to the War in regard it was so near Neighbour to Antwerp In the mean time also were some small Skirmishes with little Advantage to either side and not a few English turning Renegades and being contemned by the Spaniard were a good Example to teach others to be faithful to that Party under whom they first served Anon Verdugo was forced to leave Lochem a little Toâ— in Geldars not far from Zutphen which he endeavoured â— win by starving because while he was about it it was thâ—i relieved with fresh Provisions but presently won Steâ— which before had cost so many Lives without any danger by the help of Night and the Townsmens Folly At the time Philip having Valois his Opposit thought he now waâ—ed more strength and care than heretofore and therefore sends to Parma a Recruit of Spanish and Italian Souldiers nor durst any be so bold as to contradict the same notwithstanding the Artoysian Treaty and Agreements averring Thâ— in that Treaty the Obedience of the whole Netherlands was intended of which hope he being defrauded the Bond of the Obligation ceased together with the Cause The Summe of this Army upon Muster was Threescore Thousand Foot Four Thousand of whom would make good Horsemen and these Number remain or rather are increased to this very time whâ—â— Monthly Pay amounted to or rather was supposed to exceâ— Seven Hundred Thousand Florens and that the other Charge of the War came to no less than half as much That therefore Philip sent thither every year over and above the Tributes there raised above Twenty Hundred Thousand so much was consumed by the Spaniard upon the Netherlanders And that no more Money should be carryed over thither they who feared bad Success by the ill Carriage of Affairs there were believed to have hindred it On the other side the States that they might win fame to their new Commonwealth by great and noble beginnings advanced their Yearly Pensions and Tributes which were at present but Four and Twenty to Fourty Hundred Thousand with which Money they raised Souldiers and then had in Arms under the Conduct of Francis of Valois besides Netherlanders French Germans English and Scots The Forces on both sides were very strong but the greatest part of them lay in Garrisons because there being no determined Bounds they were as the Fortune of War required put into Towns which many times even joyned one to another but still kept their Opposition Hitherto Valois hoped for Succours from his Brother for the wasting of those Riches against or for which the Kings of France had for the space of Two Hundred years contested by War to suffering of much hardship yes to the loss of their Bloud and now by Conditions of Peace had made their Enemy equal to themselves But the King himself had no mind openly to denounce War nor privily to send the expected Forces although his Mother Medices had assailed and disturbed the possession of the Portugal Sea And the truth is Philip had prevented him having purchased a means to make Debate wherewith he might perturb the then peaceable Estate of France The stronger Party therefore did openly possess the King with fear advising withall That he should turn his strength against none but the Enemies of the Romane Religion another Party being politickly deceitful under pretence of more wise Counsel denyed that it was â—ther just or profitable for the King who was yet not satisfied iâ— his Successor to exhaust and consume his Treasure for the use of strangers but that he should rather leave both the Netherlanders and the Duke himself too to their poverty untill being drawn dry they would fall from their Capitulations and Contests for Government and submit themselves to the Laws as for the Spaniard though he could not be conquered by others yet he might in good time be overcome by a Neighbour Kingdom These were the Counsels but indeed the King was of his own nature averse to his Brother not that he was offended by him but rather had offended him and mindfull that he had once committed him to hard and close Custody more out of suspition than for any Crimes This cast the Duke head-long upon Counsels dangerous and full of desperation and fatall both to himself and the Netherlanders for when he perceived that they would easily set him at naught since he could not perform with them in the promised ayds and that he was burdened with an 〈◊〉 profitable Principality not forgetting that he ruled onely â— pleasure and that afterward that he was restrained and kept under by the Laws and Authorities of others which is very grievous to them that have been bred in a Kingdom having divers times desired an alteration of the same but not obtaining it he resolves to erect a peculiar power by force and to that end assigns the Towns of Flanders to be possessed and held by the most trusty Garrisons of his Captains Anwerp he takes to himself as the biggest City and that which most favoured the Prince of Aurange to whom he knew he did owe a part of his power by an implicit agreement and where the Deputies of the States were present who were the impediments of his greatness 1583. It is probable the main inciters to this rashness were not onely some secret spies that held Intelligence with the Enemy having their Faith corrupted by moâ—â—â— who offered to the Duke an unquestionable right of Dominion by a Spanish Marriage but also the Frenchmen who pâ—oposed to themselves the ransacking of Cities or greâ—â— Booty Honours which by the Laws they were cebarred â— of which covetousness there are as many Nations found guilty as the Netherlanders had Allyes or Confederates The success answered the Design where the French Garrisons were prevalent and Veward Dendremunde Dixmayâ— and Dunkirk a Sea-cost Town of Flanders excellently seated for French Trassique were taken At Bruges bâ—â— the old and new Governours were outwitted by the extraordinary and most politick ingenuity of the Magistrates wâ— desiring under pretence of consultation the Captains and Leaders to go to the Town-house there kept and detaineâ— them till they had by their Letters Commanded the Souldiers to march out from thence which they for fear of the Armed multitude without grudging did accordingly The danger of Antwerp was greater though some Signs of the bloody event burst forth and with a dissembled suspition of somewhat he did as much as he could hide the concourse of his People from the Prince of Aurange and the Governours of the Town There was the Army both of French and Switzers assembled that the Fort of Endouen being left and the Enemy fled the whole possession of Brabant might be regained To these the Duke going out under the very Walls as if to number them with his Customary Retinue onely about him he Commands the Watches immediately to be killed and the Ports to be set up and seized that so the rest of his Army might have the easier entrance And now seventeen
scarcely frequented Sea they should be brought back to the Island of Britain Nor were Commodities at Home onely of small value but those things which were wont to be fetched from far Countries by this forbidden Exportation became of no esteem in such sort that the States could find no other Remedy for this grand Mischief than by a publike Decree to lay a Restraint upon all Corn By which means those who had been the main Promoters of this hitherto unknown Necessity and who constiued all things in the worst Sense began malitiously to alleadge That the aim hereof was to bring a Dearth upon England A like Project was this The Earl of Leicester was of Opinion and so determined that the Enemies Lands though they paid Contribution should be laid wast and desarâ— This besides the fear of Revenge was very grievous to all who though at present by Force or Treachery driven from their Native Soil yet at some time or other hoped to return thither again The Souldiery also began to Mutiny because English Captains were put in Command of Companies of Souldiers from Forreign Places But Hohenlo coming thither who hastned those that before lingred upon the Earl of Leicester's words He undertook the Cause and would 〈◊〉 suffer a mixture of Officers but would that each should 〈◊〉 the Reward of their Arms and Valour And neither terrified with the Hatred either of that People or their Leader as 〈◊〉 was not to be corrupted with the greatest Promises so â— openly took the part of the Noble-men in a generous open heartedness hating Dissimulation and in a vehency of Spirit not caring to conceal any thing The Care of the War now beginning afresh to breaken did in some measure lay asleep this new arising Difference For the Duke of Parma having during the Winter had some small Skirmishes and several Castles about the Rhine being taken on both sides and now upon the News of the Leâ—â— between the English and Hollanders Recruited from the King both with Men and Money that he might perfect â— Conquest of Brabant besiegeth Grave a Town scitune â— the Bank on the left side of the Maes and surrounded with the River both above and below which he often before 〈◊〉 and now again experimented to be fortunate to him in stopping up the Passages and hindring Dealing But Count Hohenlo sent with a select Party of Souldiers brake through the Enemies Trenches and did them great Damage and aâ— onely so but helped with the vernal increase of the River â— relieved the Town that he deliver'd the Besieged as 〈◊〉 from the fear of Famine as all other wants whatsoever But the Enemy nevertheless with a greater Army obâ—tinately continued their Siege and Assaults of the Town 〈◊〉 especially one general Storm was intended which the Enemy being upon the point to fall on Hâ—merta a Dutch 〈◊〉 of Noble Bloud and left there Governour by Hohenlo prevented by an over-hasty and cowardly Surrender when 〈◊〉 new Supplies were ready just at hand to relieve him Solicited and won thereto as was believed by the Inticements of a Harlot for the Expiation of which Crime the Earl of Leicester soon after put him to death They who were Impartial called this Discipline but others imputed it to his Hatred of the Dutch in general because Rowland York having a hand heretofore in the mischievous Counsel of Imbisius and many oâ—her English of no better Repute in any thing at leastwise guilty of Cowardose not onely came off safe but were looked upon as fit to be admitted into the greatest Trusts Venloo a Town nearer to Gelderland and scituate on the other Bank followed Grave the Common People betraying it in spight of all the Souldiers Endeavours In the interim those loose Bands wasted the Enemies Country and Prince Maurice for his first Assay won Axell by Assault which going from Tornay this strong Town the United States held in the Coasts of Flanders he got by Night getting thereinto with Ladders But the War in the Bishoprick of Colen whereof somthing was spoken before grew very hot not so much by the greatness of the Forces as the expert Valour of the Captains For now Collonel Schenck had left the Duke of Parma's Service and was gone over to Truxius this man won and got Fortresses every where and destroyed with Fire and Sword whatsoever was subject to the Command of the Bishop thereof Afterwards by the Command of the Earl of Leicester he Fortifies the Isle called Graveward which lyes upon the left hand of Holland just at the dividing of the Rhine and now that is the best Defence of all those Quarters under that Government But the Count Nienarius who was Commander in Chief in those Parts took by surprize and on a suddain Nuiss a Town famous for its Antiquity for which the Duke of Parma intreated by the Bavarian and ambitious to contend in Honour with the most Fortunate Captains did contend For this place repressed and altered the before that most happy Fortune of Charles Duke of Burgundy But Parma more Fortunately Assaulted the same and obtained a glorious Victory his Entrance into the City being gratulated with Multitudes of Bone-fires Anon after this Alpa Creveceur and Mursa being taken into his Possession he makes a stop at Bergen defended by Schenck beyond hope and at length was forced to march off upon the Earl of Leicester's Approach to Zutphen after the taking of Dewesburg But yet it seemed to him a piece of little less than Cowardâ—e to stop up the Passages and Fortifie his Camp No like a Noble Enemy rather he returned bringing with him all his Provision by this means giving occasion of a Battel which In its Issue proved fortunate enough to the English had it 〈◊〉 been sullied by the Death of Sir Philip Sydney a young Gentleman born with the greatest Advantage of all things â— as who had honoured the Nobility of his Birth and greatness of his Wealth by the true Splendor of all Beautifying Learning in this excelling his Uncle the Earl of Leicester to whâ— and his Fortune how great soever it might come to be in the future he was intended Successour Not long after this Leicester got a Castle over against Zutphen on the other side the River which was begun by the Netherlanders who being forced thence by the increase and overflowing of the River left it to be finished by the Enemy The Charge of â— his with all the Land of Welaw was given by the Earl of Leicester to Rowland York before-named the Government of Daveâ—ry which he had before provoked to Madness by a Garrison â— Irish Souldiers stâ—angers both to Humanity and Civility upon Suspition of Revolt he committed to William Stanley and both these were done against the positive Will of the State who for divers weighty Reasons best known to themselves and as the Event proved feared the Treachery of those Men. I would not be taken here to accuse the Earl of Leicester of any unfaithfulness
want yet this fear and the Royalists Forces lying round about them were hardly able to restrain the People from revolting On the other side you might see the Towns of Holland enlarging themselves within their forbidden bounds and without and in the Sea-Ships lye up and down on every Coast And really I think this almost to be the only Nation which hath thriven by Trading and Commerce more in the War than it could have done in time of Peace and therefore to be accounted most fortunate if the beginnings its of greatness had not been held back and wasted by civil discords while they had also a powerful Enemy within their bowels the usuall end of old States and decaying Fortunes Altapen a Captain of the Spanish Party after he had drawn over the Town of Geldres whence the whole Province of Gelderland takes its name with the Governour thereof by Covenants was slain at Boisledue by Count Hohenlo he left him a Castle to take near the Town which from that slaughter committed there took the name of Crevicour But the Duke of Parma with a violent and almost incredible force of Guns and other Warlike Engines mightily weakened and damnified Sluys a Town by him then besieged in the furthest Coast of Flanders by the Sea-side that fronts Zeland an Isle called Catzen lying on the back thereof Which when the Earl of Leicester understood returning without any delay he resolves but in vain to break into the Haven but when his mind was altered going to Ostend because of the Enemy he pitched his Tents and fame increasing the number of his Army whose bigness was not yet known it appeared at last that each of them had been afraid of the others Forces more than they needed The Earl of Leicester marching away first imputed the losse of the Town which was very ill resented by all not to the Enemies valour nor the endeavours of their party yet not well agreeing in regard of suspitions for now his whole study was anew to prosecute and revive the long covered and almost forgotten dissentions and to lay the fault upon the States To this purpose he gives out that when he went about to repell and drive away the Enemy that both Souldiers Mony and all things else were afforded him with evill will and what at last they sent was hardly enough for Garrisons and Forts not proportionable in any respect for an Army And if their poverty was such they could afford no more why did they still involve the Common-wealth in such a desperate Case to the mischiefs of an unhappy and lingring Warre for now the Spaniard began to use his accustomed Policies after Victory and the Queen her self seemed to incline to Peace although a Fleet sent out under the Conduct of Captain Drake by wasting and spoiling the Coasts of Spain declared to the World how weak that Kingdom was at home that was feared so much abroad and another Fleet under Cavendish had roved over another Coast of America and fallen upon the Molucca Islands bringing away great advantage But many things now frighted her being a Woman and growing into years as the frequent Rebellions of the Irish who had now in the Belgick Warres become well skilled in Military Discipline That Scotland was suspected as a private foe while the Spaniard declared himself a publick Enemy That France had no kindness for her and not a few in England were desirous of novelty But the States knowing how much it had otherwise prejudiced their Affairs throwing off as much as they could any mention of a Treaty if the Treasury could be faithfully managed they denyed the annual pay of thirty Florens for that was properly the Wages of all the Forces except the English Auxiliaries and Souldiers for Sea-Service to be despised as such an inconsiderable allowance when the Prince of Aurange had oftentimes brought greater matters to passe with less charge and fewer men adding further That wise and considerate 〈◊〉 knew how to make the best use of a little whereas when men caâ—â— lightly and easily by money yet they are never satisfied though they have too much Afterwards some Letters of the Earl of Leicesters to his Friends being found wherein they were accused that they had forgot their duty and unjustly busied themselves in matters of importance not belonging to them they to wit the States do by an Edict set forth and declare that of old the Peoples Right was in them and of late the Princes Right was translated over to them that they still kept both notwithstanding the delated Lieutenancy and divers other things they spoke of relating to the honour of their Convention and whereby they might clear themselves from the objected crime of ambition But Leicesters hopes were now grows higher than to stand upon delaying niceties and policies that were understood wherefore scorning that the People should any longer have a voyce among the Magistrates with an hasty over-ruling Confidence he prepares by faction and Garrisons to bring under his Yoak the Cities that stood more inward upon the Land and thence to throw a sudden terrour upon the rest not taking warning by the example of Valois whom such an endeavoured violence thrust out of the Government though setled therein by Contract and Agreement But before the danger the whole Plot laid by the Inhabitant strangers of Leyden was discovered many of whom suffered death as a worthy punishment for seeking to induce novelty in a State where they were strangers And although perchance some of these might be offenders rather out of ignorance than malice yet was that severity towards them very necessary and broke the whole design of all either begun or intended commotions Thus at last being openly discovered guilty of an unworthy and unlawful ambition he went away into England And there the Queen after she had sent the Lord Buckhurst no great Friend of his to inquire into the Affairs of the Low-Countries that the less notice might be taken thereof in the Council protected him by her Royall Power yet made him to abjure all Authority over the Netherlands But while he yet supported his old Partakers with Letters and was after laid aside from Military Affairs by England he lived not out a full year uncertain whether taken off by his Wives Treachery who as it were confessed her Adultery in his Life by her unequal Marriage after his death or by any other means unnatural or the common Fate However it was his death was not so much lamented by the Queen as it was rejoyced at by the Low-Country men who were thereby once more freed from a Danger than which a greater in all their Affairs never hung over them In the interim of these Affairs Collonel Schenck took by Surprize Bonne a City of Germany scituate on this side the Rhine and then possessed by the Bavarian Now was there as one may say a Cessation of Arms throughout the Netherlands for the Duke of Parma did not as he was wont with so
for Humerius a great Souldier well experienced in the Art of War and beloved of the King was slain At last they hewed out their passage by fire and Sword and they who with Orvillier survived the Fight were delivered for Pledges according to Agreement to prevent the Spaniards threatnings But the Captives by the treachery of their Keepers breaking Prison brought the Castle into that danger that they were fain to be discharged by Articles Thus by Orvillier's want of Courage the French obtained the Castle which he had resolved before to keep for himself And Fontayne because the Town being taken he came too late changing his fame into fury brought the Governour before the Walls even ready to die under the hands of the Executioner There he in a weeping tone now beseeches his Mother then his friend if they had any mercy any consideration of his blood that they would not imagine while he stood under the stroke of death to raise to themselves Trophies of Honour and Dignity And when they answered that it was not in their power because the French possessed both the Town and Castle he was immediately strangled before their faces Let these mens unhappy examples be a warning to others and make them know that they who follow several sides by a wavering Judgment make themselves be esteemed Enemies by both From thence the Enemy proceeded to Dorlens that so Cambray might be compassed behind it having been in vain and without success attempted about that time by the treachery of some Priests and of the Townsmen Here while Valentine Pardieu Lamot was viewing the place and observing the Fortifications by Moon-light he was killed with a Bullet-shot from the Town This was the first of all the Commanders who had formerly foreseen the discord of the States in the greatest Affairs and the increase of the Spaniards Wealth He was eminent in vertue and more than ordinarily skilful in Military understanding and Policy manifesting what he ought to be that will as he did from a common Souldier come to be General of the Ordinance Governour of the Town of Graveling and attaining great Wealth had the name and Honour of an Earl The Count Bulloyne had sent into the City a Garrison and soon after he himself together with the Count St. Paul came thither to bring both Gunpowder and other Provision and Ammunition But Villars the Commander of the Van-Guard this Villars had by King Henries Command the charge of all that Coast by the Sea side while he greedily desirous to fight contemned the Command of his Superiours being circumvented and taken by Fontains Army was together with many other Noblemen thereabout slain because he had revolted from the Guisian League to King Henry this day was then by chance the Feast of Saint James the Apostle which the Spaniards look upon as a very lucky day to them and often by such belief make it so the rest got off Fortune giving a Pardon to the errour of both parties for if the French had joyned Battel with greater Forces which then the Count Nevers had raised both the way into the City and the place had layn open to them for Victory And the Spaniard if he had followed his Fortune had put the French to flight and there would have been little difference between this Battel and those of Paugo and St. Quintins the Conquerour assailed the Castle which was ill defended for the Governour of the place Gamache while according to the fashion of the time he consulted rather his own safety than the Kingdoms out of twelve hundred Frenchmen which he had with him he took onely a few of such as he could confide in into the Castle leaving the rest in the Town that they might be ready if any necessity did accrue which proved to be his ruine for some of the Spaniards being sent to review the breach made in the Castle by the Cannon when they perceived it deserted testifying their joy by a sudden shout they drew more of their Company to them who breaking into the Castle they pursued their opportunity so close as they likewise at the same time entred the Town when death and slaughter raged without controul for where Valour could not defend the Armed men mercy nothing prevailed for the safety of the unarmed Now while the Army wearied with these Affairs rested themselves in French Garrisons towards the latter end of Summer Prince Maurice drawing together the Souldiery that had remained with himself and those other Regiments returned with Philip of Nassau for Service and minding to gain those few places which the Enemy yet held about Frizeland sat down before Groll a Town in the Territory of Zutphen The Garrison consisted only of six hundred men there were but few great Guns in the Town and no store of Provision for a long Siege and besides the Well or Ditch that supplyed it with water was easily to be drained or dryed up And these things were the main causes of the Princes hopes This design being understood by Mondragonio who with a flying Brigade marching out of Antwerp infested all the Garrisons in his way beyond the Maes and the Rhine he had about five thousand Foot and about a thousand Horse but â—e much multiplying their number Prince Maurice though he had twice as many in his Army distrusting Provisionâ— leaving the Siege and burning what they could not carry away marched to the Issell intending to stay for the Enemy within Germany But Mondragonio not daring to adventure upon his Camp but content to have raised the Siege from Grolle and not to have broken the mutual quietness of the year retreated keeping the River Luppe for his safeguard against the Enemy For Prince Maurice followed him being now satisfied that he came not with so great an Army as had been reported He sent therefore beyond the River Philip of Nassau with five hundred Horse suddenly to fall upon the Enemies Cavallery as they lay dispersed and graâ—ing But Mondragonio receiving unquestionable Intelligence of these directions from some Renegadoes sent into the same place all his whole strength of Horse Philip as soon as ever he was come out of the narrow wayes into the open Champayne was presently inclosed and they in the Rear not able to give any help themselves also being intangled as in the confused violence of their flying Camerâ—des so also in the straightness and lubricity of the way but as the fortune of the fight between the Horse near at hand was ambiguous by the endeavours of some that violently broke in upon them the Enemy was at a non-plus But the Commanders being unserviceable by reason of their wounds quickly abated their Courage some remaining yet intire freshly set upon the troubled Enemy but the greater part fled even to the River Luppe upon whose Bank on the other side the Prince stood ready with his Army to receive them This slaughter was neither great nor memorable for any other thing than this That the men of greatest
fear of the seditious hindred him so that he durst not leave one Army at Ostend and with another goe towards the Enemy for the seditions having at this time covenanted with the Hollanders for one half of the prey they should take made incursions into Brubant and were going into Henanâ— therefore supposing it necessary to gain these to himself though with the loss of honour and money and the rather because others by their example beginning to threaten the like their number was like to be increased he offered them terms of reconciliation And although they did not presently agree because they would not endure to hear that the prey which they had got should be owned as part of their pay yet their minds being molified by treaty and discourse and for purging their former crimes they turned all their strength against the Country of Liege or where they had remained in the Arch-duke's lands they exacted their tributes and in other things being indempnified they were reconciled the Mauricians in vain urging their promises whom they despised as being inferiour to them in number Besides the States were possessed with no small fear lest that unfaithful company should seek to regain the favour of their old acquaintance by the delivery of Grave to the high mockery of their easie credullty But either shame or the fear of revenge from the Arch-duke if they should be destitute of a place of refuge in case of necessity made them restore the Town receiving the Castles of Hochstratâ—n and Carpâ—n which they let the Arch-duke enjoy and while their pay was provided for them Roerâ—nd was delivered to them as a pledge and several other noble Hostages Yet notwithstanding all this some of them absolutely came over to the Prince Two thousand of them by Albertus order came into Flanders which being a good recruit to his Forces and the Garrisons of other Regions by that means with the more safety being drained he urged Spinola that he would think of the relief of Scluys which was no longer able to endure the Famine And he although against as will and with good reason judging that Ostend was now at the last point of defence obeyed his command The first offer he made was with Cannon planted not 〈◊〉 from the Lake Merkerk by the shot thereof to â—â—ve away the Guards But a greater force of Artillery â—â—ing brought by the Souldiers of the Leaguer drove 〈◊〉 away and made that design of no effect Afterwards â—e set upon Count William's Camp with some choice Reâ—ents of Foot and Troups of Horse and all other warlike preparation fit to destroy Bulwarks but he was beaten back also thence with great loss of bloud Coming back thence and forcing the two Forts called Katherine and Philip wherein were but few Souldiers â—e strove by night to enter that way into Cazant over the Fords while the water was low that also was discovered and fresh Souldiers continually sent to defend the banks That day gave an evident example of the Spanish Souldiers constancy who keeping their ranks undoutedly laboured both against a strong Bulwark and a thick cloud of bullets No less was the valour of the Defendents especially of many of the French Nobility And the Prince himself was present still adding supplies of fresh men to such as were tired Thus as the day increased and the water grew higher by the â—loud the Enemy was beaten off not without the death of many and those of the nobler sort among whom the Marquess of Renty son to the Lord Montigny formerly a famous Commander of the King's Party among the Netherlanders They that came forth of the Town then first began to know what was violent hostility being owned among the dead by the fresh memory of their fellowship in Warre The besieged when they saw no hope of relief and that their hunger had consumed not onely the most vile and loathsome creatures but also whatever they could finde of skins or tallow at the end of the third month delivered the Town There marched out of it three thousand Souldiers who had scarce left within them any remains of life part of whom died as they went away Seventy great Guns were taken ten Galleys and about fourteen hundred slaves to whom their liberty was given Most of the Turks and Moors were sent home with Letters thereby to purchase favour and free trade among those Barbarians Aurelius Spinola the cousin of Ambrose was dismissed upon this condition that the Holland Seamen which the Archduke kept Prisoners should be released Cazant Yseâ—dike and Scluys with the Haven were all new strengthened and their Works repaired The Forts named Philip and Katharine the Enemy had levelled With the ground and the Government of Flanders was committed by the States to Count Henry of Nassau under whom Colonel Charles Notte was Deputy Governour Ostend yet held out among all the labours and distresses suffered from the Enemy the Sea and Diseases having at this time a small breathing space while the Enemie's care was divided for securing the Towns of Flanders In the Government of Ostend Colonel Notte was succeeded by Gistell upon whose death Lone came in place whose successor was Daniel Marquette Many of the Colonels and Captains on both sides were dead Many new inventions were at this Siege found out by the besiegers of which one was a Bridge a structure of Targon's with brazen wheels and was drawn by horses one part of it was bound together with Cables that it might not be easily penetrated with shot this by the ejection of a beam was lifted up on high so that it might fall down by loosing the ropes that held it up This they placed upon a platform which as we related before was in the form of a half-moon beyond the Gollet But this vast and sumptuous work soon became ridiculous one of the wheels being strucken off with the bullets afterwards some Poles as high as a Ship-mast being fixed in the trench of the Bulwark by them that massy Engine was broken and spoiled Therefore they turned all their force against the West part and drew some lines beyond the old Haven and on the backside of the Town And now the outermost Work that joyned to the Town was taken for part of it being blown up with gun-powder it was in vain to defend the rest Then the Porcupine and Helmont by little and little decayed and were lost And now was the whole face of affairs full of horror for the Enemy to get into the Town and they on the other side to keep him out were unawares and in the dark intangled one among another in caves and passages under ground and by the uncertain signs of fire oftentimes those devices turning to the damages of their authors The Spaniards and Italians being worn out by long dangers for every one had his proper station and business that it might the more clearly be looked after and kindle emulation in each other the Germans were inticed with rewards to
Henry brought back to the Camp neither provoking the Enemy to fight nor being provoked by them At this time several young Noble-men and Gentlemen of France among whom was the Duke of Roan's Brother of their own free-will entred into the Town and were there besieged minding to make known their Valour and to learn the Arts Military Whether relating to the Assaults of Towns or the Defence thereof After a few days Autumn now approaching Spinola made Inroads into the Dutchy of Cleves and undertook in person to break into some Forts beyond the Rhine and by that means Prince Maurice to follow if he duist The Besieged at first made a Sally that way and had well-nigh taken the General himself who was abroad onely with a few Attendants The next Attempt they made was upon Bucquoy's Camp where the Baron of Flessie a French Noble-man more valiantly than waâ—ly assaulting the Enemy was taken Prisoner And while Spinola having now joyned the Leaguers with a Bridge wearies out the Fort beyond the River and other Works with Shot Edmund Collonel of the Scots Regiment dyed of a Wound and so much prevail'd the death of this Valiant Man and Expert Leader that they in the Garrison having lost the Bank Retreated into the Island the Rhine defending those places of Safety against the Enemy But on that side the Town towards Colen the Works were assaulted by Cannon by Mines and last of all by Storm But the Prince sending to the States desiring by Letters To know what they thought fit to be done and they returning Answer That they left all to his Discretion So that he might if he pleased fight the Enemy making many publike Offers as â— be intended to raise the Siege whereby he might put Courage into his own men and give the longer delay to the Enemy he privately Resolved in his Mind to spin out the rest of the Year with the loss of Berck And as he was not to be moved by Reports so was he wary of Accidents being â— without fear lest if by bringing away his Army he should leave those middle parts naked Spinola leaving the siege should again attempt to pass the Wael and the Issel and then the Enemy being gotten into the Bowels of the Country all would condemn that vain-glorious Rashness that preferred specious shews before reall safety Therefore Resolving to go no further and intending to attempt no other Towns he concluded to lye upon the Watch near the Wesel now pretending that the Bridges came too late anon that the Enemy was drawn nearer but still keeping the Souldiers in the Camp who burned with a desire of fighting yet to keep the Souldiers in Action he brought them to a Fort begun by the Enemy where the River Lâ—ppe mingles with the Rhine which he compell'd to surrender and afterwards perfected it and that nothing might hinder them he steer'd his course whither soever occaâ—ion requir'd by many Noble Attempts making Spinola fortifie his Camp which before lay open seizing all the little adjoyning Hills In this time the Besiegedâ—â—â—lyed â—â—â—lyed forth very often and every time with a greater number nor was their Fortune or Success unlucky the French-mens Gallantry appearing in all places But as the Enemies Force drew nearer they did them no small damage by Mines But their Courages began to fail when they saw no hope of Relief and the Enemy secured from the danger of their shot daily advanced their Works sparing neither Powder nor other kinds of fighting The Besieged had Gunpowder enough to have served them a long time but they were so prodigal thereof at first that the want thereof was one of the main causes that hastned the Surrender Collonel Utenboven the Governour of Berck seemed more willing to yield it in favour to the French lest be should desperately cast away so much gallant Youth which were the Hopes and Pledges of so many great Families into utter Ruine without doing any good to their Country At last many of their Bulwarks being taken and the inner Works but very weak the Town Island and such Ships as were there were deliver'd up About 500 were slain in the Camp but not so many in the Town among whom was Saintangeâ— a French-man of great Parentage The loss of this famous Town much troubled the Hollanders who hereupon consider'd what was the Fortune of War if no Army went against it yet the Fortifications would subsist but for a short time This place was gotten with the immense Labour of Fortifying that it might be lost by a Siege that held but a Moneth and a few days over while Berck six Years before being out of Repair and void of Works contemned and held out their Arms a far longer time The day before Berck was surrendred Prince Henry of Nassaw taking part of the Forces by Night attempted to break into Vensoo having forced the Gate with a Retard and some of the Souldiers with great earneâ—ness going by the Bulwark that lyes close by the Maes But another Gate hindred them and before it could be broken the Townsmen together with the Horse and Foot of the Garrison repell'd the Assailants In another part Designs were laid by some Swimmers and Ships out of Zeland upon some Maritime Towns of Flanders but the Success was not answerable to Hopes At this time some unfortunate News out of America grievously weakned Spinola's Credit already wavering with the Greatness of the Usury he paid some Merchants whose Accounts with him were unsetled being compell'd to break promise with him Whereupon he wanted Money and being wonted to give the Souldier part of his Pay out of his own Revenue now he was not able to do that And lately the Governour of Wachtendenck punish'd some Seditious Threats by the death of one Souldier and the punishment of two more After this continual marching and labouring in the Camp renewed Discipline But after Berck was lost and that the Hollanders had nothing in those parts besides Moers which it was fear'd Spinola would attaque notwithstanding the Autumn was so far spent and it had a considerable Garrison Nor did Poverty onely and the want of Fodder pinch the Horsemen chiefly but the Infirmities of Diseases afflicted all the rest so that many â—led to Prince Maurice and part went to other places They that had more Courage shâ—nning Sloth began to mutiny and employ'd themselves in making Bullets and wandring about the Fields till at last they fell to choosing themselves a Head and ordaining all other Things that use to set forth Seditions to belong and durable While their Paucity was contemptible Spinola first proscribed them of their Commands and proceeded against them as Offenders against the Law But when they began to grow more powerful he was glad to flatter them by Messengers But as his Threats were without Authority so his Promises with reall Performances were little esteemed Almost 600 of them went to Hochstraten the noted Receptacle for such Beginnings but that place was not at
taken by the Commander in Chief of the Forces of the Garrison But the Lord of Cimace took him off with Gifts and laying hold on that present Opportunity by giving out to the Common People That both himself and the City were to be betrayed into the Enemies hands He conferreth all Publike Offices and the Honours likewise which he took from others upon those who were with him associated in Council And by the help of these be subjected the City to the Romanists and so in them to the King's Obedience In the like manner the Town of Dammâ— was surrendred and the Free Vniversity which of old being exempt from the Command of Bruges and other more Burthensome Duties of the Country is called by the Name of Frankenland And in all Assemblies of State in Flanders hath an equal Voice with the best Cities Nor would Ipre the Third City of Bulk in Flanders being next of all to Gaâ—â— and Bruges any longer wait upon the Hopes of a Common Pacification and endure the miseries of a hard Siege The Gauntoys themselves came to Treat by their Deputies offering Pledges and desiring a Truce But Imbisius his undissembled Treachery preserved the City for he would have delivered to the Spaniard the Town of Dendremund which Rikovius by the Prince of Aurange's Command stoutly defended and this out of a vain hope of greater favour he acted so openly that it could not be hid And when he was hindred in so base and nefarious a Counsel he would have besieged the Senate House with the Senators therein with a Regiment of Souldiers which he had taken into the Garrison to serve his own Designs These two heinous Faults so utterly alienated the Peoples Minds from him that they considered among themselves to punish him being thus convicted of Treachery with the loss of his Head A notable Example of unfortunate Ambition that he who was grown old had been loaden with the highest Honours and enjoyed so long the prosperous Affections of the Common People whom Civil Contentions had carryed so far beyond Reason that the greatness of their Crimes had devoured their Compassion This Ring-Leader of Faction was destroyed though the Tumults were not quite extinct yet for some time they who insisted upon the deceitfulness of the Pacification grew stronger But the Duke of Parma having almost inclosed the City and besieged it strongly with Warlike Troops was well satisfied not to assail them otherwise than by Hunger and to leave their Fate to the punishment of their own Discords But he had a better hope and therefore took more pains to get Sceldt and Antwerp scituate upon the same River the Noblest City of all the Netherlands which disperses all over Brabant the Merchandizes brought out of Zeland in regard his Troops were fresh and that he in breaking up the Siege at Zutphen had much weakned the strength of the Confederate Provinces By this means the one of these Cities was quickly won by force the other gained by fear Setting over therefore part of his Army he drives away those Netherlandish Ships that lay thereabouts as Guards and on each side of the River plants Artillery and Souldiers But the Antwerpers understanding that the Enemy did not lye upon the Coast over against Flanders built from the Ground for the safeguard of their Shipping two Castles or Forts the one below the City at the Village called Lillow the other upon the Coast of Flanders on the Backside overlooked as it were Hulst a Town of Waes This in regard it was not half finished being assaulted was taken but the other was gallantly defended with a great slaughter of Spaniards by Teling the Son of Lenove a noble Imitator of his Fathers Vertues But all these imminent Dangers were by the Prince of Aurange's Death too much hastned and in a time most inconvenient if we mind the Netherlanders because by his single Counsel and Conduct all their Affairs though at the present so full of Trouble and Vexation would have been brought to a setled Method But he to have been in a good Season as to himself because thereby he was taken from the growing Evils of the Publike to the Defence whereof he had most strictly bound himself For after his Death the Commonwealth partly with Intestine Seditions and partly by continual Victories of the Enemies was brought even to the last Gasp nor could it recover till by the appearance of his Son fresh Vigour was infused thereto and the half-forgotten Father's Memory revived in the Heroick Actions 〈◊〉 his Son He was shot with a Bullet at Delph in Holland by oâ— Balthasar Gerard a Burgundian who moved thereto either with the hopes of the Reward promised in his Proscriptionâ— else by the Zeal of his Party with a wonderful Condâ—â— bore up his Spirit as to the committing the Fact so to â— suffering the Torments inflicted on him for the same 〈◊〉 did there want some who much applauded his Resolution although the Duke of Parma an Italian being desired leave that some publike Demonstrations of Joy might be shewed because their Grand Enemy was gone fearing to blast 〈◊〉 Fame and cast an Odium upon the Justice of the War blâ—shed to suffer it The onely Expression of this dying Patriot sent together with his last Breath to the Almighty was this O Lord be mercifull to this poor People And all those who were more intimately acquainted with him now growing into years were well assured That the many Varieties and Changes of Fortune which from his Youth he had for above fifty years undergone and chiefly the Burthen of the present Cause attended with daily Envy replete with many Difficulties fought against with the Passion and Valour of the Great Ones murmur'd against by those of an inferiour Degree and oftentimes hazarded by the rashness of the Vulgar as it had inabled him to bear the greatest brunt of Humane Affairs so it had setled his Devotion and Religion on a firm Basis And this was the cause that he underwent all Businesses with a Mind so Resolute and a Body so indefatigable that he was observed never to be daâ—ced in Adversity nor elated or puffed up in Prosperity I do not hold it fit to bury in silence as a Token of his Abstinency and even as it may be called Infelicity that there was nothing so much by him neglected excepted the Glory he gained from the Civil War as his own private and particular Affairs which he freely assisted the Commonwealth with but left it much disturbed by the several Issues of a four-fold Marriage His first Wife was the Daughter of Count Egmond by whom he had Philip his Son whom the Spaniards carryed Prisoner into Spain and Mary a Daughter afterwards marryed to Count Hohenlo By another of his Wives which was the Second being Daughter to the Duke of Saxony one of the Electors of Germany he had one Son named Maurice and one Daughter His Third Wife was of the Family or Burbon Daughter to the Duke of
Thus being frustrate of his hope while both the English and Hollanders being otherwise taken up denyed relief to greater necessities as well as to him he exhorts the Souldiers left in the Garrison to keep off the Enemy which they might with safety and valiantly to endure the Siege which accordingly they did and killing Baptista Taxis an eminent Spanish Commander and comming off Victors in many Sallies after the Enemy with six moneths toyl and hazard had in a manner beaten down all the Fortifications and the besieged suffered great hunger he delivered the City upon honourable Conditions into the Power of the Bishop a Bavarian for that name was used though Spanish Souldiers entred into and held the City Hence Count Mansfeldt is commanded who in the beginning of Autumn had carryed a Recruit to the Lord Cimace's Forces the Siege being now ended to attaque with part of the same Wacttendonc a Town that lies in the upper part of Gelderland near the little River Nersa The Garrison consisted of some Companies of Shenckes men and the scituation of the place being very marshy and the depth of Winter made the coming to an assault very difficult But the ground being raised by the Besiegers unto the heighth of a little Hill from whence they should look down upon the Houses and the Bullets shot from that place at some times and at other times fire cast thence into the Town so infested the Townsmen whom another fear had likewise possessed least the coming of a great Frost should make all those moyst and wet places by Ice passeable for the Enemy that they perswaded the Souldiers not to stand out hopeless of any second Relief because the Forces of their Allyes were small and a great way off and hazard all their lives and fortunes However the Town was defended till the very end of the year the continuing of the Siege till which time what with the extremity of the weather and what with want of necessaries cost many thousand of the Besiegers lives though at last they compassed their intentions by the getting of the Town At this time by reason of the great expense charge damage and losse of the Spanish Fleet which had wonderfully exhausted the Kings Treasure the Army had been a long time without any pay by reason whereof there were frequent Seditions and the hopes of great plunder allured many to revolt to the Enemy so that the Hollanders safe within their Rivers a little enlarging their bounds did without danger or detriment make incursions into the Enemies Country But the States of these parts while they shunned new fell into their old pressures for some who had been in Arms under the Arch-Duke Matthias and the Duke of Anjon Francis de Valois and boldly usurping the name of Princes strangers by publick Authority seized all the Dutch Ships that were in or about Scotland But an Embasse being sent to the Princes informed them of their error as â— understanding the Customs of Holland for the Hollanders though they assisted divers Cities with their Forces yet they never made themselves lyable to any debts by them contracted for they were only subject to the Authority of the Prince of Aurange Neither did they now rightly demand from the confederate States what those Provinces did owe which had receded from the League This I thought fit to insert because by such Speeches 〈◊〉 did refell those prejudicial exactions and occasion there was given of covenanting with the Commanders that remained with an Oath concerning their old debts to be paid by certain portions to the great ease of the Commonwealth Among these things partly by a common fear and partly by the Prisoners of Utrecht who thought to remedy their folly by pertinacy the differences begun by the Earl of Leicester burst out fresh But the Carrison Souldiers of Gertruydenburg consisting of one thousand five hundred Foot and three hundred Horse because they had usurped a greater Licence from the occasion of the discords than they supposed could be pardoned and fearing an Infamy among their fellow Souldiers would not be reduced to order but remained arrogant by the Neighbour-hood of the Enemy At the beginning of their Sedition though they turned out their present Officers and elected whom they pleased yet they would not hearken either to the Duke of Parma's Letters or Messengers Afterwards some Agents for the Enemy being mingled amongst them their ignorance not minding them and those Agents sent to the Hollanders to treat with them upon their return setting forth the threats they had heard to the worst with the fear of punishment they not only became enemies themselves but provoked others to be so so that contempt made them outragious after Willoughby the Colonel of the English Auxiliarias under pretence of appeasing the Souldiery had in truth made his Kinsman Wingfield the head of the Sedition according to the Advice of the Town and bestowed the pay sent by the States so as he might oblige or make sure such as were suspected not by any certain Rule but as he hoped to have them upon occasion whereupon the Souldiers mocked at them as being deceived by them and abused what they had as if it had been booty And as soon as the Captains and the Souldiers by their example had spent this money in riot and excess they sent forth parties of Horse every way to plunder and bring in booty from the Country Nay they retained all Ships that came within their reach without any distinction of friend or foe nor did they spare the Provinces that were absolutely at peace Thus passing the Winter they were solicited to treache-which would procure an easie Pardon for all their crimes by Odourdo Lanzavecchia the Governour of Breda for as he said true the manner of their offending was dangerous and that might be urged for an excuse to the Duke of Parma which neither the English or Hollander would ever admit of This Counsel they being now ready to receive any impression of evill hearkened to and according to the Custom of Sedition were inraged with all that perswaded otherwise And forthwith all of them as it were possessed with a sudden Frenzy seize all the Townsmens Arms some few in that mad multitude not daring to speak for fear The name of Englishmen is pre ended for all this uproar as well by the Captainâ— and most others of that Nation as by the Dâ— Souldiers themselves And the more insolent they grow 〈◊〉 more is impunity offered to them by Letters from the States who began to fear the worst desiring them to return to their Colours forgetting all those discords which publike erroâ— and the malice of fate had thrown amongst them and that they would do an acceptable piece of Service to the Common-wealth if they would put an end to those disturbances although they did not begin them But their Consciences accâ—sing them of all their evill deeds made them afraid to give credit to this Invitation Hereupon it was put
successful Sarlies disturbing their enterpâ—sed beginnings At this time Prince Maurice had left Groening and was going against Steenewie when heating of the Siege of Kâ—senburg he left Count William to defend the Frizons and himself with a flying Army coming to Arnheynie an Iâ—e of Holland by Signs encouraged the Besieged and likewise from thence sent Messengers that got through the adverse Army unespy'd by Night in a Boat But the Nassaniaâ— Commanders differ'd in Opinion whether they should 〈◊〉 the Enemy in the Field and fight him or passing the River Wael should fortifie themselves and hinder their Adversaries of Provision and make them leave the Works and Guns they had setled upon the side of the Hill by Niâ—â—ghen There was difficulty and danger in both these Attempts for without all doubt the Enemy was stronger in Horse whose Force and Valour they had often tryed both in Fight and Forraging At length Fortune determin'd their Doubt which many times is as profitable as Prudence for the Prince with Count Solms and Sir Francis Vere being brought near the Enemies Camp hid part of the forwardest Regiments with some Troops among the Thickets adjoyning to the way Other part of the Horse were commanded to march a good way forward to draw on the Enemy upon whose approach they were to seem to fly as if they were overpower'd for most of the Italians in Ten Troops among whom was the Duke of Parma's own Lifeguard were come out to pursue them and they were not to face about till they had drawn the Pursuers beyond the River and a narrow Bridge that went over it which being brought to pass according to expectation suddainly they that fled turned again and the others that lay in Ambush coming in they were inclosed and every valiant man among them dyed in the place he stood the rest were scatteringly slain as they were met with onely some few while the Conquerours took the Ensigns and some prisoners alive and the Horses escaped and fled to the Camp With the grief whereof and the loss of so many noble and valiant men not thinking it safe any longer to stay in the Enemies quarters he gave over his vain Siege but pretending that he was commanded to march once more into France and that the great Affairs of theâ— Kingdom were not to be neglected in striving to win a few Forts or Castles in Holland Wherefore sending the Carriages before he Transported his Army having onely built some slight Works upon the River to keep the Nassauians in play least they should fall upon his Rear and as soon as his Army was all over the Water he commanded them to make a stand that they might secure the ships coming after them But the City was highly displeased at his departure some few spoke of him favourably most smother'd their Anger in a threatning silence but the baser sort of people cover'd nothing of their Madness but shew'd their Fury in their Speeches as if they could by them draw back an Old General that fled at the sight of a stripling Enemy Undoubtedly Parma's Mind having always been accustomed to win Honour was grievously afflicted with this Disgrace so that his former Disease now again increasing be together with his Son Ranutio who lately came out of Italy augmented his Fathers Vexation that he should be a Witness of his Misfortune went to the Spaw there among the variety of his present Discontent and former Fortune to drink of the Waters From thence he sent to the Mutinous Spaniards at Diest for pacifying whom he gave a very prejudicial Example to wit That Emanuel Vega a Captain who was more severe than the Villany of the Souldiers would bear should be displaced and another put into his room The Citizens of Nimmeghen did many of them begin to look after Liberty especially after Desperation had multiplied those Evils which before they had scarcely undergone with the Promises and Expectation of better Things For six years before following the Duke of Parma's good Fortune 〈◊〉 by a general Consent but the Faction of a small Party when the Government of the United States after a long time and by much care came to be setled without whose Consent whatever Duty or Obedience they shewed was without any Affection yet they chose Safety and Profit And from that time there began a mutual Commerce between them and the Hollanders who suffer'd the Ships of Nimmeghen to go through the Wael because then the Channel of the Râ— wanted Depth of Water to bear them But in the Garrison were Three Companies one of Forreigners two of men â—ised within the Town for they positively refused to admit of more and as any one offended more heinously the parties of the great Ones they would by vertue of their received Power threatningly restrain or punish the Offenders There wanted now onely a close Siege least the Enemies Forces should lye at lurch about the Maes and that was onely delayed by the excessive increase of Water in the Wael so that there could not be had any use of a Bridge However the Souldier rested not long quiet in his Winter-quarters though they were purposely at a great distance the more to increase the Conquering Enemies Security For Prince Maurice prosecuting his good Fortune draws out of his Garrisons part of the Regiments and with them marches over the Scheldt into the Land of Wase and at the same time the Horse made an Intoad into Brabant And the fifth day after having taken all the Forts thereabouts Hulst a Town in that Province was deliver'd to him The suddainness of the Action amazed the Garrison Souldiers for the Governor by chance was gone out of Town before the Siege upon private occasions of his own and also because the Prince had digged through the Bank to make the River overflow all the adjacent places and by that means stopped the Enemy from assisting them The whole Land of Wase was given to the Souldiers to spoil and pillage until they promised Tribute and sent Hostages to the States for payment of the same But the Neighbours of the Hollanders seeing all the best of their Fruits and other Provisions possessed by the Enemy Prince Maurice's Army being gone as fearing to have bin met with unawares in the Enemies Country by the Duke of Parma cause Mondragâ—io the Governour of the Castle at Antwerp to take Arms who accordingly with the next Souldiers he could get and such as lived about the Maes goes over the Scheldt but not daring to look upon any Town for Count Solms defended them and Repaired the Works he recovered the Forts and Sconces in the Country and Erected some nâ—w ones for the straitning or cutting off Excursions Hereupon the Inhabitants of the Country denyed their promised Tribute supposing and not without Reason that the Clemency of the Enemy would not break its wonted bounds and revenge the injury upon the innocent pledges All things succeeding thus even beyond his wishes the Prince once again drawing his
if it should either rain or snow because the natural moysture and marishness of the ground would be exceedingly increased wherefore the Prince returning Victor into Holland loaden with honourable fame even among forraign Nations he was received by the 〈◊〉 even with an excess of joy The people of old were wont to rejoyce at their Princes good fortune as from Command not obliged by duty They had known the former Prince of Aurang onely in disguise under the Cloud of adverse fortune And in the Earl of Leicester's time they were perplexed between private discords and publick murthers Now only they saw their bounds enlarged by Arms and their Government setled by Rivers and strengthned with fortifyed Towns and yet their Leader requiring no other satisfaction for all his pains and labour than the glory thereof the benefit of the success being wholly left to the Country which looked not only with hope â—ut adâ—â—tion at his youth as if it had been on purpose set apart by the divine Providence for such weighty undertakings And then again casting their unsatisfied eyes upon his countenance they gratefully reverenced that tender Age and 〈◊〉 Blood which had so often thrown it self upon dangers for their defence And without all doubt the Princes good fortune was much forwarded by celerity besides he had learned the exquisite Arts of Fortification both as to the of sensive and defensive part the besieging or defending Towns and as far as the present Age was able to instruct him was well practised in the encamping of an Army The Enemies were nothing so industrious their confidence as it is generally observed breeding carelesness and slouth and sometimes overweening Temeriâ—y They who are weakest in power are for the most part strongest in Counsel as ayming to supply by prudent Resolutions and Industry what is deficient in strength Fame also is a great assistant where the first happy events are multiplyed to the great supportation of liberty But the mayn of all was the strength of Shipping among so many Rivers without which the rest would have profited but little According to Custom the Souldiers wintered in Garrisons from whence many times small parties going out wiâ—h various success brought in booty or were circumvented by the Enemy During which times also stratagems were frequently used for getting of Towns such were they whereby here Gertruydenburg Maestrict and Scluys were offered at and in another part Breda was endeavoured to be taken but the Ambushy being discovered the Armies marched back frustrate of their designs Now was the Sea scowned from Pyrates and the Duke of Parma being for France received joyfully an Embassie sent from the Emperour to mâ— and mediate a Peace But the United Provinces suspected it as they had reason but chiefly because they had intercepted Letters from the King of Spain written concerning it wherefore they shut their eâ— against those old deceits warned by the fresh example of the Arragonians who while they unwarily discoursed of liberty were surprised by craft and drawn into slavery and ruine These People of Spain of old called Tarraconia now â—â—garly Arragon first getting possession of that part of the Country by Arms which barbarous Nations from the other side of the Sea had invaded by the Counsel of such as weâ— esteemed wise among them erected a Commonwealth At the beginning Kings that name and honour being given to a limited power were chosen here by the suffrages of the people afterwards by the Custom of several Nations their Heirs were admitted by Succession to the Government yet obliging them to the observance of the Law whereby they who were then eminent as foreseeing the inconveniencies of a Kingdom conveyed some power to the people whose Authority was to be used in publick Counsels and gave a priviledge of Supreme Magistracy even over the Kings themselves and these boundaries were well observed as long as the Princes were careful to do Right and Justice and made use of no Forces to defend Crimes But afterwards there happening a Conjunction of Kingdoms and all Spain by that means becoming subject to King Philip all mens patience was tryed by the severity of the Inquisition and every thing by new forms of Judgment was disposed and they rather fitted to the pleasure of the Court and Courtiers then squared by the Rule of the antient Law or Prescript order of Justice The Case of Anthony Perez was greatly commiserated by the People who having been employed by King Philip about Eâ—oâ—vedo's death was yet by him falsly accused of but an ordinary fault for which deprived of all Authority and flying from Castile he was yet prosecuted by the Kings rage into this Region for the King hated him because he had been active as a procurer in matters of Love And when he Instruments of wrath impudently opposed the Laws and would by no means suffer Justice they were resisted by force and the first commotions being provoked by force were afterwards nourished by gentle endeavours and dissimulation And as the Tumults begun under a malevolent constellation so the City was perswaded under pretence of the French War to suffer the Kings Army to come through its Borders and to march through Sarragosa the Metropolis of that Region and so to go over the Pyrenean Mountains But instead thereof the Nobles were murthered and every one that either with Tongue or hand had been forward to advance liberty was by revenge marked and for the future nothing remained but a prospect of Tyranny and slavery Although these things are not suitable to my purpose yet I have not neglected to insert them here at such times as they happened that Posterity may compare their fortune and the Netherlanders together that as well the faults of Princes may be known as the People may be instructed that many times the cause is no less to be minded than the Forces of a King While these Transactions were a foot otherwhere the King of France being recruited with German Souldiers and English Auxiliaries besieged Roan Queen Elizabeth desiring that he would inclose the Enemy between the River Seine and the British Ocean this made the French Confederates with Parma take his long stay the worse who being slow in making ready his Warlike preparations or else consulting of some higher design how to augment the dangers at last though late in the year having first received the Town of Fer in pledge he drew near to the Borders of Normandy There were in his Army several new raised men and those Regiments which had lately fallen into a mutiny but now were restored to their Colours being full of booty and having also received their pay which the Duke of Parma very hardly extorted by the encrease of Tributes and selling the right of Commerce to the Enemies the Netherlanders not without cause complaining that their Borders were left naked and their mony and strongest men carryed away to help strangers Pope Gregory sent also Assistance to the French Rebels â— thing not used by
Against all which there â—as onely hope in celerity while the flower of the Enemies Army was yet detained upon the Borders of France The â—se out of Brabant were commanded to environ the Town and that their store might be diminished to stop all provisions going to them for succour And forthwith the Prince having prepared all things for for War carried thither in Ships all his Foot-forces which in truth could not be called many for the Frizons had their own men and Prince Maurice in vain desired Count William to come thither to him with ayd A great Lake lies before the Town and washes indeed the greater part of it spreading it self backward from the mouth of the Maes since the year one thousand four hundred twenty and one at which time the Sea in a most impetuous manner broke through all its boundaries and drowned seventy and two Villages This they call it Merow by one common name with the Channel of the Wael and it is probable that it first received that name from some of the antient Kings of France is washed on the right side by the River Dungen springing out of the fields thereabout adjacent The Land on the other side of the Bank is in the Jurisdiction of Holland although for that it is doubtful the Brabander lay a claim to it It is part of the possessions of Nassau by right of pledge The Prince of Aurange after the Peace made at Gaunt fortified it as an entry or inlet into Brabant There were famous Pools that abounded with Fish but now the Fish is almost all gone being driven thence either by Fords and shallow Sands continually encreasing or else by the voyce and thunder of War about them and the daily mischiefs done them by men In the Bank which contains the water for the rest onely hiding the water with a thin film of Earth cannot be wrought to any thing are many turnings and coverts which lead to the Works of the Town lying beyond the Trench But the Northerly blasts of the Spring by tempest upon the Lake had broken down that part of the Bank it being weakened before by digging And again the same way for there remained no other the Darts and Shot out of the Castle which the Enemy yet held on the neighbouring Bank of Dungen infested all that attempted it This was difficult in the access but a kind of hurdles being made and covered with Loam were put there that they might cover and be as a Trench for such as should assault the place And out of the Isle of Dungen which is hard by were made many Shot and at the same time Count Hohenlo least fresh men should be sent out of the Town to supply the Castle invades the narrow and strait passage a happy adventure whereupon it was surrendred In these labours and fortifying the Camp almost a month was spent before Mansfeldt approached He sent part of his Troops before to Turnehout but Prince Maurice his Horse voluntarily made an incursion upon them while yet they were but coming together into a Body for they being of no use among the Marshes the Prince had quartered them in Town so as they could well infest the Enemies marche And Count Mansfeldts Son Charles being safe returned from the Enemy was in danger among his own men for being called out of France by hasty Messengers where he had first taken Noyon as is before mentioned and afterwards Vallery as he required a Centurion of a Spanish Band being then in the Borders of Artoys who had been found guilty of a Rape to be brought forth to punishment he scarcely escaped the fury and madness of the rest himself being struck at with the Souldiers Weapons under his Command they also casting off their Knapsacks as if they had been going to fight These tumultuary licentiousnesses were customary in forreign places with them in regard there was wages due to them for a â—s eâ— moneths Mansfeldt being a German and having a regard to his own Honour and his Fathers greatness which be perceived envyed was much vexed wherefore leaving them in the Town of St. Paul which they had set upon and gotten himself with some trusty Regiments slipping away castle to the Army and augmented its number which the Commandeâ—s marched withâ—ll but very slowly it s own multitude hindering its speed For having 12000 Foot and about 3000 Horse their Confidence was suâ—h that they believed immediately to over-run their Enemy who was not all so strong as they for Prince Maurice had not much above 5000. Wherefore from this action Honour was to be gained to the new Governour and they hoped from hence is to purchase glory to the one so to strike terrour into the other Neither did any suspect the immense largeness of the Fields in regard there were such incertain bogs and so many Moores scattered up and down among them and they were so inclosed that as the place yielded not room for the Armies to fight so the Fords and shallowes afforded no place for stratagems or Ambuscadoes Wherefore observing I suppose the face of the Siege and in what manner the War was managed he thought fit only to venture with a few because the other part of the Camp did not merit the like fame either in the danger or event and truly this first example of his was given with a very true consideration in praising the policy of the Antients who ever made use of all things to the purpose rather than for ostentation The Prince had pitched his two Camps in several Fields that had easie ascents that he himself might defend the left side of the River and other places near to the City towards the West the other part towards the East Hohenlo had the charge of the whole Leaguer every Regiment having his proper Station and Tents between which were the Ways and Markets was like a City and was on every side fortified with a strong incurvated Rampire wheâ—eon were planted many Cannon This could not be much weakned at a distance and the Enemy could not come near to fight without great hazard and damage Near the Trench that ran before it wherein there was a double Rowe of Palizadoes headed with Iron least the falling off of the Water should leave them bare or on the other side by a too great increase should overflow the Works There were Seluces and Engines fitted on purpose to let out the Water Dungen being also fitted with two Bridges by which means there was a very near way to the Camp and a Cross-way being made over the Marishy places with Cawseys where they were cover'd before with the Hurdles and Baskets stuffed and cover'd with Mud and Loam all that passed that way were secured on one side And then whatsoever part of the Fields had been more wet than was convenient it soon became firm by the throwing in of Faggots Bavins and other like Stuff and if any where they were hindred by Estuaries and the force of the Waters were
new Regency be sent out some with Commissions both into England and into Germany to raise Four Thousand Foot and some few Horse These Souldiers supposed to be met by the Enemy at the Rhine though in vain marched safely and unknown to the Enemy But on the contray Ernestus his Musters were impeded by want of Money and other Casualties for the Regiment of Francis Saxon Lawrenburg assembling by little and little within the Territory of Munster part of them being slain by the Hollanders the rest melted away to nothing and Count Oldenburg denied passage to those that remain'd together of them through the Land The Lord of Cimace also gather'd Souldiers consisting of Flandrians and Waloons being partly promis'd that he should be put into Garrison But they that were Listed by Verdugo a great part of them ran away the rest were consumed either by Poverty or Diseases Another Regiment belonging to 〈…〉 tzenburg were kill'd partly by the Enemy and partly by the Boors about Carpen and Aquisgrave Others went aâ—â—y into Hungary to those Wars So that the new raised men being either dispersed or voluntarily departed and the old Souldiers disobedient and refractory all their hopes were 〈◊〉 frustrated and their boasting That they would divide 〈◊〉 Army of Thirty Thousand Men into two parts and thereâ—â—th at once make War on both sides the Rhine came to nothing Whereby Ernestus himself by how much he had raised mens Expectations of him by so much he fell into present Contempt especially when Leasure and Pleasure Idleness and Lust began to be seen as publike stains upon him So that he was lashed at by eminent and most bitter Invectives Besides he overcharged his Fame among the Netherlanders in that he would have imposed Spanish Garrisons upon several of their Cities And was with great Contumacy refused both by them of Namur and Lisle At the first beginning of the Spring marching into the Field Ambushes were laid but in vain for the surprize of two Ciâ—ies which would have been of great advantage Boisledue was the one which very seldom gave opportunity to such undertakings and now preserved by fortune for the Guards had no other notice of the Enemies approach than the falling down of a Stone Maestricht was the other and there also was a miscarriage by the fear of the Captains which the Prince had sent before in a Ship and because there were some Souldiers who unskilled in such Expeditions knew better to pillage than fight unless by chance sometimes we have no more power to command our Courage than Success when a fatall Cowardise and a suddain fear shall weaken and infatuate the Counsel and Courage of those who at another time are Sons of Valour and start back at no danger From hence Prince Maurice went beyond the Rhine resolving to set an end to all those great Enterprises formerly begun in Frizeland to which purpose not only Count William's strength but several new Companies were drawn into a Body leaving behind only Count Hohenlo with two Regiments to guard the Borders of Holland Not long before this Verdugoe's Souldiers while yet the Waters were all covered with Ice assaulted Delphzile a Castle scituate 〈◊〉 the River Ecnus they came on at first in a deep silence 〈◊〉 on a suddain made hideous out-cryes on purpose to reâ—â—â— the Defendants and they rushed on so unadvisedly that 〈◊〉 the Maritime Bank which by the unskilfulness of the Builders being carried beyond the Trench reached the Bulwark there was a sudden tumult and long dubious Fight untill a Neighbouring Ship coming in with Darts and Guns and the valour of the Defendants beat off the assaylants with great slaughter Then the Groeningers sent to Ernestus Gifts with humble Supplications that he would not defer forthwith to send the General and all the Strength of the Army so often promised to avert and prevent the common ruine and destruction of the City But the Prince knowing that he was feared in Brabant and therefore that part of the Enemies Forces stayd there and that another part was engaged in the French War sending before him Pioneers and Engineers as well to secure him in his march as in a Battel if need should be steers his course towards Coevorden He had ten thousand Foot divided into seven Bodies every of whose Flanks and Rere were guarded with Horse It was a new divised Policy that the Souldiers armed with Lances and Pikes and a few Engines or Guns in the Front should break the Enemies Troops for Verdugo put the greatest confidence in that part of his Forces and then the Cavallery being wearied would easily be routed Upon the left side were placed the Carriages and Wagons that brought Provisions to the Besieged with some of the best and stoutest Regiments At the right side they were â—nclosed with Artillery and the River Vidre Verdugo also had drawn up his men in Battel-Array before the Works as if he had desired to see the Strength and Courage of the Enemy knowing he could easily retire into the Coverts of his defences upon occasion Here the Prince took Counsel whether he should break through the Fortified Marshes to the Besieged or seek a more secure way to get to the Castle But 〈◊〉 Spaniard under the silence and covert of the night draws of his Regiments cruelly shattred with long penury and â—â—y to mutiny at the eminent danger together with the Duke of Parma's old Souldiers marching with them towards Oldenzeel there he pitched his Tents and suffered the Souldiers to glut themselves with prey instead of pay wasting the Fields of Germany robbing and stealing with so much more greediness for that they believed they should not stay long there for fear of the Enemy Some of these Souldiers were sent beyond the Eems to Lugen a Town under the King's Command Others were dispatched away to Groening that the common people who are naturally unstable might be kept in awe by them and any danger arising from sudden fear be prevented After the appearance of day had discovered the nocturnal slight and that the Castle was open and the deliverers and Besieged had with joy among themselves and extraordinary thinks to the Prince saluted one another the next thing in design was what had hitherto been aimed at to set upon Groening by force which in the former years they had so sorely teâ—tified Although it was very strongly fortified both with Walls and Bulwarks neither wanted any thing either as to Victuals or other Warlike preparations for defence And not a few of the chief Frizons had rather the City should have continued in the Enemies power than come into their own as believing it would draw the Trade from all parts thither However the Horse being sent away that they might stop all passages against the Enemy as well at Steenwic as at Coevorden and the Bourtange leaving only the Zuâ—phen Regiment to trouble and restrain the Enemy if need should be the great Guns were carryed by Sea The Prince at his
in regard they could not carry them off they took the Masters of them as Pledges till the Money promised for their Redemption was paid And shortly after they took no less a prey from others going to France But one of the Pyrates Vessels being circumvented by the Hollanders the greatest part of their men being killed in fight with the execution of forty three that survived they alittle repressed that villinous and growing presumption and besides above twenty Ships more were freed which were taken and detained by that Ship every of which had promised for the preservation of their lives two thousand Florens and more The Fifth BOOK of the History of the Dutch AFFAIRES THE Netherlanders under the Spanish Obedience began the year merrily from the unaccustom'd Joy of them which were come from the French Borders as well as from the new hope conceiv'd from Albertus Arch-Duke of Austria who was sent with great honour to be Successor to Ernestus He was the youngest of all his Brothers But which is a great advantage to Nobility and an implicite Agreement between the Pope and Kings he was graced with a Cardinals Hat Afterwards being approved by Philip for his Government of Portugal where he had gotten Repute by his careful Obedience and Affability towards the Subjects and therefore now was not thouâ—ht unworthy to be bound to the King in a nearer Tye according to the Custom of People agreeing in Affection To this purpose that he might with the greater Honour undeâ—take and enter upon this Government belonging to the House of Austria great store of Provisions were made both for Peace and War He had a safe Journey from Spain into Italy and thence through Savoy and Burgundy as far as Lutzenburg and the Borders of the Netherlands Souldiers both of Horse and Foot were on all hands drawn together not onely as a Defence for the whole but as a Supplement to the old exhausted Militia which he as soon as he came to the Army he reduced into a few Regiments or Brigades partly filld them with old Souldiers wisely desiring to find true Valour among them rather than great Name and an outward shew lest he should by an unnecessary multitude of Officers both trouble the Souldiers and burden the Treasury And therefore he removed from being Governours and Colonels all those Netherlandish Noblemen who seldom coming at their charges scarcely made use of any thing besides the name and profit arising therefrom putting others in their places who by long obedience had deserved to command He appointed also other things worthy of imitation as That none should carry an Ensign unless he had thrice received pay Moneys also were looked after because a new Sedition was feared and the old Sores began again to rankle for prevention whereof for the future the Spaniard promised every Moneth eleven hundred thousand Florens but the same should not proceed beyond the first Autumn The Archduke Albert brought along with him a great Mass of uncoyned Silver by which means the damage of money to be returned by Writings or Bill of Exchange would be much advanced and because being coyned in the Netherlands it would bear the greater price Besides otherwise the many hazards of long Journies were now prevented the same at present being defended with a strong Guard he brought with him also and boasted it as a gâ—eat Pledge of his clemency the Prince of Aurange whose name was Philip William who at the first beginning of the troubles in the Netherlands had been carryed thence where being honourably kept in the Spanish Court had now first received his Liberty for being firmly grounded in the Catholike Religion and obliged by that benefit if he should go to his younger Brother and the Provinces where his Fathers Memory was yet fâ—â—â— it was hoped he would either become a Moderator for Peace or be the cause of Discord among the Enemies Nor truly was Albertus himself look'd upon by the Hollanders with aâ— Evil Eye being known to most of the Sea-men for his libeâ—â— Clemency when being all seized in Portugal he dismissed them to this very end as was believed in hope that theâ— would spread abroad his Fame But above all he was most beloved before all others because by his coming Ibarra and Fontayne were removed from their maligned Greatness and sent into Spain But the absence of those was supplyed with many more as Francisco Mendoza Admiral of the Arragenian Sea a chief man both in Counsel and Actions of Warre Gonsalvo Carilia Girolam Zapata and Baptista Taxis persons with other Names but of the same Nature and Disposition with the former whereby dissembled Goodness was more feared than the remaining Evils The States of the United Provinces fearing lest the Vulgar should be chang'd by the speech and presence of the Prince of Aurange writ to him congratulating his Freedom from a Captivity of Twenty Eight years continuance But that it was not safe for him to come within their Jurisdiction being all in Arms unless he were publikely invited nor could they as present Affairs then stood come to him However they hoped that he who had so throughly tryed the Spanish Cruelty would not seek to subvert their Liberty founded by his Fathers Counsels and cemented with his Bloud Whereto he answer'd as concerning his Father dissemblingly but to the rest friendly to wit That he was come thither to be an Author of nothing but what might conduce to the benefit of both Parties whereupon he hoped he should meritedly expect their best Wishes Being then debarred thereof for the time to come he afâ—â—â—ed nothing complaining That the Hollanders suspected 〈◊〉 and the Spaniards hated him for his Alliance wherefore he 〈◊〉 not take up Arms chiefly as being desirous of a private life 〈◊〉 partly also out of respect to his Brothers Honour But Prince Maurice and his Sister who was marryed to Count Hohenlo before he came into the Dutchy of Cleves sent to him by particular Messengers both Gifts and Money each offering to clear themselves concerning the Domestick Administrations of those great Possessions in their Power But the States publickly desiring to avoid all imminent Snares laid to catch them give Order for strict Watches upon the Ways their chief Care was against the Jesuits lest any Seditious Doctrine should be blown among the people But Albertus not â—elying upon these Inventions although desirous of peace yet so he might be ready for War to which purpose he made ready an Army of 15 Thousand besides his Garriâ—on Fayer a Town in Vermandois surrounded both with War and Want there was no reason or possibility to maintain unless by continual Additions of little Forces which must be put in by stealth because all about it lay the Enemies Towns with a great Body of Horse beside the dampness of the fields By how much the Besiegers Fortifications were greater by so much more they terrified all that endeavour'd to approach it with the greater danger Wherfore to withdraw
Count Solmes where at a frequent Consultation and there were some who blamed that very thing that he had not advised with them or some choyse men a Captain perswading a Surrender used these or the like words If the greatest documents of Vertue had not been published for this place I my self should yet doubt whether we could walk in is more ready way to Honour That fame is unjust which will not be satisfied How often have we sustained the shock of the Enemies fury powred out upon us how oft have we voluntarily fallen upon them But alas instead of being diminished he rather encreaseth by the slaughters we make of him We cannot receive so great Supplies as will answer the losses we suffer in being victorious What have we gotten by this whole Months fighting but the beating down of our Fortifications about the Town and to devide our voyd works with the Enemy and all our wast ground is taken up by making new defences within the former What do we stay for therefore Do you look for an Army to come to drive the Enemy out of their Trenches and Leaguer whom they could not keep off Far be from you such a vain expectation for France and the furthest parts of the World withhold our hopes We are here fifteen hundred who are daily called out to fight the rest being either dead or wounded We are besieged with twenty thousand with whose very Arms we may be over-whelmed What should I mention the Ambushes and Snares hidden under ground from which no Vertue nor Valour can be safe but we must perish without either defence or revenge Truly we have been instructed by our Ancestors that a valiant man will never slight apparent and visible dangers nor do rash persons merit to be praysed as wise while they seek a certain but not an honourable grave But now there is a far greater difference between us and our Enemies We furnished onely with a few Companies think by the chearfulness of our Obedience to supply the defects of our number They Powerful exceeding Wealthy prodigall of their Souldiers lives esteeming it costs but lietle that is bought onely with blood And who would desire to have him become an Enemy who so lavishly wasts his Friends But miserable is the poor Souldier who having so oft with contempt even looked death in the face if yet at last he should not deserve to live Rather let us take heed for the benefit of our Country least while we defend a small part so stifly the rest be left open to the same fury Let him then be Superiour whom we cannot but acknowledge more potent Let him have the ground so sated with the blood of his followers They will have no great cause to boast of this Victory which hath robbed us of so many famous Leaders and such a multitude of common Souldiers This accurate defence of fear did not work upon all one Matthias Helly being the chief of the resisters cryed out This is altogether anew mischief of War to desert the Works before they are assaulted and to intreat a safe passage from the Enemy out of that place from whence yet they were able to make good their defence rather let some time be taken for deliberation in which interim they might keep out the Enemy by repairing their Works or else by force and Sallies beat him off valiantly untill they could receive further advice and directions from Prince Maurice and the States the Prince lying but in the next Island full of care for the Town not expecting from thence any such newes For all this safety was preferred by all the valiant men and Count Solmes who a little before had promised the Prince to hold the Town to the utmost extremity and was encouraged by Letters and Promises from the States to the same purpose now fearing the Souldiers rashness or else as it is experimentally observed that generous Valour which in Field-Fights is undanted and not Conquerable is not able in a Siege to endure the toyls and miseries of War thought it fit to hasten the Surrender left the Condition and State of Affairs within the Town should be discovered by the Treachery of any Renegadoes They themselves in a manner prescribed their own terms of delivery which Albertus consented to with the greater joy by how much it came so unexpectedly and beyond his hopes About the end of August when the Siege had devoured no less than threescore Officers and near five thousand Souldiers Hulst was delivered to Albertus together with Nassau Fort not so much as defaced in the least manner during the whole Siege the rest of the Fortifications upon that Coast the Garrison Souldiers that were therein when they sled did overthrow and destroy The Hollanders took very heinously the loss of this Town by which they had compelled the Province of Flanders to bear a part of their burdens in paying them Tribute Besides they were possessed with great fear of the victorious Army for that the greatest part of the year yet remained fit for Service and what City would Hand out against them if the touching of their Works by the Enemy were enough to fright them into a Surrender and if three thousand men durst not put off and delay the Enemy by skirmishing and fighting The multitude hereupon murmured cruelly against Count Solmes as become effeminate with the carasses and amours of his Lady and as if they would be pleased to have one guilty person sacrificed to the publick Calamities Nor did the Zelanders defer to remove him from the Command of their Regiments being now â—â— pleased with him because he had of late behaved himself impetiously among them professing they wanted his help no further and dissembling the rest of their anger But he being conscious to himself answered the same both by word and writing as he heard thereof excusing his actions by necessity so that he obtained from the confederate States a new Regiment they of Zeland not opposing the same At which time he protested that having been in the War for the Hollanders during the space of thirteen years he had always resolved for the publick good to pardon all the injuries he could receive from any particular persons The Cardinall Albert was received with extraordinary applause of all his followers because the Austrian Family was not barren of Valour and Vertue and that he being the restorer of Flanders and the French limits after seven years had then perfected their returned felicity with a treble Victory and once more made their good Fortune permanent to them Thus at present they shewed nothing but content and joy but the future did not continue to them the same hopes The War thus speedily ended when the consumed Souldiery on both sides and the exhausted Treasury should have given rest to the remainder of the year he cast both his mind and eyes to the enlarging his bounds otherwise sending Francisco Mendoza to the Emperour his Brother to desire of him many things
most powerful of all the Azores and bringing with them infinite Wealth But the English by cross and contrary Winds and other imminent evills were so kept back that they could not come near them yet three Ships being seperated from their Company were either sunk or taken and made a prey Here began a mischievous contest the Hollanders accusing Rawleigh who had Command of a part of the English Fleet that he by force took away from them a Ship which they had taken while they were in pursuit of another In this Voyage some small and open Towns were burned by the English as also a Carack coming from the Indies was fired by her own men to prevent the falling thereof into the Enemies hands The Commanders thus frustrated of their hope and returning to winter in England were derided by their evill willers so that being before emulous among themselves and now become enemies yet they consented to aver sound advise and their own endeavours not wanting for prevention of their ill success Hereby appears that fortune is not to be commanded by wise men nor forced by just ones The case of Padilia was harder who was sent with like Commands as of late out of Spain to indammage Brittain with one hundred and eight Ships wherein were embarqued eight thousand men for having made a large progress by the boysterous North-winds three Galcoones six other Ships and a great quantity of men and money was drowned Padilia returning home whether guilty of imprudence or Infelicity in his unfortunate Attempts was removed from being Admiral of the Fleet to whom in the same place succeeded Didaco Brocurus This Summer four Holland Ships which had sailed out three years before were the first that returned from the Iodies Nor was the Citizens joy greater then their admiration when they heard tell of men circumcised whose genitals onely being covered the rest of their Bodies was quite naked living about those parts where you go out of Africa into the East and inhabiting the Island of Madagascar These neither well knew nor are totally ignorant of God Their miserable genius prompting them to all manner of licentiousness nor distinguishing themselves by names nor knowing any varieties of seasons and so ignorant of our manners and Customs that they would give in exchange for a small quantity of Tin a good Oxe They related also the dangerous sedition of the Marriners notwithstanding all these dangers together with the persidious natures of the Barbarians whom the Portugueses brought up every where but especially in Java that under the pretence of peace they might the better hide their murthers and depredations From hence proceeded as well fighting as delayes Not were the Hollanders free from fault for they that were sent thither by their Kinsfolks or Friends being such as were forced from their own Country either by debt or their own wickedness yielded to the Barbarians nothing but an evill pattern to follow Nay so great was the stupidity of some of them that among all the people at noon-day they sounded the depth of the Haven at Bantam Java is an Island almost as big as England and not as some believe a part of the South Continent as appeared by the Circuit It hath many Kings a part of them according to the Custom of their Fathers worship false Gods the other part not long since have received the Mahometan Doctrine They saw also Sumatra the greater Java and a little Island called Balis and in their return another which is called by the name of Helena fruitful in the product of many things but not inhabited by any men From hence the Hollanders then first began to fetch Pepper and other Fruits the usual growth of those warmer Clymates which kind of Trade had of old been very gainful to the Venetians by Egyptian Transportations but for the space of an hundred years solely usurped by the Portugueses who discovered that Ocean and claimed the same as their reward of their long Navigations and the gift of the Pope The first Voyage after many difficulties being free from damage yet for the future gave hope of better advantage and invited many others out of Holland Zeland and exiles of Brabant to attempt the same with a greater number of Ships From the beginning of the Spring for many moneths had the Siege of Amiens been delayed while the King though with a strong Army of fourteen thousand men yet sparing of his own Souldiers blood and not greedy of his Enemies onely fortified his Camp against all force as well inward as outward And first he endeavoured to raise a Confederacy among the Citizens and when that was discovered he attempted to fill up the Trenches undermine the Rampire and to do other things which though they cost little blood yet they took up great expence of time especially the Besiegers being unexperienced in such works and the Besieged wanting neither Valor or Policy to withstand the same and to protract the Siege in hope of getting Relief and having turned out of the Town above six thousand Citizens whom they suspected Besides while the Enemy was gathering together his force a Body of Horse entred the Town thereby both strengthning and augmenting the Garrison And although they were infested with the Plague yet they made frequent Sallies in defence of their Walls with various Fortune in several of which divers eminent men on both sides were slain among whom was Portocarrera the main Author of all their Stratagems Yet the Townsmen by cutting their Barkâ— turned the River upon the Enemy And after many Repulses caused by neglect of such as were sent to enter the City the Arch-Duke in Autumn with his new and old Forces and according to antient Custom having raised the Netherlandish Nobility which were modelled into Horse and Foot came thither with more Fame than Hope At the first sight he perceived that it was not possible either to force the King's Works nor to draw the coming Enemy though more than ordinarily cautious to the hazard of a Battel Onely some few loose Bands encountred But now Picardy being wasted by War was first afflicted with scarcity of Victuals and soon after with Sickness These Things forced the Arch-Duke to depart overcome almost with Sorrow for loss of the City which a Truce of eight days according to Agreement being elapsed which was that if in that they were not relieved with above a Thousand men was deliver'd up to King Henry Albertus that the King might the less persist in his Successes by scarcity of Victuals and fear of the Winter left the Siege of Dorlens Soon after that Albertus sent part of his Souldiers to block up all the Avenues of Ostend with Forts at the Request of the Flandrians for as yet having sent Spies to seated the strength of all Fortifications about the place as well to the Seaward as Land and conscious to himself of his own weakness he durst not attempt the Siege of it In the mean while Devastations being hindred
â—ssant Kingdoms and People into one Body by a like Simâ—de and Alliance of Chance it would be no wonder though I should weary my self in the plentiful recital thereof and should undertake the Toil of deciphering all both persons and places where such Things have been seen But my Work is circumscribed and brought into a narrower Compass for here is not to be declared the Conjunctions of Allies fatal Battels eminent Slaughters and great Dangers but onely the Sieges and Assaults of some mean Towns and that too if I discern any thing more for advantage and gain than pleasure or ambition For in many other Parts there have been of old yea even among our own Ancestors more numerous Armies Fifty or Threescore Thousand have been oft muster'd in the Fields sufficient to have drawn after them in common Judgment the success of a War in which Tempestuous Meetings the whole Discipline depended in nothing more than to equalize Valour keep footing and drive away the Enemy But the following Age participated of less Cruelty by the use of more Policy nor as before were the hazards of War run upon at adventure to the decision of a Quarrel at a Fight but by fortifying against intervening Dangers and on the contrary when a visible strength is found either near or far off to lay open all fenced places dry up all Fenny and Moorish Parts to fill up Valleys and level Hills Which if any one would sift out and Value according to the Experience of the Times and the War no Land before our own could shew the like Patterns where a man might find Cities either more strong or more frequent Hither have been brought all the Politike Inventions both of Pristine and Modern Warfare the long continuance of the War having drawn from all Parts Foreign Spectators as to a publike School of War For at this very time the chief Dukes Counts and Great Commanders as well out of Germany France Britain as from other more remote Parts follow'd the Prince in the management of the War in Over-Issel Himself went beyond the River Lippe in Germany but the Ships were conveyed through the Rhine and so into the Issel till they arrived at Doesburg A little further inward lies Grolle within the Jurisdiction of Zutphen which having been besieged formerly about two years ago though in vain did seem to be a Reproach to the Prince unless it were taken The Fortifications of this Town were not ordinary boasting the Care of the Emperour Charles the Fifth for their strength and Limits There were five great Bulwarks standing out from the Rampire with such Flankers as commanded on every side any that should venter to assault it The compass of the City is but small and under the Government of John Count Strumbo with a Garison of eight hundred Foor and three Troops of Horse nor had he omitted when he heard of the Prince's Approach towards him to amend and make thicker his Works But the Prince nothing affrighted therewith but esteeming it very advantageous that the Enemies Horse should be shut up which otherwise might possess and infest the Ways straight with more than ordinary diligence to prevent any suddain Sallies by one continued Trench with interposed Forts in one Night he quite inclosed two parts of the City Eight hundred Souldiers were designed to the Work and were guarded by Two Thousand others in Arms. The next Night he encompassed with like Expedition the two remaining parts in the day time the Works were made more strong and compleat from thence towards the Towns the way was broken by many Turnings and Windings which while they were made and soon after the Water brought thither which before had been contained in the Town Trenches they were quickly fill'd up with Earth The Besieged were very obstinate in their denying to surrender by all means endeavouring to revenge themselves with their Guns and by their frequent Sallies until Prince Maurice his Gunners shot fire into the Town which taking and expatiating it self to the burning of above Threescore Houses made them turn all their Care from the hindring of the Prince's Works to the preservation of themselves and what belonged to them Nor yet did faint although they were afflicted with Fire and Wounds within and with the terrible Fear of unknown Miseries from abroad having in two places begun some inward or second Works for their better Defence in case the old Works before them should be beaten down and become useless But afterwards when the Prince had wrought seven Galleries unto the very Rampire of the Town which he commanded to be undermined and blown up and likewise that Four and Twenty Pieces of Canon should be drawn down for Battery that so the Town might on all sides be laid open by Breaches The Garison recanted their Obstinacy and craved Pardon which was granted to them This was the 17th Day of the Siege some were appointed to conduct the Enemy marching off with his Horses and Colours and Waggons and Ships to carry away such as were sick but upon all was laid this Restriction That within three Months they should not bear Arms about the River Maes About two hours Journey from Grolle is distant Breefoort a small Town of the same Jurisdiction but for the strength of the same reckoned among the chief for one continued Work runs round the Town noâ— is there any passing beyond it but by one narrow Path every place else all about being incompassed with unpassable Marishes and Moors which a man no sooner treads upon but he sticks in the Mud and Dirt so that there was no way to go on to an Assault not any place to pitch a Camp for continuing the Siege Nor were other Things provided with less Care The Wall being of very antient Work was surrounded with a very deep Trench which was the Work of Martino Rossem when he made Wars in those Parts Fourty Years before Three hundred Souldiers were sufficient to maintain the small Circumference of the Works about this small Town But it was reported that both these and the Townsmen were in Contest and had a difference with the Governour whose Name was Gardoto by which means greater strength was added to their fear of our extrinsick Terrour Nevertheless they were not hearkned to that urged a Surrender as repining at the Governours Authority in whom there was too much Courage for the present Condition of Affairs there or else for that their Confidence in the strength of the place with those helps before-mentioned had made them all agree in this But Prince Maurice persisting the Souldiers were much troubled with the appearance of so great Labour and the vastness of the Marishes more offended than their daily Conflicts with the Enemy especially because they were ignorant what Swâ—llows and Quagmires lay hid in the deceitful Nature of the Soil For the Ground which lately was firm and solid by the then wetness of the Season with continual Showers were overflow'd and cover'd with Water
now Count Bucquoy having transported his Regiment over the Rhine as also two other Spanish Regiments and afterwards almost half the Horse at one and the same time Orseo and Malsem a Village lying over against it were both by Mendosa's Command begun to be fortified though he had promised within five dayes to depart from thence sending forth into the by-wayes Souldiers to fetch Wood wholopping and topping Trees though never so far distant would hardly abstain from taking Wood from the Houses At first it was thought safeguard enough for the Garison to make a firm passage over the River but afterwards they receded from that Counsel While these things were a doing and Frederick viewed all the Skirts of Germany whereever he came whether among Subjects or Enemies the violence and cruelty of the Spanish Army did not onely cast a great terrour among the naked and unarmed People but by various Reports of the vulgar as is usual in War but much perplexed also the Vnited States so that they mistrusted their Borders and were unsatisfied of their more inward Garrisons The Prince who was preparing as well to meet as prevent this terrour at the first news of their motion calling together his Souldiers that were quartered in the inner parts of the Country especially the English and Scotch to whom likewise came part of the Garrison-Souldiers from the Brill and Flushing he marched to Aynheym whither also hastned those Regiments of Foot and the Horse under the Conduct of Count William of Frizeland But the Ships of War that were to come thither being hindred by cross Winds were somewhat late ere they arrived Soon after going to take a view of Gravewaert from thence passed to the Territory of Zutphen and the Towns of Over-Issell and to all of them being either afraid of the Enemy or hoping and desirous to defend themselves against him he imparted an addition of strength out of his own Souldiers But the rest of the places were taken care of by their particular Governours But Doesburg and Doetichem from whence was the next passage out of Germany to the Issell on the right side of the Isle of Holland the Prince himself especially minded going thither with some Horse There was he met by his Aunt the Mother of the Counts Heremberge who with a great and Noble Train of her Daughters after Salutes past and Complements ended intreated him by all the tyes of blood and allyance and by his own fortune by which alone he had seen his nearest Relations divided in the War his Brother being on one part and her Husband on another that he would as much at he could by the Laws and Rule of War spare their Possessions To which purpose the works about Herenberg should be thrown down and the Garison withdrawn This Herenberg is a Town of Zutphen from whence the Family of the Counts Herenberg take their Title and by the same example other Towns and Castles that were likely to fall into the Enemies hands were likewise dismantled and so as was hoped redeemed from the miseries and mischiefs of War They fell to Consultation where they should pitch their Camp for in regard it appeared unsafe to incamp about Bercks least the Enemy interposing himself between them and the adjacent Towns to binder them from Provision should cut off their Army which indeed was much inferiour to the Enemy Wherefore the Prince thought fit to possess himself of a little Island that lay on the right hand of the Hollanders not far distant from the division of the River and the further Bank of the Rhine where the Dutchy of Cleves winding about the Town of Sevenaer sets bounds to the Jurisdiction of Zutphen On both sides they had Bridges made of Boats for the more commodious passage over the River as well of their great Guns as their Horse And as soon as the danger was gathered all together into one part the rest of their fears vanished so that now the Souldiers were called from Ostend Nimmeghen and the furthest parts of Holland and Zeland to supply the want of those Forces whereof the Army had been drained by the Garrisons These were brought to the Prince by Count Hohenlo whose diligence and labour was very remarkable in furnishing all the Cities of Over-Issell while the Enemy lay every where scattered among them with great Guns Engines of War and all other necessary things for the defensive part and beating off an Assaylant near at hand or at a distance Then the Prince supposing it necessary to be provided against all imminent Occurrences by knowing what number of men he had with him upon muster of his Army he found that he had fifteen hundred Horse and scarce six thousand Foot too small a number publikely to meet the Enemy in the Field with yet sufficient to repel them yea and fight with them upon occasion where they might be helped by the Policy of the General and advantage of time and place And therefore understanding by some Prisoners that Mendosa's Provisions were coming to the Town of Geldres he made hast back with some Troops and the chief Officers of the Army to the Maes in hope of intercepting the Enemies Relief and Convey between Venloo and Moers But the River being passed the Spanyards first suspecting afterward learned the design and so escaped the danger Thus being disappointed they every one went to follow their Commands at their own Regiments Now there began some Skirmishes upon the Rivers by the more then ordinary confidence of some few runawayes who being brought in a Carriage-Boat should as if it were by chance strike against a long Boat of the Hollanders lying upon the watch at Rees and so overwhelm it with Darts In this Interim the Spanish Army every day increased more and more by the new coming of fresh forces insomuch that now their multitude became burdensom to themselves while they devoured all the Provision that could be brought to them far and wide besides what came from Colen and the Neighbouring Towns by which means Provision grew very dear which happened not through any want that there was thereof but from the Souldiers want of pay and as evils seldom go alone this dearness of Provision in the Spanish Army was waited on by a plundering of the Fields and Villages about Ments and other parts of Germany that border upon the Rhine but their malice was chiefly vented upon those who were averse or seemed Enemies to the Roman Catholick Religion This was the beginning of Rapine and plundering and if either the Souldiers of the place or the youth of the Country offered to resist their injurious extortions there was no more then a word and a blow which was the cause of many promiscuous slaughters yet could not the Souldiery be kept within their obedience for all this liberty they took to themselves but sometimes falling into extravagant demands of money as if they had been weary of idleness or timorous blood would turn their madness either against
nor erected according to the modern way of Fortification which for hastning the Work was to be a Second to the adjoyning Bulwark While this was doing Mendosa batter'd Doetechem a Town also in Zutphen Jurisdiction which is an hours Journey from Doesburgh and the 3d day he came to the Trench without sending any Summons according to the Custom of War choosing rather to terrifie the Besieged with Danger than Threats as confident by that Example after the first bloud drawn it would not be refused Yet it is believed that the Interest of Frederick Count Hiremberg procur'd the Surrender of it the Souldiers upon delivery being disarm'd and commanded not to bear Arms during the space of 6 Moneths out of Holland or Zeland and the Townsmen having free Pardon and Impunity after 20 years continuing faithful to the States were now first compell'd to change their Masters with this one small Victory After Bergh the course of the King 's Army was stopped acknowledging their Errour That they had not at first without Delay fallen upon Doesburg which they thought would have yielded presently if Prince Maurice taking time by the Fore-lock had not come thither himself and by his Policy prevented them And this was all worthy of Note done by these great Forces being hindred to proceed further either by the Season of the Year or shortness of Time and Provisions their Want being so great that many Runaways from them affirmeâ— They had not tasted a bit of Bread in five days by which Extremity of Hunger and feeding on unwholesom Victuals Diseases did so increase that in a short time above 7000 Men were lost and dead The News whereof coming to the Deputy Regent Cardinal Andrew of Austria and Commands from him received They consult to go and Winter in Germany with he whole Army The Spaniards had oftentimes done many things impiously and without shame or modesty but they never before so highly contemned the Censures and Judgments of Men as that they would not endeavour to palliate their Wickedness with some pretence But this one Thing will excuse the Injury so openly done by publike Council viz. They supposed no man so innocent but that ought rather to perish than suffer his Affairs to be brought into hazard For this is evident If so many Regiments of Foot and Troops of Horse or indeed more truly so great a Company of Seditious Persons pinched with Poverty should remain in the Netherlands it were much to be fear'd that together with this New Empire they would introduce Old Examples of Defection and Rebellion Wherefore Mendosa leading back his Army took the Castle of Sculenberg which done he took leave of the States Borders The Prince follow'd his departure upon the Track not so much glorying before in his Works as he did then that he had defended his Country which Honour great Captains used to seek before they looked for Triumphs and Mural Crowns It pleased him to view the Situation of their empty Camp and the unperfect Works of the starved Enemy But it was a sad Spectacle to behold in what Numbers the Sick and Wounded lay scatter'd every where who being deserted by the Army were left to the pityless Injuries of the Air and Weather besides the want of all Things else These Enemies of whom their own Friends took no pity he caused to be refreshed with Victuals for Octayola that was by Mendosa left at Doetichem being summon'd by a Herald from the Prince That he would assist those miserable Wretches and take them into Coverture returned an Answer more like a Souldier than a Man That within those Walls there was room onely for sound and healthful Bodies Then after some small Horse Fights and the taking of Count Bucquoy in which Affairs Lewis of Nassaw principally had the Conduct Prince Maurice came to Arnheym laying up there all the Provisions of War for the Year following which shew'd him very judicious in his foresight because from thence he could easily supply all the Towns round about in time of Danger both with Victuals and Arms. But before he dismissed his Forces understanding that the City of Emmeric did very impatiently bear the Yoke of Spanish Slavery sent Count Hohenlo to regain the same by Force of Arms and Battery from Mendosa who then Winter'd hard by in Rees taking no Care to send any Relief to his men in distress because the Bank of the Rhine being digg'd through had so overflow'd the Ways that he believ'd they could not have passed Emmeric retaken the Prince thought not sit to put a Garrison into it but by the Advice of his Council it was left that by the Example thereof he might cause the Enemy to be more envyed With the same hope Sevenaer in the Dutchy of Cleves was quitted by the Prince From thence going to the Hague together with the Senate according to Custom he advised the States of each Province that there was need of a greater Army wherefore he hoped they would provide in greater measure Money for the Souldiers Pay and other extraordinary Charges for that the Enemy lay now more heavy upon one part and that they should rescind all prejudicial Procrastinations Accounting all other Necessities as nothing in regard of that one for their Defence At this time there were many famous Funerals celebrated in those Provinces Florence Palante Count of Culenburg formerly accounted among the chief Commanders of the Nobility that conspired against the Inquisition but afterwards being found unfit for that Charge and of himself desirous to take his ease grew old and almost unknown to those Factions which he himself had been the first Author of But Philip Aldegunde led a more notable private Life whom whoever had seen inseparable from the Prince of Aurange and governing Cities and People would have admired to find him afterwards retired to a studious Repose even to his death But certainly Elberte Leoninus at first brought under the shadow of Learning and before the Peace made at Gaunt a publike Minister of the King's Party then Chief Justice and of the Publike Council of Gelders in which Employment he dyed A Man that attained by Nature what the Precepts of the Old Philosophers dictated and was so free from all passionate Fancy that he follow'd Parties not out of Affection because they were so but because he found them so 'T is a strange Thing to relate with what Flagitious Acts Mendosa's Army filled Germany the Towns being assaulted and forced without any difference their readiness to resist being so gotten in the Confidence they had of their long-continued Peace At the same time the Country People in hope of getting to a place of Refuge fled but their collected Wealth made them become both a more rich and easie Prey to those Russianly Plunderers The Fields were wasted enough in their very Passage so that in some places they proved barren the Year following because they were worn out at that time when they ought to have been sowed No less uncivil
overjoyed refused to redeem themselves or their goods but making an excuse of poverty whereupon the Hollanders setting fire both upon the Town and Castles departed their revenge being to them instead of prey The success at Gomera was not much unlike for there an empty Town lay open to them the Guns and other things which the People could not carry away with them in their flight being buried under ground and some who for hope of prey went up into the Mountains were slain to the number of fourscore which was a great Victory to the weak multitude and according to the Custom of Barbarians they shewed great cruelty upon the dead and conquered Bodies which when they had regained they set all the Buildings they came to on fire Douse seeing these his first hopes fait and knowing there would be no need of so great an Army to wast the Coasts he sent one part of the Fleet home with what prey was gotten who happily escaping the Enemies Fleet for at the same time that had set Sail from Corunna and by and by separated by the boysterousness of the Weather yet at last in the middle of Autumn they attained the Harbour Himself with the rest of the Forces appointed to go to Brazil a noble part of America in possession of the Portugueses and abounâ—ing with a rich sort of Wood and Sugar But chusing the Hesperides and all Africa joyning upon the Ocean as a safer Voyage when he saw there many Novelties particularly money made of Shells he wandred from thence increasing his number with some Merchants Ships which he had taken coming from Spain by some fatall Counsel he chooses the Island of St. Thomas a Colony of the Portugalls for the refreshing his Men. They were invited to that place by the fresh waters and Shell-fish called a Tortoise which is no unsavory meat and besides many times full of Eggs which have so hard a Shell as is not easily broken There is also an infinite store of Fish which either for fear of other devourers or through ignorance of humane covetousness because no Fishermen come thither stick to the sides of the Ships There were moreover some fowl which being weary of flying sit down of their own accords This Island of Ethropia which is called Guine lyes in such a Climate that the nights and dayes are equal and tempers the heat of the Sun that is alwayes perpendicular to them and never so declining as to make any Winter which part of this wide World Antiquity asserted neither to bear Corn Fruits or Men because those ages were ignorant of the Art of Navigation But as experience teacheth there is no part of Nature but is usefull some way or other nor is the modesty of men such as that they will leave the most barren and unhealthful soil unsearched for gain The Circuit of the Island is almost round where it is broadest they reckon it but twelve leagues the middle part is mountainous over which clouds continually hanging with their dew make abundance of Reeds or Canes to grow out of which Sugar is taken the profit arising whereof is so great as maintains the Portugueses and imployes for each of them a hundred or more servants Here likewise groweth Ginger and Trees whose juice exceeds the use of Wine both for pleasantness of taste and quenching the thirst Here no man resisted them at their landing the Town of Pavousa after a light â—ickering was taken Douse then gave notice to Francisco Menez that kept the Castle That he was not come to Sea like a Pirate but that he was sent with a well furnished Fleet by the most noble Captain Prince Maurice and the States to punish both old and new injuries with a publick War That he would do well therefore not to make him who had greater matters to look after to stay there for one Garrison assuring mercy and clemency to such as yielded but punishment or death to them that continued stubborn and so bringing thither some Artillery the surrender of the place quickly followed But the Islanders who were fled making a great eruption set fire on the Town whose flames were suffred to expatiate to the great ruine of others for the Hollanders moved at the damage as if it had been their own scattered the fire up and down the fields and Villages But Heaven it self fought most sharply for the Inhabitants for an incurable and violent disease seized the Hollanders in their Tents and pursued them with that malevolence and destruction as is hardly imaginable Nor indeed shall I excuse them as being so ignorant in things of nature that they did not shun places lying directly under the stroke of the Suns heat and pestilenti 〈…〉 Ayres which though if find fit bodies naturalized therâ—to from their very parents there yet is not to be born by a people not used thereto and comming from parts much more North for the Ayre there is neither cleansed cooled not refreshed with any Winds and so by means of the untemperateness grows foul and corrupted with a dusky vapour endammages the earth and this makes the countenances of the Portugueses that dwell there to be of a pale wan colour and the continual recourse of Fevers doth sufficiently argue That even they that were born in a warmer Climate do draw in a more dangerous Ayre At first the Judges sent to inhabite this Island only such as were condemned persons in Portugall but now covetousness doth bring others thither voluntarily Although it hath seldome been found that any European born ever attained there to his middle age But the Seamen besides the heat of the Ayre being wearied with labour were driven to remedies equal to the evills they suffred for a deadly sleepiness very noxious to such as went to take the cool Ayre at the rising of the Moon and Sugar and Indian Nuts and other things causing a flux they eat unmeasurably And now the drinking of water too greedily brought the disease full out among them but whether it were corrupted by the fraud of men I may worthily doubt since it agrees with the malice of that Nation and that not differing from reason Another cause of their ruine was their use of Venereal sports with some of the Women Nâ—tives the most of which are so libidinous that they will endeavour to allure men into their embraces in such diversity that Nature was not able to bear such a traffique of bodies thus they brought upon themselves several causes of death on every hand This Pestilential mortality was made more noted by the death of Dâ—use the Admiral who being of a very gross corpulent body was not capable of much motion in his natural climate being for two dayes rather languishing than sick he dyed not by any disease but only by the melting of his fat as was supposed By whose death all the common rabble were so troubled that their hopes began utterly to droop and soon after the cry of all was to leave that infectious place
while the War was in its heat and his Affairs in no thriving condition in the beginning of Autumn he came and found Cardinal Andrew and Mendosa at variance and attributing each of the prosperous successes of that year to himself and the failings therein to the other of whom the Cardinal was dismissed to his Ecclesiastical business but Mendosa still retained in favour and continued in his command besides he saw Germany offended and the Souldiers ready to mutiny for want of their pay which there was no visible means at present to raise for them for the Netherlanders were poor and a great Army together with a prepared Fleet against the Hollanders and Germans out of a dubious fear of them as Enemies had pressed upon Philip and drained all his garrisons both in Spain and the Islands At Antwerp the Souldiers in the Castle required money At Hamond a free Town in the Bishoprick of Leige and the places about some Troops of Horse and Regiments of Foot gathered Tribute both out of the Towns and Countrey which was exacted from them with the threats and terror of Fire and Sword The Garrison of Fort Andrew having privately obtained a truce with Count Ernest of Nassaw who kept the opposite bank sent great threats to Boisledue and the adjacent places unless they would pay them the Arrears of what was due to them for many years service All these mischiefs the Princes found a foot when they came into the Countrey and by their presence were so far from setling them that new evils rather sprung up The Nobility being inraged that both in countenance and habit the Princes were so Hispaniolized and would be saluted by the Netherlanders with bending of the knee And now as the Court grew burthensome even in time of Peace by Princely Revellings and imperious Luxury so it s great expences added much to the increase of their penury for remedy whereof the Deputies required great Tributes of every Province which was alwayes very displeasing but now first of all grew odious adding That it was unjust that they should bear greater burdens for their fidelity and reverence to their Princes then the Rebels did for maintenance of their injury Nor would any thing else be hearkned to untill the Solemnities of installing the Princes were over though the Brabanters urged Albertus his promise That the Castles should be demolished and the Forreign Souldiers sent away But Isabella affirming That she was wholly ignorant of any such Agreement was besides very angry as if in those Demands Liberty were sought against her Self Moreover the Walloons pray'd That the Edicts might be taken away whereby the Hollanders Merchandizes so necessary for them were forbidden But these Things were onely spoken of and so forgotten with the Sense of their imposed Servitude and the Rites of State being performed the marryed Princes were received as Dukes and Counts and by chance while according to antient Custom the Oath for the Government of Brabant was administred without the Walls of Louvayn two Villages in sight of them were set on fire by some Horsemen of Holland which was look'd upon as an Evil Omen as beginning their Rule among Slaughters and Blood And the United States were no less rejoyced at the Evil Fortune of their Enemies than they were troubled at their own and being debarred of Trade with Spain and also the Hostile part of the Netherlands by the Edicts and the French Peace thereupon the flight of the Artificers diminish'd the Revenues growing both by Sea and Land Nor did the Tributes of that Year suffice for the Expence although they were very high and hereupon Moneys were forced to be taken up at Usury sometimes equalling the Principal nor were the growing Burdens less so that the whole Chaâ—ge of the War was turned against them England also that had been wont to help them recalling their Souldiers had summon'd their Ships also but by and by the Fear vanishing Thanks were returned and nothing else At this time a potent Army commanded by the Earl of Essex harassed the Marishes and Boggs of Ireland that were the last Subterfuges of their Liberty with a Success in all his Publike Atchievments fortunate enough but in his private Undertakings not so happy For being rather a fierce than prudent Young-man and politikely sent into a Rugged Country among Enemies having through ignorance of the places received many losses at last making a Truce with Tyrone and returning Home without leave found the Queen from whom before his departure in a Contest he had receiv'd a Blow wiâ—h her Hand which he took with that Impatience as if she had not sate in a Throne during his Absence by the Insinuations of his Emulous Adversaries and the unwary Praises of his Friends hardned against him with Suspitions and Fear so that he was immediatly taken as a guilty person and committed to Custody Thus the pretended Fautors of Peace prevail'd against the afflicted young Nobleman who had gotten Honour by War That which shew'd the Queen's Inclination thereto was That the Spaniard was unmoved at Sea and that the Trade of other Nations coming thither were hindred But the Queen pressed on that Counsel as long as she had any fear of the Enemies Fleet although an Embassador sent to her from Bruxels assur'd her of safety though all was in vain with a suspitious and incredulous Woman Nor did in a secret manner give Notice of this to the States That both her Self and the English her Subjects had need of Peace to advance their Trading and that she might establish her Kingdom against the impious hopes of such as laid Snares for her Old Age yet that they should not fail in their Courage but as they equally shunned the Dominion of the Austrian and French if they desired to keep her Friendship they should retain their Liberty or else give the Government of the Commonwealth to a Prince of their own and that if she enjoyed Peace she could easily supply them with many things which now she was compelled to require of them It is not hard to conjecture how much many Mens Minds were moved at this decaying Alliance and there were some Temptations used by the Emperour who once again intended to send some to them to perswade to Peace But They by Resolute Advice before the Embassadors were come to the Borders wrote Letters wherein They admonish'd Them to spare their unprofitable Labour Why They could not hope for a safe or durable Peace They had often declared and they had at the present no Reason to recede from their former Counsels or Resolutions unless perhaps the wickedness committed in Germany and the Right of Trading broken off by Treachery and the Spaniards holding the Netherlands under the pretended Names of the Arch-Dukes should be taken as Incentives to Peace Thus wisely were all vain Discourses avoided by the principal Authors of such daring Attempts to the Hollanders who the Year following in the doubling of their Pole-money out of their own Wealth
Arch-Duke's Commission wherein were of Walloons Italians Germans and Mariners almost to the number of Three Thousand Men sufficient Provisions Six and Thirty great Guns and the Works well augmented over what they were when Mendosa assisted by the Plague had taken the Town And while Prince Maurice with his wonted Prudence fortified himself against Force from abroad Lewis Bernardo Avila not ignorant otherwise but grown more expert by late practice at Bommell raised a Work without the Trench and comprehended therein a place for Pasture to feed Cattel because Salt was wanting for the preserving and powdering of Flesh besides he spoyled his own Ships lest the Enemy should get them But the Prince disposed the Fleet which he brought partly in the Rhine as far as Colen and part of them he kept near himself The Island which lay near the Town in the River being strengthened with a mean Fort yet quitted at the first battery was strengthened with more Works and joyned by Bridges to both Banks Then appointing several Quatters or Leaguers in every place where there was any likelihood of passage pitched his Camp in three parts one of which himself was resident in being scituate in the higher places next the Town The Charge of the superiour Bank he committed to Count Ernest of Nassau And the middle Camp to Colonel Gistell Commanding in two places Trenches to be made against the prominent Works without the Town with strong Guards all about because the Works were often hindred by Sallyes The first of which was of about a Thousand or more Men by the way that leads to Cassells this brunt was susteined and repelled by the French whose Commander in Chief Castilion a young man valiâ—â—tly fighting brought back an honourable wound And yet the besieged not terrified herewith made frequent Irruptions on the same side and also in the way towards Santem not without some loss as they unwarily issued out and presently beaten back to their next places of refuge While these things were doings News was brought That Albertus had besieged Ostend which drove the States into no small difficulty for it was dishonourable to leave the undertaking they had begun and on the other side to maintain Works against so strong a Garrison as was within the Town and to keep the Passâ—ges in all the Marishes and fallacious Fields could not be done without great Forces And besides General Vere whom they had appointed to the Government of Ostende refused the Burden unless he might have Twenty English Companies which would be a great weakning of the Army to go along with him which was granted and the Prince expecting Supplyes continued his Design In the Interim the Besieged began to come to an allowance of Victualls and they requested Relief both by Messengers and Signs the Messâ—ngers were intercepted but some hopes was given them by fires from the Town of Geldre And it 's true the Arch-Duke had sent Count Heremberge to raise the Siege with no small Forces and to this purpose were the Carriages of the Neighbourhood reteined But this Resolve was altered either because the Camp was impenetrable by the ingenious art of the Gâ—neral or else because they would keep the Enemies Army there that it might be the longer before they should come to Ostende When the Mines were fitted the Prince shewing his Army and making a Battery as if he intended a Storm allured out the besieged whom the violence of the Gun-powder buried beneath threw up into the Ayr in heaps and some being ready entred the ruines and possessed the place though the Enemy not long after valiantly assaulted them In short all the rest of the Works being by the like art or force taken and part by fear deserted they presently and directly by means of Galleries got beyond the Trench under the very Bull-work of the Town which the besieged fearing and because they wanted Chyrurgions to dress many of their wounded men they came to conditions and that the sooner that they might article for the safety and honourable marching away as well of the Renegado's whereof many were in the Town as the rest This accession was at first very acceptable to the people of Over-Issell who presently refused to pay Tribute which for fear of plunder they had hitherto done the very Boors being commanded to go to Arms and run to their Colours This Siege was begun in the middle of June and finished towards the end of July when at the same time Ostend had been begirt by the Enemy Five and Twenty dayes But before the Prince would come from those parts with his whole Army he reduced Moers a Town as we have said given to him into his own power the weak Garrison being ejected which the Duke of Cleves had put therein clayming the said dominion in Fee as returning unto him by the death of the right Heir But he was accused on the other hand by Patronizing many Wickednesses to have violated the Laws Ostend whose Siege for many Ages will be famous and which I shall Commemorate as a peculiar Warr is a chosen Seat for Fisher-men and scituate between Scluys and Newport but possessing a small tract of Land on the Sea-Coast of Flanders yet begun to be strengthened with a Port and Palizadoes so that at the very beginning of the Civil War it became an habitation for Pyrats who had filled all places with great fear of them And afterwards when the States Wealth began to increase by the Peace made at Gaunt this Town joyn'd it self to the League to which it hath constantly adhered ever since But soon after the Duke of Parma having taken Newport and Dunkirk was disappointed here of the Terrible Siege he threatned and afterwards Lamot having gotten into the Town but beat out again not onely added to their Fame but increased their Care of fortifying themselves which was augmented for that Scluys was lost and nothing more remained on all the Coast of Flanders besides Ostend The Front of the Town looking towards the North was washed by the open Sea On the left hand which is towards the East runs the River Iperlede into the Sea which makes the Port or Haven which is such as the rest of Flanders not able to receive any Ships but at the Tide of Flood Now they have by great Labour cut off the River yet the Haven remains intire The East part of the Town is full of Sand-Hills and uneven but of later time made much more even least those Neighbouring Heighths should advantage the Enemy Thus all things being removed that might hinder or damnifie them and the Sea of its own accord making a great Estuary of an hundred Foot wide in the Plain next to the Walls whose deepness was daily increased by the Recess of the Sands which at the coming in of the Tide was a vast Lake but when the Water was at lowest it exceeded two Pikes length in deepness and being somewhat more Fordable at the very Entrance and beginning thereof All the
Ground that lyes backward towards the South being full of Ditches is oveâ—flowed by the Sea which at the Tide of Flood covers the whole Surface of the Land for a Thousand Paces and sometimes more With so great strengths of Nature were the Artificial Fortifications helped Of old indeed there were Formless Heaps but now by Aâ—t were reduced into as much perfection as the Nature of the place would bear which Refinement began when Albertus returning Conquerour from Calais and Hulst threatned a Siege here which had been deferred till this time That which is call'd the Old Town was now nothing but a great Abyss of Waters and empty Ground looking towards the Sea but without the Line of Ostend they had filled the Sea-shore with five convenient Forts From hence began a Trench compassing the New Town into which the Water could be let in or out at pleasure by Sluces This place was divided with two Walls the inner of which had Eight Bulwarks to which the outer answer'd with as many Where the Stream passed by there was a more flight Work but at the Back thereof a strong Rampire and as it were a Threefold Line with a New Trench intervening This is the Circuit of the Towns of about half an hours Journey Beyond were several distinct and separable Forts and which if Necessity requir'd could be deserted without damage or prejudice to the Town One compassed about with Palizadoes beyond the Estuary at the end of the right side and others in the Fields close to the backside of the Walls or else not far divided from them by the interposition of some Marshes and Lakes The Flandrians growing weary of the Excursions of this Town whereby the whole Country was wasted and finding by Experience that the Charges of Seventeen Forts wherewith Ostend was then inclosed would be without end that the Licentiousness of the Souldiers waxed more grievous and almost equal to the damage received by the Enemy and of late a new Mutiny bringing their Fidelity in question urged the Arch-Duke That he would no longer suffer this most excellent Province of all his Dominion to be made unprofitable by one small part thereof Although there wanted not some Disswaders who from the strong Fortifications about the Town and the Sea being always open to it said it would not be a Siege but an unprofitable and long abode of the Army in one place But Hope overcame all these Difficulties which also was much advanced by the Flandrians Promises of large Sums of Money and the Enemies Residence at Berck made the occasion seem more fit to be embraced especially since new Forces were arrived both from Italy and Spain under the several Commands of Collonel Trivultio and Collonel Braccamonte Therefore the fifth day of July Frederick Count Heremberg sate down on the right side of the Town and soon after Jeronimo Montiregio on the Left at first approaching very near but the Cannon quickly commanded him to a greater distance Charles Nott then had Charge of the Town which was furnish'd with sufficient store of Victuals and other Materials for War besides One and Twenty Companies of Souldiers to whom upon the first notice of the Siege was added another Regiment sent by Collonel Ucterebrook And now the Garrison quickly began to shew their Valour in their first Salley slaying divers Noble-men among whom Montiregio and above five hundred Common Souldiers Afterwards when Sir Francis Vere came into the Town not singly as Governour but as General with his English Souldiers whose Number was augmented by new Supplies lately come out of England forthwith it was seen that he took care with strong Guards to secure what ever was of any strength without the Town and also to extend his Works further out one of which for all that being scarce finish'd the Enemy took notwithstanding it was defended by 40 men But from the back-parts of the Town the Besiegers being Repulsed with his greatest Force came to the left side of the Town In the places that were overflowed with Water he raised a Battery by a new kind of means the praise whereof is wholly due to himself though most of the other late Inventions were found out by the Devices and ingenuous Contrivances of Prince Maurice and the Hollanders and it was this They bound together Faggots Twenty Foot long and little less in compass wherein likewise were contained Planks and Boards that they might the more firmly by their Weight prevail against the Waters they were call'd Stuffing These by little and little moved forward and by the strength and weight of Engines pressed down into the Old Haven soon took away the use thereof that no Ships could come in that way But out of the Estuary or Gollet which we said flowed on another part by digging a little on the Shore a Channel was made which presently emptied it self within the very Works and afterwards became a better and more safe Haven This way there came in and out oftentime a hundred Vessels to carry out wounded men and to bring in Guns Wood Victuals and whatever else was wanting either to prevent the Injuries of the Weather or the fear of Diseases Nor could the Enemies though from the higher Ground prevail any thing against it their Shot being aimed thither at such distance as made them uncertain insomuch that because of its freeness from danger a great number of persons came thither onely out of a desire to see it to wit Of Forein Noble-men the Duke of Holsatia Brother to the King of Denmark and out of England the Earl of Northumberland who view'd with admiration the same place famous for all the Politike Devices of War Wherefore the Enemy finding the Terrour of his Cannon-Bullets to be of no force left off shooting and fell to throwing in Bags of Sands and great Stones to choke up the Gollet but that Design also prov'd vain the violence swiftness of the Waters being too prevalent Now when they saw they had no hope of keeping out all kinds of Relief Collonel Catrick who lay on the West part of the Town making Approaches and Batteries with great Violence assailed and shot at the Work on that side of which there were three close together which were named the Porcupine Helmont and Sand-hill formerly part of the Old Town but now a great heap of Sand in several little Risings one whereof being more eminent then the rest had on the Top thereof two small Forts one joyning to another besides other Works round about that those weak parts of the Town might from thence be the better defended To this place were so many great Shot directed by the Enemy that it seem'd wholly to be made of Iron yet got they not any benefit thereby equal to that vast Expence for whatever was beat down was easily repaired and as soon as they were killed or wounded fresh men were sent into their places Among those killed here by the Enemies Shot was young Castilion the French Collonel and
Nephew to that famous Captain Coligny from whose Vertue and Valour be no whit degenerated General Vere himself was wounded for the Care whereof he was forced to go out of the Town into Zeland from whence not long after he returned safe and in health Nor were the Besiegers free from like hazards for within a few days Catrick and Bracamont both Collonels were kill'd In the Town that the Bullets and Granadoes might be the less feared the Ground was every where thrown up into thick Heaps like to Walls and to hinder the Enemies assaulting the Rampire towards the Sea was their chief Care because by their Approaches they give cause to fear the same therefore the Bank that was builded for keeping out the Sea was with some hesitation and danger thrown down and the Event proved successful against the Spaniards whose Trenches Huts and Batteries made of Osyers were drown'd at a great distance when the Winds made the Waters grow boysterous and Raging so that the Guards were forced to fly to the high Banks which they had raised thereabouts for the bringing their Carriages The Sea being thus let in incompassed Ostend like an Island which sometimes was a little offensive to the Town but with Palizado's Stones and other Ingenuity of that Maritime People the greatest force of the Waves was turned upon the Enemy Four Moneths were spent wherein the Besieged made successful Sallies and the Besiegers many fruitless Attempts against the Walls Some Souldiers also frequently running from one side to the other and some prisoners taken fill'd both Parties full of vain Rumours And within that time a Traytor was discover'd who had promised the Enemy to blow up the Town Magazine of Gunpowder The Arch-Duke Albertus himself and Isabella were many times Spectators of the slow progress of their Siege both Officers and Souldiers in the presence of their Princes shewing great Alacrity some binding together more of those long Faggots and Planks which they wrought into the Fashion of Globes and rolling these whither they listed consolidated Moory places and added new Works to those before raised others endeavour'd to connex and joyn together Works and Ways far distant each from other and some began to dig a great Ditch that all things might with the more ease be brought to them from Bruges But the United States having lost their Design of invading Flanders after the taking of Berck weary of such vast Disbursements and chiefly minding Ostend passed over the Summer and much of Autumn doing nothing at all But when they saw the Siege was like to be protracted and that they did not so much fear the Danger of Ostend as the vast Charges they must needs be at in Defence of the same they proposed either to make the Enemy draw off thence or if he would stay there to fall upon those parts of the Country that were unguarded A long time it was disputed in what place they might probably get the easiest Victory and with the most Advantage to them At length Shertogenbosh was Resolved on which since its Defection from the League had never been attempted by open War Neither was there at this time any greater Garrison than two Companies of Foot and as many Troops of Horse which were all Commanded by Anthony Grobbendone the City being always very sollicitous that they might not be oveâ— powred by the Souldiery 'T is true the City were of a generous Resolution so were the Magistrates and Clergy of whom there was no small Number very zealously affected These That their accustomed Religion Altars Images and beloved Saints might not be forsaken or contemtuously violated Those Repeating the Heroicall Actions of their Ancestors whose Valour had so often driven the Geldâ—ians from the Limits of Brabant Adding thereto their own present Example For every Night they set out Lights and took Order by Edict that the Prices of Victuals should in no manner be inhanced and that all kind of Deaths should be taken notice of by proper Marks set forth at the door of the deceased They Erected likewise a strong Redoubt for the safeguard of the Fuchten Gate On this side Prince Maurice pitched his Tents on the other over against him the Counts William and Ernest of Nassaw On both sides the Way lying through low Fields made the Passage very easie for Pioneers to come to the Town This Conveniency and the Cities being no otherwise Fortifyed or re-inforced than ordinarily it was gave hope of short Work about it when otherwise the Moneth of November and approach of Winter would have been enough to deter them from beginning such an Enterprise besides the number of the Besiegers were not sufficient to environ the vast Content of that City being onely 73 Companies of Foot and about 30 Troops of Horse Ostend requiring the best part of the Army But they feared not any Sallies from the Enemy who had enough to do to defend their own being not used to such business and all the Plain round about being Marshy was shut up with Forts They found also a Way to make the next Rivers and Brooks overflow their Banks by making Damms therein the more fully to drown the adjacent Parts But this was not so well done but that the Souldiers for all that twice broke into the Town And at the Request of the Brabanders Frederick Count Heremberg with some Foot and a strong party of Horse was sent thither by Albertus a Rumor being first spread over all the parts near and all things prepar'd as if he intended to fortifie the Village of Hellmont by which means he sent into the Town at first almost Three Hundred and soon after a Thousand Men the Besiegers knowing nothing of it and when they came to the knowledge thereof too late they onely kill'd a few straglers in the Rear Great was the Care and Diligence of the Magistrates and People in the Town to prevent fire which they greatly fear'd from the Red hot Bullets shot into it for they strowed the Floors with Sand took away all Weapons from strangers and kept in readiness all things that were fit to quench fire And the more to encourage them the Arch-Duke sent and promised That what Damage soever they susteined in their private Estates should be made good upon the Publike Account In the interim Prince Maurice hastned his Approaches which being brought to the Trench under the Walls there wanted onely Galleries and the last Extremities used towards Cities But the Frost cut off his hopes in the bud being more early and sharp then was expected for it had turned the Water in the Fields to Ice the Rivers were frozen so that Provision could not so easily be brought to them although the Besiegers way to the Town proved more facile but so violent was the cold that the Centinels were not able to endure it Whereupon the seven and twentieth day the Siege was raised Prince Maurice grieving and often wishing that the Weather would grow more mild But Count Herembergs approach
with his Forces caused him to make the more hast for the Count had taken to him the Souldiers which after their departure from Diest we mentioned before to be translated to the Town of Waâ—rt as also those that then were at Diest Nor did the Prince so much fear them in his Camp which was very strongly fortified as that they should make an incursion over the frozen Rivers into Holland which was then left unguarded the Carriages because they had no use of their Ships as many as could be were sent away before to Hesden and the residue were set on fire The Fortifications were all left standing yielding an ample Testimony of an Expert General and an Industrious Souldier The rest of Autumn and Winter was spent in light excursions The Hollanders forraging that part beyond the Rhine which is opposite to Colen under pretence of what was due to the late deceased Count Moers and on the other sides some parts of Brabant under their obedience being wasted by the Arch-Dukes Command because they refused to pay Tribute The War yet continued about Ostend with equall labour and toyl both to the Besiegers and Besieged for the Winterly Sea now shattered the Works of the Town anon those of the Camp besides the great moysture both of the Ayr and the Ground bred infinite Diseases whereof the English grew weary as finding their daily decay desiring leave of General Vere to return into their Country by these means ' the number of Defendants in the Town was so lessened that of seven thousand there scarce remained three which was not unknown to the Arch-Duke who when he saw the Gollet could not be choked up either by sinking Ships therein nor any other great heaps of Wood or Stones and that his Work could not be forwarded that way the Sea and policies of the Enemy pressing much upon him he resolved to bring the matter to the decision of true Valour hand to hand And first of all for a tryal of his Forces he commanded eight hundred chosen men by night to assayl the Walls of the Town that lye towards the Sea-shore which they valiantly put in execution burning up the Palizadoes and consuming all things of defence towards the Sea for a great space But the Tyde of Flood in a short time beginning caused them to depart leaving behind them not a few of their own number which had been either killed or wounded before by the shot yet they resolved having received new Supplies into the Camp at once with all their force to storm the Town on both sides as well that part which looks backward into the Fields as that which abuts upon the Sea as also the Porcupine and Sandhill the Principal Forts in that part Of which General Vere having Intelligence by a Prisoner and fearing the small number of his men without any advise of his Officers but led by his own single Judgement very few knowing thereof made a short Truce with the Enemy and seeming as if he intended a Surrender both received and gave Pledges But the Souldiers especially they of Rossem mutinying thereat as fearing they should be betrayed to an implacable Enemy Vere was forced to send back the Arch-Dukes Pledges and to declare the Reasons of his actions to his Officers which was this That under pretence of a Treaty he might spin out that time of danger untill his expected Relief came which being understood it seemed good to all That for the safety of those Gentlemen which were then Hostages with the Enemy they should draw some eminent Persons among the Enemy into the Town with whom they would Treat very slowly upon some unusuall and unlikely Termes among which this was one That the Arch-Duke should pay a great sum of Money to the Souldiers upon their marching out of the Town In this interim a prosperous Gale brought out of Zeland five Companies of Men into the Town when immediately General Vere declared both to the Arch-Duke and his Commissioners that he had been driven by necessity to desire a Treaty but now in regard Supplies and Relief were come to him he could proceed no further without breach of his Oath yet that he hoped if he should in the future be reduced to extremity by the Arch-Dukes Forces the Clemency of so great a Prince would vouchsafe to hear him This Affront for so was it looked upon highly enraged the Arch-Duke because all Flanders were in a manner come together to see the delivery of the Town yea and the same of this Treaty was flown into Foreign Kingdoms Neither was this deceitful kind of Policy altogether excused by the States themselves who looked upon it as dishonourable in it self and carrying with it more of danger than necessary convenience This year some Foreign Affairs brought no small disadvantage to the Dutch Affairs for in England the Earl of Essex the great Adversary to the Peace of Spain though he was not at first committed to Custody yet was banished the Court and He that of late was so great in the Princes favour supported with many followers and defended with Armies now could not bear his life without Honour without Command pondering in his Breast variety of Counsels whether he should assault the Court by water or threaten it with War at a distance his Enemy prying into all his actions by the Queens directions whose mind was now much incensed against him for former faults without any regard to his Splendor of Body or Condition was called to answer for his offences He understanding his danger followed onely that Counsel which at the present was worst of all being neither modest enough or bold enough for detaining at his House the Lords that the Queen had sent to him Himself with a small Party hastning to London and there endeavouring to pervert the minds of the common people he was prevented by a publick Herald that by the Queens Command proclaimed him guilty of High Treason unless he presently submitted with which the People being striken into an amaze fearing themselves easily put off the care of another Hereupon the Gates are shut his House Besieged and himself now devoyd of Counsel surrendred himself and was carryed to prison by the Earl of Southhampton Judges according to the Custom of England being Assigned for his Tryal he was heard publickly where he spoke much against his Enemies especially against the Lord Cecill whom among the rest he branded with this Crime That he promoted peace with the Spaniard against whom he had revenged them but never altered his Faith and Allegiance to the Queen A great while the expectation of all people was held in suspence whether the Queens Clemency and old affections would forgive him or the greatness of his Crimes his suspected popularity and powerful Enemies would deprive him of all hopes of Pardon at last he was condemned and privately beheaded giving great Testimonies both of Piety and penitence at the eâ—it of his greatness his Death being attended with many of
his friends and followers The Report of a Fleet built in Spain spread a great terrour abroad part whereof was directed into the Hostile Coast of Africa and beaten back with Tempests the other part carryed a great Relief of six thousand men to the Irish Rebels under the Command of Don John de Aquila who setting forth a proud Edict boasted therein that he came to deliver Ireland out of the Jaws of the Devil he Landed in the Southern part of that Kingdom near the Town of Kingsale and vainly expecting great Forces of the Irish was Besieged there by the Lord Mountjoy who Governed that Province for the English Tyrone the Head of the Rebels attempted to break through leading a great Company of men after him over the frozen Moors but being beaten back with a great slaughter he retired into his fastnesses and lurking places Then Aquila upon Articles surrendering the Town and whatever else the Spaniards held in Ireland was in English Ships transported into Spain with the Remains of his Souldiers Not long after followed an unfortunate Expedition of the Spaniards against Caesaria a City of Barbary now vulgarly but corruptly called by an Arabian Name Algiere wherein they reaped no other fruit than the vast expence of a great sum of money Now also the Hollanders began boldly to undertake long Navigations for they passed the Streights of Magellan so called from the first finder Ferdinand Magellan afterwards sailed through by Drake and Cavendish Englishmen and now by a fourth upon their fame to wit Oliver Vander Nâ—ort of Roterdam this Streight being made narrow with long turnings and windings between the bounds of America and the yet unknown World he with much difficulty went through inâ—o the South Sea and over against it the Coast of Chili of an unknown Magnitude where also he found some enerayes to the Spaniards and thence by a reflex course came to the Isle of Borneo And so coming to the Cape of Good Hope having sailed round about the Earth he brought back no Wealth but onely great Honour to his Country and the names of places not heard of before at home But other Ships endeavouring the same Voyage having neither Men nor Victuals enough part of them being cast upon those strange Coasts were taken by the Spaniards others by the Barbarians And after they were taken were ignominously tormented and murthered which in the Salvages was but ignorance but in the Spaniards perfect Barbarisme At this time while the Hollanders strove to make advantage of all Reports against King Philip they were puffed up with great hope by a rumour that Don Sebastian late King of Portugall was alive there being a man found who had marks upon his Body such as the same King had and being taught many private particulars by some crafty Portugueses deluded the credulity of the rest of that Nation untill being delivered to the Spaniard by the Duke of Etruria he was condemned to the Galleys having first been shewed to the People there to expiate his impudence and subtlety of the worst sort where he continued in slavery until at last he was thence redeemed by the Kingly hand of a more gentle Death The Eleventh BOOK of the History of the Dutch AFFAIRES AT Ostend the Besiegers hope was yet a great way off but the Arch Duke being inraged at the late action of General Vere he resolved to try if the valour of his men could perform any thing against hope and thereupon shooting with great impetuosity from a battery to that purpose raised against the Town-works upon that part where the old Town and the old Haven stood and understanding that there was a great breach made in the Works the ninth of January in the Evening at the ebbe of the Sea he commanded the Town to be stormed on all parts but especially on that part Two hundred Souldiers under two Captains were ordered point blank to fall upon Sand-Hill as many more upon the left side of the Bulwark and the like number upon the Curtain running before it These were seconded by Durange a Spanish Colonel with four hundred men more whose directions were to put Garrisons of Men into all places as soon as they were taken and to that purpose they were furnished with Victuals and Gunpowder and what other things are necessary either for the new erecting or repairing of Fortifications Against the Porcupine two hundred were appointed to the Storm and near three hundred more to defend and reinforce what was taken under Gambalotti an Italian Commander and under Don Augustino de Mexia four hundred men with a strong Guard for such as should work in the defences when taken Afterwards the whole Army being divided into several Battalia's that they might be ready to give assistance when ever occasion should require And Count Bucqury was sent to the East part of the Town At Sandhill there was a cruel and bloody Fight because General Vere having received Intelligence from a Fugitive of the Enemies intent had brought thither chiefly as well great Guns as all other things fit to do damage to the Enemy and every where kindled fires that all the Assaylants actions might the more clearly be discerned And now the Palisado's being cut down the Scaling-Ladders were brought to the Works where between the prevalency of the Spanish Pikes and the English Swords was a very hot Dispuâ—e during which Gen Vere opening two Sluces and the old Haven over whose shallows the Enemy was to pass he drowned all thereabouts for a great compass by which means not onely the Gun-powder was spoiled which every Souldier carryed for his own use but many by force of the waters were carryed away into the Sea and there drowned besides the Seconds not coming on according to order they who were in the first Assault were compelled to retreat wherein they met with a twofold Death the one from their Enemies Weapons the other from the force of the Waters And Bucquoy putting what he was commanded to do in execution too late performed less for while he delayed the Tyde of Flood increased whereby his way was precluded The defences on the backside of the Town and other slight Works General Vere took no great thought for while the Enemy made this Assault knowing that some threatning offers might be made on purpose onely to divide the Defendants for it would be of small benefit to the Enemy if he had them in regard they could with case be retaken which the event proved true There lay scattered every where about the Rampires Curtens and Trenches the dead Bodies of Officers and Souldiers some nearer some at more distance as every mans Valour or care had put him forward or kept him behind and many were carryed into the Sea as is before related Upon account the Arch-Duke wanted near eight hundred men for the taking up and burial of whose Bodies a Truce was desired for four hours and granted In the Town were near forty killed but more wounded among whom was
the Generals Brother Sir Horace Vere while he excellently performed the duty both of a good Leader and Souldier Among the Bodies of the Spaniards was found a Woman who had dissembled her Sex both in courage and a military Habit as if he should have accused Nature for not making Her a Man The unhappy success of this Storm together with the impossibility of starving Ostend and the terror of lying all Winter in a wet Camp moved many of the Commanders to perswade Albertus That he would leave off this unfortunate design in time before he suffred greater damage But he was so sollicitous of his own and the Kings honour that he had rather obstinately persist in a tedious and difficult labour then let the World know he was unable to Master one Town Therefore raising a great Mount for battery in the Camp on the left hand on the right by little and little he made a bank to prevent the influx of the Sea and this was done by fixing in the ground pieces of Timber with other pieces overthwart whereupon great Faggots bound together were placed like Stacks of Wood the planks lying sometimes divided or open another time made close like floors great heaps of Sands were thrown thereon that so the greatness of the bulk being more compact and fiâ—m might with the greater force stand against the Waters Which Work proved of such strength that iâ— not only served as a Rampire for the Souldiers but was a Mount from whence Cannon being planted thereon they daily shot against the besieged Nevertheless Ships daily came into the Town with relief without suffring any great damage or hurt By this time there were come to Albertus the most ingenious Engineers from all parts of the World who all aimed even with emulation to choke up the Gollet and when in the night some fixed a Cable with great Vessels and Anchors under Water from one Bank to the other the Besieged likewise another night would with little difficulty cut away all that fixed the same About this time one Pompey Targon invented a frame of Wood like a Castle which being placed in Ships would carry Great Guns but upon tryal it quickly appeared too weak to bear the concussion of the Waves and that the sands would yield to the weight that was underneath in the belly of the Foundation by the same also were made a kind of Boats by the joyning together of boards and bundles of smaller Wood which should altogether be carryed by the Tyde but by the shot of the Hollanders Artillery these were more then once overthrown and destroyed The besieged likewise made provision That if the Enemy should hinder them of that entrance into the Town which at present they enjoyed to have a New Haven between the Gollet and the old Haven by the old Town for the United States were mightily inflamed with a desire of Glory in defending that part of the Sea making a Decree as if they foresaw the Siege would continue a long time that every six moneths the Garrison should be relieved and changed and accordingly General Vere was sent for out and one Frederick Dorp made to succeed him by whom the ruines of the Town were repaired the Fortifications augmented and money continually provided to pay for the pains and labour therein taken When Albertus his Souldiers could not get their pay which bred the seeds of mutinies and sedition which is for the most part the Mother of disobedience the very Government it self was full of fear and hatred the Horse being appointed to drive on the Foot upon dangerous enterprises or force them back when they took themselves to flight as if they had been bruits without the light of reason to direct them Moreover their promised largess of the Flandrians fell infinitely short of the charge and the Walloons that they might do the less help pretended a Peace treacherously with the French The Brabanters had a just excuse from the sedition of the Souldiers that lay in Waert who by the conspiracy of others wanted not much of surprising the Castle of Antwerp and the Town of Hulst yet among these various crosses of Fortune some hopes was given to the Archduke that Bredah might be surprised But Frederick Count Heremberg that was sent thither mistaking the way came not thither till the day-light discovered him And not long after some of Prince Maurice's Horse took Prisoner his Brother Adolphus Till this time Don Francisco Mendosa who had been taken Prisoner at Newport had been kept in Holland sometimes in a more strict otherwhile in a more unrestrained custody and although Count Brukells Widow and the Deputies of Cleves required That he might be punished for his grievous Offences the acting whereof he defended partly as done by necessity partly by command And the States did not think it fit to proceed judicially against a Prisoner guarded by the Laws of War But because there was a difference made between the Ransome of Commanders and Private Souldiers after long debate it was agreed That whosoever of the People belonging to the Vnited States were Prisoners either in the Netherlands Spain the Indies America or elswhere under King Philips obedience should all be set at liberty for Mendosa and either the Kings respect to Mendosa or future Generals so prevailed with him that he agreed to the said Articles And accordingly it was performed for there returned from all parts of the World both Merchants and Marriners whom the Enemies rage for hope of gain or the Priests hatred for difference of Religion had carryed and kept there part of whom had their very joints eaten off with their Chains and now with joy remembred the darkness and filth they were wont to endure others gratefully acknowledging their deliverance from the bitter slavery of the Galleyes under most cruel Tyrants And this was a matter of great moment to incite the common people against the Spaniards by a fresh memory of their old injuries and for winning their love to the Lords whose clement and popular action was applauded with many exultations because they esteemed the liberty of their Subjects before great sums of Money which they might have had Thus the Agreements being in part performed and Pledges being given for the rest Mendosa was set free ever after giving a very good Character of the Commonwealth of the Hollanders which he now came to know by a near converse and from thence forward became a perswader of Peace rather then War to both parties And from these more certain Rules for the ransoming of Prisoners were set down on both sides All this Spring the United States did spend in raising a greater Army then ever they had before their Minds and Resolutions being augmented with the memory of Newport Battel and the new seditions of the Enemy from whence they hoped before the Souldiers expected out of Italy arrived in the Netherlands either to renew their Glory by the slaughter of the Enemies or by a Land March through
Brabant into Flanders to go to Ostend and there raise the Siege But Prince Maurice unmoved with all this noise resolutely affirmed That it was safer to use wary and cautelous Counsells then to run on in rash and adventurous attempts But the Queen of England and the King of France approved the Opinion of the States perswading them to go on with greater Authority because they assisted them with men and money Also a great strength of Germane Horse was hired and very well furnished with other very great preparations And in the Moneth of June Publick Prayers being first made by command though later then was necessary the Expedition was begun at the same time when the Italian Forces arrived at the Netherlandish borders And Letters were sent into divers places as Artois Brabant Flanders and the Deputies of other parts The United States wrote magnificent things concerning their Affairs and Assistance by Forreign Princes they spoke also of the Souldiers sedition on the adverse party and of the wasting and spoiling of Cities what was too much truth and what reward had they for all these miseries but that which is the last and greatest of all miseries Servitude for it was not unknown what the Spaniards formerly prepared and that a false Pretence or the bare Name of Archduke might no longer deceive any body they should see in whose hand was the Government of the State and the publick Power of Peace and War If they desired the Glory of their Ancestors or the Liberty of their Posterity they should then joyn with them or at leastwise assist their strong endeavors by some moderate Levyes Let the Archdukes go and seek more peaceable Kingdoms That it was easy to drive out the few Spaniards that remained in Garrison in several Castles and then they might put the State both Civil and Ecclesiastical into what form they would and that it would be no great pains and labour to attain to the chiefest felicities of Peace and Liberty This was the effect of their Letters which were quickly followed by Prince Maurice who divided his Army into three parts which he commanded to March three several wayes the whole number whereof was Five Thousand Horse and Eighteen Thousand Foot and almost Two Thousand Carriages the middle Tertia was led by Count William of Nassaw That on the right hand by General Vere and the last by Count Ernest of Nassaw yet at no greater distance then that they could easily meet and joyn upon occasion however thus divided they could proceed with more ease and celerity The whole rabble of Pedees and other inferiour people that attended the Army with Mills Furnaces and other necessaries that were usually sent by Sea now followed the Army by Land with no small difficulty Passing the Maes at Nimmeghen from thence the Army marched through the Countrey of Leige by the place where William Prince of Orange Prince Maurice's Father held his Camp with his Army which was conquered by Famine not the Duke of Alva's Arms which mischief because he would avoid by terrible threats he compelled the neighbouring Towns which of their own accord were more inclinable to the Spaniard to bring in Provisions daily to the Army and to sell it at a reasonable rate and yet was scarcely Victuals enough found to give sufficient to so great Forces The fifteenth day the whole army sate down at Centron a village in Leige not far from Tielmont where Mendosa then lay for the Arch-duke hearing of this preparation of the States had sent him from Ostend with forces having left there Don John de Rivez to guard the Camp and fortify it round about They that lay at Waert laying aside their sedition for a while were persuaded to come to Mendosa and increase the number of his forces so that now he had five thousand foot and four thousand horse Ambrose Count Spinola was sent to joyn with these with eight thousand Spaniards and Italians more which he had new brought into the Country in hope of winning honor and to assist his brother's endeavours at Sea and the Spanish affairs at land with this select band of men For he covenanted with King Philip to be reimbursed his charges and therefore at present he paid his men out of his own revenues and although Mendosa had the chief command as General yet he directed and commanded his own men and as he kept them from the want which the rest suffered so he would not give a licentious liberty but kept them in a strict discipline by which means it came to pass that no souldiers ever behaved themselves with more quietness and civility yet seldome was there any severity used towards them By which example it was evident that the strength of military government consisted in money Prince Maurice lying near them drew his souldiers out of the Camp provoking and chalenging the Enemy to fight But Mendosa kept his men within their trenches either because he was unequal in strength or else broken by his captivity he yet feared his unlucky fortune and having once received a great blow for the future it made him only fight by delay These by all means avoiding fight and objecting to themselves the danger and terror of a battel made the Prince perceive that all these glorious and great beginnings would come to nothing for it was not possible for them to goe into the inner parts of that Country with so great an army through so many narrow passages among all the Enemies towns and where the Enemy himself was ready to attend them upon all occasions wherefore he thought meet the sooner to make his retreat get to the rivers and the rather because Victualls began to grow scarce and the harvest was not yet come yet that the year might not pass away ingloriously after such great designs and ostentations turning his thoughts to things of less moment he presently sate down before Grave a town within the territories of Cuick hard by the Maes reasonably well fortified having therein a strong garrison all other things for the enduring of a siege Hither being come the eighth day after a tedious march through the parching heat of the Sun the Prince pitched his Camp in three several parts where many of the new souldiers unaccustomed to such toil and labour died On the upper part of the river lay General Vere on the lower himself and on that part where the fields grow marshy towards Brabant Count William of Nassau That done two bridges were built upon the river one hundred and fifteen foot long and whatever was within the Camp as also on the other side towards Gelderland was inclosed with one continued breast-work before which were very deep and broad trenches for the clearing whereof several forts and sconces were erected that were well furnished with Cannon The great Bulwark which the Townsmen held beyond the river being deserted as not tenable against so great force as was used about it proved afterwards a great assistance to
the besiegers In the interim Mendosa although the most active of his Colonels persuaded him to pursue forthwith the Enemy marching away and to intercept him in his designes fearing not onely his fortune but the blame of any miscarriage that should happen and besides being needy as well of mony as of all things else almost he had rather advise with the Arch-duke in this notable juncture of time But the Arch-duke returned no certain answer onely admonishing him to be carefull left going too far with the army the Hollanders should suddenly with their Fleet invade Flanders From which direction Mendosa fearing to recede in all his motions depended upon the Enemies counsells yet however preparing in readiness at Roermund what he thought necessary at length he also pitched his Camp near the Maes below Grave and Prince Maurice Many thought that he erred therein for that he ought rather to have chosen the superior part of the country which is called Ravesteyn by which means he might have forced all his provisions from the Hollanders and likewise have kept the like from coming thence to the Prince because he had lain in the Enemies country But now his Camp being fixed it was very dangerous to pass by the Hollanders leaguer and too late to goe round about because Prince Maurice being diligent about his work had in many places made approches and galleries even to the Town-ditch by the commoditie of the banks which were placed on both sides the river to guard the same and yielded a secure and easy way to the Pioneers Neither had the Spaniards any hope now but to break through the open places which were very large between the Prince's and Count William's Camps and so to get into the Town To this end ladders were prepared together with shovells and mattocks either for the more easy climbing up of works or demolishing them as occasion should present these were conducted by Colonel Thomas Spine being a thousand choice foot which were followed by many others But the Guards and Sentinells being very diligent and watchfull although they set forward in the night together with the breaking of the day among the tedious passages of the marishes made their attempt how daring soever vain Whereupon Mendosa being ashamed that he was thus beaten off from his hopes of relieving the Town withdrew both himself and his army that they might not helplessely look on and see the City taken privately departing to Venlo At this time the States taking care for Berck sent Count Ernest thither with supplies But Antonio Gonzales Governor of Grave with whom were in garrison fifteen hundred men of several nations having in the sight of their companions wearied the besiegers with frequent fallies would not yet desist by many valorous experiments to protract the time to his advantage although all hope of relief was utterly taken away After a two months siege when the English drew near to the sluces which kept the water in the town-ditches the Frisons also on another part bringing a gallery even into the trench and some of the Princes Pioneers being ready to undermine the walls after the losse almost of seven hundred men the garrison was surrendred upon honourable conditions the souldiers marching thence with their armes and baggage This town of Grave at first belonged to the Province of Geldre but was afterwards annexed to Brabant and taken as a pledge by Maximilian Count Buren whose son-in-law William Prince of Aurange bought it and though lost in war by the peace made at Gaunt the Garrison of Germans being removed had the same delivered to him But about eighteen years before the Duke of Parma having gotten it by the carelesness or cowardice of the Governor Prince Maurice now regained and took possession of this his Patrimonial inheritance as he had done before of Breda Lingen and Moers which he made subject not for his own advantage onely but the good of the Commonwealth by which means he obtained a great dominion about the Maes with very great advantages While these things were doing some souldiers enraged because they had but very little or no pay leaving Mendosa's army betake themselves to Hamont He to prevent the increasing of their number by impunity hastens thither a convenient strength where having taken some great guns he forced a few foot-souldiers to surrender themselves but the horse got away not to be moved with prayers or threats and having in vain attempted other places at last they seize the Castle of Hochstraten by the consent of the Garrison this place is not far from Breda wherein a short time being much augmented by a continual resort of old souldiers who required their arrears and new souldiers that expected no other thing then a licentious freedome in villany chusing themselves a Head they elect a Senate and settle a Councel-house with divers laws expressing therein more care and diligence then is usually found in the meetings and assemblies of setled Cities They would not suffer any rapines or plunders to be committed unless by publick order and for the common cause and if any upon their own account durst doe otherwise they were punished like thieves according to the laws and customes of other places Wherewith the Arch-duke being highly displeased and fearing the example because of his want gathering together what mony he could possibly get together by any means he persuaded those who yet remained in their obedience to punish the others rebellious persidy and to that end prepared to besiege them They perceiving themselves not to be looked upon as mutineers which in those parts is no new thing but as absolute enemies begin to tread unusual paths desiring and obtaining from the Hollanders Victualls Armes and Artillery And this they did the more willingly because these troubles of the Enemy were very advantagious and to make these differ among themselves to a great expense of their treasure would secure them against the like evils But this resolution of Albertus was soon altered upon the arrival of the news that Grave was taken for that he began to be afraid of Prince Maurice's army yet for all this he would not hearken to the Netherlandish States who about that time being called together concerning the raising of tributes persuaded him to appease and win the offended Souldiery with money But the Spanish Noblemen and Commanders disliked thereof averring it was more fit to take some new forces into pay but to punish those Rebells with all severity And so at last threatnings of actions being turned into words an Edict was set forth wherein all that were in Hochstraten unless they came in and desired pardon by a certain day were proscribed and rewards promised to any that should kill them their goods confiscated all that furnished them with provision should be punished and their wives and children banished adding above all the rest of their crimes that their Sedition had been the cause that Grave had not been relieved But all this threatning served to little
purpose for so much were they contemned that they published an answer filled with many souldierly taunts objecting to Albertus his fear of a battel and that Grave had been in vain looked after long before their recess and finding fault that while the Army was ready to starve he feasted and revelled at Court without any moderation of charge and repeating on the other hand the praises of such Commanders as were courteous and affable to their souldiers But what wonder could it be if after so many others they required what was due to them for their service or fled to such assistences for recovery thereof which though unseemly in themselves yet were made just by the laws of a fatal necessity Subjoyning at last that they were and would be safe against the punishments of that cruel Edict partly by their arms and partly by their poverty Octavio Frangipane the Pope's Legate endeavored to appease this Sedition but they would hearken to no condition untill that ignominious Edict was revoked and made null And now the greatest part of Autumn being past and Winter approching Prince Maurice having dismissed his German horse disposed the rest of his forces into Garrisons the like did Albertus whose Army was grown thin by frequent runnings away to the other party and the Italian souldiers decay being but fresh-men through the extremity of labour Yet part of the Army was sent into the Camp before Ostend so were Spinola's ships in part sent to those parts where either the Enemies forces or the mutineers designs were feared and the citizens of Venlo who had hitherto with pertinacy refused a garrison now were persuaded to admit souldiers because of the near-adjoyning danger of Grave About this time Mendosa departed into Spain where he was somewhat strangely received King Philip the father being dead and the son prepossessed by others who accused him for his unfortunate managery of the war and that he had neither sufficiently taken care for Peace nor undertaken or avoided battells as the necessity or contingency of affairs required Upon the forces departing into winter-quarters it fortuned that fourteen troups of the Hollanders fell upon eight of Albertus his troups that were without their officers lying somewhat carelessely not far from Mâ—estricht where they surprised and took most of the Horse in their beds together with five Corners or Horse-colours which were hanged up in the Palace at the Hague and a great number of horses At winter when the seditious began to incroach upon other parts Count Lewis of Nassau was sent with three and thirty troups of horse and twelve hundred foot to wast all the farther parts of the enemies country that denied to pay contribution where he took the town of S. Vâ—t and for a whole moneth together ranging all about burning the Villages and spoiling the Country he did no small damage to the Province of Lutzenburg At this time also the Hollanders had very good success at Sea Fredericks Spinola was coming out of Spain with eight new galleys and Martin Padilia being made Admiral of the Sea was said to be preparing a great Fleet which was suspected to threaten England or Ireland whereupon the Queen sent forth some ships to watch their actions and wait upon their motions and as occasion should offer it self either sink or take them and accordingly they burned two of Spinola's galleys and utterly made them useless at Sesymbra a town of Portugal giving to the slaves therein their liberty and to the rest their lives But for the future to prevent the like damage a great ship of Portugal of the same sort with those they call Carracks was opposed against them laden with precious Merchandises which while the English assaulted and soon after took the rest escaped by flight And Frederick Spinola being long detained in Spain untill he could have his covenants with the King confirmed with his six remaining galleys wherein were nine hundred souldiers and fifteen hundred slaves that rowed in the moneth of October set forth towards Flanders upon news whereof the Queen ordered three Ships to wait upon the English coasts and in the narrow Seas to which the Hollanders joyned four of theirs besides those which guarded the coast of Flanders The English first getting sight of these Galleys gave notice to their Companions but the Galleys making use of the cloudiness and calmness of the weather went so near the English shore that some of the Slaves throwing off their chains leaped into the shallow waters but the Hollanders pursuing the vessels sometimes by the shore other times in the narrow Sea not farre from Graveling with their great Guns sorely bruised two of them and twice or thrice being pressed with the vast bulk of their own Ships they were broken to pieces the Masts Oars and residue of the Ships being torn in pieces floated upon the Sea but their main bulks were swallowed up in the waves Almost two hundred of the men were saved and more of them might have been but that mercy was banished by fear lest the conquered should become more in number then the Conquerors Besides one other of them suffered Ship-wreck at Calais by the unskilfulness of the Pilots two others of them were much shattered with bullets and falling upon the shelves in that coast of Flanders got into Newport the sixth wherein Spinola himself was sailing up and down in the Sea of Zeland at last not without great hazard and throwing over-board much of their lading the slaves being incouraged with hope of liberty arrived at Dunkerk When then Frederick Spinola had joyned these three with the rest which he had before at Scluys aiming to repair both his credit and fortunes from the spoils of Walcheren he was with-held by winterly and contrary blasts of wind and because the Arch-duke being vexed both with forein and intestine Warre refused to denude his Garrisons for the refurnishing those Vessels At this time the Fame and Trade of the Hollanders increased in the Indies to the great detriment of the Portugueses who of old having been the first Finders had now for one hundred years quietly enjoyed those Navigations and out of reverence of the Pope's Donation made to them had extorted and kept the same from the beginning against both the Castilians and other Christian Nations defending themselves therein by force of Arms. These therefore make address to King Philip as the onely column and support of that flourishing Kingdome that he would with an extraordinary Fleet defend those revenues which belonged as well to himself as to the People From hence it came to pass that the Warre which had hitherto been contained within the Netherlands was now passing into another World for the managing and conduct whereof Don Andrew Hurtado Mendosa was chosen who then by chance had beaten Cunala an Indian Pirat about Malabar having used those parts above fifty years and was now with great applause ennobled with a Royal Commission This man being furnished with divers great Galeons and lesser
he might have taken the Town by force having then a very little or no Garrison and had also come upon them at Ostend while they were full of fear and before they were aware and dispersed farre distant one from another or else he might if he pleased have fought them or at least have stopped all provision from the Enemy In the mean while Souldiers sent from the Camp at Ostend and elsewhere had filled the farther bank of the Haven at Sclays Spinola taking care for it who before had sent forth several Spies and Scouts that were to bring word of the coming of the Fleet. And although the Holland Ships of Warre had compelled the Enemies Gallies to retreat to the Town for fear the mouth of the Haven should be stopped they battered with their Cannon a small â—ort situate on the opposite bank for he could not put over thither any Souldiers having twice In vain attempted it Pompey Justinâ—no making resistence with two thousand men This Gentleman was the chief of all the Colonels in Spinola's counsels and besides the honour of his knowledge in Martial affairs he moâ—ed very well in his accurate writing thereof And how Prince Maurice inquiring what way he might best take to goe into the inner part of Flanders by chance a Countryman flying from thence to escape a small party of the Enemy that was come thither and pursued also shewed him a Ford in that channel which compasseth Cazant behinde where a bank being raised and the adjoyning Fort taken called Coxen a Bridge and Garrison was placed they having time enough free from the Enemy while Trioâ—lci and Justiniano differed in counsel among themselves There were two other Fortresses hard by called by the names of Katharine and Pâ—â— which yielded sooner then could be hoped or imagined for Katharine Sconce being sorely bruised with bullets was deserted by Trivulci even when Prince Maurice despairing of the work had commanded his Artillery to he drawn off nor did Trivulci onely goe oâ— with his Souldiers but the tumultuary band of Country-men that were mixed with them for they hearing a noise which was of the Enemie's marching away which they interpreted to be an increase of their Forces and that they were coming to shut up all the Avenues fled to Fort Philip nor staid they there but pâ—sted to Ysendike leaving in Philips Fort threescore in number who upon sight of the Enemy with all speed delivered the place Thence for the winning of Ysenâ—ke which is a Fort in the utmost coast of Flanders 〈◊〉 the Hont a siege was thought necessary for all the Enemy that were driven from other places had here â—ed themselves to the number of six hundred and the seventh day after the place was surrendred Prince Maurice being busied there the Enemy approched in hope to recover Cazant and in the night endevoured to have passed in Boats to that purpose provided And 〈◊〉 six hundred were come thither unobserved others following them but at last being spied by the Scots who had the charge of the place these Enemies by their â—â—lotons force were quickly put to flight and killed Behinde Scluys lies Ardenburg now shewing onely the remains of a sometimes farre more noble Town this the Prince finding the Souldiers that were left for the defence thereof fled entred and commanded the same to be fortified and passing from Middleburg which is a free City not farre off and in the Castle which is the onely place of defence placing Souldiers he now began to revolve in his minde the siege of Scluys Because the Enemy had preoccupied all the places lying between Ostend he spread himself to the two Rivers which from Damme and Bruges pass to Scluys being divided by a small limit yet so different in tast that from thence they have attained the names of salt and fresh water but where the Lake named Merkerk streightens the way leading thither as indeed almost all that Country is full of water Lewis Velasco by the Arch-duke's command had fortified himself and going out with a strong Party Fortune smiling upon the Enemies in the attempt they made upon those they first met before the Horse that were added to him could come in to his help he with his whole number was overthrown five hundred almost were drowned and three hundred taken and thus they came to the Rivers and although the Enemy had planted himself between on one part dissembling on the other side finding a passage first went over at a Ford and afterwards over Bridges to that purpose builded Hence grew so great a terror that the Forts were deserted which lie to the Eastward from the Haven of Scluys excepting onely one called S. George which yet was quickly delivered more out of fear then necessity upon sight of the Cannon drawn before it The Garrison going abroad they found the deceit of an evil custome a lighted match being placed by the Barrels of Gunpowder to have blown up the same and ruined all near thereabouts Then the Prince pitched three Camps between the Town and the Sea-shore over which himself Count William and Count Ernest had the Command That which was beyond the Rivers lying every where under water he commanded Colonel Notte to keep to that purpose giving him some Boats and from thence a Breast-work to be drawn as farre as Ardenburg whereon frequent Guards to be kept But before they were able perfectly to surround the Town with their Works the Souldiers twice broke into Scluys through the Marishes and in so great number through the Governour 's neglect that it was believed they were sufficient to have defended the Town against him for there was within but little Victuals and the number of those that eat it was increased and that made Justiniano with a strong Guard bring provisions into the parts near the Town which they were to meet him and receive but the design being discovered Prince Maurice hastning with some Horse and Artillery drove away the Enemy and took some Carts loaden with Meal and a few men Fifty of the Slaves belonging to Spinola that with some others had come forth of the City fled over to the Prince by whose intelligence he was more certainly informed that there was Victuals in the Town onely for a short season that they made a great shew of many things the better to deceive and delude their Enemies Hereupon a Fast was proclaimed in the Camp which is customary with them going to attempt any difficult and dangerous matter after which they planted their great Guns and made a Bridge of a wonderful bigness as if therewith they would goe beyond the broad and deep gulf of the Haven even unto the Rampier but indeed some despairing they stayed onely to pinch the Enemy with Famine and to that end they were more diligent in shutting up all the Avenues not would receive any more fugitives in the interim the Horse plundering Flanders Now was the Arch-duke pressed with many great discommodities at once and the
a free passage through the Country Nor did their actions in ought differ from their words so that all kinds of provisions were plentifully brought to them and they gained from their neighbors not onely praise but thanks comparing their old injuries with the present security they enjoied Beyond the Rivers Roer and Luppe although some Holland horsemen were sent to cut the Bridge over Luppe but they came too late the fourth day they came to Oldenzul a Town in Over-Yssel boasting the Fortification of former times and not at all changed from what it was seven years before when Prince Maurice took it The Enemy thought he might have taken it in his passage yet although they made very great hast the Garrison being timely increased frequent sallies were made thence so that they put the Enemy in fear not onely of his passage but of the want of provisions Within the Town were almost four hundred men part horse the rest foot The horse issued out first and afterward the foot doing good exercution upon all they met with at first but the approaching Army was too strong for their small number and notwithstanding all their shot in one night in three places came up to the very Town-ditch but yet Spinola not surrounding the Town with the death and wounding of a few men he redeemed the time which is a chief point of War contrary to which rule Prince Maurice acts whose custome is to follow on safely though with less speed In the Morning upon a small Battery made by those Guns he brought with him the Town was delivered When understanding by some prisoners the state of Lingen and that more Souldiers were daily expected thither commanding the horse to goe before himself the next day pitched his Tents before the Town This Lingen being fit for a frontier Town Prince Maurice out of affection thereto because it was given to him had begun to fortifie at his own charge and with his best skill surrounding both the Town and Castle with a very deep and broad Ditch and six strong Bulwarks and Mounts But the work being new and in part unperfect and the Rampier not well setled was the more easy for the assailants to win There was in the Town an indifferent number of Souldiers about six hundred but such as neither durst make a sally nor fight at the line besides their Commanders were altogether unskilfull and infinitely timorous nor had any one knowledge how to plant or level a Cannon Therefore while the great guns were preparing and the place viewed the Enemy without any hindrance or loss helped by the Meanders of the Gardens sooner then was credible almost came to the brink of the Trench And now four several nations from so many distinct places hastned to pass over each of them in emulation and forwardness striving to outvie the other Part of them by drawing the small Brooks in the old chanel of the little River strove to deprive them of water others brought the Bridge and placed it upon Vessells or else bound together Faggots and Osiers according to the invention first found out at Ostend which made them so secure that some of them went unarmed even into the Trench and there promoted the work It was now the ninth day of the siege and the Walloons had taken the Bulwark opposite to them the Italians Spaniards and Germans were partly imploied about the middle Trench and part of them nearer The Governour of the Town Colonel Martin Cobbe being broken with old age and feeble in going calls all his Captains to counsel and shewing to them besides other inconveniences the great want of Ball asked them what was fit to be done They had no mind to raise new works or repair those that were battered to oppose their bodies to the Enemies shot or so much as defend the Castle but they rather admire that in all that time the Enemy had not summoned the Town but others said that custome was grown out of date being used neither at Ostend nor Scluys The Governor as if this had been valiant advice admonished them to defer articling till the Evening but if that were too much at least not to move it till noon The rest were troubled hereat averring nothing of moment could be done within those few hours and what they demanded in â—ime would be easily granted This their resolution they put in execution with as much speed as they had agreed upon it whereat Spinola rejoyced whose desires though he were in great hast yet were prevented with fear of the Enemy In the mean while Prince Maurice hastning as much as he could upon the report of this Expedition beyond the Rhine gives the custody of the Ports in Flanders and the Government of Scluys to Colonel Notte and taking from thence five and twenty Companies went to Deventer besides he drew out from about the Rhine ten others and as many more out of the Garrisons as also eight that were newly raised in England but the great Guns were kept back by the cross winds Two or three days after the surrender of Lingen the Prince was ready to have raised the Siege to that purpose having drained the Cities of their Souldiers when a sorrowfull messenger arrives with the news that the Town was lost for which not onely the Governor Colonel Cobbe was ere he was aware committed to prison and there long kept but also several of the Captains where they underwent as well the harsh censure of the people as the judgement of their very relations protesting them unworthy of favor The heads of their defence which they sent in Letters to the Captains and the neighbouring Towns were that there were not Souldiers enough sent to them or other things either for the defence or freeing of the Town and that the Townsmen though exceeding them in number yet denying to watch and ward or doe any duty had compelled them by threats and prayers to prevent imminent ruine by a timely agreement and composition At length when time had mitigated the envy of the fact they were degraded without any farther punishment During this Siege Thomas Filler one of them who from the Hochstraten Sedition remained with the Hollanders being a couragious person and one that would dare any thing to get booty fell upon the Count Solre's quarters and of a hundred horsemen given him for a guard took thirty and slew among the rest the Baron Ciacci Don Richardot's son-in-law the Count himself was wounded and with much a doe got away But the United States if perchance Spinola's Camp had been afflicted with want of Provisions by publick Edict commanded that none should carry any Victualls into his Army and whosoever should be found so doing should be reputed as Enemies Yet for all this there wanted no provision now out of hope of gain anon by the terror of victory insomuch that some carried home from the Camp what they brought thither to sell it being so much more then could be spent Spinola staied
other denying Obedience Yet there were some Princes who affecting the Favour of Germany named themselves Vassals of the Empire yet with such Liberty as that they were obliged to no other Duty than that of Reverence among whom William became Emperour Nor did the Bavarians being born under Emperours think of any Change But the Burgundians and after them the Austrians refused to make any Oath of Allegiance deriving their Liberty from great Antiquity as if the Emperor Frederick had released to Philip Duke of Burgundy all Right of Empire Maximilian of Austria the Son of Frederick being rather the Father and Tutor of a Prince than a Prince and making opposition against the Cities by Forein Force reckon'd Holland and other people of the Burgundian Jurisdiction within the Body of the Empire but the States very eagerly opposed the same and this among all the rest of the Causes of the begun Commotions was look'd upon as one But Charles the Fifth affecting the Empire endeavouring to expel the French as Foreiners it was objected by the very Germans themselves that the Netherlanders belonged no more to the Almain Empire than the French did being obliged neither to pay Tributes to it be subject to its Laws not oâ—n its Decrees and Constitutions But He the more effectually to attain the Honour he so earnestly thirsted after promised that he would bring it to passe that by a firm League the Netherlanders should unite and grow together with the Germans and soon after brought it to such perfection that what could be offered either for the priviledge of Germany or the liberty of the Netherlands being heard and understood he confessed at length that only Gelderland and Utrecht were Feodaries to the Empire yet nevertheless for the future he required that the rest of the Hollanders and Netherlanders should joyntly make one part of the German Empire not that they should receive Laws and Constitutions from thence but that he might confer unto the publick necessities as much as the two Princes Electors and also that they should be under the Protection of Germany and should have right of suffrage in their Dyets and Assemblies in all things else they should keep their liberty intire Upon the account of this League it was that the Hollanders at what time they were subject to the Spaniard implored the help of Germany against the Spanish injuries And in the Treaty of Breda the Prince of Aurange saying that Holland and Zeland belonged to the German Empire which he spoke meerly to win the favour of that Nation King Philips Embassadors with much earnestness denyed the same But being compelled to defend themselves and obtaining no help from thence from that time they withdrew themselves from bearing any share in those foreign burdens Nor was it a new thing that Leagues were in this manner dissolved since almost all Europe withdrew it self from the Constantinopolitan Emperours being by them left undefended against the Barbarians and the Cities of Italy by the same Right obtained their liberty against the Emperours But it is not convenient for us any longer to prosecute these things for the order of our intended History now recalls us to proceed in the same without further digression Therefore after the violence of Arms was somewhat moderated by Covenants yet the Souldiers did not omit for the whole Year to make Invasions where it was lawful laying hold on that last opportunity of making War For Albertus had commanded a few Horsemen to go to Lingen laden with Money for Pay These being by chance met by a stronger party of Hollanders in the Country of Bentheym were surprized and taken For when they had betaken themselves to the Town of Steenfort some of the Pursuers entred pell-mel with them wile the Townsmen shutting up the Ports kept others out Both Parties fought valiantly within the Gates Those to keep their Money These on the other side greedy to win it They that were without threatned to force the Gates unless they were set open as well for them as the Enemies Then each of them send to their Neighbour Friends in Garrisons desiring them to send Assistance Thus from the small beginning of a Skirmish was likely to ensue a sharp and great Battel But the Citizens of the Town fearing lest they should become a Prey to the Victâ—â— perswaded both That rather than for the onely hope of Gold thâ—y should run the hazard of an uncertain Event by Fight the Hollanders should take three thousand Archidutal Angels and have the Booty The Governour of Grave was taken by the Spaniard while he was passing the Maes with too much security and Warner Dubois was kill'd being Judge Advoâ—â—te of the Army in the Country of Tiel as he was taking the Air in his Coach and with obstinacy refused to surrender himself to the increasing Enemy At this time both Parties relying upon the Covenants dismissed part of their Forein Souldiers the States doing it 〈◊〉 of Prudence the Arch-Dukes out of Necessity For Seditioâ—s were ready to break forth on every side if they had not redeemed themselves from new Charges by that Temporary Peace Nor had they so eschewed the Evil many of the Souldiers scattering up and down the Country to the grievous prejudice of the Husband-men and they that were planted at Dâ—est threatned by entertaining others among them to increase their number if their Pay were any longer delayed Anon after some Money came from Spain and some was raised by the Netherlanders whereupon Pay was sent to them at Diest and at the same time Pardon and Indempnity was proclaimed to them Thus the strength of the Confederates being broken the Arch-Dukes spent that time of Rest which they had from the Enemy for the encouraging and fortifying Discipline by Examples of Severity the Author thereof being Didaco Ibarra one sent from Spain to overlook the Treasury and Militia Therefore they declare by an Edict the flagitious wickedness of that Sedition at Diest and their offences against the Publike who although they were pardoned their Crimes yet therefore they were not to be retained in Service as Souldiers without further Licence And therefore all that were Associates in that Sedition they command within one Night and Day to depart and never to return into or set foot upon any the Lands belonging to the Arch-Dukes and Spaniards threatning present justice to all that should remain in or return to the Country and proposing great Rewards to all that apprehended any of them The wiser and more moderate sort of Men esteem'd it not fit for that time to publish their Belief and Opinion to the suspitious Hollander and by so subtle an Interpretation to elude though never so deservedly their Promises to the Souldiers In this place it is not fit to defraud Posterity of that rare Example of the Hollanders Wealth and Ingepuity which effected Operations against Nature for some private Persons undertook and fortunately brought to pass the draining of the Lake Bamestren adjoyning to Parmeren
general That they might never be divided from Brabant and Holland While these Matters were argued pro contra Maximilian the Emperour much troubled thereat and also taking into commiseration the Prince of Aurarge his Condition so suddainly thrust out by violence from such great Estates and Prehemnences though that Design of his wrought no milder Temper toward those Dominions sent his Brother Charles into Spain to inform the King in his to wit the Emperours Name and the rest of the Princes of Germany That they thought it not convenient for the Publike Good that the Netherlanders should be used so harshly any longer But Philip as well as he could dissembling his Anger yet churlishly commanded to be returned for Answer That the Care of managing his own Affairs belonged properly to himself who as he knew when it was fit to shew Mercy so likewise he was not to learn when to use Severity to such who having first laid aside their Duty towards God would in a short time not fear to shake Hands with Obedience to their Prince and that it would be an Action more safe and honourable for them if they would desist to intermeddle in Affairs in which they were altogether unconcerned There were some that counselled the regaining of those Parts of Lower Germany by Warre which had been torn from the Body by the strong Hand of their Lords But the Emperour of his own Nature always loving Peace and being lately allyed to the Spaniard by a new Tye of Affinity sate down and medled no more But a few of the Germans either out of their regard to Piety Envy of the Spanish Greatness or Hatred of Alva too well known among them did aid the Prince of Aurange with Men and Money and it may be also moved with Suspition that Alva had a Design upon some Cities near the Rivers Rhene and Amasis to subject them to his Master because they had been Receptacles to many of the Netherlanders banished for their Religion Many of the Neighbouring People had bound themselves by Hostages to be true to and assist the Prince of Aurange in his Expedition and something also was given by the Netherlanders who now being compelled to inhabit abroad either the Desire of return to their Country or private Wishes of enjoying Liberty at Home prompted But many of those Promises failed in their Event so that having by the Dictates of his own Judgment and Fore-sight gathered together Six Thousand Horse and Fourteen Thousand Foot chiefly and the greatest part out of Germany where great Multitudes of Men caught with the Bait of present ready Money never thought of the future nor minded whose part they took but were ready for any that would hire them best the remainder of the said Army was made up partly of Netherlanders themselves and partly of French These Forces letting slip the first Opportunity of fighting Alva at the Passage of the Maze being then unprovided were afterward by him easily weakned and brought to nothing by not fighting getting the more noble sort of Victory Which Policy of evading Fight had before that been fortunate to him â— Italy when he stood in opposition to the Duke of Guise Therefore for three and twenty days together he lay stilâ— in the Rear of them as they marched with his Camp so circumspectly and with Prudence fortified toward the Enemy that they could never force him to fight with their Desperation Then was put in practice that Villany which will never be left off to wit that both Parties should maintain their Right by Countries living in Peace for whether a Passage was given or denied through the Lands of Cleve or Leige always the one Party would revenge it self either by robbing the Country or burning it However at last this great Army being neither admitted by one City nor relieved with any Provision in a short time mouldred away through an extream want of all things but chiefly of Pay with the slender Remains whereof the Prince of Aurange being hardly able to march into France carryed thither together with it all his Hopes where for some time finding Employment in that Forreign Warre though the cause thereof were something his for Alva had sent thither Forces also to help the King yet by the suddain making of Peace he was disappointed and not onely so but Traps laid to insnare him The Army being thus broken whereby without doubt the Nassauian Strength was much impaired and exhausted as he grew very wary how he ran into Dangers So Alva great now with Success esteeming himself a Conquerour of those People whom he had yet never felt as Enemies did ambitiously desire the Glory of his Authority thus won as he supposed by Conquest And under this Notion and Name of Conquerour he is presented with a Consecrated Sword from the Pope with an Inscription of his Deeds as Fame had reported them which being a Piece of most excellent Workmanship he placed in the beautiful Castle of Antwerp that serves to no other use than to keep under the People as the Scituation thereof averted from the River doth plainly testifie Moreover he erects a Statue in his Honour with a large Eulogy thereon to wit that by appeasing the Sedition destroying and punishing the Rebels and promoting of Justice he had restored Peace to these Provinces At this time he setled many things no lesse profitable than specious as concerning money Merchandises punishment of vices and enormities and rash divulging of Books works in themselves so good that they will never be forgotten unless by the Odium of his name who was the first settler thereof But now the Inquisition as to matters of Religion the Acts of the Councel of Trent the new Bishops and things hitherto winked at if not utterly repudiated were received willingly as it were for otherwise it was in sight that would compel them their hatred being now grown to that heighth that who over had been baptized by the Protestants according to the Rules of Christianity should yet be re-baptized though contrary to the institution and practice of the Antients Nor did this new Tribunall grow lesse furious against the old crimes of Treason to the number of whom were added all such as were but suspected to have wished good success to the late undertakings of the Prince of Aurange or to have grieved at the ill fortune and miscarriage thereof yet while these things are thus doing there was a way studied how to make their Victory seem more honourable by the report of Clemency which was this By setting out an Edict in the Kings name wherein a Pardon should be granted to all that would come in and confess their former misdeeds but still excepting and reserving to punishment all Teachers and Ministers of Religion and those which did assist or harâ— them all those whose impious villanies violated the Sacred â—cesses of Churches or holy places and all such as here Arms â— took preferment or were consenting to the confederacy of tâ—
and for the pacifying of those that were fallen off But no man was ever so wise whom Fortune at one time or other hath not deceived For the Prince of Aurange had before this by under-hand Policies and insinuating Intelligence gain'd the Hearts of the Brabanders declaring That he desired nothing that might singly tend to his own particular advantage but wholly minded the Publike Good And they again of their own accord consented while Requesens was busie abroad with his Forces or dissembled Lenity with intent to raise his Authority higher than he had ever abated it For the Regent himself very indiscreâ—tly commanded the Countreymen to take Arms to repress the Tumultuous Mutinies of the Souldiers which very thing was the first beginning of their Liberty in thoâ—e Parts For now the Names imposed by Alva being forgotten the Laws and the Rights of the States were cryed up by the Voyces of all Men Flanders also from hence learned Wit a People very unquiet and hardly able of old to endure their Princes when they were onely Princes These confidently denied Tribute to Don Requesens because there was exacted from them more than was necessary But as there were in that Senate some Spaniards so were there also many Netherlanders from whom the Prince of Aurange hoped that he might desire that they would rather bestow those Monies to defend their Country than betray it And this Counsel so full of sound Care did greatly help forward in that Case For this War had so extreamly drained the Spanish Wealth though very great that the King being greatly indebted was fain to take by force his Possessions from the Vsurers under the pretence of a general Discharge by common Authority of all Debts and Bonds before that time without any payment or satisfaction for the same And by chance the Turks whose Power hath ever grown greater by the Christians Discords while Philip turns all his strength against the Netherlands enjoying the Kingdom of Tunis fell violently into all the rest of Africa both by Sea and Land which the Spaniards held By means of which straits it came to pass that the Spanish Souldiers in the Low-Countries had no Pay for many Moneths who thereupon according to Custom by them long received casting off Obedience become Licentious and wish for nothing more than for Pillage Wherefore Bruxels the Metropolis of those Dominions was destined for Plunder and so had been if the common People mindful of former Villanies and almost astonished at the greatness of the imminent Danger had not betaken them to Arms and advertised the Magistrates and those who had the Management of the Laws thereof These presently summoned the Senate to whom we told you before the Administration of the Government was fallen to condemn these impudent Souldiers as Enemies to the Prince and Country which being openly done the Sedition was believed to be privily fomented by the Counsels of a few whose Wealth grew from Forreign Tyranny But when the Confederate Regiments turning out their Commanders had forcibly entred Alost a Town in that part of Flanders which of old stuck to the German Empire and was never as the rest subject to France and thence had wasted the Country round about them there being none to take Vengeance of them some of the Nobles of Brabant not by any publike Advice but struck with the Fear and Memory of the Example of Antwerp sent some who should keep together the Senate that is the Head of the Commonwealth in their Court and Session Anon least the Government should fail for want of a lawful Authority they discriminated the Innocent from such as were Suspicious restraining all whose Treachery or Sluggishness would produce the effect that no Strength should be made ready against the insulting Envy and Malice of the Spaniards And not onely so but the Natives that were Souldiers were as much as might be picked out and sent into several parts and then joyned in League with Flanders and other Cities against them as against a Common Enemy Nor did they onely think of these new Disturbances of the Publike Peace but called also to 〈◊〉 the Oppressions in Alva's time such as the Tenths Inquisition Punishments of the Guiltless Robbing them of that by Force and War which they laboured for in Times of Peace and their frequent Slaughters and Executions by colour of the Edicts And now Matters began to seem not onely to take notice of such as had traduced the Government but of the whole Spanish Nation Whereupon one Rode made himself Captain of certain Companies of Spaniards that now went out of Holland never to return thither again part of the Senate before and which then was gone over to the Souldiers usuâ—ping to themselves all Right of Government But now â—he whole Colledge as it were re-uniting The German Souldiers too joyned themselvs hoping to do what they listed 〈◊〉 thus joyned together they sacked Vtrecht by he Maze â— most noble City and not long after powering themselves out of the Castle into the City of Antwerp where for some days having beaten out the Defendants they glutted their Wrath and Avarice with the Slaughter oâ— the Townsmen the burning of Houses and an exceeding great Booty Among all which Mâ—series the Netherlanders durst not rely upon the strength and valour of their new and unexperienced Souldiers against those Weather-beaten and old ones who had also Fortifications and Castles not knowing well therefore what to do and considering that it would be too tedious to â—ove oâ—her Princes to aid them they resolved at last to accept of the next Forces which belonged to the Prince of Aurange were by him freely offered them being conscious to themselves that they should be looked upon however as guilty of the like Crimes and that they must either purge themselves together by Force or suffer together Wherefore resuming the Treaty of Peace which was broken off at Breda as is before related and as Fellow-Citizens consulting against a Common Enemy they easily agree and it was provided that for the obliterating the Memory of former Differences no one should be questioned concerning Religion nor that any Judgments should be confirmed which were given concerning the same but that all things confiscated should be restored to their Owners or if they were sold certain select Apprizers should set a value both upon Possessions and other things wrongfully detained and to restore to the one the thing it self to wit the Possessions to the other the value or price thereof that every one for the future might use what Religion he pleased and so as to those things which they of Holland and Zealand took detained in the time of the War which belonged to the King and they also agreed That what Money the Prince of Aurange had expended in his two Expeditions or so much thereof as belonged to him the rest of the Provinces should be equally contributary to the re-imbursing after the Commonwealth was freed from Forreigners according to the
at hoâ—e and therefore the more desirous to augment both their Fame and Wealth by forraign Service and acquisitions Francis who was of a disposition not to be despised but altogether unrestful in spirit offered himself to be their Generall in the Warre which was said in France to be for the restoring of liberty against the wrongs and oppressions of the Court and for the settlement of Religion in peace which he did either out of hatred to his Brother who though weak and barren yet kept the Kingdom or else he was an Instrument of his Mothers subtilty for averting the feuds of parties and surely he might have gained the love of the People very much in the supporting that Cause and would upon a Peace made have had most ample possessions But he becoming the Minister of anothers cruelty in a short time soyled all his Renown by turning his Arms upon his Allyes About which 〈◊〉 Margaret of Valoyes the King of Navarres Wife that she might be clear of the Warres of her Husband and her Brother and veyling the desire of her absence with the pretence of going to the Waters at the Spaw as she passed by Cambray and Moniz taking hold of opportunity She highly commended the Duke of Anjou in those two strong places that differed not much either in Customs or Speech from the French and very little in Religion But Casimire who had at that time been a great support to the party of Navarre remitted the Agreement that privately had been made with him thereby giving the testimony of a just and Religious mind The Common-wealth like an indigested Chaos was now on every side in confusion nor was there any Symmetry in its parts while each one catches at the Government as if it were void and in the prosecuting thereof steer a severall way And truly the main use of Arms by all was against a Kingdom but some praised the Principality and Laws others admired and preferred their forces before those of the Venetian or Switzerland without any consideration of their inequality or disproportion And thus under the name of Noblemen they distracted and tore in pieces the Government or else because they fell short of others in dignity the Plâ—beyan strength also approaching stirred up the vulgar by words whereby becoming unruly and not to be led their suspicions egged them to cruelty so that nothing would content them but free liberty without any exception within and without abroad and at home there was nothing but faction and sedition Nor by this was the Warre lossened onely it was delayed and not vehement enough for the time because the Armies were ordered according to severall Opinions Amsterdam which as we told you was one of the greatest Cities in Holland and had not stood up for liberty as the rest was then much favoured because it inclined to Don John But because the Nassavians had environed and in a maner besieged that City and in regâ—d there was no hope of relief in a long time they came to Articles whereby all that were banished for Religion were restored to their Country but they should not have the exercise thereof within the Walls But when the men of the Roman Opinion who wavered in the performance of their promises seemed sometimes as if they would become enemies again the Exiles driving out the Magistrates and all those that praesided Religion enjoyed all in publick The same at divers times and for the like causes almost happened in divers other Towns of Holland as at Vtrecht and Harlâ—m taking occasion by their breach of Faith from Magistrates instructed in this that whatever they approved should never be contradicted by the City which among themselves was very conducing to concord among them but was offensive to the stomacks of their fellows who adhering to the Pope suspected that strength would suppress them John of Nassau had the Government of Gueldres the Prince of Aurange appointing him to that charge that so he might stand the more strongly guarded But in Frizeland whereof Rennerberge then was made Governour the old Dissentions of Groningen City and the Country adjacent began anew to flame for the carrying forth of their Reveâ—ues though for the maintaining their Peace questionable if not with the Governours Desire that he might the more surely Command The Commons of the City bound the Deputies of the adverse Party to themselves and the same after both Sides bad shewed their Valour in their privnte Darings came off Victor However all Prisoners taken were set at Liberty yet did Animosities remain untill they came to be intermingled in the Publike Contention although both Matthias and the Prince of Aurange interposed to settle them Rennerberg also commanded some of the Senators of Frizeland to be removed and diligently watched who had shewed themselves well pleased at the Spanish Victory and substituted others in their Room the like also he did by the Bishop of Leuwarden For these Merits and good Works he is chosen Captain particularly for the Ruling and subjecting Over-Issel for the German Souldiers hired by Don John held both Campen and Daventry both which Cities were soon after yielded But the Army staying something longer at Daventry Casimire came to them with a fresh Recruit of Eight Thousand Foot and almost as many Horse For the Queen of England instead of the Money she did promise sent Souldiers whose Number he of his own free Will increased as if he had been obliged Which the Chiefrains of the Romane Religion looked upon as very ominous and therefore they forthwith laboured by all means to intreat and win Francis of Valois to be the Head of their Sect which the Prince of Aurange as well as others saw but would seem to take no Notice thereof because they would not draw new Suspitions upon themselves Wherefore Francis by the Decree of the States is named The Defender of the Belgick Liberty And moreover Provision was made for Imbursement of all Charges by giving to him as a Reward or Gratuity of their Alliance whatever Towns the Enemy held beyond the Maze While these things are doing and the Inferiour differ about Fancies in Religion and the Great Ones quarrel about Realities in Dominion the Followers of the Innovated Religion obtain a Power very safe to themselves but hazardous to the Commonwealth for the Right of Ruling being in the hands of many there was no higher Power to restrain or keep under particular Animosities and Feuds They Petition Matthias and the Prince of Aurange who was not ignorant thereof before wherein they set forth That they never having been Servants to Tyranny but rather Marks for the Cruelty of the Spaniards who had designed the Ruine of the Commonwealth by robbing her of the best part of her Citizens were not more maligned by her Enemies abroad Though they had this most certain Pledge of their Faith that their onely hope rested in the Publike Safety for if the old Ceremonies should return as the rest of the People can expect
nothing but Penury and Slavery so they are sure to have no other pity than that of Torments Fire and Death Meritedly therefore they desire an equal share of Liberty since nothing can be by them expected from a Kingdom but Tyranny They looked not after rich Benefices and ample Revenues but were content others should enjoy them onely they begged they might not be banished both from the Church and Court as profane Persons That they never were Apostates either in their Piety towards God or their Fidelity towards their Country Some doubt there was a while how to Resolve but at last praising the Examples of Germany and Poland agreeing many old Customs it was concluded by the Counsell of those who had put forward these things That it was very necessary for the maintaining of Unity and Concord that these just Desires should not be rejected for they could not have an Army of any value or strength but it must chiefly consist of them and they found by Experiment that no Persons might be with 〈◊〉 safety trusted with the care and management of Affairs that they In this Vicissitude of Affairs it came to pass that several of the Romane Opinion especially those who took to them selves the Names of Jesuits could not be drawn to takeâ— Oath against Dan John and no small part whose hope maâ— depended upon the King's Success voluntarily defend them But many of the Magistrates though so instructed â— if they had fore-seen the Rising Authority of that Side embraced that Form of Worship which the Nassanians helds And for these Causes Honours were communicative to them and in some places no less than a hundred Families desired they might have by Command places see apart for theâ— Publike Worship on the same Condition That the like should be granted to those who preferred the Doctrine of the Latin Church through Holland and Zealand which yet was never affected The things which followed after this are not to â— passed by without Compassion or a sad Remembrance Such Commotions such Hatreds and such Troubles one still following another For as the Romanists would grant nothing at all to the other so they not satisfied so much now with their Impunity and privacy upon their own private account took by force the Administration of the Law from the more violent and stubborn Magistrates and after they had therein prevailed they began to look at Revenge So that they whâ— but lately wished ill to the Spaniard now of a suddain joâ— both their Purses and Counsels against them Citizens now against Citizens standing armed in the very Cities which being free from their Publike Enemies they endeavoured â— drive away their private Adversaries there was not mâ— need here of the Souldier his help being onely necessary preserve Domestick Peace And as they which labour of a Deadly Disease for the most part despise all Remedies â— here they who were Lovers and Promoters of Peace and and Concord were on all hands hated by these strong Promoters of Sedition And indeed they ought to have studied nothing but Patience to see such persons by whom the common Plague of this Age was scattered into both Parties and the Names of all things inverted So that a blind and perverse Obstinacy in Discord was called a Holy Zeal and Modesty and meekness of Mind Sloth nay sometimes Treason The People of Gaunt now grown to that heighth of Licentiousness that they could not hope for Pardon or Impunity but from the monstrous Greatness of their Villany being still egg'd on further by that Boutefeu Imbis who had crept up into Power by a Thredbare Journey formerly to openly detract the Government They protest they will no longer so much as see those Romane Superstitions that have invented so many Wickednesses and Cruelties not that the Authors or Fomenters of the Sedition esteemed much of any Religion for they would raise Tumults under the pretence of both but onely they preferr'd Novelties before things received from Antiquity and their own Fancies before any Truth that could be taught them and having by chance convicted some Monks of detestable Sensualities first they expelled that Order yet groaning under the Weight of their fresh Malice and furious Hatred and afterwards all Priests Then being conscious to themselves of what they had begun they begin to fortifie their City with strong Bulwarks and Rampires which being of a vast compass equal almost to the greatest Cities was not totally inhabited for having been often besieged and fearing the like again from the vileness of their Action in time to come they inclosed many Fields within their Works or Wâ—ll And the more their Fortification proceeded and came nearer the finishing so much less they did hearken to the Commands either of Matthias or the States or take notice of their vain objecting their Crimes against them seeking backward still for new Pretences out of those very things which they had stirred â— against themselves Neither could the Prince of Aurange's Authority any whit prevail with them though by his Intercession the same People of Gaunt had obtained again their Antient Laws which they had before forfeited by a Rebellion against the Emperour Charles But the Mischief rather increased and spread into other Cities of Flanders On the contrary those of Artoys and Henault were more constant and stedfast to the Romane Religion for most of them were of that Judgment And the Lords being averse to the Prince of Aurange with a kind of civil Objuration refused to hear of the New Law for they said that it was specified in the League that nothing should be altered in Religion while the We continued Some did advise that the City of Gaunt being by this Sedition lyable to Treachery should by War be compelled to Obedience But neither the Prince of Aurange nor several other of the Nobles would consent to that to turn theâ— Arms or Forces against Citizens how ill deserving soever while the Spaniard their Enemy with a powerful Army lay almost in the middle of their Country for that indeed were to make good that which some of the wisest of their Enemies had fore-told of them that their own Discord wâ— destroy them But while it was dangerous to inforce them they slighted all Commands Counsels and Intreaties looking upon them onely as predetermined Malice At this tiâ— Bossis whom we formerly mention'd to have been taken in the Sea of Frizeland when he commanded the scatter'd Remains of Holland under Alva was General of the greâ— Army of the Netherlanders the States having taken that Honour from Lalain because at the unhappy Battel of Geâ— he forsook the Camp without their Leave or Commandment The Viscount of Gaunt was Commander in Chief of the Horse Lanove who had won great Renown in the Civil Wars of France was Camp-Master General Don John assaulted their Camp scituate not far from Mechlin at a Village called Rimenen and was onely Repulsed there being as many both believed and said a great Errour committed
the Netherlands and spend his Old Age quieâ—ly in Germany But besides the other cause of Diffidence his Mind that never was greedy after Wealth and in that respect unsullied and upright was greatly satisfied to perceive with what great Expence the Spaniard would gladly free himself from the Dread of him The Treaty at Colen being ended Areschet and some Priests fell off to the King from some of those Parts whence Legates had come for understanding that they must for the future else be Enemies to the King being reconciled by Letters and accepting the same Articles which they of Artoys had But all those Councils either of War or Peace which they had Registred and taken Notice of were scorned by the Spaniards and by that Nation that never likes any Forreign Thing made a meer May-Game of In that Treaty it plainly appeared how great a Difference there is between the Aims and Intentional Designs of the Prince and the People Of old time when first the Nobility here made Insurrections for fear of Forreign Lords and Tyrants the Evil was not incurable But afterwards being more obstinately oppressed they drew the Commons into Parties under pretence of Religion and the Vulgar Rout learning that they were they that kept Kings in awe or made them to be Reverenced and that they could be caught by nothing but Credulity presently imagined that Despair of Pardon was the firâ— Step to Liberty Hence they did not act indifferently or moderately but would onely do such things as were too fool to admit of Repentance and going back and by this means they arrived at that height that afterwards they would debate the Commodities of Peace but never mind the Hazards of Warre They go beyond the wonted Custom with Domestick and Intestine Arms while thence ariseth and springs the unlimitable Thirst of Rule and Revenge This makes a kind of Pleasure even in Danger and there is somewhat of Honour in the Depth of Misery But then surely there was not one general Army but the Warre was scattered here and there by small Parties and every several Nation almost had his own distinct Warriers This Fault of the Commonwealth did quickly shew it self for there not being a Soveraign Power vested in one chief City as there was in the Antient States both of the Greek and Romans and is at this day in most flourishing Dominions but an equal Power residing among many Cities itit comes to pass that what should be properly the care of every one from the Nations Industry exercised in the getting and keeping of Riches under the false Name of the Publike the Common Benefit is perverted and carryed into a wrong Channel Thus Moneys could very hardly be gotten by reason whereof the Netherlands might have been in great danger had not the Enemy been infected with the same Disease for Portugal eat up all the Kings Money as well by War as by seeking to win the Love of the Nobles For Sebastian the King being lost in the great African Battel and his Successour Henry being dead the People had Elected Anthony who was sprung from the Royal Stock to be King because they were infested by the Castilians according to the Evil Custom of Bordering Nations But Philip advancing the Propinquity of his Bloud among and before others sent thither the Duke of Alva with an Army to conquer and bring into subjection by Force those that would not submit willingly and at last by his Endeavours the Kingdom of Portugal was added to the King his Master By whom before he had lost the Netherlands so much more easie was it to win a Kingdom Nor indeed could any thing have fallen out more happily for Philip not onely because all Spain was now reduced under one Government but because the Portugeze who had by long Navigations compassed the greatest part of the World possessed the great Islands of the Mediterranean Sea and by Command or Traffike was Seated and Inhabitant on trie Coasts both of Aethiopia and the Indies By the Event hereof the Netherlanders who might hope for some Ease to themselves while the Wars in Portugal lasted besides the increase of their strength found also another greater discommodity which was That the Spaniards would now hinder all the Trade thence wherein the main Wealth of their Cities did consist for although hitherto the Ports of the Kingdom of Castile had not forbidden or denied them as if there had been no cause of Arms or War out of the Bounds of the Netherlands yet there was from the Clergy great danger and injurious detentions of Ships sometimes used by Kings even toward Strangers dis-incouraged them which the Portugezes had promised they would never do Nay more there was Provision made that they should be bound to appear in Judgment before suspected Judges or forced to any long Suits But after both Kingdoms were joyned in one and yet the Necessity of the one not at all lessened by the enjoyment of the others Trade both having the same King by various Names of Extortion and Force the Sea-men and Masters of Ships were defrauded of the greatest part of their Gain but yet not by a continual Trouble but by such Intervals and Breathings that under hope of amendment and by the unconscionable Avarice of the Merchants to get all ever some new Booty came in afresh In the mean time by reason of the want of Money there hapned many Seditions on both Sides in the Netherlands But the Spaniards had the advantage in the more easie appeasing and suppressing those on their part because in lieu of Pay they gave them Licence to do what they would and Impunity for the same However the Duke of Parma got some small Towns in Henalt which the Confederate Prâ—virces had Garrison'd and not long after surpriz'd Courtray in Flanders Altpen delivers Breda also to him the Castle on a suddain whence he easily set upon and got the rest Lanove on the other hand to whom the chief Care of the War in those Parts was committed regained from the Enemy Nienove and other places in Flanders At this time it fortuned that some eminent and brave men were taken prisoners as Egmond and Selley in Towns that were taken and contrarily Laâ— himself who was taken at an unhappy Fight in a Siege before a certain Castle and was esteemed by the Enemy of so great quality that they would not exchange him for 〈◊〉 others The English who were in Pay with and fought for the Vnited Provinces took Mechlin by Storm whose Avarice was so prophanely expressed in their Victory that they did not spare the very Sepulchres of the Dead the Stones whereof they took away and afterwards openly sold them in England Many other Counsels and Resolutions of suddâ—n Actions the more powerful Enemy diverted very few Tokens of Victory remaining to the Dutch by reason of the penury of them that fought in their Defence At this time the Duke of Parma's Mother came to her Son at Namar being
Companies of men fly about the Streets of the City like Conquerours crying out The Mass used in the Roman Religion is holy for this was the Signall of the Combination when the Townsmen running from their Tables for they were at dinner take their Arms against this sudden tumult the first that went out meeting the Valoysians Body to Body hindered their endeavour of passing further And in a moment more and more gathering together on every side fighting in defence of their Families and Fortunes with notable Courage and Concord they beat all that entred into the City back to the Port whereat they came in There was a horrible slaughter for in that straight they stopped out and hindred the living and those that sled could not escape their pursuers But Valois himself when he understood the infamous madness of his undertaking by the Event made with shame and terrour of Conscience and wanting all things with as many of his Forces as he could get together among many hazards of his life and the grievous loss of what belonged to him he sled by the marshes of the Fields beyond the River Dila This notorious and apparent injury most vehemently incensed the minds of many who before were no lovers of the name of France Nor did Parma and the Netherlanders that were with him omit by Letters to terrifie them laying before them their abominable defection and Revolt and to the oppressions of their new Government were more grievous than of that they shook off saying further that they must bear with the dispositions of their Superiours for a people could be safe that rebelled among so many Kingdoms But if now from this sad experience they would return to their obedience he offered them not onely equall as just Laws but also the Kings mercy and Pardon The Prince of Aurange was sensible that this time of appeasing this â—â—chief was too fit to be laid hold on for the Spanish Affairs and therefore though his Counsel had once proved unfortunate whereby he had lost the main part of his power the Peoples favour yet being asked his Opinion he declares the same with many acknowledgements of error to ave envy the more easily If the Common-wealth could by its own meanes be governed with the same unanimity as the King there would be â— dispute but that we might very well be without the Government of a single Person especially if he be a Forraigne Neither is it now to be enquired after if it be lawfull to desert him who first violated all publick Rights and Law it self of which there was so great care taken by Covenance and pact but they were to minde and observe his strength 'T is truth he hath no great Army but there were in â— to wit the Dukes Possession severall strong and well fortified Cities And the Netherlanders were now to advise whether they had rather continue their Possession to themselves or necessitate their delivery to the Enemy That it was much more convenient since they were by both abused that they should be in the French than the Spanish power for the Spaniards Dominion being well knit together by age would always find Instruments to oppress and enslave them where as the French if they should endeavour such a thing were not able to fit themselves with properties to serve their designs It were better therefore and more safe to assay and try the French who having been once taken tardy will never hereafter seek such an opportunity or if they should would never have impudence enough or courage to put it into action They ought alternately to weigh that in lieu of his own offence the Duke hath done them many kindnesses and to remember that for the last years his single care and pains had both defended their Cities and frustrated the Enemies designs That thus they would not onely revive but altogether such unity as their Warre required if Valois remembred his offence and they forgot it This Speech was seconded by others excusing the imprudence and rashness of Youth adding withall that it may be the greatness of his minde being sprung of Royall Blood and never made stoop to the humility of obedience and perchance too incensed by some contumacious persons he had taken that unfortunate way not with intent to kill and plunder but as their wickedness and mischievous Counsel informed him onely to secure his power and greatness And the King of France had with his promises and some implicite threats commended his Brother herein That therefore the Duke was to be treated with to restore the Towns he had in his power and to withdraw to Dunkirk whither the rest of his men who compounded for the other Towns they had should come to him In the Interim after many and long delayes and while he disputes the restitution of the Towns and Provisions begun to sail the Netherlandish Souldiers that were with him for fear of the multiude who mindful yet of their late danger doubted newer and greater matters and were scarcely satisfied Biron is sent thither Generall of an Army of French to stop the Duke of Parma's Carreer who then by the taking of some Towns had mightily infested and did over-run Brabant But yet the Warre did not go on as it should in his hand who with much adoe was drawn to a kind of Treaty Valois of his own accord finding fault that he had onely the bare name of a Prince that the account and disposall of monies and all other great affairs were concealed from him so that he was not able to gratifie any person And it was no wonder if after the examples of so many others who had been called in by the Netherlanders to assist them and they had found sad experiments of changed desires they had found him who long continuing in suspence concerning it would now depend upon the beck of another but he chiefly and with much regret insisted upon this That they denyed to him onely what was allowed to all other Princes namely that out of the Senate he might have a domestick Councel The use of which Custom John Bodin their Master of Requests had praysed above all others he being a man whose wisdom and affection was well known by his Writing but on the other side the Netherlanders feared nothing so much also the French offered somewhat in favour of the Roman Religion Among all these Disputes Valois being well nigh shut up in Dunkirk when now a new affliction was added to renew his old grief multitudes dying in the Town by sickness he goes thence into France either that he might refresh himself by the change of Ayr or which is most probable that he might recover his Brothers favour between whom yet remained some Seeds of discontent Certainly this Journey was made onely for a time And the Netherlanders as long as he lived never left off sending to him Embâ—ssies to intreat him to send ayd to Flanders in a staggering condition Earnestly beseeching the King also that he publickly would
own his Brothers Cause but if he could not do that yet that he would at least assist with men and money and that he should stop all the passages from France into the Enemies Country Which if they might request they did not fear to foretell to the King thereby a future Succession in his Kingdom so that he should according to the Laws of France for many Ages not want an Heir of his Body to govern the same But these Communications were shortly after quite broken off by the badness of the following times and the death of Francis de Valois He over-lived his Honour and disgrace not above seventeen moneths brought to his end as some thoughâ— by his lusts others by poyson but most believed he dyed with grief of mind the common end almost of all who either before or after him took a pride to aggravate the miseries of unfortunate people His Fune all was not attended with any Ensigns of his Belgike Government all his actions there with himself passing in oblivion while the King his Brother avoyded to incense with such toyes whom he durst not move with realities As soon as Valois was departed from Dunkirk the French Companies left there in Garrison accepting their pay marched away not daring to trust a People whom they had so mischieved Whereupon the Duke of Parma sends his inferiour Captains to besiege the Town thus destitute both of Souldiers and Shipping and anon after comes himself with an indifferent Army to strengthen the Siege Biron was commanded to follow the Enemy and fight him But the Gauntoys out of an old grudge they bore to Valois and making a shew of tumult denyed him passage alledging that it was unjust and unreasonable to use his Forces whom they neither took for their Prince nor scarcely their friends By the stubbornness therefore of those men Dunkirk came into the Spaniards power by which meanes the Sea ever after became dangerous and troublesome for upon that shore where there were no Havens or Ports there was scarce any refuge for small foysts hence as they saw it convenient or for their profit observing the passage out the Pyrates were wont to set upon the Dutch Ships as they sailed by either to fishing or with Merchandize where England being directly opposite doth narrow and streighten the Sea and they could easily escape by flight from the great Ships of Warâ—e either by their lightness and swiftness on the open Sâ—â— or else by helps of the flats and Sands whereof that part of the Ocean is full yet this losse of so eminent a Town could not mitigate or take away their dissentions but it was necessary that Biron with his Army should be sent out of the Country though the Prince of Auraage most earnestly urged the contrary for fear least they should betray the Common-wealth to their Enemy now in heart and attended with success so much mistrust had all of the French Nay the Prince himself was scandalized for them so that at Antwerp they all 〈◊〉 to their Arms upon a lye that was divulged that the Prince had brought the French into the Castles on purpose to be near to and command the City But he to whom nothing was so unusual and bitter as to live feared of his Citizens could not bear their changed countenances and suspitious ill boding silence instead of joyfull acclamations but leaving the place having lived there six years he went to Zeland and the more assured places of the Common-wealth thereby exempt from many eminent dangers and free from their ingratitude But the Duke of Parma having gotten spare 〈◊〉 for Conquest gained by surrender and otherwise Nempâ—â— scituate on the same shore but to the right hand of Dunkirk and more inward upon the Land Dixmuyde Voorne and Berghen that are called Winow Thence in Flanders the peoples hatred so increased against the Warre daily and many so highly resented the late actions that they would even take part with the Spaniards against the French About this time there was a certain base Fellow he was generally called Hog that by Discourse and Writing began to trouble Holland who notwithstandidg his Mothers vileness and his own mishapen Form yet vainly boasted the Honour and Greatness of his Bloud as being from his own Relation Son to the Emperour Charles Hence fed up with a foolish hope by some Spaniard that Philip would acknowledge him for his Brother he withdrew some led away with Novelties and others that were not pleased with the present ordring of Affairs from their then Principles to a hope of Peace and Submission to the Austrian Family But the Conspiracy being yet green and but in the Bud was by the punishment of its Author quickly nipped Now also a War did begin in the Jurisdiction of Colen which was offered together with the Bishoprick to Ernestus of Bavaria for the Marriage of Truxiors For being Bishop of that place before and being taken exceedingly with the Love of a Noble Woman had made hast to lay aside his Vow of single Life for by the Rules of the Latine Church no Priest may marry which in the Heat of his promiscuous Lusts was easily connived at Wherefore setting Humane Decrees in opposition to Divine Laws and finding himself unfit for such Charges by Casimire and Nienar Count of Nursa both Generals for indifferent Armies keeps the Cities until by his Enemies Forces and his own Mens Treacheries most of his Garrisons were taken from him and then making a League with the Dutch he fled to the Prince of Aurange whence he revenged him as well as he could by laying wast the Country And this War brings on a greater wherewith the Spaniard was well pleased because he might thereby the more colourably involve the Frontier Towns of Germany which were old Receptacles of Netherlandish Fugitives in the same And this every day augmented the growing Fortune of the Duke of Parma especially one Tasso a Captain winning by Surprize the Town of Zutphen held by a weak and ill agreeing Garrison and that by the help onely of one common Souldier that was his Prisoner From hence all the Country between the Rivers Issel and the Rhine were daily infested and harrased by Spanish Incursions nor could they at any time be hindred in their going off and the City it self was besieged but in vain Thus did the Netherlanders at this time lose both their Forces and other Opportunities And as a further mischief many of Noblemen and Chiefs utterly despairing any Remedy privately sought their own Security from the Grace and Pardon of the King which they knew was not to be hoped for by some heinous Adventure Therefore William of Heremberge who by Marriage of the Prince of Aurange's Sister was the sole Companion of his Hopes and Dangers inconsiderately and without Reason Resolved to deliver up Gelders which he then Governed to the Conquerours But his Treachery being prevented and Promise taken for his Fidelity he was dismissed yet notwithstanding he fled to
only this one he excepted â— that they who for the last four years had gone astray from the Roman Religion should having convenient time to senâ— their domestick Affairs be commanded to depart the City And soon after the Duke of Parma as a reward of â— Victory was by the Kings Command received into the Order of the Golden Fleece and then put on the Cognizance thereof upon that very Bridge which he had made and was a work worthy of remembrance in after Ages and in a little time following he rebuilds and fortifies the Fort or Castle which over-looks the City and had formerly in the quest of Liberty been demolished This so renouned City added as well much Honour as Strength to the Spaniards in these parts but yet not so much as many thought who imagined she would carry the greatest matters of concernment with her Which was so disproved by the Event that the Hollanders who had taken extraordinary pains and been at great charge for relief of the City yet could not escape free from the slander or at least the suspition of having betrayed the Faith of their confederate Allyance as if they should get advantage by the mischiefs which others should receive and suffer But on the contrary they layd the fault upon the Lord of Aldegund for he was Governour of the City who returned to Zeland whom he had suffered but the first invasion and guards of the Assailers yet afterwards worthily esteemed though never imployed in any part of the Commonwealth for his disposition being more fit for Peace than War he withdrew his old Age within the compass of private Solitudes and the tranquility of retired Studies And the Valour of the Souldiers by so many evills was quite worn out for they when yet there was hope of removing the Enemy from Antwerp having under the Leading of Count Hohenlo happily got Boiâ—ledno yet forthwith through fear and folly they â—led while they fall upon the Pray neither minding the Enemy nor the receiving the Port. But the Romanists assisted by the fortune of their party brought into the Conquerours hand Nicumegen a City of Guelderland with the Town of Dewsburgh and filled all these parts round about with slaughters which happen'd either through the Captains rashness or the Souldiers carelesness In all which things nothing more augmented the publick sorrow than those miserable People of Brabant and Flanders banished for Religion or because they durst not trust to the Articles granted having such malicious Interpreters thereof and in brief for want of Trade or means to get a Living scattered over Holland and the Isles who yet increased the Cities and Forces exhausted by War into a greater number which shortly proved a great Omen of their future good fortune In this interim scarce did the longing Expectation of the League concluded with England keep up their Hearts We have already related to you the Offer of their Government made to Queen Elizabeth But that prudent Lady shifted off the Envy of that Dominion so craftily obtained Nor would she in that ambiguous Estate of Affairs intangle and wrap up both her Fame and Fortunes in a strict Confederacy and Allyance It was conceived more agreeable both to Wisdom and Policy to have some strong Holos in the Netherlands set apart for Her wherein to settle some indifferent strength of Men and also to send again some Ships to the Coasts of America there to infest the Spaniard all weary him till he should be willing to incline to Peace and remove his Armies so long complained of and contested against But She promised them some Aid protesting in Writing in a Publick Declaration She did it meerly out of a Sense â— Right by which she was put in Mind of that Custom of Priâ— to defend the Oppressed and remembred therein the Anâ— Contracts and Leagues of Friendship between the Dutch and English with some short Hints of Spanish Extravagance Religion also was made mention of the Security where commended to her Case She had made good both in the Concerns of France and Scotland without any desire of what did not belong to Her The concluded Articles of the Peace were for the most part the same by which the first Alliance had been setled and that Five Thousand Foot and a Thousand Horse should be sent to fight for the Netherlanders and be paid by the Queen That the Embassador who should be Commander in Chief of those Forces with two other English-men should be received into the Senate and be present in all Councils relating either to the War or other publick Matters of State That the Netherlanders should set on a Fleet of equal Number with tho Queens and to joyn with them And that for the re-imbursing of the Charges at the end of the War the Sea-Port Towns of the Briel and Flushing of whose Government nothing was to be changed together with the Castle of Zeburgh in Walcheren were divided into the Custody of English Garrisons as Pledges not without fear for the future though their present necessity made them cast it aside Of this Auxiliary Army sent to the Dutch Robert Earl of Leicester was made Generall a great Pretender to Virtue and who hid the unhappy and hated Spirit of the Family of the Dudleys whereof he was a Branch with an acceptable and courteous Behaviour The Original of the Greatness of his Fortune began first in a Prison for the Greatness of his Stock had not exempted him from Troubles wherein the Lady Elizabeth was then also confined by the Suspitions of her Sister Queen Mary In this place he gave great Reverence to the young Lady though not in regard of the condition of her Affairs at that time From whence by obsequiousness and partaking of Misfortune a commiseration and loving kind of pity arose wherewith she behaved her self with such a Womanly Indulgence yet so that he might nor forget his more Manlike Care that his Mind was so elevated into a flattered Conceit of himself as he imagined she would chuse him for her Husband being Queen which though he could never obtain by the Emulation of those who loved him not yet was he raised even to the highest Pitch of Honour and though surrounded with Envy yet amongst the most powerful of his Enemies he passed without Affront or Molestation When he first came among the Hollanders he was followed by the Love and Affection of the People and courted with the Flattery of the Great Men for there was a certain pleasant and winning Majesty both in his Countenance and Speech and he was really looked upon as the onely Restorer of their lost and decayed Fortune He used an excellent Freedom and Liberality both in his Letters and Martiall Acts wherewith the Netherlanders were so taken that in all hast to this person though a Forraigner and among his own people not altogether esteemed a Virtuoso before any tryall of his disposition the Government of the whole Netherlands as it was in the times
never intended a Peace And Arguments of their Hostile Dâ—signs and Warlike Preparations every day broke out clearer and clearer until at last the so long feared Flâ—et set an end to the one sides hope and the other sides dissimulation But Dissention and Factions with By-names went not out of Holland with the Earl of Leicester but under this pretence the Garrison Souldiers both of Cities and Castles made Disturbances robbing and pilling every where especially they that by ill-ordering of the Treasury were behind in their Pay for fear of Peace hasted by Rapine to repay their Labour in the War At which time some were pleased that the third part of Pay should be offer'd which by the Custom of the Netherlands is always in Bank and never used to be disbursed but upon very good occasions Which because it could not speedily be obtained in regard it was the Remains of many Years and to be demanded of many they forthwith every one took to himself what Liberty or Licentiousness he pleased being defended a while by some English the Queen had sent As if the Name of English would have made these Crimes pass more currant The Souldiery of Geertruydenburg upon the receiving a great Sum of Money seemed cotented but into what an unâ—â—ly Baseness and Tâ—eachery they afterwards backe on I wâ—liâ—m its proper place relate Sonoi in the City of Medem like â—cituate on the Western Shore of the Frizian Gulph by the Rebellion of his Souldiers against him suffer'd the punishment of denying Obedience to Superiours Prince Maurice by Siege reduced these to the Obedience of himself and the States â—â—ssel also Governour of the Garrison in Flushing hoping to command in Chief all the Souldiers in Zeland and drawing to his Party Veren and Armuyden Towns in the sle of Wâ—lcheren with an Ambition of Rule was at length 〈◊〉 Queen's Commands who understood heâ—â—â— things a 〈◊〉 Renunciation of the Earl of Leicester which now 〈…〉 heard of forced to desist In other places the Seditions were appeased with less danger but every where with great Expence of Money These things though not bursting out till the following year I have mention'd in this place because they are coherent with the matter But before I settle my self to proceed in my impartial Relation of the following Troubles I think it will be a digression both satisfactory and pleasant to the Reader if I take a short View chiefly of such Domestick Affairs of our own as is necessary for other Nations to come to the knowledge such as was that War when a few People and they living in a narrow compass of Land and shaken with many grievous Slaughters should yet raise it self to such a Greatness against so mighty a Power as that of Spain Therefore I will compare what Bounds what Form of Commonwealth what Number of Forces and what Natural Dispositions and Inclinations were in this middle Time most usual with both these People After the Liberty confirmed by the League at Gaunt Don John of Austria had Conquer'd Namur Lutzenburg and Limburge The Duke of Parma gained by particular Agreements Artois and Henault by Treachery he obtained Flanders and Brabant and Mechlin he subdued by Famine excepting that in Flanders the Town of Ostend in Brabant Bergeâ—op-Zoom and Williamstedt so called from the Prince of Aurange together with some Castles all lying upon the Sea-Coast or by the sides of Rivers Frizeland and Over-Issell were in the power of the Vnited States onely the Spaniard had Groningen The rest Steanwic and Daventry excepted with as many other Fortresses were divided with the Enemy And they wanted not many Towns in Gelderland besides Arnheim Geldres Niâ—umegen Zutphen principal Cities and some less Carrisons held by the Spaniard Prince Maurice did wholly govern and Zeland after the rest there came under his Command beyond the Frizons the Dominion of the Sea and all other places which continued faithful to the States in the Enemies Country They took away every where the great President of having proper and peculiar Governours in Cities suffering none such but in the very uttermost Borders Nor must I omit to say something of their Neighbors Beyond the River Eomes is the County of East-Frizeland commonly called Embden-Land By the Maes and Rhine the Bishopricks of Colen and Leige the Governour whereof a Bavarian a Kinsman of King Philips who encompassing almost all the Belgike Provinces by divers Names of Ecclesiasticall Dignities possesseth most large Territories and although the Court of the Prince of Cleves and Juilliers had not yet been claimed by War yet either by infused Dread together with the pretence of the Burgundian Alliances it seems to incline towards the Spaniard and then if any of those Cities should fall to the like Religion as the Hollanders they had an Enemy close by them that would be no less implacable than theirs But Cambray which after the Defection of the Neighbour Cities being clogg'd and annoy'd with its own Garrison Valois had by his last Directions commended to the Kingdom of France his Protection Baligny who was appointed Governour thereof by the King's Mother Catharine kept after both their Deaths and he now joyning himself to the Guisian Faction while the Duke of Parma rejoyced at the prolonging of the War thereby to recover satisfaction for the wasting of the Country and King Henry driven out of his own Cities had no peace nor vacant time to mind these beginnings took to himself an Authority though he knew it could be of no long continuance These were their Bounds and Limits Now let us consider their Polity the Vnited States among whom the Prince of Aurange for a long time had the chief Authority in the King's Name and then in his own afterwards both his and the States Power sliding into the Earl of Leicester's Dominion were taught by Experience that the strength of the Empire divided into many Hands though it may suit better with Liberty yet is it more subject to discord if the fear of the publick Enemy be but abated but the Government it self lost nothing for what was substracted by any means from its power was doubly regained in the benevolence and affection of the People for Honours and Licences were wholly granted by it whereas Impositions of Taxes and Subsidies and other burthens were laid upon the People by another hand And besides such is the nature of the common People that they will generally lay the fault of all miscarriages upon those who are most active in the Common-wealth and yet for Victories they will only acknowledge one The Nobles and more potent men were wont by an antient Custom according to the hereditary right of their Possessions to govern the Country and the Inhabitants therein but Towns were left to be ruled by selected and choyce Citizens and the Reason was because the People imploying themselves in multiplicity of Affairs did not desire to be called together and assembled upon every occasion of electing Officers or making Laws
as the Government grows famous being â— bounded among a few Families so neither is altogether popular as to be made up out of the multitude The Authority of the Nobles being left to themselves and all our power residing in the chief Citizens of the more Noble Cities Hence as it were by certain steps were they elected who were to govern the Provinces and to look after all other publike business not as in a meer Democratical form by promiscuous and accidentall choyce but by having a regaâ— to their descent and Progenitors the acquisition of their Wealth and their other laudable dispositions and vertuous qualities Nor was the Provision for securing liberty herein any whit mistaken while things of greatest difficulty and concernment were ordered by the judgment of many and the chiefest Authority passeth from hand to hand which â—s the cause that many without the hope of continuing their greatness have made it their study to learn and put in practice the true manner of well governing I have found it an experimented truth even when Wars were maintained against the Romans that the People both of France Germany and Britain were wont to examine and discuss their more weighty matters by the Peers of the Land and such choyces made by the Cities and that some remainders thereof appear even where Kingdoms have been since long setled But if we may dive into Records of greater Antiquity in Greece we shall find the like settlement among them under the name of Amphyctiones by whose unanimity the almost incredible power of the Median Monarch was both resisted and conquered And so in Achaja whose strength at first though inconsiderable yet by an harmonious Agreement waxed formidable But to proceed though every Province hath a Metropolitical City of its own yet now the chief and common Seat of Empire is among the Hollanders who as they far out vye the rest of their Confederates in Wealth so they do not a little go beyond them in Authority The Hague is a Village and the Seat of Prince Maurice exceedingly and choycely pleasant with delightful Woods and Groves and its neighbouring Bank The State of the Commonwealth in the Provinces under the Kings Command differeth not much from the other but that the great Assembly of the States for those parts are seldom called together except it be for setling of Taxes and raising Mony some few are selected to manage the private Affairs of every Province but the Senate with the Regent and the rest assistant thereunto as the Judges of Law and Treasury have the whole Government of all things and whoever is admitted into any Office he continues therein without alteration or change The Revenues of the United Provinces what they were is before declared afterward when they had shaken off all fear of Tyranny they began to settle Tributes for their own Commonwealth and when their Trading and Merchandizing encreased by the decay of Brabant their Spirits were augmented as their Riches and their undertakings were attended with success their confidence boldly venturing upon the greatest attempts enlarged their charges and expences their Fields Houses Victuals Cloaths nay their very Heads were not free but made lyable for payments of Mony They had the Sea open to bring them most certain Customs which not lyable to the hazard of War as other things though it was the endeavour of those in Power not to hinder Trassique if possible least Commodities of great value might by incertainty and hazards be carryed elsewhere But the Wealth of the Spanish Provinces though consisted much of Taxes very hardly and with an ill will gotten â— by the accession of great Sums of Mony from the King of exceed very far the other but that the multitude of â— who were interested in the receiving and payment of the same and the easiness of fraudulent dealing therein intercepted and devoured the greatest part thereof before it caâ—â— to the uses for which it was designed while some of theâ— would keep it as their own and others as profusely and prodigally wast it The Souldiery of the Hollanders consisting of Citizens Allyes and strangers besides the Auxiliary English Forces did not at this time exceed eighteen thousand Foot with a indifferent Cavallery the greatest part of whom lay in Gaâ—risons and were far short of their Enemies in multitude before France had made him divide his strength But the Earl of Leicester's neglect and their other many Seditions had taught them that it was better and more safe for them to defend themselves with small Armies than by exceeding their Treasure under the name of Souldiers to raise themselves enemies And now every day they brought their Discipline to be more strict that those Citizens and neighbouring Provinces and others that redeemed their Lands lying partly in the Enemies Country from spoil and pillage by paying mony for Composition might not be injuriously veâ—ed and when the Souldiers were drawn into Winter Quarters they were not to take any mony under-hand while they were there but the Commonwealth did defray all charges during their stay by this equality a wonderfull thing was brought to passe that every house was glad and willing to entertain them All the Infantry was divided into Regiments for so we will call them every Regiment containing ten Ensigns and seldom more Under every Ensign were to march an hundred men 't is true some Companies were at first greater but if you will look upon them generally what with Death and running away and what with the Captains false Musters they hardly arose to that Number Every Troop likewise was to contain so many Horsemen and three of these Troops as it were a Wing had but one common Commander And that all these might with the more ease be paid every Province took to themselves certain Companies of Foot and Troops of Horse to whom out of their proper Treasure they constantly gave their Pay And as every Province thus answer'd his proportion so they began a new Custom which was That they would in Vacancies name the Captains and other inferiour Officers under their Pay The Captains themselves managed the meaner Services but they who governed the Commonwealth either for their Vertue or out of Favour would appear in such as were more eminent The Forces of the Enemy were much more numerous than the other whereby they kept in awe what or whosoever they suspected and guarded their Borders though of a very great Extent The Common Souldiers Pay was alike on both sides but they had greater and more extraordinary Advantages with the Spaniard with whom also there were a great number of persons who had double Pay yet were they not less burthensome either to Towns or Countries whether in the Camp or in Garrison so that they were more than doubly destructive to the Treasury And their Military Discipline was much neglected by their private Emulations On the contrary Prince Maurice upon whom chiefly the whole Care and Weight of the War lay pretermitted none of
those things which had been used by Antiquity in the Art Military or that were grown Customary by Modern Practice and Experience He diligently encouraged his Souldiers to attend all the Enemies Motions and though he sat in the Highest Seat of Power yet he would not suffer the meanest things to pass without his Care So that it was admirable to see this great and Warlike Instructor who had never had any Master by discreet Considerations establish all things for the War that Guards might be diligently kept and Cities well Fortified he causes sound men to instruct the Souldiers how readily to pitch their Camp and to use all sorts of Engines and Instruments for Assaults and in regard they were yet unexperienced in Battels Sieges and Fortifications he hath them caught to manage Horses to observe their Ranks to carry Provision and to raise Works not according to the Method of this Age. At first these Endeavours were laughed at by the Ignorance of those who are ashamed to learn what they understand not but after the Success of some Experiments they were admired because hereby they that had turned their Backs in many Fights now durst stand and look the Enemy in the Face and reduce by strength Towns that they had lost So that now all did plainly confess That as no man excelled his Father in gaining the love of the People and laying the Foundation of a Commonwealth so by the great Blessing of Heaven the Son was as famous for the increasing and defending the same But how much the manner of the War was alter'd from the first use will easily be understood in the Context of the following Work A considerable Number of Ships are sent to infest the Enemies Towns that lay by the Sea-side and to guard the Passages of Rivers Some go out as a safe Convoy for Merchants and to secure the Fishing Trade Others sail up and down to scour the Sea of Pyrates Without all doubt in this the Enemy was inferiour who had very few Ports and they incommodious and not many Ships which onely waited upon Towns The Nobility on both side either contented themselves in an unprofitable carelesness or the peaceable enjoyment of their Honours with a kind of Neutrality for Envy of the Commons on one side and of the Spaniards on the other or else out of an inveterate Stupidity because some cunning Princes changing the Execution of their Military Offices into Hereditary Possessions had taken all from them and given them as a Favour to the other Some few there were that either out of Love and Thirst of Renown or their particular Discontents did take up Arms and do Service suitable to their Births and Qualities Among the Commons the young men and such as onely knew the Evil of the present Times because they had never seen Peace were content with any condition of Affairs not being sensible of the War otherwise than by Rumors and paying Taxes and many because the Religion publikely received was not affected by them for no other cause followed the Cry But the Laws of Holland though many of them not very harsh in their Sanction did sorbid to the Catholikes even the use of their Religion in private notwithstanding the like Orders had been the cause of so many former Tumults The same also by a kind of implicite manner put them from the chief Honours But the States allowed some mean Allowance to Priests and Nuns so long as they lived quietly because in many places their Possessions were laid wast but it pleased by connivance to suffer the Meetings of other Sects The Ministers of the Publike Religion were admitted on neither side into the Council nay the whole Throng of Ecclesiastical Persons were beyond the Inspection of the Magistrates Finally if the nearest Troubles had been appeased there would have been no suddain fear of new ones On the other side There was another Party of Netherlanders whose long Experience and continual Converse among Troubles had made them now not gainsay the Causes thereof There was onely a Shadow of those Laws in use before the War nor was the Duke of Parma's Modesty alike constant to all Some Cities were kept under by Garrisons but all were cuâ—hed by the Authority of Governours And although the Bishops enjoyed the Seats the Lady Regent formerly being the Duke of Parma's Mother and Alva had setled them in and many other Things were done for the Jesuits sake yet the Inquisition and all punishments inflicted thereby were either suspended or moderated in regard of the War and respect to the Enemy because the greatest part having fled that were Disseuters the rest had learned to obey rather out of fear than punishment On both sides Traffike and Merchandizing together with the increase of Work-mens Wages did readily supply the dearne's of Victuals and other Things necessary for Man's Life and also the Prices set upon greater Commodities and the Fruits of the Field which were somewhat scarce Among the Hollanders the Merchants Trade flourished which is the Nurse of all Inferiour Manufactures Amsterdam alone equallizing the greatest Mart-Towns either of this present or of former Ages In the mean while as the Benefits of Peace were received notwithstanding the War so the Evils thereof were not quite vanished for Men's Minds were not so much naturalized to Cruelty by the use of Arms as to run into contrary Extreams For all such as fled hither for safety and had secured themselves from a necessitated Banishment by a competent Provision by the Company and Society of Forreigners and imitating the better sort of them no Check of the Laws being able to restrain them would run into a supersâ—â—ous Excess and Vanity of Clothes and Dyet until they had by this means drawn in others to the same to avoid the shame of Poverty though they were in no way able to bear the same And therefore then that old and constant simplicity of the Hollanders and their uncorrupted Frugality was changed into Luxury and Profuseness which though it might advantage the Treasure yet was I am sure very pernicious and destructive to all good Manners because as Avarice as old overgrown Evil grows into Confidence it will not let Nations Conquer'd think so as long as they can live at such heighth But the Vices of the Enemy made these seem Virtues whose more wastful and abominable Prodigality was 〈◊〉 to be curbed even by Poverty it self The End of the Annals of the Netherlands THE HISTORY OF THE Low-Countrey's Affairs WRITTEN By HUGO GROTIUS The First BOOK I Shall here begin to Declare that more setled Course of Affairs wherein Prince Maurice having attained the Chief Command of the Army drew up himself the whole Managery of all Businesses The Commonwealth had still the same Face Religion was controverted with like Animosity the War sharply maintained with equal Obstinacy and all hopes of Peace utterly laid aside so that now the Series of Things was indeed in respect of its Actions various but
vowes In this perplexity of mind whether he aymed at the Lieutenancy of Britain or any higher Title since it hapned otherwise and is variously reported I will leave it to every mans opinion But now the Spaniards sent from their Fleet into Flanders severall Noblemen among whom was the Prince of Asculum whose Mother careless of her own Credit had made the King suspicious of his being true born to consult of the common affair whose passage being hindred that they could not return by that means they escaped that generall ruine wherein so many were afterward involved for by the Queens Command who now began to be in no doubt but the Enemy as soon as the Moon left shining chusing a duskish night would if possible joyn their Forces in this manner brought a great confusion into the Spanish Fleet that had set up their rest another night in that narrow Sea Eight English Ships filled with Engines containing Stones and Gun-powder and other combustible matter were being fust fired sent among the Enemy the Sea and Wind both favouring the Design But the Spaniards being mightily amazed with the glistering of the Flame for they perceived it came towards them and gave a great Light over all the Sea cut their Cables and get out to Sea In which Surprize and violent Fear one of the greatest Ships commanded by Hugh Moncada entangled with another Ships Cables and forced thereby to a Disorder was by the Violence of the Sea and Force of the Wind driven aground on the French Coast and there the Sea-men and Souldiers of whom there were in her besides those that Rowed with Oars Four Hundred hoping for some Relief from the Continent held the English now invading and assaulting them with Ladders in a long Fight till Moncada and many others being kill'd the Ship was taken and by the space of three whole hours spoiled But the Governour of Calais would not suffer it to be burned that he might preserve the Shadow of a Friendship the King of Spain not having yet publikely professed himself an Enemy to France though it was believed he had at this time a Design upon that very Town The King lost there in ready Money Fifty Thousand Ducats and Three Hundred Slaves were set at liberty A few of the Ship-men escaped out by swimming and were the first that brought into Spain the News of the Miscarriage of the whole Voyage The Fleet thus scatter'd with a Panick Fear is Rallyed again near Gravelin the next Town of Flanders and though very much gall'd and batter'd with the Guns and other Military Engines of the English yet they could not be forced to break their Orders any more In this Conflict chiefly the Spanish Design was ruin'd and brought to nothing for divers of their Ships being shot through with great Bullets for that they could neither plug up the Holes or Breaches nor free them from Water by their Pumps were swallow'd up in the devouring and merciless Waves Particularly one Biscayan Ship that was very fiercely assaulted while the Captains within it between Valour and Necessity dissent in Counsel even to their Extremity was immerged in the Sea Two Portugeze Vessels being brought into the Mouth of the Vlyâ— for the Wind had driven them thither they in vain striving to get out to Sea fell upon the Coasts of Zealand as if it had been the Design of Providence that they who were equally ingaged in the Danger should likewise between them divide the spoil The one of these Ships was called the Philip the other was named the Matthew Didaco Piementel commanded this and Francisco de Toledo the other both of them Collonels that the chief men in it being gotten away in the Ship-Boat the Flushingers had but Piementel scorning to fly and refusing the Boat sent to him for that purpose after he had with the loss of many of his Men endured great Extremity from their Guns deliver'd himself Prisoner to the Power and Protection of Peter Douse who being Commander in Chief of the Holland Ships in these Parts hung up in the Church at Leyden an Ensign taken from the Spaniards of an unusual Bigness as a Trophy for the Peoples Insultation Both these Ships all things being taken out of them that were fit for use were left to the Submersion of the Ocean And now the Hollanders and Frizelanders were informed that the whole Fleet of the Enemy was passing along by their Coasts whereupon they fearing that they intended to get into the Mouth of the Eemes hasted to take away all Land-Marks by the sight whereof Men sailing at Sea avoided the Shallows of those Places The Spanish Commanders thus worsted in so many Encounters and all throwing the blame from themselves upon the Duke of Parma began to consult about their Departure although they plainly saw that the danger thereof must be overcome with many other Hazards For back again all the Narrow Seas were beset so that there remained but one help which was to compass all the Northern Parts of Britain where the Rugged Ocean not broken by the Land is not onely boysterous but very seldom passed without the danger of Shipwrack And if they had then been hindred so great a Fear both of the Sea and their Enemies had seized upon them that it was reported the Duke of Medina-Sidonia began to advise whether he should yield up the Fleet and make Propositions for saving their Lives But the English onely watching what course they took least they should fall upon Scotland or enter the Danish Seas as soon as they perceived them leave all that Coast would not by following them ran into the same danger with them since they onely sought a way for their flight through that great Ocean resting very well content with the Honour of driving away the Fleet and saving their Country For when they would eagerly have pursued them they were as I told you before hindred for want of Gun-powder But they sent the Lord Seymor back in good time that he joyning with the Hollanders Fleet should repel all the Duke of Parma's Endeavours the rest having for a while been tossed with a Tempest at length got safe into England though not without danger The Glory of the Greeks and Romans who of Old made good all their greatest Affairs by Navall Victories was without doubt at this time equalled by the Fortune and Valour of the English though the Conquest was slowly and safely gotten without the joyning in a close and intermingled Battel And in the event of this Contest it is very remarkable that in all the time they fought with the Spaniards there was not one considerable Ship lost nor above one hundred killed or destroyed either by the Sea or the War when all this while the Spaniards underwent all kinds of miseries for having lost near five Thousand Men and their best Ships many of those that remained being either sick or wounded and wanting all things they were at length glad to throw themselves for
safety into the merciless Fury of a most impetuous and stormy Sea where they threw over-board their Horses Cattel and much other Goods to lighten their Ships against the insulting Waves Then the Duke of Medina Sidonia gave Order to such as came up to him that they should steer their Course between the Orcades and some other Islands in that Sea to the Ports of Biscay Himself with some few Ships that were in better case than the rest makes his way to the Great Sea the rest went not far off from Ireland some of whom by various stress of Weather brought back again were cast some upon the Coast of England some of France Many driven into Norway were then dashed in pieces against the Rocks and another part thereof by a boysterous and raging Storm was whiâ—led into the furthest part of the North and the yet unknown World The King of Scotland performed the Laws of Peace and Hospitality to all that were cast upon his Dominions Two and Thirty were cast away upon the Irish Flatts and the adjacent Sea and the men labouring to save themselves weâ— slain by the Inhabitants because they were more in number than consisted with their safety to shew mercy to the rest were followed even into their Country by the implacable Fury of Revengeful Fate where two of them were burnt iâ— the very Port or Harbour and others by like Mischances destroyed onely Thirty remained that carryed Provisions and of Ships of War out one of all that late so great Fleer bringing home the Commander in Chief Many of the Nobles and not a few of the common sort died soon after their Return either by the Diseases they contracted in so troublesome and unfortunate a Voyage or else out of grief of Mind that while they looked upon themselves as Conquerours they should be subdued by the peevishness of Fortune The greatness of their Loss appeared in this that the King was forced to shorten the time of Mourning by Edict that he might hide from the publick view the Misfortune thereof that had filled so many Noble Families with Funerall Obsequies Some of the Prisoners both in England and Holland were Ransomed others had their Liberty given them freely Many times men learn Piety from Fear and the Event of a Thing hanging in doubtful suspence makes them run to their Prayers But here Publick Thanksgivings were Ordered to be given to God for this Victory and the Queen her Self being carryed in Triumph according to the antient manner made a Speech to the People wherein she shewed That a greater benefit could never be received from the Divine and Eternal Providence of God whereby to make out how weak and vain all Humane Strength is against the Power of Heaven And the Hollanders reaped another Benefit from this common Danger because after this they had the more Friendly Society of the English who hitherto were wont to boast that they had supported those Allies onely out of meer Humanity But the Duke of Parma while the Remainders of the Shipwrackt Fleet were getting home to Spain being cast from his accustomed Felicity into a Gulph of Misery and thrown from the heighth of Confidence to the bottom of Despair rather by the impulse of others than his own Advice because he began to be hated is drawn to besiege Berâ—â—op Zome The Brabanters urged him That he should not suffer one Town whence daily Inroads were made by their Troops of Horse into their Country and laid wast their Fields to infest them and put a stop to all his Victories Although he was not well pleased to remove the Army now burthensom to exhausted Flanders to any other place least out of Shame or Fear if it should refuse it should seem there was no relying upon their Assistance But if Fortune would once more become favourable and the Design should succeed thereby a way would be made into the Isles of Zeland and so to carry the War into Holland the next way as he thought to revive those hope which he had too confidently before relyed on and lost For that Town being rarely scituated on the Borders of Brabant at a little distance overlooks Zeland not far thence is the River Schelde into which the Zome from whence the Town is so named falleth whereby the Town hath a long but somewhat inversed or winding Haven It was in a very flourishing condition by continual Commerce under the Command of a Noble Family bearing its Surname untill by the Neighborhood of Antwerp and the Mischiefs of War it decayed having been taught woful Experience both by the Enemy and those who remained there in Garrison But when it came to be annexed to the Vnited States though sometimes indanger'd by Treachery yet now was â— first â—et upon by Force and a Siege Thol an Isle and Town of Zeland is divided from the Territory of Berghen by an Arm or Branch of the Scheld which being convenient for the passage of the Forces least if it should be left to the Hollanders it might hinder the Siege Montigâ—y and Octavius of Kindred to the Count Mansfeldt were sent before to possess it who coming upon a suddain together with flying Reports given out as if the War were intended against Hosden they lead Eight Hundred Souldiers over the Fords hoping to have privily surprized the Coast or Border of Zeland but the time of the Waters slowing being not well observed for then it flowed a few men easily worsted all those Defendants endeavouring with staggering Foot-steps by reason of the Mud to go forward In the mean time the Mâ—sketiers they had left in Brabant deâ—ended themselves under the Defence and Shield of the Bank for so the place proved to them But presently by the care of George Ebâ—rard Count Solmes that was Governour of the Island and the noising abroad of the danger the multitude of his men increasing put the Enemy to flight and drove them into the Whirlpools where without possibility of help they perished the Captains themselves hardly escaped by swimming The natural Marishness of the place being very Watry and somewhat deep destroyed as some report Four Hundred Men and if any part of their Bodies being yet alive appeared above Water presently with Darts or other Things cast at them they were killed in all this Encounter there being of the adverse Side but one man kill'd which is almost miraculous to relate and from thenceforth the Island was strengthned with Castles Guards and other Military Engines of Defence Hereupon the Duke of Parma taking another Resolution that by shutting up their Haven he might straighten the Townsmen of Provision with his great Army he besieged their Works placing Guards in all places near about them and where his Men were by any means separated he made Bridges to unite the passages to each other With all which the Citizens of Berghen were nothing terrified nor were as if they had been besieged because both Souldiers and Aid with all other things necessary for Defence were
to the question on if an Army should be prepared against these Rebels who so arrogantly slighted the Commands and Authority both of the States and of Prince Maurice Some would not have the Souldier to be further incensed with danger alleadging time and opportunity would better cure such distempers whose violence cannot long continue On the other side it was affirmed that they made a mockery at patience and lenity and should they stay till the enemy with whom even then they privately treated was admitted openly into the Town if Pardon were offered to them with terrour attending it as it would encourage the good so would it compel the rest to repent Thus of late Medeâ—leks was restored by the penitence of the Souldiery after the Enemy had long hoped for it with a fruitless expectation It matters not said others which course is taken to save the place for men resolved to be treacherous would still continue in the same mind whether you leave them to themselves or seek to win them by perswasions Wherefore it the beginning of the Spring Prince Maurice gathered together as many Forces as he could both by Sea and Land though not sufficient for a Siege and with them marches thitherward At the first approach a battery was made against the Town with Cannon which was answered with the like by the Rebels little being then done but that among the rest Justus Villiers was killed who was a great Souldier formerly Governour of Vtrecht and now Camp-master and the Person that had instructed the Princes youth in Military Discipline and all Warlike Affairs And when they perceived the Prince intended to storm the place forthwith having now beaten down the Bulwark and laid open the Town they diverted that eminent danger and turned it aside under the cloak of a Treaty and the day following what with the overflowing of the Rivers and what with the Rayn the intended agreement was never perfected Besides there was news that Lanzavecchia with a select number of Souldiers was approaching at the instigation of Wingfield nor did that Englishman want words to perswade the accomplishment of the Treason But calling the people together speaks to them to this effect Yon see them here saith he whose Bullets and fire never were thrown with like fury against the Walls of an Enemy and therefore have been so much more dangerous to as and now they threaten as presently with the Sword and we all as enemies by their unanimous consent are designed either to slaughter or punishment But yonder are they who come to preserve us from whom we many merit both favour and reward It is noâ— is your hand fellow Souldiers whether to run the hazard of yielding to the one or to give and receive a benefit from the others This Oration was applauded generally they who were near with their words and the rest with a kind of soft and whispering noyse signifying their consent Prince Maurice being not prepared for a long Siege resolved to depart and the rather because he would not seem to necessitate that treacherous yielding of the Town to the Enemy which he could not prevent or hinder But yet he sent Letters to them to try if either respect of honesty or fear of Infamy could yet prevail on any of them But that mercinary People received them with scorn especially for that the Duke of Parma had besides payment of their so long elapsed Wages bestowed among them also a Donative It is reported that then he began to clear up his countenance which had been long clouded with grief whâ— from a high Tower in the taken City he could see Dort and those other places of his hope at the beginning of the Waâ— It pleased him to look upon and Command the first of all the Holland Cities after 12. years reduced into his power And such was the over-hastiness of his exaltation that theâ— being yet none of his Souldiers entred the Town he trusted his person to them whom of all other being admitted â— ought for that very cause to have suspected and some wâ— in very great fear lest taking hold of so great an opportunity they should again have proved treacherous to him Be there was no time to mention such a thing and therefore 〈◊〉 have been dangerous to be spoken of They delivered the Town to him not to his party least they should deceive both Few of the men either returned to England or their old obedience though some did but the rest according to their number as the Duke of Parma had seperated them did very great service in the Warres never assuming to themselves any but in Victory for being prescribed as Traytors and Renegadoes they had forfeited all their priviledges of Souldiers by their crimes Nay their villany was condemned by those who reâ—ped the benefit of their Treason by whom they were long after yeered with the name of Merchants scarce any of them coming to a naturall and timely death and if so yet not without Infamy Many were afterwards taken in other Cities and according to Martial Law executed The Souldiery to whom the Duke of Parma delivered the possession of the City made many valiant excursions and severall times in a short space fought very fortunately surprizing three Troops of Prince Maurices Horse as they were negligently scattered up and down near Boisledue From hence it appeared very necessary to take in all the adjacent places and accordingly the care thereof was committed to the inferiour Commanders Besides Gertruydenburg there are two other Towns belonging to the jurisdiction of Holland and lye now beyond the Maes But Hesdin formerly was contained in the Maesâ— before the waters were conveighed away by a new Channel reputed a part of the antient County of Teisterbant under the Allegiance and Patronage of the Princes of Clâ—ve who afterwards transferred their might to the Hollander But the Town of Settenberg of old part of Strideâ—land it is seperated by a River and therefore as to the matters of Religion it is under the care of the Bishop of Leige nor of the Bishop of Vtrecht as the rest of Holland is It had proper Princes of its own yet so as they were to do homage to the Princes of Holland and severall Villages above Gertruydenburgh have very antiently been subject to them is having been the Custom of valiant Nations when they conquer to passe the next River and make the further Banks thereof the bounds of their Empire notwithstanding all which the Brâ—banters have a long time but to no purpose challenged both Gertruydenburgh and Hesdin to belong to them But now Count Aremberg with ease prevailed over Settenberg being very meanly fortifyed and so the more ready to be spoyled by any Armies but he could not keep it because the Hollanders were in possession of Nordam and the other adjacent places Charles Mansfelt being sent against Hesdin attempted also Bommel the head of the adjoyning Isle and encompassed with double branches of the Maes and Wael there meeting
few fled and escaped with their Captain Vere having given this famous Testimony of his Valour and Judgment was shortly after prefer'd to the highest Dignitie to his great Renown Varembunius laid the blame upon Charles Mansfield for he was present also for the greatest part of this loss though he had brought to him at the time of this Fight some Companies out of the Isle of Bommell because lately both of them suing for the same Command wherein Charles being denyed and the other preferred it was said he now deserted him a emulous of his Glory But by this means the Conquerour-afterwards brought in safely to the Besieged all their Carriages both with Provision and Men they also having near the same time made a lucky Sally into the next Quarter of the Enemies Leaguer and this done returning through by-ways they escaped any danger intended to them by the Enemy And now the Besieged were in so good condition that they slighted the Enemies Forces though of late much recruited until the Spaniard had by force taken a Castle near to Rees that was their onely hopes of Succour and supply of Provisions Three Months after this in the next year the Winter continued when the Hollanders considering seriously with themselves that they had not Forces enough to relieve a place so far distant from them as occasion would require came at length to this last Result That the Town should be surrendred upon Honourable Conditions And thus the Duke of Parma obtained Berck and not so contented he clandestinely sought to get Bonne and Nuisse Cities belonging to the Dutchy of Cleves and this he did with the more Confidence in regard of the Prince's Age and Infirmity having also won many of the Nobles to be his Pensioners Thus he got Possession of Arnhem not far from the Rhine Not was Aquisgrave a free City of the German Empire let alone at peace among so many broils for Philip claiming the Custody of that City as antiently belonging to the Princes of Brabant for he endeavour'd to hide his Ambition of being Lord under the Title of Guardian thereof by his Edict banish'd many of the Inhabitants who had forsaken the Roman Religion But their stay being bought off with a Sum of Money given to the King's Commanders content onely to have wasted and forrag'd the Fields left the City until many years after the Fury of several Parties falling upon Germany this City among the rest was seized under the pretence of Right While the Armies thus range about the Maes and the Rhine and meeting Parties skirmish and fight every where the Mauricians got exceeding much Booty for the Hope wasted all the Enemies Country with Fire and Sword carrying away all manner of Provisions having either kill'd or driven away all those â—hat defended it But notwithstanding all this the most cruel Battails were at Sea because the Hollanders being stronger there had absolutely taken away all things that were wont to be Chaffer between Equals in Power by which means the Spaniard had lost all benefit of Exchange After this if any Enemies could prevail so much in strength as to infest all that Traded at Sea by Robbery they were called Pyrates Hence it came that the Flâ—drians provoked by their frequent Losses and such as fled out of the Hollanders Ships conscious to themselves of any great Crime as such men generally are fierce out of a desire both of Revenge and Prey put to Sea and not onely seized unarm'd Trading Ships but many times indanger'd the more able Many times it fell out and it is not to be forgotten because it equall'd the greatest Adventures of Antiquity that when any one part had by Boarding the others Vessel intermingled their Companies they in danger rather than be taken would with Gun-powder blow up both themselves and the Enemy so much do they care who despair of Life not to dye unrevenged The Kingdom of Spain which hitherâ—o had been undisturbed in the midst of all her Neighbour's Troubles now first began to be sensible of a War brought Home to her for the English accompanied with the Hollander's Ships and Souldiers advenâ—urously Forage all the Sea-Coasts of Gallicia afterwards they re-settle Don Antonio in his Kingdom pitching their Camp about Lisbone The Queen sent out six of her Ships on this Design the rest being One Hundred and Twenty Sir Francis Drake Commanded General Norris had the Conduct of the Foot Souldiers the Prey taken to be divided between them And so great was their good Success at the beginning that Albertus of Austria who was Governour of the City in the Name of King Philip had prepared himself for flight But by the Advice of some private persons in regard of the doubtfulness of the Portugezes Allegiance the small Provision they had of things necessary and that several Diseases raged among them springing chiefly from intemperate Drinking they went away and left all things unsetled whether because King Antonio was not able to perform the vain Promises he made of the Peoples Affection to and the Moors Assistance of him or that their too suddain Departure spoiled the Design is yet in doubt But sure it is the Hollanders were not hearkned to who had both offered and shewed themselves ready to defend and keep all the Castles and Forts on the Sea-Coast as well as the Entrance into the Kingdom As soon as ever the Siege was broke up presently all who had at this time been observed by the Spaniard to wish for a Change were very severely punished But the English did nothing more unless that they made appear the weakness of the Spanish Grandezza in that they were never hindred by them either at their Landing or during their stay nor ever resisted them in the Demand or taking of their Forts or Castles and a Fleet of Germans coming from the Baltick Cities being met and taken as Prize gave occasion to those People by Legates and Writing to contest among themselves whether Provisions wherewith People being at Peace with them do help the Enemy may rightfully be taken as Prize and disposed of accordingly And now France divided into parties was ingaged in â— like quarrel after the King had caused to be slain the Duke of Guise the head of that publike defection nor did the King long survive Guise being soon after assassined by a Monk he was the last of the name and Family of Valois in whose revenge as also of the Duke of Guise the whole Kingdom was divided into Arms. Without doubt by the Customs of France the right of Succession belonged to the Family of Bourâ—â— But Henry the head thereof Prince of Bearne who was called by the name of King of Navarre though hardly enjoying any thing besides the name for that the Spaniard had violently wrested it away he I say professing the Religion which they call Reformed though he promised equall Justice to both had drawn to him all the Nobility but the Cities and Towns would not receive or
endeavouring violently to break through and aiming with his Sword dangerously to have wounded Herangier fell down and was killed valiantly fighting But Charly to whom was given the Command of the other part of the Souldiers drove the Enemies Garrison into the innermost part of the Castle which was incompassed round with Water These were kept in hope to the very utmost by Paulo Antonio Lanzavecchia who was Deputy-Governour of Breda under his Father a young Man and utterly ignorant in Stratagems of War Odoardo Lanzavecchia the Father Prince Maurice had caused to stay at Geertruydenburg three miles distant from Breda seeming as if he would draw thither his Fortes and Carriages and to that purpose some were sent under the notion of Spyes who by spreading a false Rumour should make them insensible of the Truth And surely the Duke of Parma was very much over-seen who had committed two Towns to one Man's keeping when one Man is hardly able to defend one Town and let other Rewards without Danger be for such as deserve well therein But Paulo Lanzavecchia to try if by chance he could force this small Company out by Battel passing out over the Bridge sallyes upon the Enemy with a Company of Men crowded together they were about Thirty and Six But they were soon vanquish'd by them who could not at that time be overcome and himself sorely wounded most of his men being kill'd he fled back the same way he came By this time they heard a Noise of People fighting within the City and the Townsmen came to break open the Castle Gates that Heraugier's Souldiers might not drive away with their Shot out of the Gallery above the People and clear the adjoyning Parts At last the sign being given that the Design had taken Count Hohenlo presently marched up with a part of Prince Maurice his Army who were not far off upon the Espyâ—l being come to the Gate and perceiving the 〈◊〉 made them lose time they passed over the Lock or Damne beyond the Palizadoes nor did Paulo Lanzavecchia deâ—eâ— to Covenant for his own Safety by the Surrender of what he held in the Castle The Prince himself immediatly follow'd Hohenlo with another greater part of the Army consisting both of Horse and Foot who coming to the Gates threatned to force them open Then the City trembling and deprived of the Garrison that should have defended it redeemed their Pillage with two Months Pay to the Souldiers for the Italians 〈◊〉 whom the Guard and Defence of the Town was committed being six Companies of Foot and one Troop of Horâ— whose Duty it had been to have broken the Bridge beâ— the Town and the Castle or at least to have kept the Gate from being seized by the Enemy being struck into an amaze at the noise and clattering of Arms in the Castle and withall not well agreeing among themselves were easily wrought to fly and leave all to the Enemy and which possibly might be another Reason to the same purpose being the more afraid of the Enemy by how much they were generally hated by their Hosts who had quarter'd them for that while they enjoyed the Town they abstained from no sort of Villany but raged in all kinds of Lusts Therefore when the Duke of Parma set himself to Revenge this popular Errour and Crime of the Souldiers to take the shame from himself all that were designed for punishment as Fugitives and Renegadoes though late suffered the punishment inflicted on them for theiâ— Fault excepting onely one Intemelio for whom his Youth and Nobility obtained a Pardon and Odardo Lanzavecchia as it were in punishment of himself left off and surrendred the Governorship of Geriruydenburg Prince Maurice now entring the City took into Command and Tuition those his Antient Paternal and Hereditary Possessions and all the Citizens living therein his Youthful Modesty rather grieving at than accusing the City charged with the Payment of the Souldiers Wages and many many more of them had their Names in the List than were present in the Service for the Prince would not seem to mind those private things although the Sum amounted to a Hundred Thousand Florens when Antwerp paid to the Duke of Parma but Four Hundred These things thus done the Government of the Town was bestowed upon Heraugier and the rest were all of them afterwards both rewarded and preferred to Honourable Commands The States Decreed Publike Feasting and other Testimonies of Rejoycing and that there should be Prices of Money Coined which should be as a General Record to Posterity of this first Victory obtained by their Prince without the effusion of his Souldiers Bloud which afterwards was drawn into Example by Custom as oft as any great and prosperous Success crown'd their Actions And there were not wanting some Wits who Celebrated the Prince's Auspitious Beginnings and magnified the Gallantry of the Design averring That the entring of Troy by Graecian Lords in a Wooden Horse was a Stratagem very like this or it may be was an Eminent Ship so called They compared the Fortune of the Place which nine years before by the Absence of the Garrison the Treachery of the Watch and Slaughter of the Citizens Altapen Count Berlaymont's Son surprized and took Thus every Man's Fancy was in Agitation but we must not dwell here The Companies being left in the Town which were to defend it and some Troops of Horse on purpose to make Incursions into the Villages of Brabant the Army marched away And the Provisions carryed in by provident Care of those whom the Prince knew had been privy to the Design served the place a long time But as soon as a Messenger brought News thereof into Germany to the Prince of Parma who now weary of the Toil of War it may be by Advice had desisted from Hostility until he received Letters from Spain least he should suffer without taking Revenge the Country to be spoiled he commanded Charles Mansfeldt who had Reduced Berck to go thence with some part of his Forces and to shut up all the Passages to Breda in order to â— Siege being moved thereto by a false hope that there was onely a few Days Provision in the Town and besides imagining that the Townsmen would not be yet contentedly setled under their New Lords On the one side therefore Gertruydenberg straitned it the rest Mansfeldt surrounded with strong Guards yet they feared Relief would be brought thither from behind for the River Merck runneth into the Maes and maketh hard by many little Islands which Princeâ— Maurice had fill'd with Souldiers And the River it self where it runs by Breda he had inclosed with a Bridge and a strong Castle at a place called Terheiden From hence the Souldiers highly enraged match out to Sevenberg a Town scituate in the further part of that Continent and force it together with a weak Castle belonging to it their greatest labour was spent about Nordam which is a Castle scituate in a very moyst ground and in former times
hath been often girt about with ditches whereinto the Sea floweth especially on the North part and there is also a Redout and the whole by cutting away a part of the Bank is washed by the Estuary of the Maes like an Island It was at this time defended by Matthias Hellye one of the famous Adventurers in the taking of Breda who had as many Souldiers as he thought fit out of the next Islands After the Parmensians had spent some dayes in battering the place to no purpose they prepared Bridges and other Engines and materials for an assault and therewithall a Ship was set into the water and Armed men stood round about in the Station at the top of the Mast that were by the continual casting of Darts to drive away the Defendants The besieged as soon as they saw it approaching sent out in opposition to it Boats set on fire but the Wind averted that danger and drove it the Enemies Ship to the Banck And as it drew near the strong eddy or Whirlepoole of the River turning it round brought it into the Trench some set upon it as it lay upon the Shallowes o herâ— cast flaming fire-brands into it and the Souldiers from the top of the Mast are thrown down lying open to all wounds being obvious to the Enemy on the contrary side was intended and so this stratagem wrought not its effect Mansfeldt observing the great slaughter of his men and the resolute fidelity of the Garrison as also that he was no lesse worsted in the adjacent little Islands began to doubt and despair as well of the Siege of Breda as of its being betrayed And in the mean time while he lingers in vain about the Town the Horse that were therein wearied him out with daily Sallies and Skirmishes But Prince Maurice recollecting his Souldiers and though he had but a small Army about four thousand Foot and very few Horse marched into Gelderland as if he had had a design upon Nimmeghen But the Engine prepared to the sudden assault by the use whereof against the walls they would have fallen down missed of its hoped success this Engine was found among some French materials it was in the form of a Hat wherein were included Gunpowder Bullets and square pieces of Iron thenceforth knowing the weakness of his Forces and finding himself not fit for a Siege because from the adjacent places both Arms and Provision were daily brought into the City he resolved to draw off yet for a time he continued there and wearied them at a distance to try if by that meanes he could possibly withdraw the Enemy froâ— Breda which happened according to his expectation for after both of them had thus vainly spent their time in Sieges Mansfeldt with his encreased forces striving to help the neighbouring parts because the City in regard of the Souldiers known effeminacy scorned his most able defences pitched between the Maes and the Wael But Prince Maurice kept his Army within the Isle of Helland and to prevent the Enemies passing over the River he sent Ships into the Wael and fortified the whole Bank of the River with Forts and Guards from the division of the Rhâ—ne unto the place where the Maes falls into it in which place Count Sobâ— who commanded some Select Companies given to him by Prince Maurice was ordered to intrench himself in the Isle of Voorne as if he had been about to incamp And a large cut was made from the Waâ—l into the Rhine whereby without danger from Nimmeghen any Forces or Provisions might be brought from or carryed into Germany and several great Banks erected to restrain the overflowings of the Rivers chiefly at the charge and by the pains of the Hollanders 〈◊〉 were greatly benefitted thereby as well in point of Security as Trade and Prince Maurice at the same time getting this safe defence over against Nimmeghen built a continuing Station for his Camp The Souldiers gave it the name of Knâ—dsenburg from thence into the City which pleasantly ariseth as it were out of the Bank and from the City against the Workmen there was a vast nay almost an infinite exchange of Bullets But they that wrought in the building of the Castle did either work in the night or were fain to set up blindes to preserve them from the Shot But the greatest mischief afflicting the Townsmen was the falling down of Towers Steeples and other eminent Structures upon their heads and ready with their falls to destroy them So that now there was no safe Habitation in all the Town and the River was quite taken from them by which inconveniencies being a People not used to War and desirous of Commerce and Trade by little and little they were drawn to change their Masters Thus was the Summer spent at Nimmeghen when the Duke of Parma having been again to drink the Spaw waters and the success of his Affairs more luckily suiting his desires began a little to recover his health For Ricardot a constant participater with the Duke of all his Counsels had brought back out of Spain to him very gracious and well-pleasing Letters wherein after his confirmation in his old Government he received Orders concerning the French War for the King was of opinion that that being near he would not refuse it and that the difficulty of the undertaking would make him forget his present cares But the Duke of Parma was of another mind which was to leave the French to the division of their own quarrel untill the Netherlands were wholly reduced or quieted But well knowing that Princes humours must be born by one that is engaged he made a vertue of necessity imagining Honour offered him which by himself must be made glorious by dangerous enterprises Wherefore going into Henalt that by his vicinity he might take care the more easily Messengers followed him thither with the news of Egmonds overthrowes wâ— the slaughter of his Auxiliaries at Eureux and that the Conquerours Army pressed hard upon the Parisians And not lâ— after the Duke of Guise's Brother and Successor coming on him to associate Counsels he did publickly testifie that ill fortune of their parties At last after several debates and private Consultations with the chief Commanders concerning the managery of the War the Duke of Parma towards the end of Summer lead all the choyce and picked Souldiers of the Kings Army into France And new Levies followed out of Germany and those other Spanish Mutineeâ—s from Courtray and Menin but before their departure they compelled the Townsmen to give them part of their pay and the rest they had from the King and then was that president instituted for perpetuity that a Scuâ—e in payment to the Souldier should be currant for ten Royals The whole number of Foot was twelve thousand and of Cavalry there were three thousand The chief care of all Affairs in the Netherlands was left to Peter Ernest Count Mansfeldt as Deputy Regent the rest of the Souldiers left behind
out of fear compelled to obey them â— may be observed among the Indians who reverence them as they do Evil Spirits that they may not hurt them He to wit Paâ—a without blame undermines by Treachery the Cities of Cleâ—â— Others are voluntarily delivered as a Pledge of Friendship by him whose due they were as the Revenue of his Ecclesiastical Proâ—tions as is said which now are really become trusty Recepâ—cles of Villany and so many Dens for Robbery Nay the most opulent and wealthy Prince when his Souldiers want Money pâ—â—ts out you for their Pay Masters and whole Regiments of Souldiers as well as others are made fat with German Tributes We at this time onely strive for this that we may not suffer an unlike Fortune in a like Cause We certainly if ever â— People labour to keep our Souldiery unblameable and peaceable towards all our Neighbours by our constant Pay to them Our Subjects bear us Witness and the Legal Punishments inflicted on â— that are guilty that as far as War is to be Governed we striveâ— preserve the Peace of all that do not disturb us Onely herein â— hope you will pardon us if sometimes the Souldier takes may upon him than the Officers or Magistrates We have hitherto maintained the antient Estimation of Holland even in the Mischiefs of War among the most remote Nations much less shal we the antient Companions and Followers of the Romane Prowess and so near allied in Bloud to the Germans by any Perfidy violate that Great Parent which always furnished us with Captains instructed us in Vertue and shewed us the Example of Liberty As for Gravewaerdt the chief Government of it long before the War and Charges of a Disputed Right belonged to Gelderland as standing in that Jurisdiction We hold it not to injure others but to defend our Selvss and our Borders And for the rest of the Towns and Castles although being taken from the Enemy they lost their Priviledge of Peace yet we shall willingly yield them that as Force first began from the Spaniard so with us Right shall be both a beginning and Example The Burden laid upon Trade that passeth our Borders is nothing so heavy to our Neighbouring Nations as to our own People they have necessitated by War though they be no other than such as are frequently demanded and taken by most Potent Princes And to remove our Guards of Shipping when the Enemy lies all about the Rivers is not consistent in Policy with Safety but they are rather Safeguards to all such as pass that way and likewise defend you as well as our Selves About this time there came also an Embassie both from Colen and Leige Bojoarus was Bishop of both places Wherefore the States not medling with the cause of Truxius his Quarrel they complained of many things against the Bishop whose unasatiable Avarice took Confidence onely from the Spanish Greatness assisting him However they assured to Colonian's Safety and Peace if as standing in the middle they would onely converse with Parties as Neuters But the Condition of them of Leige was far different having both done and suffer'd by connivence many Acts of Hostility Against them also was objected the punishment of such as were innocent under colour of vindicating Religion and afterwards when the rest of the Netherlands were possessed by the Spaniards intermixedly they so openly set out for them Winter-quarters and raised Summer Provisions that if we may not plainly say it was a Voluntary Act yet we may well say it was not Compulsory And therefore to hope for Peace where they had so deserved and in the interim upon Order to send away their Prisoners there was little Reason It would not be amiss or any ways absurd to dive further into these Matters that both the Reason of War against the adjoyning Cities and what Peace they may expect may be understood And indeed after this there was Freedom taken both for Rapine and Injuries as every Province inclined hither or thither out of fear of Danger or sometimes out of Design They hardly ever took a Voyage free from Arms and Force while both endeavouring to get away by that very means drew on the Enemy Thus in several renewed Embassies there was nothing but the same over again heard at spoken But the Hollander yielded up several strong Holds as desired but in truth because they were so far distant that they could not easily be maintained or defended and that they might thereby heap upon the Spaniard Envy if not bring upon him a War because he would perform none of those things which before he had agreed to And there were some in the German Dyet who would have nothing but Force and Arms used against them for neglect of performing their Promise But the other Princes and Bishops who continued all in one Society of the Catholike Religion or were otherwise obliged to one another broke the strength of that Design to use Force by procrastinating Consultations and the hope of a Pacification with the Netherlands And now some were sent from the Confederate States to complain that they were betrayed by the Treachery of their Enemies and the careless Sloth and Neglect of their Friends They having given away from themselves the Rewards of their Pains and Charge in the War for as yet Truxius did not appear while Philip yet unquestion'd kept possession of all the Cities near the Rhine Nor could they obtain of the Emperour any whit the less every year to forbear to assist the Spaniard with Arms though he saw them averse to the desired Peace At the end of the year the Duke of Parma returning from France was afflicted and vexed with many things though he brought with him the Honour of having freed Paris from a cruel Siege and bringing his Army Home safe from among so many dangerous and mortal Enemies For both himself and his Army were hated by the French Commons and the Cities would not receive Garrisons of his Men for fear of Forreign Servitude so that here all Philip's hopes were blasted and he found there was no relying on such uncertain Friendship Another of his Vexations was That by the Enemies Excursions most of the Fortifications through the whole Netherlands had been Reduced That Verdugo in Frizeland onely taking the small Castle of Ementell had in all other Maâ—ters of War been unfortunate and the Souldiers at that present were ready to Mutiny And the Townsmen of Venâ—e a place in Gelderland near the Maes startled him for they being perplexed with the tedious Evils of a double Garrison first by the help of the German Souldiers drove out the Italians and afterwards taking more courage became too strong for them and turned them out Besides another Sedition grew more violent among the selected men hastned through Germany by Mansfeldt to hinder Prince Maurice his Progress because he had provided for the new raised men part of their wages and debarred the rest from any This Mansfeldt was an old Commander
in the War that made them rage against him more furiously Thus being about Herentals and other adjacent Towns of Brabant as if they had been Enemies they spoiled all that part of the Country which is called Kempenlandt yet pretended themselves the Kings Souldiers and if any resistance was made against them neither Rapes Murthers or any other villany was by them accounted unlawfull Thus while they harassed the Fields though the pay decreased yet their number that demanded it was increased But the Duke of Parma said that he suspected the Souldiery ought to have been dispersed into severall fortifyed Cities and there mixed with the new raised men Indeed it was time to shut the Stable-door when the Horse was stollen And this Counsel coming too late served to little purpose otherwise for surely the onely removing of the mischief to another place was but miserable comfort to a publick â—lamity But this Advise brought not to them so much 〈◊〉 but instead thereof more seditious Souldiers daily came together who being wearied with a hard and pinching Jâ— quickly laid hold of that opportunity to ease themselves and forcibly to seize those rewards which their Commandâ— had formerly denyed them But the Duke of Parma had â— some Companies in France with the chief Commander of the Guisian Faction to whom the Prince of Ascoli was commanded to conduct some more according to their desire 1591. The Enemies Forces being in this manner divided and the Souldiery remaining at home disobedient and â—fractory or else but lately raised the confederate Proâ—ces fleshed with the last years success now took heart and they who before could scarce defend their own bounds without great fear and hazard now resolve to invade others Some perswaded them to forbear till the Duke of Parâ— was gone into France but others thought it best to lay 〈◊〉 of all opportunities and if they did nothing else yet it 〈◊〉 well worth their time and labour to hinder the Duke of Parma's Journy into France Neither did they continue long â— suspence from what part to begin their business for although the Frizoâ—s desired their ayd yet it was of great concernment to them to free Issell from Garrisons of Spaniards to whom all Gelderland as well the Betuwe as the Velume and the others that were near for fear of the Hollanders incuâ—â—ons were tributary the which grievously enslaved ever since the Prince of Aurange his time they had omitted hindered either by their own weakness or the Enemies power As soon therefore as the time of going abroad to forage was come and the Souldiers numbers compleated and their pay ordered among them Sir Francis Vere whom the Queen had made her General of the English first went toward Deâ—burg Some few of his men in the habit of Country-women with Baskets running as if they fled from a following Enemy got into the Fort that lies over against Zutphen onely separated by the River whereinto they were no sooner entred but quickly laying hands on their Weapons which were hid under their Cloaths partly with theâ— and partly with Weapons taken there they killed the first Sentinels ere they were aware and afterwards the rest surprized with amaze and fear were easily either killed or taken Vere had not held the Fort above one day when Prince Maurice came thither with all his Army of eight thousand Foot and two Wings of Horse making two thousand they brought with them all things necessary for the assault of a Town And for the more ease of the Pâ—ince there attended a Selected Counsel of the Senate to the Companions of his Cares But fame hereof coming to the Enemy it was believed the Army was bent against the Cities of Brabant or elâ—e to take Gertruydenberg because a few dayes before the Sâ—uâ—â—iers had in those parts taken Forts and Castles And â—he Prince forwarded in them this error at first by a doubâ—full march as if he intended to go to the Maes but on a sudden at the winding of the Rhine turning into Issell there met him Count William and two thousand Frizons drawn out of the Garrisons Here Intelligence was received both from Sir Francis Vere and some Prisoners that the Banck was to be possessed Here the Enemy was secure in other places he was afraid and therefore that the City was neither well fortifyed nor victualled but for a few dayes That the besieged before any Relief or Provisions could be brought to them might be taken by foâ—ce there no being in the Town above six hundred Armed men and nothing considerable of force could be raised by the Citizens most of them having formerly left the place to avoid the Souldiers insultations At the very first Skirmish Count Falcosteyne the chiefest of all Truxius his Commanders was slain while he too furiously pursued the beaten Enemy flying into the Town but his body was fetched off and rescued from villanous usage Upon the River were placed Ships fixed with Anchors in form of â— Bridge which reaching orderly from Banck to Banck joynâ— the Souldiers Quarters together with a safe passage 〈◊〉 from thence others were commanded to dismantle all 〈◊〉 Guards upon the wayes and another part were ordered 〈◊〉 draw oblike and crooked Trenches up to the Castle that 〈◊〉 the casting up of the Earth they might come safe from the Enemies Darts or Shot up to undermine the very Walls and to this work the night was designed The Seamen and Marriners whose readiness and coâ— in Maritime Affairs was here of very great use for thâ— brought thirty great Guns with more celerity than Horse part into a little Island in the River and part against the main Buildings of the City that they might with the continuall Thunder thereof shake and overthrow that part of the Works which was weakest in regard the River was of it 〈◊〉 a strong defence But in the City though struck with a sâ—den fear yet they ran up and down every where to prevâ—â— the Enemies endeavours they increased the Rampiâ—es at the Gate shut up by the foe and within began new Works by which time a certain number of Cannon being shot off according to Military Custom Messengers were sent by the Prince with threats of the greatest extremity unless they would submit and render the Town They pray a time to consult but that would not be granted whereupon conscious to themselves of the want of many things and how fâ— they were to defend the large circuit of the Walls they â— rendered upon Articles that the Souldiers should march away safe and undisturbed and the Townsmen if they pleâ—ed might stay being ordered and governed according to the Laws and Customs of the confederate Cities According to which conclusion many Sieges afterwards being ended we shall not so often repeat the same The Spaniards found fault with the too hasty rendition of the Town and therefore the Governour of it as long as the Duke of Parma lived was never suffered to come to Court The fifth day after
the beginning of the Siege was Zutphen delivered it stands in an excellent Scituation the River Barkâ— runs through it Issell passeth by it as it comes from â—phalia and not far off falling into the Rhine by the labour of Drasus as it is believed This with her neighbour-Towns and Country was of old subject to the Princes thereof who were called Earls and there remains a distinct 〈◊〉 of Jurisdiction though it be now united to the body of Gâ—lderland not so much by reason of its scituation beyond the Rhine as by the intermarriages of Princes Upon the same Banck stands Deventer formerly a free City of the Ausâ—ike League and the Metropolis of Over-Issell under the Bishops power Hither when the Army came with a swift march at the very sight thereof they were at a non-plus not knowing what to do But the strong Fortifications of the City and the greatness of the Garrison whereof the Army had Intelligence being one hundred Horse and fourteen Ensigns of Foot made the Prince at a stand Herman Count Herâ—nberg was Governour thereof both an instructer and an example of vertue and fidelity he was neerly allyed by bloâ—d to Prince Maurice himself as being born of his Aunt and therefore so much the more envying the glory and splendor of his Kinsman Above all the Duke of Parma was feared least he should draw together Forces and come and disturb them in their Siege which if it should happen there would be a necessity for them either shamefully to fly or doubtfully run the hazard of a battel And the taking of Zutphen as it was a great incouragement to all that hoped well so was it a warning to others that they should not endanger their gotten Honour but rather preserve it for more certain advantages On the other side some that fled out of the City brought Intelligence that the Souldiers were ready to mutinie that there was not Victuals to serve against a long Siege nay that they had not Gunpowder enough in any proportion for their Guns which being understood the middle course was resolved on to wit that they should with all speed fortisie their Camp stop â— all passages both by Land and Water that no Messengeâ— might be able to get to them with newes of Relief But if the Enemy should hold out it would be sufficient that all the Bancks being guarded they might for the future easily passe to the other side and force them and this was the sum of the Counsel before the expedition was undertaken Prince Maurice making a continual battery against the Town upon the ninth day to try the mindes of the besieged drew up his Army before the Walls then commands some Ships to be forthwith carried into the Channel where the River passing by the City is somewhat stopped and to place them near the shore These in regard they could not be rowed because of the narrowness of the River some Seamâ— drew under the very Walls with their hands in spight of al the Enemies Shot an undertaking certainly of such a nature as many couragious men would have shrunk at The Boats being placed in the very trench and a Bridge made over them every one was ready to take upon him the shoâ— and assault to merit the Princes prayse who called it an honourable piece of Service though it was not a work for ordinary Valour Thus while they made so much hast they hindred the Engineers and the Bridge it self being a little too short did not reach over to the other Bancks The Wall is this place together with an adjoyning Tower was partly beaten down by the force of the battery part of it yet being supported by Arches for it was an antient Structure and heaps of Earth thrown into the hollow places thereof The choyce men that were to give the onset and if they entred to make good the place were many of them drowned some few onely attaining the shore by leaping I cannot in this place passe by the glorious emulation of two Ensigns the one of whom being killed upon the top of the Walls the other brought off both his own Colours and those of his slaughtered Companion But all this time the Cannon did the greatest harm to the Enemy yet could not force them from the Walls for being full of Wine they made rather a desperate than a valiant defence Here in the first place Count Herman fought with more than necessary Valour in regard he was the Governour of the Town but he did it to make good his Honour and fidelity For some Spaniards had not stuck to report that it was an agreed design between the two Kinsmen Nor did he go away before the showres of Bullets yet continuing thick he was in the darkness wounded All night the Princes men were fain to defend the Bridge from being burned for the Enemy continually cast fire at it As soon as the Day again appear'd and the Enemy now grown sober saw plainly the Prince's Army before them in Battel Array and the Bridge whole the sight being also ready to begin again then they considered their danger especially upon the Return of some that had been sent as Spies who reporting the Prince's strength with the greatest Advantage made their disgrace in case they surrendred to seem the less Count Herman alone would not consent to surrender but he being very ill with his Wounds though he might suffer the Rendition yet could not hinder it For the Townsmen now called to the Souldiers that guarded the Bridge that they might have liberty to Treat whereof the Prince being informed and receiving from him safe Conduct they went out The Townsmen were left to the Conquerours Mercy and that thereafter they should have Magistrates appointed not according to their own Laws and Customs but as should be thought convenient by the Vnited States of the Reformed Religion And it appeared that as Zutphen so also Deventer did not reckon the Spaniards should dwell amongst them for ever for that before the Siege they burnt their Huts although they had not long before Wood enough Before their departure all the Captains and Officers were deliver'd bound in vain lamenting the own Necessities and the Civil Discords But Count Hâ— would not believe that the States were able to raise such numerous Forces yet he having been Governour durst not go into the Spanish Quarters fearing bitter and inveteâ— Accusers and prepossessed Judges Fit Garrisons being 〈◊〉 placed in the Cities lately taken the Frizons beseeched 〈◊〉 That now at last he would think of them whose Peace was diâ—â— bed by the pertinacious Obstinacy of one single City and that 〈◊〉 remained now but a few Towns and Castles which if they were taken the whole Country between the Rivers Issel and Ems would be free from the Enemies Incumbrances and be intirely in the States Power So much was their hope advanced by these first Successes that they who till this time hardly durst undertake any thing now on a suddain did not
boggle at the most adventurous Enterprizes With great speed therefore an Expedition into Frizeland was begun and least in the absence of the Army the Enemy should make any Imâ—ons the Regiments lately raised in Holland were ordered to keep good and strong Guards upon the Wael The Prouisions of War and all other Things that might impede their Journey being put aboard some Ships were carryed out of the Issel into the Zuyderzee and so through the Ocean to the River Ems. The Souldiery by this means free from Porsage onely in passing over the Marshes they carryed besides their Daily Provision Faggots were led into that part of Over-Issels which is called Drent where the People had inclosed their Marshy Grounds with a great many young Shoots of Places growing together for the Enemy stopped the better way being possessed of Coevorden which some did advise the Army to take as they went least from thence the Enemy should pâ—e them in the Rear averring that Verdugo who kept that Castle might easily be beaten thence either by some Stratagems publike Force or want of Victuals But this Câ—â—el was not approved by reason of the difficult bringing either of great Carriages for Battery in a Land-March and also because there was less necessity of fighting at Groeâ—â—g Among many other inconveniencies the Army met with in their March thither one was a Meor containing in 〈◊〉 Three Thousand five hundred Paces And though the upper Crustiness of the Turf was so hardned notwithstanding Natural Moisture underneath that it would endure a few to go over it yet such as follow'd in the Third or Fourth Rank sunk so deep into the yielding Mud that they could hardly be drawn out though sometimes their Captains came and gave their helping hand to them that so the Toil might not seem so grievous to the Souldier and in a few hours the whole Army had passed it which all the Inhabitants thereabouts had thought impossible to be done But the Souldiers could not be restrained by any Authority to forbear Injuring to the Country as they marched according to the Evil Custom of Armies their pilfering stealing and wasting of what would have served for many days had almost caused want of Provision and that would have bred a Sedition but that the Ships came in season loaded with Provision to prevent the same Now were all the Tents pitched about Groening where the Prince conceived a good hope of Success from the variable and unconstant behaviour of the Vulgar against those in Authority as also from the Discords within the City But indeed too confident in their words by Relations above Truth had for their own advantage drawn the Army thither 'T is true there were some within who remembred the League of Union but they were over-powred by the adverse Faction Moreover Verdugo upon the Report of the Armies coming into those Parts had strengthned both Steoâ—wic and Coevorden with Garrisons and with the Remainder of his Forces was come to Groening before Prince Maurice yet was not for all that admittâ— within the Gates for the City when it first submitted excepted that one particular but kept his proper Guards in the Suburbs as well to the Terrour as the Aid of the City The Prince not staying above six days there for fear the City should as out of Necessity admit that Garrison within their Walls and so for the future all their hopes be utterly lost an likewise because he heard the Duke of Parma was preparing an Army to raise the Siege on a suddain falls upon all the circumjacent Forts whereby all the Ways and Passages of Rivers were stopped And which had in the Series of this long War been often subverted by the Frizons and as often re-built Great was the Fear and Dread of the Souldiers as having been more accustomed to Theft and Depopulations than Fighting few of them enâ—uring more than the very sight of the Caâ—on and the weake places they left without any Siege at all The greatest Castle of all named Delfeziel and famous for a Hâ—ven where Fivel falls into the Ems was held by Souldiers of Groening the conveniency of the place had of old wâ—ough upon all that desired the Dominion of the City to get or keep iâ— which the Duke of Alva attempted but was hindred by the Times The States now having gotten this place inlarged the Old and strengthned it with new Works making the Tributes of the places near thereto bear the Charge dividing the Sea-Bank from the Rampire and building Houses therein threaâ—ning Groening That unless they repented they would not leave it any Inhabitants And at the same time a great wâ— of all Things shrewdly tempted the inclosed to alter their Faith and consequently their Lords But after the Prince had drawn away his Army Verdugo making his way by force through the weakest Fort opened a Passage to the City out of Westfalia by Bourtange But the Duke of Parma coming too late to help either Zutâ—â— or Deventer and imagining the Enemy durst not have â—â—â—uted so far for that many of the Spaniards by reason of their ill pay would not be commanded doubtful whither he should lead his Forces being now met together about the Maes and the Rhine either to distract the Enemy in his Design or to match after him voluntarily which would be the more noble and so to help Groening as he was desired he was deterred from the latter by the excessive greatness of the Iourney and besides all the Country lying between was wasted and spoiled either by the Frizon Souldiers or his own Wherefore at last he resolved to answer the desire of Nimmeghen whither being come he commanded the River to be passed over and the Fort which Prince Maurice had the former year begun to be besieged himself would do all that was necessary in the City Count Barlaymont lay upon that side of Knodsenburg which looks Eastward Another was Beleagueâ—'d by Octavius Count Mansfeldt who was shortly after shot by the Besieged and dyed of the Wound He was a Noble Person and although but young yet ambitious of Honour and for the winning thereof would shun no danger The back-side of the Fort was inclosed by the Horse and some other Regiments Lamotte brought thither the Artillery with ease by the help of the Rising Bank He afterwards finding the Bulwark too strong for the Cannon though a great part of the Ravelin was beaten down and seeing the Enemy were not terrified at the sight of the Army drawn up in Battel Array against them filled the Trench with Oziers and other Boughs and after that sends some privately to undermine the Bulwark they in the mean time who were to fill the Ditch helping the Work forward with many of their dead Bodies But the Defendants that were Six Hundred under the Command of Gerard Junius a Man of great Courage were ready in all places to answer the Force or Policy of the Enemy with Shot and otherwise many times by
Souldiers out of their winter-quarters goes into Gelderland which the Enemy had quitted In this hasty Progress some of his Ships falling upon the shelves he was constrained to burn shortly after recruited with the Forces of Count William being twelve Ensigns he entred the Wael and united the Island and the main Land together with a Bridge The Camp on both sides was sortified against any Enemy that should come on their backs The upper part of the Town where the Walls were not lined with banks he thought fit to batter and because it seemed a great way to draw the Artillery and incommodious withall they were carried before the Town in the night and by that meanes the Defendants in Nimmeghen for that in the dark they could not discern the quick motion of the Ships spent all their Shot and Darts in vain At the same time beyond the River on the other Bank there were other Military Engines to shoot into the Town At first they resolved couragiously to defend the Town and being not yet quite enclosed round they sent to Verdugo desiring him not to forsake them in that their extreme danger for at this time he was commanded to defend Gelderland 〈◊〉 had no forces so that he might not immeritedly complainâ— have onely forsaken places under his charge After this because they feared their Fortifications might be defective al hand of all Sexes and Ages were imployed to make a 〈◊〉 Work more inwards There is a Castle in this place 〈◊〉 not so much because it is impregnable by the Military â—iscipline of this Age as for its being a Monument of antâ— greatness and prowess The Townsmen attribute the glory of the Work to Julius Caesar warring in these parts against Gaul They tell us also that the Catti built the City who when of old they left their own Country possessed this Island of the Rhine and all the Neighbouring parts of Belgia But it is evident to me in my search of old Authours that here uppeared no kind of City either in the dayes of Caesar or of Trajan in whose Reign Tacitus wrote in the Roman Iâ—rary written by Antoninus this Nimmeghen began first to peep up her Head at the Wael and that Charlemayne built a Palace therein the French Chronicles declare assuring us withall that by the Normans it was utterly consumed with fire but the Germans not long after growing prevalent it became a free City and was a great while the Selected Seat of those Emperours Untill by the Articles of the Pope it was torn from the German Empire in the divisions thereof when William Earl of Holland got his share and want of money still produced new occasions it was pawned to Othâ— â—hâ—n Earl of Gelderland from which time being by reason of its so near vicinity to the Province of Geldres annexed thereto it hath increased in power growing rich by the long enjoyment of peace and having brought forth many ingenious man But to return to the Siege As soon as the Cannon and Graâ—â—eâ— and other private Stratagems by Mines and the like had now made the danger alike in every place being once more summoned they were divided into factions The Gâ—â—nâ—s and men in Power boasted of the Kings Power and that an Army was coming to their relief both out of Frizeland and Flanders there being no Reason why Renegadoes should have their revenge But the common People gathering together with a sudden fury broke into the Court where after a long murmur and humming noyse at length â— burst forth into words to this effect first setting forth their misery in the stopping up of the River their wasted lands their ruined Houses and the approach of Famine Neither saith he is this the first time that we have by a Siege been forced to yield to our fortune It is now a Year and upwards 〈◊〉 we have here lived in a wretched condition among these dangers glad to sock any corner to hide our selves in for safety and the continued Series of our miseries is thus much more increased for that we have unworthily and treacherously violated all Covenant But we unworthy of any help and neglected by our Lords of whom we have merited better things have received a very Signall favour from the Enemy unless perhaps now us if bound to suffer the extremity we still wait for relief from them who refused to help us while they might or which is as vain that we should think with our own strength and three little Bands of Souldiers to overthrow those mountainous Fortifications and raise a Siege which is so strongly setled and maintained We shall be left as Zuâ—phen and Deventer We have against all Reason protracted the time beyond Hulste and what hope have we what Reward shall we receive of our obstinacy Alas wretches nothing but to be conquered Let us now at length shake off the Chains of a based and ingratefull Kingdom while we receive him who now is reputed our Adversary not as a powerfull foe but a mercifull Conquerour There is a sort of People who alwayes wage War that they may not be enslaved by others yet never have any hope of setling a Government among themselves To these all Rivers â— Seas are open they sail to all places for Commerce their 〈◊〉 flourish as in the undisturbed enjoyment of a continuall Peace 〈◊〉 are not impoverished either by their Governours and Magistâ—â— avarice or the rude licentiousness of Souldiers while we pay â— less Tributes for the upholding our slavery than for the 〈◊〉 of our Laws and Customs Let us become free among Frâ— and in enjoying that happy Name of a Common-wealth instead of being conquered we shall be equall Conquerours and have â—qual share both in Command and Government This Speech being ended many of the People did threaningly murmur the same things so that they who at the beginning were averse now went away as consenting either out of fear or for that they believed what was spoken was 〈◊〉 truth And the Souldiery durst not resist being well contented in regard of their inability to have their lives saved The City desired they might be permitted the use of the Roman Catholick Religion but it would not be granted As soâ—n as it was delivered Prince Maurice sent in a Garrison and appointed a new Magistrate and this privilege he took â— himself during the War abrogating the power of incorrupted Fraternities as the onely nurse of Sedition for 〈◊〉 the Neighbouring Towns were ruled by a Senate unless thâ— for the dispatch of more weighty Affaires some were by chance elected from among the People Thus enjoying the greatest part of Gelderland he restored the antient splendor of his Family for that formerly the Princes of the Name and Blood of Nassau had governed that Province The Siege of Steenwic was thought fit to be deferred because the Winter was now come very hurtfull by the Frost and Ice to marches and obnoxious to carriages nor would it have been any thing better
his Predecessors terrifying also their foes with cursings and threats such as might have frighted a former Age but such as either feared damage or loved profit forbore to meddle and such as really intended help were soon taken off by old age It is manifest that Sixtus withholden by envy to the Spaniard and rather than he would augment his Wealth inclined to the French King and this many suspected to be a cause of hastning his death Against the plague of this concuring War the United States rigged a Fleet and sent to the King for a Guard of the very â—lower of all their Regiments ten Ensigns of Scott and the like number of Netherlanders under the Command of Philip Nassau But when the Duke of Parma for now he mustered his Army long delayed his March King Henry dismissed for the Winter most of the Nobility that were faithful to him and the only support of his necessitated War that he might have them the more ready another time They were scarce departed when the King hearing of the Enemies approach to assault him was compelled to draw his Forces together and by that means the Siege was raised But when the entrance of the Spring had brought him a Recruit of Horse he pressed upon the Enemy and forcing him beyond the River pinched him with Famine for he was impatient of any longer delay and ready to decide the cause by Battel if the Duke of Parma silently repassing the River had not marched towards Paris Wherefore the King leaving Roâ—n and taking some other Ports on that Coast into his power and fortifying them where they wanted he brought to passe that thereafter he could not be hindred of any assistance coming to him by Sea In this Interim there were some light skirmishes famous only in this that in one the King was wounded and in another the Duke of Parma which wound troubled him moâ—e than his old Disease for cure whereof he had gone to the Spaw And now wearied with France about the latter end of Summer he brings his ragged Regiments through Vermandois the nearest way to the Netherlands At this time the English while the Spaniards passed backwards and forwards in America and other places very much annoyed them both the Wind and the Sea conspiring against them to deliver them up as a publick Enemy And whils they have spoiled one another the tempestuous Sea spared neither And now also that anniversary plague of mutinous parties returned into the Netherlands and that with the more violence because the Mutineers not only wanted their pay but were pinched with the miseries of Winter Some that were quartered about the Cities of Colen grew very outragious as looking upon Germany as able to yield them booty enough But such as remained about Leige and the Country near thereto after they had by a long stay wasted all the Country about part ran away to other parts but most of them perished either by poverty or Diseases and if any yet continued healthy they were so accustomed to discord that they would range far and wide to wast and destroy and by this meanes more was to be maintained yet there were fewer to defend it But the Land under the United States was more restrained having for defence in most places Rivers running round about it and the Sea securing another part Besides the valour and vertue of the Citizens was well known that they who were raised in the inner part of the Country would help to defend the furthest parts thereof and be faithful Supplies to the Regiments abroad Hence it was that there was a desire to go out with some part of the present Forces while the Duke of Parma was not yet returned and if they had made hast without doubt many of his men wearied with Travel and worn out with Battels and then also coming from a strange Country in the Winter would not have been able to have encountred half the number of their Enemies But laying aside talk they began to think of action Holland insisted upon the Siege of Gertruydenburg But the Frizons were preferred before all that the prosperous beginnings of the last year might be perfected in this themselves also offering their own Souldiers of whom they never need to fear a scarcity if there be a War continued for any time And indeed these were the main strength of the Union as long as the other Regiments attended the War in France About this time some Letters written by the Groningers to Count Mansfeldt were intercepted which declared the necessity of their condition and how want of all things grew upon them Moreover they sent some selected Deputies to the Emperour to tell him they had not fled to the greatness of the House of Austria when they were free that now they should be left undefended to the Government of Deputies and laid open to the injuries of their Enemies should they never be so happy as to see their General and his Army at least for example sake that no people might seem to have followed the fortune of that great House without Reason or unadvisedly Which complaints being sent into Spain produced yet no other effect than Exhortations to fidelity and great promises that an Army should come and cut open their passages with the Sword One Regiment was added for defence of those places held beyond the Rhine And while Verdugo endeavours by all means to encrease his Forces Herman Count Heremberg daring nothing further infested only the lesser Fortifications about Issell from whence the Inhabitants took an occasion to contract that they would undergo the sudden brunt of both sides and that they should enjoy by the levelling of the Castles a common possession of their Lands untill both Armies had decided their quarrel by a pitched Battel in the Field At this time as it were on purpose to hinder Prince Maurice his March the newes of the Vtrecht Factions came to his Ears for that unquiet City had not yet forgotten those differences in Religion which were begun in the Earl of Leicesters time And Zeland lying far from the reach or defence of his Sword began to deny the payment of their Taxes and Assesments but these being all by him easily and with speed composed in that same Spring he marched out not with any new raised Bands but for his supply and recruit he had sent Orders to several Captains And thus he did muster of Hollanders and Frizons eight thousand Foot very near and five hundred Horse and of Artillery greater and less fifty As soon as they were come to the utmost Border of Over-Issell which looks towards Frizeland the Walls of Steenwic were in sight the greatness of whose strength Fortification as well as the fame of the Town took up all their thoughts And some of the States being of late terrified therewith as also divers forreign Princes judged it a very rash undertaking for they remembred that this was the place from whence they had driven Renneberg after a
of the Tubantes whither the Prince being come with part of his Army while the Camp and Leaguer were Fortifying he drove away the Spaniards with his Guns whose Horse rather than they would be Besieged there broke through the middle of the Enemies Here was kill'd by the Enemies shot Charles Levinus Famarsh who having for a long time taken the part of the Confederate Nobility at this time was General of the Ordnance a Man excellently skill'd as well in the understanding and management of doubtful and difficult Affairs as the most prosperous Now was a very handsom Sally made out of Coevorden wherein many were slain whose Bodies the Besieged desiring that they might have Christian Burial they were deliver'd to them Frederick Count Heremberg with six hundred Souldiers part of whom were sent to him through the Marshes defended the Castle but he burned the Town least it should defend the Enemy in their Battery and breaking down of the Walls or else should be burdensom to him to keep yet he seemed to maintain the Ground-plat thereof though onely out of design to protract time untill the Prince by digging entred it and beat out those who stayed to fight in defence thereof and then raising a Mount he planted his Cannon for battery The Works which were without the Trench round about the Castle being over-hasty deserted the Besieged themselves voluntarily set on fire the Bridge And now as soon as they were gotten to the Trench the Prince received Intelligence what plenty of all things the Besieged had onely they had but one Well of water to drink off so that in the night they were forced to come to the Trench for water the same environing the Castle with a very great deepness This he found might be dryed up with Engines and likewise the Springs of the Well be stopped or at least intercepted But at the beginning of the work it appeared that there was an encrease of Water under the ground through continual bubling Springs which according to the nature of that Element will follow whithersoever the Workman can design to draw it Not was it long before divers falling shoures yielded comfort to the Thirsty Besieged and put a stop to 〈◊〉 But the French which was fed by certain little Câ— brought from the Marishes was drawn dry and fill'd and 〈◊〉 more safe passage had placed thereon Devices made of â—ber and Hurdles so that the Souldiers might come safely 〈◊〉 the very Walls the Flanks and Fronts of the Builders 〈◊〉 secured either by the darkness of the Night or a Line 〈◊〉 beyond them Between which Coverts great Posts 〈◊〉 indifferent distance being fixed were cover'd with Plâ— and Earth cast thereupon to prevent the Enemies shot 〈◊〉 preserve them against fire Being thus conveyed they â—dermined the Rampire at the very Bottom but the Cannon from more convenient places had beaten down all the Curtain and driven away the Defendants While these things were doing here Mondragonia in the mean while furnish'd divers little Castles and Forts in the Country of Brabant by the taking and forcing of which the Hollanders for some years past had fetched thence aâ— well great Booty as exacted Tributes This was his 〈◊〉 Care while the main strength of the Government beyond thâ— Rhine was by the hands of Assailants and Defendants eveâ— almost destroyed But as soon as the Duke of Parma returned from France Verdugo was very earnest with him to carry his Army that way But the Souldier was over-â—ryed with Travail and besides required before he would stir any more the Pay that was due and in Arrear Yet nevertheless he obtained that Ten Thousand Foot should be drawn together from sundry parts and 7 Cornets of Horse should be deliver'd to him to undertake that Journey and if he saw convenient to fight the Enemy besides he was to be Recruited with Three Thousand more out of the Garrisons beyond the Rhine Prince Maurice receiving Intelligence of these preparations in regard the compass of the Leaguer was greater than he could safely make good against the Besieged and withall defend himself from an External Force that might come at his â—ack he therefore began new Works more inward leaving and dismantling the former There came also to him out 〈◊〉 the Regiment of Collonel Stolberg as a Supply for these Souldiers which the prosperous though not unbloudy Sâ— of Sâ—nic had consumed and wearied The English Regiments also returned and the Hollander's Auxiliaries which had been in the French Service Count Philip of Nassau being order'd to bestow the wearied men into Garrisons 〈◊〉 to draw out in their stead such as were fresh with which he should defend Gravewaert the Watch Tower for the Vâ—r and turn towards the Enemy if by chance he should châ—fe the Isle of Holland or either of the Coasts adjoyning or near thereto for the Seat of the War and to follow him whithersoever he went Also Frederick Count Heremberg either from Intelligence or Conjecture had conceived to him aforehand the hope of Relief that would suddainly come to him and therefore being required to deliver up the Castle he answer'd That they must stay yet some Moneths first A few â—ts before the English Regiments and the other Forces under Count Philip of Nassau did arrive at the Camp or Leagueâ— Verdugo having got past the Rhine by taking a long Circuit as far as Berck had pitched not far from Prince Maurice at a place called Emlichem prying with all diligence into the scite and manner of the Prince's Camp and not onely with his Eyes but by the Treachery of a Noble Person with whom the Prince at that time was very familiar whose fault also the Prince afterwards pardon'd though it were manifestly proved The Enemy had conceiv'd a hope of straitning the Prince's Army of Victuals but when they knew there were two ways to supply him and that the Marishes lay between them and because his Forces were not enough numerous to be divided he resolved to try the strength of his Weapons and Men in an intire Body Now were Fires seen frequently whereby he admonish'd the Besieged that they should not be wanting to his Design being altogether ignorant that they could not sally because their Bridge was broken down But Night drawing on apace the Spaniards notwithstanding the delay in their passage from the Bridge over the River Vecht assault the ouâ—eâ— Camp where the Prince had placed Stolberg with his Regiment and a strong party of Horse in a place very convenient for as well in regard of the Trees as the Waters The Enemy had chosen to assault this place because they guessed the Horse-Guards would not be over-diligent in their Watch and the new Regiment was hoped to be unskill'd in all things belonging to War and thereupon they began to creep oâ— the Trenches in every part to attempt to scale the Rampire and successively climbed up one in the Foot-steps of another But the Nassauians although they suspected that Night as if
Navarre when he fought for the Spaniard under the Binner of his Uncle Don John of Austria against the Turk Being made Commander in the Belgike War he shewed how great he could be In the quest of Honour he was indefatigible ease and courteous in his access mercifull towards his Enemies and for as much as could ever be discerned by his outward appearance faithfull to the King and not to be corrupted against his own Honour and the Peoples affection He was very conformable to Counsel but was tyed up more strictly than ordinary to an Opinion once affirmed and would not endure such as dissented And then from the success of Affairs he took too much to himself and that very thing raised him many Enemies and caused much of His contrary fortune which indeed he took gently though which is 〈◊〉 more difficult he bore his good fortune with a great Spirit Some do observe that for a long time he followed the advise and Instructions of Caspar Robless a most ingenious and wise man And that after his death no one being prevâ—kâ— with him among variety of Counsellors differing in opinion he became unconstant and wavering in his Resolutions aâ— that from thence his Fortune reculed from him His maâ—er of speech was Majestick but withall amiably pleasant Hâ— Stature and other parts of his Body but of a middle size his Eye sharp and penetrating the true Emblem of a watchâ— disposition The rest of his was not his own naturally 〈◊〉 may be rather called the faults of the Court and the Age. The detractors of his fame among whom Campigny was one commanded lately by him to a recess in Burgundy attributed iâ— to the power of the Kings Forces or the wants and discoâ— of the Enemy Both whose Conditions being changed 〈◊〉 also was the fortune of the War On the other side soâ— wisely considering both affirmed that there was no small difficulty to govern with an equall hand and keep in orderâ— many several Nations in one Army some whereof were aâ— most insociable repressing therein all Animosities which nevertheless broke out soon after his death and so from time to time more bitterly Even in the greatest extremities he carryed security in his presence so that most of the Seditions of his time were begun in his absence 'T is true many Towns were lost but it was when he was employed other-where and as Fortune was pleased to wait on the Armies But how great a part of them did he conquer and certainly he could not resist the same Enemy afterwards with any other Design nor with naked Forces Without doubt all Discipline perish'd with him His Funerals were celebrated even with the Tears of the Netherlanders who wished such as would not grieve for him the Reward of the Severity of former Governours The Third BOOK of the History of the Dutch AFFAIRES BY the Duke of Parma's Death the Expedition into France was broken off and the Regiments staying upon the Borders took some French Castles lying near them and not long after the Town of Nayon the 16th day after it had been besieged the French being first filled up and the Works that were interposed begun to be undermined But the King of Spain was willing now to make a Peace that he might the better employ his whole Endeavours against the Low-Countrey-mens present good Fortune and for the winning their good will he confers greater Honours on those Noble-men who by their continued Obedience were known faithful to him Bestowing upon them the Command of several Provinces and while one could be pitched upon for the chief Regency Peter Count Mansfeldâ— obtain'd the Name of Governour a man as well in Age as Experience before others being now in the Eightieth Year of his Aâ— The Chief in the Council were Peter Herrique Count Fâ—tayn and Stephen Ibarra both Spaniards This in the Agâ—ment of Artois formerly had consented That the Publike Government should be in the Citizens But discovering the Fraâ— he prevail'd for the Institution of a Council of War that might by degrees though not directly draw all Things under thâ— Care and Cognizance That Council consisted for the 〈◊〉 part of Spaniards to whom at this time were added Fontayn and Ibarra who had Order by Command to moderâ— the publike Charges and to overlook the Treasury which it was rumour'd in Spain that he had perform'd with fidelity The cause of believing this might be as it then hapned the unexpected Charges of the War though oftentimes under that pretence are hidden all manner of Deceit and Polling and the Mind being never throughly purged but the stain still increasing so that at last it becomes past all hope of Remedy They said who cast an Eye backward to those Things that the States did more with Two Hundred Thousand â—rens a Moneth than was done on the King's behalf with nine hundred thousand while Interest superstuous Sallaries and private Defraudations scarce left the third part of the Receits for the true intended purposes That King Philip's Forces were sufficient both to Conquer the Netherlands and to assist the French if they were rightly look'd after because his Father Charles the Fifth with far less Wealth had oftentimes maintained many great Armies in several parts of the World Therefore that there might be setled in the new acquired Empire of the Provinces a greater Authority or because the Regent should not be in fear there were added several Regiments and Money sent thither in abundance and this was no more than necessary because the Sea-men that were continually to Guard Antwerp unless they had present satisfaction would be ready to mutiny for their Pay and threaten to behave themselves as Enemies And the Garrisons of 〈◊〉 and Berck were no less audacious than they But the Spaniards who were newly come as they were ignorant of many things so they endeavour'd all they could to repair what they saw amiss that so they might creep into grace and favour And upon a certain day Fontayn coming into the Senate was the Author of a cruel Sentence and calling that them which was inforced by Necessity he began to abolish all the Customs of War for he said That the Dispute had his been thus long maintained by the Wealth or Valour of the Hollanders But that mean and inconsiderable people and if they were looked upon with the Eye of Reason far unequal to the whole Netherlandes did thrive and increase not onely by the Spaniard's Treasure but by their very Forces and Vices That their own negligence and ignorance was the great hinderance of their own fortune and that they fearfully wrought any Evil against a publike Enemy That the vast compass of Ground among the Cities under the King's power do yield Tribute to the Enemy without danger as if it were an easier matter to do an injury by Arms than to repell it Rather then so let all the Inhabitants be forced to take up Arms and so by doing and suffering all Acts of Hostility
have detain'd he yet sent them to them For now Mansfeldt having taken counsel to draw away admonish'd the Besieged That they should not therefore abate or diminish their Courage giving them though falsly an assurance that he would by some other means divert the Enemy But the Besieged staying no longer Article for their Lives onely They deliver'd to Prince Maurice fifteen Ensigns there were six hundred that went out sound men free either from Wounds or Diseases who left behind them great store both of Provision and Ammunition But they that had had any hand in the former betraying of the Town were excepted out of the Articles both the Prince and Army being all new exâ—sperated by the memory of the Treachery from the sight of the Town and their former and present Labour and Toil in the regaining it And so the same day the Prince took Gertruydenberg from the Buyers he made the Sellers expiate their Crime with their Lives Count Mansfeldt understanding how matters went knowing that his old Age would be blamed and much worse Counsels prevail after the Event and that the Reports of these things would be tossed to and from in the Ears of the People was much afflicted suspecting moreover the Fidelity of the Town of Bâ—isleden least that the People thereof being of a busie and crabbed Disposition and having no Garrison to awe it should fly from them in a tottering and decaying condition to their Enemies crown'd with the growing Successes of smiling Fortune For Prince Maurice's Souldiers who then held the Castle of Creviceur by making a Dam overthwart the River Dies which at that City runs into the Maes had made it overflow all the adjacent places from thence Corn-Fruit and Pasture for Cattel being lost by the damage of private persons they molested the publike Peace Wherefore it was thought fit to appease them with Benefits and Kindness whom they were not able to restrain by Fear or Force And the Prince finding that Mansfeldt made hast to besiege that Castle prevented him by sending before some Horse which should hinder and stop the Enemy at the Passage over the Maes and keep them out of the Isle of Bommel and presently after himself with his whole Army coming by Water places himself in the middle between the Castle and Mansfeldt and having fetched a convenient number of Cannons and Engines from the next Towns there being no Rampire or Bulwark yet about the Castle for which cause be suspected the suddain surrender thereof he compelled them leaving their Tents behind to take little less than a shameful flight into the Fields about â—uyck-Anons placing a Bridge upon the Maes as if he would fall upâ—n Boisledue by that false fear he put a stop to any nâ—w Endeavours of the Enemy At last the Commanders departing with part of the Forces towards Frizeland began to make that the Seat of War Since the taking of Steâ—nwic and Coevorden scituate more inwards upon the Issel and the other Frizon Cities and Castles had cut off from Groning both the benefit of the Sea and of Rivers there remained onely one Passage out into Germany and that was the Bourtang The cross-way whereof is not very broad and begins at the Bay of Dullart not far from thence running through great Marishes environing the whole Country of Drent with a long Circumference The violent coldness of the Winter troubled also with cross Winds at the beginning of the Year had hindred Count William of Nassau who was contriving by what means he might frustrate the Enemies last hope but now the Spring being towards he put to Sea where as he sailed he spyed Verdugo stirred up thereto by Messengers to have possessed all the streights of the passages and being forbidden to fight by Command and considering that it was an unadvised Act to proceed further than they were sure of Provisions he landed in the next place from whence by opening the Schises he might drown the Fields with Water or shutting them â— might at his pleasure hinder them when overflow'd to be drain'd and thus to retard the Enemies March But when Verdugo had sent part of his Souldiers to wast the Country of Frizeland Count William not willing to suffer or pass by that Damage least he should give matter of Complaint to that Faction of the Frizons who did not love him for there were some private Feuds broken out he himself went thitherward and where he could fortified the Border against the like Incursions for the future Here the Enemy being deceived with vain Rumors of other Attempts the Count supplies Coevorden with all manner of Necessaries which before was in great want of many Things Thus the Summer being spent and the Enemy turning his Forces towards Gertruydenberg after they were gone Count William removes the Forces he had receiv'd marching by Land and taking into his power all the Castles between Coevorden and the Bourtang Upon the very Bourtang it self where there is a narrow passage between the Country of Weden and the Lands belonging to Munster the Marishes that are next being disjoyned for the Summer and Labour together had made this place more passable by a kind of Sandy Cliff he commanded five Companies of Souldiers to erect some Huts against the Weather and to raise a strong Fort Himself with the other part of the Forces because he had Intelligence of Recruits coming to the Enemy went behind Greening being induced thereto by an early conceived hope that the City would Revolt to him as soon as Verdugo was gone who as yet lying in the Suburbs waited for more help In this mean time Frederick Count Heremberg was sent by Count Mansfeldt with a strong party of Souldiers because either the Enemies Garrisons or the Nature of the place had precluded all other ways to the Town of Otmarsen and the Castles which we told you before were deliver'd to Count William and these he took with great Force but not without the loss of some Bloud From thence puffed up with that success he went with Verdugo to destroy the Fortifications raised upon the Bourtang But the greatness of the work in so short a time the inaccessibility of the Marishes frighted them from their Design and Count William being daily informed by his Scouts that they were coming against him augmented and strengthned the Fortifications of his Camp wherein remaining safe he slighted their Power abiding in the Fields Nor did he march with any Colouâ—s wisely considering there was no necessity thereof for him and that every thing would infest the Enemy With this kind of delay and some light Skirmishes the Enemy even wearied out make towards Coevorden through moist and troublesom ways but finding there was firm Ground underneath they dry'd up the upper moisture with great heaps of Bavins And when the place made them know that Stratagems and suddain Heats would be to little purpose with them who were ready to receive them Verdugo goes away to the Castles hoping the Souldiers inclosed therein
many intestine discords yet from the hatred of the present Lords it still chose other being ignorant of that good for which Arms are taken away from the people Thus first experimenting the Bishop of Utrecht it fled from them for fear of the Saxons to the protection of some living beyond the Ems then to Gelders and lately devolved to the House of Austria yet the Groeningers kept to themselves a power of chusing all Magistrates one onely excepted who was the Prince's Legate or Deputy who sate as Chief in the Supream Assembly of the Judges that had Cognizance of the Rights of possession in Lands In this Warre wherein all things have been unrivetted being vexed with most horrible Seditions at last it consented to the Spanish Dominion under the pretence of Liberty This was not as other Cities tormented with Disterences in Religion for when the Laws aged most furiously against all the Professors of the New Religion those that fled from all other places found here a Refuge and shelter But because there arose great Discords between them and the Citizens the Confederate Lords either out of a Love to Turth or in favour of the Nobility gave Sentence against the Citizens But the Spaniard being more crafty favoured the City and there upon it submitted to his Government being perswaded by this one thing they rejected Religion and all Leagues to follow Renneberg so prevalent in all men is Thirst of Hatred and Revenge It is to be remembred as we before declared that the Groeningers had refused a Garrison for so they had agreed with the King who also to gratifie them indulged them with the freedom from many Burdens But of the common for of Spaniards they hired Three Thousand The Forreign Souldiers to the number of Nine Hundred kept the Suburbs There was hardly any where to be found so great a quantity of Provisions Guns Gunpowder and other Military Engines as was here The Camp was placed a great distance from the City that the great Artillery might do the less harm to the Houses but was most strongly fortified both against Invaders from within and without A firm and wholesom Plain extended it self between the Rivers Horn and Scuyâ—diep which Rivers beginning in the Marishes of Drente 〈◊〉 through the Trenches of Groeningen and intermingle with the Sea at a place called Reidiep And because all the Army was not sufficient to incompass the City therefore on this side they thought fit to make their Assaults and Approaches being here also able to receive the Enemy if he came that so they might by opening the Rivers overflow all the circumjacent parts And it was found by Experiment that the adjoyning Waters were no less advantageous to the Tows for keeping away the Enemy than it was prejudicial to the inclosed Succours And the Prince also carryed the Rivers so that he might easily bring his great Guns over the Fields against the scattering Forts some whereof being deserted were easily won But the best and noblest of them all named Adoardysel when the Governour had defended it with more Resolution than the present necessity requir'd the Bridges and Ladders being taken it was assaulted by the Souldiers with so great fury mad to revenge the slaughter of their Companions made in the same place the Year before that neither the too late delivery was accepted nor the word of Command how and when to give the Onset was staid for Thus they made a great slaughter which was also increased by an accidental fire then hapning This Fort being taken provisions were more easily brought out of Frizeland into the Camp the people of Embden sending in no small quantity until Verdugo terrified them with Threats bidding them take heed they betrayed not their Affection Some successful Sallies were made both out of the Town and Suburbs the Keepers of the New Works being tyred out with continual showâ—s for those Works out of a Military Ambition were more hastily than warily promoted The next and greatest Care was by little and little to undermine on both sides the Port the one whereof was defended by the Bulwark adjoyning to the Trench the other by an outlying Foâ—t The great Guns on both sides plaid very furiously and however the Rampires â—nd other Works made of Earth resisted the Force of the Attempt yet the Bridges Gates Towers and other Buildings were utterly overthrown And some Letters being taken that were sent to Verdugo it appear'd by them that their store of Gunpowder what between a prodigal Expence thereof and other Accidents was well near consumed They were advised therefore least being left by their Associates some of whom were in France and other continued mutinous and full of Sedition that they would not being thus shut up by the Army rashly and without reason seek their own ruine To this it was answer'd but not as if it came from the Besieged but such as were proud with the Memory of their older and more novel Affairs That they should not be provoked by the greatest of their Commanders without danger although they were not all of one mind but had many causes of difference among them The Assemblies of the Commons whose Authority was greater in the publike Affairs than was necessary had deliver'd all their power to the Magistrates and a little before the Siege they had sent Messengers to get them some Succours But the Netherlandish Cities took no Thought of their so great danger all their Labours and Endeavours being busied about the New Regent they knew so profusely to wast their Money as if they had not known that by the want thereof many times the greatest Affairs are hazarded and Opportunities lost Therefore there were some who proposed that the City should be deliver'd to the Duke of Brunswick Hohenlo was a main stickler in that Advice because if it succeeded he promis'd to himself that he should be his Deputy-Governour But the Siege utterly blew away all those Imaginitions which being once begun there follow'd frequent Treaties between the Besiegers and Besieged sometimes that they might bury their Dead other times that they might exchange Prisoners and upon many the like occasions Sometimes also they made short Truces which at lâ—st the Townsmen desire one to be continued until they could send to Bruxels for a more certain Reply but it was meritedly refused Jorgius who was the principal person among all the Magistrates before that the Coâ—sul and now a Collonel withstanding Peace and confirm'd therein by the incouragement of the Jesuits had drawn unto himself the Rout of the poorer sort of People who had neither any hope or fear in the continuance or change of the Weal-publike These threatned death to all Messengers that should come from the Enemy and likewise to every one else who but spoke well of Peace not abstaining in the interim from committing Murthers and Rapines But now the Ravelins and other nearer places began to preach Ruine among which Evils it was far the most miserible Spectacle
when the Darkness of the Night was turned into Light by the burning of Houses fir'd by the Enemy throwing and shooting Fire-Works into the Town And as the People gather'd together in Heaps and Multitudes to save their Houses and Estates either were themselves burned in the Houses or else maimed and mangled with the Besiegers Bullets At last what should they now being between Hope and Despair avoid or what should they defend since all places were equally fill'd with Horrour and Lamentations But for all this the Priests and such as the Spaniard had obliged to him by Pension attribute to this obstinate stubbornness of their peculiar Faction the name of Constansy Nay more at this time some out of the Garrison that lay in the Suburbs passing the Trench in little Boats took the confidence to enter the City These on the one side calling them in those on the other forbidding them from whence there arose a most violent Sedition wherein at the beginning there was some bloud spilled but soon after it abated for fear of the Enemy abroad The Prince that by the prosecution of the War vigorously he might at some time force to thoughts of Peace began to undermine the greatest of all their Forts within the Trench wherein there remain'd some marks of the Fort or Castle raised there by the Duke of Alva and that he might the better conceal the Policy by some other more apparent Design he seems to threaten the taking by storm of the Bulwarks already batter'd and shaken But when the Assailants saw the vast concourse of the Townsmen to the place as if afraid to come on they retired at which instant the Gunpowder that was hid in the Mine being set on fire the torn up Ground threw the dispersed Multitude into the adjacent Ditches and Trenches and cast some at a greater distance into the very Camp or Leaguer Others of them were swallow'd alive into the gaping Chasma of the disbowel'd Earth Then might have been seen some Souldiers Scots by Nation whose Hast and Valour carryed them towards the City together with such as fled but hindred from entring it because the Planks that made the Bridge passable were broken however they maintain'd the place opposing great Bags fill'd with Sand against all Shot and Darts thrown at them And now all the whole Army burned with a desire of doing somewhat more earnestly requiring the Slaughter and Ruine of the City which they said must be won by force That this was the City by whose wickedness all places beyond the Rhine for 14 Years together had either been exhausted by War or at least spoil'd Wherefoâ—e now they ought to require in the punishment thereof satisfaction for the Ruine of so many Castles the laying wast of so many Fields and the Bloud shed in so many cruel Battels That this might be an Example unto the rest that they should resist until they were subdued and malapertly with insulting Answers scorn Messages and Offers of Peace For what could be more glorious for a General than to take the benefit of his Victory upon a Rebellious City Triumphing in the Sâ—aughter and Spoils of all that relate to him But if he should prefer the publike good before the Injuries offer'd to his Bloud or the Revenge of his Ancestors yet this City was not to be preserv'd having always been injurious to the Neighbours untractable against the Laws and perfidious to Liberty against which having for some time opposed it had almost brought Ruine and at last if it should be subjected would yet be infamous These Things were publikely urged as every one had before-hand in his Imagination divided the Spoil of this most opulent City But the Prince and the Senators who were present with him thought it more convenient for carrying on the Remainder of the War that the Souldier should be restrained from his licentiousness and cruelty against the Citizens Thus Embassies and Prayers prevailed within the Agreement were included several Degrees of Things nay the very Priests who had departed out of the City and all that belonged to them consented to the League and that they together with their Companions would by an equal Right be admitted within those Articles Thus they accepted a Garrison while they were accustomed to this New Government and Count William of Nassau was made their Governour being before the Governour of Frizeland Both the Forreign Souldiers and those that belonged to the City marched out safe the Seventh of the Calends of August that is July the 26. The Prince entring the City restored the Protestant Religion casting out all Images and as he had concluded appointed MAgistrates especially chusing them out of those who bad before been banish'd for their Religion the Laws for the future being in force Concerning the Discords of the Natives which formerly being disputed by Arms and Fighting were not yet appeased there was a Settlement made by the States of the Confederate Vnion And in the interim Otho Hartius and Hierome Comannus came from Bruxels to the Hague as if they had been sent upon private Business to the Lord of Cimace's Wife who flying from the Severity of her Husband lived here as it were in Banishment among the Hollanders They did not Treat of Peace as a Business of so high a Nature did deserve but onely cursorily seemed to bring Letters from Ernestus wherein were discover'd the Charges and Burdens of War and the great Commodities of Antient Commerce and Obedience That there were never any Discords had continued perpetually but some few had been decided by War but the greater part thereof setled by Peace Wherefore If they had hitherto been terrified by any Treacherous Dealings yet he hoped they would not blame the well-known Reputation of the House of Austria or have him in suspition 〈◊〉 desiring to be the Author of Peace Nay that he left his own Country and his Brother's House with to other hope than that he might restore a true and sincere Harmony and Concord among Christian Nations That it would be seem the States interchangeably on their part not to hazard the prosperous estate thereof their Affairs and the ambignous condition of their Adversaries upon the Danger and Fortune of an uncertain Warre but rather take advantage from the present Times wherein they may rather prescribe than receive the Terms of a Peace Hereunto the States being now more firmly setled answer'd as to their Cause magnificently That it was for Religion and the Laws which in the time of the Emperour Maximilian the Arch-Duke Matthias the Brother of Ernestus had by the Sword protected That since that by the implacable Malice of the Spaniards having been forced to Arms they have not been ignorant of the various Chances of Warre but God had appeared for them even gasping under the Burden of Oppression And now being raised by qreat Alliances and their own Valour they had rather chuse that to wit War to be a Judge of the Event than an Enemy so often found
were not able to come near the Italians in these Arts they marched out seriously to shut them up in the Town and being so inclosed by Famine to reduce them to Reason Anon greater numbers are gathered together and several Castles assaulted with the loss of much blood and so much cruelty was used that they are reported to have been privately slain in the Spanish Camp that either by foresight or other affection repugned those Counsels But now none would suffer it that they should come to punish a fault in others whereof themselves but lately yea and often before had been guilty Thus on both parts they shewed a most pernitious example These in that they would savagely shed the blood of those who had been mutually engaged with them and were bound by the same sacred tye of an Oath Those that being taken for Enemies they desired Ayd from Enemies indeed For though they made their first Address to the King of France yet he commended them to Prince Maurice as nearer that so keeping the Sedition a foot he might when time should serve have ayd from them and enjoy the Valour of so many Couragious Men whereupon Pledges being delivered on both sides they confirmed the Truce formerly made Then they delivered up the Forts and Castles and because they durst not rely upon the Town against an Army approaching with Cannon and other Artillery the whole Bands accompanied with their Wives and Children marched away in the Covert and silence of the night through places not infested by the Enemy They took up their Winter Quarters not far from Bâ—iâ—ledue being secure both in their Rear and Flanks for that the City of Breda Hesden and Gertruydenburg did inclose them and were at all Essayes places of refuge for them when in danger and in the Iuterim for their more useless Company places of aboad If they wanted either Victuals or Provisions of War they were supplyed not otherwise than as Allies and Companions And besides this the Prince not despising the fame of liberality even from Enemies furnished them with Artillery and added to them some Horse that in their going abroad they might more powerfully compell the Country to pay Tribute or revenge themselves upon occasion by depopulations Thus daring to do even the greatest acts of Hostility yet not positively become Renegadoes they made up as it were a third party in the War Things being at this passe shortly after the Regent Ernestus sent Messengers to them promising their pay impunity and a free Pâ—sse-port But when they understood by some intercepted Letters that they should be circumvented and brought to punishment a long time after they suspected all things Nor were the onely troubles in these parts round about they were as unquiet for not a few both Horse and Foot-Souldiers when they fled from Verdugoes Camp being pinched with the extream want of all things and helped by the People of Cleves went beyond the Rhine and so into the parts next unto Brabant Besides the Garrisons of Dunkirk and of St. Amand and Capelle began to grow refractory to Commands And to be brief the very Spaniards themselves but a little while before appeased now again wanting their pay had begun a Sedition in the Town of St. Paul And the causes of all these evils proceeded from that old negligence and ill husbandry in the disposing of mony and that Ernestus was not able to punish the meanest offenders As also that the American Fleet was shattered and knised by cross Winds and retarding diseases almost into as forlorn a Condition as the Spaniard's Credit Moreover there were other damages they suffered by the English who although they were not so fortunate this year in the South parts of America yet in Brasile their Voyage proved well having taken the Town of Fernambuck where they got a most wealthy and plentiful spoyl The following Winter as it proved very dangerous by the fierceness of the Frost and cold and other wants to the Spaniards lying at the Siege of Cambray so it gave opportunity to Verdugo to make a Journey into Frizeland and the parts about Groeningen wherein he only vented his malice in wasting the Country and burning the Villages And now the Cavallery belonging to the United States when he returned out of Germany least he should often do the like lay in the way to hinder him This Winter also the Hollanders suffered very great loss by inundations for the Waters having been long frozen up in the Rivers as soon as it began to thaw the force thereof together with the Snow dissolving and falling violently from the tops of the Hills which was much increased by great Rains made both the Maes and the Rhine sâ—ell over their Banks and drown all the adjacent places making a great destruction of Cattel and doing infinite damage to the Country all about Towards the end of this Year an uncertain expectation had attracted the mindes and eyes of all People concerning a famous Judgment while some think severity expedient but others by too strict and nice a scrutiny blame every pretence given to such as are studious in mischiefs Arnold Dorpius sometime Governour of Zyrieneâ— when it was besieged by the Spaniards and familiarly conversâ— with the Prince of Aurange with whom he was very free in Discourse so managed both his own and the publike Affairs that he was become the Object of Envy from the common peoples vanity in giving him the Name of The Rich Dorpine He at the Death of the Prince of Aurange being laid aside had received from Monenius lately returned from a Danish Embassie so of the Covenants agreed upon with the Dane It fortuned that the Embassadors sent from Ernestus shortly after to the Dane objected the same things that there might be an Alliance with them whereby the Hollanders might be dispossessed of at least disturbed in their Northerly Navigations Thus the Secret was known to have been disclosed by Dorpius From hence a stronger suspicion was conceived of him and while his Papers are perused over and over at last a Copy of the Letter is found wherein he exhorted Ernestus To put himself into a Disguise and come to the Hague where professing himself hitherto unconcerned in the War but now the Author of Peace he would strike a fear into his Enemies from the common people and would win both to himself and to all Lovers of Concord Repute and Trust But when Dorpius constantly averred That this Letter was written to 〈◊〉 other purpose whatsoever than to try his Wit and exercise his Ingenuity he was freed from Prison and confined to his own House but afterwards by giving in Pledges he was discharged the heat of the Judgment as is usual in such cases vanishing by little and little and as in the power of many so at last he procured his Pardon But Menenius who descending from the great and publike Session of the Judges of Holland to be an Assistant in Dort had made himself a part of the
aside under the pretence of Honour with those Regiments which Philip sent to the Emperour he departed to fight against the Turk who at that time grew very potent in Hungary There being next of all to Matthias who was General of his Brothers Army he not long used his antient Valour and Policy against the well-skilled Enemy before among all the dangers of War he was taken away by sickness But Duke Areschot that the Netherlanders might never see him inferiour to Fontayne voluntarily exiled himself to Venice protesting he went thither where he would dye free and where Fontayne should have nothing to do with the more happy People because the Germane Souldiers that kept Bruxells making a small disturbance he had endeavoured wholly to possess the City by some Regiments of his own Countreymen This was odious to all so that now the tumults of others were not more feared than the modesty of the Spanish Souldiers And the rest of the Cities were possessed with the same fear Hence grew a double distemper from these complaining that they were excluded from the others that they were almost detâ—uded however upon this occasion the Fields were harased by both Whereupon when a new misery was added to the calamity of the former year and with the very fear of want the price of Victuals was inhansed the common people took to themselves such liberty as is proper to poverty and thereby vented their griefs and sufferings This made the mindes of all people of all degrees more inclinable to peace the desire whereof had been first inflamed by the hopes of it given them by Ernestus nor was Fontayne any longer able by vain experiments to resist the current of their resolved desires The Family of Croy was the most earnest of all in labouring for peace of which Family the Marquess of Haure sent Letters to James Malery of old allyed to their Stock but then of great Eminency in Prince Maurice's Court which were the very Index of his affection and being by Malery shewed the Prince and by the Prince to the chiefest of the States Malery was commanded to write back to the Marquess that there would be hopes of peace conditionally if the Spanish Souldiers going out not onely of the bowels of the Netherlands but Lutzenburg also and Burgundy would remove from them all cause of fear whereto the Marquess returning a reply but passing by that whole demand in silence therein Malerye was again commanded to write to him that there might be means of agreement and Concord between the Vnited States and the States of the other Provinces be found out but that they would have no Treaty with the Spaniards Therefore an Embassey was prepared to be sent to Prince Maurice in the name of the Belgick Noblemen for at this time Areschot was not retired to Venice whereby they desired him to be just and favourable to their allyed Nobilities To this Treaty came Theodorick Liesveldt sometimes Chancellour of Brabant when Frances de Valeis held the Government together with Masius and Hartye all wife men and well skilled in the prudent manage of Affairs The Prince was then at Middleburg in Zeland to whom being brought they spoke seriously to him to the effect following When first the forreign Souldiers had made a prey upon the Netherlands by means of intestine discords the Senate who then had the Authority determined that civill strife and made the King agree to a League Nor will it be any difficulty for them after they have agreed among themselves to free their Country from forreign Arms Not long after that first League many things intervened by the fault of both sides or else by the wrath of the Divine Providence which hindred the well-nigh cured wound to heal and grow well as it should but rather made it fâ—ster worse than before At this time the same Senate sits at the Helm of Government and being we aried out with the same or greater Calamities do entreat for an end thereof from their Neighbours and they might be confident the Senate would not be wanting to give them satisfaction and this they might expect with the more reason because the Covenants were desired of them while they were prosperous and in a flourishing condition That they had no doubt but Prince Maurice where such a thing may be with Honour would rather chuse to leave his fortune than by tyring it out force it to forsake him in regard there is no thing so much suspected by a wise man as long prosperity In good reason therefore they hoped they came to advise with his Highness who had outgone many of the most famous Souldiers to preserve intire his gotten Renown That he had many great Governments and plenty of all other things wherewith to content the greatness of his mind That the Family of Nassau was not onely famous for Arms but had been generally renowned for other excellâ—nt Endowments of Peace That it was their hope he would embrace those Honours which should be attended by joy of all and the teares of none and that he would rather exâ—ect obedience from the Princes of the same blood then compell any to execrate his Greatness But if he was best pleased with such Honour as was gotten with the expence of sweat and blood there were honourable Warres wherein he might advance his Standard against the Enemies of the name of Christ so would his Prudence and Valour arrive to that heighth of glory as for the greatness and Honour of the Adventure should exceed the ambition of the present Age. To which Prince Maurice a few of the Deputies of the States being present according to the usual Custom made answer to this purpose Wishing to God that he might be so happy as to set an end to these civill discords both for the benefit of the present Age and Posterity That he would account it more glorious than the Name of a Conquerour or then any Triumphed Garland If therefore now at last they were truly sensible of the smart of the Spaniards injurious dealing they should then shewâ— Courage suitable to their own Honour and the greatness of their Ancestors So it would come to passe that Freemen with Freemen might make what Agreements they pleased That by coming into the League of Vnion they were not only vindicators of liberty but would be Companions of Kings whose Authority they were now oppressed under Nor would the dissimilitude of Religion be any greater obstacle to Concord than it is now in France But he would not prescribe any rule to them therein the Judgement of Religion being to be left to God and the several Nations professing the same Between the United Provinces and the other parts of the Netherlands there are many things common as antient Allyances right of consanguinity and the Customs of the places But between them and the King of Spain all things were discordant and hostile necessity continuing and increasing those things which were begun at first either to please his will
Kings obedience by a Truce Thus in variety of Opinions all things were destined otherwise than they happened according to the Custom of Fortune who being a great Enemy to humane Prudence for the most part keepeth secret 〈◊〉 future Events But lest the People all their hopes of Peace being utterly cut off should run into Sedition Rumours weâ—â— scattered abroad that the Treaty was prolonged that thereby the Authority of Forreign Princes might intervene And to that purpose the Emperour sent Letters soon after superscribed to the States of Holland which they received and 〈◊〉 in their General Assembly whereto they returned this Answer That they wished for Peace with their Neighbours but had often declared why they could have no peace with the Spaniards nor had any thing happened which should cause them to alter their mind unless after the Kings sending poyson and assassines to destroy them they should therefore give credit to the Authour of such monstrous and barbarous actions And together with these Letters they sent others to the Emperour written by Taxis to Philip and by them intercepted wherein as he confessed it necessary for the Netherland States to make a Composition with the United States as it were upon equall tearms so that he would refer all things to Fontaynes pleasure setting forth may Evasions and first of a disswading that neither the Spanish Souldiers should be sent away nor the Germans admitted as Moderators of Peace In these parts this year Philip Count Hohenlo and George Eberhard Count Solmes were solemnly marryed and their Mariages celebrated with Playes Feasting and publick Gifts Hohenloes Wife was Mary Count Solmes's Sabina this the Daughter of Lamoral Count Egmonde that of the Prince of Aurange both famous and well approved Matches 〈◊〉 well in regard of the great Merits of the Bridegrooms as of the great Birth and Nobility of the Brides both whose 〈◊〉 as was yet fresh in memory became Sacrifices for the liberty of their Country Among all the mischiefs of Civil War this War one that the value of money was mightily inhansed and every Nation had converted the use of raising the same even into a matter of 〈◊〉 which some were of Opinion to restore to an equal Standard according to the Trades and Commodities of the Provinces But of a sudden even they who forbad that growing licentiousness failed and give over the attempt And there remain strong Arguments of an unsetled Society better against the Enemy than their consent and vanquished Laâ—â— agree among themselves And besides some Commotions among their Neighbours had made them attentive who unless they were shut out by right even loved to be involved in a Neighbouring War and making factions for the Spaniards had openly declared their mindes and design in claiming the Principalities of Cleves and Juilliers as by the Minority and tender age of the former Prince so by the sicknesse of his Son and Successor The Government hereof was snatched at on the one side by the Wife a Woman of very insolent and shameless Conditions of the Family of Baden and supported by the Austrian greatness On the other side by some Noblemen of the Country of Germany as the Princes of Brandenburg and Newburg who by their Wives the Sisters of the Duke took to themselves the hope of so great an Inheritance but altogether without the Emperours knowledge or consent who when a male line is extinct supposeth the right of bestowing those Principalities to be a new reverted to him These latter were favour'd by all the Protestants in those Regions and by some Catholike also who feated the Austria Families Pride ever grievous to the Subjects besides the vast Burthens of Tributes with other Charges These therefore using the Name of the States of Juilliers and Monts they set free the Duke who had been so inhumanely kept and handled that the grief thereof was believed to be no small meâ—â— of increasing his Disease and removed the Wife from the Guardianship as one that endeavour'd mischief In this iâ—teâ—im Count Suartzenburge hitherto a Follower of the Spaniards was observed to List Souldiers in those Quarters to go as himself gave out to the Turkish Warre but others câ—â—ceited it was to strengthen the Austrian Faction it not being probable that Forces which were to be used in the further part of Hungary should be raised in the most distant part of Germany as if they were purposely to be wasted and conâ—â—med by a long March after they had long been in pay to 〈◊〉 purpose But the Reverence of the German Empire was the onely Obstacle that kept the Souldiers of Holland within compass and restrained their Incursions into the seatter'd and unprovided Country At this time the Elector of Brâ—â—denburgh began to seek the Friendship and Alliance of the Vnited States The same also did the Nobles of those Regions desiring the Loan of a Sum of Money for a short time which would soon and easily be paid when they had draâ— to themselves both the Government and Treasury Some of the Hollanders would have speeded this for by that means they should have peace with all those beyond the Rhine and by the same Bond their Armies and the French could quickly 〈◊〉 joyned Others more prudently averred That so specioâ—â— a pretence for War ought not to be given to so potent 〈◊〉 Enemy in those Dukedoms That there come to take part not onely those who affect the Spaniard in Cleves but the Neighbouring Bishops and Priests also when of Money would be as well wanting to those that craved help as â—o themselves nor could it possibly be defended by their Forces it being so far distant from them and so scatter'd Wherefore they must wait till their Minds and Forces grew meet to undertake such a business At this time also the City of Emblen had no less Troubles a rich place scituate beyond the River Ems into whose Mouth runs a little Rivulet It is part of that Frized which of old contained the Cauchi an intermingled and broken Sâ—ore possessed part by the Hollanders part by the Danes from whence that Region is now called East-Frizeland because the antient Frizons on this Eemes lye against it towards the West Their Nature and Customs were like the rest of the 〈◊〉 and as to their Liberty being left both by the French Kings and the Emperours of Germany when they could not bear Rule they were content with any kind of Obedience All publike Affairs were taken care of by Contentions of the people divided and sometime in common of 〈◊〉 whole Nation Judgments were given by some choice 〈◊〉 as well in their greater as in their lesser Assemblies Among these all such as possessed Lands or Farms were â—â—â—ul and he who possessed most had most honour and for that was onely accounted noble But these when they had â—â—lded Castles and strong Holds became not onely to themselves but to others a Succour and Refuge both in Domestick and Foreign Wars yea and kept always in
inferiour Captains and little Parties But when King Philip fearing the danger had sent Velasco as we before mention'd from Millayn which he then govern'd to Burgundy with Ten Thousand Foot and fifteen hundred Horse that strength of the Enemy first brought thither Biron and after that the King himself In many light and accidental Skirmishes of Horse the French went off Victor And Velasco avoided a Pitch'd-Battel desiring to preserve the Towns In the Dutchy of Burgundy King Henry subjected to his Power the City of Dijon which in the last Civil War of France follow'd the Guisian Faction then headed by the Duke de Mayn to whom there was nothing left Fortified in that Dukedom but Chalons sur la Saone But when he began to prosecute his Victory into the Bounds of the County or Earldom the Switzers interceded him to respite his Fury because being bound at that time by Leagues to the House of Austria they were obliged to resist all Force that should be offer'd either to the Government of Millain of the County of Burgundy Whereupon King Henry took occasion by means of a Truce to withdraw his Army without any dishonour he himself being even tyred out with the Controversie and the thing it self contended for not being worth so many lives And also being sollicited by Cambray he marched that way when a sorrowful Messenger met him with the News of the loss of the City Therefore he accused his Allies That he himself being employ'd in Wars at so great a distance they had betrayed to the Enemy the Confines both of France and the Netherlands That they gave him other hopes that his Borders should not be left destitute of Aid else why should he so often have refused Conditions of Peace when offered to him And if they repented them of their League that he was yet ready to agree with the Spaniard The Hollanders excused themselves to these Taunts with the necessities of that year and furnished the King with Corn and Money and two Regiments of men the one of Scots the other of Zelanders under the Leading of Justine of Nassau wherewith being well Recruited he fell into Vermandois and careful that where he had now begun the Enemy might not break further into the Bowels of the Country the people of Soissons being subdued he shut up Fayer with a difficult and Winter-Siege But by how much the States more earnestly endeavour'd to please the King by so much more grievously they offended Queen Elizabeth for King Henry's prosperity in stead of pity had renewed in the English Nation their old Envy and the Queen was incensed with the difference of his Religion especiall for that she knew what Laws and how dangerous to the Protestants the Pope had prescribed to King Henry for the obtaining his Peace And this was the Reason that lately before upon his desiring of her four Regiments of men for whose Pay the City of Paris should ingage their Credit The Queen answer'd That it was an inconsiderate Desire proceeding from his Youth to request her to denude her Kingdom which was â—â—â—ed at by so many Treasons yet if he would deliver to her Diope Bulloin and Calais she would furnish him with some Souldiers This gave suspition to the French and besides there was added that lately in Bretaign a Province of France the English were unworthily Treated nor could be admitted to such places as they desired the Actions of their Predecessors being objected against them But Queen Elizabeth sent Letters to the Hollanders and one Thomas Budleigh objecting to them with much Regret the Aid they sent to France saying They could not want her help who could so freely gratifie others Whereto the States made this Answer That they did it not out of any ambitious counsel but meer necessity that the Enemy being drawn into many places at once they might weary him out of breath and themselves get a breathing space for they were as it were forced in regard the Queen sent Pay onely for six hundred Foot and two hundred Horse which were in the Camp where as six thousand Foot and a thousand Horse of the League required the 〈◊〉 She on the other side replyed That although this was continued within the League that at the end of the War whatever was disbursed should be repaid yet she desired very earnestly payment of what she had laid out at leastwise that they would pay for some part thereof at the present and she would take the rest by Annual Portions Adding withall Threats That if she were not obeyed herein that she should take such course as her Lenity 〈◊〉 not use to be acquainted with To these the States after the return of many Thanks Desired the Queen to cast an Eye upon the present times to observe that the War was very burthensom to them and not wholly so successful as was hoped And that of late the enlargment of their Bounds had little increased their Tributes but much augmented their trouble and charge in the defence That their Merchandizing and Fishing Trade upon which two onely they lived that was spoiled by the detention of their Ships in Spain and this oftentimes the Injuries of the English and the Dunkirkers Pyraous much impaired and the Sea also had done them very great damages by Innundations Over all which if they should now be forced to repay to England the Money due and also the Queen should openly fly from the Covenants of the League the French already beginning to stagger It was with great reason to be feared that the insinuating Designs of the Enemy and the Allurements of a dangerous Peace would prevail with the people But it was not to be avoided however but that the States must pay with their own Money the English Souldiers that lay not in the Towns put to Pledg to the Queen While these things were arguing between them some new Endeavours of the Enemy brought the Queen to be more mild towards these her Allies For the Spaniards out of French Bretaign had fallen into Cornwal wasting the Country and carrying away great Booty together with some honourable persons and also they began in the open Face of the World to assist the Rebellion in Ireland which Country was from all Antiquity possessed by many Petty Princes Natives thereof Of whom Dermack the Son of Munhard the most Potent was despoiled of his Dominion for many Acts of Tyranny by him committed Whereupon he got to him for his Son-in-law and Assistant Richard Earl of Pembrook who making War there in Ireland very successfully was recalled by an Edict of Henry the Second King of England and compell'd to transfer all his Right and hope of Principality to the King who himself in defence of hir new Acquisition went into Ireland with a great Army and made some of the Lords by Force others by Treaties and Promises to acknowledge his Authority as Supream But such was the blindness and simplicity of that Age that it was believed a great support
considerable Commodity Their Gain ariseth by carrying it from place to place and by such Things as are wrought by the Hands of Artificers commonly call'd Manufactures But after by the good Providence of God the Efficacy of the Load-Stone was found out whereby men were guided to understand the Course of the Sea and also the Records of Books taught us to make search after the knowledg of the Antients and not to despair the value of new Inventions nothing now remained too hard for the Scrutiny of Human Experience The Portugeze found the utmost Borders of Africa and Asia and the Castilian new Coasts beyond the Ocean or indeed more truly another World The Endeavours of the French quickly grew faint after an unhappy Attempt upon Brasile they came to Terra-Nova and found a Coast abounding with Fish but barren enough of all things else Not was that Sea and those Lands that lying furthest off to the South Mallegon first of all found now left unsearched But the English in a short space following in part discover'd the North Sea After all the Hollanders that had without doubt been hitherto oppressed by the Cruelty of their Princes as men that would not tremblingly send to Sea their People whom they knew valiant and mindful of their Liberty now out of Envy to their Enemies and Emulation to their Allies took the Courage and Boldness that making use of what was already known they would now in their Turn contribute their Labours for the benefit of Mankind in the natural laying open of things which to that Age had remained as a secret in the Breast of Nature Neither in this further Quest of newer Things were the old omitted or forgotten And indeed what Shore is able to satisfie them who have always at Sea above Seventy Thousand men This little Country in multitude of Shipping not giving place to any the greatest Kingdom and though inclosed in such narrow Limits hath yet so great a strength abroad The Cities every year build two thousand new Ships theâ—efore besides England France the Parts of Germany and the Baltick Sea mutual poverty hath admitted and carryed them to Spayn importing thither Merchandise and bringing thence Coyn and the dissimulation and fear of King Philip was least if he should deâ—aâ— them of Trade with their Neighbours they should seek for â—is further off and it may be to his disadvantage nevertheless sometimes they received injuries when onely for their Religions sake they should be taken notice of for they generally used the names of other Nations and at last as if the King needed their help both the Ships and Marriners should be stayed by which means not onely themselves were endangered but all they had was a prey to those that overpowred them In this very year no less than fifty Ships were thus raised And the Portugueses said that the King would take care to moderate these injuries if the Hollanders would forbear to send Navall Assistance as well to Brytain as France But the Spanish losses were repaired out of Italy for their so many barren Summers last past for France was not able by reason the Country had been so harassed with War Thus by the Swedish Voyage the Dutch had gotten into their hands all Grain which by a short recourse hither and thither they had made hast to get to their no small advantage Nor as it happened did that Commodity wait upon the Rich onely for vent being dispersed far and wide among the common People with a small charge and a quick return They went also to Barbary where it is opposite to the Ocean and where it coasts upon any more inward Sea with the Muscovite also the Hollanders Traded before they were at War and through the Baltick Sea and Norva in Livonia as far as Novograde which Trade afterwards was transferred by the English through the Rushian Gulph to St. Nicholas Port and by the Hollanders to Podesemser and the Monastery of St. Michael he Archangel all scituate upon the River Duina and the English have earnestly laboured since that to get it all to themselves the Prayers and liberty of the Hollanders scarcely prevailing Shortly after they fetched a longer course to the Kingdom of Guiny abounding in Gold Ivory and Ebony and the rest of Ethiopia and at last in a two years Voyage they arrived to the Isles in the Indian Sea That was begun to be attempted with four Ships set out at the costs of private men At first it was doubtful and seemed to be full of danger while every where as they came in those unknown places they met with none but barbarous Nations and such as were at enmity with all the World Here they were mightily afflicted with Diseases and the injurious heat of the patching Ayr Besides the Portugueses hindred them all they could by punishments if they were either by stress of Weather or want of any thing driven to their Vessels or Colonies nor ceased they so but pursued them with false accusations unto those Kings and People that were not subjected to them which a long time was very bitter while all things were incumbred by the infrequent use of a strange Tongue and suspitions of treachery on every hand But after it appeared by publike Letters and Testimonials of Trade that they came not to rob and do violence or to seek dominion but that they were a People careful of the liberty even of strangers and that they had for that end passed so many Seas that they might with equal fidelity uphold the Law of Nations on a sudden the same and admiration of the Hollanders was greatly augmented Thus the Spaniard's malice opened a way for such far distant Allyances by the common gain of Renowned Merchandise and the name of Prâ— Maurice the famous Warrier was honoured even in those remote places The Religion of those that first went to the Indies was wonderful so was the care of their Reputation for because they received no Commission other then to defend themselves when they met the Spanish Navy a rich Prey and as it were prepared for them they let it passe untouched Scarcely could the Portugueses cruelty which would admit none into that World besides themselves be drawn to consent otherwise But â—hat these private Ships would strengthen their Trade by War however Embassies of the Indians followed and Gifts and Sea-fights against the Enemy and which helped most of all it appeared that the Spaniard could be overcome for to the taken of Towns theâ—e was no great space of ground belonging so that the Conquerours gained but little and yet the Conquered lost not much The parts of that Kingdom are far divided their Wealth which is the support both of their bounty and Wâ—r lies at a great distance which being taken away oâ— exhausted by troubles how can it happen otherwise to that vast scattered and separated Empire which is no where so near to it self as to its Enemies but that it should become a prey to all Nations The
the Besiegers 〈◊〉 if they should stay it was nearer to attaque Calais a Town of greater value and the ill repaired Fortifications of that City perswaded the Avarice of the Praefects hereto The Duke of Parma formerly destin'd the same thing so did Fontayne afterwards by the advice and perswasions of Laâ—â—â— But the honour of beginning thereof was reserved for a new Governour This most eminent Reward and remain of their Transmarine Expeditions the English kept for two hundred years as the main Port of their Sea which being regained by the Valour of Francis Duke of Guise one Gordon had the Government thereof which he soon after transmitted to a near Kinsman of his own But neither of them had to much care as to amend what was decay'd and become ruinous either by Age or War And the Works were far short of an Age in standing a Stone Wall encompassing the City It hath a little Castle slightly running out with four Platforms there was not a Souldier in it that thought of an Enemy but made it their business to strengthen their Authority while they onely study to inrich themselves by Sea and Land and which is frequent where there is a distraction in Affairs out of a Captainship erect a Kingdom Wherefore neither the King of France though he was fore-warned of the danger by some intercepted Letters could help it he ruling yet as it were but at pleasure and by his Subjects good-will Moreover the Governour hearing it strongly reported that Calais was aim'd at conscious to himself of the defects of the Town admitted two Companies of Holland Souldiers into the Town but no more he himself having six more whereof when Albertus was told the more to spread abroad the Terrour of his Design he commanded several Bands to go out of the Town of Valenciennes under their Captains and in the nearest parts of France to make a great Uprore The Camp-Master-General Christian Roneè the famousest Man among all the French Exiles sent with part of the Army to begirt the Town cut off all the Passages by which onely Relief might come For taking the Bridge whereby the Land-Entrance is straitned he raised against the Wall a Tower which is called a Rice-Bank just at the sides of the Port this same way the Duke of Guise before found into the Town where the Fortifications were long since half fallen down which the danger being not yet fully known every one helped to fasten again being shaken with Cannon plac'd upon the Shore and not defended so long as it ought to have been the Conquerour ascended and won After this the Hollanders Ships which lay upon the Coast of Flanders were driven off that they might not so commodiously assist the Besieged Notwithstanding which among all the Shot the Haven being very large a Ship was convey'd into the Town which deliver'd to the Governour such Workmen as he requested for the mending his Works together with a quantity of Gun-powder and then returned Shortly after the Count St. Paul who had brought 1500 French-men to the Sea-Shore for Relief of the Town was promised by a Sea-man to be put into it but he durst not undergo the danger At last all the Arch-Duke's Forces being met together and fought with upon the Sand-Hills from whence the Besieged being forced forthwith the Suburbs were gain'd Within a while after the Town it self after a three days Siege when the Gate began to be batter'd between the People's Fear and the Hatred of their old Lord because the Governour himself was wanting both in Authority and Counsel was surrendred to the Spaniard The Souldiery retired into the Castle which was held six days during a Truce in hope of Relief And now Prince Maurice with 50 Sail of Ships and a great number of Souldiers was come thither to see what was the Resolution as well of the English as the French But the Count St. Paul marched away and the Earl of Essex was ready with a Fleet to fight the Spaniards if by chance they should offer an Invasion But the Emulation of the People never well agreeing hindred it For the Earl of Essex tryed Mounsieur de Vique the Governour of the next French Garrisons if he would suffer the English to have the Custody of Calais if it were recover'd But the French believed that the English now under a shew of Friendship did clandestinely seek to regain what they had long since gain'd by War However King Henry not minding to leave his Siege but leaving his Army at Payer and doing so either because he despair'd of passage to Calais the Way being cut off by Dutches that let to the Sea he came with 4000 men by the River Samaâ— to Boloyn the next Harbour And there he advised but too late about relieving the Castle of Calais Prince Maurice being desired by the King to come on Land he excused It affirming He was to advise concerning their own Borders 〈◊〉 Home which were left unprovided But while they were arguing almost 300 Souldiers under the Conduct of Campsaâ—â— making use of the Night and the Ebbe of the Sea with great silence marching by Land broke through the Trenches into the Castle giving rather an Example of Courage than any other help to the Besieged for many of them the Forts lying open to the Assailants were killed together with the Dutch Souldiers at their very entrance while the rest of the French being altogether unaccustom'd and unfit so War by an inconsiderate Sally caused the Ruine both of themselves and thers at which time the Governour himself was slain About 60 Hollanders valiantly defending themselves from the Topt of Houses obtained a Grant to be sent away safe The presence of the Arch-Duke caused the Victory to be moderately used who having gained Calais without the loss of many of 〈◊〉 men and being a Town in the uttermost Borders of France augmenting and strengthning with good Works he subjected it to the Government of Flanders the Speech of which Province was agreeable to the same By the Fame of this Victory Arde a Town lying not far off within the Land and formerly a stop to the English invading that Country soon yielded it self to the power of Albertus by which meanâ— there was a passage this way open'd into France with the same Felicity to him as it was much to the blame of the Enemies that they had oppressed them e're they were aware Two Thousand Souldiers marched out of this Town which was indifferently well Fortified having honourable Terms though dishonourably obtained for they did not hold out so long as to endure one Assault being frighted with the dennutiation of Death if they forthwith did not surrender While these Things were doing at last Fayer being subdued by Famine King Henry distributed his Army into all places about and near to Calais lest any of the weaker Cities ' who were surprized with great fear should make a defection to the Conquerour whom the Flandrians intreated being now compelled
to depart out of France by want of all necessaries promising to assist him with great Sums of Money if he would besiege Ostend and restore it to them that Town onely being wanting upon all that Coast And Prince Maurice fearing the same went himself to view it and took care at his departure that they at present be supplyed with Souldiers enow and afterwards should be stored with Victuals and all other Things both for maintaining their Works and for War which the Scouts and Spyes relating as also that the Sea came up to the very Town with a commodious Haven and that all backward was very dangerous being full of Elluaries So that Siege was put off left being rashly begun it should wound and lacerate the Fame of his first Successes Yet because besides the Auxiliaries sent to France a great part of the Holland Souldiers was swallow'd in the English Fleet Peace was by them condemned though it mainly was contested by the Requests of the Cities and the Counsels of the Captains whither they should carry the War But while the Dukes Forces were employ'd in France Prince Maurice his Horse wasted all the utmost Skirts of Brabant and the Netherlanders with Fire and Sword and took Echtâ—â—â—ach a Town in Lutzenburg and as soon as those Retreated into Flanders the French likewise fell in there Thus had each of them continually a troublesom Enemy at his Back or Side Fusa's and Albertus Troops attending each others motions as Fortune or Opportunity presented occasions And certainly this time by much Exercise and the Care of the Commanders gave to the Hollander's establish'd Horse not onely an Example of being moâ—e active and vigilant to the greatest Attempts but also instructed them better and reduced them to a more setled Discipline For the Spanish Brigades were even inclosed and unfit for Service when on the other side all the Enemies Country lay open to the Nassania Horse as a fit Object for their Spoil The Arch-Duke when he thought fit to march out that he might not leave any thing dangerous or suspectfull to him behind removed from Tâ—â—mont all the Italians first giving them their Pay then beâ—ing all his Hopes and Counsels against Hulst because it seemed the reducing thereof would quiet Flanders and be of no small advantage also to Brabant It is a Town of no strength by reason of the Antiquity of its Building whereof Prince Maurice being Conquerour and having a long time designed to change and alter the round fashion of the Walls he had added in the interim some Fortifications to the new made Trench Soon after the Zelanders undertaking the defence and keeping thereof erecting some Forts about the adjacent Fields did seem rather to have taken Counsel for preserving the Country than the Town The chief strength of the place is a River arising not far off which being helped forward by Art that it might so passing further fall into the Hont was also brought back into the Scheldt for that same River by both Names being full of Meanders washeth all the back-part of the Territory of Hulst By which means it is on every side inaccessible as is an Island and being inâ—pendent on both Battles daily sent forth Souldiers to plunder and wast the Land of Wase and the Province of Brabant Besides they could cut their Sea-Banks to let in the Water upon their Enemies and then they that were within the River were lyable to Slaughter by the Darts and Shot of the Town During the several Governments of Ernestus and Fontayn the Flandrians had erected two Castles to stop their Excursions The Vnited States had raised more for the Defence of the Bank Two of these were annexed to the Town by an excurrent Rampire or Breast-Work which Passage as we has the mutual assistance of each to the other was hidden by the Ground which lay open between them These were not both of an equal strength for that which was called Nassau Fort was the stronger being opposite to the Hont because it served as a safeguard for the bringing Recruits either from Axele or the Isles of Zeland They that were sent by Albertus to view the place being testified with these Difficulties advised quite contrary to what was before resolved on For how was it possible say they to carry over naked Souldiers a great quantity of Provisions and a Train of Artillery which can but move slowly while those Threatning Forts stand there to resist and especially a great Fleet of the Enemies lying in the Scheldt into the very middle whereof their lesser Vessels will penetrate Certainly it was both a difficult and doubtful Attempt not did the rest seem to have any thing more of Expedition for the Soll was full of Marishes the Enemy active and vigilant and the Siege would be to little purpose in regard of their free passage with shipping Nor had they any better hopes to gain the same by Assault for that the Town would be continually supply'd with found and fresh men Besides all this the King of France having taken many of his Rebels into Mercy it was to be fear'd he would venter into all vacant places with greater Force Nor indeed could it be accounted an Honourable Action to attaque Hulst through so many Hazards But Claudius Barlot a Netherlander and the most earnest of all the Colonels rising up desired he might have the carrying over those Regiments against which the Spanish Officers had spoken That the rest of their Arguments were fill'd with nothing but vain fear whereas they ought to expect some good success to wait upon their courage and hope for an opportunity either from the errour or fear of the Enemy That the vicissitudos of War should be brought to a stay if equall Counsels should be found on both sides and a like valour in every one At present the matter being dissembled to most but some few that they might the better drâ—w the Enemy into a Condition of Security whom to remove one of the suspected places was the chief work the design â—â—â—ed not its effect For Rones by making a Bridge over the Scheldt was commanded to march with some Ensigne into Brabant meerly to affright them of Berghen or Breda whereby he compelled Prince Maurice leaving a Garrison at Hulst whereof Count Solmes was Governour to follow him diligently with the rest of his Bands Then certainly if ever at any time were the Forces of the Vnited Provinces small because for the avoiding too great charges they were contented only to maintain their own Borders but this year made them sensible of the folly of such kind of Resolves they having therein suffered so many losses and undergone so vast expencâ—s Part of their Souldiers were by agreement aboard the English Fleet the other part was gone into France to relieve Cambray and whit remained was almost taken up by their Garrisons the German Souldiers of late being dismissed and no new Regiments yet raised in their stead Prince Maurice had scarce two
thousand wherewith to follow and observe the uncertain motions of the Enemy But for supply thereof the Souldiers out of France being eighteen Companies were recalled and soon came In the interim Barlot with whom was present Prist in hope of the future Government of the Town commanded some little Boats which he caused to be brought from the next Castle in Flanders through the ditches in the night to be put into the Channel of the River Barlotts Walloon and Teslines German Regiments being about fifteen hundred of rather more loaden with their Arms and some few dayes Provisions followed them with slippery steps the place consisting of a soft Clay mingled with water At last being gotten aboard for there were no Fords they had a safe passage wrought by their own silence and the carelesness of the Holland Seamen who as they dreaded no danger so the negligent and sloathful Watch never offered to hinder or stop with their Ship-Boats which was easie to be done the Enemy while he was upon the Water It was in vain to shoot or throw Darts in this darkness of the night nor did the Guards get into the Town in time for there being a little Fortification at the Bank which thirty Souldiers were commanded to keep as there was Reason they out of a rash braâ—ado going out thence and being killed furnished the Enemy then wanting Engines and a place of safety and retreat with boâ—h suddenly after followed a Fight but it happening in the night proved more confused neither party being able to know which were Friends or Enemies yet the Germans at the very fiâ—st brunt their Colonel Tescline being killed who came along with Barlotte turned their backs and being in vain withheld ran into the encreasing Waters for it then flowed and there met a cowardly and obscure death But Barlotte with his men by much labour and valour restored their Fortune encouraging them to Honour with his words and the Assaylants being compelled to return into the Town both parts reported the number of the slain to be greater than it was each affirming themselves Conquerours Count Solmes because he had taken some Colours and they because they had some Prisoners Some Souldiers which Barlotte had left beyond the River to assist and be as a supply to the Germans being hired to swim over were rewarded with the spoyls of such as were slain Then was it if any things lying nigh was in that sudden and nocturnal attempt possessed by the Enemy that it happened for within there raâ— to and fro cross Banks to prevent the over-flowings of the Rivers in the same manner as Prince Maurice had commanded them to be kept These things as soon as they were noysed through Brabant both the Commanders by divers marches tend to one and the same place The Prince that he might drive out of the Isle this encreasing Company the other least those few who had entred should be destroyed either by the multitude of the Enemies Forces or by Famine for they had no more Provisions than what they carryed upon their shoulders there being no passage for Carts or Waggons But Prince Maurice laboured in vain to recover the lost places because Roâ—es had brought thither five Regiments from beyond the Scheldt to wit the Neopolitan Walloon and three Spanish Regiments but not without great danger and some loss with the rest of the Army Albertus himself filled the further Banks Prince Maurice remained at Cruning in the utmost Borders of Zeland sending from thence into the Town as many Souldiers as he could possible for the Zelanders earnestly conjured their Allyes that they would not be neglectful of them against whom both a valiant and victorious Army was coming and would lie upon them with all their force wasting and spoyling their Country although they would have all Provisions from Gaunt which is close at hand and Antwerp not far off Therefore Souldiers were both raised and encouraged in the Cities beyond the Rhine and in other places where hitherto they had been feared The Guard of the Borders wâ— committed to some fresh water Souldiers lately raised who besides their Oath taken as Souldiers were further obliged by half pay Besides it was decreed that there should be Drums beat up in England for the raising two thousand good Souldiers the Queen being beseeched that she would by her Authority be contributary to their Assistance in this great necessity But the King of France sought to for the same purpose that he would lay hold of this opportunity against his careless Enemy and make some speedy incursions into his Territories was backward in granting their Request from some designs of peace whereof he now began to hope In the mean time the Spanish brought in by one side and the Hollanders Horse by the other filled the whole Country about Hulst with sudden fear and slaughter The Hollanders had the greater strength and as oft as the water overflowed the Fields they passed backward and forward with their small Vessels unmolested Then between the Town and the Castle adjoyning to the Town which looketh toward the Scheldt and so to the Enemy slighting their Fortifications they laid themselves open by which mock or scorn the Enemies being provoked as they pursued them seeming to fly were cruelly shattered and beaten by the Townsmens shot and also a more compact and well ordered Sally It was manifest that these things happened for want of Cannon without which no good could be done and there was no small difficulty in the wafting them over the River the more marishy places were by little and little made firm with Faggots and other blushwood In the Estuary several Ships were bound and tyed one to another so strongly that they were as good as a Bridge and at the furthest part of the Bank served the Kings Forces like a Sconce framed into the shape of a half Moon from hence the great Artillery battered-both the Town and Castle But at that time there were two which had been brought at the first coming into the very Island and as any of the rest were brought over they were planted immediatly against the Enemy Afterwards many others were brought thither for security of the former and Rouce attempted to take from the Hulstians a Fort which was as we said to secure their Provisions and to cut off the use of the River from the Town yet make it advantagious to themselves which after it had not succeeded by several mean assaults at length with the Thunder of Cannons and the noyse of Trumpets and Drums whereby as he openly confessed he intended to strike at the same time terrour into the Enemies and infuse Courage into his own men at midnight he commanded the Italians to go and break through the middle bank possessed by the Enemy which led from the Castle to the City The darkness of the night was spent in wounds and slaughters with a confused noyse while the doubtful stroaks fall among the Croud and there is no
were flat from thence casting stones down upon the Enemy as they were scatter'd in the Streets not a few at a time but as it were by whole Loads Anon when the Court and the Market-place were possessed here the Townsmen all ran together into the Castle there two Companies of Souldiers follow'd but staid not long in it because they understood the Passage to them was shutting up by the Bridge which we before mention'd Whereupon the chief persons of the City being given for Pledges they redeem'd their Lives onely for One Hundred and Twenty Thousand Ducats And these Pledges being soon after carryed into England in regard the Queen would not suffer them to be Ransom'd being provoked with new Injuries dyed in Prison There was also a Treaty between the Earl of Essex and one Peter Herrera a Spanish Merchant for redeeming the Town and Ships from spoil for the Sum of Twenty Hundred Thousand Florens whereto Essex was consenting as discerning the Prey would be imbezill'd and wasted by the Souldiers and serve for the future to no purpose but the Duke of Medina Sidonia would not allow of that Agreement being the Supervisor of all the adjacent Coast chusing rather that the King should be despoiled of his Fleet and Ten Thousand Citizens outed of their Estates and Fortunes supposing that then to be Gain in the midst of Damage if nothing afterward accrewed to the Enemy and therefore the Town was spoiled no small Damage alighting upon the Merchants of Holland thereby many of whom were by long Voyages intermingled with the Enemy who esteemed this Loss at Three Hundred Thousand pounds And moreover a Holland Ship which came over to the English upon the Credit of Proclamation had Fifty thousand Florens taken from her upon pretence that it was the Enemies Money And the Americas Fleet well laded with Merchandize and consisting of Two and Thirty Sail was burned by the Spaniards together with some Ships of War that were for their Convoy The Commodities there burned amounted to no less value than One Hundred Thousand Florens Here the Commanders differ'd in Judgment Essex advising to retain their Victory while the greatness of the Report upon a suddain should strike such a Terrour into all the Neighbouring Ports and even in Sevil it self that they might dig through the Streights which being taken away the City it self would be made an Island protesting That he himself would be ready if the rest would go away with four hundred Souldiers either to perform for his Country an eminent and noble piece of Service or else that he would valiantly dye in the Enemies Country and if they had no other Reward for their stay than the Preyes of Ships passing through those Streights that they may go the next way into Africa and Europe it would certainly amount to an immense Revenue But the Lord Admiral Howard pretending to fear scarcity of Provisions hindred Essex his Glory whose Honour and Wealth gotten at the taking of Cadiz was never any where equalled with the like Naval Success And it was true that the English going from Home with no great store of Provisions had yet profusely and unadvisedly wasted even in the City what would have sufficed them for many days Neither would the Dutch Admiral Warâ— be hearkned to offering to the Fleet a Moneths Provision out of his own Ships and that in the mean time as the Wind favour'd Provisions might be fetched either out of Italy or England and he believed as he said That the People of Carthage who maintain War constantly against the Spaniards would not refuse to furnish them Notwithstanding all which Advice first setting the Town on fire they hoysted Sails And although Essex did again demonstrate That the Plate-Fleet coming from America was not far off bringing no less than threescore and ten hundred thousand Florens and that there was another going to the Indies bring as it were a Booty prepared for them if next after Cadiz they would which he conceived best to go to the Islands of Azores not far from the Line which the Netherlanders call the Isles of Flanders because they say they were of old inhabited by the People or their Country all Succour being intercepted by the speedy Expedition and Report of the Matter But other Advices were prefer'd which oftentimes under the Vizor of an over-careful Providence and Fore-sight do many times vitiate if not ruine the most noble and valiant Undertakings And the same Envy as before pretending danger of the Ships and want of Victuals would not suffer him with the Fleet to touch upon any of the obvious parts of Spain So that they passed by so great an open Shore and almost void of Towns doing nothing but dishonourable Pyracies Thus it came to pass that the spoil and burning of the City of Cadiz could not have been the least of his Actions when the whole Land and Continent of Spain offer'd it self to be spoiled if it had not been defer'd by the never agreeing Minds of men equâ—l in Authority so that Fortune had in vain thus far flatter'd the Earl of Essex They praised also the Industry of the Dutch-men whom they were not willing to make use of yet the Queen sent Letters to Admiral Wâ—mondt wherein she gave him Thanks for his faithful and good Service Nor did it a little augment the Trouble of the Spaniards for their decaying Wealth that their Fleet was burn'd at Cadiz all the Tribute and Customs of the following year were lost his strength at Sea much diminish'd about Twelve Hundred great Guns lost and consumed and which was worst of all it was made known to the World how weak they were at Home that were so much fear'd abroad As an Addition to all which Losses that old Evil of Usury eat up all the publick Revenues For Philip Twenty years before having much impair'd his Credit while he was yet intangled in the Dutch War not depressing his ambitious Things after the Kingdoms belonging to others nor comparing his infinite Disbursements with his ordinary Income by nourishing too covetous Endeavours wherein Fortune proved various he brought upon himself Poverty For the greatest part of the King's Creditors suspecting his potency onely some Merchants of Genoa and Germany much improved their Money by the hazard of Commerce and dealing with him To these were given in Pledge as Security almost all the Customs who reckoning all the Hazards both of War and the Sea the incommodiousness of Transportation and also infinite Use and Extortion for their Money did for a long time prevent the coming in of the Revenues to the King's use Thus his Treasury bring besieged as it were by his Creditors from whence he should place and displace Officers or at leastwise bear the Charge of his Wars nothing came to the King until some Polititians of his Court rather careful for the present than provident for the future invented a way though not very honourable which Advice the King laying hold of in the Moneth
of Mettal as the Spaniard did but only from the Love and Benignity of her Subjects And the Irish Rebellion as it inforced the new raising of Money at Home so likewise it necessitated her to call in what she had abroad On the other side the Dutch Embassadors first rendring many Thanks beseeched her to stand to the League complaining That they had had but a short Benefit of those Things which had bin agreed 12 Years before And that the Covenants did not set down any set number of Souldiers whereupon they who as they never had stagger'd in their Fidelity nor had inclined to the War with wavering Counsels yet had bin by the uncertainty of Forces oftentimes revolved unto vain Attempts and that this was very unseasonable in the heat of War to expect that which did not begin to be a debt until there were a Peace setled as by the Agreement will appear That their Condition was not so much alter'd but that they still deserv'd rather Pity than Envy For besides the rich Cities of Brabant they had lost certain Towns at the Maes and particularly those which were most convenient both by Sea and Land for raising and collecting the Flandrian Tributes Nor had they bin at a small charge after the driving away the Spanish Fleet from England in so many Naval Expeditions of the English and to what end had they assisted France but that the War might be repelled and the Seas be kept open while the Enemy was imploy'd at Land Hereto was added the Shipwracks they had suffer'd the restriction or taking of their Ships the breaches of their Banks by the Sea and other daily Evils they had undergone by Misfortunes and Casualties Concerning these Things there was a long Argument with Bodley who was Leiger for the Queen among the Hollanders concerning the Dutch Affairs Notwithstanding all which Queen Elizabeth grew every day more obdurate till at length she was mollified by procrastination but chiefly by the Supplies they sent to her for the Cadiz Voyage But no sooner was the benefit of that Kindness consum'd but presently the same Contest was again renew'd and Sebastian Lose James Valquy and Abel Franken being sent Embassadors into England the Queen gave them this short Answer That that was not the intent of the League that the Hollanders should prolong a War against themselves on purpose to delay without measure or end the payment of those Charges by others disbursed for them And as to the Peace they hoped if it proved disadvantageous to them neither had it been profitable to her those 12 years having both for that time and hitherto eâ—hausted both her self and her people in sending them perpetual Aids and keeping the Towns deliver'd to her for a Pledge And what kind of Alliance must that be whose very Branch must depend upon the pleasure of another But if they would look upon the Laws as the Queen was pleased to do she would urge nothing further than was in them That it was truly so conceived Words of Promise upon Honour were plighted The Lord Burghly added also the Irish Rebellion and the proper fears of England were Causes just enough why the Queen might fall off from those Agreements when even private Promises are wont to be absolved upon unexpected Events Therefore this Debate of Right being in vain and but for a shew made use of the Hollanders ran back to their old Guard shewing the danger they should incur from all their Neighbouring Dominions if the strength of their Cities already weakned should be utterly dejected by such Demands and so much both of Wealth and Power by Sea added to the Spaniards But above all when the dubious state of the matter and so discordant in the setling the Account of Receipts and Disbursements had almost brought them to a Non-plus The English urged the payment at least of some part of the Debt and for the future not to seek a Remedy against growing Danger from old Covenants as by Compulsion but rather to merit new Favours by their Gratitude and Thanks for the former The Embassadors with many humble Intreaties offer'd That there should be an Annual Portion paid notwithstanding all their present streights and the residue at the end of the War which the Queen slighted as inconsiderable while in the interim a great fearspread it self arising from a Rumor that there was Hostility intended against her in Spain and that the preparations there made to that purpose were greater than ever before Hereupon the Wise of those times began seriously to consider of both Affairs and judged that the Hollanders were not so much oppressed with Poverty but that it would oblige them to the Queen in a strict Alliance especially considering the danger of so great a Loss and that the Queen might at some time want Money they might well bear unless their Counsel could put the Hollanders now tyred with importunate Demands in mind of her Power it being not to be suffer'd that her Debtors should raise themselves to a more prosperous Fortune by Foreign Amities Now the Count of Bulloyne was sent into England to conclude the long Treaty of a League between the two Kingdoms which was at last agreed upon in manner following The League and Alliance concerning infâ—ring or resisting Wars between or upon the King of France and the People of England is concluded under these Articles and Conditions That all former Leagues and Covenants be confirmed That both shall endeavour to bring other Princes and Nations into the same League And when either shall be offended or invaded at Home that one common Army of the Allies shall transferre the War into the Enemies Country That it shall not be lawfull for either Kingdom without the other to make either Peace or a General Truce That either shall assist the other with Arms and other things necessary for War among themselves at a reasonable price and without fraud and aid the Souldiers with all Provisions without Treachery That all things relating to Religion and Travellers of either Country be used no otherwise than as naturall Subjects That the King of France use no violence to any English for difference in Religion and in regard he was at the present most subject to the Injuries of his Enemies the Queen promised him four thousand English Souldiers for the Defence of Normandy and Picardy which are the nearest parts of France to her Kingdom giving them half a years Pay and taking Pledges But if they were kept any longer there it should be at the King's Charge Who on the other side promised the like Aid to the Queen so as they should remain near the Shore or within fifty Leagues That it may be lawful to raise and take into Pay four thousand men and the Command of the Souldiers to be in that Prince within whose Borders the War is These were the Heads that were publickly known for by some private Agreements the number of Souldiers the Queen was to send this year was
Sir Edward Noris being made Governour there raged scot-free all over the Country being grown more terrible to the Enemy because he had lately taken Alvares Agilarius the Governour of Dunkirk prisoner with some other booty Here I have a mind to draw all Affairs into one Series until the end of the Year that I may not place what was done during that time by the Hollanders or continued by them apart They were quiet the greatest part of the Summer while France detained their Money and England their Souldiers either expecting other business or hoping some Sedition among the Enemies But now Albertus his Forces being all recalled from Amions there was a necessity for some action but not resolved whither to carry the War their Affections wavering towards divers places until at length it was left to the Judgment of the Prince Count William and the Senate who thought it convenient to drive the Enemy out of the Garrisons in Overissel whereof the Spaniard had not many remained but they which were were governed and kept by Frederick Count Heremberg that so the War being removed within the Rhine all that part of the Country that lyes beyond might be exempted from payment of Contribution to the Enemy and that they might compass this with the more safety for they had not equal Forces at Home to cope with the Enemy and it might be doubted least the Spaniard might alter his Counsel and come back they thought fit to put off the Journey to some following time with Commands where the Rhine might be passed The same thing also proved famously advantagious for the safety of the Borders and that there might be a safe Passage into Germany opened which was now shut up by the Enemy to the great damage of Trade while it is prohibited to carry through Rivers what was taken at Sea and to carry back other things in lieu thereof At this time Henry Frederick entring into the 14th Year of his Age having till those years spent his time at Leyden in the study of the Liberal Sciences was first taken to be instructed in the Rudiments of War With which Companion and many others of the same House the Prince and the rest of the Commanders having privately held a Council go towards Gravewaert so that the Enemy might not be aware to what place chiefly they intended He had Seven Thousand Foot and Twelve Hundred Horse who passed the Rhine in little Boats and the Wael by a Bridge of Ships fastned together carrying along with them their Waggons and Baggage But the Ships by force of the Wind were carryed up the Rivers wherein were contained forty great Guns fit for Battery and the rest of the Provisions proportionable The Army marched along the Banks which of old was called the Gallick or rather the Romane Cawsey and in their Journey upon sight of the Army and Artillery Fort Alba a Hold of unreasonable strength was without delay surrendred and the same Evening some Horse were sent out to encompass Berck There are some who would have this Town to be the Tiberiacum of the Antients and that there yet remains some glimmering of the same in the word Berck as it is now contracted It is a small Town but rich in Customs for lying upon that Bank of the Rhine which as we said is beyond Xantem which is also known by the Name of Veteracastra being a place famous in former Ages for the Siege of the Legions and the War of Holland A little upon the one hand appeareth Wesel near the back of Gelderland but both sides of it are inclosed by the Regions of Cleves and Juilliers It is within the Jurisdiction of the Arch-Bishop of Colen but the Duke of Parma under pretence of the Truxian War before-mentioned after much contest seized and possessed it for safety whereof besides the sweetness of the place and the Antiquity of the Fortifications there was kept in it a Garrison of no less than a Thousand Men part Netherlanders part Germans In the upper part of the River there is an Island three miles in compass adjoyning to the Town and separated onely by a River Hither the Prince sent a sufficient number of men to guard it and made a Bridge over the Channel that there might be a secure Way for Pastures and other Provisions Afterwards he pitched his Camp chiefly in two places although at that time the Weather was very raging and that no place might be left open a Line with a Trench was commanded to be drawn on both sides the River all along Thus the Town was shut up many ships stopping the passages of the Rhine And all Forts whether in Ways or upon meaner Rivers were strengthned and maintained by the Guard of the Beleaguerers by turns which afterwards being laid aside there was another great Work raised against the Town for the securing Passages from place to place nor had the Besieged either Valour or Confidence enough to disturb their Enemies Work by Sâ—llies they onely vindicating themselves by shot at a distance having the greatest plenty of Ammunition though indeed they wanted nothing else for there were found in the City almost fourscore great Guns with these they had furnished the Fortifications to resist any thing that might oppose the Town The chief Defence against all such Damages was a Tower which raised its height somewhat above the Palace and so infested all the places near the River from hence arose Pity Fear and Wrath to many falling in the Camp for Lewis of Nassau was shot in the Thigh and the Prince himself was not free from danger for by accident his Tent was overthrown yet the Besiegers began to set in order their Canon against the Town whereby the before-mentioned Tower was so weakned that none durst remain or stay therein Hitherto all that was done was by snatches and intervals as it were at a breathing Afterwards the Trench was filled up and although the Weatheâ— were very bad by reason of continual Rains yet the Galleries began to be wrought on forward to the very Rampire to a great breadth The Artillery never ceasing to baâ—â—â— the Gate which lay upon the River from the Island before-mentioned This caused the Besiegers to send Messengers that should Treat about the delivery of the Town it being manifest to them that those Threats were not in vain in regard they beheld and felt the Fore-runners of a Storm yet could not all their Prayers at the present prevail to obtain a Truce the Battery continuing all that day with the expense of Two Thousand shot In this interim also William of Nassau had assaulted and taken an Half-Moon Sconce that lay upon the River the Defendants being beaten out thereof by violence of shooting Now also was the Courage of the Besieged utterly overthrown by a sharp Summons whereby they were advised to prevent Extremity and that if they should yet continue in their Obstinacy they should be exempted from Mercy Thus on the Tenth day was Berck deliver'd
the whole Garrison marching forth with all that belonged to them All the publike Stores of the Enemy together with the Artillery and Ships were according to Custom deliver'd to the Conqueror Some there are who lay the fault of this Surrender upon a too suddain fear especially for that Herman Count Heremberg Governour of Gelderland came to the Garrison either because the Commander in Chief there was blame-worthy being an immoderate Boaster and before the appearance of danger beyond measure insolent or else that the Souldiers were equally criminal whom presently after their going out of Gelderland many reprehended as growing Seditious within the Town This thing done Legates were sent from the Arch-Bishop of Colen and the Colledge of Priests to the Prince with Command to go from him to the States to demand the re-delivery of that being a Free Town and not obnoxious to their War But the great conveniency of the place moved the States to return an Answer in these terms Although whatsoever was possessed by our Enemies and taken from them by War may seem ours by right of Victory yet the 〈◊〉 Confidence you have of the Batavian's Equity is not altogether vain since what hath been so long permitted to undergo the Yoke of Spanish Tyranny you are not ashamed to challenge out of our hands We would truly have given way of our own accord unless that former Action had taught us that you yourselves were unable to defend it And certainly he is deservedly wretched that will be deceived by another mans slothfulness Now if the Spaniard may reside still at Berck you ought also to take the same Care both for Bonne and Nuiss We are continually exhausted and damaged by Excursions Nay our own Land and the common River is taken from us so that we shall be said not to restore but to have given you the City Rather then so still believe it to be yours and that it is ours a Pledge onely against danger and a caution for our Expences which in all Reason and Justice you ought to pay if we have conquered the same for you notwithstanding which we promise that the Revenues which the Bishop usually received thence shall carefully be reserved to his use With these Words the Legates were dismissed nor did the States as yet fortifie this Town of Berck as their own for they onely repaired the Breaches made by the Batteries and Assaults and placed therein for Defence of the place a Regiment of Foot with a few Horse and that no part might lye open to the Enemy they levelled Mutelen to the ground because it seemed too far off to fortifie and defend the same sufficiently Camillus Sachino who was in Command under the Duke of Parma had raised that Castle upon the Bank of the Rhine in an excellent scituation and as was believed in the very place of old Duysburg the original of which Town the old Germans refer to the fabulous Wandrings of Ulysses And being the Duke of Parma's Countrey-man gave the Name to this place as promising to himself wiâ—â—â—s doubt by that Work the perpetuating of his Fame and â—ontinuation of his Memory to after-Ages But at that time the Count Hohenlo accidentally passing that way in his Journey with a small Reâ—inue towards Germany it was with great fear desetted and by the Prince's Command levelled with the ground the Italian's Arrogance being looked on with Contempt who to speak his own words affirmed it to be built in the height of his Courage to such advantage that it was inexpugnable At this time the United States writ to the Princes of Newenberg and Brandenburg wishing them rather to lay open to them a Passage into the Dukedom of Cleves in reality than to Tantalize them with empty Words and Promises and to leave it to them to lay hold on a fit time to vindicate Right In those parts of the Bishoprick of Colen yet under the Patronage of the Dutchy of Cleves is scituate Moers The Proprietors whereof were called Counts and the last Heir of which was Valburgis innobled of old by an intermarriage with the Count of Horn and through the Duke of Alva's Cruelty a Widow and now again intermarryed and the Widow of a related Family the Count Menar She living among the Hollanders the Spaniard had possessed both the Town and Castle being a considerable strength above eleven years with a strong Garrison whose number was increased to above eight hundred by the Count Herman of Heremberg upon the Report of the Siege of Berck being otherwise helpless and unable to have resisted Wherefore taking along with him the rest of the Forces that were left he retreated beyond the Maes From whose Bank the Town lyeth a little distant by which means an access thereto is more easie for the Enemy and greater damage accrewing to the Besiegers In this well-known Site the Prince in two several places setled his Force but without any defensive Trench and their nearer Approaches which they had begun were retarded by the Autumnal Showers yet the Day brought them to the Ditch which in three places was filled up Hitherto no great Guns had vomited Thunder to the Battery or Ruinâ— of the Works though the Prince had commanded many to be planted and a Bridge to be prepared as for an Assault when unexpectedly the Governour of the Town and Castle his name was Andrew Miranda by Nation a Spaniard came to a Treaty Pledges on both sides being given although a little before being summon'd by Letters from Prince Maurice That if he could defend the Castle yet he should take pity upon the Town and not leave the Citizens lying to the severity of War He returned a proud and uncivil Answer The Souldiers that marched out were permitted by Article to carry away their Colours Arms and one great Gun the Prince by the Concessions of these Honorary Vacuities redeeming the War from delay and the Enemy under the pretence of a Titulary Repute flattering himself in his own disgrace notwithstanding he pretended a want of Gunpowder beyond the Exemplar of Berck but certainly he might have furnished himself with those things neither indeed could he have wanted means to have moderately relieved the Town but that Fear wholly prevented their Care While the Frizon Forces attended Prince Maurice in the mean while Frederick Count Heremberg drawing the Garrison Souldiers out of Lingen and other Towns into that part of Frizeland which is called Septemsylue began to wast and burn the Villages thereof carrying away many prisoners and a great Booty Nevertheless private damages did no way put a stop to publike Endeavours wherefore the Hollanders Army passing the Rhine by a Bridge thereabouts where the Village called Rees And here also the same Fortune followed the Conquerours none daring to resist them for Albertus had resolved to lye on the French Borders which made the Garrisons in these parts the more afraid If I should commemorate like Wars among the Antients and the concurring strength of divers
so that where-ever they went there was nothing but a thick stiff Mud and no safety or certainty any where not could they find any Ground fit to raise a Breastwork in But when the Prince had with great Diligence used all the Arts formerly tryed at Gertruydenberg and Coeverden all these Difficulties were by Experience mollified And himself became hoth an Advisor and Director of the Work sending put of the Forces under Count Solmes and Col. Brederode into those places that answer'd to the Gates that which lay in the middle towards the North being the most difficult he reserved to himself The Moory places he made firm by stuffing them with Stones Wood and other sound Earth laying over all Planks and into the deeper Water were thrown Bundles of great Rushes and Brushwood Thus upon this made Ground Hurdles being set upright with Earth between them at small distance served both for Blinds and Defence by this means a Breastwork was brought even to the Hill hard by the Town but much helped by the singular industry of the Sea-men whose continual being in danger makes them fearless There was erected a Platform for Twenty Canon and so much pains was taken in eight days that they were gotten to the very Trench of the Town But there was no Expedient found to drain the Water from thence for that the daily Rains and the lower Springs in all that open Country still more and more supplied and filled it This together with the Promise of Count Frederick Hereinberg to send Three Hundred Souldiers to their Relief through the Shallows so heigntned the Confidence of the Besieged that they yet refused to surrender Whereupon now the whole Camp intended a Storm nor were the Captains backward especially the English who having lost many of their men were incited by the Prince and incouraged that at length after their Toilsom Labour in digging they should be rewarded with the bloud and spoil of their Enemies Protesting since the Enemy had had so many Examples of his Clemency which he had refused that now he should feel the severity of their Revenge That there was a method in Pardon as in all other Things and Limits within which it is lawful to resist or relent That Terrour and Moderation are turned to Glory and Advantage when too much Lenity breeds nothing but Contempt and Pride That for all this there ought to be Concessions of Favour in all publike Dealings of War for the Honour and Encouragement of Military Vertue least the Victory should at any time set upon unfortunate Valour the undeserved Stamp of a Vice But on the other side if any shall despise and mock at Threats and certain Destruction it was never known but that such weak Pretenders to Honour suffer'd the punishment of their own Delay Wherefore the Prince beginning his Batteries had beaten down with his Artillery the Towers and Steeples at also the Tops of the Bulwarks and Fortifications among which the Rampire without the Gate having been long batter'd at last was taken And the Besieged defended the Ruines of their Lines and Works with their Bodies and strength throwing down upon the Prince's men as well great Bullets as Stones The Trench alone kept off the Assault till this time but now a Bridge of Cork prepared not far off was soon brought thither And this being a Work full of danger was undertaken by the Sea-men for they not waiting for the Word of Command began to undermine the Rampire not so much as minding their own Weapons which they had carryed thither with them At the sight of the Bridge as some stupendious Wonder the whole People of the Town were affrighted so that they could neither agree in Labour or Design for a space But at last leaving off all other business all flocked to that part But when they saw their Enemies advancing with certain steps and in a plain and even way and others to stand behind with glistring Ensigns fierce Looks and threatning Weapons and that the noise and whistling of Bullets had now taken away all the Advantages and Opportunities of Speaking or Hearing they shewed up and down their Heads and the Coverings thereof which were a sure token that they sought for Peace Whereto when Prince Maurice's men gave no other Answer than Wounds then flying back into the Castle yet intire they left to the Rage and Fury of the Pursuers a miserable Company of Women and Children who falling upon their Knees with elevated Hands although to an angry Victor yet either their Sex or Age procured Mercy About Seventy were killed in the flight they who had entred the Castle forthwith deliver'd both it and themselves to the Prince's power who joyful that after the satisfaction of his Revenge there was yet opportunity for him to shew mercy gave them their Lives and set mulct upon them which they were to pay to the Conquering Souldiers and to that purpose he took Hostages of them But afterwards this also was remitted towards the re-building of Houses which had been there burned which hapned to begin in the Night by means of a burning Bullet which lying unobserved among many others that were cooled set fire on many Houses the flame much increasing by the great quantities of Straw scatter'd all about And in the mean while the Governour no less conscious to himself of the hatred of his own men for his severity towards them then fearful of the Enemies indignation and doubting least the Souldier would expiate his own pertinacy by the punishment of his Captains did not fly with the Multitude but hid himself in a dark and close Cave under the Town there expecting better Times whence being drawn out as he stood before Prince Maurice retaining much of his old Contumacy he began to dispute for himself concerning the truth of the differing Parties and many other Things which at such a time when all Affairs were in such disorder are neither wisely nor with safety spoken of Whereto when the Prince even against his Nature had bid forced he laid all the fâ—ult thereof upon him by whose punishment so great mischief should in some sort be made satisfaction for with much more Justice than the bloud of the People or Souldiers At the heaâ—ing of which Sentence both his Speech and Countenance were quickly alter'd till humbling himself with many submissive Prayers and Tears at last his Life was re-granted to him Now were some few days allotted to the Souldiers for refreshment of their Bodies as well against the past as the future Labours they were to undergo wherein they were not a little comforted with the Booty they had got for all the Neighborhood round about had brought thither their Goods and left them there as in a most safe Repository Soon after this the Army marched in a Rainy Season through a dirty Country into Over-Issel now filled with Warre the Terrour whereof had already gained many Towns though indeed there were few there comparable with the former for Gouen was
deserted of it self and the Garrison of Euschede part of them were met and slain in the March and they that remained affrighted to see and hear so much removed away their Guns and that was enough for them From hence the Army was divided to go part of it to Otmarsen and part to Oldenzeel It is supposed that both these Towns drew their Original from the Marsi and the Salii sometimes noble Nations of Germany whereof yet appears some Glimmerings in their Names And now is Otmarsen which we related five years ago to be lost and taken from Us re-taken by Us in an instant For the Souldiers made no delay but demanded it of the Enemy battering the Walls with their great Guns to make them believe the necessity of their Surrender the greater Oldenzeele held out three days for there were three Rampires and Trenches round about the Town and six Companies fill'd up the Ditches and the rest of the Works though the number of the Town Souldiers did not answer the Report made of them yet were they such as having been old Souldiers might well supply the place of a greater number These to ingratiate themselves with the Townsmen urged a speedy Surrender of the Town least the houses by any pretence of delay should be batter'd down or spoil'd Thus did these two Town fall into the Prince's hand at once and by Decree of the Deputies of Over-Issel the Works were thrown down and dismantled because they did not think them worthy of Repair and were afraid lest if they should be left so as they then were they might invite the Enemy to a too suddain Return There remained yet one and that a very difficult piece of Work in regard the Winter approached which was to quiet all the right side of the Rhine For that part of Germany which hath grown into one Body with the Neâ—herlanders both in Name and Government contains towards the East the People of Westfalia and near the Sea-shore those of Emblen Upon these Confines Lingen is scituate beyond the River Eemes being the Hereditary Demesnes of the Family of Teâ—lâ—nborg But the Emperour Charles in that War when he made the League of Smalcalde drew to himself the Possession thereof though formerly given to Maximilian Count Buren as a Reward of his Service in the Wars for he was desirous to inlarge the old Bounds and that he might obtrude Garrisons more into that Country and in time come to command unto the further Bank where men pass to Hamburgh and Breme Sea-Coast Towns of Germany This City and Country adjoyning the Prince of Aurange had among other things accepted as a Gift at what time through Civil Discords he enjoyed the most happy Affections of the Netherlanders The strength of Lingen was not over-great although Frederick late Count Heremberg by the Advice of a Renegade had begun to fortifie the same anew but the Castle was of a competent strength being incompassed with a Winding Bulwork which contained four Half-Moons each at an equal distance At this time six hundred men lay there in Gariâ—on most of them Foot with a small party of Horse but without all doubt the choice of all the King's Cavalry That there were no more was occasion'd by an Oath whereby they that had gone out of the next Towns were â—o bidden to fight beyond the Rhine during the space of three Moneths It was observed by them who were wont to judge of Things after the Event that the Spaniards had done more politikely when they saw there was no hopes to break up the Siege if they had gather'd their Forces together though to the leaving open and hazard of other parts whereas now the rest being lost they had all reduced themselves hither as if they intended with all their Forces to contest there for the last Fort and strong Hold of their Government They had here also both Brass and Iron Guns and other Instruments both for Defence and Offence Against this Town Prince Maurice having sent before some to possess the Passage of the River Dincle and himself following the fourth day after pitched beyond the Eemes where he found the Enemy wasting the Villages and Houses with Fire by which means he was compelled to quarter the Souldiers in the Villages at a greater distance from the Town There then he pitched his Camp without any fear of an Enemy from abroad aking no care on their back-side and but meanly fortifying their Front Against the Town Batteries they raised Batteries in the Camp and drew a Line against any suddain Sallies that should be made by the Besieged At this time the Air was more mild than usually at that Season of the Year and the Ground easily swelling into little Hillocks much facilitated the privacy of working And now that which was wet with the Water being penetrated some being beaten back by the Townsmen discover'd to them the secret Way to the great destruction of such as came thither and not onely so but such of Prince Maurice's men as came for Supplies were shot at with so much vehemency that with the fire from the Guns the Castle seemed to be all in a flame And this was tâ—en done with the less hazard because the Prince in hastning his Expedition had onely brought with him a few light Field-pieces the greater being commanded to be brought through the Mouth of the Eemes by an easie Passage of the Ships until the Wind and the Tide should meet And as soon as they were arrived the whole heat of the Siege continued about the Castle for Count Heremberg had brought thither all the main of his strength and the Prince was sparing in the Assaults of the Town as hoping shortly it would be his own lest if he batter the Works of it and so take it first it should after he ruinated from the Castle And here they met with a hard piece of Work which was to draw away the Water in the Ditch before which lay a Bulwark strongly defended by the Besieged so that as iâ— was beaten down by any means they endeavour'd to raise it a new But when at length continual Batteries had laid it quite slat the Ditch being fill'd up and â—alleries made then was sent to them a Summons which had hitherto been delay'd by reason of the Scoffs which had bin put upon others in former Sieges adding withall That as this was the first so also should it be their last Summons Count Heremberg hearing that and having received Letters from Albertus whereby he was commanded to have both his own and his Souldiers Lives for better Services upon the 16th Day after the beginning of the Siege deliver'd up both the Town and Castle thus being by his Kinsmans Valour deprived and put out of the Command which he had hitherto obtainâ—d and kept This Action thus finished the Souldiers were drawn into Winter-Quarters And as the Fame of the Prince's Actions was glorious abroad so was his happy Return which in 3 Moneths time and
to obtain Peace Others because a safe Peace could never be obtained And as the Nature of Fire and Water are directly contrary and endless so is the Contention of them that on the one hand sâ—ek to domineer over all and of those on the other side that will serve none wherein to seek Revenge or Defence too late is folly but to anticipate 〈◊〉 very beginnings is a glorious act befitting wise men For it is not so much for the punishing of Injuries as for preventing Princes of that sort of Dominion which is nicknamed to be Power given them by Heaven He cannot be said to preserve himself that lies upon the Defensive Posture 'T is Impunity makes wicked Minds worse Let Philip 's Pretences be what they will 't is sure he will always keep Armies a foot both by Sea and Land What to do To fight with the Turk or keep other Forein Enemies in awe No no but to bring Us under his Yoke or otherwise to â—â—o with Us what Providence will suffer him Nor can England be free either from Charge or Fear while his Armiâ—s are raging every where Let but this Question be answer'd Whether is an Act of greater Valour to be afraid of or fight with an Enemy and whether is it more just and honourable to take Tributes from our Subjects or Booties from our Foes We do not boast Great Queen our Alliance with you We acknowledge our selves obliged to you for infinite Benefits which that they may not be forgotten or lâ—st a little concerns you but us highly who both would be and be accounted grateful And if We on our part have done ought in requital which might be acceptable for the readiness of our Intents in regard the multiplicity of our pressing Necessities could not grant more We doubt not but You will be ready to remember it with more Equity than behoves us to speak of it This is without all Dispute that your Ancestors have had such an Esteem of the Belgick Provinces in regard of their Site and Customs that they always thought it a matter of great moment in all their great Affairs to have their Friendship and of Prejudice to have them Enemies But herein yon have excelled the Glory of your Ancestors that by how much you exceed others in Power by so much you excel them in Acts of Mercy and Piety by whose Means and Aid the French have gain'd many Victories and We more which will redound to the Honour not onely of your Self but those that shall come after you The future Events of Wars are in the Hands of Almighty God whom we 〈…〉 found propitious to us beyond all Humane Expectation And as far as it is lawful for a Wise-man to judge of Futurities we have all those things that put Life and add Sinews and Strength to War for we have Men Mâ—neyes Towns Cities and Forts nay more we have a General so famously exemplary for Valour and Vertue that it is hardly to be imagined how any of these things should decrease and not rather be augmented Whereas the Enemy unless by our giving way hath not where to settle And as his Dominion it wider so is ours more convenient for in a great and over-spatious Empire it is usual for some People to Rebel Upon which occasion if at any time he be employ'd it will be easie for other Princes to appoint what Method they will use for the future for their own Security That which is usually said or thought to the contrary That a man ought not to thrust himself into another Man's Affairs or Business I will not say it is a hard Speech against Humanity against the Honour and Glory of Princes with whom nothing that is good or great is less unquestion'd nor any suffer'd to do good that would And where any puts that upon another that he is not willing to undergo himself may it be his Fortune to obtain no other Doom In this case whatever we speak of our selves the same may be said of England for they that without themselves would indanger the Hollanders with an intent onely to save themselves do little consider that it is alike easie to Fortune to make an end of them as for any one to set Bounds to his desires Will therefore our Ruine add any thing to you or to your strength Or will it any whit diminish your Enemies Ambition Or rather will not any man think it more truly probable that if we are devoured the Danger will not go over to the English who as they were not behind us in Wealth so they are like to be second to us in Misery Wherefore what advantage is it to consider whether you fight in Holland or your Country for your own Lands and Territories You may have us for your Associates in Defence of the Common Weal and is not that safer than to have us unwilling Servants to advance the Spaniards Tyranny For if three Nations which are at this day powerful at Sea if the Hollanders be joyned to the Spaniards it is much to be feared that England afterward will have a hard Task to cope with them especially since the Sea and their Navies are the main if not sole Defences of the Kingdom Besides none will be then equal to match Philip in Wealth if his Revenues out of the new World and the Indies since the Conquest of Portugal till this time infested with War be once brought to a certain and safe Return Thus in fine his own Forces will be able to accomplish his Desires upon those whom he hath hitherto treated as his Inferiours and then shall it no longer be lawful for the English to be any where than now it is lawful for them to be in Germany from whence he hath driven you by bought Decrees as profane and guilty persons and as much as in him lies would banish them from all Humane Society and Commerce But this thing troubleth us for we hear there are some who by Clandestine Speeches object against us the Envy of an ill Example at if we were guilty of a new Defection This hath been spoken before Philip but to gratifie whom we shall not say but chose rather not to know them What hath been done in France and Ireland merely out of a desire of Innovation the Hollanders were compelled thereto by a most excusable Necessity otherwise with what Confidence durst they have call'd it a Fault that Kings had approved and assisted them by Leagues Writing and Arms We seek the good our Grand Fathers enjoyed which is Liberty Let no man start at that Word for we believe Liberty to be in a most flourishing condition under a lawful Principality We do not yet fear Forreign Powers and now if any one will look upon Oppression and not Names we shall quickly agree There is no other or better Tye to keep Subjects in their Obedience to be used either by you O Queen Us or all Governments than to teach them this one Rule That they would
that for want of Remedy this Mutinous Licentiousness continued until the Year following the Souldiers in the Castle of Gaunt were a little more modest for being content with their own Number they would not receive any that came from other places which in this time of common Disturbance seem'd a great part of Honesty But in the City of Grave there was not a Mutiny but a Fight of the Souldiers among Themselves but when the Germans ran to Arms in Assistance of the Towns-men against the Spaniards that Commotion quickly was appeased beyond hope After all which Disturbances Albertus being thereby spurred up to Arms and the rather because he received no Answer to his Letters either from Prince Maurice or the United States he took away from the Souldiers their hope of continuing in their Garrisons What Money could be scraped together either out of Spain or upon Credit He distributed among such as were going to the Camp as well old as new raised Souldiers which made a great Supply and consisted chiefly of French-men who fled from the late made Peace at Home Now upon Debate of the Matter in the Senate and with the most skilful and understanding Collonels it was though fit that the Army should march beyond the Rhine either for the invading of the Hollanders or else that they might undo what Prince Maurice had done who in the former years in the setling of Frizeland had finish'd one part of the War for the United States where the Country being large and open on the backside towards Germany and but meanly it engthned with Towns he shew'd-many notable Examples of good Conduct and Industry in laying hold upon all convenient Opportunities Now as this was in it self very prudent Counsel to surround the Hollanders on all sides with their Armies to diminish and abate their Tributes and to disturb their Garrisons so at that time there was nothing more fit than having retrenched the Treasury as much as they could if yes with all their Forces they could spend the Winter in the Enemies Country they should destroy the Hollanders by their own President About the middle of Autumn Army was commanded to meet at the Maes over which Francisco Menusa was made General who was returned out of France after the Confirmation of the Peace there Whereof as soon as the Hollanders heard Count Hohenlo being Commanded to look to the Isle of Bommelerweart the greatest part of their Forces under the Prince's Conduct met at Arnheyme In this interim Albertus being about to go to perform his Mirriage and receive his Principality yet first by the Pope's Licence laying down his Honours of Cardinal and Archbishop of Toledo he shew'd himself publikely in his Archiducal Habit He Dedicated his Cap and Sacred Robe at the Altar of the Blessed Virgin which is honour'd at Hall a Free Town in Hâ—valt This was an antient Temple famous for many Pilgrimages thither made and Miracles there wrought where by the Inhabitants were perswaded that the Deity testified himself there present For there might be seen many rich Gifts of Princes and great Multitudes of the Common People who having been deliver'd from Dangers or Diseases incurable by Physick have here performed their Vows Nay some Reports do not stick to tell that at this place dead Bodies have been restor'd to Life Many Relations of this place concerning Things some few Years before done are set forth by Justus Lipsius in the Latine Tongue by which he denoted to the World the Truth of the Romane Catholike Religion and the Reverence due to Images Although on the other side some Dispute in their Writings alledging the known Fraud of Priests and many other Stories feighed for Gain most of which being called Miracles have either hapned naturally or by accident And yet those old Magitians of Egypt and Tyaneus and other Masters of Condemnable Worship because they confirm'd their Opinions and Tenets by stupendious Works seeming preternatural it must be brought at last as an Argument to work upon our Faith to believe the like who assign all our Devotions onely to God not requiring the Patronage of others not corrupting our Piety with the forbidden Superstition of Images After the Cardinal Audren being sent for by hasty Letters was come out of Alsatia whereof he then had the Government by Caesar's Authority Albertus giving him onely some few Embraces and leaving with him his Commands immediately went into Germany To his Train were added some of the most Noble Counts of the Netherlands who were in the Name of the Publike to give Thanks to the King and there certain select Matrones and young Ladies who went also to attend the new Princess Among the Noblemen that were selected was the Prince of Aurange whom many ignorant of the Power of Custom admired to see returning into Spain He when he had receiv'd of his own in the Netherlands what the King's Exchequer had drain'd and could procure his Fathers Goods among the Hollanders means of his Brother and his Mothers by the help of Coure Hohenlo he was wholly bent to look after his Principality of Aurange which although it had been always free and ought no Obedience to any yet by occasion of the Civill Wars some of the French Governours having entred therein did yet though the War were ended retain or rather usuâ—p the same and now of late Prince Maurice had sent thither Allegond in vain affecting by Treaties and other arcs to have gotten the possession thereof But he now hoping that the Spaniards might to him some kindness to the French King by their Recommendations of him was the main Motive that induced him to the taking of this Journey into Spain which having begun and when now he was gone higher towards the Bank of the Rhine he turned towards the Palatinate to see the Elector's Sister then first and but newly marryed But as the Arch-Duke was proceeding in his Journey to Prague that he might communicate some of his secret Counsels with his Brother the Emperour and as it was believed upon the hopes of attaining the Name and Honour of King of the Romans which is next of all to the Emperour he was overtaken by Messengers who brought him the News of King Philip's death The Relation whereof as it hapned was thus His weak and crazy Body was broken with old Age but chiefly from the last fore-going Spring with sharp pains of the Joynts but in the Summer his sickness began to incease To whom that he might have some ease by the Relaxation of his Mind he commanded his Servant to tarry him in his Horse-Litter to the Eseurial a Palace which he had sumpruously builded with extraordinary Cost while in the imeirm the Netherlandish Affairs languish'd and lay gasping for want of Money This Palace is reckon'd among the most famous Instruments of this Age. Then being unable to endure the tossing of the Litter and the thickness of the Air as soon as he was reposed he fell into a Feaver his Sinews being
Proceedings but in deeds they practised all kinds of Hostility But both the Earls Sons went to the King of Poland from whose Aunt they were descended though to small purpose and there they put the Embden Exiles into a few ships giving Command That they should vindicate their own Right against the Authors of that injurious Oppression And the Polander in honour of his Kinsmen went â—o far as to threaten the City with an Interdiction of Traffike if it continued obstinate to the same purpose writing Letters to the United States stuffed with many proud Words even to admiration That although he were deprived of his antient Kingdom of Sweden yet he could come with hazard and prescribe Laws to them though so far distant The Duke of Holsatia also whose Daughter was marryed to Enno the Son of Edsard commanded a Restraint of Trade with Embden seizing all their Ships that were in his Coasts The like also was endeavour'd with the Dane and Spaniard The Dissentions of Aquisgrave continued longer between the Old Magistrates whom the Duke of Juliers helped as being Patron of the City by Hereditary Right and Them who had obtained the Administration of the Common-Wealth by the Expulsion of others under pretence of giving Judgment against Them Anon after at the publike instance of the Spaniard by Mendosa and Clement Determinations onely wont to be made in great Assemblies were privately hastned and by the Judgment of Spire the Occupiers were condemned And because they would not perform the Judgment within the time limited they were proclaimed Enemies to the Empire Concerning whom it was thus Decreed viz. That it should not be lawful or safe for any to help them That to offend hurt or kill them shall be imputed to none for a fault and that all their Goods may be taken from them as lawful Booty The Custom is within the Year to promulgate anew the same Proscription in harsher Terms The Herald after he had proclaim'd all Things in a solemn manner commanded their next Neighbors of Germany the Duke of Juâ—ers the Arch-Bishop of Colen and Triers with all their Powers to defend the Authority of this Law It seem'd good to these to take Albertus his Forces that were as then ready to assist Them And now Garrisons were put into all the Towns within the Territory of Aquisgrave and their Cattel and whatever else was in the Fields was taken away by the Souldiers of Juliers and Limburg But this did not agree with Them whose City had been the Royal Court of Charlâ—main and long continued the Metropolis of all the Regions within the Alps and to this day in all the Counsels of the Empire a Seat equal to Rome and Millain that They should utterly be excluded from all the Affairs of Germany Thus the Governours being amazed whom the Favour and Promises of the Augustane Profession had made unaware of such a suddain Mischief when on the one side they saw an Army coming under Mendosa and on the other side the choice Souldiers of the Hungarian War and that they could make no Defence for the avoiding of Envy they suffer'd the People to have the Government of the City And hereupon the Arch-Bishop of Colen being chosen Arbitrator and Intercessor for the Restoration of Peace by good just Laws They avoided the Ruine that was coming upon Them but the Customs which had prevail'd among Them for the space of 40 years were alter'd For a Garrison entring the City all Offices both high and low were bestow'd upon Romane Catholikes all such being remov'd as the Lutherant and Calvinists differing among Themselves named as faulty They who had born Offices first were committed into private Custody Afterwards parâ— of Them accompanied with many Netherlanders who being formerly Fugitives thither because of their Evil Discords were even pursued at the heels with these Evils that for fear of more grievous punishments their Adversaries conniving thereat to the Hollanders and other part of them to other places Among these Exiles that now returned was Engelbert who had formerly been a Captain of a Troop on the part of the United States known more by his Military Vices than any Vertue and having at the Council of Spire obtain'd Licence to seize what he could because he said his Wages were unpaid him he fell upon the Netherlandish Merchants going to their Houses with a Portsale Spear and carrying with him persons to buy their Goods Afterwards he was chosen into the City Tribunal and this made him so much the more cruel untill by several Letters from the States written against him he was moderated and kept under For they took it ill averring it a Thing intollerable that publike Causes should be handled by private Persons who were not able to distinguish among the Judges between a true and false Name adding Threats in case they were not obtained And forthwith it was so order'd whereas before the Netherlanders could hardly be secure from such Injuries in any Kingdoms But it is in old and well-known Rule That at the Power and Strength of a Party is so are the Rules they give out obeyed In the Dutchy of Cleves the Councellors of the Duke as yet kept all the Authority they were of the Austrian Faction Nor did the Princes who were concerned in the Inheritance trouble themselves that Berck was taken by the Hollanders The Nobles indeed of Cleves and Juliers pretending the Guarding and Safety of their Diseased Prince consulted as it were with the States of the Provinces for the raising of Forces to the number of 2000 Horse and 6000 Foot which should lye upon their Borders for Defence of the Country whereas it was in truth to secure the Government of the Common-Wealth to Themselves But when they began to think of a General some praising John of Nassau Others the Count Hohenlo But not finding a ready means to raise Pay for them their long deliberation gave their Adversaries Opportunity of increasing their Power These and many other Things were nothing so much fear'd by the Hollanders as were those suspected Preparations made in Germany by Mendosa for he had drawn together 62 Companies of Spaniards 19 of Italians and two of Irish Besides he had of Germans 4 Regiments consisting of 10 Companies as many of Walloons and one of Burgundians So that the whole number of the Infantry was esteemed 20000. Of Horse he had 6 Troops of Epirot Laucters two of Spaniards and two of Netherlanders besides 5 smaller Troops most of them Netherlandish Harquebusiers and eight greater of Spaniards and Italians yet all not much exceeding 2000 For the rest to the number of 12 a Troops were left about Brabant to be a Guard against suddain Incursions of the Enemy Of a long time the King had not greater Forces whose Number and Fame was almost doubled by the vast Company of Slaves and Servants attending and 1700 Carriages following the Army Without doubt the Face of the Netherlands under the Spanish Obedience was never more pleasant for
their Towns and Fields being eased of so great a Burden of Souldiers especially upon the French Borders they had now a small breathing space from their long-continued Miseries The Enemy also being gone far from thence another Way added Confidence to their Security Count Frederick Heremberg by reason of Count Mansfeldts great Age and Weakness was Lieutenant-General of the whole Army under Mendosa but was by Them intitled Camp-Master-General The Horse passing the River by Maestricht some of them went to Venloo others to Ruermunde Thence spreading themselves through Juliers by the Territories of Colen and other parts of Germany they lay among those naked People without fear and so came to the Bank of Rhene Barlotte was sent before who was a Captain frequently made use of in Business requiring either speed or audacity for he drawing together what Boats and Wherries he could possibly meet within the River into one place between Boâ—e and Colen and having with him 800 of his Men and a small Guns call'd Drakes he drove away the Ships of Holland which had been left to keep Guard at Berck Thus many Souldierâ— being taken he enjoy'd the River free from Trouble and all the further Bank of it All this while Mendosa lay heavy upon a quiet People with an oppressive and licentious Army and because he could not remedy the Peoples Complaints he abhorr'd to intermeddle in the moderation of their Oppressions whereof many every where were conscious that knew the Discords and Divulsions of Germany and how much it had lost of its ancient Renown gain'd by Arms But to his Prince he was of a Couragious Spirit and bore great Faith while performing his Commands he was a Contemner of Forein Fame and valued not Hatred that was not attended with Power It will not be out of the way since the matter it self hath led us thither to describe those several Nations which lye about the Rhine next to the Hollanders and the Sites and Extents of the Countries of the Princes and Bishops formerly under the Obedience of the Almain Empire I can with more shew of Learning than Truth compare the Names of Antiquity with those now in use For old Authors noâ— looking much into Germany have hardly mention'd them But when the whole World was disturb'd by the frequent Transmigrations of one Nation to another then Writers following them increased the obscurity every one drawing the Antiquity of Fame to the Honour of his own People This I can almost assert that beyond the Hollanders who possessed the Country next to the French Coast without the Island which part opens between the Rhine and the Maes and a few other places beyond both those Rivers of Old a Soyl full of Woods and Marishes was the Antient Seat of the Menapii from whom came the Eburones and other Allied Nations and this at first made the Germans to be called Tungri which People afterwards attained the well-known River Moselle or the Maes and the Country of Triers The Neruii with their Partakers lay at the back of these by the River Scheld beyond whom the Morini lay hedged in by the Forest of Ardenne which is now the Bounds of the Netherlands but was formerly under the Dukes of Burgundy and divided them from the Kingdom of the Franks or French But after Agrippa Translated the Ubii out of the Region which is against Triers to another part or had taken into his Protection such as had voluntarily transmiâ—rated escially a Colony of the Romans being given him by his Neece and the Gugerni setled next to them the Name of Menapii grew obsolete but that some of the Inhabitants being driven into the inner part of the Country first seem'd to seat Themselves on this side the Maes and Wael afterwards between the Scheld and the Morini Hereupon all this Tract from the Hollanders beyond Triers even as far as Mentz was possessed and planted by Romane Garrisons and took the Name partly of inferiour partly of Higher Germany because the Original of the Inhabitants came from beyond the Rhine as may easily be discerned by the Tone of their Speech to this day On this side upon the Border of the River stands Wagening Grinnes Duren and Arnheym all which were upon the French Bank though formerly many were otherwise erroneously perswaded From thence one might have been seeen Burtuatium Drechshausen and Acken famous sometimes in the Dutch Wars Emmerich also and Culo but now so lost in their own Ruines that the most Learned can but conjecture where they were scituate But Nâ—ys Colen Bonne Andernach and Coblentz keep both their Names and Stations unalter'd to this day In after-times all this Region and the Country that lyes above it was call'd Austrasia because that part bordering on the East-side of France was held by the Franks or French who in most parts where they setled gave new Names to the places But they at length being weakned by their own Discords the Almays Emperours by bestowing larger Power and Liberties on the Prince's and People than they had before drew to Themselves the Superiority of Government and therefore they of Cleves inhabiting on this side the Rhine took that part of Gelderland which is now call'd Low-Holland and contains in it the City of Nimmeghen With these is intermingled the Arch-Bishop of Colen's Territories which extend a great way upon that Bank Another part of Gelderland incompasses the Dutchy of Cleves the Governours whereof were formerly call'd Guardians and herein is the Town of Gilders from whom the People of that whole Province take their Name Behind these the Old Maps and Descriptions would perswade us that the Gugerni inhabited and there is yet a Village in those Parts that seems to speak something of their Name in its own which is Gogen At the backside of Colen is Gulick an antient City they have now the same Governours with Cleves but formerly their Government was the same with Gelderland yet more up into the Country are sited the Liegeoâ—s by the Maes the Lutzenburgers by the Mâ—selle and the People of Triers which two Cities of Liege and Triers are governed by Bishops the rest are accounted among the Netherlands But on the further Bank of the Rhine which was the Antient Seat of the Almains and Great Germany Of Old the Frizons were the first that met us who by reason they possessed the lesser part of the Region were call'd the Lesser Frizons from whence the Caninefates now People of Gorichom coming into the Isle of Holland were on another side compassed with great Lakes and the Estuary of the â—llye and from thence by the Eemes unâ—il you come to the Ocean To these are joyning the Greater Bructeri hard by the same River and now opposite to the Menapii are the Remainders of the Sicambrians after that People either of their own Accord or by the Compulsion of Augustus his Arms had setled Themselves about the Wael At Luppen we have the Lesser Bructeri again which River some of the
of the foregoing Autumn had been corrupted from thence sprung so great an infection among the people that whoever was touched therewith was forthwith shut up from all humane society And of the Souldiers left in the garrison who had scarcely any victuals nor a safe place to hide their heads in scarce six hundred men remained alive of a far greater number Nor were their bodies more wasted by the Plague then their minds were afflicted with the misery of so sad a spectacle The Governour of the place by name Seafy lying also sick of this terrible disease receiving Letters from Mendosa only writ back this That the surrender of the Town was unseasonably mentioned because the States had lately made Articles for the delivery thereof to the Archbishop of Colen By the modesty of this answer the Spanyard presently conceived rash hopes of treachery wherefore he sent other Messengers and by them offered great rewards both to him and his wife In this interim the Prince suddenly commanded three Companyes of Foot to march by Land because the winds had taken away the use of the River and their often being sent and as frequent return though still to no purpose had made the Enemy negligent these three Companies were to guard and keep the Island that was hard by but not to mingle with the infected multitude of the town unless upon fatal necessity The Fortifications of this Island were very weak and the enemy prevented them in perfecting their design penetrating on every side the thin rampire with the bullets of the Artillery which he had brought thither And at the same time some horse where the River ran more slow got over at a ford so that now danger was come even to their posts when by the command of the Governour the new Souldiers being brought over some great Guns and small shot being disposed about the rampire of the Town by whose defence the very last of them got safe into Bergh leaving behind some fire secretly to burn their huts And now Mendosa that the Enemy might not be able to interrupt the siege put garrisons into divers Towns of the Dutchy of Cleves lying below Bergh Many submitted voluntarily but the Inhabitants of Burick dating at first to oppose the empty name of peace to the violence of war he quickly made submit by setting fire to their gate Souldiers also were thrust into Alpen and Moers although this belonged to Nienarius his Widow and that to the Widow of the Palatine to both whom Albertus had given his faith That they should not be disturbed by the War But the like happened to more besides themselves Covenants and Promises being of no value where all Laws are trodden under foot About this time the Ayr was very Cloudy which much forwarded the Besiegers so that in short time they approached near the Town in three places yet for all that were not come to the Trench And now some Guns being planted both in the Island and Continent threatned from thence a continual Battery At which time Alfonso Avales commanding the Horse and Chief in managing the Siege according to the Military Custom sent a Herald The Townsmen advise'd that leave should be desired of sending a Messenger to the Bishop but the Souldiers disliked of that as being a palpable confession of fear but sent back a resolate answer being angry also at this that he should send to the Governour as inferiour to him because in greater Command Soon after this an Assault was made by the Spaniard upon the outward Bulwark but they were beaten off valianily and that with so much the greater slaughter by how much they came on rashly without any Advise or Conduct But when the Coping of the Wall began to be battered a strange thing to tell A Tower looking to the Water wherein was a great quantity of Gunpowder sufficient to serve a long time which taking fire on a sudden like a Clap of Thunder and Lightning it burst out with a horrible Crack vemiting fire and smoak overthrew all before it They that enquired into the cause thereof report that one of the Enemies Bullets striking either against a stone or another piece of Iron made fiâ—e fly out the sparks whereof falling among the Gunpowder caused that mischance By that violent ebullition of the fire the Ayr was wholly purified from its Pestilential Infection but more grievâ—us evils succeeded in the place For by the blow many of the adjoyning Houses were overthrown several People killed in the ruines part of the Bulwark utterly demolisht which the battery of many Cannons could not have effected and if a Half Moon standing out beyond that place had not hindred the Enemy from seeing them so much had that unexpected Casualty taken away the use of their understanding that the Town might have been entred by force before they could have been provided either to make resistance or capitulate Eor great quantities of Stones were violently hurled up into the Ayr and fell down into the Enemies Camp killing and hurting divers therein yea and half 〈◊〉 hour after the great blow divers Ships in the Rhine were indangered by the furious concussion of the Waves which made the River seem white as if it had been covered with Snow But within the Town when as any one durst go into the vacuities there they found what was enough to astonish mens Ears in the hearing and to make their Eys drop tears in the seeing torn and dismembred Bodies Heads Arms Legs and other parts scattered over the whole place But as often as the ruined Bulwarks went to be repaired and the dust and rubbish was carryed away what ever remained let the difference be what it would every one thought it to be his own if once it came to his hands for now they would be governed neither by Counsel nor Command for Luke Heddingen to whom the Government was devolved by the death of Scafius lay among others killed in the ruines of the collapsed Walls and Houses by all which accidents the People were so possessed with fear that the Enemy perceiving it offered them their lives upon condition onely that they should not fight against them within four moneths although he was not ignorant how little he wanted of the Victory And he was so much more favourable to them and more obseâ—viert of his promise having a just cause of War against them than he was towards those whom he called friends It was believed that Avales retained this kindness in remembrance of the Battel of Knodsenburg where he himself was taken prisoner by the Hollanders and generously used The fifth day the Siege was ended and Prince Maurice being deceived of his hope for that he imagined that Siege would have made the Enemy spend the greatest part of the next Winter there yet could not find justly any thing Name-worthy besides the multiplyed mischances of unkind fortune and his own Forces who would suffer him to attend nothing but the defence of the Borders While these
things were transacting in these places another part of the Spanish Army passing over the Rhine sate down against Urseo and with an unprofitable pride scorning the Redemption the Country offered for their Lands made clandestine incursions more like Thieves than Souldiers into the furthest part of Zutphen and some part of Over-Issel wasting those places where although they committed no great spoyl but among the Germans who lay mingled thereabouts though they got not much plunder yet they lost good store of blood which made them rage without measure or mercy shewing many examples of their blood-thirstiness against the Towns lying up the Luppe and Roer But all these promiscuous slaughters of the vulgar and the infinite number of their horrid villanies were all darkened obscured and seemed as nothing to that one barbarous Murther committed upon a Person of Honour It was Viricus Falcâ—steyne Count of Brucke the name seems to hint to us the name of the Bruckeri who agreed with the Hollanders in point of Religion and in the Counsel of their Nation constantly opposed all such as spoke any thing in the behalf of the Spanish faction He had with him a hundred Souldiers and as many Boors or rather more with whom he undertook the defence of a weak Castle and many times drove away the Spaniards from their spoyling of the Country by the fear of him and sometimes with slaughter Therefore being commanded to yield up his Guard when relying upon the validity of the German Laws be refused and one Lopez being sent to the Siege his Souldiers were so wearied with the length of their march that they were unfit to fight Which he noting prevented Extremity by Articling for the preservation and safety of the Lives and Fortunes of himself and all his who had been Reported to have bin many more in number which it was thought was one Motive causing his death for contrary to the Covenants agreed the Castle was demolish'd his Wife taken from him his Souldiers all kill'd and himself kept prisoner where having bin detain'd some days he was invited to go abroad and take the fresh Air One Peter Agayo had received the Command to kill him but to do it in such manner as his Death might be imputed to accident In his Walk he passed by the Ground yet wet with the Bloud of his Souldiers when they that guarded him following behind as Waiters the Executioners of Death first striking him with a Javelin afterwards kill'd outright with their Swords and they of his Familiars that were with him underwent the same Fate The Order of this Murther being publish'd abroad the Friends and Kindred of the Count were all moved to Revenge nay and so bitter was the Peoples Indignation against it that the Council of Juliers could not or would not pass it by in Silence Whereto Mendosa gave very careless Answers as believing it enough to deny his Knowledge or Command of the Fact though he suffer'd it to go unpunish'd Adding moreover That it had not hapned but by the Divine Providence that he fell by War who ought long before to have suffer'd for his publike Crimes of Sedition and Impiety and much upbraiding his Obstinacy accounting this also among his Faults That he had as it were in Contempt answer'd his Latine Letters in the German Tongue of which he knew his viz. Mendosa 's Ignorance And then if any more grievous Accident had hapned he commended to them Patience without which he averred himself uncapable of Ruling a Multitude inraged with Poverty and Injury But these Flouts in Words were attended with seriousness of Action One of the Noblest Towns in those parts beyond the Rhine is Wesel famous among the Dutch both for Merchandise and Arts which were brought thither by the frequent Resort of Foreiners from other Countries flying for their difference in Religion That City supposing her self more oppressed than the rest by having a Spanish Judge had determin'd by an Honourable Legation and some Gifts to win upon the General 's Mind which he understanding answer'd He was not such a one as could be induced or perswaded to let alone that which was necessary to be done or that knew not to do kindnesses to good People unless moved thereto by the Allurements of Gifts but indeed there was no other way to merit his Favour than by restoring the Publike Worship of God to its true and pristine condition which would in truth be an act so lovely and pleasing to him that he would esteem it beyond many Gifts Which Things were so spoken by him because they of Wesel having been often commanded by the General 's Council to receive the Romane Rites within their Walls had obstinately refused it And therefore the Spaniard soon after passing the Rhine with his whole Army commanded them to receive a great Garrison both of Horse and Foot as their Neighbour Town of Burick had done and withall to beware That nothing were innovated in those Parts by the Enemy But the Difference was easily understood for their Obedience drew along with it an alteration in the State and if they denyed the Licentious Souldier greedy of Prey would scarcely be contained from the Assault and Spoil of the City Wherefore seeking some means to appease the General and avoid the Fury of his Anger they sent him a great quantity of Corn and in Money a Hundred Thousand Dollers which Sum was not raised out of the Tributes but paid out of the Publike Treasury Concerning the value of which there grew a great Contention between the Souldiers and Citizens which had almost renewed their Danger unless the Governours on both sides had moderated their inraged Minds With this Money and what was gather'd otherwise in the Neighbouring Towns and came from Bruxels Mendosa perswaded the Army That though they had refused it hitherto that leaving some Garrisons on the hither Bank of the Rhine they would suffer themselves to be led beyond the Rhine From thence they passed the River Luppe by a firm and strong Bridge which they commanded them of Wesel to make for that which was formerly made the Materials whereof being Bundles of Hay bound up with Clay and by the Artificers bestirring themselves placed upon New Boats as many such seem'd to do well yet would serve for no use so though singly they were passable enough yet by reason of their inequality of Burden many of them together were troublesome and dangerous There it was thought fit by the Opinion of Velasco rather to pass the Issel than to go so far from the Borders now at the beginning of Winter where they were not certain of Provision and to lye about the wet and marshy Soil of Frizeland In this March they exacted from the People of Munster both Money and Instruments of War though the United States admonish'd them otherwise assuring Them That they should not expect any help or Peace from them if the Enemy were augmented either by their Assistance or Sluggishness From thence Rees
and Emmerie two Towns lying close by the Rhine for Fear accepted Garrisons to whom Mendosa at first did not assign any great Number but afterwards utterly regardless of his Reputation he daily violated his Promise in sending in more as if he had taken a delight not to perform what was in his own Power not to have promised And the Towns-men of Rees could not have Liberty granted them of departing when they desir'd it But a Germane Captain whom Mendosa had bound with an Oath to go into the Town of Emmeric with 400 Souldiers and sending Barlatte after him with a Regiment because no more should come into his Quarters he valiantly kept him out openly protesting That he would not yet break his Faith and Paroll by the unhandsome Example of his faithless General This so great Contempt was very ill resented by the Town which had always stuck close to the Romane Religion and at the perswasions of the Jesuits was underhand the main Author of calling the Spaniards into those Parts as believing they should receive no damage by the War And as Witnesses of Mendosa's Promise when a Priest being sent out of the City produced his Letters under his hand reproving him thereby for his breach of Promise he could get no other Answer than that there was so much difference between the Affairs of Princes and those of Church-men that it was not possible always to manage them by the same Counsels To whom the Priest replyed We shall not wonder hereafter why the Hollanders Rebelled and that they are so averse to make any Conditions with you since measuring all Things for your own Advantage you violate that Justice and Right to your Friends which should be preserved unspotted even to your Enemies Certainly at last those wicked Actions and Studies will not onely make you hated by Men but draw upâ—n your Heads the Vengeance of Heaven But the Spaniard was so far from being moved with this freedom of speech that immediatly he went and broke into Iselburg by force with a great slaughter of the Citizens The Town of Iselburg is situate more inward upon the Old River Issel Among these Passages the Prince that he might stop the Enemy from coming to him commanded some Pioneers to go into a Ship and by cutting through the Bank near Emmeric should let in the Rhine to overflow the whole Plain And now all the Country about began to become a great Pool when the Spaniards on a suddain came upon them and first assaulting the Guard left with Count Hohenlo with their shot afterwards bringing their Artillery to the Bank they drove them from the place Then making up the Breach the Waters also of their own accord abated This Design thus failing Prince Maurice thought it necessary to prevent the approaching Enemy by seizing some places in the Dutchy of Cleves which he had hitherto forborn before the Enemy should take them for he was now about the Mountain Aelten and to this purpose he went to Sevenaer a Town in that part and commanded the same to be deliver'd to him using great Threats to the Governour That he should deny to him what he would grant to the Enemy In the same manner were other Towns taken in the same Dominion although they stood within the Isle of Holland but probably the changing of the old course of the River or mutual Agreements of Princes might alter the Bounds These Towns were Huessen and the Castle of Lobec where all the Tribute of Cleves is kept which place the Authors of that Age remarked for the Name and impious Treachery of Herespich by which Charles le Gross kill'd Godfrey the Norman then Ruling the Frizons But Mendosa fearing some Mauritian Stratagems from his Armies lying so near kept his Souldiers under very strict Command Ten whole Nights and Days did the Army continue in the open Field without any other Coverture than the Canopy of Heaven and taking no rest but in their Order in Arms and upon the Naked Earth Insomuch that what with Cold and want of rest and at last for that all the Provision of the Country round about was spent and they durst not range abroad for Booty they were afflicted with most pinching Hunger The Infantry was made up of good Souldiers out of several Nations aemulous among Themselves but there was an Evil Custom grown inveterate by use among the Commanders on the King's side to put their main Confidence in the strength of their Horse who being at this time broken with Wants and weakned with Fear took away the Courage of others So that oftentimes a few of the Nassauians puâ— to flight three times as many of their Enemies getting very great Booties of Horses yea and the Common Souldiers were so ordinarily beaten that by reason of the Charge and Trouble of the great Number of Prisoners taken for many came willingly into Captivity merely that they might be able to satisfie their Hunger and would not be Ransom'd it was at last Decreed That 〈◊〉 one from that time should take any Prisoner alive So that in all the time that the War remained about the Rhine when the Prince with a small Party of Horse had a mind to view the States Enemies or else in some select place would draw up his Army into Battalia or at other times sent out any of his Officers to allure Them to some light Skirmishes of Horse the Spaniard never either disturb'd his Camp by Assaults or suffer'd himself to be drawn in or involved into the Offer of a Fight For it was the General 's Prudence not to put Confidence either in their Courage or Resolution which were less corrupted by Licentiousness than Poverty and this Prudence of the General nursed up the Souldiers in Cowardise and if the Hollanders had not in all their Affairs looked upon their Dangers as it were through a multiplying Glass they had had a noble Opportunity of making Attempts upon those great Forces of the Spaniards But now when they were observed to quit the Bank of the Rhine and to march directly towards Issel Prince Maurice at the very beginning leaving the Guard of Holland hasted away with the Ships to prevent suddain danger and that he might the more easily straiten the Enemy of Provisions strengthning all the weaker places thereabouts brought to Doesburg Bridges Guns Engines and all other necessary Furniture for War This Town lies within the Jurisdiction of Zutphen and hath the River Issel coming out of Westfalia brought thither by Ditches begun at Arnheym which was supposed to be the antient Work of Drusus In this place intending to stop the Enemies passage into the Voluwe he pitch'd and fortified his Camp at the very meeting of the two Rivers The Line that incompassed his Camp was 8 Foot high near 40 Foot broad At the Top it bore 24 Foot besides a Coping higher than the rest 6 Foot and round about the whole was a deep Trench Besides this there was another Line more inward but
again surprized by the Spaniards who under pretence of their marching away in February had brought thither Cannon to the great terrour of the Magistrates though both the Souldiery and the Citizens were couragious enough and the passage besides so difficult by the increase of the Waters that they were forced to come in with Boats In the same place soon after the falling of the Jesuites House by the decay of a Pillar was by many looked upon as prodigiously ominous to them And Count Bucquoy the Governour of the Garrison there was taken prisoner while he followed a small party cunningly sent out to get booty until he fell into the Ambush which Lewes of Nassau had prepared for him And the truth is about this time the Kings Affairs suffered many and frequent damages but none of any great concernment for at the approach of the Spring the Horse being Quartered in divers places Paulus Emilius Martinengo became a Prisoner Frederick Count Heremberge also narrowly escaping the danger all his Friends and Companions being taken likewise the Guard of the Port at Antwerp was forced and great spoyl carryed away and at Sea a Ship carrying Arms from Hamburgh into Spain was taken As yet they had no money but at last three hundred thousand Ducats was taken up with the Merchants at excessive Usury meerly to stop their mouths for the present By which means Antwerp and Liereo by the change of their Garrisons were quitted of fear from whence the said Souldiers departing fearfully they that remained were afterwards thrust out of the Borders by Edict and every where fell into the hands of the Germans where they suffered as victimes to the publick hatred for all the faults had been committed by others At Gaunt the Souldiers having behaved themselves with more moderation stayed but a mutiny began in Bercke for the same cause which continued all the year These things together with their want of money and scarcity of all things else made the supplies which had been raised in Italy and Germany to delay their march towards them and besides daily some or other ran over to the Hollanders who had newly advanced their pay Cardinal Andrew and Mendosa that they might the better remedy these evils and also mollifie the Germanes with a kind of a promise in the beginning of April the Spring being dry and more early than is usual for that Clymate so that Cattel were put out into the Pastures they command their Army out of their Winter Quarters to descend on both sides the Rhine which Army consisted of fifteen thousand men But the Garrisons of Emeric and Rees by reason of the Commodity of the place were left there as also in Gennep by the Maes the rest of the Cities were compelled to give the Souldiers a testimonial of their just and modest behaviour during the last Winter Mendosa in the mean while not neglecting as a Gratuity for so long Entertainment to deduct a part of the Souldiers pay A whole moneth was almost spent in the march but at last the Army sate down on both sides the River against Gravewaert And this had been advised by Mendosa not without hopes of winning it which if it had happened had been of great advantage to them But Richardot was of Opinion that it could not be done because the Duke of Parma had formerly attempted it in vain The Cardinal Andrew preferred an Assault upon the Isle of Bommell And the chief labour was to obscure and keep from the Enemy this their design But Prince Maurice was so much perplexed as he could neither rest by day nor sleep by night being distracted with innumerable cares because he wanted his well-known Companions in Arms and was destitute of a sufficient Army for the chief of all his Captains Count William was forced to stay in Frizeland to have an Eye to the Affairs of Embden Vere was detained in England others were in Germany the raysers of the War were scattered here and there and they who were to serve therein were absent besides the foreign Regiments were not arrived which the States had commanded to be listed in several parts that they might be the better able to defend themselves against the greatest strength the Enemy should bring upon him He had onely with him Four Thousand men wherewith he was to defend the passage of Issell the right and left side of the Rhine and the superiour and inferiour parts of the Country Therefore having received the Castle of Lovec and other places which he had late before rendred to the people of Cleves he once again pitched his station in the Island of Geldre where he found all the fortifications he had erected there the last year standing intire and not at all defaced or demolished by the Enemy Part of the forces held the Isle of Holland it self with these orders that what City or Fort soever Mendosa should assail he would defend the contrary side and by Arms and Valor strengthen the weakness of the Bulwarks and for the more easy accomplishing his purpose upon the banks he placed Watch-Towers and on the Rivers Bridges that his Scouts and aids might with the less difficulty come at one another When this was done he made a defence about Gravewaert which he had before strengthened with a garrison that was too slender against the darts and shot of the Enemy on every side and into the River he put two rows of stakes for the stopping of those Vessels that by the command of Mendosa were said to be preparing at Colen His Cannon shot were aimed with that skill from a little rising whose scite they had tryed that many of the Enemy being cut off therewith they were forced to remove part of their Canâ— to another place In this interim the horse from Nimmighen tyred them with frequent excursions nor did there want the opportunity of obtaining a noble Victory upon the one part of their divided Army but his number was too small to â—ut it in execution as the Prince did afterwards confess not without a deep sense of grief At this time the Prince received intelligence both from his Scouts and some Prisoners but he feared least if he should go away the enemy would make his entrance otherwhere for he had indeavoured by various and false reports to make all things dubious using to advantage their fires in stead of a direction Among all these ambiguities nothing seemed more safe then to stand still and to have all things in readiness for a march to load the Waggons and keep the horses harnessed together both night and day The Spaniards did not without cause hope for many and great opportunities from the Isle of Bommel as from the inclosure thereof by the chief rivers and that it hath not one passage into the bowels of the Enemyes Country That the Rhine which is now called Waell mingling it self also with the Maes so ran into the Sea is every where declared in Romans writers But it cannot be said
onely Issue remaining of all their Labour The rest of the Souldiers being dispersed in Brabant returned to their old Licentiousness After this Barlotte had very near taken Worcum a Town of Holland by a Night Stratagem and while he protracted time in advising upon the very place of Action a Citizen being advertized thereof by a Sentinel had scarce time enough to get the Port before him While these Things were transacting with all earnestness among the Hollanders the Germans and Spaniards used on the one side Sloth on the other ridiculous Folly for the Spaniards were not secured by their own Valour or Vertue which was of no esteem with their other Enemies but the Germans Discords among themselves which made them so confident as to despise a Nation long unconquer'd and feared on every side openly For the Emperour Bishops and others of the Romane Religion were against the War These Princes by themselves to wit the Duke of Brunswic the Landgrave of Hessen and Marquess of Brandenburg for the Count Palatine had withdrâ—wn himself from the Quarrel pretending the Examples of the Bishops of Mentz and Triers long esteem'd all kind of Military Men unprofitable to the Common-wealth until in the middle of Summer they met about Berck to the number of 2000 Horse and 12000 Foot the chief Command whereof was intrusted in Simon Count of Luppen at the desire of the Westfalians as is before related but having obtain'd their desire they never sent the Aid they so strongly promised but rather on the contrary the Spaniards receiv'd from the very City of Colen both Souldiers and other Instruments of War The General not dissembling his small Experience in Matters of War did give all his Authority over the inferiour Saxons to Count Hohenlo and of those about the Rhine to Count Solms who under pretence of the Confederate States had associated Themselves by Oath Neither did these Two want any Valour or Daring but acted as if They could not have been tired with Labour But both were better Souldiers than Counsellors and so distructed the Affair by continual Contests the Souldier also ignorant of his Duty gave himself over to Sloth and Drunkenness and if their Pay was not ready for them as soon as it was due they were apt to Mutiny and fall into Sedition yet they took a Fort of the Spaniards at Berck and came forward in the Cause with great Slaughter and Cruelty At the same time they Garrison'd Viseo and Emmâ—ric but when they came to Berck they were neither prepar'd for the Assault or Siege thereof with any thing saving a few Canon and other Things sent to Them under-hand by the States lest they should seem to own either Party which the Emperour had strictly forbidden Moreover the Army was not supplyed with Provisions because the Neighbors refused rather by force than willingly the Spaniard sending to them continual Embassies excusing thereby former Miscarriages and for the future promising better Things whereby they grew so confident that when Berck was beleaguer'd round Mendosa as in Contempt refused either to augment the Garrison or send the Souldiers mutinying therein their Pay Wherefore the Germans thought fit rather to reduce Rees that so they might have Supplies of Victuals from the Hollanders nearer hand or any thing else that they stood in need of Thither was come Herman Count Heremberge by Command of Cardinal Andrew he might lay the blame of his own men with the Hollanders spun out much time with the hope of restoring cert in places and thereupon resolutely answer'd That the States had rendred up many Towns and more Forts without any Conditions and that they should not by an unequal Comparison seek to hide their Crimes And being asked If he had brought Money wherewith to satisfie so many People of the Damage done to them and what Caution should be given that the same Evils should not afterwards be re-acted when the taking so many Towns and the wasting so many Fields made manifest that the King's Promise and Seal were but Feeble Pillars for them to trust to or rely on But Deeds differ'd from Words and therefore the Commanders by wasting Time in Disputes and the Souldier growing effeminate more and more by Idleness began to commit Rapines and other wicked Acts doing nothing against the Enemy but daring to act over again those Villanies which They were come thither to punish and revenge At the very Siege of Rees there was no Hostility but as in Derision the Germans were invited to Drinking and some there were that went shook Hands with them and returned safe until this private Collusion of the Souldiers was at last changed into a Truce for certain Days Without all doubt the Confederate States expected many and great Things from this German Commotion which produced them no other benefit unless that while so great an Army grew stupid through Idleness Count William being sent from Bommel with seven Troops of Horse and fifty Companies of Foot to Doetichem taken by Mendosa the Year before and re-took it from the Enemy within three days although the Season were very wet and the Besieged made strong Defence by shooting and otherwise About the same time Lewis of Nassau being sent towards Grave with some Troops though the Enemy over-matched him in Number yet he pursued their Party and by provident Conduct through the narrow Passages of the Journey and by the side of the Maes brought back the Booty which the Enemy had taken in the Country And by this time the Truce was ended at Rees yet was no progress made in the Siege for the truth is the Commanders were not skill'd in those Affairs And the Pioneers of Holland that came thither chose rather continuance of small Wages and long Work with Safety than great Wages and short Work with Danger There were scarce any shew of Guards or Sentinels throughout the Camp so that their fresh Souldiers came into the Town with Relief And now Winter drawing on when according to the Custom of War a Herald being sent too inconsiderately by the Besiegers with a Summons the Besieged retaining the Messenger suddainly sally'd out upon the unprovided and unwary Enemy of whom they slew near 200 and carryed off with them some of their Guns which strook so great a Terrour into their weak and Cowardly Hearts that they not onely raised the Siege but deserted their Camp in an unworthy and almost unparallel'd flight leaving behind them both their Boats and all sorts of Provisions part of which the Spaniards carryed away other part the Germans themselves who were on the Spaniard's Party Thus in a short time this Army mouldred to nothing while some mutinyed for their Pay and others averred they were entertain'd onely for three Moneths Service The Duke of Brunswick punish'd many of his People with Death for their vitious Behaviour and Negligence The Souldiers also in the Fort near Berck fled and so did they that under Hohenlo had besieged Gennep as soon as the Spaniards
like nature eleven years before this time in the great Fleet of King Philip when it was plainly as it were set out by fate that the Hollanders and Spaniards should by turns find how uncertain the hopes of those things were which are committed to the Winds and Waves At the beginning of Summer they set out a Fleet of threescore and thirteen Ships carrying eight thousand Seamen and Souldiers under the Command of Peter Douse the Admirall who was a Noble man but as if he had had no Honour from his Birth attained to this heighth of Command by long Service and many gradations they received Command to destroy the Fleet which the King of Spain had been a great while in building for want of Timber Cordage and Marriners and this was one cause that induced the States to make so much hast that done to spoyl the American Ships and wast all the Coasts of the said Enemies Dominion This unusual and daring attempt carryed with it great terrour so that the Shores were left desolate all flying from thence for there were Letters sent before out of Holland that mentioned the coming of the Fleet into these parts as if it had been learned from some Captives The Fleet begun by King Philip lay at Corunna At first the Hollanders came and lay by them but they not daring to trust the naked Fleet to their Enemies mercy got under the protection of a strong Castle and then the Cannon thundering from the Ships Castle and Fort which was hard by took away all their hopes of assaulting either at distance or near at hand Wherefore having seen enough here that that Nation which boasted it self Lady of the Ocean had with their Fleet sought a hole and hid themselves in their Docks rather then to fight at Sea with Honour When they came to the mouth of the River Tagus some were greedy and violent for the taking of Lisbone either for Honours sake or in hope of a prey urging the antient discords of their Neighbour-hood the hated Dominion of the Castilians And lastly the City it self which in the Expedition of the English for Don Antonio was found to be but weak though it were very large and if that Nation took it then that went to manage a War not to seek for Booty without doubt it will be as easily done now On the other side many were of Opinion that in so long a Peace the King had repaired and made good all defects and that it was not to be expected that a Fleet so long looked for should do any good against such great Cities wherein as well the care as the fear of the Governours makes them diligent It would be a safer course to steer to the Islands in the Atlantike Ocean bordering upon the Coast of Barbary which the Antients either for the Fecundity of the Soyl or because they so called and esteemed all unknown things named the Fortunate Islands from whence the People came that first inhabited them by reason of their far distance and Antiquity is very uncertain Of old when they were yet unknown to Europe they had several sorts of Language That of Tenariffe came near to African and the People thereof called themselves Guanchus Many of their Customs were common to them with the Barbarians particularly like the Scithians they used to expose and give their Wives to prostitution with the Indians they esteem their Sisters Sons as their Heirs as being related to them by the surer tye of consanguinity Rapes violently committed they punish with death they account Divorces infamous It is lawful onely for their Kings to marry their Sisters as among the Inchas of Peru Private men may if they will have more Wives than one This also is a Scythian Custom that the King or chief Lord should have the Virginity of every new marryed Bride The Gods they worship are the Sun Moon and Stars above whom there is one Judge they say of good and evill actions and therefore that there is another life after death Infants are with solemn Rites purified with water They give no publick demonstrations of Christianity or Mahometisme yet they live simply unanimously and innocently far beyond them that are called Christians and practise nothing but force fraud and other Vices not of Religion but the Age The first that came thither were the Genoueses in the Year One Thousand Three Hundred Almost a hundred years after that Bethineurt a Noble-man of Picardy came and Inhabited there teaching them good manners and Piety affirming himself also to be a King But when his Fortune would not answer to so high a Title the right of the same was transferred to the Kings of Castile whose Potency destroyed their antient Rites Language and Orders and made these Islands one step to his further greatness One of these named Ganaria though now it is a common name to them all but to this the head of the rest it belongs peculiarly the Castle wherein being excellently seated the Hollanders Fleet subdued and one Spanish Ship in the sharp fight sunk and two others taken The Horse and Foot of the Island gathering together upon the shore with some small Guns hoped to hinder their landing for that the place it self was not very fit for that purpose But the Admiral Dâ—use commanded his Cannon to be shot off and his long Boats to be hastned Himself first going off when the Shelves would not suffer him to come close to the shore he leaped into the water but the Enemy run to meet him himself received three wounds and others of his Company many by the casting of Darts and Shot being unexperienced both in that old and new sort of Arms. But the Barbarians being beaten into the Town of Allagene the Castle was presently surrendred with the Guns and Garrison they that entred wondered as they set their Mauritian Ensigns up in a place so far distant to see the excellent Fortifications of the place and all other things necessary for defence unless that in all that Age the seldom happening of mischances had now in this suffering so converted all into fear that they had no use of their Arms. The Army being led to the Town some dayes were spent by the Besiegers in drawing thither their Cannon In which time the Besieged did convey whatsoever was dear and precious to them among the Rocks which were in a manner unpassable and shortly after themselves followed either into the same or other narrow places that were easie to be defended many of them being so ignorant who the Enemy was that a runaway Negro offered to sell himself to the Hollanders and abjure Christian Religion Besides this two other smaller Castles were deserted Some that were sent out to find their lurking holes and to strike a terrour into them going further than was convenient in places known to the Enemies but to them altogether unknown and besides being wearied with labour and heat were surrounded by the Barbarians and slain Wherewith the Islanders being
and when consultation was had concerning revenge It was thought sufficient that they intermingled their Enemies deaths with their own dangers The body of their Admiral Douse that it might not after their departure be made a laughing stock they buried very deep under ground all the ruines of the whole Town lying over him they brought away their guns and some Merchandise and presently went to Sea but yet they had not lost the infection though they had left the place for the Ayre changed very slowly and by degrees and the poison of a disease being once imbibed will for a long time follow the infected nay the contagion and pestilent stench of the sick within the narrow compass of ships made the disease more and more spread insomuch that in fifteen dayes they lost above a thousand men After this they began to hasten their return having got but small booty at Brasile their number decreasing daily by several kinds of death for upon whomsoever this evil fell if it once touched their Midriff or Diaphragma they were dead even before they were sensible of the disease Others were burnt up with continual Feavers wherewith if the head were once touched presently they threw themselvs for madness headlong into the Sea But now as the Ayr grew more temperate and fresh hopes began to appear to these broken and sick men another contagion nothing better then the other seized them before the former was quite cured by which the joints of their knees and their teeth were loosed but it was not dreadful because in long Navigations it is an usual disease yet to them it proved mortal at that time because the joynts being yet very feeble and they coming into more cold Climates of the Sea where there was winter according to the Season of the year were contrarily as much pinched with the Cold. Nor certainly of a long time had there been so sharp a frost as was evident by the Rivers among us which were wholly congealed although the Sea flowed inâ—o them and by the violence of it some men were killed with cold They were perplexed also with Tempests which brought them into more then ordinary danger in regard all the persons belonging to the Fleet were by reason of their weakness unable to govern or manage them Of all the number of Captains only two survived and some Ships did not bring home above six sound men apiece in them not that there were so many sick but that the rest were either consumed with diseases or thrown over-board into the Sea Part of the Ships came and gathered new forces in England others being dispersed according as they were furnished with Sails Tackle and Marriners returned home almost at the end of Winter one Ship was utterly deserted for want of men another being brought to Scluys was taken by the Enemies And this was the event and Success of the Hollanders Fleet that had been so great a Charge to the Commonwealth for so long time and at its return filled whole Families with lamentations But King Philip first sent his Fleet to the Fortunate Islands for he had heard of the havock the Hollanders had made there and commanded that they should not be suffered to continue their possessions there but when it was known that they left them voluntarily it was ordered to go to Tercera and there to be a Convoy for the American Plate-Fleet where arriving they were quickly driven thence by the raging of the winds and not without some damage The Dunkirkers with great audacity robbing in our Sea caused many complaints some accusing the unskilfulness of those that were to preside the Naval Affairs others the sloth and negligence of the Captains and the unprofitable Tribute that was raised on pretence for clearing and purging the Sea but at last five of the Rovers Ships being taken it was a comfort and satisfaction to the people to see Execution done upon the Pyrats And many either by force vertue or policy getting safe out of Spain when they came filled all places with the terror and hatred of the Spanish name Others returning happily and with good success from the Indies brought more gainful Commodities then were usual By the sâ—me and report of which things the peoples hopes increasing the loss of the Spanish Trade was not so much missed for Salt began to be fetched from the Islands bordering upon America About this time Frederick Spinola brought some new aid to King Philip consisting of six great Ships which were to be used against the Hollander Covenanting to have all the Spoil he could take from them to his own use for he was a man Ambitious to equal in Warlike glory his Name and House which was famous among the Genoueses and wealthy among his Countreymen of Orens who had increased both their Wealth and Honour by Arms. This part of the Spaniards Fleet was to come against the Hollanders if the English with great care and high threats which carryed much ofterror had not diverted them otherwhere Therefore they came apart after a short stay in Pontoyse a Port in France the weather exceedingly favouring them for the Hollanders were forewarned of them and had sent some Ships into the Brittish Narrow Sea towards Calais to intercept them but they passing by the shore came safe to Flanders being favored both by the Winds and their own Fortune yet they were forbidden to go into Dunkirk and therefore they went to Scluys having in them one thousand six hundred Souldiers from thence they threatened the Merchants and Coasts of Zeland and these new kind of Vessels that in these countryes had never been seen before did no small damage first in their charge about stopping up all passages afterwards by small losses striking so great a terror far and near that many fled out of Zeland and sought new places to dwell in But the event abated the fear for although soon after Spinola's Ships making use of a serene calm and great silence had taken one Ship of War belonging to Zeland they being fitted both with Native and hired Souldiers that carrying scarcely threescore Marriners yet did for the space of two hours defend it self on every side with that courage that for twenty or thereabouts that were killed or wounded there were two hundred and fifty slain on the other side which cast a great fear on the Assailants part And again setting upon some other Ships of War mistaking them for Merchants Ships with continual shot for six hours together they were spoiled and almost torn in pieces which was a joyful sight to Flushing so near was the contest to them But Albertus the Archduke having finished his Nuptial Ceremonies in Spain as he returned through Italy the Pope Presented to him a Consecrated Sword by vertue whereof he might the more boldly proceed against his Enemies on all hands Not long after entring his new Dominion which he had so lately received as a Portion with his now Spouse Isabella comming over the Alps and through Burgundy
out went their Companions who either partly refused or at best were very slow in following the Example The Zelanders chiefly refused to advance their proper Charge by reason of some new or late Losses and among those beyond the Rhine there were used many Evasive Circumlocutions while part study rather the Peoples Favour than the Publike Good and applaud those Impositions which they hoped would be easie for themselvs though they fell heavy upon their Neighbors Others there were who would not be silent when others being quiet they had all the Care of the Commonwealth although the Hollanders winked at it except it were seriously debated in Common-Council they would leave the Care of the out-lying Parts looking onely to their own nearer Necessities and the possession of the Sea Some Comfort was received from the German Princes who as yet having a Suspition and Jealousie of the Spaniard offer'd them continual Aid and Money The Count Palatine excited the rest of his Allies of the same Religion both by Words and Example Shewing to every one of them what Alva had done of old and what Mendosa now and that the Hollanders could not bâ— overcâ—me without the destruction of their Neighbours but if they flourished they would be a great help to many to this for the Defence of Prussia to these of the Possession of the Dutchy of Cleves and to all against the Bishop of Rome and his Followers by whose cruel Hatred and Faction all are oppressed But all this was little hearkned to for the Duke of Brunswic converted his Arms against a City that had assumed too great a Liberty the rest acknowledging themselves unable to maintain the War But Charls Duke of Sudermannia Uncle of Sigismund King of Poland who taking little Care of his Antient People of Sweden and for his earnest Affection against the Romane Religion suspected of Innovation first opposed him in Arms and afterwards in a Publike Assembly when the Kingdom was taken away from him a long time shunning the Name of a King yet usurping the Authority by other Titles when he voluntarily desired the Alliance of the States because he desired some present help and that his hopes were uncertain his Kingdom poor and Forces far distant he was for a time put off with Delays yet because it was an offer'd Friendship it was accepted because he seem'd as it were to fight for Religion making an Excuse That some Holland Ships without any Publike Command had given Aid to Sigismund The Ninth BOOK of the History of the Dutch AFFAIRES THE New Year which closed up a Century as it produced immediatly great Events so it did seem to portend great Changes of Affairs for a long time The Affairs of the Netherlanders under the Princes were in a bad Condition and full of Trouble and so wasted as was hardly to be seen in other places But the Goodness of the Princes as New They in Authority being present and the very greatness of the Distemper hastned to apply Remedies The United States to whom but newly redeem'd from Servitude was accrewed an Ample Dominion made all their Dangers to be but stricter Bonds to connect them being deliver'd by successful Arms although they had since that been reduc'd to no small Necessity out of their Old Discipline retrain'd their Courage against their Enemy but not equally their Concord and Modesty On both Sides then were great and strong Endeavours while for above the space of Thirty Years they contended to put an end to their Labour with which hope they have prosusely wasted their Forces even to Extremity as if Victory had stood before their Eyes promising Reward to them that could hold our longest And first of all the Winter being Frosty the Hollanders escaped great danger by reason the Rivers were all passable upon the Ice from the Enemies seditious Mutinies which they turn'd to their Advantage For Lewis of Nassau marching with great privacy out with a select Party of Horse and Foot broke into Wachtendone a Town not far from the Borders of the Dutchy of Cleves formerly taken by Count Mansfeldt after a Two Moneths Siege when the Duke of Parma had drawn the States Forces another way The Horse which had lately been added to that Garrison for the preserving thereof were then by chance absent forraging about the Borders of the Bishoprick of Colen yet there were theâ—ein 800 Souldiers but the Ice of the Trenches was not broke and the Situation of the Town far from an Enemy and among Cities associated in Frienship made them more secure than usual Therefore a few seizing the Rampire with a small slaughter they open'd the Gates to the rest Then Geleno both Lord and Governour of the Town fled with some few into the Castle in hope of Aid which he had sent to intreat and there endur'd the Terrour both of Granadoes and Bullets thundred upon him until Lewis his whole Party approached and brought Scaling Ladders to the Works and yet some resisted and among them a Woman well grown in Years not without the hazard and Wounds of those that opposed them But at last overcome by Multitude they yielded this place which was not of a contemptible Situation among the Marishes and then was full of good Booty because many of the Boors had betook hither Themselves and their Wealth because the War raged all about those parts After a few days the Souldiers brought in sufficient of all Things both as to Victuals and Defence Among the French that fought for the Hollanders was one Breautee a Gentleman of good Birth and Bloud in Normandy who vaunting in his Youth had challeng'd to fight 20 of Grebendoncks Troop the chief of whom were infamous for the Treacherous Delivery of Gertruydenberg and therefore certainly this was an unbeseeming Contest for a Person of Honour Each of them with an equal Number came out into a Field not far from Shertogenbosch the Grobbendonkians being better Armed but Breautee more exact in his place and order At the first Charge Breautee kill'd the Enemies Leader who was named Abraham but was known in the Camp by the Nick-name of Cook and so sharp was the Fight and the Shot directed so rightly opposite that in the first Conflict on both Sides the one half of the Contenders fell but by the flight of the French whose Courage began to fail in the continuance of the Danger Breautee being left alone having oftentimes changed his Horse and afterwards fighting on foot at last overpressed with a multitude of Enemies yielded himself The French affirm he articled for his Life against which the Brab under say That by Agreement the Conquered were to expect nothing but Death But certainly being Prisoner he had prevail'd much when some sent out of the City kill'd him with 30 Wounds while he onely begg'd they would let him dye Armed and like a Man A Wickedness fit onely to be committed by such ignominious Persons and yet a good Lesson for magnanimous Youth That they should not
for the support of daily charges secured The Zelanders before all the rest required that they might not be left open to the dangerous Neighbourhood of the Enemy more then they beyond the Rhine and in Holland it self That Ostend might be freed and those of Thieves Newport Dunkirk and Scluys taken If they did but surprize one Town while the Enemy was gathering together his Forces and while he could entreat them to action they should easily bring it to pass that for the future they might make the Enemies Country the Seat of the War And to this purpose they hasted their preparations with a great confidence to be ready as soon as the Wind should favour them and while it continued North which is directly against them the Forces from all parts and the Provisions did but slowly meet together the General Assembly being appointed at Zeburge a Castle in Walcheren There were 127 Companies of Foot and 25. Troops of Horse with a Train of Artillery and all other Warlike Furniture together with a Fleet of 800 Vessels Here it was debated between the Prince and the Deputies of the Provinces who being the main motives of this Expedition offered themselves to him as Companions and Assistants of his Counsels and dangers whether they should expect a prosperous time to set Sail in or while the Enemy was unprovided lay hold on occasion which later opinion prevailed But the Carriages and other Provisions going by Sea onely the Souldiers with four great Guns were wafted beyond Honte the furthest part of the Schelde from whence they marched by Land to Ostend a Town scituate upon the Sea-coast and in the States power but inclosed by the Enemies with even Forts to prevent excursions wherewith the Garrisons therein had vexed the Country in the exacting Tributes from them nor were the Souldiers by all those Forts so restrained but that yet sometimes they would break out Hither that they might the more safely come Count Ernest of Nassau was sent before with some part of the Fleet to assault the Philippines a Fort in that part the Garrison whereof being forced to surrender and marching out when Assened also was departed the Prince so disposed his Army that George Count Solmes Ernestus of Nassau with part of the Fleet and Vere General of the English all had distinct Forces and Govern'd the Army by a Tripartite Command the Horse being distributed into 7 Bands over which Lewis of Nassau had the Chief Command for he being design'd to the chief Managery of the Affair had none to partake with him in his Authority But the Country-men being terrified with the Fame of the approaching Army fled on all hands from the scatter'd Villages leaving them desolate and so far were they forgetful both of taking part as formerly in Defence of Liberty that they took prisoners all Souldiers they could meet with at unawares or by Treachery and upon such as were thus taken exercised all Acts of Barbarism Whereby the Fury of the Army became so incensed hat they burn'd the Doâ—ps and Villages far and wide in their Passage and progress Their Course was steer'd directly to Bruges by Eckelo Maldegem and Malca Villages of Note Letters from the States were sent to Bruges and also to Gaunt to put them in mind of their Antient League and Friendship whereby they had jointly Covenanted against Forein Dominion and Tyranny And unless they were willing to submit to their present Slavery They doubted not but They would assist them both with Forces and Money These Letters they receiv'd but with so much disdain and rancour of Mind that as it were in despight they of Bruges accepted a Garrison from Albertus at that time which till then they had constantly refused and with their Cannon infested the Army as it passed by though not to any great damage yet not daring with any Parties to come near to skirmish Prince Maurice passing thence to Jabec was told that the fort of Oldenburg was deserted by Albertus his men the like also was reported of Plassendale Snaskerk and Bredenede In these places as also in all other convenient for passage the Prince left Garrisons such as should suffice to Repulse any small Parties of the Enemy and that the Enemies Counsels might be the more diligently inquired into and Intelligence received being uncertain what to prepare since none could expect a well-order'd Army among turbulent and disagreeing persons Count Solmes with one third part of the Army was commanded to go before to Ostend and conduct inâ—o that Town the States Deputies that they might with the more safety consult of the surther manage of the War which done he besieged Fort Albertus which was distant from Ostend about an hours journey towards Newport among the Sand-hills upon the Sea shore Passing hence to Newport he prepared all things for a Siege having taken the Works at the Port which falls down to the Sea a great distance from the Town In a short time the Prince came thither with the rest of the Forces intending to incompass the Town as much as the nature of the place would bear In all this Journey the Souldiers had enough of all things but only drink for the Cattle where ever they were met with being taken away was the cause that both Wine and Beer was very sparinâ—ly brought to the Army nor could they alwayes get water insomuch that some not only looked for but greedily drank foul and dirty water yâ—t the damage of the Slaves and Servants waiting on the Army somewhat mitigated this penury for Spinola's Ships had taken upon the Sea twenty Vessels loaded with that sort of people and by their own sloath and negligence while they might have waited for the Fleet that was to conduct them whereby to prevent being made a prey to thers but this proved no great damage to the Publick nor did the Enemy long keep the glory thereof for the whole Fleet afterwards bring assembled under Admiral Warmonde the Wind immediately rising those Ships being utterly useless but in calm Weather were shattered with great loss and damage At which time happened a new thing for one of the men that rowed being a Turk by Nation by the shot of a bullet was freed from his Chains without any hurt to his person so that leaping into the Sea and swimming over to the Hollanders by a happy temerity escaped a perpetual misery Among all these things Albertus perceiving that this was no tumultuary Band that came to Forage but an orderly Army under command and that the whole burden and force of the War was now going into Flanders and there to devour the very bowels of the Government casting away all other hopes he gathers together his Forces from all parts as resolving to meet so great a hazard of War with his whole Forces Nor doth he leave any thing undone that might hasten forward his design for first he called back the Regiments he had sent into Gelderland then gathered together all that lay
about Antwerp in a running Band and all that were quartered in that part of Flanders and Brabant where the Schelde divides them Care also was taken for appeasing those seditious Spaniards in Hamount who being translated thence to Diest under hopes of money to be there paid them and having other provision made for them at length by little and little returned to their old obedience And though there was a necessity of associating as many as possible for that otherwise the number of the forces would be too small yet still there remained a fear of their seditious humours but at last being won by prayers and promises which is often soen in War that they would lend their helping band to the repelling this common danger they yet retained their discords yet so as that the Enemy should not rob them of their reward But the Italians who succeeded the Spaniards both in Homant and the cruelty of their redition would not slir thence as suspecting that if they got the Victory yet they should be little advantaged thereby but that by their deaths the Princes would be great gainers The number of all they could gather into a body was but ten thousand Foot and sixteen hundred Horse with these as fast as so great and heavy a Body could be moved the Arch-Duke himself went not relyihg on the Care or Fortunes of others herein In their Journey they made a Halt it Gaunt where the Arch-Dutchess Isabella came to them not affrighted with the Noise of War and beseeched them That they would not leave her in this extremity of danger and frustrate her in the top of her hopes But turning particularly to them of Drest she said many Things both concerning the time and matter in hand and that she might raise in them the greater Confidence laying her Hands upon her Ear-Rings and Jewels she protested She would first part with all those principal Ornaments of her Fortune and Honour than that the well-deserving Souldier should want a Reward much less go without his Pay At once the News of the Enemies approach and the danger growing to them in the next Forts thereby arrived at Prince Maurice's Army so that some strucken with the force and Terrour of this so suddain coming of the Enemy fled from the said Fort For they that were to defend Plasâ—endale and Bredenede being but few in number would not so much as see the Enemy But they that held Oldenburg part of them being gone out to Forage and so the Garrison weakned yielded up their Charge The same did they that were left at Snaskerk surrendring the place upon Articles for Life But the Fury of the Rout thinking it long till they embrued their hands in the Enemies bloud contemning the Laws of Arms and the Religion of their Chieftain who had signed the Articles fell upon them and kill'd them all The blame of this wicked Cruelty he cast off from himself upon the Seditious Souldiers and this was done either to make them hated and odious or else these disobedient men really thought to make amends to their Prince for their dubious Fidelity by their perfidious Treachery upon their Enemies It was Night when the Report of this matter came to the Prince's Ears and the Terrour thereof frighted the rest who had foreseen nothing less Nor do I suppose them dis-ingenuous who believe that the Hollanders Affairs had not for many years been in the like danger 'T is true there were Forces which were without doubt considerable to their Party yet the gallantry of the Captain was more than the greatness of the Forces All the Country round about was Hostile and now the Enemy was at hand it was too late to fortifie the Camp nor indeed would it avail them who were ready daily to be surprised with Hunger for Provisions could not be expected from Ostend when the Enemy would lye between it and them To fly into France would be no less base and cowardly than doubtful and dangerous And if they should stay for the Enemy drawing nearer and nearer to them every minute the Souldiers being dispersed in the Siege so that the very Port might be taken from them it would rather seem to be a Slaughter than a Battail Yet for all this the Prince laid hold on one hope which onely remained by the Opinion of all the Commanders in Chief and other Officers the great and famous Day for Battel being not yet come sent Count Ernest with 10 Companies of Foot 4 Troops of Horse and 2 great Guns that by taking the Bridge at Leffingen which one single Passage was stit open the Enemies passage might be stopped towards them but if that could not be effected they should yet make them for a while delay their progress until he prepared his Army and took Counsel further what to do But Count Ernest though speeding all he could found the Enemy passed those Streights and out of hope onely to wear out some time with the two great Guns he had brought with him commodiously planted to that purpose be assailed the Enemy who at first doubting lest all Prince Maurice his Army were come to give him Battel but finding it otherwise drawing his men into a more compact Order and considering how far his Forces excelled the Enemy in number grew very fierce and ardent to sight Nor was the like Courage and Resolution wanting in them on the other side but by the inequality of Men they seemed rather to have taken Counsel to fight than by fighting to have conceived an hope of Victory For at first with singular Testimonies of Eminent Valour they were compelled to Retreat and soon after to fly so that there were slain 800 Men part of them fighting part after thâ—y had Quarter given them the Victory growing to that heighth of Fury that they would spare none This Slaughter as it often happens was the means that all the rest of the Army were saved For while the Enemy was busie in following the Chace and pillaging the Field Prince Maurice got time first to transpose his Horsemen and afterwards his Carriages into that part of the Sea-Coast which looks towards Ostend During whose passage if the Enemy had come upon them there must needs have follow'd a very great slaughter But he being grown more slow by his Security and measuring the whole Event by the former Fight sent Messengers into the Neighbouring Cities that a great part of Prince Maurice's Army was slain in the Fight and himself with the rest inclosed by Them Which Letters being read many of the same Cities applauding their Fortune with an over-hasty Joy posted to make Solemn Orations in their Praise and to declâ—â— their Exaltations by all expressive Signs of rejoycing Inâ—â—e into 〈◊〉 the Foot and the Remainder of the Horse soâ—â— Bâ—â—â— shewing them a Ford not far from the Sea in two Bodies 〈◊〉 over a Bridge made somewhat nearer the Town where the Haven is more narrow The Prince as he carryed any over still placed
them in Order of Battel yet hiding from the Souldiers the loss of the former Fight In the Van-Guard was Sir Francis Vere with a double Band of English and Frizons and two Ensigns more the one belonging to the Prince the other to Count Hohenlo who was absent being to guard Holland the Middle Ward or Battel was made up of French Switzers and the New Souldiers from Fort Andrew and of this Count Solmes had the Leading The Rereward consisted of Hollanders and Germans the last of which was all that remained of Count Ernestus his Forces There was also a Bard of Utrechers Commanded by Collonel Vctrembrouch The Horse were partly in the Front other part attended the Battel and some waited upon the Rear-Guard Thus the Prince order'd his Army according to the Antient Policy of famous Captains and then commanded the Ships to depart which by this time were in great Number come to him and to steet their Course to Ostend That the danger being equal to all so all hopes or causes of flight should be utterly taken away but they which had setled themselves in the Haven before could not presently obey that Order until they were assisted by the Tide Besides some Companies were left about Newport to keep in the Souldiers there that they might not break out on the Bank of the Prince's Men when they were engaged to fight And now the Morning being half pâ—ssed and Noon approaching the Enemies Horsemen going a great distance before their Battel came in sight and after some short Skirmishes with Pistols being driven from the Shore retreated to the Hills where a Band of Foot-men tarryed for them against whom moving in a slow pace towards the Sea the Cannon on both sides plaid very fiercely Some there were with Prince Maurice who advised at that time to meet the Enemy for that would inflame the Souldiers Valour and increase their Courage and Alacrity But others with more Wisdom that it was more fit to abide in the same place whereby they might repel the more easily the Enemies Fury after their long March over the difficulties of the Sands which when they had concluded and the Horse dispersed which had taken away the Prospect Prince Maurice from the Tops of the Hills which he had possessed for his Advantage in the Battel spyed the Enemy drawing nearer and in this manner ordered There were Three Battels according to Custom of which the Middleward being double fill'd the whole breadth of the Shore wherein were four great Bodies of Pikes to each of which were added as Wings both greater and lesser Shot which we call Musketiers and Bow-men They of Diest under many Captains having but one Standard made the first Battel wherein Mendosa was present The Right Wing of the second Battel which consisted all of Spaniards was commanded by Monteregio and Villars The Left made up partly of Italians was order'd by Sapena and Avilos Between these Two Bodies was a select Number of Horse which were the Arch-Duke's Life-Guard appointed to stand In the last place were the Netherlanders led by Barlotte and Bucquoy with Auxiliaries out of Ireland whose Captain was Bastuck The General of the Horse by reason of Landriano's infirmity was Peter Galen onely they of Diesl had their own Offiches whose power was no more over them than at pleasure And as they differ'd in Language or their Arms being either Lances Guns and Breast-Plates so were they drawn our and disposed into Troops The Day decaying as the Battels grew nearer each to other the wiser Spaniards thought fit to take Advice Whether they should engage in a general Battel and try the doubtful Chance of War For they did not find as was believed the Enemy hastning his slight into the Ships or running away but standing with Resolution to sell their Lives and revenge their Deaths Thus the Battels being prepar'd and all the Souldiers on both sides encouraged to fight That whoever was the Conquerour could not but expect great effusion of bloud They were to take care that they did not drive him to hope who being unawares fallen into so great Dangers was brought to such a condition that he could not fear or decline fighting That they had better besiege him since all the Countrey was theirs and the Enemy had no place of Retreat In the mean while the Souldiers should rest themselves being wearyed with long Journeys and one onely Fight But there were others of Opinion That they should make it their first care and business to recover the Fort Albertus before spoken of And besides the Minds of the Souldiers were so elate I with the success of the former Battel that they believed they were come thither rather to take Prey than to fight that old saying of the Spaniards being frequent in the Mouths of most The more are the Moors the more glorious the Victory Nay it was almost come to that That they would not go off without Battel though the Enemy seemed to decline the same And many of the Commanders thought that Alacrity of the Army and vehemency of their Minds was to be encouraged wherefore laying aside all further delay which was look'd upon rather as specious than advantagious They thought fit by Exhortations to raise the Souldiers Courage already inflamed That they would perfect the Victory already begun increase the Spoils already gotten and not onely slay the main Body but the very Remains of that Army begun to be Conquer'd by them That they themselves were men practised in Fights those ignorant and Rebels to God and their Prince till this time having received so great presumption as to pitch their Colours against Us on purpose onely to be destroy'd and are at this time ready to fight because they can find no means ready to fly Here are no Ditches to pass no Rampires to scale nor any Defences for Sloth or Cowardise but as Out-casts they come out of their lurking places having nothing but Arms and those depraved and made of no force by the guilt of their Consciences That it now lay in their viz. the Spanish Armies hands to make their Prince as great as they would have him for this one day would fully restore his Dominion to him if they would strive for the Victory nor should there be any further occasion of War for this would be the first and last Battel 'T is true indeed at Turnholt they kill'd some of the Spanish Army but what were they such as chose rather to run away than to meet the Enemy neither at that place was there either a Battel or an Army or a Prince whereas at this time he for them they fought should be a Witness of their Valour whose great Victories at Calais Hulst and Amiens they should call to Mind and each of them take Example from his Valour Constancy and Industry These were the general Exhortations used by the Nobles to all but to the Spaniards they were more particular repeating to them many famous Acts both of antient and
somewhat more distant was the Cavallery ranged But Albertus that he might extend his Forces the middle Battel being commanded to march forward what before was the Van-Guard became now the Right Wing and the Rere-ward the left-Wing For putting his greatest confidence chiefly in the Spaniards and next them the Italians hoped the Enemy would not be able to sustain the Force of that double Band But the Prince opposed against the Enemy towards the Sea Sir Frances Vâ—res men and next to the Fields the French the rest he placed behind as Reserves And now the Enemy sent out from both Bands some small shot which as soon as it was perceived four Companies of French were drawn forth three of which were to fall on the Enemies left Wing for General Vere with some Select men of his own was set forward against the Right protesting to the Prince either by life or death to merit thanks that day Nor was he deceived for he fighting among the thickest and having beaten back the Musketiers and assayling a great stand of Pikes he received two wounds had his Horse killed under him and was mounted on another and upon the Arrivall of his Brother Sir Horace Vere with fresh Forces magnanimously brought his men safe off At this time the Enemies Horse which had been placed as Wings for strengthning the Foot violently falling into the Flank of the Statesmen made a great slaughter whereby it happened that the Spaniards Courages were encreased and the Nassavians began to faint upon which sight the Enemy falling on more violently suddenly a Panick fear and flight surprised all on that part of the Army with so inconsiderate trepidation that many of them for fear of the Enemies Sword ran into the Sea and there met a shameful and certain death But the constancy of the rest and the Prince himself who was careful of all things quickly restored that want of Courage The French came in opportunely to supply those that were in distress and for the better doing thereof were divided into two Bands by the care of the Count Solmes and the Captains Ommerville and Saul And these falling on at first at the push of Pike had good success by the help of the Musketiers who standing in the higher places powred their Bullets uncessantly upon the Enemies Pikes standing below which wounded and galled them infinitely And when an intire Body of Netherlanders and Irish Souldiers advanced against them Count Solmes commanded the Switzers and Souldiers of Fort-Andrew to give on upon them which they did with great Courage and while they were in the heat of Fight he sent both the Batavian Regiments to wit one of Utrecht the other of Holland to their assistance and last of all the Germane Souldiers put themselves into the Fight For Prince Maurice thought it convenient to assault the Enemy with shot and to renew the Fight in as many places as they could so as they that were tyred in the Fight might have time and place to retreat and fresh men still come to supply their places and this very thing broke the Enemies strength and made the other not to be Conquered for there was room reserved for recruiting the Forces in Fight so that the Enemy still encountred with fresh men as often as he offered unwarily to pursue any that fled But among the Hills there was one continued Fight especially where they grew less and also beyond by intervals the Fight was renewed When the Foot met at first Lewis of Nassaw with six Troops which were followed by three others fell in and routed the Enemies Horse At which time one Gentleman who Commanded the Princes Guards persuing those that were routed had passed all the Enemies Forces And three other Horse Commanders led their Troops against the Spaniards Nor did Count Lewis who was diligent to lay hold upon all occasions to get advantage neglect to take six Troops of Cuirassiers and with them to charge the Enemy afresh In many Conflicts this day did that great Commander shew his Valour until the Spanish Horse Rallying and comâ—g in on all sides had almost inclosed him being followed at that time by not above ten men of all his Company but the constancy of his own Resolution and the Captain of a Troop named Cloet came in season and saved him from that imminent danger In the mean time they who had formerly gone out of the Battel to be refreshed and comforted came in again and began the Fight anew whos 's both appearance and Fortune the Battel being in many places was various and different Sir Horace Vere in the Playn at the end of the Hills with six Companies fighting the Spaniards and others in other places as every one found or could get an advantage so that it seemed as if the Fight had been every where scattered and as fresh Forces or a new Enemy met on either side so did the Victory as yet continue uncertain now inclining to one party anon to the other But among the Horse the quarrel was sooner decided it easily appearing that the Mauritians would be Victors even from the Courage of the Commanders for the Enemies best Souldiers were absent as Contrera in Spain Landriano by reason of sickness And now the Spanish Lancters turning head sled to Newport the Nassavians pursuing them in the Rear yet for all this the Foot kept their ground and fought successfully enough even among the little Hills from whose tops they beat the Princes Men coming even to their Cannon which were placed upon a little Hill not far off as is before related Three hours did the Battell continue with equall Courage on both sides during all which time there was nothing seen but death represented in the most hideous shapes of horrour great effusion of blood and both near at hand and far off nothing but terrible spectacles of horrour and dying And then at length the fury began to abate and because at the beginning of the Fight most of the Souldiery was fighting through extremity of labours their Bodies began to grow faint onely the PRINCE infused Courage into his men from the hopes of Victory Here he busied himself in rallying such as were out of order there as often as any Enemy appeared to be made ready fresh Bands to encounter him and in another place he was not wanting to incite all undantedly to go through the residue of the fight At last towards evening he resolved to conclude the Battel with the Horse in that part of his Army being irresistable to this purpose he sent two Troops to stand upon the Sea-shore near the great Guns one of these belonging to Sir Frances Vere the other to Captain Bale These he directed to charge the Enemy nor did his hopes faâ—l him because from hence according as he fore-judged began the first appearance of Victory for the Enemy willing and earnestly desiring to put an end to the Fight came directly against them But the great Guns thundered upon them with that
fury that they were forced to retreat with a great slaughter both of Horses and Men yet fetching a compass about the next Hills and running further returned to the Sea-shore until the Mauritians attending the Artillery with great fury again powred shot upon them as they advanced By which means the Enemies Horse being utterly beaten off presently the Foot-Regiments were set upon and rouâ—ed and their Colonels Sapena and Villars taken alive On the other side the unwearied Valour and Vertue of the Prince his present Counsel yea and his very countenance made his Souldiers Conquerours while he would not suffer them to be overcome which when the Spaniards saw who fought in the middle Battel although they were yet equall or rather more strong than the other being terrified with the fortune of heir friends stood very tremblingly nor were they wearied out onely with the common troubles of a Fight but by the provident care of Prince Maurice had more than they could bear Their eagerness of spirit by the abating of Courage being wholly eaten up by fear For the Sun which was opposite to their faces was made use of to blind them so was the Wind which was higher than ordinary in Summer to drive into their faces the smoak and the Sand 't is true they endeavoured to have gotten that benefit of the Heavens to themselves but Prince Maurice being every where ready to prevent them hindered their design and by this means also their Guns were useless to them The Mauritians during the time of the Battel had so bestirred themselves and lost so little time that each of them had made thirty shots and they which were at the Planked battery did as much harm as those that were upon the firm ground The Enemy had not the same advantage and their Cannon being neither raised nor well planted by their own weight and force were fixed until at last the Sands giving way they were removed Besides Counsel and Policy Fortune also assisted the Nassavians the Enemies Powder being blown up wherewith they should have charged their Guns And Victory being cryed out though before the time yet was a good Omen to foretell a true one The Arch-Duke Albertus while any hope remained riding through the whole Army was reported to advance with those of Diest against the Enemy with his Face uncovered that so his example might be the more famed in which action 't is said that his Ear was struck by the top of a Germane Souldiers Lance There was one who had laid hold of his Horse Bridle but was immediately killed by the diligent fidelity of those that guarded his Person At length doubting the Fortune of the Field he departed out of the Battel It is believed he might have been taken if the Souldiers at Ostend had sallyed out upon them as they fled or they which were sent to Leffingen-Bridge had durst to have remained there but part of them being such as escaped the mornings slaughter being mindful of what was past and dreading what might happen in the future were timorous but the Horse whereupon the Arch-Duke rid being eminent for his Color but changed for that he was tyred became afterwards a Prey The General being fled they which till now had fought with equal Valour betook themselves to their Heels yielding their Backs to be harryed by their Persuers till by little and little all had left the Field but Four Thousand Germans who keeping their Orders fairly Retreated with Honour Nor did the Victors delay to follow their flying Enemies as they were scatter'd over the Marishy and unpassable parts of the Country But the Prince after Thanks given to God the greatest part of the Day being spent he withdrew some choice Regiments and Troops from the Battel to be a Safeguard and Reserve against any suddain Chances of War which done in the very place of the Fight with the chief of the Captive Lords he took his Supper and Repose that Night as the sole Support of the Victory All round about were scatter'd Arms and dismembred Limbs both the Hills and Valleys were cover'd with bloud and the place a Receptacle of Dead Bodies Some found fault that while the Victory was yet warm they did not presently prosecute the Reliques of the Enemy But the Slaughter before received the Souldiers being pinched with want after so long a â—igh and a great many of them wounded the Multitude of Prisoners the Darkness of the present Night the uncertainty of the Ways through Ditches and Boggs and the Forts and Castles lying in the Way deterr'd that Resolution However there was great Honour gotten thereby nor shall you easily find a famouser Action of many years past Some curious in Antiquity did observe that almost Three Ages before Albertus of Austria met Adelphus of Nassaw and took from him both his Life and Government and now the same day being the 2d of August the Face of the same Families is changed There were slain in the very Battel near 3000 of the Enemies the greatest slaughter falling upon them of Diest and where they fled all the Ways Fields and Marishes were strowed with their dead Bodies There were almost 1000 kill'd in the Victorious Army besides those lost with Ernestus the greatest part of the English whose Valour was most active with 8 of their Captains were slain in the Fight the rest all but two were wounded All the Artillery and above one hundred Colours were taken many Prisoners of whom several were Noble-men Mendosa himself while yet the Battel was uncertain when he was beaten from his Horse and led aside as a Prisoner Prince Maurice took great care for him in commiseration of the common Fortune and remembrance of Affinity for Henry of Nassaw being of Old very powerful in Spain marryed a Wife out of that Family Sapena dyed of his Wounds but giving infinite Applauses to Prince Maurice's Providence The Noble Young-men that belonged to the Arch-Duke's House were presently and without Ransome set at Liberty But the Legates of the States who were inclosed in Ostend never passed any day with so much Care and Sollicitude for they which came out of the Forts deliver'd to Albertus as also they that fled from the slaughter in the Morning brought with them into that Town very great Terrour And after when both Armies were in sight fighting as Fortune inclined either this way or that way so to them it seem'd that the Commonwealth reeled Now falling to their Prayers anon to the consideration of the Fortune of War and as any one had been the Mover of more venturous Counsels so he seem'd to be chiefly concern'd in the danger But after the Event had freed them from their fear and that early the next day the Prince bimself came with his Prisoners and all other Ensigns of Victory then might you have seen the Joy of their Countenances and superabundant and festivous Gratulations They had seen him often Victorious often deserving the highest Applauses but more especially famous was
great Forces wherewith all the people round about suspected the Spaniard would make War in Italy because also from hence sometimes designs were laid against several Venetian Castles otherwhile new plots were discovered upon some Cities of Low Germany But a sudden peace put a stop to all the Alpine troubles it being agreed That for the Marquisate of Saluzza the County of Breseia in the borders of Lions in which is the bridg of Roan should he delivered to the French adding an exception That it should be lawful to the Spaniard to lead over the said Bridg his Forces either into the Netherlands or Burgundy And now King Henry that after Peace abroad and dissentions in Religion setled at home and ordered by good Laws he might establish his Kingdome in a right Heir desires that the Pope would suffer him to be Divorced from Margaret Valois long since disaffected by him having been of no good fame and besides that for many years barren which was soon granted and he Marryed to Mary the daughter of Francis late Prince of Etruria a Lady of excellent disposition and which by her more mild temper should purge out of France all envy against the Name of Melices And the same Prince confirmed a League of Amity with England by new Conditions wherein was concluded That the boldnese of Pyrats should be restrained by severe Judgments and Pledges The Tenth BOOK of the History of the Dutch AFFAIRES IN this year one thousand six hundred and one The Armies being recruited and augmented did threaten grievous and terrible things for the great Captains lay as it were at watch and fixed in expectancy of the manifestation of each others counsels The whole Winter and Spring was spent in Stratagems and Foraging before the restrained violence of War burst out with greater Force And first of all a Souldier born in Brabant urged by the perswasions of the Jesuits and hired with money that under the pretence of bringing in several prisoners to Gertruydenbergh he should open the Town to the Enemy was apprehended before his design could take effect Soon after some Mauritian Horsemen suddenly forcing a certain Castle in Limburg brought thence a great prey and many Prisoners About the sâ—me time one Captain Cloet was sent to take the Castle of Cracow which is in the Jurisdiction of Meurs and together with the City and Country by gift of the last Earl came to Prince Maurice but had been held by granâ— from the Duke of Parma to Salentine Count Isenborg by the said Count until that time the same Cloet took beyond Wachtendone three hundred Horse and some Foot which being understood one Dulquio Governour of Straten a Town hard by marching out by the Archdukes command with above four hundred Foot and a few Horse in the darkness of the night fell upon the Enemy ere they were aware of him And now he had taken about thirty and killed some before the rest awaked with the noise could make themselves ready but as he retreated through the narrow passages Cloet going another way through the open fields met him who being inferiour to Cloet in Horse the Village being seized he was forced to surrender Thus being Conqueror and hastning about what he was sent he found the trench of the Castle full of Ice and not broken as his spyes had brought him intelligence so that easily comming to the Gate which he forced open with Gunpowder he drove out the Garrison Albertus hitherto had Covenanted with the Souldiers in Hamont that leaving that more inferiour fear they should have the Town and Castle of Waert from whence both the Countreyes of Leige and Gulick were exposed to their plunder whereat the neighbours were grievously troubled But all their frequent Messages and Complaints were slightly passed over because it was known of old to be a kind of gain under the pretence of sedition to maintain War at the charge of others So also were the people of Cleves vexed with the Garrisons of Berck and Geldre and the misery of that people who had deserved better was increased in that the Hollander assessed as much money upon them as had been withdrawn by others saying That it mattered not whether by force or voluntarily they increased the Enemies Wealth since they could not defend themselves from it And because they heard of a Fleet preparing in Spain and that the Duâ—kâ—kers infested the Sea with more then ordinary boldness a greater Navy of Ships was sent to Sea yet for all that some Pyrats appeared still who in the sight of Scheveling which is a Village upon the Sea-Coast of Holland near the Hague they exposed their Captives and received their Ransome But soon after bâ—ing circumvented by some Fisherboats wherein some Souldiers were put they gave satisfaction for their audacious attempt by their usual and deserved punishment Some old Ships also were sent to Dunkirk Haven where being full of stones they were sunk on purpose to choak it up But as oft as the Sea ebbed the wood being cut away with Axes by the Towns-men at the flood by the violent beating of the Waves the place was again cleared of all And some Merchants Ships going into England were taken and made Prize by Spinola's Galleys the Ship of Warr which was to be their Convoy after a long fight with the Enemy a great number of whom was slain by some fire thrown into it utterly perished The same also thought to have set upon Flushing some within the Town being corrupted to have set fire thereon but one of the Conspirators falling by chance sick and by the terrour of approaching death repenting and making confession thereof to his ghostly Father the whole Plot was detected and punished In the interim new Mutinies and Seditions arose among Albertus his Men And the Antwerpers pacified a Man of Warr that lay in the Schelde and made a Mutiny by giving them part of their pay And the Walloons that kept the Forts about Ostend raged even to the wounding and killing of their Officers yet were largely indulged because by the Hollanders Promises they were like to be dâ—awn off from their Obedience and being perswaded to go from their Garrison they passed to Montz After these things the United States setting an Asseâ—sment upon all Chimneys and being assisted with Souldiers out of England and Moneys out of France again fell in Debate upon another Expedition into Flanders but for that all the hopes of that Design lay in the speedy execution thereof and therefore that it was necessary first to divert the Enemy to some other part it was thought sit to make a shew of Warr in the furthermost Borders To which purpose Prince Maurice sending before some Souldiers under pretence of a Marriage between Count Lewis of Nassau and Count Broakens Widow himself came to Arnheym and then making no delay he speeded to Bercke with above a hundred Companies of Foot and Thirty Troops of Horse of which Place Jeronimo Lopez had the Government by the
Ships to the number of twenty and upwards wherein were eight hundred Portugal Souldiers besides a great number ot above fifteen hundred Indians he resolved to make exemplary according to his Commission all such whether Kings or Subjects that had admitted the Hollanders to trade freely and Bantam a City of Java was the first destin'd to this destruction It fortuned by chance that at the same time being the beginning of the year five Holland Ships under the command of Wolfard Herman were in those parts trading they carried about three hundred men and were upon that account far unable to meet with the Portugal Fleet whose Admiral alone exceeded the whole Dutch Fleet both in largeness of bulk and number of men yet the fear of losing the Trade for the future and the hopes of getting honour and favour among those Eastern people drew them not onely to fight like men hand to hand but to undertake the Combat with their great Guns wherewith the Hollanders being very well accommodated did their Enemies very great mischief because being onely driven by the winde and able to retreat draw off as they listed by their quickness of motion they frustrated all the intended violence of the Portugueses Thus they fought for some daies even without intermission until some of the Enemies Ships being sunk and two of them taken the Spaniard daunted with the novelty of such an unexpected mischief departed steering towards Amboyna where without danger there being none to resist they wasted the Town Iton and whatever place else adhered to the Hollanders with fire and sword and the cutting down of several odoriferous plants But the Conquerors in the City of Bantam which they had rescued from so imminent a danger after a festivous reception there soon after went to Banda whence come the best Nutmegs and undertaking the defence of that Island made a league with the People for they have no setled Government That they should not sell their spices to any other people That they should not be injurious one to another concerning Religion but should leave the judgement thereof wholly to God That every one of them should use their own Laws but neither of them should receive any fugitives from the other According to this form in progress of time they contracted friendship and society with other Kings and People that stood in fear of the Spanish tyranny The chief of all the Cities of Sumatra is Achem the King of which place the Portugueses four years before that were most potent in the Court by bribes gifts and false accusations of the Hollanders had drawn partly that he would kill all such of them in their Ships as under the shew of friendship admitted them into them and partly that he would dispatch all such as should come into the City and according to this design a great many were slaughtered the Ships that lay in the harbour knowing nothing thereof moreover the drink of that Country so consternated their minds that they seemed mad nay so farre did the treachery proceed that the Ships were hardly preserved But the King shortly after repenting the cruelty of the fact the Hollanders which afterwards came thither making certain covenants concerning the sale of spices discovercd again that the Portugueses had been buying the King's faith from them whereupon when they found the Agreements they had made would not be observed the Arabian Ships being gone out of the Harbour in revenge of the injuries received from the Indians they sent ashore some Forces which thing being dissonant to the Laws of those Nations afterwards gave the Enemies matter wherewith to recriminate the Hollanders But the Zelanders afterward returning when the King was somewhat estranged from the Portugueses they cleared themselves from that objected crime and beseeched the King that he would send some of his people with them that they might see they were not a company of Pirats as they were aspersed among such as knew them not but that they were a people famous for wealth and fidelity having no enmity or warre with any besides the Spaniards This advice pleased the King that for the future he might be more certain whether he might with more safety incline to the Spaniard or Hollander In this voyage near the Isle of S. Helena these Zelanders espying a great Portugal Carrack loaded with Pearl and other precious commodities and putting themselves between it and the shore after a hot conflict they forced it to surrender itself being first much battered with the great Guns The men that were in it they set ashore upon the coast of Brasile The chief of the Embassadours from Sumatra whose name was Abdutzamar died in Zeland and was buried with a very decent funeral having a Monument exquisitely raised to his memory The rest that survived went to salute Prince Maurice then encamped at the siege of Grave giving him Presents from their King When they saw the great number of the Horse and Foot and the Works of that bulk as was not onely unknown to the Barbarians but such as exceeded those generally in use among us they were even amazed with admiration The Treaty held with them was by the name of Arabians And the report of these things coming as it were into another World made them not onely shake off all vain suspicions but was prevalent with many rather to entertain the Hollanders friendship then to be kept in subjection to the Spanish tyranny The King of Ternate which is one of the Molucca's publickly owned the Hollanders for at his request Necken invaded the Portugueses in the next Island named Tidoris But when he was about to assault those in the Castle being ready to make defence some darts and shot being spent on both sides being lamed by the loss of his hand and having lost some few of his men he put off the fight In Patau also and the coasts of Cauchin-China and elsewhere their coming was very acceptable but in Ceilon one of the bigger Islands where grows the best Cinnamon they found the King who is called Fimala a great enemy to the Portugueses by whom he had formerly been taken and carried away and Spilberg informing them of the Dutch affairs perceived them very desirous both of friendship and society The King of Jora also this is a Kingdome in the region of Malacca daring to rip up old injuries against the Portugueses incited Jacob Hemskerk then having with him two Holland Ships to set upon a Carrack of an immense magnitude that lay in the Streights between Malacca a Portugal colony and Sumatra which he accordingly did the said King being both the author and witness of the Victory The Hollanders contented with the booty which was very great spared the lives of all the persons in it being near seven hundred of all sexes and ages although there yet appeared many fresh examples of the Portugal cruelty That Ship came from Macao a Town in the Empire of China which the Portugals possess by the courtesie of
Ambrose Spinola besides he raised in Germany foot-souldiers and in Lorrain horse-men and after they arrived Spinola being left at Ostend seven thousand foot and three thousand horse were delivered to Frederick Count Heremberg and his first orders were to drive out those who had violently seated themselves in Hochstraten This Philip had commanded as well for security sake at present as for example sake in the future and lest while he turned his Armes to other parts they should invade the places left destitute of defence for of late they had spoiled the Province of Namur taken the Town of Jedin and the Governor of Carpen Castle and yet returned safe and full of booty At this time they in Hochstraten held a most severe discipline and worthy of imitation by the best souldiers their guards and watches were very diligently looked after neither was any permitted to goe into a bed or put off his clothes while he took his rest no women were suffered to come within the Castle to fight among themselves and to have any secret conferences or letters was a capital offence These laws were established and confirmed by punishments of offenders without pardon These understanding that they were like to be besieged sent to the States and Prince Maurice and beseech and beg their aide promising upon their faith that they would jointly and unanimously fight against the Enemy but protesting that they would have all prisoners they should take at their own dispose because the laws of War were usually denied among Enemies to such as were renegadoes Eight hundred of them were shut up in the Castle the rest being fifteen hundred foot and above a thousand horse expect Prince Maurice who hearing that Count Heremberg was now come and began to doe all acts of hostility against the Castle draws together little less then ten thousand foot and three thousand horse out of their Winter-quarters and speeds with them to Geertruydenberg In which City happened a sad spectacle the French and English by mutual quarrells among themselves falling together by the ears being Nations always emulous of one another insomuch that now there began a perfect battel between the whole Regiments some being killed more wounded and the Colonel of the French Monsieur Bethune himself running in between them to prohibit their fighting was killed which much incensed the minds of his men Scarcely could the sight or speech of the Nassavian Commanders or of the Prince himself prevail to deterre the further increase of this impious and increasing slaughter Here Prince Maurice's forces joyning with those of the seditious they marched together though souldiers of different obligations and principles by a new and strange kind of example Between the fields and the Enemies Camp was a little rivulet the ground all about which is very moory this Count Heremberg either by error or tot suspecting the coming of Prince Maurice had neglected to possess The Prince having by prepared bridges brought over his souldiers and artillery on a sudden faces the Enemy with his Army But Count Heremberg kept himself within the safeguard of the place and the defence of his carriages which he had placed in form of a rampier onely the horse were commanded to advance which produced some light skirmishes Nor did Prince Maurice think meet to set upon the Enemies entire untill he had tried all places that might be advantageous to himself or the Enemy Count Heremberg fearing as other things so to be debarred of provisions through the help of the night withdrew first his Cannon and afterwards his souldiers towards Herentalls in the mean while keeping watches against the Enemy that he might be the better able to deceive them But when the appearance of day-light had discovered their design they which were in the Castle first fell in their rear where among others was slain Rosney the son of a famous Commander both in France and the Low-Countries who at that time commanded the Lorraign souldiers But another small river hindred Prince Maurice from his intended pursuit of the Enemy for that it was fordable onely with great difficulty besides the way was narrow and full of water yet moving on forward with the horse he found the Enemy newly passed the streights and his Army drawn into battalia in the open fields and although the Hochstrateners were very earnest to fight as well in their own revenge as in giving a proof of their affection and valour to their new friends yet it was not thought fit to fight this Army thus drawn up and ordered without the foot and Artillery which followed but slowly after over the difficulties of an uliginous way besides the toilsome grievousness of the weather which was disturbed with continual rain and tempests Thus the siege being raised Prince Maurice boldly threw himself into the midst of the seditious souldiers that by this great confidence of them he might oblige them to him the more strictly And now he again resolved while part of the Enemies forces were with him to besiege 's Hertogenbosch which by the cruelty of the Winter the last year he was forced to break off his confidence resting onely in celerity if the City could be surrounded void of a garrison as it then was But the matter being related to the Councel of the States the Zelanders pressing to make war in Flanders yet at last the Prince was permitted to doe what should seem most convenient to the Commonwealth but in the mean while eight days were spent And although Count Heremberg's forces were prepared and increased purposely to disturb all designs of the Prince yet he continued in his resolution not so much out of any hopes of attaining the City as because he would keep the Enemy busied in trifling and himself not be compelled to the defence of his own elsewhere and to depend wholly upon uncertain events Some were of opinion that the Townsmen wearied with the miseries of war would either alter their fidelity or at leastwise doe that as should make them seem so moderate to both parties that they should neither fear nor be feared Therefore the Summer being now well entred the Prince sate down at the Village named Vuchten and the Huhstrateners at Vlimen in the way to Hoesden there being a great distance of ground between the two Camps The third day after Count Heremberg drew nigh and in the woody places towards that part where the City lay open in the Village of Dalem fortified himself casting up defences against Prince Maurice He on the other side erected some Sconces and Batteries with great Guns where the ground ceasing to be plain swells up into little hills and much time was carelesly spent in light skirmishes and wasting of shot At last Heremberg was advised to erect a Fort without the City near the way that leads from Vuchten to Vlimen to this intent that the passage being stopped from Prince Maurice's Camp to that of the Hochstrateners a more hopefull opportunity might be expected against them being
divided or that by a scarcity of Victualls which were brought from Hoesden to the Camp the siege might be removed or broken up of necessity The charge of this business was committed to the Marquesse of Bella Colonel of the Italians with two thousand souldiers the flour of divers Regiments which being carried round about the City in the night had brought the designed work to some perfection the ground being thrown up and mingled with faggots to the height of a man whereof the Prince receiving intelligence not till it was very late in the night he with the most active and valiant of his men flying thither excited every one to this no less difficult then necessary business The English valiantly made the first assault and were no less courageously repulsed but the French strongly seconding them soon made the place too hot for the Enemy and the gates of the Town being shut they having no place of refuge to fly to nor any relief to assist them were slain together with their Commander or drowned in the adjoyning marishes about one hundred and fifty were taken prisoners It happened by chance about the same time that the Arch-duke at Ostend striving to restrain the going in and out of the souldiers by some sharp and severe punishments getting a Ship which stuck upon the Shallows wherein were onely twelve sick souldiers he hanged them all pretending they were not taken at land but upon the Sea where there are no laws of Arms to be observed the news of which being brought to the Camp Prince Maurice esteeming it an act of great cruelty and wickedness not having any relation to a war at Sea that he might make the Laws of Arms setled among all Enemies to be of esteem by a return of the like cruelty caused twelve chosen at hap-hazard out of the whole number of prisoners to be hanged yet one of them out of pity to his tender age was spared though some did not stick to averre that the known and well-approved law of covenants being infringed so barbarously ought to be expiated not onely with the punishment of the like but rather of a double number Certainly it was a sad sight and not to be forgotten among the many evils of war when young men of good breeding and ingenuity and not deserving any such thing with sorrowfull countenances trembling hands and between prayers and sighs not so much fearing death as the ignominious kind thereof should draw and look upon their fates inclosed in bits of paper either of condemnation for anothers fault or of pardon not for innocencie's sake but the chance of fortune Yet there was one found of so desperate a temerity who by his own good luck set free yet hired by another once more put his life in jeopardy for the safeguard of the other But the Townsmen defended themselves onely by shot yet it fortuned that the Marquesse of Malaspina and one Oliver Tempel passing from the Prince's to the Vlimian Camp had both their legs broken at one shot Malaspina was a person much knowing in all Albertus his counsells of war and being lately taken prisoner by the Hochstrateners survived though in a very weak condition But Oliver died of his wound having fought on the States behalf above twenty years so that now he was Judge-Advocate of the Army and besides at that time was set over the Hochstrateners by his reason to keep in order their violence Afterwards Albertus himself came to the City and trying all things observed that there was a slight Sconce built by the Mauricians in a square forme not far from the place where the Marquesse of Bella was lately slain Of this place the Arch-duke saying it was necessary to be taken and without doubt for the future it would have been of great use to him news thereof was privily conveyed and brought to the Prince by the intelligence of a souldier that fled from them to him Some days being past one night a little before the break of day making as if they intended an assault in divers places their main strength wholly aimed at the destined place Nor did Prince Maurice being forewarned of the danger omit at the same time to draw down thither the most courageous both of his own men and some of the choicest of the Hochstrateners putting out all the fires The appearance of the day discovered a Battery of nine great Guns opposite to the Fort and others directed from the Town-Bulwarks and other Fortresses wherewith the Sconce being violently battered on all hands was so shattered that the souldiers hid themselves in the hollow places of the ground yet the Prince came to them and threatned severely to hang any that should desert the place At the same time he placed a circle of musketiers round the whole circumference of the Trench and commanded three Cannon to be brought out of the Camp wherewith the Enemies strength being repress'd and the assailants forced to become defendants leaving the Boats which they had brought for the more easy passing the interjacent marishes and scarcely saving their great Guns the Mauricians took all the Mattocks Faggots Hurdles and other things prepared for destruction and converted them all to the repairing and augmentation of their own Works The Arch-duke designing several attempts against the Enemy which indeed was the main cause of his coming commanded three thousand Souldiers which he pretended should onely march through the Town to remain there in Garrison which made the Citizens complain grievously of the breach of those Covenants which for twenty years together had been inviolably preserved But necessity and the fear of punishment quickly made them silent also there was a strong Fortress raised close by the City which might serve instead of a Castle though it had not the name of one And at the beginning of Winter the ground being marishy and full of water the Armies departed When the seditious whose labours this year had been great and exemplary desiring another place of safety might be given them for Hochstraten wherein they might have more room and that lay more convenient for forage the matter hanging long in debate before the States Prince Maurice of his own accord admitted them into Grave a Town belonging to himself that they might remain within the Walls and have the command of all the Bulwarks about it but not to doe any injury to the Citizens And the Covenants formerly made were renewed and confirmed concerning the dividing of the spoil and that they should not infest or spoil any of the Countries belonging either to the Germane Empire or the United States as long as they continued at difference with Albertus they should not spare their best pains and labour yet so as they alwaies should remain separate in all marches and be free from all servile works of digging and assaults that when they should be reconciled they should restore Grave and receive Hochstraten for performance whereof they engaged their faith and gave pledges These were the
transactions in those parts while in the interim about Ostend the Warre greatly increased and therewith not the charge onely but the political inventions and stratagems also And now the Winter being past that had sometimes been offensive to these other-while to those as the force of the wind drove the waters and made them more turbulent in the middle of the Spring a fierce assault was made from the Camp upon all the quarters of the Town and when the Defendants were not able to sustain so violent and spreading a force three Forts were taken by the Enemy which lying on the backside of the Town at the conflux of the waters we mentioned before to be slightly guarded and some few daies after the besieged making a sally upon the same places which wanted success made the Enemy not onely encrease the number of his Guards but to put therein of his choicest men But other small Forts beyond the Gollet assaulted by Bucquoy were successfully maintained Colonel Dorpen was then Governour of the Town whose time being spent he was succeeded by Colonel Notte Towards the middle of Summer Ambrose Count Spinola came to Ostend promising an end to this hard and by some esteemed desperate work if he might have the chief command in the Camp Nor did he undertake this out of any vain temerity but by the sound informations of those by whom both the place and method of the Warre were well understood especially after the way was found through the water over great piles of wood a work onely of time and diligence whereby the Works of the Town might be taken from them as it were by piece-meal And this desire of Spinola was the more easily consented to by King Philip because besides many eminent vertues of a noble minde whereof he had given certain testimonies he offered also out of his private wealth to prescribe a remedy to the affairs of the Treasury at that time very much out of order He was at first very greatly envied because being an Italian and but newly come into the Warre among so many Netherlanders and Spaniards he commanded at once both the Souldiers and Treasury but he diligently minding all things and following the most prudent by little and little overcame it And presently removed such as had made a gain of the Treasury having prepared his own provisions because there was need of money to prevent mutinies and running away Besides the hope of rewards had brought thither the most famous Wits of Christendome among whom there was great emulation in finding out new waies of approching battering and assaulting Towns and as any ones inventions came to most perfection in the executive part so was the care of the General more ready to gratifie him with a certain reward No less valour or industry was shewn by the besieged for they took care lest their provisions should be streightned that all commanded allowances should be publickly delivered and for their defence were unwearied in their Watches yea and sometimes were confident enough to make Sallies besides what either the violence of the Enemy or the Sea had thrown down they employed skilful workmen to repair To believe so great a number of men shut up in so narrow a compass and obnoxious to so many dangers wounds and labours and yet to finde no contagion bred among them next to the providence of God must needs be attributed partly to the extraordinary care of the Chirurgeons and Physicians and partly to the care of the States which alwaies caused the sick or wounded with all diligence to be carried thence Moreover besides the harm they did by burning bullets and hand-granadoes and the like new inventions they did other great damage to the Enemies materials being now through dry by the heat of the weather The chief labour of the Assailants was concerning some Boats that were built for the carriage of great Guns by the same Engineer which we mentioned before Targon a Romane a man of a very subtle wit but altogether unexperienced in Martial affairs Part of these were sent to the left hand of the Town where the Sea was not so boisterous to the Forts that lay nearest to the Enmy but on the right hand where the Gollet is the shot being unequally levelled they did little or no harm most of them being spoiled by the impetuousness of the waters because stones being bound up in great bundles of wood the bands thereof quickly breaking the rest floated having lost the weight that kept it down Yet was not Spinola dismayed thereat but still added more Boats to the former learning new waies of Fortification from the very experience they gained from their losses And the battery of Count Bucquoy being by little and little advanced nearer the Town it came to pass that Ships came in and out with more difficulty to bring in Souldiers Victuals Guns or Gunpowder some after that falling upon the Shallows or being swallowed up in the Sea when they had in striving to enter endured the fury of the Enemies Artillery Against the shot from the Town the Besiegers partly chose the night partly used Works made of earth to keep out the water wherein were transfixed several rows of Piles and Faggots where they had setled in places of more safety otherwise they sunk great Vessels filled with stuff underneath the water But in Spain with the King who in the practice of his Affairs did most things by the counsel ot Strangers not his own judgement sometimes new counsels were preferred before old other times the old regained their former repute as the authority of persuading or hope of the event led every one Some averred that it was a great error of State to forbid the Hollanders traffick with Spain they being a People potent at Sea and seeking Merchandise from the farthest parts of the earth either by Arms or otherwise and going to the Indies to the no small though new and hitherto unheard of damage of the Spaniards With how much more wisedome did his Father attain a hope of Peace from that custome of the Provinces among themselves having alwaies a convenient number of Ships as often as occasion required made ready for him by his very Enemies If a remedy should be sought for present and future mischiefs it must be by taking away necessity from the Hollanders for that very thing first shewed them their own strength This counsel in it self not absurd was yet found fault with and disallowed by covetousness for though Trade was publickly confirmed by Edict yet there was so great a Tribute and Custome besides what was formerly laid upon all Merchandise that it amounted to little less then the third part of the price of the commodity to wit thirty in the hundred was to be paid to the King's Exchequer And this was not laid upon the Hollanders onely but all other Nations lest otherwise the Hollanders should shelter themselves under the names of others and for some private causes of hatred against those
by whose assistence it was believed the Warre was supported Onely some immunity was granted to those that lived within the Arch-duke's Territories or should impor any thing into his inland Sea And this was added as a clause peculiar to the Hollanders that it should not be lawful to import any Merchandises made by themselves nor should any of those things be paid to their Pilots for wages which they either imported or exported Besides they were commanded to take the Arch-duke's safe conduct with them Which things being very grievous and unjust did not onely not prevail against the United States but much incensed the King of France also so that first he laid the like Impositions upon the Spaniard and when that seemed not a sufficient revenge he forbade all the French to Trade into Spain so long as Philip's Edict remained in force on pain first to lose all their goods and after that to receive corporal punishment Nor did the Archduke's dissembled clemency succeed any beâ—â—r when he proclaimed safety of return to all living among or dealing with the Enemy and not blasted with any other crime and that whatsoever they had formerly possessed and was now in the Exchequer should be restored to them onely debarring them of the power of alienation The words of this Edict were filled with many fraudulent deceits for all kinde of Religion was directed to be punished thereby except the Romane and the settlement of their Families detained many in Holland as well as the certainty of the gain they made there About this time the Hollanders suffered some small damages by the Dunkerkers among the rest they took some Holland Ships out of the very Thames being deceived by the Pirates bearing the same colours with their Companions On the other side the Indian Company sent thirteen Ships to the East Indies commanded by Stephen Van Hague and the States sent out six others under the command of Paul Carden to spoil the coast of Brasile This Winter was sharp and very tempestuous by force whereof a Whale was driven up the Schelde and found not farre from Antwerp which for the rarity of the thing yielded the Vulgar matter of discourse drawing Omens of good or evil from the meanest of creatures Some a year before this vented threats against that City which proved farre more vain then terrible as the event afterwards proved The Thirteenth BOOK of the History of the Dutch AFFAIRES AMONG all these things Albertus did not omit consultations of Peace either out of a real hope that he might attain the same or that he might throw upon the Enemy the envy for the refusal thereof to which intent the Count Bassiguy son of Boxtel by the Archduke's command required a safe conduct from the States They returned Answer That if be would treat by Letters they would he ready but they could not consent that he should come to them The Arch-duke resolved for this cause and by occasion of the late troubles of Embden that he would accuse the Hollanders as Enemies of his and their Neighbours peace at the Germane Diet held at Ratisbone whereof his brother Matthias was the Moderator And there were some who out of affection to the House of Austria or for the difference of Religion were very bitter in their Opinions crying out that there should be appointed Articles for settlement of Peace and they that refused to lay down Arms voluntarily should be compelled by force The more moderate were against the using of force making onely a decree for sending an Embassy to the States and while that was preparing the Emperour in the mean while sent Letters wherein he recited all the evils done to the neighbour-Princes and what several Cities had suffered commanding them to make restitution of whatever they had taken away by violence Moreover he laid to their charge not onely what their own Souldiers had done but also the rapines committed by the Hochstrateners in regard they had undertaken their defence Whereto the States excusing what belonged to themselves said that the faults of the seditious Souldiers ought to be ascribed to them that with the danger of others would defraud the Souldiers they hired of their pay That they had sought nothing but their own safety and yet as much as they could they had in all Covenants consulted the peace of Germany But these injuries were not so easily wiped off by good words since that in the beginning of this year which we are now entring upon the seditious left nothing undone towards the Germans which is usual towards an Enemy slighting all their threats so long as they proceeded no further then words For that Winter after they had sacked Eindhoven in Brabant and Erkelen a Town in Gelderland rich with the prey there for many years heaped together by Albertus his Souldiers they fell upon a Troup going out of Gelderland and besides took the Castle of Carpen well and fitly seated for excursions having in all these actions the Hollanders Horse to accompany them and assoon as they were departed they fell into West phalia compelling the Towns and Country to redeem themselves from fear by the payment of Tribute They shot off their Guns at Colen and killed near four hundred Paderbornians for two Souldiers killed by the â—oors while they behaved themselves with great insolency Moreover they raged with all kinde of lust and cruelty even to the burning of Towns so that if even those unhappy people deserved pity it was now when for so many years they had been afflicted with all the miseries of a forein Warre more grievously almost then if they themselves had been engaged in the Quarrel The States perceiving the danger of Ostend to draw right resolved to drive the Enemy from the siege or draw him off or to attempt another place whereby they right both preserve their honour and keep a passage into Flanders wherefore gathering together money in time and levying Souldiers on all hands they obtained a new Regiment of Scots under Colonel Barclay and some recruits of English not as formerly by authority of the King but onely by his permission In the middle of the Spring while part of the Horse with the seditious of the Enemy fall into Brabant and the report of the Warre spred into every place amused the Enemy the Prince accompanied with the Senate and Deputies of the Spares carried out of Walcheren into Cazant his Army consisting of about twelve thousand This Cazant is a Region in Flanders which the Sea beats upon and on that side towards the East is compassed with the River Ateren on the other with the large Haven of Scluys and on the backside with other waters like an Island From the River Ateren the Army was landed which certainly was a great over-sight that it was not carried into the Haven of Scluys which was the opinion of the Councel of the States from which if the Prince had not been dissuaded by others out of a fear of greater danger
assault Sand-hill and though the first of them were scattered by the force of gun-powder out of a Mine yet Barlaymont drove on the rest until they attained the top of the place From hence they went by secret waies under ground into the old Town sometimes the besieged sallied and in stead of the Works which they had lost they raised new ones more inwardly which out of a vain humour and conceit of the long continuing of the siege they named Troy For the fresh ground being in it self loose and not sufficient to resist the shot though it was in the midst of Summer as often as the wind blew off from the Sea all things were laid open to ruine Insomuch that now the States themselves began to consider the infinite charge and the losses of the Souldiers not much inferiour to the greatest Battels and that Ostend it self being so inclosed with Forts could be of no use Besides whether they looked at honour or profit they had gotten more of either in three months in the winning of Scluys besides Berck and Grave then Albertus would get by Ostend which he had contested for so many years And now the greatest part of Autumn being spent time was past for the Enemy to undertake any thing else and Winter was coming which was both dangerous and dreadful to the besieged And if they should goe thither with an Army first the way was full of water and in the middle was Damâ— and Blankenbâ—rg Garrisons of the Enemy besides by length of time the Camps were well setled the Forces united and both Commanders and Souldiers were used to fight all which threatned great hazards to such an attempt Therefore command was given to Colonel Marquette that he should set an end to that tedious conflict upon as honourable terms as he could which was accordingly done And first of all the Ships and other Vessels were sent away with part of the Artillery Then Commissioners were sent who desired that all in the Town might freely march out with their Arms and four Cannon and that all Prisoners should be exchanged which Spinola easily granted either out of an high esteeâ— of their approved valour or to prevent other uncertain events which time might produce Three thousand marching through the midst of the Enemie's Camp came to Scluys to the Prince who received them not as overcome but gave them praises and thanks as Conquerors The Arch-duke with his Princely Spouse came to see the place for which they had offered up so many vows and been at so infinite an expence of money time and bloud themselves protesting the loss of fifty thousand men and that a greater number of the besieged was killed They found nothing but an empty and confused plat of ground here full of rude and mis-shapen heaps there falling into great and uneven holes with such confused remains of Fortifications that by looking thereon one could scarce imagine which were made for the defence or which for the assailing the Town The Townsmen that lived there before went thence to Scluys and although the Arch-duke granted many Privileges to the place yet of a long time none would inhabit it looking upon it as a place of horrour and defiled with the bloud and bones of dead men which is generally repugnant to the nature of most men Besides those Embassadors which I mentioned before King Philip and the Arch-duke sent into England more to wit this sent Don John Richardot and Don Lewis Verrcikem but he Don Ferdinando Velasco Constable of Castile and Don Alexandro Roverti a Senator of Millaâ—n both of them very desirous of Peace not so much out of fear of the English as that they might draw the Hollanders to reason by taking away their props and supporters Nor wanted there some in that warlike Nation that persuaded to Warre repeating in the English Parliament which was then met the ancient alliances with the Hollanders the many leagues and marriages long before Philip Duke of Burgundy unjustly drove Jacoba married to a Britan out of her Principality And the reason given for this amity was that without it the Sea could be safe to neither and it would grow from thence that Trading would be full and free On the contrary the Spaniards had no need of Peace for Warre was more beneficial to them And it was chiefly to be provided that the Hollanders should not by extremity be compelled to joyn either with the French the ancient Enemies of Great Britain or the Spaniards Enemies for Religion sake and the thirst of Dominion It hath been evident by too many examples that who had the dominion of the Sea would easily be Master of Britain But the King not at all moved herewith and supposing there was strength enough both in Britain and Holland for that to maintain Peace and this Warre thereupon refusing the society of Arms offered against the Spaniard he agreed to a Peace Besides the Articles usual in Leagues there were added certain concerning free Navigation such as was before the Warre and upon paiment of the same Customes Nothing was spoken of America or the Indies because the English would not endure to be excluded and the Spaniard was obstinate to admit none so that matter was left to the decision of him that was most potent Concerning Religion it was agreed That the English should not be compelled in Spain to goe to their Churches That when they met the consecrated Host they should doe reverence thereto unless they chose rather to goe out of the way These that follow pertained to the Hollanders viz. That neither of them should help the others Enemies or Rebels nor should suffer them to be helped by any of their Subjects That the facts of private persons should be answered for by themselves but the publick Peace not be hazarded thereby But the Britans denied to deliver the Briel or Flushing to the Spaniard affirming it was contrary to the faith contained in their Articles in the interim the Souldiers that kept those Towns should be unconcerned in the Warre but should doe their endeavours for pacifying the Hollanders and if that were delaied yet that at least there should be an open and free passage for the Netherlanders and English in point of trade That there should not reside at one time in the Ports of either above six or eight of the others Ships of Warre That the English should be forbidden to carry the Hollanders Commodities into Spain or the Spanish Merchandises into Holland Thus that Warre being ended King James that he might take away the cause of all intestine discords by obliterating the names of Scots and English would have both to be united and grow up into one Kingdome by communicative Laws and to be called Britain undertaking herein a difficult matter and which was agitated with great contentions while the yet fresh differences and emulations would hardly allow thereof as the foundation of a solid good to posterity Soon after according to these agreements with Albertus
the Netherlandish Nobles Therefore Albertus notwithstanding the waving of his consent permitted the Provinces severally to meet cherishing those that were discontented in minde with the hope of money from the Indies which the wealthy and successful Spanish Fleet had brought or else of an approaching Peace if the Warre were more eagerly followed for a little time The beginning of the year among the Spaniards was spent in idleness and repose among the sweets and blandishments of mirth while Don Ambrosio Spinola having now the whole command of the Warre he was but newly come from Spain where he had consulted with the King concerning the method of managing thereof had likewise bestowed on him the honour of the Golden Fleece and before the King of Great Britain's Embassadour was sworn to the peace with Albertus Now also was the settlement of the Kingdome of Spain upon the Male issue celebrated with pompous Shews and publick Prayers and Thanksgivings At the height of the Spring and not before Prince Maurice having gathered together his Forces by the direction of the States he undertakes a great work for he went to Antwerp of old the most flourishing City of all the Netherlands and now the general Trade being gone to the Hollanders retaining their formerly-gotten wealth and renown A great hope of glory incited him to the gaining thereof for about twenty years before in the Duke of Parma's time while the Affairs of the Union were wholly unsetled by a long and difficult Siege scarcely grown into a full success yet such was the Victor's vainglorious ostentation as made the World believe that in that one City he had gained the possession of the whole Netherlands It was serious and considerate advice to shut up this large and spacious City with small Forces by overflowing all the adjacent plain Fields with the River Scheld and pitching their Camps on the higher ground but there appeared no sufficient reason of seising the opposite bank of the River on the edge of Flanders Some advised to send Souldiers through the Country by night-marches out of Cazant but Prince Maurice himself chose rather to goe by Ship which while it was preparing with great endevour as fortuned the Enemy immediately grew jealous and gave out in speeches that Antwerp should be attempted This News was received with various affections of the Townsmen part of them rejoycing as if their Liberty was drawing nigh others imagining a scarcity would follow presently began to inhance the price of Victuals and many gathering together their wealth and riches thought to betake themselves to flight But Spinola sending thither some Horse encouraged such as were afraid the same Horse behaving themselves modestly and without injury of the Citizens then viewed all the coast of Flanders which situate over against Antwerp is called Waesenland and left there three thousand foot-Souldiers in Guard that were to wait upon the Enemie's motion for he was not ignorant that the Enemy could not possess the River unless by drowning the Fields and placing Guards he made that coast also his own Wherefore chusing a particular day Prince Maurice with a strong Party went to Bergen op Zoom and Count Ernest of Nassau bringing the rest of the Souldiers in the Fleet out of Zeland came into the Scheld and first of all passing with good success all the Hollanders Forts when he came near Antwerp among the Enemie's Sconces although in the night he could not pass unseen but was forced to assail the Flandrian banks through all the Enemie's Shot but they which kept Guard in those parts being stirred up by the noise of the bullets and covered by the interposition of the banks following the fails Count Ernest the wind beating back the Ships into Brabant was hindred to come and joyn his Forces where he was commanded being otherwise engaged to fight at disadvantage with a resolute and well-provided Enemy However to try his fortune in small boats he transports almost four hundred men that were easily routed by the first shock of the Enemy and other part of them were taken Colonel Dorpen by the violent pursuit of the Enemy leaping armed into the River escaped one danger with another Count Ernest being driven back into Brabant Prince Maurice disappointed of his design compells the Castle of Woude situate not farre from Berck within five daies to surrender which was too mean a prize for so great an Army to look after and too small a reward for them that had before them so great hopes yet some satisfaction it yielded for from thence the Enemy infested the Rivers with Piracies But these great threats happened not onely to be in vain but to fall out quite contrary so that the Hollanders had not of a long time a more unfortunate year While Prince Maurice staid at Woude Spinola though at that time the Court there was full of mirth concerning the English Embassadour was not slow to take into his thoughts more serious affairs among those pleasant diversions but made a Bridge over the Scheld that went towards the Enemy which way soever he should turn by which means he was ready to pursue and therefore was the more severe to those that surrendred Woude as guilty of an over-hasty and cowardly fear so that he punished some of them with death Nor did the United States a little waver and grow afraid at the report of these great Forces approaching with Spinola not resolved whether they had best assault or defend but the Prince persuaded to remain about Rhine lest the Enemy that way should invade the undefended parts of their Dominion And his opinion prevailing command was given to goe into Flanders and to call a Councel at Scluys And now they thought fit to besiege the t'Zas not farre from Gaunt where the waters running from thence fall into the Hont and so into the Sea which if they brought to pass with good success they threatned some Cities but if not yet they would retain there Spinola's strength threatning the cruelty of a grievous Warre to other places Not farre from Ysendike Prince Maurice sate down with his Army which he had brought by Ship to Waterfleet whom Spinola sending some part of his Forces before immediately follows and at a place called Bucholt which was between him and the t'Zas settles himself as a fit place either to oversee or repress the Enemie's endevours Thus they remained a great while in view of each other without any thing done by either save a few light skirmishes of the Horse One time Pompeio Justiniano by Spinola's command entred the marishes in hope to have burned the Sutlers Boats which lay hard by Prince Maurice's Camp but being espied by the Sentinels he was soon met and repulsed In that Region over against Walcheren lies the Fort Patientia in the assault whereof Prince Maurice intended to drive away idleness but Spinola took a little Fort that lay in the middle of the way and joyned it to his Camp with a continued Breastwork but
Prince Maurice's Camp lying in a wet and unwholesome soil what with diseases and what with runnings away was almost emptied But Fortune recompenced at Sea this slow and protracted Warre at Land from whence since the first Commotions of the Hollanders until these very times that which was reckoned among the great burthens of the Spaniard to wit that his best and choicest Souldiers must of necessity be brought afarre off out of Italy by long Marches into the Netherlands being in the interim of no use though they were an extraordinary charge and burthen was now eased by Spinola for he brought by Sea out of Spain it self into the Ports of Flanders what Forces he had occasion for Twelve hundred Souldiers trained up in the Irish Warres by Colonel Pedro Sarmienti were at Lisbone put aboard eight Ships and some little Barks the charge of all which was given to Pedro Cumiara whose particular instruction among others was this That if he could not get in at Flanders avoiding the coast of France he should goe to the British shore where by the help of the Spanish Embassadour they might have safe harbour and that he should there receive such of the Britans as he had hired and purchased by gifts But the United States that they might for the future restrain the like bold attempts by terrour did command William Hauteene Admiral of Zeland to meet the Spaniards in the narrow Sea towards Bulloyn and without any pity to drown all the Prisoners they took in the Sea Now it is to be observed that the Spaniards were not brought in Ships of Warre but of burthen such as could with most ease lurk upon either the British or German coasts But Hauteene with part of his Fleet coasting about Flanders and with the residue going along the shores of Britain by this means met with whatever passed in the middle of the Chanel Thus passing along at last he met his Enemies about Dover who when they would not strike sail but voluntarily stood in their own defence by shooting part of them were slain the rest escaped either by swimming or the help of English Boats which came in to their succour and took them up Another Ship coming even into the harbor was so beset with two Ships of Zeland that at last they all struck upon the Flats and Quicksands but the Zelanders as they were less in bulk so more light to avoid and escape a danger not onely assaulted but took and brought off the Enemie's Vessel The Mariners according to command were thrown into the Sea the Souldiers and such as had long been in service much complaining of Fortune not that she deprived them of their lives which they knew was but short at the best and whereof they could not in regard of their age hope the long continuance but that they being a people sworn to fight should not die valiantly as Souldiers with their swords in their hands but should be helplessly swallowed up in the all-devouring waves of the Sea The next day some more Ships were taken and one burned all the Souldiers suffering the like severe fate being tied two together which upon a sign given were all at once thrown over-board One saying he had no need of the Enemie's hands to hasten on his death voluntarily leaped into the Sea who though he was unknown among all that obscure company yet was covetous of honor even to his last This slaughter consumed almost the one half of the men and Ships for four of them by the help of the wind got into the Haven yet were many of the men there wounded and slain even by the Enemie's shot But the Souldiers in Dover while these Enemies fought at Sea a great while looking on at last grew angry to have the War brought into their Jurisdiction and shot from the Castle in aid of their late Enemies against their old Friends The Britans recriminating the Hollanders for these attempts were afterwards answered that they did not seek for any Ships in the Rivers of England which yet the Dunkerkers without any notice taken thereof had done but they looked rather at their Enemy growing hot by the force of Victory then either the confines or boundaries of Sea and Land But they could not so easily purge themselves because under pretence of searching the English who contrary to the King's Proclamation made War at Sea they had not long since drawn to their shore the Spanish Ships which were take as a prey by the Hollanders and vindicating King Philip's Embassadour had under pretence of right eluded the force of War But the Spaniards that lately were driven thither by the desperate storms of the Sea before Winter remained there at great charge which was very grievous to their Masters and in the interim while in a miserable condition they continued on the bare shore in poor little cottages by them erected either lived in great poverty or died languishing for not a few of them died of sickness and wounds among whom was Cumiara himself Now arrived out of Italy six strong Regiments by their usual way of marching by Land besides new levies made by the Archduke in the neighbour Kingdomes nor otherwise came the parties to so great strength for Spinola when he was in Spain with the King replete with the honor and authority of taking Ostend had easily persuaded him that this lingring War advantageous to the Enemy might easily have an end set thereto if the King would contract his long-continued gifts and to this purpose he gave for his word and inscribed on all his Ensigns this Motto Jam aut nunquam Now or never Wherefore calling to mind the frequent mischiefs that had arisen by Sedition he required money and two Armies with the one of which he would defend his own limits and with the other would invade Frieseland and to that purpose provided all things necessary in plenty for the Tributes beyond the Rhine being gotten by them would be a great damage to the Enemy besides many Cities now possessed by the Enemy which at present the Rivers defended would become a new bound and there would be need of a strong Army to scatter the Garrisons And this with the greater hope was to be undertaken in regard from thence the very entrails of the Hollanders would lie open to them both by Sea and Land This was wise counsel as the first successes made it seem but the rest being not followed according to hope I will proceed to remember The Generals yet remaining in Flanders while the Prince at Scluys took care to fortify Ysendike and Spinola attempted him with false alarms Count Bucquoy having with a strong party not far from Colen driven the Hollanders Ships out of the Rhine for he had carried with him great Guns passed the River to the great terror of the German Cities round about from whose remembrance the Villanies of Mendosa's time and the many indignities they had suffered were not yet banished At the mustring of the forces the
a while at Lingen and there as if amazed at so good fortune he admired the strength and rare structure of the Works and yet for their defence he raised other Works beyond the Trench Which late design coming to the knowledge of Prince Maurice he followed thither as if he had intended a present siege But if he had chosen rather to get more then to keep what he had gotten the same force and the fresh report of his approach had brought an equal terror upon all places There were but few Souldiers either at Coevoerden or the Fort in Bourtange through which places the Enemy must come into Frieseland besides Groeningen trembled and Embden though farre off yet ignorant a matters of War was tired with private discords which Count Enno being confident in this Warre of the States affairs increased And now the Enemy lying still awhile Prince Maurice had some vacant time for his Pioneers to strengthen and repair the fortifications of the Garrisons in Frieseland and beyond the Rhine Himself with Count William of Nassau having gathered together nine thousand men be marched to Coevoerden for defence of the interior parts and that he might be the nearer to follow the Enemy in the very track adding to that place several new Bulwarks Among all these publick actions some private and clandestine Stratagems also were used whereof one Terral a French fugitive was the inventor This man having tendred his service to the Hollanders and being refused because he seemed to ask too great honors and rewards went over to the Spaniard he was of a confident spirit and rarely skilled in all Fire-works and other devices made with Gunpowder To this man the Archduke out of the supernumerary Souldiers in other places assigned fifteen hundred foot and three hundred horse under the command of Colonel Torricurte the Governor of Hulst in hopes therewith to have surprised Bergen op Zoom These in the night at the ebbe of the Sea through the marishes got into the Haven and possessed two Forts the one that defended the Haven the other the Gate the Souldiers that kept them flying away And if they had proceeded forward from the Haven the City would have been indangered both the Souldiers and Townsmen being unprovided and so in the greater confusion But they went to the Water-gate and there with their Engines throwing down two Sluces that lay between them and the Town the Petard that they hung at the Gate having in the march caught wet did no execution no more did the Hand-granadoes because they were moistned with the dirt Thus being frustrated of their hopes and the tide of Floud increasing they hastned their return deserting all the places they had gotten and now the multitude of defendants being come together they not onely shot with bullets but from above threw down upon them great stones wherewith thirty were killed and many hurt Yet did not this unfortunate event so terrify them but that a moneth after they attempted the same thing again with greater courage and more force when the contest was more sharp because their coming being foreknown by some Scouts all things within were prepared ready to receive them The Enemy knowing nothing of their intelligence in the Town came on A little after midnight the weather wet and clowdy and by that means exceeding dark the signe being given they assaulted three places at once in two of which they had placed Bridges by reason of the water and although they were not long enough yet many scrambling with their hands and feet got to the Rampier to the top of which they were no sooner gotten but they were immediately beaten down again for the Governor of the Town Colonel Paul Baxen mingling the Townsmen and Souldiers together had manned all the Works round about the Town himself riding from place to place and keeping in the Market-place two Companies to be assisting in any place in case of necessity But on that side the Town towards Steenbergen it seemed rather to be downright force then any nocturnal Policy for the Townsmen setting fire on straw and pitched barrells made so great a light that they could see plainly all that the Enemy did There with Gunpowder they had beaten down two Gates and a Draw-Bridge insomuch that the Enemies beat up their Drums even within the Town-walls in like manner the horse sounded their Trumpets as if at that very instant they had been entring There was one Sluce yet remaining which the Townsmen had stopped up with Carts and other great pieces of Timber this in regard many of Terrall's workmen were killed and spoiled in the former places they endeavored to cut into pieces with their Swords and with Axes But the Townsmen seeing the approching Enemy threw down fire upon them from the walls and with their Muskets and great Guns not onely gave them certain wounds but reproachfull language so that at last the Souldiers refused to be led to the slaughter by their Officers There was no slothfull person in the City at this time both the Magistrates and Ministers putting on Arms and by their presence giving others not onely exhortations but example nay the very Citizens that were of the Roman Religion if any such were knowing that a Victory gained in the darkness of the night and height of fury would make no difference of persons acted with great resolution lest they should seem to disunite themselves from the common cause the very Women did not spare any pains or labour in bringing Calthrops Bullets Pitch and Stones in their childrens cradles having first emptied them of all things else and then in the more retired and soft places upon their bended knees with eyes and hands lifted up to Heaven they beseeched God to assist the Defendants and to turn the evil of those cruel designs upon the authors thereof After day was broken the residue of them returned to Antwerp In the Town there was onely one killed and very few wounded for they were well saved by the height of their defences In like manner also Grobbendonck attempted to assault Grave by night with Bridges and scaling-Ladders but understanding that the Townsmen prepared to receive him he desisted And now Spinola had fortified Lingen unresolved what to doe the remaining part of the year the Autumn being now beginning To refresh his Souldiers in Germany would be infamous and base The Spies that were sent to Berck returned and brought intelligence that the Works were very great and hard to be overcome At length leaving Garrisons both at Lingen and Oldenziel oftentimes removing his Camp he sate down before Roeroort and making there a Bridge he erected a Fort on each side of the Rhine the Germans desiring that at Keysersweert might be pulled down But Roeroort being a Town in the jurisdiction of Moers in the Enemie's Country and better situated upon consultation had about the same it was thought that removal was advantageous At this time a new Regiment came out of Italy into the
and unguarded at some American Islands seeking for Salt whose Mariners and Seamen he either drowned hanged or burned But first the States set out an Edict that none of their Citizens nor any foreiner should either carry Corn or other things into Spain And it being found both formerly and of late several Ships in hope of commerce had been inticed thither and made use of for warreâ—â—e purposes they now would goe to beset the Enemie's Ports whither whosoever would goe should have their share of what booty should be taken In this Fleet were four and twenty Ships at the publick charge under the command of Mine Heer William van Hauten besides those that were set out and armed by private men in great number but very unapt to be kept under command Their Orders were to â—â—tcept the Fleet coming out of America and to â—op the Portugal Ships that were going out to the Indies to which purpose the Indian Company had brought a great summe of money into the Treasury whereby being freed both from their Enemie's Arms and all other contestants they might have the more gainful and safe returns of their Merchandise Van Hauten had but a very slow passage by reason of the crossness of the winds yet got abundance of booty because he took all Merchants he mer and wasted the Coasts The Portugal Ships were so long kept in their Harbours that despairing to get out they discharged their received lading again on shore Of the American Fleet news was brought that one laden with the King's Silver being entangled with a Holland Ship was together with it burned three suffered Shipwreck by Storm four were empty in the Port Havana for that was added that they might stay the time of their coming out But now Van Hauten began to want Victuals and the winde hindred those fresh Ships that the Hollanders sent to bring them new provisions And for these causes at the beginning of Summer he returned home sooner by much then he was expected But although the Armies made a slow progress yet there was no cessation of taking care for the Warre Terral being chiefly unsatisfied and laying the blame of the miscarriage of his design not upon himself but his Souldiers afterwards by accident lighted upon some Holland Horsemen where being wounded and hardly escaping by flight as he began to amend and gather strength so he grew more earnest and desirous of revenge At his command therefore five hundred Spanish Horse passed the Rhine giving out in speeches that they came to seek out the Hollanders Horsâ—â— who having conducted Count Ernest of Nassau to the borders of Brunswick returned through the Country of Paderborn taking great booty But Prince Maurice having intelligence by his Scouts that Terral was in those parts admonished all the Garrisons beyond the Rhine that they should take â—eed of receiving damage by too much security But Terrall taking Twelve hundred Foot out of Oldenzeel and avoiding Groll in his March fetching a long compass by Night â—e arrived at Breesfort It was then by chance Shrove-tide a time of mirth so that all as well Souldiers as Towns-men had taken to themselves a liberty of feasting and merriment The Night-Watches were at first deceived they that were with Terrall of their own accord crying out That they were Mauritians and were necessitated being overpressed by the Enemy to fly for shelter thither under the protection of their Friends And they scarcely began to suspect the fraud when by application of their Engines they had forced two Gates and were come to the innermost there being very little time spent in the doing these things that a few only running to the Works they quickly found it was in vain to think of defending the Town the rest flying to the Castle which had its peculiar Fortifications and the Bridge being broken down was quite separated from the Town The men that remained in the Town were slain so also were some women after they had been lustfully abused There were four Cannons in the Castle and as many in the Town but they wanted Gun-powder Nor did the Governour of the Castle omit to send Messengers into the next Towns desiring them to send him assistance for that he was resolved to endure the uttermost extremity rather than quit the place Hereupon the Troops of Over-Issell being immediately drawn together by their Commander Warmeloo and placing the Foot behind the Horsemen through the Marshy Lands he brought them into the Castle breaking through the Fort wherewith the Spaniards hoped to have shut up the passage They also that held the Town sent for ayd to Lewis de Velaseo who had a strong Garrison in Rooroorfe from whence be presently sent Four hundred Foot laden with Gun-powder but hearing that the Hollanders were about the Town they durst not enter it although the Mootiness of the places and the darkness together with the paucity of the Enemy gave them conveniency and opportunity enough for policy In their return they were met with by Colonel Fillers Horse and put to flight part of them being slain and part taken In the mean while however Prince Henry of Nassau going from the Hague and gathering together as many Foot as he could and those Horse which we menâ—ioned to return out of Patelborne came thither and perfected the Siege which they in the Town were not able to endure long being with great fury vexed with shot from the Castle so that within Eight dayes they wanted above an hundred of their men the rest securing their Lives in Trenches and Caves under ground At last it was agreed That the Enemy should go away safe restoring what Prey they had taken as also the Prisoners which they had sent to Oldenzeel while they remained in the Town This haste the Besiegers thought fit to make because the Spanish Forces were drawing together on all hands But if he had persisted Terrall being taken would have been an acceptable Present to the French King and should have been a Pattern whereby they should have been punished for the Cruelty they used in their Victory the terrour whereof should have been such to all unfortunate attempts of that sort as for the future should have rather made them to seek their Conquests by fair Warr than Treachery and Surprises But Terrall nothing terrified herewith undertakes greater matters and wanted but little of doing as much in one Night as deserved the labour of a whole Year He had received intelligence by some Run-aways That on the East side of Scluys there were no Watches kept without the Town the Guards being burned heretofore and not rebuilded Therefore taking through the marshy Fields of Cazant Twelve hundred Walloons and Irish with him he came unobserved to a Fort of the Enemies whither he designed it lying just in his way It was agreed also That Frederick Count Heremberg should bring more and greater forces to Damme to assault the Castle as soon as the City should be taken But as the beginning of their
Enterprize succeeded beyond hope so the latter end proved quite contrary Two Draw-Bridges and one Gate being forced by the Engines applyed to them the innermost that only remained hitherto made a noyse which forced them to apply two Petards and now nothing withstood them but that they might go to the very Rampire which was not very high all within the Town remaining secure Colonel Notte having intelligence that the Enemy intended some Stratagem advised all his Neighbour Covernors That they should take heed to their Charges not once suspecting the Design to be intended against himself that the Enemy would invade the Town so difficult to come to by its inward Scituation and compassed round about with so many Guards on every side and therefore he gave himself to ease and by his example so did others At first they that entred were afraid because finding so great silence and no stirring they believed they were discovered and that there was some Plot laid to intrap them It fortuned that part of the Souldiers who were commanded to set upon another part of the Town at an appointed time not performing what was commanded because the Clock of the Town did not strike that Night whereby the hours were not discerned While these delayed to break in where the way lay open to them Some few in the Town awaked partly with the cracking of the Gates and partly with the noyse of the Enemies Arms half naked and half armed as they leaped from their beds shut up the inner Gate And surely here the assaylants were much too short that they had placed Pikes in the Front and not Musketeers the Pikes not being so ready to enter against Shot Hereupon the first being beaten off fear possessed the rest which made them flye but they were hindred by the confused Numbers that stood crowded together upon the Bridg And now Colonel Notte the Governour having planted some great Guns made a great slaughter among them as they stood in heaps in the narrow passages Almost Five hundred were killed with shot drowned and overwhelmed in water and dirt Nor did they return without the losse of blood for the Enemy now appearing in publick the Souldiers on all hands from the Forts issued out and fell on in the Rear making great havock This terrible danger being escaped care was taken which ought to have been done before that a Redoubt should be made before the Gate And by the Arch-Duke's Command some of the Officers whose carelessness was principally accused were punished with great severity being made an example to others that they should rather chuse any honourable danger then by neglect and disobedience of Commands to incur a certain and sordid punishment Now the hope of the Venetian Warr being deferred by reason of the scarcity of provisions in Italy the Spanish Regiments came thence into the Netherlands So also did Spinola though retarded by a Feaver and the report of his death had much increased the Hollanders security with no less joy though it proved false then if thereby they had hoped to have been delivered from foreign Arms. Upon the disbanding of the French Army some came to the States but the greatest part of the Duke of Brunswick's Forces went to Spinola John Count Ridberg Brother to the Transamasian Earl having suffered some damage by the Hollanders Incursions conducting to him also part of the Horse but part of the Money that was intended to the Marquess was intercepted And the Hollanders wasted the Country about Mechelen because they denyed to pay Contribution And Spinola having determined at the middle of Summer and going into places in his opinion full of water divided both his Cares and Forces with Count Bucquoy To whom he assigns Ten thousand Foot and Twelve hundred Horse and Twelve pieces of Artillery with command to go into that part of Holland which the Rhine divided into another channel called the Waell encompasseth Himself with Eleven thousand Foot and Two thousand Horse and but Eight Cannons thinking of many things yet steared his course chiefly to Friezeland and the Veluwe for so is that part of Gelderland called which is compassed with the Rivers Rhene and Issell then he considered of Vtrecht a great City and strong but apt to Seditions from the unstable vulgar And that he might proceed with the more expedition he removed from the Camp all Women and filled the Carriages with Victuals Boats Bridges and Mills And if what he designed had come to pass and the Two Armies had met on both sides the very heart of the United Provinces and all the places of less strength lay open to the sudden violence and the outer and more fortified places had been torn away from helping them either with Provisions or otherwise But thick cloudy weather attended with much Rain detained Spinola as he was entring the Borders of the Tubantes From thence the Souldiers contracting Sicknesses and growing weak their passage lying altogether through marishy wayes that they in the Rear could hardly reach them in the Van in a second days March Thus had the Marishes more than ordinarily wet and lying scattered up and down stopped the passage into Frizeland Besides the Issell a River not contemptible at other times was so swelled with excess of Rain that it was not fordable in any place By these delays Prince Maurice having gained time to get his Souldiers together in number Ten thousand Foot and Two thousand five hundred Horse those be appointed to lye by the River and to re-enforce with Works and Garrisons Deuenter Zutphen and Doesburg being principal Towns and to leave the rest to Fortune and the Event But the Marquess revolving in his thoughts various Consultations while he tryes all things while the weather grew more serene hating idleness sent some to besiege Lochem a Town in the Jurisdiction of Zutphen meanly fortified but conveniently scituate for any that intended to stay in those Parts It was only kept by Three hundred men the Garrison being but small while the care was chiefly taken for greater Cities Deuenter being chiefly dissembled as if it had been aimed at had drawn Prince Maurice thither therefore the next day having made approaches even to the Trench the Town was delivered and the Spaniards thought fit to fortifie a little Hill near hand At the same time Pompey Justiniano by Bucquoy's Command leading Four thousand Foot Five hundred Horse and two Canons early in a morning came to a Village named Spardage on the left bank of the Wael and put the most nimble of the Souldiers into Boats each of which carried Thirty and himself afterwards carrying over the rest commanding them at once in an excellent order to loose from the Shore and also to land at the appointed place for it was not easie to land every where But Warner Dubois to whom the Prince had given in Charge the defence of that side of their Territories being called from Nimmeghen by hasty Messengers had filled the inner bank which
this time fortified because it was lately agreed between the Arch-Duke and the Hollanders That he should suffer that place and they also Woud to be free and exempt from War to be enjoyed by the right Owners thereof And by Albertus his Order they heard that his Forces were coming to take Revenge upon them Therefore they drew towards Breda and sent to the Governour Justine of Nassaw to inform him That they according to the Example of others their Companions were fled to Prince Maurice 's Protection whom they knew to bear a respect to valiantmen That they did not esteem it so slight a matter to fight against him that they would do it without their Reward or Wages These Desires of the Seditious were answer'd by sending them Provision and Arms together with the hopes of Assistance in case they should be endanger'd Spinola moved herewith that this Evil might not spread further he sends the most Active and Cordial of his Men into the Neighbour Towns and disperseth the rest of the Army over the whole Country of Colen as Mendosa had formerly done and likewise he receives Money from some Cities to keep the Souldiers from coming among them who to say the truth were not evilly inclined as long as they were not necessitated From these troubled Affairs of the Enemy the United States conceived hopes of recovering what they had lost this year beyond the Rhine having a sufficient Army by the addition of those that were come out of Berck being near fifteen thousand Foot and three thousand Horse No less did the Enemy make hast in this juncture of time while neither party much minded the future that their Forces whose obedience for want of pay had been exhausted might be re-encouraged and brought again into one Body Count Ernest of Nassaw being sent to Lochem with part of the Souldiers the fourth day after his Arrival gained it upon the same Terms that Spinola had late given it About the same time also did the Prince attaque Groll Autumn then coming on apace which place was defended by Henry Count Heremberg with six hundred Foot and his own Troop of Horse and much Artillery And by chance a great quantity of Rain having lately fallen so that the Pioneers could not with conveniency come to work not only delayed and protracted the Siege but brought many diseases into the Camp And the Souldiers were spared in hopes that the Weather would become more seasonable when at the instant arrived News That Spinolaes Forces that had been dispersed into Garrisons up and down the Countrey were collected together from thence And then the Princes earnest desire to continue the Siege and Fortify the Camp against outward Force made the Souldiers work and Duty double though in regard of the Enemies being so near it was too late for Spinola himself and his Officers those Authority with the Souldiers was of high esteem ringling together Prayers and Promises incited them That they would not refuse that short and easy undertaking that would let to them of so great advantage and so much to their Honour He had gotten together seven thousand Foot and twelve hundred Horse a number much unequal to Prince Maurice yet he pressed on to Fight either confident in his own mens Valor or knowing that the Enemy by all means endeavoured to avoid a Battel in which conceit he was not deceived He himself was in the Front with twelve hundred men the choicest Souldiers of all his Army then two Regiments of Spaniards and Italians and last of all were placed the New levyes of Germany to each of these Divisions were assigned ten Cannons the Horse were drawn up on the Banks being guarded by the Carriages lest they should be wer-run by Prince Maurice's Troops for that part of their Enemies Army they chiefly feared and receiving Intelligence by their Scouts what part of the Camp was fortified slightly only with Pallisadoes he shewed his Main Baâ—tel on the side although it was a great way about and his passage much hindred by the Marishes Prince Maurice Although the States had given him order and power to fight and that his Souldiers were earnest thereto but the French especially cryed out That they must perpetually seek lurking places and daily fly from the Enemy if now they should give place in a few and they tyred out with wet cold and long Marches yet he withdrew his men into the safety of his Camp which was the cause of the breeding Diseases among many of his men and striking a fear into those that remained healthful Spinola accounted it a great Victory to have raised the Siege and to have elevated the courage of his own men and to have impaired the Enemies Glory Soon after this both parties went into Winter Quarters This year the States dismissed Colonel Foxes German Regiment that had merited greater Honour and Rewards than the rest which example was taken in very evil part In this posture stood the War at Land But in the Spanish Ocean after the publick Arms were departed thence Private Men of War did no small damage and the Spanish great Ships pursued the Hollanders and their lesser were voluntarily set aside At the end of this Summer Admiral Hauteen was again sent to intercept the Fleets comming out of America and the Indies he had with him four and twenty Vessels but of these six were beaten back by Tempests And soon after Fiasciardo with eight great Galeons having a prosperous gale fell upon them unprovided and ere they were aware but the Galleyes that were with him not being driven by the Wind kept to the Shoar As the bulk of the Galeons so the terror thereof to that time had been very formidable and although the Hollanders remembred that some such had formerly been spoiled by Tempests or split upon the Rocks yet they had no president of any of them at any time worsted in fight One of these being grapled with a Ship of Zeland that was next the Admiral so affrighted the rest as soon as they saw it that at the very beginning of the night they retreated in all hast He thus left by his Companions being a man of an undaunted Resolution yet for two whole dayes did not leave off the Fight though most of his men were in that time lost but with his torn Ship casting aside all fear of danger protracted their Victory But after he saw no hopes of relief and that the Waves poured in upon him that none of them might come alive into the Enemies hands at once they unanimously agreed upon a noble but terrible action and of much advantage to their Countrey for kneeling down upon their knees and Praying God That he would please to pardon them in that they sought to shun the mockeries of the Spaniards by that sad and 〈◊〉 death they set fire upon the Gunpowder by the force whereof threescore men were killed two half dead lived a little while being taken by the Spaniards with wonder beholding their
People Sighs and Tears together with want and the often renewed Seditions of the Souldiers prevailed that now they chose rather a obtain and peaceable Government than the hope of an inlarged Dominion attended with continual Fear But Spinola was the chief Author of that Counsel who a few years having archiev'd great Honour fear'd lest Fortune should turn Retrograde both his own and the King's Credit being at once shipwrack'd if these vast Charges should continue or any Chance should intercept the Ameriâ—â— Revenues without any hope of recovering what he had â—â—bursed so that being overwhelm'd in Debt in stead of a â—ear and honourable Fortune he could see nothing but â—ame and Poverty But in the Vnited Provinces few durst hope for Peace but rather most fear'd it being so instructed from their Parents that all Treaties with a deceitful Enemy were to be shunâ—ed and that War was most safe under whatsoever Qualification and that the great Number of Men subject to them 〈◊〉 well Souldiers as the rest of the Common People were advantaged by Arms Engines Armies and Fleets Nor was it fear'd by a few least as formerly at the beginning of the War so now at the restoring of Peace Antwerp should be chosen as the most commodious Seat for Merchandise and Traffick And when all fear of the Enemy should be taken away the Dissentions of Cities and other Disturbances of the Common-wealth were dreaded Nor were there some wanting especially among those that were more subject to Danger as lying nearer the Enemy who long since while they saw Cities taken by force and none to contradict it and that under a shew of Prudence their Limits were lessned fearing the like might happen to them when it would be too late to seek a Remedy altogether bent their whole studies for Peace But the more Moderate as they thought fit to avoid Treacheries so they likewise agreed to try Whether Arms might be laid aside upon Honourable Terms with the safety of the Commonwealth and preservation of Religion Nor was this time to be omitted when the Enemies Affairs were decaying the Authority of the States was grown more firm by long Obedience and there were two potent Princes as it were at their sides the one offended at the Spaniard the other for many just Reasons displeased with the Pope and therefore would consequently be more cordial to the Hollanders The state of Affairs both at Home and abroad being in this condition Herman Wittenhorsten by the Arch-Duke's Command came to the Hagne about the end of the year The same also before the Armies should march out in the Spring had passed through Gelderland and Holland but with Command onely to commune in private whereof there would be occasion enough given him in regard he was allyed to several of the Holland Nobility either by the Consanguinity of his Ancestors or other Collateral Affinity of Marriages But now John Genard the Secretary coming to accompany him from Turnholt where both of them lived and that place paying Tribute to both Parties caused them to have the more free admittance He deliver'd to the chief of the States what he had in Command from Albertus and Isabella which was to this effect That nothing was more desired by them than the Peoples Peace and that an end might be put to their long and bloody Troubles That the Rights belonging to the Arch-Dukes were not unknown to the States as also that they sought not anything that belonged to others They on the other side should consider what they conceived fit for confirming their Security whether a Peace or a Truce onely and that it was left to them whether they would chuse a publike or a private Treaty from which all unjust and treacherous Dealings should be banish'd But the matter was deferred because they brought no Letters from the Arch-Dukes to the States We shall hereafter relate with care what gradations and progress it had and with what inclination it was managed because this will 〈◊〉 far more expedient for the knowledg of Citizens than the Arts of Fortifications or Excursions of Horse and Foreign Nations at no time before had spoken of the Hollanders with more Honour and Renown The Sixteenth BOOK of the History of the Dutch AFFAIRES THE Winter growing more warm yet very turbulent with high Winds as it made the Hollanders secure from their Enemies Incursions yet hindred not the flowing of the Rivers as if the Heavens had been pleased with the overtures of Peace nevertheless it did same harm in another part by spoyling some Ships near the Texell because the Island was unsafe for Winter stations which Ships were thereby forced to delay the time of their going out into several parts of the World But the Vnited States that they might with the more certainty settle domestick Peace and vindicate their fame after Time had cared their late grown Troubles of Groeninge taken off the necessity of imperious Command and reduced their minds 〈◊〉 a conformity of obedience commanded the Castle which they had built to keep the City in awe to be demolished and pulled down which though formerly it was necessary yet now if it should be continued would not at all suit with the Liberty which they pretended towards all The chief cause of this their so great security was That the Magistrates of the City were such whose fidelity both to them and the publike Religion was well known and a great Garrison was kept therein without charge and without regret Yet for all this had the Souldiers no time of leisure for the Spaniard broke into and burned a small Fort in the Isle of Bommell the Sentinell being hired by them to hold his peace The Captain that Commanded the place was slain who was blamed for this because in not changing his Watches he had given hopes to that Treacherous Design Also the Count Bruyke a younger Brother but in pay under the Hollanders as he rid to his Father's house with a small retinue fell into an ambush of the Enemies his Secretary by chance going before was shot which was a sign of what was following to his Master yet he did not offer to fly but valiantly coped with the Enemy not out of hope to escape but because he was ashamed to be taken After he was slain his body was barbarously wounded the fortune and hatred which they bore towards his Father being executed upon the Son for with the like barbarism was his Father killed by Mendosa's Souldiers But Henry of Nassau going out with a strong Party of Horse to the spoyl of Spinola's men that carelessly Wintered in the Country of Limburg when they hearing of the danger retired into the Cities He took by force Erkelen a Town lying in his way after he had beaten down the Gate with a Petard This is a small Town in Gelderland which out of a sense of its own weakness had of old paid Tribute to both parties But then by chance was become an Enemy to the Hollanders by
Cables that the Fortune of the Battel might first be tryed by the other Vessels Notwithstanding which Hemskerk keeping still to his first purpose passing by the rest set upon that alone and at the first Onset cryed out That all should be lawful Frize therein to whoever took it and appointing a Reward besides to him that should bring away the Enemies Top-Mast Banner Commanding That they should not shoot until they were very wear whereby the greater Terrour might strike them on a suddain Therefore the Spaniard prevented him in giving the first Volley of Shot but he did no great damage by it Hemskerk by this time but a little way distant began to shoot from his Fore-Deck and presently striking upon the Enemies Ship he cast Anchor He stood openly in sight in the midst of the Ship when the Spaniard making thick and frequent shots a Bullet by chance killing one broke and tore off his left Thigh and threw him groveling being laden with Arms. He was sensible of the approach of Death and therefore praying God mercifully to receive his departing Soul he exhorted all about him That they would not be careless in following their business but would seek to repair the loss of their Captain with the Enemies Ruine The death of the Admiral being concealed by Captain Nerhoeven did spread over the Fleet until the Battel was ended The same endeavour'd that the Cannon on the Right-side might be discharged The Spaniard now having lost the use of his great Guns applyed himself wholly to fight with small Shot but the Hollanders Shot did the greatest damage in regard the Enemy stood thicker and more crowded together Lambert following as he was commanded at first shot at Avila's Ship at a distance but afterwards came nearer and lay side by side so that now a most furious Fight was begun and all were involved in Clouds of Smoke insomuch that at Noon-day they had the Resemblance of a Nocturnal Conflict The rest of the Battel wa ordered by Fortune not according to Command For while Captain Alterasen of Zeland delay'd to assault the Ship assigned to him 3 others invaded him to whom a fourth soon after joyned themselves Which having taken fire by the perpetual vomiting of the Cannon and that now danger drew near to the Assailants the Hollanders withdrew themselves and quenched their Sails which had likewise caught fire But the Spaniards astonished with fear casting aside all care of the Ship after all things in the Ship and the Ship it self were seized by the Flame forced also by the Enemies Shot leaped head long into the Sea and so exchanged one kind of death for another Captain Henry Long a Hollander with more Policy assailing another Galeoon was kill'd with a Bullet but that also was fir'd and utterly burned Again another of the same Magnitude being shot between Wind and Water by the coming in of the Waves and its own Burden suddainly sunk The rest of the Spanish Ships as also some of the Hollanders not during to run the hazard of a close Fight contested at a distance almost with equal damage to the Enemy and themselves There were many shot also thunder'd upon them from the Town and Castle of Tariff but suddain violence disheartned the Spaniards one of their best Ships being blown up and torn in pieces by its own Powder or else set on fire by themselves After the horrible Crack had thunder'd all over the Bay the torn Ships Reliques setting fire on those Ships next to him and they likewise drawing others into the like Danger and Ruine They that remained before the Mischief should reach to them cutting their Cables made hast to the Shore onely the Admiral prolonged the Issue of the Fight stoutly making good her part against two Ships until at last a Third came But then the Banner or Ensign being pulled down together with it they lost all their Courages and the Victors wholly entring it was no longer a Fight but a meer Slaughter All the Spaniards as they leaped into the Sea-hoping to escape by swimming were kill'd either by Swords Pikes or Bullets Not could one fix his Eye on any part of the Bay where the sad Spectacle of dead or dying People was not with Horrour represented Avilas not long survive Hemskerk He was an Antient Sea-Commander for he had accompanied Don John of Austria at the Battel of Lepanto Among his Papers were found King Philip's severe Instructions not against the Hollanders onely but all others who had in any manner assisted them The French whose Ships before surprized by the Spaniard but now deserted in his flight afforded a safe Retreat to the Conquerours They that were taken Prisoners and kept alive after by a rare chance of good Fortune the Souldier sent by a Spanish Captain to kill them was by a Bullet intercepted and a second sent to put the same Command in Execution perish'd by the like means at last had their Bonds and Chains struck off by an accidental shot After this Battel the Night continued quiet and the next Morning it appear'd that the Spanish Admiral which the Hollanders had neglected to keep as supposing themselves to have undertaken enough yet floted intire with some few Men in it who while the Victors Fury raged had hidden themselves in Holes from whence creeping our and getting into the Town the People voluntarily set fire thereon that it might not become a Prey to the Enemy Two days the Holland Fleet continued in the place of the Battel esteeming the Victory rather honourable than advantagious or gainful During all the time of their stay there Armed Men ran up and down and on the other side the Townsmen gathering together all their best and most precious Things prepar'd to fly For all Things were now fill'd with fear the News of this Action being brought by like Messengers to Cadiz which would certainly have been a great cause of making Hamskerk much more confident if he had lived but now all his Counsels fell to the ground with him Tittuan a City of Barbary not very antient scituate at the Foot of the Mount Atlas near these Streights is subject to the Turk Hither the Hollanders repaired to amend their ships and get help and remedy for their sick and wounded Men of whom they had Threescore besides almost one hundred slain in the Fight The Governour of the City both hating and hated of the Spaniards received the Conquerours with much Congratulations and sending to them also many Presents And moreover offer'd them a Supply of Foot Souldiers if they would please to assault Septa a Town upon the same Coast but scituate a little more inward and possessed by the Spaniard But they being more desirous of Booty than War so determined among themselves that the greatest part chose to Forage the Coasts of Portugal Others went to the Azores some to the Fortunate Islands and the rest coasted the Promontery of Antabria Two Ships of those that had brought Provisions were sent into
unknown by whom Murthers were commended and with whom the greatest Thief is most honourable And how horrid is it in these who obtained their Honour not by the Nobility of their Bloud or Merits but by his or Queen Elizabeth's Favour to shew such an Ingratitude of Mind such a Conscientiousness of their Treachery that they would again attempt what they had bin once pardon'd solliciting a whole Province to Defection and Rebellion and contrive a Conspiracy to the slaughter of all the English Nor were there wanting Priests and Jesuits the usual Authors and Promoters of such wickedness to foment their Designs But the Assistance of Forein Power being in vain implored by them their impious Attempts left no safe Refuge but in flight The Seventeenth BOOK of the History of the Dutch AFFAIRES THat the Enemies Embassadors delay'd their coming this Years most sharp Frost and worthy to be remembred among the Rarities of the Time was a main cause or else it was a part of the Spanish Pride to be long expected In the interim the States transacted with their Friends That they might try what might be hoped from them in Peace or War Then did the Affection of the French clearly appear eminent towards this Commonwealth there being hardly any found that would imitate their Pattern For they made a League wherein it was agreed That the King should give Assistance against the Violaters thereof that either offer'd publike Injuries to the Hollanders or being warned had by dissimulation done any private Offences and to that end should send to their Aid Ten Thousand Foot If the King a Kingdom of France suffer'd any Hostility from an Enemy The States were to help him either with 500 Foot or so many Ships as should equiballance that Number If either â—d any thing beyond this for the other it should be owed 〈◊〉 till the end of the War and then to be re-paid That either should make any Agreement with the Enemy without as Allies Consent And in point of Commerce the Hollanders should be free among the French as Citizens and the French equal to the Citizens of Holland But the Brittains that they might not make the like League first of all renewed the old Controversie concerning the Trade of Clothing which only one Society among the English would â—ave and afterwards they demanded That before all other things the old Debt of the States should be more narrowly treated 〈◊〉 The Germans a Nation full of delay from whom as also from the Landgrave of Hessen Embassadors came pretended That their Princes desired nothing more than to confirm the League upon mutual Assistance each of other yet that they had received no certain Power and Authority to settle that Affair In 〈◊〉 interim these in effect were the Things which they â—ommended to the States if Peace were concluded to wit that Care might be taken for the Indempnity of the House of Nassau That the Spaniard should make satisfaction for the Daniaâ—â— Mendosa had done in Germany That no Liberty should be parted to any within the States Jurisdiction to use the Romane rites in matter of Religion That in the disbanding of Souldiers â—â—tion should be used that no damage should accrue thereby to the Neighbours And that all Taxes upon Provision should for the future utterly cease At length in the beginning of the Month of February arrived the Embassadors from the Enemy which were Spiâ—â—la and Mancicido a Spaniard the King's Secretary for Military Business Afterwards Richardot Verreik and Naya being drawn in Sleds over the Frozen Waters enter Holland then indeed open and not shewing any of the natural strength and beauty of its Rivers Where ever they passed they were courteously Treated by the Governours of Cities and were not far from the Hague when Prince Maurice went out to meet them On every side was an infinite company of men whom the greatness of that unusual Sight had drawn together and to behold a Thing the Year before believed by no man that the two chief Commanders of that great War who lately had led such Armies mortally hating one another now unarm'd mutually embracing each other and instead of the Violence of Arms and Stratagems of War contesting onely who should most exceed in Humanity Spinola passing in Prince Maurice's Coach and some Discourse begun each of them received great Advantage from the others Vertue one expert Enemy giving a true Judgment of his Opposite But after the Italian General provided of Lodgings according to his Dignity began to set forth his pretious Houshold-stuff and all other Things prepar'd for Ostentation It is wonderful to tell what vast concourse of men daily flocked thither from the utmost parts of Holland meerly to see the order of his Service the furnishing of his Table and chiefly his Person Indeed many were drawn thither with the desire onely to satisfie and feed their Eye but others came thither who not onely owned but boasted their Affection to the Romane Religion Nor was He nice in shewing himself to all Comers nay more then that he supposed it a becoming thing sometimes to speak first to many by an Interpreter or else thereby he fancied to himself a hope of gaining the affection of the Commons against the Nobles At the Request of the Enemies Embassadors a more solemn meeting than ordinary was granted where before the Prince and the Senate after Salute and Complements passed they declare to what purpose they were sent And now some were chosen that should treat apart with them first in the Name of the whole Council of the United States were appointed William of Nassau and Walrave Brederode then â—ery single Province added one as Gelderland Cornelius 〈◊〉 Holland John Olden Barneveldt Zeland Jacob Maleree Vtrecht Nicholas Bercke Friezeland Gelly Hellaman Over-â—ssell John Sleethen and Groening Abâ—l Cunderten The first dayes were spent while each inspected and argued the others Commands and Instructions King Philip in his Letters styled the Arch Dukes the chief Princes of the Netherlands and speaking of the liberty of the United Provinces he recited that clause which formerly he had mentioned that it should be then of full force when the Peace was concluded wherein also there were Instructions concerning Religion and other matters in controversie The Arch Dukes in their Epistles set forth the words whereby Philip of late had ratified whatever Agreements they should make upon any the States Demands the States nevertheless often averting and complaining of the contrary Besides when Philip gave power to the Arch Dukes of making Peace either by themselves or those whom he had delegated to that business The Arch Dukes Instructions did not plainly enough speak and declare the right which they had received from King Philip to be transferred by them to their Embassadors To all which Objections the Spaniards plâ—usibly excusing the rest promised that they would take care that nothing should be wanting in the making perfect their Commission yet on the other side they argued that the States
so do himself a mischief When this had remained under Consultation some dayes behold he sees the remainder of the Ships fired by the Portugueses themselves with pleasure beholding the sad spectacle of a mad fear The Prisoners which he had he sent back to Alphonso de Castro the Chieftains appointed the Ransome to be divided among the Seamen and the rest upon this Condition That the few Hollanders detained at Malacca or elsewhere should be restored in their stead And he either esteemed the Enemies so vile or his own men so pretious that he exchanged but ten for almost two hundred All the ships which he took from the Enemy were burned that they might not be chargeable or troublesome to him onely preserving the four and twenty Great Gunnes which he won in the Fight Thus as matters here went successfully on so from the Molucca's contrary things were related for after Verhagen hâ—d left â—idoris to the antient Possessor certain Portugueses falling upon the Philippines which are a part of the dominion belonging to the Kingdome of Castile which the Natives call Lusonia desire and obtain aid of Petro Acuna the Governour but with this Proviso That for the future the Moluâ—caes should be open to the Castilians concerning which the said people had been long at difference as we have elswhere related Whereupon it was not rashly believed That the Cactilians had rather the Islands should be recovered then kept in such a necessity of time Being come to Tidoris with seven and thirty Vessels great and small that it might be possessed with the more ease the King himself assisted following the Hollanders Affairs outwardly with his words but maligning them in his heart Thence they passed to Ternata there the Forts are taken and the King who had been most faithful to the Hollanders and foreseeing the danger had often advised that they should not leave Tidoris without a Fort now suffering for anothers fault first fled then giving credit to the Spaniard Articled for his life and was commanded to hope for the rest but his Kingdomes were disposed to such as were of old emulous to him by the consent of the Spaniard and himself kept in custody and carryed into the Philippines Matelisâ—n when he heard that Ternata was taken fearing the like evil at Amboyna and having by chance goâ—â—n a small Ship of the Enemies he furnished it with Arms and therewithal sends some that he had in the Fleet that were men skilfull in the Art of Fortification Himself went to a small Island called Buton seeking the rest of the Portugal Fleet which as before we related going from Malacca then lay there But the Portugueses upon sight of the Enemy being afraid to fight fastned the ships together and all to the shore bringing all the Guns to one side and choosing moreover a Creek of the Sea where they might force the Enemy to Fight against Wind and Tyde and hereto they added all along great Piles of Wood and Sand. Matelisen seeing no possibility of approach endeavoured with some Fire-ships to seâ— the Fleet on fire but they partly by Boats endeavoured to divert the mischief intended towards them and the Wind also helped in blowing them back but the season of the year did not suffer the Hollanders any longer to stay being commanded rather to surcease from War then Merchandise appointing those that should carry them to the Moluccaâ—s the Winds beginning to grow boysterous Part of them went to Queda the King of which place to gain the favour of the Conqueror imprisoned all the Portugueses living among them On the other side the Hollanders gave him all the Indians and Enemies he had in his power And Other Kingdomes also comming in and submitting manifestly declared That the Barbarians Faith would be shaken by the event of one Battel So that some had Treated to buy their Peace of the Spaniards by delivering up all the Hollanders Factors but anon after some Merchants ships belonging to Portugal became their prey Making hast from thence to Amboyna where the People are great Lovers of the Hollanders he built a Castle with great expedition and diligence and Matelisen though he believed there were two principal bonds whereby Forreign Nations are united one to another to wit Marriage and â—eligion yet had with him no Ministers to reach sacred matters the society among the Hollanders herein not sufficiently imitating the Spaniards Prudence who have the Jesuits as principal Instruments in the ordering Spiritual Affairs in their Kingdoms yet the Hollanders obtaining a garrison there intermarried with the Native Women whereby Families being produced it might the more easily become the beginning of a Colony The Shallowes would not suffer them to Land at Tidoris neither indeed would it have been of any benefit or value to have been invaded which of necessity must be left naked to the Enemy by reason of its poverty therefore they thought it more convenient to Land in the North Corner of Ternata where is a Village called Malaja and great store of Provisions and to fortifie it with a Fort and Bulwarks the Spaniards having strongly Fortified a Town on the South side wherein he kept 400 Souldiers And the matters proceeded with success and when the greatness of the Work was grown such as they might hope to defend it Matelisen departing appointed 45 men to the keeping of the place giving them four Ships that might carry them up and down the adjacent Sea and thus a League was made with the Rulers of Ternata as had formerly been done with them of Barida this being added by reason of the imminent danger that they should at the present receive assistance and that the Hollanders should not make a Peace or Truce with the Spaniards but such wherein they should be included Then he Commanded some of the People of the Isle of Macian formerly subject to Ternata but now Governed by Tidoris hastning to Rebellion that against the coming of the next Fleet they should consider of wise Counsel and lay aside rash and immature thoughts Thence himself with three Ships and one small Bark went to China long waiting for an uninterrupted Commerce but after he had been to no purpose held in hand a great while at last he perceived the Portugueses coming from Machao with six great Ships and divers less to assayl him It seemed to him a rash thing to hazard his Fame and Forces in the sight of an unknown Nation with such unequal Forces besides his Ships were foul and heavy with durt as is usual in long Voyages and therefore being frustrated of his great hopes returning the same way he came he understood that the Spaniard was valiantly repulsed in Ternata from his assault of the new Fortifications But that the King of Jora upon approach of the Enemies Forces from Malacca voluntarily fired the Town and fled into the Deserts and places unpassable however he sent Recruits to Ternata for by chance a fresh Ship was arrived from Holland And the King
Advice to King Philip and how resented by him 43 Margaret Lady Regent leaves the Netherlands and her Government 46 Moderation No moderation to be hoped from Spain 49 50 Montiny executed in Spain 49 Maximilian Emperour sends into Spain his Brother Charles and to what purpose 52 Medina coeli The Duke thereof sent to succeed Alva in the Government of the Netherlands but he refused the same 63 Montz in Henalt besieged by Alva Relief sent thither by the French Prince of Aurange and others 64 Montz surrendred 65 Middleburg in Zeland sticks to the Spaniards 68 Marquius called to account and accused by the Prince of Aurange 69 Middleburg won by the Zelanders after a long Siege 74 75 Mutiny The Spaniards frequently mutiny and why 76 77 Maestrickt sacked by the Spanish Souldiery 83 Mechlin submits to Parma 111 Mochlin taken by storm from the Spaniards 116 〈◊〉 Arch-Duke of Austria honourably sent away from his Government of the Netherlands 112 Maurice Prinâ—â—on of William Prince of Aurange succeeds his Father in the Publike Care of Holland 145 His Inheritance ibid. 〈◊〉 Governour of Holland and Zeland 146 〈◊〉 delivered to Parma 162 Maurice Prince wins Axel and how 171 He takes the chief Command of War at the States Desires 179 His Merits and Praises 198 Medina Sidonia Duke Admiral of the Spanish Armado 208 Moncada Hugh with a great Ship driven aground in France but at last taken and pillaged by the English 213 Mansfieldt Charles attaquing Voorn Island departs thence for fear of Hohenlo 231 Mansfeldt Count Peter made Deputy-Regent of the Netherlands 254 Mansfeldt Octavio killed 271 Maurice Prince returns victorious into Holland 278 279 He is wounded 290 Mansfeldt Count Peter Governour of the Netherlands He comes with an Army to relieve Gertruydenburg but in vain 312 Maurice Prince marcheth against Groeningen 328 Murtherers hired by the Spaniards to kill him 340 341 Mansfeldt Charles departs the Netherlands and dies 367 Mondrugonio infests the Hollanders Country 391 Overthrows some Holland Troops 391 392 Withdraws to Winter-Quarters and dies his Character 392 393 Moers a Town in Cleves besieged by Prince Maurice and taken 510 511 Maurice Prince highly applauded and for what 522 〈◊〉 dices Alexander the Pope's Legate Mediator of Peace between France and Spain 526 Mucerâ— Balthazar his bold Attempt and the success thereof 539 540 Mendosa Francisco General of the Spanish Army 573 Margaret King Philip's Consort who she was and how allied 579 Mendosa raiseth a great Army in Germany and for what 585.586 Maurice Prince marcheth to Arnheym and why 593 594 Pitcheth his Camp by Mendosa 595 Moers a Town complains of the Spaniard and the reason thereof 597 598 Maurice Prince endeavours to overflow the Country but is hindred by Mendosa and how 611 612 He pitcheth his Camp at Doesberg and why with a Description of the same 613 614 Brings his Army and Provision to Arnheym and so returns to the Hague 610 Mendosa his Insolence toward the Germans 614 615 Maurice Prince in great perplexity and why 624 He pitcheth his Camp in the Isle of Geldre 625 Mendosa cometh to the Isle of Bommel where he loseth many men by Skirmishes and otherwise he retires to Kâ—ssem 631 Maurice Prince quartereth his men in Vorn Island 634 Raiseth a Fort in Bommel Island which is assaulted by Mendosa but to no purpose 631 632 Mendosa put his Army into Winter-quarters and so doth Prince Maurice 637 Maurice Prince with a great Army goes into Flanders which filled the Country with fear 666 667 The Prince and his Army terrified at the suddain approach of the Enemy 669 670 He draws up his Army into Battalia and the manner thereof 671 672 Mauritian Commanders Speech to the Souldiers and the Prince's in particular 675 676 677 Moers won by Prince Maurice 699 Montiregio a Colonel of the Spaniards slain 702 Mendosa set at liberty and upon what Terms having been taken prisoner at Newport Fight 717 718 Maurice Prince with a great Army sits down at Centron a Village in Leige 718 719 Mendosa goes into Spain his entertainment there 725 Mendosa Andrew Hurtadâ— imployed to beat the Hollanders out of the Indies 728 Mansfeldt Count Peter his Death and Character 782 Maurice Prince comes to relieve Lingen but in vain 803 He pitcheth his Camp 〈◊〉 Wosel and falls upon Spinola's Army but without success 809 810 811 812 Sends his Army into Winter-quarters 814 Marscilles a French City almost betrayed to the Spaniard and how and by whom 817 818 Maurice Prince recollects his Army and re-inforceth Diventer Zutphen and Doesburge 835 He fortifies all the Country between the Rhine and Wael and Issel 836 Muscovy Troubles there whence arising how and by what means composed 860 Maurice Prince perswaded to hearken to Peace and by whom â—77 〈◊〉 perswades against Peace so do several others and who and why 899 935 936 937 Melancton Philip his Opinion 951 Ministers of Holland meet in an Assembly to examine the Books of Armitius and Gomanes 953 â—lison a Captain of Holland returns from the East-Indies with Honour and Wealth 954 95â— A Description of several places there and of the Hollanders Transactions therein 954 955 956 â— 961 Molucca's Islands The Hollanders worsted there and how 961 961 Several Leagues made by the Hollanders in those Parts 962 963 964 N. NEtherlanders They fear the Change of their Government and why 6 7 Netherlands Margaret made Regent of them and why 22 The Government thereof nominally in Margaret but really in Granvel 23 Exempt from Forein Bishops and when 25 The Lords thereof after Granvel's Banishment take notice of all things and take all into their own power 28 Nassau Lewis of Nassau a prime Leader of Faction 33 Netherlands never subject to Germany 3â— Nassau Lewis of Nassau breaks into Frizeland 50 Nâ—olph of Nassau slain there 51 Netherlanders in Bruxels shut up their Shops and stand on their Guard 58 Narda A Town in Holland taken and the Walis pulled down 65 Nassau Lewis of Nassau killed with some others 75 Netherlanders receive Aid from divers Princes 91 Nassau Jobs of Nassau governs Gueldros 94 Netherlands Many Seditions happen there 〈◊〉 both Sides 110 Nienout won by Laâ—ove for the Hollanders and other places in Flanders 116 Netherlanders troubled at Francis de Valeis and why 126 131 132 133 Treat with him for the Town in him power 133 Newport gained by Parma and several other Towns in Flanders 136 Nassau William Governour of Frizeland composes the Differences there 14â— Nimineghen won by the Spaniards 163 Nuâ—sie surprized by Niâ—narius but presently re-taken by Parma 171 172 Netherlands Their Borders and Neighbours 189 Nâ—rius killed and how his Character 235 Nimineghen besieged by Prince Maurice but left on a suddain 252 253 Besieged a new by Prince Maurice 275 277 The Original and Description of the City 276 It is delivered to the Prince 278 Nayon a Town in France taken by the Spaniards 30â— Nuâ—sie revolts from the Spaniards
Hollander 352 353 354 They are sent to by Count Ernestus for reconciliation 354 355 Spanish Counsellors their Character 361 Senate governs the Netherlands by Phillips Order 366 Solmes Count solemn â— married and to whom 374.375 Spanish Forces very numerous 386. Solmes Count Ernestus slain 392 Samagitians who and their description 414.415 Spanish Fleet under Martin Padilla sets out under what pretence 470 Spanish Fleet sets sayl from Calais laden with Men which are landed only one Ship taken by the Hollanders 543 Spanish Army greatly increaseth which proves very burdensome to all and why 596 Sevenar a Town in Cleves Garrisoned by Prince Maurice why 612 Spanish Army in great want and dare not fight Pr. Maurice 612.613 Goes to Winter in Germany but leaves behind their sick wounded without relief 609. How they behaved themselves there 611. c. Spanish Fleet flyes from the Dutch 641 Spinola Frederick ayds the Spaniard at Sea 649 Spanish Commanders Speech to the Souldiers 674.765 Shertogenbosh besieged by Prince Maurice 706.707 The Siege raised and why 708 Spinola Ambrose joyns his Forces to Mendosa's 719 Spinola Frederick his Galleys burned and spoiled by the English and Hollanders 726.727 Beaten again by the Zelanders killed 751 Spinola Ambrose comes to the Siege of Ostend 752.760.761 Shertogenbosh again besieged by Prince Maurice 754. to 757 And attempted to be relieved by the Arch Dukes 758.759 Spinola Ambrose General before Ostend 760. He is envied but minds it not proceeding with care in the Siege 761.762 Scluys besieged by Prince Maurice 767.768 Several Forts about the Town won by him 769. The Enemy attempts the Relief of it 770. ad 773. The Town Surrendred 774 Souldiers raised in England c. and by whom for what 787.788 Spinola Ambrose made a Knight of the Golâ—eâ— Fleece 788.789 He first causeth Souldiers to be brought out of Spain into Flanders by Sea 792.793 His Counsel to the King of Spain 795 He amuzes the Hollanders by dividing his Army 7â— He renews and settles Discipline 799 800. Dismisseth his Army 814. He is generally applaudâ— and why 8â—2 Sedan claimed by the Viscount Turcia for which he is called to account and departs into Germany 823. 824 It is delivered to the French King as a Pledg 824 825 Spanish Levies hindred both in Britain and Italy and how 826 827 Supremac Oath devised by King James to what purpose 827.828 Scluyes attempted and almost surprized by Terrall who is beaten off with great loss 832.833.834 Spinola marcheth into Frizeland with a great Army but is retarded by ill weather 835. He attempteth upon Swâ—ll but in vain 837 His Souldiers mutiny and why 842.843 Spanish Ships afflicted with Storms and Tempests and the Hollanders no less 847.848 Souldiers dismissed both by the Arch-Dukes and States why 909 Spanish Commissioners hindred by the Frost from coming to the Hague 914. Spanish Commissioners arrive at the Hague 915 Are met by Prince Maurice on the way 916 Spinola discontented at the breaking off the Treaty 938.939 Spaniards agree the States shall be called Illustrious 968 T. TOleration of Religion where allowable and where not and by whom and for what reasons 16.31 Trent Council the Decrees thereof published and the success of the same 30 Temples violated where and by whom 38 Taxes the several sorts of Taxes and by whom and when set and upon what as also the extent and continuance thereof and differences about the same 56.72.456.542.543.629.690.763.764 Turk falls into Africa where the Spaniard had possessions 82 Toâ—ay besieged and delivered by the Spaniard 124 Toledo Francisco flies from his Ship which is taken in Zealand 214 Thanks are given publickly to God by the Queen for her Victory against the Spaniards 217 Truce some for a Truce with the Hollanders and some against it and why 373.374 Tescline a German Colonel killed 431 Turnhoult the defeat given there by Prince Maurice his men to the Arch-Dukes with a description of the fight 478.479 ad 484. Twoâ—e Earl taken Prisoner and the Irish Rebellion ended 562 Ternate King thereof makes peace with the Hollanders 731.732 Trivulci a Spanish Colonel killed 812 Terâ—all a Spanish Commander worsted by the Hollander 830 Transylvania Troubles there whence arising and how and by what means composed 860.861 Tolâ—do Don Pedro sent Embassadour into France by King Philip and to what intent 929.930 V. VIglius finds fault with the Magistrates compliance with the People 38. His Counsel to the Regent 41 Valenciennes besieged and taken by and for whom 42.111 Union Names of the Cities of the Union and others added to them 69 70. Verdugo a Spaniard worsts Norris in a Fight 118 Venleo betraid to Parma and by whom 171 Union The Government of the United Provinces 189. to 195. Their Revenue 195. They are exceeded by the Spaniards Provinces there in Wealth 196. The number of their Army ibid. Their manner of 〈◊〉 the same 196 197. Character of the People in the â—nited Provinces 198 199 200 Vâ—ldes a great Spanish Commander with his Army taken by Sâ— Francis Drake 211. Vere Francis fights with Varembonius and worsts him with a great slaughter then relieves Perck 236 〈◊〉 The United States complain of the Germans and for what 260 They resolve to invade the Spanish Quarters 262 Vere Sir Francis takes Zutphen Sâ—once by stratagem 262 263 Verdugo with his Army assaults Prince Maurice's Camp before Covonden but is worsted 296 297. He retreats to Olâ—enzeel 327 Union United States invited to the K. of Scotland's eldest Sons Baptizing among other Princes 345. Divisions among the United States and for what and the ill Successes attending the same 384 385. Verdugo dieth his Character 386. Vâ—llas a great Commander kill'd 38â— Union United States send to the Pâ— of Aurange and why and his Answer to them 422. Send Embassadors to the King of Denmark and for what with the King's Agreement thereupon 467 468 Venloâ— attempted in vain by Prince Maurice 488 Velâ—co Lewis his great boasting 597 Union United States excuse themselves to the Emperour and Germans and why 620 621. Make Peace with the K. of Sweden 655 Vere General Governour oâ— Ostend 698. He arrives there and his Care Valour and Vigilance he is wounded 702 703 704. Makes a Truce with the Enemy and why 709 710 Vandernoort Oliver sails into America and so round about the World 712. United States their Declaration 719 720. S. Vit a Town in Lutzenburg taken by Lewis of Nassau and the whole Country wasted 726 United States accused by Albertus as Fonenters of War 765 766 Venetians forbid giving of Lands to Monasteries without Licence of the Senate which causeth a great difference between them and the Pope not long after reconciled 827 828 829 Verhagen Stephen returns from the Indies with a rich Fleet of Hollanders 847 848 Venetian Troubles composed by the French King 862.912 Verginia a part of America claimed by the English who settle there and the success of the Plantation 869 870 965
of Authority was equally ridiculous both to his own Souldiers and his Enemies they had changed an old feeble man for a person of great Nobility and therefore they gloried at once of that Honour and their restored Laws that according to the antient Custom one was sent to govern them that was of Royal Blood and by Kinred allyed to the King They remembred that Alva and Requescuse had stirred up the War by their forraign Authority And the Duke of Parma though otherwise we I enough liked was maligned for his Country sake That Don John who had attained Royal Blood by all wayes both of Birth and Vertue wanted rather the moderation than the affection of the Nobles and People But that now there was truly come the off-spring of Emperours with a German uprightness neither infected with hatred or malice and consequently more prone to concord He had governed in behalf of his Brother the Emperour both the Panâ—â—nia's or Hungary beloved by the Subjects for his mildness in the taking care of them and the blandishments of his leisure time not much provoking the Enemy nor himself by them often provoked Not averse from fighting when the Barbarians urged him by disturbing his peace and it may seem that he was the rather chosen as one who might compose the Netherlandish Affairs the Citizens being even tyred with War and the King well knowing that it would be in the Conquerours power to make what Laws he pleased for the settlement of peace This Duke Ernestus was of such gravity in Conversation that the Netherlanders interpreted it to pride But which is proper to his Countrymen being not Superiour in his Affairs he was easily ruled either by Counsel or Command With this mediocrity of disposition he had so pleased Philip that he intended to have married him to his Daughter and strongly argued in the French Counsel by Embassadors 〈◊〉 confer upon him the Kingdom of France fearing perchance that if he should marry her to any Frenchman and at any time after his Issue male should fail that Spain by accessâ—â—â— to the Crown of France would become a Province thereâ—â— But Providence provided otherwise in that affair 〈◊〉 brought Henry of Burbon through divers variety of Fortune and setled him in the Kingdom for he being grieved â— himself that being born to a Kingdom he should onely â— depelled for the oretext of Religion Many of the Princes protesting they resisted him for 〈◊〉 other causes and by that means alone could not submit their Fortunes to him seeing his Forces almost consumed and 〈◊〉 other things that were the main supports of his hope He â—â—gan to grow unsetled in his mind between some of his Friends applauding his noble constancy and others persuading for most advantage At length either that he believed nothing more sacred than the Peace of a Kingdom or that he had embraced his former kind of living more out of Form than Judgement he was Reconciled to the Church of Rome which thing was not of so much disadvantage to the Spaniard but that for many years after be continued his hatted and War against him neither till of late by the strong endeavours of Anmarle were the Cities of Picardy adjoyning to the Borders of the Netherlands reduced unto his obedience Nay at Rome a great while he incensed Pope Clement and the most powerfull in the conclave by threats and force least they should open or propose a way for the Kings Repentance and Reconciliation calling him a Renegado from Religion and a dissembler of novel Piety But at the first being had in suspicion by both Parties as well that he departed from as that he came over to afterwards by a sweet and well-constituted moderation by giving to these the chiefest Power to those Safety in the Exercise of their Religion and some Honour he exceeded both their 〈◊〉 and made a Harmony between them among whom before there was nothing but Discord So that now all were pleased except a few ignorant how great a benefit they had receiv'd whom no Felicity could ever please no Revenge saâ— In short Trade and Commerce beginning in this Cessation of Arms and the People well pleas'd with this Quiet it came to pass that the strongest and most potent Cities with the Metropolis of them all Paris and the chief Heads of the Faction and Revolt submitted to him caused either by private â—â—scords among themselves or the fear of a Forreign Authority The Spaniard hereupon when the Duke de Mayn came to â—â—xels were of opinion to restrain him as one that was averse to their Design but the Regent Ernestus having more regard to his Fame hindred it although it were known he was the chief Instigator of the chief Leader of the Faction to go in to the King and merit thereby his Pardon yet there were some who detain'd by their own Covetousness or the Spaniard's Policy did all they could to hinder Peace delaying by the same the performance of their Expectations Picardy chiefly and the parts thereabouts near Henalt and Artots were molested and perturbed by the Spanish Forces And the first Spring Charles Mansfeldt who made War in those parts had forced Capelle a free City there having assaulted the Rampires when the Trench was dry to surrender before King Henry could send thither any Succours Shortly after the King himself being conducted with some Troops to Laudune staying upon those Confines Towards the end of Summer Mansfeldt being driven away who had indeavour'd to raise the Siege the Town came again into the King's Power The Confederate States about this time had given a Summe of Money to King Henry upon condition That he should turn his Force upon the Netherlands But that Queen Elizabeth would not hear of who fore-saw that together with the War all use of him and respect to him would cease This Defection of the King from the New-Religion was variously reported both in England and Holland so as hardly any thing had bin further examined and discoursed with more variety of Language and freeness of Judgment Others look'd upon it with Hatred and Detestation The Catholikes hereby conceiv'd a hope that in time that other differing Religion Rites though at present receiv'd in publike might at last reunite and that as France had follow'd the Rule of German so the rest would follow the Pattern of France But all Leagues and Alliances with Neighbors were by the King inviolably observ'd And now the States being 〈◊〉 by what private Policies the Enemy gain'd upon them ordered very diligent Care to be taken That no sort of Writing that might prove dangerous to the Publike might be foisted 〈◊〉 the People And that Masters which instructed Youth in Leaning should not instill into their Minds evill Opinions Which done they turned all their Counsel to the carrying on of the war while the Enemy would seem to seek after a peace And because Ernestus having recruited the Army was reported to have enhanced the Fame and Terrour of his