doth correspond therewithall or no. You the only brother of the King you the Dolphine of France you who are likely every hour to succeed to the greatest Monarchy of Europe in what posture I beseech you are you now here in Flanders You the Ruler of these Countries You the Duke of Brabant Earl of Flanders Holland and Zealand and Lord of these Confederate Provinces 'T is true these are your Titles these are your appearing greatnesses but set these vain shadows aside tell me I pray you what do you enjoy here which makes you not rather subject to obey then to Command You cannot say a word but Orange must first put it into your mouth you can frame no designe whatsoever which must not first be assented to by the Soveraignty of the States General nay by the particular States not only of every Province but of every City and meanest Town therein And where are the monies they premised you where are their paid men where so many other conditions so ill made good by them 'T is Orange then that is rather the true Prince And he will have the people to be their own Soveraigns to allure them still more with the bait of Liberty that he himself may hereafter the more easily invade it and reduce it to final slavery And truly what honour is not given to him even before your face whether doth not his opinion reach and the authority of his name And will your Highness sit down still by such a scorn will you forget your self your Royal bloud and your glorious Nation how much better will it become you to accompany your right with force of Arms there is no ruling without Forces Nor was the bare consent of the people ever sufficient to make a Princes Government of secure as it ought to be The people alter hourly and who hath had better tryal hereof then your self hardly was the Ceremonies of your first reception over when out of a slight suspition of the common people you and all yours ran bazard of your lives Little less then 6000 choice foot and 1000 choice horse are brought hither for your service to boot with a great number of other French horse and foot who are here in service under the Union of the Confederates The former are disposed of in divers of the chiefest Towns of Flanders Wherefore then do not you resolve to make your self Master of all those places at once but chiefly why do you not make this City of Antwerp your own when you shall have made your self Master of these places as you may easily do how can you doubt but that all France will be suddenly up in arms and that the whole Kingdom will come in to your assistance and that the King your brother will endeavour by all means to procure so fair an acquisition to his Crown an acquisition of Countries which your Royal bloud hath in former times in a good part governed and enjoy'd you will then be Prince of Flanders indeed Then must Orange and the rest receive Laws from you and not you from them And your new Empire being thus grounded upon force you may afterwards as you shall please use that other way of intreaties It is not rashly nor unadvisedly that I give you this Councel It is the common opinion of all the best Commanders of your Forces We all strive who shall contribute most to your greatness and raise up your honour as much as it is now abased here I who am the first to advise you hereunto will be one of the first who shall help to bring it to pass and shall account it my greatest glory either to live to see this done or to die in the endeavouring of it At the hearing of this Discourse Alanson was much more confused then perswaded On the one side the difficulties appeared to be very great which this advice brought with it which he could not sufficiently discern And on the other side he desired it might be effected but was not so resolute as he ought to have been to go about it After awhiles wavering within himself he as was his custom left himself to be disposed of as the rest should please Wherefore his answer was That Ferraches and the rest of the Commanders should do what they thought best for his safety and advantage They were not long about it The resolution was That upon a certain prefixt day which was appointed to be the 17 day of January all the Dukes souldiers should take an occasion to mutiny in the several places where they were quartered and should drive the Flemish Garisons out of them The greatest difficulty lay in the making of themselves Masters of Antwerp They could not do it by open force the City being so great and populous And if they should go about to surprise it they might likewise meet with many impediments yet necessity pleaded for the latter but because neither could it be done by surprisal unless at the same time that force should be begun to be used within the City another sufficient force might be without it was resolved that a good strength of the Dukes horse and foot should be brought at the time appointed into some Villages near the Walls of the City as if it were by the way of passage The new year 1â—83 was then begun and the colds were exceeding sharp The States therefore hoped by means of the Ice which makes the low fields of Friesland more passable then any other time of the year to do somewhat for their advantage in those parts Wherefore they desired the Duke to go with some good forces into Ghelderland to increase their other forces on the other side the Rhine and to this end they had made certain sums of mony be payed unto him Nothing could have faln out more fortunately for the French then this So as about the midst of Jenuary all their men save such as were to stay in their Garisons in the Province of Flanders to make themselves Masters of those Towns as was resolved upon were in the Villages about Antwerp this mean while there were many French with the Duke in Antwerp and particularly the chief of the Nobility as well for the honour which they rendred unto his person as for some other feigned occasions which the Duke had purposely caused arise at that conjuncture of time Yet few were acquainted with the designe which was thus ordered On the 17 day the people which were lodged about the Town were to be stirring early in the morning as if they were to march towards Friesland The Duke was to go out by St James his gate which was the nearest as if he were to make the same journy when he should be gone out those that remained behind were suddenly to possess themselves of that gate Another gate near unto it called Cesars gate was suddenly to be possest also The Curtain which runs between these two gates being easily won the Artillery which were upon it were to be
more averse thereunto with whom the Bishop of Arras joyned in opinion who was one of the most imployed Ministers of the Court. Out of these reasons they also hindred Orange his afore mentioned Marriage it appearing to them that it was not good to consent to such an Alliance so neer to the King himself and that it would make Orange yet greater in Flanders by the neer leaning stock of Loraine and would cause yet more ambitious desires in him then those which had more then once been already discovered in him when the King had chosen the Dutchesse of Parma to be Governess of Flanders and caused her therefore to come from Italy he thought it fitting before his departure to call a generall Assembly of all the Provinces the which he held in Gaunt Where the Deputies being assembled together the King spoke first severally with every of them apart concerning the affairs of chiefest importance and at the first opening of the Assembly he was present himself in person together with the new Governess where after a great silence The Bishop of Arras began to speak by the Kings command to the Deputies and inlarged himself into a long discourse wherein he shewed the reasons which forced the King to go for Spaine and afterwards apply'd himself to the particular affairs of Flanders He said That his Father the Emperour had not for the space of many years seen Spaine and that at last he went thither out of no other end but to lay his bones there that the present King had also absented himself from thence for many years not to abandon Flanders which was then exposed to the greatest dangers of War which was very hot between him and the King of France That at last the peace of Cambray was insued his Marriage with the Daughter of Henry the second and all good intelligence and concord between both the parties that the affairs of Flanders being thus setled reason did require that he should now turn himself to the affairs of Spaine to provide in those parts likewise for many things which did necessarily require his presence that the King hoped either to return quickly himself to Flanders or else to send his son thither that he did acknowledge those Provinces to be his principall Patrimony and that from thence he had his rise to the succession of so many Kingdoms and that therefore he would vie with his Father in his love to them and endeavour to exceed him in his favouring of them that certainly of all goods that could befall them peace was to be preferred which occasioned commerce commerce traffick and traffick the plenty which the people of Flanders did now injoy that in peace likewise the Church did most flourish in her Ministery and the Nobility injoy their greatest priviledges that then this quiet was equally advantageous for all the three orders of the Country and that the King was therein interested more then any others by reason of the dangers whereinto the Princes Authority doth usually fall through the peoples turbulencies that the King knew nothing could more crosse this his so wise and pious object then Heresie the monster of impiety and Sedition and that when people did once arm themselves against their God they did at the same time arm themselves against their Princes of which the neighbouring Countries did afford too horrid and dreadfull examples that therefore the King as a Father no lesse then as a Prince did exhort the Provinces to preserve the purity of the ancient Faith to wit that faith which their Forefathers had for so many Ages professed with such lively zeal and caused to flourish with such constant Pietie That therefore they should cause the Edicts to be observed which were first published by his Father and afterwards confirmed by him in this point that they should not suffer themselves to be abused by false words taking licentiousness for liberty that they should take example from the evils of others not to fall into the like themselves that they should give all due obedience and respect to their new Governess and that they should assure themselves that as the King went from them full of Gratitude for the good service which they had done him and his Father so he would alwayes continue his Fathers and his wn affection towards those Provinces to witness which he would presently cause all forrein Garrisons to be drawn from forth their fortresses and take away all unusuall contributions from the Country These were the chief things which the Bishop of Arras uttered in the Kings name The answer which the Provinces did at the present give was full of Humility and obsequiousness and seemed to breath forth fidelity but those States ended afterward with very little of satisfaction to the King For touching the things spoken of before wherein the Country seemed to be distasted he saw the ill disposed minds of the Provinces in the faces of their Deputies and might judge that affairs would not continue long in the condition he left them The Flemings were then chiefly vexed through fear of having the inquisition introduced amongst them and there wanted not some who spoke their mindes therein publikely in the States That Flanders was not accustomed to such Rigors that it was terrified at the very name of the inquisition which would be the cause of deserting traffick and Merchandizing throughout the whole Country How much better would those evils be remedied by fairmeans then by fire and sword That every Humane body had its particular Habit and so every Nation its proper and natural constitution of temper That what did become Spain and Italy might not be fit for Flanders nor for the other more Northern people of Europe Who were more naturally inclined to liberty then those of the Southern parts By these and such like words wherewith they pierced the ears of the King they would either have had him have annul'd the published Edicts before his departure or at least have moderated them But he would never assent thereunto But gave this remarkable answer to one of his Officers who represented unto him the danger which he thereby might run into of losing either all or many of those Provinces and that therefore he might do better somewhat to connive alledging the neighbouring Countreyes for his example That he would rather be without Kingdoms then injoy them with Heresie Moreover the King with no lesse maturity of judgement then zeal of Religion foresaw the pernitious consequences which might from thence arise in his other Dominions for such an example would have encouraged the rest to have made the like desires and would be very dangerous to be admitted of and no lesse dangerous to be refused He therefore remained resolute to have the said Edicts put in execution as also fully to establish the new Erection of Bishopricks The King in the yeare 1555 had renewed the Edict which his Father the Emperour had made in the year 1550 wherein by Authority of the Apostolick
See the form was ordained which the inquisitors were to observe in the expunging of Heresie The substance whereof was That they should proceed with all rigor in seeking out those who were infected with Heresie and in punishing them according to the penalties appointed the execution whereof was committed to the Magistrates of Cities and to the Provincial Councels with provision to be had that no particular Tribunals should be introduced for the inquisition as it was formed and as for the new Erection of Bishopricks it was carried as hath been said in the relation The King having ordered matters of Religion thus declared that for all things else the former ancient Government should be continued wherein next unto the Regent the Councel of State should have the first place of which were many of the chief Lords of Flanders and because it was impossible to confide in them all therefore the King gave private instructions that the Regent in matters of greatest jealousies and weight should abridge the number to a few and intrust the chief managing thereof in the hands of the Bishop of Arras whom to this purpose he left with her Before the King went from Gaunt he would make a new creation of Knights of the golden Fleece in the places of many that were dead And amongst others he honoured some Lords of that Country with that Order whose Ancestors had formerly been thereof Finally the King preparing for his journey and being desirous first to give such instructions to the Dutchesse of Parma as were most convenient for the administration of Government he took her one day aside and as it is reported said thus unto her I could not give you a greater testimony my beloved Sister of my confidence in you then that which I have now deposited into your hands in assigning over unto you the Government of these Provinces of Flanders You see their situation by how much they are the more remote from my other Kingdoms so much the neerer are they to be endangered by the States which do inviron them T is true France is now at peace with me but 't is not so within it self being full of Factions and in the hands of a childe who instead of giving Lawes will be enforc'd to receive them to boote that the emulation which hath alwayes been and ever will be between France and Spain is too much known The Queen of England who Oppugnes the Religion which I defend will alwayes be plotting to the prejudice of my forces particularly those of Flanders the same suspitions almost out of the same reasons may be had of the Heretick Princes of the neighbouring parts of Germany As also for the spite they bear to see the Empire continue so long in my blood These neighbours will still be practising some innovations here And the most dangerous business which can be apprehended from them will be their infecting the People with Heresie and the making the Nobility upon such occasions aspire to Novelties They will then endeavour to incite the vulgar people to madness by the poison of false opinions and to withdraw them by degrees from liberty to licenciousness from licenciousness to tumults and from tumults to Rebellion And without doubt the introducing of Heresie being permitted these other evils will consequently follow True piety and falie cannot cohabit together And when people begin once to differ in their beliefe the great ones break forth presently into Novelties and by a thousand false pretentions turn Religion into Faction Miserable effects are seen hereof in Germany and no lesse miserable are already begun in France Therefore to preserve Flanders from so dangerous evils care must be had above all things to keep her free from Heresie and that only the Catholike Religion be practised there Which is the true and ancient Religion and which alone is profest in my other Kingdoms From hence doth my Family acknowledge her chiefest greatness and by the means thereof as Subjects are more united within themselves in the worship of the Altars and Temples so are they by her means also the closer tyed together in obedience to their Princes and Magistrates So as I by defending and sustaining of her am by her defended and sustained And rendring hereby the greatest service that I can to God I do consequently the greatest advantage I can to my Crown I go from hence therefore resolved that the Edicts published against the Hereticks in these Provinces be inviolably executed wherein I shall desire you to use your greatest vigilancy and to be sure that your sence be the same that mine is which is not notwithstanding that a setled Inquisition be introduced here I see the differences between these Provinces and those which have received it But on the other side the greatest evils require the strongest remedies To boot that this doth not oppose the priviledges of the Provinces nor the form of that Government which I have promised and sworn unto Nay to tollerate the introducing of heresie would be the greatest violation thereof I could commit Since hitherto it hath wholly been grounded upon the Catholick Religion and all things would be disturbed and quite overthrown if I should give any allowance to the bringing in of heresie When this danger shall be provided for it will make the remedy the easier for the other which may arise from some peccant humour of ambition in some of the great ones Ambition usually seeks out pretences so as course must be taken that no such be found Of all other pretensions that of conscience is the most specious and they who plot most against the common good seem by this way to be most zealous in procuring it Let this so plausible occasion be taken away the other which may move the people to commotions will the more easily cease You my sister very well know the humours of the people of Flanders and how they ought to be govern'd They are born almost as much to liberty as to subjection He that commands must entreat and oft-times must yield instead of obtaining To such natures 't is fit to adjust a proportionate Government You must therefore use all possible diligence in maintaining the accustomed Priviledges and Immunities of the Country and endeavour to satisfie the people in them they being almost wholly constituted in their power The common people live peaceably when at ease and quiet and 't is little to be feared that the ambitious can either discompose them by hidden fraud or grow more bold by open conspiracy to move them to commotion and yet you must by all means endeavour to keep the Nobility devout to my service by particularly giving them their due imployments their due respects and by assuring them that they shall always see my father supervive in me in favouring and protecting them Thus it may be hoped that affairs may here succeed happily and that none of the great ones instead of expecting honours and favours from me will provoke me to rigour and severity But
the Provinces neerest thereunto Norchermes was also sent thither so as they quickly drove Brederode from thence who of a chief Commander being become a single man and of a mutiner an exile was forced to flie to the nearest parts of Germany and tarrying at Embden a Sea-Town he not long after dyed there The Regent encouraged by this good success betook her self suddenly to re-order the affairs of Antwerp To this purpose she shewed at one and the same time both lenity and force Orange and Hostrat laboured to compose the affairs of that City the best they could though to place a Garison there which was the Regents chiefe drift stood not with their particular Interests Divers tumults had happened there since that first great one wherein the hereticks had violated the Churches trampled the sacred things and insulted in all unworthy manner over the Catholicks One sedition being allayd another was presently ready to be set on foot which made still more for the advantage of the hereticks They grumbled that they had not so many Churches as they desired There were almost as many sects as sectarists with the Inhabitants Foreigners did combine and plots from abroad accompanied those within They strove to provide themselves of arms to better their cause thereby One Tolose appeared more seditious then all the rest a bold man and of good retinue This man betaking himself to raise men had gathered a considerable number together not above a league from Antwerp in a certain Village called Ostervel on the other side the Scheld The Dutches had notice of this and making those men be set upon on the sudden by a good many of hers they were soon scattered Tolose endeavored to save himself in a house but was therein burat the rest either fled or were slain or drowned in the river This success caused a great revolt in Antwerp and they were ready to fall together by the ears in the City the hereticks growing mad hereat on the one side and the Catholicks taking advantage and courage on the other side But Orange Hostrat and others of Authority with the people did so handle the business as the apparent danger was provided for by a new agreement which was there made in matter of Religion This agreement had much reference to the others which had preceded but in this some things were added touching the Government of the City the better to prevent future tumults To which purpose the City itself raised certain foot Companies and armed some boats to guard the Scheld where it was most needfull yet let them do what they could to keep peace in that City none took effect or at least they lasted not In fine where Religion is not united there can be no union in obedience This new agreement was soon observed to be kept as ill as were the former The Regent whose forces still increased taking occasion from hence resolved to put a good Garison into Antwerp which she could not very well do before All necessary preparations being had to this end and the Catholick party in Antwerp being much advantaged the Cities deliberations were sutable to her desires She first sent for some to Brussels who were chosen by the City to this purpose and treated with them touching the form of re-ordering the Government wherein the Catholick religion and obedience to the King were above all things to be considered The agreement being made wherein she now no longer received but gave conditions the City seemed willing to execute them All heretical exercises were thereby forbidden and all new erection of Temples for sectarists their preachers were driven out and order taken for the repairing of the Churches by them violated A Magistrate was chosen who was zealous for the affairs of religion and of the King And the soldiers which the City had taken into Garison took an oath to be faithfull to the King and to execute if need should require all things which were agreed upon The Regent immediately sent Charls Count Mansfield into Antwerp with his Regiment of Walloons to establish all things better by arms and that it might be seen she would no longer use only intreaties The Garison was received by the City whereinto Mansfield entred in good order so as the hereticks could neither endeavour any novelty nor the soldiers on the other side use any licentiousness The Garison being placed in Antwerp the Regent thought she her self might now safely and with honour go thither so as leaving Brussels she went thither waited on by many of the Nobility and chief Lords She entred as it were in triumph so great a concourse of people met her and with such acclamations was she received though the heretick party forbore not to murmure seeing themselves reduced to so mean terms The Regent staid awhile in Antwerp till she thought she had reduced the affairs of the Church and King into convenient order she used severity tempered with clemency She returned from thence to Brussels It cannot be said what good consequences this example of Antwerp wrought in amendment of the preceding evils The tottering condition of the Provinces was on a sudden reduced to tranquility almost in all parts the Churches were repaired Altars restored Images worshiped and wonted obedience given to Magistrates The chief Lords strove who should be forwardest in their service to the Church and to the King in their obsequiousness to the Regent and in waiting personally upon her in so much as it was generally hoped that the peace of those Provinces should for ever be perpetuated and that heresie being either totally extinguisht in them or at least mightily quel'd the antient worship of God and their former devotion and loyalty to their Prince was to flourish again Whilst affairs went thus in Flanders great consultations were had in Spain to resolve how the disorders which had hapned in those Provinces might best be remedi'd One of the chiefest debates was whether the King should go thither himself in person or no or whether he should send a Commander of known valour and authority It was not doubted but that his going in person would be the most efficacious remedy which could be apply'd to the necessities of those Countries Many examples were hereupon alleadged to shew of what power the very presence of the Prince was with the people And amongst the rest that which the King might take from his Father the Emperour who with the very sole majesty of his aspect had assoon queld as seen those of Gaunt The Dutchess urged this as the only remedy and shewed how that assoon as the King should be arrived Flanders would suddenly be quieted and that his presence would in all other respects be very acceptable to those people The Marquis of Berghen and Montigni gave out the same opinions in Madrid were it either that they did really desire the King should go into the Low-Countries or that thinking it very hard to be effected they believed it would be yet much more difficult
the Heretick government which she had introduced within her Kingdom began to totter that a great many Catholicks were still in England that Ireland was almost wholly Catholick and that to cause innovations in those parts particularly in matters of Religion no Prince would be more forward therein then the King of Spain She therefore desired to see her neighbour Countries involved in Heresie hoping that people withdrawing themselves from the obedience of the Church would the easelier be perswaded to doe the like from that of their Prince and that one rebellion added to another affairs should be so imbroiled in those parts as there should be no design of troubling her To this purpose the Hugonot Faction in France was at first favoured by her and now more then ever who joyed to see the progress thereof so great in that Kingdom But her design in this point was chiefly upon Flanders for from thence by reason of the vicinity of those Countries unto hers both before and much more after the Duke of Alva was entred there with his Forces grew the greatest suspitions which she had of the King of Spains power Wherefore she graciously received all those who fled from Flanders to England and nourisht the complaints which they made against the Spaniard and much more the hatred and ill will which they bore them Nor content to favour them in her own Dominions she did the like with the Hereticks of France and Germany with whom she held continual correspondencie and bore great sway But though these offices did help yet were they more then needed either for the one or the other faction That of the Hugonots was already so increased in France as they designed to ground a popular Commonwealth upon the ruines of the Monarchy The government in Religion which they had imbraced was of this form And desirous that their Politick interests should be guided by the like they pretended that the King should permit them to meet in the general and in the particular Assemblies and to treat of what concerned their body apart which was to make a total separation from the State within the State King Charles was then got out of his minority and shewed himself to be both generously and piously given But by reason of his youth the government was still managed by the Queen his mother who set upon by the ambition of the Hereticks and almost no less by the like of the Catholicks did temporise amongst so many and so fierce storms and sought to shun danger since she knew not how to oppose it Arms had already been several times both taken up and laid down and the King had endeavoured to allay the fire of Civil wars by divers Edicts of Pacification as they termed them since the times would not suffer him totally to extinguish it But the Edicts served but to little purpose to restore quiet to that Kingdom since the factions were more inflamed then ever Nor were Arms laid down but that they might be taken up again with more advantage To this end the Hugonots held close intelligence with the Queen of England and with the Hereticks of Germany And because the King of Spain assisted King Charles and did integrally favour the Catholick cause and especially by the Flanders Forces therefore did not the Hugonots omit to foment the Flemish in their bad inclinations Secret intelligence had ever past as we have already said between the Prince of Orange and Coligni the Admiral of France But after Orange his retreat to Germany their practises grew hotter The one of them plotted the ruine of France which was already begun the other the ruine of Flanders which was shortly to begin Nor is it to be said how much the Hugonots desired to see the like troubles ensue in Flanders as France did already suffer under that they might have companions abroad and to make but one cause of two to the end that it might be so much the better defended by common forces and honested by reciprocal examples So that Coligni and the other Chieftains of the Heretick faction used all possible diligence to make the Flemish who were fled into France suddenly endeavour the like novelty which they greatly desired to raise up of themselves in their Country From Germany likewise the Heretick Princes and the Hans-Towns of the same Faction seemed for the same reasons to have the same ends in the affairs of Flanders Yea before the rise of Luthers Heresie all the Princes and the Hans-Towns of Germany which together with the Emperor their head doe compose the body of the Empire were not well pleased to see that the House of Austria first by the addition of Flanders and then by that of Spain should be so much exalted Till then they had looked upon the fortune of that House with an envious eye When Charles the Fifth was come to the Imperial Crown they turned their envy into open fear lest from being Head of the German government he might become absolute Prince of that Empire They saw that how great soever his design might be his Forces were equivalent in greatness thereunto And their fear in this point was rather increased then diminished by the entry of Heresie into Germany For they apprehended lest under the colour of reordering the affairs concerning Religion he might intend to advantage his own Authority the more easily in those which regarded the State Hence in a great part were occasioned the troubles of those Countries hence their so many Dyets and particularly the Accords which insued in point of Religion And though when Charles dyed the House of Austria was divided and that the greatest power thereof remained in that Branch which was transplanted into Spain and that on the other side the Hereticks had great Forces in Germany yet feared they much the neighbourhood of Flanders They suspected that the Forces of that House might upon all occasions be on that side united against them to boot that by the opportunity of that situation they saw too great advantages arose to the Austrians in Germany to continue the enjoyment of the Empire and that in stead of being elective it might become hereditary in that Family and that the possession might remain in the Catholick part with the exclusion of the Heretical They therefore fauthor'd by all the means they might the Novelties which had insued in Flanders in the Government of the Dutchess of Parma They favoured Heresie fomented Sedition counsell'd their chief Leaders and endeavoured by all other means to cause such Troubles in those Provinces as that the King of Spain might either wholly lose them or not quietly enjoy them They termed Flanders the Lower-Germany and reputed it as joyned to the body of their own Upper-Germany by reason of the connexion of Countries the conformity of speech and manner of living and by the community of Traffick and Rivers of which 't is arguable whether the Rhine be more commodious to higher Germany by the longer course thereof or
bank At Avala his first advancement he found some of the Enemy who had opened the Sluces to overflow the Country and saw that the water entred already in abundance But putting them to flight suddenly he made the Sluces be shut and kept as they ought to be The Duke himself advanced this mean while together with Vitelli Norchernes and some few others who came in fight of the Enemies quarters He understood by the Spies that they were in some disorder as well for that they saw his Army so neer as that Lodovicks men were almost all of them tumultuous and so ill paid as some uprore was already feared in the Camp The first Spaniards had this mean while drawn the Enemy forth to skirmish who not thinking that the body of the Army was so neer thought they might easily break the forerunners There was no long delay made Two great Squadrons of Foot for as much as the narrowness of the place could permit vigorously assaulted the Spaniards by whom they were no less vigorously withstood The Dukes Van this mean while advanced and look how much courage this added to the Catholicks so much did it lessen in the Hereticks They then would have retreated but being hotly pursued by the Spaniards they began basely to run away and the Spaniards followed them so close at the heels as they fell in with them at the same instant into their quarters where the Dukes men shewed no less valour nor the Enemy any more resistance who being still more imbased and thinking only how to save themselves fell every where into disorder and confusion The rest was not to be termed fighting but execution The Spaniards more greedy of blood then booty by reason of the slaughter which the others had committed the preceding battel put as many of the Enemy as they could unto the sword but there were almost as many drowned as slain for seeing they could not escape the fury of the sword they blindly threw themselves into the River which was very large and deep in that place It was said that Lodovick swom it over with much adoe and that 7000 of his men perisht the rest ran away some here some there in so great terror as there hardly was left any remainder of that Army Few of the Dukes men were flam And the Battel was such as certainly few will be the like wherein the vanquished were more indamaged and the vanquishers less THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF FLANDERS Written by CARDINAL BENTIVOGLIO BOOK V. The Contents Orange enters Flanders with great Forces raised in Germany The Duke of Alva goes to meet him They lie many dayes in the face of one another Orange at last gives way and must quit the Country The Duke returns triumphant to Brussels His necessity in matter of monies occasioned by a great reprisal made thereof in England He therefore resolves to impose unusual grievances Commotions which insue thereupon A general Pardon proclaimed by him The Arch-Dutchess Anne of Austria passeth through Flanders to marry with the Catholique King The Flemish are scandalized at a Statue of the Dukes which was set up in the Citadel at Antwerp The Castle of Lovestein is surprised by Orange his followers but is suddenly recovered by the Spaniard Lumay more luckily takes the Bril A particular Description of Holland and Zealand The troubles of Zealand Sancio d'Avila goes to the succour of Middleburgh Valentiennes fals into the Hugonots hands who not long after are made to quit it By their assistance Lodovick steals into the City of Mons and prepares to maintain the siege THe Duke of Alva after having obtained so notable a victory return'd to Groninghen and staid there some dayes the better to secure it from any new danger He therefore munited it according as was requisite And because he feared danger more from within then from without he left a Citadel begun to be built there according as he intended at first the better to bridle the Inhabitants From thence he past to Utrecht whose Province is as it were incorporated in Holland He thought to have stayed there some time the better to secure the affairs of Holland But the news which he heard from divers parts of Orange his approach or preparation so to do made him go from thence much sooner then he had intended From thence he went to Balduke giving at the same time such order as was requisite for the gathering together of the Army and the reinforcing it with Foot and Horse To this end he fill'd up the German and Walloon Regiments and added another Regiment of Walloons under Christophero Mandragone a Spaniard and commanded that the Train-Bands of Flanders which came to about 2000 Horse should be in a readiness This sort of Militia distinguished into Companies of Curasiers and Harquebusiers under the chief Lords of the Country was of great 〈◊〉 in time past but afterward it lessened much in reputation When there is need to make use thereof the charge is given apart to some one chief Lord of the Country who knows no other Superior then the Generalissimo of the Army Whilst the Duke was preparing in this manner the Prince of Orange used no less diligence in gathering together great Forces to enter Flanders with them where it might be more for his advantage He had received very considerable helps but more in men then mony from the aforesaid Princes and Free-Towns of Germany To boot with the German souldiers he and his adherents had assembled together a good number of those Flemish and Walloons who had left the Country and some French He was upon the banks of the Rhine with all these people part whereof were taken into pay and part were a taking in intending to pass the River and then to thrust into Ghelderland or Brabant as it hath been said and fix himself in the best parts of the Country He was not to expect any obstacle in his passing over the Rhine not wanting means to doe so in many of his friends territories in Germany His greatest difficulty lay in passing over the Mause which did wholly appertain unto the King of Spain except the State of Liege which was also wholly a Catholick Country and almost incorporated into the Kings Dominions But he hoped to possess himself of some important place upon that shore which might secure his passage both for his entrance if he should advance and for a safe retreat if he were necessitated to turn back Orange having thus mustered his whole Army together he past freely over the Rhine above Colen about the end of August and then over the Mosel at Trovers And winding to the right hand he advanced towards the Country of Juliers confining upon the Kings Provinces of Ghelderland and Limburg and upon the State of Liege The common report was that his Camp consisted of 20000 Foot and 9000 Horse all of them Germans except the aforesaid Flemish Walloons and French With Orange was his Brother Lodovick Count Hostrat
difficulty in being received But being got into the town and greater mislikes arising amongst the Citizens they came from words to blows nor did the quarrel end till the Town by military licentiousness was sackt This success drew after it very bad consequences For every Town in Holland seemed to share in this sacking of Roterdam and the example shewn therein by one Town to another extended it self suddenly from one Province to another The affairs were notwithstanding for that time appeased there by Count Bossu Lumay growing bold by this prosperity and growing stronger by new men who came in unto him went to get further footing thereabouts especially in some other place upon the Mause But divers of the Kings souldiers being assembled together hindred all his further attempts at that time Orange prepared this mean while to march with his Forces from Germany He was to this purpose in a Town of his called Dilimburgh near the Rhine and endeavoured again to make all that side of the Country joyn with him And seeing that fortune began already to smile on him in Flanders by this success of the Bril he thought it good to allure men yet more by writing He and his brother Lodovick did therefore publish a Manifesto the tenor of which was to this purpose They shewed how much they were obliged by Nature and Honour not to suffer their Country to be opprest They said that the King being abused could not remedy those things which were concealed from him They added to the past miseries by greatly exagerating the present calling the Duke of Alva's introduced grievances Tyrannies and things till then unheard of in Flanders They endeavoured by specious titles even of doing service to the King to make the Country incline to them and particularly to secure the Catholicks in matter of Religion And in fine they strove to be so zealous of the publike good as others should not fear that any of their own private ambition were hidden underneath it The Duke of Alva seeing these beginnings delayed not to take new men into pay He gave order for the speedy raising of 6000 Walloon Foot under 3 Camp-masters to wit the Messieurs of Capres Bevoir and Liques and he gave out other Commissions to the same effect He was chiefly jealous of Zealand by reason of the particular correspondencies which Orange held there who was formerly Master of many places there of importance The Ilands of that Province are full of Havens but Flushing is the chiefest This Town stands further into the Sea then any other on that side which looks towards Spain and commands the mouth of the Channel where it is seated The Duke sought to secure himself of this Haven which opens and shuts the chief ingress into that Country by a Citadel which he caused to be built there but which was not yet made defensible Neer Flushing stands the Ramechins a little Castle but well fortified And more inward Ramua an open Town but which hath one of the best Havens of all the North. Between Flushing and Ramua a little within land stands Middleburgh the greatest and chiefest City for traffick in all Zealand as hath been said and which therefore makes its own Iland called Walcheren the noblest of all those Ilands The City holds communication with the Sea by a large Channel cut out by hand and receives all commodities from thence The Duke of Alva having these jealousies of Zealand he in the first place endeavoured to secure Flushing and suddenly dispatched thitherward Captain Osorio d' Angulo with three companies of Spanish Foot Nor did the Duke conceive amiss The marching of these people being heard of at Flushing the Townsmen resolved not to receive them into the Town and boldly did as they resolved The Souldiers being come neer the Town the people within took up Arms ran to the gates and shut them up Exclaiming that they came to raise by force the new Impositions and moreover to sack Flushing as they had done Rotterdam Nor were they content to keep out the Kings Souldiers but imprisoning Captain Pacieco a Spaniard who had the care of ordering the new Citadel and after having treated him abusively in divers sorts they cut off his head and hung it up for a publike spectacle in the market-place This opposition accompanied with such sad circumstances forced Osorio to quit the Island and to retreat as he did to some place of safety expecting new Orders from the Duke who was extremely troubled at this success But it cannot be said how glad Orange was of this and how much his Fautors rejoyced every where They all of them applied themselves with all diligence to send men into Flushing and in a few dayes many High-Dutch and French came and were there received and the Queen sent some Souldiers privatly thither from England Jerolomo Lorâ— of Seras born at Breda came thither afterwards who was made Governour of the Town by Orange and he gathering together 3000 Souldiers did better establish the Insurrection of that Town The Tumultuaries expecting from hence better progress they without any gainsaying took Ramua and Vere a considerable place not far from thence and all other places of lesser importance So as of the whole Iland of Walcherin only Middleburg and the small Castle of Ramechins remained to the King Wherefore the Tumultuaries desiring to be masters of the whole Iland and hoping to be so they resolved to besiege Middleburgh and sate down before it with those men which they had whose numbers increased daily The Duke hearing of this so great revolt feared very much that Middleburgh would also be lost He knew that there were but few of the Kings Souldiers within it and that many of the Citizens were but ill enough inclin'd Wherefore he suddenly sent the Signeur de Beavoir thither with 400 old Walloon Foot for the new Souldiers of his Regiment were not as yet raised Beavoir was received into the City And because to boot with the small number of Souldiers the City was but ill munited and victuall'd the Duke gave order to send speedily a powerful succour thither he commanded that many ships should be made ready in Antwerp and that the greatest strength of Spaniards and Walloons that could be had should be mustered and that the Rendezvous should be at Berghen ap Zoom Berghen is but a few leagues distant from Antwerp the River of Zoom runs by it which not far off fals into the Scheld So as it is a place of importance in it self and was then the fittest from whence to send that succour To encourage the enterprise the Duke sent his son Frederick to Berghen and with him Signior Norchermes and here all things were preparing which were needfull for the above-mentioned enterprise But news coming every day of greater danger if Middleburgh were not suddenly secured therefore it was requisite to send away an indifferent aid since there was not time allowed for a plenary succour Sancio d' Avila was chosen
much the greater that City might be the easilyer succoured But Genlis persisting in his own opinion would needs pursue it so took his way through Picardy to the Confines of Hennault Frederick being advertised hereof resolved by Vitelli's advice to incounter him and fight him before he should get into the Kings Countrie When the Kings men were come to the River Heyne and heard that the Enemy began to appear out of a Wood near the Town Hoterage they marched towards them and by a skirmish kept them at first somewhat farther from the Wood and from the Town Here the skirmish was turn'd into parties and the parties into a battel The French seeing the necessity of fighting made two squadrons of their foot and but one of their horse placing them all according as best fitted the situation of the Wood and of field-room The Kings foot were likewise divided into two bodies which were seconded to the best advantage by the horse Vitelli who by reason of his wound was brought into the field in a chair not without great pain and danger ordered the battel Fulian Romero a Spanish Camp-Master and one of known valour and experience had the charge of the Van. Here they fell to it but the fight continued not long the circumstances whereof being well considered it might rather be called an Incounter then a Battel The French did not look to be so soon faced by the Kings men and therefore came not so well prepared to fight as 't was needfull they should have been that they might have disputed the victory better then they did Being vigorously set upon by the Kings men they made at first some resistance but their first force suddenly failing they fell soon into disorder and for the rest 't was nothing but slaughter and flight They suffered more by the Country people afterwards then they did at first by the souldiers For many Country people of those frontiers having followed the Spanish Camp fell bitterly upon the French after their defeat suffering few of them to escape and fully revenging themselves for the losses their Country had suffered by this their march The common opinion was that Genlis had with him about 7000 foot and 1000 horse whereof a third part together with the loss of almost all their Colours were either slain or taken prisoners Genlis himself was taken prisoner and Monsieur de Genisack who Commanded the horse and another Chieftain of the Hugonots of good quality called the Ringrave The Baron of Ranti and one Giumella both of them foot Colonels were slain in the battel These were the chief of the Hugonots Camp all the rest of their men what by being slaughtered by the Country people and what through terror of the discomfeiture were reduced to so weak a remainder as they could not be any more serviceable to the Hugonots neither within nor without the Kingdom Genlis was carried to the Castel of Antwerp where he soon after fell sick and died Very few were found missing of the Kings Camp and of those not any one of quality Thus ended the succour brought by the French Hugonots whose unfortunate success was a presage of that no less unhappy event which was soon after seen both in the Army Commanded by Orange and in the siege sustained by his brother The fight was not many miles distant from the City so as the Kings party returned suddenly to the siege And Puluighlier being come not long after unto the Army with 4000 foot and some horse Frederick incouraged by so great an addition of Forces and by the coming likewise of Fronsbergs horse and Bracamonts foot began very hotly to begirt the besieged He took up his quarters particularly in the Village of Nimy St. Sinforiano Bertamonte and Jumampel which inviron Mons and he indeavoured to secure his quarters every where the best he could by the Rivers Heyne and Trulla There was a Priory under the Walls of Mons well furnisht with Edifices And because the Kings men might be much prejudiced from thence they within the Town had put a good Garison into it and seemed as if they would strive to defend it At which Frederick being moved he resolved howsoever to take it but he failed in his first attempt through the valiant resistance made by the defendants and by the help they received by the Cannon which were at that time drawn out of the City But returning the second time with greater Forces and playing upon the place with two pieces of Cannon the Spaniards prepared for the assault when the French knowing they could no longer hold it forsook it and withdrew themselvs within the Walls of the Town The Priory being lost the Town was more narrowly besieged The Duke of Alva came at the same time to the Army as well to encourage the enterprise by being present thereat himself as to hasten whatsoever was needfull to oppose Orange his designe of relieving Mons and freeing his brother With him came the Duke of Medina-Celi who was then come by sea to Flanders from Spain with fresh men being sent by the King to succeed the Duke of Alva in that Government The Country had in these dayes contributed a great sum of money more then usual so as the Army was much increased by their arrival and by the new Levies of Flanders and much more by those that were raised in Germany to boot that set the chief Garrisons aside all the old Souldiery were ordered to come to the Camp The Duke therefore presently prepared divers Batteries and Trenches where it was easiest to fall down into the Ditches and the City-walls began already to be furiously plaid upon from sundry sides The greatest part of the Canon were placed against the gate Bartimonte and against a Ravelin which fenc'd it the Battery was one day so fierce as some of the Peeces broke and the Ravelin was almost quite level'd But the resistance and valour of those within was no less Monsieur de la Nue was with Lodovick a man of great valour and the best esteemed of any that was then in France of the Hugonot Faction the defence of Mons past chiefly through his hands and by his directions and therefore the besieged failed not to do what in them lay for their best advantage Fearing therefore to lose that place they made a Work more inward and placed two Culverins upon it and prejudicing the Kings men greatly thereby they forced them to proceed more cautiously in their assault which they design'd against that side But though they were not wanting in defending themselves the best and most resolutely that they could yet their chiefest hopes lay in their succor from Orange who being already upon his march with a powerful Army raised almost wholly in Germany was got into the Low-Countries by Ghelderland and made towards Ruremond He intended to use only fair means and not force to be accommodated with victuals by that City thinking he should not so easily win it nor was he
A moneths space past over therefore before the Kings men did any thing of consideration concerning the siege In which interim the Harlemites received a succour of 800 French and Walloon Foot who had been at the defence of Mons led on by Signior di Serras together with good store of ammunition and victuals The enemy grew so proud upon this success as becomeing rather insolent then audacious they appeared openly upon the walls jeering and scoffing at the Spaniards And joyning impiety to their insolence they caused themselves to be seen in usual places as it were in Procession with Priests and Friars habits upon them with Mitres and other Church-accoutrments contending who could best express their hatred to the Spanish Nation or their derision to the Church and Catholick religion And this their heretical frensie grew to that height as exposing in that wicked Scene the sacred Images and chiefly such as were most frequented in the Churches they made them a mark to be shot at and finally cut them all to peeces with their swords This mean while the Kings men when they had made necessary provisions desirous to redeem the time they had lost they betook themselves with all fervencie to the siege intending notwithstanding to pursue it not with immature assaults but with well ordered patience Whereupon opening their Trenches they diligently pursued them The Battery followed which they made not in the former place but placed it against the Curtain which ran between the Gate de la Croce and that of Sil which lay nearest the Camp on the right hand They made a great breach therein and yet those within did so well repair it as they without thought it not yet fit to fall to an assault And because the Curtain was too well fenced by the aforesaid Ravelin therefore 't was thought absolutely necessary to bereave the Defendants of so great an advantage Leaving then the Battery for a while they came in a short time to the entrance of the Ditch here their whole endeavour was against the Ravelin For going the longest way about but yet the most secure they would advance by degrees with the pick-axe spade and mines and thus drive the enemy from thence At last they made themselves masters of it but with no less expence of blood then of time such valour did they within shew and plaid so often their parts rather of Assaulters then Assaulted The Harlemists lost not their courage though they had lost their Ravelin But their diligence increasing answerable to their danger they ran suddenly from every place women as well as men to fortifie the gate de la Croce which the Ravelin being lost lay altogether open They did the like to the Curtain which was already battered and which ran as hath been said toward the gate Sill. And fearing lest the Kings men should play likewise upon the other Curtain on the left hand which joyned with the next gate called S. Johns gate they fell industrionsly to repair that side also not omitting any labour either in making of Ditches Traverses Countermines and other Inventions which are usually found out by the most industrious Defendant against the most cunning Opposers But they without lay at too much disadvantage in comparison of those that were within The Kings men by reason of the Enemies continual excursions came hardly by their victuals Great store of men were required to conduct them the remainder were not able to maintain the siege well And together with other hardships being mightily tormented by the cold their numbers lessened every day by sickness death and running away The Harlemists on the contrary did abound in warlike men they were easily succoured with men and victuals their houses saved them from the injuries of the weather and the ice was not of greater use to the Kings Camp for ordering the Country then it was to them by affording them means to bring all necessaries into the City It is not to be said how dexterous the Hollanders are upon the ice Their Country as we have often said is full of standing waters which are usually frozen over every year though they be not so excessive there as in other less humid and watry Countries The waters doe therefore then loss their nature and the use of Boats being changed into the like of Chariots those Fields of ice as if they were so much firm land are travel'd on by men and horses Their Chariots are usually little and drawn but by one horse they are not born upon wheels but upon little joysts or rafters according to those sledges which are used in Lombardy Their men are likewise very ingenious in going a great pace and yet very safe upon the ice They harness the whole length of their feet with sleek and narrow irons bowing a little outward in the part before they govern themselves upon these and upon these wings if I may so call them they rather flie then walk their course being then so fast as it can hardly be followed by the eye Nor is the use hereof less practised by women then by men nay in contentions which have somtimes hapned herein between both sexes the women have often had the better The women there find no trouble at all in running upon the ice but at the same time when they go fastest do some one or other of their womanly works By means then of these Chariots or Sledges the Harlemists received whatsoever they needed they came in troops upon that great neighbouring Lake call'd Harlem-meer All that side is call'd by that name which looks most upon the City whereinto the River Sparen enters on that side And because the same Lake comes almost as neer Leyden on another part it is there called Leyden-meer This communication between Leyden and Harlem by means of this Lake furnished the besieged with all things necessary who with frequent excursions received in their succours and oft times made the Kings men repent the going about to hinder them Nor did Orange forbear to bring in such aids into the City as he could by the usual land-way But to secure the succours the better from those parts he made a Fort be erected almost half way between Leyden and Harlem whither bringing the provisions he conveyed them the easilier from thence to the besieged But the Kings men though upon such disadvantagious terms ceased not to pursue what they had begun They pursued to batter the broken walls and to endeavour the undermining them hoping thereby to make the breach more commodious and consequently the assault more easie On the contrary the Defendants were not less vigilant in using all possible means to obviate all the Enemies endeavours and make them invalid To Mines without they opposed Mines within meeting thus with them spoiling them and springing them They repaired the walls where they were amiss So as they no wayes feared the threats of being assaulted from without This mean while December ended and the new year of 1573. began which
suspition and much more the like of the Kings Commissioners to overcome the difficulties which arose The Treaty of Peace being thus vanisht all sides fell eagerly again to the reassuming of war The Commendador having miscarried in his design upon Leyden made all the Kings men that were at the Siege tarry in Holland It was clearly seen that his intentions were totally to subdue that Province and to set himself with all his might against the other of Zealand that he might get that opportunity of reception which was necessary for the ships of Spain towards which the Sea of Zealand opens and affords the best Havens that are to be desired in all the maritime coast of the Low-Countries Egidius di Barlemonte Lord of Hierges was Governour of Holland a man of known zeal to the Kings service and of approved skill in military profession The Commendador commanded him to gather together as many of the Kings men as were in that Province and to execute those Orders he should receive The first was to take the Town of Buren from the Rebels Hierges prepared therefore for this design And that he might the sooner succeed therein he seemed as if he marched elswhere and afterwards bent suddenly thitherward The Town belonged to Orange and he possest it in right of his first wifes portion who was daughter and heir to Maximilian Agemont Count of Buren This place lies very opportunely to molest Brabant and Ghelderland and to this end Orange had furnisht it with men who making incursions into all those Confines hindred much provision which was brought from those two Provinces to the Kings Camp in Holland For what remains the Town is seated upon a mean River built about with an ancient Wall and without any Bulwark it hath an ancient Castle the greatest strength which they within had was a large and deep Ditch Hierges coming thither unexpectedly threatned the Townsmen with all severe hostility if they did not immediately surrender the Town He had with him about 6000 Foot and 400 Horse all choise men and long trained up in discipline They within seemed little to fear the threats from without but their actions did not correspond For Hierges having made a great Battery and in despight of them thrown a bridge over the Ditch did with his men assault the Town so furiously as the Defendants thinking rather how to save themselves then how to fight retreated into the Castle where neither did they make any greater resistance Hierges encouraged by his first success redoubled his former threats whereupon the Defendants courage failing them they quickly articled to surrender contenting themselves basely with the bare safeguard of their lives and came forth without either Arms or Colours The Castle and Town were both of them sackt and Hierges presently went from thence having first secured the Town He from this Angle re-entred the Province and receiving a new recruit of Germans and Walloons besieged the Town of Oudwater A place considerable in it self and much more for the way it made for the taking of others of greater importance The Isel runs on the one side and it is incompassed every where else with a great Ditch and the ground all about it is so low and spongie as there is no coming to the Town but upon Banks nor any getting in but by Channels This kind of situation made the Siege more difficult for the place was of it self weak and had no strong works The Kings Army lay chiefly upon the banks and their greatest battery was placed upon one of the greatest of them which for want of earth was inlarged by a great mass of old Nets with flax and hemp with which the Country thereabouts doth infinitely abound and with the same materials they provided to pass over the Ditch Those of the Town seemed very resolute to defend themselves and making necessity yield to industry they likewise instead of Rampiers had fortified their wals where it was most needful with such like materials as the besiegers had made use of The Townsmen had received a recruit of a good many Dutch and English and Orange promised them to send another succour speedily Here began the oppugning and the defence which continued not long Those within having at first made some resistance against the batteries the Kings men return'd with such fury again to the assault as mixing themselves with the defendants in the breach they entred together with them into the Town and putting all to fire and sword they in a short time did quite destroy it and laid it desolate nor did Hierges any wayes hinder his Souldiers heat He went immediately from this Siege to another and sate down before Sconoven a little Town but considerable and not above a league from Oudwater These two Towns are situated much alike Schonoven stands upon the Lech and is surrounded on every side with mire and water it hath a large Ditch about it and some Companies of Dutch and French were entred thereinto But the Townsmen desirous rather to return to the Kings obedience then to remain under that of the Rebels instead of incouraging discouraged those that were come from without Orange therefore laboured to send a good succour thither by the river it being then a very high tide Which danger Hierges being willing to prevent he crossed the river over where he thought the greatest danger lay with a bridg of great boats and munited them on the same side with pieces of masts so fastned together as they might be an obstacle to the enemies ships if they should set upon the bridg on that side This being done he placed his Battery on the highest part and began to play upon the Town The Townsmen murmured against the Garison fearing their Town would fare like Oudwater which Orange being advertised of he resolved to send three ships laden with men Artillery and other provisions to relieve and succour the besieged They were led on by the Master of the French Guard who was mightily favoured by the flowing tide The Kings men discovering the designe ran from all parts to the banks to frustrate the effect Here began a fierce bickering for the guns playing from all sides and each side endeavouring to overcome the other many fell on both parts and the victory was a good while doubtfull But Fortune seemed at last as if she would make the successes equal The enemies ships broke the bridg and the Master of the Guard passed over it with his ship fighting still couragiously but the other two were lost and the bridg suddenly made up again so the Town was more narrowly besieged then before Here Hierges renewed his Batteries and threw down above three hundred yards of wall whereat those within being stil more terrified and the garison fearing more the Townsmen threats then those of the Kings men a Parly was soon had and the Town was surrendred with good conditions to the Inhabitants and with safety of persons and goods to the souldiers Oudwater and
military administration And indeed he was a Commander of very great renown who to his honour won first in the Wars in Italy had made the like correspond which he did purchase in the wars of Flanders But this loss was added unto by another of much greater importance which insued within a few days after to wit the death of Rechesens the Commendador who about the beginning of March falling suddenly into a violent feaver died within five days at Brussels His bodily sickness was preceded by a great malady of mind for being brought into a very great streight for want of mony he was not furnisht with any from Spain neither was Flanders any ways able to supply him there withall In so much as a little before his death a part of the Spanish horse mutinyed to the Countries great indignation for which he was forced to suffer the people to reassume their arms which were formerly taken from them by the Duke of Alva knowing that they would have done so of themselves though he had not given them leave Four ordinary ships were at this time only come from Spain with some few souldiers the maritine preparation from thence not any ways answering expectation By reason of all which obstructions the Commendador had reason to fear that the siege of Zurickzee would end unfortunately and that other sinister events would befall the Kings affairs in Flanders Whilst thus agitated in mind he fell sick and died with a reputation rather of great goodness then of great valour and of being fitter for peacefull imployments then for those of War in the manageing whereof so great a Paragon as was the Duke of Alva proved to say the truth too disadvantagious to him Many and especially the wiser sort of Spaniards thought that a mixture of them both might have done well if joyned together the one had been wholly imployed in Military the other in Civil affairs Here insued one of the greatest and most tempestuous agitations that ever Flanders felt in the whole pursuit of the war which we will now describe You shall see a Government without Government the whole Country about to revolt the Kings Forces at enmity within themselves and his cause more oppugned then defended by them More Governours then one bear his name at once in Flanders and use his Authority the Provinces of various sences and no less differing Councels Neighbouring Princes manifestly aspiring to the Government thereof A new introduction of foreign Forces No publick nor no private faith observed Cruel sacking on one side fatal sieges on the other More then hostile violence and fury every where and in fine the successes in these revolutions of affairs will prove such and so strange as will doubtlesly move great curiosity here in the expectation of them but much greater compassion towards Flanders hereafter when they shall be come and seen One of the greatest mischiefs which the affairs of Flanders suffered by the death of Rechesens was that he died without declaring who should succeed him in his Government He had a Patent from the King to that purpose with a blank left for the name But he was so suddenly surprised with the violence of his sickness as he could not do it It was notwithstanding discovered by some appearances that he would have left the Military Government to Count Peter Ernestus Mansfield and the Civil Government to Count Barlemonte which two of all the Lords in the Country were those the King did most confide in and from whose valour and wisdom most might be expected The Commendador failing thus the Councel of State took upon them the Government who presently dispatched away an express to Spain to give the King an account of what had happened and to represent unto him at full the present condition of the affairs of Flanders The King approved of the Provisional resolution taken by the Councel and declared therewithall that he would forthwith send a new Governor and such a one as should be fully to the mind of those Provinces The administration this mean while began by the hands of the Flemish themselves But nothing is more to be despised in Government then wavering and divided Authority Nor doth any thing hurt more then interessed and disagreeing Councels And it is seen in the Government of Kingdoms that State-Ministers by their private passions do usually ruine the common Cause The Councel of State had no sooner taken upon them the Government but great troubles began to be seen in all things for their orders were not observed as they ought to have been and the orders themselves were given with apparent discord which appeared much more in their minds then in their Votes Philip de Croy Duke of Ariscot Governor of the Province of Flanders did for his Nobility riches and adherence hold the chief place amongst those of the Councel And with him the greatest part of the Councel did go along in their Votes All these leaned towards the Liberty of the Country as well out of their own nature as out of a particular alienation which they had to the Spaniards Orange was not this mean while idle neither but seconding by his lively wit the favourable conjuncture from the very day that the Commendador died he incited all his followers in all the parts of the Country to imprint such opinions in the people as might draw them most to be of his mind Alleadging That this was the time to reunite all Flanders in one will That by fortune and more by justice the Government was now in the hands of the native Flemish and therefore it was not to be suffered to pass any more into the Spaniards hands That the yoke of so sore a servitude had lasted too long already imprisonments confiscations deaths sackings firings and so many other deplorable calamities too long That Liberty would notwithstanding be so much the more welcome by how much it was formerly more desired Then let the Flemish resolve unanimously to recover it and so to enjoy it with the greater contentment That the Cause could not be juster in it self nor of greater applause both within the Provinces and in all other places Finally to what worser end could affairs be brought since though the designe should not succeed the present miseries were so great as greater were not at any time to be expected Out of what fault shall we declare this Rebellion If the Spaniards have fallen thereinto by mutinying this is not the first time they have done so nor will it per adventure be the last War causeth expence Expence want of Pay Want of Pay the Souldiers anger and the Souldiers anger Mutiny As long as the wars continue these disorders will fall out other Countries have had experience of it as well as ours hath now But when was it ever heard that in such a case the Mutiniers were esteemed Rebels aay how often have whole Armies rather commended then condemned their cause insomuch as at last it hath been thought the best course
depended absolutely upon his arbitrement to approve of this agreement Don John was this mean while gone from the Town of Mark to Lovain to see the Spaniards depart and that the Citadels should be put into the Flemish hands that then he might make his solemn entrance into Brussels and begin his Government A great many of the Nobility came presently to Lovain to visit him who received them with all the civility the Country could expect and with such dignity as became his person He from thence sent Doctor Leonino into Holland to acquaint the Prince of Orange and the State of Holland and Zealand with the agreement made between him and the other Provinces and to use all means to draw those two Provinces and Orange to be of the same mind But this brought forth nothing else but the greater discovery of the obstinacy of those parts and of Orange his industry in fomenting them therein Don John had this mean while made the Citadel of Antwerp be delivered up to the Duke of Ariscot And all the other Castles which were in the Spaniards hands were delivered up to the Flemish Whereupon all the foreign souldiers being assembled together at Mastrick except the Germans who for want of their pay had little longer time allowed them for their departure betook themselves to leave the Low-Countries and so they did according to the agreement It is not to be exprest what joy and what demonstrations thereof this caused throughout all Flanders In all Cities Towns and in the meanest Villages all the people ran to hear the news and then to tell it as if this were the greatest happiness which they could have expected or desired Sancio d' Avila the then Governour of the Citadel Antwerp would not be present at the delivery up of the Citadel of into the hands of Ariscot but left it to be done by his Lieutenant publickly shewing by the freedom of his demeanor and words that he would have no part in an action which he thought to be very prejudicial to his King and not answerable to so many other acts which his Nation had so gloriously performed in Flanders Nay 't is said that in his taking leave of Don John he with the like freedome of speech said unto him Your Highness makes us go out of Flanders but remember that I tell you you will quickly be forced to call us back again And so it fell out as in its place shall be told A Garison of Walloons was put into the Castle of Antwerp and the States were as diligent as they could be in gathering together the monies wherewith to send away the Germans also wherein they found much difficulty by reason of the great expences the Country had already been at as also in those of sending away the Spaniards Don John came at last from Lovain to Brussels where he made his publick entry on May-day which was done with such solemnity as well by reason of the so many Nobility and other inferior people as for the acclamations of joy which his first receiving was accompanied withall as there is hardly the memory of any the like at the reception of any absolute Prince of Flanders much less at that of a bare Governour But it was not long ere this scene of joy was changed into others full of sorrow and horrour as we shall by degrees make known unto you When Don John had taken upon him the administration of the Government he soon found his part was rather to obey then to command No Order could issue forth from him which was not to be subordained by the Councel of State who unwilling to quit the Government which till then they had provisionally exercised sought in an indirect way to keep it still by the prerogative of Authority They alleadged sometimes the common priviledges of their whole Country sometimes the particular priviledges of this or that Province and sometimes by one pretence sometimes by another they endeavoured still to increase their own Authority and to lessen Don Johns Government as much as they could and Orange was sure not to be wanting upon all occasions He had for his Architecture of sedition Philip Marnice Lord of Aldigonda and the Lord Hees particular Governor of Brussels was likewise a great follower of his The first was more wary the other more zealous and therefore both of them of a better mixture to do evil These two in Brussels and divers others in other parts who depended upon Orange did continually disperse seditious speeches to incite the Flemish to novelties more then ever They gave out that Jerolimo Rhodes Sancio d' Avila and other Spanish Commanders who were gone into Spain after their departure from Flanders had been very gratiously received by the King and by his Court with promises of new and greater imployments Was not this said they a manifest declaration of the Kings wherein he gave sentence in favour of the Spaniards against the Flemish in the last troubles which the Country had suffered Was it not an accusing of the Councel of State of infidelity did not the Kings intention touching the affairs of Flanders appear plainly in this and what could he fancy else to himself but to expect that the Flemish should be disarmed to the end that he might again the easilyer oppress them That the example of past things did prognosticate future successes That so in the Dutchess of Parma 's time the Country did trust and about the end of her Government did expect much better treatment when loe the Duke of Alva came at unawares armed and brought with him that cruel and miserable slavery which they had till this day experienced That in fine Don John was a Spaniard that he brought conceal'd Councel from Spain and that he had John Escouedo for his chief Councellor one of that Nation and to whose secrecy the King had trusted the most misterious secrets of the affairs of Flanders That then unless the Flemish would again perish miserably they were not in any ways to lay down their present Authority That the Councel of State should preserve their prerogative That the States General should keep their superintendency but above all things that the Provinces should not suffer themselves to be lul'd asleep by too much quiet for the Spaniards would be sure quickly to make use thereof That the King could at once both raise and bring in an Army in which case what would the tediousness of their meetings avail the Flemish to muster together their Forces and what good would the yet more slower hopes doe of being assisted by Foreigners Thus they endeavoured to corrupt the minds of the Flemish and to imprint such affections in them as might alienate them from Don John and still more from the Spaniards and make them fall again into yet greater troubles Fraud reigns in the South and Candor in the North. But this so candid proceeding degenerates too easily into credulity so as it is no wonder if any wary weaver
a place of large circuit and greatly peopled and which might have stood out long Wherefore the Councel of War were of opinion That it was better first to possess all the Country which lay about Namures to secure themselves still the more of that passage which lay so opportunely for the receiving of succours from Italy and which would make the other Pass over the Mause at Mastrick the more easie by which Aid in assistance of the King might likewise be brought from the neighbouring parts of Germany Wherefore Don John enlarging his Quarters in the two Provinces of Brabant and Henault that he might receive his victuals with more ease and in the greater abundance re-entred into the Country of Namures and resolved to incamp before Philippaville This is a Town of five royal Bulwarks which the King fortified the better to secure that Frontier towards France and did therefore honour it with his own name The Quarters being distributed according to the diversity of the Nations they began to make Trenches on one side And Don John willing to shew his superiority as well in pains-taking as in command applied himself with great fervor to such Works as were of greatest importance The Prince of Parma was alwayes by his side So as by their example every particular Souldier gave himself to labour hard in the siege When the Trenches were advanced some Cannon and Peeces of lesser bore were planted on that side to bereave the Enemy of defence and the Kings men coming at last unto the ditch began to lodge there But those within were not less ready in making resistance Signor di Glimes was chief Commander over them and with him were five Foot-Colours and one Troop of Carbines on hors-back The people were but few in respect of the need and they wanted many things within the Town for their defence Yet the Enemy seeming as if they would maintain it and encouraged by Orange who promised they should within a short time be relieved they began at first to annoy the Kings Camp with frequent shot and by some sallies endeavoured to hinder the working of the Trenches at least to keep them further off Being come to fight at nearer distance the actions grew hotter the assailants sought how to get nearer the walls and the assailed how to keep them further off But the Kings men did so well shelter themselves and did so advance with their Trenches and Earth-works and by their batteries threw down so great a part of the Wall as they prepared to come boldly on to the assault when the Governour resolved to surrender the Town to Don John Some succour was endeavoured to have been brought in but that failing the besieged were much discouraged It was notwithstanding thought that the Governour was too easily perswaded to surrender being more wrought upon by promises from Don John then by any necessity And his going over soon after to the Kings side turned this opinion into a believed certainty When Don John was rid of this enterprise heresolved to leave Gonzaga with a good part of the horse and some foot upon those Frontiers of Hennault and Artois to withstand some preparations which the Duke of Alanson was making in France against Flanders on those parts And Gonzaga did luckily defeat some Companies of foot who were already entred the Country After this he endeavoured to endamage the Territories thereabouts which were in the hands of the Flemish Rebels by frequent inroads and especially by destroying the corn upon the ground which was then a ripening Don John sent the Prince of Parma at the same time with other Forces to streighen Limburg a Town which gives the name to that Province and lies near the County of Namures being very commodious for the receiving of aid from Germany At the first battery the Town surrendred to Fernese from whence the Governour retired himself into the Castle which is very strong by reason of its situation standing upon a very steep rock wherefore he resolutely prepared to stand out But his souldiers were of another mind for being but very few in number and having but small or no hopes of being relieved they would not run the hazard of punishment assuring themselvs that they should easily obtain pardon as they did for Fernese sufffering the Governor to go out free did not only pardon the other Soldiers but took them almost all into the Kings service This was the proceedings of the Kings Army after the battel of Geblurs This mean while Norchermes Lord of Selle was com from Spain by whom the King had by his Letters signified his plesaure touching the novelties which had happened in Flanders The Contents whereof were That he would not have the Flemish acknowledg any other Governour then Don John For what remain'd in a language which relisht both of the sowre and sweet he commended the States for standing so firm in their obedience to him and to the Church assured them that whilst they should persevere in so doing they should receive all fair usage from him And he refer'd himself to what the same Lord of Selle should represent more particularly in his name touching the composing of the new commotions which were raised in those Provinces But from the time that the States had written unto the King complaining so bitterly against Don John as we then told you the affairs on all sides were so imbittered as there was no means left for any peaceable accommodation For the States declared themselves fully resolved never to acknowledge Don John for their Governour That they had chosen the Archduke Mathias to govern them that therefore they desired the Government might be left to him which if otherwise the fault was not theirs if the service of the Church and King did daily suffer detriment Selle procured a Treaty between both parties but to no end He then endeavoured that the Prince of Parma might negotiate with the States believing that he as son to the Lady Margaret toward whom the Flemish had shewed so great affection might be well received by them and might more easily overcome the difficulties which lay on that side But he proposed that for the Prince his security the Prince of Orange should the mean while be put into the hands of Don John which made them absolutely refuse the Treaty And for this particular which had encouraged Orange and some others they grew very jealous of the Treaty mentioned by Selle At this time the Emperour had likewise interceded with the Flemish to bring them to some good agreement with the King He had joyned complaints with his exhortations saying that they had stoln the Archduke Mathias from him which action of theirs the King had great reason to resent But this intercession of the Emperours did no good neither for the Flemish lent but little ear to his exhortations and as for his complaints they had formerly answered them in their justifying themselves in that point This mean while neither side omitted
she obtains leave to do The whole Government of the Country remains therefore in the Prince her son The Flemish Rebels agree in their former resolution of chusing the Duke of Alanson for their new Prince What followed thereupon and with what conditions THe Kings Army was much afflicted for the death of Don John it is hardly to be believed what sence of sorrow was shewed for it for many days throughout the whole Camp The news thereof coming to Spain the King staid awhile before he would confirm the Prince of Parma in the Government of Flanders He very well knew the Prince his Military worth But then again he feared lest that his warlike spirit might not rather make him desire the continuance of the war then to see those Provinces restored to peace which the King desired above all things always provided as hath been often said that all due obedience were given to the Church and the like to his Crown Moreover the King had had it often formerly in his thoughts to send the Dutchess of Parma back again into Flanders if it should prove needfull to remove Don John from that Government He called to mind what satisfaction her former Regency had given unto those people and to make it prove the better again he thought to place her son the Prince of Parma with her for the part of Arms thinking that the Government being thus tempered the people would be much better pleased and his service might on all sides be better done The King therefore was a while doubtfull what to do in this case But because speedy remedy was to be applyed to the evils of Flanders and for that the King could not doubt but the Prince of Parma would with all loyalty and devotion do as he should be by him directed therefore without more adoe he approved of Don Johns Declaration and confirmed the Prince in the Government of those Provinces The Kings Army was greatly rejoyced to hear of this choice thinking that by the proximity of his bloud and by his greater resemblance in valour Don John might seem to live still in the Prince Wherefore Fernese applyed himself wholly to the Government committed to his charge His first resolution was To endeavour by all means possible to draw the Walloon Provinces over to the Kings side He considered of what importance it would be to have so great and such Catholick forces within the Country side with the Church and with the King And that on the contrary Rebellion and Heresie could not be weakened by any means better then by this He therefore began to endeavour this by several ways He treated chiefly with the Nobility who enjoy particular prerogatives in the Walloon Provinces and to whom the vulgar sort do usually adhere when the States do meet But notwithstanding this overture of a Treaty did not at all allay his ardency to War Putting on therefore Don Johns resolution he determined likewise to keep within those quarters wherein the Army was fortified about Namures and to expect there till the enemies forces should vanish especially the foreign aids which out of the reasons formerly alleadged he thought would not be long a doing Nay his hopes thereof were the more increased for that the dissentions grew every day greater amongst the Flemish He therefore attended the guarding of his quarters the keeping of his souldiers in perfect good discipline and did at the same time very much sollicite the King that he would speedily provide moneys for the necessaries of the Army and send over new men This mean while the disorders grew daily greater amongst the Flemish Rebels For divided in divers sorts amongst themselves both in affairs of Religion and in other things which respected the State of one common cause they had made many particular ones and every Province having its own particular ends few of them joyned any longer in their resolutions as they ought to have done with the rest The chiefest contestations were between the Walloons and Gaunteses as hath been said nor was it ever possible to find any means how to accord them Whence falling from words to blows neither of them paid their Contributions first agreed upon to the common Cause being kept from doing so by the necessity of converting it to their own peculiar uses The Faction of the Malcontents grew this mean while still the stronger for almost all the Nobility of Henault and Artois had wound themselves thereinto The Gaunteses and their adherents received their greatest indammagements from this Faction nor could there be a greater contrariety then was between them The Malcontents seemed more resolute then ever to continue in their Catholick purity and their due Allegiance to the King and the Gaunteses shewed themselves full as resolute to have only the contrary exercise in point of Religion and in all other things shewed their abhorrition of the Soveraignty of Spain So as by reason of this variance between the Confederate Provinces their first Union was mightily weakned Together with their want of money they began daily to be wanting in their Souldiers and not being able to maintain their own home-Souldiers much less able were they to maintain those very many that they had received from abroad Wherefore the French and German Aids did no more service but instead of easing the Country ran out licentiously on this side and that side and failing of their Pay paid themselves with large usury by Rapine insomuch that it was doubted whether they might not fall from tumultuary Free-booting to some downright Mutiny This necessity and these dangers were represented to the States by Casimir and Alanson who desired instant remedy But such evils could not be helped unless provisions were had first for the discords which were the occasion thereof which by reason of the aforesaid difficulties were become irremediable though the States and in particular Orange used all possible care and diligence to compose them It was clearly seen that the greatest novelties arose from the Gaunteses wherefore at the States desire John Casimir went again to Gaunt and used all the most efficacious means he could to reduce the Gaunteses to a more moderate sense But all was lost labour especially by reason of the obduration of those Ringleaders who for their own self-interest did the more willingly nourish sedition in that City This was the cause why John Casimir by Orange his advise resolved to go himself to England to perswade the Queen to be more firm in favouring the Flemish with her assistance especially in point of monies But the Queen after having received him very honourably were it either that she would not further offend the King of Spain or that she could not really be at further expences sent him away with bare terms of good Intention and with ambiguous hopes which were soon after resolved to the negative John Casimir being returned from England to Flanders without any good issue in his Negotiation found many of his men already disbanded and the
him to leave us one of his sons to be our Prince in his stead As for Religion every one knows how great a freedom France enjoys therein Wherefore it is not to be doubted but that the Duke will allow a greater liberty therein in Flanders For though our intentions be that the Reformed Religion should be the most prevalent yet it will behove us to allow of the Catholick there being so great a part of our Provinces which is obstinate therein and chiefly the Walloon Countrys to the regaining whereof we must with all our industry apply our selves And as for what authority the Duke may assume unto himself by the example of what the Kings of France enjoy in their Kingdom May not we limit it as we shall please so as he may know he hath the Flemish to Govern and not the French and that he must use our Laws only without any participation of theirs I therefore conclude that all the reasons considered in this present affair make much more for the French then for the English And this is likewise my opinion The which I am not notwithstanding so far in love withall but that I shall be ready to quit it when I shall hear a better None shall be more ready then I to adhere unto the sence of this most vigilant Assembly nor be more willing to endeavour the fulfilling thereof after it shall be maturely advised upon This opinion of Aldegonds bore great weight with it And to enjoy a Prince who was in his own person to sustain the Government and the Interest of the Provinces was a business exceedingly considerable This so important business was not agitated without the Catholick Deputies For though those of the Walloon Provinces were wanting and that there was no respect at all had to the Ecclesiastical Orders yet were there a great many Catholicks in the Provinces who leaned more to heresie wherefore in this Assembly there were divers Catholick Deputies chosen together with the Hereticks The Propositions which were made by the others were generally very ill rescented by these For though they did likewise greatly hate the Spaniards yet they thought it a too desperate business to treat of changing a Prince and almost altogether Religion They shewed How much the King would be irritated by both these That if he would never tolerate any liberty at all of consequence in Flanders how much less then would he suffer heresie to domineer every where And what more unworthy thing could there be then to make Religion subservient to the State the ancient Church to the new Sects and the Piety for so many years professed in those Provinces to rescent Doctrins which had involved almost all Europe in mighty troubles To this injury which should be done to the Church and which certainly the King would own as his own how much would the other add which belonged wholly to himself of bereaving him of his due soveraignty which after so long a succession of his ancestors was past into him and so strictly acknowledged and solemnly sworn unto by the Provinces That therefore it was to be believed he would rescent both these injuries with the whole Forces of his Kingdoms That his Forces had been formerly formidable but how much more now that he had gotten the Kingdom of Portugal That there could no relyance be had upon those of France by reason of the divisions by which that Kingdom was at the present so terribly rent in pieces And say the King of France could he would not assist his brother lest he might thereby draw upon him the Forces of the King of Spain That the Catholick Faction in France held already great correspondency with the King of Spain And now having so justifiable a pretence how much more might that King foment it and how many foreign evils might he add to those home-bred ones That from England they could not receive the benefit of a Prince of their own So as the administration must pass by the hands of Governours And what certainty was there that the English would give better satisfaction then the Spaniards especially in a new Principallity wherein they would never proceed so far by fair means but that they would much more use force That the same King had great commodity of making diversions likewise against the Queen and to incite England to some insurrection either by open war or under-hand practises and much more easily Ireland a Country which was almost altogether Catholick greatly devoted to the Church and well affected also to the Crown of Spain And thus the Provinces having no foreign helps would be wholly exposed to the indignation and forces of a potent and injured enemy from whom they were afterwards to expect the greater punishment in that they had given so just an occasion thereof For these reasons the Catholick Deputies past on to this opinion That above all things an agreement between the Provinces should be endeavoured for that if they were well united their own union might furnish them with sufficient Forces at least to defend themselves That they should never lay down their Arms till the ancient form of Government were first restored by the King That touching Religion the peace of Gaunt should be observed which was so maturely handled and concluded by the full consent of the Provinces That if things should be brought to that necessity as that the Provinces of Flanders must needs be severed from the Crown of Spain they should procure as it was most reasonable a Prince of the House of Austria or one of the Kings sons if he should have more then one or some other body who should marry with a daughter of the Kings upon whom the Dominion of those Provinces might be transferred And that at last if they should fail of all these means the Provinces should take the Soveraignty into their own hands In which case it was not to be doubted but that they should have a much better Cause more justifiable to the world better made good by their people and more favoured by their neighbours But the Hereticks did so far prevail in this Assembly as there was little regard had to this opinion of the Catholicks so as the question remained between the other two But at last that which Aldegonde had maintained in the behalf of Alanson was preferred Orange out of some private considerations of his own to boot with what concerned the Publick leaned more willingly likewise to this side For his Principality of Orange lay in France his wife was at that time of French bloud And great correspondency was had as had always been between him and the chief of the Hugonot Faction in that Kingdom Yet by reason of the weight of the Affair the ultimate conclusion was not at that time taken but the Deputies departed that they might first acquaint each Province with their Opinions and to bring from thence an integral resolution This mean while the business of War past on but coolly on both
in the King his brothers Court the Nobility ran from almost all the parts of the Kingdom to be with him upon such an occurrancy Wherefore the Duke having in a short time gathered together a gallant Army of 12000 foot and 3000 horse he marched towards Cambray to relieve it and free it from the straits wherein it was Fernese knew he could not withstand so powerfull a strength having so few Forces as he could neither incamp himself in face of the enemy nor sufficiently fortifie himself about the walls of the City Wherefore forgoing the Forts he resolved to retreat Some slight skirmishes happened upon this occasion between the two Camps and the Country being finally left wholly free to the French the Duke had leasure to relieve the City and to furnish it aboundantly with all things necessary He himself entred thereinto and being solemnly received he made a large Declaration that he was come into it as into a City of the Empire and that as such a one he would keep it and defend it He upon this occasion took likewise the Castle of Cambresis From hence he suddenly returned to France though he was earnestly desired by the Flemish Rebels who were now become his Subjects to come further into the Country and make good use of the so many Forces as he now had upon that occasion But because they were really to be esteemed rather lent Forces then any of his own being hastily and tumultuously gathered together and be not having monies to maintain the Army any longer at that time he could not satisfie them in their desires but made such excuses as were necessary He assured them notwithstanding that he would be suddenly with them with good Forces And that to that purpose he would not only use all possible dilligence and industry with the King his brother but go himself if need should be into England and use all other efficacious endeavours with his neighbours These Forces of Alansons being vanished sooner then it was believed they would be the Walloons took courage again and hoped for good success Yet was the Prince of Parma very much troubled within himself as well by reason of his retreat from Cambray as also for that he verily thought he should never do any thing of consequence by the sole help of those Countries who kept loyal to the King He had upon divers occasions endeavoured to make this known to those who were of greatest power amongst the Walloons and had dexterously suggested unto them how much they themselves ought to desire not only for the Kings service but even for the good of their own Country that the foreign souldiers might again return But he could not so represent the necessity thereof but that they had their equal jealousies for all the Country desired very much to be free of Foreign Forces The Prince found not therefore such a disposition in them thereunto as he desired The Marquis of Rubays was in great esteem amongst the Walloons as you have often heard And doubtlesly he deserved to be so by reason of his bloud valour and adherency of friends The Prince had contracted a particular friendship and trust with him wherefore he resolved to use all the means he could to draw him over to his opinion of fetching back the Foreign Souldiers into Flanders He therefore took him one day by the hand and after a Flemish familiarity joyn'd with a Military Authority he spake thus unto him How weak the Forces are most valiant Sir which we have now here in the Kings Service cannot be better known to any then to your self who have so great a share in the Command thereof The Agreement made with the Walloon Provinces hath certainly been of great advantage to the Kings Affairs It is every day seen that their Forces can neither be more faithfull nor more valiant But every day likewise confirms that which was then feared that their forces alone would not be sufficient to carry on the Warre And to descend to particulars tell me I pray you What thing of consequence have we done since the taking of Mastrick wherein the Foreign Souldiers did intervene Have we ever been able to take the field with any considerable Army or by any sufficient Siege forced any place of importance rather how shamefully have we been compelled to rise from before Cambray and also with how much loss The French before our eyes have not only relieved the Town but fully taken possession thereof which was the strongest out-work your Countrey had towards their Frontiers How much is the union of the Rebeis also encouraged by our weakness Is not their rash perfidiousness come now to the greatest height what more execrable thing could they devise to do then so affrontedly and by their own sole authority to chuse unto themselves a new Prince Then since reason requires that such enormous faults should be punished and that this cannot be done by the sole forces of the obedient part of the Country why should it not be thought necessary to be done by strangers Why should not the former souldiery be suffered to return again and an Army be thereby made which may be worthy of our King worthy of the Cause which he maintains and by which this still renewing Hidra of Rebeliion may be tamed When this wicked Monster shall be corrected and Peace and Loyalty shall be every where established throughout the Country it is not to be doubted but that the King will presently of his own accord remove all foreign souldiers and leave the Custody of the Country to their own Militia And thus when the Kings forces shall be returned hither in their former vigour how great shall our advantages be together with his Then when we with a flourishing Army shall be able to be Masters of the field storm all places win all battels and compass all our desires I who am the Commander in chief and you who next to me have the chiefest Command what shall our share of glory be in all these successes what rewards are not we to expect from the Kings bounty and goodness and how triumphant shall we be in the Church by suppressing Heresie Out of all these considerations Sir I most heartily desire you that you will be pleased particularly to interpose your endeavours and your Authority where need shall require it that the foreign souldiery may return hither again with the good will of the obedient Party Your desert was certainly highly valued by the King when you reconciled your Provinces to his Royal Crown but how much will it now be increased and how glorious shall I make it appear And I already pawn my faith unto you that if this may be done the King shall acknowledge it chiefly to be your work for what remains you know the friendship that I have promised you which you may be sure shall be inviolably observed by me in fine either I shall be of no power in this Government or your part therein next mine own
shall be the greatest Rubays was much moved at these words He thought himself too much obliged by the confidence which the Prince seemed to put in him and he desired to signalize himself as much as he could in the Kings service He considered moreover that the service of the Walloon Countries was sufficiently joyned to his good since if they would not admit the company of foreigners who were their friends they ran hazard of being inslaved by their ennemies who were likewise foreigners or under the like of their own Flemish Hereticks or that of their Chief tain Orange whose chief end was to abase the Nobility and by the favour of the multitude to build up a Tyrranny to himself Wherefore wholly inflamed both with devotion to the King and affection to the Prince Rubays answered him in resolute terms that he would do all that lay in him to effect the Prince his desire Rubays being won it was not hard for Fernese to draw the rest to be of the same mind who were the chiefest either amongst the Nobles Ecclesiasticks or Commonalty So as the business was suddenly so well carried on by all sides as the Walloon Provinces instead of hindring it resolved to facilitate it as much as they could and not only to give way for the return of the Foreign Militia but by a particular person of their own to desire it of the King The Flemish Rebels were by this time come to the proclaiming of their new Prince To which purpose a General Assembly being called in the Hague the first by a long writing in Print Declared That the King of Spain had forfeited his Soveraignty over those Provinces and strictly commanded that no further obedience should be given him And the reasons which they alleadged for this were Because he went about to oppress the people in their consciences and by open force to violate their priviledges Then the Assembly being fully informed of all that their Deputies had resolved in France with the Duke of Alanson they publickly gave out that he was now their Prince and resolved to receive him and acknowledge him as such a one with all greatest solemnity And being still fuller of hopes by reason of those advantages which Alanson bad so luckily atchieved by the relieving of Cambray and taking of Cambresis they did verily believe that be would very speedily send the people that he had promised and would come quickly himself to take possession of his new States They notwithstanding did much sollicite him to hasten them both But he said that he must needs first goe into England to speak with the Queen and that the Queen her self did much desire he should doe so And indeed it was true For she did desire to engage him still more and more in the revolts of Flanders for the aforesaid reasons And she carried the business on with such cunning as she fed him with hopes that she would marry him Which hopes were notwithstanding judged to be but vain by reason of the inequality of their ages he being very young and she already inclining to old age Moreover every one knew that when she was of a fitter age for marriage she being of a masculine spirit and very desirous to govern had always refused to take any for a Companion into her bed for that she would have no Companion in her Princely government But howsoever the Duke was not displeased with this deceit for he turn'd it to his advantage with the Flemish by making his expectation the greater amongst them and by giving the greater creto his Forces Which proved notwithstanding so weak as he could not as then send any considerable strength to the Rebels Wherefore Fernese having this advantage and encouraged the more by the speedy return which the foreign Forces were to make he resolved to besiege Tournay wherein the obedient Provinces joyned fully with him The City of Tournay together with the Country of Tournesis hath a particular Government of its own which was then administred by the Prince of Espenoy who adhered to the Flemish Union It lies upon the Gallican side of the Province of Flanders wherefore the Walloons desired very much to take it so to reunite that tract of ground which joyns upon their Country to its allegiance to the King The Prince of Espenoy was not at this time in Tournay but his wife Maria de la Laigne was there A woman of great spirit and who performed in this Siege as shall be shewn whatsoever could be expected from her husband Tournay may be numbred amongst the noblest Cities of Flanders as well for its antient foundation as for being amply furnished both with people trafick and edifices It is every where surrounded with fruitfull and pleasant fields and through the midst of it under divers bridges runs the Scheld a River which begins there to ennoble it self not being well navigable before Whilst this City was under the English in the time of Henry the 8. they built a good Castle there esteemed strong in that Age but not to be compared to the latter Royal Fortifications It is only flanked with Towers after the old fashion and the antient walls of the City have the same imperfection yet these are in some parts helped by Ravelins raised after the modern fashion On the lower side the Scheld joyns to the Ditch which on the upper side is wholly dry In lieu of the Prince of Espenoy il Signor d'Etrael his Lieutenant governed the City at this time but he had but a small Garrison in the Town for Espenoy being busie with the Prince of Orange about some other imployment had carried away with him many Souldiers who formerly belonged to that Garrison But the Inhabitants who were for the most part Hereticks supplied the defect of the Garrison who were therefore so bitter against the Kings party as they could not appear more alienate from the one nor more affectionate to the other They had unarm'd the Catholicks as not confiding in them and in all other demonstrations shewed themselves ready to stand upon their defence On the other side Fernese was not ignorant how weak they were within and how small hopes they had to be relieved from without Wherefore without any longer delay he marched with his Army and about the begining of October drew near to Tournay and began to order his Quarters His Camp was not then very great but he hoped to have it speedily ingrost by some Germans which by his directions were raising in those parts near Flanders And the Abbot of St. Wedasto being sent from the Walloons into Spain to sollicite the King to send some new Forces again as soon as might be into Flanders from Spain and Italy Fernese was in great expectation of having shortly one of the most flourishing Armies that was ever seen in those Provinces Having then ordered his affairs and secured his quarters the Officers of the Army consulted on which side they ought to make their batteries The opinion
Gauntesses resolved to come to an agreement which followed about the end of September the preceding year They obliged themselves to give all due obedience unto the King to admit onely of the Catholick profession as formerly to rebuild the Castle which was slighted on the side which lay towards the Town and to pay twenty thousand pound for maintenance of the Kings Army and Fernese on his part did in the Kings name grant them full pardon they were restored to their former priviledges and those who would not profess the Catholick Religion had two years space allowed them to be gone and to carry away their goods whether they would That in the first place their Provinces did in all integrity of soul thank her for her having been so gratiously pleased to favour them and protect them against the King of Spain 's violence since the very first time that he used any against them That be continuing more then ever to oppress Flanders and those Provinces not being able of themselvs to defend themselves from so powerful and cruel an enemy were inforced to seek for necessary protection elsewhere That therefore they had resolved to fly unto her for it A Princess so conjoyn'd to them in territories so united in religion and so interested in the cause That to say truth they were then in a very low condition that notwithstanding they were yet possest of Oestend and Sluce in the Province of Flanders which were both of them Maratine Towns of great concernment That Holland Zealand and Freisland Provinces which lay all of them upon the Sea were yet wholly free from the Spaniards and that within land there were yet many of the most secure places under their union and a great part of the best of the Country That they doubted not but that so puissant a Princess as she would Patronise their defence much more out of magnanimity then out of Interest so as leaving the first part to her and considering themselves the second they represented unto her how great an advantage the addition of such Provinces and particularly those of the Maritine Coast would be to England And what doubt could it be but that these two Naval Forces being joyned together would give the Law by sea to all the Western yea and Northern parts That they then offered to submit themselves wholly to her Soveraignity so to injoy not onely her ordinary protection but to be defended by her absolute authority as by their Princess hoping that she would be pleased to admit of such an offer under such fair and reasonable conditions as their people were to enjoy according to the moderate form of their ancient Government for what remained she might assure her self that the Flemish would alwayes vye for Loyalty towards her with the English in readiness in concurring to all her greater exaltations and in joy to see all her ends effected according to her own desire This was the substance of their Proposal Having said this by word of mouth they presented it in writing to the Queen who graciously received it and did in as gracious a manner reply That she would with all attention study to send them back as speedily as might be to their Provinces well satisfied That such an offer bore with it matter of great conseqnence and that therefore she would take particular care that it should be diligently discust by her Councel The English had at first seemed very much to desire this But as usually seen things move more then such as are but meerly imagined so when the weight of this affair was seen nearer hand the Councels differed much in their opinions concerning it Some more boldly were of opinion That so fair an offer was by all means to be imbraced That the United Provinces had already lawfully made themselves their own Soveragins out of their so requisite necessity of not being able to suffer the King of Spains so great oppression They might therefore lawfully dispose of that their Soveraignty as they should best please That they had once already confer'd it upon the Duke of Alanson and wherefore might they not now confer it upon the Queen The King of Spain would undoubtedly be scandalized hereat and would peradventure make war again upon England But how oft had he already offended the Queen Were not the Insurrections in Ireland fomented by him had he not a designe to do the like in England Did not he favour the Queen of Scots Cause as much as he might and did not he upon all other occasions shew his ill will to the English That if he would fall into open war with the Queen it was to be considered how greatly her usual strength at sea would be increased by this new Maritine addition of Flanders Let therefore the King of Spain assault England when he should please he should finde it as secure in forces as inexpugnable by situation But there wanted not those that were of a contrary opinion They said It was the common concernment of all Princes that their subjects should keep within their due obedience what a ruine would it be to Principality if the rendering or denying of obedience should be at the Subjects pleasure That hitherto the Queen had favoured the Flemish not as free people but as those that were opprest that she might still without proceeding any farther do the same justly for the future but to acknowledge a Soveraign power in them and then to accept of that Soveraignty offered by them was an action of bad example for other Princes and particularly of very dangerous consequence for the Queen her self How much more just reason would the King of Spain have in such a case to make her taste of the same evils at her own home How great a disposition was there generally thereunto in Ireland And how great in the so many Catholicks which were yet in England By her example the King would doubtlesly pass from fomenting secretly into open invasion To his Temporal Forces the Pope of Rome might likely enough add his Spiritual ones And it would then be seen what would be got by making so uncertain an acquisition in neighbouring Countries when by doing so certain hazard must be run at home in her own Dominions Amidst these two contrary opinions there was one in a middle way between them which was That the Queen without accepting of the Soveraignty or using any other title of Protection should assist the Flemish with a good strength of men That for security of the expence which she should be at in assisting them they should put some good Town of Zealand into her hands and some other also in Holland And that the Forces which should be maintained by the United Provinces should be under his command whom she should send in Chief with her men Thus having gotten footing in those Maritime parts and her Authority likewise being in the above said manner extended further within Land the Queen might wait for what time would produce who is the
less severe in maintaining the power of command The King was more ready in resolving and the Duke more circumspect in ripening his resolutions The King loved battels it being the custom of France so to do the Duke a wel-wisher to industrious advantages according to the manner of waging war in Flanders but in the diversity of action they were notwithstanding so conformable in reputation and in the glory of souldiery as few will be found amongst either the modern or ancient Commanders more famous at one and the same time who in such a difference have continually so much resembled one another The Duke of Mayne had very much prest the Duke of Parma at their meeting that if Fernese could not go then himself in person to relieve Paris he would at least furnish him Du Maine with some men to recruit his Forces in France whereby he might indeavour that succour the which Fernese easily granted and to that purpose gave him a Brigado of Spanish Foot under the Camp-master Antonio di Zunica and another of Italians under Camillo Capizucchi and moreover 500 Horse But Du Maine could never compass his design wherefore the Duke of Parma hastning his departure went from Brussels in the beginning of August The Army which he carried with him consisted of 14000 Foot made up of Spaniards Italians Germans and Walloons and 2800 Hose which were of two sorts the one of the Flemish usual Train-bands and the other of the abovesaid Nations The Prince of Semay commanded the former and Marquess de Renty the others for that Marquess Vasto was not then in Flanders and the Lieut. General of the Horse being likewise wanting George Basti supplyed his place who was Commissary General of the Horse and a gallant souldier With the Duke were the Princes of Ascoly and of Castelvetrano the Counts of Aremberg and Barlemonte with divers other Flemish Lords and Count Charles Mansfield General of the Artilery not being to be dispenst withal in Flanders the Duke had assigned that command over to Monsieur de la Motte one whom he greatly esteemed and who for many famous military acts had won the same opinion of all men Amongst the Camp-masters Peter Cajetan Nephew to the Legat was particularly in very great esteem and Alonso d' Ideaques as well in consideration of himself as for the reputation that John his father was in in the Court of Spain who hath been spoken of before The Duke of Parma being come with this Army to the Frontiers of Flanders towards Picardy he called all the Commanders together and gravely advertised them whether he was going He told them That the Kings Forces were now entring into a Country which did naturally hate the name of Spaniard That those of the League had now invoked the Kings Forces and desired his protection meerly out of necessity of Interest That therefore they were to be reputed of the like nature that is to say soon jealous and therefore apt to change That then out of all considerations as well Civil as Military they were to proceed so in the leading on and in the ordering of this Army as not to hazard any action nor put any in execution without great maturity He desired that if Military Government were ever well observed under him in Flanders it might be now exactly observed in France that therefore he straitly commanded every Captain to be all of them very diligent in the performance of their duties That they should not permit the souldier to do any the least imaginable prejudice unto the Country people That they should always march in as good order as if they had the enemy before them That they should be very accurate in fortifying their quarters That to afford the better commodity for all things necessary he would make short marches That he would be moving by the sun-rising and be in his lodging before it should set Munite the Camp continually well bring it into as little a compass as he could have diligent Gards kept on all sides and especially in safely conveying the victuals which were to serve for the great necessity of Paris For what remained that they should all follow him couragiously That he hoped that France would now prove a Theatre still more and more to confirm the honour due to the King of Spain 's Forces in Flanders that he would not be wanting on his behalf but that he would expose himself to all labour and shew himself no less equal to every one of them in incountring dangers then he was superior to them all in point of command Fernese prest very much the observance of these things and to move others the more by his example after he once began to march he was almost every hour every where and more by night then by day he alwaies marched with his Army in good order which he divided into three parts The Marquess of Renty had charge of the first the Duke himself took the charge of the second and Monsieur de la Motte guided the third after whom followed twenty peeces of Canon In this manner and with short marches the Duke came on the 23d of August to Maux a City not above ten leagues from Paris Here did the Duke du Mayn's Army joyn with him which was about 10000 Foot and 1500 Horse the souldiers of both the Camps were selected men and under well disciplin'd Ensignes Paris was this mean while reduced to the very utmost of necessity after that so numerous a people had suffered what possibly was to be undergon in point of Famine their necessity grew at last so great as they must either dye or throw open the gates to the King of Navar. The Duke of Parma was much troubled at this news for he would by no means be precipitate in his councels and yet found the necessity of hastening the succour He therefore incouraged the Paresians and put them in great hopes that he would in a very short time free them from that siege The Legate incouraged them to sufferance and the Spanish Officers but chiefly the Duke of Nemours who was Governor of Paris and brother by the Mothers side to the Duke du Mayne Wheresore the people overcoming their misery with new constancy did with unexpressible anxiety number the hours in expectation of being succour'd When the Duke of Parma marching from Meos with both the Armies joyned in one came towards Paris The King of Navar was then in his hight of hopes that that City would every day fall into his hands The Seene runs through it and two other rivers accompany the Seene neer Paris the one is the Marne two leagues before the Seene come to the City walls and the other the Oyse a little lower on the contrary side These rivers are the nurses which continually give milk to this vast City to boot with the wonderful abundance of its own Territories The King had possest himself of all the Avenues as well by the rivers as by the land Upon the
the Prince bring off the Rear who imbarking that remainder past them all safely over And the like insued to the other Souldiers who were in the Fort and to the Artillery which defended it Yet the King causing some of his Cannon be brought to a certain place which did most command the River endeavoured to sink those Boats wherein the residue of the Dukes men were and some of those Boats which were come from Holland came likewise up and endeavoured to hinder the passage But all was in vain For finally the Prince landed himself and all the rest of his men safe on the other shore and presently set all the Barks on fire to bereave the Enemy of making use of them in passing over the River also The King of Navar was still mightily incenst to see that Victory escape him which he made so sure of He was minded to pass over the Pont d'Ark to encounter the Enemy again or at least to infest them as much as he could in the Rear But the compass being great which he was to make and the Foot not being able to follow the Horse so fast which of themselves alone were not able to reduce the Enemy into straits he did not any thing more against them When the Army of the League was past over the River the Dukes of Parma and Mayn suspected lest the King of Navar might fall upon the aforesaid resolution of passing over the Pont d'Ark They therefore went far from the River and quartered in a Village called Newburgh more within land From hence Du Mayn went with some Forces to Rohan the better to secure the affairs of that City by his own presence whilst the King of Navar kept still thereabouts with so great a strength And Fernese pursued his Retreat marching still in very great order till being come into the Country of Brye contiguous to Champania he thought he might with more commodiousness and safety make less haste out of France Being come to the Confines he left certain Foot and Horse under the Command of Monsieur Rony to be disposed of in the Leagues service as the Duke Du Mayn should appoint him And from thence entring Flanders he went again to the Spaw being thereunto invited by the hot weather which already began But with small hopes of getting any good by it for his infirmity which since his wound grew every day greater He was much afflicted at this his bodily weakness being thereby deprived of following the most necessary military actions which he had formerly indefatigably undergone in his own person But he was chiefly vexed to see how much evil the diversions of France had occasioned to the affairs of Flanders and that the King of Spain did still persist more then ever in his desire of succouring the League and that to that purpose he was again to pass into France as soon as he could At his arrival in Flanders he found a mutiny of the Italians on foot and that Count Maurice had straightly besieged Stenwick a place of importance towards Friesland on the other side of the Rhine Maurice did lustily begirt it on all sides and having first fortified himself without to keep the Kings men from bringing relief he omitted no diligence in making inward advancements He plaid upon the Town furiously from divers parts with his Artillery And though the besieged were not wanting in making resistance by frequent Sallies and by all other stout resistance yet it was known the Town could not long hold out without some succour The siege was at this pass when the Duke of Parma arrived in Flanders He had left a good many men in France and the remainder were so lessened and so out of order by reason of so many sufferings as they were not in any condition of undergoing new ones The Duke endeavoured notwithstanding that all means should be used to relieve the Town And Verdugo did likewise labour in it with his wonted diligence and industry But his assistance was so weak and came so late as the besieged not being able to hold out any longer were at last inforced to yield Maurice won much honour by the getting of this place and it was a great advantage to the Confederate Provinces in those parts Nor did they stop here Count Maurice turned presently upon the Fort of Cowreden which was in the Kings possession and guarded a pass of great moment thereabouts and did so narrowly besiege it as those within wanting many necessaries for defence and withall having no hopes of succour they were at last forced to quit the place Much afflicted at these losses the Duke of Parma came to Brussels about the midst of October at his arrival in Flanders the Prince his son departed from those Countries to return for Italy And the Duke being grown so very weak as he thought he could not continue his Military labours in that Government he very much prest the King for leave to quit it But the King thought not good to condescend thereunto hoping that the Duke might yet again pass once more into France and knowing of what importance his very presence would be there On the other side the King knew in what a languishing condition of health the Duke was he knew how he was affected with the Dropsie which was become now incurable and that it was likely some time or other to prove his death Wherefore the King thought it necessary to send some personage of worth and esteem into Flanders who might more attentively observe the Dukes condition and might likewise have such Commissions about him from the King as should be thought fittest to be put in execution as well in consideration of the Dukes great want of health as also in case the Duke should die To this purpose he sent away John Pachecco Marquis of Ceralva who died before he got out of Spain wherefore he was fain to send another in his place which was Pietro Henrichuz di Azevedo Count of Fuentes This mean while the King being earnestly requested by those of the League in France had commanded the Duke of Parma that he should prepare to go again into that Kingdom with as great a strength as his occasions in Flanders would permit him In performance whereof the Duke gave out present orders for the raising of new men as he had formerly done And going from Brussels went to Arras that he might be as soon as might be on the nearest Confines of France and give the greater incouragement to the business Here through the strength and vertue of his mind he continued as much as possibly he could to govern the weakness and languor of his body He was indefatigable in his negotiations and more by night then by day And as if he scorn'd to yield to nature which made him now unable for any exercise he would sometimes appear on horseback and did strive to deceive himself by going on foot Thus did he persevere to do for some time And in the interim Count
thought it fit he should do so that he might seem to put the greater esteem and confidence in him and to keep him from falling into any precipitate accommodation in his Treaties with the King in France The Army going therefore from La Fera came marching in great order to Laon. Betwixt these two places there lies a great Wood on the left hand called Crepy taking its name from a little Town hard by The Colleagues Camp coming out of this Wood into the open Champian drew near the Kings Trenches There lay also between the two Camps another lesser Wood in view whereof the Colleagues lay Their intention was to possess themselves of that Wood and to advance so advantagiously on that side as that they might the easilyer from thence bring succour into the Town Which designe being by the King discovered he resolved to oppose them with all his might Skirmishes grew therefore very hot between them the one endeavouring to enter the wood the others to keep them out The former placing their chiefest hopes of relieving the Town in making themselves masters of the wood And the others the greatest security of their siege in defending it But the skirmishes growing continually hotter one of them turned almost into a set battel In hazardous adventures Barlotte the Walloon Campmaster was rather rash then daring This man advancing with his Regiment into the wood charged the Kings men so home as he made them withdraw a good way within not without the slaughter of many of them It was not long ere fresh aid came in on the Kings part Wherefore the Walloons were forced to give back when the Campmasters Augustin Messia a Spaniard and the Marquis of Trevico a Neopolitan appeared with their Brigades in their defence and did vigorously sustain the conflict which was no less vigorously sustained on the French side by the Baron of Birouns coming in with new men Who being made Marishall of France after the death of the Marishall his Father shewed himself to merit the title of his Son much more by valor then bloud The son was naturally very fierce and herein only it was to be wished he had had a little more of his fathers circumspection The advantage growing still greater on that side by Birouns coming in du Main came in likewise to assist his men and soon after Mansfield came in too And the King himself coming in on the other side the conflict did so increase as it was now almost turned to a set battel the Commanders in chief of both Armies being present at it and if not all at least the most select men of both the one and the other Camp The King had much the better in horse but by reason of the thickness of the wood there could but small use be made of them On the contrary the Colleagues Camp was much the superior in foot if not in number at least in goodness but neither could they make use of that advantage within the wood which they might have done in the open field For the same straitness and narrowness of situation did not admit of the forming of squadrons nor of their orderly moving The fight was therefore much more confused then regular And thus it continued with much slaughter on both sides the victory remaining very uncertain till the night coming on both sides were forced to retire unto their quarters The King removed afterwards with a great body of men to another quarter where he might better keep the enemy from entrance into the wood But their Camp began already to suffer very much in point of victuals For the Kings Cavalry scouring the Country continually the Colleagues came by their victuals upon hard terms And just at this time as Nicolas Basti was bringing a good quantity of provision with a strong Conduct from Noyon he was set upon by the Duke of Longueville who with such forces as he had with him soon routed him and to boot with his provisions took from him his carriages and draught horses They afterwards endeavoured to get some with greater forces from la Fera. To which purpose great store of victuals Munition and whatsoever else the Colleagues stood in need of being provided a select number of Spaniards and Italians were sent from their Camp to bring them the more safely But this their second endeavour proved no more fortunate then did the former For the King being advertised of this preparation and that the business was to be effected by night he commanded Marishal Biroun to impede them Who having secretly ordered an Ambuscado in a very opportune place did with such violence and so unexpectedly set upon the adverse party as that being overpowred in numbers they were forced to give ground and leave all their victuals and whatsoever else in Birouns hands Yet the Spanish and Italian foot resisted stoutly for a great while making use of their Carriages for their defence and turning their faces wheresoever the assault was hottest In so much as not endeavouring to save themselves by running away they were almost all of them slain upon the place But they died not unrevenged for they flew above 200 of the Kings men and wounded above as many more The Colleagues by reason of these two unfortunate events lost all hopes of being able to effect their intended succour wherefore they resolved to raise their Camp and to retreat They were minded to rise privately by night but this was not to be done without great difficulty they having an Army so near them so much superior to theirs and which particularly did so far exceed them in horse by which they might upon such advantage assail them on the Reer and on the Flanks as they retreated Mansfield inclined therefore to retreat privately by night but Du Mayne thought it would reflect too much upon their reputation not to retreat by day light Betwixt these two differences of opinions it was resolved that the Camp should move by night and that the Van and Battel being advanced in that silent season the Reer should march by day and that the greatest resistance should be made where the greatest danger should lie Thus then was the Army divided The chief care of the Van with which the Baggage was to go and the greatest part of the Artillery was given to Camp-master Barlotte Mansfield guided the Battel and Du Mayne brought up the Reer this was notwithstanding to be turn'd into the Van if it should have any occasion to face about upon the Enemy who were to fall upon them on that part and certainly if ever the Duke Du Mayne proved himself to be both a gallant Commander and a good Souldier it was at this time That he might make the better resistance he kept with him the flower of the infantry which were for the most part Spaniards the rest Italians and who divided into well ordered Squadrons of Pikes and Musketteers was to sustain the violence of the Enemies Horse when they should charge hotlyest upon them
incouraged for that he saw his Authority and power did daily increase in France He therefore proclaimed War against the King of Spain and endeavoured by a bitter Declaration to invite all his Subjects to the War Nor was it long ere another contrary manifesto came from Flanders wherein the King of Spain indeavoured to justifie all that he had done in order to the affairs of France And some other Declarations were added which were requisite upon such an occurrence War being thus declared between the two Kings the greatest designs of both sides were turned towards the Frontiers of France and Flanders The King of France had sent the Duke of Bullion with good Forces a little before into the Country of Lucemburg Wherein the United States did likewise joyn with a certain number of horse and foot on their behalfs Wherefore Bullion having soon won the Towns of Frette Yvois which lay nearest the Frontiers of France he marched further into the Country pillaging and preying upon that Province in hostile manner At the same time the States took likewise the Town of Huy in the Country of Liege that they might advance nearer the Confines of France on that side and in the mutual communication of their designs communicate their Forces also the easilier The Town of Huy lies upon the Mause with a Bridg which expedites that passage and a Castle eminently seated which commands the Town The Town belongs to the Bishoprick of Liege and till this time had always enjoyed Neutrality between the Kings Forces and the adverse party as all the rest of that Country had likewise done Ernestus the Elector of Bavaria enjoyed that Bishoprick together with the Archbishoprick of Colen The invasion being made he applied himself to the United States for the restitution of that Town which was taken But his endeavours proving vain he had afterwards recourse to the Kings forces to which he promised to joyn his also that such a novelty might be the sooner remedied The Archduke was no less moved upon this occasion nor less ready on his part to remedy it And he being dead Count Fuentes appear'd to be of the same mind He therefore and 't was his first action sent Monsieur de la Motte with good Forces to recover Huy which were quickly augmented by those which the Elector added unto them La Motte being come near the Town began to play upon it and within a few dayes took it and reduced the State of Liege into total security He being afterwards sent for back by Count Fuentes to Brussels who intended to imploy him elswhere Colonel Verdugo was sent by the Count with a great strength of men to free the Country of Lucemburg from the excursions made by the French and to recover the Towns which Bullion had taken Verdugo went thither and did so handle the French as making them first forsake the field he made them afterward quit the Country and the Towns which they had taken The King of France his Forces were then chiefly turned upon the Dukedom of Burgony to take it from the Duke Du Mayn To the defence whereof as also of the County of Burgony which was likewise threatned by the King the Constable of Castile Governour of Millan was come with very gallant Forces from Italy Fuentes had thought to have sent Verdugo thither also with some assistance from Flanders But he dying at that time it could not be effected In him the Spanish Nation lost one of the most valiant and best experienced Commanders in War that was then in all those Provinces Wherein he had served the King of Spain little less then â—0 years And passing through all the degrees of the Militia he had still shewed himself most worthy in the last and particularly most in such as required either greater vigilancy in command or greater wisdom in advice He commanded the Kings Forces with great authority a long time on the further side of the Rhine with much variety of acquisitions and losses till that the Spanish Forces being diverted too much in France the Kings own affairs in Flanders were brought to too bad a condition Count Fuentes being freed from that diversion which the enemy had occasioned in the Countries of Liege and Lucemburg and leaving Colonel Mandragone well furnished with forces thereabouts he applyed himself wholly to the Frontiers of Picardy resolving to go thither himself accompanied with a great strength of men and to advantage the Kings affairs there as much as he could Count Charls Mansfield did formerly command the Kings Flemish Forces which were upon that Frontier as hath been often said But he being gon into Germany to serve the Emperour against the Turk in the VVars of Hungary the Archduke before he died had substituted the Marquis of Barambone in his place who was Governour of Artois which joyns upon Picardy VVho being entred into that Province had overrun it in divers parts and taken Anker and some other Towns all but of small importance He afterwards returning into his own Province had sent Monsieur di Rone in his place of whom and whose Military worth mention hath been often made already He was one of the chief of the League of France but resolving at last actually to establish himself in the King of Spains Service he was received thereunto and had a great stipend allowed him and was made Campmaster General of the Army VVherefore the command of those parts being past into his hands he went thither and made likewise some small acquisitions The Spring was by this time over and Count Fuentes did no longer delay to prepare for putting his designs into execution He desired above all things to take the City of Cambray from the French and to reduce it as formerly it was under the particular Authority of the King of Spain In the revolutions of Flanders soon after the death of Don John that City was fallen into the hands of the Duke of Alanson as was then said Alanson at his death left the Queen his mother heir to those parts which he could pretend to by such an acquisition and she had confirmed the Government of Cambray and of the Castle and Territory of Cambresis upon Signor di Baligni who had the same charge whilst Alanson lived Nor did Baligni omit to make use of the present conjuncture of times by becoming as it were absolute Lord of that City and of all that depended upon the Dominion thereof He having always wrought his advantage on both sides during the troubles of France and Flanders had brought that Country into a condition as it were of neutrality Yet upon all occurrences he lean'd much more to the French where his acquisition might cause less jealousie and consequently receive more protection But the King of France his affairs bettering every day in that Kingdom and especially upon that Frontier Baligni had condescended to put the City of Cambray under the direct dominion of the King reserving unto himself the usefull part
thereabouts having first left that part of the Frontiers of France which was then in the King of Spains hands well provided The King of France perceiving this resolved to dismiss the Nobility and Gentry that followed him and leaving Marishal Biroun with 4000 foot and 600 horse to secure such places of Picardy as he was most jealous of he went himself for some other important affairs to Paris Whilst the Cardinal Archduke was in France about these aforesaid enterprises the United Provinces of Flanders took this occasion and infested and over-run divers parts of Brabant with 800 horse But soon meeting with such opposition as was needfull and particularly by the Italian mutiniers who sent the greatest part of their horse from Tilemon against the enemy the excursions lasted but for a while nor did they do any great damage The Cardinal this mean while raised 3000 Walloons and as many Germans to supply the place of those that were found wanting and of those that were left in the French Towns The particular Province of Flanders could have very much desired that he would have undertaken the taking of Ostend a strong Sea-Town and from whence the inland Countries thereabouts were much damnified The Cardinal seemed no less desirous thereof to witness which he went himself to Newport which is not above three hours journey from Ostend and being there nearer at hand he caused the condition of the Town to be diligently examined But judging that it was impossible to keep it from being relieved and that being so near Zealand it might be succoured every hour the Cardinal thought it was not a thing feisable and that therefore it was by no means to be undertaken On the other side not being willing to lose the Summer without imploying his Army about some new expedition he thought good to know his Councel of Wars opinion therein Some propounded the siege of Hulst in the particular Province of Flanders as well for the importancy of such an acquisition as for the satisfying of that Province in some sort since it was impossible to please it in the enterprise of Ostend Others thought upon Berghen ap Zome Getringberg or Breda all of them Towns in Brabant As for Breda it might the easilyest be kept from succour because it lay more within land But for all things else it was so well munited and so well provided to make long resistance as there were found great difficulties in bringing that siege to a good end The other places were so seated by nature as enjoying the opportune neighbourhood of Holland and Zealand either by the accommodation of Channels or Rivers it would be very hard to keep the enemy from relieving them whensoever they would The difficultys of the propounded sieges being weigh'd and the hopes of overcoming them the Cardinal resolv'd at last to besiege Hulst and to use al possible means for the taking of it On the East side where the Province of Flanders terminates and where with the interposition of the River Scheld it joyns to Brabant there lies a small Territory called the Wasse It is bounded on the East by the Scheld that River keeping still its own name on the North it is bounded by the Honte a branch of the Scheld but which is already grown so large and so ready to fall into the Sea as it may rather be called an arm of the Sea then the branch of a river On the West and South it reaches more within land and is not far from the Territories of Gaunt The Wasse hath many great Villages in it and also some walled Towns And though the situation thereof be very low yet it enjoys many commodities as well by its own natural situation as by the Inhabitants industry In almost the midst of it stands the Town of Hulst Which is but small in circuit yet of great Traffick and out of some other circumstances the chief Town of that Country of Wasse Count Maurice had won it five years before whilst the Duke of Parma was upon his diversion in the French expedition as was then more largely related To boot with its situation and some handy works which made it even then a considerable place the fortifications thereof had since been much increased by the United States flanking it better where it was most needfull and securing it better by Pallisadoes and other Works But not content with having fortified the Town they would for as much as they could make the Country for a good part unaccessible They therefore resolved to make it an Island between two large Channels and to this purpose they cut one which fell into the Scheld and another which fell into the Honte The former was over against their great Fort of Lillo which lies upon the other shore and the latter drew nearer Zealand with equal design notwithstanding of receiving such succour as was requisite from the one and the other of them to which purpose they had built two Forts to secure both their mouths calling that towards Lillo Nassaw and the other towards Zealand Maurice By means of these two Channels they at the high tide could overflow the Country and make it thus almost unaccessible The Town of Hulst and the circumjacent Country being thus secured the Confederate Provinces assigned a great Garison not so much for keeping the Town as to overrun the Kings Country thereabouts and to get either greater tontributions of free-will or larger bootie where they would not contribute in a friendly way This prejudice grew sencible even in the time of Archduke Ernestus and Count Fuentes Wherefore to bridle their inroads in some sort they had then placed two chief Forts upon the banks of Scheld turned towards the Country of Wasse and called the one the Fort Austria and the other the Fort Fuentes And to these two they added some other lesser ones more inward in such places as were thought fittest These Forts being raised the enemy raised some likewise against them on their side They built two upon the banks of the neighbouring Channel which fell into the Scheld and for the greater security of them both they raised a lesser in the midst between them They called one of the greater Morual and the other Rape and that which was in the midst and might rather be termed a Redout then a Fort they called little Rape Unless it were the rise of the Duke which served for building the Forts and it was that which was towards Hulst all the rest on both sides was laid level to make the greater overflowing and the difficulties of the two chief Forts of Austria and Fuentes the greater either in hindring the Garisons excursions or in attempting any other enterprise against the Town In the Islanded ground between the two Channels not far from Hulst there was a rise spacious enough and of such a hight as the highest tide never reaching it the Town was chiefly to be indamaged from thence and might be best from thence besieged The Cardinal having
three or four times miserably lacerating the souldiers which were near at hand and indammaging those that were further off It was impossible to keep the Enemy from being succour'd by way of the above mentioned Channels wherefore the more to encourage his men the Cardinal resolved to draw nearer the Camp and lodged in the Fort Fuentes From thence he went to view both the Channels and consultation was had how the use thereof might be taken from the enemy But the two Forts of Maurice and Nassaw did too much intricate the business In so much as all their indeavours in that point proved to no purpose For by night and especially at the high tides some boats by the said channels did continually bring victuals into the Town the Enemy being still incouraged by these advantages made out a great sallie against the Campmaster Mendosa's Trenches and did so resolutely assault them as they killed above a hundred Spaniards and clog'd some of their Artillery Mendosa after this fortified his Trenehes better and the rest of the Kings men grew more wary in theirs And being more vigilant then formerly in keeping out relief which was convoyed in by the Channels the Kings men took some of their boats and by the example thereof bridled the boldness of the rest Velasco's Spaniards and Trevico's Italians did this mean while eagerly attend to advance against the wall that was plai'd upon and being already entred into the ditch they endeavoured as much as in them lay to fill it up wherein the enemy manfully opposed them So as there was not any day that past which brought not forth some contest nor no contest which drew not the best bloud on both sides Mines and Counter-mines were used by these and those And all was done that Art could instruct both on the offensive and defensive part upon such an occasion The Kings men were this mean while notwithstanding so far advanced as they lodged at the foot of the wall which being continually plaid upon seemed as if it might be soon assaulted But the Cardinal understanding that the enemy had undermined it on sundry parts to blow up the assailants as they should mount the breach and that they had provided themselves within with a new and strong defence it was therefore judged better by the Councel of War to use countermines and to defer the assault for some few days This was the condition of the siege and these the difficulties which appeared of ending it when the Count de Solm gave the Cardinal to understand that he would listen to some honourable Treaty of surrendring up the Town The Cardinal greedily imbraced the offer and that the surrender might be all the sooner made he willingly granted all whatsoever large conditions to the Count as well for himself as for the Garison and for the Inhabitants And the agreement being made the Town was delivered up to the Cardinal about the end of August About 2500 souldiers marched out of Hulst besides those that were in the two Forts of Maurice and Nassaw Wherefore so numerous a Garison being considered and that of so select Souldiers and that by reason of the plenty of all provisions the Town might have held out longer it was thought that Solm had received express orders not to delay the delivering up thereof that so he might preserve those men for the Confederate Provinces other greater affairs The Cardinal went from Hulst to Antwerp where after he had tarried awhile he went to Brussels full of glory and reputation for the so many noble enterprises which he had undertaken and so happily atchieved in the beginning of his Government When he was come thither the first thing he did was to pay the Mutiniers of Tilemone that he might the sooner make use of so good a strength of men Though when they had received their pay a good part of them returned to Italy to enjoy the moneys in quiet at home which they had got by so long and bloudy service The Arms which on the behalf of France an Flanders lay then on that Frontier were not this mean while idle The Marishal Biroun commanded the French and the Marquis of Barambone the King of Spains men as hath been said in its proper place Nothing considerable had notwithstanding been done all this while But soon after the surrender of Hulst there happened an incounter of concernment Which ws this Biroun was resolved to enter the Country of Artois with soome troops of horse and to overrun it as far and in as hostile a manner as he could Barambone had notice hereof who with a good number of horse likewise went to meet Biroun Scouts being sent out to make the usual discoveries on both sides Biroun haulted and placed the greatest part of his in ambush in an opportune place This mean while Count Alfonso Montecucully Captain of a Company of Lanciers came up He immediately charged Biroun who being afterwards overlaid with the rest of Barambones horse retreated till he had drawn the Enemy into the Ambush The French came forth then very fiercely and Biroun fighting according to his wonted valour more then any of the rest Barambones men were soon routed and put to flight he himself and Montecucully were taken prisoners and Count John Jacamo Belgioso who was there also with his Company of Lanciers was sorely wounded The Marishal was much incouraged by this success who therefore endeavoured to do the aforesaid damage and greater also to the Frontiers of Artois But meeting still with such opposition as was sufficient to break his designs and the winter coming on he retreated with his men into their Garisons as did also the Spaniards Now began the year 1597. in the beginning whereof there happened another successe in Flanders which was of great dammage to the King of Spain's Party During the siege of Hulst the United States had caused Brabant be infested and overrun in so much as a good part of that Country to keep themselves from further evil had submitted to pay contribution by means whereof the States did so much the more easily maintain their Garisons of Breda St. Getrinberg and of other Towns which they were Masters of in that Province This grievance was likewise felt in Campagne VVherefore the Cardinal as soon as he was returned to Brussels he sent Count Varras General of the Artillery with 4000 foot and 300 horse to Turnaut a Town which lies towards Campagne to free the Country as he did from the contributions which they paid Look how much the Kings party was thereby eased so much were the United Provinces perplexed Nor was Count Maurice slow in endeavouring to regain the same advantage VVherefore gathering together with great speed and secrecy 6000 foot and little less then 1000 horse and making the Rendezvouz near Breda he marched with these men about the end of January towards the Royalists who were in Turnaut Maurice could not make the aforesaid preparation neither so soon nor so secretly but that Count
without was not well surveyed before they opened them and being open they were but carelesly lookt unto and more for form sake then our of duty Portocarrero being fully informed hereof he thought he might by some stratagem surprise that Gate of Amiens which lay nearest Dorlan and 〈◊〉 then bringing in a great body of men he might possibly possess himself of the rest of the City To this end he by fitting means made the Gate be first well surveyed and all the Country and wayes thereabouts whereby with all possible secresie such men might be brought in as were to back the enterprise And this was the order he took to effect it Three Souldiers clad like Peasants of Picardy with sacks upon their backs full of Nuts and Beans and such like stuff were to seem as if they brought this ware into the City After the three Souldiers a Cart was to follow under the same pretence loaded with sacks of Corn but these sacks were to lie uppermost so as the superfices being only surveyed the rest of the body of the Cart should be full only of great Planks His design was to get within the Gate by means of this Cart and by the Planks to keep the Percullis from falling to the ground which otherwise might have been let down and so have kept the Assailants from coming in The guidance of the Cart and horses which were to draw it was given to eight or ten other Souldiers clad as were the other like Peasants who together with the other three were to be the first actors in the surprise The gate being thus got and the sign being given by the shooting off of a Pistol 300 Souldiers were presently to make in who were lodged as near the Gate as was possible and to behave themselves so in getting further into the City as the rest might have time to come up and perfect the work Thus had Portacarrero plotted the surprise and hoping still more and more to see it happily effected he with very great secresie dispatcht away Francesco del ' Arco a Spaniard to Brussels to acquaint the Cardinal therewithall and if he should approve of it to receive such Orders from him as were necessary for the putting of it in execution The Cardinal approved of all that was propounded and such Commissions were given as were requisite to such Commanders whose Garrisons lay nearest Dorlan Francisco del ' Arco being returned from Brussels with these Orders Portacarrero deferr'd the business no longer He gathered together with as much secresie as might be about 2200 Foot and 600 Horse and did so well lay the time and the places as they met all at Dorlan on the tenth of march The Foor consisted of 600 Spaniards of Germans Irish and Walloons all of them about the like number The Horse was composed part of Launciers part Curassiers part Harquebusiers in a like equal numbers of Spanish of Italians and walloons There could not be a more select company of Souldiers nor could they be commanded by more experienced Officers Jerollemo Caraffa Marquess of Montenegro a Neopolitan commanded the Horse But Portacarrero was to have the chief command as author of the design he as who had received ful authority from the Cardinal for the leading of it on Portacarrero was low of stature but of a very strong body and yet stronger soul and capable of guiding any enterprise no less for the maturity of his judgment then for his courage in execution Having then disposed of his men in such order as they were to march he went from Dorlan about the coming on of night and took his way towards Amiens He had not as yet discovered his design to any of them but after they were a little advanced he haulted and drawing aside the Captains both of Foot and Horse he with words full of Millitary vigour acquainted them with the occasion why they were first summoned to meet at Dorlan and wherefore they were now marching towards Amiens He shevved them the Cart and vvished them to speak to their souldiers that vvere to surprise the Gate He further added How great will be our good fortune how great our glory if we coming in with the rest of our men can purchase such a City for our King which is the chiefest of all Picardy and one of the most esteemed of all France How great wil the present plunder be for all of you And how much greater rewards are we hereafter to expect from our King But this action will prove particularly glorious to us the Commanders who making this success memorable to perpetuity shall thereby likewise eternise our own names Amiens is within three short dayes journeys of Paris the Country open without either rivers woods or any other obstacles Amiens may then be made so great a Magazin of Arms and may admit of so numerous a Garrison as may rather be termed an Army then a Garrison and how easily may we then march even to the gates of Paris Infest all the adjacent Country And every day add to our ecquisitions in Picardy So as the King of France will at last have good reason to repent his having chosen rather to make war then peace with our King I confess as there cannot be a purchase of greater importance so must we expect to meet with all â—â—ssiâ—le difficulties therein I know that the nature of a surprisal is and how great the difference is between the framing it in our fancies and the effecting of it I know that Amiens is a great City full of a warlike people and who will speedily make in either to keep us from making our selves Masters of the Gate or to take it from us when we hall have gotten it But I would we had got it as the careless keeping of it may make us hope we shall as for the rest it will be our parts by the vigour of our bodies and the valour of our arms not onely to maintain the entrance but to advance further into the inhabited places and at last to make full conquest of the City I soeake my hopes let us then couragiously pursue our march and let each of us discover the design unto our Souldiers and enflame them thereunto I for my part will rather act then command And whether I shall live or dye How can I live or dye more gloriously Portacarrero was very attentively listned unto for all the Commanders as also all their souldiers desired much to know what enterprise they were led unto at that time of the night and with such secresie The Commanders thought almost it impossible that so negligent guards should be kept in Amiens there being so many Spanish Garrisons neer it and the war being so hot round about They had therefore but small hopes of the surprisal judging that they should meet with much greater difficulties in endeavouring it then was thought upon when it was first designed but Portacarrero did so aver for truth all that he had told them as both they
the Rearguard he made his Army march leasurely and in good order off The French endeavoured more then once to indammage the Rear but the Flying-Squadron facing about and with miraculous discipline now handling their Pikes now their Muskets and being sheltred by the Horse likewise on both sides all the Enemies assaults proved vain Thus they marched for above two houres after which the Cardinals Camp being free from all molestation took up its quarters with all security and was by degrees divided in the neighbouring Frontiers of Artois At the Armies retreat the Cardinal signified to the besieged in Amiens that it being impossible to relieve them they should immediately surrender the City and not lose any more men to no purpose He infinitely praised their pains and promised them reward leaving them to make such conditions as they could at the surrender Which when they came to be treated of were granted them by the King in as ample manner and upon as honourable terms as could be by them desired He highly commended the worth they had shewed in defending themselves which had made the like of his Army appear in oppugning them The Marquis Montenegro marcht out of the Town with 800 sound Souldiers and above as many more that were wounded and was very graciously received by the King at his coming forth as also the other Commanders that came out with him When the King came into Amions he presently caused a strong Citadel to be designed there which was soon after built that it might serve for a greater curb to the people and be a greater safety to the City Then leaving Picardy he went to Paris where he was received with great applause by that multitude of people for his new atchieved glory in having so happily conducted so difficult a Siege for having hindred so powerfull a Succour and recovering a City of so great consequence to the interests of that Kingdom The Cardinal Archduke being retreated to Artois he presently sent some of his Forces to take Montalin the onely Town which remained in the French hands within the precincts appertaining to Calis and from whence Calis was much incommodiated The care of the enterprise was given to the Admiral of Aragon who finding the place not very strong nor yet well guarded took it within a few dayes The King of France was already gone from Picardy nor was it known that he had as then any further end upon that Frontier Wherefore the Cardinal resolved to leave Artois likewise and to give some satisfaction to the Province of Flanders which did very much desire that Ostend might be besieged The Cardinal would therefore go thitherward himself and causing the Town to be well surveyed he thought it was impossible to keep it from being succour'd Wherefore as also because Autumn was already well advanced the Cardinal determined to leave the enterprise till a better conjuncture Nor having any other in which it was fitting to imploy his Army at that time wherein there was hapned a new Mutiny again he resolved to send it to its winter-quarters and came himself with his Court about the end of November to Brussels But the United Provinces lost not the opportunity this mean whiles which offered it self so favourably to them The Cardinal by reason of the siege of Amiens being gone with so many Forces towards the Frontiers of France and having left the peculiar affairs of Flanders in a forlorn condition Count Maurice took presently to the Field And having speedily raised about the beginning of August an Army of 10000 Foot and 2500 Horse together with a great Train of Artillery and whatsoever else was requisite for his designed ends he went to besiege Reinberg a Town situated upon the left side of the Rhine It had but few Souldiers in Garrison and was but weakly provided of all things else Wherefore Maurice coming without any difficulty to the Walls and playing upon them with his Cannon he forced the besieged in a few dayes to surrender the Town From thence he went to before Mures a Town not far from thence but somwhat remote from the Rhine And meeting with the like weak defence he with the like easiness won it He this mean while had thrown a bridg of Boats over the Rhine and passing with all his Army to the other side he sate down before Groll a strong Town both by nature and art He found some greater resistance there yet many provisions being wanting which are most necessary for sustaining a siege having dryed the Ditch on one side and threatening a furious Assault he forced the Defendants to deliver up the Town From thence he turned to Oldensel a weak Town which he therefore soon took And no Town remaining now at the Kings devotion in those parts but Linghen a place well flanked and fortified by a good Castle Maurice incamped before it and besieged it straitly on all sides Count Frederick de Berg defended it which he did very valiantly for many days But that place being but ill provided as were the rest he was forced to surrender it upon very honourable conditions So to boot with Reinberg and Mures all the whole Country on the other side the Rhine fell in a short time under the Dominion of the United Provinces which in acknowledgment of so advantagious successes did forthwith give the same Town of Linghen with the Territories thereunto belonging which make up a very noble Lordship to Count Maurice and to his heirs for ever About the end of Autumn Maurice returned with his men to their quarters and passing himself afterwards to the Hague he was received there with demonstrations of great joy Which afforded new occasions to such Provinces as were yet obedient to the King to complain and grieve considering that for the interests of France which were very uncertain the self-affairs of Flanders were so much neglected And they were more scandalized that to defend the Catholick cause in that Kingdom for the advantage of strangers the same cause was abandoned in the Kings own Country suffering so great a part thereof to fall into the hands of Rebels and Hereticks who by all the most desperate means would implacably maintain their double perfidiousness against the Church and King Thus ended this year and the year 1598 insued memorable for two of the greatest events which could then have hapned The one Peace concluded between the two Kings after so bitter war and the other the Marriage between the Cardinal Archduke and the Infanta Isabella the King of Spains eldest daughter to whom the King her Father gave the whole Low-Countries for her Dowry As concerning the Peace Pope Clement the eight had mediated it awhile before moved thereunto by the same zeal whereby he had already so happily reconciled the King of France to the Apostolick See and afterwards indeavoured to reconcile the two Kings by making such a peace as might conduce to the establishing of universal quiet in Christendom To this purpose having first wisely
either man or woman they should not marry without the knowledg and consent of the King for the time being That if the issue of the Princes of Flanders should fail those Countries should revert to the Crown of Spain That those Princes should be bound to make their Subjects desist from their Navigation into the Indies That when they should come to their succession they should swear to profess the Catholick Apostolick Roman religion And that if they should fail in any of all these Conditions those Countries should again revert to the Crown of Spain These were the chief Articles Neither in this Grant did the King reserve any thing to himself nor to any of his successors save only that they might intitle themselves Dukes of Burgony and retain the Order of the Golden-Fleece The Marriage being agreed upon the King immediately sent the Articles away to the Archduke to the end that he calling together the States-Generall of the obedient Provinces as soon as he could should procure their necessary consent The Assembly was held in Brussels and after some difficulties the Articles were approved of with unexpressible signs of joy Jubile by those people to think that Flanders might hope to return again under its own ancient Principality But it is not to be said how much contrary at the same time the other Provinces which had withdrawn themselves from the obedience of the Church and King of Spain appeared to the sense of these Catholick Provinces They spightfully gave out that this would prove but a naked and vain Principality That the Infanta being already well advanced in years the Spaniards would with specious allurements give a barren Marriage unto Flanders That therefore the new Princes would rather appear as Governors then as Princes That being still to be maintained by Spanish Forces the Spaniards would domineer over them more then ever That in the Articles of Marriage Flanders was spoke of as a Feudatory to Spain and not as a Country depending upon its own Soveraignty to witness which those Articles were full of Conditions whereby the States of the new Princes might soon fall again to the Crown of Spain But that let what will happen the United Provinces would never change their former Resolves nor ever acknowledge any other Empire then their own The Archduke prepared this mean while to go for Spain whether the King was very earnest with him to come But it behoved him first to provide for many necessities appertaining to the affairs of Flanders In particular the mutiners disorders were grown to that excess as the plague thereof infected even the best qualified Garisons It began first to creep into all those Towns of Picardy which the Spaniards were to quit in relation to the peace So as to restore them with satisfaction to the Garisons had cost a vast sum of mony Afterwards in Flanders the Garisons accustomed to be in the Citadels of Cambray Antwerp and Gaunt which were the three most suspicious Bulwarks of the obedient Provinces did likewise mutiny And this Infection in fine was dispersed into so many other parts as one Garison seemed to contend with another in shewing no further inclination but rather a repugnancy to the service of the King of Spain Their want of pay might in some sort excuse them but the corruption was much greater then it needed to have been But at last new monies coming from Spain and the Country having furnished some the Archduke was able to satisfie the souldiery and to betake himself to his intended voyage for Spain In his absence the Admiral of Aragon was to have the chief command of the Militia and in the intire administration Cardinal Andrea d' Austria Bishop of Constance who to this end was already parted from his house in Germany to come for Flanders The King desired very much to see his daughter married before he should die wherefore he renewed his desires to the Archduke that laying aside his Cardinals habit and taking upon him the habit of a secular Prince he should come unto him with all speed Yet could not the Archduke hasten his journey for to boot with the aforesaid reasons the marriage being at the same time concluded between the Prince of Spain and the Archdutchess Margaret of Austria who was then at Grats the chief Town of Carinthia the Archduke was to take her from thence together with the Archdutchess her mother and to carry them both to Spain This mean while Cardinal Andrea came into Flanders to govern those States as you have heard till such time as the new Princes should come The Cardinal arrived some few days before the Archduke went thence And having received full information concerning the affairs of those Countries about the midst of September the Archduke took his journey towards Germany first to visit his brother the Emperour and then to go for Grats as aforesaid But he was not well thereinto entred when he heard news that the King still more opprest with years and sickness died about the midst of that very month Who was then little above 70 years old the last of which had been very painfull to him by reason of the extraordinary torment which he had suffered by the gout Thus after having reigned three and forty years dyed Philip the second King of Spain and Lord of so many other Kingdoms and Countrys He was little of stature but well proportioned of a Noble aspect in all the lineaments and colours thereof Austriacal No age peradventure ever saw a graver nor a more composed Prince He had a capacity in Governing answerable to so large an Empire He was notwithstanding still more inclined to peace then war Wherefore passing into Spain after his last voyage and abode in Flanders he kept continually there issuing out his Commissions from that Center in his Chamber and like an Oracle and governing Wars at all times where it was needfull by his Commanders He had four wives and by three of them he had many sonns and daughters By the first he had Charls whose Tragical end shews with what reason Princes thereunto constrained by just necessity prefer the obligation due unto their States before the love of their bloud And by the last he had Philip the third who hath given another Philip to the Government of the Spanish Monarchy By nature and much more by choice the second was very jealous of his Authority in so much as he inclined to severity nor was he almost ever seen to lay aside that Majestical gravity which he at all times and in all his actions observed both in his speech and countenance He was very easie to give audience nor was he less gratious in tollerating them then in giving them It not being known that he ever interrupted any one how much so ever the speaker might abuse his benignity and patience He spent almost all the rest of his time in business knowing that so vast an Empire required frequency in business In the first place he
was severely carefull of Piety and Justice And did always imploy his worthiest Subjects in the administration of them both chusing them of himself unexpectedly according as their merits did suggest unto him His so great age and so long Government made him try the more various turns of Fortune and made it the more appear how equal how constant and how much superior to himself he was in all successes And indeed it may be doubted whether prosperous or adverse Fortune swayed most with him For what greater felicity could he desire then to enjoy Spain with so much quiet then to command it wholly every where with the addition of Portugal then to enjoy so peaceably his Territories in Italy and see himself so much respected in those that appertained to others then to have the memmorable victory of Lepanto in favour of the Christians in so great a part attributed unto him then to have so highly maintained the reputation of his name and made the Majesty of his Empire be still so reverenced and feared But he accounted it his greated fortune and glory to be held so great a defender of the Church and that upon so many occasions and in so many parts recourse was had to his zeal for the favouring and protecting thereof These and many others were his prosperities sundry times both in peace and in war On the contrary what greater adversity could befall him then to see Flanders amidst so long and so horrible troubles then to lose so much of that his most antient patrimony then to have his most remotest Countrys of the Indies wounded by that wound Then to have so unfortunately lost that great Armado which was to have assaulted England Nor had his designs in the revolutions of France any ways answered his hopes The domestical events of his own house may likewise be said to have been not very fortunate Having hardly one son by so many marriages The fatal death of the first with the suspitions also of Don Johns death So much more seeming then true are the felicities which the vulgar do so much adore in Princes And so much greater proof thereof do they give who are in highest places with them But in affairs of Fortune as most of these were humane wisdom is not to be blamed For what remains so eminent were Philip the second 's vertues and which made him so memorable a Prince as doubtlesly few like him have been found either in former or in latter times THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF FLANDERS Written by CARDINAL BENTIVOGLIO The Third Part. BOOK V. The Contents The Archduke goes to carry the new Queen of Spain from Germany They arrive happily at the King her husbands Court. The King hath this mean while powerfull Forces in Flanders But great mutinies insue and great sums of money are spent in appeasing them So as for want of pay the Army is wintered in the neighbouring Countrys of Cleves and Westfalia and in other places under the jurisdiction of the Empire The Princes that are interessed are sensible of this Novelty They indeavour to receive satisfaction by way of Treaty which not obtaining they at last resolve to have it by force Yet they move but slowly The Kings Army is this mean while drawn out into the field under the Government of the Admiral of Arragon General of the Horse They advise what to fall upon and by Cardinal Andrea's intervention they resolve to enter the Island of Bomel and to besiege the Town of Bomel which denominates that Island But Count Maurice opposeth them with such Forces as the Admiral is forced to forgoe that design The Cardinal resolves afterwards to plant a great Fort upon a narrow passage of the Island to the end that so he might command the chiefest passes over the Mause and Wahal and cals it the Fort of St. Andrea Great haste is made in the erecting of it and notwithstanding all the enemy could do it is brought to perfection The German Camp begins at last to move It first besiegeth Reinberg but soon retreats with no great honour From thence it goes to recover the Town of Res and rises from thence likewise in great disorder and confusion Great discords happen between the Commanders thereof So as it soon disbands and is afterwards dissolved The new Princes of Flanders part from Spain They come to Italy and pass the Alpes at Turin They come to their own Country An Interview between them and Cardinal Andrea who returns into Germany and the new Princes are received with all solemnity in Brussels PHILIP the second King of Spain being dead the Archduke hastens his journey that he might the sooner bring a wife to the succeeding Philip the third to which purpose the Archduke was gone for Germany as you heard before He came with all speed to Prague where having visited his brother the Emperor he went to Grats and from thence to Italy by the way of Tirol with the new Queen and her mother the Archdutchess Pope Glement the eight was then in the City of Ferrara which together with the Dukedome thereof was devolved the year before to the Apostolick See The occasion of this his neighbourhood was very acceptable to the new Queen and the Archduke that so they might have their marriages celebrated by the Pope Nor was the Pope less glad to celebrate them They therefore passed from Trent with all their attendance to Ferrara where being received as became so great Princes both their marriages were effected by the Pope in the Cathedral Church with such solemnity and magnificence as was most requisite for such an action by such a hand between such personages The Kings part was supplyed by way of Proxy by the Archduke and the Infanta Isabella's by the Duke of Lasse the King of Spains Ambassador in the Popes Court. The Queen departing then from that City together with her Mother and the Archduke they followed on their journey towards Milan where having staid a while they went to Genua and taking ship there they in a few days fail arrived happily in Spain Where we will leave them and continuing to relate the affairs of Flanders we will with all brevity acquaint you with what passed there till such time as the new Princes came thither The Archduke at his departure had left these particular directions with the Admiral of Aragon That he should endeavour to preserve the Army as much as he could till his return from Spain That therefore he should shun all difficult sieges so not to lose his men nor be at greater expences That by all means be should endeavour to get some good pass over the Rhine that so if it were possible he might enter the Enemies Country on the other side and quarter his Army there Which if he could not do that then he should strive to quarter it in the neutral Countries of the Duke of Cleves and others of the like nature thereabouts The Archduke left this last condition in particular to
as they could and securing them better then formerly by oblique Windings and Redouts But the besieged willing to use all their force to the contrary sallied out on divers sides about the midst of May against the Royalists and in such numbers as it might be thought rather an intended Battel then a Sally The Italians and Walloons were quartered upon the Bank above Bomel the Spaniards in certain Pastures and the Germans Burgonians and Irish were quartered on another side The Enemy being recruited by new men which Count Maurice had sent unto them from the other side the River sallied out about Noon at once against all the aforesaid quarters and that they might the more indamage that which was quartered upon the Bank they placed above 30 Barks loaded with Artillery in the River just over against it The first assault was made on that side by 3000 Foot and 400 Horse and 4000 Foot with a proportionable number of Horse divided into two parts gave on upon the other quarters The Kings Camp was very vigilant so as the Enemy came not so suddenly out but they were ready to receive them The fight was therefore very resolute on both sides the Enemy striving to get into the Kings works and the others valiantly defending them Nor was the business less hotly disputed between the Horse nor did the Artillery of both parties forbear to play at the same instant violently But the Enemy at last not being able to have the better of the Royalists they resolved after three houres fight to retreat The number of the slain and of the wounded was much alike of both sides and the action well considered was cause of greater noise then loss of blood The Enemy returned the next night to assault the Kings men thinking that they should find them the less provided for that they would not in likelihood expect so suddenly such an assault The charge was notwithstanding only upon the Italians and Walloons And truly it came so unexpected as at the first falling on many of both those Nations were slain and wounded and Avalos the Italian Campmaster was in particular sorely hurt The Enemy had the better of the Assault for a while But the Kings men rallying together and reassuming courage did so well defend their Trenches as the Enemy not being able to injure them retired They were notwithstanding much inheartned by finding their numbers still so increase so as within three dayes after they returned to make a brisk assault upon the Kings men and resolved to make it by night to the end that it might come so much the more unlooked for and be the more dreadfull Monsieur de la Nue was come from France with many Hugonots to serve the United Provinces He was son to the late Monsieur de la Nue a so cry'd up Commander and of whose valour you have often heard in divers parts of this History This man in his military comportment proved himself worthy to be the son of such a father Count Maurice therefore gave him the chief charge of this new sally and would have it performed chiefly by the French Foot together with a select number of English which in all might come to about 5000 Foot The assault was chiefly to be made against the Works which the Kings men continued to make upon the bank and in those neighbouring parts La Nue therefore sallied out couragiously and assisted by a fog gave so fiercely on upon the Royalists as he put them in disorder The Walloons had the Van with the Camp-master Achicurt who had then the command thereof He and his men failed not to make all possible resistance till being himself sorely wounded and the Enemies force still increasing he was forced to retire and to crave a new recruit of men But the noise of the Assault had already caused those of the Royalists who were nearest hand to move and had given the Alarm to those that were further off so as the whole Army was in a readiness to fight Some Companies of Spanish and Italian Foot were to come first in to the assistance of the Walloons These stopping the fury of the Enemy did stoutly sustain them and fresh men coming in they secured their Trenches And the Enemy despairing of doing any further damage when the day began to break retreated in very good order being pursued by the Kings men to beneath the Fortifications and wals of Bomel and the fight continuing still fervent on both sides The siege had by this time been laid twenty dayes and no considerable progress had been made And it was plainly seen that the enterprise would prove totally vain since they could not keep the besieged Town from being relieved and that Count Maurice was thereabouts with so great Forces The chief end of the Kings men in endeavouring to get Bomel was that they might have a strong Hold upon the Wahal so as they might command the Pass of that River and might introduce themselves into the heart of the Enemies country and especially into Holland Despairing then of the enterprise of Bomel the Cardinal propounded that a Fort Royal might be raised in some part of the same Island whereby they might reap the same end Where the Mause and Wahal met first together and then imediately part again they shape a certain point of ground which delating it self a little doth afterwards grow straiter from thence doth the Island afterwards inlarge and extend it self till the two aforesaid Rivers meet again and inclose it it was therefore propounded unto the Cardinal that a great Fort should be raised in that narrowest neck of ground by which they should possess themselves of all that Avenue which lay between the one River and the other which might prove a great curb to the Enemy and which would keep them more in awe then that of Schink would have done for that it was nâ—â—rer their very bowels then the other was The Cardinal was mightily herewithall pleased and causing it to be well discussed in the Councel of War it was with a general applause agreed upon Nor herewithall contented he would go with some of the chief Commanders to the very place it self and there put on his last resolve which was That by all means the Fort must be raised and must with all speed be begun The Cardinal resolving upon this presently raised the Camp from before Bomel which was done about the beginning of June and the charge of seeing that effected which was resolved on was chiefly given to Velasco Generall of the Artillery The siege being abandoned the Camp removed to the Village of Hervin and came coasting from thence to the place where the Fort was intended to be built Count Maurice having discovered the design past over likewise a little higher upon the contrary shore and staid just over against the Kings Camp He afterwards placed many Peeces of Artillery upon that side and with them began immediately to annoy the Kings men who were to begin the
were chiefly trusted therewith These four were chosen for Deputies and Father Nyen was added for a fift as one who had hitherto had a great hand in the business Marquess Spinola was already got into great Authority by reason of his so many Imployments and Trusts He was Camp-master-general and Governor of the Army Administrator or Pay-master-general of the Kings monies of the Councel of State in Spain and through his hands all the Kings affairs in Flanders as hath been said did chiefly pass and the Arch-duke likewise seemed to put much confidence in him Indeed a States man of singular judgment and valour of incredible vigilancy and industry in the managing of whatsoever business either Military or Civil and indowed with so many other gallant parts as he had reason to be esteemed one of the greatest States-men that the Crown of Spain hath had these many years The Secretary Manchichidor was likewise highly esteemed of for his long experience in the affairs of Flanders for he had been Secretary of war even from the time that the Arch-duke whilst he was yet Cardinal was come to the Government of those Provinces In the affairs which belonged properly to the Arch-dukes the President Ricardetto was no less esteemed of he had for a long time been the man chiefly imployed in affairs of greatest importance by the Duke of Parma and other Governors and the Arch-Duke being made Prince of the Low-Countries chose him particularly to employ in making the last Peace with France and the like with the King of England so as almost all the important business of the Country passed through his hands Verreychin was likewise present at the making of the two above named Peaces and had long before exercised the place of first Secretary of State and was alwaies held a man of great wisdom and integrity Enough hath already been said of the Commissary-general and of his endowments But when the Spaniards who were in Flanders understood who the Deputies were and that they were to go to the Enemies own homes to treat of agreement with them it is not to be believed how much they stormed and how much they complained of the Arch-Dukes in particular Are the affairs of Spain said they come to so low an ebb that our King must abase himself thus hath so much time bloud and treasure been spent against the traâ—terous rebels to bring things to this end That the affairs of Spain were now in as glorious a condition as ever but that there wanted fitting instruments in Flanders to manage them That the Arch-duke had alwayes shewed himself to be better at peace then at war and that now that he saw himself not likely to have any children his only desire was to spend the remainder of his days in peace and quietness That it was impossible so great a Monarchy should be without a war nay it was to be desired that it should alwayes have an Army in the fields for its service And what other more fitting Theatre could there be found for the seat of its Arms then Flanders a place so opulent and of such extent and placed in the midst of Spains chiefest enemies and maligners That if the war could not be alwayes so plentifully maintained their Forces might be lessened and consequently their expences That thus the vigour of so great a Monarchy might be preserved even to eternity The Spaniards broke forth into these complaints and sent them from Flanders into Spain but to no purpose for it was then seen as also during the whole Treaty that the King and the Arch-duke did always jump in their opinions and â—s for the Deputies going into Holland without all doubt it might seem in all appearance no wayes to agree with the Kings and Arch-dukes dignity but the form of the Government of the United Provinces considered no other manner of negotiation could well be had for their Deputies were so many that Commissions so bounded and so many sendings to and fro as they were inforced to make Orders to receive new Orders and new Consents from every Province which if it had been to be done out of their own Country the Treaty would never have had an end and though afterwards as you shall hear it was concluded in Antwerp 't was because all things were already digested so as they went thither as it may be said to a business already concluded The Deputies departed about the end of January 1608. and being come into the United Provinces they were received by the Governors of their Frontier Towns with all honour and bravely lodged in all places They came to the Hague the first of February and were met half a league without the Town by Count Maurice of Nassaw accompanied by the other Counts of his House and all the chief men of those parts The Second BOOK of the TREATY of the TRUCE of FLANDERS HOLLAND is the greatest richest and best peopled Province of all the United seaven Nay it so far exceeds all the rest as it furnisheth half the monies which are issued out by the whole seaven Provinces It is made by the Sea and sundry Rivers a Peninsula it is incompassed on many sides by the Sea cut through in many parts by Rivers many Channels cut by hand joyn with these Rivers and there be many lakes within it so as it may be doubted whether it consist more of land or water Besides it doth so abound with shipping of all sorts as it may likewise be questioned whether the number of moveable habitations on water or of houses fixt on the land be the greater This Province is full of Cities and of a great many lesser Towns Amsterdam is its chiefest City and here is the greatest Traffick not only of Holland itself but almost of the whole North of all its Towns Hague is the principal an open Village but so large so well peopled and so delitious as it may compare with many Cities Here did the Counts of Holland formerly build a Palace for themselves to live in which the Vnited Provinces do now make use of for the meeting of their Councels which depend upon the Vnion Here likewise the Councel of the States General do meet almost every day wherein things of greatest importance are agitated and resoved by the Deputies of the whole seaven Provinces The chief affairs of the whole Vnion are then handled in the Hague and here staid the Catholick Deputies to give a beginning to the Treaty Before they arrived the Vnited Provinces had likewise chosen their Deputies one was chosen for every Province and two of the best of bloud amongst them in the common name of them all And these were Count William of Nassaw full Cousin German to Count Maurice and Min here Bredrode for Holland Barnevelt was named and by him the business on the behalf of the Vnited Provinces was chiefly to be agitated At their first meeting nothing was done but the producing of the credential Letters on all sides they then began to
Regent in Brussels 3. Offers to pacify the Spanish muciners but in vain 141. His opinion concerning Don Johns retreat to Namours 158 Count d'Aremberg 34. Sent against Lodovick of Nassaw 56. Cannot keep the Spaniaerds from falling on ib. Is slaine 57 Count di Bossu enters the Lake of Leyden with a Fleet 104. Overcomes the Harlemers there ib. Assaults the enemies Fleet in the Gulfe of Zuiderzee 110. Is routed and taken prisoner 111 Count of Swarzenburgh Ambassador to Flanders from Maximilian the Emperour 129. His negotiations with Orange and after with the Commissioners at the Conference in Breda ib. He returns into Germany 131 Count di Barlemont imprisoned by order from the States 143. His councel to Don John concerning his retreat to Namours 157 Correspondencies of Orange and his brother Lodowick in Germany 35 Their designes in Holland and Zealand ib. D THe Deputies for the States General relate to the Provinces the Duke of Alva's Proposition who make great complaints against it 68. What conditions the Kings Deputies offered in the Conference at Breda ib. What answers they had from the Rebels 69 A Description of the havock made in Churches by the heriticks in Antwerp 30. Of Mastrich 55. Of Friesland 56 Of the Battel of Friesland 57. Of Raremond and Liege 65. Of the Battel of Ceminghen 62. Of the Duke of Alvas Statue 71. Of Holland and Zealand 73. Of Mon. 83. Of Zuidt Beverland 90. Of Ter. Goes 91. Of Harlem 98. Of Alcmar 109 Of the sea-fight in the Gulf of Zuidt-Beverland 110. Of the Battel of Mooch 118. Of Leyden 124. Of the Castle of Antwerp 145. Of the taking and sacking of Antwerp 147. Of the City of Namours 158. Of the Battel of Geblours 168 Disorders caused by the hereticks in Antwerp 31 Don John of Austria comes into Flanders unexpected 150. His personal qualities ib. What Orders he had from the King at his parting ib. He gives the Councel of State notice of his arrival ib. His Declaration that he will send the Spaniards out of Flanders 151. He sends out the souldiers of Foreigne parts 153. His enlrance into Brussels ib. he endeavours to draw the Provinces of Holland and Zealand to some accommodation ib. His endustry to weaken Orange his Faction 154. The people in Brussels shew themselves very averse to him 155. Designes upon his person ib. He adviseth with the Counts of Mansfield and Barlemont ib He removes to Namours 159. He makes sure the Castle there ib. His demands to the States concerning his return to Brussels ib. He writes to the King in justification of his proceedings 160 Designes of his on foot in divers places 161. He gets the day at Geblours 168. Takes Nivelle 169. And after that Philippeville 169. Falls upon the Flemish Camp 174. Quarters his Army in a place of great strength near to Namur ib. He dies 177. His Character 178 Duke of Alva design'd by the Catholick King for Flanders 45. He comes into Italy the number and qualities of the men he brings with him into Flanders 46. He is made absolute Governor thereof 48. He frames a new Councel for examination of the late Tumults ib. His rigorous proceedings ib. He secures Ruremond 50. Is much troubled at the defeat in Friesland 58. His Maximes in War 59. The order of his march against Count Lodovick 61 He comes off Conqueror 62. His preparations against Orange 64. He gets the better of him 66. He returns to Brussels in Triumph ib. Laies new Impositions upon Flanders 67. Erects his own Statue in the Citadel of Antwerp 71. Besieges Mons 81. His memorable sayings 86. He hinders Orange from succouring Mons 87 And drives him the second time out of the Country 88. He resolves to relieve Ter-Goes 91. His resolution for continuing the siege of Harlem 103. He relieves Middleburg 107. Composes the Mutiny at Harlem 108. Goes to Amsterdam 110. Returns to Brussels 111. Gets leave to quit the Government of Flanders ib. And departs out of those Countries ib. D. of Alanson prepares to enter Flanders 172. He comes in with his Army 177. The Dutchess of Parma Lady Regent of Flanders 9. Her answer to the discourse the King had with her 10 Displeased at the actions done in contempt of Granvel 14. Sends Egmont over into Spain 20. Publisheth a new Edict in behalf of Religion 22. Is perswaded to take up Arms 23. Her answer to the licentious Petition of the Covenanters 27. She is troubled at their meeting in Geertruydenberk 30. Thinks her self not safe in Brussels 31. Declares in favour of the Petitioners that all use of the Inquisition should be taken away ib. Takes up Arms against Valentiennes 37. Seeks to compose matters in Antwerp 39 Defeats the seditious there and settles the Catholick Army ib. Her solemn entrance into that City 40. Not privy to the imprisonment of Egmont and Horne 47. Displeased at it she craves leave of the King to quit the Government ib. She departs with much sorrow to the Flemmings ib. Her praises ib. E THe Ecclesiasticks in Flanders do not well like the Kings courses 5 Edicts published in Flanders by Charls the fifth Emperor 4. Confirmed afterwards by Philip the second ib. Those of the King in favour of the Councel of Trent meet with great difficulties amongst the Flemings 18. An Edict of Rebellion against the Spaniards 143 An Elect a head set up by the Mutiners 120. Wherein his Office consisted ib. How strictly every Decree of his was observed ib. Elizabeth Queen of England 6. Gives courteous entertainment to the Low-Countrey fugitives 50. Is troubled at d'Alva's prosperity 66. Causeth a great sum of the King of Spains money to be stopped in England 67 Secretly cherishes Lumay a low-Low-Country runagate 73. Sends him souldiers to the Brill 89. Will not openly discover her self an enemy to the King of Spain 105. Justifies her self in Spain for concluding a League with the States in Flanders 165 F THe Fight between d' Alva and Orange 88. Between d' Alvas Camp and Count Lodovicks 62. Between the Kings men and those that were besieged in Mons 84. In the Lake of Leyden between the Kings men and the Rebels 104. Between the Spaniards and the States men near Lovain 144 Frederick of Toledo the Duke of Alva 's son commands the foot 64. Endeavours by the Amsterdammers mediation to bring over the Harlemers to the Kings side 97. Grows much inraged with those of Harlem and besiegeth the Town 98. He routs Lumay 99 Reinforces the siege of Harlem 103 Will not receive the Town upon Articles 106 The Flemings hold King Philip too much Hispanioliz'd 4. They speak against the Inquisition 8. They shew much contentment at the departure of Granvelle 17 Their extream sorrow for Egmonts death 58. Their bitter complaints against d'Alva for the new Impositions 68 Routed at Vicenac 144. They draw up a new form of agreement among themselves 151 The Flemish hereticks demand liberty of conscience 175 Flushing and the Haven thereof
THE Compleat History OF THE WARRS OF FLANDERS WRITTEN in ITALIAN BY THE LEARNED and FAMOUS Cardinall BENTIVOGLIO ENGLISHED By the Right Honorable HENRY Earl of MONMOUTH THE VVHOLE VVORK ILLUSTRATED With many Figures of the chief Personages mentioned in this HISTORY LONDON Printed for Humphrey Moseley at the Sign of the Prince's-Arms in St Pauls Churchyard 1654. The Translators Epistle To his Countrey-men THE READERS WHILST I was pursuing my Custome of avoyding Idleness the Mother of all Mischief and yet I justly may and thankfully doe say Deus mihi haec Otia fecit Providence threw me upon This Piece for I began it Before there was any appearance at least as I conceiv'd of our falling out with the United Provinces which seeing we have Since done those that are concerned in the Carrying on of That business if they will peruse This Book may thereby be acquainted with the Scituation Strength Government Customes Incomes Expences Havens and Strong holds of That countrey as also with their Manner of Warfaring and Treating Out of which they may Pick something which peradventure may prove Serviceable to them by applying Practice to Theory But this if it shall So fall out is upon the By I challenge no Thanks for it for it was no part of My intention who was never an Abettor of Warr but born and brought up in Peacefull times and wish I may live to see a well setled and Lasting Peace in England between good and honest Men proceeding from the motions of well-weighed Reason illuminated from Above which makes us Well-wishers to one anothers Good and which being nourished by so perfect a Radicall humor may keep still Fresh and Alive as a Tree planted by the Rivers side that bringeth forth Fruit in Due season and it is my Prayer that we English-men may have the desire of this Peace lodg'd in our Hearts so to help towards the returning of our Countrey to her former Beauty Wherein methinks all Goodmen should joyn with Me and say AMEN For such a Peace is the effect of Concord which when she begins to withdraw her self in a Kingdom or Commonwealth Vertue and Justice though they may keep Here and There amongst their Particular friends where they are sure to be well received yet they appear but little in Publique whereas Warr proceeds from Discord which occasioneth Irreverence towards God Disobedience of Magistrates Corruption of Manners Alteration of Laws Contempt of Justice Neglect of Learning no Respect of Consanguinity Forgetfulness of Friendship Change of civil Government and all the Mischiefs that can be done by Fire or Sword Many of which we in the Dominions of England Scotland and Ireland have of Late too Sadly experienced And yet Domestick greatness wonn by Vertue and according to the Laws is Assured and Happy whereas that which is hoped for by Warr is Uncertain and Unfortunate But I will forbear launching farther out into so Dangerous and so High-going a Sea and return to tell Thee my Reader that a Desire to Serve my Countrey and Country-men according to my Ability and that I may not be said to have Totally buryed my Talent was the Cause why first I Penn'd then Publish'd this my Translation of BENTIVOGLIO For which All that I crave of my Readers is that They will turn Translators with Me be it but of my Authors Name and therein say unto Me I WISH THEE WELL Monmouth THE STATIONER TO THE READER IF I say this Book hath been often call'd for you may believe me For none who are not un-read or un-tra vail'd but know what value is paid to BENTIVOGLIO not only in Italy whose Language it weare's and in Flanders which gave it Subject but in France and Spain who by worthy Translations have made it their own 'T is therefore no wonder it hath been so oft Re-printed in French but that it came no sooner into English And the rather because to speak the Author's words Whosoever shall consider the successes of this Warr shall find so many and so illustrious Scenes of various accidents as he shall be compell'd to confess that never any afforded more matter of humane instruction For marvelous it is that a few Fisher-men should fight so long with a Monarch so vast and puissant that the Sun both rises and sets in his Dominions when the opening of a Sluice or cutting of a Damm would drown them and their Countrey How this was done the Rise and Growth the Designe as well as the Action are skilfully and clearly told you in this Book If you ask why 't is call'd The WARRS OF FLANDERS which strictly taken is but One Province of Seventeen and this Book speaks equally the Warrs of all the rest our Author himself Answer 's it Page 2. And if you read but the very first Leaf 't will furnish you sufficiently without farther Preface to the whole WORK It likely may displease you to see him stile the Enemy Heretick and Schismatick but consider 't is the usuall Language of that Church whereof he was a Member and Writers who are of the contrary Perswasion do bestow as sharp Epithets on Him and his Friends But which more becomes my Duty to acquaint you take notice how the Printer according to his Custome hath mistaken a few Figures on the head of some Pages viz. In the first Part pag. 50 for 55. and pag. 129 for 139. In the second Part pag. 193. Book II for Book I. And in the third Part pag. 413. Book VI. for VII Now I hope none will mistake this History for that other Book of his which I lately publish'd call'd HISTORICALL RELATIONS OF THE UNITED PROVINCES which possibly some may do because both have the same Author and the same Honourable Translator and FLANDERS is the subject Matter of both But the former treats properly of the Scituation of the Countrey the Nature of the Inhabitants Form of their Government in particular Provinces and in their generall Union their Interest and Religion the Title and Right of Dominion over them with the Religion and Interest of all their Friends and Enemies Which Book was so wisely and usefully Written that it hath been Translated and often Printed in most Languages of Europe This I now offer is an accurate History of the WARRS OF FLANDERS and is a distinct entire Work of it self The Author wrote this after the former and how he hath perform'd it there needs no Evidence but the word of Learned GROTIUS who in a Letter to Monsieur Du Maurier the French Ambassador at the Haghe say's I confess my Expectation was much deceiv'd in Cardinall BENTIVOGLIO I could not hope from the hand of an Enemy to receive so impartiall a History of our Warrs I doubted not his Ability for I had formerly seen some Discourses of his but this shews he knew what to write and wrote what he knew His Education abroad and long Residence in Flanders enabled him for both My Countrey will by this be a Gainer and a Loser Our Courage
howsoever it is in you that I place my chiefest hopes of being well served in these Countrys n you who are so near unto me and who in all respects as well your own as of the Family of Fernese ought to assist to all my greatness and esteem my fortune as yours For what remains if the present calamities of Europe shall prove such as it shall be impossible for humane wisdom to preserve Flanders from sharing therein we must leave the event to God But I trust he will never abandon his Religion which is mine nor those interests which out of just ends shall be alwayes by me constantly imbraced and with equall constancy defended The Dutchess her Answer unto the King was That she received those his councels as so many oracles of piety and wisdom and that she would imploy all her study in seeing them executed and that for all things else his Majesty might be confident that both her self her husband her son and the whole family of the Ferneses would always place all their fortune in absolute dependency upon that of the Royal House of Spain Was this the reward of their past services and merits That the King under the name of the Dutchess of Parma should make their Country be governed and domineered over by the Cardinal Granville that the King did only confide in him and made him only acquainted with his true intentions That they were allow'd votes in the Councel and places in the Provinces only as insignificant cyphers that the weightiest affairs were treated of in secret unknown to the Councel and that such Laws were given to Flanders as best liked ā stranger an imperious Burgundian and one of so mean a beginning as those of his Family would not disdain to serve them That the Inquisition was chiefly the of spring of his advice That he would thus bring in the Government of Spain and Italy into Flanders and rule over their consciences as well as their persons That the estates the honours nay even the lives of the most innocent amongst them was expos'd to the rigour of the Inquisition upon any appearance any report how false how slight soever it was Let Spain and Italy groan under such a burthen the one so infected with the Moors and the other so often overrun by Barbarians That Flanders enjoyed the purity of its antient bloud and the moderation of its peculiar Laws That it had been Catholick thus long of its own will and would of its own will be so still Orange and the other two spread abroad these complaints not only amongst the Nobility but amongst the common people and 't is not to be believed what a commotion they begot For nothing more plausible could be touched upon then what had respect to the preservation of their publick priviledges nor more odious then the Inquisition by which they expected to be every day more and more prejudiced They forbare not to shew their sences herein to the Regent her self who set upon on the one side by the absolute decrees of Spain and on the other by the apprehension of so bitter complaints could do no otherwise but give good answers and hopes of timely remedy That which she was most troubled at was to hear that Orange in particular had propounded a Convocation of the States General as the most efficatious remedy which could be apply'd to the evils in matter of Religion which at that time threatned Flanders He seemed to propound this out of his zeal to the love of Religion and of the King saying that thus by the opinion of all the Provinces the Inquisition might either be moderated or wholly supprest by the applying of some more moderate remedy in the lieu thereof and which used with the satisfaction of the Country might be altogether as efficatious This advice could not be well received from Orange who was esteemed mighty ambitious and very crafty It was rather thought he endeavoured thus antecipately to work upon the peoples inclination to the end that he might afterwards rule this publick Assembly when it should be called according to his own will and his own ends The Cardinal did not let slip these occasions to raise the greater jealousies in the King of Orange and the rest who seemed to contrary him and detracted from his actions He shew'd How much such a Convocation would redound to the Kings prejudice and how that the meeting of this Assembly was to be shun'd at all times as much as might be which coming the better to the knowledge of its power by its union endeavoured alwayes to lessen the Princes Authority and Prerogative and to advance their own But of how much greater danger would this be at such a conjuncture of time wherein such a preparation of peccant humors were seen to be in all the degrees of the Country So as it was to be held for certain that the Abbots would appear discontented the meaner sort of Gentry would be wrought upon by the greater and the common People of themselves alwayes greedy of Noveltie would much more willingly obey their Deputies and the rest of esteem amongst them of their own degree then the King the Regent or any other of the Kings Officers That therefore the King was not by any means to admit of such an Assembly but that it was better to temporize a while between rigor and mildness till this inclination to Innovation should passe over it being to be hoped for that Ornage and the rest would never endeavor it when they should see no hopes of bringing it to passe The King would have been averse enough of himself from the calling together of the States General for these very reasons which he himself very well knew but the Letters which Granville writ to him to this purpose and which were fully confirmed by the Regent made him be much more so insomuch as the King persisting still more and more in the execution of the Edicts against the Hereticks renued his orders therein often to the Regent and by her the Commissions were reitterated in the Provinces where the Magistrates meeting every day with greater difficulties in making them be executed saw their Authority often times scorned and derided Heresie had by this time got too deep rooting and still corrupting the peoples minds more and more by the alluring liberty of her Tenets had begun to beget in them an open alienation from their due obedience to the Lawes and Magistrates contrary to publike orders papers were every day given abroad by the Hereticks first in writing and then in Print first in matters onely which concern'd conscience and then in such things as might make the people the more fear to see the form of Government altered to their prejudice On the part of France these pernitious practises were managed in the Walloon Provinces under which name are comprehended those Provinces of Flanders which are situated towards France and wherein there is great commerce of wine and other Merchandize with that
Kingdom and especially in the two Cities of Tourney and Valenciennes On the side of Germany the Hereticks sought in like manner to infect Friesland and all that neighbouring part of the low Countryes within land But the infection was greater which was brought both by Sea and Land into Holland and Zealand by meanes of the commerce which the Cities in the Baltick Sea had in Amsterdam and in Midleburg both of them places of great Traffick as also in many other towns of great Traffick both in Holland and Zealand Great was the commerce of Traffickers likewise into both those Provinces from England And Hereticall Ministers entring on all sides under the profession of Merchants they accompanied their seditious writings with words of mouth yet more seditious reproving the Flemish in particular of their too much remisness and patience in bearing the yoke which as they said was laid upon their consciences That Germany had thrown it off long ago as they might see even against the forces of Charls the fifth that England had now happily done the like and that the reformed Religion made daily great advancements in France that they might then know their own power and how to make use of it that the Regent was a woman wholly in their power Granville a forreiner and hated by the Country that the King was far off and but little hopes of his ever returning thither in person and to what end did the disarmed Authority of the Princes serve but to make them be the more scorned and lesse feared The Heretical Ministers and other Sectaries fill'd the ears and mindes of the Flemish in all parts with these conceits which infused impiety and sedition And in concourse of time it was discovered that Orange held intelligence particularly with the Admirall of France which was contracted upon the occasion he had of entertaining himself in France with Henry the second as one of the hostages of Philip the second in performance of the Peace of Cambray as hath been said and time produced at last that Orange took for his fourth and last wife a daughter of the same Admirals though the Admirall was then dead as shall be said in its due place This correspondency in endeavours between them was easily contracted by the similitude of their natures For both of them were very Ambitious and Fraudulent and did equally endeavour to advance their own private Fortunes by the publike ruine In fine in the opinion of all men the one was born to be the cause of France's misfortunes the other of the calamities of Flanders And both of them by their Tragical ends shewed what punishment is reserved for those who losing all respects either of Lawes or God do erect their Altars here below to Ambition and impiety and to the Idols of other immoderate and blinde Humane passions The Kingdom of France was at this time involved in great troubles Francis the second was dead whom Charls the ninth succeeded at the age of ten years Catherine of Medicis mother to them both retained the chief place in Government in Charls his time as well as she had done in his Brothers who not able to sustain it but by intreaty or prayer was forced to devide it sometimes with the Catholikes sometime with the Hugonots But still in danger of the Ambitious designes which was discovered in both the parties France was never agitated with greater Tempests then these And the Hugonot faction prevailing then continually more in the Kingdom 't is no wonder if the Hereticks took the boldness to foment the evils from that part which were a hatching in Flanders expecting that by the conjuncture of times and actions they might come from secret fomenting to open conspiracy A midst so many forreine Plots and home difficulties the Regent was every day more straitened in matter of Religion On the one side Granville encouraged her to have the Edicts executed one the others side the Governours of the Provinces desired to be excused shewing that the number of the Hereticks was already too great and that in many places the Magistrates themselves were infected with Heresie It was known notwithstanding that they did not what they might have done were it either that they desired some dishonour and shame might redound to Granville from such disorders who had the chief stroke in Government or that the King should be the more inforced to seek for remedy therein by their means They continued their former complaints against Granville and discovered an apparent hatred and scorn of him as was particularly seen upon a certain occasion which was thus At a certain Feast there hapned to be Count Egmont the Marquess of Berghen who was likewise one of the chief Lords of the Country and Governour of Henault and Min Here Montigni Brother to Count Horne and divers other of their Friends where a discourse hapned were it casuall or premeditated upon the Liveries which the Pages and foot-men of the Lords and other chiefest of the Court wore here one of them rising up said Why doe we not all make one and the same Livery which by the similitude of our colours may denote the conformity of our mindes the proposition was instantly entertained and lots being drawn who should chuse the Livery it fell to Egmont and he chose one with a certain Odde Coule or Hood which in Flanders are Buffonelike and are wont to be put on the heads of Fools or Jesters Many others of the Court presently took up this livery and for divers dayes there was no other work done in Brussels The Dutchesse was hereat offended for none doubted but that this habit had relation to the Cardinals habit and that this was done in derision of him Besides it might be feared that this might be the beginning of a league and union within the Court which might soon spread abroad throughout the whole Country to the great prejudice of the King The Dutchess laid this particularly to Egmonts charge who excused it as a thing which had hapned casually and without any intention of offending the Cardinal and much lesse of proving prejudicial to the Kings service They then left off their Coule and took for their common impressa a bundoll of Arrowes tide up together which was an impressa often used in the Kings coyn They would have it beleeved that this signified their joynt union in the Kings service but it was generally thought that this union had for its end the defence of publike Priviledges and their conformable sense to conspire unanimously against Granville nor was it long ere this conspiracie broke forth for people growing still more haughty not being able to discend to dissimulation as neither was the Cardinal on his behalf nor yet to any sort of going lesse especially when he saw himself so bitterly provoked Orange Egmont and Horn together with divers others combined joyntly together against him and these three in particular resolved to write a letter to the King which was to this purpose How
that the Dutchess was not much troubled to see Granville gone as one who was upheld by the King in too great Authority with her Yet the truer opinion was that she was very much grieved to be deprived of such a man and one so well experienced in the affairs of Flanders To boot that upon any sinister events whereof many and of very great moment did ensue after his departure he might have justified her behaviour therein unto the King and have easily freed her from those accusations which were afterwards often laid unto her charge in the Councel in Spain THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF FLANDERS Written by CARDINAL BENTIVOGLIO BOOK II. The Contents The Nobility are glad at Granvilles departure Factions in the Councel of State The Regent makes the Councel of Trent be received Orange opposeth it and shews an unquiet disposition Heresie begins to appear bare-faced in Flanders The Inquisition still more detested Egmont goes into Spain The King persists in his former resolutions Egmont returns and the Country is distasted The Nobility do in particular conspire and form an Instrument in writing by the name of Compromise or Covenant Some of the chiefest meet together at Breda a Town belonging to the Prince of Orange The Dutchess grows very apprehensive of these proceedings She understands that a great many of the Nobility meet together to present her with a Petition she endeavours but in vain to hinder the delivery of it Brederodes Oration to his other Companions They present the Petition They take upon them the name of Beggers And why they do so The Marquis of Berghen and Monsieur Montigni are sent into Spain and are not admitted of by the King The practise and profession of heresie is publickly introduced in Flanders The Nobilities audaciousness in defending it Their assembling together at Getrinberg The Regent endeavours to satisfie them And is at last inforced to take away all manner of Inquisition The hereticks and unquiet people are hereby encouraged From whence they come to open violencies against the Churches WHen Cardinal Granville was gone from Flanders occasion of complaining did rather cease in Orange and the rest then a will to complain And therefore seeming very well satisfied with this the Kings resolution they made publick demonstrations of joy in all places That now the Country was freed of him who sought to oppress it The Councel left in its former dignity and the Regent her self in the reputation which was due to her in the Government That Flanders had not a sorer enemy then the Cardinal nor the Nobility a more malitious interpreter of their actions to the King Let him in Gods name carry that pride and arrogancy which he so much joy'd in somewhere else and let him exalt himself where either the obscurity of his birth was not known or where the splendor of others was less esteemed of They accompanied the Cardinals deperture with these words full of bitterness not yet satisfied with the hatred which whilst present they had in so many sorts shewed towards him On the other side they shewed all due observancy to the Regent they never intermitted commg to Councel neither did they let slip any other occasion by which they might reconcile her unto them and make her their protect or unto the King We told you before that the President Vighlio and Barlemont did side with the Cardinal in all things in Councel he had made the King have a great good opinion of their fidelity and wisdom as also the Councel of Spain so as when the Cardinal was gone 't was soon seen that the Regent confided more in these two in many resolutions then in all the rest and 't was easily to be judged that she had Orders from the King so to do and that though the Cardinal was gone yet his Councels remained still in Flanders Vighlio was an upright man and no less pious in matters of Religion then faithfull in what concern'd the King And where it was needfull he opposed the ambition and arrogancy of great ones more then became his condition Succeeding then in Granvilles sence and encouraged thereunto by the esteem which was put upon his Councels in Spain he forbore not to put the Regent in mind How little cause she had to confide in those great ones who having no other end then to make themselves every day greater could not receive any addition to their Authority which tended not to the diminution of the Regal power That their eyes were now upon France and by the example of those Contrivers of Innovations they would introduce the same troubles and Faction into Flanders that they might afterwards fall out within themselves who should have the greatest share of their Country when they had made a prey of her Was there any doubt but that all those pretences were false which they had made use of to remove Granville from Flanders How had he offended them unless they would esteem themselves injured by the service which he had done the King and which with such loyalty and constancie of mind he had alwayes endeavoured to sustain not regarding their complaint nor threats That she would be soon enough aware of this For one pretence failing they would raise up others and after having warred against the Kings Ministers of State they would bare-faced make war against the King himself This speech of Vighlio's proved a prophesie so fully was it confirmed by the event Nor was it long ere just as he had foretold Orange and the rest took up new occasion of Complaints in a business which fell out in Religion and 't was this The Councel of Trent was already published and the controversies which arose between the Catholicks and Hereticks in matter of religion were truly determined by that divine Oracle of the Church neither had her sacred Decree brought forth less fruit in the reformation of Ecclesiastical discipline Of all the Princes of Christendom the King of Spain had made it his particular care to see that Councel take good effect He was alwayes fixed and unalterable not to admit of any Religion in his Kingdoms and States but the Catholike profession For his Territories being so far divided one from another he thought that they might be the easilier united in their obedience under him by the bond of an uniform zeal which might equally fasten them in their devotion to the Church The Councel then being ended the King was resolved for what concerned his Temporal authority that the Decrees made thereby should be observed in all his Dominions and therefore had given such orders as were needfull to the Dutchess of Parma to make them be received and observed in Flanders She propounded this to the Councel of State and there wanted not some who presently opposed the proposition They said That the Conncel was in many things contrary to the priviledges of the Provinces that the Ecclesiastical government would be too much advantaged thereby that the strictness thereof did too much
Monark of new worlds and he who was more glorious in renouncing them then in possessing them He even he was compeld by Orders from the Inquisitors to do publick penance at his return to Spain for having onely treated with the Lutheran Hereticks in the wars which he made in Germany Now if the dangers of the Inquisition be so many and if they be so hard to be evaded by the very Spaniards and Italians who are by nature so wary and cautious how shall we Flemings ever hope to escape the least part thereof We I say whose hearts are with such candor seen in our words who lead so free and so conversable a life and who hold it for a particular law of faithfull friendship not to keep any thing concealed one from another in our baals feastings cups and invitations shall it be imputed as a fault of misbeliefe if some vain or idle word escape our mouths amidst those our innocent delights The Inqusition will quickly take from us these our contentments we shall be turn'd Savages in our demeanours and our Cities will at last be turned into Desarts and our Provinces into solitary habitations Commerce will be every where destroyed which consists almost wholly in contracting with such foraigners as profess liberty of conscience and who cannot tolerate so much as the very name of the Inquisition Thus Flanders will in a short time fall into ruine and desolation And thus our formerly so fortunate Provinces will for the future be an example of infinite misery to all Europe whereas formerly their felicity hath been envied by all other Countries By the condition of the evils which I have laid before you the justice of the desires which we shall make to escape them will consequently and clearly appear The King hath sworn to maintain our Countrey in her liberties and what doth more destroy them then doth the Inquisition The King himself hath for a long time been vers'd here in our customes and what is more averse unto them then these his Edicts The Spaniards will introduce the government of Spain into Flanders and what greater repugnancy can there be then what is seen between their Laws and ours between Subjection ' which is there adored and by all men here so much detested Kings cannot extend their Laws beyond those of Nature nay they are as liable to her Laws as are their subjects Let Spain and Italy then retain and enjoy their Inquisition as they shall like best which Flanders never received but by force and from which force she is now resolved to free her self But since 't is understood that those amongst our selves who partake of the Regents most secret resolutions and which are now more Spanish then Flemish endevour to divide us who is he amongst us that will be found faulty in his faith Faulty in things so solemnly promis'd and sworn unto And finally faulty to himselfe to his blood to his honor and to the so great danger of his Countrey God forbid that any such thing should be dream'd of much less seen Let each of us consider the ancient glory of our Belgicks and esteem it a good fortune to be able upon this occasion to imitate them The worth of progenitors ought to passe together with their blood into those that descend from them And the later ought not onely to approve themselves heirs but even competitors of the former in all glorious actions I then most noble companions will with all humility lay before the Regent the bitterness of the evils which we undergo and the necessity of our being relieved therein But if all due respect obsequy and reason shall prevail no more in these our present instances then they have formerly done what is to be done in such a case but to have recourse to such remedies as desperation useth to suggest against violence I shall for my part be as ready to hazard my life then as I am willing now to use my tongue upō this present occasion We shal find the greatest in the Councel wil agree with our sense and we shall find their assent to what we shall say by their silence And doubtlesly all the rest of the Countrey wil cheerfully take up such resolutions as we shall do in such a case which cannot be more just since they cannot be more necessary Thus did Brederode inflame himself and the rest against the inquisition But it was not true as hath been often said that the King intended to introduce a setled form of the use thereof in Flanders Nor was it true that Alanson Del Canto was come to Brussels for any thing concerning the inquisition and what he affirmed touching the Emperour Charls the fifth was a meer fable rashly invented and beleeved who accompanying so many of his other excellent vertues with his innate piety did never treat with the Hereticks in Germany but when necessitated so to do that he might rid them of their Frenzy either by the usuall way of their Diets or by force of Arms in Battel and for what concerns the inquisition though the Country were generally averse thereunto yet there were many of try'd wisdom and zeal who found in themselves desired to inform others by the benefit which Spain and Italy had received thereby how advantagious it would be to Flanders to have a moderate form thereof introduced in her Provinces They said That some little seeming of severity being taken away from the inquisition there were not in effect any Tribunals lesse severe then hers Nor whereby more just and Candid wayes the preservation of the Honour and Purity of Faith was endeavoured That the name and use thereof was to be esteemed most sacred That if so many temporal Lawes were made in favour of Princes to keep humane Majesty unharmed spirituall Lawes were much more to be approved of in favour of the Church by punishing those who were guilty of high treason against the Majesty of God That by defending this right which doth so straitly binde the faithfull to God and to Religion the other which was due from the people to Princes and their States was the better sustained That if Calumny were to give way to truth as of right it should it must necessarily be confest that nothing maintained States in the sincerity of Faith more then the inquisition where as when Heresie once enters Factions suddenly arise from Factions civil Wars and from civil Wars Forrein ones inevitably So as Princes together with their People were suddenly seen to fall into deplorable miseries and calamitie what unhappy proof may Flanders fear herein through her own evils and to how many fat all seenes may Germany and France serve for a Theatre by reason hereof nor were the same revolutions and misfortunes lesse in other Countries where Heresie hath been able to open the Schools of error and display the Ensignes of Rebellion That Spain and Italy this mean while did enjoy a perfect and happy peace which was the supream good of mortals
Budget Thus did they rejoyce and as it were triumph in this name of Guex an unfortunate name to Flanders which from that time began to lose its quiet and which hath since so long and by so many means beg'd it and could never obtain it The Petitioners desires to the Regent consisted chiefly in two things the one That some express personages might be sent into Spain to the purpose spoken of The other That in the mean while the Inquisition and the rigor of the Edicts might be forborn in Flanders The Dutchess then designed to send the Marquis of Berghen and the Lord Montigni brother to Count Horn to the Court of Spain both which were propounded by the Petitioners And for what concernd the second point she sent to the Governours of the Provinces to cause a new form of Edict to be propounded in each Province by which the Inquisition was somewhat moderated but not suspended and the like was done in the Edicts seditious papers were this mean while dispersed about from divers parts both within and without Flanders by which the Petitioners were still more incited to persist in their demands They were incouraged in these seditious papers by the example of the liberty of the neighbouring Countries and especially by that of upper Germany with which 't was affirmed that divers of the lower Provinces were incorporated and it was particularly suggested that as the former did enjoy the confession of Ausperg so ought Flanders without all question to enjoy it The fire was no longer in bursting out Whilst the Edict of moderation was proposed by the Regent througout the Provinces whilst it was doubtfull how they would interpret this and much more how the King would be pleased with it some of the more turbulent spirits amongst the Petitioners instigated by the sutler sort gave out that the Regent had granted all that was desired and in confirmation thereof a counterfeit writing was given about This report ran presently over the whole Country like a Torrent and did so provoke the common people as that in divers places of the Provinces the dores were thrown open to the heritick Preachers They cunningly thought that thus the King would be by necessity induced to grant all their demands The first Sermons were made in the very Province of Flanders and 't was first begun to be done in some great Villages for they feared lest if they should do it in Cities they might be hindred by the Magistrates They forthwith did the like in other Villages in Brabant near Antwerp and suddenly the mallady encreased every where so as it began to disperse it self through the greatest part of the Provinces In the Countrys of Lucemberg Hennault Artois and Namures no novelty at all was made The Hereticks appeared more licentious about Torney and Valentiennes then in other parts And those two Cities seemed most disposed to receive and favour them Lutherans Calvinists and Anabaptists began in troops to divulge their Herisie each of them exalted their own sect the common people flockt unto and applauded novelty Not the most learned but the most hair-braind amongst them took upon them to preach and through the blind and most monstruous perswasion that every one was able to teach the word of God the baser sort of women had the affrontedness to have their several meetings if not at preachings yet at conferences they went armed where they preached lest the Magistrates might hinder their meetings And disobedience was already manifested almost every where So as the Regent thought it not now fit to proceed in the intended Edict touching the moderation of the others that were already gone out and touching the Inquisition but published another upon very severe penalties against the Preachers and against such as should follow them inhibiting all meetings which should be made to this purpose The Regents orders did as then some good in containing the vulgar within Cities in their duties yet the same licentiousness continued in the Country Villages The Regent complained of the Governors of the Provinces and they again of her shewing that to side too much with the sense of Spain she had suffered the Edicts and Inquisition to be so far proceeded in Had not they foreseen the evil which was now burst forth how oft had they mentioned the remedy but that more belief was adhibited to Granville and after him to those who in his absence sustained his faction and who being looked upon as the most faithfull had proved most perfidious to the service of their King and Countrey Such contestations as these fell out often in the Councel of State even in the presence of the Dutchess her self where Orange Egmont the other Lords who interven'd therein would with much freedom upbraid Barlemont Vighlio and Assonville who was one much imployed by the Regent and went hand in hand with the other two with the above said disorders the Hereticks did not as yet preach publikely in Cities and because this was feared dayly more and more and especially in Antwerp where the danger was thought to be the greatest by reason of the frequency of people and the liberty of Commerce which drew a great number of forreign Hereticks thither the Regent therfore sent the Count of Mega thither to endeavour with the Magistrate that he would permit a garrison to be put in there But it was impossible to effect it it being alledged to the contrary that it was not expedient to mix souldiers with Merchants this mean while the Marquiss of Berghen and Monsieur De Montigni were arrived in Spain and after having staid there a considerable while could not get audience of the King It was well known in the Court that they brought with them the sense of the Petitioners and that they were rather sent by them then dispacht away by the Regent Yet thinking it was his best course to dissemble at the present he writ to the Governours of the Province Shewing how much he relied upon them and exhorting them to provide by all possible means remedies for the evils already begun That his intention was to come himself in person into Flanders and that Divers necessities of his other Kingdoms had made him delay but not change his former thought therein That he would by his own pre-presence give full satisfaction to all the desires which were made unto him that the tumults in the mean while might be appeased and that particular care might be taken that no innovation might be made in matter of Religion The Regent writ likewise to the chiefest of the Petitioners who were already gone from Brussels complaining of too long delay in the demands which they had made She gave a touch upon the suspition she had of their introducing an Heretical Army and acquainted them with what she thought necessary for the remedying the Novelties which ensued Yet they nevertheless little regarding the Regents endeavours or little trusting what she said did not onely not satisfie her just desires but
with greater contumacy then before resolved to assemble together again at Getrinberg a town in the Bishoprick of Liege To this end having had many preceding practices both by people and by letters in divers places a great many of them met there in the moneth of August where the most seditious were most listned unto They appeared to be of divers opinions some would have them to break forth into publick tumults and get that by force which they had not as yet got by intreaties Others that the States General should meet together of their own Authority and that by that means the Edicts and the Inquisition might be thrown down Others that to the end they might lead on their designes the more advantagiously they might first advise with their neighbours be assisted by them yet some were more moderate in their opinions who propounded that they should better consider ere they resolved on any thing and that they should first see what effect the Marquis of Berghens and Montigni's journey to Spain would produce and what the mean time the Regent would do in Flanders But the most seditious prevailing it was resolved that by all means as well within Flanders as elsewhere that liberty which they pretended to in Religion might be endeavoured The Dutchess was very much troubled at the news of this meeting at Getrinberg and presently used all her industry to break it off To this purpose she sent Orange some Writers say it was the Duke of Arescot and Egmont to Duffle a town in Brabant neer Antwerp and not very far from Getrinberg willing them by all possible means to appease the Confederates and to assure them again that they should receive full satisfaction both from her and from the King The tumult was of great consideration in it self but much more in the example thereof it was undertaken by a few desired by many and at last consented unto by all The meaner sort of people in that City which was then very numerous because the Trading of Europe was greater there then in any other place were generally infected with heresie And the people of better quality even those who were the most zealous Catholicks did so abhor the Inquisition and the rigor of the Edicts and thought the effect thereof so pernitious to the liberty of Merchandizing as that they were not sorry to see the King necessitated to grant that which could not till then be obtained and wherein his consent was still despaired of By the tumlut of Antwerp as by displaid Ensignes all the other chief Cities of almost all the other Provinces were forthwith invited to do the like only the Walloon Provinces upon the Frontiers of France kept free from these novelties The Dutchess perceiving so great and so universal a commotion and suspecting lest the Governours of the Provinces might seem to tollerate it and in secret to authorize it she began to fear she might not be safe in Brussels where heresie had likewise got good footing She enclined to leave that Town and to go to Mons the chief City in Hennault but divers of the chief Lords that were about her did joyntly oppose themselves thereunto and in particular Orange and Egmont they said that the troubles which were risen in other places would be appeased and they assured her there should no disorder happen in Brussels which though her own presence alone was sufficient to prevent yet if need should require they would hazard their lives in hindring it But the greatest consideration herein was concerning themselves since they should be too much blamed if the Dutches they being present should retire or rather run away in such a manner How would this relish in Spain how would the King be thereat scandalized and how much should they suffer in their honours for no justification would be able to free them from being thought to be the true Authors of such violences done by the common people The Regent therefore resolved to stay at Brussels but for her greater safety that Peter Ernestus Count of Mansfield should get together some soldiers who might serve to remedy any tumult which might happen in the City and her own person might be the more secure It was debated in Councel how so many and so great disorders might be provided against It was thought fit to treat again with the Petitioners wherein were so many of the Nobility of the Country to see whether any satisfaction might be given them so as that their union might be broken and so the people might want that fomentation and the King the mean while might put on more vigorous resolutions which the Regent might with more ease execute To this purpose some of the Councel were deputed by her and some others by the Petitioners and after many contradictions they pitched upon that which the necessity of the time upon that occasion did require Thus by a new Edict which seemed to be in answer to the Petition delivered the preceding April the Regent declared That no use of the Inquisition should be had or made in Flanders and that there should be no use thereof for the future That the Edicts should be so moderated as should give full satisfaction to all the Provinces That the confederates should not be proceeded against for any of the late novelties and that the liberty of Preaching should be permitted where it was already introduced provided that no tumults were occasioned thereby and that the Catholick worship should not be in any wise hindred Another Edict came forth presently after in the Kings express name denouncing heavy punishments to all those who had committed so many and so horrible enormitys against the Churches and Monasteries But by how much the Regent went every day less in her authority so much more did the audacity of the Confederates and the rest who held Intelligence with them increase So as the hereticks not laying aside their former insolencies in Antwerp did still insult in divers manners over the Catholicks They by violence made their Churches be shut up they stormed to see that they could not get any one of them for themselves to preach in and not being able to do it elsewhere they preached publickly in the Piazzas of the new Town of Antwerp the Lutherans in one place in another the Calvinists and the stinch of many other sectaries gave occasion of divers other sorts of meetings both in privat and in publick These sects did greatly differ one from another but they joyned all in their rage against the Catholick religion At last they prevailed so far as it behoved to come to express capitulation with them by vertue whereof they got so much liberty as did amount almost to a full exercise of heresie and at last they were permitted to build a particular Fabrick which they called by the name of Temple where their Ministers were heard to preach and all other exercises of their sects were officiated Assoon as this permission was obtained men and women flock
thither from all parts Merchants and Plebeians Gentry and Citizens to put their hands to the building of this Temple The Prince of Orange to boot with his being Governor of Holland and Zealand and of a part of Burgundy was likewise Governor of Antwerp In the tumult which had hapned in that City he had endeavoured that it might appear he had used all dilligence to impede them he himself came often thither in person and when he could not be there himself he sent the Count of Hostrat thither 'T was known that Orange his authority in that City was very great so as few thought that he would make use thereof according as occasion did require And when they saw Hostrat adhere unto him they thought they were both of the same mind Orange had likewise gone into Holland and Zealand to appease the tumults which had ensued there in matter of Religion presently after that of Antwerp But his endeavours there availed but little likewise by reason of the maligne constellation of times or they were but little sincere by his own peradventure more maligne contrariety Great was the commotion which had ensued in Gaunt the chief City of Flanders where the hereticks had likewise insolently introduced the use of their heresie as also in almost all the other considerable places of that Province Egmont who was Governor thereof had been there too in person and because his presence had done but little good he began to be suspected as well as Orange Though it was considered by some in their justification that in the Province of Groninghen where Count Aremberg was Governour and in Ghelderland and Zutfen which were Governed by the Count Mega both of them being esteemed great Catholicks and faithfull to the King The like revolts were seen in matter of Religion and like difficulties in removing them but howsoever those two were chieflyest suspected since they exceeding the rest so far in Authorities 't was thought that the tumults fomented by them had made all the rest prove likewise remediless THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF FLANDERS Written by CARDINAL BENTIVOGLIO BOOK III. The Contents The King is highly offended for the novelties happened in Flanders A letter from Montigni to Count Horne the Regent resolves to take up Arms. A meeting of Orange Egmont and others in Terramond Valentiennes is befieged is reduced So is Antwerp The Regent enters Antwerp well provided of Arms. A great disposition throughout the whole Low Countries to quiet Consultations in Spain upon the affairs of Flanders two opposite Orations made unto the King by the Duke of Feria and the Duke of Alva the King resolves at last to send an Army into Flanders And gives the command thereof to the Duke of Alva upon newes hereof Orange retures into Germany Alva enters the low Countries he forthwith imprisons Egmont and Horne The Dutchesse of Parma departs for Italy The Duke of Alva is Governour of the Low Countries THus went the Affairs in Flanders at this time in the interim newes was brought to Spain of the so many and so strange innovasions happened of late in those Provinces nor can it be said how much the King and his Councel were troubled thereat Wherfore the Marquess of Berghen and the Lord Montigni could not be admitted to Audience before the King the King did not only seem not to approve of what had bin done in Flanders to the so great prejudice of the Catholike Religion and his regal Authority but he discovered a great indignation against the Flemish and a firm intention to chastise them and because such a designe required time and time dissimulation therefore the King yielding in this conjuncture to the force of necessitie writ unto the Regent That she should endeavour by all means possible to compose the tumults the best she might incouraging her notwithstanding to use force when she should think it were a fitting time to do so To this end some monies were sent from Spain and thereupon it was taken into consideration that for the present some Alman and Walloone forces might be raised till time should better advise what was to be resolved on touching the sending of Spanish forces and the like of other nations subject to the Crown of Spain into Flanders by reason then of these orders which were come in secret and much more by reason of the manifest appearing necessity of providing by Arms against the tumults which had already happened and to those of greater danger which might insue the Regent resolved to raise a good number of souldiers and to place them under such Commanders as she might confide in the speediest and neerest Levies which could be made abroad were the High Dutch and in Flanders the Walloones The Regent had not as then any other souldiers then those who a little before she had assembled to secure Brussels from tumults and for the more safety of her own person which might be about 500 Walloone foot and 100 Harquebusiers on horse back under the Command of Ernestus Count Mansfeild She did then without any delay give order for the raising of the aforesaid forces to wit the Lower Almans in two Regiments under the Counts of Aremberg and of Mega and two Regiments of the Upper Almans under Count Erbestin and Baron Shamburg The Walloones were divided into three Regiments one of which was given to Charls Count Mansfield son to Ernestus another to the Count De Reules and the third to Monsieur De Hierghes son to the Lord Barlemont to boote with these foot order was given for the raising of some horse The opinions of those of the Councel of State touching the raising of Arms were different Those of greatest Authority amongst them did not seem to incline thereunto alledging that instead of taking away jealousies which was of most importment this would be the way to increase them Others thought this remedy requisit since faire means had hitherto prevail'd so little but the Regent would adhere unto the latter opinion and shewed how that it was the more necessary for that it was known a little before that the confederats had divers projects on foot to raise men also and that to this effect divers correspondencies had already been had between them and the neighbouring parts of Germany and France This preparation for Arms did much trouble such who thought they might be used against them The Hereticks who had so many wayes offended had reason to fear and the better sort of the Petitioners and the rest of their order who had licentiously run upon so many novelties had almost as much cause to fear but Egmont Orange and Horne were in private no lesse troubled hereat they being suspected to have continually fomented the disorders more then the other Lords Their names were publikely torn to pieces in Spain and they were already called Traytors oftner then Subjects This opinion which the King and the whole Court had of them all three and in general of all the Flemish had
of the Covenant Petition and of the violences used against the Churches and the Catholick religion He forthwith accompanied the terror of his Threats with the severity of Punishment He caused the Prince of Orange his brother Lodovick Count Hostrate Brederode and Colemburgh and the rest of the prime men who were gone out of Flanders to be publikely cited to appear before him within a certain prefixt time upon pain of rebellion and the loss of their goods in case they did not appear He caused a great many others of all sorts to be imprisoned in sundry parts of the Provinces who were fallen into the aforesaid faults and they were in so great numbers that all the prisons throughout the whole Country were on a sudden full of them To imprisonment he added Death and made the market-places the places of execution to the end that the publikeness thereof might infuse the greater terror At the same time he designed divers Citadels and began to lay their foundations where he thought either the situation of the Towns or the condition of the Inhabitants did most require it The first was placed in Antwerp with five royal Bulwarks upon the Scheld upon which River the City is seated to hasten the which he went in person to Antwerp and made the City contribute towards the expence thereof giving them assured hopes that as soon as the Citadel should be put into a posture of defence Lodroneas Regiment of High-Dutch which were there in garrison should be removed He began to build a Fort in Flushing the chief Haven of Zealand and which opens and shuts the entrance into the Scheld He designed another in Groninghen upon the confines of Germany and another in Valentiennes which lies towards France But unless it were that of Antwerp the rest were not built for so many troubles arose from so many parts as the Duke had not fitting opportunity to doe it He notwithstanding secured the Frontiers on all sides by good garrisons against all innovations which might be endeavoured from abroad and within he disarmed many of the most suspected Cities and distributed forces in divers parts where he thought it most needfull to curb the Flemish more straightly This so rigorous a beginning of Government put the Country every where into such fear as it was on a sudden abandoned by a great number of people of all sorts they were reported to be above thirty thousand Those who were no wayes concerned were affrighted to see the faults of others so severely punished and they groaned to see that Flanders which was wont to enjoy one of the ealiest governments of all Europe should now have no other object to behold but the Terror of Arms Flight Exiles Imprisonments blood death and confiscations The people fled to the neighbouring parts of Germany to France and England But those of best quality retired to Germany drawn thither by Orange who encouraged them more then all the rest to follow his example and run his fortune And who from thence did answer the Dukes citation in writing refusing to submit himself to his Tribunal as to that of a Judge too much suspected and of too inferior a condition to take cognisance of such a cause saying that he was a free Prince of Germany and therefore in the first place a Subject to the Emperour and that being a Knight of the Golden Fleece he was only to be judged by the King himself who was the supreme Head of that Order Hostrat answered almost in the same sort save only that he left out the reason of being Feudatory to the Emperour for he had no estate in Germany Horn had some estate of that nature and therefore his Mother when he was imprisoned had suddenly recourse to Caesars Authority and had from thence procured favourable offices in her sons behalf to the King and Duke of Alva The like is done by divers Princes of Germany in Orange his behalf and those that were joyned with him in the same cause for indeed the Catholike Princes were no less displeased then were the Hereticks of those parts with the Dukes severity and that such an alteration should be made in the Government of Flanders with which Country they had such conformity both in language customs and laws The King promised all fair intreatment so as the Citation might be obeyed But none of those that were cited daring to trust and the time of citation being already elapsed the Duke proceeded to punishment and amongst other things he made Colemburghs house in Brussels be pull'd down to the ground in memory of the detestation of the seditious practises which were there chiefly woven and concluded Orange was Master of divers fair Towns in sundry Provinces of Flanders The Principality of Orange is in France though not subject to that Crown and of a great many likewise in the County of Burgundy in Brabant amongst others he had Breda a noble pâ—ace having a stately Castle in it and of such consequence as the Duke of Alva would suddenly secure himself the better thereof by putting a garrison into it To the confiscation of his goods the Duke added the retension of the Count di Buren a Youth of twelve years of age who was the Prince of Orange his eldest son and who was then at the University of Lovain following his studies and under pretence that the King would have him follow the same studies and exercises in the University of Alcala d'Enares he sent him well guarded into Spain Orange and his companions together with other Nobles who were fled from Flanders exasperated at these proceedings did what they could to shew their resentment Their chief end was to raise Forces and lead them into Flanders hoping assuredly that when any Forces should appear from without they that were within the Country would suddenly rise This was therefore hotly endeavoured and it was managed by their Adherents in almost all the Provinces of Flanders The Duke of Alva's government infused horror into them and by all dreadful exagerations they endeavoured to make the people abhor it From without they themselves endeavoured by all possible means to draw other Princes to favour their cause From England 't was known the Queen had a great inclination to foment whatsoever novelties which might happen in the Low-Countries She considered that if the King of Spain should possess them peacefully his Forces would be too formidable both by sea and land throughout all Europe That she in particular was greatly to apprehend his Forces by Sea since England and Ireland would be as it were invironed by the Fleets which might be maintained on the one side in Spain and on the other in Flanders That the King would not be backward in molesting her having opportunity to doe it as he who knew she sought to indamage him as much as she might as he had already had several experiences These outward dangers appeared unto the Queen to be the greater when she considered also those within She saw
to the lower by her breadth In these respects their friendships adherents and allyances were very great in those parts Moreover divers of the best Families of Flanders derived from Germany and amongst others that of the Prince of Orange who afterwards married with the house of Saxony as hath been said The heretick Princes held therefore their streightest corespondencies with him and to him did discover their most intimate sence of the affairs of Flanders because it was most conformable with his own Orange being afterwards gon to them by reason of the Duke of Alva's being come into Flanders he still indeavoured to increase in them a resolution not to tollerate that oppression which he in the most horrid manner he could invent affirmed to be already introduced by the Spaniards amongst the Flemish Affirming that this cause was common to both the Germanies he mingled the Interest of Religion together with that of State and by the strength and vivacity of wit made dangers a far off seem very near at hand He chiefly propounded a meeting between those Princes who were most to dread the Spanish forces in Flanders the Queen of England assisted him herein by her authority and the Hugonots of France by their practices So as the resolution was soon put on and divers Hans Towns joyned therein likewise by sending their Deputies thither particularly those which are situated upon the Rhine in which by reason of their neighbourhood with Flanders the aforesaid power of the Spanish forces was most dreaded Of the Princes the Count Palatine of Rhine was most remarkable his State lay nearest to Flanders he had the best forces and being past on from Luthers heresie to that of Calvin he held greater corespondency with the hereticks of France and with the Queen of England The rest were the Duke of Wittenberg the Landgrave of Hesse the Marquis of Bada the Marquis of Durlack and some neighbouring Counts besides those of Nassaw The King of Denmark and the house of Saxony sent likewise their particular Deputies to the Diet. Business doth still proceed slowly which is to be agitated by many either they differ in their ends or agree not in the means or for the most part are lost through confusion But their progress is more slow then ordinarily in Germany where negotiations are not had without much prolixity more by writing then by word of mouth and where more time is spent in banqueting then in business The Diet proceeded on then but slowly and by reason of the variety of opinions many difficulties were met with in the things proposed Whereupon the Prince of Orange being all on fire himself and that he might set others on fire likewise spake one day thus It is not assuredly any waies to be doubted most Noble Princes and worthy Deputies but that we now treat upon a common cause The one and the other Germany are sufficiently united in situation tongue name traffick life and in all things else And who knows not that in former times they both made but one body their people do chiefly affect liberty And though in Flanders the Prince be heriditory whereas in Germany he is elective yet almost the same preeminence is due by them to their States as is here attributed to your Dyets But how oft and with how much labour and danger hath it behoved the one and the other Nation to oppose themselves to the avaritiousness of their Princes I will leave the pursuit of ancient affairs that I may come to the more modern and those of Germany that I may descend to the present affairs of Flanders When the Emperour Charls the fifth was dead every one knows the King his son's chiefest desire was to leave those parts and settle himself in Spain Being there wholly transformed into the sence and Customs of that people he grew desirous to govern Flanders after the same manner and Empire as Spain was governed And what more imperious Minister of State could he leave behind him with the Dutchess of Parma then the Cardinal Granville Did I say Minister of State nay rather supream Governor since whilst he was there the Dutchess bore only the name of Regent the whole power lay in him base Burgundian The first Author of Flanders's mischiefs and who deserves chiefly to be punished since the fault was chiefly his The Government of the Ecclesiastical and Temporal affairs was suddenly altered in divers sorts by absolute Authority but chiefly by new Edicts still more grievous to the conscience and by introducing the Inquisition The secretest Oracles are come from the Councel of Spain and are executed by secret consultations in Flanders If the Nobility have complained their complaints have proved vain to Petition is counted treachery to seem troubled rebellion and the casual headdy giddiness of the common people a premeditated insurrection of the whole Country In fine nothing but to have a pretence to use force against Flanders was expected in Spain And what more light pretence could be taken then to go about to suppress those tumults which were seen to cease almost assoon as begun When so suddenly hereupon the Flemish are insolently declared in Spain to be rebels to God and to the King and a foreign Army marches to cause Flanders to be treated hereafter not as a successive Nation but as a Conquered Countrey And who could be better chosen to execute such violences then the Duke of Alva the most haughty minded man of all Spain Flanders greatest enemy and who knows better then any other how to extinguish all remainders of religion and in lieu thereof to use all sorts of Tyranny And just so it fell out He hath begun to raise Citadels in the chiefest Cities he hath placed Garisons every where the places of execution run down with bloud in all Towns no more home-Laws are heard of but forein ones The Country is almost unpeopled by exilement imprisonment and running away And nothing but gastly looks complaints misery desparation and calamity is seen every where In this deplorable estate is Flanders at the present How much more happie then is Germany which enjoys her former libertie and which abhorring all forein force knows no other Empire then her own I partake of this felicity for from hence I derive my bloud and my first stem remains still here Nay I am more hated in Spain then any other of the Flemish by reason of my German spirit I am held to be the contriver of Conspiracies the head of sedition the pestilence of those Countries Their greatest anger thunders against me and the severest punishments are already fallen upon me Thus they seek to turn my glory to infamy And what greater glory can there be then to maintain the liberty of a mans Country and to die rather then be inslaved I then most high Princes and Noble Deputies who am both a German and a Fleming after having laid before you the miseries of the Lower Germany whose tears and supplications I bring hither with me
moved to execute the aid designe and they hoped for better success for that they had some intelligence in the City This was soon foreseen and speedily prevented by the Duke of Alva He dispacht away the Camp-Master Londonio forthwith thitherward with some Spanish some German and some Walloon Colours and sent Sancio d'Avila likewise thither with 30 horse and in the first place secured Mastrick that being the chief pass towards Germany That City is cut through not in the midst but on one side by the Mause the lesser part thereof makes as it were an angle which is called by the name of Vich This part belongs to the Principality of Liege but the chief body of the Town is under the Low-Countries The City is united by a stone-bridg and the Ligeois contented with the Civil Government of what belongs to them leave both the lesser and greater division under the Military custody of the King of Spain The revolters drew near Ruremond and endeavoured to possess themselves of one gate but they failed in their designe for they reaped no good by the Intelligence they had within but found things in a better posture of defence then they expected They therefore presently withdrew into the State of Liege fearing to have the Spaniards on their back if they should tarry in the Kings Territories This mean while Londonio and Avila were on their march and understanding that they were retreated Londonio was not minded to pursue them into Liege saying Will not this be to offend and irritate our neighbours our own Countrie is too full of jealousie Let us make a bridg to them that fly to see the enemy run away is to have sufficiently overcome But Avila was for pursuing them replying Our neighbours will be so far from being hereat offended as they ought rather to thank us for it Do not we know that these wicked ones have entred the Country of Liege by force the Ligeois will then repute our forces for their own and must confess that we have done this to free them not to invade their Countrie This opinion prevailed and the Spaniards advancing heard that Lumay and Villiers were retired with their men towards Dalem a little Town bordering upon the Country of Liege environed with a wall and a ditch but otherwise not strong They did not think that the Spaniard would have touched upon that State but when they knew they marched towards them they got underneath the walls of Dalem and assisted by a ravelin on one side and by the carriage carts on the other they prepared to defend themselves When the Spaniards were come up they sent some of their men forthwith to the other side of the Town and with the rest gave so strong an assault to the enemy on the front as they wholly routed them They slew many of them took many of them and amongst the rest Villiers was taken prisoner So the designe of the Flemish who had quit their Countrie proved vain on that side Not long after they indeavoured to possess themselves of the Town of Graves which was first possest by the Prince of Orange and which being seated upon the Mause on the utmost confines of Brabant would have been very fit for their purpose But they were not well got in by means of some intelligence which they had when they resolved to be gon again hearing that the Dukes men marched towards them Nor had they better success in a conspiracy of theirs which as was commonly divulged was not long before discovered against the Dukes person He oft-times used to pass by the Forrest Soigny near Brussels upon occasion of frequenting a Monastery which was thereabouts called Groendal Some of the Nobility had resolved to set upon him with some men in that wood and to kill him and so suddenly to run to Brussels and to raise the people there But were it either that the report was false for the conspiracy was not much believed or that the designe could not be executed the business soon vanisht no certainty of it being ever known Count Lodovick was this mean while fallen into Friesland with an intire Army consisting as 't was said of 10000 foot and 3000 horse and Orange did prepare at the same time to pass into the Low Countries on another side with a much greater strength Lodovick being entred Friesland he began to fortifie the Town of Delfeziel situated towards the mouth of the river Embs. This river divides East Friesland which belongs to the Upper Germany from West Friesland which appertains to the Lower As it grows nearer the sea it so inlargeth it self as by the mouth thereof it makes a gulf Here is the City of Embden seated one of the most considerable Towns of all the Maretine part by reason of the frequency of people and oportunity of Commerce which is much helped by the Haven thereof being held one of the most commodious of all the North. The Flemish Friesland if I may so call it makes two Provinces that which joyns upon Germany is called Groninghen from the City of the same name a City very well populated and suspitiously seated being the chiefest Key of those Confines 'T is seated very low as is its sister Province which retains the name of Friesland In Winter the fields stand full of water and there is no coming to their habitations but upon the banks in Summer the land lies dry and yields great store of pasturage You would say that in those parts the sea is interchangably turned into land and the land to sea By reason of the low situation and great humidity there is no Woods in the Country nor almost any sort of Trees which may serve for firing But where nature is therein wanting the Inhabitants make it good by their industry they make use of Turfs cut out of the Earth and dryed in the Sun in stead of Wood. These are the Woods of Friesland and the Inhabitants usual fire In divers other parts of Flanders they suffer likewise the same wants and with the same industry provide against it Lodovick intended to make himself Master of the City of Groninghen and there were some within the Town who fed him with hopes of so doing He therefore encamped thereabouts and fortified himself where he thought best especially where he might receive new supplies from Germany But the Duke of Alva had not been wanting this mean while in taking such order as was needfull to withstand this Army Count Aremberg was Governour of that Friesland which belong'd to the King of Spain he was one of the chiefest Lords of Flanders of great esteem in the Militia and who a little before was sent by the Duke into France with a good strength of horse to the aid of King Charls against the hereticks of that Kingdom The affairs of France being afterwards setled and Aremberg being returned to Flandets the Duke sent him suddenly into Friesland He had under him a Regiment of High Dutch and Count Mega
and Monsieur de Lumay and some other Flemish of good quality together with many German Commanders of great consideration The Army was well enough furnisht with Artillery and ammunition for war but had not so much mony nor victuals as was needfull This being understood the Duke of Alva resolved to make his Rendezvous at Mastrick the most commodious place upon the Mause that he might oppose Orange where it should be most convenient There were come unto the Duke from Spain at this time 400000 Crowns and 2000 Spanish Foot which being all of them new Souldiers he placed in the Garrisons and drew out from thence the old ones His eldest son Frederick came likewise then to Flanders to whom he gave the command of all the Foot The Rendezvous being appointed the Kings Army was found to consist of 16000 choise Foot to wit 6000 Spaniards the rest all Germans and Walloons and of 6000 Horse some whereof were Spanish some Italian some Germans some Burgonians and some Walloons and those Train-Bands of Flanders which were commanded by Carlo Philippode Croy Marquis of Haure The Duke removed the Camp afterwards from Mastrick to Haren a great Village not far from thence and seated likewise upon the Mause And here he made a Bridg of Boats that he might have free passage overfit at all hours and receive victuals the better from all those parts This place was almost in the midst between Liege and Ruremonde upon which two Cities Orange his designe was likeliest to be Ruremonde is in Ghelderland as hath been said It stands upon a little River called Ruer just where it fals into the Mause 'T is rather a place of great circuit then much people but the situation thereof is of importance by reason of both those Rivers Liege lies upon the same River a little higher The Mause hath not a City upon it of larger circuit nor better peopled 'T is divided by the River but joyned together again by divers Bridges The Bishop governs the Inhabitants there as well in temporal as in spiritual affairs being also Prince thereof though the City enjoy such ample priviledges as the form of Government therein partakes more of a Common-wealth then of a Principality 'T is one of the most Catholick Cities of all the North fullest of Ecclesiastical goods and most devoted to the Apostolical See Orange desired to try Liege first he wrote to the Magistracy omitting to write to Gerardo Grosbech who was then Bishop of the City and a personage of great worth thinking that he adhered too much to the Kings and the Catholick cause But the same mind and zeal appeared to be in the Magistracy for they determinately answered That the City would not receive in any foreign soldiers and that they had men enough of their own to defend themselves against any violence that should be offered them This practising of Orange with the Ligeois and his marching with his Army towards that City made the Duke resolve likewise to draw near it with his But Orange his designe upon Liege proving vain he without trying Ruremond turned suddenly elsewhere with intention to pass the Mause where he might best foard over it The river happened to be very low that year for the climat of Flanders which even in Summer is very rainy and moyst was of some late months more drie then usual Having found the most commodious foard and making use of the night season Orange in great silence past his Army over the river just against Stocchem in the State of Liege Which when the Duke heard he forthwith went thither also and drew near Orange with his Army Their designes were notwithstanding very different Orange would have fought at the very first for finding himself much streigthned in mony and victuals and with men who he was rather to obey then command he thought he could not long maintain his Army And nothing being done as yet in Flanders in favour to him he knew that if he should not have some favourable success by way of battel the Countrie would hardly rise having so powerfull an Army as was that of the Duke of Alva's within its bowels The Duke out of the very same reasons shun'd giving or battel He saw that Orange in losing a battel could lose nothing but his Army whereas he together with the loss of his Army should hazard the loss of all Flanders Resolving therefore rather to coast along by his enemy then to fight him and to vex him so with sufferings as at last he should disband of himself he only kept near him And because it was already evidently seen that Orange his intention was to enter into Brabant the Duke provided the places of greatest danger with all things needfull which were Tilemon Lovayne and Brussels and had an eye also to all other parts where there was any cause of suspition The two Camps being thus quartered Orange moved towards Tongueren a great Town in the State of Liege intending to possess himself of it and there to get victuals for his men But the Duke did so secure it as Orange durst never assault it Getringberg a very good Town in the same Countrie was more easily perswaded to let him have victuals and to receive his soldiers into the Town Which it soon repented by reason of the insolencies which they committed particularly against the Churches and sacred things Departing suddenly from thence for that it was not tenable He quartered upon the confines of Brabant hoping that when his Colours should be seen so nigh at hand the malecontents within the Countrie would likewise display theirs But the Duke flanking still upon him and streightning him now on one side now on another did not afford him one minutes rest Chiapino Vitelli had the particular care of the quarters which he was very diligent in taking and muniting To which purpose he had a great many pyoneers in the Army and upon occasion he would make the very soldiers work within the Trenches In these the Camps approachings one unto the other in their quartering and disquartering and particularly upon occasion of forrage there happened almost continually some skirmishes between the soldiers of the two Armies Nor was there any considerable advantage got on either side for many days But at last one action proved very bloudie Brabant is watered by many small rivolets which fall almost all of them into the Demer which inlarged by their accessions doth at last disgorge it self into the Scheld Amongst other the Geet runs into it Orange being advanced into Brabant he could not pass this river so speedily and with such caution before that a good part of his Reer ere it could re-joyn with the rest was in danger to be assailed upon great advantage by the Dukes soldiers who did not lose that oportunity The Camp-Masters Romero Bracamonte and Bigli advancing with their Spaniards and Walloons gave violently upon the enemy who seeing the danger had tumultuously fortified themselves in a Village upon the
the Duke to proceed and who fed him with hopes of good success They proposed to begin with that which was likelyest to succeed to wit with that of the hundreth penny That this more easie entrance being made the Provinces would be the easilyer induced afterwards to give way to the harder Impositions of the tenth and twentieth penny That some of the Provinces should be first dealt withall herein as were thought were most inclinable to the Proposition That the example of one would conduce much to the rest And where example would not serve let Authority at last supply the place But the greater part of the Councel were of a contrary opinion and the President Vighlio appeared more openly against it then al the rest a State Mininister who was esteemed of incorrupted Loyalty to the King and of experienced wisdom in the affairs of Flanders He shewed how that too great difficulties would be met with even in the exaction of the hundreth penny alleadging the example of what had insued some years before upon the desire of the like subsidie He shewed how much the times were since then impaired how averse the Countrie did now appear to ordinary Contributions and how the minds of all men were agitated for what had happened That howsoever he did not think this kind of Imposition altogether infeisable since it would not be very grievous and but for once But as for the other upon goods moveable and unmoveable he thought that Imposition altogether uneffectable those oppositions not being to be overcome which would assuredly be made by whole Flanders as well for being grievances never before experienced and laid on for an unlimited time as that also without all peradventure the overthrow of all Traffick and Commerce would thereupon insue For said he will not all the concourse of foreign Merchants cease when they see they cannot freely buy and sell Merchandise according as they had wont What is it that doth not often turn from one to another species when it hath left its former homely and simple nature who will not abhor so oft a repeated grievance the price of other Merchandise increasing the like will certainly insue in what concerns victuals How will the poorer sort of people be therewithall grieved and how much will the very ablest be displeased there will be no remedy found for so great an evill but for no foreigners to Traffick in these Provinces and immediately to take away those of our own who are of the same profession Thus the Countrie will be impoverisht both in men and monies By which how much will the King himself suffer so as instead of receiving unwonted Impositions such as are usual will peradventure not be had hereafter Nor can it be doubted but that the contradictory example which will be seen in almost all the whole Countrie will be of greater prevalence then the ascent and that uncertain which may perchance be found in some one Province Our neighbour-Nations will likewise much complain of this noveltie with which ours hath express Covenants of free Trade But the mischief will at last fall wholly upon us and in the first place upon the King For in fine Princes are rich according as their Subjects are so And look what of commodity is got from them in time of peace much more is reaped in time of war In my opinion then that advantage ought to be past by which brings with it a greater evil And all means ought rather to be indeavoured whereby to appease mens minds then to afford them new occasions of exasperation Otherwise I foresee and I wish I may prove a false Prophet that the losses which we shall receive at home will prove much greater then the victories which we have lately obtained abroad advantagious These reasons alleadged by Vighlio were undoubtedly of great wheight But they did not though divert the Duke of Alva from his indeavours who being accustomed to overcome Military difficulties thought he might much more easily do the like in Civil affairs So as continuing in his former fervency he ceased not to interpose sometimes prayers sometime power and very oft threats to arrive at the end which he had proposed unto himself He particularly indeavoured to compass those means in every Province which might the easilyer dispose them to allow of the aforesaid Impositions The Walloon Provinces were the most Catholick and of least Traffick It was so handled as these assented presently to the hundred penny and by their example though not without much difficulty the rest were induced to do the like The Duke to make himself appear the more gracious at the same time to the people caused severe justice to be executed upon one John Speell a Fleming who had had a great share in all the most odious criminal affairs This man was therefore very much abhor'd by all the Country not only for what he had done but for the manner of doing it with all sort of cruelty and corruption When he was condemned to die the Duke would have him hung up in the publick market-place at Brussels And two others whom he had used most in his negotiations were banished To this Actof Justice the Duke added a much greater of Clemency He had lying by him a general pardon from the Pope and another from the King which bore with them abolition for the misdeeds committed in Flanders against the Ecclesiastical and Regal Authority of both which he had liberty to make use accordingly as he being upon the place should think fit The Popes dispensation was to this purpose obtained in Spain and the King had likewise sent his but in each of them such high defaults were excepted wherein Divine and Humane Majesty were most offended and the King reserved unto himself the free power to make good or abrogate those priviledges which had served for a pretence to the late risings The Duke going to Antwerp which by reason of Traffick was a City then very much frequented by forreigners he made a stately Throne be erected in the chief Piazza upon the top of which was placed a Chair of State whereon he himself being sate and invironed round about with great pomp he made both these pardons be proclaimed All the people ran to hear this and the news thereof was suddenly divulged throughout all the Provinces And the Duke at the same time indeavoured to reconcile himself unto them by reducing the soldiers to a lesser number by ordering their quarters better and by putting divers things in better order for the better satisfaction of the people But in fine it proved too true that let a man do well or ill all actions are abhor'd which proceed from a hatefull Government And just so it fell out then The Flemish seemed little satisfied with all that the Duke had done nay many of them gave a sinister interpretation to both the Indulgencies as if there were too much scope left by the so many exceptions both to punish past faults and cause
the Scheld fall into the Sea in so large Channels as losing the condition of Rivers they seem to carry new Seas into the Sea on the contrary the Ocean first washing the said two Provinces for a long trackt of ground and turning then as it were from the sea into a River penetrates into each of them by divers Channels and hides it self there in sundry Gulfs From hence joyning with the Rivers and together with them cutting Zealand thorough in many places it makes many Islands thereof and reduceth Holland into a Peninsula To boot with these three forenamed Rivers which are the chiefest of all Flanders there are in Holland divers other lesser ones and as if Art would contend with Nature there are thereunto added an infinite number of Channels cut by hand which are made for the more commodiousness of the Countrie There are within it likewise a great number of Lakes and standing waters so as the situation of both these Provinces being well considered 't is to be questioned whether the space of ground be greater which is won from the earth by water or from water by the earth nor is it less to be disputed whether their Country do more abound with or be more failing in those Commodities which men enjoy in other parts Through the condition of their situation they want both Corn Wine Oyle Wool Wood Hemp Flax and almost all other Commodities and delights which are used in more temperate and drie Climates and yet again there is no Country not only in that Northern nook but not even in any part of Europe which abounds so much as Holland and Zealand doth in almost all the aforenamed things and even of those which are less necessary for the maintenance of humane life So great is the advantage which these two Provinces receive by the Sea and Rivers whereby their Commerce with all other parts is so easie Which since they have introduced and made so familiar in the Indies it cannot be said how much both Merchandise and Merchants are increased in both of them Hence it is that they abound so much in Inhabitants and that their Cities Towns and Villages are so well peopled But the Sea likewise is as full of Ships and other bottoms and all their watry places with other sorts of boats which serve all for habitations especially to Mariners and Fishers Great is the number of people which apply themselves to these two vocations in Holland and in Zealand They make houses of their ships and of their houses schools Here they are born here they are bred up and here they learn their profession And the Mariners especially practising their Calling in running so oft and so boldly from the one Pole to the other and whethersoever the Sun communicates it self to mortals they grow so expert therein as though they may be equalled yet cannot they be out-done in this Seafering mysterie by any whatsoever Nation For what remains these people are generally given to Traffick and are extraordinary industrious in Manual and Mechanical Arts. Their greatest delight lies in their feasts and at their meat by which they temper the melancholy of their tedious Winters which are rather long then sharp the Country abounding much more in rain then in frost They are generally well shaped in body as candid in nature as in countenance pleasant in their leasure times but fierce in their revolts and much better at fighting by sea then by land They feed most upon fish and white-meats wherein their Country doth infinitely abound They have alwaies been inclin'd to a Free Government and have ever tenaciously held their antient Customes And since Heresie began to creep in amongst them turning their Liberty by degrees into licentiousness it hath since been easier for the Authors of the late Novelties to make them rise and forgoe their former obedience to the Church and King Holland is full of great Cities good Towns and infinite in Villages But by reason of the frequency of Foreigners and multitude of self-Inhabitants Amsterdam hath always been the chief City of that Province Even whilst Commerce flourisht in Antwerp great was the concourse of Foreigners to Amsterdam but Commerce failing in that City by reason of the War it is so mightily increased in this other as Amsterdam is at this hour the place of greatest Merchandising not only in Holland but in all the North. In Zealand Midleburg is the Town best peopled and of greatest Traffick That Province cannot notwithstanding come any thing near Holland neither in circuit people nor plenty 'T is almost impossible to enter either of these Provinces by force because not only the chief places but even the commonest Towns are Invironed either by the Sea Rivers or Lakes or by Earth then which there can be none more low nor more myery So as it is no wonder if these People being thus favoured by Nature were both so fierce in taking up Arms at first and have with like animosity maintained them ever since But to return to where I left As soon as Lumay was received into the Brill he presently began to fortifie himself judging that without delay the Duke of Alva would send to drive him from thence He openly profest Heresie wherewith that Town was likewise much infected so as great violence and impiety was at first committed against Church-men and sacred things The news of this flew suddenly round about and the Duke of Alva was soon advertised thereof by Maximilian Count de Bossu Governour of Holland The Duke was mightily troubled hereat He knew what practises there were in Germany France and England to cause new troubles in Flanders and that the nearest and greatest danger lay on the Maritine side of the Country He therefore ordered Bossu to draw out so many men out of the neighbouring Garisons with all possible speed as would suffice not only to recover the Brill but to drive Lumay out of that Island To this purpose Fernando de Tolledo marched thitherward with part of his men which lay nearest and went to Roterdam one of the greatest and most Merchandizing Towns in all Holland 't is seated upon the Roter a little River from whence it takes its name and almost where it falls into the Mause which inlargeth itself there very much The Kings Forces passing from thence met with Bossu in Waldargin a Town situated likewise upon the same stream of the Mause not far from the Bril and hence they were conveyed in Barks into the Island But Lumay being first advertised of their advancing Bossu met with such impediments in effecting this enterprise as he was inforced and that not without great difficulty to turn back and all those people were already manifestly inclined to rise through an opinion which was every where received and by the Hereticks cunningly spread abroad that the Kings souldiers went to gather the imposed taxes by force When the Spaniards were come out of the Bril Island they return'd again to Roterdam where they found
even one of the chiefest of all Flanders That from that Line of the Confines which was towards France it lay far enough inward in the Kings Territories but yet not so far but that it might be easily succour'd from without That it might easily be made very strong being on one side in a very low and spongy situation and well provided of Walls and Ditches on all other parts That being near the very Province of Flanders and that of Brabant it might easily further the Tumults both in the one and the other of them and consequently make the fire more lasting which was to be kindled in so many parts He therefore with much fervency apply'd himself to the sudden regaining of it and hoped well therein by his having so easily recovered Valentiennes He saw that Lodovick of Nassaw might be succoured on two sides to wit by the way of Germany by the Forces which Orange prepared and by the way of France by the Forces raised by the Hugonots these were doubtlesly the nearest and therefore likely to be the speediest The Duke therefore resolved to make his quickest opposition on this side of France hoping that when he should have interrupted that succour he might more easily impede the other but such and so grievous commotious happened suddenly in Holland as they put upon him new and greater necessities and rendred him much perplext touching what he was to resolve upon The Town of Eachusen had there led the way first to open disobedience which Town lies very opportunely for situation as lying upon the point of a great Gulf which the Sea makes in Holland towards the North and no less for the quality thereof and number of shipping which are continually built there and which makes it one of the best and most esteemed Arsenals of all that Province Nor was it long ere other greater revolts followed For Dort Harlem Leyden Gouda and almost all the other Cities and chief Towns did at once the like except Amsterdam which continued then and long after in Allegiance to the King Great raising of Arms was likewise heard of in Germany and that Orange having past the Rhine grew still stronger in men intending to enter Flanders again by the same way he did before To obviate so many evils which threatned him in so many several parts the Duke of Alva betook himself suddenly to raise great levies both of horse and foot and gave order for the taking of 5 or 6 thousand horse into pay in High Germany the chief care whereof was had by Henry Duke of Brunswick formerly imployed by the King upon like occasions by Salentine Count of Isemburg Archbishop of Cullen who shewed himself very faithfull to the Catholick Cause and the Crown of Spain and by Peter Ernestus Count of Mansfield who came originally from Germany and who had yet many friends and kindred of great esteem there he gave order for the raising of 18 thousand foot in six Regiments to wit 3000 in the Upper and 3000 in the Lower Germany The first were taken into pay by Ottone Count of Erbestein by George Baron of Fronsberg and by Nicholas Purvighliere all of them natives of the same Country And the latter by Giles Count of Barlemonte by Maximilian Count of Bossu and by Lancelot Count of Mega all of them the Kings Vassals in the Provinces of Flanders These levies required great store of money whereof the Duke was very much exhausted But he had represented unto the King the affairs of Flanders to be in so dangerous a condition as he was in some sort presently furnisht therewithall for his necessities and the King promised him to see him continually furnisht with what should be requisit for maintaining the Churches Cause and his own which was now become one and the same in those Provinces The new Insurrections which had happened in Holland bore with them very bad consequences to boot with the former in Zealand And the Novelties which had succeeded and which still grew greater in the Frontiers towards Germany and France required powerfull and speedy remedy The Duke of Alva consulted therefore with the chief Commanders of the Army to what part it was best to bend the Kings Forces or if by dividing them they might suffice for both occasions 'T was generally thought that there were not enough to be divided And as for the turning to the one or the other place Marshal Vitelli Camp-Master-General who was greatly esteemed in the Army as well for the prerogative of his Place as for his Valour was of opinion that they were to bend all their Forces immediately towards Holland and Zealand saying That by good reason of War Forces were to be turned thither where their imployment was of greatest consequence And how much did it most import first to secure the Maritine Country That in those parts which lay more inward in the Country the people were neither so infected with Heresie nor so inclin'd to Rebellion And though some loss might be suffered by the Forces from Germany and France it was to be hoped that they might be easily regain'd That the Hugonots Forces were of no substance of themselves nor was it to be thought that the King of France would favour them if for what might concern the good of Spain at least for what might respect the service of his own Kingdom so grievously infested by them That the heretick Forces of Germany which were to enter Flanders were to be esteemed of the same nature being tumultuously raised ill provided of men and worse of money more ready to pillage then to fight and that prey and pay failing they would soon forgoe their obedience and insteed of carrying their Colours against their enemies they would turn them against their Commanders That for these reasons it was to be believed that the noise was greater then the blow would be from either of both those parts and that those foreign Forces being soon scattered by the opposition made by the Kings Towns which to that purpose were with all diligence suddenly to be munited Mons would easily be recovered as also whatsoever other damage might insue in any other part upon those Frontiers But on the contrary how firmly was heresie radicated both in Holland and Zealand how much were the people alienated from their former devotion to the Church and to the King That by reason of the Sea and Rivers Merchandise did very much abound there as also monies and victuals and that every Town there was so strong by Nature that allow but a little time to Industry every Pass would require an Army to overcome it and every Siege almost an Age to finish it That by the opportunity of the Sea new Forces might continually be sent unto the Rebels on those sides from Germany and France But especially from England And they being Masters of the Maritine parts what advantages might they by other designes work unto themselves in the more inward Countries What difficulties would the succours
then meet withall which should be sent by Sea from Spain to Flanders Which succours were to be esteemed the speediest and most profitable the others-which were to be expected by land being so far off and so chargeable to convoy that Orange had long governd both those Provinces having great store of wealth and adherents in them that therefore it was to be believed that out of so many considerations of his own advantage he would indeavour to lay the chief seat of the Rebellion there That therefore the Frontiers towards Germany and France being secured the best that might be they were presently to turn with all their forces toward Holland and Zealand That from thence the chiefest head of this new Hydra arose And that it was not to be doubted but that the hardest difficulty being once overcome the rest would afterwards prove much more easie This opinion of Vitelli was grounded upon very solid reasons But amongst others Norchermes was rather of a different then of a repugnant mind He was held to be the ablest souldier of all those Provinces He was Governor of Hennault and therefore adding his own privat ends to the publick considerations he propounded the recovery of Mons in the first place He said That that City might be recovered by a short siege and also all the designes which Orange and the Hugonots could have upon those Frontiers of Germany and France be easily broken That turning the Kings Forces suddenly from thence upon Holland and Zealand they might be there time enough to allay the Rebellion which was there begun Nor was this resolution to be taken so much out of conveniency as out of necessity That the loss of Mons was of too great importance That by the opportunity of its situation the Enemy might make it very strong and make it as it were a Piazzad Armi from whence they might infest the whole Countrie of Walloon and also the two neighbouring Provinces of Brabant and Flanders which were the two largest and most opulent Provinces of all the Low-Countries And how could they be sure but that so many Forces of the Enemy might make further progress in those Frontiers That it was not possible to furnish all the Kings Towns in those parts with all things necessary And though the chiefest should make resistance doubtlesly the weaker would not be able to do it which notwithstanding being quickly fortified by the Enemy would make way for their further entrance on other sides into the Kings Provinces How much would they then molest the Countrie every where and what other commodities would they there receive whereby to maintain themselves the Towns would then be burnt on all sides the fields fill'd with amazement the Inhabitants with horror and to boot with the prejudice the Kings affairs should suffer how much should he thereby suffer in his honour In my opinion then we must in the first place recover what is lost and seek to prevent other greater losses which our Enemies may occasion unto us in our Frontiers upon Germany and France This being done all the Kings Forces may the easilier march to the reducing of Holland and Zealand to their former obedience One success will bring on another and we ought to expect as good successe in the second as we have reason to hope for in the first The Duke was of this opinion He thought he should be able to settle the Kings affairs so soon in one place as he might have time enough to secure them on the other To the which he was the more incited out of a desire not to permit the French to nestle so much as any one minute in Flanders And no less out of the bitter hatred which he and the Prince of Orange bore each to other as well for privat as publick respects as hath been said He therefore desired to oppose him as soon as might be and to drive him now again out of the Countrie more shamefully then he had done before The business of Mons being then resolved on he forthwith dispatcht away some Troops of horse thitherward to hinder the coming of any others thither from France and sent afterwards his son Frederick de Tolledo thither with 4000 foot and 800 horse accompanied by Vitelli and Norchermes Towards the end of June these people appeared within sight of the City and possessing themselves of the fittest places round about it did as it were besiege it at a large distance The City of Mons receives its name from its situation which in that Language signifies a Mountain or Hill but the rise of the earth is there so gentle as it cannot well be said to be mountainous 'T is a very Noble City as well for the concourse of people as for Commerce it hath many good houses in it and there sits the Kings Councel which administers Justice to the Countrie all which Prerogatives gives it the precedency over all other Towns of that Province It commands large and spacious fields round about it which may be questioned whether they abound more in Pasture or Tillage Nor is the Territory thereof less rich in Woods nor generally indeed all the rest of the Province The City is stronger by natural situation then by manual industry It is cut thorough on the lower side by a little rivolet called Trulla which as soon as it goes out of it fals into another somewhat bigger called Hayne which crossing through the Province before it be gotten quite out fals likewise into the Scheld The besieged this mean while sought only how to furnish themselves with victuals which they were not well provided of The Harvest was then ripe wherefore they determined to make a stout sally thereby to afford leasure for the cutting down of the nearest Corn and for the bringing of it into the City The Kings men were not backwards in opposing them so as a very fierce skirmish insued But fresh succours coming still into the latter the defendants were forc'd at last to retreat and Vitelli as he was pursuing them was shot with a musquet in the leg Genlis was not this mean while idle on the French behalf he had with very great diligence gathered together a considerable strength of horse and foot wherewith he marched speedily to relieve the besieged The Province of Hennault looks towards the South on Champania and Picardy in France so as the speediest and easiest succour was hoped for from thence Genlis his designe was to draw so near Mons as that he might put thereinto a good number of soldiers and then to go himself with the rest of his Forces and joyn with the Prince of Orange The Admiral Coligni who was the principal Architecture of all the plots hatched by the Hugonots as well within France as out of it had exhorted him to goe immediately to find out Orange Count Lodovick had signified the like unto him from Mons both of them being of opinion that the body of the Army conducted by Orange being rendred so
Country free from that violation which had been occasioned in them by Forein Laws That to compass so just an end Holland and Zealand had at last taken up Arms That their success had been alternately various but that yet the greatest part of both these Provinces were in the hands of their own inhabitants That the new Governour was not acquainted with his Souldiers nor his Souldiers with him That his experience in war was not great That he found the Spaniards in mutiny the others but ill satisfied and that monies were very scarce to give them satisfaction That the Empire of Spain by reason of the too great division and largeness of its bulk was so incumbred within it self as it could not furnish Flanders with sufficient Forces to maintain war long Then let the Flemish once resolve to joyn in one and those their neighbours with them who were most interessed in their cause That thus the Country would be soon restor'd to her antient form of Government and her present miseries be turn'd into her formerly enjoy'd Felicity Otherwise how could it be hoped for but that the Flemish divided at home within themselves and forsaken by their friends abroad were shortly to receive all hardest and proudest Laws from the Spaniards Orange gave abroad these conceits as well to incense the Flemish still more against the Government of Spain as also to make the neighbours the more ready to joyn with his brother in his aforesaid endeavours But these practises were chiefly had in Germany and were as usually fomented by the Heretick party of England and France The design of the Nassaw Brethren was That Lodovick should enter Flanders from the side of Germany with all the Forces he could assemble together and that Orange at the same time coming out of Holland should endeavour to joyn those which he had mustered in the Country with the Foreiners To this end very close intelligence was held by both of them in sundry parts of Flanders and by Lodovick particularly in some Cities which were most commodious for him for his passage over the Rivers but of all others he coveted to be master of Mastrick a very fitting place towards the Frontiers of Germany there being a bridge there over the Mause as hath been formerly shewn When Lodovick had got all things necessary for the body of an Army he marched from those parts about the beginning of February not valuing the threats of the season that so he might not lose the opportunity of the Crisis He knew in what straits the new Governour was by reason of the difficulties which were raised against him by Orange and his partakers Having therefore past the Rhine and Mosel he drew near Ghelderland intending as might be conjectured to pass over the Maus and get into Brabant where his brother was to joyn with him 'T was said that he had in his Army 7000 Foot 3000 Horse gathered out of the neighbouring Nations and that his greatest strength lay as it had done formerly in German Souldiers These and all the rest came with great opinion of good success which would prove so advantagious to them as might make abundant satisfaction yea with use for their last unfortunate losses Lodovick had with all industry strove to nurse them up in this belief shewing all which made for his advantage and his Brothers in the affairs of Flanders which might most confirm hope in them both of making large Conquests and of getting the Victory with ease This expedition of Lodovicks was so speedy as the Commendador heard of the effects thereof before he heard of the preparation So as very much troubled at the news and meeting with difficulties on all sides he knew not what resolution to take He saw the Kings men were mightily decreased in their numbers that to muster them together and march towards Lodovick to defend the Land frontiers was to leave all the Sea-side in prey to Orange that to divide his Forces were not to have sufficient to break their designs as it behoved on both sides that to draw them out of the garrisons was not without danger because peradventure they would not be drawn out without receiving their pay at least in some proportion that howsoever it was requisite to make other great Levies shortly which would cost great sums of money that the provisions from Spain were not sufficient to furnish requisite monies for so many affairs and that Flanders was every day more backward then other in contributing thereunto When Rhechesens had advised upon all these difficulties with all the chief of the Army the resolution which was taken was That he and the Marquis Vitelli should not go far from Antwerp where Orange's secret practises did threaten most That leaving a sufficient number of Souldiers in Holland to keep what they had gotten they should only stand upon their defence on that Frontier and that all the rest of the Army being assembled together Sancio d' Avila should lead them towards the Mause to secure the Kings Towns thereabouts and to hinder Lodovick from passing over that River This being resolved upon it was suddenly put in execution Necessary orders were speedily given forth for the making of great Levies of new men in the neighbouring Catholick parts of Germany Burgony and the Walloon Provinces of Flanders But because they were straitned in time they betook themselves to draw the old Souldiers out of the garrisons using all the means they could to satisfie them with hopes since they could not doe in effect This mean-while Lodovick still advanced and halting with his Camp near Mastrick he staid expecting whether he might according to his hopes steal into the City by way of Intelligencer The Commendador fearing this dispatcht away Bernardino di Mendoza suddenly thither with some Troops of horse to which he afterwards added some Foot-companies And the Royalists flocking thither from all parts to make it their rendezvous Sancio d'Avila came thither likewise about the beginning of March who was to be the chief Commander there Thus that City was secured in its obedience to the King and Lodovick was likewise kept from passing over the River on that part He took up his quarters near the Castle of Walchemburg little more then two leagues from Mastrick in divers Villages thereabouts Avila had likewise disposed of the Kings men towards that side accordingly as they came to the rendezvous And in the interim the more to encourage his men and to discover the Enemies courage the better he sent forth Skirmishes almost every day in one of which which proved more bloody then the rest Francisco de Medina who was Commissary-General of the Kings horse was slain the remainder of the loss being equal on both sides But Avila taking his advantage another time took a number of selected Spaniards and Walloons and set upon the village of Bemelen wherein divers Companies of the Enemies German Foot lay and slew above 400 of them the rest sorely confused flying for
as were committed in matter of Religion But neither did the one or the other Indulgence avail any thing nay this latter met with less of faith in the Flemish then the former had done by how much they were more alienated from the Church and King since the coming forth of the former The Commendador had at this time some little hopes of reducing the Rebels to some pacification Philip Marnice Lord of Aldegonda was made the Instrument herein who in some Military action had formerly been taken and was then prisoner in Utricht This was one of Orange his chief Councellors a man of great courage and abilities in whatsoever imployment And to him were attributed chiefly many of those actions which had occasioned the first tumults in Flanders particularly the drawing up of that Covenant of which we have formerly spoken He gave some hopes that he would bring Orange to such conditions as the King should be satisfied withall Whereupon by the Commendadors order il Signior de Champigni who was Governor of Antwerp and Gunio di Jongen entred into Treaty with him for certain days but it quickly appeared that the Treaty was commenc'd either out of fraud or vain glory For the proposals on Marnice's behalf bore conditions which were impossible to effect He first proposed That all foreigners should be made to quit the Country indeavouring by sundry wayes to honest the motion And for what concerned Religion he represented what had so often been proposed by Orange to wit That the States General might be called and that they should maturely consider what means were best to be used as a remedy therein so this Treaty of agreement was quickly broken off for the Commendador would not have it to continue any longer judging that Religion and the King should suffer too much prejudice by only listening to such Propositions Now follows the siege of Leyden which was particularly memorable for the condition of the succour which so altered the order of affairs as the besiegers became besieged and look what unhappy success the assailed expected the Assailant made trial of the very same Leyden is one of the chief Towns of Holland it is seated low amongst as may be said a labyrinth of channels part of which are running part standing waters and which cut through the Territories thereof on al sides The Rhine runs through it with one of its branches which now is the weakest but hath formerly been the most frequented though this retain its antient name whereas the rest as they draw near the sea change it into that of other Rivers So many other channels are derived from this branch within the Town itself in several parts as the space which is there broken off by the Islands is in a sort larger then what is united to the Continent But if it be divided by so many channels it is re-joyned by many more bridges Of which there are about 150. where they may serve either for use or ornament and the most of them are of stone The Town is well peopled her streets are large buildings well polished it is well flankt round about her ditch is every where deep and in fine she is in all circumstances of such condition as the Kings men had good reason to use all endeavour to gain her as also the Rebels to keep possession of her The Towns of Delf Roterdam and Gouda are much about half a days journey distant from Leyden the Noblest and best peopled Towns in all Holland The Hague is likewise within two leagues of it an open Village but which for beautious situation for number of Inhabitants and gallant buildings may compare with many of the best walled Towns of that Province Yet is not this Village watred or cut through by any river The Town of Delf lies upon a river which joynes upon the Mause Roterdam upon the Roter from whence it hath its name and Gouda upon the Gowe from whence it hath also its nomination where it joynes with the Isell and together therewith falls afterwards into the Mause To these rivers many other channels cut by hand are annext so as there is no Village thereabouts near which there is not either running or standing waters in divers places The Holland Rebels knew long before that the Spaniards intended to besiege Leyden and that the Duke of Alva after the taking of Harlem had declared his intention therein by possessing himself of al those places aloof off which in the winter season were most opportune to effect it The Duke being gone Rechesens had continued the same resolution Wherefore the Rebels to prevent the danger intended to fortifie those Passes which were of greatest importance either to impede the Rebels or to bring succour to the Town Two Villages amongst the rest were most considerable for this purpose the one toward Gouda called Alfen which is seated upon a channel over which there is a bridge which according to the Custom of that Country opens and shuts in the passage of the water with sluces or floudgates The other towards Delf which is called Masen-sluce and which commands one of the chiefest passes upon the way to Leyden In these two places the enemies had fortified themselves and especially in that of Alfen in respect of the bridg which they guarded by a particular Fort. When then the Kings side had resolved to besiege Leyden it was thought necessary before all other things to possess themselves of both these passes The Commendador had given the chief care of the siege to the Camp-master Valdes who to this purpose having assembled together a good many Spaniards and joyned some Germans and Walloons with them was gone towards Leyden His first designe in approaching it was to assault the Village of Alfen and to bereave the enemy of the abovesaid bridg Wherefore picking out some of the stoutest souldiers they assaulted the enemy so furiously as after a bloudy fight they won the fort which was built to defend the bridg And following those with the same violence who retreated they entred together with them into their fortifications wherewith the Town was munited and slew many of them rather in their flight then in their making resistance so made themselves Masters of that place and quartered there As much as the Kings men were hereby incouraged the Rebels were as much discouraged which made the taking of the other fort of Masâ—nsluce more easie to the Royalist and thus these two places fell within a few days into their hands who by so favourable a beginning hoped very much in a no less prosperons end of the Siege They then betook themselves with diligence to be masters of all other Avenues whereby succour might be kept from the Town The parts thereabouts as hath been said are full of Channels and Rivers wherefore 't was thought necessary to block up all passages with sundry Forts by which the City might be come to either by land or water so as ere long there were little less then
thus it proved in what we shall now relate For all of them joyning at last in opinion that Leyden was not to be freed by any other way then by what Boisot had propounded 't was resolved that at all adventures they would follow his advice The chief banks or ditches of the Mause and Isel between Roterdam and Tergowe were presently cut in divers places And at the high-tide the waters began to break in every where and overflow all the grounds which lie between Tergowe Roterdam Delf and Leyden At the sight of this unlooked for inundation the Spaniards were at first much astonished but they were soon aware of the enemies designe The Kings Forts were very many as we have said and divers of them were seated in the lowest places These the inundation did quickly reach and therefore they were quickly forsaken and those who kept them went to joyn with those who kept the chiefest Forts which were so placed as they might be more easily maintained This mean while when once the enemy had pitched upon the aforesaid resolution they applyed themselves apace to get together great store of vessels which should be fitting to relieve Leyden They were very careful to build them with shallow bottoms to the end that they might pass over such grounds where the waters were shallowest the greatest part of them were built in Roterdam by reason of the nearness and oportunity of its situation Whole Holland was in great expectation what the success would prove and therefore people flockt from all parts to help to build boats many of which were to be in the form of Gallies with oars to the end that they might the easilyer get by the passes and assault the Forts which were yet in the Royalists possession These boats were therefore furnished with many peeces of Artillery and such people as were judged fit to fight Whilst they were making this preparation the Admiral of Holland indeavoured with some ships prepared for that purpose to force certain passes and to bring some succour into Leyden for the besieged suffered very much for want of victuals and did very earnestly sollicite succour But his design did not at that time take effect For the waters were not yet so far increased as that his Vessels could come near Leyden All Holland joyned therefore in their prayers That the Sea might suddenly swell higher and that the Province by raising the Siege of Leyden might receive so desired a misfortune On the other side the Kings men were not wanting in securing their Forts and repairing them with earth hay and whatsoever else they could come by of most commodious And hoping that the waters would swell no higher they perswaded themselves that they should within a few dayes finish their business They very well knew the Townsmens necessities and that all their victuals being already spent the affairs within were drawing to great extremity Whilst both sides were in these fears and hopes the time came wherein Nature by way of her hidden causes was likewise to work her effects About the end of September the Sea began to swell exceedingly according as she useth to doe in that season of the year And pouring in at the high Tides no longer waves but even mountains of waters into the most inward channels and rivers made so great an inundation as all the Country about Leyden seemed to be turned into a Sea It cannot be said how much the Rebels were hereby incouraged and the Kings men discouraged The former came presently forth with their Fleet which consisted of about 150 Bottoms a great part whereof were made like Gallies and to these were added many other Boats which served only to carry victuals The whole Fleet was thus assembled together about the beginning of October and put to water in good order to execute ther designed relief the Gallies went on the outsides the other greater Vessels which if need should be were to play upon the Forts in the midst and those which bore the victuals in the rear But there was no occasion of any great contention For the Kings men having valiantly defended themselves in sundry places considering that they were not now to fight with men but with the Elements thought rather how to withdraw themselves into places of safety then rashly to oppose the enemy Yet they could not forgoe their Fortifications neither so soon nor in so good order but that many of them remained a prey either to the sword or to the water And truly it was a miserable spectacle to behold from all parts one slain another drowned and many endeavour to save themselves in the highest places where when they were freed from the waters they were inexorably slain by the Enemy 'T is said that above 1500 of the Kings men perisht thus and most of them Spaniards as those who were chiefly imployed in ordering the Siege and who desirous to bear away the greatest glory fell into the greatest misfortune Thus was Leyden at last relieved after five moneths siege to the exceeding great joy of the Rebels and all that favoured them But howsoever the memory of this siege remained a long time very sorrowfull in the City for about 10000 dyed within the town of hunger other sufferings and all the most unclean vilest nourishment was already so consumed when the relief was brought in and the besieged resolving rather to die then to yield nothing was expected but that the City should give up her last breath and remaining a miserable carkass should be buried within her own wals and houses THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF FLANDERS Written by CARDINAL BENTIVOGLIO BOOK IX The Contents The Emperour endeavours to procure the Peace of Flanders and sends an Ambassador to this purpose The Commissioners for the King and for the Rebels meet and confer at Pireda Difficulties met with in the Treaty not to be overcome The Treaty is soon dissolved and all hopes of Agreement vanish Arms are reassumed on all sides The Catholicks progress in Holland and in Zealand and with what design Description of the Islands which lie on the East-side of Zealand To take them it is propounded to wade through a large Channel the difficulties whereof are held very great The Commendador resolves to make tryal and hath happy success therein The Kings men take divers Forts Quricksea is besieged the Town begirt and great resistance made but at last those within yield The Commendador this mean while dyes and the Government passeth into the hands of the Councel of State The Spaniards mutiny again who are therefore declared Rebels and are set on on all sides by the Flemish Divers hostilities between them The States cause the Castles of Antwerp and of Gaunt to be besieged The mutinous Spaniards run to relieve that of Antwerp and having secured it sack the City in revenge A General Assembly of the Deputies of the Catholick Provinces and of those of Holland and Zealand which are infected with Heresie Peace and Union insues
2000 foot and 600 horse to hinder them The Spaniards had 800 horse but came without any foot at all Both parties met in the Village of Visenack not far from Lovain The Spaniards whose chief Commander was Vargas endeavoured first to pass friendly by which they signified by a Trumpet to the contrary party Who being more in number returned a negative answer and forced the Spaniards to open their way with their swords They were all choice men where as the others horse consisted most of the old Companies of Flanders and usually but little exercised and amongst their foot there were many new souldiers but then raised by the Councels Authority The Spaniards seeing a necessity of fighting supplyed their want of foot by putting a Company of Burgonian horse on foot and took the best advantage they could of place whereby they might receive the less offence from the adverse foot Here they came to blows The Flemish charged violently at first but the Spaniards knew so well both how to evade them and how to stand them as turning furiously upon the Flemish they easily broak them and cut almost all their foot in peeces The horse suffered but little harm for not intending to fight they soon ran all away Those Burgonians who were on foot behaved themselves gallantly with whom John Baptista del Monte leaving his Company of Lanciers and fighting on foot gave great testimony of his courage and stoutness in that action Amongst the other Captains of Lanciers George Basti Barnerdine Mendosa and Peter Tassis fought likewise very valiantly particularly Basti upon occasion of charging the enemy in the most dangerous flank and in the first heat of the combate Rafael Barberino was dangerously hurt The Pass being won Vargas went to treat with the mutiners in Alst where he met Sancio d'Avila and the Camp-masters Romero and Toledo All these indeavoured very much to get those other to joyn with the rest who followed the same Colours They represented unto them in what danger the Castle of Antwerp and Gaunt were and the Town of Mastrick by reason of the intelligence that the States held there And they concluded that their men if they would joyn together might hope to overcome but being divided they were sure to be all lost But all this was in vain for the mutiners appearing more deaf in their minds then in their ears with a greater sense of rage then reason remained firm in their resolution of not quitting Alst till they were fully paid So Vargas and the rest returned to from whence they came It was not long ere Vargas with whom the Toledan was joyned met with a new occasion of fighting They were not gon far from Alst when they heard the German Garison together with the Townsmen in Mastrick were ready to rise in favour of the States That City as we said in the beginning is divided by the Mause the greatest part thereof lies towards Brabant and on the other shore towards the Country of Liege doth the lesser part stand called by the name of Vich There were here some few Spaniards and some few others in a gate placed between two great Towers on the other greater side of the City which was therefore chiefly in the Germans custody Montesdock a Spaniard was Governour of the Town who when he found the contrivings of the garison with the Townsmen he end eavoured by sundry ways to remedy it but the issue was he himself was imprisoned They then took up arms to drive out the Spaniards and to put the City absolutely into the hands of the Flemish This news was suddenly brought to Vargas and he in great haste ran to assist his companions He forthwith assembled together many of the nearest Spanish foot and passing over the Mause gave such succour as was needfull to the part called Vich And this happened so opportunely as that the enemy were driven from the bridg which joyns the two parts of the Town together and pursued into the Town with great slaughter The others had the like success also at the fighting of the aforementioned gate for the Spaniards that were within having still manfully defended it at last let those in that were without who secured the City which in revenge was afterwards sackt by both parties The States indeavoured this mean while by all means possible to have the two Castles of Antwerp and Gaunt in their possession They had already said siege to the latter and begirt it with many men which were commanded by John Croy Count of Rouls subordinate to the Duke of Ariscot who was Governour of the Province The Emperour Charls the fift made the Castle to be built in that year 1540. upon the occasion of the rising of those of Gaunt so to curb their contumacy the more for the future It consists of four Bastions which look on one side upon the City on the other side towards the fields The Governour of the Castle was at this time ill provided of all things and had not above 200 men to defend it It was commanded by a Lieutenant of Mandragone's in lieu of him who notwithstanding all his wants prepared manfully to defend it Count Rouls raised a platform on the side which was nearest the City and began to open his Yrenches on the same side to fall as soon as he might into the ditch He placed some peeces of Artillery upon the platform which commanded the Castle and did so streighten it on all sides as those within could receive no relief from those without At the same time a great many of the States men were gone likewise to Antwerp to besiege that Castle the foot which consisted all of old Walloons and new raised men were accompanied by a good body of horse and the States did not omit any other sort of provisions which were requisite suddenly to come by their desires in both places The Citadel of Antwerp lies upon the banks of the Scheld upon the South side of the City It is a Pentagon composed of five Royal Bastions Of all modern fortifications it hath been esteemed so famous as it hath served for a pattern to almost as many Citadels as have been built in any Country since Some of her flanks lies towards the City and the rest lean towards the Champian Respect being had as in all other Castles to be able on one side to command the City and on the other to receive necessary succours upon all occasions from without There lies a good space of ground between the Castle and the City The Flemish resolved to streighten the siege on this side which they began to do with two Cavalliers of a great hight upon which they places some peeces of great Artillery From hence they began to play upon them within and imployed a great number of men in making their Trenches The Canon shot which played upon both the Castles were heard in Alst at the hearing whereof the mutiners began to rescent themselves and to be inraged
arise on all sides and from thence troublâ— The Queen of Navar passeth by the Frontiers of Flanders towards France Don John goes himself in person to receive her and to carry her to Namures Upon which occasion he makes himself Master of the Castle of that City The States complain hereof unto the King They resolve to call the Prince of Orange into 〈◊〉 and receive him with unusual honours Which causeth jealousies in the â—â—st of the chief Nobility who therefore determine to offer the Government of Flanders to Archduke Mathias He accepts of the offer and comes thither privatly Orange his opinion and the opinion of the States General touching his coming They resolve to accept of him for the Governour of the Country The Flemish take up arms on all sides against Don John And endeavour to besiege Namures The Kings men return speedily into Flanders And a battel insues thereupon near Geblurs wherein they have the victory The proceedings of the Kings Forces Preparations on the behalf of the Flemish do encrease continually more against them To this end an Army is raised in Germany by the Palatine John Casimere And the Duke of Alanson prepares another in France John Casimere moves first and being come to Brabant takes Diste The Flemish quarter themselves strongly in the fields to expect the arrival of all the foreign fâ—râ—es Don John marches with all his men towards them but cannot draw them forth to battel His hopes of seeing the enemies foot soon dissolve By favour of the he etical aids the Flemish sectarists demand a general liberty of conscience and obtain it The Catholicks are much scandalized hereat A new action of the Malecontents Some accommodation of the affairs of Flanders is again endeavoured by tht Emperour by the King of France and by the Queen of England but in vain Alanson exters the Country with his Army Orange doth all he can that the Flemish and the foreign forces may joyn Don John fals sick dies And leaves the Prince of Parma in the administration of the Government The Prince of Orange was as the Oracle of the Provinces after the agreement made between them so as he was the main wheel upon which all their resolutions were turned wherefore the Councel of State and Deputies of the States General desired to know his opinion concerning the coming of Don John and in what manner he would have him received into the Government before they would take any resolution therein Whereupon Orange began a long discourse the substance whereof was this That the larger Don Johns promises were the more they were to be suspected That it was apparent the Spaniards end was to cheat the Flemish and to lull them asleep that they might the more easily oppress them That Don John was not to be received day otherwise then upon such terms as their obedience always preserved unto the King the former Government might be restored unto the Provinces That therefore in the first place all the Spaniards should be expelled That the Citadels should be all demolished and put into the hands of the Flemish That no Authority at all should be granted to Don John not so much as over the Militia of the Country That the States General should retain the prerogatives due unto them That to this purpose they might have a power to meet once or twice a year to preserve the priviledges of the Provinces And that Don John should resolve on nothing without the Authority of the said States General That it better behoved him to trust the Flemish then the Flemish him And that howsoever it was not to be believed that the King would ever pardon them since he held himself too much injured by them That therefore they ought to consider his anger together with his forces and put themselves into such a posture as since they could never secure themselves from the one they might not at least be opprest by the other This was Orange his opinion which he desired to distill into all the Flemish And this was the foundation which he even then laid of that Commonwealth of the United Provinces which hath been since so formed and established in these our times by powerfull forces and of which we formerly sent a particular Relation from Brussels to Rome which together with some other writings of ours touching the affairs of Flanders were afterwards published by Ericio Puteano our very good friend and the worthy successor of Justus Lipsius no less in learning then in place and in the Inheritance of his fame no less then of his labours Orange hoped by this means to make himself Moderator and Arbitrator of the Government and assisted by the present conjuncture of time to make himself at least as good as Prince of Holland and Zealand if he should not arrive at the Principality of all the Provinces joyned together in one body And peradventure he would not have missed in his designe had he not been slain as shall be said in its proper place and so had the thread of his life as well as that of his hopes cut off This answer increased such jealousies in the Flemish as not thinking themselves sufficiently united by the agreement made at Gaunt they resolved to make another union which should be more strict and more efficacious They therefore drew up a Declaration in the name and Authority of the States General wherein repeating the calamities suffered by the Spaniards they did again confirm the confederation of Gaunt promised to observe it inviolably and declared all such to be Traitors and infamous persons who should in any whatsoever manner countervene it This Writing or Declaration was afterwards signed and sealed in every Province by every Magistrate and Governour and was imbraced with great applause by the whole Country And because Orange had chiefly minded them that the States should put themselves in Arms shewing what danger they were again to expect from the Spaniards therefore the States General betook themselves to raise new men which they brought together in a good body under the command of Count Di Saleigne of the Vicecount of Gaunt and Monsieur de la Mota to Vaures a Town between Brussels and Namures very opportunely seated especially to withstand Don John The States General made likewise divers expeditions into Germany France and England to pray aide in all those parts and to make the cause of the Flemish common with all their neighbours A considerable sum of money was sent from the Queen of England who under hand shewed her self well inclined to greater demonstrations On the part of Germany the greatest confederacy was had with John Casimere one of the Count Palatines of Rheine and the thing desired was to furnish him with monies whereby to raise men in that Nation and lead them into Flanders On France's side they did not only endeavour to raise the Hugonot Faction but to draw likewise the Catholick party to be of the same mind under the Duke of Alanson brother to
of novelties wind the people in those parts as he pleaseth and make them sencible of the evil of deceit before they can discover that they are deceived Flemish natures use to erre on this hand which if they ever did at any time 't was when they so easily believed what was suggested to them at this time in prejudice of Don John and to make the Spaniards seem hateful to them Don John was rather abandoned then put into the Government of the Country he enjoyed the bare name of Governour but not any authority at all The Spaniards were gone the Germans were to be gone and which imported most all the Castles were already in the custody of the natural Flemish and yet they returned as easily to their suspitions as if the Duke of Alva had been again at their gates with a more powerfull Army then before Don John endeavoured notwithstanding diligently to free them of them he made use of the abovesaid reasons and many others which he represented in confirmation of the Kings good will and his own towards the Nation But such endeavours availed but a little for there were too many deceits woven to the contrary and those who wove them wrought their end too easily One of the chiefest Articles which was established at Gaunt and afterwards confirmed at Marks was that as soon as the Foreign Souldiers should be gone the States Generall should be assembled with all solemnity just as they were the last time in the reign of Charles the 5. and that then it should be determined what should be thought most convenient in point of the Catholick religion in Holland and Zealand When Don John was admitted into the Government he prest the execution of that Article and the Councel of State seemed as if they would do the best they could with Orange But were it either that the endeavors were too cold on the one side or that the answers were more obdurat then usual on the other there could be nothing concluded therin The States did then resolve and did therin particularly request Don John to send the Duke of Arescot in their name into Holland as also the Lords Hierges and Viglierval and Doctor Leonino and the Treasurer Schets Lord of Grobendorick in the name of Don John to endeavour again to perswade Orange and the two aforesaid Provinces to joyn in one and the same opinion with the rest Which if it should not succeed Don John thought their obstinacie and pertinaciousness would the more evidently appear Upon this occasion Orange and the Deputies of Holland and Zealand came to a more determinate answer They said those two Provinces could not change the reformed religion which was now received throughout them both They complained with various interpretations that the Agreement made at Gaunt was not observed as it ought to be That the new Forts should of right be demolished and particularly that of Antwerp thereby to take away all occasion from the Spaniards of re-entring there Orange demanded the free redelivery of his Son And pretending complaints upon complaints they could not be satisfied because they would not be satisfied Ariscot returned to Brussels with a Non est inventus the States did not so much resent it as Don John expected they should But Orange his faction growing still more strong his adherents endeavoured to justifie boldly and to the very teeth of Don John every action that came from that Party Heez walked through the streets of Brussels with a particular Guard as if he acknowledged no other Command but his own in that Town and the People laying aside all reverence to Don John committed divers misbecoming actions to his Family the most hair-brain'd of all the meanest sort of people not sticking to give out insolent speeches tending to sedition For all this Don John dissembled and in many things seemed as if he either did not take notice of them or did not regard them He endeavoured all he could to win Ariscot and the other chief men and to divide them and Orange and to make them aware of his artificial designs shewing That they tended apparently to aggrandise himself with popular Authority by the abusing of all the other States of the Country That being already become an Heretick he had consequently made himself an Enemy to Church-men and did he not by making himself the Peoples prime Protector declare himself to be the chief against the Nobility To shew his greater confidence in Ariscot the King had put the Castle of Antwerp into his hands and had given him his eldest son the Prince of Samai for his Lieutenant And doubtlesly there was great emulation between Ariscot and Orange who should be the greater But the former was of an open and voluble nature whereas the other being a man of great knowledge and deeply subtile and already of so great repute both in Flanders and elswhere had too great advantage on his side in all things To this was added That the Popularity enjoying so great a part in the Government of Flanders especially in Towns and Cities for that the Monastical Abbots and the Nobles did usually live in the Country riscot nor no other Governour of any Province would distaste that sort of people upon which their chief attendance and authority in the Country did depend To boot that all the Nobility and amongst them those that were the greatest desirous to shew their zeal in favouring the welfare of the Country they could not vary much from those opinions which Orange appeared to be of since they were too speciously coloured over to that purpose The Viscount Gaunt was likewise then in great esteem who was afterwards Marqnis of Rubais and who in the divisions which fell out between the Provinces did afterwards serve the King very faithfully in military imployments of very great weight Don John desired likewise to make him his friend So as to shew his confidence in him he sent him into England to give account to the Queen of his being received into the Government and to keep all fair correspondencie with her at least in appearance since for other things he could not be ignorant that the Rebels in Flanders had in former times ever been most fomented from thence and were likely to be so more then ever in the future The States this mean while sollicited the payment of the German Souldiers that they might rid the Country likewise of that sort of Foreigners that yet remained there But the business proved very difficult for the States knew not where to find the mony which were greatly exhausted by reason of the so many past expences for what they had lately disbursed for the sending of the Spaniards away They liked therefore very well the Vicount of Gaunts being sent into England and thought to have intreated the Queen by him that she would furnish them with some monies to that purpose They owed her other sums of money before and peradventure she would not have been unwilling to have
sight of their own works and under the shelter of their own Canon might easily repress the violence of the Spanish souldiers whereas the others not having any of those helps must trust only to their courage and to their swords Don John knew this very well and advancing with all his squadrons in order to give battel he staid a while to try again whether the enemy would accept of it But failing in his designe he caused a retreat to be sounded and withdrew his foot in good order from the fight This action was on the first day of August it lasted many hours with equal valour and slaughter though the Flemish pretended to be victors and that the Kings men not being able to compass their ends were worsted Don John departed then from thereabouts and resolved to put himself wholly upon the defensive part in some strong situation which might joyn his quarters with the City of Namures hoping that the tempest of so many contrary Forces would soon vanish and that then he might have his share of the advantage He considered that though the ends of England Frrnce and Germany were the same in general either to make the King of Spain lose the Low-Countries or at least to keep them troubled with war yet their several particular ends did very much differ The Queen of England aimed at some particular conquest of her own especially in those Maritine parts of Holland and Zealand and she could not any ways tollerate those advantages which were to redound to France out of the ruining of Flanders The French on the contrary were very jealous of those aids which were lent unto the Flemish by the English The Germans ends were rather plunder then purchase who when they should have overrun the Country wanting mony to maintain themselves they would soon be inforced to return to their own homes Amongst the Flemish themselves Orange had likewise his particular ends The Archduke Mathias had his ends also and the whole body of the Provinces was greatly divided in its parts as well in point of Religion as in their obedience to the King For those parts which were infected with heresie seemed well inclined totally to throw off the Spanish Government and those which remained Catholicks desired to be rid of the Spaniards and other foreigners but yet still to remain in their obedience to the Crown of Spain So as amongst such diversity of ends Passions and Opinions Don John verily believed that this machination prepared and plotted against him would soon dissolve and that he might afterwards meet with many happy occasions whereby to maintain the cause of the Church and King with honour and advantage And really at that time the two Provinces of Hennault and Artois began to fall out with the Province of Flanders and particularly with the City of Gaunt which is the chief Town thereof The two abovesaid Provinces had always kept firm to the Catholick Faith together with the rest of the Walloons Country which contains all that large Frontier which lies along the whole body of Flanders towards France In the Peâ—ce of Gaunt which was so solemnly concluded by the States General and which was afterwards confirmed by Don John in his agreement with them the Walloon Provinces had laboured more then all the rest for all advantages to the Catholick Religion nor were the people thereof ever inclined to forgoe their obedience to the King so long as they might enjoy their ancient Priviledges and he according to the form of their former Government On the contrary the two Provinces of Holland and Zealand had still fomented the new Sects and the more the Country was troubled the more did they labour to make the evil thereof be felt every where These were Orange his inward drifts and his efficacious Councels And to his industry in knowing how to give them the favour of the times had added great Authority in him to make them be received Briefly his end was to increase the heretical faction and still to alienate the Flemish further from the Spaniards out of those reasons that we have often mentioned Wherefore minding the conjuncture of times he thought it now a very fitting season to bring together the two Armies which came from Germany and France the one of which was composed almost altogether of Lutherans and the other in a great part of Calvenists The Sectaries were not then idle in Flanders Some of them joyned together and presented the States with a Petition in the names of them all wherein under the most specious pretences that they could find out they desired that liberty of conscience might be permitted throughout the Country There wanted not those who opposed this request but the contrary side prevailed Nor had Orange forborn tacitly to infuse a great fear suggesting that upon the coming up of so many Forces who profest the Reformed Religion it was not good to deny that to the pressures of intreaties which might easily be afterwards gotten by force of arms And because the peace of Gaunt made against this the sense thereof was so wrested as that the peace was judged rather favourable then contrary to this sort of concession Yet the Provinces of Hennault and Artois and the rest of the Walloon Countries were firm for the sole exercise of the Catholick Religion But the Provinces of Brabant and Flanders did for the most part give way to the liberty of conscience This mean while the Palatine John Casimire was come as hath beeen said and Alanson drew still nearer on the other side Whereupon the Sectaries boldness increasing not contented with many Churches which were assigned to them but resolute to have the best and the greater number they brought affairs to that pass as on a sudden there was hardly any Churches left for the Catholicks And because one presumption usually cals on another after they had usurped the Churches they came soon after to the driving out of Votaries and their fury and madness grew to be such as there was hardly any safety to be found for any Catholicks Those who had any zeal of true religion in them were therefore highly scandalized hereat and the Walloon Provinces fell particularly into such commotion by reason of these novelties as they began to separate themselves from the rest first in their Councels and then in their executions The Flemish souldiery was maintained by the Countries contribution mony And by the same moneys provision was to be had in a great part for the pay and other necessaries of the foreigners The Provinces of Hennault and Artois becoming therefore refractory to this contribution the States began to be in great straits for money and to foresee the disorders which would quickly insue hereupon They used all means industry and authority to overcome the aforesaid difficulties but they increased rather every day for the occasions thereof did so likewise The Catholicks in those parts stormed mightily complaining That under false pretences of liberty Flanders was now faln
into greater slavery then ever That Arms were taken up for driving out the Spaniards but not for that the Country should be more tyrannized over by the Flemish themselves To what other end did Orange his ambition tend What other designe had his adherents That Arms were at first taken up in Holland and Zealand under spetious pretences And finally it was not enough that the Inquisition should be hindred but that in lieu thereof the new sects of heresies should have defused their venom throughout all those parts should have alienated those Provinces from the Church and begun manifestly to alienate them also from the King That the former disobedience made way for the second the one not being to be severed from the other That in the interim Orange under the name of Governour did retain almost the whole authority of Prince That by the same cunning he had rather forced then gotten the Government of Brabant That now under fals pretences liberty of conscience was demanded thorowout the whole Country And with what intent unless it were to make Liberty fight against Liberty to wit the unjust Liberty of Heresie against the legitimate Liberty of the Church to the end that the latter being opprest the people might the easilyer withdraw themselves from their Allegiance to the King That it was time now to dive into the knowledge of such ends and not only to know them but to break them Let Brabant and Flanders be of another opinion and let those other Provinces joyn with them the Country of Walloons would still continue in the sole Catholick Religion and with safety to its Priviledges in their sole Allegiance to the King of Spain These words full of indignation were soon accompanied with acts as angersom For the two Provinces of Henault and Artois would not assign over Landresy Quisnoy and Balpema to the Duke of Alansons men as was ordered in the agreement made between him and the States and with the same resolution denied to pay their share for the Souldiery This commotion of the Walloons made those of Gaunt rage horridly as those who were naturally most given to revolt and had more readily received Liberty of Conscience allowing all advantage to Heresie amongst them and taking up Armes they resolved to use force against the Walloons John Casimire after having spoken with the Archduke Mathias was at this time gone to Gaunt In this his coming his chief aim was to get money for his Souldiers who not able to move for want of Pay did not at all advance but talked rather of mutinying then of fighting The Gaunteses did in part satisfie his desires and favoured by him took so much heart against the Walloons as they resolved more then formerly to force them to joyn with them The Province of Flanders is divided into two parts The one and which is the greater part and wherein Gaunt and the other chief Towns and Cities are contained is called by the name of Flemicant because nothing but Flemish is spoken there The other which is the lesser but which hath in it likewise many good Towns is called Gallicant because the French tongue is commonly used there The former lies towards the Sea and the other towards the Walloons Country The Flemicant part of the Province went hand in hand in all things with the Gaunteses and the Gallicant inclined towards the Walloons as being more addicted to the Catholick religion then to Heresie As soon as the Gaunteses had taken up Arms the Walloons did the like and divers acts of hostility were committed by both sides in particular the Walloons entred the Town of Menin situated upon the River Lisa which divides the Flemicant part of Flanders from the Gallicant and here they began to fortifie themselves and to prejudice the adverse Country The Walloons would not notwithstanding for all this their difference with the other Flemish either acknowledge Don John for their Governour nor any wayes adhere to the actions of the Spaniards which caused some of them to take unto themselves the name of Malcontents This was a name taken at the first by some of the prime Nobility from them it spread abroad into divers of meaner quality and was finally used by every one of that Country Many of them wore a Chaplet of Pater-nosters and of Ave-Maria's about their necks to shew that they would keep good Catholicks and all of them did generally declare that they would continue loyal to the King when they should be restored to their former Government This was the so famous Faction of Malcontents which afterwards proved very advantagious to the Kings affairs as shall be seen in the pursuit of this Story Orange was not this mean while so blinded in endeavouring his advantage by Heresie but that he clearly saw how great a prejudice such a division might work He desired the Heretick Army might prevail but yet that the Catholicks should have all their due rites for the satisfaction of those that would not abandon them Wherefore he failed not to use all possible means as also his own and the States authority to compound the aforesaid differences To this purpose the Lord S. Aldegond went with some other personages of quality to Gaunt but the people there listening more to their Ringleaders who were seditious and for their own private interests more inclin'd to foment then to finish the begun differences would by no means be brought to alter their resolutions Thus stood the affairs of Flanders when the Duke of Alanson came in with his Army which was more expected then well received by Orange his own faction for he brought not so many with him as he was tyed to do and those but ill provided of what was necessary for their own maintenance Alanson had found it more easie to raise men then to raise money for he had little or none of his own And the King his brother being neither able nor willing to assist him openly for the reasons touched upon before his hopes fell very short likewise on that side And the King of Spain had again renewed his complaints to the King of France for this business of Alanson He had likewise done the like in very sharp tearms with the Queen of England for the assistance she had given the Rebels in Flanders And for Germany he complained likewise of the Emperour because he had not used more effectual means to hinder John Casimires expedition and all these complaints wrought this effect that express personages were sent from each of them to see if it were possible to bring the Affairs of Flanders to some good agreement The King forbare not to make great preparations for War but he would much more gladly have seen peace in Flanders so as it might have been done without prejudice to Religion or to his honour Nor were there wanting some of his Councellers who interpreting Don Johns actions worse then before thought him to be in a great part the cause of all the new Tumults
assaulted the enemy furiously and strove to get upon the breach and to make themselves fully Masters of the wall But on the contrary the enemy did so stoutly oppose as it was not for a good while to be discerned to which side the fortune of the day did incline On the one side Herle and on the other side Tapine shewed all manner of gallantry in their behaviour and were no less ready to act then to order They with their fervent speeches encouraged the defendants and shewing themselves forwardest to encounter danger made the rest the more despise it On the other side the Royalists inraged to see the enemy so obstinate in their resistance did their utmost to overcome them There could not be a fiercer nor a more bloudy conflict They did not fight a loof off with Musket or Cannon shot but in close fight opposing pike to pike sword to sword and souldier to souldier the better or the worse consisted and lay only in their arms and brests Bloud run down on all sides where ere they fought all places were full either of wounded or dead bodies and of weapons either lost or thrown away and to these were added great stones and instruments of artificial fire which those within had powred down upon the assailants And that the action might prove the more horrible it so fell out that at the same time fire tooke in the powder which both sides had brought that they might have it nearer at had which was the unfortunate loss of a great many the air refounding with miserable outcries and the ground being covered with torn bodies evidencing how many several ways fortune doth oftentimes vary the bitterness of war and the tragical scenes on which the fatal success of Arms are acted The conflict lasted many hours and great was the mortality on all sides But the Kings men were at last forced to retire not having ever been able to advance so far as might suffice to make themselves Masters of the breachâ— or at least to lodg themselves as was their designe upon the walls if they could not wholly drive the enemy from their new rampires raised more inwardly These two assaults together with some other skirmishes that had preceded bereft the Army of many Commanders and of a great number of other valiant Officers and souldiers Of those of the better quality amongst the Spaniards there were lost John Manrique Blasco di Acugna Peter Gusman and Peter Pacecco and of the Italians Fabio Fernese Markantonio Simonetti Guido St Georgio the Marquiss Conrado Mallespina and John Grimaldi Many Germans and Walloons of good account perished likewise But the Spaniards suffered most as those who both for numbers and place had upon all occasions had the chiefest imployments Particularly in one of the aforesaid actions the Lord Hierges was slain which was a great lose to the King for of all the Flemish there was not a better souldier nor a more Loyal Subject The Kings Camp by reason of so many and so bloudy conflicts was much weakened in so much as it became the Prince of Parma to get new recruits of men He therefore took as many as he could from all places where the King had any Garisons he increased the number of Pyoners and not willing to adventure the flowre of his Army any more in assaults he resolved hereafter to make more use of works then men and to proceed more slowly to the end it might prove more sure But this mean while the incommodities and wants of those within the Town grew proportionably greater For not having received any relief from without they were now reduced to great scarcity of all things The most of their foreign souldiers were lost and a good many of the Townsmen and of those Country people which served for Pyoniers they wanted Ammunition and Victuals and to this was added sickness occasioned by their incessant labour and watching The Flemish Rebels had it often in their thoughts to gather together a good body of men which might be sufficient to force the Kings Fortifications and to bring in some considerable succour into the City The designe was that Monsieur de la Nue should have been their Conductor and that he should afterwards tarry himself in Mastrike the better to maintain the siege But the discords being still greater amongst the Rebels then their union they could never raise men enough for such a business Yet still they fed the besieged with new hopes and with great cunning made the effects appear near at hand wherein Orange and La Nue did chiefly labour Wherefore the besieged seemed more refolute then ever to hold out The Prince on the contrary still doubling his diligence left nothing untry'd to bring his enterprise to a happy end One of the chiefest disturbances which the Royalists received in their works towards the Gate Tongres proceeded chiefly from that Ravelin which hath formerly been spoken of And though they had endeavoured to beat it down with their Canon and by all other ways to bereave the enemy of that defence yet could they never fully effect it The Prince resolved notwithstanding howsoever to gain it He therefore redoubled the mines and all the other works in that place which were requisite to effect it but on the contrary the besieged were no less fervent in their works against the besiegers So as the others could advance but very slowly for they must win what they would have by inchmeal and lose bloud as wel as time Here therefore was the hottest doings and hither was the greatest bulk of the oppugnation brought But the besieged were at last inforced to yeild though the Royalists spent above a month in taking this Ravelin The Prince raised the platform yet much higher which was turned upon the enemy on that side and began to beat down the City to boot with the batteries which were every day made against the walls in so much as the besieged could neither find rest nor safety any where wherefore their hopes of holding out any longer were very small Yet they seemed willing rather to lose their lives then their resolution of defence though they were offered very honorable conditions when fortune favoured the Royalists with an unexpected way how to end the siege sooner then they could have imagined It was now about the end of June and the great heats made the defendants labours and sufferings the more insupportable so as they could not make good their Guards as was needfull The which being discovered by some Spaniards they would not let slip the occasion but stealing privately into one of those ill-guarded places they found the Defendants to be very few and those few by reason of their continual labour and watching fast asleep Whereupon the Spaniards being encouraged drew their swords and fell to slaughter The noise occasioned hereby made many flock speedily thither both from within and from without And the Royalists having already forced the walls in some other parts the
was that they should play upon one of the longest and worst flankt Curtains on that side where the Ditch was dry This space lay between two gates the one called S. Martins the other Valentiennes A good Ravelin was thrust out for the defence of the former and a great Platform stood over the other Yet these two Defences were so far from another and the Curtain which ran betwixt them bowed so far outward as neither could the one defend nor yet see the other Wherefore to make good this defect there was a great Cavallier of Earth raised about the midst of the Curtain But howsoever all that side was so imperfect as the Prince of Parma judged it most advantagious for him and therefore turned the strength of his siege upon it The Kings men coming before it with their wonted Trenches they began to plant three Batteries to deprive the besieged of the three aforesaid Defences They within were not wanting this mean while on their parts They with frequent shooting annoyed those without from the aforesaid Works and opposed themselves unto them nearer hand by stout Sallies though they were sparing therein by reason of the paucity of their Souldiers The Princess of Espenoy with great gallantry did herself encourage them and with incredible vigilancie performing all the manlike actions which her husband could have done exhorted some intreated other some used sometimes threats sometimes a more moderate power she herself did sometimes execute her own orders and in fine she omitted not any thing which might make for the sustaining of the siege On the oher side Fernese having his eye every where and playing himself also the part of a private Souldier more then of a Commander did con inually sollicite all the Works even the furthest off that he might come the sooner to those that were nearer hand So as within a few dayes the Trenches were so far advanced as they might come to the Batteries upon each of which were many Pieces of great Cannon placed and they began to thunder apace upon the Enemies works The Kings men were not long in falling into the Ditch the which being dry they might the more easily come to the wall and by their Mathooks and Mines the sooner throw it down Yet those within were not at all discouraged but with incessant labour both by day and night repaired the wall where it was most needfull and prepared for every other part of greatest danger The Siege past on quietly some dayes amidst these less noisefull endeavours But the Kings men renewing their batteries more hotly then ever as also their works in the Ditch they made such breaches in the wall as they thought they might by assault make themselvs masters of it wherefore with a great deal of courage and alacrity they prepared for it The besieged were no less couragious nor no less resolute to defend themselves Great therefore was the fierce and bloody Conflict when they came to it Many of the best of both sides were slain and Fortune smiling alternately sometimes on this sometimes on that side their hopes did accordingly vary In the very heat of the fight the Princess shewed miraculous courage and throwing herself where the danger was greatest Am not I here said she my self Doe not I here in mine own person represent the Prince my husband I am here no less ready then he to despise death that I may as we all ought be serviceable to the Country Let us therefore resolve my souldiers rather to lose our lives then our station Let us undauntedly make it good as we have done hitherto The Enemy must at last yield And the winning of this Battel will secure the like success unto us in all others She accompanied these her words with no less manlike actions for thrusting herself into the crowd whilst she either fought herself or encouraged others to fight she was wounded in the Arm. The Defendants still more set on fire by such an Example continued making so stout resistance as the Royalists were at last forced to give over and retreated with the loss of many of their men Besides many Captains and other Officers the Count Bucquoi the Signor de Gloine and de Bours perisht in this assault and the Marquis of Barambone John Baptista di Monte Signor di Montigni and the Baron of Bigli were wounded From the very beginning of this Siege the Duke of Alanson who was then in England had encouraged the besieged and assured them that he would undoubtedly soon relieve them either by coming to them himself in person or by sending succour Wherefore they betook themselves the more boldly to this defence Orange had fed them with the like hopes and more then all others their own Governour Espenoye But seeing that there came no men from Alanson and that the Flemish Rebels did nothing to relieve them their former vigour lessened with their hopes Yet was not the Princess wanting in keeping their hopes alive as much as she was able And Etreel the Lieutenant did the like And some days after the assault Colonel Preston a Scotchman forcing his way through some German Companies of the Kings Camp got with some horse into the City the besieged were at first somewhat inheartned by this success hoping that after this small relief some greater would shortly appear But when they understood by Preston that there was no tidings heard any where of the coming of any French into Flanders and that there was no appearance of any succour from the Flemish the besieged lost all hopes of being further able to continue their defence The City was of a large circuit the men in pay but few in number nor were the Inhabitants so many as were any ways able to supply all necessary occurrences besides many of both sorts were perished in the actions and they began already within the Town to have scarcity of many things On the contrary the Kings Camp was increased by Germans And Fernese encouraged by his expectation of having more men speedily from Burgony as also from Spain and Italy renewed all such works as were necessary for the taking of the City and speedy reducing it to the Kings obedience There were notwithstanding some amongst the besieged who blinded with rage and desirous to confound the privat with the publick evils would have had them stand it out till the last gasp but at last the more advised Councels prevailed For the City having no hopes of succour they foresaw it would be taken by force and like Mastrick plundered and put to fire and sword They therefore thought of a Parley wherein they might have the best conditions they could get The Princess was akin to the chiefest of the Kings Camp particularly to the Marquis of Rubays Wherefore she by their means agreed to surrender up the City upon such conditions as more honourable could not well be had The Town was surrendred the last day save one of November and the conditions were these That the City
that the Bischeyard to gain the fine that was set by the Kings Proclamation upon Orange his head and out of hopes of greater rewards had rashly resolved to undertake the business One Jaspar Annastro a Spanish Merchant had a share therein but he was broken and therefore gone from Antwerp And one Antony Venero and a Votary of St Dominicks called Antony Timmermanno were put to death and cruelly torn in pieces as complices in the misdeed This accident caused a great commotion in the Confedrate Provinces And the Prince of Parma hoping that thereby some advantage might result to the Kings affairs was not falling on his behalf to doe what was fittest upon that occasion But Orange being quickly out of danger and afterwards perfectly cured all fear ceased amongst the Rebels and they continued more firm then ever in their former resolutions Whilst these things past thus in Antwerp the Forces of both sides were not idle though they did but little Verdugo had made some further proceedings on the other side of the Rhine and had taken some Towns in Friesland and in the parts thereabouts And on the contrary the States had better secured the Towns of greater importance and strove to preserve those advantages which they had got on that side And they got one advantage of great moment at that time by the taking of Sehink prisoner as he returned from Germany being sent thither by Fernese to raise more Horse On this side the Rhine they had at unawares assaulted the Town of Alst with some of their men and taken it And the Walloons had done the like to Gaesbeck a Town not far distant from the other But this mean while Fernese growing stronger in men and yet more strong in hopes after the success of Tornay and after the accident which had befallen Orange resolved to besiege Odenhard one of the best esteem'd Towns in the Province of Flanders both for its situation traffick and people Odenhard lies upon the Scheld almost in the mid-way between Tornay and Gaunt It is begirt with a good Wall and the Wall with a large Ditch within the Walls it is furnisht with good Platforms but it hath never a Royal Bulwark without and therefore is but imperfectly fortified every where It hath on one side an eminent Rise which commands the whole Town Fernese incamped himself before it but first he seemed as if he would besiege Menin so to draw the greater number of the Enemy thither and that Odenhard might be thereby the more weakned And the effect did correspond with the design For there were not left above 500 Souldiers in Odenhard but under a very gallant Commander called Frederick Borch as he together with the Garrison made it appear to the very end of the Siege The Kings Army having taken up their Quarters Fernese quickly possest the Rise and from thence began to play upon the Town with his Canon he then came to the working of Trenches and preparing of Batteries The Prince was desirous to spare as much as might be the blood which is usually shed in Assaults wherefore his intention was to make a less bloody but more secure Siege Yet a great breach being made in a Ravelin which fenced the Gate they made an Assault but the event proved not fortunate For a Bridge which was to serve for passage over the Ditch and so to get upon the Breach not being so long as was requisite was with great disorder thrown down and those within made such resistance as the Royalists were forced to give over the attempt Wherefore Fernese was the more confirmed in his former opinion of proceeding with greater caution and in lieu of Assaults to use the Pick-axe and Mines This Siege did very much vex the Flemish Rebels wherefore mustering a considerable strength of Foot which were almost all of them English and Scots under Colonel Norris and Colonel Seaton together with a good number of Rutters they sent them into the Province of Flanders and disposed of them about Gaunt intending to adde thereunto and to endeavour the freeing of Odenhard But Ferneses Forces being likewise increased by Germans and Walloons and expecting the aforenamed others he fortified himself so well on that side as the Enemy could never bring in any the least succour into the Town This mean while a Mutiny hapned in the Kings Camp for want of Pay amongst some of the Germans and the Enemy both within and without hoped to reap some advantage thereby But the Mutiny being in a few dayes quieted and the Prince having by the punishment of some made the rest more obedient the Enemy despaired of holding out longer The Siege lasted notwithstanding from the beginning of April till almost the end of June And the Town was surrendred upon such Conditions as the Garrison marched out honourably and the Townsmen were contented Soon after the Royalists took Lira also a great Town in the bowels of Brabant not many houres march from Antwerp and therefore very proper to annoy that City There was in it amongst others Captain William Simple a Scotch-man with his Foot-Company of the same Nation Simple holding secret intelligence with Altapenna he under some other colourable pretence brought him in by night and driving out the rest of the Flemish garrison put the Town into the hands of the Royalists The Flemish seeing these continual losses not any assistance appearing as yet from Alanson and not being very well satisfied with him before his coming to Flanders they could no longer forbear breaking forth into sharp and spitefull speeches against him Where are said they these so many promised Forces where the Armies which would suddenly fall from France down into Flanders and where the helps which should also come from England That upon these assured hopes the Flemish had chosen declared and received him for their Prince and that in lieu thereof what had he brought them save only vain Titles and all other vain Appearances That his so many in vain reiterated promises were every day renewed by him but no performance seen That this mean while their losses were still increased and consequently the Enemies atchievements That by the taking of Tournay the Prince of Parma had gotten the whole Country of the Walloons into his hands That from Odenhard he might goe even to the wals of Gaunt and from Lira to the wals of Antwerp That his Army was already ingrost with Germans that he expected Recruits from Burgony and soon after from Spain and Italy So as now how did Flanders swarm with Foreigners and in what danger were the chiefest Cities of the Flemish Union That their new Princes succours would come just then when they should make not the strength but the scorn of his new Principality the greater These and the like Complaints did the Flemish make against Alanson and the French Nor did they spare Orange himself complaining that under pretence of procuring the publike felicity of the Country he had rather minded his own private
secure the passage the better some other Forts were added to the former chief ones of S. Mary and S. Philip. But the proof did not answer the design for notwithstanding any shot that could be made from the Royal Forts the Enemies ships had ever the better of the business For this so great difficulty this remedy was thought on They made a great Cut in the bank of Scheld on Flanders side near to the Village Burcht which lay higher then where the Bridge was made and by means of that Cut they drowned all the neighbouring Country even to Callo where by another opening of the bank the water past again into the River a little above the Bridge and so the necessary preparations for the fabrick were at last brought with more safety The adverse ships ceased not notwithstanding to molest that situation likewise but to make the greater obstacle they raised a Fort on one side of the Cut to the which the Kings men opposed another on the other side but with little advantage for it did not sufficiently bridle the Enemies Fort so as their ships keeping still thereabouts were always prejudicial to the Prince his Barks The Bridge went therefore but very slowly on the which did as much glad the Antwerpians as it did trouble the Prince Great numbers of Boats appeared daily from Holland and Zealand with victuals and all other sort of provisions to furnish the City and to put it in a posture of standing out stoutly The great Fort of Lillo was already munited answerable to occasion and Monsieur de Teligni son to Monsieur de la Nue was put in to defend it one whose valour shewed him to be descended from his Father Wherefore the Enemy full of hopes thought that Fernese would never be able to finish the Bridge and if he should not thereby block up the Scheld the Siege would in all other considerations signifie nothing But no binderance can be so great which industry will not at last either overcome or make more easie The abovesaid remedy of the Cut not proving sufficient to convey materials by water answerable to the work the Prince bethought himself of another expedient which furnisht afterwards all things sufficient for the building of the bridg By the gap or Cut which was made in the bank at Burcht all the tract of Country from that Town to Callo was drowned as we have said From the utmost inundation within land the Prince purposed to make a deep and large Ditch and to lead it away from that part of Flanders to a certain Town called Stechen where the Ditch was to fall into a River which passeth by Gaunt by which all things which were necessary for the building of the Bridge might be brought by water from that City An egregious work of great praise to him that first proposed it but of greater glory to him who undertook it as did the Prince with very much resolution though many other were affrighted at the immense expence of monies time and labour for the Ditch was to be full 15 miles long The Ditch was afterwards commonly called Parma either for that it was first motioned by the Prince himself or that the Kings Camp did willingly shew their approbation thereof by giving it that name And not without reason for it may truly be said that this Ditch made the bridg and that the Bridg did afterwards fully compleat the Siege On that side towards Flanders was Fernese's own Quarters in a Village called Buren which lay very opportunely for the giving out of all requisite Orders for all that was done thereabouts and especially for the making of the new Channel To sollicite the making whereof the Prince himself did almost continually intervene in his own person nor was he wanting in doing the like in all the rest of the proceedings He encouraged others by his own example sometimes he himself would put his hands unto the work he oft-times transformed himself from a General to a private Souldier and set aside all rest and delight that the burthen of so great and difficult an undertaking might be the better sustained by his own labour and disquiet This was the condition of the Siege on Flanders side On the opposite side towards Brabant was the Lieutenant of the Army Count Peter Ernestus Mansfield quartered in the Village of Strabuch a little within land and Mandragone was quartered near Lillo almost upon the river and had intrencht himself there against that adverse Fort to keep the Enemy in on that side who did what they could to advantage themselves there and their design would have been to overflow the inland Country as well to incommodiate the Royalists as to make use thereof themselves for bringing succours the more easily to Antwerp But this their last design was conterdicted by a Counterdike which came to joyn with the principal Dike of the River from the Village Cowstein For it was seen that without either the breaking or gaining thereof they could by no means compass their ends A Dike in Flemish is a Bank in English and a Counterdike a Counterbank if I may so call it which is drawn out against another bank From the Village of Cowstein there was a lesser Dike thrust out for the space of a league which went to joyn with the greater Dike of the River which was commonly called the Counterdike of Cowstein This lesser Dike was made that it might be gone upon particularly in the winter all that part which lies very low being then full of water and mire It was not above ten or twelve handfuls broad nor higher then was requisite for the necessary service of the Country people This Counterdike was guarded by the Royalists chiefly to hinder the excursions which the Enemy might make from the Fort of Lillo and out of no other fear of danger on that part But when the Enemy letting in the water of the river had drowned the Country thereabouts Mandragone suspected the truth which was that they would either make some Cut or gap in the Counterdike or endeavour to make themselves wholly masters of it so to have that passage free to bring in succours into Antwerp And at the first they did make a Cut but the Royalists running quickly to where the danger lay did soon remedy it driving the Enemy from thence and stopping the gap as well as for the present they could And indeed if the Enemy had either sooner or with more forces endeavoured to cut the gap the Royalists could never have brought their Siege to a good end But all those of Holland Zealand and Antwerp were so verily perswaded that the River could never be blockt up by a Bridg as they neglected the taking of the Counterdike and even the victualling of the â—ity more then it became them to have done whilst yet the passage by Scheld was but weakly secured by the Royal Forts Fernese finding what danger the siege might inour on that part gave order to Mansfield to
best Councellor and whose advantages are infallible to those that can discern and make use of them The Queen inclined to this opinion And because Antwerp was already in very great danger she gave order for the immediate sending over of 3000 Foot into Zealand to facilitate the relief of that City And the Flemish resolved to put Ostend for the present into her hands But this was not performed because the Aid came not time enough Wherefore they past on to the chief Negotiation and these following Capitulations were agreed upon between the Parties interessed That the Queen of England should be obliged to assist the States of the United Provinces with 5000 Foot and 1000 Horse all of them to be paid by her and that she should send a Commander in chief over with them who should have the Government of their Forces and the chief Command over all their Souldiers That to secure the repayment of the monies which the Queen should spend the States should put Flushing and the Ramekins into her hands in Zealand and the Bril in Holland and leave the same Artillery and ammunition of war in them which was at the present That when the war should be ended and the monies repaid the Queen should be bound to restore the same Towns in the same condition as they were now assigned over unto her That the United Provinces should not make peace with the King of Spain nor league with any other Princes without the Queens consent neither should the Queen come to any particular treaty with the King of Spain without the knowledge and approbation of the Vnited Provinces That to boot with the Queens General Governour two other of her State-Ministers might intervene at all the Councels and negotiations of the Vnited Provinces That in the default of any Governour of Province or Town the States should name two or three personages of which one should be chosen by her General Governour with the participation of the Provinces Councel of State That in case war were to be made by Sea for the common service the States should concur thereunto with equal Forces to those that the Queen should therein imploy and that her Admiral should have the chief Command over them all That the General Governour and the other of the Queens Officers should swear obedience not only to her but to the States also That all of them should inviolably maintain the wonted Priviledges of the Country and that there should be no the least alteration of Government made in those Towns whereinto there should any English garrisons be put and that such Garrisons should be suffered to live for matter of Religion according to the manner of England These were the most essential Articles Which being agreed upon sudden order was given for the putting of them in execution The Queen declared the Earl of Leicester for supreme Head of her Forces of whom mention is made in other parts of this our History and many of the Nobility of England prepared to go along with him That year in this interim ended and the year 1586 insued In the begining whereof Leicester being imbarked with all his people arrived at the Hague in Holland about the first week of February where he was received with all the expressions of Honour and joy that the States could make The Places which were assigned over unto him were of very great importance Flushing and the Ramechins were the chief Key of Zealand and the Bril was likewise a Port-Town of very great concernment in Holland The Garrisons being placed according to agreement the States did so very much intreat Leicester that to boot with the chief Command of their Forces he would likewise accept of the general Government of their whole Country as he inclined to yield thereunto At which the Queen seemed to be displeased and sorthwith sent an Express to complain thereof But the States renewing the same intreaties to her she did not any further repugn it thinking perhaps that she had already so highly offended the King of Spain as he would be but little pacified though she should forbear this second irritation Besides to say truth 't was hardly to be believed but that this declaration of the States had been secretly made known unto the Queen and that Leicester would not have accepted of it without her tacit consent But howsoever it was Leicester accepted of the Administration He distributed his own men and those of the Provinces where it was most needfull and prepared to impede the progress of the Kings Forces as much as might be and to doe all that he could expect was to be done by his men Fernese through the acquisition of so many chief Cities and particularly that of Antwerp did verily believe to put an end to the troubles of Flanders either by some way of fair Agreement or by absolute Conquest Wherefore he was wonderfully moved to see this Victory which he had so assuredly fancied unto himself either by the one way or the other taken from him by this English succour and the King thought himself thereby so highly offended as he did not long delay the resenting of it as you sâ—all shortly hear But though the Enemy had received such a succour yet Fernese did not doubt but that as his Forces were far the greater so likewise should his successes be He therefore resolved as soon as the winter should be over to march with his Army into the field The Enemy though they had lost Mastrick were yet masters of two Towns of great concernment in that lower side of the Mause the one was Graves which belongs to Brabant and the other Venlo in Ghelderland It made very much for Fernese to have all those parts at his devotion to the end that he might the better unite his Forces on both the sides of so important a River and that he might likewise with the less impediment carry them on the other side of the Rhine Wherefore he resolved by all means to make himself master of those two Towns And though the winter were not yet over he resolved to send Count Mansfield to straiten Graves at a distance and gave him such men as were requisite for that purpose He gave order likewise for the besieging of Venlo after the same manner And being much prest thereunto by the Archbishop of Colen he likewise sent the Signor d'Altapenna Governour of Ghelderland to make the like preparation against the Town of Nuys where the Enemy had still fortified themselves more and more and still more prejudiced the adjacent parts by their continual excursions When Mansfield was come before Graves be planted two Forts upon the two banks of the Mause that he might have the freer passage over the river and he raised some others more within land towards where the Town stood The River did very much help the fortifying of the Town on the River side and on the Land side the Enemy had likewise very well bastion'd the walls The Souldiers that
side Idiaques and Cajetan's Foot coming in to assist Basti's Horse a very hot skirmish had likely to have been had not the King considering his disadvantage made his men retreat in a warlike posture The Dukes men pursued them no farther least they might break their establish'd order of marching And here did end the King of Navar 's assaults all the molestations which Fernese till then had suffered by them Who being come with all his Army safe into the confines of Flanders he and the Duke Du Mayne parted He again confirm'd more then ever hopes in the Duke Du Mayne of new and potent succours in assistance of the League and assured him that he himself would very speedily be their Conductor The mean while he left with him about 4000 Foot and 500 Horse thinking that such a recrute might serve for the present to boot with a Regiment of Germans which was formerly maintained in the service of the League and defray'd by the King of Spain under the command of Count Colalto The Duke passed forward and distributing the souldiery into Garisons to rest themselves after so great labours he came about the beginning of December to his winter quarters which was usually in Brussels THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF FLANDERS Written by CARDINAL BENTIVOGLIO The Second Part. BOOK VI. The Contents The Duke of Parma after his return from France findes the Kings affairs in Flanders but in ill condition Advancements made in many parts by the Enemy They take Zutfen and Deventer both of them places of great importance The Duke incamps before the Fort opposite to Niminghen does all he can to take it from the Enemy Count Maurice draws neer it with great Forces to relieve it This mean while Fernese receives precise orders from the King to prepare suddenly to return again to France he therefore immediately raiseth his siege Maurice maketh use of this occasion He goeth to before Hulst a Town in the Province of Flanders and quickly takes it From thence he goes to before Niminghen and hath the like good fortune there The League in France does this mean while decline daily Their danger of losing the City of Roan which is straitly besieged by the King of Navar Wherefore the Duke of Parma presently enters France The Army of the League joyns with his They march towards Normandy to relieve Roan The King of Navar marches to oppose them A noble fight between both the Camps at Umaile wherein the King is hurt and in danger to be taken The Army of the League advances draws neer Roan and puts some succour into it It then falls further off and the King reinforceth his siege But at last the Duke of Parma forceth him to quit it The Colleagues enter forthwith into the Peninsula in the County of Caux and besiege Caudebeck In discovering the Place the Duke is wounded and is much disturb'd in continuing his command The King makes use of this occasion He possesseth himself of the entrance into the Peninsula and reduceth the Colleagues to great scarcity of all things The Duke that he may not be forced to fight upon too much disadvantage resolves to secure his Army by passing over the River Which he fortunately doth He then leaves France and returns with speedy march to Flanders New successes on that side to the advantage of the enemy and to Fernese's great grief His affliction is increased by his growing every day worse and worse in his health And yet he is again commanded by the King to return with all speed possible into France To this purpose he goes to Arras and deligently prepares for his third passage into France But his sickness increasing still upon him he dies WIth the Dukes return to Flanders we will return to our former narration though we shall be soon diverted from it by the new necessity put upon the Duke of returning again into France Great had the sufferings been which he had undergone in his first journey wherein those of his mind were more then those of his body He had learned by experience how hard a business it was to joyn the Kings designes together with those of the League That the King after the vast expence he had been at in his late expedition against England did now consume himself in these disbursments which he was at for the League of France And that in the interim his own Territories of Flanders was but ill furnished with men mony and almost all things else in so much as doubtlesly much damage was to be expected thereby To boot with the men that were left with the Duke Du Mayn it was necessary to place many on the Frontiers which lay towards France to encourage the League nearer at hand and that they might be ready to march in the behalf thereof when it should be needfull at any hours warning So as the Kings Garisons in Flanders were much lessened even in the most important places And the Towns themselves left but slenderly provided with victuals or warlick ammunition to maintain a siege if the enemy should sit down before them Which they knowing their own advantage were not long adoing as we shall successively relate Amongst other things which had mightily afflicted the Duke of Parma whilst he was in France one was the mutiny which happened at that time in Emanuel de Vega's Spanish Brigado which remained in Flanders which the Duke after his return did very much rescent at both the Mansfields hands they not having been diligent enough as he thought in preventing it And the disorder grew so much the greater because it was above a year before those people could be paid and reduced to their former wonted service At the beginning of the year 1591. the enemy did not delay seconding the good conjunctures on their parts Colonel Norris an English man of whom we have often spoken was in Ostend who with that Garison which was then very numerous by reason of a new recruit of men which the Queen of England had newly sent thither overran all the parts thereabouts Yet the Fort of Blanchemberg which lies between Ostend and Sluce as hath been said was a great obstacle in his way Resolving therefore to free himself thereof he assaulted the Fort so unexpectedly and upon such advantage as he soon took it and it was soon after dismantled This happened in the Province of Flanders about the midst of February Not long after the enemy made two other surprisals in Brabant The one was of the Castle of Westerlo and the other of Turnehaut which is one of the greatest Villages in all Brabant There is likewise a Castle in this Village into which as also into the Village some souldiers did enter in country attire as having something to sell and without any difficulty made themselves Masters of them both But these were but slight acquisitions in respect of others which Count Maurice intended to make and which he sufficiently did that year as you shall
forage with divers other Captains of horse he could not guide himself as he ought to have done but suffering himself to be surprised in a narrow passage wherein he was inforced to fight he was quickly routed by the enemy and lost many of his men He himself and divers other Captains were taken prisoners and of 400 of the Kings horse which were in this conflict very few were saved The Duke was mightily displeased hereat but yet he did not give over his siege but streightned the Fort more and more when express Orders came to him from Spain whereby the King did precisely command him that leaving such Forces in Flanders as should be sufficient for defence he should pass again with all the rest as soon as might be to succour the Catholick League in France This Order being received the Duke prepared presently to rise from before the Fort. In his retreat his men were to pass over the Wahall not without danger of being indamaged by the enemy But he with very great forecast soon secured himself from all danger For causing a great Trench to be suddenly raised and making it be continued even to the River with redouts and flankers to shelter and defend his men at their imbarking if the enemy should go about to hinder them he passed over the River without any obstacle Count Maurice not being minded to molest him by reason of the difficulty he saw he should have to do it At this retreat wherein the Duke won great applause it being done in the face both of the Fort and of the Enemies Camp was Prince Ranucchia the Dukes eldest son who was then come from Italy to serve under his father in Flanders And he was not only present at the success but had his share in the execution thereof it being his fathers pleasure that he should be the last man that should see the retreat compleated The Army being brought safely over to the other side the Duke came to Niminghen This City would never accept but of a very slight foreign Garison to preserve it self in the greater liberty and because it thought it was able to defend it self of its self alone The Duke was greatly displeased hereat And knowing that there had been already some underhand dealing in the City in favour of the enemy he used all possible diligence to get the Inhabitants give way to the augmenting of their Garison but he could not prevail with them wherefore he went his ways and left Verdugo the better provided with Forces to the end that if need should require he might the easilyer succour that City It was now about the end of July and because the Duke had received good by the the Spaw waters formerly he went thither again to seek help for the Dropsie which daily threatned him more and more Being come thither he began to give all requisite Orders for the raising of Horse and Foot in Germany in Burgony and in the Low-Country it self to the end that he might leave sufficient Forces for defence in Flanders and yet carry such a strength of men with him as the succour which he should now bring unto the League might exceed the former Count Maurice this mean while did not omit making further advancements Leaving the abovesaid Intelligences on his behalf on foot in Niminghen he went from thence to go where he might make his designs the more advantagious by their being the less expected Great was the accommodation he had of transporting his men from one place to another by Rivers and Sea-gulfs Imbarking about the midst of September with 4000 Foot and 600 Horse he unexpectedly landed with them in the Province of Flanders and fell upon the Country of Walse to take the Town of Hulst This is a place lowly situated and of great concernment for it commands all the Country thereabouts The Kings men for the better defence of that Town guarded some neighbouring places which Count Maurice soon made himself master of Then begirting the Town wherein there was but a small Garrison and but slender provision of all things else he soon brought the Inhabitants to Parley and afterwards to surrender the Town Colonel Mandragone Governour of the Citadel of Antwerp was upon his way to relieve it and the Duke had so wrought with the Spanish Mutiniers though they were not yet altogether appeased as they were content to joyn with Mandragone But the Surrender prevented the Succour Wherefore the Kings men returned back and the Town was by Count Maurice furnisht with all things necessary He then imbarked his Army again and recruiting it both with Foot and Horse he overran all the Maritime Coasts of Flanders threatning Newport and Dunkirk but did this rather more to deceive the Royalists then for any setled design he had in those parts His true design was to turn upon Niminghen to use all possible means to take it Wherefore reentring by the same way of the Rivers and Maritime gulfs into Ghelderland about the midst of October he staid in the Wahal and throwing over a Bridg near Niminghen to the end that he might have that passage free and that he might the better be victualled he disposed of his Camp thereabouts At the same time that he prepared with Forces without Inelligences were held on his behalf within the Town which had so good success as there was little need of the Forces without The Garrison which consisted of some few Germans and Walloons went sometimes out but were not able to make any considerable opposition Verdugo was at this time also moving though not so soon as need required for his Forces were no ways answerable thereunto Wherefore those who favoured Count Maurice taking occasion upon his delay began to make a Tumult This boldness soon spread from a few to many who still increasing the commotion drew all the rest to be of the same mind and they all agreed to surrender the City To which Maurice was as gracious as could be desired in the Conditions which were established on both sides at the Surrender He then entred the City and was received with great honour And before he went from thence he did largely repay this honour to Schincks bones making them be interr'd with much pomp in the chiefest Church and in the very Sepulcher of the former Dukes of Ghelderland Count Maurice having added this last acquisition of so great concernment to the so important former went to the Hague in Holland where the Ordinary Deputies of the General Union of the Provinces had already made the place of their constant abode and where he was received with unexpressible demonstrations of joy and affection For though he had not met with any great opposition in the atchievements which he had made yet he had shewed so great vigilancie in his Command such advisedness in his Councels and such vigor in Execution as doubtlesly he might even then be expected to prove that Gallant Commander which our Age for his so many other
afore mentioned assaults at one and the same time At the hearing of the Duke of Parma's march the King was in great dispute what to do But considering well his Forces and not thinking them such as that he was upon so great uncertainties to place all his hopes in them he set aside the more hardy advice and for the present giving way to the more cautious resolved not to undergoe the hazard of either of both these bickerings Wherefore he raised his Camp from before Roan on the 20 of April and marching in great order to Ponted Ark he stayed there to observe the enemies proceedings and to do what should make most for his advantage afterwards The King of Navar being gon from before Roan the Dukes of Parma and Main presently entred the Town and staid there the next day to the great joy of all the Inhabitants who ran from all parts to meet them and to receive them The Army was quartered in the neighbouring Towns till they might consider and resolve what designe to fall upon next Concerning which there were several opinions in the Councel But that which was most pursued especially by the French Commanders was that Rean not being to be reputed totally free till such time as it had the free passage of the river it was therefore necessary to take Caudebeck from the enemy by which Town they might be always much prejudiced in receiving their victuals by way of the river The Duke of Parma endeavoured upon all occasions to second the opinion of those of the League and particularly in working their advantages more in one part then in another of that Country wherein he was not well vers'd Though that resolution was to prove the ruine of the whole Army as shall be seen The Duke turning to the aforesaid siege of Caudebeck incamped before it with his whole Army This Town lies as hath been said upon the right hand of the banks of Seene It is three leagues distant from Roan of an indifferent bigness and without any considerable Fortification Yet those within the Town seemed as if they would defend it so as a battery must be prepared against it The Duke of Parma for his better satisfaction would go himself in person to discover the situation of the place And whilst in company of one Propertio an Italian Ingeneer and only three more having advanced too far he was observing the walls it so fell out as some within the Town giving fire to their Harquebuses he was wounded by one of them on the left arm between the hand and the elbow He said not a word nor seemed to be any ways concerned in the wound but with singular sufferance continued the work begun when great store of bloud was seen to fall from his arm and he was necessitated to retire Being come to his lodging his wound was drest and it was judged not to be mortal but that the cure would be long and troublesome A great disturbance insued upon this accident throughout the whole Army it not being known how the Government should be ordered The Duke du Main had the chiefest part in the general command but the Duke of Parma would have the Prince his son to command over all the Flanders Forces The former resolution of forcing Caudebeck was thus continued A great battery was planted against the walls which quickly made a great breach wherefore the next day the defendants began to parley and upon good Conditions went out of the Town The Duke of Parma was brought in thither that his wound might be the better tended nor was there any resolution taken wherewith he was not acquainted Good store of provision was found in Caudebeck and the gaining of that Town made the River more open in the behalf of Roan though the Hollanders men of war did continually infest it But this mean while new Forces flock'd continually to the King of Navar and particularly the Nobility on horseback out of new hopes of a field-battel since the siege had succeeded unfortunately The King hereby incouraged went from Pont d'Arke and began to inlarge himself in the field intending to keep it as much as he could from the Leagues Army The designe was to hinder them especially from that Pass which lies between the Rivers of Seene and Diepe and which serves for the coming by land into the Peninsula of Canx as hath been said The Army of the League was of necessity to return by that way as they should go out of Normandy to reenter into Picardy And this sort of opposition might certainly put it into great straits After the taking of Caudebeck the Duke du Main and the Prince of Parma with the approbation of the Duke his Father led the Army to quarter more within the Country and came to the Town of Yuetot little more then an hours match from Caudebeck that they might the better observe the King of Navars resolutions and oppose themselves thereunto the best that they could The Village was full of houses and very advantagiously seated and victuals might easily be brought thither from the Seene Here then the Army staid and to the natural strength thereof they added such Fortifications by handy work as were necessary By this the King of Navar judged that the Colleagues intended to quit Normandy as soon as they could which he being desirous to hinder advanced with all his Camp and lodged not above a mile from where the Colleagues were Here the King began likewise to fortifie himself and at the same time to scoure the Country to straiten it as much as he could from the enemies Camp And he might very well do it for the Nobility being come again from all parts to assist him his Cavalry was increased to the number of 8 or 9 thousand horse and his foot did likewise daily increase This their so near neighbourhood occasioned continual skirmishes each party endeavouring to advantage their own situations that they might the more offend the like of the enemy The King of Navar went not long after to lodge in another place where he might keep the enemy much more from victuals 'T was evidently seen that his end was either to fight them upon great advantage or to reduce them to such a scarcity of victuals as he must at last have the victory without fighting The Colleagues began to be much incommodated by these his last quarters Wherefore not to be too much straitned neither in place nor in victuals they were often forced to sally out in great bodies in opposition of the Kings forces which were by the King with ineredible vigilancy kept in continual exercise The skirmishes were therefore usually turned into parties one of which happened to be so fierce and so long as it was likely to have turned to a set battel On one side the Duke du Main and Duke de Guise were ingaged and Prince Ranucchio on another whose horse was slain under him and his own person was evidently indangered At the noise
side they resolved to assail them though they had small hopes or none of doing any good For making the Trenches he surveyed on several sides they found them to be so strong as the enemy had no reason to fear any thing And to this was added the inundation almost on all sides with which it was first to be contended before they could come to try the Trenches Mansfield passed notwithstanding from Steeloune with all his Army divided into squadrons and halted in sight of the Quarter where Maurice himself was lodged where a certain point of a chief Dike stood out which was fortified by a great Trench which Mansfield would endeavour to take from the enemy as he by assault did but not without much adoe by reason of the opposition of the water and of those that did defend it but he soon lost it again and therewithall all hopes of effecting the succour on that side Upon these occasions some skirmishes happened between the two Camps and Mansfield staying but a little while there went to the Village of Waestech towards which Count Hollack was quartered The Kings Army was not well got thither when it was unexpectedly set upon in the reer by 800 of the enemies horse who were come to this purpose a little before out of Breda and who put their quarters into some confusion but suddenly re-ordering themselves and opposing the enemy they beat them back and with some slaughter put to flight They then with all diligence endeavoured the succour on this side to facilitate the which Mansfield sent for some further provisions and particularly for some Artillery from Antwerp But the difficulties appeared alike here also All this while Count Maurice slack'd not his proceedings against the Town on the inside One battery play'd continually after another and oft-times they thundred all together And the enemy falling out of their Trenches were already lodged in the Ditch which being very large and deep Maurice had formerly caused the water to be drained from thence and drawn into lower situations Wherefore the besieged found themselves not only weakened in their defences but in danger to lose them Nor was it long ere they lost a Ravelin against which Maurice had made a great battery and accompanied it with a fierce assault yet did the defendants make valiant resistance and Gesan their Commander in chief dyed in so doing But the Town not being able to hold out longer of it self and no succour appearing from abroad they treated of surrendring which upon good conditions was done about the latter end of June Count Maurice being entred into Getrinberg and made all fitting provisions for the City he distributed his men into the adjacent parts that he might observe the Royalists designs and oppose them the best he might This mean while the abovesaid Recruit which Mansfield expected was come from Antwerp Wherefore desirous to try whether he could make any acquisition which might at least in some part make amends for so great a loss he resolved to turn upon the Fort of Crevecoeur This Fort is situated upon the mouth of a River called Demel which taking its rise in Brabant and having past through the City of Balduke or the Busse falls about a league from thence into the Mause The Country thereabouts was infested from this Fort and particularly Balduke was thereby indammaged great was the advantage moreover which the Enemy received from it by the further command of the River Mansfield advancing with his Army made some of his men draw nearer the Fort intending to possess himself of some convenient seat These men had much adoe to pass forward for they found the fields overflown and the Fort so well defended on all sides as Mansfield despairing of ever getting it drew quickly off from it again He then disposed of his Army as he thought best And because the Enemy did already openly threaten Friesland and in particular the City of Groninghen he therefore sent new men to Verdugo to sustein the Kings affairs in those parts as well as for the present they might be Verdugo commanded the Kings Forces thereabouts who was not wanting in using all his accustomed diligence as well in doing what might be for the service of his party as also in impeding the Enemy from advantaging themselves The two Counts Hermano and Frederick de Berg did every day signalize themselves more and more with him in the Kings service And Verdugo making use of them chiefly was in continual action on one side or other But to say truth he was so inferior in Forces as the Adverse party prevailed for the most part in all that was undertaken But the successes on neither side were of such consequence as that by making a distinct relation of them here that of the greater and more important events ought to be retarded One of the greatest and most prejudicial which hapned on the Kings behalf at this time was the Mutiny of the Italians Walloons who were with Count Charls for the service of the League in France A good number of the Spaniards which were with the Count in those parts had mutinied as you have heard before And because there was some discourse had of giving some Payes to the rest of the Spaniards who kept under the obedience of their Commanders the like respect not appearing to be had to the other Souldiers who had kept in the like obedience therefore the Italians and Walloons resolved to mutiny as they easily did afterwards They made up a body between them of 1500 Foot and 700 Horse and possessing themselves unexpectedly of the Village of Pont in Henault upon the borders of France they diligently fortified themselves there and providing for their necessities by excursions they resolved not to return to their former obedience till they were fully satisfied for their pay Count Charls his Forces were so lessened by these Mutinies as they could be of no longer service neither for the affairs of France nor yet of Flanders Thus ended this year and the next of 1594 began In this interim Archduke Ernestus brother to the Emperor Radolphus was come from Germany to be Governour of Flanders The King had very much desired that a Prince so near allied to him both in blood and affection would take upon him the care of those Countries and the Emperor joyning with the King in the same desire the Archduke was easily perswaded to please them both Parting then from Vienna about the beginning of the year he came to Flanders and was received in Brussels with all demonstrations of joy and honour by the obedient Provinces At his arrival he found the affairs of the League in France very much declining For the King of Navar having at last declared himself to be a Catholick and having setled his Cause well in this point wherein he stood in most need it was not hard for him afterwards to advantage it in all others Wherefore being received without any expence of blood into Paris
together with a great number of common souldiers In fine the success of this Assault was such as a more fierce bloody and longer doubtfull fight had not till that time been heard of neither in the Wars of France nor Flanders Fuentes having taken Chatelet and Dorlan and gotten the aforesaid victory in the field he had the greater desire to incamp before Cambray and he hoped the more to win it at last He first rested his Army for some days and in the mean while sollicited those aids which diversly and plentifully was preparing for him in Henault Artois and in the other neighbouring Countries and by the Bishop of Cambray The aids consisted in monies souldiers victuals ammunition Artillery together with a great number of Pyoners to serve for the mannual work of the fiege But in the Interim he being willing to gain as much time as he could parted from Dorlan and with those men which he had incamped about the midst of August before Cambray His Camp consisted not then of above 7000 foot and 1500 horse VVherefore the Duke of Nevers who was then in Peroune resolved to try whether he could bring any relief into the Town or no before his Army should be increased He to this purpose sent his eldest son the Duke of Retel who was not then above 15 years old accompanied with 500 horse By sending such a pawn Nevers desired to assure the besieged the more that he himself would soon come to succour them with other forces The young Duke met with a brisk opposition wherein Carlo Colonna with his Cavalry did particularly signalize himself But the French prevailed and having lost some of their men entred most of them into the City Fuentes his Army did this mean while daily increase in a short time his Camp conâ—sted of 12000 foot and 3â—00 horse he had moreover above 80 pieces of Artillery great aboundance of Ammunition and victuals and 40â—0 Pyoners At his first incamping Fuentes had rather designed where he would take up his quarters about the Town then taken them up deviding them the most advantagiously that the several situations would suffer him to do But now abounding in all things that was necessary to fortifie them he applyed himself suddenly to bring them to intire perfection Cambray is seated as hath several times been said upon that edg of Frontier made by the two Provinces of Henault and Artois on Flanders side towards France opposite to Picardy It hath under its command abroad only the little Castle of Cambresis with a very narrow precinct of ground but the Prerogatives of the City make good the smallness of the Territories It enjoys a free Government under the spiritual and temporal dominion of its Archbishop It is indowed with very large Priviledges full of noble Churches whereof the Cathedral is such as hath not its like in any of the chief neighbouring Cities It is sufficiently provided also of other Edifices either for use or ornament yet are not the Inhabitants answerable in numbers to the houses Many of which being Ecclesiasticks foreign Commerce and Merchandizing doe rather languish then abound there Neither doth the Scheld though it run through the City afford Commodity for it for that River takes its head but from a little above that City and hath therefore there so slender a Channel as it is hardly Navigable in those parts The City is about a league in compass and is invironed with an antient wall flank'd for the most part after the ancient manner but with many Bulwarks also after the modern way of Fortification It hath a ditch which is very broad and deep on the one side whereinto for a great part the Scheld runs but the rest thereof by reason of the hight of its situation is dry but so much the deeper On the highest side which is on the East stands a Citadel with four royal Bulwarks having a great half Moon between two of them which are next the fields and divers other defences for the better custody of the ditch The ground descending from hence towards the South side and still more and more as it inclines towards the VVest stands the Port Neufe and then that of St Sepulcher afterwards another called Cantimpre and more towards the South that of Selle And lastly more higher towards the Citadel there is another Gate called Malle Between these Gates is the compass of the City divided It had for the defence thereof about 2500 foot and 600 horse besides 500 foot which were reserved for the Citadel Amongst the foot some Companies of Swissers were comprehended and some others of the confining VValloons which served Baligni The rest were French all of them well trained up in wars The City and Citadel did abound in Victuals Ammunition Artillery and with whatsoever was requisite for the maintaining of a long and hard siege Now to turn to the adverse party Fuentes had taken up his quarters chiefly over against the Gates that he might block up the most frequented avenues and that he might the better keep out succour On that side which lay nearest France from whence relief was most to be feared and which was on the South side he raised a great Fort near the Village Nierny and gave the custody thereof to the Prince of Simay He raised another Fort towards the west called Premy taking its name from a near neighbouring Village and gave the charge thereof to Count Bilio Colonel of a German Regiment Then turning towards the North he added another Fort which was called St. Olao the name of a Church not far from it and he committed the defence thereof to the Baron Ausi On the fourth side towards the East did Fuentes his self quarter by reason of the near accommodation of the Village Evendunre and here he raised the greatest Fort for on that side which was the most eminent and where the ditch was dry he intended to open his Trenches and to make his batteries These were the chief quarters and the defence was to be secured by the abovesaid Forts From one Fort to another did certain little Forts or rather Redouts run with double Trenches because the inward might serve to refrain sallies and the outward to keep out succour To each Fort and Redout he assigned such men as were requisite together with all things necessary for the well maintaining of them And the horse were likewise distributed in places most-needfull to scoure the Country and to be ready to disturb relief The siege being thus setled they began to work their Trenches against the wall But as that highest or most eminent place which hath been spoken of was most commodious for the opening of them so was the wall on that side the City hardest to be forced A half Bulwark was thrust out from the Citadel with a great Orillioune which with the well covered fences within did serve for a curtain to a long line of wall which ran between that Bulwark and the Port di Malle Between
exactly informed himself of the condition that Hulst and the Country thereabouts was in and being resolved to besiege the Town he feigned as is usually do ne in such cases to besiege another that he might divert the Enemies Forces in sundry parts and so make them the weaker Count Maurice was chiefly jealous of Breda wherefore the Cardinal seemed as if he would sit down before it and to colour it the better he made Monsieur Ronye pass over the Scheld with 7000 Foot and 1500 Horse and to bend thitherward nor was this done to no purpose There was little less then 5000 souldiers in Hulst all almost Foot and the best that the united Provinces had Upon this concevied danger of Breda Count Maurice made almost half the Garrison that was in Hulst pass suddenly into that Town and into other Towns in Brabant which might be subject to the like suspition Of which the Cardinal being advertised he delayed no longer discovering his true design but mustering his Army he marched in the beginning of July to enter into the Country of Wasse and to straiten Hulst by all such waies as might make him hope for good success in that enterprise The chief care of the two abovesaid principal Forts of Austria and Fuentes and of the other lesser ones were given to Signior Bissa who had been formerly Commissary General of the Horse and who divers times had carried himself very gallantly against the Garrison of Hulst The Cardinal therefore gave orders to him and to the Camp-master Barlotta that they should do their utmost to enter the Island and to possess themselves there of such a place as they might keep footing in To this purpose 2000 Foot part Walloons part Germans were chosen out who were led on by their own Colonel Tesselinghen and to these were added 300 Spaniards and 200 Italians These were mustered in Fort Fuentes and Signior Bissa the mean while with great diligence made some Barks be rowed over the drowned Country at a low ebb The Superficies of that Earth though the water was gon off remained still very soft and miery wherefore it was very hard getting over it Yet those difficulties were overcome and the barks were at last brought to the Channel upon the banks whereof stood as hath been said the Enemies two greatest Forts Morual and Rape and the little Rape between them Under the same silence and obscurity of the night the souldiers began to move and Barlotta led the Van with his Walloons Spaniards and Italians When he was come to the Channel after having suffered very much in his passing over that miery peece of ground he arrived at the banke over against the little Rape intending to storm it The march arrival and assault was so sudden and unlooked for as those within were much perplext And though the Enemies neerest great Fort when they discovered the Kings men failed not to annoy them with its Artillery yet did they but little harm thereby since it was by night so as the assault growing still hotter Barlotta at last took the little Fort and began to fix his foot in the Island where he fell to fortifie The mean while Tessilinghen came in with his Germans and he fortifying himself also as much as the narrowness of the bank and the anoyance from the Enemies Forts would permit him to do he endeavoured the more to secure the entrance into the Island The Count of Solme was Governor of Hulst and he had with him a Garrison of little less then 3000 souldiers and had all such provisions as were requisite for the defence of any how important a place soever He then seeing himself assaulted in manner as hath been said failed not upon break of day to sally out against the Kings men to chace them from the little Fort which they had taken and from the bank where they were fortifying themselves The Germans had not yet sufficiently fenced themselves wherefore turning upon them with a great Squadron he easily disordered them which was much occasioned by Tesselinghen's being suddenly slain whilst he valliantly withstood the fury of the Enemy But Barlotta coming suddenly in with more men after a fierce bickering wherein many of each sides were slain the Enemy retired into the Town and the Kings men kept themselves in the places they had possest with more security then before At the news of this the Cardinal would approach himself in person and took up his quarters in a Village called St. Nicholas From whence sending Ronye suddenly back he ordered that he together with all the rest of the Commanders and the whole Army should presently enter the Island and that they should beleaguer the Town on all sides where it was possible so to do Ronye being entred the Island with his men all the rest of the Kings Camp passed over thither but not without some slowness and trouble by reason of the myre and the narrowness of the space which they had won Ronye began then to distribute his quarters and his chief end being to keep off succour and particularly such as might be had neerest hadn from Zealand by the Channel which was turned towards Honte he used all possible diligence to that purpose The Fort Maurice vvas built on that side for the service of the Enemy so as neither then nor during the whole siege could they keep off succour on that side and especially by little boats which passing through the Channel by night received very little harm The Walloon Brigadoes of Count Bucquoy of Grison and Cochella were quartered thereabouts as also Augustine Messia's Spanish Brigado which in his absence was commanded by his Sergeant Major â—ietro Ponze Nearer the Town lay Alphonso di Mendosa with his Spanish Brigado the Signiors Frisen and Lyches with their Walloon Brigadoes and Count Bilia with his German Regiment the Spanish Camp-masters Velasco and Zuniga were quartered in the highest part of the Island and near the them Marquess Trevico an Italian with his Brigado of the same Nation and further off in other parts where the more firm ground afforded commodity of joyning with the more muddy Count Sols was quartered with a new German Regiment which he had raised as also Count Bossu and il Signor Barbenson with two other Walloon Brigadoes Not any Horse was brought into the Island because they could be of no use there Thus did Ronye divide the quarters each of which began afterwards to open their Trenches But this mean while the Kings Camp began to be in great want of victuals There was no entrance to be had into the Island save onely by way of the little Fort which Barlotta had taken vvhich lying in the middle betvveen the tvvo greater of Morual and Rape and in a narrovv space it vvas very hard to get thither and very dangerous to keep there vvherefore Ronye resolved in the first place to possess himself of all that vvhole bank upon vvhich the tvvo aforesaid greater Forts stood and then to use all
Varras got notice of it He had with him the Marquis of Trevico's Italian Brigado which was commanded by his Serjeant Major Count Sols his new Regiment of Germans and two Walloon Brigadoes of Barlotta and Assicount These Germans and Walloons were also without their Commanders and were Governed by other inferior Officers Nicholas Basti Commanded the horse which were all Spanish and Italian Count Varras having discovered the Enemies march and thinking that he had not sufficient Forces to fight him in the Field knowing also that Turnaut as being an open Village was not a place for defence resolved to go to Herentales a Town which he might easily get unto being but three hours easie march from Turnaut Yet he would retire by day lest if he should have marched by night his retreat might have seemed a running away Thus resolved and sending out his baggage by night upon the break of day Varras left Turnaut and made his men march in this manner He devided the foot into three squadrons in the first he placed the Walloons in the second the Germans and in the third the Italians But that which at their first going out was the reer if the enemy should come upon them was to be the van The horse were placed on the right hand where the field was more free and a great wood served for a sufficient defence on the left hand Maurice hearing of this removal he suddenly advanced with all his horse and with 300 musketiers behind so many Curassiers en Croup and the Curassiers advancing foremost with the musketiers en Croup he gave them order to charge the enemy home in the reer and that they should endeavour to hold them play till his foot should come up With Maurice were the Counts of Hollack and Solm Colonel Vere an English-man and divers other Commanders of great experience and valour The Kings Horse valiantly opposed the like of the Enemies and the Squadrons facing about did likewise sustain the first charge of the Enemy But all Maurice his Horse coming in and soon after his Foot the Kings Horse being no more in number could make no longer resistance So as these being routed the rest were discouraged though Count Varras galloping here and there and in every place shewed all the proofs of valour and undauntedness which could be desired of him upon such an occasion And finally pressing forwards amongst the Italians when he saw their Squadrons begin to flie he was suddenly slain and he failing the Kings men were wholly overcome and the Enemy had the total victory over them The Walloons fought not that day according as they were wont to doe and the Germans made but little resistance And therefore the most that were slain or wounded were Italians In all there were above 1200 slain and almost as many taken There were 37 Colours lost and a great part of the Baggage There were not above 100 of the Enemy slain And Maurice wan such a Victory with the loss of so little blood as made much for the advantage of the Consederate Provinces and for his own Honour in War After this mischance the Cardinal failed not suddenly to provide for the necessities of Brabant by sending in many Horse and Foot He was about likewise to make many great new Levies But the King was in so great scarcity of monies as the Cardinal could not make provisions so soon nor yet so fully as the necessity of the Flanders affairs required and much more those which were of so great concernment on the part of France Nor was it long ere an occasion arose in France which being one of the most remarkable which the wars of France or Flanders hath produced in point of Surprise and Siege you shall have a particular diligent account thereof in the next Book THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF FLANDERS Written by CARDINAL BENTIVOGLIO The Third Part. BOOK IV. The Contents The Spaniards surprise the City of Amiens by stratagem The King of France immediately besiegeth it The chiefest successes thereof and of the Defence are related The Cardinal-Archduke goes himself in person with a powerfull Army to relieve the besieged but being kept off by the Enemies forces the Town returns at last into the Kings hands who presently fortifies it with a strong Castle The Cardinal retreats to Artois and from thence passeth into Flanders Here he visits Ostend but not attempting any thing he returns to Brussels and puts his Army in garrison The acquisitions this mean while made by Count Maurice to the great advantage of the Confederate Provinces are related Nor is it long ere Peace is declared between the two Crowns so as the Kings Forces are now at liberty to attend only the proper affairs of Flanders At this same time great consultations are had in the Court of Spain about a Marriage propounded between the Cardinal-Archduke and the Infanta Isabella the Kings eldest daughter with the giving of the Low-Countries to the Infanta for her portion The King inclines thereunto out of many good reasons and therefore will have it effected The Archduke parts from Flanders to go for Spain and Cardinal Andrea d' Austria stayes in his place The Cardinal-Archduke is not well gone when the King of Spain dyes and his son Philip the Third succeeds him To whom the King had also a little before destined the Archdutchess Margaret of Austria for Wife HErnando Teglio Portocarrero was Governour of Dorlan being left there by Count Fuentes after the taking of that place as chosen by him for one of the best Souldiers that the Spanish Nation had in Flanders Portacarrero not satisfied with the bare custody of Dorlan wherein he was extraordinarily vigilant he oft-times issued out with his Garrison and assaulting the Enemy sometimes in open fields sometimes by ambushes now preying upon their Cattel and then setting their Villages on fire he was almost become the Terror of that Frontier But neither did his thoughts end here He had an earnest desire to doe some great action for the Kings service in those parts by which he himself might likewise acquire reward and glory Amiens is the chief City of Picardy and Dorlan is not above seven leagues distant from it This neighbourhood afforded occasion to Portacarrero to penetrate almost â—â—urly into what was done in Amiens and thereabouts That City had appeared much for the League and being now fallen into the Kings hands it coveted much to have its antient priviledges observed and especially that the City should be governed by Personages of their own Inhabitants and by their own proper Forces Nor would the King the present condition of affairs considered doe any thing to the contrary Thus the City was its own Guardian And though there were a great number of Citizens who had listed themselves under Colours yet were they not any way disciplind according to custom in the handling of their Arms nor were they so vigilant as they ought to have been in guarding their Gates The Country
and brought his brother with him each of them very well viewing all the works and giving such orders as were requisite in all places In midst of the Parado a Church was intended to be built the first stone whereof the Cardinal's self did lay and in relation to his own name and for the particular devotion which he bore to that Saint he called both the Church and the Fort St. Andrea This Ceremony was performed with all military rejoycing the Canon thundring on all sides out of the Castle which were seconded by the souldiers joyfull acclamations as if that Bulwark should be perpetually kept for the Kings advantage and that Holland should be thereby chiefly curbed And yet you shall quickly see that the Fort was afterwards basely delivered up to the Enemy or rather sold unto them to the great ignominy of the Garison that was in it and certainly in common opinion the Fort was impregnable if it had been well provided for and defended and it was thought it would have been a great terror to all the enemies Country over against it and particularly to Holland nearest the very heart whereof it stood Nor was it long ere it was fully finished It commanded the Mause on one side and the Wahal on the other Each of the five Bastions were of equal proportions and stood very handsomly at equal distances from forth the Curtains And where the ditches were made the water was above a Pikes length deep Thus by their means was the one River joyned to the other the Mause sometimes contributing water to the Wahal and sometimes the Wahal to the Mause according to their several exuberances The Strade Copertè ran to without about the Ditches from which likewise many Redoubts were also thrust out to defend them the better and the more to anoy the enemy twelve great Frigats were placed in the Ditches that they might be continually the readier to put into those Rivers This was the condition of the Fort St. Andrea The United Provinces knew very well how prejudicial it might prove unto them and therefore Count Maurice caused another Fort to be built on the contrary shore not a Royal one but only sufficient to keep the Kings men from making that passage if at any time they should attempt it and that they might make the fewer incursions into those parts But it is now time that we should acquaint you with the successe of those Forces which the Confederate Germans were to put together for the aforesaid occasions Persevering in the resolution which they had put on at Confluence they did not let slip making necessary provision for the putting of it in execution yet mony not coming in either so plentifully or so speedily as the condition of the business required and all things else being carryed on with the wonted slackness of the Nation and with the usual difficulties of making several interessed parties joyn in the same opinion The Count di Lippa who was chosen Commander in chief could not so soon assemble all the Forces together which were to come from so many several places The United Provinces used all possible means to incite the Confederates pressing the opportunity of the present conjuncture whilst the Kings Army was busted in the taking of Bomel and afterwards in building the Fort St. Andrea They advised particularly that the German Camp might joyn with theirs alleadging that by this means and by so many Forces the Spaniards might not only be driven out of the Empire but might be brought to great straits in Flanders To make these their endeavours the more efficacious the same Provinces had sent their desires by Count Hollach who meeting with Count Lippa did no more part with him These demonstrations of the United Provinces were very welcom to the Confederate Germans and were willingly imbraced by them to cause the more fears and jealousies in the Spaniards On the other side Cardinal Andrea had used all diligence so to sweeten affairs as the Confederates might be kept from breaking forth into Arms. When the Kings Army marched into the field that part thereof which was quartered in Westphalia was taken totally from thence The Cardinal had caused the City of Emrich to be again delivered up to the Duke of Cleves and gave assured hopes that Res and the other Towns appertaining to the same Prince should be suddenly likewise surrendred Nor was the Elector of Colen wanting in continuing his former intercessions with both the parties These Negotiations had this of operation That not to irritate too much the Forces of the King of Spain the Confederate Germans would not joyn their Army in a body with the United Flemish thinking that it was sufficient for them to reassecure their Neutralities which had been violated They seemed to be very resolute herein And therefore not any whit relying upon the aforesaid hopes but fearing lest the Kings men would not only not go out of the Neutral Towns where they yet were but that they might think of wintering again in those where they had not yet been they resolved no longer to delay the assembling of their Army They appointed their Rendezvouz to be upon the banks of the Rhine towards Reinberg where all their Forces met not before the beginning of August Their numbers were much more considerable then their conditions They consisted of 25000 Foot as it was said and of 4000 Horse but most of them new and weak men under a Generall of but small experience and under other Commanders who were but weak also and of little esteem The first effect of their marching was that those of Wesel would no longer continue in the Catholick religion We shewed you before that they fainedly received it but now encouraged by the neighbouring German forces and for that the Kings forces were imployed in other parts they resolved again to inhibit all Catholick rites in that City and that Heresie should only reign there and the profession thereof as before The Apostolick Nuntio of Colen was as yet in Wesel who understanding what resolution they had put on went out of the City as did also all the Priests and Votaries which the common people did not forbear to injure especially some Votaries whom they seemed most to detest The affairs of Wesel being returned to their former condition the German Camp marched and quartered about Reinberg it being pretended by the Confederates that that was likewise a Neutral town and subject to the Empire and that sundry times now the Kings men now the contrary parties had unjustly possessed it It was not long before fallen into the Kings mens hands as you then heard and there was in it a Garrison of German Foot and some few Walloons Mutinies were at this time grown so domestick as every day some of them were seen to arise in one place or other One of them had hapned a little before in Reinberg where the Garrison took up Arms and shamefully drove out the Governour of the Town putting their Elect in
Forts which we had taken would have so long entertained the Enemy till the Town being as we know but ill provided might have faln into our hands The Fortune of war alters the condition of affairs in a moment and so she hath dealt with us upon this occasion But we ought to thank her for it because that suddenly altring the face of affairs she hath proved more favourable to us when it was to be feared she might have proved more averse And truly if the Arch-Duke weighing affairs better on his behalf had made his Army stay betwixt Newport and Ostend in what straits should we now be All hereabouts unless it be Ostend is the Enemies Country we should not have been able to have got thither And then being enforced to have retreated by Sea with how much advantage might the Enemy have assaulted us Clean contrary the advantages will now lie wholly on our side They come wearied with marching short in numbers blinde with rage and with the very fury of mutineers Did they peradventure after this mornings tumultuous action think that we either buried in sleep or born away by fear would either not have taken up Arms at all or else have thrown them away without any waies disputing the business Will this be the first time that our Forces shall have beaten theirs Nay I hope this shall prove the most noble victory that we ever got of them Our men are as good as theirs we exceed them in numbers and we will take the most advantagious place to fight upon But still our greatest advantage must lye in our Arms and courage I for my part will be in all places and from this time forward I declare my self unworthy the prerogatives of a Commander if upon this occasion I be not equally forward in all danger with every common Souldier And that there may be no escaping out of the Battel I have given order that all the ships stand off at Sea far from the shore That I might make the Victory certain I have chosen to adde despaire to hope In fine my Souldiers we must this time either overcome or die with our swords in our hands This discourse was received by the Army with joyfull acclamations and all readiness to fight was shewn Then Maurice gave out his Orders He assigned the Van to Colonel Sir Francis Vere the Battel to Count Solme and the Rear to Monsieur de Temple mixing together the Souldiers of all the several Nations He disposed of the Horse of which Count Lodovick de Nassaw was Generall some on the Front and some on the Flanks and kept no particular place for himself resolving to be at his liberty of transferring himself wheresoever the greatest need should require He had with him his brother Henry a Youth of 16 years of age and the Duke of Alsatia the Prince of Henault and Count Coligni Grandchild to the late Admiral of France together with divers other young Gentlemen of great quality who were come a little before from the Heretick Countries into Flanders to be trained up under him in the exercise of Arms would keep near his person The Armies met upon the Sea-shore From thence more towards the Land appears great Hills of Sand which seem to be on purpose placed by Nature to keep the Land from being swallowed up in those low situations by the Seas when they are most tempestuous Those little Mountains of Sand lie all along the Coast of Flanders and are called Downs The Sand is there moveable and is easily raised by the wind which makes them the more troublesom to be dealt with The Tide began to flow when the Armies marched wherefore they were forced still to draw towards the Downs and in fine the Main Battel must be given there To boot with the Catholicks being wearied and fewer in number the Sun was then going towards the West on which side the Enemies Camp was and therefore his beams gave upon the Catholicks faces which were on the East side It was in July and the hottest hours had very much inflam'd the sands and there was then likewise a little wind stirring which raising the sand did much more incommodiate the Catholicks Camp then it did their Enemies Count Maurice placed some Peeces of Artillery between the Downs and the Sea-shore where the high Tide had left way for his better advantage on that part He possest himself of the highest parts of the Downs where on one of the most advantagious sides he likewise placed some Peeces of Artillery And having all these advantages expected that the Enemy should come and assault him Nor were the Catholicks long in coming The Archduke in few words endeavoured still to encourage them to the conflict He put them in mind of their former victories of the service they did to God to the Infanta to himself and to the King of Spain And that as he himself would be an eye-witness of their this dayes behaviour they might with more security expect to be largely recompenced The Mutiniers Horse gave the first assault who led by the Admiral through that passage which remained then betwixt the Downs and the Sea met with a fierce encounter and were quickly very much indammaged by the Enemies Artillery placed with the aforesaid advantage At the same time almost did the Foot fall on on both sides upon the Downs betwixt whom happened one of the fiercest fights that hath any time been known The Spanish Mutiniers were on foot in the Front of the first Catholick Battalion who together with the rest gave miraculous testimony of their valour And the Enemies Van began already manifestly to give ground for Sir Francis Vere who commanded them being wounded and many of their first Ranks slain the rest observed orders no longer But new Souldiers of the Battel coming in to reinforce the Van the latter was sustained by the former and the fight continued more hot then before Their Muskets and other Fire-weapons being discharged they came to closer fight to the push of Pike and managing of their swords Various but equally fierce were the instigations on each side They fought out of Honour and out of Hatred as if what for hope what for despair they had been mad Each side hoped to overcome and as if they had despaired at the same time they would rather die then be vanquished You might therefore see the Squadrons of each side to billow up and down like waves sometimes advancing sometimes giving back the place whereon they fought being full of dead and wounded men and the fighters full of sweat blood and fierceness And by this time all the Forces of both sides were joyned in Battel But the disadvantage on the Catholicks behalf was too great Tired men fought against those that were fresh and the excessive heat of the sand made them more sensible of their weariness they suffered likewise more by the dust and by the sun Yet did they valiantly make good their party when the Catholick Horse
great Dike did daily advance yet it was known that such a work would prove too long and too uncertain The hope of keeping out succor growing then every day less and less Spinola bent all his endeavours to take the Town by force We told you before that all vessels were hindred from coming into the lesser Channel on St. Alberto's side which fals there into the sea by a Fort. Yet the Channel it self was of great advantage to the Enemy on that side for it served for a great ditch to their Counterscarfe which was strong of it self and yet made stronger by many Flanks by which it was defended Before the Catholicks could come to assault the Counterscarf they must first pass over the Channel which was so hard to doe with safety or shelter in any place thereof as it was evidently seen that many of them must perish being so exposed to be injured by the Enemy The oppugnation was led on on four sides from St. Alberto's quarter The Germans wrought nearer the Sea then followed the Spaniards after them the Italians and on the outmost side more towards Land the Walloons and Burgonians Great was the fervencie of all these Nations and such a contention there was amongst them in striving which of them should most advance the works as the Souldiers emulation seemed rather a contest between Enemies then between Rivals The Channel was narrower and more shallow where the Burgonians and Walloons wrought They were therefore the first that past over it and afterwards the other Nations did the like To pass over it a great quantity of the aforesaid materials were thrown into every part thereof where the aforesaid Nations wrought Those materials were reduced to Dikes or Banks upon which the Souldiers advanced towards the Town But very many of them were slain and wounded For the Defendants with their hail of Musket-shot and tempest of greater Artillery charged with little bullets and murdering shot in great quantity and ofttime with artificial fire made the Catholicks work on all those sides very bloody The Souldiers that they might go the best sheltred that they could invented many Fences some consisted of Gabions fill'd with earth well joyned and fastned together others of long Bavins which stood upright and stood so thick as they were muket-proof and others in several forms made of the aforesaid materials Targone invented likewise a great Cart from which a Bridge made of Cloth and Cords might unexpectedly be thrown over the Channel and so the Enemies Defences might the easelier be assaulted The Cart stood upon four very high wheels and upon the forepart thereof rose up as it were the Mast of a ship which served chiefly to let down and to take up the Bridge But the whole bulk proved to be of so cumbersom a greatness and so hard to be managed that before it was undertaken it was known it could work no effect The aforesaid Fences were wrought where the Artillery from the Town could not reach and at the flowing of the Sea they were brought upon the Flotes to the places where they were made use of Great was the mortality likewise of those that wrought here the Enemy making usually such havock of them with their Muskets Artillery and Sallies as ofttimes hardly one of them could be saved But mony still got new men and ofttimes the Souldiers themselves wrought Nor was Spinola wanting in being in all places at all times and in exposing himself as well as any of the rest to all labour and danger encouraging some rewarding others and behaving himself so as his imitating without any manner of respect unto himself the most hazardous works of others made the rest the more ready to imitate his When each Nation had past the Channel each of them began with like emulation to force the Ravelins and Half moons which sheltred the Counterscarf And the Walloons and Burgonians by reason of their quarter were the first that did it But with much effusion of blood even of the Noblest amongst them for amongst the rest Catris a Walloon Campmaster was lost a valiant and greatly experienced Souldier and whom Spinola highly esteemed both for his deeds and councel With the like progress and no less loss of blood did the other Nations advance So as the Enemies at last lost all the Fortifications which they had without their principal Line about which a great Ditch ran but not so hard to pass as was the Channel which fenced the Counterscarf The easier doing of it made the Catholicks hope better in the effecting thereof Wherefore full of fresh courage they prepared to continue their labours more heartily then ever that they might the sooner end the siege But the winter being already come on did much hinder their Works and the Sea did then more destroy them by her Tempests The Enemy did likewise make very fierce opposition they set up Batteries within against the Batteries without to Mines opposed Countermines they repaired themselves on all sides and as fast as one Rampire was lost they set up another So as the Catholicks were to advance by inchmeal and yet they did so advance as by the Spring they were got well forward into the Ditch These already progressions of Marquess Spinola together with his still daily proceedings made the united Provinces shrewdly afraid that they should at the last lose Ostend It was therefore consulted amongst their chief Commanders how the Town might be best preserved Which might be done by two waies either by some important diversion or by raising the siege by main force The second affair brought with it such difficulties as the first was imbraced Wherefore they resolved to besiege Sluct A Town which likewise stood upon the Sea and of so great consequence as did rather exceed then come short of those of Ostend Having then made a very plentiful provision of vessels to carry their souldiers from Flushing to the neighbouring Country where Sluce was seated Count Maurice about the end of April in the new year 1604 moved with fifteen thousand Foot and two thousand five hundred Horse to compass the said design We acquainted you with the discription of the situation of this place and of the Territories thereof when it was besieged and taken by the Duke of Parma so as we shall need to touch but briefly upon it here Sluce lies more within land then does Ostend but so neer the Sea as it enjoyes the conveniences thereof no less then doth the other all the Country thereabouts is so full of Channels Shores and standing waters as it is hardly commerceable at any time of the year unless it be by banks or barks From the lesser Channels a greater doth proceed upon the shore whereof the Town stands and which falling into the Sea makes a very fit Harbor for all sorts of shipping Upon divers sides of the same Channel stood sundry Forts the better to command it and one in particular called St. Anno stood neerer the Town then
side he imagined that the Enemies Trenches were neither so well fortified nor so well guarded as in other parts He met with some obstacle in passing over some Channels but he got over them and giving the best sitting orders to march by night and to come unexpectedly upon the Enemy it was impossible for him by reason of divers difficulties he met with to get thither before it was day The Catholicks did notwithstanding valliantly assault the Enemy by whom being as stoutly withstood the fight continued a great while but Count Maurice coming in himself in person and reinforcing the defence answerable to the danger the Catholicks were at last forced to retreat There were some 400 of them slain and as many hurt amongst which the Campmaster Borgia was sorely wounded in both his arms In this action the Marquis of Renty was particularly slain who was in the prime of his youth of great expectation and one of the chiefest of the Nobility of that Country The enemy lost likewise much bloud and that of the best in this fight The assault proving ineffectual the Town was soon after delivered up upon honourable conditions Little less then 4000 souldiers marched out of it and went to Dama making a most compassionate spectacle for they were all so macerated with hunger having suffered the utmost extremities thereof as they rather seemed skellitons then men And in two short hours march for it is no more between Sluce and Dama threescore of them dropped down dead for very weakness Sluce being lost Spinola returned likewise to Dama and went from thence to the siege of Ostend again Sluce was surrendred about the midst of October when Count Maurice entred thereinto glorying that in three months time and with the loss of so little bloud he had made a greater acquisition then that of Ostend which would cost above three years expence of time and an infinity of Spanish gold and bloud if it could not at least hold out longer Great store of Artillery of all sorts was found in the Town and in the Forts and all the Gallies which were well furnished with all things which were requisite to the designe for which they were intended fell likewise into Maurice his hands The Archduke appeared much displeased hereat And it being to be doubted that the enemy favoured by so important an acquisition and having all their Forces almost still intire would presently come with displayed Banners to the relief of Ostend the Archduke therefore gave forth immediately all necessary Orders to keep them from so doing Those places towards which it was thought that Maurice might lead his Army from Sluce to Ostend were therefore speedily provided for and well fortified And the Archduke gave the chief care thereof to Spinola as to him who bore the whole burthen of the siege Amongst other places he endeavoured to secure the Town of Dama and the Fort Blanchemburg the former being seated more inward into the Country and the other upon the Sea almost in equal distance between Sluce and Ostend Maurice must needs pass either by the one or the other of these to bring his men to the relief And because it was feared that he would rather do it by Blanchemburg side Spinola drew thither as great a force as was necessary to withstand Maurice if he should have the aforesaid intent These Orders being given he returned to the siege resolving to carry it so as it might the speedilyer be ended And he already thought himself almost sure of it For the loss of Sluce had not only not disheartned the Catholicks in the siege of Ostend but had rather inflamed them the more out of a desire that the loss of that place might be counterpoised by the winning of this At the same time then that the enemies were hottest against Sluce the Catholicks were no less servent against Ostend Each of the aforesaid Nations had proceeded on in their several quarters pursuing to lead on their works in manner aforesaid but not without continual loss of bloud and amongst the rest Camp-master Melzi was ill hurt in his leg and Camp-master Justinian received such a wound in his arm as he was forced to have it cut quite off Yet the Catholicks at last made themselves masters of the ditch nor were they long afterwards in winning the first Line though the enemy made as many retreats as they could in every Bulwark making of one flank many and very much retarding the oppugnors proceedings When they had won the first Line they discovered a new Fortification which those within had raised with ditches flanks and other defences Sluce was just then lost and it was feared that Count Maurice would come to the relief of Ostend The Catholicks being therefore so much the more moved and Spinola being again returned it is not to be exprest with what servor they fell to their works on all sides The greatest progress was made towards the old Town of Ostend And because when they should have won that they might easily hinder the entrance into the Channel by the mouth whereof succour was brought from the Sea and for that the new Town was much commanded by the old therefore Spinola did more reinforce his Batteries assaults mines and all his other most efficacious works on that side then on any other Nor was it long ere the Catholicks had almost wholly taken it They likewise advanced after the same manner against the new Fortification so as now the besieged had no where whither to retreat wherefore wanting ground to defend when they most abounded in all things for defence they were at last forced to surrender the Town which was done about the midst of September upon all the most honourable conditions that they could desire Count Maurice was often minded to attempt the succour by main force but considering that he was to enter into an Enemies Country amongst strong and well garded Towns and that he should meet with men that were very ready to fight he thought it not fit after his prosperous success at Sluce to hazard falling into some misfortune as upon such an occasion he might peradventure do and therefore he forbore to do it It was a remarkable thing to see so many souldiers march out of a Town For there were above 4000 of them all strong and healthfull they having enjoyed great plenty of all things in Ostend by reason of their continual succours So as besides great store of Artillery there was found in the Town such aboundance of Victuals ammunition and of whatsoever else may be imagined for the defence of a royal Town as the like was never known to be in any other place Thus ended the siege of Ostend very memorable doubtless in itself but much more in consideration of the so great expence of monies and time which the winning and losing of it cost The siege continued above three years in which time the constant opinion was that there dyed what by the sword what by sickness above
thereabouts and began to fortifie himself in a certain part shewing clearly that he intended to begirt that Fort. But it was so well provided to make defence by Spinola as there was no fear of losing it Nor was he long in appearing thereabouts himself Spinola had with him thirteen thousand Foot and three thousand Horse with great provision of all other things He fortified himself also and the Armies were so neer one another as daily skirmisher past between them At this time came the three Brigadoes which were expected from Italy But the other which came by Sea from Spain had not the like Fortune Pietro di Sermiente who was Camp-master thereof conducted it in eight ships and meeting with many great ships of Holland in the English Channel which lay waiting for him he was assaulted by them and after a fierce fight most of the Spanish ships with the men that were in them were taken by the Enemy The Camp-master saved himself with the rest of the ships and souldiers and got to Dunkirk At the same time the Germans and those of the neigbouring Nations were likewise raised Wherefore the Arch-duke resolved Spinola should no longer delay to put the design in execution which was agreed upon in Spain which was to pass the Rhine to advance into Friesland and to make some great diversion against the Enemy on those parts Count Frederick de Berg stayed therefore only with such Forces as might suffice to oppose Maurice and Spinola went from the Province of Flanders and coming to Brussels past with all speed to make his randezvouz at Mastrick Prince Avelino conducted over the Neopolitans and returned presently for Italy Francisca Colonna Prince of Palestrina was then in Flanders being a little before come thither from Rome and there was likewise Andrea Matteo Aquaviva Prince of Caeserta who came thither likewise about the same time One of the two Neapolitan Brigadoes was given to Colonna and Alessandro di Monti was Camp-master of the other Count Guido St. Georgio commanded the Lombard Brigado and Christophero de Conti d' Emden was the principal of the German Colonels Before Spinola came to Mastrick he had dispatched away Count Buckquoy General of the Artillery to begin a Fort upon the right side of the Rhine which was the most suspected The place he chose was neer Casesuert a little Town belonging to the Arch-bishoprick of Cullen Here Buckquoy began to build the Fort whither it was not long ere Spinola came who hastning the work caused it soon to be erected with a Line of five Flanks and raised another lesser one on the other side towards Cullen The Arch-duke and Spinola kept their intentions of passing with their Armies over the Rhine very secret and therefore the Arch-duke seeming to his own Captains as if he had some other design had ofttimes had it argued in Councel whether it were better to endeavour the recovery of Sluce or Graves or to besiege Berghenapzome or rather Breda never touching upon the true design Upon the variety of these Proposals there was variety of opinions and the Arch-duke had industriously wrought it so as that the Enemy might be advertised of these consultations to make them the less suspitious that they intended any thing beyond the Rhine nor did his thoughts abuse him for the Enemy being thus deluded and out of other respects not beleeving that the Catholicks would put on so bold a resolution they were not time enough to relieve the Towns which Spinola begirt and took in those parts as shall be related this so speedy march of Spinola's towards the Rhine made the Enemy beleeve he would besiege Reinberg and the same opinion was conceived in the Catholick Camp which did not yet know the true design Of all others Count Maurice beleeved the like who therefore had made Count Ernestus march away with good Forces to the end that the fortifications of that place might be by him so strengthned both without and within as there might be no fear of losing it This mean while the two aforesaid Forts were finished by Spinola by which that passage of the Rhine was secured He then no longer deferred the making known whither the Catholick Camp was bent but calling a Councel of War he said That the King and Arch-duke had resolved to carry the war to the Rebels own homes and more inward if they could That so strong an Army was prepared to this purpose That to this purpose monies were prepared to maintain the Army And that to the same end he had already secured the passage over the Rhine That the determination was to enter the Enemies Country towards Friesland and particularly to make use of all their power to take the Town of Linghen in those parts That his Highness pleasure was that this design should by all means be kept secret that so it might be the easilyer effected and that there was almost no doubt to be made of it That they knew the Town was at this time but ill provided the Enemy never having dreamed that it could at such a distance and so at unawares be assaulted by the Catholick Forces That it was true it was a great way off and that they were to pass through a great part of the Neutrals Countries where it might be feared they might suffer for want of victuals But that there was already great provision made thereof and that they were to march through that Country with such discipline as the souldiers being no ways troublesome and having sufficient monies for plenty of victuals they need fear no want That for what remained the taking of such a Town would be of very great importance That Count Maurice had still fortified it better that it lay in the Havens of Friesland almost upon the Confines of Germany and that if once they should get footing there wherefore might they not hope that this happy success might be insued by many more happy The Councel of War did much approve of this advice and it was likewise very chearfully received by all the Souldiery The Army was compounded of the usual Nations and consisted of 16000 Foot and 3000 Horse They were particularly to pass over a great part of the neutral Countrey of Cleves and Westphalia And to the end that all things might be the fairlyer carryed on both in them and in all other places of the like nature Spinola had with him the Count di Lora one of the chiefest and best esteemed Lords of all Flanders who was to negotiate with the Magistrates of each Town and to give them all due satisfaction To secure the passage of the Rhine and the Army also on their back Count Bucquoy had the charge of the new Forts having 6000 Foot and â—00 horse with him From whence Spinola marched away with the rest and began to enter into the Countrey of Cleves and after into Westphalia He marched still orderly and with so exquisite and severe discipline as victuals were brought unto the Camp in
great aboundance from all parts Coming out of those Countries he entred into the Province of Overisel belonging to the United States and very near Friesland The first considerable Town he met with there in that passage was Oldensel not above one short days journey from Linghen The Councel were of opinion that the taking of this Town would facilitate the taking of the other Oldensel was weak of it self and the enemy not expecting to have it assaulted had neglected to fortifie it Spinola incamping before the Town opened trenches on three sides and in each of them prepared a battery and all this was done with such speed as the defendants failing in their courage or rather in their forces the Batteries were not wel begun when they treated of surrender and went out of the Town Spinola had in this interim sent away Count Theodore Trivulsio with almost all the Horse who was Lieutenant General of them that he might possess himself of all the chiefest situations about Linghen And coming himself after with the rest of the Army incamped before the Town and according to his custome gave out quarters to each Nation Linghen lies almost at an equal distance between the western Friesland belonging to Flanders and the eastern one appertaining to Germany It hath a good Country about it And as we have already told you the United States had formerly given that Town with the Territories thereof to Count Maurice in acknowledgement of the service he had done them He had therefore fortified the Town very Royally adding a great Platform to the Line thereof and muniting it with six Bulwarks each of which had a large and deep Ditch about it But the Town being set upon so unexpectedly it wanted many other things appertaining to the defence thereof When the Catholicks therefore incamped before it they met with almost no resistance in their beginning their Trenches and in their leading of them on There were hardly 600 foot in Garison there and they had hardly ten pieces of Canon In so much as making but few sallies and doing but little harm with their Canon at three days end the Catholicks came to the Ditch and placed their Artillery to play upon the Town on sundry sides The greatest difficulty lay in getting over the Ditch It was broadest and deepest where the Spaniards wrought wherefore they thought to drain the water from it and to lay it dry But there was no lower parts about it The place easiest to pass over fell to the Italians and Walloons and these two Nations striving which of them should be foremost strove likewise who should expose themselves to greatest danger in so much as many of each Nation were slain and wounded yet they did so advance with Earth Bavins and other materials as they both of them passed over the Ditch almost at the same time They then fell to mining that they might the sooner come to assaults But they within were not in a condition to expect them Wherefore hanging out signes of surrender they were suffered to march out honourably and Spinola entred the Town not having spent above eight days in the taking of it He presently applyed himself to fortifie it better then it yet was adding a half-Moon betwixt one Bulwark and another and by raising a Strada Coperta well flank'd without the Ditch This mean while Count Maurice was likewise upon his march and parting from the Province of Flanders had also passed the Rhine to oppose Spinola and staying in Deventer the chief Town of Overisel he bethought how he might preserve Linghen But being prevented by the speedy siege and then by the surrender he had not time to make such preparations as were fitting for that purpose He therefore turned with 7000 Foot and 2000 Horse towards Coworden to secure a great Fort which was there in case that Spinola should assault it But the new Fortifications about Linghen being finished and leaving that Town well provided for as also the other of Ouldensel Spinola would tarry no longer in those parts Great complaints were made in Germany against the Forts of Casesuert a place situated in the Territories of Cullen which is a City belonging to the Empire Wherefore the Archduke not willing that the neighbouring Countries should be again irritated as they had been a few years before ordered Spinola that he should slight those first Forts and should erect two others upon the Rhine at Rorort a Town in the County of Mures which County did belong to Flanders Spinola went therefore from Linghen thitherward and with all diligence began to raise the new Forts upon the banks of Rhine And the season being yet very good for lying in the field he resolved that Count Bucquoy should go take Vachendonch This Town stands very low and is held for one of the strongest both for nature and industry that is in the Province of Ghelderland as you may have heard before Bucquoy began his works upon a little rise and fortified certain passes where succour was most to be suspected though it were credibly believed that Maurice would not attempt it to shun putting himself betwixt the men which Spinola kept with him at Rorort and those that Bucquoy carried along with him to besiege Vachendonch These consisted almost wholly of the Brigadoes belonging to Instinian Branchatchio and St. George These Italian Camp-masters and their Souldiers vying who should be forwardest therein more then if they had been to contend with other Nations they quickly advanced their Trenches One Camp-master succeeded the other after every days work which continued also the insuing night that they might advance the speedyer and with the more safety There were 1300 foot in the Town nor wanted they sufficient Artillery by which at a further distance and by their sallies nearer hand they endeavoured to hinder the assailants Works On the side where these wrought there ran a little Rivolet which did almost joyn with the Town-Ditch on that side When the Catholicks came to this Rivolet they were withstood in passing over it but repulsing the Enemy they came to the Ditch where meeting with fresh obstacles they again overcame them Being entred into the Ditch they were very diligent to win it filling it with earth and other materials and mainly endeavouring to get to the Line It was now about the end of October and it was apprehended lest the Autumnal rains might hinder the works more then the low and miery situation of the Town it self did retard them Wherefore they continued their works with such eagerness as at last the Ditch was totally won at the price of death and wounds They then fell to Mines and from Mines to Assaults in so much as the Catholicks lodged in the Platform of the Wall being brought to this bad condition the defendants did no longer delay to treat of surrender which being agreed upon they quitted the Town upon good conditions Whilst Buckquoy besieged Vachendoncke there happened a very considerable party between Spinola's Camp
Flanks they brought the besieged to bethink themselves rather of surrendring then of defending themselves Yet divers parties passed before they treated of surrender in one of which Signior di Tortes a Walloon Camp-master an ancient and highly esteemed souldier was slain All possible military worth being thus exprest the besieged condescended at last to treat of delivering up the Town and having obtained the most honorable conditions from Spinola which they could desire they in the beginning of October delivered the Town up into his hands Above three thousand Foot and one hundred and fifty Horse marched out of the Town in good order besides those who were wounded which were above seven hundred five hundred of which dyed On the Catholick sides more men were slain and hurt and the siege lasted but little longer then a moneth Spinola had not well ended this siege when as the souldiers retreated a new mutiny began to be discovered which was endeavoured to be remedyed first by fair means and then by foul but all proved to no purpose Their number increased in a short time to two thousand what Foot what Horse and fomented as usually by the Enemy they went to the parts about Breda and did there secure themselves to boot with the diminution of the Army by reason of these men many more were lost in the late enterprises so as the Catholick Army was very much lessened Wherefore Maurice made use of this occasion He having brought his Army suddenly together he turned towards Friesland thinking to recover some of the Towns that were lost and with firm belief that he might do it before the Catholick Army could bring succour His first assault was against Lochem a Town not able to make any defence and therefore he took it in three dayes space From thence he threw himself upon Groll and besieged the Town Spinola was very much troubled at this unexpected resolution of Maurice he considered the danger that Groll might run as for Lochem the matter was not much but he could not endure that a place of such consequence as was Groll and which he had won but a little before should fall again so quickly into the Enemies hands He therefore inclined to relieve it but propounding it to the Councel of war they were most of them against it The season was now too far advanc'd to transport the Army again beyond the Rhine And if they had suffered so much in those low situations but a little before whilst it was yet Summer how much greater would their sufferings be now about the end of Autumne Then how many hardships had they undergone in the last siege That therefore the Army required som rest after so sore labour That it was to be considered how much it was lessened a part thereof being mutinied the rest but little satisfied and there being two great a scarcity of monies to content them Wherefore what certainty could there be of bringing them so soon into the field again That they were also to pass through Countries of the Enemy or at least such as were suspected That they should finde the Enemy very strong and already fortified about the Town so as it would be little less then rashness to assault them And if the Catholick Army should chance to be endangered what other Forces had they to relieve them And consequently into what danger would the affairs of the King and Arch-dukes fall These were very efficatious reasons but it was no less efficatiously urged on the contrary That upon this occasion the loss of Groll was not onely to be considered but the manifest danger of lofing Oldensel and Linghen also And how could it be doubted but that Groll being eut off from them and the other remaining open and without such an aid both of the other Towns must be inevitably lost In which case the King nor Archdukes having no Towns at all beyond the Rhine what would it avail them to have Reinberg on this side which was taken chiefly for the securing of that passage Were these to be the advantages these the glories of two fields which had cost so much Treasure blood and trouble That then since the question was now whether whatsoever they had beyond the Rhine was either to be lost or to be preserved it must consequently follow that they must endeavour by all means to overcome those difficulties which presented themselves to the contrary That Armies were made use of in severer seasons and upon lesser necessity That if the Army might receive some relief it might be believed they would willingly undergo this new trouble That whether the Country were foe or Neutral they would march in such order as by means of their Forces in the former and their good Reglement in the other the souldiery should be sensible of no sufferings That succour was therefore by all means to be carried with all possible speed That it was not possible the Enemy should so soon have fortified themselves on all sides Wherefore being resolutely assaulted in some of their weaker quarters it might very possibly be they would not wait the encounter That uncertainty alwaies attended Armies And that if in so many not altogether so unecessary occurrances Commanders did adventure themselves much more ought they to do so in these where manifest necessity did not admit of any more circumspect resolutions In wise debates it is seen that a few weighty reasons prevail over the numbers of a great many to the contrary Spinola was of this opinion the particular consideration was of too great force with him that if Groll should be lost Oldensel and Lingben would be lost likewise almost unavoidably Wherefore he resolved to attempt the relief This resolution being taken and the Arch-duke approving thereof he came to Reinberg and passing over the Rhine began to march towards the Enemies Camp He could not muster above eight thousand Foot and twelve hundred Horse all of them notwithstanding people long experienced in Arms and who came readily to their colours to be made use of upon this occasion Count Henry de Berg was at the defence of Groll but with a far less Garrison then the Town required He therefore made known the apparent danger of losing it if it were not all the sooner relieved nor did Spinola fail to march as fast as he could insomuch as about the midst of November he drew near the Enemy Maurice by reason of the so short time had not yet sufficiently fortified his quarters nor did he believe that Spinola would have put on so bold a resolution being to meet with so many difficulties therein when the Catholicks camp was come to the Enemies Trenches and when Spinola spyed out their weakest situation he turned thitherward The design was to fall on at the same time both those who brought the succour from abroad and those that expected it from within Spinola thus ordered his Army he made a flying Squadron which according to his custom he placed in the Front with
succeeded his Father in the Civil Administration of Holland Zealand Utricht Overisel His brother Count Henry General of the Horse of the united Provinces and the Counts William and Eâ—rnestus the one of them Governour of Friesland and Groninghen and the other Governor of Ghelderland were all of them of his House and depended on him almost in all things so as the whole Government of the united Provinces as well Military as Civil may be said to be in his hands and his domestick power was the greater by his great friendship and alliance with Forraign Princes The Negotiation in hand made nothing at all for his present condition nor for that which peradventure he had an intention to raise up unto himself And say he had a minde to have hindred it at the beginning what colour or what pretence had he so to do Since the united Provinces in the Proposal made by the Arch-dukes for a Treaty had gotten all that they desired when the first ratification which came therefore from Spain proved vain Maurice began to hope well in the begun breach of the Negotiation by occasion thereof augmented the coÌ„mmon jealousies He inlarged himself very much and with great fervency in calling to minde their late good successes so many mischiefs cruelties and horrible in humanities committed as he affirmed by the Spaniards together with many other things to make all manner of Treaties with them suspitious and to encrease the hatred which those of the united Provinces alwaies bore to that Nation And though the second ratification was come in very ample manner yet did not he go less in continuing to do the same hoping to make this second appear likewise faulty in many things The time drew near of giving their resolution therein concerning which they had had many meetings at last one day when the Councel of 〈◊〉 States General was fuller then usual by reason of the importancy of the business 't is said Count Maurice spoke thus How much most worthy Deputies I have alwayes desired the prosperity of our Republick all my precedent actions which have made me appear no less my Fathers competitor then his son in her service may sufficiently manifest I have not laboured less then did my father in all wayes procuring the common good and if he lost his life in the publique cause I have exposed my self to no less dangers in the defence thereof and certainly it would have redounded much more to my honour and glory to have died amidst Arms then it did to him to perish by the hand of that base and detestable Paricide who so unworthily slew him None therefore should more rejoyce then I to hear our Provinces declared to be Free-States even by our Enemies themselves did I not think that all these proceedings were but couzenages whereby more easily to draw our Liberties again into their subjection I apprehended this even from the beginning of these practises so that as I have hitherto ever abhorred them so do I now abhor them more then ever and think it now more necessary then ever to break them wholly off and to throw back this second ratification with the same resoluteness as we did the former How many tricks and how many cheats the Spaniards have alwayes used in their like Treaties is too well known to us all But what need we look after past-times hath not the like been seen and is it not now seen in these present negotiations The first ratification came in general terms nor did it contain any thing of ratification but the bare name The second is come since which is likewise so defective as in my opinion it ought in no way to be excepted Do you perceive how the King would have it sent in the Spanish tongue a tongue unknown to us the true meaning and efficacy whereof we do not understand Do you observe how he uses the same subscription as he useth to his Vassals Not having changed any of the other things excepted against And the addition of the last clause doth it not evidently enough shew his pretensions that it shall wholly depend upon his will whether we shall be free or no As if from the time that the Duke d' Alva that Fury and Firebrand of all the troubles of Flanders and after him the other Governours had bereft their Countrie of its priviledges brought forein colonies thereinto put the whole Country to fire and sword and given sentence themselves against our Liberties and we had not known how to defend it by our unconquered Forces We then are free whether the King declare us to be so or no. And our pretence to this Declaration is because it is due to us from all the world and due to us by him absolutely without any conditional limitation of insuing agreement as he pretends in the additional clause so as it is now too well seen that the Spaniards treat with their wonted frauds and that they would pretend they can never lose by any whatsoever accord that should insue the right which they presume to have over our Provinces that they may afterwards expect new opportunities to oppress them again it may then be granted that it is not any publique respect but their own particular necessity which induceth them now to come to agreement with us The necessity I say of their disorders which doubtlesly are so many and so great as we may expect their utter losing of Flanders What darkness what obscurity is it then that doth possess our senses or what hoodwinkt and untimely wisdom is it which teacheth us to intermit and slacken the course of our Victories whence they are nearest and most certain their Army is in very great confusion without any discipline without any obedience corrupted by perpetual mutinies And if the war continue we shall doubtlesly see the whole body of the soldiery mutiny and then their whole Countrey will rise How great a part thereof does there already abound in our sense We on the other side have a flourishing Army well disciplin'd well paid and well provided of all things We have the assistance of France of England and of the greatest part of Germany We maintain a Cause then vvhich none can be more just nor can there be more constancy desired in our peoples wills to defend it To these our advantages by land our other progresses at sea do fully correspond What greater blovv could the Spaniards receive from us then that which we have given them in the East-Indies What will the other prove vvhich vve are preparing for them likevvise in the West To this end to boot vvith the publicke forces particular Companies of the richest Merchants of all our Provinces are oppointed so as when we shall get footing there to what straits and hazards shall we reduce the Spanish Fleet On the contrary side how much both publick and private advantages how much honour and glory shall our Common-wealth receive thereby Our having gon round the Sea where ever the
sentence and for the most part the justice of the cause gives the victory It imports but little then whether their ends be sincere or fradulent in case of agreement for then they cannot oppress us by their forces We must above all things endeavour to secure our selves from this danger which necessarily consists in one of two remedies either in continuing the war out of hope that their necessity will daily grow greater or else in ending it by some accommodation after which our affairs might be better secured And from hence I come to the second point I deny not but that their present disorders and necessities are great but I cannot think them past remedy so far but that if the war in ure the Spaniards may finde sufficient Forces to do it I for 〈◊〉 own part finde the Monarchy of Spain to be the same thing that it hath alwaies 〈◊〉 during the whole course of this war nay rather increased in this interim by the addition of the Kingdom of Portugal and of the East-Indies which depend thereupon I finde it to be very strong both at land and sea Where hath the formidableness of their forces been better seen then here in Flanders What other power hath at any time maintained so long so far distant so hard and so expensive a war And shall we believe that the Spaniards cannot still maintain it And that they are not likely to finde a remedy for their disorders in these parts and for any hazard they may run in the East-Indies The very necessity of making war will doubtlessly furnish them with means enough to continue it So then we are again engaged in war in a new and more obstinate war then the former and what security can we have that fortune will alwaies favour us We have likewise our necessities and if they be at present great amongst the Spaniaads remember I pray you that they have been greater amongst us and that all humane things being subject to alteration and the events of war usually very uncertain the time may prove propitions again to them and averse to us Do not we know how much our war depends upon the aids from France and England May not the King of France die Is he not already very old May not the Kingdom afterwards alter And shall we not then be deprived of all succour from thence Do not we likewise know upon what fickle terms the affairs of England stand The King being a Scotch-man a stranger in that Kingdom and there being many other occasions which may cause some fear of alteration on his side How much would the affairs of Spain be bettered by any of these accidents How much worse would ours be We ought then to be taught by all reason and by all the rules of good Government not to let slip this happy conjuncture of coming to some good agreement with the Spaniards Fortune is flitting inconstant disdainful and exceeding apt to be provoked 'T is now the time to know how to lay hold of her So as my opinion is that by all means we ought to accept of this ratification come from Spain and proceed on to some Treaty of agreement I confess it is not alwaies in the power of man to enjoy the happiness of peace but I verily bel eve it is now in our power to shun the dangers of war which in my opinion ought by all means to be indeavoured and certainly we may hope for great advantages from the Spaniards by this accommodation which they do so much desire to make with these our Provinces in this their present necessity As all Pilots prefix the haven for their end all Travellers their Country and all motion rest so all war hath peace for its end wherein consists means chiefest happiness and shall the wa◠of Flanders be the onely thing which shall never have an end And shall all our most advantagious successes depend alwaies upon the so uncertain event of war We shall be free from the uncertainties and from so many dangers which troubles brings with them by reducing our selves at last to a quiet condition we shall then much better re-order the Government of every of our particular Provinces and of the intire body of the union when we shall be in a quiet condition This our Common-wealth will then break forth from out the duskishness and horror of arms which how wounderful a sight will it be and what unaccustomed praises will it produce in the Theatre of the Universe When it shall be seen how our Provinces do unite themselves in one body with what sort of Lawes and Magistracy they conspire together how unwounded the Liberties of each of them remain and how uninjured it passeth through every one of them as through so many veins to the intire body of their general Union We shall have Ambassadors sent to congratulate with us from all parts who will return rather envying then rejoycing at this our so great felicity We shall pay the debts we have contracted abroad we shall ease our selves of those we have here amongst our selves and we shall enrich our treasury by taking off so many and so grievous expences our people shall then know that they are truly free when they shall enjoy liberty without any contestation and being once got into such a condition what need we fear to be at any time reduced under the yoak of that proud cruel and tyrannical Spanish Government Barnevelt was listned unto with much attention and the reasons alledged by him appeared to be so weighty and wisely grounded as after some other consultations it was at last resolved on by the States General that they would accept of the ratification yet there was much ado before Zealand could be brought to joyn in this Vote so absolute Authority had Count Maurice in that Province whereof he was not onely Governour but had a great estate there and enjoyed such prerogatives as he appeared rather to be Prince then Governor of that Country The Arch-dukes were then acquainted with this the States Generals resolution and 't was almost in the same words which were used in the answer which was first given to the Commissary and Verreychin when they brought the ratification into Holland And because the term for suspension of Arms was already expired it was by both sides prorogued and continued to be so from time to time in new terms till the end of the Treaty which was after concluded I thought good to insert this in this place to shun the tedious repetition of the same things sundry times Now all the eyes of Flanders were fixt upon that Deputies the Arch-dukes would chose to send according to the first agreement into Holland The greatest weight of the Spanish affairs which were agitated in Flanders lay upon the Marquess Spinola Camp-master-general of the Army and upon Manchichidor the Spanish Secretary of War and as for the Arch-dukes business John Richardotto President of the Privy Councel and Verreychin so often named before
discuss affairs with an intention to come to a perpetual peace if it were possible The Vnited Provinces offered one Article in the first place wherein they pretended that the King of Spain and the Arch-dukes should acknowledge them to be absolutely Free States and should at large renounce all right or claim which might be pretended unto by them or any of their successors to or over those Provinces with an obligation not to make use of their Arms or Titles or whatsoever other appearance This last addition appeared too arrogant to the Catholick Deputies who complained very much thereof to the Ambassadors of France and England with whom from the beginning they had had communication in what concerned the Treaty alleadging That it was an usual thing amongst Princes still to retain the Title of States or Kingdoms though they were lost or but pretended to whereof there was examples in the greatest Kings of Christendom That the Catholick King stiled himself King of Hierusalem and Duke of Burgony the King of France King of Navar and that the King of England did still keep the Title of King of France That the Vnited Provinces would be they alone who would introduce new Laws in the world and not content to pass from rebellion into liberty would pretend as it were by usurpation to such and so rash advantages in fine that this was a cause common to all Princes and wherein they were all by this one act injured The answer which the Catholick Deputies gave hereunto was that they had no Authority to admit of the Article in manner as was desired That they would acquaint the Arch-dukes therewith and expect their Answer but the Ambassadors thought these their complaints to be artificials they imagined that the Catholick Deputies meant to indear the said renuntiation as much as they might that they might the easilyer induce the Vnited Provinces to give way on their parts in other things in which opinion they were confirmed by the Answer which came from Brussels which was that the Arch-dukes would consent to the Article in the same manner as it was propounded if the Vnited Provinces by acknowledgement of so great a benefit would in lieu thereof abstain from their sayling into the Indies The Vnited Provinces seemed to be as much moved by this answer and their Deputies made equal complaints thereof to the Ambassadors of their Confederate Kings and Princes What do the King of Spain and the Arch-dukes grant said they more then what the Vnited Provinces do already possess that what should be granted by the King and Arch-dukes was nothing but wind and a bare Title whereas if the Vnited Provinces should give over their sailing to the Indies they should deprive themselves of the principal and most important part of their Traffick That they had begun and would continue that their Navigation which by the Laws of Nature and right of Nations is allowed to all men That some other thing might be thought upon which in this point might give reciprocal satisfaction to both sides But that they should exclude themselves from sailing into the Indies was neither to be thought on nor hoped for and why ought not the spoiles of that new world be common to all That it was of that immence vastness as more thereof was undiscovered then discovered as yet and that the right of the occupiers in those parts differed only in the better knowing how to manage what they possess Both parties argued this point touching the East Indies with great stifness and pertenacity nor would the Catholick Deputies ever discede from their first answer At last the Deputies of the United Provinces made three Propositions The first that according to the nature of all peaces Commerce might be free both by sea and land to both parties The second that for the space of seaven years the United Provinces might continue their Navigation to the Indies and that one year before the expiration of those seaven years some new composition might be made The third that upon the insuance of peace and due observation of all things on this side the line the Vnited Provinces might at their own peril continue their Navigation on the other side The Catholick Deputies were not pleased either with the first or the third Propositions Not with the first because it left the Vnited Provinces absolutely free to Traffick in the Indies Not with the third because they saw a peace mixt with hostility was not likely to last They did not appear to be totally averse from the second so as they would now agree that when those seaven years should be ended the United provinces should for ever forbear from their Navigation to the Indies To this their Deputies would by no means consent this point of the Indies was much stood upon and the difficulties thereof inlarged by the particular Company of Merchants in the Vnited Provinces which traffick into those parts The Company was chiefly composed of the Merchants of Amsterdam and of Midleburgh and one was sent in the name of that Company to the Hague to shew how great the gain was which they made by their trafficking in the East Indies and how much the continuation thereof did import in other respects They alleadged that they had already introduced Commerce in sundry parts of those Countries that many were the frienships and confederations which they had established there and that those seas were already frequented by above 150 of their Vessels and by above 8000 of their Mariners and Souldiers that great was the gain of particular men and the advantage no less which the publick received thereby that to keep so many of the baser sort of people imployed who would be alwayes troublesome when at quiet what was it but to purge their Publick of so much ill bloud ready to grow corrupt That the Navigation of the United Provinces into the Indies had already made Lisbon groan that the Merchant Towns of the Portugueses in those parts went to wrack and that their ships were seen to go and come much possest with fear and apprehension and were inforced to be at much greater expence then formerly for they had wont not to be greatly vigilant in that their Voyage not meeting with any contestation save from the seas and wind These and many other considerations were represented by the Company to keep the Vnited Provinces from consenting to the Spaniards demands touching the Indies So as both parties adhering to their opinions nothing was done therein The Catholick Deputies resolved therefore to send Father Neyen into Spain to acquaint the King with what past and particularly to receive Orders for what they should do concerning the Indies having first declared to the other Deputies that they had no Commission to conclude any thing in that business They told them also how that the Commissary should be back within two months whereupon he suddenly took his journey for Spain and I to shun the tedious prolixity of the less important affairs
75 G GAnt infected with heresie 32. Those of that Town take up Arms against the Walloons 176 Ter-Goes 89. Besieged by the hereticks ib. The Kings men endeavour to relieve it 91 Granvel his qualities and customs 11 Exhorts the execution of Edicts against hereticks 14. Fears his own person and gets leave to depart 16 H HArlem one of the chief Cities in Holland made a Bishoprick 97 Treats to side with the King but suddenly changes ib. Some Companies of German hereticks enter it 98. It is besieged by the Kings men ibid. It receives a very considerable succour 100. Their cruel actions 102. Their sallying out upon the Spaniards ib. The Town is assaulted on many sides at once ib. It makes stout resistance 103. Relief is brought in by water 104. It is assured not to be sackt and yéilds 106. The cruel punishments inflicted on the Citizens ib. 107 The Hague a gallant Village 124 Henry the third King of France 171 The Heresie of the Countries neighbouring upon Flanders 4. The mischiefs proceeding thence 13 The Hereticks in Flanders how they used the Churches and Images in Antwerp 30. Their rage against Church-men 89 The Hereticks that come to the relief of Valentiennes defeated 38. Those of Flushing got a great Prize of Flemish ships 86 Holland opposeth the Duke of Alvas Taxations 70 It rebelleth 81 The Hugonots relieve Orange 66. Promise to aid the Flemish geuses 72. are beaten by the Spaniards 84 I AN Inundation of the Sea upon the Country about Leyden 126 Isabella Infanta of Spain her praises ' 71 The Island of Finaert in Holland 133 Of Duyveland 134 Of ter-Tolen ib. Of Scowen ib. Of Walcheren ib. Of Filisland ib. L LAncelot of Brederode in Harlem 97. Beheaded 106 A League between the Queen of England and the States of Flanders 165 A Letter of Orange Egmont and Horn against Granvel to the King of Spain 15. Their reply to the Kings answer ib. of Montigny written to Count Horn 34. Of Francesco Alava Spanish Ambassador in France intercepted in Flanders 35 Letters published against Don John 160 Leyden one of the chief Cities in Holland that stood out 98. Besieged by the Spaniards 124. Those of the Town make gallant resistance ib. They assault the Fort of Lammen and are beaten off 124. They are freed from the siege 127 Lodovick of Nassaw brother to Orange shews himself very arrogant 35. leaves Flanders 46. Enters Friesland with an Army 55. Fortifies Dam 56. Fights Aremberg and overcomes him 57. Pitcheth his Camp in strong quarters 62. Is routed by d'Alva ibid. Hath much adoe to save himself by swimming ib. Goes over into France to his brother 66. Surprises the City of Mens 78. Yeilds up the Town to d'Alva 88. Retires into Holland and thence into Germany ib. Prepares once more to enter Flanders with an Army 114. He lies down before Mastrick 115 Attempts Ruremoad but in vain ib. He comes to Mooch 117. Is slain there in a pitcht battel 119 Lovain compounds with Orange 85 Lovesteine recovered by the Spaniard 72 Lewis Boisot Admiral of Holland opposeth the Kings Fleet 113. remains Conqueror ib. Goes to relieve Zirickzees and dies in the enterprise 129 M MAdonna Margarita Aunt to Charls the fifth Emperour 4 Madama di Lorena and Madama di Parma proposed for the Government of Flanders 7. She of Parma preferred and why ib. Malines taken and sackt by the Duke of Alvas Army 93 A Manifesto published by Orange 75 A Manifesto of the Duke of Alanson 172 The Marquiss of Berghen despiseth Granvel 14 Sent into Spain 29. Badly entertained at Court ib. He dieth 47 Marquiss Chiappino Vitelli passeth with the Duke of Alva into Flanders 46 Sent into Friesland 59. His advice for turning the Kings Forces into Holland and Zealand 82. Wounded before Mons 83. Wins a victory not far off against the Hugonots of France causing himself to be carried in a chair 84. Sent by the Commandador against Orange 1â—2 Undergoes the main charge of the Militia in Flanders ib. Passeth over to the Island of Scowen 139. Where he dies ib. His praises ib. Mary Princess of Portugal marryed to the Prince of Parma 21. Cometh to Brussels ib. Mary Queen of Hungary sister to Charls the fift governs the Low-Countries 4 Maximilian the Emperour interposeth for the quiet of Flanders 128. His reasons ib. Merchandize how it once flourished in Antwerp 147 Middleburgh 74. Stands for the King 107. Comes into the Rebels hands 114 Mons surprized by Count Lodovick of Nassaw 78. Besieged by Frederick of Toledo 83 Yeilded to d'Alva 90 Mutiny of Germans in Alvas Army 70 Of Spaniards in Harlem 108. At Mooch 119. In Zealand 141. Of Spanish horse 129 N. NAerden and its scituation 94. Besieged by Frederick of Toledo ib. sackt ibid. Nature of the Flemish 2. quality of their Countrey 3 The Nobility of Flanders shewes it self discontented that the King absents himself from thence 5. despiseth Granvell 16. the Catholick Nobility sets up a Faction apart 161. the number of the Provinces of the Low-Countries when they were joyned in one body 2 The form of their government ibid. 3. O THe Oration of Granvel at the Kings departure for Spain 7. Of the King or rather his discours to the Dutchess at his leaving her Governess 9. Of Brederode to his Companions 24. Of Orange at the Meeting in Terramond 36. Of Egmont in opposition to him ibid. Of the D. of Feria to disswade the King from sending an Army into Flanders 42. Of the D. of Alva to the contrary 43. Of Orange at the Diet of Germany to move them to favor the Flemings 52. of Count Lodwick of Nassau before the battel 57. Of the D. of Alva to his Souldiers 59. Of the President Vigilius against the Impositions propos'd by d'Alva 69. Of Avila at the succouring of Middleburg 77. Of Vitelli to move the Kings Forces against Holland and Zealand 81. Of Norchermes to the contrary 82. Of Captain Plumart to attempt the ford 91. Of Montdragone to the Souldiers 92. Of Romero to the Souldiers 100. Of Riperda to the Harlemers 97. Of the same man to the same 106 Of Orange or his incitements still more and more to kindle the Insurrections in Flanders 114. Of Avila at the battel of Mooch 117. Of Count Lodwick and Christopher Count Palatine in the same battel 118. Of the Admiral of Holland for the relief of Leyden 125. Of the Commendador to his Souldiers 135. Of President Vighlius in the Councel of State to hinder that the Spaniards might not be declared to be Rebels 142 Of John Navarre see Elect perswading the Mutineers to relieve the castle of Antwerp 145. Of Don John to the Souldiers 166. The Ordering of the Kings Army in the battel of Friezland 57. Of Count Lodowick's in the same ibid. Of the Catholick Army in the fight at Geminghen 62. Of the enemies in the same ibid. Of the Royal party in the battel of Mooch 117. Of the enemies in
between Archduke Albertus and the Infanta Isabella 368 The Articles of the Truce 458 The Assembly general of the United Provinces in Bergen-ap-zoom 459 The Army of the German Confederates 383. How strong it was 384. Dissolves of it self 386 B THe Battel of Dorlan 322 The Battel of Newport 396 Balduke besieged by Count Maurice 402 Is relieved ib. Bommel how scituated 377. The Kings Army encamps before it 379. Relieved by Count Maurice 380 C CAmbray govern'd by Signior Balagni 317. Besieged by Count Fuentes 324. The description thereof 324 relieved by Signior de Vich 326 The valiant resistance made by the besieged ib. The Townsmen rise against Balagni 328. The Town is yeilded 329 Cardinal Archduke Albertus declared Governor of Flanders 332. His entry into Brussels ib. He besiegeth Callice 336. and carries it 339. He encamps before Ardres ib. and makes himself master of it 341. He takes the Town of Hulft 342. He goes to relieve 〈◊〉 miens 360. He is councelled to assault the enemy in their Trenches 361. He cannot relieve the Town wherefore he returns to Flanders 362. He puts off his Cardinals habit and goes into Spain to consummate his marriage with the Infanta Isabella 369 Cardinal Andrea d'Austria Governor of Flanders 369. Entertains the Deputies of the Elector of Colen and of the Duke of Cleves 376. Besiegeth Bommel 379. retires from that enterprise 380. Causeth a great Fort to be begun in the Island of Bomel 381 and names it St. Andrews 383. Returns into Germany 386. Cardinal Mapheo Barberino what Offices he did in the court of France with relation to the affairs of Flanders 434 Christoval di Moura count of Castel-Rodrigo 365. His Oration wherein he perswades the K. to give up the Low-Countries in Dowry to the Infanta Isabella his eldest Daughter ib. Claudio la Barlotta a Walloon Camp-Master 296. assaults the French before Laon 309. Gains a Fort near Hulst 344. Is slain 398 Colonell Christopher Mandragone with good Forces in the countrey of Lucemburg 317. Forces Count Maurice to retreat from the Siege of Grol 329. his good successe against the same man 330 He dies ibid Colonell Vere sent to surprize the Fort of Durang 382. Wounded in the battell of Newport 396. At the defence of Ostend 401 Colonell Verdugo commands the Kings Forces in Friesland 302. Makes the French retreat out of the country of Lucemburg 316. he dies 317 Considerations on the Spains part to see some accommodation with the United Provinces brought to passe 457 Consultations held in the Spanish camp concerning the laying siege to Cambray 318. about the besieging of la Fera 334 concerning the getting of Relief into Amiens 360. and in the French camp for opposing of the Enemy 361. in the councell of State in Spain about surrendring the Provinces of Flanders to the Infanta Isabella for her Dowry 365 In the Spanish camp in Flanders about besieging either Schincks-sconce or som other place 376. in the same Spanish camp whether it were convenient to fall upon the Enemy at Newport 393 Whether it were better to prosecute or give over the Siege of Ostend 413 Whether the relief of Groll were by all means to be attempted or whether it were to be let alone 430 Count Charles Mansfield passeth into France in aid of the League 296. He goes with the D. du Main before Noyon ibid. Takes in many places in Picardy 297. He conducts a new Army into Flanders 303. He makes himself master of la Capelle ibid. Count Frederick di Bergh camp-Master-Generall 392. a Fort raised by him in Ostend 402. Governor of Linghen 363 Presents himself with part of the Army before Schincks-sconce 378. Relieves Balduc 402. goes against the Mutineers of Hostrat 411 Count di Fuentes of great authority in Flanders 296. his Opinion that the vnited Provinces ought not to be sought unto for Peace by Spain 304. he succeeds Archduke Ernestus in the Government 314. he sends la Motte to recover the Town of Huy and Verdugo against the French in the countrey of Lucemburg 316. he resolves to fall into Picardie 317. Gains Han by Intelligence 319. and a while after loses it ibid. Besieges Chatelet 320. And carries it ibid. routs the French 322 Takes Dorlan by assault 323. Layes Siege to Cambray 324. his Opinion concerning the continuation of that Siege 327. gains the place 329. Departs from Flanders 332. his Oration wherein he exhorts the K. not to sever the Low-countries from the Crown of Spain 365 Count Henrick of Nassau Generall of the Horse to the United Provinces 424 Fals upon the quarters of the Spanish horse ib. Relieves Reinberg 428 Count Hollach sent by the United Provinces to the German confederates 384 Count di Lippa Generall of the Army to the German confederates 376 Count Maurice besiegeth Gertrudenberg 299. he carries it 301. comes before Groninghen with his Army 305. and gains that 307. Incamps before Groll 329. but afterwards draws off ibid. Overcomes the Royalists at Tornaut 348. Seizes upon Reinberg with other places 363. succours Schincks-sconce 378. relieves Bomell 380. Surprises Wachtendonch 389. Takes in the fort of Crevecoeur ibid. and then St Andrews 390. Enters the Province of Flanders with an Army 391. Resolves to besiege Newport 392. prepares to give batail to the Archduke 395. comes off conqueror at Newport 397. Besiegeth Reinberg and takes it 399. Incamps before Balduc 402. whence he is forced to retreat ibid. Besieges the Grave 408 and carries it 409. Goes to the Relief of the Mutineers at Hostrat 411. Besieges Balduc again ibid. and shortly after gives over the Enterterprize 412. Encamps before Sluce 416. Routs Velasco ibid. his Designe upon Antwerp 420. he fortifies near Sas ibid. He cannot relieve Reinberg 429. Encamps before Groll and is forced thence to retreat 431. His Opinion of the Negotiations then on foot for a Peace and a Truce 442. His Oration against them ibid. Count Peter Ernestus of Mansfield succeeds the D. of Parma in the Government of Flanders 296. Sends away his son Count Charles to the assistance of the League in France ibid. His diligence to relieve Gertrudenberg 301 to which effect he faces the Enemy with his Army ibid. Goes against the Fort of Crevecoeure ibid. is in the Army appointed for the relief of Amiens 360 his discourse against falling upon the Enemies Trenches 362 The Conde di Varras one of the chiefe Commanders in the Catholick Army 345. hinders the Enemies incursions in Brabant 347. is routed and slaine by Count Maurice 348 Complaints of the Loyall Provinces 364 made by some Provinces and Hans-Towns of Germany against the Spanish Armies invasion 375. Of the Spaniards about the going of the Spanish Commissioners into Holland 447 The Commissioners of the Princes and Hans-Towns in Germany resolve on a War with the Spaniard 375. Of the Provinces obedient and United met to Treat of some Agreement 398. Those of the Catholicks that are to goe into Holland to Treat of a Peace or