excuses of the publike Poverty so
their Captains or Companions so that Mendosa himself could hardly so interpose as to pacific the Walloons and Spaniards fallen together by the ears in a sudden tumult but that they would even before the Generals Tent have encounters even to blood-shed and spoil their Captains even in his sight Besides the Noblemen differed in Counsel out of envy one to another Lewis Velasco General of the Ordnance undertook to drive Prince Maurice out of his Station and boasted that after he had so done he would harasse all along the Rivers Issell and Rhine and further that he would magnificently and like a Souldier pierce into the very bowels of the Hollanders Country Count Heremberg passing to the right hand marched a safer way as far as the Eemes taking easie possession of a Country where there were no Forces to resist him or else as if because he had known the Country he had as it were come thither to challenge the Prince to fight and because he did not meer him studied nothing but revenge in their daily spoils And this might be believed the Reason why his Son being at that time in the Army was called the Transamatian Count. Of all which things the Prince being informed as well by intercepted Letters as by Intelligence of some Souldiers that were come over from them to him admonished the City of Embden of the danger wishing them to be very vigilant in their own defence Now began grievous complaints every day to be made at the Duke of Cleves Court the Rulers of Moers envying the Spaniard and with doleful outcryes beseeching the Governours or Officers of the Army to intreat Mendosa on their behalf that he would let them have some ease and respite though not in peace and the enjoyment of their own which because they had lost by their sluggishness and cowardise they were ready forthwith to leave their Families desert their Country and freely go with them being stronger then themselves onely they requested that their Wives and Children might be permitted to leave that antient Seat of their Fathers that they might not be slaves to the vilest of the Spaniards and be unworthily vexed with contumelious words and scornful behaviour whereas otherwise they would not enjoy their liberty though to that purpose they lived in banishment which things were very grievously taken by those that hoped better things or else had been of Counsel with the Spaniards for they who had the chief Authority being hated by the Protestants did voluntarily call in the Spanish Forces to keep in awe the dissentors They who were more simply honest would take a Journey to the Rhine alledging that in a short time those miseries would be over and in the interim they must be excused as being customary among Souldiers for the revenging of small evils is but a provocation to greater That in a short time the whole World would be inslamed into a general War if they should run to Arms upon every slight offence of their Neighbours and some take part upon one side and some on another Hereto were added Albertus his Letters wherein he answered with much humanity Sybilla the Duke of Cleves Sister setting forth the necessity that compelled him at the present to do so many injuries but for the future protesting that as soon as the Rebels were conquered that peace and security should be restored to the Duke her Brother equally with himself But notwithstanding all these fair speeches his Souldiers growing every day worse and worse the Nobility Governours and Deputies of Cities were commanded to meet in the City of Cleves The Dukes name was onely used for a shew for as well his own as others miseries were concealed from him least his disease should be increased thereby But his Sister Sybilla being a Woman of a Masculine Spirit and Prudence sometimes spoke to them all otherwhiles to some particular persons not for encreasing the Princes Revenues nor to dispute about settlement of their Borders but to stand up in defence of their liberty and Consciences which were at once in danger wherefore they should awake and while they had time seek for remedies they should go and consult together for the common good and thus oftentimes with tears in her eyes she wrought pity and compassion in her hearers Whereupon laying aside all private animosities and discords it was decreed That the chief of the Cities being stengthened with Souldiers that should be speedily raised they should on all hands go to get what strength they could together for their defence All Germany is divided into ten parts which they call Circles five Superiour and five Inferiour The first of the three inferiour contains three Bishopricks whose Bishops are three of the seven Electors of the Empire and have under their dominions three free Cities Mentz Tryus and Colen within this also is the Palatinate whose Prince is another of the Electors besides divers other less dominions The second is Westfalia which we have described before wherein are the Princes of Cleves Frizeland beyond the Eemes and Walda with many Bishopricks The third and fourth contained Saxony And in that part that comprehends Misnia and Lusatia are the Duke of Saxony and Marquess of Brandenburgh two more of the Electors the Duke of Pomerania Anhalt and many other Princes and some Cityes herein are the Archbishops of Breme and Madgebâ—rg and five other lesser Bishops Besides the Dukes of Holsatia Brunswick Londari and Luneburg and many Cities by the Baltick Sea In the last which is called Burgundy is the Bishop of Besancon And to his Jurisdiction Duke Charles appointed that part of the Netherlands under his obedience Every Division hath a selected Governour who with some assistants dispatcheth all affairs of inferiour quality but calls a Council to determine the more weighty At that time Simon Count of Luppe had the charge of Westfalia whom then the Lords of Cleves desired to demand Moers from Mendosa and in case it should be refused that he would call a Council of the five inferiour divisions at Dortmund and in the mean time retaining the Souldiers that should go to Hungary with the Turkish tributes prevent a danger at home rather then a fear at so great a distance Not were they that were sent to the Emperor more backward to importune him with prayers and in like manner were sollicited all the Bishops resident about the Rhine as also the Count Palatine the Landgrave of Hessen and the Duke of Brunswick who all for fear the same evil should at one time or another creep towards them were ready to be drawn into a league of defence And the Colonians were dehorted that they should no more serve the Spaniards with provisions least thereby they seemed to encourage them in their design of common ruine Some also were commanded to go to Prince Maurice and to return him thanks that he had hitherto maintained the war with so little damage to the borderers and to desire him to proceed to convince the enemyes
Crimes they afresh batter'd and by the Ruine of the Gate not without bloud took Calcar a City of Cleves professing the Roman Religion which had refused to admit Souldiers of its own Jurisdiction but as a Winter Garrison Goch also a Town in the same Jurisdiction was subdued by Force of Battery But Genâ—cy and Santern were permitted to redeem Themselves from their Fear with Money He boasted with so much pertinacy his Hatred to Lutheranism and Calvinism That he commanded the Bishop of Patelborn and others to purge their Lands from such noxious Vermine and if they neglected to do it that his Souldiers should come thither who would neither spare the Lives of the Guilty nor the Estates and Fortunes of the rest This was terrible at first to them of Wesell who were commanded to readmit the Roman Rites by the Counsel of the Duke of Cleves usurping the Princes Right who by the German Laws have free power and authority tO settle Religion The United States had sent to the Senators or Burgomasters declaring that it was an unworthy thing at the beck of a barbarous Nation which had abjured from their actions all sense of piety to change that Religion which was setled by Law and by them received from their Ancestors admonishing the City that in this Cause of God they should not fear the power of man but should couragiously resolve against a storm that would continue but for a short space and that they would not be unmindful of the common Religion nor of any hospitable kindness but their fear being at hand and their hopes at a great distance had so unsetled their minds that they durst not stand the Contest Whereupon they prayed that they might but enjoy the one half of the Churches but that absolutely denyed their Ministers ejected and both the Churches and Schools given to the Jesuites a sort of men by that City generally hated And for the more exact completion thereof Coriblanus Garzadosâ— the Popes Nuntio in Lower Germany made solemn Processions sprinkling the Ground with Holy Water and cleansing the very Pulpits as guilty of impiety afterwards the Commons of the City for fifty years space accustomed to more plain and simple Rites were enforced to behold long Ceremonies of the Mass and all other things fitted for States which part of them beheld with rage others with laughter and contempt The Priests continued in the large recesses of their Temples mutually hating and hated for the People as violently required their own as they detested that strange Religion which enmity continued all the time the Spanish Forces abode in those Quarters but when once they were departed and they also that acted by their Authority the City returned again to her old Liberty and Customs At this time all the Consultations of Germany inclining to revenge Mendosa although he had hitherto pretended that it would be for the Kings profit if they should begin a War which they could not maintain and that he being ignorant of their Right as Romanes had rather deal with them according to Laws of War though in truth he was conscious that all in general were his Enemies yet having by Spyes tryed the affections and Authority of the most eminent Princes as what Allyances they had what the manner of their Leagues he neither spared Gifts nor any kind of Policy to breed a distraction and division among them at their meeting And at last it appeared worth his labour to inquire who supported that so deplorable with Counsel and Advice I know some will admire what they could at that time offer as a pretence in their own justification Wherefore I will in as shoâ—t a method as I can relate those things which Cardinal Andrews Envoy spoke at the Assembly of the Inhabitants about the Rhine within the Jurisdiction of Colen These after they had wasted much time in the inquiring contrary to the Custom of Embassadors of the Names and Instructions of those to whom they came at last as it were inforced to make a sudden defence they said They were much grieved that the enemies of the true Religion and the favourers of Rebels had so filled the Princes ears and the publick Assemblies with false and scandalous Reports as if it was unjust in the common cause of Christendom which the King of Spain defended to remit a few discommodities against particular persons For these Arms were not taken up for the Kings pleasure or ambition but for the repressing of Thieves and Robbers who slighting all power both of God and Man create and believe a right from their succesful villany Where were then those Assemblies and raisings of Souldiers in Germany and terrible decree when the Prince of Aurange actually engaged in a trayterous War but one but by example undermined all the Princes of the Empire All Powers were Armed by God that they might suppress growing evills and have often been punished justly for the neglect of their duty therein but they did not onely dissemble others injuries but their own when the Germane Fields were wasted and their Castles and Cities held by Rebels without any account demanded for the same That they needed no detractors so bitterly to incite them if the Germanes mindful of their duty by whose advice the Spaniard would have been advised had compelled those perpetual Enemies of peace at once to have laid down Arms which are never used without the damage of the Neighbours For what hath not been given by the Kings either the Father or the Son for the peace of Christendom who for the avoiding of envy having given the Netherlands from himself and all the next Summer a great Army at his Command yet had worn it out in the onely hopes of Peace until he oppressed his own Souldiers as well with want as with Winter foâ— his Treasury was most honestly employed in the freeing of France from War and Garrisons Then also how great care he used in the setling a strict Discipline whoever comes to succeed Mendosa in that charge will quickly be sensible how great a care and how difficult a work it was There was no right of Victory claimed in any of the places by them taken they onely desired entertainment therein and the Custody thereof for a short time with select and choyce Garrisons that the Countries round about might be guarded from the excursions of the Hollanders As to those faults objected against the Souldiers which escaped either the providence or punishment of the General notwithstanding the great noyse yet in themselves were but small if compared with the benefits heretofore done by the Emperour Charles and King Philip Let them also call to mind the Leagues for how should the Princes Bishops Cities say that it was free for them to follow neither party in this War who had been antient Allies and Companions of the Burgundians and whom Charles had obliged to himself for a general assistance in defence and support of the Romane Religion How often by that name have
how great mutations have happened in later times by frequent inundations when as yet there had not been suâ—h care taken for banks as at present and when the Maes run formerly another way as is set â—â—th in the antiquities of our fathers the name of the old châ—â—nel beyond Hesdin sufficiently testifies but now it runs thus That part of Gelderland which runs forth by Cleves between both the Rivers is by the Inhabitants properly called Maesland and by little and little growing narrower ends at the conflux of the Rivers which by their doubly mixed waters in a short space make the Island of Voorn from whence again dividing and growing distinct Rivers each follows his own course keeping their names till they meet again making a fair Island belonging to the Jurisdiction of Gildres whose chief place is the Village Harwarden and its utmost bounds the Castle of Lovesteine which is the name of a Town hard by the Isle of Bommel encompassed almost round about with the Waell This City in the Duke of Alva's time was one of the first that threw off serviâ—ude and from that instant hath held a firm Alliance with the Hollanders each to be a mutual defence to the other Not far from Harwarden are the bendings of the River and then the Isle is discovered a-again at the Village of Rossem famous for the birth of Martin of Rossem who at the command of the Emperor Charles first came into the Netherlands with a band of spoylers and afterwards changing his quarters entred France from hence these Rivers run separate and divided a great space but the Maes took a greater circuit more largely spotting it self in the fields of Brabant tending Southerly where in a strait course it looks upon Boisledac and so passeth in the middle between the fort of Creveceur and the Castle Hely within the Island afterwards falls into Holland and in a small division of it self surrounding the Isle Hemert and washing the walls of Hoesden finisheth his course in an entire body The Spaniards hopes and resolutions concerning the inâ—sion of these places was heightned by several guids sent to the tops of the Alps who upon their return with one consent did declare That the snows there being less than usual did promise small increase of the waters and Rivers And it was thought fit not to go in a great body but in several parties that by the shew of keeping their Camp at Gravewaert they might as long as possible make the Enemy linger and delay to give timely assistance Therefore they that had hitherto staid at Gennep now removed to Sapen as if they intended it only for securing their provisions soon after were added Barlot and Stanley with their Regiments of Spaniards Walloons and Irish four hundred horse under the conduct of Henry Count Heremberg first descending suddenly to assault Voorne Island if it were slackly guarded But perceiving it to be in vain they stayed hard by untill the boats that were to be brought in Carts from Boisleduc arrived to their help yet with their great Guns for they had brought some thither they shot at a Ship of the Hollanders which lay there to guard the River and passing the Maes not far from Rossem drove the Enemyes horse from off the banks while the Foot durst nor venture to resist and so entred the Isle of Bommel wandring sometimes here sometimes there waiting either for orders or more additional forces and the commanders themselves being equal in power fall at variance among themselves loosing thereby that fair opportunity the Cardinal Andrew fearing reproof and expostulatious more then was requisite in Martial Discipline And as at other times so here the goodness of God was manifest towards the Hollanders when for the most part all humane counsells were deficient for the managing of these great and apparent hopes against them For the City of Bommel a place of great esteem in the war lay almost open to any assailant the old Fortifications thereof being narrow and weak and the new begun three years before not perfect while the State being drawn to mind other affairs spared to lay out any moneyes about this place and the rather because the water on the one side and the â—arshy wetness of the earth on the other seemed to be a defence to it against the Enemy The Prince hearing of these things hasted speedily to march thither yet did not arrive till the second day after the Enemies passage yet before they had attained the bank of the Waell he came into the City and restored courage to the Citizens that were surprised with fear of the danger and preparing to fly For although he confirmed as well the Isle of Hemart as any other places he doubted both by his care and Souldiers yet he was most intent for Bommell where he himself was for the most part present to increase their garrison and to help forward their works And at this time there was manifested excellent wayes of dâ—fending Towns made use of frequently by the Prince afterwards and no less used by the Spaniards and the use thereof is likely to continue to perpetuity as oft as any are in feâ—r to be besieged by meeting the Enemy with far extended fortifications which yield a great space to the Defendants and keep off danger a longer time from the inner parts of a place for to the Forts which were joyned to the Breast-work more and more great Rampires were added which being themselves invironed with water did contain whatever was necessary for defence in their outermost line having many strong defences While these things were speeding forward the Spanish forces and they who marched away from Emmeric with other their associates who then by chance had begun to besiege Creveceur Fort met all together to whom the Fort was easily rendred as also what was opposite to the Fort in Hely Castle There Mendosa made a bridg of boats over the Maes for the transporting of his Souldiers and provisions wherewith he was abundantly supplyed from Boisleduc That City rejoycing that the Enemy was driven from being their neighbours and being very diligent and careful in the rest that they might with the less offence refuse a garrison they would admit Cardinal Andrew but with a certain number of men to come within their walls These strong attempts of the Enemy did not terrify the Hollanders but made them rather be more intent then before with courage to employ both their Wealth and Forces for they were about for the increasing their treasury to set a tax or impost upon all sales contentions and Inheritances which was taken very hardly but the two hundredth penny was more burthensome and therefore continued but a short while although the custome thereof was of old much commended among free people for the equality thereof But the Riches of many were unknown or else by reason of traffiquing uncertain and the suspected Faith of Professors hindred the same And this highly offended the common people
out went their Companions who either partly refused or at best were very slow in following the Example The Zelanders chiefly refused to advance their proper Charge by reason of some new or late Losses and among those beyond the Rhine there were used many Evasive Circumlocutions while part study rather the Peoples Favour than the Publike Good and applaud those Impositions which they hoped would be easie for themselvs though they fell heavy upon their Neighbors Others there were who would not be silent when others being quiet they had all the Care of the Commonwealth although the Hollanders winked at it except it were seriously debated in Common-Council they would leave the Care of the out-lying Parts looking onely to their own nearer Necessities and the possession of the Sea Some Comfort was received from the German Princes who as yet having a Suspition and Jealousie of the Spaniard offer'd them continual Aid and Money The Count Palatine excited the rest of his Allies of the same Religion both by Words and Example Shewing to every one of them what Alva had done of old and what Mendosa now and that the Hollanders could not bâ— overcâ—me without the destruction of their Neighbours but if they flourished they would be a great help to many to this for the Defence of Prussia to these of the Possession of the Dutchy of Cleves and to all against the Bishop of Rome and his Followers by whose cruel Hatred and Faction all are oppressed But all this was little hearkned to for the Duke of Brunswic converted his Arms against a City that had assumed too great a Liberty the rest acknowledging themselves unable to maintain the War But Charls Duke of Sudermannia Uncle of Sigismund King of Poland who taking little Care of his Antient People of Sweden and for his earnest Affection against the Romane Religion suspected of Innovation first opposed him in Arms and afterwards in a Publike Assembly when the Kingdom was taken away from him a long time shunning the Name of a King yet usurping the Authority by other Titles when he voluntarily desired the Alliance of the States because he desired some present help and that his hopes were uncertain his Kingdom poor and Forces far distant he was for a time put off with Delays yet because it was an offer'd Friendship it was accepted because he seem'd as it were to fight for Religion making an Excuse That some Holland Ships without any Publike Command had given Aid to Sigismund The Ninth BOOK of the History of the Dutch AFFAIRES THE New Year which closed up a Century as it produced immediatly great Events so it did seem to portend great Changes of Affairs for a long time The Affairs of the Netherlanders under the Princes were in a bad Condition and full of Trouble and so wasted as was hardly to be seen in other places But the Goodness of the Princes as New They in Authority being present and the very greatness of the Distemper hastned to apply Remedies The United States to whom but newly redeem'd from Servitude was accrewed an Ample Dominion made all their Dangers to be but stricter Bonds to connect them being deliver'd by successful Arms although they had since that been reduc'd to no small Necessity out of their Old Discipline retrain'd their Courage against their Enemy but not equally their Concord and Modesty On both Sides then were great and strong Endeavours while for above the space of Thirty Years they contended to put an end to their Labour with which hope they have prosusely wasted their Forces even to Extremity as if Victory had stood before their Eyes promising Reward to them that could hold our longest And first of all the Winter being Frosty the Hollanders escaped great danger by reason the Rivers were all passable upon the Ice from the Enemies seditious Mutinies which they turn'd to their Advantage For Lewis of Nassau marching with great privacy out with a select Party of Horse and Foot broke into Wachtendone a Town not far from the Borders of the Dutchy of Cleves formerly taken by Count Mansfeldt after a Two Moneths Siege when the Duke of Parma had drawn the States Forces another way The Horse which had lately been added to that Garrison for the preserving thereof were then by chance absent forraging about the Borders of the Bishoprick of Colen yet there were theâ—ein 800 Souldiers but the Ice of the Trenches was not broke and the Situation of the Town far from an Enemy and among Cities associated in Frienship made them more secure than usual Therefore a few seizing the Rampire with a small slaughter they open'd the Gates to the rest Then Geleno both Lord and Governour of the Town fled with some few into the Castle in hope of Aid which he had sent to intreat and there endur'd the Terrour both of Granadoes and Bullets thundred upon him until Lewis his whole Party approached and brought Scaling Ladders to the Works and yet some resisted and among them a Woman well grown in Years not without the hazard and Wounds of those that opposed them But at last overcome by Multitude they yielded this place which was not of a contemptible Situation among the Marishes and then was full of good Booty because many of the Boors had betook hither Themselves and their Wealth because the War raged all about those parts After a few days the Souldiers brought in sufficient of all Things both as to Victuals and Defence Among the French that fought for the Hollanders was one Breautee a Gentleman of good Birth and Bloud in Normandy who vaunting in his Youth had challeng'd to fight 20 of Grebendoncks Troop the chief of whom were infamous for the Treacherous Delivery of Gertruydenberg and therefore certainly this was an unbeseeming Contest for a Person of Honour Each of them with an equal Number came out into a Field not far from Shertogenbosch the Grobbendonkians being better Armed but Breautee more exact in his place and order At the first Charge Breautee kill'd the Enemies Leader who was named Abraham but was known in the Camp by the Nick-name of Cook and so sharp was the Fight and the Shot directed so rightly opposite that in the first Conflict on both Sides the one half of the Contenders fell but by the flight of the French whose Courage began to fail in the continuance of the Danger Breautee being left alone having oftentimes changed his Horse and afterwards fighting on foot at last overpressed with a multitude of Enemies yielded himself The French affirm he articled for his Life against which the Brab under say That by Agreement the Conquered were to expect nothing but Death But certainly being Prisoner he had prevail'd much when some sent out of the City kill'd him with 30 Wounds while he onely begg'd they would let him dye Armed and like a Man A Wickedness fit onely to be committed by such ignominious Persons and yet a good Lesson for magnanimous Youth That they should not
under the false Title of Honour affects those kind of Conflicts from whence can arise neither a profitable Victory to the Publique and among Wise-men Death in such a Quarrel doth hardly deserve a Pardon The Winter yet continuing lest any occasion given by the Enemies Troubles among Themselves might slip Prince Maurice suddainly providing a Fleet and dispersing otherwise several Rumours of War within â— days forced the Castle or Fort of Crevecour adjoyning to the Maes and Dies to surrender The Enemies Horse that came thither too late to strengthen the Garrison and were denyed Entrance at Shertogenbosh that City always fearing Souldiers were slain almost to the Number of 5â—0 The Work about the Fort augmented by Mendosa were now finish'd by Prince Maurice From thence he went to the Fort Andrew where the Germane and Walloon Souldiers thrusting out their Captains openly acknowledged a Sedition and sending Balotte who under pretence of an Expedition should allure them out they escaped the Fraud yet they held that strong Fort not without hope of pardon as a Pledge for the Arrears of Three Years Pay due to them and for this they were more obstinate against the Enemy because a less price was offer'd them for their coming over than they hoped to get and yet saved both their Oath and Honour There were some great Guns left there for resistance the Rampire it self was like a Castle wherein were two Fortresses or Batteries upon the Maes and two upon the Wael the fifth looking towards Harwarden About the Trench and beyond it were continual Galleries and then again a Trench within which the Rivers were contained In the strength of these Works the Spaniards had so great Confidence that Albertus in his Letters and Discourse boasted That he possessed the Mouth of the Rivers and that he had put a Yoke upon the Necks of the Hollanders As long as the Sâ—yl overflowed by the Rivers this Winter would not bear digging being sollicited to come to Articles they resolutely denâ—ed and a Captive Souldier being dismissed by Prince Maurice to perswade them to a Surrender was kill'd in detestation of the Treachery nor would seem to send the Body into the Camp Whereupon turning Counsel and Advice into Force Prince Maurice thought nothing so fit as to begirt the Besieged with a Camp and to fortifie himself against Enemies from abroad Whereof dismissing the Horse whereof there was no use in those moyst and wet Grounds he placeth part of his Forces in Ships and upon Bridges in the Fields of Tiel and Bomâ—â—â— and other small Islands in the Waell The main of his strength he setled on the Edge of Brabant and breaking the Bank le ts in thither the Maes that he might have the more free space for Erecting his Works and also stop the Enemies passage that Way Besides in six places he built Forts with other lesser Bulwarks intermixt whereby all passage to him was utterly cut off and for increasing their Terrour the Castle of Batenborg situate at the Maes and yet carrying some glimmering of the Old Name of the Hollanders in its own formerly as far as the French Borders was brought into subjection by the Battery of great Guns whose Noise and Thunder the Besieged heard And they were grievously wounded with Darts yet unevenly thrown and at uncertainty which the others returned to them again and many of them being consumed they were forced to seek lurking places under the Rampire But the want of Wood and Medicines most afflicted them the moysture of the overflowed Ground being very prejudicial to the Health of their Bodies The Souldiers in the Town of Shertogenbosch kept up their hopes by giving frequent Signs by Fire and endeavouring to carry in ships but in vain The Army also came under the Command of Velasco threatning great Things but they could find no way to their Companions the Fields being cover'd with Water and the Forts opposing them And now much of the Mountain Snow being melted by the approach of the Spring and after their Rivers returned to their bounds the Pioneers began to fall to work especially in the night and when the Moon grew old At length they came to the Gallery which we mentioned to be encompassed with a Rampire When the Souldiers though they had not suffered the utmost extremity yet being out of all hope of Relief and Prince Maurice hastning to redeem the time they came to Conditions and one hundred twenty five thousand Florens were payd part of their pay due from the Enemy which they divided man by man For this price was that famous and well-builded Fort bought standing most conveniently for the defence of Holland then the Cannon and whatever else was therein and one thousand two hundred Souldiers coming over to the Hollanders who performing according to Custom all the Sign of joy even They Themselves tryumphed over Themselves These men afterwards did very good service when giving over their licentiousness they returned to the Discipline of War yet they were for this thing proscribed as Traytors by the Enemy which together with hatred and fear of punishment put them in an excessive rage If these things were not to be approved before rigid Judges certainly these are more excusable then the Gertruydenburgers for they though defrauded of all their pay for a long season yet had stood out against a Camp and a two moneths Siege they do not complain upon just Causes since they alter their obedience to good advantage About this time the States set out an Edict that no one should reproach these new Souldiers for their transition or coming over as well understanding that even for smaller causes an Army hath sometimes fallen to intestine discords as of late during this Siege two Souldiers the one a German the other a Frenchman quartelling at Dice sell to fight when of a sudden each of their Country-men coming in to take parts had like to have been the cause of great slaughter and blood-shed for scarcely could the contest be ended even by the interposition of the States About this time the long pertinacy of the City of Groningen having justly enraged those that emulated it made the rest of the States fall upon sharp resolves such as is scarcely usual among free people the common people being in their own nature fierce and having gotten Governours that were exiles during the rule of the Spaniards and therefore be having themselves with the greater confidence towards the people disdained to live under severer Laws now then those that oppressed them under the King by whose connivence they had obtained to have their Houses Tax-free and some other things beneficial indeed to themselves but prejudicial to the Inhabitants who remembring these things by the Decree of the United States to whom they had subjected themselves they would not agree that many of the Priviledges they had nominally used should be taken away from them Besides they had neglected for three years together to bring their Tributes into the Treasury
to the United States to try their Intentions And to this purpose came Gerard Horn Count Bassigny Philip Bentingen and Henry Code a Burgo-Master of Ipre to Berghen op-Zâ—me after Newport Fight at the same time when the United States Deputies went out of Flanders and were arrived there They desired that a Meeting might be appointed in that place that so they might Treat of the Means conducing to Concord Many Things were spoken on both Sides in derestation of War and in commendation of Peace and for the general safety of the Netherlands On the behalf of the United States it was urged That nothing could be more acceptable to them than to purge the Netherlands from Forein Slavery for doing whereof they promised their best Assistance And if they would resume their Antient Liberty there should be no difference between them in point of Religion but if they did not think fit of this Proposition they could not imagine what success they could hope from this Treaty for what Peace could they expect from the Spaniards who broke Peace with them that had no thoughts of War But the Archdukes are bound to the Spaniard by Conditions dishonourable to the repute and fame of the Netherlands And the Brabanters Flandrians and other States are in like manner obliged to them of what validity therefore will any Agreement be that is made with them who live under Lords commanded by Castles and kept in awe by Souldiers so that they are not Masters of themselves The Archdukes people answered That they came to Treat of Peace not to make a defection nor would it be just that themselves should lay aside their Arms while others keep armed but whatever was agreed between the States the Princes would ratify These things being heard and spoken by the Arch-dukes people and imagining that they must utterly throw away all hopes of Peace with the Hollander so late a Conquerour fall to examine the Charge of the War and after a long debate what every Province should pay because the old form appointed in the French Wars by reason the Forces of the Provinces were altered and Arms inferred on other places could not be observed at last they agreed to lay certain Taxes upon all Chimneyes and other things and thereupon promised thirty thousand Florens Monethly for the next year but it continued for the future That every of the Garrisons should pay their own Souldiers and that no Citizen should be compelled after that to give any Souldier a gratuity That part of the Forces should be commanded and part of the places governed by Netherlanders and that the Treasury should be ordered by the States part of which the Archduke denyed absolutely other part he never performed though he gave hopes thereof by promise Many also were much offended at certain Letters brought by Henrico Gusman out of Spain wherein the King called these States His. The same endeavoured to make an inquiry in the Merchants Accounts if there had been any dealing with the Hollanders for this is usual in Spain or if any money could be spared from the India Companies but by the denyal of Antwerp this project came to nothing The Dunkerkers raged no less against the Hollanders at Sea And Albertus himself commanded That the Hollanders should be debarred as well of their Fishing Trade as their Traffique and Merchandising otherwise on purpose to drive them to penury and consequently to sedition And the Dunkerkers being exasperated with the punishment of many of their complices added their own malicious fury to this command of the Archduke And therefore they punished this simple sort of men for such generally is the Religion of Fishermen that they think it very unjust to repel force by force sometimes by burning other times boring hoâ—â—s in the bottoms of their boats now by driving nails through several parts of the mens bodies and so putting them to a long torment under both the sense and fear of death and otherwise infested the Sea with such cruelty that sometimes the Ships of War that were to guard the Fishermen were assailed and taken But when the Hollanders brought out against them a considerable strength divers of these Pirats were taken and expiated their inhumane Villanies with their heads and the rest were glad to retire into their old dens and lurking holes Their Chieftain himself named Wakeney with some Ships escaped his pursuing Enemy through the Narrow Seas by Bulloin and got to Biscay in Spain and afterwards having committed several Pyracies upon the Coast of Bretaign in France at length hated by the Spanyards and the greatest part of his Seamen consumed with want himself dyed miserably Against Spinola's Galleyes that they might be able to fight them in any weather at Dort was built a great Ship such as the Hollanders had none before and was furnished both with Men and Guns the first men put into it were hired with wages afterwards Malefactors were condemned to row therein because Christian piety would not suffer such as were Prisoners of War to be put to that slavery And the device very happily succeeded for that alone being put to Sea made many of the Enemies fly carrying only with it a smaller boat And in a short time so great was their confidence that adding only a few Cockboats and choosing a peculiar night the Holland Galleyes silently rowed up the Schelde between the Forts of Brabant and Flanders whence passing to the very walls of Antwerp at first unawares they took a ship with three tyre of Guns and seven lesser Vessels and afterwards by force and slaughter of the Defendants carryed them away The City raised with the outery and running to the Walls looked upon their own loss and to their high disgrace suffered it to be carryed away unrevenged for the Conquerors went away safe and loaden with spoil after they had founded a well known tune in praise of William Prince of Aurange not without some affection of the Citizens remembring former occurrences Towards the end of this year the Hollanders were filled with the hopes of a French War to be made by King Henry against the Duke of Savoy who being allyed to the Spaniard as having Children by his Sister to whom he was marryed was believed would undertake nothing without his knowledg The cause of the quarrel was the Marquisate of Saluzza which the Savoyard had taken from France while it languished under intestine troubles And the Pope who by the Peace of Verbin was appointed Arbiter in these and like cases undertook the hearing of the business but delayed his Judgment untill the Savoyard at the instance of the French King came personally to Paris and having underhand bribed the chief Ministers of State appeased him also with fair promises and obsequiousness but the non-performance at the day appointed made Henry proclaim War and by force to assault several Cities and Castles of Savoy In the mean time Fontaine who had sometime ruled in the Netherlands and then governed Millain gathering very
Nephew to that famous Captain Coligny from whose Vertue and Valour be no whit degenerated General Vere himself was wounded for the Care whereof he was forced to go out of the Town into Zeland from whence not long after he returned safe and in health Nor were the Besiegers free from like hazards for within a few days Catrick and Bracamont both Collonels were kill'd In the Town that the Bullets and Granadoes might be the less feared the Ground was every where thrown up into thick Heaps like to Walls and to hinder the Enemies assaulting the Rampire towards the Sea was their chief Care because by their Approaches they give cause to fear the same therefore the Bank that was builded for keeping out the Sea was with some hesitation and danger thrown down and the Event proved successful against the Spaniards whose Trenches Huts and Batteries made of Osyers were drown'd at a great distance when the Winds made the Waters grow boysterous and Raging so that the Guards were forced to fly to the high Banks which they had raised thereabouts for the bringing their Carriages The Sea being thus let in incompassed Ostend like an Island which sometimes was a little offensive to the Town but with Palizado's Stones and other Ingenuity of that Maritime People the greatest force of the Waves was turned upon the Enemy Four Moneths were spent wherein the Besieged made successful Sallies and the Besiegers many fruitless Attempts against the Walls Some Souldiers also frequently running from one side to the other and some prisoners taken fill'd both Parties full of vain Rumours And within that time a Traytor was discover'd who had promised the Enemy to blow up the Town Magazine of Gunpowder The Arch-Duke Albertus himself and Isabella were many times Spectators of the slow progress of their Siege both Officers and Souldiers in the presence of their Princes shewing great Alacrity some binding together more of those long Faggots and Planks which they wrought into the Fashion of Globes and rolling these whither they listed consolidated Moory places and added new Works to those before raised others endeavour'd to connex and joyn together Works and Ways far distant each from other and some began to dig a great Ditch that all things might with the more ease be brought to them from Bruges But the United States having lost their Design of invading Flanders after the taking of Berck weary of such vast Disbursements and chiefly minding Ostend passed over the Summer and much of Autumn doing nothing at all But when they saw the Siege was like to be protracted and that they did not so much fear the Danger of Ostend as the vast Charges they must needs be at in Defence of the same they proposed either to make the Enemy draw off thence or if he would stay there to fall upon those parts of the Country that were unguarded A long time it was disputed in what place they might probably get the easiest Victory and with the most Advantage to them At length Shertogenbosh was Resolved on which since its Defection from the League had never been attempted by open War Neither was there at this time any greater Garrison than two Companies of Foot and as many Troops of Horse which were all Commanded by Anthony Grobbendone the City being always very sollicitous that they might not be oveâ— powred by the Souldiery 'T is true the City were of a generous Resolution so were the Magistrates and Clergy of whom there was no small Number very zealously affected These That their accustomed Religion Altars Images and beloved Saints might not be forsaken or contemtuously violated Those Repeating the Heroicall Actions of their Ancestors whose Valour had so often driven the Geldâ—ians from the Limits of Brabant Adding thereto their own present Example For every Night they set out Lights and took Order by Edict that the Prices of Victuals should in no manner be inhanced and that all kind of Deaths should be taken notice of by proper Marks set forth at the door of the deceased They Erected likewise a strong Redoubt for the safeguard of the Fuchten Gate On this side Prince Maurice pitched his Tents on the other over against him the Counts William and Ernest of Nassaw On both sides the Way lying through low Fields made the Passage very easie for Pioneers to come to the Town This Conveniency and the Cities being no otherwise Fortifyed or re-inforced than ordinarily it was gave hope of short Work about it when otherwise the Moneth of November and approach of Winter would have been enough to deter them from beginning such an Enterprise besides the number of the Besiegers were not sufficient to environ the vast Content of that City being onely 73 Companies of Foot and about 30 Troops of Horse Ostend requiring the best part of the Army But they feared not any Sallies from the Enemy who had enough to do to defend their own being not used to such business and all the Plain round about being Marshy was shut up with Forts They found also a Way to make the next Rivers and Brooks overflow their Banks by making Damms therein the more fully to drown the adjacent Parts But this was not so well done but that the Souldiers for all that twice broke into the Town And at the Request of the Brabanders Frederick Count Heremberg with some Foot and a strong party of Horse was sent thither by Albertus a Rumor being first spread over all the parts near and all things prepar'd as if he intended to fortifie the Village of Hellmont by which means he sent into the Town at first almost Three Hundred and soon after a Thousand Men the Besiegers knowing nothing of it and when they came to the knowledge thereof too late they onely kill'd a few straglers in the Rear Great was the Care and Diligence of the Magistrates and People in the Town to prevent fire which they greatly fear'd from the Red hot Bullets shot into it for they strowed the Floors with Sand took away all Weapons from strangers and kept in readiness all things that were fit to quench fire And the more to encourage them the Arch-Duke sent and promised That what Damage soever they susteined in their private Estates should be made good upon the Publike Account In the interim Prince Maurice hastned his Approaches which being brought to the Trench under the Walls there wanted onely Galleries and the last Extremities used towards Cities But the Frost cut off his hopes in the bud being more early and sharp then was expected for it had turned the Water in the Fields to Ice the Rivers were frozen so that Provision could not so easily be brought to them although the Besiegers way to the Town proved more facile but so violent was the cold that the Centinels were not able to endure it Whereupon the seven and twentieth day the Siege was raised Prince Maurice grieving and often wishing that the Weather would grow more mild But Count Herembergs approach
the besiegers In the interim Mendosa although the most active of his Colonels persuaded him to pursue forthwith the Enemy marching away and to intercept him in his designes fearing not onely his fortune but the blame of any miscarriage that should happen and besides being needy as well of mony as of all things else almost he had rather advise with the Arch-duke in this notable juncture of time But the Arch-duke returned no certain answer onely admonishing him to be carefull left going too far with the army the Hollanders should suddenly with their Fleet invade Flanders From which direction Mendosa fearing to recede in all his motions depended upon the Enemies counsells yet however preparing in readiness at Roermund what he thought necessary at length he also pitched his Camp near the Maes below Grave and Prince Maurice Many thought that he erred therein for that he ought rather to have chosen the superior part of the country which is called Ravesteyn by which means he might have forced all his provisions from the Hollanders and likewise have kept the like from coming thence to the Prince because he had lain in the Enemies country But now his Camp being fixed it was very dangerous to pass by the Hollanders leaguer and too late to goe round about because Prince Maurice being diligent about his work had in many places made approches and galleries even to the Town-ditch by the commoditie of the banks which were placed on both sides the river to guard the same and yielded a secure and easy way to the Pioneers Neither had the Spaniards any hope now but to break through the open places which were very large between the Prince's and Count William's Camps and so to get into the Town To this end ladders were prepared together with shovells and mattocks either for the more easy climbing up of works or demolishing them as occasion should present these were conducted by Colonel Thomas Spine being a thousand choice foot which were followed by many others But the Guards and Sentinells being very diligent and watchfull although they set forward in the night together with the breaking of the day among the tedious passages of the marishes made their attempt how daring soever vain Whereupon Mendosa being ashamed that he was thus beaten off from his hopes of relieving the Town withdrew both himself and his army that they might not helplessely look on and see the City taken privately departing to Venlo At this time the States taking care for Berck sent Count Ernest thither with supplies But Antonio Gonzales Governor of Grave with whom were in garrison fifteen hundred men of several nations having in the sight of their companions wearied the besiegers with frequent fallies would not yet desist by many valorous experiments to protract the time to his advantage although all hope of relief was utterly taken away After a two months siege when the English drew near to the sluces which kept the water in the town-ditches the Frisons also on another part bringing a gallery even into the trench and some of the Princes Pioneers being ready to undermine the walls after the losse almost of seven hundred men the garrison was surrendred upon honourable conditions the souldiers marching thence with their armes and baggage This town of Grave at first belonged to the Province of Geldre but was afterwards annexed to Brabant and taken as a pledge by Maximilian Count Buren whose son-in-law William Prince of Aurange bought it and though lost in war by the peace made at Gaunt the Garrison of Germans being removed had the same delivered to him But about eighteen years before the Duke of Parma having gotten it by the carelesness or cowardice of the Governor Prince Maurice now regained and took possession of this his Patrimonial inheritance as he had done before of Breda Lingen and Moers which he made subject not for his own advantage onely but the good of the Commonwealth by which means he obtained a great dominion about the Maes with very great advantages While these things were doing some souldiers enraged because they had but very little or no pay leaving Mendosa's army betake themselves to Hamont He to prevent the increasing of their number by impunity hastens thither a convenient strength where having taken some great guns he forced a few foot-souldiers to surrender themselves but the horse got away not to be moved with prayers or threats and having in vain attempted other places at last they seize the Castle of Hochstraten by the consent of the Garrison this place is not far from Breda wherein a short time being much augmented by a continual resort of old souldiers who required their arrears and new souldiers that expected no other thing then a licentious freedome in villany chusing themselves a Head they elect a Senate and settle a Councel-house with divers laws expressing therein more care and diligence then is usually found in the meetings and assemblies of setled Cities They would not suffer any rapines or plunders to be committed unless by publick order and for the common cause and if any upon their own account durst doe otherwise they were punished like thieves according to the laws and customes of other places Wherewith the Arch-duke being highly displeased and fearing the example because of his want gathering together what mony he could possibly get together by any means he persuaded those who yet remained in their obedience to punish the others rebellious persidy and to that end prepared to besiege them They perceiving themselves not to be looked upon as mutineers which in those parts is no new thing but as absolute enemies begin to tread unusual paths desiring and obtaining from the Hollanders Victualls Armes and Artillery And this they did the more willingly because these troubles of the Enemy were very advantagious and to make these differ among themselves to a great expense of their treasure would secure them against the like evils But this resolution of Albertus was soon altered upon the arrival of the news that Grave was taken for that he began to be afraid of Prince Maurice's army yet for all this he would not hearken to the Netherlandish States who about that time being called together concerning the raising of tributes persuaded him to appease and win the offended Souldiery with money But the Spanish Noblemen and Commanders disliked thereof averring it was more fit to take some new forces into pay but to punish those Rebells with all severity And so at last threatnings of actions being turned into words an Edict was set forth wherein all that were in Hochstraten unless they came in and desired pardon by a certain day were proscribed and rewards promised to any that should kill them their goods confiscated all that furnished them with provision should be punished and their wives and children banished adding above all the rest of their crimes that their Sedition had been the cause that Grave had not been relieved But all this threatning served to little
the Natives whither of late some Hollanders being driven they were by the Portugueses hanged and put to death the Magistrates of the Chinois being persuaded that they were no other then thieves and robbers Now Macao stands upon the River Canto by which onely strangers are admitted a passage into the Empire of China as to goe out of the same Empire into forein parts there is no way but by Cinceo a Port in another part of the Country Thus wealth being gotten from the publick Enemy and great damage done both to the King and Portugueses great advantage was gotten with honour by the Hollanders both in private and publick yet some were found in this industrious and gain-seeking Nation who would refuse part thereof as not convenient or fitting being by force of Warre taken from Merchants and as it many times happens such as least deserve it And the pretence that moved some to this conscienciousness was the ancient amity with the Portugal believed to be begun four Ages before when the Netherlanders going to Syria to the Holy War conquered Lisbone then the Kingly seat of the Saracens From thence great priviledges were granted to the Netherlanders in Portugal and no less to the Portugueses in the Netherlands Besides after the beginning of the Warre in the Low-Countries and the Conquest of Portugal by King Philip the Portugueses were invited by the States that as they were equally subject with them so they should equally enjoy all manner of commerce and the same benefit with all their Citizens In answer of which desire not a few of them out of hatred to the Castilians of old their neighbours now their Lords or lest the power of the Inquisition should grow high under pretence of Jewish or Arabian Superstition came to the Hollanders but they that remained under the King of Spain's obedience and increased his wealth with their own were by all Law accounted as Enemies especially after so many injuries among the Indians as without doubt they might be And that no man might pretend ignorance thereof the States by a publick Edict declared the same And here a doubt arising whether the goods of Italians in those Ships that were taken should be esteemed Prize the matter was decided by setling a moderation between equity and the practice of Warre Hitherto many Companies of Merchants frequented the Indies whose emulations since they enhanced the price of Commodities there and here on the Contrary brought them low and being several were not able by all their strength and endeavours to resist the Spaniards the States taking this into serious consideration of many separate Bodies made one conjunct Society appointing Consuls and Factors in divers Cities that should sometimes meet together by their Deputies and publishing a Law that no one separately during the space of twenty years should sail beyond the Cape of good Hope or goe to the Streights of Magellan And now a day was set within which all should give in their names that would be partakers both in the charge and revenue of that Company so that at the end of ten years new names should be received and offers made At this time there was collected threescore hundred thousand pounds And from this time a new Warre as it were arising in the East the Indian Company began to be esteemed a great part of the Commonwealth for that not onely a part of all booty came to the publick Treasury but also the common Enemy was exhausted at the charge of private Citizens that daily made spoil of him and made him be at infinite expences in his defence But now the long wants of King Philip were at last in part supplied by the arrival of the American Fleet towards the end of this year when also his animosities against the French as if they had not before been violent enough broke out more clearly Letters being dispersed over Brabant accusing the Marriage of the King with Medices as unlawful during the life of Margaret of Valois and that the issue arising there-from was illegitimate and so passionately reproving the King's lust About this time also was convicted of Treason Gonthalde Duke de Biron King Henry then warring about the Alps he having married the Duke of Savoy's Daughter and covenanted with the Spaniard to have Burgundy in Dowry to the hazard of the ruine of the King and his children Being cited to the Court when he denied his fact to the King who till then was inclinable to pardon him this was the first thing that aggravated the King's anger although he well knew Biron had with his own bloud secured both the publick and his reign This great Duke was of an immense spirit ambitious of honour beyond hopes of satisfaction but in the arts of Warre and his merits towards his Country giving place to no French-man that ever went before him until he dishonoured the glory of his Mareschals staff by his unhappy exit And thus within two years Ambition brought to a miserable end two men that under their Sovereigns of England and France were great Princes But as Essex's attempts were more excusable so was his death more serene and quiet But Biron having conceived a Treason in his minde was so farre followed by Divine revenge that he contaminated his end with a mixture both of impiety and madness Now also the people of Embden began to blow up the coals of new Commotions upon this occasion Enno the son of Edsard succeeded his Father in his Transamasian Principality and being pressed with the complaints of all the States supposing that he might more safely act apart he had easily wrought upon his Nobility that they would follow the Prince with all equal freedome against the Subjects With the City of Embden a Peace was made almost agreeable to the Delphzilian conditions onely some obscure things fraudulently contrived were implied These being drawn to his Party contemning the lesser Towns and the Country he laid upon them a grievous Tax But the Town of Nordam resisting his commands he ran to Arms and was not content to set upon them a mulct onely but publickly erecting Gibbets made Citizens pass under the yoke Whereupon calling to minde old feuds with the Embdeners he terrified other places by the example of Nordam He tears from the Magistrates the most active and ingenious of the Vulgar promising that when the Hollanders were excluded he would transferre the Spanish Trade to them and it was true that they were friendly received that brought Enno's Letters This was very terrible to the United States and so much the more because Christopher the brother of Enno was in pay under Albertus and John another of his brethren being by the Pope married to Enno's daughter to whom he was Uncle advanced the Romane Religion in Paderborn And on every side it evidently appeared that the Count laboured that he might open that large mouth of the Eems to the Spanish Ships But at first the Hollanders strength being imployed elsewhere onely four Companies were
sent to assist Embden which entred the City at the same time when Enno drawing near with his Forces hoped to have been admitted by those of his Faction but now being kept out thence he entreth the Villages round about and erects several Forts for the shutting up of the City and the River The States being informed thereof and now after the taking of Grave having some leisure to consult about their neighbours affairs at the request of the City sent Warner Dubois a Colonel of Horse thither with some Troups of Horse and almost nineteen Companies of Foot He within a few daies assaults and wins all the Forts and sets free the City from those rude and ignorant maintainers of Warre Enâ—o that he might remove this disgrace out of his sight with as much envy and bitterness of language as he could invent disputed the Hollanders incroachments upon the rights of anothers dominion of which the States being conscious they published in Print the cause of that action of theirs and the danger that was like to have fallen not onely upon themselves but all Germany by the Count's deeds The Twelfth BOOK of the History of the Dutch AFFAIRES THE Hollanders being oppressed with the French Peace were attended with a greater evil which was the death of Queen Elizabeth about this time whereby they were more deeply plunged in a Warre yet had lost that assistence which as it was the first so had it continued unto the last She died the third day of April being by the length of daies arrived to the toils of life from whence she supposed her old age which she had spun out even to the seventieth year now grew contemptible and that the hopes and counsels of those in whom she had put her greatest confidence were turned towards her successor It was a long reign for a Woman and famous not onely at home but abroad which produced many various censures some conjecturing at the future according as they were led by fear or hope others from the memory of former actions reckoning what prosperity and adversity she had seen during her long life Here was remembred the beheading of her Mother and that for no small fault but onely the supposed crime of Adultery whence arose those many bitter taunts of her Enemies as if she had been the Issue of an unknown Father Soon after when her Sister fate in the Throne she was cast into Prison Which was no small affliction of so great a spirit until by the means and intercessions of Philip King of Spain to whom she owed her Liberty if not her Life she was freed from thence though afterwards she requited his kindness with a long and sharp Warre Besides her Reign was accounted cruel by the execution of so many Noblemen for no other pretence but that they professed the Romane Catholick Religion and also in that no less novel then odious example to all Princes though indeed excusable enough from the necessity that by the command of a Woman not onely a Woman but a Kinswoman and she a Suppliant not as a common person but a distressed Queen was put to death Also there were some that stuck not to exprobrate the divulsions of Ireland and seditions of the English Souldiers in the Low-Countries as if they had been commanded Certainly it was the greatest of her misery that she lived so long without a Husband from whence came the incertainty of her Heir and very various were the several opinions concerning her many objecting her love to the Earl of Leicester and after him her endearments of Essex whose hot and over-hasty youth together with his contempt of her decaying and aged beauty was punished with the loss of his head though soon after her minde was more changed from hatred to repentance then before it had been from love to hatred so that it was by many judged to be the main cause of her sickness and death On the other side it was said that the long continuance of her Government and life manifested the same to be well-pleasing to God and that instead of the customary evils of youth she had shewed great prudence in her carriage and behaviour in the enjoyment of both good and bad fortune Nor was it so great a wonder that her security was established by the death of some Rebels and by Warres as that a Woman's Government after four and fourty years had not onely made England safe but flourishing nor had she at any time taken Arms but for most just causes Religion was by her reformed to the example of King Edward not by force or according to her own fancy but upon debate of the matter in the great Council of the Kingdome and in a lawful manner Nor did she rage with cruelty against those that were of another judgement unless it were when it was too late when by the doctrine and instruction of the Jesuites they had thrown off all reverence love to their Country and Government at once By her help Scotland was vindicated from the French the Prince of Conde's Party from their adverse faction and much of the Netherlands from the Spaniards And although she had so many great allurements to increase her Dominion yet she remained content with her own not desiring from all her victorious atchievements any other thing then the liberty of that Religion by her promoted and to set limits to power that was or might be defervedly suspected Thus did she restore the Towns which she possessed in France preserved Scotland for a Child and rejected the desires of the Hollanders intreating her to take the Dominion over them And now lately the old Garrisons in Ireland being taken and new ones fortified some of the Nobles being taken here some there their faction was so infeebled and the very strength and pretence thereof so weakned and Tyrone himself so broken that falling upon his knees before the Lord Lieutenant he humbly requested pardon of all his offences For that excess of Honour happened to him a little before his fall She had been courted to Marriage not by the English onely but by Charles of Austria brother of the Emperour and by Henry and Francis brothers to the King of France as also by some Kings themselves to wit Philip of Spain and Ericus of Sweden That she was thus sought was her happiness but that she refused all was her prudence because as it was unfit for her Greatness to marry a Subject so the Subjects of England were afraid she should marry a Foreiner The reproches that were spred concerning her took their beginning from her sex and the elegancy of her beauty together with the customary liberty of Princes and could onely be refuted by manlike care and diligence Nor was she onely well skilled in the arts of Government but was learned in the ancient and modern languages an excellency rarely found in Women of a private fortune which made her Name and renown great and famous and not onely terrible to and
sollicitous for the support of his allies and to that end he had sent into England Maximilian de Rohan his chief Treasurer and a Privy-counsellor At last this Medium was found That whatever moneys the French should lay out in behalf of the Hollanders the third part thereof should be charged to the English and all accounts to be discharged wherein France impoverished by her Warrs was indebted to Britain The States were content herewith although they were offered by Sir Ralph Winwood the King of great Britain's Orator to be comprehended in the Articles of the Treaty if they pleased which they refused with great thanks The rest of the year King James spent in performing and receiving the Solemnities of the Kingdome and in viewing his new Dominion of England giving audience at Intervalls to the Embassadors of other Kings and the gratulations of his own subjects Tyrone himself the great Captain of the Irish Rebells coming and upon his humble submission obtaining pardon Concerning Religion several complaints were offered by two sorts of people The one in England are called Puritans being a people that do not esteem the Ecclesiastical State or Church-government there to be sufficiently orthodox and sincere but requiring therein more purity from whence sprung the original of that hated name of Separation These find fault with many Ceremonies retained from custome and antiquity as the Orders of Bishops some Ceremonies added as they say in the Sacrament of Baptisme and others things more tending to Discipline then Doctrine A change or at least an amendment of all which they now hoped from hence because the Scots had already rejected the same On the other side the Catholicks with high applauses magnifying the antiquity of their Religion as well in Britain as elsewhere and setting forth their fidelity both to the King himself at present and heretofore to his Mother petitioned that if he would not give them publick allowance which yet in France the King allowed to dissenters that at least they might privately and without fear of punishment worship God according to the custome of their Fathers But the King rejected both these suits suspecting the Catholicks for no other cause but that the Pope claims power over Kings but the King was offended at the Puritans because by men of the same Faction under pretence of Ecclesiastical authority he had irreverently been used in Scotland Whereupon also he accused their perverseness and obstinacy publickly set forth in Print for he would have each Nation be free to use their own Rites which were not contradictory to the Divine Law but the supreme Authority even in matters Ecclesiastical should continue in the King Yet something was setled according to the desire of the Catholicks viz. That the Sacrament of Baptisme should not be administred by women or private persons that many Ecclesiastical promotions should not be accumulated upon one person and that Church-censures should be strict and severe both in the inquisition and punishment of errors either in the life or doctrine of the Priesthood But the words of the Puritans became so offensive that many of their non-conforming Ministers were punished by Imprisonments Banishment and abjuration of the Realm Notwithstanding which some of the Romanists associating others with them who were desirous of novelty conspired to set up to the Government the Lady Arabella a Virgin sprung from the bloud Royal dividing among themselves the chief places of honor and preferment through the Kingdome The authors of this Treason were punished with the losse of their heads the accessories thereto and such as had concealed the same were cast into prison and the fear of imminent death was reckoned to them for a sufficient punishment the King being prone to win repute to his new Government by the fame of his Clemency While these things were doing in England Enno Count of Friesland beyond Eems having really learned that he might easily obtain from the Emperor both words and threats against the City but that he could not give him a power to put the same in execution he resolved to try the favour of them that were most potent among the Hollanders and to that purpose he went to the Hague urging many things both privately and publickly in his own defence and objecting many things against the Embdoners as being of a wavering temper in their fidelity not well knowing either to govern or be governed At the same time were present some Deputies from Embden behaving themselves with much obstinacy and notable irreverence towards their Prince then present At length after many long debates the United States not doubting the fidelity of the City towards them bent all their resolutions for the security thereof and it was concluded that the Delphzilian agreements should be observed whereto besides were added That for the future there be an Edict of Indemnity and Oblivion for all things already done nor should the Count exact the Penalties set by the Emperor's Decree That both should be restored to their houses and lands all prisoners be released and all instruments of war and other received profits be accounted for And that Enno should endeavor to set free all strangers being really such nor should deny his safe conduct in writing to all Ships going from the City That the Tributes imposed upon the City the third and the fifth year before should all be made null and that there should be a consultation had in the Senate of the Transamasians for the settlement of new the right of summoning which should be in the Count but if he neglected to doe it then they might meet by themselves and consult of their common affairs That it should not be lawfull to denounce a War or levy souldiers without the decree of that Councel onely the Count might retain as many as should be sufficient for the guarding his Castles and strong holds and likewise that the City might raise seven hundred souldiers for the defence thereof and maintaining their works That the Transamasians should maintain the souldiers the charge of the works should be born by the Townsmen and what goods were within a Town should be equally distributed and whatever was inclosed within any fortifications should enjoy the same priviledges with the City it self That the Magistrates of Embden should be created by the Senate of the City and that the Count to that creation should adde his authority When therefore the Count and the Deputies of the City had agreed upon these conditions it remained that the whole Magistracy of the City and the States of the Transamasians should allow of and ratify the same which was very likely to have been done the Nobility being afraid of War as that which would wast their Lands and some being sent by the United States to enforce force such as should offer to delay the same the greatest part of the garrison also was withdrawn that the fade of affairs might appear more peaceable But new hopes from the Emperor changed Enno absolutely insomuch that
it was publickly said that those Covenants were of no force that should disannull the Emperor's Edict pardon Crimes and grant a power of fortifying Towns and all this without the Emperor's consent whose authority in that City was supreme And soon after Rudolphus being not a little angry that the affairs of Embden should be transacted by a forein power sent Maximilian Count of Cocheine to the States who grievously accusing the Embdeners related the causes which had moved the Emperor long since to declare both to others and to them the United States that they should give no assistence to those Rebells and that nevertheless they had invaded the City with their souldiers begun a War in the Country and taken booties for the repressing and taking away of which injuries the Emperor had sent his Commands by him Which done he recited particularly what things seemed unjust in that last Agreement To these things the United States although they were more proudly reproved yet returned this modest answer That Enno came of his own accord to them and had voluntarily entred into those Covenants and that it is not usual to blame those that had used their endeavors in the composing their neighbors differences Also that they had as little as possibly they could receded from the Delphzilian Covenants which they understood pleased the Emperor and that they had sent their souldiers into the City not to offer an injury to the Emperor but lest the Spaniard who by the Peace made at Verbin had taken to himself all the right of Authority in the Country beyond the Eems should seize it being so convenient to infest the Hollanders and at once withdraw it from the German Empire Thus had he taken formerly Utrecht Gelders and other places beyond the Rhine Thus had he seized Millain and some peculiar appurtenances of the Empire and at last Cambray and all this without contradiction Nor were the Letters and Messengers sent by Enno to the King and other Spanish Commanders without cause suspected by them To these good words they added some gifts to the Embassador however as yet all things at Embden were full of hatred and dissention every one being suspicious of another This also made the Hollanders more incensed against Enno because his brother John as we said before having obtained licence from the Pope to marry with Enno's Daughter to whom he was Uncle promoted the Roman Rites in the Country of Paderborn and did the Bishop's business there breaking into the City upon them who had kept it upon pretence of liberty raging against them with most exquisite torments among whom the Consul of the Town was tormented and afterwards cut in pieces The latter end of Winter the Spaniard suddenly took and lost Wachtendonck For a Fisherman being hired brought into the Castle fifteen souldiers under the command of Matthew Dulken he was the Governor of Stralen not far off which were covered over with straw and upon the approch of the Sentinel that stretched forth his hand to help him up drawing his sword he thrust him through then all the souldiers leaped up and strove to admit their companions that were on the other side of the river Neeres forcing the bridges that were kept against them which they did by that time their fellows who lay in ambush not far off arrived But the garrison of the Town although the Castle and the Governor Rihoven were taken began to raise a mount and battery against it and with speed to bring thither Cannon And by chance it happened that two troups of Hollanders that had been abroad foraging rode by which hearing of the Tumult entred the Town and presently souldiers being sent for to Berck and Moers they begirt the Castle and the sixth day after recovered it being sorely assaulted and withall wanting of provision Not long after Grobbendonâ— laying some ambushes in the Champains of Brabant surprised five troups of Maurician horse and though he were inferior to them in number killed near seventy of them many men and horses were taken and the rest fled But this damage suffered by the horse was doubly recompensed by a more famous naval victory For Frederick Spinola weary of an inglorious idleness and hastning out of the greatness of his spirit to purchase honor and wealth by the wasting of Zeland furnished eight gallies of the bigger sort and four lesser with chosen souldiers out of the Camp before Ostend besides a great number of slaves that rowed and going out of the Haven of Scluys the wind gently seconding his desires he got over the Sands and spying the Enemie's Fleet chose a place to fight with them in upon the open Sea Three Zeland Ships of war had beset the Port over which one Justus Moon had the Command besides two Gallies one of Holland the other of Zeland four of these the fifth for want of wind being very far distant and giving no other assistence to the battel then with its great Guns voluntarily setting forward Spinola set upon close at hand with a great outcry compassing sometimes this sometimes t'other with more violence as hope led him on distressing them with the multitude of his shot and indeed over-powerfull for them as well by the help of the weather as the number of his Ships and souldiers for in the Hollanders Fleet were no more then six and thirty souldiers out of the Town of Flushing who were armed with Muskets but the company of Sea-men being naturally inclinable to war skilled in the use of their Arms and Guns both near at hand and at distance freely gave wounds to their Enemies both with their Swords and Javelins And now the fight grew so hot that the very clouds of smoak had eclipsed the light from their eyes so that it seemed to be a nocturnal fight untill Frederick himself with great valour and confidence assailing one of the Enemies Ships was killed with several wounds and with him above three hundred others beside many hurt but the breaking of the Oares was the first thing that took away all hope of Victory from the Italians hereupon they were surprised with fear lest more Ships coming out of Zeland should encompass them on every side and so in time they retreated to the Fleet. This victory of the Zelanders with so small loss which happened because the ribs of their Ships were more solid and compact and less open to the damage of the bullets made that great terror of those at first unknown Vessels come to nothing for that it was experimentally found that they might be overcome even in the most calm and serene weather There was no War any where untill the midst of Summer but before Ostend because the Hollanders not receiving those aids out of England and Scotland which they hoped had enough to doe to defend their own and the Arch-duke minding to take Berck and to pass the Rhine for the perfecting these new designes he procures new forces out of Spain and Italy under the conduct of
lying Titles And whatsoever was related to them in Confession ought to be kept secret and to disclose the same was a sin although it tended either to the destruction of Prince or people and in pursuance hereof they named all manner of conferences among themselves Confessions It was not doubted but these hopes of Treason were nourished by the Spanish wealth and the rather because long since some Societies of English Jesuites were maintained by them purposely to disturb the Peace of that Kingdome But some that were knowing herein betraied all those forms of private counsells abroad lest they should still continue unknown but they that continued faithfull to Rome and Spain wanted no convenient supplies from thence upon all occasions And it was told to the Constable of Castile when he was Embassador in England that if the new King would not allow or suffer the Roman Religion he would find some ready to exact the same by force And the Archduke fomented jealousies and suspicions denying to deliver to King James requesting the same such English-men living in those parts with whom the Prisoners confessed they had participated counsells the chief of them being sent away into Spain Yet did not King James take that either as an affront or injury publishing by Proclamation that he was satisfied of the innocency of forein Princes in that business Nor did King Philip omit to congratulate his delivery from so great a danger by Don John de Mendosa both in countenance and serious forms of speech to that onely purpose made The Fifteenth BOOK of the History of the Dutch AFFAIRES THE Defence of Antwerp one of the principal Cities of the Netherlands the taking Towns so strongly fortified and carrying the Warre into the Enemie's Country while with less danger and more hope he might have fought elsewhere added very much to Spinola's honour and renown he being the first that seemed to put new life and courage into and to restore the fortune and discipline of that side which for fifteen years before had been decaying Therefore which way soever he went among the Netherlanders there were great exultations and applauses attended him and when he came into Spain as his custome was every year he was privately envied by the Lords but publickly and with great honour favoured by the King But the many actions of the former year had so drained the Treasury that by the emptiness thereof the present Counsels of the Warre were much retarded and he but slowly obtained pay for both his Armies refusing to undertake the charge of the Warre without it and if he had it boasting he had in a manner already obtained the Victory determining as before he had passed the Rhine so now he would goe over the Wael and the Yssell and so penetrate into the very bowels of the Hollanders Therefore he consented to help the King 's decayed credit with his own and his friends wealth which with what damage to himself it was done will be commemorated towards the end of the year On the other side the Vnited States long foreseeing the approaching evils which Armies are wont to draw along with them increasing their Forces that were at distance and they were infinitely vexed with the vast charges of the Garrisons resolved the following year to give way to that violence which they imagined would not endure long being content to defend their Borders until the fury thereof began to be asswaged Beside the new Levies intended were hindred in France by the Warre of Sedan and in Germany by the troubles of Brunswick Sedan is a City lying hard by the Maes in the confines of the French and Belgick Dominions and was a place of great concernment if at any time the Warre came towards those parts Of old it was possessed by the Family of Le Marque but Henry de Turre Viscount Turein marrying the Daughter and Heir of the Bulionian Family gained the inheritance of the Town and took the name of Bulion and although his Wife was dead retained it by virtue of her Testament but often undermined by the French greatness while the affairs of the House of Bourbon were yet but private He was reckoned among the chief Captains during the unsetled estate of that Kingdome But after the King had changed his Religion and for defence of the Kingdome new Taxes were found our which gave cause of complaint and the great multitude that professed the Reformed Religion had their eies chiefly upon Bulion he being famous in Warre and the frequent author of resolute counsels he was believed to have caused some commotions When he was called to answer his offence at the same time as Marshal Biron was put to death excusing himself against the violent animosities of his Enemies and challenging many of his suspected Judges he departed into Germany And the Prince Elector Palatine being asked that he would remember his Affinity for both of them had married Prince Maurice's Sisters sent some Embassadours to the King to appease his wrath but it little prevailed it being alwaies a thing detested by Kings to have forein Powers interpose themselves for the reconciling their differences Hereupon the matter was undertaken by Prince William's Widow and indeed the Woman's sollicitation proved most effectual but the King required the custody of Sedan as a pledge of his fidelity Bulion offered to deliver both the Town and Castle to the patronage of the Kingdome of France and for performance of that agreement consented that as well the Governour as the Souldiers therein should be bound by Oath and besides this he offered other things while yet he was not removed from the possession and in the interim prepared all things for enduring a War if he should be compelled thereto by necessity This boldness of his together with the potent Enemies which he had lately made himself and besides being a man greedy of honor and impatient to be excelled forced the King that marching out that Spring with a great Army he came with his Camp as far as the Maes Thus did this great King threaten with the fury of a destructive War not the Spaniard nor the Burgundian as heretofore but his old friend the Lord onely of one poor Town But a meanes being found to make Peace Bulion was redeemed from that imminent danger and the King freed from such an inglorious contest The King placed a Governor in Sedan for four years and at the end of that time the custody of the same was to be redelivered to Bulion By that agreement it was forbidden for any to inquire into his former actions and if hereafter he should change his allegiance the Townsmen swore they would chuse them another Prince This Peace being made he was restored to his wonted favor with the King who as he was easily angred so he was ready and free to pardon all men wondring to see him that lately was an Enemy now be at the King's elbow and inseparable from him both in his cares and recesses The
Enterprize succeeded beyond hope so the latter end proved quite contrary Two Draw-Bridges and one Gate being forced by the Engines applyed to them the innermost that only remained hitherto made a noyse which forced them to apply two Petards and now nothing withstood them but that they might go to the very Rampire which was not very high all within the Town remaining secure Colonel Notte having intelligence that the Enemy intended some Stratagem advised all his Neighbour Covernors That they should take heed to their Charges not once suspecting the Design to be intended against himself that the Enemy would invade the Town so difficult to come to by its inward Scituation and compassed round about with so many Guards on every side and therefore he gave himself to ease and by his example so did others At first they that entred were afraid because finding so great silence and no stirring they believed they were discovered and that there was some Plot laid to intrap them It fortuned that part of the Souldiers who were commanded to set upon another part of the Town at an appointed time not performing what was commanded because the Clock of the Town did not strike that Night whereby the hours were not discerned While these delayed to break in where the way lay open to them Some few in the Town awaked partly with the cracking of the Gates and partly with the noyse of the Enemies Arms half naked and half armed as they leaped from their beds shut up the inner Gate And surely here the assaylants were much too short that they had placed Pikes in the Front and not Musketeers the Pikes not being so ready to enter against Shot Hereupon the first being beaten off fear possessed the rest which made them flye but they were hindred by the confused Numbers that stood crowded together upon the Bridg And now Colonel Notte the Governour having planted some great Guns made a great slaughter among them as they stood in heaps in the narrow passages Almost Five hundred were killed with shot drowned and overwhelmed in water and dirt Nor did they return without the losse of blood for the Enemy now appearing in publick the Souldiers on all hands from the Forts issued out and fell on in the Rear making great havock This terrible danger being escaped care was taken which ought to have been done before that a Redoubt should be made before the Gate And by the Arch-Duke's Command some of the Officers whose carelessness was principally accused were punished with great severity being made an example to others that they should rather chuse any honourable danger then by neglect and disobedience of Commands to incur a certain and sordid punishment Now the hope of the Venetian Warr being deferred by reason of the scarcity of provisions in Italy the Spanish Regiments came thence into the Netherlands So also did Spinola though retarded by a Feaver and the report of his death had much increased the Hollanders security with no less joy though it proved false then if thereby they had hoped to have been delivered from foreign Arms. Upon the disbanding of the French Army some came to the States but the greatest part of the Duke of Brunswick's Forces went to Spinola John Count Ridberg Brother to the Transamasian Earl having suffered some damage by the Hollanders Incursions conducting to him also part of the Horse but part of the Money that was intended to the Marquess was intercepted And the Hollanders wasted the Country about Mechelen because they denyed to pay Contribution And Spinola having determined at the middle of Summer and going into places in his opinion full of water divided both his Cares and Forces with Count Bucquoy To whom he assigns Ten thousand Foot and Twelve hundred Horse and Twelve pieces of Artillery with command to go into that part of Holland which the Rhine divided into another channel called the Waell encompasseth Himself with Eleven thousand Foot and Two thousand Horse and but Eight Cannons thinking of many things yet steared his course chiefly to Friezeland and the Veluwe for so is that part of Gelderland called which is compassed with the Rivers Rhene and Issell then he considered of Vtrecht a great City and strong but apt to Seditions from the unstable vulgar And that he might proceed with the more expedition he removed from the Camp all Women and filled the Carriages with Victuals Boats Bridges and Mills And if what he designed had come to pass and the Two Armies had met on both sides the very heart of the United Provinces and all the places of less strength lay open to the sudden violence and the outer and more fortified places had been torn away from helping them either with Provisions or otherwise But thick cloudy weather attended with much Rain detained Spinola as he was entring the Borders of the Tubantes From thence the Souldiers contracting Sicknesses and growing weak their passage lying altogether through marishy wayes that they in the Rear could hardly reach them in the Van in a second days March Thus had the Marishes more than ordinarily wet and lying scattered up and down stopped the passage into Frizeland Besides the Issell a River not contemptible at other times was so swelled with excess of Rain that it was not fordable in any place By these delays Prince Maurice having gained time to get his Souldiers together in number Ten thousand Foot and Two thousand five hundred Horse those be appointed to lye by the River and to re-enforce with Works and Garrisons Deuenter Zutphen and Doesburg being principal Towns and to leave the rest to Fortune and the Event But the Marquess revolving in his thoughts various Consultations while he tryes all things while the weather grew more serene hating idleness sent some to besiege Lochem a Town in the Jurisdiction of Zutphen meanly fortified but conveniently scituate for any that intended to stay in those Parts It was only kept by Three hundred men the Garrison being but small while the care was chiefly taken for greater Cities Deuenter being chiefly dissembled as if it had been aimed at had drawn Prince Maurice thither therefore the next day having made approaches even to the Trench the Town was delivered and the Spaniards thought fit to fortifie a little Hill near hand At the same time Pompey Justiniano by Bucquoy's Command leading Four thousand Foot Five hundred Horse and two Canons early in a morning came to a Village named Spardage on the left bank of the Wael and put the most nimble of the Souldiers into Boats each of which carried Thirty and himself afterwards carrying over the rest commanding them at once in an excellent order to loose from the Shore and also to land at the appointed place for it was not easie to land every where But Warner Dubois to whom the Prince had given in Charge the defence of that side of their Territories being called from Nimmeghen by hasty Messengers had filled the inner bank which
People Sighs and Tears together with want and the often renewed Seditions of the Souldiers prevailed that now they chose rather a obtain and peaceable Government than the hope of an inlarged Dominion attended with continual Fear But Spinola was the chief Author of that Counsel who a few years having archiev'd great Honour fear'd lest Fortune should turn Retrograde both his own and the King's Credit being at once shipwrack'd if these vast Charges should continue or any Chance should intercept the Ameriâ—â— Revenues without any hope of recovering what he had â—â—bursed so that being overwhelm'd in Debt in stead of a â—ear and honourable Fortune he could see nothing but â—ame and Poverty But in the Vnited Provinces few durst hope for Peace but rather most fear'd it being so instructed from their Parents that all Treaties with a deceitful Enemy were to be shunâ—ed and that War was most safe under whatsoever Qualification and that the great Number of Men subject to them 〈◊〉 well Souldiers as the rest of the Common People were advantaged by Arms Engines Armies and Fleets Nor was it fear'd by a few least as formerly at the beginning of the War so now at the restoring of Peace Antwerp should be chosen as the most commodious Seat for Merchandise and Traffick And when all fear of the Enemy should be taken away the Dissentions of Cities and other Disturbances of the Common-wealth were dreaded Nor were there some wanting especially among those that were more subject to Danger as lying nearer the Enemy who long since while they saw Cities taken by force and none to contradict it and that under a shew of Prudence their Limits were lessned fearing the like might happen to them when it would be too late to seek a Remedy altogether bent their whole studies for Peace But the more Moderate as they thought fit to avoid Treacheries so they likewise agreed to try Whether Arms might be laid aside upon Honourable Terms with the safety of the Commonwealth and preservation of Religion Nor was this time to be omitted when the Enemies Affairs were decaying the Authority of the States was grown more firm by long Obedience and there were two potent Princes as it were at their sides the one offended at the Spaniard the other for many just Reasons displeased with the Pope and therefore would consequently be more cordial to the Hollanders The state of Affairs both at Home and abroad being in this condition Herman Wittenhorsten by the Arch-Duke's Command came to the Hagne about the end of the year The same also before the Armies should march out in the Spring had passed through Gelderland and Holland but with Command onely to commune in private whereof there would be occasion enough given him in regard he was allyed to several of the Holland Nobility either by the Consanguinity of his Ancestors or other Collateral Affinity of Marriages But now John Genard the Secretary coming to accompany him from Turnholt where both of them lived and that place paying Tribute to both Parties caused them to have the more free admittance He deliver'd to the chief of the States what he had in Command from Albertus and Isabella which was to this effect That nothing was more desired by them than the Peoples Peace and that an end might be put to their long and bloody Troubles That the Rights belonging to the Arch-Dukes were not unknown to the States as also that they sought not anything that belonged to others They on the other side should consider what they conceived fit for confirming their Security whether a Peace or a Truce onely and that it was left to them whether they would chuse a publike or a private Treaty from which all unjust and treacherous Dealings should be banish'd But the matter was deferred because they brought no Letters from the Arch-Dukes to the States We shall hereafter relate with care what gradations and progress it had and with what inclination it was managed because this will 〈◊〉 far more expedient for the knowledg of Citizens than the Arts of Fortifications or Excursions of Horse and Foreign Nations at no time before had spoken of the Hollanders with more Honour and Renown The Sixteenth BOOK of the History of the Dutch AFFAIRES THE Winter growing more warm yet very turbulent with high Winds as it made the Hollanders secure from their Enemies Incursions yet hindred not the flowing of the Rivers as if the Heavens had been pleased with the overtures of Peace nevertheless it did same harm in another part by spoyling some Ships near the Texell because the Island was unsafe for Winter stations which Ships were thereby forced to delay the time of their going out into several parts of the World But the Vnited States that they might with the more certainty settle domestick Peace and vindicate their fame after Time had cared their late grown Troubles of Groeninge taken off the necessity of imperious Command and reduced their minds 〈◊〉 a conformity of obedience commanded the Castle which they had built to keep the City in awe to be demolished and pulled down which though formerly it was necessary yet now if it should be continued would not at all suit with the Liberty which they pretended towards all The chief cause of this their so great security was That the Magistrates of the City were such whose fidelity both to them and the publike Religion was well known and a great Garrison was kept therein without charge and without regret Yet for all this had the Souldiers no time of leisure for the Spaniard broke into and burned a small Fort in the Isle of Bommell the Sentinell being hired by them to hold his peace The Captain that Commanded the place was slain who was blamed for this because in not changing his Watches he had given hopes to that Treacherous Design Also the Count Bruyke a younger Brother but in pay under the Hollanders as he rid to his Father's house with a small retinue fell into an ambush of the Enemies his Secretary by chance going before was shot which was a sign of what was following to his Master yet he did not offer to fly but valiantly coped with the Enemy not out of hope to escape but because he was ashamed to be taken After he was slain his body was barbarously wounded the fortune and hatred which they bore towards his Father being executed upon the Son for with the like barbarism was his Father killed by Mendosa's Souldiers But Henry of Nassau going out with a strong Party of Horse to the spoyl of Spinola's men that carelessly Wintered in the Country of Limburg when they hearing of the danger retired into the Cities He took by force Erkelen a Town lying in his way after he had beaten down the Gate with a Petard This is a small Town in Gelderland which out of a sense of its own weakness had of old paid Tribute to both parties But then by chance was become an Enemy to the Hollanders by
Cables that the Fortune of the Battel might first be tryed by the other Vessels Notwithstanding which Hemskerk keeping still to his first purpose passing by the rest set upon that alone and at the first Onset cryed out That all should be lawful Frize therein to whoever took it and appointing a Reward besides to him that should bring away the Enemies Top-Mast Banner Commanding That they should not shoot until they were very wear whereby the greater Terrour might strike them on a suddain Therefore the Spaniard prevented him in giving the first Volley of Shot but he did no great damage by it Hemskerk by this time but a little way distant began to shoot from his Fore-Deck and presently striking upon the Enemies Ship he cast Anchor He stood openly in sight in the midst of the Ship when the Spaniard making thick and frequent shots a Bullet by chance killing one broke and tore off his left Thigh and threw him groveling being laden with Arms. He was sensible of the approach of Death and therefore praying God mercifully to receive his departing Soul he exhorted all about him That they would not be careless in following their business but would seek to repair the loss of their Captain with the Enemies Ruine The death of the Admiral being concealed by Captain Nerhoeven did spread over the Fleet until the Battel was ended The same endeavour'd that the Cannon on the Right-side might be discharged The Spaniard now having lost the use of his great Guns applyed himself wholly to fight with small Shot but the Hollanders Shot did the greatest damage in regard the Enemy stood thicker and more crowded together Lambert following as he was commanded at first shot at Avila's Ship at a distance but afterwards came nearer and lay side by side so that now a most furious Fight was begun and all were involved in Clouds of Smoke insomuch that at Noon-day they had the Resemblance of a Nocturnal Conflict The rest of the Battel wa ordered by Fortune not according to Command For while Captain Alterasen of Zeland delay'd to assault the Ship assigned to him 3 others invaded him to whom a fourth soon after joyned themselves Which having taken fire by the perpetual vomiting of the Cannon and that now danger drew near to the Assailants the Hollanders withdrew themselves and quenched their Sails which had likewise caught fire But the Spaniards astonished with fear casting aside all care of the Ship after all things in the Ship and the Ship it self were seized by the Flame forced also by the Enemies Shot leaped head long into the Sea and so exchanged one kind of death for another Captain Henry Long a Hollander with more Policy assailing another Galeoon was kill'd with a Bullet but that also was fir'd and utterly burned Again another of the same Magnitude being shot between Wind and Water by the coming in of the Waves and its own Burden suddainly sunk The rest of the Spanish Ships as also some of the Hollanders not during to run the hazard of a close Fight contested at a distance almost with equal damage to the Enemy and themselves There were many shot also thunder'd upon them from the Town and Castle of Tariff but suddain violence disheartned the Spaniards one of their best Ships being blown up and torn in pieces by its own Powder or else set on fire by themselves After the horrible Crack had thunder'd all over the Bay the torn Ships Reliques setting fire on those Ships next to him and they likewise drawing others into the like Danger and Ruine They that remained before the Mischief should reach to them cutting their Cables made hast to the Shore onely the Admiral prolonged the Issue of the Fight stoutly making good her part against two Ships until at last a Third came But then the Banner or Ensign being pulled down together with it they lost all their Courages and the Victors wholly entring it was no longer a Fight but a meer Slaughter All the Spaniards as they leaped into the Sea-hoping to escape by swimming were kill'd either by Swords Pikes or Bullets Not could one fix his Eye on any part of the Bay where the sad Spectacle of dead or dying People was not with Horrour represented Avilas not long survive Hemskerk He was an Antient Sea-Commander for he had accompanied Don John of Austria at the Battel of Lepanto Among his Papers were found King Philip's severe Instructions not against the Hollanders onely but all others who had in any manner assisted them The French whose Ships before surprized by the Spaniard but now deserted in his flight afforded a safe Retreat to the Conquerours They that were taken Prisoners and kept alive after by a rare chance of good Fortune the Souldier sent by a Spanish Captain to kill them was by a Bullet intercepted and a second sent to put the same Command in Execution perish'd by the like means at last had their Bonds and Chains struck off by an accidental shot After this Battel the Night continued quiet and the next Morning it appear'd that the Spanish Admiral which the Hollanders had neglected to keep as supposing themselves to have undertaken enough yet floted intire with some few Men in it who while the Victors Fury raged had hidden themselves in Holes from whence creeping our and getting into the Town the People voluntarily set fire thereon that it might not become a Prey to the Enemy Two days the Holland Fleet continued in the place of the Battel esteeming the Victory rather honourable than advantagious or gainful During all the time of their stay there Armed Men ran up and down and on the other side the Townsmen gathering together all their best and most precious Things prepar'd to fly For all Things were now fill'd with fear the News of this Action being brought by like Messengers to Cadiz which would certainly have been a great cause of making Hamskerk much more confident if he had lived but now all his Counsels fell to the ground with him Tittuan a City of Barbary not very antient scituate at the Foot of the Mount Atlas near these Streights is subject to the Turk Hither the Hollanders repaired to amend their ships and get help and remedy for their sick and wounded Men of whom they had Threescore besides almost one hundred slain in the Fight The Governour of the City both hating and hated of the Spaniards received the Conquerours with much Congratulations and sending to them also many Presents And moreover offer'd them a Supply of Foot Souldiers if they would please to assault Septa a Town upon the same Coast but scituate a little more inward and possessed by the Spaniard But they being more desirous of Booty than War so determined among themselves that the greatest part chose to Forage the Coasts of Portugal Others went to the Azores some to the Fortunate Islands and the rest coasted the Promontery of Antabria Two Ships of those that had brought Provisions were sent into
what 342 Cambray besieged by the Spaniard 347.393.394 Cleves and Juliers Dutchies claimed by the Spaniards and others 375.444 Castellet taken by the Spaniards 387 Cambray delivered to the Spaniard 395.396 Cornwal a County in England invaded by the Spaniards 402 Calais besieged by Albertus and why 423.424 Attempted to be relieved by the Count St. Paul but in vain 425 Is surrendred together with the Castle 425 416 Cadiz Voyage and the Issue thereof 446. ad 453 A Description of the City of Cadiz 448 449 The City taken 451 Corn for hidden by Edict to be carryed into Spain and why 469 Clement Pope at Ferrara by Proxies marries King Philip to Margaret and Albertus to Isabella 580 Cleves and Juliers about to raise an Army cannot agree on a General 585 The Cities thereof fortified and why 598.599 They desire to make a defensive League and with whom and why 600 Send thanks to Prince Mamrice but complain of the Spaniards 600 601 Culenburg Count Florence Palante his death 610 Culcar a Town of Cleves taken by the Spaniard together with many others 615 Creveâ—cur Fort besieged and taken by the Spaniards 629 Regained by Prince Maurice 658 Clort a Captain takes 300 of the Enemies near Wachtendow surpriseâ—h Straten and takes Cracow Castle 694.695 Coetorden re-enforced by Prince Maurice 805 Cratow Castle taken by Bucquoy 814 Cloves a rich commodity and from whence brought 850.851.852 Cessation of Arms for eight Moneths agreed on between the Hollanders and Spaniards 880 Continued for a longer time 896 Cessation of Arms lengthened 901.902 Commissioners on both sides meet the manner thereof and who they were 915.916.917 Cessation of Arms prolonged 925 The same again continued 927 Commissioners for the Archdukes commanded out of Holland by Decree and the Treaty broke off 938 They take leave of the States and their speech at that time with the States answer thereto 938 Calvin his Opinions 951 D. DUtch the Form of their Government 10.11 Difference between France and Spain upon what grounds and by whom begun 59 Dordect the Form of a Commonwealth there begun and by whom 63 Discords increase among the Netherlandish Lords 90.91 Dunkerk besieged by Parma and taken which for the future made the Sea dangerous and why 53 Damme surrendred to the Spaniard 142 Dewsburgh won by the Spaniard 163 Drake Francis wasts the toasts of Spain with a Fleet. 181 Denmark the King layes an Imbargo on all Dutch Vessels and why 184 Discipline Military more strict and better with the States than the Spaniards 197 Drake Francis made Vice-Admiral 209 Dutch ships seised in Scotland and why 224 Deventer besieged by Prince Maurice assaulted and surrendred 265.266.267 Delfeziel won by Prince Maurice 270 Assaulted by Verdugo but with great loss 326 Dorpius Arnold called the Rich is envyed called to question imprisoned pardoned and again employed and how 356.357 Dolens in viewing whereof Lamot is killed 389 Drion a Town in Burgundy won by the French King 399 Drake Francis sails into America and why before his return he dyes 405.405 Dunkerk Pyrats thence take several Holland ships 419 Some of the Pyrats apprehended and executed 420 Denmark Embassador from thence and to what purpose with the States answer thereto 493.494 Danny Peter his Treason against Prince Maurice and Execution for the same 569.570 Doetichem taken by Mendosa 614 Dorst a Town in the Bishoprick of Colen taken by the Spaniard 611 Douse Peter Admiral of the Dutch Fleet. 640 He goes to Guine the description of the place 644 645 646 A Pestilence afflicts the Hollanders there of which Douse himself dyes 646 647 648 Dunkirk Pyrates taken and executed 649 Dort Hollanders first build a Galley there which quickly after were encreased 691 692 Dunkirk Pyrates their insolency and punishment 695 Dorp Frederick succeeds General Vere in the Government of Ostend 717 Dunkirk Pyrates put to death and why 815 Denmark Embassadors thence arrive in Holland and for what intent 903 Dubois Warner killed and by whom 909 E. EGâ—ond Lamâ—rall Count Egmond his extract and Character his Valour fear of the Spaniard apprehension by Alâ— and death 12 13.40 45 47 48 His difference with Granvel and for what 24 His going into Spain behaviour there Entertainment anâ—â—turn 29 England throws off the Pope so doth Denmark and Sweden 31 Edict set out by the King of Spain and the effect thereof 55 56 Escovedo Secretary to Don John of Austria killed 103 England the Character of the English and how they were concerned with Holland 151 The difference of nature between them and the Hollanders 166 167 Edict to prohibit the transportation of Corn 169 The same Edâ—ct revived and amended 179 English insensible of their danger from the Spanish Fleet. As also the Hollanders 207 English Fleet how disposed to resist the Spaniard 〈◊〉 secure the Kingdom 208 209 They fight with the Enemy at distance and why 210 The whole Fleet met and the greatness thereof 212 They leave the pursuit suffer a storm and return home their Eulogy 215 Emperor of Germany sends an Embassie for Peace to the Hollanders but is refused and why 280 English annoy the Spaniards and where 283 Ernestus Duke of Austria sent Governour to and arrives in the Netherlands 320 His Character and reception among the Netherlanders 321 His first Musters impeded and how and by whom 324 Which makes him contemptible 325 Elizabeth Queen offended with the States and why 346. 464 Ernestus calls a Councel at Bruxels and for what 357 His dissimulation with the Netherlanders 360 Ernestus dies his Character 366 Emperour sends Letters to the States and their answer to the same 374. 493 Embden a Relation of the troubles of Embden and the Original causes and compoâ—â—ion thereof 377 378 ad 383 English and French ready to quarrel and for what 400. 464 Echternach a Town in Lutzenburg taken by the Hollanders 427 Emperor sends to the States and their answer 446. 653 English and Hollanders wast the Sea-coasts of Spain with a great Fleet. 446 Essex Earl General of the Land-Forces in the Cadiz Voyage his Character 446 447.551.652 653 Elizabeth Queen demands satisfaction of the States with their answer and Petition 458 459 460 Her Answer to the Polish Embassador 498 499 Azores Islands fallen upon by a great Fleet of English and Hollanders 499. 500 The Fleet dispersed by Tempests returns home 500 501 Emilia Sister to Prince Maurices offends him by an unequal Marriage and the event thereof 523 524 English difference between them and the Germans the beginning thereof and for what and how setled 535 536 537 538 Elizabeth Queen very angry with the Hollanders and why yet afterwards appeased and by what means 559. 653 Emmeric taken by Prince Maurice from Mendosa and quitted 610 Again surprised and Garrisoned by the Spaniards 622 Essex Earl harasses Ireland succesfully 652 He is committed to custody and for what 653 Emperor Embassadors from him to the States concerning what with the States Answer 663.664 Essex Earl brought to
Advice to King Philip and how resented by him 43 Margaret Lady Regent leaves the Netherlands and her Government 46 Moderation No moderation to be hoped from Spain 49 50 Montiny executed in Spain 49 Maximilian Emperour sends into Spain his Brother Charles and to what purpose 52 Medina coeli The Duke thereof sent to succeed Alva in the Government of the Netherlands but he refused the same 63 Montz in Henalt besieged by Alva Relief sent thither by the French Prince of Aurange and others 64 Montz surrendred 65 Middleburg in Zeland sticks to the Spaniards 68 Marquius called to account and accused by the Prince of Aurange 69 Middleburg won by the Zelanders after a long Siege 74 75 Mutiny The Spaniards frequently mutiny and why 76 77 Maestrickt sacked by the Spanish Souldiery 83 Mechlin submits to Parma 111 Mochlin taken by storm from the Spaniards 116 〈◊〉 Arch-Duke of Austria honourably sent away from his Government of the Netherlands 112 Maurice Prinâ—â—on of William Prince of Aurange succeeds his Father in the Publike Care of Holland 145 His Inheritance ibid. 〈◊〉 Governour of Holland and Zeland 146 〈◊〉 delivered to Parma 162 Maurice Prince wins Axel and how 171 He takes the chief Command of War at the States Desires 179 His Merits and Praises 198 Medina Sidonia Duke Admiral of the Spanish Armado 208 Moncada Hugh with a great Ship driven aground in France but at last taken and pillaged by the English 213 Mansfieldt Charles attaquing Voorn Island departs thence for fear of Hohenlo 231 Mansfeldt Count Peter made Deputy-Regent of the Netherlands 254 Mansfeldt Octavio killed 271 Maurice Prince returns victorious into Holland 278 279 He is wounded 290 Mansfeldt Count Peter Governour of the Netherlands He comes with an Army to relieve Gertruydenburg but in vain 312 Maurice Prince marcheth against Groeningen 328 Murtherers hired by the Spaniards to kill him 340 341 Mansfeldt Charles departs the Netherlands and dies 367 Mondrugonio infests the Hollanders Country 391 Overthrows some Holland Troops 391 392 Withdraws to Winter-Quarters and dies his Character 392 393 Moers a Town in Cleves besieged by Prince Maurice and taken 510 511 Maurice Prince highly applauded and for what 522 〈◊〉 dices Alexander the Pope's Legate Mediator of Peace between France and Spain 526 Mucerâ— Balthazar his bold Attempt and the success thereof 539 540 Mendosa Francisco General of the Spanish Army 573 Margaret King Philip's Consort who she was and how allied 579 Mendosa raiseth a great Army in Germany and for what 585.586 Maurice Prince marcheth to Arnheym and why 593 594 Pitcheth his Camp by Mendosa 595 Moers a Town complains of the Spaniard and the reason thereof 597 598 Maurice Prince endeavours to overflow the Country but is hindred by Mendosa and how 611 612 He pitcheth his Camp at Doesberg and why with a Description of the same 613 614 Brings his Army and Provision to Arnheym and so returns to the Hague 610 Mendosa his Insolence toward the Germans 614 615 Maurice Prince in great perplexity and why 624 He pitcheth his Camp in the Isle of Geldre 625 Mendosa cometh to the Isle of Bommel where he loseth many men by Skirmishes and otherwise he retires to Kâ—ssem 631 Maurice Prince quartereth his men in Vorn Island 634 Raiseth a Fort in Bommel Island which is assaulted by Mendosa but to no purpose 631 632 Mendosa put his Army into Winter-quarters and so doth Prince Maurice 637 Maurice Prince with a great Army goes into Flanders which filled the Country with fear 666 667 The Prince and his Army terrified at the suddain approach of the Enemy 669 670 He draws up his Army into Battalia and the manner thereof 671 672 Mauritian Commanders Speech to the Souldiers and the Prince's in particular 675 676 677 Moers won by Prince Maurice 699 Montiregio a Colonel of the Spaniards slain 702 Mendosa set at liberty and upon what Terms having been taken prisoner at Newport Fight 717 718 Maurice Prince with a great Army sits down at Centron a Village in Leige 718 719 Mendosa goes into Spain his entertainment there 725 Mendosa Andrew Hurtadâ— imployed to beat the Hollanders out of the Indies 728 Mansfeldt Count Peter his Death and Character 782 Maurice Prince comes to relieve Lingen but in vain 803 He pitcheth his Camp 〈◊〉 Wosel and falls upon Spinola's Army but without success 809 810 811 812 Sends his Army into Winter-quarters 814 Marscilles a French City almost betrayed to the Spaniard and how and by whom 817 818 Maurice Prince recollects his Army and re-inforceth Diventer Zutphen and Doesburge 835 He fortifies all the Country between the Rhine and Wael and Issel 836 Muscovy Troubles there whence arising how and by what means composed 860 Maurice Prince perswaded to hearken to Peace and by whom â—77 〈◊〉 perswades against Peace so do several others and who and why 899 935 936 937 Melancton Philip his Opinion 951 Ministers of Holland meet in an Assembly to examine the Books of Armitius and Gomanes 953 â—lison a Captain of Holland returns from the East-Indies with Honour and Wealth 954 95â— A Description of several places there and of the Hollanders Transactions therein 954 955 956 â— 961 Molucca's Islands The Hollanders worsted there and how 961 961 Several Leagues made by the Hollanders in those Parts 962 963 964 N. NEtherlanders They fear the Change of their Government and why 6 7 Netherlands Margaret made Regent of them and why 22 The Government thereof nominally in Margaret but really in Granvel 23 Exempt from Forein Bishops and when 25 The Lords thereof after Granvel's Banishment take notice of all things and take all into their own power 28 Nassau Lewis of Nassau a prime Leader of Faction 33 Netherlands never subject to Germany 3â— Nassau Lewis of Nassau breaks into Frizeland 50 Nâ—olph of Nassau slain there 51 Netherlanders in Bruxels shut up their Shops and stand on their Guard 58 Narda A Town in Holland taken and the Walis pulled down 65 Nassau Lewis of Nassau killed with some others 75 Netherlanders receive Aid from divers Princes 91 Nassau Jobs of Nassau governs Gueldros 94 Netherlands Many Seditions happen there 〈◊〉 both Sides 110 Nienout won by Laâ—ove for the Hollanders and other places in Flanders 116 Netherlanders troubled at Francis de Valeis and why 126 131 132 133 Treat with him for the Town in him power 133 Newport gained by Parma and several other Towns in Flanders 136 Nassau William Governour of Frizeland composes the Differences there 14â— Nimineghen won by the Spaniards 163 Nuâ—sie surprized by Niâ—narius but presently re-taken by Parma 171 172 Netherlands Their Borders and Neighbours 189 Nâ—rius killed and how his Character 235 Nimineghen besieged by Prince Maurice but left on a suddain 252 253 Besieged a new by Prince Maurice 275 277 The Original and Description of the City 276 It is delivered to the Prince 278 Nayon a Town in France taken by the Spaniards 30â— Nuâ—sie revolts from the Spaniards