be re-united Besides the Indian Ships are fit and ready for War whereof some are always at home â—it for suddain Service and without any publick charge would be a publick Fleet But what would the Spanish Fleet nothing but at pleasure take booty from their Enemies Let the gain thereof here be shared with their Enemy and let him there also partake of their most plentiful advantage and by that meanes the Spanish Wealth now too great to let the World enjoy peace will be lessened And that it may be the better discerned what ought to be denyed to King PHILIP it is to be observed what he most earnestly demands which may be imagined the cause of his desiring peace Those antient LORDS of that poor Kingdom are beholding to India and America for the great raising of their Fortune which at this time hath made them so proud as to despise Kings for herein is concerned the cause of most neighbour Princes to whom by the loss of the Sea the Hollander would be of no use If we look upon the Enemy aright we shall find him bend all his endeavours thither that he may be able to do injuries when and where he pleaseth The Hollanders labour for this only that they may not be compelled to suffer If either Justice or power be sought they have on their side all Laws both Divine and Humane who have given to all a right of Navigation and Merchandise as Nature hath disposed to all an equal share both of Ayr and Earth Although before the Wars the Hollanders did not sail to the Indies yet that they had a right and might have done it nor can the longest possession prevail against the Authority of the Law of Nations They that would shut up the Sea and challenge Merchandise to themselves alone what other thing do they then Pyrates and Ingroffers of Provision Antiquity averred Arms to be justly taken up against them who excluded any from their Harbors how much more then against them who would drive them from the Ports belonging to others Peace without Trade is not Peace but a perpetual hostility where the right of Defence is utterly taken away And now the hitherto unspotted fidelity of the Hollanders could not be sullyed by a more no able example then if they should leave and betray the Indian Kings and People confederate with them to the Spanish cruelty If the Spaniards resolve to perform what shall be agreed on let the business now be perfected as it will be when the Hollanders are declared Free and when they have agreed then that each shall quietly enjoy what at the present he shall possess for nothing ought to be limited to Freemen and Traffick admitted in all places whereof they have Possession But that they should set so high an esteem upon Philip for yielding up a part of his Dominion there was little reason truly for the same since it was not a gift but a confession of the truth without which there was no hopes of concord It were more honourable for him to give or take Peace then while his Affairs succeeded so well to sell it which if he would not believe he should eft-soons experiment it The fruit of forty years bloudshed would be utterly lost and in vain were Arms taken up for Liberty and against that terrible bugbear of Commerce the tenth raised by Alva if now as great a slavery should be voluntarily admitted to and they suffer themselves to be deprived of the greater part of the World by their Enemies which they â—ould never have endured from any Prince These things were urged by them A few on the other side averred That this was private business and ought not to hinder the publick Peace at leastâ—ise that the cause of some Maritime people ought not to be handled alone when the evil of War extended to all Lastly where the Spanish Negotiation was short and safe it â—â—ticed Seamen by their good will to avoid long Voyages which are frequently obnoxious to diseases Upon mature consideration of the matter by the United States these things seemed to them to be just causes why they would not desert and quit the Indies yet that they â—ight not leave any thing untryed for the ending the War after much dispute they offer the Spaniards their choise either that they would make a firm Peace with freedome of Navigation or else according to the example of France and Brittain all beyond the line should be left to the decision of Arms or else to conclude a Peace here and only a Truce â—â—ere But the Spaniards would neither permit that negotiation saying that Peace and War mingled resembled a Prodigy but at last they gave hopes of a Truce in the Indies if when the time thereof was elapsed they would abstain from any further Navigations to those parts But the States that abhorred those conditions revived the Counsels of the American society lately laid aside if perchance they could work upon the Enemy by fear But they quickly understood these were but threats nor indeed did that matter proceed any further while they who were desirous of Peace among the Hollanders were afraid to be severe towards dissenters Without doubt this state of Affairs was very prejudicial to the people of the United Provinces Arms being only forbidden as uncertain whether there should be Peace or War whereupon many of the common people who got their living by War were not apt to apply themselves to any other business and so were afflicted with two evils idleness and penury and therefore the States esteemed it more convenient to hasten the end of the Treaty to this purpose they advised the Spaniards That they should on both sides propose the chief heads of what was to be insisted on They alledged it to be an unusual thing to make new Proposals before the former were concluded yet at length they consented not that they would distinctly and plainly offer the particulars but only the chief points in general and that in obscure tearms for they said there remained yet to be treated of concerning their limits the restitution of goods Forreign commerce money and those immunities which were granted to the English or others in the Netherlands as also of Religion and Neighbouring Princes Being asked when they mentioned Religion since the same was contained in King Philips Letters whether this were their meaning That they which passed up and down should not be infested under pretence of Religion or whether they would prescribe Laws to the Hollanders whereby Divine matters among them should be ordered They answered This was a matter concerning which they would advise with their Prince and after the other things were seâ—led when they came to that they would more clearly procure and produce their determination On the other side the States delivered not a few and those ambiguously contrived but eight and twenty branches or heads contained in plain words such as usual for the confirmation of Peace or taking away the injuries of War
lofty pride of Crojac and rapacious dealing of Ceury among whom all things whether temporally honourable or Ecclesiastically Sacred were sold yet not thinking though scarcely by force withhelâ— when they laid down their Command that they had done ought amiss Wherefore by soothing up those that were most powerfull they made a mock of that vain shadow of Empire where Magistracy must either be by the favour or for the good of the People where the Princes can hardly with the most gentle and perswasive blandishments obtain for their most necessary and difficult affairs an inconsiderable pecuniary ayd In vain it is without doubt to talk of the limit of Dominion beyond the Tyrrhene Sea and utmost extents of the main Ocean if the subject must become slaves to their Lords at home Nor yet did they deceive or turn upon those whom their own Country's scarcity and the known modesty of this Nation had drawn into these Netherlands Although the Emperour Charles seriously consulted of the alteration of the State and erecting a Kingdom out of the Cities especially where the Victory at Pavy had in a manner half brought to pass his desire over Flanders and Artoys which by that were totally rent from the French possessions but deterred he was by divers settled Laws and Customs which he durst not abrogate On the other side he would not so make the Spanish Provinces he himself having often averred That if their Pride were joyned with the Dutch Patience they would certainly produce some eminent mischief much blaming his Son who spending his Youth among the Spaniards took no notice of the nature of these people but rather slighted all conveniencies that were offered him for the survey and knowledg of these Regions He was indeed an equal Judge of Vertues and sharer of Honours behaving himself as one and the same Prince to all his People not suffering such daily usurpations here as the Spaniards were free to in their new gained Kingdoms whereat they were troubled endeavouring to be present in these his Netherlands if his Affairs would bear it and it hindred not his taking care for his more immediate necessities He that was heâ—e the Princes Lieutenant had a threefold Classis of Counsellors To the first of whom was the care and managery of Peace and Warr. To the second the distribution of Justice according to Law with the moderation thereof by equity as also the power of judging and determining the publick Controversies of those Regions The third supervised the Treasury and therein took care of the Prince's Wealth or to supply his Necessities That first Councell or Assembly customarily made up of the most noble of the Dutch and eminent and famous for the many great and weighty Affairs there frequently handled we will call by a proper name The Senate To which Philip between the greatness of his Kingdoms and the insinuations of such who flattered the actions of his Youth forming himself to the Spanish Mode and using no other language used to come with an assumed austere gravity few words and eschewing of much company And when his Father had withdrawn himself that he might spend his old age in a private retirement they presently urge him to raise new Imposts in whom the old ambition and thirst of Rule not yet repressed by experiments was such as would scarcely suffer either measure or bounds Nor is it to be doubted but that most beautiful order of Government gave credit to the faith and vertue of the Spaniards How great a desire harboured in the Breasts of Princes to subvert the Law which kept under the violent ebullitions of their power the notable ruines both of Princes and People have left us too many both new and old pregnant examples Of this endeavour and intention of Philip some of the Spaniards themselves were afterwards sensible but the Netherlanders for so for the greater part of them are they to be called being now mastered into obedience but yet not willing to bear an arbitrary Government though they would seem to bear the yoke the better from a long use so that hence were hoped many great and seasonable opportunities against Neighbour Kingdoms both by Sea and Land Nor was there wanting the seeds of future discord for when Philip had undertaken the French Warr invited thereto rather by their Civill Discords than the Peoples will or assistance after many delayes and controvertings a Tax was granted by the States but so as if they had had a power to have denyed it ordaining That the very Collectors Receivers thereof should pay towards the same This was charged upon them as an unaccustomed thing and a crime by them committed against their Liberty which indeed then was but small Hereupon the meeting of the States being interpreted as a Meeting of confederacy was strictly forbidden Nor did the Spaniards doubt to make the offence seem greater some of them â—ffecting honour others minding only rapine which while the Lawes stood they knew would not admit them How necessary it is for wise Princes to keep in possession since by their presence not only the Netherlands formerly but even Spain it self had been kept in good order yet notwithstanding Phillip is perswaded the Peace with France being concluded to take a Journey into Spain or other parts of his Dominions as well because he feared some Troubles in that Kingdom and the encrease of the Turks power at Sea as also because he should be nearer to take a caâ—e of and secure his American Treasures At this time also the ancient and magnificent Nobles appeared glorious in their Dignities but were mean in their Estates either by their own Luxury or the Prince's Policy who under pretence of Honours had by extraordinary Charges exhausted every honourable Person Among all whom William by succession of the Cabellonian Family Prince of Aurange within a Province of France did excell the rest in diligence curtesie and policy but originally descended from the ancient Family of Nassaw in Germany which formerly having contested with the Austrian Family for the Imperiall Wreath afterwards submitted himself under the Patronage of the more fortunate overcomer He was from his tenderest Infancy separated and taken from his Father who professed the German Religion he was the Courts softer-Child and by Charles admitted into his Councells became not only skilled and imployed in the conduct of Warre but in very great Embassies he was renowned by an antient stock of Nobility had many large and rich Possessions in the Netherlands of a great Spirit which embellished it self his wisdom and Prudence equalling his height of Spirit so that he was capable even of the greatest Fortune cruelty and covetousness were absolute strangers with him Valiant in the search of the remotest matters and when found a memory so faithful as ever to retain them by most pleasing allurements growing potent with the People He had the Government of Holland Zealand and Vtrecht and within those bounds his care and power managed all the
their 〈…〉 〈…〉 endeavouring to be present in these his Netherlands if his Affairs would bear it and is hindred not his taking care for his more immediate 〈◊〉 He that was here the Princes Lieutenant had a 〈◊〉 Glassâ— of Counsellors To the first of whom was the care and managery of Peace and Warr. To the second the distribution of Justice according to Law with the moderation thereof by equity as also the power of judging and determining the publick Controversies of those Regions The third supervised the Treasury and therein took care of the 〈◊〉 Wealth or to supply his Necessities That first Councell or Assembly customarily made up of the most noble of the Dutch and eminent and famous for the many great and weighty Affairs there frequently handled we will call by a proper name The Senate To which Philip between the greatness of his Kingdoms and the informations of such who flattered the actions of his Youth forming himself to the Spanish Mode and using no other language used to come with an assumed aâ—stere gravity few words and eschewing of much company And when his Father had withdrawn himself that he might spend his old age in a private retirement they presently urge him to raise new Imposts in whom the old ambition and thirst of Rule not yet repressed by experiments was such as would scarcely suffer either measure or bounds Nor is it to be doubted but that most beautiful order of Government gave credit to the faith and vertue of the Spaniards How great a desire harboured in the Breasts of Princes to subvert the Law which kept under the violent abullitions of their power the notable ruines both of Princes and People have left us too many both new and old pregnant examples Of this endeavour and intention of Philip some of the Spaniards themselves were afterwards sensible but the Netherlanders for so for the greater part of them are they to be called being now mastered into obedience but yet not willing to bear an arbitrary Government though they would seem to bear the yoke the better from a long use so that hence were hoped many great and seasonable opportunities against Neighbour Kingdome both by Sea and Land Nor was there wanting the seeds of future discord for when Philip had undertaken the French Warr invited thereto rather by their Civill Discords than the Peoples will or assistance after many delayes and controvertings a Tax was granted by the States but so as if they had had a power to have denyed it ordaining That the very Collectors Receivers thereof should pay towards the same This was charged upon them as an unaccustomed thing and a crime by them committed against their Liberty which indeed then was but small Hereupon the meeting of the States being interpreted as a Meeting of confederacy was strictly forbidden Nor did the Spaniards doubt to make the offence seem greater some of them affecting honour others minding only rapine which while the Lawes stood they knew would not admit them How necessary it is for wise Princes to keep in possession since by their presence not only the Netherlands formerly but even Spain it self had been kept in good order yet notwithstanding Phillip is perswaded the Peace with France being concluded to take a Journey into Spain or other parts of his Dominions as well because he feared some Troubles in that Kingdom and the encrease of the Turks power at Sea as also because he should be nearer to take a care of and secure his American Treasures At this time also the antient and magnificent Nobles appeared glorious in their Dignities but were mean in their Estates either by their own Luxury or the Prince's Policy who under pretence of Honours had by extraordinary Charges exhausted every honourable Person Among all whom William by succession of the Cabellonian Family Prince of Aurange within Province of France did excell the rest in diligence curtesie and policy but originally descended from the ancient Family of Nassau in Germany which formerly having contested with the Austrian Family for the Imperiall Wreath afterwards submitted himself under the Patronage of the more fortunate overcomer He was from his tenderest Infancy separated and taken from his Father who professed the German Religion he was the Courts foster-Child and by Charles admitted into his Councells became not only skilled and imployed in the conduct of Warre but in very great Embassies he was renowned by an antient stock of Nobility had many large and rich Possessions in the Netherlands of a great Spirit which embellished it self his wisdom and Prudence equalling his height of Spirit so that he was capable even of the greatest Fortune cruelty and covetousness were absolute strangers with him Valiant in the search of the remorest matters and when found a memory so faithful as ever is retain them by most pleasing allurements growing potent with the People He had the Government of Holland Zealand and Vtrecht and within those bounds his care and power managed all the affairs both of Warre and Peace the Law and the Sword but Lamoral Count of Egmond governed Flanders and Artoyes a man of a more open nature and like a Souldier somewhat fierce trusting much to his wealth and strength much to his fame and the truth is had he not too much blamed others in those two famous Victories obtained against the French at St. Quintius and Gravelin he merited an immortal wreath of Honour and Renown These two far outwent all the rest both in the greatness of their charges and honour for Brabant being a common part of the Empire had no proper Governour the rest of the Provinces are mentioned hereafter The Command of the Sea which in it self is most honourable rested advantaged in Mommorency Court of Horn sprung from a noble Family in France These great men thus qualified the Spaniard found he must remove before he should enjoy the Netherlands according to his aymâ— and it seemed the more easie to be done because while they wholly endeavour to attain estimation and Authority and to that end cavel at the Spaniards haughtiness and pride they had already made a breach in friendship in liâ—â— manner the rest of the Nobles in no manner though but comparatively wealthy made factions and most of the meaner sort had shipwrack't their credit either by luxury or among a wanting and necessitated Souldiery In which streights they were not continually thrust out of their power as their enemies expected but they used all their industry and diligence by all wayes and meanes to maintain their dignity many in these publick distempers seeking either to hide or amend their own the vulgar tout were ready for mischief and would commit spoyls on others as they were led thereunto either by their hope or desperation These bickerings among the Belgick Peeâ—s and Nobility discording in affection did in some manner for a while put a stop to the careere of the audacious Spaniard while part take part with the Prince of Aurange
Name of it in the Netherlands with great Regret of Spirit was abominated There were who at this time wrote to the King the whole Sum of this Discipline which he under the Name of Heresie gave hearing to with an evil Will least he should in any manner give Credit to a thing so profane and detestable however glosed over by those malitious People Here by the Industry of the Prince of Aurange were excited George Cassander and Francis Balduin of Artoyes Men well skilled in Antiquity and that perswaded to Moderation There is of this Mans extant an eloquent Oration desiring the free use of that Religion who now by being grown strong could not be esteemed a Disturber of the Peace with whose Interest such a Liberty would be consistent as well as with that of Commerce The Pope having in these inferior things to the very Jews given leave to purchase Impunity for the Exercise of their Religious Rites But all these things proving of no effect some for fear of punishment others desirous of novelty cast out ambiguous and doubtful Speeches send abroad Libels the onely Allurements of the Vulgar and as a thing indifferent there being no War to retain the Assertors of the German Religion The Romane Superstition is again thrown out of England as also by the Danes and Swedes Nor in France do Slaughters pass unrevenged where not being able to bear the cruel Natures of those who Tyrannized over them they Resolved openly to defenâ— their Safety either by Peace or Warre there being no other Mediums for their Liberty For certainly there is nothing can more strictly oblige the People to their Duty than the Prince to a moderate and just Government By making use of these Alterations the Minds of the Nobles were confirmed who already judged themselves in their own Thoughts to stand condemned in the Kings and some of them being married to Women that were Forraigners well by Countrey as by Religion as the Prince of Aurange to a Saxon and Count Horn to a Nionarian gave the Crâ—dulous King also from thence also cause of Suspition which they were not insensible of because the King had already shewed his Dislike against the new power of the Senatâ— which they had introduced and assumed And therefore that they might the better strengthen their Cause by the Assistance of the Vulgar they endeavour to quiet Religion and if they cannot firm a publike Peace at least to settle Domestike One they making the fear of the ensuing Mischiefs so much the greater by how much the rest did under valuingly sleight them they endeavour to hide these Practices under the Notion of Civil Disturbances which they also themselves were partly the cause of or else by these means they hoped to move the King however they doubted not in these Novelties of Assistance if not out of Love to them yet out of Envy to the Spanish Greatness Departing therefore from the Senate as if they had fore-seen Commotions which they were unable to help now under pretence of Solemnizing Marriages another time intermingling Festiv Societies to make them seem the more solemn they gathered together and obliged to them many either by the Ties of Bloud or the Obligations of Friendship But long it was not ere the main matter at which all these things aimed burst out for after it was perceived that there were many which looked that way while they sollicite much both the Commander and Souldier find fault that a Woman should be chief in Authority disswade the States and Governours of Cities from Cruelty and to suffer patiently Many other Noble men but all wi◠〈◊〉 any Government or Command among whom were some of the Romane Religion made a 〈◊〉 which was drawn up by one Marnye against the Inâ—sition wherein they promised to aid and assist one another â— any of them should thereby be questioned or brought into â—nger And that it might not be unknown upon what main strength they relyed among the Leaders of that Faction the most eminent was Lewis of Nassau Brother to the Prince of Aurange an open Dissentor from the Romane Profession So 〈◊〉 now it was no difficult matter to understand that although the reall and greatest Heads of the Faction did not yet appear yet to judge who they were that when time should serve would uphold them whose Interest and Authority in the mean while was a sure Safeguard to all Pretenders for the rest against the bitter Invectives and Tyranny of â—hose who by Arms would endeavour to stifle or suppress this growing Rebellion There joyned with the before-named Lewis the Counts of Herenburgh and Culemburgh and Henry Brederode of an â—ntient Family of the greatest Nobility of Holland and generally beloved of the People whose hopes were blown up too high and were vain and incertain unless more had appeared These accompanied with Four Hundred Confederates the fifth Day of April 1566. came all unarmed to the Court of â—ruxels where then the Prince of Aurange the rest scarcely intreated by the Lady Margaret the Regent to return â—hither had taken their Places and were sitting These were their Desires for so they called them That the King's Edicts concerning Religion might by the Order of the States of the Netherlands be changed and that they would acquiesce till it could be done The one of which when the Regent promise she would recommend to the King and protested the other not in her power they urged the same with an earnestneâ— rather befitting Judges or Justices who had power of Command than Petitioners who knew to 〈◊〉 â—â—rate their Zeal wâ— Temperance Then first was heard of that name of Guise â—terwards no less famous than those of Protestants and Hâ—gonets when therefore some had cast into the Teeth of the Confederates their broken and decaid Fortunes they not the king notice of the happy Fortune of that Name but wholled by Honour confirmed their Faith to the King to staâ— by him even to the hazard of their Estates Which thing being now evident to the whole World there were various Consultations both in Spain and the Netherlands Of theâ— who were attendant upon the Councels and Person of tâ— Lady Margaret some reputed those Requests or rather Demands of the Confederate Nobles to be just Others thought them onely necessary But some of the Great Ones who began to suspect the Cruelty of the King's Intentions toward them without any Dissembling demanded Pledges for the Security and to prevent the fear of suffering punishment which otherwise might happen to be the cause of a War and if these things were denied they having under the Commands most valiant People of several Nations aâ— likewise some Troops of Natives which would prove the main Props of the War would not draw a Sword in Defend of those Laws by which the Citizens being slain by each others hand should fall onely for the pleasure and advantage of the Spaniards After many several Letters sent to the King at last John Montigniac the
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
many and great Advisers of Concord the States in effect gave one and the same Answer the words onely varyed but they wrote to the Dane with more civility than any of the rest I will here briefly relate the Reasons of this their Resolve so often before-mentioned least that passe for currant with the Reader which they began by often hearing and repeating the same things to nauseate They insisted that both by the French and English Allyance and afterwards by the great vertue of Prince Maurice they were so obliged that they could not in private either accept or suffer any Articles of Peace which as it would be wicked so likewise would it be dangerous for them to think because the thoughts of Peace though frivolous yet makes all men more remiss in matters of War and for the most part from the liberty and Leagues of Cities springs discord and hatred And at this time were certain Letters written by William Clement the Spanish Orator to the Emperour discovered which did set forth such hopes and that the Germans had onely gotten envy from the Hollanders by their motioning of Peace And then were added the examples of divers things done at Breda Gaunt Colen and in Brabant and Flanders which had much promoted the Enemies snares After which things they averred that they could never hope for an end of the War from the Spanish infidelity but by the goodness of God the onely Ruler of Armies if perchance then the Netherlanders consent might prevail A word or two now for the cause how and under what necessity of labouring they were compelled to those things whereof no agreement could make them secure It was the Interest of their Neighbours least the King of Spain being eased of so great a War should grow greater by the addition of those Forces which should by Peace become subject to him which if he once attained he might have alwayes in readiness an Hundred Thousand Men. Now to oppress and enslave one anon another That it was a frequent Speech in the mouths of the Spaniards that the Hereticks were to be Conquered by the blood of Hereticks nor did they by that Name comprehend the followers of the Reformed Religion as it is called but also those of the Augustane Confession both by their own and the Popes Judgement and because that name is no less hated now by the Common-wealth then of old was that name of King among the most puissant Romans and yet there remain some tracks thereof with those People which affect such a Soveraign Dominion as is next of all to liberty neither is that Form of Government which the Polanders publickly maintain so much grounded upon the Right of Birth as the consent of Election whereof also the German and Dane retain a Similitude giving almost the same account of their Governments They say the Netherlanders were never enslaved but had alwayes a moderated Empire bounded by Laws That the care of the Laws was committed from their Ancestors to such as gave particular Testimonies of Valour and Vertue That the Inclinations and Affections of Governing by Justice passed from Father to Son for then there was no infinite unbounded and Arbitrary Power but it was kept within Assemblies which made the Name of King be wholly unknown Then both Prince and People had a Confidence and Faith of each other untill Philip not onely by perverting Judgement and exacting things never granted violated the Oath he had taken but also on the other side he contemned and said aside contrary to all Justice and Equity the true intents of Embassies dipping his hands in the blood of innumerable Innocents That which Nature Commands all Creatures which is the Principle of self-preservation we have done and not promiscuously as Libertines but under the Conduct of a worthy Prince the Prince of Aurange In the interim many Supplications were made to Philip and the Neighbour-Princes solicited him to mitigate the severity of his Resolutions But after that Treachery and Revenge were found to lie hid under the pretences of his peace We removed which is no new thing among Subjects him doing by his power such things as were contrary to his duty as a Prince and this by a publick Decree wherein were set forth all the Causes and Motives thereof And then again it seemed good to some to Elect for their Prince the King of France his Brother while others submitted to the power of the Prince of Aurange which they had no sooner done but forthwith he was assassinated by Spanish Treachery and the Succession of Government by his death devolving to Prince Maurice who now being supported by the Allyances of sundry great Princes defendeth and enlargeth our limits by Arms. I have in this manner declared these things that among Remote Nations the Report of Affairs then might be known from the use of matters at present Nor were the Hollanders satisfied to shake off the offers of Peace but that they incited others to take up Arms objecting against the Spaniardâ— his ambition and thirst after Kingdoms and the greatness of his Power to do mischief Reproaches of a long standing which great Empires very hardly or never can escape And for the better winning of Credit hereto besides the manifest Examples of France and Brittain were published all Albertus his Demands against many Cities of Germany and also a fresh document from Erabant what might be hoped for touching Religion The Relation thereof followes Anna Hovia a Maid living in Family with her Sisters to whom she was in nature of a Servant being suspected of dissenting from the Popes Sanctions was thrown into Prison and when they overcome either by the threats or prayers of her Friends or the allurement of life wherewith even the greatest minds are made to sloop had begged her Pardon by acknowledging her ignorance she alone was nothing moved but in the interim with modest Speeches she obtested that being a Woman and so both by Sex and Fortune exempts from troubles and as she her self believed maintaining no false Opinion but if it were so that she was guilty of error who could pardon her for it for that was an offence not against men but God and he would take vengeance for the same if any one overcome by fear against the thoughts of their heart should recant although it were thereby to maintain the truth of whom the Senate advising whether they should give judgement or â—â— Albertus is reported to have made answer Let the Laws be put in execution You may the more justly wonder hereat that so cruel and inhumane a punishment should yield delight or satisfaction to any Spectators for she was buried alive under ground at Bruxells the Authours of this Barbarisme probably expecting she would have repented But she now descending into the Cave and being placed between Death and the Priests ready to give her absolution without any shew of fear calling onely upon God she was covered over with the Earth and buried alive This Womans
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
the Netherlanders of the other part returned Answers fit for the time to the Letters Philip had sent them wherein was transmitted what he had determined to this purpose That it was much against thair wills that they should be disunited in their Obedience from the King of whose Justice and Clemency they had had so many Examples unless that it should be taken as a part of their Duty that at their Prince's Command they would acknowledge his true Effigies Thence they fell into Eulogies of their New Lords highly extolling the vertues of him who was present among them as daily seen and no less admiring those of Her who was absent which they had but heard of humbly begging one thing That he would not withdraw his Assistance from them now when their Affairs were in a manner desperate That as to his Care of Religion and his Commiseration his Fame was celebrated even in the most remote Nations who had been obliged to him for many Benefits How much more justly then should they esteem his Goodness who had advised with his most Noble Daughter his most generous Kinsman and them his antient Subjects against that endless Calamity wherewith they are threatned on one side by the Enemy on the other by their own Souldiers no loss grievous than an Enemy And if they might continue fixed to himself and his Son and Heir the Netherlanders would refuse nothing to shew they hâ—re an Honourable Reverence to the same Majesty under what Naâ— soever The Brabanders but chiefly they of Flanders did separately urge and insist That some means might be found of making Peace with the Hollanders but if He would seek from their Obstinacy to heighten their Punishment he must thâ—n seek to win some Princes of the Old Religion and likewise some Ecclesiastical Persons to be willing either by Arms or some other help to give Assistance to the common Cause for even they that hitherto have feared the dreadful Greatness of Spain will think themselves much more equal to it when they shall see that Power divided But all these Things as they were intermingled with Truth and Falshood the Sequel of the History wherein I shall proceed in the next Book will make manifest The Seventh BOOK of the History of the Dutch AFFAIRES THE Vnited States did not delay to adde new Signs of their old Hatred to their Enemy for they set forth an Edict That nothing that was fit either for War or Shipping should be transported either into Spain or any People allyed to them and thereupon followed another whereby a Restraint was laid upon all Home-growing Fruits least while they sought for advantage abroad they should breed a scarcity at Home but Hostile Flanders was forbidden of all sort of Trade Among which Passages the French Peace that had never been well observed disappointed such as greedily sought after Advantage and dealt in Matters of that Nature by abating the Custom and using other Crafty Policies Now also Counsels began to be taken concerning new Arming the Militia as well such as were to be Lanceers as those who had either in the Infantry or Cavalry deserved well by their Experience and use of greater and lesser Guns Besides new Troops were gather'd with the Revenues which had been raised out of the Fields the last Autumn But afterwards when they began to search into the Frauds and false Dealings of the Captains they found by Experience that all their great Noise of Remedies fell short and that it little profited to reduce the Numbers of every Company so long as the same means of Deceit remained whereby the more their Numbers were lessned the more pernitiously they gaped to devour what was possible Moreover the most active and vâ—liant Souldiers of that chaffering Age whom the Captains used to invite over with the hopes of greater Rewards and Pay than they had before were now onely equalled to the rest by this contracted Licentiousness of Defrauding although themselves with infinite Greediness sucked dry the Common Treasury for those uses From hence began frequent running away even to the spoiling of whole Regiments and certainly the Mischief would have increased had it not been stopped by the Enemies Poverty Which Things being perceived at length by the Prince's daily Admonition the States acknowledged the Evils were grown too big for them In this mean while there was a secure Quiet beyond the Rhine which made all the Provinces of the Union as their Tributes increased to consider of a way to gratifie their Governours Prince Maurice and Count William either with the Rewards of Lands or Money though there wanted not some who would have blasted this Testimony of their grateful Minds with the ignominious Name of an Ambitious Prodigality About this time being the second Moneth of the Year hapned a more rare than admirable Thing hereabouts which because real Prodigies were not sufficient was reputed in the account of an Ostent A kind of Whale was found upon the Coast of Holland by certain Fisher-men and drawn ashore by them with Ropes which is a Creature not so much unknown but that many of our Countrey-men that live by the Sea-side are well acquainted both with its Name and Shape The place where it was taken is called Bercheyde between Schevelin and Catwick an old Village drawing its Original from the Cattâ— as the Name testifies from whence not far off is a Passage into the middle Channel of the Rhine and a Castle which is now utterly ruin'd by the Incroachments of the Sea the Ruines whereof may sometimes be seen at a Low Water This Castle is said to be one of the Works of Drusus or rather of Severus to whom our Ancestors by reason of its standing opposite to Brittain gave the Name of Arx Brittanica But to return to the Whale which reached Seventy Foot in length filling all the Shore between the Sea and the Sand-hills to the sight whereof went a vast multitude of People not minding the filthy and nausious Savour thereof for after it was dead upon the Land as it lay the Bowels burst our which so infected the Air thereabout that many of those that went to see it were cast into Diseases by the stench of it and some dyed Certainly to Wise-men nothing could seem less wonderful than one such Creature whereof the vast Ocean contains a Multitude in her immense Profundities cast upon the Shallows by Winter-Storms where at the Ebbe of the Tide it could not get off but discover'd it self by the vain strugling and beaâ—ing of her great Body upon the Flats But among the Vulgar who have liberty to interpret all Things according to their own Fancy and to draw all the Works either of Nature or Chance into Parties and from thence to fore-tell to the Hollanders who were the Conquerors of that Creature rich Spoils and the Victory over their Enemies Others from hence denounce sad and unlucky Omens to them who are follow'd by such Monsters in their own Seas Which Things also
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
devoured the fields which of necessity must have produced desolation and poverty Therefore they should return and unite themselves to the Body of France voluntarily and of their own accord rather then be compelled thereto by force by which means they should remain setled in the ancient and renowned seat of their Ancestors which must needs perish and be lost if the Hollanders should be victorious That there are nine Forts or Castles erected for a small resistence of all Invaders from whence the original of that Nation is extracted of whom 't is questioned whether they exceed more in cruelty or pride but afterwards inclosed by the Pyrenean Mountains and the remote shore of their own Ocean That the French Empire grown to a vast magnitude would govern its Subjects with more moderation and for the future settle Peace by a settled and hereditary succession according to the Salick Law That this should be to them no loss because they should enjoy in common all the advantages and benefits of France Some there were also in Germany who equally considered from hence the Spanish greatness on the other side the abstruse recesses of the Hollanders whose fortune was daily bettered by Warre nor could they be concluded by conquering That it were both more honourable and easie for the Spaniard to repel the Turk with those Arms he useth against these or else he might compensate any small damage of his Government by propagating and encreasing his limits elsewhere That the Hollanders might buy their Liberty for money for Empires have their setled foundations and periods so that when they are arrived to the highest pitch of Greatness they suddenly decrease Of late the Spaniards neither demanded Tunis nor Goleta nor did the Austrian Family look after Switzerland So also must he loose these people and as they chiefly withdraw themselves so were they to be suspected from the remembrance of the Warre and by the discord of Religion working great prejudice even from their example besides part of them were purchased from the Burgundians so that he may with equal justice sell what he had bought These were the discourses abroad but at home besides a few in whose hands lay the managery of the Commonwealth and by whom all counsels and advices were ordered the rest calling to minde how great the Spaniard's pride was how resolutely determined never to agree with the Hollanders threw aside all hopes the Fates having yet kept in obscurity any glimmering of an end of this so great and long a Warre And now the States to Maximilian Cocheyne urging the Emperour's commands as also to the Legates of Mentz Saxony and others desiring safe conduct free passage and time and place for a Treaty being all things of moment and such as usually work with the common people returned this Answer That they were not unmindful what damages they had received by former Treaties Nor were Germany or the Emperour although names highly reverenced by them of any power against the treacherous dealings of their Enemies That the Hollanders were desirous of nothing more then that the fear of Warre being laid aside they might enjoy what they had attained with so many dangers and so persevering an industry and therefore having so long intreated the aid of their neighbours to divert the Arms imminent over them by a moderate Peace and having afterwards gotten to themselves a solid and well-setled liberty from a fatal necessity which was allowed and confirmed by Kings and Princes they would not change it for a deceitful Peace That they had heretofore entred into Covenants with the Netherlandish Lords and were now ready to renew the same for it was evidently seen how small the authority of the Archdukes was since Spinola a Foreiner received his Command over the Netherlands by Commission from Spain They never refused a safe and well-grounded Peace so as Religion might be safe and the Commonwealth not hazarded But if that opinion remained that as there ought to be but one Pope for the ruling Ecclesiastical affairs so for the Government of Temporal matters there should be but one King and that the Monarch of Spain Germany should see that the Hollanders would not be wanting either to their own or the publick safety As to the business spoken of concerning damages done by them they would endeavour that their Justice and Equity should not be blamed That they should be reputed very rash and inconsiderate if they should deliver up any strong Holds while Spinola lay about the Rhine they knew Germany it self might thus be forewarned if they would consider Mendosa 's Army and the contumelious injuries received by them About this time came forth a Book written by Francis Renes a learned man and of good repute in the Commonwealth of which he had deserved well for writing the Annals thereof in the native Language this man the Author being dead the Book was set forth and published by his friends discoursing of many things as well ancient as novel and relating the many tyrannies and oppressions of the House of Austria and the Spaniards and what treacherous Leagues those Princes used towards other people especially those whom the Pope absolved by a Religious kinde of perjury and setting forth that from thence the danger was equal both to the Catholicks and Reformed people and that there was no other issue to be expected then by Conquest since those waies which are absolutely desperate to men are yet evident and well known to God While these things were minded discursively the Warre in the mean time is spurred on in good earnest For those Forces that had been taken up at Ostend made a great accession of strength to the Hollanders besides some Regiments came out of France to their aid the King sending them advice that they should first draw out into the Field for it would be more for their advantage to be before-hand with the Enemy then to let him get the start of them But in England and Germany Forces were levied and raised for both parties with a vendible faith as they met Souldiers of Fortune or else as Religion led any man to one side or the other Also the Hollanders hasted to raise money with all speed but the Netherlanders under the Archduke came to it with less willingness and more delay for that the Warre was maintained against their will and they were jealous of the ill managing of the Treasury besides the United States had increased their displeasure by writing to the Nobles of affairs that concerned the common good which things so terrified Albertus that he would not suffer a meeting of the Provinces under him though often before and at that time chiefly the same was desired fearing lest by his denial of many things he should become unable to resist their envy or the authority of the States being contemned they should according to their neighbour example fall to direct force his Letters to his friends detecting this his fear which the Hollanders intercepting sent to